College, "it was my pleasure to hear. It was preached to a full audience, in the old Blue Church, as it was called (formerly Dr. Edwards's), on the northeast corner of the public square. I well remember the text-which was in Isa. v., 4; 'What could have been done more to my vineyard that I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes.' The doctrine obviously flowing from this remarkable passage was illustrated and enforced by the preacher with dignity and feeling, and left, I doubt not, a happy influence upon the audience, both as regards the important truths illustrated, and the capacity and piety of the preacher."

An intelligent and highly respectable lady, who was then at a boarding-school in New-Haven, and was present at the evening meeting, has kindly furnished the following communication.

West Springfield, Feb. 26, 1836.

DEAR SIR,

It would afford me great pleasure could I communicate any thing that would be of service to you concerning the estimable man of whom you are preparing a memoir. When I saw him I was but a child of ten years. I then heard him preach at New-Haven. His appearance, the simplicity of his manner, I shall ever remember with interest. I recollect that in the course of his sermon he broke out in something like the following strain of remark:-"A good lady has been on a visit this afternoon, have you had a good visit, madam?"—"Oh yes, a charming visit."—" And did converse about the Lord Jesus Christ ?"you no, we did not say any thing about Christ." "What!" he exclaimed with emphasis, "a charming visit, and not a word said about the Lord Jesus, the Saviour of sinners ?" From this he went on to speak of the indifference and guilt of Christians, in neglecting to con

"Oh

verse about the Saviour. This has occurred to my mind hundreds of times in later years, and I trust it has been and ever will be a salutary lesson to me.

About the same time he preached before the General Association of Connecticut, in one of the towns west of New-Haven. My father heard him on both these occasions. I have often heard him speak of the latter as an interesting season. Mr. Haynes at that time related an anecdote which has since been frequently published. "A lady, who was fond of gayety, spent the whole afternoon and evening with a party at cards, and other vain amusements; and, returning home late at night, found her waiting-maid reading a religious book. She cast her eye upon the book, and read the word 'eternity,' at the same time reproaching the girl for reading such gloomy books. After retiring to rest, she was overheard by the maid-servant groaning and weeping. She went to her mistress, and inquiring what was the matter, 'Oh,' said she, 'that word—that awful word, eternity!' This was related in such a manner as to make a deep impression.

Dr. Dwight, sitting in the pulpit with the speaker, was observed to be deeply affected, even to tears.

*

*

Yours, &c.

E. K. HAZEN.

* Rev. Asa King.

Rev. DR. COOLEY.

The reader will not fail to be delighted with a full analysis of this very interesting sermon, as far as it can be collected from the brief skeleton left among the manuscripts of the author.

SERMON.

ISA. V.,

4: "What could have been done more to my vineyard that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes."

Vineyards were very common in the eastern country, and composed a considerable part of field husbandry. They were made in very fruitful places, and required much care and cultivation-often expressive of that care which God takes of people in this world, especially of Israel. A vine is a weak, slender thing, that cannot support itself,-unless it bear fruit it is of no value, as illustrated in Ezek. xv. Unprofitable to God-themselves-saints-sinners-devils.

A great naturalist tells us of one single grape-vine, planted by the Emperess Livia, that produced one hundred and eight gallons of wine in a year.

In the words before us, we have God's care of his people. He even appeals to man's own judgment, that they would decide the controversy between him and his people. What could I have done more? &c. What is it possible to do more ?—Sept.

We have the barrenness of men under Divine cultivation. They did not answer the reasonable expectations of the Almighty.

There are two or three important points that are worthy of our serious consideration.

I. In some sense God does all that he can for sin

ners.

II. God may most reasonably look that men should bring forth good fruit under Divine cultivations.

III. Men in general are very far from answering such an expectation.

When it is said in the doctrine that God does all that he can, we are not to suppose that God does all that it is in his natural power to do. A parent may offer all his estate to a rebellious child to reclaim him; or he may

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.

1.4.

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."