242 Josiak Wedgwood CHAP, xvm 



our esteemed Friend has, for the short time he was 

 amongst us, spent a happy and useful life. He has left 

 us a noble example of virtue and goodness, which I 

 hope will not be forgotten in our actions, both in public 

 and private life." 



Athenian Stuart composed a record of his life. The 

 last words were these : " His extensive abilities, guided 

 by the most expanded philanthropy, were employed in 

 forming and executing plans for the public good. He 

 thought with the freedom of a philosopher, he acted 

 with the integrity of a virtuous citizen." 



Chiswick Church has been recently rebuilt, but the 

 monument, with its inscription to Bentley, is still to 

 be seen over the south door of the interior of the 

 church. 



Immediately after the death of Bentley, the London 

 stock, so far as related to the partnership of Wedgwood 

 and Bentley, was sold at Christie's, the sale occupying 

 twelve days. "The Sacrifice to Hymen," made in 1787 

 after the design of Flaxman, sold for 415. At the 

 sale of Dr. Sitson's collection, eight years later, the 

 large "Apotheosis of Homer," designed also by Flax- 

 man, sold for the enormous sum of 735 ! It has now 

 passed into the collection of Lord Tweedmouth. Wedg- 

 wood's statement proved true, that his ornamental works 

 only wanted time and scarcity to make them worth 

 any price. 



