The Farmer And Mechanic

FUNERAL SERMONS,—I noticed that no sermon or addresses were delivered as a part of the funeral services when Dr. Lacy was buried in Raleigh recently. No man has died in the State in twenty years who was more worthy to have been thus honored, and therefore supposed that such omission was in accordance with his wishes. I knew Dr. Lacy, and loved and revered him, and yet I am glad that no eulogy was pronounced over his remains. for if no sermon was delivered at the funeral of such a man as he, then there can be no objection if this part of the usual service is omitted at the funeral of persons of less distinction. For years I have had serious doubts as to the propriety of funeral sermons, and have said less and less about the dead on such occasions. Fortunately I am now in a community where not only the Episcopalians, but the Methodists and Presbyterians simply sing a hymn or two, read a few passages of Scripture and offer a prayer, preaching no sermon, and saying nothing about the dead. when a person is buried. I do not know that this is always the case, but this was the order at several funerals I have attended in Wilmington, and I have concluded to adopt this plan myself, except in extraordinary cases. I have found it harder to give satisfaction in preaching sermons at funerals than in any service I have ever tried to perform. and am glad of the relief afforded in being allowed to omit such discourses.—Rev. Dr. Pritchard, in Biblical Recorder.