loved so much; and, as they strewed
beautiful flowers upon his lifeless form, that they should sing their
sweet farewell hymn, "We have lost a father." Well, too, was it that
ministers of the different denominations should unite in the last services
at this good man's funeral.[1]
How little did he think, years ago, when he first entered that
time-hallowed sanctuary, that _that_ would be the last earthly dwelling
from whence he would be borne as he passed to the grave; that the
plaintive notes of that richly-toned organ, which had so often uplifted
the spirit of the sainted Buckminster, would softly breathe his last
requiem; and that the funeral toll of that solemn bell would call more of
the sorrowing and mourning for him thither than could be gathered within
its walls! Yet so it was,--a touching tribute to a good man and beloved
Christian.
Oh! may that beautiful character inspire every young man with the holy
resolve and purpose to live a Christian life,--to be governed by Christian
principles, and the word of God; assured, that in every act of kindness
and beneficence he shall in no wise lose his reward, and that the memory
of the good man and the Christian will be blessed and faithfully cherished
in the hearts of children's children.
"Go, spirit of the sainted dead!
Go to thy longed-for happy home;
The tears of man are o'er thee shed,
The voice of angels bids thee come.
Though earth may boast one gem the less,
May not e'en heaven the richer be?
Oh! may we on thy footsteps press,
To share thy blest eternity."
[1: Rev. Dr. Sharp, Rev. Dr. Lothrop, and Rev. Dr. Hopkins.]
WE HAVE LOST A FATHER.
The following original hymn by Josiah A. Stearns, Esq., was sung at the
obsequies, Jan. 4th, by a choir of young girls from the "Lawrence
Association of the Mather School," while surrounding the last earthly
remains of their deceased friend.
TUNE--"_Home again._"[2]
He has gone--he has gone--
To his spirit-home;
And, oh! it thrills his soul with joy,
In realms of bliss to roam.
But we must shed the burning tear
To part with him we love;
And now for us the world is gloom,
Since he has gone above.
He has gone--he has gone--
To his spirit-home;
And, oh! it thrills his soul with joy,
In realms of bliss to roam.
Weeping eyes--broken hearts--
Oft he bid rejoice;
And homes of woe were
|