Elizabeth Fry | Page 4

contained some known in Quaker parlance as "unbelievers"; perhaps in

our day they would be regarded as holding "advanced opinions." One
of the most intimate visitors at Earlham was a gentleman belonging to
the Roman Catholic communion, but his acquaintance seemed rather to
be a benefit than otherwise, for he referred the young Gurneys in all
matters of faith to the "written word" rather than to the opinions of men
or books generally. Another visitor, a lady afterwards known to
literature as Mrs. Schimmelpenninck, was instrumental in leading them
to form sound opinions upon the religious questions of the day. They
were thus preserved from the wave of scepticism which was then
sweeping over the society of that day.
Judging from her journal of this date, it is not easy to detect much, if
any, promise of the future self-denying philanthropy. She seemed
nervously afraid of "enthusiasm in religion"; even sought to shun
anything which appeared different from the usual modes of action
among the people with whom she mingled. A young girl who confessed
that she had "the greatest fear of religion," because in her judgment and
experience enthusiasm was always allied with religion, was not, one
would suppose, in much danger of becoming remarkable for
philanthropy. True, she was accustomed to doing good among the poor
and sick, according to her opportunities and station; but this was
nothing strange--all the traditions of Quaker life inculcate benevolence
and kindly dealing--what she needed was "the expulsive power of a new
affection." This "new affection"--the love of Christ--in its turn expelled
the worldliness and unrest which existed, and gave a tone to her mental
and spiritual nature, which, by steady degrees, lifted her up, and caused
her to forget the syren song of earth. Not all at once,--in the story of her
newborn earnestness we shall find that the habits and associations of
her daily life sometimes acted as drawbacks to her progress in faith.
But the seed having once taken root in that youthful heart, germinated,
developed, and sprang up, to bear a glorious harvest in the work of
reclaiming and uplifting sunken and debased humanity.
CHAPTER II.
LIFE'S EARNEST PURPOSE.

There was no sharp dividing-line between worldliness and consecration
of life in Elizabeth Gurney's case. The work was very gradually
accomplished; once started into earnest living, she discerned, what was
all unseen before, a path to higher destinies. Standing on the ruins of
her former dead self, she strove to attain to higher things. The
instrument in this change was a travelling Friend from
America--William Savery.
These travelling Friends are deputed, by the Quarterly Meetings to
which they belong, to visit and minister among their own body. Their
commission is endorsed by the Yearly Meeting of the Ministers and
Elders of the Society, before the Friend can extend the journey beyond
his own country. The objects of these visits are generally relating to
benevolent and philanthropic works, or to the increase of religion
among the members of the Society. Joseph John Gurney himself visited
America and the Continent upon similar missions, and in some of his
journeys was accompanied by his illustrious sister.
William Savery was expected to address the Meeting of Friends at
Norwich, and most, if not all, of the Gurney family were present.
Elizabeth had been very remiss in her attendance at meeting; any and
every excuse, in addition to her, at times, really delicate health, served
to hinder attendance, until her uncle gently but firmly urged the duty
upon her. Thenceforward she went a little more frequently, but still was
far from being a pattern worshipper; and it will be conceded that few,
save spiritual worshippers, could with profit join in the grave silence,
or enjoy the equally grave utterances of ordinary meeting. But William
Savery was no ordinary man, and the young people at Earlham
prepared to listen to him, in case he "felt moved" to speak, with no
ordinary attention. Giving an account of this visit, Richenda Gurney
admitted that they liked having Yearly Meeting Friends come to preach,
for it produced a little change; from the same vivacious pen we have an
account of that memorable service. Memorable it was, in that it became
the starting-point of a new career to Elizabeth Gurney.
The seven sisters of the Earlham household all sat together during that
eventful morning, in a row, under the gallery. Elizabeth was restless as

a rule when at meeting, but something in the tone of William Savery's
voice arrested her attention, and before he had proceeded very far she
began to weep. She continued to be agitated until the close of the
meeting, when, making her way to her father, at the men's side of the
house, she requested his permission to dine at her uncle's. William
Savery was a guest there