She needs not to be ministered unto; but may she not now minister to us? "Are they not all ministering spirits?" saith the apostle.
Love is an attribute of the soul, and imperishable. Our sister's affection ceases not; therefore may she not now be whispering to grief-stricken hearts, "Peace be still," "Lo, I am with you always." Think not that the spirit world is distant. Our loved ones, though lost to mortal sight, may yet be with us in spiritual existence. Let their loving presence be to us a perpetual inspiration, calling us to a higher moral and spiritual life.
These beautiful flowers are the highest expression of Nature's loveliness. We never tire of looking at their perfect and delicately variegated tints. From time immemorial they have been endowed with expressive language. They speak to us, "To whisper hope whene'er our faith grows dim." But these floral emblems, with all their exquisite loveliness, are but dim reflections of the glories that may be unfolded to our spiritual vision. In token of our hope that such an unfolding of spiritual life may come to us all, I scatter these flowers within the grave of our departed sister. May we cherish her memory and emulate her virtues.
Deposits her tribute, and then, addressing the Worthy Patron, says:
Worthy Patron, within the grave, hallowed by the tenderest ties of human affection, we scatter these floral emblems of Nature's loveliness, and spiritual life. May we not trust all else to the Father's loving care?
W. P. The Infinite Father's ever watchful care is nowhere more impressively taught, than by His voice speaking to us through the floral kingdom. Over the whole earth where life exists, flowers bloom in endless variety and profusion, there is no place so obscure but that they blossom there and give to the world their beauty and fragrance. Some open with the rising sun, and close with his setting rays. Others open to the full moon and starry firmament, and shrink before the piercing gaze of the king of day.
So the Father's love goes forth by day and night, to the weakest, most humble, and obscure of His children.
We are told to consider the lilies of the field, and learn the paternal love of Him, beyond whose watchful care none can stray. Not a sparrow falls without His notice. "Ye are of more value than many sparrows."
In token of our trust in the all-embracing love of the Infinite Father, I deposit these emblems of His watchful care in the grave of our departed sister.
Drops the flowers, and continues as follows: