Wa-sK-iftQ-ton. __J A DIIS^COUKSE on TBI Christian Cliaractcr and lufluenci^ or *« »^ ^^-^ ■>».?.> :^* *>^ ^^•^ ** *^ ■st.7.\ ^^ |i WASHINGTON DELIVERED IN RISING SUN, INDIANA, ox SABBATH, FEBRUARF 22, 1846. »VV*^* .Iff 71* ;* BT REV. B. F. inOBRIS, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church. PI RISING SUN: riUfTBD AT TBS **IRDIAffA BLADB" OFFICK. 1846. / A DISCOURSE Off TBB Christian Character and Influence ov WASHINGTON, DELIVERED IN RISING SUN, INDIANA, ON SABBATH, FEBRUARY 22, i846. B¥ REV. B. F. niORRX§, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church* RISING SUN: rBINTSD AT TBE ^MNDIAITA BLADS" OfriCS, 1846, kZ-t:- E3II ./7 L CORRESPONDENCE. Rising Sun, Fkbrdary 24, 1846. Re7. B. F. Morris: Dear Sir— Believing, as we do, that the publication of the Sermon delivered by you in the Main street l^redbyterian Church, on tlie 2Jd instant, on the UhrisLian (jhar- acier and Influence of Wasuinqton, would not only be acceptable to ttie public, but productive of good, we respectfully asli that you will furnisb a copy for that purpose. Hoping tbat it may accord with your own teelinga to comply with tliis request. We arci J)ear Sir, Respectfully Yours. A. HENDRICKS, JOHN TAIT, Jr. J. M. DANIELS. S. F. COVINGTON, DANIEL TAFLEY, MATTHiAS HAINES, JAMES H. PEFFEK, A, C, DOWNED, JOSHUA HAINES, ISRAEL EVANS. SAMUEL JELLEY. DAVID G.RAliS. J. T. WHITLOCK, Gentlemen: RisiNO Sun, Feb. 25, 1846. The discourse referred to in your note, a copy of which you request (or publication, is placed at your disposal. I truot your anticipations "that it will be acceptable to the public and productive of good," may be realized, which is the only reason why 1 yield to your request and judguiont. 1 am, Gentlemen, truly, yours, B. F. MORRIS. To Messrs A. Hendricks, and others. DISCOURSE. Proverbs x. 7. The memory of the just is blessed. ADMiRATir/N for true excellence is a natural sen- timent of the soul. The conceptions of man, under any degree of propc^r cultivation, are for the true and great and no >le. He loves to gaze on the high- est and purest specirnens of taste, heauty, and great- ness. It IS a rich gratification to his nature, and elevating in ail its influences and results. JMerc; in- tellection is filled with adniir.ition, the refined sensi- bilities of the soul are exalte d : and the entire com- plex nature of man is thrilled with moral and intel- lectual delight, and ennobled in the conte nplation. That this is a natural sentiment and conception of man's nature, is obvious from the testimony of universal history and the inward cognitions of the heart. There is a deep inward spiritual admiration and reverence, paid as a willing tribute, to that 6 which is great, and noble, and true and beautiful, whether in art or nature, in intellt^ct or character. It challenges and secures the homage of tlie world. It is enshrined in the soul, and all the best capacities and feelings of man's nature yield a ready respect and reverence to them. History, faithtul in her delineations, presents for imitation, these specimens of moral beauty and greatness. Philosophy discourses in strains of in- tellectual sublimity, on their elements and grandeur. Poetry, in the flights of her enchanting genius, weaves her wreathes of roses, and with a graceful himd folds them round these true and glorious specimens of exalted moral ex'^ellence. Literature in all its departments, gives grace and fxaltation to their worth, and the entire manifestations of man are wil- ling to worship at the shrine ol greatness. This great sentiment of the soul — a sentiment attesting the native dignity of man — the benevolence and wisdom of God has fully met and gratified. It finds a noble and true response from him who implanted it; and who, in tho rich and boundless displays of His works, has given the most admirable and perfect specimens of taste, beauty and greatness. God's creation contemplated as a whole, or in the endless variety of its parts, is one vast conception, and outward embodiment of taste, and beauty, and skill, and greatness. The lofiiesT and truest illustra- tions, the most perfect and unrivaled specimens, have been, in the endless fields of nature, thrown out by God's own creating hand, for the intelligent admiration of His creatures. All is a vast panor- ama of beauty and taste and no matter to what region in the universe, or to what department of na- ture the eye of intelligence may be turned, the mind will discover, in forms of endless variety, these fin- ished obj(^cts of intellectual taste, combining every element of natural beauty and greatness, to gratify the sentiment of admiration. Thus, in the language of Thompson, in his poem on the seasons: "By swift decrees the love of Nature works And warms the bosom: till at last sublimed To rapture and enthusiastic heat. We feel tiie present Deity, and taste The joy of God, and see a happy world." But the physical universe, grand and beautiful as it is, is, after ail, an inferior department in God's creating kingdom. The intellectual and moral uni- verse, in the immensity of its relations and influen- ces; in ihe comprehensive grandeur of its design; in the infinite moral dignity and beauty of its concep- tion ; and in its glorious specimens of true mo^al and spiritual excellence, surpasses in attraftiveness, in interest, in actual relative importance, the grandeur of God's physical creation. The most admirable and perfect illustrations of truest taste, and truest greatness, are, after all, found in the intellectual and moral universe; and here we must go to discover, to study, to a imire, if our highest conceptions are met and gratified. And God has not been sparing in giving us ex- amples, as illustrative of IJis wisdom, and power and skill. The intelligent creation is filled with these; glorious models of moral excellence. They stand out, in glorious distinctness, to the eye of our faith, and to the knowledge of our senses. We see these polished peices of moral workmanship; we admire their beautiful proportions, and solid sym- etry;and feel the talismanic touch of their life-giving and inspiring influence. God, in the creations of his works of mercy and benevolence, has afforded to our world, not a few illustrations of the irue dignity and capacity of man, in the production and finisii of specimens of hu- man character, in which almost every conc(!piion of moral beauty and true moral greatness has been realized. We say, God, in His matchless displays^ has done this under His own superintending control, and shaping direction. If God walks ahroad in the magnificence of His works, and gives us as the pro- duct of his own creation, such innumerable and un- rivaled displays of beauty, and taste, and glory; it would be impious and an infidel philosophy that would deny the same cieating and moulding hand in the higher departments of truth, intellect, virtue and spiritual religion. If God is banished from the htter, by a stonger reason, He must be banished from the former. So that the result would be, a universe, of matter and mifi(l,of intelligence and moral being without a God ; without a creating cause; a conirol- ing power 'Ihis would cover the universe in the drapery of grj< f, and strike down the pillars that hold up the vast creation of God. I\o; it is a truth — a truth of sublime interest — a truth that blazes out in iorms of radiant brightness through the entire moral history <»f man — diat God in the impress of Mis majesty; in l\u- burnii g foot- steps of His l*rovidence; in the coiitrolinji and sha- ping agency of His powrot's who spring up amon^ men at appointed times; who display ac-iiviiy and energy beypnd the oidinary limits of human strength; and around whom, mdividuals and nations gather, as if to a superior and mysterious power? Who launched them into the expanse of ages, hke comets of vast extent and flaming trains, appearing at long intervals to scatter the elements of truth, and the inliuences of virtue and Ireedom o'er the iiopes and destiny of man? Who but God himseli," Yes, who but God himself Acknowledge — feel this great tact, reader, and you will bow in admiration before God in human history; and see everywhere, on every page of this world's his- tory, new sources of delight — new scenes ot" inter- est — nesv evidences of God's existence, and pres- ence and special ir'rovidence. This is the only key that can unlock the hidden mysteries of human lite and history. '1 his is the only light that sheds its satisfactory inielligence over tiie great track of nations and men ; and by it you can iollow in the wondrous pathway of God, and behold rising before you in Ibrms of beauty, order and greatness, scenes of moral grandeur and interest. In the history of no nation, perhaps, can you find a more striking and interesting illustration that God hves and moves in the historic drama ot our world, than in our own. Every step is encircled with the mysterious presence of God's shaping hand, and points with a sublime meaning to His marked and wonderful interpositions. We cannot particularize. Our entire history, from the hour our Pilgrim Fathers planted their feet on the rock of Plymouth, and tooli possession of this Western World; through its progressing state of Colonial dependence; oi improveinem, of enterprise, intelligence, population and rising great- ness; up to the iiour of that revolution which con- summated our National Independence, and broke the right arm ot Great Britain's strength; and especially, in the preparation for that eventful and 10 glorious struggle, and all through its scenes of sur- passing interest, could you see and trace the power and presence of God, demonstrating, by signal and overwhelming evidences, that the shield of a pro- tecting God was over us. The most skeptical unbeliever in the doctrine'of a special and particular Providence over the earth, will have his skepticism removed, if with a mind candid and open to conviction, he reads the history of his own country; especially that of the Revolu- tion. The presence of God will meet him on almost every page. This great fact is seen with luminous distinctness in the birth and Me-, in the history and character of George Washington, who, by the united affec- tions of a grateful nation, has been, as the only in- stance in human history, called the Father or his Country. One hundred and fourteen years have this day passed away, since this unrivaledj and admirable man was born. In the time of his birth ; in the ju- dicious and pious persons who were his natural pa- rents; in the early associations of childhood; in the manly and practical nature of his elementary edu- cation — an education in which the elements of his future fame and character were substantially laid — we recognize the governing and preserving hand of God. j This fact distinguished his brilliant career. He was, in a special and most striking manner, the child of Providence ; raised up, under the special patron- age of God for a great mission of good to the hu- man familv. The interpositions and arrangements of Divine Providence are as conspicuous and mar- ked in the life of this illustrious man, from his birth, through his ascending greatness, and during his ca- reer, as the leader of his country's armies, as in the case of Moses, the leader and legislator of the Jews, 11 and through them, the legislator of the world. This fact — a fact of undeniable notoriety — should lead us as a people to ascribe all proper praise and grat- itude to God, who has been to our nation, in all its eventful history, a pillar of cloud by day, and a pil- lar of fire by night. In the genius and character of Washington, there is a rare and rich assemblage of almost every christian and heroic virtue. The moral picture rises in beauty and admiration before the world; and on that picture there is scarcely a spot to mar, in any essential point, the inimitable beauty of the whole. He stands amidst the heroes of the world, and in the annals of history, like some towering column of marble strength, lofty in height, admira- ble in symmetry, fair and beautiful in every element and proportion; and by these combined exfellen- cies, has challenged and foreyer secured the admi- ration of all ages. The completeness and symmetry of his charac- ter, and the genius and universality of his influence and name, are two distinguishing and unrivaled features in the life and character of Washington, He was the impersonated model of truthlulness, of moral excellence, of incorruptible integrity, of pas- sionate and pure patriotism, of all cardinal virtues; and of a piety, based on the truths of revelation, unostentatious, yet manly and bold in its develop- ments, and great and decisive in its influences. This admirable combination of virtues, in their ge- nius and influences, became, as a necessary result of great excellencies, universal in their extension, and powerful in their controling influences. It created a new era in the history of moral influences, as flowing from the lives and characters of great men. It spread, like waves, circling fi'om a common centre, till the world has felt the elevating power of his example and character. 12 Our own country especially, is under the inspi- ration and moral power of his name. The whole length and breadth of the land feels the controling power ot his immortal genius, and breadies in the hallowed influences of his character. It is not a mere poetic flight, but a fiict, attested by our n-^tional histoiy and enterprizc; a fact which is reflected back from every historical scene; from the very feeling of our individual and national heart; that there is a life giving inspiration in the name of Washington. There is a glorious moral power in all his sub- lime acts of devotion to his country and to his God: there are bright and blessed influenccs'in the genius of his history ; there are hallowed and glorious re- membrances, clustering in beauty and patriotic recollections all along the pathway of his illustrious life; there is a moral enthusiasm and power in his character, which has blended its healthful and fragrant influences into every part of our nation — circulated into every feature of society, and spread with Its growing strength, till not only over our own nation does he shed a sacred and universal moral power; but the world, as if in the presence of some divine genius, entranced and spell bound into admi- ration, has rendered obeisance and reverence to his great name. Like the sheaf of Joseph, which stood upright, and round it stood the clustering sheaves of his brethren in obeisance; so does the upright lofty character of Washington rear its bright and con- spicuous form, and the world looks, admires, and reveres. So that we can realize the language of the Poet to be literally true; that we can "Walk the earth and hear his name Still hymn'd and honored by the grateful voice Of human kind; and in his fame rejoice." 13 It is a question of vast practical interest and im- portance — what was it, and whence came it, that this man has wielded such an ui iversal command- ing power and influence over our nation and the world? It came not by chance or enchantment. No magic, no meretricious power, no false glitter; no investment of audiority, civil or mihtary; no genius of dazzHng brilliancy; no learning profound or scholastic; no eminent attainments in philosophy or literature; no factitious or forced circumstances, ever gave to the character and genius and life and example of Washington this vast and universal admiration and influence. True, some of these were the attending facts of his glorious life; and from these scenes, the brightness and beauty of his char- acter beamed out, in forms of resplfndent glory. — But they were not the basis on whicli tiiat match- less character was built. That basis was on ele- ments more noble, more enduring, more sterling and admirable than these. IJis character was built on TRUTH, on virtue, and eminently on piety — on the glorious doctrines and eternal truths of the Bible — the revelation of God to man. This was the chief corner stone on which the symmetri- cal, beautiful temple of his life and character rested. This gave proportion, beauty, solidity to the rising superstructure. It was not only the elementary foundation, but it was the crowning and finishing grace. A pyramid cannot stand the rocking convulsions of 1 ime, without being based on the most solid materials; neither can character either secure the perpetuated admiration of ages, or outlive the deso- lations of rime, except it is formed and built on the strong and everlasting foundation of Christian prin- ciples. Tht; intuitive sagacity of this great man's intellect perceived this truth, and like a wise mas- M ter builder, who designed to rear a temple for the admiration of all future ages, Washington, in childhood and youth; in manhood, in military camp, and in the grave councils of civil cat>inets, and the administration of civil government, con- formed iiis actions, and governed his life, and di- rected his brilhant enterprises and achievements, under the fear of God, and by the great truths of His revelation. This, I repeat, is ih°. great substratum or founda- tion, on which the pyramid of his character rests, and which not only gave a balancing symmetry to him, but by it, he has gained the unbought affections and eternal admiraiion and reverence of the world* Why the vast difference in reference to the affection and weight of character, between Washington and that of the great Chieftain who moved over the face of Europe with such electric, starding power? 1 mean NapoUon^ who was a cotemporaneous hero with Washington. Why is it diat the one did actually buiid his fame and character on a vast pyramid of human skulls and bones, and the mason work was cemented hy human blood; whilst the other reared his towering fame and resplendent character un the acts of a pure patriotism, and the unsolicited afft^ciions of an admiring world? Why is it that the character of the one is losing — has already lost, to a great extent— its glare and power; and notwithstanding the meteoric brilliancy of his fame is now losmg its hold on the affections, and admiration of the world; whilst the other, like the ascending sun, to his meridian glory, has been advancing and will forever continue to tKivance in his moral pathway of light, of true fame — the glory and adiniration of the civilized world? It is not in the brilliant achievements; not in the mere great- ness of intellect; not in the aaributes of a success- ful warrior; not in the adventitious circumstances, 15 of life, and the pomp of war; for in all these Buona- parte was, perhaps, superior to Washington : hut this difference of admiration and perpetuation ol char- acter, is the resuii of the one concentratinf*; his vast energies to selt-aggrindizement, and self-glory, in- dependent of th(! tear of God, o;* of Christian prin- ciples; whilst the otiier, under the influences of a disinterested christian benevolence, ilevoted his life to the cause of his country and C«od, and in that consecration and life, built and btautified iiis match- less character on the great and lasting truths of the Christian religion. This is a deeply instructive fact in the history of man. Let the world be searched, the annals of all time examined; the lives and career of all great men be read and studied; and the fact will blaze out, in living light from every page, that character and fame secured by violence and bloodshed, or mere martial achievements, or even by the force of unsanctified genius, and dazzling intellectual pow- ers, never gains the affections or the lasting admira- tion of the world; whilst character, based on truth, derived from the genius of the Gosjiel, and built on the solid foundation of Christian principles, livesy is perpetuated, and grows more resplendent, more beautiful, in the lapse of time. Why this fact, as standing out in the very front pages of all human history? Why is it that Chris- tianity has an embalming power; and that when men, illustrious in deed form their character on these great truths, they are rendered immortal, and in the fragrance and attraction of that character, they plant themselves in the affections and gratitude and ever- lasting memory of mankind. This fact is worthy of remembrance, and con- veys a lesson of practical wisdom to all; and espe- cially to those who wisli to leave behind them a character embalmed in the memory and affections 16 of man. Verily has God in human history estab- lished and confiriiied the iriith ot His vvoni: "77«e memory of the. jusl is blessed; but the name of the wicked shall rot.'''' These elements of!gsy 'V\\x\ seed, deposited in the heart of the chihl, and nurture I by the dews of heaven, drawn down from the clouds of Divine mercy, by a mother's prayers, will germinat<% grow, and start out influences, that will move and mould, with majestic power, the destiny of a world. Thus it was in this illustrious instance. God, in- stead of committing this child of providence and renown, to an irreligious or an infidel mother, took care that tlie sacred trust should be given to a woman of christian principles, ^he was lailhful to her trust, as all history testifies; and, as the result, the world was permitted to see and admire a chris- tian hero, a christian patriot, and a christian states- man. These great elementary principles "grew with his growth, and strengthened with his stn^ngth." — In childhood and youth, the christian virtues, em- enating from christian principles, were opj n!y con- spicuous. At the age of thirteen, with a sagacity and practical wisdom, uncommon for his years, he 17 wrote out more than one' hundred rules or princi- ples, which he resolved should govern him in his life and model his character. A few of these I shall quote in his own language : "•^ Associate yourself with men oj good quality; for it is better to he alone than in bad compa- nyy Thus acting on the express law of Christiani- ty, that ''evil communications corrupt good man- ners." "jBf not hasty to believe fli)ins[ reports to the dispriragement of any,''^ 1 hus in harmony with God's word, "to speak evil of no man." '"'■Be carefid to keep all your promises.'''' Thus sanctioning this enjoined virtue of Christianity. ''''Let your recreations be manly^ and not sin- juV '] hus acting on that safe and expressed stat- ute of the Bible: "Abstain from all appearance of evil." "Z^&or to heep alivr. in your heart, [that little sparh oJ cdestial fire, called conscience.''^ Thus cultivating a tender sense! of right and wrong, a great law of christian ethics, and the moral regula- tor in the moral constitution of man, " When you speak of God, or his attribute s, let it be seriously and in reverence.'''' This rule strikes at the impious practice of profanity, and cul- tivates in the heart and life, an adoring revercLce for the sacred and glorious character ofGod,'which is the genius and positive teachings of chrisjianity. Thus early did Washington quarry from the rocks of eternal truth, these solid and polished stones of christian virtues, and on them build his fu- ture character; and most nobly did his life accord with these virtues, as it was developd in the pro- gress of his sublime mission. His character was not only based on christian principles ; but during his illustrious career — in ev- ery stage of his eventful history —he avowed his 18 belief in them and acted on them as the only true principles of action. These great doctrines and eternal principles, the source ot all true excellence, all moral greatness, were his shield of protection, his bulwark of moral defence, his only reliance in the hour of danger. There is a growing system of infidel philosophy, now prevalent in our own nation, that would ban- ish God and his government, and his providence from our national history, and sweep us out from the influences and protecting fegis of Christianity. If there was one thought more abhorent to the so'il of this great man than another, it was this. — If there was one great truth which he believed more firmly than another, it was the truth that God had been as a wall of fire around us as a nation, and from impending storms had delivered us; and that Christianity, in her purity, in her conservative moral influences — that the Bible, as the repository of hu- man hopes, and the great bulwark of permanent safety, was indispensable, and absolutely essential to our perpetuity and prosperity as a nation. His faith in a particular Providence was strong; and the signal and special interpositions of that Provi- dence, during our struggle lor civil liberty, and his own protection, penetrated him with the deepest sensations, and most profound reverence. In the defeat which ended m the death "of Brad- dock, and gave the command to Washingtoiv, then in his twenty-fourth yeiir, Washingtc/n wrote, "By the all powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or exj)ectation; for I had four balls through my coat, and two horses siiot under me; yet 1 escaped un- hurt, although death was leveling my companions on every side of me." Again, in regard to the events and results of the Revolutionary War, he writes; "The hand of Prov- 19 idence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel^ ar more than wick- ed^ that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations." Again, in the fulness of a christian's heart and faith, he says: '-We have abundant reason to thank Providence for its favorable interpositions on our behalf. It has at times been my only dependence, for all other resources seemed to fail us." Long after the War, in a letter to Gen. Arm- strong, he wrote: "I am sure there never was a peo- ple who had more reason to acknowledge a Divme interposition in their affairs than those of the Uni- ted States; and I should be pained to believe that they had forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our Revolution, or that they fail- ed to consider the Omnipotence of that God who alone is able to protect ihem." The war closed in a brilliant victory over Lord Cornwallis, at Yorktown; and what was the conduct of our christian hero? Ye infidel and Bi- ble hating Statesmen and citizens, listen. Immedi- ately Washington issued the following orders: — "Divine service is to be performed to morrow in the several brigades and divisions. The Comman- der-in-Chief earnestly recommends that the troops not on duty should universally attend, with that seriousness of deportment, and gratitude of heart, which the recognition of such reiterated and astonishing interpositions of Providence demand Jrom us." These are'the sentiments of a christian heart, and the action of christian principles. This great man bowed before the presence of his God, and with an overflowing heart, felt, acknowledged, that it was the God of nations and of battles that wrought for us our brilliant achievements. 20 There is, as we are taught by our Divine system of Christianity, a mysterious, yet distinct connection between the interpositions of God's Providence and prayer, 'i his is a sublime truth of Christianity. — As a Cliristian, Washington was a manofpiayer. It is said that it was his habit, ail his hfe, to retire every day to hold communion with God. History records, as a matter of fact, that this great man — great and good in all human and christian virtues — during our great struggle for independence and freedom ; whilst our very existence as a nation was suspended in perilous uncertainty, would retire from the camp; seek a solitary shade in the woods, and there prosirate hunself before God, and in prayer pour out his soul that the Lord of Hosts would give success to the arms of his country, and crown his efforts, and those of his co-patriots, with the blessings of liberty. During the winter of 1 777-78, a winter of unu- sual severity, the American army was encamped at Valley Forge. Near it was a deep, silent seclu- ded grove. To this lonely retreat he would often resort; and so often that it excited the curiosity of some in the neighboihood. They followed Wash- ington to this secret spot; saw him fall on his knees in prayer, and pour out his christian soul into the ear of that God who finally, in answer to prayer, led our armies to victory and to peace. God is a God who hears and answers prayer. — In that great chain of events, which, from the lal- hng of a sparrow to the birth and greatness of a nation, are all eternally linked with the Providence of God, we may well conclude that the prayers of Washington had a vast influence in the achieve- ment of our civil and religious blessings and liber- ties. How interesting the fact, that the great tem- ple of hberty was reared under the influence of prayer, and that our subhme struggle was inl used 21 with the life-giving breath of communion with God. A practical recognition of the Providence of God, with heart felt prayer, would naturally lead to the regular worship of God; without which, no sal- utary influences can be exerted on human society. The mind of this great man was profoundly pene- trated with the necessity and importance of the pub- lic worship of God, and to the iSanctuary he repair- ed on the holy Sabbath to listen to the instructions of God's appointed ministers. He built on his own estate a church dedicated to the worship of the Triune Jehovah, and regularly paid his vows in the courts of the Lord's house, as a willing worshipper. It was his uniform practice, during the Revolution- ary War, when his duties would permit; always to visit the house of God, and worship with the great congregation. For a considerable period during the war, as history tells us, did this great man ride ten and twelve miles for the express ot)ject of ren- dering worship to God. A lady in this village, whose mother, at the time, lived in Princeton, New Jersey, informs me that her mother has often told her that Washingtc/n, during his sojourn in that town, in the Revolution- ary War, was in the habit of attending the public worship of God, then held in private houses; and often when the room was crowded, would take his seat on the door steps, whilst his wile sat on the foot of the bed, and there listen to the glorious gospel. — Admirable example! What a rebuke does the conduct of Washington give to the strange incon- sistency of many who say, perhaps, they are believ- ers in Christianity; wish well to the churches of Christ; but who against the teachings of nature — against reason — against the positive commands of God, and against the well being of society; refuse, or neglect the public worship of God. O, my 22 countrymen, absenters from the churches of the liv- ing God, go and learn a lesson from the Father of HIS Country, and henceforth imitate his noble ex- ample. It gives me great pleasure to record the fact that Washington was a member of a christian evangel- ical church ; a church in which all the distinguishing doctrines of grace are held, and the ordinances of Christ's house are regularly administered. These ordinances he observed, even during the stormy period of the Revolution. Whilst the American army was encamped at Morristown, it so happened that the communion season was held in the Presbyterian church. Wash- ington repaired on a certain morning, previous to the Sabbath, to the house of the Pastor, and said: "Doctor," (who was the Key. Doctor Jones) "I understand that the Lord's Supper is to he celebra- ted with you next Sunday. I would learn if it ac- cords with the canons of your Church to admit communicants of another church." The Pastor rejoined: "Most certainly — ours is not the Presby- terian table, General, but the Lord's table, and hence we give the Lord's invitation to all his followers, of whatever name." The General replied: "I am glad of it: that is as it ought to be; but as I was not quite sure of the fact, I thought I would ascertain it trom yourself, as I propose to join with you on that occa- sion. Though a member of the Church of Ens;- land, I have no exclusive partialilies y The following Sabbath saw the sublime sight of this Chieftain sitting with his brethren, commemo- rating tlie dying love of their common Redeemer. ]So exclusive partialities! This is the sweet spirit of Christianity. It is the spirit of Christ him- self. It is the expansive benevolence of the Gos- pel. It is the great and glorious law which binds the whole brotherhood of christians who hold the 33 fundamental doctrines of the Cross, in their purity and truth, in the cementing bonds of christian unity and harmony; and it is a matter of rejoicing that the weight of Washington's name gives sanction and influence to this benevolent law of Christianity ; which at the present time is exerting its command- ing, uniting power over all Christendom. As a Statesman, he acted on the great principles of Christianity. His letters and State papers are fragrant with the genius of God's system of revela- tion; and it was his dehght and custom to call the Bible the "pure and benign light of revelation," and urged the practice of "that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, which were the true char- acteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed reli- gion." The comprehensive genius and penetra- ting sagacity of his far reaching intellect saw, as if by intuition, the relations which Christianity sus- tained to popular intelligence and knowledge; to public virtue, and to the rights and liberties of man. There ought to be no skepti'^ism on this subject; involving, as it does, the life of our Republic, and the perpetuation of our civil blessings. There is no fact demonstrated with more overwhelming evi- dence in the history of nations; than that, Christiani- ty, in its purity and moral influences, is essential to the growth, and prosperity, and perpetuation of all civil governments- It gives stability to government — expansion to enterprise —development to intel- lect, and force to virtue; power and action to public conscience; authority and sanction to law, and a healthy infusion of moral strength to the body pol- itic, if this is the great charter ot a nation's lib- erty, and the basis of her institutions, she is safe. — She may defy the insurrectionary storms of passion, and hold by the conservative power and attractions of Christianity, the vast and palpitating heart of the public in subjection to law and order. With this 34 we may launch forth into the great deeps of national action, and through every terrific storm, outride the waves of public disorder. Without ttie Bible, the storm unchained and unresisted, in deep and dismal violence, will come, and roll, and dash against our Ship of State, and make, ultimately, a full and fearful shipwreck of all our hopes and insti- tutions. In consideration of this great truth, Washingtoiv, with a prophetic wisdom; and in language which ought to be stereotyped and hung up before the eye of all our politicians, and all our countrymen, said: '•Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to po- litical prosperity, religion and morality are indis- pensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor tosubvert these great pillars of human happiness, these j^rm- est props ot the duties of men and citizens. The mers politician, with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity." Let the present generation ofpolidcians, many of whom seem anxious to convert our nation and gov- ernment into an infidel government, go and study the lessons of christian truth, illustrated in the life, and given as the farewell counsel to his country- men by the Father of his Country; and know that only by an adherence to these christian princi- ples, can our free institutions be forever perpetuated, and our Union be one and inseparable. The character of this great man is complete- It is no exaggeration to say that this completeness was formed by the genius of the christian rtligion. It balanced his character in admirable syfnmeiry, and blended it with the mingled beauties of all the rich and sublime virtues. These virtues he deri- ved from Christianity, They gave authority to his name; veneration to his character; confidence to 25 his acts; universal influence to his genius; and pre- sents him before the world as the illustrious and unsurpassed model of humanity. To adopt the language ot Cowper, ihe christian poet, with a slight alteration, it was this ''That clothes him with authority and awe: Speaks from his lips and in his looks gives law. His speech, his form, his action full of grace And christian truth, all beaming in his face. With this analysis of the character of this chris- tian citizen, sage, statesman, and warrior, survey for a moment, the rapid and brilliant achievements that have taken place on the field of human action, since the world felt the power of his example and life. Cast your eye over the political, moral, intel- lectual and religious map of the world, and behold the progressive improvements made in the science of human happiness. In the science of civil government, there has been, since Washington shed his influence over the world, a vast increase of light and knowledge. This diffi- cult branch of human study, and source of nation- al and individual happiness, has been investigated by the light of a truer philosophy; and every where among the civilized nations of the earth, there is a tendency to fashion Governments to the true princi- ples of rational freedom which will develope genius, enterprize, and every element of national greatness. We know that much is yet to be ac- complished. The governments of Europe are yet to be materially modified, if not revolutionized; yet it cannot be doubted but that every European Gov- erment has felt the influence of that new light shed forth by our own unrivaled form of government. And the day is hastening onward when the millions, crushed by the iron heel of Despotism shall rise to the enjoyment of a government founded on the great principles of equal justice. Everywhere there 26 is a strong tendency to the diffusion and equaliza- tion ot civil rights and privileges. The rights of man, in our own, and in all coun- tries, have been better understood, and more thor- oughly discussed, since the day that Washington appeared on the theatre ot human action. Light has been shed on this great subject. The signs of the times, with brilliant distinctness, indicate that every man, created in the image of God, shall, by the genius and teachings of Washington, and his co-patriots in the cause of liberty, soon be disen- thralled, and vested with all the attributes and rights of man — recognized in the dignity and greatness of his personal manhood. Behold the moral and intellectual achievements of our nation and the world. Only a little more than a century has passed since the birth of Wasii- ington; and how surprisingly grand have been the progression and brilliant results of those cnterprizes which pour out influences to expand and elevate in- tellect, and to enrich the moral nature of man, and fertilize the unfruitful moral wastes of earth. The science of education — its importance and bearing on the destinies of the human race — has been pro- foundly studied, and vastly advanced. Moral cn- terprizes, which lay their benevolent influences on every form of human misery, have started into ex- istence under the genius of Christianity, and lifted up millions of the human family to the pursuits and dignity of elevated and rational intelligences. Among these clustering enterprizes rises, in lofty grandeur and moral beauty, the great Temperance Reformation, which now is forever identified with, and canonized by the name of Washington; and which has already redeemed six millions of true hearted Irishmen, and soon will lead the fifty mil- lions of Great Britain and the United States to uni- versal triumph; showing to the world the most 27 splendid victory ever achieved on its fields of moral battle. And in the century which has passed since Wash- ington was born, how glorious and rapid and sub- lime have been the progression and bloodless tri- umphs of the Prince of Peace. His banner waves in meek and rejoicing folds over every nation and Isle of the ocean, holding out to the world the pros- pects of an universal reign of peace, and virtue, and religion. Christianity and her institutions; die Bi- ble, with its hopes and promises, has travelled round the globe, and scattered down on the world its unsought, yet rich and heavenly blessings. In our own land and nation, every element of enterprize and prosperity, has been largely de- veloped. We have advanced with unparaleled ra- pidity in population, in wealth, in literature, in en- terprize; in all that goes to constitute a great and powerful nation; and we are now passing with a gi- ant's strength in the great pathway of national fame; and unless struck down by the God of nations, on account of our national sins, we shall, in less than a half century more, reach the very zenith of na- tional greatness. In all these vast achievements, we say it in all humility, this nation has led the van, and been the pioneer; and that, in the production and infu- sion of this spirit — a spirit which may be called the spirit of American Christian Institutions — the life and history, the genius and character of Washing- ton, has been the chief instrumentality. His breath has given inspiration, life, action, growth, and tri- umph to them all. Shall we now be arrested? Shall the bright hopes of our own nation, and of a down trodden world, be now disappointed? Let our Kulers real- ize their positions. Their responsibilities are full of tremendous peril! Let us, with earnest and de- 28 vout prayer, invoke the Supreme Ruler of the Uni- verse to guide once more the Ship of State through the impending storm ; to beseech God to give our Rulers the spirit of peace. This was eminently the spirit of Washington, and is the very genius of Chris- tianity. He says: "Cultivate peace and harmony with all; religion and morality enjoin this conduct." The war spirit seems, to the peril of our nation, now to be in the ascendency. Shall it prevail? — Shall it plunge us into a war, in which but little is to be gained and much to be lost? It it comes, it will come with a desolation unequaled in the his- tory of nations. It will sink hundreds of millions for our nation; it will cripple our commrce, which now floats on every sea; it will strike vvith paralysis every department of trade and business; it will stop, as if by the hand of Omnipotence, every great en- terprize, now in the successful tide of operation ; it will throw us back as a nation, in the race of great- ness, for ages ; it will render inoperative, and com- paratively unfruitful,' our schemes of education, the glory of our land; it will cut short the advancing achievements of our moral enterprizes; it will roU the floods ot irreligion and vice, like vast troub- led oceans, over the length and breadth of our land ; it will sweep from us tens of thousands of valuable citizens, and hang the emblems of grief and death in as many families; it will break up our Missionary eflforts, and retard, for a long period, the work of this world's redemption; it will ^^ vastly diminish the influence we are now exerting on the political and moral destiny of the globe; and, as if by some dark and fatal power, it will roll back the tide of all pres- ent improvements, and the present bright prospects of the world, for ages and centuries. O, better that Oregon should be lost„to us forev- er, than we should go to war for such a territory. — The opinion of a civilized world, and the infallible 29 judgment of the God of nations would be against botFi Great Britain and us, if two such enlightened and christian nations should now rush into war. — All national differences ought to be settled by an enlightened arbitration. The genius of the age; the dictates of humanity and phihnthrophy; the inter- ests of civilization, and the principles of Christianity, all demand that nations should learn war no more, and that all points of national dispute should be settled by negotiation and arbitration. Thou God of our nation! Thou who hast stood by us in all our perils, and interposed for our deliver- ance. Thou who didst lead us through the fiery furnace of the Revolution, come once more, we be- seech Thee, to our rescue, and guide the delibera- tions of those two great empires to a peace forever to be perpetuated. Countrymen of Washington ! follow in the foot- steps of your illustrious and world honored Hero and Statesman- Cultivate in your heart-;, and in those of your children, the benign spirit of Christian- ity, which is the spirit of peace, ol true liberty, order, virtue, enterprize and prosperity. This, and this alone, can save us as a nation. 'I'his will render our Union forever safe; roll us on in the pathway of national greatness, and secure to us the continued smiles and protection of that God who hath hither- to been our shield and safe reliance. Study — imitate the character and example of Washington. They, with his teachings of practi- cal wisdom and christian truth, most admirably har- monize with the prosperity and perpetuity of our nation. Let your character and life, and those of your children be modeled after him, whose mem- ory will be held in everlasting remembrance; and who, after a life devoted to his country, died in the hope ot a glorious immortality. That hope is im- pressively and beautifully expressed by the sublime 30 doctrine of Christianity, uttered by its Great Foun^ der and Teaciier, "I am the resurrection and THE LIFE," which is the Epitaph on the tomb of Washington, at Mount Vernon; and to which a distinguished foreigner recently repaired, and paid the following true and noble tribute: "WASHINGTON, The_brave, the wise, the good: " WASHINGTON, Supreme in war, in council and in'peace: WASHINGTON, Vahant without ambition, discreet without*fear. And confident without presumption: WASHINGTON, In disaster calm : in success moderate ; in all himself, WASHINGTON, The hero, the patriot, the christian: The father of nations, the friend b of mankind; Who, When he had won all, renounced all; And sought. In the bosom of his family and of nature, Retirement; And in the hope of Religion, IMMORTALITY," J * ^