The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-08-14
FOOLISH OSTENTATION.
A Shot at Folly an 1t Flies.

There are a lot OF Inconsistencies in this
world, and each fad f1ourishes in Its day, but
about the most foolish and the least justified
expenditures are made at funerals.
For instance: A man dies after living his
years in hardship and privation, wearing
plain clothing perhaps q coal, ,out at the ell
bows. was required to do duty inS keeping him
When on a journey he walked or rode in a
rude vehicle, drawn by the plow animal In
patched harness, tied with strings.
1t may be that he never cultivated q rose,
or set out an ornamental tree in his life.
1t may be that the neighbors spoke few words
OF kindness or encouragement to him while
In life.
It may be that the family supply OF groce.
ries was scant and insufficient to keep gaunt
hunger from the widowed door for month.
1t may be that his form had not darken ed
the door OF church for an indefinite period
It may be that his misfortupes had harden.
ed his nature so that into his heart few OF the
rays of the brightness or happiness OF this
world had been reflected In bis own nature,
But not withstanding, all ofthese untoward
circumstances may have attended him
throughout his entire journey TO the grave, be
must be buried In pomp and splendor.
he must wear new suit OF clothes from bis
home to the grave notwithstanding the fact
that he wore old clothes daily.
He must have fine coffin, with silver ham
dies and plate Of silver, though he for years
slept on q tumble down homemade bedstead,
and ate bis meals of a tin plate, with iron
knife and fork.
He must have a fine hearse and pranclng
horses to take him TO the grave yard. while
the neighbors remember that he in life rode
in a wagon drawn by q single stack of bones,
or walked along the peoples line.
much as cup Of cold water, must now send
mountains OF fragrant flowers or piles OF
odoriferous blooms.
Idle people who cared nothing for him in
life, and never said a cheering word TO him
are profuse with good words in the presence
of listless ears. The expressions Of Kindness
which may be said over that black coffin
would have been as delightful music In the
living creature who Is now the victim OF
death, and whose ears are deaf, and whose
eyes are slghtless.
The grave of the man who never re-
ceived q flower, and was seldom greeted with
smile in life, is covered with the most beau
tiful Of earth's creation. and the sod which
covers him is wet with hypocritical tears.
Religious services must be had, and the
favorite preacher must be present. even
though he come at his own expense.
No matter how poor and how humble the
dead mans life, his friends must give him an
ostentatious funeral.
No matter how little bread may be in their
own houses, they must have fine coffin, a big
hearse and dancing horses to carry him to the
grave. even 1.-THE 1ndertaker be swindled out
Of his fees. They feel none Of the degrade.
tion which necessarily follows cheating and
deception practiced 10 secure these fine things.
Their poor dead relative must have decent
funeral, even If IL be at the expense OF the gul.
liable undertaken.
Then those near and dear relatives, who
may sometime have been exceedingly econ.
omical In their flowers and their kind words
TO the living decorate with the prettiest OF
Natures production the turf which wraps
the clay Of the silent sleeper, who can new
or appreciate the deed, or love the giver for
manifestations OF post mortem affection.
Instead Of all this show OF affection for the
dead. let US be kind and loving to tine living.
Instead Of foolish ostentation at the depart.
ure OF our friends, let us be sincere and true
to them while In this vale Of tears.