TIIE eONQUEST OVEit. 15EASH. prisoners of hope, and together they shall obtain a glob- ous release. I would copy a line from that most beautiful elegy of David, : and apply it here . with rnoi-e justice than the psalmist could to Saul and Jonathan, Sant: Lòvely and pleasant, were they, in their lives, and in death they, were nbt divided. Silent were they, and retired from the world, and unknown except to their intimate friends : But God was a witness of their hours of-divine retirement. The graces of Christianity, and the virtues of domestic life, which are the - proper ornaments of the sex, were the mark of their utmost aim And ambi- tion : nor did they seek the flatteries of the court, or the cityr nor affect the gaieties ofa degenerate age. Humble they were, and averse from public shew and noise ; .nor will I disturb their graves by making them the subject of public praise. In the hearts of their families, their me- mory, their image, and their example will live. O may the brightest and best part of their image and example live in the character and practice.of all that are left behind ! -What' a dreadful and overwhelming thought is it to suppose that any of that honoured and numerous house- hold should be divided asunder at the last day ! Give all diligence then, my worthy friends, to make your calling and your election sure: devote yourselves to the God of your predecessors; trust in the same Saviour; tread in the same paths of holiness ; and pursue the same glory. What a joy .will it.be to that pious lady that is gone be- fore, to find, that taose that were dear to her as her own soul have overcome sin and death, and in a blessed suc- cession arrive at the same heaven ? Let me intreat you togive her this satisfaction, and not disappoint her prayers and her hopes. Let your venerable surviving parent, who is now confined at' home under sorrows and sharp pains,. obtain this pleasure. - Let that dear partner Of her joys and cares behold the power of religion appearing and reigning in all your hearts before his eyes are closed . in death. Give both of them this consolation at the ap- pearance of Christ, that they may say, " Lord, here we are, and the children that thou hast given us. . Here we are with our ancestors, and our offspring, and our kin- 5
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