Note.—In a Christian Home there should be no music on this occasion, for the emotions are already extremely tense; and there should be no display of mourning. There should be the least possible formality, and no tiptoeing or whispering, but a natural movement of everyone in a courteous, respectful manner.
1. When the time arrives as announced, the minister should begin reading slowly and very distinctly:
“I am the Resurrection and the Life. Those that believe in Me, though they die, will live.”
“In My Father’s home are many rooms. If it had not been so, I should have told you; I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare it, I shall return, and will take you to be with me, so that you may be where I am.”
“For we know that if the tent—that earthly body which is now our home—should be taken down, we have a home of God’s building, a home not made by human hands, an enduring home in Heaven.”
(Following poem is adapted for the occation)
“‘Tis hard to take the burden up.
When he has laid it down;
He brightened all the joy of life,
He softened every frown;
But Oh, ’tis good to think of him,
When we are troubled sore!
Thanks be to God that he hath lived,
Although he’s here no more.
” More home-like seems the vast unknown,
Since he has entered there;
To follow him is not so hard,
Wherever he may fare;
He cannot be where God is not,
On any sea or shore;
Whate’er betides, Thy love abides,
Our God, for evermore.”
2. Should be read by one of the most intimate friends:
(adapted for the occation)
Our Father’s great house has many rooms,
In that sweet home above,
And every dear child has there a place,
Prepared by our Father’s love.
‘Tis here that our lives are tested,
While learning His Kingdom’s rule;
From here our lives exalted,
Enroll in that higher school.
Like weary and wornout children,
That sigh for the daylight’s close,
He knows we oft are weary,
And long for our home’s repose.
So He calls us in from our labors,
Ere the shadows around us creep,
And silently watching o’er us,
He giveth His loved ones sleep.
He giveth it, Oh! so gently,
As a mother will lull to rest,
The babe that she softly pillows,
So tenderly on her breast.
Forgotten then are the sorrows,
And the thorns that made us weep.
For our Father’s Home is healing,
And giveth His loved ones sleep.
All dread of the distant future,
And all fears that oppress to-day,
Like mists that clear in the sunlight,
Have noiselessly passed away.
Nor call nor clamour can rouse him (or her)
From slumbers so pure and sweet,
His voice alone can reach him,
While He giveth His loved one sleep.
Weep not that his toils are over,
Weep not that his race is won,
God grant that we rest as calmly,
When our work, like his, is done.
Till then we pray for wisdom,
Our faithful course to keep,
Till we shall hear His summons,
To give His loved ones sleep.
3. The minister should then read one or more of the following selections according to the circumstances:
a. The Continuity of Life (December 17).
b. My Own Shall Come to Me (December 13).
c. Crossing the Bar (December 18).
d. The Meaning of Death (December 7).