ORTON, Jos, S. T. P., a Congregational of some reputation in the last century, was born at Shrewsbury, Sept. 4, 1717, and received the rudiments of his education at the free school of his native town. In May 1733 he was placed under the care of Dr. Charles Owen of Warrington, and, in the following year, was removed to North ampton, where he pursued his studies under Dr. Doddridge. In March 1738 he was chosen as sistant-tutor to Dr. Doddridge in the academy over which the latter presided. In 1741 the Pres byterian and Congregational churches at Shrews bury united for the purpose of presenting him a joint-invitation to become their pastor, which having accepted, and refusing several invitations from other congregations, he remained with them till compelled by ill health to resign the pastoral office. After this he devoted himself to literary pursuits, so far as his health would allow, till his death, which occurred at Kidderminster, July 19, 1783. His writings, with the exception of the
work about to be named, consist chiefly of sermons and sacramental meditations. The work referred to, which secures him a notice here, is—a Short and Plain Exposition of the Old Testament, with Devo tional and Practical Reflections, for the use of Families. Edited by Robert Gentleman, from the Author's MSS., 6 vols. 8vo, 1798 ; 2d ed. 6 vols., 1822. It is composed on the plan of Doddridge's Expositor, with which it forms a com plete commentary on the entire Bible. It is well adapted to the object for which it was intended, and exhibits good sense and much sound exposi tion. In its own department it has not been superseded.—I. J.