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The choir then sang in excellent style the following Hymn, 

 composed for the occasion : — 



ORIGINAL HYMN. 



BY A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY. 



(Jod of the rolling year ! 

 Whose mercy brings us here, 



To sing thy praise ; 

 Our heart's warm thanks to thee, 

 For all of good we see, 

 For all we hope to be. 



We gladly raise. 



For mercies, old and new, 

 For hopes and mem'ries too. 



We bless thy name. 

 For sun and rain and dew, 

 And all that by them grew. 

 We would, O God, anew. 



Thy love proclaim. 



We would anew, in love 

 To thee, — Father above ! 



Our hearts here give. 

 Teach us to do thy will ; 

 Help us to labor still ; 

 And ev'ry trust fulfil. 



Long as we live ! 



Help us, yet more, to seek 

 Bread, that shall make the weak 



Live unto thee ! 

 And, when our latest sun 

 Has seen life's duties done, 

 A crown of glory won 



Our guerdon be ! 



After the singing of the hymn, the Orator of the day, John S. 

 Eldridge, Esq., of Canton, was introduced to the audience by the 

 President, as a practical farmer and a member of the Society. 



The address of Mr. Eldridge was mainly devoted to a discussion 

 of the importance of free and intelligent labor. It was an able 

 and eloquent production, and was listened to with marked and 

 gratified attention to the very close. It will be found in the pre- 

 ceding pages, and merits an attentive perusal. 



At the conclusion of the Address the Doxology was sung, the 

 whole audience joining. 



The Society then re-assembled in procession, and with lively 



music from the Band and a quick march returned to the Dining 



Hall. 



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