The news & observer., 1898-06-12

of the Father and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost: Amen"
Such were the daily labor and work
of this excellent man. Earnestly he
struggled in his loved work. Difficulties
nor obstacles impeded nor Overcame him.
He saw his numbers, then comparatively
small, increasing steadily day by day,
until now. from his "sainted seat on
high" his eye can rest with JOY and
gladness upon the largest and most in
huential religious denomination in this
State, and perhaps in the entire South.
OF the private character Of Elder
Thompson too much cannot be said. My
pen is not adequate 20 its just presenta-
ton. His private character was as pure
as the driven snow, and as healthful as
the mountain breeze. He knew no de-
ceptiOn; he never harbOred an enviOus
thought or desire, or secreted a malicious
feeling or purpose. He was kind to the
poor and nursed the sick, and no sacri-
fee was too great if it savOred Of a
good end. His record may we'll be imi-
tated and his life is an example worthy
to be followed.
He was typical Baptist preacher.
His church was above all earthly cares.
| vinced of it's truth and authenticity, aud
he defended its doctrines with earnest
ness and zeal. He saw only, he felt
only, and he preached only. Zone Lord.
one faith and one baptism" The tree
grew as it was bent in his bOyhood,
and in his manhood he buckled on the
armor of Christ and fought His bat
| ties to his life's end He had fought
the good fight and had kept the faith"
and was certain of the "crown Of
righteousness" from the hands of the
Righteous Judge.
George Matthias Thompson died on the
9th day of November, 1850, in the cOun-
ty Of Halifax. in the 4Sth year Of his
age. At the time of his death he was on
his way to attend the session Of the
Baptist State convention. then soon to
be held in the town Of LOuisburg. He
stopped over and preached for
the people at Antioch church,
near Halifax, and like Christie
pher Thomas Bailey, fell in the pulpit
while preaching. The summons came to
them while engaged in their lifelong
work. and their careers were ended in
the open service and devotion of their
Lord and Master.
He was carried to the house Of Mr..
Joseph Perkins. and died in a few days.
At that time railroad lines were not
much extended. and his wife could not
reach his bedside before his death. re-
member well the gloom that pervaded
the town upon the announcement Of his
death. and upon the arrival of his re-
mains, for that community and that Sec
ton recognized the loss sustained.
He was buried in the garden, near the
home where he had spent so many hap
py and joyous days in the bosom of a
contented family; and not far distant
from the old Meherrin the scene Of his
frequent baptismal work; and where
they now lie in quiet peace, they win
there repose until ''the trumpet shall
sound and the dead shall be raised.
Elder Thompson died as he had lived,
a true man of God A star in the earth
~ galaxy ceased to shine, but it shOne in
heaven. and its brightness became more
luminous than the light of day.
He could say with the Psalmist, "the
Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and
my deIiverer: my God, my strength, in
whom l will trust; my buckler, and the
horn of my salvation, and my high tow
er."
And again with the Psalmist. Lord,
who shall abide in Thy tabernacle?
Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He
that walketh uprightly and wOrketh
righteousness, and speaketh the truth in
his heart"
He knew that if he were faithful unto
death he would receive the crown OF
righteousness"
The crown is placed upon him, and the
presence of the Lord, and the communion
of saints. and the everlasting life, will
abide with him forever and forever.