A Sermon on the Death of General George Washington

WASHINGTON.

KNOW YE NOT THAT THERE IS A PRINCE AND A GREAT MAN FALLEN THIS DAY IN ISRAEL?

IF splendid talents and sublime virtue; if undeviating integrity and heroic patriotism, are not mere empty names; if a life, the most useful and important, devoted to the dearest interests of his country, can command the affection and esteem of a grateful people; then the NAME of WASHINGTON will be always dear to Americans.

In the character of this great Man were united all those excellent qualities which adorn and dignify human nature. He was raised up at a period when such uncommon talents were most wanted, and when, by an extraordinary combination of circumstances, he had the fairest opportunity of displaying them to the greatest advantage. His death, though delayed by a kind Providence till he had nearly filled the usual span of life, has cast a most solemn and affecting gloom over the whole nation. And who, my brethren, is not ready to p. 4exclaim in the melancholy language of the text, Know ye not that there is a Prince and a great Man fallen this day?

These words are a part of that short but beautiful Eulogy pronounced by King David at the funeral of Abner. They were the undissembled effusions of a heart deeply impressed with the sudden loss of a brave and worthy man. Abner was chief general of all the armies of Israel which yet adhered to the house of Saul; and from duty and principle had been a public enemy to the kingdom of David. He had probably sworn allegiance to the family of Saul; and, like a faithful man, he endeavoured to maintain the honour of that crown as long as there was a probability of success. He evidently saw that the kingdom of David was daily increasing in strength, and that of his master as rapidly declining. Reason and humanity united in urging the necessity of a union of all the tribes under one common head. He announced his determination to the King, and, after conferring with the Elders of Israel upon the subject, he thought proper to go in person to Hebron to accomplish the business. King David received him and his suit in the most cordial, friendly manner. The preliminaries of the union were agreed upon, and Abner dismissed in peace. Immediately after, Joab, who led the hosts of David, returned to Hebron, and was informed of what had passed. He went in directly to the King, and reproved him severely for his credulity; denouncing Abner as a treacherous spy, and all his pretended friendship p. 5as the basest duplicity. The fact was, he entertained a murderous design against Abner, who had slain his brother Asahel in battle some time before. He soon became resolved in the business, and sent messengers after Abner, which brought him again to Hebron. As soon as he had reached the gate, Joab met him with the appearance of friendship, and, smoothing his sullen brow, he concealed the baseness of his design under a false, insidious smile; and in this unguarded moment he plunged the fatal dagger into the breast of this worthy Hero.

p. 5When the information of this melancholy event had reached the ears of David, he declared himself and kingdom "guiltless before the Lord forever from the blood of Abner." He gave commandment to Joab as head of the military department, and to "all the people that were with him, to rend their clothes, and mourn before Abner." "And King David himself followed the bier." "And the King lift up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept. And the King lamented over Abner and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?" No. "Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet put in fetters; as a man falleth before wicked men, so fellest thou. And all the people wept again. And the King said unto all his servants, Know ye not that there is a Prince and a great Man fallen this day in Israel? I am this day weak though anointed King." We have seldom seen this excellent man in a more dignified attitude, than when weeping at the grave of Abner. p. 6He discovered a magnanimity of soul upon this occasion worthy of imitation. To lay aside all resentment against a man who had so lately acted as his foe, and to pay a voluntary tribute of public respect to his memory, was doing a still greater honour to himself. It is not a mere weakness in human nature, but a real excellency, to weep over fallen greatness. Shall we not then, my brethren, indulge our tears upon the present occasion; when we reflect that the Man who conducted us to freedom and independence, and who so ardently "loved our nation," is now no more?

Perhaps the words of the text could never be applied to any man with greater propriety, than to him whose death we this day deplore. If we should look over the characters of the greatest and wisest of men who have lived in any age of the world, we shall find few, if any, who have excelled him in wisdom or virtue; and who have sustained such important trusts with so much dignity to themselves or advantage to mankind. But neither the great nor the good are suffered to continue, by reason of death. Yet, while we mingle our undissembled sorrows with the tide of general grief, and mourn their loss, we may hope that God will raise up others to fill their places with equal reputation.

p. 6From the subject thus introduced, the following observations are proposed to your consideration and improvement, viz.

FIRST. That in every age and nation it hath pleased God to raise up and qualify some men for p. 7the most distinguished honours, and for the most eminent usefulness.

SECOND. That when such highly respected characters are removed by death, justice and gratitude demand a suitable tribute of respect to be paid to their memories.