Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-10-14
Prayer by Rev. Mr.. Edwards,

At the opening OF the session of the Virginia
Legislature yesterday.
God of our Fathers, God of Isaac, of Abra-
ham and OF Jacob, God of all mankind, God OF
the heavens and the earth, God of the universe,
have mercy upon US in this our latest and
greatest affection. The tolliDg bells remind us
solemnly that death has been busy at his re-
lentless work in high places, and that no viz
tues, no deeds, no honors, nor any position, can
screen any member of the human family from
the common fate of all, He whose loss we
mourn-the whole country nay, the whole
world, Icing involved in the grieVous loss
was one whose public services were only sur
passed by his private virtues.
He was 10 truth, at all times. in ell places,
under all circumstances that highest type OF
humanity-a Cody man. Always great
great in the field, great In council and greatest
OF all perhaps, in the social and domestic Cir
cle-his goodness .paralleled his greatness, and
holy halo. Great, good, honored and beloved
who have but small claim to the emnen, great
ness which made him what be was. May We
learn from bis death that We must also die,
and may his life teach US to live that we may
die like him. We thank Thee, Father, that
he whose departure we deplore was ready for
the stern summons, and that 10 his death
he was supported, as in his life he had al
ways been guided, by the principles Of Thy
holy religion.
We pray thee, our God, to be with the
widow and family of the deceased in their
heavy bereavement Especially help her
the tender companion of his joys and sor.
rows-to endure with tortitudo and resigna
ton the separation from him to whom she
was so devoted. Dear to US ALL how many
fold more dear to her was he, the partner
Of her life Let Thy hand uphold her let
Thy angels minister to her, and let her heart
be filled with grace that made him what he was.
Teach her, D., Gcd, that earth has no sorrow
that Heaven cannot cure, and make her to say
from lip and heart, The Lord gave and the
Lord taketh away-blessed be the name of the
Lord"
Be Thy blessings too, Heavenly Father, up
on the college over which he presided and up
on the students who have ielt the influence of
his presence, his example, and his care. May
these youths remember and revere him, so
that they may initiate, disseminate and perpe.
tuate bis virtues, and may the odor of his lite
still hang ard hover about and within the insti.
tuition which was under bis charge, that bis
glory and goodness may mould rising genera
tons to the latest syllable of recorded time.
And finally, 0 God, may all differences of
the past, all bitter memories, and all the feuds
and quarrels that still keep two great sections
of our country in angry strife and controversy,
be buried in his grave. Over his hallowed
sepulchrc let old divisions be composed, and
may complete and earnest reconciliation of
those who have been so cruelty and widely es-
tranged be effected at the tomb where all alike
drop tears of heartfelt sorrow.
, " God may this manifestation of Thy
Providence convince US all OF the vanity of lite
and mortal things, and how feeting and eva.
nesceDt is human fame and greatness. There
is nothing enduring but good deeds and holy
principles. May his lite be on example to us
and may our death at last be like biz.