been, and not withhold from his memory the praise that his virtues may have claimed. Suffer the apologies of human nature to plead in his behalf. Perfection on earth has never been attained by any human being. The wisest, as well as the best, of men have erred.
Let the present example excite our most serious thoughts, and strengthen our resolutions of amendment. As we see that life is uncertain, and that all earthly pursuits are vain, let us no longer postpone the important concern of preparing for eternity. Let us embrace the happy moment, while time and opportunity offer, to provide against the great change which we know must come, when all the pleasures of this world shall cease to delight, and the reflections of a religious and virtuous life will yield the only comfort and consolation. Thus our expectations will not be frustrated, nor we be hurried, unprepared, into the presence of an all-wise and powerful Judge, to whom the secrets of all hearts are known.
Let us, while in this state of probation, support with sincerity the character of our profession. Let us advert to the nature of our solemn ties, and pursue with assiduity the sacred tenets of our Order. Then, with becoming reverence, let us supplicate the divine grace to insure the favor of that Eternal Being whose goodness and power know no bound, that when the awful moment arrives, be it sooner or later, we may be enabled to prosecute our journey without dread or apprehension, to that undiscovered country whence no traveler returns.
