490 Rural Cemeteries. 



the monuments and their appurtenances in such a style as to 

 solemnize the feelings of the spectator on his immediate en- 

 trance. This solemnity of expression in the scenery, when 

 truly impressive, prepares the mind to feel the emotion of 

 sublimity. This is one of the most exalted of our religious 

 sentiments. It is produced by the contemplation of eternity 

 and of the immensity of the universe. It is increased by 

 all that is mysterious in the doctrines of religion, in the 

 future condition of the soul, and the infinite attributes of the 

 Deity. It is not necessary that one should be a believer in 

 revealed religion, to be susceptible of such emotions, or to 

 appreciate the benign influence of such contemplations ; for 

 this susceptibility is an innate faculty of the human mind. 

 Were all the accompaniments of a cemetery so designed as 

 to harmonize with these feelings, every one must be aware 

 of the superior impressiveness of its scenery, compared with 

 the present. Neither would these circumstances serve to 

 diminish any other eflect we might wish to attain. Indeed, 

 when the mind is thus elevated by solemn enthusiasm, it is 

 peculiarly susceptible of all tender and virtuous sentiments ; 

 and while the soul is thus exalted to heaven, it feels a deeper 

 and more tender interest in the state of the dead and the 

 welfare of the living. 



Grandeur, which is the second general effect to be studied, 

 is not identical with solemnity ; but the latter is greatly pro- 

 moted by the former, and the same objects are often equally 

 promotive of each of these effects. A grand style of archi- 

 tecture in the interior of a church adds greatly to its solem- 

 nity, other things being equal. Very diflerent and even 

 opposite sentiments may be heightened by grandeur. It 

 cannot be denied that the feeling of cheerfulness is exalted 

 by an expression of grandeur, in the hall where a party is 

 assembled, on a joyful or festive occasion. The merry music 

 of the dance, and the solemn music of the Christian service, 

 are equally enhanced by the majestic appearance of the hall 

 in which they are performed. Whatever exalts the mind, 

 prepares it to feel more intensely any emotion which the 

 scenes or performances may be designed to produce. There 



