OBITUARY NOTICE OF MARY ELIZABETH CUTLER.
Died in New York, on Thursday, August 3d, 1843, in the 33d year of her age, Mary Elizabeth, wife of James H. Cutler, eldest daughter of Col. J.B. Wood, and oldest grandchild of Alexander Jones, after a long and painful illness, which was borne with true patience and Christian resignation, sustained throughout by a lively faith in her Redeemer. She committed her spirit into His hands, and died (to use her own words) in peace with God, and perfect charity with the world. Admired by all who knew her, a wide circle of relatives and friends will lament her early death, yet let them find consolation in this promise: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord: yea, saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors." — E.A.N., in New York Churchman.
It was the lot of the writer of the few lines that follow, to know most intimately, and from early childhood, the subject of the foregoing notice, and he cannot refrain from adding his tribute to her memory. Brought up to womanhood by the most kind and indulgent parents, her life was, until a few years past, " gay and happy." Surrounded with many friends and acquaintances, whose sole object seemed to be the enjoyment of life, she seemed to care but little for "the life to come." Blessed with an ardent temperament, and a bright and lively disposition, she was " the gayest of the gay," and her presence gave pleasure and animation to all around her. Her amiability of character was so sweetly blended with her mirth and gayety, that she won the love and admiration of all.
A few years since her mind and thoughts became deeply awakened to a sense of sinfulness, and she saw and felt the necessity of making " her calling and election sure." She gave heed to the call of the Holy Spirit, and made her peace with God. Joining the Communion of the Church, she became a faithful "follower of the meek and lowly Jesus." Her character, before so much admired, under the influence of the Gospel, shone now with far greater brightness, and was clothed with Christian graces.
Though sufering greatly in her last, long illness, her mind continued calm and clear to the last. If it pleased God to restore her to health, or to take her hence, she was resigned to His will, but her wish was "to depart and be with Christ." Shortly before the day of her death, she partook of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and while those present were singing the well-known and beautiful hymn, " Rock of Ages," although very weak, her voice (noted for its purity and sweetness when in health) was distinctly heard throughout, and afterwards she repeated, with energy :
"In my hand no price I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling."
Her whole dependence was on her Saviour. "I can do nothing — all my hope is in Him." Calmly and quietly, and with the words : "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" she passed away from life here to life everlasting.
G.
August, 1843.
