ACQUIRED BY EXCHANGE

A MEMOIR

ELIZABETH J. J. BOBSOK

A MEMOIR

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON,

LATE OF SAFPRON WALDEN,

WHO DIED 15th OP 10th MONTH, 1859.

" For we know Uiat if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,
we have a builx^ag' of Clod, an hoiise not made wit^ hands, eternal in the
heavens." — 2 OoBufTHiAifa v, 1.

LONDON:
A. W. BENNETT, 5, BISHOPSGATE WITHOUT.
I860.

Ml,-m7f

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.

The subject of the following Memoir was the
daughter of James Kirbell and Cordelia Bayes, and
was born at Lynn Regis, on the 20th of 4th Mo.,
1828. Elizabeth Bayes possessed talents of no ordinary
kind, and her powers of reasoning were great. Her
mind was highly cultivated, and having a determined
will, she found it very difficult to submit to the cross
of Christ ; but when, through the power of Divine
grace, she yielded her heart to its blessed influence,
she was earnestly concerned to dedicate her all to the
service of her God and Saviour.
It is believed that she began to keep some record
of her thoughts and feelings, when about twelve years
of age ; it is, however, to be regretted, that these
early memoranda were destroyed by herself, a few
years since ; but the following extracts from letters
to an intimate friend, commencing in 1842, together
with selections from her Diary, commencing in 1848,
show tbe progressive work of religion in her soul.
B

2 ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.
" Tottenham, 12 Mo., 1842.
" Mt dear * * *, — Oh, may my prayers be more
sincere ; for I fear, that though I read the Bible
every night on retiring to rest, and endeavour to
enter into stillness and a prayerful spirit, yet it is
more show than reality."
At this time her father was in declining health ;
and in reference to this circumstance she thus con
tinues : —
" This is, indeed, a time of deep affliction, but may
we be resigned ; may we be enabled to say, ' It is the
Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good ;' and may
He be pleased, in His infinite love, to prepare us for
a change into the eternal, unfading world. And if
He be pleased to take our dear father now, may the
separation be but for a time ; and then may we all
meet in heaven, and so be a united family above."
Her beloved father died on the 30th, 12 Mo.,
1842, and a few days later, Elizabeth thus writes : —
" 1 Mo., 2nd, 1843.
Mt yeet dear * * *, — It is indeed a close trial,
but, I trust, God will enable us to bear it ; pray for
us that it may be so. * * * * * Yesterday
morning we had a precious time, while standing
round dear papa's coffin ; mamma spoke so sweetly
on the verse, * Sown in weakness, raised in power,'

ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON. 3
&c. Pray for us, that we may be supported on 5th
day, when we shall have to consign his dear remains
to the grave."
"2 Mo., 1st, 1843.— Canst thou not feelingly
acknowledge the difficulty of looking steadfastly unto
our God, and fixing our hearts on Him, whilst in
meeting. Let us pray for each other that we may
meet in heaven; only think of the joy of such a
meeting; a death-bed is no time for preparation. Let
us not be ashamed of confessing our Lord before
men, that He may not be ashamed to confess us
before His Father and the holy angels."
"4 Mo., 13th, 1843.— What a serious train of
thoughts is awakened at the remembrance that this
day week I shall, if spared, enter into another year.
How differently do I now contemplate my birthday
from what I used to do, in days gone by. I fear,
dear  , I have scarcely taken one straight step
Zionward ; how awful the consideration ! Oh, that
I could feel it more, and endeavour more earnestly to
love and serve my God, for I know not that another
year may be granted me. If thou art sometimes
enabled to present thy petitions at the throne of
grace on thy own behalf, link my name with thine,
for I do stand in need of help. I want to feel the
vitality of true religion ; I want to come to Jesus in
true humility of soul, and to feel suffi,eiently my
need of a Saviour." B 2

4 ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.
In her sixteenth year she thus writes: —
"Mo., 1843. — Ob, that the Lord would show me
what He would have me to do; that He would
fashion me, even as a potter fashioneth the. clay ; that
I might be a vessel meet for the Master's use ; that I
might be one of the church militant here below, and
finally join the church triumphant in heaven, whither,
I doubt not, my dear, dear father is gone."
( Without date.) — " I thought I would write to tell
thee bow unhappy I am, because I am afraid we may
be called to part with our only surviving parent. I
have besought the Lord, that if He sees meet so to
order it. He will be our Father, and guide us
Himself." "3 Mo., 1st, 1844. — A few minutes ago I enjoyed
a precious time of solitude. I think I felt the need
we have of being weaned from every idol, and of
being centred alone in Jesus. May we be enabled to
put away everything that might prove a stumbling-
block to others. ***** I am sometimes
tempted to fear that the work of true religion has not
yet even begun in my heart ; at others, I am per
mitted to see that the Lord allows us these barren
seasons, to show us our own frailty."
" 7 Mo., 23rd, 1844.— I will try to let thee know a
little of my inward state. Alas ! I have been very
sinful, — I have not thought enough of Jesus; my
mind bas not been fixed on heavenly things, as it

ELIZABETH J, J. ROBSON. 5
used to be while I was at T  . I have tried to
discover the reason of this, and have been led to think
it may be partly because I have been reading lighter
books than I did for a little while before coming here;
Hiese, therefore, I have laid aside, and trust I feel
rather more settled and better able to think of Jesus.
I have not had one nice meeting, dear  , because
my mind has been filled with the things of this world
so much as to leave no room for better things.
Indeed, it seems as though the Lord bad bidden His
face from me for a season, for I do not seem able to
draw near to Him at all."
" %th Mo., lilt, 1844.— I have lately felt more
earnest desires after God, more than usual the need
of being washed and made white in tbe blood of the
Lamb. I must renounce my will, and suffer myself
to be formed into whatever shape the Lord would
have me to be, if I would become a vessel meet for
the great Master's use. I have thought that we can
not be perfectly happy, unless we be true Christians,
self-denying, cross-bearing Christians."
« 12 Mo., 1844.— Oh, that I might feel my sinful
state, my utter helplessness, for I know that until this
is the case, I cannot come rightly to Jesus, nor cast
my care on Him. I seem to be utterly void of all
good thoughts, and I am not able to pray for them.
O, no ! from day to day I seem to, go on almost as
without the knowledge of the. Lord; to be entirely.

6 ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.
given up to the world and its vanities. *****
I have again lost two meetings by not being able to
fix my thoughts. Alas ! alas ! when shall I be able
to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth I"
''1845. — Oh, how much need we have to be
watchful over our words, deeds, and even thoughts,
for our enemy is, indeed, always ready to tempt us."
After alluding to the removal by death of some
she had known and loved, she writes : — " Oh, dearest
 , may such warnings as these produce the desired
effect upon our hearts, that we may, in time of health,
' seek the Lord while He may be found,' and ' call
upon Him while He is near.' Alas ! dear  ,
though sometimes I do enjoy nice seasons of retire
ment, yet these are very seldom, and when granted,
I feel so bowed under the weight of my sins, that I
am tempted to think that the Lord has indeed hidden
His face from me ; but I have recently experienced
a time, long to be remembered, wherein I could pour
out my whole soul at the footstool of the throne of
grace. I do long that when the solemn cry goes forth,
' Prepare to meet thy God,' I may be ready and found
waiting, in humble dependence on the Lord, feeling
an assurance that through His mercy my sins are all
forgiven." " 1th Mo,, 1845. — I quite enjoy having a bedroom
to myself, because I can now retire in silence, with-

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 7
but the least fear of being disturbed, and also read
(in the Bible) before breakfast; these privileges I
much enjoy, and only wish I could make better use
of them. A short time ago I hoped I did feel a little
of the tendering influence of Divine love, causing me
to feel sorrow for my sins, and to beg forgiveness for
the past and preservation from sin for the future ; but
these sweet feelings have fled, and I am again left to
wander as ' on the barren mountains.' In meetings,
I cannot gather my thoughts into reverent stillness
before the Lord ; but I sit, I fear, in an unconcerned,
lukewarm state, in which I cannot expect to feel the
visitations of the Lord's love, nor to hear His still
small voice in the inmost recesses of my soul."
se 'Tq ******
"QthMo,, 1845.
" Mayest thou, as well as I, so run as to obtain the
crown, though, in order to do this, we must deny
ourselves, take up our cross, our daily cross, and
follow Christ. I have just read Barclay's description
of worship — ^it is so beautiful ! it would indeed be a
great blessing to be able to perform it in the right
way, and a great privilege to be a Quaker. I do
Strongly advise thee to read it; it makes us feel
deeply our own shortcomings in this respect."
About this time the family again changed their

8 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
residence, which was cause of regret to Elizabeth;
referring to this, she writes —
(c yj, ******
" Lloyd Square, 1st Mo., 22nd, 1846.
" Thou wilt, I think, easily believe I feel somer
what dull, though I think it would be wrong to give
up to the temptation, for I do enjoy many blessings
and have many privileges, quite undeserved, bestowed
by my all-merciful heavenly Father, who doth, in
deed, watch over His dependent children for good —
whether it be His will that they drink a sweet or
bitter draught, it is all in love, unfailing love ; for all
things work together for good to them that love Him
and keep His commandments, of which number it is,
indeed, my earnest desiretobe. We,dearest  ,being
brought up in the principles of so highly professing a
society as our own — have great responsibilities. Oh !
then, do we improve the advantages thus permitted
lis ? For myself, I must confess, with shame, that I
do not. Oh, the many, many times that I have sat
with the Lord's people to worship Him, and yet have
gone away with nothing gained, and not in the least
comforted, but often with sorrow and trouble to think
how I have mis-spent the precious moments, delivered
up my mind entirely to worldly thoughts, comparable, ,
in some degree, to buying and selling doves in the
temple of the Lord."

ELIZABETH J. J, ROBSON. 9
" Winchester Place.
" Ath Mo., 7th. — Truly I enjoy more favours an4
blessings than many of my fellow-creatures, and my
path is certainly a smoother one than many; but thou
very well knowest the foolish propensities of thy
friend in talking and laughing, which are a great
temptation when we are all sitting together busy at
work. Oh, that I could ever remember that I must
one day give an account of all the deeds done in the
body, and also for every idle word, ' For God shall
bring every work into judgment, with every secret
thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.'
Ah, dearest  , if we rightly considered this, should
We not almost shudder at the thought of how we
should stand before God, if now summoned from
earth ? This is, indeed, an awful thought ; oh, that I
could more fuUy realize it, and act conformably
therewith ! I have lately enjoyed precious seasons of
retirement, wherein I have been permitted to beg
forgiveness of my heavenly Father for past sins,
and ability to stand against the subtle foe of all good,
and also to petition for the prosperity of Zion."
" To ****** « Sth Mo., 23rd, 1846.
" At Peel Meeting yesterday, many ministers were
present. B. S. spoke in a very striking manner ;
his communication seemed to take hold, of my mind.

10 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
SO that I could scarcely refrain from tears; and when,
towards the latter end, he spoke to one individiial, I
could no longer refrain, but wept till I was ashamed
of myself. He spoke most beautifully, so much to me,
that, if not wrong, I can adopt the language of the
woman of Samaria, when she said, ' He told me all
that ever I did.' He spoke of the love and conde
scension of the Lord, saying, ' If thou wilt return
unto Him, He will heal thy backslidings. He will
love thee freely. Oh, if, this day, the Spirit of the
Lord has been striving with thee, setting any of thy
sins in order before thee, so that thy hard .heart has
been softened and thy spirit tendered before the
Lord ; if this has been the case, as I believe it has
been with thee, reject not this visitation of Divine
love, but come to Jesus Christ; and should thy
doubting heart suggest " I cannot come to Jesus, I
know not how so unworthy a creature as I am,
can come ; " oh, give not way to it. Come unto
Jesus, just as thou art; come unto Him confessing
thy sins, and He will receive thee. Thou must
resign thy all to Him, thy will, tby heart, thy
affections. It may be, the Lord will make use
of thee in after days.' L. C. rose soon afterwards
and said, ' Oh, thou visited one, whoever thou art, to
thee would I address the language. Hold fast that
thou hast, that no man take thy crown.' I can
scarcely doubt that it was intended for me, and, oh, my

ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON. 11
dear friend, earnestly do I desire to take that which
was handed with reverent thankfulness to the Lord
for this blessing, and also to crave that it may not be
lost to me, but be indeed a season never to be for
gotten. * * * * I intend to relinquish a certain
article of dress this day, as I can no longer wear it
with any comfort."
" %th Mo., 1846. — I am indeed in a very low state
as regards spiritual things, and stand in great need
of counsel, for I am often tempted to give up all con
ffict against the world and its snares, and enter into
them again. But, O may I never do this, but look
to the Lord, for it is written, ' The name of the Lord
is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and
is safe.' "
" 12th Mo., lith, 1846.— We have just accom
plished our sixth move; we Hke this abode very
well, though not so much as the last one. However,
if I could but arrive at that blessed state of which
the Apostle speaks, when he says, ' I have learned, in
whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,'
every change would be easy to bear. * * * *
When I think of what Jesus endured for my sake, I
wonder at myself, that I can be so hard-hearted as
not to love Him more than all and every one. I
have had scarcely any time for quiet retirement of
late, and when I have had, it has not been prized as
it ought to be, nor spent at all to satisfaction." * * *

12 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
" To ******
« 5, Regent Terrace, 1st Mo., Uh, 1847.
" The awful uncertainty of time has been brought
more nearly into view, and the warning voice has
again and again rung in mine ear, ' Prepare to meet
thy God ;' ' At such an hour as ye think not, the
Son of man cometh;' and often have I queried
within my heart, if this were my last day on earth,
how should I spend it ? Very, very differently from
the way I now do, and yet I know not that I may
live another day, seeing the passing moment only
belongs to us, and that is only lent, ' for ye are not
your own.' * * * * j think I hardly ever
felt the close of the year bring with it such solemn
reflections. I sat up till it had quite gone, and did not
hail the coming year with joy, remembering the
many happy days which 1846 bore away in its course,
which can never be recalled."
" To ****** " 1st Mo., 2Uh, 1847.
" I trust I do feel very grateful to the Lord for all
His past mercies, which have been showered on us
so thickly of late, and can truly say, ' Bless the Lord,
O my soul, and all that is. within me bless His holy
name.' Yes, dearest  , such surely ought to be
the. feelings of my heart, when I take a retrospective
glance at the past;; and humbling, indeed, is the

ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON. 13
thought of what I shall stand accountable for at the
last day. Were it not for the precious blood of Jesus,
where could we flee ? "
" To ****** " 4:th Mo., 22nd, 1847.
" Went to Gracechurch Street Meeting. I think
I may truly say, I felt it was good to be there ; it
was a season which I hope not soon to forget ; may
it stimulate rne to fresh exertions to serve the Lord,
in whatever way He may require."
« 5th Mo., 23rd, 1847.— Oh, my dearest friend, I
am indeed made renewedly sensible of my own short
comings, and utter inability to do, say, or think any
good thing without the help of my Almighty God
and Saviour Jesus Christ, who, blessed be His holy
name, is ever ready and willing to help all who call
upon Him, and wait lowly and humbly at His feet,
to receive the crumbs that fall from His table. And,
surely, our table has been richly spread this year ;
oh, may we not only hear, but receive the word of
exhortation, and not shun the cross! I am, even
now, ready to tremble for myself, on setting out for
a long visit, when I shall be left entirely to my own
judgment; oh, that best Wisdom may direct, and
then I shall not err. ****** Our individual
responsibility is an awful thought; we are left at
liberty to choose which path we will walk in, whether

14 ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.
to 'enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season,' or to
'suffer affliction with the people of God;' and may
the latter be our choice, though for the present
' chastening seemeth not joyous, but grievous ; yet,
nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable
fruits of righteousness to those who are exercised
thereby.' I cannot close this letter without adding
these words, which seem much with me : ' Beloved,
think it not strange, concerning the fiery trial which
is to try you ;' and I firmly believe, a day of trial is
nigh, even at the door ; let us look to it, and ' search
Jerusalem as with a lighted candle.' " " Dichlehurgh.
" 1th Mo., 26th, 1847. — I am sure thou wilt rejoice
with me in the liberty I now enjoy, of retiring into
my own room almost whenever I like. I assure thee
I feel it quite a privilege. I read a short time after
breakfast, and usually sit still after tea. I also read
when I go to bed. I quite agree with thee, that
when this practice is discontinued, earth and earthly
things do often gain ascendency over our minds to a
greater degree than is right they should, and there
fore exert an influence very prejudicial to our eternal
welfare. Whilst I have been out, contemplating the
works of nature, my thoughts have frequently turned
to Heaven, and the dear one (her father) who is, we
reverently trust, happy there for ever, freed from all
the cares and trials of earth ; and though I do, and

ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON. 15
must ever deeply feel his loss, yet I have sometimes
been enabled to return thanks on his behalf, and
been afresh stimulated to endeavour to follow him,
as he endeavoured to follow his God. That we,
dearest  , may be found walking in the path cast
up for us, and ready whenever the awful summons
shall be sent to us, is the wish, and at times the
heartfelt prayer of thy fellow-traveller and sister,
Bessie." 10th Mo., 18th, 1847.— After alluding to the death
of an acquaintance, Elizabeth Bayes thus writes : —
" Surely, if we do not take warning by these repeated
admonitions, it will be our own fault, for it seems to
me that the cry, ' Prepare to meet thy God,' is loudly
sounded in our ears on every side ; and none of us
know which may be the next. We know not when
our tum may come, but we do know that the time
must come to every one of us, when the awful words,
' Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die, and not
live,' shall go forth ; and oh, dearest, that our houses
may be in order, that our hearts may be cleansed,
and our soul's salvation worked out, ere this day
come, is the earnest desire of thy Bessie."
" 1 1 th Mo., 4th, 1847. — I can almost adopt the
language, I ' dwell in a dry and thirsty land, where
no water is ;' but, knowing that the Lord can cause
water to flow from the hard flinty rock, as well as
turn the fruitful land into barrenness, I humbly

16 ELIZABETH 3. 3, ROBSON.
trust the time may come when I shall be enabled to
praise the Lord for His spiritual blessings extended
to me. His poor, unworthy creature, for truly ' the
Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over
all His works.' " " To the same.
"Ath Mo., 24th, 1848.— Accept, dearest, many,
many thanks for thy most welcome epistle, received
on my birthday, which gave me much pleasure.
This day brought with it many and various thoughts
and desires, — thoughts of the past year, as to how
unprofitably it had been spent, and of the many
retrograde steps which had been taken^ and the few
set towards that heavenly city which hath founda
tions, * whose builder and maker is God.' I quite
unite, dear, with thee in thinking, that we must be
willing to tread a narrow, self-denying path, in our
future line of duty ; and earnest at times, I trust, are
my desires to become willing to be formed and
fashioned in whatever way the Lord sees meet. O,
may all that stands opposed to His coming and reign
ing in my heart be nailed to His cross ! I am now
much more at liberty to retire than I have been of
late, and greatly do I enjoy this privilege, for I feel
fully assured that this practice tends greatly to keep
us in mind of our duty to our Creator, which is our
first and greatest duty. I have received a present of

ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON. 17
a dear little ' Guide to True Peace,' which I intend
shall henceforth be my pocket companion."
EXTRACTS FROM HER DIARY.
" Rose Hill, Dorking.
"1th Mo., 22nd, 1848.— A long time has elapsed
since I last wrote any memoranda of the dealings of
the Lord with me ; and now I must record something
of the outward as well as the inward toil and travail
through which I have lately passed. We moved to
this lovely spot about two months ago, with the
intention of prosecuting a plan we have long enter
tained, of educating a small number of the daughters
of Friends; and though I do, indeed, feel the weighti-
ness of the engagement at times, and my inability to
perform the duties of it aright, yet I do rejoice in the
hope that it is the path marked out for us by our
unerring Guide ; and if this be indeed the case. He
wiU, I doubt not, appear for our help, and ' strengthen
us out of Zion.' As regards the inward travail of
my soul, I have of late felt very poor, and stripped
of all that is good — yea, even, as it were, dead in a
spiritual sense, cast off by God, and given over to
the unwearied enemy of my soul's peace. But, last
week, the Lord was pleased to arise for my deliver
ance, and to give me to know that He would yet
hear my cry, and raise me up out of that pit into
which I had sunk ; yea, that He would quicken my
C

18 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON,
drooping spirit. ¦  spoke much to my state in
our Quarterly Meeting, and I trust I not only beard
with the outward ear, but also with the inward one,
so that I cried unto the Lord to have mercy upon
me, and to spare me yet a little longer, that I may
recover strength, before I go hence, and be no
more." " Qth Mo., 3Qth. — ^Alas ! words cannot describe ^he
bitterness of the cup which vve have had to drink,
nor the depth of sorrow through which it has. pleased
the Lord that we should pass. My beloved sister
Anna was taken ill with fever, but we feared no
danger till last fifth day week, when her medical
attendant pronounced her to be in imminent danger.
She gradually got worse from that time till 7th day,
23rd instant, when she peacefully breathed her last.
Oh I who can tell the anguish that filled us, when
the last scene came so unexpectedly upoii us; but
whilst we knelt around the bed of death, a consoling
belief was afforded us, that her purified and redeemed
spirit had joined her God, and was for ever on high,
set free from all the trials and sorrows which are the
portion of the pilgrim here below. How little did
we think she would be the first of our seven to join
the redeemed spirit of our beloved father ! But the
Lord's ways are not as our ways, nor His thoughts
as our thoughts, and no doubt it is all designed in
mercy, though we see it not now ; and very hard it is

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 19
to bear without repining; though I do at times, I
believe, firmly desire to be brought into a willingness
to say, with heartfelt sincerity, ' Thy will, O Lord,
be done.' "
" I2th Mo., 2nd. — My earnest desire this night,
yea, my cry has been to the Lord, that He would
work in me a thorough willingness to do His will,
that I may be enabled to make an unreserved sur
render of all unto Him, and follow where He leads ;
and the text has arisen in my mind to-night, ' What
soever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.' "
" 1st Mo., 28th, 1849. — I have this evening, in a
retrospective glance at this day, been brought to see
and to feel in some measure my sinfulness as regards
meetings. How often have I presented myself before
the Lord, when my heart has been far, very far from
Him, so that I have been ready to look upon Him as
a justly offended God, and have not dared this night
to call Him, Father. I am at times ready to faint,
and to lay down the cross, which I have in so slight
a degree taken up ; but, oh ! is it not because I have
not bowed to it, nor given my shoulder to the yoke ?
Yes, I still cleave to the world more than to God,
and seek the perishing things of time with more zeal
than the enduring things of eternity."
In allusion to an approaching trial, she thus
writes : —
"1st Mo., 31st, 1849. — I dare not now pray, as
c 2

20 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
once I did, that this trial may be averted, as I believe
all will be for the best ; and therefore all that is left"
for me is to seek for resignation and cheerfulness
under it. Oh Lord ! grant me strength to walk
circumspectly before thee, following thee whitherso
ever thou shalt lead ; and oh ! enable me not to
shrink or tum aside from any of thy requirements,
even though they be very difficult for me to peij-
form." " 6 Mo., 6th. — I have not yet been able to return
to my plan of retirement after tea, for various hin
drances have presented, which I could not overcome,
as I do not know how far others should be inconve
nienced to make way for it. I fear I am yielding undue
place to the world and earthly things, letting them
interfere, more than is right, with my duty to God."
" Ryde, 7 Mo., 10th. — Alas, while the mind
is bent on outward pleasures, how difficult is it
to give things of the highest importance their
due place in our thoughts ! During my stay here,
I have mostly found quiet seasons for retirement,
but how seldom have they been profitably spent !
so that, at times, I have been tempted to give up the
practice as useless mockery ; but then the Lord, in
His abundant mercy, shows me my sinfulness, and
grants me access to the throne of grace for pardon, so
that I feel the Lord liveth; oh! that I could add, ' I
know that my Kedeemer liveth.' I have lately

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 21
thought much on the text, ' Because thou art luke
warm, and art neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee
out of my mouth,' and awful is the reflection that
just so am I. Quicken me, oh Lord, I beseech thee,
to a sense of my lost condition ; raise in me living
desires " to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus
Christ whom thou hast sent"
•"8 Mo., 21st. — I have penned nothing here for
some days, and fear now I have nothing but backsli
dings to record, save the Lord's unmerited mercy
extended towards me. Yes, I can truly say, ' it is of
the Lord's mercy we are not consumed;' for truly
to us belong nothing but 'blushing and confusion of
face,' whilst all things are in His hand, and He can
do whatsoever He pleaseth. Strengthen me, then,
oh my God, to pay attention to thy inward calls, to
listen to thy voice of love, which bids me to come,
taste, and see how good thou art."
"'ist Mo., 1st., 1850. — How strange a date! and
stranger still that the Lord has not cut me off in my
sins, but spares me yet a little longer. May the
remainder of my life be entirely His ; may all my
powers and faculties be devoted _ to Him henceforth,
for I believe there is a work for me to do ; and earnest
are my desires, on entering another year, that the
Lord's purposes concerning me may be all fulfilled to
the glory and honour of His great name alone.
" Thou alone knowest, O God, how many of ouf

22 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON,
band will see the close of this year, or if we shall ever"
again all meet, on earth ; but, gracious Father, grant,
I pray thee, that if we meet not here on earth, we
may all unite in heaven, in ascribing unto thee and
thy dear Son, Christ Jesus, glory, honour, praise and
power, for ever and ever. Amen."
"2 Mo., ]6th. — Oh, could I really possess one
grain of living faith to trust in God, how many
anxieties and troubles would be spared ; could I learn
in simple faith to look with a single eye to Jesus, how
soon would rough places appear smooth, crooked
things straight, and hard things easy ! Grant me, oh
Lord, this grain of living faith to trust in thee for
ever, believing that thou wilt do all things well."
In 1851, her mother left home to pay a religious
visit to Friends in North America; shortly after which
Elizabeth entered as governess into a Friend's family
at Ipswich. In allusion to this, she writes : —
"12 Mo., 20th, 1851. — In two weeks I hope to
engage in a new career at Ipswich. Oh, that in the
chequered path before me, I may rely wholly on
Israel's unslumbering Shepherd, who never sleeps,
but watches over even the least of His lambs.
" I fear I have lost ground lately, by not entering
here, more regularly, my thoughts, and- by not being
able to continue the practice of daily retiring to
search my heart, and seek a renewal of my strength,
O Lord, draw my wandering thoughts more closely

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 23
to thee ! Grant me ability to cast all my burdens on
thee ; and now that I feel, as it were, truly an orphan,
being bereft of my only surviving parent's counsels,
enable me to cleave closely to thee, who alone can
direct my ways aright."
Elizabeth Bayes felt a warm interest in the moral
and religious welfare of all around her, and the
education of neglected children was a subject very
near her heart. She watched the progress of Ragged
Schools with delight, and cordially assisted as a
teacher in them, whenever opportunity offered. She
was naturally fond of imparting instruction, and in
variably gained the confidence and esteem of her
pupils, whatever might be their condition or station in
¦life. The following letter to her closely attached
friend mentions her introduction to the Ragged School
at Ipswich. " To ******
"4 Mo., 2nd, 1852. — On first day evening I was
asking about the Ragged School here, and S. A.
all at once asked if I would like to go and see it. I
was, of course, too glad to think of missing my oppor
tunity, and with  as an escort, set out to find the
Girls' School, which we soon reached; and delighted
indeed was I, once more to take my seat amongst
these poor outcasts. And, better than all, I have

24 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
obtained leave to go sometimes and teach. Oh ! I am
so thankful that a way has opened for me to resume
occasionally my labours among the poor ; for though
my share in the Bible district is interesting. Ragged
Schools are far more so to me, and I do not like to be
idle, when the field of labour they open is so exten
sive. Oh that I may rightly employ the time granted
me on earth !"
" 4th Mo., 6th, 1852. — Left for a few days in a very
responsible position. Oh, may I be strengthened to
do the Lord's will ; may I be enabled to go in and
out rightly before the dear children, and be endowed
with true wisdom from on high to direct them. The
daily language of my soul ought to be, ' Bless the
Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits,' for
surely in His tender mercy and loving kindness. He
hath set me in a large place."
" To * * * * * *
"Ipswich, 10th Mo., 12th, 1852.
" Oh, the many happy hours I have spent at T  ,

in your house, hold a very prominent place in my
heart, and have made there an impression, never, I
trust, to be effaced. How tenderly doth my heavenly
Father deal with me during the absence of dear
mamma ! Here I have indeed found a comfortable
home, and most kind friends have been raised up for
me. Would that I could feel that gratitude towards

ELIZABETH J, J. EOBSON. 25
the Giver of every good and perfect gift, which should
characterize every child of God."
In 8th Mo., 1853, she was united in marriage to
Joseph John Robson. ' Shortly after reaching her new
home, she thus writes : —
" Saffron Walden,8th Mo., 2nd, 1853.
" Mt ever DEAR  , ***** Rain and clouds
have been our almost daily portion since I arrived
here ; yet, though outwardly we have lacked the
bright beams of the sun, a sunbeam has alighted upon
our house and shone throughout it, as it shineth now,
brightly, happily, continuously. Thou wilt, perhaps,
think I go too far if I say, without a cloud to lessen
its glorious brightness ; but, really, I feel quite in
clined to adopt the following lines, as expressive of
my own state of happiness now; they are from a
poem, ' He doeth all things well.'
' My cup of happiness seem'd full, my joy, words cannot tell,
And I blessed the glorious Giver, who doeth all things well.'
" Such, dearest  , converted into the present
tense, describes, better than aught else, how thy
friend feels in her married life; and is, I think, a most
satisfactory evidence that this most important change
is in the right ordering of events."
iJIq ******
" Saffron Walden, 30th, 12th Mo., 1853.
" This day my thoughts carry me back to our

26 ELIZABETH J. 3, EOBSON.
house at Tottenham, where was passing a scene of
trial and woe, the first real grief I knew, the first death
bed, I had stood beside ; for, eleven years to-day, the
same day of the week, we were summoned from the
school-room to witness the last scene in our dear
father's earthly career. Oh ! since then, what
changes have passed over' us ! The sorrowful group
of mourners then gathered are now far separated,
and very different allotments have been assigned
them. Our course has not been so unmarked by
diversity, as some know their path through life to
be, and trials have been permitted, doubtless, to
prove our faith, and draw us closer to God. The
solemn question then arises, how have these opportu
nities been improved ? Have they had on our conduct
the effect intended ? Am I nearer that heavenly
city than when sorrow first drew my thoughts
thither? In one sense, I am nearer; the flight of
time has wafted me nearer; the close of another
year — a year peculiarly to be remembered by me —
tells me I am nearer, in that way ; would that I were
nearer in the best sense ; but though, at times, per
mitted a little feeling of hope that I am making some
progress, I fear to think so, while I set so many
backsliding steps.
" I have just joined the Committee for visiting,
&c., the Girls' British School, and expect to find it a
very interesting work. 1 hope soon to engage in the

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 27
Bible visiting, but am waiting till a suitable district
offers. These occupations I much wish to undertake ;
for, in visiting the poor, one often gains as much, if
not more good, than one can impart.
At this period, her mental and physical vigour gave
promise of great usefulness formanyyears to come; but
her heavenly Father saw meet to order it otherwise ; for
inthe 3rd month, 1854, previously to her confinement,
she had a severe attack of apoplexy and paralysis,
which for many hours threatened dissolution, and
from the effects of which she never fully recovered.
In allusion to her illness and the death of her infant son,
which was to her an inexpressible sorrow, she writes: — •
" 5 Mo., 28th. — How little do we know what a
day may bring forth ! Since the last entry, I have
been brought very low, almost to the verge of the
grave. But oh ! the mercy of my God ! He has
raised me up again ; He has spared me that I may
recover strength, before I go hence and be no more.
And now, oh ! that it may be my very earnest desire
to seek to serve Him with the strength granted to so
poor and unworthy a sinner. I desire to look upon
it as a new proof that my heavenly Father hath a
work for me to perform. On recovering (conscious
ness) these words came forcibly to my mind — ' Thou
shalt not die, but live and declare the wondrous
works of God ;' and I was brought into a deep feeling
and sense of gratitude to Him, who had in mercy

28 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
raised me up again. Oh that the chastening, where*
with in boundless love we have been chastened, may-
bring forth that peaceable fruit of righteousness
spoken of in the Epistle to the Hebrews, and which,
we cannot doubt. He, who afflicteth not willingly, nor
grieveth the "children of men, desireth it should bring
forth. Lord, thou hast brought us very low, yea,
bowed us in the dust before thee, and given us in
measure to feel that ' thou hast the words of eternal
life,' and that to no one else could we go and find
help in our time of greatest need. Thou hast taken
from us our heart's desire, and ' made us to drink of
the wine of astonishment.' Thou hast marred our
pleasant pictures, but through all, thou, our merciful
Father, hast not forsaken us ! and oh ! we pray thee,
grant that this trial may be sanctified to our souls,
that this affliction may prove a blessing to us, and
that we may come forth from the fire, purged and
refined, and made meet to serve thee, striving to give
up our whole hearts unto thee, O God, being
weaned from the world and the things thereof. And
now, O Father, enable thy poor, erring, sinful chUd,
if I may. so call such an unworthy one as I am, to say
in sincerity of heart, ' Thy will be done,' and to
return thee thanks for the blessings given in the
midst of deep affliction."
" 7 Mo., 30th. — Much has transpired since I made
the last entry ; we have spent three weeks at the sea-

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 29
side very pleasantly, and the bracing air of Lowestoft
has tended much to recruit me, so that I am far more
able to help myself than was once the case, — a blessing
for which I desire to render praise and thanksgiving
¦where alone it is due. Oh, the many mercies left me
richly to enjoy!"
" 8 Mo,, 6th. — Mercy, wondrous mercy, unmerited
mercy, is extended towards me from day to day ;
manifold blessings are bestowed upon us, till we can
say, ' our cup runneth over ; ' and, though gratitude
is permitted to arise at times, and I am enabled in
measure to bear with patience the heavy trial dis
pensed, yet I cannot fully and entirely yield resign
edly to the chastening. Nay, at times, the tempter
almost prevails, till I am ready to query. Why is it
thus ? why are our hopes blighted ? why is our
heart's desire taken from us ? And then a painful
sense of a void, a bitter feeling of a blank comes over
me, till tears flow scarcely to be restrained. Oh, I
have thought, at times such as these, what a blessing
to call to mind the text, ' For we have not a High
Priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we
are, yet without sin.' Surely He chasteneth in
mercy. He remembereth us in tender love, and He
will stay His hand when He has wrought out His
gracious purposes, and sees His own image reflected
in us. Lord, be pleased to take away the dross, the

30 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
tin, and the reprobate silver, and let not the furnace
be stayed till the work is completed. Forgive, I
pray thee, my murmuring rebellious spirit, and teach
my froward heart to bow to thy will ; then shall I
know thy yoke to be easy, and thy burden light."
" 13th, 9th Mo., 1854. — How kind, persons are to
me ! I often think I ought to be specially grateful
for each renewed offer of help, and regard it as a
blessing sent from Heaven. Oh, how wisely is
everything ordered, and how one thing makes up for
another, almost invariably ! "
" 9th Mo., 23rd. — More than a month has passed
since I made the last entry. Am I any better pre
pared for heaven ? How have I spent this precious
portion of time ? These are awfully important ques
tions ; may I seek to answer them faithfully. I fear
the first question cannot be answered fully, and yet I
have a hope that I have gone a little forward ; that I
have at times been favoured to draw nearer to my
God ; and though often, often falling, I think I have
been preserved from some easily besetting sins. But
if I have been thus favoured, in never so slight a
degree, I desire to ascribe all the praise where alone
it is due, and in deep humility to dwell on my great
short-comings. I also fear to answer the question
relating to time, for I feel persuaded that it has not
been spent so to the glory of God as it ought to
have been. But if I have really learned one lesson

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 31
in the school of Christ, the past month has not been
all lost."
From this time Elizabeth Robson's health con
tinued steadily to improve, and she was able to
attend to her ordinary duties. Although her left
side was far from strong, her natural energy over
came her bodily weakness, and her time was much
occupied in the study of languages and other literary
pursuits. Her interest in her poorer neighbours waa
great, and she resumed her habit of visiting them in
their dwellings; and in her frequent rides she dis
tributed many tracts, especially to the children, which
practice she continued till within a few days of her
decease. During the winter of 1854-55, she assisted a young
Friend in teaching a class of girls, composed chiefly
of young servants, who met for that purpose one
evening in the week; and in the early part of the
next winter it was carried on solely by herself.
In 12th Mo., 1856, the cherished hopes of her
attached family were again laid low by her having a
second apoplectic seizure, previously to her confine
ment, from which there appeared no probability of
her recovery ; but it pleased Him, " Whose way is
in the sea, and His path in the great waters, and His
footsteps are not known," to bring her up again, as
from the gates of death, to glorify her Saviour on
the earth.

32 ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.
On the 23rd of 1st Month, 1857, she thus writes : —
" ' Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within
me, bless His holy name,' is again and again the
language of my heart, when recounting the mercies,
both spiritual and temporal, which have been show
ered down upon us, so abundantly, even in the midst
of deep trial and affliction. Five weeks have now
elapsed since I was seized with alarming illness, and
laid upon a bed of sickness and suffering, from which,
however, I am once again raised, and am slowly
recovering. Marvellous are the dealings of the Lord
with us; very marvellous are they to me, whilst pon
dering on the last three years and a half of my life.
Twice in that short space iUness has brought me very
low, even to the brink of the grave, and yet I am
still an inhabitant of earth ; I am raised up once
more, brought back, as it were, to life. And why
is it thus? Grant then, O Lord, that I may be
resigned to thy will ; repress, I pray thee, all re-
pinings at thy wondrous dealings with us. And
surely this prayer has, in measure, been answered ;
for, blessed be His holy name. He has checked
such thoughts, and filled me with praises rather
than murmui-ings. Ever since consciousness has
fully returned, thanksgiving and praise have been
my feeling, and the past few weeks, so painful to
others; have been joyful to me. The words, ' Thy
sins, which are many, are all forgiven,' have again

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 33
and again sounded in my heart, and are present with
me still. Very comforting they are, though I fear
lest I should build on them wrongly; but I desire
ability to look upwards and seek help from above."
"2nd Mo., 18tli. — Still gradually recovering, and,
as it were, returning to earth ; but I do not feel that
interest in worldly pursuits that I once did, and
I trust this feeling may continue, even if a full por
tion of health and strength be granted me. It is won
derful to me to think what a change has been effected
in my feelings of late. I, who once dreaded death,
with what seemed an unconquerable fear, have been
enabled to look death in the face without one fear,
nay, almost with joy, in the blessed hope afforded that
to me to die would be gain.
" I seemed almost to see within the pearl gates of
the New Jerusalem, and I felt able to give up every
thing here, without one pang — even him who is
dearer to me than any one on earth— into the care and
keeping of our ever-present Helper and Preserver,
and to resign all to my God, looking forward with
joy, and a confiding hope that in the end all would
be well with us."
"2nd Mo., 21st., First-day afternoon. — This
morning I have once more been to Meeting, after
nearly three months' absence from the public worship
of my God ; and I trust that this day I was enabled
to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. My

34 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
soul was bowed before my God in deep contrition for
my manifold sins and transgressions, and the prayer
again raised, ' Do with me, O Lord ! what thou
wilt, only make me what thou wouldst have me to be. '
And then again the consoling language was presented
forcibly to my mind, ' Thy sins, which are many, are
all forgiven,' and thankfulness and praise was the
covering of my soul.
" I was led to ponder on the joys of heaven, on the
transcendent excellence of the Redeemer's kingdom,
in a manner I never could before ; surely this illness
has been for good ; and I trust it is not presumption if
I add, that I believe it has been blessed in bringing
me nearer to my God."
" 3rd Mo., 1st, First day. — At Meeting this morn
ing I do trust that in some degree I was enabled to
worship my God in spirit and in truth ; I enjoyed a
degree of quietness that I have not often felt, and the
season appeared one of deep solemnity ; so that when
the meeting closed, instead of feeling, as often I have
done, tired and glad to be released from so painful a
struggle, I was sorry to leave the spot. I hope I am
not mistaken, nor flattering myself with a vain hope ;
but I do believe the past season of deep trial has been
truly blessed to my soul. I think I feel my Saviour
near, and though very weak, one of the weakest and
feeblest, I trust I know something of the love of God.
I do love my Saviour, and I also /eeZ that He died for

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 35
me, and therefore I may hope, through His redeemuig
love and mercy, to find an entrance within the veil,
' Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus,
made an High Priest for ever, after the order of Mel
chisedec' "
" Mt dearest * * *, — Having watched the post
the last day or so, in the hope of tidings of or from
thee, and not having, as yet, been rewarded with
success, I have at length taken upon me to send
thee a few lines, and tell thee, myself, that I am re
covering strength, and returning to my usual health,
being able also to renew my regular employments in
some degree at least. What a favour — is it not — that
I am so far restored to dearest Joseph ? I can assure
thee we do indeed feel it so, and desire, I trust, to
bless His holy name who hath dealt so mercifully
with us, even in the depth of aU our sorrow. Surely
all our trials and afflictions are sent for our profit.
Oh ! may the good designed, be wrought out ; may
we be enabled truly to bow in submission neath
the chastening hand of our God, and be ready to
breathe the prayer from our hearts, ' Do with us,
what thou wilt, oh Lord ! only make us what thou
wouldst have us to be.'
" Adieu, my dear, dear  ,
" Believe me, thy very loving " Bessie."

36 ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON.
" 3rd Mo., 1 1 th. — As I sat this morning consider
ing the path I have had to tread since my union with
my beloved partner, and the repeated trials that have
been apportioned us, this text comforted me greatly,
' Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom He receiveth.' In the very depth of
sorrow, with our mouths even, as it were, in the dust,
the Lord has been near to us — yes, very near — stilling
all murmurs, and filling us the rather with songs of
praise. Is it not in holy love that this last heavy
trial is sent ? Oh ! I am led to see that it is indeed
mercy, all mercy, infinite mercy and long-suffering
goodness, and I bow in submission : I can, I believe,
thank God that He hath afflicted me.
" I think I can see, in this sorely severe blow, that
my God, knowing the frailty of human nature, and
willing to make me truly His child, removed from
me what might have proved a snare. He, who
knoweth all hearts, knows how I love little children,
but He saw, also, that till even this love was sanctified
and purified, it might lead me away from Himself."
" lith. — Again this morning I was permitted to
sit down with my friends to worship before God.
Whilst thus in silence, my thoughts turned on the
Lord's dealings with me of late ; and I felt filled with
love to my God ; so filled, that I seemed ready to
sing for joy, and declare unto others what great things
He hath done for my soul. I cannot understand my

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 37
ffeelings of almost rapturous delight, when I think of
God's infinite mercy and goodness towards me ; the
very feelings that I have of love to Him, are quite
indescribable ; my heart overflows so with love, I long
to show it, to testify in some way to those around me
the infinite love of God ; how very gently He deals
with His little ones. I sometimes feel as though*
even here, prayer is turned to praise in my heart ; for
when I kneel to pray, I scarcely know what to ask
for, except more ability to love and serve my God."
"5th Mo., 31st. — In settling into my new home
and duties here in the business-house, I have ear
nestly desired to fill my situation rightly; to be
enabled to walk before our household in the fear of
the Lord ; daily seeking help from above, to take
straight steps to my feet, that those round me may be
encouraged to seek their Saviour, whom, though in
great weakness, I desire above all things to love and
serve." " 6th Mo., 6th. — Oh ! what could I do now, with
out the calming, soothing influences of religion?
What could I now rest on, whither flee for comfort,
were it not that ' I know that my Redeemer liveth ;'
and because He lives, I may hft up my head and say •
with confidence, / Uve also. Blessed, holy thought.
He ever liveth to make intercession for me I"
" \2th Mo., 4th.— To-day I strolled into our newly
laid-out cemetery, and sat some time alone in the

38 ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.
Episcopalian chapel. My meditation there naturally
turned on death, and truly do I now rejoice to find that
this subject, once so fearful, so gloomy to me, is robbed of
its terrors ; yes, I feel as if I were quite ready to go; quite
ready to wing my way hence, and, oh ! joyful thought,
I can trustingly, confidingly believe, that in adorable
mercy a place is prepared for me in heaven ; that, all
unworthy as I am, an entrance will be granted me
into the Celestial City, the dwelling-place of the
saints, who, being redeemed and sanctified, and
washed white in the blood of the Lamb, for ever sur
round ' the throne of God.' And the prayer of my
heart, for myself, and those near and dear to me,
arose, that when our bodies shall return to the dust,
our spirits may be permitted, through adorable mercy,
to return to God who gave them."
Towards the end of this year, E. Robson became
subject to distressing attacks of an epileptic character,
which, though they usually occurred during sleep,
often brought her very low, and continued at inter
vals throughout the remainder of her life. In allu
sion to this, she writes :^-
" 1 Mo., 4th, 1858. — A new date; Jime has rolled
on and we have entered another year, and that under
rather a cloudy sky. I was taken sadly, a few days
since, with a solnewhat trying affection, as it feels to

ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON. 39
me ; but my God has been near, and has softened
this hard stroke by His merciful kindness and
heavenly love."
" 2nd Mo,, 16th. — Last night, on retiring to rest, I
told my beloved partner a little of my feeling in
reference to my precarious state of health, and of a
separation as, possibly, not being very far off. * * *
But there is One, and only One, who knows
what is in store for us. His little ones; and in
His holy keeping I can, I think, confidingly place
myself, knowing that, whether my sojourn here be
longer or shorter, whether the remainder of my
earthly course be trodden in smooth or rough roads,
in the paths of outward prosperity and happiness, or
in those of weakness and sorrow, I am still safe in the
hands of an allwise and almighty Father and Friend.
Thy wiU, O Lord, be done, for thou doest all things
weU." " llih Mo., 1th, First day. — I have been out for
a week, and have now retumed home, where, if con
sistent with the Divine will, I hope to spend a quiet,
happy winter ; yes, a happy winter — whether in
health or in sickness ; for, praises to our heavenly
Father, I am often granted seasons of great happiness ;
times when I can look up, and feel in some^degree able
to say, 'Thy will be done; do with me, oh my
Father, what thou wilt.' "
" 12th Mo., 26th. — For the last few days, while

40 ELIZABETH 3. 3. ROBSON.
under a feeling of peculiar bodily weakness, and some
degree of discouragement as regards my health, I
think I may, in a feeling of deep humility, acknow
ledge that a little faith has at times been granted, to
raise my eye heavenward, in a prayerful hope that,
whatever may be in store for us, all will be well."
" 5th Mo., 14th, 1859.— This evening, I think I
must thankfully acknowledge that I have been, in a
peculiar manner, granted a feeling of peace, of con
fiding trust in the Lord Jehovah, in the full belief,
that He doeth all things well. Some of the comfort
ing verses of the 43rd Isaiah have been given me
to-night as texts I may lay hold of with hope ; and of
some, I think, I have been permitted to feel the truth,
in a grateftd sense of my Saviour's love. That such
a feeling may continue is the earnest desire of my
heart, for, through all, I must acknowledge that my
Saviour's love has been close round about us ; and
oh ! may it be so continually, even to the very end."
" 6th Mo., 26th. — This morning, whilst listening
to the last chapter of Luke, the account of our
Saviour's appearing to the disciples as they went to
Emmaus, and on a subsequent occasion, seemed quite
to comfort me. I thought, ' Why are ye troubled,
and why do thoughts arise in your hearts ? It is I,
myself.' Yes, these words came home very closely to
me. Why am I troubled at the dealings of the Lord
with me ? Cannot I behold with the eye of faith.

ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.' 41
that it is His hand laid upon me? — and cannot I
acknowledge that my Lord is indeed walking with
me in the way? Then methought, may we, Hke
those of old, be found continually in the temple,
praising and blessing God."
" 9th Mo., 18th. — We have been out for change
of air, for nearly three weeks, which we greatly en
joyed ; still, I feel glad to find myself settled again
in my own dear, quiet home, where I am indeed
cared for on all hands, and watched over most
affectionately; so that, though my nest may some
times feel rather thorny, yet it has, over all, a downy
fining, lovingly spread, for which I desire truly to
¦ return thanks to the One great Giver of all our
mercies, who, though He now chastens, can, when
ever He sees meet, stay His chastening hand, and
make the crooked ways straight and the rough places
plain." " 9th Mo., 25th. — ' Wherefore criest thou unto
me? Speak unto the children of Israel that they go
forward,' were the words addressed to Moses, when,'
being wholly cast down and brought into an extremity,
he cried unto the Lord; for in leading the people he
did, at that time, seem in the very depth of despair.
' Speak to the children of Israel that they go forward,'
was clearly the heavenly mandate, and great indeed
was the faith required to obey. For how were the
people to go forward ? The sea rose in mighty billows

42 ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.
before them,while the enemy pursued hard after them.
Yes, great indeed must have been the faith required
to ' lift the rod and stretch the hand over the sea ;'
but it was done ; and the waters, obeying that man
date, divided, and the people went through, even on
dry land. These words, and much thought and deep
feeling while dwelling on these things, have fiUed
my poor, tried and doubting spirit of late ; and a
little faith has been granted me, in the hope that a path
may even soon open before us, where the heavy
waves and billows of sorrow, which have roUed and
are still permitted to roll over us, may be lessened,
and a way made for us, at the Lord's word, to go
forward, as on dry land."
For several months previous to her decease,
Elizabeth Robson's health decidedly improved, and
she was ready to think she might recover ; so that
the almost sudden summons to quit this scene of
probation was unexpected to her, and thus she was
merciftdly spared the pang of taking leave of those
she dearly loved. Five days before the solemn close,
she thus writes : —
" 10th Mo., 10th, ' 1859.— This morning I will en
deavour to record a little of the feelings of my spirit
yesterday, when I think I was helped on my way
vrith a crumb — though, perhaps, a very small one — of
that bread which is able to sustain the tried spirit
under every sorrow. My dear sister, M. E. R.,

ELIZABETH J. J. EOBSON. 43
spent the morning with me, while J. J. was in
Meeting ; and a sweet, refreshing time of quiet we had
together. * * * * In the evening, dearest
J. and I had a sweet season of nearness to the
throne of grace. * * * * Oh ! such union of
spirit is beautiful indeed ; and though, at times, faith
IS ready to fail, and doubts arise, almost overwhelm
ing my poor, tried soul, yet I thankfully beheve that
' He, who hath helped us hitherto,
Will help us all our journey through.'"
Referring to the morning of this day, M. E. R.
says : — " I spent first-day morning with my beloved
sister E. Soon after the others had gone to
Meeting^ I proposed to read a chapter to her, and she
chose Romans v. We then sat in silence for more
than half-an-hour, and I think it was the most
precious Httle meeting we had ever had together.
Towards the close, she addressed me with the words,
'For we hnow, that if our earthly house of this
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God,
a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens;'
earnestly desiring for us both, that if we did not
already know it to be so with us, it might become
our blessed experience. There was something fore
boding to my mind in this, and my feelings were
such that I could not speak of it to any one, till after
she was taken ill, on the following fourth day ; but

44 ELIZABETH J. J. ROBSON.
little did I then think that this would be her last
Sabbath on earth, and that, clothed in her Saviour's
righteousness, her purified spirit would so soon join
that innumerable company, ' who came out of great
tribulation, and have washed their robes and made
them white in the blood of the Lamb.' "
On third day, 11th of 10th month, E. Robson was
not quite so well as usual, but was remarkably
cheerful, and in the afternoon wrote a letter to her
mother. In the evening she conversed with ber
wonted animation on the subject of a book she was
reading. Soon after retiring to rest, she had one
of her usual attacks, which was followed by many
others, and though every effort was made that medi
cal skill could suggest, to restore her to consciousness,
the fits continued at short intervals till sixth day
evening, when apoplexy supervened, and she lay
perfectly still till a quarter past six o'clock, on seventh
day evening, when, without even a sigh, her re
deemed spirit entered into the "joy of her Lord."

A. W. JJEMiSEiT, Biehopsgate-street Without.