devotedness to the interests of mankind. 0 redeem me from the love of earthly things: enable me to live loose to the world and its entangling cares and setting my affections on heaven, may I know my heart and treasure to be there."

He

His untiring industry in the cause of popular education is very cordially acknowledged by the committee of the British and Foreign School Society, on the occasion of his death. They say: "Mr. Robert Forster joined the committee in the year 1817, and from the very first took a most unusual interest in the work of the society. soon became distinguished above others, by the regularity of his attendance, being scarcely ever absent; by his incessant labours; and by the almost enthusiastic attachment to the great principle of freedom of conscience, in connexion with Scriptural education for all. During the fifty-six years that his name was on mittee, he was, until laid aside by illness, unsparing in the dedication of his time and strength to the service of the society,-a service which was to him not a toil, but a joy. His advocacy of it, both personally and by correspondence, was unwearied. For many years, in times of depression and trial, he seemed to be

the list of the com

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essential to the Institution. He was the referee in every difficulty, and always ready to take his full share both of labour and responsibility."

We may add to the above remarkable testimony, that Robert Forster was a hearty and diligent fellow-labourer in the work of the AntiSlavery Society, and faithful to the many calls upon his time and energy in connection with the Society of Friends. He was for many years an Elder and a member of the Meeting for sufferings: and was especially distinguished by his feeling and kind encouragement to all in trouble, and particularly to young men. Yet by wisely redeeming the time, his active philanthrophy had full play, while fully engaged in his ordinary business.

After passing the age of sixty, he reviews his standing. 12th mo., 1852. "The day is far spent, the evening of life has commenced. Already I have entered the seventh decade of years. Very solemn have been my feelings in viewing the past, present, and future! O Lord! so teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. I feel some ability to adopt the language, 'I have none in heaven but Thee, O Lord! and none on earth that I desire in comparison of Thee.' O Lord! under a feeling sense

of manifold sins of omission and commission, I would humbly ask Thy forgiveness for the sake of Jesus Christ, my dear Saviour. Grant, O Lord, Thy constraining and restraining grace may be with me; that, being kept from the evil workings of a heart prone to sin, I may be daily devoted to Thy service. Grant that I may love Thee with increased earnestness and fervour, and be found manifesting my love by keeping Thy commandments, and loving my fellow-men as myself. O blessed Jesus! Thou art touched with a feeling of my infirmities: succour me, I pray Thee, in every time of need."

For the last several years, Robert Forster was much withdrawn from public life, under a gradual decline of the mental powers, and much physical weakness, which was considerably increased by an injury in the back. All this was very affecting to behold; but it was instructive and comforting to witness his great patience and cheerful submission. Full of love to all, his was an atmosphere of peace and it was very evident that he, who had in his day of vigour prayed for constraining and restraining grace, was now upheld and comforted to the end, by the Saviour's sustaining grace also. "God is love and he who dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John, iv. 16.)

ANNE FORSTER.

It is with a sense of personal bereavement to very many, far and near, as well as to her beloved surviving sisters, that some record is given of this precious Friend, who was indeed a light in her own home, and in the village in which she lived for so many years; and a centre of love and sympathy to a large circle of Friends. To those who knew her intimately, there was a charm in her gentle manners and sweet countenance, and a felt power of sustaining help in her deep sympathy and faithful unchanging friendship, especially in seasons of trial and affliction.

Her kindness to those suffering from illness was one channel in which her Christian sympathy often flowed. She was unwearied in her efforts to devise means to alleviate their sufferings, and by kind and loving words to soothe and cheer those, who were experiencing the many trials which are so often the portion of the invalid. Thus her removal is felt to be a great loss to many suffering ones.

Much of her time and talents were cheerfully spent in benevolent efforts to relieve the poor, and to educate the ignorant; and in seeking to elevate this class of society, both morally and spiritually. She was diligent in her labours of

love. The duty of rightly using the passing hours as they fly, and of redeeming the time, seemed ever on her mind, even from very early life. Thus did she afford a practical lesson of obedience to the Apostolic precept, "Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

Her Christian character was more evinced by her daily actions and habitual feelings, than by much expression in words. But the sweet savour of her gentle and loving spirit, and the records contained in her private journals, evince a truly exercised mind, concerned to press forward in the Christian life, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Her life latterly was much bound up with that of her beloved brother, Robert Forster, especially when his state of health made him very dependent on the watchful and soothing attentions of his sisters. Her heart yearned towards him, when feeble and declining, with peculiar tenderness; and when suddenly at last, in his case, the silver cord of life was loosed, and the golden bowl was broken, it seemed as if her work on earth was ended.

She survived the shock of his sudden release only a very few days. She was taken ill the same afternoon that he fell asleep. No alarm

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