agent in the universe, the one that he does not know may be God. If he is not himself the chief agent in the universe, and does not know what is so, that which is so may be God. If he is not in absolute possession of all the propositions that constitute universal truth, the one which he wants may be, that there is a God. If he cannot with certainty assign the cause of all that exists, that cause may be God. If he does not know every thing that has been done in the immeasurable ages that are past, some things may have been done by a God. Thus unless he knows all things, that is, precludes another deity by being one himself, he cannot know that the being whose existence he rejects does not exist. But he must know that he does not exist, else he deserves equal contempt and compassion for the temerity with which he firmly avows his rejection, and acts accordingly."

Mr. Hall afterwards wrote several other articles in the Eclectic which cannot here be noticed, but eventually declined the office of a reviewer, from the inconvenient demand it made upon his time, and a feeling of disgust at the unprincipled and obtrusive manner in which this department is generally conducted.

SECTION XV.

A. D. 1811-1814.

AMONG the friends and admirers of Mr. Hall it was often a matter of regret that his labours were so much confined to one particular spot; that he could seldom be induced to preach from home, and that so many persons at a distance could not have the pleasure of hearing him. Having preached a sermon in London, in the summer of 1811, at the anniversary of the academical institution at Stepney, the substance of which had previously been delivered at Mr. Robertson's ordination; some of his influential friends projected a plan, to induce him to pay an annual visit to the city in the spring of the year, for the space of a month or six weeks, and in the course of that time to deliver two evening lectures every week, alternately in two different places provided for that purpose. It was hoped that this would be the means of promoting the interests of religion, especially among the higher classes, and persons of literary taste; and though it was well known that pecuniary considerations would have no weight whatever with Mr. Hall, it was readily perceived that three or

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four hundred pounds would most cheerfully be subscribed for these annual lectures, as often as they were delivered, if the preacher could be prevailed upon to enter into such an engagement.

Mr. Hall knew how to appreciate this token of respect; and though his diffidence did not allow him to comply, he avoided putting a direct negative on the first application. He alleged that such an undertaking, however prudently conducted, would expose him, in the opinion of some, to the charge of vanity and self-confidence, if not of pride and presumption, while he felt assured that his deficiencies would disappoint the expectations of his too partial friends. He also stated that, after much prayerful consideration of the subject, he felt compelled to relinquish the proposal which had been made, in consequence of an encreasingly bad state of health, which rendered it impossible for him to fulfil the wishes of his friends. Thus, after long and painful suspense, this negotiation terminated. Providence, Mr. Hall observed, seemed to have decided the affair, in having placed him in such painful and insuperable circumstances; and in that decision he entirely acquiesced.

of this and the folmuch from internal

During the greater part lowing year he suffered disorder, and often feared that his constitution was breaking up; that unless his malady soon took a favourable turn, it would speedily have a fatal termination. He was at the same time

deeply conscious of his own unworthiness, and considered his afflictions light in comparison of his deserts. In a letter to a friend he says, "I hope I am more anxious to see my heavy affliction sanctified than removed. Whether it would be best for it to be removed, may well be doubted of the admirable benefit arising from sanctification, both in time and eternity, there can be no doubt. I presume the Lord sees that I require more hammering and hewing than almost any other stone that was ever elected for a spiritual building, and that is the secret reason of his dealings with me. Let me be broken into a thousand pieces, if I may but be made up again, and formed by his hand for purposes of his mercy. I see more and more of the unspeakable blessedness of being made like God, and of becoming a partaker of his holiness. I see it I say, but I do not attain, or at most in so unspeakably small a degree, that I have every moment reason to be abased and repent in dust and ashes."

In the autumn of 1811 his health was so far improved, that he was enabled to pay a second visit to Cambridge, where his presence excited a very lively interest, and all classes flocked to hear him; some from London and other distant places, and several distinguished members of the university. The place of worship was so full and overflowing, that it was sometimes necessary to go an hour before the commencement of the service in order to secure a seat. Crucified to the world

and the world to him, by the cross of Christ, he did not go to be caressed, nor to gratify public curiosity, but to enjoy the sacred satisfaction of holding communion with his brethren; to indulge in all those hallowed feelings which religious friendship inspires, and to testify the gospel of the grace of God. of God. The sentiments and spirit of a primitive pastor pervaded all these interviews, and to give them fuller expansion, the poorer members of the church were invited to a public breakfast by an opulent friend, that they also might share in his affectionate regards. During this intercourse the pious pastor entered with much feeling into their individual history, the trials and vicissitudes which had attended them, recapitulating with great affability and condescension the principal incidents of their former experience, and mingling with the recital the most seasonable advice. For his pastoral fidelity he was everywhere as much beloved by the poorer class, as he was by the more opulent members of the church. With a truly apostolic spirit he confirmed the souls of the disciples, and strengthened the hands of all his brethren.

At home also his labours in the Lord were crowned with encreasing success; and in the course of this year, when writing to a friend, he says with devout gratitude, "My ministry continues through mercy to be considerably blessed in awakening sinners. I cannot but hope the church and congregation are in a very promising