Page 15 - Hampdens Monument Unveiled

hours drew nigh, when he offered up the following pious and
solemn prayer: "O Lord God of Hosts, great is thy mercy and
great, and holy are thy dealings unto us sinful men. Save me, O
Lord, if it be thy good will, from the jaws of death! Pardon my
manifold transgressions! O Lord, save my bleeding country! Have
this realm in thy special keeping! Confound and level in the
dust those who would rob the people of their liberty and lawful
prerogatives. Let the King see his error, and turn the hearts
of his wicked counsellors from the malice and wickedness of
their designs. Lord God, receive my soul! O Lord save my
country! O Lord be merciful to and hear---!" He expired as he
uttered these words. I will not presume to add one word more as
to the character of that man who thus with his latest breath
addressed his Creator on behalf of his country and his King -
the last and unceasing aspirations of his heroic soul were
filled with patriotism and bespoke the piety of his life. His
prayer has been heard; God has been very merciful to our land;
the blood of our civil martyrs has not been shed in vain
(cheers), the blood of our civil martyrs is the seed of civil
liberty, and it has grown up into an abundant harvest (cheers);
and we enjoy blessings which by the goodness of Providence have
been secured to us-which, except by our own fault, can never be
taken from us. Cherish then these blessings of liberty which
Hampden and such men as he have bestowed upon us, and let us
with full heart do honour to the toast-“The immortal memory of
John Hampden, and of the cause in which he shed blood in this
field." Drank in solemn silence, all standing.