so aged and infirm, I wonder how you dare to set out on foot.”—“O, Mr. Haynes," said the good lady, "I have but few more Sabbaths to enjoy here. I expect every one that I attend will be the last. I take so much comfort that I cannot lose one Sabbath, and that is the reason why I go. And besides, I know that He who gives me strength to set out is able to strengthen me on the way." One of the deacons in his church was never absent from the sacramental lecture except in one instance, and he was free to confess that even one solitary instance was a faulty neglect. He used to say, “I never heard a sermon from my minister without gaining something new."

Mr. Haynes was decided in requiring his own family to attend public worship, and to attend both parts of the day. If any one proposed staying at home one half of the day, he would reply, "If the devil can make one stay away in the forenoon, he is almost sure to detain him in the afternoon."

During the greatest part of his ministry in Rutland, the attachment of his hearers was unanimous and ardent. It was a disappointment to see a stranger in the pulpit. Some emulation existed between the two parishes in the town, in respect to their ministers. Although Mr. Haynes was cordially welcomed by the people in the old parish, both to their families and to the pulpit, yet the young men, by way of pleasantry, would often remind the youth in the West Parish of their coloured minister! The latter would strenuously reply:

"His soul is pure !-all white!

Snow white!"

Mr. Haynes had but few correspondents, and his letters were evidently written in great haste. They

cannot fail, however, to be highly appreciated, as they exhibit, in some instances, great originality; and especially as they manifest the humble, devoted Christian, and the faithful, persevering pastor.

Extracts from his Letters.

LETTER I.

FROM MR. HAYNES TO DEACON ELIHU ATKINS, GRAN VILLE, MASS.

Rufland, October 19th, 1795.

We are well; for which we have reason to admire distinguishing goodness. It has been a very dying time, especially among children, the summer past.

My ministerial labours have been almost insupportable. We have but few ministers in this vicinity. I find that my strength begins to fail. I hope I shall be able to finish my course with joy, though infinitely unworthy. I am happy among the people of my charge as to union. I fear we have but little religion. We have lately procured a library in the society, and there is considerable attention to reading. I think sometimes, with pleasing satisfaction mingled with gloom, of the many happy hours I have spent under your roof. Whether they will ever be repeated God only knows, in whose hands are the lives of men. May we meet in a better world !

Yours sincerely, &c.

LETTER II.

FROM MR. HAYNES TO THE PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN GRANVILLE.

Rutland, October 1st, 1796.

Experience alone can teach us the great

difficulties that attend the gospel ministry.

faithful we shall have Divine approbation,

If we are
With re-

spect to religion in these parts. although the year past

As

some towns have been remarkably visited with Divine influence, yet it is in general a very stupid time. I think I never knew infidelity more prevalent. you observe, Paine has advocates. I have attended to all his writings on theology, and can find little else but invective and the lowest kind of burlesque. No candid reader will own him as reasoning fairly. We may rest satisfied that the Lord omnipotent reigneth. I find it more and more necessary to study divinity, and to obtain clear ideas. I attend more to reasoning on the subjects than formerly. The truth of Divine revelation is called in question. The doctrine of God's electing love is disputed-which tends to enervate [undermine] the foundation of rational religion. We have but few regular ministers among us, but we are happily united. I wish to hear from you every opportunity. Should Providence concur, I expect to be at G― next winter; but 'tis more than possible that I may exchange worlds before that time. Remember me at the Throne of Grace. My heart wishes you success. The Lord make you faithful.

Yours sincerely, &c.

LETTER III.

TO THE SAME.

Rutland, September 15th, 1797.

It has been a very dying time in this society and the places adjacent. Since last spring we have buried about fifteen, chiefly children. I have mentioned it to the people in public, that perhaps God is correcting us for our neglect of family religion -that we take so little care to instruct our children in religion. I have just returned from a proposed ordination, at Granville, State of New York. The pastor elect was Mr. Nathaniel Hall, of Sutton, who had previously made a journey there, and was to return a week before the time of ordination. The council met, but the candidate did not appear, to our great disappointment, but much more so to the people. Mr. Hall is a

promising character. None are suspicious of iniquity in him about the matter. But it is presumed he is either dead or sick on the road from Boston. We wait to hear the event unfolded. Several likely young preachers have come into this state of late. I hope Providence will open the door for the gospel to spread among us. Infidelity and stupidity are very prevalent. Corrupt doctrines are circulated; and Arminianism is not without its votaries. I find a clear understanding of the doctrines of the gospel is very necessary for ministers at this time. We had need to study and pray. We have lately lost a preacher in these parts, the Reverend Mr. Carpenter. He was a man of unexceptionable character. His funeral sermon will soon be published, when (God willing) you shall have a copy sent you. Was disappointed in not visiting you last winter-hope to see you within a few weeks or months. Pray write me every opportunity -let me have some useful ideas. . . . . . Remember me at the Throne of Grace-more especially Zion in general. Yours sincerely, &c.

LETTER IV.

TO THE SAME.

REV. AND DEAR SIR,

Rutland, Dec. 29, 1799.

I

Yours by your brother T has been received, and it was like good news from a far country. almost envy the happiness of such ministers, whose 1:t is cast among a people where God is pleased to pour out his spirit in so plentiful effusions. Yet souls are as precious in one part of the world as in another, and wherever God is calling in souls, it will afford joy to the people of God. Accounts from below, of late, have often refreshed the souls of the pious in these parts. There have been, and still are, instances of awakenings in this state, though they have not been general.

At Mount Holley, a town about sixteen miles from

Rutland, there have been nearly forty who have lately entertained a hope. I have lately been with them to assist in gathering a church, and was abundantly satisfied with their appearance. A few drops have fallen on Pittsford, the town adjoining this. But the general inattention in this state is gloomy. But little inclination to settle the gospel. We have an ordination appointed at Brandon on New-Year's day. Regular candidates have almost forsaken this state. Dissensions about politics have had an unfavourable influence on religion, as they have greatly tended to alienate the affections of the people from each other, at least in many towns in the state. However, I think they have in a measure subsided. The late melancholy news of the death of General Washington seems to shock every heart. I think we may view it a great frown of Providence. May it teach us to cease trusting in man, whose breath is in his nostrils. I have for a long time been very desirous to pay you a visit, but family and ministerial affairs have hitherto prevented: still, I hope to see you before long. The longer I live the greater my work appears. But have great reason to be hum ble that I see so little fruit of my labour. A number of churches among us have agreed to spend some time every other Thursday in prayer for the outpouring of the spirit. I hope we shall find the Most High a prayer-hearing God. While it is well with you, pray remember us.

Believe me, faithfully yours, &c.

DEAR SIR,

LETTER V.

TO THE SAME.

Rutland, Sept. 22, 1801.

I am scarcely able to express my desire for an interview with you and my old friends at G. Providence has for a long time prevented. Hope however it I will be but a few months before I shall converse with you face to face. For the present, as a substitute, I H