Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-05-29

WRIGHT.-In Bridgewater, Rockingham, on
Thursday, May 18th, 1877, Mrs. - Wright. a.
bout 60 years of age, wife of Russell Wright.
EILER.-At his residence near Taylor's Springs
in Rockingham, May Goth, 1877, David Eller
aged u years. In the death of Mr.. Filler that
community has lost an honored and trusted
citizen.
IRvINE.-IR Harrisonburg, on the 18th inst, af-
ter a brief illness, James Irvine, eldest son of
j. Madison Irvine OF that place, aged IA years.
THoMAs.-Richard A. Thomas departed this life,
after a short illness of pneumonia, on May IS,
1877. at his residence near Spartapolis, Rock
ingham co., Va, aged 81 years, months, and
IS days.
SHEETs-Departed this life at the residence of
his mother in Rockingham county, Va, May
the 9Th, 1877. Robert Theodore Sheets, aged &c
years, months, and II days.
Again has this kind family been called to
mourn the loss of an only son and brother; So
ciety one of its brightest ornaments. o how
hard to part with one SO young, SO full of prom
Use. How strange does the Providence OF God
seem in the removal of this young man. He
had all the qualifications necessary to make up
a moral character, when life seemed to be only
half lived, when but half its duties seem to be
done, when but half it's joys appeared to be
realized, the shadowy curtain fell on the path
of the tender feet. and through binding tears
and dark mystery, loved ones saw him go out
of sight. The snare is broken-he has escaped.
There Is no dying up there in our Fathers
house. Surely this kind family has been made
to drink of sorrows bitter cup. May they, with
mistaken confidence, trust in Him who doeth
all innings well, anu VINO mas promised TO be a
Father to the fatherless and a friend to the
widow. Weep not, dear friends. Although
dear Robert has gone before, you shall meet
again on the golden shore of that sunbright
cline where parting is no more. Hewas speech
less for some time before he died. Though he
could not speak a word. he pointed upward, as
if to say to his friends, ''yonder is my home Ill
soon be there and, with fearless step, he en-
tered the valley where all must pass. 1t was
clearly evident from the large concourse that
followed his remains to their last resting place
| friends 81
strive to initiate his virtue. Weep not, dear
friends, though his lovely form now lies in the
cold and silent grave and clouds of affection
hang heavy around you, yet be comforted, for,
although he cannot return to you, yet you can
go to him. He is gone, but we will not wish
him back. Farewell, dear friend, for such thou
vert loved in life and the recollection of thee
will long lingcr around our hearts, and be the
greenest spot in memery's waste. Sweet viO-
lets will bloom above thy head and friendship
and affection will water them with their tears
TO HIS MOTHER AND HIS SISTERS:
Why heave for him the secret sigh,
| Why tears of sorrow fall,
Dear Robert has gone to worlds on high,
Where God reigns all IN all.
Your hearts weep sadly DER each flower,
Now faded from your sight,
Sunk, sunk, beneath Deaths chilling tide,
Gone, lost in dreamleSs night.
| Then dry your tears-it Is vain to weep,
Or heave the hitter sigh,
| For bright beyond Deaths dark, dark sea,
| The shores of Caanan lie,
| And, although dear Robert has passed away
He has only gone before,
| To that bright land of pure delight
Where parting is no more.