'^^ u A SERMON OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH MAJOR GEN. ALEXANDER HAMILTON. 9. A SERMON, OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF Mx\JOR GEN. ALEXANDER HAMILTON, AVHO WAS KILLED BY AARON BURR, ESQ. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, IN A DUEL, JULY 11, 1804. PREACHED, IN CHRIST-CHURCH AND ST. PETEr's, PHILADELPHIA, ON SUNDAY, JULY 22d, 1 804, BY JAMES ABERCROMBIE, D. D. ONE OF THE ASSISTANT MINISTERS OF CHRIST-CHURCH AND ST. Peter's. PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED AND PUBLISHHD, BY H. MAXV/ELL, NORTH SECOND-STREET, OPPOSITE CHRIST-CHURCH. 1804, -^c^c:^ *' At a Meeting of the citizens of Philadelphia, on Monday July 1 6th, agreeably to public notice, for the purpose of adopting proper measures for the expression of their grief at the untimely fate of their deceased fellow citizen Major Gen. Alexander Hamilton^ their admiration of his virtues and his talents, and their gratitude for the eminent services which as a Soldier and a Statesman he has rendered to his country ; " the following, among other resolutions, was pass- ed. "Resolved, that the clergymen of the several denominations, be requested to expatiate, on Sunday next, upon the irreligious and pernicious tendency of aj custom, which has deprived our country of one of her best and most valuable citizens, and has proved so destructive to the happiness of his family. « THOMAS WILLING, Chairman. «* Wm. Meredith — Sec'ry.'* |C7* The publication of the following Sermon would have taken place immediately after it was delivered, had not the most imperi- ous necessity obliged the author to be absent from the city, during the month of August. TO MRS. ELIZABETH HAMILTON. Madam, The melancholy event which has depriv- ed yon of an affectionate husband — your chil- dren of a vigilant protector — and the United States of America of one of the most valuable and meritorious of her sons^ has justly excited in the breasts of the 'ioise^ the virtuous^ ajidthe good^ the most poignant sensations of sorrow^ and raised the loud cry of lamentation and distress. The death of General Hamilton^ Madam^ must ever be deplored^ as a national calamity. Among the various tributes of respect which have been offered to the memory of your illustri- ous husband^ that of the citizens of Philadelphia has not been., I trusty the least acceptable to you, I am confident it was expressed with ardour and siiicerity. By their resolutions of 16 th July., the clergy %vere requested to give their aid^ on the following Sunday^ towards the suppression of a fasJiion- VI able yet destructive practice^ which had so re- ceiitly inflicted on our country an irreparable loss. In compliance with this request^ 1 composed^ though^ in haste^ the following Sermon: and be- ing now ccdled upon^ by the partiality of my friends^ to commit it to the press^ a sense of pro- priety^ combined with the most respectful esteem^ induces me to dedicate it^ Madam ^ in this public manner^ to you; in testimony of the profound vene- ration with which I ever contemplated the pre- eminent talents and virtues of your departed com- pa77io7i and friend^ as well as of my sincere and high estimation of that resplendent and acknow- ledged merit whicli constitutes your o^cn character. The trial you have been called upon to cxperi^ enccy though charged with an unusual degree of severity, has, I trust, been received by you with that rationed fortitude, and exemplary Christian resignation, which shone so conspicuously in your conduct on a former similar occasion, when a beloved son fell a sacrifice to the delusive princi' pies of modern honour. May that Almighty Being who directeth the government of the Uiuverse, and who ^^ chasten- vu eth those whom he loveth^ " enable you to derive such spiritual improvement from these dispensa- tions of his providence^ as may elevate you to the highest possible attainment of Christian ex^ cellence ift this worlds and of celestial felicity in the world which is to come. With the sincerest sympathy in your affliction^ and the most affectionate ivishesfor your present* and future welfare^ I am^ Madam^ Tour most obedient^ Humble Servant^ JAMES ABERCROMBIE, Philadelphia, October 10. 1804. A SERMON, he. JOB, CH. XIV. VER. 10. MAN GIVETH UP THE GHOST, AND WHERE IS HE? A SOLEMN assertion, indeed! and an awful and important inquiry ; the resolution of which most intimately concerns every one in this as- sembly ! — not only on account of affection for our departed relatives and friends, but of our own condition, when the toils, the troubles, the pains, and deceitful pleasures, of this short and uncertain life are over. If there be another state of existence after this, a state of retribution for our conduct here — and that there is, we cannot doubt, — the in- quiry is surely both rational and necessary. A We know that death is the inevitable lot of man. We daily see our fellow creatures borne to the silent grave, where there can be no re- pentance nor device. We know that the body only is deposited there, that the etherial prin- ciple which animated it is immortal, and that the operation of death is the separation of the one from the other. There lies the tabernacle of clay! but where's the soul — the spirit which inhabited it? "Gone to its great account!" — Gone to the invisible and spiritual world, whither ours must soon follow! — how soon, we know not. The passage of Holy Writ which I have selected for my text, and which I offer to your present contemplation, was chosen in reference to a late melancholy event, which derives unu- sual solemnity from its peculiar circumstances, and demands our most serious attention. Dismissing, therefore, for a few moments, all obtrusive, busy thoughts, and anxious, worldly cares, "With inward stillness, and a Ixjwcd mind," let us pause, and meditate on death. Let us attentively, and with religious awe, listen to the warning voice of our departed brother, who, "though dead, yet speaketh;"'^^" and, v/ho by the example which he hath exhibited of the brevity and uncertainty of human life, calls upon us to reflect, that "it is appointed unto all men once to die:"t and that " there may be but a step between us and death. "J On such an occasion, we are naturally led to consider, what may be the condition of the soul in the world of spirits ; the period of pro- bation being terminated. "Man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?" The doctrine of a future state of existence after death, and that a state of retribution, has, we know, either from a principle inherent in man's constitution, from tradition, or from the deductions of reason, been universally received *Heb. 11.4. in allusion to Gen. 4. 10. "And the Lord said unto Cain, what hast thou done ? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." t Heb. 9. 27. \ 1 Sam. 20, 3. and cherished by all nations.* The imperfect suggestions, however, of reason, in the early- ages of the world, with respect to the soul's im- mortality, could gratify even the anxious re- *Tf we consult the records of historians, we shall find, tliat the doctrine of the soul's immortality lu.s pervaded l11 nations, l.cwe\cr remotely separated by distance of time or place; evincing almost an innate conviction of that important truth. Of the varioHS testimonies on tliis sul)ject, the following may be considered as some of tl.e most prominent. x,t^;.^^ Pythagoras the Samian, and some oliiers of the ancient natu- ralists, have declared the souls of men to be immortal. Diodorus Sicuhis, L. X\'III. S. 1. 2. Xenophon, in his Cyropoediu, tiuis cNpresses the stntiments of Cyrus in his last moments, when ad(h'essing I. is sons: ** Oy yxp ^yiTTH tkto */£ cx^ug ooy.iTTi iioivxi, ojj vaiv irouxi iyt» eT< tTU^xv ra xiB-^wrivii /3«» riXivTr,7a' tf^i yx^ vvv roi in y luyiv -^v^f^ttt iOPXTl, «>A' 0<; ^UTT^XTTiTOy T»Te.< OtfTJJV 6»; HS-XV KXTi^U^XTi. OvTOl tywyt, A> "Txidi;, vdi ruTt TrMTFon iTnia-^r^i^ a/5 n V'-'Pil) **< ,**»' *» 6» 3-»>jTw a-ufixTi ,", ^k' 07XV 2i Tara x-rxXXxyrt^ T£.9-v»)X£y." Think not you know assuredly, that when I shall have finished my life amongst men, I shall thence be annihilated. In what is now past you saw not my soul, but, by the actions wliich it per- formed, you discovered its existence... .By no means, my sons, was I ever persuaded, that the soul lives only wliilst it remain* in a mortal body, but is dead wlien it hath departed tlience. Xenoplion's Cyropxdia, B. N'lII. 3. Plato thus records the opinion of Socrates imparted to Sim- mias and Cel)es : " Et f^ii jxn nu/i* f.^iit TF^vTti uii Tx^x .*)!»; fltXXirf ff-»^«f ti kxi «-/«.%^-«(di, 1t2l*>if Xf, searches of the most sagacious and contempla- tive philosopher no further, than to induce a degree of confidence, resting entirely upon the precarious foundation oi probabUity : and many 8« etyocvuKTiov ru B-xvxtoi. vvv ofc, sy iri on. Trap otvopxg ts iXthZju u?i Oix rxvrx ovyj <3^ot, the water corrupteth it not, the wind drieth it not away ; for it is indivisible, inconsumable, incorruptible, and is not to be dried away ; it is eternal, universal, permanent, immoveable; it isin\isible, inconceivable, and unalier- kble ; therefore believing it to be thus, thou shouldest not grieve." Ltclure 2. Bhi';it-Gccta. Translated by Mr. \\ ilkins. IB the guilt of man. If the world should fail us, we are to consider ourselves as strangers and sojourners here, whose treasures and whose home are in Heaven — If we suffer affliction in 13. That laborious researclier, Purchas, gives this account of the belief of the Africans, upon the coast of Guinea, v/ith respect to a future existence. "We asked them of their beliefe, and what opinion they had of ly,that a belief in a future state of existence after death has existed in all nations. The mode of that existence could not possibly be ascertained, but by Divine Rcvclati'^.'V^ whuh •we have the inestimable privilege of er.joying. * Acts 7. 59, C 20 such support, as will frequently enable us to exult in that triumphant apostrophe...." O Death! where is thy sting? O Grave ! where is thy victory?"* Yes, Brethren, the sighs of contrition, and the aspirations after holiness, which flow from the sincere heart, ascend before the throne of God; where, "trumpet-tongtied" they plead for favour and forgiveness ; while their plea is en- forced, by the atoning merits of the divine me- diator, and their testimony recorded, in the mighty, the awful Register of Heaven. To such persons we are assured the Lord will not impute iniquity, " because in their spirit there was no guilef't but that " their sins shall be blotted out,"t ^I'^J "theiriniquities remember- ed no more". II To the obdurate and impeni- tent, nothing, indeed, remains at the solemn hour of dissohuion, but the consciousness of guilt, of neglected opportunties of repentance and sal- vation, of murdered, mispent time; and conse- quently, ''a fearful looking for of judgment",** * 1 Cor. 15. 55. t Ps. 52. 2. \ Arts. 3. 19. || Ikb. 8. 12. •* Iltb. 10. 27. 21 and of banishment from the presence of God, into the regions of agony and despair. In instances of sudden dissolution, we see how awful is the power of that agent, who is permitted to extinguish our earthly existence, in a manner, sometimes, the most terrifying and alarming. But, that we m.ay not sink under the painful apprehensions, which such dispensations might naturally occasion, let us turn our atten- tion to the exhilarating assurance given, by di- vine revelation, to the beloved apostle St. John; who says, "I heard a voice from heaven, say- ing unto me, write. Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord, from henceforth:'** i. e. immedi- ately, or at the moment of their death. ♦Various have been the opinions of Commentators, with res- pect to an apparent ambiguity, as to the period referred to by this expression "from henceforth:" — some referring it to the severe persecution, which, it was revealed to the evany;eUst, would l^e permitted to try tiie faith of the saints, the true servants of God, in the latter claijSy when Satan should exert his utmost power, and make his last and greatest effort against the kingdom of God amongst men ; or, against the inHucnce of the faith as it is in Jesus ; when, as St. John expresses it, " the Devil shall come, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short lime :" and that, therefore, those sincere Christians who shall die in the full ajid true belief and profession of their faith, b'^/ord that awful period, were to 22 By dying in the Lord is to be understood. 1. The dying in a state of union with him, as stedlcist beUevers in his mediation and cfFec- hc accounted blessed^ because exempted from the severe distresses and (riols, v/!\ich, in the infini'uly wise economy of Providence, Were preordained, as of necessary occuirence, und would then be perruitted to exist. Otiikr expositors of this portion of the saci-cd Canon, consider the declaration, as altofjether applicable to that particular period of Chiu'cli History, when a r.. formation from the errors and corrup- tions of Popeiy, both in doctrine and dicipiine, was effected in the visil)le churcli of Clirist, by Lutlier and his protestant adherents. Othkrs are of opiiiion, that it should only i)c taken in immedi- ate connection with the plinise, dying in qt for the Lord ; and would therefore confine it to those, "wuo evinced the sincerity of their faith by 'suffering inartijrdjmy rather than relinquish their attachment to Christianity. Others again assert, that the words "from henceforth" are of more general siq-nification, and is an expression synonymous with immediatelj ; that is, from the moment of their death, those who die in the Lord, or in the true faith of Christianity — shall be blessed, and enter into rest ; this opinion appears to be strengthened, by consi- dering the preceding verses; in which the power of antichrist is descri!)ed, and the most dreadful punishment denounced against those *^wlio worship the beast and his image." And as a belief in Pnrgatoiy or an intermediate state of purification between death and judgn»ent, is one of the tenets held by some, tiiis soleitm as.sur^ ance by a voice from Heaven (after the pmphetic vision of Anti- christ) appears to be partindarly diixxttd against that erroneous doctrine, and accordingly the Church from which we are descend- ed expressly condemns it in her 22 article. In this sense also tlic compilers of our Liturgy certainly under- «lood the passage, oihcnvise they would not have inserted it into the 25 taal intercession ; after becoming members of his mystical body, the Church, by Baptism. "Neither pray I." said Christ himself, just before he suffered; 'Mieither pray I for these/ my Apostles, ''alone, but for them also, who shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee ; that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe, that thou hast sent me : And the glory, which tliou ga- vest me, I have given them; that they may be ont^ even as we are one : I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one ; — that the love wherev/ith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them." * 2. Such may be considered as living, and, by "enduring unto the end,"t ^s clyijig in the Lord^ Burial service, and have transposed the ori<^inal construction of the sentence, so as clearly to render it of ^-t^n^Ta/api'licationjUJul une- qiiivocaliy to convey that meaning. Vv iTH deference, ti^erefore, to such rcKpectable authorities as support tlie firccccfifig opinions, I am inclined to subscribe to the latter interpretation, as most consonant to reason, to the general tenor of Scripture, and to the evident scope of the passage in the oriijinal, when taken in connection with llu-. verves, which it imme- diately follows-. *John ir, eo. 21. ?.":. i:„ \lsU\h. lo. 2'j. 24 who have faithfully employed their time and talents, during their period of probation here, in endeavouring to know the will of the Lord, by searching the Holy Scriptures; in striving to regulate their sentiments and actions accord- ing to their dictates; and in uniform exertions to promote the public weal. 3. By dying in the Lord^is to be considered, the dying in a public profession of faith in Christ. "Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father who is in heaven."* And, " Whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall com.e in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. "t Faith is the last gi'ace acted upon by the dying Christian: it supports his hopes, because it shews him a faithful Sciviour, and a merciful and reconciled God. 4 . They may be said to die in tJic Lord^ who imitate Christ's dying example, in patience and resignation to tlie divine will, and in devoutly • Milt. 10. .32. t Luki- 9. '25. 25 commending their spirits unto God. "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit : and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."* Such are the blessed, who, by uniting these qualifications, " die in the Lord," and happily " rest from their labours." They enjoy a ces- sation from the toils and perplexities of human life, and a relief from its vexations and afhic- tions. They escape from the seductions of pleasure, and the insatiable cravings of ambi- tion; from harrassing doubts and fears; from party contentions ; from the treachery of pre- tended friends, and the envy, hatred, and malice, of open enemies; from, " disease and sor- row's weeping train ;" from the iron scourge of ingratitude, and the torturing pangs of disap- pointed hope. They rest in the enjoyment of the immediate presence of God, of a visible in- tercourse with their Saviour, and of an associ- ation with angels and archangels, and "with the spirits of just men made perfect."! In a word : *Mut. 23. 45. t Heb. 12. 23. 9i9 they rest, in the full fruition of the most refined and perfect felicity. \^\Kious indeed are tlie modes, in which the king of terrors exercises his power over the human race; the most lamentable and distress- ing of which is that, whereby he renders men the agents of their own dissolution ; either by the perpetration of wililil Suicide^ or by the equally atrocious act of Duelling* — a practice which, notwithstanding the explicit and positive prohibition of divine and human laws, frequent- ly prevails in the most civilized nations, and even amongst those who profess, and call them- selves Christians. — A practice so deeply rooted, and so generally acquiesced in, so interwoven with the respect and esteem of our fellow men, •The criminality of both tlicsc jn-actices inust be evident to every rcilcclinc:^ inind, whether ihcy arc viewed throiii;hlhe medium of reason, or relif^ion. The horror which is experienced, and tlie uni- versal reprobation whicli is expressed, on hearinj^ of an act of a///- cicICf will ever render it an act of r.u'e commission in ci\i!izcd socie- ty. Whereas, to the practice of dudlirir^ though not less crin)i- lul in its nioiivc, subversive of the happiness of society in its opera- lion, or fatal in its inniicnre and e{Te:ts, the potent and almost irresistible anthoiiiy of custoin, (ctnd that originating in barbarism and superstition), has Ionj» jifivcn und still continues to ^^ivc a sane- lion, which is univei-sally received and in>pHcitly subniilted to. :di as often not to be resisted, but under pain of forfeiting these, and the abiUty of future use- fulness in life. A practice, moreover, which I am sorry to observe, is rapidly gaining ground, and its advocates daily increasing amongst us ; though it is known to be an act, replete with danger and distress^ ferocious in its nature, sa- vage in its operation, and impiously antichris- tian in its principle. I AM well aware, that even under the ac- knowledged consciousness of its enormity, du- elling is defended, on the ground of unavoidable necessity ; its supporters alleging, that there are some offences of so peculiar a nature, as, though in th^ highest degree irritating and injurious, do not come under the cognizance of the establish- ed laws, and which call for immediate re- dress.* But this is an argument, false, both * For the suggestion of the following Law authority, and the arguments by which it is controverted, I am indebted to a learned and ingenious friend. The practice of duelling receives the following defence from Mr. Vattcl^ an author celebrated through the world for his accurate trea- tise on the law of nations. "This honour" says he "be it as false D 28 in its origin and application, because found- ed upon assumed premises — an argument and chimerical as you "please, is a very real and necessary blessing ; since without it a man can neither live well with his equals, nor exercise a profession that is often his only resoftrcc. When therefore a man of a brutish disposition would unjustly ravish from liini a chimera so esteemed, and so necessary, why may he not defend it as he would liis life and treasure against a robber ? As the state does not permit an individual to pursue with arms in his hands the usurper of his fortune, only because he may obtain jus- tice from the magistrate ; so if the sovereign will not allow him to draw his sword against him from whom he has received an insult, he ought necessarily to take such measures that the patience and obedience insulted be no prejudice to him. The society cannot de- prive man of his natural right of makijig war against a7i aggressor ^ without furnishing him ivith another means of securing himself from the evil his enemy would do him ; for on all these occasions, where the public authority cannot letul us assistance^ we resume our firimary right of natural defence. Thus a traveller may kill, without diflTiculty, the robber who attacks him on the highway, because, at that in- stant he would in vain implore the protection of the laws, and the magistrate." Vattel. B. I. Ch. XIII. Sec 176. Tiiis I take to be the splendid sophism, by which alone will any man of sense suffer himself to be deluded: for, as to those 4^uerile arguments which trtat duelling as an anomalous mode of punisliment, or a just revenge, they are at once too silly and too impious to ensnare one person of a strong understanding. But U) ^lis there is a conclusive answer; one indeed to which a Christian will not condescend, because he looks with a single eye to the i)ar- aniount oixlinances of his religion, — the authority of his Cod ; and spurns the influence of a prejudice by which society would under- mine the Gospel: but one which men of fashion, and of mere 29 too, which neither the Philanthropist nor the Deist — and much less the Christian — can possi- bly reconcile with his articles of faith, or mo- ■vvcrldly calculation may listen to, because It destroys the whole foundation of the sophism. It is this — a man cannot be reduced to the state of nature so as to justify a private war for any thing whicli in a state of nature is not an adequate offence : and for this reason ; if he be considered in a state of nature as to the war, he must be so as to the ground of the war ; and if that ground be not a good one, the right of war of course fails. To exempliry — •! am in a state of nature to execute justice on the highway robber; because, in a stale of nature such a?i attack would be a good ground for such a resistance, and such an a?,saalt upon the pci-son could only be defeated by the destruction of the assailant. Eut if a man calls me a coward^ for which civil law will give me no re- dress, and I am restored, as Vattel supposes, to a state of nature, for what purpose is this ? Why surely for nothing but to get re- dress for an action, which, by reason alone of my union with society cr\n do m.e any injury. This is plainly contrary to Vattel's rea- soning, for he grounds his position on this maxim ; " that society cannot dcjirive him of his natural right. Now v/hat natural right has a man to take the life of one who calls him a coward? of one \vhoi}isiUti;\\\m I surely none. And here lies the fallacy in Vattel's argument ,- that he supposes this ofience against courtesy, and politeness, which is so ruinous to a man in the pi esent state of so- ciety, is actually an offence by the Law of Nature. It has not been deemed an offence of this magnitude in many states of society equally refined as the present ; it owes its consequence to the pre- posterous pride of cowards, v»ho have formed a sufiicient majonty to impose the sentiment upon brave men ; and so far from being an offence in a state of nature, if we can conceive of such a state, bravery is a virtue which derives its ivhoU consideration from sod- etij. In a state of nature no one could be reproached as a coward, 30 tives of action : for, can any occurrence ever justify a wilful violation of the divine laws, or of the immutable principles of justice and hu- manity? In such cases, however, as well indeed as in all, did the dictates of genuine benevo- lence, and Christian forbearance operate as they ought in the human breast, as no wilful offence would be given, of course, such fatal conse- quences would never exist. Let, therefore, the injunctions of Christianity and Philanthropy be- because until men are someliow united, this weakness is pernicious to no one, hut the individual of whom it is predicated. I speak as to what may be called the philosophical state of nature, where every man is independent of his fellow. As to our sava[j;es, with whom bravely is of p^reat account, they arc so far removed from the state of nature contemplated, as upon some points to be mo- rally superior to the boasted ^rn^/rwr;: of cultivated cities ; and they esteem courage more than any thinjr else, from tl»e very circumstance (hat their social connection depends principally upon it. It may not be inapplicable perhaps to remark, that, among these truly brave people who idolize courage, single combat, hy individuals of the same trii)e, is not known. I am therefore justified in answering Vattel, that although " society cannot deprive man of his natural right of making war against an aggressor, without funiishing him wiili anotlier means of seeming himself fmm the evil his enemy would do him," yet, for the ofl'ences which stimulate men of ho- nour to a duel, there is uofiaturai rightof defence : in the code of na- lui*e such oflences cannot exist — they grow out of society ; and therefore if there were a right of defence, it would want a corre- lative ; whicii would be an absurdity. 31 gin their operation, by preventing offences of such a nature, and by conciliatory efforts to ap- pease resentment against them when commit- ted; thereby removing from the offender the im- putation of all the consequent mischief and mise- ry, of which he might otherwise be considered as the author.* * Though duellinc^ cannot be justified, in any degree, under any provocation, yet let it be remembered, with respect to the ILLUSTRIOUS VICTIM, whose Untimely death wc uowjustly deplore, that the Rev. Dr. Mason, who attended him on his death bed, testi- fies, " he declared his abhorrence of the whole transaction, and repeated his disavowal of all intention to hurt Col. Burr." "It was always," added he, " against my principles. I used every expedi- ent to avoid the interview ; but I have found, for some time past, that my life must be exposed to that man. I went to the field de- termined not to take his life." And, in a paper \vritten with his own hand, inclosed with his will, in a packet addressed to one of his executors, to be opened in case of his death, are the following singular and decisive assertions. *' My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of duelling, and it would ever give me pain, to be obliged to shed the blood of a fellow creature, in a piivate combat forbidden by the laws." " The disavowal required of me by Col. Burr, in a general and indefinite form, was out of my power, if it had really been proper for me to submit to be so questioned." " I AM not sure whether, under all the circumstances, I did not go further in the attempt to accommodate, than a punctilious de- licacy will justily. If so, I hope tlie n\otives I have stated will excuse ms." 32 " By this infamous vice of duelling," says a celebrated modern jurist,* " how is the name of Honour prostituted ! Can honour be the savage resolution, the brutal fierce- ness of a revengeful spirit ? True honour is manifested in a steady, vmiform train of actions, attended by justice, and directed by prudence. Is this the conduct of the duellist? Will justice support him in robbing the community of an able and useful member, and in depriving the poor of a benefactor? Will it support him in preparing affliction for the widow's heart — in filling the orphan's eyes with tears? Will jus- tice acquit him for enlarging the punishment beyond the oifcnce ? Will it permit him for, per- haps, a rash word that may admit of an apolo- gy, an unadvised, inconsiderate action that may be retrieved, or an injury that may be compen- sated, to cut off a man before his days be half numbered? and for a temporary fault inflict an • Mr. IIornf., in the Island of St. Clirislophers, as council for the prosecution of Mr. Ikuhot for the death of Mr. Mills, 1753. \idc. K. Jcrninj^ham's Essay prcfi.xed to his select Sermons of Boss- (.t-—C:r. 8 vo. I SOI. or, Slate Trials vol. 10, p. 139. 33 endless punishment? — On the other hand, will prudence bear him out in risking an infamous death" as a murderer^ which would be the case if our laws wtrt properly put in execution,* "if he succeeds in the duel? But, if he falls- will it plead his pardon at a more awful tribu- nal, for rushing into the presence of an ojffended God?" in defiance of his dispensations, and, "with all his imperfections on his head." "Duelling seems to be an unnatural graft upon genuine courage, and the growth of a barbarous age. The polite nations of *Greece and Rome knew nothing of it: they reserved their bravery for the enemies of their country; * It is a circumstance much to be lamented by us, that though laws which proiiibit duels exist in many of the states under the se- verest penalties, yet, as the jurisdiction of an individual state ex- tends no further than its own immediate territory, aggressors com- mitting the offence beyond the boundary line, are also considered as beyond the oi)eration of its lavvs. Hence, duels are fought by the citizens of New York and Pennsylvania, on the shores of New Jersey ; and thus are necessary and well-meant laws evaded : nay, even when the issue of a duel proves fatal to one of the parties, the MURDERER is suffered to range at large, unpunished, unpur- sued. 34 and then were prodigal of iheir blood. These brave people set Honour up as the guardian genius of the public, to humanize their passions, to preserve their truth unblemished, and to teach them to value life only as useful to their country. The modem licroes dress it up like one of the demons of superstition, besmeared with blood, and delighting in human sacrifice.'* Against this irreligious and inhuman prac- tice, I have so recently expatiated in this place,* that I should not so soon again call your attention to it, were it not in compliance with the late public request of a large and tru- ly respectable association of our fellow citizens ; in consequence of a justly deplored occurrence, by which a virtuous and amiable family have suddenly been deprived of an affectionate friend, protector, and guide ; and our country, of a wise, vigilant, active, and illustrious states- man, t • In a scniion, preached March 18, 1804. t An attempt to delineate that uncommon assemblage of talents and virtues \\h\d\ formed his churacler, would be equally feeble and unnecessary, after those just, miiuite, and eloquent tributes of respect which have already been given to the world by so many 35 That so irrational and impious a custom, which originated in the early ages of igno- rance, superstition, and Gothic barbarism, should prevail and be conformed to, by men emi- nent for wisdom and integrity, in the present enlightened day, is, indeed, truly astonishing. The decision of controversy by single com- bat, and the attestation of truth by what was called the Ordeal trial, were accommodated to the rude manners of an uncivilized and fero- cious people. But, when reason assumed her empire, when arts, industry, science, philoso- phy, and religion, began gradually to expand and illuminate the human mind, to restrain the indul- gence of the passions, to refine and elevate the affections, to polish the manners, and to puri- fy the heart; — it might naturally be supposed that a practice so absurd, so contrary to the principles of social union, of morality, and of re- of our most distinguished civilians and divines, particularly that which flowed from the benevolent heart, the sagacious head, and the fluent pen, of the Rev. Dr. J. Mason, who enjoyed the hon- ourable distinction of being appointed by the Society of Cincinnati, in New York, to pronounce an Oration commemorative of their revered President, Major Gen. Alexander Hamilton. E ligion, would certainly have been suppressed andabhorrcd : and such, in all probability, would have been the case, had not the institution of Chivalrj", originally benevolent and honourable in its principles, and expressly intended to res- train and abolish so pernicious and ferocious a custom, been carried to the opposite extreme of fantastic refinement and extravagant excess; which, though in some degi'ee corrected through succeeding periods of time, still, in a qualified form, continues to produce occasionally the most fatal eff'ects.* •" Humanity spninj^ from the bosom of Violence^ and l^clicf from the hand of Rapacity. Those licentious and tyrannic nobles, who had been guilty of every species of outrage, and every mode of oppression, touched, at last, by a sense of natural equity, and swayed by the conviction of a common interest, formed associa- tions for the redress of private wrongs, and the preservation of public safety. So honourable was the origin of an institution gen- rally represented as whimsical ! " That the spirit of Chivalry sometimes rose to an extravagant height, and had often a pernicious tendency, nuist however be al- lowed. In Spain, under the influence of a romantic gallantry, it gave birth to a series of wild adventures, which have been deser- vedly ridiculed : in the train of Norman ambition, it extinguished the liberties of England, and deluged Italy in blood ; and at ilie call of Superstition, and as the engine of papil power, it desolated Asia under the bvU.ncr of the Cross. But thcsj ought not to be S7 Frequent, yet inejffectual, have been the efforts made by the edicts of Kings, the de- cisions of Councils, and the requisitions of Ec- clesiastical Canons.* Neither the laws of God considered as arguments against an institution laudable in itself, and necessary at the time of its institution : and those who pretend to despise it, the advocates of ancient barbarism and ancient rusticity, ought to remember, that chivalry not only first taught mankind to carry the civilities of peace into the operations of war, and to min- gle politeness with the use of the sword, but roused the humian soul from its lethargy, invigorated the human character, even while it softened it, and produced exploits which antiquity cannot par- allel. It is therefore entitled to our gratitude, though the point of honour, and the refinements in gallantry, its more doubtful effects, should be excluded from the improvements in modern manners." Russel's Hist, of Modern Europe, Let. XVIII. * Philip the fair,king of France, in the thirteenth Century, appeal's to have been the first monarch wiio endeavoured to suppress this pernicious and fatal practice, which then existed under the appel- lation oi judicial combat. The military spirit of the times, however, M'ould not permit him to proceed further than a regulation of that mode of contest ; by which it was declared, that nothing was to be brought to that bloody issue, which could be determined by any other means. Henry the H, who succeeded Francis I — in 1 547, published an edict prohibiting, under the severest penalties, the decision of controversy by duelling. During the reign of Henry IV, of France, the illustrious Sully exerted all his influence with that monarch, totally to abolish so ferocious a practice : accor- dingly, an edict for the severe punishment of duelling, was published at Blois in the year 1 602, and this edict was renewed, with additional severities, in 1609. The purport of it was as follows : " Both chal- lenger and challenged, with their seconds, are made guilty of Ixse majesty, and are to be punished with death, anclconfiscatign of goo;Js. 38 nor man, have hitherto been able to extinguish tliat false and frantic principle of imaginary- All the great officers and magistrates of France, military and civil, arc required to publish and execute this edict in tiieir several juris- dictions, and are empowered to judge the differences, uhich occa- sion duels. If the complainer of any affront refuse to accept the sa- tisfaction these officers appoint, or the offender refuse to comply with it, he is to be imprisoned." Vide, Cockburne on duelling, P. 344, and the autho- rities he quotes. Thk following extract is from Cockbunie on duelling P. 343. " As modern duels began and were first indulged in l-'rance, so in no place have there been so many and so severe edicts against them, to which the government there has been forced by the con- tinual mischiefs which happened from them, and the great dispo- sition of the people towards them, which then was so great, that Mons. Montaigne says " he believes, if tlirce Frenchmen were put into the Lybian desert, they would not be a month there without fighting ;" and Mons. Hardouin de Perefix, Bishop of Rhodes, observes, in his life of Henry IV, "that the madncssof duels seized the spirits of the nobility and gentry so much, that they lost more blood by their own hands in times of peace, than had been shed by their enemies in battle." In the reign of Lewis XIII, no less than three edicts were issued declaratory against duels. "In the year 1679," says the Rev. Mr. Moore, in a Treatise on this subject, "Lewis XIV, issued that famous proclamation, wliich effected more than all his predecessors could obtain, and wiiicli contributed in so great a degree to the suppres- sion of all regular and outrageous duels in France. Two i)oints seem more especially to have contributed to give stal)ility to this edict — viz. the solemn aifrrcnicnt entered into 'Jnj so many of the principal nobility and gcntnj of (he kingdom " that they would never fifht a duel under any firetence ii'hat soever^'' and the frmnet* of t/ic Ainify in rtfuaintf all solicitations in behalf of the ojfaidcrs** 39 honour, which hath so long pervaded, and still pervades the civilized world : nor will, I fear, "The challenger and challenged (if they accept) are, by this edict, declared liable to heavy fines, imprisonments,and confiscations, even if they proceed not to the combat ; and also seconds the same. But if fighting follows, the combatants are both to l)e put to death without pardon ; all their estates real and personal to be forfeited ; and their bodies not to be allowed christian burial. If one fall in the combat, the process against his body and memory to be the same." Augustus, King of Poland, in 1712, published a severe edict against duelling consisting of sixty-two articles — for which, see Cockburne. In England, the great Sir Francis Bacon as strenu- ously exerted himself against duelling in the court of James I, as Sully did in that of Henry I\^, and prohibitory proclamations were accordingly issued by that monarch. In the year 1654, Cromwell's parliament passed an ordinance "for preventing and punishing duels, and all provocations thereto ;" in which it was declared " that if any person should challenge or cause to be challenged, or accept, or knowingly carry a challenge to fight a (Kiel, he should be committed to prison without bail for six months, and give security for his good behaviour for one whole year after. Persons challenged, not discovering it in twenty-four hours, to be deemed acceptors. Fighting a duel, where death should ensue, to be adjudged murder. Fighting a duel upon pre- ceding challenge, being a second, or assisting therein, though death should not ensue thereupon, to be banished for life within one month after conviction, and, in case of return, to suffer death. Persons using provoking words or gestures, to be indicted; and if convicted to be fined, bound to good behaviour, and to make reparation to the party injured, according to his quality and the nature of the offence." Parliamentary Hist. Vol. XX. P. 31 1. The high spirited cavaliers at the time of the Restoration, rcviv- 40 its influence be destroyed, until reason shall assert and maintain her rights against the tyran- cd that disposition for duelling vliich liad in some degree become dormant. Charles II, therefore ibsued the following prochimalion. Charlks R. "Whkreas it is become too frequent, especially with persons of quality, under a vain pretence of iionour, to take upon them to be tile revengers of their private quarrels, by duel and single com- bat, which ought not be upon any pretence or provocation whatso- ever; we, considering that the sin of murder is detestable before God, and this way of prosecuting satisfaction scandalous to the Christian religion, and a manifest violation of our laws and author- ity — out of our pious care to prevent unchristian and rash effusion of blood, do, by this our royal proclamation, strictly charge aiul command all our loving subjects of what quality soever, that they do not, either by themselves or by others, by message, word, wri- ting, or other ways or means, challenge, or cause to be challenged, any person or persons to fight in combat, or single duel, nor carry, accept, or conceal any such challenge or appointment, nor actually fight any such duel, with any of our subjects or others, or as a second, or othei*wise accompany or become assistant therein. And we do hereby — to the intent that all persons may take care to prevent the dangers they may incur, by acting or assisting in ai>y such duel — declare our royal pleasure, that we will not grant our pardon to any person or persons that shall fight, or be any way aid- ing or concerned in any duel, where any person shall be slain, or die of his wounds received therein ; but w ill leave all such persons to the utmost rigour and severity of the laws: and further, that we will not suffer or endure any persons to be or remain in our court, who shall presume to intercede in the belialf of any person or per- sons that shall offend contrary to this our proclamation. And for the better avoiding all such duels, we do hereby struightly charge and command all persons whatsoever, who shall receive or know of any challenge sent or delivered as aforesaid, that they do foithwlll\ 41 ny of fashion, and the dogmas of superstition ; and so modify and enlarge the commonly received give notice thereof to some of our privy council, or otherwise, to st)me justice of peace near the place, where such ofTence shall be committed; upon pain of our highest displeasure, and being left to be proceeded against according to the strictest rigour and severity of our laws. Given at our Court at Whitehall the 9th day of March, 1679. In the two and thirtieth year of our reign. London Gazette, March 11, 1679. A Bill against duelling was brought into the House of Com- mons in the year 1713, on the recommendation of Queen Anne, who, in her speech from the throne, told the parliament " the im- pious practice of duelling requires some speedy and effectual remedy." Such were some of the efforts made by the civil power, in dif- ferent countries and at different times, to suppress this barbarous and bloody practice ; but their inefficiency generally arose from the elevated station of the combatants, (duelling being chiefly practi- ced by the higher and most polished orders in society), and their consequent influence in obtaining pardons, which were so frequent- ly'and easily procured, as to render the laws on that head nugatory. Nor was ecclesiastical authority wanting, to discountenance and abolish so shameful an outrage against the most essential princi- ples of civilization and religion. The Church, at various periods, issued her Canons, and fulminat- ed her decrees, against an act so diametrically opposed to the dic- tates of Reason and the precepts of Christianity. — The Council of Trent passed a very strict Canon against all manner of duelling, de- claring it to be "a detestable custom, introduced by the Devil for the destruction Loth of body and soul ; inhibiting the duel through- out the Christian world, as most unbecoming Christians, excom- municating not only ail those who fought themselves, but all their associates, and even the spectators of the battle ; confiscating all 42 principles of Honour, as to render a participation in a duel, cither as a principal or secondary agent, disgraceful and ignominious:* and until their goods, and denying- Christian burial to those Avho were killed in a duel, as being self murderers in fact. All advisers, supporters, vvitnesses, or those in any shape concerned, are likewise to be ex- communicated. Princes also, who connive at duels, are to be de- prived of all temporal power, jurisdiction, and dominion over the places, wliere they have permitted a duel to be fought." "Detestabilis duellorum usus Hibricante diabolo introductus, ut cruenta corporum morte, animarum etiam pemiciem lucretur, ex christiano orbe penitus exterminetur: imperator, duces, prin- cipes, marchiones, comites, et quocunque alio nomine domini temporales, qui locum ad monomachiam in terris suis inter christianos concesserint, co ipso sint excommunicati, ac juris- dictione et dominio civitatis, castri aut loci, in quo vel apud quem, duellum fieri premiserint, quod ah eclesia obtinent, pri- vati intelligantur : clsi feudaliasint,directis dominis stalim acquiran- tur. Qui vero pugnamcommiserint, et qui eorum ^'pairini" vocan- tur excommunicationis, ac omnium bonorum suorum proscriptionis ac perpetux infamix poenam incurrant ; et ut homicidoe juxta sa- cros canones puniri debeant. Kt si in ipso conllictu decesserint, perpetuo careant eccelesiastica sepulturu: — illi etiam, quiconcilium in causa duelli tam in jure quam facto dederint, aut alia, quacunque raiione ad id queniquam suaserint, nccnon spcclatores, excommu- nicationis ac perpetux maledictionis vinculo teneantur; non ob- stante quocuncjue privilegio scu prava consuctudine, etiam imme- morabili." Council of Trent, Session 25. Chap. 19. ; •Since the deatli of Cen. ITamilton, an idea has been suggested by Major General Cliarles Cotesworth Tiiickncy, Vice President (Jcneral of the Society of Cincinnati, in a letter to the standing com- mittee of the State Society of Cincinnati in New York, which, if adopted, would prove as probable a means of suppressing the shock- 43 religion shall be permitted so to purify the heart, as to restrain and finally extinguish those feroci- ous passions and vicious propensities, which are equally opposed to our happiness in this world, and in that to which we are all rapidly hast- ening. Should, however, so happy a revolution in sentiment and manners ever be effected, with what wonder, regret, and astonishment will the ing practice of duelling as any which could be devised. Such a plan, originating in a military association, would most assuredly have much influence in the community, and powerfully aid the operation of any laws or resolutions which might be framed by civil authority. "Is there no way'* says the General, "of abolishing throughout the union this absurd and barbarous custom, to the observance of which he* fell a victim ? Duelling is no criterion of bravery ; for I have seen cowards fight duels ; and I am convinced real courage may often be better shewn in the refusal than in the acceptance of a challenge. If the society of Cincinnati were to declare their abhorrence of this prac- tice, and the determination of all its membei*s to diseourage it as far as they had influence, and on no account either to accept or send a challenge, it might tend to annul this odious custom, and would be a tribute of respect to the sentiments and memory of our late illustrious Chief." These are the correct and judicious sentiments of a gentleman whose courage, liberality, honour, and patriotism are acknowledged and unquestionable. •Maj. General Alexander Hamilton, President of the Socictjr of Cincin- nati. F 44 adoption of so savage and murderous a medium of redress for insults and injuries be viewed? by which, an insinuation, an unguarded w^ord, or even a look, compels a man, under the penalty of public reprobation, ridicule, and contempt, to rush into the field; and there, either embrue his hand in a brother's blood, or impiously shed his own. * ♦Brydone, in liis Tour tlirough Sicily and Malla, Vol. 1. Let* XV r. says "Perhaps Malta is the only country in tlic Avoild, where duelling is permitted by law. As their whole establisliment is originally founded on the wild and romantic principles of Clii- valry, they have ever found it UK) inconsiKtcnt with these principles to abolish duelling. He relates an instance of a young man, who, for refusing to accept a challenge, was condemned to make amende hrjuourablr^ in the great church of St. John, for forty- five days successively ; then to be confined in a dungeon ^\ithout light for five years, after which he was to remain prisoner in the castle for life. The unfortunate young man, who received the of- fence, was likewise in disgrace, as he had not an opportunity of wiping it out by the blood of his adversary. If the legislature," continues Mr. Brydone, " in other countries punished with equal rigour those who do fight, as it docs in this, those who do jioty I believe we should soon have an end of duelling. But I should im- agine the punishment for fighting ought never to be a capital one, but rather something ignominious; and the punishment fcr not fighting sliould always be capital, or at least some severe corporal punishment^ for ignominy will have as little effect on the peisoii who h willing to submit to the appellation of a coward, as the fear cf death on one who makes it his glory to despise it." 45 What gross infatuation, it will be said, what blind deference for a custom to be expected on- ly in savage life, must have influenced a peo- ple, in other respects polished and refined, to resort to so unjust and shocking a mode of de- ciding controversies ! by which truth could not be ascertained, the offended and not the offen- der might suffer, and, if the latter be punished, it might be in a degree far beyond the nature of the offence, inadequate to its enormity, or, perhaps, in no degree at all. Nay, by which an envious^ revengeful^ or malicious character, might force a man, amiable in his disposition^ eminent for his talents^ and in the highest degree useful to the community — at the same time op^ posed in principle to the barbarous custom, to risk his life, rather than bear the imputation of cowardice, or encounter "The world's dread laugh, Which scarce the firm Philosopher can scorn."^ Reason indignantly revolts at the institu- tion; and Religion shrinks back with hor- ror, and trembles at its impious and infuriated decrees. She, heavenly messenger of peacc^ 4G good will, and love, in directing our steps to the realms of bliss, breathes nought but mildness, benevolence, and truth ; endeavouring by her precepts to purify our spirits, and thereby to qualify us to associate with the beatified in- habitants of Heaven. Her still, small, soothing voice, charms the agitated bosom into silence and repose ; and calms the boisterous billows of passion, with the irresistible authority of the celestial mandate, "Peace! be still.*"" She in- structs us to ''give no offence in any thing; f" to "love as brethren," to "be courteous; "t to "seek peace and pursue it;"|| to "follow peace with all men;"§ "not to sow discord among brethren;"** that "it is an honour for a man to cease from strife ;"tt that "the discretion of a man defereth his anger, and, it is his glory to pass over a transgression;" Jf that "it is good and pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity;" nil and she pronounces a "blessing up- on peace makers, who shall be called the •Mark 4. 39. +2 Cor. 6. .1. f I Pet. ". 8. || Ps. 34. 14. J Heb. 12. 14. ••Piov. 6. 19. ft Piov. '20. Z. :|| Prov. 19. 11. IIIlPs. 133. 1. 47 children of God.''* She teaches us to "re- compense to no man evil for evil;"t to "be kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another," (if any man have a quarrel, or oflFendeth so as to give cause for a quarrel,) " even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us;"t "being reviled to bless, being perse- cuted to suffer, being defamed to entreat; j| to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to do good to those who hate us, and to pray for those who despitefully use us, and per- secute us;"§ that "if we forgive men their tresspasses, our heavenly father will also for- give us; but if we forgive not men their tres- passes, neither will our Father forgive our tres- passes."** "Let your moderation be known unto all men;" ft and, "say not thou I will re- compense evil, but wait thou on the Lord and he shall save thee. " tt ''He who revengeth, shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will sure- ly keep his sins in remembrance. Forgive thy neighbour the hurt which he hath done unto ♦Mat. 5. 9. t Rom. 12. 17. | Eph. 4. 32. |i 1 Cor. 4. 12. 13. §Mat. 5. 44. **Mat. 6. 14. i5. ft Pliil. 4. 5. \\?rov. 20. 22. 48 thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou pray est. One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord? He sheweth no merey to a man who is like himself; and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins? Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; remember corruption and death, and abide in the commandments. Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour; remember the covenant of the Highest. "* "Thou shah not kill.^'t "Your blood of your lives will I require ; at the hand of eveiy man's brother will I require the life of man." Such are the heavenly precepts of re- ligion; while the imperious dictates of that frenzied phantom, modern honour, instigates to conduct diametrically opposite: she teaches, not to bear injuries with patience, not to forgive, but to resent them; }wt to leave vengeance to the justice of God, biu, to execute vengeance ourselves, to " Siiatcl) fron\ his hund tlic bulaiirc and llic rod ;'* to endeavoiu- to murder and destroy our fellow creatures, if they offend us, even for Ecclus. 28. 1—7. tExo. 30. 13. t Cen. 9. 5. 49 "trifles, light as air" — otherwise, that we must be despised by all men, and contemptuously excluded from the respect and esteem of our fellow mortals. Judge now, Brethren, which of these in- structors is most likely to give true dignity to the human character, and to promote your tem- poral and eternal interests. And, if neither the dictates of reason, the persuasions of religion, nor the ab- surdity of those impious principles of false honour, which involve men in the guilt both of voluntary and intended Suicide and Murder^^ (unquestionably incurred by the du- * " Whenever two persons in cool blood meet and fight on a precedent quarrel, and one of them is killed, the otlier IS guilty of murder i and cannot help himself by alleging that he was first struck by the deceased, or that he had often declined to meet him, and was prevailed on to do it by his importunity ; that it was his on- ly intent to vindicile his reputation ; or that he meant not to kill, but only to disarm his adversary. For since he deliberately engag- ed in an act highly unlawful, in defiance of tke laws, he must at his peril abide the consequences thereof. And from hence it clearly follows, that if two persons quarrel over night, and appoint to fight the next day, or quarrel in the morning, and agree to fight in the afternoon ; or such a considerable time after, by which, in common intendment, it must be presumed that the blood was coo!- 50 ellist,) — If none of these powerful motives can restrain him, let him listen to the voice of HUMANITY — let him consider the duty which he owes to society ; and the unmerited misery into which he may suddenly plunge the mnocent and virtuous relatives and dependants of his unfortunate antagonist. Having satiated his Revenge for a supposed vijiiry ; his Jeal- ousy of his superior success; or his Envy of his unrivalled and acknowledged talents ; — let him view him as the victim of his resentment, prostrate on the earth, weltering in his blood, and writhing under the excruciating agony of a mortal wound. Let him follow him from " the field of blood," to the chamber of death — see him in the last agonizing moments of dissolution, surrounded by his friends — his distracted wife bending over his almost lifeless frame — and, perhaps, a group of helpless children swelling the tide of woe with the most heart-rending sobs and lamentations. c(l, and tlicn they meet and fight, and one kill the other, he is guilty of murder, Hawkins's rieai of the Crown. 13. 1. C. XXXI. 51 Just and Omnipotent Creator, and Gov- ernor OF the Universe! Is there no cho- sen vengeance But I forbear — Christi- anity seals my lips, and constrains me to leave the vindictive, blood-thirsty perpetrator of the horrid deed, to the pangs of an awaken- ing conscience, and to the mercy of his God! Almighty Father! Protect the bereaved, disconsolate Widow! — protect her helpless, fa- therless Children! Alas ! The affectionate Husband, the tender, protecting Father, the invaluable Member of the Community, groans out his spirit; leaving them to bewail the sacrifice of his life, at the idolatrous altar of False Honour and Imaginary Rectitude ! Such, Brethren, are the irrational and irreli- gious principles; and such are often the fatal consequences of A DUEL. Its recent occurrence among us, which hath thrown a gloom over our unfortunate country, from a just consciousness of her irreparable loss, is thus eloquently commented upon by a 52 learned and amiable Prelate of our church,* who attended the distinguished suf- ferer in his last moments, and adminis- tered to him, the most sacred consolation of our Holy Religion.! *The Right Rev. Dr. Benjamin Moore, Bishop of the Protes- tant Kpiscopal Church in the Slate of New York. t " I PROCEEDED to convci'se with him on the subject of his recei- vini^- the Communion, and told him, that with respect to the quali- fications of those who wished to become partakers of that Holy Or- diance, inquiries could not be made in language more expressive than that which was used by our Church. " Do you sincerely re- pent of your past sins? Have you a lively faith in God's mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of the death of Christ ? And are you disposed to live in love and charity with all men ?" He lifted up his hands and said, "With the utmost sin- cerity of heart, I can answer those questions in the affirmative. — 1 have no ill v, ill against Col. Burr. I met him with a fixed resolu- tion to do him no harm — I forgive all that has happened." " I then observed to hiin, that the terrors of the divine law were to be an- nounced to the obdurate and impenitent ; but that the consolations of the Cospel were to be ofiered to the huml)le and contrite heart,- that I had no reason to doubt his sincerity, and would proceed im- mediately to gratify his wishes. The Conmuinion was then ad- ministered, wliith he received with great devotion, and his heait afterwards appeared to be perfectly at rest. I saw him again this morning, when, with his last faltering words, he expressed a strong confidcnrc in the mercy of (iod, through the intercession of the Redeemer. I remained with him until 2 o'clock this af- ternoon, when death dosed the awful scene — he expired without a struggle, and almost wiiliout a groan." Bishop Moore's Letter lo tlic Editor of the Evening- Post, 53 "By reflecting," says the good Bishop, " on this melancholy event, let the humble Be- liever be encouraged ever to hold fast that pre- cious faith, which is the only source of true consolation in the last extremity of nature. Let the Infidel be persuaded to abandon his oppo- sition to that Gospel, which the strong, inquisi- tive, and comprehensive mind of a HAMIL- TON embraced, in his last moments, as the truth from Heaven. Let those who are dispo- sed to justify the practice of duelling, be indu- ced, by this simple narrative, to view with ab- horrence, that custom which has occasioned an irreparable loss to a worthy and most afflicted family; which has deprived his friends of a be- loved companion, his profession of one its brightest ornaments, and his country of a great statesman and a real patriot." No^v to God the Father, &c» POSTSCRIPT. The circular Letter and Memorial of the State Society of Cin- cinnati, and of the American Revolution Society, in South Caro- lina, on the subject of duelling, having appeared during the print- ing of this Discourse, and after the note in page 42 was put to the press, the author, though sensible of the apparent irregularity of arrangement, cannot resist the desire of thus publicly expressing the high degree of pleasure he experienced on perusing those do- cuments ; and of declaring his ardent hope, that the truly laudable and exemplary exertion thus made in South Carolina, will be imita- ted by the other States in the Union. He trusts their citizens will cordially unite in opposing so increashig, so destructive an evil; and resolutely determine, by a joint and vigorous effort, to abolish a practice, the absurdity of which is a just reproach to us as men, and its impiety a daring violation of our principles as Christians. It is indeed "devoutly to be wished," (and the proceedings in South Carolina inspire the hope,) that those who exercise the le- gislative and executive authorities will now become duly sensible of the weight and importance of the subject, and enact such laws as will convince us they are in earnest in their opposition — laws which will operate on the cause as well as the effect, and thereby "protect the fame and feelings of the innocent and insulted per- son."— Laws which cannot possibly be evaded by any man, let his station in society be what it may; and which, by the severity of their penalties, will compel universal obedience. %■ r vs^ ft y -«*'"^ ^r^ * ...%/ -^ •J I 1^^-i. 7^ i^M^a