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419

ADDRESS,

AT THE FUNERAL OF HENRY B. MCLELLAN.

We have assembled, my friends, to pay a tribute of respect to the memory of Henry B. McLellan, a name peculiarly dear to many whom I address, and which will be embalmed in their recollection as long as the power of reminiscence continues.

Seldom do we witness a more striking instance of the disappointment of human expectation, than in the affecting event which has convened us together. Our young friend had just completed his preparation for the sacred ministry. In yonder academic halls he pursued his classical course in company with his youthful associates, to whom he greatly endeared himself by his affectionate and social disposition-his bland and winning manners-his kind and courteous address. The

presence of several of them on this occasion, and their grief at his premature removal, testify to his unblemished reputation, and the strong hold he retained on their affections. Having finished his academic course, he made choice of the Christian ministry, as the profession to which he intended to devote his future life. With a view to more extensive usefulness, he left his native land, and devoted the last two years of his life to theological studies, principally in Edinburgh, under the guidance and direction of that distinguished man and powerful preacher, Dr. Chalmers. A few months since he returned to his native country, in perfect health and with the most flattering prospects of future usefulness. He was on the point of offering himself for license to preach the gospel at an association of ministers, which assembled in Cambridge a few weeks since, when he was seized with that fatal illness, which terminated his mortal career and his earthly prospects.

Mysterious Heaven! how unsearchable are thy judgments and thy ways past finding out! To us, short sighted mortals, the life of our young friend appeared peculiarly desirable. We had fondly anticipated that he would be eminently useful in the church of Christ. But God's

ways are not as our ways. He had other employment for him in the world of spirits, and he has called him home in the morning, and saved him from the heat and burden of the day. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight!

But, though the expectations of his numerous and strongly attached friends are thus disappointed, they have rich consolation in his death. His Christian character, to those who knew him best, was most satisfactory. We have reason to believe that he lived very near to God, and enjoyed much of his presence and the consolations of his Spirit. He had the confidence of many highly esteemed Christian friends, with whom he delighted to associate, and to mingle his supplications with theirs at the throne of grace. He was peculiarly formed for the endearments of friendship; and his friends were not confined to his own family, nor to his own land. Wherever he went, he made friends, and he has left many on the other side of the Atlantic, who will deeply mourn his early exit.

I have had occasion to know much of the interest he excited in many highly esteemed and beloved friends during his short residence abroad. Letters, which I have received from much valued correspondents, breathe the most ardent and af

fectionate interest in the welfare of our departed young friend. If he was so valued by those who were comparatively strangers to him, how will his loss be felt by those who have known him from his infancy,- by his venerated parents, who have expected much satisfaction from his increasing usefulness in the ministry of reconciliation by his brothers and sisters, to whom he was greatly endeared-by his early associates, who have been called to part with a pleasant companion and warm hearted friend-by his Christian brethren, with whom he delighted to go to the house of God in company? Their loss is indeed great, but their consolations are also great. They sorrow not as those without hope.

Although the nature of his disease precluded that satisfaction which is often experienced by religious conversation in sickness, his previous life is the best ground of evidence of preparation for death; and this evidence the friends of the departed have in no ordinary degree.-Dry up your tears then, my respected and beloved friends. Weep not for him, for he is tuning his golden harp to the praises of redeeming love in heaven. Be thankful, Christian parents, that you have had such a son, and that he has ripened so soon for heaven.

"Ye would have sought your offspring dear
A station in a temple here;

But Jesus' love prepared a place

Where he beholds him face to face.

Cease then to mourn his early doom,
Nor wish him rescued from the tomb;
For lo! to yonder courts of light,
His seraph soul has winged its flight.

Rest on the Saviour's promise still,
And, tarrying, wait his gracious will;
Ere long a voice shall bid you come,

And Henry breathe your welcome home."

Let his pious example induce all the members of the domestic circle to be followers of him, as he was of Christ. May the breach, which has been made upon a numerous and united family by sundering the fraternal tie, be sanctified, especially to those members of it, who are just entering upon life, with raised expectations of future usefulness and happiness.

The associates of my young friend, especially those who have passed with him through the interesting period of college life, will accept my sincere sympathy under this affecting bereavement. I am well aware of the strong attachments that are formed on this classic ground. The lapse of thirty years has not weakened my

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