The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

Yesterday, the First Congregational Meeting-House, in this town, was dedicated to the service of Almighty God. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a numerous audience assembled to witness the exercises, which were extremely solemn and interesting. The Rev. Mr. Rees, Pastor of the Church, addressed the Throne of Grace in a Prayer, distinguished by its fervour, piety and elegance. His Discourse was admirably adapted to the occasion, discovering the accomplishments of the scholar and the zeal of the Christian, and abounding in pathetical allusions to those wise and good men, who were once the venerable pillars of his Church, but whom Death has removed to "a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." The Psallonian Society assisted in singing, with great effect, several appropriate Hymns, accompanied by musick from the Organ. The Rev. President Messer concluded the services of the day, by offering an excellent Prayer to the Throne of Grace.

The following beautiful Hymn written for the occasion, was sung at the Dedication, yesterday.

OCCASIONAL HYMN.

Tune--Blenheim.

To thee, O ! God, to thee belong
The grateful tribute of our songs:
Our heart's pure incense thou'lt receive,
'Tis all thy creatures here can give-

Our hearts that late with grief oppress'd
And keenest anguish mourn'd to see,
The beauteous temple laid in dust,
In which our Fathers worship'd thee.

Our pleasant things were all laid waste
We felt. we own'd. thy chastening rod;
And, in that hour of sore distress
We call'd upon our pitying God :

That God who hears the faintest cry
When utter'd by the soul sincere,
Bent from his throne of majesty
To our complaints a gracious ear.

And quick his consolations came,
Inspiring thoughts, and wishes, high;
Hope sprung exulting from the flame.
And led us on with ardent eye.

'Twas he the liberal mind inspir'd.
The generous hand, th' ingenious thought,
With noble emulation fir'd.
To deck this consecrated spot.

These massy walls, this sacred dome,
In fair proportion, graceful rise;
Oh! God, now make this house thy home,
Here deign t' accept our sacrifice.