58 



pages of this volume, and which was listened to with the deepest 

 attention to the close, when the audience testified their apprecia- 

 tion by prolonged applause. 



The following hymn, written for the occasion by Rev. Charles C. 

 ScAvall, of Medfield, Corresponding Secretary of the Society, was 

 then sung by the audience, under the direction of Samuel B. 

 Noyes, Esq., of Canton, to the tune of St. Martins. 



HYMN. 



To plant and till, O Lord ! is ours ; 



To give the increase, thine ; 

 In vain we toil, for countless hours, 



Without thy help divine. 



The harvest we are reaping now, 



Thy gracious aid declares ; 

 But poorly with it, seest Thou, 



Our gratitude compares. 



O, touch the hearts unmoved before ; 



The thoughtful more impress ; 

 That all may feel, and all adore 



Thy constant faithfulness. 



Our trust revive ; our faith increase, 



Since Thou ai't always true ; 

 Nor will thy goodness ever cease 



Its gifts to grant anew. 



And let our lives, henceforth, O Lord ! 



Be consecrate to Thee, 

 Till Heaven-reapt harvests the reward 



Of our devotion be. 



The following regular toasts were then read by the President : — 



1. The Commoxwealth — Consecrated by glorious memories, exalted 

 by noblest institutions, held dear by every patriot citizen ; her honor, her 

 loyalty and her proudest name have been fully sustained by the adminis- 

 tration of her Executive, through a period of difficulties unexampled, and 

 of labors unsurpassed. 



His Excellency Governor Andrew, Avas expected to be present 

 and respond to this sentiment, but he being absent from the 

 State, the President called upon Hon. James Ritchie, of Roxbury, 

 who made a brief, but most happy and eloquent response, which 

 was warmly applauded. 



