Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/248

232 thank Thee for the power of Thy Spirit, whereby Thou dost renew sinful men and make them to be children of the Most High God. We thank Thee for Thy watchful care over Thine own, we thank Thee for the good and holy examples of those who have finished their course in patience keeping the faith, we thank Thee for the hopes of the Gospel, and while we ask Thee for comfort for those who mourn and strength for those who struggle here, we call upon our hearts and all within us to praise and bless and magnify Thy holy name, while we look forward to the fulfilment of our blessed hope in the kingdom of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

And now we ask Thee to be with us during this tender and solemn service, that Thy name may be glorified and our souls blessed through Jesus our Lord.

We are not here to-day to mourn sadly. We are here to acknowledge the goodness of God in this well rounded life just closed on earth with the blessings of thousands upon it. We are here to thank God for this friend whom He has taken from our earthly fellowship, and to rejoice in the hope of immortality.

All of you knew Robert Carter, and to know him was to honor him and love him. Affection in its fitful way will recall this quality and that, will solace itself