Mary Elizabeth Thornton was born on the 16th of December 1831 in the little village of Tong At the age of about four years the learned to read with great facility, and indeed began early to give indi cations of an ardent thirst for knowledge and intense delight in reading. Half a year afterwards her parents removed to Fulnec, but previously to that she had lodged there with some several kind friends, that she might have the benefit of the day schools. For seven years she remained there,

though not attending school regularly, as her mother required her assistance in the household duties. The pleasure she seemed to feel in her studies while at school, and the progress she made during that short period, together with her affec tion for teachers & companions, were gratifying proofs to her dear parents that she was under the fixed influ ence of correct principles, in endea vouring to redeem the time she felt of so great value. In her 16th year she went to Bootle where she remained for 7 months, but owing to her health & the removal of the family to London she was obliged to return home. While there the enjoyed the Society of a Christian minister of the established Church, of whom she often spoke & from those conver aations ahe derived great benefit. Her health improving, she went to Lancashire, but as in the course of a few months, a change seemed desirable both by her parents & Br Miller, the latter took her into his own house, where she remained about a year & nine months. During her stay in Salem, she experienced much blessing, by occasion of her reception into the Church (of Christ) by the rite

of confirmation. Though we were not with her at the time, the remembrance she left be hind her with a few friends, leads us to believe that there existed a feeling of Christian fellowship between her and the little flock in Salem, with which she was connected, which affords a pleasing recollection to her sorrowing relations. Owing to circumstances her return home was thought desirable by her parents, she having a large family also required her assistance Beautiful instances might be given of her now chastened delight in the society of her parents & friends, and her deep solitude for the wellfare of her brothers & sisters. The Sabbath services were enjoyed with a keener relish, never had home been so sweet, or did the wishes of her parents meet with such a warm response, as at this time, for it was her delight, to do everything in her power to assist them in their various duties, as long as her health would permit. In December 1853 she took violent cold & cough, which never left her, but gradually brought to the lingering diseaze which terminated her life Owing to the particular nature of her complaint, she always entertained the hope that she was better which her

friends were always glad to admit, as they wished it to be so, as much as she herself did. But finding it was the Lords will that she should not be restored, it was pleasing to see her calm resignation to Him, who she said “did all things well.” She was many times asked during her illness, if she could resign herself to the Lords will, whether He should take her or restore her, but she always replied that she tried to do so, & being naturally of a reserved disposition, her friends took it for granted that she did so, and her calm & happy death afforded a sufficient proof. A few evenings before her departure, her little brother having gone in to bid her good night, she asked him if he prayed to our Savior to take her to himself, when he innocently replied “yes,” and she appeared quite pleased that he did so. The day before she died her father read the texts, and the passage for the day, from Bogatzky’s Golden Treasury, and the verses attached to them were “Let me but hear my Savior say, – Strength shall be equal to thy day, – Then I re joice in deep distress, – Leaning on all sufficient grace – I glory infirmity, – That Christ’s own power may rest on me,

When I am week, then I am strong. Grace is my shield & Christ my song. On hearing these, she exclaimed, Oh! that is enough for me! On the day she died her brothers & sisters were called into her room at her request, that she might take leave of them which she did in a manner that will not easily be chased from their memory. A short time before she expired, she requested her friends to sing for her the hymn, “For ever with the Lord” Being very anxious to have it sung, she began herself & joined in the singing of the whole hymn as well as she was able. When it was con cluded, she wished the evening hymn to be sung during which she sank into unconscious stumber, and we believe sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. From this brief narrative drawn up by her relations it is evident that our late Sister was acquainted with our Savr & that the instructions she received in Childhood were blessed to her soul. The time of her residence in Salem espec ially in the family of Br & Sr Miller was in important period of her life for then the Lord opened her heart that she attended to the things that make for our peace. On her return home about 4 years ago, and for some time after, she showed an humble teachable spirit and an eager desire for spiritual conversation.

Latterly tho’ her conduct was always correct, she did not evince the same openheartedness, and that desire after spiritual food, which caused an anxious fear on her account, that a spiritual decline had taken place, and that the world was drawing her aside from the simplicity of Christ. Of this she herself spoke in the latter days of her life, and sorrowed over the sad effects of remisness in watchfulness & prayer. This together with her naturally very reserved disposition, made it difficult at first to draw her out into conver sation on the state of her heart. She clung to life and from the flattering nature of her complaint, she cherished the hope of recovery till within a few weeks of her dissolution, ever after it was apparent to her friends from her increasing weakness that she would not recover. Latterly she shared a greater desire after spiritual conversation & and reading and desired that prayer should be offered up in her room. Once she said, “I often reflect on what you day, tho’ I cannot express my feelings, & when I lift my heart up to our Savior, he meets me.” On Saturday 7th she expressed a strong desire once more to enjoy the holy Communion and said “now I have given up the hope of being able to go to Chapel & I should feel it a favour to have it administered in my room.” On that occasion she spoke freely of the state of her heart, and expressed a wish that any the most searching question should be put to her, as she felt the great importance of being prepared What she said, confirmed the hope

we had entertained, that Jesus was not an unknown Saviour to her – and, that the way of peace & happiness thro’ faith in his blood, was one in which she had walked. Yet a mist seemed to hang over her path and she had not a cheerful bright prospect. Knowing that she had forsaken the Lord & grieved his holy Spirit, she felt confused & afraid. The confidence of faith had left her, & like many others she was looking for the evidences of her justifications in her own feelings, and expecting to see these before she could lay hold of the hope of the Gospel. Looking for the fruits be fore the branch was grafted into the vine or the tree planted. Being directed to turn to our Saviour just as she felt and assured of his mercy & readiness to forgive & to heal our backslidings her mind was much comforted. The texts of Scripture that were repeated were blessed

by the holy spirit to her soul. These were the words of Jesus, I am the resurrection & the life he that believeth in me, etc and I am he that liveth & was dead and behold I am etc and I have set before thee an open door etc. These texts and this conversation she referred to several times in the following week and wished the texts to be read. On Sunday 8th the H. Comn was administered to her & the family in presence of a few friends. It proved a great re freshment to her and tho’ the service had as we feared, exhausted her, yet she was able to take the air in the evening her dear father driving her out in a gig. But this proved the last time of her leaving the sick chamber. The following night she became much worse, difficulty of breathing came on, & she had a restless night. But the following day she was cheerful & composed and spoke with joy

of the prospect of going home saying “I have no fear. I can give all up Jesus will receive me.” On Tuesday however her mind was not so composed, and what she said led us to see, that the H. Ghost was deepening his own work on her heart, probing the wounds and showing her more of her own vileness, that he might thus prepare her for richer displays of the Grace of Jesus. On Friday morning the writer of this witnessed a scene of the most solemn & affecting nature. The dear patient felt that the time of her departure was drawing nigh and desired to see & take leave of all the family. With composure of mind she gave each of her brothers & sisters words of admonition, that retrust will not be lost or forgotten. Earnestly did she exhort them to love our Saviour to walk in his ways, that they might all meet again in heaven. After this with upfolded hands, she com mended them in prayer to our Saviour and was heard in broken accents saying “dear Savior bless them” bless all and bless all my kind friends who have been so kind to me bless them O Jesus!” It was good to be there for the presence of Jesus was powerfully felt of this the dear patient testified saying “I feel his nearness. I am his he is mine he will not leave me.” At her request we then sung a few verses in which she joined, expressive of the happiness of the redeemed around the throne. And having in prayer commended her departing spirit of Jesus the blessing the Lord has imparted to her she joined in the singing of the words “In the name

of Jesus. Amen! In the afterpart of the day she revived a little till about 11 O’Clock at night when a change was perceptible. She requested that some verse might be sung & selected them herself and was so collected & interested in the service, that once the began the tune, and corrected her dear father who had read a word wrong. The concluding verses of the hymn sung were we believe expressive of the state of her mind, and of the bliss ha she now enjoys. 125 Ps – v 7- 10 “For ever with the Lord!” etc.