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heavenly life to arise more and more over the earthly part in me; and that as there is an apparent declension of my health, and an increasing prospect of leaving all changeable things before long, I might happily witness a well-grounded assurance of preparation for admittance into the mansions of purity and peace.

11th mo. 11th. Being first-day, I was too much unwell to go to meeting. It is long since any indisposition of body has prevented my getting to meeting. I have often gone in weakness and pain, but never knew myself worse for it. From a conscientious persuasion and convincement of duty, I have with diligence and care attended all the meetings, or most I ought to attend, for about fifteen years past; and looking over it now, affords me comfort.

12th. This day is our Quarterly meeting at Concord, which I was appointed to attend; but am not well enough; so I have no uneasiness of mind, only a kind of regret at losing an opportunity I would willingly have improved: yet through Divine kindness I feel a peaceful sense of the Lord's nearness.

14th. I attended our monthly meeting, and got through the task (being clerk,) though I felt much spent at the conclusion of the meeting; so that it seemed doubtful whether that would not be the last I should ever attend.

20th. I have for some days past felt as though I should be easier to omit making daily remarks as I have now done for about three years-almost for every day; yet there seems to lay some matter in my way to commit to writing and leave to my dear relations and friends, to peruse and use, as wisdom may teach, when I am numbered to the grave and to

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be seen of men no more-if I may, be favoured to get it done: if not and weakness should overcome, I hope I shall be easy.

5th of 12th month, he wrote a letter to his uncle John Churchman, giving a particular account of the progress of his disorder and closing with these remarks: "I have been rather better this day than for some weeks, but my disorder is very changeable, and I see no just cause to build any hopes of recovery upon such uncertain indications. What will certainly be the event of this weakness and declension of health, is hid from me; and thereunder I have at times felt a contented, peaceful resignedness.

The love I early had for thee continues, and I think this evening is comfortably renewed with increase therein this is from thy affectionate cousin."

Benjamin Ferris died in the spring, 1771, in the thirty-first year of his age. Some notice of his funeral is found in the Journal of John Churchman, who attended it the latter end of the 3d month.

A TESTIMONY

Of Baltimore monthly meeting for the Western District, concerning our deceased friend,

ELIZABETH THOMAS.

When a valuable example is removed, and the tender exhortations of a dear friend are no longer heard amongst us, we believe it may be profitable to those who have experienced such privations, to preserve some memorial of the virtues which have stood con

spicuous in her character; under the influence of these feelings, this brief account of the life of our beloved friend Elizabeth Thomas, has been written.

She was born in Kent county, in the state of Maryland, on the 18th of the 2nd month, 1778. Her parents, Robert and Ann George, were exemplary members of the society of Friends, and careful to educate their children in a knowledge of the principles which they professed. She was, however, deprived of both her parents about the twentieth year of her age, and in consequence of this loss was exposed to a path of great difficulty and danger. After their decease, she removed to reside in the family of a near relation, who were not members of our society; and was thus introduced into a circle of gay and fashionable acquaintances. But, notwithstanding the attractions and allurements by which she was surrounded, she was remarkably preserved in singleness of mind, and was a sincere lover of the Truth. She had not yet made much outward profession of religion, but continued to be a constant attender of the meeting to which she belonged, although it was situated seven miles distant from her residence, and was at that time without any outward ministry. In the twenty-third year of her age, she was married to. Philip E. Thomas, and removed to the city of Baltimore, where she continued to reside until the time of her death.

The many excellent traits which adorned her character, endeared her to all who knew her. Her natural disposition was cheerful and happy; her feelings were amiable and kind towards all; and to her family and friends, she was tenderly attached. Though possessing an abundance of the things of this world,

her mind was preserved from the influence of its fascinating pleasures. The fleet ng joys of life had not power to detach her from the path of duty; for she viewed the things of time, as unsubstantial treasure, and was sincerely desirous of laying a more sure foundation for everlasting peace. Thus impressed with a sense of our great responsibility as rational beings, her mind was seriously concerned. for the future welfare of the whole human family; and about the year 1804, she first appeared in public communication; tenderly inviting all to choose the Lord for their portion. Her gospel labours being acceptable to her friends, she was in due time received by the meeting as an approved minister.

Cherished and beloved by her friends, she lived in great harmony with them; but the endearing ties of domestic life were not permitted to engross her whole attention; in the midst of the bounties of providence, and the enjoyment of social intercourse, she remembered the poor, and tenderly sympathized with the afflicted. Notwithstanding her constitution was delicate, and the cares of a family were resting upon her, she was at all times interested in the cause of humanity; visiting the sick, and administering consolation to the sufferer. When bodily strength permitted, she was prompt in her exertions to alleviate the distresses of the needy; and the blessings which she had freely received, were dispensed with a liberal hand. But whilst engaged in these acts of benevolence, she was ever careful to avoid an ostentatious display of her own works; and in many instances, the grateful acknowledgments of those who had experienced her kindness, conveyed the only in

formation which was possessed by her most intimate friends, of what she had done.

For several years previous to her death, her health was gradually declining, and she was frequently so much reduced by disease, that there appeared but little prospect of her recovery. These afflictions she bore with that meekness which has ever characterised the true follower of Christ.

In the latter part of the year 1835, a cancerous tumour was discovered in her breast, which subjected her to much severe suffering; and in condescension to the anxious wishes of her friends, she submitted to a surgical operation. But medical skill proved unavailing: the disease again appeared with increased violence; and though she was prevailed upon to have the operation repeated, she appeared herself perfectly sensible that no benefit would result from it. As the disease progressed, her sufferings became more severe, which produced extreme debility of the nervous system, and rapidly prostrated her remaining strength. She was still graciously supported through all her sufferings; frequently expressing an entire resignation to the Divine will, and a firm conviction that this visitation was permitted, not wholly on her own account, but that if duly improved, it would be sanctified to some others.

In the early part of the 9th month, 1837, she became very feeble, so that she was seldom able to sit up; but still continued to converse with her friends. Upon one occasion, when surrounded by her family, after a time of solemn quiet, she said, "The day that I have just passed, has been to me a season of sore and deep affliction; and Oh! that I may be supported

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