The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1858-08-07
Died Poor.
"It was . sad funeral to me-" said tn,
speaker; "the saddest l have attended fol

cit was . sad funeral to me" said tn
. speaker; "the saddest have attended 70
many years."
THAT of Edmonson?"
eyes"
How did he die ~
"Poor-poor as poverty. His life wa!
one long struggle with the world, and a
every disadvantage. Fortune mccked hin
all the while with golden promises that were
destined never to know fulflment."
" Yet he was patient and enduring re
marked one of the company.
" Patient as a Christian-enduring as O
martyr" was answered.
"Poor man, He was worthy Of better
fate. He ought to have succeeded, for he
deserved success"
Did he not succeed;" questioned the
one who spoke OF his patience and endu-
rance.
"No. Sir. He died poor, as l have just
said. Nothing that he put his hand to ever
succeeded. A strange fatality seemed to
attend every enterprise"
81 was with him in his last moments,
said the other, land l thought he died
rich"
No; he has left nothing behind" was
replied The heirs will have no concern
aa to the administration of his estate"
He left a good name" said one, land
that is something"
"And legacy of noble deeds that were
done in the name Of humanity" remarked
another.
"And precious examples" said third
lessons Of patience in suffering; Of hope
in adversely; of heavenly confidence when
40 sunoeams fell upon his bewildering
path" was the testimony 0! another.
And high truths, manly courage, heroic
fortitude."
Then he died rich, :" was the eaiphatlc
declaration. Richer than the millionaire
who went 10 his long home on the same day,
miserable psuper IN all but gold. a sac
funeral, this, you say? No, my friend, It
was rather trlumphal procession. Not
the burial OF human clod, but the ceremo-
mails attendant on the transition Of an angel.
Did not succeed Why, his whole life was
a series Of successes. IN every conflict he
came off victor, and now the vIctor's crown
is on his brow. Any grasping, soulless, sell
fish man, with moderate share of brains,
may gather in money, and learn the art OF
keeping II; bat not one in hundred can
5ravely conquer in the battle Of life as Ed
monson ha: conquered, and step forth from
the ranks Of men, a Christian hero. No,
no; he cid not die poor, but rich-Tich in
neigh borlv love, and rich in celestial sfiec
tons And bis heirs have an interest in the
administration OF bis estate. large pro-
per,y has been left, and let them see TO it
that they do not lose precious things ,hro'
false estimates and ignorant depriclations.
" 1cn have a new way of estimating the
wealth Of a man, said the one who at first
expressed sympathy for the deceased.
:" Is it not the right way:' was answered.
"These are better things to gain in this
world than wealth that perishes Riches Of
priceless value ever reward the true mcr-
chant, who trades for wisdom, buying it
wite the silver OF truth and the gold CT love.
He dies <ich who can take his treasure with
him to the new land where he is 10 ABIDE
forever, and he who has o leave all behind
on which he has placed affection, dies poor
indeed Our friend Ejmonson died richer
than Girard or an Astor; his monument
IS built of good deeds and noble examples.
1t will abide forever.-T. S. ARTHUR.