Great their affliction, deep is their sorrow,
But slowly and surely time will it heal,
Love is a blessing they cannot borrow,
We will not ask them to tell how they feel.
CAPTAIN ARCHIE MORRISON.
On the 31st day of May, 1900, a bolt of lightning struck one of the spars on a new steamer nearly finished, but still on the stocks, at St. Clair, Michigan, and instantly killed three men, of whom Archie Morrison was one. Mr. Morrison was a good man. I knew him well, and wrote the following testimonial to his character, to comfort his family and friends.
Come, death, in a flash from the sky!
Come in the lightning’s stroke!
Our Archie was prepared to die,
He well had worn his yoke.
No notice, or threat was needed,
He lived in peace with God,
The golden rule he had heeded,
And virtue’s path had trod.
He had no forgiveness to ask,
He did not give offense,
No person could bring him to task,
He needed no defense.
True as a magnet to the pole,
He did what conscience said,
He took the advice of his soul,
And followed where it led.
With carefulness he steered his ship,
To a port of safety,
And well may those who make the trip,
Follow pilot Archie.
For him no pity need be sought,
His sorrows are all past,
His noble character he brought
Safe to heaven at last.