And now we ask that Thou wilt go forth with these beloved ones as they shall bear from this his spiritual home this body which was so long the temple of the Holy Ghost. May they bear it tenderly to the narrow house appointed for all living. We thank Thee that it is not a hard spot to lie in, that the adorable Jesus made it bright and pleasant, that His light has poured into and illumined it, and that Thou hast hallowed the place in which the forms of thy ransomed and redeemed shall slumber. Guard the dust until the hour when Thou shalt bid it rise to be transformed into the likeness of our Lord. Return these friends to their homes, and talk with them as Thou didst with those at Bethany. Draw them close to Thee, and thus evermore in the blessed fellowship with the beloved whom Thou hast taken.
Guide us all by Thy counsel, receive us all at last to the glories that Christ has prepared for them that love Him, be our God and Guide, and when heart and flesh fail us, give us, as Thou didst to our brother, clear consciousness, and the eye single, and the whole soul full of love. Be Thou the strength of our heart and our portion forever, and give us all a place among the followers of Him who hath loved us and washed us by His blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God, and the blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, world without end. Amen.
HYMN.
“Shall we gather at the river.”
BENEDICTION.
Rev. Dr. McCosh.
