the Rev. W. Turner , Jun. , MA., Lives of the eminent Unitarians

[378] in succession for several years such students as had particularly distinguished themselves by diligence, proficiency, and propriety of conduct, during the period of their academical course. Besides Mr. Aikin, Mr. Job Orton, Professor James Robertson of Edinburgh, and Mr. Samuel Clark, the subject of the preceding article, obtained this distinguishing mark of their tutor's approbation; and Mr. Orton observes, that ‘they thought themselves happy in his friendship, and in the opportunities they had, by his conversation, instructions, and example, to improve themselves, while they were assisting in the education of others.’ It is probable that he left Northampton in 1739, when Mr. Orton succeeded him.

During this engagement, Mr. Aikin preached occasionally in various places, and is said to have been highly acceptable both for matter and manner. He was actually chosen by the congregation at Leicester, which was afterwards served for so many years with such ability by the Rev. Hugh Worthington; but just as he was about to enter on the duties of his office, a fall from his horse gave him an injury in the breast, which caused him to spit blood, and, in his opinion, disqualified him for the regular labours of the pulpit. He, therefore, gave up the design of settling with a congregation; and engaged in a school, for a short time, as partner with a Mr. Lee, of Farndon, near Harborough, in Leicestershire. Having married the daughter of the Rev. John Jennings, (the able tutor and predecessor of Doddridge) he removed to Kilworth, where he raised a flourishing school by assiduities which were almost too much for his tender health; for after his accident