(_Funeral Sermon for the Right Hon. George Canning._)
iii. 1-3. _For, behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, doth
take away from Jerusalem and from Judah . . . the
counsellor, . . . and the eloquent orator._
By the death of a great statesman at the head of a government, we are
reminded.--+I.+ Of +the weight of government in a fallen world.+ It
is a burden that has crushed many, and has brought them to an
untimely grave. +II.+ Of +the weakness of the shoulders of mortal
men.+ The government of a single country, especially in troublous
times, has proved a burden too great for the courage and the
endurance of the strongest of men. +III.+ Of +the uncertainty of all
human affairs.+ Often does the statesman think of the uncertainty of
arriving at the object of his ambition, but seldom of the uncertainty
of his remaining there, except when he recollects how many are
struggling to replace him. Little does he think of another foe, who
lurks behind, and who in some unexpected moment will hush his
eloquent tongue, and turn his fertile brain to dust. +IV.+ Of +our
absolute dependence on the Supreme Governor.+ We are apt to think
that it is on the profound counsellor and mighty orator that the
nation's welfare depends, and to think little of Him who made them
what they are, to be employed as He pleases, laid aside when He
pleases, and replaced if He pleases, by others as richly endowed.
+V.+ Of +the necessity of personal preparation for death.+[1]--_J.
Bennett, D.D., The British Pulpit,_ i. 297-304.