'Twas Autumn—and a mournful train
Proceeds beneath the trees,
Our Vicar in the tomb was laid,
Amid the falling leaves.
Fit emblem of the hoary head,
And many such were there;
Methought they spoke in silent words
For this event prepare.
The mighty shepherd of his sheep,
In seasons such as these,
Speaks gently, that each one may take
A lesson from the leaves.
A Parishioner.
October 21st, 1871.
Here is a superb monument of red polished granite in memory of John Humphrey Esq., Alderman of London and late M.P. for the borough of Southwark who died 28th September, 1863. Ætat. 69.
Here is a tombstone with epitaph in memory of Mary Davies, who departed this life January 24th, 1872, aged 88 years. "For more than sixty-two years she was connected with Battersea Chapel Sunday School, where by her consistent Christian character and entire devotedness to her work, she won the esteem of all. Being dead she yet lives in the hearts of many teachers, scholars and friends, who erect this stone in remembrance of a course of quiet usefulness which they deem worthy of all honour.
"Not myself, but the truth that in life I have spoken,
Not myself, but the seed that in life I have sown
Shall pass on to ages—all about me forgotten
Save the truth I have spoken, the things I have done."
Here is a marble obelisk.—In memory of the Rev. James Milling, A.B., Curate of St. Mary's Battersea, who entered into rest the 11th of January 1865 aged 27 years. His last words were "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." Titus iii 5 and 6. This monument was erected by the parishioners and children of the Parochial Schools.
On another tombstone is an inscription to the memory of Mr. John Nichols, a devoted husband and estimable father, Baptist minister and Editor of Zion's Trumpet, a magazine devoted to the interest of the Aged Pilgrims' Friend Society and its Asylum; who fell asleep in Jesus Feb. 1st, 1867, aged 67 years.
"His presence guide my journey through and crown my journey's end."
In the faith of Christ here also rests the Rev. Philip Pennington M.A. of Christ's College, Cambridge, sometime civil chaplain of the Island of Mauritius. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away.
Many are the pledges of conjugal endearment which help to tenant these graves.