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LIFE, CHARACTER, AND PUBLIC SERVICES 



OF THE LATE 



EX-PRESIDENT POLK: 



DELIVERED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES 



CITY OF BOSTON, 



JUI/H" 25, 1849. 



— — - — 

BY LEVI W00DBL T #y j: .LL.D 



BOSTON: 
1849. 

J. H. EASTBURN . . . CITY PRINTER. 



honor," even " by the locks." He was elected a mem- 
ber of the State Legislature in the year 1823, and two 
years afterwards a member of Congress. Then I first 
had the pleasure of forming a personal acquaintance 
with him, and with the faithful partner of his sorrows 
and joys, at that time in the bloom of youth, buoyant 
with hope, and inspiring all around her with respect 
for her amiability and virtues. She was a new star 
to help guide his future destiny. I have seen her 
since, more matronly and yet more adorned by the 
graces, devoted to the discharge of the appropriate 
duties in her high sphere, winning the admiration of 
thousands by the marvellous propriety of her manner, 
and returning with dignity to a more secluded life 
with a long vista before her of friendships to be 
brightened, domestic affections cultivated, new scenes 
in both continents to be visited,^ and hosts of com- 
forts and luxuries to be collected around the downhill 
of life, and enjoyed so as doubly to bless her in com- 
pany with him to whom in early love she had bound 
her mortal destiny for weal or woe. What a change 
has since come over this paradise by the calamity we 
now deplore ! 

And though she may possess firmness of nerve and 
religious resignation to bear with becoming fortitude, 
though not without anguish and torture of heart, the 
severance of the closest of earthly ties, she must have 
the sympathies of us all in the desolating change 

* Mr. and Mrs. Polk contemplated travelling in Europe next autumn. 
2 



10 



from her high hopes and enjoyments, dashed at once 
in i" fragments ; and, in their stead, sickness and 
death, sack-cloth and ashes, the sad funeral drapery 
and the chill damps of the tomb. 

\ ery soon after entering Congress, Mr. Polk began 
to be appreciated for his untiring devotion to busi- 
ness. He was distinguished also for care in his exam- 
important subjects, and for promptitude and 
spirit in debate. His speaking was always animated 
and usually effective. But, what in such a practical 
body often goes beyond mere oratory— he soon ac- 
quired the character of "a safe man." Every one 
knew, likewise, beforehand, where to find him. He 
belonged to that school in politics, where the strictest 
construction of the constitution prevails, and through 
his whole career endeavoured to carry out its views. 
He was no iynisfcduus, at any period of his public life; 
but firm, steadfast, armed with what he believed to be 
well grounded principles — and with courage no less 
than fortitude to stand by to the last what he had 
concluded to be right. These qualities, ere long, en- 
sured high confidence; and confidence was speedily 
followed by farther honors no less than esteem. 

lie became placed at the head of some of the most 
important committees in the House, and when associat- 
ed with that of Ways and Means, in Is-'il and L835, 
thr most working, if not must responsible, station in 
Congress, I enjoyed in the treasury department slill 
closer opportunities of witnessing his careful and 
1 Li a! turn of mind. 



11 



While anything remained to be known for illustrat- 
ing his measures — anything to repel assaults on them 
— he was indefatigable in becoming possessed of it. 
The patient inquiry, the wide research, the midnight 
lamp, the earliest dawn were all put in requisition. 

The committees over which he presided were soon 
more distinguished than usual. Indeed, the commit- 
tees of Congress are always the great instruments of 
its power, and their chairmen are even more to the 
committees than are the latter to Congress. They 
are its eyes, ears and hands, and without diligence 
and talents in them, system and punctuality in the 
head, and especially in crises such as he had to en- 
counter, in vain may Paul preach, or Apollos water. 

Appreciating and anxious to reward qualities like 
these, which Mr. Polk had exhibited as Chairman of 
the Committee of Foreign Relations, and of Ways and 
Means, the house early marked him as a fit person to 
preside over its deliberations. No station in the gov- 
ernment is more imposing or influential in legislation 
than that of presiding officer of a popular body to 
make and unmake laws for a great and free people. 

After one failure to choose him when nominated as 
a candidate, he was at last, near the close of 1835, 
elected speaker of the House of Representatives. 
This elevated him to the regulation in debate and in 
the disposal of responsible business of one of the most 
difficult assemblies which the world has ever known. 
He was surrounded by watchful opponents. He was 



L2 



■ 1 by the disappointed. Ho met envy in one 

quarter. Be encountered morbid jealousy in others. 

Bui it was good for him to he thus exposed, as he 

- undoubtedly thus made more vigilant and indus- 

It was useful to the country, also, as it thus 
became better served. It was not wrong, or to be 
lain o far as regards even assailants, when not 

overstepping the bounds of truth and courtesy. 

Opposition thus exercised evinces independence, 
freedom of thought and moral courage; — and without 
these the administration and legislation in a republic 
arc likely to become as degenerate as in a despotism. 

But he came out of the fiery furnace unscorched, 
and triumphing over all obstacles, after his two terms 

speaker expired in 1839, he retired to private life 
with the presage of higher honors awaiting him in the 
distance. 

Foretold even then the future greatness which 
an to brighten his horizon, enjoying in advance 
and in hope some foretaste of its glories, how would 
his cheek have blanched and his heart faltered if not 
fainted, had some guardian angel, in the midst of his 
joyous tive, whispered like a seer of olden 

time, that its toils and anxieties were to sow the seeds 
of di d hasten him to an untimely grave. 

Notwithstanding our natural solicitude to know 

future it is truly fortunate that the curtain of 

fate remains, beforehand, undrawn, or we should 

Bhrink back from many laudable efforts, seeing often 



13 



a path before us that leads but to the tomb — or at 
least to pains — desertion of friends — ruined health 
and broken fortunes, where all, while shrouded from 
view, was forced by hope to appear bright with enjoy- 
ment and honors. 

Mr. Polk was not allowed long to remain in privacy. 
He was soon elected Governor of Tennessee after a 
stormy canvass, which, as in the west, being conduct- 
ed often in person " from the stump," depends much 
for success on adroitness in debate and ability and 
fulness of information to ward off victoriously the 
blows of a skilful antagonist. 

All this was united in him. But from a combination 
of causes, which it is not necessary nor fit to discuss in 
their political bearings before this mixed audience, Mr. 
Polk was in another contest for Governor defeated. 
Yet, Antseus like, when falling to the earth, he seemed 
to rise again with renewed strength, and aided by 
sympathies of friends and by new agitating questions 
in the general government, as well as divisions among 
those friends in respect to former favorites, he was in 
1844, in the democratic convention of that year, un- 
expectedly at so early a day, honored by the nomina- 
tion to the highest station in the gift of a free people. 
His election took place in the following winter, at 
the early age of forty-nine, being the youngest ever 
elevated to that important office. He entered on its 
duties on the 4th of March ensuing, amidst new re- 
sponsibilities, new labors, new dangers, new trials of 



14 



mind and nerves. The manner in which he met 
these, may not in all respects, though harmonized as 
we are by death, be viewed in the same light by 
different parties, nor by all of any party. But on an 
occasion like this — amidst great scenes within our 
great common country — there is room enough for all 
to move on, without elbowing or jostling in political 
strife. Some things are certain. The success which 
crowned his efforts few will deny. The eventful 
character of his administration, and the critical exi- 
gencies with which it had to deal, all must concede. 
And where such an uniform triumph attended his 
measures, variegated as they were in character, though 
accident and the exertions of others might contribute 
Lething to the result, it is hardly philosophical to 
attribute all of it to them. Certain predominant 
qualities in the pilot at the helm in any vessel, and 
much more the vessel of state, will tell throughout the 
voyage. They will break out in every gale, every 
peril. One kind of genius, and that most fruitful of 
success in life, is the power of concentrating all the 
faculties on the business in hand; and this Mr. Polk 
manifestly possessed in an eminent degree, in relation 
to the affairs of public life. A never failing and ever 
useful accompaniment to it in him wassound common 
sense — that sterling, practical view of men and things 
which is taken by the millions, and alone can move 
tli" millions. To this, in the Presidential chair. .Mr. 
Polk added uncommon industry, vigilance, fidelity, 



15 



and much disregard of what he deemed captious cen- 
sure, whether from friend or foe. 

Iiis public state papers, without evincing remark- 
able features of rhetoric or style, are always well 
argued, intelligible and full ; and his speeches while 
in that situation, and especially during his northern 
tour, two years since, when many of you had the 
happiness to listen to him, were very appropriate. 

Without aiming either in dress or manners to be 
a man of fashion or finished elegance, his intercourse 
with other public functionaries, whether foreign or 
domestic, Avas easy and dignified, and his deportment, 
towards the community generally, cordial. He never 
seemed to forget that he sprung from the ranks of the 
people, that he belonged to a government of the peo- 
ple, and that he was but a servant of the people. In 
every station which he had filled, as well as in the last 
and highest, his morality likewise was without a stain, 
and though not a professor of religion till the closing 
scenes of life, he was uniform in paying respect to its 
principles, and in attendance on public worship. This 
attendance was usually with the Presbyterian Church, 
though he received on his death-bed the rites of bap- 
tism from an Episcopal Methodist Clergyman. 

In his last elevated office, with such talents and 
such impressive traits in his character without dero- 
gating from the very successful efforts of his cabinet 
ministers in their respective spheres, it must be but 
justice to say, that, independent of his constitutional 



16 



Bponsibility for their measures, and hence his right- 
l'ul and useful control over them, he could not but 
have exercised other Influences less direct on every 
important executive proceeding. The impulses of his 
rare combination of qualities of head and heart being 

nerally felt by those around him, must, for instance, 

have contributed to caution in foreign negotiations, to 

watchfulness in conducting a distant and dangerous 

Avar, and to promptitude and energy in meeting the 

l financial difficulties of the crisis. His daily life 

came a daily example to those more closely con- 
nected with him, but it was so by its strong moral 
influence rather than by any brilliant or dazzling 
energies of a master spirit. Such a moral influence, 
constant, strong and wide, is durable instead of tran- 
sient in its consequences — imprints its footsteps into 
the rock rather than the sands of time — and is more 
useful, by its abiding results to the community, than 
all the confiscations of mere genius. In short, moral 
influence thus advances the social condition, as well as 
the political, and forwards fast the progress, the civili- 
zation and best hopes of humanity, while other influ- 
ence.-' too often retard the whole, and east many a 
blight over the pages of history. Can it be, then, that, 
1 — essed of this great influence, accompanied^ as it 
was by the large official patronage attached to his 
station, and by experience in public life so extensive — 
can it be too much to claim for him that the remark- 
able success which attended his chief magistracy de- 



17 



penciled on something more than mere accidental causes 
or the assistance conferred by others ? Reflect a mo- 
ment on the length and breadth of that success. How 
much was accomplished within so brief a period ? A 
mere outline of it, the most naked skeleton, will show as 
many great events as sometimes spread over a century 
of history. 

Indiscriminate eulogy is without value or point; 
and hence at the risk of being thought by some not 
sufficiently enthusiastic, it has been and will be my 
endeavor "nought to extenuate," and to hold the 
mirror up faithfully to the truth and nature of the 
leading features in his admirable character and re- 
markable administration. I do not consider it as a 
part of his fame that he planned many of these great 
events. He did not enter on his high station with a 
magazine in his mind, full of magnificent and imposing 
measures to be attempted. 

Though a young man, comparatively, and from the 
enterprising west, his character was rather wary than 
rash — rather to follow than devise — rather to meet, 
resolutely, difficulties and dangers, when thrust on 
him, than to project them, or to indulge in novel 
designs or to court deeds of danger and blood. Not 
like the hero who sleeps near him at the Hermitage^ 
born to carry conquests among hostile savages, or 
meet on our shores an invading foe, and drive back 
profaners of our soil, but rather a civilian, formed to 
husband carefully and defend well what others have 



18 



bravely won. Thus, while president, he found himself 
in a most eventful age; but it seemed made so by 
others more than himself. He added, to be sure, 
something to the great deeds and stirring incidents of 
the era, but this was rather forced on him than sought. 
His ambition was more for the calm than the tempest; 
and his reputation will rest chiefly on the successful 
manner in which he managed the vessel of state in the 
various perils which he was compelled to face. 

Thus, for a moment, as to Oregon. The course of 
events had produced a crisis almost unavoidable. Her 
limits and exclusive occupation were, therefore, un- 
der his administration settled. Though Ions before 
agitated — even a quarter of a century — yet a regular 
government by the United States was, under him, first 
flung beyond the Rocky Mountains, and their laws 
and institutions first carried formally and fully to the 
waves of the Pacific. Grant, that all was not obtained 
by his arrangement which the sanguine hoped ; grant, 
as was the conviction of many, that our rights to 
54° 40' were clear; grant, that it w r as on several 
accounts desirable to stretch our limits to their utmost 
verge ; yet can it be said that the peace of the coun- 
try with a great kindred power, and the exclusive 
possession and settlement and growth of twelve or 
thirteen degrees of latitude, and under the reign of 
established laws rather than the rifle or the toma- 
hawk, was not a high national object, desirable to be 
accomplished speedily, though at the expense of some 



19 



territory. All must admit that, on a subject most 
sensitive, further painful collisions were thus obvi- 
ated — doubts and difficulties of many years standing 
closed, and the prospect of future war between races 
almost fraternal, thrown off, and it is hoped, for ages. 
Next behold the annexation of Texas, finished under 
his auspices. Though it is conceded far from having 
originated with him, yet this measure was, during his 
administration, carried into complete effect — consoli- 
dated. She was not then merely preparing to come 
into the Union — anxious and negotiating — but was 
actually brought in, and her representatives mingled 
with ours in the halls of legislation — her troops bleed- 
ing with ours on the field of glory, and her lone star 
united in our political galaxy forever. 

The importance of this measure, thus perfected 
under Mr. Polk's administration, can only be appre- 
ciated by the vindication it has afforded to the right 
of self government ; and the large addition it has made 
to our territory — no less than to our securities in future 
difficulties — and the hostile weapons both in peace and 
war it has wrenched from our opponents, and the 
vast markets for our manufactures it has opened, and 
the new employments presented for our navigation. 
Superadded to all this has been the acquisition of 
California and new Mexico — larger in territory than 
half our old thirteen states combined. 

This has been more exclusively a measure of his 
administration. There have been added by it to our 



20 



lir domain and to the Union — lands broad enough 
to support a nation — rich enough in gold for half a 
world — harbors, capacious enough for whole navies — 
and almost indispensable for safety and supplies to 
the greatest whaling marine of the globe. The chief 
regret^ mingled with this, may be the inability as yet 
to agree on any but a military government over this 
great acquisition, and which makes a strong demand 
on our liberality and exertions, as it already has done 
on our sympathies, to establish the law of the Union 
r what has been purchased by means of the money 
and blood of this consecrated league of fraternal states. 
Such remote regions are likely soon to become alien- 
ated, if not duly protected and bound to us — by 
benefits and improvements, such as are necessary to 
their growth in commerce and close attachment to the 
Union, even though requiring an Isthmus railroad, or 
one spanning half the continent in higher latitudes, 
and which are so much stronger ties than any of mere 
paper or parchment. 

Besides these mementoes of his public career, as 
president, has been a war unsought, but waged — 
brilliant — chivalrous by sea as well as land; and 
among its memorable victories not the least — fortified 
towns conquered, and a capital subdued — renowned 
a- the seal of empire under the Montezumas, and 
though Bituated over 7. <><)(> feet above the ocean — 
and hundreds of miles from its shores — yet all accom- 
plished under orders, supplies and reinforcements from 



21 



a distance equal to a quarter of the diameter of the 
globe. It is these extraordinary triumphs, under Mr. 
Polk's administration which, however as party poli- 
ticians we may differ as to their usefulness or justifi- 
cation, help to give a character to him and that admin- 
istration in all coming time. They have astonished 
Europe, and carried the fame of the American flag into 
both hemispheres higher and wider than in any former 
age. Not the least among its glories has been — forbear- 
ance to the fallen, the conquerors bringing away scarcely 
any spoils of war, except one, perhaps the choicest in 
history, the reputation of showing great humanity to 
the vanquished, and rare moderation in victory. What 
is no less extraordinary in a republic, peace followed 
under the same chief magistrate by whose recommen- 
dation war was declared. The victorious chieftains, 
also, who more immediately won the laurels, have 
withdrawn to their homes and to peaceful duties as 
quietly as they would retire from a church service or 
funeral obsequies — rather than attempting to turn 
their swords against their common country, or like the 
Alexanders and Tamerlanes of antiquity, to ravage 
other unoffending nations. Say nothing debatable 
then in a party view, as to all these memorials of his 
fame or the different lights and shadows in which they 
appear to different minds — say nothing as to several 
important changes in the laws on financial and indus- 
trial subjects, beside postal arrangements by sea-, 
during the exciting term of his presidency, and which 



22 



time will permit us hardly to enumerate, much less 
discuss — say only, that all these striking events in 
peace and war, requiring ages to develop their full 
suits, have happened, and this in the brief space of 
four years, and enough is said to hand down to after 
ages the renown of him who guided the whole. His- 
tory will do credit to events like these, or become no 
better than romance. And though it may not paint 
him without faults, as errors of some kind are insepa- 
rable from the lot of humanity — yet it will do justice 
to his intentions, however at times misled — it will 
yield to him a most pacific temper, however forced 
into war, and will commend him for vigilance, activity 
and most useful and exemplary habits, in conducting 
the whole, whatever severity of criticism has occa- 
sionally been showered on him, and more especially 
for his unexpected vetoes. Mr. Polk thus lived and 
thus triumphed until the period arrived for his return 
once more to the shades of private life. He thus 
lived and triumphed till his measure of patriotism was 
full even to overflowing, till he had done almost every- 
thing in the proudest records of patriotism, except to 
die for his country, — -pro patriot mori, — till, in short, the 
era arrived for him to bid farewell to all official great- 
ness, and hasten home to what, alas, soon became his 
long, last home. lie went amidst the thanks and 
honors of a grateful people, and doubtless in the ex- 
pectation of many years of the mosl choice varieties 
of bliss that have survived the Fall. 



23 



His return was almost one continued triumphal 
procession, and though seeming to us, short-sighted 
mortals, as too quickly afterwards removed from the 
living, yet he died only when it is probable he would 
have lived no longer for the public service, but chiefly 
for his family and hosts of friends. 

Like two of his distinguished predecessors, as presi- 
dent, he was childless ; but surrounded with almost 
' every other blessing, and amidst all the solaces of his 
calm retreat, so deceitful are the promises of life, that 
in little more than three brief months he has been 
summoned to the dread realities of another world. 
" What shadows we are," may be seen most impres- 
sively in his fate, so soon to be obliged to part with 
so many treasured hopes and enjoyments, and pass 
that " bourne whence no traveller returns." 

He does not seem to have been unaware of his 
danger from the first approach of the king of terrors. 
He had been admonished on this same subject, by the 
same insidious foe, when on his visit among us in 
1847. Long before the fatal blow was struck, he had 
felt his frame attenuated, and his hair thinned and 
whitened by its repeated attacks, added to his severe 
official labors. But he met his fate with fortitude and 
resignation. In the same house where his early friend 
and instructor, Mr. Grundy, lived and expired, he 
sunk slowly to his last rest with unclouded faculties, 
amidst the consolations of our holy religion, and with 
the sympathies of troops of personal friends, and the 



24 



prayers and tears of a widowed mother and a heart- 
broken wife. 

He sleeps now, where flattery, if indulged in, could 
not " soothe the dull cold car of death" But it is only 
just to add that a nation laments his premature de- 
parture — a nation is proud of his name and fame — a 
nation will embalm his worth — a nation unites in 
paying the last sad honors to his memory. And while 
the authorities of this ancient and honorable city con- 
tribute their share in the ceremonies, the credit of it 
will be reflected on them no less than on him ; and 
their liberality and magnanimity will help to illustrate 
both their own character and the high worth of the 
deceased, considering that it is able so to win their 
respect and draw forth their eulogies. 



PRAYER 



REV. J. BANVARD 



Our Father who art in heaven ; with thee are the 
issues of life, and in thy hand are the keys of death ; 
Thou raisest up one and castest down another, and teach- 
est all to accomplish, as an hireling, their day. Thou 
sittest upon the throne of the universe, and performest 
thy pleasure among the armies of heaven and the chil- 
dren of men — none being able to stay thy hand, or hav- 
ing authority to say, What doest thou ? 

Assembled as we are on the present occasion, without 
regard to our peculiar views of national policy, but simply 
in our capacity as fellow citizens, having common hopes 
and privileges, common enjoyments and responsibilities, 
to testify our respect for one who, by the suffrages of his 
countrymen, has occupied various important stations in 
the government, — we implore thy blessing to rest upon 
us. May we be enabled to take a correct view of that 
afflictive dispensation which has given occasion for these 
funeral obsequies; may we rightly interpret the lessons 
which, by this painful event, thou dost inculcate. 

We here see one, who, after occupying the highest 
position of honor and power in the gift of the nation, and 
one ofthe most exalted stations in the world, withdrawing 
from the excitement and responsibilities of public, to the 
calm enjoyment of private life. But alas ! instead of re- 



20 



posing for years, in dignified retirement upon his honors, 
how soon was he required to relinquish those honors and 
to enter upon the realities of "that world which no mor- 
tal may know !" So true is it that it is not in man that 
walketh to direct his steps — that whilst man's heart 
deviseth his way, layeth his plans and cherisheth high 
hopes, the Lord directeth his steps — so true is it that man 
at his best estate is altogether vanity. For thou chang- 
ed his countenance and sendest him away; thou teach- 
est him to say to corruption thou art my father, and to 
the worm thou art my mother and sister, and in the grave 
will I make my bed. Yet this is but the repetition of an 
event which had previously and frequently occurred. 
Our Presidents — those who have successively occupied 
this eminent position sk:ce the formation of our govern- 
ment — where are they ? and our fathers, our senators, and 
our judges, do they live forever ? Alas ! Death regards no 
distinctions of age, of talent, nor of station. He comes 
uninvited to the highest seats of the executive ; he visits 
the officers of the army and navy in time of peace as well 
as amid the roar of battle ; he enters our halls of legisla- 
tion, our courts of justice, our seats of learning, and the 
sacred precincts of the pulpit, that there he may select 
incumbents for the grave ; so that we may appropriately 
use the language uttered in ancient times — The Lord of 
Hosts doth take away the mighty man and the man of 
of war, the judge and the prophet, the prudent and the 
ancient, the honorable man and the counsellor, the cun- 
ning artificer, and the eloquent orator. 

With reference to the distinguished individual whose 
sudden demise has startled the nation, and given occasion 
for these solemn services, we thank thee for his personal 
integrity, his private virtues, and for all the influence 
which he exerted whilst occupying his various official 
stations, in favor of the elevation, the Improvement and 
perpetuity of our republican institutions. For all the 



27 



judicious councils, the timely warnings, the sentiments 
of morality, and all the motives to an honorable and pat- 
riotic life which were ever uttered by his lips, or fell 
from his pen, do we sincerely praise thee. 

We deem it an especial cause of gratitude that, in this 
age of scepticism and infidelity, when, by so many in 
the more elevated circles, as well as in the lower walks 
of life, the sacred Scriptures are contemned, the house of 
God abandoned, the Sabbath violated, and the claims of 
Jehovah disregarded, that the influence of his high exam- 
ample has been given in favor of the reading and study of 
the Bible. We thank thee that when, Chief Magistrate 
of the Union, he was accustomed so generally to ob- 
serve the Sabbath, and to frequent the sanctuary of the 
Most High, and that in his last moments, he rendered his 
verdict in favor of the glorious Gospel of the blessed God. 

Whilst we have occasion deeply to regret that during 
his administration, by the prevalence of a most sanguin- 
ary war, so many of our countrymen were sent to un- 
timely graves, it affords alleviation to know that thou 
canst, and to believe that thou wilt, bring good out of 
that which is evil, and gather a revenue of praise from 
the wrath of man. 

Oh thou friend of the afflicted, and Comforter of the 
comfortless, we commend to thee her who, by this pain- 
ful bereavement, is the most deeply affected : may the 
afflicted widow — the chief mourner of the nation, find in 
the truths and promises of the gospel, ample sources of 
consolation and strength. Whilst the remembrance of 
the virtues and the honors of her distinguished com- 
panion, and the official expressions of respect for his 
memory and sympathy for herself, which have been, or 
which may yet be extended to her by the various munici- 
pal and state governments of our land — whilst all this 
may be peculiarly grateful — yet may the promises of thy 
word, the sympathy of a Great High Priest who hath 



28 



passed into the Heavens, and who can be touched with 
tlif feeling of our infirmities as no mortal can, and the 
privilege of approaching the throne of grace, be to her 
bruised and bleeding heart far more precious. May she 
now dwell with unwonted interest upon those consoling 
declarations of thy word — A Judge of the widows is 
God in his holy habitation ; For thy Maker is thy hus- 
band, the Lord of Hosts is his name, and thy Redeemer, 
the Holy o\ie of Israel. Be thou a present help to her in 
this her time of need. Under the influence of the gospel 
in which she professes to confide, may she rise superior 
to her trials and glorify God in the fires. In the exercise 
of a spirit of calm, Christian resignation, may the lan- 
guage of her heart sincerely be, the cup that my Father 
hath given me shall I not drink it ? Not my will but 
thine Oh God be done. By the power of Christian faith 
may she endure as seeing him who is invisible ; may she 
look beyond the cloud which now casts its dark shadow 
upon her path, and anticipate the time when the days of 
her mourning will be ended, when thou wilt wipe all 
tears from her eyes, and when she will be an inhabitant 
of that world where there is no death, nor sorrow, nor 
crying, nor pain, but where in thy presence is fullness of 
joy, and at thy right hand, pleasures for evermore. 

May the whole circle of relatives who have been af- 
flicted by this unexpected' calamity, see the uncertainty 
of earthly grandeur, the brevity of human life, and the 
importance of being habitually prepared for its termina- 
tion. May it be their earnest effort to imitate every no- 
ble, every generous, every patriotic, every commendable 
trail in the character of the deceased. -May they acquit 
themselves like men upon the stage of life, being mainly 
anxious to discharge all their obligations with such strict 
fidelity as to secure the testimony of a good conscience 
and the approbation of Heaven. 

day this solemn admonition of thy Providence be ap- 



29 



propriately regarded by the present Chief Magistrate of 
the Union. Occupying, as he does, an exalted position 
which had been previously filled by a number who are 
now in the world of spirits, may he be suitably impressed 
with the uncertainty of its tenure. Having been a man 
of war comparatively from his youth, and the conqueror 
in many a hard-fought battle, may he in future, reap a 
richer harvest of glory from the peaceful administration 
of the government, than he ever gathered from his vic- 
tories on fields of blood. May his administration be 
eminently wise, just, liberal, patriotic, unsectional and 
efficient. May all the checks and the limitations which 
have been established by the Constitution and the laws 
be duly observed. May there be no usurpation of illegal 
authority, no trampling upon the rights nor disregard of 
the claims of others, but earnest, conscientious and per- 
severing endeavors to protect the rights, to consider the 
claims, and to promote the welfare of all. May the vari- 
ous branches of industry, and all of the useful arts and 
sciences be encouraged and advanced. Through all the 
channels of trade may there flow a healthful current ; 
may all classes of men find profitable employment ; may 
want be banished ; may plenty prevail ; may judicious 
progress and permanent improvement be secured to all 
our valuable institutions ; may peace be successfully cul- 
tivated between this and all foreign nations, and may 
there be great advance made in the encroachments of the 
light and spirit of liberty upon the dark domain of Slavery. 
May thy blessing rest upon the Chief Magistrate of our 
beloved Commonwealth ; upon the Governors of the va- 
rious other States of the Union ; upon our National and 
State Legislatures ; upon our Municipal Government, at 
whose call we have come together, and upon all others 
who are in authority. May they, by the faithful discharge 
of their public trusts, and in the development of their 
private character, prove themselves to be men of integ- 



rity, of sobriety, of moral purity; noble-mided, honorable, 
patriotic, Christian men — truly solicitous to advance the 
interests and the happiness of the nation. 

By the solemn admonition which has occurred, may, 
throughout our land, inordinate ambition — the love of 
power and glory, be checked ; may rapacity for wealth be 
restrained ; may the spirit of party be weakened, and the 
power of selfishness diminished. On the contrary, may 
a spirit of common brotherhood, of enlightened charity, 
and of expansive Christian benevolence, widely prevail. 

We deem it not inappropriate on this occasion to re- 
member that, since the decease of him whom to-day we 
mourn, death has again entered the capital of the nation, 
and removed the venerable and honored relict of one who 
was formerly President of these United States. Thou 
didst permit her to behold the rising glories of her coun- 
try, until the little one had become many millions, and 
the small one, one of the most powerful nations upon 
earth. We thank thee that in the annals of our country, 
so much prominence may be justly given to the influence 
of woman. We thank thee that in the time which tried 
men's souls, the influence of woman stimulated our fa- 
thers to contend earnestly for the defence of their rights, 
the protection of their homes, and for the liberties of their 
country. Oh grant that their virtues may be imitated by 
their sex during many successive generations. Through 
all coming time may the daughters of our land prove 
themselves the worthy decendants of such an honored 
maternity ! 

Ami now, Oh Father, let thy blessing rest upon him 
who is to address us on the present occasion. Prepare us 
for the reception of those truths which he may inculcate ; 
then assist us to return with renewed vigor to the great 
battle of life ; and as there is no discharge in this war, 
■■nut thai when the time comes for us i<> fall, we may be 
found at our post, with our armour on, zealously contend- 



31 



ing for truth, liberty and religion. When to us comes " the 
last of earth" may we be "content." Through faith in 
the Captain of our Salvation, may we with our last failing 
breath be enabled to say — Oh Death where is thy sting ? 
Oh grave, where is thy victory ? Thanks be unto God, 
who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
When the beauties of creation fade from our eyes, may 
the glory of Paradise be brought to view ; when the 
sounds of earthly music and the tones of affection die 
away upon our ear, may we catch the melody of angels ; 
when we bid farewell, to those whom we love on earth, 
may we receive the welcome of beloved ones in Heaven : 
all of which we ask in the name of Him who is worthy 
to receive riches and honor, dominion and power, hence- 
forth and forever, Amen. 



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