Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1892-11-30
Funeral Sermons and Mourning


The most marked progress in the matter
OF funeral reforms, so far US we are able
20 discover, is in the omission of the long
and often extravagant eulogies of the
dead once so common in this country.
The custom has not been abandoned
altogether. nor is il likely ever to be; but
great limitations have been put upon 1t.
Occasions will arise, no doubt. where it
will be the duty of the pastor, Ill view of
the open grave. 10 draw lessons from the
aife Of the person whose funeral he is con-
ducting; but, as o rule, funeral sermons
are far less in vogue than formerly. DIR.
HoGE. of this city, who has long cast the
weight of his great influence against such
discourses, on last Sunday whilst Off
cia;ing at the funeral of one of the best
beloved members of his flock took occa-
tion to express the wish that when 1t comes
his time to depart. mot one word be
spoken except the words of Scripture. of
holy hymns and prayer, aud that the ser
vices be as simple as may be consistent
with propriety.'
For ages the funeral discourse was in
great part biographical in character. This
was more especially the case where the de-
ceased was a man of distinction. Now
this duty is in measure performed by
tine newspaper writer, and while his eulo-
Eies are not always well deserved 1t may
be doubted If upon the whole they shoot
very wide of the mark.
The editor OF reporter generally under
takes 20 express the public's valuation Of
the man whose life he sketches. He makes
prominent the good and passes lightly
over the bad qualities of the subject In
conformity with maxim which has found
acceptance in all ages and which has been
the general rule in the pulpit. as well as in
the press.
In the presence of death, in tender con-
fideration of our own frailties in our utter
inability 10 read the hearts OF men as God
reads them and in our desire TO soothe the
anguish of the bereaved household. the
press and the pulpit both have sometimes
erred.
On funeral occasions harsh criticism
would shock the public mind and do far
more harm than good, and yet undeserved
praise would be almost az potent for evil.
Hence 1t is that 50 many pastors have
adopted the rule Of combining funeral SER
vices conducted by them TO the ritual of
their churches where rituals have been
adopted OF 10 appropriate selections from
the Scripture and hymnals.
We note no very great advance in fune.
raj reform in the matter of expensive
burials and the wearing of costly mourn
ing. When the coffin ia ordered. the car
nages contracted for. and the lot in the
cemetery bought. the household Of the de-
ceased IS in no condition of mind TO take a
practical view OF these matters. The men,
bers of 1t usually yield TO the suggestions
of their mournful hearts, which urge them
20 do all that seems possible to honor
the dear one gone. Thus expenditures
are incurred which they can Ill afford, and
which often bind the family TO poverty
for months and years TO come. The under
takers-the funeral-directors they are now
caled-can do much (and some, we know,
do much 10 check this evil.
As to the wearing Of mourning, it is a
custom too firmly rooted to be easily over
thrown OF readily abated. There is hardly
another VINO could forgive herself If she
failed 10 wear black for dead child. 1t is
deemed respect due the dead--a sacred
duty; and IN this direction reform will
make slow progress. Indeed. all reforms
with respect TO funerals viii make slow
progress, for the reason that when they
ore to be applied the persons who are to
adopt them SEQ not clearly. but through
eyes Gisty With tears.