is sad providence, and make this brotherhood faithful to
their solemn vows, to comfort, aid, and protect those thus left to their
sacred charge."

And now, O Lord, we pray for Thy hand to lead us in all the paths our
feet must tread; and when the journey of life is ended, may light from
our immortal home illuminate the dark valley and shadow of death, and
voices of the loved ones welcome us to that "house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens." Amen.

Response: So mote it be.

The Master then approaches the head of the grave (or the entrance to the
tomb), and gently says:

Soft and safe to thee, my brother, be this earthly bed. Bright and
glorious be thy rising from it. Fragrant be the acacia sprig that here
shall flourish. May the earliest buds of spring unfold their beauties on
this, thy resting place; and here may the sweetness of the summer's rose
linger latest. Though the cold blast of autumn may lay them in the dust,
and for a time destroy the loveliness of their existence, yet the
destruction is not final, and in the springtime they shall surely bloom
again. So, in the bright morning of the world's resurrection, thy mortal
frame, now laid in the dust by the chilling blast of death, shall spring
again into newness of life, and expand, in immortal beauty, in realms
beyond the skies. Until then, dear brother, until then, farewell.

The Benediction will then be pronounced by the Master, or Chaplain, as
follows:

The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face to shine upon us
and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up the light of His countenance,
and give us peace. Amen.

Response: So mote it be.

End of Service at Grave.

In very inclement weather service at the grave can be shortened by
omitting any part of the ceremony except the apron, acacia and honors.

ANOTHER SERVICE AT THE GRAVE.

At the grave the Lodge forms a circle or semicircle. The Master and
other officers of the Lodge take their position at the head of the
grave; the Tyler behind the Master, and the mourners at the foot. The
religious burial service of the church (if there be any) should be first
performed, after which the Masonic service begins:

The following passage of Scripture, from Ecclesiastes, chapter xii,
verses 1-7, is read:

Chaplain: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the
evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have
no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the