"In the hope
of a joyful meeting
in the land of everlasting love
the earthly tabernacle
of Valeria Marian Hoffne
was laid in the bosom of the earth."
* * * * *
The second and third objects I have mentioned are fulfilled in the latter part of the Epitaph; and this is done either by a text of Scripture, a sentence of hope and comfort, or by lines of poetry; and to assist in the choice of these, these pages are intended.
I shall therefore divide them into three parts. The first will contain texts chosen from Holy Scripture,—and in most cases these are the best and the simplest Epitaphs; for what can be more blessed than that hope and comfort with which Christ, still speaking through His Word, calms and comforts the troubled mind, even as He once comforted the sisters of Bethany with His blessed words, "I am the Resurrection and the Life?" The second part will contain brief sentences; and the third, verses of poetry. Would that they might be the means of bringing comfort to one sorrowing heart would that they might lead one soul to prepare for that Resurrection, when all those who are in the graves shall go forth to meet their God, and when graves and Epitaphs shall be needed no more!
