389. "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," O, well, if pure before the throne 390. Infinite joy, or endless woe, And yet how unconcerned we go 391. God only can true comfort give 392. In each mournful visitation On this sweet assurance rest, 393. Mortal, improve the hours you have, 394. * Reader! the human dust beneath thy feet Shall one day rise again,—so shall thine own, And thou and he shall glad or trembling meet Before the great white throne. J. A. F. 395. Oh, learn, ye living! by the mouths be taught Of all these sepulchres, instructors true, That soon or late, death also is your lot, And the next opening grave may yawn for you. 396. Read, ye that run, this awful truth, 397. O Reader, ere the darksome tomb 398. To die, O Reader, dost thou fear? 399. He lives, who lives to God alone, For other source than God is none Whence life can be supplied. 400. Lord! fix our hearts on things above, If here we trust, believe, and love, There we shall meet our Christian Friends. 401. O Reader, get thy peace secured, Whilst thou hast life and breath; Believe in Christ, or be assured Sabbaths profaned without remorse, And mercy cast away. 402. How oft doth youth, all healthful and at ease, Look on to pleasant days it never sees; And many a tomb, like this, proclaims aloud, "Oh, youth, prepare thee for an early shroud!" 403. * Strangers and Pilgrims here on earth, We nothing brought with us at birth, But endless bliss, or ceaseless woe, As each has fixed his lot below, And lived to God or man. 404. Turn, mortal, turn, thy soul apply The bones that underneath thee lie Shall live for hell or heaven. L. 405. Life is a span, a fleeting hour, 406. Reader, would'st thou ask us why Man must die because of sin, Let thy conscience wake within.— Fain we would that thou should'st know How to value things below. Take this solemn warning home, Flee thou from the wrath to come. 407. Time passeth swift away, The voice of warning hear; Prepare, while it is called to-day, For night is surely near. Hell waits thee if thy course be run Before the work of faith be done. 408. Man, wouldst thou live? God's holy Book shall tell Man, thou must die!—ah, prize that sacred lore 409. So generations pass; and earth its due Receives; and, Reader, waits for yours and you. 410. Walk in the light! and e'en the tomb 411. * Our lot for ever fixed by death, Repentance will avail no more; That pardon which through Christ is given 412. In vain does Reason boast her power Needs more than Reason can supply: L. Miscellaneous. 413. Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Gen. iii. 19. |