On Sixth and Seventh days she seemed decidedly better—­entering into the varied interests around her.  The evening of the latter day was particularly bright and cheering, when she conversed cheerfully with her husband and sister and spoke of her plans for the future.  She also listened with pleasure to some pieces of poetry which were read, and amongst them appeared to derive comfort from the hymn beginning,—­

  “Nearer, my God, to Thee—­
    Nearer to Thee! 
  E’en though it be a cross
    That raiseth me;
  Still all my song would be,
  Nearer, my God, to Thee—­
    Nearer to Thee!”

Early on First-day morning she seemed rather depressed, and requested her sister to repeat the hymn, “’Tis a point I long to know,” [Olney Hymns.] In the course of the morning she wrote a touching note to her beloved mother:  it was her last effort of the kind:—­

  5th of 10th Month, 1851.

  My beloved Mother:—­

I have got permission to use a pencil in thanking thee for thy kind sweet lines which this morning’s post brought me.  I am thankful for being so remembered by my own precious mother now so far away. * * *

It is a new experience to me to lie here so long; but, now that I am much better, and what pain I have is transient and easy to be borne for the most part, it is my own fault if the days are profitless.  I quite hope, by the time father comes, to be able to enjoy his visit—­and so I could now; but then it could only be in this chamber, already become quite familiar. * * *

We are so thankful to hear of thy amendment to this hopeful stage!  I trust nothing will prevent thy being able to leave home with father; and then how soon we shall rejoice to see thee here!

  Thy ever loving, and trying to be submissive,

  ELIZA.

Her medical attendant still took an encouraging view of her case, and she was so nicely in the afternoon that her husband left her to go to meeting.  The evening was passed pleasantly, and the family retired to rest as usual.  She continued very comfortable till about mid-night, when a very sudden attack of violent pain came on, which continued without intermission for about three hours.

Very affecting, during this time, were her earnest cries for patience and strength.  “Oh that I had been more faithful!  It is because I have been so unfaithful!” She was reminded that these sufferings ought not to be regarded in the light of punishment, but that “whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.”  Some texts were read at her request.  “They are very nice,” she said, “but I cannot receive them all now.”  Truly this was a time when all human help was felt to be unavailing, and when none but the Ruler of the waves Himself could speak a calm; and, if we may judge from the subsequent altered and tranquil expression of her countenance, her petitions were mercifully