Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1867-08-09
IN mEMORIAM.

Died, At eleven O'clock, p. NJ, on Thursday,
the first Of August. a. ID. 1867, Alexander, the
youngest chld Of Samuel and Susan Mctiowan,
of AGbevle District, South Carolina, aged three
years four months and sixteen dayS
Tho illness Of tue child was short. Medical
skill was baflled in all its efforts to arrest the
rapid progress Of death, and give aid 10 the
solcitous OF many friends, and the devoted
nursing Of loving parents.
At tho breakfast table OF that day he exhib-
tied some symptoms Of disorder; in tho after
noon, apparently, worse, but st bright and
cheerful, the little boy begged aud WAS taken 10
tho doorstcps TO welcome some friends whose
arrival he had antici pated with childish glee
and at bed time-he rested on the bosom Of
Christ. The hour Of death was calm; almost
impeIceplbly TO the hand, that fel, lfe's ebbing
flow, as i, touched his tiu,lering heart, this angel
spirit gently babe adleu TO earth. And SO too
he bade adieu TO the Innocent joys, the little
cares of the childly world, aud already as he
nestles on the Savioufs loving heart, his little
lips have learned TO join in the Heavenly songs
of unutterable joy and Of everlasting praise, 'ior
of such as he is The kingdom oi Cod"
Let tho dear brother and that sister whose
loving kindness gave so much happiness to little
"Eckie," remember that he still lives, is still
with them, still loves them us a brother, and as
an angel hovers above them weeping for their
sonows gladdening in their happiness, deeply
greving whenever they commit wrong IN thought,
word or deed, beaming with holy JOY when he
secs them trying to be good, and praying un-
csasing!y that God may give them help to come
to him in Heaven.
Pardon this rude record Of the sorrow which
afllicts brave father and gentle mother. 1t is
no in trusion Of human soace but homage paid
indicative of respect for the solemn decree oi
1ll-ruiing Providence May God help them to
bear this bur,hen, now that lie in Ills wisdom
1he fourth time has taken from them much
loved child. Their christian grief is a divine
passion of the eoul. The love with which they
cliug to the memory Of those beautiful angel
babes, is u spiritual affection purified from all
worldly Thoughts, and continues like holy
flame to ilutnne aud sanctify their hearts. Such
consolation 10 not to be induced by the words OF
others, but by their cherishng in the solitude ol
mourning hearts, the bright image of the never
to>be. forgotten infant that perished like a
blossom in their arms. When the burst of grie
is calmed and gentle recollection fills the heart
when anguish has abated, aud fond memory
draws the picture of the happiness Of by-gons
days-then will they commune with the spirits
Of those who have gone before them TO ever
lasting Joy, and then this sorrow will lie dear
This remembrance Of the dead is precious; il
links the earth to Heaven. To strew the beu i
ties Of nature about the grave, aud decorate the
tomb W iih wreaths Of fowery loveliness, is
holy privilege by which mortal associates will
immortality. 10 stand by the grave and cal
60 mind the blossoming OF the noble little boy
will raise the heart To communion with til,
angel spirit.
We can but offer tender aympathy-tirne bu
eoothe. God alone it is can comfort and Civ,
the Joy Of everlasting peace.