d
lesson of Nature, and the universal example cannot fail in relation to
man. Let us draw comfort and consolation from things visible in this sad
scene, and lift our eyes to the invisible Father of all with renewed
faith that we are in His Holy Hands. Besides His infinitude of worlds,
we have also His word, "That He is All, and All-upholding."

We can do nothing for the dead. We can only offer respect to our
brother's inanimate clay, and cherish his memory in the abiding faith
that our temporary loss is his eternal gain. In this belief let us
commit him with due reverence to the keeping of the All-Father, who is
supreme in wisdom, infinite in love, and ordereth all things well.

(Family service to be omitted in case no relatives of the deceased are
present.)

While we pay this tribute of respect and love to the memory of our late
brother, let us not forget to extend our fraternal sympathy to his
deeply afflicted and sorrowing family (wife, children, father, mother,
brothers, sisters, as the relatives may be present): In your irreparable
bereavement, and as he, for whom we are all mourners, was true to us,
and faithful to the ties of our brotherhood, so shall we be true to you
in the practice of the principles of Freemasonry and in tender memory of
our loved and lost. He gave much of his time to us in devotion to our
cause. We owe a grateful acknowledgement to you for his social
companionship and service, and mingle our sorrows at parting with
yours, his near and dear relations.

Master: "May we be true and faithful; and may we live and die in love!"

Response: "So mote it be."

Master: "May we profess what is good, and always act agreeably to our
profession!"

Response: "So mote it be."

Master: "May the Lord bless us and prosper us, and may all our good
intentions be crowned with success."

Response: "So mote it be."

The apron is taken from the coffin and handed to the Master; and while
the coffin is being lowered into the grave, either of the following
funeral dirges may be sung--the one used, to be selected and announced
before leaving the lodge-room:

Funeral Dirge.

Air--Pleyel's Hymn.

Solemn strikes the funeral chime,
Notes of our departing time,
As we journey here below
Through a pilgrimage of woe.

Mortals, now indulge a tear,
For Mortality is here;
See how wide her trophies wave,
O'er the slumber of the grave!

Here another guest we bring;
Ser