Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Benjamin FERRIS
Note: Benjamin Ferris was a person of remarkably vigorous intellect and his pen was frequently employed to disseminate his ideas, or to preserve a record of interesting facts. He was the author of "A History of the Original Settlements on the Delaware, including a history of Wilmington"; 1846; a work of much merit. In 1821-2,under the name of "Amicus," he engaged in a religious controversy with Rev. Dr. Gilbert ("Paul"), in a series of letters published in the Christian Repository. These were afterward published in a volume of over five hundred pages, with the title, Letters of Paul and Amicus. In early life he went to Philadelphia and learned the trade of watchmaking with the celebrated Thomas Parker, at No. 20 N. 2nd St. Returning to Wilmington he adopted the profession of a conveyancer, from which he retired with a competency, to enjoy his literary labors.
A TRIBUTE:-The announcement of the departure of our dear friend,Benjamin Ferris, has already been made in these columns, but his numerous and widely extended circle of friends will feel that something more is due to the memory of such a man. A rare and gifted spirit has passed from amongst us, and entered upon the higher life. His wonderful conversational powers adapted themselves with remarkable versatility to all ages and capacities; and all who knew him can recall the many times in which they have seen him the centre of an admiring and listening group, while he poured forth the stores of his abounding treasury for their interest and instruction. He was a connecting link between the present generation and the past, his retentive memory and power of representation enabling him, from an inexhaustible fund of anecdotes and iIlustrations to give life-like pictures of the character and manners of those who have long passed away.
He was a beautiful example of the cheerful Christian, and his high gifts, employed in the right direction, made pleasant and attractive the lessons they conveyed. His able pen was often employed, as the earnest advocate of the spirituality of the Christian faith, and in defence of our testimonies; and his essays on these subjects were acknowledged to have unusual force and ability. He filled many positions of usefulness during his long life. His sympathies were enlisted on behalf of the poor Indians (especially the tribes in the State of New York), and by advocating their cause with those in authority, he was instrumental in redressing their wrongs, and in promoting their welfare and advancement to a higher grade of civilization. But the most impressive lessons gained from his example were in the last twelve years of his life. When suddenly deprived of the powers that had contributed so largely to his own and others enjoyment, and which had so peculiarly distinguished him, although fully conscious of the loss, he bowed in cheerful acquiescence to 'the Divine will; and the strong gifted man; laying down strength and gifts, entered, while on earth, into the heaven of love. Many can bear witness, that however great was the enjoyment of his society in the day of his intellectual power far greater, in these latter days, was the charm of the sweetness of his spirit, and the love which seemed to embrace the whole human family; and all who came within his influence were made to feel how blessed are they who, in their evening twilight, are permitted to see the arising of the brightness of he future day. "
While we deeply feel the absence of one so long loved and honored, we must also rejoice that the burden of weakness and weariness and privation has, been laid down; and that he has entered upon the heavenly inheritance of joy unspeakable and full of glory. We cannot better close this tribute than by quoting his own words, so applicable to himself: " Thrice blessed even here, tho' in life's lowest station, the Christian who sits at the feet of his Lord; With joy bears his cross thro' this scene of probation; and patiently waits his eternal reward."
Friends' Intelligencer.
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