RESOLUTIONS OF THE FRATERNITY AND THE TWENTY- BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY THE FRATERNITY. UNIV OF CALIFORNIA COMMEMORATIVE EXERCISES AT THE MUSIC HALL. EXERCISES in commemoration of the death of the late REVEREND THEODORE PARKER, were held by the TwentyEighth Congregational Society, in the Music Hall, on Sunday, June 17th. The capacious hall was crowded to repletion in every part, and many remained standing through the entire services, which lasted upwards of two hours. Among the most strongly marked characteristics of Mr. Parker was a love of flowers. This extended almost to a passion. It was therefore in the highest degree proper, and also beautifully suggestive, that on this occasion there should be a floral tribute. Accordingly the altar at which he was wont to preach was literally covered with flowers, tastefully and elegantly arranged-the spontaneous gift of many friends of Mr. Parker. In front of the altar was suspended a CROSS composed of white roses and evergreen. On each side were numerous wreaths of variegated flowers, the rarest and most beautiful of the season; and upon the top at each wing were bouquets large in size, placed in Close beside the Bible, was the favorite of Mr. Parker, the Lily of the Valley. vases. M214343 The exercises were commenced with a Voluntary upon the organ, which was succeeded by the following Chant by the choir : CHANT FROM PSALM CXXXIX. O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me. Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising, thou understandest my thoughts afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Whither shall I go from thy spirit, or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee, but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God, how great is the sum of them. If I should count them they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. A fervent and impressive prayer was then offered by Rev. John L. Russell of Salem. Mr. Russell dwelt upon the great loss which the Society and the world now experienced in the death of Mr. Parker. He alluded touchingly to the sorrow of the surviving partner and family relatives, and lamented the incompletion of his great labors; and concluded by imploring that the sad event might inspire all who grieved his departure, to an increased activity and zeal in those principles and works to the carrying out of which he had sacrificed his life. The choir then sung the following hymn, which, together with the other hymns, and the passages from the Scriptures, had been selected by Mr. Parker for this occasion, several months previous to his death. HYMN 95. WHILE Thee I seek, protecting Power, Be my vain wishes stilled! And may this consecrated hour With better hopes be filled. Thy love the powers of thought bestowed; To Thee my thoughts would soar; Thy mercy o'er my life has flowed; In each event of life how clear Thy ruling hand I see! Each blessing to my soul more dear, In every joy that crowns my days, My heart shall find delight in praise, Or seek relief in prayer. When gladness wings my favored hour, My lifted eye, without a tear, The gathering storm shall see ; My steadfast heart shall know no fear; |