The dead are like the stars by day,
Withdrawn from mortal eye;
Yet holding unperceived their way
Through the unclouded sky.
By them, through holy hope and love,
We feel, in hours serene,
Connected with the Lodge above,
Immortal and unseen.
The service may be concluded with the following, or some other suitable prayer:
Most Glorious God, Author of all good and Giver of all mercy, pour down Thy blessings upon us, and strengthen our solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection. May the present instance of mortality remind us of our own approaching fate, and, by drawing our attention toward Thee, the only refuge in time of need, may we be induced to so regulate our conduct here that when the awful moment shall arrive at which we must quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of Thy mercy may dispel the gloom of death, and that after our departure hence in peace and Thy favor, we may be received into Thine everlasting kingdom, and there join in union with our friends, and enjoy that uninterrupted and unceasing felicity which is allotted to the souls of just men made perfect. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
If the remains of the deceased are to be removed to a distance, where the brethren cannot follow to perform the ceremonies at the grave, the procession will return to the Lodge room or disperse, as most convenient.
Service at Grave.
When the solemn rites of the dead are to be performed at the grave, the procession should be formed, and proceed to the place of interment in the following order:
