p. 184 | Paganism in New York by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 8, 1876

Paganism in New York.

By Uriah Smith

ABOUT a year ago there was formed in New York an organization styling itself The Theosophical Society, the apparent object of which is to introduce and maintain in this country the ancient pagan Egyptian rites of worship, burial, &c. One of the original members, Baron de Palm, has lately died, and the papers thus describe the funeral ceremonies:—

“The obsequies of Baron de Palm, who died in Roosevelt Hospital on Saturday took place at Masonic Temple on Sunday. The ceremonies were carried out under the auspices of the Theosophic Society, of which he was a member, with all the grand and occult rites of the ancient Egyptian ritual. The obsequies proper were preceded by the singing of selections of Theosophic hymns. The Baron had requested that no Christian priest or minister officiate, so that the ceremonies might be pagan. He was over 70, and left his property, valued at over $100,000, to the Theosophic Society.”

Whether or not it can be said of this man as was said of Abner that he died as a fool dieth, it can certainly be said of him that he was buried like a fool. U. S.