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 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MM.HBC 
 
 3 1822 00160 6979 
 
 THE UNiYEHSTY LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO 
 
 LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA

 
 LIFE 
 
 ELIZABETH FEY.
 
 LIFE 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 COMPILED FROM HER JOURNAL, 
 
 AS EDITED BY HER DAUGHTERS, 
 
 AND FROM VARIOUS OTHER SOURCES. 
 
 BY 
 
 SUSANNA CORDER 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 HENRY LONGSTRETH, 347 MARKET STREET. 
 1853.
 
 Stereotyped by SLOTS <k MOONET, Philadelphia.
 
 nf ate* 
 
 THE " Memoir of Elizabeth Fry," in two Volumes, edited by 
 her daughters, has been extensively circulated in this and other 
 lands ; and rarely has any religious biography been perused with 
 so general and so deep an interest. More brief notices of her life 
 have also emanated from other pens : and it might seem superflu- 
 ous again to depict her character, or to rehearse the circumstances 
 which marked those arduous labours, in the service of Him who 
 "went about doing good," to which, under the constraining influ- 
 ence of his love and power, she devoted every talent committed to 
 her stewardship. 
 
 There are, however, many by whom a memorial of Elizabeth 
 Fry, more compendious than that which has been published by her 
 daughters, would, perhaps, be welcomed with pleasure and read 
 with instruction. A work which might embrace more exclusively 
 the records of her own experience, and of her religious and philan- 
 thropic engagements, appears, in the estimation of some of her most 
 intimate friends, to be required, as filling up a chasm still left in 
 the circle of readers, to whom the voluminous " Memoir " may not 
 be conveniently accessible. 
 
 To venture on such an abridgment has not been contemplated 
 without a serious conviction of the delicacy and importance of the 
 task; and had not a special request from her daughters, (the Edi- 
 tors of her life,) in conjunction with other members of her imme- 
 diate family, encouraged the Compiler of the following pages to 
 undertake the work, it would not have boon attempted.
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 But various considerations have additionally stimulated the 
 Compiler to add another to the several sketches of the Life of Eliz- 
 abeth Fry. A prominent one is suggested by the fact, that her 
 character and sentiments have been represented by individuals, 
 widely differing in religious opinion, both from her and from each 
 other ; and they have (in consequence of the varying mental com- 
 plexion to which habit and circumstances impart a colouring pecu- 
 liar to each) given, to their picture of Elizabeth Fry, a tinge which 
 has prevented her from appearing, as she was, consistent in her 
 language, her conduct, and demeanour, with the principles which, 
 from conviction, she was early led to adopt, and to which, through 
 life, she steadfastly adhered. This, it must be confessed, is calcu- 
 lated to induce the impression that, in Elizabeth Fry's life, there 
 was evinced a compromise of principle ; and it proves that whilst 
 her ardent admirers exhibit a dazzling portrait of her piety, her 
 loveliness, and her phiknthropy, they fail, in degree at least, to 
 depict her in the light of truth in her meek and lowly garb of 
 deep humility, treading with watchful circumspection and fear, the 
 cross-bearing path of the blessed Redeemer. 
 
 Drawn by the attractions of heavenly love, her steps were di- 
 rected into a course untried and new ; and the service that was 
 designed for her became gradually manifest, as she followed, in 
 simple faith, the guiding light of the Holy Spirit : and whether it 
 led her into the presence of monarchs, into association with princes, 
 or into the company of the wise and learned, whether she was 
 brought into communion with fellow-disciples who, whatever might 
 be the form of their Christian profession, were pursuing with her 
 the same heaven-ward track, or surrounded by the votaries of a 
 thoughtless world incapable of responding to the deep sympathies 
 of her spirit, in all situations, and under every circumstance, sho 
 was enabled to maintain, with holy consistency, the dignified char- 
 acter of her high vocation, as a minister of Christ in the Society of 
 Friends; adorning the doctrine of God her Saviour; being an
 
 PREFACE. VII 
 
 example to the believers in faith, in patience, in meekness, and 
 charity; raising in the hearts of thousands, among the varied clas- 
 ses of the people, a reverent acknowledgment of that divine influ- 
 ence, which constrained her to gather immortal spirits to the Foun- 
 tain of life and peace. Yet how few, among the many who have 
 extolled her deeds of mercy and love, were prepared to penetrate 
 the veil that concealed, from the gaze of the world, the working of 
 that heavenly power, through which alone she became instrumental 
 in directing a resistless moral force against the dominion of sin 
 and misery, which strengthened her spirit for the arduous combat, 
 and armed her with those weapons that are " mighty through God, 
 to the pulling down of" the "strong holds" in which Satan retains 
 his government in the souls of the children of men. 
 
 To trace the operation of this invisible power the mainspring 
 of the wonderful machinery that became so effective in the coun- 
 teraction of evil will, to the spiritually-minded Christian, be the 
 most instructive, and possibly the most interesting object that can 
 result from a perusal of this Volume. For to the soul that is anx- 
 iously seeking deliverance from the corruptions inherent in our na- 
 ture, as the frail children of Adam's fallen race, there is no feature 
 of mental delineation more encouraging than that which is pre- 
 sented by a co-operation with " the grace of God which brings 
 salvation." Through the regenerating and sanctifying influence of 
 this grace, in the heart of Elizabeth Fry, the prophetic vision was 
 in no small measure realised that " instead of the thorn shall 
 come up the fir-tree, and instead of the briar the myrtle-tree;" 
 causing "the wilderness" of the human spirit to "become like 
 Eden," and its " desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and glad- 
 ness " to " be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." 
 
 May the example, which this Volume exhibits, of constant and 
 rigorous self-examination, of fervent love to God, and devotedncss 
 to promote the establishment of His kingdom of righteousness 
 and peace, animate survivors to a like earnest endeavour to attain
 
 Yin PREFACE. 
 
 purity of heart, and to a diligent occupation with the talents be- 
 stowed on them : that so, when " their Lord cometh, and reckon- 
 ethwith them," they may receive the sentence of " Well-done." 
 
 A serious responsibility rests on every individual member of the 
 Church of God, by whatever name outwardly distinguished ; for, 
 to each has been given the one, the two, or the five talents ; by the 
 faithful dedication of which, according to the direction of the Holy 
 Spirit, they may be instrumental in accelerating the advent of that 
 most glorious era, when " the kingdoms of this world " shall " be- 
 come the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, and He shall 
 reign for ever and ever."
 
 Cunt etit 0. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 i 
 
 HOI 
 
 1780-1798. Birth Parentage Her Mother, her character Memo- 
 randa by her Removal to Earlham Death of her Mother 
 Recollections by Elizabeth Fry, of her own early life Sketch 
 of female society Circumstances of Elizabeth Gurney and her 
 Bisters Her character and habits Natural qualities as a young 
 person Absence of religious knowledge Established principles 
 requisite to happiness William Savery comes to Norwich on a 
 religious visit Effects of William Savory's preaching Descrip- 
 tion by himself Account by one of her sisters Her own journal 15 36 
 
 CHAPTEE H. 
 
 1798-1800. Visit to London, gaiety there Return to Earlham 
 Becomes a decidedly religious character Letter from William 
 Savery Gradual development of opinion Journey into Wales 
 and the South of England Intercourse with Friends Colebrook 
 Dale Increasing tendency to Quakerism Return to Earlham 
 Attention to the Poor Journey to the North of England 
 Becomes a decided Friend Proposals of Marriage from Joseph 
 Fry Letters 3795
 
 X CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER in. 
 
 ua 
 
 1800-1809. Marriage First visit to Plashet Settlement in Lon- 
 don Letter to a Friend Yearly Meeting Birth of eldest child, 
 1801 Journey into the North of England Second daughter, 
 born 1803 Birth of eldest son, 1804; illness and journey to 
 Bath Her second son, born 1806 Death of her mother-in-law 
 Birth of her fifth child, 1808 Letter to John Gurney and his 
 wife Death of the latter Death of her father-in-law 96140 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 1809-1813. Removal to Flashet, enjoyment of the country Birth 
 of her sixth child, 1809 Summons into Norfolk Death of her 
 father Extract from the journal of Rachel Gurney Commence- 
 ment of her public ministry Funeral of her cousin Anna Rey- 
 nolds Letter to a distant friend Visit to Earlham Journey 
 into Gloucestershire Birth of her seventh child, 1811 Acknow- 
 ledged as a minister by Friends Attention to the Poor, School, 
 &c. Norwich Bible Society Death of a little niece Journey 
 with Henry Hull and her sister, Priscilla Gurney Visit to the 
 Meetings of Friends in Norfolk Extract from a letter to her 
 cousin, J. G. Bevan Letter to Edward Edwards Death of a 
 domestic servant Death of Eliza Shepherd Birth of her eighth 
 child, 1812 Letter to her cousin, J. G. Bevan Removal to 
 London for the winter Religious visit to Friends of the London 
 Quarterly Meeting For the first time goes to Newgate State 
 of that prison 141200 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 1813-1818. Letter to Edward Edwards Summer at Plashet 
 Illness during the spring Her ninth child born, 1814 Illness 
 and death of her brother John Gurney Letter to her family
 
 CONTENTS. xi 
 
 PAGX 
 
 Death of Joseph Qurney Bevan Illness of her babe Journey 
 into Norfolk Earlkam, party assembled there Visit to Kings- 
 ton Monthly Meeting Death of one of her children Extracts 
 from letters Attends Dorsetshire Quarterly Meeting Her tenth 
 child born, 1816 Leaves her four elder children in Norfolk 
 Letters to her daughters Removal to London for the winter 
 Attends the funeral of her cousin Joseph Gurney, Jun. Places 
 her two elder sons at School Letter to her sister General state 
 of Prisons School in Newgate Case of Elizabeth Fricker 
 Newgate Association Description from Buxton Sophia de 
 
 C 's Journal Vote of thanks from the City Letters from 
 
 Robert Barclay, &c. Notice in newspapers Marriage of her 
 brother, Joseph John Gurney Extracts from Letters Exami- 
 nations before House of Commons Capital Punishments Case 
 of Skelton Duke of Gloucester and Lord Sidmouth Queen 
 Charlotte's Visit to the Mansion House Letter to Countess 
 Harcourt . . 201279 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 1818-1823. Engagements in the Prison Convict ship The Maria 
 Visitors to Newgate Letter from Lady Mackintosh Lord Lans- 
 downe's speech Scotch journey Letter from the Countess 
 Harcourt Takes her sons to School Illness Journey in con- 
 sequence Letter to prisoners Letters to her sons and Priscilla 
 II. Gurney Affliction in her family Scripture readings in New- 
 gate Female convicts in New South Wales Journey into the 
 North of England Letters to her daughter, Walter Venning, 
 &c. Foreign Prisons Death of her sister Priscilla Gurney 
 Capital Punishment Mackintosh's Motion Buxton's Speech 
 Prison Discipline Meeting Marriage of a daughter Visit to 
 several Meetings Death of a sister-in-law Letter to the Prin- 
 cess Royal of Denmark To J. J. Gurney Salo of prisoners' 
 work Convict ships Interesting visit to one of them Letter 
 
 from the Duchess of Attends Bristol Quarterly Meeting, 
 
 &c. Reflections . , 280 364
 
 Xll CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VH. 
 
 Mi 
 1824-1829. Journey to Worcester British Ladies' Society" 
 
 Establishment of Manor Hall Asylum and Society of Discipline 
 at Chelsea Brighton District Visiting School there Books for 
 Preventive men, near Brighton Letter from Dr. Steinkopff 
 Dagenham Visit to Brighton Return to Plashet Death of her 
 aunt Gurney Goes into Norfolk Letter to her family Mar- 
 riage of her eldest son Autumn at Dagenham Journey into 
 Cornwall and Devonshire Letter from Hannah More Convict 
 ships Visit to Ireland Illness at Waterford Return home 
 Illness and death of Rachel Gurney Birth of a grandson 
 Journey into Norfolk and Derbyshire Marriage of a daughter 
 Heavy sorrows Leaves Plashet Winter in London Settle- 
 ment at Upton Lane 865420 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 1829-1833. Summons to the death-bed of an aged friend Of a 
 youth Prepares her Text-book Anecdote Religious visit to 
 Norfolk and Suffolk Meeting of British Society Visit to Sussex 
 and Surrey Death of Robert Barclay Of a grandson and 
 nephew Death of her uncle Joseph Gurney Goes to his funeral 
 at Norwich Kent Quarterly Meeting Interview with the Duch- 
 ess of Kent and Princess Victoria Yearly Meeting Interview 
 with Queen Adelaide Convict ship Dagenham Public Meet- 
 ings Journey to Isle of Wight, &c. Events at Ilfracombe 
 History of Bamuel Marshall Death-bed of a converted Jew 
 Cholera Yearly Meeting Meeting of British Society Visit to 
 Wales and Ireland Domestic interest Sojourn in Jersey Visit 
 to Guernsey, &c. Returns home Illness of one daughter 
 Letter to another . 421458 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 1834-1838. Visit to Dorset and Hants Isle of Wight Journey 
 to Scotland Death of the Duke of Gloucester Letter Coast 
 Guard Libraries Examination before the Committee of the House
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 of Lords Journey along the Southern Coast of England 
 Crosses to Jersey and Guernsey Libraries for Packet Ships at 
 Falmouth For Shepherds at Salisbury Plain Death of a sister- 
 in-law Religious engagements in Sussex Visit to Dublin 
 Unpleasant Voyage to Guernsey Illness and death of her sister 
 Louisa Hoare Death of King William IV Of a sister-in-law 
 Departure of her brother J. J. Gurney for America Visits 
 Paris Meeting in Westminster Journey to Scotland Religious 
 Engagements in Surry, Essex, &c. Renewed Prospects of visit- 
 ing France 459-513 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 1839-1841. Journey on the Continent Paris Lyons Nismes 
 Avignon Toulouse The Pyrenees Grenoble Geneva Zurich 
 Frankfort Return Home Goes into Norfolk Letters to a 
 religious acquaintance Audience of the Queen Meeting in 
 London Leaves home for the Continent Ostend Brussels 
 Antwerp Amsterdam Z wolle Minden and Pyrmont Hanover 
 Berlin Leipzic Dusseldorf Return home Yearly Meeting 
 Establishment of " Nursing Sisters" 514661 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 1841-1843. Leaves home for the Continent Rotterdam The 
 Hague Amsterdam Bremen Hamburg Copenhagen Min- 
 den and Pyrmont Hanover Berlin Silesia Returns home 
 Lynn Earlham Winter at home King of Prussia in England 
 Autumn at Cromer Fishermen's Reading Results of Christian 
 efforts Returns by West Norfolk to Upton Lane Death of a 
 Grand-daughter Last visit to France Female Prisons at Cler- 
 mont, Paris, &c. Interviews with many interesting persons 
 Returns home Meeting of " Ladies' British Society " . . 568 618
 
 xiv CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER Xt 
 
 PAOl 
 
 1843-1845. Attends the Quarterly Meeting at Hertford Illness 
 Sandgate Tonbridge Wells Winter of great suffering 
 Removal to Bath Returns home Death of her sister-in-law, 
 Elizabeth Fry And of a Grandson Stay at Walmer Death of 
 a Grand-daughter, of her son William, and another Grand- 
 daughter Deep Affliction Returns from Walmer Death of a 
 Niece Some of her children depart for Madeira Death of Sir 
 T.F. Buxton Visit to Norfolk Earlham Northrepps Runcton 
 Yearly Meeting "Ladies' British Society" Meeting Marriage 
 of her youngest Son Removal to Ramsgate Visits from suc- 
 cessive parties of her family Sudden increase of illness Death 
 Funeral Concluding Remarks 619-667
 
 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 Cjjaptn 
 
 1780 1798. Birth Parentage Her Mother, her character Memo- 
 randa by her Removal to Earlham Death of her Mother Re- 
 collections by Elizabeth Fry, of her own early life Sketch of female 
 society Circumstances of Elizabeth Gurney and her sisters Her 
 character and habits Natural qualities as a young person Ab- 
 sence of religious knowledge Established principles requisite to 
 happiness William Savery comes to Norwich on a religious visit 
 Effects of William Savery's preaching Description by himself Ac- 
 count by one of her sisters Her own journal. 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY was born in Norwich on the 21st of the 
 fifth month, 1780. She was the third daughter of John 
 Gurney, of Earlham, in the county of Norfolk, and Cathe- 
 rine, daughter of Daniel Bell, a merchant in London ; whose 
 wife Catherine, daughter of David Barclay, was a descendant 
 of the ancient family of the Barclays of Ury, in Kincardine- 
 shire, and grand-daughter of Robert Barclay, the well-known 
 apologist of the Quakers. 
 
 John Gurney, of Earlham, the father of the subject of 
 this memoir, was born in 1749, and was educated in the prin- 
 ciples of the Society of Friends. As he advanced in life, 
 his pursuits led to intercourse with persons of various deno- 
 minations ; this, with a naturally social disposition, induced 
 an unusual degree of indiscriminate liberality of sentiment 
 towards others. He was a man of ready talent, of bright, 
 
 (15)
 
 16 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1778. 
 
 discerning mind, singularly warm-hearted, and affectionate, 
 very benevolent, and in manners courteous and popular. 
 
 His marriage with Catherine Bell took place in 1775. 
 They had twelve children one of them died in infancy. 
 Catherine Gurney was a person of very superior mind ; and 
 in her latter years, she became a serious Christian, and a 
 decided Friend. All her children were, by nature, highly 
 gifted, both with mental and personal endowments. 
 
 The usual residence of John and Catherine Gurney was in 
 Norwich ; but the summer months were spent at Bramerton, 
 a .pleasant village about four miles distant from the city. 
 
 This was a period when talent was frequently allied to 
 scepticism, and the highest attainments in human learning 
 were too often unaccompanied by soundness of religious faith. 
 Many persons doubted ; even more were indifferent to the 
 great truths of Christianity ; and so general was this state of 
 things, that individuals of personal piety, who sincerely desired 
 the prosperity of the kingdom of Christ, too little considered 
 the opinions entertained by others, and associated freely with 
 those whose religious belief was essentially at variance with 
 their own. We cannot doubt that, to a certain extent, this 
 was the case with John and Catherine Gurney, or that it had 
 an injurious effect on their family, especially after the de- 
 cease of their mother ; who, in the inscrutable dispensation 
 of an unerring Providence, was taken from them when her 
 eldest child was seventeen years of age, her youngest only 
 an infant. 
 
 Great indeed was the loss which they sustained by this 
 deeply affecting event. The following extracts from her 
 memoranda denote the pious care which she had exercised 
 in the management of her household : 
 
 " Bramerton, 1788. In the morning endeavour, at first 
 waking, to bring the mind into a state of silent waiting and 
 worship, preparatory to the active employment of the day ; 
 when up, visit the several apartments of the children, and,
 
 1788.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 17 
 
 if leisure permit, before breakfast read the Scriptures, if not, 
 it should not be afterwards omitted ; forget not the kindest 
 attentions to my dearest companion before parting for the 
 day. After walking with the little ones, and endeavouring 
 to enjoy each individually, begin with the necessary instruc- 
 tions for Catherine and Rachel ; then attend to the kitchen 
 and all family regulations, and to the claims of the poor ; 
 again attending the nurseries before dinner ; at which time 
 forget not the excellent custom of grateful, pious acknow- 
 ledgment for blessings bestowed. The introduction of the 
 children after this meal, generally affords my dear husband 
 and myself an opportunity of the united enjoyment of our 
 domestic comforts. A short afternoon may either be devoted 
 to the company of my dear husband, or to writing letters, 
 reading, or instructing the children alternately ; particularly 
 in the knowledge of the Scriptures ; and the few remaining 
 hours of the evening to be devoted to the promotion of my 
 husband's enjoyment, and, if possible, to blend instruction 
 and amusement to the elder children, who are our constant 
 companions till the time of rest. Then, being quiet and un- 
 interrupted with my best friend, be not unmindful of the 
 religious duties of life ; which consideration may, I hope, 
 lead to that trust in Providence that gives spiritual tran- 
 quillity and spiritual support. 
 
 Remember, that these desultory remarks are designed, 
 first, to promote my duty to my Maker secondly, my duty 
 towards my husband and children, relations, servants and 
 poor neighbours." 
 
 In the year 1786, John and Catherine Gurney had re- 
 moved to Earlham Hall, a seat of the Bacon family, about 
 two miles from Norwich : the three youngest sons were born 
 after their settlement there. 
 
 The following memoranda were subsequently penned by 
 Catherine Gurney.
 
 18 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1788. 
 
 "JEarlham, 1792. If, in conversation, we studied rather to 
 avoid whatever may in its nature be reprehensible, than to 
 search for approbation or admiration, would not associating 
 with our friends become more innocent, if not more profitable ? 
 If our piety does not appear adequate to supporting us in the 
 exigencies of life, and I may add, death ; surely our hearts 
 cannot be sufficiently devoted to it. It may be encouraging 
 to the poor traveller through life to consider, that as he re- 
 cedes from vice he approaches towards virtue ; and as he 
 despises the one, he will become enamoured with the other. 
 Modern authors on religion and morality describe, perhaps 
 very well, what human nature ought to be, but do they suffi- 
 ciently point out the means of becoming so ? Do they direct 
 the inquirer to the still small voice within ? 
 
 Books of controversy on religion are seldom read with 
 profit, not even those in favour of our own particular 
 tenets. The mind stands less in need of conviction than con- 
 version. 
 
 As our endeavours in education, as in every other pursuit, 
 should be regulated by the ultimate design, it would be cer- 
 tainly wise, in those engaged in the important office of in- 
 structing youth, to consider what would render the objects 
 of their care perfect, when men or women, rather than what 
 will render them pleasing as children. These reflections have 
 led me to decide upon what I most covet for my daughters, 
 as the result of our daily pursuits. As piety is undoubtedly 
 the shortest and securest way to all moral rectitude, young 
 women should be virtuous and good, on the broad firm basis 
 of Christianity ; therefore, it is not the opinions of any man 
 or sect whatever, that are to be inculcated in preference to 
 those rigid but divine truths contained in the New Testa- 
 ment." 
 
 The following are this tender mother's advices to her 
 children on their first going to a place of worship :
 
 1792.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 19 
 
 " Since we know that He, who gave us life, health and 
 strength of body, has given us an understanding mind, which 
 will show us what is reasonable and right to do, we ought to 
 consider, whether it is not right to love and obey that excel- 
 lent Being, who has certainly placed us here on earth, and 
 surrounded us with blessings and enjoyments, that we may 
 become as He would have us : that is, good ; and that we 
 should adore and love Him at all times ; but as many things 
 happen to lead the mind from this adoration and love of God, 
 which is His due, and our truest enjoyment, it is necessary to 
 retire with our friends and neighbours from hurry and busi- 
 ness, that we may think of Him who delights to bless us, and 
 will consider us as His children, if we love Him as a heavenly 
 Father. Do not, then, my dear child, suffer thy thoughts to 
 wander, or to dwell upon trifles, when thou art most immedi- 
 ately before Him, whom thou must strive to love, with all 
 thy heart and soul." 
 
 The foregoing remarks of this judicious and pious mother 
 give a lively impression of the greatness of the bereavement 
 to this large circle of young persons, thus left destitute of 
 maternal care. 
 
 In some recollections of her early childhood, recorded by 
 Elizabeth Fry after arriving at mature age, are interesting 
 allusions to this beloved parent. 
 
 " My mother was most dear to me, and the walks she took 
 with me in the old-fashioned garden, are as fresh with me, as 
 if only just passed. 
 
 My natural affections were very strong from my early child- 
 hood, at times almost overwhelmingly so ; such was the love 
 for my mother, that the thought that she might die and leave 
 me, used to make me weep after I went to bed, and for the 
 rest of the family, that notwithstanding my fearful nature, my 
 childlike wish was, that two large walls might crush us all 
 together, that we might die at once, and thus avoid the misery
 
 20 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1792. 
 
 of each other's death. I seldom, if I could help it, left my 
 mother's side ; I watched her when asleep in the day with 
 exquisite anxiety, and used to go gently to her bed-side to 
 listen, from the awful fear that she did not breathe ; in short, 
 I may truly say, it amounted to deep reverence. 
 
 How great is the importance of a wise mother, directing 
 the tastes of her children in very early life, and judiciously 
 influencing their affections ! I remember with pleasure my 
 mother's beds for wild flowers, which, with delight, I used, as 
 a child, to attend to with her ; it gave me that pleasure in 
 observing their beauties and varieties, that though I never 
 have had time to become a botanist, few can imagine, in 
 my many journeys, how I have been pleased and refreshed, by 
 observing and enjoying the wild flowers on my way. Again, 
 she collected shells, and had a cabinet, and bought one for 
 Rachel and myself, where we placed our curiosities ; and I 
 may truly say, in the midst even of deep trouble, and often 
 most weighty engagements of a religious and philanthropic 
 nature, I have derived advantage, refreshment, and pleasure, 
 from my taste for these things, making collections of them, 
 and various natural curiosities, although, as with th<s flowers, 
 I have not studied them scientifically. 
 
 My mother, as far as she knew, really trained Y<S up in the 
 fear and love of the Lord ; my deep impression is, that she 
 was a holy, devoted follower of the Lord Jesua ; but that 
 her understanding was not fully enlightened as to the ful- 
 ness of gospel truth. She taught us as far as she knew, and 
 I now remember the solemn religious feelings I had, whilst 
 sitting in silence with her after reading the Scriptures, or a 
 Psalm before we went to bed. I have no doubt that her 
 prayers were not in vain in the Lord. She died when I was 
 twelve years old ; the remembrance of her illness and death 
 is sad, even to the present day." 
 
 Elizabeth Fry entered life at a period marked, in the his- 
 tory of Europe, for great and almost sudden changes. The
 
 1792.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 21 
 
 French Revolution shook the surrounding nations to their 
 centre, and deluged with blood the land which its originators 
 had hoped to render free and happy a natural consequence 
 of the awful conflict between bigotry and tyranny on the one 
 hand, and infidelity and unbridled licentiousness on the other. 
 The theories, which in France had undermined the prin- 
 ciples of religion, and had assigned to mere human reason 
 the homage due only to the Almighty Creator, had become 
 imbibed by many in this country, particularly by some who 
 were conspicuously known as possessing superior natural and 
 acquired talent. But no circumstance in the aspect of that 
 remarkable era, was more striking than the impulse given 
 to the education of females. Both in France and England 
 a number of highly gifted women became known as authors 
 of surpassing endowments. Previous to this time the edu- 
 cation of girls had been much confined to needle-work and 
 domestic employments, whilst those in the higher classes of 
 society were accustomed to the frivolous, but fashionable 
 amusements of the day the mental powers of each being 
 but little developed. 
 
 Whilst genius and science shone on some minds with the 
 calm light of truth, they were too generally reflected in the 
 glare of a false philosophy, which inculcated a most specious 
 scepticism, and led to an utter rejection of the divine reve- 
 lation granted to man through the medium of the Bible. 
 Norwich had not escaped the contagion. It was noted for 
 the talent and unbelief of the society of the town and neigh- 
 bourhood. The daughters of John Gurney especially the 
 three elder ones were exposed to frequent association with 
 persons whose influence sapped the foundation of their reli- 
 gious faith. Left to their own resources, unaccustomed, 
 since the decease of their mother, to the study of the Holy 
 Scriptures, and with little opportunity of becoming correctly 
 instructed, they were, for a time, permitted to stumble upon 
 the dark mountains, seeking rest and finding none. Their 
 father's occupations, both public and private, and his natu-
 
 22 LIPEOF ELIZABETH FRY. [1792. 
 
 rally trustful disposition, prevented his perceiving all the 
 dangers to which they were subjected. They formed many 
 acquaintances, and some friendships, with persons greatly 
 gifted by nature, but fearfully tainted by the prevailing errors 
 of the day. Great pain and bitter disappointment resulted 
 from these connections. To the more dissipating gaieties of 
 the world they were but little exposed they were, how- 
 ever, accustomed to indulge in many amusements, such as 
 dancing, singing, &c. and none of the party appears to 
 have entered into them with more zest than Elizabeth. But 
 her pursuit of pleasure was often interrupted by delicate 
 health. She was liable to severe nervous attacks, which fre- 
 quently prevented her joining her sisters in their different 
 occupations. She was, in her youthful days, very attrac- 
 tive : her figure tall, her countenance sweet and pleasing, 
 and her person and manners dignified and lovely. She was 
 gentle and quiet in temper, yet evinced a strong will. 
 
 In a letter, written before she was three years old, her 
 mother thus mentions her : " My dove-like Betsy scarcely 
 ever offends, and is, in every sense of the word, truly engag- 
 ing." The indisposition to which she was subject caused her 
 no small suffering, and produced a great degree of timidity 
 a fear of being left in the dark and a languor, both of 
 body and mind, that rendered study irksome to her. This 
 proved a serious disadvantage, her education consequently 
 being defective and unfinished. But her mind was quick 
 and penetrating, and for depth and originality of thought she 
 was remarkable, even in her early years. In referring to 
 her childhood, Elizabeth Fry said she thought that being 
 called stupid really tended to make her so, and discouraged 
 her efforts to learn. This was a natural result. 
 
 But whatever might be the effect of this physical hin- 
 drance to mental exertion, it was but temporary ; her latent 
 vigour of intellect became powerfully developed. She 
 doubtless derived much advantage from the watchful care of 
 her eldest sister, Catherine Gurney, who early evinced
 
 1793.] LIFEOF ELIZABETH FRY. 23 
 
 thoughtful mind, a good understanding, and a thirst for in- 
 struction. She became an excellent person, manifesting, 
 through life, an advancement in Christian principle; the 
 blessed results of which shone brightly at its close. 
 
 Such were the circumstances, and such the characteristics 
 of Elizabeth Gurney and her sisters, after the death of their 
 mother : and years passed on, with few changes, but such as 
 necessarily came with the lapse of time, and their advance in 
 age. But He who had purposes of mercy towards them ; in 
 His own way, was preparing for them emancipation from 
 their doubts, and light for their darkness. Wonderful is it 
 to mark how, by little and little, through various instru- 
 ments, through mental conflicts, through bitter experiences, 
 He gradually led them, each one to a knowledge of the truth. 
 The means by which they first became impressed with some 
 abiding sense of the inestimable value of divine revelation, 
 was remarkable. Among their numerous associates, was a 
 gentleman who now becanje acquainted with the Earlham 
 family, of high principle, and cultivated mind. With him 
 the sisters formed a strong and lasting friendship. He ad- 
 dressed himself to their understandings, on the grand doc- 
 trines of Christianity ; he referred them to the Holy Scrip- 
 tures ; he lent them, and read with them, books of a serious 
 tendency. He treated religion, as such, with reverence ; 
 and although himself a Roman Catholic, he abstained from 
 every controversial topic, nor ever used his influence, directly 
 or indirectly, in favour of the peculiar views of his own 
 church. There was another individual who proved an im- 
 portant instrument, in leading the sisters to sound views of 
 Christian truth, though, on their first acquaintance, she was 
 herself wandering in the wilderness of doubt, if not of error. 
 This was Marianne Galton, afterwards Schimmelpenninck.* 
 Being a highly educated person, of great mental power, and 
 accustomed to exercise her abilities in the use of her reason, 
 
 Authoress of a Tour to Alct and tho Grande Chartreuse, &c., Ac.
 
 24 LIFE OF ELIZA BET II FRY. [1793. 
 
 and in an honest search after truth; she acquired considera- 
 ble influence over them. As the light of revelation opened 
 upon her own understanding, and her heart became influ- 
 enced by it, they shared in her advance, and profited by 
 her experience. There were other persons with whom they 
 associated, whose influence was desirable, but less powerful, 
 than that of the two just mentioned. 
 
 They appear also to have derived advantage from the re- 
 ligious visits of Friends to Earlham. The family of John 
 Gurney were in the habit of frequenting no place of wor- 
 ship, but that of Friends. The attendance of Elizabeth was 
 frequently prevented by want of health, and it is difficult to 
 know when the habit of absenting herself might have been 
 broken through, but for her uncle, Joseph Gurney, who 
 urged the duty upon her, and encouraged her to make the 
 attempt. He had become a decided Friend, and had much 
 influence with her, both then, and during her future life. 
 She was ready, indeed, to essay anything, that might tend to 
 satisfy her conscience, or meet the longings of her heart. 
 The principles so early inculcated by her venerated mother, 
 were rooted too deeply to be eradicated, though surrounded 
 by influences unfriendly to their full unfolding. She com- 
 menced, at the age of sixteen, or perhaps earlier, the prac- 
 tice of recording her feelings and sentiments, by way of 
 journal. From some of her first entries, the following se- 
 lections exhibit a powerful struggle between light and dark- 
 ness, the cravings of her spirit for something not yet at- 
 tained, earnest desires after " virtue and truth ;" strongly 
 contrasted with the misgivings of a mind beclouded by doubts, 
 and " stumbling" as on " the dark mountains." 
 
 " I am, at present, like a ship put to sea without a pilot 
 I feel my heart and mind so overburdened I want some 
 one to lean upon." "My mind is in so dark a state that I 
 see everything through a black medium." "I see every- 
 thing darkly I can comprehend nothing I doubt upon 
 everything."
 
 1793.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 25 
 
 " Without passions of any kind, how different I should be ! 
 I would not give them up, but I should like to have them 
 under subjection ; but it appears to me (as I feel) impossible 
 to govern them ; my mind is not strong enough ; as I at times 
 think they do no hurt to others. But am I sure they will 
 hurt no one ? I believe by not governing myself in little 
 things, I may by degrees become a despicable character, and 
 a curse to society ; therefore, my doing wrong is of conse- 
 quence to others, as well as to myself." 
 
 In her Seventeenth Year. "I feel by experience, how 
 much entering into the world hurts me ; worldly company, I 
 think, materially injures ; it excites a false stimulus, such as a 
 love of pomp, pride, vanity, jealousy, and ambition ; it leads 
 to think about dress, and such trifles, and when out of it, 
 we fly to novels and scandal, or something of that kind, for 
 entertainment. I have lately been given up a good deal to 
 worldly passions ; by what I have felt I can easily imagine 
 how soon I should be quite led away." 
 
 The reader will, doubtless, have already perceived that the 
 children of John Gurney were allowed to mingle in the 
 gaieties of life, and that they were not accustomed to observe 
 that moderation in their costume, which is inculcated by the 
 society of which they were nominally members. They did 
 not use the correct grammatical language to which Friends 
 adhere, and probably they would not, in any part of their 
 external demeanor, have been recognised as belonging to 
 this religious community. 
 
 Without a sketch of Elizabeth Gurney's life at its earlier 
 period, marking the great change which, through the opera- 
 tion of divine grace, was wrought in her heart, and which 
 became so strikingly conspicuous in her renunciation of the 
 vanities of the world, this volume would be divested of much 
 of its most interesting and instructive tendency. Further 
 quotations from her journal, showing the habits of her youth, 
 will therefore be proceeded with. The first of these indicates 
 4
 
 26 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1793. 
 
 the injurious influence of association with persons whose 
 sphere in life is unfriendly to the growth of virtue. 
 
 Prince William Frederick, afterwards Duke of Gloucester, 
 was then with his regiment quartered at Norwich. And 
 Elizabeth remarks, " I met the Prince it showed me the 
 folly of the world. My mind is very flat after this storm of 
 pleasure." 
 
 "I love to feel for the sorrows of others to pour wine and 
 oil into the wounds of the afflicted. I love ' to look through 
 nature up to nature's God.' I have no more religion than 
 that, and in the little I have I am not in the least devotional, 
 but when I admire the beauties of nature, I cannot help 
 thinking of the source from whence such beauties flow. I 
 feel it a support. I believe firmly that all is guided for the 
 best by an invisible power, therefore I do not fear the evils of 
 life so much. I love to feel good I do what I can to be kind 
 to everybody. I have many faults which I hope in time to 
 overcome." 
 
 Thus, by contemplating the external creation, she was led 
 to confide in an Infinite Being, although she had not yet 
 beheld Him through- the medium of divine revelation. 
 
 Monday, May 21st. I am seventeen to-day. Am I a hap- 
 pier or a better creature than I was this time twelvemonths ? 
 I know I am happier ; I think I am better. I hope I shall 
 be much better this day year than I am now. I hope to be 
 quite an altered person, to have more knowledge, to have 
 my mind in greater order ; and my heart, too, that wants 
 to be put in order as much, if not more, than any part of me, 
 it is in such a fly-away state. 
 
 ( Written on a bright summer's morning.) 
 
 Is there not a ray of perfection amidst the sweets of this 
 morning ; I do think there is something perfect from which 
 all good flows.
 
 1793.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 27 
 
 June 20th. If I have long to live in this world, may I 
 bear misfortunes with fortitude ; do what I can to alleviate 
 the sorrows of others, exert what power I have to increase 
 happiness ; try to govern my passions by reason, and adhere 
 strictly to what I think right. 
 
 July 7th. I have seen several things in myself and others, 
 I have never before remarked.; but I have not tried to im- 
 prove myself, I have given way to ray passions, and let them 
 have command over me. I have known my faults, and not 
 corrected them, and now I am determined I will once more 
 try, with redoubled ardour, to overcome my wicked inclina- 
 tions ; I must not flirt ; I must not ever be out of temper 
 with the children ; I must not contradict without a cause ; I 
 must not mump when my sisters are liked and I am not ; I 
 must not allow myself to be angry ; I must not exaggerate, 
 which I am inclined to do. I must not give way to luxury ; 
 I must not be idle in mind ; I must try to give way to every 
 good feeling, and overcome every bad ; I will see what I 
 can do ; if I had but perseverance, I could do all that I wish : 
 I will try. I have lately been too satirical, so as to hurt 
 sometimes ; remember ! it is a fault to hurt others. 
 
 8th. A much better day, though many faults. 
 
 1.0th. Some poor people were here ; I do not think I gave 
 them what I did, with a good heart. I am inclined to give 
 away ; but for a week past, owing to not having much money, 
 I have been mean and extravagant. Shameful ! Whilst I 
 live, may I be generous ; it is in my nature, and I will not 
 overcome so good a feeling. I am inclined to be extrava- 
 gant, and that leads to meanness, for those who will throw 
 away a good deal are apt to mind giving a little. 
 
 llth. I am in a most idle mind, and inclined to have an 
 indolent dissipated day ; but I will try to overcome it, and 
 see how far I can. I am well; oh, most inestimable of com- 
 forts ! Happy, happy I, to be so well ; how good, how 
 virtuous ought I to be ! May what I have suffered bo a 
 lesson to me, to feel for those who are ill, and alleviate their
 
 28 LIFB OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 sorrows as far as lies in my power ; let it teach me never to 
 forget the blessings I enjoy. I ought never to be unhappy ; 
 look back at this time last year, how ill I was, how mise- 
 rable ; yet I was supported through it ; God will support 
 through the suffering he inflicts ; if I were devotional, I 
 should fall on my knees and be most grateful for the bless- 
 sings I enjoy ; a good father, one whom I dearly love, sisters 
 formed after my own heart, friends whom I admire, and good 
 health which gives a relish to all. Company to dinner ; I 
 must beware of being a flirt, it is an abominable character ; 
 I hope I shall never be one, and yet I fear I am one now a 
 little. Be careful not to talk at random. Beware, and see 
 how well I can get through this day, without one foolish 
 action. If I do pass this day without one foolish action, it 
 is the first I ever passed so. If I pass a day with only a 
 few foolish actions, I may think it a good one. 
 
 25th. This book is quite a little friend to my heart ; it 
 is next to communicating my feelings to another person. I 
 would not but write in it for something, for it is most com- 
 fortable to read it over, and see the different workings of 
 my heart and soul. 
 
 SQth. Pride and vanity are too much the incentives to 
 most of the actions of men ; they produce a love of admira- 
 tion, and in thinking of the opinions of others, we are too 
 apt to forget the monitor within. We should first look to 
 ourselves, and try to make ourselves virtuous, and then 
 pleasing. Those who are truly virtuous not only do them- 
 selves good, but they add to the good of all. All have a 
 portion entrusted to them of the general good, and those who 
 cherish and preserve it are blessings to society at large ; and 
 those who do not, become a curse. It is wonderfully ordered, 
 how in acting for our own good, we promote the good of 
 others. My idea of religion is, not for it to unfit us for the 
 duties of life, like a nun who leaves them for prayer and 
 thanksgiving ; but I think it should stimulate and capacitate 
 us to perform these duties properly. Seeing my father low
 
 1793.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 29 
 
 this evening, I have done all I can to make him comfortable, 
 I feel it one of my first duties ; I hope he will always find in 
 me a most true friend and affectionate daughter. 
 
 August 1st. I have done little to-day, I am so very idle ; 
 instead of improving I fear I go back ; my inclinations lead 
 me to be an idle, flirting, worldly girl. I see what would be 
 acting right, but I have neither activity nor perseverance in 
 what I think right. I am like one setting out on a journey ; 
 if I set out on the wrong road, and do not try to recover the 
 right one before I have gone far, I shall most likely lose my 
 way for ever, and every step I take, the more difficult shall 
 I find it to return, therefore the temptation will be greater 
 to go on, till I get to destruction. On the contrary, if now, 
 whilst I am innocent of any great faults, I turn into the 
 right path, I shall feel more and more contented every step 
 I take. Trifles occupy me far too much, such as dress, &c., 
 &c. I find it easier to acknowledge my vices than my 
 follies. 
 
 6th. I have a cross to-night. I had very much set my 
 mind on going to the oratorio, the Prince is to be there, and 
 by all accounts it will be quite a grand sight, and there will 
 be the finest music ; but if my father does not like me to 
 go, much as I wish it, I will give it up with pleasure, if 
 it be in my power, without a murmur. I went to the or- 
 atorio, I enjoyed it, but spoke sadly at random; what a 
 bad habit ! 
 
 12th. I do not know if I shall not soon be rather reli- 
 gious, because I have thought lately, what a support it is 
 through life ; it seems so delightful to depend upon a supe- 
 rior power, for all that is good ; it is at least always having 
 the bosom of a friend open to us, to rest all our cares and 
 sorrows upon, and what must be our feelings to imagine that 
 friend perfect, and guiding all and everything, as it should 
 be guided. I think anybody who had real faith, could never 
 be unhappy ; it appears the only certain source of support 
 and comfort in this life, and wh:it is best of all, it draws to
 
 80 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1793. 
 
 virtue, and if the idea be ever so ill-founded that leads to 
 that great object, why should we shun it ? Religion has 
 been misused and corrupted : that is no reason why religion 
 itself is not good. 
 
 15th. For a few days past I have been in a worldly state, 
 dissipated, a want of thought, idle, relaxed and stupid, all 
 outside, no inside. I feel I am a contemptible fine lady. 
 May I be preserved from continuing so, is the ardent prayer 
 of my good man, but my evil man tells me I shall pray in 
 vain. I will try. I fear for myself ; I feel in the course of 
 a little time I shall be all outside flippery, vain, proud, con- 
 ceited ; I could use improper words at myself, but my good 
 man will not let me. But I am good in something, it is 
 wicked to despair of myself, it is the way to make me what I 
 desire not to be : I hope I shall always be virtuous ; can I be 
 really wicked ? I may be so, if I do not overcome my first 
 weak inclinations ; I wish I had more solidity and less fluidity 
 in my disposition. I feel my own weakness and insufficiency 
 to bear the evils and rubs of life. I must try by every stim- 
 ulus in my power, to strengthen myself both bodily and 
 mentally, it can only be done by activity and perseverance. 
 
 19th. Idle and relaxed in mind, greatly dissipated by 
 hearing the band, &c. &c. Music has a great effect on me, 
 it at times makes me feel almost beside myself. 
 
 3Qth. " Come what, come may, time and the hour run 
 through the roughest day." A very sad and trying day. 
 Tried by being poorly, by others, and by myself; very far 
 from what I ought to be. 
 
 Sept. 3d. There is much difference between being obsti- 
 nate and steady ; I am obstinate, when I contradict for the 
 sake of contradiction ; I am steady, when I keep to what I 
 really think right. I am too apt to contradict, whether I 
 should or not. If I am bid to do a thing, my spirit revolts ; 
 if I am asked to do a thing, I am willing. 
 
 December. A thought passed my mind, that if I had some 
 religion, I should be superior to what I am, it would be a bias
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 31 
 
 to better actions ; I think I am, by degrees, losing many ex- 
 cellent qualities. I am more cross, more proud, more vain, 
 more extravagant. I lay it to my great love of gaiety, and 
 the world. I feel, I know, I am falling. I do believe if I 
 had a little true religion, I should have a greater support than 
 I have now ; in virtue my mind wants a stimulus ; never, no 
 never did mind want one more : but I have the greatest fear 
 of religion, because I never saw a person religious, who was 
 not enthusiastic. 
 
 January, 1798. I must die ! I shall die ! wonderful, death 
 is beyond comprehension. To leave life, and all its interests, 
 and be almost forgotten by those we love. What a comfort 
 must a real faith in religion be, in the hour of death ; to have 
 a jrm belief of entering into everlasting joy. I have a notion 
 of such a thing, but I am sorry to say, I have no real faith in 
 any sort of religion ; it must be a comfort and support in 
 affliction, and I know enough of life to see how great a stim- 
 ulus is wanted, to support through the evils that are inflicted, 
 and to keep in the path of virtue. If religion be a support, 
 why not get it ? 
 
 14th. I think it almost impossible to keep strictly to prin- 
 ciple, without religion ; I don't feel any real religion ; I should 
 think those feelings impossible to obtain, for even if I thought 
 all the Bible was true, I do not think I could make myself 
 feel it : I think I never saw any person, who appeared so to- 
 tally destitute of it. I fear I am, by degrees, falling away 
 from the path of virtue and truth. 
 
 18</i. I am a bubble, without reason, without beauty of 
 mind or person ; I am a fool. I daily fall lower in my own 
 estimation. What an infinite advantage it would be to me, 
 to occupy my time and thoughts well. I am now seventeen, 
 and if some kind and great circumstance does not happen 
 to me, I shall have my talents devoured by moth and rust. 
 They will lose their brightness, lose their virtue, and ono 
 day they will prove a curse instead of a blessing. Dreaded 
 day!!
 
 32 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 I must use extreme exertion to act really right, to avoid 
 idleness and dissipation. 
 
 From the foregoing selections, we may perceive how ear- 
 nest were Elizabeth Gurney's efforts at self-examination and 
 self-control. The time was now at hand, when her mind was 
 to be illumined by the beams of the " Sun of righteousness," 
 and gradually delivered from the mists of scepticism. The ap- 
 pointed instrument of this blessed change was William Savery, 
 a minister, well known and much beloved in our religious 
 community. lie had come from America to this country on 
 a visit of gospel love, in the course of which he attended the 
 usua.1 Meeting at Norwich on first day, the 4th of second 
 month, 1798. His preaching was very impressive : he was, 
 through the power of the Holy Spirit, qualified, in no com- 
 mon degree, for the office of an ambassador for Christ, and 
 many were the seals to his ministry amongst those whom he 
 was instrumental in attracting to the pathway of life and 
 peace. In his own published journal is this reference to the 
 above-mentioned visit to Norwich. 
 
 " Norwich, First-day, 4th of the month. Attended their 
 Meeting: some not members stepped in, and there were 
 about two hundred under our name ; very few middle-aged 
 or young persons who had a consistent appearance in their 
 dress ; indeed, I thought it the gayest Meeting of Friends I 
 ever sat in, and was grieved to see it. I expected to pass 
 the Meeting in silent suffering, but at length believed it most 
 for my peace to express a little, and through gracious con- 
 descension was favoured to relieve my mind, and many were 
 tendered. Had a Meeting in the evening, in a large Meet- 
 ing-house, in another part of the town : there seem to be but 
 few upright standard-bearers left among the members in this 
 place, yet they are not entirely removed. Attended the 
 Public Meeting, and the house, though very large, could 
 not contain the people by several hundreds, but considering 
 their crowded situation, many being obliged to stand, they
 
 1798.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FEY. 33 
 
 soon became settled, and through mercy it proved a re- 
 markably open, satisfactory Meeting, ending in prayer and 
 praise to the Author of every blessing. The marks of wealth 
 and grandeur are too obvious in several families of Friends 
 in this place, which made me sorrowful, yet I saw but little 
 opening to relieve my mind ; several of the younger branches, 
 though they are enabled through divine grace to see what 
 the Truth leads to, yet it is uncertain whether, with all the 
 alluring things of this world around them, they will choose 
 the simple, safe path of self-denial."* 
 
 Elizabeth's sister, Richenda, thus describes this eventful 
 day : 
 
 On that day, we, seven sisters, sat as usual in a row, under 
 the gallery at Meeting ; I sat by Betsy. William Savery 
 was there we liked having Yearly Meeting Friends come 
 to preach ; it was a little change. Betsy was generally 
 rather restless at Meeting ; and on this day, I remember 
 her very smart boots were a great amusement to me ; they 
 were purple, laced with scarlet. 
 
 At last William Savery began to preach. His voice and 
 manner were arresting, and we all liked the sound; her 
 attention became fixed ; at last I saw her begin to weep, and 
 she became a good deal agitated. As soon as Meeting was 
 over, I have a remembrance of her making her way to the 
 men's side of the Meeting, and having found my father, she 
 asked him if she might dine with William Savery at the 
 Grove,f to which he soon consented, though rather surprised 
 by the request ; we went home as usual, and, for a wonder, 
 we wished to go again in the afternoon. I have not the same 
 clear remembrance of this Meeting ; but the next scene that 
 has fastened itself on my memory, is our return home in the 
 carriage. Betsy sat in the middle, and astonished us all by 
 the great feeling she showed. She wept most of the way 
 home. The next morning, William Savery came to break- 
 
 * William Savery's journal, published by Oilpin, 1844, pp. 27-8. 
 
 f The residence of her uncle, Joseph Qurney. 
 5
 
 34 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1793. 
 
 fast, prophesying of the high and important calling she 
 would be led into. What she went through in her own 
 mind, I cannot say, but the results were most powerful, and 
 most evident. From that day her love of pleasure and of 
 the world seemed gone. 
 
 How deep the impression, made upon the mind of Eliza- 
 beth, her own journal portrays. 
 
 Sunday, February 4th, 1798. This morning I went to 
 Meeting, though but poorly, because I wished to hear an 
 American Friend, named William Savery. Much passed 
 there of a very interesting nature. I have had a faint light 
 spread over my mind, at least I believe it is something of 
 that kind, owing to having been much with, and heard much 
 excellence from, one who appears to me a true Christian. It 
 has caused me to feel a little religion. My imagination has 
 been worked upon, and I fear all that I felt will go off. I 
 fear it now ; though at first I was frightened, that a plain 
 Quaker should have made so deep an impression on me ; 
 but how truly prejudiced in me to think, that because good 
 came from a Quaker, I should be led away by enthusiasm 
 and folly. But I hope I am now free from such fears. I wish 
 the state of enthusiasm I am in may last, for to-day I have felt 
 that there is a G-od ; I have been devotional, and my mind 
 has been led away from the follies that it is mostly wrapt up 
 in. We had much serious conversation ; in short, what he 
 said and what I felt, was like a refreshing shower falling 
 upon earth, that had been dried up for ages. It has not 
 made me unhappy : I have felt ever since humble. I have 
 longed for virtue. I hope to be truly virtuous ; to let 
 sophistry fly from my mind ; not to be enthusiastic and 
 foolish ; but only to be so far religious as will lead to virtue. 
 There seems nothing so little understood as religion. 
 
 On the 6th she had "a very serious ride" to Norwich, but 
 meeting with some gay people " brought on vanity," and 
 she says
 
 1798.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 35 
 
 "I came home as full of the world, as I went to town full 
 of heaven." 
 
 In hearing William Savery preach, he seemed to me to 
 overflow with true religion, and to be humble, and yet a man 
 of great abilities ; and having been gay and disbelieving only 
 a few years ago, makes him better acquainted with the heart 
 of one in the same situation. If I were to grow like him, a 
 preacher, I should be able to preach to the gay and unbe- 
 lieving better than to any others, for I should feel more 
 sympathy for them, and know their hearts better. 
 
 Sunday, \\tJi. It is very different to this day week (a day 
 never to be forgotten whilst memory lasts.) I have been to 
 Meeting this morning. To-day I have felt all my old irre- 
 ligious feelings my object shall be to search, try to do right, 
 and if I am mistaken, it is not my fault ; but the state I am 
 now in makes it difficult to act. What little religion I have 
 felt has been owing to my giving way quietly and humbly to 
 my feelings ; but the more I reason upon it, the more I get 
 into a labyrinth of uncertainty, and my mind is so much 
 inclined to both scepticism and enthusiasm, that if I argue 
 and doubt, I shall be a total sceptic ; if, on the contrary, I 
 give way to my feelings, and as it were, wait for religion, I 
 may be led away. But I hope that will not be the case ; at- 
 all events, religion, true and uncorrupted, is of all comforts 
 the greatest ; it is the first stimulus to virtue ; it is a support 
 under every affliction. I am sure it is better to be so in an 
 enthusiastic degree, than not to be so at all, for it is a delight- 
 ful enthusiasm. 
 
 15</i. My mind is in a whirl. In all probability I shall 
 go to London. Many, many are the sensations I feel about 
 it, numbers of things to expect. In the first place, leaving 
 home, how truly I shall miss my best of friends, and all of 
 them. (Meaning particularly her brothers and sisters.) In 
 the next place, I shall see William Savery most likely, and 
 all those plain Quakers. I may be led away, beware ! my
 
 86 LIFE OPELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 feelings are far more risen at the thought of seeing him than 
 all the playhouses and gaieties in the world. One will, I do 
 not doubt, balance against the other ; I must be careful not 
 to be led away ; I must not overdo myself. I dare say it 
 will not be half so pleasant as the Earlham heartfelt gaieties 
 in the Prince's time ; I must be very careful not to get vain 
 or silly, for I fear I shall. Be independent, and do not 
 follow those I am with, more than I think right. Do not 
 make dress a study, even in London. Read in the Bible, 
 when I can ; but if I see William Savery, I shall not, I 
 doubt, be over fond of gaieties. 
 
 16<A. We went to hear the band, which I am sorry for, 
 as I cannot get courage to tell my father, I wish I had not 
 gone ; I will not go again without his knowing it before- 
 hand.
 
 1798-1800. Visit to London, gaiety there Return to Earlham Be- 
 comes a decidedly religious character Letter from William Savery 
 Gradual development of opinion Journey into Wales and the 
 South of England Intercourse with Friends Colebrook Dale 
 Increasing tendency to Quakerism Return to Earlham Attention 
 to the Poor 1 Journey to the North of England Becomes a deci- 
 ded Friend Proposals of Marriage from Joseph Fry Letters. 
 
 IN this peculiar and awakened state of mind, Elizabeth, 
 with the consent of John Gurney, visited London, that she 
 might become acquainted for herself with those amusements 
 and fascinations which the world offers to its votaries; that 
 she might have the opportunity of " proving all things," 
 and choosing for herself that which appeared to her " to be 
 good." Her father took her to London ; and there with an 
 old and faithful attendant, left her for some weeks, under the 
 protection and kind care of a relation. She was often in- 
 terested and amused with the objects that were presented to 
 her notice, but seldom satisfied or approving. The result 
 was that she returned home entirely decided : a vain world 
 rejected ; her heart set upon heavenly things ; and from that 
 time, most steadily, though gently, did she continue to 
 advance in the path, in which she believed it to be her duty 
 to walk. But what a dangerous experiment was this search 
 after pleasure ! How calculated to dissipate every serious 
 impression, which had been made on the mind of this young 
 person ! She attended the opera and the theatres, engaged 
 in the dance and other amusements, mingled, in the gayest 
 circles, with actresses, novelists, and others of a similar cha- 
 racter, yielded to vanities, from which her own good sense, 
 
 (37)
 
 88 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FIl*. [1798. 
 
 now aroused to action by a regenerating power, revolted 
 with disgust. "I went," she writes, "to Drury Lane in 
 the evening. I must own I was extremely disappointed : 
 to be sure the house is grand and dazzling, but I had no 
 other feeling whilst there than that of wishing it over." 
 
 25th. Although I told William Savery my principles 
 were not Friendly, yet I fear I should not like his knowing 
 of my going to the play. I think such religion as his must 
 attract an atheist ; and if there were many such Quakers 
 as he is, the Society would soon increase. 
 
 Tuesday. I went to the play at Co vent Garden, I still 
 continue not to like plays. 
 
 Wednesday, 28th. We were out this morning; I felt 
 proud, vain and silly. In the evening, we had a dance. 
 
 Thursday, March 1. I own I enter into the gay world 
 reluctantly. I do not like plays. I think them so artificial 
 that they are to me not interesting, and all seems so so 
 very far from pure virtue and nature. My hair was dressed, 
 and I felt like a monkey. London is not the place for 
 heartfelt pleasure, BO I must not expect to find it. 
 
 That gracious Heavenly Parent, whose ever-watchful eye 
 is upon them that fear Him, was providing something for 
 her anxious mind, more soul-satisfying than pursuits of so 
 frivolous a nature. 
 
 1th. I went to Meeting in the evening. I have not 
 enough eloquence to describe it. William Savory's sermon 
 was in the first part very affecting, it was from the Revela- 
 tions ; he explained his text beautifully, and awfully, most 
 awfully i felt it ; he next described the sweets of religion, 
 and the spirit of prayer. How he did describe it I He said, 
 the deist, and those who did not feel devotion, looked at 
 nature, admired the thunder, the lightning and earthquakes, 
 as curiosities ; but they looked not up through them to
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 39 
 
 nature's God. How "well he hit the state I have been in ; I 
 trust I may not remain in it ; his prayer was beautiful ; I 
 think I felt to pray with him. 
 
 YIth. May I never forget the impression William Savery 
 has made on my mind ! as much as I can say is, I thank God 
 for having sent at least a glimmering of light, through him, 
 into my heart, which I hope with care, and keeping it from 
 the many draughts and winds of this life, may not be blown 
 out, but become a large brilliant flame, that will direct me to 
 that haven, where will be joy without a sorrow, and all will 
 be comfort. I have faith ; how much to gain ! not all the 
 treasures in this world can equal that heavenly treasure. 
 May I grow more and more virtuous, follow the path I 
 should go in, and not fear to acknowledge the God whom I 
 worship ; I will try, and I do hope to do what is right. I 
 now long to be in the quiet of Earlham, for there I may see 
 how good I can be, and so I may here, for the greater cross 
 the greater crown : . but I there can reflect quietly and 
 soberly on what has passed, there I hope to regulate my 
 mind, which I know sadly wants it. May I never lose the 
 little religion I now have ; but if I cannot feel religion and 
 devotion, I must not despair, for if I am truly warm and 
 earnest in the cause, it will come one day. My idea is, that 
 true humility and lowliness of heart is the first grand step 
 towards true religion. I fear and tremble for myself, but I 
 must humbly look to the Author of all that is good and great, 
 and, I may say, humbly pray, that He will take me as a 
 sheep strayed from His flock, and once more let me enter 
 the fold of His glory. I feel there is a God and immor- 
 tality ; happy, happy thought ! May it never leave me, and 
 if it should, may I remember I have felt that there is a God 
 and Immortality. 
 
 After being in London and its vicinity seven weeks, she 
 returned home with her father, on the IGth of fourth month. 
 
 Thirty years afterwards, in 1828 she thus reviews this 
 critical period of life.
 
 40 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1798. 
 
 " Here ended this important and interesting visit to Lon- 
 don, where I learned much and had much to digest. I saw 
 and entered various scenes of gaiety ; many of our first 
 public places ; attended balls and other places of amusement. 
 I saw many interesting characters in the world, some of 
 considerable eminence in that day ; I was also cast among 
 a great variety of persons of different descriptions. I had 
 the high advantage of attending several most interesting 
 meetings of William Savery, and having, at times, his 
 company, and that of a few other Friends. It was like 
 the casting die in my life ; however, I believe it was in the 
 ordering of Providence for me, and that the lessons then 
 learnt are to this day valuable to me. I consider one of the 
 important results was, the conviction of these things being 
 wrong, from seeing them and feeling their effects. I wholly 
 gave up on my own ground, attending all public places of 
 amusement, I saw that they tend to promote evil ; therefore 
 even if I could attend them without being hurt myself, I 
 felt, in entering them, I lent my aid to promote that, which 
 I was sure, from what I saw, hurt others ; led many from 
 the paths of rectitude and chastity, and brought them into 
 much sin ; particularly those who had to act in plays, or 
 sing in concerts. I felt the vanity and folly of what are 
 called the pleasures of this life, of which the tendency is 
 not to satisfy, but eventually to enervate and injure the 
 heart and mind ; those only are real pleasures which are of 
 an innocent nature, and used as recreations, subjected to the 
 cross of Christ. I was, in my judgment, much confirmed in 
 the infinite importance of religion, as the only real stay, 
 guide, help, and comfort in this life, and the only means of 
 our having a hope of partaking of a better. My understand- 
 ing was increasingly open to receive its truths ; although the 
 glad tidings of the gospel of Christ were little, very little, if 
 at all understood by me, I was like the blind man ; although 
 I could hardly be said to have attained the state of seeing 
 men as trees. I obtained in this expedition a valuable know-
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 41 
 
 ledge of human character, from the variety I met with ; this 
 I think was useful to me, though some were very dangerous 
 associates for so young a person, and the way in which I was 
 protected among them, is, in my remembrance, very striking ; 
 and leads me to acknowledge, that at this most critical period 
 of my life, the tender mercy of my God was marvellously dis- 
 played towards me ; and that His all-powerful, though to me 
 then almost unseen and unknown hand, held me up and pro- 
 tected me. Can any one doubt, that it was His Spirit which 
 manifested to me the evil in my own heart, as well as that 
 which I perceived around me ? leading me to abhor it, and 
 to hunger and thirst after Himself, and His righteousness, 
 and that salvation which cometh by Christ." 
 
 But we return to her early journal : 
 
 Earlham, April 2Qth, 1798. To-day the children brought 
 me a letter from William Savery : I cannot well express 
 what I felt at receiving it. I do not know the course I am 
 to run, all is hid in mystery, but I try to do right in every- 
 thing. I feel he gives me a stimulant to virtue ; but I fear 
 by what I expressed in my letter, he suspects that I am 
 turning plain Quaker. I hate that he should estimate me 
 falsely. I must remember that on the foundation of the doc- 
 trine, I believe we agree. I must look to One higher than 
 he ; and if I feel my own mind satisfied I need not fear. 
 Look up to true religion as the very first of blessings, cherish 
 it, nourish, and let it flourish and bloom in my heart ; it 
 wants taking care of, it is difficult to obtain. I must not 
 despair or grow sceptical, if I do not always feel religious. 
 I have felt God as it were, and I must seek, to find Him 
 again. 
 
 The letter referred to is as follows : 
 
 " 13th of Fourth Month, 1798. 
 
 " DEAR FRIEND, 
 
 " As I left thee unwell, and without having it in 
 my power to take thee affectionately by the hand, as I was 
 6
 
 42 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 much inclined to do ; it gave me great pleasure to receive 
 thy kind letter, which brings no complaint of thy present 
 want of health ; for, I assure thee, I feel interested in thy 
 welfare and happiness every way. My attachment has not 
 been more cordial or agreeable to any young Friend in Eng- 
 land, and my heart leaped with joy to find thou art willing 
 to acknowledge a state of hunger and thirst after righteous- 
 ness, which, if thou cherish and dwell in, thou never need to 
 doubt, my dear friend, will eventually be crowned with the 
 enjoyment of the heavenly promise, 'thou shalt be filled.' 
 Thou art favoured with amiable and benevolent dispositions, 
 which I hope thou hast wisely determined shall not be 
 eclipsed by a conformity to the god of this world ; nor en- 
 slaved by its rudiments and maxims, its philosophy and vain 
 deceit, but rather with a holy magnanimity, regardless of the 
 world's dread laugh, thou wilt resolve to implore the Omni- 
 potent Hand that formed thee for Glory, Immortality, and 
 Eternal Life, to finish the glorious work He has begun, by 
 creating thee anew in Christ Jesus unto every good word and 
 work ; bringing thee under the dominion of His own power 
 and spirit, the fruit of which is love, joy, peace, long-suffer- 
 ing, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. 
 
 "I know, my dear, thou hast, and wilt have, many tempta- 
 tions to combat with ; thou wilt, doubtless, be frequently 
 importuned to continue, with thy gay acquaintance, in pur- 
 suit of that unsubstantial and false glare of happiness, which 
 the world, in too bewitching and deceitful colours, holds out 
 to the poor young, unwary traveller, which, if he be ensnared 
 with, most certainly ends in blinding the intellectual eye, 
 from discerning the uncontaminated source of soul-felt plea- 
 sure, resulting from an humble heart, at peace with its God, 
 its neighbour, and itself. Thou asks my advice, my dear 
 friend, and without any premeditation when I sat down, I 
 find I have been attempting it ; but it is very evident, thou 
 art under the especial care of an infinitely better Instructor, 
 who has already uttered his soft and heavenly voice, to teach
 
 1798.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 43 
 
 thee that the first step towards religion is true humility ; he- 
 cause, in that state only, we can feel the need we have of an 
 arm, stronger than human, to lean upon, to lead us out of, 
 and keep us from polluting things, which hinder our access 
 to, and confidence in, that boundless source of purity, love, 
 and mercy ; who, amidst all the vicissitudes of time, is dis- 
 posed to he our invincible Shepherd, Guardian, and Friend, 
 in whom we may trust and never be afraid ; but this blessed 
 confidence is not, cannot be enjoyed by the gay, the giddy, 
 proud, or abandoned votaries of this world. 
 
 " It is the peculiar privilege of those, who are sincerely 
 endeavouring to wash their hands in innocency, that they 
 may compass the altar of God availingly. I have experienced 
 what it is to be under the imperious and slavish dominion of 
 my own uncontrolled passions ; and I know that such a state 
 is abundantly mixed with the wormwood and the gall, and I 
 have been, through adorable mercy, convinced there is an 
 infinitely more happy one to be attained, even in this life ; 
 an enjoyment, under the perfect law of liberty, of that serene 
 state of mind, wherein there is no condemnation, as Paul 
 speaks, the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus setting 
 the soul free from the law of sin and death. I do not pre- 
 tend, my dear friend, to boast myself as having attained such 
 an uninterrupted state, yet the transient foretaste which we 
 partake of, in proportion to our obedience to revealed duty, 
 is enough to inspire the soul of every Christian soldier, so 
 to run, through God's mercy and grace, that we may obtain 
 the full and complete enjoyment of it. There are many 
 formal professors of religion, who think to obtain peace with 
 God, by a critical exactness, and even rigid austerity in out- 
 ward observances, and outside formalities, as well as many, 
 who, from constitution or habit, are always exhibiting the 
 dark and gloomy side of religion, not having, in my humble 
 opinion, their minds sufficiently expanded by just conceptions 
 of the adorable love and mercy of God ; and both of these 
 spread a discouraging report of the good land, or of the way
 
 44 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1798 
 
 which our Heavenly Father has appointed for us to obtain 
 possession of it. I speak only my own experience, dear 
 Elizabeth, when I say, that whenever I have found my way 
 more than usually strewn with thorns, I have generally dis- 
 covered, on a deep scrutiny of my heart, that it has been the 
 fruit of some open or secret departure from the paths of 
 obedience and virtue ; so that I am confirmed that it is in 
 our own ways we are corrected ; but the ways of the Lord 
 are ways of pleasantness, and all His paths peace. I know 
 very well that the most virtuous, being children of frail 
 humanity, and this world not designed to be the place of 
 their undisturbed rest, but a school of discipline to prepare 
 them for a better, are subject to afflictions, as well as others ; 
 still there is this difference in the midst of them all, that 
 while the votary of this world is overwhelmed with murmur- 
 ing and repining, and agitated with sorrow which worketh 
 death, under the afflictive dispensations, that all, more or 
 less, in the wisdom of Providence for our good must pass 
 through in this life ; the humble Christian, believing that 
 even afflictions from His sovereign hand are mercies in dis- 
 guise, and that all things shall work eventually for good to 
 them that love and fear Him, is strengthened, through the 
 Lord's love and mercy, to say, ' The cup that my Heavenly 
 Father hath blessed, shall I not drink it ?' ' for our light 
 affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far 
 more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look 
 not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are 
 not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the 
 things which are not seen are eternal.' On the other hand, 
 the temporal enjoyments of this life, being sanctified to us 
 by the hand that gave them, and the world used without 
 abusing it, the peace, comfort, and rational enjoyment of 
 them is doubly tasted by the religious and grateful soul. My 
 dear child, my heart is full towards thee, I have written a 
 great deal more than I expected ; but I fain would take thee 
 by the hand, if I were qualified so to do, and ascend, as our
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 45 
 
 Heavenly Father may enable us, together, step by step, up 
 that ladder which reaches from earth to heaven ; but, alas ! 
 my weakness is such, I can only recommend both myself and 
 thee to that good hand, that is able to do more abundantly 
 for us than we can either ask or think ; and bid thee, for 
 the present, in much Christian affection, farewell. 
 
 " WILLIAM SAVERY." 
 
 April 21st. I am so glad I do not feel Earlham at all 
 dull, after the bustle of London ; on the contrary, a better 
 relish forjihe sweet innocence and beauties of nature. I 
 hope I may say, I do look " through nature up to nature's 
 God." I go every day to see poor Bob, (a servant in a 
 decline, living at a cottage in the Park,) who I think will 
 not live. I once talked to him about dying, and asked him 
 if he would like me to read to him in the Testament. I told 
 him, I felt such faith in the blessings of Immortality, that I 
 pitied not his state ; it was an odd speech to make to a dying 
 man. I hope to be able to comfort him in his dying hours. 
 I gave some things to some poor people to-day ; but it is not 
 there that I am particularly virtuous, as I am only following 
 my natural disposition. I should be far more so, if I never 
 spoke against any person, which I do too often. I think I 
 am improved since I was last at home ; my mind is not so 
 fly-away. I hope it never will be so again. We are all 
 governed by our feelings ; now the reason why religion is 
 far more likely to keep you in the path of virtue than any 
 theoretical plan is, that you feel it, and your heart is wrapt 
 up in it ; it acts as a furnace on your character, it refines it, 
 it purifies it ; whereas principles of your own making arc 
 without kindling to make the fire hot enough to answer its 
 purpose. I think a dream I have had so odd, I will write it 
 down. 
 
 Before I mention my dream, I will give an account of my 
 state of mind, from the time I was fourteen years old. I 
 had very sceptical, or deistical principles. I seldom, or 
 never thought of religion, and altogether I was a negatively
 
 46 LIFE OF ELIZABETH * R Y. [1798. 
 
 good character ; having naturally good dispositions, I had 
 not much to combat with ; I gave way freely to the weakness 
 of youth. I was flirting, idle, rather proud and vain, till 
 the time I was seventeen, when I found I wanted a better, 
 a greater stimulus to virtue, than I had, as I was wrapt up 
 in trifles. I felt my mind capable of better things ; but I 
 could not exert it, till several of my friends, without knowing 
 my state, wished I would read books on Christianity ; but I 
 said, till I felt the want of religion myself, I would not read 
 books of that kind ; but if ever I did, would judge clearly 
 for myself, by reading the New Testament, and when I had 
 seen for myself, I would then see what others said. About 
 this time, I believe, I never missed a week, or a few nights, 
 without dreaming, that I was nearly being washed away by 
 the sea, sometimes in one way, sometimes in another ; and I 
 felt all the terror of being drowned, or hope of being 
 saved ; at last I dreamt it so often, that I told many of the 
 family what a strange dream I had, and how near I was 
 being lost. After I had gone on in this way for some 
 months, William Savery came to Norwich. I had begun to 
 read the Testament with reflections of my own, and he sud- 
 denly, as it were, opened my eyes to see religion ; but again 
 they almost closed. I went on dreaming the dream. The 
 day when I felt I had really and truly got true and real 
 faith, that night I dreamed the sea was coming as usual to 
 wash me away, but I was beyond its reach ; beyond its 
 powers to wash me away ; since that night I do not remem- 
 ber having dreamed that dream. Odd ! It did not strike me 
 at the time so odd ; but now it does. All I can say is, I 
 admire it, I am glad I have had it, and I have a sort of 
 faith in it ; it ought, I think, to make my faith steady, it 
 may be the work of chance, but I do not think it is, for it is 
 so odd not having dreamed it since. What a blessed thought 
 to think it comes from heaven ! May I be made capable 
 of acting as I ought to act ; not being drowned in the ocean 
 of the world, but permitted to mount above its waves, and
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 47 
 
 remain a steady and faithful servant to the God whom 1 
 worship. I may take this dream in what light I like, but I 
 must be careful of superstition ; as many, many are the 
 minds that are led away by it. Believe only in what I can 
 comprehend or feel ; don't, don't be led away by enthusiasm ; 
 but I don't fear. I feel myself under the protection of One, 
 who alone is able to guide me to the path in which I ought 
 to go. 
 
 29^A. The human mind is so apt to fly from one extreme 
 to another ; and why is not mine like others ? I certainly 
 seem to be on the road to a degree of enthusiasm, but I own 
 myself at a loss how to act. If I act as they (meaning 
 doubtless those around her) would wish me, I should not 
 humbly give way to the feelings of religion ; I should dwell 
 on philosophy, and depend more on my own reason than any- 
 thing else. On the contrary, if I give way to the religious 
 feelings to which I am inclined, (and I own I believe much 
 in inspiration,) I feel confident that I should find true humility, 
 and humble Waiting on the Almighty, the only way of feel- 
 ing an inward sense of the beauties, and of the comforts of 
 religion ; it spreads a sweet veil over the evils of life ; it is 
 to me the first of feelings. I own my dream rather leads me 
 to believe in, and try to follow the path I would go in. But 
 I should think my wisest plan of conduct would be warmly to 
 encourage my feelings of devotion, and to keep as nearly as 
 I can to what I think right, and the doctrines of the Testa- 
 ment ; not, at present, to make sects the subject of my medi- 
 tations, but to do as I think right, and not alter my opinions 
 from conformity to any one, gay or plain. 
 
 May 8th. This morning, being alone, I think it a good 
 opportunity to look into myself, to see my present state, and 
 to regulate myself. At this time, the first object of my mind 
 is religion. It is the most constant subject of my thoughts 
 and of my feelings ; I am not yet on what I call a steady 
 foundation. The next feeling that at this present fills my 
 heart, is benevolence and affection to many, but great want
 
 48 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 of charity, want of humility, want of activity ; my inclina- 
 tions lead me, I hope, to virtue ; my passions are, I hope, in 
 a pretty good state ; I want to set myself in good order, for 
 much time is lost, and many evils committed, by not having 
 some regular plan of conduct ; I make these rules for my- 
 self: 
 
 First, Never lose any time ; I do not think that lost 
 which is spent in amusement or recreation, some time every 
 day ; hut always be in the habit of being employed. 
 
 Second, Never err the least in truth. 
 
 Third, Never say an ill thing of a person, when I can 
 say a good thing of them, not only speak charitably but 
 feel so. 
 
 Fourth, Never be irritable nor unkind to anybody. 
 
 Fifth, Never indulge myself in luxuries that are not 
 necessary. 
 
 Sixth, Do all things with consideration, and when my 
 path to act right is most difficult, feel confidence in that 
 power that alone is able to assist me, and exert my own 
 powers as far as they go. 
 
 IQth. Altogether I think I have had a satisfactory day. 
 I had a good lesson of French this morning, and read much 
 in Epictetus. Saw poor Bob, and enjoyed the sweet beau- 
 ties of nature, which now shine forth ; each day some new 
 beauty arrives. I love the beauty of the country, it does the 
 mind good. I love it more than I used to do. I love retire- 
 ment and quiet much more since my journey to London. 
 How little I thought six months ago, I should be so much 
 altered ; I am since then, I hope, altered much for the better. 
 My heart may rise in thankfulness to that omnipotent power, 
 that has allowed my eyes to be opened, in some measure, to 
 see the light of truth, and to feel the comfort of religion. I 
 hope to be capable of giving up my all, if it be required of 
 me, to serve the Almighty with my whole heart. 
 
 21s. To-day is my birth-day. I am eighteen years old ! 
 How many things have happened to me since I was four-
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 49 
 
 teen ; the last year has been the happiest I have experienced 
 for some time. 
 
 23<. I have just been reading a letter from my father, 
 in which he makes me the offer of going to London, what a 
 temptation ! but I believe it to be much better for me to be 
 where I am, quietly and soberly to keep a proper medium of 
 feelings, and not to be extravagant any way. 
 
 24<A. I wrote to my father this morning. I must be most 
 careful not to be led by others, for I know, at this time, I 
 have so great a liking for plain Friends, that my affections 
 being so mjuch engaged, my mind may be so also by them. 
 I hope, as I now find myself in so wavering a state, that I 
 may judge without prejudice of Barclay's Apology. 
 
 2,1th. I must be careful of allowing false scruples to enter 
 my mind. I have not yet been long enough a religionist 
 to be a sectarian. I hope, by degrees, to obtain true faith ; 
 but I expect I shall lose what I gain if I am led to actions 
 that I may repent of ; remember and never forget my own 
 enthusiastic, feeling nature. It requires caution and extreme 
 prudence to go on as I should do. In the afternoon I went 
 to St. Peter's, and heard a good sermon. The common peo- 
 ple seemed very much occupied, and wrapt up in the service, 
 which I was pleased to see ; afterwards I went to the cathe- 
 dral, then I came home and read to the Normans and little 
 Castleton. 
 
 29<A. I feel weak in mind and body. If I go on ap- 
 proving revealed religion, I must be extremely careful of 
 taking the idle fancies of the brain, for anything so far supe- 
 rior. I believe many mistake mere meteors for that heavenly 
 light, which few receive. Many may have it in a degree, 
 but I should suppose few have it, so as to teach others with 
 authority. 
 
 June 1st. I have been great part of this morning with 
 
 poor Bob, who seems now dying. I read a chapter in the 
 
 Testament to him, the one upon death, and I sat with him 
 
 for some time afterwards. Poor fellow ! I never saw death, 
 
 7
 
 50 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 or any of its symptoms before ; sad to see, it truly is ; I said 
 a few words to him, and expressed to him how happy we 
 should be in expectation of immortality and everlasting bliss. 
 Father of mercies, wilt Thou bless him, and take him unto 
 Thee ? Though my mind is flat this morning, and not fa- 
 voured with Thy Spirit in devotion ; yet I exert what I have, 
 and hope it will prove acceptable in Thy sight. Almighty 
 God, Thy will be done, and not ours. May I always be re- 
 signed to what Thou hast ordered for me ; I humbly thank 
 Thee, for allowing my eyes to be opened, so as even to feel 
 faith, hope and love towards Thee. First and last of every- 
 thing infinite, and not to be comprehended except by Thy 
 Spirit, which Thou allowest to enlighten our hearts. 
 
 12<A. This evening I have got myself rather in a scrape ; 
 I have been helping them to beg my father for us to go to 
 the Guild-dinner, and I don't know whether it was quite 
 what I approve of, or think good for myself ; but I shall 
 consider, and do not intend to go, if I disapprove of it. How 
 strange and odd ! I really think I shall turn plain Friend ; 
 all I say is, search deeply; do nothing rashly, and I^then 
 hope to do right ; they all, I think, now see it keep up to 
 the duties I feel in my heart, let the path be ever so difficult ; 
 err not at all if I can avoid it, be humble and constant. I 
 do not like to appear a character I am not certain of being. 
 For a few days past, I have at times felt much religion for 
 me ; humility and comfort belong to it. I often think very 
 seriously about myself. A few months ago, if I had seen any 
 one act, as I now do, I should have thought him a fool ; but 
 the strongest proof I can have that I am acting right at the 
 present time is, that I am certainly a better, and I think a 
 happier character. But I often doubt myself, when I con- 
 sider my enthusiastic and changeable feelings. Religion is 
 no common enthusiasm, because it is pure, it is a constant 
 friend, protector, supporter, and guardian; it is what we 
 cannot do well without in this world ; what can prove its 
 excellence so much as its producing virtue and happiness !
 
 1798.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 51 
 
 How much more solid a character I am, since I first got hold 
 of religion ! I would not part with what I have for any- 
 thing ; it is a faith that never will leave my mind, I hope 
 most earnestly. I do not believe it will, but I desire always 
 to be a strictly religious character. 
 
 The next entry is striking, giving us the first glance at 
 her future course. 
 
 1.3th. I have some thoughts of, by degrees, increasing 
 my plan for Sunday evening ; and of having several poor 
 children, at least, to read in the Testament and religious 
 books for an hour. I have begun with Billy ; but I hope to 
 continue, and increase one by one. I should think it a good 
 plan ; but I must not even begin that hastily. It might in- 
 crease morality among the lower classes, if the Scriptures 
 were oftener and better read to them. I believe I cannot 
 exert myself too much, there is nothing gives me such satis- 
 faction as instructing the lower classes of people. 
 
 24th. I persevered in going to Meeting this afternoon. 
 Coming home, I saw a scene that indeed interested me, my 
 father jumping into the water at the New Mills, after a poor 
 boy whom I thought drowned ; my feelings were great in- 
 deed, both for my father and the boy. I believe I should 
 have leapt in afterwards if my father had gone out of sight; 
 he did it delightfully, with such activity and spirit, it was 
 charming to see him. Poor little boy ! I took him as soon 
 as he was out of the water ; it agitated me extremely. 
 
 July 9th. How little is the mind capable of really feeling 
 that we are all in the presence of God, who overlooks every 
 action. Should we not tremble when we think of it ? How 
 many faults do we commit ! It is impossible, without the 
 assistance of His almighty power, to comprehend it. We 
 could never be wicked, while we felt ourselves in the pre- 
 sence of the Almighty. Virtue alone can make this thought 
 a hnppy one.
 
 52 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 During the summer John Gurney and his seven daughters 
 travelled into Wales, &c. Before quitting home, Elizabeth 
 writes : 
 
 2Qth. I suppose we shall go off to-morrow on our journey. 
 We expect the Opies and Bartlett Gurney to dinner. It is 
 my wish to do my lesson with Le Sage, and the first thing 
 afterwards to attend to my father ; read to Mrs. Norman ; 
 see nurse Norman ; walk to Colney about Billy ; come home, 
 set my things in the greatest order. Evening. I have been 
 confused by the thoughts of going and company. How 
 much do I fear for myself this journey. 
 
 As they proceeded westward, stopping at many places, 
 Elizabeth enjoyed the works of nature, and dwelt with 
 pleasure on the beautiful scenery they passed through ; but 
 to the works of man, however imposing, she was compara- 
 tively indifferent. She visited cathedral cities ; she beheld 
 scenes of high historic interest ; castles, whose walls could 
 reveal dark tales of bye-gone days ; but she scarcely mentions 
 them, and if she notices them at all, it is but to draw some 
 moral inference. In visiting the Dockyards, at Plymouth, 
 and viewing one of the most striking instances of man's 
 power and skill, a first-rate man-of-war, in perfect order, and 
 equipped for sea, she considers the sad effects of war, and its 
 evil influences on the human race. But by far the greatest 
 interest, afforded her by this journey, was the prospect of 
 seeing different Friends, and becoming better acquainted 
 with them and their principles. The travellers paid a visit 
 to Colebrook Dale, the residence of the well-known Christian 
 philanthropist, Richard Reynolds, there she was left for some 
 days with her cousin, Priscilla Hannah Gurney, cousin to 
 the Gurneys of Earlham, by both their father and mother, 
 her father being Joseph Gurney, and her mother Christiana 
 Barclay. She was exactly the person to attract the young; 
 she possessed singular beauty, and elegance of manner. She
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 53 
 
 was of the old school ; her costume partook of this, and her 
 long retention of the black hood, gave much character to her 
 appearance. She had early renounced the world and its 
 fascinations ; left Bath, where her mother and sister Christiana 
 Gurney resided ; became eventually a minister among Friends, 
 and found a congenial retreat for many years at Colebrook 
 Dale. The influence of this visit upon Elizabeth was very 
 powerful. A place more likely to interest her, with persons 
 more suited to her state of mind, could not perhaps have 
 been found than Colebrook Dale, and the residents there. 
 Richard Reynolds, at that time advanced in years, was a 
 patriarch among his family, his friends, and dependents. 
 He devoted a large proportion of a noble fortune, acquired 
 by honourable industry, to objects of benevolence. His 
 extensive iron-works were carried on with careful attention 
 to the moral good of those employed in them. 
 
 Several other valuable Friends resided at Colebrook Dale, 
 connected with each other in business, or by marriage, or by 
 the stronger bond of religious fellowship. 
 
 The memoranda, penned by Elizabeth Gurney, during 
 their journey, are interesting ; some of them calculated to 
 excite much sympathy, bespeaking, as they do, the temp- 
 tations to which she was exposed. 
 
 Farnham, July 26th. To-night I am much tired, quite 
 fagged, body and mind, and the text comes strongly before 
 me, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be com- 
 forted," for though I feel weak in body, I have truly support 
 in mind. God is a merciful Father, and when His children 
 (though evil like me) mourn, He will comfort them, and 
 preserve them, if they will exert their own powers also, to 
 serve him in spirit and in truth. Ilcrw often I fail ! He is 
 never- fail ing, no, never ! He makes the sun to rise on the 
 just and unjust, and we acknowledge not His blessings, 
 but lament over the few clouds that shade its brightness : 
 and sometimes murmur at the Lord that made us. Weak 
 mortals ! and I am weak indeed. But I feel T have to deal 
 with a merciful Fntlier.
 
 54 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 WeymoutJi. 29th. We dined here, and after dinner went 
 on the sea. I always feel rather afraid when there, for I 
 consider that if the least accident were to happen, I should 
 be drowned ; and I do not know if it be right, only for 
 pleasure, to run the risk of one's life. I always feel doubtful 
 of ever seeing land again ; but I believe it to be partly 
 unwise cowardice ; if duty led me to it, I do not think I 
 should fear. Some minds, by nature, are more cowards than 
 others, and require more faith to overcome it. This evening, 
 I am sorry to say, I feel a hankering after the world and its 
 gaieties : but what real satisfaction is there in being admired ! 
 I am uncertain about going to the Rooms to-morrow. 1 
 should not object, I think, if no expense follow it ; but if 
 I can keep away, I will do so ; I have been considering, and 
 believe this subject requires real thought. I hear there is to 
 be a ball, and I don't doubt we may go ; if I go, I shall 
 enter the world, and fall very likely into some of its snares. 
 Shall I feel satisfied in going, or most satisfied in staying 
 at home ? I believe in staying at home. The worst of all 
 will be, I shall have to contradict tlie will of all the others, 
 (her sisters,) and most likely to disappoint my father by not 
 going; there is the rub, if I don't go perhaps he will not let 
 the others go. I think I shall leave it on these grounds ; if 
 I can stay at home in any way, do but if I cannot without 
 vexing my father I must go, and try not to be hurt by it. 
 
 Dawlish, August 3rd. This morning Kitty came in for us 
 to read the Testament together, which I enjoyed : I read my 
 favourite chapter, the 15th of Corinthians to them. Oh ! 
 how earnestly I hope that we may all know what truth is, 
 and follow its dictates. I still continue my belief that I 
 shall turn plain Quaker. I used to think, and do now, how 
 very little dress matters; but I find it almost impossible to 
 keep up to the principles of Friends without altering my 
 dress and speech. I felt it the other day at Weymouth. If 
 I had been plain, I should not have been tempted to go to 
 the play, which, at all events, I would not do ; plainness ap
 
 1798.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 55 
 
 pears to be a sort of protection to the principles of Christianity, 
 in the present state of the world. I have just received a 
 letter from Anna Savery, and have been answering it, and 
 have written rather a religious letter, which I mean to show 
 them, though it is to me a cross, as I say in it I think I am a 
 Quaker at heart. I hope it will not hurt them ; but it is 
 better to be on clear grounds with my best friends, upon that 
 which so nearly interests me. I know it hurts Rachel and 
 John the most. Rachel has the seeds of Quakerism in her 
 heart, that if cultivated, would grow indeed, I have no doubt. 
 I should never be surprised to see us all Quakers. 
 
 4:th. I have been having such a morning with Chrissy 
 Gurney, I do really love her ; she makes me more of a 
 Quaker than any one I ever was with. She certainly is the 
 most interesting woman I ever met, quite one after my own 
 heart : she is to me indescribable. It is odd to me, and I 
 believe it is to herself, that she is not a Quaker. But she is 
 good without it, not but what I think she would be happier 
 with it. I have very little doubt I shall gain from her ; I 
 quite feel leaving this place. 
 
 Plymouth Dock, 8th. After a good night, -as soon as 
 breakfast was over, we went to see the ropes made at the 
 Docks, which was a most curious sight. How thankful I 
 should be, that for all my constant erring from the path of 
 truth, I am yet sometimes allowed to feel I have an Arm to 
 lean upon, superior to human, that will support me in time 
 of trouble. After leaving the Dock-yards, we went on board 
 a ferry boat, and I felt rather afraid, to my shame. We then 
 went to see a Review, which I felt rather uncertain if it were 
 right for me to go to, as I so highly disapprove of war ; but 
 I believe whilst I appear as other people, I must act as they 
 do, unless with the greatest difficulty. I do not alter from 
 conformity, but from conviction. Afterwards we went to 
 Lord Mount Edgecumbe's, a very fine place, but I wa not 
 in the mind for it. Am I right or not ? An officer has come 
 for us to hear a very famous Marine Band ; and I do not go,
 
 68 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1798. 
 
 because I have some idea it is wrong, even to give counte- 
 nance to a thing that inflames men's minds to destroy each 
 other ; it is truly giving encouragement, as far as lies in my 
 power, to what I most highly disapprove, therefore I think I 
 am right to stay at home. I will now go on with an account 
 of the day. We went on board a man-of-war with Judd 
 (their maid) and the men-servants ; it was a fine but melan- 
 choly sight. I may gain some information by it, but it is 
 not what I quite approve of, the same as the band ; my heart 
 feels most anxious this night that I may go right, for strait 
 and narrow is the path that leadeth to eternal life, and broad 
 is the way that leadeth to destruction. I must remark, 
 before finishing this journal, that I feel much satisfaction, 
 attending my not going to the Review, a thing my heart is 
 so much set upon as military music ; as soon as I determined, 
 in my own mind, to give it up, inclination vanished, and 
 now would lead me to stay at home. If I look at it, my 
 path is clearer than I think ; for it ought to give me com- 
 fort and hope, that, in so small a thing, I feel so much 
 satisfaction, it should help me forward in my journey to that 
 haven, where alone comfort is to be found. 
 
 Surely no one can attentively trace the conflicts, fears, and 
 doubt, which beset her mind, the obstructions which external 
 circumstances placed around her, with so few to afford her 
 counsel, or to assist her judgment, as she sought to advance 
 in the path of life and peace, without feeling a deep and 
 tender sympathy with her infant exercises, or without being 
 impressed with the remarkable manner in which the 
 Heavenly Shepherd graciously extended the crook of His love, 
 to draw her spirit gently along to the fold of safety and rest. 
 
 Ivy Bridge, 9th. The first thing we undertook this 
 morning, was to see the Dock-yards, which is a sight too 
 astonishing to describe. But after all the art, expense and 
 trouble, that men put themselves to, what do they gain, but 
 the destruction of their fellow-creatures ? After that, we
 
 1798.] LIFEOF ELIZABETH FRY. 57 
 
 went by water to Plymouth, and saw many Friends ; but one 
 very plain, who was agreeable to us all, even interesting. 
 As I left Plymouth, my mind felt deeply hurt on account of 
 the poor sailors and women, of whom I have seen a sad number, 
 and I longed to do them good, to try one day to make them 
 sensible of the evil state they appear to be in. Just at that 
 time, I read, or thought, of that passage in the Testament, 
 where it says, we are to look upon all men as greater than 
 ourselves. Christ truly taught humility, and I reflected that 
 in all probability, if I had had the same temptations, I should 
 have been equally wicked ; for I am sorry, indeed, to say I 
 fear I mostly give way to temptation, when it falls in my way. 
 Ah ! much, much have I to do, much to strive for, before I 
 shall be able to feel that my house is built upon a rock. I 
 know how weak is its present foundation ; but this night my 
 mind is cheered by the brightening light of religion. 
 
 The Christian solicitude, excited in her youthful heart, in 
 behalf of the poor degraded population in the vicinity of the 
 Dock-yards at Plymouth, made an impression that was not 
 effaced during the long period of twenty-seven years filled, 
 as this period was, with important interests ; and the reader 
 may observe that, in the year 1825, Elizabeth Fry held a 
 religious meeting with them at Devonport more than fifteen 
 hundred attending it mostly of the lowest class these 
 being the chief objects of her concern. 
 
 Clifton, 15th. This morning I have seen much beautiful 
 country about Clifton. I think it very likely we shall go to 
 the Welsh Half- Yearly Meeting, where I expect we shall 
 meet most of the Colebrook Dale Friends, whom I quite 
 long to see. We have been a pleasant excursion this after- 
 noon to a Mr. Harford's ; I had an interesting drive home, 
 and thought about serious subjects. I often think of home 
 with a longing heart, to set off once more quietly in my 
 career. 
 
 Abergavcnny, ISth. We went one stage before breakfast 
 8
 
 58 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 from Usk to Pontypool ; as soon as we got there, we met two 
 plain Friends, they both preached ; my mind had some devo- 
 tional feelings, which I felt a blessing. I remained and 
 dined with them, and a little of that peculiar love I feel 
 towards plain Friends, sprung up in my heart for them. Be- 
 fore the afternoon Meeting, I went with Mrs. B to 
 
 call on Lady M . I own I felt very uncomfortable, I 
 
 felt as if I were too much a Friend with Friends, and too 
 worldly with other people. I thought I should be acting a 
 better part to say thee instead of you, to other people when 
 I could, for I felt myself to-day, one minute saying thee, the 
 next you ; it appeared hypocritical. I had an argument in 
 my own mind, which I will try to remember ; I first 
 thought how there could be any difference, in Christian 
 virtue, in saying you or thee to people. I considered there 
 were certainly some advantages attending it ; the first, that 
 of weaning the heart from this world, by acting, in some 
 little things, differently from it. But I then thought, is it 
 not better to be remarkable for excellence of conduct, than 
 for such little peculiarities ? I find that in a perfect state, 
 such things would not signify, but we are in an imperfect 
 state ; and our virtue is hard to maintain, without some for- 
 tress, to support it ; we must combat with imperfection, and, 
 at times, be obliged to make great things of little things, 
 and use them as arms to defend us from the many wiles and 
 snares of the world. 
 
 Landaly, 21s. A gentleman dined with us, to whom I 
 
 did not attend, till I discovered he was Lord . Oh 
 
 pride, how it does creep in upon me ! 
 
 Aberystwith, 23rd. Is dancing wrong ? I have just been 
 dancing ; I think there are many dangers attending it, it may 
 lead to vanity and other things. The more the pleasures of 
 life are given up, the less we love the world, and our hearts 
 will be set upon better things ; not but that we are allowed. 
 I believe, to enjoy the blessings Heaven has sent us. Wo 
 have power of mind sufficient to distinguish the good from
 
 1798.] LIFEOFELIZABETIIFRY. 59 
 
 the bad ; for under the cloak of pleasure, infinite evils are 
 carried on. The danger of dancing, I find, is throwing me 
 off my centre ; at times when dancing, I know that I have 
 not reason left, hut that I do things which in calm moments 
 I must repent of. 
 
 Caernarvon, 27th. After a good breakfast, we set off on 
 our journey. The first few miles I shall find very difficult to 
 describe, for such a scene I had not an idea of ; all sur- 
 rounded with rocky mountains, lost in the clouds as they 
 passed over them. Sometimes we were on the edge of a 
 precipice, sometimes on the borders of a river, where the 
 road was cut out of the rock, and high mountains on each 
 side, now and then the wild goats straying over them. We 
 were obliged to walk part of the way, which was trying to 
 me, as I had the tooth-ache. Since I have been here, I have 
 had a Welsh harper, which I was not quite sure was right, 
 as it was giving, or at least causing money to be given, that 
 might have been spent much better. 
 
 28th. My mind is in an uncomfortable state this morning ; 
 for I am astonished to find I have felt a scruple at music, at 
 least I could not otherwise account for my feelings ; but my 
 mind is rather uneasy after I have been spending time in it. 
 These cannot be sensations of my own making, or a contriv- 
 ance of my own forming, for I have such happiness when I 
 overcome my worldly self; and when I give way to it, am 
 uneasy ; not but what I think feelings are sometimes danger- 
 ous to give way to ; but how odd, yet how true, that much 
 of human reason must be given up. I don't know what to 
 think of it, but I must act somehow, and in some way ; yet 
 do nothing rashly or hastily, but try to humiliate myself to 
 true religion ; and endeavour to look to God who alone can 
 teach me and lead me right ; have faith, hope, and if little 
 things are to follow to protect greater ones, I must, yes, I 
 must do it. I feel certainly happier in being a Quaker, but 
 my reason contradicts it. Now my fears are these, lately i 
 have had Quakerism placed before me in a very interesting
 
 60 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 and delightful light ; and is it unlikely that inclination may 
 put on the appearance of duty ? Now my inclination may, 
 before long, lead me some other way ; that is a sad founda- 
 tion to build the fortress upon which must defend me through 
 life ; but I think I am wrong in one thing, though it is right 
 to doubt myself ; yet do I not make myself more uneasy, for 
 fear I should be a ridiculous object to the world, and some 
 of my dear friends. I believe I can give myself a little 
 advice, not to promote anything leading to unquakerism ; 
 but try if it make me happy or not, and then take greater 
 steps if I like. 
 
 Colebrook Dale. 31st. Cousin Priscilla's room. This even- 
 ing I am at Colebrook Dale, the place I have so much wished 
 to be at. I had rather a comfortable drive here from Shrews- 
 bury ; read in the Testament, and got by heart one or two 
 verses. I felt it a great pleasure to see cousin Priscilla. We 
 have taken a long walk this afternoon. It brings me into a 
 sweet state, being with plain Friends like these, a sort of 
 humility. I expect to be here some days, which I delight in. 
 I feel this evening in a calm, and rather religious state of 
 mind. I am blessed a little to feel the existence of my Fa- 
 ther who is in heaven ; and I have some hope I may one day 
 be confined in the sheep-fold, and not stray from the flock. 
 I hope I shall, and I may; for thanks be to the Almiglr.v/, 
 He has formed us for eternal glory, if we will be sufficiently 
 melted down to be moulded into the right form. 
 
 September 2nd. I cannot easily describe that which I 
 would, for I know not in my own mind what my feelings 
 exactly are. This morning, when breakfast was over, I had 
 some talk with Priscilla, and then we sat down to read the 
 account of a young woman of the name of Rathbone, to me 
 striking and interesting ; how well she was assured of Im- 
 mortality, how clearly did she see her path to Heaven ! 
 Happy, happy woman ; blessed, ah blessed is thy fate ! may 
 we also be permitted to accompany thee to glory, immortality, 
 and eternal life, with our God and our Saviour; shall I ever
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 61 
 
 be sensible of deserving immortal glory ? too great a blessing, 
 I fear, for me and my weak self ever to obtain. For hard is 
 the task and narrow is the road that leadeth thereunto. We 
 then "went to Meeting, my mind was clouded, but now and 
 then a small ray enlightened it. Between the two Meetings, 
 I read again with cousin Priscilla, and all my sisters, that 
 account of the young woman. Hard is the task of dedicating 
 the heart unto God ; I fear, yet I hope I may, with His 
 assistance, one day so fortify it, as to become a defender of 
 truth and religion. After the afternoon Meeting, we drank 
 tea at Deborah Darby's ; I felt much love towards her, and 
 her friend Appleby particularly ; I felt gratified when she 
 said William Savery had mentioned me to her, and that 
 Rebecca Young, who was out, was sorry she could not see 
 me ; there is little, ah, little indeed in me ! When we came 
 home this evening, my father took me aside, and gave me 
 some good advice ; to beware of passion and enthusiasm, 
 which I hope I do most earnestly pray I may, for truly they 
 are snares of the enemy. 
 
 3rd. Got up late. Heard Deborah Darby was here, and 
 went down ; during breakfast, I felt my heart beat much ; as 
 soon as it was over, Deborah Darby preached in a deep, 
 clear, and striking manner. First, she said, God would 
 visit us all, and did visit us ; that God was a father to the 
 fatherless, and a mother to the motherless ; my mind felt 
 deeply impressed by it. She then addressed me in particu- 
 lar ; I do not remember her words, but she expressed, first, I 
 was, as I am, sick of the world ; and looked higher, (and I 
 believe I do,) and that I was to be dedicated to my God, and 
 should have peace in this world, and glory everlasting in the 
 world to come. Could more satisfaction be given ? let me 
 bo thankful ; I really cried, and I think never felt such 
 inward encouragement. Let me be a worthy servant of my 
 Master who is in heaven. May I, Oh ! may I do right. 
 My father has given me leave to stay till Fourth-day morn- 
 ing : kind lie truly is. lie spoke to me again this morning. I
 
 62 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 feel myself highly favoured, is all I can say; and may my 
 heart bow before its Maker, now and evermore ! After they 
 all went, I came and wrote my journal, and sat with cousin 
 Priscilla, and we read till dinner. After that, we sat again 
 together with the children, and went on with some letters, 
 interesting to me, from that young woman (E. llathbone) to 
 Richard Reynolds. This afternoon I was at the Darbys. I 
 have felt, as it were, tinctured with the goodness of those I 
 have been with ; but little, I own. Oh, my inward tempta- 
 tions, shall I ever overcome you ! Priscilla Gurney I feel 
 my constant little friend, dearly indeed do I love her. 
 
 4:th. After tea, we went to the Darbys, accompanied by 
 my dear friend Richard Reynolds, and still dearer Priscilla 
 Gurney. We had spent a pleasant evening, when my heart 
 began to feel itself silenced before God, and without looking 
 at others, I found myself under the shadow of His wing, 
 and I soon discovered that the rest were in the same state : 
 I was persuaded that it must be that which I felt. After 
 sitting a time in awful silence, Rebecca Young spoke most 
 beautifully, she touched my heart, and I felt melted and 
 bowed before my Creator. Deborah Darby then spoke ; 
 what she said was excellent, she addressed part of it to me ; 
 I only fear she says too much of what I am to be. A light 
 to the blind ; speech to the dumb ; and feet to the lame ; can 
 it be ? She seems as if she thought I was be to a minister of 
 Christ. Can I ever be one ? If I am obedient, I believe, 
 I shall. 
 
 ( 
 How wonderfully was Elizabeth Gurney, in after life, led, 
 
 by an invisible hand, to fulfil the mission which was thus, 
 under the inspiring influence of heavenly love, foreshadowed 
 on the spirit of this nursing mother in Israel ! 
 
 Merridon 5th. I rose this morning about five o'clock : I 
 did not feel so much as I expected leaving Colebrook Dale. 
 There is a mountain for me to climb over, there is sacrifice 
 for me to make ; before I am favoured with faith, virtue, and
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. G3 
 
 assurance of immortality. I feel it would appear so like 
 conformity to the opinions of others, to alter just after being 
 with these Friends ; but I think that it is a time to do so, for 
 strength and courage have been given me. This day I have 
 said thee instead of you ; but still go on soberly and with 
 consideration. 
 
 Coventry, 6th. I rose in good time to write to Priscilla 
 Gurney, and felt in a state of darkness and discouragement 
 about my language, but I am happy to say my mind again 
 feels clear. I dare not draw back. I hope to continue in 
 the habit with spirit, and if by yesterday week I have kept 
 up to it, and then feel discouraged, I may give it up. I 
 
 felt saying thee very difficult to-day to Mrs. , but I 
 
 perceived it was far more so after I sang to them. I alto- 
 gether get on pretty well, but doubts came into my mind 
 this morning ; yet were I not to persevere I should, I believe, 
 
 feel unhappy in it. How shall I say thee to II in 
 
 Norwich ! It will, I think, make me lose all my dissipation 
 of character, and be a guard upon my tongue. 
 
 Earlham, Wi. My father, Kitty, and myself set out early 
 this morning for Newmarket. When I was there, I saw 
 
 Henry B ; my sensation was odd when I saw him, for I 
 
 took to my heels and ran away. I thought I could not get 
 courage to address him in the plain language ; but after I 
 collected myself, I did it without much difficulty. How easy 
 it has been made to me ! By what nice degrees I have 
 entered it, but I believe the hardest part is to come ; I have 
 felt the advantage of it, though at times in a dark and dis- 
 couraging state. It makes me think before I speak, and 
 avoid saying much, and also avoid the spirit of gaiety and 
 flirting. 
 
 It is evident that Elizabeth Gurney returned from this 
 excursion with a mind strongly impressed by the conviction 
 that the path of duty, designed for her by her Heavenly 
 Father, was clearly marked, as that which involved her
 
 04 LIFB OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 adoption of the habits and language of Friends. Had she 
 resisted this conviction, she could never have been employed 
 by the Lord, as an ambassador for Christ, declaring effectu- 
 ally the message of His salvation. 
 
 Earlham, Wth. We arrived last night from our long, and 
 in some respects, delightful journey. So far from hurting me, 
 I hope it will act as a fresh stimulus to virtue and religion ; 
 at least it should ; I have had some bright and clear times 
 that should not be forgotten. I felt quite in a flutter, ex- 
 pecting H and Dr. Alderson to dinner : they came. 
 
 and I had little difficulty in saying thee ; so do such evils 
 vanish, if duty support us. In the afternoon, I had a very 
 serious talk vrith Kitty about my being a Friend. She 
 thinks that my judgment is too young and inexperienced to 
 be able to keep up any particular opinions ; she may be 
 right. I am willing to give up the company of Friends and 
 their books, if she request it ; but I do firmly believe my 
 mind will never be easy or happy unless I am a Quaker. 
 
 On being again settled at home, Elizabeth Gurney resumed 
 her usual habits of self-occupation and usefulness to others ; 
 visiting and relieving the poor, both at Earlham and in 
 Norwich, especially the sick, reading the Bible to them 1 and 
 instructing their children. Her school, too, gradually in- 
 creased from the small beginning of one little boy, to so 
 great a number, that her teaching them in the house became 
 inconvenient, and a vacant laundry was appropriated to this 
 purpose. She had, at last, above seventy scholars, without 
 assistance, without monitors, without even the almost count- 
 less books and pictures of the present day ; how she con- 
 trolled the wills, and fixed the attention, of so many unruly 
 children, must ever remain a mystery to those who have not 
 the gift which she possessed of influencing the minds of 
 others. 
 
 Nor was her attention confined to the poor : where any 
 little kindness seemed needed, there she delighted to offer it-
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 65 
 
 We have no exact knowledge of the time when she became 
 a Friend in outward appearance. She was slow in adopting 
 the costume ; she first laid aside all ornament, then she chose 
 quiet and inconspicuous colours, and had her dresses made 
 with perfect simplicity. Her journal continues 
 
 j. I know I am not able to judge, and all I pray for 
 is, faith, humility and patience ; and I hope, if ill or well, 
 to do the will of God. May, oh, may I ! is the inmost prayer 
 of my heart. I must try not to fear ; what will not faith do 
 for us ! It would lead us to all happiness ; but works are 
 required, and I believe true faith hardly attainable without 
 them. 
 
 21th. This evening I have been doing exercises, and sing- 
 ing with them ; my mind feels very clear to-night and my 
 body much better. I have been thinking about singing, I 
 hope in that, as in everything else, to do what is right. I 
 cannot say I feel it wrong to sing to my own family, it is 
 sweet and right to give them pleasure. I do not approve of 
 singing in company, as it leads to vanity and dissipation of 
 mind ; but that I believe I have no occasion to do, as dear 
 Rachel does not request it, for she does not like it herself. 
 I should be sorry quite to give up singing, as the gift of 
 nature, and on- her account ; as long as it docs not lead me 
 from what is right, I need not fear. 
 
 29<7t. I have much enjoyed the company of my dear boy 
 Sammy this evening. I think we shall always feel much 
 love for each other ; young as he is, I love him particularly. 
 Afterwards we received a letter from dear Priscilla Gurney. 
 
 October 5th. In the evening a fiddler came, we all had 
 a dance. I had the tooth-ache, and so far from its making 
 me merry, it made me grave. I do not feel satisfaction in 
 dancing. 
 
 <>//' This morning I awoke not comfortable, the subject 
 of dancing came strongly before my mind. Totally declin- 
 ing it as a matter of pleasure, I do not mind, only as I am 
 9
 
 66 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1798. 
 
 situated with the others I find it difficult ; the question is, 
 if these may not be scruples of my own forming, that I may 
 one day repent of ? The bottom of my heart is inclined to 
 Quakerism, but I know what imagination can do. I believe 
 the formation of my mind is such, that it requires the bonds 
 and ties of Quakerism to fit it for immortality. I feel it a 
 very great blessing being so little in the company of su- 
 perior, fascinating Quakers ; because it makes me act freely, 
 and look to t)ie only true Judge, for what is right for me to 
 do. The next question I ask myself is, am I sufficiently 
 clear, that dancing is wrong, to give it up ? because I know 
 much precaution is quite necessary. I believe I may, if 1 
 like, make one more trial, and judge again how I feel ; but 
 I must reflect upon it, determining to give it up, if I think 
 right. I wish to make it a subject of very serious reflection, 
 hoping, as usual, to do right ; it -will hurt them much I fear, 
 but time, I believe, will take that off, if they see me more 
 happy, and better for it. Let me redouble all kindness to 
 them. Catherine seems to wish I would give up my corres- 
 pondence with Anna Savery, which I think I may do. This 
 day has been very comfortable in most respects, though I 
 have not done much. I have finished my letter to my dear 
 
 cousin Priscilla, and that to Mrs. ; but I cannot feel 
 
 quite easy to send it, without first speaking to my father, 
 for I do believe it is my duty to make him my friend in all 
 things ; though I think it probable, he will discourage me 
 in writing to my friend Sophy, yet never keep anything from 
 him ; but let me be an open, true, kind, and dutiful daugh- 
 ter to him, whilst life is in my body. 
 
 1.2th. I have many great faults, but I have some dispo- 
 sitions which I should be most thankful for. I believe I feel 
 much for my fellow-creatures ; though I think I mostly see 
 into the minds of those I associate with, and am apt to 
 satirise their weaknesses ; yet I don't remember ever being 
 any time with one who was not extremely disgusting, but I 
 felt a sort of love for them, and I do hope I would sacrifice
 
 1799.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 67 
 
 my life for the good of mankind. My mind is too much 
 like a looking-glass objects, of all kinds, are easily reflected 
 in it, whilst present, but when they go, their reflection is 
 gone also. I have a faint idea of many things, a strong 
 idea of a few ; therefore my mind is cultivated badly. I 
 have many straggling, but not many connected ideas. I 
 have the materials to form good in my mind, but I am not a 
 sufficiently good artificer to unite them properly together, 
 and make a good consistence ; for in some parts, I am too 
 hard, in others, too soft. I hope and believe the great 
 Artificer is now at work, that if I join my power to the only 
 One who is able to conduct me aright, I may one day 
 be better than I am. 
 
 Vitli. My journal has not gone on well of late : partly 
 owing to my going out, and having people in this room, now 
 there is a fire ; I dislike going out ; what my mind wants, 
 is peace and quiet. The other night, as I was alone in a 
 carriage, a fine starlight night, I thought, what is it I want ? 
 how I overflow with the blessings of this world ; I have true 
 friends, as many as I wish for ; good health, a happy home, 
 with all that riches can give, and yet all these are nothing 
 without a satisfied conscience. At times I feel satisfied, but 
 I have not reason to feel so often. . . . This afternoon 
 I have much to correct, I feel proud, vain, and disagreeable : 
 not touched with the sweet humility of Christianity ; nor is 
 my heart enlightened by its happy doctrines. I have now 
 two things heavily weighing on my mind dancing and 
 singing, so sweet and so pretty do they seem ; but as surely 
 as I do either, so surely does a dark cloud come over my 
 mind. It is not only my giving up these things, but I am 
 making the others miserable, and laying a restraint upon 
 their pleasures. In the next place, Am I sure I am going 
 upon a good foundation? if I am doing right, God will 
 protect mo and them also. If I am doing wrong, what 
 foundation do I stand upon ? None : then all to me is 
 nothing. Let me try to take my thoughts from this world.
 
 68 T, I F K F R L I Z A B E T H F R Y . [1798. 
 
 and look to the only true Judge. I believe singing to be so 
 natural, that I may try it a little longer : but I do think 
 dancing may be given up. What particularly led me to this 
 state, was our having company, and I thought I must sing ; 
 I sang a little, but did not stay with them during the playing. 
 My mind continued in a state of some agitation, and I did 
 not sleep till some time after I was in bed. 
 
 19f//. My mind feels more this morning, if anything, 
 than it did last night. Can such feelings be my own putting 
 on ? they seem to affect my whole frame, mental and bodily; 
 they cannot be myself, for if I were to give worlds, I could 
 not remove them ; they truly make me shake. When I look 
 forwards I think I can see, if I have strength to do as they 
 direct, I shall be another person : sorrow, I believe, will 
 remove to be replaced by joy ; then let me now act ! My 
 best method of conduct will be to tell Rachel how I am 
 situated in mind, and then ask her what she would advise ; 
 and be very kind and tell her the true state of the case. Is 
 it worth while to continue in so small a pleasure for so much 
 pain ? The pleasure is nothing to me, but it is a grand step 
 to take in life. I have been and spoken to Rachel, saying I 
 think I must give up singing. It is astonishing the total 
 change that has taken place ; from misery I am now come to 
 joy ; I felt ill before, I now feel well thankful should I be 
 for being directed, and pray to keep up always to that direc- 
 tion. After having spoken to my darling Rachel where I 
 fear I said too much, I rode to Norwich after some poor 
 people : I went to see many, and added my mite to their 
 comfort. Nothing I think could exceed the kindness of my 
 dear Rachel. Though I have no one here to encourage me 
 in Quakerism, I believe I must be one before I am content. 
 
 1th December. I have had a letter to say my dear friend 
 William Savery is arrived safely in America. Kitty and I 
 have been having a -long talk together this evening upon 
 sects ; we both seem to think them almost necessary. It is 
 long since I have what I call truly written my journal ;
 
 170ft.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 69 
 
 writing my journal, is to me expressing the feelings of my 
 heart during the day ; I have partly given it up from the 
 coldness of the weather, and not having a snug fire to sit by. 
 I wish now, as I have opportunity, to look a little into the 
 present situation of my heart ; that is the advantage of writ- 
 ing a true journal, it leads the mind to look inwards. Of 
 late I do not think I have been sufficiently active, but have 
 rather given way to a dilatory spirit. I have been reading 
 Watts's Logic, it tells me how ill-regulated are my thoughts, 
 they ramble ftuly ! Regularity of thought and deed is what 
 I much want ; I appear to myself to have almost a confusion 
 of ideas, which leads to a confusion of actions; I want order ; 
 I believe it difficult to obtain, but yet with perseverance at- 
 tainable. The first way to obtain it, appears to me, to try to 
 prevent my thoughts from rambling, and to keep them as 
 steadily as possible to the object in view. True religion is 
 what I seldom feel, nor do I sufficiently try after it, by really 
 seeking devotion ; I do not warmly seek it, I am sure, not 
 do I live in the fear of an all-wise Being, who watches over 
 us ; I seldom look deep enough, but dwell too much on the 
 surface of things, and let my ideas float. Such is my state. 
 I can't tell how I feel exactly : at times all seems to me 
 mystery ; " when I look at the heavens, the work of Thy 
 fingers, the moon and the stars which Thou hast ordained, 
 what is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of 
 man that Thou visitest him ?" Thou must exist, oh God ! 
 for the heavens declare Thy glory, and the firmament show- 
 eth Thy handy-work. 
 
 8th. Since dinner I have read much Logic and enjoyed 
 it ; it is interesting to me, and may, I think, with attention, 
 do me good. Heading Watts, impresses deeply on my mind 
 how very careful I should be of judging ; how much I should 
 consider, before I speak or form an opinion ; how careful I 
 should be not to let my mind be tinged throughout, with 
 one reigning subject, to try not to associate ideas ; but judge 
 of things according to the evidence they give to my mind
 
 70 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 of their own worth. My mind is like a pair of scales that 
 are not inclined to balance equally ; at least when I begin 
 to form a judgment, and try to hold the balance equally, as 
 soon as I perceive one scale is at all heavier than the other, 
 I am apt at once to let it fall on that side ; forgetting what 
 remains in tho other scale, which, though lighter, should not 
 be forgotten. For instance, I look at a character, at first I 
 try to judge calmly and truly ; but if I see more virtues 
 than vices, I am apt soon to like that character so much, 
 that I like its weaknesses also, and forget they are weak- 
 nesses. The same if evil may preponderate, I forget the 
 virtues. 
 
 12th. This day finished with a dance. If I could make 
 a rule never to give way to vanity, excitement, or flirting, I 
 do not think I should object to dancing ; but it always leads 
 me into some one of these faults ; indeed, I never remember 
 dancing without feeling one, if not a little of all the three, 
 and sometimes a great deal. But as my giving it up would 
 hurt many, it should be one of those things I part with most 
 carefully. 
 
 30/i. I went to Meeting in the morning and afternoon ; 
 both times rather dark ; but I have been a little permitted to 
 see my own state, which is the greatest favour I can ask for 
 at present ; to know what I should do, and to be assisted in 
 my duties : for it is hard, very hard, to act right, at least I 
 find it so. But there is the comfortable consideration, that 
 God is merciful and full of compassion, He is tender over 
 His children. I had a satisfactory time with my girls and 
 boys. 
 
 January 4t7i, 1799. Most of this morning I spent in Nor- 
 wich, seeing after the poor ; I do little for them, and I do 
 not like it should appear that I do much. I must be most 
 guarded, and tell those who know I do charity that I am 
 only my father's agent. A plan, at least a duty, that I have 
 felt for some time, I will now mention. I have been trying 
 to overcome fear ; my method has been to stay in the dark,
 
 1798.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 71 
 
 and at night to go into those rooms not generally inhabited ; 
 there is a strange propensity in the human mind to fear in 
 the dark, there is a sort of dread of something supernatural ; 
 I tried to overcome that, by considering that, as far as I 
 believed in ghosts, so far I must believe in a state after 
 death, and it must confirm my belief in the Spirit of God ; 
 therefore, if I try to act right, I have no need to fear the 
 directions of Infinite Wisdom. I do not turn away such 
 things as some do ; I believe nothing impossible to God, 
 and He may have used spirits as agents for purposes beyond 
 our conceptions ; I know they can only come when He 
 pleases, therefore we need not fear them. But my most 
 predominant fear is that of thieves ; and I find that still 
 more difficult to overcome, but faith would cure that also, 
 for God can equally protect us from man as from spirit. 
 
 8th. My father not appearing to like all my present 
 doings, has been rather a cloud over my mind this day : 
 there are few, if any, in the world I love so well ; I am not 
 easy to do what he would not like, for I think I could sacri- 
 fice almost anything for him, I owe him so much, I love him 
 so much. 
 
 I have been reading Watts on Judgment this afternoon ; 
 it has led me into thought, and particularly upon the evi- 
 dence I have to believe in religion. The first thing that 
 strikes me, is the perception we all have, of being under a 
 power superior to human. I seldom feel this so much as 
 when unwell ; to see how pain can visit me, and how it is 
 taken away. Work for ever, we could not create life. 
 There must bo a cause to produce an effect. The next 
 thing that strikes me, is good and evil, virtue and vice, 
 happiness and unhappiness these arc acknowledged to be 
 linked together ? virtue produces good ; vice evil ; of course 
 the Power that allows this, shows approbation of virtue. 
 Thirdly, Christianity seems also to have its clear evidences, 
 even to my human reason. My mind has not been con- 
 vinced by books ; but what little faith I have, has been con- 
 firmed by reading the holy writers themselves.
 
 72 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 27th. I have had, in many respects, comfortable Meet- 
 ings: only my thoughts too giddy, dwelling too much on what 
 pleased me yesterday ; they have, I am sorry to say, been 
 occupied with old subjects, such as dress, and a little flirting, 
 I fear. I have enjoyed my little party as usual, who are 
 now, when complete, fifteen in number. What path I shall 
 go in life, is hidden from my view. May I go in that in 
 which I ought to go ! Do not forget how much more tempt- 
 ing it is to choose the easiest, and yet do not enter difficulties 
 for difficulty's sake. Try to be led by no person, but by my 
 own conscience. 
 
 29th. I am in a doubtful state of mind. I think my 
 mind is timid, and my affections strong, which may be partly 
 the cause of my being so much inclined to Quakerism ; in 
 the first place, my affections were worked upon, in receiving 
 the first doctrines of religion through a Quaker ; therefore 
 it is likely they would put on that garb in my mind. In the 
 next place, my timidity may make me uncomfortable, in 
 erring from principles that I am so much inclined to adopt ; 
 so far I should be on my guard, and I hope not to forget 
 what I have just mentioned. But yet, I think the only true 
 standard I can have to direct myself by, is that which ex- 
 perience proves to give me the most happiness, by enabling 
 me to be more virtuous : I believe there is something in the 
 mind, or in the heart, that shows its approbation when we do 
 right. I give myself this advice : do not fear truth, let it 
 be ever so contrary to Inclination and feeling. 
 
 February 1th. I read much this morning in St. Basil, 
 which is to me excellent, interesting, and beautiful. lie 
 advises a constant thanksgiving for the many blessings we 
 enjoy, and that we should not grumble at the evils we are 
 subject to ; how much more cause have I for thankfulness 
 than sorrow ! I seldom give thanks for the many blessings 
 that surround me. St. Basil beautifully says, " we should 
 not eat, we should not drink, without giving thanks to God." 
 . I hope I have from experience gained a little. I
 
 1799.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 73 
 
 am much of a Friend in my principles at this time, hut do 
 not outwardly appear much so; I say "thee" to people, and 
 do not dress very gay, but yet I say " Mr." and " Mrs.," 
 wear a turban, &c., &c. I have one remark to make ; every 
 step I have taken towards Quakerism has given me satis- 
 faction. 
 
 ~L8th. I feel I must not despair : I consider I first brought 
 sceptical opinions upon myself, and it is only what is due to 
 me that they should now hurt me. I hope I do -not much 
 murmur at the decrees of the Almighty : and can I expect, 
 who am so faulty, to be blessed with entire faith ? Let me 
 once more try and pray, that the many evil roots in my own 
 mind may be eradicated. I had altogether a pretty good 
 day, rather too much vanity at being mistress at home, and 
 having to entertain many guests. 
 
 24th. What feeling so cheering to the human mind as 
 religion ! what thankfulness should I feel to God ! I have 
 great reason to believe Almighty God is directing my mind 
 to the haven of peace, at least I feel that I am guided by a 
 Power not my own. How dark was my mind for some days! 
 How heavy ! I saw duties to be performed that even struck 
 me as foolish. I took courage and tried to follow the 
 directions of this voice ; I felt enlightened, even happy. 
 Again I erred, again I was in a cloud ; I once more tried, 
 and again I felt brightened. 
 
 25th. This time last year, I was with my dear friend 
 William Savery, at Westminster Meeting. I can only thank 
 fully admire, when I look back to about that time, the gentle 
 leadings my soul has had, from the state of great darkness 
 it was in ; how suddenly did the light of Christianity burst 
 upon my mind. I have reason to believe in religion from 
 my own experience, and what foundation so solid to build 
 my hopes upon ; may I gain from the little experiences I 
 have been blessed with, may I encourage the voice of truth, 
 and may I be a steady and virtuous combatant in the service 
 
 of God. Such I think I may truly say is my most ardent 
 10
 
 74 LIFB OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 prayer. But God, who is omnipresent, knows my thoughts ; 
 knows my wishes, and my many, many feelings ; may I 
 conclude with saying, "cleanse thou me from secret faults." 
 
 28th. We have had company most part of the day. I 
 have had an odd feeling. Uncle Joseph, and many gay ones, 
 were here ; I had a sort of sympathy with him. I feel to 
 have been so much off my guard, that if tempted, I should 
 have done wrong. I now hear them singing. How much 
 my natural heart does love to sing : but if I give way to the 
 ecstacy that singing sometimes produces in my mind, it 
 carries me far beyond the centre ; it increases all the wild 
 passions, and works on enthusiasm. Many say and think it 
 leads to religion ; it may lead to emotions of religion, but 
 true religion appears to me to be in a deeper recess of the 
 heart ; where no earthly passion can produce it. 
 
 March \st. There is going to be a dance What am I 
 to do ? As far as I can see, I believe, if I find it very 
 necessary to their pleasure, I may do it, but not for my own 
 gratification. Remember, don't be vain, if it be possible, 
 dance little. 
 
 I began to dance in a state next to pain of mind ; when I 
 had danced four dances, I was trying to pluck up courage to 
 tell Rachel I wished to give it up for the evening ; it seemed 
 as if she looked into my mind, for she came up to me at that 
 minute in the most tender manner, and begged me to leave 
 off, saying she would contrive without me ; I suppose she 
 saw in my countenance the state of my mind. I am not 
 half kind enough to her, I often make sharp remarks to her, 
 and in reality there are none of my sisters to whom I owe so 
 much ; I must think of her as my nurse ; she would suffer 
 much to comfort me ; may she, oh God ! be blessed ; wouldest 
 Thou, oh wouldest Thou, let her see her right path, what- 
 ever that may be, and wilt thou enable her to keep up to her 
 duty, in whatever line it may lead. Let this evening be a 
 lesson to me, not to be unkind to her any more. I think I 
 should feel more satisfaction in not dancing ; but such things
 
 1799.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 75 
 
 must be left very much to the time. How very much do I 
 wish for their happiness ; that they may be blessed in every 
 way, is what I pray for to the Great Director ; but all is 
 guided in wisdom, and I believe, as a family, we have much 
 to be thankful for, both for bodily and mental blessings. 
 
 4th. I hope the day has passed without many faults. 
 John is just come in to ask me to dance in such a kind way, 
 oh dear me ! I am now acting clearly differently from them 
 all. Remember this, as I have this night refused to dance 
 with my dearest brother, I must, out of kindness to him, not 
 be tempted by any one else. Have mercy, oh God ! have 
 mercy upon me ! and let me act right, I humbly pray Thee ; 
 wilt Thou love my dearest, most dear brothers and sisters, 
 wilt thou protect us? Dear John! I feel much for him, 
 such as these are home strokes, but I had far rather have 
 them if indeed guided by Supreme Wisdom ; for then I need 
 not fear. I know that not dancing will not lead me to do 
 wrong, and I fear dancing does; though the task is hard on 
 their account, I hope I do not mind the pain myself. I 
 feel for them, but if they see in time that I am happier for 
 it, I think they will no longer lament over me. I will go to 
 them as soon as they have done, try to be cheerful and to 
 show them I love them, for I do most truly, particularly 
 John. I think I might talk a little with John, and tell him 
 how I stand, for it is much my wisest plan to keep truly 
 intimate with them all ; make them my first friends. I do 
 not think I ever love them so well as at such times as these. 
 I should fully express my love for them, and how nearly it 
 touches my heart, acting differently to what they like. These 
 are truly great steps to take in life, but I may expect sup- 
 port under them. 
 
 IGth. I know I want correction, for these few days past 
 I have not gone on well, a sort of coldness, darkness, and 
 uncertainty, that will sometimes take possession of the mind ; 
 it is I believe much owing to a want of vigilance and activity 
 on my part, and it does not always please the Almighty to
 
 76 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 enlighten us equally. I am a very negligent being. If, as 
 Deborah Darby said to me, I will do as far as I know to be 
 right, I may one day be a light to the blind, feet to the lame, 
 &c., &c. Shall such a state ever be mine ? If there be any 
 chance of such a thing, I should labour for it. I think the 
 time I spent at Colebrook Dale one of the happiest, if not 
 the happiest time of my life. I think my feelings that night, 
 at Deborah Darby's, were the most exalted I ever remember. 
 I, in a manner, was one of the beginners of the Meeting ; 
 suddenly my mind felt clothed with light, as with a garment, 
 and I felt silenced before God ; I cried with the heavenly 
 feeling of humility and repentance. Then, when I was in 
 this awful state, there were two sermons preached, one telling 
 me to get the pearl of great price ; and the other telling me 
 what I might expect, even happiness in this world, and 
 everlasting happiness in the one to come. But that silence 
 which first took possession of my mind, exceeded all the 
 rest. 
 
 At this time, Elizabeth adopted the numerical style of 
 dates. 
 
 Fourth Month, 6th. I have not done a great deal to-day, 
 and yet I hope I have not been idle : I try to do right now 
 and then, but by no means constantly. I could not recover 
 the feeling of being hurt at rejecting, I suppose, the voice of 
 my mind, last night, when I sang so much ; they were not, I 
 believe, feelings of my own making, for it was my wish to 
 enjoy singing without thinking it wrong. 
 
 1th. I have hopes the day may come when Norwich 
 Meeting will prosper and be enlivened again, from a state 
 of cloudiness. In the afternoon, I went with them to hear 
 a person preach at the Baptists' Meeting : I felt afraid of 
 setting my own opinions up, and being uncharitable. It did 
 not seem to suit me like our silent method of worship, and 
 the prayers and sermon did not make their way into the
 
 1799.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 77 
 
 heart, as those of our Friends do ; hut it is likely I should 
 feel that, as I have much love for my own Society. Uncle 
 Joseph was here in the evening, and he seemed rather sur- 
 prised at my going to hear Kinghorn. I had an interesting 
 time with my young flock, I fear I might say rather too 
 much to them ; mayst Thou, oh Father ! preserve them, for 
 without Thy aid my efforts are ineffectual ; mayst Thou 
 make me an instrument in leading them to true virtue, and 
 may the day come when Thou wilt call them to everlasting joy. 
 
 15th. I had, for my poor wandering thoughts, a satisfac- 
 tory Meeting ; partly owing to being nervous,- for it leads me 
 to cast my care upon the Lord. I went to Bedlam, and felt 
 glad to see the poor Melton woman going on well. If com- 
 fort he once permitted to enter her heart, it will be a cause 
 of true pleasure to me, and I hope of gratitude to the All- 
 wise Director ; but He knows better than I what is for her 
 good. To-day, at Meeting, I felt such a relief in the thought 
 that God knows all our thoughts, all our temptations, and 
 that He knows also how much power we have to overcome 
 them : for I felt I could not have a just estimate of my own 
 self. 
 
 22nd. I have read a good deal of Lavater's journal, and 
 have felt sympathy with him. I like the book, as it reminds 
 me of my duty. I hope that I shall have more steady reli- 
 ance upon God ; more regularity of mind ; less volatility of 
 thought. To have my heart pure in the sight of Thee, who 
 knowest and seest all my weaknesses, all my defects ; God 
 have mercy on me, I pray Thee ! mayst thou find in me a 
 faithful servant, abounding in good works ; may my whole 
 heart say truly, " Thy will be done !" may I ever, with all my 
 heart, say the Lord's prayer. Thou knowest my wishes, oh 
 God ; Thou knowest them ! 
 
 2th. I awoke with good resolutions, wishing to obtain 
 that peaceful state of mind, of feeling myself humbly trying 
 to do the will of the Almighty ; I took good resolves, but 
 my nature seems not in the mind to act up to them. I foel
 
 78 . LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 to have too much volatility of thought to keep that watch so 
 necessary about my thoughts, words, and actions. I do not 
 think this has been a bad day ; part of it very satisfactory, 
 particularly teaching three little girls. How little the feelings 
 of my heart seem under my own power ; I feel them like my 
 body, under another power ; yet mankind do not seem wil- 
 ling to allow that God is the Governor and Director of the 
 heart, though they mostly acknowledge, it is He who guides 
 all outward circumstances ; we find we have inward and out- 
 ward evil to combat, but we have a power within ourselves, 
 that will much alleviate the many evils we are subject to. 
 
 2Sth. I then had a very satisfactory evening with my 
 dear Sam ; how do I love that dear boy may he do well ! I 
 am inclined to think the day will come, when we shall see 
 him a religious character. 
 
 Fifth Month, 1st. Even acting right will sometimes bring 
 dissensions in a family, as it says in the Testament ; we must 
 not be discouraged even when that is our lot, for whatever 
 may be our situation, if we strictly adhere to that which we 
 believe to be our duty, we need not fear, but rest steadily 
 upon Him who can and will support us. I often observe how 
 much weakness of body seems to humble the mind ; illness 
 is of great benefit to us, as I have found from experience, if 
 we try to make good use of it ; it leads us to see our own 
 weakness and debility, and to look to a stronger for support. 
 So I believe it may be with the mind ; dark and gloomy 
 states are allowed to come upon it that we may know our 
 own insufficiency, and place our dependence upon a Higher 
 Power. 
 
 \6th. I have not done much to-day, partly owing to 
 taking a walk to Melton, and company this afternoon. I am 
 sorry to say, imperceptibly my mind gets wrapped up in the 
 Election. I must take care, or I think I shall be off my 
 guard, and I do think if 1 become so warm in it, I shall find 
 it better to go out of the way ; and may perhaps go to 
 London Yearly Meeting. But why not try to command my
 
 1799.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 79 
 
 mind at home ? I intend to try, but in such cases as this, it 
 is difficult to act a negative character ; for even such a body 
 as I am, might, I believe, get many votes amongst the poor : 
 but yet I feel as if it were giving to the poor with an expect- 
 ation of return from them to ask for their votes. Still, if 
 the cause be such, as may be of use in tending to abolish the 
 war (for every member in the House carries some weight), 
 is it not right to be anxious to get any one, who opposes war, 
 into it ? "Many a little makes a mickle." 
 
 21th. At last this long - wished - for, expected day has 
 arrived ; it has been one of real bustle. Before we went to 
 Norwich, I was much affected to hear of the death of poor 
 Betty Pettet, and it moved me. Let death come in any way, 
 how very affecting it is ! We went to Norwich, and then 
 entered its tumults. I have not been so very, very much 
 interested ; I might have acted pretty well, if pride, vanity, 
 and shame had not crept in ; we lost the Election, which is 
 certainly a very great blank, but we soon get over such 
 matters, and it convinces me, the less public matters are 
 entered into the better, they do not suit us ; keep to our own 
 sphere, and do not go out of its bounds. 
 
 Seventh Month, 12th. This day has not been idle, but not 
 religious. I was most part of the morning at Norwich ; in 
 the afternoon, I settled accounts; and in the evening, cut 
 out clothes for the poor. I don't think I have looked into 
 the Testament, or written my journal to-day ; it leads me to 
 remember what uncle Joseph said to me the other day, after 
 relating or reading to me the history of Mary, who anointed 
 our Saviour with the precious ointment, and His disciples 
 said she might have sold it, and given to the poor, but Christ 
 said, "The poor ye have always with you, but me ye have 
 not always;" now I thought, as uncle Joseph remarked, I 
 might this evening have spent too much time about the poor, 
 that should have been spent about better things. 
 
 In the Seventh Month, John Gurney travelled into the
 
 80 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 North of England, accompanied by his daughters Elizabeth 
 and Priscilla, and his son Samuel. They attended the 
 General Meeting at the school at Ackworth : this interested 
 Elizabeth, from bringing her into communication with 
 several Friends. 
 
 The travellers afterwards visited Sheepwash, an estate on 
 the beautiful banks of the Wanspeck, at that time belonging 
 to John Gurney ; they extended their journey to Edinburgh, 
 and returned home, paying a few visits on their way. 
 
 On the day when they set out on this tour is the next 
 entry in Elizabeth's journal. 
 
 Lynn, Seventh Month, 28th. This was one of the very 
 bustling mornings, to which Earlham is subject, on any of 
 the family leaving home. We had a quiet sort of a journey 
 here, and though I felt sorry, yet I am now glad to be 
 away from home, as we have lately had so much bustle, and 
 I know I have so little cultivated or encouraged a religious 
 state of mind ; indeed I have been in a darkish state of late, 
 sadly erring from the path of right ; and I appeared to have 
 gone so far out of it, that I could not get into it again, till 
 temptation was a little lessened, which I hope it will be this 
 journey. I think it probable, I shall be more stimulated 
 in the right, than in the wrong path. 
 
 Peterborough, 29<A, first-day. We went to Meeting 
 this morning : and since have been travelling. 
 
 30/i. We had a long day's journey ; I hope it has been 
 my object, at least, to try to act right. The propriety of 
 saying " thou" has lately struck me : if I think it right to 
 say it, I hope I shall be able, though any alteration of speech 
 is very difficult to make. 
 
 Ackworth, Eighth Month, \st. To-day what is called 
 the General Meeting began ; we first had a Meeting of wor- 
 ship, which was rather agreeable : after which we dined 
 with a very large party in the boy's dining-room at the 
 School ; as I was wandering about in the bustle, I went into
 
 1799.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 81 
 
 the plain Friends' room, (which I often did,) where I had not 
 been very long, before I felt myself fall into silence before 
 God, which the rest of the party appeared to do also ; we 
 had not sat long before a ministering Friend began to 
 preach to me. I was much affected ; then a dear aged minister 
 also said something to me ; may I profit by such refreshing 
 times. At four o'clock, the Women's Meeting met ; I, 
 amongst a great number, was chosen one of the Committee 
 
 to examine the children, school and household : (a female 
 
 preacher from America) appeared to me to hold rather too 
 high a hand. After Meeting, we examined the bed -rooms, 
 
 which I thought in good order, and talked a little to 
 
 (the preacher just alluded to.) 
 
 2nd. I arose about six to go to the School to hear 
 the girls spell, which I was pleased with, but should have 
 liked to have questioned them more myself. After that, we 
 breakfasted ; then met in the Committee, to fix a little the 
 plans we should go upon. I and Sarah Cockfield were 
 mentioned to go and attend to the Grammar School ; I said 
 that I had only a slight knowledge of grammar. We then 
 went to the Grammar School ; the writing, ciphering, work- 
 ing, mending, spinning, knitting, and sewing, all which I 
 liked much, and thought, upon the whole, they did very well 
 indeed ; we then examined parts of the house ; after which 
 we dined, and at three o'clock met to hear the report of the 
 Committee ; I forgot that before dinner, we met at twelve 
 o'clock to draw up the report of what we thought of the pro- 
 ceedings of the School. It was some time before any one 
 would speak ; Friends were begging the Committee to say 
 
 what they thought, but in vain, till I think broke the 
 
 ice, and encouraged the young people to say what they 
 thought ; for they had been requested before. As it ap- 
 peared to me it was delaying the Meeting, I took courage 
 (as I thought it was more right than wrong) to speak ; and 
 said what I thought of the grammar and ciphering ; I felt 
 glad I had done it, though I trembled at doing it, not a 
 11
 
 82 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 little. Towards the latter part of the sitting, I was pointedly 
 asked what I thought of their spelling, which I said ; and 
 also that I did not think th^y attended to the words of one, 
 so well as to those of many syllables. After the Meetings, 
 I was encouraged in what I had done, by salutations from 
 the Friends, H. B. and E. C. After dinner, we met again 
 and heard the report they had written to bring into the 
 men. I thought the Meeting paid rather too much defer- 
 ence to H. B., in delaying the Meeting, because she was not 
 come in. We took the report to the men ; I own my body 
 and mind longed impatiently to have Meeting over. After 
 tea I entered into talk with . I mentioned dear Wil- 
 liam Savery : we went and sat in the Doctor's room, where 
 was Thomas Scattergood, whom, though I do not think he 
 spoke, yet I liked. 
 
 3rd. I arose in a bustle and hurried about till the " cold 
 victuals" were given to the poor, which plan I did not much 
 
 like, as it seemed like showing off. preached to them 
 
 agreeably, after which Thomas Scattergood called us aside, 
 and in a little Meeting expressed the great love he felt for 
 me yesterday, which made it appear to me, as if there were 
 a sympathy of soul, and we both were guided by the same 
 epirit ; he expressed how much he felt for me at the time I 
 came into Doctor Binns' room, and had then felt it on his 
 mind to say something to me ; I also had felt a silent incli- 
 nation to hear. We then set off on our journey to York. 
 I have not sufficiently dwelt on the kindness of some Friends 
 to me, during our stay at Ackworth. First, dear Christiana 
 Hustler and her daughter ; Friend Messer, and many others. 
 May I really profit by this time. We arrived at York to a 
 late dinner, and drank tea at Lindley Murray's, whom, 
 though I hardly spoke to, I really loved ; there was also 
 
 B F 's daughter, who seemed sweetly under the 
 
 guidance and influence of religion; she was to me truly 
 interesting, but I think I was too forward with her ; I felt 
 my own inferiority.
 
 1799.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 83 
 
 4M. This morning we walked about York and saw its 
 wonders. The Minster is a beautiful building ; how much 
 people spend about a pious building ! would they spend as 
 much time and trouble about their own souls ? We got to 
 Darlington to-night. This morning, I was much pleased by 
 a note and present from Lindley Murray, of one of his 
 English Readers ; it renewed my feelings of love towards 
 him. 
 
 5th. We were at both Meetings at Darlington to-day ; 1 
 was much pleased with the Friends there, and their appear- 
 ance of unity and hospitality. We reached Durham to- 
 night ; I was- interested with the beautiful scenery on enter- 
 ing the town. 
 
 Gt h. Arrived at Newcastle in a hard rain. Was in a bad 
 storm of thunder and lightning, at the Glass-houses ; alto- 
 gether my mind was calm. 
 
 1th. Much bustle and fatigue in walking about New- 
 castle, seeing different sights ; we arrived at Sheepwash to- 
 night. 
 
 Sth. This morning, we spent in riding about my father's 
 estate, which is a beautiful place ; I had rather an exertion 
 of courage in riding an unruly horse. 
 
 9*A. Walked with R - C - to Broom Park. I 
 must beware of my proud, vain self. 
 
 IQth. We spent the day, till about five, at Broom Park; 
 I do not like myself in that sort of company, I am almost 
 sure to lose ground by a sort of foolish wish to please every 
 body ; I do not absolutely deviate from my character ; but I 
 enter, as far as I can, into the character of those I am with, 
 and unintentionally give up more than I should. We went 
 from thence to Alnwick Castle, belonging to the Duke of 
 Northumberland, a vary ."magnificent place ; but seeing such 
 places never leads me to wish for high life, for, after all, are 
 the possessors Happier, if so happy as others ? the only true 
 and lasting source of happiness is an easy conscience. 
 
 Edlington, Scotland, 11th. We saw to-day a very beau-
 
 84 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [179VJ. 
 
 tiful view, Peese Bridge, nature and art are so finely united ; 
 there is sea, land, wood, waterfall, mountain, valley, and a 
 bridge, I should say more than two hundred feet high. 
 
 Shields, IQfh. I am sorry it is so long since I wrote my 
 journal. We have been to Edinburgh, which ia a city well 
 worth seeing for its beauty and curiosity. There was an 
 American Friend who put me much in mind of dear William 
 Savery. We again went to Broom Pa'rk, where we were 
 most hospitably received. On Second-day evenjng, on our 
 way from Edinburgh, I was rather nervous. I feel, I am 
 sorry to say, little progress in the path of virtue : keeping 
 up that watch and dependence upon God is so -difficult; it is 
 hard work to look only to the true source in our hearts, we 
 are so apt to wish to save ourselves that trouble, and to look 
 to inferior sources. I believe talking much on the subject 
 has not a good effect, for it leads us to an outward rather 
 than deeply inward feeling ; it is hard work really to dig 
 deep ; I seem to have so many faults or errors encamped 
 round about me, they are out of my power to overcome 
 alone ; but can I not do it with looking to God for assist- 
 ance? 
 
 JEarlham, 29th. On Third-day evening, we arrived safely 
 at home, after altogether a pleasant journey. 
 
 Ninth Month) 13tA. This morning I awoke with a cloud 
 over me, and so I must expect both to wake and sleep, if I 
 do not try more completely to do the will of God. I dare 
 not take resolutions, as I know now I cannot keep up to 
 them. 
 
 17YA. I feel a comfortable state of mind, not so inclined 
 to be off my guard as sometimes, I know it is not owing to 
 myself ; but being so, should be a cause of gratitude. 
 
 This evening I did a thing I felt I had to repent of, but 
 it has at least made me clear upon the subject ; as they were 
 singing and playing, they begged me to sing, and I did it, 
 but I felt far more pain than pleasure from doing it. A 
 really uneasy mind was my portion the rest of the evening.
 
 1799.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 85 
 
 18th. This morning I went to Meeting, and fully felt 
 my weakness ; but I have found myself to-day and yesterday 
 a little under the influence of religion, which is a blessed 
 thing. I had much palpitation at the Meeting of Disci- 
 pline, because I saw some things so clearly, but being 
 mentioned by others, I thought I might get off giving 
 an opinion. I was proposed to be representative, and said 
 I had no objection, indeed I felt no objection on my own 
 part, because though I know how weak I am, yet even 
 the weak should not fear to exert the little power they 
 have : and I do feel interested for the Society, and, for 
 the most part, approve its principles highly. 
 
 Tenth Month, 1st. I feel in a state of much mental 
 weakness, real and true discouragement ; I have little 
 faith, and little hope, and almost fallen, so as not to be 
 able to rise. But if there be a God and a Saviour I 
 need not fear ; for though I know and find my state of 
 corruption, yet I believe the warmest wish of my heart 
 is, to do the will of God, and to act right : I do most 
 truly hunger and thirst after righteousness. I find one 
 thing very hard to overcome, which is pride and vanity 
 in outward religious matters. True religion, I believe, 
 will not admit of pride and vanity. Another temptation 
 is, that I have too much formed in my own mind what I 
 think I am to be ; which may outwardly encourage me in 
 a path, that nothing but the dictates of conscience should 
 lead me into. I am really weak in faith, and in works ; 
 I believe, at least I have a hope, that if I exert the 
 little power I now have given me, the day will come when 
 I shall feel the power of God within me. 
 
 13th. Narrow is the path that lendeth unto life eternal, 
 and few there be that find it. There are many called, 
 but few chosen for though we are blessed with being 
 called, yet if we follow not when we are called, and that 
 strictly, we do not deserve to be called the children of 
 God, for, as it says in the Revelation, " He that over-
 
 86 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 comcth shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, 
 and he shall he my son." 
 
 247t. I feel this morning, as I have felt lately, quite in 
 a hurry about what I have to do ; and I do not think that 
 that is the way to do it well ; it is better to go soberly and 
 quietly to work about it, and not to flurry and bluster. I 
 think this day has not been quite so idle, and I hope in a 
 little degree I may have done well. I put some things in 
 proper order, read history and grammar, wrote letters and 
 worked. I feel in rather a flat, silent state of mind. May 
 I be thankful that opportunity is offered me to spend my 
 time in doing something. May pride and vanity be cast far 
 from me. May doing Thy will, be my constant object, oh 
 God ! I see Thee not, for Thou art invisible, yet I have 
 reason to believe, I am not invisible to Thee ; therefore look 
 upon my weakness with pity, and deign to strengthen my 
 lukewarm faith. 
 
 26th. I am rather in a volatile mind this morning, and 
 that state which requires care. I still feel as if I could not 
 act really and minutely well ; a sort of lukewarmness that 
 leads to forgetfulness ; and a flying off from the centre in my 
 inmost heart. But weak as I am, if I exert my powers, and 
 in times of need pray for more, and try to turti out worldly 
 ideas, till I receive strength by waiting in stillness upon God, 
 to let His will be done in me ; I then shall find if the arm of 
 the Lord be sufficient for me. But I feel and know it is 
 much easier to write than practise ; for it is hard, a very hard 
 matter, to wait quietly upon God ; it is for the time, giving 
 up the world to follow Him. For though I seldom, or ever, 
 have found more than darkness in my own endeavours to 
 wait, (and how seldom I do it !) yet remember, " Ask, and it 
 shall be given thee, seek and thou shalt find, knock, and it 
 shall be opened unto thee." If I continue steady in seeking, 
 and will try and pray to seek more and more, the day will 
 come when I shall find, let me remember this. I believe, at 
 times, the door has been in mercy opened, when at the mo-
 
 1799.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 87 
 
 ment, I have not been knocking, for I have now and then 
 tasted the beauties of holiness ; but it appears as if it had 
 mostly been through others, or with others, I have felt it. 
 But how humbly thankful should my soul be, that my path 
 of conduct has so far been shown me, when I sought after it, 
 and that I have had my eyes anointed to see the difference 
 of right and wrong in my conduct ; that, perhaps, is enough 
 for me for the present ; may I be sufficiently thankful for it, 
 for does it not show that the Most High has not forsaken 
 me? 
 
 Eleventh Month, Yltli, First-day. In the evening, with 
 my children, I had in some respects a very comfortable time ; 
 it was, at least, my wish to act right with them. In part of 
 one of the chapters, I seemed carried through to explain 
 something to them in a way I hardly ever did before. It 
 was striking the difference in my power this evening, and 
 this day week. This day week I tried, and tried to explain, 
 and the more I tried the more I seemed to blunder ; and this 
 evening I was determined not to attempt it, unless I felt 
 capable, and that I did, suddenly and unexpectedly to 
 myself ; I had a flow of ideas come one after another, in 
 a sweet and refreshing way. The rest of the evening was 
 principally spent with Hannah Scarnell, talking about my 
 poor mother, who died this day seven years. 
 
 26th. Towards the latter end of yesterday evening I had 
 some uncomfortable mental feelings, and this morning they 
 really amounted to pain of mind. I believe they were deep 
 and inward temptations of the imagination ; silent waiting 
 upon God seemed my only resource, and it was difficult to 
 do so ; it was like a trial in my mind between the two 
 powers. My imagination, I think, was partly set at work 
 by being nervous, rather more so than usual : and it requires 
 spiritual strength to overcome the painful workings of a 
 nervous imagination. There are few temptations, I believe, 
 so hard to overcome, as those that try to put on the appear- 
 ance of duties. They are willing to represent the Spirit of
 
 88 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1799. 
 
 truth in our hearts ; at such times before I act, try quietly to 
 wait upon God ; look to Him for help, and when things at" 
 all appear in the light of duties, the thought of which pro- 
 duces agony to the soul, it requires much deliberation before 
 we act. 
 
 Twelfth Month, llth. In the afternoon I was rather 
 industrious. I was uncertain whether to go to the Grove 
 or not, but at last I fixed to do so. In going there, I 
 observed the sweet states I had experienced for being obe- 
 dient. My path seemed clear, and my heart acknowledged, 
 " I have sought, and have found, I have knocked, and it has 
 been opened unto me ;" it also appeared to me in how beauti- 
 ful a manner things work together for good. After all this, 
 again myself got the victory, and I came home with a 
 degree of remorse, for saying upon some subjects more 
 than I should have said; how great a virtue is silence, 
 properly attended to ! 
 
 At this time, Elizabeth Gurney had adopted the costume 
 and language of Friends; this added to her comfort, and 
 spared her many difficulties. Of the truth of their principles 
 she had been long convinced, and had deliberately chosen 
 Quakerism as the future religious profession of her life. 
 
 Her mind being thus established on matters of the first 
 importance, was the more prepared to entertain a subject 
 which now claimed her consideration proposals of marriage 
 from Joseph Fry ; at that time engaged with his brother, 
 William Fry, in extensive business in London. Her timid, 
 sensitive nature shrunk, at first, from so momentous a 
 question, and for a time she seemed unable, or unwilling, 
 to encounter the responsibility. But, on the subject being 
 again brought before her, whilst on a visit in the neigh- 
 bourhood of London, it claimed her serious consideration. 
 The prospect of religious association in Joseph Fry's family, 
 and of residing among Friends, offered great and strong in 
 ducements to her to yield to his solicitations.
 
 1800.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. 89 
 
 The following entry in her journal evinces her anxious 
 desire to be rightly guided in this important concern. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 12th. I believe the true state of my mind 
 is as follows. I have, almost ever since I have been a little 
 under the influence of religion, thought marriage at this 
 time, was not a good thing for me; as it might lead my 
 interests and affections from that Source in which they 
 should be centered, and also, if I have any active duties to 
 perform in the church, if I really follow, as far as I am able, 
 the voice of Truth in my heart ; are they not rather incom- 
 patible with the duties of a wife and a mother ? And is it 
 not safest to wait and see what is the probable course I shall 
 take in this life, before I enter into any engagement that 
 affects my future career ? So I think, and so I have thought. 
 But to look on the other side. If Truth appears to tell me 
 I may marry, I shQuld leave the rest, and hope whatsoever 
 my duties are, I shall be able to perform them ; but it is now 
 at this time the prayer of my heart, that if I ever should be 
 a mother, I may rest with my children, and really find my 
 duties lead me to them and my husband ; and if my duty 
 ever leads me from my family, that it may be in single life. 
 I must leave all to the wisdom of a superior Power, and, in 
 humble confidence, pray for assistance both now and for 
 evermore, in performing the divine will. 
 
 First Month, 1st, 1800. This has not been .one of the 
 clear and bright days of life : little has been done, and that 
 little as in a nightmare ; not feeling able to get forward, and 
 discouraged. None but one Being knows how I spend my 
 time, and how little I really do in the service of God ; but 
 I cannot quite judge myself, and I feel I have complained too 
 much to-day, of the burdens of life, to other people. My 
 uncle Joseph was here, and I felt my own weakness by his 
 side. 1 had my children, and found them a great burden ; 
 at least, I thought that I was making more show than reality. 
 So are my down-sittings, and my uprisings. Have mercy on 
 12
 
 90 LIFE' OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1800. 
 
 me, if Thou existest, oh God ! forsake not one who does wish 
 to trust in Thee, and to be Thy servant, in the way Thou 
 mayst see meet for her. 
 
 1th. This morning, at Meeting, I had rather a trying 
 time in some respects, at least I fully felt the disobedient 
 state of my own heart. I think, as far as I can judge from 
 past experience, my feelings were not those of imagination. 
 I felt, supposing it was my duty to speak in that Meeting, 
 what would it not be to me ? and I don't think I felt perfectly 
 clear of that awful duty ; not that I now believe it will be, at 
 this time, required of me, but it appears to me a devotion of 
 heart that I must try to attain ; or else my lamp will not be 
 prepared, that I may go when my Master calleth. I have 
 felt, and still feel, " I cannot do it,'' when required of me. 
 Almost as much as that : though I yet believe, if I were sure 
 it was required by God, it should be done, if I had power ; 
 but in our present state of weakness, we are to see so far, 
 and no farther, and we can only act as far as we, in our great 
 weakness, think is the best way for us. My faith is as a 
 grain of mustard-seed. But we may all judge from expe- 
 rience ; and I think I may truly say, that when I have 
 followed the direction of this Voice in my heart (those 
 feelings that may be enthusiasm, or what else,) yet I never 
 have failed to feel content in doing so ; even to be amply 
 rewarded, and never to have repented following its dictates, 
 but the more I have been wholly and humbly given up to 
 obey, the more I have found my foundation a stable one ; 
 and trying as it has been sometimes, yet after I have gone 
 through the trial, reason and inclination and all have ap- 
 plauded. But reason and inclination often leave us in tha 
 day of trouble. However, to go on with my tale. I con- 
 tinued most of the Meeting in this state, not clear of this 
 awful duty, and yet by no means seeing it right to act ; but 
 as for that, I believe I would hardly let it come into my mind, 
 and into my thoughts ; I wished William Crow to preach, 
 as I do sometimes, and when he rose my heart seemed to feel
 
 1800.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 91 
 
 it was right for him to do so. He began to speak of the state 
 of some one present, and did take me surprisingly home to 
 mine ; he mentioned how the ministry had come before that 
 mind ; but seemed to think it was not an immediate duty, 
 but was to be tried. So I leave it. I am unwilling to think 
 any thing of the kind would be at present required of me. 
 I believe it would be a greater trial than I can describe ; my 
 whole appearance being so different from those who are 
 generally ministers among us. But yet I hope, if ever 
 duty really requires it of me, I may do it, let it be early or 
 late. 
 
 At this time she thus writes to a young Friend : 
 
 True religion seems a subject of that great importance, 
 that we must not play with it, either mentally or in word ; 
 perhaps thou wilt think it odd, but at seasons I am not a 
 friend to too many religious thoughts ; for thoughts are apt 
 to wander, and border on imagination. Religion is a deep 
 inward working of the feelings, and of the heart ; we must 
 not look too much for bright light on the surface of things, 
 but we must humbly and quietly try to seek deep ; attending 
 to the day of small things, trying to be faithful in the little, 
 or we cannot expect to be rulers over more. Seek for these 
 little feelings of the heart; watch, that thou mayst know 
 truly the voice of thy Shepherd. I feel this advice may be 
 received by us both ; I cannot tell how thou findest it, but 
 this voice has at times led me into trials ; but where I have 
 followed, truly I may say I have had my reward ; where I 
 have not, then I have felt the good part within me weak- 
 ened. I believe our temptations may be different, but the 
 deeper I dig in my own mind, the clearer I see how I am 
 surrounded with them ; I can hardly bear to feel them, and 
 to observe them ; but that light, which I deeply sought, has 
 shown me the danger ; and, as a friend of mine wrote to mo 
 the other day, " in vain is the snare laid in the sight of the
 
 92 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1800. 
 
 bird." By thus seeking, may we truly find the road that 
 leadeth unto salvation. Fare thee well ! 
 
 Second Month, 9th. In the evening, my father brought 
 two Friends with him and Lawrence Candler. As I was 
 reading to my children in the laundry, my father brought 
 them all in ; when I had finished reading in the Testament 
 we were all silent, and soon John Kirkham knelt down in 
 prayer, and we all rose up ; it was a very solemn time ; my 
 heart was not much moved, but I believe many of my dear 
 children were much affected by it ; he then preached to them, 
 and it was surprising to me to see how much it seems the 
 same Spirit that works in all ; and how solemn a thing it is 
 to preach and pray only from authority, and how very dif- 
 ferent an effect it has on the mind to other advice ; however, 
 it was an encouraging thing, and I hope it will not be passed 
 over by me, or the children. 
 
 \\th. How much I wished, almost prayed, I may one 
 day be a perfect sacrifice, wholly given up to the service of 
 God. 
 
 18th. Time will tell, if what " Friends" have told me 
 will be true, that I shall one day be different from what I 
 am ; indeed, taste of the beautiful comfort and support of 
 true religion, and not only receive myself, but be an instru- 
 ment in giving to others ; and that my own beloved family 
 will feel support in me, and in a degree do as I may have 
 done, or that my principles will spread. None but One 
 knows my heart, and my most deep wishes, nay, I may 
 almost say prayers, that I may, in whatever way it may be, 
 do to my utmost the will of God ; may I not faint in the 
 day of trial and tribulation ; and may self not be exalted 
 in the day of prosperity. 
 
 At this time Elizabeth Gurney's attention was seriously 
 fixed on the proposal that had been brought under her 
 consideration, in reference to the most important change in 
 her external circumstances. And the following letter, ad-
 
 1800.] LIFEOFBLIZABETHFRl. 03 
 
 dressed by her to her much valued friend and relative, 
 Joseph Gurney Bevan, marks her deep solicitude to attain 
 best direction : 
 
 Clapham, Fourth Month, 1800. 
 My dearest Cousin, 
 
 It is not pleasant to me, having a subject that now is 
 of no small importance to me, unknown to thee, for I feel thce 
 to be, and love thee as my kind friend. Some time ago, 
 Joseph Fry, youngest son of William Storrs Fry of London, 
 paid us a visit at Earlham, and made me an offer of marriage. 
 Since our stay in this neighbourhood, he has renewed his 
 addresses. I have had many doubts, many risings and 
 fallings about the affair. My most anxious wish is, that I 
 may not hinder my spiritual welfare, which I have so much 
 feared, as to make me often doubt if marriage were a desirable 
 thing for me at this time, or even the thoughts of it ; but as 
 I wish (at least I think I wish), in this, as in other things, 
 beyond every thing else, to do the will of God, I hope that 
 I shall be shown the path right for me to walk in. I do not 
 think I could have refused him, with a proper authority, at 
 this time. If I am to marry before very long, it overturns 
 my theories, and may teach me that the ways of the Lord are 
 unsearchable ; and that I am not to draw out a path of right 
 for myself, but to look to the One who only knows what is 
 really good for me ; but the idea of leaving my station at 
 home is to me surprising, as I had not thought that it would 
 have been the case, arid perhaps it may not now happen, but 
 it does not seem improbable. How anxiously do I desire I 
 may through all, strive after the knowledge of God, and one 
 day, if it be right, obtain it. Excuse this hasty scrawl, and 
 believe me, my dear cousin, thy very affectionate, 
 
 E. GUUNEY. 
 
 Earlham, Fifth Month, 30<A. I have written lately many 
 melancholy journals, and I seem rather inclined this morning 
 gratefully to mention the calm and sweet state I feel in.
 
 94 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1800. 
 
 Even if the feelings be but for this time, it is a blessing to 
 have them. My feelings towards Joseph are so calm and 
 pleasant, and I can look forward with so much cheerfulness 
 to a connexion with him. 
 
 Sixth Month, 6th. I felt rather nervous and weak this 
 morning. I wrote to Eliza Fry, and worked and talked. I 
 might talk too much. I received a letter I liked from Joseph, 
 and answered it this afternoon. I felt unwilling to represent 
 my own faults to him, although I told him how faulty I was, 
 yet it is much more unpleasant to acknowledge any real fault 
 committed, than the natural inclination to faults. 
 
 9th. I have been busy to-day without doing much. They 
 all went out about twelve. I then put my poor people's 
 things in a little order, and cut out linen till dinner, and 
 from dinner till tea. I am slow in what I do. I have 
 thought seriously upon becoming mistress of a house. I 
 look in that, as in other things, that principle may be my 
 support, for it leads and supports even in the smallest 
 occurrences of life. The preparations of clothing, &c., 
 &c., as they lead me into the little things for which I have 
 a taste, if I do not take care may hurt me, and yet they are 
 both pleasant and interesting to me. 
 
 Vlth. My state is a truly comfortable one this morning, 
 such peace of mind and body. I seem to have at present no 
 cloud over me so calm, so easy partly owing to having 
 lately felt so much bodily pain, ease and rest are peculiarly 
 pleasant ; let it be an encouragement to me, next time pain 
 or sorrow surrounds me, that even when heavily clouded, the 
 sun may not be far off; may enjoying this sort of peace lead 
 me to long for a more durable and lasting one, and may it 
 stimulate me with more vigour to seek after it, by more 
 frequent, patient waiting upon God, and may I experience 
 an increasing willingness to take up the cross when called 
 to do so. 
 
 Eighth Month, 4th. This has been a comfortable day to 
 me. I have been busy, and a little gone on in my old plans ;
 
 1800.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 95 
 
 I have great hopes of leaving all things in good order, which 
 is a relief to me. It is a blessing indeed to feel thus healthy 
 in mind and hody ; for I think we are subject to mental dis- 
 eases, that are not in our power any more than bodily ones, 
 and that require our patience ; although it is our duty in both 
 mental and bodily maladies, to do our utmost to overcome 
 them. 
 
 12th. This morning the Fellowes were here; nothing 
 particular happened till evening, when all my poor children 
 came ; it was rather a melancholy time to me. After having 
 enjoyed themselves with playing about, I took them to the 
 summer-house, and bade them farewell ; there were about 
 eighty -six of them ; many of them wept ; I felt rather coldly 
 when with them, but when they went away, I shed my tears 
 also ; and then my desires took the turn of anxiously longing 
 for the spiritual welfare of all of us, as a family.
 
 18001809. Marriage First visit to Plashet Settlement in Lon- 
 don Letter to a Friend Yearly Meeting Birth of the eldest child, 
 1801 Journey into the North of England Second daughter, born 
 1803 Birth of eldest son, 1804 ; illness and journey to Bath Her 
 second son, born 1806 Death of her mother-in-law Birth of her 
 fifth child, 1808 Letter to John Gurney and his -wife Death of 
 the latter Death of her father-in-law. 
 
 THE marriage of Joseph Fry and Elizabeth Gurney took 
 place on the 19th of Eighth Month, 1800, at Friends' Meet- 
 ing House in Norwich; her own description of the day 
 is : 
 
 I awoke in a sort of terror at the prospect before me, but 
 soon gained quietness and something of cheerfulness ; after 
 dressing, we set off for Meeting; I was altogether comfort- 
 able. The Meeting was crowded : I felt serious, and looking 
 in measure to the only sure place for support. It was to me a 
 truly solemn time ; I felt every word, and not only felt, but 
 in my manner of speaking expressed how I felt ; Joseph also 
 spoke well. Most solemn it truly was. After we sat silent 
 some Iitt4e time, a female Friend knelt down in prayer, my 
 heart prayed with her. I believe words are inadequate to 
 describe the feelings on such an occasion ; I wept good part 
 of the time, and my beloved father seemed as much over- 
 come as I was. The day passed off well, and I think I was 
 very comfortably supported under it, although cold hands 
 and a beating heart were often my lot. 
 
 Leaving the home of her childhood was a great effort to 
 (96)
 
 1800.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 97 
 
 her. Driving through Norwich for the last time, as a resi- 
 dence, " the very stones of the streets seemed dear" to her. 
 On the 31st of the same month, she says : 
 
 We arrived at Plashet about three o'clock ; it was strange 
 to me. I was much pleased with the place, and admired the 
 kindness of its inhabitants. 
 
 Her home, however, was for some years, to be in scenes 
 far less congenial to her early habits, than Plashet House, 
 in Essex ; then the residence of her husband's parents. It 
 was a much more prevailing custom in that day, than it is 
 now, for the junior partner to reside in the house of busi- 
 ness, in conformity with which, Joseph and Elizabeth Fry 
 prepared to establish themselves in Mildred's Court, in the 
 city of London. The house was large, airy, commodious, 
 and what, in the city, is a still more rare advantage, quiet ; 
 and continued to be an occasional residence of different 
 members of the family, till it was pulled down in consequence 
 of alterations in London. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry was, by her marriage, brought into com- 
 pletely new circumstances ; her husband's family had been 
 members of the Society of Friends, since an early period after 
 its foundation. In this it resembled that of the Gurney's : 
 but unlike her own parents, her father and mother-in-law 
 adhered strictly to the habits of Friends, and she was sur- 
 rounded by a large circle of new connections and acquaint- 
 ance who differed from her own early associates, in being 
 almost exclusively of the same decided class. This, for a 
 time, brought her into occasional difficulty, and even trial, 
 from the incongruities of the parties assembled at her house ; 
 formed of her own tenderly beloved family and near con- 
 nections (few of whom were inclined to walk in the same path 
 as that into which she had been led), and tho members of 
 the Society to which she had become so closely united in 
 religious profession ; anci earnest were her desires to be 
 13
 
 98 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1800. 
 
 preserved from, in any degree, swerving from the line of 
 duty. 
 
 George Dilwyn, a Friend from America, who was engaged 
 in religious service in London, as a minister of the Gospel, 
 became their guest on the 7th of the Eleventh Month, only 
 a few days after the young married pair had arrived at their 
 home ; he remained with them for several weeks, and his 
 company appears to have been useful and agreeable to them ; 
 although his presence brought the bride into difficulty, on a 
 point that, at the present time, seems almost inconceivable, 
 that of reading the Holy Scriptures aloud in the morning. 
 Family devotion, amongst all persuasions, was much less 
 common at that period than it is now; and the habit of 
 assembling the household at a stated hour daily, for this reli- 
 gious duty, had not been observed at Mildred's Court. The 
 servants of that establishment were not, until some years 
 afterwards, partakers of this privilege ; and Elizabeth Fry, 
 whilst believing it to be incumbent on her to introduce the 
 practice, shrunk from attempting it, especially in the pres- 
 ence of one like George Dilwyn, to whom she looked up with 
 a degree of fear. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Tenth Month, 30 h. After breakfast, my 
 husband and I set off from Plashet in my father's coach, with 
 nurse Barns, for Mildred's Court. I felt rather low at the 
 prospect before me, and more so when I saw the state of the 
 house ; confusion in every part. I had a bed-room turned 
 into a sitting-room, put in order, and then went and put 
 myself in order for dinner ; our brother William dined with 
 us. I spent rather a pleasant afternoon, which is to me quite 
 a rarity. Joseph and I had a comfortable evening. Both, 
 I believe, feeling the true comfort, I may say blessing, of 
 being, at last, quiet in our owii house. All seemed to shine 
 upon us. May we mutually endeavour to hold all in subser- 
 vience to that Being, to whom all our thoughts, wishes, and 
 actions, are known. I sometimes feel the self-interestedness
 
 1800.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 99 
 
 of wishing to be good, for, after all, what earthly enjoyment 
 is like it ? may we not stop short in our career, but try to 
 run the race that is set before us. 
 
 Eleventh Month, 1th. George Dilwyn came to-day; I 
 feel almost overcome with my own weakness, when with such 
 people. 
 
 \\ih. After breakfast, I believed it better to propose 
 reading in the Bible, but I felt doing it, particularly as my 
 brother William was here ; not liking the appearance of 
 young people, like us, appearing to profess more than they 
 who had lived here before us. However I put off, and put 
 off, till both William and Joseph went down ; I then felt 
 uneasy under it, and when Joseph came back I told him, as 
 I did before, what I wished ; he, at last, sat down, having 
 told George Dilwyn my desire. I began to read the 46th 
 Psalm, but was so overcome that I could hardly read, and 
 gave it to Joseph to finish. 
 
 12th. I rather felt this morning it would have been right 
 for me to read the Bible again, and stop George Dilwyn and 
 Joseph reading something else. Now stopping G. D. was a 
 difficult thing ; for a person like me to remind him ! how- 
 ever I did not fully do as I thought right, for I did not openly 
 tell G. D. we were going to read, but spoke to my husband, 
 so as for him to hear ; then -he read, I knowing I had not 
 done my best. 
 
 14th. I again felt some difficulty at reading the Bible ; 
 however I got through well. George Dilwyn encouraging 
 me, by saying, he thought I portioned the reading well. 
 After a little bustling we set off for Hampstead. I was there 
 
 told by , he thought my manners had too much of the 
 
 courtier in them, which I know to be the case, for my dis- 
 position leads me to hurt no one, that I can avoid : and I do 
 sometimes but just keep to truth with people, from a natural 
 yielding to them in such things as please them. I think 
 doing so in moderation, is pleasant and useful in society. 
 It is amonget the things that produce the harmony of
 
 100 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1800. 
 
 society ; for the truth must not he spoken out at all times, 
 at least not the whole truth. I will give an instance of what 
 I mean. Suppose any one was to show me the colour of a 
 room, that I thought pretty, I should say so, although I 
 thought others more so, and omit saying that ; perhaps I am 
 wrong, I do not know if I be not, but it will not always do 
 to tell our minds. This I have observed (and I am sorry for 
 it), that I feel it hard, when duty dictates, to do what I think 
 may hurt others. I believe this feeling of mine originates 
 in self-love, from the dislike of being myself the cause of 
 pain and uneasiness. 
 
 15th. George Dilwyn said, for our encouragement this 
 morning, that he had seen, since he had been with us, the 
 efficacy of reading in the Bible the first thing, he thought 
 it a good beginning for the day. 
 
 19fA. Dear Kitty and Priscilla came this afternoon ; I 
 felt a good deal at seeing them. How dear they are to me ! 
 George Dilwyn came home this evening ; and it was rather 
 odd, but we fell into unusually interesting conversation. 
 
 2,2nd. I think I have tried to do better to-day, and a bad 
 cold has prevented my saying much, which is so often a 
 stumbling-block, for that little member, the tongue, is very 
 hard to command ; until the root be mended, I cannot 
 expect the branches to flourish, or to bring forth much fruit. 
 Thoughts, words, and actions, appear to spring from a cor- 
 rupt source. I feel my sisters a lesson to me, they seem so 
 much more virtuous. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 1st. We dined at the Barclays' to-day ; 
 I felt it pleasant being at Clapham, although the change of 
 society I have, is at times a trial ; it requires much strength 
 to be on one's guard. 
 
 5th To-day, we had the W s and C s, to dinner. 
 
 We provided handsomely, but I much disapprove of a lux- 
 urious table ; as superfluity at table appears to me as bad, 
 if not worse than other things. 
 
 8th. I value being alone with my husband ; it is a quiet
 
 1800.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 101 
 
 that I have not lately enjoyed, and it does seem to me, at this 
 time, one of the great blessings of life ; talking of bless- 
 ings, am I not ungrateful, when thus surrounded with them, 
 to be wishing for more ? it is a pity ! 
 
 9th. Anna Savery drank tea here ; we had not sat long 
 after tea, before we fell into silence. During the time, I 
 first felt a sort of anxiety for the welfare of us young travel- 
 lers, and it came strongly across my mind, Is it not my duty 
 openly to express it ? this put me into an agitation not easily 
 to be described ; and I continued in this state, which was a 
 truly painful one, nearly feeling it my duty to pray aloud for 
 us ; oh, how hard it did seem ! I tried to run from it, but I 
 found the most safety in trying to wait upon God ; hoping, 
 if it were imagination, to overcome it ; if it were duty, that 1 
 might be obedient. Towards the latter end, I felt more in- 
 clined towards obedience. But what an obstacle is my not 
 holding my will in subserviency to that of my Maker ; for 
 perhaps, after all, it was only a trial of my obedience, that 
 would not have been called for, but to show me how far I 
 was from a resigned state of heart. I felt oppressed the rest 
 of the evening. 
 
 I0th. I awoke in a burdened state of mind ; I thought 
 it better to relieve it to my dear husband, and found comfort 
 in doing so ; he warned me against imagination. I must try 
 to trust in the Lord, and I hope to find safety. I felt quite 
 in a state of agitation till we went to Meeting ; it made me 
 feel almost ill in body, both last night and this morning; 
 however my mind was sweetly calmed in the Meeting, and I 
 felt vastly relieved from my terrors, and a little love and 
 trusting in the Heavenly Master. I was almost ready to do 
 whatever might be right for me. Oh ! may I give up to 
 what is called for at my hand, ami may I not be deceived, 
 but follow the true Shepherd, for my feet seem much in- 
 clined to wander ! 
 
 14th. I attended both Meetings as usual, and, as usual, I 
 came from them, flat and discouraged. To attend our place
 
 102 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1800. 
 
 of worship, and there spend almost all the time in worldly 
 thoughts, is, I fear, too great a mark of how my time is 
 mostly spent ; indeed, my life appears, at this time, to be 
 spent to little more purpose than eating, drinking, sleeping, 
 and clothing myself. But if we analyze the employment of 
 most, what do they more than, in some way ? attend to the 
 bodily wants of themselves or others? What is our work, 
 the good we do to the poor, &c., &c., but for the body ! 
 
 In reply to the letter of a Friend, Elizabeth Fry, at this 
 period, thus describes her own state of mind, and anxiety 
 for spiritual advance : 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, 1801. 
 
 In referring to thy former letter, I remembered thou there 
 hailed me as a fellow-traveller towards a better country ; and 
 I remember feeling encouragement from it : I am doubtful 
 how far thou couldest now do so, but I trust, although I see 
 little, and feel hardly anything of good in my own mind, 
 that I am not yet quite forsaken, as one dead to good works. 
 I am at times ready to feel, what shall I do ? for if I were 
 sure this state was out of my own power, I needed only 
 quietly rest, hoping for better times : but my fear is, that, 
 from want of more watchfulness, I am so continually devoted 
 to things of this world, as to blind my spiritual sight from 
 observing things belonging to the other. There are times 
 when my anxiety for good is great indeed, and for a short 
 time, it is my endeavour to seek strength where I hope to 
 find it ; but alas ! my good wishes and good endeavours are 
 of short, very short duration. I often remember that part of 
 Scripture (more particularly at Meeting) where our Saviour 
 says to Simon, " Couldest not thou watch with me one hour ?" 
 I feel able to draw some consolation from what I here read, 
 when I see that others so great and good have found it hard 
 to do so ; but I experience the force of the question. I have, 
 at times, great fears that I may be led astray in matters of
 
 1801.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 103 
 
 the first importance, for there is a power that will, at times, 
 deceive the unwary mind, for we may remember it can even 
 put on the appearance of an angel of light. It was my lot, 
 in very early life, to be much in company with Deists, and 
 to be rather a warm advocate of their doctrines. I now, in 
 many shapes, feel myself touched with these early imbibed 
 opinions ; for it appears to be that, unless I be, by a very 
 superior power, really lifted above these opinions, my poor 
 weak nature is apt to doubt almost everything. How poor 
 is the enjoyment, how dark is our prospect, when the en- 
 lightening rays of true religion are taken from us ! I did not 
 expect thus to have opened my heart to thee, but one thing 
 led on to another. I now and then remember a remark of 
 thine, and thou believed a soul was still living to that which 
 is good, whilst it partook of that unity, that the poor tra- 
 vellers Zion-ward are favoured to feel towards each other ; I 
 have sometimes hoped, when thinking of it, that I am not 
 yet quite dead to such things ; as I feel my heart nearly 
 drawn towards some of those whom I believe to be truly 
 making progress in this blessed journey, and while I, at 
 times, so peculiarly love the disciple, I hope I am not an 
 enemy to the Master. 
 
 First Month, 11th, 1801. I attended both Meetings ; what 
 wishes I had at moments for good ! and how surprisingly 
 ineffectual they were ! 
 
 15th. I set off early for Newington, to see J. G. Bevan, 
 who I heard was poorly. I think my visit answered. I met 
 with a very kind reception, and he appeared pleased to see 
 me. He proposed to me reading with the family on First- 
 day evening ; which is what I have often thought of, but do 
 not wish to practise, until my husband and I are unitedly 
 clearer on the subject. 
 
 Second Month, 3rd. This morning, after writing notes, 
 &c., &c., I walked out and went to see a poor woman whom 
 I half like, and half do not, as there is something in her
 
 104 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1801. 
 
 very odd ; however, I spent much time about her. I then 
 read the letters from home, which were comfortable and 
 satisfactory. I was just dressed for company ; we had a 
 rather pleasant visit, but I think, of late, I more and more 
 dislike society of every kind, I really wish for a more re- 
 tired life ; my present constant liability to company seems 
 too much for my weak mind. 
 
 4th. I went to Meeting as usual : Sarah Lynes mentioned 
 to the Meeting the manner in which she had accomplished 
 her late journey, and the feelings of reward she experienced ; 
 her account struck me very much ; her influence was, on me 
 at least, truly pleasant and satisfactory. She afterwards 
 named her concern to visit some Meetings in the City of 
 London, which was also done with remarkable simplicity, 
 and I may say, almost humility. I longed for her continued 
 good, and almost prayed she might be kept in a state of 
 humility. For striking is it how liable, at all stages, we are 
 to fall. I almost longed for the good of the religious, as of 
 some far distant from me. Before the Monthly Meeting 
 finished, Mary Bevan got up and addressed herself to the 
 young women, saying we were not to be discouraged at not 
 being called like her (Sarah Lynes), but that all who en- 
 deavoured to perform their duty, should and would equally 
 meet with their reward. I felt much, and longed for good. 
 I think myself at this time on rather dangerous ground, for 
 retirement of mind, or that necessary watchfulness which 
 keeps us poor mortals out of danger, is what I am nearly a 
 stranger to ; and in a state of deadness to religion, that has 
 lately been my experience, I am also tried by great fears 
 about what duty may call me to. If these be fears of my 
 own imagination, how much is truth wanted to overcome 
 them. Seek, seek, until I find, and do not give up till the 
 last! 
 
 Tliird Month, 15th. I felt really better this morning 
 (alluding to previous indisposition) and went to Meeting, 
 but all my small efforts to quiet my thoughts were ineffectual ;
 
 1801.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 105 
 
 the same in the afternoon ; it is very serious. Really when 
 I awake in the morning I feel a flatness ; when I find my 
 great object of the day no longer appears to be even to wish 
 to do the will of my Creator. But I am as one who has, in 
 some measure, lost his pilot, and is tossed about by the 
 waves of the world. But I trust that there is yet a power 
 that will prevent my drowning : I draw some consolation 
 from my dreams of old, for how often was I near drowning, 
 and yet at last saved. 
 
 1.1th. Mary Ann Galton arrived to-day, every room in 
 our house was full, and altogether, with the tooth-ache, I 
 have hardly had spirit to go through it comfortably. 
 
 ~LSth. We had a large dinner-party; I felt unusually 
 poorly and nervous at dinner, being fagged with tooth-ache 
 and the numbers around me. 
 
 21st. This morning I proposed to my father to take us to 
 Richmond Hill, as we had never been there. After some 
 doubting we agreed to go, and we set off; before we left 
 London it rained violently, but we persevered, I was fully 
 of the mind it was better to do so ; but hardly expressed it 
 enough, for I make myself appear almost weak by my fear of 
 other people. I feel, with my father, almost always a diffi- 
 culty in boldly doing what I think right. One great plea- 
 sure in the day has been being so much with him, and I havo 
 quite enjoyed his company. The views and country were 
 delightful ; it appeared to do me good once more to look 
 at the beauties of nature, and to see the little lambs, and all 
 was very pleasant. 
 
 25th. I feel almost overcome with the multiplicity of 
 visitings and goings out. 
 
 Fourth Month, 9th. We set off this morning on our 
 journey to Norfolk. I felt leaving my dearest husband. 
 The beauties of nature were striking violets and primroses 
 quite decorated the hedges. 
 
 Fifth Month, 8th. Of late I havo been cumbered with the 
 little things in life that are not worth being worried about. 
 14
 
 106 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1801. 
 
 I have fixed dinners for the Yearly Meeting with Jane 
 King. 
 
 During the fortnight occupied by the Yearly Meeting, 
 Mildred's Court was, according to a very general custom 
 among the Society, an open house for the reception of the 
 Friends assembled in London on that occasion, from all 
 parts of the kingdom: some were inmates there during 
 the time, whilst the parties at dinner were generally very 
 numerous. 
 
 Fifth Month, 15th. We went in the evening to see a 
 Friend (Joseph Lancaster), who kept a school for poor chil- 
 dren. I felt a wish that the young man might be preserved 
 in humility ; for I know, from experience, it is a hard matter, 
 when we have the apparent approbation of many, and more 
 particularly of those whom we esteem. 
 
 16th. I was rather busy this morning. After dinner, our 
 dear cousin Priscilla arrived ; I felt seeing her, I love her 
 very much; being with such, has a great effect on me, 
 where they interest me as she does ; but may I not be led 
 by man, but by his Maker. 
 
 27th. I went to Gracechurch Street Meeting this morn- 
 ing, and to the Meeting of Discipline in the afternoon, 
 which tired me. 
 
 29th. After dinner, we attended our Women's Meeting, 
 at four o'clock, which lasted till nearly eight o'clock, it was 
 to me very long and very tedious ; indeed it may be, and I 
 doubt not is in great part my own weakness ; but to hold 
 fast my faith, I found in this Yearly Meeting, no instrument 
 ought to be looked to. I am afresh come to this conclusion, 
 that only the clear dictates of duty should lead us to act, 
 even in matters of religion ; that we should be very careful 
 in expressing even a religious sentiment, without great 
 clearness, and more particularly where others are concerned. 
 How exceeding cautiously should religious advice be given
 
 1801.] LIFE 6F ELIZABETH FRY. 107 
 
 to others ! it should not be done, without strong and clear 
 feelings of duty, for I know from experience, such things 
 are apt, even if they be given as encouragement, to dis- 
 courage or weaken the feeble mind, if out of place ; I believe 
 it better to do too little than too much in them. Notwith- 
 standing the many remarks that I have made, I trust I shall, 
 in the end, be better for this time, for I have seen much to 
 love and admire in the instruments, and I trust the principle 
 is not weakened within me. May it lead me to seek deeply 
 to serve my Maker in singleness of heart, for that appears 
 the only way to rectitude of conduct ; and not to forget the 
 numerous rocks there are to split upon, on every side. These 
 observations should teach me the necessity of keeping a con- 
 stant watch and dependence on my Creator. 
 
 Sixth Month, 5th. I had most of this morning in quiet- 
 ness, which was quite a treat to me; I wrote my journal, 
 settled my accounts, and was not destitute of a wish to do 
 right : we had many to dinner, which rather vexed me, as I 
 had set my mind on quiet. 
 
 15th. If I can, with truth, acknowledge it to be my first 
 wish to do my best, although I may not feel the sensible 
 gratification of doing my duty, I may yet be really doing it. 
 If I do all I can, I have no occasion to fear sooner or later 
 meeting with my reward. I was rather disappointed at 
 our having company, indeed we have now little time alone : 
 it is quite a serious thing, our being so constantly liable to 
 interruptions as we are. I do not think, since we married, 
 we have had one-fourth of our meals alone. I long for more 
 retirement, but it appears out of our power to procure it ; 
 and therefore it is best to be as patient under interruptions 
 as we can, but I think it a serious disadvantage to young 
 people setting out in life. 
 
 Plashet, Seventh Month, 9th. We are so much from 
 home, and in such continual bustles, that really when I am 
 here, I feel at a loss for regular employment. I just have 
 time enough to keep things in order ; engagement follows
 
 108 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1801. 
 
 engagement so rapidly, day after day, week after week, owing 
 principally to our number of near connections, that we 
 appear to live for others, rather than ourselves : our plan of 
 sleeping out so often, I by no means like, and yet it appears 
 impossible to prevent it ; to spend one's life in visiting, and 
 being visited, seems sad. Joseph Lancaster came in after 
 breakfast, I had some talk with him about poor people ; he 
 enlightened me about his school plans, but not generally 
 about the poor. 
 
 IQth. I had to fix with Jane King about the nursery, and 
 to reprove a servant for something I did not approve, which 
 kept me in a state of agitation for some time, it is so trying 
 to me to reprove any one ; it is so very trying to my natural 
 disposition, partly I suppose from a feeling of self-love that 
 does not like being the cause of pain ; partly I suppose from 
 feeling for others. I mostly feel satisfaction when I take 
 courage to act the mistress ; as it is so much out of my 
 nature. 
 
 \\th. It now and then strikes me to how little end are all 
 these employments that occupy us ; we seem principally oc- 
 cupied in clothing, feeding, and taking care of our bodies, 
 and yet I trust if even that be done in a right spirit, we still 
 are doing our duty, and it is in these actions about our bodies 
 that our minds and principles act also, if it be our object to 
 do all things to the glory of God. But we are apt rather to 
 do things in subserviency to our own will, rather than the 
 will of our Maker ; we therefore devote ourselves to these 
 outward and bodily things. Now, when such things are 
 done, which I believe they may be, under a devotional spirit, 
 we are not injured by being occupied with such trifles. 
 
 Eighth Month, 5th. I feel that when I do my part to- 
 wards really performing my duty, it sheds a sweet and sober 
 colouring over all my occupations ; but when I do not, it 
 appears to cast a mist that I am obliged to find my way as 
 well as I can, without my guide. 
 
 15th. I have had an interesting talk with my dear sister
 
 1801.] LIFB OF ELIZABETH FRY. 109 
 
 Rachel : she appears to me to have perceived that which 
 will direct her steps. But how hard it is deeply, strictly, 
 and for a long time together, to have our first object to serve 
 our Creator for at first there is a natural glee, as for some- 
 thing new, and then we feel we have to pass through luke- 
 warmness, which is a dangerous state ; I believe one, where 
 many are lost. May I be carried through it ! 
 
 It is evident that the circumstances in which Elizabeth 
 Fry was placed at Mildred's Court, were too fatiguing for 
 her, then approaching her first confinement, so as to depress, 
 not merely her bodily powers and her natural energy, but 
 also, in a degree, her spiritual liveliness. In anticipation 
 of this event, her active mind had already occupied itself in 
 forming nursery arrangements. 
 
 Her eldest child was born in the Eighth Month, and to 
 this event succeeded the pleasures and anxieties of a young 
 mother ; upon which, perhaps, no one could have entered 
 with a more lively sense, either of their enjoyment or respon- 
 sibility. 
 
 My thoughts, she says, are now very often in my nursery, 
 fixing plans for children. I am very full of castles about 
 my good management ; but all must be, should be, held in 
 subserviency to a great and divine Power, who alone knows 
 what is best for them and us ; and it is to be hoped He will, 
 in His mercy, guide the hands of the parents to lead them 
 in the right path in every way. I am a great friend to close 
 and constant attention to early education, even the very first 
 years of a child's life. 
 
 Ninth Month, Vlth. I have hardly had time or strength, 
 as yet, to describe the events I have lately passed through. 
 I did not experience that joy which some women describe, 
 when my husband first brought me my little babe, little dar- 
 ling ! I hardly knew what I felt for it, but my body and 
 spirits were so extremely weak, I could oiily just bear to look
 
 110 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1801. 
 
 at those I loved. I felt the dear baby at first a quiet source 
 of pleasure, but she early became a subject for my weakness 
 and low spirits to dwell upon, so that I almost wept when 
 she cried ; but I hope, as bodily strength recovers, strength 
 of mind will come with it. 
 
 20th. I have now pretty much recovered. I was at 
 Meeting this morning; there appears great cause for my 
 being thankful to have got through so great a trial, and to 
 have a dear little living girl ; but we are not always sensible 
 of the blessings we enjoy. 
 
 23rd. Certainly I am ignorant about the management of 
 such young infants, but I do not feel uneasy about the charge 
 of her body ; from my self-confidence I fear ; but I believe 
 if we endeavour to do our duty, even in such things, we 
 shall find the way. I much wish to avoid my mother-in- 
 law's very "cotting" plan, for a degree of hardiness I think 
 most desirable I think being too careful and tender really 
 makes them more subject to indisposition. 
 
 Tenth Month, ls. My present feelings for the babe are 
 so acute as to render me at times unhappy, from an over 
 anxiety about her, such an one as I never felt before for any 
 one. Now it appears to me, this over anxiety arises from 
 extreme love, weak spirits and state of health, and not being 
 under the influence of principle, that would lead me to 
 overcome these natural feelings, as far as they tend to my 
 misery. For if I were under the influence of principle, I 
 might trust that my dear infant indeed was under the care 
 and protection of an infinitely wise and just Providence, that 
 permits her little sufferings for some good end, that I know 
 not of. How anxiously do I hope this poor dear baby may 
 be held in resignation by me to the Divine will. Oh ! that I 
 might feel dependence on that Almighty arm about her, and 
 about other things. Beyond every thing else, I wish to do 
 my duty, idle and relaxed as I am, in performing it. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Wth. I here sit hearing the great noise 
 and bustle of the Illumination for Peace ; my husband and
 
 1801.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. Ill 
 
 the rest of the party are gone out to see it ; my dearest hahe 
 is sleeping in the room. This evening I am very tired, and 
 the noise of the mob nearly makes my head ache. This is 
 the way in which they show their joy ! it does not seem to 
 me the right manner of showing our gratitude, as it appears 
 to lead to drunkenness and vice. I think true gratitude 
 should lead us to endeavour to retain the blessing, or to make 
 good nse of it, by more virtue in ourselves, and encouraging 
 others to the same. 
 
 Joseph and Elizabeth Fry visited Norfolk, taking their 
 little treasure, the lovely infant; and E. F.'s journal con- 
 tinues : - 
 
 Earlham, 21st. We have had a comfortable journey ; 
 meeting them at Thetford was very pleasant, they appeared 
 so delighted to see us. I altogether entered this place in 
 much agitation, our reception was delightful ; my father and 
 all so much admired our little darling, and seemed to love her 
 BO dearly, that it was delightful to me : it was indeed a 
 striking sight to see them all meet her, so much real interest 
 was shown. Yesterday I went once more to Norwich Meet- 
 ing, my reception was very warm. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Eleventh Month, 25th. My cough has 
 been so poorly that my husband called in Dr. Simms. I 
 asked his advice about our little one being inoculated ; he 
 strongly recommended the cow-pox, and said that he would 
 undertake the care of her if we liked : I think highly of his 
 judgment, and I believe it to be our duty to avoid evil, both 
 bodily and mentally. So trifling a complaint as the cow-pox, 
 being likely to prevent so dreadful a disease as the small-pox, 
 at least it appears justifiable to try it ; although the idea is 
 not pleasant, it almost looks like taking too much on ourselves 
 to give a child a disease. But I altogether was easy to do it. 
 I felt a good deal about the operation, which was very little 
 and easily performed. What a wonderful discovery it is, if 
 it really prevent the small-pox.
 
 112 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1802. 
 
 . I went to see a poor woman : it is always a cross 
 to me leaving my child, but going over the bridge I enjoy ; 
 the air, sky, and water look so sweetly. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 5th. I was up in pretty good time, dressed 
 by eight, and after reading, settled my great housekeeping 
 accounts. I wrote to cousin Priscilla, my uncle Barclay, and 
 my father. This evening I feel very flat, rather in a low 
 state, partly perhaps bodily weakness. I feel almost ready to 
 pant after the courts of the Lord. 
 
 First Month, 26th, 1802. rlt is more than a month since 
 I wrote my journal; I am sorry for it, but I have been Mar- 
 tha-like, and so much engrossed in the affairs of this life, that 
 little time has been spent in reviewing my conduct; indeed, 
 I appear very much to have taken my flight from spiritual 
 things. It is not my feeling bereft of the comforts of religion 
 that alarms me, it is my not sufficiently seeking after them, 
 I fear ; for I hardly ever am on the watch for the Master's 
 coming. I may say my heart has now and then been full, 
 almost to prayer, for my husband, child, and myself; par- 
 ticularly for my little infant, that we may not prove stumbling- 
 blocks in its way to salvation ; if it please God it should live 
 to an age of understanding. I believe it would be better for 
 me, if I were in a more constant habit of daily retirement ; 
 for it would afford me time for self-examination, which I am 
 so unaccustomed to, and if I only sit quietly, I believe I may 
 find it useful, although I feel of myself I can do nothing. 
 
 28th. I do heartily enjoy our being alone, and falling 
 into some plans : not being interrupted, I appear naturally to 
 fall into employment ; and it is so sweet to have quiet plans 
 at my own dear home. How much I think my marriage 
 tends to my outward comfort; it is wonderful to me to 
 observe how every act of mine has prospered, that has been 
 done under the anxious wish of serving my Creator in it. 
 
 Second Montli^ 13th. My poor baby has been so poorly, 
 that we took her to Dr. Willan's ; she has had a cough and 
 is really unwell. I felt much tired, and longed for resigna- 
 *i< x n find natience.
 
 1802.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 113 
 
 20th. I felt our dearest child in great danger, as did many 
 besides me, indeed I believe all of us. This was indeed a 
 trial, but I was supported with some resignation of soul, 
 feeling the weight of that part of the prayer, " Thy will, and 
 not mine, be done." 
 
 21st. As the morning advanced, my little infant began to 
 change from a very feverish state to an almost deadly languid 
 one, that I believe most present thought might be the begin- 
 ning of a more awful change. She sat on my lap, I happened 
 to be also very faint at the time ; I think I may say, I felt 
 resigned to the all-wise dispensations of Providence, which 
 was a great blessing ; my mind felt depending on that Power 
 that alone can support in the day of trial. I desire to feel 
 that of myself I can do nothing, and that I may remember 
 the blessing of being able to say, " Thy will, and not mine, 
 be done." 
 
 23d. Our little one appears mending, although very 
 poorly, faint, and weak : her recovery seems more than I can 
 enter into, at present, with a joyful heart. But I feel rather 
 as if quietly waiting for the will of her Maker to be done. 
 Some would perhaps call me insensible to the blessing. 
 May I continue to look to the all-merciful Fountain of Good, 
 and hold my submission to His will, and properly estimate 
 the numerous blessings afforded me : and may I be thankful 
 for my little one. My prayer seems to have been heard, 
 that whether she lived or died she might not suffer much. 
 
 Fourth Month, 19th. Oh ! may my obedience keep pace 
 with my knowledge at this time; my knowledge of good ap- 
 pears small ; my longings to be better are only known by 
 a Superior Power, who I trust will, in time, have mercy on 
 me. I have this day prayed, that, in this day of darkness, 
 I may not prove an obstruction in the way of others ; truly 
 a South Land is my portion, I only long for the wells of 
 living water. 
 
 Fifth Month, 18th. The sight of my uncle Joseph this 
 morning rejoiced me ; he is to me, in every point of view, 
 15
 
 114 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1802. 
 
 so dear ; I love him as a religious character, and as my near 
 and dear relation. We had many Friends to dinner, and 
 many to supper. 
 
 19th. This day Yearly Meeting hegan generally. I was 
 in my usual lukewarm, flat state, full of the wanderings 
 of imagination ; but I believe, as a spectator, Meetings were 
 more satisfactory than last year. We had a very large 
 number to dinner. 
 
 31. Yearly Meeting is now, I am happy to say, finished. 
 I attended all the Meetings but one. In some of them I 
 was much more interested than last year, and felt for the 
 interests of the Society. We have seen a good deal of Friends, 
 and I think I admire them more than I did last year. I 
 have had a few more serious feelings than usual : I have been 
 always devoted to the world, except now and then, when my 
 heart has anxiously hoped for something better. I have 
 felt very much how we are all surrounded with continual 
 temptations, and how very hard it is to hold fast that which 
 is good ; I see so many faults in myself, that I fear there 
 are many I know nothing of, from not sufficiently seeking for 
 them ; for I observe faults in others who are better than my- 
 self, that I believe they know nothing of. 
 
 During the autumn of this year, Elizabeth Fry took a 
 long journey into the North of England with her husband ; 
 a few entries respecting it are presented to the reader. 
 
 Coventry, Tenth Month, 2nd. We were up in good time, 
 ' and went to see Shakspeare's monument, at Stratford-upon- 
 Avon ; a sweet country churchyard ; in the church we saw 
 the monument. We breakfasted at Warwick, and saw the 
 castle and church ; the outside of the castle I liked very 
 much, the inside pretty well. We are at an unpleasant inn 
 here ; but I have learnt one lesson that I do not think in 
 travelling we are sufficiently cautious in our behaviour to inn 
 servants, but hurry them and worry them too much : I 
 hope to be more cautious in future. I went to see D
 
 1802.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 115 
 
 L and his wife, and by accident went to the wrong 
 
 house ; I made several droll blunders, and became confused. 
 
 Wolverhampton, 6th. During our journey here, I was 
 very low and anxious on account of our little baby, who ap- 
 peared uneasy, arid in much pain. She seemed suddenly 
 really unwell. I wish my heart not to be too much set on 
 her, or her health ; for I should endeavour to remember, she 
 is taken care of by One infinitely wiser than I am. All me- 
 dicine, gum-lancing, &c., is one of my trials, for I do not 
 like or approve putting children to unnecessary pain, unless 
 I have good ground for believing it right to do it ; and yet I 
 fear my cowardice improperly preventing my doing it. 
 
 Rock Ferry, IQth. We admired Chester, the town is so 
 extraordinary ; from the walks on the walls the country is 
 beautiful. We could not prudently go over to Liverpool on ac- 
 count of the rain, therefore we remained here, which I 
 believe we all enjoyed ; the quiet within was so pleasant, 
 when the storms without were so violent, and I enjoyed my 
 beloved husband's company ; what earthly pleasure is equal 
 to the enjoyment of real unity with the nearest of all ties, 
 husband and children. 
 
 Liverpool, 12th. Our patience was rather tried, by waiting 
 from breakfast time till twelve o'clock, for a passage over. 
 My fears of the water are surprisingly gone off, I hardly felt 
 any fear, although the wind was high, and we sailed. I 
 believe as we grow older, and have greater and more serious 
 things to occupy us, those little feelings go off ; I do not think 
 I am nearly such a coward about some little things, as I was 
 before I married. 
 
 Manchester, Ylth. We drank tea at John Thorp's ; I 
 really adtnire and love that man : I think we seldom see so 
 much of good, united with a cultivated understanding, and 
 the sweet simplicity of religion, as in him. I long for help 
 to penetrate the clouds that surround me, for I feel that of 
 myself I can do nothing. 
 
 Keiwick, 25th. This morning we went in the rain to sco
 
 116 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1803. 
 
 a very fine waterfall, it was a grand and beautiful sight; but 
 I do not much like this country, at this time of the year, it 
 looks so barren and dreary. This evening I went with Joseph 
 on horseback to see some fine waterfalls. There is too much 
 water in this place, and about here, to please my taste, too 
 much lake, and too much of barren mountain ; too little 
 snugness, and too few fine trees. 
 
 26th. This would have appeared to me, some time ago, 
 rather a fearful day ; we first took a long ride, part of it over 
 rather frightful roads, on the edge of a precipice, without 
 any wall or guard to it. This evening, my husband and I 
 climbed Skiddaw ; when we arrived at the top, after some 
 pain and fatigue, we were almost in a whirlwind, and so 
 extremely cold and damp, being in the midst of a cloud, and 
 the wind so violent, that it appeared almost impossible to 
 stand against it : however we got down safely. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Eleventh Month, ~L8th. We have had a 
 prosperous journey, and have at last arrived at our comfort- 
 able home. It really looks quite sweet and nice ; it is a 
 great thing to have gone so far, and returned home safely. 
 
 Their family was at this time increased by her brother 
 Samuel Gurney's coming to London, to learn the details of 
 business there. He resided some years at Mildred's Court. 
 The shelter of such a residence, in that great and depraved 
 Metropolis, can hardly be too highly estimated ; but beside 
 this, he had the advantage of his sister's close and watchful 
 care. She had been much attached to him, when young ; 
 and it was an interest and pleasure to her to have him for an 
 inmate. Her labours were eminently blessed to him and, 
 in his faithful love through life, she reaped a rich reward. 
 
 First Month, 5th, 1803. I feel hardly willing to begin 
 this year without observing how very numerous my blessings 
 are ; as far as outward blessings go, I believe I want nothing : 
 may I endeavour to be aware of it, and may it stimulate me
 
 1803.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 117 
 
 afresh to strive to serve that Power which has conferred 
 them on me. My secret trials and temptations are known by 
 no man, that inclination to lukewarmness of mind, and also 
 forgetfulness of what is good, are powerful temptations. 
 They do not, like some others, make a very conspicuous 
 appearance ; but they undermine our strength, for want of 
 sufficient effort and sufficient watchfulness ; I look forward 
 with much hope, that I may be supported in the day of ex- 
 pected trial. But if I seek so little for a close acquaintance 
 with what is good ; if I cannot now endeavour humbly to 
 place my confidence in the Power that alone can deliver, is 
 it likely that, in such emergency, I shall be able to do it ? 
 I believe if rightly influenced, I might in some small measure 
 rejoice, if I could feelingly believe that these afflictions, 
 which are but for a moment, work for us a far more ex- 
 ceeding and eternal weight of glory. Suffer we must in this 
 world, and the less we kick against the pricks the happier 
 for us. 
 
 She thus records the birth of her second child, which 
 took place in Third Month. 
 
 Fourth Month, 1.2th. My heart abounded with joy and 
 gratitude, when my dear little girl was born, perfect and 
 lovely. Words are not equal to express my feelings, for I 
 was most mercifully dealt with, my soul was so quiet, and so 
 much supported. 
 
 Plashet, Fifth Month, 21st. I have been long prevented 
 writing my journal, by a severe attack of indisposition. It 
 is difficult exactly to express what I have gone through, but 
 it has been, now and then, a time of close trial ; my feelings 
 being such, at times, as to be doubtful whether life or death 
 would be my portion. One night I was, I believe, very seri- 
 ously ill ; I never remember feeling so forcibly, how hard a 
 trial it was in prospect, to part with life. Much as my mind, 
 as well as body, was then tried in this emergency, still T fell
 
 118 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1803. 
 
 forcibly an inward support, and it reminded me of that text 
 of Scripture, " Can a woman forget her sucking child, yea 
 they may forget, yet will I not forget thee." And then I 
 told those around me, that I was so ill, I could almost 
 forget my child ; but that I felt the existence of a Power 
 that could never forget. I have gone through much since, 
 in various ways, from real bodily weakness, and also the trials 
 of a nervous imagination : no one knows but those who have 
 felt them, how hard they are to bear, for they lead the mind 
 to look for trouble, and it requires much exertion not to be 
 led away by them ; nothing, I believe, allays them so much 
 as the quieting influence of religion, and that leads us to en- 
 deavour after quietness under them, not looking beyond the 
 present. But they are a regular bodily disorder, that I 
 believe no mental exertion can cure or overcome, but we 
 must endeavour not to give way to them. 
 
 Mildred 's Court, Sixth Month, 5th. Since I last wrote, 
 I have been gradually becoming better, but still I feel not 
 in usual health ; my nerves are in an irritable state, I am 
 soon overcome and overdone. I have been at Meeting, and 
 am now once more entering upon my usual occupation : I 
 fear I am not so much benefited as I ought to be, by the 
 illness I have lately gone through ; for I have so forcibly 
 felt What am I, without a hold on something beyond this 
 life? 
 
 Soon after this she visited Norfolk with her husband, 
 taking also her children. 
 
 Earlham, Seventh Month, SQth. I went to Norwich this 
 morning with my husband, and when there, we received a 
 letter from William, expressing a desire for Joseph's imme- 
 diate return. The account rather tried me ; and also the 
 apprehension about the French coming, cast a gloom over 
 the party ; John came in the evening, and it was truly 
 pleasant, all twelve of us, and the two children being here
 
 1804.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 119 
 
 together. But partly owing to circumstances, the uncer- 
 tainty of human events so deeply impressed me, that I could 
 not avoid feeling the doubt of our all meeting again. 
 
 The fear of an invasion of the French, and the daily 
 expectation of their landing, caused such general alarm at 
 this time, that Joseph Fry was summoned by his brother, 
 "to be at his post." On his return, he found preparations 
 had been made for flooding the marshes of the river Lee, 
 and breaking down the bridges on the Essex road ; whilst 
 his father-in-law was also prepared, so soon as the French 
 should land, to convey his daughters into the Isle of Ely ; 
 still regarded by the East Anglian portion of England as a 
 "camp of refuge." 
 
 Mildred's Court, Eighth Month, 2'2nd. My brother Wil- 
 liam came to town in haste, to say my mother was come 
 home very ill. I went with Dr. Willan to Plashet to see 
 her. I was quite sorry to find her eo ill, and felt real love 
 for her. My time is very much occupied with other people, 
 indeed I find it has a very dissipating effect ; and it is diffi- 
 cult to keep my mind in its right centre, when it is so often 
 diverted from it. 
 
 Tenth Month, 4th. After reading a little, I went some 
 way off to see a poor woman. After searching a long time 
 in one of the disagreeable parts of London, I could not find 
 her, but I was directed to another poor person who lived 
 near the place, and although I believe the first woman had 
 deceived me, it led me to serve two others that I have reason 
 to think really wanted. I felt quite in my element serving 
 the poor, and although I was much tired with looking about, 
 it gave me much pleasure ; it is an occupation my nature is so 
 fond of ; I wish not to take merit to myself beyond my desert, 
 but it brings satisfaction with it more than most things. 
 
 Upton, Third Month, 15th, 1804. Since I last wrote, I 
 have more closely witnessed the scene of death, than I ever
 
 120 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1804. 
 
 did before. Last First-day morning, about three o'clock, 
 my mother died ; I was with her, at times, on Seventh-day ; 
 and although I have every reason to believe she died happily, 
 I did not experience those awful, sweet feelings, I should 
 have looked for at so serious a time. On First-day morning, 
 I went into the room, and sat some time with the corpse ; it 
 was very affecting to me to see it, and I was a good deal 
 overcome, and felt it much. I have been surprised how 
 little this event has led me into a serious state of mind, I fear 
 it has not had so profitable an effect upon me as it ought. 
 
 The death of her mother-in-law, a woman of powerful 
 mind and understanding, united Elizabeth Fry still more 
 closely with her husband's father ; to whom she had been 
 always much attached. From the time of her marriage, he 
 had treated her with uniform kindness and attention : and 
 now, in his affliction, it was her pleasure, as well as her duty, 
 to unite with his own children in soothing his declining 
 years ; more time was -consequently passed at Plashet with 
 him, and his only daughter, Elizabeth. 
 
 At this period of her life, the poor shared much of her 
 attention, and notwithstanding the impediments offered by a 
 great Metropolis, to a young and delicate woman personally 
 visiting them, she persevered occasionally in this habit, until 
 withdrawn from it, by residence in the country, and the 
 increase of more important duties. Her energy and courage 
 in pursuing this object were great, as is proved by the fol- 
 lowing anecdote. 
 
 One cold winter day she was accosted by a woman asking 
 charity in the street, with a half naked little child in her 
 arms, very ill with the hooping-cough ; grieved at the ap- 
 pearance of the child, and her suspicions excited by the 
 evasive answers of the woman, Elizabeth Fry offered to 
 accompany her home, and there relieve her necessities : this 
 the woman tried to elude, but determined on her purpose, 
 she succeeded in following her into a low, back street, where,
 
 1804.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 121 
 
 in a wretched, filthy house, the melancholy spectacle presen- 
 ted itself, of a numher of sick and neglected infants, not 
 only without comforts, but with the aggravations of misery. 
 The next day, when the medical attendant of her own child- 
 ren went, at her request, to assist the little sufferers, the 
 room was empty, woman and children gone, nor was any 
 trace ever found of them. On inquiry among the neigh- 
 bours, it was discovered that these were parish children, put 
 to this woman to nurse, who kept them in this condition, not 
 merely to assist her purposes of mendicity, but with the in- 
 tention of shortening their lives, and then, by concealing their 
 death, receiving the pittance allotted for their maintenance. 
 
 It has already been shown, that in 1801, her attention 
 was called to Joseph Lancaster, who, struggling under diffi- 
 culties and embarrassments, had assembled around him a 
 large school of very poor children, in an upper chamber in 
 Southwark. 
 
 She had also formed some valuable friendships with supe- 
 rior and excellent persons. Of this number was her cousin 
 Joseph Gurney Bevan, her father's early friend, whom she 
 especially esteemed ; John Hull of Uxbridge, and Rachel 
 Smith, a friend living in London ; all judicious counsellors, 
 and her frequent companions. 
 
 During several succeeding years, she was permitted to 
 pass through many illnesses and much suffering ; but her spirit 
 bowed in meek submission under the refining process ; deep 
 conflict waa often her portion, until her bonds were broken, 
 and she was enabled " to rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the 
 God of her salvation." Earnest desires for the religious 
 welfare of others, animated her soul. 
 
 The impression which, during the early stages of her reli- 
 gious course, had been made on her mind, that if faithful to 
 her God, she would be required to advocate His holy cause 
 as a minister of the Gospel of Christ, continued deeply to 
 impress her. This was indeed an awful prospect, from which 
 her whole nature recoiled. 
 16
 
 122 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1805. 
 
 Seventh Month, IQth. Since I last wrote I have gone on 
 pretty comfortably in most respects ; at times a degree of low- 
 ness, but I have altogether been much more encouraged than 
 I was, and feel, at present, able to leave my fears ; trusting 
 in the mercy of Him who may afflict. Oh ! may I be ready 
 to bear ! I have had many desires after good, and I think 
 reading a little of "No Cross, no Crown," has been rather a 
 stimulus to me, to endeavour after more strictly attending to 
 that voice, that instructs us how to take up the daily cross, 
 in overcoming our natural propensities. I was reading in 
 Jeremiah to-day, " Cursed be they who serve the Lord de- 
 ceitfully," and I hoped that might not be my case. What I 
 long for is, to serve the Lord with strict integrity, keeping 
 self-love in subserviency. 
 
 Her eldest son was born in the Seventh Month of this 
 year ; her confinement was followed by a trying and tedious 
 illness. 
 
 Bath, Ninth Month, 24th. Since I last wrote, I have 
 been very unwell, and passed through great suffering, owing 
 to great sickness, faintness, and nervous irritability : how- 
 ever, each trial has had its alleviation ; I have not once quite 
 sunk ; I have experienced, that though at times it has been 
 rather hard to bear, I do not think it has been too much for me ; 
 for although I have felt the wounding hand, yet I have also 
 soon found that the same Power could, and did, make whole. 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, 147t, 1805. A new year 
 begun one of my first desires upon waking was, that I might 
 improve in it. 
 
 Plashet, Second Month, 5th. Since I last wrote, I have 
 been much occupied with many things : rather more than usual 
 about the poor. I have been desirous that attending to them 
 as I do, may not prove a snare to me, for I think acting 
 charitably leads us often to receive more credit than we de- 
 serve, or at least to fancy so ; it is one of those things that
 
 1805.] LIFE OP ELIZABET.H FRY. 123 
 
 give my nature pleasure, therefore I believe I am no further 
 praiseworthy than that I give way to a natural inclination. 
 Attending the afflicted is one of those things that so remark- 
 ably brings its reward with it, that we may rest in a sort of 
 self-satisfaction which is dangerous ; but I often feel the 
 blessing of being so situated, as to be able to assist the 
 afflicted, and sometimes a little to relieve their distresses. 
 
 llth. We ought to make it an object in -conversation and 
 in conduct, to endeavour to oblige those we are with, and 
 rather to make the pleasure of others our object, than our 
 own ; I am clear it is a great virtue to be able constantly to 
 yield in little things ; it begets the same spirit in others, and 
 renders life happy. 
 
 Fifth Month, 1th. Yesterday, my sister Eliza Fry was 
 here ; we were saying something about the children's dress ; 
 and she remarked that for the sake of others, (she meant the 
 fear of not setting a good example,) she would not do so and 
 so. I said it struck me that those who do their duty with 
 integrity, are serving others as well as themselves, and do 
 more real good to the cause of true religion, than in looking 
 much outwardly, either to what others do or think. I believe 
 that conscience will sometimes lead us to feel for others, and 
 not act so as materially to hurt a weak brother ; but I believe 
 we should seldom find that we hurt those whose opinion would 
 be worth caring for, if we kept close to the witness in our own 
 hearts. If I were going to do a thing, I should endeavour to 
 find whether it appeared to me in any way wrong, and whether 
 I should feel easy to do it ; looking secretly for help, where 
 it is to be found ; and there I believe I should leave it ; and 
 if it led me to act rather differently from some, I should proba- 
 bly be doing more good to society, than in any conformity, 
 merely on account of others, for if I should be preserved in 
 the way of obedience in other things, it would, in time, show 
 from whence such actions sprang ; and I think this very 
 spirit of conforming in trifles to the opinion of others, leads 
 into forms, that may one day prove a stumbling-block to the
 
 124 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1805. 
 
 progress of our Society ; whereas, if we attend to the prin- 
 ciple that brought us together, it will lead us out of forms, 
 and not into them. 
 
 Earlham, Sixth Month, 7th. There is quite a change since 
 I last wrote, I have passed through much illness among the 
 children ; the Yearly Meeting, and since that, coming here. 
 After my return from Plashet, dear little Rachel was very 
 poorly, and poor John ; all these things tried me, but I en- 
 deavoured to bear them with patience and cheerfulness. The 
 Yearly Meeting was very interesting to me, I felt a good deal 
 about it ; in the first place, I am struck afresh with the beauty 
 of our principles : but so am I also with the great want of 
 simplicity and integrity in us who profess them ; for I am 
 willing to believe, that if we more closely attended to them, 
 there would be more unity, more clearness, and more prompt- 
 ness in our manner of attending to the business of the So- 
 ciety. I used to fear that a selfish principle frequently rose 
 up amongst us, rather than the simple love and fear of God, 
 which spirit I think alone should rule, in the management 
 of the discipline intended to protect our religious principles. 
 The dread I had over me, in Plaistow Meeting, of saying 
 something, impressed me in most of the Meetings. I had 
 such clear ideas in some of the Meetings ; but I did not be- 
 lieve it necessary for my salvation to do it, and I believe 
 hardly any motive short of that, could induce me. Once, in 
 hearing the queries answered, that many were negligent in 
 attending "Week-day Meetings, it struck me, it arose from 
 allowing the business of the world to stand too much in com- 
 petition with the things of God, and of how much more im- 
 portance one was than the other ; for a right attention to 
 religious duties, enables us much better to perform our tem- 
 poral ones. I have enjoyed coming here, and being with them. 
 
 Seventh Month, 3rd. It appears to me, that we, who 
 desire to be the servants of Christ, must expect to do a part 
 of our Master's work ; which, no doubt, is to bear with the 
 weaknesses and infirmities of human nature ; and if we be
 
 1806.] LIFE 0V ELIZABETH FEY. 125 
 
 favoured to feel them, and not sink under them, we may be 
 enabled in time to help others to bear their burdens ; and it 
 appears to me, that all Christian travellers must expect to 
 pass through, in their measure, the temptations and trials 
 their Master did on earth. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Vdth. Yesterday, and the day before, I 
 have been driven from one thing to another, and from one 
 person to another, as is usual in this place. I have feared 
 my attention being quite diverted from good. But I have 
 also thought that doing our duty is most effectually serving 
 the Lord. May I therefore endeavour to do mine, and not 
 be impatient at my numerous interruptions, but strive to 
 centre my mind in an humble desire to do the will of my 
 Creator, which will, through all, bring a degree of quietness. 
 
 Mildred' 8 Court, Second Month, 1.5th, 1806. I have been 
 confined nearly all this week with a bad cough, and still 
 continue poorly. I have particularly felt the vacancy of all 
 outward help, or consolation, or protection ; neither reading 
 good books, writing journals, nor anything else, will, or can 
 do ; but placing our dependence on the Power, that calls us 
 out of darkness into light, and that alone can lead us, and 
 point out to us the rocks on which we are likely to split, for 
 though we may certainly profit by the experience of others, 
 yet there is a new way, as it were, for each to tread in : and 
 they are not the same temptations which assail all travellers 
 Zion-ward, but different natures are differently tried : all 
 must first seek for light to guide them (individually), that 
 will teach them in the right time what to do, and what to 
 leave undone, and prove in the end their strong tower, and 
 preservation from all harm. 
 
 Earlham, Third Month, 8th. The'se words of Haggai 
 strike me, chap. i. 5, 6, " Now, therefore, thus saith the Lord 
 of Hosts ; consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring 
 in little ; ye eat, but ye have not enough ; ye drink, but ye 
 are not filled with drink ; ye clothe you, but there is none 
 warm ; and he that earneth wages, earneth wages to put
 
 126 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1806. 
 
 them into a bag -with holes." Whether they may not be 
 applied to myself and some others, who go on as it were, 
 saving seed not of the best sort, too much mixed with our 
 own desires, our own gratifications, and therefore we bring 
 forth little. 
 
 Fifth Month, ~L3th. There is One only who knows my 
 heart, and its great wants. To Him then I look, even to 
 Him who has borne our infirmities. Teach me Thy way, 
 lead me in the paths of righteousness for Thy name's sake ; 
 give me strength in weakness, if Thou seest meet, Lord ! 
 that I may overcome temptation. Lord ! teach me to do 
 Thy will towards those nearly connected with me : may I be 
 a faithful steward of what may be committed to my trust. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry, having been appointed by the Friends of 
 Gracechurch-street Meeting, a visitor to the school and work- 
 house belonging to the Society at Islington, entered upon 
 the employment with no little interest, as congenial to her 
 former tastes and habits. She visited the establishment as 
 often as her other engagements would permit, always to the 
 general pleasure of the children, who soon learned to appre- 
 ciate her interest in them, and desires for their good. 
 
 Fifth Month, 15th. Yesterday I went to the workhouse 
 to spend the evening with the children ; a prospect I have 
 had in view some time, almost ever since I have been on the 
 appointment. I took them things for tea : I dreaded going 
 on many accounts, fearing I should not feel at liberty to 
 make any remarks I might wish to the children, during their 
 reading, which it was my principal object in going to attend. 
 I did not exactly see my way ; however, I thought I would 
 make my way. I found, after tea, they did not read till 
 nearly eight, and I could not remain later than a little past 
 seven. I spoke to the governess about it, and she was quite 
 willing to alter the hour, and so was the stewardess. I pro- 
 posed reading a little pamphlet that has lately come out, by
 
 1806.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 127 
 
 Frederick Smith, to children. There was a solemnity during 
 reading it, so that Ann Withers was in tears most of the 
 time, and some of the children were disposed that way ; 
 afterwards, when we had finished, I endeavoured to weigh 
 whether I really had anything to say to them, or not ; I 
 thought that I had, and therefore took up the book, as if to 
 explain it ; making my own remarks, which appeared to affect 
 the children and the governess, so that those who were on 
 the point of tears really wept. Now this event has made me 
 feel rather odd ; it is marvellous to me how I got courage to 
 do it before Ann Withers. I have felt so desirous not to 
 stamp such a thing too highly ; for I am ready to believe, 
 though the party appeared to feel what I said so much, it 
 was principally owing to their great tenderness, as that which 
 I said seemed rather to flow naturally from my heart and 
 understanding, than anything really deep from the living 
 fountain. I have desired that this little event may not en- 
 courage me too much, for hard things seemed made quite 
 easy. Oh ! that in anything like a religious duty, I may 
 never go beyond the right Guide, nor ever give self the 
 praise. Keep me humble, and dependent on Thee, OLord ! 
 even if self suffer in being so. 
 
 Mildred's Court, 21st. The Yearly Meeting has been 
 begun for us for some days, as we have had company here 
 very often since Seventh-day. On Second-day, we had 
 rather a choice party to dinner, and, to me, a very solemn 
 opportunity after : I can hardly describe what passed, but it 
 was of that nature, that I considered it as an increase of 
 talent committed to our charge ; and ought indeed afresh to 
 stimulate to seek after, and depend upon Him, who alone can 
 protect us. How much I desire that Friends may, at this 
 time, get beyond the natural part, that is indeed corruptible ; 
 and get down to the Spiritual part, that will unite us in the 
 love of Christ, and lead us to endeavour, in meekness and 
 forbearance one towards another, to come at the right thing. 
 I know well the harmony of Friends is great ; but my fear
 
 128 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1806. 
 
 is lest the natural part should be disposed to take a part in 
 spiritual things, and sometimes lead us to judge, from exter- 
 nals, one of another, and so mar that spiritual beauty that 
 would otherwise show itself, and perhaps beguile some into 
 the way of godliness. 
 
 Her fourth child was born Sixth Month, 1st, 1806. 
 
 Sixth Month, 8th. This day week I was confined with a 
 sweet boy. How much do I now desire, that I may be able 
 to leave all things to the All-wise Disposer of events, trust- 
 ing in his wisdom and mercy ; so far indeed I have abundant 
 cause for thankfulness ; and though my poor mind has, 
 at times, passed through a little of the depths, yet I have 
 felt the delivering power near at hand : may I hope that, in 
 the right time, it will again come to my help. 
 
 Seventh Month, 6th. It struck me this morning at Meet- 
 ing, that in states when we appear to have no power of our 
 own, no energy, and no capability to do any good thing, our 
 cry is heard, and our petitions come in a more acceptable 
 form, than sometimes when full of power, vigour, and life. 
 How much do I desire that above all things, I may have a 
 life in doing the will of my Creator. I am ready to be- 
 lieve that I had rather suffer affliction to be what I ought to 
 be, than to enjoy the pleasures of life, if less profitable. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Eleventh Month, 10th. I have received 
 a very sweet and encouraging letter from my beloved cousin 
 J. G. Bevan. This led me, for many hours in the day, to 
 be in a craving state for spiritual food, and to anxious de- 
 sires that the work might be. perfected in me, and that no- 
 thing of the creature may ever stand in competition with the 
 will and the work of the Creator. 
 
 Early in the Twelfth Month, Josef h and Elizabeth Fry 
 went to Earlham, to be present at the marriage of her sister 
 Louisa, to Samuel Hoare, Jun., of Hampstead, Middlesex. 
 
 Earlham. Twelfth Month, 26th. On Fourth-day morn-
 
 1807.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 129 
 
 ing, the 24th, our dear Louisa was married at Tasborougb 
 Meeting. A very serious and interesting time to us all. 
 My father, all of us eleven, my husband and Samuel Hoare. 
 The Meeting was very solemn, and did, to me, sweetly li- 
 cense them in their solemn engagement ; it was like a seal 
 set to it. There was testimony upon testimony, and bless- 
 ing upon blessing, from the ministers present ; and, what 
 was better than all to me, a sweet inward covering over the 
 Meeting. All appeared unity and love ; rather remarkable 
 to see so large a family all so nearly sympathising, and 
 closely united. My dear brother John was sweet indeed, 
 and deeply feeling ; may it last in him, and may he truly 
 find the pearl of great price. 
 
 Newmarket, Twelfth Month, 31st. The last day of this 
 year, looking forward to the next. Thou, who knowest what 
 our trials and temptations are, keep us faithful unto Thee ; 
 preserve us from the snares of the enemy ; be with us all 
 as a family ; and bless the dispensations of Thy Providence 
 to us, by drawing us nearer to Thyself through them ! 
 
 First Month, 6th, 1807. My dear brother John, I be- 
 lieve this morning will marry our dear cousin Elizabeth 
 Gurney ; may they truly prove blessings to each other, and 
 to both families. 
 
 The following letter was written shortly before this event. 
 My very dear John and Elizabeth, 
 
 I leave off writing my journal, to write to you ; for whilst 
 I was expressing in it my feelings, the love I then felt, and 
 now feel for thee, dear John, came so powerfully before me, 
 that instead of writing it in my journal, I wish to express it 
 to you both. My interest and sympathy is great in your 
 present undertaking ; and my desire, sincere, that in your 
 union you may indeed obtain the Divine blessing. What is 
 the Divine blessing, but in the first place to be cleansed from 
 17
 
 130 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1807. 
 
 our sins and weaknesses so fully, that we may, in innocency, 
 compass the altar of God availingly. And secondly, to live 
 under the protection of Him, who is able to save us from 
 every hurtful thing, and turn all the circumstances of our 
 lives to good account ; so as in them to bless us, and draw us 
 nearer to Him, who can do all things for us, both inwardly 
 and outwardly. 
 
 It is hardly likely that I shall see you before, or soon after 
 you marry ; you have, you know, my good wishes for your 
 prosperity in every way, but you must expect some bitter 
 mixed with the sweet cup ; for without it we should rest too 
 much in the enjoyments of life. I think you will be a very 
 devoted couple to each other ; therefore I advise you to be 
 on your guard, and to remember that all natural things, and 
 natural affections amongst the rest, are corruptible. That 
 there is something better that must be loved first, and that 
 we must hold all things in subjection to this Power, that 
 alone must be worshipped, and that alone can sanctify all 
 other things to us, and so make them partake of the endur- 
 ing, powerful, heavenly nature. This is what I desire all 
 my affections to be tinged with; that I may love those 
 who are near to me, not alone with my own natural feelings, 
 but that a better love may be felt in me towards them; 
 a love that is not affected by the separations and trials of 
 life. 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, 27th. Do with me as Thou 
 wilt, only let me be Thine ! This is in measure my desire 
 this morning, and that whether it be in heights, or depths, 
 I may spend my life to Thy glory. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry again travelled into Norfolk, to attend the 
 wedding of her sister Hannah. 
 
 She was married at Tasborough Meeting, to Thomas 
 Fowell Buxton, afterward Sir T. Fowell Buxton, Bart.
 
 1807.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 131 
 
 Fifth Month, 2Qth. I have been deeply interested in my 
 beloved Hannah's marriage, which was satisfactory ; I desire 
 their good every way. Now I am again entering Yearly 
 Meeting ; this leads me to various feelings, and some desires 
 after the good of the whole body, more particularly that we 
 may rest in no form, and. not make too much of it. How 
 very poor I feel, but I admire at the merciful hand that still 
 appears extended to help me. 
 
 Sixth Month, 22nd. To-day I have been to try to draw a 
 poor young woman from her evil course. I felt my own in- 
 capability to help her, and my own lukewarmness. But I 
 desire that if it be right, I may receive a little help, and be 
 enabled in some measure, to assist in drawing a poor sinner 
 into a better path, and if such should be the case, may I give 
 the glory where it is due. 
 
 Plashet, Seventh Month, 20th. I have been, I think I 
 may say, very ill, with something of an intermittent fever. 
 I desire to express a little, what I have gone through. I 
 have certainly, at times, been very closely pressed, bodily 
 and mentally : but for all that, I have no cause to complain, 
 but indeed to give thanks. I very soon found I had but one 
 place to fly to, but one sure place of refuge, and that was 
 humbly to endeavour with all my power, wholly to give 
 myself up to God, knowing His dispensations were all-wise : 
 as for my poor soul, I could only look to His mercy and 
 forgiveness ; for He can pardon in mercy, little as I deserve 
 it. I could offer few words on behalf either of soul or body, 
 but the desire was to be wholly given up to Him, who could 
 do all things for me ; I desired to leave all. Oh, how do I 
 crave that I may, in sickness and in health, and under every 
 dispensation, be wholly given up, body, soul, and spirit, and 
 no longer fnlter as between two opinions. 
 
 Eighth Month. At Meeting, Richard Phillips spoke on the 
 necessity of faith, I felt tendered and refreshed, and so well 
 altogether, that health appeared quickly returning ; but, not 
 unlike the events of life, the next morning I awoke ill ; in a
 
 132 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1808. 
 
 suffering state, and very faint. I had two days of consider- 
 able trial from such very deeply painful feelings of bodily 
 weakness and sinking, then a day of comparative rest. The 
 next day a return of my old complaint, the fever, and one 
 more since then. It was of a very suffering nature to me 
 whilst it lasted ; but still I may say with truth, I once more 
 have only cause to give thanks, for the burden did not appear 
 too hard, and there was a merciful and healing power open 
 to my cry, for I was helped, and my prayers appeared to be 
 granted. But I found that looking back to the help that I 
 had before experienced would not do ; the manna of yester- 
 day was not for to-day ! 
 
 QUESTIONS FOE MYSELF. 
 
 First, Hast thou this day been honest and true, in 
 performing thy duty towards thy Creator in the first place ? 
 and secondly, towards thy fellow-creatures ; or hast thou 
 sophisticated and flinched ? 
 
 Second, Hast thou been vigilant in frequently pausing in 
 the hurry and career of the day, to see whom thou art endea- 
 vouring to serve ; whether thy Maker, or thyself ? And 
 every time that trial or temptation assailed thee, didst thou 
 endeavour to look steadily to the Delivering Power ; even to 
 Christ, who can do all things for thee ? 
 
 Third, Hast thou endeavoured to perform thy relative 
 duties faithfully : been a tender, loving, yielding wife, where 
 thy own will and pleasure were concerned ; a tender, yet 
 steady mother with thy children, making thyself quickly 
 and strictly obeyed, but careful in what thou requirest of 
 them : a kind, yet honest mistress, telling thy servants of 
 their faults, when thou thinkest it for their, or thy good, but 
 never unnecessarily worrying thyself, or them, about trifles : 
 and to every one endeavouring to do as thou wouldest be 
 done unto? 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, 1st, 1808. A new year 
 begun and to me, with some weight at my heart ; oh, for
 
 1808.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY 133 
 
 my beloved's welfare, as well as my own and our dear lambs, 
 spiritually. May none of us prove an injury to the principle 
 we profess ; and may we, in all our undertakings, that origi- 
 nate in evil, be marred and stopped in our course. Oh ! I 
 can say, if Thou seest meet, lead us not into temptation, but 
 deliver us from evil. I know how frail we all are, may we 
 not be utterly cast off ; may we, in the end, prove our 
 integrity, and all be given up to follow the good alone, in 
 the newness of life. How grievous to serve the evil one ; and 
 how sweet to follow Him, the Shepherd of Israel ; and lead 
 others, in -ever so small a measure, to do so. Lord ! I pray 
 for mercy, give us not up to the will of the enemy : may we 
 live to show forth Thy praise ! I am favoured in some small 
 measure to hope in the Lord, and to rejoice in the power of 
 His salvation ; for indeed He can deliver from evil. 
 
 1.5th. I yesterday felt a good deal about Mary Ann 
 
 coming to teach the children and live here, fearing for the 
 peace of our nursery establishment ; and I did desire that I 
 might, in those matters, receive the Divine Blessing : for to 
 me it is no light matter to direct my household and children ; 
 and I feel in that, as in all other things, without Divine as- 
 sistance what can I do ? 
 
 Second Month, 18th. Oh, that my faith fail not, but that 
 I may be enabled to look to the right place for support ! 
 
 Her fifth child was born in the Second Month. In the 
 Fifth Month following, Elizabeth, wife of her eldest brother 
 John, died, after a lingering illness. She was cut off in the 
 bloom of youth, and the height of human prosperity, at a 
 period when the large family of which she was a member, 
 were in the enjoyment of this world's brightest prospects. 
 
 Fifth Month, 27th. Since I last wrote, I have gone 
 through much trouble. Last Seventh-day week, an account 
 was received of the death of our miv'jh loved sister, Eliza- 
 beth Gurney. I felt it deeply ; diL.iflg her illness my heart
 
 134 LIPB OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1808. 
 
 cried unto the Lord for mercy, and that He would take her 
 unto Himself, and that her transgressions might be blotted 
 out. Being still so much inclined to trying, nervous feelings, 
 made me feel it in a more painful way. Not finding any rest 
 away from them all, Joseph and I went to Lynn an afflict- 
 ing time. On Third-day morning, I had a most affecting 
 meeting with dear John, yet felt myself far too weak, poor, 
 and in too painfully nervous a state, to afford him comfort 
 but rather needed it myself. It was a very melting inter- 
 view. The remainder of the day, being spent in the house 
 with the dear remains, was really sweet to me ; I had comfort 
 in my sorrow. Fourth-day, we left Lynn for Earlham. The 
 next morning was the funeral at Norwich, and poor I, hard- 
 ened, and almost entirely devoted to my own nervous feelings. 
 This was a trial to me, when I had hoped to have been en- 
 abled to seek after the best help for the dear afflicted ; and 
 also to feel on account of our much loved lost Elizabeth. 
 But I desired that this humiliating dispensation might be for 
 my good. 
 
 Earlham, Eighth Month, 20th. I have been married eight 
 years yesterday. Various trials of faith and patience have 
 been permitted me ; my course has been very different to 
 what I had expected, and instead of being, as I had hoped, a 
 useful instrument in the Church Militant, here I am a care- 
 worn wife and mother, outwardly, nearly devoted to the 
 things of this life. Though, at times, this difference in my 
 destination has been trying to me, yet, I believe those trials 
 (which have certainly been very pinching) that I have had 
 to go through, have been very useful, and brought me to 
 a feeling sense of what I am ; and at the same time have 
 taught me where power is, and in what we are to glory ; not 
 in ourselves, nor in anything we can be, or do, but we are 
 alone to desire that He may be glorified, either through us, 
 or others, in our being something, or nothing, as He may see 
 best for us. I have seen, particularly in our spiritual allot- 
 ments, that it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps ;
 
 1808.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 135 
 
 it is our place, only to be as passive clay in His holy hands ; 
 simply and singly desiring, that He would make us what He 
 would have us to be. But the way in which this great work 
 is to be effected, we- must leave to Him, who has been the 
 Author, and we may trust will be the Finisher of the work : 
 and we must not be surprised to find it going on differently, 
 to what our frail hearts would desire. 
 
 I may also acknowledge that, through all my trials, there 
 does appear to have been a particular blessing attending me, 
 both as to the fatness of the land and the dew of Heaven ; 
 for though I have been at times deeply tried, inwardly and 
 outwardly, yet I have always found the delivering Arm has 
 been near at hand, and the trials have appeared blessed to 
 me. The little efforts, or small acts of duty, I have ever 
 performed, have often seemed remarkably blessed to me ; 
 and where others have been concerned, it has also, I think, 
 been apparent in them, that the effort on my part, has been 
 blessed to both parties. Also, what shall I say when I look 
 at my husband and my five lovely babes ? How I have been 
 favoured to recover from illnesses, and to get through them 
 without material injury in any way. I also observe, how 
 any little care towards my servants appears to have been 
 blessed, and what faithful and kind friends to me, I have 
 found them. Indeed, I cannot enumerate my blessings ; but 
 I may truly say, that of all the blessings I have received, 
 and still receive, there is none to compare to believing that I 
 am not yet forsaken, but notwithstanding all my deviations, 
 in mercy cared for. And (if all the rest be taken from me) 
 far above all, I desire, that if I should be led through paths 
 I know not of, which may try my weak faith and nature, I 
 may not lose my faith in Thee ; but may increasingly love 
 Thee ; delight to follow after Thee, and be singly Thine ; 
 giving all things up to Thee, who hast hitherto been my only 
 merciful Protector and Preserver. 
 
 Again, sickness and death were permitted to enter her 
 immediate circle. Henceforward, Elizabeth Fry was fro-
 
 136 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1808. 
 
 quently called upon to witness the last moments of some, 
 and largely to sympathize in the afflictions of others. She 
 was now to partake personally in the solemn scene of death, 
 on occasion of the decease of her father-in-law, William Storrs 
 Fry ; this event took place at Mildred's Court, where she 
 had nursed him assiduously during some weeks' illness. To 
 the latest period of her life, she dwelt with pleasure on the 
 satisfaction and privilege of having been permitted to be a 
 comfort and assistance to him during his passage through the 
 dark valley. He was a man of piety and of an amiable 
 disposition, and had endeared himself to her by gentleness 
 and affectionate attention. His decease produced an impor- 
 tant change in her circumstances, causing the removal of the 
 family to Plashet. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Tenth Month, YIth. We have had my 
 poor father Fry here for five weeks, very ill indeed ; and 
 last Seventh-day morning, at a little before two o'clock, he 
 died. This was to me a very affecting time, not so much so 
 on his own account, as we had reason to hope and believe it 
 was well with him ; but the awful sight of death was very 
 overcoming to me, never having witnessed such a scene be- 
 fore. But I often had very sweet and refreshing moments 
 by his bed-side : and from his own expressions, we had 
 great reason for hope at one time he said, he had no fear, 
 and indeed it appeared a well-grounded feeling. During the 
 first part of his illness, while at Mildred's Court, death ap- 
 peared to him in an awful, and almost dreadful point of 
 view ; he desired life for a little longer to prove his further 
 dedication ; this he often expressed. After he was confined 
 up stairs, he seemed more to feel the necessity of an interest 
 in that Power which can alone do all things for us, and 
 prove indeed our salvation, for it is only through the re- 
 deeming power of Christ, we can look for salvation. He 
 said, he felt himself, " a poor repentant nothing ;" and 
 " alone depended on mercy." Some days after that, he
 
 1808.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 137 
 
 said he had "no fear:" and one morning when we thought 
 him dying, he said, we " need not be afraid, for he was com- 
 fortable, comfortable, comfortable." I, with many others 
 wept, I believe with thankfulness. I felt little less than joy, 
 as I did at one or two other times in the room. There was 
 such sweetness attending him. It is certainly an encourag- 
 ing consideration, for it shows to me that it does not much 
 signify what talent is committed to us, if we be but faithful 
 with it. My dear father-in-law was not one that had great 
 things required of him, apparently ; but being faithful in 
 the little, we need not doubt, he now possesses more. I 
 loved him very dearly, and his memory is sweet to me ; I 
 have a pleasure in considering I was able to nurse him in 
 his last illness. There is one remark I make, that I believe 
 it is through Christ we are saved, but I would not have 
 that lessen our diligence to work out our own salvation, for I 
 believe those who endeavour to follow Him, are enabled to 
 have faith, and have an interest in that power that can save. 
 Eleventh Month, 10th. I have hardly settled at home 
 since my dear father's death. Last First-day, I was sent 
 for to see my dear sister Hannah, who was very poorly ; it 
 proved to be the scarlet fever, and being the only sister at 
 liberty, I have nursed her. This I consider a great privilege 
 to be able to do ; though I have felt it a very serious thing, 
 with a young babe, and the mother of so many little lambs, 
 to enter so catching a disorder. I have desired that I might 
 not enter it in my own will, or simply to gratify inclination, 
 which leads me to enjoy nursing those I love so dearly : cir- 
 cumstances appeared to bring me into it, indeed I had hardly 
 an option, as I was in the first instance brought into it, not 
 knowing what the complaint was ; and in the second, there 
 was no one else that I thought proper to fill my place, as 
 my sister Louisa was prevented. I have desired that what 
 is really best for me may occur, even if it be to pass through 
 trouble. But if my merciful Creator sees meet to preserve 
 me and my family, from any further suffering on this ac- 
 18
 
 138 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1808. 
 
 count, jnay I be enabled to give the praise where it is due, 
 and may it afresh stimulate me to seek with renewed vigi- 
 lance, to dedicate myself, and all that belongs to me, to Him 
 whom my poor, weak, unworthy soul loves ; I could think 
 beyond everything ; though I know the world has a strong 
 hold, and perhaps my heart is more devoted to it, than to 
 its Creator. I feel thankful for my beloved sister being 
 better. 
 
 Flasket, 20th. Though I have been but very delicate in 
 my health the last week, yet I have been favoured with 
 sweet and precious moments. I have felt sweet peace, not 
 exactly the peace arising from any act of obedience in par- 
 ticular ; but unmerited, unlocked for quietness of soul, so that 
 I could say, my peace flows as a river! not that my natural 
 spirits have been high, far from it ; but there has, at times, been 
 an enjoyment in the low valley, far above any feeling of ex- 
 hilaration ; and I have been reminded of that text, " Thou wilt 
 keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staid on Thee." 
 Though, as I said before, I am conscious that this is quite an 
 unmerited state ; and also how little I have done, towards 
 trying to stay my mind in the right place. No one, as yet, 
 has taken the complaint of my sister, which I consider a 
 great outward blessing ; may I be enabled to give thanks, 
 and to prove ray thankfulness, by more and more endea- 
 vouring to give up body, soul, and spirit, to the service of 
 my beloved Master ; if I dare say so of Him, whom my 
 soul delights to serve. 
 
 Fragment that occurs at this part of the Journal. 
 
 Children should be deeply impressed with the belief, that 
 the first and great object of their education is, to follow 
 Christ, and indeed to be true Christians : and those things 
 on which we, the Society of Friends, differ from the world 
 in general, should not, I think, be impressed on them, by 
 only saying, as is often done, " because Friends do it ;" but
 
 1809.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 139 
 
 singly and simply as things that the Christian life appears 
 to us to require, and that therefore they must be done. 
 They should also early be taught, that all have not seen 
 exactly the same ; but that there are many, equally belong- 
 ing to the church of Christ, who may, in other respects, be 
 as much stricter than ourselves, as we are than they in these 
 matters. But this does not at all lessen the necessity of our 
 employing a simple mode of expressing ourselves, who are 
 permitted to see the consistency and propriety of it. 
 
 (Signed) ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 30/A. At this time there is no set of people I feel so 
 much about, as servants : I do not think they have gene- 
 rally justice done to them ; they are too much considered as 
 another race of beings, and we are apt to forget that the 
 holy injunction holds good with them, " Do as thou wouldest 
 be done unto," and I believe that, in striving to do so, we 
 shall not take them out of their station in life ; but endea- 
 vour to render them happy and contented in it, and be truly 
 their friends, though not their familiars, or equals, as to the 
 things of this life ; for we have reason to believe the differ- 
 ence in our stations is ordered by a wiser than ourselves, 
 who directs us how to fill our different places ; but we must 
 endeavour never to forget, that, in the best sense, we are 
 all one, and though our paths here may be different, we have 
 all souls equally valuable, and have all the same work to do ; 
 which, if properly considered, should lead us to great sym- 
 pathy and love, and also to a constant care for their welfare, 
 both here and hereafter. 
 
 Mildred 's Court, Second Month, 14th, 1809. The thought 
 of forming a new establishment at Plashet, with servants, 
 &c., is, to me, a very serious one. I find it so difficult fully 
 to do my duty towards them, and even when I do, to give 
 them satisfaction. My mind is often much burdened on this 
 subject ; I long to make them my friends, and for us all to 
 live in harmony and love. We greatly (I mean servants
 
 ^40 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1809 
 
 jmd their heads in general) misunderstand each other; I 
 fully believe partly from our different situations in life, and 
 partly from our different educations, and the way in which 
 each party is apt to view the other. Masters and mistresses 
 are greatly deficient, I think in the general way, and so are 
 most servants towards them : it is for both to keep in view 
 strictly to do unto others, as they would be done unto ; and 
 also to remember that we are indeed all one with God. 
 
 Oh, that I may keep watchful and near my Guide ; and 
 that if it be consistent with the Divine will, I may be 
 enabled to say, " As for me, and my house, we will serve 
 the Lord," and delight to do His commandments.
 
 18091813. Removal to Plashet, enjoyment of the country Birth 
 of her sixth child, 1809 Summons into Norfolk Death of her fa- 
 ther Extract from the journal of Rachel Gurney Commencement 
 of her public ministry Funeral of her cousin Anna Reynolds 
 Letter to a distant friend Visit to Earlham Journey into Glou- 
 cestershire Birth of her seventh child, 1811 Acknowledged as a 
 minister by Friends Attention to the Poor, School, &c. Norwich 
 Bible Society Death of a little niece Journey with Henry Hull 
 and her sister, Priscilla Gurney Visit to the Meetings of Friends 
 in Norfolk Extract from a letter to her cousin, J. G. Bevan Let- 
 ter to Edward Edwards Death of a domestic servant Death of 
 Eliza Shepherd Birth of her eighth child, 1812 Letter to her 
 cousin, J. G. Bevan Removal to London for the winter Religious 
 visit to Friends of the London Quarterly Meeting For the first time 
 goes to Newgate State of that prison. 
 
 IN the spring of 1^09, Joseph and Elizabeth Fry removed 
 to Plashet. 
 
 This change, from the smoke and din of a crowded city, to 
 the calm tranquillity of the country was most delightful. It 
 was a renewal of early tastes and pleasures, not the less ap- 
 preciated because years of vicissitudes had passed over her, 
 leaving traces of hard-earned experience. She had remark- 
 ably the talent of throwing aside graver objects, and, for 
 short intervals, divesting herself of care. She would enjoy 
 her garden and flowers, generally with some of her children 
 about her, and then as quickly resume her employments. 
 Although these occupations appeared different, there was 
 unity of purpose in the whole. She desired to serve God 
 in the fulfilment of her daily duties ; she offered to Him the 
 sacrifice of thanksgiving, by the spirit in which she accepted 
 
 (141)
 
 142 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1809. 
 
 and enjoyed His beauties in creation. Her brow would 
 relax, and her countenance beam with intelligence, as she 
 explained to her children the wonders of the Heavenly 
 bodies, the structure of an insect, or the growth and beauty 
 of a flower. 
 
 In the dealings of God with man, there is a marvellous 
 adaptation to the respective powers and circumstances of 
 each individual. When he requires unusual service, or pecu- 
 liarly active devotion to the cause of religion upon earth, 
 He frequently bestows with it, a power in proportion, of 
 receiving refreshment and delight from the outward blessings 
 of life. That many refuse to enjoy, and deny themselves 
 the good things that He has provided for Hia children, 
 proves nothing against the bounty and indulgence of the 
 hand which proffers them. After the deepest conflicts of 
 spirit, amidst heavy and peculiar sorrows, she, whose cha- 
 racter we desire to portray, would turn with a thankful 
 heart to the blessings granted ; her courage raised, her faith 
 strengthened, by thus dwelling on His wonderful goodness 
 to the children of men. 
 
 Plashet, Third Month, 8th, 1809. My dearest little Rachel 
 has been seriously unwell for some time past, so as to make 
 me very low at times ; but I have not suffered much from 
 painful anxiety, as, in mercy, I may say I have been screened 
 from that feeling. I desire, with regard to my dear lambs, 
 to be ready to give them up, if called for at my hand ; for 
 we know not what is best for them ; and I believe we should 
 seek to look upon them, as charges committed to our steward- 
 ship, and not as our property. 
 
 Plashet, Sixth Month, 13th. After having gone through 
 so much since I last wrote, it is difficult for me to express all, 
 but more particularly from rather unusual and repeated causes 
 of thankfulness, in having experienced the Divine Arm held 
 out for my encouragement and help. I had one or two very 
 striking times during the Yearly Meeting, as if meant to con-
 
 1809.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 143 
 
 firm my poor, feeble faith. Once, when dear Ann Crowley 
 and John Hull dined with us ; before a word was spoken, or 
 the cloth was removed from the table, my soul was brought 
 from a dry, flat, insensible state, to be humbly prostrate 
 before Him, whom it has at times desired to serve. So much 
 so, that I felt that this was enough, without words from 
 others : but it was not long before dear Ann Crowley had to 
 express the same, and told me the very thoughts and 
 feelings of my mind and heart. It was indeed a wonderful 
 confirmation ; almost like seeing face to face in a glass. 
 What a blessing to be under such a living ministry, that speaks 
 to, and reveals the innermost soul ! Since the Yearly Meet- 
 ing, I have been greatly helped and supported through the 
 trial of my dear sister Elizabeth Gurney's confinement, 
 which, at one time, I felt no strength to encounter ; but 
 power and courage were given me sufficient for the day. 
 
 Seventh Month, 3rd. I have, as usual, to acknowledge 
 many mercies received by me ; I have been greatly occupied 
 in attending my sister Fry, who had been dangerously ill, 
 from breaking a blood-vessel. I have felt her patient con- 
 duct an example to me. 
 
 Ninth Month, 13th. Time runs on apace. I desire my 
 imagination may not dwell on that which is before it. 
 Every outward thing appears nearly, if not quite ready; and 
 as for the inward preparation, I cannot prepare myself. 
 
 Hor sixth child was born on the 20th of this month. 
 
 23rd. On Fourth-day, my lovely boy was born. I had 
 to acknowledge present help in trouble, so that I could only 
 give thanks ; indeed I have renewed cause for thankfulness 
 and praise, which my poor, unworthy mind has felt little able 
 to render since, being weak at times, tempted and tried; 
 but I desire to abide near, and cling to that Power, that can 
 pardon and deliver. 
 
 Tenth Month, 6th. Yesterday I was much affected by an
 
 144 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1809. 
 
 account of poor dear nurse at Earlham, being dangerously 
 ill of scarlet fever, at Lynn, and not likely to live. Sweet 
 love and unity I have towards her, accompanied by a feeling 
 belief that it will be well with her, in life or in death ; for I 
 could almost say, she bore the mark of her high calling, being 
 a living example in the house ; not a talker, but a doer of 
 the work ; at least so she appeared to me. This awfully 
 brings death home, which indeed I feel hardly able to look 
 at in my own power, but it is one of those subjects upon 
 which I do not desire often to dwell, I had rather look to the 
 work of each hour as it comes : and oh, when it please the 
 Master to call me hence, may He find me watching ! 
 
 6th. The account of dear nurse's death arrived yester- 
 day ; in her, we have all lost a most valuable friend. 
 
 Her father's health appeared failing, and she thus alludes 
 to it: 
 
 Tunbridge Wells, ~LC>th. Since I last wrote, I have had 
 much to feel on account of my dear father : dearest Priscilla 
 has also had the scarlet fever. I have felt all these things : 
 but not in a distressing way, having more hope than fear, 
 and both of them going on well has been a comfort to me. 
 With regard to myself, my health has altogether continued 
 finely ; n little more nervous trial the last day or two. But 
 I desire to be submissive and quiet if I can, under whatever 
 may come, if it be right that I should be tried. Having no 
 Meeting here, we yesterday sat silently together in the 
 family ; and I have to relate what has pained me with regard 
 to myself. There appeared, on our first sitting down, so 
 solemn a covering, but, notwithstanding all my covenants, 
 and all my good desires, I flinched in spirit, and turned my 
 mind from it, instead of feeling, " Speak, Lord, for thy servant 
 heareth ;" my great fear was, lest I should have to acknow- 
 ledge, that I believed the promise was verified with us, 
 " where two or three are met together in My name, there 
 am I in the midst of them."
 
 1809.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 145 
 
 Now, I think it very likely I should not have found myself 
 thus called upon : but my fear was so great, that I dare not 
 ask whether it were the right call or not, but turned from it. 
 This has renewedly led me to see what I am, and humbly to 
 desire, feeling my own extreme weakness and rebellious heart, 
 that He, who has in mercy begun the work in me, will be 
 pleased still to carry it on, and to grant ability to do that 
 which he may require at my hands. I could almost have 
 said, yesterday, " Let not Thine hand spare, nor Thine eye 
 pity, until thou hast made me what Thou wouldest have me 
 to be;" and yet, afterwards, I was more disposed to say, 
 " Be pleased to mix mercy with judgment." I had a sweet 
 little encouragement during my confinement; being one 
 morning rather remarkably led to feel for a young woman 
 whom I believed to be devoted to the world ; and that very 
 person calling a few hours afterwards, though I did not know 
 she was coming, I was enabled to express what I felt to her, 
 and had to experience the truth of that text, " in the day of 
 my power my people shall be made a willing people :" it ap- 
 peared as if this were granted to help me through it, in my 
 very weak state : may I show my gratitude by further obedi- 
 ence, when power is less manifested. 
 
 Earlham, 30th. I hardly know how to express myself: 
 I have indeed passed through wonders. On the 26th, as we 
 were sitting quietly together, (after my dear sister llichenda 
 had left us, and my soul had bowed on my beloved father's 
 account, of whom we had daily very poor reports,) an express 
 arrived bringing Chenda back, saying our most dear father 
 was so ill, that they did not expect his life would be spared. 
 Words fall short to describe what I felt, he was so tenderly 
 near and dear to me. We soon believed it best to set off for 
 this place, on some accounts under great discouragement, prin- 
 cipally from my own bodily weakness, and also the fever in 
 the house ; but it did not appear as if we could omit it, feeling 
 as we did ; therefore, after a tender parting with my beloved 
 flock, my dearest Joseph, Chenda, and I with the baby, set off. 
 19
 
 146 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1809. 
 
 We arrived at Mildred's Court the first night, where our 
 dear sister left us, in hopes of seeing our parent alive. In 
 very great weakness I set off the next morning, and had, at 
 times, great discouragements ; but many hours were comfort- 
 ing and sweet. ~ Hearing on the road, at the different stages, 
 that my dearest father was living, we proceeded till we 
 arrived at Earlham, about twelve o'clock that night. We 
 got out of the carriage, and once more, saw him who has 
 been so inexpressibly dear to me through life, since I knew 
 what love was ; he was asleep, but death was strongly marked 
 on his sweet, and to me, beautiful face. Whilst in his room, 
 all was sweetness, nothing bitter, though how I feel his loss 
 is hard to express : but indeed I have had abundant cause 
 to rejoice on his account. After very deep probation, his 
 mind was strikingly visited, and consoled, at last, in passing 
 through the valley of the shadow of death. He frequently 
 expressed that he feared no evil, but believed that, through 
 the mercy of God in Christ, he should be received in^glory ; 
 his deep humility, and the tender and loving state he was 
 in, were most valuable to those around him. He encouraged 
 us, his children, to hold on our way ; and sweetly expressed 
 his belief, that our love of good (in the degree we had it) 
 had been a stimulus and help to him. 
 
 The next morning he died, 'quite easily ; I was not with 
 him, but on entering his room soon after it was over, my 
 soul was bowed within me, in love, not only for the deceased, 
 but also for the living, and in humble thankfulness ; so that 
 I could hardly help uttering (which I did) my thanksgiving 
 and praise, and also what I felt for the living, as well as 
 the dead. I cannot understand it : but the power given 
 was wonderful to myself, and the cross none my heart was 
 so full that I could hardly hinder utterance. 
 
 She repeated the passage from the Revelation which she 
 afterwards uttered at the funeral, " Great and marvellous 
 are Thy works, Lord God Almighty ; just and true are thy
 
 1809.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 147 
 
 ways, thou King of saints." Her sister Rachel thus de- 
 scribes it " Dear Betsy uttered thanksgiving, and a song 
 of rejoicing, for mercy that had been so richly extended to 
 our beloved father; and a prayer, that it might be continued 
 to us all." 
 
 I have desired since to leave this event ; but it was a glo- 
 rious time, such an one as I never before passed through, all 
 love, all joy, all peace, or the nearest I think to that state, 
 that I ever experienced. I had the first night of coming, a 
 few nervous and painful moments about the scarlet fever, on 
 account principally of my beloved flock at home ; and a fear, 
 whether in my weak state of body, it might not be too much 
 for me. But love so powerfully drew me to them, that I 
 believe I could not properly have staid away ; and indeed I 
 have felt in my place, as far as I could tell. Should I for- 
 sake my beloved family in the day of trouble ? I hope, and 
 believe not ! we have had most valuable and sweetly enliven- 
 ing times together ; all love ; I believe each of our hearts 
 quickened, to feel fresh and renewed desire to be dedicated 
 to His service, who has thus shown Himself in mercy to our 
 beloved father. What can we render for all these benefits? 
 
 Eleventh Month, 3rd. We attended our beloved father's 
 funeral. Before I went, I was so deeply impressed at times, 
 with love to all, and thanksgiving, that I doubted whether it 
 might not possibly be my place to express it there ; but I did, 
 the evening before, humbly crave not to be permitted to do 
 so, unless rightly called to it. Fear of man appeared greatly 
 taken away. I sat the meeting under a solemn quietness, 
 though there was preaching that neither disturbed nor en- 
 livened me much : the same words still powerfully impressed 
 me, that had done ever since I first entered the room where 
 the corpse was. Upon going to the grave this still continued ; 
 under this solemn quiet calm, the fear of man appeared so 
 much removed, that I believe my sole desire was, that the 
 will of God might be done in me. Though it was unpleasant
 
 148 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1809. 
 
 to ine, what man might say, yet I most feared it was a tempta- 
 tion, owing to my state of sorrow ; but that, I fully believe 
 was not the case, as something of the kind had been on my 
 mind so long ; but it had appeared more ripe the last few 
 weeks, and even months, I had so often had to " rejoice in 
 the Lord, and glory in the God of my salvation ;" that it 
 had made me desire, that others might partake, and know 
 how good he had been to my soul, and be encouraged to 
 walk in those paths, which I had found to be paths of pleas- 
 antness and peace. However, after a solemn waiting, my 
 dear uncle Joseph spoke, greatly to my encouragement and 
 comfort, and the removal of some of my fears. I remained 
 still, till dearest John began to move to go away ; when it 
 appeared as if it could not be omitted, and I fell on my 
 knees, and began, not knowing how I should go on, with 
 these words, " Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord 
 God Almighty, just and true are all Thy ways, Thou King 
 of Saints ; be pleased to receive our thanksgiving ;" and 
 there I seemed stopped, though I thought that I should have 
 had to express, that I gave thanks on my beloved father's 
 account. But not feeling the power continue, I arose directly ; 
 a quiet, calm, and invigorated state, mental and bodily, were 
 my portion afterwards, and altogether a sweet day, but a very 
 painful night, discouraged on every side, I could believe, by 
 him who tries to deceive. The discouragement appeared to 
 arise principally from what others would think, and nature 
 flinched, and sank, but I was enabled this morning to com- 
 mit myself in prayer. May I be preserved in future, if my 
 life be spared, from taking Thy holy name in vain ; enable 
 me, if Thou seest meet, to follow hard after Thee, that I may 
 know Thy voice, Thou Shepherd and Bishop of souls, and 
 be as one of Thy sheep ! It was my prayer this morning, to 
 be able to turn from the subject, as my poor, weak mind felt 
 hardly able to look at it, which was in some measure the 
 case. This day has altogether been a comfortable one, though 
 very low at times, and having to walk in the valley ; may I
 
 1809.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 149 
 
 be enabled, if it be right for me, to trust, and not to fear. I 
 have greatly felt my beloved father's loss to-day, and yester- 
 day ; though calm, yet I suffered much on his account ; he 
 was in some things, like my heart's delight; I so enjoyed to 
 please him, and was so fond of him, that to hear of the suf- 
 ferings he passed through, before he came to a state of 
 reconciliation, greatly affected me to-day ; but I have had 
 more comfort on his account, ^than anything else. The 
 great love and kindness I have received from them all, and 
 from my uncle Joseph, has been encouraging to me ; and 
 my husband has been a true helpmate, and sweet counsellor. 
 
 Some account of this scene of bereavement, and yet of 
 great consolation, is extracted from the journal of her sister, 
 Rachel Gurney, and is as follows : 
 
 " Monday, October 23rd, 1809. To-day my dear father 
 expressed to me his conviction, of the necessity of prepar- 
 ing for another world, whilst health and strength were ours ; 
 he said, that he trusted mercy would be extended to him, for 
 all his past errors, and infirmities ; and acknowledged thank- 
 fully how he had been blessed with spiritual support ; al- 
 though discouragement and heaviness had been, at times, his 
 portion. 
 
 " A paroxysm of pain, attended with great anguish of 
 mind, caused him to speak despondingly of his condition ; 
 and the text, * If any man say he is without sin, he is a liar, 
 and the truth is not in him,' recurred painfully to him, until 
 reminded of the ensuing verses, ' If any man sin, wo have 
 an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous,' 
 &c., which gave him some comfort, although his mind was 
 burdened, and his spirit oppressed, by the remembrance and 
 consciousness of sin. My sister Catherine pointed out to 
 him the precious promise, ' To him who forgave much, shall 
 much be forgiven,' as applying particularly to his case. 
 This was to him a beaming consolation, and he replied, ' Few 
 men, have, I believe, forgiven more than I have.'
 
 150 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1809. 
 
 " On Monday night, a very interesting conversation took 
 place. My dear father spoke of the purity of the law laid 
 down by our Saviour, extending even to the thoughts and 
 desires, and lamented his frequent failings, and sHort-com- 
 ings. He acknowledged that the love of religious truth, and 
 the conscientious practice which characterized his children, 
 had been the means of blessing and instruction to him ; and 
 he sought their prayers in the present hour of extreme 
 trial. 
 
 " I was composedly observing a holy peace shedding its 
 radiance on his countenance, as he sank that night to rest ; 
 and I sat by his bed-side, in the full assurance of faith, that 
 the Lord was present with him, notwithstanding the doubts 
 and fears which had oppressed him. Tuesday was a mourn- 
 ful day. Deep probation of spirit, and grievous depression 
 from bodily illness were his portion, but he wrestled with 
 God in prayer, and grace and help were given him. On 
 "Wednesday morning, his mind shone forth in wonderful 
 brightness, and although the spasms of pain which he en- 
 dured were agonising, grace appeared to triumph, and his 
 spirit seemed to rise out of the fiery furnace, purified by 
 the Great Refiner. With simplicity and ardour he laid hold 
 on the hope set before him ; trusting only in the satisfaction 
 that has been made for sinners, by the blood of Christ. 
 The consolation attendant upon this change in his mind was 
 the greater, from the sore conflicts he had had to pass 
 through in his illness, and the anguish of mind he had en- 
 dured. 
 
 " He was comforted by the presence of his children, who 
 had assembled around him, and expressed to us with ten- 
 derness and humble thankfulness, his deep and grateful 
 sense, that he owed more to us than he had been able to 
 give us, and that we had indeed been to him a strength and 
 stimulus in all good things. He continued in the possession 
 of joy and peace until his death, which took place on Sa- 
 turday morning, the 28th of October, when he entered (we
 
 1809.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 151 
 
 humbly trust) that region, where the redeemed ones rejoice 
 in the view, as well as feel the influence, of their God." 
 
 Plcushet, Eleventh Month, 16th. "We arrived here on 
 Third-day evening ; though plunged into feeling before I 
 arrived, I felt flat on meeting my tenderly beloved little flock. 
 I was enabled, coming along, to crave help ; in the first 
 place, to be made willing either to do, or to suffer, whatever 
 was the Divine will concerning me. I also desired that I 
 might not be so occupied with the present state of my mind, 
 as to its religious duties, as in any degree, to omit 
 close attention to all daily duties, my beloved husband, 
 children, servants, poor, &c. ; but if I should be permitted 
 to enter the humiliating path, that has appeared to be 
 opening before me, to look w.ell at home, and not discredit 
 the cause I desire to advocate. Last First-day morning, I 
 had a deeply trying Meeting, on account of the words, " Be 
 of good courage, and he will strengthen your hearts, all ye 
 that hope in the Lord," which had impressed me towards 
 Norwich Meeting before I went into it ; and after I had sat 
 there a little time they came with double force, and con- 
 tinued resting on my mind until my fright was extreme ; 
 and it appeared almost as if I must, if I did my duty, utter 
 them. I hope I did not wholly revolt, but I did cry in my 
 heart, for that time to be excused, that like Samuel, I 
 might apply to some Eli to know what the voice was that I 
 heard ; my beloved Uncle Joseph, I thought was the per- 
 son ; on this sort of excuse or covenant, as I may call it, a 
 calmness was granted the rest of the Meeting, but not the 
 reward of peace. As soon as the Meeting was over, I went 
 to my dear uncle, and begged him to come to Earlham to 
 see me. The conflict I had passed through was so great, 
 as to shake my body, as well as mind, and I had reason 
 to fear and to believe, I should have been happier, and much 
 more relieved in mind, if I had given up to this little ser- 
 vice ; I have felt since like one in debt to that Meeting. 
 My dear uncle came, and only confirmed me, by his
 
 1">- LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1809. 
 
 kind advice, to walk by faith, and not by sight : ho 
 strongly advised a simple following of what arose, and ex- 
 pressed his experience of the benefit of giving up to it, and 
 the confusion of not doing so. How have I desired since, 
 not to stand in the fear of man ; but I believe it is the 
 soul's enemy, seeking whom he may devour ; for terrible as 
 it was, as then presented to me, and as it often had been 
 before, yet, when some ability was granted to get through, 
 that same enemy would have had me glory on that account. 
 May I not give way either to one feeling or the other, but 
 strive to look to the preserving power of God. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 4th. When I have given up in the morn- 
 ing, only to make an indifferent remark to the servants, on 
 our reading, sweet peace has been my portion ; but when it 
 has been presented to me, and I have not followed, far dif- 
 ferent has been the case. In Meeting, it is such an awful 
 matter, for the sake of others as well as myself. If it be 
 Thy work in me, be pleased, Lord ! to grant faith and 
 power, sufficient for the needful time ; I long to serve Thee, 
 and to do Thy commandments, and I believe if I be faithful 
 in the little, Thou wilt be pleased to make me ruler over 
 more. 
 
 9th. Soon after sitting down in Meeting, (on Fourth day,) 
 I was enabled to feel encouraged by these words, " Though 
 the enemy come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will 
 lift up a standard against. him." This appeared my experi- 
 ence, for soon the storm was quieted, and a degree even of 
 ease was my portion. About eleven o'clock, these same 
 words, that had done so in Norwich meeting, came feelingly 
 over me " Be of good courage, and He will strengthen 
 your hearts, all ye that hope in the Lord." And that, 
 which had hitherto appeared impossible to human nature, 
 seemed not only possible, but I believe I was willing; 
 simply desiring that, in this new and awful undertaking, I 
 might not lose my faith, arid that the Divine will might be 
 done in me. Under this sense and feeling, as if I could not
 
 1809.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 153 
 
 omit, I uttered them. Though clearness still continued, 
 nature, in a great measure, seemed to sink under the effort 
 afterwards, and low feelings and imaginations to have much 
 dominion, which, in mercy, were soon relieved, and I have 
 gone on sweetly and easily since, often even rejoicing. 
 
 11th. Surrounded with numerous outward occupations, 
 weak in body, and at times tossed in mind, so that the wall 
 of preservation appears almost broken down, yet my heart 
 says, I will not fear but that I shall, at last, praise Him, 
 whom I desire to be " the health of my countenance, and 
 my God." I feel a wish, and great necessity of pressing 
 hard after Him, who alone can preserve me, for when the 
 enemy appears, to whom can I flee, but to Him, whom I de- 
 sire to call Father ? and who has hitherto proved my merciful 
 Protector. Be pleased to keep me in this hour ; make me, 
 Lord ! what Thou wouldest have me to be ; enable me to 
 become passive in Thy holy hand : mayst Thou be glorified, 
 even if it be through my suffering ; and preserve me from 
 ever taking, what is only Thy due, to myself. 
 
 22nd. Again, on Fourth-day, I have dared to open my 
 mouth in public : I am ready to say, What has come to me ? 
 Even in supplication that the work might be carried on in 
 myself and others, and that we might be preserved from 
 evil. My weight of deep feeling on the subject, I believe, 
 exceeded any other time ; I was, I may say, brought into a 
 wrestling state, that the work of the ministry in me might, 
 if right, be carried on, if not, stopped short. I feel of 
 myself, no power for such a work ; I may say, wholly una- 
 ble ; yet, when the feeling and power continue, so that I 
 dare not omit it, then what can I do ? 
 
 23rd. Giving up, to make a little remark after reading 
 to the servants, has brought sweet peace ; indeed so far, it 
 has appeared to me, that prompt obedience has brought me 
 the most peace. The prospect of the Meetings next week, 
 more particularly the Quarterly Meeting, already makes mo 
 tremble, I can hardly say wny, but it is very awful to bo 
 20
 
 154 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1810. 
 
 thus publicly exposed, in a work that I feel so little fitted 
 for ; yet, I believe, it is not my own doing, nor at my own 
 command. 
 
 Plashet, First Month, ls<, 1810. It is rather awful to me 
 entering a new year, more particularly when I look at the 
 alterations the last has made most striking the last three 
 months, or a little more ! First, a child born ; second, the 
 loss of nurse ; third, my beloved father's death ; fourth, my 
 mouth being opened in Meetings. My heart says, What 
 can I render, for having been so remarkably and mercifully 
 carried through these various dispensations of Providence ? 
 I think I never knew the Divine Arm so eminently extended 
 for my comfort, help, and deliverance ; and though of late, 
 I may, in a degree, have had to pass through the valley of 
 the shadow of death, yet it has not lasted long at a time, 
 and oh, the incomings qf love, joy, and peace, that have, at 
 other periods, arisen for my confirmation and consideration ! 
 But the manna of yesterday, I find, will not do for to-day. 
 
 9th. In the evening of First-day, I expressed what I had 
 long on my mind to the servants, on entering a new year, 
 which brought sweet peace. Yesterday, we dined at my 
 brother and sister Samuel Gurney's we met there my bro- 
 ther and sister Hoare, and my brother Fowell Buxton ; I 
 felt afterwards, as if I had not been enough on my guard, in 
 conduct and conversation, indeed I awfully feel my conduct 
 with regard to others, as well as to myself; for it appears 
 strange for those to preach, who do not practise. Oh ! for 
 a double watch over thought, word, and deed ! 
 
 ll^A. It has been strongly impressed on me, how very 
 little it matters, when we look at the short time we remain 
 here, what we appear to others ; and how far too much, we 
 look at the things 'of this life. What does it signify, what 
 we are thought of here, so long as we are not found wanting 
 towards our Heavenly Father ? Why should we so much 
 try to keep something back, and not be willing to offer our- 
 selves up to Him, body, soul, and spirit, to do with us what
 
 1801.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 155 
 
 may seem best unto Him, and to make us what He would 
 have us to be ? Lord ! enable me to be more and more, 
 singly, simply, and purely obedient to Thy service ! 
 
 Second Month, 5th. The first part of last week I was 
 much occupied in arranging my new household ; at least, 
 two new servants, housekeeper and cook. I much felt the 
 weight of filling my place rightly towards the servants, 
 whom I may say, I love ; how did I desire to help them, in 
 the best sense, and that I might feel, that, as for me and 
 my house, we will serve the Lord ; I may say, there is nothing 
 I desire so much ; and the more I know, and the more I , 
 wish to follow Him in the way of His requirings, the more 
 sweet do I find the path, and the more desirable does it 
 appear. 
 
 19th. Yesterday was an awful, and to me instructive day 
 at Plaistow Meeting. I had not sat very long, before I was 
 brought into much feeling desire that the darkness in some 
 minds might be enlightened ; however, no clearness of ex- 
 pression came with it, but under a very solemn covering of 
 the spirit of supplication, a few words offering, I, after a time 
 gave way to utter them ; but that which appeared greatly in 
 the cross to me, was having some words presented, to speak 
 in testimony (ministry) afterwards, which I did, I believe, 
 purely because I desired to serve my Master, and not to look 
 too much to the opinion of my fellow-servants ; and there was, 
 to me, a remarkable solemnity, and something like an owning, 
 or accepting, of this poor little offering. I have desired, 
 and have been in a degree enabled, to feel a little on that 
 sure foundation ; that although the wind may blow, and the 
 rain may descend, yet whilst I keep on this Rock, they will 
 not be able utterly to cast me down. What a mercy, amidst 
 the storm, to feel, ever so slightly, something of a sure foun- 
 dation ! Thus much I know, that, even if I be mistaken in 
 this awful undertaking, my desire is to serve Him in it, 
 whom my soul, I may truly say, loves and delights to please. 
 Lord ! I pray Thee, preserve Thy poor handmaid in the
 
 156 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1810. 
 
 hour of temptation; and enable me to follow Thee in the 
 way of Thy requirings, even if they lead me into suffering, 
 and unto death. 
 
 31. My little has been very naughty ; his will I 
 
 find very strong ; oh, that my hands may be strengthened 
 rightly to subdue it. Lord ! I pray for help, in these im- 
 portant duties ! I may truly say, I had rather my dear lambs 
 should not live, than live eventually to dishonour Thy great 
 cause ; rather may they be taken in innocency, but, if Thou 
 seest meet, Lord ! preserve them from great evils, and be 
 pleased in Thy abundant mercy to be with them, as Thou 
 hast been, I believe, with their poor unworthy parents ; visit 
 them, and revisit them, until Thou hast made them what 
 Thou wouldest have them to be. Oh, that I could, like 
 Hannah, bring them to Thee, to be made use of as instru- 
 ments in Thy Holy Temple ! I ask nothing for them, in 
 comparison of Thy love ; and above all blessings, that they 
 may be vessels in Thy House ; this blessing I crave for them, 
 that they may be employed in Thy service, for indeed I can 
 bow and say what honour, what joy so great, as in ever so 
 small a measure, to serve Thee, Lord ! 
 
 Mildred's Court, Sixth Month, ~Lst. Yesterday I attended 
 the funeral of our beloved Anna Reynolds, whose death has 
 been deeply felt by me. We had, I think, I may truly say, 
 a glorious time, for the power of the most High, appeared to 
 overshadow us : a belief of her being in safety, has bowed 
 my soul prostrate, in humble thankfulness, and renewedly 
 led me to desire to prove my gratitude for such unspeakable 
 mercy, as has been showed my near and beloved relations, 
 by my Jove and entire dedication. I uttered a few words in 
 supplication, at the ground ; my uncle Joseph, my cousin 
 Priscilla, and many others beautifully ministered ; after 
 Meeting, I might truly say, my cup ran over, such sweetness 
 covered my mind. After a solemn time in the family, with 
 dear cousin Priscilla, and Ann Crowley, I ventured on my 
 knees, praying, that His Holy Hand would not spare, nor
 
 1810.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 157 
 
 His eye pity, until He made us what he would have us to 
 be ; only I craved, that He would not forsake us, but, let us 
 be made in some small measure sensible, that He was with 
 us, and that it was His rod, and His staff, that we depended 
 upon. Through heights, and through depths, through riches, 
 and through poverty ; may it alone be my will, to do the will 
 of the Father ! 
 
 Plashet, 2d. I have found it pleasant and refreshing, 
 being again with my beloved family in this sweet place. I 
 have desired that the time spent in the Yearly Meeting, and 
 what I have received there, may return as bread cast upon 
 the waters. 
 
 To an early friend, and guest at Mildred's Court, she 
 writes, describing her outward circumstances, and mental 
 exercises, about this time. 
 
 Plashet, Seventh Month, 1810. 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 As I have been much with thee in mind this morning, I 
 feel inclined to tell thee how sincerely I love thee ; I believe 
 in that love which neither time nor distance can affect. 
 Looking back to some account of what I passed through 
 when thou wast at our house long ago, and how nearly I felt 
 united to thee, has brought thee to my remembrance. I have 
 often felt disposed to write to thee, since thou left England, 
 but did not feel my letters worth sending so far ; many 
 changes have taken place, since we were together, perhaps 
 more remarkably to me ; we have now six little children, 
 three girls and three boys, all well and lovely, and much 
 enjoyment they give us, though at times in looking to their 
 best interest, we are ready to tremble for them : may we do 
 our part, so that we can in faith and humble confidence, look 
 to Him who can alone bless our endeavours. All our beloved 
 parents arc taken from us, the loss of my own father, as thou 
 mayst suppose, was a close trial, but 1 am ready to believe 
 and hope, it brought its blessings to many of us ; the great
 
 158 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1810. 
 
 mercy he received at last, from his having a sweet hope and 
 confidence, that, through the mercy of his Redeemer, it -would 
 be well with him, proved to my mind, I think, the strongest 
 excitement to gratitude I ever experienced, so much so, that 
 it appeared to break the ice for me, and on my knees I pub- 
 licly expressed my thankfulness. This matter of publicly 
 exposing myself, in this way, has been for many years 
 struggling in my mind, long before I married, and once 
 or twice when with thee, in London, I hardly knew how to 
 dare to refrain. The past I must leave, but I am ready to 
 think extreme unwillingness to give up to this matter, has 
 kept me longer than I need have been, in a lukewarm, and 
 at times wilderness estate ; however, since a way has thus been 
 made for me, it appears as if I dare not stop the work ; if it 
 be a right one, may it go on and prosper, if not, the sooner 
 stopped, the better. I can hardly doubt, if I am only enabled 
 to cling fast to Him, whose work I believe it is, that I shall 
 experience preservation, though I find my state a new one : 
 I do not understand myself, and I find I must walk by faith, 
 and not by sight ; at times I am permitted to abound, and to 
 feel power that I cannot but believe to be beyond myself, 
 at others, brought very low, poor, weak and almost miserable ; 
 my faith tried as to a hair's breadth ; yet through all, I have 
 found abundant cause for thanksgiving and praise. 
 
 Eighth Month, 10th. I have thought this morning, I may 
 in a measure adopt the language of the blessed Virgin, " My 
 soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in 
 God- my Saviour." May my being led out of my own family, 
 by what appear to me duties, never be permitted to hinder 
 my doing my duty fully towards it, or so occupy my atten- 
 tion, as to make me, in any degree, forget or neglect home 
 duties. I believe it matters not where we are, or what we 
 are about, so long as we keep our eye fixed on doing the 
 great Master's work, and that whatever we do, may be done 
 to His glory. When I feel as I do to-day, what a glorious
 
 1801.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 159 
 
 service it is, (though we may have, at times, to pass through 
 great trial and poverty,) and rememher how in these little 
 religious services, I have been helped and carried through, 
 and that, as I expressed before, my soul hath, in a measure, 
 been able to magnify the Lord, and my spirit to rejoice in 
 God its Saviour, I fear for myself, lest even this great mercy 
 should prove a temptation, and lead me to come before I am 
 called, or enter service I am not prepared for; but in all 
 these things, I have but one place of safety, to take refuge 
 in. Be pleased, then, Lord ! Thou who knowest my 
 heart, and all its temptations ; be pleased to preserve me, 
 and enable me, if Thou seest meet, to do Thy will, in strength 
 and in weakness, when it leads to the hardest crosses, as 
 well as into the way of rejoicing. 
 
 Earlham, Ninth Month, 1st. Yesterday I had much con- 
 versation with my beloved sisters Rachel and Richenda, upon 
 their religious experience, and present belief. At the time, 
 I felt very fully strengthened, to express my mind, and not 
 to shrink ; and I believe I did no hurt ; but I have felt, and 
 still feel very low ; much pressed down ; why, I cannot tell ; 
 they represent their case clearly, but can I, after what I have 
 felt, known, and experienced, doubt the truth of this blessed 
 principle, the sensible and constant direction of the Spirit of 
 God in man ? The head and judgment of man is most frail, 
 or it would not twist so many ways ; the work of religion 
 must be in the heart, and if that become sanctified by the 
 great " I am," and brought low before Him, and our wills 
 be brought into subjection to the Divine will, and He become 
 our all in all ; then the great work, appears to me accom- 
 plished in us. 
 
 Plashct, 10<A. I desire gratefully to acknowledge my 
 being once more returned home to my beloved family, my 
 little ones appearing to have prospered in my absence, and I 
 hope all going on well. And also I think, with abundant 
 cause to be grateful, that on leaving Earlham, and my ten- 
 derly beloved brothers and sisters, my mind felt very clear,
 
 1GO LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1810. 
 
 trusting that I had been enabled to accomplish that which 
 came to hand to do amongst them; and I hope without 
 hurting the great cause. How very near and dear they are 
 to me. On First-day, I attended Ipswich and Colchester 
 Meetings ; I believe I was helped in the ministry, in both ; 
 if any praise be due, may it be given, both by me and others, 
 to the great Author. Spent an interesting evening, with 
 dear old John Kendall. 
 
 13th. It is my great wish, that being engaged in these 
 awful and important duties, may not, in any degree, lessen 
 my attention to the smaller concerns of life ; but rather prove 
 a stimulus to do all well : I wish if right, still to feel a life 
 in them, and not have my mind so occupied by the greater, 
 as not to enter with spirit into the smaller. How much 
 does gratitude call for at my hands at this time. 
 
 Tenth Month, 5th. I had yesterday a very narrow escape 
 of my life, from falling out of a whiskey upon my head, 
 owing to a violent jolt ; if it had gone on, I believe it must 
 have gone over my head ; many have been either killed, or 
 materially injured by such a fall. I was, at the time, favoured 
 with clearness, and knew what to do, and by immediately 
 applying cold water to my head from a pond just by, my 
 suffering was, in a great measure, relieved. I wonder I have 
 not felt this event more seriously, but I did not, even at the 
 time, feel much frightened, or overcome : I believe I was 
 thinking, only about a minute before, that in case of my 
 sudden death, I had nothing to look to but mercy. 
 
 24:th. I feel self-love and pride are hidden, very, very 
 deep in me, and may sometimes rise, under specious appear- 
 ances : I cannot root them out myself; but may I more often 
 than the day, look to Him, who can do it for me. 
 
 26M.' This day year, a day I think never to be forgotten, 
 whilst memory lasts, my beloved father died ! and I first 
 opened my mouth as a minister. 
 
 3Qth. I crave to be, in all things, doing the will of Him, 
 whom I desire to feel my Master ; this is at times hard to
 
 1810.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 161 
 
 come at ; I do not feel by any means, a ready and willing 
 servant : still not willing either to speak a word before meals, 
 or after our reading. My very frequent speaking in Meeting, 
 is very awful to me. Be pleased, Lord ! still to be with 
 Thy poor child, preserve her, if Thou seest meet from right 
 hand, as well as left hand errors : increase my faith, and 
 renew a right spirit within me. May neither heights nor 
 depths ; riches nor poverty ; health 'nor sickness ; be per- 
 mitted to overcome me, and separate me from Thy love ; and 
 be pleased, Lord ! to enable me always to give Thee the 
 glory, and not to take it to myself. May I more faithfully 
 do my duty towards Thee, towards my neighbour, and to- 
 wards myself : when called upon publicly to advocate Thy 
 cause, be pleased to grant me faith sufficient ! Create in me 
 a more willing mind, to express whatever may arise, as in 
 the newness of life ; whether in public or in private, that 
 the short time of my continuance here, I may in life, con- 
 duct, and word, live to thy glory. Amen, saith my poor 
 soul. 
 
 In the Twelfth Month she travelled into Gloucestershire, 
 taking three of her children, to visit William Fry and his 
 wife ; the latter was in seriously delicate health. They were 
 residing at that time at Rodborough, a very beautiful place 
 which W. Fry had hired, hoping that his wife might derive 
 benefit from the air. 
 
 Rodborough, Twelfth Month, 22nd. I enjoy being here, 
 and the company of those I am with. I trust not in myself, 
 in my own weak and disobedient heart, but I trust in Thee, 
 O Lord ! before whom the mountains skip like rams, and 
 the little hills like lambs. 
 
 Plashet, 28th. I may indeed acknowledge that a way has 
 
 been, to me, wonderfully made, for even my disobedient 
 
 heart has been brought down, and made willing to submit ; 
 
 may I never forget it, or to whom the power and praise 
 
 21
 
 162 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1811. 
 
 belong ; who capacitated me to do, what to human nature 
 felt impossible, on First-day, at Nailsworth. When evening 
 came, after passing through little short of distress of soul, 
 I was enabled, after their reading, to kneel down and offer 
 my little sacrifice, which I felt abundantly helped in, both 
 as to power and utterance ; my beloved sister Eliza seemed 
 to feel it extremely, so much so, that I was afraid it might 
 overcome her, and make her ill ; but she soon revived, and 
 told me how much she had felt it, and united with me, which 
 was sweet and encouraging. I was enabled to leave that 
 place with a clear and peaceful heart, knowing of no burden. 
 
 Plashet, First Month, 5th, 1811. I find it no easy matter 
 to serve the poor, I desire to do right towards them ; but it 
 is very difficult either to turn them away, or to give to all, 
 without doing as much hurt as good. I desire a right 
 spirit about them, and ability to know what is best to be 
 done. 
 
 6th. In the evening the servants and children read with 
 us, and much in the cross to human nature, I believe I may 
 say, my will was subdued for me, and power given to crave 
 a blessing upon us and our household ; I was abundantly 
 helped, and a sweet feeling has been my portion since ; like 
 abiding under the shadow of His wing, whom I desire to be 
 my Lord, and my God, my all in all. 
 
 lltA. Felt very low yesterday evening, rather unusually 
 so for me, partly from the children being naughty and try- 
 ing. I also feel how poorly my duties are performed towards 
 all. If I be clearer in one description of duty than another, 
 I think it is towards servants ; but in that I often have to 
 mourn over my defects. I have felt a little encouragement 
 this morning, and am at times brought to leave others, and 
 their interests, and to look and depend upon Him, who can 
 help them, and even listens to the cry of His little ones. 
 As for my beloved children, I had rather they should not 
 be, than have them live to go greatly astray ; but let me 
 not forget that if they, like myself, should go astray for a
 
 1811.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 163 
 
 time, there is that power which can bring them back. Oh, 
 that this may be the case ; may they eventually become 
 redeemed from the world, and advocates or valiants in the 
 great cause ! It is almost my single desire for them ; all 
 others are small in comparison and as for my beloved 
 husband, oh ! that we may be preserved, going hand in 
 hand, and bowing before the Holy One in sweet unity ; 
 not turning aside to any other gods, or making to ourselves 
 graven images, and worshipping them. 
 
 Second Month, 1th. Yesterday was, to me, an awful and 
 affecting day ; there came up a minute from the men, desiring 
 the women to meet them after the next Monthly Meeting, 
 to consider the subject of acknowledging me as a minister. 
 Friends felt so kindly for me, as to call me out of Meeting 
 to tell me, lest hearing it should overcome me; this was 
 unnecessary, for though I felt and feel it deeply, that was 
 not likely to be the case. It brings me prostrate before the 
 great " I am ;" but I have little or nothing to say for my- 
 self: certainly, it is cause of humble gratitude, to believe 
 my little offerings in the ministry have not burdened, but 
 been acceptable to the church. Lord ! if it be Thy will 
 to preserve my life, yet a little longer, and to continue me 
 in this service, preserve me, even if it be through chastise- 
 ment, from ever hurting Thy great and holy cause, and 
 enable me to walk worthy of the vocation whereunto I am 
 called. 
 
 Her seventh child, Elizabeth, was born on the 20th of 
 Second Month. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Second Month, 26/A. Though confined 
 to a lying-in-room, and not actively engaged, may I seek, in 
 all things, to be acting in conformity to the Divine will ; for 
 this state has its temptations. May the day's work, what- 
 ever it be, keep pace with the day. 
 
 The Meeting, of which she was a member, feeling unity
 
 164 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1811. 
 
 with her engagements as a minister, acknowledged h^r at this 
 time, in that character. 
 
 In reference to it, she says : 
 
 This mark of their unity is sweet, and I think strengthen- 
 ing, and I believe will have advantages, as well as trials, 
 attending it. I feel, and find, it is not by the approbation, 
 any more than by the disapprobation of man, that we stand 
 or fall ; but it once more leads me only to desire, that I may, 
 simply and singly, follow my Master in the way of His re- 
 quirements, whatsoever they may be. I think this will make 
 a way for me in some things, that have been long on my mind. 
 
 Plashet, Sixth Month, 3d. Yearly Meeting is finished : 
 I have renewed evidence that there yet remains a God, hear- 
 ing prayer ; as my inward cries, as well as outward, appear 
 to have been, in some instances, rather remarkably heard and 
 granted. I have also had renewed evidence, that there yet 
 remains a Gospel ministry, as I have been ministered to, and 
 have known the same with others, and have been, I believe, 
 enabled a little to minister myself, I could almost believe from 
 the living Source. I have not had much to do in this way, 
 but a little at- times, in private and public. I find it an awful 
 thing to rise, amongst a large assembly, and unless much 
 covered with love and power, hardly know how to venture. 
 
 19/A. I feel, at times, deeply pressed down, on account of 
 my beloved children. Their volatile minds try me ; but, 
 amidst my trials, I have a secret hope concerning them, that 
 all will end well ; and a blessing attend them, if they bow to 
 the blessed yoke, (for so I feel it,) in their youth. May you, 
 if ever you read this, my beloved little ones, hearken to the 
 advice of your tenderly affectionate mother. Submit to the 
 cross of Christ, in small matters and in great, there is noway 
 like it; the crown is, in a measure, partaken of, even here. 
 That no enemy of your souls be permitted to overcome you, 
 or turn your feet into another path, is the sincere desire, nay, 
 prayer of her, who feels your souls' welfare very near to her
 
 1811.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 165 
 
 own ; may we all so live, that when time to us here shall bo 
 no more, we may unite, and sing praises in eternity. Look 
 at it, what folly, for the sake of self-gratification for a few 
 years, to forfeit even the chance of such a prospect ! ah, my 
 children, press forward through all opposition ; walking by 
 faith, rather than by sight, for in that alone you will find 
 strength and safety; looking too much out, loses time and 
 creates confusion, whilst humbly looking within, with the 
 eye of faith, and following whatever that may lead into, or 
 out of, tends to confirm, stablish, and strengthen. May the 
 God of peace be with, bless, and preserve you, saith my soul. 
 Amen. Lord! be pleased to have mercy on them, win 
 them over to Thy love, and teach them that there is no way 
 like Thy way, no joy like Thy joy. 
 
 Earlham, Seventh Month, 21st. I am come with my be- 
 loved husband, to attend my dear uncle Gurney.'s funeral. 
 I cannot easily express my feelings this day ; the state of the 
 souls of the family is so deeply interesting to me. My soul 
 has been laid low, and brought very prostrate, feeling for the 
 various conditions of my beloved family, who are brought 
 together on this awful occasion ; desiring for those who have 
 at times to advocate the great cause, that we may get deep 
 enough, and not speak from outward knowledge and obser- 
 vation, but alone move in the great service, as the pure life 
 may lead us into it : may we be enabled to say enough, and 
 preserved from saying too much. Be pleased, Lord ! to 
 grant us tongue and utterance, to show forth Thy praise, that 
 those afar off, may be induced to come, taste, and see, how 
 good Thou art. Be pleased also to anoint their eyes, and 
 their ears, both to hear and see for themselves, that there is 
 none like unto Thee ; but that Thou art worthy both now 
 and for ever, to be praised and exalted above all. Amen. 
 
 Plashet, Eighth Month, 2'3rd. We had three clergymen 
 and their wives, besides another neighbour and his wife, 
 here yesterday ; I believe good men, and I hope good women 
 also ; I felt love, and I think that sort of unity with them,
 
 166 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1811. 
 
 that I have with good Friends. From a great fear of hurting 
 others, I feel, though I believe it is not very apparent, a 
 bowing to their opinions, and not openly professing my own, 
 which tries me. Thero are, no doubt, advantages, as well as 
 disadvantages, in associating with people of different descrip- 
 tions : especially, in being with the Good, we are increasingly 
 led to estimate the good in all, and also to observe, how the 
 mercy of our heavenly Father is extended towards us, and 
 how he sees meet to accept us, in our different ways. But, 
 at the same time, there is safety in keeping within our nar- 
 row enclosure, more particularly for young people not estab- 
 lished in principle. It may induce to make the example of 
 others, a plea for more liberty, instead of rightly stimulating 
 them to look at home, and examine how far they are doing the 
 work committed to them, which should be the effect of seeing 
 others zealously pursuing their course. It is also important, 
 as children become marriageable, with whom they associate, 
 and parents should in this, as in other things, keep on the 
 watch, and seek the best direction how far to go, and where 
 to stop. But my feelings of love would lead me almost to 
 encourage an intimacy with one of these clergymen and his 
 wife : but I desire to be rightly directed, and if we are likely 
 to lose more than we gain, by not holding fast the profession 
 of our faith without wavering, then I hope not to encourage 
 it ; I leave it, thinking it will make its own way, which I 
 trust will be the right one, but Friends being so much united 
 with others, and brought so forward in works of benevolence, 
 may prove a snare by flattering them, and taking them off 
 their guard. It is on account of schools that we have been 
 thus brought together. 
 
 On being settled at Plashet, Elizabeth Fry had formed 
 various plans for the benefit of her poorer neighbours, which 
 she gradually brought into action. One of her early endea- 
 vours, was to establish a girls' school for the Parish of East 
 Ham ; of which Plashet is a hamlet.
 
 1811.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 167 
 
 A young woman named Harriet Howell, who was much 
 occupied at that time in organizing schools on the Lancas- 
 terian system, came to Plashet. The clergyman of East Ham 
 (alluded to in the journal) with his wife united with Eliza- 
 beth Fry in the object. A school of about seventy girls 
 was established, and, although afterwards removed to a 
 more central situation, continues to the present day. 
 
 The bodily wants of the poor, especially in cases of sick- 
 ness or accident, claimed her careful attention. There was 
 a depot of calico and flannels always ready, besides outer 
 garments, and a roomy closet well supplied with drugs. In 
 very hard winters, she had soup boiled in an out-house, in 
 such quantities, as to supply hundreds of poor people with a 
 nourishing meal. Nor was her interest confined to the Eng- 
 lish poor in East Ham. About half a mile from Plashet, on 
 the high road between Stratford and Ilford, the passer-by 
 will find two long rows of houses, with one larger house in the 
 centre, if possible more dingy than the rest. At that time 
 they were squalid and dirty. The windows generally stuffed 
 with old rags, or pasted over with brown paper, and the few 
 remaining panes of glass refusing to perform their intended 
 office from the accumulated dust of years ; puddles of thick 
 black water before the doors ; children without shoe or 
 stocking ; mothers, whoso matted locks escaped from the 
 remnants of caps, which looked as though they never could 
 have been white ; pigs, on terms of evident familiarity with 
 the family ; poultry sharing the children's potatoes all be- 
 spoke an Irish colony. 
 
 It was a .pleasant thing to observe the influence obtained 
 by Elizabeth Fry, over these wild, but warm-hearted people. 
 
 One clear frosty morning, she called her elder children 4o 
 accompany her on a visit to one of these cottages. A poor 
 woman, the mother of a young family, had died there ; she 
 had been well conducted as a wife and mother, and had long 
 shown a desire for religious instruction ; the priest, a kind- 
 hearted man, liberal in his views, and anxious for the good
 
 168 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1811. 
 
 of his flock, thought well of the poor woman, had frequently 
 visited her in her illness, and was in that, as in many other 
 cases, very grateful to Elizabeth Fry, for the relief and nour- 
 ishment she had bestowed, and which it was not in his 
 power to give. 
 
 On the bed of death lay extended the young mother, her 
 features, which were almost beautiful, stiffened into the sem- 
 blance of marble. Her little children were on the floor, the 
 husband, in a corner, leaning on a round table, with his face 
 buried in his hands. A paper cross lay on the breast of the 
 corpse ; the sun shone into the room, and lighted the dreary 
 scene. The apartment was close, from the fumes of to- 
 bacco, and the many guests of the wake, which had been 
 held during the night. Elizabeth Fry spoke soothingly to 
 the husband ; she reminded him of his wife's desires for his 
 good, and for that of his children ; she slightly alluded to 
 the uselessness of the cross as a symbol, but urged the at- 
 tention of those present, to the great doctrine of which it 
 was intended to remind them. Again, she offered solace to 
 the mourner, promised assistance for his little ones, and 
 left the room. 
 
 Some of the scenes in Irish Row were very different. 
 She enjoyed giving pleasure, it was an impulse, as well as a 
 duty with her, to do good. Gathering her garments round 
 her, she would thread her way through children and pigs, 
 up broken stair-cases, and by narrow passages, to the apart- 
 ments which she sought ; there she would listen to their 
 tales of want or woe, or of their difficulties with their chil- 
 dren, or of the evil conduct of their husbands. She per- 
 suaded many of them to adopt rnqre orderly habits, giving 
 little presents of clothing as encouragements : she induced 
 some to send their children to school, and with the consent 
 of the priest, circulated the Bible amongst theni. On one 
 occasion, when the weather was extremely cold, and great 
 distress prevailed, being at the time too delicate herself to 
 walk, she went alone in the carriage, literally piled with
 
 1811.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 169 
 
 flannel petticoats for Irish Row ; the rest of the party walk- 
 ing to meet her, to assist in the delightful task of distri- 
 bution. She made relieving the poor a pleasure to her 
 children, by the cheerful spirit in which she did it ; she em- 
 ployed them as almoners, when very young ; but expected a 
 minute account of their giving, and their reasons for it. 
 After the establishment of the Tract Society, she always 
 kept a large supply of such Tracts as she approved, for dis- 
 tribution. It was her desire never to relieve the bodily 
 wants of any one, without endeavouring, in some way, more 
 or less directly, to benefit their souls. She was a warm ad- 
 vocate for vaccination, and very successful in performing 
 the operation ; she had acquired this art from Dr. Willan, 
 one of its earliest advocates and most skilful practitioners. 
 At intervals, she made a sort of investigation of the state 
 of the parish, with a view to vaccinating the children. The 
 result was, that small-pox was scarcely known in the vil- 
 lages over which her influence extended. 
 
 In a green lane, near Plashet, it has been the annual 
 custom of the Gipsies to pitch their tents, for a few days, 
 in their way to Fairlop fair. The sickness of a gipsy child, 
 inducing the mother to apply for relief, led Elizabeth Fry 
 to visit their camp ; from that time, from year to year, she 
 cared for them whenever they came into her neighbourhood ; 
 clothing for the children and people, and a little medical 
 advice she invariably bestowed ; but she did far more than 
 that, she sought to influence their minds aright, she pleaded 
 with them on the bitter fruits of sin, and furnished them 
 with Bibles, and books the most likely to arouse their at- 
 tention. 
 
 But though thus abounding in labours for the good of all 
 around her, self was not exalted. Her spirit was preserved 
 in a state of deep humility and godly fear. 
 
 Ninth Month, 5th. I have lately been so much hurried 
 by an almost constant change of company and employments, 
 22
 
 170 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1811 
 
 as to be at times a good deal tried, and I am fearful my 
 temper will be made irritable "by it. I think I may truly 
 say, my desire is, to do my duty fully and faithfully to all 
 connected with me, nearly and remotely, rich and poor. Be 
 pleased, Lord ! to bless the small, feeble endeavours of Thy 
 poor child, to do her duty to others ; for, without Thy bless- 
 ing, they are ineffectual, and with thy blessing, I need not 
 doubt but they will tend to my own good, and to the good of 
 those whom I desire to serve, more particularly at home. 
 With my dear little ones I often feel myself a poor mother, 
 but my hope is not in myself; for I. am sensible I do not 
 apparently manage them so well, as many others do their 
 children ; but, Lord ! Thou knowest my heart, and its 
 desires for them, and that I may not be found wanting 
 towards them. I neither ask health nor riches, nor any- 
 thing for them in comparison with this, that as they grow 
 in years, they may grow in favour with Thee, and with those 
 who love Thee, by walking in humility, and in Thy fear. 
 My feeling of my own great deficiencies towards, them and 
 others, at times leads me to take great comfort from the 
 shortness of life, if I be but ready, and have done faithfully 
 the work committed. 
 
 In the Ninth Month, Elizabeth Fry visited Norfolk : whilst 
 there, she attended the first Bible Meeting held in Norwich. 
 
 Earlham, Ninth Month, 10th. I think a more deeply 
 exercised state, that has at times bordered on distress of 
 soul, I hardly ever remember, than I feel this morning going 
 to Meeting ; in the first place, with the Edwardses and my 
 own family, in their various states ; in the next place my 
 prospect of going into the men's Monthly Meeting ; and in 
 the last, an idea having passed my mind, whether I may not 
 have, amongst the very large companies who are likely to 
 be here, consisting of many clergymen and others, to say 
 something, either before meals, or at some other time. The
 
 18U8.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 171 
 
 words that (I believe) have arisen for my encouragement, are 
 these, " The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Yes, 
 I will try not to fear, for if God be with me, who can bo 
 against me ? 
 
 12th. What can I render for all his benefits ? In the first 
 place, I went to the Meeting for worship with the Edwardses : 
 I had not long been there, before I felt something of a power 
 accompanying me, and words arose, but my exercise of mind 
 was so great, that it seemed like being " baptized for the 
 dead :" though not, that I know of, from any particular 
 fear of man ; I was helped (I believe I may say), as to 
 power, tongue, and utterance. That Meeting might be said 
 to end well. 
 
 Yesterday was a day indeed : one that may be called a 
 mark of the times. We first attended a General Meeting of 
 the Bible Society, where it was sweet to observe so many, of 
 various sentiments, all uniting in the one great object, from 
 the good Bishop of Norwich (Bathurst), for so I believe he 
 may be called, to the dissenting Minister, and young Quaker 
 (my brother Joseph). We afterwards, about thirty-four of 
 us, dined here. I think there were six clergymen of the 
 Establishment; three dissenting Ministers; and Richard 
 Philips, besides numbers of others. A very little before the 
 cloth was removed, such a power came over me of lore, I 
 believe I may say, life, that I thought I must ask for silence 
 after Edward Edwards had said grace, and then supplicate 
 the Father of mercies for His blessing both of the fatness 
 of the earth, and the dew of Heaven, upon those, who thus 
 desired to promote His cause, by spreading the "knowledge 
 of the Holy Scriptures ; and that He would bless their en- 
 deavours, that the knowledge of God and His glory might 
 cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea ; and also for the 
 preservation of all present, that through the assistance of Hi3 
 grace we might so follow Him, our blessed Lord, in time, 
 that we might eventually enter into a glorious eternity, where 
 the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.
 
 172 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1811. 
 
 The power and solemnity were very great. Richard Philips 
 asked for silence, I soon knelt down, it was like having our 
 High Priest amongst us ; independently of this power, His 
 poor instruments are nothing, and with His power, how 
 much is effected ! I understood many were in tears, I believe 
 all were bowed down spiritually. Soon after I took my 
 seat the Baptist minister said, " This is an act of worship ;" 
 adding that it reminded him of that which the disciples said, 
 " When He walked with us, did not our hearts burn within 
 us ?" A clergyman said, " We want no wine, for there is 
 that amongst us, that does instead." A Lutheran minister* 
 remarked, that although he could not always understand the 
 words, being a foreigner, he felt the Spirit of Prayer, and 
 went on to enlarge in a striking manner. Another clergy- 
 man spoke to this effect ; How the Almighty visited us, and 
 that neither sex, nor any thing else, stood in the way of His 
 grace. I do not exactly remember the words of any one, but 
 it was a most striking circumstance, for so many, of such 
 different opinions, thus all to be united in one spirit ; and for 
 a poor woman to be made the means, amongst so many great, 
 wise, and I believe good men, of showing forth the praise of 
 the great "I am." After reading last evening, the dear 
 Lutheran minister, Dr. Steinkoff, said a few words in prayer. 
 This morning, my desire, indeed I may say prayer, is, 
 that this may not degenerate into a form amongst us, and I 
 should not be surprised, if I had to express as much ; how- 
 ever, that I leave. Be pleased, Lord ! still to preserve 
 me on the right hand, and on the left, and let me in no way 
 do contrary to Thy will ; and if called upon to testify that 
 I can only unite in prayer, where I apprehend Thy Spirit 
 leads into it, enable me, I beseech Thee, to do it so as to 
 strengthen, rather than weaken the love, that I feel so 
 sweetly to unite me with those who differ from myself. 
 
 In a letter from Joseph Hughes, one of the Secretaries of 
 the Bible Society, this occasion is thus described : 
 * Dr. Steinkoff.
 
 1811.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 173 
 
 "On the Monday after my return, I proceeded with my 
 excellent colleagues for Norwich, where a numerous and 
 respectable meeting was held on Wednesday, in a very spa- 
 cious and commodious hall ; the Mayor presided ; the Bishop 
 spoke with great decision and equal liberality ; and the result 
 of the whole was, the establishment of the Norfolk and Nor- 
 wich Bible Society ; about X700 was subscribed, and one 
 happy, amiable sentiment appeared to pervade the company. 
 My colleagues and myself adjourned to Earlham, two milea 
 from Norwich, where we had passed the previous day, and 
 where we had witnessed emanations of piety, generosity, and 
 affection, in a degree that does not often meet the eye of 
 mortals. Our host and hostesses were the Gurneys, chiefly 
 Quakers, who, together with their guests, amounted to thirty- 
 four. A clergyman, at the instance of one of the family, and 
 I presume with the most cordial concurrence of the rest, 
 read a portion of the Scriptures, morning and evening ; and 
 twice we had prayers, I should have said thrice, for after 
 dinner on the day of the Meeting, the pause encouraged by 
 " the Society of Friends," was succeeded by a devout address 
 to the Deity, by a female minister, Elizabeth Fry, whose 
 manner was impressive, and whose words were so appro- 
 priate, that none present can ever forget the incident, or 
 ever advert to it, without emotions, alike powerful and pleas- 
 ing. The first emotion was surprise ; the second, awe ; 
 the third, pious fervour. As soon as we were re-adjusted 
 at the table, I thought it might be serviceable to offer a re- 
 mark, that proved the coincidence of my heart with the de- 
 votional exercise in which we had been engaged ; this had 
 the desired effect. Mr. Owen and others suggested accor- 
 dant sentiments, and we seemed generally to feel like the 
 Disciples, whose hearts burned within them as they walked 
 to Einmaus. 
 
 " The days passed in this excellent family, were opened 
 with joy, and closed with regret ; few such days will occur 
 again ; yet when devotion shall cease to be measured by
 
 174 LIPE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1811. 
 
 days, pleasure far more intense, shall spring up for ever 
 fresh ; and all the members of the vast Household of Faith 
 shall behold each other, in a scene where purity is unblem- 
 ished, and harmony uninterrupted, and bliss complete and 
 everlasting. 
 
 " ' When shall I wake and find me there ?' " 
 
 Plashet, Tenth Month, 3rd. In the evening, after read- 
 ing at Earlham, I was greatly helped in prayer for my 
 brothers and sisters, who were all present ; it was in thanks- 
 giving and prayer ; acknowledging our many blessings ; 
 particularly, that of being so united with each other, which 
 blessing I craved might increase ; that we might increasingly 
 dwell in God, and He in us. I also prayed for our little 
 ones, that they, with us, might have the knowledge of God, 
 and of our blessed Lord Christ Jesus ; that we might event- 
 ually obtain a habitation not made with hands, eternal in the 
 heavens. It was a very solemn time, many, I believe, wept, 
 and I trust all felt it, and united in prayer. I think I may 
 say I went away rejoicing, which appeared marvellous to me, 
 my season of discouragement had, at times, whilst there, 
 been so great ; but I believe these things tend to keep me 
 low, and preserve me, or I might, when so uplifted, be tempted 
 to take my flight. I find, on my return, much cause for 
 gratitude. 
 
 Shortly after Elizabeth Fry's return home, her baby became 
 seriously ill : scarcely had it recovered, ere another event 
 claimed her tenderest sympathy, the death of her sister 
 Buxton's infant. 
 
 Plashet, Tenth Month, 11th. I was enabled, on First- 
 day evening, to pray for my dear children in their presence ; 
 since then, I have felt more cheerful and easy about them, 
 having committed them to His keeping, who alone can protect 
 them. I am but a poor instrument in His holy hand. His 
 they are, though He may have appeared to give them to us,
 
 1811.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 175 
 
 my heart's desire and prayer is, that, like as Hannah with 
 Samuel, they may all be lent unto the Lord. My dear baby 
 is poorly, I desire not to be too anxious about her ; but that 
 the Divine will may alone be done in all things, and that I 
 may be enabled to commend her to His holy keeping ; not 
 that I feel compunction for naturally desiring her life, and 
 that she may be saved from much suffering. 
 
 21st. Much occupied night and day, by the illness of 
 my sweet babe ; I was so low in the night, that I shed many 
 tears ; a mother's feelings are strong in me ; Oh, that I 
 may be granted a submissive and resigned spirit, and that 
 imagination may not colour the dark side : may I, in all my 
 various allotments, be enabled to bow in faith, before Him, 
 who orders all things well; even amidst the risings of 
 natural feeling, which, rightly modified, I do not believe to 
 be wrong. I desire, above all, that not my will, Lord ! 
 but Thine be done. Amen, saith my soul. 
 
 25th. My dear babe much better; it appears as if my 
 prayer had been heard. 
 
 Eleventh Month, 18th. (The day of the funeral of her 
 little niece.) To whom can I go in moments of trial, but to 
 Him who hath hitherto helped me ? Be pleased, Lord ! 
 to be with us, and bless the present occasion to us ; may it 
 draw us nearer to Thee, and make us increasingly willing to 
 become Thy servants, and Thy handmaids; if anything 
 should, as a minister, come to my hands to do, may I be 
 helped by Thy power, and anointed by Thee, who can alone 
 savingly help us. May the state of my heart be such, that 
 I may with truth say, here am I, Lord, do with me what 
 Thou wilt, only make me what Thou wouldest have me to be. 
 May this event be of lasting benefit to us all ; but more par- 
 ticularly to the dear parents. Grant me, Lord ! wisdom 
 and power to proclaim Thy power and Thy praise, that if 
 made use of at all, others as well as myself, may be drawn 
 nearer to Thee, and wholly give Thee praise, never taking, 
 or giving, that glory to the creature, which alone belongs to
 
 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1811. 
 
 Afternoon. The funeral of dear little Susannah Buxton 
 has taken place to-d;iy. The event of her death has been 
 very affecting to me, and most unexpected to us all. This 
 day week, she only appeared to have a cold ; she was one of 
 the loveliest, sweetest, and most lively of little babes. She 
 appeared to suffer little in her illness. I was not there at 
 her death, but comfort was then near to her dear mother, 
 and faith that strengthened her to believe it was well, and 
 that her spirit had ascended unto God, who gave it. This 
 was very much the case with me when there after her death ; 
 but naturally, it has been a close stroke,, the child was very 
 dear to me, but consolation has been near. 
 
 We have had to-day a very solemn, and, I trust, in the 
 best sense, an encouraging time, the remembrance of it is 
 sweet and reviving to me. I was helped in prayer, 
 greatly as I think, and in a few words afterwards ; but may 
 self pass unobserved, for there was a better than man pre- 
 sent with us. Words fall very short of expression: Oh, 
 that all would come, taste, and see, how good the Lord is ; 
 for blessed is the man that trusteth in Him, although, like 
 others, he may be afflicted ! 
 
 Henry Hull, a valuable Friend and Minister from Amer- 
 ica, was at this time frequently a guest at Plashet. Early 
 in the winter, Elizabeth Fry believed it her duty to unite 
 with him in a religious visit to some of the Meetings near 
 London. Her sister, Priscilla Gurney, accompanied them. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 2$th. My heart is very full this morn- 
 ing, at the prospect of this journey ; the tears rise in my 
 eyes, for it appears probable that we shall be out longer 
 than I at first expected. I have something of a confidence 
 that my beloved family will be cared for in my absence. 
 My prayer for myself is, that I may not run without being 
 sent ; and if the gift in me grows and increases with ex- 
 ercise, may I ever be preserved from decking myself with 
 the Lord's jewels.
 
 1812.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 177 
 
 Plashet, First Month, 13th, 1812. I returned safely 
 home yesterday, and to my great comfort found all my be- 
 loved children well and good. My beloved husband is gone 
 into Wales ; all my household appears in very comfortable 
 order ; and so far from having suffered in my absence, it 
 appears as if a better blessing had attended them than com- 
 mon. Thus much for them, now for myself I may, I 
 trust, with gratitude acknowledge, that I have, in my re- 
 ligious duties, experienced the Lord to go before me, and to 
 prove my rear-ward ; I have naturally been in a low estate, 
 much felt my absence from home, and have not been well 
 in my health. I have also, in a spiritual sense, been often 
 brought low, under a peculiar feeling of some of my in- 
 firmities, and great fear of the power of the tempter. I 
 have felt much increased value and love for Henry Hull, and 
 dear Priscilla has been a sweet, kind, and valuable compa- 
 nion ; may our union be farther cemented. My desire for 
 myself on my return is, that I may walk within my house 
 with a perfect heart. 
 
 Second Month, 1st. On reading over my old journals 
 yesterday, it has led me to admire how some of my early 
 prayers and desires have been answered ; how gradual has 
 been the arising and opening of Divine Power in my heart. 
 How much has occurred to strengthen my weak faith, and 
 doubting, fearful heart ; how much has been done for me, 
 and how little have I done myself ; how much have I re- 
 belled, except in the day of power ; how often unwatchful ; 
 yet in mercy, how has help been administered, even a willing 
 heart, which I consider an unspeakable gift ; but I think I 
 should have flourished better, and grown stronger by this 
 time, had I more fully and more faithfully followed the 
 Lamb whithersoever He goeth. My heart's desire and prayer 
 for myself, above everything else, is, that this may be more 
 entirely done by me. Lord ! be pleased still to carry on 
 Thy own work in me, until Thou hast made me what Thou 
 wouldest have me to be; even entirely Thy servant, in 
 23
 
 178 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1812. 
 
 thought, word, and deed ! Thou only knowest my weakness 
 and fear of suffering ; when in Thine infinite wisdom, Thou 
 mayst see meet to afflict, be pleased to mix mercy with judg- 
 ment, and uphold me by Thine own power ; I thank Thee 
 for all Thy benefits towards me, and desire to prove my 
 gratitude by my love and good works. Lord ! enable me 
 so to do ! Amen. 
 
 3rd. The prospect I have had for some months, of going 
 into Norfolk, to attend the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, 
 is now brought home to me, as I must apply to my next 
 Monthly Meeting for permission. It is no doubt a sacrifice 
 of natural feeling, to leave the comforts of home, and my 
 beloved husband and children ; and to my weak, nervous 
 habits, the going about, and alone (for so I feel it in one 
 sense without my husband) is, I have found from experience, 
 a trial greater than I imagined ; and my health suffers much 
 I think, from my habits being necessarily so different. This 
 consideration, of its being a cross to my nature, I desire not 
 to weigh in the scale ; though, no doubt, for the sake of 
 others, as well as myself, my health being so shaken is a 
 serious thing. What I desire to consider most deeply is 
 this : Have I authority for leaving my home and evident 
 duties ? What leads me to believe I have ? for I need not 
 doubt that when away, and at times greatly tried, this query 
 is likely to arise. The prospect-has come in that quiet, yet, 
 I think, powerful way, that I have never been able to believe 
 I should get rid of it ; indeed hitherto I have hardly felt 
 anything but a calm cheerfulness about it, and very little 
 anxiety. It seems to me as if, in this journey, I must be 
 stripped of outward dependences, and my watchword appears 
 to be, "My soul, wait thou ONLY upon God; for my expec- 
 tation is from Him." 
 
 6th. My beloved little ones have been ill with a severe 
 cold, and my sweet babe has so very serious an attack, and 
 one that has now lasted some days, that I believe her life is 
 thought to be in danger. I have suffered a good deal, the
 
 1812.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 179 
 
 most in the night ; my desire for myself is, to be enabled to 
 submit to the dispensations of Almighty wisdom, and that 
 faith may be granted me, to drink the cup, whatever it may 
 be, as coming from the Lord's holy hand ; nothing doubting 
 that it will be ordered in infinite wisdom and mercy. Na- 
 tural feelings I do not desire to be without, for I had rather 
 have them, if under proper subjection. Jesus wept, may not 
 we ? I feel much gratitude that her sufferings appear com- 
 paratively small, and rather to decrease ; if I could have a 
 prayer on her account outwardly, it would be that she might 
 be spared much suffering ; but I desire and pray above all 
 things, that I may leave all to Him, who has dealt with me 
 and my little ones, in unspeakable mercy, that He will yet 
 watch over us for good, and not permit us to suffer more 
 than is best for us. How much better to have her life cut 
 short in innocency, than for her to live to that state, in which 
 her sins should have separated her from God. Be pleased, 
 O Lord ! to grant Thy poor servant and her little one, strength 
 sufficient for the day, and whether mourning or rejoicing be 
 my portion, may it work together for my good, and make 
 me a better servant to Thee. Amen, and Amen. 
 
 1th. A few hours after I last wrote, a change took place 
 in the dear babe for the better, and the amendment has been 
 gradual since. I desire to receive it as from the blessed 
 hand that makes sore and binds up, that wounds and makes 
 whole. 
 
 '20th. My sister, Elizabeth Fry, means to go with me 
 into Norfolk : my uncle Joseph is likely to go another way : 
 it appears as if I could not mind much who is to go with me. 
 But I feel disposed to a very single dependence, and if I be 
 rightly put forth to this service, may He who puts me forth, 
 be with me ; if I have to administer food to others, may it be 
 that which is convenient 'for them, and which will tend to 
 their lasting nourishment. I have often thought that, in this 
 little prospect, I must go like David, when he went to slay 
 the giant. I am ashamed of the comparison ; but I only
 
 180 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1812. 
 
 mean it in this respect, I go, not trusting in any power or 
 strength of my own ; I feel I dare look to no helper out- 
 wardly. I feel young and a stripling, without armour, yet I 
 trust the Lord will be with me, and make the sling and stone 
 effectual, if He please to make use of His poor child, to slay 
 the giant in any one. 
 
 JEarlham, Third Month, 14th. Have I not renewed reason 
 for faith, hope, and confidence in the principle which I desire 
 to follow ? In the night, I had to acknowledge that the work 
 must be Thine, Lord ! and that it is to me wonderful. 
 My fears and causes of discouragement were many ; for some 
 little time before I set off, my own poor health, and my little 
 ones ; then my lowness and stupidity. In the first place, my 
 health and the dear children's improved so much, and I 
 inwardly so brightened, that I left home very comfortably. 
 As I went on my way, such abundant hope arose, that light, 
 rather than darkness, appeared to surround me. I have now 
 attended the Monthly Meetings, and three other Meetings. 
 I have also had frequent opportunities of a religious nature, 
 in families ; the most remarkable were, one in a clergyman's 
 family, in supplication for him and his house, and another, 
 where he had to supplicate for my help. May I ever re- 
 member how utterly unfit I am, in myself, for all these 
 works : unto me alone belongs abasedness. I can take 
 nothing to myself. As Thou hast seen meet, Lord ! 
 Thou, who art strength in weakness, thus to make use of 
 Thy poor hand-maid, as an instrument in Thy service, be 
 pleased to keep her from the evil, both in reality and ap- 
 pearance, that she never may, in any way, bring reproach 
 upon Thy cause ! 
 
 \Qth. I expect my beloved brother, John, will be here 
 to-day ; may I be enabled to walk before him in humility 
 and godly fear, (not the fear of man,) that he, at least, may 
 be enabled to believe that I am not following cunningly 
 devised fables, or imaginations of my own, but rather seek-
 
 1812.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 181 
 
 ing to follow a crucified Redeemer, in the way in which He 
 leads me. 
 
 In a letter to her cousin, Joseph Gurney Bevan, she 
 alludes to the duties in which she was engaged : 
 
 May I now be enabled to attend to my own vineyard, and 
 after having been made instrumental, thus to warn and 
 encourage others, may I not become a cast-away myself. I 
 hardly understand what Friends mean by reward for such 
 services, for I do not feel the work mine, and no reward is 
 due ; as for reward, is it not enough to feel a Power, better 
 than ourselves, influencing and strengthening us to do the 
 work that, we humbly trust, is His own ? for what honour, 
 favour, or blessing so great, as being engaged in the service 
 of Him whom we love, in whatever way it be, whether per- 
 forming one duty or another, and having a little evidence 
 granted us, that we are doing His will, or endeavouring to 
 do it ? I peculiarly feel, in ministerial duties, that I have 
 no part, because the whole appears a gift, the willing heart, 
 the power, and everything attending it ; the poor creature 
 has only to remain as passive as possible, willing to be 
 operated upon. 
 
 Plashct, Third Month, 28th. I will first mention how it 
 was with me in the Norwich Quarterly Meeting. I went, 
 looking to Him who has hitherto helped me ; my beloved 
 uncle Joseph said a few words, as a seal to what I had 
 expressed, and it was, I believe, a peculiarly solemn and 
 favoured time : much blessed in a few words of supplication, 
 at the Grove, before dinner. In the adjourned Meeting, I 
 felt it safest to go to the Men's Meeting, where I had to bid 
 them farewell in the Lord ; after I had been helped with a 
 few words of tender love and encouragement, Sarah Bowly 
 said a little, and then my dear sister Elizabeth arose, and 
 said, " She hoped what had passed that day, would not be 
 attended to as a tale that was told, but as everlasting
 
 182 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1812. 
 
 truths ;" which appeared to me to bring great solemnity and 
 sweetness with it. In the Women's Meeting, we also had a 
 very solemn time at parting, in which I bade them farewell ; 
 desiring that we might all ascend, step by step, that ladder 
 which reaches from earth to heaven. Before we set off, I 
 had, after reading, in heart-felt and heart-tendering suppli- 
 cation, to pray for the preservation of the family, and our 
 support in the day of trial ; and amidst all the various turn- 
 ings and overturnings of the Holy Hand upon us. Here I 
 once more am, surrounded by outward blessings, and well in 
 health; yet I hardly know how to return thanks, or to 
 rejoice in Him who has helped me, being poor, low, stripped, 
 the tears come into my eyes. Though cast down, I love the 
 Lord above all, and desire, through the saving, redeeming 
 power of Him, who came to save that which was lost, and 
 has, I believe, proved a Saviour to me in part, that I may 
 draw nearer and nearer to the most high God, and become 
 in all things more completely His. 
 
 The reader will, perhaps, be struck with the expression 
 " in part," as applied to the Saviour's work ; an extract from 
 a letter which is here introduced, written to a clergyman, 
 Edward Edwards, explains that her use of these words arose, 
 not from any mistrust of the saving power of Christ, but from 
 her consciousness that the great work of sanctification in her 
 heart was incomplete and unfinished. 
 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 Thy letter is one I do not desire lightly to answer, as I 
 wish to receive it and attend to it, with the seriousness it 
 deserves, as coming from one, who I believe desires the 
 prosperity of truth, individually and generally ; and in this 
 desire, has with love addressed me, for my own good, and 
 also the good of the body to which I belong. I hope 
 to profit by it ; I am spiritually but a child, " I think as a 
 child, I speak as a child, and I understand as a child." I
 
 1812.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 183 
 
 do not believe that the great mysteries of the gospel are, by 
 any means, fully opened to me ; but my dependence is on 
 Him who has so far opened my eyes, that He will, in His 
 own time, further enlighten, confirm, settle, and strengthen 
 me in that faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, 
 the evidence of things not seen. Thus far I believe, from 
 having experienced what it is to feel alienated or separated 
 from my God, no doubt by corruptions and sin. I experi- 
 enced the state of being under the law ; I may truly say, 
 " I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good 
 thing ; for to will is present with me, but how to perform 
 that which is good, I find not ; for the good that I would I 
 do not ; but the evil which I would not that I do." Thus I 
 have experienced and do yet experience, that it is not in 
 me, or my fleshly nature, to do or to will any good thing. 
 Then how naturally do these words arise, " ! wretched man, 
 (or woman,) that I am, who shall deliver me from the body 
 of this death ?" Then comes the Saviour, then comes the 
 Deliverer, to whom can I go, but to Him, who alone has 
 the words of eternal life ? I feel ashamed of now bringing 
 my experiences forward, as it is with humility and confusion 
 of face, that I may acknowledge that I have also felt what it 
 is, in a measure, to be in Christ Jesus ; " for the law of the 
 spirit of life in Christ Jesus, maketh us free from the law 
 of sin and death ; for what the law could not do, in that it 
 was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in 
 the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in 
 the flesh, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled 
 in those who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." 
 I have thus quoted Scripture, because I know no other way 
 of so clearly expressing my own faith, and experience in 
 measure, and also what I believe to be the faith of the body, 
 (though there may be unbelievers amongst us as well as 
 others,) that we lay aside all our own works, and believe we 
 neither will, nor do, of ourselves, but that it is God, or the 
 saving power of Christ, that worketh in us to will and to
 
 184 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1812. 
 
 do ; that wo desire alone, to give all the glory to Him, of 
 whatever is done to his praise, believing Him to be the 
 author and finisher of our faith, and our only hope of glory. 
 The work of regeneration is a gradual one, and I feel, if 
 alive at all, only a beginner, therefore do not understand 
 that I feel free from the law of sin and death ; but I believe 
 if the Spirit of Christ in us be permitted to operate, and is 
 not resisted by our wills, we may experience a being made 
 free from the law of sin and spiritual death, even here below. 
 
 Fourth Month, 4th. Since I last wrote, I have been af- 
 flicted inwardly and outwardly ; I have had a more serious 
 attack of illness than I have had for many months. It led 
 me to consider, if taken hence, where would be my hope ? 
 To feel an operative faith, of being accepted through the 
 mercy of God in Christ, is a gift which we cannot command. 
 Oh ! that my soul may be more deeply anchored . in this 
 faith, that nothing may be permitted to shake it : I also 
 find, that without the present gift of faith, I cannot commit 
 my beloved husband and children to His holy keeping, who 
 can alone preserve them. 
 
 \Qth. I am poorly, and I believe five of my dear chil- 
 dren have the whooping-cough ; but all now appears light, nay, 
 more than light ; such sweetness has covered my mind, little 
 short, at times, of joy and peace, as if no alloy were permit- 
 ted to take hold : so are we dealt with, not according to our 
 merits, but to His mercy, who careth for His poor dependent 
 ones, and enlivens them when He seeth meet. 
 
 This letter to her brother, John Gurney, undated, was 
 obviously written during this spring, not long after her 
 Norfolk journey. 
 
 My dear John, 
 
 I feared thou wouldest almost think me forgetful of thee 
 in not having expressed my near interest in thy welfare for 
 so long ; but feeling very low this morning, to whom can I 
 write better than to one who mourns, and can sympathize
 
 1812.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 185 
 
 with me, though our causes for suffering may be different ? 
 I hope my last letter did not hurt dear Catherine and Rachel. 
 I have felt fearful how far it was right for me to touch upon 
 their present state, lest I should hurt the cause I most desire 
 to advocate ; I am, therefore, cautious of saying much, but I 
 very deeply feel the state of the family, believing it not un- 
 likely they will leave a path that has to me appeared a 
 remarkably blessed and safe one ! and not only to so weak 
 an instrument as I am, but surely there have been many in 
 our family, that, in the same path, have done credit to the 
 Christian cause. However, I desire to leave it, if in ever so 
 small a degree my tears and prayers, (when enabled to offer 
 them,) may prove effectual in desiring preservation for you 
 all, that after trying all things, you may indeed be enabled to 
 hold fast that which is good, even if it lead you into a different 
 path from me ; but I acknowledge it has been sweet to me, 
 whenever I have had a hope that the day might come, when 
 we should fully unite in spiritual things ; but if it never 
 should, may true charity and love be our portion ; I mean 
 that spirit of charity that comes from above, and unites all 
 true and sincere travellers Zion-ward. I should much like 
 soon to hear from you ; with regard to thee and Rachel I have 
 no fear about your love for me, for I could believe, much as 
 we have differed, we have never been separated ; indeed, dear 
 John, when thou lived to the world, how did my soul pant 
 after thee, what tender solicitude have I felt on thy account, 
 and now I do indeed rejoice in thy experience. I cannot 
 think, if when we felt so very differently, we loved so much, 
 that now when we desire to be following the same Master, 
 and to be devoted to the same cause, we shall be separated 
 1 believe it cannot be. 
 
 Plashet, Fourth Month, 24lh. To whom can I go when 
 
 brought into straitened places, but to Him who has hitherto 
 
 succoured me, in His own way ? Snares arc apt to beset me 
 
 on every hand ; for there are left, as well as right hand errors. 
 
 24
 
 186 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1812. 
 
 I expected to remain pretty quietly at home, but I have been 
 four times to Meeting this week. Seldom have I had to move 
 much more in the cross, than on Third-day ; how did I 
 naturally flinch, how did I recoil, at a prospect which came 
 unexpectedly upon me, of going into the Men's Meeting at 
 Plaistow. In the Meetings for Discipline, I sought Him to 
 whom power belongeth, and in His power, His people are 
 made a willing people ; I believe my prayers were heard ; 
 and may I, as need to be the case with all pilgrims, who seek 
 to go Zion-ward, not turn from anything, from unwillingness 
 and impatience. May we rather seek Him, who "giveth 
 power to the faint, and to him that hath no might He in- 
 creaseth strength." 
 
 Sixth Month, 16th. It now appears too late to give much 
 account of the Yearly Meeting. The prospect of going into 
 the Men's Meeting, naturally was so awful, nay, almost 
 dreadful, that as I sat at breakfast, fears arose lest my under- 
 standing should fail; however, though in great measure 
 taken from me, upon first sitting down in Meeting, yet after 
 a time the concern arose with tranquillity, and with a power- 
 ful, though small voice, at least with power sufficient to 
 enable me to cast my burden upon the Meeting ; this brought, 
 I thought, great solemnity ; I appeared to have the full unity 
 of Friends : dear Rebecca Bevan went with me ; I felt my- 
 self much helped when there ; matter, tongue, and utterance 
 were all given in testimony and supplication. I think the 
 calm frame I enjoyed, 'upon returning into the Women's 
 Meeting, must almost be a foretaste of that rest which the 
 soul pants after. 
 
 During this annual assembly, which, as usual, occupied the 
 concluding twelve days of the Fifth Month, a circumstance 
 occurred that filled many hearts, of every class amongst 
 those who were privileged to convene on the solemn occa- 
 sion, with deep and tender sympathy. A beloved messenger 
 of the gospel, who had crossed the Atlantic, in order to pay
 
 1812.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 187 
 
 a visit of christen love to his brethren and sisters in religious 
 fellowship, in Great Britain, &c., was introduced into a dis- 
 pensation of sorrow of no common character. He had, as a 
 father in the church, been instrumental in nurturing many, 
 especially among the younger members. They shared his 
 affliction ; but it became the interesting duty of Elizabeth 
 Fry, at whose house he was an inmate, to extend to him 
 those affectionate and soothing attentions, and to minister to 
 him those consolations, which she was so peculiarly qualified 
 to offer, and which his bereaved spirit so greatly needed. 
 After the close occupations of this mournful period had a 
 little subsided, she writes : 
 
 Sixth Month. My press of engagements has been very 
 great; in the first place, the deep affliction of our much- 
 loved friend, Henry Hull. He having received letters, to 
 say, that his wife, son, mother, and brother-in-law, were all 
 dead of a contagious fever, and the lives of the rest of the 
 family very uncertain ; much as he suffered, he bore it like 
 a man, and a Christian, so as to encourage, rather than try 
 my faith ; it of course took up my time and attention, to 
 wait upon, and care for him. We have had a very largo 
 family party, my brother and sister Fry, three children and 
 servants ; my sister Elizabeth, and cousin Sarah, besides 
 many Friends, backwards and forwards : with much illness 
 in the house, my sister and her nurse, and also her baby, 
 very dangerously ill. These have all been objects of care, 
 and interest, so that I am sorry to say, I have been, at times, 
 so weighed down, and panting for rest, that I have been 
 almost irritable, and I fear not enough estimated the value 
 of their company, or the comfort of being able to serve 
 them ; but I hope my health may be some excuse for me, 
 for they are very dear to me. I think my temper requires 
 very great watchfulness, for the exercises of my mind, my 
 very numerous interests, and the irritability excited by my 
 bodily infirmities, cause me to be in so tender and touchy a
 
 188 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1812 
 
 state, that the " grasshopper becomes a burden."* In this, 
 as in all my infirmities, I have but one hope ; it is in the 
 power of Him, who has in mercy answered my prayers, and 
 helped me in many of my difficulties, and I humbly trust 
 yet will arise for my deliverance. As to the ministry, I 
 have been raised up, and at times cast down, but my heart 
 and attention have been mostly turned to rigidly perform- 
 ing my practical duties in life, which is my object, by night 
 and by day. I have felt, as if I could rest in nothing short 
 of serving Him whom my soul loves, but I desire to watch, 
 and am fully aware that with regard to myself, I have 
 nothing to trust to, but mercy ; but leaving myself, I long 
 whilst permitted to remain in mortality, not to be a drone, 
 but to do every thing to the glory of God. I think I 
 desire to do all things well, more for the cause sake, than 
 for the sake of my own soul, as my conviction of the mercy 
 and loving kindness of Him who loveth us, and who is 
 touched with a feeling of our infirmities, is so great, that 
 whilst my heart is seeking to serve Him, (full as I am 
 of defects,) I am ready to trust that, that mercy which has 
 hitherto compassed me about, will be with me to the end of 
 time, and continue with me through eternity. The fear of 
 punishment hardly even arises, or has arisen in my mind ; 
 it is more the certain knowledge that I have, of the blessed- 
 ness of serving our Master, and the very strong excitement 
 of love and gratitude, and desire for the promotion of the 
 blessed cause upon earth. Through all my tried states, I 
 have one unspeakable blessing to acknowledge ; and that is, 
 an increase of faith.' 
 
 Seventh Month, 3rd. We have, for the last week, been 
 alone, which appears greatly to have recruited soul and body ; 
 I much wanted this time with my dear husband and child- 
 
 * In reference to this allusion to irritability, her family, and those 
 who were her most constant attendants, have expressed much surprise 
 at the entry as nothing approaching to improper temper was ever 
 apparent to those aruund her.
 
 1812.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 189 
 
 ren, it has enabled me to turn my attention to my home 
 duties, and I trust I may rest pretty easy in believing things 
 are generally in good order, as to servants, children, &c., &c. 
 The poor may want a little further investigation ; I feel 
 thankful in thus being enabled to stop and examine the state 
 of my family and house. How much I have to be thankful 
 for, though all may not be quite what I wish ; how many 
 valuable dependents I have : those who I believe love us, 
 and that which is good ; some I hope will remain our friends 
 for life. My beloved children, who are come almost to an 
 age of understanding, I long to see more under the Cross of 
 Christ, and less disposed to give way to their own wills ; I 
 sometimes indulge them too much when young, I mean when 
 very little, and perhaps their nurses do so too. I could 
 desire, though it appears asking a great deal, as to things 
 temporal, that, if right for us, we may be able, through life, 
 to live in the open, liberal way we do now, endeavouring to 
 make all around us comfortable, and that we may be able to 
 continue generous friends to the poor. I fear that to be 
 much limited, would be very difficult to me : I desire that my 
 attention being so much turned to things temporal, may not 
 hinder my progress in things spiritual ; I do not believe it 
 injurious to have the natural part occupied in natural things, 
 provided all be done under subjection, and with a single eye 
 to the service of our great Master.' 
 
 Plaahet, Eiyhth Month, 14th. Eighteen, in addition to 
 our own family, slept here last night ; we passed a comfort- 
 able, and, I hope, not an unsatisfactory day. When sur- 
 rounded by many of my own family, I desire to be preserved 
 from the spirit of judgment, but I find it difficult not to be 
 on the watch with those who have been outwardly baptized ; 
 how far the living baptism shines forth in them, and enables 
 to renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps, lusts, and 
 vanities of this present world. Surely, saith my soul, there 
 is but one saving baptism, even that which redeems from 
 the world ; and I more and more think I see the danger of
 
 190 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1812. 
 
 the outward form or ordinance, lest any should deceive them- 
 selves (into thinking) that they are baptized into Christ, 
 when in reality they know little about it ; not that I judge 
 those before alluded to, but there is need of further washing, 
 I believe, in them, and in me. 
 
 Ninth Month, 2nd. This morning our poor servant, who 
 has for some weeks kept his bed very seriously ill, died. I 
 feel that I have cause for humble gratitude, in having been, 
 at the awful time, strengthened by faith, and I believe, I may 
 say, having experienced the Divine presence near ; I have 
 often sat and watched by his bed-side, desiring to know 
 whether I had anything to do, or ay, as to his soul's welfare. 
 I found neither feeling, faith, nor ability, to say or do much 
 more, than endeavour to turn his mind towards his Maker, 
 but I think never more than once, in anything of the anointing 
 power. Yesterday morning I found him much worse, a 
 struggle upon him that appeared breaking the thread of life, 
 and his sufferings great, mentally and bodily. The first thing 
 I found in myself was, that a willing mind was granted me, 
 and in sitting by him, the power and spirit of supplication 
 and intercession for him arose, to which I gave way ; it im- 
 mediately appeared to bring a solemn tranquillity, his pains 
 and restlessness were quieted ; his understanding, I believe, 
 was quite clear : he thanked me, and said, " God bless you, 
 ma'am," as if he felt much comfort in what had passed. Faith, 
 love, and calmness, were the covering of my mind. He had, 
 I believe, only one or two more slight struggles after I left 
 him ; after that I was sent for, and found that the conflict 
 appeared over, and he breathed his last in about a quarter of 
 an hour. There was peculiar sweetness, and great silence 
 and solemnity in the room. I had to acknowledge that I be- 
 lieved the mercy of our Heavenly Father was then extended 
 towards him, and to express a desire, that it might, in the 
 same awful moment, be extended towards us, feeling how 
 greatly we stood in need of mercy. The rest of the day 
 passed off as well as I could expect ; I feared lest the servants
 
 1812.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 191 
 
 and others should attribute that praise to me, with which I 
 had nothing to do, for I could not have prayed, or found an 
 answer to prayer, without an anointing from the Most High. 
 It led me to feel it a blessing to be entrusted with this sacred 
 and precious gift ; for though ministers may have much to 
 pass through, and many crosses to take up, for their own 
 good and that of others, yet, it is a marvellous gift when the 
 pure life stirs, operates, and brings down strongholds. My 
 nerves were rather shaken, so as to make me naturally fear- 
 ful, at times, the rest of the day. I have a great desire, 
 that this event may be blessed to the household, more par- 
 ticularly the servants, that it may humble and bow their 
 spirits, that they may live more in love, and grow in the 
 knowledge of God, and of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 The funeral of the servant was fixed for the . following 
 First-day: as the time approached, Elizabeth Fry felt an 
 earnest desire arise in her heart, that the occasion might be 
 one of benefit to others, as several of his friends were to be 
 present ; some from the immediate neighbourhood. 
 
 She proposed that, in the evening, all the assembled guests 
 should be invited to attend the family reading with her own 
 household, but before the hour arrived for the performance 
 of a duty, which was to her exceedingly weighty, she was 
 summoned to visit Eliza, the newly married wife of her 
 cousin, James Sheppard, who was rapidly sinking into the 
 grave. The afflicted husband and sister were deeply needing 
 the skilful tenderness, with which she could meet such exi- 
 gencies. At Meeting, in the morning, her heart had been 
 strengthened, and apparently prepared, for the duties of the 
 day. By the bed of languishing, we find her, waiting for 
 that unction, without which she was sensible that her services 
 could avail nothing ; and on the same evening, in her own 
 dwelling, when surrounded by about forty, besides her 
 children, she speaks in exhortation and prayer. Her address
 
 192 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1812. 
 
 was closely suited to the state of some persons present, and 
 unflinchingly did she impress upon them, that the " way of 
 transgressors is hard." The occasion was long remembered 
 by individuals who were there, and who attributed their 
 permanent improvement to the solemn truths they then 
 heard ; and for the first time, effectively received into their 
 hearts. Her own journal of the day, written the following 
 morning, portrays the workings of her mind. 
 
 Plashet, Ninth Month, Second day. Yesterday was rather 
 a remarkable day. I rose very low and fearful : my spirit 
 appeared overwhelmed within me, partly I think from some 
 serious outward matters, but principally from such an extreme 
 fear of my approaching confinement, feeling nothing in my- 
 self to meet it, and knowing that it must come unless death 
 prevent it. I went to Meeting, but was almost too low to 
 know whether I should go or not ; however, being helped 
 in testimony to show the blessedness of those who hope in 
 the Lord, and not in themselves, appeared to do me good, aa 
 if I had to minister to myself, as well as to others ; I had 
 a trust that my help was in the Lord, and that therefore I 
 should experience my heart to be strengthened. A message 
 came requesting my immediate attendance on poor dear Eliza 
 Sheppard, who appeared near her end. Of course I went. 
 These visits are very awful ; to sit by that, which we believe 
 to be a death-bed ; to be looked to by the afflicted, and others, 
 as a minister from whom something is expected, and the fear, 
 at such a time, of the activity of the creature arising, and 
 doing that which it has no business to do. After sitting some 
 time quiet, part of which she appeared to sleep, and part to 
 be awake, a solemn silence covered us, the words of suppli- 
 cation arose in due time ; when I believed her to be engaged 
 in the same manner, by her putting her hands together ; I 
 knelt down, and felt greatly helped ; but had not so much to 
 pray for her alone, as for all of us, there present with her. 
 I had a few words also to say, in taking leave ; the visit ap-
 
 1812.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 193 
 
 peared sweet to her by her smiles, and her whispering to her 
 sister, expressing this. Thus ended this solemn scene, her 
 husband, her own sister and brother, and dear Elizabeth 
 Gurney were present ; dear Eliza Sheppard's mind appeared 
 in a truly calm, resigned state. I returned home in rather 
 more than an hour, when the prospect of the evening felt 
 very serious to me. After poor John's funeral, I wished 
 the servants, and those who attended it and were disposed 
 to do so, to be present at our reading. The party were in 
 all about forty, many young people, and others. We first 
 read two chapters in Matthew : after a pause I knelt down, 
 and had to supplicate, first, for all the party ; afterwards, 
 for our own household, more particularly for the servants ; 
 in all which I was helped, and a very solemn silence fol- 
 lowed. The party broke up ; I think I found myself 
 strengthened, rather than weakened, by the day's work, 
 mentally and bodily, though my own great weakness soon 
 returned upon me, and it appeared striking that such an one 
 should have been so engaged ; but painful as these ieelings 
 of depression are to bear, I know " it is well," as it keeps 
 me humble, at least I hope so, lowly and abased. Oh ! saith 
 my soul, after thus ministering to others, may I not become 
 a cast-away myself, and neither in trouble, nor rejoicing, 
 bring discredit on the cause that I love, or on His name, 
 whom I desire to serve. 
 
 Plashct, IQth. A hopeful, and I trust thankful frame of 
 spirit. May the praise be wholly and entirely ascribed 
 where the praise is due, for neither in myself, nor in any 
 outward thing or person, can I at times receive consolation, 
 unless the ^Divine blessing attend. Enable me, Lord ! 
 to rejoice in Thee, and to give Thee thanks, that Thou hast 
 so far seen meet to relieve me from my fearfulness, arid 
 the captivity I have been in. Oh ! it is a blessed thing to 
 know that there yet lives a Saviour, ready to help our in- 
 firmities : blessed be His holy name for ever. In Him do 
 I trust, not in myself ; be pleased, Lord ! to confirm, 
 25
 
 194 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1812. 
 
 establish and strengthen my feeble heart, that I may rightly 
 and fully ascribe glory, honour, and power to the Father, 
 Son, and Holy Spirit ; yet feeling all as one, and but as 
 mighty parts of the same eternal, invisible, and invincible 
 power. Whatsoever be taken from me, may this faith live, 
 grow, and increase abundantly. 
 
 Her eighth child was born in the Ninth Month, 1812. 
 Writing very soon afterwards to her cousin, Joseph Gurney 
 Bevan, she thus records her thankfulness. 
 
 Plashet, Fourth day. 
 My beloved Cousin, 
 
 I am safe, and I have a sweet little girl. What can I 
 render ? My heart feels this morning rather overwhelmed 
 within me. I hope not without love to the great Master ; 
 but how sweetly has it flowed towards many, whom I believe 
 to be more or less His followers. I have particularly felt it 
 towards my much-loved Friends in Gracechurch-street 
 Meeting. My spirit has felt amongst you ; I hope you do 
 not forget me, for I do not forget you ; with what love have 
 you, as a body, been brought to my remembrance ; many 
 individually. May we each fill our respective ranks, none 
 drawing back, but stepping forward in the cause of 
 righteousness. Though I have been long out of sight, yet 
 I trust I am not quite out of the minds of many, but I desire 
 the prayers of the church, for preservation, and more full 
 dedication and resignation, in all things, to the Divine will. 
 It would be very pleasant to see thee, or any of those whom 
 I feel so near (though so unworthy of it, yet I could hope) 
 in the covenant of life. My heart has also been so filled 
 with love towards the Friends of my own Quarterly Meet- 
 ing, that I could have written them a letter of love. 
 
 YltJi. It appears due for me to acknowledge the tender 
 mercies and loving-kindness of a long-suffering God, in my 
 late safe deliverance, thougli, at times, tried by various feel- 
 ings of weakness, yet I have been permitted to find the
 
 1813.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 195 
 
 healing virtue near, keeping soul and body, the calming in- 
 fluence of which has, at times, 'been very sweet ; at others, 
 my heart has had to flow with love towards many. No 
 doubt my late confinements have been precious seasons, 
 wherein the love of the Father has been present with me ; 
 though occasionally at others, brought very low, and tried 
 by bodily and mental infirmities. Enable me, Lord ! to 
 render all the praise to Thee, and yet to trust and not be 
 afraid. 
 
 Plashet, Ninth Month, 28th. When my spirits are low, I 
 am apt to feel leaving the country, which is proposed for the 
 winter. I am almost surprised at myself, the tears have often 
 risen ; very few, indeed I believe none, know how sweet the 
 quiet and the beauties of the country have been to me ; it 
 takes hold of some of my tender feelings. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Eleventh Month, 2th. I arrived here 
 last evening to settle for the winter, after a very encouraging 
 Public Meeting; with dear William Forster, at Plaistow, which 
 I believe did me good ; I felt the Power near, it appeared to 
 cover us and the assembly, though I passed through much in 
 the Meeting, so as to shake me very much ; but truth ap- 
 peared to me to come into dominion, which was cause for 
 humble gratitude. May I be enabled to perform my duties, 
 at home and abroad. 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, I2th, 1813. At last I have 
 been enabled to accomplish my desire, in having the greater 
 part of our family here, present at the Scripture reading in 
 the morning : it has been to me a very humbling thing, and 
 I may say trying ; the difficulty, reluctance, and lukewarm- 
 ness about it, that appeared to exist, so that I was obliged 
 to beg my beloved husband to ask it for me. It was very ex- 
 ercising on the First-day morning, when we met; but through 
 all, unusual peace has been my portion, in giving up to it. 
 It has been entered into more by faith, than by sight, as it 
 appeared so very discouraging ; others not uniting in what 
 seems to mo so important a duty : but I have a secret hope
 
 196 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1813. 
 
 and belief, that good will come of it, if the Lord will be 
 pleased to bless and strengthen me in it. Oh ! saith my soul, 
 may it tend to our sanctification and redemption. Be pleased, 
 
 Lord ! so to bless it, that it become not a dead form, but 
 may it enliven our hearts towards Thee ; and enable Thy 
 poor handmaid to be a faithful minister of Thy word amongst 
 them, so as to be made instrumental in drawing some nearer 
 to Thee. I am thankful, for having been so far helped on 
 my way, and for a little peace within, when discouragement 
 was without. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Second Month, 5th. The subject of 
 visiting the Monthly Meetings, has been very present with 
 me. Grant, Lord ! I beseech Thee, strength and ability 
 to do Thy will, and promote Thy cause in the hearts of 
 others ; I know I am little and weak, yet Thou canst cause 
 one to chase a thousand, and two to put ten thousand to flight. 
 
 1 feel little doubt but that my way will be made in this matter, 
 and that this concern is not of my own appointment. Let 
 me commit myself, as much as I can, into better hands, there 
 leaving it, seeking in all things, a humble mind and resigned 
 will. I have felt and still feel, if the armour of the Lord be 
 put on, which I humbly trust it will be, that I shall be 
 enabled to fight valiantly. Be with me, Lord ! then I need 
 not fear, what any man, or any power can do unto me. See, 
 and cleanse me, if there be any wicked way in me, and lead 
 me in the way everlasting : make this visit instrumental of 
 still more closely uniting me, in Gospel love and fellowship 
 to all scattered here about ; yet preserve the poor creature 
 from ever being exalted, or taking that glory that is not its 
 due. 
 
 Mildred's Court, 11/A. I feel fresh cause for thankfulness, 
 in being helped through yesterday at our Monthly Meeting, 
 in mentioning my concern to Friends, to visit the Monthly 
 Meetings, &c., of our Quarterly Meeting ; I was unusually 
 exercised in doing it, it appeared such a very pressing matter, 
 as if I must do it, though some of my best and most valued
 
 1813.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 197 
 
 friends advised me against it, thinking that I might safely go 
 without any minute, which I did not feel to be the case, as I 
 apprehended the concern to be more extensive than it at first 
 appeared. I have seldom experienced greater relief in any 
 thing. I could hardly help rejoicing yesterday, with the 
 feelings of thankfulness, that the thing was got through so 
 much to my satisfaction and comfort. Oh, how I loved my 
 friends, I even felt it sweet their participating with me, &g I 
 believe they did, though little was said, in what I have felt 
 so awful and important, yet, enough was said to satisfy me, 
 and even in one instance, in stronger terms than I quite 
 approved, more than I dared myself say of the concern. I 
 felt a fear yesterday, and also feel it to-day, of taking any- 
 thing like my rest in this sweet feeling that has attended me, 
 and so becoming unwatchful, not devoted and circumspect 
 enough. I believe I may truly say my desire is, that this 
 event may be blessed to me, and be instrumental in making 
 me better in all things. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Second Month, 15th. My fear for my- 
 self, the last few days, is, lest I should be exalted by the 
 evident unity of my dear friends whom I greatly value ; and 
 also my natural health and spirits being good ; and being 
 engaged in some laudable pursuits, more particularly seeing 
 after the prisoners in Newgate. Oh, how deeply, how very 
 deeply, I fear the temptation of ever being exalted, or self- 
 conceited. I cannot preserve myself from this temptation, 
 any more than being unduly cast down, or crushed by others. 
 Be pleased, Lord ! to preserve me : for the deep inward 
 prayer of my heart is, that I may ever walk humbly before 
 Thee : and also before all mankind. Let me never, in any 
 way, take that glory to myself which alone belongs unto 
 Thee, if, in Thy mercy, Thou shouldst ever enable one so 
 unworthy, either to do good, or to communicate. 
 
 16th. Yesterday we were some hours at Newgate, with 
 the poor female felons, attending to their outward necessi- 
 ties ; we had been twice previously. Hcfore we went away,
 
 198 LIJFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1813. 
 
 dear Anna Buxton uttered a few words in supplication, and 
 very unexpectedly to myself, I did also. I heard weeping, 
 and I thought they appeared much tendered ; a very solemn 
 quiet was observed ; it was a striking scene, the poor people 
 on their knees around, in their deplorable condition. 
 
 Thus simply and incidentally, is recorded Elizabeth Fry's 
 first entrance upon the scene of her future labours, evidently 
 without any idea of the importance of its ultimate results. 
 
 From her early youth her spirit had often been attracted, 
 in painful sympathy, towards those who, by yielding them- 
 selves to the bondage of sin, had become the victims of 
 human justice. Before she was fifteen years of age, the 
 House of Correction at Norwich excited her feelings of deep 
 interest, and by repeated and earnest persuasion, she in- 
 duced her father to allow her to visit it. She referred, 
 many years afterwards, to the impressions which had then 
 been received, and mentioned to a dear and venerable father 
 in the truth amongst us, that it had laid the foundation for 
 her engagement in prisons. 
 
 In the First Month of this year, four members of the 
 Society of Friends, all well known to Elizabeth Fry, had 
 visited some persons in Newgate, who were about to be 
 executed. Although no mention is made of the circum- 
 stance in the journal, it has always been understood that 
 the representations of these Friends, particularly those of 
 William Forster (one of the number), first induced her per- 
 sonally to inspect the state of the women, with the view of 
 alleviating their sufferings, occasioned by the inclemency of 
 the season. 
 
 At that time, all the female prisoners in Newgate, were 
 confined in that part, now known as the untried side. The 
 larger portion of the Quadrangle was then used as a state 
 prison. The partition wall was not of a sufficient height to 
 prevent the state prisoners from overlooking the narrow yard, 
 and the windows of the two wards and two cells, of which
 
 1813.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 199 
 
 the women's division consisted. These four rooms comprised 
 about one hundred and ninety superficial yards, into which, 
 at the time of these visits, nearly three hundred women, with 
 their numerous children, were crowded : tried and untried, 
 misdemeanants and felons, without classification, without 
 employment, and with no other superintendence than that 
 given by a man and his son, who had charge of them by 
 night and by day. In the same rooms, in rags and dirt, 
 destitute of sufficient clothing (for which there was no pro- 
 vision), sleeping without bedding, on the floor, the boards of 
 which were in part raised to supply a sort of pillow, they 
 lived, cooked and washed. 
 
 With the proceeds of their clamorous begging, when any 
 stranger appeared amongst them, the prisoners purchased 
 liquors from a regular tap in the prison. Spirits were 
 openly drunk ; and the ear was assailed by the most terrible 
 language. Beyond that which was necessary for safe cus- 
 tody, there was little restraint over their communication 
 with the world without. 
 
 Although military sentinels were posted on the leads of 
 the prison, such was the lawlessness prevailing, that even 
 the governor entered this portion of it, with reluctancy. 
 Fearful that their watches would be snatched from their 
 sides, he advised the female Friends, (though without avail,) 
 to leave them in his house. 
 
 Into this scene, Elizabeth Fry entered, accompanied only 
 by Anna Buxtou. The sorrowful and neglected condition 
 of these depraved women and their miserable children, 
 dwelling in such a vortex of corruption, deeply sank into 
 her heart, although at this time, nothing more was done than 
 to supply the most destitute with clothes. She carried back 
 to her home, and into the midst of other interests and avo- 
 cations, a lively remembrance of all that she had witnessed 
 in Newgate ; which, within four years, induced that syste- 
 matic effort, for ameliorating the condition of these poor 
 outcasts, so signally blessed by Him, who said, u That joy
 
 200 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1813. 
 
 shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than 
 over ninety and nine just persons who need no repent- 
 ance." 
 
 When we contemplate the enormous evils existing in this 
 receptacle of vice and wretchedness, the query naturally 
 suggests itself, how could an enlightened Christian govern- 
 ment, and a well organized, municipal corporation, like that 
 of our great metropolis, have so long overlooked, or pas- 
 sively tolerated, a system so fraught with misery and moral 
 contamination ? The problem can only be solved by recall- 
 ing the events of that and the antecedent period .of our na- 
 tional history, when public attention was so continually ab- 
 sorbed, by the vicissitudes and the calamities of wide-spread 
 warfare, that but few were at liberty, and yet fewer were 
 inclined, to direct their attention to internal improvements. 
 The great work of Prison Reform was commenced when a 
 happier era was dawning on Europe, and a sentiment was 
 becoming diffused, that breathed, "Peace on earth, and 
 good-will towards men.' 5
 
 18131818. Letter to Edward Edwards Summer at Plashet Ill- 
 ness during the spring Her ninth child born, 1814 Illness and 
 death of her brother John Gurney Letter to her family Death 
 of Joseph Gurney Bevan Illness of her babe Journey into Nor- 
 folk Earlham, party assembled there Visit to Kingston Monthly 
 Meeting Death of one of her children Extracts from letters 
 Attends Dorsetshire Quarterly Meeting Her tenth child born, 1816 
 Leaves her four elder children in Norfolk Letters to her daugh- 
 ters Removal to London for the Winter Attends the funeral of 
 her cousin Joseph Gurney, Jun. Places her two elder sons at School 
 Letter to her sister General state of Prisons School in New- 
 gate Case of Elizabeth Fricker Newgate Association Descrip- 
 tion from Buxton Sophia de C 's Journal Vote of thanks from 
 
 the City Letters from Robert Barclay, &c. Notice in newspapers 
 Marriage of her brother, Joseph John Gurney Extracts from 
 Letters Examinations before House of Commons Capital Pun- 
 ishments Case of Skelton Duke of Gloucester and Lord Sidmouth 
 Queen Charlotte's Visit to the Mansion House Letter to Countesa 
 Harcourt 
 
 NOT only did a considerable space of time elapse, after 
 Elizabeth Fry's first visits to Newgate, before she renewed 
 them, but, in the interim, many events occurred of deep 
 import to herself. He " who sits as a Refiner and Purifier of 
 silver," saw meet to exercise her in the school of affliction, 
 before raising her up for the remarkable work which she had 
 to perform. Long and distressing indisposition ; the death 
 of her brother John Gurney, that of her paternal friend 
 Joseph Gurney Bevan ; the loss of a most tenderly beloved 
 child ; considerable decrease of property ; separation, for 
 a time, from all her elder children, were among the means 
 used by Him, who cannot err, more entirely to prepare her 
 for His service. 
 
 26 (201)
 
 202 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1813. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Second Month, 19^. I feel very un- 
 worthy this morning, though the day appeared to begin well, 
 in a few words of solemn supplication. After reading, 
 yesterday, I think I was too much off my watch, and did not 
 keep that bridle over my tongue, which is so important ; too 
 much disposed to bow the knee of my soul to mortals, rather 
 than to the living God alone. In consequence, I felt this 
 morning at reading, unwilling to take up the cross. In how 
 very many ways is my soul beset ! no mortals know, or I 
 believe, even suspect, how much so ; at times my hands ap- 
 pear ready to hang or fall down. Alas ! may it not be so. 
 
 To EDWARD EDWARDS. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Third Month,2nd, 1813. 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have been questioning whether to write to my dear sister 
 Blchenda or thyself, for my heart is full towards you ; but as 
 I had thought of writing to thee before, I think thou hast 
 the first claim. Words fall short of expression when the 
 heart is very full ; this is my case at present. I feel you all 
 very near and dear to me, and there are times when I cannot 
 help longing to have all differences and distinctions done 
 away, that we may have one heart and be of one mind ; this 
 was brought home to me by the desire I have for your sym- 
 pathy and prayers in my stoppings along, that you may be 
 able, as it were, to go with me heart and hand ; I feel this 
 because you are so near to me (I trust) in the covenant of 
 love and life, but amidst these cogitations, a sweet thought 
 has arisen, that although, in time, we may not experience all 
 walls of separation to be broken down, yet we may look 
 forward to a blessed eternity, where with one accord and 
 one heart, we may join the heavenly host, in ascribing glory 
 and honour, wisdom and power, unto our God, and the Lamb 
 for ever. 
 
 Even here the sweet love and unity of which we at times 
 are permitted to partake, appears like a foretaste of that
 
 1813.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 203 
 
 which is to be enjoyed. If any of you should feel disposed 
 to write me a few lines, I hope you will do so ; and if any 
 hint or caution arises, I beg you will freely give it ; for it is 
 Kell to watch over one another for good. The sense of my 
 own weakness, infirmity, and utter insufficiency to promote 
 the glorious cause, also a natural flinching from such an 
 exposure, and so far taking up the cross, at times make my 
 heart feel sick, and my spirit ready to faint within me ; then 
 again arises for my help and consolation, a faith in Him who 
 gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might 
 increases strength ; indeed my confidence is not in myself, 
 but in the power of a Saviour and Redeemer. My desire is, 
 through the ability given, or grace afforded, that I may attend 
 to the blessed injunction of " Continue ye in my love. If ye 
 keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as 
 I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His 
 love." May it be under the constraining influence of this 
 love, that I ever dare to advocate His cause, and may I be 
 preserved from my own willings and runnings. I find, my 
 dear friend, thou hast lately been afflicted and tried : unto 
 such how many precious promises are offered, yet there are 
 times when the heart feels unable to receive them, and we can 
 hardly believe ourselves of the number to whom they apply. 
 Is this ever thy case? perhaps we can sympathize in the feel- 
 ing of, at times, walking in darkness, and having no light; 
 may we then "trust in the Lord, and stay ourselves upon 
 our God." My dear love to thy wife, dear Richenda, and 
 
 my brother, D G , and remember me affectionately 
 
 to our friends, the Hankinsons. Believe me thy affection- 
 ately interested friend, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Third Month, 22nd. Began tho day 
 poorly, by not doing what came to hand at our family read- 
 ing ; and now, I am going to set out to visit the sick and 
 sorrowful belonging to Westminster Meeting. Lord !
 
 204 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1813. 
 
 have mercy on me, and pardon my transgressions, and enable 
 Thy poor unworthy one to speak a word in season to the 
 afflicted and tried. Thou only knowest my heart and its 
 many fears ; preserve me from evil, and keep the gift pure, 
 I beseech Thee, and unalloyed by the dross of my nature, as 
 I fear for it, lest being so very often called forth, I should 
 ever stir in my own strength ; help Thy poor, dependent 
 child, Lord ! I pray Thee have mercy on me, be with me 
 in the way that I should go, preserve me from undue fear of 
 man, yet keep me open to caution, reproof, or advice of 
 those further advanced ; keep me humble, lowly and obe- 
 dient, walking in Thy fear, and in Thy love. Amen. 
 Enable me to walk before Thee this day, with a watchful, 
 circumspect, and faithful heart. Thou hast blessed, be yet 
 pleased to bless ! 
 
 Plashet, Fourth Month, 8th. Yesterday I gave up my 
 minute. I was helped to acknowledge how it had been with 
 me, that way had been made for me inwardly and outwardly, 
 to accomplish that which I had in view ; and although I 
 before had deep humiliation to pass through, and had to bear 
 the cross greatly in some things, also to feel much abased, 
 under a sense of my own infirmity and unworthiness, yet that 
 I had experienced a power, better than myself, helping me ; 
 even that which I believed to be the power of an endless life, 
 strengthening me to do things which I could not of myself 
 have done ; I had learned afresh that, to the creature, no- 
 thing belongeth but confusion of face, but to the Holy Helper, 
 who alone is worthy, glory, honour, power, thanksgiving, 
 and praise. Sweet quietness and peace, was felt after this 
 acknowledgment to the women and men. I also expressed 
 my desire, that whenever weakness or infirmity had shown 
 itself, it might be laid to the creature, but whenever good, 
 however small, had appeared, that it might by myself and 
 others be attributed to the Creator. 
 
 Plashet, 28th, Dear Edward Edwards and his wife are 
 staying here, which has been pleasant to me.
 
 1813.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 205 
 
 Fifth Month, 1st. So one month passes away, and another 
 comes. A sweetness and power enlivens my heart this morn- 
 ing. I pray Thee, Lord ! Thou who hast hitherto helped 
 me, be with me this day, preserve me humble and lowly in 
 spirit, enable me to do Thy will ; if Thou grantest ability to 
 Thy poor handmaid to speak in Thy name, enable her, and 
 all, to give wholly unto Thee the glory and honor of Thy 
 own work. We had a very striking time yesterday even- 
 ing, before our dear friends Edward and Anne Edwards left 
 us, when sitting with them, my sister Priscilla, and some 
 others. Dear Edward Edwards knelt down, and to my 
 feelings, expressed himself in a very lively manner ; others 
 were led to speak, both in testimony and supplication ; af- 
 terwards, I had to pour forth a little of my soul ; there ap- 
 peared to flow a current of life and love, as if we were own- 
 ed by the Most High ; I felt my own like a song of praise. 
 
 Sixth Month. I am likely to attend dear Mary Dudley, 
 to the families of this Monthly Meeting, which appears a 
 suitable opening for me, and one which seems lively and de- 
 sirable to my spiritual sight. 
 
 Plashet, 24M. Enabled publicly, after reading, to cast 
 my case upon my Holy Helper, and I have since found 
 much comfort and relief to my before tried mind, so as to 
 know a degree of that precious feeling of my peace flowing 
 as a river, and being in measure enabled to do that which I 
 have to do, as unto the Lord. 
 
 Plathet, Tenth Month, 15th. My original intention in 
 writing this journal, has been simply and purely the good of 
 my own soul ; but, if, after my death, those who survive 
 should believe that any part of it would conduce to strength- 
 en others in the faith, and to encourage them in righteous- 
 ness, by manifesting the loving-kindness of the Almighty to 
 His unworthy child, or to the comfort of any mourner in 
 Zion, I am willing that it should be exposed, even if my 
 weaknesses are acknowledged ; so long as they lead to the 
 love of Him, who has, in tender mercy, manifested Himself
 
 206 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FKY. [1813. 
 
 to be strength in my weakness, and a present Helper in every 
 needful time. 
 
 Eleventh Month, 12/A. I am likely to set off early to- 
 morrow without my husband, to go into Norfolk ; this pros- 
 pect I feel pleasant and painful ; pleasant, the idea of being 
 at Earlham ; painful, leaving home, and more particularly 
 my husband. May I be enabled there faithfully to do my 
 duty, in whatever way I may be led, in Meeting, or out 
 of Meeting ; may the time spent there be to our mutual 
 comfort and edification, and may those left be cared for and 
 preserved, soul and body, by Him who careth for us ; this I 
 humbly trust will be the case. Amen. 
 
 Plashetj 25th. I returned safely home to my beloved 
 family, on Secpnd-day evening, the 22nd, I trust I may say, 
 in thankfulness of heart, finding all well, and going on alto- 
 gether very comfortably. I returned by Ipswich, accompa- 
 nied by my sister Priscilla and my brother Joseph, and spent 
 all First-day there ; but I was unusually low, almost dis- 
 tressed, on account of little Betsy, as I heard she was un- 
 well, and knew not the extent of it ; so that my natural 
 impatience to get home was great ; but I felt kept there, 
 and as if I could not go away, and thus deeply tried in my- 
 self, was greatly helped from one service to another, during 
 the day, being variously and often engaged. It was a day 
 of natural tribulation as far as fears went ; and may I not 
 say almost of spiritual abounding ? So it is ! and so I 
 often have found it, that I have to be brought as to the dust 
 of the earth, before I am greatly helped. Out of the 
 depths, we are raised to the heights. Dear Priscilla, before 
 we parted, prayed for my safe and speedy return home, which 
 prayer has been remarkably granted. Third-day, my beloved 
 husband, with our children, attended the Monthly Meeting, 
 where our certificate was received. 
 
 This was from Gracechurch-street Meeting to that of 
 Plaistow ; their removal to Plashet having brought them 
 within the compass of the latter.
 
 1814.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 207 
 
 I should say, the day was begun by returning thanks in 
 my own family, amongst my children, husband, and ser- 
 vants, to my peace ; the rest of the day passed in much do- 
 mestic comfort with my husband at home. This was one of 
 the very bright days of life ; blessings are abundantly 
 granted, and sometimes even a blessing upon the blessings, 
 that makes all feel sweet and lovely ! 
 
 Plashet, Twelfth Month, 13M. I do think, at times, that 
 it is by far my first desire, to be brought into conformity to 
 the Divine will, but at other times, I am ready to fear that I 
 deceive myself; but I am thankful in believing that the secret 
 intents and purposes of my heart are known, though at the 
 same time I am sensible that there is much infirmity, and 
 evil propensity which must also be known ; yet even of that 
 I am glad, for it is well the physician should know the extent 
 of the malady, as he alone can rightly apply the remedy. 
 Thou knowest me, Lord ! much better than I know my- 
 self; Thou knowest the intents and purposes of my heart ; 
 bring that under, which, in any way, opposes itself to Thy 
 will being done in me, by me and through me ; be with me 
 unto the end, Lord ! I pray Thee, and, in Thine own time, 
 subdue all that rebels against Thee ; do for me that which I 
 cannot do for myself ; even carry on Thine own work in me, 
 to Thy own praise ; make me willing at all times, to speak 
 in Thy name, when it is according to thy will; yet more 
 and more manifest Thine own power, in Thy poor unworthy 
 child. 
 
 First Month, 24th, 1814. I feel affected by the distresses 
 of the poor, owing to the very sharp weather ; and hardly 
 know how to serve them, but I mean to go after them, and 
 desire a blessing may attend my small efforts to relieve them, 
 for it appears very little we can do, so as thoroughly to 
 assist them ; but I trust a better than ourselves is near to 
 help and support them under their many trials. 
 
 Plathet, Second Month, 4th. I am low, under a sense of 
 my own infirmities, and also rather grieved by the poor. I
 
 208 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1814. 
 
 endeavoured to serve them, and have given them such broth 
 and dumplings as we should eat ourselves ; I find great fault 
 has been found with them, and one woman seen to throw 
 them to the pigs : however, I truly desire to act in this with 
 a Christian spirit, still persevering to do my utmost for them, 
 and patiently bear their reproach, which may be better for 
 me than their praises. 
 
 Third Month, 2Qth. The craving of my soul for preser- 
 vation is almost past expression : feeling as I am permitted 
 to do at times, the goodness of the Lord, how fervent is my 
 desire, how inexpressible my prayer, that I may ever be His, 
 in and through all things ; that I inay dwell nearer in spirit 
 to my Redeemer, that increased humility, watchfulness, 
 patience and forbearance, may be my portion ; that I may 
 not only be saved myself, but that I may not stand in the 
 way of others' salvation, more particularly in that of my own 
 household and family; that I may, if consistent with the 
 Divine will, be made instrumental in saving others. Now, 
 in the time of my retirement from the world, from being 
 unwell, my soul craves in deep prostration, preservation from 
 Thee, God ! There are seasons of deep prostration, when 
 my soul is overwhelmed within me, under the feeling of Thy 
 goodness, Thy power, and in love towards Thyself, Thy ever 
 blessed cause, and those that fear Thy name. This morn- 
 ing my heart commends numbers, who are assembled for 
 the solemn purpose of worshipping Thee, to Thy grace and 
 good keeping ; animate them by Thy love, keep them 'in Thy 
 fear ; yet be with, and keep Thy poor, unworthy handmaid ; 
 be it unto her according to Thy will, or Thy word : yet, in 
 Thy abundant mercy, permit her soul to magnify Thee, 
 Lord ! and her spirit to rejoice in God her Saviour, which 
 she has been permitted to do of late, even in seasons of 
 deep humiliation, or when coming out of the depths. 
 
 25th. May I spiritually and temporally this day be en-- 
 abled to give myself up to my Master, not looking upon my- 
 self as my own, or feeling anxious as to what I suffer, or "^ly
 
 1814.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FBY. 209 
 
 suffer, but rather resigning myself unto Him who knows what 
 is best for me : but this is not in my own power. Keep me, 
 Lord ! near unto Thyself, and Thy own preserving power, 
 and kt me not wander from Thee, either in word, deed, or 
 desire, or be over anxious as to what may await me, but 
 strengthen me, if consistent with Thy will, to trust in Thy 
 mercy towards one so poor, so weak, and so frail. 
 
 Fourth Month, 30th. In great weakness and infirmity. 
 Gracious and Almighty Father, permit Thy poor child to 
 come unto Thee, her God and Saviour, that, if consistent 
 with Thy holy will, she may once more be healed and revived, 
 through thy Almighty, saving power ; give her not over to 
 the will of her soul's enemies, and permit not temptation or 
 weakness to overcome her, but in Thine own unspeakable 
 and unmerited mercy, be Thou yet unto her, her Lord and 
 her God, her Saviour and her Redeemer, her present help in 
 trouble, and her only hope of glory. Amen. 
 
 Plashet. Fifth Month, 24lh. My soul followeth hard after 
 Thee, O Lord ! enable Thy poor child to follow after Thee, 
 preserve her from letting in want of faith, mistrust, or fear, 
 but enable her to cleave very close unto Thee, and through 
 all her trials, that nothing may, in any degree, separate her 
 from Thy love. 
 
 Plashet, Sixth Month, IBth. Though clouds may be per- 
 mitted to overshadow me, before the real trial comes, yet I 
 cannot but have a hope that help will marvellously be ex- 
 tended in the needful time. Help, dearest Lord, or I perish; 
 permit me neither to let go my hold in times of trial, nor 
 deny Thee in thought, word, or deed ; but acknowledge Thy 
 goodness to thy very greatly favored, but unworthy child. 
 These words arise ; " be still, and thou shalt see the salva- 
 tion of God." Be it so, saith my soul. 
 
 The birth of her ninth child took place on the 14th of 
 Sixth Month. 
 27
 
 210 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1814. 
 
 Plashet, 20/A. As I lay this morning, these words oc- 
 curred to me, Lackest thou anything ? The answer of my 
 heart was, Nothing, Lord ! Thy mercies abundantly over- 
 flow ; only enable me and mine to keep a still closer cov- 
 enant with Thee, and to remember Thy commandments to 
 do them ; and may my soul ever make her boast in Thee, 
 her God and Saviour ; and never, no never, take that to her- 
 self, that in no degree belongs to her. Under a fear of too 
 freely approaching Thy sacred footstool in word, as Thou, 
 Lord, knowest my heart, and its secret purposes, do that 
 for me that I cannot do for myself ; and may I, day by day, 
 yet experience Thy grace to be sufficient for me, whether in 
 mourning, or in rejoicing. 
 
 21 st. My soul cannot help feeling greatly bowed in 
 gratitude for the many and great benefits received ; thanks- 
 giving is the voice of my heart, though something of anxiety 
 and disquietude has been my portion, more particularly on 
 account of my beloved husband and children. I also desire 
 to settle my household aright, to walk before them with an 
 upright, humble, and perfect heart, fulfilling the Law and 
 the Gospel. I desire to be scrupulously nice as to my con- 
 duct towards servants. I thought, if not saying too much 
 for myself, that I have wept, as between the porch and the 
 altar, on their account, and on that of my beloved family 
 altogether ; I feel it cause for much thanksgiving, so far 
 to be restored to them again, but my natural spirits, at 
 times, are overcome. Grant wisdom and grace, Lord ! I 
 pray Thee, to Thy poor child, to order her steps aright be- 
 fore them all, being wise as the serpent and harmless as the 
 dove. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry was, at this time, tenderly affected by the 
 critical illness of her beloved friend and relative, Joseph 
 Gurney Bevan. 
 
 And, as soon as her health was sufficiently restored to 
 admit of it, she took a journey to Earlham, to see her brother 
 John. Gurney, who was then rapidly declining.
 
 1814.] LIFE OF EL ZAB^TH ?RY. 211 
 
 Plashet, Eighth Month, 1.5th. Once more arrived at my 
 sweet home, and truly thankful ih having finished my visit 
 to my much-beloved brothers and sisters with satisfaction. I 
 feel most tenderly for all, and I humbly trust, all are press- 
 ing Zion- ward, though I cannot say that I fully understand, 
 or enter into, the activity of the creature appearing to show 
 itself so much in things belonging to the soul's salvation : 
 but this I know, inasmuch as it is of God, it will stand ; but 
 inasmuch as it is of man, it will fall. It is not for a poor 
 unworthy fellow-mortal, like myself, to say what is of God, 
 and what is not ; though I may apprehend that there is a 
 mixture, not only in them, but in myself, and in us as a body ; 
 though our belief and profession is, that nothing short of the 
 Holy Spirit can really help forward the cause of righteous- 
 ness on the earth, whether it be immediately, or instru- 
 mentally ; and that we can only do good when influenced 
 by this Spirit, and therefore desire to wait for its stirrings. 
 I parted from my beloved sister Rachel, who has, for months 
 past, been to me a tenderly beloved friend, a most watchful 
 and valuable nurse, and a L J3t loving sister ; I felt parting 
 from her a good deal. 
 
 Plasliet, 29*A. My heart has been much affected by the 
 accounts of my beloved brother, who appears sinking into 
 the grave, step by step ; but his soul most mercifully cared 
 for, and also his body greatly shielded from. suffering. 
 
 Earlham, Ninth Month, 9th. I trust I Jiave been enabled 
 to do what I ought, in this matter ; after writing the above, 
 a letter arrived, that quite confirmed me in the propriety of 
 making ready to set off early on the Third-day morning, but 
 I could not feel easy to do it till that time. I felt bound in 
 spirit to offer up my family to the care of a protecting Provi- 
 dence publicly, after our reading in the morning, before I set 
 off, which I was enabled to do ; and also to pray for my 
 beloved brother, that in passing through the valley of the 
 shadow of death, he might fear no evil ; (this prayer appeared 
 fully answered). I left home, after this, with a peculiarly
 
 212 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1814. 
 
 happy, may I not say cheerful mind ? I mean free from bur- 
 den. I have seldom had a more comfortable journey ; in small 
 things as well as great, I saw the kind hand of Providence. 
 
 On the day after her arrival at Earlham, the spirit of her 
 beloved brother was released from the bonds of mortality, of 
 which she thus writes to her family. 
 
 Earlham, Ninth Month, Sth, 1814. 
 (by the remains of my beloved brother.) 
 
 My much loved Husband and Children, 
 
 Believing you will feel with me, in what so nearly concerns 
 me, and not only me, but you also, I sit down to tell you, as 
 nearly as I can, what has happened since I came here. I 
 believe you know that I arrived about four o'clock yesterday 
 morning. I was then led into the room where my tenderly 
 beloved brother lay in bed ; he was awake, but some feared 
 he would not know me, instead of which, upon seeing me, 
 his words were, "My dear sister, come and kiss me ;" then 
 he expressed his great pleasure at our being together he 
 looked very sweet, quite easy, may I not say, like one re- 
 deemed. After staying some time by him, I went to bed ; 
 but I did not rest much, feeling low, burdened, and rather 
 poorly. My dear sister Priscilla came to me a little past 
 nin- o'clock, and advised me to come, he was so very bright, 
 his powers of mind appearing much clearer than any dying 
 man I ever witnessed, except our poor servant John. Upon 
 going into his room he kissed us each again, and again said, 
 he wished for all his sisters together, appearing clearly to 
 recollect each, for upon one saying, " Now there is no excep- 
 tion, all the sisters are with thee," he at first misunderstood, 
 and said, " Did you say there is one exception, for there is 
 not," or to that effect : he said it was delightful, how we loved 
 one another. It appeared my place to return thanks for 
 such unspeakable blessings. He then said, " What a sweet 
 rrayer !" and afterwards, " I never passed so happy a morn-
 
 1814.J LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 213 
 
 ing ; how delightful being together, and loving one another, 
 as we do." As the day further advanced, he said, "What 
 a beautiful day this has been !" My dear uncle and aunt 
 Joseph, came a little before dinner : Charles Brereton, Wil- 
 liam Wilkinson and his wife, Hannah Scarnel, nurse Norman, 
 and his own man, were our companions. Dr. Alderson called 
 in the morning, and D. Dalrymple, each much affected, he 
 expressed himself so kindly to them ; he desired his love to 
 Amelia Opie ; he enjoyed our dear sister Richenda, singing 
 hymns to him ; he took leave of most of the old servants ; to 
 one whom he used not much to like, he spoke the most kindly, 
 said he was glad to see him, and shook him warmly by the 
 hand, and bade him " farewell ;" he appeared deeply im- 
 pressed with his many blessings, and the mercy shown him. 
 About half an hour after it was over, we had once more to 
 approach the sacred footstool (for ability) to bless the Sacred 
 Name, b6th for His giving and taking away. Thus closed 
 such a day as I never passed ; may we not say, " Blessed 
 are the dead that die in the Lord ?" Oh, my belbved 
 children and husband, may we not only feel, but profit by 
 
 this striking event 
 
 Earlham, Ninth Month, 13M. My heart feels very full ; 
 my body I believe has trembled, ever since I rose, to meet 
 the party now assembled, and likely to assemble here. My 
 own corrupt dispositions, I found showed themselves to my- 
 self yesterday, which I believe tended to lay me very low ; 
 may I not say, the feeling of my heart is, that I am lying 
 prostrate in the dust ? I have been greatly tendered in 
 spirit with love to those here, whom I believe to love the 
 Lord; united to them in a manner inexpressible, in my 
 inmost heart all barriers being broken down. Yet I feel 
 it needful to be very watchful, very careful ; to be faithful 
 to the testimony that I apprehend myself called upon to 
 bear, not only for my own sake, but also for the sake of tho 
 younger ones about me ; Lord, be pleased to help me, to 
 guide me, to counsel me, that from ray own will and preju-
 
 214 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1814. 
 
 dice, I 'wound not a beloved brother or sister in Christ, but 
 so keep me in Thy fear, in Thy love, and under a sense of 
 Thy presence ; that I act in these most awful and important 
 duties, according to Thy most holy and blessed will. During 
 these few days, when so surrounded by many of various 
 descriptions, keep my eye, I fervently pray Thee, single 
 unto Thyself, doing whatever Thou wouldest have me, either 
 to do, or to suffer, not bowing the knee of my heart to 
 any mortal, or seeking to gratify, or even satisfy self but, 
 Lord ! let Thy will be done in me, by me, and through 
 me ; permit our souls to be united in sweet and precious 
 unity with all who fear Thy name, and not only those ; even 
 animate the hearts of others, who may not yet know Thee, 
 that they also may be touched by Thy love, and united 
 together in Thy fear. Let Thy good presence be with us, 
 that the fesble be strengthened, the discouraged animated 
 by hope, the lukewarm stimulated, and the backslider turned 
 from the error of his ways, even so, if consistent with Thy 
 holy will. If thou seest meet to make use of Thy unworthy 
 children to speak in Thy name, be unto them tongue and 
 utterance, wisdom and power, that through Thy grace, and 
 the help of Thy spirit, sinners may be converted unto Thee. 
 Amen, Amen. 
 
 Plnshet, 22wrf. My beloved brother's funeral was a very 
 soleLn and humbling day to me ; whilst we sat at Earlham 
 round the body, my uncle Joseph, my sisters Catherine, 
 Rachel, and Priscilla, and I, each had something to say ; 
 also Edward Edwards. I had to finish the sitting with these 
 words, " There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And 
 there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 
 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same 
 God which worketh all in all. But let us earnestly covet 
 the best gifts." It certainly was a striking occasion. Wero 
 not all, in a measure, leavened into one spirit ? It was a 
 very solemn time at the ground, and I trust an instructive 
 one, very affecting to our -jatural feelings, thus to leave the
 
 1814.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 215 
 
 body of one so tenderly beloved, to moulder with the dust. 
 Upon my return, I heard of the sudden death of my long- 
 loved cousin, J. G. Bevan. My spirit was much overwhelmed 
 within me, but there was a stay underneath ; blessed be the 
 name of the Lord. I bid them all farewell, at Earlham, in 
 near unity. Oh, may my children love as we love this 
 has been the prayer of my heart ! 
 
 30/7i. Another month nearly gone, how much has passed 
 in it ; how awfully has death been brought to my view. I 
 have felt it a good deal, on my own account : and cannot 
 Bay that, at present, death appears to have no sting for mo, 
 or the grave no victory. May that blessed state ever be mine, 
 of knowing the sting of death to be altogether removed. 
 
 Extract from a letter to her cousin, P. H. Gurney. 
 
 Plashet, Tenth Month, l$th, 1814. 
 My beloved Cousin, 
 
 I regret not answering thy letter before, but almost constant 
 engagements have prevented me. I believe few can more 
 feelingly sympathize than myself, in thy great loss in this 
 our tenderly beloved cousin, Joseph Gurney Bevan. 
 
 He was indeed a true friend, a wise counsellor, and is an 
 inexpressible loss to me ; I feel a real and great deprivation, 
 and a vacancy that I know not who can fill. Dear John 
 IJull's state is also very affecting, but he yet remains not 
 only alive, but lively in spirit. I have once been to see him, 
 and may be thankful that he is yet spared to us, but it is a 
 blessing I do not expect long to enjoy ; dear Rachel Smith's 
 loss is also present with me. Now for my tenderly beloved 
 brother ; words fall very short of expression. I do not know 
 that I can feel grateful enough on his account ; we may 
 truly say that his end appeared blessed indeed, love, joy, 
 and peace were the covering of his spirit, " Blessed are the 
 dead that die in the Lord." No evil or sorrow appeared to
 
 216 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1815. 
 
 be permitted to come near him, no pain, mind, or body, that; 
 we could perceive, what a fav ur ! He was buried in the 
 Friends' Burying Ground at Norwich, by his wife. 
 
 Plashet, Eleventh Month, 2nd. My beloved husband 
 and girls returned from France, on Second day ; my heart 
 was rather overwhelmed in receiving them again. I also 
 had to feel the spirit in which some persons took my having 
 allowed them to go, making what appeared to be unkind re- 
 marks. Oh, how do I see rocks on every hand ; thus almost 
 all persons, who appear to pride themselves upon their con- 
 sistency, are apt to judge others ; whilst some, who no 
 doubt yield to temptations, greatly suffer, and weaken them- 
 selves by it. How weak, how frail are we on every hand ; 
 my heart was much overwhelmed, seeing the infirmities of 
 others, and feeling my own. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry exercised a watchful care, never, unless 
 duty required it, to oppose the wishes of her husband ; and 
 it could not reasonably be expected that she would prevent 
 his taking his two elder girls on this excursion. But her 
 solicitude on account of her family became increasingly 
 great. She found as her children advanced in age, and the 
 corrupt propensities of the natural mind developed them- 
 selves, that she often failed in her attempts to control the 
 unyielding will, and to subdue the vain inclination and, 
 from external circumstances, she did not receive the co-op- 
 eration requisite, rightly to govern their volatile tempera- 
 ment : but earnest were her efforts to guide them into the 
 way of peace, and fervent her prayers that they might be 
 gathered to the fold of the good Shepherd. 
 
 Mildred's Court, first Month, 16th, 1815. We came 
 here for a little change of air, on account of our poor babe, 
 who has been, and continues seriously ill. Instead of her 
 sweet smile, her countenance mostly marks distress ; the 
 cause appears greatly hidden ; my mind and heart are op-
 
 1815.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 21T 
 
 pressed, and my body fatigued, partly from losing so much 
 sleep. I have felt my infirmity during this affliction, and 
 also having betrayed it to others, which I have, I appre- 
 hend, to judge by my touchy feelings ; but, I trust, I re- 
 pent. Oh, what am I ? very poor, very unworthy, very 
 weak, but through all, I trust that the Lord will be my 
 stay ; and even when brought thus low, I have known a 
 little of being, at seasons, clothed with that righteousness 
 which cometh from God : I found it was well so feelingly 
 to have been brought to a knowledge of what I am, in myself, 
 as I could more fully testify from whence the good comes, 
 when brought in measure, under its calming, enlivening, and 
 loving influence. Preserve me, Lord ! from hurting the 
 little ones, more particularly those before whom I have to 
 walk ; and permit me yet to encourage their progress Zion- 
 ward. 
 
 25th. A time of anxiety about things temporal has lately 
 been my portion, but much deliverance has so far been 
 granted ; my sweet baby is much better : though other 
 matters are still pressing, yet it appears, as to things tem- 
 poral, that prayer has been heard and answered. From one 
 cause or another, how much my heart, mind, and time have, 
 for more than a year past, been engaged with the cares of 
 this life ; alas ! may the pure seed not be choked. 
 
 Second Month, 2,1th. I have a religious concern in pros- 
 pect, which I am likely to lay before Friends to-morrow ; but 
 believing that to be the Lord's work, I am enabled to leave 
 it, trusting in Him. 
 
 This entry in Elizabeth Fry's journal, alludes to some 
 Meetings which she attended on her way into Norfolk. She 
 spent a few days at Earlham, before her return home. 
 
 Erith, Third Month ,23rd, Yesterday morning commenced 
 our little journey, cut friends the Steinkopffs and Rebecca 
 Chrir'y with H., as - did not like the Steinkopffs should leave
 
 218 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1816. 
 
 as, believing them to be fellow-disciples. My heart felt very 
 *ull, with my husband, children, and household around me : it 
 almost overwhelmed me. I had cast my whole care upon my 
 holy and blessed Helper, wha has hitherto kept me, and 
 cared for me and mine. Oh, saith my soul, may He preserve 
 us, now separated, as well as together. I have had to speak 
 to them all, in testimony, in these words, " If ye love me, keep 
 my commandments," believing that we poor, fellow-mortals 
 might address that language to each other. Then, upon 
 sitting down to breakfast, I had to return thanks for bread 
 being broken to us, spiritually and temporally, and to pray 
 for more. I deeply felt parting, most particularly with my 
 sweet, dear, little babe ; but I believe we parted under the 
 canopy of divine love, and blessing. We travelled well, and 
 comfortably here, but in the night I had a deep plunge, 
 making me exceedingly low and nervous. The enemy 
 seemed to come in like a flood ; I sought after quietness 
 and patience, and in due time, felt a standard to be lifted up 
 against him, for which mercy may I not say, " Bless the 
 Lord, oh, my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy 
 name." I believe baptisms are necessary for our preparation 
 and refinement for such awful services, therefore I desire not 
 to flinch, but to pray that if consistent with the Divine will, 
 fears may not have dominion over me. Oh, for preservation 
 on every hand ; and be pleased, righteous Father, to be with, 
 and bless my husband and children, as well as Thy poor, 
 unworthy handmaid ; enable her so to keep the word of Thy 
 patience, that Thou mayst keep her from the hour of tempta- 
 tion. Amen, and Amen. Be with us, Lord ! this day and 
 night, that we may know our poor bodies and souls to be a 
 little strengthened, if consistent with thy holy will. 
 
 Towards the end of the summer, which had been passed 
 in tranquil enjoyment at Plashet, she believed it her duty to 
 join her friends William Forster and llebecca Christy in a 
 visit to the families of Kingston Monthly Meeting.
 
 1815.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 219 
 
 Plashet, Ninth Month, $th. I think I may acknowledge, 
 that although much stripping and deep poverty has at times 
 been my portion, during my visit to the families of Kingston 
 Monthly Meeting, with dear William Forster and Rebecca 
 Christy ; yet power, consolation, and sweetness have also 
 been felt at times, and I think our way has been remarkably 
 made in the hearts of those we have visited. I came home 
 with the feeling, that he who waters is also watered. The 
 prospect of not having finished, and of leaving home again, 
 is serious ; but oh, for preservation and strength to do the 
 will of God, at home and abroad. 
 
 15th. I returned home last evening, having just finished 
 my engagement with William Forster and Rebecca Christy. 
 Being at home again, and having some heavy clouds, a little, 
 indeed a good deal, dispersed, is a great comfort and relief. 
 We have been much favoured in our goings along ; help being 
 granted from season to season, much unity of the Spirit, and 
 general sweetness and openness amongst others. But I have 
 felt since my return, this morning, in our frail state, how 
 difficult it is, even when engaged in religious services, to 
 prevent our infirmities creeping in and showing themselves, 
 something like the iniquity of our holy things. Great as is 
 the honour and favour of being employed in the Master's 
 service, and the peace and consolation which attend the re- 
 membrance of it ; yet I am so much aware of the evil seed 
 not being eradicated from my own heart, that my present 
 feeling is this, " Who can understand his errors? cleanse 
 Thou mo from secret faults, keep back Thy servant also 
 from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over 
 me ;" and how anxiously do I desire that I may not only be 
 as a vessel, washed and cleansed from impurities, contracted 
 in being used, but also if these have shown themselves, that 
 the most precious and blessed cause of truth and righteous- 
 ness, may not have been hurt by me, but that our little 
 labours of love may be blessed to ourselves and others ; and 
 now that I am come home, oh, may I labour and not faint.
 
 220 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1815. 
 
 Tenth Month, 14th. I have been of late principally oc- 
 cupied at home, which has its peculiar exercises, as well as 
 being abroad ; having to govern such a large household, 
 where the infirmity and evil propensity of each one, old and 
 young, too often show themselves, and deeply try me in many 
 ways. It confirms me in a feeling of my infirmity ; it 
 numbles me ; yet I trust through all, the discipline of the 
 cross may be found amongst us, and through its subjecting 
 influence, the wrong thing in measure is kept under. How- 
 ever, I have my consolations, and great consolations, but I 
 find, I am not to rest even in the ruling and order of my 
 household. Many changes in our family circle, among 
 others, my dear sister Richenda is likely to marry Francis 
 Cunningham. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry had known many trials during the two 
 preceding years, but an acute sorrow, and one unlike any 
 which she had hitherto experienced, now awaited her. The 
 death of her little Elizabeth, the seventh child. She was 
 lovely, and of much promise ; with her mother's name she 
 possessed much of her nature, and more of her general 
 appearance, effect, and manner, than any of her other 
 children. 
 
 Plashet, Eleventh Month. It has pleased Almighty and 
 Infinite Wisdom, to take from us our most dear and tenderly 
 beloved child, little Betsy between four and five years old. 
 She was a very precious child, of much wisdom for her years, 
 and I can hardly help believing much grace ; liable to the 
 frailty of childhood : at times she would differ with the little 
 one, and rather loved her own way ; but she was very easy to 
 lead, though not one to be driven. She had most tender 
 affections, a good understanding ; for her years, a remarkably 
 staid and solid mind. Her love was very strong, and her 
 little attentions great to those she loved, and remarkable in 
 her kindness to servants, poor people ; and to all animals, 
 she had much feeling for them ; but what waa more, the bent
 
 1815.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 221 
 
 of her mind was remarkably towards serious things. It was 
 a subject she loved to dwell upon j she would often talk of 
 " Almighty," and almost every thing that had connection 
 with Him. On Third day, the 21st, after some suffering *f 
 body from great sickness, she appeared wonderfully relieved, 
 and I may say raised in spirit ; she began by telling me how 
 many hymns and stories she knew, with her countenance 
 greatly animated, a flush on her cheeks, and her eyes verj 
 bright, a smile of inexpressible content, almost joy I think 
 she first said with a powerful voice, 
 
 '' How glorious is our Heavenly King 
 Who reigns above the sky." 
 
 And then expressed how beautiful it was, and how the little 
 children that die stand before Him, but she did not remem- 
 ber all the words of the hymn, nor could I help her ; she then 
 mentioned other hymns and many sweet things ; she spoke 
 with delight of how she could nurse the little ones and take 
 care of them, &c., her heart appeared inexpressibly to over- 
 flow with love. ... In her death, there was abundant 
 cause for thanksgiving; prayer appeared indeed to be an- 
 swered, as very little, if any suffering seemed to attend her, 
 and no struggle at last ; but her breath grew more and more 
 seldom and gentle, till she ceased to breathe. During the 
 day, being from time to time strengthened in prayer, in heart, 
 and in word, I found myself only led to ask for her, that she 
 might be for ever with her God, whether she remained much 
 longer in time or not, but that if it pleased Infinite Wisdom, 
 her sufferings might be mitigated, and as far as it was need- 
 ful for her to suffer, that she might be sustained. This was 
 marvellously answered beyond anything we could expect. 
 I desire never to forget this favour, but, if it please Infinite 
 Wisdom, to be preserved from repining, or unduly giving 
 way to lamentation, for losing so sweet, so kind a child. . . 
 My loss has touched me in a manner almost inexpressible ; 
 r ,o awake, and find my much and so tenderly beloved little
 
 222 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1815. 
 
 girl so totally fled from my view, so many pleasant pictures 
 marred. As far as I am concerned, I view it as a separation 
 from a sweet source of comfort and enjoyment, but surely not 
 a real evil ; abundant comforts are left me, if it please my 
 kind and Heavenly Father to give me power to enjoy them, 
 and continually in heart to return Him thanks, on account 
 of His unutterable loving-kindness to my tenderly beloved 
 little one, who had so sweet and easy a life, and so tranquil 
 a death ; and that, in her young and tender years, her heart 
 had been animated with love and desires after Himself, and 
 also that, for our sakes, she should so often have expressed it 
 in her childish, innocent way. 
 
 Extract from a letter of Richenda Gurney's, to her sister 
 Rachel at Rome, dated " Plashet, November 26th :" 
 
 " I never witnessed stronger faith, more submission, more 
 evidences of the power of grace, in any one, than in our be- 
 loved sister at that time ; I felt it a mercy to be a humble 
 sharer in the rich portion granted her in that hour of need ; 
 never was I more impressed with the blessedness, which is 
 experienced by those who have served the Lord Jesus, who 
 have preferred Him above all things, who have been willing 
 to take up tlieir daily cross to follow Him. He is not a hard 
 Master; He never leaves nor forsakes His own, and will 
 show himself strong, in behalf of those whose hearts are per- 
 fect towards Him. After a few minutes, we retired with our 
 dear sister into the next room. She was desirous that chil- 
 dren and servants, (especially the nurses,) and all her friends 
 who had been present, should come to her ; when thus sur- 
 rounded, as she lay upon the sofa, she poured out her heart 
 in thanksgiving and prayer, in a manner deeply affecting 
 and edifying ; for myself, I felt it highly valuable, and would 
 not but have been there for a great deaP. Whilst memory 
 lasts, I think and hope I never shall forget the scene, or the 
 impression it made."
 
 1815.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 223 
 
 Plashet, Eleventh Month, 27th. Man is not to live by 
 bread alone, but by every word of God. It appears now my 
 case, in my deep sorrow ; I am not, indeed, to live by bread 
 alone, but to be nourished, and kept alive by that inward, 
 powerful word, that cometh from God, and by every word 
 being renewed in the needful time; I feel no other sure 
 source of consolation. Abundant mercy has indeed been 
 shown me ; my weaknesses met, and my prayers answered, 
 even about smaller things. Although it pleases my Heavenly 
 Father thus to chastise me, yet I am permitted to feel that 
 He doth love those whom he chasteneth. I feel His love 
 very near, and, like a tender parent, that may see right to 
 inflict the rod, rather, perhaps, than spoil the child ; yet tho 
 same hand administers the salve to the wound, and cherishes 
 the more tenderly after it ; and makes manifest to His poor 
 child, that, although a deep wound, it is in mercy, and to the 
 unspeakable gain of one most tenderly beloved, having taken 
 her from the conflicts of time, and (I humbly trust) permitted 
 her an entrance into the enduring joys of eternity ; and that, 
 through the blood and power of her Redeemer, she has been 
 washed and made clean. Though, from her tender years, 
 and good and innocent spirit, we believed her remarkably 
 ready, still I saw and felt need of a Saviour, even for such a 
 little child ; for, of course, she had some childish transgres- 
 sions, or little deviations, but I believe that they were all 
 washed away, and that indeed reconciliation was obtained, 
 as far as there ever had been any separation. So I cannot 
 help hoping that she was ripe for glory. 
 
 Plashet, Twelfth Month, 1st. I have been enabled in 
 measure to arise and attend to the business of life, but a cloud 
 appeared to rest over me, in remembrance of what wo have 
 lost; but, when enabled to view her with her Heavenly 
 Father, and out of the reach of all harm, then I can go more 
 cheerfully on my way, and enjoy my remaining blessings ; 
 particularly my children ; though every thing of the earth 
 has been made, I think, increasingly to shake, in my view.
 
 224 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FBY. [1815 
 
 But I desire that this feeling my increase in my mind, sho 
 cannot return to me, but I may go to her. Ah ! may I not 
 say, how hast Thou helped her that is without power ! How 
 savest Thou the arm that has no strength ! May I be more 
 willing to be faithful in the gift at all times, in all places, in 
 weakness and in strength. 
 
 Plashet, 2nd. I am brought into some conflict this morn- 
 ing, respecting my attending the Dorsetshire Quarterly 
 Meeting. I had looked to it before the illness of our dear 
 lamb, and not feeling clear of it, and yet not much light 
 shining upon it, my poor soul is tried within me ; for under 
 my present circumstances, I appear much to want the help of 
 faith, to leave my other sweet lambs ; but ought I not rather 
 to feel renewed stimulus, seeing how short time is, to do what 
 comes to hand, and after all that I have experienced, should 
 I not rather trust than be afraid, for was the hand of Provi- 
 dence ever more marked, even as it related to outward things ? 
 I believe^I am fully resigned to go, if it be the Lord's will : 
 for I do believe, for all my many and great infirmities, my 
 flinching nature, my want of faith and patience, yet it remains 
 my first desire, to do or to suffer, according to the Divine 
 will. If consistent with Thy holy will, dearest Lord, if I 
 ought to go, be pleased to throw a little light upon the subject, 
 and if not somehow make it manifest ; and if Thou shouldst 
 think fit to call Thy poor child into Thy service, be pleased 
 to be with her in it, and bless her labours of love, where her 
 lot may be cast, that others may be made sensible how good 
 a God Thou art, how great is Thy tender mercy and loving- 
 kindness, and that these may be encouraged yet to serve 
 Thee more, with the whole heart ; also be pleased, dearest 
 Lord, if Thou shouldst order it that I go, to keep my beloved 
 husband, children, and household in my absence, that no 
 harm may come to them spiritually, or bodily. Thou hast, 
 in abundant mercy, regarded the weak estate, and infirm 
 condition of Thy handmaid, and hitherto answered her cry, 
 and even met her in her weakness ; that, if not asking in her
 
 1815.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 225 
 
 own will, she could supplicate Thee, that their poor bodies 
 as well as their souls, may be preserved from (much) harm in 
 her absence ; but, dearest Lord, let me not go, if my right 
 place be at home ; but if Thou callest me out, be pleased to 
 grant a little faith, and a little strength, that I may go forth 
 in Thy power, trusting in Thee, as it relates to them, as well 
 as to myself. Be pleased also, if I be called from home at 
 such a time, not to let it try or weaken the faith of others ; 
 but rather may it tend to confirm and strengthen it. 
 
 Plashet, \\th. Truly I went forth weeping; and my 
 sweet Louisa being poorly, much increased my anxiety ; 
 and it's difficult to say the fears and doubts that crept in, on 
 my way to Shaftesbury, though, through mercy, the enemy's 
 power appeared limited, and my fears gained no dominion 
 over me, but they were soon quieted, and I had mostly quiet, 
 comfortable nights, though it was wading through deep 
 waters, and in great weakness ; yet help was, from season to 
 season, administered. 
 
 Plashet, 14th. It is the opinion of medical men that the 
 scarlet fever, in a mild form, is the complaint in the house ; 
 it is most probable that it will appear again amongst us, but 
 that I desire to leave. They also think our dear Rachel has 
 a very serious hip complaint, but this I also feel disposed not 
 to be very anxious about. With regard to my tenderly 
 beloved little Betsy, she is in my most near and affectionate 
 remembrance, by night, and by day ; when I feel her loss, 
 and view her little (to me) beautiful body in Barking burying- 
 ground, my heart is pained within me ; but when, with tho 
 eye of faith, I can view her in an everlasting resting-place in 
 Christ Jesus, where indeed no evil can come nigh her dwel- 
 ling, then I can rest even with sweet consolation ; and I do 
 truly desire that when her loss is so present with me, as it is 
 at times, that I cannot help my natural spirits being much 
 overwhelmed, that I may be preserved from anything like 
 repining, or undue sorrow, or in any degree depreciating tho 
 many blessings continued ; particularly so many sweet, dear 
 29
 
 226 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1816. 
 
 children being left us ; for through all, I feel receiving them 
 a blessing, having their life preserved a blessing, and in 
 the sweet lamb who is taken, I have felt a blessing in her 
 being taken away; such an evidence of faith has been 
 granted that it is in mercy, and at the time such a feeling 
 of joy on her account. It is now softened down into a very 
 tender sorrow, the remembrance of her is inexpressibly 
 sweet, and I trust that the whole event has done me good, 
 as I peculiarly feel it an encouragement to suffer whatever 
 is appointed me ; that being (if it may ever be my blessed 
 allotment) made perfect through suffering, I may be pre- 
 pared to join the purified spirits of those that are gone be- 
 fore me ; and having felt so very deeply, I am almost 
 ready to think has a little prepared my neck for the yoke 
 of suffering. 
 
 Plashet, First Month, Hth, 1816. The turning a new 
 year I felt very much, more particularly the change in the 
 last, in our beloved Betsy being taken from us. I little ex- 
 pected, so soon upon entering this, to have one, so deeply 
 beloved as my brother Samuel, so seriously ill ; I have, 
 from his early years, prayed for him, and interceded, with 
 strong intercession of spirit, that he might not be hurt by 
 evil. I hardly knew how to give him up, and my soul has 
 craved, that if right, he may live, to continue to be a bless- 
 ing to his family, an ornament to the Church, and to show 
 forth the praise of his Great Lord and Master. 
 
 Plashet, Third Month, 10</i. I returned home, after be- 
 ing at Stamford Hill for change of air ; but my cough, &c., 
 &c., continue very poorly, but through abundant mercy, a 
 calm, and not unfrequently a cheerful spirit, is my portion ; 
 though I do not feel dwelling so evidently near the fountain 
 and source of all good, as I desire ; at least, fears arise for 
 myself ; though it appears due to acknowledge, that the 
 fountain and source of all good dwells near me, so that some 
 things which would, at times, have ruffled and troubled me 
 a good deal, have passed quietly, nay, comfortably by ; as
 
 1816.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 227 
 
 if, in this time of -weakness of body, I was shielded, in de- 
 gree, from the storms. My views of these trials continue 
 at times to be rather unusually calmed, at least not often so 
 dreadful as at some former periods. I feel, although I ex- 
 pect to get through my approaching confinement, my life 
 more concerned in my present lung complaint, than it often 
 has been in more painful and trying attacks ; but at present, 
 unworthy as I am, this does not excite uneasiness, though 
 perhaps it might, if I believed it more serious than I do ; 
 but at times I have that hope in my Redeemer, not in my- 
 self, but in Him who has already visited and cared for me, 
 in Him whom my soul has loved, and at seasons rejoiced in, 
 in Him to whom, in weakness, I have sought to prove my 
 love, by serving him through His own help, that I am ready 
 to believe, nay to trust, that He will be with me to the end ; 
 that He will not leave, nor forsake his unworthy one, that 
 He will yet sustain her, in doing, and in suffering, as far as 
 He may be pleased to call into either ; .that after carrying 
 her through all the remaining conflicts of time, He will 
 even continue to be with her to all eternity ; and where He 
 lives and reigns, there she expects to find everlasting rest 
 and peace. Thou hast, gracious Lord, been a merciful God 
 to me ; granted me help and strength, in the name of Thy be- 
 loved Son : Thou hast visited and anointed my unworthy soul. 
 Plashet, Fourth Month, 3rd. Since writing the last jour- 
 nal, much feeling of illness and lowncss of spirits have been 
 my portion ; but how much do I desire quietness and pa- 
 tience, in this straitened place, where the waves and bil- 
 lows are in measure permitted to pass over my head. It is 
 indeed like a cloud resting over the tabernacle, so that I can- 
 not perceive clearly the comforts and blessings that surround 
 me. I felt a little ray of comfort this morning, in these 
 words, " My King and my God," for however tried, however 
 afflicted, however clouded, we may be, in this there is in- 
 deed hope and consolation, (if it please Almighty loving- 
 kindness to permit us to see it,) even to feel that the Most
 
 228 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1816 
 
 High is our King and God ; that he hath in abundant mercy 
 manifested Himself to be so, and that now and then, through 
 the help of our Redeemer, we have been enabled to prove that 
 we have sought to serve Him,'and desired that He alone should 
 be our King and our God. Dearest, kindest Lord ! Thou, who 
 hast regarded me, and dispersed many clouds for me, be 
 pleased yet to regard me, whatever be my state ; however 
 low I may be brought before Thee ; and, in Thine own time, 
 disperse my clouds, let the sun arise, as with clear shining 
 after rain ; and, if consistent with Thy Holy Will, let not 
 fear or irritability gain dominion over me ; but be Thou my 
 King, and my God, from season to season, scattering all mine 
 enemies before my face, that they overcome me not ; and, if 
 consistent with Thy Holy Will, permit no conflict, either 
 before, at, or after my confinement, really to overcome body, 
 soul, or spirit ; but as my day is, so may my strength be. 
 I believe my present indisposition may be increased by my 
 long confinement to two rooms for my cough, now nearly a 
 month ; and not a little from sorrow and distress. I have 
 known much this winter ; the loss of my lovely child the 
 frequent illnesses in the house amongst the family loss of 
 property my own long cough ; yet I know hardly any trial, 
 except indeed real evil, that appears so greatly to undermine 
 comfort outwardly and inwardly, as a nervous state of body 
 and mind ; it calls for watchfulness on the part of those who 
 have it, not unduly to give way to it ; though I believe few 
 things are really less in our power. 
 
 15th. I was favoured to feel much relieved and comforted 
 yesterday, in pouring forth my soul in supplication, before 
 my family after dinner ; a sweet calm followed, help appear- 
 ing to be very near. After all other remedies fail, what a 
 stronghold is prayer ; how have my poor soul and body been 
 helped in answer to my supplications, more particularly those 
 called for before others ; it is, I think, a very striking evi- 
 dence that such sacrifices are acceptable in the Divine sight, 
 and called for at His hand, even in publicly committing
 
 1816.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 229 
 
 ourselves to Him. Oh, that I were not so faithless, but 
 more believing ; then 1 think fear never would take the place 
 it does ; yet this is my infirmity, perhaps permitted for my 
 good, that I may more and more know what I am, and what 
 the Power is, that we alone desire to rest upon us. 
 
 Her tenth child was born on the 18th of Fourth month. 
 
 Fourth Month, 27th. Thanks, I may say, be unto my 
 God, who has proved Himself an all-sufficient Helper. A 
 heavy cloud passed over but fears now arise for my spiritual 
 preservation ; and my desire is great, in word and in deed, to 
 be enabled to testify of the gracious goodness of my Holy 
 Helper. Family cares also come upon me, which my great 
 weakness hardly knows how to encounter. The remembrance 
 of my little Betsy has been very present with me, by night 
 and by day. Be Thou pleased, Lord God Almighty ! yet 
 to look down upon us, and bless us ; and if Thou seest meet, 
 to bless our loved infant, to visit it by Thy grace, and Thy 
 love ; that it may be Thine in time, and Thine to all eternity : 
 we desire to thank Thee for the precious gift. I have also 
 had a fresh trial in the dangerous illness of my beloved 
 brother, Daniel, since his return from the Continent. 
 
 In the Sixth Month, her children went to Pakefield, for 
 the benefit of sea air, where they were under the care of 
 their aunt Cunningham. Their parents followed them, and 
 for a short period remained with them. It was a new posi- 
 tion for her to be the guest of an active, devoted clergyman, 
 and that clergyman her brother-in-law. She remained some 
 weeks in Norfolk, and at last returned without her four elder 
 children. Joseph and Elizabeth Fry had determined upon 
 passing the ensuing winter in London, a situation in many 
 respects so disadvantageous for her daughters, that she left 
 them with her beloved relatives. She deeply felt their being 
 thrown among those who were not Friends, but the advan- 
 tages of the wise care and oversight of her sister Rachel
 
 230 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1816. 
 
 Gurney, and the privilege of associating with the brother 
 who invited them to be his guests, overcame her objections. 
 Her boys remained at Earlham till near the close of the 
 year, when their parents had arranged to send them to 
 school ; her two children, the next in age, became inmates 
 with their uncle and aunt, Samuel and Elizabeth Guruey, 
 and joined the school-room party at Ham House. 
 
 Earlham, Sixth. Month, Zlth. Much has passed since 
 writing the above, dear John Hull's death, a matter of real 
 importance to me, the children all gone to the sea-side, 
 except the baby but home was sweet to me, though much 
 hurried by business there. We attended Barking Meeting, 
 to visit the grave of our beloved little Betsy : it brought many 
 tears, but I afresh remembered she was not there, but is 
 indeed utterly gone from this transitory scene. I often pant 
 after a resting-place with her may it in due season be granted 
 me, but I also, at present, feel strongly tied and attached to 
 life, and have much to endear it to me. 
 
 Seventh Month, 4th. I have been at Pakefield with my 
 beloved brother and sister ; my soul has travailed much in the 
 deeps, on many accounts ; more particularly while with them, 
 that in keeping to our scruples respecting prayer, &c., &c., 
 the right thing might be hurt in no mind. Words fall very 
 short of expression, of how much my spirit is overwhelmed 
 within me for us all : our situation is very peculiar, surrounded 
 as we are with those of various sentiments, and yet, I humbly 
 trust, each seeking the right way ; to have a clergyman for 
 a brother, is very different to having one for a friend ; a much 
 closer tie, and a still stronger call, for the sake of preserving 
 sweet unity of spirit, to meet him as far as we can, to offend 
 as little as possible by our scruples, and yet, for the sake 
 of others, as well as ourselves, faithfully to maintain our 
 ground, and to keep very close to that which can alone direct 
 aright.
 
 1816.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 This letter to her two eldest daughters, Katherine and 
 Rachel, was written after her almost solitary return to 
 Plashet. 
 
 Plashet, Ninth Month, 1816, Evening. 
 My dearest Girls, 
 
 After drinking tea alone in your father's little dressing- 
 room, and taking a solitary walk, and sitting in the rustic 
 portico at the end of the green walk, I am come to write to 
 you, as I cannot have your company. Only think ! this 
 evening I have neither husband nor child to speak to, little 
 Hannah being gone to tea at the Cottage. I found it even 
 pleasant to go and stand by poor old Isaac and the horse, 
 and the cows and sheep in the field, that I might see some 
 living thing to enliven poor Plashet. The grounds look 
 sweetly, but the cherry tree by the dining-room window is 
 cut down, which I think quite a loss. The poor little school 
 children, when I see them, look very smiling at me, and I 
 suppose fancy they will soon see you home. Poor Jones's 
 little boy is still living ; such an object of skin and bone 
 I have hardly ever seen. I fear she is greatly distressed. 
 Our house looks charmingly, as far as I think a house can 
 so clean, neat and lively but it wants its inhabitants very 
 much. 
 
 Your most nearly attached mother, 
 
 E. F. 
 
 Early in the Twelfth Month, Elizabeth Fry went into Nor- 
 folk, in consequence of heavy affliction befalling the family 
 of her uncle Joseph Gurney, in the death of Joseph, his only 
 surviving son. She staid at Earlham, where her two eldest 
 boys, under the care of their aunts, were pursuing their 
 education. She then visited her brother Daniel Gurnoy at 
 North Runcton, with whom her daughters were residing. 
 Whilst conscious of the literary advantages enjoyed by her 
 children, she feared the probable effect of their circum- 
 stances, and of the influences to which they were subjected.
 
 232 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Twelfth Month, 13th. I returned yester- 
 day from attending poor dear Joseph's funeral at Norwich, 
 the son of my uncle Joseph Gurney. I have gone through 
 a good deal, what with mourning with the mourners, the 
 ministry, &c., &c. I think I was, in this respect, at the fu- 
 neral, helped by the Spirit and the Power that we cannot 
 command ; though I left Earlham with a burdened mind, 
 not having any, apparently, suitable opportunity for relief, 
 hurrying away, to my feelings prematurely, of which I find 
 even the remembrance painful ; my sweet dear girls and 
 boys I much feel again leaving, seeing their critical age and 
 state. What I feel for the children I cannot describe. Oh ! 
 may they be sheltered under the great Almighty wing, so as 
 not to go greatly astray. 
 
 First Month, !?, 1817, Evening. This has been rather a 
 favoured day, the commencement of another year, so far 
 sweet and easy, and enabled to commend us and ours to the 
 best keeping, which brought consolation and comfort with it. 
 Afterwards, a very comfortable Meeting at Gracechurch- 
 street ; indeed it is like being at home returning there, and 
 I cannot but hope that I am here in my right place. 
 
 Second Month, \Sth. I yesterday left my dearest boys, 
 John and Willy, at Josiah Forster's school ; it has been a 
 very important step to take, but I trust it is a right one, as 
 we could not comfortably see any other opening for them. 
 I was enabled to commend them in supplication to the Lord 
 for His blessing and providential care. It is, indeed, a 
 very serious thing to me, thus permitting them to enter the 
 world and its temptations, for so I feel it; it caused me 
 great lowness at first, but afterwards, having committed 
 them to the best keeping, my soul was much comforted and 
 refreshed, and much enlarged in love towards them, as well 
 as the kind friends whose house I was at. Oh may it please 
 Almighty Wisdom to bless the boys, and keep them by His 
 own preserving power from any great sin, and may He 
 pardon the follies of their youth !
 
 1817.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 233 
 
 She wrote, and gave to each of these sons, some " Rules 
 for their strict observance while at school," from which the 
 following excellent precepts are selected : 
 
 " I advise thy faithfully maintaining thy principles, and 
 doing thy duty ; I would have thee be very careful of either 
 judging or reproving others ; for it takes a long time to get 
 the beam out of our own eye, before we can see clearly to 
 take the mote out of our brother's eye. There is, for one 
 young in years, much greater safety in preaching to others 
 by example than in word ; or doing what is done in an up- 
 right, manly spirit, unto the Lord, and not unto man. I 
 have observed a want of strict integrity in school-boys, as it 
 respects their schoolmasters and teachers, a disposition to 
 cheat them, to do that behind their backs which they would 
 not do before their faces ; and so having two faces. Now 
 this is a subject of the utmost importance maintain truth 
 and strict integrity upon all points. Be not double-mind- 
 ed in any degree, but faithfully maintain, not only the up- 
 right principle on religious grounds, but also the brightest 
 honour according even to the maxims of the world." 
 
 Three years had now elapsed since Elizabeth Fry first visit- 
 ed Newgate ; but her spirit had, from time to time, been 
 led into deep and solemn feeling on account of the degraded 
 inmates of that prison : and a conviction became gradu- 
 ally impressed on her mind that she was required by Him, 
 to whose service she had been enabled to dedicate herself, 
 as an unquenched coal on His sacred altar, to labour, as He 
 wight see meet to open her way and to direct her steps, for 
 the moral reformation, and above all, for the spiritual con- 
 version and help, of the most depraved and miserable of 
 her sex. Nothing but the constraining love of Christ, could 
 hive induced this tender and delicate woman thus to surrender 
 domestic comfort and personal ease, and even to risk her 
 own reputation, to follow what she believed to be the call 
 of her Divine Master, leading her into labours most 
 arduous and pairs fill, from which l;cr n;ilure recoiltd
 
 234 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 with dread. Yet was the unction of holy love 60 
 abundantly poured out upon her spirit, that she wil- 
 lingly yielded to the appointment of that compassionate 
 Saviour, who, through her instrumentality, was thus gra- 
 ciously extending His hand of mercy, in order to rescue 
 from the pit of destruction, those who were sunk in vice and 
 wretchedness. 
 
 The course, which was henceforth to be marked out for 
 Elizabeth Fry, was a very remarkable and peculiar one, little 
 anticipated either by herself, or by others ; but it was emi- 
 nently blessed to the arousing of many from the sleep of sin, 
 to the encouraging and strengthening of fellow-disciples of 
 the same Lord, and to the exaltation of His holy name. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Second Month, 24nth. I have lately been 
 much occupied in forming a school in Newgate, for the 
 children of the poor prisoners, as well as the young criminals, 
 which has brought much peace and satisfaction with it ; but 
 my mind has also been deeply affected, in attending a poor 
 woman who was executed this morning. I visited her twice ; 
 this event has brought me into much feeling, attended by 
 some distressingly nervous sensations in the night, so that 
 this has been a time of deep humiliation to me, thus wit- 
 nessing the effect and consequences of sin. This poor 
 creature murdered her baby ; and how inexpressibly awful 
 now to have her life taken away ! The whole affair has been 
 truly afflicting to me ; to see what poor mortals may be driven 
 to, through sin and transgression, and how hard the heart 
 becomes, even to the most tender affections. How should 
 we watch and pray, that we fall not by little and little, 
 become hardened, and commit greater sins. I had to pray 
 for these poor sinners this morning, and also for the preserva- 
 tion of our household from the evil there is in the world. 
 
 Extract from a letter to her sister Rachel Gurney : 
 
 Mildred's Court, Third Month, 10th and llth. 
 My heart, and mind, and time, are very much engaged in 
 various ways. Newgate is a principal object, nnd I think
 
 1817.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 235 
 
 until I make some attempt at amendment in the plans for the 
 women, I shall not feel easy ; but if such efforts should prove 
 unsuccessful, I think that I should then have tried to do my 
 part, and be easy. My own Monthly Meeting, though absent 
 from it, is rather a weight, and Gracechurch-street I am also 
 much interested about. I have gone, besides, to only one 
 London Meeting, all the time that I have been here. The 
 poor occupy me little more than at the door as I cannot go 
 after them with my other engagements ; the hanging at 
 Newgate does not overcome me as it did at first, and I have 
 only attended one woman since the first. I see and feel the 
 necessity of caution in this respect, and mean to be on my 
 guard about it, and run no undue risk with myself. 
 
 I have felt, in thy taking care of my dearest girls, that thou 
 art helping me to get on with some of these important objects, 
 that I could not well have attended to, if I had had all my 
 dear flock around me. 
 
 From the notice before inserted, of the visit paid to the 
 prisoners in Newgate, by Elizabeth Fry and Anna Buxton in 
 1813, the reader will be prepared for a report of the disgrace- 
 ful state in which many of the prisons of the British empire 
 were found, thirty years ago. We naturally seek to account 
 for the continuance of so crying an evil. 
 
 That the sceptical philosophy which prevailed towards the 
 end of the last century, was unfavourable to questions of 
 moral and religious reform, we cannot doubt. Whether the 
 startling events of the French Revolution the tremendous 
 wars that followed it the rise and fall of empires had so 
 engrossed the attention and drained the resources of the 
 English nation, that improvement at home was neglected ; or 
 whether looking to a still deeper source, it may be attributed 
 to that tendency to degenerate, inherent in all human insti- 
 tutions, the fact is indisputable. Howard, and his humane 
 exertions, appear to have been forgotten, and Acts of Parlia- 
 ment- to have become a dead letter : some, if not all the
 
 236 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 provisions of those acts, being, in the vast majority of gaols, 
 openly violated. For Counties as well as Boroughs, an old 
 gate-house, or the ancient feudal castle, with its dungeons, 
 its damp, close and narrow cells, and its windows overlooking 
 the street, often formed the common prison of oifenders of 
 either sex, and of all grades of crime. The danger of escape 
 was provided against, by 4 heavy irons and fetters. Dirt and 
 disease abounded : and even where the building contained 
 wards and yards, the women were imperfectly separated from 
 the men, whilst idleness, gambling, drinking, and swearing, 
 were habitual amongst them. These evils were magnified by 
 the crowded state of the prisons ; for crime had enormously 
 increased, and convictions more than doubled within the 
 ten preceding years. Of the prisons for the counties, those 
 of Bury, Hchester, Gloucester, with a few others, formed 
 honourable exceptions to the general rule ; and in the 
 Metropolis, the Penitentiary at Millbank, which had been 
 recently erected. 
 
 The moral contamination produced by the disorderly state 
 of prisons, was beginning to be perceived, and the necessity 
 for stricter discipline and better regulations, to be ac- 
 knowledged. 
 
 In the United States of America, and in a few instances on 
 the continent of Europe, the experiment had been tried, and 
 with such success as to establish the principle, that classifi- 
 cation, employment, and instruction tended to the reformation 
 of the criminal, and to the decrease of crime. A deputation 
 of the Gaol Committee of the Corporation of London, was 
 appointed in 1815, to visit several gaols in England, especially 
 that of Gloucester, with a view to the amelioration of those 
 under their own jurisdiction. From this resulted some 
 improvements in Newgate. The women, from that time 
 occupied the whole of the quadrangle, now called the 
 women's side;" including what were formerly the state 
 apartments : mats were provided for them to sleep on. Double 
 gratings, with a space between, were placed to prevent close
 
 1817.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 237 
 
 communication with their visitors, who were of both sexes, 
 and many of them as vile and as desperate as themselves ; 
 but to overcome the difficulty thus presented, in receiving 
 the contributions of those whose curiosity brought them to 
 the spot, wooden spoons fastened to long sticks were con- 
 trived by the prisoners, and thrust across the intervening 
 space. Notwithstanding these improvements, they remained 
 in an unchecked condition of idleness, riot, and vice of 
 every description. They were of the lowest sort the very 
 scum both of the town and country filthy in their persons, 
 disgusting in their habits, and ignorant, not only of religious 
 truth, but of the most familiar duties of common life. 
 
 At the suggestion of her brother-in-law, the late Samuel 
 Hoare, Elizabeth Fry had, in the interval between 1813 and 
 1816, accompanied him on a visit to the women in Cold- 
 Bath-Fields House of Correction, whose neglected state had 
 much impressed him. S. Hoare, with another of her brothers- 
 in-law, (the late Sir T. F. Buxton,) and some of her personal 
 friends, were, at this time, occupied in forming a society for 
 the reformation of the juvenile depredators, who infested 
 London, in gangs. This object led them into different prisons, 
 where their attention was soon attracted to the subject of 
 prison discipline. Although not originating in this cause, it 
 may be presumed, that the conversation and influence of 
 these gentlemen would tend to keep alive in the mind of 
 Elizabeth Fry, the interest, awakened in 1813, for the female 
 prisoners in Newgate. As in that instance, so at this time, 
 her journal fails to convey any explicit information respect- 
 ing her visits there. We are indebted to other sources for 
 the fact, that they were recommenced about the close of the 
 year 1816. 
 
 On her second visit, she was at her own request, left alone 
 amongst the women for some hours ; and on that occasion, 
 Bhe read to them the parable of the Lord of the vineyard, 
 in the 20th chapter of Matthew, and made a few observa- 
 tions on the eleventh hour, and on Christ having come to
 
 238 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1817. 
 
 save sinners, even those who might be said to have wasted 
 the greater part of their lives estranged from Him. Some 
 asked who Christ was ; others feared that their day of salva- 
 tion was passed. 
 
 Their children, who were almost naked, were pining for 
 want of proper food, air, and exercise. Elizabeth Fry, on 
 this occasion, particularly addressed herself to the mothers, 
 and pointed out to them the grievous consequences to their 
 children, of living in such a scene of depravity ; she pro- 
 posed to establish a school for them, to which they acceded 
 with tears of joy. She desired them to consider the plan, 
 for without their steady co-operation, she would not under- 
 take it ; leaving it to them to select a governess from amongst 
 themselves. On her next visit, they had chosen as school- 
 mistress, a young woman, named Mary Connor, recently com- 
 mitted for stealing a watch. She proved eminently qualified 
 for the task, and became one of the first-fruits of Christian 
 labour in that place ; she was assiduous in her duties, and 
 was never known to infringe one of the rules. A free pardon 
 was granted her about fifteen months afterwards; but it 
 proved an unavailing gift, for a cough, which had attacked 
 her a short time before, ended in consumption. > She dis- 
 played, during her illness, much patience and quietness of 
 spirit ; having, as she humbly believed, obtained pardon and 
 peace, through our Lord and Saviour. She died in the hope 
 of a blessed immortalityt 
 
 Elizabeth Fry's views were received with cordial appro- 
 bation, by the Sheriffs of London, the Ordinary, and the 
 Governor of Newgate ; although they looked upon the expe- 
 riment as almost hopeless. An unoccupied cell was, by their 
 permission, appropriated for the school-room. On the day 
 following this arrangement, she went to the prison accom- 
 panied by her friend, Mary Sanderson, (afterwards the wife 
 of Sylvanus Fox,) and (with the poor prisoner Mary Connor, 
 as mistress,) opened the school, for the children and young 
 persons under twenty-five years of age ; but from the small
 
 1817.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PET. 239 
 
 size of the room, they had the pain of being obliged to 
 refuse admission to many of the women, who earnestly en- 
 treated to be allowed to share in their instructions. Mary 
 Sanderson then visited a prison for the first time, and her 
 feelings were thus described by herself to Sir T. F. Buxton: 
 
 "The railing was crowded with half-naked women, strug- 
 gling together for the front situations, with the most boisterous 
 violence, and begging with the utmost vociferation. She felt 
 as if she were going into a den of wild beasts, and she well 
 recollects quite shuddering when the door closed upon her, 
 and she was locked in with such a herd of novel and desperate 
 companions." 
 
 Something similar must have been the effect on that faith- 
 ful co-adjutor in this work, Elizabeth Pryor, at rather a later 
 period, upon seeing the women, "squalid in attire, and 
 ferocious in countenance, seated about the yard." From the 
 prison door one issued, "yelling like a wild beast;" she 
 rushed round the area, with her arm extended, tearing 
 everything of the nature of a cap from the heads of the 
 other women. The sequel too is important : for this very 
 woman, through the grace and mercy of God, became hu- 
 manized under the instruction of these Christian visitors. 
 After having obtained her liberty, she married ; and for 
 years came occasionally to see Elizabeth Pryor, who con- 
 sidered her a well-conducted person, her appearance being 
 always most respectable. 
 
 A few other ladies gradually united themselves to those 
 already engaged in the work, and the little school in the cell 
 of Newgate continued, for many weeks, their daily occupa- 
 tion. 
 
 "It was in our visits to the school, where some of us at- 
 tended almost every day, that we were witnesses to the 
 dreadful proceedings that went forward, on the female side
 
 240 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 of the prison ; the begging, swearing, gaming, fighting, sing- 
 ing, dancing, dressing-up in men's clothes ; scenes too bad 
 to be described, so that we did not think it suitable to admit 
 young persons with us."* 
 
 The visitors thought some of the existing evils could be 
 remedied by proper regulations ; but in the commencement 
 of the undertaking, the reformation of the women, sunk as 
 they were in every species of depravity, was scarcely thought 
 of, much less anticipated. By degrees, however, the heroic 
 little band became convinced that good might be effected, 
 even amongst these, for intercourse with the prisoners had 
 inspired them with confidence. The poor women were 
 earnest in their entreaties, not to be excluded from the 
 benefits, which they began to perceive would result to 
 themselves, from improved habits. But whilst Elizabeth 
 Fry and her fellow-labourers were thus encouraged on the 
 one side, every sort of discouragement presented itself on 
 the other. The officers of the prison, as well as the private 
 friends of the visitors, treated the idea of introducing industry 
 and order into Newgate, as visionary. Even some, who were 
 most interested in the attempt, apprehended that it would 
 fail, from the character of those for whose good it was in- 
 tended, from the unfavourable locality, in the midst of a 
 great metropolis ; and from the difficulty of obtaining a 
 sufficiency of labourers for such a work. It was also urged 
 that, even if employment could be procured, the necessary 
 materials for work would be destroyed, or stolen. In recall- 
 ing this period, one of those engaged in it, thus writes : 
 " But amidst these discouraging views, our benevolent friend 
 evinced that her heart was fixed ; and trusting in the Lord, 
 she commenced her work of faith and labour of love." 
 
 How aptly did the poet Crabbe, in reference to this under- 
 taking, describe Elizabeth Fry 
 
 * Elizabeth Fry's evidence before the House of Commons.
 
 1817.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 241 
 
 One, I beheld ! a wife, a mother, go 
 
 To gloomy scenes of wickedness and woe ; 
 
 She sought her way through all things vile and base 
 
 And made a prison a religious place : 
 
 Fighting her way the way that angels fight 
 
 With powers of darkness to let in the light. 
 
 Yet she is tender, delicate and nice, 
 
 And shrinks from all depravity and vice ; 
 
 Shrinks from the ruffian gaze, the savage gloom, 
 
 That reign where guilt and misery find a home : 
 
 Guilt chained, and misery purchased, and with them 
 
 All we abhor, abominate, condemn 
 
 The look of scorn, the scowl, th' insulting leer 
 
 Of shame, all fixed on her who ventures here: 
 
 Yet all she braved ; she kept her steadfast eye 
 
 On the dear cause, and brushed the baseness by, 
 
 So would a mother press her darling child 
 
 Close to her breast, with tainted rags defiled. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Third Month, 7th. My mind and time 
 have been much taken up with Newgate and Its concerns. 
 I have been encouraged about our school, but I find my 
 weak nature and proneness to be so much affected by the 
 opinions of man, brings me into some peculiar trials and 
 temptations : in the first place, our Newgate visiting could 
 no longer be kept secret, which I endeavoured that it should 
 be, and therefore I am exposed to praise that I do not the 
 least deserve ; also to some unpleasant humiliations for in 
 trying to obtain helpers, I must be subject to their various 
 opinions ; and also, being obliged to confer at times with 
 strangers, and men in authority, is to me a very unpleasant 
 necessity. I have suffered much about the hanging of the 
 criminals, having had to visit another poor woman, before 
 her death; this again tried me a good deal, but I was per- 
 mitted to be much more upheld, and not so distressed as the 
 time before. May I, in this important concern, be enabled 
 to keep my eye singly unto the Lord, that what I do may be 
 done heartily unto Him, and not, in any degree, unto man. 
 May I be preserved humble, faithful, and persevering in it, 
 81
 
 242 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PBY. [1817. 
 
 so far as it is right to persevere. And if consistent with the 
 Divine will, may the blessing of the Most High attend it, 
 that it may be made instrumental in drawing some out of 
 evil, and leading and establishing them in the way everlast- 
 ing, where they may find rest and peace. 
 
 The recurrence of these distressing scenes impressed on 
 the mind of Elizabeth Fry an increasing disapprobation of 
 the dreadful penalty of death. She often visited the cells of 
 condemned criminals on the day or night preceding their 
 execution ; she marked the agony of some, and the obduracy 
 of others, and she traced the hardening effect of such punish- 
 ments on the fellow-prisoners of the sufferers, as well as on 
 the lower orders of the public in generaL 
 
 With what self-sacrificing love, with what yearnings of 
 Divine compassion, did she encounter circumstances of the 
 most appalling character, yielding her spirit in willing sym- 
 pathy with the utmost depths of human misery, ministering 
 to the wretched victims of sin a word of hope, pointing to 
 the door of mercy, opened through Jesus Christ to every 
 truly penitent soul. Awfully impressive were the opportu- 
 nities when, in the gloomy dungeon of the condemned 
 criminal, her prayers were poured forth in fervent solicitude, 
 that the power of that Almighty Saviour, who " was manifested 
 that He might destroy the works of the Devil," might snatch 
 even these brands from the burning, and impart ability to 
 look upward from the gulf of despair to the Deliverer, who 
 "is exalted at the right hand of God, to give repentance and 
 remission of sins." 
 
 The woman alluded to in the last extract from the journal, 
 was Elizabeth Fricker ; she was executed for robbing, or 
 being accessory to robbing, in a dwelling-house. The fol- 
 lowing memorandum was written by Elizabeth Fry, Third 
 Month, 4th, 1817, the day preceding the execution. 
 
 I have just returned from a most melancholy visit to 
 Newgate, where I have been at the request of Elizabeth
 
 1817.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 243 
 
 Fricker, previous to her execution to-morrow morning, at 
 eight o'clock. I found her much hurried, distressed, and 
 tormented in mind. Her hands cold, and covered with 
 something like the perspiration preceding death, and in an 
 universal tremour. The women who were with her, said she 
 had been so outrageous before our going, that they thought 
 a man must be sent for to manage her. However, after a 
 serious time with her, her troubled soul became calmed. But 
 is it for man thus to take the prerogative of the Almighty into 
 his own hands ? Is it not his place rather to endeavour to 
 reform such ; or restrain them from the commission of further 
 evil ? At least to afford poor, erring, fellow-mortals, whatever 
 may be their offences, an opportunity of proving their repent- 
 ance, by amendment of life. Besides this poor young woman, 
 there are also six men to be hanged, one of whom has a wife 
 near her confinement, also condemned, and seven young 
 children. Since the awful report came down, he has become 
 quite mad from horror of mind. A strait waistcoat could not 
 keep him within bounds he had just bitten the turnkey ; I 
 saw the man come out with his hand bleeding, as I passed 
 the cell. I hear that another, who had been tolerably 
 educated and brought up, was doing all he could to harden 
 himself, through unbelief, trying to convince himself that 
 religious truths were idle tales. In this endeavour, he 
 appeared to have been too successful with several of his 
 fellow-sufferers. He sent to beg for a bottle of wine, no 
 doubt in the hope of drowning his misery, and the fears that 
 would arise, by a degree of intoxication. I inquired no 
 further, I had seen and heard enough. 
 
 In a published letter, by " the Honourable II. G. Ben- 
 nett," addressed to the Common Council and Livery of 
 London, on the abuses existing in Newgate, he says, in allu- 
 sion to Fricker's case : 
 
 " A man, by the name of Kelly, who was executed some 
 weeks back for robbing a house, counteracted by his conversa-
 
 244 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 tion, and by the jest he made of all religious feelings, the 
 labour of Dr. Cotton to produce repentance and remorse 
 amongst the prisoners in the cells ; and he died as he lived, 
 hardened and unrepenting. He sent to me the day before 
 his execution ; and when I saw him, he maintained the 
 innocence of the woman convicted with him, asserting, that 
 not Fricker, but a boy concealed, opened the door, and let 
 him into the house. When I pressed him to tell me the name 
 of the parties concerned, whereby to save the woman's life, 
 he declined complying without a promise of pardon ; I urged 
 as strongly as I could, the crime of suffering an innocent 
 woman to be executed to screen criminal accomplices ; but it 
 was all to no effect, and he suffered, maintaining to the last 
 the same story. With him was executed a boy of nineteen 
 or twenty years of age, whose fears and remorse Kelly was 
 constantly ridiculing." 
 
 Mildred's Court, Third Month, llth. My mind too much 
 tossed by a variety of interests and duties husband, children, 
 household, accounts, Meetings, the Church, near relations, 
 friends, and Newgate most of these things press a good deal 
 upon me. I hope I am not undertaking too much, but it is 
 a little like being in the whirlwind, and in the storm ; may I 
 not be hurt in it, but enabled quietly to perform that which 
 ought to be done ; and may it all be done so heartily unto 
 the Lord, and through the assistance of His grace, that if 
 consistent with His Holy will, His blessing may attend it, 
 and if ever any good be done, that the glory of the whole 
 work may be given where it is alone due. 
 
 ~L9th. I yesterday applied to our Monthly Meeting for 
 liberty to join William Forster in paying a religious visit to 
 the families of Gracechurch-street Meeting ; I think I had 
 reason to be encouraged, from the solemn covering over us, 
 and also the unity expressed by Friends. I thought it a 
 great mercy and favour to have the unity of all ; but I desire 
 not to place undue dependence even on this, though it is
 
 1817.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 245 
 
 sweet, and I esteem it a great blessing to have it. My dear 
 sister Elizabeth was particularly favoured in what she said. 
 If permitted to enter this service, may the Lord be with us 
 in it, and bless us. I have not at present, felt much bur- 
 dened by the prospect ; I consider it an honour, favour, and 
 blessing, to be engaged in the service of our great Master, 
 even if humiliations, trials, and crosses attend it. 
 
 20fA Thou Lord, who knowest my heart and my wants, 
 be pleased to help me under them; also permit Thy poor 
 child to ask Thee, yet to look down upon her husband, 
 children, brothers, and sisters, for good, upon all those most 
 near and dear to her, and particularly those who are in 
 trial. 
 
 Fourth Month, 12th. I have found, in my late attention 
 to Newgate, a peace and prosperity in the undertaking, that 
 I seldom, if ever, remember to have done before. A way 
 has very remarkably been opened for us, beyond all expec- 
 tation, to bring into order the poor prisoners ; those who are 
 in power are so very willing to help us : in short, the time 
 appears come to work amongst them. Already, from being 
 like wild beasts, they appear harmless and kind. I am ready 
 to ssy, in the fulness of my heart, surely, " it is the Lord's 
 doing, and marvellous in our eyes ;" so many are the provi- 
 dential openings of various kinds. Oh ! if good should result, 
 may the praise and glory of the whole, be entirely given 
 where it is due, by us, and by all, in deep humiliation and 
 prostration of spirit. 
 
 In the Fourth Month, 1817, the wife of a clergyman, and 
 eleven members of the Society of Friends, formed themselves 
 into " An Association for the Improvement of the Female 
 Prisoners in Newgate." The object they had in view is 
 stated to have been, " To provide for the clothing, the in- 
 struction, and the employment of the women ; to introduce 
 them to a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and to form in 
 them, as much as possible, those habits of order, sobriety,
 
 246 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 and industry, which may render them docile and peaceable 
 whilst in prison, and respectable when they leave it." On 
 comparing these intentions with the existing state of things, 
 it is easy to believe that the scheme was viewed, by those 
 in authority, as very desirable, but almost impracticable. 
 Still, to their honour be it spoken, they promised and gave 
 their warmest co-operation. 
 
 The concurrence of the sheriffs and city magistrates was 
 asked and obtained. But the doubt still remained, how far 
 the women would submit to the restraints, which it would be 
 needful to impose upon them, in order to effect this change. 
 To ascertain this, the sheriffs met the members of this 
 " Association " on a First-day afternoon at Newgate ; the 
 women were assembled, and in their presence, as well as that 
 of the ordinary and governor, they were asked by Elizabeth 
 Fry, whether they were willing to abide by the rules, which 
 it would be indispensable to establish amongst them, for the 
 accomplishment of the object so much desired by them all. 
 The women, fully and unanimously, assured her of their 
 determination to obey them strictly. The sheriffs also ad- 
 dressed them, giving the plan the countenance of their ap- 
 probation ; and then turning to Elizabeth Fry and her compa- 
 nions, one of them said, " Well, ladies, you see your materials." 
 
 How they used these "materials," and the blessing per- 
 mitted to attend their exertions, is demonstrated by a letter 
 received in 1820, from one of the prisoners, who had shared 
 in the benefit of this earliest attempt to reform these unhappy 
 women. The writer, as will be perceived, had been sent as 
 a convict to New South Wales. 
 
 To MRS. FRY. 
 
 " Paramatta, New South Wales, July Wth, 1820. 
 " Honoured Madam, 
 
 " The duty I owe to you, likewise to the benevolent So- 
 ciety to which you have the honour to belong, compels me 
 to take up my pen to return to you my most sincere thanks.
 
 1817.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 247 
 
 for the heavenly instruction I derived from you and the dear 
 friends, during my confinement in Newgate. 
 
 " In the month of April, 1817, how did that blessed prayer 
 of yours sink into my heart ; and, as you said, so have I 
 found it, that when no eyes see, and no ears hear, God both 
 sees and hears ; and then it was that the arrow of conviction 
 entered my hard heart ; and in Newgate, it was that poor 
 
 Harriet S , like the prodigal son, came to herself, and 
 
 took with her words, and sought the Lord ; and truly can I 
 
 say with David, ' Before I was afflicted I went astray, but 
 
 now have I learned Thy ways, Lord !' and although 
 
 affliction cometh not forth of the dust, yet how prone have 
 
 I been to forget God, my Maker ; who can give songs in the 
 
 night ; and happy is that soul that, when affliction comes, can 
 
 say with Eli, * It is the Lord,' or with David, ' I was dumb, 
 
 and I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it ;' and Job, 
 
 when stripped of every comfort, ' Blessed be the Lord who 
 
 took away, as well as gave ' and may the Lord grant every 
 
 one that is afflicted, such an humble spirit as their 's. Believe 
 
 me, my dear madam, I bless the day that brought me inside 
 
 of Newgate walls, for then it was that the rays of Divine 
 
 truth shone into my dark mind; and may the Holy Spirit 
 
 shine more and more upon my dark understanding, that I 
 
 may be enabled so to walk, as one whose heart is set to seek 
 
 a city whose builder and maker is God. Believe me, my 
 
 dear madam, although I am a poor captive in a distant land, 
 
 I would not give up having communion with God, one single 
 
 day, for my liberty ; for what is the liberty of the body, 
 
 compared with the liberty of the soul ? and soon will that 
 
 time come, when death will release me from all the earthly 
 
 fetters that hold me now, for I trust to be with Christ, who 
 
 bought me with his precious blood. And now, my dear 
 
 madam, these few sincere sentiments of mine, I wish you to 
 
 make known to the world, that the world may see that your 
 
 labour in Newgate has not been in vain in the Lord. Please 
 
 give my love to all the dear friends, and Dr. Cotton, Mr.
 
 243 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 Baker, Simpson and all, the keeper of Newgate, and all tho 
 afflicted prisoners ; and although we may never meet on earth 
 again, I hope we shall all meet in the realms of bliss, never 
 to part again. Please give my love to Mrs. Stennett, and 
 Mrs. Guy. 
 
 "And believe me to remain, 
 
 " Your humble servant, 
 
 " HAIIRIET S ." 
 
 The remainder of the history will be better described by 
 an extract from the " Enquiry whether crime and misery are 
 produced or prevented by our present system of Prison Dis- 
 cipline. By T. F. Buxton." 
 
 " Having succeeded so far, the next business was to provide 
 employment. It struck one of the ladies, that Botany Bay 
 might be supplied with stockings, and indeed all articles of 
 clothing, of the prisoners' manufacture. She, therefore, called 
 upon Messrs. Richard Dixon and Co., of Fenchurch Street, 
 and candidly told them, that she was desirous of depriving 
 them of this branch of their trade, and stating her views 
 begged their advice. They said at once, that they should 
 not in any way obstruct such laudable designs, and that no 
 further trouble need be taken to provide work for they would 
 engage to do it. Nothing now remained but to prepare the 
 room ; and this difficulty was obviated, by the sheriffs' sending 
 their carpenters. The former laundry speedily underwent 
 the necessary alterations, was cleansed and white-washed, 
 and, in a very few days, the Ladies' Committee assembled in 
 it all the tried female prisoners. One of the ladies, Mrs. Fry, 
 began by describing to them the comforts to be derived from 
 industry and sobriety, the pleasure and profit of doing right; 
 and contrasted the happiness and peace of those who are 
 dedicated to a course of virtue and religion, with that ex- 
 perienced in their former life, and its present consequences; 
 and describing their awful guilt in the sight of God, appealed
 
 1817.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 249 
 
 to themselves, whether its wages, even here, were not utter 
 misery and ruin. She then dwelt upon the motives which 
 had brought the ladies into Newgate ; they had left their 
 homes and their families, to mingle amongst those from whom 
 all others fled ; animated by an ardent and affectionate desire 
 to rescue their fellow-creatures from evil, and to impart to 
 them that knowledge, which they, from their education and 
 circumstances, had been so happy as to receive. 
 
 " She then told them, that the ladies did not come with 
 any absolute and authoritative pretensions ; that it was not 
 intended they should command and the prisoners obey, but 
 that it was to be understood, all were to act in concert ; that 
 not a rule should be made, or a monitor appointed, without 
 their full and unanimous concurrence ; that for this purpose, 
 each of the rules should be read and put to the vote ; and 
 she invited those who might feel any disinclination to any 
 particular, freely to state their opinion. The Rules were 
 then read. 
 
 " And, as each was proposed, every hand was held up in 
 token of their approbation. In the same manner, and with 
 the same formalities, each of the monitors was proposed, and 
 all were unanimously approved. When this business was 
 concluded, one of the visitors- read aloud the twenty-first 
 chapter of St. Matthew, the parable of the barren fig tree, 
 seeming applicable to the state of the audience ; after a pe- 
 riod of silence, according to the custom of the Society of 
 Friends, the monitors, with their classes, withdrew to their 
 respective wards in the most orderly manner. During the 
 first month, the ladies were anxious that the attempt should 
 be secret, that it might meet with no interruption ; at the 
 end of that time, as the experiment had been tried, and had 
 exceeded even their expectations, it was deemed expedient to 
 apply to the Corporation of London. It was considered 
 that the school would be more permanent, if it were made 
 a part of the prison system of the City, than if it merely 
 depended on individuals. In consequence, a short letter, 
 32
 
 250 . LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 descriptive of the progress already made, was written to the 
 sheriffs. 
 
 " The next day an answer was received, proposing a meet- 
 ing with the ladies at Newgate. 
 
 " In compliance with this appointment, the Lord Mayor, 
 the Sheriffs, and several of the Aldermen attended. The 
 prisoners were assembled together ; and it being requested 
 that no alteration in their usual practice might take place, 
 one of the ladies read a chapter in the Bible, and then the 
 females proceeded to their various avocations. .Their atten- 
 tion, during the time of reading, their orderly and sober de- 
 portment, their decent dress, the absence of everything like 
 tumult, noise, or contention ; the obedience and respect 
 shown by them, and the cheerfulness visible in their counte- 
 nance and manners, conspired to excite the astonishment 
 and admiration of their visitors. Many of these knew New- 
 gate, had visited it a few months before, and had not forgot- 
 ten the painful impressions made by a scene, exhibiting, 
 perhaps, the very utmost limits of misery and guilt. 
 
 " The magistrates, to evince their sense of the importance 
 of the alterations which had been effected, immediately 
 adopted the whole plan as a part of the system of Newgate, 
 empowered the ladies to punish the refractory by short con- 
 finement, undertook part of the expense of the matron, and 
 loaded the ladies with thanks and benedictions. About six 
 months after the establishment of a school for the children, 
 and the manufactory for the ' tried side,' the committee re- 
 ceived a most urgent petition from the untried, entreating 
 that the same might be done among them, and promising 
 strict obedience. In consequence, the ladies made the same 
 arrangements, proposed the same rules, and admitted, in 
 the same manner as on the other side, the prisoners to par- 
 ticipate in their formation. The experiment has here an- 
 swered, but not to the same extent. They have had diffi- 
 culty in procuring a sufficiency of work, the prisoners are 
 not so disposed to work, flattering themselves with the pros-
 
 1817.] LI-PE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 251 
 
 pect of speedy release ; besides, they are necessarily en- 
 gaged, in some degree, in preparation for their trial. The 
 result of the observations of the ladies, has been, that where 
 the prisoners, from whatever cause, did no work, they de- 
 rived little, if any, moral advantage ; where they did some 
 work, they received some benefit, and where they were fully 
 engaged, they were really and essentially improved." 
 
 A gendeman well known to Elizabeth Fry, who was de- 
 sirous of seeing and judging for himself of the effect of 
 this singular experiment, visited Newgate just one fortnight 
 after the adoption of the new rules. We give his own 
 words. 
 
 " I went and requested permission to see Mrs. Fry, which 
 was shortly obtained, and I was conducted by a turnkey to 
 the entrance of the women's wards. On my approach, no 
 loud or dissonant sounds, or angry voices, indicated that I 
 was about to enter a place, which I was credibly assured, 
 had long had, for one of its titles, that of ' Hell above 
 ground.' The court-yard, into which I was admitted, in- 
 stead of being peopled with beings scarcely human, blas- 
 pheming, fighting, tearing each other's hair, or gaming with a 
 filthy pack of cards for the very clothes they wore (which often 
 did not suffice even for decency) presented a scene where still- 
 ness and propriety reigned. I was conducted by a decently- 
 dressed person, the newly appointed yards-woman, to the 
 door of a ward, where, at the head of a long table sat a lady 
 belonging to the Society of Friends. She was reading aloud 
 to about sixteen women prisoners, who were engaged in 
 needle work around it. Each wore a clean-looking blue 
 apron and bib ; with a ticket, having a number on it, sus- 
 pended from her neck by a red tape. They all rose on my 
 entrance, curtsied respectfully, and then at a signal given, 
 resumed their seats and employments. Instead of a scowl, 
 leer, or ill-suppressed laugh, I observed upon their counte
 
 252 LIFE OP ELIZABBTH FEY. [1817. 
 
 nances an air of self-respect and gravity, a sort of consci- 
 ousness of their improved character, and the altered position 
 in which they were placed. I afterwards visited the other 
 wards, which were the counterparts of the first." 
 
 Encouraged by many concurring circumstances, the newly 
 formed Ladies' Committee, now for the first time, introduced 
 a matron into Newgate. The prisoners were divided into 
 classes, and placed under her superintendence. She was 
 eventually paid in part by the Corporation; and received in 
 addition twenty pounds a-year from the funds of the " Ladies' 
 Association." They furnished the rooms appropriated to her, 
 and she was regarded as their servant. The yards-woman 
 was also appointed and paid by them. 
 
 Previous to the appointment of the matron, and until she 
 was thoroughly established in her office, some of the visitors 
 spent the whole day in the prison amongst the women : taking 
 a little provision for themselves in a basket, or remaining 
 without any ; and for a long time afterwards, one or two of 
 them never failed to spend some hours daily in this important 
 field of labour. 
 
 From the manuscript journal of one of their number, 
 
 Sophia de C , we present to the reader some extracts 
 
 descriptive of this period : 
 
 "Fifth Month, 1st, 1817. After nearly a sleepless night, 
 spent in anticipation of the scenes of the morrow, I called on 
 Dorcas Coventry, who had promised to introduce me to 
 inspect the important labours which the Ladies of the Prison 
 Committee had engaged in, for the reformation of the women 
 in Newgate, for some time past. We proceeded to the felons' 
 door, the steps of which were covered with their friends, who 
 were waiting for admission, laden with the various provisions, 
 and other articles which they required, either as gifts, or to 
 be purchased, as the prisoners might be able to afford. We 
 entered with this crowd of persons, into an ante-room, the
 
 1817.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 253 
 
 walls of which were covered with the different chains and 
 fetters, suspended in readiness for the culprits : a block and 
 hammer were placed in the centre of it, on which the chains 
 were rivetted. The room was guarded with blunderbusses, 
 mounted on moveable carriages. I trembled, and felt sick, 
 and my heart sunk within me, when a prisoner was brought 
 forward to have his chain lightened, because he had an in- 
 flammation on the ankle. I spoke to him, for he looked 
 dejected, and by no means ferocious. The turnkey soon 
 opened the first gate of entrance, through which we were 
 permitted to pass without being searched, in consequence of 
 orders issued by the sheriffs. The crowd awaited until the 
 men had been searched by the turnkeys : and the women, by 
 a woman stationed for that purpose in a little room by the 
 door of entrance. These searchers are allowed, if they 
 suspect spirits, or ropes, or instruments of escape to be 
 concealed about the person, to strip them to ascertain the 
 fact. A melancholy detection took place a few days ago. A 
 poor woman had a rope found upon her, concealed for the 
 purpose of liberating her husband, sentenced to death for 
 highway robbery, which sentence was to be put into- execu- 
 tion in a few days. She was of course taken before a 
 magistrate, and ordered into Newgate to wait her trial. She 
 was a young and pretty little Irish woman, with an infant in 
 her arms. After passing the first door into a passage, we 
 arrived at the place where the prisoners' friends communi- 
 cate with them ; it may be justly termed a sort of iron cage ; a 
 considerable space remains between the gratings, too wide to 
 admit of their shaking hands. They pass into this from the 
 airing-yard, which occupies the centre of the quadrangle, 
 round which the building runs, and into which no persons 
 but the visiting ladies, or the persons they introduce, attended 
 by a turnkey, are permitted to enter. This door is kept by 
 a principal turnkey, and was opened to our attendant by his 
 ringing a bell. A little lodge, in which an under turnkey 
 sleeps, is also considered necessary to render the entrance
 
 264 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1817. 
 
 secure. This yard was clean, and up and down it, paraded 
 an emaciated woman, who gave notice to the women of the 
 arrival of their friends. Most of the prisoners were collected 
 in a room newly appropriated for the purpose to hear a por- 
 tion of the Sacred Scriptures read to. them, either by the 
 matron, or by one of the Ladies' Committee ; which last is 
 far preferable. They assemble when the bell rings, as near 
 nine o'clock as possible, following their monitors or wards- 
 women, to the forms which are placed in order to receive 
 them. I think I never can forget the impression made upon 
 my feelings at this sight. Women from every part of Great 
 Britain, of every age and condition, below the lower middle 
 rank, were assembled in mute silence, except when the in- 
 terrupted breathing of their sucking infants informed us of 
 the unhealthy state of these innocent partakers in their pa- 
 rents' punishment. The matron read ; I could not refrain 
 from tears, the women wept also ; several were under the 
 sentence of death. Swain, for forging, who had just received 
 her respite, sat next to me ; and on my left hand, sat Law- 
 rence alias Woodman, surrounded by her four children, and 
 only waiting the birth of another which she hourly expects, 
 to pay the forfeit of her life ; as her husband had done for 
 the same crime, a short time before. 
 
 " Such various, such acute, and such new feelings passed 
 through my mind, that I could hardly support the reflection, 
 that what I saw was only to be compared to an atom in the 
 abyss of vice, and consequently, misery of this vast metro- 
 polis. The hope of doing the least lasting good, seemed to* 
 vanish ; and to leave me in fearful apathy. The prisoners 
 left the room in order. Each monitor took charge of the 
 work of her class on retiring. We proceeded to other wards, 
 some containing coiners, forgers, and thieves ; and almost 
 all these vices were ingrafted on the most deplorable root of 
 sinful dissipation. Many of the women are married ; their 
 families are in some instances permitted to be with them, if 
 very young; their husbands, the partners of their crimes,
 
 1817."j LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 255 
 
 are often found to be on the men's side of the prison, or on 
 their way to Botany Bay. 
 
 "Some of these poor women are really beautiful, and 
 healthy, and even modest-looking ; their figures fine, and 
 their countenances not disfigured by the expression of sin. 
 The greatest number appeared to me Irish, a very few Scotch ; 
 the former are always ignorant, and preserve the peculiarities 
 of their national character, even in this abode of sorrow and 
 captivity ; for to them privation and hardship are well known, 
 and their Roman Catholic profession places their responsi- 
 bility to God, in the keeping of their priests, so that life is de- 
 prived of its heaviest burden, and they expect to be finally 
 happy, if they attend, even in that place, to the private cere- 
 monies which their form of worship enjoins. I felt much 
 more interested during my momentary glance, for some of 
 these poor creatures, than for others. I was warned by my 
 friend not to place too much dependence on expression of 
 countenance, or on what they might say, as deception is the 
 ruling temptation while here> and without much care, would 
 produce mischief and injustice. They appear to be aware of 
 the value of character, to know what is right, but to forsake 
 it in action ; finding this feeling yet alive, if properly puri- 
 fied and directed, it may become a foundation on which a 
 degree of reformation can be built. In appealing to this 
 statement in their breasts, and cultivating their own know- 
 ledge of it, many of the causes of former misbehaviour are 
 crushed. Thus they conduct themselves more calmly and 
 decently to each other, they are more orderly, more quiet, 
 refrain from bad language, chew tobacco more cautiously, 
 surrender the use of the fire-place, permit doors and win- 
 dows to be opened and shut, to air or warm the prison, 
 reprove their children with less violence, borrow and lend 
 useful articles to each other kindly, put on their attire with 
 modesty, and abstain from slanderous and reproachful words. 
 
 " It is to be hoped that by and by, a deeper and purer 
 sense of the truths of religion may be found the cause of a
 
 256 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 real reformation. None amongst them was so shocking as 
 an old woman, a clipper of the coin of the realm, whose 
 daughter was by her side, with her infant in her arras, which 
 had been born in Bridewell ; the grandfather was already 
 transported with several branches of his family as being 
 coiners. The old woman's face was full of depravity. We 
 next crossed the airing-yard, where many prisoners were in- 
 dustriouly engaged at slop-work, for which they are paid, 
 and after receiving what they require, the rest is kept for 
 them by the Committee, who have a receipt book, where 
 their earnings and expenditure may be seen for any time, by 
 the day or week. On entering the untried wards, we found 
 the women very different from those we had just left ; they 
 were quarrelling, and very disorderly, neither knowing their 
 future fate nor anything like subordination amongst one 
 another. It resembles the state of the women on the tried 
 side, previous to the formation of the Visitors' Committee ; 
 not a hand was employed, except in mischief. One bold 
 creature was ushered in for committing highway robbery. 
 Many convicts were arriving just remanded from the Sessions 
 House ; and their dark associates received them with ap- 
 plause, such is the unhallowed fellowship of sin. We left 
 this revolting scene, and proceeded to the school-room, 
 situated on the untried side of the prison, for want of room 
 on the tried. The quiet decency of this apartment was quite 
 a relief ; about twenty young women rose on our entrance, 
 and stood with their eyes cast to the ground. 
 
 " A young woman of respectable appearance, named Mary 
 Connor, had offered herself as mistress, for keeping the young 
 children in order ; who were separated from their parents' 
 wards, and placed in this room. I gave those who wished it, 
 permission to read to me ; several could both read and write, 
 some could say their letters, and others were in total igno- 
 rance ; they wept as I asked them questions, and I read to 
 them the parable of the prodigal son, as being peculiarly 
 applicable to their present situation ; they then resumed their
 
 1817.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 257 
 
 needle-work. We next proceeded to the sick ward, (it was 
 in good order,) and took a list of the additional clothes wanted 
 there, and read a chapter from the New Testament ; we then 
 hade adieu to this dismal abode. 
 
 " 2nd. Rose early and visited Newgate (accompanied by 
 Elizabeth Pryor,) where most of the Committee met to receive 
 the Lord Mayor, the Sheriffs, several Aldermen, among whom 
 were Sir William Curtis, Atkins, and some of the Gaol Com- 
 mittee, who had visited Elizabeth Fry the preceding day, in 
 order to learn what had been done, what remained to be im- 
 proved, and to lend the assistance deemed needful in this 
 important work. The wisdom and integrity of her purpose 
 were made apparent to them, and the plans gradually expanded 
 before each of them ; nothing was precipitated, caution 
 marked every step, and even the irritable state of City 
 politics does not interfere with this attempt at improvement. 
 The women were assembled as usual, looking particularly 
 clean, and Elizabeth Fry had commenced reading a Psalm, 
 when the whole of this party entered the already crowded 
 room. Her reading was thus interrupted for a short time. 
 She looked calmly on the approaching gentlemen, who, soon 
 perceiving the solemnity of her occupation,"stood still amidst 
 the multitude, whilst Elizabeth Fry resumed her office, and 
 the women their quietude. In an impressive tone she told 
 them, she never permitted any trifling circumstance to inter- 
 rupt the very solemn and important engagement of reading 
 the Holy Scriptures ; but in this instance it appeared un- 
 avoidable from the unexpected entrance of so many persons, 
 besides which, when opportunity offers, we should pay 
 respect to those in authority over us, those who administer 
 justice ; she thus, with a Christian prudence, peculiar to 
 herself, controlled the whole assembly, and subdued the 
 feelings of the prisoners, many of whom were but too well 
 acquainted with the faces of the magistrates, who were them- 
 selves touched and astonished at thus being introduced to a 
 
 Btate of decorum so new within those walls, and could not 
 
 31 

 
 258 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1817 
 
 help acknowledging, how admirably this mode of treat- 
 ment was adapted to overcome the evil spirit which had 
 so long triumphed there. The usual silence ensued after 
 the reading, then the women withdrew. We could not 
 help feeling particularly glad that the gentlemen were 
 present at this reading ; the prisoners crowded round tho 
 Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, to beg little favours. We had a 
 long conference with these gentlemen relative to this prison 
 and its objects, the wisest regulations for Prison Discipline, 
 and the causes of crime ; indeed we could not have received 
 more kind or devoted attention to what was suggested. 
 Elizabeth Fry's manner seemed to awaken new trains of re- 
 flection, and to place the individual value of these poor 
 creatures before them in a fresh point of view. They talked 
 of building a school-room, but as it would encroach on the 
 area of the yard, the scheme was unanimously abandoned. 
 Regulations for cooking, washing and dining, were promised ; 
 but everything at present that involves expense to the city 
 is relinquished. Economy, not parsimony, was the theme 
 of the Lord Mayor ; private benevolence has up to this 
 time supplied every extra expense, besides what is termed 
 the Sheriff's Gift. The Sheriffs came to our Committee- 
 room, they ordered a cell to be given up to the Committee, 
 for the temporary confinement of delinquents ; it was to be 
 made appear as formidable as possible, and we hope never to 
 require it. 
 
 " 12tfA. The soldiers who guarded the interior of New- 
 gate, were, at our request dismissed ; they overlooked the 
 women's yard, and rendered them very disorderly. 
 
 " 23rd. I found poor Woodman lying-in, in the common 
 ward, where she had been suddenly taken ill ; herself and 
 little girl were each doing very well. She was awaiting her 
 execution at the end of the month. What can be said of 
 such sights as these ? 
 
 " 2th. I read to Woodman, who is not in the state of 
 mind we could wish for her, indeed so unnatural is her situ-
 
 1817.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 259 
 
 ation, that one can hardly tell how or in what manner to 
 meet her case. She seems afraid to love her baby, and the 
 very health which is being restored to her produces irrita- 
 tion of mind." 
 
 The visit paid by the city authorities, as described above 
 by Sophia de C., was highly satisfactory to them. They 
 had themselves experienced insurmountable difficulties in the 
 attempt to control, or introduce order amongst the women in 
 Newgate, and appear to have relinquished the task as hope- 
 less. When, therefore, this new system and its unlooked-for 
 success was exhibited before them, they did not start aside, 
 mistrustful of the agency, or the novelty of the proceedings, 
 but, without hesitation, gave to these efforts the weight of 
 their influence and authority, without which, the benefit 
 would probably be of short duration, and of comparatively 
 unimportant results. 
 
 The different arrangements made by the visitors, together 
 with the purchase of clothing for the prisoners, entailed con- 
 siderable expenses ; which soon proved beyond their private 
 resources ; a subscription was therefore opened to meet them, 
 to which the Sheriffs added the sum of eighty pounds. 
 Elizabeth Fry, at an after period, related to one of her co- 
 adjutors, that at this time she applied to some of her own 
 relations for assistance in this object, for she perceived the 
 work before her to be great, and the opening for usefulness 
 beyond her expectation, but that to follow it up, she re- 
 quired the command of more money, than she could con- 
 scientiously ask from her husband. Her application was 
 most cordially responded to by them ; especially by her 
 cousin, Hudson Gurney, and her uncle, Robert Barclay ; 
 they gave her help, and encouraged her to persevere in her 
 important objects, desiring her to apply freely to them, 
 whenever their aid was required. 
 
 But far beyond any other assistance was that which she 
 received from her own brothers; who not only entered 
 warmly into her objects of interest, but were unfailing in the
 
 260 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1817. 
 
 generous support which they afforded them. From that time, 
 until her labours of love were ended upon earth, not one 
 year elapsed in which they did not most liberally contribute, 
 as occasion required, to her various purposes of benevolence, 
 leaving the division to her own judgment. Thus did He, 
 who had called her to this work, open the hearts of persons 
 in various circumstances, each to contribute of that which he 
 had, some in personal exertion, and cheerful consecration of 
 time and strength ; some the countenance of their authority 
 and official dignity, whilst others poured in the needful sup- 
 plies of silver and gold. 
 We return to the journal. 
 
 Plashet, Sixth Month, ~L6th. I found the prison going on 
 in a very encouraging manner, so much quietness and order, 
 quite like a different place to what it used to be. We may 
 humbly trust from the fruit produced, that the blessing 
 of the Most High has given the increase to the scattered 
 seed. 
 
 On the eleventh of Sixth Month, 1817, she writes to her 
 two eldest daughters ; who, for nearly a year, had been the 
 guests of their uncle Daniel Grurney, at North Runcton, 
 under the maternal care of their aunt Rachel. 
 
 My dear children, remember,.if you wish to be real helpers 
 to me, and to your dear father, you must take heed to your- 
 selves ; and seek to keep your eye single to Him, who can 
 alone enable you to do your duty towards, yourselves, or 
 towards us. For I am more and more convinced, that unless 
 what we do, is done heartily unto the Lord, it profiteth little 
 and availeth nothing. I cannot tell you, for I have not 
 language to express it, the longing that I have, that you, 
 my sweet, dear children, may go on in the right way. How 
 far before all other things do I ask it for you. That whilst 
 here, you may be " guided by His counsel, and afterwards 
 
 received into glory." 
 
 ELIZABETH FKY.
 
 1817.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 2l)t 
 
 Plashet, Sixth Month, 20th. My dearest boys are returned 
 from school, and the girls I expect this evening. To be once 
 more surrounded by our sweet flock, is pleasant, and appears 
 cause for much thankfulness. May a blessing attend us 
 amongst them, so that in word, and in deed, we may preach 
 Christ ; and 0, gracious Lord ! be pleased so to let Thy 
 blessing attend our labours of love, that they may all grow 
 in grace, and in the knowledge of Thee, and Christ Jesus 
 whom Thou hast sent. 
 
 Seventh Month, 21st. I seem kept almost always, by night 
 and by day, going again and again to the mercy-seat ; I 
 can hardly express what I have felt at times groanings 
 unutterable, for the children upon their getting out of child- 
 hood, in their many temptations ; some seem more beset 
 than others ; but I do trust in Him, who has done marvellous 
 things for me, and I humbly believe will do so also for them; 
 this is the language of faith in my heart, so that I can 
 hardly help consoling myself with the hope that, sooner or 
 later, it will be verified, " I will pour my Spirit upon thy 
 seed, and my blessing upon thy offspring, and they shall 
 spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water-courses. 
 One shall say, I am the Lord's ; and another shall call him- 
 self by the name of Jacob ; and another shall subscribe with 
 his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name 
 of Israel." 
 
 Eighth Month, 4th. My having been brought publicly 
 forward in the newspapers, respecting what I have been 
 instrumental in doing at Newgate, has brought some anxiety 
 with it; in the first place, as far as I am concerned, that it 
 may neither raise me too high, nor cast me too low, that 
 having what may appear my good works, thus published, 
 may never lead me or others to give either the praise or glory 
 where it is not due. And that being brought thus forward 
 in a way I do not like, and by a person whom I do not quite 
 approve ; I may in this, and in all other things, experience 
 preservation, for indeed, I cannot keep myself, and that this
 
 262 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FBY. [1817. 
 
 labour, if consistent with the Divine Will, may continue to 
 be blessed, and to make progress. And for myself, that I 
 may be kept humble, watchful, faithful, and persevering. 
 
 The change that had taken place in Newgate, was noticed, 
 for the first time, in the public journals, during the autumn of 
 this year, by a man who has since been distinguished for his 
 wild and theoretical views, Robert Owen, of New Lanark. 
 This was, to Elizabeth Fry and her companions, a painful and 
 unpleasant circumstance, notoriety being far from agreeable 
 with their inclination. It immediately arrested public at' 
 tention, Prison Discipline having become an object of gen 
 eral interest. 
 
 Plashet, Eighth Month, 28th. I was yesterday at Newgate 
 with Sheriff Brydges, &c., &c. I have felt of late, fears, 
 whether my being made so much of, so much respect paid 
 me by the people in power in the city, and also being so 
 publicly brought forward, may not prove a temptation, and 
 lead to something of self-exaltation, or worldly pride. I fear, 
 I make the most of myself, and carry myself rather as if I 
 were somebody amongst them ; a degree of this sort of con- 
 duct appears almost necessary yet oh ! the watchfulness 
 required not to bow to man, not to seek to gratify self-love ; 
 but rather, in humility and godly fear, to abide under the 
 humiliation of the cross. Lord, be pleased so to help and 
 strengthen me in this, .that for Thine own cause* sake, for my 
 own soul's sake, my beloved family's, and the Society's sake, 
 I may in no way be a cause of reproach ; but in my life, 
 conduct, and conversation, glorify Thy great and ever ex- 
 cellent name. In all my perplexities be pleased to help me, 
 and make a way where I see no way. 
 
 In the Ninth Month, her brother, Joseph John Gurney, 
 of Earlham, married Jane, daughter of John Birkbeck.
 
 1817.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 263 
 
 Plashet, Ninth Month, IQth. I returned from attending my 
 dearest brother Joseph's wedding, with Jane Birkbeck, yes- 
 terday ; they were married on the 10th ; a Meeting very con- 
 spicuously owned by the great and good Shepherd of Israel, 
 so that we could but look upon it as a token for good ; the 
 ministry flowed ; but the immediate visitation of Divine love 
 was still better. My brother said a few words in supplication, 
 to my great comfort and refreshment, not doubting but that 
 the Holy anointing was poured upon him ; therefore I believe 
 that he will be a great instrument in his Heavenly Father's 
 hand, if he only keep very near to His guidance in heights 
 and in depths ; but I could naturally feel fears for his very 
 sensitive and tender mind the conflicts necessary for the 
 service are so great and deep. His dear wife I believe will 
 prove a true helper to him. I saw them afterwards settled 
 at Earlham. 
 
 The following touching letter proves that her spirit was, 
 in no degree, exalted by the applause of the world ; the 
 deep and hidden sorrows, of which she so feelingly speaks, 
 caused her path to be one of much tribulation. 
 
 TO HER BROTHER, JOSEPH JOHN GURNEt. 
 
 Plashet, Tenth Month, 16lh, 1817. 
 My dearest Joseph, 
 
 It is rather odd to myself that I should not have written 
 to thee before, who hast been the frequent subject of my 
 most tender interests. My heart has been raised for thy sup- 
 port and preservation under every circumstance. 
 
 Perhaps, my dear brother, thou wilt like to hear a little of 
 me, though thou hast so much to occupy thy heart and mind. 
 Few, perhaps, can acknowledge more of the abundant loving 
 kindness of the Almighty, who, in a remarkable way, has 
 dealt with me. But in blessing, He has been pleased, at 
 times, to permit some deep sorrows in the cup; some known
 
 264 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1817. 
 
 to my fellow-mortals, and some remarkably hidden ; but this, 
 I doubt not, has been for good. At times, even though 
 there are so many whom I love, so many near and dear to 
 me, " I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house- 
 top," like " the owl in the desert, or the pelican in the wil- 
 derness ;" but I believe " when no man seeth me, God seeth 
 me, and when no man piticth me, God pitieth me." I have 
 felt also what the blessing is of having" Him on our side ; 
 how doth He comfort those that mourn, and administer to all 
 our wants. In short, though cast rather down in some things, 
 I have felt much raised up in others, as if the power of the 
 Endless Life shone strong in me through all ; so that I may 
 say, " though sorrowing, yet always rejoicing." This is a 
 most private letter, as such an acknowledgment is almost 
 like boasting, but I believe I may say it is not so, for all I 
 desire to convey is, that amidst all my cares, sorrows, and 
 perplexities, through His gracious power who strengthens 
 me, I do rejoice. 
 
 Let me hear from you soon, and believe me, in near and 
 tender love, thine and thy dear Jane's 
 
 Very affectionate sister, 
 
 E. F. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Twelfth Month, Ilth. A remarkable 
 blessing still appears to accompany my prison concerns ; 
 perhaps the greatest apparent blessing on my deeds, that ever 
 attended me. How have the spirits both of those in power, 
 and the poor, afflicted prisoners, appeared to be subjected, 
 and how has the work gone on ! most assuredly the power 
 and the glory is alone due to the Author and Finisher of 
 every good work : things in this way thus prosper, beyond 
 my most sanguine expectations ; but there are also deep 
 humiliations for me. My beloved children do not appear 
 sufficiently under the influence of religion. I am ready to 
 say, oh ! that I could prosper at home in my labours, as I 
 appear to do abroad. Others appear to fear for me, that I am 
 too much divided ; but alas ! what can I do, but follow the
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 265 
 
 openings ? I think that I do also labour at home ; but He 
 who searcheth the heart, vrho knoweth all things, He knows 
 my faith, my goings out, and my comings in ; He knows the 
 desires of my heart towards Himself indeed the deep, 
 inward travail of my spirit has been unutterable and inde- 
 scribable ; but my humble trust and strong confidence is, 
 that He who hears and answers prayer, listens to my cry, 
 hearkens to my deep inward supplications for myself, my 
 husband, children, brothers, sisters, and household, my poor 
 prisoners, and all things upon which I crave a blessing ; and 
 that being breathed in the faith, and I humbly trust through 
 the power of the Redeemer, access will be granted them, 
 and that He who has been with me, will be with me even 
 unto the end. Amen, and Amen, saith my unworthy, sor- 
 rowful, and yet in another sense, rejoicing soul ; as I do, at 
 seasons through all, in a marvellous manner, in all my sor- 
 rows and cares, greatly and unspeakably rejoice in God my 
 Saviour, my Redeemer, and my only hope of glory. 
 
 Mildred's Court, 23rd. My spirit is much overwhelmed 
 within me, this morning, but may I be enabled to look to the 
 Rock that is higher than I. Lord ! I beseech thee, sustain 
 me, and grant me cheerful resignation to Thy will, whatever 
 Thou mayst be pleased to do with my little one who is 
 sick ; either in life, or in death, may she ever be Thine, and 
 be comforted by Thy love, and life-giving presence. Amen. 
 
 Mildred's Court, 1818. Lord, be pleased to grant the 
 blessing of preservation which is above every blessing. It is 
 very striking and wonderful to me, to observe how some 
 things have been verified, that, in times of great lovmess and 
 unutterable distress, I have been led to believe would happen ; 
 in reading the 142nd Psalm, these words particularly, " The 
 righteous shall compass me about, for Thou shalt deal boun- 
 tifully with me." Has not this been, and is it not now, 
 remarkably verified, by those filling almost the highest 
 stations in life, to the lowest ; by persons of almost all de- 
 nominations, have I not been compassed about ? My prison 
 34
 
 266 LIPE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1818. 
 
 concerns have thus brought me, a poor and very unworthy 
 creature, into public notice, and I may most humbly adopt 
 this language in the 71st Psalm, " I am as a wonder unto 
 many ; but Thou art my strong Refuge. Oh ! let my mouth 
 be filled with Thy praise, and with Thy honour all the day ;" 
 but, Lord . l merciful and gracious, Thou who knowest the 
 heart and its wanderings, and also its pantings after Thyself, 
 be pleased yet to manifest Thyself to be a God hear- 
 ing and answering prayer. Thou hast, in times of 
 deep adversity, and of great affliction, when the heart 
 of Thy handmaid has been ready to say, Refuge failed 
 her, Thou hast then been her Stronghold, her Rock, and her 
 Fortress ; so that she has not been greatly moved, nor 
 overcome by her soul's enemy. Be pleased, most merciful 
 and gracious Lord God Almighty, now to keep her in the 
 day of prosperity, when the righteous compass her about, 
 that she may be, for a time, even as a wonder unto many. 
 Keep her, O Lord ! even as in Thine own Almighty hand, 
 that no evil befall her, nor any plague come nigh her dwel- 
 ling ; and as Thou hast so far, in Thine abundant mercy and 
 loving kindness, delivered her soul from death, Oh, be 
 pleased to keep her feet from falling ; hold up her goings in 
 thy paths, that her footsteps slip not ; but increasingly ena- 
 ble her at all times, under all circumstances, in heights and 
 in depths, in life and in death, to show forth Thy praise, to 
 walk faithfully and circumspectly before Thee, obeying 
 Thee in all things, in Thy fear and in Thy love ; abounding 
 in the true faith, as it is in Jesus ; ever giving Thee, Lord 
 God on High, with Christ Jesus our Lord, and Thy Holy 
 Spirit our Comforter, one God, blessed forever, the glory due 
 unto Thee, now in time, and in an endless eternity. Amen, 
 Amen. 
 
 During the winter of 1817-18, Elizabeth Fry received 
 many letters of inquiry from different parts of the country, 
 in relation to the system pursued in Newgate. Ladies
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 267 
 
 wished to form similar associations. Magistrates wished to 
 improve the state of prisoners under their control, &c., &c. : 
 all which required minute and carefully-considered replies- 
 Some of the most distinguished and influential persons in 
 the kingdom were anxious to witness, for themselves, what 
 had been done in the prison, and a part of almost every 
 morning was spent in accompanying such parties thither. 
 
 Many were asking for counsel, others for employment, 
 which they supposed Elizabeth Fry could obtain for them ; 
 and almost constant applications from the poor, who thought 
 her purse as inexhaustible as her good-will, "humbly pray- 
 ing" for assistance. Her benevolent feelings would hardly 
 suffer any of these to pass unheeded ; and her daughters, 
 the eldest of whom was in her seventeenth year, proved 
 efficient helpers in answering the demands. 
 
 A person who visited the prison infirmary, found a wo- 
 man very ill ; she spoke most feelingly of the kind atten- 
 tions of the ladies, adding, "All the comforts around me, 
 and all the consolation of my mind, are owing to them." 
 
 The prisoners who were sent from Newgate to the Peni- 
 tentiary, were remarkable for the propriety of their conduct ; 
 and, as opportunities occurred, the manner in which they 
 would ask after the health and welfare of the " Ladies' 
 Committee" was highly interesting. A visitor said, "I 
 never heard more minute or more affectionate enquiries, or 
 more grateful acknowledgments. Mentioning Elizabeth Fry, 
 I asked if she had done them any good ? The answer of 
 one struck me much, but more from the manner than the 
 language : * God bless her, and the day she came to New- 
 gate ! She has done us all good, and wo have, and shall 
 always have, reason to bless her.' This prisoner had been 
 in Newgate previously, as well as subsequently, to the intro- 
 duction of the Ladies' Committee ; and she gave me a strik- 
 ing picture of the contrast between the two periods." 
 
 During the former, it had been the practice for convicts, 
 on the night preceding their departure for Botany Bay, to
 
 268 IFB OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 pull down and break or burn everything within their reach ; 
 and to go off shouting with the most hardened effrontery. 
 But when the last set went out, they took an affectionate leave 
 of their companions, and expressed the utmost gratitude to 
 their benefactors, and the next day entered their conveyances 
 peaceably ; and their departure, in the tears that were shed 
 and the mournful decorum that was observed, resembled a 
 funeral procession ; and so orderly was their behaviour, that 
 it was deemed unnecessary to send more than half the usual 
 escort. As a proof that moral and religious instruction had 
 produced some effect upon their minds, when these poor 
 creatures were going, those who remained entreated that 
 their share of the profits (a little fund they were allowed to 
 collect for themselves, kept in a box under the care of the 
 " Ladies' Committee ") might all be given to those who were 
 about to leave them. 
 
 In ten months after the working-system was introduced, 
 the women had made nearly twenty thousand articles of 
 clothing, which had been supplied principally by the slop- 
 shops ; and their knitting produced from sixty to a hundred 
 pairs of socks and stockings every month. Their earnings 
 averaged about eighteen-pence per week for each one. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry was informed that some were still gaming 
 in the prison. She went alone, assembled the prisoners, and 
 told them what she had heard, that she feared it was true ; 
 dwelt upon the sin of gaming, its evil effect upon their minds, 
 the interruption it gave, and the distaste it excited to labour ; 
 told them how much the report had grieved her, and said 
 " she would consider it a proof of their regard, if they would 
 have the candour and kindness to bring the cards to her." 
 She did not expect they would do it, as it would be betray- 
 ing themselves. But soon after she had retired to the "ladies' 
 room," there was a gentle tap at the door, and in came a 
 trembling girl, who, in a manner that indicated real feeling, 
 expressed her sorrow for having broken the rules of so kind 
 a friend, and presented her pack of cards. She was soon
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 269 
 
 followed by another and another, until Elizabeth Fry had 
 received five packs, which she burnt in their presence ; as- 
 suring them, that so far from its being remembered against 
 them, she should "remember it in another way." 
 
 A few days after this, she took with her some presents of 
 clothing, and calling the first one, gave her a neat muslin 
 handkerchief. To her surprise the girl said she hoped 
 Elizabeth Fry would excuse her being so forward, but if she 
 might say it, she felt exceedingly disappointed. She had 
 hoped that Elizabeth Fry would have given her a Bible with 
 her own name written in it, which she would value beyond 
 anything else, and always keep and read it. This was irre- 
 sistible. The treasure so much desired was brought, and 
 Elizabeth Fry assured a friend that she never gave a Bible 
 which was received with so much interest and satisfaction, 
 nor one that she thought more likely to do good. 
 
 This had been one of the worst of girls, and had behaved 
 very badly upon her trial ; but she conducted herself after- 
 wards in so amiable a manner, that she appeared "almost 
 without a flaw," and it was hoped " would become a valuable 
 member of society." 
 
 One of the prisoners had said, it was " more terrible to 
 be brought up before Mrs. Fry than before the judge." 
 This was mentioned, when Elizabeth Fry was giving her 
 evidence before the Committee of the House of Commons, 
 on which she remarked : " I think I may say we have fuU 
 power among them, though we use nothing but kindness. I 
 have never proposed a punishment, and yet I think it is 
 impossible, in a well regulated house, to have rules moro 
 strictly attended to than they are." 
 
 " Our habit is constantly to read the Scriptures to them 
 twice a day many of them are taught, some can read a little 
 themselves. It has had an astonishing effect ; I never saw 
 the Scriptures received in the same way. When I have 
 sometimes gone and said it was my intention to read, they
 
 270 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 would flock up stairs after me as if it were a great pleasure 
 I had to afford them." 
 
 When asked by the committee if the ladies confined them- 
 selves to the reading of the Scriptures, without inculcating 
 any peculiar doctrine, Elizabeth Fry replied, "We consider, 
 from the situation we fill, as it respects the public, as well as 
 the poor creatures themselves, that it would be highly inde- 
 corous to press any peculiar doctrine of any kind, any 
 thing beyond the fundamental doctrines of Scripture." 
 
 The Committee had obtained a pardon for one poor woman, 
 of whom Elizabeth Fry said, " We taught her to knit in the 
 prison. She is now living respectably out of it, and in part 
 gains her livelihood by knitting." 
 
 " One poor woman, to whom we lent money, comes every 
 week to my house and pays two shillings. We give part and 
 lend part, to accustom them to habits of punctuality and 
 honesty." 
 
 A man, who was executed, left his wife in the prison, 
 under sentence of death. They had eight children. On 
 being asked respecting her, Elizabeth Fry replied, "I heard 
 her state to a gentleman, that it had been a very great bless- 
 ing to her to be at Newgate, and I think there has been a 
 very great change in her. Her case is now before Lord Sid- 
 mouth," hoping for a pardon. 
 
 On rewards, Elizabeth Fry replied, " We divide our 
 women into classes, with monitors." " They not only have 
 the earnings of their work, but we endeavor to stimulate 
 them by a system of marks ; for a certain number of good 
 marks at a fixed period, they are rewarded with such prizes 
 as we think proper articles of clothing, or Bibles and 
 Testaments." The matron superintends the classes. 
 
 The committee inquired if some prisoners had not suffered
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 271 
 
 from want of clothing ? Elizabeth Fry said, "I could describe 
 such scenes as I should hardly think it delicate to mention." 
 A woman had been brought in recently, with "hardly a 
 covering, no stockings, and only a thin gown. We provided 
 clothing immediately for the woman, and for her baby, which 
 was born a few hours after she came in." 
 
 When asked if she thought any reformation could be 
 effected without employment, she replied "I should believe 
 it impossible. We may instruct as we will, but if we allow 
 them their time, and they have nothing to do, they naturally 
 must return to their evil passions." 
 
 Elizabeth Fry closed her evidence before the Committee 
 of the House of Commons, with the following remarks : 
 " I will just add, that I believe, if there were a prison fitted 
 np for us, which we might visit as inspectors if employ- 
 ment were found for our women, little or no communica- 
 tion allowed with the city, and room given to class them, 
 with female servants only if there were a thousand of the 
 most unruly women, they w uld be in excellent order in one 
 week. Of that I have not the least doubt." 
 
 This examination took place on the 27th of Second Month, 
 1818, ten months after the "Ladies' Association" had been 
 formed. In the report of this Parliamentary Committee, the 
 following sentence occurs : " The benevolent exertions of 
 Mrs. Fry and her friends, in the female department of the 
 prison, have indeed, by the establishment of a school, by pro- 
 viding work and encouraging industrious habits, produced 
 the most gratifying change. But much must be ascribed to 
 unremitting personal attention and influence." 
 
 Crimes of almost every grade and description were then 
 punishable with death. In regard to forgery, a case was 
 hardly to be conceived in which it was not made a capital 
 crime ; and the law recognised no distinction between the 
 systematic forger and the foolish lad or confiding female 
 who, misled by others, became their dupes and victims. So 
 sanguinary a law, if carried fully into effect, would have ex-
 
 272 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRT. [1818. 
 
 acted an average of more than four executions per day, ex- 
 clusive of First-day, in Great Britain and Ireland. To lessen 
 this fearful sacrifice of human life, every possible expedient 
 was adopted. The police often connived at the escape of 
 those whom they pretended to seek ; jurors often seized with 
 avidity extenuating circumstances, to satisfy their con- 
 sciences in returning a verdict of "not guilty;" and judges 
 often leaned to the side of mercy, granting respites and re- 
 prieves, when cases of those under sentence of death were 
 considered in council. 
 
 "A Society for Diffusing Information on the Subject of 
 Punishment by Death'' had been formed in 1808, when Wil- 
 liam Allen convened a little band of seven patriotic men at 
 his own house, who organised a committee on capital punish- 
 ments ; and Sir Samuel Romilly, whose attention had been 
 directed to the severity of the criminal code, determined to 
 attempt an amelioration of it, and to begin with the act of 
 Queen Elizabeth, which made it a capital offence for one to 
 steal privately from the person of another. He was sup- 
 ported in this by Lord Holland and the Marquis of Lans- 
 downe. Sir Samuel Romilly renewed his attacks upon this 
 code, though almost single-handed, every succeeding session, 
 changing his plan of operation as circumstances required, 
 until his humane exertions were terminated by death, 
 in 1818. His bill to remove the penalty of death for 
 shoplifting, in 1810, was rejected by the Peers, when the 
 following protest was presented : 
 
 " Dissentient. 1st. Because the statute proposed to be 
 repealed appears to us unreasonably severe, inasmuch as it 
 punishes with death the offence of stealing property to a very 
 inconsiderable amount, without violence or any other aggra- 
 vation. 
 
 " 2dly. Because, to assign the same punishment for heinous 
 crimes and slight offences, tends to confound the notions of 
 tight and wrong, to diminish the horror atrocious guilt
 
 1818.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 273 
 
 ought always to inspire, and to weaken the reverence in which 
 it is desirable that the laws of the country should be held. 
 
 " 3dly. Because severe laws are, in our judgment, more 
 likely to produce a deviation from the strict execution of 
 justice than to deter individuals from the commission of 
 crimes ; and our apprehension that such may be the effect, 
 is confirmed, in this instance, by the reflection, that the 
 offence in question is become more frequent, and the pun- 
 ishment, probably on account of its rigour, is seldom or 
 never inflicted. 
 
 " 4thly. Because the value of money has decreased since 
 the reign of King William, and the statute is consequently 
 become a law of much greater severity than the legislature 
 which passed it ever intended to enact." 
 
 This was signed by the Dukes of Sussex and Gloucester, 
 Lord Holland and the Marquis of Lansdowne. 
 
 On the 17th of Second Month, 1818, two women were exe- 
 cuted for forgery. At six o'clock in the morning, one of 
 them addressed the following letter to Elizabeth Fry : 
 
 " HonouredMadam : As the only way of expressing my 
 gratitude to you, for your very great attention to the care of 
 my poor soul, I feel I may have appeared more silent than 
 perhaps some would have been on so melancholy an event ; 
 but believe me, my dear madam, I have felt most acutely the 
 awful situation I have been in. The mercies of God are 
 boundless, and I trust, through His grace, this affliction is 
 sanctified to me, and through the Saviour's blood my sins 
 will be washed away. I have much to be thankful for. I 
 feel such serenity of mind and fortitude. God of His infinite 
 mercy, grant I may feel as I do now in the last moments ! 
 Pray, madam, present my most grateful thanks to the worthy 
 Dr. Cotton and Mr. Baker, and all our kind friends the 
 ladies, and Mrs. Guy. It was a feeling I had of my own 
 unworthiness made me more diffident of speaking as was per- 
 35
 
 274 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 haps looked for. I once more return you my most grateful 
 thanks. It is now past six o'clock. I have not one moment 
 to spare. I must devote the remainder to the service of my 
 offended God. 
 
 "With respect, your humble servant, 
 
 " CHARLOTTE NEWMAN." 
 
 She added, that Mary Ann James (who was to be executed 
 with her) felt, as she hoped, all that she had expressed. 
 
 Those under sentence of death for forgery were apt to 
 consider themselves " more sinned against than sinning," 
 that they were the victims of a harsh and cruel law, which 
 made property of more value than human life, and thus, 
 being the injured parties, they were to die more as martyrs 
 than as criminals. On the same day that brought poor 
 Newman's letter, Elizabeth Fry received one from William 
 Wilberforce. 
 
 " Kensington Gore, 17th Feb., 1818. 
 
 " My dear Madam : I think I need not assure you that I 
 have not forgotten you this morning. In truth, having been 
 awake very early, and lying in peace and comfort and safety, 
 the different situation of the poor women impressed itself 
 strongly on my mind. 
 
 " I shall be glad, and Mrs. Wilberforce also, I assure you, 
 to hear that your bodily health has not suffered from your 
 mental anxiety, and I will try to get a sight of you, when I 
 can, to hear your account and remarks on the effects of the 
 last few days, both on the poor objects themselves and their 
 prison companions. 
 
 "With real esteem and regard, I am, my dear madam, 
 " Yours very sincerely, 
 
 " W. WILBERFORCE." 
 
 The circumstances at Newgate, which had been wont to 
 pass unheeded, and almost unknown, save to a few heart- 
 stirred philanthropists, now attracted the attention and ex-
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 275 
 
 cited the interest of great numbers among the varied classes 
 in society. During the spring of this year, executions had 
 become so frequent, that they were made subjects for investi- 
 gation, and for public as well as private discussion.* The 
 sanguinary provisions of the penal code were beheld with a 
 sentiment of disapprobation, and even abhorrence, before 
 unfelt. The wretched tenants of the " condemned cells," 
 after having received the sentence of death at the Old Bailey, 
 awaited, with mingled hope and fear, the decision of the 
 Council, by whom some were selected for mercy, the others 
 to suffer the extreme penalty of the law. No reasons were 
 assigned by the Council for this distinction ; each one, there- 
 fore, hoped to escape the dreadful doom Among those who 
 were waiting in this state of terrible suspense, was a young 
 woman named Harriet Skelton. There was something pecu- 
 liarly teaching in the case of this poor creature. " A child 
 might have read her character in her countenance open, 
 confiding, affectionate, possessing strong feelings, but neither 
 hardened in depravity, nor capable of cunning." Under the 
 influence of the man whom she loved, she had been induced 
 to pass some forged notes: " thus adding another to the dis- 
 mal list of those who, with the finest impulses of our nature, 
 uncontrolled by religion, have been lured to their own de- 
 struction." Skelton was ordered for execution ; the sentence 
 was unlooked-for ; " her deportment in the prison had been 
 good, amenable to regulations, quiet and orderly. Some of 
 her companions in guilt were heard to say, that they sup- 
 posed she was chosen for death, because she was better 
 
 * The heart sickens at the thought how, even in the last generation, 
 human life was recklessly sacrificed. Persons convicted of compara- 
 tively small crimes paid the forfeit of life ; some of thorn might, 
 unquestionably, have become reformed and useful. The late Charles 
 Wesley, in a letter to his friend John Fletcher, vicar of Madely, dated 
 "June 30th, 1776," says, "A fortnight ago I preached the condemned 
 sermon to above 20 criminal*. Every one of them, I liavc good grounds 
 to believe, died penitent. 20 more must die next week ! I See Mcmovr of 
 Elizabeth Mortimer, p. 101.
 
 276 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1818 
 
 prepared than the rest of them." Elizabeth Fry was vehe- 
 mently urged to exert herself on behalf of this unhappy 
 woman. She made various attempts one through the Duke 
 of Gloucester, who with other dwellers in palaces and lordly 
 halls, visited the poor convict in Newgate ; and " his former 
 companion in the dance" led the Duke through the gloom 
 and darkness of that most gloomy of prisons a new scene 
 indeed to him, and to many others, who, through life, had 
 been "nursed on the downy lap of ease," in luxurious abodes, 
 that strangely contrasted with the " dark vaulted passages 
 the clanking fetters the offensive smell the grating sound 
 as the heavy key was turned the massive bolts drawn back 
 and the iron-sheathed door forced reluctantly opien," unac- 
 customed, and as if unwilling, to admit such guests. 
 
 The Duke of Gloucester made a noble effort to save Skelton, 
 by an application to Lord Sidmouth ; he also accompanied 
 Elizabeth Fry to the Bank Directors : but all entreaties were 
 in vain. Lord Sidmouth was annoyed by Elizabeth Fry's 
 earnest solicitations, and highly offended at some disclosures 
 which involved a degree of censure on the Bank Directors. 
 There were, in the case, circumstances of collusion, on the 
 part of some who were concerned in bringing this unfortu- 
 nate creature to the gallows, of which Elizabeth Fry might 
 perhaps have spoken with a degree of freedom that exceeded 
 the limits of strict prudence : but who can read the tale 
 without a strong and sympathetic interest in her humane 
 appeal for mercy ? or without deep regret, as well as surprise, 
 that this appeal could have been regarded in the light of an 
 offence ? and how does the emotion acquire intensity, when 
 we contemplate the dreadful severity of an enactment, which, 
 within a few years afterwards, was, through the aroused and 
 resistless force of public opinion, expunged from the statute- 
 book! 
 
 The claims of mercy had rendered it very important to 
 Elizabeth Fry that she should have access to the Secretary 
 of State. She had been wont to intercede with Lord Sid-
 
 1818.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 277 
 
 mouth on behalf of those whom his decision might either 
 consign to an untimely and ignominious death, or award a 
 further term of earthly probation. But now her influence 
 with him was lost. She endeavoured, by a personal inter- 
 view, to remove the unfavourable impressions which he had 
 imbibed, and to convince him that, although she might have 
 erred in judgment, her intentions had been upright, and her 
 desire sincere not to oppose his wishes. But all was in vain : 
 his heart was steeled against remonstrances, and nothing but 
 pain resulted from the interview. Elizabeth Fry had been 
 accompanied in this unsatisfactory visit by the excellent 
 Countess Harcourt, one of the ladies of the Court; and 
 under her special care and protection had, on the same day, 
 reluctantly, and with a heavy heart, to mingle in a very 
 different scene, and to encounter objects of a remarkably 
 opposite character. The aged Queen Charlotte, who, through 
 a lengthened life, had appeared little moved by questions of 
 a philanthropic character, her interests being much confined 
 within the sphere of her court and its cold formalities and 
 etiquette, had heard of the wonderful changes in Newgate 
 and elsewhere, wrought through the instrumentality of Eliza- 
 beth Fry, and had become impressed by the evidences of an 
 awakened and powerfully religious feeling, which had begun 
 to operate on the minds of some persons of rank and influ- 
 ence, who had witnessed the labours of this devoted woman ; 
 and, on the occasion of a public examination of the children 
 of some large metropolitan schools in the Egyptian Hall of 
 the Mansion House, the Queen intimated her desire to be 
 present, and requested that Elizabeth Fry would also attend 
 on the occasion. This was an injunction that could not, with 
 any degree of propriety, be disregarded ; and accordingly, 
 though as she says against her will, Elizabeth Fry, in com- 
 pany with the Countess Ilarcourt, repaired thither. It had 
 been intended that she should be presented to the Queen in 
 the drawing room this would have been much more select 
 and agreeable but, through some misunderstanding, Ladj
 
 278 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1818. 
 
 Harcourt and Elizabeth Fry were conducted to the hall, and 
 placed on the side of the platform, which was crowded with 
 waving feathers, jewels, and orders ; several of the bishops 
 standing near her, the great hall lined with spectators, and 
 in the centre hundreds of poor children from the different 
 schools. Elizabeth Fry was an object of general attraction. 
 After a time the Queen perceived her, and advanced to 
 address her. It was a striking scene, and painted by an 
 artist the diminutive stature of the Queen, covered with 
 diamonds, but her countenance lighted with an expression 
 of pleasure and of the kindest benevolence, Elizabeth Fry's 
 tall figure, clad in her simple Friend's dress, her counte- 
 nance a little flushed, but preserving her wonted calmness of 
 look and serious dignity of manner. The spectators of this 
 remarkable interview, with a murmur of applause, hailed the 
 scene before them, as the meed of approval offered by royalty 
 at the shrine of mercy and- good works. 
 
 The fatigue of the day proved too much for the Queen's 
 declining bodily powers. In the succeeding autumn she 
 finished her earthly course. It was a cause of much satis- 
 faction to the many who cherished an interest in her eternal 
 well-being, that the power of religion increasingly influenced 
 her mind, as she approached the confines of a never-ending 
 state of existence. During her last illness, in the Ninth 
 Month of this year, the Countess Harcourt, in a letter to 
 Elizabeth Fry, says , 
 
 " We are at present in great anxiety on account of the poor 
 Queen. I wish she had had the advantage of knowing you 
 earlier, and more intimately. But I believe her opinions on 
 religious subjects, are what you would highly approve, and 
 Mrs. Bendorff who never leaves her, reads and prays with 
 her constantly, and has done so, at all periods. The conduct 
 of the two Princesses is most exemplary, but I much fear 
 Princess Augusta's health is declining, and her nerves are 
 very much shook. If the Duke of Gloucester had not kindly 
 32
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 279 
 
 suffered the Duchess to remain, and share this painful duty 
 with Princess Augusta, she must have sunk under it. Prin- 
 cess Sophia is also very ill, at Windsor, from her extreme 
 anxiety. The distressed state of the Royal Family should 
 prove, that there are none of those circumstances, that are 
 called advantages, that can even alleviate, much less exempt 
 the possessors from the misfortunes common to mortality. 
 The lesson is a useful one, and so is the patience and resigna- 
 tion with which the Queen bears her sufferings, and her 
 family bear their sorrows. I am told the Queen shows a 
 particular gentleness and gratitude to all around her, making 
 no complaints, even when in agonies of pain. Her strength 
 of constitution, which is very great, is probably the cause of 
 the protraction of her sufferings, and the period may still bo 
 prolonged some days, or it may terminate in a moment."
 
 1818 1823. Engagements in the Prison Convict ships The Maria 
 Visitors to Newgate Letter from Lady Mackintosh Lord Lans- 
 downe's speech Scotch journey Letter from the Countess Harcourt 
 Takes her sons to school Illness Journey in consequence Let- 
 ter to prisoners Letters to hersonsandPriscillall. Gurney Afflic- 
 tion in her family Scripture readings in Newgate Female convicts 
 in New South Wales Journey into the North of England Letters 
 to her daughter, Walter Venning, &c. Foreign Prisons Death of 
 her sister Priscilla Gurney Capital punishments Mackintosh's 
 Motion Buxton's speech Prison Discipline Meeting Marriage of 
 a daughter Visits to several Meetings Death of a sister-in-law 
 Letter to the Princess Royal of Denmark To J. J. Gurney Sale 
 of prisoners' work Convict ships Interesting visit to one of them 
 Letter from the Duchess of Attends Bristol Quarterly Meet- 
 ing, &c. Reflections. 
 
 AFTER, the arduous exertions and interests of the winter 
 of 181718, it was no small relief to Elizabeth Fry and her 
 family, to return to Plashet : and she writes 
 
 Plashet, Fourth Month, 29th. May we more evidently 
 live in the best sense, even unto God. Since I last wrote, I 
 have led rather a remarkable life ; so surprisingly followed 
 after by the great, and others in my Newgate concerns ; in 
 short, the prison and myself are become quite a show, which 
 is a very serious thing, in many points. I believe, that it 
 certainly does much good to the cause, in spreading amongst 
 all ranks of society a considerable interest in the subject ; 
 also a knowledge of Friends, and of their principles : but 
 my own standing appears critical in many ways. In the 
 first place, the extreme importance of my walking strictly, 
 and circumspectly, amongst all men, in all things ; and not 
 bringing discredit upon the cause of truth and righteousness. 
 (280)
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 281 
 
 In the next place, after our readings there, the ministry is a" 
 most awful calling, thus, publicly amongst men, to be in 
 season and out of season. I desire to live, (more particularly 
 in these things,) in the fear of God rather than of man, and 
 that neither good report, nor evil report, the approbation 
 nor disapprobation of men, should move me the least, but 
 my eye should be kept quite single to the great and good 
 Shepherd and Bishop of souls ; this is my continual prayer 
 for myself. 
 
 That the desire for preservation, so continually raised in 
 her heart, was graciously answered, we have many evidences. 
 We observe, in the journal of William Allen, the following 
 notices of these important engagements at Newgate, of which 
 she so feelingly speaks. 
 
 " Second Month, 8th, 1818. Went with E. J. Fry and 
 Cornelius to Newgate. About one hundred women prisoners 
 were collected, and behaved in a most exemplary manner. 
 E. J. Fry read the seventh chapter of Luke to them in a 
 solemn manner, and made some comments upon it very 
 sweetly. ' I thought a precious degree of power attended. 
 I also ventured to address them, and felt peace." 
 
 " Fifth Month, 21th. Professor Pictet and his son Charles 
 Vernet went with me to Gracechurch-street Meeting. I 
 afterwards accompanied them to meet E. J. Fry at Newgate. 
 The Duke of Leinster and the Swedish Ambassador were 
 there. It was a solemn time. E. J. Fry read a psalm, and 
 was afterwards engaged in prayer. Hannah Field also sup- 
 plicated, and Mary Sanderson spoke in ministry." 
 
 " Seventh Month, 14?A, 1820. I accompanied the Mar- 
 quis Pucci to Newgate. E. J. Fry read to about sixty 
 female prisoners. They seemed in excellent order. The 
 reading was followed by a solemn pause, and supplication 
 from E. J. Fry." 
 
 Similar memoranda of the religious opportunities that often 
 occurred in the prison, might be multiplied from the pens of 
 36
 
 282 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1818 
 
 many excellent persons ; and, frequently, the visitors of every 
 class, and the prisoners themselves, were equally affected. A 
 near relative of the Duke of Wellington said he was " amazed 
 at the reverence of Elizabeth Fry in reading the Scriptures, 
 and at the attention of the prisoners." His heart melted 
 into tenderness while he listened to her faithful and com- 
 passionate addresses to her serious congregation: he had 
 never before seen anything like it. He was an officer in the 
 navy, and it was remarked by one who was present, " When 
 Elizabeth Fry kneeled down and offered prayer in the blessed 
 name of our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, as our only 
 Mediator and Advocate with the Father, for the Divine 
 mercy, and pardon, and grace, to rest upon all present, for 
 their salvation and eternal glory, the captain was overcome : 
 he burst into tears and wept like a child." 
 
 A fresh object of interest now opened upon the attention 
 of the "Ladies' Newgate Association." The removal of the 
 female convicts for transportation : and the circumstances 
 under which those whom they so anxiously desired to benefit, 
 were to pass the long and dreary months of confinement on 
 ship-board. 
 
 Previous to the commencement of those efforts which pro-t 
 duced such a marvellous change in the conduct of these 
 unhappy women, it had been usual, on their departure for 
 the convict ships, to have them conveyed from the prison to 
 the water-side in open waggons, generally amidst assembled 
 crowds, the prisoners and those who surrounded them being 
 alike riotous and noisy, the disorder being maintained on the 
 road and in the boats. Elizabeth Fry prevailed on the Gover- 
 nor to consent to their being moved in hackney coaches. She 
 then promised the women, that if they would be quiet and or- 
 derly, she and others of the visitors would accompany them to 
 Deptford, and see them on board the Maria convict ship ; ac- 
 cordingly, when the time came, no disturbance took place ; 
 the women in hackney coaches, with turnkeys in attendance, 
 formed a procession, which was closed by her carriage, and
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 283 
 
 the women behaved well upon the road. "When on board the 
 ship, Elizabeth Fry and her co-adjutors were distressed to see 
 so many women and children herded together below deck. 
 They were to be divided into messes of six each, and as each 
 woman must, of necessity, associate the most with those of 
 her own mess, it seemed to be a good opportunity to class 
 and number them. This was no sooner proposed, than 
 accepted by all concerned in the arrangement ; they were 
 divided into classes of twelve, including the monitor, chosen 
 from the number by the women themselves. As far as pos- 
 sible, those whose ages or criminality were similar were 
 placed together, each class contained two messes. The 
 superintendence thus became as complete, as the nature of 
 the case would permit. There were one hundred and twenty- 
 eight convicts, besides their children. 
 
 Employment and instructidn were still wanting ; the women 
 complained of having nothing to do. To procure work for a 
 hundred and twenty-eight persons, during so long a voyage, 
 appeared to be a hopeless endeavour ; and even if it could be 
 obtained from Government or individuals, that it would be 
 useless to give it to them, with no responsible person to take 
 charge either of its execution or appropriation. The visitors 
 were told that patchwork and fancywork found a ready sale 
 in New South Wales. They accordingly made it known that 
 they required little pieces of coloured cotton, for this pur- 
 pose ; and in a few days, enough were sent from the different 
 Manchester houses in London, fully to supply them with 
 work, aided by some knitting. The time and ingenuity 
 required in patchwork, rendered it a particularly suitable 
 occupation ; and as the convicts were to have the things when 
 done, to sell for their own profit on arrival, it was evidently 
 their interest to turn their skill to the best account. By this 
 means, another important good was effected ; for at that time, 
 no factory or barrack of any description existed, for the 
 reception of the women when landed in the colony ; not so 
 much as a hut in which they could take refuge, so that they
 
 284 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 were literally driven to vice, or left to lie in the streets. The 
 proceeds of their industry on board ship, though small, would 
 enable such as desired it, to obtain shelter until engaged as 
 servants, or until they could find some respectable means of 
 subsistence. A fact that occurred the following year, in the 
 Wellington female convict ship, showed the correctness of 
 this opinion, and how well patchwork had answered the in- 
 tended purpose ; for when that ship touched at Rio de Janeiro, 
 the quilts made by the women were there sold for a guinea 
 each. Bibles, prayer-books, and religious tracts, were placed 
 under the care of each monitor, for the use of her class ; 
 arrangements were also made, that those who could not read 
 and wished to learn, should have an opportunity of doing so. 
 But though some provision was thus made for the neces- 
 sities of the women, the poor children were still in misery 
 and in ignorance, fourteen of them were of an age to receive 
 instruction; with some difficulty, a small space of the vessel 
 was set apart for a school : there, during the greater part of 
 the day, the children were taught to read, knit, and sew ; 
 one of the convicts undertook to be school-mistress, for 
 whom a reward was placed in the hands of the captain, pro- 
 vided she persevered in her duties to the end of the voyage. 
 During the five weeks that the ship lay in the river, some 
 members of the "Association" devoted much of their time 
 to making these arrangements. The expense of <T2 10s. was 
 incurred in working materials, aprons for the women, and 
 additional clothing for the most destitute. The good effects 
 of these regulations were speedily seen, but none were san- 
 guine as to their continuing in force after the ship had fairly 
 put to sea, and there would be no longer any stimulus or in- 
 ducement to persevere. The captain, a very respectable 
 man, died suddenly at Calcutta, on the voyage home, which 
 prevented its being ascertained with certainty, how long, or 
 to what extent the plans were beneficial. The only person 
 who could give or enforce an order, was the surgeon-super- 
 intendent, appointed by Government to the care of the
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 285 
 
 women. In this instance, the appointment had fallen on a 
 man who did not take even the least interest in the moral 
 organization of the convict ship. The last time that Eliza- 
 beth Fry was on board the Maria, whilst she lay at Deptford, 
 was one of those solemn and interesting occasions that leave 
 a lasting impression on the minds of those who witness them. 
 There was great uncertainty whether the poor convicts would 
 see their benefactress again. She stood at the door of the 
 cabin, attended by her friends and the captain ; the women, 
 on the quarter-deck facing them. The sailors anxious to see 
 what was going on, climbed into the rigging, upon the cap- 
 stan, or mingled in the outskirts of the group. The silence 
 was profound when Elizabeth Fry opened her Bible, and, in 
 a clear, audible voice, read a portion from it. The crews of the 
 other vessels in the tier, attracted by the novelty of the scene, 
 leaned over the ships on each side, and listened apparently 
 with great attention ; she closed the Bible, and after a short 
 pause, knelt down on the deck, and implored a blessing on 
 this work of Christian charity from that God, who, though 
 one may plant and another water, can alone give the increase. 
 Many of the women wept bitterly, all seemed touched ; when 
 she left the ship, they followed her with their eyes and their 
 blessings, until her boat having passed within another tier of 
 vessels, they could see her no more. 
 But we return to her own journal. 
 
 Plashet, Seventh Month, 1st. Since I last wrote, much has 
 happened to me ; some things have occurred of an important 
 nature. My prison engagements have gone on well, and 
 many have flocked after me, may I not say of almost all 
 descriptions, from the greatest to the least ; and we have had 
 some remarkably favoured times together in the prison. The 
 Yearly Meeting was a very interesting one to me, and also 
 encouraging. I felt the unity of Friends a comfort and sup- 
 port. I had to go into the Men's Meeting, which was a deep 
 trial of faith, but it appeared called for at my hand, and
 
 286 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 peace attended giving up to it. The unity which the women 
 expressed at my going, and the good reception I found 
 amongst the men, were comforting to me; but it was a close, 
 very close, exercise. Although I have had much support 
 from many of my fellow-mortals, and so much unity expressed 
 with me, both in and out of our Society yet I believe many 
 Friends have great feara for me and mine ; and some, not 
 Friends, do not scruple to spread evil reports, as if vanity or 
 political motives led me to neglect a large family. I desire 
 patiently to bear it all, but the very critical view that is taken 
 of my beloved children, grieves me much. 
 
 From the very diverse habits of thought in different indi- 
 viduals 'habits engendered by education, by pre-conceived 
 notions, and by the influences of association and natural 
 temperament the opinions of men will ever widely vary 
 most especially on subjects with which, from their novelty, 
 they may be but slightly acquainted. It was thus, in reference 
 to the calling and engagements of the excellent person whose 
 course is described in this volume. She was, at times, 
 heavily oppressed under the effect of conflicting views ; yet, 
 sustained by the evidences, often vouchsafed, that an Almighty 
 Helper was her Friend and Guide, she was enabled, with 
 singleness of purpose, to pursue her efforts for the welfare of 
 her fellow-creatures, and for the reconciliation with God of 
 spirits alienated from Him by wicked works. His blessing 
 rested on her labours, and some, at least, were brought to a 
 saving knowledge of their gracious Redeemer. And unto 
 Him she ascribed all praise. 
 
 8th. My heart is too full to express much ; yesterday, I 
 had a very interesting day at Newgate, with the Chancellor 
 of the Exchequer, and many other persons of consequence ; 
 much in the cross to myself, I had to express a few words in 
 supplication before them, but the effect was solemn and satis- 
 factory. After this I felt peaceful and comforted ; sometimes
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 287 
 
 I think, after such times, I am disposed to feel as if that day's 
 work was done, and give way to cheerful conversation, with- 
 out sufficiently waiting for the fresh manifestations of the 
 Spirit, and abiding under the humiliations of the Cross. 
 
 It is needful now to revert to the excitement produced in 
 the public mind, as the circumstances of the remarkable 
 transformation effected in Newgate, became generally known. 
 The visits of Elizabeth Fry were the theme of conversation 
 among all ranks, and the accounts circulated of the interesting 
 scenes which were to be witnessed there, brought a strange 
 variety of persons to that abode of sorrow. It would be too 
 much to say that all, who then, or in after times, attended 
 the readings in Newgate, were actuated by high and holy 
 feelings in desiring admittance ; but if a list of the names of 
 the visitors could be published, it would prove how strong 
 was the simpathy felt among the nobly born, and richly 
 endowed with intellectual, as well as worldly, wealth. 
 
 Sir James Mackintosh became, in Parliament, a powerful 
 advocate for the reform of the penal code. A letter from 
 Lady Mackintosh to Elizabeth Fry (published by special 
 permission), Is strikingly interesting, as a testimony to the 
 effect of the arduous labours in the prison. "We give an 
 extract : 
 
 " I have had a note from Sir James, in which is the follow- 
 ing passage, I cannot resist copying it, in the hope of your 
 pardon for doing so. * I dined Saturday, June 3d, at 
 Devonshire House. The company consisted of the Duke of 
 Norfolk, Lords Lansdowne, Lauderdale, Albemarle, Cowper, 
 Hardwicke, Carnarvon, Sefton, Ossulston, Milton, Dun- 
 cannon, &c. The subject was Mrs. Fry's exhortation, to 
 forty-five female convicts, at which Lord - - had been 
 present on Friday. He could hardly refrain from tears in 
 speaking of it. He called it the deepest tragedy he had ever 
 witnessed. What she read and expounded to the convicts,
 
 288 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 with almost miraculous effect, was the 4th chapter to tho 
 Ephesians. Coke (of Norfolk) begged me to go with him 
 next Friday; I doubt whether, as that is the day of my 
 motion,* I shall be able to go, and whether it be prudent to 
 expose myself to the danger of being 'too much warmed by 
 the scene, just before a speech in which I shall need all my 
 discretion.' 
 
 " As the above extract was only intended for my eye, I am 
 sure you will so consider it. My motive for submitting it to 
 you is twofold ; that you may not be ignorant how much 
 your great work of mercy contributes to inspire good feelings, 
 and to supply pure and edifying subjects of conversation at 
 the tables of the most illustrious persons in the country, for 
 rank and talents." 
 
 Among the visitors were to be found persons, who, as friends 
 of humanity, came to ascertain the truth of all that they 
 had heard ; actuated by the same motives, bishops, clergy- 
 men, and other ministers of religion resorted thither. It 
 will at once be seen how the concurring testimony of indi- 
 viduals, distinguished in such various ways, must have influ- 
 enced public opinion in favour of a mode of treatment which, 
 in the course of a few weeks, had struck at the root of the 
 more glaring evils, so lately existing in the principal metro- 
 politan prison of England. Nor can it be doubted that the 
 influx of visitors, objectionable as it must be considered in 
 itself, and injurious as it would be, in a well-ordered prison, 
 was then an important means of spreading knowled . and 
 exciting interest, and thus assisting to prepare the w..y for 
 the improvements in Prison Discipline subsequently effected. 
 It appears highly probable that the rapidity and ease with 
 which legislative enactments on these subjects were after- 
 wards carried, may be chiefly attributed to what had been 
 seen and heard in Newgate. 
 
 * For the revision of the Penal Laws.
 
 1818.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 289 
 
 On the Third of Sixth Month, 1818, the Marquis of Lans- 
 downe moved an address to the Prince Regent, on the state 
 of the prisons of the United Kingdom. In his speech, after 
 stating appalling facts as to the increase of crime within 
 the preceding ten years, attributing it to various causes, es- 
 pecially to the vicious and deplorable condition of the prisons 
 themselves, he made this observation in reference to Newgate : 
 
 " It was impossible from the manner in which it was con- 
 stantly crowded, to apply any general system of regulations. 
 There, it was necessary to place several felons in the same 
 cell, and persons, guilty of very different descriptions of 
 offences, were mixed together. The consequences were such 
 as might be expected, notwithstanding all the efforts of that 
 very meritorious individual (Mrs. Fry), who had come like 
 the Genius of Good into this scene of misery and vice, and 
 had, by her wonderful influence and exertions, produced, in 
 a short time, a most extraordinary reform among the most 
 abandoned class of prisoners. After this great example of 
 humanity and benevolence, he would leave it to their lord- 
 ships how much good, persons similarly disposed, might effect 
 in other prisons, were the mechanism, if he might use the 
 expression, of those places of confinement better adapted to 
 the purposes of reformation. The institution of the great 
 Penitentiary-house was likely to be attended with great 
 advantages, though he did not approve of all the regulations. 
 That establishment was a great step taken in the important 
 work of reformation. He was aware there were persons 
 who considered all expense of this kind as useless, who 
 thought that all that could be done was to provide for the 
 safe custody of prisoners, and that attempts to reform them 
 were hopeless. Let those who entertain this notion, go and 
 see what had been effected by Mrs. Fry and other benevolent 
 persons in Newgate. The scenes which passed there, would 
 induce them to alter their opinion. There were moments when 
 the hardest hearts could be softened and disposed to reform," 
 37
 
 290 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 After reading this sentence, delivered in the house of 
 Lords, and published in all the journals of the day, it causes 
 no surprise, to find that admittance into Newgate was sought 
 with eager curiosity by all sorts of persons ; to many of 
 whom, admission could not, with any propriety, have been 
 refused by either magistrates, officers, or ladies. Incon- 
 veniences arose from it, but at this juncture, of prison refor- 
 mation, they were greatly outweighed by its effects in diffu- 
 sing information and calling attention to the subject. 
 
 The members of "the Ladies' Committee" had, at this 
 time, effected several minor arrangements to lessen the temp- 
 tations, and increase the reasonable comforts of the prisoners. 
 There had been a great consumption of beer amongst them. 
 In order to prevent this evil, they engaged a sub-matron or 
 gate-keeper, who assisted in the lodge, and amongst other 
 duties, superintended a little shop, which had been estab- 
 lished, as it is quaintly expressed in their minute-book, 
 "between gates," where tea, sugar, a little haberdashery, 
 and other equally harmless articles, were sold to the prison- 
 ers. The communication between them and their acquaint- 
 ances outside the prison, being so much restricted, lessened 
 their supplies from that quarter, and the prison allowance 
 being scarcely sufficient, this plan was resorted to, in order 
 to meet their necessities, and ensure their portion of the 
 earnings being expended in a proper manner. 
 
 But, amidst all her interests of a public nature, how great 
 was Elizabeth Fry's solicitude respecting her own children, 
 and for the blessing of preservation to herself ! 
 
 Plashet, Seventh Month, 24th. I have many causes of 
 deep anxiety at this time. What to do with our boys, for 
 the best, has occupied much of my consideration, and at 
 present I see no other way than continuing them at school ; 
 but I do not acknowledge too much, if I say that it is the 
 prayer of my heart that a kind Providence may open the 
 way for their going to the best place for them, wherever it 
 may be, and deep is the craving of my spirit, that they may,
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 291 
 
 in the end, go on well. Lord ! I beseech Thee, whatso- 
 ever Thou mayst be pleased to do with them, whether to 
 grant them health or sickness, riches or poverty, long life or 
 short life, oh, for Thy beloved Son's sake, give them not over 
 to the will of their enemies, but establish their goings in Thy 
 paths ; put a new song into their mouths, even praises to 
 Thee, their God. And seeing, gracious Lord, that in a very 
 marvellous manner, Thou hast been pleased to make a way 
 for Thy child and servant, where she could see no way 
 how, in a wonderful manner Thou restored her in early life, 
 showed Thyself to be on her side, when spiritually her ene- 
 mies appeared ready to overcome and destroy her, and how 
 also in many and various seasons, "Thou hast made dark- 
 ness light before her, and crooked paths straight," how Thou 
 hast been pleased to raise her from season to season, from 
 the bed of languishing ; how Thou hast temporally cared 
 for her, and answered her prayer, when it appeared likely 
 even that she would be scarcely provided for, how Thou 
 hast helped her in spirit, at seasons, to do Thy will, to 
 see into the glorious mysteries of Thy kingdom, how Thou 
 hast aided her in her weakness, and enabled her to over- 
 come the extreme fear of man ; and to declare Thy doings 
 amongst the people, and to show Thy marvellous works 
 to the children of meb, even from princes and prelates, to 
 the poorest, lowest, and most destitute ; so as, in a remark- 
 able manner, to bring to pass what she saw for herself in 
 early life, though as through a glass darkly, which others 
 more clearly saw for her, and had to declare unto her ; and 
 seeing, gracious Lord, and almighty Saviour, how Thou hast 
 been pleased to deal with Thy unworthy servant, to increase 
 in her even, at seasons, mightily and powerfully the know- 
 ledge of Thee her God, and Christ Jesus her Lord. : Be 
 pleased to help her in the like precious faith, and preserve 
 her from the many snares of the enemy ; let not the spirit of 
 the world, or its applause, ever entangle her ; nor the reproach 
 of any, not even of the good, unduly discourage her ; but let
 
 292 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1818. 
 
 her be increasingly Thine own, and at all times, at all seasons, 
 and in every place, by whomsoever surrounded, give unto 
 Thee the Glory due unto Thy name, and worship Thee in 
 the beauty of holiness : and let neither heights, nor depths, 
 life, nor death, nor any other thing, ever separate her from 
 Thy love : but enable her, Lord ! at all times, and at all 
 seasons, and in every place, and by whomsoever surrounded, to 
 glorify Thy great and ever excellent name, with Thy beloved 
 Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. And with regard to her beloved 
 family, be unto them, what Thou hast been unto her ; even 
 their Guide, and their Guard, their God and their Saviour ; 
 and make a way for them, where their poor mother sees no 
 way for them. Amen, says my unworthy soul ; cast down, 
 but not destroyed ; afflicted, but not in despair ; at times 
 almost comfortless, but not forsaken ; at other times abounding 
 in the joy and blessing of my God. 
 
 In the Eighth Month, Elizabeth Fry left home to visit 
 Scotland, and the North of England, accompanied by her 
 brother Joseph John Gurney, his wife, and one of her own 
 daughters. 
 
 Belford, Northumberland, Eighth Month, 25th. For some 
 months I have looked to attending the General Meeting in 
 Scotland, but it appeared almost impossible, my home-claims 
 being so very strong indeed, the Monthly Meeting before 
 the last, it came with great weight so as to frighten me ; but 
 I neither saw outward way for it, nor did I feel the heart 
 made willing ; but as I have so often found when there is a 
 real " putting forth," way is made within and without ; so it 
 has been now, all my sweet flock are, I trust, carefully pro- 
 vided for ; not only outward way has been made, but the 
 willing heart also granted, and I had remarkably sweet peace 
 and relief in being willing to give up to it ; such an evidence 
 that I think it remains undoubted in my mind. Friends ap- 
 peared to feel much unity with me, which was a help. My
 
 1818.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 293 
 
 beloved brother Joseph, and sister Jane, joining me, has been 
 much cause for humble thankfulness ; it has made, what would 
 have been very hard to flesh and blood, comparatively sweet 
 and easy ; we are a united band in spirit and in nature ; 
 Joseph a very great help in the ministry. I think he is, and 
 will yet be more abundantly, an instrument of honour in his 
 Master's hand. We have sat four Meetings, visited sevefral 
 families of Friends, and inspected many prisons, which is one 
 of our objects. In our religious services, our gracious Helper 
 has appeared very near ; we have gone on in them with much 
 nearness and unity ; we know the blessed truth that, as we 
 abide in Christ, we are one in Him. I have felt, at seasons, 
 as leaving all for my Master's sake, and setting out without 
 much of purse or scrip : but how bountifully I am provided 
 for, internally and externally ; the Great Shepherd of the 
 sheep has been near to me in spirit, as strength in my 
 weakness, riches in my poverty, and a present helper in the 
 needful time ; I may say, 
 
 " Are these Thy favours day by day, 
 
 To me above the rest ? 
 Then let me love Thee more than they, 
 
 And try to serve Thee best." 
 
 Conflicts have attended, and no doubt will attend me ; but I 
 look upon it as an honour, a favour, and a blessing, even to 
 suffer in the Lamb's army, if we may but be of the number 
 of his soldiers, who fight the good fight of faith, and are, in 
 any degree, permitted to promote the cause of truth and 
 righteousness upon earth. 
 
 Aberdeen, 29/A. I have felt low upon arriving here ; five 
 hundred miles from my beloved husband and children ; but 
 a good account of them is cause for thankfulness, still it is a 
 deeply weighty thing, and I have to try my ground again and 
 again. In almost every new place, the language of my spirit 
 is, Why am I hero ? At this place we find several other 
 Friends, also travelling in the ministry, which makes me feel
 
 294 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FEY. [1818. 
 
 it the more ; but as my coming is not of my own choice, or 
 my own ordering, I desire to leave it ; and to commit myself, 
 my spirit and body, and all that is dear to me, absent and 
 present, to Christ my Redeemer. We visited the old Barclay 
 seat, at Ury, where our mother 's forefathers once lived. How 
 great the change from what it once was ! 
 
 Stonehaven, Ninth Month, 2nd. We left Aberdeen this 
 afternoon, having finished our services there, and at Kin- 
 muck, where several Friends reside. Other Friends besides 
 ourselves being at Aberdeen, certainly tended to increase my 
 exercise, for fear of the ministry not going on well, or by not 
 keeping in our ranks ; but I think that we were enabled 
 to do so, and although much passed, yet we had cause for 
 thankfulness, inasmuch as there appeared to be harmonious 
 labour for the advancement of truth, and the spreading 
 thereof. Our General Meeting at Aberdeen was ended un- 
 der a feeling of quiet peace; but fears crept in for myself, 
 that I had fallen away a little as to life in the truth, and 
 power in the ministry, for I did not experience that over- 
 flowing power which I have sometimes done at such seasons ; 
 still gracious help was granted me from season to season. 
 The day after the General Meeting, we went to Kinmuck, 
 about fifteen miles north of Aberdeen ; a short time after our 
 arrival there, before I went to Meeting, such a feeling of 
 suffering came over me as I can hardly express ; it appeared 
 only nervous, as I was so well in body, that I could not 
 attribute it to that ; it continued exceedingly upon sitting 
 down in Meeting, and led me into deep strong supplication, 
 that the enemy might by no means deceive us, or cause 
 our ministry to be affected by anything but the holy 
 anointing. I feared if this awful state had to do with 
 those present, that I should have something very close to 
 express j if only with myself, I considered that it might be a 
 refining trial. However, Joseph knelt down, in the begin- 
 ning of the Meeting, as well as myself, and afterwards he 
 spoke as if he felt it necessary to warn some to flee from their
 
 1818.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 295 
 
 evil ways, and from the bondage of Satan. This tended to 
 my relief ; but it appeared as if I must follow him, and rise 
 with these words, " The sorrows of death compassed me 
 about, the pains of hell gat hold upon me ;" then enlarging 
 upon the feeling I had of the power of the enemy, and the 
 absolute need there is to watch, to pray, and to flee unto 
 Christ, as our only sure refuge and deliverer ; I had to 
 show that we might be tried and buffeted by Satan, as a 
 further trial of faith and of patience, but that if we did not 
 yield to him, it would only tend to refinement. After a time 
 I felt greatly relieved, but what seemed remarkable was, that 
 neither Joseph nor I dared to leave the Meeting, without once 
 more bowing the knee for these dear Friends ; but after all 
 this very deep and remarkable exercise, a solemn silence 
 prevailed, really as if truth had risen into dominion ; and 
 after my making some such acknowledgment in testimony, 
 that our low estate had been regarded, that our souls could 
 then magnify the Lord, and our spirits rejoice in God our 
 Saviour, that light had risen in obscurity, and darkness had, 
 in measure, become as the noon-day, and the encouragement 
 it was for us to run with patience the race that was set before 
 us, &c., the Meeting concluded ; and I think upon shaking 
 hands with the Friends, there hardly appeared an eye that 
 had not been weeping amongst those that were grown up. 
 This whole exercise waa very remarkable, in a nice little 
 country Meeting, and the external so fair ; but afterwards we 
 heard of one or two painful things, one in particular ; we 
 visited nearly all the families, were pleased with some of 
 them : their mode of living truly humble, like our cottagers. 
 The next day we had a Meeting with a few Friends in 
 Aberdeen, where the exercise was not very great, and the 
 flow in the ministry sweet, and I trust powerful. We parted 
 from our beloved old friends, John and Elizabeth Wigham, 
 their children, and children's children, and arc now on our 
 way to Edinburgh. 
 
 Ilawick, 13th I may thankfully acknowledge being BO 
 far on our \v:iy, but our journey through life is a little like a
 
 296 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 common journey ; we may, after a day's travelling, lie down 
 and rest, but we have on the morrow to set off again upon 
 our travels : so I find my journey in life, I am not unfre- 
 quently permitted to come, for a short time, to a sweet, 
 quiet resting-place ; but I find that I soon have to set forth 
 again. I was glad and relieved in leaving Aberdeen, and 
 then a fresh work began in Edinburgh ; on Seventh-day, we 
 visited the prisons, accompanied by some gentlemen, the 
 Lord Provost and others. Here we were much interested. 
 On First-day, we went in the morning to Meeting, and were 
 favoured to do well, many were not Friends ; and what were 
 my feelings in the evening, to find a considerable number of 
 people, quite a Public Meeting. It gave me a great deal of 
 alarm, but we had a good Meeting, and I trust the cause was 
 exalted. The morning before we came away, about eighteen 
 gentlemen and ladies came to breakfast with us, amongst 
 them Sir George and Lady Grey, good people, whom I have 
 long wished to know : we had, after breakfast, a solemn time. 
 Alexander Cruickshank read, and afterwards I knelt down, 
 and I think we were drawn together in love and unity of 
 spirit. We arrived at Glasgow that evening, and the next 
 day visited the prisons, and formed a Ladies' Committee. 
 We visited some families the next day, and accompanied by 
 several gentlemen, magistrates, and others, we again went to 
 the Bridewell and Prison, where I had to start the Committee 
 in their proceedings ; it was awful to me, having to bow the 
 knee for a blessing, before so many who were strangers to 
 our ways, but blessed be the Lord, the power of truth ap- 
 peared to be over all, so that I remembered these words, 
 " Rejoice not that the spirits are made subject unto you, but 
 rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven." We 
 had two Metings, one in the morning for Friends, but many 
 others came, and one, to my deep humiliation, in the evening, 
 for the public ; awful work as it was, we were favoured to 
 get through well, and to leave Glasgow with clear minds. 
 We have since travelled through great part of Cumberland,
 
 1818.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 297 
 
 attended many Meetings there, some very important ones, 
 and some highly favoured by the Presence and the Power of 
 the Most High ; thence to Kendal. 
 
 At Liverpool was the next Meeting we attended, it was a 
 large public one, and so it has been in many places. I deeply 
 felt it, I hardly dared to raise my eyes because of the feathers 
 and ribbons before me ; however, best help was afforded, to 
 my very great relief and consolation ; truth appeared to be 
 in great dominion. After a sweet uniting time with the 
 Benson family, we left Liverpool for Knowsley, the seat of 
 the Earl of Derby, as we had a pressing invitation from Lady 
 Derby ; we were received with the utmost kindness and 
 openness by all this very large household ; a palace was now 
 our allotment ; a cottage has been so during our journey. 
 My internal feeling was humiliation and self-abasement. 
 
 Knowsley , 24th. Here we are, all the family about to be 
 collected for a religious opportunity ; Lord, be pleased to be 
 with us, to own us by Thy life-giving presence, and help us, 
 by Thy Spirit, for it is a very awful time. Make us, Thy 
 unworthy children, fit for Thy service, and touch our lips as 
 with a live coal from Thy altar, for we are unworthy to take 
 Thy great and ever-excellent name into our mouths ; Thou, 
 Lord, only knowest the state of Thy unworthy servant : help 
 her infirmities, blot out her transgressions, and enable her to 
 show forth thy praise, if consistent with Thy Holy Will, that 
 all may be more abundantly converted unto Thee, and brought 
 into the knowledge of Thy beloved Son, Christ Jesus our 
 Lord! 
 
 Sheffield, 26th. After writing the above, I was summoned 
 into the dining-room, where the family were assembled I 
 should think, in all, nearly a hundred. My beloved brother 
 read the third chapter of John ; there was then a solemn 
 pause, and I found it my place to kneel down, praying for a 
 blessing upon the house and family, and giving thanks for 
 the mercies bestowed upon them ; particularly in the time of 
 their affliction, in having been supported by the everlasting 
 38
 
 298 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 Arm; and prayer arose for its being sanctified to them. 
 The large party appeared humbled and tendered then 
 dearest Joseph arose, and was greatly helped by the power 
 of the Spirit I followed him with a few words. Many of 
 the party were in tears ; some exceedingly affected. Joseph 
 then knelt down, greatly helped ; the service principally fell 
 upon him. After he rose, I reminded them of the words of 
 our blessed Redeemer, " that whosoever giveth a disciple a 
 cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, shall receive a 
 disciple's reward ;" this, I said, I humbly trusted would be 
 their case. I also alluded to their servants' kindness in the 
 same way. Thus ended this memorable occasion. It was 
 like what we read of in Friends' journals formerly, when the 
 power appeared to be over all in a very extraordinary man- 
 ner. I remember in John Richardson's journal some such 
 an account. So it is, and this is not, and cannot be, our 
 own work ; surely it is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in 
 our eyes ! 
 
 Earlham, Tenth Month, 6th. Once more arrived at this 
 interesting place, that has so long been a home to me. I will 
 go back to where I left off. Our visit to Sheffield was an 
 important one ; I had so deeply to feel for a beloved Friend, 
 who Has long been a mother in Israel, under heavy family 
 affliction. Oh, what I felt for her in Meeting, and out of 
 Meeting, I cannot describe ; my spirit was in strong inter- 
 cession for her preservation and support, under these deep 
 tribulations. We had a favoured meeting in the morning, 
 though I had indeed to go through the depths before I as- 
 cended the heights. By the desire of my dear brother, we 
 had a Public Meeting in the evening, which was well got 
 through, but not without suffering. We then proceeded 
 to York ; I can hardly express how deeply I felt entering 
 that Quarterly Meeting; "fears gat hold upon me," still 
 hope arose underneath, that this end of our services, as to 
 our northern journey, would crown all and so I think it 
 proved not only from service to service, and from Meeting
 
 1818.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 299 
 
 to Meeting, did the holy, blessed, anointing Power, appear 
 to be abundantly poured forth upon the speakers, but upon 
 the hearers also ; that where I feared most, I found least to 
 fear ; such unity of spirit, such a flow of love and life, as 
 quite refreshed, encouraged, and comforted my soul. I 
 was much rejoiced to find so many fathers and mothers 
 amongst them. "Bless the Lord, my soul ! and all that 
 is within me bless His holy name." "Praise and exalt 
 Him, above all for ever," might then have been the language 
 of my soul. 
 
 We travelled on to Lynn, and there my brother with his 
 dear Jane left me. At the Meetings there, I felt as if I had 
 to minister almost, without the power, and yet that I must 
 yield to the service ; but I was so fearful and weak, at both 
 Meetings, that truth did not appear in dominion, perhaps I 
 found the change after York, and I missed my dear brother 
 Joseph. I often minister as if in bonds, this is very hum- 
 bling =-so many fears, so many doubts arising ; this was the 
 case in nearly all my services during the day. 
 
 In the course of this northern journey, J. J. Gurney and 
 his sister had visited the prisons of the several towns through 
 which they passed. They found them to be generally 
 in a condition of the most disgraceful neglect and the 
 hardships, and even cruelty, endured by the inmates, were 
 harrowing in the extreme to the tender nature of Elizabeth 
 Fry. 
 
 But the cases of the poor lunatics, confined in some of 
 those abodes of misery, made above all a most powerful im- 
 pression on her heart, and induced a sympathy, with such as 
 were afflicted with this heaviest of physical maladies, that 
 continued deeply to influence her feelings through life. 
 
 The results of their observations were published in a 
 pamphlet "Notes on a Visit to Prisons, &c., by J. J. 
 Gurney and Elizabeth Fry. 
 
 To such persons as were interested in Prison Reform, this
 
 300 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1818. 
 
 book afforded much matter for reflection. Whilst they de- 
 plored the evils described, they rejoiced that they should 
 be brought to light as the first step towards their being 
 remedied. 
 
 The voice of Elizabeth Fry was heard, and her appeals 
 were promptly responded to. Her brother, in writing of this 
 northern journey, says: "She exhibited a perfect tact and 
 propriety in her transactions ;" she well knew, " when in 
 the pursuit of such objects, how to soothe all asperities, in- 
 fluence all parties, and overcome the greatest difficulties." 
 In confirmation of which, some passages may be quoted from 
 a letter, written by a Scotch lady, who attended Elizabeth 
 Fry when she visited the prisons at Glasgow : 
 
 " She found our prisons very badly managed," &c., and " has 
 left a letter for the magistrates. She had an interview with them, 
 and this evening a number of ladies met at the Bridewell. She told 
 them, with much simplicity, what had been done at Newgate. She 
 entered into pleasant conversation with every one, and all were 
 delighted when she offered to speak a little to the poor women. 
 But the keeper of the Bridewell said he feared it was a dangerous 
 experiment ; that they never, but by compulsion, listened to reading, 
 and were generally disposed to turn any thing of the kind into ridi- 
 cule. She said that she was not without fears of this happening, 
 but she thought it right to attempt it. The women, about a hun- 
 dred, were then assembled in -a large room, and we went in, mis- 
 doubting and anxious. She took off her bonnet, and sat down on a 
 low seat fronting the women ; then looking at them with a kind, 
 conciliating eye, yet an eye that met every eye there, she said, ' I 
 had better just tell you what we are come about.' She told them, 
 she had to deal with a great number of poor women, sadly wicked, 
 and in what manner they were recovered from evil. Her language 
 was scriptural, always referring to our Saviour's promises, and 
 cheering with holy hope these dissolute beings. ' Would not you 
 like to turn from that which is wrong ? Would not you like for 
 ladies to visit you and speak comfort to you, and help you to be- 
 come better ? Surely you would tell them your griefs ; they who 
 have done evil have many sorrows.' As she read to them tho
 
 1818.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 301 
 
 1 Rules,' asking them, if approved, to hold up their hands, all hands 
 were upraised, and, as soon as she spoke, tears began to flow. One 
 very beautiful girl near me had her eyes swimming with tears, 
 and her lips moved, as if following Mrs. Fry. One old woman, 
 who held her Bible, we saw clasping it with emotion as she became 
 more and more impressed. The hands were ready to rise at every 
 pause, and these callous and obdurate offenders were with one con- 
 sent bowed before her. Then she took the Bible, and read the 
 parables of the lost sheep, the piece of silver, and the prodigal son. 
 
 " It is impossible for me to express to you the effect of her saintly 
 voice, while speaking such blessed words. She often paused, and 
 looked at the poor women with a sweetness that won their confi- 
 dence, applying with beauty and taste all the parts of the story to 
 them, and in a manner I never before heard, and particularly the 
 words ' His father saw him when he was yet afar off.' A solemn 
 pause succeeded the reading. Then, resting the large Bible on the 
 ground, we saw her on her knees before them. Her prayer was 
 devout and soothing, and her musical voice, in the peculiar, sweet 
 tones of the Quakers, seemed like the voice of a mother to her 
 suffering child. 
 
 " In the prison of Glasgow, the emotions were much more varied 
 than at Bride well astonishing repugnance, and, in some instances 
 obstinate resistance to listen ; in others, anxious desire to accept 
 her aid. She read and conversed with them, and the proposal of 
 work, was, in general, greedily received. How different were the 
 impressions in the varied figures before her ! One old woman, 
 with the appearance of a menial servant and hardened features, 
 said, ' No ! no use work !' But these rugged lines were at length 
 relaxed, and I saw a tear fall over the brown visage. But it was 
 not the prisoners alone : for there was not a man in the room un- 
 moved." 
 
 J. J. Gurney and Elizabeth Fry received many letters after 
 the "Notes" were published many opinions and sugges- 
 tions were offered some objections were raised but there 
 were individuals, and they were not few in number, nor 
 unimportant in influence, Mrho simply encouraged them in 
 their researches, and expressed warm desires for the eventual 
 success of the cause they espoused. Among these letters, 
 one from the Countess Harcourt may be cited, as showing
 
 302 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1819. 
 
 the impression made on persons who possessed much of the 
 power needful to apply remedial measures. 
 
 "My dear and most respected friend, 
 
 " It is impossible to have read the excellent publication, 
 giving an account of your tour with Mr. Gurney, without 
 being most anxious to express the satisfaction Lord Harcourt 
 and I received from the work. He read it to me, and there 
 was scarcely a page at which we did not stop, to exclaim our 
 admiration of the justness of the remarks,, and our earnest 
 wishes that they might prove the means of ameliorating the 
 system of our prisons. We felt that each word gave convic- 
 tion to our minds; and the beauty of the style, certainly 
 added to the gratification of reading it. Oh ! my good 
 friend, what a blessed tour you have made, and may Heaven 
 reward your wonderful exertions, by making them effectual 
 to the purpose intended. 
 
 " I ought not to use the word envy, but I cannot help 
 feeling the great difference between the manner in which 
 your life is spent and my own. You ought indeed to be 
 thankful that it has pleased God ' to put into your mind good 
 desires,' and to have given you health to go through such 
 arduous undertakings." 
 
 The Countess Harcourt then proceeds to mention several 
 of the Royal Family, to whom copies of the " Notes " were 
 sent by her ; and the desire of the Princesses to receive a 
 visit from Elizabeth Fry. 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, 17th, 1819. I returned 
 home yesterday from leaving my dearest boys at Darlington. 
 My joiJrney was certainly a favoured and an encouraging 
 one. The situation for my beloved boys appears very safe 
 and desirable. I had abundant kindness and unity shown 
 me, particularly by my dearest sister Rachel. I came home 
 to many troubles and anxieties, also certainly to many com-
 
 1818.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 303 
 
 forts and blessings ; but ah ! gracious Lord, be pleased to 
 conduct me safely through the difficulties that surround 
 me, and give neither me, nor mine, over to the will of our 
 enemies. 
 
 The great and varied exertion?, to which the duties of 
 Elizabeth Fry subjected her, proved too much for her phy- 
 sical strength ; and her health became seriously affected : 
 she was, in consequence, under the necessity of yielding to 
 the wish of her family and friends, by spending some weeks 
 in Sussex, chiefly at Brighton. 
 
 On becoming somewhat recruited in strength, she wrote 
 as follows : 
 
 Brighton, Fourth Month, 8th. I have once more been to 
 Meeting on First day morning, on Third day, the first 
 meeting of the Quarterly Meeting on Fourth day, and also 
 to the Monthly Meeting. It was sweet and refreshing, to 
 assemble with some of the outward church. In abundant 
 mercy, strength was granted in my great weakness, yet once 
 more to show forth the praise of Israel's Shepherd ; deep as 
 my late conflicts have been, all appears intended renewedly 
 to stimulate and encourage myself, as well as others, to run 
 with fresh diligence the race that is set before us. The 
 language of my heart is, " Though he slay me, yet will I 
 trust in Him." A wonderful calm has been granted me 
 after a very awful, and to my fearful nature, terrible storm. 
 I have through unmerited mercy, had such a sweetness and 
 serenity over me, that the cares and sorrows of life have been 
 almost hidden from my view, and I have hardly felt able even 
 to look at them. These are the dealings of a kind Providence 
 to an unworthy child. He has shown His power in casting 
 down and raising up, in wounding and making whole, blessed 
 be His name for ever. And oh ! dearest Lord, whenever 
 Thou mayst be pleased to lay me low again, lift up, I beseech 
 Thee, a standard against the enemy of my soul, that he over-
 
 304 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FKY. [1819. 
 
 come me not ; and when I cannot help myself, be Thou my 
 help and my strength. And I reverently return Thee thanks, 
 that Thou, gracious Lord, hast manifested Thyself to be my 
 deliverer, that Thou hast once more broken my bonds asun- 
 der, brought my poor soul out of prison, and not given me 
 over to the will of my enemies ; but in Thine abundant 
 mercy, delivered me from my fears, and I humbly trust, 
 established my goings, and put a new song in my mouth, 
 even praises to Thee, my God ; Amen, and Amen. 
 
 During her stay at Brighton, Elizabeth Fry had the grati- 
 fication of receiving from the female prisoners in Newgate 
 some very satisfactory letters, bespeaking much grateful 
 feeling, and she wrote the following answer : 
 
 Brighton, Fourth Month, 4*A, 1819. 
 
 To the female prisoners in Newgate, more particularly to 
 those who are likely to leave their native land, perhaps never 
 to return to it. 
 
 Although it has pleased the Almighty, that for some time 
 I should be separated from you by illness, yet you have often 
 been in my affectionate remembrance, accompanied with 
 anxious desires for your good. I am fully sensible that 
 many of you claim our pity and most tender compassion, 
 that many have been your temptations, many your afflictions, 
 and what we may most pity you for, is, that in the time of 
 temptation you have yielded to what is wrong, and so given 
 yourselves over to the will of the enemy of your souls ! 
 But mournful as your state is, yet you may have hope, and 
 that abundantly ; if you only seek to repent, to return from 
 the error of your ways, and live unto God. Remember these 
 words, " Christ came into the world to save sinners," and 
 that " He is able to save to the very uttermost those who 
 come unto God by Him, seeing that He ever liveth to make 
 intercession for them." Therefore, let me intreat you before 
 it is too late, to come unto Christ, to seek Him with your
 
 1819.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 305 
 
 heart, and to submit yourselves unto Him and His righteous 
 law for He knows all your thoughts and all your desires, 
 and is willing and ready to receive you, to heal your 
 backslidings, and to love you freely. He was said to be 
 the Friend of sinners, and those will indeed find Him their 
 friend, who look to Him and obey Him He will enable 
 such to forsake the evil of their ways, and to do that which 
 is acceptable in His sight. Do you not remember in the 
 parable of the Prodigal Son, that when he was yet afar off, 
 the Father saw him, had compassion on him, and even went 
 out to meet him. So I doubt not, you would find it, even 
 sanae of you who are now afar off from what is good, if you 
 are only willing to return ; you would find yourselves met by 
 your Lord, even with great compassion, and He would do 
 more for you than you could ask or think. I feel much love 
 for you, and much desire for your own sakes, for the sake 
 of others, and for our sakes, who are willing to do what 
 we can to serve you, that you would thus in heart seek 
 the Lord, and prove your love to Him, and your re- 
 pentance, by your good works and by your orderly con- 
 duct. I was much grieved at the little disturbance amongst 
 you the other day, but I was pleased with the letter written 
 me by those who were engaged in it, and I quite forgive 
 them. Let me entreat you, whatever trying, or even pro- 
 voking things may happen, to do so no more, for you sadly 
 hurt the cause of poor prisoners by doing so, I may say 
 all over the Kingdom ; and you thus enable your enemies to 
 say, that our plans of kindness do not answer, and therefore, 
 they will not let others be treated kindly. Before I bid you 
 farewell, I will tell you that I am not without a hope of 
 seeing you before long, even before the poor women go to 
 the Bay, but if I do not, may the blessing of the Lord go 
 with you when on the tnighty deeps, and in a strange land. 
 What comfort would a good account of you give us, who 
 are so much interested for you, and in case I should not see 
 you, I have two things particularly to mention to you and 
 89
 
 306 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1819. 
 
 guard you against things that I believe have brought most 
 of you to this prison. The one is giving way to drinking 
 too much, the other is freedom with men. I find I can 
 most frequently trace the fall of women to these two things, 
 therefore let me beseech you to watch in these respects, and 
 let your modesty and sobriety appear before all ; and that 
 you may grow in these and every other Christian virtue and 
 grace, is the sincere desire and prayer of your affectionate 
 friend, and sincere well-wisher, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 We return to the journal. 
 
 Ninth Month, 6th. Since I last wrote, I parted from my 
 beloved boys for school, John, William and Joseph. I felt a 
 good deal in giving them up, but, at the same time, believing 
 it to be a right thing, I humbly trust that the blessing of the 
 Most High will be with them. My dearest sister Priscilla 
 has been very dangerously ill, raising blood from the lungs, 
 which has brought me into great feeling and conflict. As I 
 mostly find the case in nursing, it has caused me afresh to see 
 my own unworthiness; so little do I feel able to administer 
 spiritual help, so hard is it to my nature, particularly when 
 under discouragement, to wait upon my gift, or to give it its 
 free course ; but I may thankfully acknowledge, that I ap- 
 peared to be a great comfort, help, and strength to her, 
 indeed her dependence was so close upon me, that I could 
 not leave the house night or day, for any length of time. 
 Her state appeared to be indeed a bright and a very blessed 
 one ; so calm, so gentle, so humble, and so much resigned to 
 live, or to die. Since I have left her sick room, sorrow and 
 deep discouragement have been my portion, from the extreme 
 difficulty of doing right towards those most near ; it does 
 appear, at times, impossible for me, but most likely, this arises 
 from want of more watchfulness, and more close abiding in 
 *he Light and the Life of our Lord. When I exercise a
 
 1819.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 307 
 
 watchful care from seeing the dangers that attend some, it 
 seems to give the greatest pain, and so causes me the deepest 
 discouragement. Still, yesterday, in the great, in the bitter 
 sorrow of my heart, I found, in a remarkable manner, the 
 power of my Redeemer near, even helping by His own good 
 Spirit and presence. When I felt almost ready to sink and 
 my footsteps indeed ready to slip then the Lord held me up. 
 In the first place, after a very little while, from having been 
 deeply wounded, my heart overflowed with love and forgive- 
 ness towards the one who had pained ine ; I felt what would 
 I not do for the individual ? and a most anxious desire, if I 
 had missed it, to make it up by every thing in my power. 
 Thus, when I had feared discouragements would have almost 
 overwhelmed my spirit, there was such a calming, blessed, 
 and cheering influence came over my heart, that it was like 
 the sick coming to our Saviour formerly, and being immedi- 
 ately healed; so that I was not even able to mourn over my 
 calamity. It appeared as if " the Holy One who inhabitetb 
 Eternity" would not give me over to the will of my enemies. 
 
 Perhaps few will read the preceding extract, without per- 
 ceiving something of the deep and hidden sorrow, which 
 often weighed down the spirit, and preyed also on the bodily 
 frame, of this precious follower of the Lamb. It is not 
 needful to attempt to penetrate the veil that conceals, from 
 the eye of the stranger, the circumstances that rendered her 
 path of life a tribulated one : it is enough to know that her 
 perplexities and distresses were endured with meek submis- 
 sion, and a degree of forbearance, that could only be the 
 effect of that state of watching unto prayer with all per- 
 severance, in which she was so remarkably preserved ; and 
 by which she was kept, through all her mental vicissitudes 
 as in a region of love. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Tenth Month, 2'.ird. Re-entering our 
 London life is certainly a serious thing. Much as I have to
 
 308 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1819. 
 
 attend to, and very numerous as my calls are, yet I have 
 believed that these words should be my motto, Phil. iv. 6, 7, 
 ** Be careful for nothing ; but in everything by prayer and 
 supplication and thanksgiving let your requests be made 
 known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all 
 understanding, keep yonr hearts and minds through Christ 
 Jesus." Now though I may have many trials of faith and 
 patience, the more I can be without too much carefulness, 
 and cast all my care on my Lord and Redeemer, the better 
 I believe it will be for my body and soul ; and the better 
 also for all those with whom I have to do. Dearest Lord, 
 I pray Thee, help me to abide in this state, that I may dwell 
 near to Thee in spirit, and amidst all the perplexities of life, 
 that I may feel Thee to be my Helper, my Comforter, my 
 Guide and my Counsellor. Amen. 
 
 The weighty responsibilities of Newgate did not preclude 
 other objects of public interest, to some of which Elizabeth 
 Fry devoted much attention. Among these, was a "nightly 
 shelter for the houseless." During the rigorous winter of 
 1819-20, the sufferings of homeless wanderers called for 
 prompt relief, the heart of this Christian philanthropist was 
 deeply touched by some affecting cases, in one instance a 
 little boy, who had in vain begged at many houses for the 
 few halfpence required to procure admittance to some pas- 
 sage or cellar, was found frozen to death on the step of a 
 door ! An asylum was immediately provided: It was well 
 warmed, nutritious soup was prepared night and morning, 
 with a ration of bread for each of the inmates, who were also 
 furnished with beds. Employment, in various ways, was 
 procured; and tie bounty of the public flowed in to en- 
 courage the hearts and to strengthen the efforts of benevo- 
 lent persons, who united in labouring for the management 
 and success of the establishment. Many hundreds were, 
 night after night, admitted great numbers, who could not 
 be accommodated at the " Shelter," were supplied with food,
 
 1820.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 309 
 
 clothing, and the means of procuring lodgings elsewhere. 
 The females were placed under the care of a " Ladies ' Com- 
 mittee," with Elizabeth Fry at their head. 
 
 She now wrote the following to her sons at school :- 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, 19th, 1820. 
 My dearest John, William and Joseph, 
 I am sorry that I have not written to you before, to tell 
 you how much I rejoice at your father's excellent account of 
 you. I believe no words can express the deep interest I 
 take in your welfare, and how pleasant it is to me to have 
 such good accounts of your conduct and learning. I cannot 
 help hoping that my sons will be my comfort, and may I not 
 say by their goodness and learning, that they may become 
 my glory. My London life is now a very busy one, it is 
 almost like living in a market or a fair ; only that I have 
 not merchandize to sell. We see a great variety of com- 
 pany, principally people who are interesting and occupied by 
 subjects of importance. We lately had an East Indian Mis- 
 sionary, who told us many particulars about the poor Indians : 
 I think in one province, about seven hundred poor widows 
 burn themselves every year, when their husbands die. We 
 expect soon to see the Persian Ambassador, and I mean to 
 give you an account of him. Believe me, your nearly 
 attached mother, 
 
 E. FRY. 
 
 TO HER COUSIN, PRISCILLA HANNAH GURNEY. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Second Month, 23rd, 1820. 
 My very dear Cousin, 
 
 I have for some time past wished to write to thce, but it 
 is very seldom that I can get any quiet opportunity. I wish 
 much to hear particulars of thee ; I feel that confidence in 
 our near tie to each other, that I believe communication is 
 not necessary to keep it up, but I cannot help sometimes
 
 310 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1820. 
 
 regretting that I have not more opportunity of opening my 
 heart to one, whom I feel so particularly near and dear ta 
 me, and who I am sure so tenderly sympathises in all my 
 sorrows, and joys also. I have been favoured with health 
 this winter, except being at times a little overdone, and 
 having some cough. My engagements, as usual, are very 
 numerous. I have, from being on a committee of our Quar- 
 terly Meeting, visited some of our Monthly Meetings, but I 
 have had no other engagements of that sort. Our prisons 
 continue to prosper, and Newgate goes on well ; it does not 
 require much of my time, though the many things it intro- 
 duces me into, occupy me a good deal. And now for my 
 beloved family ; I think that they are going on much the 
 same as when thou left us ; I long to see more of the ad- 
 vancement of the blessed Truth amongst us, but I still hope, 
 that that day will come. I anxiously desire to be enabled to 
 do my part, and to walk before my household with a perfect 
 heart, but this is a great attainment, almost too much for so 
 weak and unworthy a person to look for. 
 
 After mentioning the great comfort she had derived from 
 hearing good accounts of her boys, then at school, she asks 
 of her cousin "a little favour." 
 
 The children and myself are collecting English shells, 
 and as my aunt made so fine a collection, we want to know 
 what is the best book for us to procure, to direct us in our 
 search, and where, and from what coast, we are most likely 
 to procure the finest. We have written to know whether 
 we cannot buy some in Devonshire. I think this such a 
 good object for the children, and nice amusement for us all 
 in London, where we have not the garden and flowers to 
 enjoy, that I endeavour to cultivate it. 
 
 ' The flowers of the garden ; the shells of the ocean; 
 The coralline branches, which sea-weeds entwine ;
 
 1820.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 311 
 
 The stars that gleam o'er us ; 
 
 The light farms before us, 
 
 That flit in the sunbeams- -all, Father, are thine; 
 All tell ua of Thee, and for Thee claim devotion/ 
 
 Thy nearly attached Cousin, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 After the arduous exertions, and varied interests of this 
 winter, it was no small relief to Elizabeth Fry to be again 
 with her family in the retirement of Plashet ; although her 
 enjoyment was soon to be clouded by peculiar and affecting 
 family sorrows, as well as by domestic solicitudes. Her 
 much valued brother and sister Buxton, were plunged into 
 deep affliction, through the removal by death of four lovely 
 children, within the short space of five weeks ; this most 
 touching event called forth Elizabeth Fry's tenderest sym- 
 pathy, and her unwearied exertion in nursing these darling 
 objects of affectionate care. 
 
 Plashet House, Fourth Month, 26th. My time has been 
 so exceedingly occupied as to prevent my writing, but I have 
 gone through a great deal. My dearest brother and sister 
 Buxton being so heavily afflicted, has brought me into very 
 deep conflict, in short almost inexpressible ; still, through all, 
 we may acknowledge that we have found the Lord to be 
 gracious, for assuredly He has been very near to help and 
 support. Dearest Lord, we pray Thee, continue to have 
 mercy upon us all; and at this time of great sonow, to 
 regard us in OUT low estate, and to increase our faith, accord- 
 ing to its trial. Amen. 
 
 Fifth Month, 3rd. Hard, very hard, as this trial has been, 
 and is, yet there is abundant cause to bless, praise, and mag- 
 nify the great and excellent name of our Lord, both for having 
 given these precious children, and then taking them through 
 His redeeming love into His kingdom of Light, Life, Peace, 
 and Glory. But what a proof, that our hearts must not be 
 set upon any temporal things.
 
 312 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1820 
 
 The visits to the prisoners, and the labours for their refor- 
 mation, were continued with undiminished assiduity, and the 
 impression made on the public mind became even increasingly 
 intense. The Scripture readings were still frequented by 
 great numbers. Many persons have described these occa- 
 sions ; perhaps none more graphically than the writer of 
 the following interesting narrative, which has been kindly 
 sent to the Compiler, with the subjoined notice by the Lady 
 Elizabeth Waldegrave : 
 
 " Account of a visit to Newgate, June 2d, 1820, written by the 
 late Hon. Mrs. Waldegrave, for her mother, lady Elizabeth 
 Whitbread, on whose death, in 1846, it was sent to me. 
 
 " ELIZABETH WALDEQRAVE, Jun. 
 ' 4, Harley Street, London, 
 
 March 2d, 1852." 
 
 "June 2nd, 1820. We reached Newgate at half-past ten, and 
 waited with the rest of the company in a small room up stairs ; in 
 the way to it we passed through several wards, in which the most 
 perfect stillness prevailed ; these were the former scenes of all the 
 riot and confusion of which we had heard so much. 
 
 " After waiting a short time, Mrs. Fry entered, saluting every- 
 body in the most dignified manner. The female convicts, forty in 
 number, came in upon a bell being rung, and took their seats at 
 one end of the room with perfect order the monitors sitting on 
 the first bench, and the others in classes behind ; each had her 
 work, at which she employed herself till Mrs. Fry began reading. 
 They had ivory tickets round their necks with numbers on them. 
 " Mrs. Fry arranged a large old Bible on her desk, and sat down 
 her voice was so gentle that we wondered we could hear what she 
 said, but remarkably mild and sweet. She began by requesting 
 their attention. ' I am desirous that your attention should f)e, as 
 much as possible, undivided notwithstanding our being subject 
 to-day to the interruptions of company, it is equally important that 
 vour minds should be fixed on what I say praying that the Holy 
 Snirit may enlighten your understanding. I am going to read the 
 4t,h chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians.' They all laid 
 aside their work, most of them fixed their eyes on the ground, and
 
 1820.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY 313 
 
 we tould not observe that more than two or three looked about 
 afterwards till she had done reading. She read the chapter slowly 
 and impressively the 6th, 28th, and 32nd verses appeared to affect 
 thorn deeply every word that she uttered seemed to be written in 
 her own heart. She then turned to the book of Psalms. After a 
 moment's pause, she turned back to the chapter which she had 
 been reading, and said, ' I was going to read a Psalm, but I thought 
 I should be best satisfied to say a word on the chapter I have 
 been reading ; the greater part of it is so simple and clear, that 
 a very little endeavour on your part will enable you to understand 
 it ; but there is one expression which perhaps may be obscure : 
 'One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism.' If you look only at the 
 external, you might say, so many different opinions prevail, peo- 
 ple are so divided as to what they think ought to be believed, how 
 can they be said to have one faith ? I have always viewed it very 
 differently : ' One Lord,' yea, and have not all Christians the 
 game Lord, which is Christ ? and while we acknowledge him our 
 Master, look to him for our justification, follow his precepts, obey 
 his commandments, love him, serve him, he is our Lord he is 
 the ' one Lord ' of all who thus acknowledge him their head. 
 Again, ' one Faith ' there is a diversity of opinions, but only one 
 true and saving Faith, the Faith which lives in the heart ; and 
 becomes evident by its fruits, which lays hold of the promises, 
 which actuates to all godliness, and produces the blessed effects of 
 a holy life. This one true, saving faith, is common to all Chris- 
 tians how exceedingly soever they may seem to differ. So also, 
 ' one Baptism ': Christians may differ as to the manner of admin- 
 istering the Baptism of water, nay, though some even dispense with 
 that altogether, yet there is one spiritual baptism of the heart, 
 the Spirit of God, sanctifying and renewing the heart, and creating* 
 it after God, in righteousness and true holiness. In this manner 
 we have all one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism ; one God and 
 Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.' 
 What a sweet bond of unity is this, where we are not only brethren 
 in this world, but may hope to meet in Heaven, there to give glory 
 to Ilim with one accord, for ever and for evermore.' 
 
 " Mrs. Fry then read the 86th Psalm, at the end of which, a brother 
 Quaker said a few words of exhortation to all present, to join in Prayer 
 on behalf of the poor sufferers contained in these walls, and not 
 to bo unmindful that all were sinners, all under one condemnation.
 
 814 LIFB OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1820. 
 
 " She then knelt down, and prayed so beautiful a Prayer, with 
 such fervency, so rich a flow of ideas, and such perfect command 
 of Scripture language to clothe them in, that it is impossible to 
 convey an idea of its beauty the chaunt, in which the Quakers 
 recite their prayers, gave it a very singular, but very impressive 
 effect ;. for her voice is good, and when exerted, very strong and 
 clear. This, after a few words from one of the company, concluded 
 the service the women retired in perfect order, each class sep- 
 arately, with its monitor from the front row; all making courtesies 
 as they left the room. Mrs. Fry, in the course of some conversa- 
 tion with Lord Albemarle, said, that she believed the coolness she 
 had experienced from Lord Sidmouth, to have originated in too 
 anxious a desire on her part to save the life of a condemned wo- 
 man ; which had induced her to speak to the Duke of Gloucester 
 on the subject, after Lord Sidmouth had refused to interfere ; 
 by which she believed that she had given offence, that she 
 thought they had been wrong and had urged it too far ; that at 
 first they had free communication with the Secretary of State's 
 office, but that it had been closed for some time. 
 
 " She said that her success surprised herself as much as it did 
 others that a very remarkable Providence had attended all her 
 efforts she had never seen the Bible received as it had been there. 
 ' Ten years ago/ said she, ' when it occurred to me to make trial, I 
 went with a young Friend into one of the wards, in which the 
 greatest riot and confusion prevailed. I went in with my Bible 
 in my hand, and told them I was come to read the Scriptures; 
 they all flocked round me, and I am convinced many had never 
 heard them before it seemed to be glad tidings to them all were 
 attentive. I had been warned to take off such things as could pos- 
 sibly be stolen, but no attempt of the kind was made ; if I dropped 
 anything, it was picked up and brought to me. I felt rather 
 alarmed at first, at the idea of being shut up with these poor crea- 
 tures, but I was preserved through it.' 
 
 " She said that some remarkable things had happened for her en- 
 couragement : one, which occurred lately she related, ' A woman, 
 who was one of the lowest of the low a thief, a drunkard, and in 
 every way as bad as possible, was committed to Newgate. On the 
 first day that she attended (the reading) I happened to read the 
 parable of the prodigal eon j she was much affected by it, and the
 
 1820.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 315 
 
 next day, I received from her a letter, (she could write,) in which 
 she expressed her thankfulness to God that, through our instru- 
 mentality, a new way had been opened before her that she was like 
 the prodigal son, and it seemed as if God had seen her afar off 
 that she prayed to be enabled to hold fast the hope she felt all in this 
 strain. We made her our school-mistress, and during the whole term 
 of her imprisonment, I never knew her break one rule, or be guilty of 
 the smallest impropriety of speech or behaviour. When they quit 
 Newgate, we support them from our fund, till they are otherwise 
 provided for in consequence of illness, she remained for some time 
 dependent on us. We received a message from her, requesting 
 that we would, if possible, obtain her admittance into some work- 
 house, where, if we could furnish her with a little tea and 
 sugar, she should be much happier than now, for that she was mis- 
 erable at the idea of diminishing that fund, which might be the 
 means of rescuing other poor creatures from the state she had her- 
 self been in. We got her into a workhouse, where she lately died, 
 one of the most peaceful, happy deaths ; the only pain she expe- 
 rienced was, from none of us being present, that she might have 
 expressed to us her gratitude for the benefit she had derived through 
 our means. Another young woman, too, of the same character, is 
 lately dead ; she lived well, and died well.' 
 
 " We went afterwards through part of the prison, but in a very 
 unsatisfactory manner, owing^ to the number of persons present 
 She said that one proof of essential good being done, was, that, 
 whereas the returns used to bo 30 per cent., they are now less 
 than 4." 
 
 The readers of this volume will doubtless contemplate with 
 interest, such engagements in the prison as that which has 
 just been described ; but they will not easily conceive the 
 astonishment excited in many an actual spectator of the scene. 
 Evidences of the Christian philanthropy and devotedness of 
 vroraan, had rarely been wont to arrest popular attention ; 
 and the English people, as they now are performing their 
 part on the stage of life, can but faintly imagine the state 
 of public feeling, as it existed at the time when Eliza- 
 beth Fry commenced her arduous work. A mighty change 
 has passed over the religious sentiments of the nation since
 
 316 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1820. 
 
 the close of the last century. That was a time when, 
 notwithstanding that witnesses for the truth were preserved 
 among the different Christian communities as " the salt of 
 the earth" the sceptical principles of French philosophy 
 had become, under the influence of the grand agent of evil, 
 who transforms himself into the semblance " of an angel of 
 light," the means of dazzling the minds of great numbers, 
 particularly of the democratic class, and of plunging many 
 into the vortex of infidelity, whilst those who moved in the 
 more fashionable walks of life, were generally immersed in 
 dissapition, or devoted to politics and war. Few compara- 
 tively, of this class were disposed to listen to the claims of 
 the gospel ; and when a Porteus, a Wilberforce, and some 
 other excellent men, uttered a serious appeal to the public 
 mind, on the high importance of its truths, and on the solemn 
 responsibility that rested on all to obey its practical injunc- 
 tions, the truly patriotic effort was too often met by cold 
 indifference, or even by ridicule. The writings of Hannah 
 More, though frequently little regarded by many to whom 
 they were especially addressed, and who, by this vain world, 
 would be estimated as the great and noble, were, however, 
 beginning to exercise a salutary influence on the more 
 thoughtful amongst the different ranks of the people ; and 
 the present century dawned on the nation with the sunshine 
 of hope ; and many persons were becoming impressed, not 
 only with the importance of individually accepting the truths 
 of Divine revelation, but with the duty of extensively using 
 them, as being, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, the 
 only weapon that could be effectually wielded in the coun- 
 teraction of evil : the organization of the Bible Society was 
 the result of this conviction ; and a gradual, but sure revo- 
 lution was effected in public opinion. Even from those 
 circles where vice and debauchery had reigned triumphant, 
 an influence was seen to emanate, that proclaimed itself on 
 the side of virtue : and the manner in which the religious 
 labours of Elizabeth Fry, for the conversion of sin-degraded
 
 1820.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 317 
 
 souls, were hailed by all classes, more especially by persons 
 of the highest rank and intelligence, evinced the increase of 
 power to appreciate the relative value of those objects that 
 belong only to this transitory state of existence, compared 
 with the infinitely important interests of immortality. And, 
 whilst the deep impression, made on many hearts, through 
 the instrumentality of this divinely-gifted woman, bespoke 
 the onward progress of that regenerating principle, which 
 alone can secure the happiness and well-being of man, her 
 heaven-directed efforts gave, to the operation of this principle, 
 an impulse, which powerfully stimulated many awakened 
 minds to " seek those things which are above, where Christ 
 sitteth at the right hand of God." 
 
 In pursuing her engagements at Newgate, Elizabeth Fry 
 had gradually learned many particulars of the Penal Colony 
 of New South Wales. She found through a communication 
 from Samuel Marsden, the chaplain there, that all labours 
 of her co-adjutors, and her own, all systems of Prison Dis- 
 cipline, all efforts to reform the offender, were absolutely 
 null and void, and but a wasteful expenditure both of time 
 and money, so long as the female convicts were without 
 shelter, without resource, and without protection, on their 
 arrival in the land of exile. Rations, or a small allowance 
 of provisions, sufficient to maintain life, they certainly had 
 allotted them daily : but of any place to sleep in, or the means 
 to obtain one ; or necessary clothing for themselves, and 
 when mothers, for their children, they were entirely destitute. 
 It was worse than useless ; it was only an aggravation of their 
 misery to inculcate morality, and to raise the tone and im- 
 prove the tastes, of these unhappy ones, and above all to im- 
 press on them the solemn truth, that, " without Holiness no 
 man can see the Lord," whilst they were placed in circum- 
 stances where existence could be maintained only at the price 
 of virtue. 
 
 Much of this was learned from the prisoners themselves, 
 but every inquiry made upon the subject, confirmed their
 
 318 LIPE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1820. 
 
 statements ; and, in order to induce the government to pro- 
 vide a suitable home, and proper employment for these exiled 
 convicts, much renewed exertion was entailed on Elizabeth 
 Fry and her companions in the work. 
 
 Plashet y Eighth Month. I may indeed say, dearest Lord, 
 help me in all my difficulties, regard me in my low estate, and 
 let me see the lightings up of Thy countenance on my 
 beloved children. Though I am deeply sensible that, in 
 bringing to the knowledge of Thyself, Thy ways are not our 
 ways ; and that Thou mayst even permit the poor mind to 
 wander in darkness and in unbelief for a season, that it may 
 be more fully prepared to see the beauty of Thy light, to 
 rejoice in the appearance of the day-star from on high, and 
 to feel the excellency of faith ; yet, oh ! that in Thy tender 
 mercy and compassion, Thou wouldst permit Thy unworthy 
 one to see some fruit of the working of Thy Spirit in her 
 children, that she might still rejoice and be glad in Thee ; 
 but above all, Lord, strengthen and enable her to cast all her 
 care upon Thee, and to commit herself, and those most near 
 and dear to her, to Thy grace and good keeping. I desire 
 not to forget all Thy benefits, which are many and great, 
 naturally and spiritually ; we are all of us favoured with 
 health, still, day by day provided for, and some desires 
 spiritually raised in our hearts after Thyself ; and I am also 
 thankful that Thy blessing is, in so remarkable a manner, 
 resting on the prison cause, and on our labours for these poor 
 destitute creatures, that have come under our care. Lord ! 
 be pleased to bless the work of our hands, even in these 
 things establish Thou it, and if consistent with Thy holy will, 
 be pleased to bless the labours of Thy poor child at home, as 
 well as abroad. Amen. 
 
 It may be observed that entering in her journal a record 
 of her thoughts, her desires, her sorrows, and, at times, her 
 varied and almost opposite reflections and feelings, continued
 
 1820.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 819 
 
 to afford relief to her spirit ; and was still, as she described 
 it to be when but a girl, like opening her heart to a friend 
 and, at this date, she adds to the last notice, the following : 
 
 I think before I conclude this journal, I should express 
 amongst my many blessings, how much I am enabled to take 
 pleasure in the various beauties of nature, flowers, shells, 
 &c., and what an entire liberty I feel to enjoy them ; I look 
 upon these things as sweet gifts, and the power to enjoy them 
 as a still sweeter. I am often astonished, when my mind is 
 so exceedingly occupied, and my heart so deeply interested, 
 how I can turn with my little children to these objects, and 
 enjoy them with as great a relish as any of them ; it is a 
 wholesome recreation, that I fully believe strengthens the 
 mind. I mention it as a renewed proof that the allowable 
 pleasures of life, so' far from losing their zest by having the 
 time and mind much devoted to higher objects, are only 
 thereby rendered more delightful. 
 
 1.9th. I have this day been married twenty years ; my 
 heart feels much overwhelmed at the remembrance of it it 
 has been an eventful time. I trust that I have not gone 
 really backwards spiritually, as I think I have in mercy cer- 
 tainly increased in the knowledge of God, and Christ Jesus 
 our Lord ; but this has been through much suffering. I 
 doubt my being in so lively a state as ten years ago, when 
 first coming forth in the ministry ; but I believe I may say, 
 that I love my Lord above all as far as I know, far above 
 every natural tie ; although, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, 
 lie has been pleased, at times, to look upon me with a frown- 
 ing Providence. If I have lately grown at all, it has been in 
 the root, not in the branch, as there is but little appearance 
 of good, or fruit, as far as I can see. In the course of these 
 twenty years, my abode has often teen in the valley of deep 
 humiliation ; still the Lord has been my stay, and I may say 
 through all, dealt bountifully with me ; assuredly He has 
 raised mo up from season to season, enabled me to speak well
 
 320 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 of His name, and led me to plead the cause of the poor, and 
 those that are in bonds, naturally and spiritually. 
 
 Ninth Month, 2nd. Since writing my last journal, I have 
 had a Minute from my Monthly Meeting, and have been 
 visiting the Essex Monthly Meeting^. I have passed through 
 deep exercise and travail of spirit in doing it, but thanks be 
 unto my God, I found help in the needful time, and when 
 least expected, in unmerited mercy, the holy anointing oil 
 was once more freely poured forth upon me, so that I was 
 enabled boldly to declare His doings amongst the people, 
 and to show forth His marvellous works to the children of 
 men. I am to-day likely to set out again Lord, be with 
 us, I pray Thee ! help us, guide us, strengthen us, uphold 
 us and comfort us, and enable me to leave all with peace and 
 comfort at home. We are now likely to break up house- 
 keeping here, for many months; how, and when, we shall 
 meet together again in this place, and whether ever our 
 Lord only knoweth. 
 
 4th. I returned yesterday from finishing visiting the 
 Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in Essex. I was carried 
 through the service to my own surprise ; I felt so remarkably 
 low, so unworthy, so unfit, and as if I had little or nothing 
 to communicate to them, but I was marvellously helped from 
 Meeting to Meeting; strength so arose with the occasion, 
 that the fear of man was taken from me, and I was enabled 
 to declare Gospel truths boldly. This is to me wonderful ; 
 and unbelievers may say what they will, it must be the Lord's 
 doing, and is marvellous in our eyes how He strengthened 
 them that have no might, and helpeth those that have no 
 power. The peace I felt after the services for some days, 
 seemed to flow like a river, for a time covering all my cares 
 and sorrows, so that I might truly say, " There is even here 
 a rest for the people of God." I am sure, from my own ex- 
 perience, there is nothing whatever in this life, that brings 
 the same satisfying, heart-consoling feeling. It is to me a 
 powerful internal evidence of the truth of revealed religion,
 
 1820.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 321 
 
 that it is indeed a substantial truth, not a cunningly devised 
 fable. My sceptical doubting mind, has been convinced of 
 the truth of religion, not by the hearing of the ear, but from 
 what I have really handled, and tasted, and known for myself, 
 of the word of life, may I not say of the power of God unto 
 salvation ? I visited my most dearly beloved brothers and 
 sisters at Earlham, towards whom I feel united by bonds in- 
 expressible. My sweet, dear sister Priscilla, continues very 
 seriously ill, which much melted my heart, but her establish- 
 ment on Christ, the Rock of Ages, consoled us under every 
 sorrow. 
 
 The Newgate Association having become established, and 
 three years having tested the success of the plans pursued 
 there, a Corresponding Committee was formed to answer 
 inquiries and communicate information. " Ladies' Associa- 
 tions " were established in several places, and in others one 
 or two individuals undertook the work of prison visiting ; but 
 some degree of classification, employment, and moral influ- 
 ence, were all that their unassisted endeavours could effect. 
 To carry out Elizabeth Fry's views, solitude by night, com- 
 plete classification, unceasing superintendence, compulsory 
 occupation, regular instruction, and religious influence were 
 necessary, to produce reformation of character ; and to obtain 
 these advantages, larger prisons, embracing more extensive 
 districts, and conducted on a system of strict surveillance, 
 were required. 
 
 But Newgate had proved that something might be effected 
 even under the most unfavourable circumstances. As appli- 
 cations for information became more numerous, and her 
 interest in the subject increased, Elizabeth Fry undertook 
 a journey in the Ninth Month of this year, with the view of 
 visiting many of the most important prisons in England. 
 She was accompanied by her husband, and their two elder 
 daughters. 
 
 She had generally letters from official persons, or private 
 41
 
 322 LIPB OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1820. 
 
 friends, to the Visiting Magistrates of the prison which she 
 desired to see. There she would go, accompanied by the 
 officers of the prison, any magistrates who were disposed to 
 accompany her, or private individuals interested in the cause. 
 She would pass from yard to yard, from one ward to another, 
 addressing the most minute inquiries to the jailor or turnkey ; 
 and calculating the capabilities of the building for the greatest 
 possible degree of improvement. The result of her observa- 
 tions she almost always stated afterwards, in a letter addressed 
 to those of local authority. Besides this, she endeavoured to 
 form a Committee of Ladies, to visit the female prisoners, or 
 she strove to induce, at least, one or two to undertake this 
 Christian duty. She convinced the judgment of some she 
 touched the feelings of others but seldom failed to bring to 
 her purpose, such of her own sex as she had selected, as be- 
 ing, in her opinion, suitable for the undertaking. 
 
 This journey led to important results, from the increased 
 experience and knowledge it gave her, and also tended to the 
 diffusion of both interest and information on the subject of 
 Prison Discipline. 
 
 She thus notices the events of this journey : 
 
 Southend, Darlington, Ninth Month, 5th. I left home, 
 after parting with my sweet Chenda, and dearest little ones, 
 last Sixth-day week. I had much weighty service in Not- 
 tingham, and established a Ladies' Association for visiting 
 prisoners. Numbers followed me, particularly to Meeting, 
 but I was helped through, finding grace sufficient in time of 
 need. I was called away from Sheffield, to attend the funeral 
 of dear little Jonathan Backhouse, who died rather suddenly 
 a sweet boy, about eight years old ; a great and deep trial 
 to his father and mother ; but their Lord has been their stay, 
 and I think I may say, we have had to rejoice together in 
 Him, whose tender mercies are over all His works ; indeed 
 the more we see, and the more we know, may we not say, 
 " blessing, and glory, and honour, and power, thanksgiving
 
 1820.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 323 
 
 and praise, belong unto God, and the Lamb, for ever and 
 ever," and this, in times even of deepest sorrow and priva- 
 tion naturally, when helped by the influence of the Spirit. 
 
 Swinton, near ffackfatt, Yorkshire, 29th. We are here 
 staying at a beautiful place, with a brother of Lady Har- 
 court's. He and his wife, and all the family, are exceedingly 
 kind to us ; they indeed make too much of us. However 
 much such visits may be to the taste, they always bring me 
 into considerable exercise of mind ; in the first place, for fear 
 of not faithfully standing my ground in Christian humility, 
 simplicity, and faithfulness ; and in .the next, from the fear of 
 not making proper use of such providential openings for pro- 
 moting the blessed cause of truth and righteousness. 
 dearest Lord ! if Thou callest for anything at my hands, I 
 pray Thee open my way outwardly, and strengthen me 
 spiritually. 
 
 LETTER TO TWO OF HER DAUGHTERS. 
 
 Mildred's Court, Twelfth Month, 13th, 1820. 
 It was pleasant to hear of your safe arrival at Earlham, 
 after your journey with your dear uncle. Our London life 
 is so very busy, and one event puts another so much out of 
 mind, that it is difficult to relate exactly how time passes ; 
 but I will try to tell you, as far as I remember, how we have 
 been engaged. On Seventh-day morning, I was much occu- 
 pied till about one o'clock, in settling accounts. So one 
 more year is passed, and have we wanted any needful thing 
 or indulgence? Afterwards, I visited the eight poor men 
 under sentence of death, their wives, some of their families 
 and friends ; and a very affecting time it was. We read to- 
 gether, and appeared to be under the merciful influence of 
 that blessed Spirit, that manifests itself to be from Him who 
 remains to be "Lord God on high, mightier than the noise of 
 many waters." On Third-day, I went to Sophia Vansittart, 
 and had a satisfactory interview with her ; she is willing to
 
 324 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1820. 
 
 join a Ladies' Committee in Westminster, and to visit Tothill- 
 fields prison, if way can be made in it. 
 
 The interest of Elizabeth Fry was not confined to the 
 prisons of her native country. She opened a correspondence 
 with the late Walter Venning of Petersburg, who devoted 
 himself to visiting and instructing the prisoners in that city. 
 The Princess Sophia Mestchersky, and other ladies, had 
 formed themselves into a committee, with highly satisfactory 
 results, to visit the women confined in the five prisons of 
 that capital. In a letter written by the Princess to W. Ven- 
 ning, on the 2nd of Eighth Month, 1820, she says : 
 
 lt Though I acknowledge myself completely unable to write in 
 English, as you wish me to do, for to show your friends in England 
 the state of our prisons, such as the Ladies' Committee found it to 
 be in the beginning, and such as it is now, eight months after the 
 establishment of the society ; yet when you told me it would prove 
 a token of our regard and high esteem for Mrs. Fry, and her fellow- 
 labourers, I readily comply with your request, and shall try to 
 overcome all the difficulties which ignorance of your language and 
 the novelty of the subject, present to me. Not I alone, Sir, but 
 all the Ladies of our Committee, expressed a hearty wish that 
 something of our public exertions, and of our efforts to follow the 
 example which that lady gives us, might be communicated to her, 
 as a proof that her labours are blessed from above, and that a 
 spai-k of that love which animates her generous heart, has also 
 reached our distant country, and influenced many hearts with the 
 same Christian feelings for suffering humanity. May this prove 
 a comfort to her soul, and a new encouragement for her to continue 
 her labours in that large and important field of usefulness, in which 
 she is called to serve our Lord. We will all endeavour to follow 
 her according to the strength and abilities granted us, looking for 
 help and hoping for success to and from Him, from whom we re- 
 ceive every blessing, and whose 'strength is made perfect in 
 weakness.' " 
 
 Extract from a letter from Elizabeth Fry to the late Walter 
 Venning of Petersburg.
 
 1820.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 525 
 
 Respected friend, 
 
 Though personally unknown to thee, I am confident, from 
 the interest we both feel in one cause, that thou wilt excuse 
 the liberty I take in writing to thee, to express my heartfelt 
 satisfaction at the interesting and important accounts thou 
 hast given my brother Hoare of the proceedings of the Gen- 
 tlemen and Ladies' Prison Associations in Petersburg. Most 
 warmly do I desire their encouragement in this work of 
 charity and utility, for the more I am acquainted with the 
 subject, and the more extensive my observation of the effects 
 of prison discipline is, the more confident I feel of its im- 
 portance ; and that although the work will be gradual, yet 
 through the Divine blessing, its result will be sure. Not 
 only that many will be stopped in their career of vice, but 
 Borne truly turned from their evil ways, and the security and 
 comfort of the community at large, increased, by our prisons, 
 that have been too generally the nurseries of vice, and scenes 
 of idleness, filth, and debauchery, being so arranged and 
 so attended to, that they become schools where the most 
 reprobate may be instructed in their duty towards their 
 Creator and their fellow-mortals ; and where the very habits 
 of their lives may be changed. 
 
 It will be found in this, as in every other good work, that 
 some trials and some discouragement will attend it ; but the 
 great end in view must induce those engaged in it to perse- 
 vere, and use increased diligence to overcome them, doing 
 what we do to the Lord, and not unto man, and then we 
 shall do it well. 
 
 We continue to have much satisfaction in the results of 
 our efforts in Newgate good order appears increasingly 
 established, there is much cleanliness amongst our poor 
 women, and some very encouraging proofs of reformation in 
 habit, and what is much more, in heart. This, in a prison so 
 ill-arranged, with no classification, except tried from untried, 
 no good inspection, and many other great disadvantages, is 
 more than the most zealous advocates of prison discipline 
 could look for.
 
 826 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1820. 
 
 I lately had the pleasure of seeing the Duchess of Glouces- 
 ter, who is our Patroness ; she desired me to express how 
 much gratified she was with thy account of what you are 
 doing in Petersburg, and her wish that the ladies may be 
 encouraged ia their good work. 
 
 It is now more than three years since we first began our 
 operations in Newgate, and how encouraging it is, that the 
 experience of every year should increase our hopes, and 
 diminish our fears, as to the beneficial result of these exer- 
 tions. Indeed it is wonderful to observe the effects of 
 kindness and care, upon some of these poor forlorn creatures 
 how it tenders their hearts, and makes them susceptible of 
 impression. I am of opinion, from what I have observed, 
 that there are hardly any amongst them so hard, but that 
 they may be subdued by kindness, gentleness, and love, so as 
 very materially to alter their general conduct. Some of the 
 worst prisoners have, after liberation, done great credit to the 
 care taken of them. In two particular instances, young 
 women who had sunk into almost every depravity and vice, 
 upon being libewkted, conducted themselves with much pro- 
 priety, as far as we-Enow, and after long illnesses, died peace- 
 ful deaths. They were striking instances ; through a blessing 
 upon the care taken of them, they, in a remarkable manner, 
 were turned from Satan unto God, and we humbly trust, 
 through the mercy of Redeeming love, they are received 
 into glory. Some are settled in service, others, we hope, 
 are doing well in different situations. We wish it were in 
 our power to attend more to the prisoners upon leaving the 
 prisons, as we think this an important part of the duty of 
 such associations ; but in London the numbers are so very 
 great that it is almost out of our power to do it, as we desire, 
 though we endeavour to extend a little care over them. 
 
 How delightful it is to hear of the interest that the Em- 
 peror Alexander, Prince Galitzin, and ladies of high rank, 
 take in the cause of the poor prisoners. May the best of 
 blessings rest upon them, for thus manifesting their care over 
 the destitute of the earth.
 
 1820.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 327 
 
 We also feel gratefully sensible of their kindness to our 
 friends William Allen and Stephen Grellet. I hope thou 
 wilt let us know before long how you go on. I am much 
 obliged for the book thou kindly sent me ; and believe me, 
 with much regard and esteem, 
 
 Thy friend, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 After the death of Walter Venning, the correspondence 
 thus commenced, was long continued with his brother, John 
 Venning ; whose labours, in reforming the criminal, and in 
 relieving the suffering inmates of asylums, prisons, &c., were 
 unwearied, and greatly blessed of the Lord. He stated that 
 the letters which he received from Elizabeth Fry were " in- 
 valuable as regarded the treatment and management of both 
 prisoners and insane persons. It was the fruit of her own 
 rich practical experience, communicated with touching sim- 
 plicity, and it produced lasting benefits to those institutions 
 in Russia." 
 
 After he had presented to the Emperor Nicholas a state- 
 ment of the defects of the Government lunatic asylum, the 
 dowager empress and her son visited the asylum together, 
 and being convinced of the necessity of a complete reform 
 in the management of the insane, the emperor requested his 
 mother to take it under her own care, and to appoint John 
 Venning the governor of it. An order was soon given to 
 purchase, of one of the princes, a palace-like house, having 
 above two miles of garden, and a fine stream of water run- 
 ning through the grounds. A plan of this great building 
 was sent to Elizabeth Fry, for her inspection and hints for 
 improvements. Two extensive wings were recommended for 
 dormitories. The wings cost .15,000 : in addition to this 
 sum from the government, the emperor gave .3000 for cast- 
 iron window-frames recommended by Elizabeth Fry ; as the 
 clumsy iron bars in the old institution had drawn from many 
 a poor inmate a sigh, with " Sir, prison ! prison !"
 
 328 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1820. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry recommended that all, except the violent 
 lunatics, should dine together at a table covered with a cloth 
 and furnished with plates and spoons. The empress was 
 delighted with this plan, and, when the arrangements were 
 completed, requested John Venning to invite them to dinner. 
 Sixteen came and took their seats. The empress approached 
 the table, ordering one of the upper servants to sit at the 
 head of it and ask a blessing. When he arose to do this, 
 they all stood up. The soup, with small pieces of meat, was 
 then served, and as soon as they had dined, they all rose up 
 spontaneously, and thanked her for her motherly kindness. 
 She was deeply moved, and turning to John Venning, said, 
 "My friend, this is one of the happiest days of my life." 
 The next day the number at table was increased, and the day 
 following was still greater. 
 
 A letter from Elizabeth Fry, on " the great importance of 
 supplying the lunatics with the Scriptures," which John 
 Venning said "deserved to be written in letters of gold," 
 and which he sent to the imperial family, was received with 
 marked approbation. The court-physician, Dr. Richl, a 
 devoted philanthropist, requested a copy of it. This letter 
 removed all difficulties on the subject, and John Venning 
 was requested to furnish them in their various languages. It 
 was considered, by some, " a wild and dangerous proceed- 
 ing;" but he soon found them collected in groups, and 
 quietly listening, while one of their number was reading the 
 New Testament ; and instead of disturbing their minds, it 
 produced a soothing influence. A Russian priest, a lunatic, 
 collected a number together, and read to them. And John 
 Venning found a poor Frenchman in his bed-room, during a 
 lucid interval reading the New Testament, with tears rolling 
 down his cheeks. 
 
 Whenever John Venning received a letter from Elizabeth 
 Fry, he would write it out in French for the empress, and 
 was pleased to see, as soon as she had read it, with what 
 alacrity she ordered one of her secretaries to translate it into
 
 1821.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 329 
 
 Russian, to be entered into the journal at the asylum, for 
 immediate adoption. One contained a list of fourteen rules, 
 which were all confirmed by the empress the w,me day. And 
 they introduced very important arrangements, viz., " treating 
 the inmates as far as possible, as the sane persons, both in con- 
 versation and manners towards them ; to allow them as much 
 liberty as possible ; to engage them daily to take exercise in 
 the open air ; to allow them to wear their own clothes, and 
 no uniform prison dress ; most strictly to fulfil whatever was 
 promised them ; to exercise patience, gentleness, kindness and 
 love towards them ; and to be exceedingly careful as to the 
 characters of the keepers appointed to watch-over them." 
 
 Petersburg was not the only continental city, with which 
 communication on the subject of ladies visiting prisoners had 
 now been opened. 
 
 At Turin, La Marquise de Barol nee Colbert was assidu- 
 ously occupied in this important work. This lady was a 
 Roman Catholic, and had entered upon it, from a sense of 
 duty. Francis Cunningham, when travelling through that 
 place, had obtained permission to see the prison, had there 
 become acquainted with her, and opened a correspondence for 
 her with his sister-in-law Elizabeth Fry, which was main- 
 tained for many years. Letters were also received from 
 Amsterdam, where those interested in the cause, were endea- 
 vouring to form a Prison Discipline Society, and Committees 
 to visit the prisoners. 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, 1st, 1821. Having poured 
 forth my soul in prayer, and having exhorted my house- 
 hold to live in the love and fear of the Lord, I have 
 obtained some relief upon entering a new year, and finishing 
 another. I opened my Bible at these words, so consonant 
 with the feelings of my heart, I quote them here, " Hear my 
 prayer, and be merciful unto thine inheritance ; turn our 
 sorrow into joy, that wo may live, Lord, and praise Thy 
 name.' 
 
 42
 
 330 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1821 
 
 In the way which was consistent with His holy will, did 
 the Beloved of her soul answer this petition of His servant. 
 He saw meet to dispense the bitter cup, but it was sweetened 
 by His mercy and love. She had become much affected in 
 the Ninth Month of the preceding year, by the alarming 
 illness of her beloved sister Priscilla. 
 
 From 1792, the year of Catherine Gurney's decease, her 
 daughters had continued an unbroken band ; but now, upon 
 the youngest of the seven, the hand of disease was making a 
 fatal impression, and she was evidently declining under the 
 influence of pulmonary consumption. She was singularly 
 lovely and attractive in mind and person. To her maternal 
 sister, Elizabeth Fry, she was peculiarly endeared, and the 
 bond that so closely united their spirits, was a high and sacred 
 one ; they had both been led to embrace the principles of the 
 Society of Friends, and both were engaged in the holy voca- 
 tion of the Gospel ministry. Priscilla Gurney was a diligent 
 labourer in the cause of Christ, and was highly esteemed by 
 her fellow-professors, for her work's sake ; and greatly be- 
 loved by many pious and excellent persons of other Christian 
 communities ; and it may be truly said that she did, in word 
 and ministration, and in conduct, adorn the doctrine of God 
 her Saviour. She was revered in the domestic circle, even 
 by those who did not unite in her distinctive religious views. 
 
 Earlham was her residence with her other unmarried 
 sisters and brothers ; nor did it cease to be their home, 
 at the marriage of their brother, Joseph John Gurney, 
 in 1817. His adoption of the principles of Friends had 
 been a great satisfaction and support to her, in her own 
 course. 
 
 From the Isle of Wight, where she had passed the winter 
 preceding, on account of her declining health, she wrote, in 
 120, to her beloved sister E. J. Fry. 
 
 u Thou hast been much in my thoughts lately, my beloved sister, 
 and I can hardly describe to thee, the flow of love and of deep inte- 
 rest which sometimes arises towards thee : there is a certain under-
 
 1821.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 331 
 
 standing which I feel with thee, that I can hardly feel in the same 
 way with any other mortal, except, perhaps, it may be with our 
 dearest brother Joseph. We three do, I believe, intimately under- 
 stand one another's paths we know one another's conflicts we 
 have partaken in the same depths we have been mercifully per- 
 mitted, according to our different measures, (for I feel my measure 
 small indeed compared with thine,) to partake of the same kind of 
 spiritual consolations, and of the same deliverance from depths into 
 heights. What a support, and stay, and refreshment, in short, what 
 a mother, hast thou been to us both ! I must confess my heart often 
 turns towards thee with joy and with thankfulness, though thy path 
 has been strewed with many crosses and many afflictions, yet so in 
 proportion has, I firmly believe, been the victory, which has been 
 jiven thee through Christ our Saviour, to the great comfort and 
 encouragement of many, as well as to thy own present, and may 
 we not humbly trust, eternal peace and salvation ! how fervently 
 do I desire, that the blessing which has so eminently attended 
 thee, may be in all things thy crown, thy rejoicing that it may 
 prosper thee in all thy ways !" 
 
 The summer of that year was passed by Priscilla Gurney 
 at Earlham. As the autumn advanced, she was removed to 
 Cromer Hall, then the abode of her brother and sister Bux- 
 ton ; and with them she passed the few remaining months 
 of her life, nursed, with the most assiduous care, by her sis- 
 ter Rachel, who had been devoted to her through the latter 
 stages of her prolonged decline. Here Elizabeth Fry visited 
 her, and writes in her journal : 
 
 Cromer Hall, Second Month, Qth. Here I am, with my 
 dear brother Samuel Gurney, come to visit our dearest sister 
 Friscilla in her declining state. The sweet and peaceful 
 state of her soul is cause for much thankfulness and rejoic- 
 ing, but the low valley is my own abiding place ; and my 
 desire for myself and mine, I may say, my prayer is, 
 dearest Lord ! give us not over to the will of our enemies. 
 My feeling for my dearest brothers and sisters is, in tho 
 first place, thanksgiving, particularly for their spiritual state ;
 
 332 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1821. 
 
 and secondly, desire that grace may be found sufficient for 
 them, and that no snare of the enemy, however gilded by 
 apparent holiness, may ever hurt or ensnare them ; and for 
 my dearest sister Priscilla, Lord ! Thou who hast been 
 with her, be with her to the end, and in Thine own time burst 
 all her bonds asunder, and bring her into the abundant and 
 glorious liberty of Thy children. And also permit Thy un- 
 worthy child, through all her trials, to acknowledge how 
 truly marvellously Thou hast provided for her, and abund- 
 antly loaded her with benefits. Cause us, dearest Lord, to 
 hear, to feel, and to acknowledge Thy loving kindness and 
 Thy tender mercies, not only now, but for ever. Amen. 
 
 Cromer Sail, Third Month, ~\.~Lth, First day. Dearest 
 Priscilla said to this effect, that the experience of her illness 
 had greatly confirmed and deepened her in the foundation 
 and principles of Friends, more particularly as it respected 
 the ministry ; though she most truly found her boundaries 
 enlarged towards all ; and upon my saying " Thou feelest all 
 one, if in Christ," "Yes," she said, "just so." She ex- 
 pressed how entirely she felt her dependence on the Lord 
 alone, and how little she felt the want of outward ministry, 
 though what came in the life was refreshing and sweet. She 
 yesterday expressed her love for silence, how she found it 
 tended to strengthen body, as well as soul, and it was one 
 reason she wished to be alone at night. She also expressed 
 this morning a great desire for the Friends of the family, 
 that they should hold fast their principles. 
 
 To her husband and one of her daughters, she wrote: 
 
 Cromer Hall, Third Month, 25th, 1821. 
 
 About nine o'clock this morning the scene closed, and our 
 most tenderly beloved sister went to sleep in Jesus. The 
 conflict of death was long upon her ; I think it may be said 
 from Third or Fourth-day, to this morning. She has been
 
 1821.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 333 
 
 sensible, evidently so, till late last evening, and her calm, 
 quiet, and patient state continued. I think every day her 
 conflict diminished ; she had nearly lost the power of speech ; 
 but when we were all collected round her, last evening, about 
 nine, she was heard to say, " Farewell, Farewell," several 
 times. Some one heard her add, " My love is with you," 
 and the last thing we could hear was, " Lord !" In the 
 morning, she appeared very full of love put out her hand 
 to several of us showed much pleasure in your uncle Bux- 
 ton's being here, and tried to speak to him, but could not be 
 understood expressed her wish for reading, and from her 
 feeling of love and fondness for the chapter, and some signs, 
 we believed she meant the thirteenth of 1st Corinthians, and 
 we had a very sweet, animating time together, and afterwards 
 our dear brother Fowell spoke very sweetly to her ; and 
 besides the Bible, she appeared to have some satisfaction in 
 hearing other books read, as it had been her habit during her 
 illness, just like mine when ill. She appeared to have finished 
 her work, and to have nothing to do but to die ; her sweet 
 spirit was quite at liberty to pass away the time in reading, 
 and having, I believe, no headache, she could bear it, though 
 she confined it to religious books, yet many of an interesting 
 nature ; her hymns* interested her much she liked Samuel 
 Scott's Diary Piety Promoted Accounts of tbe Missions 
 Watts and How and many other books of that description. 
 I write thus particularly, because I thought you would wish 
 to hear. I think her object in reading was gentle amuse- 
 ment, and at times edification she was very particular not 
 to read the Bible except she felt herself in rather a lively 
 state. We were all by her when her prepared spirit left the 
 body, and a sweet time it was ; no struggle. After com- 
 mending her to her Lord, and, for His name's sake, into 
 glory, my brother Joseph quoted these words 
 
 Selection of Hymns, by Priacilla Gurney.
 
 334 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1821. 
 
 " One gentle sigh the fetters breaks, 
 
 We scarce ctln say they are gone, 
 Before the willing spirit takes 
 Its station near the throne." 
 
 Catherine expressed her firm helief that she was one of the 
 blessed who died in the Lord. 
 
 Rachel after a time, uttered a fe-w words in thanksgiving 
 for her, and prayer for us who remain. 
 
 Thy letter, my dearest , gave me much satisfaction, and 
 
 my opinion is, though death loses its sting of sin to the 
 righteous, yet they equally, or very nearly so, have the 
 natural conflict to pass through ; and death certainly is a very 
 great conflict, generally speaking ; but it has struck me again 
 and again, what this would hav been to a sensitive mind, 
 feeling at the same time the sense of condemnation and the 
 sting of sin ; but my beloved child, there is much in thy re- 
 marks, and I think the death of the righteous is often repre- 
 sented as too easy ; for human nature is the same in all, and 
 how much did our blessed Lord go through, who took upon 
 
 Himself our nature. Ah ! my , I think of thee and thy 
 
 birth-day. May the Lord be with thee in it, opening thy 
 eyes to behold the beauty of holiness, and enlarging thy 
 heart, by His own power, to make thee willing " to lay aside 
 every weight and the sin that may so easily beset thee, and 
 to run with patience the race that is set before thee, looking 
 to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith." In much 
 near and dear love, farewell, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 First day, Fourth Month, 14/A. I returned from Norfolk 
 my second visit, after being from home about six weeks, 
 where I had attended my much-loved sister to the last, almost 
 constantly devoted to her in the day, for four weeks before 
 her death, and then staying to her funeral, &c. For the first 
 fortnight, tenderly as I felt for my beloved sister's sufferings, 
 yet there was so much sweetness in being with her, such in- 
 expressible unity with her spirit in its redeemed state, that it
 
 1821.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 335 
 
 was not a distressing time. I was also greatly favoured with 
 excellent health, as the sea air appeared to revive me so 
 much ; but the last fortnight, my health sunk a good deal, 
 and my beloved sister's great reduction, with, no doubt, some 
 suffering, was almost too much for me ; still, I may acknow- 
 ledge, that rather marvellously, every day help, strength and 
 sufficient consolation, have been granted. I was certainly 
 impatient at my darling sister being so long passing through 
 the valley of the shadow of death ; but how did I perceive 
 my folly when I saw how gently he was led through it, and 
 how I might observe the kind hand of Providence making 
 her way naturally and spiritually ; and I do believe, deeply 
 as we felt for her, it was to herself greatly sweetened, and a 
 renewed cause for us to return thanks on her account. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry's return from Norfolk was shortly followed 
 by interests, new and very different from those which had 
 occupied her, by the death-bed of her sister. The subject of 
 Capital Punishments was attracting increased attention, 
 opinions differed, and opposing views were entertained; 
 but it was no longer looked upon with indifference. 
 
 The Society " for the Improvement of Prison Discipline, 
 and Reformation of Juvenile Offenders," was also actively at 
 work. Many persons df influence had joined it, and zealously 
 supported the plans of the Committee. Elizabeth Fry's ex- 
 perience at Newgate was considered as an exemplification of 
 the effects of religious instruction, and moral discipline and 
 control, combined with Christian kindness. She believed it 
 to be her duty to use the influence this circumstance gave 
 her, to the utmost of her power, and to avail herself of every 
 right opportunity for communicating the results of her per- 
 sonal observation. Nor was her attention confined to this 
 branch of the subject ; she was too keen an observer not to 
 know, that her experiment, though successful, could not be 
 universally tried, and that nothing short of a complete change 
 in the spirit and practice of the criminal legislation of the
 
 336 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1821. 
 
 country, carried on by systematic government regulation, 
 could effect permanent and general good. She considered 
 that the religion which we profess to obey, that the humanity 
 implanted even in the natural heart of man, should induce 
 individuals suited for the office, to visit prisons, hospitals, and 
 other public institutions ; although this was, to her mind, a 
 matter wholly independent of their construction and arrange- 
 ment. In a letter on the subject of female convict ships, in 
 which she urges the necessity of certain measures, being 
 adopted by government, she adds : 
 
 " I am anxious that a few things which woujd greatly tend 
 to the order and reformation of these poor women, and pro- 
 tect their little remaining virtue, should become established 
 practices, authorised by government, and not dependent upon 
 a few individuals, whose life and health, and everything else, 
 are so uncertain." 
 
 Few persons have possessed so little speculativeness of 
 character, combined with such extraordinary quickness of 
 perception, as Elizabeth Fry. She saw, that whereas the 
 greater number of persons had hitherto been content to take 
 no heed to passing circumstances, and to allow abuses to co'ri- 
 tinue, scarcely recognizing their existence, the time was come 
 when the rights of humanity would make themselves heard. 
 Men of reflection had begun to investigate the causes, and 
 the probable results, of the facts around them. Enormous 
 errors were committed, incalculable mistakes made, as must 
 ever be the case, when finite man leans to his own finite 
 understanding ; yet the good preponderated ; and where 
 philosophy had learned in the school of Christ, undeniable 
 truths were proclaimed, and peace and good will extended to 
 mankind. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry perceived that light had dawned, she was 
 persuaded that it could never be again extinguished ; but 
 she saw, that to direct the mental energies of the people
 
 1821.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 337 
 
 aright, general education, combined with scriptural instruc- 
 tion, and the unlimited circulation of the Holy Bible, was 
 requisite. 
 
 On the 23rd of Fifth Month, Sir James Mackintosh brought 
 forward his motion, "for mitigating the severity of punish- 
 ment in certain cases of forgery and the crimes connected 
 therewith." Sir Samuel Romilly had, with the exception of 
 Lord Nugent, and a very few others, stood almost unsup- 
 ported in the Lower House ; now, the contest had become 
 nearly equal, and Sir James Mackintosh's Bill was lost by a 
 very small majority. It was on this occasion, that T. F. 
 Buxton delivered his admirable speech upon Capital Punish- 
 ment. Many had gone that night, doubtful as to the expe- 
 diency of the measure proposed, but were convinced by his 
 arguments, based as they were upon incontrovertible facts, 
 varied calculations, and unquestionable evidence. Some had 
 taken their seats indifferent as to the question at issue ; his 
 warm appeal to their humanity, and the responsibility of 
 legislating for the lives of thousands, without having weighed 
 the merits of the case, or considered the practical effects of 
 punishment, aroused them from their apathy ; others from 
 a dread of change, and a certain sort of adherence to the 
 opinions of party, unconnected with the merits or demerits 
 of the opinions themselves, were startled by the delicate 
 irony, with which he showed the impracticability of the laws, 
 and the strange devices resorted to, to evade their literal 
 fulfilment. Excellently did he generalize the subject, when 
 he said, " There is no one who will deny, that the laws of the* 
 land ought to be congenial with the feelings of the people. 
 There was a time, we may suppose, in which this happy sym- 
 pathy prevailed. But that period is long passed. During 
 the last century, they have each fled from this point of con- 
 currence ; the law in its enactments, and the people, in the 
 tenor of their feelings. The people have made enormous 
 strides in all that tends to civilize and soften mankind, while 
 the laws have contracted a ferocity, which did not belong to 
 43
 
 838 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1821. 
 
 them in the most savage part of our history, and to such 
 extremes of distance have they proceeded, that I do believe 
 there never was a law so harsh as British law, or so merciful 
 and humane a people as the British people. And yet, to this 
 mild and merciful people, is left the execution of that rigid 
 and cruel law !" 
 
 Although Sir James Mackintosh's bill was lost, yet it was 
 a defeat so nearly approaching to victory, as to afford Eliza- 
 beth Fry heartfelt satisfaction. She had again cause to re- 
 joice, when early in the following Sixth Month, she witnessed 
 the Freemason's Hall filled, on occasion of the Meeting for 
 the Improvement of Prison Discipline, and the Reformation 
 of Juvenile Offenders. The Times of the 4th of that month, 
 in an account of the meeting, states that she was mentioned 
 by many of the speakers in terms of high eulogium, and was 
 loudly applauded, when she quitted the Hall ; but no allusion 
 to this is made in her journal, or in any letters that have 
 been found. 
 
 The Duke of Gloucester presided, supported by Lord John 
 Russell, Lord Stanley, (the late Earl Derby,) Lord Belgrave, 
 (Marquis of Westminster,) Lord Calthorpe, the Bishop of 
 Gloucester (Ryder), Sir James Mackintosh, Sir Thomas 
 Baring, and many other individuals of rank and talent. 
 Nobly was the cause advocated which had brought them 
 together. Lord John Russell was almost prophetic in ex- 
 pectation, when he concluded a short, but brilliant speech, 
 by expressing his belief, that our country was about to " be- 
 come distinguished for triumphs, the effect of which should 
 be to save, and not to destroy;" and that "instead of laying 
 waste the provinces of our enemies, we might begin now 
 to reap a more solid glory in the reform of abuses at home, 
 and in spreading happiness through millions of our own 
 population/' 
 
 Plashet, Eighth Month, 29th. My beloved daughter 
 Rachel, was married last Fifth-day, the 23rd, at Runcton, 
 by my brother-in-law, Francis Cunningham.
 
 1821.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 339 
 
 Plashet, Ninth Month, 3r<. I doubt not but that my late 
 tendency to depression of spirits is caused, not only by the 
 sorrow which I certainly feel, and great disappointment, 
 from a child not keeping to the principles that I have 
 brought her up in, and also from the deep sense I have of 
 their intrinsic value ; but, moreover, that I have to bear my 
 conduct in the affair being misconstrued by others. Yet, I 
 have certainly met with much kindness, great love and sym- 
 pathy, and from quarters where I should have least expected 
 it, also particularly from the Friends of my own Monthly 
 Meeting. 
 
 I am very much absorbed at home, where many things 
 deeply occupy my heart and head. To do right in my many 
 relative duties is very difficult ; how deeply I feel my short- 
 comings in them ! and yet I fervently desire to do my best. 
 
 has my prayers much more often than the day. Lord, 
 
 help this dear child by Thy Spirit, guide him by Thy coun- 
 sel, and save him by that salvation that cometh by Christ. 
 And for my sweet, dear William, so visit him, and influence 
 him by Thy anointing, that he may become a vessel of 
 honour, calculated and prepared to show forth Thy praise. 
 Ah ! dearest Lord, bless the lads ; above all things I ask of 
 Thee, far above all temporal good, sanctify them, and fit 
 them to exalt and magnify Thy great and ever-excellent 
 name. 
 
 Plathet, Tenth Month, ISth. I have lately been called 
 into various engagements. I attended the Quarterly Meet- 
 ing of Kent to much comfort and satisfaction, surprised to 
 find so much openness, so little obstruction in the way, and 
 not a little consoled to feel the anointing, afresh and fully 
 poured forth to my great relief; and I believe I may say, 
 enabled to declare the word, in that power that tendered and 
 refreshed many minds. Afterwards visited Lord and Lady 
 Torrington, at Yotes Court ; Maidstone Barracks and Gaol, 
 and the Noels at Barbara Court, to satisfaction. The love 
 of the Gospel appeared much over us towards all amongst
 
 340 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1822. 
 
 whom our lot was cast ; our dear sister, E. Fry, was with us 
 throughout. Since this, I attended the Quarterly Meeting 
 for Sussex and Surrey, but not to the same relief and satis- 
 faction. 
 
 I had one very important Meeting at Brighton, so many 
 came that it rendered it a Puhlic Meeting ; it was a fearful 
 time, but the best help was granted, to my peace and conso- 
 lation, and a hope that it was not without good to others. 
 Since my return home, last Seventh-day, the 13th, I have 
 been enabled to 1 enjoy and estimate my blessings, particularly 
 my delightful, quiet home, garden and little children. 
 
 Flasket, Second Month, 21st, 1822. Yesterday, we at- 
 tended the wedding of Cornelius Hanbury and Mary Allen. 
 It was a very solemn and comforting day. 
 
 Third Month, $th. Since I last wrote, we have visited 
 almost every family belonging to Ratcliff Monthly Meeting, 
 Elizabeth Copeland, my sister Elizabeth Fry, and myself. 
 I may say that we have found what we believed to be the 
 best help near us, as we went from house to house, enabling 
 us to speak well for our Master, and to encourage the feeble 
 travellers in their way to Zion. Some of the visits were 
 poor and low times, with such as appeared to have their 
 hearts more in present things than in those that are to come, 
 which produces great flatness ; but we were rejoiced to find 
 many, who, we could not doubt, were humble-minded Christ- 
 ians, seeking to dwell near the Spirit of truth in their hearts. 
 How do I rejoice in the prosperity of Zion, and the enlarge- 
 ment of her borders ! (the true church, under all denomina- 
 tions, may be called Zion,) and in our small body, I love to 
 see it spiritual and consistent with our high profession. I 
 have felt it an honour and favour to be once more thus en- 
 gaged in my dearest Master's cause, it has, at times, brought 
 that sweet peace with it, that nothing else can give. 
 
 Plashet, Fifth Month, Znd. I am favoured with general 
 health of body, and cheerfulness of mind ; a good deal occu- 
 pied by temporal things, though I trust not resting in them.
 
 1822.J LIFE OF ELIZABETH F 11 Y . 341 
 
 My readings in Newgate at this time of the year, are pecu- 
 liarly exercising to me, so many attend, and often such a 
 variety ; and some of such high rank, I should think so little 
 accustomed to hear the truth spoken. The prospect of them 
 is sometimes really awful to me, and if I know the desire of 
 my heart respecting them, it is this that the cause of truth 
 and righteousness may be exalted, my Lord glorified, and 
 living faith in Him promoted ; and for myself and those en- 
 gaged in the work, that we may dwell low before Him who 
 hath helped us, abide in His fear, and not the fear of man ; 
 seek His pleasure, and not our own pleasure, and if, in un- 
 merited mercy, He is pleased to help us and to own us by 
 His presence, that we may ever remember, that to us belongs 
 nothing but confusion of face, but to Him alone, glory, 
 honour, power, thanksgiving and praise. Amen, Lord, be 
 pleased to bless these seasons, that we have been brought 
 into, we humbly trust, by the ordering of Thy providence ; 
 so that they may tend to good, and that they may be to 
 some, as " bread cast upon the waters, that will return after 
 many days." 
 
 Plashet, 28fA. Since writing the above, I have had fresh 
 cause to raise up my Ebenezer ; help having been granted, 
 and to my own feelings way marvellously made for me, in 
 things that I exceedingly dreaded. In the first place, I felt 
 very low, and peculiarly under discouragement, partly from 
 my sense of weakness, both of body and mind, and partly 
 from the idea that Friends might not feel unity with me after 
 my child's marriage. In the first place, I had, in the Meet- 
 ing of Ministers and Elders, to pray for direction and help 
 for myself and others during the Yearly Meeting, which 
 appeared as if owned by the Great Head of the church. 
 The next thing was our Ladies' Prison Meeting, which I 
 dreaded, and had many misgivings about ; however, this was 
 got through quite beyond my expectation : the accounts of 
 many instances of reform from different prisons were tru 1 
 encouraging and comforting, and the whole feeling wa/>
 
 342 LIPB OP ELIZABETH PET. [1822. 
 
 if a blessing were in it ; dear Mary Dudley prayed, and 
 several of us had to acknowledge the kindness of the Most 
 High in it, and to Him alone, in all things, did we desire to 
 give the glory. This Meeting gave me a little hope and 
 encouragement ; still, when I found that my awful concern to 
 visit the Men's Meeting remained, fear was indeed my por- 
 tion, and such a dread lest I might not know the voice of the 
 great and good Shepherd ; however, I found amidst all my 
 fears, no way of relief for my mind, but in laying my views 
 before the Women's Meeting; they were met with much 
 unity and encouragement, quite beyond what I expected. 
 My beloved sister, Elizabeth Fry, went with me, Sarah 
 Benson, and my aunt Jane Gurney. We entered the Men's 
 Meeting trembling. What an awful service it is for a poor 
 weak woman to go amongst so many hundred men. After 
 being seated, I soon found the spirit of prayer poured forth ; 
 I knelt down, and found myself greatly strengthened to offer 
 up my supplications for ourselves, and for the body then 
 present; Elizabeth Fry then spoke, in much calmness and 
 power, which I doubt not would deeply impress those who 
 heard her ; I followed her, and it was marvellous to me the 
 unction that I felt to deliver what opened to me, principally 
 to the young people, and to the sorrowful and perplexed, 
 especially from outward causes ; there was great solemnity 
 over the Meeting, and very many appeared to be in tears ; 
 therefore what can we say, but that our merciful God was on 
 our side, and He became our Helper ? Surely it is the Lord's 
 doing, and marvellous in our eyes. 
 
 Much comfort and satisfaction were expressed after Meet- 
 ing, by different Friends, and so my fears vanished. May 
 this afresh lead me, in doing and ia suffering, to commit my 
 cause to my most Gracious Helper, Saviour, and Redeemer, 
 and fully trust in Him. 
 
 Sixth Month, 10th. Obliged to go to town to meet the 
 Prince and Princess of Denmark, at the Borough Road 
 School ; afterwards received a very poor account of dearest 
 Jane. A low day.
 
 1822.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 843 
 
 Plashet 13th. Accounts came that our dear sister Jane, 
 the wife of my much-loved brother Joseph, died at Earlham 
 on Second-day the 10th, a little before six o'clock, and that 
 my dearest brother, thanks be to Him who helped him, was 
 enabled to give her up with a resigned spirit. Heavenly 
 love and support were very manifest to them both : and she 
 appeared greatly prepared for it, notwithstanding the short 
 notice she had. She was, I believe, one who loved and 
 feared the Lord, and who proved her love by her humble 
 dedication, and watchful, circumspect conduct ; she was an 
 excellent wife, mother, daughter, and sister, a great friend to 
 the poor, and remarkably generous. May her loss be fully 
 made up to our poor brother, by that gracious Power that 
 has thus bereaved him of one so dear and so lovely to him. 
 
 Earlhanij 16th. After weighing the matter the best I 
 could, such were my inexpressible drawings of love to Joseph 
 and the others, that I believed it best for my body and mind 
 to come here, though I left home really poorly ; but I found 
 the change of air useful, till last evening after arriving here, 
 when I felt very unwell, which took sad hold of my nerves, 
 and I had a painful night. Still I may acknowledge my true 
 and deep consolation in seeing my dearest brother Joseph, 
 my aunt Birkbecfc, and the rest of the family so greatly, even 
 marvellously, supported. 
 
 Earlham, 21. Day by day strength is granted to us, 
 to my beloved brother and his poor mother-in-law, though 
 the late afflicting event cast a cloud over all temporal things : 
 some of the party appear wonderfully raised in spirit and 
 strong in faith. I rejoice and am glad for them ; for myself 
 I feel particularly unworthy, and as if far behind some 
 others in spiritual advancement, and true dedication ; I am 
 ready to be reminded of that text, " The first shall be last, 
 and the last first." Still I trust there is a following on to 
 know the Lord, amidst many infirmities. 
 
 Earlkam, 22nd. I feel brought low before the Lord ; 
 what can I say and what can I do, but beseech Thee, oh,
 
 344 LIFB OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1822. 
 
 our Lord ! to care for us, present and absent, to undertake 
 for us, to show us the sufficiency of Thy grace, and the power 
 of Thy salvation ? We beseech Thee, through Him that hath 
 loved us and given Himself for us, that Thou wouldest draw 
 us all, whether now far from Thee, or near unto Thee, by 
 the powerful cords of Thy loving-kindness, out of darkness 
 into Thy marvellous light, that we may ever dwell in Thy 
 light and in Thy love, and know the fulness of Thy power, 
 Thy glory, and Thy majesty. Amen. 
 
 We were favoured to get through the first Meeting of the 
 Quarterly Meeting to great satisfaction, the truth arose even 
 into something of dominion; many of the Lord's servants 
 had to minister in His name, and even I, unworthy as I am, 
 was greatly helped. 
 
 Plashet, Seventh Month, 1st. I was just set off for town, 
 when I had to return, to receive the Princess of Denmark ; 
 it was a satisfactory visit. Several Italian noblemen and 
 others to dinner. My brother and sister Hoare, and many 
 besides, slept here. My fatigue great. 
 
 Eighth Month, 2Qth. Yesterday was our wedding-day, 
 we have been married twenty-two years ; how many dispen- 
 sations have I passed through since that time, how have I 
 been raised up, and cast down ! How has a way been made 
 in the depths, and a path in the mighty waters ; I have 
 known much of good health, and real sickness ; great bodily 
 suffering, particularly in my confinements, and deep depres- 
 sion of spirits. 
 
 I have known the ease of abundance of riches, and the 
 sorrow and perplexity of comparative deprivation ; I have 
 known to the full, I think, the enjoyment of domestic life ; 
 even what might be called the fullness of blessing, and also 
 some of its most sorrowful and most painful reverses. I have 
 known the abounding of the unspeakable, and soul-satisfying 
 joy of the Lord ; and I have been brought into states, when 
 the depths had well nigh swallowed me up. I have known 
 great exaltation amongst my fellow-mortals, also deep humili-
 
 1822.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 345 
 
 ation. I have known the sorrow, of some most tenderly 
 beloved, being taken from me by death ; and others given me, 
 hitherto more given than taken. 
 
 What is the result of all this experience ? It is even, that 
 the Lord is gracious and very merciful, that His compassions 
 fail not, but are renewed every morning ; and may I not say, 
 that His goodness and mercy have followed me all the days 
 of my life ? Though he has, at times, permitted me, amidst 
 many and unspeakable blessings, to pass through unutterable 
 sorrows ; known only to the full extent by Him and my own 
 soul, yet He hath been an All-sufficient helper ; His right 
 hand hath sustained me and held me up, blessed be His 
 name for ever ; He hath never forgotten to be gracious, nor 
 hath He shut up His tender mercies from me. May I not 
 indeed raise up my Ebenezer, and acknowledge that there is 
 " no God like our God," and that it is a most blessed thing 
 to serve Him, even if it be by the way of the cross, for He 
 is indeed worthy to be served, worshipped and obeyed, now 
 and for ever. Above all, I pray for myself, that whatever 
 dispensations I may yet pass through, nothing may separate 
 me from His love, or hinder me from His service, but that I 
 may be increasingly and entirely devoted to Him in heart, 
 mind, and spirit ; through the help of my most dear and 
 blessed Redeemer. 
 
 Plaahet, 16th. I believe it right once more to make an 
 acknowledgment of the mercy of my God. Although I feel 
 in a very sensitive state of mind and body, yet my soul is in 
 great mercy kept calm, quiet, and generally cheerful, before 
 the Lord ; I speak thus because, through the grace and free 
 mercy of my God, I feel, in measure, living unto Him ; and 
 as if His power and His presence were near, to calm the 
 storms that would naturally arise, and also as if what I did, 
 I was enabled to do in reference to His will. Most assuredly 
 He is no hard Master ; how truly .can I speak to this ! al- 
 though, in wisdom, He has led me by the way of the cross, 
 very greatly so, to flesh and blood, both in doing and in 
 44
 
 346 LIPB OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1822. 
 
 suffering ; yet there is abundant liberty in the gospel. How 
 do I, at times, find that the very same Spirit leads into rest, 
 and refreshment, and consolation how far from requiring 
 what we are not able to perform ! May those, for such there 
 are, I do believe, even tender ones, who desire to do right in 
 the sight of the Lord ; who, from their own activity, go be- 
 yond His requirings, and therefore misinterpret His word 
 inwardly and outwardly, and make religion appear a gloomy 
 and rigid path, may these be brought to feel the rest, re- 
 freshment, and even right liberty (not in evil) which the gospel 
 of light and salvation really brings into. I think I know what 
 it is when a fearful mind, or looking to the opinions of others, 
 or a judgment of myself, has led to a sort of self-denial, that 
 the -best witness in my heart has neither warranted, nor led 
 into, though I most fully acknowledge also that too great 
 laxity.is my more prevailing temptation, as it respects myself 
 and others but enough do I know of the true liberty of the 
 gospel, however, at seasons, we may indeed have to bear our 
 cross in doing and in suffering enough do I know of it, to 
 long for all to be brought into it, from the most worldly to 
 the most rigid formalist, under every denomination ; for such 
 I believe there are amongst all ; and though I feel for these, 
 in what appear to me bonds of their -own making, yet I doubt 
 not, but that, in tender mercy, they are accepted, and that 
 their state is safe indeed, compared with that of the worldly- 
 minded. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry now mentions meeting Dr. Chalmers. They 
 mutually helped each other in plans of benevolence. 
 
 On the 1st of Eleventh Month, her youngest child was 
 born, and on the same day her eldest grandchild. 
 
 Plashet, Eleventh Month, 1th. Words fall utterly short 
 of expression of the unmerited mercy which has been shown 
 us. On the night of the 30th, I had to pass through a very 
 deep conflict of spirit, comfort appeared to fail, deep dis-
 
 1822.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 347 
 
 couragement and great fear took hold of me ; I felt I had a 
 baptism to be baptized with, and how was I straitened until 
 it was accomplished, (if the servant dare allude to drinking 
 even, at seasons, of the cup the Master drank of,) but after 
 a time the conflict ceased, sweetness, trust, love and confi- 
 dence, took place of it. I felt bound to have my husband, 
 children, my dear sister Gurney, and Susan Pitchford, besides 
 such of the maids as liked to join us, collected together, 
 when, after reading I poured forth my soul in fervent prayer, 
 for my dearest Rachel and myself in our time of conflict, 
 for help spiritually, and naturally for tender mercy. And 
 how striking to me it was, in little more than twenty-four 
 hours only fourteen hours apart Rachel and myself had 
 each a darling boy born. Both of us very graciously and 
 wonderfully helped. 
 
 Plashet, 13th. I write this journal in the midst of my 
 lying-in with my eleventh child, in a very tender, delicate 
 state of body, and unworthy state of soul, after having (of 
 late peculiarly) received many and great blessings, spiritually 
 and naturally. I cannot feel thankful enough for all my 
 many blessings ; so weak has been my state that the very 
 grasshopper has become a burden, and I think I have shown 
 my infirmity to others, as well as felt it myself, though I may 
 say that I have sought after a quiet and patient spirit. In a 
 serious and trying attack of spasms in my side, I found, in 
 tender mercy, that Power to be near, which helped me ; 
 although I was seriously alarmed about myself, I felt my 
 pleasant pictures marred, and was even much affected at the 
 idea, that perhaps I should be taken from my beloved 
 family, still I think it was principally nervous fear ; for 
 when such a call really comes, strength will be given for the 
 need, and the same help administered, that has so marvel- 
 lously been displayed in many of the deep conflicts of time. 
 
 My soul feels utterly unworthy, and deeply prostrate 
 before Thee, dearest Lord, at my utter inability fully to 
 return Thee thanks for all Thy benefits. Make me fit to
 
 848 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1822 
 
 receive them ; enable me to acknowledge them ; strengthen 
 me to walk more circumspectly before Thee in thought, 
 word, and deed. Thou knowest that I love Thee, that, 
 above all things, I believe my desire is, to serve Thee, love 
 Thee, and obey Thee. Thou hast manifested, and canst 
 manifest Thyself to be all-sufficient, to be "strength in 
 weakness, riches in poverty, and a present helper in every 
 needful time." Grant a little help, if Thou seest meet, to 
 bring me again into life ; that I may serve Thee better, love 
 Thee more, and as a wife, mother, mistress, and member of 
 Thy church, and of society at large, may more perfectly 
 keep ray eye single unto Thee, and do all to Thee, and 
 through Thee, to the praise of Thy Holy name. And con- 
 tinue to grant, if it please Thee, a blessing on those labours 
 of love, that Thou hast permitted me to be brought into in 
 the prisons, and that the work may not stop till much more 
 be accomplished in it. Amen. 
 
 First-day, YIth. My body recovering, though weak. My 
 spirit tendered before the Lord, for His great and unspeak- 
 able benefits. My naturally too insensible heart softened 
 before Him, who I may say is the delight of my soul, my 
 Lord and my God, my Saviour and Redeemer. I remember 
 those that are worshipping, as worshipping with them, and 
 my spirit feels sweet unity with the Church Militant, and 
 perhaps, though utterly unworthy of it, with the Church 
 Triumphant, as if I could unite with both, in the everlasting 
 song of high praises, even to our God, and to His Lamb, 
 who hath shown such tender mercy towards us, and made 
 Himself manifest to us, as our Saviour and Redeemer. 
 Blessed for ever be His name. 
 
 21th. Peace and sweetness appear to rest upon me in 
 entering life. Oh ! for my sweet infant, if life be granted 
 him, may he be indeed devoted to the Lord. We neither 
 circumcise nor baptize, but may he be baptized by the 
 saving baptism of Christ ! and be in spirit circumcised unto 
 the Lord ! I have (perhaps in weakness) much set my heart
 
 1822.] L-IFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 349 
 
 upon this child, rather expecting he may be a comfort to us 
 in our old age, and not only so, but above all, that he may 
 prove a devoted servant of Christ. May this blessed work 
 not be hindered by any false indulgence in us ; but may it 
 be truly promoted by example, precept, and the true disci- 
 pline of love and wisdom. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 2nd. Yesterday, at Meeting, the Truth 
 rose into much dominion, blessed be the name of the Lord. 
 I was enabled to supplicate and minister to my own relief, 
 and I trust to the" refreshment of others, also my dearest 
 brother Joseph, Rebecca Christy, and my sister, Elizabeth 
 Fry, in prayer. It appeared a solemn time. The day, 
 generally speaking, a favoured one ; but in the night I was 
 deeply brought to a sense of my own weakness. If the 
 beautiful garments spiritually were put on in the morning, 
 surely they were taken off at night. What are we but 
 instruments, however, for a season decorated with our Lord's 
 ornaments ; self cannot boast, when left to ourselves, and 
 our decorations taken off! How wonderful is the work of 
 the Spirit how it heals, and raises up body and soul, when 
 they are to be brought into service ; none can tell, but those 
 who have experienced something of it, how the anointing is 
 poured forth from on high. It is an honour I am unworthy 
 of, to be thus helped spiritually, particularly in the ministry. 
 But how deeply doth my spirit crave that I may also be 
 aided in all the practical duties of life. 
 
 14$A. I yesterday went to London, and visited Newgate. 
 My greeting there was warm from the prisoners, the com- 
 mittee, and others. I felt peaceful there, and afresh sensible 
 that the work was not' our's, that we had first been brought 
 there ; and I had to crave a blessing upon our labours, and 
 also to acknowledge the tender mercy of our God as our 
 Saviour and Deliverer. I was low in myself, but felt re- 
 newedly the great importance of the prison cause ; and if 
 those who espouse it are enabled to persevere, what good
 
 350 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1822. 
 
 may be done, in preventing much crime that has been both 
 plotted and perpetrated in prisons. 
 
 In this year (1822) the late John Randolph, while Ameri- 
 can Envoy to this country, visited Newgate he gave a 
 description of the scene to a friend who thus recites the 
 particulars of the narrative : " Suddenly, Randolph rose 
 from his chair, and, in his most imposing manner, thus ad- 
 dressed me : ' Mr. Harvey, two days ago I saw the greatest 
 curiosity in London aye, and in England, too, sir com- 
 pared to which Westminster Abbey, the Tower, Somerset 
 House, the British Museum, nay, Parliament itself, sink into 
 utter insignificance ! I have seen, sir, Elizabeth Fry, in 
 Newgate, and I have witnessed there, miraculous effects of 
 true Christianity upon the most depraved of human beings ! 
 And yet the wretched outcasts have been tamed and subdued 
 by the Christian eloquence of Mrs. Fry ! I have seen them 
 weep repentant tears while she addressed them. I have 
 heard their groans of despair, sir! Nothing but religion 
 can effect this miracle ; for what can be a greater miracle 
 than the conversion of a degraded, sinful woman, taken 
 from the very dregs of society ! Oh, sir, it was a sight 
 worthy the attention of angels ! You must, also, see this 
 wonder.' ' ^ 
 
 During this year the Prince and Princess Royal of Den- 
 mark visited England. They inspected many charitable and 
 public institutions, and evinced a lively interest in objects 
 that conduced to the moral and religious welfare of mankind. 
 Early one morning Elizabeth Fry received information that 
 the Princess wished, on that day, to breakfast with her. She 
 came accordingly ; the visit was a very satisfactory one, and 
 from that time an association commenced with this excellent 
 Princess, that continued until E. Fry's decease. 
 
 We find her, soon afterwards, addressing the following 
 letter :
 
 1822.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 851 
 
 To THE PRINCESS ROYAL OF DENMARK. 
 
 Plashet House, Eleventh Month, 23rd, 1822. 
 
 Dear and respected Friend, 
 
 
 
 Allow me to call thee so, for such I feel thee, as thou art 
 truly both loved and respected by me. According to thy 
 kind and condescending wish, expressed when here, I take 
 up my pen to inform thee, that upon the first of this month, 
 through the tender mercy of my God, I was safely delivered 
 of a sweet boy, and to add to our cause of joy and thanks- 
 giving, my dear daughter had also one born on the same day, 
 so that twenty-four hours added a son and grandson to our 
 already numerous family ; we have, both of us, with our in- 
 fants, been going on well, and with the exception of some 
 illness, that I passed through in the early part of my con- 
 finement, and my habitual delicacy at such times, I am as 
 well now as I can expect to be. 
 
 I have often thought of thy kind visit with deep interest, 
 and strong desires are raised in my heart for thy welfare and 
 preservation in every way, that the God of Peace may be 
 with thee continually, guiding . thee by His counsel, helping 
 thee by His Spirit, comforting thee by His love, during thy 
 continuance here; and afterwards, when he may be pleased 
 to take thee- hence, to be seen of men no more, through His 
 mercy in Christ Jesus, receiving thee into glory. I also feel 
 real interest and best desires for the Prince Royal, may you 
 both be encouraged in every good word, and work. I re- 
 member the words of Paul, in the 15th chapter of the 1st of 
 Corinthians, 58th verse : " Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, al- 
 ways abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye 
 know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 
 
 It would give me great pleasure and satisfaction to hear 
 from thee, or if that be asking too much, perhaps the lady 
 whom we had the pleasure of seeing hero, will let us know
 
 352 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PEY. [1823. 
 
 many particulars respecting your welfare, and how you go on 
 in Denmark, as it respects the prisons, schools, and other 
 works of charity and love. I should also be pleased to know 
 whether the books and the other things which we sent to 
 Count Moltke, and also some of the work of the prisoners, 
 ever came safely to thy hand, as we were prevented sending 
 them quite so soon as we hoped to have done. I should be 
 glad to be very respectfully and affectionately remembered to 
 the Queen, and also to the Prince Royal, thy consort : and 
 believe me, with much respect and regard, 
 
 Thy attached and obliged Friend, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 Plasliet, First Month, 2nd, 1823. " Our years pass away 
 as a tale that is told." Upon concluding one, and beginning 
 another year, my heart has been brought low before the 
 Great I am ; and I have desired, after a renewed searching 
 of heart, to see how my accounts stand spiritually, and in 
 what I can more fully serve my Lord, and bear the fruits of 
 the Spirit. I have inwardly prayed for help, as well as 
 vocally for myself, my family, my household, and those most 
 near and dear to me ; above all, that there may be known 
 amongst us more of the light, life, and spirit of religion ; 
 and beyond every other blessing, more knowledge of the 
 truth as it is in Jesus. 
 
 Amongst the interests of the opening year was the mar- 
 riage of Elizabeth Fry's youngest brother Daniel Gurney 
 of North Runcton, to the Lady Harriet Hay, one of tho 
 daughters of the Earl of Erroll. The contrast of his cir- 
 cumstances of prosperity, with those of his brother, Joseph 
 John Gurney, treading the lonely path of widowhood, touched 
 her closely ; and after writing to one brother, she addressed 
 the other. 
 
 The following is an extract from her letter to her brother 
 Joseph John Gurney.
 
 1823.] LIFB OF ELIZABETH FRY. 353 
 
 Plashet, First Month, Sth. 1823. 
 My dearest Joseph, 
 
 Having just written to one dear brother, feeling and ex- 
 pressing my sympathy in his joys ; I think I shall better 
 conclude my morning's work, by also telling thee how much 
 I have been with thee in mind in thy low estate. I feel for 
 thee and sympathize with thee, but if a poor fellow-mortal 
 feels so tenderly for another, how must it be with Him, 
 whose love, pity, and tender compassion are unbounded. 
 Surely thy Lord and His Comforter, will be found very near 
 to thee, in His own time healing thy wounds. I believe, as 
 we may rejoice and return thanks for our dear brother's pre- 
 sent fulness of enjoyment, so we may also for thee in thy 
 privations ; because all is permitted in tender mercy and 
 loving-kindness. I doubt not that thou hast many pains to 
 bear, by night and by day, as the desolation produced by thy 
 loss would naturally occasion ; but I trust patience will have 
 its perfect work, and so tend further to purify, and redeem, 
 and fit thee for thy Master's work. 
 
 Plashet, First Month, Sth. A deep feeling of infirmity 
 has been my portion. Yesterday, my mind was so much 
 engrossed in temporal things, that I did not get rid of them, 
 even at Meeting ; and the day before some inattention in a 
 servant annoyed me too much in mind, which in degree was 
 shown, so as to be followed by condemnation, and being thus 
 brought, through my omissions and commissions, to the feet of 
 Jesus, the prayer of my heart is to Him for justification, and 
 purification, that I may know my transgressions to be for- 
 given, and that I may be- afresh fitted and prepared by His 
 Spirit, for a more watchful and circumspect walk before Him, 
 whom my soul loves and pants after ; and I believe desires, 
 above all things, to serve, worship, and obey. 
 
 "l'2nd. On the 16th, I was sent for to Harapstead, to my 
 beloved sister Hoare, (who was ill). Such seasons are to me 
 times of real conflict spiritually and naturally : spiritually to 
 45
 
 354 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1823 
 
 know what, in the way of religious service, may be required 
 at my hand, and also close sympathy with those in trouble, 
 naturally, from my acute sense of suffering, and my great 
 love for my sisters. I know few things that occasion me a 
 deeper feeling of impotence and unworthiness, than attend- 
 ing the sick. I may say, it always brings home to me very 
 deeply the unworthiness of my own heart ; indeed, I do not 
 much think nursing is my allotment, though often in it, for 
 my acute feeling for those near to me is such, that however 
 I may maintain a cheerful countenance, my heart is affected 
 so as painfully to affect my nerves. 
 
 The sentiments here expressed, respecting her services for 
 the sick, are very different from those entertained of her by 
 such as received or witnessed her attentions. She displayed, 
 in cases of illness, great presence of mind, a quick perception 
 of the changes taking place in the patient, a singular readi- 
 ness in expedients to meet them, much judgment and skill 
 in the administration of remedies, and the whole combined 
 with a quiet, cheerful manner, and most tender sympathy, so 
 as to inspire complete confidence and dependence on herself 
 in the sufferer, as well as the assistants. 
 
 During the present month she writes in her journal 
 
 I attended Westminster Meeting, which I have looked to 
 for some time, as well as others of our Quarterly Meeting. 
 I believed when there, that if I were well carried through 
 that, to the relief of my own mind, and if best help then 
 felt near, I should have to visit most of the Meetings in our 
 Quarterly Meeting, held on First-day Mornings. It so 
 proved that I felt help very near, so that the language of my 
 spirit was, " It is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in my 
 eyes." In nothing has the work of grace been so marvel- 
 lous to me as in the ministry ; it surely is not my own work ; 
 I know enough of myself to believe it to be quite impos- 
 sible. Oh, what an unction I now and then feel, it is as
 
 1823.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 355 
 
 much to be felt strengthening the soul, as the body is felt to 
 be refreshed after wholesome good food. The work of the 
 Spirit is a wonderful work, and, to my naturally doubting 
 and sceptical mind, astonishing. I have been permitted to 
 know more of it than I could have either asked or thought. 
 I believed it best to lay my prospect of a general attend- 
 ance of these Meetings, before our dear friends at the 
 Monthly Meeting yesterday, which was to my peace ; sweet 
 unity and sympathy were expressed in it, and my be- 
 loved sister E. F. proposed to join me, which is a comfort 
 to me. It is cause of much thankfulness to have such a 
 companion. 
 
 Plashet, Second Month, 13tfA. I attended Tottenham 
 Meeting on the 2nd. I went low and under deep exercise 
 of mind ; I returned in measure relieved, though naturally 
 upset with many fears ; I hardly ever remember being en- 
 gaged in a service where doubts and fears beset me to an 
 equal extent. On First day the 9th, we were at Devon- 
 shire House ; it was an extraordinary Meeting. I desire, 
 in more simplicity of faith, to attend the other Meetings. 
 I think I have been too anxious, too fearful ; if the work be 
 not our's, why worry and perplex myself about it ? 
 
 19//J. Since writing the above, I attended the Peel Meet- 
 ing, on First-day, which was to the great relief of my mind: 
 since that time my bonds have appeared wonderfully broken, 
 my spirit has had to rejoice and be glad, and my fears have 
 been removed, so that I can indeed say, how marvellous is 
 the work of the Spirit ! 
 
 On Second-day, I dined at the Mansion House, with my 
 husband ; a change of atmosphere spiritually ; but if we are 
 enabled to abide in Christ, and stand our ground, we may, 
 by our lives and conversation, glorify God, even at a dinner 
 visit, as well as in more important callings. Generally speak- 
 ing, I believe it best to avoid such occasions, for they take 
 up time, and are apt to dissipate the mind ; although it may 
 occasionally be the right and proper calling of Christians,
 
 356 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1823. 
 
 thus to enter life ; but they must then keep the eye very 
 single to Him, who, having placed them in the world, can 
 alone keep them from the evil. 
 
 24th. We were helped through the service yesterday at 
 Ratcliffe Meeting. It really appeared a favoured time, and 
 peculiar harmony and power in the ministry generally pre- 
 vailed, with great solemnity in the silence. I may say that I 
 had afterwards a cheerful, peaceful day, with my family. 
 
 Third Month, 5th. I have lately been remarkably full of 
 occupations, and yet they have appeared right, and almost 
 unavoidable. On First-day, I attended Southwark Meeting ; 
 mercy and peace eventually accompanied it. On Fifth-day, 
 I went to town, to meet the Secretary of State (Sir Robert 
 Peel) and the Speaker of the House of Commons at New- 
 gate, with my brother Fowell Buxton, and my husband ; I 
 trust the time was blessed to the good of the cause. 
 
 Sixth-day in town again to Newgate, one of the bishops 
 and many others there ; it was a solemn time a power better 
 than ourselves seemed remarkably over us. I visited another 
 prison, and then returned home ; besides these out of door 
 objects, I am much engaged in nursing my babe, which is a 
 sweet employment, but takes time ; the rest of the children 
 are comfortably settled in with dear Mary Ann Davis, who is 
 now once more with us. Upon sitting down to write, and 
 looking round me, surrounded as I am with my family, sup- 
 plied with so many temporal comforts, spiritual blessings not 
 withheld j for I trust that there is rather an increase than 
 decrease of the best thing amongst us ; I thought, as the 
 query arose in my heart, "Lackest thou any thing?" I 
 might indeed say, "Nothing, Lord," except a further 
 establishment for us all, in the ever blessed truth, as it is 
 in Jesus. What can I render to Thee for all thy benefits ? 
 Grant, dearest Lord ! in thy child and servant, a heart fully 
 and entirely devoted to Thee and Thy service. Amen. 
 
 2,9th. Since I last wrote, 1 have attended Winchmore 
 Hill Meeting to satisfaction, together with my dear sister
 
 1823.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 357 
 
 Elizabeth, William Allen, and my brother Samuel, whose 
 company I enjoyed. My husband has engaged Leslie, the 
 painter, to come and take likenesses of him and me, to 
 which, from peculiar circumstances, I have appeared obliged 
 to yield; but the thing, and its effect on the mind, are 
 unsatisfactory to me ; it is not altogether what I like, or 
 approve ; it is making too much of this poor tabernacle, 
 and rather exalting that part in us which should be laid 
 low, and kept low ; I believe I could not have yielded 
 the point had not so many likenesses of me already ap- 
 peared, and it would be a trial to my family, only to have 
 these disagreeable ones to remain. However from one cause 
 or another, this has not been a satisfactory week, too much 
 in the earth and the things of it, too little in the spirit ; 
 though not without seeking to take up my cross, deny my- 
 self, and follow my Lord and Master. I feel particularly 
 unfit and unworthy to enter again upon my religious en- 
 gagement : we propose going to Uxbridge this evenirig. 
 My only hope is in Him, who can alone cleanse, fit, 
 strengthen, and prepare for his own work ; under a deep 
 feeling of my short-comings, may I not say, dearest Lord, 
 undertake for me ! 
 
 Fourth Month, 1th. We went to Uxbridge, though natu- 
 rally rather a low time, yet it ended to my real comfort. 
 The Morning Meeting was a very solemn one, a deep feel- 
 ing of good, and the anointing of the Spirit appeared freely 
 poured forth. The Evening Meeting was satisfactory ; and 
 in several religious opportunities in the families, my heart 
 was enlarged in much love to the dear Friends there, whom 
 I think I may say, I love in the Lord. 
 
 1.2th. Since I last wrote, we have been engaged in various 
 ways, particularly in the sale of work done by the poor pri- 
 soners in Newgate ; this has been a considerable public 
 exposure, but I trust not without profit. I deeply felt upon 
 entering it, the danger of the pollutions of the world, and 
 the desire that we, who are seeking in this way to promote
 
 358 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1823 
 
 the cause of truth and righteousness, might maintain tho 
 watch on this point. I trust no harm was done ; but I feel, 
 after being with so many, much brought down in myself, 
 under a feeling of great infirmity. I think, in looking back 
 on the last two days, I do not feel condemned, but rather 
 that I have been in my right place, and that some good may 
 result from the whole thing. 
 
 Since the Maria had been visited in 1818, as each succes- 
 sive season brought the sailing of a female convict ship, the 
 subject obtained a large share of Elizabeth Fry's attention. 
 Amongst those who assisted her in her efforts to improve the 
 condition of these ships, the late Elizabeth Pryor was one 
 most especially devoted to the work ; with the exception of 
 one ship (the Amphitrite,)* she visited every transport which 
 sailed from England with female convicts, until prevented 
 by the sickness, which terminated ift her death, in 1841. 
 
 This was not done without much fatigue and inconveni- 
 ence; frequent exposure to weather in open boats, and 
 occasionally to danger. On one occasion, Elizabeth Pryor 
 and Elizabeth Fry were placed in a situation of considerable 
 alarm, from which they were relieved, by the interposition of 
 the present Harbour Master at Ramsgate. His narrative 
 will interest the reader : 
 
 " It was on a fine sultry day, in the summer of 1821, that I was 
 racing up the river Thames, in the command of the Ramsgate Steam 
 Packet, Eayle, hoping to overtake our Margate competitors, the Vic- 
 tory and Favourite steamers, and bring them nearer to view as we 
 rounded the points of the Reach of the river. It was in the midst 
 of this excitement, that we encountered one of those sudden thunder 
 
 * This vessel was wrecked off Boulogne. One hundred and twenty 
 female convicts, many of whom had been objects of care and instruc- 
 tion in Newgate, together with a large number of children, also 
 the captain, officers, and nearly all the crew, were lost. Neither 
 Elizabeth Fry nor any of the Committee ever visited this ship.
 
 1823.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 359 
 
 squalls, so common in this country, and which passing rapidly off 
 with heavy rain, leave behind them a strong and increasing northerly 
 gale. I was looking out a-head, pleasing myself with the reflection 
 that we were the fastest vessel against a head wind, and should 
 certainly overtake our Margate friends ; when upon entering Long 
 Reach, about two miles below Purfleet, I saw a boat labouring 
 with very little effect against the gale, and with a whole ebb-tide 
 just making, to add to their difficulties ; in this boat were two ladies, 
 in the close habit of the Society of Friends, evidently drenched with 
 the heavy shower which had overtaken them. I was then a dashing 
 high-spirited sailor; but I had always a secret admiration of the 
 quiet demeanour of that Society, and occasionally had some of them 
 passengers with me, always intelligent and inquiring, and always 
 pleased with any information a seaman could extend to them. Well, 
 here was a dilemma ! To stop, would spoil nay chase, in which most 
 of my passengers were as eager as myself, but to go on, and pass two 
 ladies in such a situation ! I passed the word softly to the engineer; 
 desired the mate to sheer alongside the boat carefully ; threw the 
 delighted rowers a rope, and before the passengers were fully aware 
 that we had stopped the engines, the ladies were on board, the boat 
 made fast astern, and the Eagle again flying up the Thames. I have 
 those two persons strongly, nay, indelibly stamped upon my mind's 
 eye. The one I had last assisted on board, still held my hand, as 
 she thanked me, with dignified, but beautiful expression : ' It ,is 
 kind of thee, Captain, and we thank thee. We made no sign to 
 thee ; having held up our handkerchiefs to the other packets, we did 
 not think we should succeed with thee.' I assured them that I 
 could not have passed them under such circumstances, and called 
 the stewardess to take them below into the ladies' cabin and sec to 
 their comfort. They had been well cloaked, and had not suffered 
 so much as I had anticipated. 
 
 " The gale had cleared away the rain, and in a very short time 
 they came upon deck again, one of them was Mrs. Fry, and she 
 never lost an opportunity of doing good. I saw her speaking to 
 some of my crew, who were looking very serious as she offered them 
 tracts, and some of them cast a side glance at me, for my approval 
 or otherwise. I had some little dislike to sects then, which, I thank 
 God, left me in riper years, but who could resist this beautiful
 
 360 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1823. 
 
 persuasive, and heavenly-minded woman ? To see her, was to love 
 her; to hear her, was to feel as if a guardian angel had bid you 
 follow that teaching, which could alone subdue the temptations and 
 evils of this life, and secure a Redeemer's love in eternity ! In her, 
 you saw all that was attractive in woman, lit up by the bright beams 
 of philanthropy devoting the prime of life, and health, and per- 
 sonal graces, to her Divine Master's service ; and I feel assured that 
 much of the success which attended her missions of mercy, was 
 based upon that awe which such a presence inspired. It was some- 
 thing to possess a countenance which portrayed, in every look, the 
 overflowing of such a heart, and thus, as a humble instrument in 
 the hands of Divine Providence, she was indeed highly favoured 
 among women. 
 
 " She told me that her companion, Mrs. Pryor, and herself had 
 been down to Gravesend to take leave of the unfortunate women 
 (convicts) on board a ship bound to the settlements, and gave me so 
 touching a description of their behaviour, that I volunteered to take 
 charge of any thing for her at any time, or render her any service 
 in my power, in my voyages. When about to land, her anxiety to 
 make some pecuniary recompense was very great, but I would not 
 allow her to do so. Mrs. Fry never forgot me when she cama 
 near our locality; I saw her from time to time, the earthly taber 
 nacle failing, but the same spirit lighting up with animation hei 
 untiring energies. It was an honour to know her in this world ; 
 may we follow her to the society of the accepted and blessed, in 
 that which is to come. 
 
 "K. B. MAHTIN. 
 
 " llamsgate, February, 1847." 
 
 On another occasion, Elizabeth Fry reached Deptford late 
 in the afternoon of a very tempestuous day. A female con- 
 vict ship was under sailing orders for the next morning, and 
 it being after office-hours, she went to the private house of 
 Admiral Young, to request him to send her off to the ship, 
 By the time she returned on shore, it was quite dark, and 
 the wind and rain to which she had been exposed, seemed 
 to make a little rest and refreshment almost indispensable, 
 before she set off homewards. But she resisted all the invi-
 
 [1823. LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 861 
 
 tations of Admiral Young and his family to remain with 
 them ; assigning, as a reason, that she had left one of her 
 children seriously ill, to whom she was anxious to hasten 
 back. This little incident left a deep impression on their 
 minds ; " that such a claim on a mother's heart, had not 
 been permitted to interfere with that, to which she had 
 pledged her best energies and powers." 
 
 Thus, did this tender and delicate woman willingly en- 
 counter personal suffering and exposure, in obeying the 
 dictates of divine love, which led her to follow in the foot- 
 steps of Him, " who came to seek and to save that which 
 was lost." 
 
 It was not for the sinners and outcasts alone that Eliza- 
 beth Fry pleaded ; whatever she believed likely to promote 
 the real good of the people, and the cause of religion upon 
 earth, found in her a ready advocate. To the poor and 
 needy her ear was always open, and she would " humble 
 herself," for so she felt it, to ask that for them of her family 
 and friends, which it was not in her own power to bestow. 
 Her brothers gladly responded to every call on their benevo- 
 lence, and she enjoyed from this source, the high gratifica- 
 tion of being able to supply the streams of blessing, in many 
 and varied channels. 
 
 But it was not only to the poor to those who moved in 
 the humbler walks of life that she was the messenger of 
 consolation and help. She was frequently introduced into 
 circumstances, that called forth her deep religious sympathy 
 with persons of exalted worldly rank, whose piety derived 
 strength and encouragement from association with her. 
 
 The following letter received at this time, exemplifies this 
 fact. 
 
 THE DUCHESS V OF TO ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 "June 28th, 1823. 
 
 "You, dear madam, were so kind as to call upou me some days 
 ago, I was most unfortunately out, and missed you ; will you nat 
 46
 
 362 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1825 
 
 have the kindness to try again ? I cannot express in writing, hall 
 the pleasure your last visit gave inc. The poor are not the on!y 
 beings to whom you bring hope and comfort, whom you strengthen, 
 when you hope they are in the right ; and whom you would assist 
 to recover the way of life, did you see (which their own feelings, 
 prejudices, temper or sufferings, might blind them to,) that they 
 were going wrong. If you would let me have a line, to tell me 
 when I might hope to see you, I would take care not to be again 
 disappointed. I leave town the last week in July. 
 
 ' Believe me, your most truly obliged, 
 
 Plashet, Seventh Month, 31 st. Since I last wrote, I have 
 passed through a scene of deep affliction, in attending dear 
 Mary Hanbury. I was called to her on Third-day, the 6th ; 
 after great illness, she died on the 16th, leaving her beloved 
 father (William Allen), husband, and helpless infant. I had 
 to drink the bitter cup with the afflicted, in an unusual degree, 
 so as to bring me very low in myself, out of which state I have 
 not fully risen, but am rather sunk in mind and body. I have, 
 however, the consolation of believing, that I was a help and 
 comfort to my sweet and dear young friend, whoso remem- 
 brance is precious to me, so was her company, I think I may 
 say to the last, her spirit appearing to overflow with love, 
 joy, and peace. She having, I believe, kept the faith, finished 
 her course, and fought the good fight. I have since attended 
 great part of the Yearly Meeting, and the Prison Meeting, 
 in all, to me, a low time. 
 
 Flasket, Eighth Month> 1th. We have lately had much 
 company, which leads to handsome dinners, and that sort of 
 excitement which I feel painful on account of my family ; but 
 I find it very difficult to act rightly under some of these cir- 
 cumstances. Oh ! for more ability, in the power, and in the 
 spirit, to maintain the standard of truth and righteousness in 
 my own house, in all things ; so that others may be induced 
 to do the same. 
 
 Earlham, Tenth Month, 1st. My beloved husband left
 
 1823.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 863 
 
 me this morning for London, and I am here, with nine 
 children and my little grandson. Since I last wrote, the 
 face of things brightened. > I went to Bristol to attend the 
 Quarterly Meeting there, accompanied by my brother, Joseph 
 John Gurney, and my sister E. F. ; we left home on Sixth- 
 day, the llth of last month, and returned on Fifth-day, 
 the 17th. In this short time, we travelled about two 
 hundred and eighty miles, visited the Meeting at Bath, 
 and the Bristol Quarterly Meeting ; held two Public Meet- 
 ings, visited the prison, attended to the magistrates and 
 committee ; visited Hannah More, my cousin Priscilla H. 
 Gurney, and several others. The last few days my hus- 
 band and I have been at Cromer, and paid an interesting 
 visit to my much-loved brothers and sisters there. I was 
 at different times, engaged religiously amongst them, and 
 help was granted me in these services. I feel unworthy 
 and unfit, and find that there is need of close, cleansing, 
 baptisms of spirit, to make me, in any degree, ready thus 
 to espouse the best of causes. I am much struck in having 
 all my children, but one, now here ; several of them grown 
 up ; what marvellous changes have I witnessed since I first 
 knew this place ; wonders, indeed, have been done for me, 
 spiritually and naturally how have I been raised up, as 
 out of the dust ! I am surrounded by a numerous, fine, and 
 healthy offspring ; one only taken from me, and that one 
 with a peculiar evidence of going to an everlasting and blessed 
 inheritance. Spiritually also, how has mercy been shown me; 
 has not the beloved of my soul said, " live ?" and how has 
 He been with me in many tribulations, and sanctified many 
 blessings. Indeed, I have found that my Lord is a wonder- 
 working God, and has manifested himself to be to my soul, 
 " Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting 
 Father, and the Prince of Peace." What can I render for 
 His unspeakable benefits ? Lord, in Thy unmerited mercy, 
 continue to be with, and bless Thy servant, whose hope is in 
 Thee. Grant also Thy grace to her children, to love, serve,
 
 364 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1823. 
 
 and obey Thee, that her God may be their God, her Saviour 
 their Saviour, and her Comforter their Comforter. Be with, 
 visit, and bless her husband, brothers and sisters, and child- 
 ren's children yet unborn, as well as the sweet grandchild, 
 now granted her. Amen.
 
 njitn 
 
 1824-1829. Journey to Worcester British Ladies' Society Estab 
 lishment of Manor Hall Asylum and School of Discipline at Chelsea 
 Brighton District Visiting Society there Books for Preventive 
 men, near Brighton Letter from Dr. Steinkopff Dagenham Visit 
 to Brighton Return to Plashet Death of her aunt Gurney Goes 
 into Norfolk Letter to her family Marriage of her eldest eon 
 Autumn at Dagenham Journey into Cornwall and Devonshire 
 Letter from Hannah More Convict Ships Tisit to Ireland Illness 
 at Waterford Return home Illness and death of Rachel Gurney 
 Birth of a grandson Journey into Norfolk and Derbyshire Mar- 
 riage of a daughter Heavy sorro'-ws Leaves Plashet Winter in 
 London Settlement at Upton-lane. 
 
 EARLY in this year, Elizabeth Fry paid a religious visit 
 to some of the Midland Counties. She was accompa'nied by 
 her brother, Samuel Gurney. She returned home in feeble 
 health. 
 
 Plashtt, Third Month, 29th. We reached home last Fifth 
 day, having accomplished the duty we had in prospect, to 
 our own peace, and I trust to the edification of those amongst 
 whom our lot has been cast. I continued very unwell 
 the whole journey, and what with exercise of mind, and 
 real illness of body, I think I have seldom known such a 
 time ; nor do I ever remember being so helped through the 
 different services that I was brought into. Visiting gaols, 
 attending two Quarterly Meetings, and many not Friends ; 
 one occasion in Worcester gaol ; one large Public Meeting, 
 the first I ever appointed of that description ; and many 
 other Meetings : but the way I was raised up, as from tho 
 dust, was wonderful to myself; enabled to speak with power,
 
 366 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1824. 
 
 and in the Quarterly Meetings to go from service to service. 
 It was indeed a remarkable evidence, that there is, in man, 
 something beyond the natural part, which, when that is in 
 its lowest, weakest state, helps and strengthens ; none can 
 tell what its power is, but those who submit to it. I now 
 feel fully called to rest. I gratefully remember the abund- 
 ant kindness shown me upon my journey. Greater enlarge- 
 ment of my heart in love do I never remember, or to have 
 met more from others. I have been permitted to feel, 
 throughout this illness, at times, very sweet consolation. A 
 state of rest, as if the sense of pain and sorrow was taken 
 away from body and mind, and, now and then, almost like 
 a peep into the joys of the Kingdom. 
 
 First-day r , 1.5th. Yesterday, after a very weak and faint 
 morning, I attended our " Ladies' British Society " Meeting ; 
 it was surprising, even to myself, to find what had been ac- 
 complished ! How many prisons are now visited by ladies, 
 and how much is done for the inhabitants of the prison-house, 
 and what a way is made for their return from evil. It is 
 marvellous in my eyes, that a poor instrument should have 
 been the apparent cause of setting forward such a work. 
 
 The necessity for asylums, for the reception of discharged 
 female prisoners, now claimed the attention of Elizabeth Fry 
 and her fellow-labourers. 
 
 In 1822, a small house for receiving some of the most 
 hopeful of the discharged prisoners was opened in Westmin- 
 ster, under the name of Tothill-Fields Asylum. It owed its 
 existence to the Christian benevolence of one truly valuable 
 member of the committee, Caroline Neave. She has conse- 
 crated her time and purse to this important object, which was 
 first suggested to her mind during a drive with Elizabeth 
 Fry, thus related by herself : "A morning's expedition 
 with dear Mrs. Fry made me at once resolve to add my help, 
 if ever so feebly, to the good cause. I distinctly remember 
 the one observation made. I can call to mind at this mo-
 
 1824.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 367 
 
 ment, the look, and tone, so peculiar, so exclusively her's 
 who spoke ' Often have I known the career of a promising 
 young woman, charged with the first offence, to end in a con- 
 demned cell ! Was there but a Kefuge for the young offen- 
 der, my work would be less painful.' That one day's con- 
 versation upon these subjects, and in this strain, laid the 
 foundation of our prisoners' home."* 
 
 The inmates at first, were only four in number ; in 1824, 
 they had increased to nine ; after a few years,' under the 
 name of "The Royal Manor Hall Asylum," it contained 
 fifty young women. 
 
 There was another class of persons who claimed the atten- 
 tion of the ladies of the British Society at this meeting. The 
 vicious and neglected little girls, so numerous in London, 
 early hardened in crime, who, whether they had, or had not, 
 been imprisoned, had no chance of reformation at home ; yet 
 were too young to be placed with advantage in any existing 
 asylum. Before the next anniversary, a School of Discipline, 
 for the reception of such children, was opened at Chelsea, 
 where, withdrawn from their former associates, they might 
 be trained to orderly and virtuous habits. The idea first 
 occurred to Elizabeth Fry, when conversing in the yard 
 at Newgate, with a friend, on the extreme difficulty of 
 disposing of some very juvenile prisoners about to be dis- 
 charged. 
 
 Brighton, Fifth Month, 18th. We arrived this evening, 
 my health continuing very delicate. I have been induced to 
 come here, partly by finding my weakness increase, and 
 
 In addition to this excellent Institution, which continues very pros- 
 perous, a similar one, for the reception of discharged female prisoners 
 who appear likely to prove themselves to be reformed characters, is 
 now established at Hackney, and, under the designation of tho 
 "ELIZABETH FRY REFUGE," is effecting much good. Both 
 these Aaylums are liberally patronized by our beloved Queen, and 
 they havo a very strrnjj claim on the honevolenne of the public.
 
 368 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1824. 
 
 partly to oblige my husband, and others ; although it is, on 
 many accounts, much to my regret, leaving my dear children. 
 I have also much felt leaving my dear Friends at the Yearly 
 Meeting ; still I trust we have done right in coming, and I 
 can, now, only commend myself, and my all, absent and 
 present, to Him who alone can keep and preserve us ; and 
 if it please Him to bless this measure for my recovery, may 
 thankful hearts be our portion. 
 
 First-day, 23rcZ. I am once more away from Meeting on 
 this day ; but my strength does not appear sufficient, to ven- 
 ture to sit one I felt this morning as I sometimes 
 
 have before, about the time that people generally assemble to 
 worship, (when I have been sitting in solemn silence poorly, 
 and alone,) peculiar unity with, and sweet love for, the 
 members of the Church of Christ, not only that part of it to 
 which I belong, but to others also. I do believe there is a 
 communion of spirits, that neither separation of person, nor 
 difference of sentiment, can obstruct, if we abide in a watch- 
 ful, waiting state, and that so many of the members of the 
 living Church, being engaged in waiting upon and worship- 
 ping our God, through Christ Jesus our Lord, spreads a 
 good and refreshing influence, which extends even to those 
 who are absent. 
 
 During her stay at Brighton, Elizabeth Fry was often dis- 
 tressed by the multitude of applicants for relief. This was 
 not confined to beggars by profession, who infested the streets, 
 following carriages and foot-passengers, with clamorous im- 
 portunity, but extended to the resident poor, many of whom 
 had acquired the habit of asking assistance at the houses, 
 not only of the inhabitants, but of the visitors to the place. 
 It was difficult for the former, but almost impossible for the 
 latter, to discover their true condition, whether their poverty 
 was real or assumed ; and if real, whether caused by impro- 
 vidence and idleness on their own part, or whether the result 
 of misfortune and providential infliction.
 
 1824.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 369 
 
 Brighton appeared exactly the field for working a District 
 Visiting Society. There was no lack of benevolent feeling, 
 and abounding affluence was to be found there ; but the for- 
 mer was frequently misdirected, and the latter misapplied. 
 A Provident Society had been in operation some years, but 
 this touched only one part of the evil. 
 
 It was no easy matter to unite in the same object, persons 
 wholly different in opinion, especially in religious matters ; 
 but without co-operation the desired end could not be effected, 
 and after some delays, and much discouragement, she suc- 
 ceeded in getting the " Brighton District Society" establish- 
 ed. The Earl of Chichester became its President. Its objects 
 were the encouragement of industry and frugality among 
 the poor, by visits at their own habitations ; the relief of real 
 distress, whether arising from sickness or other causes ; and 
 the prevention of mendicity and imposture, together with " a 
 system of small deposits, upon the plan of Savings' Banks, 
 which was encouraged by a present premium, in order to 
 induce the labouring classes to try to lay by a little store for 
 their own necessities." To accomplish the desired ends, 
 visitors were found, or offered themselves, to go from house 
 to house, and become acquainted personally with the cha- 
 racter and circumstances of their occupants. 
 
 " The smallest pittance, as a deposit for rent, or clothing, 
 or fuel, by being often repeated, may prove to the poorest, 
 that it is within their power effectually to help themselves, 
 by such habits of frugality and resolution." The personal 
 intercourse of the visitors with the poor, is a most important 
 branch of the subject, it tends to good-will on both sides ; it 
 induces order and cleanliness amongst the visited, and a 
 feeling of kindness and interest in the heart of the visitor. 
 
 In the course of Elizabeth Fry's illness at Brighton, she 
 was liable to distressing attacks of faintness, during the 
 night and early morning ; when it was frequently necessary 
 to take her to an open window, for the refreshment of the air. 
 Whether, through the quiet grey dawn of the summer's
 
 370 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1824. 
 
 morning, or by the fitful gleams of a tempestuous sky, one 
 living object always presented itself to her view on these 
 occasions ; the solitary blockade-man* pacing the shingly 
 beach. It first attracted her attention, and soon excited her 
 sympathy ; for the service was one of hardship and of danger, 
 and was one that entailed much privation, both on officers 
 and men ; the stations were often placed in dreary and inac- 
 cessible places. From the very nature of the service, they 
 were precluded from communication with the inhabitants, 
 amongst whom it was exceedingly unpopular ; constantly 
 harassed with nocturnal watching, exposed to danger, both 
 from weather and affrays with smugglers, they might almost 
 be said to be in a state of blockade themselves. What Eliza- 
 beth Fry heard, only confirmed her desire to do something 
 for their moral and religious good. The lieutenants in com- 
 mand of several of the neighbouring posts warmly seconded 
 her views. Considering the nature and regulations of the 
 Coast Blockade, almost the only thing that could be done, 
 was to supply the people with Bibles and useful books. In 
 furtherance of this purpose, she applied to the Bible Society, 
 whose liberal response was conveyed in the following letter 
 from one of its Secretaries, Dr. Steinkopff. 
 
 Savoy, July IWi, 1824. 
 " My Esteemed and Dear Friend., 
 
 " I have received your truly kind and affectionate 'letter this 
 morning, and immediately communicated its contents to the Printing 
 Sub-Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, which 
 happened to meet at Earl-street. They have unanimously re- 
 solved to transmit fifty Bibles and twenty-five New Testaments to 
 the Brighton Auxiliary, with a request to place them at your dis- 
 posal, for distribution among the men employed in the Preventive 
 Service. In general, we have found cheap sale preferable to gratu- 
 itous distribution^ but if, in consideration of all the peculiar cir- 
 
 * Now called the " Coast Guard," or " Preventive Service," for the 
 detection of smuggling.
 
 1824.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 371 
 
 cumstances of the above-mentioned men, you should judge it 
 most desirable to present the copies as a donation to them, you are 
 at liberty so to do." 
 
 The distribution of these books was a welcome office to 
 her, to whom it was intrusted ; it brought her into agreeable 
 and interesting communication with some of the officers, as 
 well as men, stationed in the neighbourhood of Brighton. 
 Her endeavours to serve them were received with openness, 
 and responded to with the warmth and simplicity of the 
 sailor character. Communications, a few months afterwards, 
 proved that the benefit was likely to be lasting. 
 
 After quitting Brighton, Elizabeth Fry passed about two 
 months at Dagenham, a secluded village on the banks of the 
 Thames. The rest and retirement were very beneficial to 
 her health, and she greatly enjoyed the fine air and beautiful 
 scenery that surrounded her. Few persons have evinced a 
 higher relish for the varied productions of nature, or for the' 
 quietness of a country life, than she did. During her stay 
 there, she writes : 
 
 Dagenham, Seventh Month, 30fA. We left Brighton last 
 Sixth-day, the 23rd, and after what I passed through in 
 suffering, and afterwards in doing, in various ways, I may 
 acknowledge that I have no adequate expression to convey 
 the gratitude due to my merciful and gracious Lord. I left 
 it, after a stay of nearly ten weeks, with a comparatively 
 healthy body, and above all a remarkably clear and easy 
 mind ; with a portion of that overflowing peace, that made 
 all things, natural and spiritual, appear sweet, and in near 
 love and unity, not only with Friends there, but many, many 
 others. I felt as if, although an unworthy instrument, my 
 labours there had not been in vain in the Lord, whether in 
 suffering or in doing. It has not been without a good deal 
 of anxiety, fatigue, and discouragement, that this state of 
 sweet peace has been attained as I am apt to suffer so much 
 from many fears and doubts, particularly when in a weak 
 state of health. The District Society, in which I "was into-
 
 872 LIPB OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1824. 
 
 rested, I left, I trust, in a way for establishment ; and likely 
 to be very useful to the poor and to the rich. Also an 
 arrangement to supply the Blockade men on the coast with 
 Bibles and other books : and I hope they will be put in the 
 way of reading them, instead of losing their time. Some of 
 the poor Blockade men seemed much affected by the attention 
 paid them, as also did their officers ; and I am ready to hope 
 that a little seed is scattered there. In Meetings, I passed 
 through much, at times going when I feared I should faint 
 from weakness ; but I found that help was laid on One who 
 is Mighty, and I may indeed say, in my ministerial services, 
 that out of weakness I was made strong. The Meetings were 
 generally largely attended by those not Friends, of course 
 without invitation, but I trust that they were good ones, and 
 that we were edified together. This was through deep hu- 
 miliation, and many, many fears. It certainly calls for great 
 care and watchfulness in all things that we enter, to find that 
 they be not of ourselves, but of our Master, whose servants 
 we are ; for He alone should point out our work. The end, 
 in an uncommon manner, appeared to crown all. 
 
 2,6th. I returned from a short expedition to Brighton last 
 evening. A very interesting, and I trust not unimportant one. 
 My object was the District Society that I was enabled to form 
 there, when I was so ill, or rather recovering from that state. 
 Much good appears done, much more likely to be done ; a 
 fine arrangement made, if it be but followed up ; and I hum- 
 bly trust that a blessing will attend the work, and has already 
 attended it. I feel that I have not time to relate our inte- 
 resting history, but I should say that the short time we spent 
 there was a mark of the features of the present day. A poor 
 unworthy woman, nothing extraordinary in point of power, 
 simply seeking to follow a crucified Lord, and to co-operate 
 with His grace in the heart ; yet followed after by almost 
 every rank in society, with the greatest openness for any com- 
 munications of a religious nature ; numbers at Meeting of 
 different denominations, also at our own house, noblemen,
 
 1825.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 373 
 
 ladies in numbers, clergy, dissenters, and Friends. We had 
 most satisfactory religious opportunities together, where the 
 power of an endless life appeared to be in great dominion. 
 Our dear Lord and Master himself appearing remarkably to 
 own us together. William Allen was there, a great -helper ; 
 we were at dear Agatha and Elizabeth Barclay's, whose kind- 
 ness, love, and sweetness, were abundant towards us. Two 
 of my daughters were with me. 
 
 Third Month, 3rd, 1825. I hope I am thankful for being 
 really better, though delicate in health. I wish I did not dread 
 illness so much ; it is a real infirmity in me ; may grace be 
 granted to overcome it. I think, strange to say, I felt, and I 
 fear appeared to those about me, to be irritable. Certainly, 
 I had some cause to be so ; but after what I have known of 
 the power that is able indeed, to help us, I never ought to 
 give way to anything of the kind ; all should be meekness, 
 gentleness, and love. Perhaps I said too much about some 
 pictures and various ornaments that have been brought from 
 France for us ; much as I love true Christian simplicity, yet 
 if I show a wrong spirit in my desire to maintain it in our 
 house and furniture, I do wrong and harm the best of causes. 
 I far prefer moderation, both from principle and taste, al- 
 though my experience in life proves two things ; first, that it 
 is greatly for the good of the community, to live according 
 to the situation in which we have been placed by a kind 
 Providence, if it be done unto the Lord, and therefore done 
 properly ; then, I believe that by so doing we should help 
 others, and not injure ourselves. Second, I have so much 
 seen the extreme importance of occupation, to the well-being 
 of mankind, that many works of art, that tend to our accom- 
 modation, and even the gratification of our taste, may bo 
 innocently partaken of, may be used and not abused, and 
 kept in their proper places ; as by so doing, we encourage 
 that sort of employment that prevents the active powers of 
 man from being spent in things that arc evil.
 
 874 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FEY. [1825. 
 
 In reference to the foregoing paragraph, and others in this 
 volume that allude to some feeling of irritability of temper, 
 her daughters bear the following testimony : 
 
 " The contrition so frequently expressed in the course of 
 Mrs. Fry's journal, for irritability of temper, is calculated to 
 mislead a stranger, who would naturally suppose that it must 
 occasionally have betrayed itself in conduct. To those who 
 intimately knew the never-failing gentleness, forbearance, and 
 Christian meekness of her deportment, that such feelings ever 
 ruffled her mind, is almost inexplicable. Those most closely 
 connected with her, in the nearest and most familiar relations 
 of life, can unhesitatingly bear their testimony to the fact, 
 that they never saw her in what is called a pet, or heard an 
 angry, or passionate expression of displeasure, pass from her 
 lips. Her tender conscience, and fear of offence towards God 
 and man, can alone account for these outpourings of the hid- 
 den evils of her heart." 
 
 Yet surely they can scarcely be termed evils. Sin does 
 not consist in being tempted. The Apostle says, " Blessed 
 is the man who endureth temptation, for when he is tried he 
 shall receive a crown of life." There is abundant evidence 
 that, if a temptation to any feeling of irritability of temper 
 ever presented itself to the mind of this meek servant of 
 Christ, it was resisted and overcome, through His grace. 
 Her husband has recently given to the Compiler a full assu- 
 rance of this, in the following words : " I never knew her 
 do an act, and never heard her utter a word, that, in her 
 most solemn moments, she could have wished to recall." 
 
 Plashet, Fourth Month, 6th. The delightful weather and 
 season ; the innumerable beauties of nature, now showing 
 themselves, have, I may say, refreshed my soul, and led it 
 to "look through Nature, up to Nature's God." To my 
 mind the outward works of creation are delightful, instruc- 
 tive, and edifying. I am, I hope, thankful for so much 
 capacity to admire and rejoice in them. How important to
 
 1825.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 375 
 
 cultivate this taste in youth ! It is an aivantage through 
 life, in many ways. 
 
 Plashet, Fourth Month, 21s. My occupations are just 
 now multitudinous. The British Society, and all that is 
 attached te it, Newgate as usual. Forming with much fear, 
 and some misgivings, a Servant's Society, yet with a hope, 
 and something of a trust, that it will be for the good of this 
 class of persons for generations to come. I have felt so 
 much for such, for so many years, that I am willing to 
 sacrifice some strength and time for their sakes. It is, 
 however, with real fear that I do it, because I am sensible 
 of being, at times, pressed beyond my strength of body 
 and mind. But the day is short, and I know not how to 
 reject the work that comes to hand to do. 
 
 Plashet, 25/7i. I have had some true encouragement in 
 my objects since I last wrote. The British Society Meeting 
 was got through to much satisfaction. To myself, (the poor, 
 humble instrument amongst women in this country,) it is 
 really wonderful what has been accomplished in the prisons 
 during the last few years. How the cause has spread, and 
 what good has been done, how much evil prevented, how 
 much sorrow alleviated, how many plucked like brands from 
 the burning ; what a cause for deep thanksgiving, and still 
 deeper humiliation, to have been, in any degree, one of the 
 instruments made use of to bring about these results. I have 
 also received a delightful account of the effects of my labours 
 for the poop at Brighton ; it appears that the arrangements 
 made, have greatly prospered amongst both rich and poor ; 
 also for the blockade men on the coast. This is cause for 
 fresh thankfulness of heart. I may say, that I there sowed 
 in tears, and I now reap in joy. 
 
 The Servants' Society appears gradually opening, as if it 
 would be established according to my desire. No one knows 
 what I go through in forming these Institutions, it is 
 always in fear. 
 
 Fifth Month, 23rd. I think that I am under the deepest
 
 878 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1825. 
 
 exercise of mind that I ever experienced, in the prospect of 
 a Meeting to be held this evening, for all the young people 
 assembled at the Yearly Meeting. It is held at my request, 
 my brother Joseph uniting in it. In a remarkable degree it 
 has plunged me into the depths, into real distress ; I feel so 
 unfit, so unworthy, so perplexed, so fearful, even so sorrow- 
 ful, so tempted to mistrustful thoughts, ready to say, " Can 
 such an one be called to such a service ?" I do believe that 
 "this is my infirmity ;" and I. have a humble hope and con- 
 fidence, that out of this great weakness I shall be made 
 strong. As far as I know it has been in simple obedience 
 to manifested duty, that I gave up to this service, and went 
 through the ordeal of the Yearly Meeting. If I know my own 
 deceitful heart, it has been done in love to my Lord and to His 
 cause. Lord, preserve me through this depth ; through this 
 stripping season ! If it should please Thee to grant me the 
 garments of Thy salvation, and the help of Thy Spirit, 
 further enable me wholly to give unto Thee the glory, which 
 is due unto Thy name. If thou makest use of Thy hand- 
 maid to speak in Thy name, be Thou Thyself her help and 
 her strength, her glory, and the lifter up of her head. En- 
 able her to rely on Thee, on Thy might, and on Thy mercy ; 
 to commit her whole cause unto Thee, and keep in the 
 remembrance of Thy handmaid, that the blessed cause of 
 truth and righteousness is not Aer's, but Thine. 
 
 Plashet, Sixth Month, 2nd The awful and buffetted state 
 of my mind was, in degree, calmed as the day advanced. I 
 went to town with my beloved brother Joseph, who appeared 
 to have been in something of a similar depth of unusual 
 suffering we went into the Meeting together; the largo 
 Meeting-house was soon so crowded, that no more could get 
 in ; I suppose from eighteen hundred to two thousand per- 
 sons, principally youth. All my children were there, except 
 little Harry. I heard hundreds went away who could not 
 get in. After going in and taking my seat, my mind was 
 soon calmed, and the fear of man greatly, if not quite, taken
 
 1825.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 377 
 
 away. My beloved brother Joseph, bowed the knee, and 
 poured forth prayer for us. I soon after rose and expressed 
 what was on my mind, towards the assembly : First, that all 
 were acceptable who worked righteousness and served the 
 Lord. Secondly, that the mercies of our God should induce 
 this service, as a debt due to him. Thirdly, that it must be 
 done by following a crucified Lord, and faithfully taking up 
 the cross. Fourthly, how important, therefore, to the church 
 generally, and to our religious Society, for us so to do indi- 
 vidually, and collectively ; so that if this were done, there 
 would be, from amongst that company, those who would be 
 as lights to the world, or as a city set on a hill that cannot be 
 hid ; I had to conclude with a desire that an entrance might 
 be abundantly ministered unto them, into the everlasting 
 kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I then sat 
 down, but did not feel to have fully relieved my mind. Jo- 
 seph rose, and stood more than an hour ; he preached a very 
 instructive and striking sermon on faith and doctrine. Then, 
 my dear sister Elizabeth Fry, and my uncle Joseph, said 
 something. Afterwards, I knelt down in prayer, and thought 
 I found no common access to the Fountain of all our sure 
 mercies ; I was enabled to cast my burden for the youth, and 
 my own beloved offspring amongst the rest, upon Him who 
 is mighty to save and to deliver. I had to ask for a blessing 
 upon our labours of love towards them, and that our defici- 
 encies might be made up ; that the blessing of the Most High 
 might rest upon them, from generation to generation, and that 
 cross-bearers and standard-bearers, might not be wanting from 
 amongst them. I felt helped in every way, the very spirit 
 and power appeared near, and when I rose from my knees, 
 I could in faith leave it all to Him, who can alone prosper 
 His own work. A few hints that impressed me I afterwards 
 expressed, which were to encourage the youth in the good 
 works of the present day ; but to entreat them, when engaged 
 in them, to maintain the watch, lest they should build up 
 with one hand, and pull down with the other. Secondly,
 
 378 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1825. 
 
 that it was never too soon to begin to serve the Lord, and 
 that there was nothing too small to please Him in. Then, 
 commending them to His grace, and bidding them farewell, 
 the Meeting concluded in a very solemn manner ; it lasted 
 about two hours and a half, and general satisfaction appears 
 to have been felt. When it was over, I may say we rejoiced 
 together, I hope, in the Lord ; so that my soul did magnify 
 the Lord, and my spirit rejoiced in God my Saviour. 
 
 Plashet', 6th. The death of my dear aunt Gurney, obliges 
 me to go into Norfolk ; I therefore set off to day, accompa- 
 nied by my sister Elizabeth. I propose also attending the 
 Essex Quarterly meeting in going, and the Suffolk in return- 
 ing. It has been a sacrifice giving up to go, but I desire to 
 do it in simplicity of faith, as unto my Lord ; trusting that 
 it will prove for edification and refreshment. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO HER FAMILY AT HOME. 
 
 , Sixth Month, llth, 1825. 
 I wonder almost that I have not written to you before, but 
 my engagements have been, I think I may say, hourly and 
 constant. On Fifth-day, the funeral, and yesterday, Nor- 
 wich Monthly Meeting ; we dined at the Grove. I have felt 
 a good deal in this visit. The changes that take place in 
 these parts are very affecting. I paid a quiet visit to the 
 grave-yard the other morning, and there sat, first upon my 
 mother's, then my father's, then Priscilla's, and John's 
 graves ; and, as you may suppose, wept at their sweet re- 
 membrance. I could not but meditate upon the probability 
 of all our heads being, before very long, placed under the 
 " green grass turf." These were my cogitations, and I trust 
 not without some of a higher nature ; it is a fearful thing 
 not to be ready, for the change may come very unawares ; 
 but I may say, as it respects my own, I have felt an increas- 
 ing hope that " all will be well." 
 
 Plashet, 18th. I am returned home after attending my 
 dear aunt's funeral, and two Quarterly Meetings. I paid a
 
 1825.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 379 
 
 very interesting visit to Earlham. I have passed through 
 much deep feeling, and been, in various ways, much engaged 
 as a minister, of which service I am wonderfully unworthy ; 
 but, out of weakness, I often experience help and strength, 
 to my own admiration. 
 
 Since I returned home, a great press of company every 
 day, Lord Bexley and Sophia Vansittart, Lord Suffield, Lord 
 and Lady Torrington, and many others. Lord, grant a little 
 help, quiet and enlighten my heart, that I may see what to 
 do, and what to leave undone, and that which I find to do, 
 enable me to perform in simplicity of faith, unto Thyself, 
 and Thy glory ; and, Lord, be pleased to keep Thy very 
 frail and unworthy servant, on the right hand, and on the 
 left, that evil overcome her not. 
 
 A storm prevailed in the commercial world, during the 
 latter part of 1825, it subsided as 1826 advanced ; but it did 
 not pass away without leaving fearful traces of its course. 
 Many mercantile houses were entirely overthrown ; whilst 
 others were so shaken, as never to recover the shock. These 
 things made it a very anxious time to Elizabeth Fry, and 
 called forth much of her sympathy towards the sufferers. In 
 reflecting on this event, she wrote 
 
 The principle of justice cannot be too deeply impressed 
 upon the youthful mind, also, the great uprightness in all 
 money transactions. How do I desire for myself that, how- 
 ever it may be my duty to be occupied about temporal 
 things, my treasure be not in them, but that my heart and 
 soul may be raised above them. This morning, I think I 
 have had a glimpse of those possessions that cannot be shaken 
 by the ups and downs of life. 
 
 In reply to a slight request, about that time addressed by 
 Elizabeth Fry to Hannah More, she received this kind 
 reply :
 
 380 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1825 
 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 ' Any request of yours, if within my very limited power, cannot 
 fail to be immediately complied with. In your kind note, I wish 
 you had mentioned something of your own health, and that of your 
 family. 
 
 "I look back with no small pleasure to the too short visit with 
 which you once indulged me, a repetition of it would be no little 
 gratification to me. Whether Divine Providence may grant it or, 
 not, I trust through Him who loved us, and gave himself for us, 
 that we may hereafter meet in that blessed country, where there is 
 neither sin, sorrow, nor separation. 
 
 " Believe me, my dear friend, with true esteem and warm affec- 
 tion to remain your's sincerely. 
 
 " H. MOEE. 
 
 " Barley Wood, 15th of April." 
 
 Elizabeth Fry entertained a high appreciation of the cha- 
 racter of Hannah More, and of the benefits which she had 
 conferred upon her contemporaries, especially upon her coun- 
 try-women. She always referred with great pleasure to her 
 visit to Barley Wood, and the impression made upon her by 
 the mingled sweetness and dignity of Hannah More's coun- 
 tenance and manner. 
 
 In a copy of her " Practical Piety," given by Hannah 
 More to Elizabeth Fry, is this inscription : 
 
 TO MRS. FRY. 
 Presented by HANNAH MORE, 
 As a token of veneration, 
 Of her heroic zeal, 
 Christian charity, 
 And persevering kindness, 
 To the moat forlorn 
 Of human beings. 
 They were naked and she 
 
 Clothed them ; 
 
 In prison and she visited them ; 
 Ignorant and she taught them, 
 
 For His sake, 
 In His name, and by His word, 
 
 Who went about doing good. 
 Barley Wood, June \ltJi. 1818.
 
 1825.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 381 
 
 Dagenham, Eighth Month, lOtfi. On Fifth-day, the 4th 
 of this month, my dear eldest son was married. Upon the 
 previous evening, with a few of the family present, I was 
 enabled to cpmmend him to his God, for direction, and 
 for protection ; it was a very serious time. The next morn- 
 ing, we all, in our wedding garments, proceeded to London ; 
 my beloved husband and myself alone in the chariot, deeply 
 feeling the weight of the occasion. Upon our arrival at the 
 Meeting House, in Westminster, we found the party gene- 
 rally assembled. Soon after our sitting down in the Meeting, 
 there was that which quieted our spirits, and said, " Peace, 
 be still." We sat more than half an hour, when dear 
 Rebecca Christy knelt down, and, in a powerful manner, 
 prayed for the young people, that a blessing might be with 
 them ; above all, a spiritual blessing ; my heart went with 
 her, and I poured forth my tears before the Lord on their 
 account ; there was a very solemn feeling over us, a little as 
 if the Master owned the wedding company by His presence. 
 I had to offer fervent petitions for their good, naturally and 
 spiritually, and for grace for them to keep their solemn cove- 
 nant with each other, and to make fresh Covenant with their 
 Lord. We had an elegant and hospitable entertainment 
 afterwards ; my dear uncle Barclay was there ; he is grand- 
 father to the bride, and great uncle to the bridegroom. 
 
 A period of rest and refreshment at Dagenham was pre- 
 paratory to fresh exertion. Elizabeth Fry again believed it 
 her duty to leave home, and travel into Devonshire and Corn- 
 wall, accompanied by her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Fry. 
 
 Dagenham, 21st. Yesterday, we laid our concern before 
 our Monthly Meeting. I believe we had the sympathy, 
 unity, and near love of our Friends, which was really encou- 
 raging and comforting. How truly do the living members 
 of the militant church help one another ; surely it is well, 
 now and then, to have their feeling for each other excited.
 
 382 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1825. 
 
 I was enabled in the Meeting, to commend those who go, 
 and those who stay, to the keeping of the unslumbering 
 Shepherd, and found near access to Him in prayer, being 
 strengthened to cast my care upon Him on whom help is laid. 
 I have felt happier since. 
 
 On arriving at Kingsbridge, Elizabeth Fry believed it 
 right to appoint a Meeting ; she says 
 
 It has cost me a good deal to give up to it ; but I am more 
 comfortable since I have done so ; although I feel very unfit 
 for such services. Ah ! dearest Lord, anoint us with fresh 
 oil for this service, that it may tend to the exaltation of Thy 
 name, and the unity, edification, comfort and strength of Thy 
 people of every denomination. 
 
 Plymouth, Tenth Month, 1st. I trust that I am thankful 
 to be able to say that the Meeting (at Kingsbridge) was very 
 satisfactory, and to my feelings, brought almost unspeakable 
 peace. I thought we were favoured, in a remarkable man- 
 ner, to feel sweet unity of spirit, with those present, of various 
 descriptions, and we might say, like the disciples formerly, 
 " Did not our hearts burn within us as He talked with us by 
 the way?" At first, deep poverty of spirit, with many fears 
 on my own account beset me, but as the Meeting advanced, 
 power increased, these were allayed, and we might rejoice 
 in. the feeling, that the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth, God 
 over all, blessed for ever. 
 
 Liskeard, 8th. Another week is now past, and much has 
 been gone through. At Plymouth, we attended several 
 Meetings ; but one was important to me ; it was one that I 
 had appointed at Devonport. I first felt the concern when 
 a girl travelling with my father, I then believed that, if ever 
 I became a minister, I must hold a Meeting there ;* and the 
 time now appeared come for it. My attraction was to the 
 
 * The concern on behalf of the people at Devonport, was first im- 
 pressed on her mind, in the summer of 1798,
 
 1825.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PET. 383 
 
 lowest and worst classes. It was indeed an act of faith ; I 
 have a feeling of unfitness and unworthiness for such ser- 
 vices beyond what I can express. The day passed tolerably, 
 I attended two regular Meetings, but, as the time for this 
 Meeting drew near, my heart was ready to fail ; fears got 
 hold of me, and almost had dominion over me. On entering 
 the assembly, I hardly dared to look up, when I did, I 
 thought there must be fifteen hundred people present, mostly 
 poor ; I may I think say, it was, before it ended, a glorious 
 time ; much solemnity prevailed amongst us, the power of 
 the great and good Spirit appearing to reign over all. I 
 cannot help humbly trusting that the fruit will remain. We 
 had an interesting Meeting with the youth, and another the 
 next morning at a wedding ; we were much united to many 
 dear friends. We have since visited three Meetings in 
 Cornwall. The beautiful country delights me, when my 
 mind is at liberty. 
 
 Sixth Month, 3re/, 1826. Our Yearly Meeting concluded 
 yesterday. I can hardly express the sweetness of the re- 
 membrance of the time. We have, at seasons, I may truly 
 say, rejoiced together in the Lord, and partaken of that, 
 which as evidently comforts and delights the soul, as out- 
 ward refreshment does the body, when hungry, thirsty, and 
 faint. I have been really refreshed in spirit. 
 
 Flaahet, Sixth Month y 2-ith. (First day morning.} The 
 commencement of this day always feels weighty to me ; an- 
 other week begun, the awful and responsible situation of a 
 minister of the gospel in the services of the day, at home 
 and at Meeting; all weighs upon e. Grant, Lord! I 
 pray Thee, a little help, that whatever Thy unworthy ser- 
 vant does, in word or in deed, may be done, as in the name, 
 so through the power, of Christ her Saviour. Bless this 
 day, I pray Thee, Lord ! not only to our house and fam- 
 ily and to our religious body, but to thousands and tens of 
 thousands ; that however outwardly separated, Thy servants
 
 884 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1826. 
 
 may unite in magnifying Thy name, and that their spirits 
 may rejoice in Christ their Saviour. 
 
 Dagenham, Seventh Month, 24th. Yesterday was so very 
 wet and windy, that we spent a quiet First-day here. Seri- 
 ous as it is, not to attend our places of worship, yet it is not 
 without its advantages, to find, that the same worship can 
 be performed in private as in the public assembly ; and that 
 it is not the place, or the people, but (if in a right spirit) an 
 acceptable worship may be offered every where. All our 
 family assembled twice in the day, I think to real edifica- 
 tion, so that it proved neither dull nor unpleasant, though 
 we were all shut up, for a long day, in this little house. 
 
 The return of the season had brought with it the interest 
 of tjie annual transportation of female convicts. During 
 this year, five ships had been employed for that purpose. A 
 young lady the daughter of an Admiral has often recur- 
 red to a farewell visit to a female convict-ship, on the point 
 of sailing, in which she accompanied Elizabeth Fry. In allu- 
 sion to this visit, she says : 
 
 " I could scarcely look upon her as any other than an angel ot 
 mercy, calmly passing from one to another of the poor wretched 
 beings around her, with the word of counsel, comfort, or reproof, 
 that seemed suited to each individual case, as it presented itself to 
 her notice. With several kind assistants, she was arranging work 
 for them during the voyage ; in itself no trifling matter. But many 
 a point of deepest interest and anxiety, brought to her ready car, 
 met with such response as could only be looked for from a devoted 
 follower of Him, who ' went about doing good. ' ; 
 
 On the mind of this young person the circumstances was 
 strongly impressed, of accompanying her father, on another 
 occasion, to the female convict-ships, lying off Woolwich, to 
 meet William Wilberforce and Elizabeth Fry. 
 
 " On board one of them, between two and three hundred women 
 were assembled, in order to listen to the exhortation and prayers of,
 
 1826.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 385 
 
 perhaps, the two brightest personifications of Christian philanthropy 
 that the age could boast. Scarcely could two voices, even so distin- 
 guished for beauty afcd power, be imagined united in a more touching 
 engagement as indeed was testified by the breathless attention, the 
 tears, and the suppressed sobs, of the gathered listeners. All of 
 man's word, however there heard, heartrstirring as it was at that 
 time, has faded from my memory ; but no lapse of time can ever 
 efface the impression of the 107th Psalm, as read by Mrs. Fry, with 
 such extraordinary emphasis and intonation, that it seemed to make 
 the simple reading a commentary ; and, as she passed on from pas- 
 sage to passage, struck my youthful mind, as if the whole series of 
 allusions might have been written by the pen of inspiration, in view 
 of such a scene as was then before us. At an interval of twenty 
 years, it is recalled to me as often as that Psalm is brought to my 
 notice. Never, in this world, can it be known to how many hearts 
 its solemn appeals were, that day, carried home, by that potent 
 voice." 
 
 Elizabeth Fry believed herself called to visit Friends in 
 Ireland, and to attend to some other duties of a more public 
 character. She was accompanied by her brother J. J. Gur- 
 ney, and her sister E. Fry. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 27^. Last Third-day week, I believed 
 it my duty to lay my concern to visit Ireland, before my 
 Monthly Meeting ; at the close of the Meeting for worship 
 We told our dear friends what we had in view, and, feeling 
 the great weight of leaving my family, made me doubt a 
 little, whether Friends could unite in my going ; but for all 
 these things, I think I hardly erer felt a more solemn cover- 
 ing over a Meeting, both before and after we spoke ; and a 
 very unusual number expressed their sympathy, unity, and 
 desire to encourage us ; not only the elders and ministers, 
 but the very babes in Christ. There was testimony upon 
 testimony. I felt uncommon peace and relief afterwards, as 
 if the thing was right ; many expressed a belief that the 
 Lord would be with us, and preserve us, that He would bo 
 49
 
 380* LIFE OF ELIZABETH FKT. [1826. 
 
 our shield and exceeding great reward, that He would go be- 
 fore us, and be our rear-guard. 
 
 Dear W. Allen believed " that those who stayed by the 
 stuff would partake of the spoil." I never remember feel- 
 ing the blessing of Christian love, and unity of spirit, more 
 than at this time, and how truly the members of the Christian 
 Church " bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of 
 Christ." 
 
 Yesterday, we laid it before our Quarterly Meeting. The 
 certificate having been signed on First-day, to my rejoicing, 
 by all those who I thought might possibly have been some- 
 what against it, as well as those who I knew heartily united 
 with us. I had, in both the Men and Women's Quarterly 
 Meeting, to express something, particularly to the youth, 
 that, notwithstanding the humiliations and deep baptisms at- 
 tending it, I considered it an honour and favour that I was 
 unworthy of, to be thus made use of in my Master's service; 
 for I could in deed and in truth testify, that there are no 
 ways like His ways, no service like His service, and no joys 
 to be compared to the joys of His salvation. I also addressed 
 the wives and mothers amongst us, on parting from our 
 women Friends ; asking not only their sympathy, but their 
 prayers; as "the prayers of the righteous availcth much :" 
 and not only for me, but in a particular manner for those 
 who stayed behind. To-day my mind feels lightened and 
 peaceful, and I have a confirming hope that this calling is of 
 the Lord, utterly unworthy as I know I am, to do the least 
 thing for such a Master ; as for the outward sacrifices attend- 
 ing this step, I count them as nothing, if J may but humbly 
 trust that my most gracious Lord and Master will, through 
 His own power, and His own mercy, keep those who stay, 
 as well as those who go, near to Himself. The pain of 
 leaving my most tenderly beloved family, my comfortable 
 and commodious home, with my delicate bodily frame, is a 
 sacrifice most willingly made by me, if those left do not suffer 
 harm by it. I believe I must go in faith, nothing doubting ;
 
 1827.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 387 
 
 trusting all to Him, who knows the deep, earnest petitions of 
 my heart, for them and for us, and who can work with or 
 without instrumentality. 
 
 Extracts from her own letters, furnish not merely the his- 
 tory of her journey, but an account of her natural fears, and 
 her spiritual consolations the difficulties that appeared be- 
 fore her, and the power by which she was enabled to sur- 
 mount them. 
 
 She was accompanied as far as Melksham by her husband. 
 Thence she proceeded with her brother, J. J. Gurney, by 
 Worcester, Colebrook-dale, &c., to Holyhead ; where, joined 
 by her sister, Elizabeth Fry, they sailed for Dublin. There, 
 a great variety of weighty engagements occupied them 
 closely. They inspected several asylums, four jails, the 
 Bridewell, House of Industry, also a Nunnery ; formed 
 Prison Committees, had important interviews with persons 
 in authority, visited many Members of our own religious 
 Society, and attended several large Meetings for worship, 
 some of them peculiarly favoured ones. 
 
 They pursued their journey, being similarly engaged in 
 many places particularly in Armagh, and Monaghan, to 
 Lisburn, where the Quarterly Meeting was held. The con- 
 cluding Meeting for worship was, she says, " one of the most 
 solemn and striking I ever attended. The good power and 
 anointing distilled as the dew amongst us, to- the great re- 
 freshment, I believe of all present. May my husband, child- 
 ren, brothers, sisters, and all near and dear to me, partake 
 of this joyous, glorious, full salvation." 
 
 The travellers visited a Moravian settlement near Lough 
 Neagh; and afterwards, on their route, tho Giant's Cause- 
 way. Of this grand specimen of the operations of an Al- 
 mighty Hand, designed doubtless to be viewed by intelligent 
 beings, in the spirit of adoration and reverent awe of the 
 Infinitely Wise and Omnipotent Creator, Elizabeth Fry says, 
 in writing to her children,
 
 888 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1827. 
 
 Walking over rocks, and at the edge of jliffs, we opened 
 upon this wonderful work of nature ; like an unfinished build- 
 ing, formed of stones fitted into each other, being concave and 
 convex, and so rising in pillars of different heights, some 
 with three sides, some as many as nine, of various colours. 
 I am glad we saw it, as a fresh proof of the wonderful and 
 various works of God. 
 
 After visiting many other places being closely occupied 
 at all the principal towns in the same round of services as 
 already described they reached Waterford on the 12th of 
 Fourth Month. But the great fatigue and exposure to which 
 they had been subjected had caused each of the travellers to 
 become, in the course of their journey, considerably indis- 
 posed ; but at this time Elizabeth Fry was seriously ill, and 
 more than a week's careful nursing was requisite to restore 
 her exhausted frame. 
 
 Her brother J. J. G., in a letter to a sister, remarked on 
 this circumstance ; " It was no small trial of faith and pa- 
 tience to be detained at Waterford day after day, and there 
 was a considerable flatness in it." For a time the dear in- 
 valid had much fever, and it excited no small alarm : but it 
 proved to be of a low intermittent character, and was at 
 length subdued by quinine, so as to admit of their proceed- 
 ing on the 19th to Clonmel, where the Quarterly Meeting 
 convened on the 21st. Elizabeth Fry, though still very un- 
 well, was able to attend some of the Meetings held on that 
 occasion, and thence to go forward to Dublin to the Yearly 
 Meeting. 
 
 After arriving at home, she writes 
 
 The great numbers that followed us, almost wherever we 
 went, was one of those things that I believe was too much 
 for me, no one can tell but those who have been brought into 
 similar circumstances, what it is to feel as I did at such times ; 
 often weak and fagged in body, exhausted in mind, having 
 things of importance to direct my attention to, and not less
 
 1827.] LIFE OP BLIZABETH FEY. 389 
 
 than a multitude around me, each expecting a word, or some 
 mark of attention. For instance, on one occasion a General 
 on one side, a Bishop on the other, and perhaps sixty other 
 persons, all expecting something from me. Visiting Prisons, 
 Lunatic Asylums, and Infirmaries ; each institution exciting 
 feeling and requiring judgment. I endeavoured to seek for 
 help from above, and for a quiet mind, and my desire was, 
 that such times should not be lost upon those persona ; they 
 ended frequently in religious opportunities, and many came, 
 in consequence, to our Public Meetings ; however these 
 things proved too much for me, and tired me more than any 
 part of our service. 
 
 There were some, I believe, who feared my exaltation, and 
 if they judged from outward appearances, I do not wonder 
 at it ; but a deep conviction of my own unworthiness and 
 infirmity was so living with me, that these things appeared 
 more likely to cast me into the dust, than raise me up on 
 high. We went on thus, from place to place, until we 
 reached Waterford ; we had visited Limerick, Cork, and 
 other places. I felt completely sinking, hardly able to hold 
 up my head, and by degrees became seriously ill. Fever 
 came on and ran very high, and I found myself in one of my 
 distressing, faint states ; indeed a few hours were most con- 
 flicting ; I never remember to have known a more painful 
 time ; tried without, distressed within, feeling such fears lest 
 my being thus stopped by illness, should try the faith of 
 others, and lest my own faith should fail. My pain too in 
 being from home was great. We were obliged to stop all 
 the Meetings that we had appointed for days to come ; how- 
 ever, much as I suffered for a short time, I had most sweet 
 peace afterwards, my blessed Saviour arose with "healing in 
 hia wings," delivered me from my fears, poured balm into 
 my wounds, and granted me such a sense of having obtained 
 full reconciliation with my God, as I can hardly describe. 
 All was peace. I no longer hankered after home, but was 
 able to commit myself and those nearest, to this unslumber-
 
 390 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1827. 
 
 ing, all merciful, and all powerful Shepherd. By degrees 
 I was sufficiently raised up to attend Meetings, visit some 
 prisons, and see many persons, and we concluded our general 
 visit to Ireland, to my relief, peace, and satisfaction. The 
 Yearly Meeting crowned all, as to our ministerial services 
 in our own Society. We left Waterford on the llth of Fifth 
 Month, after visiting Wicklow and Wexford, at that time 
 remaining at Waterford a few hours only. We entered the 
 steam-packet, slept on board, and left the harbour about 
 three o'clock in the morning. 
 
 On arriving at Plashet she writes 
 
 Although far from well, yet able to enjoy the sight of my 
 beloved family and sweet home. I find things going on to 
 my comfort and satisfaction ; for this I desire to be humbly 
 thankful. 
 
 The week following was much occupied by the interests 
 of London Yearly Meeting. 
 
 A dispensation of most afflictive bereavement was now 
 impending over the family circle, in the decease of Rachel 
 Gurney, whose health had long been gradually declining. 
 She had been, for some weeks, at Brighton ; her anxious 
 relatives having cherished the hope that a temporary resi- 
 dence there might recruit her enfeebled frame. At that 
 place she was visited by Elizabeth Fry, to whom she had, 
 from early childhood, been united in the tenderest affection. 
 The depth and fidelity of Rachel Gurney's attachment to 
 her sister had, in truth, been "wonderful." Self-sacrificing, 
 considerate, and protecting most sensitively alive to her 
 interests, her cares, and her joys ; but there were distresses 
 approaching, from which this devoted friend and sister could 
 not have shielded her ; and the mercy was apparent, when 
 little more than a year had passed by, of Rachel Gurney's 
 having been taken hence, without seeing one, so greatly 
 beloved, borne down by many sorrows.
 
 1827.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 391 
 
 Whilst engaged in sedulously attending on this precious 
 invalid, the following entry was penned by Elizabeth Fry. 
 
 Brighton, Seventh Month, 2Qth. When I arrived here, I 
 found my beloved sister Rachel exceedingly ill, with a fresh 
 attack of illness, and no sister with her ; so that I was greatly 
 needed, and much as I had feared, that seeing this beloved 
 one in a low and suffering state, would be almost more than 
 I could support, I have been wonderfully shielded, and I 
 trust enabled to be a real help and comfort to her, in a time 
 of deep trouble. This I feel cause for humble and renewed 
 thankfulness, to be able, however feebly, to return the un- 
 bounded kindness of one, who has been so much to me. 
 May I continue strengthened in this most interesting engage- 
 ment, and minister to the spiritual and temporal wants of 
 this tenderly beloved sister. 
 
 Plashet, Eighth Month, 2nd. At Brighton, I had a meet- 
 ing with the members of the District Society, which was 
 humbling to me, as such exposures always are, more or less, 
 and a real effort of duty ; but I desired only to do it as such, 
 and was very much helped to keep my point, and go steadily 
 on with the business, to my satisfaction and I trust to the 
 benefit of the institution ; which appears to have done much 
 good to the poor of the place. Nothing of the kind appears 
 to me to effect so much, as forming and helping these public 
 charities, because so many are assisted by them. I under- 
 stood that this Society last year induced the poor to lay by 
 amongst them, about 2000. Numbers of the distressed 
 had been relieved, and visiting the poor appears to have 
 been blessed, both to the visitors and the visited. I also 
 called at one of the Blockade Service .stations, and found that 
 the libraries I had sent to the Coast Guard Stations, after my 
 illness, three years ago, continued to be very useful to the 
 men and their families. Out of deep distress, I formed these 
 institutions, (if I may so call them) little thinking that an 
 illness that appeared to myself, as 4f it would almost take
 
 802 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PUT. [1827. 
 
 away all my powers, should be the means of producing good 
 to so many surely out of weakness I' was made strong. 
 May it be a lesson to myself and others to bow under the 
 Mighty hand of God, however mysterious His dispensations 
 may be. 
 
 I was enabled to attend to my beloved sister, during the 
 remainder of her stay at Brighton, and then brought her 
 home here ; she left us for Earlham, on Second-day, the 30th. 
 
 Whilst on her journey home, Rachel Gurney wrote to her 
 sister Fry : 
 
 " The quiet travelling has only been a luxury ; both morning and 
 evening have been delightful to me, as to weather and scenery. I 
 have felt soothed and comforted, more than anything else. I am 
 most deeply sensible of the blessing thou hast been made to me ; 
 I think it seems to have put me more in the right way of taking, 
 bearing and feeling, my present allotment; above all, I trust it has 
 strengthened me in my best desires; and endeavours to walk 
 humbly with my God !" 
 
 We return to the journal. 
 
 Dagenham, Eighth Month, 15/A. My feelings have been 
 much excited, by the very serious account of my beloved 
 sister Rachel, implying a sensible decline of power and health, 
 which touches me in a most tender place. I may say, in the 
 prospect of losing her, that I shall lose the person that has 
 (taking life through) been more to me, than any other mortal, 
 in constant, faithful love, and kindness, and in ministering 
 to all my wants, according to her ability. Oh ! gracious 
 Lord ! grant her a full reward here, and above all, hereafter ; 
 but, I desire to return thanks for her prepared state of soul, 
 (as far as we can judge, one of another), and the many alle- 
 viations granted her. If she be taken, my companion, my 
 friend, near my own age, I think it will in no common 
 degree, bring death home to my view, and may it lead me 
 to have my heart really more placed on things above, less on 
 things below.
 
 1827.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 393 
 
 In reference to her husband and children, she makes the 
 following touching remarks : 
 
 22nd. It is hard, very hard, a most difficult matter, to 
 know how to help those, whose welfare and salvation are 
 past expression near to us. We can only go to Him, who is 
 willing and able, not only to hear our prayers on our own 
 account, but on account of those most tenderly beloved ; and 
 who does, in His tender mercy, so bear our griefs and carry 
 our sorrows, that our souls can rest on Him. Oh ! may I 
 ever have the encouragement of seeing those nearest to me 
 walking closely with God ; not doing their own pleasure, or 
 walking in their own ways, but doing His pleasure and 
 walking in His ways. I believe it would bring unspeakable 
 joy, refreshment, and consolation to my soul; and may I 
 never cease to commend them to Him, who can work with or 
 without human instrumentality. 
 
 I went on Second-day to Lord Lansdowne (Secretary of 
 State) and the Under-Secretary, T. Spring Rice, on prison 
 matters, and was received with the utmost kindness and atten- 
 tion. The prison cause appears prosperous. On Third-day, 
 I attended the Monthly Meeting, and, much in the cross, with 
 great fear, weakness, and nervousness, I was enabled to minis- 
 ter consolation to others. Peace and refreshment followed to 
 myself, and although trials have since attended me, I feel the 
 sweet balm remain that balm which heals the wounded heart. 
 
 25th. I am, at times, reminded of these words in Job, 
 chapter xxxiv., 29th verse " When he giveth quietness, 
 who then can make trouble ? and when he hideth his face, 
 who then can behold him ? whether it be done against a na- 
 tion, or against a man only ? " 
 
 How striking a proof of the truth of the Scriptures, and 
 that of which they testify, is the way in which they speak to 
 our individual experience. Oh, may I dwell nearer to the 
 source of all good, and live in a more devoted, quiet, humble, 
 watchful, dependent and resigned spirit. 
 50
 
 394 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1827. 
 
 JSarlham, 30th. On Seventh-day, the 20th, my son John 
 came with an express from town, to say that the accounts 
 from Earlham were so much worse, that it was thought desi- 
 rable that I should go as quickly as possible to Upton, to fix 
 whether to set off that day or not ; this agitated me and 
 brought me very low, but on reading the different letters, and 
 seeking for a quiet mind, I believed that there was no such 
 hurry, and concluded to wait until after Meeting on First- 
 day, and an early dinner with my family, before setting off. 
 I find it very important in such cases as these, not to act upon 
 impetuous feelings, but upon quiet and sober consideration ; 
 hurried movements rarely answer to ourselves or others. 
 
 We set off, and were favoured with a quiet journey, and a 
 hopeful one, as I could not believe that we should find any 
 very great change had taken place, and so it proved. Our 
 much-loved invalid was certainly sunk^ since we were last 
 together, and in many things gone some steps lower ; but 
 there appeared to me so strong a vital principle remaining, 
 that I think weeks, rather than days, are likely to be her 
 portion here below. Her mind is in a most favoured state ; 
 she appears to feel it wonderful how easy her circumstances 
 are made to her ; her fear of death seems to be removed from 
 her, she talks of it with ease, almost pleasure. Last night 
 she said, that she wished not to be in other circumstances 
 than she was, the way in which she had found the fulness of 
 the power was quite beyond her expectation, and even her 
 trials only appeared now to fit her for greater joys. At times 
 her sinkings are great and also her sufferings, but in these 
 states, though naturally low, faith always appears more than 
 sufficient to sustain her, and she receives them only as a part 
 of the present work of preparation. She said they led her 
 to desire to depart ; but her wish was, to say from her heart, 
 "Not my will, but Thine be done." 
 
 Surely, this is a fresh proof of the wonderful work and 
 power of grace, and Christian redemption what consolation 
 it brings ! and how much we see, even in these times of deep
 
 1C-7.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 395 
 
 trial, the mercy of a kind Providence, in granting so many 
 mitigations and alleviations. Surely, His tender mercies are 
 over all His works. 
 
 I- think, I never am brought into contact with many of my 
 beloved brothers and sisters, without a very humbling feeling 
 of my own infirmity, and short-comings ; I find them such 
 examples to me, and am ready to say within my heart 
 though I have come so publicly forward though I have 
 preached righteousness in the great congregation, what will 
 become of me, and of my house ? and where are there amongst 
 us the same fruits of the Spirit ? 
 
 Passing through many domestic sorrows, and plunged into 
 deep baptisms of spirit, how dark, at times, were the clouds of 
 discouragement that concealed, from her mental view, those 
 rays of " the Sun of righteousness," that had so graciously 
 guided her in her path of devotedness to her God and Sa- 
 viour ! Yet, in all her distresses He was her refuge ; and, 
 in His own time, He again arose upon her soul " with heal- 
 ing in His wings," proving Himself her "light" and her 
 "salvation," her "strong Tower" and her "Deliverer." 
 
 My merciful father has helped me, cared for me, sustained 
 and provided for me, and in many ways blessed me ; but I 
 still see many hidden evils in my heart, and as for my family, 
 fears often get hold of me, and for myself also, lest I should 
 not walk worthy of my high and holy calling. I can only 
 intercede for us all, that, for the sake of Him who came to 
 seek and to save that which was lost, our gracious God would 
 have mercy on us. Oh, dearest Lord ! Thou hast granted 
 the petition of Thine handmaid, for her brothers and sisters ; 
 she now sees in them, in a great measure, the travail of her 
 soul, and is satisfied. Reject not her prayers, for her husband 
 and children ; bring them by any ways, or by any paths, that 
 Thou mayst see meet, but let them also come to the knowledge 
 of the ever-blessed truth, as it is in Jesus, that they may bo
 
 396 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1827. 
 
 saved with an everlasting salvation. And oh, gracious Lord, 
 be with Thy poor servant to the end ; and through the con- 
 tinued extension of Thy grace, Thy help, and Thy mercy, 
 let nothing ever be permitted to separate her soul from Thy 
 love in Christ Jesus, her beloved Lord, and all-sufficient 
 Saviour. 
 
 We pause to contemplate her affecting petition on behalf 
 of her husband and children. " By any ways, or by any 
 paths, that Thou mayst see meet ; but let them come to the 
 knowledge of the ever blessed truth as it is in Jesus." 
 
 The eternal well-being of every immortal spirit, was, in 
 her view, a subject of infinite importance ; in comparison 
 with which, all temporal considerations were lighter than the 
 small dust in the balance. Who then can estimate the unut- 
 terable anxiety of her soul, that these most tenderly beloved 
 objects of her conjugal and maternal affection, might yield to 
 the visitations of a Redeemer's love, and become " heirs of 
 salvation ?" She had cherished an intense desire that her 
 children might, from conviction, become " Friends," that 
 they might be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth, 
 under that form of Christian communion, which had been so 
 eminently blessed to herself, and that they might adhere to 
 the principles which, from having experimentally found their 
 inestimable value, she had earnestly laboured to implant and 
 enforce. Deep was her grief when she perceived that, as 
 years added to their mental and physical growth, they ap- 
 peared less inclined to walk in that path in which she had 
 found the " pearl of great price." 
 
 There was, amongst her brothers and sisters, much of the 
 fruit of the Spirit, in dedication of heart and labours of 
 Christian love, produced, in some of them, under an adminis- 
 tration of religious truth differing from her own. It is probable 
 that an association with these excellent persons might tend 
 to strengthen the predilections of some of her own family, and 
 to encourage their eventually becoming detached from the
 
 1827.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 397 
 
 Society in which they had been educated- There was, how- 
 ever, other influence, which yet more powerfully led them 
 from "Friends;" an influence which Elizabeth Fry watch- 
 fully endeavoured to counteract, but which was not within 
 her power to control ; and many were the sorrows which she 
 had to endure from the diversity, in the modes of worship 
 and practice, consequent on her children becoming thus sep- 
 arated from her : but these sorrows did not abate her strong 
 parental affection, or her solicitude that each might be 
 brought unto Christ. In the deep fervour of her soul, her 
 prayers were continually poured forth that those most dear 
 to her her husband and her children might be made the 
 blessed partakers of the rest that Jesus gives. 
 Her journal proceeds 
 
 Earlham, Ninth Month, 2nd, First-day. My sisters Cath- 
 erine, Rachel, Richenda and I have had a very remarkable 
 morning. I thought it better to stay at home from Meeting, 
 to be with my beloved, suffering sister. I had a desire for 
 some religious time with her. After she was dressed and 
 removed into the dressing-room on her couch, we read in the 
 Bible ; but so overcome was she, from weakness and sleepi- 
 ness, that she could not keep awake; however, we went on, 
 till I knelt down in prayer and thanksgiving for her and us ; 
 this appeared more than to revive her ; she prayed beauti- 
 fully and powerfully for us then present, for all her sisters, 
 for my children, and for me and my dearest husband. Af- 
 terwards, she sent a particular message to some of the absent, 
 her " dear love, and that they should be told, what a rich 
 blessing she had found there was in seeking, first, the king- 
 dom of God and his righteousness." The consoling effect 
 of this time lasted for many hours, so that our beloved in- 
 valid remained in a delightful state all day. 
 
 Wth. My beloved sister appeared much sunk last even- 
 ing, but awoke early, greatly refreshed, quite clear, and 
 even very bright in her mind, and relieved from suffering.
 
 898 LIFE bP ELIZABETH FKY. [1827. 
 
 In the night I went to her, and seemed unable to endure 
 witnessing her conflicts of body ; but to my help and conso- 
 lation, I found her thus relieved this morning. So it is, 
 things too hard for us are not permitted ; and my humble 
 trust is, that as trials come, so strength will be given to en- 
 dure them. My strong confidence for my beloved sister is, 
 that for her, way will, in tender mercy, be made " through 
 the valley of the shadow of death," and support granted to 
 us also ; though from the weakness of the flesh, fears, at 
 times, overwhelm me on this subject. On seeing her so 
 comfortable, I said to her, " brooks are granted us by the 
 way;" she replied, "yes, and more of them the nearer we 
 approach the journey's end." 
 
 Her brother, J. J. Gurney, wrote of their beloved dying 
 sister. " On 's throwing out a hint respecting the ' Sa- 
 crament,' she disclaimed any wish or intention to partake in 
 that ceremony ; acknowledged that, in days past, she had 
 received benefit from the services of the Church of England, 
 but that she was now feeding exclusively on the substance, 
 and did, indeed, eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son 
 of man. I am truly thankful for her being brought to this 
 experience. Indeed, her abstraction from all dependence 
 on human help is wonderful." 
 
 15th. Sitting opposite to my most beloved sister in the 
 blue-room : She appears to be gradually sinking into death, 
 and may we not humbly trust, and confidently believe, into* 
 the arms of her God and Saviour. Grant Lord, I pray 
 Thee, if consistent with Thy holy and blessed will, that she 
 may fall aelcep in Thee, and that no painful struggles may 
 attend her change ; that quietly and imperceptibly she may 
 cast off this mortal tabernacle, (having already testified to us 
 her faith and her hope,) and be landed on the other side of 
 Jordan, awaking to joy and glory unspeakable. And do 
 Thou, Oh Lord ! sustain us also, in this time of trial, and
 
 1827.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 enable us in our low estate, to rejoice in Thee, our God 
 and our Saviour, who yet giveth the victory over death, hell, 
 and the grave. 
 
 I have been alone, and quiet a little while, and I find in 
 this awful time, that " help is laid on One who is mighty ;" 
 for that, which ever since I came to an age of understanding, 
 has appeared almost impossible to bear, even the loss of this 
 sister, who has been like " flesh of my flesh, and bone of 
 my bone," now I am enabled to receive, and bow under the 
 dispensation with peace. I believe that she has done her 
 work, and that we have nearly finished our work for her ; 
 but, is there not an all-sufficient Helper near, who is holding 
 up her head above the waves of Jordan, that they overwhelm 
 her not! 
 
 1.1th. About three o'clock this morning, our most ten- 
 derly-beloved sister departed this life. Late in the evening 
 she fell asleep, from which sleep she never appeared to awake. 
 They came to let me know, about twelve o'clock, how she 
 was going on ; but, at first, I felt unequal to going to her, 
 and she did not want me ; but, gradually, I found my tribu- 
 lated, tossed spirit, calmed, animated,, and strengthened, so 
 that I joined the company round her bed, where I remained 
 until the solemn close. We sat some time in deep silence ; 
 then I knelt down, and asked that mourning and lamentation 
 might not be the garment of our spirits, but thanksgiving, 
 inasmuch as the warfare was accomplished, the conflict over, 
 and, through* the unmerited mercy of God, in Christ Jesus, 
 an entrance was granted through the gates of the City, whoso 
 walls are salvation and whose gates are praise. Then I prayed 
 for ourselves, that the loss of such a sister, who had, in so 
 remarkable & manner, ministered to some of our necessities, 
 might be made up to us by an increased portion of spiritual 
 blessings, and that her various labours of love, to us and to 
 our children, might receive such a blessing, as to produce an 
 increase to our lasting good. After returning to bed, natural 
 weakness much overcame me ; the death of the body, and its
 
 400 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1827. 
 
 terrors, got hold of me, and the heavenly Inheritance ap- 
 peared hidden from my view, for a time. To-day, I feel able 
 to partake of the repose now granted us, in no longer having 
 to travel through "the valley of the shadow of death," with 
 one so beloved ; and, in a measure, to partake of her rest, as 
 I believe I did, in no common manner, of her sufferings, as 
 if one with her in them. 
 
 19/A. Blue-room with my beloved sister's remains. All 
 quietness, rest in comparison over my own mind a solemn 
 feeling of peace, and this truth impressed upon me, " There is 
 a rest for the people of God." Several important lessons, I 
 think, I have learnt by attending this most beloved sister. 
 1st, That persons are apt to dwell more on the means of 
 grace, about which they differ, than its simple, pure opera- 
 tion, leading out of evil into good. This I have long believed ; 
 but, seeing one who united, as she did with the good in all, 
 and could hardly be said to be of any sect or body of 
 Christians, so grounded in the Christian life and practice, 
 proves experimentally, that being united fully to any set of 
 people, is not essential, and all minor points of difference of 
 comparatively little value. 2ndly, I learn to trust more, 
 and be less afraid. She, like myself, was liable to many fears, 
 particularly in her nervous sinking states how little cause 
 had she for these fears, and how were the things that she 
 most dreaded remarkably averted ; also, That the last part of 
 a death illness gradually appears to diminish, rather than in- 
 crease, in conflict, as with natural life and power, sensibility 
 to suffering lessens. In short, the lesson taught us is, to seek 
 to serve and follow our Lord, and He will be with us, and 
 make a way for us, even to the end. 3rdly, That in pass- 
 ing through life, patience should have its perfect work, that 
 we should seek for a more willing mind to suffer, as well as 
 to do, the will of God, looking for daily help in this respect ; 
 above all, that we should endeavour, in all things, for an 
 upright, circumspect walk before the Lord, speaking the 
 truth in love ; that we should seek after full understanding
 
 1828.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 401 
 
 of, and reliance on, the work of salvation through Christ, 
 and obtain (if possible) more knowledge of the Scriptures, 
 and a better acquaintance with religious books. 
 
 The remains of Rachel Gurney were interred in " Friends" 
 Burial Ground at Norwich, on the 23rd. It was a solemn 
 and favoured time Elizabeth Fry ministered to the assem- 
 bly with much power. 
 
 On the 24th, she went to Lynn, and the following evening 
 wrote to announce the birth of a little grandson, thus rap- 
 idly passing from the last, to the first scene in "man's 
 eventful history." She had been anxious to come to her 
 child, and yet could scarcely leave Earlham sooner. To her 
 family at home she says, " I cannot but thank a kind Provi- 
 dence for bringing me here in the needful time, and thus 
 guiding my steps aright." 
 
 Plashet, First Month, 3rd, 1828. This year commenced 
 with many interests. On the morning of the new year, we 
 assembled almost all our large household, and many guests, 
 principally young people. Before we began reading, I men- 
 tioned some of the striking marks of Providential care and 
 mercy shown to us during the last year. We then read, and 
 afterwards had a solemn time, in which I returned thanks 
 " for mercies past, and humbly craved for more." My 
 dearest brother Joseph joined us, and under a serious, yet 
 cheerful influence, our large party sat down to breakfast. 
 This is often to me a most agreeable time of the day, after 
 the repose of the night, and often some spiritual refresh- 
 ment in our readings. I can hardly say how much I enjoy 
 iny family circle, and thankfully receive the blessings con- 
 ferred on us. 
 
 31<. During this month, my beloved family, husband 
 
 and children, have occupied most of my time and attention. 
 
 . . . -In our own Society, I have had one important call 
 
 to Birmingham, to attend a funeral ; a very serious and 
 
 51
 
 402 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1828. 
 
 weighty occasion it proved ; numbers of the children and 
 grand-children of the deceased, of various descriptions, were 
 present. There was a crowded Meeting, and few ministers, 
 so that the weight of the service appeared to devolve on me, 
 there, and at the house. The help granted me was marvel- 
 lous in my eyes ; and I was enabled, at these different times, 
 to preach the glad tidings, the liberty and the peace of the 
 gospel of Christ. So it is, out of weakness, we are, when 
 dependent on our Lord alone, made strong, and fear is re- 
 moved in the most remarkable manner my dearest brother 
 Samuel accompanied me who has such brothers as I have, 
 to help in the needful time ? I think, as it respects the 
 ministry, I am never so much helped as when without other 
 ministers to look to, my dependence being then singly on 
 my Lord, and on His anointing. I yesterday went to see 
 one of my sons at school, and attended Epping Meeting, 
 which I thought a satisfactory time. I tried to make my 
 visit pleasant to all the boys, by taking them a walk, and 
 giving them oranges ; I like that the instruments, who com- 
 municate religious instruction to the young, should be pleas- 
 ant to them. I have had interesting, and encouraging com- 
 munications from Ireland ; as if in some parts particularly, 
 our labours there had not been in vain. I have been to see 
 my sister Hoare, and have felt the value of the near union 
 between us ; my dearest sister Rachel is often present with 
 me, the way in which I have been enabled to support this 
 inexpressible loss, is surprising to myself ; surely it is only 
 the tender mercy of my God, that has thus healed my wound, 
 and upheld me under it. Indeed, at the close of this month, 
 I may raise up a fresh Ebenezer, and say the Lord be 
 magnified, for His loving-kindness to me, His poor unworthy, 
 yet dependent one ! Oh ! may He see meet to keep me in 
 the way that I should go, and preserve me from right hand, 
 and from left hand errors. 
 
 Second Month, 2nd. Yesterday, was a full day, 'and one 
 humbling in its effect. In the first place, I earnestly de-
 
 1828.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 403 
 
 sired preservation, that I might keep my eye single to God, 
 and not bow to man in spirit. I then went to town, and to 
 Newgate, under a feeling of rather deep concern, where I un- 
 expectedly found numbers of persons ; a magistrate, foreign- 
 ers, a Jew, a clergyman, many ladies, some Friends, and my 
 brother Samuel. Before I began to read, I, in secret, asked 
 for preservation, at least it was my earnest desire to have my 
 eye kept single to my God. But either the fear of man got 
 too much hold of me, or the " unction" was not with me, 
 for I did not feel the power of Truth over us, as it very often 
 has been at such times. I am ready to believe, that if I had 
 not looked at man, but dwelt yet deeper in spirit, I should 
 have openly called upon the Lord, and should have found 
 help and power in so doing. I went away humbled. I 
 then went with my beloved brother Samuel to the Bishop of 
 London, to talk to him about religious services with prisoners, 
 to inform him of our situation respecting it in Newgate, and 
 the extreme care necessary in the appointment of chaplains 
 for gaols ; also to speak to him of the state of our parish. I 
 spoke, I trust, to the point, and that good, and not harm, will 
 result from the visit ; but I always fear, after such times, 
 lest I should have said too much. We then made a call, where 
 I pretty boldly spoke my opinions of theatres and public 
 places ; and in reply to the question, How I went on, in re- 
 forming the vorld? I replied that my zeal was strong, in my 
 declining years, to do what little I could towards reforming 
 things. Afterwards I feared that I might have said too much. 
 We went to the Secretary of State's Office, and saw the Under- 
 secretary ; there again, I had to speak my mind fully on 
 many things, prisons especially. 
 
 Now during this day, my services were numerous some 
 of an important nature, and such as might by some persons 
 be supposed exalting, to be admitted, although a woman, to 
 represent things of consequence to persons of influence and 
 power, and to be received as I am by them ; but lie who 
 ecarcheth the heart, only knows my humiliation, and how,
 
 404 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1828. 
 
 in these services, fears for myself get hold of me, lest 1 
 should bow to man, and not to God ; lest any thing but the 
 simple object of promoting " the thing that is good," should 
 influence me. This I certainly know, that such engagements 
 often bring me into deep exercise of spirit before the Lord, 
 that I may be kept, as a clean instrument ready for His ser- 
 vice, and not become contaminated by the spirit of self, nor 
 the spirit of the world. Truly, my desire is, to walk hum- 
 bly, faithfully, circumspectly, before my God in the first 
 place, and, secondly, before my fellow-mortals; but ever, 
 and in all things, to seek to serve my Lord, doing His will 
 and His pleasure, before serving myself or others, or doing 
 my own will or the will of man. Lord, continue to be my 
 help, my strength, my glory, and the lifter up of my head ; 
 and if consistent with Thy holy will, bless my labours and 
 the labours of others, in these works of charity, and keep 
 us, the unworthy instruments employed in them, so as to be 
 fitted to perform them, or any other service Thou mayst see 
 fit to call us into. Amen. 
 
 Third Month, 5th. May I not say to Him, who seeth in 
 secret, Thou hast known my soul in adversity ! but amidst 
 these dispensations, is not the " Lord known by the judgment 
 which he executeth ?." What peace, what blessing, what 
 fulness of help and consolation, have I also experienced. 
 How have gospel truths opened gradually on my view, 
 the height, the depth, the length, the breadth, of the love 
 of God in Christ Jesus, to my unspeakable help and consola- 
 tion. 
 
 21th. On Second-day, I attended the select Quarterly 
 Meeting, and was appointed representative to the Yearly 
 Meeting. The next day the Meetings were satisfactory. 
 How striking to me, and how humbling here am I, that 
 used to be one of the last, least, and lowest in this Quarterly 
 Meeting, now obliged to be one of its foremost members in 
 the Meetings of Discipline ; partly from so many vacant 
 places being left amongst us, partly from my long experience
 
 1828.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 405 
 
 of its ways, and many years in its service ; and last of all, 
 truly, deeply unworthy as I am, because it has pleased a 
 kind Providence to grant me the unity of my beloved friends, 
 and thus to raise me up. My spirit, notwithstanding my 
 outward cheerfulness, was much bowed down within me, in 
 earnest cravings to be washed, renewed, and more fitted for 
 my Master's service. 
 
 In the Fourth Month, Elizabeth Fry accompanied her hus- 
 band on a short journey. To visit some meetings of Friends, 
 and several Erisons formed her chief inducement, but she 
 also was glad to avail herself of the change of scene and 
 travelling for some of her family. 
 
 She writes to her children : 
 
 From Matlock, Fourth Month, l$ih, 1828. 
 The beauties of this delightful place, even amidst pouring 
 rain, are such, as to make me long to have you all around us, 
 to admire them. I am sitting in a bower window ; a sweet 
 little garden, cut out of the side of a high hill on one side, 
 a deep valley on the other, the river Derwent at the bottom, 
 full with the late rains, flowing over rocks ; and very high 
 rocky hills, covered with trees, beyond. We feel the com- 
 fort of quiet and rest the more, because we have had such a 
 very full time, almost as much so as in Ireland. At Leices- 
 ter, Nottingham, and Derby Meetings, Prisons, Friends, 
 other people, forming Prison Associations, and various en- 
 gagements. My dear brother Joseph and I went forward to 
 attend the Quarterly Meeting at Nottingham, which we wero 
 favoured to get well through. We then proceeded to visit 
 three Prisons and a Lunatic Asylum. 
 
 From Dttoxotcr, Fourth Month, 21s*. 
 
 Yesterday was very interesting. We went eleven miles to 
 sit at Meeting with some persons of the lower class, in a 
 stocking-weaver's room ; a very striking scene it was, and
 
 406 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1828. 
 
 very pleasant afterwards to see these poor people. Twc 
 Friends sitting, during the Meeting, on the stocking-loom 
 for want of chairs, and we believed that those chairs we had, 
 were lent by the neighbours to help the party out. It is a 
 very remarkable case a poor man, a wheelwright, in a little 
 out-of-the-way place called Cowhouse Lane, about ten miles 
 from Matlock, became convinced of the principles of Friends 
 at a public meeting, and it has spread to several of his neigh- 
 bours, who sit down in silence together on First-days. We 
 were all much pleased and interested by them. We returned 
 to Matlock about four o'clock, and spent a quiet, pleasant 
 evening. 
 
 Plashet, Fifth Month, 1th, I am once more settled at 
 home; after a journey to Lynn, and into the midland 
 counties. In the course of it, I visited thirteen prisons, 
 also some Meetings ; often to my wonder, that so unworthy 
 an instrument should be so honourably made use of, to 
 minister to the spiritual state of others, and to visit, and be 
 the means of assisting, so many in prison, and in bonds. 
 Surely the hand of Providence is in some of these things, 
 small and great! It was strikingly manifested in many 
 instances on this journey ; I was enabled to form three new 
 Committees for visiting prisons, and to re-organise others, 
 in a way that I hope will prove useful. Where my lot was 
 cast among Friends, I also found fhe best help to be near. 
 I attended the Derby and Nottingham Quarterly Meeting, 
 as well as several other Meetings, and met my dearest 
 brother Joseph at Leicester, where I was enabled to assist 
 him in the needful time ; it appeared almost providential. 
 I walked into the Meeting where he was at Leicester ; he 
 did not expect me, neither did I know he was in that town. 
 He appeared greatly in need of help, being fatigued and 
 very unwell. Since my return home, the British Society 
 Meeting has much occupied my attention. It was on the 
 last day of last month ; it was a very numerous assemblage
 
 1828.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 407 
 
 of ladies, many of them of high rank. I had much to do 
 in it from time to time, when the different reports were 
 read ; I explained a little, and at other times poured forth 
 much of my mind on the subject. However, I went away 
 low and humbled at the conspicuous part I had to take, not 
 doubting that it would bring me into evil report, as well as 
 good report. The general impression I hear was satisfac- 
 tory, and I trust good was done : but I may set my seal to 
 this that public services are fearful services, and none but 
 those engaged in them, know how much those are spared 
 who do good privately. Still, if the Master calls us into 
 public duties, it is not only well, but honourable, and in them 
 much more good is accomplished, because so many are con- 
 cerned ; still, I would have no one seek for them^ but if 
 rightly brought into them, preservation will, I believe, be 
 granted. A watchful, humble spirit is called for ; one that is 
 not exalted by the undue approbation of fellow-mortals, nor 
 too much cast down by disapprobation or evil reports. There 
 must also be willingness to commit all these works to Him, 
 who can prosper them or not, according to His own good 
 pleasure. 
 
 Plashet, Fifth Month, 12///. Last Sixth-day, we had a 
 very interesting visit to Newgate. Numbers were there ; 
 clergy, some of the nobility, the sheriff, many ladies, gentle- 
 men, and Friends. It was a solemn time ; the fear of man 
 much taken away. After the reading, I had to speak to 
 them, and pray for them. I have, of late, been surrounded 
 by my family, and deep cravings of spirit have been my por- 
 tion for them. Through all, I have, at times, almost panted 
 for a surer and better resting-place, more particularly where 
 there will be no more sin, or responsibility. I see much to 
 enjoy here ; but the temptations that arc in this world, at 
 times make me feel, if not weary of it, at least longing for 
 a Heavenly inheritance ; although the fear of the passage to 
 it always makes me flinch from this great change, as well as 
 the knowledge of my unutterable unworthinces.
 
 408 LIPB OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1828. 
 
 Since I last wrote my journal, death has been brought 
 closely home to me. I was unexpectedly called to attend 
 
 my dear Aunt C , in a violent illness, which ended in her 
 
 death. I went to her on Seventh-day, and for some hours 
 every day afterwards, and one night till she died. I fully 
 believe her state was a blessed one, and that in her trial she 
 knew the Rock to be her stay. Still, as far as I can judge 
 from observation, death is, even to the righteous, an awful 
 conflict, generally attended with distress of body, reduction 
 of spirits, some obscurity of mind, and great difficulty in 
 communicating to others,, either the wants or the feelings. 
 My aunt seemed, in her distress, to depend much upon me ; 
 I appeared to be a comfort to her, and was enabled, in mea- 
 sure, to minister to her bodily and spiritual wants. The day 
 after all was over, and after having had a very solemn time 
 with the family, I became ill myself; much as I had been at 
 Waterford, hardly able to hold up my head, or go on my 
 way. On Sixth-day I was worse. It was a sudden unex- 
 pected loss of strength, being brought down as to the ground, 
 when I was anticipating, with no common degree of pleasure, 
 the Yearly Meeting, and, after it, my child's wedding, look- 
 ing for rather prosperous days. As usual in my illnesses, I 
 was greatly cast down at times, and wonderfully reduced in 
 a short tinre. In the midst of my conflict and distress, I still 
 thought I could see the hand of God in it, to keep me low ; 
 may it be at His footstool. I abounded also with outward 
 comforts and mitigations. My husband, my sister Buxton, 
 my children, my sister Elizabeth Fry devoted to me, I wanted 
 no outward thing ; but was plunged under a deep feeling of 
 my infirmity, and great unworthiness before God. I am 
 now much relieved, very thankful, full of love, may I not 
 say to all ; sweetly in unity with my beloved Friends at the 
 Yearly Meeting ; in degree overflowing towards them all, 
 still abundantly sensible of my unworthiness before the 
 Lord. Oh ! may he see meet further to fit me, to suffer as 
 well as to do His will.
 
 1828.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 409 
 
 20/A. I think I am better, but am remarkably reduced for 
 so short an illness. If during such times of trial, or in the 
 end, I am supported, the whole glory must be given to God ; 
 for I think it impossible for any one to be more naturally dis- 
 tressed or overset by bodily illness. Even if my sun sets 
 under a cloud, all must be laid to my great natural infirmity 
 in this respect. With God all things are possible, but if He 
 should see meet, at that awful hour, to hide Himself from me, 
 may none be discouraged ; but all look upon it as a dispen. 
 sation permitted, in some way for good. In times of health, 
 also, at times, in sickness, I have had to rejoice in His salva- 
 tion, and frequently, when most favoured with clearness of 
 judgment, have perceived the wisdom and mercy of all His 
 dispensations, particularly some of these afflictive ones. Why 
 he saw meet to permit sin to come into the world is not for 
 us, poor, frail, finite mortals, to comprehend; but that we 
 have an enemy to buffet us, I cannot doubt. May we look 
 to that blessed day, when God shall be " all in all," and shall 
 " put all enemies under His feet," even Death itself. Dearest 
 Lord, increase my faith more firmly, more fixedly establish 
 me upon the Rock of Ages ; that however the winds blow, the 
 rains descend, or the floods beat against me, I may not be 
 greatly moved ; and let not any of the hindering or polluting 
 things of this world lessen my love to Thee and to Thy 
 cause ; or prevent me from going steadily forward in heights 
 and in depths, in riches and in poverty, in strength and in 
 weakness, in sickness and in health ; or prevent my following 
 hard after Thee in spirit, with a humble, faithful, watchful,* 
 circumspect, and devoted heart. Amen. 
 
 At this time her daughter Richenda was married to Foster 
 Reynolds. Two days after this event, she writes in her 
 journal : 
 
 The day before yesterday the wedding was accomplished. 
 The Meeting was solemn and satisfactory. Our bride and 
 bridegroom spoke well, and with feeling. My dearest brother 
 52
 
 410 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1828. 
 
 Joseph prayed for thenvand ministered to them, as did others ; 
 I prayed at the close of the Meeting most earnestly for them, 
 for the other young people, and ourselves further advanced 
 in life. After a short, solemn silence, the certificate was 
 read and signed. In the morning we had a satisfactory 
 reading with our children. 
 
 Thanks he to our Heavenly Father, there was, I think, 
 throughout the day a great mixture of real solemnity with 
 true cheerfulness. It was certainly no common day. Through 
 'everything, order, quietness, and cheerfulness were remark- 
 ably maintained. After dinner I returned thanks for our 
 many blessings, and could, with a few present, feel how many 
 outward deliverances we had experienced ; that we had had 
 our heads kept above the waters, spiritually and temporally, 
 and were able to have such a day of rejoicing. Our dear 
 bride and bridegroom left us in the afternoon. The evening 
 was fine, and our lawn looked really beautiful, covered with 
 the large and interesting party. In the evening we assembled 
 together, and had a solemn religious time ; giving, I trust, 
 the praise that was due alone to Him, from whom all good 
 and blessings flow. 
 
 It was remarkable that, during this cheerful evening, one 
 of Elizabeth Fry's daughters alluded, in conversation with 
 her mother, to the prosperity that surrounded them, to which 
 Elizabeth Fry returned this striking reply; "but I have 
 remarked that when great outward prosperity is granted, it 
 is often permitted to precede great trials." There is an old 
 rhyme which says, 
 
 "When joy seemeth highest 
 Then sorrow is nighest!" 
 
 Surely this was verified, in the contrast between that day, 
 and the events which so shortly followed. 
 
 Pfashet, Eleventh Month, 4th. I have been favoured to 
 partake of very sweet feelings of peace, and refreshment of
 
 1828.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 411 
 
 soul, that which I am ready to believe, in the most un- 
 merited mercy, is something of the " Well of water springing 
 up unto eternal life." But I find outwardly, and about me, 
 there are storms ; not, at present, so much in my very own 
 borders, as close to them. 
 
 5th. The storm has now entered my own borders once 
 more we are brought into perplexity and trial but I have 
 this consolation, " He will regard the prayer of the destitute, 
 and not despise their prayer." To whom can I go in this 
 time of emergency, but to Him who hitherto has helped me, 
 and provided for me and mine in a marvellous manner made 
 darkness light before me, and crooked things straight ? Lord! 
 Thou who remainest to be the God of my life, above all 
 things, in this our sorrow and perplexity, cast us not out of 
 Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from us ; keep 
 us from evil and from the appearance of it, that through the 
 help of Thy Spirit our conduct may be kept upright, circum- 
 spect, and clean in Thy sight, and amongst men ! that, in all 
 things, at all times, and under all circumstances, we may 
 show forth Thy praise. Keep us in love and unity with those 
 with whom we have to act, even if they do contrary to our 
 wishes and judgment. But, oh, dearest Lord, if it be Thy 
 holy will, make a way of escape for us, from the calamity we 
 so much dread, and continue in Thy unmerited mercy to 
 provide for Thy unworthy servant, her family and all con- 
 cerned in this trial, that we may not want what is good and 
 needful for us, and that others may be kept from suffering 
 through us. If it be possible remove this bitter cup from 
 us ; yet, if it be Thy will that we drink it, enable us, through 
 the grace and spirit of Him who suffered for us, to drink it 
 without repining, yet trusting in Thy love, Thy mercy, and 
 Thy judgment. 
 
 It was not, at this time, the will of God to remove " the 
 bitter cup" from His servant, but rather to grant strength 
 and grace to drink of it, aa coming from Ilia holy hand.
 
 412 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1828. 
 
 The failure of one of the houses of business, in which her 
 husband was a partner, though not that which he personally 
 conducted, involved Elizabeth Fry and her family in a train 
 of sorrows and perplexities, which tinged the remaining 
 years of her life. Nature staggered beneath the blow but 
 the staff on which she leaned could not fail her, and she fell 
 not. 
 
 Eleventh Month, 25th. I have been brought at times, into 
 little short of anguish of spirit ; not I think so much for what 
 we must suffer ourselves, as for what others may suffer. 
 The whole thing appears fraught with distress. When I 
 look at this mysterious dispensation, permitted by Almighty 
 wisdom, I am ready to gay, How is it, Lord, Thou dealest 
 thus with Thy servant, who loves Thee, trusts in Thee, and 
 fears thy name? and then, I say this is my infirmity, 
 thus to query. Need I not chastisement ? Do I not deserve 
 it ? May it not be a mysterious dispensation of deep and 
 sore affliction, laid not only upon us, but upon others, to 
 draw us all more from the things of time, and to set us more 
 on the enduring riches of Eternity. I cannot reason upon 
 it, I must bow, and only bow, and say in my heart, which I 
 believe I do, " Not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Well, if it 
 be of the Lord, let Him do as seemeth Him good. Lord, let 
 Thy grace be found sufficient for us, in this most awful time ; 
 and grant that we faint not when Thou rebukest us ! 
 
 On the following First-day, the question was much de- 
 bated, as to whether she, and her family generally, should 
 attend their Meeting for worship, or not ; but she was firmly 
 decided that it was right to go, and of course she was accom- 
 panied by her husband and children. She took her usual 
 seat, bowed down and overwhelmed, with the bitter tears 
 rolling down her cheeks no common thing with her. 
 
 After a very solemn pause, she rose with these words, her 
 voice trembling with emotion ; " Though He slay me, yet
 
 1828.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 413 
 
 I trust in Him ;" and testified, in a few beautiful and 
 impressive sentences, that her faith and love were as strong 
 in the hour of adversity, as they had been in the time of 
 prosperity. Her friends were deeply instructed and affected, 
 marking, by their manner, and by their tears, their tender 
 sympathy and love. 
 
 To her only absent child she wrote, on the 27th of Elev- 
 enth Month 
 
 I do not like to pour out my sorrows too heavily upon thee, 
 nor do I like to keep thee in the dark, as to our real state. 
 This is, I consider, one of the deepest trials to which we are 
 liable ; its perplexities are so great and numerous, its morti- 
 fications and humiliations so abounding, and its sorrows so 
 deep. None can tell, but those who have passed through it, 
 the anguish of heart at times felt ; but thanks be to our God, 
 this extreme state of distress has not been very frequent, nor 
 its continuance very long. I frequently find my mind, in 
 degree, sheathed to the deep sorrows, and am enabled not 
 to look so much at them but there are also times, when 
 secondary things arise parting with servants, the poor 
 around us, schools and our dear Place. These things over- 
 whelm me ; indeed I think, naturally^ I have a very acute 
 sense of the sorrow. Then, the bright side of the picture 
 rises. I have found such help and strength in prayer to 
 God ; and highly mysterious as, in some points of view, this 
 dispensation may be, yet I think I have frequently, if not 
 generally, come to be able to say, " Not as I will, but as 
 Thou wilt," and to bow under it. All our children, and 
 children-in-law, my brothers and sisters, our many friends 
 and servants, have been a strong consolation to me ; and 
 above all, a little refreshment to my tribulated spirit has 
 been granted me at times, from what I trust are the well- 
 springs from on High.
 
 414 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1828. 
 
 To HER SISTER, BUXTON. 
 
 Plashet, Ttodfth Month, 2nd. 
 My dearest Hannah, 
 
 I have received your valuable and excellent letters ; and 
 the advice, as well as consolation in them, I trust will do us 
 all good. My desire is, that we may entirely, and altogether, 
 bow under our circumstances and the various pains attached 
 to them. I feel with thee, and have felt all along, that a 
 still greater pain and trial might, in many ways, have been 
 permitted us ; but one of its deepest stings is from the pecu- 
 liar and perplexing nature of it. It abounds with temptation, 
 
 as my dear friend, Mary S , so deeply felt under similar 
 
 circumstances ; but there is a power that can preserve amidst 
 them all, and in this power I trust. I see that I have many 
 blessings left, and do earnestly desire to estimate them as I 
 ought. Your very kind offer for Hannah, I do not at pre- 
 sent think it right to accept ; I think it better for her to 
 drink the cup with us for a time, but I may be glad, before 
 long, gratefully to accept it. I feel all your kindness, and 
 trust I shall never be a burden to any of you. I expect our 
 way will open we must commit it. in faith. 
 
 The tide of sympathy flowed in from all quarters. Many 
 letters conveying the expression of most deep and tender in- 
 terest in her afflictions, were now received by Elizabeth Fry, 
 nt only from near connections, intimate friends, and mem- 
 bers of her own religious community, but also from indi- 
 viduals of every class, whose hearts had been impressed by 
 her piety and benevolence from distinguished nobles and 
 senators, and from persons of the humblest walks of life. 
 
 Whilst this precious servant of God was thus passing 
 through the furnace of adversity, the Compiler of this volume 
 was privileged to belong to ,the Meeting (that of Gracechurch- 
 street) which, when her state of health permitted, Elizabeth 
 Fry constantly attended. The opportunities of public wor- 
 ship, as well as many of a more private character, at which
 
 1828.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 415 
 
 this afflicted handmaid of the Lord was united in worship 
 with her endeared friends, were often favoured with a so- 
 lemnity, of which, perhaps, no adequate idea could be con- 
 veyed in words ; and the offerings in prayer, as well as, at 
 seasons, of devout thanksgiving, which she was enabled* to 
 dedicate to her Almighty Sustainer, were accompanied by a 
 heavenly power and unction, that cannot, even now, be re- 
 membered without a reverent and affecting sense of that 
 mercy and Fatherly loving-kindness, which thus strengthened 
 her to glorify God in this furnace of adversity. The sweet- 
 ness of her disposition, and the remarkable wisdom with 
 which she was endowed, shone, in this time of trial, with 
 increased brightness. She had a quality, difficult to describe, 
 but marked to those who knew her well, the power of rapidly, 
 and by a process of thought that she could herself hardly 
 have explained, arriving at the truth, striking the balance, 
 and finding the just weight of a doubtful question ; no 
 natural gift could be more valuable than this, under such 
 circumstances. 
 
 Joseph and Elizabeth Fry resolved upon, at once, leaving 
 Plashet, and seeking a temporary home in Mildred's Court, 
 then the residence of their eldest son. One great mitigation 
 attended this calamity, that the mercantile business, formerly 
 their grandfather's, and conducted by their father, remained 
 to the young men of the family, who were enabled, by the 
 important assistance of their mother's brothers, to carry it 
 on, and, by this means, aided by their uncles, to re-establish 
 their parents in comparative comfort. With quitting Plashet 
 came much that was sad uprooting habits, long-formed 
 tastes and local associations, parting with servants, and leav- 
 ing many old pensioners and dependants. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry had, for many years, displayed singular 
 wisdom and economy in her household arrangements, as well 
 as in. her charities and benevolent objects, varying according 
 to the circumstances in which she had been placed. To "be 
 just before generous," was a maxim often expressed to those
 
 41G LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [182. 
 
 around her. On this occasion, these powers were called into 
 full action. 
 
 From some circumstances, connected with the impartial 
 exercise of the discipline amongst Friends, her husband and 
 children allowed their attachment to their own religious so- 
 ciety to become weakened. 
 
 As the winter advanced, her health greatly failed. Truly 
 the sorrows of her heart were enlarged. She exclaims in 
 her journal, (which was very irregularly kept,) that her 
 " soul was bowed down within her, and her eyes were red 
 with weeping." In addition to domestic trials, h6r tender 
 feelings were at times grievously and unnecessarily wounded, 
 and, from without, there was much of bitterness infused into 
 her daily cup, which can only be appreciated by those, who 
 have had to endure a similar calamity ; but the meekness 
 and resignation of her spirit are evident from her entries in 
 her journal. 
 
 Plashet, Twelfth Month, 16th. I have had some quiet 
 peaceful hours, but I continue in the low valley, and naturally 
 feel, too much, leaving this sweet home, but not being well 
 makes my spirits more weak than usuaL I desire not only 
 to be resigned, but cheerfully willing to give up whatever is 
 required of me, and, in all things, patiently to submit to the 
 will of God, and to estimate my many remaining blessings. 
 I am sorry to find how much I cleave to some earthly things 
 health, ease, places, possessions. Lord, Thou alone canst 
 enable me to estimate them justly, and to keep them in their 
 right places. In thine own way, dearest Lord, accomplish 
 Thine own work in me, to Thine own praise ! grant that, out 
 of weakness I may yet be made strong, and through Thy 
 power, wax valiant in fight ; and may I yet, if consistent 
 with Thy holy will, see the travail of my soul, and be satis- 
 fied, as it respects myself and my most tenderly beloved 
 family. Amen ! 
 
 Mildred's Court, First Month, 19th, 1829. My first jour- 
 nal in this year ! What an eventful one "ttas the last ! pros-
 
 1829.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 417 
 
 perity and adversity were peculiarly our portion. It has 
 been, in no common degree, a picture of life comprised in a 
 small compass. However, through all, in prosperity and in 
 adversity, however bright, or cloudy, my present position or 
 my prospects may be, my desire for myself, and all whom I 
 love is this, so strongly expressed by the Psalmist, " I will 
 hope continually, and will yet praise Thee more and more !" 
 So be it, saith my soul, and if it be the Lord's will, may light 
 rise in our present obscurity, and our darkness become as the 
 noonday, both as to temporal and spiritual prospects ! 
 
 The deep discouragement passed through by Elizabeth Fry 
 at this period, is evidenced by the following letter from her 
 kind and faithful friend, Wm. Wilberforce, to whom it would 
 appear, by the reply, that she had expressed some doubts of 
 the propriety of resuming her labours in the prisons. 
 
 " Highwood Hill, Middlesex, 30th January, 1829. 
 
 '< My dear Friend, 
 
 " Though my eyes are just now so indifferent that I must be 
 extremely sparing in the use of my pen, yet I cannot forbear or 
 delay assuring you, that I do not see how it is possible for any rea- 
 sonable being to doubt the propriety, (that is a very inadequate 
 way of speaking let me rather soy, absolute duty,) of your re- 
 newing your prison visitations. A gracious Providence has bles- 
 sed you with success in jpur endeavours to impress a set of miser- 
 ables, whose character and circumstances might almost have ex- 
 tinguished hope ; and you will return to them, if with diminished 
 pecuniary powers, yet we may trust, through the mercy and good- 
 ness of our Heavenly Father, with powers of a far higher order 
 unimpaired, and with the augmented respect and regard of every 
 sound judgment, not merely of every Christian mind, for having 
 borne with becoming dispositions, a far harder trial, (for such it is) 
 certainly than any stroke which proceeds immediately from tho 
 hand of God. May you continue, my dear madam, to be the hon- 
 oured instrument of great and rare benefits to almost the most pit- 
 iable of your fellow-creatures. 
 
 53
 
 418 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1829. 
 
 " Mrs. Wilberforce desires to join with me in saying, that wo 
 hope we shall again have the pleasure of seeing you, by and by, at 
 this place. Meanwhile, with every kind regard, and friendly re- 
 membrances to Mr. Fry, and your family circle, 
 
 " I remain, with cordial esteem and regard, 
 
 " My dear friend, very sincerely yours, 
 U W. WILBERFORCE." 
 
 Mildred's Court, Third Month. It appears late to begin 
 the journal of a year ; but the constant press of engage- 
 ments, and the numerous interruptions to which I am liable 
 in this place, prevent my having time for much writing. We 
 are remaining here with our son and daughter, and their 
 children, until there is some opening for having a settled 
 home. However, my desire is, that we may, in faith and in 
 humility, entirely bow. I have of late not visited the prisons, 
 and been much occupied at home ; but I trust that I may be 
 permitted to enter this interesting work again, clothed as 
 with fresh armour, both to defend me, and qualify me for 
 fresh service, that my hands may be taught to war, and my 
 fingers to fight ; and that if consistent with the will of my 
 God, I may, through the help of the Captain of my salva- 
 tion, yet do valiantly. 
 
 During that mournful winter in London, there were periods 
 of peculiar suffering and anxiety. Elizabeth Fry's own 
 health being so shaken by her severe mental distresses, as 
 nearly to confine her to her room, with a bad cough. Her 
 beloved son William was on the bed of sickness, from op- 
 pression of the brain, the result of an overstrained and ex- 
 hausted mind. Shortly afterwards, her daughter-in-law was, 
 in the same house, in an alarming state of illness, and a 
 friend who came to assist in nursing, was taken ill with the 
 measles. The measles in a grown-up family becomes a seri- 
 ous disease. They were driven from London in consequence, 
 though too late to escape infection, and took shelter in the 
 vacant house at Plashet, which, for many weeks, became a 
 scene of anxious nursing.
 
 1829.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 419 
 
 Thence they removed, early in the Sixth Month, to a small, 
 but commodious dwelling, in Upton Lane, immediately ad- 
 joining the Ham House grounds, the residence of her brother 
 Samuel Gurney. 
 
 Upton, 10th. We are now nearly settled in this, our new 
 abode ; and I may say, although the house and garden are 
 small, it is pleasant and convenient, and I am fully satisfied, 
 and I am thankful for such a home. I have, at times, been 
 favoured to feel great peace, and I may say joy, in the Lord, 
 a sort of seal to the important step taken ; though, at 
 others, the extreme disorder into which our things have been 
 brought by all these changes and the difficulty of making 
 new arrangements, has harassed and tried me. But I trust 
 it will please a kind Providence to bless my endeavour, to 
 have and to keep my house in order. Place is a matter of 
 small importance, if that peace, which the world cannot give, 
 be our portion, even at times, as a brook by the way, to the 
 refreshment of our weary and heavy laden souls. Although 
 a large garden is not now my allotment, I feel pleasure in 
 having even a small one ; and my acute relish for the beautiful 
 in nature and art, is, on a clear day, almost constantly grati- 
 fied by a delightful view of Greenwich Hospital and Park, 
 and other parts of Kent, the shipping on the river, as well 
 as the cattle feeding in the meadows. So that in small things 
 and great, spiritual and temporal, I have yet reason to raise 
 up my Ebenezer, and praise, bless, and magnify the name 
 of my Lord. 
 
 Sixt 'i Month, 23rd. I little expected to attend the Yearly 
 Meeting, having of late appeared to be so much taken out of 
 such things and such services, but, contrary to my expec- 
 tation, way opened for me to attend eveVy sitting, and to take 
 rather an active part in it, to my real consolation, refresh- 
 ment, and help. The unity of Friends was remarkable. I 
 certainly felt very low at its commencement. After having,
 
 420 LIFB OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1829. 
 
 for so many years, received dear friends at my house, and 
 that with such heartfelt pleasure, it tried, not to say puzzled 
 me, why such a change was permitted me. But I rest in the 
 weighty import of the words, " That which I do'thou knowest 
 not now, but thou shalt know hereafter."
 
 1829-1833. Summons to the death-bed of an aged friend Of a 
 youth Prepares her Text-book Anecdote Religious visit to Nor- 
 folk and Suffolk Meeting of the British Society Visit to Sussex and 
 Surrey Death of Robert Barclay Of a grandson and nephew 
 Death of her uncle Joseph Gurney Goes to his funeral at Norwich 
 Kent Quarterly Meeting Interview with the Duchess of Kent and 
 Princess Victoria Yearly Meeting Interview with Queen Ade- 
 laide Conyict ship Dagenham Public Meetings Journey to Isle 
 of Wight, Ac. Events "at Ilfracombe History of Samuel Mar- 
 shall Death-bed of a converted Jew Cholera Yearly Meeting 
 Meeting of the British Society Visit to Wales and Ireland Do- 
 mestic interests Sojourn in Jersey Visit to Guernsey, &c. Re- 
 turns home Illness of one daughter Letter to another. 
 
 As we proceed with the journal of Elizabeth Fry, we per- 
 ceive how deeply the sense of sorrow and of heavy trials was 
 impressed upon her heart. The following entry is calculated 
 to renew our tenderest sympathy. 
 
 Eighth Month, 29M, 1829. Our wedding-day ! twenty-nine 
 years since we married ! My texts for the morning are ap- 
 plicable : " Oar light affliction which is but for a moment, 
 worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of 
 glory." " We walk by faith, not by sight." As far as we 
 can judge from external appearances, mine has not been a 
 common life. He who seeth in secret, only knows the unut- 
 terable depths and sorrows I have had to pass through, as 
 well as, at other times, I may almost say, joys inexpressible 
 and full of glory. I have now had so many disappointments in 
 life, that my hopes, which have so long lived strong, that I 
 should see much brighter days in it, begin a little to subside, 
 
 (421)
 
 422 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PET [1829. 
 
 and my desire is, more entirely to look beyond the world, for 
 that which can alone fully satisfy me ; and not to have my 
 heart so much set upon the things of this life ; or even on 
 those persons nearest me ; but more set upon the life to come ; 
 and upon Him who is faithful, and will be all in all to His 
 dependent ones. At the same time I desire faithfully to 
 perform all my relative duties : and may my heart be kept 
 in tender love to all near to me. 
 
 Upton, Tenth Month, 21st: On First-day, we were rather 
 suddenly summoned to Plashet House, to attend Anna Golder 
 (aunt to my faithful Chrissy) who had charge of the house. 
 She was one of the lowly, retired, humble walkers before the 
 Lord ; she was suddenly taken very ill, and died in half-an- 
 hour after her niece got there. It was apparently a departure 
 without sting, to mind or body ; as far therefore, as it respected 
 her, all was peace. But to myself it was different. I arrived 
 there after dark, drove once more into the dear old place no 
 one to meet me but the poor man who lived in the house, no 
 dog to bark, nor any life nor sound, as used to be. Death 
 seemed over the placre, such was the silence until I found my- 
 self up stairs in the large, and once cheerful and full house ; 
 when I entered the bed-room, there lay the corpse. Cir- 
 cumstances combined to touch some very tender feelings, and 
 the inclination of my heart was, to bow down upon my knees 
 before the Lord ; thankful, surely, for the release of the 
 valued departed but deeply and affectingly impressed with 
 such a change ! that once lively, sweet, cheerful home, left 
 desolate the abode of death and two or three watchers. It 
 brought, as my visits to Plashet often have done, the hymn to 
 my mind, 
 
 " Lord, why is this ? I trembling cried ?" 
 
 Then, again I find I can do nothing, but bow, trust, and de- 
 pend upon that Power, that has, I believe, thus seen meet to 
 visit us in judgment, as well as in mercy !
 
 1829.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 428 
 
 31st Since I last wrote, I have been called to another 
 death-bed scene ; our^ld and valued Roman Catholic friends, 
 the Pitchfords, have lost their eldest son, a sweet, good boy. 
 I felt drawn in love, I trust I may say, Christian love., to be 
 much with them during their trial ; I felt it right to leave my 
 family, and spend First-day evening with them, when all 
 hope of the child's life was given up. I had not only to 
 sympathize with them in their deep sorrow, but to pour forth 
 my prayer on their behalf. The next day I was with the 
 poor child when he died, and was nearly the whole day de- 
 voted to them. We had a deeply interesting time after his 
 death my dear friends themselves, all their children, their 
 mother, sister, and old nurse. My mouth was remarkably 
 opened in prayer and praises, indeed, all day at their house 
 something of a holy influence appeared to be over us. A 
 fresh, living proof that what God had cleansed, we are not to 
 call, or to feel, common nor unclean. It surely matters not 
 by what name we call ourselves, or what outward means we 
 may think right to use, if our hearts are but influenced by 
 the love of Christ, and cleansed by his baptism, and strength- 
 ened by His spirit, to prove our faith by love and good 
 works. With ceremonies, or without ceremonies, if there be 
 but an establishment upon the Rock of Ages, all will be 
 well. Although I am of opinion, the more our religion is 
 pure, simple, and devoid of these outward forms, the better 
 and the safer for us ; at the same time, I do earnestly de- 
 sire a more full union amongst all Christians, less judging 
 one another, and a general acknowledgment, in heart, 
 judgment, and word, of the universality of the love of 
 God, in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 
 Amidst Elizabeth Fry's numerous avocations, she found 
 time to select a passage of Scripture for everyday in the year. 
 She endeavoured to combine in it, that, which is " profitable 
 for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in 
 righteousness ;" and, in a little preface, she urged the import-
 
 424 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1830. 
 
 ance of so seeking to appropriate the truths contained in 
 it, with a heart uplifted, that the blessed Spirit might apply 
 the word ; and concludes, u The rapid and ceaseless passing 
 away of the days and weeks, as well as the months of the 
 year, as numbered at the head of each day's text, it is hoped 
 may prove a memento of the speed with which time is hasten- 
 ing on, and remind the reader of the importance of passing it 
 as a preparation for eternity, in the service of God and for the 
 benefit of mankind." As soon as her little work was finished 
 and printed, she began its distribution ; many thousands of 
 copies did she give away, being amply supplied, from the 
 stores of affluence, with the right means of dispersing them. 
 Great numbers were otherwise circulated. Where have not 
 these little text-books penetrated, from the monarch's gilded 
 hall to the felon's dungeon ? 
 
 Many instances of their usefulness came to light. The 
 following narrative will interest the reader : 
 
 "Two or three years after their publication, a text-book, bound 
 in red leather, which she had given to a little grandson, fell out of 
 his pocket at the Lynn Mart, where he had gone to visit the lions. 
 He was a very little boy, and much disconcerted at the loss of his 
 book, for his name was in it, and that it was ' the gift of his grand- 
 mother/ written by herself. The transaction was almost forgotten, 
 when nearly a year afterwards, Richardson Coxe, the clergyman 
 of Watlington, a parish about eight miles from Lynn, gave the 
 following history of the lost book. He had been sent for to the 
 wife of a man living on a wild common on the outskirts of his 
 parish, a notorious character, between poacher and rat-catcher. 
 The message was brought to the clergyman, by the medical man 
 who attended her, and who after describing her as being most 
 strangely altered, added, 'you will find the lion become a lamb,' 
 and so it proved; she, who had been wild and rough, whose lan- 
 guage had been violent, and her conduct untamed, lay on a bed 
 of exceeding suffering, humble, patient, and resigned. 
 
 " Her child had picked up the text-book, and carried it home 
 as lawful spoil. Curiosity, or some feeling put into her heart by
 
 1830.] LIFB OP ELIZABETH PRY, 425 
 
 Him without whom a sparrow falleth not to the ground had induced 
 her to read it ; the word had been blessed to her, and her under- 
 standing opened to receive the gospel of truth. She could not 
 describe the process, but the results were there. Sin had, in her 
 sight, become hateful; blasphemy was no longer heard^from her 
 lipa. She drew from under her pillow, her * precious book,' her 
 ' dear little book/ which had been the means of leading her soul 
 to Him, who * taketh away sin.' She soon afterwards died in 
 pe'ace and in joyful hope." 
 
 Elizabeth Fry believed it to be her religious duty to lay 
 before her Monthly Meeting, a concern, which had for some 
 time rested" upon her mind, to pay a religious visit to parts 
 of Suffolk and Norfolk, and attend the Quarterly Meeting 
 at Ipswich. Doing this, involved many pains and much 
 effort. It was with fear and trembling, that she set forth on 
 this errand of Christian love. She was accompanied by her 
 sister-in-law, Elizabeth Fry, and their valued friend Joseph 
 Foster. 
 
 She wrote while on this little journey, to her children at 
 home, upon their being invited to attend, what is called, the 
 " consecration of a Church," and to be present at a party 
 afterwards. 
 
 Earlham, Third Month, 23rd, 1830. 
 My most beloved Children, 
 
 The information received to-day, that you should, any of 
 you, have admitted a serious thought of attending our kind 
 friend's party on the 31st, surprises and pains me ; not but 
 that I am also fully sensible of your willingness fully to be 
 guided by my judgment in it. With respect to those over 
 whom I have authority, I feel it impossible to leave them, in 
 any degree, at liberty about it it is a tiling that must not be. 
 I look upon it, not only as perfectly inconsistent with our 
 views as Friends, but perfectly so for nil religious professors ; 
 because, if I did approve of consecrating a church for the 
 f>4
 
 426 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRT. [1830 
 
 worship of the Almighty, I could not possibly conceive it an 
 occasion for amusement or gaiety, but one of real seriousness. 
 I see the thing to be altogether inconsistent with religious 
 truth, both as to the thing itself, and this commemoration of 
 it, and I trust that none of you will be present. I am sure 
 it was, in the first instance, your own view of the case, there- 
 fore do not, my dearest children, be shaken in your judg- 
 ments about it ; I believe it will be a cross that you will 
 never repent taking up, but on the contrary, be glad that 
 you have done so ; for sacrifices must be made to duty. 
 
 Upton, Fourth Month, 26th. My arrival at home was 
 clouded by a party, to which my children were invited, and 
 rather wished to go. We had some pains about it niy path 
 is a very peculiar one ; and, as to bringing my family up 
 consistent Friends, a most difficult one. My husband not 
 going hand in hand with me, in some of these things, and my 
 children, in no common degree, disliking the cross of the 
 minor testimonies of Friends, and, from deeply sorrowful 
 circumstances, often having had their faith in them tried, 
 also their being exposed unavoidably, to much association 
 with those, who do not see these things needful. My desire 
 is, only to do what is for the real good of my children, and 
 for the good of the cause which I love, and leave myself alto- 
 gether out of the question, whether it bring me into evil 
 report, or good report. I have often been brought by these 
 things, especially of late, into deep conflict of spirit, and out 
 of the very depths can only cry, Lord, help and guide me ! 
 and give us not over to the will of our spiritual enemies. 
 
 Sixth Month, 1th. I had a difficult path to tread during 
 the Yearly Meeting. I did not, of course, receive Friends, 
 but went as I was kindly asked, to various houses. I could 
 not but, at times, naturally feel it, after having, for so many 
 years, delighted to entertain my friends, and those whom I 
 believe to be disciples of Christ, and now, in considerable 
 degree, to be deprived of it. But, after relating my sorrows,
 
 1830.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 427 
 
 I must say, that through the tender mercy of my God, I have 
 many blessings, and what is more, at times, such a sweet 
 feeling of peace, that I am enabled to hope and trust, that, 
 through the unbounded and unmerited mercy of God in 
 Christ Jesus, my husband, my children, and myself, will 
 eventually be made partakers of that salvation, that comes 
 by Christ. The state of our Society, as it appeared in the 
 Yearly Meeting, was satisfactory, and really very comforting 
 to me ; so much less stress laid upon little things, more upon 
 matters of greater importance, so much unity, good-will, and 
 what I felt, Christian liberty amongst us love appeared 
 truly to abound, to my real refreshment. I am certainly a 
 thorough Friend, and have inexpressible unity with the prin- 
 ciple, but I also see room for real improvement amongst us ; 
 may it take place : I want less love of money, less judging 
 others, less tattling, less dependence upon external appear- 
 ance. I want to see more fruit of the Spirit in all things, 
 more devotion of heart, more spirit of prayer, more real cul- 
 tivation of mind, more enlargement of heart towards all; 
 more tenderness towards delinquents, and above all, more of 
 the rest, peace, and liberty of the children of God ! 
 
 I lately paid an interesting visit to the Duchess of Glou- 
 cester. Our British Society Meeting has been well got 
 through. There is much yet doing in this cause. Oh ! for 
 a right, and diligent, and persevering spirit in it, and may 
 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all those who are 
 engaged in it. 
 
 The accounts received at this Meeting from various Com 
 mittees for visiting female prisoners in Great Britain, were 
 very encouraging. The following letter was at this time 
 addressed to Elizabeth Fry : 
 
 " Liverpool, Sicih Month, 23rrf, 1830. 
 
 *' The Ladies' Committee who visit the House of Correction at 
 Kirkdalc, near Liverpool, beg Elizabeth Fry's acceptance of a
 
 428 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1830. 
 
 counterpane worked by the female prisoners, and trimmed witb a 
 fringe of their making. This memorial of a class of her unhappy 
 fellow-creatures, so eminently benefited, and tenderly felt for by 
 Elizabeth Fry, will, the Committee believe, be peculiarly grateful 
 to her, as well as being a proof of their own affectionate regard. 
 " Signed, on behalf of the Committee, by 
 
 " REBECCA CHORLEY, Secretary. 1 ' 
 
 A counterpane, elaborately embroidered, accompanied 
 this letter. 
 
 From Hamburgh, Elizabeth Fry received an application 
 that a copy of her likeness might be engraved for an Alma- 
 nack published by Beyerink, entitled, " For that which is 
 Beautiful and Good." 
 
 With this was sent to her the following translation of 
 some lines, inserted in the "Almanac for. the Beautiful and 
 Good." 
 
 " 1830. Though faithful to her duty, as a wife and mother, 
 into the night of the prison Elizabeth Fry brings the radiance of 
 love brings comfort to the sufferer, dries the tear of repentance, 
 and causes a ray of hope to descend into the heart of the sinner. 
 She teaches her that has strayed,, again to find the path of virtue, 
 comes as an angel of God into the abode of crime, and preserves 
 for Jesus's kingdom that which appeared to be lost. Is not this, 
 indeed, what may be called, loving our neighbour more than one's 
 self? 
 
 " Leeuwaarden, September, 1829." 
 
 From Berlin, Elizabeth Fry had received letters from 
 the Countess Von der Grosben, giving encouraging details 
 of the results of Ladies visiting Prisons ; and there, and 
 at Potsdam also, of the establishment of places of refuge 
 for such liberated prisoners, as seemed anxious for amend- 
 ment. 
 
 The effect of kindness, and patient instruction, even on 
 the most abandoned creatures, was beautifully described in 
 a letter from "Madame Potemkin nee Galitzin," addressed 
 to Elizabeth Fry, from Petersburg.
 
 1830.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 429 
 
 Upton, Ninth Month, llth. I felt it right, yesterday, to 
 lay before the Monthly Meeting, a view that I have had of 
 attending the Quarterly Meeting of Sussex, and some of its 
 particular Meetings. My sister Elizabeth Fry felt disposed 
 to join me. It appeared to meet with rather unusual unity, 
 therefore we are likely to go forward in it. 
 
 Tenth Month, 12th. We, (my sister E. F., my brotner 
 Samuel Gurney, and myself,) returned home from our jour- 
 ney on Seventh-day evening, after being out a week and two 
 days. We were, in the first place, outwardly cared for by 
 our dear friend Joseph Foster, who is truly a helper, spiritu- 
 ally as well as naturally ; he accompanied us to Horsham, 
 where, as usual under such circumstances, I felt ready to 
 query, why I was there, and fears got hold of me. Friends 
 received us with much kindness and apparent openness. 
 
 At Brighton, Elizabeth Fry attended the Meeting for 
 Friends on the First-day morning, and in the evening held 
 a large Meeting with persons of different persuasions. She 
 had, at the Pavilion, an interview with the Countess Brown- 
 low, and through her, communicated a message of serious 
 import to Queen Adelaide; the substance of which is recorded 
 in her journal as follows : 
 
 My prayer for the King and Queen was, that a blessing 
 might rest upon them ; that they might be strengthened by 
 the spirit of God, to do llis will, and live to His glory, (or 
 to that purpose); then, for the Queen, I felt the great im- 
 portance of her situation, that she was indeed like a city set 
 upon a hill, amongst women ; and my desire for her was, that 
 her light might so shine before men, that they, seeing her 
 good works might glorify our Father who is in Heaven. I 
 expressed my desire that, for the good of the community, sho 
 might promote the education of the poor, tho general distri- 
 bution of the Scriptures, and the keeping the Sabbath seri- 
 riously, by discouraging parties, &c., &c., on that day amongst
 
 430 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1830. 
 
 the higher ranks, as I was sure the tendency of them was 
 very injurious to the lower classes, and to the community at 
 large. Then I touched on the anti-slavery subject, and the 
 abolition of capital punishment ; and presented to the Queen, 
 my brother Joseph's Essays, also his Peculiarities of Friends, 
 and my little book on visiting Prisons. 
 
 On Fourth-day morning, after several calls, and attending 
 a Bible Meeting, we dined with some Friends very agreeably, 
 and, in the evening, met about seventy persons on account of 
 the District Society. It was truly encouraging to me, to 
 hear what wonders it had done for that place. We had a de- 
 lightful Meeting, a great variety of Christians present, and 
 so much good- will and unity felt, that it comforted my heart. 
 At its close, our dear and valued friends Charles Simeon and 
 Joseph Hughes gave us some sweet religious counsel ; I felt 
 the power such, that I could not help following them, and 
 found that " out of the fulness of the heart the mouth 
 speaketh" giving glory to the Lord. 
 
 On fifth-day, several of the higher classes were invited to 
 Meeting, and to my own feelings, a remarkable time we surely 
 had ; it appeared as if we were over-shadowed by the love 
 and mercy of God our Saviour. The ministry flowed in beau- 
 tiful harmony, I deeply felt the want of vocal prayer being 
 offered, but I did not see it my place upon our Meeting as- 
 sembling together, when, to my inexpressible relief, a friend 
 powerfully and beautifully offered up thanksgiving and 
 prayer, which appeared to rise as incense, and as an accept- 
 able sacrifice. After a time of silence, I rose with this text : 
 "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; differences 
 of administration, but the same Lord ; diversities of opera- 
 tions, but it is the same God who worketh all in all." In a 
 way that it never did before, the subject opened to my view, 
 whilst speaking ; how did I see, and endeavour to express, 
 the lively bond of union existing in the Christian Church, 
 and that the humbling, tendering influence of the love and 
 power of Christ, must lead us not to condemn our neighbours,
 
 1830.J LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 431 
 
 but to love all. I had to end the Meeting by praying for the 
 King, Queen, and all their subjects every where ; for the ad- 
 vancement of that day, when the knowledge of God and His 
 glory would cover the earth as the waters cover the sea ; for 
 those countries in Europe that are in a disturbed state, and 
 that these shakings might eventually be- for good. After a 
 most solemn feeling of union, the Meeting broke up. 
 
 I have been thus full in the account of this journey, because 
 it is, I think, well, in this way, to leave some memorial of 
 the tender dealings of my gracious Lord and Master with me, 
 when engaged in His service. 
 
 Upton, Eleventh Month, 3rd. We returned home yester- 
 day from Bury Hill, where my brother Samuel and myself 
 went on Seventh-day, in consequence of the death of my dear 
 uncle Barclay, whose funeral we attended the preceding 
 Sixth-day, when thirteen of his children and children-in-law 
 attended. It was to me very affecting, following the remains 
 of this dear uncle to the.grave, who was such a kind, generous 
 friend, and helper to me. It is very striking to see one gene- 
 ration so nearly gone ; so many of us, now entering the 
 evening of our day, and our children and children's children 
 coming up after us. Life thus passing away, " as a tale that 
 is told." 
 
 Twelfth Month, 1th. May I be enabled so to give an ac- 
 count of the various dealings of the Almighty with me and 
 mine, that it may be useful to some, at least to my most beloved 
 children and children's children. I have to begin with rather 
 a melancholy tale : My beloved children, Foster and Ri- 
 chenda Reynolds, lost their sweet baby upon the 4th of last 
 month, after a few days' severe illness. Death is awful and 
 affecting, come as it may ! and this I truly felt, when seeing 
 the sweet babe in its coffin, still retaining its beautiful colour. 
 I could not but feel the uncertainty of all our possessions, 
 yet the comfort, that death had only entered our family and 
 taken one for whom we could feel no fear for the future. At 
 her grave, the desire was very strong within me, that wo
 
 482 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1830. 
 
 might all become like little children, fit to enter the kingdom 
 of God, being washed and made white in the blood of the 
 Lamb. Since then, my dear nephew Harry Buxton has been 
 called hence. His end appeared, in no common degree, 
 peace, if not joy, in the Lord. He was about seventeen 
 years of age a remarkable instance of the care and religious 
 instruction of parents being blessed ; he was greatly protected 
 through life, from any evil influences, and carefully and dili- 
 gently instructed by his dear mother, particularly in all reli- 
 gious truth. He was a child, who in no common degree, 
 appeared to be kept from evil, and to live in the fear and 
 love of the Lord ; he was cheerful, industrious, clever, very 
 agreeable, and of a sweet person a very deep trial it is to 
 his dear parents to lose him. Still I feel, as if I could give 
 up all my sons to be in such a state ; but I may be mistaken 
 in this, and perhaps my Lord may yet be pleased, to raise 
 them up to His service here below, which would be a greater 
 blessing, than having them taken in the morning of the day. 
 First Month, llth, 1831. When dressing, last First-day 
 
 fortnight, A came in to tell me, that my dear and valued 
 
 uncle Joseph Gurney had suddenly dropped down dead, at 
 his house at the Grove, near Norwich, my aunt only with 
 him at the time. It exceedingly affected me, for he was 
 very dear to me, and more like a father than any one living ; 
 he was one in whom the religious life was beautifully mani- 
 fested, more particularly in his humility, in his cheerfulness, 
 and in his obedience. He was a lively minister of the gospel, 
 a valuable and a delightful man, and his loss is indeed very 
 great to those nearest to him, as well as to many others. I 
 had a painful struggle, to know whether I ought to go to his 
 funeral, or not. However, I decided to go, in which I felt 
 peace, and then eould leave it all comfortably. I have 
 seldom, of late, felt more discouraged from a deep sense of 
 the evil of my own heart, than when I first arrived at Earl- 
 ham. There are times, when with my brothers and sisters 
 particularly, the contrast of my circumstances with their' s
 
 1831.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. 433 
 
 pains me ; the mode of my feeling these things oppressed me. 
 I walked alone through some beautiful parts of Earlham, and 
 how did it remind me of days that are past ! The sun shone 
 brightly, and hardly a tree, a walk, or a view, but brought 
 interesting remembrances before me ; how many gone ! how 
 many changes ! and then how far was I ready for my great 
 change ? It was New Year's Day ; little did I expect to 
 keep it there. I returned to the house, wrote to my husband 
 and children, and poured out a little of my heart to them. 
 I went to the Grove felt my much loved uncle really gone 
 all changed there. I went to Norwich to call on a few 
 sick, &c. ; the place the same, but again how changed to me ! 
 However as my dearest family assembled, I became more 
 comfortable. 
 
 Upton, Third Month, 19f/t. I went on Second-day to at- 
 tend the Kent Quarterly Meeting, accompanied by my dear 
 Bister Elizabeth Fry, and by Joseph Foster. I was much 
 engaged from Meeting to Meeting, laboured to encourage 
 the low, the poor, and the sorrowful ; to lead to practical 
 religion, and to shake from all outward dependencies, and to 
 show that our principles and testimonies of a peculiar nature, 
 should not be maintained simply as a regulation amongst us, 
 but unto the Lord, and in deep humility, in the true Christian 
 spirit, particularly as to tithes, war, &c. I felt much peace 
 afterwards, and in going from house to house, breaking, I 
 trust, a little bread spiritually, and giving thanks. It ap- 
 peared very seasonable, though long delayed, as I have had 
 it on my mind many months, but hitherto have been pre- 
 vented by various things ; yet this appeared to bo the right 
 time ; and I take the lesson home, quietly to wait for the 
 openings of Providence, particularly in all religious services, 
 and not to attempt to plan them too much myself. 
 
 The kindness of Friends was great, and I received much 
 real encouragement from them ; some from the humble ones, 
 that did my heart good. Indeed I cannot but acknowledge, 
 in humiliation of spirit, however any may reason on these
 
 434 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1831 
 
 things, and however strange that women should be sent out 
 to preach the gospel, yet I have, in these services, partaken 
 of joy and peace, that I think I have never felt, in the same 
 degree, in any other. 
 
 Fifth Mouthy 14<A. About three weeks ago, I paid a very 
 satisfactory visit to the Duchess of Kent, and her very pleas- 
 ing daughter, the Princess Victoria. William Allen went 
 with me. We took some books on the subject of slavery, 
 with the hope of influencing the young princess in that im- 
 portant cause. We were received with much kindness and 
 cordiality, and I felt my way open to express not only my 
 desire that the best blessing might rest upon them, but that 
 the young princess might follow the example of our blessed 
 Lord, that as she " grew in stature, she might grow in favour 
 with God and man." I also ventured to remind her of King 
 Josiah, who began to reign at eight years old, and did that 
 which was right in the sight of the Lord, turning neither to 
 the right hand nor to the left, which seemed to be well re- 
 ceived. Since that, I thought it right to send the Duke of 
 Gloucester my brother Joseph's work on the Sabbath, and 
 rather a serious letter, and had a very valuable answer from 
 him, full of feeling. I have an invitation to visit the Duchess 
 of Gloucester next Fourth-day ; may good result to them, 
 and no harm to myself, but I feel these openings rather a 
 weighty responsibility, and desire to be faithful, not forward. 
 I had long felt an inclination to see the young princess, and 
 to endeavour to throw, a little weight in the right scale, 
 seeing the very important place that she is likely to fill. I 
 was much pleased with her, and think her a sweet, lovely, 
 and hopeful child. 
 
 The Yearly Meeting begins next week ; I am rather low 
 in the prospect, having no house to receive my dear friends 
 in London continues to be a pain to me. I desire to attend it 
 in all humility, looking to my Lord, and not unto man ; I 
 desire to be kept in the unity of those with whom I am in
 
 1831.J LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 435 
 
 religious communion, for I am one with them in principle ; 
 but we must forbear with each other in love, and endeavour, 
 through every trial of it, " to keep the unity of the Spirit 
 in the bond of peace." Be pleased, oh Lord ! to be near 
 to Thy most unworthy servant, defend her with Thy own 
 armour from the various shafts of the adversary, keep her 
 safely in Thy " pavilion from the strife of tongues." If Thou 
 see meet to call her into Thy service, be a light unto her feet, 
 and a lamp unto her path. 
 
 Sixth Month, 3rrf. The Yearly Meeting has concluded 
 this week. I was highly comforted by the good spirit mani- 
 fested in it by numbers. I think I never was so much 
 satisfied with the ground taken by Friends, leading us to 
 maintain, what we consider our testimonies, upon a scriptural 
 and Christian ground, rather than because our forefathers 
 maintained them. My opinion is, that nothing is so likely 
 to cause our Society to remain a living and spiritual body, as 
 its being willing to stand open to improvement ; because, it 
 is to be supposed that as the Church generally emerges out 
 of the dark state it was brought into, its light will shine 
 brighter and brighter, and we, as a part of it, shall partake 
 of this dispensation. My belief is, that neither individuals, 
 nor collective bodies, should stand still in grace, but their 
 light should shine brighter and brighter unto perfect day. 
 My dearest brother Joseph had a valuable Meeting for the 
 youth, further to instruct them in Friends' principles, which 
 delighted me ; he was so clear, so sound, so perfectly scrip- 
 tural and Christian, and so truly in the spirit of charity and 
 sound liberality, not laxity. 
 
 25</j, 1 must give an account of the British Society Meet- 
 ing. It was, I trust, well got through, and I feel the way in 
 which its objects prosper, cause for humble thankfulness. 
 Surely, the result of our labour has hitherto been beyond my 
 most sanguine expectation, as to the improycd state of our 
 prisons, female convict ships, and the convicts of New South 
 Wales. I desire to feel this blessing and unmerited mercy
 
 436 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1831. 
 
 towards us, and those poor creatures, as I ought, in humility, 
 and true thankfulness of heart. 
 
 There vras, at this time, a bazaar, or sale, to replenish the 
 funds of the hospital ship in the river Thames, so often 
 greatly needed to assist mariners, &c., disabled by accident or 
 disease. Elizabeth Fry was interested in its success, and 
 was inclined to go. She was the more induced to do so, 
 from finding that Queen Adelaide and several others of the 
 reigning .family were likely to be present. She had, for a 
 considerable time, been desiring to obtain introduction to 
 the Queen, because until this was accomplished, the etiquette 
 of the court forbade Elizabeth Fry's bringing before her any 
 of those important subjects on which, in her exalted and 
 responsible station, she might, if her feelings could be inter- 
 ested in them, become a powerfully efficient helper, and thus 
 be rendered a special blessing to the community over which, 
 in the ordering of Providence, she was so conspicuously 
 placed. Elizabeth Fry, after having, as she says, " seriously 
 weighed it by night and by day believed it right to go." 
 She was accompanied by her sister Catherine Gurney. On 
 arriving, she was " discouraged at the gaiety of the scene, 
 and was disposed to retreat" her sister, however, believed 
 it best to proceed, and they were quickly recognized by Cap- 
 tain Young, who led them to a private apartment, to which 
 the Queen and her party soon afterwards repaired. Somo 
 of them respectfully noticed Elizabeth Fry, the Duke of Sus- 
 sex met her with much kindness, and introduced her to the 
 Queen, who was evidently gratified by the interview. This 
 opened the way for subsequent communications, from which 
 good resulted in various directions ; and it became strikingly 
 manifest that there was, in the heart of this estimable Queen, 
 a sentiment that responded to the suggestions of benevolence. 
 Her charities were diffusive, and her pious devotion and love 
 to her Redeemer instructive and consoling ; the termination 
 of her earthly course being marked by the resignation, and 
 true peace, of the humble believer in Christ.
 
 1831.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 437 
 
 Elizabeth Fry speaks of this interview as a remarkable 
 opening ; and adds, " my desire is, that it may please the 
 Most High to bless it, that good may result from it." 
 
 I lately have had a deeply interesting visit to a female 
 convict ship ; surrounded as I am, at such times, by poor 
 sailors and convicts, it is impossible not to feel the contrast 
 of the circumstances in which I am placed. The last time I 
 was in the ship Mary, there was such a scene around me 
 parting from them, probably for ever. So many tears were 
 shed, so much feeling displayed and almost all present of 
 the low and the poor. Then, within a few days, to" be in 
 such a scene of gaiety ; though the object in view was good, 
 surrounded by royalty and the great of this earth. The con- 
 trast was striking and instructive. I ought surely to profit 
 from the uncommon variety that I see, and the wonderful 
 changes that I have experienced in being raised up, and cast 
 down. Oh ! may it not prove in vain for myself and others. 
 
 Dagenham, Seventh Month, Qtk. I have now before me, 
 some deeply weighty family matters respecting my children. 
 May the Lord in His tender mercy, be pleased to direct me 
 in my conduct towards them. May I be enabled truly, faith- 
 fully, and humbly to do my duty towards them. Oh Lord ! 
 be Thou my helper and their helper, my guide and their 
 guide, my defence and their defence, and whatsoever is right 
 for them bring to pass ; whatsoever wrong, prevent by Thy 
 power and Thy providence. Amen ! 
 
 At our last Monthly Meeting, I proposed to Friends to 
 hold a Public Meeting at Maldon in Essex ; and some Meet- 
 ings among the lower classes around Barking and Dagenham. 
 This is a weighty service ; may the Lord be with me in it, to 
 my own help, and the comfort and real edification of those I 
 am thrown with ; and may my beloved family ]>art;ike of it. 
 
 Eighth Mouthy 1st. Last evening we finished our Public 
 Meetings in barns. I passed a humbling night even in our 
 ;icts of obedience und devotion, how evident is the mixture
 
 438 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1881 
 
 of infirmity, (at least so it appears to me,) and we need to 
 look to the great offering for sin and for iniquity, to bear 
 even these transactions for us. I apprehend, that all would 
 not understand me, but many, who are much engaged in 
 what we call works of righteousness, will understand the 
 reason, that in the Jewish dispensation there was an offering 
 made "for the iniquity of their Holy Things" Humiliation 
 is my portion, though I may also say peace, in thus having 
 given up to a service much against my inclination, and I 
 hope, thankfulness for the measure of power at times granted 
 in them. 
 
 Notwithstanding many family cares, and the weighty objects 
 in which Elizabeth Fry was engaged, the summer of this 
 year, which was passed at Dagenham, proved a peaceful 
 one. 
 
 But in this quiet retreat (as in more public and busy 
 scenes) some striking events chequered her course ; but her 
 lamp was so continually kept burning, that, in every exigency, 
 a light shone upon her path, and afforded the guidance need- 
 ful to direct her in the right performance of duty, and to 
 convert each passing circumstance to a purpose of usefulness. 
 No portion of human society was so elevated in worldly 
 rank, or so much sunk in poverty and wretchedness, as not 
 to raise in her heart emotions of deep Christian solicitude, or 
 to induce her to follow the impulse of heavenly love, which 
 led her to invite all to the one fold of eternal rest and peace. 
 
 Dagenham, Eighth Month, 24th. Upon my return home 
 to Dagenham this day week, in the pony chair, with little 
 Edmund Gurney, there was a severe thunder-storm the 
 greater part of the way, but I felt quite easy to persevere 
 through it. But when I arrived at the Chequers Inn, I 
 thought another storm was coming, and went in. We had 
 been there but a few minutes, when we saw a bright flash of 
 lightning, followed instantaneously by a tremendous clap of
 
 1831.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 439 
 
 thunder. Upon being asked -whether I was alarmed, I said 
 that I certainly was, and did not doubt that an accident had 
 happened near to us. My dear husband who was out in the 
 tempest, arrived safely, but in a few minutes, a young man 
 was carried in dead, struck with the lightning in a field close 
 by. I felt our escape yet still more the awful situation of 
 the young man, who was a sad character ; he had been at our 
 Meeting at Beacontree Heath. This awful event produced 
 a very serious effect in the neighbourhood ; so much so, that 
 we believed it right to invite all the relations of the young 
 man, (a bad set,) and the other young men of the neighbour- 
 hood, to meet us in the little Methodist Meeting House, 
 which ended in one more rather large Public Meeting. The 
 event and circumstances altogether, made it very solemn, it 
 appeared to set a seal to what had passed before in our other 
 Meetings. My belief is, they have had a stirring effect in 
 this neighbourhood, but they have been very humbling to 
 me ; the whole event, of this young man's awful death, has 
 much confirmed me in the belief, that our concern was a right 
 one, and tended to prepare the minds of the people to profit 
 by such a lesson. My dear brother and sister Buxton, and 
 their Priscilla, were with us at many of our Meetings. 
 
 27th. We are just about leaving this place. I have en- 
 deavoured to promote the moral and religious good of the 
 people since the Meetings, by establishing libraries of tracts 
 and books at different places, and my belief is, that my hum- 
 ble labours have not been in vain, nor I trust will they be. 
 I have felt so strikingly the manner in which the kindness 
 and love of the neighbourhood has been shown to me, after 
 thus publicly preaching amongst them ; and as a poor, frail 
 woman, advocating boldly the cause of Christ, I expected 
 rather to be despised ; whereas, it is apparently just the re- 
 verse. The clergyman and his wife almost loading us with 
 kindness, the fanners and their wives very kind and attentive, 
 the poor the same ; I felt how sweet it is to be on good 
 terms with all one day drinking tea at the parsonage,
 
 440 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1831 
 
 abounding with plate, elegancies, and luxuries, the next day 
 at the humble Methodist shoemaker's, they having procured 
 a little fresh butter, that I might take tea under their roof ; 
 the contrast was great, but I can indeed see the same kind 
 Lord over all, rich to all, and filling the hearts of His servants 
 of very different descriptions with love to each other. 
 
 In the autumn, Elizabeth Fry accompanied her husband 
 into some of the South-Western Counties. She writes from 
 
 Sand Rock Hotel, Tenth Month, Qlh. This is the place in 
 the Isle of Wight, where my most beloved sisters Rachel and 
 Priscilla spent a winter. I may truly say, since coming to 
 this beautiful and interesting spot, my heart has been much 
 tendered, in remembering those so inexpressibly dear, feel- 
 ing deeply, that their places here know them no more ; it 
 has revived a very strong feeling respecting the past. Their 
 course finished, mine not yet fully run ; and as I am deeply 
 sensible that I cannot keep alive my own soul, oh may He, 
 who remains to be our light and our life, keep me alive unto 
 Himself, until He may fit me, by His own Almighty power 
 and unmerited mercy, to enter a new life with all His saints 
 in glory. 
 
 Barnstaple, 23rd. First-day morning. My distress is 
 great this morning, owing to the steam-packet, with our dear 
 son Gurney, not arriving as we expected, last evening. I 
 have passed a conflicting night ; my husband is gone to 
 Ilfracombe, in hope of hearing something of the packet, ami 
 seeing after our dear boy, if he arrives ; I stayed, because I 
 thought that duty pointed out attending the little Meeting 
 here, but I feel nervous, afflicted, and desolate. I believe it 
 well, to be, now and then, brought to these trials of faith and 
 of patience may I not say, like the disciples formerly, 
 " help Lord, or I perish !" may my experience be this day, 
 that I cried unto the Lord in my trouble, and He delivered 
 me out of my distresses. Oh, gracious Lord! quiet my
 
 1831.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 441 
 
 troubled mind, increase my hope, trust, and full reliance 
 upon Thee, upon Thy wisdom, Thy love, and Thy mercy, 
 both as it respects myself, and my most dear children, par- 
 ticularly this beloved boy give me faith to do Thy will 
 this day, and even to prove a helper to those amongst whom 
 my lot may be cast, and, if Thou seest meet, give me help 
 from trouble, for vain is the help of man, in these extremi- 
 ties. 
 
 Linton, 27th. I heard before I went to Meeting, (at 
 Barnstaple,) that the people of Ilfracombe were not much 
 alarmed for the packet. How far my mind was influenced 
 by this, I cannot say, but I was favoured with a sweet calm in 
 Meeting, and was enabled, I trust faithfully, to attend to the 
 openings of duty there, to my own relief and peace, and I 
 hope to the comfort and edification of those present. I had 
 hardly entered the Friend's house afterwards, when the glad 
 tidings came of my dearest Gurney's safe arrival. I have 
 not, for some time, felt so much joy, I miglit almost say, that 
 my heart rejoiced and leaped for joy ; and I was enabled not 
 only in heart, but on sitting down to dinner with my friends, 
 to return thanks to Him, who, in His tender mercy, granted 
 me this deliverance. 
 
 Shortly after this anxiety, when at Ilfracombe, a woman 
 asked me if I should like to see a poor man, who was wrecked, 
 and had had a very wonderful escape, the night before Gur- 
 ney was on the sea ; of course I assented, and Gurney, the 
 woman and I, set off to see him. When we arrived at his 
 cottage, we found a very fine, rather tall young man, who 
 appeared to have been much bruised, shaken, and wounded, 
 with a nice looking young woman, his wife ; the house very 
 clean, and a few books but one particularly struck our at- 
 tention a Bible, with an inscription upon it in gilt letters, 
 to this effect, " In commemoration of the courageous conduct 
 of Samuel Marshall, in saving the lives of two women (who 
 had been out on a Sunday party, a third was drowned) off 
 the pier at Ilfracombe." It appeared, by the short history 
 56
 
 442 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1831. 
 
 of this young man, that he had, from his great courage, good 
 swimming, and kindness to others, been, at different times, 
 the means of saving eight lives, at least ; he had gone out to 
 ships in danger near Ilfracombe, where, from the rocky na- 
 ture of the coast, there often are shipwrecks. His own 
 simple story about himself, on his recent shipwreck, was as 
 follows : 
 
 "He was fishing in a small boat with two other men; about 
 twelve o'clock at night, a sudden squall or land wind blew from 
 between the hills; he called out to his companions, 'we arc lost'; 
 the boat capsized, they, poor fellows, prayed for mercy, and sank. 
 Marshall, knowing his great powers of swimming, would not give 
 himself up, but caught hold of an oar, which proved to be a good 
 one, nearly new ; and although he knew that he was a mile from 
 the shore, and the sea, in consequence of this land wind, very 
 boisterous, he felt it right, at least, to make the effort to reach land. 
 He soon found that, with all his clothes on, it would be impossible, 
 but how to take them off, was the difficulty ; his presence of mind 
 appears to have been wonderful; he first got off his jacket, then 
 his trowsers with extreme difficulty, because they became entangled 
 in his feet, but by a violent effort he succeeded ; he then found he 
 could not well get rid of his shirt, nor swim with it on. He was 
 driven to great extremity, his shirt being a new, stout, cotton one 
 he therefore, once more, made a violent effort, and tore it down in 
 front, but the hem was so strong, that he there stopped, this ho 
 put to his mouth and bit it through ; he then swam on until he 
 nearly reached the shore, where the breakers ran so high that ho 
 lost his oar; once more, he almost entirely gave up hopes; but 
 resolved on one last effort, and found himself thrown upon a rock 
 very seriously bruised ; he climbed beyond the reach of the water, 
 and laid himself down, cold, hungry, and exhausted, cither to 
 perish, or to rest. He told me that, it being quite dark, he could 
 not tell where he was cast ashore, but he was fully sensible that 
 it must be where the rocky, high cliffs could be only here and 
 there, climbed by man his anxiety was consequently great, 
 till day dawned, when he saw some sheep feeding up the cliff side. 
 Me was sure that wherever sheep could go, he could climb. A>>
 
 1831.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 443 
 
 bis poor feet were sadly cut, he took bis stockings (which he still 
 bad on) and bound them round his feet with his garters; with 
 this exception, he ascended the rough cliff, naked ; his exhaustion 
 and fatigue great indeed. After walking awhile, he arrived at a 
 farm-house ; the farmer took him for a lunatic, and, at first, spoke 
 to him sharply, but soon finding his real case, he took him in, and 
 treated him with the utmost hospitality. The farmer's wife pre- 
 pared him a bed." 
 
 I now stop my narrative to say, that from my conversation 
 with Samuel Marshall, I took him to be a man actuated by 
 religious principles, but not possessing an enlightened under- 
 standing on these subjects; one who endeavoured to do, as 
 far as he knew it, his duty; which he had so remarkably 
 shown, in risking his own life to save the lives of others, 
 particularly in the instance of the women, who were poor, 
 and unable to remunerate him. I was strongly reminded, 
 in hearing of his deliverance, of these words of Scripture, 
 " with the merciful Thou wilt show Thyself merciful." The 
 poor man said, also, that he prayed constantly when the salt 
 water was not in his mouth, which showed on the one hand, 
 his value for prayer, and on the other, his ignorance in sup- 
 posing that when he could not speak, he would not be equally 
 heard by Him, who knoweth the most secret desire of the 
 heart. However, as I doubt not his prayers were offered in 
 sincerity, they appear to have been accepted and answered. 
 He was carried home to his sorrowful wife, who had heard 
 of the beat being lost, and did not know that her husband 
 was saved. 
 
 The mother of one of the other men, I found in the deepest 
 distress, almost out of her mind. I tried to -pour a little 
 balm into her deep wounds, by endeavouring to lead her to 
 look to Him, who can alone heal and help in our greatest 
 trials. 
 
 Upton Lane, Eleventh Month, 1C<//. I felt greatly helped 
 in the quiet performance of my duties yesterday, up to a 
 certain time, when, I believe, I gave way a little to natural
 
 444 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1831. 
 
 infirmity about a trifle, and found how soon a cloud may be 
 brought over the best principle, and what care and watchful- 
 ness is needed; and if there be the least fall, how necessary 
 immediately to have recourse to the justifying principle of 
 faith, that no further separation take place from good. I 
 fully believe, that our spiritual enemy remains the accuser of 
 the brethren, and endeavours, when he sees those, who desire 
 to serve the Lord give way, even in a trifle, to take advantage 
 of it to discourage them, and further to insinuate himself 
 into their hearts. It is, I believe, one of the most important 
 points in the Christian life, if we find ourselves tripping in 
 thought, word, or deed, immediately to fly to the fountain 
 that is set open for the unclean, that we may at once be 
 cleansed, and obtain peace with God, through our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Oh ! for a little help this day to 
 come to the living fountain, that I may be fitted for my 
 Master's service, and enter it with a quiet mind. Lord, let 
 it be so ! 
 
 Twelfth Month, 20/A. I am once more favoured, after 
 being far from well, with a renewal of health and power, to 
 enter my usual engagements, public and private. Yesterday 
 I went to town, first attended the Newgate Committee, 
 then, the British Society, which was very encouraging to 
 me ; there were many present, of different denominations of 
 Christians, and a sweet feeling of love and unity pervaded the 
 whole. Elizabeth Dudley spoke in a lively manner, and I 
 had to pray. There is still much ground for encouragement 
 in the prison cause, I believe a seed is sown in it, that will 
 grow and flourish, I trust, when some of us are laid low. It 
 is a work that brings with it a peculiar feeling of blessing and 
 peace ; may the Most Iligh continue to prosper it ! After- 
 wards, I went to Clapham to visit a poor, dying, converted 
 Jew, who had sent a letter to beg me to go and see him ; 
 my visit was highly interesting. I often wish for the pen of 
 a ready writer, and the pencil of an artist, to picture some 
 of the scenes that I am brought into. A man of a pleasing
 
 1831.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 445 
 
 countenance, greatly emaciated, lying on a little white bed, 
 all clean and in order, his Bible by his side, and animated, 
 almost beyond description, at seeing me ; he kissed my hand, 
 the tears came into his eyes, his poor face flushed, and he 
 was ready almost to raise himself out of his bed. I sat 
 down, and tried to quiet him, and by degrees succeeded. 
 We had a very interesting conversation ; he had been in the 
 practice of frequently attending my readings at Newgate, 
 apparently with great attention ; latterly, I had not seen him, 
 and was ready to suppose, that, like many others, his zeal 
 was of short duration ; but I had lately heard that he had 
 been ill. He is one of those Jews, who have felt perfectly 
 liberated from keeping any part of the Law of Moses, which 
 some other converted Jews yet consider themselves bound to 
 observe. I found, when he used to come so often to New- 
 gate, that he was a man of good moral character, seeking the 
 truth. But to go on with my story in our conversation, he 
 said, that he felt great peace, no fear of death, and a full 
 reliance upon his Saviour for salvation ; he said that his 
 visits to Newgate had been to him beyond going to any 
 church indeed, I little knew how much was going on in his 
 heart. He requested me to read a Psalm that I had read 
 one day in Newgate, the 107th. This I did, and he appeared 
 deeply to feel it, particularly as my dear friends and I made 
 our little remarks, in Christian freedom, as we went along, 
 truly, I believe, in the life. The poor Jew prayed very stri- 
 kingly ; I followed him, and returned thanks ; what a sol- 
 emn, uniting time it was ! The poor Jew said, " God is a 
 spirit, and they that worship Him, must worship Him in 
 spirit and in truth," as if he felt the spirituality of the Chris- 
 tian administration. His countenance lightened with apparent 
 joy, when he expressed his undoubted belief that he should 
 soon enter the kingdom, and that I should, before long, fol- 
 low him ; then he gave me his blessing, and took leave in 
 much tenderness, showing every mark he could, of gratitude 
 and love. He did not accept any gift of money, saying that
 
 446 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1832. 
 
 he wanted no good thing, as he was most kindly provided 
 for by serious persons in the neighbourhood. After about two 
 weeka I received an account of the peaceful end of this poor 
 Jew. 
 
 Upton, Second Month, 21, 1832. We have lately been 
 brought to feel very seriously the approach of the cholera to 
 our own borders, as it is said to have been as near as Lime- 
 house. I have not generally felt any agitating fear, but 
 rather the weight of the thing, and desirous that it should 
 prove a stimulus to seek more diligently after eternal things, 
 and to be ready, spiritually, for whatever may await us ; and 
 outwardly to use all proper precautions. I have desired 
 earnestly, that we should do our very utmost to protect our 
 poor neighbours, by administering to their many wants. This 
 led me to make some efforts with some of our women Friends, 
 also with some other kind and influential people, and al- 
 though perhaps, thought by some a busybody in it, yet more 
 has been already accomplished, than I could have looked for. 
 In such works of charity, I always desire to be preserved 
 from a forward spirit, or an over active one, yet on the other 
 hand, when I feel any thing laid upon me, as I did in this 
 instance, I feel much bound to work in it, even through some 
 discouragement and opposition ; I mostly find in such cases, 
 that way has been made for me, as if He, who called me to 
 the work, was indeed with me in it. 
 
 It was a remarkable trait in the character of this highly 
 gifted woman, that, when once she had undertaken to perform 
 what she believed to be her duty, no discouragement deterred 
 her from pursuing it ; no obstacle appeared to her to be in- 
 surmountable. She laboured on with a quiet, patient perse- 
 verance, until she saw it accomplished yet she trusted not 
 in her own strength she committed herself and her cause 
 to the disposal of the Lord. 
 
 Third Month, 21s/. To-day is proclaimed a "fast-day" 
 on account of the cholera ; it is one of those occasions, in
 
 1832.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 447 
 
 the observance of which we must each follow our own con- 
 sciences. If the government of a country could make a 
 people keep a day really holy unto the Lord, in real fasting, 
 penitence and prayer, much good would result ; but this, no 
 government can do ; and I fear that the present will rather 
 be made a day of lightness and recreation. However, those 
 wno do keep it seriously, I trust will be blessed in so doing, 
 and their prayers answered, and that this awful disease may 
 be (if right for us) checked in its progress. 
 
 I rather feel having to go before the Committee of the 
 House of Commons, on the subject of prisons. May any 
 good to this important cause be done by it, and may I be 
 helped to do my part with simplicity, as unto God, and not 
 unto man ! 
 
 The object of this Committee, was to ascertain the best 
 mode of Secondary Punishment, so as to be the most effec- 
 tual in repressing crime. 
 
 We proceed with extracts from the journal. 
 
 Upton Lane, Sixth Month, 3rd. We have just concluded 
 the Yearly Meeting. It has been, in some respects, a marked 
 
 one, and I hope an instructive one I had to speak 
 
 twice in the Meetings ; once in the first Meeting, acknow- 
 ledging the loving-kindness and tender mercy of our God 
 as manifested to us during the year that was passed, and what 
 an inducement it should be to love and faithfulness. I had 
 particularly to make allusion to the cholera not having made 
 further devastations amongst us. I had, in another Meeting, 
 in a similar manner to return thanks, and pray for us, as a 
 Society, and for the Universal Church. I also had, from a 
 deep feeling of duty, to express my thankfulness, that the 
 Christian standard had been upheld amongst us so much en- 
 couragement given to read the Scriptures, and attend to 
 their holy precepts ; but I felt a fear, whether the influence 
 of the Holy Spirit, as our guide, had been quite enough
 
 448 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1832. 
 
 dwelt upon, which, as a fundamental part of our principles, 
 I trusted we should ever maintain. I also expressed my de- 
 sire, that the fruits of the Spirit should be more manifest 
 amongst us, not only in our peculiar testimonies, but in the 
 subjection of our tempers and wills, which I thought to be 
 much wanted, fearing that some maintained our testimonies, 
 more from expediency than principle, which produced great 
 inconsistency of conduct. I then added my earnest hope, 
 that individually and collectively, we should stand open to 
 improvement, making this our prayer: " That which I see 
 not, teach Thou me ;" that we should be willing to be taught 
 of God immediately and instrumentally, that our light might 
 shine brighter and brighter to the perfect day. 
 
 Qth. I yesterday was favoured to get through the British 
 Society Meeting. It was, to me, a very serious occasion ; 
 our different reports were highly satisfactory and encour- 
 aging ; but I felt it laid upon me to speak so decidedly on 
 some points, that I could not fully enjoy it. After the Bri- 
 tish Society report was read, I first endeavoured to show the 
 extreme importance of the work in which we were engaged, 
 and the best means of producing the desired effect, of reform- 
 ing the criminal ; but what most deeply impressed me was, 
 considering the awful extent of existing crime, and the suf- 
 fering and sorrow produced by it how far the conduct of 
 the higher classes may influence that of the lower, and tend 
 in many ways to the increase of evil, by ladies not setting a 
 religious example to their servants, nor instructing them in 
 the right way ; by not keeping the Sabbath strictly, by 
 very late hours, and attending public places, by vanity in 
 dress, and by hurrying mantua-makers and milliners, and so 
 causing them to oppress and overwork their young women 
 by not paying their bills themselves, or through some confi- 
 dential person, but trusting them to young or untried servants, 
 thus leading to dishonesty on their part, or that of the trades- 
 people, by allowing their maid-servants or char-women to 
 begin to wash at unseasonable hours, and consequently to
 
 1832.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 449 
 
 require ardent spirits to support them. Then I represented 
 how much they might do to promote good and discourage 
 evil, by educating the poor religiously, in infant and other 
 schools, by watching over girls after they leave schools, until 
 placed in service, and by providing for them suitable religious, 
 instructive, and entertaining books ; also by forming libraries 
 in hospitals, and workhouses, and by preventing the intro- 
 duction of irreligious and light books. I also urged the 
 establishment of district societies. These things I had for- 
 cibly and freely to express, showing the blessings of promoting 
 good, and the woe of encouraging evil. 
 
 In the Seventh Month, Elizabeth Fry, together with her 
 sister-in-law, visited, with certificates from their Monthly 
 Meeting, the Half-year's Meeting in Wales, and some places 
 in Ireland. 
 
 In the retrospect she writes : 
 
 Ninth Month, 18th. We returned home from our journey 
 last Sixth-day evening, having been absent just five weeks. 
 We visited several places in the south of Ireland, a good 
 many in Wales, and some in England. I think I never re- 
 member taking a journey, in which it was more frequently 
 sealed to my own mind, that we were in our right places ; 
 through much difficulty, our way was opened to go, and to 
 continue out. Though I believe we have scripture authority 
 for it still further confirmed by the internal evidence of 
 the power of the Spirit, and its external results, yet, I am 
 obliged to walk by faith, rather than sight, in going about 
 as a woman, in the work of the ministry ; it is, to my nature, 
 u great humiliation, and I often feel it to be "foolishness," 
 particularly in large Public Meetings, before entering upon 
 the service ; but generally, when engaged in the ministry, I 
 find such an unction, and so much opening upon Christian 
 doctrine and practice, that after a Meeting, I mostly say in 
 my heart, "It is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our 
 57
 
 450 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1833. 
 
 eyes. ' Such was often the case in this journey. I felt 
 amongst Friends in Ireland, as if my service was to lead 
 them from all external dependence, either on their member- 
 ship in the Society, their high profession, or their peculiar 
 testimonies, and to show, that these things are only good as 
 they spring from simple Christian faith and practice, and 
 avail nothing, unless the heart be really changed and cleansed 
 from sin, though I believed that these things would follow 
 as the result, to those who fill the important place in the 
 church, that in my opinion, Friends are called to occupy. 
 Above everything else, I endeavoured to lead all to the grand 
 foundation of Christian faith and practice. My dear sister 
 was much led in the same line of ministry. 
 
 Dagenham, Tenth Month, 3rd. Here am I sitting in soli- 
 tude, keeping silence before the Lord ; on the wedding-day 
 of my beloved son William. As I could not conscientiously 
 attend the marriage, I believed it right to withdraw for the 
 day. Words appear very inadequate to express the earnest- 
 ness -the depth of my supplication for him and for his 
 that the blessing of the Most High may rest upon them. 
 
 The notice of this day concludes as follows; 
 
 As for myself, I sit solitary, in many things, but I thought 
 to-day (from this wedding bringing these things home to 
 me) Have I not my Lord as my friend and my comforter ? 
 and is He not as a husband to all the members of His 
 church ? and am I not often satisfied and refreshed by His 
 love? 
 
 Several months of the summer and autumn of 1833, were 
 passed by Elizabeth Fry and her family, at a quiet retreat in 
 the island of Jersey. She needed rest, and her health had 
 suffered from the pressure of care and anxiety. The genial 
 climate the beauty of the scenery the luxuriance of the 
 productions the prosperity of the inhabitants the refine-
 
 1833.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 451 
 
 ment and intellectual cultivation of the upper classes com- 
 bined with simplicity of habit, and, in many instances, with 
 true piety and active benevolence, rendered the period of 
 her residence in Jersey one of peculiar refreshment and 
 pleasure. With her husband and children, and a few of 
 her intimate friends, she would often spend the day in the 
 remote parts of the island, amongst the secluded and romantic 
 bays of its northern coast. The little party would picnic in 
 the open air, or, as was then a very common practice, in one 
 of the empty rooms of the small barracks scattered round 
 the coast ; left under the care of some old invalided soldier and 
 his family. On these occasions, the tract bag was not for- 
 gotten whilst the rest of the party were sketching or walk- 
 ing, she would visit the cottagers, and making herself as well 
 understood as their antique Norman dialect permitted, would 
 give her little French books, and offer the kind word of sym- 
 pathy or exhortation. Alive to the beautiful, especially to 
 the picturesque, the peculiarities of the Jersey Cottage and 
 its inmates were all observed and enjoyed by her. 
 
 Amidst these scenes, the summer passed away, but higher 
 and more important objects were not unheeded. There was 
 in the island, a little band of persons, in very humble life, 
 who professed the principles of Friends, one or two only, 
 however, being members of the Society. They assembled for 
 worship on the First-day morning, in the cottage of Jean 
 llenaud, an old patriarch, residing on the sea shore, about a 
 mile from the town of "St." Heliers. There was a quaint, 
 old-fashioned effect about the low large room in which they 
 assembled, whilst from large bundles of herbs, suspended 
 from the beams to dry, a flower or a leaf would occasionally 
 drop upon those sitting below. 
 
 The appearance of the congregation was in keeping with 
 the apartment, seated on planks, supported by temporary 
 props. An antique four-post bedstead stood in one corner; 
 when the mistress of the house died, which occurred during 
 their eojourn in Jersey, she was there laid out, a circumstance
 
 452 LIFE OF ELIZA BETH FUY. [1833. 
 
 which did not prevent the Meeting assembling as usual ; the 
 drawn curtains screening the corpse from view. High-backed 
 chairs were prepared for the seniors of the assembly, the 
 younger members of Elizabeth Fry's family appropriating to 
 themselves the window-seat. The novelty of the occasion was 
 increased by the English ministry having to be interpreted, 
 to render it comprehensible to the greater part of the hearers. 
 Nor were the Afternoon Meetings much less peculiar. 
 They also were held at a private house, situated in the 
 suburbs of the town ; but the heat in-doors being consider- 
 able, the congregation not unfrequently moved to the small 
 walled garden, and sat beneath the shade of some ever- 
 greens. This, however, was found practically so inconve- 
 nient, that a room in the town was engaged for the purpose, 
 and properly fitted up. There, until Elizabeth Fry left the 
 island, large congregations assembled, including many of the 
 gentry and principal inhabitants ; these meetings were ex- 
 ceedingly solemn and ins-tructive. She was greatly helped by 
 the company of her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Fry, with her 
 friend and companion, Rebecca Sturges. Philanthropic ob- 
 jects also presented themselves to her notice, especially the 
 state of the Hospital, including the Workhouse and Lunatic 
 Asylum, and the Prison. Acts of the British Parliament 
 have no power in the Channel Islands ; as part of the ancient 
 Duchy of Normandy, they are governed by their own laws 
 and customs. None of the recent improvements in Prison 
 Disipline had been effected in Jersey. After repeatedly 
 visiting the Prison, and communicating with the authorities 
 she believed it the best course to have a letter which she had 
 addressed to them printed for circulation. This document 
 was very remarkable for its evidences of her wisdom and ex- 
 perience. 
 
 Eighth Month, 12th. We feel much at home in this lovely 
 island, and in rather a remarkable manner, our way opens in 
 *he hearts of those amongst whom we are residing. A very
 
 1833.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 453 
 
 extensive field of service appears before us, in many ways. 
 To try thoroughly to attend to the prisoners to strive to 
 correct evils in the hospital to assist, in various ways, the 
 Friends and those who attend Meeting to visit several in 
 Christian love, and try to draw them nearer together oh ! 
 gracious Lord, grant Thy poor unworthy servant the help of 
 Thy Spirit, to do Thy will, and let not her labour be in vain 
 in Thee, her Lord and her God ; but through Thy unmerited 
 mercy in Christ Jesus, grant that her way may be made very 
 clear before her, and ability given her to walk in it, to Thy 
 praise, her own peace, and the real edification of those 
 among whom her lot may be cast. Amen ! 
 
 How wonderfully did the capacious mind of this extraor- 
 dinary woman embrace every object that appeared to require 
 assistance, or to need amelioration ; and how instructive was 
 the deep humility and holy fear in which she was preserved, 
 as well as her dependence on divine direction and help. 
 
 To a daughter and son-in-law preparing to leave England 
 for Madeira, in consequence of the latter* being in delicate 
 health, she writes from Jersey, as follows : 
 
 Eighth Month, 25th, 1833. 
 My much loved Children, 
 
 I fully expect one more opportunity of writing to you, before 
 you leave England, but as our communications are now likely 
 to be very seldom, I mean to take every opportunity to pour 
 out my heart to you. I am, I hope, thankful to say, though 
 truly and deeply touching to me, peaceful and satisfied about 
 your proposed very important step. I remember Cecil's re- 
 mark, " we are to follow, and not to force Providence," and 
 as far as we can tell, the openings of Providence for you ap- 
 pear to be quietly, hopefully, and trustfully, to go forward in 
 your proposed plans. I live much under the feeling that we 
 are poor, impotent creatures, that we cannot save each other, 
 spiritually or naturally ; and though nothing, I believe, can, 
 * Since deceased from pulmonary consumption.
 
 454 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1833. 
 
 in feeling, exceed a mother's love or lively desire to servo 
 her children, yet how little can she do ! in short nothing, but 
 as she is helped from above to do it, and the same power that 
 can help her, can also work with, or without His instruments ; 
 this I most sensibly feel, therefore to Him, who is the keeper 
 of His dependent ones, (which I believe you are) I entirely 
 commit you, body, soul, and spirit. May He " do more 
 abundantly for you, than we can either think or ask ! " I 
 desire for you, amidst the ups and downs, the storms and 
 calms, the joys and sorrows, that may attend your course, 
 that your hearts may be fixed, trusting in God. It is most 
 important to seek for this fixedness of spirit, which sustains 
 in trouble, and sanctifies our enjoyments. I have suffered 
 from too deeply and acutely feeling things, and from much 
 undue fearfulness I wish my children to guard against these 
 weaknesses, and to live more constantly in the quiet and 
 trustful spirit. You must expect some little trials and diffi- 
 culties in the voyage, but I trust they will not be great. 
 Pray try to be of use to the crew, have tracts, testaments 
 and psalters, to be got at for them ; it might be of real use 
 to the men, ajid a nice object of interest for you. 
 
 That grace, mercy, and peace, may be with you both, is 
 the earnest desire and prayer of your most loving mother, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 Jersey, Ninth Month, lOZ/i. I have much enjoyed and 
 valued the pleasant retreat we have here. I desire, in deep 
 gratitude, to acknowledge the renewed capacity to delight in 
 the wonderful works of God. The scenery, and feeling fully 
 at liberty to spend part of many days in the enjoyment of 
 this beautiful country and weather, and my beloved husband 
 and children, has been very sweet to me ! What has not 
 religion been to me ! how wonderful in its operation ! None 
 but He, who knows the heart, can tell. Surely it has brought 
 me into some deep humiliations ; but how has it raised me 
 up ! healed my, at times, wounded spirit ; given me power to
 
 1833.] LlFfc OF ELIZABETH FRY. 455 
 
 enjoy my blessings, in what I believe an unusual degree, and 
 wonderfully sustained me under deep tribulations. To me, it 
 is anything but bondage, since it has brought me into a delight- 
 ful freedom ; although I had narrow places to pass through, 
 before my boundaries were thus enlarged ; so that from ex- 
 perience, I wish to be very tender over those still in bonds. 
 Since the time of rest on first arriving, my way has re- 
 markably opened to a tide of service, of various kinds, as a 
 minister of the gospel, and in philanthropic concerns. The 
 prison, hospital, and the formation of a District Society, take 
 up much of my attention, and visiting religiously the families 
 who attend the Friends' Meeting. I have very much felt 
 the weight of these meetings ; duty alone, and what I believe 
 to be the help of the Spirit, would carry me through such 
 services, for which I am so totally unfit and unworthy. My 
 dear sister and Rebecca Sturges have lately been with us, 
 and I have valued their company. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry spent a few days in Guernsey, closely em- 
 ployed as usual in doing good. 
 
 The most important work which she accomplished in that 
 island, .was establishing " the St. Peter's Port Provident and 
 District Society." It is spoken of, at the present time, in 
 Guernsey, as being " a real blessing to the poor of the com- 
 munity, not only in having administered to their temporal 
 wants in sickness or accidents, but also in having greatly im- 
 proved their domestic comforts and moral character, by in- 
 culcating frugal and temperate habits." 
 
 On her return to Jersey she writes, under feeling of much 
 sorrow 
 
 25f/j. On Seventh-day evening, in the midst of a very 
 large party, our letters arrived ; some from our dearest Han- 
 nah of a very touching nature ; she-had suffered so extremely 
 on her voyage (to Madeira) as to bring on her confinement 
 on board ship. Her child died, aud her sufferings appear
 
 456 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1833 
 
 to have been extreme. The whole account was exceedingly 
 affecting to me. But I desire to look above the agency of 
 man, to Him, without whom not a sparrow falls to the ground, 
 who orders all things in love, as well as in wisdom. My 
 trust must be complete, my reliance entire, my hope con- 
 tinual. Lord, as all my springs are in Thee, I pray Thee 
 daily, hourly, minutely, increase and renew my faith, pa- 
 tience, reliance, and hope, that I may never cast away my 
 confidence, but that my soul may follow hard after Thee, 
 even unto the end. 
 
 The time had now arrived to return home. She received 
 accounts from England that called forth much anxiety. 
 Several of her children required her attention. Her daugh- 
 ter Cresswell was seriously ill. 
 
 Lynn, Eleventh Month, 1.2th. I left Jersey in the steam- 
 boat for Southampton. Parting, with many beloved friends 
 there, I felt much. It is a place and people in which I have 
 taken great interest : I also felt the uncertainty of the prospect 
 before me, and in what state I should find my beloved child. 
 I was much cast down, the wind rather high, and evidently 
 rising. My maid and child quickly became ill, as did even 
 our little dog. The passengers, one after another, almost all 
 in the same state. The day gloomy, only now and then a ray 
 of sunshine to enliven us. I remained, through mercy, quite 
 well. We stopped at Guernsey, where I found, to my en- 
 couragement, some of my objects really prospering, and I 
 was much pleased to hear that the School was established in 
 the island of Herm. We dined whilst in the harbour there. 
 Afterwards the weather became so boisterous, my cold so in- 
 different, and my poor boy so ill, that I remained in the cabin 
 the whole evening, and a low time it was ; fears got hold of 
 me that I should never -see Rachel again alive ; but on the 
 other hand I knew that I had a merciful Lord to deal with, 
 who heard my prayers, knew my weakness, and I believed
 
 1833.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 457 
 
 would not permit so overwhelming an affliction to overtake 
 me. I desired humbly and patiently to trust. I felt the 
 seriousness of our situation in the high wind, but was ena- 
 bled entirely to leave it to Him, who orders all things well. 
 "We arrived at, Southampton the next morning ; I was 
 much cast down and overdone, and during the journey to 
 London, I had almost an inexpressible feeling of fatigue. 
 I found rather a better account from Lynn, to my unspeak- 
 able relief. 
 
 From the accounts continuing better, Elizabeth Fry was, 
 for a day or two, able to rest in the neighbourhood of London. 
 
 Then she pursued her way to Lynn, where, for six weeks 
 she remained, devoted to her daughter, and to that devotion, 
 guided by singular skill, and blessed by the providence of 
 God, was apparently to be attributed her child's gradual 
 restoration to health. From Lynn she wrote to her youngest 
 daughter, then with the others of the party just returned 
 home. 
 
 Lynn, Eleventh Month, 1833. 
 My dearest Louisa, 
 
 I feel inclined to write thee a few lines of salutation on 
 thy return home. Thy sister and thyself have very important 
 places to fill, although they may differ ; and as I have told her 
 my mind, I mean to do the same to thee remember these 
 words, " be sober, be vigilant." At thy important age much 
 depends on not letting the mind out, if I may so express 
 myself: it is a period of life when this is natural various 
 prospects in life may float before the view; but how infinitely 
 important to know the heart to bo staid upon God, and to 
 find it meat and drink to be doing His will how important 
 to attend to present duties ; this is the best preparation for 
 the future, whatever that future may be. I see that much 
 devolves on thee ; thou hast not only to look to thy own soul, 
 but younger ones are looking up to thee, whom, I believe, 
 thou mayst be the means of winning to Christ. 
 58
 
 458 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1833. 
 
 To the daughter whom she had so long nursed, she wrote, 
 after her return home : 
 
 The better accounts of thee are certainly very encouraging, 
 and set me more at rest about thee ; still, my beloved child, 
 I feel thou needest my sympathy and prayers : there is much 
 to feel, even if it pleases Providence quite to raise thee up 
 again : there is much to go through. I have often found, in 
 recovering from long and severe illness, and entering life 
 again, that our enemies spiritually are yet lively and strong, 
 and even, we may say, after the " Beast has had a deadly 
 wound, it still lives :" I know this by my own experience.
 
 1834-1838. Visit to Dorset and Hants Isle of Wight Journey to 
 Scotland Death of the Duke of Gloucester Letter Coast Guard 
 Libraries Examination before the Committee of the IIouso of 
 Lords Journey along the Southern Coast of England Crosses to 
 Jersey and Guernsey Libraries for Packet Ships at Falmouth 
 For Shepherds at Salisbury Plain Death of a sister-in-law Reli- 
 gious engagements in Sussex Visit to Dublin Unpleasant Voyage 
 to Guernsey Illness and death of her sister Louisa Hoare Death 
 of King William IV. Of a sister-in-law Departure of her brother 
 J. J. Gurney for America Visits Paris Meeting in Westminster 
 Journey to Scotland Religious engagements in Surrey, Essex, 
 &c. Renewed prospect of visiting France. 
 
 Fourth Month, \st, 1834. I am likely to leave home to- 
 day for religious service in Dorset and Hants. Oh, Lord ! 
 I pray Thee be with me, and anoint me for Thy work, that 
 it may be fully to Thy praise, the edification of those I go 
 amongst, and to my own help and peace ; and be pleased to 
 keep my children and family during my absence. Grant 
 this, dearest Lord, for Thine own name sake. Amen. 
 
 12*/i. I returned yesterday from my expedition, which 1 
 may thankfully say, proved very satisfactory. 
 
 She was accompanied on this journey by her friend Wil- 
 liam Forster, and her nieces Priscilla Buxton and Priscilla 
 Gurney. Her aunt's address and manner on that occasion, 
 and the impressions made upon her own mind, arc admirably 
 described by one of them ; being at the time, in very deli- 
 cate health, she was, perhaps, the more sensitively alive to 
 her aunt's peculiar powers of soothing. 
 
 (459)
 
 4GO LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1834. 
 
 " There was no weakness, or trouble of mind or body, which 
 might not safely be unveiled to her. Whatever various or oppo- 
 site views, feelings, or wishes, might be confided to her, all came 
 out again, tinged with her own loving, hopeful spirit. Bitterness 
 of every kind died, when entrusted to her; it never re-appeared. 
 The most favourable construction possible was always put upon 
 every transaction. No doubt her failing lay this way; but did it 
 not give her and her example a wonderful influence ? Was it not 
 the very secret of her power with the wretched and degraded pri- 
 soners? She always could see hope for every one; she invariably 
 found, or made some point of light. The most abandoned must 
 have felt that she did not despair for them, either for this world, 
 or another, and this it was that made her irresistible. 
 
 "At Southampton, time and opportunity were rather unexpectedly 
 afforded for an excursion to the Isle of Wight. I think she under- 
 took it chiefly for the sake of pleasing Priscilla Gurney and my- 
 self ; but it had important consequences. We travelled round by 
 Shanklin, Bonchurch, and the Undercliff. She was zealous as we, 
 in the enjoyment of the scenery and the wild flowers; but the 
 next day, on reaching Freshwater, she was fatigued and remained 
 to rest, whilst we went to see Alum Bay. On our return, we were 
 told she had walked out, and we soon received a message, desiring 
 us to join her at the Coast Guard Station. We found her in her 
 element; pleased and giving pleasure to a large group, who were 
 assembled around her. She entered with the greatest sympathy 
 into their somewhat dreary position, inquired into their resources 
 for education for their children, and religious improvement for 
 themselves found them much in want of books ; and from this 
 visit originated that great undertaking, of providing libraries for 
 attthe Coast Guard Stations in Great Britain an undertaking full 
 of difficulties, but in which her perseverance never relaxed till it 
 was accomplished." 
 
 On a review of this journey, Elizabeth Fry writes : 
 
 Upton, Fourth Month. At Portsmouth, we paid an in- 
 teresting visit to the Haslar Hospital, the Hulks Hospital 
 Ship, and some prisons ; we also paid a delightful little visit 
 to the Isle of Wight. I felt more able to enjoy the great
 
 1834.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 461 
 
 beauties of nature, from having been owned by my Lord 
 and Master, in iny religious services. What a relish does 
 true religion give for our temporal, as well as spiritual bless- 
 ings ! 
 
 21st. Yesterday (First-day) I attended Meeting, rather 
 oppressed in body and mind. Ministered to by dear Eliza- 
 beth Dudley, but had such heaviness of body as to hinder 
 spiritual revival. In the afternoon, I went, accompanied by 
 Elizabeth Dudley, Rebecca Sturges, and some others, to visit 
 the female convict ship ; the sun shone brightly, the day de- 
 lightful, the poor women rejoiced to see us, but my spirit 
 was in heaviness, from the difficulty of leaving my family, 
 even for a few hours, on that day. It was a fine sight to 
 see about one hundred and fifty poor female convicts, and 
 some sailors, standing, sitting, and leaning round us, whilst 
 we read the Scriptures to them. I spoke to them, and Eliz- 
 abeth Dudley prayed. Surely, to witness the solemn effect, 
 the tears rolling down many cheeks, we must acknowledge 
 it to be the Lord's doing ; still I felt flat, though the others 
 thought it a very satisfactory time ; but in the evening I 
 became more revived, and comforted, and thankful that it 
 has pleased the Lord to send me to the poor outcasts, al- 
 though, at times, feeling as if I went more as a machine 
 moved by springs, than in the lively state I desire ; but at 
 other times it is different, and there is much sense of light, 
 life, love, and power. To-day, I expect to go to the Duchess 
 of Gloucester, and amongst some of the high in this life. 
 May the Lord be with me, that my intercourse with these, 
 may not be in vain in Him. I feel it no light responsibility, 
 having the door so open with the Government of our coun- 
 try, and those filling high places ; I am often surprised to 
 find how much so ; and yet the Lord only knows the depth 
 of iny humiliations, and how it has been out of the depths, 
 that 1 have been raised up for these services. At the Ad- 
 miralty, I have lately had important requests granted ; at 
 the Home Office, they are always ready to attend to what I
 
 462 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1834. 
 
 ask ; and at the Colonial Office, I expect that they will soon 
 make some alterations in the arrangements for the female 
 convicts in New South Wales. 
 
 Who has thus turned the hearts of those in authority ? 
 Surely it is the Lord. May He grant me wisdom and sound 
 discretion, rightly to use the influence He has given me. 
 Be near to Thy servant, this day, gracious Lord, in every 
 place ; and so help her by Thy Spirit, that she may do Thy 
 will, and not bow to man, but alone to Thee, her God; doing 
 all to Thy glory ! 
 
 24i/t. We dined at Lord Bexley's, and met Captain Man- 
 gles, the great traveller, several clergymen, and others. I 
 desired to maintain the watch, but the company of serious, 
 intellectual, and refined persons, is apt to draw me a good 
 deal forth in conversation and mind, and often leads me to 
 many fears afterwards, lest there should imperceptibly be 
 any thing of showing off, and being exalted by man ; but I 
 may truly say, inwardly, I mostly feel reduced and humbled 
 after such times, and fearful, lest I should have a cloud over 
 me, so as to hinder my near communion with my Lord. 
 
 Upton, Seventh Month, 25th. To-morrow I expect to set 
 off on a journey into Scotland. I have taken an affecting 
 leave of my family, praying, that we might again (if the will 
 of God) be refreshed together ; and my way has satisfactorily 
 opened to go. 
 
 Her husband, and two daughters preceded her, and awaited 
 her coming at Birnam Inn, near Dunkeld. 
 
 She arrived there on the 5th of the Eighth Month, and 
 after giving her a few days' rest from her journey, the party 
 set off for Loch Tay. At Kenmore, they enjoyed a quiet 
 First-day, and tolerable Highland accommodation. In the 
 evening, anxious to turn the day to some good account, 
 Elizabeth Fry invited the servants of the inn, to attend the 
 reading which she intended to have with her own family. A 
 pretty large congregation assembled.
 
 1834.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 463 
 
 By Loch Tay, Eighth Month, 9th, First-day. Not having 
 a Meeting to go to, and not believing it right for me to attend 
 any other place of worship, I desire to spend a time in solemn 
 searching of heart before the Lord, and may I be enabled to 
 hold communion with Him in spirit. On the morning of the 
 1st, the day appointed for the liberation of all the slaves in 
 the British dominions, and on which my dear niece, Priscilla 
 Buxton was to be married, I poured forth my soul in deep 
 supplication before my heavenly Father, on behalf of the 
 poor slaves, that a quiet spirit might be granted them that 
 their spiritual bonds might also be broken that the liberty 
 prepared for the children of God might be their portion. I 
 also prayed for my beloved niece and her companion in life, 
 that the Lord would be with them, keep them, and bless 
 them. 
 
 Edinburgh, Eighth Month, 28th. I left my dearest hus- 
 band and two daughters in the Highlands, as I wished to 
 accompany my boy on his way to England, and above all, to 
 attend the Meetings, see the Friends, and visit the prisons 
 here. I came under the belief that duty called me to do so. 
 We experienced some danger in our journey, from an acci- 
 dent in a steam-boat, but the Lord protected us. I feel it to 
 be a fearful thing to be here ; there arc many ministers be- 
 sides me. Lord, be near to Thy servant, who is here without 
 one relation or companion, and has left all, for what she 
 apprehends to be the call of duty. Guide, guard, and keep 
 her, qualify her for Thine own service, of whatever kind it 
 may be, to Thine own glory ; keep her eye very single to 
 Thyself and to the direction of Thy Spirit. 
 
 Of her engagements in Edinburgh on this occasion, she 
 writes, on returning to her family at Tarbet : 
 
 % 
 
 I had much to be thankful for, in the help granted to me 
 in such religious services, as I believe I was called into, in 
 Meetings, families, and institutions. I had very solemn
 
 464 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1834. 
 
 religious times in the Gaol and large Refuge, also shorter 
 ones in the Bridewell and another Kefuge. The hearts of 
 many appeared to be peculiarly opened towards me, and 
 entire strangers wonderfully ministered to my wants, and 
 upheld my hands. Our dear friends who knew me before, 
 were abundantly kind to me. May the Lord, in his love and 
 mercy, reward them for all their great kindness to me, His 
 very unworthy servant ; and may He still soften and enlarge 
 their hearts towards me, until the work that he gives me to 
 do amongst them, be accomplished. I find a field for much 
 important service for the poor, and to make more arrange- 
 ments for the ladies who visit the prisons. I desire, and 
 earnestly pray to be preserved from an over-active spirit in 
 these things; arid on the other hand, faithfully, diligently, 
 humbly, and watchfully, to do whatever my Lord gives me 
 to do, that may be to His glory, or the good of my fellow- 
 creatures. 
 
 We have passed through very lovely country ; but the sun 
 has not shone much upon us, and the atmosphere of my mind 
 has partaken of the same hue, which is not so pleasant as 
 more lively colouring over the mind, but I am ready to think 
 more profitable, and perhaps more likely to qualify me for 
 the weighty duties before me. 
 
 After visiting other scenes of natural grandeur and beauty, 
 and some hospitable friends, the travellers retraced their steps 
 through Dumbarton and Glasgow to Edinburgh, where 
 Elizabeth Fry was again received with affectionate kindness 
 by her friends and fellow-labourers ; her time and energies 
 being devoted to the completion of those objects that had 
 claimed her particular attention on her former visit. 
 
 But whilst many institutions of great importance owe their 
 existence, either directly or indirectly, to her skill and exer- 
 tions and she sowed the seed of many a noble tree she did 
 not omit to avail herself of those small opportunities of bene-
 
 1834.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 465 
 
 fiting others, that are presented in the occurrences of each 
 passing hour. It was her unvarying practice, both at private 
 dwellings, and at the inns where they passed their First-days, 
 to invite the servants to attend the evening scripture read- 
 ings ; many of the visitors, who, like themselves, were only 
 for a short time sojourners there, also joined them on these 
 solemn and interesting occasions. Iler's was a constant en- 
 deavour to leave some savour of good on all with whom she 
 had any communication. The chambermaid and the waiter 
 received the word of kindness and counsel, and a little tract 
 or text-book to impress it upon their memories. The postilion 
 at the carriage window, or the cotter at the road side, met 
 with appropriate notice, and this mingled with the most un- 
 affected enjoyment of the country, and spirit in all the inci- 
 dents of travelling. 
 
 The result of her observations on the state of the Scotch 
 Prisons, she forwarded to the proper authorities after her 
 return home. 
 
 The close of the year 1834 was marked by the death of 
 the Duke of Gloucester. He had been highly esteemed by 
 Elizabeth Fry, from the time when, quartered at Norwich, 
 in the latter part of the last century, he was amongst the 
 few, who addressed words of friendly caution and sound 
 advice, to the young and motherless sisters at Earlham. To 
 the Princess Sophia of Gloucester, she wrote upon the occa- 
 sion 
 
 Upton Lane, Twelfth Month, 13tf, 1834. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I hope thou wilt not feel it an intrusion, my expressing 
 my sympathy with thec in the death of the Duke of Glou- 
 cester. To lose a dear and only brother is no small trial, and 
 for a while makes the world appear very desolate. But I 
 trust, having thy pleasant pictures marred in this life, may 
 be one means of opening brighter prospects in the life to 
 come, and of having thy treasure increased in the heavenly 
 inheritance. 
 59
 
 466 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1835. 
 
 The Duchess of Gloucester kindly commissioned a lady to 
 write to me, who gave me a very comforting account of the 
 state of the Duke's mind. I feel it cause for much thank- 
 fulness that he was so sustained through faith in his Lord 
 and Saviour, and we may humbly trust, through His merits, 
 saved with an everlasting salvation. It would be very plea- 
 Bant to me to hear how thy health and spirits are, after so 
 great a shocjc, and I propose inquiring at Blackheath, where 
 I rather expect to be next week ; or, if thou wouldest have 
 the kindness to request one of thy ladies-in-waiting to write 
 me a few lines, I should be much obliged. 
 
 I hope that my dear and valued friend, the Duchess of 
 Gloucester, is as well as we can expect, after her deep afflic- 
 tion. 
 
 With desires for thy present and everlasting welfare, 
 I remain, thy attached and obliged friend, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 Upton Lane, First Month, 27th, 1835. I yesterday went, 
 by appointment, to visit the Duchess of Gloucester, after the 
 death of the Duke. She gave a highly interesting account 
 of his death. He appeared to depart in the full hope of a 
 Christian. This I felt satisfactory and comforting, after 
 having traced him from his youth up, and seen his conduct, 
 and known his principles when a young man. I observe how 
 gently the Lord deals with His people, and how, under the 
 most varied circumstances, He visits all, and how He bears 
 with those that fear Him. It appeared to me that the Duke 
 desired to act up to the light received, and his faith was 
 strong in his Saviour, which proved his stronghold in the 
 day of trouble. 
 
 Second Month, 8th. The way appears opening with our 
 present Ministers to obtain libraries for all the Coast Guard 
 Stations, a matter I have long had at heart. My desire is, 
 to do all these things with a single eye to the glory of God, 
 and the welfare of my fellow-mortals, and if they succeed.
 
 1835.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FEY. 467 
 
 to pray that He, who alone can bless and increase, may pros- 
 per the work of my unworthy hands, and that I may ever 
 wholly give the glory to Him to whom it is due, even my 
 Lord and my God. 
 
 The beneficial effects of the libraries introduced, through 
 her influence, into the Naval Hospitals at Haslar and Ply- 
 mouth, and the testimony borne to their utility by Sir William 
 Burnett, the highest medical authority in the navy, had con- 
 firmed her desire to extend this advantage to all the Coast 
 Guard Stations, without further delay. It was brought under 
 the notice of Sir Robert Peel, then first Lord of the Trea- 
 sury, by means of a letter addressed by Elizabeth Fry to his 
 brother Lawrence Peel, who had already ably seconded her 
 views in the Brighton District Society. This application met 
 with the approbation of Sir Robert Peel, by whom it was re- 
 ferred to Sir Thomas Freemantle from him an assurance was 
 received, that there existed a strong disposition on the part of 
 the Board of Treasury to give effect to this object, and that, 
 as soon as the proposed plan was matured, it should receive 
 all the assistance in his power. 
 
 Seventh Month, 2~\.st. I have been very busy, trying to 
 obtain libraries for all the Coast Guard Stations, and have 
 had to see men in authority, who received me in a way that 
 was surprising to myself. 
 
 Her projected plan of thus forming libraries for all the 
 Coast Guard Stations throughout the United Kingdom, in- 
 volved a vast undertaking, there being about five hundred of 
 these, divided into twenty-four districts, and comprising up- 
 wards of 21,000 persons, including the wives and children 
 of the men. 
 
 Government allowed a grant of X500. Large private sub- 
 scriptions were obtained through Elizabeth Fry's exertions. 
 
 The details of the arrangement were almost entirely her
 
 468 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1835. 
 
 own, and remarkably adapted to meet the requirings of those 
 whom she desired to benefit ; having made herself mistress of 
 the subject, and of the nature of the service, with surprising 
 rapidity and correctness. 
 
 Besides contributions in money, many liberal donations of 
 books were received from some of the most eminent book- 
 sellers ; which, with the grants from the Society for Promoting 
 Christian Knowledge, the Religious Tract Society, and other 
 similar institutions, amounted in value to upwards of a thou- 
 sand pounds. 
 
 The libraries, for the stations alone, amounted in all to 
 25,896 volumes. Fifty-two different works were prepared 
 for each station, whilst a still larger and more important 
 collection was to be attached to every one of the seventy-four 
 districts, in order to afford the needful variety and change. 
 The packages of books, the greater part carriage-free, were 
 dispatched in the course of the summer from the Custom 
 House, in Government vessels to their different destinations. 
 But all this was not done without much fatigue and exertion, 
 many wearisome journeys to London, and a great deal of 
 writing ; in the latter she was much assisted by a dissenting 
 minister, who undertook the office of Secretary, and proved 
 an efficient and useful agent to herself, and those gentlemen 
 who acted with her. 
 
 On the 22nd of Fifth Month, Elizabeth Fry was ordered 
 to attend the Select Committee of the House of Lords, ap- 
 pointed to inquire into the present state of the several Gaols 
 and Houses of Correction in England and Wales. She was 
 accompanied by Elizabeth Pryor, Jane Pirrie, and Catherine 
 Fraser, who were likewise to be examined. Sir T. Fowell 
 Buxton was with Elizabeth Fry. She and her companions 
 were conducted by him to an ante-room, where they found 
 the Duke of Richmond and Lord Suffield; the Duke of 
 Sutherland came in shortly afterwards. The Duke of Rich- 
 mond, as Chairman of the Committee, presided ; the govern- 
 ment short-hand writer was seated at the corner of the table,
 
 1835.] LIFE OP E-LIZABETH PRY. 469 
 
 and Elizabeth Fry, Elizabeth Pryor, Jane Pirie. and Cathe- 
 rine Eraser at the right-hand of the Duke. There might be 
 from twelve to fifteen noblemen present. 
 An eye-witness writes : 
 
 " Never, I should think, was the calm dignity of her character 
 more conspicuous. Whatever her inward feelings might have 
 been, nothing like excitement was visible in her manner nothing 
 hurried in her language. Perfectly self-possessed, her speech 
 flowed melodiously, her ideas were clearly expressed, and if another 
 thought possessed her, besides that of delivering her opinions 
 faithfully and judiciously on the subjects brought before her, it 
 was, that she might speak a word for her Lord and Master in that 
 noble company. 
 
 " Beyond all topics, did she urge the vast importance of scriptu- 
 ral instruction for poor, fallen ones. Warmed by her subject, with 
 her voice a little raised, and a look of solemn earnestness, she went 
 on to say, after replying to one of the questions addressed to her 
 
 " ' I believe the effect of religious and other instruction is hardly 
 to be calculated on and I may further say, that notwithstanding 
 the high estimation and reverence in which I held the Holy Scrip- 
 tures before I went to the prisons, as believing them to be written 
 by inspiration of God, and therefore calculated to produce the 
 greatest good, I have seen (in reading the Scriptures to those 
 women) such a power attending them, and such an effect on the 
 minds of the most reprobate, as I could not have conceived. If 
 any one wants a confirmation of the truth of Christianity, let him 
 go and read the Scriptures in prison to poor sinners; you there 
 see, how the gospel is exactly adapted to the fallen condition of 
 man. It has strongly confirmed my faith, and I feel it to be the* 
 bounden duty of the Government and the country, that those 
 truths should be administered in the manner most likely to con- 
 duce to the real reformation of the prisoner ; you then go to the 
 root of the matter for though severe punishment may, in a mea- 
 sure, deter them and others from crime, it does not nnicnd the 
 character and change the heart, but if you have altered the 
 principles of the individuals, they are not only deterred from crime, 
 because of the fear of punishment, but they go out and set a bright 
 example to others."
 
 470 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FKY. [1835. 
 
 The quiet self-possession with which she delivered her 
 opinions, won confidence and consideration ; and she had the 
 satisfaction to believe, that some points of importance were 
 forwarded by the information which she furnished. 
 
 Her communications with persons who possessed worldly 
 power were not rendered subservient to the gratification of 
 self, to the indulgence of any principle of vanity, but, in the 
 openings for usefulness to her fellow creatures ; and, as she 
 walked onward in the path of duty, she was preserved in 
 watchfulness and humility. Her guileless simplicity of heart, 
 the serious dignity of her deportment, and the unaffected 
 polish of her manner, (divested as it was of all the ceremony 
 of mere worldly politeness), inspired beholders with respect 
 and reverence, whilst her modest, beaming smile of calm 
 benignity impressed them with a consciousness of the love 
 that influenced her. 
 
 Some business now required Joseph Fry's attention in the 
 South of England : his wife accompanied him, with one of 
 their daughters. 
 
 She almost always called at the Coast Guard Stations, 
 and conversed with those whom she found there ; frequently 
 the officers would follow her to the inn for further communica- 
 tion. At Portsmouth, she visited Haslar Hospital, speaking 
 kind and pitying words to the sick and deranged. Admiral 
 Garrett and his family paid her the most hospitable attention ; 
 with his daughter she visited the Penitentiary at Portsea. 
 While they went over the house, the unhappy inmates were 
 assembled in the parlour, where they were all standing when 
 Elizabeth Fry, and her young companion, returned to the 
 room. The latter describes Elizabeth Fry, as " sitting down, 
 laying her bonnet on the table, and making some inquiries 
 as to the arrangements of the place, and the conduct of the 
 young women there. Two were pointed out to her as being 
 peculiarly refractory and hardened without noticing this, 
 she addressed some words of exhortation and advice to all, 
 but when she arose to go away, she went up to these two,
 
 1835.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 471 
 
 and extending her hand to each of them, said, in a tone and 
 manner quite indescribable, but so touching 'I trust I 
 shall hear better things of thee.' The hearts that had been 
 proof against the words of reproach and exhortation, softened 
 at those of hope and kindness, and both burst into tears." 
 
 The travellers made a three days' tour of the Isle of Wight ; 
 but at Cowes Elizabeth Fry separated from her husband and 
 daughter, believing it her duty to cross to Jersey, in the hope 
 of effecting something towards remedying the crying evils 
 which still existed in the prison there. She was accompanied 
 by her young friend, Lydia Irving, from London, who had 
 kindly agreed to go with her ; they went in the " Jlnadne" 
 Captain Bazin's steam-vessel. They had a rough passage, 
 but a warm reception at D'Hautree, Colonel (now General) 
 Touzel's. By him and his family were they treated, not 
 merely with hospitality, but with true Christian affection, as 
 " beloved for their works' sake." 
 
 She laboured diligently during her stay on the island her 
 objects being the prison, district society, &c. She passed a 
 few days in Guernsey, being similarly occupied thence 
 crossed to Weymouth spent a short time at Plymouth, 
 visited the Coast Guard Stations, &c., and, joined by her 
 husband and daughter, proceeded to Falmouth, where they 
 were warmly welcomed by her valued relatives of the Fox 
 family, to whom she was much and justly attached. 
 
 Here she heard various particulars of the packets continu- 
 ally sailing from that port ; she wished to have libraries for 
 them also. In this she was assisted by Captain Clavell, and 
 by many of the commanders of the packets ; and she did not 
 relax in her efforts until they were well supplied with Bibles, 
 Testaments, religious tracts, &c. She received, a few months 
 afterwards, a letter from one of Capt. Clavell's family, dated 
 "Falmouth, January 27th, 1835," which says: 
 
 I am sure you will be gl:ul to bear our library is getting ou 
 vith much success. The men appear uiorc anxious than ever to
 
 472 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1835. 
 
 read. I cannot tell you how much we all feel indebted to 
 
 you for your great kindness, and benevolent exertions; but par- 
 ticularly our poor sailors." 
 
 A few days were passed among the romantic beauties of 
 North Devon. Thence they turned their steps homewards ; 
 but at Amesbury she paused long enough, to make arrange- 
 ments for a library being established, for the use of the shep- 
 herds of Salisbury Plain. An excellent individual undertook 
 the care of the books, and their circulation. After a few 
 months' trial of the plan, he wrote to her 
 
 " Forty-five books are in constant circulation, with the additional 
 magazines. More than fifty poor people read them with attention, 
 return them with thanks, and desire the loan of more, frequently 
 observing, they think it a very kind thing indeed, that they should 
 be furnished with so many good books, free of all cost, so entertain- 
 ing and instructive, these long winter evenings. 
 
 From the different officers of the Coast Guard Stations, 
 she received letters that gladdened her heart ; all breathing 
 the same spirit, expressing their cordial approbation of the 
 plan, and the pleasure felt by the men and their families. 
 But something beyond pleasure was desired by her, with 
 whom the idea originated that spiritual advantage and edi- 
 fication should accrue, to those who read. The seed that 
 she sowed has, in truth, been in many instances remarkably 
 blessed. 
 
 On arriving at home from this western tour, an afflicting 
 event was impending, which she thus records : 
 
 Upton, Tenth Month, 13<A. I returned home yesterday 
 with my dear husband, from a very affecting and unexpected 
 visit into Norfolk, in consequence of the severe illness and 
 death of my beloved sister, Mary Gurney, my brother Joseph's 
 amiable, devoted, and superior wife. She was in the prime 
 of her day, only thirty-two years of age, a spiritually-minded 
 and lively minister, a very intellectual person, and highly 
 cultivated, generous, and remarkably cheerful, a wonderful
 
 1835.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 473 
 
 helper to my brother, adapted to his wants. When I heard 
 how ill she was, I could hardly believe she would die, she 
 had such an apparent call here below, but our ways are not 
 the Lord's ways, nor our thoughts, His thoughts. He took 
 her, thus early, to Himself, but we apprehend, as the shock 
 of corn fully ripe. Our dearest Joseph's resignation and 
 patience are great indeed, and his even cheerful acquiescence 
 with the will of his God, is instructive. The funeral was deeply 
 affecting. After dinner we had an extraordinary time. Our 
 dear brother Francis Cunningham prayed his dear Richenda 
 spoke. Joseph, in the most striking manner, enlarged on the 
 character of the departed, on his loss, and his consolation ; 
 the day went on and ended well, in a reading with the poor 
 neighbours ; but words fail me, to tell of the solemn, holy, 
 loving feeling over us. Oh ! what a blessing is family unity 
 in the Lord my children who were present, and many others, 
 were deeply and powerfully impressed. May it be lasting 
 may the same spirit that has so remarkably rested upon us, 
 rest on them ; the same love, the same peace, the same unity 
 of spirit, the same freeness of spiritual communication. Such 
 a day is almost like being raised above the things of this 
 world ; all appeared sanctified, all blessed, even the very 
 beauties of the place. How did I feel called upon to entreat, 
 and to warn, how did I seek to bear testimony to the very 
 truth and how did dearest Joseph, in his affliction, beseech 
 all to come to Christ, for salvation. 
 
 - ; >J. Since my return home, I have had very satisfactory 
 letters from the island of Jersey, saying that great alterations 
 and improvements are taking place in the Hospital. The 
 Prison Committee have also acted upon many of my sug- 
 gestions. In our home prison cause, it is really marvellous 
 to mo to observe the openings of Providence, in the good 
 effected by the members of the Ladies' British Society. I 
 feel rather bound to record these things not by way of 
 boasting, but as a proof that all comes from the Lord, who 
 blesaes in the labour, arid who strengthens for the work 
 GO
 
 474 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1836. 
 
 Upton Lane, Second Month, 2,5th, 1836. On the 23rd in- 
 stant, I thought it right to lay before my Monthly Meeting, 
 my belief, that it was my duty to have some religious services 
 in Sussex, Kent, and my own Quarterly Meeting. I can hardly 
 express the sweetness and peacefulness I felt, in making this 
 small sacrifice, to what I believe to be, the call of duty. The 
 near unity and sympathy expressed with me by my friends, 
 was also very encouraging and comforting. My dearest 
 brother Samuel offering to take this expedition, was quite a 
 help and comfort. 
 
 Third Month, 13</i. I returned from my journey on Sixth- 
 day last, having been out a week. I felt low, in fact, almost 
 ill, with the serious weight of the prospect of the Public 
 Meetings. The first Meeting I wished to have, was at Hast- 
 ings, the second at Rye ; a curious interesting place, towards 
 which I had felt much attracted in my last journey. We 
 found a Meeting-house there. Grover Kemp, a valuable 
 young minister, joined me at my request, which was a great 
 satisfaction to me. 
 
 At Hastings, several of the Coast Guard men and t,fficers 
 were at the Meeting. I had many proofs of the me and 
 value of the libraries sent to them, to my comfort and satis- 
 faction ; proving it not to have been labour " in vain in the 
 Lord." Real kindness, almost affection, as well as gratitude, 
 was shown to me, by several of the men and officers and 
 their families. We hope a Bible Society will be formed at 
 Rye in consequence of our visit, and a Prison Society at 
 Dover. But to come to one of the most interesting parts of 
 our expedition, we went to Sheerness, to visit the women 
 and children in the ships in ordinary. Captain Kennedy had 
 them collected at my request ; it was a fine Bight, in a large 
 man-of-war, instead of bloodshed and fightings, to see many 
 naval officers, two chaplains, sailors, soldiers, ladies, numbers 
 of women and children, all met to hear what two Quakers 
 had to say, more particularly a woman, and to listen to any 
 advice given by them. We examined the children, as tc
 
 1836.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 475 
 
 their knowledge, then gave them advice, afterwards we ad- 
 dressed their parents, and lastly those present generally we 
 were received with great cordiali ty by Captain Kennedy, and 
 his wife. 
 
 23rd. I laid before our Monthly Meeting on Third-day, 
 my belief of its being my duty to go to Ireland, and to take 
 Liverpool and Manchester in the way. I had the unity of 
 my friends I say in my heart unless Thy presence go with 
 me, take me not up hence. May my Lord answer this prayer 
 in His tender mercy. 
 
 Fourth Month, \kth. Just about leaving home for Ireland 
 oh dearest Lord ! bless, I entreat Thee, this act of faith, to 
 my family, myself, and those amongst whom I go, and be, I 
 most humbly pray Thee, my Keeper, their Keeper; my 
 Helper, their Helper ; my Strength, their Strength ; my Joy 
 and Peace, and their Joy and Peace, Amen ! Grant this for 
 Thine own name' sake, oh, most gracious Lord God ! cause 
 also, that we may meet again, in love, joy, peace and safety. 
 
 Upton Lane, Fifth Month, 13th. I returned home safely 
 yesterday afternoon. I think I never had so happy and so 
 prosperous an arrival. I wept with joy ; the stream appears 
 to be turned for a while, my tears have often flowed for 
 sorrow, and now my beloved husband and children have 
 caused them to flow for joy. I found not only all going on 
 well, and having done so during my absence, but to please, 
 comfort and surprise me, my dearest husband had had my 
 rooms altered, and made most comfortable, and my children 
 had sent me nice presents to render them more complete. 
 Their offerings of love quite gladdened my heart, though far 
 too good for me ; I felt utterly unworthy of them, I may say 
 peculiarly so. I have seldom returned home more sensible 
 of the hidden evils of my heart. Circumstances have un- 
 usually made me feel this. I fully believe in this going out, 
 much help has been granted me, in various ways; my under- 
 standing lias appeared to be enlightened, more fully to see 
 ami comprehend gospel truth, and power has been given me 
 to utter it boldly, l>eyonl what I could have supposed.
 
 470 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1836. 
 
 The preceding extract depicts what was, under all circum- 
 stances, the striking characteristic of this remarkable woman 
 her deep humility and lowly estimate of herself. She, 
 who was continually devoting every energy of mind and 
 body to promote the happiness of the human family, and 
 whose self-sacrificing love assumed a concentrated form of 
 tenderest attachment towards each member of her own imme- 
 diate circle, calling forth, in every hour of need, the most 
 assiduous exertions in their service, is yet found to be so 
 acutely affected by tokens of kind attention from her husband 
 and children tokens which might naturally be expected by 
 every affectionate wife and mother that the tears of grateful 
 joy are shed, and her heart is gladdened by offerings of love, 
 which she feels herself "utterly unworthy" to receive. This 
 incident pourtrays her mind, in lines more vividly defined 
 than the pen can describe. 
 
 My desires and prayers are strong, that being returned 
 home, I may profit by the deep experience of this expedition. 
 May my holy Redeemer cause me by His Spirit to walk very 
 closely to Himself, keeping to the truth in His Spirit, and, 
 by His power, preserving me from impetuous zeal in holy 
 things. In this Yearly Meeting, may very sound discretion 
 be my portion. As for my home duties, my longings are in- 
 describable that I may perform them in deep humility, god- 
 liness, holy fear, and love ; that I may be a preacher of 
 righteousness, in all things, and in all ways. 
 
 Sixth Month, 12/A, (First-day morning.] We, yesterday, 
 had our British Society Meeting, and it was striking to me 
 to observe, how much our various labours had been blessed, 
 and to hear how many poor women, from various parts, have 
 been induced to forsake their evil courses, and are now either 
 leading good lives, or have died happy Christian deaths. 
 
 18th. I have felt a good deal pressed in spirit, during 
 these last few days. The day before yesterday I counted 
 twenty-nine persons who came here, on various accounts,
 
 1836.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. -177 
 
 principally to see me ; there are times, when the tide of life 
 is almost overpowering. It makes me doubtful, as to our 
 remaining much longer in this place, which, from its situa- 
 tion, brings so many here. I have several things which 
 rather weightily press me just now. I desire to lay my case 
 before the Lord, trusting in Him, and casting myself and 
 my whole care upon Him. Dearest Lord, help : supply all 
 our needs, through the riches of Thy grace, in Christ Jesus ! 
 Amen. 
 
 In the Sixth Month, Elizabeth Fry had the satisfaction of 
 receiving the printed Report of the Committee acting under 
 the sanction of the Government, for furnishing the Coast 
 Guard of the United Kingdom with libraries of religious and 
 instructive books ; announcing the completion of the project, 
 with a short account of what had been effected. 
 
 The Report is as follows : 
 
 "The committee, acting under the sanction of His Majesty's 
 Government, for furnishing the Coast Guard of the United King- 
 dom with Libraries of religious and instructive books, and also with 
 school books for the families of the men employed on that service, 
 having, by the blessing of Divine Providence, completed that object, 
 it becomes their pleasing duty to lay before tho subscribers a Re- 
 port of their proceedings. 
 
 " In the commencement of this duty, it is proper gratefully to 
 acknowledge, that the idea of furnishing these libraries first sug- 
 gested itself to the benevolent mind of Mrs. Fry, whose active and 
 charitable exertions, on all occasions affecting the benefit of man- 
 kind, are too well known, and too highly estimated, to need further 
 remark on the present occasion, and who having previously suc- 
 ceeded in inducing his Majesty's Government to establish libraries 
 for the use of the patients in the naval hospitals, was induced by 
 the observations she had made on the subject, to endeavour to 
 extend the same beneficial measure to tho Coast Guard Service, 
 and after several unsuccessful efforts, arising from tho expcuso 
 which it would occasion, a sum of ,500 was obtained in 1835,
 
 478 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1830. 
 
 from the First Lord of the Treasury (Sir Robert Peel) for this 
 purpose, which munificent donation has since been followed bj 
 subscriptions from many charitable individuals, and grants from 
 several public book societies, but as the whole of these funds were 
 not sufficient to meet the object in view, the present Chancellor of 
 the Exchequer (Mr. Spring Rice) kindly granted two further 
 sums amounting together to 460 to effect its completion. 
 
 " The means thus so liberally afforded, have enabled the com- 
 mittee to provide and forward to the coast, 
 
 498 Libraries for the Stations on shore, containing 25,896 vols. 
 74 Ditto Districts 12,880 
 
 48 Ditto Cruisers 1,867 
 
 School books for the children of the crews of Stations 6,464 
 Pamphlets, Tracts, &c. 5,357 in Nos. 
 
 Makin a total of 52,464 vols. 
 
 and thereby to furnish a body of deserving and useful men and 
 their wives and families, (amounting to upwards of 21,000 persons,) 
 with the means of moral and religious instruction, as well as pro- 
 fitable amusement, most of whom, from their situation in life, 
 have not the means of procuring such benefits from their own 
 resources, and who in many instances, are so far removed from 
 places of public worship and schools, as to prevent the possibility 
 of themselves or their families deriving advantage from either." 
 
 To have been enabled to accomplish this great undertak- 
 ing, so fraught with vast and important consequences, was 
 indeed a source of inexpressible relief and satisfaction to 
 the mind of Elizabeth Fry. 
 
 Having now completed her onerous task in reference 
 to the establishment of these libraries, her mind was much 
 impressed with an apprehension .that it was her duty again 
 to visit Jersey and Guernsey, in order to promote some 
 important reforms which, through her instrumentality, had 
 been begun, but which, to render them effectual, required 
 her assistance and direction. One difficulty presented itself 
 in the indisposition of Louisa Hoare, and Elizabetn Fry felt
 
 1836.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 479 
 
 deeply the seriousness and the trial of leaving the vicinity of 
 London, at a time when the health of her sister indicated that 
 she was sinking under the influence of disease. She ear- 
 nestly sought for the guidance of her heavenly Father, and 
 she believed it to be her duty to go to Jersey, at any sacrifice 
 of personal feeling, and this view was confirmed, by knowing 
 that by her suffering sister she was not needed ; every thing 
 that love or skill could effect, being done for the beloved in- 
 valid, by her own family, and her other sisters. Another 
 circumstance tended to satisfy her mind as to the rectitude 
 of her decision : her sister-in-law Elizabeth Fry, then in very 
 delicate health, having been again advised to visit the Channel 
 Islands, where she had before derived much benefit from the 
 mild sea air, she with Joseph and Elizabeth Fry, and their 
 daughter, embarked at Southampton, on a calm fine evening, 
 with every prospect of a good voyage, but these favourable 
 appearances were not of long duration. About four o'clock 
 in the morning, all on board were roused by the sudden 
 stopping of the vessel. A dense fog had come on, when 
 passing through the intricate passage between the Caskets 
 and the island of Alderney. They remained many hours 
 entangled amongst rocks, with the fog so thick, that it was 
 not always easy to see the length of the vessel ; much appre- 
 hension was entertained by many on board, in which Eliza- 
 beth Fry partook, though preserving her wonted calmness of 
 demeanour. Providentially, there was, as passenger in the 
 steamer, the old Guernsey pilot, who had, with remarkable 
 skill, steered some vessels through a passage, generally con- 
 sidered impracticable. Of his advice and assistance, the 
 Captain, himself an experienced pilot, took advantage, am 1 
 after a time of careful navigation, the joyful tidings spread 
 among the passengers, that the jeopardy was over, that they 
 were through the channel, and once more in the open sea. 
 The spirit of Elizabeth Fry's mind was exemplified by her 
 remark to her daughter, when, as they approached Guernsey, 
 the clouds passed away, and the sun shone forth in brightness.
 
 480 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1836. 
 
 It was First-day. She said, in a solemn manner, I have felt 
 it very doubtful whether this was not to be, for us, the dawn 
 of the eternal, instead of the earthly Sabbath ; I thought it 
 rather the Church above, than the Church below, we were to 
 join to-day. 
 
 But we turn to her own interesting account of the excur- 
 sion : 
 
 Jersey, Eighth Month, Qth. My husband and I have been 
 here rather more than a week. I left home on Fourth-day, 
 the 27th, accompanied by my dear sister Gurney, leaving my 
 husband and the rest of the party to follow on Sixth-day, 
 because I believed it to be my duty to attend the Quarterly 
 Meeting at Alton, in my way to Southampton. In tender 
 mercy, I was permitted to part from my beloved family in 
 peace, in love, and in good hope that our Heavenly Father 
 would bless and protect them. On Second-day, before leav- 
 ing home, we had our dear children and grandchildren, for 
 a sweet cheerful evening, drinking tea and having straw- 
 berries, in the garden, a little farewell frolic it was a lovely 
 sight. From Alton I proceeded to Southampton, where we 
 all met, and were favoured with a favourable passage till 
 early in the morning, when so awful a fog came on, just as 
 we were in the midst of the rocks, between Alderney and 
 Guernsey, that the Captain and the crew appeared to be 
 much alarmed. We all felt it very seriously, and I experi- 
 enced something of my own infirmity and fearful nature, 
 still I was quiet, and I think trustful. It was delightful 
 once more to see land, and to have the sun shine upon us. I 
 can hardly express the feeling. We were detained about 
 four hours in this fog. I must describe our arrival, the sun 
 breaking out, showing us the islands of Guernsey, Herm, 
 and Sark. Castle Carey, the place of our destination, on the 
 top of the hill, surrounded by trees, looking beautiful : we 
 met with the most cordial reception from our friends and 
 their children the place delightful my room commanding
 
 1836.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 481 
 
 the finest view of the sea and islands, our comforts abundant, 
 far above our deserts. I had apprehended, previously to 
 leaving home, that I should feel it a duty to visit the island 
 of Alderney, but I became discouraged, the danger of the 
 sea having been so much brought home to me, and the pass- 
 age being very difficult. But I found upon weighing the 
 subject, that I was not satisfied to omit it, and therefore, if a 
 favourable opening occurred, resolved to make the effort, and 
 to go on Fourth-day, the llth. We tried for a conveyance 
 in vain, till the very morning, when we found n vessel going. 
 The sun shone brilliantly, the wind fair ; every thing pros- 
 pered our setting off, and we appeared to have the unity of 
 all our party. My beloved husband, Edmund Richards, 
 Sophia JMourant, and myself. We had a very favourable 
 voyage, though these little sailing vessels are unpleasant to 
 me, and give me an uncomfortable sensation. We arrived 
 at this curious island, which is rocky, wild, not generally cul- 
 tivated, covered in parts with a carpet of lovely wild flowers, 
 and scantily inhabited by an interesting people. No inn, of 
 course, but we had a very nice lodging, where we might 
 truly say, we wanted for no real comfort : so the Lord doth 
 provide. I was low and poorly, during the first part of our 
 visit ; but like the fog on the voyage, my cloudy state was 
 suddenly dispersed, as from a ray of the Sun of Righteous- 
 ness. We held some meetings, we also formed a Ladies' 
 Charity to visit the poor, we proposed sending a library, and 
 Edmund Richards formed a temperance society. We were 
 received with great kindness, by numbers of the people, and* 
 by Major Baines the Governor, and his wife. We found no 
 opportunity for our departure at the time we had proposed 
 leaving Alderney, and were literally confined there, until the 
 cud of the following week, when the way appeared to be as 
 clear to return, as it had been to go. A vessel to take us 
 the wind fair, and the sun bright. We arrived safely at 
 Castle Carey, on the evening of the 24th of the Seventh 
 Month, and found good accounts from home, and from the 
 01
 
 482 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1836. 
 
 party who had preceded us to Jersey ; thanks be to my Hea- 
 venly Father ! My too anxious and fearful mind having 
 been disposed to much anxiety. I had 'not much public 
 service in Guernsey. Meetings as usual on First-day. I 
 went to see many families of Friends and others, and besides 
 some of the poor, visited the Hospital, and urged the great 
 need of a Lunatic Asylum. The evening before our depar- 
 ture, I had a very solemn Public Meeting, with many inte- 
 resting persons ; afterwards several joined us at Castle Carey, 
 where we had a time of much interest, pleasantly partaking of 
 natural friendship ; afterwards we were read to by a clergy- 
 man, and then I had a very solemn occasion of thanksgiving 
 and prayer, greatly doubting my ever seeing most of their 
 faces again. The next morning, John and Matilda Carey, 
 their children, the clergyman, and our friends E. Richards 
 and family, all accompanied us to the shore, some went with 
 us in a boat to the ship, which I entered in peace and com- 
 fort, under the belief, that I had been in my right allotment 
 in that island, and Alderney. We had a beautiful passage 
 here, calm, and lovely weather, and had the blessing of find- 
 ing the party well. 
 
 Jersey, 19^. In this place I find much to occupy me, in 
 the Hospital, the District Society, and in the Prisons. Wo 
 receive much kind attention from the inhabitants of the island. 
 I had much to say in a large District Society Meeting, yes- 
 terday I hope usefully. I entered it prayerfully, but not 
 enough so. I have enjoyed some delightful expeditions into 
 the lovely country, where we have sometimes taken our cold 
 dinner, and spent the day in the rocky bays. We have also 
 joined two large parties of the same kind, which were pleasant 
 to me ; my nature leads me to be social, and rather like gene- 
 ral society; but I wish all to be done in the right spirit. 
 Innocent recreation, I believe, is profitable as well as pleasant. 
 Our Lord desired His servants to rest, and He evidently felt 
 for them when they had hardly time to eat ; (6th chapter 
 of Mark, 31st verse ;) but this rest was after labour. I
 
 1836.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 483 
 
 believe our recreations are right, as far as they fit us for our 
 Master's service, and wrong, if they enervate and disqualify 
 us for it. I have deeply felt my sister Hoare's state. I 
 may say, in measure, I bear her burdens with her, she has 
 my frequent prayers, and my tears often rise in remembrance 
 of her. My heart is also much at home, most tenderly 
 interested for all my children, more particularly my boys. 
 I think I have cause for much thankfulness in the accounts 
 from them. 
 
 23rJ. The letters on First-day brought ns 3ue affecting 
 intelligence that my much-loved sister Hoare was worse ; 
 her decline has been rapid th'e last week or two. My sister 
 Cunningham wrote to me, to beg me to set off to her directly; 
 this proved a stunning blow the low estate of this tenderly 
 beloved sister, the difficulty of getting to her, the doubts as 
 to what I ought to do, all upset me, as I say, stunned me. 
 What could I do, but pray, in this emergency, to be helped 
 and directed aright ; that I might faithfully do my duty to 
 all, and that my poor, dear, afflicted sister might be so 
 helped immediately by her Lord Himself, that no other help 
 might be really needful to her, yet the infirmity of my heart 
 led me to pray also, that if right for us, I might see her 
 again, and be some little help and comfort to her in her last 
 hours. 
 
 On calmly weighing the subject, Elizabeth Fry believed 
 it to be her duty to remain, in Jersey, until the important 
 objects that had led her thither were accomplished. She 
 was enabled to attend to each one, and to leave with peace. 
 
 A Committee of Ladies was established for visiting the 
 Hospital in Jersey, with the wife of the Licutenant-Governor, 
 General Campbell, at its head. The District Society was 
 increasing in usefulness, the new House of Correction was 
 likely to be established on the best principles ; and she had 
 the comfort of knowing, that all these objects were left under 
 the skilful and efficient superintendence of her kind friend
 
 484 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1836. 
 
 Major-General Touzel, who had been, with other Jersey 
 gentlemen, faithful coadjutors in her various labours. Her 
 visits to Alderney and Guernsey had, as we have seen, been 
 accomplished to her own satisfaction. 
 
 Jersey, Eighth Month, 25th. Since I last wrote, I have 
 passed through much conflict indeed I have been strongly 
 drawn two ways. I now expect to cross to-morrow ; but 
 some disc >cagement attends it. I am about going to a 
 Public Meeting of importance, to finish, as I suppose, such 
 services here. Be pleased, most gracious Lord, to be with 
 me in this straitened place, help me through this service, 
 by Thine own Spirit, to glorify Thee ; edify, comfort, and 
 help this people, and those dear to me. Show me, I pray 
 Thee, for Thy dear Son's sake, this token for good in 
 my low estate and if it please Thee, make my way quite 
 clear before me ; if I am called to my beloved sister, oh, 
 dearest Lord, be Thyself with me, and all of us, that we 
 may part in peace, love, and joy, in Thee. Amen. In Thy 
 love and pity in Christ Jesus, hearken to my unworthy cry. 
 
 Upton Lane, Ninth Month, 13th. I was favoured to get 
 through this Meeting well. By the close of that day, I had 
 very much concluded the various duties that I was called to 
 perform in that island. I felt peace in going at that time. 
 * # * * * -^r e |.j ien ge j. Q g^ f oun( j a comfortable small 
 
 vessel, and a good captain. * * * * We had altogether 
 a pleasant and prosperous voyage. 
 
 On arriving at Hampstead she found her sister Hoare ex- 
 tremely ill and at times unconscious ; but she had a return 
 of some degree of brightness, and Elizabeth Fry writes : 
 
 I had the inexpressible comfort of being permitted a few 
 days with her, and she evidently liked my company. I par- 
 ticularly observed, how gently I was dealt with, by her reviv- 
 ing a little after I arrived, so that I had not the bitterness
 
 1836.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 485 
 
 of seeing her at once sinking. The affliction was thus miti- 
 gated to me ; I was enabled to show her some marks of my 
 deep and true love, and to be with and earnestly pray for her, 
 in the hour of death. I was helped to be some comfort to 
 many of her family, (and utterly unworthy as I know I am 
 of it) I believe in my various ministrations, I was enabled to 
 prove the power of the Spirit to qualify for his own work ; 
 and amongst them all, particularly with my dear nephew, 
 who has just entered the "Church," deeply to impress the 
 necessity of the work of the Spirit being carried on in the 
 heart; and of having Christian charity towards others of 
 every denomination. My beloved sister Hoare's death has 
 made a deep impression on me. I do not like to enter life or 
 its cares, or to see many, or to be seen. I like to withdraw 
 from the world, and to be very quiet. I have naturally 
 much felt the event, though supported and comforted under it. 
 Tenth Month, 2nd, (First-day.) On Second-day morning, 
 when going into the select Quarterly Meeting, with my bro- 
 ther Samuel, my son William came to tell us, that a serious 
 accident had happened to my husband and daughter in Nor- 
 mandy. They had been thrown down a precipice, the carriage 
 broken to pieces, and although they had experienced a very 
 Providential deliverance, in their lives being spared, and no 
 dangerous wound received, yet Katharine was so much hurt, 
 and my dearest husband so much shaken, that they wished 
 me to go to them immediately. I gave up the Quarterly 
 Meeting of course, and set off with my much-loved son Wil- 
 liam to Dover, BO as to cross by the first packet to France. 
 I remember my sorrow, and perhaps undue disappointment, 
 in not accompanying them to France. It seemed almost as if 
 my Heavenly Father had heard my murmurings, as He heard 
 the children of Israel in the Wilderness, and had taken me 
 to France, when I did go-against my inclination, alas ! I 
 received it also as a lesson to have but one prayer and desire 
 in all things, "that the Lord's will be done on earth as it i.s 
 in Heaven." The accident was most stirious ; such an escape
 
 486 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FKY. [1836. 
 
 I think I never heard of ; the carriage, in the first instance, 
 fell with one horse (the driver and the other horse being 
 separated from them) about four yards perpendicularly : then 
 the carriage was dragged down about twenty-six yards more. 
 The poor peasants came to assist, and fetched the village doc- 
 tor for the body and the priest for the soul. 
 
 To one of her sons she writes from Calais : 
 
 Ninth Month, 2Qth, 1836. 
 
 William and I reached Dover soon after twelve o'clock last 
 evening. We were settled by one o'clock, and off about 
 half-past seven this morning. Our journey was an anxious 
 one, until, as the evening advanced, I became more quieted, 
 and trustful that all was ordered for us in mercy and wisdom. 
 We had a very favourable passage of three hours ; and to 
 our great satisfaction, found your father looking for us on the 
 quay. We found our dearest Kate exceedingly bruised, and 
 very grievously hurt altogether. Your dear father looks, I 
 think, shaken and aged by all that he has gone through. 
 Mary has been a very attentive nurse. She looks also jaded, 
 but from her excessive fright, when they were going down 
 the hill, she knelt down and put her head on Katherine's lap, 
 by which means her face was perfectly saved. And so I 
 have, at last, touched French ground. William and I have 
 not been idle ; we have already visited the Prison and Hos- 
 pital. We hope it may please Providence, in tender mercy, 
 to permit us all to arrive at home next Seventh-day, probably 
 by a packet that leaves this place that morning for London. 
 
 Upton Lane, Tenth Month, 15/A. William and I went 
 one day to " St." Omer, and stayed till the next. We had a 
 very interesting expedition ; his company was sweet to me. 
 
 I was a good deal instructed, as well as interested, in visit- 
 ing the Roman Catholic charities. The sacrifice that must 
 be made to give up the whole life, as the Sisters of Charity
 
 1836.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 487 
 
 do, to teach and bring up the poor children, and attend to the 
 sick in their hospitals, is very exemplary ; and the slackness 
 of some Protestants, and coldness of too many, led me to 
 think that, whilst the meritoriousness of good works may be 
 unsoundly upheld by the Roman Catholics, yet, that it stimu- 
 lates to much that is excellent ; and a fear arose in my mind, 
 that the true doctrine that teaches that we have no merit in 
 anything that we do, is either so injudiciously represented, 
 or so misunderstood, that, in too many cases, it leads to lax- 
 ity, or to sin, and a want of diligence in works of righteous- 
 ness and true holiness. I was much interested in witnessing 
 the Mass, but here I thought I saw something of the work of 
 true religion, under what appeared to me, the rubbish of su- 
 perstition and show. But I also thought, that much of the 
 same thing remained amongst Protestants. I long to see 
 true religion in its purity and simplicity, spread more and 
 more, to the glory of God and the peace of men. 
 
 Eleventh Month, 6th, (First-day.} It has pleased our 
 Heavenly Father to permit much trial within the last two or 
 three weeks. My dearest Richenda has had a very serious, 
 I may say dangerous illness ; one of great suffering. This 
 day week her medical attendants were much alarmed, and 
 wished to have a third called in ; I deeply felt her state, but 
 very earnestly desired to have no will in it, seeing I knew 
 not what was best for her. My prayer was most earnest for 
 her salvation, that whenever taken hence, she might be ready, 
 being washed and made white in the blood of the everlasting 
 covenant. 
 
 During Chenda's illness, I had very affecting accounts 
 from Lynn, of dearest Rachel ; her little Willy and his 
 nurse ; all in the scarlet fever ; the little boy very danger- 
 ously ill. 
 
 On the 17th of the following month, Elizabeth Fry, accom- 
 panied by some of her associates in the labours of the prisons.
 
 488 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1837. 
 
 met by appointment a Committee of Gentlemen, at the Great 
 Millbank Penitentiary, and she says: 
 
 We found to our great satisfaction, that through the Sec- 
 retary of State, Lord John Russell, our way was fully open 
 to visit this prison, which we had long desired to do, but 
 never before had gained access to it. Now, I think, every 
 criminal prison in London is visited by us. I see much en- 
 couragement and cause for thankfulness, in our way thus 
 continuing to be made in this work of Christian love. I 
 went to Hampstead in the evening, truly affecting it was to 
 find the real, great loss in that dear family. I felt much 
 love towards them, but did not see religiously or naturally, 
 that I was very likely to be able to help them. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 31st. Late in the evening, alone. I feel 
 it rather a solemn close to this year ; not a time of bright- 
 ness, though abounding with causes for thankfulness which 
 I desire more deeply to feel. May my Lord grant, for His 
 dear Son's sake, that the Holy Spirit may more abundantly 
 rest upon me, and mine, as our Guide, Sanctifier, and Com- 
 forter. May I more faithfully, watchfully, and humbly, per- 
 form all my duties to my Lord, my family, my friends, the 
 church generally, and the world, and to myself. In afflictions 
 may my soul be possessed in patience and watchfulness ! and 
 may every day draw us nearer to God and His kingdom ! 
 
 Upton Lane, First Month, 25th, 1837. My heart and 
 mind have been much occupied, by my brother Joseph's 
 writing to inform me, that he apprehends it will be his duty 
 to go to America this year, upon religious service. The sub- 
 ject is deeply important and weighty ; yet I desire to rejoice 
 in his willingness to give up all for the service of his Lord. 
 Though some fears have arisen, from a sort of floating appre- 
 hension I have had for many years, that I ought, or might, 
 go with him, if ever he visited that land. Upon viewing it, 
 as it respects myself, I believe I may truly say, I do not, at 
 present, see any such opening. As far as I can see, home
 
 1837.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 489 
 
 has my first call of duty; what the future may produce, I 
 leave ; but as far as I know my own heart, I very earnestly 
 desire to feel, continually, that I am not my own, but bought 
 with a price ; therefore, I am my Lord's servant, and must 
 do as I am bidden, even if the service called for appear to 
 me unreasonable. But I must further observe, that in con- 
 descending mercy, I have generally found in services really 
 called for, there has been a ripeness, that may be compared 
 to the fruit come to maturity. For this service, for the pre- 
 sent, I see no way. 
 
 Second Month, \\th. Yesterday, when I went to town to 
 visit Newgate, I was stopped by Foster Reynolds, saying, 
 that he had sad tidings for me which proved to be, that my 
 beloved sister Harriet was most suddenly taken, leaving 
 eight young children and my poor dear brother. Still, I trust 
 not " left," because surely the Lord will be near, to help him 
 in this very deep sorrow. Of course we are brought very 
 low by this fresh family affliction. Deeply do I desire, that 
 it may be sanctified to us all. The same post brought yes- 
 terday, the account from my brother Joseph, that he had laid 
 his concern to visit America before his Monthly Meeting. So 
 one brother is called to do, the other to suffer; may our 
 Lord's will be done, by and through them both. 
 
 1 5th. The funeral of my much beloved sister takes place to- 
 day. What a scene of unutterable sorrow at Runcton, where a 
 few days ago, all was, in no common degree, joy, peace, and 
 great prosperity. Oh ! what occasions are these, where fami- 
 lies meet together, for the affecting and solemn purpose of 
 committing the remains of a beloved one, to the silent grave. 
 
 May the Lord Himself lift up the light of His countenance 
 upon them, bless them, and keep them in a sound mind, and 
 sound faith. Be pleased, oh gracious Lord ! to help, pity, 
 and comfort these afflicted ones this day. 
 
 How touching how affecting an event was this ! bringing 
 home the solemn truth that no circumstances, neither talent, 
 62
 
 490 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1837. 
 
 wealth, beauty, nor earthly rank, can avail anything when 
 the pale messenger is sent with the awful summons. Lady 
 Harriet Gurney had entered the family, when many of the 
 elder members had reached the meridian of life. She had 
 come, not alone to gladden her own domestic hearth, but to 
 diffuse of her bright loving, hopeful spirit amongst hei 
 husband's relatives. For fourteen years she had, in an ex- 
 emplary manner, fulfilled the duties of wife" and mother, 
 friend and mistress. 
 
 Her brother-in-law, T. F. Buxton, wrote on the day of her 
 funeral: "In seeing her coffin committed to the vault, I 
 could not but feel, that it contained all that remained of as 
 much beauty, and true loveliness of mind, body, and spirit, 
 as we ever saw removed from this world !" 
 
 Elizabeth Fry still laboured diligently in her works of 
 mercy, and was mpst kindly assisted by members of the go- 
 vernment. 
 
 Upton Lane, Third Month, 12th. I yesterday, went to 
 the Colonial Office to meet Sir George Grey, on subjects 
 respecting New South Wales, and the state of the female 
 convicts ; to the Irish Office, and saw Lord Morpeth respect- 
 ing National Schools and Prisons, and then to the Home 
 Office, about Jersey Prisons, &c. In every one I met with 
 a most cordial reception. So the Lord yet makes way with 
 those in power. 
 
 Sixth Month. The King died last Third-day, the 20th. 
 Our young Queen was proclaimed yesterday. My prayers 
 have arisen for her, that our Heavenly Father would pour 
 forth His spirit upon her, guide her by His counsel, and 
 grant her that wisdom which is from above. I have re- 
 ceived a long letter from the Duchess of , containing 
 
 a very interesting account of her, and the death of the late 
 King. 
 
 Seventfi Month, 20th. I returned home yesterday evening 
 from Lowestoft, after having accompanied my brother Joseph
 
 1837.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FKY. 491 
 
 to Liverpool, on his way to America. Our time at Earlham 
 was very interesting ; I believe I was helpful to my brother 
 in a large Meeting that he held, to take leave of the citizens 
 of Norwich. It was a highly interesting occasion, and I 
 trust edifying to many. I am very sorry to say, my mind 
 has too much the habit of anxiety and fearfulness. I believe 
 this little journey would have been much more useful to me, 
 but from an almost constant cloud over me, from the fear of 
 being wanted by some of my family. I think it would be 
 better for myself, and for them, if they did not always cling 
 so closely round my hearty so as to become too much of a 
 weight upon me. 
 
 My beloved brother's leave-taking of Earlham and the 
 family there, was very affecting ; still there was peace in it, 
 and joy in the Lord, inasmuch as there is delight in doing 
 what we believe to be His will. Of this, I think we partook 
 with him. We went from Earlham to Runcton ; there we 
 dined. Shall I ever dine with my three brothers again ? 
 the Lord only knows my heart was tendered in being with 
 them. 
 
 I rejoice that I proceeded with Joseph, for I did not, be- 
 fore that, feel that I had come at his mind, he had been so 
 much engaged, but, on the journey, I did so very satisfac- 
 torily. Samuel, Elizabeth, Joseph and myself, thus had a 
 time together, never to be forgotten. We had much inter- 
 esting conversation respecting things spiritual and things 
 temporal, ourselves and our families. We proceeded to Man- 
 chester, where we met our dear Jonathan and Hannah Back- 
 house, their children, and Eliza P. Kirkbride ; also William 
 Forster. We were a very united company. That evening, 
 William Forster read the 54th chapter of Isaiah, expressing 
 liis full belief, that our dearest Joseph would experience the 
 promises contained in the last few verses. The next day we 
 went to Liverpool, and spent much of the morning in his 
 very comfortable ship ; we felt being in it, for it was very 
 touching parting with one so tenderly beloved. We made
 
 492 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1837. 
 
 things comfortable for him, I attended to the books, and 
 that a proper library should go out for the crew, passengers, 
 and steerage passengers. However occupied or interested, 
 I desire never to forget any thing that may be of service to 
 others. We had a delightful morning with Joseph, but the 
 tears often rose to my eyes ; still, I desire to be thankful 
 more than sorrowful, that I have a brother so fitted for his 
 Lord's service, and willing to give up all for His name's 
 sake. 
 
 That evening, again we had an interesting religious time 
 in prayer. The next morning there was a solemn calm over 
 us the day of parting was come. After breakfast we all 
 assembled, with some of our friends. We read the 4th of 
 Philippians, our spirits were much bowed and broken, but 
 the chapter encouraged us to stand fast in the Lord, to help 
 one another in Christ, even the women who laboured in the 
 gospel, and, to be careful for nothing, for that the Lord would 
 supply all our need. 
 
 After her brother had ministered to them, and prayer had 
 been offered, she adds : 
 
 Soon afterwards we went to the ship. I saw the library 
 arranged, with some others to help me ; then devoted myself 
 to my beloved brother, put sweet flowers in his cabin, which 
 was made most comfortable for him. It was announced that 
 the ship was going we assembled in the ladies' cabin I 
 believe all wept. William Forster said, the language had 
 powerfully impressed him "I will be with you always, even 
 to the end of the world ;" therefore we might trust our beloved 
 ones to Him who had promised. I then knelt down with 
 these words "Now, Lord, what wait we for, our hope is in 
 Thee," and entirely committed him and his companions in 
 the ship, to the most holy and powerful keeping of Israel's 
 Shepherd ; that even the voyage might be blessed to him, 
 and to others. In short, our souls were poured forth before
 
 1837.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 493 
 
 and unto the Lord, in deep prayer and supplication. Joseph 
 almost sobbed, still a solemn quiet and peace reigned over 
 us. I believe the Lord was with us, and owned us at this 
 solemn time. We left the ship, and walked by the side of 
 the Pier, until they were towed out ; then we went away, 
 and wept bitterly but not the tears of deep sorrow, far from 
 it ; how different from the grief for sin, or even disease, or 
 the perplexities of life. 
 
 Upton Lane, Eighth Month, 6th. I am much occupied 
 about the great Female Prison in Ireland, also the one at 
 Paramatta. Government is wonderfully kind, and I believe 
 much good is likely to be done by the steps now being taken". 
 
 18th. I have believed it right to have the poor invited, to 
 attend the Evening Meeting at Ratcliffe to-morrow. These 
 are weighty engagements ; may the Holy Spirit be poured 
 forth, for the comfort, help, and encouragement of the hearers, 
 and to my own peace. 
 
 Second-day, 20th. Yesterday, we were favoured to get 
 well through the Meeting, the people were very attentive, 
 and some appeared in tears. Christ was preached as the 
 " Way " to the Kingdom of Heaven, the sacrifice for our 
 sins, and the healer of our wounds. He appeared to me to 
 be exalted, through the power of the Spirit. May I be 
 faithful in every call of duty, trusting in Him who can 
 qualify me by His own power. 
 
 Ninth Month. Since this Meeting, the interest that others 
 have taken with me in the poor of Ratcliffe, has led us to 
 look into their deplorable -condition. We have formed a 
 committee to visit them at their houses, see their state, pro- 
 vide a library for their use, and probably an infant school. 
 So one thing springs out of another ! 
 
 Last Seventh-day, my brother and sister Gurney and I went 
 to Crawley, to attend the little Meeting at Ifield, and to go 
 to William Allen's at Lindfield. My brother said, that any 
 serious persons who liked to attend the Meeting might do so, 
 and to our surprise, we found a large congregation of the
 
 494 LIFE OF ELIZABETH JRY. [1837. 
 
 labouring classes ; I should think nearly a hundred men in 
 smock-frocks ; it was quite a sight. I felt low, empty, un- 
 worthy, and stripped in spirit, but my Lord helped me. We 
 certainly had a solemn Meeting, the people were very atten- 
 tive ; we also had a very satisfactory reading with the people 
 at the inn. In the evening we attended another Meeting at 
 Lindfield, in which William Allen very acceptably united. 
 Other Friends were there. We also called upon some poor, 
 sorrowful, destitute ones. This little excursion appeared 
 blessed to our comfort, refreshment, and peace, and I believe 
 had the same effect on those whom we visited. I observe, 
 with those who may think they differ in sentiment, there is 
 nothing like bringing them together ; how often is it then 
 found, that the difference is more in expression than reality, 
 and that the spirit of love and charity breaks down the par- 
 tition walls. 
 
 I have, for many months past, deeply felt the wish for 
 more religious intercourse with my children, and more uniting 
 with them upon important and interesting subjects. I have 
 turned it in my mind, again and again, and at last have pro- 
 posed making the experiment, and meeting this evening 
 first, to consider different subjects of usefulness in- charities, 
 and then to close with serious reading, and such religious 
 communication as way may open for. 
 
 Thou, Lord, only knowest the depth of my desire, for the 
 everlasting welfare of my children ! If it be Thy holy and 
 blessed will, grant that we may be truly united to Thee, as 
 members of Thy Militant Chureh on earth, and spiritually 
 united amongst ourselves, as members of one body, each 
 filling his different office, faithfully unto Thee. Grant that 
 this little effort may be blessed to promote this end, and 
 cause that in making it, we may experience the sweet influ- 
 ence of Thy love shed abroad in each of our hearts, to our 
 real help, comfort, edification, and unity ! 
 
 To her children she writes on the subject of the preceding 
 paragraph :
 
 1837.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 495 
 
 Upton Lane, Ninth Month, 15th, 1837. 
 My dearest Children, 
 
 Many of you know that, for some time, I have felt and ex- 
 pressed the want of our social intercourse, at times, leading 
 to religious union and communion amongst us. It has pleased 
 the Almighty to permit, that by far the larger number of you 
 no longer walk with me in my religious course. Except very 
 occasionally, we do not meet together for the solemn purpose 
 of worship, and upon some other points, we do not see eye 
 to eye. There are times when, in my declining years, I se- 
 riously feel the loss of uot having more of the spiritual help 
 and encouragement of those I have brought up, and truly 
 sought to nurture in the Lord. This has led me to many 
 serious considerations, how the case may, under present cir- 
 cumstances, be in any way met. 
 
 My conclusion is, that believing, as we do, in one Lord as 
 our Saviour, one Holy Spirit as our Sanctifier, and one God 
 and Father of us all, our points of union are surely strong, 
 and if we are members of one living Church, and expect to 
 be such for ever, we may profitably unite in some religious 
 engagements here below. 
 
 The world and the things of it occupy us much, and they 
 are rapidly passing away it would be well if we occasionally 
 set apart a time for unitedly attending to the things of Eter- 
 nity. I therefore propose that we try the following plan, if 
 it answer, continue it, if not, by no means feel bound to it. 
 That our party, in the first instance, should consist of no 
 others than our children, and such grandchildren, as may be 
 old enough to attend. That our object in meeting, be for the 
 strengthening of our faith, for our advancement in a devoted, 
 religious, and holy life, and for the object of promoting 
 Christian love and fellowship. 
 
 That wo read the Scriptures unitedly, in an easy, familiar 
 manner, each being perfectly at liberty to make any remark 
 or ask any question ; that it should be a time of religious
 
 496 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1837. 
 
 instruction, by seeking to understand the mind of the Lord, 
 for doctrine and practice, in searching the Scriptures, and 
 bringing ourselves and our deeds to the light, that it may be 
 made manifest if they are wrought in God. That either 
 before, or after the Scriptures are read, we should consider 
 how far we are really engaged for the good of our fellow- 
 men, and what, as far as we can judge, most conduces to this 
 object. All the members of this little community, are advised 
 to communicate any thing they may have found useful, or 
 interesting, in religious books ; and to bring forward any 
 thing that is doing for the good of mankind, in the world 
 generally. 
 
 I hope that thus meeting together, may stimulate the family 
 to more devotion of heart to the service of their God, at 
 home and abroad to mind their different callings, however 
 varied ; and to be active in helping others. It is proposed 
 that this meeting should take place once a month, at each 
 house in rotation. 
 
 I have now drawn some little outline of what I desire, and 
 if any of you like to unite with me in making the experi- 
 ment, it would be very gratifying to me, still, I hope that 
 all will feel at liberty, to do as they think best themselves. 
 
 I am indeed, 
 Your nearly attached mother, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 To comment on the preceding letter may be unnecessary, 
 and it would be difficult to do so with sufficient delicacy. The 
 reader will doubtless be impressed with the deep humility 
 which led her to feel herself as needing the " help and encou- 
 ragement of those " whom she "had brought up ; " and will be 
 tenderly touched with sympathy, in tracing the indications of 
 the severe trial entailed on her by the departure of her 
 children from union with her in religious profession, and 
 consequently not affording her an opportunity of manifesting 
 ner fervent solicitude for their spiritual welfare. The plan
 
 1838.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 497 
 
 that she proposed opened the way for some advantages ; and 
 her sons were disposed to exert themselves to remedy several 
 serious evils. These little family meetings were always con- 
 cluded by reading a portion of Scripture. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 20/A. -I have laid before my Monthly 
 Meeting my prospect of visiting France, and obtained the 
 concurrence of Friends. Oh ! for help, daily, hourly, and 
 may a sound mind, love, and power, be granted to me and to 
 others, to our own peace, and the glory of God. 
 
 First-day Afternoon, 24th. An accident about carriages 
 keeps me from Meeting, which I much regret. The Morn- 
 ing Meeting was solemn. After it, my certificate was read 
 in our adjourned Monthly Meeting, which was exceedingly 
 encouraging to me, it expressed great unity with me as a 
 minister, and much concurrence in my concern to go to 
 France. It appeared to be signed by nearly the whole of 
 the Meeting. 
 
 Upton Lane, First Month, Gth, 1838. I yesterday re- 
 turned from a visit to Norfolk. Before going there, I laid 
 my concern to go to France, before our large Quarterly 
 Meeting, and had the very great encouragement of such a 
 flow of unity, as I have seldom heard expressed upon any 
 occasion. 
 
 24//j. I expect to leave home to-morrow for France. My 
 spirit has been very much brought down before the Lord ; 
 some causes of anxiety have arisen ; still in this my going 
 out, love abounds in no common degree, and a portion of 
 soul-sustaining peace underneath. These words comforted, 
 me this morning, 2 Timothy i. 12. "I know whom I have 
 believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that 
 which I have committed unto Him against that day." I 
 therefore, in this going out, commit myself, and my all, to 
 my most blessed and holy Keeper, even to the Lord God of 
 my salvation, my only hope of real help and defence, and 
 of eternal glory. 
 63
 
 498 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1838. 
 
 She was accompanied in this journey, by her husband, 
 their valued friend Josiah Forster, and by Lydia Irving, the 
 same young Friend who had gone with her to Jersey in 
 1835. 
 
 She wrote to her family from 
 
 Abbeville, First Month, 2&th. 
 
 We left Boulogne yesterday morning, in a very comfort- 
 able French carriage, we enjoyed our reading and conversa- 
 tion, until we arrived at Montreuil, where we were refreshed 
 by a little bouillon ; and then proceeded to this place ; but 
 the cold was bitter, and neither French fires, nor tea, nor 
 any other means proved sufficient to warm us. As the fol- 
 lowing morning advanced, my sense of mercy and peace was 
 great. I remembered that some devoted Christian expressed, 
 ''where the God of peace is, there is home." After breakfast 
 we read as usual, then Josiah Forster went out ; but he could 
 hear of no Protestants, nor of any place of worship for them ; 
 nor of any place desirable for us to visit, excepting one hos- 
 pital, one convent, and one prison. These we visited, after 
 having had a very solemn and sweet meeting in our own 
 room. That text was feelingly brought to our minds, " where 
 two or three are met together in my name, there am I in the 
 midst of them." 
 
 I find my small knowledge of the language very valuable, 
 I can read to thejille de chambre, and in some degree con- 
 vey my feelings and sentiments, enough to produce sympathy 
 and interest. In our visit to the prison, convent, and hos- 
 pital, I found this to be the case. 
 
 To go now to minor points : picture us, our feet on some 
 fleeces that we have found, generally wrapped up in cloaks, 
 surrounded by screens, to keep off the air ; the wood fire at 
 our feet. We have just finished an interesting reading in 
 French, in the New Testament, with the landlady, her 
 daughters, and some of the servants of the hotel, they ap- 
 peared very attentive, and much interested.
 
 1838.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 499 
 
 Farewell, my dearly beloved ones. May the Lord be with 
 you, and keep you, and bless you ! 
 
 Your tenderly attached, 
 
 E. F. 
 
 In Paris, comfortable and commodious apartments were 
 prepared for them at the Hotel de Castille, by the kind atten- 
 tion of F. Delessert. They arrived there very tired and 
 very cold, on the 30th of the First Month. The morning of 
 the 31st was opened with solemn prayer, in which E. Fry 
 besought wisdom from on High to direct, and strength to 
 perform whatever might be called for at their hands. Then 
 came a visit from their kind friend Delessert, two notes from 
 Lord Granville, the English Ambassador at Paris : a call at 
 the Embassy, and in the evening the company of M. de 
 Pressense, the Secretary of the Bible Society, with his wife. 
 
 Second Month, 1st, they attended the small Friends' 
 Meeting held in the Faubourg du Roule, and afterwards 
 called on La Baronne Pelet de la Lozere. In her, Elizabeth 
 Fry found a friend and sister in Christ. They then paid a 
 visit to Count Montalivet, Minister of the Interior, by whom 
 they were most kindly received, and promised all needful 
 admissions to the different prisons. 
 
 Afterwards, at the Hotel, they received visits from the 
 Duchess de Broglie and other ladies. The following day 
 found Elizabeth Fry oppressed and feverish, and evidently 
 suffering from the cold which she had endured on her journey. 
 Her new friends all displayed lively sympathy, whilst the 
 Baroness Pelet, in particular, neglected no kindness or atten- 
 tion that appeared likely to add to her comfort. 
 
 The 3rd, though too unwell to go out, she received in the 
 evening M. de Metz, Conseiller de la Cour Iloyalc, and had 
 much important conversation with him on the subject of 
 Prisons, in which ho was greatly interested. On First-day, 
 she and her companions visited a school conducted by M. do 
 Pressens^, for two hundred children; a cheerful and de-
 
 500 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1838. 
 
 lightful sight. At twelve o'clock they attended Friends' 
 Meeting : there were assembled French, English, a Pole, 
 and Americans. Among this motley group might be found 
 Roman Catholics, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, various Dis- 
 senters, with Friends. 
 
 On Second-day, the 5th, they visited the " St." Lazare 
 Prison for women, containing nine hundred and fifty-two in- 
 mates ; a very melancholy sight. An American lady invited 
 the party to her house in the evening, where she received 
 about fifty individuals, mostly English and Americans. The 
 conversation turned upon the general state of society in 
 Europe, but especially in France, and what would be the 
 most likely means of benefiting its polished, refined, but dis- 
 sipated and irreligious capital. The fearful writings of the 
 day, " many too bad to read," were discussed, and what 
 might be the root of a tree, the branches of which bore fruit 
 of such deadly nature. There was present, on that occasion, 
 a young medical student, who addressed himself to Elizabeth 
 Fry on the fearful contamination to which young men in his 
 position were exposed no domestic home to retire to, none 
 of that indefinable, but potent influence around them, of 
 public opinion in favour of virtue and morality, their studies 
 all tending to materialism, and to the lessening of that depen- 
 dence upon an unseen superior Power, which lingers even 
 in the unregenerate heart of man ; and above all, little or 
 no opportunity afforded them for the commonest religious 
 advantages. This large gathering concluded by solemn ex- 
 hortation and prayer. 
 
 On the 6th, accompanied by M. F. Delessert, the travellers 
 visited a French Protestant school, for two hundred children, 
 on the British and Foreign system, admirably conducted by 
 a valuable committee of ladies. They (Jined at M. de Pres- 
 sense's, where was a large party afterwards. Many of them 
 active members of the Societe" Evangelique. Elizabeth Fry 
 entered deeply into their labours of love, and spoke of this 
 occasion as very encouraging to her, when she compared it
 
 1838.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 501 
 
 with the state of things in France during her youth, and 
 how unlikely it then seemed, that such a dawn of better 
 things would ever appear there. 
 
 The 7th, they received many guests both morning and 
 evening, and in the course of the day, accompanied the 
 Duchess de Broglie to the Prison des Jeunes Detenus, a 
 good, new building, the inmates well ordered, but still capable 
 of improvement. 
 
 The following day was occupied by attending their Meet- 
 ing in the morning, and in the evening receiving a number 
 of ladies to consider how they might, in the best manner, 
 promote good in the city, in Prisons, Schools, District 
 Societies, and similar objects. The evening was finished by 
 reading the 15th chapter of Luke. 
 
 On the 9th, the Prison for men (La Force) was visited. 
 
 The 10th, they inspected the Military Prison at St. Ger- 
 mains, which appeared to them to be, upon the whole, well 
 conducted and in tolerable order ; books they found to be 
 greatly wanted. Afterwards they saw the Central Prison 
 at Poissy ; whilst they admired its good order, they con- 
 sidered it not sufficiently penal, too much like a large manu- 
 factory for different trades, instead of a place of punishment. 
 
 The following day the First of the week was indeed 
 welcome, for its Sabbath was greatly needed by Elizabeth 
 Fry. She desired that it might be free from company, and 
 prove a season of refreshment, the press of people being so 
 great, and the subjects for consideration so many and so ex- 
 ceedingly important. The Meeting was not a very large 
 one, in it their certificates were read. They appeared much 
 to interest those who heard them, and opened the way for 
 a little explanation of Friends' principles. There were a 
 few callers in the evening, amongst others, a gentleman inte- 
 rested about prisons, who remained during their Scripture 
 reading, at which some of the servants of the Hotel were 
 also present. 
 
 On the 12th, they visited the Prison of the Conciergerie.
 
 502 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FKY. [1888 
 
 There they saw the room where the unhappy Marie An- 
 toinette had been confined. They took tea at the Methodist 
 minister's, and passed an interesting evening with a large 
 party of his congregation. At this time and in her subse- 
 quent visits to France, Elizabeth Fry's sympathies were 
 much drawn forth towards the French Methodists, who ap- 
 peared to her to be an earnest and spiritual people. 
 
 The next morning they went to' some schools ; one, an 
 Infant School, was particularly attractive ; the superintendents 
 appearing well adapted for their important post ; money was 
 given to purchase the little creatures each a bun, which 
 highly delighted them, their happy faces showing how pleased 
 they were. Also an Hospital, and the Enfans Trouve's, were 
 visited. Elizabeth Fry's maternal tenderness and expe- 
 rience, led her to give some advice about the poor babies' 
 dress, that it might be less complicated, and afford them 
 more liberty of movement. The nuns appeared kind. The 
 Hospital they found very close, and wanting ventilation. The 
 evening was passed at M. Lutteroth's, where between fifty 
 and sixty persons were present, " many amongst them truly 
 serious." 
 
 On the 14th, another visit was paid to the Women's Prison 
 of " St." Lazare. There, after going over the building, the 
 women were collected at Elizabeth Fry's request, that a por- 
 tion of Scripture might be read to them. She chose the 
 parable of the prodigal son. It was beautifully read by a 
 French lady, from the Roman Catholic Prayer Book. A 
 pause ensued, then Elizabeth Fry commented upon it, the 
 same lady translated for her, sentence by sentence. It was 
 exceedingly well done, losing little or nothing of its solemnity. 
 The women were touched and impressed. She then asked 
 them whether they would like ladies to visit them, read to 
 them, and sympathize with them. The offer was eagerly 
 accepted. " Oui, oui," "Eh, moi, aussi!" came from all 
 sides ; nor was it only these poor outcasts, and those accom- 
 panying Elizabeth Fry who wept, the jailor and turnkeys
 
 1838.] LIPE OP ELIZABETH FEY. 503 
 
 who had entered the room, contrary to her wishes, were so 
 affected that tears ran down their cheeks. 
 
 They saw on the 15th, a school for about forty-five Pro- 
 testants, many of them training for servants. To find atten- 
 tion paid to this class gave them much satisfaction. The next 
 day some more "delightful schools" were inspected, and a 
 prison for debtors. 
 
 In the evening, the meeting of persons interested in the 
 promotion of philanthropic objects, which had been adjourned 
 the preceding week, again assembled ; much interesting con- 
 versation took place. As on the previous occasion, it was 
 concluded by reading a portion of the Holy Scriptures and 
 solemn silence. 
 
 On the 17th, Elizabeth Fry had an interview with the 
 prison officers, and obtained much information respecting the 
 state of the " St." Lazare Female Prison. The Baroness 
 Pelet and a lady named Mallet interpreted for her. They 
 saw M. Toase on the subject of fitting up a room, as a library, 
 for the benefit of English and American students, and in the 
 evening they went to the American clergyman's to meet 
 some of the students, who are invited there once in every 
 week to read the Scriptures, &c., &c. A young Englishman 
 present expressed himself strongly ; warning his contempo- 
 raries ; first, on the awful prevalence of taking the sacred 
 name in vain, secondly, the desecration of the Sabbath, and 
 thirdly, against the literature of modern France, poisoned, as 
 it is, with infidelity and licentiousness. 
 
 On the 20th, they visited the Salpetriere, an Hospital for 
 the old, infirm, epileptic, idiotic and insane. 
 
 A third visit was paid on the 21st to the " St." Lazare, in 
 company with Lady Granville, Lady Georgiana Fullerton, 
 and two other ladies. From what was witnessed in these 
 visits, it was obvious, that great good would result from the 
 regular attendance of a Ladies' Committee, though it was no 
 easy matter to arrange it.
 
 504 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1838. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry visited the King and Queen and the Duchess 
 of Orleans. 
 
 Before leaving Paris she addressed a memorial to the King, 
 touching on the subjects that so deeply occupied her thoughts, 
 but beyond every other thing, urging a more extended circu- 
 lation of Holy Scriptures, and their free use in all public 
 institutions in France. 
 
 From " St." Germains she wrote to her children. 
 
 Third Month, 5th, 1838 
 
 We arrived here last evening, after quitting the most 
 deeply interesting field of service, I think I was ever engaged 
 in. My first feeling is, peace and true thankfulness for the 
 extraordinary help granted to us ; my next feeling, an ear- 
 nest desire to communicate to you, my most tenderly beloved 
 children, and others nearest to me, the sense that I have rf 
 the kindness, and goodness, and mercy, of my Heavenly 
 Father, who has dealt so bountifully with me ; that it may 
 lead all to serve Him fully, love Him more, and follow more 
 simply the guidance of his Spirit. 
 
 After a full detail of their labours in the capital, she pro- 
 ceeds : 
 
 Our visit to the King and the Queen was interesting ; but 
 alas ! what, in reality, is rank ? The King I think, in person, 
 like the late Lord Torrington, the Queen a very agreeable 
 and even interesting woman. I expressed my religious inte- 
 rest and concern for them, which was well received, and we 
 had much conversation with the Queen and the Princess 
 Adelaide, before the King came into the room. We strongly 
 expressed to the Queen our desire to have the Sabbath better 
 kept, and the Scriptures more read. She is a sweet-minded, 
 merciful woman. There were present Madame Adelaide, 
 the King's sister, one of the young Princesses, and the Mar- 
 chioness of Dolomieu, principal Lady of Honour to the 
 Queen.
 
 1838.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 505 
 
 We then proceeded to the Duchess of Orleans' ; there we 
 had a delightful visit, the sweetest religious communication 
 with her, and other interesting conversation. We found her 
 an uncommon person my belief is, that she is a very valu- 
 able young woman. 
 
 The Queen appeared much pleased with my Text-book ; and 
 the Princess Adelaide said, she should keep it in her pocket 
 and read it daily. Indeed no books have given the same 
 pleasure as the Text-books, both in French and English. I 
 think we have given away many hundreds of them, and next, 
 in number, my sister Louisa's books on education ; they delight 
 the people ; also a great many of Joseph's Letters to Dr. 
 A . 
 
 Her fatigues had been frequent and severe, and she was 
 at times really ill ; yet she concludes her report as follows : 
 
 Through all I must say, He, who I believe put me forth, 
 has, from season to season, restored my soul and body, and 
 helped me from hour to hour. This day week I sat down 
 upon my chair and wept, but I was soon helped and revived. 
 I long for every child, brother, sister, and all near to me, to 
 be sensible how very near my Holy Helper has been to me ; 
 and yet I have exceedingly and deeply felt my utter unwor- 
 thiness and short coming, and that all is from the fulness and 
 freeness of unmerited mercy and love, in Christ Jesus. I can 
 hardly express the very near love I have felt for you all. 
 My prayers very often have risen for you, and if any labour* 
 I have been engaged in, has been accepted through the Be- 
 loved, may you, my most tenderly beloved ones, partake of 
 the blessing attendant upon it. 
 
 I forgot to say, I think the few Friends in Paris have been 
 greatly comforted and stimulated by our visit. 
 
 I end my account by saying what I trust is true, " The 
 Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." We are now 
 quietly at " St." Gcrmains. We hear most interesting ac- 
 04
 
 506 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1838. 
 
 counts of the state of Normandy, and have many letters of 
 introduction to the places where we propose to go ; if not 
 wanted home, I shall be glad to go there. We propose being 
 at llouen to-morrow. I am, 
 
 Your most tenderly attached, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 At Rouen they were much interested by meeting with a 
 respectable woman in humble life, who had lived nurse fifteen 
 years in a gentleman's family, a Roman Catholic, but his wife 
 a Protestant. There she had been so much impressed by re- 
 ligious truth, (though still a Roman Catholic herself) that 
 she felt it her duty, where she resided, to circulate the 
 Scriptures and religious tracts. Her master told them, it 
 was surprising the great influence she had obtained in the 
 neighbourhood. Elizabeth Fry supplied her with six Testa- 
 ments and a Bible, fr6m the Bible Society Depot. From the 
 same Society she obtained a number of copies for the school 
 in the prison, where the Testament was habitually read, but 
 the supply very inadequate. This school was under the care 
 of the Abbe Gossier, Du Hamel, and other religious gentle- 
 men, who themselves daily instructed the young prisoners. 
 
 At Caen, they found some excellent and devoted Methodists 
 amongst the French ; and learned that, through the efforts of 
 one young English woman, (an orphan residing in a gentle- 
 man's family as governess) many copies of the Scriptures 
 had been purchased : and at the shop of a Roman Catholic, 
 more than a hundred of de Sacy's Testaments sold since the 
 beginning of the year. 
 
 The Prison of Beaulieu near Caen was visited by them 
 with much satisfaction ; nearly a thousand prisoners were 
 confined there ; they found it admirably regulated, and a 
 serious Roman Catholic clergyman devoted to the good of 
 those under his care. He gladly welcomed the gift of fifty 
 Testaments. 
 
 At Havre, the Ladies' Bible Society had sold, during the
 
 1838.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 507 
 
 former year, four hundred and twenty-six Testaments, and 
 thirty-three Bibles, and had given fifty Testaments to soldiers, 
 who were in the habit, every evening, of reading them to 
 their comrades in barracks 
 
 At Boulogne, they made arrangements for the sale of the 
 Holy Scriptures, and took a lively interest in the District 
 Society, thence crossed to Dover, and on the following day 
 Elizabeth Fry had the comfort of reaching home. 
 
 Upton Lane, Fourth Month, 21th. Yesterday was the 
 largest British Society Meeting I ever remember, partly col- 
 lected to hear my account of our French journey ; there 
 must have been some hundreds of ladies present, many of 
 them of rank. In the desire not to say too much, perhaps I 
 said too little upon some points, although I do not feel con- 
 demned, yet I am. ready to think if I had watched and prayed 
 more, I should have done better my prayers have arisen, 
 that, however imperfectly or unworthily sown, the seed scat- 
 tered yesterday, may be so prospered by His own free power, 
 life, and grace, that it may bear a full crop to His praise ! 
 
 Fifth Month, 8th. I have just had a serious faintness for 
 a short time ; at times, I think I may be suddenly taken off in 
 one of these attacks they appear to have so much to do with 
 the heart. If perfectly ready, by being washed and made 
 clean in the blood of the Everlasting Covenant, then, I think 
 that a rapid translation, from time to eternity, may save much 
 pain and sorrow. But all these things, I am disposed to leave 
 wholly to the Lord, who has, through his unutterable mercy, 
 been remarkably with me in life, and will, I believe, be with 
 me in death. So be it, Lord Jesus ! when Thou comest, even 
 if it be quickly, through Thine own merits receive me unto 
 Thyself! 
 
 2()th. To-morrow I am fifty-eight, an advanced period of, 
 what I apprehend to be, not a very common pilgrimage. I 
 now very earnestly desire and pray that my Lord may guide 
 me continually, cause me to know more of the day of Ilia
 
 508 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1838. 
 
 power, that I may have my will subjected to His will. What 
 He would have me to do, that may I do, where He would 
 have me to go, there may I go what He may call me to 
 suffer for His name sake, may I be willing to suffer. Further, 
 may He keep me from all false fears and imaginations, and 
 ever preserve me from putting my hand to any work, not 
 called for by Him. Be pleased to grant these my desires 
 and prayers, for Thine own Holy and Blessed Name's sake ! 
 
 Seventh Month, 8th. This day I enter with much fear and 
 trembling, as we are looking forward to a very important 
 Meeting, to be held at the Westminster Meeting House, at 
 the request of Hannah Backhouse, to which foreigners of 
 rank, and our own nobility, are invited. The weight ia 
 great very great, from various causes. 
 
 14fA. The Meeting was attended by many high in rank. 
 Soon after we assembled, William Allen spoke for some time, 
 then I knelt down, and felt much unction and power in 
 prayer for the Queen, &c. After Hannah Backhouse had 
 spoken, in a lively, simple, powerful manner, preaching the 
 truths of the gospel, several went out. I then rose, first 
 endeavouring to show that truth must not be despised, be- 
 cause it came through weak instruments. I mentioned how 
 Anna in the Temple spoke of our Lord to all who looked for 
 redemption in Israel, how the women first told of our Lord's 
 resurrection, and that their fellow-disciples called it " idle 
 tales." Aft er thus showing that the Lord might see right to 
 use weak instruments, I expressed my feelings towards those 
 present. First, from Scripture, I showed that God is no 
 respecter of persons, that from the palace to the very dungeon, 
 I continually saw this. Then I showed the important and 
 responsible situation of those who fill high places in the 
 world. Either they would be blessed themselves and be a 
 blessing to others, as a city set on a hill, their light shining 
 before men; or they would be of the number of those, 
 through whom offences come, and therefore with the "curso 
 of the Lord " resting on them. I showed them some of their
 
 1838.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 509 
 
 peculiar temptations, in being clothed in purple and fine 
 linen, and faring sumptuously every day ; and warned them, 
 seeking to lead them to Christ, and to eternal glory, through 
 Him. At the close, I had a few words to express in the way 
 of exhortation, as to their example in their houses, amongst 
 children and servants, reading the Holy Scriptures, family 
 worship, and other points. 
 
 In the Eighth Month of this year, Elizabeth Fry entered 
 on another visit to Friends of Scotland ; for which, as well 
 as for any other service that might open as a duty to be per- 
 formed, she was liberated and cordially encouraged by the 
 Monthly and Quarterly Meetings to which she belonged. 
 
 She was accompanied by her sister Elizabeth Fry, and by 
 her esteemed friends William Ball and John Sanderson. 
 Proceeding by Birmingham to Carlisle, thence to Edinburgh, 
 Perth, and Forfar, they reached Aberdeen on the 18th. The 
 two following days were devoted to the attendance of the 
 General Half-year's Meeting, and to visits to the Friends of 
 that district. Amongst others, one a very old and valued 
 friend, John Wigham. He had been to her as a " nursing 
 father" in the early part of her religious course. 
 
 The intercourse with him is thus described by one of her 
 travelling companions: 
 
 " It was much like the meeting and interchange of parent and 
 child, after long separation and many vicissitudes; and these last, 
 as they had affected our dear friend in the interval, were freely 
 spoken of by her, with that deep feeling, chastened into resignation, 
 which so remarkably covers her subjected spirit, in relation to thcso 
 affecting topics.' 
 
 The same Friend giving a sketch of her varied engage- 
 ments remarks that she 
 
 " Visited the prison of Aberdeen, in company with A. and M. 
 Wigham, the Provost, Sheriff, Town Clerk, and Bailie Blackic. 
 The Bailie is a valuable man, who has done a great deal for the im-
 
 510 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1838. 
 
 provement of the gaol, which Elizabeth Fry finds very materially 
 mended ; in fact, in excellent order. The authorities here, are most 
 anxious to facilitate Elizabeth Fry's inspection, and to forward her 
 views, well knowing them to be the result of the enlarged observa- 
 tion, and long experience of a practical, judicious mind, as well as 
 of close and heartfelt interest in the subject. 
 
 " A meeting has been held with the ladies of Aberdeen this 
 evening, at our Hotel, when prison matters were discussed, and 
 things put in train for forming a regular association, ere we leave 
 the city. Elizabeth Fry's capacity for various successive engage- 
 ments, all of an important nature, is astonishing. Surely, it is 
 because she dwells mentally in the ' quiet habitation/ to which she 
 continually resorts, for the renewal of that calming influence of the 
 Spirit, which purifies the heart, clears the understanding, and rec- 
 tifies the judgment, bestowing upon the truly devoted follower of 
 the Lamb, ' the spirit of love, and of power, and of a sound mind.' 
 She is both lovely and wonderful on close acquaintance ; such 
 energy, combined with meekness, and so much power with entire 
 teachableness, are rarely found." 
 
 We continue to extract from the narrative of her companion 
 William Ball. 
 
 " Edinburgh, First-day, 2Qth. Our little party sat together 
 after the manner of Friends this morning. Dear Priscilla Johnston 
 joined us. I felt afresh, that it is a privilege to know that the 
 worship of God, is in spirit and in truth ; and may be rendered 
 acceptable wherever contrite hearts are reverently turned towards 
 Him, in dependence on the mediation of His beloved Son, who is 
 ever near to those, if only ' two or three,' who are met to offer this 
 worship in His name." * * * " Elizabeth Fry and her sister 
 had desired to meet with the fishermen about Anstruther this 
 evening ; but we were all taken by surprise on going down to the 
 town, to find that this simple, religious gathering, turned out to 
 be a very large and crowded Meeting. The room we had arranged 
 for, not having proved nearly capable of containing the people, 
 they had flocked to a chapel near, the service of which (and of 
 some others I believe) was put off to give place for a Public Meet-
 
 1838.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FET. 511 
 
 ing of Friends. We had expected to sit down with the poor fish- 
 ermen, in a much more private way. John Sanderson stated to 
 the asssemblage that we began with a pause of silence. Then 
 Elizabeth Fry explained our views on worship, rather in the way 
 of an affectionate introductory address. Her sister E. Fry bent 
 the knee in prayer. After which, Elizabeth Fry was strengthened, 
 in a very striking manner, to proclaim the glad tidings of the gos- 
 pel of life and salvation truly an awakening ministry ! Her 
 sister followed, enlarging on the nature and fruits of true repent- 
 ance ! then Elizabeth Fry addressed the sea-faring men, most 
 appropriately and feelingly, warned the sinners emphatically, and 
 was afterwards engaged in fervent prayer. At the close of this 
 memorable Meeting, Andrew Johnston briefly addressed this large 
 assembly of his neighbours, acknowledging the kindness of the 
 minister and attention of the people, and enforcing, with great 
 seriousness, his desire, that the novelty of the occasion, might in 
 no degree be suffered to divert solemn attention, from the infinite 
 importance of the Gospel truths delivered. 
 
 "After primary attention to religious engagements among Friends 
 in Edinburgh, on the 28th, 29th, and 30th; there was a party 
 assembled to meet Elizabeth Fry, at the house of our valued and 
 hospitable host, the late Alexander Cruikshank, on the evening 
 of the 30th, when her conversation on the important subject of 
 the condition and care of prisoners, greatly interested a large 
 company, including some distinguished individuals, and some 
 foreigners." 
 
 Many very important engagements occupied them at Edin- 
 burgh. 
 
 " On the evenings of the 2nd and 3rd of the Ninth Month, 
 large Public Meetings for religious worship were held ; the former 
 at Edinburgh, the latter at Leith, in which Elizabeth Fry was 
 greatly strengthened to declare the truths of the everlasting gospel 
 of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Many calls were made on 
 distinguished persons, and some visits also received, on the 3rd; 
 especially one from the late Dr. Abcrcrombie, which will long be 
 remembered with interest."
 
 512 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1838. 
 
 On the 4th they proceeded to Glasgow, and were similarly 
 employed there. On the 7th they held a large Meeting for 
 worship in the Seaman's Chapel. 
 
 On being favoured to reach home, she writes, 
 
 Upton, Ninth Month, 26th. We arrived home last Seventh- 
 day, and, to my great comfort, I found all my family going 
 on well and comfortably. I ventured to ask, or at least to 
 desire, that if my goings out were acceptable to the Lord, 
 and, if I were to be called to further, and perhaps still more 
 weighty service, I might find the blessing of preservation 
 extended to those most dear to me at home, as well as to my- 
 self in going. Through mercy, this sign has been rather 
 unusually granted to me. What can I render unto my Lord 
 for his tender and unmerited mercies ? 
 
 Tenth. Month, 2Sth. I have paid a satisfactory visit with 
 my husband, and partly accompanied by Peter Bedford and 
 John Hodgkin, to Croydon and Ifield. Our Meeting in 
 Sussex was a very satisfactory one ; and a reading that we 
 had the next morning at a cottage on a Common, belonging 
 to a dear Friend, where we had been before. The libraries 
 that we established, appear to have been much read and 
 valued. It is cause for thankfulness, to find that our 
 labour has not been in vain in the Lord. How sweet are 
 His mercies ! May all become His servants saith my soul ! 
 
 I also left home accompanied by my beloved husband and 
 my sister Elizabeth, to visit a few Meetings in Essex. 
 
 Twelfth Month, 6th. This morning I felt deeply the seri- 
 ousness of laying before my Monthly Meeting, my belief 
 that it may be my duty again to visit France, and some other 
 parts of the continent of Europe. It is after much weighty 
 consideration, that I have come to the conclusion, that it is 
 right to do this. I have long thought that this summer my 
 course might be turned either to my dearest brother Joseph 
 in America, or to the Continent of Europe ; after much 
 weighing it, I have believed the latter to be the right open
 
 1838.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 513 
 
 ing for me. I laid my prospect before the Friends of our 
 Monthly Meeting, this morning. Several Friends were there, 
 not members of it. We had a very solemn Meeting for wor- 
 ship first. My sister and I returned our certificates for visiting 
 Scotland, and then I asked for one for Europe ; having very 
 earnestly prayed for help, direction, and protection. When 
 under a fresh feeling of its being right to do it, I simply in- 
 formed Friends that I looked to paying a visit to Paris, then 
 to the Friends in the South of France ; and should probably, 
 in returning, visit some other parts of Europe. Much unity 
 and sympathy were expressed with this prospect of religious 
 duty by our own members and those who visited us. There 
 certainly appeared to be, in no common degree, a seal set to 
 this serious prospect of religious service. 
 
 I now desire to leave all to the further openings of Provi- 
 dence, as to when to go, who is to go with me, and where to 
 go. I desire to leave it all to my most holy and gracious 
 God. Although I am very deeply sensible that it is only 
 through the fullness and freeness of unmerited mercy, love, 
 and grace, that I dare call, or feel, my Lord thus to be my 
 Head and Helper. I may acknowledge in faith, my belief 
 that, through the help of the Holy Spirit, my Lord has 
 been and is unto me " Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty 
 God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace." 
 
 After receiving from her Quarterly Meeting a certificate of 
 cordial unity, and concurrence with her prospect of again 
 visiting the Continent, she passed a few days in Norfolk. 
 65
 
 1839-1841. Journey on the Continent Paris Lyons Nismes 
 Avignon Toulouse The Pyrenees Grenoble Geneva Zurich 
 Frankfort Return home Goes into Norfolk Letter to a religious 
 acquaintance Audience of the Queen Meeting in London 
 Leaves home for the Continent Ostend Brussels Antwerp 
 Amsterdam Zwolle Minden and Pyrmont Hanover Berlin 
 Leipzic Dusseldorf Return home Yearly Meeting Establish- 
 ment of " Nursing Sisters." 
 
 First Month, 12th, 1839. I returned from Lynn last 
 evening. I was a good deal with my beloved sister Cathe- 
 rine, who was there. Before parting, we had a deeply 
 interesting time together, when the spirit of prayer was 
 remarkably poured forth upon us. I prayed for them each 
 separately, and believe that access was, in mercy, granted to 
 the Throne of Grace. My dearest sister offered a solemn 
 prayer for us before we rose from our knees. I felt, as I 
 have often done, an earnest desire, that we may none be in 
 spiritual bonds. I think Satan, in hardly any way mars the 
 Lord's work more, than in putting persons in the stiff bonds 
 of High Churchism. He attacks all professors in this way, 
 and leads them to rest in their sectarianism, rather than their 
 Christianity. I do not mean that this is the case with those 
 I was amongst, but I see it a frightful bait, thrown out at all 
 professors of all denominations. Few things I more earnestly 
 desire, than unity in the church of Christ, and that all par- 
 tition walls may be broken down. Lord, hasten the coming 
 of that day, for Thy own name's sake ! 
 
 16//J. On Second-day, I laid my concern to go to France 
 before the Morning Meeting. I feel encouraged by all the 
 (514)
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 515 
 
 testimonies from the Lord's servants, and from the real help 
 and excellence of the arrangement, that we should thus, in 
 such weighty and important duties, have the sanction of that 
 section of the Church to which we belong. 
 
 I have received very encouraging accounts from Scotland 
 as to the results of our last journey. Several refuges are 
 likely to be formed, and women prisoners to be visited. The 
 accounts from France have also been, in many ways, encou- 
 raging. My dear and valued friend, the Duchess de Brog- 
 lie, who died some little time ago, expressed that her faith 
 had been strengthened by our visit. Many important alter- 
 ations have taken place in the prisons ; the New Testament 
 is now circulated in some of them, and in the hospitals. So 
 I may take courage, and return God thanks. 
 
 Previous to our departure, I had the servants of our dif- 
 ferent families to meet me at Meeting ; it proved quite a 
 large number, almost filling our Meeting House. I believe 
 it was a time of real edification and comfort to some who 
 were there. 
 
 Her former kind companion, Josiah Forster, became again 
 her attendant on this journey. His sympathy, his watchful 
 care, and sound judgment, were very important in aiding her 
 throughout her weighty engagements. She was also accom- 
 panied by her husband, who evinced an increasing desire to 
 strengthen her in the pursuit of those objects which she 
 believed it to be her duty to accomplish. One of her 
 daugnters also attended her. 
 
 Almost immediately after their landing at Boulogne, many 
 persons came to seek Elizabeth Fry, and to welcome her to 
 their shores. 
 
 She visited the prison there, which was in a very deplo- 
 rable Btate ; and in the evening received about forty at the 
 Hotel, chiefly the members of a little District Society, which 
 she had been instrumental in forming on her previous visit. 
 The results of their labours were very satisfactory ; many of
 
 516 LIPB OP ELIZABETH PKT. [1839. 
 
 the poor French were subscribing for, or buying New Testa- 
 ments, as well as eagerly reading the tracts circulated amongst 
 them. The state of the resident English poor was also con- 
 sidered as decidedly improved, through this means. 
 
 The servants of the Hotel earnestly solicited to be supplied 
 with Testaments ; it appeared that they lent them to their 
 friends, who carried them into the country, where they were 
 so eagerly read and re-read, that it was difficult for the 
 rightful owners to regain possession of them. 
 
 On the 14th, en route to Abbeville, the party stopped at 
 Samer for an hour, to give Elizabeth Fry the opportunity of 
 visiting a poor sick Englishman in great affliction. At Mon- 
 treuil-sur-Mer, she gave a tract to a man whilst changing 
 horses ; the carriage was soon surrounded by people begging 
 for books ; it was very striking to see their energy to obtain 
 them. The same thing occurred at the Hotel at Abbeville, 
 where those, to whom she had given them on her previous 
 visit, begged for more, and came creeping up to her apart- 
 ment to prefer their request. Her Text-books, " Les petits 
 livres de matin," were the decided favourites. In the morn- 
 ing, the people of the Hotel again gathered round her. The 
 First-day that she had spent there on her former visit to 
 Paris the reading they had in the evening the prayer she 
 offered for them, had made a deep impression. They be- 
 guiled her into the Kitchen, where she told them in broken 
 French, which however they contrived to understand, a little 
 of her wishes for them as to faith and practice ; then all 
 would shake hands with her. On reaching the capital, she 
 writes : 
 
 Paris, Third Month, \lth. How earnestly do I desire 
 tmd pray, that my Lord would clearly point out my work in 
 this place ; that he would enable me, by His own Power 
 and Spirit, to perform it in simplicity to His praise, the good 
 of others, and my own peace. 
 
 Lord, regard Thy servant in her low estate, and if it be
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 517 
 
 Thy holy will, give some token, by Thy presence, Spirit, and 
 Power that Thou art with us ; and more abundantly fit and 
 prepare for Thine own work, as Thou hast often blessed and 
 abundantly increased that which may appear small in the eyes 
 of man, to the help of numbers : so, oh Lord ! bless, prosper, 
 and increase the weak labours of Thy unworthy servant, to 
 the good of numbers, and the promotion of Thy cause in this 
 place; where "the world, the flesh, and the devil," appear 
 BO powerful. Answer this cry, I beseech Thee, and give 
 Thy poor servant a quiet, patient, trustful spirit, only depen- 
 dent upon the fresh pourings forth of Thy Spirit, and the 
 incomings of Thy love. Amen. 
 
 24:t/i. In mercy my cry was heard. We went to our little 
 Meeting, where were some seeking minds ; and to my own 
 feelings, we were remarkably bound together by the presence 
 of our Lord. I also may thankfully say, that I was enabled 
 to preach the word, and to pray. I felt it an encouraging, 
 edifying time, and an answer to prayer. After Meeting, we 
 called at our Ambassador's, and met with a very cordial re- 
 ception. 
 
 On Sixth-day, we visited a large French Methodists' 
 school ; it was a very encouraging sight : there were about a 
 hundred children, who appeared well taught. I had a good 
 deal of advice to give them and their parents, and felt peace 
 in the service ; but the place was so exceedingly cold, that I 
 left it with severe tooth-ache, which lasted all day, and 
 brought me down in body and spirit. 
 
 Having invited a large company for philanthropic and 
 religious objects for the following evening, I felt anxious : 
 but when the time came, I was enabled, though the party 
 was very large, to speak a little on the subject of Negro 
 Slavery : and Josiah Forster expressed himself very agree- 
 ably upon the subject. We finished with a short, lively 
 Scripture-reading, and to my own feelings, strength was, in 
 a remarkable manner, given me in the needful time. 
 
 During the morning, I paid a most interesting visit to a
 
 518 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 Roman Catholic lady, a young widow, her little children, 
 and her friend. I have seldom seen the Christian life more 
 exemplified. So we see and " perceive that God is no re- 
 specter of persons ; but in every nation, he that feareth Him, 
 and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him." Acts 
 x. 34, 35. 
 
 Thus began this second sojourn in Paris; the same friends 
 gathered round her, the same institutions were revisited, with 
 some others which she had not seen before ; the same objects 
 of interest occupied her attention. The mornings were thus 
 spent: the evenings generally at the houses of their many 
 kind friends, or in receiving guests at the Hotel. Perhaps 
 no one was more capable than Elizabeth Fry of appreciating 
 the enjoyment of social intercourse or society, such as these 
 occasions offered, but it was not from this motive that she 
 united in them. She considered it her duty to avail herself 
 of the opportunities thus afforded, for the diffusion of know- 
 ledge on those subjects which had brought her to Paris, the 
 introduction of topics of a philanthropic and religious cha- 
 racter. 
 
 Third-day. Visited an hospital, and dined at Lord Wil- 
 liam Bentinck's, I trust to some good purpose, but I fear for 
 myself in many ways, on such occasions. 
 
 Fifth-day. A very solemn Morning Meeting, numbers 
 there, mostly women, some ladies of rank, some very in- 
 teresting persons. I was afresh enabled to pray and to 
 minister. 
 
 Her ministry is described, by some who, on different occa- 
 sions throughout this visit, were privileged to attend her 
 meetings, as being of a powerfully impressive and instruc- 
 tive character, and peculiarly consoling to many afflicted 
 ones. 
 
 Fourth Month, 1th (First-day). One day we dined at 
 our dear friends the Mallets', where we met a large family
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 519 
 
 party, and had much interesting conversation. There was a 
 sweet feeling of the love of God over us ; I believe this ser- 
 vice was called for, and was blessed to many present. Last 
 evening about a hundred persons spent the evening with us. 
 The subject of prisons was brought forward ; Newgate, &c., 
 I endeavoured to show the state of prisons formerly, and 
 many of their improvements. But above all, to inculcate 
 Christian principle as the only sure means of improving 
 practice. I sought in every way, in the cases brought for- 
 ward, to uphold the value of the Scriptures, and to show the 
 blessed results of faith and repentance. We finished by 
 reading in a solemn manner the 15th of Luke, as the chapter 
 so greatly blessed to poor prisoners. I made little comment, 
 there was very great solemnity over us. There were Catho- 
 lics and Protestants, and I believe some of the Greek Church. 
 There were Greeks, lonians, Spaniards, a Pole, Italians, 
 Germans, English, Americans and French. Several of the 
 English and French, persons of rank ; the Marquis de Brig- 
 nolles, Sardinian Minister, and Prince Czartorinski. Thus 
 this week has run away ! may it have been for the real good 
 of others, and the glory of God. Most merciful God, I per- 
 fectly know that I am unworthy to present myself before 
 Thee on the bended knee of my soul. But I come boldly to 
 the throne of grace, through the merits of Thy dear Son, our 
 Mediator with Thee, our God. Grant, Holy Father, that the 
 iniquity of my holy things may be blotted out, and that in 
 my efforts to serve Thee, and promote the cause of truth and 
 righteousness, my infirmities and the unworthiness of the 
 instrument may not have cast a blemish on Thy truth. 
 Grant also, Holy Father, that the word spoken may, through 
 Thy bleasing, comfort, strengthen, and edify Thy followers, 
 and be a means of bringing many to repentance, and 
 faith in Thy beloved Son, Christ Jesus our Lord. Dearest 
 Lord, be near to keep, to help, and to direct all my steps, 
 as I go on in this cause, for Thy glory, the good of others, 
 and my own edification and peace. Permit Thy servant
 
 520 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PEY. [1839. 
 
 also to commend to Thy special keeping, all most near to her, 
 left in her own land, and all everywhere, beloved by her, and 
 for whom she travails in spirit, and spread the knowledge 
 of Thyself, and of Thy Son, and Thy righteousness, through 
 the Holy Spirit, everywhere on this earth. Amen ! 
 
 Paris, 21st. I feel that, under a lively sense of peace 
 and rest of soul, I may record the mercies of the Lord this 
 last week. 
 
 Our First*day was very satisfactory, a large Meeting ; five 
 of our children with us. 
 
 (Several of her family spent a few days in Paris at this 
 time.) 
 
 I had a very serious, interesting, and intimate conversation 
 with the Duchess of Orleans. 
 
 I visited and attended to some prisons, formed a Ladies' 
 Society to visit the Protestants in prisons and hospitals, met 
 a very influential company at dinner at Lord Granville's, 
 much interesting conversation in the evening ; the same twice 
 at Baron Pelet's, and we had an agreeable dinner at Lord 
 William Bentinck's. I have paid some very interesting 
 private calls, spent one morning with my children ; our great 
 philanthropic evening largely attended, about a hundred and 
 forty present. Josiah Forster gave a concentrated account of 
 our former evenings, and added other things very agreeably. 
 I strongly impressed upon them the extreme importance of 
 the influence of the higher on the lower classes of society, 
 by their example and precept ; mentioned late hours, theatres, 
 and other evils. Then advised ; giving the poor Christian 
 education, reading the Holy Scriptures in their families, 
 lending Libraries, District Societies, and other objects ; we 
 finished with a very solemn Scripture-reading, the greater 
 part of the third chapter of Colossians, and the 20th and 21st 
 verses of the last chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews, " Now 
 the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our 
 Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRVT. 521 
 
 blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every 
 good work to do His will, working in you that \vhich is well- 
 pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be 
 glory for ever and ever. Amen." 
 
 Previous to reading this, I had expressed some solemn 
 parting truths, and our party broke up in much love and 
 peace. 
 
 May the Lord of the harvest, Himself, cause that some of 
 these may be gathered into His garner, and may He bless, 
 prosper, and increase the seed so unworthily scattered. 
 
 On Fifth-day, we dined with some sweet, spiritual, and 
 delightful people, the de Presenses and de Valcours ; in the 
 evening to Mark Wilke's, to meet a very large party of 
 ministers from different parts of France, come to attend the 
 Meetings of the various Societies. 
 
 Fontainbleau, 28th. The day before our departure from 
 Paris we visited the Prefe*t de Police, took in our report of 
 the state of the Prisons, and obtained leave for the Protestant 
 ladies to visit the Protestant prisoners ; we had much inte- 
 resting conversation. We have the great satisfaction of 
 hearing, that a law is likely to pass for women prisoners 
 throughout France to be under the care of women. 
 
 In the evening, and during the day, numbers came to take 
 leave of us ; a good many Greeks, who appeared to feel 
 much interest in and for us, as if our labours with them had 
 not been in vain. 
 
 On parting with my beloved children, (to return to Eng- 
 land,) I could not refrain from many tears. Our beloved 
 friend Emilie Mallet joined us very early in the morning, 
 also our kind friend John Sargent, our friend do Beranger, 
 and one or two others. My soul was particularly humbled 
 within me, and, before parting, we assembled with our friends, 
 and poured forth deep prayer and thanksgiving unto the 
 Lord ; thanks for the help granted to us, and for the kind- 
 ness shown us by our Christian friends, and the love and 
 unity we have partaken of with them ; prayer that our labours 
 GG
 
 522 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1839. 
 
 might be blessed, arid the seed scattered, prospered and in- 
 creased, and that no reproach might have been brought by 
 us upon the cause nearest to my heart ; earnestly did I ask a 
 blessing upon our friends, ourselves, the tenderly beloved 
 ones just parted from, and those at home. After this we 
 took an affectionate leave of all, including our host, hostess, 
 and the Hotel servants. 
 
 Just before Elizabeth Fry left Paris, she was informed 
 that the Archbishop was annoyed at her proceedings, that 
 he had expressed dissatisfaction at the alterations which she 
 had recommended in the "St." Lazare Prison, and had gone 
 so far as to speak with regret, if not displeasure, of the Baron 
 de Gerando, who had accompanied her in her visits to the 
 hospitals. But the secret of the Archi-episcopal opposition 
 lay not here it was the more general knowledge of the 
 Holy Scriptures which he dreaded. It was that the reforms 
 which Elizabeth Fry recommended, were all based upon 
 Scriptural authority, that it was to those sacred writings she 
 referred, for rules of active obligation ; and above all this, 
 that she lost no opportunity in all companies, and on all 
 occasions, where it could be done with propriety, to urge 
 their perusal and general circulation. 
 
 She left Paris on the 27th of Fourth Month, and proceeded 
 through Melun to Fontainbleau. She had been furnished 
 with a letter from the Minister of the Interior, granting her, 
 Josiah Forster, and her husband, permission to visit all the 
 prisons in France. This important document was first made 
 use of at Me*lun ; and on this occasion, as on all succeeding 
 ones, Elizabeth Fry was received with respect, and every 
 facility afforded her and her companions, for inspecting the 
 prisons. 
 
 She stopped at Auxerre and visited the prison there, and 
 writes from Avignon 
 
 Fifth Month, 9th. We had no particular calls of duty, 
 until we arrived at Lyons, where there was a great press of
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 523 
 
 engagements prisons and refuges to inspect, besides many 
 schools, of which I had only time to visit one a woman's 
 adult school. We had a large company of the poorer French 
 Protestants, on two different evenings, when we read with 
 them. We also visited several of their houses ; but it was 
 more for serious conversation amongst them, than absolute 
 religious engagement. We had one very important Meeting 
 of influential people, in which I desired to speak the Truth 
 in love. It was introduced by the Prison subject. I en- 
 deavoured to show, that change of heart could only be 
 produced by Christian principles, as revealed to us in Holy 
 Scripture, through the power of the Holy Spirit. This, I 
 very boldly attested, and then strove to impress the import- 
 ance of Christian example, and of religious duties being 
 faithfully performed, both public and private. Then I en- 
 tered upon useful societies, charities, and schools, with 
 Christian instruction. We had much attention paid to us, 
 much kindness shown to us, and I humbly trust, an impres- 
 sion made on many minds, and some humble, valuable 
 Christians comforted by our visit. 
 
 To her children she writes from 
 
 Nismes, Fifth MontTi, 12th, 1839. 
 
 We thankfully say, we feel peaceful, and in our right 
 place, although separated from so many so very dear to us. 
 
 We paid a very interesting visit to Lyons, and found a 
 good deal new in the Prisons and Refuges. An order of 
 Catholics, called " the Brethren and Sisters of St. Joseph," 
 believe it their duty entirely to take care of prisoners and 
 criminals generally. They do not visit as we do, but take 
 the entire part of turnkeys and prison-officers, and live with 
 the prisoners night and day, constantly caring for them. I 
 thought the effect on the female prisoners surprisingly good, 
 as far as their influence extended. But the mixture of gross 
 superstition is curious, the image of the Virgin dressed up in 
 the finest manner, in their different wards. I feared that
 
 524 LIFE OF ELIZABETH 1- R V. [1839. 
 
 their religion lay so much in form and ceremonies, that it led 
 from heart work, and from that great change which would 
 probably be produced, did these sisters simply teach them 
 Christianity. Their books appeared to be mostly about the 
 Virgin ; not a sign of Scripture to be found, in either prison 
 or refuge. I felt it laid on me as a weighty, yet humbling 
 duty, before I left Lyons, to invite Roman Catholics and 
 Protestants, who had influence in the prisons, to come to our 
 Hotel, and there, in Christian love, to tell them the truth to 
 the best of my belief, as the only real ground of reforma- 
 tion of heart, and the means likely to conduce to this end. 
 It was the more fearful, as I had to be entirely interpreted 
 for. My heart almost sank within me as the time approached. 
 It was about three o'clock in the day; about sixty people came, 
 of the very influential Catholics and Protestants, and I was 
 enabled through a most excellent interpreter, to show them, 
 that nothing but the pure simple truth, as revealed in Scrip- 
 ture, through the power of the Holy Spirit, could really en- 
 lighten the understanding, or change the heart. My husband 
 and Josiah Forster also, took a very useful and valuable part. 
 Much satisfaction was expressed. We afterwards dined at a 
 gentleman's, who lived in a lovely situation, on the top of a 
 hill near Lyons. Our invitations began to flow in, and we 
 should, I doubt not, had we stayed longer, soon have been in 
 as great a current as at Paris, or greater. We met with some 
 very interesting, devoted, Christian characters a cousin of 
 the Baroness Pelet's, almost like herself; her notes and flowers 
 coming in every morning. The last day was most fatiguing ; 
 we had to rise soon after three in the morning for Avignon, 
 to go a hundred and fifty miles down the Rhone. 
 
 We have passed through the most delightful country I ever 
 saw. Lyons, with the Rhone and Saonc, is, in its environs, 
 beautiful, and the passage from Lyons to Avignon really 
 lovely ; mountains in the distance, (parts of the Alps,) their 
 tops covered with snow ; vegetation in perfection, the flowers 
 of spring and summer in bloom at once, grass just ready to
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 525 
 
 be cut, barley in the ear, lilacs, laburnums, syringas, roses, 
 pinks, carnations, acacias in full bloom, yellow jessamine wild 
 in the hedges. It is a sudden burst of the finest summer, 
 combined with the freshness of spring. The olive groves, 
 intermixed with abundant vineyards and mulberry groves, 
 all beautiful from their freshness. The ancient buildings of 
 Avignon, the ruins on the banks of the Rhone, the very fine 
 and wonderful remains of the Roman aqueduct, called the 
 Pont du Gard, really exceed description. This place also 
 abounds in curious buildings. Here, or in the neighbour- 
 hood, we expect to remain some time. 
 
 We find the poor Friends delighted to see us, and the 
 Protestants give us a hearty welcome. 
 
 From Avignon, they proceeded to Nismes. There, Eliza- 
 beth Fry made a longer tarriance than usual. For a week, 
 she continued to be exceedingly interested by the various 
 objects that presented themselves to her notice, and by the 
 persons whom she met with. There exists at Nismes, and in 
 the neighbouring villages, a scattered body of people, pro- 
 fessing the principles of the Society of Friends. She and 
 Josiah Forster visited, with much interest, all who resided at 
 Nismes, and attended their Meetings. These simple, but 
 valuable persons are the descendants of the Camisards, 
 who took refuge in the mountains of the Cevenncs, during 
 the persecutions subsequent to the revocation of the Edict of 
 Nantes. 
 
 Congenies was the next place visited by the travellers ; it 
 is a retired village, to the west of the road from Nismes to 
 Montpellier, about four leagues from the former place. The 
 inhabitants are almost all Friends ; a kind and religious 
 people. With her companion Josiah Forster, Elizabeth Fry 
 regularly attended their Meetings for worship and discipline, 
 by which she became exceedingly interested in their welfare. 
 Their Meeting House was neat, and abundantly adequate to 
 the needs of the congregation ; she also visited them all in 
 their families.
 
 526 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 In all the villages round, there seemed to be a most eager, 
 willing ear, to hear the truths of the gospel. The Meeting 
 held at Congenies, on the last First-day evening, was crowd- 
 ed the people clustered up to the top of the doors, in all 
 the open windows, and on the walls outside, yet in perfect 
 quietude and order. At Calvisson, on the following First- 
 day, it was the same, the Meeting there was held in the 
 Protestant Temple. The travellers left Congenies on the 
 27th, and after partaking of the abounding hospitalities of 
 Doctor Pleindoux, at Nismes, proceeded by the ancient city 
 of Aries to Marseilles. Before quitting Congenies, Elizabeth 
 Fry wrote 
 
 Fifth Month, 2,2nd. Yesterday was my birthday, and it 
 pleased my Heavenly Father, in His love and pity, to cause 
 it to be a day of remarkable peace, from the early morning 
 to the evening. I felt it was not for works of righteousness, 
 that I had done, but of His grace and His mercy, that I 
 have thus known my soul to be refreshed in the Lord. Lord, 
 continue to be with us ! lift up the light of Thy countenance 
 upon us, and bless us all, absent and present ; and particu- 
 larly at this time, I ask Thee to bless our labours among this 
 people, to their solid good, and Thy praise. Amen ! 
 
 Sixth Month, 2nd. We found a great deal of what was 
 highly interesting in Congenies. A peculiar and new place 
 to us. The country remarkable, much cultivated in parts, 
 and planted with vineyards, mulberry, olive, and fig-trees, 
 with but little corn. There is a very delightful air ; the 
 hills rather barren and singularly grey, with fine ruins upon 
 some of them ; and here and there a peep at the Mediterra- 
 nean. The little dull villages, much strewed about, thickly 
 inhabited, mostly by Protestants, who appear generally in a 
 low, neglected state ; we visited some of these villages, and 
 had larger or smaller Meetings in them. We found a great 
 inclination in the people to hear the truth, and I believe there 
 is a real thirst after it. I humbly trust that the blessing of
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 527 
 
 the Lord was with us, as I have seldom felt more peace, or 
 more sense of this blessing, than when engaged in these la- 
 bours of Christian love at Congenies, or a more clear belief 
 that I was in my right place. 
 
 After visiting Marseilles, where many important objects 
 called for attention, the travellers proceeded to Toulon, and 
 there they visited the prisons and the galley-slaves ; thence 
 to Aix. This place was, on various accounts, interesting to 
 the travellers : to Elizabeth Fry it was rendered particularly 
 so, by her finding there a lively little Protestant congrega- 
 tion, under a zealous and apparently spiritual pastor. A great 
 contrast to the scene which met her view, on turning into the 
 Course on her arrival, the procession of the Fete Dieu in 
 all its tinsel finery. 
 
 From Aix, the travellers returned to Nismes. The subject 
 of a District Society claimed attention. First-day, the 10th, 
 was passed there : of this Elizabeth Fry writes : 
 
 Sixth Month,. Our First-day at Nismes was deeply weighty 
 in prospect, so that I rested little at night, as I had ventured 
 to propose our holding one Meeting in the morning, in the 
 Methodist chapel, that whoever liked might attend it ; and 
 in the evening, to do the same in a very large school-room, 
 that all classes might attend, as I believed that all would not 
 come to a Methodist Meeting-house. I went, prostrated 
 before the Lord, to this Meeting in the morning, hardly 
 knowing how to hold up my head ; I could only apply for 
 help to the inexhaustible Source of our sure mercies ; feeling 
 that I could not do it, either on account of myself, or because 
 it was the work in which I was engaged ; but 1 could do it 
 for the sake of my Lord, and that His kingdom might 
 spread. Utterly unworthy did I feel myself; but my Lord 
 was gracious. My dear interpreter, Christine Majolier, was 
 there to help me in a very largo Meeting, and 1 felt power 
 wonderfully given me to proclaim the truths of the Gospel,
 
 528 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 and to press the point of the Lord Himself being our teacher, 
 immediately by His Spirit, and through the Holy Scriptures, 
 and by His Providences and works ; and to show, that no 
 teaching so much conduced to growth in grace, as the Lord's 
 teaching. There was much attention ; at the close, I felt the 
 spirit of prayer much over us, longed for its vocal expression, 
 and felt a desire some one might pray, when a Methodist 
 minister, in a feeling manner, expressed a wish to offer some- 
 thing in prayer, to which, of course, we assented it proved 
 solemn and satisfactory. 
 
 We dined at our dear friend, the Pasteur Emilien Fros- 
 sard's ; he and his wife have been like a brother and sister 
 to us; we were also joined by a Roman Catholic gentleman, 
 who has, I think, been seriously impressed by our visit, and 
 it has, led him to have the Scriptures read to his workmen. 
 There were also Louis Majolier, his daughter, and a young 
 English friend. I think I have very seldom in my life felt 
 a more lively sense of the love of God, than at this table. 
 I may say, o\ir souls were animated under its sweetness ; 
 I think we rejoiced together, and magnified the name of our 
 God. 
 
 In the evening, we met in a large school-room that would 
 contain some hundreds, where numbers assembled, princi- 
 pally the French Protestants and some of their pastors. 
 There, again, I was greatly helped, I really believe, by the 
 Holy Spirit, to speak to them upon their important situations 
 in the Church of Christ, and the extreme consequence of 
 their being sound both in faith and practice. I also felt it 
 my duty to show them, as Protestants, the infinite importance 
 not only in France, but in the surrounding nations, of their 
 being " as a city built upon a hill that cannot be hid." I 
 showed them how the truth is spreading, and how important 
 to promote it, being preachers of righteousness in life and 
 conversation, as well as in word and doctrine. There was 
 here also much attention ; and our dear and valued friend 
 and brother in Christ, Emilien Frossard, prayed beautifully,
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. ' 529 
 
 that the word spoken might profit the people, and particu- 
 larly, that the blessing of the Lord might rest upon me. It 
 was no common prayer on my behalf. Thanks to my Hea- 
 venly Father, the Meeting broke up in much love, life, and 
 peace. 
 
 The next morning, Josiah Forster and I held a large 
 Meeting, partly in the open air, at the village of Codognan. 
 I was pleased to see many of our dear friends from Con- 
 genies and the neighbourhood, at this our last Meeting in 
 this part. We separated from them under a lively feeling of 
 true peace and much love, and concluded our services under 
 a strong confidence that our feet had been rightly turned 
 amongst them ; a pastor a stranger to us, closed the Meet- 
 ing in a solemn and beautiful prayer. 
 
 After this, we proceeded on our journey to Montpellier, 
 where important service opened for us. A Protestant Ladies' 
 Committee was formed to visit the great Female Prison there ; 
 much important advice offered to the Governor upon the 
 changes now being made in the prison, and female officers 
 being appointed ; we appeared to go in the very time wanted, 
 and obtained the liberation of several poor women from their 
 very sad cells. The Prefet was most kind to us, and thus, 
 our way was easily made : the Mayor and all with us. Help 
 was given me to speak religiously to the poor women, before 
 all these gentlemen. 
 
 On the day that Elizabeth Fry left Montpellier, she 
 diverged to Cette, and crossing the Lagune of Thon, in the* 
 boat of an English merchant vessel, rejoined her companions 
 at Me'ze, a little fishing village on its banks ; the British 
 Consul and his wife came with her, and the captain of the 
 merchantman. It was a temperance ship, and the Cap- 
 tain a serious man. Whilst waiting at Meze, to avoid 
 the raid-day sun, Elizabeth Fry wrote to her friend John 
 Carey, of Guernsey, to interest him on behalf of the Bri- 
 tish seamen frequenting the port of Cette, and to intreat 
 67
 
 530 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1839. 
 
 him to obtain for them a supply of Bibles, Testaments, and 
 Tracts. 
 
 Journal resumed : 
 
 We proceeded from place to place until we arrived at 
 Toulouse, on Seventh-day evening, the 16th of the Sixth 
 Month. On First-day evening, we met a large number of 
 Protestants at one of their Scripture-readings. At the close, 
 a solemn prayer was offered for us by Francis Courtois, one 
 of a very remarkable trio of brothers, (bankers there,) all 
 three of whom are given up to the service of their Lord, and 
 appear to have been instruments greatly blessed. Their 
 kindness to us was very great. In Toulouse we visited two 
 prisons ; had one important Prison Meeting, and one ex- 
 ceedingly solemn and satisfactory Scripture-reading and 
 time of prayer, with the Courtois family, one or two pas- 
 teurs, and other religious persons. 
 
 I left my husband, who was unwell from the heat, at Tou- 
 louse, and went in faith, and somewhat in the cross, to 
 Montauban ; the place where the ministers of the Protestant 
 Church of France are educated ; but I believed it right to 
 go Josiah Forster accompanied me. 
 
 To HER CHILDREN IN ENGLAND. 
 
 Bagndres de Luchon, Sixth Month, 23rrf, First-day. 
 Here I sit before breakfast, with a most lovely scene be- 
 fore me. On entering this solemn Sabbath morning my 
 soul and body refreshed, not only in admiring the wonderful 
 works of the outward creation, and being revived by the de- 
 lightful air, fresh from the snowy mountains before me ; but 
 what is more, my soul refreshed. I have been enabled to 
 lift my heart to my Heavenly Father, for every brother, 
 sister, and child" individually, and for my dear husband; and 
 collectively, for my many beloved ones ; committing all to 
 His holy keeping. I feel rest. And now, my beloved 
 children, I will tell you a little how we go on.
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 531 
 
 My attraction homewards grows stronger and stronger, but 
 I desire patiently to wait the right time ; the openings for 
 religious service are greater than I expected, more particu- 
 larly amongst the Protestants, at Montpellier, Toulouse, and 
 Montauban. At Montauban, without expressing any other 
 wish, than to have an evening party at one of their houses, 
 to meet some of the professors and students of the College, 
 (the only one in France for educating Pasteurs for the Re- 
 formed Church,) we found, to our dismay, all arranged to 
 receive us in the College ; and on arriving there, imagine 
 how I felt, when the Dean of the College offered me his arm, 
 to take me into the chapel. There, I believe, the whole of 
 the collegians were assembled, in all at least a hundred. It 
 was fearful work. There were also numbers of the people 
 of the town ; we thought about three hundred. Josiah For- 
 ster spoke first, explaining our views at some length. Then 
 I rose, with an excellent interpreter, one of their pasteurs ; 
 I first told them something of my Prison experience, and the 
 power of Christian principle and kindness ; then, I related a 
 little of the state of their prisons in France ; then, my ideas 
 as to the general state of France; and afterwards endeavoured 
 to bring home to them the extreme importance of their future 
 calling, as pasteurs in their Church. I reminded them of 
 that passage of Scripture, " the leaders of the people caused 
 them to err." I endeavoured to show them how awful such 
 a state of things must be, and the extreme importance of 
 their being sound in doctrine and practice. Simple duty led 
 me to Montauban. Josiah F. was my kind and useful com- 
 panion. We were united in much Christian love to many 
 there. I forgot to say, that at the close of the occasion, the 
 pasteur who interpreted for me, prayed beautifully and spirit- 
 ually, that the words spoken might profit the people ; he also 
 prayed for us ; this has frequently occurred at the close of 
 some-of our interesting Meetings ; a pouring forth of the 
 spirit of prayer has been granted. My not knowing the 
 language has obstructed my offering it, and it has appeared
 
 532 LITE uF ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 laid upon others instead. I have seldom felt sweeter peace 
 in leaving a place than Montauban. At Toulouse we were 
 deeply interested by the Courtois' brothers : they appear, 
 body, soul, and spirit, devoted to the service of their Lord : 
 quite a bright example to all of us. The world appeared as 
 nothing to them. I Lave seldom seen men so wholly given 
 up to good and useful objects : they were most kind to us. 
 We had various calls of duty in that town, and I had a most 
 excellent interpreter in Frangois Courtois. We arrived hero 
 yesterday evening, after serious consideration, believing it 
 the best to pursue this course. A certain time of quiet ap- 
 pears really needful to make representations to the French 
 government, and to those in authority, of the various evils 
 that want remedy in Prisons, &c. We understand there are 
 many seeking, serious minds, to whom we may be of some 
 comfort, which helps to reconcile us to the measure. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry's perseverance had surmounted every ob- 
 stacle as long as her physical powers permitted ; but from 
 the effects of fatigue, and the heat of the climate, they were 
 beginning to fail. Rest, and some cessation from mental and 
 bodily exertion had become indispensable, and she yielded, 
 though not without reluctance, to her husband's wish for a 
 short tarriance in the cooler atmosphere of the Pyrenees. 
 Speaking of this retreat, she says 
 
 We went from Toulouse to Bagneres de Luchon, a most 
 lovely place where we had a sweet, quiet lodging. I took two 
 wonderfully fine excursions with my husband and children, 
 (Josiah Forster partly with us,) which I rather enjoyed, par- 
 ticularly going into Spain. 
 
 One of these expeditions was to the Lake D'Oo. Eliza- 
 beth Fry and her daughter were carried in chairs, each borne 
 by four men, until they were about halfway up a steep ascent, 
 on a little level of green sward, shadowed by a huge rock. 
 They quitted their chairs for the carriers to rest themselves.
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 533 
 
 A group of wild-looking peasants were reposing near. Eliza- 
 beth Fry sat down by them, and entered into conversation ; 
 they assured her they " adored the Virgin in those parts ;" 
 she took out a French Text-Book ; the eight bearers joined 
 the party. She read some words of Scripture, then drew 
 ittention to the wondeful works of God in creation, in the 
 beautiful scene around them ; then she spoke of His infinite 
 mercy in sending the Lord Jesus Christ to redeem them. 
 They listened with earnestness and respect, and thankfully 
 received the little books she offered. 
 
 A day or two afterwards they ventured on a short excur- 
 sion into Spain. A cool wet night, followed by a cloudy 
 morning, gave hopes of less heat ; after leaving Luchon, the 
 party rode through the forest and valley of Beurbe, defiling 
 along the most exquisite mountain pass ; higher and higher it 
 led them, till, on an elevated crest, the path turned suddenly 
 downwards at a point called the " Postillion," where a small 
 rock marked the boundary, and the guide exclaimed, "Nous 
 voici en Espagne." They continued their descent for about 
 half-an-hour, till they reached the boundary, where beech- 
 trees and oaks again grew, amidst small patches of cultiva- 
 tion. Two Catalonian peasants were there, in their brown 
 costume and scarlet sashes, and caps with long depending 
 peaks. Elizabeth Fry, through the kind agency of Josiah 
 Forster, was well supplied with extracts from Scripture in 
 Spanish; to these men she gave several of them. Whilst 
 the travellers dined on the grass, they observed one of the 
 men reading attentively as he sat under the shade of a spread- 
 ing chesnut, surrounded by his flock of goats. When rested 
 and refreshed they continued their descent to a spot where 
 they found several scattered cottages. Desiring to sow as 
 44 beside all waters," Elizabeth Fry left the little Scripture 
 extracts at all these ; in the manger of a cow-house, or on a 
 nail of a door, for she had heard that the Spaniards, including 
 the priests, were eager for books, and carefully preserved 
 them.
 
 534 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 During their little recess at Luchon, Elizabeth Fry, as- 
 sisted by her companions, prepared a memorial of consider- 
 able length for the Minister of the Interior, and a shorter one 
 for the Prefect of Police, embodying her observations on the 
 state of the prisons \vhich she had inspected, and her recom- 
 mendations for their improvement. 
 
 From Bagneres de Luchon, they went to Bagneres de 
 Bigorre, entering the gorge that heads to Luz and " St. Sau- 
 veur." They passed the ruined castle of " St. Marie," built 
 by the English, the Templar's Fortress-church at Luz, and 
 pursued their way to " St. Sauveur." There they remained 
 some days, amidst the shadowy mountains which surround 
 the town, and the rushing waters, not only of the Gaves, or 
 rapid rivers of the district, but of the numerous little rivulets 
 which feed them, tumbling and foaming from the rocks 
 above. 
 
 The rest obtained here was beneficial to both body and 
 mind ; and it is interesting to observe how, from the pressure 
 of engagements of a most weighty character, the spirit of 
 Elizabeth Fry was permitted, with* a lively elasticity, to un- 
 bend and to repose itself in peace. She was endowed with 
 a capacity for much enjoyment in the varied scenes of nature, 
 and whether she beheld the grandeur of Alpine heights, or 
 the rich foliage of the fertile valleys j whether she gathered 
 the shell on the beach, or the humble floweret by the road- 
 side ; whether she surveyed the bright tints of a splendid 
 sunset, or gazed on the wonders of the starry sky, she saw 
 in each, the impress of a Father's hand, graciously providing 
 for His children, a store of blessing and a source of sanc- 
 tified delight. She had also a nice, discriminating taste for 
 the beauties of art. This gift, implanted in different degrees 
 in every human mind, by the great Former of all things, was 
 held by Elizabeth Fry in subserviency to the beneficient 
 Giver. She felt pleasure in witnessing the products of genius 
 and skill, when calculated to promote the convenience, or the 
 innocent enjoyment of man.
 
 1839.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 535 
 
 How heart-saddening is the consideration that the artist, 
 favoured by Heaven with surpassing talent, so frequently de- 
 votes it to the most unholy purposes pandering to the evil 
 propensities of our corrupt nature, instead of glorifying the 
 Almighty Creator, in serving His creatures, by the exercise 
 of some measure of a power to originate and construct that 
 which is useful and beautiful a power which in its infinite- 
 ness, framed the architecture of the heavens and the earth. 
 
 On their return, E. Fry writes : 
 
 We left Toulouse last Second-day, and have been travelling 
 rather hard through the South of France ; the heat very op- 
 pressive. Little religious service opened on the way. But 
 at Montpellier and Nismes, we again met some of our dear 
 friends, and there appeared reason to believe that our labour 
 had not been in vain in the Lord, particularly at Nismes and 
 Congenies. Oh, may our Heavenly Father bless and pros- 
 per the seed scattered by us, His unworthy instruments ; and 
 may He, in His tender and unmerited mercy, guide and 
 guard us to the end ! Answer, I pray Thee, the deep cries 
 of Thy servant for Thine own name's sake, and cause Thy 
 love and peace ta abound in our little circle, until we 
 separate. 
 
 Bonigen, near Interlachen, Switzerland, Eighth Month, 
 llth. I believe that my gracious Lord has guided our steps 
 to this place ; blessed be His name. Now to go on with my 
 journal. At Grenoble, where I felt rather pressed in spirit, 
 to spend a First-day, I had a curious opening for religious 
 service, and I believe an important one with several en- 
 lightened Roman Catholics, several Protestants, and a school 
 of girls. It was a time of spiritual refreshment, by which 
 many appeared helped and comforted. The next day was 
 occupied in important prison visits, and in the evening a 
 Meeting with influential Roman Catholics. 
 
 Josiah Forster having left us to go by diligence to Geneva, 
 we travelled alone through Savoy, and had a pleasant journey 
 through a lovely country ; but the darkness of the Roman
 
 530 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 Catholic religion, and the arbitrary laws not allowing even a 
 tract to be given away, were painful ; we found that a Swiss 
 gentleman had lately been imprisoned for doing it, and con- 
 fined with a thief. We arrived at Geneva, the 25th of the 
 Seventh Month, in the evening. Here we passed a very in- 
 teresting time, from various and important openings for reli- 
 gious service, in large parties, in prisons, &c. My belief is, 
 that we were sent to that place, and amidst some trials, from 
 different causes, there was a pouring forth of spiritual help, 
 and spiritual peace. Many of the pasteurs came to us, and 
 not a few expressed their- refreshment and satisfaction with 
 our visit ; before we left, several of the most ' spiritual, in a 
 very striking and beautiful manner preached to us, particu- 
 larly to myself, and prayed for us all : a time, I think, never 
 to be forgotten by us. I believe the anointing was poured 
 forth upon me, to speak the truth in love and power. I had 
 an excellent spiritually-minded interpreter (Professor La 
 Harpe) : many appear to feel this occasion. A young 
 English gentleman came up to me afterwards, and expressed 
 his belief that it would influence him for life ; and a lady 
 came to me, and said, how remarkably her state had been 
 spoken to. Much love was also shown to us, and unity. 
 Indeed, I felt how our Lord permits His servants to rejoice 
 together in love, and even to partake of the good things of 
 this life, in His love and fear, with a subjected spirit, re- 
 joicing in His mercies, temporal and spiritual. We had very 
 great kindness also shown to us by many, among others, by 
 our dear friend Mary Ann Vernet and her family, including 
 her daughter the Baroness de Sta'el, with whom we dined 
 at Copet. The Duke de Broglie and his family were with 
 her ; we had a very interesting visit. We went from Geneva 
 to our dear friend Sophia Delessert; her husband was out; 
 they have a beautiful place on the banks of the Lake of 
 Geneva, near Rolle ; here we had the warmest reception, 
 and were refreshed and comforted together; she is truly 
 loved by me.
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 537 
 
 Of a very important and interesting occasion, where, at 
 Beseinge, the beautiful residence of Colonel Tronchin, Eliza- 
 beth Fry met more than a hundred persons, we have some 
 remarkable particulars, from the pen of a young student, 
 since become the Secretary of the " Belgian Socie'te' Evan- 
 gelique." He says : 
 
 "We had half expected a philosophical discourse upon subjects 
 of philanthropic and general interest, but every thing that fell from 
 her lips was characterized by delicacy, extreme simplicity, and an 
 ardent desire to draw our attention to our own happiness, in being 
 permitted the opportunity for meditation on the one subject which 
 seemed always present in her thoughts, Christ Jesus crucified for 
 the expiation of our sins. At this distance of time I have an 
 actual realization of the opening of her exhortation ' I think/ 
 said she, ' it is impossible for us to be more profitably employed 
 than by occupying the next few moments, with the contemplation 
 of the love which the Lord Jesus has for us !' The rooms were 
 full to overflowing; my fellow-students and I took up our places 
 in the passage, on the stair-case, crowded round the open door, 
 eagerly hanging on such parts of the beautiful exhortation, as we 
 could catch by the most breathless attention; after she had con- 
 cluded, she kindly came out amongst us, and expressed her regret 
 that we should have been so inconvenienced. I can see her now, 
 her tall figure leaning on Colonel Tronchin's arm, M. la Harpe 
 at her side, her dignified, animated, yet softened countenance, 
 bending towards us. I can never forget it. Such occasions are 
 rare in life, they are very green spots in the garden of memory 
 more, they are opportunities given for improvement, solemnly 
 increasing the responsibility of each who participates in them. May 
 I never lose the impression of that day at Beseinge, nor the holy 
 lessons I there heard and learnt." 
 
 On the First-day morning the travellers sat down in their 
 room as usual, to worship after the simple manner of Friends. 
 Some of the Vernet family, and a few others were present, 
 and it proved a very solemn meeting. In the evening, their 
 scripture-reading was attended by several pasteurs and a very 
 68
 
 538 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 numerous company, some belonging to the " evangelical" 
 section of the " church," and others to that " national 
 "church," which has become tinctm^d with vital error the 
 consequence of submitting the truths of divine revelation to 
 the scrutiny and decisions of mere human reason. 
 
 On this occasion, Elizabeth Fry read the 58th chapter of 
 Isaiah, and spoke at length on some parts of it. She prayed 
 solemnly for those present ; for the pasteurs, that they might 
 be endued with wisdom and strength, for all who love the 
 Lord, everywhere and of every name, and for the inhabi- 
 tants of Geneva in particular. 
 
 At Lausanne, we met with a kind friend, Charles Scholl, 
 whom we knew in England, a valuable pasteur. We visited 
 the prisons ; and with the women I had a religious time, one 
 that appears to have made a considerable impression upon 
 some of them. I have had very comforting accounts since I 
 was there. A good many ladies and some gentlemen, met 
 Josiah Forster and myself at a lady's house, where the sub- 
 ject of prisons was entered upon. In the evening we met a 
 very large party, numbers of pasteurs, &c., at a gentleman's 
 beautiful place on the banks of the lake ; here again we had 
 a deeply interesting time. I had to speak for some time, 
 showing the effect of Christian principle and kindness on 
 prisoners. I was well interpreted for, by my friend Charles 
 Scholl. In conclusion, one valuable pasteur read, and ano- 
 ther prayed for my preservation in my peculiar situation, and 
 that I might not be entangled by the many snares that sur- 
 rounded me. Much love and real unity we felt with many 
 of these dear people. We then proceeded to Berne by Fri- 
 burg ; at Berne I again visited the Prison. These Peni- " 
 tentiaries at Geneva, Lausanne, and Berne interested me 
 much, as excellent; still. there are some things wanting At 
 Berne, I had also a religious time with all the female pri- 
 soners. We visited the large and interesting institution of 
 Dr. Fellenburg for boys, with which I was much pleased ;
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 539 
 
 but I desired more reading of the Holy Scriptures, and 
 spoke and wrote to him on the subject. We had a very 
 hospitable reception to dinner, invited for half-past eleven, 
 from a gentleman and his lady. At the prison, I was, at 
 first, badly interpreted for, when a young lady, Sophia 
 Werstemburger, came forward, as she has since told me, 
 from believing it a duty, and offered to assist me. It was 
 striking to me to observe, how remarkably she appeared 
 helped to do it, and to convey my meaning. 
 
 The subject of this excellent and solemn address was 
 afterwards published by Sophia Werstemburger in a German 
 tract, and has been extensively used in Prisons 
 
 We resume the journal. 
 
 After this visit, we parted from our dear friend Josiah 
 Forster, in love and unity, and I may add, grateful to him 
 for his constant kindness, and faithful and industrious endea- 
 vour to help me in my various duties. May it please the 
 Lord to grant him his reward, in a further knowledge of 
 Himself, and of the rest, peace, and liberty, that He gives 
 to His children and people. 
 
 From Berne the travellers went to Thun, and to Grindel- 
 vald and Brienz, being occupied at the different places with 
 their varied pursuits ; those of Elizabeth Fry were as usual, 
 such as tended to promote the well-being of the inhabitants. 
 
 A First-day was passed at Brienz, where they had the un- 
 expected pleasure of meeting some of Elizabeth Fry's valued 
 friends of the Mackenzie family from Edinburgh, and of 
 spending a quiet day together, concluded by a reading in the 
 evening. The pastor of this place was also visited, arid the 
 condition of his flock inquired into. On a previous occasion, 
 when on the Lake of Brienz, a poor boy who rowed the boat, 
 had told her that his mother lay sick in a cottage that ho 
 pointed out. It rested on her mind, and in crossing the lake 
 to return to Bbnigen, she landed, not without difficulty, ac- 
 companied by the wife of the pasteur of Brienz. They
 
 540 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 found the poor woman very ill on a mattress, spread in the 
 gallery of her cottage, with her Bible by her side ; she was 
 an afflicted Christian woman, to whom the few words of 
 encouragement offered were very timely, to strengthen that 
 which, through bodily suffering, seemed almost ready to die. 
 The temporal wants were not forgotten, and the case was 
 left under the care of the pastor's wife. 
 
 Whilst at Bb'nigen, Herr Mitchell, the landlord of the 
 little inn, and his family, attended their First-day evening 
 readings. On one of these occasions a peasant girl was with 
 them who appeared pious and afflicted; her name was Made- 
 lina Kauss. She came from a neighbouring village to seek 
 counsel of Elizabeth Fry. Madelina and her mother had 
 joined themselves to a little body of serious people, Pietists, 
 somewhat resembling Methodists, seceders from the National 
 Church. The father, a coarse, ignorant man, vehemently 
 threatened his wife, and turned his daughter out of doors to 
 earn her own livelihood, which she did by weaving for nine 
 French sous a day. Pious people from Berne had interfered 
 on their behalf, but had only made matters worse. It so fell 
 out that, about this time, a certain small, old-fashioned, black- 
 letter German newspaper reached the little inn at Bb'nigen : 
 the host and his household were startled on finding in it a 
 long account of his guests, "a history of Mrs. Fry, her works 
 and labours of love ; " concluding with her visit to the Ober- 
 land of Berne, and residence at the Herr Mitchell's country 
 inn. After careful perusal, it occurred to the worthy host, that 
 in his inmates, he had found the very people to rectify the 
 wrongs of poor Madelina, and restore peace in her parents' 
 dwelling; persons, in his opinion, not to be resisted by Hen- 
 rich Kauss, the peasant of Wildersewyl, to whom he advised 
 that a visit should forthwith be made. When the carriage 
 came to convey the party, he insisted on driving it himself, 
 arrayed in his holiday costume. The interview with the 
 family was quite pathetic. The father laid the fault of his 
 violence and severity on the grandfather, and he on the
 
 1839.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH F II Y. 541 
 
 schoolmaster ; but a little kind and wise conciliation sufficed 
 to bring them all to tears ; they wept and kissed ; and Herr 
 Mitchell wept for sympathy. After which, Elizabeth Fry 
 had a religious time with Madelina, her mother, and a few 
 of their neighbours ; leaving them with the thankful belief 
 that they had been permitted to act the blessed part of 
 peacemakers. 
 
 What a messenger of mercy was Elizabeth Fry! Varied 
 and constant were the benefits conferred through her instru- 
 mentality. The query naturally suggests itself how could 
 it happen that so many calls on benevolence and Christian 
 sympathy could fall in her way? the only reply to this 
 must be the fact, that she was appointed by the Most High to 
 her remarkable vocation. He it was, who, by the operation 
 of His Holy Spirit, qualified her for the work that He or- 
 dained she should perform ; He led her into it through a 
 great diversity of channels, and through paths that she 
 knew not. Had not her mind been subjected to the divine 
 will, waiting humbly before the Lord to receive direction 
 from Him, the purposes of His wisdom and love would have 
 been at least by lier unfulfilled and unperceived. 
 
 After leaving Bonigen, Elizabeth Fry was met at Thun by 
 Sophia Werstemburger, and in the evening Felemburgh, the 
 chaplain of the prison at Berne, arrived there also ; a few 
 important hours devoted to prison subjects were concluded 
 by a scripture-reading, and a time of worship. 
 
 Zurich, Eighth Month, 25/A. We left our sweet little 
 home at Bonigen, on the banks of the Lake of Brienz, last 
 Fourth-day. I felt refreshed by our visit to this lovely 
 country. I think my prayers have been heard and an- 
 swered, in its being a very uniting time with those most ten- 
 derly beloved by me. We have had some interesting com- 
 munications with serious persons in the humble walk of life, 
 who reside in that neighbourhood. We have desired to aid 
 them spiritually and temporally, but the difficulty of commu- 
 nication has been very great, from want of suitable interpre-
 
 542 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 ters; still, I trust, that some were edified and comforted. I 
 also hope our circulation of books and tracts has been useful, 
 and the establishment of, at least, one library at Brienz, for 
 the labouring classes. We have travelled along gently and 
 agreeably by Lucerne, and through a delightful country. 
 
 On the morning of their departure from Zurich the vene- 
 rable pastor Gesner, and many others, called to take leave. 
 This apostolic old man pronounced a striking blessing on 
 Elizabeth Fry, to which she replied in terms that caused the 
 bystanders to weep aloud. They proceeded to Ludwigsburg 
 for the First-day. Here she writes 
 
 Ludwigsburg, (a few miles from Siuttgard,) Ninth Month, 
 1st. On the evening of the day that I wrote at Zurich, we 
 went with our dear friend the Baroness Pelet, afterwards 
 joined by the Baron, to the house of an ancient, devoted 
 pasteur, Gesner. His wife was the daughter of that excel- 
 lent servant of the Lord, Lavater. We met a large number 
 of persons, I believe generally serious. I had proposed to 
 myself speaking on the Prison subject, but my way opened 
 differently; to enlarge upon the state of the Protestant 
 Church in France, to encourage all its members to devoted- 
 ness ; and particularly in that place, where deep trials have 
 been their portion, from their Government upholding infi- 
 delity and infidel men. At the close of the Meeting, our 
 venerable friend, Gesner, spoke in a lively, powerful manner, 
 and avowed his belief that the Lord Himself had enabled me 
 to express what I had done, it was so remarkably " the word 
 in season." I paid, also, a satisfactory religious visit to the 
 female prisoners in the afternoon. The next morning I visited 
 the head magistrate, represented the evils I had observed, 
 and saw some ladies about visiting prisons. We afterwards 
 went a sweet expedition on the Lake, with our beloved 
 friends the Baron and Baroness Pelet. Early in the evening, 
 I set off with a dear girl great grand-daughter to Lavater, 
 and grand-daughter to Pasteur Gesner Barbara Ustcri, in a
 
 1839.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 543 
 
 curious little carriage to pay some visits, and to spend an 
 evening at the house of the aunt of Matilda Escher, another 
 interesting young woman, with whom I had become ac- 
 quainted, I believe providentially, at an inn near Interlachen. 
 I had no one with me but strangers, as my dear family stayed 
 with the Baron and Baroness Pelet at my desire ; but I feel 
 not among strangers, because those who love the Lord Jesus, 
 are dear to me, and in our holy Head we are one. I can 
 hardly express, on this journey, how much I have found this 
 to be the case. The love, the unity, and the home-feeling, I 
 have had with those I never saw before ; and I have also 
 found how little it matters where we are, for " where the God 
 of peace is, there is home." 
 
 A letter to the resident Inspector of the Prisons at Lud- 
 wigsburg, was delivered, and half-past seven o'clock the 
 next morning, appointed for her visit to that place. There 
 a Swiss lad of eighteen years of age, was in waiting to act as 
 interpreter. The women, though it was First-day, were 
 engaged in needlework by order of the King, a sad sight 
 in a Protestant country ! Elizabeth Fry also visited an 
 Orphan Asylum ; and in the evening again went to the pri- 
 son. The women appeared in a tender, feeling state of 
 mind, and a solemn reading of the Scriptures impressed them 
 much. The travellers proceeded to Frankfort, where they met 
 with much kindness from Christian friends, visited the pri- 
 sons, and had a stall opened in the town for the sale of Bibles 
 and Tracts. A rapid journey from that place brought them 
 to Ostend, whence they embarked for Dover on the 12th of 
 the Ninth Month, and they were favoured to reach home in 
 health and peace on the 13th. 
 
 About two months later, Elizabeth Fry visited Norfolk. 
 Whilst staying at Lynn, with her son and daughter Cress- 
 well, she found they contemplated placing their eldest son in 
 the army. This was to her a most painful circumstance. 
 Perhaps there could not be found a spirit to which war, in
 
 544 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1839. 
 
 every shape, was more deeply abhorrent its* element a more 
 absolute contrast with that atmosphere of love in which she 
 was continually preserved. 
 
 From some members of her immediate family, the Compiler 
 has received assurances that her utter disapprobation of this 
 most evil system, and her grief that any of her descendants 
 should be involved in it, continued to the close of her life to 
 be unalterably strong. She says, on being apprised of the in- 
 tention of her children in reference to this arrangement 
 
 " My prayers were offered in secret, that my Lord would 
 open some way of escape from a life, that I felt to be so 
 unchristian and fearful a one. At first I said little, but kept 
 my heart much lifted up on his account ; but afterwards, I 
 fully represented my views to him and to his parents, and I 
 found they had great weight with them." 
 
 The pian for placing this beloved grandchild, who was but 
 seventeen years of age, in this most unchristian profession, 
 appeared to be abandoned ; much to the relief and consola- 
 tion of his dear grandmother. 
 
 At the commencement of the new year, Elizabeth Fry 
 pours forth the desires of her soul in prayer, as follows : 
 
 Under a sweet feeling of Thy merciful and providential 
 care over us, and Thy gentle dealings towards us, most gra- 
 cious Lord God, I humbly return Thee thanks, and ask Thee 
 in faith, and in the name of our Redeemer, to continue to be 
 with us, to keep us, and bless us, and more abundantly to 
 bestow upon us the gifts of Thine own Holy Spirit, that we 
 may faithfully fill the office Thou mayst call us into, to Thy 
 glory, the good of others, and the spreading of the truth as 
 it is in Jesus ; also, be pleased, not only to bestow on us the 
 gifts, but also the graces of Thy Spirit, that in meekness 
 and deep humility, and much patience and long-suffering, we 
 may walk worthy of Thee, who hast called us to Thy king- 
 dom and glory. And now, Holy Father, under a fresh
 
 1840.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FHY. 545 
 
 feeling of Thy love, Thy pity, and Thine unmerited mercy 
 towards us, I commend my husband, myself, children, 
 grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and their children, and all 
 my beloved friends at home and abroad, and all who love 
 Thy name and fear Thee, particularly the afflicted and 
 tempted, to Thy most Holy keeping ; and I also pray Thee, 
 for the sake of Thy beloved Son Christ Jesus our Saviour, 
 who tasted death for every man, to regard for good the world 
 at large, especially those who yet sit in darkness. Lift up 
 the light of Thy blessed and holy countenance upon .these, 
 and all wanderers, that they may behold Thy beauty and 
 excellency, and come to the knowledge of Thyself and Thy 
 dear Son. So be it, most merciful Lord God, that the day 
 may hasten forward, when the knowledge of Thyself and 
 Thy Christ, through the power of Thy Spirit, may cover the 
 earth, even as the waters cover the sea ! Amen. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry had, previously to her last visit to the Con- 
 tinent, believed it would be her duty to extend it to parts of 
 Germany. The way thither did not, however, then appear 
 fully to open. The attraction to that country was not less- 
 ened, and, with the concurrence of her friends at home, she 
 prepared again to set out on this gospel mission. Her en- 
 deared friend and brother in Christ, William Allen, was 
 impressed with a belief that he was required by his Lord to 
 unite with her in the service. Before entering on their 
 travels they were called on to perform several important 
 duties in their own land, as will be shown by the following 
 entries in the journal : 
 
 First Month, 1840. An eventful time in public and pri- 
 vate life. Our young Queen is to be married to. Prince 
 Albert. She has sent me a present of fifty pounds for our 
 Refuge at Chelsea, by Lord Normanby. Political commo- 
 tions about the country riots in Wales much religious stir 
 in the " Church of England," numbers of persons becoming 
 much the same as Roman Catholics Popish doctrines 
 G9
 
 646 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 1840. 
 
 preached openly in many of the churches infidel principles, 
 in the form of Socialism, gaining ground. 
 
 To a seriously-disposed person to whom Elizabeth Fry 
 had been an instrument of religious edification, she wrote on 
 the 15th of First Month of this year, from Upton : 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy few lines gave me solid satisfaction, because they be- 
 speak the real work of grace going on in thy heart. Does 
 not our Lord say, " By their fruits ye shall know them ?" 
 What will any profession of religion avail us however high 
 unless we have "put on the new man, which after God is 
 created in righteousness and true holiness ?" I am very 
 deeply impressed with this most important truth, and much 
 wish that those who profess Christ, every where, and of all 
 denominations, felt it more ; but Satan tries to turn them 
 from it, and to have their religion consist in some outward 
 form, and some peculiar views of doctrine, some exalted pro- 
 fession, rather than, in deep humility and meekness of spirit, 
 acknowledging the Lord to be their Saviour, and the Holy 
 Spirit to be their Guide, Comforter, and Sanctifier. 
 Farewell, thy affectionately interested Friend, 
 
 ELIZABETH FEY. 
 
 Upton, Second Month, 1st. I am called to visit our young 
 Queen to-day, in company with William Allen, and I hope 
 my brother Samuel also. 
 
 We went to Buckingham Palace, and saw the Queen. 
 Our interview was short. Lord Normanby, the Home Secre- 
 tary, presented us. The Queen asked us where we were 
 going on the Continent. She said it was some years since 
 she saw me. She asked about Caroline Neave's Refuge, for 
 which she had lately sent the fifty pounds. This gave me 
 an opportunity of thanking her. I ventured to express my 
 satisfaction that she encouraged various works of charity ; 
 and I said it reminded me of the words of Scripture, " with
 
 1840.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 547 
 
 the merciful Thou wilt show Thyself merciful." Before we 
 withdrew, I stopped and said, I hoped the Queen would 
 allow me to assure her, that it was our prayer that the bless- 
 ing of God might rest upon the Queen and her Consort. 
 
 I have for some time believed that duty would call me to 
 have a meeting in London or the neighbourhood, previous 
 to leaving home. I see many difficulties attached to it, and 
 perhaps none so much, as my great fear of women coming 
 too forward in these things, beyond what the Scripture dic- 
 tates ; but I am sure the Scripture most clearly and forcibly 
 lays down the principle that the Spirit is not to be grieved, 
 or quenched, or vexed, or resisted ; and on this principle I 
 act ; under the earnest desire that whatever the Lord leads 
 me into by his Spirit may be done faithfully to Him, and in 
 His name ; and I am of opinion, that nothing Paul said, to 
 discourage women's speaking in the Churches, alluded to 
 their speaking through the help of the Spirit, as he clearly 
 gave directions how they should conduct themselves under 
 such circumstances, when they prayed or prophesied. 
 
 In a letter written a few days afterwards, one who was 
 present, not a Friend, described that Meeting in the follow- 
 ing words : 
 
 " It was really a most impressive occasion the large, fine, circu- 
 lar building filled not less, I should think, than fifteen hundred 
 present. She began by entreating the sympathy and supplications 
 of those present. I cannot tell you how mine flowed forth on her 
 behalf. After her prayer, we sat still for some time, then William 
 Allen spoke, and then she rose, giving as a text, 'Yield your- 
 selves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead ;' and uncom- 
 monly fine was her animated, yet tender exhortation to all present, 
 but more especially the young, to present themselves as living 
 sacrifices to the Lord, to be made of Him new creatures in Christ 
 the old things passed away, and all things become new, as those 
 alive from the dead. This change she dwelt and enlarged on 
 much; its character, and the Power that alone can effect it; the 
 duty demanded of us 'Yield yourselves;' aud its infinite and
 
 548 1. 1 r K OF K L I z A B E T n F n y. [1840. 
 
 eternal blessedness. I was astonished and deeply impressed j the 
 feeling was, ' surely God is amongst us of a truth.'" 
 
 All now appeared clearly open for her leaving home, in 
 order to proceed with the work that she believed was re- 
 quired on the Continent. She was accompanied, not only by 
 her friend, William Allen, but also by her beloved brother, 
 Samuel Gurney his daughter Elizabeth and Lucy Brad- 
 shaw were enlisted in the service being much needed, as 
 helpers to their more aged friends, who, although possessing 
 undiminished energy of mind and feeling, were evidently 
 less vigorous in physical power than heretofore. Their 
 valued friend, Josiah Forster, joined this little band, and 
 rendered important assistance to them. They embarked 
 for Ostend : on arriving there, Elizabeth Fry wrote to her 
 family : 
 
 Ostend, Second Month, 2,7th, finished Ghent, 29/A. 
 
 We are favoured with a bright morning, and we may 
 thankfully say that our spirits are permitted to partake of 
 the same brightness. I have a sweet feeling of being in the 
 right place. An order is come from the Belgian Government 
 for us to visit their prisons. So the way opens before us ; 
 and though I give up much to enter these services, and feel 
 leaving my most tenderly beloved ones, yet there is such a 
 sense of the blessedness of the service, and the honour of 
 doing the least thing for my Lord, unworthy as I am, that it 
 often brings a peculiar feeling of health, (if I may so say) 
 as well as peace, to my body, soul, and spirit. 
 
 My brother Samuel is a capital travelling companion, so 
 zealous, so able, so willing, so generous ; and I find dear 
 Elizabeth sweet, pleasant, and cheering. Bruges is a de- 
 lightful old town. Here we visited the English Convent, 
 where to our surprise, we could only speak through a 
 grating. We had a good deal of conversation with dear 
 
 S. P 's sister and the Superior. They appeared very 
 
 interesting women. We talked about their shutting-in sys 
 tern. I expressed my disapprobation of it as a general
 
 1840.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 549 
 
 practice, and one liable to such great abuse. I sent them 
 some books, and mean to send more. We also visited a 
 large school ; and to the great pleasure and amusement of 
 the children, your uncle gave them all a present. They 
 could not in the least understand our language, as they 
 speak Flemish. 
 
 We have been much interested, this morning, in visiting 
 the Maison de Force ; it is a very excellent prison of con- 
 siderable size, but wants some things very much. We have 
 since been occupied with the numerous English here. They 
 are without pasteur or school, and quite in a deplorable state. 
 We propose having a meeting with them of a religious and 
 philanthropic nature, and hope to establish some schools, &c., 
 amongst them. 
 
 May the blessing of the Most High abundantly rest on 
 you all. 
 
 From Brussels, Third Month, 1st. 
 
 We left Ghent on Seventh-day, about half-past two o'clock, 
 after visiting a most deplorable prison, where we found a 
 cell with the floor and sides formed of angular pieces of 
 wood, so that no prisoner could stand, lie down, or lean 
 against the wall, without suffering. We also visited a luna- 
 tic asylum, so beautifully conducted, that I more took the 
 impression of how happy such persons may be made than 1 
 ever did before. They are cared for by the " Sisters of St. 
 Vincent de Paul." After rather a slow journey, we arrived 
 here to dinner, at six o'clock. 
 
 Ghent, Third Month, 3rd. Here we are once more we 
 have visited another large prison for the military ; and had 
 a very interesting Meeting with the English workmen, their 
 wives and children. I am glad to say, they conclude for us 
 to send them schoolmasters. We had flocks after us last 
 evening, English nnd Belgians I suppose about seventy ; 
 they appeared to be touched by our reading. I observe how 
 much the English appear impressed on these occasions. Our 
 little party are very comfortable, and each haa plenty to do
 
 550 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1840. 
 
 Antwerp, Third Month, 6th. 
 
 Upon our return to Brussels from Ghent, we visited the 
 great prison of Vilvorde. We gave many of our little 
 Scripture extracts to the prisoners. We got home to dinner, 
 and spent the evening at the Baron de Bois', where we met 
 several pleasant persons. A considerable number of Bel- 
 gians, poor and rich, came to an evening Meeting at our 
 hotel. The next day was one of no common interest. After 
 some engagements in the morning, breakfasting out, &c., we 
 visited the King. Our party were William Allen, my bro- 
 ther Samuel, J. Forster, and myself; and before we left, 
 Lucy Bradshaw and dear Elizabeth were admitted to see 
 him. We first had a very interesting conversation on the 
 state of the prisons, and your uncle read the King our 
 address to him upon the subject ; when the part was read ex- 
 pressing our desire for him, the Queen and his family, he 
 appeared to feel it much. We had open, interesting com- 
 munication on many subjects. We remained nearly an hour. 
 The Queen was unwell, and the children asleep, therefore I 
 did not see them. We gave the King several books for him- 
 self and the Queen. We were invited by Count Arrivabene 
 to dine with one of the first Belgian families. I felt it rather 
 fearful, when, to my surprise after dinner, I was seated by 
 the Dean of Brussels, surrounded by the company, and told 
 that I was permitted to speak openly upon my religious views. 
 Indeed, I think the wish was, that I should preach to them. 
 This was curious, because I was warned on going to say 
 nothing about religion. Preach I did not as I do not feel 
 that at my command ; but I spoke very seriously about the 
 Scriptures not being read in the prisons, and endeavoured to 
 show, in few words, what alone can produce change of heart, 
 life, and conduct, and the danger of resting in forms. We 
 parted in much good-will, and we sent the Dean and the 
 ladies some books. In the evening we had a philanthropic 
 party at our hotel. The next morning, a large, very solemn 
 and interesting religious Meeting at the hotel. We left
 
 1840.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 Brussels in much peace (rejoicing would not be too strong a 
 
 word). In nearest love. 
 
 E. F. 
 
 Extract from a letter writen by her niece, Elizabeth 
 Gurney : 
 
 " Brussels, Third Month, 6th. We expect to end our very in- 
 teresting visit in this place to-day. A great Meeting is now assem- 
 bling in the Table d'Hote salon, fitted up by our landlord for the 
 occasion. This is to be our farewell Meeting. We have had a very 
 full morning, partly employed in distributing books. The servants 
 at the palace sent an entreaty that they might not be overlooked. 
 
 "Yesterday began with a full tide of business. They were to 
 see the King at twelve o'clock. He is a particularly pleasing-look- 
 ing man, rather older than I expected. The Duchess of Kent ha- 
 kindly written to the King, to say, that my aunt was likely to 
 visit Brussels. 
 
 " I must tell you about our dinner at M. le Comte de 's, the 
 
 first Roman Catholic family here. We were taken there by our 
 kind friend Count Arrivabene. The party consisted of fifteen 
 persons, only two speaking English. Amongst them was the Dean, 
 the head of the Church here, under the Bishop of Malines. Much 
 that was interesting passed. The Dean and our aunt seated them- 
 selves in a corror of the room, and by degrees the whole party 
 gathered round ; the Count and Josiah Forster interpreting by turns. 
 It was a critical thing to know what to say, as the conversation be- 
 came more and more of a religious nature. She began on the 
 prisons prevention of crime how much the upper classes arc often 
 the cause, by example, of thp sins of the lower; related a few of 
 her prison facts as proofs, and finally ended by saying, ' Will the 
 Dean allow me to speak my mind candidly ?' His permission being 
 given, and that of the Count and Countess, she began by express- 
 ing the sincere interest that she felt for the inhabitants of this city, 
 and how much she had been desiring for them, ' that as a people, 
 they might each place less confidence in men, and in the forms of 
 religion, and look to Christ with an entire and simple faith.' The 
 priest said nothing ; but turned the subject, and aaked what the 
 views of the Quakers were; upon which Josiah Forster gave them 
 a short account in French, which appeared to interest them all."
 
 552 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1840. 
 
 The engagements in Rotterdam were numerous, as usual. 
 But although many circumstances occurred to encourage her, 
 Elizabeth Fry often went heavily on her way, feeling deli- 
 cate in health, and oppressed in spirit. A letter from Dr. 
 Bosworth, with whom she had become acquainted at Rot- 
 terdam, was very consoling to her. In it he says : 
 
 " Before I answer your questions, let ine discharge a debt of 
 gratitude, which I and my wife owe to you and your friends, for 
 your benevolent exertions in Rotterdam. You have excited amongst 
 us, and have left, I trust, an abiding Christian affection. We 
 feel we are brethren, united in the same good cause of our 
 adorable Saviour, that of promoting ' peace on earth, and good- 
 will to men.' How 'soon will the wood, hay and stubble of party be 
 burnt up, and what is built on the Rock of Ages remain, &c., &o. 
 We are here in a parched wilderness, but your visit has brought 
 a refreshing dew, and may it abide with us." 
 
 After spending some days at Amsterdam and Zwolle, 
 where Elizabeth Fry had important service, holding Meet- 
 ings, &c., the travellers went to Minden, to -visit a small body 
 of Friends resident there, as well as the larger congregation 
 at Pyrmont. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry again writes to her family at home: 
 
 Minden, Third Month, 28th. We left Zwolle on Second- 
 day, the 23rd, and slept at a true German inn neither car- 
 pet nor curtain. Our night was disturbed, still we did well. 
 The next day we set off in good time, and travelled until 
 twelve o'clock ; we did not settle till two in the morning. I 
 think I have not yet recovered the fatigue, not having slept 
 well one night since. We have been interested by the 
 Friends, who are much like those of Congenies, but more 
 entirely Friends; we have visited them in almost all their 
 families, and had two Meetings with them. We have been 
 brought into much sympathy with them, for they are a tried, 
 and I believe a Christian people. We have this evening had 
 three pastors with us, two of them I think spiritual men.
 
 1840.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 553 
 
 Our Meeting was largely attended this afternoon, and T can 
 assure you my heart almost failed me, being interpreted for 
 in German is so difficult, but we have in Auguste Mund- 
 henck, a well educated young Friend, a capital interpreter. 
 The Meeting ended well. In my wakeful nights I feel soli- 
 tary, and have you very present with me ; but I humbly trust 
 He that sleepeth not is watching over you with tender care. 
 
 Pyrmontj 29th. In our way here we visited, at Hameln, a 
 large prison, under the King of Hanover, almost all the poor 
 prisoners, upwards of four hundred in number, heavily 
 chained. I told them a little of my deep interest for their 
 present and everlasting welfare ; they appeared to feel it very 
 much ; one poor man, a tall fine figure, with heavy chains 
 on both legs, sat weeping like a child. I am just come in 
 from visiting the families of Friends ; they are really a very 
 valuable set. I longed to take a picture for you of an old 
 Friend with a plain scull-cap, either quilted or knitted, a 
 purple handkerchief, a striped apron, and the whole appear- 
 ance truly curious ; but she was a sweet old woman, full of 
 love. I am really amused, the old and young are as fond of 
 me as if I could fully speak to them ; the little ones sitting 
 on my lap as if I were their mother, and leaning their little 
 heads upon me. A little child about four or five said, what 
 happy days they should have when we went to see their 
 We expect a large party this evening. 
 
 30<A. We had our party, and understand there were pre- 
 sent some of the first persons in the town, besides the master 
 of the hotel, his wife, the doctor, the postmaster, the book- 
 binder, the shoemaker, &c., &c., &c. ! We discussed the state 
 of their poor, their not visiting them, or attending to them ; 
 for it appears that visiting the poor is not thought of here. 
 I hope and expect our coming will be useful in this respect. 
 
 Hameln ended Hanover, Fourth Month, 2nd. 
 
 Whilst stopping at a small inn, I mean to finish my account 
 of our visit to Pyrmont. After I wrote, we went shaking on 
 70
 
 554 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1840. 
 
 such bad roads from house to house to see the Friends, that 
 I almost feared we must break down. We twice dined with 
 them, in their beautiful spot at Friedensthal, (or the valley 
 of peace,) surrounded with hills, and a river flowing through 
 it. Roebucks wild from the woods abounding. We were 
 very pleasantly received. Our visits were very satisfactory 
 to these very valuable and agreeable people. Tears and 
 kisses abounded at our departure. I must tell you of an 
 interesting event : I went to buy something for little John 
 at a shop, where a very agreeable lady spoke to me in Eng- 
 lish, and I was so much attracted by her, that I requested 
 her to accept a book, and sent a work on the rites and cere- 
 monies of the Jews. I asked her to attend our Meeting on 
 Second-day morning. She proved to be a Jewish lady of 
 some importance ; she came to Meeting with several other 
 Jews, and truly I believe her heart was touched. I invited 
 her to come and see us the next evening, when we expected 
 several persons to join our party. The following day we 
 agreed to form a District Society, to attend to the deplorable 
 state of the poor. The Jewish lady capitally helped us, she 
 then appeared in a feeling state ; but this morning when the 
 ladies met to finish our arrangements, and I felt it my place 
 to give them a little advice, and my blessing in the name of 
 the Lord, the tears poured down her face. I then felt it my 
 absolute duty to take her into my room to give her such 
 books as I thought right, and to tell her how earnest my 
 desires were that she should come to the knowledge of our 
 Saviour. I think in our whole journey no person has ap- 
 peared to be so affected, or so deeply impressed ; may it be 
 lasting, and may she become a Christian indeed ! 
 
 Hildesheim, Fourth Month, 6th. 
 
 We left Hanover to-day about five o'clock, after rather a 
 singular visit. We arrived there on Fifth-day evening. On 
 Sixth and Seventh day our way did not open quite so brightly 
 is sometimes. We saw a deplorable prison ; poor untried
 
 1840.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 555 
 
 prisoners chained to the ground until they would confess 
 their crimes, whether they had committed them or not, and 
 some other sad evils. Several interesting persons came 
 to see us. Seventh-day evening we spent at a gentleman's 
 house, where we met some Very clever and superior persons, 
 and had much important communication upon their prisons, 
 &c., &c. On First-day we had our little Meetings ; such a 
 tide on a Sabbath I think I hardly ever had ; it was like 
 being driven down a mighty stream ; we had allowed persons 
 to come to us, supposing it would be the last day there. I 
 made some calls of Christian love. The principal magistrate 
 came for an hour about the prisons, and very many other 
 persons. In the evening we had also a party of a select nature 
 to our Scripture-reading, and, after a very solemn time, we 
 represented many things wanted in Hanover. I forgot to 
 tell you, amongst other visitors, the Queen's Chamberlain 
 came to say that the Queen wished to see our whole party on 
 Second-day at one o'clock. We had proposed going that 
 morning early, but put it off on this account. I think I 
 never paid a more interesting visit to royalty my brother 
 Samuel, William Allen, and myself. In the first place we 
 were received with ceremonious respect, shown through 
 many rooms to a drawing-room, where were the Queen's 
 Chamberlain and three ladies-in-waiting to receive us. . . 
 After some little time we were sent for by the Queen ; tho 
 King was too ill to see us. She is a stately woman, tall, 
 large, and rather a fine countenance. We very soon began 
 to speak of her afflictions, and I gave a little encouragement 
 and exhortation. She was much affected and after a little 
 while requested us [to sit down. We had very interesting 
 and important subjects brought forward : the difficulties and 
 temptations to which rank is subject the importance of their 
 influence the objects incumbent upon them to attend to and 
 help in, Bible Societies, Prisons, &c. We then read our ad- 
 dress to the Queen, wishing her to patronize ladies visiting the 
 prisons ; it contained serious advice, and our desires for her,
 
 55G LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1840. 
 
 the King, and the Prince ; then I gave the Queen several 
 books, which she accepted in the kindest manner. . . . 
 
 At Berlin, the travellers found a cordial welcome from all 
 ranks of persons, including the members of the reigning 
 family. A wide field of usefulness appeared open before 
 them, and in the Princess William, sister to the late King, 
 Elizabeth Fry found a zealous co-operator in her labours on 
 behalf of the prisons. This eminent and truly Christian 
 lady had been as a mother to the younger children of the 
 Royal Family, after the death of Queen Louisa, and in her 
 exalted station, she was an example of every good word and 
 work. 
 
 From a letter written by Elizabeth Fry's niece 
 
 Hotel de Russie, Berlin 
 
 "Our dear aunt's first evening for philanthropic purposes took 
 place on the 13th. There is a splendid room in the Hotel, capable 
 of containing two hundred persons, where we have our reunions." 
 
 At one end of this large room was a platform, on which 
 were seated Elizabeth Fry and her companions, with their 
 valued friend, Professor Tholuck, as interpreter. E. F.'a 
 niece adds, 
 
 tf It would be impossible to describe the intense interest and 
 eagerness which prevailed when our aunt rose. 
 
 " The attention of the whole assembly seemed completely riveted 
 by her address. William Allen had previously told them the object 
 of their mission, and a little of what they had been doing since our 
 arrival in Berlin. 
 
 " The PrincessWilliam has been very desirous to give her sanction, 
 as far as possible, to the Ladies' Committee for visiting the prisons 
 that my aunt has been forming ; and to show her full approbation , had 
 invited the Committee to meet her at her palace. The Princess had 
 also asked some of her friends ; so we must have been about forty. 
 Such a party of ladies, and only our friend Count Groben to 
 interpret. The Princess received us most kindly. The Crown 
 Princess arrived. The Princess Charles was also there; and the
 
 1840.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 557 
 
 Crown Prince himself soon afterwards entered. Our aunt sat in the 
 middle of the sofa, the Grown Prince and Princess, and the Princess 
 Charles on her right. The Princess William, Princess Marie, and 
 the Princess Czartoryski on the left. Count Groben sitting near her 
 to interpret, the Countesses Bohlen and Dernath by her, I was sit- 
 ting by the Countess Schlieffen, a delightful person, who is much 
 interested in all our proceedings. A table was placed before our 
 aunt with pens, ink, and paper, like other Committees, with the 
 various rules that she and I had drawn up, and the Countess Bohlen 
 had translated into German, and which she read to the assembly ; 
 our aunt then gave a clever, concise account of the Societies in 
 England. When business was over, my aunt mentioned some 
 texts, which she asked leave to read. A German Bible was handed 
 to Count Groben, the text in Isaiah having been pointed out, that 
 our aunt had wished for, ' Is not this the fast that I have chosen,' 
 &c. The Count read it, after which our aunt said, ' Will the Prince 
 and Princesses allow a short time for prayer?' they all bowed assent, 
 and stood, while she knelt down, and offered one of her touching, 
 heartfelt prayers for them that a blessing might rest on the whole 
 place, from the King on his throne to the poor prisoner in the dun- 
 geon, and she prayed especially for the Royal Family. Then for 
 the ladies, that the works of their hands might be prospered in what 
 they had undertaken to perform. Many of the ladies now withdrew, 
 and we were soon left with the Royal Tamily. They all invited us 
 to see them again, before we left Berlin, and took leave of us in the 
 kindest manner." 
 
 Amongst other moat onerous concerns, Elizabeth Fry and 
 William Allen felt it their duty to inquire into the actual 
 state of the Lutheran Church, in the Prussian dominions, 
 and whether it was still exposed to persecution. They found, 
 that although its members were more leniently dealt with 
 than they had been, great oppression still existed ; confisca- 
 tion of property and imprisonment being not unfrequently 
 resorted to, to compel submission. Elizabeth Fry could not 
 feel justified without endeavouring to bring the subject be- 
 fore the King. She had a strong inclination to consult the 
 Crorn Prince, when the unexpi <:<.<] meeting at the Princess
 
 558 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1840. 
 
 William's afforded her the desired opportunity. After 
 earnestly petitioning for best Help, and wisdom from above, 
 she opened the subject. The Prince gave her 'a most atten- 
 tive hearing, and entirely encouraged her to act as she 
 believed to be right. An address was beautifully drawn up 
 by William Allen, this was translated into German, and pre- 
 sented through the official channel to the King. On the 
 following day the King's Chaplain was the bearer of the 
 delightful intelligence that the address had been graciously 
 received, and that the King had said that " He thought the 
 Spirit of God must have helped them to express themselves 
 as they had done." 
 
 Elizabeth Fry writes from 
 
 Frankfort, Fifth Month, &th. I felt very unwell yester- 
 day, and low in spirits. My dearest brother and sweet niece 
 were most kind to me ; all that I required I had : so, " the 
 Lord doth provide." I almost dreaded my night ; but 
 through tender mercy the Comforter was near to comfort and 
 help my great infirmity, so that I rested in my Lord, and feel 
 revived in body and soul this morning. This text has been 
 present with me, "I am the Lord that healeth thee." 
 Exodus xv. 26. Such fears presented themselves. How 
 could I get home ? How could I bear the sea ? should I 
 not be much burdened, not having finished what I thought 
 I ought to do ? and so on ; but now my most gracious and 
 holy Helper delivers me from my fears. Thanks to His 
 most blessed and holy Name. 
 
 From Dusseldorf the travellers visited the establishment 
 of Kaiserswerth under the care of Pastor Fliedner for train- 
 ing Deaconesses, to tend and nurse the sick, and to aid 
 their spiritual necessities, whilst providing for their temporal 
 wants. At that time this admirable institution had existed 
 only four years, but its utility was generally acknowledged, 
 and information upon the subject earnestly desired. Pastor 
 Fliedner, in furnishing his recollections of the visit, says :
 
 1840.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 559 
 
 ft The 8th of May, 1840, was a great holiday to us; Elizabeth 
 Fry of London visited our institution. Of all my contemporaries 
 none has exercised a like influence on my heart and life : truly her 
 friendship was one of the 'all things/ which God, in sovereign 
 mercy, has worked for my good. In January, 1824, 1 had had the 
 privilege of witnessing the effects of Mrs. Fry's wonder-working 
 visits among the miserable prisoners of Newgate. On my return 
 to my father-land, my object was to found a society entitled the 
 ' Rhenish Westphalian Prison Association/ having ramifications in 
 all the provinces of Germany. In this I was greatly assisted by the 
 advice and experience afforded me by this eminent servant of God. 
 During my second stay in England, in 1834, 1 had the happiness, in 
 common with Dr. Steinkopff, of spending a day with Mrs. Fry, at 
 her own home, and also of accompanying her in one of her visits of 
 mercy to Newgate. By this means, I was enabled to see and admire 
 her, in her domestic, as well as public character. Thus may my 
 happiness be estimated, when in 1840, Mrs. Fry, accompanied by 
 her brother, her young niece, William Allen and Lucy Bradshaw, 
 came in person to see and rejoice over the growing establishment of 
 Kaiserswerth. She saw the whole house, going into every room, and 
 minutely examining each detail, and then delivered to the inmates.a 
 deeply interesting discourse. Many were the tears shed, and I have 
 
 a bright hope, not in vain Truly God was in the 
 
 midst of us, and the remembrance of that spirit of active, self- 
 denying love, is one of the sweetest consolations which I possess, 
 amid the trials and difficulties which every such institution must 
 afford. " THOMAS FLIEDNER. 
 
 "May 26, 1848." 
 
 The following b Elizabeth Fry's touching and instructive 
 record of their engagements at this time : 
 
 Dtisseldorf, Fifth Month, 10th. Here we are, and thanks 
 to my Heavenly Father I am much revived : my cough bet- 
 ter; unfavourable symptoms subsided; sufficient strength 
 given me for the various duties as they arise. I feel my 
 prospect weighty ; first, going to the prison to visit some pri- 
 soners whom I dH not see yesterday. And then, we expect 
 a largo evening party to read the Scriptures and for worship,
 
 560 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1840. 
 
 and this among3t strangers who know little or nothing of us, 
 or our ways, and our interpreter not accustomed to us ; but 
 our holy Helper can, through His own unmerited mercy and 
 Almighty power, really so help us as to touch the hearts of 
 those who come to us, to their true edification. gracious 
 Lord ! be with us, help us and bless us. Thy servants have 
 come in much fear, much weakness, and under a belief that 
 it is Thy call, that has brought them here. Now, be Thyself 
 present with us, in this our last occasion of the kind, to our 
 help, consolation, and edification ! I can only cast myself on 
 Thy love, mercy, and pity ! 
 
 In the afternoon I visited the prison, accompanied by my 
 dear brother, William Allen, and Lucy Bradshaw. We first 
 collected a large number of men in a yard, and I was, in my 
 low state of body, strengthened to speak to them in the open 
 air. Unexpectedly, a valuable man, the Pastor Fliedner, met 
 us, who interpreted beautifully for me. We then visited 
 several wards, and the prisoners appeared to feel a great deal. 
 May its effect long remain. I also visited a very valuable 
 lady, a Roman Catholic, who has visited the prison many 
 years. We partook of Christian love, and, I believe, of 
 Christian unity. In the evening we had a very large party 
 to our reading and worship ; I should think nearly a hundred 
 persons. My Lord and Master only knows what such occa- 
 sions are to me, weak in body, rather low in spirits amongst 
 perfect strangers to us not able to speak to them in their 
 own language. To whom could I go? I could say, "With 
 God all things are possible;" and so I found it. My brother 
 Samuel read the 7th chapter of Matthew. One of the pas- 
 tors read it in German. I soon spoke, and unexpectedly had 
 to enlarge much on the present and past state of Germany : 
 how it was that more fruit had not been produced, consider- 
 ing the remarkable seed sown in years past; the query, what 
 hindered its growth ? I expressed my belief first, that it 
 arose from a lukewarm and indifferent spirit ; secondly, from 
 infidel principles creeping in under a specious form ; thirdly,
 
 1840.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 561 
 
 from too much superstition yet remaining; fourthly, and 
 above all, from the love of the world, and the things of it, 
 beyond the love of Christ. After showing the evil and its 
 results the seed obstructed, as in the parable of the Sower, 
 bringing no fruit to perfection ; I endeavoured to point to 
 the remedy to look at home, and not to judge one another ; 
 to ask for help, protection, and direction to walk in the nar- 
 row way : to be doers and not hearers of the word ; and to 
 devote ourselves to His service, who had done so much for us. 
 William Allen followed with a satisfactory sermon. I then 
 prayed very earnestly for them, and afterwards exhorted on 
 reading the Scriptures, family worship, keeping the Sabbath, 
 &c., and ended with a blessing the attention was excessive ; 
 the interpretation excellent, by my dear friend, the Pastor 
 FJiedner ; hearts much melted, and great unity expressed by 
 numbers. It was a very solemn seal, set to our labours in 
 this land, and one not to be forgotten. So our Lord helped 
 us, and regarded me, His poor servant, in my low estate ; 
 afterwards, peace was, in no common degree, my portion. 
 Blessed be the name of the Lord. All my dear companions, 
 William Allen, my brother, and the younger of the party, 
 Lucy Bradshaw and my dear niece, appeared happy and 
 cheerful. I returned thanks on sitting down to a refreshing 
 meal, after the labours of the day : and I think I may say 
 we ate our "meat with gladness and singleness of heart." 
 
 This very important journey was now nearly concluded 
 many religious Meetings had been held, which have not 
 been particularly alluded to in this brief sketch at Amster- 
 dam, Brussels, the Hague, Zwolle, Hanover, Berlin, &c. 
 The travellers had been much united in feeling one with 
 another. William Allen's journal records, from place to 
 place, the preciousness of Elizabeth Fry's gospel labours 
 the power and sweetness that attended them, and the 
 reaching effect produced. 
 
 On arriving in England, she writes : 
 
 We had a pleasant journey through Liege to Antwerp, 
 71
 
 562 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1840. 
 
 where we were cordially received by some of our dear friends 
 in that place, who appeared to have been deeply impressed 
 by our last visit. We had a solemn time after our reading 
 in the morning, at Ostend, the last reading we had of this 
 kind, in which I very earnestly and fervently prayed for my 
 most tenderly -beloved brother, that the sacrifice he had thus 
 made in his Lord's service, and all he had so liberally done for 
 us, as His servants, might bring blessing to his own .soul, and 
 a large portion of the unsearchable riches of Christ. I prayed 
 for his dear daughter, that the experience of this journey 
 might be greatly blessed to her soul. I prayed for William 
 Allen, that now, in his latter days, he might more and more 
 be filled with, and spread the glorious truths of the Gospel, 
 in their fulness, freeness, and universality. I prayed for 
 Lucy Bradshaw also, and for the servants, that the journey 
 might be blessed to them ; and lastly, for my poor unworthy 
 self, that I might be kept by the Lord, humble, faithful, 
 trustful, and more devoted to Him and His service. It was 
 as a spiritual farewell, and break up of this most interesting 
 expedition. Our voyage was calm and beautiful. I return 
 in a delicate state of health, and very weak in spirits, but 
 deeply feeling my Lord's mercies towards me. 
 
 In reference to this parting and solemn hour, William 
 Allen writes : " It was a most sweet and precious oppor- 
 tunity." "Dear E. J. F. prayed sweetly," and "gave 
 utterance to a solemn feeling of thanksgiving." 
 
 In the course of this journey, Elizabeth Fry had experi- 
 enced less difficulty than she anticipated from her entire 
 ignorance of the German language, partly from the assist- 
 ance of her companions, but even more from the efficient 
 interpretation of like-minded persons, who arose for her 
 help, as she passed on from place to place. She had also 
 been furnished with a document, very useful to her, by the 
 Chevalier Bunsen, at that time Prussian Minister at Berne. 
 This truly excellent Christian gentleman proved to her a very
 
 1840.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 563 
 
 valuable and important helper in her arduous mission. But 
 her dependence was not on man. She trusted in her God 
 she was preserved by her deep humility she was strength- 
 ened by the spirit of constant and fervent prayer. 
 
 On their return from this Continental tour, both William 
 Allen and Elizabeth Fry appeared considerably enfeebled in 
 health, and the anxiety of their friends was consequently ex- 
 cited. They reached home two days previous to the Yearly 
 Meeting. 
 
 Upton, 19<A. I attended the first sitting of the Select 
 Yearly Meeting yesterday. My lot was to sit in silence. I 
 saw many much loved by me. May my most gracious Lord 
 kelp me by His own Spirit at this Yearly Meeting, fully, 
 simply, and clearly to lay what I think and feel before this 
 people ; that which is right for the aged and more experi- 
 enced, before them, and that which is for the youth, before 
 them. Gracious Lord, help me to do it in faithfulness, in 
 love, in truth, in deep humility and godly sincerity. Amen. 
 We have had altogether a favorable reply to our letter from 
 the King of Prussia ; he justifies the measures pursued 
 towards the Lutherans, but I believe our address will not be 
 in vain. We have had satisfactory reports, of the Govern- 
 ment already acting on our suggestions respecting the prisons 
 in Prussia. The prisoners are to have more religious instruc- 
 tion, and more inspection. I have also had a very interest- 
 ing letter from the Queen of Denmark, expressing real regret 
 at our not going there, and not only great desire to see me 
 there, but much unity with my views on many subjects. 
 
 She believed it her duty to unite with William Allen in 
 having a Meeting with the youth of our religious Society, 
 then in attendance at the Yearly Meeting. 
 
 2&A. Before breakfast I am in a strait. 0, my gracious 
 Lord ! be Thou my Helper, my Guide, my Counsellor, and 
 my Defence : keep me, I pray Thee, from the most weighty 
 service before me, unless it be really and kuJy Thy call, and
 
 564 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1840. 
 
 if it be Thy call, fit me for it, by Thine own Spirit, and 
 Thine own power ; and touch my lips, as with a live coal 
 from Thine altar ; and may I be qualified to speak the word 
 in season to those who need it. Anoint Thou the tongue 
 to speak, and the ear to hear. Grant this prayer for Thine 
 own sake. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, 2Sth. The Yearly Meeting has cor- 
 dially united in William Allen and myself having a Meeting 
 for the young people. It is appointed for this evening, which 
 I much regret, as my children cannot attend it, but I must 
 commit all to my Lord. 
 
 Time did not admit of her absent children being informed 
 of this Meeting. It proved a very solemn and favoured 
 one truly an answer to her humble, but fervent petitions. 
 
 Eighth Month, 6th. There has been some fear of a war 
 with France, which has been really sorrowful to me ; I could 
 have wept at the thoughts ; so dear are the people of that 
 country to my heart, and so awful is it to think of the horrors 
 of war, whichever way we look at the subject, religiously, 
 morally, or physically. The longer I live, and the greater 
 my experience of life, the more decided are my objections 
 to war, as wholly inconsistent with the Christian calling. 
 0, may the Almighty grant, that through His Omnipotence, 
 and unutterable love and mercy in Christ our Saviour, the 
 day may not be very far distant, when the people shall 
 learn war no more, when peace and righteousness shall 
 reign in the earth. 
 
 Earlham, Eighth Month, 21st. My dearest brother Joseph 
 is safely returned home, after his absence of three years, on 
 his religious yisit to America, and the West India Islands. 
 I think I never saw any person in so perfectly peaceful a 
 state : he says, unalloyed peace, like a sky without a cloud, 
 and above all, enabled thankfully to enjoy his many blessings. 
 Twelfth Month, 21st. I deeply feel coming to the close 
 of this year, rather unusually so, it finds me in a low estate, 
 and from circumstances, my spirit is rather overwhelmed,
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 565 
 
 although I am sensible that blessings abound through unme- 
 rited mercy. I think the prison cause at home and abroad 
 much prospering, many happy results from our foreign ex- 
 pedition, and much doing at home. Among other things, 
 the establishment of a Patronage Society for prisoners, by 
 which many poor wanderers appear to be helped and pro- 
 tected, and a Society for Sisters of Charity to visit and attend 
 the sick. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry's habitual acquaintance with the chamber 
 of sickness, and with scenes of suffering and death had taught 
 her the necessity that exists for a class of women to attend 
 upon such, altogether different from, and superior to, the 
 hireling nurses that are generally to be obtained. Her 
 communications with Pastor Fliedner, and all she learned 
 from him personally, and by letter, of his establishment at 
 Kaiserswerth, and above all her own visit to that remarkable 
 institution, stimulated her desire to attempt something of the 
 kind in England. Her own occupations being too urgent 
 and numerous to allow of much personal attention, the plan 
 was undertaken, and on a small scale carried into effect, by 
 her sister, Elizabeth Gurney, with the assistance of her 
 daughters, &c. The Queen Dowager kindly became Pa- 
 troness, and with Lady Inglis as President, and an effective 
 committee to conduct the management of the institution, it 
 has steadily advanced and prospered. 
 
 Some misconception having arisen as to the nature of the 
 plan, it was found desirable to change the designation of 
 these " Protestant Sisters of Charity," and to appropriate to 
 them the appellation of " Nursing Sisters." Their aid in 
 sickness has been sought and greatly valued by persons of all 
 classes, from Royalty to the most destitute. 
 
 One of Elizabeth Fry's sons was, during the spring of 
 1841, very seriously ill. As he recovered, her youngest 
 daughter was becoming much indisposed. 
 
 During the Yearly Meeting, Elizabeth Fry writes :
 
 566 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1841. 
 
 Upton, Fifth Month, 23rd, First-day. The last week has 
 been a serious one, attendance of the Yearly Meeting diffi- 
 cult, from Louisa's illness and other causes. 
 
 25th. Yesterday, I accompanied Hannah Backhouse into 
 the Men's Meeting. When she had spoken, I rose, saying, 
 that I feared to make any addition, but that I had a few 
 hints to offer. After expressing my earnest desire that they 
 might all be washed and sanctified, and justified in the name 
 of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God, I began with 
 my hints. I said my views of the state of the Society were not 
 so discouraging as those of many others. I remembered, that 
 our first Friends were gathered out of various religious de- 
 nominations, and from the most spiritual of these, therefore, 
 they were a spiritual and seeking people ; but in our day, most 
 were Friends from birth and education, and not conviction, 
 though I believed there were really spiritual ones amongst us ; 
 but I saw much wanting, arising, partly from these causes, first, 
 the tendency to be a formal people, resting in a high spiritual 
 profession, like the foolish virgins, with lamps, but no oil in 
 them ; this did much harm. Then I feared, being so much a 
 commercial people, that there were too many who bowed to 
 the idols of gold and silver, and this hindered their serving 
 only the living God ; but above all, I apprehended that too 
 many grieved, quenched, and resisted the Holy Spirit of 
 God, and this was most injurious to us. I feared an unwil- 
 lingness to be taught the first simple lessons of the Spirit, 
 because humbling to the human heart, and that this hindered 
 arriving at greater knowledge. I thought our deficiencies 
 in faith and practice much to arise from this quenching the 
 Holy Spirit. I believed if there was more faithfulness at 
 all times and in all places in the Market-place in the 
 Counting-house' they would be preachers of righteousness, 
 and there would be judges raised up as at the first, and coun- 
 sellors as at the beginning ; that we should as a people, arise, 
 shine, and show that the glory of the Lord had risen upon 
 us, and that we should uphold our important testimonies in 
 the spirit of wisdom and meekness. I also showed those
 
 1841.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 567 
 
 who were young, how gently our Lord dealt with us, how 
 He fitted us for His own work, how He gave ue, not the 
 spirit of fear, but of love, and of power, and of a sound 
 mind. I also expressed my desire for all those engaged in 
 the discipline, that their spirits might be covered with charity, 
 that they might seek to restore the offender, remembering 
 themselves, lest they should also be tempted, and that they 
 might be enabled to strengthen the lyings that remain, that 
 were ready to die. I concluded by expressing my desire, 
 that all might fill their places in the militant Church on 
 earth, and eventually join the Church triumphant in Heaven, 
 in never-ending rest, joy and glory. 
 
 This visit to the Men's Meeting was a solemn and deeply 
 instructive one. Both the dear friends were enabled to 
 minister in the demonstration of the Spirit. But, although 
 Elizabeth Fry's communication had been attended with much 
 power and unction, she reviewed it with discouraging appre- 
 hensions ; and, to a friend who had accompanied these two 
 beloved sisters, she wrote some days afterwards : " I wish to 
 have thy real opinion of H. C. Backhouse's and my visit to 
 the Men's Meeting. I have sometimes feared about it lest 
 any harm should have been done to the cause of truth and 
 righteousness. Fears often creep in with me after weighty 
 services, because I so abundantly know the weakness of the 
 instrument through which the anointing flows. I feel en- 
 compassed with infirmity a poor worm of the dust. Pray 
 for my direction, as to my further going out, and coming in." 
 
 Sixth Month, 5th. Our dearest Louisa decidedly mending. 
 The query now comes closely home, Am I called again to 
 the Continent or not ? Gracious Lord, I earnestly pray 
 Thee, for Thine own name' sake, to make my way plain 
 before me, and through the power of Thino own Spirit, to 
 make me perfectly willing to go, or to stay, to do or to suf- 
 fer, to be something, or nothing, exactly as Thou mayst see 
 good for myself, or on account of others. I do commit my- 
 self, my all, and Thy cause which I love, to Thy most Holy 
 keeping and direction. Amen.
 
 1841-1843. Leaves home for the Continent Rotterdam: The Hague 
 Amsterdam Bremen Hamburg Copenhagen Minden and 
 Pyrmont Hanover Berlin Silesia Returns home Lynn 
 Earlham Winter at home King of Prussia in England Autumn 
 at Cromer Fishermen's Reading Room Results of Christian 
 efforts Return by West Norfolk to Upton Lane Death of a Grand- 
 daughter Last visit to France Female Prisons at Clermont, Paris, 
 &c. Interviews with many interesting Persons Returns home 
 Meeting of " Ladies' British Society." 
 
 ALTHOUGH Elizabeth Fry had so repeatedly visited the 
 Continent, and had so abundantly laboured in different na- 
 tions, to spread the knowledge of the truth, and to encourage 
 amongst the various classes of the people especially those 
 in most influential positions a spirit of active benevolence, 
 and efforts for the reform of many and serious evils, she did 
 not feel that she had accomplished all that had been contem- 
 plated, as amongst the duties required of her. Her health 
 had suffered much from a life of continuous exertion, and 
 she shrunk from the fatigues that she well knew must be 
 encountered in such a mission ; and it was but too evident 
 that her bodily powers were becoming greatly enfeebled- 
 Yet it was not because the shades of evening were gathering 
 around her, that she would slacken her labours for the good 
 of others. Whilst it was yet day, she desired to work and 
 to finish all that her great Master might have for her to do, 
 before the night should come, in which no man can work. 
 
 (Previous to Ratcliff Monthly Meeting,,] Sixth Month, she 
 writes : I most earnestly desire the direction of my Lord 
 and Master, through the immediate teaching of His Holy 
 (568)
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 569 
 
 Spirit, that I may really know and do His will and His 
 will only. For Thy Name' sake, Lord ! lead me and teach 
 me. Am I once more to lay before the members of our little 
 portion of Thy Church, my apprehended call of duty to go 
 abroad ? I earnestly pray Thee, if it be Thy call, make 
 it very clear : if it be not, let me certainly know it, gracious 
 Lord, that not my will, but Thine be done. Amen. 
 
 27th, First-day. After most deeply weighing the subject, 
 and after very earnest prayer for direction, I felt best satis- 
 fied to inform my friends of my belief that it might be right 
 for me to accompany my dearest brother Joseph to the Con- 
 tinent, and to visit some of the more northern countries of 
 Europe. I had very decided encouragement from Friends, 
 particularly the most spiritual amongst them, which I felt 
 helpful to me ; but I was surprised at the degree of relief 
 and peace that I felt afterwards, as from a voice before me, 
 saying, " This is the way, walk in it." 
 
 Seventh Month, 28th, Second-day. I had, on Seventh- 
 day, letters from the Queen of Prussia, and the Princess 
 William. The first expressing much satisfaction at our pro- 
 posed visit ; our way is clearly open in her heart, and that of 
 the King. 
 
 My sister Gurney, and our dear friend Charlotte Upcher, 
 went with me to the Bishop of London on Sixth-day, on the 
 subject of the "Sisters of Charity." It has been a great 
 pleasure to me, the Queen Dowager giving her name as 
 Patroness. 
 
 Upton, Seventh Month, 30th. All difficulties and obstruc- 
 tions, which have been serious and numerous, are removed, 
 as far as I can see ; the way is made plain and open before 
 us, to set off to-morrow for our visit to Holland, Germany, 
 Prussia, and Denmark. My brother Joseph, his daughter 
 Anna, my dear niece Elizabeth Gurney, and my own maid 
 go with me, with the prospect of every comfort this life can 
 afford ; and, I humbly trust, the Lord Himself calling us 
 
 into His service that His blessing will be with those who 
 72
 
 570 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FEY. [1841. 
 
 stay, and those who go. Grant, gracious Lord, through the 
 fulness of Thy love, that this may indeed be the case. 
 
 The travellers arrived at Rotterdam, on the 31st of Seventh 
 Month, and passed a tranquil First-day there. In the even- 
 ing, they held a large Meeting in an apartment of the Hotel ; 
 the following day visited prisons ; and on the 2nd of Eighth 
 Month proceeded to the Hague, whence Elizabeth Fry writes 
 to her home circle : 
 
 You will like to know that, through tender mercy, I was 
 favoured to feel much rest, refreshment, and peace, at Rot- 
 terdam, and much evidence that I was in my right place. 
 Our visits to the boys' prison at Rotterdam, and to the 
 women's prison at Gouda, were highly interesting. I find a 
 second visit to a place much better than a first. We had 
 two Meetings one philanthropic, one religious both well 
 got through, and a large attendance. I felt in leaving the 
 place much comfort and satisfaction. 
 
 When we arrived at the Hague, our kind friend Lady 
 Disbrowe, (the wife of the British Minister,) and Sir Alex- 
 ander and Lady Malet, received us cordially. We divided 
 our evening between Sir Edward Disbrowe's and our hotel, 
 having a party for us by accident, in each place ; on the 
 whole both passed off very well, and many appeared to be 
 very glad to see us again. We sent our letters to the King 
 from Prince Albert. On Sixth-day, a message came to desire 
 that we would wait upon the King and Queen the next day, 
 at half-past one o'clock, accompanied by Lady Disbrowe. 
 
 We remained with the King and Queen, and their daughter 
 the Princess Sophia, about an hour. As rather an interesting 
 event in my life, I mean to tell you particulars of this inter- 
 view. Before we went, we had a solemn, short Meeting for 
 worship, with our dear and valued friends of this town ; 
 afterwards we prepared to go. 
 
 She had, just before leaving home, receive^ from one of 
 her sons, a present of a neat brown silk dress, and from
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 571 
 
 another of her family a drab silk shawl. She shows her 
 recognition of the kindness, by proceeding as follows 
 
 I was decorated by my best garments outwardly, and I 
 desired so to be clothed with better ornaments spiritually, as 
 to render attractive that which I had to recommend. We all 
 felt very weightily our serious engagement, as we had much 
 to represent to the King respecting the West Indies, prisons, 
 and religious education for the people in his own country. 
 The King, a lively, clever, perfect gentleman, not a large 
 man, in regimentals ; the Queen (sister to the Emperor of 
 Russia), a fine, stately person, in full and rather beautiful 
 morning dress of white ; the Princess much the same. After 
 our presentation, the King began easy and pleasant conver- 
 sation with me, about my visiting prisons. I told him in a 
 short, lively manner, the history of it; he said, he heard I 
 had so many children, how could I do it ? This I explained ; 
 and mentioned how one of my daughters now helped me in 
 the Patronage Society. He appeared much interested, as 
 did the Queen. I then said, my brother had visited the West 
 Indies, and would be glad to tell the King and Queen the 
 result of his observations in those islands. This he did capi- 
 tally, showing the excellency of freedom, and its most happy 
 results ; he represented, also, the sad effects of the Dutch 
 enlisting soldiers on the Gold Coast, and how it led to evil 
 and slavery, which so touched the King, that he said he meant 
 to put a stop to it. I then began again, and most seriously 
 laid before the King, the sad defect of having no religious 
 education in their Government Schools, and the Bible not 
 introduced. He said he really felt it ; but what could he do 
 when there was a law against it ? We then endeavoured to 
 explain how we thought it might be obtained. Our very 
 serious conversation was mixed with much cheerfulness. I 
 felt helped to speak very boldly, yet respectfully; so did my 
 brother. I concluded by expressing my earnest desire that 
 the King's reign might be marked by the prisons "being so 
 reformed, that punishment might become the means of tho
 
 572 L I F E OF K L I Z A B E T II F K Y . [1841 
 
 reformation of criminals ; by the lower classes being reli- 
 giously educated ; and by the slaves in their colonies being 
 liberated. The King then took me by the hand, and said 
 he hoped God would bless me. I expressed my desire, that 
 the blessing of the Almighty might rest on the King, Queen, 
 their children, and their children's children. We gave them 
 books, which they accepted kindly. It certainly was a very 
 pleasant and satisfactory interview, that I humbly trust, will 
 not prove in vain in the Lord. 
 
 On Sixth-day, with my brother, I visited the Princess of 
 Orange. We had open, free, pleasant communication on many 
 important points. The same morning, I visited the Princess 
 Frederick, sister to the King of Prussia, just out of her con- 
 finement. I found her like the other members of that 
 superior family. My brother, also, had very satisfactory 
 intercourse with the Princess of Orange. The Ministers of 
 the Interior and of Finance have been very kind, and we 
 hope and expect that real good will result. The Princess of 
 Orange has a lovely little boy about two months older than 
 our Princess. The girls went to see him ; they accompanied 
 me to the Princess Frederick, who wished to see them, from 
 her knowledge of us through the Prussian Court. 
 
 On the 7th, they reached Amsterdam, where they remained 
 four days, visiting the prisons and various public institu- 
 tions, and holding Meetings for philanthropic and religious 
 objects. The Lunatic Asylum they found in a deplorable 
 condition. 
 
 Among other miserable objects, one unhappy woman, un- 
 clothed, lay grovelling in straw. Whether the look of com- 
 passion, or the voice, attracted her, cannot be known ; but she 
 dragged herself, as near as her chains would admit, to her 
 visitant, and endeavoured to reach her : the hand she desired 
 to touch was yielded : she kissed it again and again, and burst 
 into an agony of tears. How deeply affecting ! Will any
 
 1341.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 573 
 
 one venture to assert that this poor creature was past all touch 
 of human feeling, or the reach of gentle control ? 
 
 On the 14th, they arrived at excellent quarters, in the 
 pleasant town of Bremen. The early part of First-day was 
 spent in retirement, but in the evening there was a very 
 large Meeting held in the Museum, a noble building near 
 the hotel. Long before the appointed hour, well-dressed per- 
 sons proceeded to secure places. Several of the pasteurs were 
 present. One of them, at the close, arose and beautifully 
 addressed the missionary brother and sister ; expressing his 
 desire that what had passed might be blessed to the people, 
 and that they might be themselves blessed. To Elizabeth 
 Fry he said, your name has long been to us " a word of 
 beauty." A Christian gentleman wrote to them afterwards, 
 " Now I am more than convinced that you are sent to us by 
 the Lord, to be, and to become, a great blessing, and a salt 
 to our city." The following morning they went to see the 
 prison. Bremen is a Hanse Town. An address, embodying 
 subjects of great importance, was afterwards prepared by 
 Elizabeth Fry and her brother, and forwarded to the mu- 
 nicipal authorities of the place. 
 
 When the carriage came to the Hotel door, for their de- 
 parture, crowds of the lower classes surrounded it, wishing 
 them a prosperous journey, " bon voyage," thanking them for 
 the good Meeting they had had the evening before, and beg- 
 ging for tracts : whilst numbers could not be persuaded to 
 move till Elizabeth Fry had shaken hands with them. 
 
 Their little transit across the Elbe would have been de- 
 lightful, with a splendid setting sun, but for a mob of persons 
 returning from Hamburg market, who having discovered 
 Elizabeth Fry, and her tract bag, so pressed upon her that 
 she was glad to take refuge in the carriage. 
 
 Whilst prisons and public institutions in Hamburg wero 
 visited during the mornings, the evenings were devoted by 
 Elizabeth Fry and her companions to social intercourse, when 
 subjects of a benevolent or religious character were discussed,
 
 574 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1841. 
 
 or to appointed Meetings for worship. They held two of 
 this nature, the last a very large one, in the Assembly Room, 
 a splendid apartment, fully lighted, and well arranged with 
 seats. Many of the authorities and principal inhabitants of 
 Hamburg were present, the English Charge d'Affaires, 
 
 the French Charge d' Affaires, Colonel F , and others. 
 
 They were conducted into the Meeting by the Syndic 
 Sieveking, an eminently excellent man, who led them to a 
 small platform. Great attention was paid to their com- 
 munications, and the interpretation was excellent. At the 
 conclusion, about fifty persons attended them to their apart- 
 ment, when, after partaking of refreshments, they parted 
 with regret and affection on all sides. 
 
 The following afternoon saw them embarked on the Baltic ; 
 they had a brilliant moonlight night, and an easy, pleasant 
 voyage to Copenhagen, where they remained a week. 
 
 On board the packet after leaving Copenhagen, Eighth 
 Month, 30th, Elizabeth Fry writes to her family : 
 
 We have been favoured to leave Denmark with peaceful 
 minds, having endeavoured to fulfil our mission, as ability 
 has been granted us ; a more important one, or a more inte- 
 resting one, I- think I never was called into. On First-day 
 morning, when we arrived in the harbour, we were met 
 by Peter Browne, the Secretary to the English Legation, to 
 inform us that the Queen had engaged for us apartments in 
 the Hotel Royal. The appearance of the Hotel was, I should 
 think, like the arrangements of one of our first-rate Hotels 
 about a hundred years ago. 
 
 The next morning the Queen came to town, and we had a 
 very pleasant and satisfactory interview with her. She cer- 
 tainly is a most delightful woman, as well as a truly Christian 
 and devoted character ; lovely in person, and quite the Queen 
 in appearance. She took me in her carriage to her infant 
 school, it really was beautiful to see her surrounded by the 
 little children, and to hear her translating what I wished to
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 575 
 
 say to them. After staying with her about two hours, we 
 returned to our Hotel ; and that evening took a drive to see 
 the beautiful Palace of Fredericksburgh, in a most lovely 
 situation, the beauties of land and sea combined, with fine 
 forest trees around it. The following morning we regularly 
 began our prison visiting ; very sad scenes we witnessed in 
 some of them. We saw hundreds of persons confined for 
 life in melancholy places ; but what occupied our most par- 
 ticular attention, was the state of the persecuted Christians. 
 We found Baptist ministers, excellent men, in one of the 
 prisons, and that many others of this sect suffered much in 
 this country, for there is hardly any religious tolerance. It 
 produces the most flattening religious influence, I think more 
 marked than in Roman Catholic countries. We were much 
 devoted to this service of visiting Prisons. Third and Fourth 
 days, we received various persons in the evenings, but saw as 
 yet but few Danes. On Fourth-day, we dined at Sir Henry 
 Watkyn Wynn's, our ambassador, and here we became ac- 
 quainted with several persons : they live quite in the country, 
 and we saw the true Danish country-house and gardens. 
 The King and Queen were kind enough to invite us all to 
 dine at their palace in the country, on Fifth-day ; this was a 
 very serious occasion, as we had so much to lay before the 
 King ; slavery in the West Indies the condition of the 
 persecuted Christians here and the sad state of the prisons. 
 I was in spirit so weighed down with the importance of the 
 occasion, that I hardly could enjoy the beautiful scene. We 
 arrived about a quarter past three o'clock ; the Queen met us 
 with the utmost kindness and condescension, and took us a 
 walk in their lovely grounds, which are open to the public. 
 We had much interesting conversation, between French and 
 English, and made ourselves understood ; when our walk was 
 finished, we were shown into the drawing-room to the King, 
 who met us very courteously ; several were there in attend- 
 ance. Dinner was soon announced : imagine me, the King 
 on one side, and the Queen on the other, and only my poor
 
 576 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1841. 
 
 French to depend upon, but I did my best to tufn the time 
 to account. At dinner VFC found the fruit on the table ; first 
 we had soup of the country, secondly, melons, thirdly, yams, 
 anchovies, cavia, bread and butter and radishes, then meat, 
 then puddings, then fish, then chickens, then game, and so 
 on. The fashion was to touch glasses ; no drinking healths. 
 The King and Queen touched my glass on both sides ; when 
 dinner was over, we all rose and went out together. The 
 afternoon was very entertaining, the King and Que'en took 
 us to the drawing-room window, where we were to see a large 
 school of orphans, proteges of the Queen. I took advantage 
 of this opportunity, and laid the state of the prisons before 
 the King, telling him at the same time, that I had a petition 
 for him, which I meant to make before leaving the palace. 
 After an amusing time with the poor children, my brother 
 Joseph withdrew with the King into a private room, where, 
 for about an hour, he gave him attention, whilst he thoroughly 
 enlarged upon the state of their West India Islands. I stayed 
 with the Queen ; but after awhile went to them, and did 
 entreat the King for the poor Baptists in prison, and for re- 
 ligious toleration. I did my best, in few words, to express 
 my mind, and very strongly I did it. I gave also Luther's 
 sentiments upon the subject. We slept at our friends the 
 Brownes,' a beautiful place by the sea-side. An agreeable 
 serious gentleman, Julius Schesteed, was our interpreter, and 
 remained with us, helping us to prepare our document for 
 the King ; he has become our constant companion, and is now 
 with us in the packet, going to Lubeck, to interpret for us 
 there. On seventh-day, (one of our fullest days,) we drove 
 into the country to visit the King's sister, the Landgravine 
 of Hesse Cassel, the Prince, her husband, brother to the 
 Duchess of Cambridge, and the lovely Princesses, her daugh- 
 ters. We endeavoured to turn these visits to account, by 
 our conversation. In the evening, we held one of our very 
 large Meetings. I trust that we were both so helped to 
 speak the truth in love, on various and very important sub-
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 577 
 
 jects, as to assist the causes nearest our hearts, for our poor 
 fellow-mortals ; it did not appear desirable to allude to the 
 persecuted Christians : as we had laid their case before the 
 King, we might have done harm by it ; but I feel the way in 
 which Protestant Europe is persecuting, to be a subject that 
 cannot, and must not, be allowed to rest. 
 
 Where we now are, the same old Lutherans, whom we 
 found persecuted in Prussia, are persecuting others. The 
 way in which ceremonies are depended upon is wonderful, no 
 person is allowed to fill any office civilly or religiously, until 
 confirmed, not even to marry ; and when once confirmed, we 
 hear that it leads to a feeling of such security spiritually, 
 that they think themselves at liberty to do as they like ; sadly 
 numerous are the instances of moral fall ! These very weighty 
 subjects so deeply occupying my attention, and being sepa- 
 rated from so many beloved ones, prevent the lively enjoy- 
 ment I should otherwise feel, in some of the scenes we pass 
 through ; but I see this to be well, and in the right ordering 
 of Providence. I have the kindest attendants, and every- 
 thing to make me comfortable. 
 
 On First-day morning, we had a very interesting Meeting 
 with the poor Baptists. We then again went into the coun- 
 try, to lay all our statements before the King and Queen. 
 I read the one about the prisons and the persecuted Christians ; 
 and my brother read the one about the West Indies : we had 
 had them translated into Danish, for the King to read at the 
 same time. After pressing these things as strongly as we fel* 
 right, we expressed our religious concern and desires for the 
 King and Queen. I read a little to them in one of Paul's 
 Epistles ; after that I felt that I must commit them, and these 
 important causes, to Him who can alone touch the heart. 
 We had a very handsome luncheon, when I was again seated 
 between the King and Queen. I may say their kindness 
 was very great to me. 
 
 On Second-day morning, we formed a Society for attending 
 
 to poor prisoners gentlemen and ladies ; and then paid a 
 73
 
 578 LIFB OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1841. 
 
 most delightful farewell religious visit, to the Queen and 
 Princess. I forgot to mention a very interesting visit to the 
 Queen Dowager. 
 
 We arrived at Liibeck, after a calm voyage ; but I do not 
 like nights in steam-packets. I believe that we were sent 
 to Copenhagen for a purpose. May our unworthy labours 
 be blessed to the liberation of many captives, spiritually and 
 temporally. 
 
 May the God of peace be near to all of you, and to us, as 
 our continual Keeper and Helper. 
 
 Farewell, in most tender and near love to all. 
 
 Yours indeed, and in truth, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 By Lubeck they returned to Hamburg ; thence Elizabeth 
 Fry wrote to her family : 
 
 Hamburg, Ninth Month, 3rd. 
 
 We last night finished our labours in these Hanse Towns. 
 We have laboured in them in various ways, particularly in 
 this large and important town. We have boldly set our faces 
 against religious persecution, and upheld religious toleration 
 and Christian unity in the Church of Christ. We have also 
 laboured about their prisons, and expect to have many evils 
 mitigated. It is extraordinary, the good fellowship and love 
 that we have enjoyed with numbers. In a spiritual sense, 
 fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters given to us, and helpers 
 most curiously and constantly raised up, from place to place. 
 
 From Hamburg, by Minden and Pyrmont, they pursued 
 their way to Hanover. At the latter place Elizabeth Fry 
 writes to her youngest daughter. 
 
 Hanover, Ninth Month, 3th, 1841 
 
 I cannot express the fulness of my love and interest for 
 my children in their different allotments, and how often I
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 579 
 
 think jf you and your families before the Lord, in my quiet 
 meditations. We arrived here, after finishing our interest- 
 ing and satisfactory visits to our dear Friends at Minden and 
 Pyrmont. I felt it refreshing, being again with these dear 
 simple-hearted people, and I do think they are useful in their 
 allotnftnt. How much I should like you to have seen us 
 dining with them at Friedensthal ; such a numerous family, 
 grandmother, children, grandchildren, in a large room, and a 
 beautiful and most hospitable German dinner. We not only 
 were favoured with outward refreshment, but it reminded mo 
 of the disciples formerly, who went from house to house, 
 breaking bread and giving thanks ; and I desired that we 
 might do as they did, "eat our meat with gladness and single- 
 ness of heart" I hope there was something of this spirit. 
 The country lovely. I retired for rest on a little German 
 bed, whilst my companions took a ride on horseback, over 
 the beautiful hills. We had a very interesting Meeting, 
 largely attended by the company who come here to drink the 
 waters, and by the Pyrmontese. At Minden, the Friends 
 are in more humble life. I could not but be struck with the 
 peculiar contrast of my circumstances ; in the morning tra- 
 versing the bad pavement of a street in Minden, with a poor 
 old Friend in a sort of knitted cap, close to her head, in the 
 evening surrounded by the Prince and Princesses of a Ger- 
 man court ; for to our surprise, Dr. Julius's sister followed 
 us to Minden, to inform us that in the town of Biickcburg, 
 that we had passed through, there was a desire expressed 
 that we should hold a Meeting, and that the reigning Prin- 
 cess wished us to go to the palace. After some consideration 
 we agreed to go, and upon our arrival in the town, found a 
 large Meeting of the gentry assembling ; some time after- 
 wards the Prince and Princesses and their family came in. 
 They rule the state of Lippe Schonenburg, one of tho small, 
 rich German states, I endeavoured to speak the truth boldly 
 in love, drawing results from my experience in prisons, and 
 flecking, as ability was granted me, to bring it homo to tho
 
 580 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1841. 
 
 hearts of those present. Your uncle also spoke to the same 
 purpose. Afterwards we had a very agreeable visit to the 
 palace, where we were most cordially received, and had tea 
 at five o'clock ; there were many to meet us. After this sin- 
 gular visit, we proceeded here, but did not arrive till past 
 twelve o'clock at night, having had two Meetings at Minden, 
 and one at Buckeburg. We were completely tired ; almost 
 too much 0. To-day we are busy here, and I am delighted to 
 find the dear late Queen really had the chains knocked off the 
 poor prisoners at Hameln ; it was a delightful sight to see their 
 happy, grateful faces. They looked as if they knew that we 
 had pleaded for them. I think it was one of the pleasantest 
 visits I ever paid, and to find that the prisoners had behaved 
 so well since, and that the kindness shown them had had so 
 good an effect. We are now much occupied in answering 
 an interesting letter from the King of Hanover to me, and 
 as I have many weighty things to say to him, I fear I must 
 leave off, being very tired, and expecting a large party this 
 evening. 
 
 The evening proved particularly satisfactory. Elizabeth 
 Fry and her brother, met both the gentlemen and the ladies' 
 Committees for visiting prisons. A day of very hard travel- 
 ling brought them to Magdeburgh, and a second, by railroad 
 diverging to visit Wittenburg, to Berlin. Numerous objects 
 awaited their attention in that city ; not the less weighty to 
 Elizabeth Fry, from having been there before and made so 
 many acquaintances ; besides the additional interest which 
 she felt in Institutions already known to her. 
 
 The state of the prisons was, of course, her chief object of 
 attention. She and her brother prepared recommendations 
 to lay before General Thile, Minister of the Koyal House, 
 embodying their observations and opinions, and urging the 
 necessity of many alterations before real improvement could 
 be effected. The Prussian Royal Family were, at the time, 
 in Silesia ; thither the travellers had been invited to follow 
 them, for there were those amongst them, who considered
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 581 
 
 that the retirement of that district, would be well suited 
 for the consideration of Elizabeth Fry's important objects. 
 The prospect of going thither was weightily felt by her. 
 She had, naturally, the fear of man deeply implanted in her 
 character. Religion had changed its direction, but not eradi- 
 cated it. It was no longer for herself that she was afraid : it 
 was for the cause' sake to which her heart was given : for 
 amongst these royal and noble personages she dreaded, in 
 either herself or her companions, anything that might not 
 adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour. She soon discovered 
 that she had come amongst Christians, many of them devoted, 
 like herself, to the service of their Maker. Amongst the 
 members of the House of Brandenburg, she found many ex- 
 cellent persons. 
 
 No record of this time, singular and important as it was, 
 exists of her own writing, excepting a letter to her grand- 
 children. But the deficiency is well supplied from the journal 
 of one of her companions : 
 
 "It was on the 10th of the Ninth Month that the travellers arrived 
 at Hirschbcrg ; a beautiful little village, inhabited by a clean and 
 very respectable class of peasantry. It is situated about eight miles 
 from the Royal residences of Ermansdorf, Fischbach, and Schildau; 
 and is nearly equi-distant from Buchwald, the home of the Countess 
 Reden, of whose Christian character and benevolence Elizabeth Fry 
 had often before heard. The King and Queen were at that time 
 residing at Ermansdorf. At Fischbach lived Prince and Princess 
 William, (the uncle and aunt of the Queen,) with their sons Prince 
 Waldemar and Prince Adelbert, and their daughter Princess Mary, 
 now Queen of Bavaria. Prince Charles, brother of the King, was 
 also on a visit to Fischbach. The sister of the King, and her hus- 
 band, Prince and Princess Frederick of the Netherlands, with their 
 daughter Princess Louisa, were then residing at Schildau. 
 
 " To many of the Royal family, Elizabeth Fry had been introduced 
 in the previous year at Berlin, and the Princess Frederic of the 
 Netherlands had been visited by her at hor own beautiful home near 
 the Hague soroo time Ix-fore. It was a lovely spot in winch Elizabeth
 
 582 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1841- 
 
 Fry now found her tent pitched for a while. To a mere passing 
 traveller there was much to delight and to please ; but still more of 
 deep interest to those who could, in any degree, enter into the 
 Royal domestic circles there assembled, and this Elizabeth Fry was 
 privileged to do, with much enjoyment, and with an earnest desire 
 to be permitted to be useful and faithful, in all her intercourse with 
 them. The morning was usually passed in writing and preparing 
 important documents on the Prison, Slavery, and other questions ; 
 and the afternoon in some visit to one of the palaces, which had 
 been previously arranged. The First-day was replete with interest. 
 In the early part of it, it was necessary to finish an address to 
 the King on Religious Toleration, and on matters connected with 
 Prisons. 
 
 " Elizabeth Fry was, at that time, suffering from great debility and 
 fatigue ; but a power, not her own, seemed granted her to rise above 
 her infirmities, and to meet the various duties, which on that day were 
 given her to fulfil. It is only those who held intimate communica- 
 tion with her at these times, who can, in any measure, understand 
 the extreme nervousness of her constitution on the one hand, or on 
 the other, the amount of strength granted her in every time of need. 
 She prayed that in nothing might she seek herself, in all Christ 
 Jesus ; and that all which He laid upon her for His glory, and the 
 good of her fellow-creatures, she might rightly and faithfully per- 
 form. The long and interesting papers which had been prepared for 
 the King, were again perused during the drive to Princess William's 
 Palace, which was reached about one o'clock, she having called on 
 the way at Buchwald, for the excellent Countess, whose ever ready 
 aid was given to support and help her, and who, in the present in- 
 stance, interpreted Elizabeth Fry's words for the Princess. Many 
 other ladies were assembled at the Palace, and after some conver- 
 sation of a general nature, every one remained in silence, to listen 
 to what she might have to say to them. This opportunity of address- 
 ing Gospel truth to such a company, she dared not pass by ; every 
 word appeared to be listened to, with the deepest attention, by all 
 present. She spoke of the importance of upholding a religious 
 standard in the world ; of making a final and decisive choice in 
 these important matters; of taking Christ as the only portion, and 
 rejecting all besides. She impressed upon her hearers the duties, 
 incumbent on persons of a higher class, of using their influence with
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 583 
 
 others for good, and not for evil. She spoke of the privilege of 
 possessing such means of usefulness. Very solemnly she urged upon 
 all heads of large establishments, the vast amount of responsibility 
 entrusted to them; the prevention of crime, and the good to be 
 derived even by silent example, and by the daily reading of the 
 Holy Scriptures to the assembled family. She added an account of 
 the experience of many prisoners, as to the blessing of being placed 
 in professedly religious families, and the awful temptations presented 
 to the servants of those who take no care for their souls, and arc 
 neglecting their eternal interests. Many tears were shed on this 
 occasion, and all seemed anxious to share her sympathy and love. 
 
 " During her stay in Silesia, Elizabeth Fry had opportunities of 
 intercourse with the poor Tyrolese, who having fled from their native 
 Zillerthal, on account of the religious persecution which they endured 
 from the Austrian Government, had thrown themselves under the 
 protection of the late King of Prussia; and, by him, had been 
 placed under the care of the Countess Reden, who had proved her- 
 self indeed a nursing mother to them. It will be necessary to take 
 a hasty review of the history of these Zillerthalians, in order rightly 
 to estimate the deep interest excited in Elizabeth Fry's mind on 
 their behalf." 
 
 These people had become, through reading the Bible and 
 other religious books, converts from the Roman Catholic 
 faith to Protestantism. After much patient suffering, they 
 were commanded by the Austrian Government to quit their 
 native land within four months. The late King of Prussia 
 warmly sympathised with them, and gave permission for the 
 emigration of the Zillerthalians into Prussia : he was willing 
 to receive them all. 
 
 " The Zillerthalians hastened to complete their preparations; and 
 fourteen days before the expiration of the four months, the first di- 
 vision of the wanderers commenced their journey; old age and 
 infancy, manhood and gentle woman, alike leaving their beloved 
 homes, and turning their faces to the asylum opened for them by the 
 compassion of their noble protector. Very touching was the detail 
 of their pilgrimage, most affecting and instructive their patience, 
 their courage, their simple faith. Their ut-w home lay in the domain
 
 584 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1841. 
 
 of Ermansdorf, where each obtained a house and farm suitable to his 
 means, and his former position in the Tyrol. The colony itself 
 has received the name of their old home, Zillerthal. - The Countess 
 of Itedcu was appointed to attend to their necessities. She had 
 cottages built for them in the true Swiss style, with large balconies 
 and long roofs, and established for them schools, and, in every pos- 
 sible way, employed and instructed them. Ever thoughtful of their 
 interests, the Countess invited them to come to Buchwald on that 
 evening to receive encouragement and comfort from Elizabeth Fry; 
 she having expressed her anxious wish to hold with them some 
 communication in Christian love. A meeting was appointed for 
 them on this First-day evening. The King and Queen and other 
 members of the Royal family arrived to attend it. At length 
 came the exiles from Zillerthal, forming a curious and picturesque 
 group, dressed in the costume of their country. Both men and 
 women in dark green cloth clothes, and high-pointed hats, many 
 of the latter ornamented with garlands and nosegays of flowers. 
 A long table was placed at one end of the room, at which the Zil- 
 lerthalians sat, and in front of it was a Moravian brother, for whom 
 the good Countess had sent forty miles, to act as interpreter. On 
 the right hand of the table were seated the Royal family and 
 others, and many persons stood crowding round the door. It 
 would be scarcely possible to describe the deep interest of that 
 whole group, or the solemn silence which prevailed when Elizabeth 
 Fry began to speak. 
 
 "After J. J. Gurney had, in a few words, prepared the way for 
 her, she rose with much solemnity and earnestness. Never did 
 she address any assembly more beautifully, with more unction, or 
 more truly from the depths of her heart, and no audience could 
 have given more profound attention to every word she uttered. 
 She invited them all to a close dependence upon Jesus Christ, and 
 urged a full, firm, and constant trust in Him, as their Lord and 
 their Saviour, their King and their God. 
 
 "With her usual clearness -and power, each individual, each 
 class present, seemed included in her address. It was the first 
 occasion on which she had seen the King since his accession to the 
 throne, and she knew, too, that it was the first time of his meeting 
 many there present, as their sovereign. Her words of sympathy 
 to him, on the death of his father, and her estimate of his pnssent
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 585 
 
 important position in Europe, which she spoke for herself, as well 
 as for those about her, were beautifully adapted to the occasion. 
 Joseph John Gurney added a few words ; afterwards a hymn was 
 sung, led by the Moravian Brethren ; and then the Tyrolese de- 
 parted. Every one flocked around her with a word of love or kind- 
 ness, but none expressed more interest, or more gratitude, than the 
 King himself." 
 
 How does the contemplation of such out-pourings of divine 
 love, amongst the people of a strange language, composed 
 of so great a variety of class and condition, raise in the heart 
 the fervent glow of adoring gratitude to Him, with whom 
 " there is no respect of persons" in whose holy sight all 
 merely external circumstances all mere outward forms, with 
 the differing shades of religious opinion, are but as the mist 
 before the sun, and who regards, with equal acceptance, all 
 those who fear Him and work righteousness. May He be 
 graciously pleased to hasten the day, when His children, of 
 every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, shall, as one 
 household of faith, become united in Jesus ; according to 
 His sacred petition, "As Thou, Father, art in me, and I in 
 Thee, that they also may be one in us." 
 
 On the following day, the travellers dined at Fischbach, 
 where Elizabeth Fry again met the King, and then came 
 the leave-taking, always so sad, when the probabilities of 
 life afford little expectation of meeting again on this side 
 the eternal world. 
 
 From this place she wrote to her Grandchildren : 
 
 Fischbach. 
 
 Instead of my private journal, I am disposed to write to 
 you from this very lovely and interesting place. I am not 
 very well in health, but I may thankfully acknowledge, that 
 although tried by it for a while, such sweet peace was granted 
 me that I was permitted to feel it sleeping, as well as waking ; 
 so that I may say, my Lord restored my soul, and I fully ex- 
 pect is healing, and will heal, my body. I think a more 
 interesting neighbourhood I never heard of, than the one we 
 74
 
 586 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1841. 
 
 are in. These lovely mountains have beautiful palaces scat- 
 tered about them. One belonging to the King, others to 
 Prince William, Prince Frederick, and other Princes and 
 Princesses, not royal ; besides several to the nobility ; but 
 what delights my heart is, that almost all these palaces are 
 inhabited by Christian families some, of most remarkable 
 brightness. Then we find a large establishment, with nu- 
 merous cottages in the Swiss style, inhabited by a little colony 
 of Tyrolese. They fled from Zillerthal, because they suffered 
 so much on account of their religious principles, being Pro- 
 testants. The late King of Prussia allowed them to take 
 refuge in these mountains, and built them these beautiful 
 cottages. We therefore rejoice in the belief, that in the cot- 
 tages, as well as the palaces, there are many faithful servants 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ. This evening we are to hold a 
 Meeting for such as can attend, at the mansion of the Coun- 
 tess Reden, who is like a mother in Israel, to rich and poor. 
 We dined at her castle yesterday. I think the palaces, for 
 simple country beauty, exceed anything I ever saw; the 
 drawing-rooms are so filled with flowers, that they are like 
 greenhouses, beautifully built, and with the finest views of 
 the mountains. We dined at the Princess William's with 
 several of the Royal Family ; the Queen came afterwards ; 
 she appeared much pleased at my delight on hearing that the 
 King had stopped religious persecutions in the country, and 
 that several other things had been improved since our last 
 visit. It is a very great comfort to believe, that our efforts 
 for the good of others have been blessed may we be thank- 
 ful enough for it. Yesterday, we paid a very interesting 
 visit to the Queen, then to Prince Frederick of Holland and 
 his Princess, sister to the King of Prussia ; with her we had 
 much serious conversation upon many important subjects, as 
 we had also with the Queen. Dined early at the Countess 
 Reden's. The Princess William, and her daughter the Prin- 
 cess Mary, joined us in the afternoon, with several others. 
 How delighted you would be with the Countess and her sis-
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 587 
 
 ter ; they show the beauty of holiness. Although looked up 
 to by all, they appear so humble, so moderate in every thing. 
 I think the Christian ladies on the Continent dress far more 
 simply than those in England. The Countess appeared very 
 liberal, but extravagant in nothing. A handsome dinner ; 
 but only one sort of wine, and all accordingly. To please us, 
 she had apple-dumplings, which were thought quite a curi- 
 osity, and they really were very nice. The company stood 
 still before and after dinner, instead of saying grace. 
 
 Afternoon. We are just returned from Prince William's, 
 where we have had a Meeting of a very interesting nature. 
 Many ladies were assembled to meet us, that I might give 
 them some account of my experience in prisons. Your uncle 
 added some account of his journey in the West Indies. We 
 expressed our desire that the blessing of God might be with 
 them. Great love was shown us : indeed, they treat me more 
 like a sister than a poor, humble individual, as I feel myself 
 to be. On our return we met the King : we rather exptct 
 he will be at our Meeting at the Countess Reden's this 
 evening. 
 
 Second-day morning. We returned from our interesting 
 Meeting at the Countess's about eleven o'clock in the evening. 
 The Royal Family were assembled, and numbers of the no- 
 bility ; after a while the King and Queen arrived. The poor 
 Tyrolcse flocked in numbers. I doubt such a Meeting ever 
 having been held before, anywhere the curious mixture of 
 all ranks and conditions. My poor heart almost failed me. 
 Most earnestly did I pray for best llelp, and not unduly to 
 fear man. The Royal Family sat together, or nearly so ; the 
 King and Queen, Princess William, Princess Frederick, 
 Princess Mary, Prince William, Prince Charles, brother to 
 the King, Prince Frederick of the Netherlands, young Prince 
 William ; besides several other Princes and Princesses, not 
 royal. They began with a hymn in German. Your uncle 
 Joseph spoke for a little while, explaining our views on wor- 
 ship. Then I enlarged upon the changes that had taken
 
 588 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1841. 
 
 place since I was last in Prussia, mentioned the late King's 
 kindness to these poor Tyrolese in their affliction and dis- 
 tress : afterwards addressed these poor people, and then those 
 of high rank, and felt greatly helped to speak the truth to 
 them in love. They appeared very attentive and feeling. I 
 also, at the close of my exhortation, expressed my prayer for 
 them. Then your uncle Joseph spoke fully on the great 
 truths of the Gospel, and showed that the prince, as well as 
 the peasant, would have to give an account of himself to 
 God. In conclusion, he expressed his prayer for them. 
 They finished with another hymn. It was a solemn time. 
 We afterwards had interesting conversation for ahout an 
 hour. When the King and Queen were gone, we were 
 enabled to pray with the Countess, for herself and her sister, 
 that all their labours in the Lord's service might be blessed. 
 Now, my much-loved grandchildren, let me remind you that 
 we must be humbled, and take up the cross of Christ, if we 
 desire to be made use of by our Lord ; " Him that honoureth 
 me, I will honour." May you confess your Lord before men, 
 and He will then assuredly confess and honour you. I can 
 assure you, when surrounded by so many who are willing to 
 hear me, I feel greatly humbled. 
 
 I wish dear Frank to read this, as my eldest grandchild, 
 and one in whom I take so tender an interest. Indeed, my 
 beloved grandchildren, you dwell very near my heart ; may 
 the same Holy Spirit who has helped and guided your grand- 
 mother, help and guide you ! 
 
 May the Lord bless you and keep you, and raise you up 
 for His own service ; for it is a most blessed service. Dearest 
 love to your fathers and mothers, 
 
 lam, 
 
 Your most loving grandmother, 
 
 E. F. 
 
 It was on this occasion the Princess William gave an 
 iccount of the great prison at Jauer, and the King expressed
 
 1841.] LIFE OS ELIZABETH FRY. 589 
 
 a strong wish that Elizabeth Fry should see it, though con- 
 siderably out of her route. This visit was afterwards ac- 
 complished. It proved one of mournful interest. In one cell 
 was a murderer, in another a man of well-known desperate 
 character ; they were both most cruelly fettered, to prevent 
 their escape through the window ; each was fastened to an 
 iron staple in the floor, with a heavy iron bar across the 
 shoulder, to make any movement irksome. Their condition 
 was afterwards represented by Elizabeth. Fry to the King, 
 who ordered their chains to be lightened, and commanded 
 that immediate attention should be paid to their health, &c. 
 
 Many of the prisoners on this occasion were assembled in 
 the chapel, when both J. J. Gurney and Elizabeth Fry spoke 
 to them at considerable length. Their addresses were in- 
 terpreted by the Moravian brother from Buchwald, whose 
 attendance at the prison had been commanded by the King, 
 for that purpose. 
 
 Extract from a letter to her youngest son 
 
 Ermansdorf, Ninth Month, 20th. 
 
 This morning we visited the King and Queen, after our 
 very interesting Meeting last evening which they attended, 
 at the Countess Reden's ; a Meeting never to be for- 
 gotten. We went with a long document to the King 
 and Queen about the prisons, and various other subjects ; 
 we were received with the utmost kindness, and remained 
 with them nearly two hours and a half. We also had a 
 reading of the Holy Scriptures, and I prayed for them. We 
 
 parted in love I wish I could fully describe the 
 
 deep interest we have had in this journey, and how marked 
 has been the kindness of Providence towards us, in many 
 ways, and how blessed his service is. I certainly think the 
 inhabitants of the mountains of Silesia the most interesting 
 and curious assemblage of persons that I ever met with. 
 We, from this place, see those beautiful mountains, the 
 Reisenberg, in their splendour, the morning being very fine
 
 590 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1841. 
 
 and bright ; probably the last time I shall ever see them 
 though the King and Queen begged me to return ; but this 
 I never expect to do, for I find the roughs of the journey 
 are, with all my numerous indulgences, far too much for me, 
 and I often feel very nearly ill. I think through all, I have 
 seldom had more reason to believe that I have been called to 
 any service. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry's health, which had, for a considerable time 
 appeared increasingly enfeebled, became more seriously af- 
 fected ; and it appeared right to proceed towards Ostend, 
 whence they sailed to Dover on the 2nd of Tenth Month. 
 There Elizabeth Fry was met by her husband, who was little 
 prepared for the debilitated state in which she was brought 
 back to him. At Ramsgate, where her eldest daughter awaited 
 her, she remained, till she could be moved without material 
 suffering. Her son William was at that time residing at 
 Upton Lane, whilst his own house was undergoing some 
 alterations. She stayed a few days with him and his family, 
 and then, with great difficulty, she was conveyed into Nor- 
 folk, where, for many reasons, she was particularly anxious 
 to go. 
 
 The state of her mind on returning from this Continental 
 visit, during which she had been so much sought after by 
 the great ones of this world, strikingly evinced, that she 
 desired not " the honour that cometh from man," but that 
 true honour which is the companion of humility, and which 
 " cometh from God only." 
 
 In a letter to an intimate friend referring to her indisposi- 
 tion she wrote, shortly after her return home, as follows 
 
 I desire for myself, and those who love me, that we may 
 altogether leave my state of health to Him, who knows best 
 what is best for me, and could immediately heal me, if He 
 daw it best to do so. What a mercy I suffer so little, and have 
 so many hours of rest, ease, and peace ! It is good, now and 
 then, to b taken from the bustle of life, and to rest a little
 
 1841.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 591 
 
 beside the still waters : yet there are hours when, for the 
 sake of the oppressed and the afflicted, I long to be strength- 
 ened to work. Then, again, I leave it to Him who can work 
 as well without his unworthy instruments, as with them. I 
 feel only an unworthy monument of the love,pity, mercy, 
 and faithfulness of our Lord to one of His most undeserving 
 servants. 
 
 The infirm state of Elizabeth Fry's health precluded at 
 this period much active exertion ; but her time was fully 
 occupied, and her interest not at all diminished in those sub- 
 jects to which she had so long devoted her attention. Her 
 correspondence was extensive, both at home and abroad 
 the latter especially, much of it arising from her late journeys 
 on the Continent. She had the great satisfaction of hearing 
 of the beneficial results of her exertions in different places. 
 From her beloved and valued friend, the Countess Reden, 
 she received heart-cheering communications; the King of 
 Prussia having urged upon General Thile, Minister of the 
 Royal House, the necessity of effecting various reforms in 
 prisons. The Countess Reden's letter enclosed an extract 
 from a Prussian newspaper, giving an account of the striking 
 effect of Elizabeth Fry's visit to the great prison of Jauer. 
 
 A few weeks later, an excellent letter was received from 
 Pasteur Feldner the chaplain of this prison by which it 
 was evident that Elizabeth Fry's Christian ministrations had 
 been blessed to the spiritual good of many. A hundred-and- 
 three Bibles, and a hundred-and-twelve Prayer-books, had 
 been purchased by the poor prisoners at the price of much 
 self-denial, out of their small earnings ; besides many copies 
 of the Scriptures and tracts having been gratuitously dis- 
 tributed amongst them. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry had also a great number of letters, asking for 
 assistance or advice, and requiring more time and thought 
 than she had power to give. The liberality of her brothers, 
 and some of her other relatives, enabled her to administer to
 
 592 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1841. 
 
 the claims and distresses of many persons, in a manner which 
 would have been otherwise impossible. She was, at this 
 period, much with her own family, welcoming them to Upton 
 Lane, or paying little visits at their respective houses. A 
 small but commodious close carriage, given to her by her 
 faithful brother Joseph John Gurney, and kept for her own 
 particular use, afforded her the power of moving easily 
 about, and greatly added to the comfort of her declining 
 years. 
 
 She shortly afterwards visited Norfolk, and from Lynn 
 she writes : 
 
 Tenth Month, 21a. I yesterday received a letter from 
 iny husband, saying that my dearest brother Joseph was 
 married to Eliza P. Kirkbride, on Fifth-day the 21st. On 
 the morning of their marriage, my heart was poured forth 
 in prayers and tears on their behalf, that the blessing of the 
 Most High might rest upon them. 
 
 About ten days afterwards, Elizabeth Fry visited Earlham. 
 In reference to it, she wrote : 
 
 Warley Lodge, 5th. We had a most satisfactory visit, and 
 parting from Earlham and my beloved brother Joseph. His 
 dear wife met me as a sister, and was most kind to us all. 
 We had a very interesting Sabbath. I accompanied them to 
 Meeting in the morning, wishing to be with Eliza, at her first 
 entry to Norwich as Joseph's wife. Our Meeting was very 
 solemn, many very dear to us there. My brother spoke first, 
 after I had knelt down and poured forth my heart in thanks- 
 giving and prayer, for surely we had deep cause for thankful- 
 ness for his marriage, our remarkable journey, &c. ; and 
 indeed, we may say, our many great and wonderful deliver- 
 ances. I also prayed fpr a continuance of blessing. Joseph's 
 was one of his excellent and instructive sermons, particularly 
 on the certain guidance of the Holy Spirit of Truth. Mine
 
 1842.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 593 
 
 was rather a song of praise to our Lord, as " the Lamb of God 
 who taketh away the sin of the world," the Physician ef 
 value who healeth all our diseases, our Guide through this 
 wilderness, as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, 
 who had brought some of us through very dark places, so 
 that through the fulness of His love, "the wilderness" had 
 become at times as "Eden, and the desert as the garden of 
 the Lord, joy and gladness being found therein, thanksgiving 
 and the voice of melody." My sister Eliza followed in very 
 solemn thanksgiving to the same purpose. In the evening we 
 had another very interesting religious time together, in which 
 our dear friend Robert Hankinson prayed for our brother 
 and sister, and all of us. 
 
 Upton, Twelfth Month, 5th, (First-day morning.) I 
 have been favoured to be much better the last few days, far 
 more easy, thanks to my Heavenly Father : though I suffer 
 still at times. I look upon this late indisposition as a very 
 privileged one, and have felt, and deeply feel, the mercy ex- 
 tended towards me, in all my wants being so wonderfully 
 provided for. 
 
 The commencement of the year 1842, was marked by im- 
 portant engagements. Elizabeth Fry's health continued to 
 manifest symptoms of decline, but the fervency of her zeal to 
 procure relief to suffering fellow-mortals was unabated. 
 During the preceding autumn, Sir John Pirie had been 
 elected Lord Mayor of London. His wife had been one of 
 Elizabeth Fry's most valuable helpers in the cause of prison 
 reform ; and now, that these estimable persons, who were re- 
 markable for their devotedness to the spreading of true 
 Christian principle, were placed in so prominent a station, 
 they were anxious, at every suitable opportunity, to promote 
 an intercourse between Elizabeth Fry and such persons of 
 influence and power, as would be likely to listen to her plans 
 of benevolence, and to render them effective. On a public 
 occasion, Sir John and Lady Pirie invited Prince Albert and 
 75
 
 594 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1842. 
 
 the most prominent persons in the administration of govern- 
 ment to dine at the Mansion House, and they earnestly 
 solicited the company of Elizabeth Fry, in order to afford an 
 opportunity for her bringing before those in authority some 
 subjects of importance, on which, with her, they were mutu- 
 ally interested. To yield to this pressing invitation involved 
 a serious responsibility. She fervently desired to act rightly ; 
 and she says, " I feel it a very weighty matter for my body, 
 mind, and spirit : and do very earnestly crave direction and 
 preservation in it, that if I go my way may be made very 
 plain, and that my Lord may be with me there." 
 
 First Month, Ylth. Be pleased, oh Lord, to be very near 
 to us this day, and help us to adorn Thy doctrine, and to 
 speak the right thing in the right way, that the cause of 
 truth, righteousness, and mercy, may be promoted ! 
 
 18iA, (Third-day.} Through condescending mercy I 
 may say I found this prayer answered. I had an important 
 conversation on a female prison being built, with Sir James 
 Graham, our present Secretary of State ; upon the Patronage 
 Society, &c. I think it was a very important beginning with 
 him for our British Society. With Lord Aberdeen, Foreign 
 Secretary, I spoke on some matters connected wkh the pre- 
 sent state of the Continent. With Lord Stanley, our Colonia . 
 Secretary, upon the state of our penal colonies, and the con- 
 dition of the women in them, hoping to open the door for 
 further communication with him on these subjects. Nearly 
 the whole dinner was occupied in deeply interesting conver- 
 sation with Prince Albert and Sir Robert Peel. With the 
 Prince, I spoke very seriously upon the Christian education 
 of their children, the management of the nursery, the infinite 
 importance of a holy and religious life ; how I had seen it in 
 all ranks of life ; no real peace or prosperity without it. 
 Then the state of Europe ; the advancement of religion in 
 the Continental Courts. Then prisons ; their present state in 
 this country my fear that our punishments were becoming
 
 1842.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 595 
 
 too severe my wish that the Queen should be informed of 
 some particulars respecting separate confinement, &c., &c. 
 We also had much interesting conversation about my jour- 
 neys, the state of Europe, habits of countries, mode of living, 
 &c., &c. With Sir Robert Peel, I dwelt much more on the 
 prison subject ; I expressed my fears that gaolers had too 
 much power, that punishment was rendered uncertain, and 
 often too severe pressed upon him the need of mercy, and 
 begged him to see the New Prison, and to have the dark cells 
 a little altered. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry availed herself of this opportunity to ex- 
 plain our religious principles in reference to worship, prayer, 
 &c. ; and the reasons for her not uniting, or rising, at the 
 giving out of toasts, against which she bore a decided testi- 
 mony. 
 
 The King of Prussia visited London during the first month 
 of this year, and by his particular request, Elizabeth Fry 
 met him at the Mansion House, between the times of public 
 worship on First-day the 30th. They partook of a luncheon 
 provided by the Lord Mayor, who, to prevent needless labour 
 on that day, had chiefly a cold collation for his guests, and, 
 by Elizabeth Fry's special request, allowed of no toasts. Of 
 this important visit she writes as follows : 
 
 3CM, First-day. I felt low and far from well when I set 
 off this morning for London ; but, through the tender mercy 
 of my God, soon after sitting down in Meeting, I partook of 
 much peace. I was humbled before my Lord in the remem- 
 brance of days that are past, when I used to attend that 
 Meeting (Gracechurch-street), almost heart-broken from 
 sorrow upon sorrow, and I remembered how the Lord sus- 
 tained me, and made my way in the deep waters. lie also 
 raised me up, and then He forsook me not. I was enabled 
 very earnestly to pray to my God for help, direction and 
 preservation. 
 
 After this solemn and refreshing Meeting, we went to the
 
 506 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1842. 
 
 Mansion House. We waited some time in the drawing-room 
 before the King arrived from " St. Paul's" Cathedral. I have 
 seldom seen any person more faithfully kind and friendly 
 than he is. The Duke of Cambridge was also there, and 
 many others who accompanied the King. We had much 
 deeply interesting conversation on various important subjects 
 of mutual interest. 
 
 At the Mansion House, the King of Prussia arranged to 
 meet Elizabeth Fry the following morning at Newgate, and 
 afterwards to take luncheon at Upton Lane. 
 
 Second Month, 1st (Third-day}. Yesterday was a day 
 never to be forgotten whilst memory lasts. We set off about 
 eleven o'clock, my sister Gurney and myself, to meet the 
 King of Prussia at Newgate. I proceeded with the Lady 
 Mayoress to Newgate, where we were met by many gentle- 
 men. My dear brother and sister Gurney, and Susanna 
 Corder being with me, was a great comfort. We waited so 
 long for the King that I feared he would not come ; how- 
 ever, at last he arrived, and the Lady Mayoress and I, 
 accompanied by the Sheriffs, went to meet the King at the 
 door of the prison. He appeared much pleased to meet our 
 little party, and after taking a little refreshment, he gave me 
 his arm, and we proceeded into the prison and up to one of 
 the long wards, where every thing was prepared ; the poor 
 women round the table, about sixty of them, many of our 
 Ladies' Committee, and some others ; also numbers of gen- 
 tlemen following the King, Sheriffs, &c. I felt deeply, but 
 quiet in spirit fear of man much removed. After we were 
 seated, the King on my right hand, the Lady Mayoress on 
 the left, I expressed my desire that the attention of none, 
 particularly the poor prisoners, might be diverted from at- 
 tending to our reading by the company there, however 
 interesting, but that we should remember that the King of 
 Kings and Lord of Lords was present, in whose fear we 
 should abide, and seek to profit by what we heard. I then
 
 1842.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 597 
 
 read the 12th chapter of Romans. I dwelt on the mercie8 
 of God being the strong inducement to serve Him, and no 
 longer to be conformed to this world. Then I finished the 
 chapter, afterwards impressing our all being members of one 
 body, poor and rich, high and low, all one in Christ, and 
 members one of another. I then related the case of a poor 
 prisoner, who appeared truly converted, and who became 
 such a holy example ; then I enlarged on love, and forgiving 
 one another, showing how Christians must love their enemies, 
 &c., &c. After a solemn pause, to my deep humiliation, and 
 in the cross, I believed it my duty to kneel down before this 
 most curious, interesting, and mixed company, for I felt that 
 my God must be served the same everywhere, and amongst 
 all people, whatever reproach it brought me into. I first 
 prayed for the conversion of prisoners and sinners generally, 
 that a blessing might rest on the labours of those in authority, 
 as well as the more humble labourers for their conversion ; 
 next I prayed for the King of Prussia, his Queen, his king- 
 dom, that it might be more and more as the city set on the 
 hill that could not be hid, that true religion in its purity, 
 simplicity, and power, might more and more break forth, and 
 that every cloud that obscured it might be removed ; then 
 for us all, that we might be of the number of the redeemed, 
 and eventually unite with them in heaven, in a never-ending 
 song of praise. I only mention the subjects, but by no 
 means the words. The King then again gave me his arm, 
 and we walked down together ; there were difficulties raised 
 about his going to Upton, but he chose to persevere. I went 
 with the Lady Mayoress and the Sheriffs, the King with his 
 own people. We arrived first, I had to hasten to take off 
 my cloak, and then went down to meet him at his carriage- 
 door, with my husband, and seven of our sons and sons-in- 
 law. I then walked with him into the drawing-room, where 
 all was in beautiful order neat, and adorned with flowers : 
 I presented to the King our eight daughters and daughters- 
 in-law, (Rachel only away,) our seven sons and eldest grand-
 
 598 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1842. 
 
 son, my brother and sister Buxton, Sir Henry and Lady 
 Pelly, and my sister, Elizabeth Fry my brother and sister 
 Gurney he had known before and afterwards presented 
 twenty-five of our grandchildren. We had a solemn silence 
 before our meal, which was handsome and fit for a King, yet 
 not extravagant everything most complete and nice. I sat 
 by the King, who appeared to enjoy his dinner, perfectly at 
 his ease, and very happy with us. We went into the draw- 
 ing-room after another solemn silence, and a few words which 
 I uttered in prayer for the King and Queen. We found a 
 deputation of Friends with an address to read to him this 
 was done ; the King appeared to feel it much. We then 
 had to part. 
 
 The King expressed his desire that blessings might con 
 tinue to rest on our house. 
 
 Throughout these engagements on this eventful day, the 
 religious services, and the deportment, of this dedicated 
 handmaid of the Lord, were truly such as adorned her high 
 Christian profession, and honoured the weighty truths that 
 she was led to espouse. 
 
 Ujpton, Third Month, 1.5th. My son and daughter Cress- 
 well, and several of their children are staying here; their 
 little Gurney just going into the navy. It greatly oppresses 
 me in spirit, I so perfectly object to war on Christian prin- 
 ciples ; it is so a"wful in its devastating effects, naturally, 
 morally, and spiritually. 
 
 The arrangement made for this grandson was a cause of 
 great sorrow to Elizabeth Fry. She deeply disapproved of 
 a warlike course, and its spirit was opposed to every feeling 
 of her heart. 
 
 Upton, Fifth Month, 8th. On Third-day, the Lady May- 
 oress and I paid interesting and satisfactory visits to the 
 Queen Dowager, the Duchess of Kent, and the Duchess of
 
 1842.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 599 
 
 Gloucester. I went with my heart lifted up for help, and 
 strength, and direction, that the visits might prove useful, 
 that I might drop the word in season, and that I might my- 
 self be kept humble, watchful, and faithful to my Lord. I 
 have fears for myself in visiting palaces, rather than prisons, 
 and going after the rich, rather than the poor ; lest my eyes 
 should become blinded, or I should fall away, in any thing, 
 from the simple, pure standard of truth and righteousness. 
 We first called on the Duchess of Kent, and had interesting 
 conversation about our dear young Queen, Prince Albert, 
 and their little ones. We spoke of my foreign journey the 
 King of the Belgians, and other matters. I desired, wherever 
 I could, to throw in a hint of a spiritual kind, and was 
 enabled to do it. I gave the Duchess some papers, with a 
 note to Prince Albert, requesting him to lay the suffering 
 state of the Waldenses, from their fresh persecutions, before 
 the Queen. We next visited the Queen Dowager, and met 
 her sister, and the Duchess of Saxe Weimar, and her chil- 
 dren. We had a very satisfactory time, much lively and 
 edifying conversation upon the state of religion in Europe, 
 particularly amongst the higher classes, and the great ad- 
 vancement of late years, in the conduct and conversation 
 of the great of this world. 
 
 Through all these varied engagements, she maintained a 
 close and jealous watch over her own spirit and conduct, as 
 the following entry, made soon after these visits, evidences : 
 
 " How blind are we to ourselves, so that neither nations, 
 churches, nor individuals, see in themselves the symptoms of 
 decay, visible to all around ! the pride which leads to break 
 the law of God, leads to this self-flattery." I have felt much 
 warning and instruction in these words ; they lead to the 
 prayer, " Lord, open Thou mine eyes, lest I sleep the 
 sleep of death !" and lest the light that is in me become 
 darkness !
 
 600 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1842. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry's health continuing in an infirm and suffer- 
 ing state, although better than during the winter, some 
 change appeared necessary, with absence from the continual 
 tide of London engagements. Her brother-in-law, Hoare, 
 offered the loan of his house at Cromer, a commodious and 
 agreeable residence on the top of the cliff, commanding fine 
 sea views. 
 
 This offer was gladly accepted, and she was, amid various 
 causes of sorrow, cheered by the kindness and affection of 
 many whom she had long loved. Her sister, Catharine 
 Gurney, was with them at the Cliff House ; she saw much of 
 the beloved residents at Northrepps Hall. Northrepps Cot- 
 tage, Sherringham, and Cromer Hall, were also points of 
 light on the landscape two months thus passed away. 
 
 {On the Journey,} Seventh Month. I have been poorly 
 part of every night, or early in the morning, since I left 
 Upton, so as to feel discouraged and flat at being so far from 
 home ; but I desire to trust entirely. I have sought to have 
 my stoppings directed by Him, who knows what is best for 
 us. I have not felt a will in these arrangements, and I desire 
 to leave all to Him who orders all things well. I at times 
 feel, particularly at night, so sunk, that I am ready to appre- 
 hend my natural powers are really failing. I occasionally 
 ask, in pj ayer, for passing revival from my states of suffering, 
 which prayers are often remarkably granted ; but I am not 
 disposed really to ask for prolonged life, because I fear lest, 
 like Hezekiah, I should live to transgress before the Lord. 
 I have probably an undue fear of an imbecile or childish 
 state, and becoming a burden to others ; at the same time, the 
 idea of life being continued to me is pleasant, and the fear of 
 death and the grave, to my nature great ; not that I fear for 
 the everlasting state, although this confidence arises from no 
 trust in any thing in myself, but faith in the mercy of God 
 in Christ, who tasted death for every man ; and a full belief 
 that the tender mercy of my God is over all His works ; and,
 
 1842.] _ - J E OP ELIZABETH PRY. 601 
 
 unworthy as I am, that through His mercy, He will not cast 
 me out of His presence, (which I delight in,) nor shut up 
 His tender mercies from me. 
 
 Cromer, Seventh Month, 6th. Here I am, in what was my 
 dearest sister Hoare's little room, looking on the sea ; but 
 poorly after my journey ; feeling the air almost too cold for 
 me : but I am favoured to be quiet and trustful in spirit, and 
 desire to leave all things to Him, who only knows what is 
 best for me. My sister Catharine being with us, and my 
 brother Joseph and his Eliza, and dear Anna, near to us, is 
 very pleasant, and our dear brother and sister Buxton and 
 Richenda being still at Northrepps. 
 
 Every week was marked by slow but steady 'increase in 
 strength. But her amendment was retarded by anxiety on 
 account of a daughter, then ill in the Isle of Wight. To 
 this daughter, who was under much trial, she wrote : 
 
 I am not very well to-day, but have not by any means lost 
 the ground I had gained, though your trials appear to have 
 brought me some steps back. If, in the ordering of Provi- 
 dence, things shall be brighter, I think I should rally again ; 
 but I desire to have my will given up to the will of Him who 
 knows what is best for us all, and earnestly desire to be very 
 thankful that our trials are not of a deeper dye ; and being, 
 as far as I know, brought on us by Infinite Wisdom, I do 
 not feel them like those produced by the exquisite suffering 
 of sin. 
 
 I am, thy loving, sympathizing, and yet hopeful mother 
 
 E. F. 
 
 The plan that had, in the winter of 1830, been projected 
 for the placing of her eldest grandson in the array, to which, 
 as before noticed, Elizabeth Fry had so strongly objected, 
 was now again revived : it occasioned her much grief, but 
 having used her utmost influence to prevent the arrangement, 
 76
 
 602 LIFE OF ELIZABETH 1 *. ' . [184L. 
 
 she felt she must leave the matter to those on vrhom the se- 
 rious responsibility rested. In reference to it she writes : 
 
 Seventh Month, 1.4th (First-day}. I have deeply and 
 sorrowfully felt our grandson Frank's going into the army. 
 I truly have tried to prevent it, but must now leave it all to 
 my Lord, who can, if .He see meet, bring good out of that 
 which I feel to be evil. 
 
 Eighth Month, 14th (First-day). I have felt the weight 
 of undertaking to establish a library and room for the fisher- 
 men, and something of a friendly society, as in my tender 
 state the grasshopper becomes a burdon. I was encouraged 
 however in the night by these words, " Stedfast, immoveable, 
 always abounding in the work of the Lord." In weakness 
 and in strength, we must, as ability is granted, abound in the 
 work of the Lord. May our labour not be in vain in Him ! 
 I have had very comforting accounts from Denmark our 
 representations attended to respecting the prisons, and likely 
 to have much good done in them : also from Prussia. Surely 
 our Lord has greatly blessed some of our poor efforts for the 
 good of our fellow-mortals. 
 
 From the feebleness of the mortal tenement, and from 
 various circumstances that severely tested her remaining 
 bodily powers, Elizabeth Fry was often oppressed by the 
 sinkings of nature. Yet her spirit was, at times, greatly 
 revived by her continuing to receive these cheering tidings 
 of the blessing that had rested on her labours of various 
 kinds, both in her own and other lands. In Denmark, where 
 the reader may have remarked how sad were the state and 
 arrangements of the prisons, great and highly beneficial 
 changes were, in consequence of her intercession, speedily 
 effected with the express sanction of the King. New build- 
 ings had been added, by which a salutary classification waa 
 secured, employment had been provided, and apparatus sup- 
 plied, by which the cells had been comfortably warmed 
 during the winter season. In one great establishment, women
 
 1842.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY, 603 
 
 had been placed over the female prisoners, and efforts were 
 in progress to introduce the same mode of supervision in the 
 other prisons, also fully to furnish all with Bibles, Testa- 
 ments, Psalters, and other religious books. Committees of 
 pious and devoted persons, who were willing to visit these 
 receptacles of crime, and to labour for the reformation of their 
 unhappy inmates, were organized with the cordial approba- 
 tion of the King, who, in reference to them says, in reply to 
 an address, " We have heard, with the greatest satisfaction, 
 of the desire of benevolent individuals to unite together to 
 form a Prison Committee, whose object should be the moral 
 improvement of the prisoners, and their employment, and 
 return to society on obtaining their freedom: therefore, we 
 gladly give an opportunity to the members of this Committee, 
 by means of visits and the distribution of religious and other 
 fitting books, to exercise a good influence on the prisoners." 
 
 The Countess Reden transmitted to Elizabeth Fry a most 
 gratifying account of the successful labours of her excellent 
 Christian friend, the Pasteur Feldner ; through whose instru- 
 mentality, a most marked change had been wrought in many 
 of the prisoners under his care. The erection of four new 
 Penitentiaries had been commenced in Prussia ; one in Berlin, 
 another at Miinster, a third in Silesia, and the fourth in 
 Konigsberg. They were constructed on the most approved 
 plans, under the special direction of the King. 
 
 From Dusseldorf, Elizabeth Fry received very satisfactory 
 reports of the great improvements effected in the prison there ; 
 and of the establishment of an asylum, near that city, for 
 young girls dismissed from the jail and_evincing repentance, 
 where, says the lady who addressed Elizabeth Fry on the 
 subject, " under the guidance of an excellent monitor, they 
 obtain instruction in every work required of a good servant." 
 " This establishment," adds the lady, "is in such good repute, 
 that as soon as they are qualified to go into service, the op- 
 portunity is never wanting for it. We hear many instances 
 of their behaving well, and leading good lives. The best
 
 604 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY, r !842. 
 
 proof of the good effects of our asylum is, that in the two 
 years of its existence, none dismissed from thence have been 
 committed again." 
 
 The Christian beneficence of the late excellent Queen of 
 Hanover, who had so humanely listened to Elizabeth Fry's 
 solicitations on behalf of the wretched prisoners at Hameln, 
 as to mediate successfully with the King her husband, and 
 to procure the release of several hundreds of poor creatures 
 from the heavy irons and chains by which they were fetter- 
 ed, was also a source of encouragement and consolation to 
 her compassionate spirit, which so tenderly sympathised 
 with every form of human suffering. Her gracious Lord, to 
 whose service she had, with steadfast faith, devoted herself and 
 every faculty with which she was endowed, had thus evidently 
 condescended greatly to prosper the work of her hands. 
 
 The indisposition that now prostrated her strength, and 
 deprived her of the power to unite with her fellow-labourers 
 of the Prison Committee, did not prevent her from cherish- 
 ing an unabated interest in the work. The following note, 
 addressed to the members of that association is so charac- 
 teristic, that it deserves insertion. 
 
 I truly feel for you all, my beloved friends, who have now 
 to bear the burden and heat of the day. May grace be 
 granted you, and help from above, that you may be strength- 
 ened for your important work, and may your way be made 
 plain before you ; and may our Heavenly Father undertake 
 for us in this weighty matter, and lead us to the right 
 parties to send abroad, as matrons in the convict-ships, who 
 may be a blessing to those they go amongst, and be kept and 
 blessed themselves ! I long to hear from thee, or one of 
 you, again, and hope I may one day be enabled again to 
 take a labouring oar. Farewell, in much true love and 
 sympathy, to thyself and all thy fellow-labourers. 
 
 I am, very affectionately, thy friend, 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 This letter is dated Cromer, Eighth Month, 2(M, 1842.
 
 1842.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 605 
 
 Two very suitable persons were subsequently recommended 
 by the Committee, and appointed by Government, to the 
 arduous and important office of matrons in the Garland 
 Grove. Before their embarkation the following admirable 
 letter was written by Elizabeth Fry to Catherine Fraser : 
 
 Cromer, Eighth Month, Zith, 1842. 
 My Beloved Friend, 
 
 Thy note received to-day has been a real comfort to me ; 
 the post brought some 'sorrows, and thy note brought weight 
 in the other scale ; but I have sat at home weeping, as I did 
 not feel much inclined to meet a delightful party of brothers, 
 sisters, &c., at my brother Buxton's, but rather to sit alone, 
 and look to my own vineyard, and my own very deep interests 
 in my family and my beloved friends, and for the causes that 
 are near my heart. I humbly thank our Heavenly Father, 
 who has regarded our very unworthy prayers, and raised up 
 those that we trust may be suitable in the convict-ship, and 
 helpful in the colony ; may grace and wisdom from above be 
 poured forth upon them ; may they remember that the servants 
 of the Lord must prove their faith more by conduct, than 
 word or profession ; they must avoid anything like religious 
 cant, if I may so express myself, and in an upright, holy, 
 self-denying, and watchful deportment, be preachers of right- 
 eousness, and prove who it is that they believe in, serve, 
 and obey. I am often inexpressibly bowed, and brought 
 low in spirit, when I look at the standard and holy example 
 of our blessed Lord, and then behold my own short-coming. 
 I long for a closer walk with God, for myself, and all that I 
 love; and that, through the help of the Holy Spirit, we 
 should more constantly prove our love to Him who died for 
 us and hath loved us with an everlasting love. Pray impress 
 on these matrons, the extreme importance of their prudent 
 and circumspect conduct, as it respects the gentlemen on 
 board ; and towards the-wouien, the need of sound discre- 
 tion, and the meekness of wisdom ; and ainon&>t all, to bts
 
 606 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1842. 
 
 wise as serpents, harmless as doves ; and to be pitiful and 
 courteous. I quite feel my indulgent life, and I am very 
 ready to work when my Lord may enable me. I do not 
 desire to save myself, unless duty calls me to do it : indeed, 
 dear friend, I have always felt it an honour I have been un- 
 worthy of, to do any thing for my Lord, and to be made an 
 instrument of good to my fellow-creatures. I have been 
 thankful for thy letters, because they have encouraged me to 
 hope that you are not discouraged, but that the Spirit of our 
 God is poured forth upon my beloved friends, to help them 
 in this weighty and important work, and to make them will- 
 ing to labour in this service, and for the good of their poor 
 fellow-mortals. My dear love to all our sisters in this ser- 
 vice ; and J am truly, in gospel bonds', 
 
 Thy attached Friend, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 The appointment of these matrons was justly regarded by 
 Elizabeth Fry, and her fellow-labourers as a step of the ut- 
 most importance. It mitigates most materially the evils 
 attendant upon the transportation of females. Objections 
 had been urged to the measure in former years, but now it 
 was clearly admitted that none were so fit to have charge of 
 these unhappy women, as persons of their own sex, if such 
 could be found who, influenced by right motives, and pos- 
 sessing the requisite qualifications, were willing to encounter 
 the privations and perils of a long voyage in such society. 
 
 Northrepps Hall, Ninth Month, ~L8th. I exceedingly value 
 the company of so many of my most tenderly beloved bro- 
 thers and sisters, and other near and dear relations, so many 
 nephews and nieces, and others also. How I wish that I 
 upheld amongst these tenderly-beloved ones a more holy 
 example. I do not often apprehend it my place to speak 
 much of spiritual things ; but I most truly desire constantly 
 to upholdthe Christian standard, in an humble and watchful 
 walk before the Lord, and before my fellow-mortals.
 
 1842.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 607 
 
 25th, (First-day.} I have not enough dwelt upon the 
 extraordinary kindness of our dear brother and sister Buxton 
 and their children to us, at this time, truly humbling to me, 
 a poor unworthy worm of the dust ; also my dear brother 
 Hoare, and all that family such a sweet renewal of love 
 amongst us. How blessed and how sweet is love, and how 
 delightful to believe that it has, in measure, the Heavenly 
 stamp upon it. Our dearest sister Catharine left Cromer 
 yesterday, quite a loss to us ; her kindness has been great 
 indeed. 
 
 Oromer, Tenth Month, 23rd. Perhaps the last journal I 
 may ever write in this place, as to-morrow we mean to depart 
 for Lynn. Yesterday, I was very much affected and touched 
 by something that occurred it was almost overwhelming. 
 We paid our farewell visit to Northrepps. My brother Hoare 
 and his family went also ; and at our beloved Fowell and 
 Hannah's, were Andrew and Priscilla Johnston, Edward, 
 and Catharine, and Richenda Buxton. After dinner, Gurney 
 Hoare brought me a beautiful piece of plate, a silver ink- 
 stand, and my husband a Testament, of fine paper and print, 
 most beautifully bound. They gave these presents in the 
 kindest way, expressing love and gratitude to us, and saying 
 that dearest Anna Gurney and those absent of their families 
 united in the present. I felt before receiving it, that I had 
 been unduly loaded with gifts and kindness. My spirit was 
 humbled, and really bowed within me, under a deep feeling 
 of unworthiness at these proofs of love. My Lord only 
 knows my sense of it ; a poor, weak, unprofitable servant as 
 I am, that He should thus put it into the hearts of His ser- 
 vants to show so much love and pity to me, in my poor, low, 
 weak, and unworthy estate before Him. Gracious Lord ! 
 Thou knowest how little I can do for all these beloved ones. 
 I pray Thee reward them with spiritual and temporal bless- 
 ings ; and if it be Thy will, let the sickly in body be more 
 strengthened and restored, the sickly in soul healed ; that 
 all may be more filled and satisfied with the unsearchable 
 riches of Christ.
 
 G08 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1842. 
 
 On her way home, she stayed at Lynn for a few days, her 
 last visit. In describing her state and habits whilst there, 
 her daughter writes: 
 
 " She was bright and lovely in spirit. She had a wise, kind word 
 for all children, servants, dependents. All loved her, all felt that 
 her message was not from herself, nor of man's invention : but that 
 in her Master's name she invited others to 'love and to good works.' 
 She condescended to all ; listening to the minutest details of their 
 cares and pleasures, was ready in devising means for helping others, 
 not merely in the great, but the little things of life; prompt in ex- 
 pedients, in the sick room, in the nursery with an unmanageable 
 child, or a froward servant." 
 
 Elizabeth Fry reached home near the end of Tenth Month. 
 A heavy family affliction awaited her return to Upton, 
 in the illness and death of a lovely little grand-daughter, 
 aged seven years. She was much with her children 
 during their sorrowful nursing, sharing deeply in their 
 grief. Her bereaved daughter keenly suffered under this 
 chastening dispensation, but was favoured, in a striking 
 manner, meekly to bow under it. Elizabeth Fry accom- 
 panied her afflicted child, when committing to their long 
 home the precious mortal remains ; and, when the mourners 
 were about to quit the grave-side, her gentle voice was heard* 
 uttering the words, " It is the Lord, let Him do as seemeth 
 Him good." One of her family gives the following interest- 
 ing details : 
 
 "A family party gathered in the evening: after the fifth chapter 
 of the 2nd of Corinthians had been read, Elizabeth Fry addressed a 
 heart-searching exhortation to her 'children, grandchildren, and all 
 the dearly beloved ones present,' to be ready ' when the next sum- 
 mons should come' also ' thanksgiving that the lamb taken was a 
 believing child, one rather peculiarly impressed with the fact of re- 
 demption, and forgiveness of sins through Christ; and in practice, 
 an obedient, gentle-spirited creature ; and according to the measure 
 of so young a child, unusually full of good works and alms-deeds; for 
 she gave much to the poor, whose tales of woe, (whether true or
 
 1843.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 609 
 
 false, she did not stop to inquire,) always touched her ; and her good 
 marie money, which she saved till it amounted to a pound, she had 
 given to the Ceylon Mission. Thus, even in so young a child, did 
 the good tree bring forth little blossoms of good fruit, gone to 
 mature and fructify in Heaven, through Christ who died for her, 
 and in whom she truly believed.' Many other things were spoken 
 by her in ministry on this occasion. Then she offered for all the 
 three generations present, a soul-touching prayer." 
 
 Upton Lane, First Montfi, lf, 1843. Another year is 
 closed, and passed never to return. It appears to me that 
 mine is rather a rapid d.escent into the valley of old age. 
 
 Second Month, 6th. I am just now much devoted to my 
 children and all my family, and attend very little- to public 
 service of any kind. May my God grant, that I may not 
 hide my talents as in a napkin ; and on the other hand, that 
 I may not step into services uncalled for at my hands. May 
 my feeble labours at home be blessed. Gracious Lord, heal, 
 help, and strengthen Thy poor servant, for Thine own ser- 
 vice, public or private. 
 
 Third Montfi, 19th. Met Lord Ashley to dinner at my 
 son William's He is a very interesting man ; de- 
 voted to promoting the good of mankind, and suppressing 
 evil quite a Wilberforce, I thinjc. 
 
 Fourth Month, 2nd, (First-day.) I entered the last week 
 very low in my condition, bodily and mentally, so much so, 
 that some of my family could hardly be reconciled to my at- 
 tending the Quarterly Meeting. In the select Meeting of 
 Ministers and Elders, the subject of Unity was much brought 
 forward ; several spoke to it, and I had to express rather 
 strongly, my belief that there is a great work going forward 
 in the earth, and Satan desires to mar it, by separating the 
 Lord's servants. I warned Friends upon this point, because 
 there are diversities of gifts, differences of operation and ad- 
 ministration ; they should not sit in judgment one on another, 
 or condemn one another, or suppose they are not of the same 
 spirit, and one in the same Lord and the same God. 
 77
 
 610 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1843. 
 
 With somewhat of restored health, Elizabeth Fry believed 
 it her duty once more to visit the Continent. Her attraction 
 was peculiarly to Paris. Matters of importance that she 
 earnestly desired to have completed, awaited her attention, 
 and there appeared an opening beyond anything she had 
 known before, for usefulness in that great capital. There 
 were Christian and benevolent persons whom she desired to 
 see again "in the flesh," and build them up, if enabled, in 
 faith and hope. She had, with the unity of her friends, re- 
 tained her certificates, granted her for her last journey. Her 
 brother, Joseph John Gurney, also believed it his duty to 
 visit Paris, as part of a more extended journey. His beloved 
 wife accompanied him, and their valued friend, Josiah For- 
 ster, united in the engagement. In addition to these three 
 participators and supporters in the various religious and phi- 
 lanthropic objects which might open before them, her eldest 
 daughter went as her mother's especial attendant, to watch 
 over and care for her health. 
 
 They landed at Boulogne. The voyage had been so trying 
 to Elizabeth Fry, from a heavy rolling sea, and the weather 
 being cold and unfavourable, that her fellow-travellers 
 doubted the practicability of her pursuing her journey. By 
 setting off late, and resting an hour or two in the middle of 
 the day, she seemed revived, when at the end of two days 
 they arrived at Amiens. Here the First-day was passed. 
 In the evening they held a Meeting for worship, in the room 
 used by the Protestants as their chapel, where a venerable 
 pastor, eighty years of age, usually laboured among a small 
 flock in the midst of a large Roman Catholic population. 
 Many of these Protestants were present ; their hearts appeared 
 touched and animated by the ministry on this occasion, which 
 tended to console the discouraged, and strengthen the feeble- 
 minded. 
 
 At Clermont-en-Oise, the female part of the company 
 visited the great central prison, containing more than nine 
 hundred women. It is under the care of a Superieure and 
 twenty-two nuns. No men are ever allowed to enter.
 
 1843.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 611 
 
 On first arriving, Elizabeth Fry had expressed a great 
 vfish to see all the nuns, but the Supe'rieure considered it 
 impossible, as they never leave the women ; however, just 
 before quitting the prison, she was conducted into an apart- 
 ment, around which sat, some on chairs, some on extremely 
 low seats, some apparently on the floor, the twenty-two nuns 
 in their grey dresses, and the lay sisters in black; placed in 
 the middle were Elizabeth Fry and her sister, E. P. Gurney, 
 the Supe'rieure between them, holding E. Fry by the hand, 
 whose daughter was requested by the Superieure to interpret 
 for them. It was no light or easy task to convey exactly her 
 mother's address, on the deep importance of not only main- 
 taining good discipline among the prisoners, but endeavour- 
 ing to lead them, in living faith, to Christ, as the only Mediator 
 between God and man, through whom alone they could be 
 cleansed from the guilt and power of sin. At His name every 
 head bowed. She then went on to tell of Newgate, and 
 the effects of the Gospel there; many tears were shed at 
 this recital. She concluded by a lively exhortation to these 
 devoted nuns, whom she could " salute as sisters in Christ," 
 to go forward in their work, but in no way to rest upon it, as 
 in itself meritorious. Here the Supe'rieure interposed, "Oh 
 non, mais il y a un peu de merite, I'homme a quelque merite 
 pour ce qu'il fait :" an old nun, who understood English, 
 rejoined, "Ma mcjre, Madame thinks that if the love of God 
 does not sufficiently animate the heart to do it without feeling 
 it a merit, or desiring reward, it falls short." " Ah, c'est 
 bien! comme elle est bonne!" replied the Supe'rieure. 
 Elizabeth Fry concluded by a few words of prayer in French. 
 It was a striking scene, and a solemn feeling pervaded the 
 whole. 
 
 Paris, (Hotel Meurice,) Fourth Month, 22n</. We are 
 favoured to bo very comfortably settled here, and I may 
 most thankfully say, feel in our right place, after a time of 
 unusual conflict to my own mind.
 
 612 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1843. 
 
 I was little fit to enter Paris ; the day was hot, and the 
 rooms at the hotel oppressive; the noise of the street so great, 
 that I feared, in my poor state, I could not support it, and 
 was frightened ahout myself, and felt as if it were altogether 
 too much for me, hut I revived towards evening, was favoured 
 with a peaceful night, and awoke much refreshed and com- 
 forted. Our beloved friend, the Countess Pelet has been a 
 real helper to me, quite a spiritual comforter ; so encouraging 
 as to the time of our visit. She expresses her belief of our 
 being surely guided by a spirit within, safely leading us to 
 places at the. right time. Others, really dear to me, show 
 much faithful love, and they appear delighted to have us 
 with them. On Fifth-day, we attended the little Meeting 
 of Friends in the Faubourg du Roule. The next day, some 
 of our serious friends came to us in the evening. And the 
 following, we spent a very agreeable evening at the Mallets', 
 where there was, to my feelings, a sweet sense of love and 
 peace over us, with the numerous members of that interest 
 ing family. 
 
 I may thankfully say, I now feel greatly healed, and 
 helped, and encouraged, although it appears but little I have 
 done for my Lord in any way ; but I must wait His time 
 and His putting forth, and not enter anything in my own 
 way and time. 
 
 Lord ! be pleased to grant, through Thy tender mercy in 
 Christ my Saviour, that our visit to this place may be really 
 profitable to ourselves, and to those we are come amongst, 
 and that it may promote love and charity amongst Christians 
 generally ; help to remove dependence on the arm of man, 
 and to have it placed on Thy arm of power, and stimulate 
 many more diligently to seek Thy kingdom and Thy right- 
 eousness that some worldly-minded wanderers may be led 
 to return, repent, and live that some that are dead may be 
 made alive again and that those that are lost may be 
 found in Thy fold of peace and safety. Grant also, graci- 
 ous Lord ! that the great blessing of preservation may be 
 'v, my tenderly beloved fam' 1 ^ at home.
 
 1843.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 613 
 
 On the 25th, Elizabeth Fry visited, by appointment, the 
 Duchess of Orleans, at the Tuileries ; but finding some diffi- 
 culty in fully conveying her meaning, her daughter was sent 
 for to interpret, who, in a letter to her sister, describes her- 
 self " ushered into an immense drawing-room," the size, and 
 heavy crimson and gold magnificence of which, exceeded 
 any room she had ever seen. 
 
 ''On a sofa, about half-way up the room against the wall, was 
 seated Elizabeth Fry ; by her side a young lady, in deep mourning, 
 over whose white and black cap, hung a large, long, crape scarf, 
 or veil, that reached the ground on each side, her figure tall and 
 elegant, her face and features small and delicate, her eyes blue, 
 and her complexion very fair, a lovely blush came and went as 
 she spoke. Opposite to her, on a chair, was an elderly lady, the 
 Grand Duchess of Mecklenburgh, tier step-mother, who had 
 brought her up from childhood. These three were the only occu- 
 pants of that vast apartment. The conversation at first was upon 
 the Duchess of Orleans' affliction. They had each a Bible in 
 their hands. Elizabeth Fry read a few verses, and commented on 
 them, on affliction and its peaceable fruits. They then spoke of 
 the children of the House of Orleans, and the importance of their 
 education, and early foundation in real Christian faith ; the Grand 
 Duchess of Mecklenburgh, an eminently devoted, pious woman, 
 deeply responded to these sentiments. It was an hour-and-a-half 
 before this interesting conversation came to a close." 
 
 The following First-day, after attending their own little 
 Meeting, a large public one was held in the Methodist 
 chapel ; it was a very solemn one. J. J. Gurney spoke well 
 in French, Elizabeth Fry through an excellent interpreter. 
 
 In the evening of the next day, they gathered round 
 them a very singular party, about thirty persons of colour, 
 chiefly from Hayti, the Isle of France, and Guadaloupe, 
 principally students of law or medicine ; one a painter, who 
 had some good pictures in the exhibition. 
 
 The evening concluded with reading in the Bible. Eliza-
 
 614 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1843. 
 
 beth Fry addressed her auditory on the words of Peter, " I 
 perceive that God is no respecter of persons;" Acts x. 
 34 going on to that glorious passage in the Revelation, 
 which tells of the company that cannot be numbered, 
 gathered out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. 
 
 Speaking of the close of the day, she says : " I laid me 
 down and slept in peace." 
 
 Fourth-day, a dinner at Count Pelet de la Loz^re's ; 
 Fifth-day, at M. Guizot's : seated by their celebrated host, 
 this dinner was felt by Elizabeth Fry to be an occasion of 
 great responsibility. She was encouraged by his courteous 
 attention, unreservedly to speak to him on the subjects 
 which had so long been near to her heart. It was no com- 
 mon ordeal for woman, weak, even in her strength, to en- 
 counter reasoning powers'and capabilities such as his. They 
 spoke of crime in its origin, its consequences, and the 
 measures to be adopted for its prevention ; of the treatment 
 of criminals; of education, and Scriptural instruction. 
 Here Elizabeth Fry unhesitatingly urged the diffusion of 
 Scriptural truth, and the universal circulation of the Scrip- 
 tures, as the most potent means, within human reach, of con 
 trolling the power of sin, and shedding light upon the dark 
 ness of superstition and infidelity. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry again visited the Duchess of Orleans. She 
 nad also several interviews with the Grand Duchess of 
 Mecklenburgh, their communications with each other being 
 of a deeply religious character. 
 
 It was the period of the annual religious Meetings : many 
 pasteurs were assembled in Paris ; J. J. Gurney invited a 
 considerable number to the Hotel Meurice. 
 
 Paris, Fifth Month, 11th. On Second-day, about thirty 
 pasteurs came to breakfast : they are from different parts of 
 France : a very interesting set of men. First we had a 
 Scripture-reading ; Joseph and myself had much to express 
 to them at the time ; a most weighty concern it was. My
 
 1843.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. 615 
 
 brother prayed, and one of the pasteurs spoke. We then 
 breakfasted, and had really a delightful meal. I remember- 
 ed that our Lord condescended to attend feasts, and this 
 was a feast offered to His servants, of which we partook in 
 love and peace. The pasteurs afterwards gave us an ac- 
 count of the religious state of the people arouud them ; a 
 good work certainly appears going on, amidst many obstruc- 
 tions. We then spoke to them. I particularly recommend- 
 ed religious unity with all who love the Lord, and kindness 
 to the Methodists, as a valuable body of Christians. 
 
 Paris, Fifth Month, 21, (First-day.) My birth-day 
 sixty-three ! My God hath not forgotten to be gracious, 
 nor hath He shut up His tender mercies from me. 
 
 The last week has been an interesting one. We were first 
 sent for by the King. My brother, sister, and I, paid rather 
 a remarkable visit to him, the Queen, and the Princess 
 Adelaide. To my surprise and pleasure yesterday, there 
 arrived frem the Queen, a most beautiful Bible with fine en- 
 gravings, without note or comment ; given me as a mark of 
 her satisfaction in our visit. 
 
 One evening, the Prime Minister Guizot dined with them. 
 The topics before discussed were then resumed : the state 
 of Protestants in France, la liberte des cultes, and Negro 
 Slavery. Elizabeth Fry entreated Guizot's attention to the 
 state of the Sandwich Islands. She had, a few months be- 
 fore, received from Kamehameha III., the King of those 
 islands, a letter, entreating her good offices to second his en- 
 deavours to prohibit the importation and use of spirituous 
 liquors in his kingdom, the baneful and demoralizing effects 
 of which, he stated to be lamentable. 
 
 Much had been done for the improvement of prisons since 
 Elizabeth Fry's last visit to Paris. The importance of the 
 subject had been fully recognized, and a bill brought before 
 the Chamber of Deputies.
 
 616 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1845 
 
 Boulogne, 28<A. Through the condescending mercy of our 
 Heavenly Father we are safely and peacefully arrived here, 
 after a quiet journey with my dearest Katharine. We were 
 near meeting with a very serious accident, but through mercy, 
 we escaped without injury. Our leaving Paris was no com- 
 mon occasion. The morning before, several of our beloved 
 friends were with us ; they literally loaded us with presents, 
 indeed, it appeared as if they did not know how to show 
 their love to us enough. Before we parted from each other, 
 we had a most solemn time in prayer ; little knowing whether 
 we should see each other's faces more. I hardly knew how 
 to accept all their generous kindness. What can we say, but 
 that their hearts being thus turned to us must be u the 
 Lord's doing, and is marvellous in our eyes ?" 
 
 The previous evening many of our dear Friends, English 
 and French, came to take leave of us ; we read together the 
 121st Psalm. In the morning I visited a Roman Catholic 
 Refuge, and finished well with the Greeks in the afternoon. 
 
 On Third-day, we visited the great military prison at St. 
 Germain, accompanied by a French general, an English 
 colonel, our excellent friend Count Pelt, and Moreau-Chris- 
 tophe. We were received very kindly by the Colonel, 
 Governor of the Prison, and his wife, and took our dejetiner 
 with them. 
 
 In the evening we went to a large Meeting in one of the 
 Faubourgs, with the French Methodists in humble life. How 
 curious the changes of my daily life ! what a picture they 
 would make ! in the morning, surrounded by the high 
 military, and the soldier prisoners in the evening, in a 
 Methodist Meeting-house, with the people and their pasteurs, 
 and afterwards by poor little French children, hearing them 
 read. 
 
 Another day I was at a large Prison Committee of Pro- 
 testant ladies. I think they have been greatly prospered in 
 their work of Christian love, in which they have persevered 
 ever since my first visit to Paris : there have been many in-
 
 1843.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 617 
 
 stances of great improvement in the prisoners under their 
 care. After prayer for them I left them. 
 
 On the afternoon of the First-day, she visited the " St." 
 Lazare Prison ; " such a scene of disorder and deep evil," she 
 says, " I have seldom witnessed gambling, romping, scream- 
 ing. With much difficulty we collected four Protestant 
 prisoners, and read with them." She afterwards " spoke to 
 those poor disorderly women, who appeared attentive, and 
 showed some feeling." She " represented to many in autho- 
 rity, the sad evils of this prison, and pleaded with them for 
 reform, for religious care, and for Scriptural instruction." 
 And she adds 
 
 In the evening the dear Countess Pelet was with us, and 
 we had a large assembly, mostly of English ; it was thought 
 ninety or a hundred. I was tried and poorly, my flesh and 
 my heart ready to fail, but the Lord strengthened me, and I 
 felt really helped by a power quite above myself. With this 
 company I had a most satisfactory parting time, and a sweet 
 feeling of love and unity with these servants of the Lord. 
 
 A quiet resting day was spent at Passy with her old and 
 valued friends of the Delessert family, with whom she had 
 some solemn religious communications on this, the last day 
 she passed amongst them. 
 
 On returning home, she was able to attend one or two sit- 
 tings of the Yearly Meeting in London, and for a short time, 
 to encounter the current of life better than she had done 
 before her journey. 
 
 Sixth Month, 25fA. A week of considerable occupation. 
 Second-day, the British Society Committee ; an interesting 
 meeting with those beloved ladies ; so much oneness in heart 
 and purpose, a delightful evidence of the sweetness of 
 Christian unity, and how those who differ in secondary 
 points may agree in the most essential one, and be one in 
 78
 
 618 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1843 
 
 Christ. We have cause for thankfulness in the excellent 
 arrangements made by Lord Stanley for our poor prisoners 
 in Van Diemen's Land ; he appears so carefully to have at- 
 tended to the representations we made respecting the evils 
 existing there, and to have proposed good measures to 
 remedy them.
 
 1843-1845. Attends the Quarterly Meeting at Hertford Illness 
 Sandgate Tonbridge Wells Winter of great suffering Removed 
 to Bath Returns home Death of her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Fry 
 Death of a grandson Stay at Walmer Death of a Grand-daughter 
 Death of her son William Of another Grand-daughter Deep 
 Affliction Return from Walmer Death of a Niece Visit to her 
 brother Joseph John Gurney Parting with some of her children 
 for Madeira Death of Sir T. Fowell Buxton Visit to Norfolk 
 Earlham Northrepps Yearly Meeting "Ladies' British Society" 
 Meeting Marriage of her youngest Son Removal to Ramsgate 
 Successive parties of her family Sudden increase of illness Death 
 Funeral Concluding Remarks. 
 
 ON the 21st of Sixth Month, Elizabeth Fry attended the 
 Quarterly Meeting at Hertford, much to the comfort of 
 Friends there. She was accompanied by her brother Samue. 
 Gurney. This was the last time that she left home expressly 
 on religious service. During the Seventh Month, she 
 wrote : 
 
 Last First-day was not one to be forgotten ; much of the 
 morning without clouds. My dear brother and sister Buxton 
 were at meeting. I felt it my duty to encourage the weary, 
 and enlarged upon our foolishness, yet how the Lord is made 
 unto His people wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and 
 redemption. There were some who appeared much im- 
 pressed. Through the whole of that day and into the next, 
 renewed peace rested on my spirit. 
 
 (619)
 
 620 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1843 
 
 As the month passed on, Elizabeth Fry showed increasing 
 symptoms of illness ; the consequence, doubtless, of bodily 
 fatigue and mental exertion ; the effects of which were se- 
 verely aggravated by a chill, from sitting one evening in the 
 garden at Upton Lane. 
 
 In this state- of indisposition she went to Sandgate, being 
 additionally induced to go thither for the sake of her sister- 
 in-law, Elizabeth Fry, whose declining health appeared to 
 require the invigorating influence of the sea air. The fol- 
 lowing extract was penned soon after her settlement there : 
 
 Sandgate, Seventh Month, 29th. I have been permitted to 
 
 pass through rather an unusual time of late, I think 
 
 (alluding to a painful circumstance), hurt me, bodily and 
 mentally, and discouraged me. Our house was rather too 
 full for me, and I got too anxious (my easily besetting sin,) 
 
 about some nearest to me I find myself here in a 
 
 lovely place by the sea, the air delightful, and the house 
 pleasant. Thus the Lord provides for me in this my tried 
 estate. If it please my Holy Helper, may He soon see 
 meet to heal me. 
 
 First-day Afternoon. No one of the family at home but 
 myself; how very unusual a circumstance. I have at times, 
 passed through a good deal of conflict and humiliation in this 
 indisposition, and it is a real exercise of faith to me, the way 
 in which I am tried by my illness. I suppose it arises from 
 my extremely susceptible nerves, that are so affected when 
 the body is out of order, as to cast quite a veil over the mind. 
 I am apt to query whether I am not deceiving myself, in 
 supposing I am the servant of the Lord, so ill to endure 
 suffering, and to be so anxious to get rid of it ; but it has 
 been my earnest prayer that I might truly say, " Not as I 
 will, but as Thou wilt." Lord ! help me. I pray that I may 
 be enabled to cast all my burthen, and all my care upon 
 Thee, that I may rest in the full assurance of faith in Thy 
 love, pity, mercy, and grace, I pray Thee help me, that my
 
 1843.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 621 
 
 soul may be less disquieted within me, and that I may more 
 trustfully and hopefully go on heavenward. Increase my 
 faith in Thy faithfulness, gracious Lord ! whilst I believe 
 that those, who are once in grace, are not always in grace : 
 yet help me ever to feel that faithful art Thou, Lord ! who 
 hast called us out of darkness into Thy marvellous light ; 
 and Thou only canst do it ; therefore be pleased to hearken 
 to the prayer of Thy poor servant, increase her faith, and 
 be Thyself, for Thine own name' sake, not only the author, 
 but the finisher of it. Amen. 
 
 At Sandgate, she received the account of the death of a 
 lovely niece : nine weeks before, a beautiful and blooming 
 bride. In the state in which she then was, these tidings 
 were deeply affecting to her, and very sorrowfully she writes 
 respecting the event. 
 
 " In how many ways the Lord teaches us ; surely the 
 present is no common lesson." 
 
 To the bereaved family she wrote " We live with you in 
 spirit ; and with all most dear to the beloved departed. It 
 is sweet to remember that help is laid on One that is mighty, 
 who, blessed be His holy name, is ever near to His depen- 
 dent servants." 
 
 After several distressing weeks, Elizabeth Fry was moved 
 to Tonbridge Wells, closely and faithfully nursed by her 
 two youngest daughters. 
 
 Tonbridge Wells, Ninth Month, 10th. We are favoured 
 to be settled here in a comfortable house, where many accom 
 modations abound ; which, in my delicate state, I find a real 
 help. I have been favoured to partake of sweet resting 
 sleep ; thanks to my Heavenly Father for His great mercy. 
 
 About two weeks later, she writes My case has been 
 rather increasingly distressing, from an almost total loss of 
 appetite, and at times great lowness. Many fears creep in 
 for my natural health, more particularly, as it respects th<>
 
 622 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FEY. [1843. 
 
 nervous system. Hitherto my Lord has said to the waves 
 that would overwhelm me, " so far shalt thou go, and no 
 further." And, merciful Lord, if it be Thy holy will, con- 
 tinue to keep them from overwhelming Thy poor unworthy 
 servant, in this time of weakness and of frequent distress. 
 Let not the waterfloods prevail. When my spirit is over- 
 whelmed within me, enable me to look to the Rock that is 
 higher than I, as a " refuge from the storm, a shadow from 
 the heat, when the blast of the terrible one is as a storm 
 against the wall." Her stay at Tonbridge Wells did not 
 appear to be attended with any permanent benefit. 
 
 24<A. I desire, in this my sorrow and suffering, to cast 
 myself and my whole care on the Lord. I know that I am 
 poor, miserable, blind, and naked ; and I look to my Lord 
 for everything. The kindness of all around me is great, 
 indeed wonderful to me, and their pleasure in being with 
 me comforting, for I feel as if I must be burdensome to 
 them. Most gracious Lord, if it be Thy will, let not this 
 be the case, but bless this trying, humbling illness to them, 
 as well as to myself; and may it please Thee to grant me 
 grace, minute by minute, to hold fast my confidence, sted- 
 fast unto the end, that continuing faithful unto death, I 
 may, through Thy merits, receive a crown of life ! 
 
 She returned to Upton near the end of the Ninth Month, 
 and very reluctantly relinquished the hope of spending part 
 of the autumn in Norfolk. Her illness had its fluctuations, 
 but she did not come down stairs after the 5th of Tenth 
 Month. She, however, often told those around her, in her 
 great bodily suffering that the everlasting arms were always 
 underneath her that the under-current was peace and com- 
 fort, though the surface was a~t much tempest-tossed. 
 
 Upton, Tenth Month, 10th. My God hath not forgotten 
 to be gracious, or shut up His tender mercies from me ; it 
 appears to me that all of nature is to be brought low, for all 
 that is of the Lord only, can stand the day of humiliation.
 
 1843.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 623 
 
 I may thankfully say, I am quiet and sustained in spirit, but 
 do not often know peace to flow as a river, as at some former 
 times ; still help is constantly near from the sanctuary, 
 though I abide under a sense of deep unworthiness before 
 the Lord ; but what can I do but wait in faith, until He be 
 pleased fully to clothe me with the garments of His right- 
 eousness and His salvation ? I feel I can do nothing for 
 myself. 
 
 One afternoon, when some members of her family were 
 reading with her, she was unable to attend to a very inte- 
 resting religious biography, saying " it is too touching to me 
 too affecting." She added, after a pause, " How I feel 
 for the poor when very ill ' f in a state like my own, for in- 
 stance ; when * good' ladies go to see them. Religious 
 truths so strongly brought forward, often injudiciously." 
 She went on speaking on this subject, and then dwelt on 
 " the exquisite tenderness of the Saviour's ministrations ;" 
 "His tone and manner to sinnners !" 
 
 Soon afterwards she resumed, in the most impressive man- 
 ner ; saying, that "religious truth" was opened to her, and 
 supplied to her " inwardly, not by man's ministration, but 
 administered according to" her "need ;" adding, " if I may 
 so say, it is my life." 
 
 She frequently spoke of not being called to active service 
 now, and that she had no desire as to recovery ; on the con- 
 trary, she was "able quite to leave it." Frequently she 
 repeated to those about her, " I feel the foundation under- 
 neath me sure." 
 
 One evening she opened her heart on her deep and earnest 
 desires for the good of her children. Of her " great suffer- 
 ings" " greater than any one knows" that if they were 
 to last, no one could wish for her life ; but soon added 
 " there is one thing I would willingly live for the good of 
 my husband and children, and my fellow-creaturers."
 
 624 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1843. 
 
 On the night of the 25th of Tenth Month, her spirit was 
 remarkably strengthened to declare her faith and hope in 
 God. She quoted many passages of Scripture, to prove 
 that faith must work by love, and that faith, if true, must 
 produce works. She said, " with the text, ' He that keepeth 
 my sayings shall never see death,' take this one also, ' He 
 that belie veth on me shall never die.' " She afterwards ex- 
 pressed, in a tone of the deepest feeling, her " perfect confi- 
 dence," her " full assurance, that neither life, nor death, nor 
 angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor 
 things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other crea- 
 ture, should be able to separate" her " from the love of God 
 which is in Christ Jesus our Lord ;" adding, " my whole 
 trust is in Him, my entire confidence." "I know in whom I 
 have believed, and can commit all to Him, who has loved me 
 and given Himself for me ; whether for life or death, sickness 
 or health, time or eternity." 
 
 In the course of the same day, she said very emphatically, 
 to one of her daughters, " I can say one thing since my 
 heart was touched at seventeen years old, I believe I never 
 have awakened from sleep, in sickness or in health, by day 
 or by night, without my first waking thought being how best 
 I might serve my Lord." 
 
 Elizabeth Fry had greatly wished to attend the marriage 
 of her niece Anna, the only daughter of her beloved brother 
 Joseph John Gurney ; but as the time approached, all hope 
 of accomplishing this passed away. With the promise of a 
 family Bible, (her favourite wedding present,) she sent this 
 note (dictated) : 
 
 My dearest Anna, 
 
 I was very glad to receive thy note. I hope the Bible 
 will be ready in a few days ; the one I had ready for thee, 
 
 I sent to Lady , hoping that it would induce Lord 
 
 and her to have family reading. It is a great and unexpected 
 disappointment to me, to see no probability of being able to
 
 1843.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 625 
 
 attend thy wedding, bat " it is not in him that walketh, to 
 direct his steps ;" the humiliation of my suffering may be 
 better for me than going to the house of rejoicing, and if so 
 permitted, we cannot doubt it. At all events, I think thou 
 art sure that few more earnestly desire thy peace and prospe- 
 rity than I do, in spirituals and in temporals that thyself, 
 and thy companion in life, may be enabled to serve the living 
 God faithfully, through the power of His Holy Spirit; and 
 that, through the faithfulness of the Saviour's love, His 
 richest grace and peace may be with you, in heights and in 
 depths, in sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty, 
 in life and in death. My very dear love to my sister Cathe- 
 rine, thy father and mother, and the rest of your circle, also 
 to thy dear intended husband. Thy much attached and 
 well-wishing aunt, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 On First-day the 6th of Eleventh Month, her son William 
 and her youngest daughter being with her, a chapter in Job 
 was read to her, also the 3d of John ; after which she 
 prayed, in a very striking manner, that when all the sorrows 
 and fluctuations of time were ended, "We might behold His 
 face in glory : that whilst here we might not deceive our- 
 selves, but be true and decided followers of Him, who in 
 His own good time would arise with healing on His wings, 
 to deliver us from all our pain." 
 
 The following day, a very beautiful note'being read to her, 
 from one who preceded her to the heavenly mansions, a few 
 days after writing it in which, with reference to her, the 
 three first verses of the 41st Psalm were quoted; she lay 
 quiet for a short time, and then calling one of her daughters 
 to her bedside, said, " May they not be deceived !" " One 
 thing is certain, I have desired and sought to serve the Lord." 
 
 13th. Her nephew, Edward Hoare, came to see her. He 
 sat down by her sofa and said to her, " My dear aunt, what 
 a consolation to know you to be of the church of God, which
 
 626 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1843. 
 
 He hath purchased with His own blood.'' After a little 
 pause, she said with great humility, " But we must avoid 
 false confidence." He replied, that there could be no false 
 confidence, when our hope is fixed on Christ alone. Sho 
 said with emphasis, " There, indeed, is no false confidence;" 
 and added, that in this illness she had entirely felt without 
 carefulness ; so able to commit every person and every thing, 
 and leave them in His hands ; that she felt no service now 
 called for from her, only to endure, " as seeing Him who is 
 invisible." 
 
 She evinced a grateful feeling for every token of love and 
 care: she spoke with earnestness of the affectionate attentions 
 of her husband, and how kindly and patiently he assisted in 
 nursing her throughout this protracted season of suffering. 
 
 To her children in Norfolk she addressed some very sweet 
 sentences. After expressing (in her wonted humility) how 
 deeply she felt their kindness to her, she adds, 
 
 " I may thankfully acknowledge, I not unfrequently par- 
 take of hours of rest and peace, through the tender mercy of 
 Him, who is touched with a feeling of our infirmities, and is 
 our ever -living Advocate. Times of sore conflict are now 
 and then permitted, but I have been sooner delivered out 
 of them, than I was. As to outward help, (with regard to 
 medicine,) I believe little can be done, but as it respects 
 sympathy and care, much ; but as I abound in these latter, 
 in such a remarkable degree, I trust, if it be the will of my 
 Heavenly Father, they may tend to raise up, if not that they 
 may be blessed to my soul." 
 
 At this time, a lovely infant child of her nephew and 
 niece Buxton was removed by death. Elizabeth Fry felt 
 much on the occasion. On the following day, being First- 
 day, Eleventh Month 26th, one of her sons, a daughter and 
 a little grandson being by her bedside, she prayed nearly as 
 follows, after the 18th chapter of Matthew had been read to 
 her :
 
 1843.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 627 
 
 Gracious Lord, grant that the promise to those, where two 
 or three are gathered together in Thy name, may be fulfilled 
 in our experience ; and that Thou wilt look upon our whole 
 circle, as well as the little group now present. Heal, as far 
 as is consistent with Thy will, and grant patience and sub- 
 mission to whatever Thou mayest order. Lord, enable us to 
 cut off the right hand, and pluck out the right eye, if they 
 are likely to lead us into temptation. For ourselves, and 
 those especially who are nearest to the little one whose spirit 
 passed to Thee yesterday, enable us to give thanks, that he 
 is among those innocent ones, whose angels, redeemed by the 
 mercy of Christ Jesus, are for ever in Thy presence. And 
 for all who are in affliction, we would ask Thy support. 
 
 One of the few remaining entries in her Journal is as 
 follows : 
 
 Upton, Twelfth Month, 1th. Lord ! undertake Thyself 
 for me; Thy arm of power can alone heal, help, and de- 
 liver ; and in Thee do I trust, and hope ; thougk at times 
 deeply tried and cast down before Thee ; yet, O Lord ! 
 Thou art my hope, and be therefore entreated of Thy poor, 
 sorrowful, and often afflicted servant, and arise for my help. 
 Leave not my poor soul destitute, but through the fulness of 
 Thine own power, mercy and love, keep me alive unto Thy- 
 self, unto the end ! that nothing may separate me from Thy 
 love, that I may endure unto the end ; and when the end 
 comes, that I may be altogether Thine, and dwell with Thee, 
 if it be but the lowest place within the gate, where I may 
 behold Thy glory, and Thy holiness, and for ever rest in 
 Thee. 
 
 I do earnestly entreat Thee, that to the very last I may 
 never deny Thee, or, in any way, have my life or conversa- 
 tion inconsistent with my love to Thee, and most earnest 
 desire to live to Thy glory ; for I have loved Thee, Lord, 
 and desired to serve Thee without reserve. Be entreated,
 
 G28 LIFE OF ELIZA BETH FRY. [184ti. 
 
 that through Thy faithfulness, and the power of Thy own 
 Spirit, I may serve Thee unto the end. Amen. 
 
 Her agony, from violent spasm and cramp pervading all 
 her frame, was frequently excruciating. 
 
 A few memoranda from the journal of her son William, 
 are here introduced, not merely as illustrative of her state, 
 but as descriptive of his communication with the tenderly- 
 beloved mother, whom he was to precede, by so short a 
 period, to the invisible world. 
 
 " The evening of the 29th, was one of the greatest suf- 
 fering and distress; such as I never remember to have 
 witnessed. But, through all, her faith was triumphant, and 
 her confidence unshaken. I endeavoured to remember a 
 few of her expressions, and have succeeded in calling to 
 mind the following : 
 
 " ' I believe this is not death, but it is as passing through 
 the valley of the shadow of death, and perhaps with more 
 suffering, from more sensitiveness ; but the rock ' is here ;' 
 ' the distress is awful, but He has been with me.' 
 
 " * I feel that He is with me, and will be with me even to 
 the end. David says, * why hast thou forsaken me ?' I do 
 not feel that I am forsaken. In my judgment I believe this 
 is not death, but it is as death. It is nigh unto death.' She 
 frequently expressed fears of being impatient. ' May none 
 of you be called to pass through such a furnace ; but still 
 my sufferings have been mitigated through mercy and grace ! 
 fulness of grace ! Now my dear William, be stedfast, im- 
 raoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ; and 
 then thy labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. ! the 
 blessedness of having desired to be on the Lord's side ! (not 
 that I have any merit of my own). I cannot express, even 
 in my greatest trials and tribulations, the blessedness of His 
 service. My life has been a remarkable one ; much have I 
 had to go through, more than mortal knows, or even can
 
 1844.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 629 
 
 know ; my sorrows at times have been bitter ; but my con- 
 solations sweet ! In my lowest estates, through grace, my 
 love to my Master has never failed, nor to my family, nor to 
 my fellow-mortals. This illness may be for death, or it may 
 not, according to His will ; but He will never forsake me, 
 even should He be pleased to take me this night.' " 
 
 On the first of Second Month, her son William, her bro- 
 ther, Samuel Gurney, and two of her daughters, being 
 around her bed, she prayed in a low voice, and at broken 
 intervals, to the following purport : 
 
 For help for this poor afflicted servant in her deep tribu- 
 lation, that in passing through the floods they should not 
 overflow her, and through the fire she should not be burned ; 
 that these trials in the hands of the great Refiner might tend 
 to more perfect purification and refinement, and preparation 
 for His service, whether in tiifle or in eternity; but she 
 wholly left this to His will. That if raised up, she desired 
 it might only be to more entire devotedness to His service, 
 and as an instrument to spread the knowledge of Christ and 
 His truth amongst her fellow-mortals ; and that mercy might 
 be granted in body, soul, and spirit, to her husband, children, 
 brothers, and sisters, and all beloved by her, even by Him 
 whom she had steadily loved and desired to serve from child- 
 hood, though, through sore temptation and tribulation. 
 
 In the evening of the same day. she expressed her cer- 
 tainty of the truths of Revelation, saying, " I know my 
 foundation to be sure, I feel the rock always underneath me." 
 
 The following morning, on her son William's reading an 
 expression of love and sympathy from her eldest grandson, 
 who had been placed in the army, and who, though so un- 
 favourably circumstanced, was religiously inclined, she said, 
 4t My very dear love to him : tell him to be stedfast, immove- 
 aMe, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for in
 
 030 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1844, 
 
 whatever circumstances, it will not be in vain in the 
 Lord."* 
 
 Her only absent daughter was at this time again summoned 
 from Norfolk. Her mother had suffered, for some days before, 
 with most painful neuralgic symptoms, but just then there 
 was a degree of respite; the change, however, .since she had 
 seen her last, was sorrowful indeed to witness, and could 
 but lead to the most alarming apprehensions. She spoke ol 
 her own recovery as a thing hidden from herself, and con- 
 cerning which she had no desire. One day it was said to 
 her, "that many a Christian had slept in this world, and to 
 their own surprise awakened in glory ;" she exclaimed di- 
 rectly, with most striking emphasis, " Oh ! what a sweet 
 thought." She spoke occasionally of her " timid nature ;" 
 of her " natural fear of death ;" but on Second-day night, 
 the 19th, when very low in body and spirit, she said empha- 
 tically, " should I never see the light of another morning, 
 remember I am safe." 
 
 Her dependence on her Saviour, and utter rejection of 
 every merit of her own, was entire. On one occasion, she 
 said, when suffering extreme pain, " I am nothing, I have 
 nothing ; I am poor, miserable, naked, helpless. I can do 
 nothing, but my Saviour is every thing, all-sufficient my 
 light, my life, my joy, my eternal hope of glory." 
 
 To one of the "nursing sisters" who was attending her, 
 she thus expressed herself : " I am of the same mind as Paul, 
 I can say, * to me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.' What 
 a grand thought it is ! everlasting to everlasting, without 
 trouble and without pain ; to meet there, and together be for 
 ever with Christ." 
 
 She was comforted, as were her attendants, by occasional 
 visits from members of her own religious persuasion, and 
 other Christian friends. Prayer was offered, from time to time, 
 
 * This young man, then twenty-two years of age, gave evidence of 
 a decided Christian principle, which greatly consoled his beloved 
 grandmother. He soon afterwards left the army.
 
 1844.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 631 
 
 in her chamber. The visits of her sister Buxton were a true 
 solace to her, she clung to her with inexpressible affection. 
 
 Her illness was a subject of tender interest and con- 
 cern amongst all classes. To an intimate friend, who 
 repeatedly visited her about this time, when she was 
 with difficulty able to sit up during a few hours of the day, 
 she dwelt, in a very clear and instructive manner, upon her 
 own state, bodily and mentally. She expressed her belief 
 that her illness was permitted for some special purpose, as it 
 regarded herself, her family, and perhaps many others ; 
 said she could not see what the termination of it was de 
 signed to be, adding, " I have had to look over all my life, 
 and to review all the engagements which I have been lee 1 
 into." She spoke of her visit to the Mansion House, and 01 
 her meeting the King of Prussia there, and said she had 
 never known a more deeply humiliating occasion ; adding. 
 " I cannot doubt that I was rightly led there, and none car 
 think what I went through." Soon afterwards, she said t< 
 the same friend, " My life has been one of great vicissitude ; 
 mine has been a hidden path, hidden from every human eye. 
 I have had deep humiliations and sorrows to pass through 
 I can truly say, I have * wandered in the wilderness in r 
 solitary way, and found no city to dwell in ;' and yet hoM 
 wonderful I have been sustained. I have passed through 
 many and great dangers, many ways ; I have been tried 
 with the applause of the world, and none know how great 
 a trial that has been, and the deep humiliations of it ; and 
 yet I fully believe that it is not near so dangerous as being 
 made much of in religious society. There is a snare even in 
 religious unity, if we are not on the watch. I have some- 
 times felt, that it was not so dangerous to be made much of 
 in the world, as by those whom we think highly of in our 
 own Society : the more I have been made much of by the 
 world, the more I have been inwardly humbled." She 
 added, " I could often adopt the words of Sir Francis 
 Bacon, * When I have ascended before men, I have descended 
 in humiliation before God.' '
 
 82 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1 844. 
 
 To the same friend, who again visited her on the 27th of 
 the following Month, and found her very ill and low, and who 
 expressed a hope that she might yet be better, she said, " I 
 have not yet seen how it will terminate sometimes I have 
 thought that perhaps I may be partially raised up, but I lay 
 no stress on it." Afterwards she said with tears, " Oh, He 
 is a covenant-keeping God ! He keepeth covenant and 
 mercy Oh, may I ever keep hold of his mercy!" On the 
 29th, the same friend being again with her, and perceiving 
 that she was much depressed, remarked, " I believe there is an 
 open door set before thee, although thoumayst not always be 
 able to perceive it open." The precious invalid wept much, 
 and after a time said, " Oh yes ! It is an open door." Pres- 
 ently she continued, " The Lord is gracious and full of com- 
 passion, I believe He will never leave me nor forsake me ;" 
 nnd after a solemn pause, she added, " I have passed through 
 deep baptisms of spirit in this illness, I may say, unworthy 
 as I am to say it, that I have had to drink, in my small mea- 
 sure, of the Saviour's cup, when He said, ' My God ! My 
 God ! why hast thou forsaken me ?' Some of my friends 
 have thought there was a danger of my being exalted, but I 
 believe the danger has been on the opposite side, of my being 
 too low." She afterwards said, with much sweetness, " I 
 feel that He is gracious and full of compassion, and that He 
 will not leave me destitute ; and I trust He will never suffer 
 me to dishonour His holy name.'' X)n the friend taking 
 leave of her, she desired her dear love to several individuals, 
 and added, " I love all my friends I love every one." 
 
 As the spring advanced, there was a perceptible improve- 
 ment, less severity of pain, and rather more appetite ; she 
 was moved now and then into another room, in a wheeled 
 chair, and she began strongly to wish to be taken to Bath 
 for the benefit of the waters. Her family feared to venture 
 on such a trial of her little remaining strength ; but, after 
 many weeks of difficulty and doubt, it was decided that the 
 attempt should be made, and her husband accomplished her
 
 1844.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 633 
 
 removal to Bath. Her brother and sister Buxton were al- 
 ready there ; and the closeness of the union, natural and 
 spiritual, which subsisted amongst them, rendered their 
 being near each other an important solace to them all. Va- 
 rious members of their families successively joined them ; 
 amongst others, her son William, and his little Emma. 
 
 How mercifully does the Almighty Disposer of events 
 conceal, from His frail and feeble creatures, the knowledge 
 of the future ! Much of sorrow and infirmity oppressed some 
 of this little band, but they could not foresee how soon the 
 brightest of them were to be laid low. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry gained strength at Bath, and was unques- 
 tionably in better health on her return home. But she was 
 closely touched by the rapid decline of her sister-in-law, 
 Elizabeth Fry. They had been affectionately united for a 
 long course of years. They had travelled together as minis- 
 ters ; they had, year after year, sat, side by side, in the 
 Meeting-house at Plaistow, and now in her low and weakened 
 condition, the severing of this tie was to her very 
 painful. 
 
 Her sister died on the 2nd of the Seventh month in great 
 peace. 
 
 There was an extraordinary weight upon Elizabeth Fry's 
 spirit ; she dwelt much, and often, on the invisible world ; 
 her sleep partook of these impressions. She dreamed that 
 she saw, as she said, that " there were graves opened all 
 around" her. Did not coming events cast their shadows 
 before ? And was not she thus, in some measure, prepared 
 for the sorrows that were to follow ? Her little grandson 
 Gurney Reynolds, a very delicate child, was an especial object 
 of interest to her ; he was frequently with her, delighting in 
 her gentle tenderness, and in the pursuits which she provided 
 for him, so well suited to his feeble health. He left her not 
 more unwell than usual. Tidings came of his being worse, 
 and three days afterwards that his patient, lamb-like spirit, 
 80
 
 634 LIFE OF ELIZA BETH FRY. [1845. 
 
 had departed as he lay upon the sofa in his mother's room. 
 This was the 18th of the Seventh Month. 
 
 On the morning of his funeral she wrote to his parents : 
 
 My dearest Foster and Chenda, 
 
 I deeply feel my separation from you this day ; I long to 
 bo present with you to minister to your consolation. You 
 have my earnest prayers that the best help may be with you, 
 sustaining, healing, comforting you ; enabling you to behold 
 your beloved child at rest in Jesus ; consequently that death 
 has lost its sting, and the grave its victory. In the midst of 
 this sore trial, may grace, mercy, and peace continue to be 
 with you; and in His own time, may the Lord grant you 
 " beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the gar- 
 ment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." 
 
 Your tenderly attached and sympathizing mother, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 She had long and earnestly desired again to attend the 
 Meeting for worship, at Plaistow. It was proposed from one 
 First-day to another ; but the difficult process of dressing 
 was never accomplished till after eleven o'clock, the hour 
 when the meeting assembled. An attempt was made on the 
 28th of the Seventh Month, but it failed. Her disappointment 
 was great, and the hold it took of her spirits so grievous, 
 that it was resolved to make the effort, at any cost, on the 
 following First-day. Her son William undertook to carry 
 out her wishes drawn by himself and a younger son, in her 
 wheeled chair, she was taken to the Meeting, a few minutes 
 after Friends had assembled, followed by her husband, her 
 children," and attendants. Her son William seated himself 
 closely by her side, and the rest near her. The silence 
 that prevailed was singularly solemn. After some time, in a 
 clear voice she addressed the Meeting. The prominent topic 
 on which she enlarged was "the death of the righteous;" 
 she expressed the deepest thankfulness, alluding to her sister 
 Elizabeth Fry, for the mercies vouchsafed to " one, who
 
 1844.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 635 
 
 having laboured long amongst them, had been called from 
 time to eternity." She quoted that text, " Blessed are the 
 dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours, 
 and their works do follow them." She dwelt on the pur- 
 poses of affliction, on the utter weakness and infirmity of the 
 flesh ; she tenderly exhorted the young also, " the little 
 children amongst us," referring to the death of little Gurney 
 Reynolds. She urged the need of devotedness of heart and 
 steadiness of purpose ; she raised a song of praise for the 
 eternal hope offered to the Christian, and concluded with 
 those words in Isaiah, " Thine eyes shall see the King in his 
 beauty, they shall behold the land that is very far off." Prayer 
 was soon afterwards offered by her, in much the same strain. 
 He joined her in that solemn act, who never was to worship 
 with her again, till, as we reverently trust, before the throne 
 of God and the Lamb, they should unite in that ineffable 
 song of praise, which stays not day nor night, for ever ! 
 
 It being considered desirable that she should have the 
 benefit of change and sea air, she was removed to Walmer : 
 whence she wrote : 
 
 I walk in a low valley; still I believe I may say the ever- 
 lasting arm is underneath, and the Lord is near to me. I 
 pass through deep waters, but trust, as my Lord is near to 
 me, they will not overflow me. I need all your prayers in 
 my low estate ; I think that the death of my sister, and dear 
 little Gurney, have been almost too much for me. 
 
 Thus was this servant of God permitted to go sorrowing 
 on her way. But the storm had not blown over ; again 
 the thunder-clouds rolled up. On the 15th of the Eighth 
 Month, the lovely little Juliana, the second daughter of her 
 son William, one of the sweetest blossoms that could glad- 
 den the heart of a parent, was cut off after thirty hours' in- 
 explicable illness. One day, however, but too fully sufficed 
 to unfold the mystery : three of the servants at Manor House 
 being attacked by scarlet fever. But all preceding sornws
 
 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1844. 
 
 seemed light in comparison, when the beloved head of that 
 house was himself laid low by the awful malady. He had 
 written on the death of his aunt shortly before : " Yesterday, 
 we followed the remains of our dear aunt to the grave. We 
 have the comfort of feeling assured, that she has entered 
 into the joy of her Lord. May such be the case with us all ! 
 but if we would ' die the death of the righteous,' a* the 
 righteous we must do our day's work in the day." 
 
 All stood aghast on hearing of his illness, and with distress- 
 ful suspense awaited the accounts from hour to hour, and 
 day to day. 
 
 " He surely will not be taken so fearful an overthrow, so 
 terrible a blow cannot be coming ! " thus spoke hope and na- 
 tural affection ; but there was a response from the inmost 
 heart of those who had watched his life and conversation, 
 his increased religious thoughtfulness, the simple earnestness 
 of his piety and this response whispered " is not the Master 
 calling for him ?" 
 
 The children were removed to Plashet Cottage, vacant 
 from the death of Elizabeth Fry. As one and another 
 showed symptoms of fever, they were carried back to Ma- 
 nor House. The servants continued to sicken successively, 
 and were conveyed to a ward prepared for them at Guy's 
 Hospital. The help of the " Nursing Sisters " became invalu- 
 able, two or three being in constant attendance. For about 
 a week, strong hopes were entertained that the most precious 
 life would be spared to his family, but such a result was not 
 accordant with the divine will. On the day of the funeral 
 of his little Juliana, he had asked to have his door open, that 
 he might see the coffin as it was borne by, when, to the 
 " Nursing Sister " by his side, he exclaimed, " I shall go to 
 her, but she shall never return to me." 
 
 The fever ran its course, the excitement attending it came 
 and went, but there was no recovering ; all seemed to depend 
 upon his powers of taking nourishment. He was calm, even 
 cheerful j there appeared to be little, if any suffering ; he
 
 1844.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FPY. 637 
 
 perfectly knew his danger, he said that he "should like to 
 recover, if it were right," but he was " quite willing to leave 
 it in God's hand." When it was remarked to him, how 
 great the mercy that sustaining patience had been granted 
 him, he held up his hand with a great effort, and most em- 
 phatically replied, " God never has forsaken me, no, not for a 
 moment, and He never will." As his last day commenced 
 upon earth, his window wide open by the bed-side, and the 
 sweet morning air blowing freshly in, he spoke of the fair 
 view to be seen from it, and listened with interest, as the 
 scene was described to him, the grey tints passing from the 
 garden and terrace, and leaving them in light and sunshine. 
 He spoke of his place, of his family, of his many blessings. 
 Some little effort exhausting him, a stimulant was given ; as 
 he recovered, with a bright smile he exclaimed, " God is 
 so good !" and they were his last words. Never, perhaps, 
 was a dying bed more peaceful more satisfactory the evi- 
 dence that God was his refuge. 
 
 " Can our mother hear this, and live ?" was the natural 
 exclamation of her children. None need have feared her 
 enduring the blow, for He who sent it bestowed His Holy 
 Spirit with it. The Christian's faith proved stronger than the 
 mother's anguish. She wept abundantly, almost unceasingly, 
 but she dwelt constantly on the unseen world, and on those 
 passages in the Bible which spoke of the happy state of the 
 righteous. Her natural affections and interests were also, in 
 no small degree, occupied for his widow and children, all 
 his little ones having the fever. 
 
 The medical men insisted on the necessity of every one 
 quitting the house. The little children were carried back to 
 riashet Cottage, where the others had become ill, and with 
 the exception of three servants in one corner of the basement 
 story, the house was deserted. 
 
 Elizabeth Fry was earnest to hear everything, and to have 
 all particulars given her. The illness of her grandchildren 
 occupied much of her thoughts ; the accounts from them
 
 638 LIPB OP BLIZABETH FRY. [1844. 
 
 continued to fluctuate ; but, Second-day, the second of Ninth 
 Month, brought a more unfavourable report of Emma the 
 eldest. On the following morning she also was taken. She 
 was a religious child, and no doubt rests in Jesus, whom she 
 had loved and desired to obey. One grave contains the 
 mortal remains of the father and his daughters. 
 
 The following First-day was a memorable one ; the two 
 last chapters of the Revelation were read, and then some 
 memoranda concerning the beloved departed, and their 
 closing hours upon earth. This was followed by solemn 
 thrilling prayer, offered by their mother for those who 
 remained, and for herself in her " low estate :" for such as 
 had fought the good fight, kept the faith, and obtained the 
 victory, thanksgiving and praise ! 
 
 Her own journal, written before the last blow fell, tells 
 her feelings : 
 
 Walmer, Eighth Month, 29<A. Sorrow upon sorrow ! 
 Since I last wrote, we have lost by death, first, my beloved 
 sister, Elizabeth Fry ; second, Gurney Reynolds, our sweet, 
 good grandson ; third, Juliana Fry, my dearest William and 
 Julia's second daughter ; and fourth, above all, our most be- 
 loved son, William Storrs Fry, who appeared to catch the 
 infection of his little girl, and died on Third- day, of scarlet 
 fever, the 27th of this month. A loss inexpressible such a 
 son, husband, friend, and brother ! but I trust that he is for 
 ever at rest in Jesus, through the fulness of His love and 
 grace. The trial is almost inexpressible. Oh ! may the 
 Lord sustain us in this time of deep distress. Oh, dear 
 Lord ! keep thy unworthy, and poor, sick servant, in this 
 time of unutterable trial ; keep me sound in faith, and clear 
 in mind, and be very near to us all the poor widow and 
 children in this time of deepest distress, and grant that this 
 awful dispensation may be blessed to our souls. Amen. 
 This tenderly beloved child attended me to Meeting the last 
 First-day I was at home, and sat by me on the women's side.
 
 1844.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. C39 
 
 Oh, gracious Lord ! bless and sanctify to us all, this afflicting 
 trial, and cause it to work for our everlasting good ; and be 
 very near to the poor dear widow and fatherless ; and may 
 we all be drawn nearer to Thee and Thy kingdom cf rest 
 and peace, where there will be no more sin, sickness, death, 
 and sorrow. 
 
 The return home was sorrowful indeed; the void the 
 want so great, of a member of the circle, who, whilst he was 
 the tried friend and faithful counsellor, was wont to bring 
 with him an atmosphere of cheerfulness and love. 
 
 Another beloved son, William Champion Streatfield, had 
 taken the fever, one of her " married children," as she de- 
 signated those, not by birth connected with her. On the 
 day of her return from Walmer, all hope of his recovery waa 
 abandoned. 
 
 It is possible that her intense anxiety, whilst the life of 
 one so dear hung suspended as on a thread, and then the 
 gradual deliverance from it, in some degree, tended to with- 
 draw her thoughts from the afflictions which had preceded 
 it. Her mind was also occupied in sympathy with her be- 
 reaved daughter-in-law. 
 
 In a letter, she wrote : 
 
 Upton, Tenth Month, 13th. We returned from Walmer 
 on the 17th of the Ninth Month. We first went to my dear 
 brother Gurney's, at Ham House, where I was received with 
 every kindness. Our beloved daughter Julia was here when 
 we came home, and stayed a few days afterwards. She was 
 then removed to her sister's, where she (I may thankfully 
 say) has since been confined. She has a sweet little girl, 
 and is doing well. So we see that the Lord gives, and the 
 Lord takes away, blessed be His holy name ! 
 
 About six weelcs after the decease of her son, she was 
 again favoured with strength to attend the Meeting at Plais- 
 tow. The occasion was a memorable one. She was led, with 
 great power and solemnity, to address the different classes
 
 640 LIPB OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1844. 
 
 then assembled ; and perhaps few could remember a Meeting 
 in which her gift in the ministry had been exercised with 
 greater weight and clearness, or with a more remarkable ap- 
 propriateness to the varied conditions of those who were 
 present : and she afterwards supplicated with a degree of 
 heavenly power and unction that deeply affected many 
 hearts. From this time she continued frequently to labour 
 amongst her friends in the ministry of the word ; and her 
 bodily strength gradually increased ; so that, though very 
 feeble, she was able, with some assistance, to walk a little. 
 To her sister Elizabeth Gurney, who had been from home, 
 she wrote : 
 
 Upton, Tenth Month, 21st. 
 My dearest Elizabeth, 
 
 1 must thank thee before thy return home for thy sweet 
 letter, but as we hope soon to meet, I will not say much. I 
 also received one from our dear sister Eliza, which I hope 
 to answer in a day or two. 
 
 I cannot give a very bright account of us, as I feel very 
 poorly, very low and flat, and that we have many causes of 
 deep sorrow the effect of William's loss is hardly to be 
 told. But I desire always to feel that our God is able to 
 supply our needs, through the riches of His grace, in Christ 
 Jesus our Lord. 
 
 I long to visit Earlham, but I fear that the season is too 
 far advanced. 
 
 May you all feel for, and remember us, in our very low 
 estate, and hoping soon to see your party home, I am with 
 dear and tender love to all of you, including John and his 
 sweet wife, 
 
 Thy much attached sister, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 On the 1st of the Eleventh Month she addressed her last 
 written communication to the Committee of the " Ladies' 
 British Society."
 
 1844.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 641 
 
 My much-loved Friends, 
 
 Amidst many sorrows, that have been permitted for me to 
 pass through, and bodily suffering, I still feel a deep and 
 lively interest in the cause of poor prisoners ; and earnest is 
 my prayer that the God of all grace may be very near to 
 help you to be steadfast in the important Christian work, of 
 seeking to win the poor wanderers to return, repent and 
 live ; that they may know Christ to be their Saviour, Re- 
 deemer, and hope of glory. May the Holy Spirit of God 
 direct your steps, strengthen your hearts, and enable you 
 and me to glorify our Holy Head, in doing and suffering, 
 even unto the end : and when the end comes, through a 
 Saviour's love and merits, may we be received into glory and 
 everlasting peace. 
 
 In Christian love and fellowship, 
 I am affectionately your friend, 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 A new sorrow awaited her. On the 1st of Twelfth Month, 
 Catherine Hankinson, the daughter of her late beloved sister 
 Louisa Hoare, died a few days after her infant son. 
 Though young in years, she was not young in religious ex- 
 perience ; devoted in heart and life, she was apparently ripe 
 for glory, when it pleased the Lord to take her. 
 
 On this affecting event, Elizabeth Fry wrote : 
 
 Ekventh Month, 2nd The accounts of to-day are deeply 
 affecting to have the grave once more (and so soon) opened 
 amongst us. What can we say but that " it is the Lord ;" 
 for the flesh is very weak, and these things are hard to our 
 nature. I have felt the pain of this fresh sorrow, but desire 
 that all most closely concerned may find Him very near to 
 them, who " healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their 
 wounds." My love and sympathy to all most nearly inte- 
 rested. We have our poor dear Julia and her children here, 
 and very touching it is to be with them. I am, I think, 
 81
 
 642 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1844. 
 
 just now very poorly, and much cast down, but I remember 
 the scriptural words, " cast down, but not destroyed." 
 
 This "fresh sorrow" involved much personal loss and 
 grief to one of her daughters, which occasioned her writing 
 to her two days later, the following sweet and instructive 
 lines : 
 
 A few lines of most tender love to thee and thine. My 
 spirit is so much broken within me, and bowed down, that I 
 cannot write much. As the body so much affects the mind, 
 I feel the more sunk under our trials from my state of ill- 
 ness ; still the Lord sustains me in mercy and in Icve. I 
 need all your prayers in this time of deep affliction, and 
 you need mine. May our Lord sanctify our deep afflictions 
 to us, that they may work for us here, the peaceable fruits 
 of righteousness, and hereafter a far more exceeding and 
 eternal weight of glory. 
 
 The increasing illness of her brother-in-law, Sir T. Fowell 
 Buxton, occupied much of her thoughts, and excited her 
 tenderest feelings, and she wrote the following to his eldest 
 daughter, Priscilla Johnston : 
 
 Twelfth Month, 1844. 
 My dearest Priscilla, 
 
 Thanks for thy kindness in writing to me at this time of 
 deep sorrow ; but strange to say, before thy note came, I had 
 been so much with you in spirit, that I was ready to believe 
 thy dearest father was sinking. I have felt such unity with 
 him spiritually. My text for him, in my low state this 
 morning, was, " The sun shall be no more thy light by day ; 
 neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee : 
 but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy 
 God thy glory!" I believe this will be his most blessed ex- 
 perience, whenever our Lord takes him to Himself. I write 
 with difficulty and in haste, but my heart is so very full
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 643 
 
 towards you, that I must express myself. My dear love to 
 every one of your tenderly beloved party, particularly thy 
 mother. I feel as it respects thy dearest father, whether a 
 member of the Church militant,'or the Church triumphant, 
 all is well and we may, through all our tribulations, return 
 God thanks, who giveth us the victory, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord ! Most near and tender love to you all. 
 
 I am, 
 Thy much attached aunt, 
 
 E. F. 
 
 To the same, on the last day of the year : 
 
 Upton, Twelfth Month, Zlst. 
 My dearest Priscilla, 
 
 Thy mother's and thy letters have been truly consoling. 
 I dwell much with you in spirit, and I feel near sympathy 
 and unity with your beloved invalid, and with you all. How 
 weighty to come to the close of this year, wherein so much 
 has passed ! "The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken 
 away;" but through all we may say, "blessed be the name 
 of the Lord!" I desire your prayers, (for my estate is a 
 very low one,) for myself, for my husband and children ; as 
 we have all been brought very, very low before the Lord. 
 May our afflictions be sanctified to us ; not leading us to the 
 world for consolation, but more fully to cast ourselves on 
 Him who died for us, and hath loved us with an everlasting 
 love. I write sadly, as it is difficult to do it, my hands are 
 so much affected by my general state of health. With thy 
 dearest father, I have felt in life no common religious bond. 
 How sweet, how blessed to feel, that we have " one Lord, 
 one faith, one baptism." 
 
 On the 19th of Second Month, her beloved brother Bux- 
 ton was removed by death. 
 
 Though of a different character, another trial awaited her. 
 Her son-in-law William Champion Streatficld, had not rallied 
 from the effects of the fever, and he was now ordered, with-
 
 644 I- I F E OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1845. 
 
 out further delay, to Madeira. To part from him, and espe- 
 cially from her daughter, was very grievous to her. It was 
 not merely the pain and sorrow of losing the society of this 
 beloved child, which she felt so acutely, but the peculiar and 
 protracted nature of her own illness had rendered her ex- 
 ceedingly dependent on those who, like her daughter Hannah, 
 had so largely shared in the attendance upon her. Two of 
 their children remained near their grandmother, the others 
 with their parents took their departure on the 16th of the 
 First Month. She committed them in earnest supplication, 
 to Him, whom winda and waves obey, and with whom are 
 the issues of life ; and so they parted, never to meet again 
 on earth. 
 
 There was one thing which rested upon her mind. A 
 strong desire again to visit Norfolk, and stay once more at 
 Earlham. With great difficulty it was accomplished ; her 
 husband and daughter Louisa taking her there. She re- 
 mained at Earlham many weeks ; often able to partake of 
 enjoyment, and highly valuing the communion with her 
 endeared brother Joseph John Gurney, his wife, and her 
 beloved sister Catherine. 
 
 She went frequently to Meeting at Norwich. She was 
 drawn up the Meeting, seated in her wheeled chair, and 
 thence ministered with extraordinary life and power to those 
 present ; her memory in using Scripture, in no degree failing 
 her, or her power in applying it. 
 
 She went forward to Northrepps, in order to mingle her 
 sorrows with those of her much beloved and bereaved sister 
 Buxton, and other mourners there. The last letter she ever 
 addressed to her husband was from that place, dated Fourth 
 Month, 10th, 1845 : 
 
 My dearest Husband, 
 
 I am anxious to express to thee a little of my near love, 
 and to tell thee how often I visit thee in spirit, and how very 
 strong are my desires for thy present and thy everlasting
 
 1845.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 645 
 
 welfare. I feel for thee in my long illness, which so much 
 disqualifies me from being all I desire to thee. I desire that 
 thou mayst turn to the Lord for help and consolation under 
 thy trials, and that, whilst not depending on the passing 
 pleasures and enjoyments of this world, thou mayst, at the 
 same time, he enabled to enjoy our many remaining blessings. 
 I also desire this for myself in "my afflicted state, (for I do 
 consider such a state of health a heavy affliction,) indepen- 
 dent of all other trials. I very earnestly desire for myself, 
 that the deep tribulation I have had to pass through, for so 
 long a time, may not lead into temptation, but be sanctified 
 to the further refinement of my soul, and preparation for 
 eternal rest, joy, and glory. May we, during our stay in 
 time, be more and more sweetly united in the unity of the 
 Spirit, and in the bond of peace 
 
 After she left Earlham, she went, for a few days, to Rune- 
 ton, as it was thought better than her going to Lynn. Her 
 children met her, and stayed with her there. Before she left 
 Norfolk, she heard of the intended marriage of her youngest 
 son. The prospect of this connection was peculiarly agree- 
 able to her. Towards this, her last-born child, her motherly 
 care had been specially extended. She was affectionately 
 attached to her future daughter-in-law, and her being a 
 member of the Society of Friends afforded her no small 
 comfort. It was indeed a boon for all who loved her, to feel 
 that she returned home under a ray of sunshine, and that 
 the brightness of this event, to her feelings, was permitted a 
 little to enlighten the last few months of her home life. The 
 various arrangements and preparations connected with it, oc- 
 cupied, without wearying her mind, and her attention was, 
 in some degree, withdrawn from dwelling upon her sorrows 
 and deprivations. In her eldest grand-daughter, the first- 
 born of her eldest son, and bearing her own name, she had, 
 during this spring, a helpful, cheerful companion, who, with 
 the elasticity of youth, (which is so pleasant to the infirm
 
 646 LIFE OF BLIZABETH FRY. [1845. 
 
 and declining,) cheered, whilst she cared for her grandmother. 
 She had also many visitors, who came to her in their abun- 
 dant kindness; for the hearts of all who loved her, were 
 drawn out towards her in tender and affectionate interest, 
 and many besides her own relatives and connections, with the 
 excellent of the earth of various ranks and denominations, 
 would drive down to Upton Lane, and sit awhile by her side, 
 once again to partake of the sweetness and instruction derived 
 from fellowship with her heavenly spirit. 
 
 In the latter party of Fifth Month, accompanied by her 
 grand-daughter, Elizabeth Fry, she attended two sittings 
 of the Women's Yearly Meeting of Friends in London : a 
 Friend who was present thus narrates this occasion : 
 
 " She had for many years, been regular in her attendance upon 
 these Meetings, and had taken a lively interest in their proceedings. 
 After an illness so critical, and still in a state of such great infirmity, 
 to see her again amongst them, was scarcely less gratifying to many 
 of the Friends there, than it was interesting to herself. On 
 this occasion she spoke of the Saviour's declaration, 'I am the 
 vine, ye are the branches, as the branch cannot bear fruit of 
 itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye 
 abide in me.' She alluded, in the course of her observations, to 
 the day that is * fast approaching to every one ;' but urged the 
 blessed truth on her hearers, that those ' who loved, served, and 
 obeyed Him, who alone is worthy of all glory and praise, would find 
 death deprived of its' sting, and the grave of its victory.' The 
 second Meeting she attended, was one when a Friend, Edwin O. Tre- 
 gelles, gave a relation of his missionary labours in the West Indies. 
 This recital drew from her, some account of her own travels on the 
 Continent. She afterwards enlarged upon the various instruments, 
 by which God accomplishes His own works in the world. She re- 
 ferred to the simile of the different living stones, which compose the 
 temple of God. She addressed those of every age who heard her, 
 especially such as might be compared to' the hidden stones of the 
 building. She encouraged them to go forward faithfully in the path 
 of righteousness and good works ; for, though they might not be 
 BO much seen and known, as the more polished stones in the orna-
 
 1845.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 647 
 
 mental parts of the structure though perhaps not so fitted to 
 shine, or to occupy a conspicuous situation yet were their places 
 equally ordered, equally important, and equally under the direction 
 aud all-seeing eye of the Divine Architect. She expressed her 
 doubts, as to whether she should again be permitted to meet her 
 beloved Friends in that place. She offered prayer, her rich full 
 voice filling the house; and concluded with that sublime passage, 
 'Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty, just 
 and true are Thy ways, thou King of Saints.' " 
 
 On the 3rd of Sixth Month, Elizabeth Fry was present 
 at the Annual Meeting of the "Ladies British Society." 
 To spare her fatigue, the Committee kindly arranged to 
 hold it in the Friends' Meeting-house at Plaistow, instead 
 of the one at Westminster, which hitherto had been the 
 place chosen. 
 
 At the Committee of the Society, held on the 3rd of the 
 Eleventh Month following, there was drawn up by its mem- 
 bers, a touching memorial of the feelings they entertained 
 towards her. 
 
 In it they speak of this Meeting: 
 
 "Contrary to usual custom, the place of Meeting fixed on was 
 not in London, but at Plaistow in Essex ; and the large number 
 of Friends who gathered round her upon that occasion, proved 
 how gladly they came to her, when ahe could no longer with ease 
 be conveyed to them. The enfeebled state of her bodily frame 
 seemed to have left the powers of her mind unshackled, and she 
 took, though in a sitting posture, almost her usual part, in re- 
 peatedly addressing the Meeting. She urged, with increased 
 pathos and affection, the objects of philanthropy and Christian 
 benevolence, with which her life had been identified. After the 
 Meeting, aud at her own desire, several members of the Committee, 
 and other Friends, assembled at her house. They were welcomed 
 by her with the greatest benignity aud kindness, and in her inter- 
 course with them, strong were the indications of the heavenly 
 teaching, through which her subdued and Kanctificd spirit had 
 Decn called to pass. Her affectionate salutation in parting, uncon-
 
 648 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1845. 
 
 sciously closed, in regard to most of them, the intercourse which 
 they delighted to hold with her, but which can no more be renewed 
 on this side of the eternal world." 
 
 On this occasion .when Elizabeth Fry attended, for the 
 last time, the Meeting of the "British. Ladies' Society," 
 she had the satisfaction of knowing that Newgate, Bride- 
 well, the Millbank Prison, the Giltspur Street Compter, 
 White Cross Street Prison, Tothill Fields Prison, and Cold 
 Bath Fields Prison, were all in a state of comparative order ; 
 some exceedingly well arranged, and the female convicts in 
 all, more or less visited and cared for by members of the 
 Committee. The prisons generally throughout England 
 much improved, and in the greater number, ladies encou- 
 raged to visit the female convicts. She had, unquestion- 
 ably, accomplished much, and above all had the joy of 
 knowing, that the principles which she had so long asserted 
 were universally recognized ; that the object of penal legis- 
 lation is not revenge, but the prevention of crime ; in the 
 first place, by affording opportunity of reform to the crimi- 
 nal, and in the second, by warning others, from the conse- 
 quences of its commission. But there was one thing which 
 she was not permitted to see accomplished, a refuge for 
 every erring and repentant sinner of her own sex ; the op- 
 portunity of reformation for all who desired to reform. 
 There are those, who have striven to connect the memory 
 and the name of Elizabeth Fry, with such a shelter for the 
 outcasts of our great metropolis ; and they have had the 
 satisfaction of seeing their benevolent effort, to a considera- 
 ble degree, successful, in the establishment of th'e " Elizabeth 
 Fry Refuge." 
 
 On the 26th of Sixth Month, her youngest son was mar 
 ried. She described the Meeting as " a very solemn one, 
 something like a token for good ;" and spoke of the con- 
 nexion as a "ray of light upon a dark picture." 
 
 There was, (she wrote,) through all the real brightness of
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 649 
 
 the occasion, a deep feeling of the past ; when dear Julia's 
 children joined us in the afternoon, then the miss of dearest 
 William was keenly to be felt. Champion and Hannah too 
 so very far off, that there was much to cloud over the scene, 
 as well as my poor state of health, making it more difficult 
 to estimate my many present blessings, as I ought and desire 
 to do. 
 
 As the summer advanced, sea air was considered desirable 
 for her, and after some difficulty her husband obtained a 
 house at Ramsgate, exactly suited to her necessities. She 
 went for a week to see it, and to make her own arrangements, 
 accompanied by her husband and her daughter Richenda. 
 The day before leaving home, she wrote to her brother and 
 sister Gurney : 
 
 My dearest Samuel and Elizabeth, 
 
 I have rather longed to bid you farewell, before accom- 
 panying my husband to Ramsgate for a few days. My heart 
 is much with you, and our dear brother Joseph also, just 
 now. I particularly feel for you in your conflicts, as well as 
 your joys. Humiliations we must expect to pass through, if 
 we are to drink of the cup our Lord drank of, and be bap- 
 tised with the baptism that He was baptised with ; therefore 
 we must not fear, but when our spirits are overwhelmed 
 within us, we must look to the " rock that is higher than 
 we, as a shelter from the storm, a shadow from the heat, 
 when the blast of the terrible one is as a storm against the 
 wall." 
 
 From Ramsgate, she wrote, for the last time, to her eldest 
 daughter : 
 
 Rfimsgate, Sereiith Month, 5(h. 
 
 I much desire to be at our own Meeting on First-day, with 
 dearest Harry and Lucy, and hope it may please a kind 
 Providence to enable me to do so. 
 
 I have felt very poorly here in the morning, more so than 
 usual, which has been rather discouraging. I much like the 
 82
 
 650 LIFE OF ELIZABETH PRY. [1845. 
 
 house as/ar as I have seen it, but I have not been up stairs. 
 I have felt unusually low, and am sensible of my poor con- 
 dition, as it is most feelingly brought home to me in almost 
 every fresh effort. I desire in heart to say, " Not as I will, 
 but as Thou wilt." I think none of my friends need fear 
 (as I believe they used to do,) my being exalted by the good 
 opinion of my fellow-mortals. I think my state is " cast 
 down, but not destroyed." May my Lord, whom I have 
 loved and sought to serve, keep me alive unto Himself, and 
 may He clothe me with His armour that I may " stand in the 
 evil day, and after having done all, stand." 
 
 The return of her son and his young bride, to Upton 
 Lane, she wished to make as cheerful, as under existing cir- 
 cumstances, was possible ; and in celebration of the event, a 
 large family party was arranged for the garden. She asked 
 the company of her brother and sister from Ham House. 
 
 My dearest Samuel and Elizabeth, 
 
 In true love, I advise your joining our simple evening 
 party, which I humbly trust will be conducted on Christian 
 grounds. The fact is, in my low estate, I felt much indis- 
 posed for a large dinner ; I then wished for our dear little 
 children to have some innocent pleasure, and also to show 
 some mark of the deep interest we feel in the bride and 
 bridegroom here, and in the bride and bridegroom elect. 
 We wish to do it in the most simple manner. Remember, 
 our most blessed Master attended the wedding feast. 
 
 She received her guests in a room, opening into the flower 
 garden, and thence was wheeled to the end of the terrace ; 
 a very large family circle surrounded her, many connexions 
 and others of her friends. It was a beautiful scene, the 
 last social family meeting at which she presided ; and 
 although infirm and broken in health, she looked and seemed 
 herself. 
 
 In an easy chair, under the large marquee, she entered 
 into animated discourse, on various and important topics,
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 651 
 
 with the group around her, the Chevalier Bunsen, Merle 
 D'Aubignd, Sir Henry Pelly, Josiah Forster, her brother 
 Samuel Gurney, and others of her friends. 
 
 During the week following, she was moved to the house 
 at Ramsgate, which had been prepared for her. A spacious 
 bed-chamber adjoining the drawing-room, with pleasant views 
 of the sea, in which she delighted, adding to her hourly 
 comfort and enjoyment. She found objects there well suited 
 to her tastes. She distributed tracts when she drove into the 
 country, or went upon the Pier in a Bath chair. Seafaring 
 men have a certain openness of character, which renders 
 them more easy of access than others. They would gladly 
 receive her little offerings, and listen to her remarks. She 
 was also anxious to ascertain the state of the Coast Guard 
 Libraries whether they required renewing, and were pro- 
 perly used. 
 
 Soon after her settlement at Ramsgate, the family of her 
 beloved son William came to her, and remained for several 
 weeks. She delighted in them all ; but little "Willie Fry was 
 something to her, almost beyond anything left in the world. 
 He read the Bible to her every morning on her awakening. 
 She strove to impress upon his young mind the value and 
 beauty of the Christian life; she endeavoured to cultivate in 
 him a taste for natural objects ; she encouraged drawing and 
 similar pursuits. Partly his name partly his character, so 
 much resembling his father's in early boyhood excited her 
 tenderest love. 
 
 Her prayer for her daughter and her children, on the 
 evening before their departure, was beautiful, comprehen- 
 sive, and touching ; and so she commended them, whom she 
 was to see no more on earth, to Him, who has declared Him- 
 self to be " a Judge for the widow, and a Father to the 
 fatherless." Her eldest son, and her daughter Reynolds, 
 with their families, were near her in the town ; and the daily 
 intercourse with them, was also a source of much comfort 
 to her.
 
 652 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRT. [1845. 
 
 In a hand almost illegible, is this affecting entry in her 
 journal : 
 
 Ramsgate, Eighth Month, 27th. It still pleases my 
 Heavenly Father that afflictions should abound to me in this 
 tabernacle; as I groan, being burthened. Lord, through 
 the fulness of Thy love and pity, and unmerited mercy, be 
 pleased to arise for my help. Bind up my broken heart, heal 
 my wounded spirit, and yet enable Thy servant, through the 
 power of Thy own Spirit, in every thing to return Thee 
 thanks, and not to faint in the day of trouble, but in humility 
 and godly fear, to show forth Thy praise. Keep me Thine 
 own, through Thy power to do this, and pity and help Thy 
 poor servant, who trusteth in Thee. Be very near to our 
 dear son and daughter, and their children in Madeira. Be 
 with them, and all near to us, wherever scattered ; and grant 
 that Thy peace and Thy blessing may rest upon us all. 
 Amen and Amen. 
 
 On the 13th of Ninth Month, she wrote to her son Joseph 
 the following letter, which touchingly indicates the increased 
 feebleness of the mortal tabernacle : 
 
 First-day, Afternoon. 
 
 I am rather blanked to hear that we cannot see thee and 
 thine this week. I rather particularly long to see a dear son 
 again, as it feels long since John left us, and you are sure 
 your beloved wives have also a true welcome. I feel myself 
 much broken, and finding that neither sea air, nor any other 
 thing appears much to raise me up ; I do feel while here, 
 (I mean in this life,) a great desire to be as much as I can 
 with those most dear to me. My heart overflows with love, 
 and most earnest desire for your present and everlasting 
 welfare, particularly that all may be of the number of those 
 who " die in the Lord," who " rest from their labours, and 
 whose works do follow them." 
 
 The conclusion of this letter can scarcely be read without 
 much mournful and tender emotion : it is as follows :
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. 653 
 
 I feel certainly very poorly, and unless there be some re- 
 vival more than I now feel, I think that you cannot expect 
 that you will very long have a mother to come to ; but I 
 know the Lord can raise me up again, and I should not be 
 surprised if it should be His holy will ; but into His hands 
 I commit my body, soul, and spirit : humbly trusting that 
 He will be my Keeper, Guide, and Guard, even unto the 
 end ; through the fulness of His love, pity, mercy, in Christ 
 our Saviour ! I know this is a low letter, may it lead to 
 your sympathy, love, and prayers. I think I am low from 
 parting with Julia and the children ; my heart is so bound 
 to you all. I am encouraged by remembering the 13th chap- 
 ter of the First of Corinthians, because I feel that I may 
 humbly trust that that love or charity there spoken of, lives 
 in my heart, and is, as the apostle John says it is, a mark of 
 having " passed from death unto life, because we love the 
 brethren." (1 John iii. 14.) 
 
 The next day she wrote to her brother Samuel Gurney 
 the following precious note : 
 
 I wag very low when I wrote to thee yesterday, there- 
 fore do not think too much of it. There is ONE only who 
 sees in secret, who knows the conflicts I have to pass 
 through. To him I commit my body, soul, and spirit ; and 
 He only knows the depth of my love, and earnestness of 
 my prayers, for you all. I have the humble trust that He 
 will be my Keeper, even unto the end ; and when the end 
 comes, through the fulness of His love, and the abundance 
 of His merits, I shall join those who, after having passed 
 "through great tribulation," are for ever at rest in Jesus, 
 having " washed their robes, and made them white in the 
 blood of the Lamb." 
 
 I am, in nearest love, 
 Thy grateful and tenderly attached sister, 
 
 E. F.
 
 l>54 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1845. 
 
 Pr&y remember the books for the poor old women ; we 
 must work whilst it is called "to-day," however low the 
 service we may be called to ; I desire to do so to the end, 
 through the help that may be granted me. 
 
 On the 16th of the following month, she again, and for 
 the last time, recorded her feelings in her journal, writing in 
 a firmer hand, and with apparently more power. 
 
 Ramsgate, Ninth Month, 16/A. My dearest son Harry 
 was married to dear Lucy Sheppard last Sixth Month, 26th. 
 We had a very solemn Meeting ; peace appeared to rest upon 
 us at the Meeting, and at her father's house afterwards. My 
 humble trust is, that the blessing of the Most High God is 
 in this connexion. They spent some very satisfactory time 
 with us before we left home. May grace, mercy, and peace 
 rest upon them, and neither the fatness of the earth, nor the 
 dew of heaven, be withheld from them, through the fulness 
 of the love, mercy, and pity of our God, in Christ Jesus our 
 Lord. 
 
 Our dearest niece Elizabeth was also married the latter 
 end of the Seventh Month to my dear young friend Ernest 
 Blinsen. May the blessing of the Most High God also rest 
 upon them, naturally and spiritually. I pray the same for 
 them as for Harry and Lucy. 
 
 Here the journal ends; the above being the last entry. 
 
 Her sister Buxton, with her daughter Richenda, visited 
 her on the 17th of Ninth Month. They found her mind 
 clear and powerful in spiritual things, enlarging upon them 
 with comprehension of their import ; her heart entirely in 
 the things of God, choosing him and his service solely, with 
 deep, earnest, constant desires (beyond words to express) for 
 her husband and children, grandchildren, brothers and sis- 
 ters, nephews and nieces, and all who were dear to her. 
 After her sister went, her youngest son and his bride stayed 
 a few days with her. Other members of the family camo
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 655 
 
 also to see her. Her son Joseph and his wife left with her 
 one of their children. 
 
 The 14th of Ninth Month, with a large party of her 
 family, she attended the small Meeting at Drapers, about 
 four miles from Ramsgate. On this occasion, she preached 
 a most powerful and remarkable sermon on the nearness of 
 death, and the necessity of immediate repentance and prepa- 
 ration ; adding, she believed to some of that small congre- 
 gation it was the eleventh hour of the day. So it proved to 
 more than one. 
 
 Her ministrations were much of the same character on the 
 two following First-days. Her brother and sister Gurney 
 stayed near her for some time, and several ladies from Zwolle 
 were also there ; and she valued the company of her kind 
 friends, Sir John and Lady Pirie, who were then at Rams- 
 gate. 
 
 On the 29th, the large family party dispersed. Tho Meet- 
 ing of the preceding day had been one of great solemnity, 
 and though little imagined at the time, well fittted to be a 
 parting occasion with so many dear to her. For some days 
 she was left with only her husband and eldest daughter, but 
 the nursing was too arduous for them to bear alone, and it 
 was a great relief to them when her daughter Rachel and her 
 family arrived from Norfolk. At the Pier gate, awaiting 
 them in the carriage, they found their mother. Her daugh- 
 ter had not seen her since her visit to Runcton, six months 
 before ; a great change was perceptible. There was a look 
 of heaviness and weight ; she rarely smiled, but on the other 
 hand, far less often looked distressed ; she walked rather 
 better, her appetite was improved, and her nights not so dis- 
 turbed ; but there was a new symptom occasionally severe 
 pain in the head. It had first appeared ten days before? 
 and had often been acute, but then was better. 
 
 The next First-day she went, as usual, to Meeting. On 
 tier return, she asked some of the family, who, from the dis- 
 tance, had been precluded from accompanying her, and had
 
 656 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY. [1845. 
 
 attended the public place of worship, if they had had " a 
 comfortable church;" her general question when she met 
 any of her children under similar circumstances. Then, with- 
 out waiting for any inquiry respecting the worship in which 
 she had united, she said, " we have had a very remarkable 
 Meeting, such a peculiarly solemn time ;" that she had been 
 so impressed by the " need of working whilst it was day, to 
 be ready for the Master's summons, come when He might." 
 Here the subject dropped, but she reverted to it more than 
 once during the day. Those who were present described the 
 occasion, as a very peculiar and favoured one. She had 
 urged the question, " Are we all now ready ? If the Master 
 should this day call us, is the work completley finished ? 
 Have we anything left to do ?" Solemnly, almost awfully, 
 reiterating the question, " Are we prepared ?" 
 
 Her habits, at this time, were apparently thoje of former 
 days. She was a good deal occupied by writing. She 
 arranged and sorted Bibles, Testaments, and Tracts. She 
 had applied to the Bible Society for a grant of foreign 
 Bibles and Testaments, which was liberally acceded to, and 
 in the distribution of which, amongst the sailors of different 
 nations in the harbour, she took great interest. 
 
 On Third-day, the 8th of Tenth Month, when driving out, 
 her lively concern for the good of others appeared, if pos- 
 sible, greater than ever. Her natural character, acquired 
 habit, and Christian duty, alike combined to strengthen this, 
 but the judgment and power to direct it had, in measure, 
 passed away. 
 
 On Fourth-day, the 9th, she was grievously distressed by 
 her little grandson Oswald encountering a fearful accident, 
 one knee slipping through the area bars of a window. It was 
 at least ten minutes before help could be obtained to extricate 
 him. The child's cries, and her knowledge of the fact, 
 though at the time borne apparently well, occasioned a 
 severe return of pain in the head at night, and she was very 
 unwell the next morning, though through the day she had
 
 1845.] LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. 057 
 
 appeared but little the worse for it, and was perfectly self- 
 possessed and judicious in giving directions. During the 
 same morning, her friend Mary Fell paid her husband and 
 herself a religious visit ; she derived much comfort from it, 
 as she had done, from the society of this long known and 
 valued Friend, for some weeks preceding 
 
 Generally, whilst she dressed, one of her daughters sat 
 with their mother. On one occasion, the Bible was opened 
 at the text, " Beloved, think it not strange concerning the 
 fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing 
 happened unto you." She entered, with lively interest, into 
 the subject, and mentioned other passages of somewhat simi- 
 lar import which were sought for and read. The participa- 
 tion of the disciple in the sufferings of his Lord, was dwelt 
 upon. She expressed herself with peculiar power, in a man- 
 ner startling to the hearer. She had, through all her con- 
 flicts, seemed to cling to something, like the hope, almost 
 expectation, that the western sky would be bright, that her 
 sun would not set behind clouds ; but now there was no 
 allusion to any idea of the kind. The high privilege of 
 suffering as a member of Christ, was the point she most 
 dwelt upon. The world, even in the renewed, regenerated 
 aspect which it bears to the Christian, appeared to have lost 
 nearly all attraction. 
 
 There was another striking change. Her vigorous under- 
 standing and great capacity had given her the habit of con- 
 trol she had been accustomed to power. During her long 
 illness, this continued more or less to show itself, and it was 
 not always easy to distinguish, how far her opinions about 
 her own treatment and capabilites were-wcll founded or not. 
 This feature of her character had disappeared. The will 
 seemed wholly gone, the inclination even strongly to desiro 
 anything, had passed away ; and she was content to leave 
 things, whether little or great, to the direction of others. It 
 was inexpressibly affecting to see her look of meek submis 
 sion, to hear her plr intive answer, " Just as you like." 
 83
 
 658 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FEY." [1845. 
 
 During one morning of acute suffering, the remark was 
 made to her, How marvellous it was that she nevor seemed 
 impatient to depart, believing, as there was good ground to 
 do, that she had been fitted for the great change. She ex- 
 pressed her entire willingness to stay the Lord's time ; that 
 whilst there was any work for her to do, she wished to live, 
 but beyond that, she expressed not the smallest desire for life. 
 She added, that she had come to an entire belief, than any 
 remaining dread would be taken away from her, when the 
 time came, or that in tender mercy to her timid nature, she 
 should be permitted to pass unconsciously through the dark 
 valley. 
 
 On Fifth-day, she wrote to her youngest daughter : 
 
 Ramsgate, Tenth Month, 9th. 
 My dearest Louisa, 
 
 I think that a visit from thee and thy dear husband would 
 be highly acceptable to us ; but much as I should like to see 
 the dear boys, I fear that the house is now too full, to take in 
 more than we should have with Raymond and thyself. 
 
 I feel so shaken and so broken down, that I wish to see as 
 much of my beloved children as I can ; my love is very 
 strong, and my flesh is very weak, I think increasingly so. 
 I wish dear Christiana Golder to know how much I miss her. 
 Pray tell Gurney and Sophia also how much I should like to 
 see them ; indeed, my heart is drawn very near to you all, 
 and deep are my desires for your present, and above all, your 
 
 everlasting welfare 
 
 Thy tenderly attached mother, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 1. ati.il W.t< -lk-. :. u.U.I..:;..-VMi<. 
 
 On Sixth-day morning, Tenth Month, 10th, though very 
 .acguid and feeling uncomfortable, she addressed this note to 
 a friend to whom she had been long attached, not in religious 
 profession with herself, with some texts for a young person, 
 who desired to possess her autograph.
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 659 
 
 Ramsgate, 10M. 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have copied thee, these valuable texts, that prove salva- 
 tion is open to all, through a Saviour's love and merits, who 
 believe in Him, who no longer live unto themselves, but unto 
 Him who died for them and rose again. May we all be of 
 this blessed number. I should much like a nice long letter 
 from thee. With true desires for thy present and ever- 
 lasting welfare, 
 
 I remain, 
 Thy affectionate friend, 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. 
 
 " We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all 
 men, specially of those that believe." 1 Tim. iv. 10. " And 
 I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto 
 me." John xii. 32. " Therefore as by the offence of one 
 judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even so by 
 the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men 
 unto justification of life." Romans v. 18. 
 
 After concluding this note, she brought out some sheets of 
 Scripture selections, which she was preparing, with a view 
 to eventually publishing another Text-Book, on the same 
 plan as her former one. With this devout employment, was 
 finished her work below. Strikingly, though unconsciously, 
 did it exemplify the spirit and tenor of the life that was 
 about to close ! fervently aspiring heavenward, and attract- 
 ing others thither. A few hours succeeded of suffering to 
 the mortal frame the soul being stedfastly anchored by 
 faith upon the rock and then her sun sank beneath its 
 earthly horizon setting in brightness, to rise on an eternally 
 unclouded sphere ! 
 
 It was remarked that she had, in selecting the texts, used 
 no spectacles ; and she said that her sight had become much 
 better. This was a new and serious symptom. 
 
 Later in the morning, whilst driving out, she was strangely
 
 660 LIFE OP ELIZABETH PRY. [1845. 
 
 oppressed scarcely noticed the lovely views of the sea, 
 which she generally so much enjoyed ; but the most unusual 
 thing was, that when her grandchildren were eager to give 
 some tracts, she did not observe their request, till repeated 
 two or three times. On passing some open country, where a 
 ruddy farmer's boy was keeping cows, he told the children 
 that he was there all day, that he had nothing to do, and 
 should very much like to have "some reading." Their 
 grandmother took no notice, nor until her tract-bag was put 
 into her hand, did she attempt to choose any for him ; then 
 she did it with a slow and absent air, as if her thoughts were 
 far away. That evening she was heavy and oppressed, and 
 complained of suffering from the light. 
 
 These many circumstances, each trifling in itself, brought 
 and weighed together, gave such cause for uneasiness, that 
 her husband and daughters resolved the next day to send to 
 Broadstairs, to learn if Dr. Paris were still there, for they 
 had heard of his being at that place a short time before, and 
 they wished to call in his assistance ; but he was gone. 
 
 On Seventh-day morning the llth, she awakened, suffering 
 severely in her head. One of her grandchildren went to her 
 at half-past seven o'clock : he read the 27th Psalm, which 
 she asked for. Half an hour later, another went to her. She 
 in no way referred to his brother having been there before, 
 but again asked for the 27th Psalm. Her dressing was very 
 slowly accomplished; she leaned her head upon her hand, 
 and spoke very little. A text or two out of " Great and pre- 
 cious promises," (that excellent selection for the sick cham- 
 ber,) seemed all that she could then receive. She had not 
 asked for one of the children while she was dressing, the 
 only morning she had omitted to do so, nor did she remark 
 their absence. She had invited the children of Lady Arthur 
 Lennox, to take their dinner at her luncheon. It was pro- 
 posed that their coming should be deferred to another day, 
 as she was so uncomfortable, but this she would not allow ; 
 when they came she was scarcely able to notice them, and sat
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 661 
 
 looking very ill, leaning her head upon her hand. Afterwards 
 Lady Lennox, and her sister, came for the children ; she re- 
 ceived them in the drawing-room and conversed a little, but 
 they thought her unwell, and made a very short visit. They 
 had been frequently with her before, they had paid her 
 much kind attention, and their society had been very pleasant 
 to her. 
 
 About five o'clock, whilst her husband and daughters were 
 consulting as to the best method in which medical help might 
 be obtained, her bell rang. She was in her own room, ac- 
 cording to her usual custom in the afternoon, and had been 
 lying on the sofa. She had nearly fallen, in being led from 
 it to her chair by the fire, and help was wanted, to accom- 
 plish the movement. After being placed in her chair, she 
 leaned on one side, as if unable to sit upright. Her attendant, 
 who was accustomed to her, was alarmed and uneasy, but she 
 was wheeled into the drawing-room, where it was proposed 
 that she should dine, being nearer to her chamber than the 
 dining-room. After her dinner, on attempting to move to the 
 sofa, she twice sank to the ground, though entirely assisted 
 by two persons. With extreme difficulty she was removed 
 to her bed, where she lay with a calm, almost a torpid ex- 
 pression of countenance. She was quite willing to see a 
 medical man, and answered his questions correctly. The at- 
 tendance of one so kind and skilful was a great comfort, but 
 her worn-out constitution forbade stringent remedies, so that 
 little was attempted either by him or the physician, who re- 
 peatedly saw her in the course of the following day. 
 
 She soon became more alarmingly affected, and her limbs 
 appeared wholly powerless. About six o'clock on First-day 
 morning the 12th, she said to her maid, "Oh ! Mary, dear 
 Mary, I am very ill !" " I know it, dearest Ma'am, I know 
 it," replied the servant. The precious invalid soon added, 
 '"''Pray for me It is a strife but I am safe." She con- 
 tinued to speak, but indistinctly, at intervals, and frequently 
 dosed. About nine o'clock on First-day morning, the 12th,
 
 662 LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. [1845. 
 
 one of her daughters sitting on the bed-side had open 
 in her hand that passage in Isaiah, "I, the Lord thy God, 
 will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not, thou 
 worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel, I will help thee saith the 
 Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." Just 
 then, her mother roused a little, and, in a slow, distinct voice, 
 uttered these words, " Oh ! my dear Lord, help and keep thy 
 servant /" This was her last expression on earth : she never 
 attempted to articulate again. A response was given by 
 reading to her the above most applicable portion of Scrip- 
 ture ; one bright look of recognition passed over her features, 
 but it was gone as rapidly, and never returned. From this 
 time, she became unconscious no sound disturbed her no 
 light affected her the voice of tenderness was unheeded 
 a veil was between her and all things here below, to be raised 
 no more. 
 
 Difficulty of breathing ensued and suddenly, about four 
 o'clock in the morning of Second-day, the immortal spirit, 
 which had so long reflected the bright rays of that heaven- 
 inspired love which dwelt within it, passed away from the 
 vicissitudes and sorrows of this earthly scene, to its eternal 
 home in that " city, which hath no need of the sun, neither 
 of the moon to shine in it ; for the glory of God doth lighten 
 it, and the Lamb is the light thereof." 
 
 Much affectionate respect for her memory, and sorrow for 
 the termination of her eminently useful life, were evinced by 
 the inhabitants of Ramsgate. A public manifestation of this 
 feeling was proposed, but, from circumstances, necessarily 
 declined by the family. 
 
 The funeral took place on the following Second-day, at 
 Barking : and, after the mortal remains were committed to 
 the dust, a large number of persons, who, in deep though 
 silent sorrow, witnessed the affecting scene, assembled in a 
 spacious tent erected for the occasion ; in which a solemn 
 Meeting was held. The sacred record was, with peculiar 
 imprcssiveness, brought to remembrance, " And I heard a
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 663 
 
 voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the 
 dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : yea, saith the 
 Spirit ; that they may rest from their labours ; and their 
 works do follow them." And from the grave, a call seemed 
 to be emphatically uttered to survivors, " Work ye also while 
 it is day." 
 
 She, who had fulfilled her stewardship, and was gone to 
 receive her eternal recompense, had bequeathed to each in- 
 dividual, and to all coming generations, a legacy involving a 
 high responsibility. She had left behind her an example of 
 unfaltering dedication in running with patience the Christian 
 race ; her pious exhortations and her appeals of mercy had 
 been uttered in the presence of thousands ; their echo had 
 passed on, and the sound had fallen on the ear of many 
 thousands more ; awakening in the bosom a holy sympathy 
 with human suffering animating to a heaven-directed effort 
 to stem the overflowing current of sin and misery, and to point 
 transgressors to an Almighty Deliverer, who " was manifested 
 that He might destroy the works of the Devil." 
 
 Few will be found, especially among women, whose vocation 
 may, in all points, resemble that of Elizabeth Fry. Perhaps, 
 having been the appointed pioneer in the arduous path which 
 unfolded to her view a vast variety of objects, each claiming 
 the devotion of her Christian benevolence and the energies 
 of her powerful mind, her name may, in some respects, stand 
 alone in the record of that peculiar mission to which she was 
 ordained. But she had, from amongst the different classes 
 and denominations of the religious world, many helpers in 
 her works of faith and labours of love. More than a few of 
 these have, like herself, been removed from their sphere of 
 service on earth, to receive, as we may reverently trust, the 
 hundred-fold of everlasting life. Others yet remain pur- 
 suing under the influence of the same divine charity, the 
 hallowed endeavour to reform the criminal, and to succour 
 the indigent.
 
 664 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FRY. [1845. 
 
 But may it be remembered, that every one, without dis- 
 tinction of sex or name, has an individual course of duty, 
 which calls for the occupation of time, of talent, or of sub- 
 stance ; and none can foresee how effectually a faithful 
 obedience to this call, may tend to promote the glory of God, 
 and the moral elevation of the human family. How incon- 
 ceivable to the mind of Elizabeth Gurney, when, as a young 
 and delicate girl, she first followed the impulse of a mysteri- 
 ous guidance that led her to visit the wretched inmates of a 
 Bridewell, would have been the wondrous career which the 
 unseen future was gradually to open before her ; but, with 
 her characteristic simplicity, she yielded her heart to the 
 gentle touches of that heavenly Power, which, in a manner 
 incomprehensible to herself, imbued her with a willing com- 
 miseration toward the abject and the outcast; and, whilst she 
 sought to mitigate the distresses and to remedy the evils that, 
 to a large extent, became continually more and more de- 
 veloped, as she pressed onward in her track of mercy, she 
 was compelled to admit the conviction that a most serious 
 responsibility rested on her own sex, in the efforts so greatly 
 needed yet by many still untried, but within the reach of 
 most to labour for the relief of the destitute, for the in- 
 struction of the ignorant, or for the reformation of the 
 criminal. 
 
 She found, by experience, that devoted women influenced 
 by divine love might become powerfully instrumental to 
 check and to control the torrent of moral evil. By her own 
 example she illustrated all that she enforced. And to a 
 heart so acutely sensitive, so striving after a state of purity, 
 so glowing with heavenly affections, the trial must have been 
 great, indeed, of being thus brought into sympathy and fre- 
 quent association with such accumulated forms of corruption 
 and woe. Yet when during a period of severe indisposition 
 and near the close of her earthly pilgrimage a near relative 
 remarked to her that she had "made great sacrifices," she
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 665 
 
 could reply, " I cannot call them sacrifices it was my 
 delight." Her delight it truly was to labour for the conver- 
 sion and rescue of perishing sinners : and no toil was too 
 arduous to be encountered, no suffering too great to be 
 endured, to promote the welfare of immortal beings. 
 
 Like her great precursor, Howard, she "dived into the 
 depths of dungeons," to bring into their gloom a ray of life, 
 of love and hope. His monument records that, " in the un- 
 remitting exercise of Christian charity, he trod an open, but 
 unfrequented path to immortality." He travelled alone from 
 land to land, pleading but too often in vain the cause of the 
 agonized criminal, or the tortured victim of vengeance and 
 tyranny ; fearlessly encountering privation, danger, and diffi- 
 culty. But such, happily, was not the experience of Elizabeth 
 Fry. Her compassionate appeals on behalf of wretched con- 
 victs, groaning in fetters and laden with chains, were listened 
 to with respect, and were generally successful. It was her lot 
 also, to be often cheered by evidences, frequently little an- 
 ticipated, that in different districts and countries, there were 
 some bright Christians of both sexes, who were willing to 
 devote themselves, with self-sacrificing zeal, to the reform of 
 the vicious, and to the relief of the sick and the destitute : 
 and the mind that recognizes, in each individual of the 
 human race, a brother or a sister for whom the Redeemer 
 "gave Himself, a ransom" transcending all price, will con- 
 template, with grateful joy, the widening diffusion of active 
 beneficence, and the kindred spirits that were prepared to 
 catch, from the same holy altar, some portion of that flame 
 of divine compassion, that glowed within the bosom of 
 Elizabeth Fry. 
 
 Whenever a claim on her commiseration whether small 
 or great was presented to her mind, with an impression 
 that it required her attention, she shrunk not from the 
 kindly impulse ; and whatever obstacles might impede the 
 accomplishment of her purpose, she steadily pursued it ; and 
 84
 
 666 LIFE OP ELIZABETH FEY. [1845. 
 
 rarely did she ultimately fail : for she matured her schemes 
 of philanthropy with a skill and discretion that almost in- 
 variably ensured success. 
 
 In every exigency she was sustained by hope it was a 
 principle so strong within her, that it animated and strength- 
 ened her in the execution of the most difficult designs. In 
 her estimation of individual character, it sometimes induced 
 anticipations that were not fully realized : it was on this 
 point that the defect in her own was developed. On all the 
 works of man, and on every phase of human existence, there 
 is the stamp of imperfection : with her it sprang from an 
 excess of that charity which " hopeth all things." 
 
 But as this faithful servant of God sought, with untiring 
 energy, to complete her appointed task, she was often re- 
 minded of the truth, that, in the world's great harvest-field, 
 where so much soil remains uncultivated, and from which so 
 little of the heavenly fruit has yet been gathered, the la- 
 bourers were comparatively few. Her own service was 
 often toilsome, and the spiritual atmosphere in which she 
 performed it most ungenial ; yet cheerfully she fulfilled the 
 duty of each passing hour : and the mental region into 
 which, by this diligent occupation with the gifts bestowed on 
 her, she was so remarkably introduced, was not always 
 sterile from the blight of sin, not always tainted by the en- 
 venomed breath of the serpent. She was at times permitted 
 joyfully to " walk in the light of the Lord," tasting the 
 sweets of religious fellowship with minds assimilated to her 
 own ; beholding in the vineyard of the good husbandman, 
 many a precious plant, flourishing beneath the rays of His 
 love, and bringing forth fruit in its season, to the praise of 
 His grace. 
 
 How is her memory embalmed with the fragrance of holy 
 veneration, in the bosom jof many a sincere disciple of the 
 Lord Jesus Christ ! rand most appropriately has the bene- 
 diction been so often and so variously rehearsed, in reference
 
 1845.] LIFE OF ELIZABETH FRY. 667 
 
 to her abundant labours in His sacred cause, " Come, ye 
 blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you 
 from the foundation of the world : for I was an hungered, 
 and ye gave me meat ; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink ; 
 I was a stranger, and ye took me in ; naked, and ye clothed 
 me ; I was sick, and ye visited me ; I was in prison, and ye 
 came unto me." Matt. xxv. 34, 35, 36. 
 
 THE END.
 
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