Eastern times., 1853-10-06
Funerals.

In every growing town there is an increas-
ing tendency to allow the last rites to the dead
to pass unheeded, and their remains to be
borne to the grave unattended. This is
thought to be, and perhaps is a necessity to
some extent. In the rural districts, where
population is sparse, and deaths comparatively
unfrequent-where all know each and each
all, the death Of each is marked event. The
intelligence of it spreads rapidly and wide.-
Neighbors all gather to look upon the corpse,
and to follow it with slow and measured tread
to its last resting place. They are all serious
and possibly sorrowful. But in large town
or city we scarcely know those who live in the
same street in the next dwelling. Deaths are
frequent and unnoticed Funerals are common
events, and pass unheeded. They cause no
Interruptions in the accustomed avocations of
life. In such condition of things it is hardly
to be expected that the mass Of population
will pause and visit the house Of mourning and
pay the last offices of respect to the departed
1t might too much impede the business and en-
terprize of life. But it seems to us that while
the community generally can hardly be ex-
pected to relinquish their tolls and attend the
last rites, it should be felt the duty Of those
who worshipped in the same sanctuary with
the departed to do SO on all ordinary occasions.
And this, it strikes US, would be entirely prac-
tlcable. No congregation is so large as to
have sufficient number of deaths within its
borders to impede the common business Of
life, if the living should attend upon the fune-
rails of all. And certainly there should be a
bond 50 strong between all those who sit under
the same ministry and worship in the same
temple, as to induce all that survive to pay a
fitting tribute of respect to those of their num-
Der who die. We would be far from limiting
the attendants on such occasions to those who
have been accustomed to meet in the same
sanctuary. Let all attend who can. We only
would say, that it seems pre-eminently the duty
Of such to attend. Such are more likely 10
hear Of it, and are more likely to be affected
by the death Of one Of their own number
Surviving friends are more likely to look up
10 such in their hours of bereavement for sym.
pathy and support. The thoughts and feelings,
and tears Of such may be presumed to flow To-
gether more readily and freely. Let it be the
habit of all members of the same congregation
TO relinquish their accustomed employments
when one of their number is to be carried to
his grave-to 90 to the dwellings of the depar-
ted and follow thoughtfnlly his remains to their
silent home, and then none would be left to
feel that they should die alone and be hurried
to the grave without thought or sorrow. II is
mark Of respect to attend the funeral of de-
parted neighbor. 1t is so regarded. Let it be
the known habit of the members of the same
congregation to attend all funerals that occur
within their borders, and that Of itself would
create lie 10 bind them to each other more
strongly. Such congregation would be more
attractive to strangers. II would be more like
ly to be joined by them. The tides of good
feeling wonld be more likely to flow through
it constantly. There would be new bond to
bind it together. There are those indeed of a
peculiar temperament or education who love
10 be left alone in the dark hour in which they
are TO bury their dead. John Foster was such
a one. He wished TO bury his wife at night
He wished the presence of 10 neighbors. He
requested the officiating clergyman TO make no
specific mention of him in his prayer But
such cases are rare. Most friends like the
presence of neighbors on such occasions
They love their marks of kindness and interest.
We would commend the suggestions we have
made to all the congregations of our village
LeUiSton Falls Jour.