_W. P._ Sisters and Brothers, we have gathered at this solemn hour to perform those final rites which affection has prescribed for our departed sister. She, who was with us but yesterday, has been summoned hence by a messenger who cometh sooner or later for us all. How appropriately may we gather around her remains, and together pay love's tribute to her memory. She has indeed passed beyond the reach of praise, or the touch of censure. It is not, therefore, to her that we tender this our heart's saddest offering. We are here in acknowledgment of sacred ties now severed, of memories tenderly cherished, and hearts touched with sympathy for loved ones bereaved. Our sister has finished her allotted task in the conflict of life. The chapter of her earthly sojourn is closed, but her many virtues shall not go unrecorded. For a time we have walked with her in the pilgrimage of life, and around the same altar we have learned the lessons of our Order. As she was faithful to her convictions of right, as she was obedient to the demands of honor and justice in her station; as she loved kindred and friends, and in affliction evinced a trustful faith; and as she lived in the spirit of charity and the love of truth, so shall be her reward. Remembering her many virtues, we are indeed mourners at her grave, and in the house of sorrow we would drop the tear of affectionate sympathy. Sisters, brothers, and friends, as we stand in this solemn presence we may hear the voice of this Providence speaking to us. Not long shall we wait ere we obey the inexorable decree of Death, and follow our sister. How brief and full of mystery is human life! Who can fathom its purpose, or disclose its issues. We entered life as it were but yesterday; to-day we perform our allotted task, and to-morrow we go--who knows whither? We strain our eyes in vain endeavor to scan with mortal vision the infinite shore. But, thanks to our Heavenly Father, who gives fruition to His children's hopes, He bids us look yet again. Standing beside the Broken Column, we may, with Martha's trustful faith, look beyond the shore of time, and know that our sister, though lost to mortal vision, is only waiting beyond the river to welcome us to our eternal home. "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am there ye may be also." O, let the comforting assurance come to us, "That if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." Instructed by this Providence, may we go from this place of mourning, and this hour of reflection, with the inspiration of a new hope, and earnest purpose.