The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1903-10-16
OBITUARY


Ethel, beloved daughter Of James
and Miranda Preston, born July
27th, 1886, was married to Robert
l., Atkinson Augrst 26th, 1903, died
September 25th, 1903.
With the most profound sorrow
we write these lines. Ethel wac
the youngest daughter OF the house,
petted and loved by all who knew
hcr--and she is gone, Only those
who have buried their last daugh-
ier can know the grief OF those fond
parents. Only we who have seen
the cold earth cover our own dear
sisters can know the despair
In the hearts OF her brothers
and sisters, But from every
Zip we hear the words, Everybody
loved Ethel; she was so good"
There is o world OF comfort in that
word "goodn. Ii is the very best
/ thing TO be truly said OF her; IL
means every thing, A good sister,
agood daughter, good wife, a
good christian, and at last shin
ing angel, and yet, there is SO much
Of sadness In her death. She had
long been engaged to be married
to Robert Atkinson but was taken
sick and had TO be propped up by
pillows on her bed OF pain to bo
married. One month later she was
( consigned 10 the narrow limits OF
tho tomb, her wedding dress her
shroud, the bridal wreath above
her palo, pure forehead, and Rob-
bic left to a lonely desolate life.
= We had hoped for brighter, hap
pier lot for him our friend In whose
joys we are happy, whose SORROWS
we pity. 1t seemed that they were
so well suited TO each other, that
there was long life OF usefulness
and happiness before them, and it
is so bitterly hard to think that
she Is gone. Yet 1t Is written,
Blessed are the dead that die in
the Lord, for they rest from their
lahorS and their works do follow
them,r And Ethel died In the trl,
umph OF n living faith. She called
them all around her bed, gave each
a rose, and kissed them all good
bye. When asked II she woulC
, rather Ego to Jesus or stay will
/, her young husbandn shc said sh,
r would rather go, but she won from
him promise to meet her II
Heaven, and soon after fell asleel
A in the arms OF Jesus. What glo
A rlous thought Of that reunion an,
A the long forever over there. Sh
II was 80 fair and sweet and gentl,
a too fragile flower to longer bloor
10 aud brighton the cold world. Go
a wanted her to bloom in paradis
4, where flowers do not fade or love
liness decay, yet, how we longe
to keep her. With what untlrln
patience did her loved ones strlv
to keep her with them longer, bu
). It was not to be, The dear sIste'
d the loving daughter, the sweet gil
: wife must go the way OF all flest
y You will find her there watchln
:, aud waiting for you, She Is IA
Il happier there, for "those who &
r. arehappier than those left behind.
d They nave Heaven, we have emp
5 ty homes, aching hearts, trials AM
! temptations, tears, sorrows, an,
= bereavements. May God bless an
). comfort YOU and give you divin
} grace to bear this sad trial, ,patlenc
to run the race that is set befor
you, and keep you al faithful I'll
you meet Ethel In Heaven, for sh
is there.
'e Let this thy sad heart cheer
~ When by earth's cares oppressed,
NJ THY feet are pressing near
v. The sweet eternal rest
h, Though rough the way appear
IN Be not discouraged, friend,
p. For God himself is near
:. To succor and defend.
he Let not thy courage fail,
MS Though dark the path may be.
no Trust Him who said my strength
,o Sufficient is for thee;
:, Beyond thy feeble sight,
~ Where day reigns ever free
:" Some day the gates of light
CT win open wide for thee
al. va. n,sp.,r...