American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1862-09-12
THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY THE DEATH OF
a FRIEND
" Deaths but a path that must be trod,
If man would ever pass to God

If man would ever pass to Cod
There is nothing which cruelty blasts our
hopes and bligbts the hearts best and purest aee-
tions, as the consciousness that the links which
bind ccngenial spirits by the nearest and dearest
ties Of friendship and relationship must be severed
to be reunited no more upon earth. As the sun Of
our existence approaches meridian glory, We Irvine
our affections with almost idolatrous love around
the hearts Of friends who. almost clasp their
images to our heart fade away ike the gentle dew
drop of Aurora before the glorious king Of day,
= leaving not a wreck behind" The shades of sad
ness gather around the soul-disappointment comes
with his Wntry blasts. sweeps across our bleeding
heartstrngs, arouses their ethargy with vibrations
OF sorrow, striking Ike icebolt upon the heart
and chilling every streamlet of joy causing expiring
hope to sink beneath the turbid waters of despair
We have seen the budding flower, as its opening
leaflets kissed the morning air which had, the
sun had attained its noontide glory, faded away.
Yes, we have lately seen a lovely flower fade from
earth but thanks to a benelcent Father, 10 be
tFansplaHted from the barren soil Of this unfruitfa
world to the fertile cline OF endless and immortal
glory. RoBERr GALTNEY IS no more In the pride
Of bis youth his immortal soul has taken its eternal
flight for a holier cline; angels have waited his
pure spirit from this leeting world of sin and scr
row TO the throne Of God. Though bis body viii
rest in the graveyard Of Sharon, in after years
voice mute and melancholy, bat speaking 10 the
heart will steal from the stiffness OF the grave with
whispers soft and sad, " lie lies moi here long ere
this the clay which enclosed as noble heart as ever
warmed human bosom, has mingled its wasted
clements with its original dust and the bright spirit
which gowed with religious enthusiasm, freed from
the turmoils Of mortality, has fed to its native heav
en-, and basks in the unclouded sunshine of Gods
counenance, and is enjoying the rich and boundless
fruition of its yirtuous soH.''
Last winter, when a cali was made for sixty DAYS
volunteers, though but few weeks over sixteen
years Of age he left home battle in defence Of his
country's rights. Though he suffered much during
his absence. caused principally by measles contract
ed IN camp, the cheering consolation came 10 his
parents that be nobly performed his whole duty as
a soldier. Kind accommodating, generous, and
honest in all his dealings Robert died loved and re-
spected by all with whom he had associated Tie
was passionate boy, entertaining the warmest love
for his friends at the time ready to resent any
injury to himself or them. Especially was he the
SOLDIER friend they were never turned away
from him without his trying in some way to ada to
their comfort. Not only dd these noble attributes
adorn his character but he was trying 10 serve
God, the author Of his being. \ few weeks before
bis death, during the religious excitement in Sha
rom Robert was among the first who came forward
and placed his heart upon the altar Of his God ana
united himself to the Church H. remarked to the
writer shortly after his conversion that no one had
persuaded him to be religious. and no one could
AVE an influence ia causing him to forsake the
savior st a loye-fea-t shortly after be was called
lpOn TO tell what the Lord had done for his soul
lie said he had evidence within himself that God
lad forgiven all lis past offences asked an interest
n the prayers of the Church for i5 dear father as
veil as other members Of the family and the effect
which it produced brought tears u eyes unused To
weep We weep not those without a hope for -,
ve have promises in the sacred scriptures that God
Vii not forsake His children in a dying hour but
viii be there to comfort ana sustain His CONVEX
ations since his first illness Of religions ten
ency. He spoke as i he thought he would not re-
over. He was sick only eight days, during which o
c at times prayed feryeutly Tor his relations and
lay God answer his prayers, and at last may they d
lake an unbroken band in Heaven, that region If ;
liss prepared for al the finally faithful" Death q
rings no terrors to christians heart. and loss d
is eternal gain Weep not, dear father AMI mother. NJ
hough your prospects, as FAR as your dear Robert u
re concerned, nipPed in the bud, - he is no
Dubt in heaven, and will be there to welcome you =
9TH. His death should serve to render Heaven
ore attractive You have the comfort Of knowing
lat your boy became religious and acted like a o
tristan until he died. Weep not, loving sisters
Tough he cannot come to you, you can go to him. a
'eep not, kind brothers though you were far Is
gay, he often spoke Of you, and was deeply inter III
ted in your eternal welfare. Oh strive to meet >,
IA there. Friends, though he Is lost to Us. we =
n, by the grace Of Cod meet in that happy land.
r " away beyond the Skies where there viii he
parting to mar our enjoyment, but joy and peace "A
all reign unmolested while eternity shall roll her "
lple rounds MOLLIE -
SHARON, Aug. 5th, 1852.
mi
TIE ENEMY AT NATCHEZ O.