The coastland times with which is combined the pilot and herald of Belhaven and Swan Quarter. [volume] (Manteo, N.C.) 1959-1973, 1959-09-25
SERMONS MAY BE FOUND
IN LOSS OF A FRIEND

SERMONS MAY BE FOUND
IN LOSS OF A FRIEND
Deep within the heart is hurt
at each passing of a treasured
friend. AS age comes on, it is
more strikingly apparent how
rapidly death takes away ones
most valued friends; and finally,
it might appear to any who have
not lost their sensitivity that they
stand as one alone on a desolate
rock.
But one can find compensations
in memories; in the contemplation
of values; in the recollection of
noble and sustaining things that
have transpired through the years,
Nevertheless, there fingers for a
long time the sense of loss that
shocks the heart upon the pass
ing of a tried and true friend.
Many times year now comes
word of the loss of a friend. Such
a loss occurred last week in the
passing of Stephen Tillett of Wan
cheese. He was faithful and loyal
husband; good father; he was a
good neighbor for whose loss
strong men shed tears. He had
pride in his home and his commu-
nifty. He was unselfish, and went
far and away beyond the call of
duty to do things for his children
and his grandchildren. He sacri-
feed to render services to his
neighborhood. He was honest in
all his dealings with others, and
gave literally of his labor, and in
every task which called for his
skills, he gave his best, and fin
ished his work with mutual pride
and satisfaction.
l have known men high in
my esteem, and in my affection,
but none have held a higher place.
l try to find something of help
fulness in each loss like this. 1t
is fine to have known such peo-
pie. Their daily lives are sermons;
fine examples for others. The
church Steve Tillett loved would
not hold those who came to pay
their last tribute. 1t was one of
the two largest funerals noted in
this Methodist sanctuary.
Steve Tillett was only Ga years
old. There is comfort in the
thought that he died without suf-
fering or a long illness to weary
his life through bitter years of
pain and age. To the last, he was
busy with the things he loved to
do. To the last, he was adding to
the beauty AMI the comfort of his
community through the daily use
of his skills and his good taste
and his desire to be helpful. He
had enjoyed the summer, and the
many associations with his loved
ones that come with summer. He
had entered Autumn, and now
there will be no Winter for him.
How fortunate, most of us feel we
might be too, to be spared the
whitening, icy winds of winter,
and its bitter toll and discomfort.
How all of us would like to drift
away as one who has had the good
fortune to lie down to dreamless
and untroubled sleep.
Truly those who mourn him
may have pride in his life and
find infinite comfort from his
stainless memory. Theirs is a rich
heritage. Their heritage is pre-
cious and must be sustained as it
will sustain them in the coming
years.
at was a typical autumn day,
shot to the core with sunshine"
is my favorite among remem-
bered quotations by Henry w.
Grady. l wish l had it all at hand.
l love Autumn most of all the
seasons for the solid comfort it
provides; it's fine sleeping, its
splendid air. There is nothing
more fascinating than the harvest
season when humanity gamers
the bounty of nature and the
fruits of honest toll. 1t is time,
as Tennyson said of "Man for the
field and woman for the hearth"
which also suggests the good eat
ing that follows pleasant rides.
II like its wonderful mornings
which as Hood says "stand
shadowless like silence, listening
to silence" There is fascination
when "Coldly, sadly descends the
names that should be retained to
j begin a new season. What in ELL is