though superior in splendor, was only a shadow of good things to come.

This prophecy of Haggai, it is to be hoped, may with some modification, be applied to the house in which we are now convened. In the former house of our worship, things have been seen, and heard, well worthy of attention, and calculated to enlarge, and enliven the heart. But this house should it be suffered to continue, until by natural, and unavoidable decay, it would crumble into ruins, may be expected, not only to outlive all who are now in it, but to survive generations yet to be born.

During its continuance therefore, many important changes will probably, be effected in the world, and in this place; and many glorious predictions concerning Zion's prosperity will be accomplished. Knowledge in every department, may be said to be on the increase, and the day will come, when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the seas. Whatever successful efforts the god of this world may make in propagating error among its inhabitants, his triumphs will end in defeat, and holiness to the Lord will be inscribed upon the horses' bells. Religion is making rapid progress, notwithstanding the opposition which, in various ways, it meets with; and he who died on Calvary, will sprinkle all nations with his atoning blood. Things will be so changed, that the prophecy concerning the new heavens and the new earth, will be fully realized.

Here abler men will preach the gospel; and here more faithful pastors will feed the flock. Here the church of Christ will have a fresh unction from the Holy One, and when they gather around the table of their common Lord, to celebrate his dying love, it will not be with the feverish appetite of a sickly man who loaths the most delicious food, but in the vigorous exercise of faith, they will hunger and thirst after righteousness, and find refreshment to their souls in the consecrated symbols of the ordinance.

Brotherly love will so abound, as almost to supercede the necessity of inculcating it as a duty, and it will appear as strange to see the head of a family, a professor of godliness, go abroad to transact the business of the day before he has presented upon the family altar, his morning sacrifice, as it

would be to see him do the same thing before he had partaken of his morning meal.

When such shall be the state of things, it will not be difficult to form a choir of singers, who will sing with the spirit, and with the understanding, and who will be ashamed of the best music which they can make with their voices, if their hearts be out of tune. The sabbath too will be spent with such solemnity, by all the people, that neither sleeping; nor laughing; nor sneering; nor inattention, will disturb the exercises.

The subject will now be brought to a close with a few reflections. The occasion which has convened us is one of great solemnity; and if we do not so consider it, we must be as insensible as the seats which we occupy. How many have gone to the house appointed for all living, since it was in contemplation to build this house; your parents; and children; and brethren; and sisters; and husbands, and wives. Some are now alive, in a feeble, broken state, mere remnants of themselves; and expecting never again to join this congregation, but to be numbered shortly with the great congregation of the dead. Among all those who have taken the deepest interest in the erection of this house, is there an individual, concerning whom it may not, with the greatest propriety, be said, that the shadow of the degrees is going down upon the sun-dial? We shall all soon be forgotten as a dead man out of mind; and laid aside like a broken vessel. But the most melancholy circumstance in our case is this, that religion appears to be thrown into the back ground; and, that it may so generally, be said of the people, that for the present, they come not to the help of the Lord; to the help of the Lord, against the mighty.

It is pertinent for us to inquire in the language of the psalmist, Will the Lord cast off for ever; and will he be favorable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever; doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious, hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Let us unitedly request, that God to whom we now dedicate this house, will condescend to take it for his resting place; that Jesus Christ, who came to seek and to save that which was lost, will here appear in his grace, and glory; and that the Holy Spirit, whose office it is to sanctify the soul, will descend upon us, as he descended at the day of pentecost, with mighty, con vincing, and converting, power!

UNIV. OF MICHIGAN,

JUN 17 1914