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"Let us think for a moment," said he, "of the thousands who have

gone forth thither," pointing to a gate behind him, leading to

the burying ground of San Gregory, which was then but one mighty

grave. "Let us look at the thousands who remain here, uncertain

of their destiny; let us also look at ourselves! May the Lord be

praised! praised in his justice! praised in his mercy! praised in

death! praised in life! praised in the choice he has made of us!

Oh! why has he done it, my children, if not to preserve a people

corrected by affliction, and animated by gratitude? That we may

be deeply sensible that life is his gift, that we may value it

accordingly, and employ it in works which he will approve? That

the remembrance of our sufferings may render us compassionate,

and actively benevolent to others. May those with whom we have

suffered, hoped, and feared, and among whom we leave friends and

kindred, may they as we pass amidst them derive edification from

our deportment!