was subject to pain and infirmities. His mind con= tinued strong, his faith was steadfast, and his views spiritual and pure. He died, May 3, 1779, aged 65. WOLCOTT ROGER, governour of Connecticut, was born in Windsor, 1679. He made his first appearance in publick life, as an officer in the army that went to Canada in 1711. He was afterwards colonel of the militia, and was commander of the Connecticut forces when Cape Breton was taken by the Americans in 1745. He was employed in many civil offices, which he filled with reputation, and discharged with fidelity. He was a member of the general assembly, assistant, deputy governour, chief judge of the superior court, and, in the year 1751, succeeded Mr. Law in the chair of government. In 1754, he resigned his publick honours, and pass. ed the rest of his days in the shades of retirement. The evening of his days was gilded by the reflec tion of a well spent life. He died May 17, 1767. Gov. Wolcott had not the advantage even of a common education; but the resources of his mind were great. His private affairs he managed with discretion. He was fond of books, conversed upon literary subjects with ease, and was highly res spected by gentlemen of the first abilities in the col ony. He wrote and published several works in poetry and prose. His account, in poetry, of the agency of gov. Winthrop, in 1662, was lately reprinted in the 4th volume of the collections of the Massachusetts historical society; it makes one of his poetical meditations, published in 1725, in a small volume. These resemble the jingle of the early productions of New England rather than the versification of later days. In 1760 he engaged in a controversy, which then agitated the churches of Connecticut. In the year preceding, Mr. Hobart of Fairfield wrote a book, entitled, "The principles of the congregational churches considered, and applied to the ordination at Wallingford." The settlement of Mr. Dana, who now ranks among the distinguished writers and divines of New England, at Wallingford, gave great offence to the neighbouring clergy. The ordination was contrary to the rules of the Saybrook platform, and Mr. Hobart highly censured the proceedings. Mr. Hart wrote remarks upon Mr. Hobart's book, and Mr. Wolcott also addressed a letter to him, wherein he compares the Cambridge and Saybrook platform; and proves the latter to be inconsistent with the general principles of toleration, and religious freedom. Mr. Hobart replied to Mr. Hart in 1761. We have no answer to the letter of Mr. Wolcott, which is dated April 25, 1760. WOLCOTT OLIVER, LL. D. governour of Connecticut, was the son of Roger Wolcott, and possessed his father's talents and virtues, with a mind improved by a liberal education. He was educated at Yale College, and received his degree in 1747. He then applied his mind to the study of physick, and had an extensive practice in the town of Litchfield. He had a taste for publick life, and was well versed in the laws and politicks of New England. For a number of years he was high sheriff of the county of Litchfield. He was among the high whigs who resisted the oppressive acts of the mother country. In 1776, we find his name among those who signed the declaration of independence, From that time he was annually chosen a member of congress till the year 1785, when he was appointed deputy governour, and continued in this office till gov. Huntington died in 1796. He was then advanced to the chair; but died the next year in December, 1797. His character was very respectable in private life, and in every publick station. He was a gentleman and scholar, very liberal in his sentiments, and also a friend to the constitution of the New England churches. By some he might be considered as too liberal, as his ideas of moral agency were different from many of the clergy. He frequently expressed his opinion that necessarian principles ought not to be propagated with theological opinions; that it was an injury to the cause of morality, as people did not distinguish between the doctrine of necessity, and common notions of fate. In this he differed from some excellent characters, and agreed with others, equally wise and good. He had a humble view of himself, though others thought highly of his abilities. Having lived a religious life, he enjoyed the hope of a christian, looking for a reward, as well as rest from his labours. WOODBRIDGE BENJAMIN, first graduate of Harvard College, in 1642, was an eminent scholar, and an excellent preacher. He left America, and settled at Newbury, Berks, as successor to the great Dr. Twiss. In 1662 he was ejected from the parish; but afterwards preached by a particular indulgence of the king, who had a very favourable opinion of him. He died, 1684. YALE ELIHU, a friend to learning and religion, was born at New Haven, 1648; and when he was very young, was carried to England. He was brought up to merchandize, and, by his industry and attention to business, grew rich, and also gained publick esteem. At the age of 40 he sailed to the East Indies. He was there appointed commander of fort St. George. When he returned to London he was chosen president of the East India company, He sought opportunities of doing good, and either founded, or encouraged, many literary, pious and useful institutions. In the year 1717, Dr. Cotton Mather wrote to Mr. Yale, and advised him to present a liberal donation to the college at New Haven. They will name the college after you, said he, and that will be better than to have sons and daughters. In a letter to gov. Saltonstall, the Doctor tells him, that the college had better be named Yale, and says something handsome will be given. Hence the name of Yale College was given to one of the most respectable seminaries of New England. ERRATA ET ADDENDA. Page 8, line 8, from bottom, for 1701, read 1721; p. 4, 1. 11, fr. top, |