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unite with others in the great work of visiting and helping female prisoners; and to the latest period of her life her heart was still in the work. She never seemed to enjoy life more than when engaged in works of benevolence, and would most cheerfully bear physical suffering to do so, when her natural strength was declining.

It was on the Fourteenth of Second month, 1873, that the sad accident occurred, which occasioned severe injury to the hip. Her sufferings from the first were very great; but when at any time relieved, she was always ready to speak of it, saying, Now I am comfortable Yes, very; I have no pain "-"I have had some sleep "-with other grateful expressions.

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Very sweet and patient was her spirit throughout this most touching illness; and in the last conflict it was evident to those around her, that our gracious Lord was near to sustain and comfort her. To this most precious assurance, she more than once assented, saying, "Oh, yes;" "yes"--and seemed comforted with texts of Holy Scripture, and a few hymns that were occasionally repeated, asking for them, and desiring that we would pray for her; more than once she said, "it cannot be long." Oh, the sweet smile, that was on the countenance when the last breath

was drawn,-did seem to tell that the joys of heaven were hers. It was on the 24th of Second month, 1873, about seven o'clock in the morning, that she was called away to be "for ever with the Lord."

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One of her relations, looking back now over long past years, says, 'with regard to my dear cousin Mary Forster, I might almost say, 'I thank my God on every remembrance of thee."

ROBERT FORSTER.

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In reviewing the active Christian course of this much valued Friend, we are reminded of our Saviour's answer to the enquiring scribe, recorded with slight variation in three of the Evangelists, that the first of all the commandments is, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and strength and mind; and the second is like unto it, namely, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. appears to have been his early aim and prayer, to walk in the way of these great commandments. His affections were very strong, and for his parents he maintained a reverential love and honour. Especially did he strive to comfort and cheer them in their declining days. His love and kindness were not however limited to merely family ties, but he learnt the great lesson of evangelical benevolence; that every man is a brother,

and everyone we find in trouble a neighbour, to share our love and aid.

He was born in the year 1792, and at the age of nineteen, we find the following thoughts occupying his mind:-10th mo., 1811. "Walked over to Wembley and back (about twenty-six miles) to attend to business. During such lonesome walks, while the mind is lifted up to contemplation, I am often led with astonishment to admire the beauteous works of God's creation; and can frequently cry aloud to the Lord, and praise His boundless love thus displayed, in allotting to His creature, man, such numberless unmerited mercies."

The year following, 1812, his mind is much impressed with the noble and pious exertions of many of his countrymen, in support of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and "earnestly do I crave (he writes) of Almighty God His blessing on their endeavours. Should any opportunity offer for my assisting in any way this noble work, I hope to spare no pains, but readily do what I can, be it ever so small." At this period the Bible Society was beginning to extend its operations, though its annual income was only one-sixth of what it is now. The memorandum was followed

by a prayer; "O Thou who art my God, my

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Father, and my Friend, be pleased more and more clearly to shew Thy Divine will concerning me. Enable me, when I read the Holy Scriptures, clearly to discern the true meaning, that by Thy assistance I may lead a life conformable thereto, that I may grow in grace, and increase in favour more and more with Thee, hoping for mercy and salvation at the last day, through the mediation of the dear Redeemer. Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commit myself."

While however his brother Josiah was led to throw his energies for many years into the executive work of the Bible Society, Robert Forster, with like industry and perseverance, enlisted himself in the work of the British and Foreign School Society. At the age of twenty, he writes from the schoolroom, Tottenham, on the first opening of the Boys' Lancasterian School, which he had taken a great part in establishing: "I record with pleasure the satisfaction I have this morning felt in registering the boys for school. We have received eighty. The parents express great thankfulness; and I hope both they and their children will have cause to bless the day, on which so good a work was begun, and that the Lord may regard it for good; into whose hands I

desire to commit the work."

As we find it now, his observing mind even then, soon came in contact with the great enemy of the improvement contemplated. 21st of 8th mo., 1814. "I see almost daily with increasing sorrow the evil effects of drunkenness! and what misery the public houses occasion! While the labourer is spending his hard-earned wages, how his family are suffering at home, not only the want of proper support; but by the baneful effects of such evil doings, the poor children's morals are laid waste! The evil is enormous, its effects are terrible and destructive. It is indeed high time that some steps were taken to remove this growing and crying sin!"

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Side by side with active Christian labour, we find the practice of private devotion. "My heart is overflowing with love, (25th of 9th mo., 1841)fervent are my desires for the happiness and wellbeing of my fellow-creatures. I long that all may come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved. My heart is led tenderly to sympathize with those who suffer, from whatever cause; and I long that the consolations of the gospel may abound. Religion is the cure for every wound which sin inflicts it is the healing balm for every sorrow which God permits. O God! quicken in me, I pray Thee, yet more love to Thee, and more

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