MERCY’S GATES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3840, 30 November 1936, Page 5

MERCY’S GATES

THE FUNERAL OF JAMES BENSON. The recent death of Mr James Benson, a very old resident of Kihikihi, has prompted the following lines from the pen of an old friend. Mr George Rigg, who was one of three residents of Kihikihi with noteworthy records, and all of whom were present at the funeral. The gentlemen referred to are Messrs J. R. Anderson, aged 79; F. R. Moody, aged 80; and George Rigg, aged 83. All three have resided at Kihikihi for well beyond tho half-century—actually thoir residence aggregates 55 years. The lines referred to were suggested hy attendance at Mr Benson’s funeral. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust!” And will these lines be said o’er mine? Shall I, too, wear a shroud—and must These quiv’ring limbs with earth combine? Alas, and at no distant day, Children, perhaps of mine, may come And smiling bear the flowers away That, nourished by my body, bloom: What man denies, in heaven is found; There Mercy’s gates wide open stand; There the poor prodigal is owned, And welcomed to a happier land. We three old friends, who went along Our last respects to pay ; May we be found acceptable On the great Judgment Day!