Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1871-05-31
DEF d.
In this city, May l2th 1871, Miss MARY
A NORTON


In this city, May 18th, 1871, Miss MARY
A. NORTON. E
Once more has the Guardian Angel closed
the record of a bright young life and flying
eafthward, whispered to the waiting soul
that.it might fold its wings and rest; that
its mission on earth was accomplished.
Once more are faithful hearts bowed before
the cross, struggling to Irvine thereon the
chords of affection, which still culver be-
meath the touch of Death-murmuring as
they rest in that peaceful shadow the cry
which comes like a breath of swee est music
from broken hearts, 'sFather, Thy Will be
done" Once more has the sunlight OF
affection vanished from the home circle,
| leaving only the hopes and memories which
spring from the tomb aud overshadow life's
sweetest pleasures and hottest joys.
But oh what We're life, if life were all?
What its thorn-gemmed roses if sthere
were no hereafter in which those thorns
would glow with more brightness than the
rose does now? What its power to will
and act and suffer, if the willing and acting,
and suffering brought no .realization; if the
unsatisfed soul lodgings which distract us
here before.
Truly, had she whom we mourn learned
the lesson that life with all its fullness of
beauty, its noble aspirations and grand mis-
sion, was still only a time of probation, a
little drop of t1e river Of Time, soon to be
lost in the great Ocean of Eternity That
earth was only the beautiful prison where
the pure gold of moral worth was separated
from the dross of poor human nature
Three years ago Mary entered st Clara as
pupil, and soon the real lovliness of her
character won for her many warm friends
among Sisters and pupils To them the
news of her illness, follow ed so soon by the
sad intelligence of her death, came with q
| mournfulness which testified how sincere
was the affection she had inspired. Memo
~ recalled the genteness and patience with
which every little difficulty was encounter.
ed the bri ght, cheerful smile which ever
| accompanies sunny disposition the un-
| assuming afability which won so many
I friends and the perseverance with which
she climed the sleeps of worldly science
pausing ever to Gull the blossoms which
Religion had planted among its thorns.
When she left us, we all heard of her as
unchanged, still brave by working out the
great destiny of life, still proving to the
world what true nobility can accomplish.
Thus the Angel of death found her and
| whisperedIto her to ''fear not )" her mission
was fulfilled, and life eternal would now be
hers, called her home. Death was to her
only the hour of great answers to lifelong
| prayers--the realization of all she had long
ed for, the crowning of perfect Hope and
Love. May it prove so to US who are left
to battle little longer. And the loved
ones who have given her back to God, what
can we say to them. Our loving sympathy
is theirs, but we know that parents grief
is too sacred to intrude our consolation.
Would they call her back ? No, the sacrifice
has been rendered, ana will not be re-called
even in thought. There is another link less
on earth, but one more binding you to
Heaven. There is sorrow where there
once was only affectionate joys, but the
An gels rejoice that they may welcome an
other sister spirit.
There is desolate home on earth, but an
etc rnal home where new voice in sweet,
glad surprise is swee ling the anthem of
Praise and Love. And they have the con-
ISOLATION of knowing that they have prepar-
ed her for this home that they have tend
ed and watched with anxious solicitude the
virtue now ripened for Heaven. That they
have given new flower to the heavenly
courts. That one now is anxiously waiting
and watching for them; and thus is He draw
ing their hearts to him who said "Blessed
are they that mourn, for they shall be COM
forted." A COMPANION.
To the above we would add that Miss
Norton was teacher in our Public Schools
for several years, and by her kind and ami
able disposition had endfared herself to