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Editorial
May 27, 1830
The Rhode Island Republican
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
A writer from the Connecticut Observer critiques the custom of wearing mourning apparel, arguing it is insincere, disrespectful, unconsoling, superfluous, uninstructive, extravagant, tempting to vice, worldly, and distracting from divine providence.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Mourning Apparel.- A sensible writer in the Connecticut Observer states the following objections to the foolish fashion, which has so long prevailed in relation to mourning apparel:--
"As a general practice it is no real expression of grief for the loss of our friends, nor is it so considered. It is adopted by all classes; by the covetous heir, whose heart beats with joy at any event which puts him in possession of his idol, as well as by those who are affected with the purest emotions of genuine sorrow. An English writer has remarked that "the very time that a man shall mourn. and the very time that he shall only half mourn, and the very time that he shall cease to mourn, are fixed for him by the world, whatever may be the duration of his own sorrow!"
2. It is no mark of respect for departed relatives.-The dark habiliments are assumed, whether the deceased was virtuous or vicious, honest or fraudulent, sober or intemperate; whether he was a wise man or a fool, a Christian or an infidel, a blessing or a curse to society.
3. It imparts no consolation to the bosom of sorrow. It alleviates not the woe which flows from the bereaved heart. It offers no balm to its wounds. It equally fails to assuage excessive grief, and to excite that which is proper.
4. As a memento of departed worth it is superfluous. The heart of true friendship needs it not; the object of its affection is engraven there too deeply to be effaced. The mock mourner is unaffected by its sable hue.
5. It conveys no moral or religious instruction to the mind. It excites no mourning for sin; no submission to God; no parting with the world; no distress after heaven. Neither the solemn realities of the scene of death, nor the affecting and admonitory truths of the word of God, can be enforced by it.
Our objections to the custom are founded principally on its positive evils--
I. It is extravagant, and absorbs a large amount of funds which might be appropriated to useful purposes.
2. It presents strong temptation to pride and dishonesty, and has often robbed the widow and fatherless of their bread, and the creditor of his due.
3. It is a violation of the command, "Be ye not conformed to this world."
4. It diverts the attention from the voice of the Almighty in his instructive Providence. It occupies the mind, as well as the hands in that solemn period, which is so peculiarly favorable for the soul to retire within itself and contemplate its character and destiny. It appears to be an artful and successful device of the adversary of man to disqualify him for obeying the command of his God. 'In the day of adversity consider.'
"As a general practice it is no real expression of grief for the loss of our friends, nor is it so considered. It is adopted by all classes; by the covetous heir, whose heart beats with joy at any event which puts him in possession of his idol, as well as by those who are affected with the purest emotions of genuine sorrow. An English writer has remarked that "the very time that a man shall mourn. and the very time that he shall only half mourn, and the very time that he shall cease to mourn, are fixed for him by the world, whatever may be the duration of his own sorrow!"
2. It is no mark of respect for departed relatives.-The dark habiliments are assumed, whether the deceased was virtuous or vicious, honest or fraudulent, sober or intemperate; whether he was a wise man or a fool, a Christian or an infidel, a blessing or a curse to society.
3. It imparts no consolation to the bosom of sorrow. It alleviates not the woe which flows from the bereaved heart. It offers no balm to its wounds. It equally fails to assuage excessive grief, and to excite that which is proper.
4. As a memento of departed worth it is superfluous. The heart of true friendship needs it not; the object of its affection is engraven there too deeply to be effaced. The mock mourner is unaffected by its sable hue.
5. It conveys no moral or religious instruction to the mind. It excites no mourning for sin; no submission to God; no parting with the world; no distress after heaven. Neither the solemn realities of the scene of death, nor the affecting and admonitory truths of the word of God, can be enforced by it.
Our objections to the custom are founded principally on its positive evils--
I. It is extravagant, and absorbs a large amount of funds which might be appropriated to useful purposes.
2. It presents strong temptation to pride and dishonesty, and has often robbed the widow and fatherless of their bread, and the creditor of his due.
3. It is a violation of the command, "Be ye not conformed to this world."
4. It diverts the attention from the voice of the Almighty in his instructive Providence. It occupies the mind, as well as the hands in that solemn period, which is so peculiarly favorable for the soul to retire within itself and contemplate its character and destiny. It appears to be an artful and successful device of the adversary of man to disqualify him for obeying the command of his God. 'In the day of adversity consider.'
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Mourning Apparel
Funeral Customs
Social Fashion
Religious Objection
Extravagance
Insincerity
Moral Reform
What entities or persons were involved?
Connecticut Observer Writer
English Writer
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Objections To Mourning Apparel Customs
Stance / Tone
Critical Of Mourning Fashion As Insincere And Harmful
Key Figures
Connecticut Observer Writer
English Writer
Key Arguments
Mourning Apparel Is Not A Real Expression Of Grief, Adopted By All Classes Regardless Of True Feelings
It Is No Mark Of Respect For The Deceased, Worn Irrespective Of Their Character
It Provides No Consolation To The Sorrowful
It Is Superfluous As A Memento For True Friendship
It Conveys No Moral Or Religious Instruction
It Is Extravagant, Wasting Funds
It Tempts To Pride And Dishonesty, Harming The Vulnerable
It Violates The Command Not To Conform To The World
It Diverts Attention From God's Providence In Adversity