Curiosities of the Church: Studies of Curious Customs, Services and Records

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Methuen, 1890 - 202 pages
 

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Page 134 - Can I forget the dismal night that gave My soul's best part for ever to the grave ! How silent did his old companions tread, By midnight lamps, the mansions of the dead, Through breathing statues, then unheeded things, Through rows of warriors, and through walks of kings...
Page 80 - All you that in the condemn'd hold do lie, Prepare you, for to-morrow you shall die. Watch all, and pray, the hour is drawing near, That you before the Almighty must appear. Examine well yourselves, in time repent, That you may not t
Page 143 - The ancient custom of hanging a garland of white roses made of writing paper, and a pair of white gloves, over the pew of the unmarried villagers who die in the flower of their age, prevails to this day in the village of Eyam, and in most other villages and little towns in the Peak.
Page 103 - He was often interrupted by the deep hum of his audience ; and when, after preaching out the hourglass, which in those days was part of the furniture of the pulpit, he held it up in his hand, the congregation clamorously encouraged him to go on till the sand had run off once more.* In his moral character, as in his intellect, great blemishes were more than compensated by great excellence.
Page 62 - Our fathers to the house of God, As yet a building rude, Bore offerings from the flowery sod, And fragrant rushes strew'd. May we, their children, ne'er forget The pious lesson given, But honour still, together met, The Lord of earth and heaven.
Page 133 - They had been together to see a neighbour of Cowley's; who (according to the fashion of those times) made them too welcome. They did not set out for their walk home till it was too late; and had drank so deep, that they lay out in the fields all night. This gave Cowley the fever that carried him off.
Page 142 - Now the low beams, with paper garlands hung, In memory of some village youth, or maid, Draw the soft tear, from thrill'd remembrance sprung, How oft my childhood mark'd that tribute paid.
Page 153 - Parish wherein the said book shall be laid up, which book ye shall every Sunday take forth, and in the presence of the said Wardens or one of them write and record in the same all the weddings, christenings, and burials made the whole week afore...
Page 135 - Through breathing statues, then unheeded things, Through rows of warriors and through walks of kings! What awe did the slow, solemn knell inspire; The pealing organ, and the pausing choir; The duties by the lawn-robed prelate paid ; And the last words, that dust to dust conveyed ! While speechless o'er thy closing grave we bend, Accept these tears, thou dear, departed friend.

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