Page:Our Hymns.djvu/244

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224 OUB HYMNS :

was relinquishing his puhlic duties on account of age and infirmi ties, and his services were so acceptable that he was invited to succeed the declining doctor. This was a great temptation to a man conscious of growing capacities, with a limited opportunity for their exercise, and with scarcely means to meet the wants of his increasing family. But he allowed love to prevail, and re mained with his attached people.

In 1777, a new chapel was built at Hebden Bridge, not far from Wainsgate, and thither he removed his ministry ; and the pre vious year he went to reside at Brearley Hall, a convenient home for his family and pupils. There he had a lecture on Sunday evenings for many years. After the death of Dr. Caleb Evans, in 1793, he was invited to succeed him as President of the Baptist Academy at Bristol, but this honour he declined. His life was one of suffering, but, notwithstanding, of incessant useful activity. From 1807 to 1811, he was occupied in storing the ripe fruits of his later years in a work called " The Devotional Family Bible." It consisted of comments on the Scriptures. In the year this was completed, 1811, he received his degree of D.D. from America. His sufferings increased towards the close of his life, but they were borne with patience. When near the end of his course, he said, " Come,*Lord Jesus, come quickly ! "

In addition to the commentary already mentioned, Dr. Fawcett was the author of several other works. In 1772, he sent out a pamphlet, entitled " The Christian s humble Plea for his God and Saviour." This was published under the assumed name of Christophilus. The following were some of his other works : "The Sick Man s Employ," 1774; "Advice to Youth, on the Advantages of Early Piety," 1778 fof this several editions were sold) ; an "Essay on Anger," 1788; " The Cross of Christ the Christian s Glory," 1793 (this was afterwards issued by the Tract Society) ; " The Life of the Rev. Oliver Heywood," 1796. He was also the author of " The History of John Wise," a book for children. Of this also there was a great sale.

Dr. Fawcett began authorship by publishing his " Poetic

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