Let the proud and the vain consider how soon the gaps are filled that are made in society by those who die around them; and how soon time heals the wounds that death inflicts upon the loving heart; and from this let them learn humility, and that they are but drops in the great ocean of humanity.
And when God sends his angel to us with the scroll of death, let us look upon it as an act of mercy, to prevent many sins and many calamities of a longer life; and lay down our heads softly and go to sleep, without wrangling like froward children. For this at least man gets by death, that his calamities are not immortal. To bear grief honorably and temperately, and to die willingly and nobly, are the duties of a good man and true Mason.
Ode.
Tune—Naomi. C. M.
When those we love are snatched away,
By Death's relentless hand,
Our hearts the mournful tribute pay,
That friendship must demand.
While pity prompts the rising sigh,
With awful power imprest;
May this dread truth, "I too must die,"
Sink deep in every breast.
Let this vain world allure no more;
Behold the opening tomb!
It bids us use the present hour;
Tomorrow death may come.
The voice of this instructive scene
May every heart obey;
Nor be the faithful warning vain
Which calls to watch and pray.
At its conclusion the Chaplain will read the following passages:
Lo, He goeth by me and I see Him not. He passeth on also, but I perceive Him not. Behold He taketh away, who can hinder Him?