The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-04-19
Some Freak Numerals
Z Haze Atteulel.


nj OTHER services tax the minister's heart draw
upon his nervous energy than funerals, in par
hcuar if they are among his people, whom he has
learned to love- then death his life
less personal affection The unknowable sorrow
attendant at the death Of any member of family becomes
burden the heart of the pastor and the experience
he has the his heart into sympathy with those
in sorrow. ..sl
In spite Of all this funerals 1seros incidents The
more solemn the occasion the the inappropriate
person who the ridiculous at such
times must be deficient in his mental makeup OF course
all such things at funerals intended but are oc
casioned by bunder Under the excitement
and confusion Of their grief people make expressions which
at other times they would think saying The meaning
is we'll enough, but the expressions unfortunate.
Near to Of my parishes lived man with wife and
five small children Heswas poor poverty incarnate and
and Ignorant he poor and honest he ignorant
Going into the village store morning the merchant wills
pered to that Mr. had lost his wife and he
the other part of the store might wish to speak with him.
went to the and extending my hand said sorry
for the great aicon which had his home ''Yes
he answered. lit is great joke me- He full Of
grief and thought he using the right word
On occasion at the funeral Of talented young law
whose widow the daughter Of New England college
president and who was of fine education and
refined culture always dignied her and express
son took leave Of her after the SERVICE remarked
all seeming sincerity the confusion Of her sorrow IT
hope you have enjoyed yourself have" Of she
would forgive herself if she knew of the bunder
went six miles to attend the funeral Of
whom did not know, but who told, was the third
husband of the widow whom he had left AS we came near
the home discovered it rocky farm, divided into
small fields each well fenced with good wide stone walls
AS drove to the house, large stout woman stood in
the doorway Presenting my hand said, This is Mrs.
D?' Breaking out into flood Of tears she replied: eyes
and this is the minister Oh DEAR don't know who will
finish the stone wall now" Three had died trying
to do it. .' .-"' L. =. II 1l~-, -~.. -. 49,
At funeral Of considerable show Of wealth, where
young wife had died and the effort made to have every
thing done in the most dsplayful mannereegant caske
profe and extravaganza collection Of flowers outofown
quartet for the musc-a of wealth and high social
standing Of fine personal and commanding voice.
but also of limited education and who mixed his
fearfuy given charge Of the services When
had gone thru with the ritual and motoned to him that
my part Of the services ended he stepped forward and
in most dgned manner and solemn tone, said, There is
opportunity for the friends to embrace the remains
We did not notice that anyone did.
We allowed ourselves to charge for attending
funerals and expect anything from members of
parish but when strangers have unsolicited given
thing have had any trouble Of conscience in taking
it, Ministers generally expend than they receive at
such times Once sent for to go five miles
to attend the funeral Of child in welltodo fam
lily. We did and returned without even thank
you Within year another child in the family died
and we were sent Tor again ana returned as pelor ana
within another year called the third time to bury
one the family AT the close Of the last the father
said You have been very kind to three times
sorrow when do not attend your church What do you
charge? We answered that charged for funerals
but if people gave anything thankful Where
upon the old said "We that is kind in you. Next
fall take your horse and and get some apples
At one time invited to assist at the funeral Of
Of whom had heard, and clergyman of most
liberal and indefinite opinions also invited When the
son invited me- he said, We want you to offer the prayer
and as father had particular religious opinions
thought would let the other minister make the remarks
It is always we'll to be appropriate IT,. ~.