The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1825-12-01

tuary, he is doing something more than
transgressing the laws of his fellow beings
he is blasting the sacred and most tender
feelings of the heart and is tc:r.ing from
his own bosom, the commission that could
give him claim to the rights cf humanity.
The grave ward is the source OF the most
dear and melancholy association. We re-
member the times when we followed to this
place the bodies sf those we most loved.
We remember to have felt here those emo
tiuns which are the strongest OF the heart, IN
parting forever with those whom we knew
and admired and cherished with the fondcst
affection.
When we see the body of a fellow being
committed to the tomb ; when we know that
all connexions with one SO dear as friend
are ended the emotions that we experience
are so touching and SO withering that be-
levc none can be more exquisite. we never
know ourselves so we'll as then We never
see in SO clear light the vanity OF mortal
pursuits These feelings, when the event
which occasioned them is recent in the mind,
draw it off from every other thought and
contracts its sensibility to one centre point
Of affiicton, which wounds the heart to tor
ture by its intensity. But when familiarity
with the scene, when an interval has soften
Z
rene and tender melancholy, we can observe
the advantages which such shocks work on
the heart Though they may seem like the
Tightening, which, to purify the air, scathes
and rends, or the earthquake, which makes
the world tremblc, and leaves behind 1t
dreadful memcntos of its desolaton: Yet
these events like these convulsons OF the cl-
ements, which make the earth a safe habit
alton, while they remind us so powerfully OF
our meanness and end, make rs humble, re-
calling to our minds the virtues OF our friends
incitc us to initiate them III duties Of benev-
olence and philanthropy and removs also
the selfish considerations Of common lie,
dwelling in the heart like an angel of mercy
making every emotion pure and recollection
sacred.
| All may look on the Grave as 4 place
where they have general right, and where
all will be gathered to the arms of death.
Here is acted the last scene and here is per-
| fected the great catastrophe OF Nature--
Who views it with al,horrencc' 1t is a
quiet and lasting resting place from all dis
turbance and sorrow. The old and the wea-
ry NAV sleep here peacefully. Those who
| have contended with life of misfortune
and drank the bitterest cup Of les vexition,
may come here and say that their cares are
ended.
To this place can the saint look with pecu
liar desire. He is tired Of his s,lfierngs, he
is anxious for the reward which has been
promised him. He cannot look on the grave
and ,hudder at its solcmnity and solitude,
but considers it as the entrance which, alter
his sorrowful pilgrimage on the Journey ot
life, will admit him lonely and wrctched as
he is to his mothers BOSOM in a peaceful
home For him its darkness is illumincd, by
the bright glory OF heavenly hope, and that
light guides him to the world above.
This is the place to feel, while we are
forcibly convin ed of our depravitv and de-
graclatans we incline to favor and forgive
the faults fthose around us; and knowing
that our remains must soon tningle with the
dust of the meanest begear, we are willing
even before we meet there, to call HIM bro
ther.
It's the place tolearn wisdom. The per.
fection of human knowledge is the knowl
edge of self. When we draw away fron
the world and hold communion witt
ourselves in place lonely and sacred
when we lay over the tomb Of A friend ans
his spirit of remembrance descends upor
us; the heart fills and expands with TN
(; flow of sensibilty.-We mourn over our er
rors and frailties welook with regret on tn,
past, but with hope on the future. We arc
never so convinced of our weakness as waei
we look over a whole filled with all that wa
noble and fair in man and we never rais
our hearts and eyes to heaven, in purer de
votion and brighter anticipation, than whel
!, we long to have done with life, and max
haste to pass through this dark passage
which we know will introduce us to that hol
retreat, where the weary rest in peace AM
none live but the just.
We cannot then, visit this place too often
to learn the most solemn lessons of humilit
and of wisdom. Our hearts are clear, whe
surrounded with such associations, fron
wicked thoughts and proud asprings.
Who could indulge in dreams of prid
and of ambition, who would feel bitterness
against his enemy, or would form scheme
of guilty pleasure, when perhaps he wa
standing on the grave OF one who had bee
gay and proud with him; or who had bee
his enemy, but now was humble and help
less, and gone from him forever! VIII
: could commit crime, when standing b
the grave of Fathcre There is a feeiin
is of the heart which makes it pure and fit fe
e, good impressions, when it is melted by tn
r remembrance of former love and early an
I'd continued endearment, which we can kno
ie and feel no more. When we re,iect ON tn
lie tenderness of departed parent, the solic
IS. tude and sorrows, the prayers and tear
MS which are so often the witnesses OF ia
Il ,,l f.tt,N fs