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Monuments.
Probably one of the first objects of the stranger's attention in approaching
Mount Auburn, will be the
Egyptian gateway at the principal entrance.
Of the design of this we have spoken before.
It has met with general favor; but the material has not escaped criticism.
Many persons are dissatisfied with even a good wooden imitation of stone; they would like stone itself much better; and we do not hesitate to adopt that opinion.
For certain strictures on the inscription which will be noticed over the porch of the entrance, we entertain less respect.
“
Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return to God who gave it,” is the verse;--a selection, we need not remind the reader, from the Old Testament, and a happy illustration, it seems to us, (as has been remarked) of the fact that the holy men of old were no strangers to the consolations and hopes of the doctrine of the soul's immortality.
It has been said that the inscription has not enough in it of that cheerfulness with which the christian should look to the future, and which the gospel is so eminently adapted to encourage.
It appears to us, on the contrary, that the import of these words looks obviously enough to the great distinction, that while the body of man must moulder into dust, his soul shall survive the grave, and live forever.
