Sad Death.

We regret to learn of the death of Mr. NEWTON J. LOCKRIDGE, son of Mr. James Lockridge, of this county.  He died on the 18th inst., after two weeks illness of congestion of the bowels.  His remains were buried on the 19th at Tumlins graveyard.  He was nearly twenty-one years old.

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July 12, 1877
Page 3.

Obituary.

NEWTON J. LOCKRIDGE, son of James and Nancy Lockridge, died on the 18th of June, 1877, in the 21st year of his age.  The subject of this notice was known by the name of “Thad,” and he was well known to the writer, and the people of his neighborhood.

It was his fortune to have been brought up in habits of industry, by substantial, pious parents; and it can be truthfully said of him, that from his early boyhood, he never ate the bread of idleness.  Work was no drudgery to him, and it could always be known upon what part of the farm “Thad” was at work, by his merry laugh, and cheerful voice.

He was the child of prayer and two years ago, his parents hearts were made glad by his coming out on the Lord’s side, and uniting himself with the church of Christ; casting his lot among the Lord’s people.

His heavenly Father was good to him, and shortened the days of his warfare with sin and temptation upon earth and when the pale messenger was sent to announce to him that his work upon earth was done, he found him, in the discharge of his duty, obeying the commands of his earthly parents.

His sickness was severe, and his sufferings great, but his mind remained clear to the last.  He had a premonition that his sickness would end only in death, and he repeatedly told his parents, that “the Lord was with him, and if it was his will, he was ready to go.”

In the death of this boy, in the early dawning of his manhood, amid the fairest prospects of happiness and usefulness, there is much to excite the deepest sympathy in the heartrending grief of parents, brothers and sisters.  Viewed by the eye of sense, it is indeed a dark and distressing dispensation.  But the eye of faith, a far different view is presented.  He died in the faith and hope of the gospel.

Seldom has there been witnessed such patient resignation, under agonizing pains, such entire deliverance from the fear of death, or such joyful willingness to depart, and be with Christ.  He has chosen that good part, which can never be taken from him.

Be comforted mourning parents; you are more honored in having such a dead son, than you could be if you had living ones seated upon earthly thrones.

S. W. L.