Durango semi-weekly herald., 1906-12-24

each plantation had Its burying place
in a group of live oaks and under
growth. These are never visited ex-
cept for funerals.
A space had been cleared. the grave
dug, and the coffin was laid on poles
across it. Church hymns were sung
by the choirs; there was Bible-read-
ing and prayer, and afterwards came
quaint and touching service of their
own-a survival from the past days
of bondage.
The pastor of his church came for
ward and laid his hand on the coffin.
my brother, we give you liberty.
Your name is taken from our book.
Il does not hold you. We, the E
church. set you free to go where your
Lord calls you. You have been
glory"
The pastor of the b church
followed. giving him liberty to leave
st. Helena, TO go over Jordan free,
into Canaan land"
The societies, each in turn. ny their
leader gave him freedom. -
The oldest of his Sunday school
class, kneeling, laid his hand on the
coffin; Teacher, we free you; we
boys won't keep you. You can go
free to the Lord you teach us aNit
| but we ALL every one. will come after
you"
There was a pause, glances were
| ed to me: IF you don't mind, Miss
| E.. say you set him free from the Sun
day school, They think the soul can't
rise free If anyone holds him back
And had no hesitation in complying
with the touching ceremony. The
widow and girls were crying too vio-
ently to speak, so an uncle whispered
to the little boy of eight and led him
forward He clasped both arms
around the coffin. sobbing out. Papa.
you can go to Jesus. Ma and sisters
| say lHty Stl NOU lltt, Dul YOU 10 SutH
a missing"
The coffin was lowered by ropes.
which were then thrown in; an uncle
dropped a handful of EARTH then hoes
were taken by the relatives, and the
sandy soil thrown rapidly in, rela-
tives snatching the hoes from each
other, each wanting to share the
work, as not wanting to do so is
counted an evidence of unkindness.
Round and round the grave the
women paced with a rythmic step,
throwing green sprigs and leaves on
the mound and singing the funeriN
., hymn. Swing Low" Sweet Chariot" +"
till the last soft tones sank to a whis-
per, the trees and bushes swinging to
the melodious swing of voice and
movement, and fancy saw the char
lots swinging to the far-off heaven.
Another quaint custom closed the
service A cousin knelt by the grave
and they handed him articles that the
departed had treasured in life-a
pretty cup and saucer. given as a
school prize; a blue vase, a present
from his wife: his teachers picture,
Christmas card, his temperance
badge; his Sunday necktie and pin
were carefully placed among the
green, slightly pressed into the sand.
and the white rose wreath laid over
ALL. The church benediction closed
, the service.
: There was no returning procession;
all hastened to leave and there was
: no long or heavy grief Before the
: road was reached they were talking
, gaily and laughingly with each other
: Death never seems to their race the
bugbear it is to colder, sterner races
l asged afterwards If the articles
on the grave were ever interfered
: with. They said no one ever touched
them. have little doubt that it is
an imported African custom, but on
the island 1t is never omitted
Watchman.