Thompson, Ethel (1885-1899)

Transcription of Obituary In the Christian Messenger

MISS ETHEL THOMPSON.— Much sympathy has been felt and in many ways expressed, for Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Thompson, the esteemed circuit steward of Blackburn First circuit, in the removal of their only daughter Ethel to the higher service and joy of heaven. She was fair and lovely in her person, and was remarkable for her kind, gentle, sweet disposition. She was as a lovely and fragrant flower of grace in the Lord’s garden on earth. She greatly prized the Sabbath school and dearly loved the House of God. When unwell, she was reluctant in acknowledging it, for fear of not being permitted to attend. She was a most dutiful daughter and a diligent missionary collector. Her beautiful, winsome spirit endeared her to a large circle of friends; this was manifested by the numerous letters and wreaths sent by many on hearing of her decease. The foundation of the disease which cut short her career occurred seven years ago, when she had rheumatic fever, which left her heart weak and diseased. Her last illness was short, but severe, but there was wonderful patience and resignation, and the lovely fruits and fragrant odours of holiness were seen and felt in her sick-room. She frequently spoke and asked her parents questions about heaven. A fortnight before her death, her father went into her room and said, ‘Ethel, it is your fourteenth birthday to-day.’ ‘Yes, father,’ she replied, ‘but there are no years in heaven.’ After seven days’ severe affliction, on Saturday morning, April 15th, she fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, and without a sigh her ransomed spirit was conveyed from its frail tenement to ‘the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,’ there to join with seraphs in singing the praises of Him she loved so dearly.
Thou art gone to the grave, but ’twere vain to deplore thee
When God was thy ransom, thy Guardian and Guide.
He gave thee, He took thee, and He will restore thee,
And death hath no sting, since the Saviour hath died.

JOHN WHITTLE.

Family

Ethel was born in 1885 at Blackburn, Lancashire, to parents Daniel, a draper, and Hannah.

References

Christian Messenger 1899/313

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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