44 



their fragrancy; but these unfading plants of* Paradise become, 

 as we are accustomed to them, more and more beautiful ; their 

 bloom appears to be daily heightened; fresh odours are emitted, 

 and new sweets extracted from them. He who hath once lasted 

 their excellencies, will desire to taste them again ; and lie who 

 tastes them oftenest will relish them best.'' 



I had the happiness of a personal acquaintance with the vene- 

 rable prelate whose energetic language I have quoted; his life and 

 doctrine were consistent. He was an eminent disciple of that 

 Saviour whose precepts he loved and honoured; and his closing- 

 scene realized the sublime description of the poet. 



" The chamber where the good man meets his fate, 

 " Is privileg'd beyond the common walk 

 •' Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of heaven : 

 " God waits not the last moment, owns his friends 

 " On this side death ; and points them out to men, 

 " A lecture silent, but of sovereign power ; 

 " To Vice confusion, and to Virtue peace !" Young. 



I will conclude in the words of a pious modern writer, who 

 has happily condensed all I would further say on this moment- 

 ous concern. " I do not presume to appreciate what his feel- 

 ings, or his fears may be, who says in his heart that there is no 

 God ; nor yet of his, who pretends to acknowledge the being 

 of a God, and wholly disbelieves a divine revelation of his will. 

 If there be no God, there can be no future state. What then 

 will be the value of life? If there be a God that hath made 

 no revelation of his will, consequently hath afforded not one gleam 

 of hope beyond the grave, what will be the value of death ? The 



