Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/213

 The Momoment to General Robert E, Lee. 205

justice throughout this great Union from North to South and from East to West.

Especially do we bless Thee for the life and example of the patriot soldier, sage, and servant of God, in grateful and loving honor of whose memory we unite in these solemnities.

In words wise and fitly chosen may he whose office it is this day to portray the character and worth of our great commander, so per- form his high duty that our souls may be kindled afresh with the love of those virtues that make his life illustrious and his memory immortal.

Great God ! as we stand in the midst of this vast and jubilant throng of the living, we pause in reverential silence to hear the voice of Thy providence reminding us that one who was to have borne his honored part in these services is now numbered with the dead. The poet dies — the undying song survives. The hand that tuned the harp is cold and still — the melody it awoke yet sounds to entrance the ear of the living. O God of pity ! bless and comfort the family of our departed brother, and be Thou their strength, support, and consolation.

O Thou that hearest prayer, we beseech Thee receive and accept these our humble supplications ; and help us all so to discharge the duties we owe to Thee and to our fellow-men that we may pass from lives of usefulness and honor into an immortality of rest and peace ; and to God, most High, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, we will give the glory evermore. Amen.

The Grand Lodge of Virginia, over which Most Worshipful Mas- ter William F. Drinkard presided, then took charge of the corner- stone, and in " due and ancient form,*' and with the imposing rites of the order, proceeded to lay it according to the published pro- gramme.

The prayer of the venerable Right Worshipful Chaplain, Rev. Dr. G. W. Dame, was fervent and appropriate.

CORNER-STONE ACCEPTED.

In response to the Grand Master, Colonel Burgwyn said : " Most Worshipful Grand Master, I hereby accept these imple- ments of operative masonry, and I pledge my best ability and skill in seeing that this structure is erected according to the designs of the sculptor and plans of the architect. I trust that this monument