as brief that he whose plans are predicated on the presumption of attaining the utmost limit of human existence on this side the grave, may be deceived cruelly and fatally. In proportion as dissolution seems out of the course of nature, will be the force of the impression made upon survivors. An evil unlooked for is most appalling. And when disease, rapidly and fatally terminating, occurs in the case of one whose expectations of a long life appear natural and reasonable, our attention is arrestedour feelings excited-we cherish at least a momentary conviction that the fate we are contemplating, will surely, and may shortly be our own.

Such is the monition given us by the example of every human being departing from this world-but, we become familiarized to these scenes, in the mode of their ordinary occurrence, and it is only when there is something peculiar and striking in them, that they exert any permanent influence upon our minds. Such a scene has recently been witnessed in this community. This it was which has occasioned the remarks which have been presented to you, and which I would now apply to your religious improvement. I have already suggested, that the instance of mortality referred to, was marked by no ordinary circumstances. It was not an aged man whom we have lately seen descend into the grave, in whom the powers of life had been long and gradually exhausting, and to whom

dissolution should have been the object of hourly expectation. His was no no fragile form, which seemed inadequate to the exertions, and incompetent to sustain the ordinary ills of life. He had not endured a wasting and protracted disease, which afforded daily intimations of its sure and fatal issue. He was cut off in the bloom and vigor of youth. He had been nursed in the lap of prosperity-he was the subject of solicitude to a numerous connection-he was the object of affection to many associates-and of all this he was deserving. But, with the most flattering expectations, with anticipations of long life as reasonable as could be cherished by any human being, he was cut offhe perished suddenly. And why do we now revert to this mournful dispensation. It is that the living may derive benefit. The example as well as the tongues of dying men, bespeak attention. And even now, a voice seems to issue from the tomb, declaring that not the firmness of manhood in its prime-not the greatest earthly prosperity-not the affection of a parent, exclaiming in agony, would to God I had died for thee, my son-not the love, and esteem, and prayers of numerous friends, could avert the inevitable hour, or save him who was destined to an early grave.

Oh how awful! how striking is the lesson which is thus afforded to us! In life we are in the midst of death-vanity is inscribed upon all earthly pos

sessions-the most fearful calamities may be every moment impending, while we are totally ignorant of their approach.

The language then of the late awful visitation of Providence is-Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the stroke of death shall come. Let me therefore, most earnestly admonish and adjure you to prepare diligently to meet your God. The same necessity is laid upon us all-' And after death the judgment.'

How much more wise and holy should we be, could the impressions which are sometimes made. upon us, be rendered permanent.

Now therefore, that you can in some measure estimate the precarious tenure of life-the insecurity of its possessions, and the necessity of the consolations and provisions of religion-make your determinations in regard to these all important subjects.

The favor of Almighty God is more than wealth-more than distinction-more than all worldly enjoyment-more than life itself. For life is fleeting, and its possessions perish in an hour. The time then, my friends, is short. God may quickly call you to his judgment seat-and remember, that without holiness no man shall behold his face in peace.

Most earnestly would I press this subject upon the attention of the young. Such are prone to

imagine that a preparation for eternity is not a duty which devolves upon them. But, ah! how delusive is their confidence! Does not the mournful occurrence to which we have referred, demonstrate it? Does it not affectingly prove that the liability to death belongs to every period of life. Let me, then, beseech you to remember now your Creator in the days of your youth. Consider that an awful judgment is approaching. Reflect how suddenly it may And endeavor to prepare for a peaceful death, and a happy immortality.

come.

298

SERMON XXVI.

A FUNERAL DISCOURSE.

Preached December, 1825, in the House of Representatives, on the occasion of the death of Messrs. James and Campble.

ECCLESIASTES ix. 5, 6.

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

THE states of life and death present themselves to the imagination in strong contrast, and the passage from the one to the other, is, of all the trials which we are called to encounter, beyond comparison, the most appalling. Evils not extending to the dissolution of the mysterious tie connecting soul and body, require by no means the same fortitude in order to a resolute endurance of