Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-01-31
CEMETERIES.

/ Mr.. EDrroR,-The following is an extract
from an address recently delivered by Rev Dan
! iel Huntington at the dedication OF the Union
Cemetery, at North Bridgewoter, Mass. give
it hint respecting new Cemetery for our
selves. 1t must be evident TO the good people
of Montpelier, that ere long something must be
done = enlarge our present burying ground, or
to provide another location for our last resting
place on earth. And would respectfully make
the enquiry, whether it is not now time that
something should be done to look out and secure
the best spot within a convenient distance Of the
village, for such purpose?
ITO give opportunity for the cultivation OF
social Us well as domestic affection is one pu7-
pose for which Cemeteries are laid ont md orna-
mented: and this end should be Kept il. view in
the erection II monuments, the writing of nscrip-
tons, and whatever is done in the way OF ap-
propriate adoTnment. There should be no os-
tenIa,lon of wealth, aad no DIFFUSION of rank ;
no extravagant panegyric, no parade of griei ::
nothing in snort which can awaken envy, or lead
to invidious comparison, should find place on
this ground consecrated to truth and love MAY
it never become an object of mere admiration
scene of tasteful dIspliy-a pleasure garden
for the idle and ;hougllless Sunday resort for
empty heads and stony hearts. Let 1t be Gem
e cry, and nothing more or less "a place where
! bcreaved affection may deposit its simple and
touching memorials, and shed its tears, and
breathe lis silent prayers, unnoticed save by KIN
drsd spirits, and unannoyed by the loud voice of
hearlless levlty, or the cold gaze OF untee ling
curiosity.
hope this one thought will obtain prominence
and prevailing influence among us,-that it is
cruel to visit a cemetery for the purpose of mere
amusement. How painluly does the sound of
mirthful. or even worldly and triflng converse
ton, CRATE upon the ear of the mourner, VIII, has
come to taste for lew moments the luxury of
grief, and listen 10 the voice of admonitlon from
the grave OF departed companion, paren, child,
brother or sister Let all, who would not trlile
in the chamber OF sickness, at the bed OF death,
or in the house ofmournlng, remember that they
NAV here. at any time, meet some OF those whose
hearts still ache at the remembrance of those
solemn scenes; and that these walks and shades
are sacred to the SORROWS which were there a.
Weakened.
| None should visit these halowed retreats, es-
pecially on the Lords day, without serious
purpose; purpose coincident with the object
of The Sabbath's appointment, and congenlal
with the tender and plous thoughts which some.
no doubt, will come here to cherish. Co. says
an elegant writer, ito the grave of buried love,
ami mediate There settle the account with
thy conscience for every past benefit unreqgllcd,
every past endearment unregarded, OF that de-
parted being who can never, never return to be
soothed by thy contri:ion! IT thou art a child.
and hast ever added a sorrow to the soul or
| furrow to the slyered brow of an affectionate
parent-if thou art husband and hast ever
caused the fond bosom that ventured its whole
happiness in thy arms to doubt one moment of
thy kindness or TRUTH if thou art a friend, and
hast ever wronged in thought, or word, or deed
the spirit that generously contided in thee,-f
thou art a lover, and hast ever given one unmer-
tied pang to that true heart that nov lies cold
and still beneath thy feet then be sure that
every unkInd look, every ungraclous word, eve
~ ungente action, will come thronglng back
upon thy memory, and knocking doletuly at thy
souls then be sure that thou wilt lie down sor-
rowing and repentant on the grave, and utter
the unheaId groan, and pour the unavalling tear,
more deep, more bitter, because unheard and I'M
availng Then weave thy chaplet of flowers,
and strew the beauties of nature about the grave
console thy broken spirit, if thou canst with
these tender yet futile tributes of regre. but
take warning by the bitterness of this thy con
trite affection over the dead, and be more faith
full and affectionate in the discharge of thy du-
ties TO the living"
Such indeed would be the moral teaching OF
the cemetery, if appropriately regulated, and
duly shielded by public sentiment from profana-
ton and abuse.