THIS short account of Hezeki­ah's death and funeral, clearly proves the excel­lence of his character, and that the people loved him; and will open a way for a variety of reflections suitable to the present solemn, and affecting occasion.

He was the son of Ahaz, who was addicted to idolatry, and, at his death, left the people in a very corrupt and melancholy condition. Hez­ekiah, on the decease of his father, ascended the [Page 6] throne, and at once began the work of national reformation. In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple, had them repaired, and ordered the priests and the Levites to cleanse and purify it, and thus to prepare it for religious worship. He attended to its dedication with uncommon solemnity, and kept the passover with great devotion.

He broke down the idols in his dominions, and even destroyed the brazen serpent which Moses set up, because the people were led by it to idolatry.

He was not only a man of religion, but a good prince; and the kingdom flourished dur­ing his reign. He subdued the Philistines, and freed the nation from the yoke of the Assyri­ans. His chief object was to make the people happy.

He also had great trials. Sennacherib in­vaded his country, and threatened to destroy the city Jerusalem, unless he complied with his ex­travagant demand. In order to obtain peace, and cause him to leave his dominions, he paid him three hundred talents of silver, and thirty talents of gold. As soon as he had received the money, he violated the agreement, and de­manded an immediate surrender of the city. [Page 7] Hezekiah, having made every proper pre­paration for defence, encouraged the people to trust in the Lord, saying, "There be more with us than with them: with them is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles." The result was, that the angel of the Lord destroyed in one night, one hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrian army. Thus their deliverance was accomplished, by a miraculous interposi­tion of Heaven. Surrounding nations looked up to Hezekiah with astonishment, and courted the savour of the prince whom God thus de­lighted to honour.

When he was pressed with difficulties, he sought the Lord; and having obtained deliver­ance, he gave him glory.

That Hezekiah should have been so good a man, and so excellent a prince, is matter of sur­prise when we consider, that he came to the throne about the age of twenty-five; when the passions are in all their vigour, and temptations to vice numerous and powerful. But he was God's chosen instrument to deliver the people, and to make them happy. He therefore fitted him for the service, and preserved him till it was finished. His talents, his virtue, and his unspeakable importance to the nation, could [Page 8] not secure him from the arrest of death. "And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buri­ed him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David; and all Judah and the inhabit­ants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death."

The text naturally leads us to observe,

• I. That men the most accomplished, belov­ed, and useful to society, must die. And,
• II. That a grateful and affectionate people will do them honour at their death.

I. Men the most accomplished, beloved, and useful to society, must die.

There are some men whom we are ready to wish, might live forever, because we cannot see how their place will be supplied. But we forget that God hath all gifts in his possession; that the universe is his kingdom, which he governs with infinite wisdom, and hath made ample provision for a succession of proper char­acters in all its various departments.

When Moses had completed his scene of ser­vice, he fell on sleep, but was succeeded by a cloud of worthies, whom it is not necessary to mention. And thus it will be in all future ages of the world. "Instead of the fathers shall be thy children," said David, "whom I will make [Page 9] princes in the earth." Such is the divine ar­rangement, such the all-perfect plan of Provi­dence—"Alleluia, for the Lord God omnipo­tent reigneth." This important truth is the source of our consolation in the day of afflic­tion, but by no means supersedes generous and deep-felt sorrow, when great and good men fall.

Our late excellent Governor SUMNER lives in the affections of his fellow-citizens. To his tomb we lately followed his remains with eve­ry mark of high esteem, and deep affliction; and daily lament his early exit. He sleeps with his fathers, and lies covered with the clods of the valley. And before the days of our mourning for him are ended, a new source of universal sorrow opens upon us. What mean these ensigns of mortality?—Why is every countenance sad?—Why weep all the peo­ple?—Because our beloved WASHINGTON is dead! He now lies confined in a small and dreary apartment, on the banks of the Potow­mack. Thither will many of his fellow-citi­zens in future time resort, to see the place that contains his precious dust, and bedew it with their tears; saying, "Here lies WASHING­TON—My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof—How is the mighty fallen." Death suddenly seized him as [Page 10] his richest prey, and hath thereby taught us this awful lesson, that "there is no discharge in this war."

Though dead, my brethren, he speaketh to us by his private, and his public life.

But what shall I say when so much is to be said? Or what leave unsaid without being unjust to WASHINGTON? The uncommon excel­lencies of his character, check my feeble effort; much rather would I "in expressive silence muse his praise." But duty calls me to attempt the unequal task, persuaded that your candour and warm affection for our departed friend, will cover every fault.

General WASHINGTON was born the 11th of February, 1732. "His education was such as favoured the production of a solid mind and a vigorous body. Mountain air, abundant exer­cise in the open country, the wholesome toils of the chace, and the delightful scenes of rural life, expanded his limbs to an unusual, but graceful and well-proportioned size. His youth was spent in the acquisition of useful knowledge, and in pursuits tending to the improvement of his fortune, or the benefit of his country."

The uniform account we have had of his pri­vate life, is, that he was fond of rural retire­ment, [Page 11] affectionate to his connexions, kind to his servants, condescending to his neighbours, and liberal to the poor. The most unequivo­cal proof that he was amiable and beloved in his private character, we have in the early pub­lic honours that were conferred on him by his country; which commenced when he was about twenty years of age, and continued till his death. There is one evidence of his pri­vate character, which I am unwilling to pass by; and which I am persuaded will please you in the recital.

When he was about to leave Mount Vernon, and again engage in public life, being chosen to the presidency of the United States, the Mayor of Alexandria, in the name of the people, addressed him in the following affectionate manner—"Again your country commands your care. Obedient to its wishes, unmindful of your ease, we see you again relinquishing the bliss of retirement; and this too at a period of life when nature itself seems to authorise a pref­erence of repose.

"Not to extol you as a soldier; not to pour forth our gratitude for past services; not to ac­knowledge the justice of the unexampled honour which has been conferred upon you, by the [Page 12] spontaneous and unanimous suffrages of three millions of freemen, in your election to the Chief Magistracy; nor to admire the patriotism which directs your conduct, do your neighbours and friends now address you; themes less splen­did but more endearing impress our minds. The first and best of citizens must leave us; our aged must lose their ornament; our youth their model; our agriculture its improver; our commerce its friend; our infant academy its protector; our poor their benefactor; and the interior navigation of the Potowmack (an event replete with the most extensive utility, already, by your unremitted exertions, brought into par­tial use) its institutor and promoter.

"Farewel! go! and make a grateful peo­ple happy; a people who will be doubly grate­ful when they contemplate this recent sacrifice for their interest.

"To that Being who maketh and unmaketh at his will we commend you; and after the accomplishment of the arduous business to which you are called, may he restore to us again, the best of men, and the most beloved fellow-citizen."

His religious character will be established in the view of every candid mind by the tenor of [Page 13] his life; provided the tree is to be known by the fruit.

He was a member of the Episcopal Church, consequently a believer in Christianity.

In his public acts we have repeated evidence of his reverence for Deity, and dependence on his Providence. After the conclusion of the war, and the establishment of peace, he resigned his commission to Congress; and says, among other excellent things, "The successful termi­nation of the war has verified the most san­guine expectations, and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my countrymen, increases with every review of the momentous subject. I consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life, by com­mending the interests of my dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them to his holy keeping." Thus prays our great military Chief; may soldiers of every description go and do likewise!

We have another pleasing instance of his rev­erence for Almighty God, in his address to the Senate and House of Representatives, on his ac­ceptance of his election to the presidency of the [Page 14] United States. Having expressed his feelings on this renewed evidence of the approbation of his countrymen, he says, "Such being the im­pressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present sta­tion; it would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being, who rules over the uni­verse—who presides in the councils of na­tions—and whose providential aids can supply every human defect—that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the United States, a government instituted by them­selves for these essential purposes; and may en­able every instrument employed in its adminis­tration, to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this hom­age to the great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself, that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either."

As every thing that was said by WASHING­TON is delightful to an American audience, I will not hesitate to make one more copious ex­tract, that will both enrich the discourse, and prove him to be the warm friend of religion. This you will find in his last address to the peo­ple [Page 15] of the United States; which deserves to be written in letters of gold; and will undoubted­ly be handed down from generation to genera­tion, till time shall be no more.

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who would labour to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duty of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their con­nexions with public and private felicity. Let us simply ask, Where is the security for proper­ty, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religi­ous obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded of the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure; reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

I add, that we have been often informed, that he was a devout observer of the Lord's Day and the institutions of religion.

[Page 16] It would require a volume to do justice to his character as a soldier. He early discovered that he possessed great military talents. In 1755, being then but twenty-three years of age, he bore a Colonel's commission, and was with the unfortunate Gen. Braddock when he was de­feated; which sad event might in all probabil­ity have been prevented, had the wish of our young hero been complied with, of preceding the main army, and scouring the woods with his rangers. After their defeat, he was of un­speakable service to them, in securing their re­treat.

He was not influenced by a spirit of ambi­tion or revenge—He fought not for fame, but freedom. When he saw the liberties of his country in danger, at the call of his fellow-citi­zens, he stepped forth to defend them. He was the friend and the protector of mankind. Cool, brave and persevering; and when surrounded with difficulties, always found a resource in his own great mind. Witness his forlorn condition in 1776, when he fled before the British army through the Jerseys, with only a handful of men, in want of almost every thing, discourag­ed and worn down. In this critical situation, when all that is dear to America depended, un­der [Page 17] God, on the exertion of the moment, behold our beloved WASHINGTON—He plans with judgment, and, supported by his few brave troops, executes with boldness and promptitude a most dangerous but successful enterprize; by which he raised the spirits of his dejected coun­trymen, and rescued a great part of New Jersey from their enemies. The circumstances of this brilliant part of his history you will at once re­collect.

I shall take leave of his military character for the present, by reminding you, that when the great objects of the American war were obtain­ed, he resigned his commission to Congress, and retired to the private walks of life. It is really surprising, because uncommon, that a man who had been for several years in the habit of com­manding armies, could with such ease exchange the soldier for the citizen. In this, as in every other part of his conduct, he discovered the greatness of his mind, and the benevolence of his heart.

But this part of his history will come with more propriety from the historian than the preacher.

[Page 18] After a short period of retirement from the anxiety and fatigues of military life, his country call on him to assist in the formation of a Con­stitution of Government for the United States. Sensible of the importance of an energetic govern­ment, he accepted their choice; not consulting his own inclination, but the voice of his fellow citi­zens and the public good. When the delegates from the several States had met, they chose him President of the Convention; on which occa­sion he presided with his usual dignity and spi­rit of conciliation. And when that excellent instrument was finished, which bears his name in front of the names of his worthy compatriots; which hath been the means of raising our coun­try to its present condition of respectability and opulence, he again retired to Mount Vernon. But now all eyes are fixed on him as the most proper person to preside over the Union. The united voice of three millions of citizens he could not withstand. His sentiments and feelings on this occasion, are excellently expressed in the fol­lowing answer to the address of the mayor and people of Alexandria, when he was about to repair to the seat of government.

[Page 19] GENTLEMEN,

"ALTHOUGH I ought not to conceal, yet I cannot describe the painful emotions which I felt in being called upon to determine whether I would accept or refuse the presidency of the United States. The unanimity in the choice, the opinion of my friends, communicated from different parts of Europe, as well as from Amer­ica, the apparent wish of those who were not entirely satisfied with the constitution in its pre­sent form; and an ardent desire on my part to be instrumental in connecting the good will of my countrymen towards each other; have in­duced an acceptance. Those who know me best (and you, my fellow-citizens, are from your situation, in that number) know better than any others, my love of retirement is so great, that no earthly consideration, short of a conviction of duty, could have prevailed upon me to depart from my resolution, never more to take any share in transactions of a public nature. For at my age and in my circumstances, what pros­pects or advantages could I propose to myself, for embarking again on the tempestuous and uncertain ocean of public life?"

This repeated sacrifice of his domestic ease and happiness to the voice of the people, drew [Page 20] from them new and ardent expressions of gratitude and love to him. Various parts of the country through which he passed to the seat of govern­ment, were crowded with citizens of every de­scription, who discovered such a desire to see the Man, to whom they owed so much, as greatly affected him, and caused him to weep.

His first interview with Congress on his ar­rival at New-York, was solemn and interesting. To the history of that day I refer you, because no abridgment of its transactions can be admit­ted without injury.

Eight years he filled that exalted and arduous station, with honour to himself and great advan­tage to his country; constantly pursuing her best interests.

When the time drew near that a choice was to be made of President of the United States, he declined being considered as a candidate. This determination deeply affected his country­men. But considering his time of life, and that he had devoted forty-five years of it already to their service, they could not urge him to re­linquish it.

On this occasion, I can only say, that it was WASHINGTON: a name, which in all future [Page 21] ages ought to be considered as a general term, including every thing great and excellent in the human character. Behold this man, admired by a world; of his own accord descending from his high station of THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, to become the far­mer of Mount Vernon—the private citizen: which introduces the last solemn scene.

On Friday the 13th inst, he appeared to have taken a cold, which principally affected his throat; of which he made but little complaint. About three o'clock on Saturday morning his disease became alarming: physicians were sent for, but they came too late. Heaven's great decree had passed, that WASHINGTON should die. "This last scene corresponded with the whole tenor of his life. Not a groan nor a complaint escaped him, though in extreme dis­tress. With perfect resignation, and a full pos­session of his reason, he closed his well spent life." ^* Death to him was an enemy disarmed.

We sincerely sympathize with the disconso­late widow, and wish her every divine conso­lation under her irreparable loss. But she sor­rows not as they who have no hope. The im­mortal spirit of that excellent man, the partner [Page 22] of her life, who hath left a nation in tears, hath, we trust, ascended to an infinitely better world, to receive the rewards of a good and faithful servant;

II. While an affectionate and grateful people do him honour at his death.

The moment the melancholy news arrived, that our beloved Chief was dead, every coun­tenance was sad—business was suspended—and tears flowed from eyes not used to weep.—All the people felt alike. These artless effusions of the heart are far more honourable than the sculptured monument, or most elegant panegy­ric. But as succeeding generations will not feel as we do, who know the man, let us per­petuate his memory by every proper method. Let us impress on the minds of our children and youth a sense of the virtues and talents of WASHINGTON, and urge them to go and do likewise. Let the faithful historian transmit to generations yet unborn, his private and his pub­lic character. Let men who occupy the high­est offices of government not only applaud, but imitate his virtues. For even kings may learn from him what mode of conduct to pur­sue [Page 23] to make the people happy, and live in their affections.

But I leave this matter to my afflicted fel­low-citizens, who will, with one soul, devise the best method of doing lasting honour to his memory.

The subject suggests a variety of useful re­flections.

1. If the man whose death we now deplore, possessed so many excellencies, as the united voice of his countrymen and of foreigners as­scribe to him, I ask, Whence were they deriv­ed? Certainly from the Father of lights, from whom cometh down every good and every perfect gift. If then such are the streams, what must the fountain be? If the personal excellen­cies of a man can attract the admiration of a nation, how ought we to be swallowed up in love and adoration of that God, in whom dwells essentially every possible perfection!

Permit me also to inquire, how it happens, that a people feelingly alive to excellence of char­acter, should so generally forget our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the brightness of the Father's glory, and express image of his person: in whom dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Who hath left us in his life a most [Page 24] perfect example of every thing amiable and praise-worthy; and by his one offering hath perfected for ever all them who are sanctified. He is infinite in excellence, and abundant in grace and goodness: yet to crowds he ap­pears without form or comeliness. This awful evidence of human depravity we bewail.

2. That solemn instance of death which now arrests our attention, is a loud call to all, espe­cially to the rulers of the people, to be always ready, because they know not the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come. They hence learn that they are to die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Death will soon level all distinctions, and after death the judg­ment; when Jehovah will render to every man according to his works. It becomes us all to entertain a lively sense of that awful period, when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ; and to be prepared for it, that we may give up our account with joy, and not with grief.

In fine—We are under every obligation to mingle thanksgivings to God, with the sorrows of the occasion, because a life so important to our country hath been spared so long. A kind [Page 25] Providence lent us a WASHINGTON—fitted him for the various and arduous services in which he was employed—covered his head in the day of battle—preserved him amidst innu­merable dangers, till the great affairs of our country, civil and military, were happily arrang­ed. Till this period, he was immortal. How­ever much we feel our loss, we bless the Lord that he did not fall before. His work was done; and he hath come to his grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in, in his season. He hath passed through life and de­scended to his grave with unsought, unsullied honours.

There are some men who are always in eager pursuit of fame, from whom she keeps a cautious distance: not so WASHINGTON. With full spread pinions she pursued him all his life, solicit­ous to bestow on him those distinguished re­wards which were due to his uncommon merit, which he received with that modesty and diffi­dence in himself, that were peculiar to a mind like his. And at this moment, while silent in the tomb, a nation is engaged to do him honour.—Surprising man!—

But we leave for a moment the tomb of our much loved friend, to offer praise to [Page 26] Almighty God, for the many promising and useful characters that rise before us: especially that ADAMS yet lives to serve his country. May the Lord long preserve and bless him, and think on him for good, according to all that he hath done for this people.