Mat! V7- ; ^ f ■■ O ^ pamphle'^ Puke Univer&iiy Library MEMOIR =QF^ e-^N9 e^ e^l>)T) s-^-o' (L^S?’ C)'So C^i^-sO og-xJ ^s — BY — -K-]VI]^^. ]V[. £. LiplD^/iy-ii- DUE WEST, S. C. : ‘Associate Eefokmed Presbyterian” Print. 1887. DEDICATED TO THE FKIENDS AND PUPILS OF MISS ELIZABETH McQUERNS, SOME OF WHOM APE EVEN NOW “STAKS” IN HER “CROWN OF REJOICING,” WHILST MANY OTHERS WE MAY HOPE AVILL MEET AND GREET HER IN THAT HIGHER SCHOOL TO AVHICH SHE HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED. X' Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from Duke University Libraries https://archive.org/details/memoirofmisselizOOIind IN MNMORJ^VM. lu this feeble and imperfect sketch of an eminently useful woman, I shall refrain from eulogy, beyond that which falls spontaneously from pen and lips, when those who knew her best write or speak of her. As relative, teacher and friend she is as- sociated with my earliest recollections, and for the past eighteen years a beloved and revered inmate of my home ; therefore it has seemed, by those most interested and best capable of judging, “not unseemly” that upon me should devolve the mournful task of thus in some degree commemorating her character and virtues. It is with a sorrowful heart that I recognize and try to measure my own personal loss and, I doubt not, that hundreds of pupils and friends from every section of our country, and even in the “regions beyond,” will unite with me in the desire to keep her “memory green” and to cull from it for our guidance something of the virtues it exemplified, so that “though dead she may yet speak.” The memory of the just is a heritage of priceless value. Em- phatically may this grand title be applied to our beloved friend. Length of days through a kind Providence was hers, in which to teach the great lesson of faithfulness to duty, and by the same gracious Benefactor she was well equipped for its performance. Endowed with a heart permeated Avith desire for usefulness, a benevolence suirerlatively self-denying, industry unwearied and unintermittent, talents Avhich though not the favored servant’s allotment were yet so invested as to yield an exceptionally satis- factory evidence of profitable stewardship, a constitution that carried her through three generations with a comparatively small modicum of pain or serious illness, and a childlike sjiirit whose trust was unwavering — Avhat wonder that her life was a bene- diction ? Elizabeth McQuerns was the youngest child of Samuel and Bettie (Thompson) McQuerns, both of whom were natives of Ire- land. Whether married before or after their emigration to this 6 country we do not know. Among my own family records are dismissions of ancestors from the church of which her parents were members.. Written in the quaint style of the i^eriod, they, with the substitution of different names, are no doubt literal copies of those granted to her 2 iarents, and as illustrative of her godly ancestry, and as an old-time relic, one of these is tran- scribed : “We the undersigned j^erfons do certify that Ave have kuoAvn the bearer and his Avife and family ujAAvards of nine years, Avho have all behaved themfelves Honeftly, Soberly and Inoffensively and may All be Received into any Protestant De- centing congregation in the PTniverse for anything ever heard of or known by us. * “Given under our hand this 27th September, 1787, at Clough, County Antrim, Ireland. Elders, Pastor, Thos. Gaston, Rev. JosejAh Duglass. Robt. Boyd, Nash White. It Avas then the latter part of the year 1787 that her grand- jAarents, parents, and a colony, amongst Avhom Avere the Fairs, ThomjAsons, Adgers, Drennans, and other families Avell knoAvn in this country, came over as jAassengers in the same shijA. Several of these settled in NeAvberry District, and connected themselv' s Avith the Associate Reformed Church at Cannon’s Ci’eek. In that County she Avas born March 8th, 1802. Her recollections of these infant years were indistinct. Unlike many of the aged Avhose garrulity delights in the “good old times” of the past, she lived too interestedly in present and pass- ing events to retain a vivdd memory of scenes obscured by the dust of decades. There were, however, a feAv impressions inefface- able, among these Avas her first school ex^Aerience. The teacher was a phlegmatic jAerson of Dutch lineage, from AvhoAU in a feAV months she learned to “read, Avrite and cipher,” a creditable rec- ord for a ^Aupil AA’hose instructor Avas so inefficient as often to sleejA in the midst of a recitation, an examjAle Avhich she Avould humorously say “she had never imitated.” Whilst still young, her ^Aarents removed to a section of Abbe- ville County called “Hard Labor.” It Avould be interesting to know Avhether this unpromising name originated from a local cause or Avas bestoAved by some discouraged first settler. / Having tasted the fruit of knowledge she was eager “for more,” but the elder children had the precedence in such education as their circumstances and the period afforded, on the same principle that the well-preserved garment descended the “stair steps,” and- the youngest child rarely owned a “brand-new suit” until too large to wear “made over” clothes. These years must have included the time when she “studied with an open book at her side, whilst carding rolls' for the spiniiing wheel,” or “parsed a sentence in grammar whilst walking back and forth twisting the thread,” an experience referred to when urging her pupils to profit by their exceptional advantage in this regard. She must have been eighteen years old when both parents in a few weeks of each other died with a malignant fever, for it was previous to their death that her life’s romance occurred. Her affection had been won and troth plighted to a young physician practicing in the settlement. Whether his character was objec- tionable or some other ground of dislike, so it was, that her father strenuously opposed their marriage, and on his death-bed won from her a promise to annul their engagement. Her filial obedi- ence was thus subjected to a severe test and “found not wanting.” It must, however, have been a trial to her, as their mutual affection was strong. He, too, was both intelligent and cultivated, proba- bly above the average. This is presumed from letters and origi- nal i^oetry which, with the desire for symi^athy so natural, she allowed a confidential friend, long after his early death, to read, and which were not inferior, perhaps, to the like effusions of the present cultured age. These, with many precious mementoes of her girlhood, were burned in the hotel at Due West, in 1865. Her parents after their removal connected themselves with the Associate Reformed Church at Cedar Springs, and though several miles distant the family regularly attended its services. Riding on horseback behind an elder sister or in “the gig” with her mother, the early Sabbath hours found them churchward, and in deprecating the frequent criticism of the present-day-long sermon, she said there might have been, but she did not recollect, com- plaint or weariness of these Sabbath exercises, although the rays of the setting sun ofttimes mingled with the benediction. The good mother, as was customary excepting on the rigidly observed fast days, always provided lunch. This in summer was discussed with the sermon, both no doubt heartily, in the shade of an 8 adjacent grove ; in winter by fires kindled for comfort and to make coffee for the aged. “Presbyterian bread,” from flour or corn meal, was a regular institution, and fried in egg-batter made cap- ital sandwiches. Iso other “dainty dish” was ever sweeter than these simple lunches, eaten in the intervals of sermons which, without fear or favor, discussed decrees and propounded the strong doctrines of the covenanting faith, all untroubled by the miser- able ifliantasies of “science so called.” Stoves were ^ luxury as yet unconceived. The infirm and invalids sometimes indulged in a hot brick, and but one jDerson, probably the aristocrat, had a perforated tin box in which could be set a cuji full of coals. An incident of these years she sorrowfully recalled. Under her mother’s care was an orphan sister, a bright girl much be- loved by the family. With youth and health, joyous and bouy- ant, she on a wintry day engaged in a snow-ball frolic. To eseajDC the pelting of her companions she ran hastily into an out house, slipped and accidentally fell across the “beam” of a loom. A servant Avho was weaving ran to her aid, found that she had fainted, and called for assistance ; but the efforts of friends and jihysiciaus were unavailing, even to restore consciousness, and in a brief period .she died. Tliis terrible shock was a life remem- brance. Tlie death of her parents and marriage of her elder brother and sisters left henself and younger brother alone in the old homestead. The interval in which they thus lived, she recalled with pleasure, and we may i^resume that with characteristic fidel- ity she “kept house.” Whether she was as yet a communicant, or when and under whose ministry she united with the church, we do not and can not now know ; but probably not, as she was fond of the social dance and other worldly amusements, though disliking and rarely participating in the somewhat rude “plays” then “the fashion.” The marriage of this brother released her from this duty, and with the thirst for knowledge unquenche.d she decided to utilize her small inherited jDroperty in securing such education as would enable her to become self-suj^porting as a teacher. A portion of this had been unfortunately lost, nor was this her only similar experience. She lived to see the earnings of her life, of Avhich not a penny was stained by the “rust which corrupts,” all swept 9 ♦ away through misplaced trust, and, thus impoverished, her latter end pecuniarily was smaller than its beginning. She had relatives and friends at Newberry C. H., and thither she went, resolved to “make the most” of such opportunity for culture as could there be obtained. In the school and family of Dr. Samuel Pressly, a distinguished educator, who afterwards OC’ copied the President’s chair in the University of Georgia, she was received as pupil and boarder. Here she found congenial friends, and in Dr. Pressly a mentor, for whom she ever retained a grate- ful regard. How few are thus favored — to hold a warm place in the heart of a pupil for more than sixty yeai’s ! In a class of boys who were being prepared for College, and of other girls, she studied Latin, mathematics, &c., and with par- donable vanity, inasmuch as it demonstrated what was then scarcely within the pale of argument, she recalled the class-marks, most creditable to her sex, therefore a reliable proof that, men" tally, they were not so very inferior. An incident grim and tragic, but illustrative of “the way they did things in those days,” she sometimes described in an impres- sive manner, and with something of the “bated breath” with which, under favorable surroundings, a shadowed room, an eerie wind, and appreciative listeners, a wierd ghost-tale should be re- lated. It seems that a man of good family and some wealth had committed an atrocious murder. He Avas found guilty and con- demned. Dr. Pressly Avas appointed by the authorities, or select- ed by himself, as his spiritual guide and comforter, in this dread- ful strait. On the day of his execution, a bleak, inclement day. Dr. Pressly preached his funeral in the village court house, to an immense throng, the Doctor’s OAvn family and pupils, as also the friends of the doomed man being present. Draped in his shroud, and shivering Avith mortal terror, the victim listened attentively to his OAvn funeral discourse, knoAving that each Avord as it fell, represented a moment of the fcAv remaining to him, ere launched into the aAvful realities of eternity. Although sick Avith the hor- ror of the scene, it had a fearful fascination, and albeit unAvilling- ly, she took in every detail. Her last glimpse of the criminal, as Avith Dr. Pressly, and seated on his OAvn coffin, he Avas drh'en through the surging croAvd, AA'as ineffaceable. Many women, as Avell as a multitude of men, flocked to the place of execution, 10 and she “was glad that their own i^arty were surfeited with the ghastly tragedy, and decided to return to their home.” This was but an episode in the otherwise hapj^y period of her “school days,” as hundreds who have passed from her tuition have heard, and themselves expeiienced, when their own class books were closed, to be replaced by those in which are engraved life’s sterner lessons. When her pui'se was nearly depleted. Miss IMcQuerns, through her friend, James Fair, Esq., secured a school near his home at “Fair’s Bridge,” in Abbeville County. This was probably in 1829. So efficient was she in this first attenqjt, as to leave an abiding inq'jress upon persons yet living, who here enjoyed the benefit of her “prentice” teaching. In 1832 her life-long friend and relative, Capt. Win. T. Dren- nan, secured for her a promising field at Mt. Carmel, a small village but a short distance from the then celebrated Willington school. Her first year here was in an “old field school house,” e.Kcepting that it was embowered in a grove of hickory and chest- nut trees, with a luxuriant undergrowth of the huckleberry, all of' whidi were a “joy” to the scholars, only from the advan- tage which the sprouts afforded her in the application of that instrument, so earnestly recommended by. “the Avisest man,” the which she literally interpreted and conscientiously applied. ■ Her first examination here Avas held in Zoar Methodist church. Around the box-pulpit Avas erected a platform, on Avhich Avere seated distinguished persons, amongst Avhom Avas Dr. Moses Wad- del, the veteran teacher, and his sons, Avith others, whose fame has and Avill survive Avhen. their mortal remains shall have dis- solved into their native element. This occasion, although not so recherche, Avas no doubt as enjoyable, and afforded her as much solid satisfaction as the Commencements of her latter years. Dr. Waddell opened the exercises Avith prayer, and closed them with a congratulatory address, in Avhich he said : “I have attended many examinations, but have never seen such progress in so short a time.” From the feeble lips of a friend Avhose age ajjproxi- mates her oavu, these facts are obtained. She had found her vo- cation and Avas thenceforth Avedded to it. So encouraged Avere the trustees of this school Avith its pros- pects and condition, that they jAurchased a large and more com- 11 fortable building, with a hall, piazza, and several rooms. In the meantime, her weeks of vacation were spent in the city of Augus- ta, Ga., and there utilized in the improvement of her knowledge of music and drawing. Under the present flattering prospect, she allowed herself the joy of one of her life’s benefactions. An orphan neice. Miss Sarah Ann McQuerns, was sent for, whose expense of boarding, education, Ac., she thenceforth assumed, until her marriage with Rev. Mr. Millen, in 1841, released her from this responsibility. This neice was a pious and lovely girl. Their mutual attach- ment was strong, and the death of Mrs. Millen a few months after marriage was a sorrow. After more than forty years, have they not met and recalled the affectionate association of this period? The next session of her school brought such an influx of pupils that she found it necessary to employ an assistant. Rev. Isaac Waddell, then pastor of Willington church, and with increasing reputation and influence, scattering with lavish hand the seeds of immortelles both in Carolina and Georgia, she abided under this “vine” of her own culture for the succeeding seven years. But the responsibility of so large a school and the overwork consequent injured her health, and at the ex^^iration of this period her resignation was reluctantly accepted, and she returned to Fair’s Bridge, where in the family of Esq. Fair she resided for a year as guest and governess. ' Then she came to Due West, which place from thenceforth was a sort of INIecca to her, or an “ark” to which from her absences she returned “as a dove to its window.”' Here she remained for an interval, teaching in an academy adjoining the church lot. Probably, too, it was about this time that she seized the opportu- nity of a Synodical meeting in Tennessee to accompany some friends who were delegates, on a visit to her sisters, there resi- dent, and spent a year with them. Both of these sisters were in such circumstances as to have made her very comfortable in their homes, and they insisted upon her remaining with them. But she preferred “to eat the bread of her own earning,” and grate- fully but firmly declined. They then offered to secure for her a school very near to them ; but “the climate was too bleak,” and she longed for the sunny warmth of her native State. Her’s was the experience of so many Carolinians who, in the language of that 12 eloquent minister, Dr. Palmer, “In all their wanderings breathe no more fervent prayer than in death to sleep upon her faithful bosom until the awful day.” Tlienceforth, whatsoever was Caro- lina’s destiny, whether overwhelmed by the dire calamities of war or springing Phoenix like from the ashes of its dead hopes, it Avas for her a “good enough home, in Avhich to live, to die, and be buried.” On her return she accepted a school on Hard Labor, princi- pally induced thereto by the opportunity of educating the children of a neice. In 1847 she again returned to Mt. Carmel, Avhere she remained three years ; thence to Due AVest, Avhere she taught a full school until 1853. In the meantime the Presbyterian Female College at Anderson C. H., under the care of Kev. Ebenezer Pressly, formerly President of Erskine College, Avas acquiring repute, and she accepted his invitation to become assistant teacher therein. In this pleasant village she formed, as elseAA'here, Avarm and abiding friendships, and established in her vocation that “good name” which is “better than precious ointment.” After Dr. Pressly’s resignation, she remained in this college some years, in connection Avith Rev. A. A. Morse, Rev. J. 0. Lindsay, and probably Rev. Samuel Jones of the Methodist Church, winning the esteem of her associate teachers and the alFection of her pu- pils, one of whom recently remarked, “No one but my mother ever had so much to do in moulding my character as my beloved friend and teacher. Miss McQuerns.” From Anderson our friend returned to Due AFest. The school here Avas assuming a larger area of usefulness, and in 1859 a meeting of the citizens Avas held, in Avhich it Avas determined to give it a more permanent organization. Liberal subsci’iptions Avere received, the erection of a suitable building begun, a com- petent faculty elected. Miss McQuerns among the number, and a charter secured for the Due AA^est Female College. Classes Avere organized in the Fall of this year, and from that auspicious day until her death she Avas an honored, tliough latter- ly, from her age and infirmities, rather an honorary, member of the Faculty, Until 1866 she Avas Principal of the Primary De- partment ; afterAvards teacher of Astronomy, Botany, and the ornamental branches. Hoav many Avill recall the pleasant hours of some cloudless night, Avhen suri'ounded by her class — a galaxy 13 of more intrinsic worth, because of its immortal capacities, than Orion or Pleiades — she would trace the constellations and “call them by their names.” Or, on some bright spring day, accom- pany the Botany class in a search for wild flowers, and with unwearied patience analyze and explain, though their youthful exuberance doubtless found more pleasure in the fresh air and glowing exercise than in the drier fields of Botanical research. “A thing of beauty” was a “joy” to her, whether in -the “heavens above or the earth beneath,” whether artistic or the more humble creation of unskilled hands. And as she grew aged and deaf, and her inability for active service increased, she found in “fancy work” a congenial einjaloyment. Mementoes of her taste and the skill of her trembling, wrinkled fingers, are found in scores of homes. In the family of James Lindsay, Esq., who was a devoted friend and benefactor of Erskine (male) College, she boarded, with the exception of a few months, during all of her residence in Due West, and their mutual esteem was strong. But, one by one, she saw them pass away ; the parents and six children, leav- ing to perpetuate his honored name, only the elder and youngest brothers of all this household, whom she found so happy and promising. With the widowed mother she mourned when her brave boys were brought from the battle-fields of Virginia. By the side of husband and children she saw this bereaved mother laid, and Mrs. Dr. Bonner, the only daughter, and her beloved pupil and friend, after a space, went to join the family circle. Her brothers and sisters, her dear relative Capt. Drelinan, and, with few exceptions, all the friends of her youth, had now gone “beyond the river.” Ah, how desolate is the feeling, that in all the world there’s not oxe left to call the familiar given name. Other troubles, too, beset her. Whilst sojourning for a few months at the hotel, during the dark days Avhich followed the war, it was burned by an incendiary, and she, with others, were only saved by leaping from an upper balcony, upon mattresses held to receive them. Clothing, books and valuables were all consumed, and to add to her discomfort she was notified of the loss elsewhere of some thousands of dollars, on which she depend- ed to tide her comfortably, and independently, through the ex- treme age on which she was entering. Yet, in all this she “sinned not.” “I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen 14 the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” This was her assured liope, nor was it misplaced. “The barrel of meal” did not “waste” nor the “cruse of oil fail” until the day on uhich she entered into an heavenly inheritance. Her sevcntv-hfth year was celebrated by what thereafter con- stituted an annual holiday and season of social pleasure in the College, viz., a birth-day dinner, accompanied by the presentation of “gifts” from friends, in and out of the College, particularly the associate teachers and the senior class of young ladies. Al- thousih deeplv grateful for these exhibitions of esteem, yet with a characteristic independence which shrank from obligation, and a humilitv, the last to recognize her own worth, it was almost, if not quite, with a feeling of self-denial that she suffered herself to become the honored guest of these festivals, the last of which, with more than usual pleasure, occurred on IMarch 8, 1886. The death of Dr. Bonner, President of the College, was a sor- rowful event to her, as well as to the Institution. We are temj^t- ed here to pay a just tribute to this eminent man, whose loss, to church aud school, to society and home, is so deeply felt and sin- cerely lamented, but forbear. Under his wise and nurturing government, assisted by an excellent corps of teachers, the Col- lege doors had been opened, wide and invitingly, to throngs of intelligent school-girls, and with assured reputation it had become a power for good. She had here retained her position, whilst teachers and pupils, year by year, had come and gone, some to their life-work, some to the grave. And when this her unwaver- ing friend was “touched by the finger of God and died,” she “mourned.” Tears from the dim eyes of age, and smiles from its pallid, trembling lips, arc alike scant and pitiful ; but hers was that perennial heart which can “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” In this trouble, as. personally affected, she j^atiently bided, call- ing to remembrance her life-long “songs in the night.” Though “lover and friend hast thou put far from me and mine acquaint- ance into darkness,” yet “in the Lord do I put my trust.” He is mv God, my “times are in his hand.” So from this strait she was again removed into a “large place,” and the path for her tottering feet was smoothed. The death of Dr. Bonner necessitated a re-organization of the Faculty, in which Prof. J. P. Kennedy was elected President, 15 and Mrs. Kate P. Kennedy and Mrs. Lila M. Bonner, vice- Principals. These all, were devoted friends of Miss McQuerns. Mrs. Kennedy had been her pupil, and revered her as a mother. Her resignation which, recognizing her failing capacities, she then, and repeatedly thereafter tendered, was not accepted; Mr. Kennedy assuring her, with other cheering words, that he con- sidered her example and prayers in behalf of the College, of more benefit than the service of its most efficient teacher. And was he mistaken? The influence of such a person, who can estimate? It leaves ineffaceable traces on the shores of time, but its real fruitage is stored in the garners of eternity. To these friends, and others of the Faculty, for all their unwearied kindness, which undoubtedly prolonged her life, in behalf of the thousands in whose homes her name is a “household word,” and for myself, to whom was granted the precious privilege of ministering to her, as, day by day, she drew nearer the foot of the hill, I would here express sincere gratitude. I have spoken elsewhere of her piety. In this regard she was a “living epistle.” Devotedly attached to the Associate Eeform- ed Presbyterian Church, of which she was a member, yet her catholic spirit included in its love all who “name the name of Jesus.” In every “good word and work” she was interested. Through her efforts the Ladies Benevolent Society of this place originated, and at her instigation letters were written throughout the church urging such organizations. Their successful operation is a congratulation to all who are interested in the philanthropy of the period, whether in home or foreign fields. In the estab- lishment of a W. C. T. L^. at this place she exerted herself, even in her great weakness, and rejoiced in the reports of the influ- ence for good that woman is exerting in this great question. Foreign missions claimed its place in her heart. The first mis- sionary sent forth by her church, 3Irs. Giffen, nee Miss Mary Galloway, was her pupil and loving friend, with whom she cor- responded, and for whom she prayed until the death of Mrs. Giffen, in Egypt, blighted her bright promise of usefulness in that benighted land. In her benefactions Miss McQuerns was phenomenally gener- ous. “Give to him that asketh of thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away,” was a rule, the literal observance of which in her last decade, and with her weakened 16 judgment, became so impoverishing that her friends, as far as was just and right, exerted themselves to shield her from the impor- tunities of the impecunious. Unworthily as was her beneficence sometimes bestowed, yet acting from such a principle, the “bread upon the waters” was returned her “many fold.” From all this we may gather these traits of her spiritual char- acter — that its distinctive features were, unswerving trust in God, a sujn-eme loyalty to the Word of God, constancy and fidelity in the public and private worship of God, and a desire amounting to zeal to co-operate in all schemes for the promotion of the well- being of humanity. “To do good and to communicate” was her great delight. Her motto, “Trust in the Lord and do good,” and its promise she literally exjierienced, “So shalt thou dwell in the land and verily thou shalt be fed.” The “straight path” was to her the jalainest, and it Avas a Avonder and an impatience that the “by-Avays” Avere so thronged. But the shadoAvs increased, “her strength became Aveariness,” and “the grasshojiper a burden.” “Tired, so tired,” Avas often the pathetic plaint AA’hich mingled Avith this thank-acknoAvledg- ment so familiar to her lijis, “Goodness and mercy have folloAA'ed me all the days of my life.” In the bloom of her youth she had become, in its Christlike significance, a “little child.” With the apjAroach of age she recognized its inevitable tendency, struggled for a time against it, and then patiently submitted to the AA’eak- ness of the “second childhood.” In this sorroAvful stage of life the guilelessncss of infancy Avas so manifest, as to Avin admiration, even amid the pathetic notes of the loosening “silver chords.” Her attacks of debility noAV became frequent, and Avithout disease, or pain, the fountain of life ran 1oaa\ But the Avatchful care of friends AA’as blessed in a repeated reaction, and Avith re- turning strength came assiduous apjilication to her emidoyn'>ents, these principally consisting in making of various mementoes for friends, the completion of AAdiich she felt Avould be the last she could undertake. On Monday, May 11, 1886, Avhilst moulding Avax to finish up some sprigs of floAA’ers for the teachers and senior class, as a slight return for their kindness on her preceding birth-day, she contracted a cold. Tuesday she remained in her room, but Avas so much recovered on Wednesday as to insist on going to College 17 that she might meet this class, and herself present to them these tokens of her handiwork. Their absence from College, in the composition of Commencement essays, was a disappointment, and she returned home prostrated and very indisposed. During the night asthma developed. It was not a severe attack, there was no acute j)ain, only the distress of short breathing ; yet “so flight was her experience of aches and pains” that she felt that this was beyond her strength of endurance. This distress com tinned in a '"greater or less degree through her illness, and th unremitting attention of friends, and the skill of physicians could scarcely^', alleviate it. With no acute pain, and no fever, or abnormal pulse, or threatening symptom, the “wheel” at the “cistern” was surely shattering, and we felt that .prayer and effort would alike unavail to [retain her from the “long home.” Her distress through all her illness was permeated with the submis- siveness of the Christian. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” “It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good.” “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” And with many other beautiful promises and portions did she comfort herself. Scripture reading and prayer were a delight, and her own peti- tions almost unceasing. For hours would she pray, striving to recollect every person and object, recalling again and again some beloved one, and pleading in their behalf. Psalms and hymns were often too repeated. The twenty-third Psalm and the hymn, “How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,” she for many years was in the habit of repeating just before sleeping. I should have mentioned elsewhere that her regular order of Scripture reading was, ten chapters each in the Old and New Testaments every Sabbath, and a portion every morning of the week. • On the evening of May the 26th she was more comfortable, and with the desire to console one whose sorrowful countenance she noticed, she smiled and said, “Don’t grieve, I will stay with you imtil to-morrow evening.” And knowing our anxiety to stimulate her lost appetite she asked for coffee. Afterwards took both tonic and stimulant, and then with a sigh as of relief said, “Now let me sleep,” and in a few moments was slumbering as sweetly and calmly as an infant. This was unbroken until mid- night, the hour for her medicine, and as her pulse continued good we hoped it would prove beneficial. But the attempt to arouse 18 her was vain, and in a short time she, who had “all her life been subject to bondage through fear of death,” unconsciously j^assed the dark valley and entered upon her reward. May 27, 1886. It was past the middle ^^•atches and she slept, Was it a dream? That she stood upon the shelving brink Of Jordan’s fearful stream? Trembling stood, until the angel Azrael spake These words of cheer : Child of God ! I’ll bear thee safely through the waters ! Do not fear ! Oil tlie other side One met her, lovingly. Is it a dream? And He pointed to the soul-home. Blazing in its gloiy gleam. Led her up a starry pathway Till the jeweled gates -were passed. Dreaming ! Joy, oh, joy ineffiible. Awake, in heaven at last ! “And, lo! as she entered she was transfigured, and she had r.unient put on her that shone like gold. There were also that met, with harp and crown, and gave them tO :^her — the harp to praise withal, and the ci’owu in token of honor ; and all the bells ill the city rang again for joy, as it was said unto her, ‘Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ ” Very tender was the chill hand which smoothed from her care- worn face its many furrows and left a halo of peace upon her aged brow. Covered with floral tributes, after an approjiriate funeral ser- vice, her remains were deposited in the cemetery of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church at Due West, wdiere the sound of both church and college bells will often reverberate, but never again recall her to the worship of the one, or the service of the other. “I hope I may die in warm weather, and not in the bleak, in- clement winter.” This was often, latterly, an expressed desire. She so loved sunshine and brightness, and probably deprecated for others the discomfort of the season in the necessary watching and attention of illness, death and burial. But her “time” was in an indulgent Father’s hand, and He made it subservient to her 19 wish. On a balmy May night, a very gem in its cloudless beauty, she left us, and went to be for ever with the Lord. ‘ ‘That where I am there ye May also come to me.” Not as a mournful dole, Accepted douhtingly, But gladly she received This message of His word, In all its glorious heights and depths, “Forever with the Lord.” Be3’ond, it maj' be far Yon constellated dome, Or verj" near to earth The portals of this liome ; Yet there’s a place “prepared,” Such is his blessed word, Where will be garnered all His own, “Forever with the Lord.” Saints of all ages there, 1 A great unnirmber’d throng ; What will it be to hear And join their glad “new song”? The matchless song of grace. To tell its numbers o’er. And ’neath the radiance of His face Abide forevermore. Kindred and precious friends Are with that ransomed host, Those that with us she mourned, The loved and carlj' lost ; Lost ! It is onlj’ ours. That sorrow-laden word. Ye’re safe, beloved ; O, happy lot, “Forever with the Lord.” Faithful and true in life. Faithful unto the end ; O, that, like one of old. Her mantle might desend. Full-sheaved, at eventide. She went to her reward, A spotless robe, a jewelled crown, “Forever with the Lord.” 20 Gates of pure pearl and gold, Bright mansions of the blest, Somewhere within your fold She’s found her longedrfor rest ; Close to the great white throne. Near by the crystal sea. Friend of my life, thou’rt “with the Lord,” Through all eternity ! This simple chronicle, friends, is now before you. It has been written as tenderly and ingenuously as if “face to face” in her own little room, so hallowed by prayer and praise, a very Penial indeed, we had met together and talked of “these things.” And have I in aught exaggerated or even told the half? May we learn as she did the Christian’s secret of a hajipy life, that life which is “hid with Christ in God,” so that “when Christ who is our life shall appear then shall we also appear with him in glory.” o FACULTY OF DUE WEST FEMALE COLLEGE. Resolutions in reference to the death of Miss Elizabeth McQuerxs adopted hy the Faculty of the Due West Female College : AVhereas, It has pleased our heavenly Father to remove from our miilst Miss Elizabeth McQueens ; and, whereas, we know He doeth what He may with his own, and whatsoever he doeth is right ; therefore resolved, 1. That we how in humhle submission to that dispensation of Provi- dence that removes from our sight our venerable and beloved friend. 2. That the College with which she has been identifled during its whole history, has lost a faithful and conscientious teacher ; our commu- nity the living examplification of the beauty and power of a holy life ; the poor and distressed a symjiathizing and unfailing friend ; the church and all its enterprises an earnest and generous supporter. 3. And while we must mourn our irreparable loss, we feel grateful for the pleasing assurance we are permitted to cherish, that for her to depart was far better, and that .she has gone to “the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense, till the day break and the shadows flee away.” 4. That we mingle our tears with those friends, scattered all over this Southern land, to whom the name of Miss McQueens is as ointment poured forth, and who mourn, most of all, because they shall see her face no more. 5. That we cherish her memory as a priceless heritage, and that wc imitate tqe noble example she has set before us, inasmuch as throughout her whole life she has quietly and consistently followed the footsteps of her Di\ine IMaster, that she has gone about doing good, and has lived, not for herself alone, but for all those whom God has made her neighbors. 0. That the Associate Reformed Preshyierian be requested to publi.sh these resolutions, and the Abbeville papers to copy them. AMELIAN LITEEAEA’ .SOCIETY OF DUE WEST FEMALE COLLEGE. Re.solutions adopted by the Ainelian Literary Ijcclety of the Due West Female College ; Whereas, It has pleased God in his prox idence to remove from our midst our faithful and venerable teacher. Miss Elizabeth jMcQuEENS, who has for so many years been the stay of our Institution ; resolved, 1. That we have sustained an irreparable loss in the death of this beloved friend. 2. That we recognize the merciful hand of Providence in this our great bereavement, and bow in humble submission to His divine will. 22 3. That wt will endeav or to heed his nohlc counsels, imitate her true womanly character, and keep fresh the memory oi this consistent Chris- tian. 4. That we will wear, until the expiration of the session, the usual badge of mourning, as a fceldc indication of our inexpressible reverence for our departed friend. 5. That we will devote a page to her memory in the records of our S jciety. 0. That we respectfully request the publication of these resolutions in the Associate Reformed Preslyterian and the County papers. FACULTY OF ERSKIXE COLLEGE. Whereas, It has pleased the sovereign Disposer of all things to remove from us by death that illu.strious teacher and eminent Christian, Mis.s Elizabeth McQueens ; therefore resolved, 1. That we humbly submit to the will of Him who doeth well— the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord. 2. That in her death the cause of education has lost one of its ablest and mots zealous friends, and the youth of both sexes their safest coun- selor, and the brightest example of a sanctified, educated life. 3. That as an expression of our respect for her memory, we adjourn the College for the remainder of the day after the exercises of this morn- ing. 4. That a copy ol’ these resolutions be published in the Associate Re- formed Presbyterian. ladies’ 3IISSIONARY SOCIETY. At a meeting of the Ladies Missionary Society of Due West the following preamble and resolutions were adopted : Whereas, God in his providence has been pleased to remove from a sphere of usefulness and honor in our midst our much esteemed and be- loved colaborcr, Bliss Elizabeth McCJuerns, a most active and influen- tial member of our Society (the originator of it, and in that way the orig- inator of other Societies throughout Synod), who, we all have every reason to believe, was ready and patiently waiting for the summons of her divine Master, and that she is now enjoying the fullness of the iire.sence of Him she so delighted to serve Him here below ; therefore be it resolved, 1. That we regard this as a .sad deprivation