Page:Opening of the Connecticut Asylum Sermon 1817.djvu/3



UST two years have elapsed, since the first steps were taken towards the establishment, in this city, of an Asylum for the instruction of the deaf and dumb. Those who then embarked in this enterprize, felt it to be their duty to commend its future prospects to the protection of that Arm, which moves so easily the complicated springs of human action, and wields, with unerring wisdom, the vast machinery of providence. Their united supplications ascended from the lips of one, whose venerable presence has so often filled this sacred desk, and whose spirit perhaps now witnesses the fulfilment, in some good degree, of his wishes, and the answer of heaven to his requests. His voice no more guides our devotions, nor animates us in the path of duty!—But his memory is cherished in our hearts, and, on occasions like the present, while we mourn his absence and feel his loss, let it be a source of grateful consolation to us, that the undertaking, of which this evening is the anniversary, began under the hopeful influence of his prayers. It has met indeed with difficulties, and still labours under embarrassments, which are incident to almost all the untried efforts of benevolence. Yet, in its gradual progress, it has been encouraged by the smiles of a kind providence, and is at length enabled to commence its practical operation.

At such a season, the Directors of its concerns have thought, that a remembrance of past favours, and a conviction of future dependence on God, rendered it proper again to unite in solemn acts of religious worship. These acts they have made thus public, from a grateful sense of the general interest that has been expressed towards the Asylum, and it is at their request that the speaker rises to address this respectable assembly.