Behold the emblem of thy state
In flowers that bloom and die;
Or in the shadow's fleeting form,
That mocks the gazer's eye.
Determined are the days that fly
Successive o'er thy head;
The number'd hour is on the wing,
That lays thee with the dead.
Great God! afflict not, in Thy wrath,
The short alloted span
That bounds the few and weary days
Of pilgrimage to man.
The Master or Chaplain will repeat the following or some other appropriate Prayer:
Almighty and Heavenly Father! infinite in wisdom, mercy and goodness, extend to us the blessings of Thy everlasting grace. Thou alone art a refuge and help in trouble and affliction. In this bereavement we look to Thee for support and consolation. Strengthen our belief that Death hath no power over a faithful and righteous soul! Though the dust returneth to the dust as it was, the spirit returneth unto Thee. As we mourn the departure of a brother beloved from the circle of our Fraternity, may we trust that he hath entered into a higher brotherhood, to engage in nobler duties and in heavenly work, to find rest from earthly labor and refreshment from earthly care. May Thy peace abide within us, to keep us from all evil! Make us grateful for present benefits, and crown us with immortal life and honor. And to Thy name shall be all the glory forever. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
A procession should then be formed, which will proceed to the church or the house of the deceased, in the following order:
| Tiler, with drawn sword. | |
| Masters of Ceremony, with white rods. | |
| Master Masons. | |
| Secretary and Treasurer. | |
| M A R S H A L . | Senior and Junior Wardens. |
| Past Masters. | |
| The Chaplain. | |
| The Three Great Lights on a cushion, covered with black cloth, carried by a member of the Lodge. | |
| The Master, supported by two Deacons, with white rods. |
When the head of the procession arrives at the entrance to the building, it should halt and open to the right and left, forming two parallel lines, when the Marshal, with the Tiler, will pass through the lines and escort the Master or Grand Officer into the house, the brethren closing in and following, thus reversing the order of procession; the brethren with heads uncovered.