Seasonable considerations on the indecent and dangerous custom of burying in churches and church-yards. With remarkable observations historical and philosophical ... Proving, that the custom is not only contrary to the practice of the ancients, but fatal, in case of infection / [Anon].

Lewis, Thomas, 1689-1749?

Date:: 1721

Credit: Seasonable considerations on the indecent and dangerous custom of burying in churches and church-yards. With remarkable observations historical and philosophical ... Proving, that the custom is not only contrary to the practice of the ancients, but fatal, in case of infection / [Anon]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$Firft, Pride and Ambition. Secondly, Superftition and Error. Thirdly, Gain and Lucre. And I hope, I fhall make this appear beyond Con- tradnftion to others alfo. Primitive Ckrijiians meet in the Graves. ^ ^ before I come to thefe Particulars, I mu^ °hferve, that the primitive Cliriftians Pl^wtl w^en they were perfecuted by the Gentiles, and not allowed to meet in any Place to worfhip their God and SAVIOUR, they would affemble themfelves together in the Night as private as poffible; but thofe Nightly Meetings being difeovered, and mifreprefented by the Accufers, and mifeonftruefted by the Magiftrates, as tending to Re¬ bellion ; the pious Cliriftians, rather than negledl their Duty to God, and their Redeemer, would fteal into thofe vaft (a) Vaults and Cemeteries under Ground, and there meet together, and perform all the Duties of Holy Woriliip, pray, preach, adminifter the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and keep Councils too. This was of Necefiity, the Rage of their Enemies would not fuffer them above Ground, and therefore / ; § i * v - ’ 4 v •• ’ ■* T (a) Bingham Orlg. Eccl. Vol. 3. Lib. 8. cap. 1. Sett. 9. ' \ ' ' they$