18 THE SACRIFICE OF CONTINUAL PRAISE. pestilence has ravaged our land, to add the desolation of its wasting destruction to the fearfully accumulated bereavements that have come upon our households, through the misfortunes of war. We cannot forget either that now, for years in succession, that terrible scourge of the tropics, the yellow-fever, has been withheld, except in limited localities. It has hardly raged anywhere with sufficient violence to be called epidemic. If here we turn, for a moment, from our contemplation of these themes for public thanksgiving, to our own circumstances, as a community and a Church, we will find that few have greater reason to be grateful than we have. It is true, that some of our loved ones have been taken ; some households have been left desolate; heartshave been wrung with sorrow, and tears have flowed from some eyes unused to weep; but these all have been the sorrows ever incident to life, in its best estate; we have dwelt in peace, under the shadow of the divine goodness and mercy. I recall now but two seats, vacant at our sacramental table, that were filled when this year began. But two ; and these passed away with a triumphant faith in Him who has for us conquered death and sanctified the tomb. Their going forth, as they passed through the valley of the shadow of death, was noble, sub- lime. It was no terrible thing for them to die. Both were wives and mothers, fondly loved, tenderly cherished; but they died in peace. They rest in the grave, in hope of a blessed resurrection. We have heard the voice of Jesus say, “ I am the resurrection and the life.” Blessed hope— glorious triumph over death and the grave 1
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