Here is a grave with stone border and marble head-stone--in memory of
the Rev. Edwin Thompson, D.D., Vicar of St. John's Parish, and honorary
Chaplain of the Royal Masonic Institution for Girls, Battersea Rise,
who died February 2nd, 1876, aged 51 years. "Knowing that he, which
raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also, by Jesus, and shall
present us with you."--_II. Cor. iv._ 14.
Also of Hannah Thompson, mother of the above, who died July 1st, 1876,
aged 80 years. "This is the victory that overcometh the world--even our
faith."--_I. John v._ 4.
We must tread softly among these grassy mounds, for yonder at the
end of the gravel walk is situated our Darling Teddie's grave, (No.
7217). Edward George Curme Simmonds, who was drowned off Battersea Park
embankment, October 16, 1875, aged 10 years. In another part of the
cemetery is interred all that is mortal of our beloved daughter Hannah,
who died June 12, 1873, aged 18. "My faith looks up to Thee, Thou lamb
of calvary, Saviour divine!"
But we have tarried almost too long, and as time is precious we must
leave for the present our meditations among the tombs, only observing
that as we examined the records of mortality, and thought of the
promiscuous multitude rested together without any regard to rank or
seniority within those thousands of graves, we were reminded of the
words of the Rev. James Hervey, when gazing upon a similar scene in
a church yard. "None were ambitious of the uppermost rooms, or chief
seats in this house of mourning; none entertained fond and eager
expectations of being honourably greeted, in their darksome cells. The
man of years and experience reputed as an oracle in his generation, was
contented to lie down at the feet of a babe. In this house appointed
for all living, the servant was equally accommodated and lodged in
the same story with his master. The poor indigent lay as softly, and
slept as soundly as the most opulent possessor. All the distinction
that subsisted was a grassy hillock, hound with osiers, or a sepulchral
stone, ornamented with imagery." In Thy fair book of life divine; My God
inscribe my name.
My flesh shall slumber in the ground,
Till the last trumpet's joyful sound;
Then burst the chains with sweet surprise,
And in my Saviour's image rise.
How many graves around us lie!
How many homes are in the sky!
Yes for each saint doth Christ prepare, a place with care,
Thy home is waiting, brother there!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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