Cremation

Henry Ward Beecher discusses the cremation question in the N. Y. Ledger afer this iashion. The papers are i'ull of iscusaion8 about the burning of the odies after death, instead ot burying ihem. People are not likely to chnnge ïabits easify that iuvolve the protoundit feeliug, the associations, sentiraents ïerished in conneotion with a method of curial practice for ages. ïhere are maay jractices in connectiun with burial which would almost incline one to the practico f creniation - we allude to the outrageus expense which the customs of society lmost compel one to incur. Coffius havo Jocoine aluiost objects of fine art, and ike creations of art, are becoming exravagantly expensive. Except as a natter of taste, this makes little differnce to the lick. But the exaniple is jernicious. The funeral of men who lave moved in good society in Brooklyn nd New York ranges froni five to fifteen ïuudred dollars. The most expensive wood, wrought in the most expeusive methods, with exoessive ornaments by way of screws, handles, plato sorolls, etc, ie retinue of carriages, etc, all swell ae bill. If by cremation the ostentaion and extravagance of funerals could je abated, it would constitute a strong ïotive for the introduction of the cusom. But it is hardly probable that the habts of generatlons will be changed with uch precipitation as to send snch thrills f alarm as have been experieuoed by he fair friend whose letter we insert : "Dear Sir- For the love of all you old sacred, do waft, through the meium of your inspired pen, a sermón upon the horrors of that ghastly thing allod cremation. Of course I believe that dust we are nd unto dust we must return ; that we we shall be raised with renewed bodies: r, as St. Paul says " spiritual bodies ; " et who is there ainong us that holds not acred the beloved bodies of our precious iead:1 Picture to yourself the beloved jodies of your precious wife and chilren subject to a fervent heat, that shall estroy them utterly in an ' hour and a ïalf,' as stated in one of our favorite ournals ! Horrible ! God forbid that any suoh scheme shall ever prosper ! Do, [O, Mr. Beecher, use your influence in uppressing the same and oblige, Teuk Fbiends. N. B. Do not toss this in that recep;acle for nonsense termed waste basket" Accordingly our "inspired pen" now ' wafts a sermón" to all concerned. 1. We are heartily opposed to compulory burning. Whoever prefers to be uried should have an unrestrained libery in the matter. If it be pleasanter to decay gradually in a box flve feet beneath the ground, giving to the near absorbent earth the volatile constituents of our cast-off bodies, than be turned speedïly into ashes, so let it be. 2. If there be those who, looking forward, contémplate with satisfaction an urn containing the unconsumable partióles of their bodies, why should they be denied their preference r Shall one who wishes to be ashes be compelled to be dirt ? If one prefers to have bis urn on a shelf should he be obliged to have a jox far under the ground 'i 3. Let every one choose. Let commissioners be appointed who shall put the question without bias to eacb one. Will you burn or bury '{ And let there be uo odium on either side. Whether it be dust or ttshes let it be esteemed orthodox. ïïaving fallen in parties, sects, clans, all their life, and quarreled about almost every question, there should be peace at .ast, and man 's ghost not be disturbed as to the disposition of bis body. The Burning Sect ! The Burying Sect ! Fire or the Spade ? Into the ïround of into the air? How unseeuingly would be these cries. Finally, by way of application - 4. It is very little matter what becomes of the body after we have done with it. It is of a great deal more importance to consider what will become of the soul. The casket is of little value, but the jewel is priceless. Here endeth the sermon.