not erase the salutary lessons engraved there; but let
those lessons, always continuing distinct and legible, make us and them
wiser and better. And whatever distress or trouble may hereafter come
upon us, may we ever be consoled by the reflection that Thy wisdom and
Thy love are equally infinite, and that our sorrows are not the
visitations of Thy wrath, but the result of the great law of harmony by
which everything is being conducted to a good and perfect issue in the
fullness of Thy time. Let the loss of our brethren increase our
affection for those who are yet spared to us, and make us more punctual
in the performance of the duties that friendship, love and honor demand.
When it comes to us also to die, may a firm and abiding trust in Thy
mercy dispel the gloom and dread of dissolution. Be with us now, and
sanctify the solemnities of this occasion to our hearts, that we may
serve Thee in spirit and understanding. And to Thy name shall be
ascribed the praise forever. Amen.

Response: So mote it be!

The Wardens, Deacons and Stewards, will now approach the East and form a
procession, thus:

Two Stewards, with rods.

Two Wardens.

The Worshipful Master, supported by the Deacons, with rods.

This procession will move once around the catafalque to slow and solemn
music. On arriving at the East, the procession will halt and open to the
right and left. The Junior Warden will then advance to the catafalque,
and, placing upon it a bunch of white flowers, will say:

Junior Warden: In memory of our departed brethren I deposit these white
flowers, emblematical of that pure life to which they have been called,
and reminding us that as these children of an hour will droop and fade
away, so, too, shall we soon follow those who have gone before us, and
inciting us so to fill the brief span of our existence that we may leave
to our survivors a sweet savor of remembrance.

The Junior Warden will now return to his place, and an interval of
profound silence will be observed. The procession will again be formed,
and move as before, to the sound of slow music, twice around the
catafalque. They will open as before, and the Senior Warden approaching
the catafalque will place upon it a wreath of white flowers, and say:

Senior Warden: As the sun sets in the West, to close the day and herald
the approach of night, so, one by one we lay us down in the darkness of
the tomb to wait in its calm repose for the time when the