relinquish his authority. So God has a natural power to give up the reins of government into the hands of sinners. But this would be inconsistent with God's holiness, goodness, and truth.

It is as much impossible for the Deity to do that which it is inconsistent with his moral character to do, as if it were not in his natural power to do it. God does all he can do that is consistent with the general good: and, should he do more, it would avail nothing. God has adopted the best possible plan for the salvation of men.

1. God has been at as great expense to make an atonement as he could. All the perfections of the Godhead centre in Christ. More than if he had sacrificed worlds.

2. God could hold up no more powerful motives. Psal. 1., 23. Stronger than Adam had before the fall. John x., 10.

3. God has given us as great evidence as possible of his willingness to save sinners, and that he is sincere in his offers of salvation. Has sworn, Ezek. xxxiii., 11; Heb. vi., 18. Has actually saved some of the chief of sinners,-yea, all that would come. In his conduct on earth-in heaven.

4. God has been as earnest in his invitations as he could be. Read Isa. lv., 1; Matt. xi., 28, 29; John vii., 37; Rev. iii., 20; xxii., 17; Psal. xxiv., 7; Jer. iii., 4; xxxi., 18, 19, 20.

5. God has brought down the conditions as low as he could.

6. We have as clear evidence as God can give and we receive of the truth of religion.

How futile the Jews' arguments? Mother's name Mary?

7. God has promised as great a reward as he can. All he has, Luke xv., 31.

8. God waits on sinners as long as is consistent with the general good. It would be injurious to others, and even to sinners themselves, should he wait longer,viz., on the finally impenitent.

9. God sets before men as great threatenings as he can,—eternal death.

II. God may reasonably expect, &c.

I looked, stayed, or waited.-Sept. Not that the Almighty is disappointed. Things are just as God knew they would be. The idea is, that men's bringing forth fruit is most reasonable, in itself considered. Many things are reasonable that do not take place.

1. From a view of the great advantages they enjoy. 2. We may reasonably expect an event will take place, when such exertions are put forth to produce it as would effect it, unless counteracted by the most unreasonable conduct. 2 Kings viii., 15.

3. From a consideration of their relation to God. Isa. i., 2. We owe all to God-my vineyard.

4. From the ability God has given them. If we have hands, ears, and eyes, 'tis reasonable that we should use them-'tis accepted according to what a man hath. The service is most reasonable. Rom. xii., 1.

5. From the great reward promised-even eternal life.

6. From a view of the faithfulness of inferior creatures.

7. From the dreadful consequences of barrenness, V., 5, 6, 7, 10.

III. Men in general are far from answering such an expectation. "Tis the general complaint in Scripture. Compared to barren trees-unprofitable servantsEphraim is an empty vine.-Hos. x., 1; Deut. xxx., 32. God destroys whole nations for their barrenness, verses following the text. Ten acres only seven and a half gallons, ver. 10.

Christians complain. Examine the conduct of men towards God-others-law-gospel-under means; judgments. How do they improve their time-talents -faculties of soul and body?

From the charge that will be brought in against men at the day of judgment, "Ye gave me no meat."

IMPROVEMENT.

1. 'Tis impossible for God to save more sinners than he does.

2. Yet 'tis possible for all to be saved.

3. A reason why sinners complain is because God does so much for them.

4. The wicked do much to oppose their salvation. What could they do more? They would do more if God would let them. Jer. iii., 5.

5. God's character will appear glorious at the day of judgment. He will let it be known what he has done.

6. Sinners will likely be damned, all he can and they are not saved, they can to be damned.

since God does
and they do all

7. We should do all we can for the salvation of

men.

8. All should examine their fruit-this is the way to know Christians.

9. Sinners should repent, and make it possible for God to save them.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM DAVID JUDSON, ESQ.
Fairfield, March 5, 1836.

SIR,

I well recollect that Reverend Lemuel Haynes (the partially coloured preacher) did preach in this place, before the General Association of Connecticut, as delegate from Vermont, in 1814; that Dr. Dwight and Mr. Goodrich sat in the pulpit with him. Dr. Dwight spoke very highly of his sermon, and of his great usefulness in Vermont-that, in his attendance with the Association, he discovered a very great knowledge of the Scriptures, and was almost as a concordance to refer them to texts. The church was much crowded on the

REV. AND VERY DEAR SIR,

*

I had heard much of Mr. Haynes from my earliest remembrance, especially from my mother, who was a great admirer of his preaching; but I never saw him till 1814, when he attended the General Association of Connecticut, as a delegate from the churches of Vermont. I was then pastor of the church in Fairfield, and the Association met there that year. It was our privilege to receive Father Haynes (for so we regarded him), with other members of that body, as an inmate of our own house. Though my time was very much taken up, as you know is unavoidable under such circumstances, my recollections of him are very distinct. He was exceedingly simple and child-like in his manners-sociable and shrewd in his observations upon men and things, but rather inclined to keep himself in the back-ground, notwithstanding the marked attention he received from all the brethren. His prayers in the family were characterized by great humility and spirituality, and his conversation was highly edifying. It was evident that he had been a diligent stu-` dent of the Bible, and that he had an uncommon knowledge of those things which the "Holy Ghost teacheth."

Everybody, of course, was anxious to hear him preach, and none so much as the eighty or hundred ministers, including Dr. Dwight, who attended the Association. With a good deal of reluctance he consented; and I believe I may say with truth, that our expectations were more than answered. According to the best of my recollection, he used no notes, but spoke

with freedom and correctness, His sermon was rich in Scriptural thought, perfumed with holy unction, and abounded with striking illustrations. It was from that interesting passage in Isaiah, "Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth." Some of his closing remarks, as I well remember, produced a powerful effect upon the great congregation. He had been representing the sinner as in the last stages of spiritual disease just ready to sink down in death and despair -unable to help himself, but yet capable of looking to the Lord Jesus Christ for help. How affecting is such a condition! but it is not hopeless! "It is," said he, as if a child was so very sick as not to be able to go to his father, nor even stretch out his hand for help, nor to speak a word, but merely to look. Such an imploring look the father understands perfectly, and all his bowels of compassion are moved within him. So it is with the dying sinner; as long as he can look there is hope. Let him look to Christ by an eye of faith in his greatest extremity, and he shall be saved." It was so unexpected, and there was so much of truth and nature in it, that I believe I may literally say, hundreds were melted into tears.

By the grace of God Mr. Haynes was what he was. May you, dear sir, be assisted by that good Spirit which dwelt in him so richly, in preparing the memorial of him which you now have in hand; and, under the Divine blessing, may it be made eminently useful, wherever it shall be circulated and read.

I am, dear sir,

Very sincerely and affectionately yours,

H. HUMPHREY.