vant, and at length when matured by age, and furnish ed with experience, a vast scene opened before him, where all his talents might be displayed, and all his energies exerted.

Already was America invaded. The roar of British cannon was heard from our harbors, and a martial band was parading on our shores. Every thing was in jeopardy. A secret sigh now escaped from the patriot's bosom.* The sage worn out with toils and bending upon his staff shook his hoary locks and said, "my sons your cause is good, I wish you success, but I fear your undisciplined valour will be overcome in the unequal contest." The hearts of many fainted within them, and many said, "Who is able to go up and fight against this people? for they be mightier than we." At this eventful period the guardians of our liberty looked round with trembling hopes, to find a man who was able to bear his country's shield and who might be trusted to wield her sword. Every eye fixed on Washington. The exploits of his youth now rose in grateful recollection. Their choice was unanimous, and the event proved that it was decided by Heaven. He obeyed the mandate of his country, submitted himself to her disposal, and looking up to God for guidance and protection, went forth and stood in the very front of her dangers. Awful was his responsibility-immense

* See Ramsay's account of the doubts entertained in 1775, by many of the truest friends of Amèrica, concerning the war with Britain.

his duty; in the discharge of which, no one, since the leader who went before Israel through the wilder. ness, ever had greater difficulties to encounter, or met them with greater magnanimity.

For every event he was prepared. In battle he was terrible; skilful in retreat.

In

prosperity he was Not like Saul who When he was un

humble; in adversity unshaken. slew himself on mount Gilboa. successful he submitted to the decree of Heaven, and still trusted in the God of battles.

He knew how to brook disappointment. He could bear with the murmurings and jealousy of the ignorant. Opposition only increased his firmness, danger strengthened his fortitude, and amid all the perils and disasters of the revolution his steady eye never once lost sight of its object-his country's welfare. At length Heaven interposed, lent him the aids of a foreign army, and led him to victory and glory.

Such an instrument of good to mankind, bears on itself the divine impression.

In the achievements of Washington if nothing was miraculous, every thing was providential. The winds and the sea contributed to his victories,

lingering night covered his retreat.†

and the

In the midst of danger, and in the face of death, his life was protracted to a good old age, "and yet his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." He led

When Cornwallis was captured.

From Long-Island.

his brethren not only to the borders, but entered with them into the land of peace; and having once saved his country from ruin by his sword, he again saved it by his counsels and influence.

These were the objects for which this illustrious personage was raised up. And when these objects were accomplished, God laid this instrument in all its majesty aside, to teach the world, that though he had made use of it he needed it not.

Washington is no more. This day reminds us of our loss and mingles anguish with its joy. Ah much loved patriot, while we reap the fruit of thy agony and tɔil, we remember thy name and thy virtues. Thy name is embalmed in our bosoms, and thy virtues are recorded on the living tablets of our hearts.

Look to the sepulchre where he lies and weep. Weep ye hoary veterans who once marched under his banner, and fought by his side. Weep ye mothers, for he shielded your babes by his valour, he watched your dwellings while you slept. Weep, Americans, for Washington the father of your country, the defender of your liberties, is no more.

Let succeeding generations sigh o'er his ashes, and the infants of posterity, lisping his virtues, drop tears of gratitude round his tomb.

In the view of these things, while you contemplate the former sufferings, the present glory and happiness of your country, and the means by which it has been ex. alted to that happiness and glory, can you hesitate to

apply to American Israel the sentiment of my text? Who is the author of these mercies? and whence hath this salvation come? Who preserved your fathers from the tomahawk of the savage,and yourselves from the vengeance of Britain? Who raised up Washington to fight your battles and preside over your councils? Who hath driven out the heathen before you, and set your feet in a broad place? Who hath established your independence on a sure foundation, and given you peace from all your enemies round about? Who hath done all this, yea more than this, who hath shed upon you the light of celestial day, and disclosed to your view the realities of the world to come ?

Manifestly the Lord God of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel.

This is God's kindness to his people. Your fathers leaned on God's promises, and walked in the sunshine of his word. And now while they rest from their labors, we their children are reaping the fruits of their piety and receiving the answer to their prayers.

Do you enquire how you may still prosper, and in what way your inheritance may be rendered permanent and secure? I answer, "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe in his prophets so shall ye prosper." Is God the author of your independence? Has he established you in this land of plenty and of peace? Then have you nothing to seek but his fayor; nothing to dread but his dis

pleasure. Walk then before him and be ye perfect. Let your conversation be such as becometh godliness, Adorn the doctrine of God our savior.

Attend to the education of your children as a matter of the first importance. If you wish them to be governed by motives, and not by stripes; as free men and not as slaves; you must be at pains to furnish their minds with necessary knowledge, especially with the knowledge of religion. You may leave them liberty; but it is a blessing which they cannot long enjoy, unless their understandings are enlightened by science, and their hearts sanctified by grace.

Imitate then the example of your pious ancestors; purture your sons and your daughters in piety; train up your household in the admonition of the Lord. Early teach them subordination. Let their habits of thinking and acting be formed, not from the camelion pages of a newspaper, whose morality is the interest of a party, and whose precepts change with the result of an election; but from the oracles of God. These teach the truest politics; these the purest morals. Hence let them learn to pay tribute cheerfully unto Cæsar, and that to speak evil unjustly of the ruler of God's people is sin.

Guard them against, and guard yourselves against visionary notions of government, founded on mistaken ideas of human nature. Consider that man an enemy who endeavours to make you believe mankind are not depraved, when God and conscience both