USA > Virginia > City of Lynchburg > City of Lynchburg > Sketches and recollections of Lynchburg > Part 18
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* William O. Massie, Esq., is a merchant of New York.
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was administered, we may infer that the Baptist Church at this period made few accessions to their numbers. About the year 1819, the whole town was thrown into a state of enthusiasm and excite- ment by the intelligence that Miss Maria Gray was to be baptized, at what was called the Little River, and crowds repaired to the spot to witness the ceremony.
On a bright, lovely Sabbath morning, previous to the hour of worship, the solemn ordinance took place, and the sweet rural scenes on the banks of the river, and the rare enjoyment of gathering blue bottles and other wild flowers, is still remembered with pleasure. Though we had been accustomed to seeing this venerable lady almost every week of our then brief lives, at that period, yet, when the car- riage was seen in the distance bringing her to the place of baptism, such was the excitement, that a general rush took place to the water side, in unavail- ing efforts to get the first glimpse of her, as she de- scended from the conveyance; and those who could not get near, consoled themselves by a minute ex- amination of the hack and driver, which they only saw every day, as it was one of the two best hacks of which Lynchburg boasted, and which were driven by Tom Dyson and Archer Higginbotham.
Fortunately, the crowd was on land; for had they been standing on boats, many persons must necessarily have been precipitated in the water,
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and possibly drowned. Some years later, during the ministry of the Rev. Robert Ryland, three beautiful young girls* were baptized in the month of November, 1829. The interesting ceremony took place in the evening, and as they stood in the water, their countenances, radiant with holy joy, were farther illuminated by the departing rays of the sun, and so tenderly impressive was the scene, that a bird hovering over them, at this moment, was pronounced a dove by one of that excited throng.
Rev. Dr. ROBERT RYLAND commenced his minis- try in Lynchburg about the year 1826; and, for a brief period, the old Masonic Hall was occupied by his society as a place of worship. Dr. Ryland was peculiarly adapted to his calling ; his gentle- manly, winning ways giving him easy access to the hearts of those he wished to impress : and, during his residence in Lynchburg, numbers were enrolled as members of the Baptist Church, and a bright example was afforded by him of all that constitutes the Christian minister. During the summer of 1828, a great work of God was going on in Lynch- burg, in all the churchest-the happiest state of
* Maria Richardson, (afterwards Mrs. Ryan, of Baltimore,) Miss Fair and Miss Rhoda Halsey.
ยก There were three young ministers in Lynchburg, at that time, Rev. Dr. Ryland, Rev. W. A. Smith, of the Methodist Church, and Rev. F. G. Smith, of the Episcopal Church.
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feeling existed amongst the ministers of the several denominations ; and for a time they all felt no rival- ry, each being only anxious to advance the kingdom of the Redeemer. Many young persons were awakened at the Methodist Church by the powerful preaching of the Rev. W. A. Smith; they were gently led on and encouraged by the Rev. Robert Ryland, who, without any feeling other than that of Christian love, witnessed the going over of many of their members to the Episcopal Church; and the sunrise prayer-meetings held by him in that old Hall were the resort of all, and of many who pre- viously had wasted their precious hours in sleep. We cannot but believe that those seasons were blessed, and that the good seed, then sown, fell into many hearts, which, though late in bringing forth fruit, still they now look back to that time, and be- lieve that the Spirit of God was then striving in their hearts.
A new Church was erected a few doors above the Hall, and a singular arrangement was made in the interior. The pulpit stood between the two front doors, which opened upon the street, and the congregation sat facing them ; and it was said that the Church was so constructed, to prevent the con- gregation turning their heads around on the arrival of new comers. So discouraging to the pastor is this want of attention, that it would be well if this plan were more generally adopted.
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In the year 1830, Dr. Ryland was united in mar- riage to Josephine, eldest daughter of the late Thomas Norvelle, Esq., of Richmond, and niece of the late Captain William Norvelle, of Lynchburg. Mrs. Josephine Ryland was a lady of great worth and excellence, admirably calculated to adorn the Christian life, and by her lovely demeanor to aid her husband in winning souls to God. Dr. Ryland was appointed President of the Baptist College of Rich- mond, and Pastor of the African Church of that city. His able course in this literary institution, and his devoted piety shown in his preaching to the colored population, all these bind him as closely to our warm regard as did his conscientious life in Lynchburg. His excellent wife survived her re- moval to Richmond only a brief period. The fol- lowing tribute to her memory appeared at the time of her death in 1846, and we feel thankful for the privilege of inserting it in this place :
"Died, on Wednesday evening, the 28th instant, at the Richmond College, Mrs JOSEPHINE RYLAND, the wife of Elder Robert Ryland, aged thirty-nine years. Mrs. Ryland made a profession of religion about sixteen years since in Lynchburg, where her husband was then pastor. She had, however, from her childhood been the subject of gracious affections, but was constrained from con- fessing them, by a naturally timid disposition. From the time of her baptism, she was a consistent, devoted and useful Christian. The most prominent trait of her reli-
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gious character was her love of the Bible-she read it habitually, methodically, reverently. It sustained her midst her trials, and imparted a sweet tranquility to her temper, gave her a strong but noiseless trust in the faith- fulness of God. As a daughter, she was devoted ; as a sister, affectionate ; as a mother judicious ; as a friend, unwavering ; as a wife, the heart of her husband could safely trust in her. She loved to frequent the courts of the Lord's house, and hear the plainest and most heart- searching exhibitions of truth. From the funds appro- priated to her wardrobe, she uniformly reserved a tenth for benevolent objects ; but her contributions far exceeded the proportion. When she drew near to her end, she said she preferred living for the sake of her family, but was resigned to the Divine disposal. In her last mo- ments she seemed much engaged in prayer, and she was free from fear, trusted in the Saviour, but experienced no transports. Her death was like her life, calm, thought- ful, submissive. She has left four children on earth, and gone to be united with four who have preceded her. May her meek and quiet spirit, and her self-denying life, be imitated by all her surviving friends."
[Since the above was written, the mournful intelligence of the death of Elder J. S. Lee has been received. The memory of this beloved and excellent man is blended with the days of infancy and childhood. Would that our limits permitted the insertion of the beautiul tribute to him in the Religious Herald. His excellent wife survives him, residing in Charlotte county. ]
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SUPERNATURAL VISITORS.
HAUNTED HOUSE.
We may ridicule the idea of ghosts or of super- natural appearances, but there is in mankind a tendency to listen with interest to these recitals, and even to take pleasure in them, when they make a cold shudder pass over us. It is de- scribed as the peculiar delight of Ichabod Crane, on long winter nights, to sit by the fireside, listen- ing to the awful narratives of the old Dutch wives ; whilst a row of apples sputtered and roasted at the fire, till his teeth chattered and his hairs stood on end, so that, with fear and trembling, he would again encounter the deep, gloomy valleys of Sleepy Hollow. This fondness for the marvellous and supernatural has, at different times, descended on the good folks of Lynchburg, as will be perceived by the following incidents here recorded :
Many years since, the late Mr. **** , a profes- sional gentleman, was sitting alone in his parlor on Sunday night; his family having retired to rest;
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he was so deeply engaged in reading as to heed nought save the volume in his hand. The front door opened noiselessly, and, ere he was aware, a tall, pale stranger stood before him, bareheaded and clothed in white garments. Great as was his surprise, Mr. **** forgot not his usual courtesy, but requested the stranger to be seated. "What is your name, sir ?" said Mr. ****; "and may I beg to know if you have business with me ?" "Sir," said the apparition, "my name is known only to the Almighty, who has it written in the book of life." "Where are you from, and in what direction are you traveling ?" " I have no abiding city," said the spirit. I came from the uttermost part of the earth to-day, and the chariot waits, which will to-night convey me I know not whither. I have heard of your worth and virtues, and, in passing over this place, I determined to tarry with you for a brief period." After a little more con- versation, the strange being arose, and saying, "peace be to this house and all within it," he van- ished as noiselessly as he had entered. Mr. **** was convinced that his guest was insane, and, on the following morning, the incident was mentioned at the breakfast-table to the family, in the presence of the servants ; and going down to Main street, his suspicions were confirmed-learning there that the man was on his way to the Lunatic Hospital at Williamsburg; but, eluding the vigilance of his
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keepers, he had for a short time escaped, making the visit aforesaid to Mr. ****
In a few days, the most thrilling story was told all over Lynchburg, and not a doubt was thrown on its authenticity ; for it was said and confidently believed, that Mr. **** had seen and conversed with a ghost. Several came in person to this gen- tleman, hoping to have the truth of this wonderful narrative confirmed, and amongst the number was the late Thomas Wiatt, Sr., who confessed himself much disappointed, when Mr. **** explained away the supernatural, by informing him that his ghostly visitor was no other than an escaped maniac.
This incident was quite forgotten, till about twenty-six years since,* when one night, during a protracted meeting held in Lynchburg, a preacher appeared in the pulpit of church. He bore the name of , and as soon as he began to speak, he arrested the attention of the congrega- tion by his striking address, which, as he proceeded, warmed into eloquence, till seeming to lose himself completely, he adored his Maker for his mercy, in thus permitting a sane man to address in that place a congregation ; for, that many years previous, he had wandered through those streets a fugitive and a lunatic ; and it was supposed by many, that even at that time, Mr. **** 's supernatural visitor was
* It is, in fact, twenty-seven years.
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somewhat deranged, for his language even then was at times wild and incoherent.
In a lone situation, on the left of the old Metho- dist graveyard, is a large white house .* It may be seen from almost every point of Lynchburg, and when viewed from Courthouse Hill, it seems to stand on the horizon. The location of this dwell- ing was melancholy, and, consequently, it was hard to get it tenanted; and, in fact, it was somewhat like "Lant street," in the Pickwick: "the rents were seldom collected, and the taxes were dubious."
At this time it was inhabited by several poor families, and the number two, up stairs, was heard to declare that strange and awful noises proceeded from a small, adjoining room. Their respected parent, too, was one day sunning himself in the yard, by way of killing time, when a strange man, in a voluminous, old-fashioned, white great coat, appearing, offered to him the usual salutations with great solemnity ; at the same time informing the lodger, that he had been murdered and thrown into
* At the time of its erection, this house laid some claim to architectural proportions. It was built at the same time with the house purchased and improved by Mr. William Bailey, but now owned and occupied by Mr. Christian.
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the well, which stood in the yard; and that if he would go into the small room adjoining his own, that he would find blood, not upon "a dinted sword," but on the floor of that small room, which had been the scene of his murder. The ghost also assured the number two that he should continue to walk the earth, like the wandering Jew, until he was buried in a Christian manner, and he urged the lodger, for the sake of his own soul, to have his remains removed from the watery grave in which they lay. The story gained ground ; crowds going to the house to see the blood-stained floor, and to listen to the horrid recital. Some actually paid to see the room ; whilst many, at parting, would offer a gratuity to the worthy lodger for his work of imagination; and, of course, when thus encouraged, the narrative improved, fresh horrors being con- stantly superadded. But, unhappily for the con- clusion of this wonderful romance, the mystery of the bloody chamber was unravelled, by its being proved to have been the packing-room of a large pork dealer; and it was found out, too, that the occupant of number two had, on former occasions, not been at all scrupulous about telling the truth, particularly when any thing could be made by the contrary.
The incident of the self-rocking cradle is of too recent date, and the facts too well known in Lynch- burg, to need here any comment. Perhaps, the
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cradle was slightly in advance of the tables of the spiritual rappers ; but the science of steam was not so perfect, and the mysteries of the telegraph un- discovered; therefore, the march of intellect had not then arrived at that point that would permit us to understand the numerous signs given by this most intelligent cradle; in consequence of which, spiritual rapping had there to lay quietly in this, its resting place, till brought out, about twelve years since, by the Fish family.
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DANIEL SHEFFEY.
" When we admit the omnipotence, we are bound likewise to admit the omniscience of the Deity ; and presumptuous, indeed, must that man be who overlooks the contractedness of his own intellectual vision, or as- serts that, because he cannot see a reason for a supernatu- ral interference, none therefore can exist in the eye of the Supreme."
BARRINGTON.
DANIEL SHEFFEY was a native of Frederick, Maryland ; but, at an early age, emigrating to Vir- ginia, he settled in the town of Staunton, where entirely by his own exertions, he so arose in his profession as to become one of the most distinguish- ed lawyers in the State of his adoption, and the memory of his active, brilliant, useful career conti- nues to throw a lustre not only on his surviving family, but yet illumines scenes far in the past of long ago, in which he was a participator.
For some years Mr. Sheffey was a visitor of Lynchburg in the months of May and October, at which time Judge Creed Tylor there held his Chan-
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cery courts ; and it is regarded as one of the privi- leges of childhood to have seen frequently this remarkable man in social converse with those re- vered ones who too have since passed away, and who at that time so adorned the bar of upper Virginia.
During the last sitting of the old Chancery Court in Lynchburg, Mr. Sheffey was, as usual, in atten- dance ; his health appeared perfect, and his brother lawyers had never before known his mind more ac- tive and discriminating; and knowing that the same band would probably never all again assemble in the good old town, there was amongst them a pecu- tiarly kind feeling, amounting, in some instances, to a touching, marly demonstration of regret, as the hour approached when they must forever leave a scene endeared by past recollections. Mr. Sheffey had dined at the house of Mr. , and towards sunset the party adjourned to the Franklin Hotel to spend the evening; and when the fraternity parted, after
" A heart-warm fond adieu,"
Mr. Sheffey with several other gentlemen retired to his apartment. In the night he awakened the late Peachy Gilmer,* telling him that he had had a most distressing dream. Mr. Gilmer told him that there was no reliance to be placed in dreams, and per-
* The impression at the time was, that it was Mr. Gilmer, though it might have been another member of the bar.
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suaded him to endeavor to compose himself again to sleep. In less than an hour, Mr. Sheffey again awakened his friend, saying that the same distress- ing dream had returned to him, and he would now recount it to him. He said : "I dreamed that I was on my way to Staunton, and that I stopped for a time at my farm in Augusta, some miles from my home. I was sitting by the door of the farmhouse, when I saw a very singular appearance in the clouds, which floated on the air, till the apparition was so near as for me distinctly to see and recognize the features of my beloved wife, who, with a mournful countenance and deep, solemn voice, waved to me her hand, saying ' Farewell, we have parted never again to meet on earth.' "
The morning light dissipated the sombre feeling produced by this vision, and it was on the follow- ing day spoken of by the friends of Mr. Sheffey, who had taken leave of him on his return to Staun- ton. In less than three days from this time, the intelligence was received in Lynchburg, that Mr. Sheffey had died very suddenly at his farm near Staunton, never again beholding his happy home and devoted family.
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PHILIP DODDRIDGE.
" Philip Doddridge, who died at Washington, in 1832, while a member of Congress, was from Wellsburg. He was scarcely less celebrated in Western Virginia for his eloquence and splendid talents, than was Patrick Henry, in his day, in the oldest portions of the State."
HOWE's History of Virginia.
This eminent man occasionally visited the city of Lynchburg. He was a member of the Conven- tion, held in Richmond, in the winter of 1830, for the purpose of revising our Constitution; and, on his way to that city, he for a short time remained in Lynchburg, and visited a gentleman there, to whom he related the following incident : *
Governor Poindexter lived to read and reply to
The incident is recorded precisely in the words of the gentleman to whom it was related by Mr. Doddridge, and no doubt has ever been thrown on the story. For a detailed account of Mr. Doddridge's talents and wonderful literary attainments, see Howe's History of Virginia, page 197.
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his own obituaries, some of them not very compli- mentary ; and the noble Athelstone, in Scott's Ivanhoe, attended his own funeral, and, to use the expression of Cedric, was no doubt highly gratified at the manner in which it was conducted; whilst Mr. Doddridge did not exactly arrive at either of these points ; but, after a spell of illness, he was supposed by his friends to be dead, and was put in all the dread array of the grave for more than twelve hours, expecting every moment the arrival of his own coffin; and, whilst listening to the agonized moans of his wife, he was unable to give the slightest intimation that he was still alive. He had, when in health, exacted from her a promise that she would not, for thirty-six hours, permit his body to be interred, and that, during that time, she would use every means for his restoration to life. His only hope was in her, and he could dis- tinctly hear her entreat the persons sitting around to try to revive him; and how he inwardly shud- dered to hear them say to her, that efforts would be unavailing, for that the vital spark had certainly fled ; but how his heart gave a feeble throb, when she, with the firm resolve of a faithful, loving wife, persisted in using means until he gave signs of life ; and when, in the course of an hour or two, he folded her in a rapturous embrace, can our imagin- ation picture any thing more thrilling than this joyful re-union of a wife with one whom all had
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imagined as having passed through the dark Valley of the Shadow of Death !
Several who had, at times, kept watch by the body of Mr. Doddridge, were quite curious to know if he had heard every thing that had occurred during his trance; and, on his affirming that he had, one of the watchers expressing his disbelief, Mr. Doddridge replied : "Sir, I will convince you that I did hear ; for whilst you were watching by me with your son, you made him repeat the Fourth of July oration he is soon to deliver." The confu- sion evinced by the gentleman, satisfied all that Mr. Doddridge was correct.
This incident exhibits the impropriety of secular conversation being carried on whilst keeping vigil over the dead. We know not but that there may still be a mysterious sympathy between the immor- tal soul and its frail tenement of clay ; we are too apt to think that life ceases with the rising and fall- ing of the lungs ; but this is not always the case; and even should the spirit have departed, and no longer manifest itself outwardly, we are prone to think that a great immensity of space is between us; whereas, we are told that Heaven is very near us, though the veil of flesh prevents our being sen- sible of it; and who can say but that "our lost friend is still here mysteriously, even as we are here mysteriously with God ?"
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BURIAL PLACES OF LYNCHBURG.
PRESBYTERIAN GRAVEYARD-OLD METHODIST BURY- ING GROUND.
" The breezy call of incense-breathing morn,
The swallows twittering from their straw-built shed ; The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing horn, No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed."
For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn, Or busy housewife ply her evening care ; Nor children run to lisp their sire's return, Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share."
GRAY'S Elegy in a Country Churchyard.
The most ancient burying ground of Lynchburg, was the lot on which now stands the residence of Henry Dunnington, Esq. Many of the first in- habitants still lie there, though some were removed to the Methodist graveyard, which, for a length of time, was then the only place of sepulture in Lynch- burg. A tablet sacred to the memory of John Brown, of Scotland, was removed from the former place, and now stands in the Methodist burying ground.
With the exception of the new Cemetery, re-
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cently organized, the Presbyterian graveyard is the most modern place of the sort in Lynchburg. It was first established in 1823 or '24, and it was then a dreary spot, without shade or verdure, but by tender, diligent culture of surviving friends, trees have sprung up, waving their leafy branches over the resting places of the departed; the grass has overspread those sacred enclosures, whilst roses have blossomed, resembling, in their beauty, the sweet, early day-spring of life, and, in their de- caying fragrance, meet emblem of those grateful memories of the past, connected with the holy and reverenced dead who there repose.
In this place are many fine monuments, some of a gorgeous and costly style ; but there is not one which so impresses the passers-by as that of the late Mrs. Murrel, of Mount Holly, bearing this simple inscription, "To our Mother ;" and more touching is this simple record of the devoted affec- tion of her children, than even that most celebrated work of art, the tomb of Madame Langhans .*
* The tomb of Madame Langhans, near Berne, in Switzer- land, mentioned by Madame de Genlis, and also a subject of one of Mrs. Hemans's small poems. (For description, see Mrs. Hemans's poems ; and second volume of " Tales of the Castle," by Madame de Genlis.) At the sound of the trumpet of the angel Gabriel, the figure of Madame Langhans is represented bursting the tomb, her infant children in her arms, and sup- posed to be saying " Behold me Lord, with the children thou hast given me !"
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There is much in this sacred spot that stirs too painfully the past to allow us to linger there, and we will leave its hallowed enclosure, to wander amongst the graves of those loved ones, over whose mournful loss time has gently laid its healing hand.
The place most consecrated to the memories of departed friendship is the old Methodist graveyard of Lynchburg. The lonely seclusion of the spot, the Sabbath-silence of the surrounding hills, un- broken save by the drowsy tinkling wagon-bells, the slow, measured chant of the drivers, and the dirge sung amid the grove by wandering winds-the tow- ering Peaks of Otter, seeming, like the mount of God, to overhang the cemetery, whilst the bright clouds encircling the summit, vividly suggest the gates of Heaven, whose golden portals are ever opened wide to admit the glorified spirits of the departed. All these surround this burial place with holy, cheerful associations, which have served to divest sepulchral rites of the gloomy ideas with which they are connected.
The earliest remembrance of death and burial is linked with this cemetery. ANN ELIZA, the young and blooming bride of John Hampden Pleasants, was thirty-eight years since here interred ; and, whilst yet incapable of understanding that one so fair and lovely could die, this solemn scene was witnessed. The tones of the venerable pastor were
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heard in touching accents, and his voice trembled, as he told that he had educated her, performed for her the marriage ceremony, preached her funeral sermon, and now he stood in silent grief, as the earth was heaped over the pride of her family as well as of her native place ; and schoolmates stood around, many giving way to audible grief; and when the hillock was raised over Ann Eliza, they turned away awe-stricken and bewildered that so short a pathway intervened betwixt Time and Eternity.
Not far off may be seen the graves of Mrs. Tucker and Rosalie, Mrs. Daniel and Eliza; and, at a short distance removed, lies the good and be- loved Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan, and, by her side, her eldest son Gavin Morgan; and near at hand is the grave of the unfortunate young man, Parham Adams, who was killed by the explosion of his soda fountain ; whilst, under the shade of spreading oaks, is to be seen the stranger's grave .* She was a lovely young wife, only resting in Lynchburg to recover strength for a journey to the mountains ; but the invalid never reached our healing waters. Sinking rapidly under her disease, she died in our town, whilst ever and anon her fevered lips mur- mured fond words of home and children, whom she was destined never more to behold. No stone or
* Her name was never told, but her grave is not far from that of Mrs. Ann Hancock.
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sculptured marble marks the spot, but her agonized husband had her grave enclosed, and, with touch- ing affection, he planted around it the fairest and sweetest flowers, frail monuments! which have con- tinued to blossom and shed around their fragrance, when he that planted and they who nurtured and tended, have long since alike reposed beneath the clods of the valley.
About the centre of the graveyard is a tombstone sacred to the memory of twin-brothers, born in Cork, Ireland. Emigrating to America in all the buoy- ancy of hope and youth, they trod together the pathway of life, in love and unity, and God in ten- der mercy permitted them in death to be undivided.
On the outside of this burial ground, in a small enclosure, lie the remains of Marian Fontaine, wife of Dr. Landon Cabell. She died early in the winter of 1834, and it was one of her last requests that she might here be buried, in sight of the beautiful mountains surrounding her native place. Cultivated, accomplished and beloved, Mrs. Marian Cabell passed away just as she had reached the age of twenty-five; and sweet, though mournful, is the recollection of this gifted woman, whose calm death-bed was, doubtless, a precursor of that hea- venly rest into which she has long since entered, and where she now delights in joining the angelic choir in ascribing praises to the Most High.
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Our meditations, at this sacred spot, must now come to a close, yet we would fain linger awhile, feeling that "it is good to be here," that we may draw more instruction from the graves of the just and good, long since passed away. Let us for a mo- ment, more fully realize that we too shall, ere long, lie in the silent grave, and let us examine ourselves whether our walk and example are such, that, after the lapse of thirty-eight years, they shall be worthy of being brought forward as examples worthy of imitation. Would that the words here written might stimulate all "to press onwards" to the mark of their high calling, making them sensible that no one, ever so obscure, can live in the world, without possessing some influence for good or ill.
May the daughters of Lynchburg endeavor to imitate the diligence, industry and simplicity of those gone before, so that in future years, eighteen hundred and fifty-eight may be remembered as the time when a strong will was put forth to resist the allurements of luxury and fashion, and when the cultivation of mind and heart was considered para- mount; and when, mingled with countless bless- ings, trials and adversities, incident to mortal exist- ence, were patiently and cheerfully borne, and with the eye of faith even welcomed by believers as so many phases of human life, designed by an all- wise, Heavenly Father for the promotion of our spiritual progress; and should the preceding chap-
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ters have made the smallest impression, they will not have been written in vain.
" Lo! what a cloud of witnesses Encompass us around ! Those once like us by suffering tried, But now by virtue crowned.
Let us, with zeal like theirs inspired, Strive in the Christian race ; And, freed from every weight of sin, Their holy footsteps trace.
FINIS.
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