Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1881-09-01
Gone Home.

Little Willie, infant son of c. G. Collins and
jennie, his wife, departed this life July 25th,
1SSl-aged months and days.
During the short period of his life, he was
smiling and happy-the cherished plant of
happy home. His little presence, like sun
shine, gladdened home and hearth; his little
heart, fountain of pure innocence, and his
soft hpsEripplingi with laughter, sweet as trill
of forest bird, each day winning the affections
of anxious friends-but, alas how suddenly
our earthly joys can be turned to mourning !
1t pleased God to sever the delicate cord that
bound little Willie to this earth; and angels
have borne his little spirit home, leaving the
little feet like the first rose OF the morning,
still wet with tender dew. Plucked by some
wanton hand from it, parent stem, with ach-
ing hearts and fearful eyes We have borne thee
to the silent church-yard, and careful hands
lowered thy little coffin to it's resting place
and covered it with the sod of the valley; and
the silent tomb has swallowed up that which
was so dear to us. May God comfort US for
all we have lost in thee! Each DAY the sum-
msr sun looks down and sheds his declining
rays on thy little grave, and icy winter ap-
breaches to deck thy little mound with frost
flowers; but in our lonely home we cannot
cease to miss thee, as we behold q cradle bed
impressed, and dainty garments. and scatter
ed toys-and only our darling is missing
Sweet and tender memories steal across our
mind, and we are constrained to say, ALI is
well, and thou art still ours; ours In reality.
And while we mourn our loss, we rejoice in
thy precious gain. Thou art gone to adOrn
the heavenly mansions; angels have borne thee
in triumph to the bosom of Him that hath said
suffer little ones to come unto me, and forbid
them not, for of such is the Kingdom OF Heaven.
This beautiful testimony to the innocence Of
childhood-the infinite worth of the infants
soul-deeply imprcsses the heart; it brings at
once the picture of what we must all be to our
very hearts: Verify say unto you, except you
be converted, and become as little children, We
shall a OF enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Who
ever shall humble himself as this little child,
the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven !;
and whose shall receive one such little child In
my name, receiveth me.
Mountains of diamonds would not tuy from
the mother her jewel now shining In the light
of the tomb. Philosopher, statesman, mon
arch, priest and king must all become as this
| little child before they can enter the Golden
Gate into the Celestial City, and join the white
| ROBBED choir that sings Gods praise, day and
night. in one harmonious strain.
Little Willie, you have left us;
But will not weep for thee,
For we know thy little body
Is from harm and sorrow free.
Yes, darling, how we miss you;
| Your gentle voice no mere we'll hear
| But you've gone to dwell with angels,
| Where there is no pain nor fear.
| Little Willie, you have left us,
| But it will not be for long:
| On that happy shore you'll greet us
With . sweet angelic song.
We will meet you, gentle Willie,
| Over on the golden shore;
| There to dwell with thee forever,
Where pain and parting are no more.
| MRS. J. Z. c.