together in heaven, let heaven draw nearer and be sweeter and dearer to them, and may the very spirit of heaven, whither their parents have gone, be in their hearts and homes. Thou wilt not leave them lonely, for they shall evermore rejoice in his God, and may his name and influence and holy example be unto every one of them a precious and enduring inheritance.
And we commend now this morning those associated with our brother in labors of love for the Master. We commend unto Thee his associates in the Board in which for the last half-century he has toiled and given himself without stint for the advancement of the Master’s kingdom and glory. While the workers go, O Thou great Overseer of the building, let the work go on. Give unto us another to step into the place made vacant, to put his hand to the holy ark that is in need of such strong arms to carry it forward. O, let not the Church of God suffer, but rather let it be enriched by his example, and may the heritage of his influence and his prayers go down in abundant blessings.
We commend unto Thee the pastor and members of his church, this society he so much loved, and where his voice has been so often heard in testimony for Thee. Let the beloved name of our brother, his influence and his spiritual power, remain in the earth, sweet as ointment poured forth and filling evermore the place of prayer here as with the odor of God’s own influence.
We commit unto Thee all Thou seest before Thee, many of whom are worn with the heat and burden of the day. Let us live looking over the verge, and feel that behind the veil is eternal life, and the great, eternal mighty harvest. So let us go from this place ennobled, chastened, purified, lifted up into a new view of the glorious hereafter.
16
