04-29-16 Libr 4-26-466 To the Beader. MANY years have gone by since this book "By a Clergyman" issued from the press. The present Edition, to which the author has given his name, is the same as the former, except that it has received from time to time a careful revision, and such additions as his reading has enabled him to make. In sentiment the First and Second Editions will be found perfectly alike. The Writer's views amidst the changes he has lived to see have undergone no change. In the "Historical and Moral Essay," those burial customs are explained which may either be traced to a scriptural origin, or assigned to our natural feelings; and some remarks are made on the effect of monumental inscriptions, whether for good or evil. It is hoped that the particulars given of sepulchral customs and monuments, from the earliest period of our national history to the present time, will make this little work valued for its information ; and that, from its serious and devotional character, it will commend itself to the pious reader, who values most those writings which remind him that "the time of his departure is at hand," and the tendency of which is to prepare him for it. To relieve his Clerical brethren from the trouble of searching for suitable inscriptions, the Author has endeavoured to provide them with Epitaphs adapted to every case of bereavement, and such as he trusts will be alike interesting and improving. The inscriptions, being either derived from, or based upon the foundation of the Holy Scriptures, are of no party character. It is hoped, that as VOICES FROM THE TOMBS, they may awaken serious reflection, or afford Christian consolation. The sub ject has a solemnity and importance which cannot be too deeply impressed on our minds. The writer hopes his Clerical brethren will be fellow-workers with him; and that those to whom this work may commend itself, will further his design of rendering memorials to the dead profitable to the living, by making it known to the Sculptors and Stonemasons in their neighbourhood, as one from which they will receive the assistance they so often need. The Epitaphs are numbered, and are, for the most part, arranged under four principal heads-INFANCY, YOUTH, MANHOOD, and OLD AGE. To these have been added Clerical Epitaphs, and some Naval and Military Inscriptions, written for memorials to those who were lost at sea, or fell in battle. |