Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/256

240 happy, and holy life, and now that our beloved brother has returned unto his rest, we thank Thee that Thou hast dealt so bountifully with him. We thank Thee for his early Christian training in that land hallowed by the blood of Thy martyrs, and for those sacred influences which entered into the very fibre of his being, and continued with him through long years.

We thank Thee that Thou didst spare him so long in our midst, and didst permit him to lay his hand to so many good works. We thank Thee that Thou didst make him an almoner of blessings to be scattered far and wide, of leaves of the tree of life for the healing of the nations.

We thank Thee, O God, for all Thy goodness to him throughout this earthly journey, and that when he was drawing near unto the end Thou didst not leave him nor forsake him. But we rejoice that during these last months Thou wert with him, that Thou didst give unto him delightful intercourse with Thee in the land of Beulah, that Thou didst grant unto him a foretaste of the fruits which are exceeding sweet to the soul, and didst permit his eyes to behold the blessed land not very far off.

We rejoice in our brother’s triumphs and testimonies for Christ, Christ only, Christ his rock, Christ his hope, Christ his everlasting heritage and glory.

And now we pray that Thou wilt sanctify unto us this departure of one who is exceeding dear to us, and we pray that Thou wilt hallow this dealing of Thy providence to us all, and to the many who are with us in heart, but cannot be at this sacred service of love this morning. Vouchsafe, O gracious Father, an abundant blessing unto his children and children’s children, and now that their beloved father and mother are joined