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Funeral Sermon, hv ^ Ra*. VV. M. Haryaid, Montreal, Augnst, I83f. ^ [ 32 pages. _ Montreal, 1887 *. m^ THE SUBSTANCE Ol A FUNERAL SERMON. I /u V 'f: )%iy. 'Uov^ofd «?s. THK SUBSTANCE OF A FUNERAL SERMON, DELIVERED IN THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL, ST. JAMES STREET, :\IONTREAL, ON SUNDAY, AUGUST la. ly37, ON O C (• A S 1 O X () !• T II K L A M E N T E 1) DEMISE OF l£}t0 Mon ii5fVaciom iBafmin W[LLIAM THE FOURTH. BY W. M. HAKVAHl). ?3ul)Ii6f)flr t)]t» Krprst. MONTREAL; PRINTED BY CAMPBELL AND BECKET; Aim! Sold by II. C. M'Lkod, 6.'?, Notre Dfiine Street; C. Rkvson, St. Francois Xiivitr Street; and AVm. Gbf.ic;, St. Paul Street; and at the Office of the Christian Gtabdian, Toronto. MDCCCXXXVJl. I SERMON*. Jk HEMiAii ix. 21. — " For Death is eutered into mtr Palaces." J XV i In this truly pathotical lamentation of the prophet, over the Roj-al bereavements of his native country, we ourselves have a highly appropriate expression of our own unfeigned emotions on the sad occasion vhich ha- given so mournful a speciality to the sacred solemnities of the present service. The universal messenger has, once more, unwelcomely entered the Royal Palace of our United Kingdom,. The summons of removal has been addressed to our revered Monarch William the Fourth ! The mandate from the skies has been obeyed ! The sceptre of Britain has been resigned at the will of Him, who, for a season, had entrusted it to one of the best of Kings ! The sovereignty of the throne has been exchanged for the subjection of the tomb! A gratefid empire has been clad in universal mourning ! It is one of the commendable customs of our Colonial society to mingle our sympathies together, even at the funeral of an ordinary friend. It will therefore need no justification that we are associated * Tliis Discourse was not provioiisly written ; nor was it nriginnlly intpndpd for publica- tion. Vet those wlio liearil it will discover it to be substantially the same as then delivered ; with 6(Mne interesting additions, as to I'actB, derived frmu iulonuation s'lbscciuently received '-m 6 thii.s ut the dcceasf of a Sovcr.-igii, wlio was spociully the Friend of Ills pcoi)le I Nor mHI it be requisite, in this assembly, to bespeak any exercise of candour for the expression of the sentiments which may l)e advanced. "Dkath— /,v entered info our Palaces !" Tlierc is a touching abruptness in this Scripture, which indicates tlie lively inten;st taken by the writer in the niehuicholy event which he records : and how truly he was desirous of Hindering it subservient to moral im])rove- ment. He Jtad an ardent attachment to the ancient and authorized Royalty of his divinely constituted nation. lie was powerfully affected by its recent distresses. In them he heard the voice of Providence to his countrymen in general. And, to awaken their salutary attention, was the design of his words. We are thus, by an easy and nat»iral transition, led to the bereaved circumstances of our own IJritish Royalty; a subject, which, to every truly Biitish Ciiristian, cannot but be at once— deeply interesting— truly atiect- ing — and solemnly instructive. I. In the Royalty of Britain every British Christian CANNOT RUT FEEL HIMSELF DEEPLY INTERESTED There are, indeed, countries in which there is no community of kindly feelijig between the people and the palace. And in those unhappy regions the causes of so infelicitous a state of things are too notoriously ob- vious for explanatory remark. In the favoured land of our Fathers, however, we behold neither the one nor the other. Our .-hole national population very considerably resembles one extensive and united family ; and though by far too many lamentable exceptions of a foreign temper exist amongst us ; it is, notwithstanding, the unimpeachable glory of the British Isles and Dependencies, that, in the degree of family feeling and friendly recognition which prevails relative to each other through the various gradations of civil society, no other country upon earth can be found to exceed us. Most human institutions are the result of the preference of man for that which ajjpears the most for his own advantage. And it may be considered as a striking display both of the wisdom and the benevolence of our Great Creator, that the selfish principle so generally leads to the culture of the social relations. It is not ijood, and never can l)e good, for man to be alone. The community of human mind is necessary to the consummation of human well-being. Every form of social compact pays its unreserved homage to this most primitive! law of our origind creation. And, in the various civil constitutions of thr Brunswick; from the first George <<> his most liberal and J en i rpCPntly-iUpartcd Succcs.sor in flu- tliroiir'. The hDtiorahli! mill) ion of this line of Kings, has been, to nigii in the aHirtimis of a free and indcpendt'iit nation. Tliey bav«' had the p-ntTOHity and th«> in*"iligcnee to estimate thuir own regal dignity, by the degree of elevation conferred on the jieoph; of tlieir empire. And with their diHinterested promotion of (ii '■ latter, the former has been abundantly secured, witli p prospivt of eoistinued and iriterininable augmen- tation. '2. To tlio same Hoyal House it is to be ascribed, that tlie invaluable objecls of tirienrc and /iterafntr, have, not less than the other important national interests, ver- uniply received the encourage- ment of (Jovernment patronage. Learned and ingenious indiviiluals have not unfrequently received the most spontaneous and substantial expressions ol the Jtoyal favour. And corporations for tlu' promotion of profound i< iniing, useful discovery, and general improvement, have had aiils a'ld indulgences atiorded them by the State, whi«'h have greatly subserved the nobh; purposeti of tluir original est;vblish- nient. Nor will it be easy to decide which will tend the most to immortalize, what may be termed the Bruiiswick era of our British History; whc'her the exceeding splendour of certain individual accomplishments of learning and science, or the unprecedented generaliza'aon of these blessings, during that memorable pe- jd. By this means, learning, like liberty, has at length become the birth- right of the humblest of the children of Britain. No royal effort has been made to contine the favour of cultivated intellect to any particular ord(!r of men. The pathway to this inestimable privilege has been sinoothened and rendered invitingly accessible to all. And in this entirely novel line of liberal procedure, our beloved Brans- wick Kings have outstepi)ed llie march of many of the inHuc'itial, and even of some of the ecclesiastical, among their subjects. To instance only the popular institutions for the gratuitous education of the children of the indigent. How slowly and unvvelcomcly has this generous design progressed among a certain (happily not a very nuim rousj class of British people ! Even in the present day, after all that has been accomplished, individadls, with soiie pretensions to respectability, are heard gravely expressing their doubts as to the expediency of educating the poorer classes of our people. Nearly tliir^y years ago, (Jeorge the Tiiird, thI'; VKNERATiiD Fatiiek of his latc Majesty, nobly and independently • Iirew ili(> weight of Bniiis\\iok Ixoyally itit<» tlic opjxjsile x-alc ! 1 10 confess I have never lost the enthusiastic attachment to our reigning Family, which was re-enkindled in my heart, when hearing, from Joseph Lancaster himself, the account of his interview with that INCOMPARABLE MoNAKCK. l^ncouraging him to proceed in his enlarged and improv(>d plans for the extension of the benefits of education, his Gracious Majesty said, with a cordiality which honoured his head and his heart : — " I hope the time will come when every poor child in my dominions will he able to read the Bible !" Nor will it be an unpleasing digression, to recal to our recollec- tion with how much efficient zeal the same object was pursued by his Illustrious Son, the lamented Duke of Kent, the Princely Father of our youthful and admired Queen Victoria. The recent elevation of her most Gracious Majesty to the throne, renders it most gratify- ing to refe.', as to the principles of her deceased Father, to the unquestionable testimony of the Rev. Doctor Collyer, a respected and devoted Minister, whom the Royal Duke, towards the close of his life, honoured with his personal friendship. The Doctor's words are : " As a son he was most exemplary for filial piety. With what reverence and with wliat affection have I heard him speak of his venerable father and Sovereign !— of his unfeigned piety— of his devotional habits — of his anxious concern for the best interests of his children of his faitlifid instructions ! How often have those who have only met him in public seen the unbidden tear steal down his noble and manly countenance, when allusion has been made to that most excellent parent* !" 3. Another endearing feature in the Brunswick administration of our national affairs, has been the studious and truly principled cultiva- tion o{ peaceful relations with other Poivcrs, in connection with the preservation i)\' internal tranquillity. Though war has been direfully productive of sin and misery, yet many a country has been in- volved in all its dreadful calamities, simply to g'-atify some Royal vice or weakness, or at best to forward scunt base design of territorial extension or national aggrandizement. But from so tremendous a responsibility our own beloved Royalty is happily free. It is true, that during the period of its ascendancy, our country has been i • FuiKM-iil Scrnioa. p. 20. I hiKl myself thoi.wuliar pleasure to hoar tliat intclli^'cnt ami diii-nificMl Prinrc ilolivcr an nnimatiiiL' a.l.ln... at ati aimivor^iiry of the Hrifis), anm.rtually followiiur up the wi^h of thoir .1, ■, nit Fathor, l.y nssistint' to ;.A,rv !.„ Itihl witim, 111, r ,„■!, ofovorv ,:,.or .■hi). I in th,. .'nipirf- aiwl in the worhl ' occasionally iuvolvv.'d in some very lamentable conflicts with its national foes. At the harrowing details of those sanguinary struggles, our hearts may indeed sink within us, in saddening sympathy with the myriads of sufferers they have occasioned. IJut it is a tribute which inflexible integrity demands from ns, to observe, that none of these can be justly attributed to any personal partiality of the reigning Prince. It is not intended to justify the entire procedure of any political party, nor to disturb disuniting discussions, which, by all parties, may well be assisted to slumber on, in amicable forgetfulness. But it would not be difficult to shew that high principle, and not mere grovelling policy, has invariably regulated this exercise of the Royal Prerogative on the part of our Hanoverian Sovereigns. By them the sword of war has never been causekssh/ unsheathed, nor has its terril)Ie agency been crnelly commissioned, nov avoidably continued. In this sev(!rer de[)artment of the regal duty, they have conscien- tiously sought to be the conservators of all that is most dear to man. And the heart-rending cost it has necessarily occasioned, has been successfully expended in purchasing and securing the pacification of the world I V'hat, m'C may unofiendingly ask, might have been the present position of the various nations of the earth, but for the beneficent inHuence over them which Providence has awarded to the United Kingdom? The recent mediation of his late Most Gracious Majesty, between two powerful and disagreeing nations, whereby he was the honoured means of still preserving the general peace of the civilized world, shall be the triumphant and conclusive argument of this branch of our discourse. 4. The honourable and exceeding sensitii^entiss of uur Royal Family, on the subject of the rights of conscience and the liberty of private opinion in matters of religion, has enshrined the Brunswick line in the most cordial affections of British Christians. The period of their government has been considerably affected by the prejudices of darker days, and marked, on the part of the world in general, by an inexorable attachment to antiquated, exclusive and persecuting prin- ciples. But the truly Protestant liberality of our Hanoverian Kings has brought the nation, more or less, to do honour to free and unre- strained toleration. The Wesleyan Methodist Connexion has had large experience of the cruelly-persecuting temper of the age, which is unregrettedly passing away, and of the geiierous and tolerant spirit of the reigning Paniily towards it, during that period of now exploded exelusiveness. Let it b(> renuMnbered, to their imperishable honour, m (liat, in indulgent concessions to the rights of conscience, they have everl)een very *ar in advance of the generality of their subjects. In several of the British Colonies of the western world our Missionaries and their flocks have had to endure atrocious expressions of a persecuting nncharitableness ; which, in some case^^ have even had the sanction of Colonial k gislation. A circumstance this of intolerant cruelty, which we trust is not likely again to be found, even in the least improved of tiie British Colonies*. Aftvr nariating the Royal interference in abrogation of a perse- cuting Parliamentary proceeding in the Island of Jamaica, very many years ago, our own apostolic Coke thus expresses himself: — " But, the etibrts of restrained power were ineti'ectually made against the tolerant principles which have, on all occasions, distinguished the illustrious House of Hanover. Against a spirit of persecution, both His Majesty (George the Third) and his august ancestors, have uni- formly manifested a determined opposition ; and the enlightened liberality of His Most Honourable Privy Council has induced them to support the Protestant cause, and happily to concur in his liberal (h'sif/ns, whenever the rights of conscience have been invaded by delegated authoritv. *' Our religious rights and privileges form our dearest interests. These Me enjoy at home ; and they are extended to our fellow- creatures, without any regard to complexions in the remotest ex- tremities of the empire ; so far as our Sorerei(/naiidhis Government can iitflia'nce. the subjects of the realm. We enjoy, in our auspicious day, the greatest blessings which it is in the power of any Govern- ment to bestow. The laws established in our favour are adequate to all the purposes which they designed to endirace, and the numerous decisions that have taken place, most convincingly assure us that • Ti) tlicsp there have ticcn, at tlie saiiio tiiiio, very many cheering exceptienfl. To one, \ntlii' Kiistd-ii Ilrniisithrn: whu'h (tirnrrod in'oih/ " Quarter of n Cvntur)/ siiui\'M\t\'m wXnAx tlie author hail a livi'ly and personal iiitere-t, he is happy to hear his jfratefiil testimony. And lie lias a inelaiu'holy plea-ure in preservinj,' a reiord, so lionouriihle to several truly diffiii- tied individii;ils, sdine years departed this life. On theeomrnenceiiient of the We^leyan Mission ill India, it had the sanction of His Mnjesty's Home (Government, and of all the principal Colo- nial authorities. 'J'he Missionaries, six in number, were hospitahly entertained at tlii! residence of the Hiuht Ilouoralde the Governor of lionihay, the lale Sir Kvan Nejiean. Ihnt. durinir their rontinuaiice at that settlement. In Ceylon. Ilia Excellency the Oovernor, the late Sir Holiert jRrow Tirijjft!', Uort. \va^ their fosterini.' friend : to the erection of their lirst Church he liln'rally subxrihed. and coiidescendin;i n"nomir=Pi Snriiioii fxi. their rights, m iitiKivor application has boon made. As circuinstanoos were, mIkii the lirunswick Family began their reign, in tlie United Kingdom, and have continued since, they couhi not well have attempted to do more in favour of liberty of conscience than they have done; and they have doxk .much*." 5. Many, who are here present, are at least of sufficient age to remember the impression ])r()duced on the national mind, h\ tlie pro- tracted reign and lyer^onul character of that beloved, Monarchy (iKORfJE THE Third ! Born in the land over v.hich he subsequently, for more than half a century, swayed an untarnisluHl sceptre, he intuitively imbibed the liberal princijihis of our une(|ualled National Constitution ; and on the Throne, it was evidently his unwavering aim, royally and righteously to administer its principles, for the good of his people. In his childhood he had received an education, of which religious truth formed an avowed partf ; and on the Throne, and at a time of very prevailing infidelity and irreligion, he was in the most honourable sense of the word, The Defender of the Faith. Not only was the public faith most pertinaciously maintained ; but everv conscientious man was protected by him In the sincere and upright prof(!Ssion of his religious belief. He had to stand at the helm of the State at a season of considerable political tempest ; and, by the blessing of God, his firm adherence to genuine British princijiles, and his cordial encouragement of the kindred and parent principles of our holy religion, enabled him most triumphantly to outride the storm. Some other natiojis, to this day, are suffering from the same causes ; and Uiust of necessity continue to suffer, but by the adoption of the same course : for r iyhteoiisness only cxalteth a nation ; while sin is as reproachful, as it is ruinous, to any people. This will ever be the case to the end of time ; whatever may be the temporary triumphs of an opposite line of procedure. Few Sovereigns have exercised a more conunanding and salutary influence over their subjects, through the divine blessing, by the mere power of jiersonal character, tlian that which our countjy received from the exemplary conduct of George the Third. Both in his private and in his public capacity — in his fear of God, his I * Tho liov. President Crowther's History, p. '\03. t His tutor, Hr. Aysroii(fli, iiftorwnnls nciin of Bristol, tlm- speuli^iti alotterto Dr. Doddriduo, a\ l> \'.;iil •veil ill hi- verv e;irK diiv l.J tliat reverence; for the Holy Scriptures, aiic! tlie sacred Sablmlli, uiid his attention to pul)lio and family devotion — in his iiuhistry, integrity, and jmnctnality — in his firnniessand perseverance in every matter of (.hity — in his kindness to his friends, and iiis generosity to his enemies — in Jiis courtesy to strangers, his condcbcension to his neigid)ours, and his compassion to the distressed — in Ids cordial regard for his own Church, and his catholic respect for the good of every other Communion — not to forget his paternal accessibleness to the most inferior of his subjects, and his ]{oyal indepentlence of the nn)st exalt(!d; or his uniform good nature and amiability to all: — in all tiiese respects, he threw a powerful anil assimilating charm over th<> minds and L'ahits of his admiriiig people; and taught them all, the character they should possess, when they beheld that which their Sovereign maintained. Tlie obligations coiderrcd on a country by a King of such a character, can never be repaid in his own person, nor by the men of his own generation. He leaves an undisputed debt to be discharged by posterity, which constitutes each surviving member of his Koyal Family, a public creditor. This has secured onr attachment to the Royalty of our Empire; independently of our partiality for the very theory of a monarchy, such as our own. Ours is an admiration founded on the actual experiment of that theory, and consolidated by a grate- ful sense of the important benefits our fathers, ourselves, and our (,'ountry, have derived from its lovely and long-tested adnnnistration. We have purposely reserved to the conclusion of the discourse, any particular allusions to the Kingly reputation of our late Most ( Jracious Sovereign. The exalted rank His Majesty so deserv(Hlly held in the ali'ections of his subjects; considered in connection with the comparatively short period of seven years, during which only he occupied that exalted station ; bespeaks in a tone, which siic- ces of those whom I'rovi- denee lias placeil at \hv head uf our national family. Our ears an .(.wake to anv int<'llig<'n<'( rrsjiccling Mirm : <>ur lii-url^ tire ever Ki ready to participate in their joys and sorrows. And the usual ex- pressions of respect on this occasion, strongly attest that you are suitably affected by the mournful information that *' Death has entered into our Palaces I" And our sincerest sympathy ought to be most powerfully excited, for, II. A Royal Demise is an event of a truly affecting CHARACTER- — The circuMstances of an occurrence often add to the impression which its simple character may be adapted to produce. Never can it be honourable to be unaffected by the decease of any fellow-man ; how ever obscure his station or unworthy his character. The termination of a mortal existence is of such eternal and unutter- able importance to any individual to whom it occurs, that to con- template it without emotion, would indicate qualities, both moral and intellectual, of which we should have every reason to be ashamed. Such an act would be a display of licentious levity, equally impious and inhuman. This is peculiarly so, when such an event occurs under circumstances which bring it specially before our review ; and surely, the death ot the Chief Personage of a whole empire, is an occurrence of a very special description. By such means Divine Providence appears to demand that we should give so solemn a subject our serious consideration. This is a circumstance unusually affecting : 1. From the various public and national i?iterests, which, by possibility, may be involved therein. In the earlier days of our country's hictory, such an event would have shaken the foundation of our political fabric, loosened the bond of our social compact, and painfully agitated every heart in the empire. Aspiring and self-com- placent competitors for the vacant eminence, would have started forth, by fear or by favour, to control or corrupt the public mind, to administer to their own criminal ambition. We weep over the British blood that has been formerly shed, in cruel contentions for the British Crown. Happily, however, for us, by a well regulated succession, the throne has been so secured, as that I lie sovereign Station has been already filled by an admired Successor! Thanks to the Divine Benefactor of our land, who led our prudent fore- fathers to the adoption of so salutary an arrangement ! The Potentate of uiir empire has been removed; but the people of his land rcnuiiii in jtiielHc agreement. Tli< <'hirioii <.)l'c'i\;l di record has 17 not been pcrmittccl to uttor its frightful tones within our sorrowing borders. Hostile standards have not lifted their waving dtifiancc, to promote contentions unto blood. Death has been placed under a compassionate restraint ; and has not been sufTered to riot through our country, though unhappily he has entered our palaces. 2. But such an event is affecting, from the domestic and personal interests which it has painfully involved. Every member of the bereaved establishment has felt the visitation. When, as in the pre- sent instance, tlie estimable individual removed is the paternal head of the Royal Household, the melancholy dispensation l)ecome3 variously afflictive to his surviving connections. Independently of the loss they sustain, it necessarily occasions 'changes in their several relations, which cannot but be painful in their bearing. And yet, the most important considerations are connected with the Illustrious Deceased himself. Removed from his temporary eleva- tion, he is now placed on the most perfect equality w ith every other disembodied individual of the human family. To such a one, the occurrence cannot but be, and in the last degree, solemnly affecting. 3. Doatii requires personal prejyaration ; and the majority of man- kind unhappily disregard that preparation. Our course of mortal life is our term of probation for the life to come. The suitable improvement of its continuance is the only and obviously-sufficient preparation for its conclusion. There is a walking with God, on earth, which alone can ensure a dwelling with God, in lieaven. All are naturally defiled and polluted by sin. " All luive sinned and come short of the (jlory of God:' Our pardon must be obtained, or our penalty endured. Our souls must be sanctified, or our felicity cannot be made safe. Woe — woe — to the man ; whatever his rank or repu- tation in the p'-esent world ; whose only opportunity of being saved, shall come to an end, before that object sliall have been secured I Through the atoning deatli of our Saviour, the most ample oppor- tunity of salvation, has been obtained for every human soul. Yet none are prepared for death, but the individual whose heart feels the preparation, and whose life evinces it. The l)lissful period is rapidly approaching, when the saving influence of real religion shall be universally prevalent. Already the minority on the side of serious godliness has very greatly encreased, both in numbers and in influence, by large accessions from all classes of men. Still, it is but a minority, riie vast majoiity of mankind, in all countries, cither o{)pose a sancti- fying rcliirjon, oi' but irilU witli if, and ai'c uM.-^a\<'(l li\ it. This is an u awful fact I And Iiciicr, wlicii doatli ciitors any ordinary liousi', the occurrence is aiil'cting ; and the more anxiously so, until it is known that the soul ren»ov(>d was prep-ired for the eventful change, 4. IJut it is to be feared that palaces are too often iDifacnvrable to (I due preparation for death. The apualing words of our Saviour are suiticient to excite apprehensions on this head, '■'' How hardhj ahall theif that have richi's enter into the hlnydom of d'od* ! Stations of dignity have tlieir peculiar disadvantages, with regard to the cultivation of piety. " To say nothing of the homage invariably paid to a Sovereign, and of that pomp, whose glare so often conceals from him his obligations and his interests*," how various, incessant, and engrossing, must be the cares of a crown, when the monarch devotes hims(!lf to the business of his empin*. And shoulj he be a man of pleasure, how greatly may his palace conduce to his perdition ! " How easily may he avoid listening to the accents of evangelical truth, from lips intent on the eternal welfare of the hearer I How sel- dom Is wholesome advice poured into his ear, or ''pure relKjion and vndejiled' exemplified before his eye* ! " \Vc rejoice to know that " the truth as it is in Jesus," is sometimes now proclaimed even in high places. Rut, in the usual flow of human attairs, it is to be feared a l{oyal ear is not often saluted by ferviil addresses, such as " those of the sainted Latimer to Edward the Sixth, of blessed memory !" " The most candid conclusions which the Scriptures, fairly interpreted, will support, should be eagerly drawn in favour of such as most encounter the perils of worldly elevation*." At the same time, there is an affecting force in the eloquent language of a departed minister, on the religions disadvantages of a I'rince: — "TlIK KLI'.MKNTS OK HIS {;H A N DJCUU roxSl'IHE .\(;AIN.ST MIS SAL- VATION* !" 5. It is fearfidly true, that jxdaces //are been hut se/doui disflnt/uished hif that pietif irhich is alone a preparation for death. — The naiaei^s of Judea were but very occasicjnally (jccui)ied by holy Princes. In tracing the line of their kings, how few and far between Merc the instances of a religious Royalty! Vet th(> heart is gladdened with the remend)rance of a David, a Hezekiah. a Josiali ; m ho hoii-iured the Most High by a conscientious obedience to his holy law; and were consequently greatly honoured l)y him. In the case of Moses ' I'liucral Scniii.n .m Hi- Minr^fv i.imm"-m' IIk- I'liinl. ,iinl Hi- H.ival IIii;liiic.-> liic l>iikc nt Kent. 1>\ 111.' I.i|i- KiM ,l(.,..|.li Hm-Iic-. liu .■i.iin.iMr v,.., ..Uiin ..I llii' Ii|ili-li ,il|.l Vn\i-v^u liiMi' II) there was diM-idcd plenty, tiiough ivs^idinjf in an Ettstcrn court : and we may liojx' that cvon now, by the grace of (iod, there art' those who re!>enible hnu, both in tlieir eircunistances and principlfsi. It is, however, to l)e fi-ared, that tlie words of Scriptun^ are too generally aj)plieable : — " Nvt nuiuij mujhtij, not many noble, not munt/ wise men after the p'^h" embrace the (Jospt-l calling, and appear among the supporters of the King of saints*. Let us take up the history of any nation; and how few of its prominent individuals are distinguished by piety towards God I On the other hand, how many of the worldly great have been character- ized by ungovernajjle passions, unnatural cruelties, shamcl'id im- moralities, frivolous amusements, bitter hoflility to godliness, or a sceptical i-ejection of " the Lord that bought them f" Were we to go even ihrough the ])agc of British History, as we passed from era to era, and reign to reign, how very rarely should we have to linger, for a moment, to remark, '• This Prince was truly devout — that statesman was a real Christian — this one aimed at the glory of God in this world — and that, departed this life in the triumphs of faith I" No ! my brethren. If the truth be told, stations of secular eminence are not, in general, places of religious consecration. There have been some happy exceptions, in almost every age and region, of exalted ])ersonagcs who were humble and exemplary believers in Christ, who have shewn their faith by their works. Our own Royal Family has repeatedly furnished, aiid still continues to furnish, honoured and unostentatious individuals of that description. Would to God, that every present and future member of that Illustrious House may bear the same " blessed and holif characteristics ! But, when it is remembered that the Mansions of Royalty, have been but seldom so distinguished ; the painful class of emotions cannot but be excited, when it is known that "Death has entered into our Palaces." 6. Such an event is truly affecting, from the terrible alternative which must ensue, in the case of an unprepared death ; even in a palace. With Ciod there is no respect of persons. It must be a trenu'udous exchange which is made by any unregenerated sj)irit, on piissing into eternity ; when all other distinctions are merged in the dreadfid designation of a lost sollI Unutterable, inconceivable, umst be the anguish of one who goes, even from the lowest earthlv ♦ 1 I'l'C. 1. -."i. m station, iVoiii the very ragi of poverty, to the wietcliedness of pi rdi- tion I But it sliould appear that tlie contrast between tenjporul Majesty and eternal uucery, eminent rank and endless ruin, must be a most agonizing circ\.nistantial of suHering, to those who shall un- happily pass from a gorgeous palace to the tinal prison I Ponder, with sympathy, on the case of the sceptical worldling, mentioned by our Saviour; and conceive, if you can, what must have been his agonies of soul, when lie weiit from the arms of tender and respectful attendants into the cruel hands of relentless tormentors — when he exchanged the purple and Hue linen, and the sumptuous daily fare, for the tormenting flame, and the want of a drop of water to cool his tongue — when removed from the short-lived smiles and applause of sinful and fading man, to the ever-present and pierciiig conscious- ness of the deep displeasure anil awful frown of the Holy and Eternal God*I It would be a relieving conviction, were \vc Scripturally assured that so terrible a transition was an un frequent occurrence in our eventful world ! With the Word of Ciod, however, in our hands, and the ways of men before our eyes, it would be a foolish, as well as a wicked afi'cctation, to conclude it to be such. Strongly as every humane disposition woidd desire the final happiness of all, " Broad is the road that Imdelh to destruction^ and many there he that fjo in thereat." WHien, therefore, persons in stations of elevation prefer that broad and more frequented road, to the narrow and least frequented ])ath, which leadeth unto life, their departure from the world, because of its peculiar associations, is the more adapted to claim our commiseration. Hence, with unusual solicitude the Christ- ian will await the most particular information, when " Death • has entered i7ito m/r Palaces." Blessed be God ! W^e trust tliere is no cause of alarm, as to the state in which our late beloved King was found by the last enemy. On such a subject, it well becomes us to speak tlie tender and respectful language of an aifectionate loyalty. At the same time we would not forget how responsibly it behoves the ministers of reli- gion ; as on all occasions, so in a particular manner on one like the present ; to utter the tvords of truth and soberness, and not to give a wrong direction to the public mind as to those matters, on which essential error must result in endless ruin. It is Mcd known that in " I,iikc xvi 111 21 earlier lite, hia late Most Gracious Majesty, unl/appily, did not sus- tain the character of a religious Prince. I3ut there is reason to hope, that, during ihe concluding years of his Royal course, His Majesty's heart hoa been gradually preparing for the solenm event of his dissolution. And here it may he most suitable, to introduce a short and im- perfect M(>moir, which has been hastily prepared, from the most authentic sources of inforr lation. His late Majesty, William Henry, the third son of King George the Third, was born August the 21st, 1765; and died June the 20th, 1837 : consequently, he had attained to nearly the close of his seventy-second year. In the notices of his early childhood which we find by the writers of that day, he is described as small of his age, but remarkably in- telligent and engaging in his manners ; Avith a manliness of temper, which probably had some influence with his father in the choice of his future destination, to the Naval Service. At the age of thirteen, Prince William was entered as a midshipman on board the Prince George, a ninety-eight gun ship, commanded by Admiral Digby. The King declared that his son should make his way to promo- tion, in the same manner as the most friendless young man in the fleet; and the Prince was accordingly placed on the same footing, in every respect, with his fellow-officers. He had soon an opportunity of seeing service : and was present a few years after- wards at the capture or destruction oi" the Spanish fleet which was sent against our W^est India Settlements. When the Spanish Admiral was brought on board the Prince George, as a prisoner, and was told, that one of the midshipmen, whom he saw actively engaged in his duty, was an English Prince of the blood, he ex- claimed, " Well may England be mistress of the sea, when the son of her King is thus employed in her service." Even in the present day, when there is happily a considerable im- provement in the moral and spiritual condition of multitudes of sea- faring men, yet a ship of war would not, in general, be considered a situation favourable to the good principles of so young a person. This was most deplorably the case half a century ago ; and no parent but must revert to the painful fact, with the most lively sym- pathy, that His late Majesty had the sore disadvantage of forming his early character, under circumstances so unpropitious. It is more with regret than surprise, the loyal historian will here- after record, that the princely days of the Royal sailor were enshrouded c by a course of lift-, over wliicli Christian cimrify and loyalty may hv .'lUowed, on tliis occasion, to pass in respectful silence. It mny also be permitted tliat candour should bear testimony to some fine and noble exj)ressions of a kind and benevolent disj)ositiori, displayed in the conduct of the youtij; Prince; ; wlm, af. tiiat part of his life, appears only to have re(|uired the influences of genuine hcartfi'lt religion, to have rendered him the object of universal respect and esteem. While His l{oyal Highness was in the West Indies, Mr. Lee, a midshipman, was tried for disres])ect to a superior officer. Lord Hood presided on that occasion. The determination of the court was t'xtal to the prisoner ; and he was condenmed to death. Deeply affected as the whole body of midsliipnicn were, at the dreadful se^ntence, tliey knew not how to obtain a mitigation of it; as Mr. Lee was ordered for exccut'on. They had not time to make their appeal to the Admiialty, and despaired of success in a petition to the Admiral of the Station. However, His Royal Highness generously stept forward, drew up a petition, to Avhich he was the first to set his name, and solicited the rest of the midshipmen in Port to follow his example. He then himself carried the petition to the Admiral ; and, in the most pressing and urgent manner, begged the life of the imhappy young gentleman. In this he had the high satisfaction to be successful ; and, by his energy and intercession, saved him to his family and to the world. The following is the honest tribute borne to his noble exertions, by another midshipman, in a letter to his friend. It is dated Port Royal Harbour, April 1783. After relating the particulars already given, lie adds, " We all acknowledge our warm and grateful thanks, to our humane, our brave, and worthy Prince ; who has so nobly exerted himself in preserving the life of his brother sailor." The war ceased before the period of the Prince's Naval apprentice- ship expired; and in the same year of 17PH) then a mi'Ij^hipman of 18, another instance of his exempury liumaiiity occurred. Some of his countrymen having broken their parole of honour to the Spanish Government, they were all in danger of suffering under a sentence of death ; when at his intercession the Governor of Louisiana, Don Galvez, not only spared their lives, but set them at liberty. The following is a letter of thanks from the Prince to the Governor: — " Sir, — I want words to express to your Exc«>"ency my just sense of your polite letter — of the delicate manner in which you caused it to bo delivered and yoiur generous conduct towards the unfortunate in your power. Their pardon, which you have been pleased to grant on my account, is the most agreeable present you 23 couW have offersd mo, and la «troHg!y cliara<:tcri8tlc u( the bravpry and gallantry of the SpnniNh nation. This instance in<;reaHeH, it' poNNible, my (tpinion of your Excellency's humanity ; w hicli hiw aitpoared on so many occaxions in the course of the late wiir. Admiral Rovvlt'v is to des|Mitch a vosswl to Louisiana for the prisoners. I am cunvinccd they will ever think of your Excellency's clemency with >;ratitude; and I have sent a copy of your letter to the K'ng, my father ; who will he fully Bensihle of your Excellency's attention to me. I request that you will be assured that actions so noble as those of your Excellency's wili ever be remembcriMl, by yours sincerely, William, P Nor was the benevolence of His Royal Highness confined to thosfi of his own profession. It is well known that one of the (;rils of slavery, as it too long existed in our country and colonies, to our national dishonour, was to attach inferiority to man on account of the colour of his skin. So far had the wicked folly proceeded, in our West India Settlements, that it was deemed an unpardonable crime in a white person to cat at the same table with a person of colour; however intelligent or respectable he might be. While His Royal Highness was at Jamaica, it was not uncommon for the white inhabitants to accept of invitations to splendid entertainments given by opulent coloured families at that place ; but the latter were not permitted to sit at table on such occasions ; not even in their own elegant mansions. This was a usage conceded by the coloured people ; who considered themselves honored by the company of the M'hites, even on terms so unequal. His Royal Highness, Prince William, however, had toe much of the noble qualities of his revered Father, to sanction so odiijus a degradation of a valuable portion of his fellow-subjects ; and on his accepting an invitation to tlie house of a coloured gentleman, where the white people of the first classes had also been invited to meet His Royal Highness, he resolved to frown on so iniquitous a pride of colour, by refusing to take his own seat at the table, on any other condition t'^an that the master of the house should do the same ; which was the gratifying result on that occasion. In the sunmier of 1785, the Prince, having served the regular time as a midshipman, and having undergone the usual examination, was apjiointed third lieutenant of the Hope frigate. In the February following he was appointed first lieutenant of the Pegasus, and after- wards as Captain of that frigate. When under the conmiand of Lord Nelson, the celebrated hero of Trafalprar thus wrote concern- ing him : — •' You must have hiNUil. 1,11- before this roivclics you, that Prince Williaui is under my commuml, I shall eudcavoui' to tukc care tliat lie i>, not ;i loser liv (h;ii ciici'instaiice. He has his foibles, as well as private men ; but they are fai- over- balanced by his virtues. In his professional line, he Is superior to near two thirds, I am sure, of the list ; and in attention to orders, and in respect to his superior' officers, I hardly know his equal. His Royal Highness keeps up the strictest dis- cipline in his ship ; and, without paying him any compliment, she is one of the finest ordered frigates I have seen." At the close of the year 1770, His Royal Highness received a commission as Rear Admiral of the Blue : having tliou been about eighteen months a Peer of England, Ireland, and Scotland ; by the titles of Duke of Clarence, and St. Andrews, and Earl of xMunster. After this, he held no naval appointment which required his active occupation, for several years. In the year 1818, His Royal Highness married the daughter of George, late Duke of Saxe Mehi- ingen, the present Queen Dowager. Their two only children died in infancy. But this happy union, by the blessing of God, appears to have exercised a salutary influence on his Royal mind*. In April, 1827, it was one of the first acts of Mr. Canning's Administration, to appoint him to the office of Lord High Admiral of England ; a station which he soon afterwards thought proper to resign. On the death of his Royal brother, George IV., His Majesty as- cendcd the Throne of our United Empire. His reign, though short, has been marked by events of high importance. Passing by all others, we cannot but fr...dly dwell upon that immortal act of British justice and mercy, the entire abolition and a7inihihtion of human slavery, in evenj part and portion of our Empire ! And it wPs befitting that the same Prince, who, in his earlier days, proclaimed the undisputed equality of colour, in the very metropolis of West India slavery, should have the high recompence of ordaining, from the Throne itself, that the equality should be legalized, hence- forM'ard and for ever, in all places where our national flag si .uld proclaim the sway of the British sceptre. As a King, William the Fourth ruled, most sincerely, for the good of his subjects. The welfare of his people most obviously lay nenr his heart. On his ascending the Throne, he speedily acquired unbounded popularity, by the frequency of his appearance in public, the frank simplicity of his manners, and the easy condescension of his inter- course with all ranks of his subjects. The quiet and sober mode of • The Princo had boon previously innrriod to Mrs. Jordan ; nn aotrcss of great colrbrity • by whom he had several children, who still survivo. Many years afterward., a separation, t.y mutual consent, was oftected between them. Mrs. Jordan, nevertheless, ever bure testin.ony to the kmdnes, mid generosity of His Royal Highness toward herself. Nor did his second snarnage take j>!acp, until neaily two years after her decease. '25 life chosen by the King and Queen, very much resembled that of George the Third, and Queen Chark^tte ; and occasioned mucli observation and praise. His Majesty's habits of business, deserved and obtauied not less approbation. To this feature in his Royal character, Lord John lUissell tluis adverted :— " The devotion wliich he shewed, at all times, for the interests of the public, ought to endear his name and memory to all his subjects. Any business which required his immediate attention received his immediate notice. He might state, that on the last day of his life, he signed one of those papers, in which he exercised the Iloyal prerogative of mercy !" Sir Robert Peel expressed his opinion, that " it was the real feeling of the country, that the reins of government were never committed to the hands of one, who bore himself, as a Sovereign, with more affability, and yet with more true dignity— to one who had more compassion for the sufferings of others— or whose nature was more utterly free from all selfishness. He did not believe that in the most exalted or the most humble station, there could be found a man who felt more pleasure in witnessing and promoting the happiness of others." The cause of religious liberty did not suffer any loss in the hands of William the Fourth. During his reign, Royal grants were freely made to various Denominations of Christians, to enable them more fully to promote the improvement of the liberated negroes in the West Indies, and the aboriginal inhabitants of other British Colonies. As a l)ody, the W^esleyan Methodists of Lower Canada gratefully remember the truly Protestant liberality of His INLijesty, in signing an Act legalizing their Registers of IVLarriages and Baptisms. Thit measure had passed the House of Assembly ; but was strongly op- posed by certain persons of influence in the Colony. But, on the accession of His Majesty to the Throne, one of his first Sovereign acts was, by his own Royal approval of the Bill, to remove from us, as a Christian Community, the inconvenient and degrading disabilities, which a bigotted and sectarian intolerance would fain have perpetuated. « Few Princes have descended to the tomb, equally honoured by a nation's regret. It is no mean proof that the highest political wisdom guided his course, when men of all parties in the State, frankly con- fess that they are largely his debtors. The maxims of his' reign were conformable to the principl(\s of the times, as held in subservi- ence only to a supreme regard for the i)rinciples of the Constitution, ^26 Under his fostering sway, civil liberty made those well defiiied ad- vances, which aim as much to secure its perpetuity, as to promote its extension; and will confer a grateful immortality on his name*." It will be gratifying to you to receive some particulars from a London publication, conducted by respectable and religious members of the National Church of England. Their expression of opinion is exceedingly cheering ; and the following are their own words : " We would not irreverently intrude into the chamber of death ; but the parting hour of a good man needs no veil to protect it from the observation of all. His Majesty's death was as the wisest will wish for himself; such as cannot be described without honour to him whom we have lost — without a melancholy gratification to those who were nearest and dearest to him — without profit to all, to the more prudent as well as to the thoughtless. Though suffering much from pain and exhaustion, the King preserved his faculties unclouded to the last. He died surrounded by his weeping family and surrendered his generous spirit to God, in an humble but assured hope of mercy, through the merits of that Mediator, who bought him with his blood. Since the day of his happy union with that best of women and of wives, who supported his dying pillow with even more than feminine tenderness and love, the King had progressively advanced in the seriousness of his religious views. Even in the most awful crisis of life— on the eve of the unimagin- able change, it was observed by all around the dying Monarch, that though his body gren- more feeble from day to day, and though nature was too manifestly racked by pain, his minfl became more active, vigorous, and serene; as if strengthened and illuminated by the dawn of that higher state of peace and joy, to which the nearly emancipated spirit was gently approaching. Oh I tliat men would compare scenes like this, with tlie clouds and the tempests— the hurry, darkness, and alarm, of a cfcafh bed repeHtancc\ ." The kindness and sympathy with which his Royal Consort attended him in his last illness, was alike honourable to His Majesty's memory and her own intrinsic worth. The truly valuable Queen Dowager will carry with her, the respect and kindest wishes of the nation ! And may she long live, in the enjoyment of a Scriptural hope of an unfading crown, which passes not to any heir, but shall be gloriously possessed for over and ever. Her Most (iracious Majesty, Quekn VirroniA, has entered on ' Loudon Wiitclimaii. i Loiitlou stmiilttiil. 27 her highly responsible station, at an interesting age ; which claims for her the lively sympathy and devout prayers of all classes of her subjects. The decided manner in which her late Illustrious Father, the Duke of Kent, towards the close of his life, began to espouse the cause a Rehgion and humanity, has bespoken, in her behalf the prepossessions of very many of the truly Christian of the llnd. While the auspicious commencement of Her Majesty's reign, fully assures us, that, in the Royal and beloved Sovereign, who now holds the sceptre of our Empire, will be found, by God's blessing, a Ruler worthy of the Illustrious House; which has so largely pursued, and promoted, the welfare of our beloved country, and of our redeemed world ! It remains but for us to shew, that, III. Is THE LATE Royal Bereavement we have the most SOLEMN AND SALUTARY INSTRUCTION.-Every man may derive lessons of wisdom, from the occurrences of the immediate circle in which his lot is cast. But when a Royal demise takes place, it bears the admonitory voice of Providence which speaks forcibly to all. And by this national visitation we are taught :— 1 . The solemn universalit,/ of the Dominion of Death. This is the celestial proclamation made by the mortal inroad upon the Royal Palace. « It is appointed unto men once to die /" The entrance of sin into our world, was followed by the frailty and mortality of ur race. Death has a mighty monarchy over the children of men. Generation after generation have been successively removed by this relentless enemy. Enoch and Elijah are the only recorded exceptions to his universal sway : and all mankind, by a doom which is irrevocable, shall go the tcay xohence they shall not return. The affairs of this world are gene-ally conducted with a constant regard to this tremendous truth. A mere life interest in any estate will not obtain so large a price as an absolute freehold. But as it regards the solemn subse- quents of dissolution, which relate to another world, there is often so much practical unbelief displayed, as to justify that affecting satire of the moralist :^" All men think all men mortal but themselves." Foolish and fatal infatuation I—Why is it not corrected by the num1)erofour diseases, and the frequency of our funerals. Our fathers, where are they ? and the prophets, do they live forever 9 The lamented and final removal of so many of our fellow mortals, from before our eyes, should effectually teach us to " apply our hearts to wisdom." " For us they sicken, and for us they die !" Could any one hope to procure exemption from this universal 28 ordination, it niiglit have been the exalted patriot-King, whom we have recently lost; and for whose relief and preservation the abundant resources of an enlightened Empire were most completely iit command. When the last enemy approached the Royal Castle of Windsor — when he assembled his forces for liis late relentless attack — the most vigorous efforts were loyally made to repel the fatal onset. One of tlie principal Ministers of State, very truly and properly assured our afflicted and suffering Monarch, " it was the object, and general wish, of his subjects, that His Majesty should not neglect any caution for the preservation of his health." In strict accordance with this national sentiment, the highest skill, and intelligence, and the warmest and most tender affection, esteemed it an honour and happiness to be so employed. For a short time the bulletins of some of the most cclebraied physicians of the kingdom, announced the progress of the eventful conflict. Hope fondly lingered near the venerable fortress. But, alas I nought could avail. The dreaded invader was resistless and invincible. The distinguished attendants unavoidably yielded to superior force. The breach was effected ; and, Death entered into ovr Palace. Let us, then, reverently receive the momentous instruction, so prominently and afFcctingly placed before us. Let us anxiously cultivate the influential emotions which it ought to produce within our hearts. There is no discharge in this M'ar. We, too, shall be approached by the flnal foe. The awful agent is already commis- sioned, and is in the most determined movement against us. How speedily we know not ; but each of us must inevitably receive the mortal dart. The whole creation cannot supply us with a shield of defence. The vanquished victims of his universal triumph, we also must be taken to " thf house appointed for all Uvinyy 2. We are further taught, by tliis Pro\idential Dispensation, that the Claims of Personal Piety, are universal. Our acceptance with God, through the atonement of the Redeemer ; a holy life, by the aids of the Holy Spirit ; and the rendering of our supreme affection to the " Supremely Great and Good !" — these are the essentials of the religion that saves the soul ! On these points, all genuine Christ- ians, of every religious connnunity, most heartily agree. Nor is there any thing in the circumstantials of religion, of any importance, but as it may either promote or hinder tlie acquisition of these essentials. This piety, as the righteous recjuirement and gracious bestowment, of Heaven, has its undeniable and indispensable claims on all tile inhabitants (tf tlu> carHh 29 W e live in an age, when great and commendable exertions are , "' ,"'""' '■'*'"■'»' ="•'•• "n ""'Pl'^ recompence to those rirf.t m.uc,«. ..uhvidual., who a,. „obly p„.„i„, Ls worthy ol^Jfl; thr,s.,a„ chanty. a„d: patriotic.,. In addition to thecal" i.uy arc the ],o„oured means of diffusing among our humbler dwel ...gs. ,„ „,,.ovod habits, and augmented soeia, eomfortrtyto ." pressib y cheer the natality and the bereavement of the lowly aTd co„,fortiess cottage. The pardon of all former sins tiZl ..on of U,e mora, faculties, the consolations of Divi o'i ere :r 1,0 Scnptural prospect of a better world ; these blessing?:^ ^t, "ust he an u.eonce.vablc solace to an afflicted fellow-n.an, whose Pen.'ry and pnvations accompany him to his grave ■ iet, the Royal ton.b ren.iuds us, that this same piety, this same prepara ,on for the last hour, is as needful in a palace ^'n a eotZ or a pr,„ce as for a peasant. The elai„,s of personal r" hi are as powerlul upon those in „,e n,„s. exalted stations, as „p.„ i Zd! oa s „, the n,ost subordinate. These clain.s none should either dil P .eord,sregar.l; because none can Snaliy avert the awful cri, wh.ch so solenndy enforces then,. The sepulture of a n,ona 1 a,ld,.esses ,ts awakening admonitions to all whose inferior de Ztf greatness may lead them to a fo,-getfuh,ess of their own appr^c, bu,-,ul. It s.nys to then,, " //,™ /„.c « no couU.,„i„„ 1 "y^: nc ,s.horl !-lJ, ,„, ,,,„ ,„„^ /"--Discouraging views of th a ta„,„,,le,,ess of piety, „.ay so,„eti,„es prevent theV,Lit If it, vc^ o he part ol l,e e,niue„t in earthly station, as Jl as the ind gj, ,.,s,,rely, when we behold the evening days of royalty, bo i g to ,t> ela,n,s, and buoyed np by its consolatious ; we have the n, « -..;.at,ug encouragcneut for every sou, of man, ^f wha teTe, de^' Lastly : An ,„Mi,i„„„l Motive to s,^e„ greatest personage on earth. But something unusual appears to be necessary, to awaken, very generally, tlie serious attention of the Great of this world, to a suitable notice of the things of God ! Nor is there any thing so likely to effect this object, as the moral and economical elevation of the poorer classes, by the unassisted influence! of the religion of Christ I Those who are endeavouring fully to leaven the It ss elevated ranks of the community, with the spirit of a genuine Christianity, do most effectually provide for the spiritual welfare of the morcr noble and illustrious. By this means they surround our mansions and palaces with upright and holy vvitnessses for God, and fervent and faithful remembrancers of him. A truly good man, how lowly soever may be his earthly condition, exhibits, in his conduct and temper, a living piety, which no infidelity can disprove, nor inadver- tency misapprehend. The Christianization of the poorer and mid- dling classes of mankind, evinces the fitness of the Gospel to raise the character of man ; and furnishes, to all observers, a powerful exhibition, because a practical one, of the Divinity of our Faith. Let us, then, continue to pursue this arduous and triumphant object, by our prayers, our example, and by whatever other instru- mentality may be providentially placed within our reach. Every additional parcel of land brouglit under cultivation, throughout the circumference of any given district, tends the more effectually to promote the same object, even to its very centre. It is the same in morals. In the order of God, piety shall rise througii all the various gradations of human society. Our Redeemer addressed his dis- courses, indiscriminately, to all descriptions of men. But it is spe- cially recorded, as the immediate effect of his inimitable ministry, that " the common people heard him gladly." The former successes of this Holy Cause, indicate those which are yet to ai)pear. Our Divine Master has promised, that our endeavours to benefit the more accessible brai ^hes of the human family, shall result in the conversion and salvation of the less accessible. " For they shall all know me, from the least even nnto the greatest, saith the Lord." Nor should we retire from the public consideration of truths so universally important, and so infinitely momentous, without ascer lieved. tailiing to what extent they have proved beneficial to ourselves. 4 of thouglit, , and enjoined thority :" and well-being of lal appears to tentioii of the f God ! Nol- le moral and 3ted influence; less elevated Christianity, of the more >ur mansions , and fervent n, how lowly conduct and , nor inadver- irer and mid- ospel to raise i, a powerful )ur Faith. d triumphant other instru- iach. Every roughout the effectually to s the same in ill the various !ssed his dis- But it is spe- ible ministry, Tier successes ippear. Our ) benefit the result in the they shall all Lontr of truths so ithout ascer- to ourselves. 4 31 which alone originates obedient love to Pn,! . """■'' of life. The salvation of God L offerld fir t'l """* """"'" "He who made us without our^ Iv^f wi,u ' ° ''"'""^"."° "' '^■ selves." Yet, He „mu,h °"™"=''. "'" "»' »»>■« us without our- • w, tie wmtelli to be gractom~mi deinanHeil. -!,« ourrence and eo-opera.ion of returning sinnerf T„ th ', 7, proachinir T?..f /■ / // ^^ of Judgment is fast ap- "»-e,elingi;:g^rtlS■2;:;;r^sereLgt:^^^^^^^^^^^ Ae hack, for us, erUereU inU, ,U My p, J He ultl T^ to the u„er„u,s, that conu. u,Uo gJCj iZ. "'"'*'"" """' "-'» " Thou standest in the Iioly place, As now for guilty sinners slaiii ; The blood of sprinkling speaks, and prays, All prevalent, for helpless man !_ Thy blood is still our ransom found, And speaks salvation all around." Through our adorable Saviour, many of you, my brethren | a,„ fe»& In Inm ,/«, „/,„ trnslcl, after Amy, ,,eard the ward of truth the gospel of , jour soh-ation, in w,u,„/also, after th.Ze ^ lure,l,ye„re sealed ,eUh that Holy Spirit ofprjse, ,elJis,l,e zZii:"' "**'- ""''■' "" -— "/;/'^— ^ At the same time, the ,e,uier ,„ereies of our Ro,leomer are over an h.s,oork. It was the Divine purpose, ,ha, he hu the „„„. I God. should taste death for every u,au. And he hath sent forth the wondrous and joyful iiitellig