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indeed. Let the love of country-its Constitution-be ardent and constant; let all who profess to be citizens of this Republic possess this principle; and then shall we continue to be a free, a mighty, and an independent nation.

3. This affiiction should remind us of the uncertainty of all earthly things.

We are prone to consign to oblivion much which we should remember. So occupied are we with things terrestrial that we often forget our true destiny and act as if this were our permanent home; whereas we are but pilgrims and sojourners here, as were our fathers before us. All things of an earthly nature are characterized by uncertainty. Whatever immunities and privileges we now possess will soon be ours no longer.

We

Life itself is exceedingly precarious." know not what will take place even on the morrow. God, for wise purposes, withholds this knowledge. Hence, we should duly regard the Divine caution, "Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day will bring forth." No situation in life will exempt us from death. The high, the low, the rich, the poor, the honorable, the ignoble, must all alike bow to the Divine decree, "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."

4. Finally, this affliction should lead us to consider, that this life is only preparatory to another, and, therefore, should be improved by us in obtaining the requisite qualification.

We are probationers for eternity, and are assured, that time here will be brief, that the character we now form will determine our future destiny, and that our eternity will be marked by felicity or woe, as time has or has not been improved. How important, then, that we live as dying men should live; that we act as candidates for eternity should act! Fully believing in our own mortality and in the revelation of Heaven, let us timely prepare for our departure by availing ourselves of that salvation which our Redeemer has so dearly purchased and which the Gospel so freely tenders. We have no time of which to be prodigal. A matter of such paramount importance as the salvation of the soul admits of no

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delay. Now is the accepted

now is the day of salvation."

be only now.

time, and behold,

And to us it may

In reference to the habits of our departed President in this great matter much has appeared in the periodicals of the day; and among other things, I have read what is of a consoling nature to his family and to his country. I find that he

was in the daily practice of reading the Holy Scriptures and observing private prayer; and that after he had entered upon the duties of his high and responsible office, he was not unmindful of his obligations to God. We hope, therefore, that he has exchanged a world of perplexity and care for a world of bliss and repose.

And now, while we pay due regard to his memory, let us in this respect follow his example, and prayerfully examine this Holy Bible, "which is able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." Here shall we learn our true character. Here shall we contemplate the love of God to a fallen race. Here shall we be encouraged to trust in Jesus as our Redeemer. Here shall we find "great and precious promises." to cheer and animate us throughout our pilgrimage, to comfort us in the final hour, and to usher us into the inheritance which is "incorruptible. undefiled, and which passeth not away."

God grant that we who have convened this day to render our tribute of respect to the memory of our departed President may so number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. And when life with its sorrows and its joys shall have ended, may we be permitted to join that "innumerable company, the Church of the first

born" above, to participate in their joy and gladness, and to know that sorrow and sighing have fled away to return no more forever. Amen and Amen.

THE FAITHFUL SAYING.

"THIS IS A FAITHFUL SAYING, AND WORTHY OF ALL ACCEPTATION, THAT CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS, OF WHOM I AM CHIEF."-I. Timothy i. 15.

T is highly important, nay, indipensably neces

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sary, that a minister of the Gospel be experimentally acquainted with those saving truths which he proclaims to others.

Scholastic attainments cannot supersede the necessity of heavenly instruction. Human erudition, however profound, is insufficient to furnish qualifications for the announcement of the "unsearchable riches of Christ." It must be granted, however, that learning when combined with grace is also essential to usefulness in the ministerial office.

Paul, having graduated under Gamaliel, had, doubtless, the advantages which flow from a good

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