but above that of many of his fellow Christians. In this particular he may be safely imitated by all.

Like Barnabas, too, he enjoyed the confidence of his brethren, and hardly in a less degree. That confidence was well deserved. The brethren of this church, but a few months ago, gave him a strong testimonial of their respect and confidence by unanimously tendering him the deaconship-an office which he formerly filled with honor in other churches. Little did we imagine when he declined it on account of the approaching infirmities of age, that we should so soon be deprived of his counsel and prayers. We were permitted, however, to enjoy his valuable services in the standing committee of the church, till the close of his life.

But the most striking resemblance between him and Barnabas is seen in the joy which he felt in revivals of religion. It was this joy which elicited the commendation of Barnabas in the text. It was because of the zeal and pleasure with which he entered into the work of grace at Antioch, that Luke spoke of him as a good man. The same thing was characteristic of our departed brother. He loved revivals. They were his element. He prayed for them. He labored to promote them; and was often instrumental in securing the blessing of God on the church with which he was connected. His eye would always kindle at the intelligence of a work of grace. If in the vicinity, he would visit the

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scene, to catch the fire and enjoy the blessing. At home, he would forsake business, and give himself up to the work of the Lord, exhorting all around him to do the same. He would throw himself into such a scene, with all the fervor and energy of a soul swelling with the love of God and of his dying fellow men. The honor of the Lord Jesus Christ was especially dear to him. Brethren," he was wont to say, "brethren, our great duty in this world is to honor the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the end which God has always in view. But the Lord Jesus Christ is most honored in the triumphs of his Gospel; in the conversion of sinners. If we then would honor him, we must labor for the salvation of our fellow-men. If we are not willing to do this, how can we claim to be His?"

In the scenes of religious interest through which this community has passed in the last thirty years, Mr. Dwight was always conspicuous. He was especially known, not only here, but throughout the State, in connection with the memorable revivals with which Connecticut, and in fact New England, was favored a little more than twenty years ago. The Conference of the churches, at a later period, brought him into contact with numerous bodies of Christians, especially in the western part of the State, who retain to this day an affectionate remembrance of his glowing and powerful exhortations, and his faithful visits from house to house. One of

the latest public acts of his life, was an attempt the past winter to revive those seasons of harmony and usefulness to which he always delighted to refer.

Perhaps he was never so much engrossed in any revival of religion, as in that with which this church was favored about a year ago. Every evening, fair or stormy, found him in his place in the lecture-room; putting many younger members of the church to shame by his constancy and zeal. You can all bear witness to the importunity of his supplications, and the peculiar tenderness of his addresses. When he rose to speak in our conferences, it seemed that his soul was melted; his strong voice would quiver with emotion; and he would sometimes sit down with his remarks unfinished, himself and all around him bathed in tears, You will never forget those weekly conferences at his own dwelling, in which he poured his own fervor into the hearts of others, and took the lead in those plans of usefulness which God was pleased to crown with such rich success. The spirit of that revival he never lost. It raised the tone of his piety-made his walk and conversation more eminently spiritual-brought him into closer communion with God-prepared him for that event which God then saw to be just at hand. In the last winter and spring, he was again forward in every good work among us, hoping and praying for yet another outpouring of the divine Spirit. And during his sickness, when told of some recent instances of

conversion to Christ, he rejoined with evident satisfaction, "This is always good news." He was "a good man," for he loved Christ and his cause more than any thing else.

Nor is it too much to say of him, as was said of Barnabas, that through his godly example, his persevering efforts, his earnest entreaties, his importunate, believing prayers, "much people was added to the Lord." Great good was accomplished by his direct efforts, especially in the revival of 1820, and in the Conference of the churches; perhaps even more by means of those plans of usefulness which he devised and furthered. Doubtless his entrance into the world of glory was welcomed by many who but for him had not been there; doubtless many more will yet rise up and call him blessed. With what delight will he hereafter look upon those scenes of mercy in which he loved to mingle here below! And if the spirits of the departed are permitted to re-visit earth unseen, how joyfully will he convey to us the blessings he so often sought while here! It is a pleasing fancy -it may be a sober truth.

There were one or two points in the life of Mr. Dwight, not exhibited in the sketch given of Barnabas, upon which it may be profitable to dwell for a

moment.

He was a man of uncommon force of character. He had great strength of principle, and great decision. What he believed to be true, he honestly avowed and fearlessly maintained. Nothing could

turn him aside from what he knew to be right. He was made to be a pillar. He would have been a Hambden, had he lived in Hambden's day. He would have stood alone against the usurpations of a tyrant. He would have gone to the pillory, to the prison, to the stake, rather than have wronged his conscience, or forsaken his God. His tenacity of opinion in respect to what he believed to be right, may have been sometimes misunderstood. But nothing was in reality farther from him than pride. I know from his own lips that there was nothing which he more deeply abhorred. Would that such Christian independence was not so rare as to be singular! Though strong in the expression of his own views of right, he granted others the same privilege, and was too good a Congregationalist to resist the will of the majority.

He was moreover a man of great simplicity; simplicity of manners, of dress, of speech, and above all, of religion. He would have been a Puritan two hundred years ago. He was formed in this respect for an age which has unhappily passed away; yet was not the less needed in that in which he lived. He abhorred all ostentation. You need not be told that he was a great admirer of our system of worship and government. He understood it thoroughly, and loved it for its Scriptural simplicity, and its tendency to promote spirituality and Christian activity.

This simplicity of character was pleasingly exhibited during his last sickness. He had no over-wean