The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-05-05
FOR THE CENTRAL PREssrrERlAS.
MRS. ELLEN MARK.

This eminent Christian, and beloved moth
er in the Church, has long since gone to her
rest in the upper sanctuary. But her lovely
character and useful life, have left an indeli.
bic impression on many who survive her.
The example she set, the instruction she
gave, and the prayers she offered, are yet,
it is believed, leading many immortal beings
to holiness and happiness in God.
Sacred writer's have recorded in the Scrip
lures the lives of Hannah, the mother of
Samuel, Ruth, the ancestor of David, Elize-
beth, the mother of John the Baptist, and
other women, who ministered to our Saviour,
and were helpers of his Apostles; we ought
not then to suffer the bright examples of
piety in females in modern times to perish
without record. The providence of God
designs them to be an incitement and an ex-
pie to their successors, and they are emf
nently fitted for this purpose.
The writer first became acquainted with
this gOdly lady in 1906. She was the wife
of John Mark, merchant then residing in
Fredericksburg, Va. Her early and reE-
giOus training was in accordance with Pres
byterian customs AT the time of my ac-
quaintanee with her, she and her husband
were, like Elizabeth and Zschariah, walking
in all the commands and ordinances of the
Lord blameless. Their house was lovely
abode, where order, affection, intelligence,
and hospitality found place. Mrs NJ. had
been richly endowed by her Creator. Her
person was both dignifed and lovely; her
mind vigorous and cultivated in high de-
gree, both by education and sOcialintercOurse.
But the crOwning excellence of her charac-
ter was piety to God and Christian beneyO-
lence. She was preeminently qualified to
make herself respected, and an agreeable
companion in any society where duty called
her. With the most intelligent and refined
she was perfectly at ease; with the sick
and the afflicted poor, she was a sympathiz-
ing friend to soothe, comfort and cheer with
hope.
The writer was sent as a missionary to
Fredericksburg. He was young and with
out experience. To him Mrs. M. was a
most valuable auxiliary. Presbyterianism
was there almost unknown, and strong pre-.
judice existed against it. Only three mem
bers of the church could be found in the
town. They had no house to worship in,
but used the churches of other denomins-
tons when they could be procured, and then
public halls, or private residences.
Under these unfavorable circumstances, it
pleased God to make the truth preached eff
fectual to convince many of their guilt and
danger, and their need of salvation.
Some of these were amongst the wealthy
and intelligent, others among the poor and
obscure. 1t was no easy matter for the
young missionary to gain access to these
several classes of awakened sinners. Itwas
at this critical time that the piety and ex-
cellence of Mrs. NJ. began to manifest itself.
She went from house to house among the
rich and the poor, wherever she heard of
one enquiring, "What shall l do to be
sayed?" and her high character made her a
welcome visitor. With Christian kindness
she ascertained the sources of their desires,
and then either at her own house or elsewhere
she would bring them and the young mission
airy together for instruction, counsel, and
prayer. 1t was thus by her untiring efforts
many were led to Jesus for relief and COM
fort, and so the little band of pardoned sin
ners was formed, that constituted the Pres
byterian church of Fredericksburg. To her,
as an instrumant raised up by God, is the
church indebted for her wise and pious Ia
bOrs in laying its foundation; and to her
many are indebted for the cousels that led
them to the Lamb who takes away the sins
of his people, and for peace and joy in be-
heving.
In the department of Mrs. NJ. there was
nothing Obtrusiye or ostentations. There