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that it is less repulsive for their bodies to be resolved into their elements
quickly, inoffensively and scientifically in the purifying flame than for
them to undergo the lingering, loathsome process of putrefaction.
In the physical sense we cannot depend upon the bodies buried in
the ground being undisturbed. Have we not read in the past of the
removal of human remains from graveyards to make room for the requirements
of the living ? There is no fear of such disturbance by
cremation.
" Why hide reasons or affections eyes,
The grave pollutes, the furnace purifies."
Think of the words of Macterlinck—" Purified by fire the memory
lives in the heights of a beautiful idea; and death is not but an immortal
birth cradled in flames."
Much might be made of the Economic Argument, the cost of the
ground for cemetery extensions, etc., but I shall pass on to the case
against cremation. Let us show every courtesy to the views of the
different religious denominations. The views of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Gore,
late Bishop of Oxford, probably represents those of the overwhelming
majority of the Church of England. the Church of Scotland, and of
the Free Churches of these countries. Dr. Gore says—" What I
should desire when I do myself die is that my body should be reduced
rapidly to ashes so that I may do no harm to the living."
I have been at pains to ascertain the reasons given on the grounds
of religion against cremation. Dr. Herring states that the Jews discourage
cremation but do not absolutely forbid it; they prevent pit burial
as far as possible. He states that the Roman Catholics do not allow
cremation under any circumstances, although they permit pit burial.
The late Sir Malcolm Morris said that he asked leading Roman Catholic
friends of his why they were against cremation. It was not an Article
of Faith but was a matter pertaining to the resurrection of the body.
To give Sir Malcom's own words—" Now, those of us that have got a
faith, and really believe that we are going to rise, cannot for one moment
doubt that there is no greater difficulty to rise from the ashes of the
body after it has been burned for an hour than to rise from the powder
and the gases that have been allowed to decompose for months and
years in the tomb. Surely one cannot doubt that the Almighty,
who has got the power on the one hand, will not have the power
on the other."