Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1838-06-22

that when quite large number assemble at the
house of the mourners, very few accompany
them to the grave, to assist in performing the
last act of kindness and respect to their deceased
friend. We were particularly struck with this
neglect at the late funeral of one OF our Oldest
inhabitants. But i,co persons besides the
mourners, bearers and clergyman went to the
grave; and there were scarcely enough present
to perform the last office for the dead with de-
cency and propriety. Now this certainly is
not right, nor is it in accordance with the Gus
tom OF our country generally. Following the
body to the place of burial and depositing 1t in
the tomb, is indeed the funeral The exercis-
es at the dwelling are for the benefit OF the
living; carrying the remains to the grave and
decently interrng them, is the last Office OF res
pcct to The dead. To attend for few mo-
ments while prayer is offered at the house, and
then to disperse and leave the afflicted friends
almost alone to perform one OF the most inn
portant parts of the funeral service, certainly
manfests an apparent disregard for their feel
nes, and want of respect for the dead, which
ought not to appear. To stranger nothing
could seem more singular, and the impression
on his mind at witnessing n funeral in this
place, would be any thing but favorable. The
funeral custom of New England is simple and
affecting, and we would not for the world ex-
change il for the cold heartless and ostentatious
displays of some countries. But what gives 1t
the most striking characteristic is, the general
attendance of all classes Of the citizens, mani
Testing SO universal sympathy in the aifiic-
tons of their townsmen. A funeral in New
England country town is indeed one of the
most interesting and affecting sights which we
ever behed; and not the least striking part oil
il is, the long and silent procession of neighbors
following the deceased to his long home. Let
us sacredly cherish those few and simple Gus
toms which characterize the land of our birth,
and which have been handed down from our
pious and venerated ancestors.
LrGHrNIHG. During a thunder shower
which passed over this place on Thursday Of
last week, the lightning struck apine tree near
the road between this and the west village and
in its descent killed a mare and colt owned by
Mr.. Ara Marsh, which were standing under it.
Let this remind every one, that the vicinity of
a tree is one of the most dangerous places in a
thunder shower; so also is a barn in which
there is newly made hay. We take this OPP
portunity also 10 recommend TO every man of
prudence to provide his house with an electIi-
cal conductor, on DR.. Kings plan, of which
several may be seen in this village. The feel
ing of comparative safety it affords during a
severe thunder shower will amply repay the
cost. Is it not duty also for every man to take
this precautionfor the preservation OF his family
| SUICIDE Mr. Jonathan Morse of Newfane,
on the 18th inst. committed suicide by shooting
himself with a common hunting gun loaded
with shot. Being out Of health on that day,
he kept his room, and as the women received
company that afternoon in another part Of the
house, he, Of course, had an opportunity Of ma
! king preparations for the shocking deed undis-
covered. About half past 6 O'Clock, P. M, the
report Of gun was heard in his room, when
his wife, followed by others, rushed in and dis
covered he was dead! His hearts blood was
already on the floor, and it appears he never
breathed or even struggled after the discharge
of the gun, so deliberately and closely was the
fatal instrument held at his heart. dcspon-
dency which, for many years, was manifest in
his appearance at times and which had much
increased oflate, it is believed, drove him to the
hcrrid act He was often times heard to say,
that " to him dismal gloom was stamped up
on the face of every thing!" The opening
beauties of spring and summer had ceased to
please his eye, and the birds, as they sung their
sweetest songs, no longer charmed his ear.
Mr.. NJ. like the rest of mankind was not
destitute of faults, yet he was possessed of ten.
der feelings and spirit Of benevolence, and the
poor and destitute never asked for his help in
vain. He has left wife, son, and large
number of relatives and friends who, for long
time, will mourn with the deepest anguish, his
unnatural and dreadful death Com.
Printers in Mass. are requested, &c.
The verdict of the jury OF inquest.
For the Phoenix.
i Mr. Editor,-In the Phoenix Of the Sth inst