their last tribute of respect to him, their true benefactor and Christian friend! Yet so it was, and as beautiful as it was a striking testimony from the community to the excellence and worth of a humble, benevolent, and sincere Christian.

Well might the merchant, and those in his employ, cease on such an occasion from their labors, and go up to the house of prayer; and well that those who were Judges should cause silence to reign in their halls, as they and the great men of the land went up also to that house of mourning; for such a life as had just closed on earth was a blessing to this whole community; and God should be gratefully remembered in his temple, for the gift of such a Christian example and character.

And it was as beautifully appropriate as it was inexpressibly touching, to witness children gather round his mortal remains, and take their last look in his "Father's House," which he had loved so much; and, as they strewed beautiful flowers upon his lifeless form, that they should sing their sweet farewell hymn, "We have lost a father." Well, too, was it that ministers of the different denominations should unite in the last services at this good man's funeral.¹

How little did he think, years ago, when he first entered that time-hallowed sanctuary, that that would be the last earthly dwelling from whence he would be borne as he passed to the grave; that the plaintive notes of that richly-toned organ, which had so often uplifted the spirit of the sainted Buckminster, would softly breathe his last requiem; and that the funeral toll of that solemn bell would call more of the sorrowing and mourning for him thither than could be gathered within its walls! Yet so it was,—a touching tribute to a good man and beloved Christian.

Oh! may that beautiful character inspire every young man with the holy resolve and purpose to live a Christian life,—to be governed by Christian principles, and the word of God; assured, that in every act of kindness and beneficence he shall in no wise lose his reward, and that the memory of the good man and the Christian will be blessed and faithfully cherished in the hearts of children's children.

1. Rev. Dr. Sharp, Rev. Dr. Lothrop, and Rev. Dr. Hopkins. (return)

WE HAVE LOST A FATHER.

The following original hymn by Josiah A. Stearns, Esq., was sung at the obsequies, Jan. 4th, by a choir of young girls from the "Lawrence Association of the Mather School," while surrounding the last earthly remains of their deceased friend.