EPITAPHS point to a future hope; that WORMS loosen, and thereby tend to irrigate, the soil for the bursting forth of flowers; and that GRAVES are the 'footprints of angels.'

It is fair to state that these Chapters-penned without extraneous aid or domestic reference-are written specially for my own sex.

Such as it is, I commend this book in the selfsame words which, long years ago, I attached to my first publication :

'I offer it in the hope that it will cause amusement to some, gratification of perhaps a higher order to others, and offence-as I trust and believe-to none.'

St. Anne's Road, Wandsworth,

March, 1858.

ELIZABETH STONE.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

ANCIENT BURIAL.

Introduction-Subject of universal interest-Tradition regard-

ing Adam's grave-References to the burial customs of many

nations-Last instances of cremation-Jewish sepulchres-

Duty of burial exemplified from Holy Writ-Anecdote of St.

Louis-Pollution to touch a corpse-Swedish superstition-

Interdict-Sacrifices of human beings and of animals at tombs

-Funeral of a Scythian king-Custom of Guiana-Barrows

the most ancient tombs-found everywhere-Religious rites

of ancient Britons-Burial of the poor and the rich-Hubba's

barrow in England-Cairn of the last King of Cumber-

land

pp. 1-28

CHAPTER II.

CHRISTIAN BURIAL.

Contrast of pagan and Christian rites-and hopes-Christian

looks to death as leading to 'home'-poor especially-Illus-

tration from life-Funeral of Monica, St. Augustine's mother

-No certainty of immortality to the pagan-Opinions of

Socrates and Cicero-Full assurance to the Christian-Duchess

of Somerset an example-Our anticipations of a future life—

Christian doctrine of resurrection full of joy to pagans-

-especially to slaves-Its great influence when newly pro-

mulged-Early Martyrs: Ignatius, Polycarp, Perpetua-

First Christians compelled to bury in secresy from inhumanity

of pagan persecutors-afterwards by day with lights and

triumphant Psalms-Constantine allows free privilege of

burial-Reverent care of the body-Remains of Polycarp―

Departure from first simplicity of funeral attire-Parabolani,

&c.-Watching of corpse-Detailed account of early Christian

funeral service

pp. 29-61

CHAPTER III.

INTERMENT-

-CHURCHES AND CHURCHYARDS.

Intramural interment forbidden by the Romans-Graves of
Saints Peter, Paul, Cyprian-Various catacombs-St. Jerome's
description of one-Ostentation in funeral to be avoided-
Illustrations and examples-Humility taught by the Church
--and 'wise' burials ordained-Modern 'fopperies' of inter-
ment-Extramural interment-Burying in houses or gardens
-Principle of Church ever against interment within its walls
-Practice prevailed and gained ground-Many canons against
it-to whom permitted-Varying scale of honour in position

of tomb: Chancel, Nave, Porch-Burying-place under St.

Paul's-Atrium or cemetery-Churches built over graves of

venerated persons-Archbishop Cuthbert's device and secret

interment

pp. 62-82

CHAPTER IV.

INTERMENT CHURCHES AND CHURCHYARDS- -continued.

Universal desire to be buried in holy earth-Particular instance

-Burying at tombs of martyrs-St. Augustine's opinion

thereon-Memorials or monuments-Graves of Nelson and

Bunyan-To whom interment in consecrated ground is for-

bidden-Crowding and desecration of city churchyards—

Burial-places universally reverenced-Illustrations from various

countries-Consecration of churchyards-A form thereof

(Note)—Constant care for the Church in Anglo-Saxon laws-

Appeals to Rome not thought of- Precedents and Proceed-

ings' - Illustrative extracts therefrom-Folding sheep in

church-Sleeping in church-Young girl summoned for

sitting in the pew with her mother instead of at pew-

door, &c., &c.

pp. 83-103

CHAPTER V.

INTERMENT-CEMETERIES AND CHARNEL-HOUSES.

'Quality Vault'-Fashionable cemeteries-Care of body-Reve-
rence for family burying-place--and desire for interment

therein-Lady Grisell Baillie-Instances from Scripture-
Approach to a fashionable cemetery-Bad taste in plants and
flowers-Disorderly state of graves-less noticeable in a
churchyard-LANTERNES DES MORTS-Especial grave sought
-Immortelle wreaths all by one maker — Sepulchral
chambers-Vaults-Love for country churchyard-Beattie-
Allan Cunningham
pp. 104-125

-

CHAPTER VI.

INTERMENT-CEMETERIES AND CHARNEL-HOUSES-
continued.

Burial-vaults first used by heathen-Catacombs of Rome and
various other places-First Christian Churches in Catacombs
-Tombs of the Martyrs-Women admitted only once a year
-Antiseptic vaults Certain soils and climates preserve
bodies from decay-Charnel-house usual appendage to a
church-almost universal in Brittany-many in England-
Crypt at Hythe and at Folkestone-CATACOMBS OF PARIS-
origin of their formation and consecration-Removal of
bones from the Cemetery of the Innocents-Desecration during
the Revolution Completion ADIPOCIRE and MUMMY
POWDER

-

pp. 126-150

CHAPTER VII.

THE CROSS.

A cross always erected in churchyards-St. Mary Magdalene—
Cross originally used only as an emblem-Moral influence of