Excerpt from A Commemorative Discourse on the Work and Character of Ulysses Simpson Grant: Delivered Before the Citizens of Watertown, August 8, 1885

Infinite and ever blessed God, our Heavenly Father, who hast ordained and overruled all the great events of this world and the universe, and who likewise art not unmindful of the fall of a Sparrow, it is becoming in us at all times and under all circumstances to recognize Thee and acknowledge our dependence upon Thy mercy. And whether standing amid the stirring scenes of life, or the quiet of death, amid joy or grief, we may well implore Thy presence and Thy blessing.

With great multitudes in this and other lands, who at this hour are met to honor the dead, we would thank Thee for such a disposition of events as has permitted us to have our birth and our homes in this land of unmatched opportunities, where all are free and where all may be enlightened in intel lectual and religious truth; and for such a disposition of events as gave to this nation and brought to the attention of the whole world the great man whose body this day is committed to the tomb.

And as Thou canst order all events for Thy glory and our good, we pray that the lessons from the life and death of our great soldier, for whom more symbols of mourning are now to be seen than have ever before been displayed in this world for any one man, whose funeral procession today consists of towns and cities and states and nations, even the nations of all civilized lands, may be deeply impressed upon the hearts of all our people.

May the quiet modesty of that heroic man tend to check the noisy impatience that clamors for honor and position, and may it teach our people to work and wait patiently for the divine unfoldings Of events, we meanwhile rendering with all diligence the service of today, letting the morrow care for the things of itself.

May our people likewise be impressed with the lessons often given, but not always heeded, that the highest and grandest successes are not quickly or easily gained, but must be reached by a patient and trustful continuance in well-doing, and that God will delight to pave the way to honorable prefer ment, even from the humblest walks of life, when the times demand leaders and when men are found who are seeking to do Thy will.

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