Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-04-09


verge of the grave7 l trust not, and yet we
know that such a visitation is for some wise
end. The troubles and trials of life to our de-
ceased friend are over. He has made the
Journey, and gone to reap his reward
It seems to be part OF our professional life,
to be constantly engaged in the strifes incident
to men and business; but how often we are ad-
monished not to let an interest for our clients
interfere with our personal relations to each
other. Engaged in the pursuit OF highly
honorable calling, our first Object should be to
dignity that calling, by cultiyating the kindest
relations towards our brethren. If at times
we are led into Incorporate feeling, by a COM
mendable zeal, for the cause entrusted TO our
management, let US strive never to indulge in
personal assaults upon our brother. Feelings
Of animosity should never be allowed to lurk
within our bosom for a single moment after
the excitement of the occasion has passed by.
The melancholy occurrence of this day, should
again forcibly remind us Of this duty. Death
is the lot Of all men, and we, one and all, in
Gods good time, must obey the summons.
This morning bearned upon us with more
than usual efIulgence. This first day OF April
seemed to promise the opening of spring, and
the return of genial summer. When we all
felt a buoyaney of spirit and lightness Of heart,
rendered more so by the welcome season, TOW
little did we expect that SORROW and sadness
would so soon take the place of such feelings!
That ere the sun should go down, we would
be called to the bedside of dying Brother,
and bid to witness the fight of his immortal
soul from its earthly tenement to realms of e.
ternal bliss! And yet such has been Gods
will.
JAMES BIDDLE GORDON, ESQ, member of
our bar is no more His tongue is silenced in
death! la the prime Of life, only having fair
ly entered upon its journey, he has been sud-
denly stricken down! This morning he walked
our streets as usual in apparently good health,
exchanging friendly salutations with his neigh
bors, and perhaps enjoying as high hopes for
the future as any Of US. This evening he
'ssleeps the sleep of death.'' How sudden
How startling II What warning to us all u!
His body is with US, but it is cold and inani-
mate. His immortal soul has silently winged
its way to a ssbrighter and better world"
What an impressive lesson! How loudly it
Soilo W 10, pS lS stiSO lltN pldllilN
we are admonished to live as Brothers TO be
kind, generous, forbearing aud forgiving to-
wards each other, so that when it falls to our
lot to pass the gate of death, we shall be able
to die, as we trust our lamented friend did,
s'at peace with all mankind,'' and in the hope
of happy resurrection. If we have II |ch to
forgive, we should ever remember, that we
have much to be forgiven for. 1t may cost us
struggle for the time being, but it will save
us many pang of regret in the last hour Of
our tribulation: in the agonies of death.
The deceased was far from his home and rel
atiyes, circumstance which has added much
to the solemnity of the occasion, but which
only served to draw us the more closely to him.
When no kindred hand was present to minis
ter to his wants; to sympathise with him in
his Affections; to smooth his pillow and to
soothe his sufferings, how pleasant for a fra
ternal brotherhood to perform that duty 1t
viii be a comfort for his aged parent and rela-
tives to know, that in their absence his dying
couch was surrounded by a large circle of de-
voted friends in whose arms he expired, and
who would have saved him from the embrace
of death if care and human skill could have
done it. Gods will was otherwise and he
with meekness and abiding faith bowed his
head to the unalterable decree.
Nm. a. Wallace, Esq. spoke of his intimacy
with the deceased, in the social relations of
life, as well as in professional business said
that he was gifted with a high order of talent,
and that his professional intercourse was of
that high minded and dignifed character that
no ono could take exceptions to it,. While he
always maintained the interests of his clients
with energy, firmness and great ability, he did
it with dignity and courtesy. 1t afforded him
unfeigncd pleasure to add this tribute to his
memory. st .li-ge ~
j. b. McEnally, Esq, presented the follow
ing resolutions, which were unanimously a.
dopted:
Resolred, That in the death of James Biddle
Gordon, Esq, the Bar has lost an able and ac-
complished advocate and the community an
esteemed and worthy citizen.
Resolped, That we deeply sympathize with
the father and relatives of the deceased, and
hereby tender them our mutual sympathies in
their bereavement.
Resolred, That the members of the Clearfield
bar, IN respect Tor the memory OF the deceas-
ed, wear Grape upon the left arm for the period
of thirty days. sc a e-aE
Resoircd, That Hon. Alex. Irwin, John l..
Cutie and Jas. III. Larimer, Esq's., be COM
mittee to convey the body of the deceased to
his family at Reading, Pa, and Ashley NJ.
Hills, John T. Weaver and Elmer S. Dundy be
a committee TO make all necessary arrange
mcnts. sss - -.4.- -
ResoLred, That the proceedings of this meet
ing be nnhlished and q conu Of tIn, ,.-.. l..