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animosities of the past, we may stand together hereafter, and in all future time, as one people, having a common origin and bound together by a common destiny ? May this Union be perpetual.
Next followed prayer by Rev. HIRAM MATISON, D. D., of New Jersey. Then the hymn composed by Rev. EDWARD MEYER, was sung by the assemblage.
HYMN I.—Old Hundred.
"Aceldama !" 0 Lord, our God,
Who evermore dost Israel keep,
Watered in tears, baptized in blood,
Thou givest our beloved sleep.
They came at Freedom's trumpet call,
From hall and cottage, fane and dome,
Venturing limb and life, and all
For Truth and Right, for hearth and home !
Thousands of heroes bit the dust,
Antietam, on thy crimson field !
Thrice armed were they, with quarrel just,
The Lord their banner, sun and shield.
Lift high the granite shaft for all
That fell where duty summoned them ;
Their country's star-gem'd flag their pall,
A Nation's wail their requiem !
0 Lord ! and shall they live again,
These bones, the seed of crimson strife?
Thy Spirit breathes upon these slain,
And they shall thrill with endless life.
In living hope, then, we commit
This precious dust, for Freedom giv'n,
To thee, till angels gather it,
Transfigured, in the urn of Heav'n !
The corner stone of the Monument was then laid according to Masonic rites.