Behold the graves of the illustrious dead, who their country from bondage. Let them slumber p Their blood has not flowed in vain. The sa their lives has restored liberty to the communi while their bodies are reposing in the earth, mill rejoicing over the victory they have achieved. Let us go to the house of mourning. There we sh the lamentations of a disconsolate family. A si been deprived of a brother; a wife of a husband; a of a son. Their checks are pale and haggard with w They wring their hands in the wildness and a despair. But why should they mourn for those w died upon the field of battle? They are dwellers courts above, where, in a few fleeting years, the they have left behind, will be re-united with them. Our entrance into, and exit from the world, are of necessity. Thousands are daily perishing; but it but little attention, because it is the inevitable fate Death, however, in many instances ceases to be i ent-its aspect is materially changed, either by the magnanimity of the deceased. The execution of derer-the death of a voluptuary-or the suicide of bauchee, fill us with horror and disgust. Their ex is prematurely terminated by atrocious crimes. Th CH. ad, who delivered umber peacefully The sacrifice of community; and earth, millions are ved. here we shall hear y. A sister has d with weeping. er by the vices or cution of a mur e suicide of a de vistence 1 cence. without sympathy; and every one would involuntarily shudder at the thought of sharing a similar fate. With far other feelings were member the man who courageously offered up his life in defence of his rights, his honor, or his innoWe cannot but admire him, notwithstanding our regret for his untimely end. His virtues are recorded in our memory. His example has a beneficial influence upon society, although the sacrifice was entirely for himself. The ardor with which he combatted injustice and oppression is praiseworthy, notwithstanding it may have confered but little advantage upon others: but it is more difficult for one to exert himself in like manner, for the happiness of a friend. He who encounters death with such a motive, is worthy of the highest praise. Therefore it is that we honor him who resolutely springs into the boiling flood to save the life of a fellow creature. Few men are capable of performing such a magnanimous part, even for one of their most intimate connexions. On the contrary they are so degraded and parsimonious, that it is the smallest number who are willing to contribute a mite from their abundance, to alleviate the sufferings of those who are daily perishing before their eyes. If the risking of life, in order to save a single person from danger or destruction is deserving of such commendation, how much more so is it when voluntarily offered for the well being of a whole country--friends as well as foes--men, women and children of whom we know nothing about. It is as glorious as the opposite extreme--cow how they are hooted and hissed by the crowd. Th What can be more laudable than the efforts of th who struggles against the oppression of a tyrannica that seeks to overwhelm him and his country in rul the price of his own blood, he purchases, inch 1 that liberty which he hopes to transmit, unimpaired terity. Such a man has gloriously fulfilled his earth--and he will not be without his reward. H ennobled a life that was, perhaps, hitherto almost un He gave, in his last moments, an evidence of th that lay concealed within him. His slumbering were called into action. He may have been careless self, and indifferent to others, but the hour of peril soul with courage and intrepidity. He takes up th ply of war, and all his former defects are forgott subsequent brilliant exploits. He is justly the pri who behold him; and the multitude go out to mee his way, and strew flowers in his path. Therefo become proverbial, that he who nobly dies in the d his country, throws an oblivion mantle over the Owd. The former efforts of the patriot path. Therefore has it a previously ill spent life. He may be compared to the The recollection of The warriors have preformed their duty. By their exertions their self sacrificing love and patriotism, we are free-we now expect the renewal of our happiness and prosperity; and the establishment of a permanent peace. Let us not forget the tribute that is due to the memory of those who periled their lives for our welfare and glory. Not heartless and qualified admiration- not a whining and mawkish sorrow-not cold and artificial eulogy ;—no ! none of these; but gratitude-gratitude made manifest by every word and action-gratitude that springs from the depths of the soul. We will give them from that abundance which they have heaped upon us : we will not fail, at least, to give them in proportion to the enjoyments their heroism has obtained for us. Let not their names sink in oblivion. Honor their memory! but not alone by magnificent statues and mausoleums: they may be broken down and scattered upon the earth. We should rather look about us for their wide our munificence for monumental inscriptions, appr for their comfort and support. Show them the love and affection, which we believe is due their 1 and fathers, who maintained the rights of their even unto death. This was the custom of a former age, after a and successful war. In this way a love of cour enkindled in every heart-and nations rose in dig power. But gratitude and veneration soon disappo fore the sweeping march of envy. She spared nei living nor the dead. She aimed her poisoned arro within her reach. She was ever ready to pluck th from the hero's brow, and trample virtue in the du triotism was gradually diminished. There were me troops-but no inspired warriors, impatient for the The government was maliciously censured-but obedience to the laws seemed to be a matter of but 1 portance. Factions arose without any definite arm pires were crushed; and nations broken up. Fina behold a change. One extremity produces anothe when a people have reached the lowest point of and degradation, there is a reaction-a building up a what they themselves have destroyed. As the gratitude of a noble mind evinces itself for factor, so should that of a nation be manifested for liverers. But if it is publicly refused-if there apathy-a coldness-freezing up the current of a and veneration; then the Christian must be more his duty- he must shake off that insensibility that is every thing in its course. He cannot be prevent |