446. What though thy flesh beneath the sod Though clouds and darkness round thee lower, 447. In paths of usefulness he trod; In humble reverence to his God, Wrapt loosely in his winding weeds Nor vainly grave a good man's deeds 448. In early youth he turn'd his face We rais'd this stone to mark the spot 449. If the past time has been given to thy pleasures, O let the future be devoted to thy God. 450. Fellow-mortal, pilgrim, stranger, Art thou but a young beginner? Art thou old? let no pretences Heaven and hell are wide asunder, Young in years, or old and hoary, Still let mercy be thy plea; 451. She was at all times resigned to the will of God, and with childlike simplicity acquiesced in His wise dispensations. 452. When Spring was seen, my life was green, For I was blithe and young: When Summer smil'd, my hopes beguil'd, My heart was hale and strong: When Autumn, crown'd with fruits, came round, I entertain'd no fear: There rose, at last, the Wintry blast, And then, they laid me here. 453. I found it a solemn thing to die, even with a hope full of immortality; to die without that hope must be terrible. 454. Though now unknown midst earthly strife, Though she lie dead while death has life, Yet will she live when death shall die. 455. Mourn not the dead: he sleeps in Christ, to rise Mourn not the dead, for holy angels keep 456. With mercies crown'd, he pass'd through every stage, From helpless infancy to hoary age. God dwelt with him, while here on earth he trod, And now, in heaven above, he dwells with God. 457. Is beauty on thy face impress'd? With charms unrivall'd dost thou shine? Thy slumbering sister once possess'd As fair a form as thine. Does genius sparkle in thine eyes, And wit and wisdom from thee flow? Alas! as witty and as wise Was she who lies below. The treasures of the mind are fair; Trust thou the Ruler of the skies, 458. How peaceful is the grave! They say 459. Reader, without the constant aid of divine grace, we must fall; but, through that mighty assistance, we shall be more than conquerors. |