Middletown transcript., 1878-04-27
IN. MEMORIAM.

DIED at his residence, Sunny Side, near
Middletown, Delaware, at A. NJ, Good Fri
day, THOMAS SCHEE MERRITT, in the 85th year
Of his age.
He is no more We have seen him for the
last time. How sad the feeling that comes
over Us when those we love are borne from
our sight.
The bereaved family and friends are called
upon to mourn the loss Of one whose social
and domestic qualities comprise all that may
be included in the character Of a kind hus-
band, tender parent, and estimable citizen.
Like shock of wheat ready for the sickle,
be died at the advanced age Of IS years.
He was Of sanguine temperament always
cheerful, and had pleasant word for all,
greatly enjoying the society Of his friends /;
was ever given to hospitality before disease
laid its hand upon him, bestoN ing favors
where they were deserved and appreciated.
| The smile of joy, the tear Of woe had each in
| him ready sympathizer.
To the claims Of gentleman he had an in
disputable right. His politeness was mani
tested in his marked and careful respect for
the feelings Of others. AS business man he
had many difficulties and annoyances to cou-
| tend with, and though they must have cansed
his spirit to struggle, his feelings were under
perfect control, thereby gaining victory over
himself. He never allowed his troubles 10 en-
ter his domestic circle TO annoy those dear to
him, but passed them laughingly by. I'm
pressed with the consciousness Of sooner or
later being called away from earth BY the in
frmities Of body, be retired a few years ago
and transferred bis business to his Oldest SON
in-law, giving himself up exclusively to the
bosom Of his family. His last illness was
short and painless, but he felt he was hasten
ing to that 'bourne whence no traveller re-
turns"
The hands are quiet now. and the weary
head at rest. Even so must we all be, and
we know not how soon. Long years he held
sweet and loving intercourse with his loved
ones, but partings must come when the bitter
woe will be felt. He expressed himself as re.
sigaed to the will Of Providence, willing and
prepared for the pale messenger, and there is
good reason to believe that the Lord comfort
ed his soul. When the sands Of life were run.
ming out, the watchers around his bed dis
tinctly heard him say, "Bless the Lord I
May the hearts now left desoate and or
phaned look not on the cloud Of sorrow nov
surrounding them, but to the silver lining
and see sainted mother and father freet
from earth IS dross, only Hgone before, wait
ing on the "hills Of Paradise" their children
coming feet
'tWe bent to-day Ger coffined form,
And our tears fell softly down;
We looked our last on the aged face
With the look Of peace its patient grace,
And hair like silver crown.
We touched our own to the clay cold hands
From lifes long labor at rest
And among the blossoms white and sweet,
We noted bunch Of golden wheat,
Clasped close to the silent breast
The blossoms whispered of fadeless flowers,
Ofa land where fall no tears;
; The ripe wheat told Of toll and care,
The patient waiting, the trusting prayer,
The garnered good Of the years.
We know not what work bis hands had found
What rugged places his feet,
What cross was his, what blackness Of night
We saw but the peace, the blossoms white,
And the bunch Of ripened wheat"
| April %, 1878.