interpositions of Divine Providence in after ages in favour of the afflicted, and you must be persuaded that God hath been faithful to his promise in the text-THE NEEDY HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN THE EXPECTATION OF THE POOR HAS

NOT PERISHED. And, we are further persuaded that the Lord will, in every future period of time, have an ear to the voice of his distressed, and produce a benevolent hand to relieve their accumulated sorrows.

GENTLEMEN OF THE CORPORATION,

Accept my congratulations on this public occasion. God has spared your lives, thus far, to accomplish your designs in erecting this house for the benefit of the poor and needy. An Institution this, which, from its edifice, the arrangement of its various apartments, and the different purposes for which they are designed, perhaps, is the most noble of any other of the kind existing in the world! May you, Gentlemen, and your successors in office, be found affectionately faithful in the discharge of your respective benevolent and arduous duties in favour of the poor, and the general community. For your encouragement remember that, in the forty-first Psalm, you are assured that, Blessed is he that considereth the poor;

the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. Strong incitement this to every benevolent exertion in favour of the poor and afflicted! Permit me to express my ardent wish, that in the last and great day you may hear the voice of your Judge and Saviour saying unto you, In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

THE YOUNG PERSONS, who by their parents, or their friends, have been indulged to attended the service of this day, will bear in remembrance that there are two reasons why they are introduced. One is, to teach you sentiments of benevolence to the poor, the practice of which is so highly commendable in youth. Those who have so warmly interested themselves in raising this building, may soon lay down upon the bed of death. It is, therefore, our anxious solicitude that you may arise to fill our vacant stations, and be more abundantly useful in the interests of the public. The other intention for your being introduced, is, that you may be a sort of living RECORD of the

present solemnities. If God should spare your lives to a distant period, you may bear in remembrance that you were witnesses of the actual commencement of this benevolent Asylum for the poor; and thus communicate the information to posterity. It would, indeed, be gratifying and useful to young persons if they were in the habit of keeping a private register of their attendance on all such public occasions; and parents should prompt them to this necessary duty: for it has been at no small labour that I have searched the ancient public records of our city, and conversed with the most aged of our inhabitants, to attain my short history of the poor to the present period. We, therefore, sincerely hope that you will receive this, our affectionate advice, to take a deep interest in whatever may concern the general welfare of this city. Above all, it is our fervent prayer that you, and our rising generation, may possess the fear and love of the Lord our God. For, if ye obey and serve him, you shall spend your days in prosperity, and your years in pleasure. Job xxxvi. 11.

THE POOR, who inhabit this house, will duly estimate the Providence of God which hath provided for them a retreat from their misfortunes, and the infirmities of age. Your necessities will

not only be supplied by the hand of benevolence, according to your circumstances; but this commodious Chapel is erected for the purpose of your receiving instruction from the ministry of the Gospel, though of different religious denominations. And it shall be my prayer, whoever may conduct the worship of God in this place, whether stated or occasional, that the truth, as it is in Jesus, may be accompanied with the influence of the Divine Spirit, for the conversion of sinners, and the refreshment of the afflicted children of my God! Some of you, I am persuaded, indulge extreme anxiety on your removal so far from the city, lest your friends should be unable to pay you their usual attention. This, however, will serve to prove to you the sincerity of their attachment. But, forget not that there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother; a Saviour, whose indulgent hand can wipe away your tears, and supply all your necessities-The aged and the infirm among you, may soon be removed by death, the messenger of mortality. Though ye be poor in this world, learn in whatsoever state you are, therewith to be content. If God shall make you rich in faith, and his heirs of that kingdom of light and bliss beyond the vale of death, you may then cheerfully anticipate the happy period when the days of your mourning and your tears. shall return no more! AMEN.

AN

HYMN

EXPRESSIVE OF GRATITUDE, FROM THE HOUSE OF THE POOR, TO THEIR GENEROUS BENEFACTORS.

"Father of mercies, hear our prayers

For those who do us good;
Whose love for us a place prepares,

And kindly gives us food.

Each hand and heart that lends us aid,

Thou didst inspire and guide;
Nor is their bounty unrepaid,
Who for the poor provide.

Thou still shalt be our grateful theme;
Thy praise we'll ever sing;

Our friends the kind refreshing stream,
But thou the unfailing spring.

For those whose goodness founded this,
A better house prepare;

Receive them to thy heavenly bliss,
And may we meet them there!