turn of thinking, manner of expression, &c. This addition will not only more distinctly mark his character, but afford a gratification to his friends.

The scantiness of his other materials has allowed the Author to dwell longer on that part of his friend's character which is decidedly the most important; and to add those observations at the conclusion on the nature and effect of true religion, which receive from it so striking an exemplifica

tion.

MEMOIRS,

&c.

To O encourage real genius, struggling against early disadvantages; to prove the solid benefits of a steady probity; and, above all, to exemplify the divine maxim, that Wisdom is justified of all her children, the following short Memoirs of the late JOHN BACON, Esq. are presented to the public.

This celebrated sculptor was descended from an ancient family in Somersetshire: his grandfather, John Bacon, was the son of William Bacon, who possessed a considerable estate near Wincanton, in that county. His father, Thomas Bacon, was a cloth-worker in Southwark, where Mr. Bacon was born November 24th, 1740.

Providence seems to have peculiarly favoured his infancy; for when he was about five years of age, he fell into the pit of a soap-boiler, and would have perished, if a man, who then entered the yard, had not discovered the top of his head, and immediately drawn him out. About the same time he fell before a cart, the wheel of which went

over his right hand, and must have crushed it, had it not fallen between two projecting stones.

There are, perhaps, but few persons who cannot recollect some impending dangers from which they have been snatched by a particular Providence. Such recollections not only become a duty with respect to our great deliverer, but experience confirms the very beneficial tendency they have in affecting the heart, and pointing out its deep and various obligations.

When very young, Mr. B. discovered an inclination for drawing, common to children; but not pursuing it, he never made any great proficiency in that art.

He, indeed, at that time was obliged to seek a support in the humblest station; but, even while a child, seeds of his future growth and eminence appeared. "I have often heard him mention," says his son," that, when a boy, under the age of ten years, and playing at marbles or other games, his thoughts have been chiefly employed in the enquiry, "whence arose the satisfaction he felt:" and, perceiving the weakness of its principle, his former pleasure has been turned into contempt towards himself and his companions, as the easy dupes of fancy-At this age, he concluded that happiness was in every man's power who could learn to discipline his own mind; and, on this plan, he made a sort of philosophical attempt to command his own happiness.