ABSTRACT
The integrity of Johann Friedrich Oberlin's strictly disciplined personality endured undiminished to the end of his life; his tread remained firm, his posture ramrod straight. The president of the Strasbourg consistory lays Oberlin's symbols of office on the coffin; the vice-president deposits the Bible; the maire of Waldersbach attaches the medallion of the Legion of Honor. Pastor Jaegle, a close friend of Oberlin and president of the consistory of Barr, occupies the pulpit. He reads the obituary and farewell message to his parish that Oberlin had written for his own funeral, in 1784, when he had confidently expected to die soon after his wife's death. A lengthy graveside address is delivered by Pastor Braunwald, vice-president of the Barr consistory. Ehrenfried Stoeber reads a eulogy in seven stanzas of German rhymed verse. The coffin is lowered: ashes to ashes; dust to dust. But before the first shovelful of earth falls, there is a stirring among the people.
