xx Dr. Kirkland’s Discourse in Commemoration of 
by praises, but by the practice of the virtues which make us at 
once happy and useful; by emulating their industry in seeking 
knowledge and doing good; by holding in due estimation the 
public blessings which they laboured and suffered to secure ; and 
by a perpetual co-operation in maintaining and advancing the 
welfare of our common country. 
When those, whom we desire in this way to celebrate and 
honour, are endeared not only by the name of common country, 
but by the tie of consanguinity ; when public cares in an elevated 
and arduous station are in concurrence with filial duty and affec- 
tion, and a Son is summoned by divine Providence to administer 
the great concerns, and to help forward the improvement, of the 
country to which the Father devoted his powers and affections, 
and with which his name is blended ;— the work of patriotism 
and duty may well be performed with augmented zeal and a deep- 
er interest. 
The young should feel themselves peculiarly called to study 
the characters and principles, to understand the value of the 
labours and the institutions, te hand down the merits, and to 
copy the excellencies, of the great and good who have preceded 
them; that “instead of the fathers may be the children,” to 
improve and perfect what has been so well begun. 
Let the achievements and efforts of eminent predecessors 
be emulated by those who succeed to their places. With in- 
creased opportunities and a wider sphere, we ought proportiona- 
bly to excel. The circumstances are indeed different, but the 
principle of conduct is the same for us and them, —a faithful 
discharge of our duty as men, as Christians, and as citizens, ac- 
cording to the means in our power, and the stations and relations 
in which we are placed. 
