but what arose from the circumstance just mentioned. He frequently commenced his discourse with some important sentiment, which fixed the attention of the hearer at once, making the rest of the discourse a continued developement of a train of thought, which became every moment more conspicuous as he proceeded in a course of close and convincing argumentation.

He had no oratorical action, and scarcely any motion, except an occasional lifting or waving of the right hand, and in his most impassioned moments an alternate retreat and advance in the pulpit. Sometimes the pain in his back, to which he was so great a martyr, would induce him to throw his arm behind, as if to give himself ease or support in the long continued, and to him, afflictive position of standing to address the people. As he proceeded he encreased in animation and strength of utterance; in his application of the principle he had advanced he grew more intense and ardent; and when he had risen to a certain pitch of holy excitement, his finely arched brow would expand, his countenance brighten, and throwing back his majestic form in the pulpit, he would come forward again, charged with the fulness of his message, and address his hearers in tones and language which made every heart vibrate. It was not with his lips only that he spoke ; his eloquence was more intellectual and spiritual than audible sounds could make it. His speaking eye told volumes, whether beaming with benignity,

or lighted with intelligence, or blazing with deep and hallowed feeling; that eye indicated sentiments and emotions which words were not made to express. It is impossible indeed fully to describe the impression which many of his most powerful sermons produced; the glow, the rapture, the delight with which they were heard, the breathless silence which prevailed in the assembly, so that even the ticking of the clock became an awful sound. His appeals were beyond measure affecting, and his pleadings most urgent. With all the disadvantages of a weak voice, and sometimes with a rapid and hurried utterance, he soared to the greatest heights of human eloquence, and carried his hearers with him as by an irresistible impulse, and induced in many of them an aspiration after the same heaven to which he was tending, and an admiration of the same God and Saviour whom he loved and adored.

Mr. Hall's earnestness of manner attended him in all his public administrations, and gave him an immense advantage over the feelings of his hearers. They saw that he had something to communicate to them of surpassing interest, something which had absorbed his whole soul, and in which their own safety and happiness were deeply involved. Whether he warned the impenitent, or counselled the faithful; whether he urged the sinner to flee from the wrath to come, or the saint to persevere in his heavenly course; whether he directed the self-condemned to the blood of atonement, or

cheered the fainting spirit with the promises of the gospel; whether he wielded the thunders of the law, or whispered the mild accents of merciful invitation, or exhorted his hearers in general that with full purpose of heart they should cleave unto the Lord; he appeared to be equally in earnest, equally intent upon doing good, and making a right impression on all who heard him. He evidently spoke from the heart and as in the presence of God, while nothing trifling or irrelevant escaped him to diminish the effect of such an impression.

The rich variety which pervaded his discourses was quite as remarkable as their other characteristics. Those who heard him once or twice, or twenty times only, could form but a very imperfect conception of it; while his regular and constant hearers who attended him through a long course, were struck beyond measure by the exhibition of a power which seemed inexhaustible. It was displayed not only in the great diversity of topics which he discussed or elucidated, but in his manner of treating them. The same truths which had previously been exhibited in one form, or for some specific purpose, would be viewed from another position, or presented in a new aspect or a new light, or it would be drawn from a different source and by a varied process, or placed in new associations, and applied to the ever-shifting scenes of human life and christian experience. His extensive knowledge was always at command; he could range at will through all the regions of

thought that are accessible to men; and collecting fresh treasures in every excursion, bring all his acquisitions to bear upon the great objects of his ministry. He was not a loiterer in the service of his Lord, but a diligent and laborious occupier of the talents committed to him. He read much, thought much, and prayed much; his power of observation was continually in exercise; and hence, like a scribe well instructed in the kingdom of heaven, he brought out of his rich and capacious stores, things new and old for the edifying of the church. It was this, more than anything else, that gave such encreasing interest to his regular addresses.

With these resplendent powers of mind thus cultivated, and the finest moral and social qualities, was combined in Mr. Hall a spirit of fervent piety towards God, which gave expansion to his soul and a finish to his character. It was in him, as in every true believer, not a momentary flash or a fluctuating impulse, but a commanding and permanent principle, influencing alike his thoughts, his determinations and his conduct. It was his delight to retire frequently in the course of the day, from mortal scenes and secular cares, to seek intercourse with God, to raise his devout soul to intimate and living communion with him. Few men have spent more time in private devotion, or resorted to it with more relish, or had a deeper practical conviction of its benefits and its pleasures, as well as of its obligation as a duty binding upon

all. To this practice may be traced much of that profound humility in the sight of God which displayed itself in his public ministrations, but which was more distinctly and affectingly visible to those who had the nearest access to him in private. In the presence of infinite purity he felt and bewailed the sinfulness and imperfections of his nature; before the throne of the Eternal he considered himself less than nothing and vanity, and yet elevated by the mercy and grace of God to a union with himself, and even to a participation of the divine

nature.

That the usefulness of one so richly gifted should have been limited by bodily infirmities, and interrupted by afflictions, is one of the mysteries of providence which eternity only can explain. Independently however of benefits received by those who were the stated attendants upon his ministrations, several important ends have been answered by the life and labours of this extraordinary man. It is seen that the most acute and powerful intellect, improved in the highest degree by learning and knowledge, and the finest and most correct taste, are perfectly consistent, not only with a general belief of christianity, but with a steady adherence to the most mysterious of its doctrines, and with a life of experimental and practical godliness; a consideration which is calculated to make a salutary impression upon the youthful mind. An exclusive reliance on the sacrifice of Christ and sensible communion with God, maintained by fervent