TRIBUTE OF RESPECT.
“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the death, than the day of one’s birth.”

As a neighbor, brother farmer and friend, I write these lines to the memory of JOHN R. HOOD, who died of consumption, near Cartersville, Bartow county, on the 10th of February last, in the 34th year of his age.

He was brought up by a mother noted for her fervent piety, and strong Christian faith, and when she was left a widow, about the time John developed into manhood, she found that her earnest prayers for him had not been in vain.  He took his father’s place, and devoted himself to the comfort and support of his mother and unmarried sisters.

His constitution was enfeebled by exposure during the late war, but his will enabled him to triumph over pain and weakness, and almost unassisted, he exhorted from his mother’s farm, a comfortable living for those dependant on him.

Among his comrades and companions, he was an example to those who wished to do well, and a reproach to those who were idle and vicious.  For he was as honest and faithful as he was industrious and energetic.

From overwork during the last wheat harvest he was taken sick and his lungs became affected.  It was soon evident that his work on earth was done.  Through all the weary months of confinement and suffering he was tenderly nursed by his mother and sisters.  He learned to bear his affliction with Christian fortitude, and when the pale messenger came he expressed himself as ready to go, trusting all to his Savior.

Such a man is not only a loss to his family, but to his neighborhood and county.

But he is gone and the places that knew him once will know him no more forever.

He has quitted the temporary tent in the wilderness, that he might go to the family home in Heaven.  His sun has gone down, ere yet it was noon; but to him the rising morn, though eclipsed on earth, has been merged into the brightness of a day that shall know no cloud, no dusk or evening, and no shade of night.

The prop of his aged mother has been withdrawn, and the heart that beat with filial love is still.  May He who has promised to be with his people “when they pass through the waters,” and “walk through the fire” and that “even the hoar hairs” will carry them graciously comfort and sustain her under this sore and heavy trial.

S. W. L.