Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1881 edition. Excerpt: ... For there the mode of burial is different, the sense, The feelings, all are wrung. The forms before us now Are dressed with all the gentleness, the billows will allow. The infant laid, as if asleep, upon its mother's breast, But oh ! my heart is sick and sad, how can I tell the rest? Canvas close around was sewed, then weighted at the feet, The bodies on a board are placed; preparations are complete; And the forms we lov'd and valued, alas! they soon must be Committed to the merciless, the deep and yawning sea. They now are borne upon the deck, with due solemnity We follow them with feelings sad, the burial to see. The dedicat'ry rites and prayer are by the Priesthood said, And we proceed, with sorrow now, to bury these, our dead. Reluctantly the board is raised across the vessel's side, And being gently tilted, down the bodies swiftly slide Into the open water; and now the rippling wave, Receives them with a plash, then closes o'er their grave. But there's comfort in the thought that God, our God, has said, That yet the sea at his mandate, again will yield its dead; And knowing that the God we serve, is truth, as well as love, _ We bow to Him, who ruleth here, as in the realms above. Then in confidence to our Father, and to our God we prayed, That our lives might still be spared, and the roaring winds be stayed. Then He who holds the winds as in the hollow of His hand, To stop their raging fury, now in mercy gave command. "Be still!" is heard, the wind obeys, and heavy billows lower, We see Omnipotence displayed and wonder at its power. We view the broad Atlantic, smooth, placid, still and calm, Its waves are sporting harmlessly and gentle as a lamb. The respite is most welcome; those who can, now walk on deck, And note with wondrous...