its author.

In his metaphysical disquisitions it was observed by the late
learned Mr. Dyer, that he confounded the idea of SPACE with that of
EMPTY SPACE, and did not consider that though space might be without
matter, yet matter being extended could not be without space.

Few books have been perused by me with greater pleasure than his
"Improvement of the Mind," of which the radical principle may indeed
be found in Locke's "Conduct of the Understanding;" but they are so
expanded and ramified by Watts, as to confer upon him the merit of a
work in the highest degree useful and pleasing. Whoever has the
care of instructing others may be charged with deficiency in his
duty if this book is not recommended.

I have mentioned his treatises of theology as distinct from his
other productions; but the truth is that whatever he took in hand
was, by his incessant solicitude for souls, converted to theology.
As piety predominated in his mind, it is diffused over his works.
Under his direction it may be truly said, Theologiae philosophia
ancillatur (Philosophy is subservient to evangelical instruction).
It is difficult to read a page without learning, or at least
wishing, to be better. The attention is caught by indirect
instruction; and he that sat down only to reason is on a sudden
compelled to pray. It was therefore with great propriety that, in
1728, he received from Edinburgh and Aberdeen an unsolicited
diploma, by which he became a Doctor of Divinity. Academical
honours would have more value if they were always bestowed with
equal judgment. He continued many years to study and to preach, and
to do good by his instruction and example, till at last the