i*,. Lii-^ ( (A \ SERMON, Delivered at Salisbury, mass. ON THE DEATH OF HIS EXCELLENCY *7 .^«-" * FEBRUARY 13, 1825, AT THE REQUEST OF THE OFFICERS OF THE 4th regiment, 2d brigade, 2d division, massachusetts militia. BY JAMES BARN A BY, A. M. PASTOR OP THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN SALISBURY. ■NEWBURY PORT : W. Ss J. OILMAN, 9, STATE-STREET. ^ 1825. . 1 Rev. Mr. Barnaby, The undersigned, being a Committee in behalf of the Ofl5cers of the Fourth Regiment, Second Brigade, Second Division, Massachusetts Militia, tender to you their thanks for the excellent Discourse delivered by you this afternoon, on the death of His Ex- cellency William Eustis, and respectfully request a copy for the press. , Samuel Walton, ^ Dudley Evans, > Committee. Daniel Weed, ^ REPLY OF THE AUTHOR. GrEI^TLEMEN, The Discourse delivered at your request on the death of His Excellency William Eustis, though not written with the most distant idea of publication, is respectfully submitted. Yours, &c. J. Barnaby. ''.■:iWrj»*f&.^.'*CT* C em igs lite ere rik- ex- ; al- man s no Lure. iud- nced vs in ii the mea- l the have bilily .y ex- f; and ^oj/^JO UNITED STATES LQAN OFFICE, State ofMaJfachufettSy ^Ji^ 179^ of Loans, Certificate No. ^^ "^J J^^ Z^'- tf^yijt.44^ tlie/<4^^^^^ <^^ per Cent Stock, 1:^]|[_^^ue of a Transfer of ^^^Ji^ Dollars ^from./:^^^^^^-^^:f" An^. ^*2^ a^t^ oocs the rich, — the subject as well as the ruler, shall share in the benevo- lence of Him '' whose loving kindness is better than, life.'' And. when he, who spake man into existence at first, sends his messenger, the distinctions which now exist, will be lost. And, '^•in a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away ; and the mighty shall be taken away with- out hand." These words seem to be a comment on the conduct of Job, by Elihu, for the harsh expressions which dropped from his lips in the heat of his dispute. And from the verses immediately connected with the text, it appears ecpially applicable to nations and individuals. If it were improper to charge earthly princes with impiety, how much more to accuse Him who is the maker of all things, with injustice ; and who regards all his creatures with equal interest. At his pleasure whole nations, in their midnight security, are unex- pectedly hurried into eternity. And the most power- ful princes, and useful rulers, are, by his immediate influence, hurled from their thrones. The history of the Jews is a striking comment on the passage in the former sense. Though a highly favoured nation, they were subject to many reverses of fortune. While they pursued the path of virtue, they possessed the gate of their enemies. Their rulers were from the midst of them. Their substance increased, and their leaders were exactors of righteousness. 9 But when, by a ileceived heart, they were turned aside from the path of wisdom, they found by unhappy ex- perience, that it was an evil and bitter thing to forsake the God of their salvation. Withdrawing the hover- ing and protecting wing of his providence, they were entirely defenceless ; and that, which before was im- pregnable, is vulnerable at every pore. Scattered a- niong the nations of the earth, who knew not the God of Jacob, they were plundered and enslaved. Their great men died ; — their nobles perished from among them ;— and they became an easy prey to the merci- less hand of every invader. The experience of every man attests the truth of the passage in the latter sense. The poor as well as the rich— the ignoble, as well as the noble — the Governor as well as the citizen, are assailed by the shafts of death, and the silence of midnight witnesses their ex- it from time into eternity. No individual can bid de- fiance to the king of terrors ; or resist him in his uni- versal reign. By a silent certain step he advances till lie seizes his prey ; and he, who, but yesterday, walk- ed in the greatness of his strength, to day stands a sol- enin spectacle of all human greatness. Among the many important reflections suggested in the text, we shall invite your attention to the follow^ ing ; viz. Posts of honour and usefulness arena secu- rity against the imperious demand of death. I. We shall explain and prove this truth ; — and II. Apply the subject to the present solemn occasion. First— 'Wq shall explain and prove this truth. In the language of an inspired prophet, we may exclaim, " How afe the mighty fallen I" Death has levelled her envenomed shaft, and embraced a distin- guished fellow citizen, the Governor and Commander in Chief of this Commonwealth, in her ruthless arms. In this mournful scene, a gloom is cast over our polit- ical horizon. The sun lowers on our heads, and, the 10 in habitants of this distinguished republick, as if ad- dressed by a messenger from heaven, are admonished to look up, and mourn for their sins before Him, a- gainst whom they have offendad. Called then, as we are, fellow citizens, to mourn the loss of a distinguished, honourable, and experienc- ed counseller and statesman, we would drop the silent tear over his sepulchre, and offer up the devout desires of our souls to God, that this righteous event may be sanctified to the civil and military Officers, and to the people in general. It may, indeed, be said " a great man has fallen." Though the shafts of malice may have blunted their points in their former attacks upon his political character, — though party invectives may have exhausted all their force in assailing his reputa- tion, they fcill pointless at his feet ; while, silent in death, deaf to all their murmurings, he has stepped be- yond the reach of their hate, and sleeps to wake no more, until the trump of God shall bid the slumbering dust arise. He has closed a distinguished and valua- ble life, spent in the service of his country ; and en- tered that world, from whose bourne no traveller can return. There he will receive the reward of the deeds done in the body. What we can say of him he will neither know nor feel. Gladly would we draw the mantle of charity over his imperfections ; and perpet- uate his virtues to the latest posterity. Remember- ing that, *^ To err is human ; to forgive divine," Dis- tinguished men of every age, have witnessed the un- certainty of human life and human greatness. As far back as the existence of man can l)e traced, we have witnessed not only the egress of those who have walk- ed the more humble paths of life ; but men of talent, of piety and usefulness, have fallen victims to the iron grasp of death. The history of the Israelites strikingly exhibits this fact. That nation could never have been more secure, than when guided by the hand of the meek, the just, and prayerful Moses ; and never more happy and powerful, than when cheered forward by him who 11 ^^ said, " As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Could Athens ever have boasted of greatness to be compared with that which she experienced, when guided by the hand of Aristides the just ? And would it be more than a just tribute to the memory of Wash- ington to say, that the nation was never more happy, than when her destinies were at bis control? But these men of incalculable worth are no more. And, if the glory of a nation in any measure consists in their rul- ers, how has it departed. Their merit, their worth, or their virtues, could by no means screen them from the king of terrors. Hut to the histories of other countries we need not appeal. We need only to become acquainted with our own, to feel the chill of mortality in our veins ; and see death marching in all her greatness. To use the language of an inspired prophet, ^^ Your fathers, where are they ? and the prophets, do they live for ever ?" Who among the sons of the Revolution, (among whom our much lamented and venerable Chief Magis- trate, held a distinguished place,) now live to reap the fruit of their toil and blood ? Many bravely fell by their arras in the field. And of those vviio survived the scene of action, few now live to drop the tear over the ashes of our venerable and highly respected pat- riot. He whose name is ever dear to an American cit- izen ; the glory of our arms, and honour of our counsel- lors ; who conducted her in her triumphant march to the tree of liberty, now sleeps in sweet repose in the grave ! And with him, his companions in arms, dis- tinguished for their wisdom and sagacity have fallen to rise no more. Death hath made her imperious de- mand ; and those who defied the point of the sword, fall under her palsying arm. Among the Governors of our own state too, we have witnessed men distinguished for piety and talent. These rest from their labours, and their works do fol- low them. They have defended and secured tlie rights of a free people. Lured to office, not by motives of ambition ; but called by the suffrages of their en- IS lightened fellow citizens, thongh they conld not boast of the titles of Lords and nobles by birth ; yet, of the honour of meriting the favour of those who should ever regard the rule of greatness by the rule of goodness. Fresh in your memories, doubtless, are the names of many distingJiished statesmen, who, with honiuir, have filled that chair of state which was recently occupied by him, whose death we this day lament. The names of Sullivan, Krooks, and others, the majority of whom, now rest from their labours, will be perpetuated on the pages of history, and in the breasts of the citizens of this Commonwealth, so long as acts of greatness and usefulness distinguish a fellow mortal. Ee, too, in whom was reposed, not the interest of a state only, but of the whole community; who, under the guidance of heaven, arrested the progress of tyrauuy, — reared the standard of liberty ; and called a free people to rally around it, will not be forgotten. The virtues of such men we would cherish : their spirit we would imbibe ; and humbly pray, that the mantles of these Elijahs may fall upon our Elishas. l^ike him may we pray, *' My Father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof." But like their ancestors, under the wasting hand of time, their sun has declined. Like Ihem may we live, and like them die. If we examine the history of the Israplites, from the commencement of their march from Egypt to Ca- naan, we see a painful evidence of the important fact, that posts of honour and usefulness ; yea, even virtue itself, is no security against the assaults of death. Among all that body of people, who fled from under the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, none but Caleb and Joshua were permitted to enter the land of promise. The meekness of Moses, nor the faithfulness of Aaron, could screen them from the universal destroyer of man. The history of the church ; indeed, the history of the world, for nearly six thousand years, presents but a mournful picture of human greatness, and human de- pravity ; and, at once, establishes the words of the great apostle to the Gentiles, " For as by one man sin en- 13 kl'ed the world, and death by sin, so death has passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." None among the adventurous pilgrims, who first set their feet on Plymouth Rock, now live to celebrate that important event ; or enjoy the sweets of life under the tree of liberty and peace. And but few of the vet- erans of the revolution, siill survive the wreck of time. To this catalogue of worthies, who now slumber in death, we might add, the names of those who have stood as the messengers of heaven to men ; and whose talents have shoUe in vindicating the christian religion, and establishing the fieedora of our country, on the broad basis of truth and education. The names of such men, are not to be erased from the list of those who died in the greatness of their strength, and in the ser\ice of the church and their country. Their work was the work of mercy, and their labour the labour of love. They too, have fallen, but their virtues are perpetuated. Liberty like ours, is the more highly to be valued, as it not only secures the right of protection to our per- sons and property, but lays the broad foundation for the diffusion of knowledge among all classes of men ; and secures to every man the liberty of conscience. The sons of liberty may become the sons of science. The means of education are confined, not to the narrow limits of a few, but liberally bestowed upon all. Ignorance and vice are no commendations to posts of civil and ecclesiastical authority in a government, where virtue and knowledge alone is power. He who has been the most energetic and effective in the pro- motion of virtue and suppression of vice, and the es- tablishment and support of education, that grand en- gine, which stands as the jaipport of a nation's rights, is surely the great man ; and will ever be had in re- membrance by every son of science and religion. As long as vice is censurable, and virtue commendable, so long will that man's name stand on the perishable records of our country ; and be cherished in the bosom of every philanthropist. 14 The great and good of every age, aware of the font stain of ign.Hiince ; and of its baneful eliects even on civil bodies, have exposed themselves to her shafts, in order the more permanently to perpetuate the civil and religious rights of man. Nothing so completely binds the manacles of slavery on a people, as ignorance and vice. The former, by playing on them a kind of im- position, which they cannot resist. The latter by feeding their coiruptions, and rendering them regard- less of every principle of virtue and honour. This is palpably the condition of Spain ; and all other heredi- tary governments ; where crime and slaughter are a substitute for virtue and religion. Too ignorant to choose, — too weak to resist, — and too corrupt to im- prove, — they wear the galling chains of tyranny and oppression. God save this state and nation from magistrates, whose hearts are not deeply imbued with the soundest principles of virtue and religion. And may the liappy era soon arrive, when the bigotry of party, shall cease ; and the supporters of ignorance and vice, receive their reward, by an ejection from those elevated posts, which ought to reflect honour on the nation. The messengers of truth, alive to the interests of humanity, have not laboured in vain. They have not slumbered at their posts. But have successfully co- operated with tiie statesman in laying the chief corner stone of this noble building, the permanent establish- ment of free schools. And, at once, have supported the cause of virtue, and given permanency to the free- dom of man. But where are these messengers of hea- ven ? Do they live for ever ? No : like other men Ihey have fallen to rise no more ; and, with our much lamented Chief M agist rateP are mouldering to dust. Here sufl'er me to arrest the progress of thought ; and invite you to reflect on scenes which are more im- mediately within your knowledge. Scenes which liave roused all your feelings, and caused nature " even to weep around you." What individual in this assembly has not wept over the tomb of an affectionate 15 parent — a kind brother — a fond child — ^^or an endear- ing companion ? xVnd, but a few more rolling years, ere these sons of hardihood and freedom ; yea, this lis- tening audience, will but live in the memory of anoth- er generation. ** Surely in a moment shall they die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight, and pass away ; and the mighty shall be taken away without hand." Man was made in the likeness of his Creator. And in this moral image alone consists all his greatness. Had he remained in that moral state, the mournful scenes wiiich have so often wrung the bosom of the fond relative, would not have been experienced. Hap- py in the favour of his God, that delightful spot which gave him birth would have been the seat of his resi- dence. And under the smiles of heaven ; might have bid defiance to the fell destroyer of man. But when he fell, the crown fell from his head. Shame and sorrow became his constant though wretched compan- ions. Debased and ruined, he became prey for worms. " Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return :" yea, " dying, thou shalt die," is the irreversible sen- tence of heaven. In looking over the history of nations, but one scene presents itself to our view, their birth and down- fall. In the greatness of their strength, the worm preys upon them, and they fall in ruinous heaps. The circumstances connected therewith, are but the history of intervening events, which expedite their ruin. This is more especially true of individuals, A man r.'ses from childhood, to posts of honour and renown. He marches with the march of time, and in the midst of all his labours, and usefulness, the cold hand of death is laid upon him, and his body is consigned to the bo- som of the earth. The land which gave him birth, falls upon the lid of his coffin. And soon, by the wasting hand of time, will the letters upon his grave stones, which were designed to perpetuate his memory, be entirely erased. Thus in succession, his place is (Qccupied by others, until the present shall give place 16 to that state, where, hoth the ruler and the subject sliall stand at the impartial bar of heaven ; and all disiinc- tions of office be for ever lost. It may not be improper liere, to glance a thought at what may be considered real greatness. While vir- tue exalteth a nation ; sin is a reproach to any people. And whenever it meets with support, either in individ- uals or nations, will find its way to the ears of Him, who will, in every instance punish it. A wise people will particularly regard the moral charact* r of men who sustain important offices of trust in the nation. The experience of nations has proved the advantages of virtuous rulers. Of this, we persuade ourselves, the enlightened people of this State, have not been un- mindful ; nor in every instance unsuccessful. hut of the characters of men held up fur office, we are not to judge by the electioneering papers that are circulated. The veil of prejudice must be drawn aside. If this were our rule of decision, (the people them- selves being judges,) few good men have ever occupi- ed those offices which demand character and talent. To render a free government permanent and snre, there must be virtue in the peoi)le, as well as in their rulers. The glory of good rulers and a virtuous peo- ple is often reciprocal. With what honour does the sun of the morning beam on the earth in a cloudless day ! When magistrates dignify their office by acts of virtue and humanity ; and in the support of those institutions which give permanency to a republick, how resplendent is the glory they reflect on the people they govern ! Their administration is as refreshing as the vernal showers, and invigorating as the morning dew. Such a ruler is to his subjects, what the sun is to this lower world, rising in his strength. How far this has been the case with him whose memory we perpetuate, we leave for him, who shall do justice to his memory, to decide. That greatness then, which entitles to office in a free government, is, a strong and ardent attachment to the interests of the people. To be successful in la- 17 bouring for the good of a community, tlieir good must be the ruling principle of the mind. The good of the subject is the first object, and not personal aggrandize- ment. Such are ministers of God for good to the peo- ple. Under such rulers a nation will prosper, and rise to that state of greatness and strength, which puts opposition to defiance. But real greatness rises higher ; and that which should entitle to the suffrages of a free people is a pure regard to the principles of virtue. If there should be any resemblance between the rulers of this world, and the Prince of life, surely virtue is the first and most important qualification entitling to the high office of a chief Commander of a State. Clad in robes of inno- cence and love, how bright was the glory which beam- ed through the veil of Jesus' flesh ! The triumph of virtue, will lay a foundation for national peace and prosperity, which challenges opposition. The glory of Alexander,— the prowess of Csesar,— and the ex- tensive victories of the modern emperor of France, de- serve not a coQiparison with that of ruling a nation by the principles of virtue and love, Such a ruler will vigorously attack vice and impiety in every form ; and. redress wrongs done to his subjects. Inspired with these principles, his efforts will be extended to the suppression of profaneness and intemperance, that growing monster, which scatters misery and death all around him, What can add so much to the glory of a nation, and render it so permanent, as to see its rulers vigor- ous in the suppression of vice, and promotion of virtue? Is not virtue to a community what health is to the body? What nation can maintain its rank among the nations of the earth, whose rulers are sunk in debauchery and crime ? If then, the basis of a free government is the principles of our holy religion, it, at once, becomes im- pregnable. Mark the distinguished prince of the north of Europe ; leading his subjects, by personal ex- ample, to embrace the religion of the humble Jesus, the shafts of malice may in vain be aimed at him. ^ 18 They drop pointless at his side. Such a ruler would foe to a state or nation, what the glory of God's pres- ence was to .the Israelites. Righteousness indeed, ex- alteth a nation. Aware, however, that all men are human, and may therefore err ; the frailties we lament are interwoven with our existence. We should ever remember that, ^' to err is human, to forgive divine.'' The safety and happiness of a people depend, under God, on the elec- tion of men of virtue, as well as talent, to office. When the rulers of a state are peace, and her exactors righteousness, virtue is rewarded, and vice punished : and judgment runs down her streets as a stream, and righteousness as an overflowing river. Such then, is the character of a great and good ruler. And such, when He, who holds the destinies of man in his hands, shall judge the world, will not fail of obtaining their reward. It now remains that we apply the subject to the present solemn occasion. Called as we are, fellow citizens, to experience the sudden and unexpected loss of his Excellency William Eusris, Governor and Commander in Chief of this Commonwealth, we would offer a tribute of praise to his memory, and shed the tear of sorrow over the tomb of him, whom the people honoured with their suffrages, and who yielded to death in their service. To respect departed worth, is but the impulse of hu- manity ; and the imperious demand of the social bond. To eulogize the dead you will not expect me. His worth, his usefulness, his gre,atness, and devoted- ness to his country, are too well known to require the feeble aid of my pen. Many events in the political career of this distinguished son of the revolution, might serve to perpetuate his memory, and stamp a value on his exertions for the public good. Connected with all the dangers and perils of the revolution, he yielded not to fear. Few have been in public life so long ; and few perhaps^ with greater success. His influence 19 in the revolutionary war is too well known by public documents to need comment. Having filled posts of honour and usefulness, both in the Legislature of this State, and in the Congress of the United States : — Having possessed so far the confidence of the nation, as to receive the appointment of Foreign Minister, and Secretary at War : — Having filled all these offices with ability and independence ; and finally closed an active and patriotick career, as Cliief Magistrate of this Commonwealth, all attempts to eulogize would be fruitless. Though dead, he yet speaketh. To the life of this distinguished man ; — to the acts which have distinguished him as a veteran of the revolution ; — and especially to those which have marked his career as Governor of this Commonwealth, we refer you. Full of years, and high in the estimation of his fellow citizens, he has fallen to rise no more. His worth, his greatness, and his valour, with the firmness of his mind, indicated by his speeches delivered to the house, are, doubtless, fresh in the recollection of many who venerate his memory. Suffer me then, my fellow citizens, who now la- ment the loss of a Commander in arms, to address you on this occasion. Few events transpire which can be more interest- ing to your feelings : And few which more solemnly admonish you, of the uncertainty of life. The suf- frages of a free people have distinguished him, as your leader. But even this could not protect him from the ravages of death. The examples of virlue and courage which he has set before you, are still alive for your imitation. While you respect the departed worth of this great man, copy his virtues, and imitate all his imitable examples. But especially 1 would remind you of the importance of imitating Hirrif who said to his disciples, ^^ It is enough, put up thy sword.'' A nation whose safety depends on the virtue of the people ; and where this virtue exists, is more secure, than that which relies on her arms destitute of virtue. A soldiery vicious and profane, will disgrace their