The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

From the Boston-Evening-Post, Jan. 21.

The new regulation of Funerals, free from the great and unnecessary expence wherewith they have been too long conducted, as it is of vast importance to this town, so it seems to be wisely chosen as the first article wherein to begin a reformation, as to the retrenching those extravagancies which in several instances, have been prevailing amongst us. It is, I think about four months since this very prudent regulation took place in Boston ; in which time, I suppose there have been more than 100 funerals; & among that number (so far as I can learn) there has been but one or two families that have not strictly conformed to the new and laudable custom. From whence it may fairly be concluded, that all ranks and orders of persons among us, do highly approve of it, as a prudent, a necessary, and saving article of reformation.

It is thought by many judicious persons, that the laying aside unnecessary funeral expences, will be a saving to the town of Boston a greater sum than will pay their taxes, and support the ministry of the gospel among us. However that be, it is certain, the annual sum is much larger than people commonly imagine. And if the case be really such, what reproach must the consideration cast on the stupidity of the former times ! and what amazing treasures have been thrown away, in 100 years past, to support a needless, foolish and hurtful custom !

--Surely then, those worthy gentlemen, who have been instrumental in shaking off a senseless and impoverishing fashion, deserves the esteem and thanks of the public.

But besides the common advantages resulting from this good regulation, it is certain that many families in this town in lower station of life, who are unable to bear such an expence, will save themselves from inevitable ruin; and our brethren in the country towns, who (in conformity to a foolish custom) have often subjected their farms to pay funeral charges, may keep them free from those dreadful shackles for the time to come. To what has been said, may be added, (and I hope not accounted a digression) that the keeping dead bodies unburied in the heats of summer, for 4 or 5 days, (which has been often the case) till they have been so putrified, as to become intolerable to all about them, has been owing to the forementioned pernicious custom : The mourning (as it is call'd) not being ready for the funeral. This has often and justly been complained of as a great evil in this town, which I hope will be prevented for the future.--Besides this it has been a practice too frequent in times past, for taylors, and others, to work all Saturday night, and sometimes on the next morning, to get the several articles of mourning ready in season. This surely, is contrary to our good and wholesome laws, and must be a grief of mind to every serious person, who has a proper regard to the sabbath. But I hope we shall hear no more of such doings, under the present good regulation.

To conclude ; as the present wise establishment relating to funerals, has taken deep root in this town, so it is likely it will spread not only through our country towns, but also through all the neighbouring provinces :---And that this good beginning, may be followed by a reformation in other articles of extravagance among us, will be the hearty wish and sincere endeavor of every lover of his country.