Lowther Church

The of Church of St Michael at Lowther, Cumbria, is inextricably linked to the local Lowther family, who became the Earls of Lonsdale. Rising from local squires to the peerage, this church is the resting place for a number of their noble cadavers. Some have effigies, depicting them with hands clasped in prayer, while other slouch against walls, casually holding their aristocratic coronets.

Their funerals must have been lavish and sumptuous, the eulogies obsequious and the sermons extolling their many virtues. But what thought the great God before whom they would stand to give account? The One who is no respecter of persons, never impressed by elegant clothes and urbane education?

The rich, like ‘Dives’ of Luke 16, get the best ‘send offs’ but potentially the worst receptions. Their riches have simply increased their options and opportunities for selfishness, greed, and worse. Contrary to the teachings of medieval monk-craft, poverty itself is no virtue, but the poor man certainly has less freedom with which to slake his appetites and inflict his passions. If poor you are, rejoice. If rich you be, tremble.