7 6 Dr. Barnes on the Affinity 
the mere metaphyfician. They had occafionally 
wandered into the other walks of fcience, and had 
brought from thence treafures, to enrich their 
favourite fbores. To thefe, how many names 
might be added ? Barrow, Hailer, Watts— 
and one, whofe name I cannot mention, without 
ftrong and grateful fenfations—the late Dr. 
Aikin, than whom few have had mental trea¬ 
fures, more various, or more valuable *. 
It is in general faid, that the knowledge, 
which, like the broad ftream, flows over a wider 
furface, mud be proportionably fhallow ; whilft 
that which runs in the narrow channel, mult be 
deep. But we are deceived by an image. We 
argue from a fancied refemblance. The mind, 
long poring upon one objeft, grows tired, and 
feeble. It is neceflary, fometimes, to change 
the object, in order to re (tore its tone and vigour. 
He, who can thus diverfify his purfuits, keeps 
up the fpring and energy of his powers, the 
* John Aikin, D. D. was Tutor in Divinity at the 
Academy at Warrington for feveral years. Though not 
known to the world at large as an author, his modefty 
having unhappily prevented him from appearing in print, 
he was uncommonly revered by all that knew him, for the 
wonderful extent of his knowledge, for the mild dignity 
of his charafter, and for the various excellencies which 
adorned the Scholar, the Tutor, and the Man. He was 
the hither of Mrs. Barbauld, and of John Aikin, M. D. 
both of whom are well known in the Republic of Letters. 
t ardour 
