In this sepulchre lies buried MATTHEW CLARKE, A son bearing the name Of his venerable father, Nor less venerable himself: Trained up from his youngest years in sacred and human learning: Very skilful in the languages: In the gift of preaching, excellent, laborious, and successful: In the pastoral office, faithful and vigilant: Among the controversies of divines, Moderate always, and pacific: Ever ready for all the duties of piety: Among husbands, brothers, fathers, friends, he had few equals: And his carriage toward all mankind was Eminently benevolent. But what rich stores of grace lay hid behind The veil of modesty, no human mind Can search, no friend declare, nor fame reveal, Nor has this mournful marble power to tell. Yet there's a hast'ning hour--it comes!--it comes! To rouse the sleeping dead, to burst the tombs, And set the saint in view. All eyes behold, While the vast records of the skies, unrolled, Rehearse his works, and spread his worth abroad; The Judge approves, and heaven and earth applaud. Go, traveller; and whereso'er Thy wandering feet may rest In distant lands, thy ear shall hear His name pronounced and blest. He was born in Leicestershire, in the year 1664. He died in London, March 27th, 1726, Aged 62 years, Much beloved and much lamented. The elder Mr. Clarke continued his labours at Harborough and Ashley, until he was seized with palsy on one side; after which, perceiving that his work was done, and his end drawing nigh, he removed to his daughter's (Mrs. Allen, of Norwich), where he died, about 1708, nearly 80 years of age. There is preserved, in the handwriting of Mr. Some, a copy of a Church covenant, that appears, from its early date, to have been adopted during Mr. Clarke's ministry. Being one of the oldest of the kind, and very concise, we think it deserves to be transcribed and inserted here. We do solemnly, in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, "who walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks; who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, and his feet like fine brass," declare, that by the grace of God we will henceforward endeavour to reform whatever is amiss amongst us, according to the best understanding we have of the holy Scriptures, which we believe to be the only rule of faith and worship; humbly avouching the Lord to be our God, and humbly hoping that he hath avouched us, though most unworthy, to be his people. Subscribed May 30th, 1690.