The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1846-10-06
EHE ED:

In this place, on the morning of the
2lst inst, Mrs. MAGDALENA, consort of
Mr.. Henry Benford, in the 63d year of
her age.
In attempting, not delineation of the
character of this departed mother, but
brief notice Of some of its most interesting
and instructive traits, it is obvious to re-
mark that she has been, through life, so
far as those most intimately acquainted
with her, are able to testify, a beautiful
example of conscientious fidelity, in all
the duties that belonged to her sex, her
relation and station in society. The heart
of her husband trusted in her. Called as
he was on several occasions to undergo
severe external trials, fraught with much
anxiety and depressing care, she was to
him a source of comfort and encourage
ment, and in no small degree assistance
and direction. Her children rise up and
call her blessed. With no superior degree
of tact and performance, yet according to
the gift that was in her.I che reared and
taught her children, who to the end of
life loved her and delighted to do her rev.
erence. She combined humility with
prudence, caution with candor and con-
Tibuted all on her part that was necessa-
ry to constitute a plain though happy
home. She was the friend of the poor.
She ever felt it a privilege to minister to
the afflicted and those in want. She was
also kind neighbour. Her gentleness
and kindness taught all to love her,
Her constant cheerfulness, sobered with
modesty and propriety, constrained every
one to regard her with Difference. Her
prudence and skill in the management Of
her household affairs, and her habits Of
economy and industry. were both example
and rebuke to many of her sex and sta
ton and relieved her husband frequently
from much embarrassment and care
Nor was she found wandering from her
proper sphere of duty. Such was her
instructive feminine sense of proprlety,
that while she never withdrew from any
responsibilities that belonged TO her posi-
ton and relation, she had no ambition, no
uneasiness Of disposition, no passion for
conspicuity, no craving for officiousnes,
leading her away from her appropriate
duties, to attempt things which God had
not given her to do. Her meekness, her
humble self-dIstrust, her jealousy against
sell-deception was another noticeable trait
in her character. She never thought of
herself in any respect, and least of all in
respect to her piety, more highly than
she ought to think She preferred to
humble herself under the mighty hand of
God, that He might exalt her in due time.
And casting all her care upon him, she
"hoped' that He cared for her. Though
she had to the last very low opinion OF
her piety, still her character was suf1i-
ciently marked by faith, and child-like
confidence in God. She loved her Bible
and the reading Of it. She delighted in
the sanctuary. The ordinances OF Gods
house were sweet channels to her, of rich
and blessed realities, though none of
those who make EVERY THING of prayer,
yet it was to her precious. She loved to
"Spend the hours Of setting day,
In humble. grateful prayer"
But she is no more. Her conflict is past
and
"We would not deplore her"
Yet we "mourn as one tlat mourneth
heavily for his mother" Thus mourn
large circle Of relations, friends, and ac-
quaintances. May we all profit by her
example and in her removol be warned,
to prepare to meet her "where parting
shall be no more
rCossnog.cAzEp.