Blair Collection > Rhys Lewis, minister of Bethel

RHYS LEWIS. 95
tributing a shilling, and Will Bryan and I sixpence a-piece, that
being the customary proportion. I ought to have said that Abel
Hughes came in a few minutes before the time for "raising the
body," as it is called, and that when Thomas Bartley asked him
to " put something to his mouth," he declined— which greatly
offended Thomas Bartley. When the time came for starting, it
was found that not one of those who had come to the funeral
was accustomed to pray in public, with the exception of Abel
Hughes, but the refusal to " put something to his mouth," had
so annoyed Thomas Bartley that the latter would not ask his
services. I saw him speaking in the ear of David the Carpenter,
who was a very worldy-minded man. When the body was laid
upon the bier, every man dropped his hat over his ear, as if
listening to something the article had to say. The women from
the other apartment hurried to the windows, and looked
through, holding pocket handkerchiefs to their mouths ; David
the Carpenter fell on his knees beside the bier, and rattled
through the Lord's Prayer at express speed, just for all the
world as if he were counting a score of sheep.
Then came the procession to the cemetery. Will Bryan and I
walked on either side of Thomas Bartley, I carrying the ever-
greens, and Will the gravel for the adornment of Seth's grave.
In Church, while Mr. Brown was galloping over the Burial
Service, I noticed that several of those present had fallen into a
deep sleep, among the rest being James Pulford, whose nose
was neatly disposed along his waistcoat. At the termination of
the service at the grave, David the Carpenter ascended a tomb-
stone, and, on behalf of the family, thanked the neighbours for
their kindness in coming to the funeral, adding that Thomas
and Barbara Bartley wished to express the hope that, at some
day not far distant, they would have the opportunity of return-
ing a similar compliment to each one, and that the father of the
departed desired they should all meet at the Crown, now the
service was over. After the bedecking of the grave, those
present, Abel Hughes, Will Bryan and myself, excepted, made
straight for the Crown. Will would have gone too, but for fear
of a row at home. While we were in Church, a houseful of
women took tea with Barbara, my mother being one of the
invited. I do not know v»hat went on at the Crown, but some