10 



remarked, with equal truth and beauty, that while the 

 cities of the living are subject to all the desolations 

 and vicissitudes incident to human affairs, the cities 

 of the dead enjoy an undisturbed repose, without 

 even the shadow of change. 



But I will not dwell upon facts of this nature. 

 They demonstrate, however, the truth, of which I 

 have spoken. They do more ; they furnish reflec- 

 tions suitable for our own thoughts on the present 

 occasion. 



If this tender regard for the dead be so absolutely 

 universal, and so deeply founded in human affection, 

 why is it not made to exert a more profound influence 

 on our lives ? Why do we not enlist it with more per- 

 suasive energy in the cause of human improvement ? 

 Why do we not enlarge it as a source of religious 

 consolation ? Why do we not make it a more efficient 

 instrument to elevate Ambition, to stimulate Genius, 

 and to dignify Learning ? Why do we not connect it 

 indissolubly with associations, which charm us in Na- 

 ture and engross us in Art ? Why do we not dispel 

 from it that unlovely gloom, from w hich our hearts 

 turn as from a darkness, that ensnares, and a horror, 

 that appalls our thoughts ? 



To many, nay, to most of the heathen, the bury- 

 ing-place was the end of all things. They indulged 

 no hope, at least, no solid hope, of any future inter- 

 course or re-union with their friends. The farewell 

 at the grave was a long, and an everlasting farewell. 

 At the moment, when they breathed it, it brought to 

 their hearts a startling sense of their own wretched- 



