A short period before his death he remarked to one by his bedside, ‘that he was fearful he was becoming selfish, as his thoughts were entirely withdrawn from the world and centred upon eternity.’ This, sir, was but the purification of his noble spirit from all the dross of earth――a happy illustration of what the religious muse has so sweetly sung: ‘No sin to stain――no lure to stay The soul, as home she springs; Thy sunshine on her joyful way, Thy freedom in her wings.’ Mr. Speaker, the solemnities of this hour may soon be forgotten. We may come back from the new-made grave only still to show that we consider ‘eternity the bubble, life and time the enduring substance.’ We may not pause long enough by the brink to ask which of us revelers of to-day shall next be at rest. But be assured, sir, that upon the records of mortality will never be inscribed a name more illustrious than that of the statesman, patriot, and friend whom the nation mourns. * * * * * The question was then put on the adoption of the resolutions proposed by Mr. ♦Breckenridge, and they were unanimously adopted. The Strong Staff Broken and the Beautiful Rod; A SERMON, DELIVERED IN THE SENATE CHAMBER, JULY 1, 1852, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FUNERAL OF THE HON. HENRY CLAY. “How is the strong staff broken, and the beautiful rod!” ――JER. xlviii. 17.