The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-03-07
From the Richmond Wing.
FUNERAL OF THE LATE JOHN
HAMPDEN PLEASANTS

HAMPDEN PLEASANTS.
The solemn ceremony of consigninp to the
tomb the mortal remains of this eminent man
took place on Sunday last. At half past ten
O'Clock, the body was removed from his late resi-
dence, on Governor Street, to the United Pres
byterlan Church, of which the Rev. MIR. Stiles
is Pastor.
The day was cold. gloomy and nclement. and
the whole aspect of nature in constance with
the sad feelings inspired by the melancholy occa
sion But, Notwithstanding the forbidding state
ofthe weather, the Church was soon crowded nv
an immense multitude, who filled TO oyerflowog
every accessibleplace in the galleries, as well as
the pews and aisles of the lower floor, while hun
dreds were reluctantly forced to retire, being I'M
able to obtain admlttance. Never was there in
this city, more marked and decided maoifes,,.
ton, not OF mere sympathy occasioned by the
horrible character of the late appalling calamity
but of deep and intense feeling, swelling in eyery
breast, and gllsienlng in every eye.
AT eleven o'clock, the solemn services were
commenced with an Introductory prayer, and the
reading OF chapter from the book of job he
the Rev. MIR. Stiles. This was succeeded bv a
hymn, and most feeling and fervent address TO
the Throne of Grace, by Rev. J. B. Jeter
The Rev. Mr. Stiles then proceeded to preach
the Funeral Sermon, announcing as his text
portion OF the o9th verse of the 22d chapter of
w. 4hat'uCN HOU SHALT LOVE
NEIGHBoR AS THYsELF." The Rev. gentle
man depicted in striking coors the odious charac-
ter and miserable results of self love its harden
ing Influence upon the human heart, its active
agency, IN producing strife and bloodshed amono
individuals and among nations, and in eradication
from the bosom that charity which hopeth ali
things and endureth all things" The prolific
source of all these evils, the preacher declared
would be removed by obedience to the duty en-
joined In the text, and TO the previous Injunction.
the first and great commandment, "Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and
with all thy soul, and with all thy strength,
The speaker next commented upon the Anti
Christian spirit in which political discussions are
generally conducted, well by the press as by
public speakers from the rostrum, and in the halls
of legislation. He deprecated in strong terms
the evil consequences of that want of forbearance
and charity which allows no merit in political
opponent.
Upon The code Of honor, so called, the Rev
gentleman commented with much severity. The
melancholy scene before him. enforced his CEN
sure lie declared the community in which we
i've, p@hceps crImtnts in the late tragicaI oc-
currence. tie remarked that it was not his dntv
to allude to the particulars of that mournrIl
transaction, bu. there were mitigating circnn.
stances for the parties concerned, of which he
might make mention. They were born and rear.
ed, ne said, IN community which tolerated ifit
ala not encourage, resort TO arms, and all the
members OF that community, were conseauentlv.
more or less to blame.
When the speaker came to the special applica-
ton of his remarks, the fountain of all HEARTS
seemed opened. He observed that it was not his
business 10 descant upon the personal qualities
and character OF the deceased. These were
known at home, and throughout Virginia and the
Rnt had bpor, fb,. .
to be with him in his last moments, and he was
able to say that no died in a full belief Of the
truth Of the Christian Religion At this period
OF the discourse, the speaker depicted in the most
touching terms, the final interview between the
venerable mother and the dying son. As abe
approached his bed side, his head being turned
the other way, she asked if he knew her? Fix.
ing his eyes upon her, beaming with affection.
he exclaimed, with great emotion 4" Oh YES
the dear mother Chom hare ul,oay, respected
and IoDed." The speaker adverled TO the relief
afforded by this declaration, which the mother
received as precious legacy of filial affection
and devoledness He next spoke Of the direction
given by the deceased TO his sister. To take a
Testament from his trunk and place it under his
head in his cofHn. He described his afTectionate
farewell 10 his manly little son, who had been
watching by his side, and whom he enioined with
his dying breath, to be throughout life yirtuous
honest and trne''
Never have we witnessed more general nut
break Of deep feeling. and never was there a s"b.
ject better suited to awaken the keenest sensibiIi
tiles Of the heart, and arouse the most serious and
salutary reflections Of the mind
The sermon being concluded an appropriate
prayer was offered up by Rev Mr.. Msgoon, aod
the benedletion pronounced by Rev. Mr. Stiles.
The corpse was then conveyed TO its last res,
ing place, attended by an immense concourse Of