Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1853-04-29

Died, April 9Th, 1853, at o'clock and Is
minutes p. N. at the residence of his father, jas.
Johnston, Esq, (near Loudon) Mr.. EBEyEZER F.
JOHNSTON, after q chronic illness of Is months,
of P5Oas AbscesS. He was born June II, 1928;
and enjoyed good health until Is months prer-
Gus to his death. 1t is painful to reflect, and to
scan the days of my early youthhood-it brings
to bear upon my mind profound and solemn
thoughts, and makes my heart swell in sorrow
of the past "reminiscences of my school-mates,
who, bat a few IN Dnths since spJrtel in all the
glee of active youthhood; and their strength al
most bid defiance to the deep depressing hand
of searching fevers, land the sudden stroke of ep-
idamics. But where are they? Echo answers,
in melancholy voice, where are they?' The
pail beares have borne their lifeless bodies from
their sickly habitation, and we have seen them
consigned to the tomb, their friends around
weeping in bitter agOnies, gazing to catch the
last dear look at the face they so dearly loved
The newly dug vault and the black manted
coffin was indeed instrumental in impressing the
mind of Ebenezer,t that he too must sooner or la
ter lie down in such receptacle of earth, and
that Skin worms would devour his fesh," and
his soul be dealt with according to the deeds
done in the body. But we have no doubt that
something told him the parable, that "nan
IL,
less, were the feelings of Ebenexer when he
looked over and surveyed, with fearful eyes, the
place where the ashes of his brothers and sis
ter were lying. According to decree set forth
by the laws of Nature, Ebenezer had to die. for,
says inspiration at is appointed unto man once
to die" and all men have to fulfill the demands
of that decree. There are certain maxims that
is very pointed in this case. 'Man must die"
che must meet the judgment;' 'he must meet
God 'and eternity" These things are ineyita-
ble.-Ihe truly wise being who formed us out
of the dust of the earth land breathed into us the
breath OF life formed lis for purpose, nobly
great he created us in his own likeness, and
pointed out the path that leads to never ending
happiness. 0 man, thou art created for a Just,
n nobler and higher calling-a calling for the
good of your soul. Why should the relatives
and friends of our beloved.yo friend deplore
their loss? Because they cannot indulge in the
sweet anticipation of earthly enjoyment with
him, they are not deprived of his presence forever.
1t is a solemn thing for the mother to take
the last farewell of her soma son she dearly
loved and kept vigilence over in his slumber-
ing hours, while his little mind was absent from
the cares of this world; she that directed his
footsteps in the paths Of virtue-how can she
forget him?
But let me condole the bereaved relatives
and friends in this trying hour; did he not en-
dure his sufferings with patience and submit to
the will of the Lord; he suffered excrucia-
ting pain without murmrring: for eighteen
months, disease preyed uyon his body; none but
the christian could brook the suffering he had
to undergo, without complaining. short
time before his death, his relatives felt deeply
concerned about his souls salvation. They
made enquiry of him; his reply was that he had
long since made peace with the Lord, and said
he craved to die, and longed to be with the ia
Their in heaven. Is it not consoling to the rela-
tives of the deceased, to know and see the Attic
ted triumph on the bed Of affliction, and rejolc-
ing that he would soon walk the golden streets
of New Jerusalem. Well may the christian. ex-
claim-"O death where is thy sting? D grave
where is thy victory?" He has completed his
task in the great drama of life and finished the
work that was assigned him. He died in the
morning of his day, much lamerted, without en-.
emeS, beloved by all who know him, surround
ed by his friends,and lamented by community
Of f:ieldi and relatives. SO ne passed away to
vie with cherubim and seraphim around the
throne Of God forever and ever. W. W.B