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Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est fi'm§ d partir de Tangle sup6rieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ■?3 ttrnm- J.^^ \ /*Cf ^^ /^ 1 T? ' /J *'Z3inniORTAX.ZTV," A SEiRMON 0eo:^sjF#HfSB i3¥ ^©B Bm^^m or BARNABAS BIDWELL, ESQ. 4 By J. Smith, A. 2IE. Singston. »»^^^^^<2«< il '"'•/'■ ", . ■. KINGSTON, U. C. Pbxrtbd at ras Spectator Office, bt Datid M&cKat. 1§33. Mi^' mt-Mk- m\ &7?;ioo OCT 9 1931 y r: 'f m. '^■^ m^ A SERMON. 1 €or. XV. •l»"^'Tliis mortal must put oil im- mortal it 5." '.lEFLKCTiON Oil tlic aniiiuil j)o\vcis of man, and on the termina- tion of that slate called Death, simnlv ns mnifor oC r....* :.. CoRRKCTiON.— Thotwo fii'st Hncs of tlio Senuou should road thus;— - "Reflection on the decay of the animal powca's of man, and on the termination of that decay in the state called Death," &c. extent, and the cause of those agonizing struggles with which life gen- erally departs. We could not hut suspect that they did not all arise from the mere love of the present state, which to many is sufficiently mis(;rahle to make any change seem advantageous. Nor could tlie instinctive dread which we entertain of sinking into nothing, explain il. The doctrine of anniliilation is too contradictory—too ill supported to be stoutly maintained, except by those whose interests would make them wish ■ not to be. And even then, they can not believe what they wish: mark them on the bed of sickness, with the symptoms, the visage of death staring them in the face! The troubled countenance and un- settled eye— the sudden shiver— the half checked, half uttered groan —the fretful temper, and the broken voice, faltering ere yet death's watchman springs liis rattle in their throats— these, all these, testify tiieir unwilling belief in a future state, and their mental strife on enter- ing its gloomy porch : and when life had departed, w^e could not but inquire what it was, and whither it had gone? On beholding the in- animate mass hastening to stench and rottenness, we could not but wonder A\hat had be«;ome of the sentient active principle that so lately .^4im.'."mmy ' M:.:-'m^ ;i ..-^ r' ' 4ta, "'^■ >^ ^ A SERMON. I 1 €or. XV, •'5:i"''Tlii» mortal inuwt put on iiii- iiiortalitj." Rkflkction on the animul powers of man, anil on the termina- tion of that state called Dkath, simply tvs matter of fact, is accompa- nied with considerations sullicient to excite our most eager curiosity, yet at the same time to deprive that curiosity of its characteristic vani- ty, and to give to it a seriousness, a tenderness, and circumspection,^ becoming the dithculty, the interest and importance of the subject. I» death hai)pencd only to a few individuals, at long and stated intervals — or only in a particular country, to a single class of beings— it would not even thus be to them al tor of concern. It would awaken intense anxiety, deep and \, . athy, in the bosom of all their fellow creatures. Wc sho, hat could be the nature, the extent, and the cause of thos. truggles with which lif(.' gen- erally departs. We could not bu. ^ ct that they did not all arise from the mere love of the present state, which to many is sufficiently mis(n-able to make any change seem advantageous. Nrr could tlie instinctive dread which we entertain (Tf sinking into nothing, explain it. The doctrine of annihilation is too contradictory— too ill supported to be stoutly maintained, except by those whose interests would make them wish ■ not to be. And even then, they can not believe what they wish: mark them on the bed of sickness, with the symptoms, the visage of death staring them in the fiice! The troubled countenance and un- settled eye— the sudden shiver— the half checked, half uttered groan —the fretful tem.per, and the broken voice, faltering ere yet death's watchman springs his rattle in their throats— these, all these, testify their unwdling belief in a future siato, and their mental strife on enter- ing its gloomy porch : and when life had departed, we could not but inquire what it was, and whither it had gone? On beholding the in- animate mass hastening to stench and rottenness, we could not but wonder what had become of the sentient active principle that so lately .^ spoke niui shone .lirough this now fixed and lightless countenance, that felt and acted through those senseless immoveable organs — whose va- cant harmony and lingcrinnr consistence render the circumstance of so severe a disj ensntion only more distinctly visible, yet mon; terribly mysterious. Ilaththat living principle too suflered? Hath it submit- ted to similar ruin— ccnsrd to act, to exist? or hath it merely changed its tenement; and taking up a new rtsidencc, is it now exempt from toil and woe; from imy further or rci)eated ilissolutinn? Or doth '* continue in a cold and cheerless separation — hovering over the remains of its former t mpanion, waiting and longing fi)r a liappy reunioi/* riut the ravnges of death are not thus restrained. His domii.ion is unbounded. He rules in every clime--in every generation. Decay is the portion of all thai is material—the lot of its inheritance. The animate and inanimate creation idike receive its impr(;ss. The tender |jlaiit — the creeping vine, uiUs before it. So dotii the stately oak -the cedar of Lebanon — the iiKaucst insect that creeps along, and the strong lion, king of beasts, fall together beneath its indiscriminaie stroke. The fleet deer ciumot escape^ it ; the lofly eagle; cannot soar beyond its reach. It comes too in duo season to the human race— mortality k written on the brow of every child of man; its terrors are graven on his heart, and sooner or later, by disease or accident, in the feebleness of infancy or decrepitude of age, or perchance in the full vigor of manhood, Death, which levels all distinctions, will smite us, even us, and mingle the ashes of our now erect and healthful frames with the clods of the soil — with the dust of the beasts which perish! But this is not all. Tlie mere ph} sical circumstances of death, even when combined with its commonness, are not half so affecting as its uncertainty. Then; is nothing sure about it, but that i^ will come: the when and tl liow — its time and manner are all unknown, and so in general are tb.e consciiucnces of death. The dead, proverbially, tell no tnles; they will not return at our call. And would one rise from the dead to disclose to us the secrets of his dark and silent prison-house, it is improbable that we should l)r;lieve him. It is then this secrecy and uncertaintv which oi)nvcss us. Thev give to dea h the character of a gloomy and malicious tyrant, who refines upon cruelty, and repiccs more in the suspense than in iho destruction of his victims. Ilis very whisper graies harsh thunder in our ears and shakes the firmest nerves at the dread of his approach. Oh! how aptly is he called the King of Tenors! \Vra|,pe,i in a nianilc of nbr-cnrity, nothing is visible of him f '%. im^imm- .-^^-"mm- ^'^k ^•A'K f mnce, that whose vn- ancG of so •(! terribly it suhmit- y changed ■inpt from Jr doth '"t ic remains inioi/* I domli.ion )ii. Decay ICC. Tho riu' tender r ouk -tho tho strong iio stroke, beyond its lortaHty is graven on fceblonPRs II vigor of 3, even us, >s with the Icatli, even ninff as its will come: rt'n, and so ovcrbi.'illy, 10 rise from ison-house, ecrecy and ractcr of a ■\d rejoices His very nc-st ner^'es the King of ;ihle of him hut the sheen o^ his fatal spear— the lightning of his quivering dart whieh he brandishes insultingly (.ver us. He makes us die a ih >usnnd deaths; he threatens oft before he strikes; hr robs and tortures ere he kills. Whilst yet he seems to hesitate whether he shall smite us fatally and at once, and so end together all our apprehensions and distr.-.ss — his stroke descends and riHes us of relatives whose lives an: bound up in ours -of friends whose existence is dearer to us than our own. Oh! how oft since his first victim sunk before him hath he entercfl tiie hap- py imsMS|)ecting circle, and by one fell stroke hath dashed all tiieir joys. Ohi how manv, and especiallv of late, hath this inexorable foe left with stript heart' and scathed feelings, to bewail the sad hav( c of his fre- quent strokes! How many have to exclaim in tho impassioned lan- guage of the sublime poet — "Insatiate Archer ! Coulii not one suffice ? Thy shafts llcw thrice ! and thrice iny peace was slain !" Or in the pathetic strains of the yet sul)limer Psalmist, "Lover and friend hast thou put far f'-om me, and niin(; acquaintance into dark- M ness. This widowhood of the nllections — this desolation of the heart — this wild(!rness of grief which the death of those we love creates, is rendered still morcj distressing by the fearft)l douljts which overhang their invisible state, and the equally impenetrable incertitude of our own. Dothev vot live? Shall we live with them? Shall we together be all happy or miserable hereafter? Or s'lall we be solitary in oiu- woe— divided in our bliss? Alas! it is the torrent of thoughts like these rushing on the already agitated soul which breaks it loose from its foundations, and makes it long for the firm rest of certainty— which cause? it to prefer to its present doubt and fear, the awful risk of dis- coverinrr whatever death may unfold— of enduring whatever the preg- nant womb of eternity may bring forth. "I loathe it," said one; "I would not live alway." '^t is better for me to die than to live." ^'O that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the diing that I lon'g for! Even that it would please God to destroy me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off! Then should I yet have com- fort? Yea I would harden myself in sorrow." These, these are the moments and the moods of soul in which consolation is required, a consolation far stronger and richer than any thing of earthly origin, than any temporal or worldly source can af- ford. And this consolation is alike necessary to him \/ho depart" and M/ 1 ^9 ,««ta^''-«i»^ ■m^''^. (i»-.*tg: '. i )| i» wi* , II !i U i , }l lo inose wlu) .survive : for who could think ol (Icpartiug iVoui this eai,.., and without a single pang or emotion of regret, leaving behind him ail that renders lilb here attractive— of lying down in the cold and wintry „Yavc of going away into a land of darkness and forgetfulncss and perpetual desolation? He could not, brethren, he could not, unless his faculties wore all ruined — the tender sensibilities of his nature ut- terly destroyed, and himself debased beneath the brute;— or else by some bright hope, some strong consolation, he were raised above the fear of death, and animated by anticipated joys! And what, Oh! what, could sooth the parting spirit equally with the assurance that it shall not die— that it shall return to God who gave it ? What can cheer the sor- rowino- friends weeping over the senseless corpse, so much as the con, fidence that his better part, the soul, doth still survive— that this dead clay over which they lament, shall again live — that this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and they all meet to dwell together in a bliss- ful immortality 1 The doctrine of a future life linds then a congenial soil - i the human breast. It strikes its roots deep into the chasms which grief makes in the heart. It is watered by the tears of aflliction, and cher- ished by the warm rays of hope and desire. It is the universality of our need for such a consolation which may, in part at least, account for the universalbelief of mankind in a future state. The persuasion of its existence prevails in (very clime, and among all the tribes of our afflicted race. No nation is so rude as not to entertain — none so re- fined as to reject the hope of eternal life. It cheers the solitary hunter when disappointed of his prey, and checks the murmurs of the over- reached citizen. It illumes the dark superstitions of the savage, and gilds the profoundest contemplations of the sage. It gleams through the fictions of poetic genius — it dispels the cold misty doubts of philo- Gophic speculation, and sheds lustre on the facts and narratives of his- toric lore. But though tlius universal, ii seems in the earlier days of the world before the appearance of Christ to have been like the radia- tions of a partial and inconstant fiame or the glinniiering twilight com- pared with the unclouded and increasing glory of that sun whose rise brought life and incorrujition to light. Observe, a distinction is carefully to be made between the expectation of a future state and the doctrine of the resurrection. Tiie immortality of the soul combined with or deduced from its spirtual nature has ever been maintainnd. A bdief, then, in a future existence, sepcrate from > ^ a*^; .-^i^-^'mmif mmmk' I tliiscaiiii, irid hiiH all and wintry 'ulnoss and not, unless nature ut- -or else by above the Oh! what, it shall not cr the sor- as the con. it this dead corruptible r in a bliss- soil ' 1 the tvhich grief , and cher- versality of LSt, account persuasion ribes of our none so ro- tary hunter 3f the over- lavage, and nis through )ts of philo- tives of his- licr days of e the radia- li light com- whose rise expectation innnurtalily ire has ever pcrate from the body, or with the soul inhabiting some essential form thrown oil' ui death from the gross material as the visible organ of the ethereal spirit, seems to have been general among the nations. This belief however assumed different aspects according to the varied state of information in different parts and ages of the world ; or to the diversity of capaci- ties and opportunities of the individuals by whom it was entertained; but in few or none did it rise above the superstitious fears, or dispel the clouds of ignorance which sin and alienation from God ever produce. It seldom affected the moral conduct or moulded the Mental character; and instead of ministering consolation to men in the prospect of death, it seems rather to have been the cause of additional regret that they should be summoned from the realities of this life to the meagre and unsubstantial portion of disembodied ghosts. The belief was neither very vivid nor very constant, and could not therefore be efficient. The reason was that it rested not on adequate evidence. There was no forcible appeal to the senses by which alone the multitude are led. It was the work rather of imagination than of reason. It sprang from desire or corrupted tradition, not from full and abiding proof— But of a distinct and limited state in which the conscious spirit should exist apart from the body for a season, to be terminated by the resurrection of the cori)oreal frame and a reunion of soul and body, little was known or thought. If it had ever been promulgated, the idea of it was lost in some symbolic tradition which the later generations did not compre- hend. This was reserved for divine revelation to disclose — for a Saviour to confirm. There are many testimonies to the resurrection scattered through the writings of the old testament; and it was no doubt generally ad- mitted by the Jews. Yet the term often means from their mouths little or nothing more than a future life, and at the coming of Christ, even that was by many scotFed at and disowned. The sects which denied the ressurrection, and in their corrupt imaginations annihila- ted both angels and spirits, already prevailed. The Sadducees and Herodians were paramount in religion and in the state, and they em- ployed the power which their places gave them, to rid themselves of one whom they feared as a rival in popularity, an opponent in doctrine, one chief ground of their hatred and opposition to whom, was the plain and forcible manner in which he proclaimed the resurrection and the coming judgment. In this they were joined by the Pharisees who prolessed to expect both. They succeeded in putting to death the l*»-i •^^,*mmmill&md, i.«rn««i)i#»i<,i«p .*p«»i»*ii>' i: i; § Prince of life, thou^^i not in disproving his doctriiK' or rjudling their own animosities and fears ; and their combination only sliows how inefficient was the professed faitli of the one sect, and how virulent the hatred of all to Him, who by his own resurrection converted the machi- nation.-- of his enemies into the means of their discomfiture. This need not surprise us. With all our advantages, the iullest information, indubitable evidence, improved means of testing it, and the absence of any ground of opposition, our conceptions of the future life are not more clear, our convictions of its truth not more firm or influential. How very few form any thing more than a vague appre- hension of continued existence aller death, a prolongation of conscious- ness and enjoyment. The vast inajority dare not look immortality in the face. They will not ventin-e to enquire into their own notions of it, or to ask what are tlie declarations of sound reason and of pure reve- lation in its behalf. They are cowards before the very object which they profess to desire, and fear to hold more intimate fellowship with it, lest its character or their title to possess it may change as it draws more near. It cannot however bo possessed without submitting to the embraces of death, and his aspect is too fearful to allow them to think of obtaining it at such a price. Wl-.at then is the future state'? What is immortality? and what is its league with death and corruption? Death is merely the tlissolution of the soul and the body, a divorce between the natural form and invisible spirit, and surely our ideas of these are so full of a contrariety between them, that such a separation might seem far less improbable than their union. When death has ta- ken place, when the spirit departs, the body becomes insensible and inert, puts on its mortality, incapable of action, motion or feeling. It might have continued thus lifeless, but incorruptible ; its organization perfect, its hues unfading; but it becomes livid putrid, and dissolves. Its parts unloosed mingle with their kindred dust. It says *'to corrup- tion thou art my father; to the worm thou art my mother and my sister." Corruption then is the consequent of mortality, which is itself the oflspring of death — that severs body and soul, matter and spirit. But may not the spirit too sufl'er similar change ? No. It hath not flesh and bones, is not material, therefore cannot be dissolved. It is incor- ruiitlble, neither can it cYiv. It is simphf in its essence; it hath no fur- ther connexion to break up, no other mate from which to part. What- ever may be the power of its author to destroy it, the soul is already immortal. It will for ever live, and think, and feel, the conticious seat .«rff< ~ ' mjK^ iiiZJiSk, . TEi^SsXaK-^ ■ ^,l- .uUing their shows how virulent the I the machi- , the fullest iting it, and >f the future lore firm or ugue apprc- f conscious- mortality in lotions of it, f pure reve- •bject which )wship with as it draws lilting to the icm to think Ue? What corruption '. y, a divorce our ideas of a separation loath has ta- sensible and feeling. It organization ad dissolves. I "to corrup- hcr and my 'hich is itself !r and spirit, lath not flesh It is incor- hatli no fur- art. What- ul is already )nbcious seat I I I 9 of thought, son.sibility, and fiuolion, unless its maker see fit to turn it to dcstructi(jn. The body is thus the only sul)iect of operation in the resurrection; and if liy that event it is rendered immortal, its incor- ruption will also be secured. It might have continued, it might, for auc;ht that wo ccjuld have told, be raised incorruiitiblo, yet not have been immortal; it might b(X"ome both, and yet not be reunited to its original comj)aniuii. Why should those so long ; id so widely sepa- rated, and amid such a multiplicity of events as will crowd the morn- ing of the resurrection, be again brought together? Why recognize each other and be again so intimately combined? Oh! to how many will such a reunion be less than desirable! And why could they not avoid it? The' same ip.essage which reveals the rising of the dead, proclaims this reunion, and if that message is true, in vain shall any attempt to deny or evade it. These distinctions, sulliciently important in themselves, anfl ne- cessary to the accurate and full conception of this doctrine, are not generally made — are too seldom stated l)y those who ud\'ocatc the general views here maintained. Hence groat force of argument is often lost, much ingenuity wasted, and the requisite impressions on the heart arc not made. But they are carefully maintained in the sacred scriptures; and if they are just, and were powerfully enforced, how- must they afi'ect the sophisms of the modern Saducee, the inditference of the careless and unthinking! How do they destroy the hopeless scheme of the Atheist, and disturb the sloop, the lullaby of soul of the Socinian and IJniversalist! How should they arrest the attention and rouse the energies of those who are living on from day to day, secretly consoling tlK.'uiselves with some vague hope of immortality, while they deny or disregard tlie moans by which alone it can be rendered happy, the doctrine and precepts, the atonement and example of Jesu3, who only is the resurrection and the life 1 And Oh! how should they anim- ate the true christian, when under the influence of a lively and sancti- fied imagination, ho anticipates not only his own exceeding and eternal weight of glory, but the lull recognition and p(;rpetual fellowship of those v\ hum on earth he loved, or at least of all who were truly wor- thy vi^ his love! Proofs of the declaration that the dead shall be raised are mani- fold, and may be drawn from various topics both in the physical and in the moral world. The Aegetable creation annually undergoes an alternate death and resurrection. Many of the animals undergo a B .=«$Sfett^. i w .^. '^ '! 10 similar change from activity to torpor, from insensibility to fresh vigor and enjoyment. Some, especially among apparently the lowest class, re-appear in a diftercnt and highly improved form, passing from the crawling noxious caterpillar, to the beautiful and soaring butterfly. Is it objected that this change is, in such instances, natural and regular, passing at short intervals, equal in all instances, and followed by a final death, while in man it is to be an immense transition, in some after a long lapse of ages, in others sudden as in a moment, but permanent in all? This objection has more plausibility than weight, and pro- ceeds rather from confidence in ignorance tlian from any enlarged view. But what can be denied to the power of God ? What can not he perform, who creates and sustains all, and hath given us these proofs from analogy, to confirm the argument from his moral govern- ment? Can it be doubted that he is the judge of all the earth, or that he will do right? Is it not proper that the body, which is the instru. ment, often the cause, of moral action, should i-harc with the soul in punishment or rev/ard? Do we perceive that participation now, or the semblance of retributive justice on this earth maintained? If not, then we must look for a day in ^v hich God will judge the living aud the dead, and give to every man in his own body, according to the deeds which he hath done in it, whether they have been good or whether they have been bad. But after all, it is from Christ Jesus, our risen Lord, that the firm and influential proof is derived. Ah ! it is he who is the resurrection and the life! It was his teaching which gave to the doctrine its distinctness and consistency. His own rising gave to his declaration of it full proof and energy; and who could any longer doubt its truth that beheld him glorified, and felt him to be "de- clared the son of God with power by his resurrection fi'om the dead?" It is by this wonderful event that his followers were begotten again unto a lively hope. You cannot but have noticed with what confidence and energy the doctrine is afterwards declared by them, giving proof of their own sincerity, and producing in others a full conviction in the belief of the declaration, that this mortal shall put on immortality. But in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and in the statements of his disciples, we have not only convincing proof of this prom.ised change, we have also illustrations of what its nature will be. In this state the human frame is one of imperfection. It is feeble, aflected by fatigue and want, liable to the infirmities of age, to disease and to death. It is a natural body, sown in weakness and dishonor; but it will be Ji -» w.^„ fresh vigor 3\vest class, ig from the ig butterfly, md regular, ed by a final omc after a ; permanent lit, and pro- iiy enlarged hat can not en us these )ral govern- ivth, or that s the instru. I the soul in ion now, or 3d? If not, I living aud rding to the >een good or /hrist Jesus, 'cd. Ah! it ching which 1 own rising 10 could any n to be "de- i the dead?" ;otten again t confidence giving proof iction in the Drtality. statements lis promised be. In this , aflected by und to death. )ut it will be ii raised a powerful and spiritual body, possessed of unfading youth and vigor — mighty to suffer or enjoy — never to be satiated with delight or exhausted by pain and woe. Of the composition and appearance and mode of operation of such a spiritual frame we cannot speak exactly, because we can foi'm no adequate idea of it; but we are told distinctly, that it cannot consist in flesh and blood, that it will not be clogged by these gross materials. They will be dropped like an old and wretched habiliment, when the spirit shall be clothed upon with its house which is from heaven. Then shall this corrup'tiblc put on incorruption, that mortality may Ijc swallowed up of life. Even death itself shall die, and be cast with holi, the invisible state of separate spirits, into the lake of fire; this is the second death. Blest indeed are they over whom this second death shall have no power; for, my dear hearers, while the doctrine of this text is a general one, and while their will be a resurrection equally of the godly aud the wicked, Oh! how widely diflerent will be their lot in that common event! The dead in Christ will rise first ; even in the order of its occurrence they will have the pre-eminence. But what is that compared with the reception thsy will meet, the glory by which they will be enveloped? Citizens of heaven, their vile bodies will be fashioned like unto the glorious body of Jesus the Son of God. His own mighty power and ineffable skill will be occupied in their construction. No more the slaves of sense and sin — no more confined to earth, they shall wing their joyous flight to meet their coming Saviour, together with their renovated brethren who have never died, and so shall be for ever with the Lord. In his blessed presence they shall serve him day and night without weariness^ and enjoy the unutterable bliss )f his favor and society without satiety from its fullness, or anxiety from the dread of its cessation. But how diflerent, Oh! how widely opposite, will be the condition of the faithless and ungodly? He shall be raised to everlasting shame and contempt. Already I hear his voice. No sooner doth his blas- pheming tongue find release from the iron hand of death, which alone could restrain it, than he sets his mouth against the heavens : and the oath, the curse which fell faintly from his dying lips, breaks unwit- tingly forth with all the tremendous energy of his immortal frame. Then doth it enter into the the ears of the Lord of hosts, and whilst yet its accents are ringing in his own, he beholds amid ten thousand times ten thousand witnesses, the countenance of his Judge. Oh ! how does he seek again to nestle and hide in the grave which he hath :-r$mtt^: ..pimk^^' :«ii... I '- 1 Pi h just loft ! F^ut it is already >;liiit, anrl vcriises 1o rccoive its wonted in- mate. Then dotli he turn to t!\e mountains and to the rocks to fall on him, and cover liini from the wrath of the Lamb; but they have al- ready fled at their Creator's rebuke — Irresistibly drajxcred before the divine throne, comnelled to bear the searching glance of tiuit eye which turneth every way to guard the saint, but to detect the unbeliever — guilty and despicable in his own eyes, repleniyhud with shame and contempt, before a congregated universe. Oh ! how doth he dread the perpetuity of those feelings which he cannot escape or repress? And when driven from the ])rescnce of the Lord and the glory of his power, to dwell with the devil and his angels, Oh I how doth he curse them, his sovereign judge, his guilty companions, his own self, and that ex- istence which ho now feels shall never have an end? Suicide will not then avail: no weapon hath been formed to destroy his endless life; his mortal hafh put on immortality, and instead of fmding it his consola- tion, he feels it his Ijittercst grief. Millions of ages would not be hopeless; but eternity ! an eternity of unutterable woe ! He tries to turn from it, but expresses his despair in weeping, inarticuki' wails, and gnashing of t^etli. I\Iy dear hearers, is their no ni'iral, no instruction, no incitement, from such a descrii)tion'? Will not the christian strive^ more iuUy to eompr'Mif'nd and appreciate sueh a scene ? And as lie veali/cs his own interest in it, \\ill lie not lb(>l a serious and solenni joy take possession of his mind? Will he not say in his afllictions, they an^ not worthy for a moment to be; comiiared with this exceeding eternal weiglit of glory which shall be revealed in him ? Will not gratitude to the Saviour who h-ith unfolded these glorious r<*aliti<'S — who hath bought him to the possession by his own precious blooti — will not gratitude, I say, and esteem, and a sense of duty to sueh a Saviour, grow more powerful in his heart, and prompt him to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure; to become meet tor the inhei-ji;inc(uif tlie saints in liyht'? Ves ! let us who hope in the Lord, seek tj be partakers of his holiness. Again, shoidd not sueh an expectation as this subdue the pride of the sinner, and shako his unu(}lief? Oh! why should he continue tj hope for immortality, anti yet treasui-e up to himselfonly wrath against the day of wrath, ;iu(l revelation of the righteous judgment of Cod ? Rather let him extinguish the lamp of reason, the light of revelation from his soul, and in the darkne;??! and madness nf Atheism, without Clod and witlioiil hope', pass his narrow span of lite, iu seekin'^ the? wonted in- DC'ks to fall •iv have al- bcforc the eye which iliolievcr — shame and ! dread the ress? And his power, !urse them, nd that ex- ide will not ssHfe; his is oonsola- uld not be He tries to ki' wails, nc itement, )re lullv to cs liis own possession lot worthy wciglit of he Saviour hiia to the [ say, and (i\vcrrul in •ailing and (s in light? ■; holiness, le pride of •ontinue ti> ith against ilofCod? revelation H, without eking tho I 1» goods which perish ! The future liath lor him no tidings of peace and prosperity. lie hath in his mockery of the Almighty, created to him- self a void, a blank where no good is: let him eat and drink then, for to-morrow he may die ! Yea, this night his soul may be required of him. But he cannot obliterate the impress of eternity ; he cannot with all his ravings banish the conviction of immortality. It is stamped on his understanding and his heart; it is entwined with his thoughts and his feelings, and he cannot destroy it except he unthread the web of his existence. Oh ! let the sinner then, the unbeliever, rather listen still to the invitations of mercy! Let him heed her warning voice. The Saviour is yet ready to hear, is still mighty and wilting to save. Believe in him therefore, and be saved ; trust in him whose atonement is perfect, and whose death hath secured immortal happiness for all who believe. Then shall you triumph at the approach of death, and leave behind you to ymv weeping friends, a rich consolation, while you say, "O death where is thy sting! O grave where is thy victory! Thanks be unto God who hath given us the victory through our Lord .]esus Christ."' "Even so come Lopd Jesus, come cpiickly." These were the last sentiments and expressions of him whose re- moval to another state, however great a loss to us, I can scarcely say we regret. It is his gain; and if so, far from us be the selfish or re- bellions disposition to murmur and repine, when our Sovereign and gracious Lord calls home any of our friends. Let us rather improve the dispensation, to prepare ourselves for a similar call. " Be yo also ready," is the language of every such event. While yet their place in our memories is green, and our im Aginations are invigorated by our sense of loss, their loved fjrms seem still to glide before us, the fjho of their last accents to dwell upon our ear, to lead and invite us to share in their repose. And when our dull senses can no longer be deceived, when our bereavement and their absence are fully realized, faith can still fancy them, though invisible, encompassing our path, or bending from their exalted enjoyment to watch our progress and en- courage our efforts in the course which leads to glory and everlasting bliss. Had I been disposed to doubt the inmiortality of the soul, or been desirous of obtaining additional evidence of its existing in a sepa- rate state, I know not where to have found better proof of such im- pressive facts, than was afforded by the case of Mr. Bidwei.l. I saw him much during his latter days, and was frequently with him when on his death bed. I was bv him in the last solemn scene, and oft as it ^^ai^^s^- I M has been my lot to witness such soK miiitics, never have I seen niinrl more powerliilly assert her supromacy over matter, the soul more triumphantly demonstrate its independence on the body, than in his person. Indeed his corporeal frame seemed too feeble lor the mental operations of which it was the instrument. It was worn down by their excess, and when this feebleness was increased ])y sickness, the mind would oft display her mastery over the material orj^an, by causing it to summon up its slackening energies to carry on, for a season, some process either in conversation or attention to reading and prayer, which it could not constantly or long sustain. I cannot trust myself to speak much of his mental chai'acter. I knew him too short and too late in liie to be competent to describe it: besides, a mind of e(iual compass witiihis own would have been neces- sary adequafely to ajiprceiate that character, and c(pial powers of des- cription with his are requisite for its delineation. But from this duty I am happily relieved by your i)ersonal knowledge of him. The.great majority of those before whom I speak have had better opportunities of estimating his talents antl his wortlj than L lie hath gone out and in among you for many years, to do so now alas ! no more. You are there- fore able of yourselves to sii[)j)ly my deficiency, and memory I am confident will supply you Vv-ith many illustrations of the faint outline I shall give. A clear and distinct peree[)tion, intellect acute and pro- found, a strong and accurate judgment, the most comprehensive views, all combined with a lively fancy and vigorous imagination, and highly cultivated by education and habits of reflection, seemed his chief char- acteristics. These, united happily in him with regular constant ap- plication, gave him great advantage. But in his equanimity and self- possession, in his government of temper and spirit of forbearance, ho possessed still higher gifts. It is here, at this point I may say of the char- acter, that the moral virtues so beautifully blend with the christian graces, and are lost in their still lovelier hues. Charity dwelt in his heart; thj law of kindness was upon his lips ever. The many acts of beneficence which he perlbrmed, were not more from feeling than from duty. The smallest part of them can be known, for they were done in imitation of him whose life was one continued scene of benefi- cence, but who taught his followers to do good il)r its own su..., and not to be seen of men. But wo came not hither to pronoimcc his eulogy. These characteristics are best known in his immediate circle and there let the memory of them llourisli, till its members shall join 'A K seen mind soul more than in his the mental wn l)y their 5, the mind causing it ason, some md prayer, aractcr. I lcscril)e it : seen neces- 'ers of des- ca this duty The.great n'tunities of out and in 1 are there- nory 1 am it outline I tc and pro- sive views, and highly chief char- onstant ap- y and self- arance, he jf the char- : christian velt in his many acts jcling than they were 3 of hencfi- su..., and lounce his iiatc circle s shall join M him where the mind siuill receive, if not new faculties, 'it least such expansion and increase to the old, as will leave us nothing to regret or to desire. There envy will not darken the countenance or corrode the heart of any; neither will malice and calunmy detract from our worth, and mar our enjoyment. Of his publi'; life I will not speak. It is easy to imagine that a man of his character and situation could not but exercise much influ- ence on the affairs of whatever conimunity he might fall amongst. His conduct 1 believe has operated as largely as that of any person probably in this Province on the state of its affairs. And whatever may be said of his mode of accomplishing his intentions, none will say that these were not of the most liberal description, and designed for the general good. Of his liberality in religious matters, and his efforts to maintain those privileges which are so dear to us, there arc present many W'ilnesses, whose attendance I would thus acknowledge as no less honorable to his memory than to themselves.* But the affairs in which he was concerned are too recent ; I am too little acquainted with the state of public matters and of political parties ; party feeling runs yet too high; and as might be expected in a country so new, with a population so diversified, there are too many clashing interests, too many ways of viewing the conduct of public men, f) do justice to their character, or to obtain for their apologists an impartial hearing. But I am not his apologist ; I liave nothing to uell-nd. If I knew his public faults, I would take the surest and the safest way to protect the sa- credness of his memory, by confessing them. Different opinions \,ill doubtless be entertained on this point ; some T know will say that as a christian it would have been better had he meddled less with politics. I touch not this topic to introduce them, they are out of place, equally, on this occasion, with my own character and the nature of a worship- ping assembly. He has gone however where the politics of this world and all the acerberations of party feeling affect him not. Perhaps he * Many persons of diirorent opinions both in politics and religion from Mr. Bidwell, as well as hib more iinmediale friends and connexions, attended on his funeral and on this occasion. The Episcopal Methodists, witli a disinterested, ness whicii does them the highest credit, shut tlieir own place of worship, and came as a body to evince their regard for the deceased, and their sense of public loss. The author, however much he regrets the cause of thip display ofliberahty cannot help expressing his fervent desire that such displays may become fre- quent and on less mournful occasions. How many reasons have professed Christians for union ? There i:; not one solid reason for division- al .!!i*;,-;3^*S^ •i I ^ lO may Imvo ulrcucly viewed many traiisuetioiis in a dillurent light, and weighed his own and others conduct and motives in a difFtfnint bahince iVorn what ho formerly did. I would l(;avc him there, and only remind my hearers, that wc too have to go to the s.'imc tribunal ; our conduct and motives will have to pass a similar review. Let this allay the harsh sjjirit of criticism, and solemni/.e our minds in prospect of our own Hnal account, liut this much I will say, that if any oiu; supposes the Christian must surrender his own inh<;rent rights, or allow those of his fellow creatures to be infringed, without lilling iij) hi^j voice against oppression, without using all just and legal means to prevent such abuse, my views and feelings have no allinity with his. IJo who sup- poseth this, hath studied ill the character of the gospel or the conduct of its most devoted servant; when his rights were infringed, no one knew better than Paul how to defend them with becoming sjjirit. Let his conduct before the chief captain and the magistrates of Phiiippi at- test; *'ls it lawful for you," said he, ''to scourge a man that is a Ro- man and uncondcmned?" *' They have beaten us openly uncondemed being Romans, and have cast us into prison, and now do they thrust us out privily! nay, verily, let them come themselves and (etch us." "I stand at Ceasar'.s judgment seat where I ouglit to be judged. To the .lews have I done no wrong as thou very well knowost. f appeal unto Ceasar." Yet who took more joyfully the spoiling of his goods, or more readily suflered personal Avrong, than did this same apostle ? But in this he only imitated his Divine Master, who, though he gave his back to the smiter and his cheek to them who plucked off the hair, yea, voluntarily submitted to death; yet asserted his rights and displayed in the same moment his power, when Ijy a simple word he made his captors go backward and fall to the ground, and declared bef)re Pilate that he had a sovereign kingdom and power, to which even that proud governor would have to answer. Let us then learn to maintain our rights by fair and lionoral)le means, and when deprived of them let us know how to suffer. It is matter of deep regret that the aflliirs of any community, especially in a free country, and above all where the gos- pel is known an*.! professed, cannot be discussed without the heat of passion and the bitterness of pci-sonal invective. But should any stoop to means so low, to methods so dishonorable and so unjust, as to injure private character and \\antonl)- to wound individual feelings, with a view to gain their own or their party's ends, under pretence, the while, ol zeal for public good, let none of us present permit our soul to come 'A K t light, and 'cnt balance jnly remind )iir conduct ly tlv! harsh ufoiir own ipposes the those ofiiis ice against uvcnt such e who sup- he conduct ;ed, no ono l)ifit. Let Phiiippi at- at is a Ro- ncondemed y thrust us hus." "I . To the ppcal unto i goods, or e apostle ? legave his ^ tlie iiair, 1 displayed ; made his (ore Pilate' that proud lintain our hem let us irs of any •e the gos- le heat of any stoop s to hijure IS, with a Ihe while, 1 to come IT into t\\cit seoret, or our honor with their assembly to be united! Let us remember this mortal will put on immortality, and ihen all such acts will increase in magnitude of guilt in proportion to the height of our privileges and the extent of our duration. But it was as a professing christian that 1 knew him, and it is in this light tiiat it is most important for ua to consider him. He; had been from his vouth favored with the advantages of relijrion, and ever scorned disposed to acknowledge its importance. But it was not till the year 1825, in the Gist or O'id year of his age, that ho made an open profession by becoming united with this Church, of which he l)ecame afterwards an oiTico bearer. Of his conduct and feeling during the first part of that period, you who were his fellow members and office bearers can l>est judge. But I can S|,eak of his constant attendance, christian forbearance and tender feeling, andof tho deep interest which he has felt in the success of the gospel hero, and the prosperity of this church ever since I came among yoiu We shall all feel his loss; and when I look to his place and remember how constantly it was filled, and now think that lie shall fill it never again — that we shall hear his silver voice — behold his intelligent look no more, to take part in our praises and our prayers — I too am ready to repine at his renwyal, and to exclaim — we are bereavcdl His last illness was neither protracted nor very severe He had nearly attained the limit of human life, and we need not wonder if a frame which had so long contaiiwd an over-active mind, should have been \isiUid with trouble and sorrow. But Ins mind retained its won- ted vigor; it seemed as clear and strong as owr; both memory and judgment continued to his very close. This was evinced in many ways, but especially by his sense of the benefit of christian intercourse and his grateful acknowledgement of the kind offices which his situa- tion required. He knew well how readily they were performed, yet he coukl not help expressing his regret at the trouble which they caused ; and to one friend at parting be said, I thank you for all your (diristian kindness. Nor did he neglect to warn others and entreat them to secure by a full and speedy surrender of themselves to God through the mediation of Jesus, the better blessings of eternity, and thus to be prepared lor tiie ills of life and the approach of death. He labored under considerable doubt anu depression during his illness. This arose neither from disbelief of Divine truth nor from mere fear of death. It was from a view of the exceeding sinfulness •aiifeKis^T, n ?1 18 of sin. He felt and confessed himself to be a sinner, helpless in him- self and undone, except through the intercession of Jesus Christ. He IK-Iieved iiriidy in the reality of the Saviour's atonement, and I'^e prevalence of his intercession, but felt not that conf.dence in his own simple reliance upon it which many attain. Ho felt the truth but not iho comi.M-ts of the gospel; in this ho share