The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1905-05-31
Kathryn Thompson.

Throughout our city there was
beartache when, on Friday morning
Nav goth, it was learned that llttle
I<athrvn. daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
George w. Thompson, had gone from
among us, whose hearts her wonder
fully sweet presence had so OFTEN III
up with radiance passing speech. 10
be sure it is not for long; Tor the
Father has taken her to our eternal
home. To be sure it is well with her,
so fit was she for the company OF the
angels. But our hearts are sore never
theless; for life cannot be what IL
was since she is gone, and brief though
the intcrium be and rich the compen-
sation of hone there is in the circle
of her sweet life, amongst little
friends who knew so well her
unselfish companionship, amongst her
elders who never saw her without
receiving a fresh access of that which
sweetens life, and in that home OF
which she was the light and the joy
there is a vacancy that speaks elo-
quently of Heavens gain.
Heaven lies round about us in our
childhood" says the poet. In truth
Kathryn's little ten years were full OF
Heaven. Singularly bright of mind
and spirit, delicate of physique, she
seemed meant to dwell with us just
long enough to show how pure and
sweet life may be, how much of hap
piness a little body just from the
bosom of God may radiate, and then
to return to the congenial cline
whence she came. Is it not we'll that
the shadows of earth never crept upon
her? Is it not we'll that we can look
back and say, unstained by conscious
sin, untouched by grief, unmarried by
ruthless time. so tenderly sheltered by
mothers and fathers love, happy,
pure, sweet and bright far beyond her
years, her life was complete, her min
stry even more perfect than it might
have been?
How much she meant to us all.
How good it was to greet her and re-
ceive in return that tender, ingenious
and confiding greeting in her eyes
and voice. How much of sweetness
and innocent joy she gave forth.
How dear were her ways. How did
she soften every heart and make room
for the real elements of life. Her
ministry was as full and perfect as an
angels. Well may we think that He
who said, .fOf such is the Kingdom
of Heaven" sent her rather than an
angel to live with us and teach us.
For God speaks best to us, makes
most clear His meanings, reveals to
us tIlG SeCEclS VI me- anu ieCuS us To
Himself by means of our children.
So in ten years Kathryn's life was
complete. She had made the perfect
music. She had performed her min
istry and she went. home. Her mind
was so active and advanced, her ways
so far beyond her years, her spirit
so fine that they consumed the little
body; but not in vain. See how much
she ministerial See how full of
meaning her life!
We are better because she lived
and even in her absence fond mem
cries will minister for her; while, as
the shades come on, how fair and al
Turing she makes the prospect of
Heaven Let us trust her to Him
who gave and who has taken her
away. Hard though it seems now.
He was not less loving when He took
her to Himself than when He gave
her to us. Very soon we shall under
stand how well Gods ways are right
and how what seemed reproof was
Ioce most true j. w. B.