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U  FiiQRUM  SACRA 


'»,;  't 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


dflorum  ^arra. 


IN      SIMPLE      YEESE. 


BT  THE 

EEV.  GEOEGE  HUNT  SMTTTAN,  B.A., 

RECTOR  OF  HAWKSWOETH,  NOTTS^  AUTHOR  OF 
"  FAITH  AND  PRACTICE,"  &C. 


"  Wondrous  truths,  and  manifold  as  wondrous, 

God  hath  written  in  those  stars  above  ! 

But  not  less  in  the  bright  flowerets  under  us 

Stands  the  hetelation  of  His  love." 

Longfellow. 


J.  H.  PARKER,  LONDON  and  OXFORD  : 

MACMILLANS,  CAMBRIDGE  :    RIDGE  and  Co.,  NEWARK-ON-TRENT  ; 

J.  SULLEY,  and  T.  FORMAN,  NOTTINGHAM  : 

R.  GRANT  A!Jd  Son,  EDINBURGH. 

M  DCCC  LIV. 


This  little  work  is  published  in  aid  of  the  funds  for  building 
a  School- house  in  the  Parish  of  Hawksworth. 


PEINTED  BY  MESSRS.  PABEER,  COB!f-MABEET,  OXFORD. 


?K 


C  0  N  T  E  N  T  S. 

PAGE 

Tokens  of  the  Deity 1 

The  Song  of  the  Flowers       .        .        .        .        .  3 

Spring  Flowers 6 

Snow-drop 8 

Primrose 10 

Sweet  Violets 11 

Hawthorn 13 

Grass 15 

Forget-me-not 18 

Honey-suckle 21 

Eyebright 22 

Lily  of  the  Valley 24 

Heart's-ease           26 

Mignonette 27 

Germander  Speedwell 29 

Pimpernel •  31 

Rose 33 

Fuchsia 35 

Lilies 37 

Passion-flower 39 

Herb  Paris,  or  True  Love 41 


94: 


Sun-dew 

Woody  Nightshade,  or  Bitter-sweet 

Dahlia     .... 

TuE  Poor  Man's  Flowers 

Bridal  Flowers 

Funeral  Flowers    . 

Flowers  of  "  God's  Acre" 

Autumnal  Crocus    . 

Rose  in  Winter 

The  Retrospect 


PIlGB 

42 
44 
45 
47 
49 
51 
53 
56 
58 
61 


' '  Sweet  nurslings  of  the  vernal  skies, 
Bath'd  in  soft  airs,  and  fed  with  dew, 
What  more  than  magic  in  you  lies, 

To  fill  the  heart's  fond  view  ? 
In  childhood's  sports,  companions  gay, 
In  sorrow,  on  Life's  downward  way, 
How  soothing !  in  our  last  decay 
Memorials  prompt  and  true. 

"  Ye  dwell  beside  our  paths  and  homes, 
Our  paths  of  sin,  our  homes  of  sorrow, 
And  guilty  man,  where'er  he  roams, 
Your  innocent  mirth  may  bon'ow. 
The  birds  of  air  before  us  fleet, 
They  cannot  brook  our  shame  to  meet — 
But  we  may  taste  your  solace  sweet 
And  come  again  to-morrow. 


"  Ye  fearless  in  your  nests  abide — 

Nor  may  we  sconi,  too  proudly  wise. 
Your  silent  lessons,  undescried 

l>y  all  but  lowly  eyes  : 
For  ye  could  draw  th'  admiring  gaze 
Of  Him  who  worlds  and  hearts  surveys  ; 
Yom-  order  wild,  your  ftagi-ant  maze. 
He  taught  us  how  to  prize." 

KMe. 


ERRATA. 

Page  12,  Stanza  1,  line  2,  for  theirs  read  (heir's. 
Page  14,  Stanza  2,  line  2,  for  glade  read  grade. 


» 


TOKENS    OF    THE    DEITY. 


'0  Lord,  how  manifold  are  Thy  works!  in  wisdom  hast  Thou  made  them 
all :  the  earth  is  full  of  Thy  riches." 

Psalm  civ.  24. 


God  of  nahu'e,  God  of  grace, 
Everywhere  Thy  hand  I  ti'ace, — 
From  the  frailest  insect  form 
To  the  hills,  that  braye  the  storm ; 

In  the  simplest,  shyest  flower 
Scarce  out-peeping  from  its  bower, 
As  in  gay  and  gorgeous  bloom 
Fresh  from  nature's  richest  loom ; 


In  the  bright  life-giving  Sun, 

In  the  soft  and  silver  JMoon, 

In  the  quiet  rural  scene, 

And  the  landscape  clothed  in  sheen. 


TOKENS    OF    THE   DEITY. 


Fire  and  water,  earth  and  air, 
One  and  all  Thy  power  declare  ; 
"While  Thy  wisdom,  mercy,  love. 
And  benevolence  they  prove. 


Sing  I  then,  though  weak  my  lyre, 
Praises  to  th'  Etcnial  Sire  ; 
Praise  my  grateful  heart  shall  pour 
Now,  henceforth,  and  evermore  ^. 


Psalm  civ.  33. 


f 


I 


THE    SONG    OF    THE    FLOWEES. 

"  All  Tby  works  praise  Thee,  O  Lord." 

Psalm  cxlv.  10. 

"We  come,  we  come,  a  joyous  train, 
To  deck  the  vale  and  robe  the  plain ; 
Of  every  form  and  every  hue 
From  glittering  gold  to  azure  blue. 


We  come,  we  come,  with  gladsome  Spring 
Oui'  meed  of  praise  anew  to  bring, 
And  silently  to  breathe  around 
A  hymn  of  odours  from  the  ground. 

We  come,  we  come,  in  garden  gay 
Or  shelter' d  nook  to  live  our  day, 
To  revel  on  the  mountain- side 
Or  in  the  misty  glen  to  hide. 

We  come,  we  come,  like  angels  bright. 
To  charm  the  sense  and  bless  the  sight, 
Eejoicing  those  who  long  to  hail 
Our  perfume  wafted  on  the  gale ; 


THE    SOXG    OF   THE    FLOWEES. 

Refreshing  most  the  fever' d  bed 

Through  weary  hours  whence  hope  hath  fled ; 

But  dear  alike  to  sorrowing  mood, 

As  Mends  who  soothe  but  ne'er  intrude. 


And  sometimes  o'er  the  grassy  grave 
Our  tendrils  creep  and  blossoms  wave ; 
Sometimes  along  the  fretted  aisle 
On  Easter's  holy  mom  we  smile''. 


ISoT  let  them  blame  the  pious  care 
AMiose  reverent  taste  may  place  us  there, 
ISov  count  it  wrong  to  intertwine 
God's  works  with  man's  in  God's  own  Shrine 


b  It  is  still  the  custom  in  some  country  parishes  to  adorn  the  church 
with  flowers  at  Easter.  "A  writer  in  the  Gentleman's  Magazine,  vol.  liii.  for 
July  1783,  page  578,  conjectures  that  the  flowers,  with  which  many  churches 
are  ornamented  on  Easter  Day,  are  most  probably  intended  as  emblems  of  the 
Resurrection,  having  just  risen  again  from  the  earth,  in  which  during  the  se- 
verity of  winter,  they  seem  to  have  been  buried." — Brand's  Popular  Arditjvi- 
ties,  vol.  i.  page  93. 

George  Herbert  seems  to  allude  to  this  old  custom  in  a  stanza  of  his  Easter 
hymn  : 

"  I  got  me  flowers  to  strew  Thy  way, 
I  got  me  boughs  ofl'  many  a  tree ; 
But  Thou  wast  up  by  break  of  day 
And  brought'st  Thy  sweets  along  with  Thee." 


THE    SOXG    OF    TUE    FLOWERS. 

For  His  unbounded  love  we  shew, 
AVho  moulds  our  form  and  bids  us  grow 
In  varied  scene  and  varied  clime, 
And  all  to  blossom  in  their  time. — 

Yet  once  again,  we  come  to  teach 
With  the  fast-fading  bloom  of  each 
The  solemn  truth  of  life's  decay, — 
That  man,  as  we,  must  pass  away. 

Then  Kstcn,  listen  to  the  tale 
Of  every  jcweU'd  hill  and  dale, 
And  learn  to  fear,  and  learn  to  love, 
And  leaiTL  to  bless  the  God  above. 


SPRING    FLOWERS. 


'  F'or,  lo,  the  winter  is  past ;  the  flowers  appear  on  tlie  earth  ;  the  time  of  the 
singing  of  birds  is  come." 

SoloiHOii's  So'iifj  ii.  11,  12. 


TuE  flowerets  of  the  early  Spring, 

The  firstlings  of  the  year, 
"V\Tiat  gladness  to  the  soiil  they  bring 

As  blithely  they  appear  ; 

The  Celandine,  the  Aconite, 

Primrose,  and  Crocus  gay. 
The  bending  Snow-drop  milky  white '^, 

Pale  Cowslip  and  sweet  May. 

What  childlike  glee  is  o'er  us  shed 

When  first  the  eye  hath  seen 
The  Yiolet  raising  up  her  head — 

Our  little  PaLry-quecn. 

"GalanthuB,"  the  botanical  name  of  snow-drop,  means  "mill; -flower." 


SPlirNG    FLOWEKS. 

Ajiid  lowly  shrubs  with  leafless  stems 
Put  forth  their  fragrant  flowers ; 

And  day  by  day  fresh  simple  gems 
jVi'iso  to  deck  oui"  bowers. 

Though  richer,  brighter  be  the  hues 

Of  radiant  Summer's  traia, 
A  deeper  gladness  these  infuse 
Now  scattered  o'er  the  plain ; 

Leading  our  thoughts  beyond  the  grave 

To  earth's  eternal  Spring, 
When  those  whom  Jesus  died  to  save 

Shall  rise  to  meet  their  Kiug. 


SNOW-DROP. 


(galanthus  nivalis.) 

*'  And  every  man  that  hath  this  hope  in  him  purifieth  himself,  even  as 
He  is  pure." 

1  John  iii.  3. 

While  the  snow  is  on  the  lea 
Pure  and  spotless  cometh  she, 
Drooping  modestly  her  head 
Though  a  herald  from  the  dead  : 


As  the  Temple-conrts  beheld 
Mary,  with  her  Babe,  of  eld, 
At  the  Altar  bending  low, 
Come  to  pay  a  mother's  yow'^. 

Oh,  were  garb  as  spotless  mine 
As  the  Snow-di'op's  robe  divine  ; 
"Were  my  heart  as  bright  and  pure. 
Then  my  peace  would  be  secure. 


••  Snow-drops  generally  appear  about  the  same  time  as  the  Festival  of  the 
Purification  of  Saint  Mary  the  Virgin." 


SNOW-DROP. 


I 


But  alas !  thoixgli  once  aiTayed 

In  a  garment  purer  made  « | 

By  the  holy  cleansing  flood 

Of  the  blessed  Saviour's  blood«; 

Now,  'tis  soii'd  by  many  a  stain, 
Fruit  of  lust,  and  longings  vain, 
Anger,  pride,  rebellious  bent, 
Fretful  moods,  and  hours  mis-spent. 

Yet,  by  ceaseless  prayer  sincere 
And  the  penitential  tear. 
May  I  mercy  find  and  grace 
Sin's  defilement  to  efi'ace. 

Thus  on  joyous  Easter  mom 
Rising  from  the  grave,  thiice-bom. 
Robe  more  biilliant  than  the  snow 
Shall  my  gracious  Lord  bestow. 


^  Bishop  Latimer,  speaking  of  holy  baptism,  says,  "  There  we  begin  ;  we  are 
washed  with  water;  and  then  the  words  are  added,  for  we  are  baptized  in  the 
name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  whereby  the  baptism  receiveth  his 
strength.  Now  this  sacrament  of  baptism  is  a  thing  of  great  weight ;  for  it 
ascertaineth  and  assureth  us,  that  like  as  the  water  washeth  the  body  and 
cleanseth  it,  so  the  blood  of  Christ  cleanseth  and  washeth  it  from  all  filth  and 
uncleanness  of  sin." — Remains,  p.  126.     Parker  Society's  Edition. 


PRIMROSE. 

(PKIMTJLA  VULGAKIS.) 

'  It  is  good  that  a  man  should  both  hope  and  quietly  wait  for  the  salvation 
of  the  Lord." 

Lamentations  iii.  26. 


With  face  upturned  to  the  sky 

Appears  the  Priuu-ose  fair  ; 
Yet  not  -with  pride,  but  modestly 

Her  gaze  is  centred  there. 

Of  earnest  hope  the  Primrose  sings 

And  calm  confiding  trust, — 
Of  hope  in  prayer  that  fiiideth  wings, 

Of  faith  that  saves  the  just*^. 

Oil  look  not,  Chiistian,  on  this  fiower, 
Nor  pluck  it  from  the  groimd. 

Without  a  wish  that  thou  each  houi' 
Mayst  thus  be  watchful  found. 

And  while  through  many  a  stirring  scene 

Thy  pilgrim  footsteps  move. 
For  ever  fix  thine  eye  serene 

On  the  bright  realms  above. 

'  llabakkuk  ii.  4. 


SWEET    VIOLETS. 
(viola  odokata.) 

"God  is  not  unrighteous,  that  He  will  forget  your  works,  and  labour  that 
proceedeth  of  love  ;  which  love  ye  have  shewed  for  His  Name's  sake,  who  have 
ministered  to  the  saints,  and  yet  do  minister." 

Hebrews  vi.  10. 

Sweet  Violets,  sweet  Violets, 

Of  purple  and  of  white, 
Most  cherisli'd  of  earth's  flowerets  ^, 

In  simple  beauty  dight : 

All  hasten  ye  to  welcome 

With  Spiing-days  bright  and  mild, 

That  make  the  spiiit  glecsomo 
Of  man  and  maid  and  child. 

Tour  perfume,  like  soft  melody, 

Comes  stealing  o'er  the  breeze. 
While  blossom  ye  so  cheerily 

Beneath  the  lofty  trees. 


'  Say,  little  maids  that  love  the  spring, 
Of  all  the  fragrant  gems  ye  bring 

For  bower  or  bridal  wreath. 
Is  aught  so  fair  as  violets  shy, 
Betraying  wliere  they  lowly  lie 

13y  the  soft  airs  they  breathe."— .K^cfi^t' 


s"vvi;et  violets. 

Of  gentle  souls  and  guileless 
The  fragrant  Violets  tell, 

Diffusing  peace  and  gladness 
AVhere'er  on  earth  they  d^vell. 

In  actions  pure  and  lovely, 
That  shrink  from  idle  gaze, 

These  ministers  of  mercy 
DeKght  to  pass  their  days  : 

And  many  a  word  of  blessing 
From  sick  and  dying  beds, 

Where  they  have  borne  refreshing 
Is  shower'd  upon  their  heads ; — 

Of  blessing  twofold  precious. 
For  theirs  that  promise  sure 

Of  recompense  most  gracious 
Which  ever  shall  endure''. 

i"  St.  Matt.  X.  42. 


HAWTHORN. 

(CRATAEGUS  OXYACAKTHA.) 

"  I  will that  women  adorn  themselves  in  modest  apparel,  with  shame- 

facedness  and  sobriety ;  not  with  broidered  hair,  or  gold,  or  pearls,  or  costly 
array ; 

But  (which  becometh  women  professing  godliness)  with  good  works." 

1  Tiid.  ii.  9,  10. 

'Tis  the  merry  montli  of  Maying' — 

And  the  sun  is  no  more  coy, 
Thrush  and  merle,  through  woodland  straying, 

Carol  forth  theii"  notes  of  joy. 

Children  weave  the  garland  gaily ', 

Eoving  over  plain  and  height, — 
Cowslip,  Xing-cup,  pearl-like  J  Daisy, 

Each  is  welcom'd  with  delight. 

Every  hedge-row  now  is  gleaming 

"With  its  silveiy  an'ay; 
Ne'er  saw  I  in  land  of  di'eaming 

Aught  more  lovely  than  the  May  ^. 


'  See  note  at  end  of  vol. 

i  The  French  call  the  daisy  pdite  marguerite  (little  pearl),  the   Italians 
'inargheritena. 

''  "  Hailed  from  its  fair  and  sweet  array 

The  namesake  of  the  lovely  JIay." — Bp.  Maiit. 

13 


HAWTHORN. 

Come,  ye  blushing  maidens,  riew  it, — 
Prayiag  ye  may  be  as  chaste, — 

For  ye  are,  if  ye  but  knew  it. 

Here  as  Hawthorn  blossoms  placed ; 

To  adorn  and  to  enliven 

Every  path  and  glade  of  life, 

iVnd,  perchance,  when  virtues  ripen, 
Bear  the  holy  name  of  wife  ^ 

J  Gen.  ii.  18. 


GRASS'^. 


'  As  the  flower  of  the  grass  so  shall  he  pass  away." 

St.  James  i.  10. 


All  common  things  we  pass  unheeded  by 
With  careless  glance ;  nor  tarry  to  descry 
Whate'er  their  coy  recesses  store 
Of  Beauty,  Truth,  or  holy  lore : 
And  yet  the  peai'l  in  rugged  shell, 
And  honey-dew  in  flow'ret's  bell 
Might  teach  the  wand'ring  eye  what  lessons  sweet 
Unfolding  fast  its  steady  search  would  greet ; 
What  deep  analogy  and  law 
The  mind  from  simplest  things  may  draw, 
Tracking  fresh  veins  of  golden  thought 
Aye  opening  on  its  path  unsought ; 
While  fancy's  wand  to  contemplation's  fane 
Guides  link'd  together  all  her  magic  train. 


"•  For  this  piece  and  another,  marked  p,  the  author  is  indebted  to  a  dear  friend, 
from  whom  he  has  also  received  much  valuable  assistance  in  preparing  this 
little  work  for  the  press. 

15 


GEASS. 

Herbs  of  the  field,  and  flowers  which  fling 
Sweet  incense  on  the  wak'ning  Spring  I 
Did  ever  sophist's  wisdom  reach 
To  higher  ti'uths  than  ye  may  teach, 
Whose  fragile  forms  at  morn  and  dewy  e'en 
Shed  silent  music  over  all  the  scene  ? 

Telling,  though  all  around  him  smile", 
Man  dureth  but  a  little  while. 
That  ere  the  day  its  course  hath  run 
His  soul  may  be  beyond  the  sun, 
And  its  raz'd  mansion  low  in  ruins  laid. 
Left  like  a  fallen  leaf  to  di'oop  and  fade. 


Yet  sure,  if  all  the  flowerets  frail° 
That  deck  each  mountain-side  and  dale 
In  raiment  bloom  so  bright  and  fair, 
Clad  by  His  Hand  who  placed  them  there, 
"Why  should  one  anxious  thought  oiu"  bosom  wring 
Of  want  or  care  the  morrow's  dawn  may  bring  ? 
Oh,  may  we  not  like  wither'd  grass^ 
Our  age  in  barren  service  pass, 


"  Psalm  xc.  5,  6. 
16 


St.  Matt.  vi.  30. 


p  Psalra  cxxix.  6. 


GKASS. 

But  jaelcl,  deep  rooted  in  the  soil, 
Meet  piwuce  to  the  labourer's  toil, 
Till,  at  earth's  hai-vest,  angel-reapers  come 
To  bear  us  gently  in  their  bosoms  home. 

Meanwhile,  amid  the  desert  waste, 
For  lowly  souls  one  spot  is  plac'd ; 
The  lot  is  fair :  and  all  around 
Soft  verdure  springs  from  holy  ground, 

Spreading  for  aching  Umbs  its  calm  repose. 

And  peace  and  joy  such  as  the  world  ne'er  knows. 
Thus,  Lord,  within  Thy  Church  to  rest 
Be  it  through  life  our  portion  blest. 
Where  heavenly  dew  with  kindly  aid 
Falls  to  refresh  each  tender  blade  i ; 

Then  bursting  through  the  tilth  of  time  may  we 

Blossom  for  ever  in  Eternity  ! 

1  Deut.  xxxii.  2. 


17 


FORGET    ME    NOT. 


(myosotis  palustris.) 


"Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking  child,  that  she  should  not  have  compas- 
sion on  the  son  of  her  womb  ?  yea,  they  may  forget,  yet  will  not  I  forget  thee." 

Isaiah  xlix.  15. 


Fathee,  an  erring  child  draws  nigh, 
For  mercy  lifts  his  suppliant  cry, 

Through  Jesus  sought : 
Vouchsafe,  0  God,  a  willing  ear. 
Be  pleased  my  humble  prayer  to  hear ; 

Forget  me  not. 


"When  Satan  tempts  and  pride  rebels, 
Or  torturing  doubt  my  bosom  swells, 

And  demons  plot ; 
Thy  gracious  aid  and  strength  afford 
To  keep  my  feet  from  falling,  Lord  ! 

Forget  me  not. 


FORGET    ME    NOT. 

When  heart  and  spirit  faint  and  foil, 
Dread  judgments  cause  my  soul  to  quail 

And  mourn  my  lot ; 
Oh,  may  I  still  Thy  wisdom  see, 
Submissive  wait,  and  follow  Thee"^: 

Forget  me  not. 

When  houi's  of  sadness  round  me  close. 
And  blast  on  blast  still  fiercer  blows 

With  anguish  fraught ; 
Refresh  me  with  consoling  grace. 
That  I  in  all  Thy  Hand  may  trace : 

Forget  me  not. 

When  trouble  and  disease  invade. 
Consume  the  frame  Thy  power  hath  made 

And  goodness  bought. 
Oh,  smooth  my  pillow  with  Thy  love 
And  send  me  healing  fr'om  above ; 

Foraret  me  not. 


When,  di-awing  near  the  gate  of  death, 
I  struggle  with  my  latest  breath 

And  low  am  brought ; 


Isaiah  xl.  31. 


FOEGET  ME  NOT. 

Lord,  in  that  hour  a  peaceful  end 
And  ministering  spii-its  send ; 

Forget  me  not. 

And  when  before  Thy  awful  Throne 
I  stand,  the  e\il  deeds  to  own 

"Wliich  I  have  wrought ; 
Then,  as  in  mercy  Thou  shalt  give 
Pardon  to  all  that  contiite  live, 

Forget  me  not. 


HONEYSUCKLE. 


(CArRIFOLIUM  PERICLYMENUM.) 

"  That  they  may  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things." 

Titus  ii.  10. 

Clinging  to  oaken  boughs,  trailing  o'er  bow'r, 
Twining  through  hedge-rows  green,  blossoms  this  flow'r ; 
Freely  its  fragrancy  casting  around 
While  the  lark's  soaring  notes  blithely  resound. 

Thither  the  humming  bee  speedeth  at  morn 
Storing  her  nectary  ere  she  return ; 
Grateful  the  traveller  breathes  the  sweet  gale. 
Resting  his  weary  limbs  down  in  the  vale. 

Thus  to  a  Higher  Pow'r  fixst  may  I  cling. 
Thus,  like  the  Woodbine,  seek  humbly  to  bring 
Him  that  sustaineth  me  glory  and  praise, 
By  a  life  holily  spent  in  His  ways. 

Be  it  my  blessedness  too  to  impart 
Joy  and  fresh  vigour  to  many  a  heart 
Struggling  with  earnestness  Heaven  to  attain. 
Careworn,  and  fainting  with  sorrow  and  pain. 

21 


EYEBRIGHT. 

(EUPHRASIA  OFFICI^'ALIS.) 


"  For  he  that  is  least  among  you  all,  the  same  shall  be  great." 

St.  LvJce  ix.  48. 


As  star  remote  iu  yon  blue  sky, 
Scarce  e'er  discem'd  by  mortal  eye 

'ilid  all  tbe  shining  host, 
The  Eyebright  hides  its  tiny  head 
Among  the  green  grass  of  the  mead, 

Conceal' d  and  well-nigh  lost. 

But  seek  it  out — this  smallest  gem 
Of  earth's  resplendent  diadem — 

And  hear  it  softly  say, 
"  In  God's  good  kingdom  blessings  pure 
The  least  of  all  His  saints  ensure, 

"Who  "svatch  and  work  and  pray. 

"  For  they  that  unobtrusive  live, 
And  by  good  deeds  meet  praises  give 
To  their  Eternal  Sire, 


FA'EBKIGnT. 


Shall  not  Tnth  faintest  lustre  shine, 
Nor  lowest  sit  at  feast  divine*, 

Nor  feeblest  strike  their  lyre'. 


"  Thus  He,  the  Lord  of  all,  hath  said,— 
^Mio  had  not  where  to  lay  His  Head 

For  many  a  weary  day, — 
That,  when  life's  pilgrimage  is  past. 
Last  shall  be  first,  and  first  be  last" 

In  regions  far  away." 


St.  Luke  xiv.  10. 


Rev.  xiv.  1 — 5. 


'  St.  Matt.  xix.  30. 


LILY    OF    THE    VALLEY. 


(CONVALLARIA  MAJALIS.) 


'  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart :  for  they  shall  see  God." 

Si.  Matt.  V. 


CoMEST  thou  from  Faery  land, 
"Where  around  thee,  hand  in  hand. 
Dance  the  merry  little  sprites, 
When  the  moonlit  glade  invites  ? 

Doth  Titania  from  thy  cups 
Sip  her  nectar  as  she  sups  ? 
Serves  thy  leaf,  when  revels  close. 
As  a  couch  for  her  repose  ? 


Nay,  methinks  from  higher  scenes 
Than  are  rul'd  hy  Faery  queens. 
Thou  hast  come  our  earth  to  hail, 
Sweetest  Lily-of-the-valc. 


24 


LILY   OF    THE    YALLKY. 

Piirc  and  bright  as  driven  snow, 
Meek,  yet  graceful,  dost  thou  grow ; 
Emblem  meet  of  that  blest  Maid " 
On  whose  breast  the  Christ  was  laid. 

Thou  retirement  lov'st  as  she, — 
Lone  and  shelter' d  dells  for  thee  ; 
And  when  plac'd  in  garden  fair 
Bearing  not  the  sun's  full  glare : 

As  the  Galilean  saw 
Gabriel's  dazzling  light  with  awe, 
And  her  lowly  spirit  quailed. 
When  with  words  of  honour  hailed. 

Heav'n  twin  blessings  will  impart 
To  the  meek  and  pure  in  heart, — 
Here,  the  kingdom  of  God's  grace, 
There,  to  see  the  Father's  Face'^. 

Strive  then,  Christian,  to  endure 
Like  the  Virgin-mother  pure  ; 
Free  from  stain  of  earthly  dross. 
Meekly  looking  to  the  Cross. 

'  "Lily  of  Eden's  fragrant  shade." — Kehle. 
"  St;  Matt.  V.  5,  8. 


ei:>^S-£:^ 


HEART'S-EASE. 
(viola,  tricolok.) 

"  0  Lord,  I  am  oppressed  ;  ease  me." 

Isaiah  xxxviii.  14.     (Marginal  rendering.) 

Ye,  for  ease  of  heart  who  long, 
Seek  it  not  earth's  gifts  among, 
Nor  in  pleasui-e's  giddy  round, 
But  where  only  it  is  found, — 

In  the  Cross. 

Be  your  trials  what  they  may ; 
Though  as  dark  as  night  your  way ; 
Though  each  hour  the  thorns  increase ; 
Doubt  not ! — ever  flowcth  Peace 

From  the  Cross. 


Cast  aside  all  gloomy  fear ; 
Wipe  away  desponding  tear  : 
For  the  holy  Jesus  bare 
All  our  sorrow,  all  our  care^, 

On  the  Cross. 

y  Isaiah  liii.  4. 


MIGNONETTE^ 
(reseda  odorata.) 


'  Though  the  Lord  be  higli,  yet  hath  He  respect  unto  the  lowly." 

Psalm  cxxxviii.  6. 


Who  does  not  love  thee,  Mignonette  ? 
Who  owes  thee  not  a  boundless  debt  ? 
Who  has  not  known  thee  soothe  and  calm 
The  grie%-ing  heart,  like  Gilead's  balm  ? 

The  rich  man's  garden's  graced  by  thee, 
The  cottage  border  equally, 
And  pallid  forms,  in  garrets  bare, 
Thee  cherish,  and  thy  blessing  share. 

By  thee  enrich' d,  the  gentle  gale 
Of  summer  evening  we  inhale ; 
Oft,  too,  thou  servcst  to  allay 
The  heat  and  burden  of  the  day. 

z  The  diminutive  of  mignon,  darling. 


MIGNONETTE. 

What  though  no  charms  thou  hast  to  shew, 
Plainest  amongst  the  flowers  that  grow  ! 

An  odour  passing  all  is  thine, 

Ne'er  cloying,  like  to  sweets  divine. 

As  some  dear  maiden,  past  all  praise. 
Attracting  not  th'  admirer's  gaze  ; 

But  cloth'd  with  beauty,  not  of  earth, — 
The  graces  of  a  Heavenly  birth. 


GERMANDER    SPEEDWELL. 

(VEKONICA  CHAMAEDRYS.) 

"For  here  we  have  no  continuing  city,  but  we  seek  one  to  come." 

Hebrews  xiii.  14. 

"  What  says  that  flower  with  eye  as  blue 
As  is  the  azure's  deepest  hue  ? 
How  cahn,  yet  earnest  is  her  look 
On  grassy  bank,  by  rippling  brook !" 

Tarry,  brother,  on  thy  way ; 
Listen, — this  her  cheering  lay. 

"  Speedwell,  pilgi-im,  to  thy  home, 
N'ever  from  the  sti-aight  path  roam ; 
There  be  all  thy  treasures  plac'd 
Where  nor  moth  nor  rust  can  waste  ". 

"  What  though  frail  and  prone  to  err ! 
Trust  thy  gi-eat  Deliverer  : 
He  will  grace  and  strength  impart 
To  the  earnest  stedfast  heart. 

»  St.  Matt.  vi.  20. 


j 


GEEMANDEE  SPEEDWELL. 

"  Speedwell,  though  the  tempests  blow 
Charged  with  misery  and  woe, 
O'er  the  meek  and  lowly  soul 
Seathless  Heaven's  dread  thunders  rolP. 

"And,  amid  earth's  care  and  pain, 
Peace  shall  in  thy  bosom  reign — 
Peace  from  that  clear  fountain  flowing 
'\(\Tiere  the  Tree  of  Life  is  growing ". 

"Speedwell  thus,  for  One  is  nigh — 
Though  unseen  by  mortal  eye — 
Thee  to  prosper,  thee  to  bless. 
As  thou  to  the  goal  wouldst  press ''. 

"And  thy  soul,  e'en  here  below. 
Somewhat  of  Heaven's  joy  may  know,— 
Somewhat  of  that  glory  share 
Which  the  saints  triumphant  wear." 


J  Phil.  iii.  13,  14. 


30 


PIMPERNEL. 

(aNAGALLIS'  ARVENSIS.) 


"Truly  the  light  is  sweet,  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is  for  the  eyes  to  behold 
the  sun  : 

"  But  if  a  man  live  many  years,  and  rejoice  in  them  all ;  yet  let  him  remember 
the  days  of  darkness." 

Ecclesiasles  xi.  7,  8. 


See  the  scarlet  Pimpernel 
Smilitig  in  the  sunny  mom, 

Where  it  loveth  most  to  dwell 
'Mid  the  golden  waving  com. 


Haply,  pass  another  hour 
By  the  corn-field  path  again, 

"When  dark  clouds  begin  to  lower, 
Pregnant  with  big  drops  of  rain. 

AMiere  is  now  this  floweret  gay 
"With  its  bright  and  beaming  eye  ? 

Look  you  wheresoe'er  you  may, 
Ne'er  a  Pimpernel  you  spy. 

«  See  note  at  end  of  vol. 


PIMPEENEL. 

All  arc  closed :  "with  instinct  shrinking 
From  the  murky  humid  air, — 

As  it  were  some  spirit  sinking 
'Neath  the  pending  load  of  care. 

Thus  e'en  childhood's  lightsome  heart 
Has  a  cross  upon  it  laid, — 

Many  a  sorrow,  many  a  smart, 
Many  a  storm  to  make  afraid. 

Tears,  perchance,  and  grief  hedimming 
Lustre  of  those  loving  eyes 

Whence  his  joy  is  hourly  springing, 
"WhUe  on  mother's  breast  he  lies  : 


I 


Or  some  cloud  of  shame  and  sin 
Darkening  its  sunny  heaven, 

Till,  by  penitence  within 
And  confession,  'tis  forgiven. 


Ilain  and  sunsliine,  smiles  and  tears, - 
All  on  earth  one  portion  have ; 

Joy  and  sorrow,  hopes  and  fears. 
From  the  cradle  to  the  grave. 


ROSE. 

(ROSA  CENTIFOLIA.) 

'  The  path  of  the  just  is  as  the  shining  light,  that  shinetli  more  and  more 
unto  the  perfect  day." 

Proverbs  iv.  18. 

I  LOTE  to  see  the  beauteous  Rose 

O'er  cottage  porch  entwine, 
And  breathe  her  odour  soft  the  while, 
Casting  a  radiant  peaceful  smile, 

Like  visitaat  divine. 

She  tells  of  love  where'er  she  blooms — 

Celestial  love  and  sure, — 
But  ne'er,  methinks,  so  sweet  her  lay 
As  when  she  yieldeth  thus  each  day 

Her  sweets  to  God's  own  poor. 

A  high  and  holy  embassy 

Such  blessing  to  impart ! — 
Like  Him,  the  "  Eose  of  Sharon  •="  styled. 
Who  left  His  Throne  for  earth's  di-ear  wild 

To  raise  man's  drooping  heart. 

=  Canticles  ii.  1. 


And  yet,  alas  !  her  life  is  short, 

Her  beauty  fades  and  dies, 
And  \n.thers  soon  that  lovely  form 
Endued  with  every  dainty  charm, 

Dissolve  those  earthly  ties. 

But,  as  the  holy,  just,  and  true, 

When  numbered  with  the  dead<^, — 
Around  the  scenes  she  once  made  bright 
Her  joy  is  still,  though  lost  to  sight, 
A  fragi'ance  pure  to  shed. 

Oh  I    be  my  life  like  thine,  sweet  Rose, 

All  love,  all  peace,  all  praise ; 
That  so,  whene'er  I  "fall  on  sleep," 
I  leave  to  cheer  the  friends  that  weep 
The  pei'fume  of  my  days. 

■i    "The  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed."—  Proverbs  x.  7. 


I 


FUCHSIA. 


(fuchsia  coccinea.) 


'  For  the  Lord  taketh  pleasure  in  His  people :  He  will  beautify  the  meek 
with  Salvation." 

Psalm  cxlix.  4. 


EiTBLEir  of  modest  grace ! 
With  downcast  tearful  eye 
And  pendent  bloom  wherein  we  trace 
Thy  deep  humility  : — 

Like  maiden  meek  as  fair, 
Refraining  to  display 
Thy  highest  charms,  as  jewels  rare, 
To  the  fall  glare  of  day. 


From  sunnier  scenes,  they  tell. 
Thou  cam'st,  a  tender  child *=, 
In  this  our  Island  home  to  dweU, 

"Where  bleak  winds  blow  and  wild. 

'  The  Fuchsia  is  a  native  of  South  America.  It  takes  its  name  from  the  dis- 
coverer, Fuchs. 

35 


FUCHSIA. 

Eut  now,  no  more  a  stranger 

Beneath  our  nortliem  skies, 

To  tliee  nor  fears  nor  sense  of  danger 

Prom  frosts  and  snows  arise  : 

And  ne'er  a  garden  sweet 

Within  our  favour' d  Isle, 

But  thou  art  there  the  eye  to  greet 

And  shed  a  radiant  smile. 

The  modest,  thus,  and  chaste 
Take  root  in  every  soil ; 
And  eveiy  lot  by  them  is  graced 
Of  pleasure  or  of  toil ; — 

And  who  a  higher  room  8 
In  Heaven's  high  house  shall  share 
Or  what  the  flower  a  brighter  bloom 
In  paradise  shall  wear  ? 

e  St.  Luke  xiv.  lu,  11. 


LILIES". 

(lilia.) 

'  But  seek  ye  first  the  Kingdom  of  God,  and  His  righteousness  ;  and  all  these 
things  sliall  be  added  unto  you." 

St.  Matt.  vi.  33. 

Behold  the  Lilies  of  the  field', 

They  spin  not  and  they  grow  in  ease ; 

Yet,  Solomon  in  all  his  pomp 

Was  not  arrayed  like  one  of  these. 

If  God  so  clothe  the  tender  grass 

Which  blooms  to-day,  to-morrow  dies ; 

Shall  He  not  aU  thy  wants  provide, 
And  watch  thee  with  a  Father's  eyes  ? 


Then  be  thou  not  of  doubtftd  mind, 

Nor  vex  thyself  with  anxious  thought, — 

"  AVhat  shall  I  eat,  what  shall  I  diink. 
Or  where  my  outward  garb  be  sought?" 

••  It  appears  to  be  very  doubtful  as  to  what  species  of  lily  it  is  to  which  our 
Saviour  alluded.  1  have  therefore  taken  the  plant  gencrically,  leaving  the  reader 
to  select  specifically  whichever  he  may  consider  the  most  probable. 

i  Cant.  ii.  16  ;   v.  13. 

37 


But,  tiiming  from  this  fleeting  world, 
Look  to  thy  Sun  in  heaven  above  ^ : 

Be  clothed  in  His  saving  robe\ 
Bask  in  the  rays  of  His  pure  love. 

Thy  piime  dcsii'e  a  holy  name, 

Thirst  after  righteousness  and  peace ; 

For  whilst  thou  seekest  heavenly  things 
All  earthly  blessings  shall  increase. 

The  moiTow's  good,  the  moiTow's  ill, 
When  it  arrives,  shall  thee  suffice  ; 

Confide  in  God,  be  full  of  faith ; — 

Thou  hast  been  bought  with  matchless  price  •". 

What  though  cold  death  must  freeze  thy  veins  ! 

"VSTiat  though  thy  frame  shall  droop  and  die  ! 
Thy  root  lies  biiried  in  the  ground ; 

Thou  shcdt  arise ;  thy  Spring  is  nigh  ". 

Transplanted  then  to  brighter  scenes 
"WTiere  Lilies  bloom  that  never  fade. 

Thou  shalt  appear  a  "  son  of  mom," — 
Thy  raiment  tenfold  glorious  made  °. 


k  Malachi  iv.  2.  '  Isaiah  Ixi.  10. 

o  1  Cor.  XV.  42,  43. 


"  1  Cor.  vi.  19,  20. 
Ilev.  iii.  5. 


PASSION-FLOWER. 


(PASSIFLORA.    C.ERULEA.) 


'  Surely  He  hath  borne  our  griefs,  and  carried  our  sorrows." 

Isaiah  liii.  4. 


With  reverence  view  the  Passion-flower  ; 

Put  forth  no  hasty  hand 
To  pluck  it  from  its  trellised  bower 
And  cast  it  on  the  strand, — 
As  'twere  some  ordinary  thing  of  earth, 
Or  consonant  with  giddy  joy  and  reckless  mirth. 


The  Passion-flower,  mysterious  name. 

What  awful  scenes  recalling  p  ! — 
Gethsemane,  the  cross  and  shame. 
The  scourge  upon  Him  falling, 
The  crown  of  thorns  upon  His  sacred  brow, 
The  purple  robe,  the  nails,  the  spear,  the  streams  that  flow. 

p  See  note  at  end  of  vol. 


PASSION-FLOWEK. 

Hath  e'er  a  flower  a  mission  given 

As  holy  or  as  high  ? 
Like  some  Evangelist  of  heaven, 
Of  Christ  to  testify, — 
His  boundless  love  for  Adam's  fallen  race, 
"Who  suffered  thus  their  sin  and  sorrow  to  efface. 

0  Passion-flower,  0  Passion-flower, 

Go  forth  from  clime  to  clime. 
And  herald  with  thy  silent  power, 
Throughout  the  realms  of  time. 
The  mighty  truth  which  man  alone  can  save, 
And  give  him  hope  beyond  the  confines  of  the  grave. 


HERB-PARIS,    OR    TRUE-LOVE-. 

(PARIS  QUADRIFOLIA.) 

"  And  this  is  love,  that  we  walk  after  His  Commandments." 

2nd  John  6. 

There's  many  a  fond  desire  of  earth 

Oft  dignified  by  name  of  Loye  ; 
But  these  alone  are  nothing  worth, 

Howe'er  intense  within  the  heart  they  move. 


True  Love  that  holy  sign  must  bear — 

In  every  phantasy  and  mood — 
Which  Christians  on  their  foreheads  wear, — 

The  Christ-adorn' d  and  consecrated  Rood. 

Love  and  the  Cross  inseparate  dwell, 

As  God  and  man  in  Christ  abide ; 
With  one  blest  theme  heaven's  anthems  swell — 

"  Worthy  to  reign  the  Lamb  that  lov'd  and  died"^!" 


1  This  plant  has  all  its  parts  in  fours  ;  four  leaves,  four  petals,  S;c.  ;  and 
"  All  four-leaved  flowers  bring  to  the  mind 
The  cross  whereon  He  died." 

Mary  Howitt. 
r  Rev.  V.  12. 

41 


SUN-DEW^ 
(drosera  rotundifolia.) 

"God  give  thee  of  the  dew  of  Heaven. 

Thotj  mountain  fairy  ! 
I  love  to  see  thee  glisten 

'Mid  moorland  wild, 
So  like  a  star  from  heaven, 

With  radiance  mUd. 


Gtn.  xxvii.  28. 


Surpassing  lovely, — 
Methinks  fr'om  some  bright  sphere, 
Thy  native  home, 
This  spot  so  lone  and  drear 

To  cheer  thou'st  come. 


•  This  plant  is  found 

" on  boggy  moor, 

Or  peat-clad  marsh ;" 

Its  leaves  are  radial,  and  fringed  with  hairs  "of  texture  delicately  fine,  "and  of 
the  most  exquisite  ruby  colour.  Each  hair  supports  a  little  globule  of  pellucid, 
dew-like  liquor  ;  whence  its  name. 

42 


--(r' 


SUN-DEW. 

And  yet  so  lowly  ; 
Hiding  thy  crimson  floss 

And  jewell'd  head 
Among  the  di-ipping  moss, 

Thy  chosen  bed. 

How  happy  were  I, 
If  my  baptismal  dew 

Still  shone  as  bright 
As  when  brought  forth  anew 
To  life  and  light*. 

God  grant  me  mercy  ! 
That  Faith's  eternal  crown 

May  yet  be  mine, — 
When  Christ  to  earth  comes  down 

With  pomp  divine. 

t  1  John  V.  11,  12. 


WOODY    NIGHTSHADE,    OR 
BITTER-SWEET^ 

(SOLANUM  DULCAMARA.) 

"  Blessed  are  they  that  mourn  ;  for  they  shall  be  comforted." 

St.  Matt.  V.  4. 

Theee  is  a  cup  which  all  must  drain 
AVho  would  the  crown  of  life  attain ; 
For  thereby,  hath  the  Saviour  said, 
The  carnal  nimd  is  heavenly  made*. 

Though  harsh  and  bitter  seem  the  draught, — 
Shrink  not,  for  when  'tis  freely  quaff'd. 
The  gall  to  honey  sweet  shall  turn  ; 
And  thus  thy  tutored  soul  shall  learn, 

That  sorrow  dures  but  for  a  night. 
Blest  joy  returns  with  morning  light  ^  ; 
And  those  who  suffer  for  Christ's  sake 
Shall  reign  with  Him  when  they  awake  ^. 


"  The  familiar  name  of  this  plant  originates  in  the  flavour  of  the  root,  which 
is  at  first  bitter  in  the  mouth,  and  afterwards  swett. 

»  Heb.  xii.  10.  y  Psalm  xxx.  6.  '•  2  Tim.  ii.  12. 


a 


<5E4>=:^paR= 


DAHLIA. 


(OAnLIA   FRUSTRANEA.) 


■  Reproofs  of  instruction  are  the  way  of  life." 

Proverbs  vi.  23. 


Hast  thou  seen  in  garden  old 

What  was  once  the  Dahlia  call'd  ? 

Gay,  indeed,  with  red  and  gold. 
But  for  beauty  ne'er  extoU'd. 

Now,  this  self-same  flower  is  seen. 
Well-nigh  noblest  of  her  race. 

Gorgeous  as  an  Eastern  queen, — 
Moulded  yet  with  chasten' d  grace. 


Mark  it  well,  ye  matrons  fair, — 
Ye,  with  mother's  love  who  glow, 

See  the  fruits  of  tender  care 
In  the  Dahlia's  perfect  blow. 


45 


Watch  o'er  every  bent  and  mood 
Of  your  offspring's  dawning  mind  ; 

Cultivate  each  germ  of  good, 
Gently  curb  the  ill-inclin'd. 

Christian,  parents  !  know  ye  not 
Seeds  of  grace  were  sown  within  '^, 

"When  your  little  ones  you  brought 
To  be  wash'd  from  natal  sin  ^  ? 


Nurture  then,  with  pious  zeal, 
What  a  gracious  God  has  given, 

That  their  growing  hearts  may  feel 
They  are  vow'd  to  Christ  and  Heaven ' 

Thus,  by  discipline's  kind  aid*^, 

In  all  holy  beauty  dight, 
Shall  each  day  advance  be  made 

To  perfection's  dazzling  height. 


>  Eph.  iv.  7.  ^  Acts  xxii.  16.  =  Gal.  iii.  27. 

^  For  the  very  true  beginning  of  her  (Wisdom)  is  the  desire  of  discipline  ;  and 
the  care  of  discipline  is  love." — Wisdom  of  Solomon  vi.  17. 
"=  Heb.  vi.  1. 


THE    POOR    MAN'S    FLOWERS. 


'  So  the  poor  hath  hope." 


Job  V.  16. 


I  LOVE  to  see  the  Cottar  in  his  garden-plot 
In  the  balmy  summer  evening  hours, — 

The  toil  and  trouble  of  the  day  forgot 
Among  his  favourite  plants  and  flowers. 

White  Clematis  and  Eglantine  in  clusters  vnnd 

Around  his  bow'r,  to  tell  of  joy  ; 
And  trusty  "Wall-flower  blossoms  to  remind 

Of  friendship  that  no  storms  destroy. 

The  silken  Rose  its  soothing  sympathy  affords  ; 

Meek  Mignonette  too  breathes  around 
Its  aromatic  fragrance,  like  kind  words ; 

Blue  Thrift*"  and  Marigolds  abound. 


<  .^atice  Umonivm,  Sea-lavender  ;  commonly  used  as  an  edging  to  flower- 
borders. 


THE    POOH   MAN  S   FLOTVTEES. 

Here  is  the  motlier&  with  her  florets^  nestling  close — 
Type  of  that  love  which  cheers  his  hearth ; 

While  bright-rob'd  Lilies  teach  him  to  repose 
His  trust  on  Him  who  rules  the  earth. 

And,  lurking  ia  some  shelter' d  nook,  most  prized  of  all, 

Sweet  Violets  which  her  tender  care — 
His  httle  darling  loosed  from  sorrow's  thrall > — 

In  early  childhood  planted  there. 

These  are  the  simple  charms  that  soothe  the  labourer's  lot, 

Light' ning  his  care  and  calming  fears  ; 
Long  may  he  hold  this  fondly- cherish' d  spot'"', 

His  Eden  in  this  vale  of  tears. 


e  "  Hen-and-chicken  daisy." 

•■  Floret,  a  small  flower,  such  as  occurs  in  composite  or  compound  flowers, 
i  "  We  give  Thee  hearty  thanks,  for  that  it  hath  pleased  Thee  to  deliver 
this  our  sister  out  of  the  miseries  of  this  sinful  world." — Burial  Service. 
k  Prov.  xxii.  22. 


BRIDAL   PLOWERS' 


"  But  sanctify  the  Lord  God  in  your  hearts." 


1  Pet,  iii.  15. 


Hakk,  the  village  bells  are  pealing 
From  yon  spire  a  merry  lay, 

Far  and  near  to  all  revealing 
Joyance  of  a  bridal  day. 

Holy  Church  her  benediction 

To  the  youthful  pah-  hath  given  ^  ; 

Oh,  may  reverent  affection  " 
Grace  the  wedlock  sealed  in  heaven  ! 

May  their  life — like  those  sweet  flowers 
Which  the  rustic  maidens  cast 

All  along  their  path  in  showers  « — 
Be  as  fragrant  to  the  last. 


>  "  Our  Bridal  Flowers  serve  for  a  buried  corse." — Shahespeare. 

■"  See  note  at  end  of  vol.  »  Eph.  v.  33. 

°  See  note  at  end  of  vol. 


BKIDAL   FXOWEES. 

For  these  gems  are  emblems  beauteous 
Of  fair  yirtues  fi'om  above, 

Faitb  and  hope,  obedience  duteous, 
Meekness,  temperance,  and  love. 

These  preserving,  and  subduing 
All  impure  desires  each  day ; 

Angel  hands  shall  aye  be  strewing 
Joys  unfading  in  their  wayP. 

p  See  note  at  end  of  vol. 


I 


60 


FUNERAL    FLOWERS. 

"  Now  upon  the  first  day  of  the  week,  very  early  in  the  morning,  they  came 
unto  the  sepulchre,  bringing  the  spices  which  they  had  prepared. 

St.  Luke  xxiv.  1. 

Solemn,  yet  fall  of  hope,  ascends  to  Heaven  the  strain  i, 
As  dust  to  kindred  dust  returns  again, 
Casting  a  gleam  of  hallow' d  joy  within  the  breast 
By  silent  life-consuming  grief  opprest. 

Strew,  strew  the  flow'rs"",  ye  maidens  clad  in  white" ; 
Mingle  with  tears  these  emblems  pure  and  bright : 
That  as  a  wgin  for  her  bridal  morn  arrayed'', 
Tour  sister  in  her  sacred  home  be  laid. 


Strew,  strew  the  odorous  Yiolet  and  blushing  Eose, 
Sweet  Eosemary  that  fond  remembrance  shows  ^, 
Hyacinth,  Forget-me-not,  and  Speedwell,  heavenly  blue, 
Lily  and  Pansy^,  wild  Thyme,  undjong  Eue'*. 

1  "  Then  shall  be  said  or  sung,  I  heard  a  voice  from  Heaven,  &c." — T?ie  Order 
for  the  Burial  of  the  Bead. 

'  See  notes  at  end  of  vol. 

«  "  There 's  Rosemary,  that 's  for  remembrance ;" 

'  "And  there  is  Pansies,  that 's  for  thought." 

"  "  There  's  Rue  for  you  ;  and  here  's  some  for  me  ; — we  may  call  it  Herb-of- 
grace  o'  Sundays." — Ilamht,  Act  iv.  Scene  vi. 

51 


FTJNERAl   FLOWERS. 

Meetly,  metliinks,  with  our  fond  Mother's  burial  rite 

Such  customs  primitive  we  may  unite ; — 

Oh,  who  shall  check  these  proofs  the  mourner's  heart 

would  give 
Tliat  souls  departed  fresh  in  memory  live^  ? 

'  See  note  at  end  of  vol. 


62 


FLOWERS    OF    GOD'S    ACRE^. 


'  They  were  lovely  and  pleasant  in  their  lives,  and  in  their  death  were 
not  divided'." 

2  So.ni.  i.  23. 


Here  are  they  laid  together  down, 
And  peaceful  sleep  beneath 

The  rustic  arch  above  them  thrown, — 
Their  earthly  bond  in  death. 

"Wall-flower  and  Honey-suckle  sweet* 

From  either  grave  uprise, 
And  overhead  in  fragrance  meet, — 

Their  lot  beyond  the  skies. 

Each  to  the  other  seems  to  tend. 

Each  of  its  own  impart ; 
With  love,  love  even  yet  to  blend. 

Heart  still  to  answer  heart. 


y  See  note  at  end  of  vol. 
«  These  verses  were  suggested  by  seeing  the  graves  of  two  children  in 
Bonchurch  churchyard,  united  by  an  arch  ;  and  close  by  the  tomb  of  the  Rev. 
W.  Adams,  author  of  the  "  Shadow  of  the  Cross,"  "  Old  Man's  Home,"  &c. 
^  See  note  at  end  of  vol. 

S3 


FLOWEKS   OF    GOD  S   ACRE, 

Aroimcl  tlicir  feet  Primroses  pale — 

Fitter  than  sculp tur'd  stone — 
With  grateful  perfume  fill  the  vale. 

As  names  of  good  men  gone. 

And  by  their  side  that  Pastor  good 

Who  joy'd  to  speak  of  svich, 
Eesting  beneath  the  Cross  he  woo'd^ — 

Belov'd  and  loving  mnch. 

While  far  below,  the  sxu-ging  waves. 

For  ever  making  moan, 
Send  up  their  murmur  to  the  graves, — 

Ten  thousand  notes  in  one. 

Oh !  what  a  waking  there  will  be 

On  earth's  great  Easter-morn, 
When  on  those  happy  risen  three 

The  light  of  Heaven  shall  dawn. 

Se,  with  the  souls  his  words  have  won, 
Tliey,  hand  in  hand,  shall  mount 

To  join  the  everlasting  throng 
Which  Angels  cannot  count  *=. 

•>  A  simple  iron  cross  is  placed  on  Mr.  Adams'  tomb  so  as  to  cast  iin  sliadaio 
over  it,  in  touching  allusion  to  one  of  his  most  beautiful  works. 
■=  Rev.  vii.  9. 
64 


FLOWEES   OF   GOD  S   ACRE. 

A  voice,  as  many  waters'^,  pours 
That  throng  in  eucharist  mect^  ; 

The  blended  fragrance  of  all  flowers 
No  incense  sheds  so  sweet. 


d  Rev.  xiv,  2.  «  "  It  is  very  meet,  right,  and  our  bounden  duty, 

that  we  should  give  thanks,  Sce."—Comrn,UHW7i  Service. 


AUTUMNAL    CROCUS. 


(COLCHICDM  ATJTUMNALE.) 


"  The  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death." 

Proverbs  xiv.  32. 


And  art  thou  here,  pale  Crocus, 
Arrived  to  bid  farewell ; 

With  thy  bare  leafless  stem 
Of  gloom  at  hand  to  tell  ? 

Nay ;  thou  hast  come  to  gladden 
WMlst  yellow  Autumn  wanes, 

And  for  a  few  short  hours 
To  deck  the  naked  plains : 

Some  ray  of  hope  to  bring  us 
For  falling  leaf  and  sere. 

Amid  the  fading  brightness 
Our  drooping  hearts  to  cheer. 

Like  some  soft  smile  thou  playest 

Over  the  dying  scene. 
Bidding  us  holy  comfort 

Of  future  joys  to  glean. 


ATJirirNAL   CROCUS. 

Oh,  linger  still,  pale  flower ; 

Oh,  linger  on  awhile, 
The  dreary  winter  hoxirs 

To  lighten  and  beguile. 

Alas !  thy  days  are  number' d, 
Thou  too  must  droop  and  die,- 

Like  all  fair  Eden's  treasures, 
In  vain  for  thee  we  sigh. 

Yet  magnify  we  ever 

That  mercy  which  hath  given 
So  many  joys  and  blessings 

Our  cup  of  woe  to  leaven : 

Nor  weep,  but  learn  the  lesson 
Thy  little  life  doth  show, — 

For  we,  like  thee,  must  perish. 
Like  thee  corruption  know. 

And  may  oiu'  autumn  hours 
Afford  some  cheering  ray 

To  gild  the  hope  and  promise 
Of  life's  departing  day. 


57 


A   ROSE    IN    ¥INTER^ 


'  A  thousand  shall  fall  Ijeside  thee,  and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand  ;  but 
j^it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee." 

Psalm  xci.  7. 


How  com'st  thou  here,  fair  flower, 
When  Christmas-tide  is  nigh  ? 

Around  the  old  church-tower 
The  bleak  winds  moan  and  sigh  : 

The  snow  is  tliickly  falling. 
The  frost  is  on  the  ground ; — 

Yet,  brighter  days  recalling, 
In  beauty  thou  art  found. 

"Wilt  tell  to  me,  fau-  flower. 
What  secret  charm  is  thine  ? 

That  I,  when  life's  storms  lower. 
Like  thee  may  bloom  and  shine. 


Seen  in  full  bloom  against  a  chancel  wall,  amid  a  snow-storm. 


58 


A   EOSE    IN   WINTEE. 

"  Blithe  Christmas  to  thco,  stranger, - 
Blithe  Chi-istmas  and  thy  -weal ; 
How  I  am  kept  from  danger 
'Tis  easy  to  reveal. 

"Beneath  the  shade  reposing 
Of  these  most  sacred  walls, 
Though  storms  around  are  closing, 
No  terror  me  appals  : 

"  And  when  the  keen  wind's  whistle 
Is  soimding  far  and  wide, 
I  closer,  closer  nestle 
To  holy  Church's  side. 

"Then,  fellow-pilgi'im,  ever 
To  thy  fond  Mother  cling ; 
Let  no  rude  hand  thee  sever 
From  Her  protecting  wing ; 


"For  oft  I  hear  sweet  voices 
Proclaiming  fi-om  within, 
That  he  alone  rejoices 

In  this  drear  world  of  sin, 


59 


A    EOSE    ry    "WIX^TEE. 

"  '\Mio  holds  in  blest  relation 

The  Bridegroom  thi'ough  the  Bride^; 
And  his  shall  be  salvation 

When  all  the  world  is  triede." 


f  Eph.  V.  32. 


s  Jdbn  XV.  4  ;   1  John  ii.  28, 


•  My  song  shall  be  alway  of  the  loving-kindness  of  the  Lord." 

Psalm  Ixxxix.  1, 


Seest  thou  that  streamlet  wending 
From  the  upland  through  the  vale, 

O'er  its  crystal  waters  bending 
Many  a  fern  and  floweret  frail  ? 

Scotland's  Blue-bells •»  there  are  waving 
In  the  gentle  western  breeze ; 

Lady-fern  her  fair  fronds  laving ' 
'Neath  the  silver  birken  trees. 


Anemones,  like  starlets,  tmnkle ; 
Hyacinths  their  perfume  breathe ; 
oiTcl,  Primrose,  Periwinkle, 
And  May-lilies  "^  form  a  wreath. 

•>  Harebell. 

'  "Where  the  copse-wood  is  the  greenest, 

Where  the  fountain  glistens  sheenest, 

Where  the  morning  dew  lies  longest. 

There  the  Lady-fern  grows  strongest."— -Sir-  Walter  Scott. 
"'  The  old  name  for  Lily  of  the  Vale. 

61 


THE    EETEOSPECT. 

"WiUow-herb,  St.  Lewis'  flower', 
And  the  regal  Meadow- sweet", 

By  the  cascade's  dewy  shower, 
Like  old  friends  in  converse,  meet. 

In  the  mystic  hour  of  gloaming ", 

To  the  fancy's  aiiy  flights. 
Look  they  to  be  gliding,  roaming, — 

As  it  were  unearthly  sprites. 

Thus,  as  life  is  onward  winding 
By  the  "  banks  and  braes"  of  Time, 

Many  a  joy  our  souls  are  finding, — 
Pui'e  and  fresh  as  morning's  prime  ;- 


Happy  moments,  festal  pleasures, 

Brcatliings  of  the  heart  to  heart, 
Holy  friendship's  priceless  treasures, 

Sweets  that  thoughts  of  Heaven  impart. 

'  F!eur-de-Luce,  or  Yellow  Iris. 

">  Queen  of  the  Meadow. 

"  "  Gloaming,  or  gloamin  (Sax.  Glommig),  fall  of  the  evening,  the  twilight. 
This  is  sometimes  called  the  edge  of  the  evening.  In  Saxon,  this  word  was  ap- 
plied to  the  dawn,  as  well  as  to  the  twilight." — Imp.  Dictionary. 


THE    EETEOSPECT. 

And  when  shades  of  eve  draw  near  us, 
Seem  they,  to  the  backward  glance, 

Forms  celestial  sent  to  cheer  us 

In  earth's  eveiy  change  and  chance. 


"^Tis  the  merry  month  of  Maying." — Page  13,  note  i. 

"  It  was  anciently  the  custom  for  all  ranks  of  people  to  go 
out  a-Maying  early  on  the  1  st  of  ilay." — Brand's  Popular 
A'/Uiquities. 

"  Hail,  bounteous  May  !  that  dost  inspu-e 

Mirth,  and  youth,  and  fond  desu-e  ; 

Woods  and  groves  are  of  thy  dressing. 

Hill  and  dale  doth  boast  thy  blessing. 
Thus  we  salute  thee  with  our  early  song. 
And  welcome  thee,  and  wish  thee  long." — Milton. 

"  I  have  more  than  once  been  disturbed  early  on  May- 
morning,  at  Newcastle-upon-Tyne,  by  a  song  which  a  woman 
sang  about  the  streets  who  had  several  garlands  in  her 
hands : — 

*  Rise  up,  maidens  !  fye,  for  shame  ! 
For  I've  been  four  lang  miles  from  hame  ; 
I've  been  gathering  my  garlands  gay : 
Rise  up,  fan-  maids,  and  take  in  your  May.' " — Brand's  Pop.  Ant. 

"  Children  weave  the  garland  gaily." — Page  13,  note  i. 

"On  May-day  the  young  maids  of  every  parish  carry 
about  garlands  of  flowers,  which  afterwards  they  hang  up  in 
their  churches." — Avihrey. 


gigp^^iw.  ■   ii.^S 


NOTES. 

*'  It  was  of  old  a  festive  day, 
That  ushered  in  the  birth  of  May ; 
Right  early  on  the  jocund  morn 
When  that  delightful  month  was  bom. 
Regardless  of  the  timely  sleep, 
The  noble  from  the  castled  steep. 
The  burgher  fi-om  the  busy  change, 
From  village,  hamlet,  lonely  grange, 
The  peasantry,  a  mingled  throng. 
Lasses  and  lads,  and  old  and  young, 
Poured  forth  promiscuously,  to  pay 
Observance  to  the  meri-y  May : 
With  shout  and  song,  and  winded  horn, 
Alert  to  wake  the  slumbering  morn  ; 
To  rove  the  good  greenwood,  and  bring 
Away  the  spoil  of  early  Spring, 
With  nosegays  decked,  with  garlands  crowned. 
And  hang  each  smiling  homestead  round 
Window  and  door  and  porch  with  bowers 
Of  verdant  boughs  and  blooming  flowers." — Bp.  Mant. 

Thus  we  read  in  Chaucer's  Court  of  Love,  that  early  on 
May-day,  '  Fourth  goth  al  the  court,  both  most  and  lest,  to 
fetche  the  flouiis  fresh,  and  braunch,  and  blome.' 


\ 


Pacre  31,  note  e. 


"  The  Pimpernel  grows  everywhere  ;  on  the  sandy  heath 
among  the  furze  and  broom,  on  the  bank  by  the  road,  and 
especially  among  the  ripening  corn,  it  may  be  seen,  on  any 
sunny  day,  during  July  and  August.  It  is  commonly  called 
the  '  Shepherd's  Warning'  or  '  Poor  man's  Weather-glass,' 
from  the  influence  that  a  moist  atmosphere  has  upon  the 
blossom,  which  is  so  sensitive,  that  long  before  we  can  be 

65 


aware  of  the  approach  of  rain,  it  closes  up,  and  it  does  not 
open  at  all  upon  a  wet  or  even  cloudy  d;iy.  The  botanical 
name  is  taken  from  the  Greek  word  ava'^/^Xau],  signifying  to 
lau!;h ;  because  the  ancient  Greek  writers  believed  it  to  be 
a  useful  medicine  in  liver  complaints,  and  thus  favourable 
to  good  and  cheerful  spirits.  Though  it  may  not  be  found, 
in  our  times,  to  deserve  this  praise,  yet  its  pleasant  aspect 
and  love  of  sunshine  render  its  name  a  suitable  one." — Wild 
Flowers,  Society  for  Promotivg  Christian  Knowledge. 


Page  39,  note  p. 

"  I  have  read,  in   a  Latin   author,  of  flowers   inscribed 
with  the  name  of  kings  ; 

'  Die,  quibus  in  terris  inscripti  nomina  regum 
Naseantur  flores.' —  Virgil. 

but  here  is  one  emblazoned  with  the  marks  of  the  Prince  of 
Life.  I  read  in  the  inspired  writings  of  apostolic  men,  who 
bore  about  in  their  bodies  the  dying  of  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  but 
here  is  a  blooming  religioso,  that  carries  apparent  memorials 

of  the  same  tremendous  and  awful  event Is  Nature 

then  actuated  by  the  noble  ambition  of  paying  commemora- 
tive honours  to  her  suffering  Lord  ?  Is  she  kindly  officious  to 
remind  forgetful  mortals  of  that  miracle  of  mercy  which  it  is 
their  duty  to  contemplate,  and  their  happiness  to  believe  1 
Or  is  a  sportive  imagination  my  interpreter,  and  all  the  sup- 
posed resemblance  no  more  than  the  precarious  gloss  of  fancy  1 
Be  it  so  ;  yet  even  fancy  has  her  merit  when  she  sets  forth 
in  such  pleasing  imagery  the  crucified  Christ.  Nor  shall  I 
refuse  a  willing  regard  to  imfigination  herself,  when  she  em- 

66 


■j^iMyj-i  _  •■      g^awdN^w 


ploys  her  creative  powers  to  revive  the  sense  of  such  un- 
paralleled love,  and  prompt  my  gratitude  to  so  divine  a 
friend. 

"  That  spiral  tendril,  arising  from  the  bottom  of  the 
stalk,  is  it  a  representation  of  the  scourge  which  inflicted 
those  stripes  by  which  our  souls  are  healed  ?  or  is  it  twisted 
for  the  cord  which  bound  Uis  hands — those  beneficent  hands 
which  were  continually  stretched  out  to  unloose  the  heavy 
burdens,  and  to  impart  the  highest  blessings  ?  Behold  the 
nails  (the  stamens)  which  riveted  His  feet  to  the  accursed 
tree — those  feet  which  always  went  about  doing  good,  and 
travelled  far  and  near  to  spread  the  'glad  tidings  of  great 
joy".'  See  the  hammer,  ponderous  and  massy,  (the  pistil,) 
which  drove  the  iron  into  the  flesh.  View  the  crown  of 
thorns  which  encircled  our  Saviour's  brow ;  and  beyond, 
observe  the  glory,  delineated  in  double  rays,  rich  with 
ethereal  blue.  There  stand  the  disciples,  (the  petals,  I  pre- 
sume.) ranged  in  the  green  impalement,  and  forming  a  circle 
round  the  instruments  of  their  great  Master's  death. 

"  While  others  appoint  this  type  of  '  the  righteous  Branch, 
the  Plant  of  renown,'  a  place  in  the  parterre,  I  would  trans- 
plant the  Passion-flower,  or  rather  transfer  its  sacred  signifi- 
cancy  to  my  heart.  That  I  also  may  wear  the  traces  of 
Immanuel,  pierced  for  my  sins,  and  bruised  for  my  trans- 
gressions ;  that  I  also  may  be  '  crucified  with  Christ,'  at 
least  in  penitential  sorrow ;  that  I  may  '  know  the  fellow- 
ship of  His  sufferings.'  " — Hervey's  Reflection  on  a  Flower- 
garden. 

»  Isaiah  lii.  7. 


er 


Page  49,  note  m. 


" Happy  omens  rest 

On  love  so  pledged,  and  hallowed  by  the  Rite 
Which  God  appointed  and  Christ's  presence  blest !  "- 


-Bp.  Mant. 


Page  49,  note  o. 

"  Glide  by  the  banks  of  virgins  then,  and  passe 
The  showers  of  roses,  luckj'  four-leav'd  grasse  : 
The  while  the  cloud  of  younglings  sing. 
And  drown  ye  with  a  flowrie  Spring." 

Merrick's  Hesperides. 

""Sovi  busie  maydens  strew  sweet  flowers." — England's  Helicon, 
"  Fine  flowers  and  rosemary  were  strewed  for  them  coming 
home  ;  and  so  to  the  father's  house,  where  there  was  a  great 
dinner  prepared  for  his  said  three  bride-daughters,  with 
their  bridegrooms  and  company." — "  A  Wedding  of  three 
Sisters  together,"  Stow's  Surve?/,  {Stri/pe's  edition). 

"  The  strewing  herbs  and  flowers  at  marriages  is  still  kept 
up  in  Kent  and  many  other  parts  of  England." — Brand's 
Popular  Antiquities. 

Page  50,  note  p. 

"  Onlj'  kneel  on,  nor  turn  away 
From  the  pure  shrine,  where  Christ  to-day 
Will  store  each  flower,  ye  duteous  lay. 
For  an  eternal  wreath." — Keble. 


T 


Page  51,  note  r. 

"  It  was  usual  in  the  primitive  Christian  Church  to  place 
crowns  of  flowers  at  the  heads  of  deceased  virgins :  for  this 


we  have  the   authority  of  Damascen,  Gregory  Nyssen,  St. 
Jerome,  and  St.  Austin." — Brand. 

Prudentius,  a.d.  405,  thus  writes  :  "  Now  death  itself  is 
blessed,  since  through  its  pangs  a  path  is  thrown  open  to  the 
just,  a  way  from  sorrow  to  the  stars.  We  will  adorn  the 
hidden  bones  with  violets  and  many  a  bough  ;  and  on  the 
epitaph  and  the  cold  stones  we  will  sprinkle  liquid  odours." 
—  Vide  Maitland's  Church  in  the  Catacombs. 

Shakespeare  makes  Ophelia  to  sing  most  touchingly  : 

"  He  is  dead  and  gone,  lady, 

He  is  dead  and  gone ; 
At  his  head  a  grass- green  turf, 
At  his  heels  a  stone. 
White  his  shroud  as  the  mountain  snow, 

Larded  all  with  sweet  flowers  ; 
Which  be  wept  to  the  grave  did  go. 

With  true-love  showers." — Hamlet,  Act  iv.  Scene  6. 

Spenser  in  describing  the  seven  Bead-men  of  the  "  Holy 
Hospitall,"  or  House  of  Mercy,  thus  wi-ites  : 

"The  sixt  had  charge  of  them  now  being  dead, 
In  seemly  sort  theii-  corses  to  engrave '', 
And  deck  with  dainty  flowi-es  their  biydall  bed, 
That  to  their  heavenly  Spouse  both  sweet  and  brave 
They  might  appear,  when  He  their  souls  shall  save. 
The  wondrous  workmanship  of  God's  owne  mould. 
Whose  face  He  made  all  beastes  to  feare,  and  gave 
AH  in  his  hand,  even  dead  we  honour  should. 

Ah,  dearest  God,  me  graunt,  I  dead  be  not  defould"^  !'' 


^  Engrave,  bury. 


Defould,  insulted. 


So  Collins : 

"To  fair  Fidele's  grassy  tomb 

Soft  maids  and  village  hinds  shall  bring 
Each  opening  sweet,  of  earliest  bloom. 

And  rifle  all  the  breathing  Spring." — Dirge  in  Cymbeline. 

"  Gay  describes  the  strewing  of  flowers  upon  the  graves : 

'  Upon  her  gi-ave  the  Eosemary  they  threw, 
The  daisy,  butter'd-flow'r,  and  endive  blue.' 

"  He  adds  the  custom,  still  used  in  the  south  of  England,  of 
fencing  the  grave  with  osiers,  &c.  ;  and  glances  at  clerical 
economy,  for  which  there  is  oftentimes  too  much  occasion, 
in  the  two  last  lines  : 

'  With  wicker  rods  we  fenc'd  her  tomb  aroimd, 
To  ward  from  man  and  beast  the  hallow'd  gi-ound  ; 
liCst  her  new  grave  the  Parson's  cattle  raze. 
For  both  his  horse  and  cow  the  churchyard  graze.'" — Brand, 

"  Independently  of  the  religious  comfort  which  is  imparted 
in  our  burial  service,  we  sometimes  see  certain  gratifications 
which  are  derived  from  immaterial  circumstances  ;  and,  how- 
ever trivial  they  may  appear,  are  not  to  be  judged  improper 
as  long  as  they  are  perfectly  innocent.  Of  this  kind  may  be 
deemed  the  practice  in  some  country  villages  of  throwing 
flowers  into  the  grave." — The  Female  Mentor,  Lond.  1798, 
vol.  ii.  p.  205,  206. 

"  The  grave  of  the  deceased  is  constantly  overspread  with 
plucked  flowers  for  a  week  or  two  after  the  funeral.  It  is 
very  common  to  dress  the  graves  on  Whitsunday  and  other 
festivals,  when  flowers  are  to  be  procured  :  and  the  frequency 
of  this  observance  is  a  good  deal  affected  by  the  respect  in 

70 


which  the  deceased  was  held.  My  father-in-law's  grave  at 
Cowbridge  church  has  been  strewed  by  his  surviving  servants 
every  Sunday  morning  for  these  twenty  years." — Malkins 
South  Wales. 


Page  51,  note  r,  2. 

"  The  herse,  covered  with  velvet,  was  carried  by  six  servant- 
maidens  of  the  family,  all  in  white." — The  Viryui's  Pattern, 
d:c.  London,  1661. 

In  the  northern  division  of  this  county  (Nottinghamshire),  it 
is  generally  the  practice  for  six  virgins  clad  in  white  to  bear 
the  body  of  a  sister  virgin  to  her  burial.  And  this,  I  believe, 
is  the  ordinary  custom  in  the  south  of  England. 

Page  51,  note  r,  3. 

"  When  a  young  unmarried  person  dies,  his  or  her  ways  to 
the  grave  are  strewed  with  sweet  flowers  and  evergreens  ;  and 
on  such  occasions  it  is  the  usual  phrase,  that  those  persons 
are  going  to  their  nuptial  beds,  not  their  graves." — Malkins 
South  Wales. 


T 


Page  53,  note  y. 

"  Our  Saxon  forefathers  called  the  churchyard  '  God's 
Acre  ;'  and  beautiful  is  the  idea  which  that  name  conveys, 
reminding  that  it  is  sown  with  a  seed  which  will  one  day 
spring  up  as  God's  great  harvest,  even  more  surely  than  we 
can  look  for  the  corn  which  we  cast  on  the  tilled  ground 
to  spring  up  in  due  time  with  a  new  life  and  a  new  body. 

n 


"  And  surely  this  thought  should  lead  us  piously  to  regard, 
and  aiFectionately  to  bestow  some  pains  on,  the  places  of 
Christian  burial.  Just  as  in  a  church  everything  should 
remind  us  that  it  is  the  'House  of  God'  and  the  '  House  of 
Prayer  ;'  so  in  a  chm-chyard,  everything  should  remind  us 
that  it  is  God's  garden,  and  there  lay  the  bodies  of  those 
who  shall  hereafter  be  raised  up  to  everlasting  life.  To  this 
intent  grow  there  the  never-fading  yew-tree,  and  other  ever- 
greens. To  this  intent  spring  up,  at  the  earth's  annual  resur- 
rection, the  pure  snow-drop,  the  star-like  primrose,  the  per- 
fumed violet,  and  other  such  simple  flowers,  which  the  affec- 
tionate hands  of  mourning  friends  and  relatives  have  placed 
on  and  about  the  graves  of  those  who  have  gone  before.  And 
to  this  intent  likewise  should  the  more  substantial  monuments, 
— whether  they  be  tombs,  or  head-stones,  or  memorials  of 
wood  or  metal — be  erected  there.  That  these  should  be  of 
a  chaste  and  simple  character,  and  formed,  like  the  church 
itself,  according  to  the  principles  of  Christian  art,  will,  I 
think,  at  once  be  admitted ;  nor  will  it  be  disputed  that  the 
epitaphs  and  ornaments  which  they  bear  should,  like  the 
burial  service,  at  once  teach  a  solemn  lesson  of  mortality 
and  testify  the  Christian's  hope.  The  tomb-stones  of  the 
early  Christians  were  of  this  instnictive  nature.  They  almost 
invariably  bore  the  sign  of  the  Cross.  The  name — sometimes 
only  the  initials — of  the  deceased  was  engi'aved  on  them,  and 
a  few  words,  generally  taken  from  Holy  Scripture,  leading 
the  mind  of  the  living  to  the  common  lot  of  all,  and  the 
common  hope  of  them  that  believe  in  Jesus." — Extract  from, 
a  Sermon  prea':hed  hij  the  Author  on  the  First  Sunday  after 
Easier,  l6o3,  oii  t'ue  text,  "  Co.iie,  see  the  place  where  the 
Lord  lay,"  St.  Matt,  xxviii.  6. 


NOTES. 

For  the  inscriptions  of  early  Christian  tombs,  see  Maitland's 
Church  in  the  Catacombs. 


Page  53,  note  a. 

"  It  is  a  very  ancient  and  general  practice  in  Glamorgan 
to  plant  flowers  on  the  graves  ;  so  that  many  churchyards 
have  something  like  the  splendour  of  a  rich  and  various 
parterre. 

"  In  the  Easter-week  most  generally  the  graves  are  newly 
dressed,  and  manured  with  fresh  earth,  when  such  flowers  or 
evergreens  as  may  be  wanted  or  wished  for  are  planted.  In 
the  Whitsuntide  holidays,  or  rather  the  preceding  week,  the 
graves  are  again  looked  after,  weeded,  and  otherwise  dressed, 
or,  if  necessary,  planted  again.  This  work  the  nearest  rela- 
tions of  the  deceased  always  do  with  their  own  hands,  and 
never  by  hired  persons.  Should  a  neighbour  assist,  he  or  she 
never  takes,  never  expects,  and  indeed  is  never  insulted  by 
the  offer  of  any  reward,  by  those  who  are  acquainted  with 
the  ancient  custom. 

"  None  ever  molest  the  flowers  that  grow  on  graves  ;  for 
it  is  deemed  a  kind  of  sacrilege  to  do  so.  A  relation  or  friend 
will  occasionally  take  a  pink,  if  it  can  be  spared,  or  a  sprig 
of  thyme,  from  the  grave  of  a  beloved  or  respected  person, 
to  wear  it  in  remembrance  ;  but  they  never  take  much,  lest 
they  should  deface  the  growth  on  the  grave.  This  custom 
prevails  principally  in  the  most  retired  villages  ;  and  I  have 
been  assured  that  in  such  villages  where  the  right  of  grazing 
the  churchyard  has  been  enforced,  the  practice  has  alienated 
the  affections  of  very  great  numbers  from  the  clergymen  and 
their  churches  ;  so  that  many  have  become  dissenters  for  the 

73 


XOTES. 


singularly  uncommon  reason  that  they  may  bury  theii  friends 
in  dissenting  burying-grounds,  plant  their  graves  with  flowers 
and  keep  them  clean  and  neat,  without  any  danger  of  their 
being  cropped." — Malkins South  Wales. 


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