, 1892-01-16
AN OLD TEACHER E A
To the Editor ofM "St. Cr2ir Aris%

NAt" ~ NSA ID oPOAA ACOJ 49,
translation Of a valued relative or friend from
scenes Of earth-life to the spirit-world the
disturbed mental condition incident to the
~aff1iction deprives one of clear impartial rea-
sonlng. and robs him, too, Of an excellent
occasion for dey eloplng confidence IN the
Creator as well as of studying the nature
and the end of Death.
Deluged in grief and Knocked by what may
be termed the irony Of immutability, the sur
viyor loses mental equilibrium and is there
fore rendered ua6t to be installed as Judge
or impannelled as juror in the adjudi-
cation Of the inexorable' terrorist Death
''Oh Death where is thy sting!' is a rap
turous exclamation which recurs at almost
every burial. It's use recalls the historic
combat and conquest which is comnemmo-
rated at Easter-tide. But venture the opin-
ion that bat few actually realize and reduce
to practice the Scripture view Of this matter;
and they are few indeed who enjoy immunity
from that terrible suffering which the dreaded
Death-sting produces. If the Christian
Religion is progressive ard progressing, it
will be "a contamination deVoutly to be
wished"-a gain Astounding in consolation
when death shall be regarded, practically, as
a. natural change-a desirable change-and
: mot a loss per Sc. If this latter aspect could
bIdLSCGLQ LuG DOul1Qo VI opGCuldt4On dA4Q D6~
come practical faith, a marvellous mitigation
Of human sorrow would ensue. Then, in
truth. mental quietude and calm resignation
would replace the perturbation and anguish
of current time.
These thoughts were suggested at Freder-
iksted as stood, with others, looking at the
dead BODY Of an old colleague. He was
one whom | had seldom met but one, never
theless. with whom-as with all others in the
service-I had interests in common. His
spirit had winged its fight to another world,
and there before as lay its earthly tenement.
Over the l~ifeless form, and reverently admin
istering the last sad office, stood those who
seemed ANXIOUS to pay a farewell tribute Of re-
gard. The apartment was wrapped IN
solemn stiffness, intermittently Interrupted
by wailings from bereaved ones whose grief
seemed uncomfortable.
While surveying the surroundings, another
scene was impressed on my mind. 1t was q con-
trast. Ny imagination presented an apart
ment more spacious, more gorgeous, and more
populou3, but less depressing; and, indeed,
without the slightest sign of sorrow. Every
thing was cheerful and bright. There seemed
to be Joy unspeakable. Then a voice appear
ed to say-''While mortalS inter that body,
see how immortals welcome the emancipated
soul Wherefore do they mourn?" | continued
in the reverie until disturbed by a question
asked about the weather. The rain abated
and mutled voices gave directions for the pro,
cession to form. A senior Teacher suggested
that the professional associates of the deceas-
ed should bear the body. This was timely and
fitting, despite.th the misfortune that among the
st. Crolx Teachers are some men very dImin
utive Of stature, and their tiny. arms were
incapable Of sustaining the weight donated
to them by the incline produced by the longer
and stouter arms of some stalwart brethren.
Judging from local experience the funeral
gathering was q large and representative one.
The procession was marshalled by q Teacher,
who acted also as herald. Behind the herald
was carried the unfurled Banner Of the Mo-
ravian Sabbath School, of which the deceased
was an officer A detachmen t of pupils from
the Government Public School and one also
from the Moravian S. S. came next and were
succeeded by clergymen of the "Brethren's
Church. Pall-bearers, hanking the hearse,
marched behind the pastors. Then followed
the general assembly. 1t was an imposing
spectacle. At the Church, the service was
conducted by she Revd. p. THOMPSON of Erie
densfeld, q former Teacher, while the Revd.
A. ROME, .theincumbent in charge, delivered
a short and pathetic address that did credit
to the character and merits Of his '1ate friend
and COUNSELLOR
The organist of the Church is the daughter.
Of the deceased, | am told but her place ono