I heard the governor of Virginia quote from Scripture “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me.” Even if it was a ‘veiled’ reference to Our Savior, it was one that refers to His salvific act. Every Christian in the world should recognize those words.
Whatever any of the other religious speakers may have said, there is no way they could top that.
Samuel the Priest gave up the Ghost
and all Israel mourn-ed,
mourn-ed, mourn-ed, and all Israel mourn-ed.
mourn-ed, mourn-ed, and all Israel mourn-ed.
Have Pity on me, O ye my Friends,
for the Hand of God hath touch-ed me.
Have Pity on me, O ye my Friends,
for the Hand of God hath touch-ed me.
Lover and Friend hast thou put far from me,
and mine Acquaintance into Darkness.
Have Pity on me, O ye my Friends,
for the Hand of God hath touch-ed me.
I am weary with my Groaning;
all the Night I make my Bed to swim.
I water my Couch with my Tears.
Have Pity on me, O ye my Friends,
for the Hand of God hath touch-ed me.
My Soul cleveth unto the Dust;
my Soul melteth for Heaviness.
Have Pity on me, O ye my Friends,
for the Hand of God hath touch-ed me.
Naked came I out of my Mother’s Womb,
and naked shall I return.
The Lord gave and the Lord taketh away,
and blessed be the Name of the Lord.
ANTHEM: FUNERAL ANTHEM
William Billings
02 January 1784
Boston