National Republican., 1878-10-15
ExPENsIHE FUNERALS.
Tho Resolutions Adopted by Ministers
Different Denominations.

Tho Resolutions Adopted by Ministers Of
Different Denominations.
Some months since the ministers OF all de-
nominations in the District held q meeting
to consider the question Of funeral abuses and
to deliberate measures for their abatement.
committee was appointed to draft resolu-
tions embodying the views expressed In the
meeting. This committee presented to tho
different dcnominational conferences q report,
which was adopted by the various bodies sew
orally. The report appeared In a record Of
the doings Of one Of the ministers meetings,
and was prcmaturely given to the public as q
voice Of .ono denomination. The important
interests involved justify it's present appear
ance as the expression OF the ministers Of all
denominations In the District.
Report Of committee appointed at n meeting
Of ministers Of all denominations in the Dis.
trct OF Columbia to prepare resolutions and
recommendations relating to fLneral abuses:
Whereas It is apparent 10 the mot casual observer
that on funeral occasions IN this District there is
much needless expense, cxtrdvagant outlay. and
ostentatlous display in the use OF costly burial
caSkcis, Grape and other insignia OF mourning the
pronsion Of fOwen and the long array Of carriages;
and
Whereas thisneeilcss expense following as II does
the unavoidable outlay incident to sickness, is eS
cc2dlngy burdensomc to the 6erearel, leading TO
the incurring of heavy debts which hrc either never
paid Gr paid only by the greatest sacrifices aud self
dcntRls: and
any circumstances as q subtle source Of social and
national evil hut especially 50 In times of bcreaye
mcnt and In the presence Of death, that solemn re-
proven Of human pride and vanity; aud
Whereas all o.lontatious display Is alike incOn
siscnt with sound Judgment aud pru,lcuce, and the
humble spirit aud prcccpts Of Christianity aud y
is TO b. deprecated as enscndcring false tasti aud
burdensomc social custom, which By its potent
sway secures the continuance Of evils universally
acknowledged and regretted: Therefore,
ResDlrCt, First-That as ministers aud under.
takers, in official and private .intcrcourse. rs
suitable opportunities may occur, We will endeavOr
second-That we earnestly Invite the co
operation of all individual Christians and
persons Of intclligence. aud social standing,
the bondage Of bnd customs, value the simplicity
of republican MANNERS, or rrgarl the sanctity Of
Christian ErrGiPlSs ana OF al editor OF news wi
official Influence TO the promotion Of this important
and much.needed rcforin and
Thirl-We make the following recommendations.
asking for them the serious andprnycrfn attention
OF all persOns and II they meet the approval of
liehtenct Judgment their adoption In time OF be;
customs of long standing:
l.. The wearing Of mourning apparel be restricted
10 those sustaining the nearest relationship 10 the
dead aud that the Use Of Grape and Otner insignia
of mourning at the funeral be di' ptnscd with.
2 That In l. e choice of n burial CaskCt or coffin
una lts uuOrllncilts, III inc use OF uOWcs III lnc
form o! wreaths. crosses, anchors, and bOuqucts a
conscientious economy and cOmnendnble sim
pliCity be exercised.
g. That hacks be provided only for the official.
| Ing ccrgymcn, pall.bcarurs, and tho family, and
that at the close Of the fuIcral services In the
church or house the bcrcaved he allowed 10 bury
| their dead In the privacy of grief.
| Z. That In the securing Of these much needed
| reforms Oh tie one hand, persons of wealth and
all buryng Societies and prdcrs that have accunlu.
| lated funds set an example OF economy and sim.
pllcity; and on the other hand those who cannot
afford these needless expenses exercise q manly
Independence In following the dictates Of theiI
own Judgment and cOnscipnce
5. That oil Sabbath funerals, especially those
which. by bands Of music and snowy parade
| attract crowd and thus interfere with the sane.
| tty Of the day. be avoided aud llscnnMnued.