Mr. Sheridan married the daughter of Mr. Macpherson, a Scots gentleman, who served in the wars under King William, and, during the troubles of Ireland, became possessed of a small estate of about 40 l. per annum, called Quilca.  This little fortune devolved on Mrs. Sheridan, which enabled her husband to set up a school.  Dr. Sheridan, amongst his virtues, could not number oeconomy; on the contrary, he was remarkable for profusion and extravagance, which exposed him to such inconveniences, that he was obliged to mortgage all he had.  His school daily declined, and by an act of indiscretion, he was stript of the best living he then enjoyed.  On the birth-day of his late Majesty, the Dr. having occasion to preach, chose for his text the following words,

  Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.

This procured him the name of a Jacobite, or a disaffected person, a circumstance sufficient to ruin him in his ecclesiastical capacity.  His friends, who were disposed to think favourably of him, were for softning the epithet of Jacobite into Tory, imputing his choice of that text, rather to whim and humour, than any settled prejudice against his Majesty, or the government; but this unseasonable pleasantry was not so easily passed over, and the Dr. had frequent occasion to repent the choice of his text.

Unhappy Sheridan! he lived to want both money and friends.  He spent his money and time merrily among the gay and the great, and was an example, that there are too many who can relish a man’s humour, who have not so quick a sense of his misfortunes.  The following story should not have been told, were it not true.

In the midst of his misfortunes, when the demands of his creditors obliged him to retirement, he went to dean Swift, and sollicited a lodging for a few days, ’till by a proper composition he might be restored to his freedom.  The dean retired early to rest.  The Dr. fatigued, but not inclinable to go so soon to bed, sent the servant to the dean, desiring the key of the cellar, that he might have a bottle of wine.  The dean, in one of his odd humours, returned for answer, he promised to find him a lodging, but not in wine; and refused to send the key.  The Dr. being thunderstruck at this unexpected incivility, the tears burst from his eyes; he quitted the house, and we believe never after repeated the visit.

Dr. Sheridan died in the year 1738, in the 55th year of his age.  The following epitaph for him was handed about.

  Beneath this marble stone here lies
  Poor Tom, more merry much than wise;
  Who only liv’d for two great ends,
  To spend his cash, and lose his friends: 
  His darling wife of him bereft,
  Is only griev’d—­there’s nothing left.

When the account of his death was inserted in the papers, it was done in the following particular terms;