le when storms are o'er,
So gently shuts the eye of day,
So dies a wave along the shore."
But this scene is adapted also to kindle aspiration in our hearts--
aspiration to be followers of them who, through faith and patience,
inherit the promises. Her victory over death is the victory of love to
Christ; and that same victory may be yours through the same Christ in
whose name she conquered. Shall we not pray that His love may be shed
abroad in all our hearts in richer measure? And can we better frame that
prayer than in those lines which she wrote out of her own heart? Let us
then sing
MORE LOVE TO THEE, O CHRIST.
More love, O Christ, to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make
On bended knee:
This is my earnest plea,--
More love, O Christ, to Thee!
More love, O Christ, to Thee!
More love to Thee.
Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek;
Give what is best!
This all my prayer shall be,--
More love, O Christ, to Thee!
More love to Thee.
Let sorrow do its work,
Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers,
Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me
More love, O Christ, to Thee!
More love to Thee.
Then shall my latest breath
Whisper Thy praise!
This be the parting cry
My heart shall raise,
This still its prayer shall be,
More love, O Christ, to Thee!
More love to Thee.
After the singing of these words, Mr. Pratt, according to the old
country custom, returned thanks to the assembled friends in the name of
the family, for their sympathy and aid in the burial of their dead. The
several members of the household each laid a floral offering upon the
casket lid, and the body was lowered into the grave. Dr. Vincent uttered
the solemn words of committal to the dust, and Dr. Poor pronounced the
parting blessing in the words, "The God of peace who brought again from
the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the
blood of the Everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good work
to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight,
through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Thus the valley of the shadow has been irradiated. To those who have
been permitted to participate in these closing scenes, it has seemed
like standing at heaven's gate. The valley of the shadow has become a
transfiguration mountain, where we have s
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