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În friendship he was warm, sincere, constant. His gravity and seriousness never degenerated into melan choly. A temperate cheerfulness always indeed beam ed in his countenance, when he had opportunity and leisure to express it; and he highly relished the socie ty of his friends.

He was punctual in attending to the duties of his office; methodical and accurate in performing them. The severest pain and suffering neither subdued his fortitude, nor exhausted his patience. And for prudence and wisdom as well, as fortitude and integrity, he was eminently distinguished through the whole course of his public life. The growth and prosperity of the University under this Presidency,* which is longer than that of any predecessor, except the celebrated President Holyoke,† bear ample testimony to the fidelity and solid talents of President Willard.

This great and good man was firmly attached to the rights and privileges of our country; and decidedly gave support to order and good government, to faithful, upright, and wise administrations, and to those measures, which in his judgment were calculated to promote the public welfare and happiness.

President Willard was a learned, rational, and judicious Divine. He aimed at informing the understand

* Perhaps it may not be improper, as it reflects honor on the President, who certainly had great merit in this point of view, just to observe, that in this period considerable progress has been made in improving the system of Instruction, given in the University. The advantages for acquiring many of the branches of knowledge, before taught, have been increased; and sundry additional ones have been introduced. And the regard to order, decorum, and study, which has in general happily prevailed among the Students for several years past, is pleasing evidence of the good state of the Society.

+ President Holyoke was in the office about 31 years and 8 months. The Rev. Charles Chauncy, S. T. B. whose Presidency in respect to duration is next to that of President Willard, was in the office about 17 years, and 3 months

ings, and mending the hearts and lives of his hearers. While President he occasionally preached to the Congregation, that worships in this house,* and to other Congregations; and he performed these labors of love two Lord's days, while on his last journey. Learning, strong sense, pertinency, correctness and judgment were conspicuous in his theological compositions; some of which are before the Public. A spirit of genuine and rational piety animated him. His love to God and man was without dissimulation. He abborred that, which is evil; he cleaved to that, which is good.

In paying a just tribute of respect to eminent worth, let it not be thought, that I affirm or insinuate, that our beloved and much esteemed President was faultless and perfect, that he was elevated above the lot of humanity. But I shall be supported in asserting, that his imperfections were very few, and that it was the great object, at which he habitually aimed, to conform his heart and life to the standard of perfection. And resolution and perseverance, when engaged in the pursuit of an object, which on mature consideration was deemed of importance, were prominent features in his character. He lived the life of the righteous, and his end was peace.

To the worthy, bereaved Consort we offer the most sincere condolence. Her nearest and best friend on earth being removed, may God be her friend and protector! And may the consideration, that the life of her friend was protracted to such a length, and that it was so honorable and useful to the close, mitigate

* The Meeting House of the first Parish in Cambridge, where the Imme. diate Government of the University and the Students attend public worship on the Lord's day.

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her sorrow! And especially may she indulge the cons soling reflection, that for him to be absent from this world, is to be present with the Lord; is to be free from pain and sorrow, and to be in the enjoyment of ineffable happiness! Precious indeed is the thought to mourning friends, that in the heavenly state the virtuous and good, who reciprocated in acts of kindness and benevolence in this world, will recognise their former mutual acquaintance, and renewedly improve each other's felicity. Might not the indulgence of a hope, that the dearest kindred spirit would be the first to welcome our arrival in the realms of light, brighten the countenance of expiring life?

May every needed support and consolation be afforded to the children, who have lost one of the best of Fathers! With sorrow may they mingle gratitude for the wise counsel he has given them, and for the excellent example he has set before them for imitation! And may God protect, guide, and prosper them!

To all the relatives and friends of the deceased we wish divine consolation. May this affliction work for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!

The President of the University presides in the Corporation as well, as in the Immediate or Executive Government, and has a seat at the Board of Overseers. These different branches of the Government must sensibly feel the loss of a President of such solid talents, such substantial worth, such weight and dignity of character. And they will unite with one voice in mutual condolence, and in devout supplication to the Father of lights to direct to the choice of a successor, possessing like qualifications for presiding with honor and usefulness.

Great indeed and in close succession are the breaches, which Divine Providence has seen fit to make upon us. In the course of about thirteen months, we have lost Professor Tappan*; whose elegant composition, amiable disposition, warm benevolence, and animated devotion charmed and meliorated the whole Society. Alas, my Brother, for thou wast very dear to me! Dr. Howardt, a Fellow of the College, whose amiable and exemplary deportment, clear and forcible reasoning, recommended the religion he taught, disarmed and silenced opposition. And we must now add our much revered President, whose extensive and profound erudition, dignity and generosity of mind, and inflexible virtue commanded universal respect. May the great Giver of every good and perfect gift supply these ya. cancies !

The tender relation, we sustain to the Students, leads us deeply to sympathize with them in their loss; a loss indeed incalculable. The President's feelings toward them were truly parental. He ever earnestly wished their improvement in useful knowledge, their virtue, and happiness; and for them with great sincerity he offered up daily prayers. Animated by contemplating an example of such extraordinary success, may they be ardent and assiduous in making those literary and scientific acquisitions, which strengthen and adorn the mind, and qualify for honor and usefulness in the world! And may they observe in the whole of their conduct the sacred precepts of Religion, as being nç

*The Rev. David Tappan, D. D. Hollis Professor of Divinity, was inducted into the office December 26, 1792; and died August 27, 1803.

The Rev. Simeon Howard, D. D. Minister of the West Church in Boston, was elected a Fellow of the College November 27, 1780; and died August 13, 1804.

cessary to complete and crown a character, and essential both to present and future felicity! And may the divine blessing rest upon them!

To all this Assembly the voice of Providence in this melancholy event is solemn and admonitory. It teaches us our frailty and mortality; the fleeting, transitory nature of all earthly enjoyments; and admonishes us with forcible emphasis, to be also ready. The Fathers, where are they? And the Prophets, do they live forever? Let us listen to the warning voice and obey. Let us comfort one another with the declaration of the Saviour of men, that even a sparrow falls not to the ground without our Heavenly Father, And let us mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace. May the promises of our holy religion support and elevate our minds; and direct our view to those happy regions, where every tear will be wiped from the eye, and where we shall meet our departed friends with full assurance of never being called to another separation! The soul, purified from the dross of this flesh, will live in immortal youth and vigor, with faculties expanding, and sources of enjoyment perpetually flowing. Our much beloved, our venerable President sleepeth. But, thanks be to God, he will awake. Thanks be to God, that life and immortality are brought to light through the Gospel. Thanks be to God, that this corruptible will put on incorrup tion, and this mortal will put on immortality; and that death will then be swallowed up in victory.

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