Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-06-02
9n Mtrutnriant.
MRS CAROLINE L. THOMPSON.
Obiit May %, 1886. Etat 81 years.

There passed away In this city, on the morn
ing OF the 25th day of this month. uneXpect-
edly and suddenly, yet quietly ana gently,
surrounded by her children, Mrs. CAROLINE
L. THOMPSON. the widow of the late Col.
William 7. Thompson.
This closed life that, to the superficial view
of the ordinary acquaintance, might seem un-
eventful and of no special significance, be-
cause not spent in the public gaze and not
known to the pomp and circumstance of fame.
And yet it was no ordinary life, and has in IL
a meaning and lesson which may well arrest
our attention.
That her lite was blameless in word and
in deed the most censOrious of those who
knew her best and longest must affirm. No
reputation ever suffered, no heart was ever
PANIED by uncharitabie or careless words
from her lips. Few people ever illustrate SO
beautifully and consistently as did she The
royal law of Charity. The writer knew her
for many years. and, at one time, enjoyed
daily opportunities of observing this charac-
teristic. He cannot recall a single unkind or
harsh word about any one or to any one: but,
on the contrary, the constant manifestation
of that charity which is 'kind, which zen
vieth not, is not easily provoked, thInketh no
evil. beareth all things, believeuh all things,
hOpeth all things" When character or con-
duct was discussed in her hearing she was
either silent or spoke only to praise or to de-
fend or excuse. So firmly fixed and so often
INDUCED was this good habit that she became
siDgularly quick and wise IN making a de-
Tense for those who were assalled in suggest
ing explanations of conduct that were at once
charitable and reasonable. This would be
done even when she did not know the person
criticised. II was the "sweet water coming
forth from the fountain of pure heart" 1t
was the aroma Of just, loving and gentle dis
position.
Her deeds were in keeping with her speech.
I hey harmed no one; they embodied the Col
den Rule and were in glad obedience to the
two Great Commandments, upon which hang
all the law and the prophets" OF her could
it always be said with only simple justice:
''She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in
her tongue is the law of kindness"
Not only was she blameless in word and In
deed, but her life was full of positive good, Of
constant benefactions. She delighted in good
deeds, and was daily benedlctlOn to those
with whom she came in contact. Like Tabi-
tina, ''she was full Of good works and alms-
deeds which she did Unselfsh in the eX-
IRENE, she found her happiness in the promo
tion of the happiness Of others. Full Of energy
and industry, with complete self abnegatiOn.
| she devoted her whole time to the good of
others. Queenly in her bearing and qualities,
and capable Of shining IN any station, her
ambition was to advance the comfort and
amenities of home and TO help those who
needed her help. "She stretcheth out her
hand TO the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her
hands to the needy"
Naturally, a character like hers appeared
at its best IN her own home. where, as wife
and mother, 10 shone Respondent. Happily
and congenially married, she was very proud
OF her aflectiOnate and distinguished husband.
lie was equally proud OF her-0f the charms
OF her person and mind, and particularly Of
the charms Of her elevated and beautiful
character. To the last they were as devoted
and thoughtful in their conduct toward each
other as when the golden days OF the honey
moon started their life-journey together.
Neither adversely nor prosperity, sorrow nor
joy could, with them. cOarsen or weaken This
sentiment. 10 robbed adversely Of o. tcrr0rs,
gave the chief attraction 10 prosperity: 10
made sorrow t0lerable and completed al the
joys OF life. M children ever had a better
mother than did hers: none ever more clearly
possessed the inesumable boon OF a good eN-
nm TtIn 10 aHaW pff1 afrtaf .fH
cal her bles.ed her husband, also. ana he
praiseth her"
Mrs. Thompson was emphatcally n Chris
tian woman. In early life ste gave her heart
to HIM who when upon earth. event about
doing g0Od,n and from II i'm came the iuspira-
ton and the strength Of her no bic and benil-
cent lie. She had the same mind that was
In Christ'-the mind Of gentleness. goodness.
meeknees and felf-sacfi Ice. that which sunk
self and selt-seekng M the doing OF the
Fathers WILL Upon this foundation was
built her strong, beautiful and symmetrical
character. None other than this would have
been sufficient.
such lie necessarily nltimates in n blessed
immortality. For ~ physical death rs u very
small matter-better than this: IL an un-
mixed blessing. Death merely transi ated her
TO place for which she was fully prepared
where she will breathe an atmosphere for
which her pure spirit ie exactly fitted. There
her earthly life simply expands and enlargcs
aud takes fresh start IN q blisefu progress
sion.
The bereavement IL for the loved ones LEFT
behind. but 10 them remain her example and
her influence priceless legacy. The innu-
euce cannot lie. and must ever remain toele-
yate and 90 bless. The example can boz safely
followed 20 the temporal and eternal gain Of
those who inherit the legacy. For this "elert
LADY, her children could offer no better
PRAYER, II prayer she nov needed than hIe.
"hive her Of the fruit ~ her hHnds, ana LED
her own works praise her in the gates"
surely. then, we may repeat that the iifp
which has just closed wHs mo ordinary lfo.
and that b has ln 10 q meaning md lesson
we'll worthy of tho attention ~ the liylHg
May the meaning Oo understood and the leo
eon Do wei learned. p. Is. A.
sATAvEhu. GA..ffIr 81 fae