The Book of the Axe

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... and the rectorial for 309. In the shape of parochial charities, there is a rent-charge of thirty-two shillings a year upon Dowlands farm, left, in 1726, by William Serle, of Bradford, Somerset, for the instruction in reading of four poor children of the parish of Axmouth. And now, Piscator, we must say farewell;--here in this appropriate parting-place--this quiet little country churchyard, where everything around us is so peculiarly in keeping. The river which we have traced so far, through all the stages of its varied beauty, glides gracefully and slowly into the Unfathomable. The sun has left the fadings of his refulgence in the glorious drapery of the western sky. The autumn breeze sighs a mournful requiem among the branches, as it wafts away their withered leaves. And around us are the sad memorials of the departed--of those who have performed the great pilgrimage of life, and sought repose, when it was over, --'Where nae mair aching tires the head, A-neath the torf sae grassie.' Yea! there are a thousand things, about and around us, suggestive of the solemn thoughts which crowd into the mind at this parting moment--which speak in striking language of the things that pass away, and show the chain which unites us, link by link, with the Future and with the Past. In truth, our very ramble, of itself, beloved old friend, has been an acted moral, and we should try, at its conclusion, to reap the blessings of its application. Is that a voice from the beetling brow of Hochsdon, which tells of the time when the old hill was the refuge of the Aboriginal, whose works outlive him by a score of centuries, while he and his race are dust? Is that a vision of the old Norman builders of this sacred fane, which even yet shows portions of the...