Esther. White symbolizes light and purity. The heroic Queen Esther evinced the purity of her motive and love of kindred and friends, by her willingness to risk the loss of crown and life, to save her people from death. In token of sincere affection for our sister, I deposit in her grave this emblem of light and purity.
Deposits her tribute, and then, addressing Martha, says:
Sister Martha, what is the voice and tribute from the Green point of our Star?
Martha. Green is an emblem of Nature's life and beauty. The evergreen is a symbol of immortal life, and teaches us, that in the economy of God there is no death; forms change, but the spirit survives. Martha, beside the grave of her beloved brother, avowed her trustful faith and hope of immortal life. In the full assurance of our sister's entrance upon a glorious immortality, I deposit in her grave this evergreen.
Deposits her tribute, and then, addressing Electa, says:
Sister Electa, what is the voice and tribute from the Red point of our Star?
Electa. Red symbolizes fervency and zeal. Electa represents those who have been pre-eminent in charity, and heroic in endurance of the wrongs of persecution. In token of the fervency of our affection for our sister, I deposit in her grave this tribute of love.
Deposits her tribute, and then, addressing the Worthy Matron, says:
Worthy Matron, we have spoken from the five points of our emblematic Star, but our departed sister hears us not. Is it in vain that we speak to the living?
W. M. You have spoken well, my sisters. It is not in vain that we hear the oft repeated lessons of our Star. It is true that our sister hears not with mortal ear the lessons she was wont to learn from you; but is it true that she listens not to our words of love, and sees not the beautiful tributes strewn within her grave? May not her quickened spirit, freed from its earthly tenement, yet hover around the loved ones here assembled, listen to our words, and perceive with clearer vision our every movement?