DEATH OF MR. THOMAS GORDON March 5, 1897 The fear we expressed last week, regarding the recovery of Mr. Gordon, proved only too prophetic, for on Friday afternoon, surrounded by his sorrowing family, he passed away to is eternal rest. It is given to few men to gain for themselves such widespread and sincere respect as Mr. Gordon commanded throughout his business career. In gentleness and manner and kindliness of disposition he could not have been excelled, his personal character being altogether admirable. He was essentially a man who made for himself troops of friends and never an enemy. His perfect frankness was a charming feature, and in all the relations of life, social and business, his candour and openness of mind enlisted confidence and begot regard and esteem. As a merchant he was probity itself. During a long life he was diligent in business and highly honourable in all his transactions. A consistent member of the Methodist Church, he was above all things else a Christian gentleman. He made no obtrusive profession of his faith; but for practical piety and true worth Mr. Thomas Gordon was an exemplar whom all might well imitate, as all could sincerely appreciate. If we mistake not, Mr. Gordon was the oldest member of the Board of Town Commissioners. At the Board he never permitted personal feelings or sympathies to prevail when the interests of the ratepayers were clearly defined in another direction. While never aggressive, he knew how to be firm and resolute, but his determination was always associated with courtesy. For some three years he was in rather declining health, but it was within the past few months only that his friends really marked the gravity of the ailment to which he was a victim. During his final illness he was tended and nursed with the most sedulous and affectionate care. He was perfectly prepared for death, looking forward to it with the calmness and serenity of one who hailed a pure and blameless life, full of faith and hope. As might naturally be expected, the deepest sympathy is felt with his widow and family to whom Mr. Gordon spoke a dying charge to each, which have no doubt, will be remembered and observed. He will be sadly missed from that happy family circle, but the larger home circle above, of which Christ is the central attraction, has already welcomed his liberated spirit. His absence from the congregation will be greatly felt - for he was never absent when health permitted him to be present; but the general assembly and church of the first born above, will be enlarged by his presence there. The loss of his experience, wisdom and moderation in the council chamber and board room will be regretted, but he has commenced that day and night service in the Temple above. The loss is ours, the gain is his. To die is gain indeed in such a case as his. Our sorrow is selfish. We mourn not for him, but for ourselves. His joy is unmixed with grief. Let us, my brethren, the followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. The foundation of our departed friend's happiness in life, triumph in death and has now begun eternal bliss, was Jesus and him crucified for me. In early life he discovered Christ, not only as a Saviour, but as a guide, and a helper in life's rough pathway. He has gone from us to be remembered, as he was respected by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. I have no doubt that all here desire for the sorrowing widow and now fatherless children the choicest blessings of the God of all consolation. ********************************************** On Sunday last, in Benmore Church, at morning service, Rev. Canon Tottenham, in his sermon, alluding to the death of our fellow townman, said-He will be sadly missed by many. He was so well known by everyone, so kindly and obliging at all times, that he was deservedly a favourite with all who had any dealings with him, and was universally esteemed and respected. In thinking of him as I have known him for many years, the words of the Psalmist, in the 15th Psalm, rise up instinctively in my mind-"Lord who shall dwell in Thy Tabernacle, or who shall rest upon Thy Holy Hill? Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life and that doeth the thing that is right and speaketh the truth from his heart". And one seems to feel that the character and conduct of our departed friend is there through the whole of it faithfully and truthfully described. He has left very many friends to regret him, and I do not believe that he could have had a single enemy. Let me ask for your sincere sympathy with his sorrowing bereaved family and your prayers that they may be comforted.