APn t-' 107 0 
 
 BX 7795 .G87 A4 1856 
 Gurney, Priscilla, 1785- 
 1821 . 
 
 Memoir of Priscilla Gurney 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2015 
 
 https://archive.org/details/memoirofpriscillOOgurn 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 « 
 
LONDON : 
 
 PRINTED FOB WILLIAM AND FREDERICK G. CASH, 
 BISHOPSOATE STREf.T WITHOUT. 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 SUSANNA CORDER. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 WILLIAM AND FREDERICK G. CASH, 
 5, BISHOPSGATE STEEET WITHOUT, 
 1856. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Some selections from the correspondence of Priscilla 
 Gurney having appeared in a periodical, and excited much 
 interest, the Editor of the following brief " Memoir " has 
 been requested to prepare, for the press, a Biographical 
 Sketch of her character, and of the incidents of her life. 
 
 The experiences recorded in the following extracts from 
 her Journal and Letters, — her sound reflections on Divine 
 things, — the weighty impressions made upon her mind, 
 through the teachings of the Holy Spirit, and the many 
 striking lessons of instruction which are intermingled yriih 
 illustrations of these workings of the spiritual life in her 
 own soul, are calculated to serve as waymarks to the 
 christian traveller as he journeys onward to the heavenly 
 Canaan ; and he may be encouraged to " run with patience 
 the race set before " him, by tracing the footsteps of this 
 dedicated sei-vant of Christ, whose course on earth, though 
 short, afforded a remarkable evidence of the sanctifying 
 and preserving efficacy of Divine grace, and of its suffi- 
 
vi 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ciency to enable those who unreservedly yield to its 
 power, to bring forth "much fruit" to the praise and 
 glory of God ; and proving, in no common degree, that 
 " honourable age is not that which standeth in length of 
 time, nor that is measured by number of years; but 
 wisdom is the gray hair to man, and an unspotted life is 
 old age." 
 
 S. C. 
 
 Chelmsford, 
 Fifth Month, 1856. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 1809-1817. 
 
 Pages. 
 
 Youthful days of Priscilla Gurney — Death of a Sister-in-law — Of 
 her Father — Correspondence — lUness of a Brother — Winter 
 at Clifton — Speaks as a Minister amongst Friends — Death of 
 Henry Gurney — Of her Brother John Gumey — Journey to 
 Kice with Invahds — Residence at Nice .... 
 
 1 to 74 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 1817-1818. 
 
 Priscilla Guraey quits Nice — Visits the Friends at Congenies, 
 &c.— Returns to England — Attends the Yearly Meeting in 
 London— Returns to Earlham — Death of Rachel Gurney — 
 Correspondence — Marriage of Joseph John Gumey — Bene- 
 volent Occupations at Home— Religious Engagements in 
 Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire — General Visit to the 
 Meetings of Friends in Ireland — Yearly Meeting in Dublin — 
 In London — Returns Home . . . . . 75 „ 114 
 
 Religious and Pliilanthropic Engagements in Norfolk — Compiles 
 Volume of Hymns — Correspondence — Health fails — Much Ex- 
 ertion in Schools, Prisons, &c. — Attends the Yearly Meeting in 
 London — A Continuance of Declining Health — Visits Upton 
 — Serious attack of Illness there — Removes to the Isle of 
 Wight — Winter there — Correspondence . . . . 115 „ 153 
 
 Priscilla Gurney returns fi-om the Isle of Wight to Earlham — 
 Recurrence of Alarming Indisposition — Is removed to the 
 Coast— Settles at Cromer Hall— Last Illness and Death . 154 „ 19(1 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 1818-1819. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 1820-1821. 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OP 
 
 PRISCILLA GURT^EY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 1809-1817. 
 
 YOUTHFUL DATS OF PRISCILLA GURNET— DEATH OF A SISTEE-IN-UAW — OF 
 HER FATHER — CORRESPONDENCE — ILLNESS OF A BROTHER — WINTEB AT 
 CLIFTON — SPEAKS AS A MINISTER AMONGST FRIENDS — DEATH OF HENRY 
 GURNET — OF HER BROTHER JOHN GURNEY — JOURNEY TO NICE WITH 
 INVALIDS — RESIDENCE AT NICE. 
 
 From a variety of circumstances, the large family of 
 Gurney of Earlham lias become generally known, as con- 
 sisting of persons who, from conspicuous piety and 
 benevolence, have been interesting to the christian world. 
 Placed in a prominent position through the advantages 
 attendant on wealth, talent, and education, they exercised 
 no common degree of influence on the extensive circle in 
 which they moved ; and, from the example of their father, 
 John Gurney, who evinced through life much nobility of 
 mind and a generous nature, they imbibed, from their 
 earliest years, a disinterestedness of character, which, as it 
 became directed by the sanctifying influence of religious 
 principle, induced these young persons largely to diflfuse 
 
 B 
 
2 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1808. 
 
 ai'ouud them the channels of blessing which were so 
 richly placed under their control. Two of their number — 
 the late Elizabeth Fry and her brother Joseph John 
 Gurney — were conspicuously devoted to the cause of 
 christian philanthropy, and their memory is cherished 
 with reverential esteem and love by many, among the 
 varied classes of society, who witnessed their untiring 
 efforts to promote the glory of God, and the well-being of 
 His rational creation. In the published memoirs of these 
 two excellent persons, sketches of the domestic circle at 
 Earlham have been so fully drawn, and so extensively read 
 with lively interest, that any minute recapitulation of 
 them will not be requisite in introducing to the notice of 
 the christian reader the circumstances which marked the 
 brief, but remarkable, earthly course of Priscilla Gurney, 
 the youngest of the seven sisters, who, with four brothers, 
 were, at an early age, bereft of maternal care and in- 
 struction. Their mother, who was characterized by pecu- 
 liar loveliness of mind and person, and by a pious and 
 well-directed solicitude for the true happiness of her 
 children, was removed by death from her important 
 sphere of usefulness, when the eldest of her flock was only 
 seventeen years of age ; leaving to her sorrowing hus- 
 band the responsibilities that now so weightily devolved 
 upon him. He was an indulgent and affectionate parent, 
 greatly beloved by his immediate family; his mind was 
 vigorous and intelligent, his manners kind and courteous, 
 securing the high esteem of his fellow-citizens of Norwich. 
 His eldest daughter, Catherine, was, in an unusual degree, 
 qualified to watch over and to promote the right education 
 of the younger members of the motherless group, and her 
 influence was greatly blessed to them. For many years 
 Earlham was a peculiarly favoured and cheerful abode ; its 
 
1808.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 3 
 
 inmates enjoyed mucli liberty; — some amusements of 
 fashionable life were indulged in ; yet the pursuits of 
 literature and refined taste, united to careful and diligent 
 attention to the duties of benevolence and charity, uni- 
 formly occupied the greater portion of their time. As 
 they became matured in age, the love of pleasure was 
 gradually tempered, and their minds were impressed with 
 a deep conviction of the vanity and unsatisfying nature of 
 all merely temporal gratifications. Their bright sunshine 
 of unalloyed prosperity became overshadowed by some 
 dark clouds of affliction, and their youthful hearts, subdued 
 under the chastening hand of a gracious Almighty Father, 
 felt the need of a solace which earthly delights can never 
 permanently supply : they sought the blessings of the 
 redemption that is in Christ ; and, although derived to 
 them through somewhat diverse channels, they became 
 partakers of the peace and love of God. 
 
 When, in 1793, John Gurney was deprived of his 
 tenderly beloved wife, the loss, which to himself was well 
 nigh overwhelming, could be but very inadequately ap- 
 preciated by his children. The three elder ones, Catherine, 
 Rachel, and Elizabeth, could, however, in some measure, 
 estimate it ; but a profound experience of sorrow, and of 
 the awfulness of witnessing a summons from the endear- 
 ments of domestic life and from the possessions of wealth 
 and luxury, appears to have been, for the first time, abidingly 
 made on the minds of these young persons, by the death of 
 Elizabeth Gurney, the fondly beloved wife of their brother, 
 J ohn. She was a near relative of the Earlham family ; and, 
 from their infancy, a strong attachment had bound them to 
 each other. She was united to her afiPectionate husband 
 but little more than a year, when, in the Fifth Month, 1808, 
 she was removed from the circle of which she was the 
 
 B 2 
 
4 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1809. 
 
 ornament and delight. "Tliis/' says J. J. Gurney, in his 
 autobiography, "was our first grand draught of family 
 affliction since my mother's death ; a draught which, in 
 the bitterness and dismay of our spirits, we all drank 
 
 together to the very dregs Never shall I forget 
 
 the overwhelming woe of our beloved brother. His bodily 
 health was dangerously aflfected by his long watching and 
 nursing ; but, thanks be to the Author of all good, the 
 affliction was blessed to his soul, and was the means of 
 bringing him, in repentance and humiliation of spirit, to 
 the Saviour's feet." 
 
 During the brief period in which the cup of temporal 
 enjoyment appeared to overflow, the residence of John 
 Gurney, jun., was at Lynn; but, after his bereavement, 
 he was tenderly cherished by his father and sisters under 
 the paternal roof ; and it is in the endearing character of 
 a sympathiser in his afiiiction, and an acute sharer in the 
 deep sorrow that was again soon afterwards dispensed to 
 the family, that we first become intimately acquainted 
 with the subject of this memoir. Priscilla Gurney had 
 hitlierto been occupied in a comparatively inconspicuous 
 pursuit of diligent, though quiet duty : she had, from her 
 childhood, been inclined to commiserate the sorrows and 
 sufl^erings of the poor; she had been accustomed regularly 
 to visit those of her own district, to relieve their wants, to 
 inspect the instruction of their children, and especially to 
 help and comfort the sick and aged. But additional 
 interests of a most weighty character now claimed the 
 solicitudes of the Earlham household, and called forth the 
 energies of Priscilla's mind. Scarcely a year had elapsed 
 after the decease of Elizabeth Gurney, when the health of 
 the beloved and honoured head of that large family 
 began to sink under the pressure of internal disease. 
 
1809.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNKY. 
 
 5 
 
 His symptoms did not, in the view of those around him, 
 assume a serious aspect, but he was, himself, strongly 
 impressed with a belief that they would terminate fatally. 
 In a letter to his sister Buxton, written in the Fourth 
 Month, 1809, Joseph John Gurney thus alludes to the 
 indisposition of his father : — " He is certainly better, and 
 much more comfortable, though I believe him to be still 
 persuaded that he is in great danger. This idea is most 
 groundless, according to all the best opinions, but it is 
 impossible to root it out of his mind.'' That the appre- 
 hension of his very critical state was graciously designed 
 to stimulate the dear invalid to a diligent use of the few 
 fleeting months that were yet to be added to his earthly 
 course, appears evident from the visitation of divine love 
 that was, in a striking manner, mercifully vouchsafed 
 to him. 
 
 Early in the ensuing autumn, when, from deep mental 
 conflict and increased bodily suffering, Jolm Gurney was 
 becoming an object of most painful interest to his 
 affectionate children, another source of anxiety claimed 
 their attention. Several of the family were attacked by 
 scarlet fever. Priscilla appears to have been the first 
 who was affected by this disorder, then Daniel, and after- 
 wards Joseph ; each of them being favoured to surmount 
 the disorder ; but their faithful and excellent attendant, 
 who had, for more than thirty years, been the careful 
 nurse of the whole circle, and justly held by them in high 
 esteem, was, whilst engaged in her assiduous efforts to 
 promote their recovery, seized with the fever in its most 
 alai*ming form, and soon removed from them by death. 
 This distressing event was quickly followed by a dis- 
 pensation of a most affiicting and solemn character. 
 Their beloved father's state of health became rapidly 
 
6 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNET. [1809. 
 
 worse^ his sufferings were great, and his spirit was sorely 
 agonized under a sense of " his past errors and infirmi- 
 ties;" but, says his daughter Rachel, "he wrestled Avith 
 God in prayer, and grace and help were given him." He 
 repeatedly addressed his family in a very instructive 
 manner. He " spoke of the purity of the law laid down 
 by our Saviour, extending even to the thoughts and 
 desires and, ere the hand of death was laid upon him, 
 and the mortal anguish for ever closed, his soul was 
 favoured "to rise out of the fiery furnace, purified by 
 the Great Refiner." " He frequently expressed that he 
 feared no evil, but believed that, through the mercy of 
 God in Christ, he should be received in glory," " He 
 continued in the possession of joy and peace" until, as we 
 may reverently believe, he was permitted to unite with 
 the ransomed above, in the endless song of praise to the 
 Lord God and the Lamb. 
 
 Priscilla Gurney had sufficiently recovered from the 
 effects of the fever to admit of her devoting herself, with 
 most affectionate tenderness, to the duties of her afflicted 
 parent's chamber ; and she " left him almost less than 
 any one." Six weeks after this solemn event she writes, 
 in a letter to her beloved sister Fry : — 
 
 "We have so many objects to interest and engage us that 
 we seldom can feel any painful vacancy ; but this does not, I 
 believe, prevent us from moiu-ning, as we ought to mourn, for 
 the loss of such a father as ours was. The recollection of him 
 is dearer to me than I can weU describe ; and the separation 
 from him, and from dear nurse too, is often most truly alfecting 
 to my feehngs : but it is a sorrow so mercifuUy united with 
 hope and comfort, that we ought rather to rejoice in their 
 removal to a better state. 
 
1809.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 7 
 
 In the altered situation of the bereaved family, various 
 circumstances concurred to bring the members of it under 
 a serious consideration of the religious course which they 
 believed to be most likely to conduce to their right settle- 
 ment in christian truth. At a time when their hearts 
 were rendered peculiarly impressible by heavy affliction, 
 and acutely alive to the soothing effect of sympathy and to 
 the consolations of the gospel, they became intimately 
 acquainted with a pious and zealous clergyman of the 
 "EstabHshed Church," Edward Edwards, of Lynn. He 
 evinced a deep interest in the spiritual condition of these 
 young persons, and was instrumental in imbuing their 
 minds with a clearer comprehension of the fundamental 
 principles of New Testament doctrine. This naturally 
 induced a strong mutual attachment, which at length 
 resulted in the union of several of the family with that 
 section of professors with which their kind instructor was 
 connected. But whilst some of them were attracted in 
 that direction, others soon afterwards yielded to an influ- 
 ence of a different character. The example of their beloved 
 sister Elizabeth Fry, who had become a decided Friend, 
 and who had, in a remarkable manner, been enabled to 
 uphold, in great brightness, the standard of christian 
 exceUence, operated powerfully, yet almost imperceptibly, 
 on several of the family circle ; and this, together with a 
 consequent increase of acquaintance, not only with the 
 principles, but also with many devoted members, of the 
 religious Society in which they had been nominally 
 educated, was, under the Divine blessing, the means of 
 strengthening their attachment to the worship and views 
 of "Friends," and they eventually became firmly esta- 
 blished in their christian profession. 
 
 Notwithstanding this diversity in the external mani- 
 
8 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1810. 
 
 festation of their conscientious impressions, there was 
 much of the true " unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
 peace" preserved amongst them, and the fruits of gospel 
 love, and of submission to the cross of Christ, were 
 evidenced in life and conduct. 
 
 Some letters from Priscilla Gurney to her sister Fry, 
 written in the year 1810, describe the serious considera- 
 tions into which her mind was introduced, whilst yet 
 somewhat undecided as to her own future course, as well 
 as her earnest desire to be guided by the Holy Spirit. 
 The style of expression will show that she had not been 
 accustomed to adhere to the correct grammatical language 
 used by "Friends." 
 
 Mt dearest Betsy, — 
 I have been wishing to answer thy letter ever since I 
 
 received it It is always interesting to hear at aU 
 
 intimately from thee. I am sure I can feel for thee in what 
 thee must have had to go through lately ;* but I am never 
 inclined to feel much anxiety about thee. There is so much 
 cause for hope that thee will be carried through every trial, as 
 thee has hitherto been. Thee wishes me to send thee a 
 particular account of myself ; but I really hardly know what to 
 say. When I think of thee I feel so ashamed of myself. I do 
 not know how to communicate all my great weakness and 
 deficiencies, and this, I believe, is one reason why I do not 
 write oftener to thee ; but I may truly say that I often think 
 of thee, and feel very near to thee in heart. Thy sympathy, 
 even at a distance, is very valuable and helpful to me. I have 
 sometimes suffered painful discouragements, chiefly from finding 
 my heart still so attached to the world ; but more often, lately, 
 I have been hopeful and comfortable ; indeed, I have no cause 
 to be wncomfortable, except from my own want of faith and 
 
 • In reference to E. J. F.'s early engagements as a gospel minister. 
 
1810.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA 6URNEY. 
 
 9 
 
 continued deficiencies. Some pains that I feared so much seem 
 so unexpectedly removed. I felt so much anxiety lest we 
 should be any source of pain to dear Catherine,* but nothing 
 can well have exceeded her conduct towards us. She gives us 
 the most entire liberty to pursue that path which is the most 
 for our good and happiness : I do not mean only in judgment, 
 but m. feeling ; for she has fully expressed to us that, let us be 
 what we may, if we act from conscience, she does not think it 
 
 would give her any pain I think I never felt more 
 
 truly united to her, or more happy and easy with her, than I do 
 now. Her cheerfulness, calmness and steadiness, is the greatest 
 support to us all ; and what a blessing it is after all we have 
 suffered. 
 
 A few montlis later, to the same sister she writes : — 
 
 I felt thy kindness in writing to me with all thy numerous 
 engagements. I am glad thee wrote to me what was on thy 
 mind, and I now beg of thee always to say to me, with perfect 
 freedom, anything that thee thinks it right to say. I had 
 rather know all thy fears and anxieties about us, and I really 
 dread shutting my eyes against the truth, from whatever 
 
 quarter it may come The last two months have, in 
 
 many resjjects, been very sweet and peaceful ones to me ; though 
 my spirits have been frequently depressed, yet I have internally 
 
 been generally calm and at rest I believe, my dear 
 
 Betsy, thee art mistaken if thee thinks that I am puzzling and 
 perplexing myself with different doctrines and opinions : I never, 
 that I remember, felt less inclined to do this, or less able to 
 bear it ; and the reading that I have had has not been of 
 that sort. I have read lately Walker's " Christian," and his 
 " Christ the Pui-ifier," which are only on general principles in 
 which I think all Christians must and do agree. Such books 
 
 * Catherine Gurney had returned from a lengthened stay at Lynn, where 
 she had become united to the "Established Church." 
 
 c 3 
 
10 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY, 
 
 [1810. 
 
 as these are only enlightening and strengthening to me, and I 
 believe really do comfort and do me good. I have also been 
 reading some chapters in the Testament, with Scott's Com- 
 mentary, which has been a real assistance to me. It has con- 
 vinced me of two things ; first, how very little I know the 
 Bible, and also that some assistance in reading it is, to some 
 people, very beneficial, though all may not require it ; for, 
 though I firmly believe that we ought not to be guided by 
 any man or anything short of the Divine direction, yet I have no 
 doubt we may be assistants to one another. I must now say 
 a little on our communication with the Edwardses, at least tell 
 
 thee, as far as I can, my feelings on the subject Our 
 
 union with them has certainly been no indiflerent matter to any 
 of us, and it is my firm belief that we may consider our connexion 
 
 with them as a great blessing I think nothing in life 
 
 can be sweeter than to feel union in spiritual things with those 
 that are dear to us, and to be stimulated by it to press forward in 
 the way to eternal life and happiness : this has very often been 
 the efiect of their influence upon my mind ; it has made me 
 more hopeful, has given me more faith in the efficacy of our 
 Saviour's sufferings and death for our sins, and seems to have 
 taken oflT that miserable sense of my sinfulness and weakness 
 which often so heavily oppressed my heart : but I am sure 
 they have not destroyed or lessened my belief in the absolute 
 necessity of obedience to the will of Grod. I hope I am 
 enabled to desire that I may not choose my own way, but that 
 I may be more and more willing to commit myself entirely to 
 Him who can and will direct us, if we come unto Him in 
 sincerity of heart ; but I must confess to thee that these desires 
 are too often very faint, and my weakness and inability are 
 very great. 
 
 During the summer of this year (1810), Elizabeth J. Fry 
 visited her endeared connexions at Earlham. She mentions 
 in her journal having much conversation with some of them 
 
1810.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 11 
 
 upon their religious views, and says, " I felt very fully 
 strengthened to express my mind, and not to shrink ; and 
 I believe I did no hurt." On her return home she records, 
 " abundant cause to be grateful that, on leaving Earl- 
 ham, and my tenderly -beloved brothers and sisters, my 
 mind felt very clear, 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." 
 
 The intercourse, which was thus intimately renewed with 
 her sister Priscilla, tended much to strengthen, in the mind 
 of the latter, a conviction which had evidently become more 
 clearly impressed, that the path designed for her by Infinite 
 Wisdom was in the line of dedication to the service of 
 Christ, as a consistent Friend. When this course was 
 opened before her, in the light of Truth, she was firm and 
 decided in her endeavour to yield her whole heart to follow 
 those manifestations of the Divine will which were graciously 
 vouchsafed to her. She, however, felt the loneliness of her 
 spiritual allotment ; and, about three weeks after her sister's 
 departure, thus addresses her : — 
 
 I have, indeed, very much felt thy loss, my dear Betsy, 
 and have thought of thee since we parted with a deep and tender 
 interest and affection. Indeed it has, at times, been discou- 
 raging to me to find how much I have missed thee. I cannot 
 help sometimes longing for thy encouraging and supporting 
 influence ; hut I do not doubt that it is for my good to stand 
 as much alone in my present path as I do, for it is too much my 
 disposition to lean upon others ; and I firmly beheve that, if my 
 dependence were more solely placed on Him whose help is all- 
 sufficient, I should not be hable to the painful discouragements 
 I now and then experience. My weakness is very great, and it 
 seems at times almost impossible to keep fast hold of what 
 appears to me as right for myself. I fear to give way to any- 
 
13 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNET. 
 
 [1810. 
 
 thing like a spirit of complaining, knowing what abundant cause 
 I have for thankfulness. But thou so well knowest the present 
 state of our fiimily, that I believe thou canst understand my 
 difficulties, and I have no doubt canst sympathize with me in 
 them. In some respects it is a harder trial of faith to be amongst 
 those who seem diligently, and in sincerity of heart, to be seek- 
 ing the one thing needful in a different way from ourselves, than 
 with those whose hearts are in the world. It does bring every- 
 thing so to the test, which is often a humiliatmg, though I doubt 
 not useful trial to us. . . . It would, perhaps, be too sweet and 
 too easy were we entirely united in one path : as it is, how delight- 
 ful it is to feel as much unity as we all do in the most important 
 'concerns. I do not think I ever felt a more uninteiTupted 
 harmony and affection to reign amongst us thau at this time. 
 I have very often thought of thy dear Joseph's advice to me 
 when he was here, not to be discouraged at feeling in some 
 respects walking alone. This is what I must expect to do, though 
 it is sometimes painful to my feelings. ... I feel it often an 
 inestimable privilege that my mind has not been more unsettled 
 from Priends, for I do believe it to be so remarkably safe a path, 
 
 that I increasingly feel the value of it Dear John 
 
 went to Lynn this morning, where he expects to stay about ten 
 days. He has been so very comfortably settled at home that we 
 are all sorry to part with him again. Dear Joseph has been in one 
 of his very sweet minds lately ; it is most encouraging to see him 
 going on as he is. We cannot but long for him not to flinch 
 from the cross of Christ, in whatever way it may be presented 
 
 to him I have rather set my mind on Quarterly 
 
 Meeting next week : I wish it may prove a stimulus to me. I 
 look forward to the return of the Grrove family* with pleasure 
 and comfort. Their influence, I think, wiU be helpful to me. 
 We had a nice visit from Hannah and Elizabeth.f I thought 
 dear Hannah in a remai'kably sweet and open mind, though I 
 
 * Her uncle Joseph Gurney's. 
 
 + The daughters of her uncle Joseph, afterwards the wives of Jonathan 
 Backhouse and Robert Barclay. 
 
1810.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 13 
 
 did not feel any ability to be intimate with her. She seems 
 really very happy iu her prospects. Jonathan, I think, must be 
 a valuable young man. 
 
 To a beloved Friend, who had been made willing to devote 
 herself to the service of Christy P. G. writes : — 
 
 Second Month 25th, 1810. 
 I cannot doubt thou hast done the right thing, and what 
 was required of thee ; and in doing this we experience_ peace 
 and serenity, which the gratification of our own wills and desires 
 can never give. And though, indeed, we have cause to acknow- 
 ledge that we are unprofitable servants, yet obedience gives us 
 confidence to cast ourselves upon God, through Jesus Christ our 
 Saxdour. May we endeavour, imder all circumstances, and in 
 all situations, to cleave imto the Lord, who alone can uphold us, 
 and renew our strength daily. ... A stedfast adherence to what 
 we know to be our duty, though it may sometimes bring us into 
 apparent difiiculties, is, I have no doubt, a help and a strength 
 to us in our dealings with others. But if thou art sensible of 
 failings and weakness in this respect, I know how to sympathize 
 with thee. It is no easy, no light work, to maintain the watch ; 
 but though we may be frequently falling short, so as to feel much 
 discouragement, let us still endeavour to watch and pray, that we 
 enter not into temptation. If we are enabled to see the Truth, 
 and at least at those times when we are alive to it, we must see 
 and feel that, of ourselves, we are wretched and miserable and 
 poor and blind ; and this ought to make us humble and meek 
 and lowly in heart ; and the fruit of this spirit should appear 
 towards others, by rendering us patient, gentle, &c., though 
 steady and firm in aU we believe to be right. 
 
 Soon afterwards she penned the following instructive 
 remarks : — 
 
 It is consoling, under the sense and burden of our manifold 
 infirmities, to find that others have had the same trials — the same • 
 
14 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GUKNEY. [1810. 
 
 pilgrimage to pass through. At times the present state of pro- 
 bation, and the prospect of what is at the end of the race, wears 
 a more serious aspect than at others, and seems to come more 
 home to the heart ; and yet, how much more cause we have to 
 wonder that this shovdd have so little effect upon us, than that 
 it should impress us awfully. Oh, how important it is that we 
 should, at all times, be found watching ! But how far am I from 
 this desirable state. Almost every day proves my unwatchful- 
 uess and want of faith. This makes me feel the necessity of 
 going on quietly, and professing little ; in short, of showing our 
 faith more by our works than by our words. 
 
 A few weeks later, she addressed the following letter to 
 her friend and cousin, Anna Buxton (afterwards the wife 
 of William Forster) . The similarity of their course, and 
 the manner in which both of them were brought by 
 experimental religion, to an implicit faith in the immediate 
 power and teaching of the Spirit of Truth, united them 
 very closely in the life and love of the Gospel. 
 
 Earlham, Ninth Month 29th, 1810. 
 
 I beUeve I never felt for thee such love and sympathy as at 
 this time. . . . It is frequently a support and refreshment to me 
 to turn my thoughts towards thee, and it is an encouragement 
 to me to remember how thou hast hitherto been mercifully led 
 and supported in that path which I have also entered. It is 
 often the earnest desire of my heart that we may, every one of 
 us, whether Friends or not, be enabled to " run with patience 
 the race that is set before us," and labour to enter into that 
 rest which is prepared for the people of Grod. I do, indeed, 
 increasingly feel the infinite importance of it, though the work 
 is sometimes very hard to our weak and frail nature, and we 
 hai'dly know how to hold on our way amidst the temptations 
 and discouragements which we are liable to in our pilgrimage 
 here ; yet we know there is an Almighty power which can pre- 
 serve us through them all, and make our way clear before us ; 
 
1810.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 15 
 
 and to this may we, at all times, and under aU circumstances, 
 look for strength. 
 
 I feel very deeply interested in Joseph's state of mind at 
 this time, which, indeed, seems to be a serious one. Whatever 
 path he may in future think best to pursue, it is my belief that 
 there is something in him that draws near to Friends. But I 
 desire to leave all these things, for I really fear to have any 
 selfish considerations ; though being in some things so much 
 left to walk alone is, now and then, very distressing to my 
 spirits. Tet I have hardly ever felt any essential discourage- 
 ment, or any misgivings as to the steps I have myself taken, for 
 which I ought to be thankful. I do believe that nothing short 
 of very much giving up, in heart, all things in this life will do ; 
 and this we must diligently labour after, whatever it may cost 
 us. 
 
 About this time she addressed the following letter to her 
 beloved cousin, M. B.,* who, like herself, had yielded to 
 convictions, which led to the full adoption of the christian 
 views and practices of the Society of Friends : — 
 
 " It is impossible but that our having come to the same con- 
 clusion should be a fresh bond of union between us. I confess 
 I feel it so, though I never felt more inclined to love and to be 
 united to all who are endeavouring to serve Grod to the best of 
 their ability. It is so hard valiantly to maintain the christian 
 warfare, that whatever we find is an assistance to us is too 
 valuable to be rejected. If we have thought it right to adopt a 
 stricter appearance externally, may it indeed be an incitement 
 and a stimulus to keep our watch more diligently, that " we may 
 lay aside every weight, and the sins that most easily beset us, 
 and run with patience the race that is set before us." The 
 adopting our religious garb is like a more open profession to 
 others, that we desire to forsake the world, or at least the evils 
 
 * Maria Barclay, afterwards the wife of Robert Were Fox. 
 
16 MEMOIll OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1810. 
 
 of it ; and ia this way it appears to me a very serious thing, 
 and no light matter. I have cause, indeed, to be humbled at 
 my little progress in the best things — my lukewarmness, un 
 watchfulness, and manifold deficiencies and infirmities. One 
 thing I am sure of, — that the more we are devoted to a religious 
 life, the happier we are, even here. 
 
 The winter of 1810 was passed by Priscilla Gurney in 
 the quiet pursuit of her usual avocations — administering to 
 the necessities of those around her who were suffering 
 from penury or sickness, and in the supervision of the 
 schools in the vicinity of Earlham Hall, which had been 
 established through the active benevolence of its inmates. 
 We have, from the pen of her brother-in-law, Sir T. F. 
 Buxton, a lively reference to the assiduous attentions 
 devoted by Priscilla to the relief of the indigent, and to 
 the several " days in every week" in which she was ex- 
 clusively employed in visiting them : "I can," he says, 
 " speak of the manner in which she was prepared, as soon 
 as breakfast was over, to proceed to her task ; her basket in 
 readiness, filled with such little presents as she thought 
 might be useful or acceptable to those who were suffering 
 from disease." The comparatively inconspicuous course 
 of duty, which thus occupied much of her time, was pecu- 
 liarly favourable to that spiritual communion with her 
 Redeemer, by which the experience of his love and power 
 prepared her to show forth the riches of his grace ; and, 
 through the effectual operation of his Holy Spirit, the 
 principles of christian truth professed by Friends were 
 increasingly precious in her view, and she was enabled to 
 dedicate her whole heart to the service of her Lord. Her 
 example in the domestic circle operated powerfully, and 
 evidenced that the one great object of her life was to 
 
1811.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 17 
 
 " press toward the mark for the prize of" her " high calling 
 of God in Christ Jesus." 
 
 Priscilla Gvirney attended the Yearly Meeting in London 
 in the Fifth Month of tlie following year^ and three weeks 
 a,fterwards she writes to her sister, E. J. Fry, a report of 
 the Quarterly Meeting in Norwich. 
 
 Earlham, Sixth Month 28th, 1811. 
 
 Mt dearest Betsy, 
 I think it will be a satisfaction to thee to hear that 
 the Quarterly Meeting has passed off very smoothly and 
 comfortably, as far as we are all concerned. I returned from 
 Hunston on Second-day, after paying a pleasant visit there. I 
 found (on reaching home) Richard and Nancy Alexander here ; 
 they had made the effort to come to see us, which I thought 
 really kind of them, and I think it was pleasant to both parties. 
 It is such a pity that Friends should absent themselves from 
 Earlham, where there is such a willingness to receive them. I 
 met Henry HuU before meeting on Third-day, and was very 
 glad to see him again. The first meeting, and indeed both, 
 were interesting. H. Hull seemed to give general satisfaction. 
 Rachel was much pleased with him, and was not, I believe, at 
 all overset by the meetings. Ann Burgess and Elizabeth 
 Eobson are pleasing, and I have no doubt valuable Friends. 
 We had our Yearly Meeting dinner as usual ; and in the 
 evening Amia* and I went to the Grove to see H. Hull and 
 the other Friends, which was quite a refreshment and treat to 
 us both. Dear H. HuU was very affectionate to us, and seemed 
 pleased to be with us again. He and Joseph had had a warm 
 meeting in the morning. Catherine is most kindly disposed 
 about him, and seems really to wish to see him here, and he 
 intends to pay us a visit the next time he comes to Norwich. 
 The next morning Anna and I again breakfasted at the Grove, 
 and went to Tasboroughf with aU the Friends, as I wished 
 
 • Anna Buxton. + At Tasborough a small meeting of Friends is held. 
 
18 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1811. 
 
 to be as much with them as I could : the morning was very 
 comfortable to me. "We returned to dinner to meet Samuel 
 Alexander and Lucy Maw, and their visit was very, pleasant, 
 and I hope easy to them. Nothing can well exceed dear 
 Catherine's kindness and sweet disposition of mind towards all 
 the Friends, she seems so anxious to do her part rightly. John 
 behaved very kindly to them. As for dear Catherine, she is 
 quite an example in her conduct : it has been a real satisfaction 
 to me to be with her again, and for us to be living again together. 
 I may truly say she is an encouragement, and in many things 
 a help to me on my way. . . . I hardly know what to 
 say about Joseph : I think thou wouldst be encouraged about 
 him, if thou couldst see his most sweet and amiable conduct at 
 home : he seems to me to have been reaUy stimulated and 
 encouraged by the Tearly Meeting, strengthened and confirmed 
 in many of the principles of Friends. I never saw him appear 
 so earnest in the search for truth and in the pursuit of his 
 duties. I fully believe he is anxious to apply for the iest 
 direction, with a willing heart and a humble spirit : indeed, this 
 appears to be the case in a remarkable degree ; therefore I feel 
 how desirable it is to commit him to a better care than ours, 
 earnestly desiring that nothing may frustrate the work that 
 seems going forward in his mind. I must now, before I 
 conclude this account of us, teU thee that I have been very 
 comfortable : I have more than usually enjoyed settling again 
 at home. Though often oppressed by my own infirmities and 
 discouraged by weakness, yet I feel in the main happy and 
 cheerful. My home is a truly happy one to me. Our blessings 
 are indeed abundant, and I am sure I have cause to acknowledge 
 that the way of the cross, as far as I have been willing to follow 
 it, has been to me a path of pleasantness and peace, and that 
 when I draw back, it produces dissatisfaction and uneasiness. 
 Dear Anna's company has been very sweet and valuable to me : 
 I think we were never so united. I feel a near interest indeed 
 in thee, my dearest Betsy, and value not a little the time that 
 
1811.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 19 
 
 we have lately passed together. And now, hoping to have 
 rather an intimate and full letter from thee, I must bid thee 
 farewell, and remain, with near and dear love, 
 
 Thy very affectionate sister, 
 
 P. G. 
 
 Priscilla Gurney had, from religious conviction, declined 
 the amusements and pursuits of fashionable life, and had 
 adopted, in her external appearance and deportment, the 
 sober habits of Friends : and knowing by experience how 
 greatly such a course of conduct tended to preserve from the 
 evils of the world and from the power of temptation, she was 
 anxious that her beloved brothers and near connexions 
 might be induced to resist all those allurements to pleasure 
 and vanity which are inconsistent with the christian life ; 
 and she felt assured, from the peace which she found in this 
 path of self-denial, that the smile of Heaven rested upon 
 it. She addressed, at this time, the following excellent 
 letter to her youngest brother, Daniel Gurney, then 
 twenty-one years of age : — 
 
 Sixth Month 6th, 1811. 
 I believe there is so much that is positively wrong and 
 contrary to a christian spirit in public places, that they have 
 such a pernicious tendency to lead so many into dangerous 
 temptations and even sins, that I rejoice when any one I love 
 is brought to the conclusion of giving them up. Aiid if thy 
 mind be brought to this conclusion from the dictates of 
 conscience, I wish to encourage thee to stand firm, and not be 
 afraid to avow thy sentiments on the subject to others ; for I 
 believe a degree of boldness in such things may be strengthen- 
 ing to ourselves, and may be helpful and encouraging to our 
 companions. It is well for us in all our occupations and 
 engagements to walk cautiously, to examine the motives by 
 
so 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1811. 
 
 which we are actuated, aud to attend to the voice of conscience, 
 which surely is no less than the Light of Christ manifested in 
 our hearts. We are too apt to engage in things that are 
 wrong, because we will not consider and will not open our eyes 
 to this light. I often think that young men are exposed to 
 many more temptations and difficulties than women, and if 
 they are enabled, by Divine assistance, to stand against them 
 with courage and humble dependence, that they may do much 
 more by example than women can do. My first and earnest 
 desire for all my dear brothers is, that you may become as 
 shining lights in the world, not hiding joxn candles under a 
 bushel ; that you may not be afraid of shewing to the world 
 that you have espoused the cause of religion aud prefer it 
 before all things, and that you are willing to suffer shame for 
 the sake of it. How very far had I rather this should be the 
 case with you, than to see you in possession of all the honours 
 and riches that this world can afford. 
 
 About four weeks later than the above date she penned 
 the following to an intimate friend : — 
 
 Seventh Month, 1811. 
 I have such a belief that if the heart be willing and our 
 desires sincere, though tve know them to he weak and faint, that 
 a way is mercifully made for us, and hard things are rendered 
 comparatively easy beyond what we could look for or expect. 
 I can sometimes long that we may every one of us more and 
 more commit our way unto the Lord, casting all our care upon 
 Him who careth for us, and then I believe indeed we should 
 find Him to be an all-sufficient helper in time of need, and an 
 all-wise director in the midst of darhness and difficulties. We 
 are too fearful (at least I am sure I am) of thus committing 
 oui'selves to Him, and of casting ourselves without reserve on 
 his mercy, forgetting that He will impose no burthen upon us 
 which we are unable, through his assistance, to bear, and though 
 He may even call upon us as it were to forsake father, mother, 
 
1811.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEV. 
 
 21 
 
 houses, lands, &c. for his sake, or at least to prefer Him before 
 all, yet are not his strength and his love sufficient for us ? 
 And is not the reward sure, and greatly beyond all we may 
 have to suli'er here ? Do read in Isaiah xl. 27, to the end, 
 xli. 10-17, xliii. 1-3. They are deeply instructive passages, 
 containing striking encouragement to the christian traveller. 
 In such cases (as that of pursuing a more decided path), we 
 must all ajrree in thinking that it is most desirable not to be 
 precipitate or hasty ; but on the other hand it requires care, if 
 the time be clearly manifested to vis, not to let it pass by us, as 
 there is no doubt danger of our imaginations being at work and 
 too active ; we had need more continually have our hearts fixed 
 on Him, who alone can lead us surely and safely, and who 
 enables us, I believe, to distinguish necessary from imaginary 
 
 duties I believe the most eflectual way of serving 
 
 others is to be faithful ourselves ; for when can we with so 
 much confidence and hope apply to the throne of grace for 
 those we love, as when we are endeavouring humbly (though in 
 ever so much weakness) to serve God acceptably ourselves ? 
 
 Does not the Lord hear the prayer of his dependent 
 children ? I have almost universally found that, when my own 
 will has been opposed to what I have believed the Divine will 
 concerning me, the power for prayer and drawing near to 
 God have been taken from me ; and on the contrary, when I 
 have given up to what He has required of me, I have at times, I 
 believe, felt his presence (which only gives peace and comfort) 
 to be near me, and also an increased ability to receive Christ as 
 a Saviour and Eedeemer." 
 
 Near the close of the year she wrote to another beloved 
 friend : — 
 
 In such a shifting scene as this, we want more than natural 
 afifection to keep us together ; we must cultivate that love 
 which is still more precious, which may be lasting among all 
 the changes and chances of this life, and which, it is delightful 
 
22 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1812. 
 
 to hope, may be perfected in another world. The very imper- 
 fectiou of all our enjoyments here has sometimes a confirming 
 effect on my mind, it is so like the seed being sown of the fruit 
 which we expect to reap hereafter. I have no doubt there is 
 nothing to be compared to the enjoyment of walking in the paths 
 of the Lord, and we experience this truth as much from the pain- 
 ful experience of wandering from them, as from the blessedness 
 of ever being enabled in some measure to walk in them. , . . 
 Oh that we may become increasingly fixed on that rock which 
 remains firm, however the winds and the waves may beat 
 against it ; but the attainment of this is no ligM, no sTiort 
 work, and we have deeply and painfully to experience our own 
 weakness and infirmities before we learn where our true strength 
 is to be found. I think I may say, that I am increasingly 
 convinced that in ourselves we are and have nothing. 
 
 Fifth Month 14th, 1812. 
 Most fully do I unite with thee in the blessedness of 
 obedience to the Divine wOl. In the Christian life we see 
 there is such a variety of means for the attainment of the same 
 great end, that it has always appeared to me, that we are not 
 sufiicient of ourselves to choose those means which are best for 
 us, and that the more we commit our way unto the Lord, the 
 more we are likely to prosper in that spiritual life which is 
 light and peace ; and I think that the scriptures authorize us 
 to believe that the Light or Holy Spirit which is given to every 
 man to profit withal, is all-sufficient to lead us in the way in 
 which we shoidd go, that it reproves us for every evil thought 
 and word, and that it instructs us in our duties ; and does it not 
 also open our minds to understand the important doctrines 
 of Christianity ? Surely obedience, which is so enforced by 
 Friends, does not lessen but iucrease our faith in the redeeming 
 power of Christ. At those times when we the most endeavour 
 to do right, have we not sufiicient proofs of our gi-eat infirmity, 
 and of the corruptions of human nature, to teach us that of 
 
1812.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 23 
 
 ourselves we are blind and poor, and miserable and naked, 
 until clothed with the righteousness of Christ ? 
 
 In the Seventh Monthj 1812, Priscilla Gurney writes to 
 her sister Fry : — 
 
 I could not easily say how sweet and how comforting I feel 
 my union with thee, perhaps never more so than it has been of 
 late. It is delightful to have one sister with whom I so fully 
 unite. Many things have interested me much since we parted 
 (on returning home from the Tearly Meeting) . I was well 
 repaid by attending the Essex and Suffolk Quarterly Meetings. 
 It has been a privilege indeed to me to have been so much with 
 Stephen Grellet : I think I have hardly ever been so impressed 
 by the influence and example of any individual as by his. He 
 does truly appear to be deeply experienced in the christian life. 
 He paid us an interesting visit. I could not help feeling pain 
 at parting with him ; but I hope the good effect of having been 
 with him may be lasting. Margaret Bragg and Sarah Hustler's 
 visit to Norwich has also been particularly acceptable. I have 
 felt very much united to them : their meeting with us was truly 
 sweet ; we all felt it to be so ; evincing so much love and sym- 
 pathy, and entering with so much tenderness and consideration 
 into our present situation. They and dear Catherine have felt 
 very affectionately towards each other. Joseph and I were, at 
 different times, a good deal with them, which we much enjoyed. 
 It is often very striking to me to be so much alone, and I can- 
 not but feel the weight of it, though it does not make me feel 
 uncomfortable, and I truly desire it may be a means of drawing 
 me more closely to Him, who can make a way for us where 
 there seems n» way, and from whom, I fully believe, we receive 
 all-sufficient light, strength and comfort, even when external 
 means of help are withdrawn from us. I do indeed feel the 
 necessity of cleaving to the Divine principle within us ; for how 
 little are we fitted to choose a way for ourselves, or to be our 
 own directors. Those words of our Saviour have lately been 
 
24 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURXEY. 
 
 [1813. 
 
 an encouragement to me ; when Peter said to Him, " And what 
 shall this man do ?" Jesus saith to him, " If I will that he 
 tarry till I come, what is that to thee ? Follow thou me." 
 This appears to be our individual concern, and I do at times 
 long to do this with more faith and simplicity, and with a more 
 devoted heart. I have felt much encouraged about dear Joseph ; 
 his conduct is truly exemplary, he seems to be more established, 
 and we have all felt him to be a strength and comfort to us. It 
 has been very satisfactory to have dear John taking his place 
 amongst us ; yet it has brought home, rather forcibly, that our 
 sentiments and views do not accord with his, and this, now 
 that we have each to act for ourselves, calls for the exercise of 
 mutual forbearance, patience, and the subjection of our own 
 wilh. 
 
 The beloved brother to whom reference is made in the 
 last portion of this extract, was now becoming an object 
 of tender and anxious solicitude to his sister Priscilla, who 
 observed a visible, though very gradiial, decay of his phy- 
 sical strength. He had never siu'mounted the shock which 
 his nerves had sustained from the death of his lovely wife ; 
 and, for many months, his affectionate family watched his 
 declining health with serious apprehension of the probable 
 result. Priscilla's attentions to him were seldom remitted. 
 She however left home for a short time in 1813, for the 
 purpose of visiting her beloved cousins at Darlington, 
 taking the opportunity of spending a little time at Ack- 
 worth, where her constant interest in the welfare of 
 youth led her to feel a peculiar pleasure in witnessing the 
 education of the children, and an earnest desire that they 
 might receive solid and scriptural instruction in the great 
 truths of revealed religion. 
 
 About this time she first spoke in the religious meetings 
 of Friends. She was greatly abased under a conviction of the 
 
1813.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 25 
 
 solemnity of this most weighty engagement. In a letter to a 
 serious person of her acquaintance, she says, (in referring to 
 a judicious remark which he had made to her upon the sub- 
 ject of the ministry,) " I trust thou wilt still continue to feel 
 a care over me, and mayst thou be enabled to desire my 
 preservation from the dangers and temptations wliich may 
 attend me in this awful service ; and that I only may con- 
 tinue in it if it be really according to the will of my Lord 
 and Master, whom I desire to serve ; deeply sensible, as I 
 am, that He alone is sufficient to direct and uphold me, 
 and to give me strength and ability to perform his will." 
 
 Of her offerings in the ministry, the members of her 
 own Monthly Meeting, in their testimony respecting her, 
 give the following account : — 
 
 Her preaching was clear, sound, and convincing ; well adapted, 
 we believe, to the states of her hearers, and accompanied 
 with " the demonstration of the Spirit and of power ;" and it was 
 the more edifying because she was so generally led to insist on 
 the most important doctrines of the Christian religion, espe- 
 cially on the influence of the Holy Spirit, and on the promise 
 of salvation through faith in Christ, the Mediator with the 
 Father, and the Redeemer of the world. She was also fre- 
 quently clothed, both in public and in private, with the spirit 
 of supplication ; and her prayers, being offered up in great 
 abasement of mind, were attended with precious solemnity. 
 
 The impression which was made by her ministrations, 
 on the minds of general hearers, was very strong, as may 
 be perceived by the following remarks from the pen of the 
 late Sir T. F. Buxton. After describing the loveliness of 
 her person and manners, he adds : — 
 
 No less remarkable were the powers of her mind. I have 
 
 c 
 
26 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRTSCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1813. 
 
 seldom Ituown a person of such sterling ability ; and it is im- 
 possible to mention these mental powers without adverting to 
 that great, and, in my estimation, that astonishing display of 
 them, which was afforded by her ministry. I have listened to 
 many eminent preachers, and many speakers also, but I deem 
 her as perfect a speaker as I ever heard. The tone of her voice, 
 her beauty, the singular clearness of her conceptions, and, 
 above all, her own strong conviction that she was urging the 
 truth, and truth of the utmost importance — the whole consti- 
 tuted a species of ministry which no one could hear, and which 
 I am persuaded no one ever did hear, without a deep im- 
 pression. 
 
 Before the winter of 1813 set in, Priscilla Gurney accom- 
 pauied her brother J olin to Clifton, where they remained 
 until the return of mild and genial weather : but the 
 hope which had been entertained, that a residence there 
 might tend to restore his health, was disappointed ; and he 
 continued to sink until the Ninth Month, 1814, when, in 
 much peace, his spirit, which had, in the simplicity of a 
 little child, yielded itself to the visitations of heavenly love, 
 departed from its enfeebled tenement, to enter, as there 
 was good ground to believe, into one of the many mansions 
 of the "Father's house." Priscilla Gurney had com- 
 menced the practice of making entries (by way of journal) 
 of her experiences and impressions. In reference to this 
 deceased brother, she says : — 
 
 In watching the progress of dear John's complaints, a few 
 things have particularly impressed me, with respect to ourselves 
 and others who have been interested for him. First ; the im- 
 portance of making a right use of all the talents committed to 
 our charge as long as they are continued to us, that when our 
 Lord and Master calleth for all, or any of them, we may be 
 prepared to give an account thereof, that we may obtain the 
 
1813.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 27 
 
 blessing promised by our Saviour to the faithful : " "Well done 
 good and faithful servant, &c." Secondly ; the importance of 
 working lohile it is day, of doing that work which the Lord 
 hath appointed for each of us to do, because we see the night 
 Cometh q\nckly, when no man can work. Thirdly ; the import- 
 ance of cultivating good habits in the time of health and 
 strength, such as patience, the subjection of our will and temper, 
 temperance, and those habits which belong more immediately 
 to the outward conduct of life, as the regulation and employ- 
 ment of time, our deportment towards others, propriety and 
 caution in all our words and actions. In our attendance on 
 dear John, during this illness, we have had to feel the ines- 
 timable advantages of every good habit acquired in the time of 
 health. We may say that with him these have been many, and 
 that the effects of them have been very observable — consoling 
 and encouraging to those around him, and to himself an incalcu- 
 lable advantage and help under the pressure of infirmity. 
 
 The solemn monition referred to in the foregoing extract, 
 " Work, while it is day/' was specially addressed to the 
 mind of this disciple of Jesus. The principle of piety — 
 of holy love to God — which from her early youth had 
 been implanted in her spirit, had become deep and strong : 
 and He, whose thoughts are not as our thoughts, nor his 
 ways as our ways, who seeth the end from the beginning, 
 had apportioned to her brief hour of life the work which 
 He had appointed for her to perform ; and, from one time 
 to another, He saw meet to open in her soul the spring of 
 gospel ministry ; and He graciously prepared and smoothed 
 the channels through which its living streams should flow, 
 for the refreshment of many a faint and weary pilgrim in 
 the pathway to the Heavenly Jerusalem. For more than 
 a year previous to her brother John's decease, she had 
 occasionally given utterance to the feelings of fervent 
 
 c 2 
 
28 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNET. 
 
 [1813. 
 
 solicitude for the spiritual well-being of those amongst 
 whom her lot was cast. She was humbled as in the dust 
 before her God, and in awful reverence she entered on 
 this most solemn but blessed service. In allusion to it she 
 writes : — 
 
 Though, in the having to minister to others, and in having 
 publicly and before others to call upon the name of the Lord, 
 I have had to experience many fears and doubts, have known 
 many humbling and low times, yet I esteem it an inestimable 
 privilege to be in any way engaged in the service of the Lord ; 
 and as I have found and experienced it to be a means of drawing 
 me nearer to himself, of opening to my mind the truth, the 
 reality, and the blessedness of religion, I may well reckon it one 
 of the greatest blessings of my life, one that has beeu ivell worth 
 sulFering for. It is an engagement that particularly calls for the 
 subjection of the will, to sit as at the feet of Jesus, to hear his 
 word ; but, indeed, this is a most desirable attainment, whatever 
 be ovu" situation or calling temporally and spiritually. I am 
 increasingly persuaded that the Spirit is, through iiifinite mercy, 
 manifested in our hearts, and the more we follow it in faith and 
 simplicity, the more we know of its excellence and beauty, and 
 we experience that it is the power within us which overcomes 
 sin and the power of the world. 
 
 Of the character of her ministry, Joseph John Gurney 
 writes in his autobiography : — 
 
 Of all the ministry I was accustomed to hear, none was, 
 perhaps, so beneficial to me as that of my beloved sister 
 Priscilla. It was generally in good authority, well expressed, 
 lucid and scriptural, and to me rendered much the more 
 efiectual by her life and conversation, which afibrded me a 
 pattern of no mean value. The language of her whole con- 
 duct to her younger brother in the truth, was, " FoUow me as 
 I foUow Christ." 
 
1814.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 29 
 
 Ou the 18th of Ninth Month, 1813, the following is 
 entered in her Journal : — 
 
 On this day last year I first opened my month in the ministry. 
 Surely, in reviewing the past, I can make this acknowledgment 
 with Job Scott: "Lord, thou hast held my hand and covered my 
 headia many battles." Grrant, I beseech thee, a continuance of 
 thy preserving care and tender mercy over me, and such a 
 renewal of thy strength and of thy grace, that I may be enabled 
 in this mysterious and awful engagement to " walk by faith and 
 not by sight," that I may run and not be weary, and walk and 
 not faint ; for without thee, O Lord, I can do nothing. 
 
 Ninth Month 22nd, 1813.— Oh, for a closer walk with God ! 
 It is sometimes my desire to walk humbly with my God ; but, 
 alas ! He only knows my wanderings, my reluctance to serve 
 him with full purpose of heart, and to " commit the keeping of 
 my sold to him as unto a faithful Creator." Nevertheless, I am 
 persuaded that practical religion chiefly consists in the subjection 
 of our own will, and in submission to the will of God : — enable 
 me, O Lord, to pray that thy wdl and not mine may be done. 
 
 UleventJi Month, 1814. — In reviewing the last year of my life, 
 a period which has been important, and in some respects deeply 
 interesting to me, I have thought that the language comes home 
 to my experience : " My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my 
 spirit doth rejoice in God my Saviour." At least there have been 
 seasons, when I have seen what abundant cause we have for the 
 abasement of self, to magnify the Lord ; though I have often had 
 to pass as through the deeps, though I have often greatly feared 
 through the weakness of faith, though I know that I have inex- 
 pressible cause for repentance and humiliation before my God, 
 yet I may acknowledge that there have been times when my 
 spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. The glory, the beauty, 
 the excellency of his salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
 have been increasingly opened before me : I have seen more 
 clearly that Christ is God our Saviour, and I have believed tint 
 
30 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1814. 
 
 to know experimentally the only true God, and Jesus Christ 
 whom He hath sent, is life eternal, and that this knowledge ia a 
 joy unspeakable and fuU of glory. Utterly unwortliy as I am, 
 I have been permitted to hold communion with my Saviour, and 
 through Him to draw near unto my God. I have known what 
 it is, not only to sit at his feet, but to hear his word, and that 
 word has spoken life and peace to my soul. Under the burden 
 of sin and the weight of many infirmities, my spirit has ofben 
 been comforted in believing that Christ, who has borne our 
 infirmities and carried our sorrows, who was tempted like as we 
 are, yet without sin, is our High Priest in heaven ; that he ever 
 liveth to make intercession for us, and is the propitiation for our 
 sins. "Lord I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but 
 now mine eye hath seen thee, therefore do I desire to abhor 
 myself, and repent in dust and ashes." For I have assuredly felt, 
 that, through Jesus Christ our Lord, there is forgiveness with 
 thee, that thou mayst be feared, under the apprehension of 
 death and present suffering. I have often been comforted in 
 the hope, that a new and living way has been opened for me 
 into the kingdom of heaven, into a state of everlasting peace 
 and rest. The Lord has been mercifully pleased to " anoint my 
 eyes with eye-salve," so that I have seen at times, though it may 
 be very dimly, that Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, 
 that he is the chiefest amongst ten thousand ; and how do I 
 desire that he may be, now and evermore, the beloved of my 
 soul. I humbly hope tliat I know him better than I did a year 
 ago in his various characters. First, as our Physician, as having 
 all-sufficient power to heal the sick and to cure all manner of 
 diseases ; as having power to make us clean, to bind up the 
 broken-hearted, to give light to the blind, hearing to the deaf, 
 as making the lamo to walk. O Lord, let me not blindly 
 feel myself as amongst the lohole, but, as I am truly, amongst 
 the sick who need the healing power of this great Physician. 
 Enable me, gracious Father, to come unto him with faith, that 
 I may be healed, that I may be cured of every disease sptri- 
 
1814.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 31 
 
 tually ; may the Sun of E/ighteousness arise coutinually in my 
 soul with healing in his wings. Secondly, as our Sheplierd, the 
 good Shepherd who gave his life for tlie sheep, hy whose care we 
 want nothing ; who maketh us to lie down in green pastures ; 
 who leadeth us beside the still waters, even the everlasting 
 fountains of life ; who restoreth our souls ; who leadeth us into 
 the paths of righteousness for his name's sake; who, though we 
 walk through the valley of the shadow of death, yet preventeth 
 all fear of evil, because He is with us, because his rod and his 
 staff continually comfort us. O Lord, grant, I humbly pray thee, 
 that Jesus Christ, thy beloved Son, may be my Shepherd, leading 
 me whilst here in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake, 
 and through the valley of the shadow of death unto thine ever- 
 lasting kingdom. Suffer me not to wander from the paths and 
 from the guidance of the heavenly Shepherd, lest I should become 
 a prey to the ravenous wolves, to our devouring adversary. Keep 
 me where thou makest thy flocks to rest at noon, that I may be 
 one amongst the little flock of Christ to whom thou hast promised 
 to give thy kingdom. Thirdly, our JSxample. His life should be 
 our pattern — as it concerns our God, our neighbour, and our- 
 selves. Like our blessed Lord, we should humbly and earnestly 
 endeavour to glorify God upon the earth, and to accomplish the 
 work which he hath given each of us to do. As He went about 
 doing good, so our lives should be devoted to doing good for 
 others ; and in relieving, according to our ability, the temporal 
 and spiritual wants of our neighbours. " If I, then, your Lord 
 and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one 
 another's feet." We should learn of Christ to be meek and 
 lowly of heart, humble in prosperity, patient in adversity ; for 
 He suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow 
 his steps : when reviled or persecuted, let us not revile again ; 
 when oppressed or afflicted, let us not open our mouths to 
 murmur. May I not, for the remainder of my life, look so much 
 to my fellow-creatures for an example, but tinto Christ, who was 
 a perfect pattern in his life and conversation, looking stedfastly 
 
33 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1815. 
 
 unto Christ, by wboiu aloue we can draw nigh unto thee, who 
 art our Heavenly Father, the Lord Almighty God, aud the King 
 of Saints : may I be enabled to love thee more and more with 
 all my heart, and my neighbour as myself; may I learn much 
 more than I have yet learned, through the assistance of tby 
 Holy Spii'it, to be like my blessed Eedeemer, meek and lowly in 
 heart, humble and thankful in prosperity, patient in every 
 tribulation : may I learn to suffer more willingly witb Christ ; 
 so that when time to me here shall be no more, I may humbly 
 hope that, through his merits, through thy tender mercy and 
 unmerited loving-kindness, I may come to reign with him in 
 glory for ever." 
 
 In the First Month, 1815, she visited the families of 
 Friends of Norwich Meeting, her uncle and aunt Joseph 
 aud Jane Gui'ney being her companions ; and her sympathy 
 was shortly afterwards painfully excited on behalf of these 
 dear relatives in the illness and death of their son Henry: — 
 
 On Sixth-day, Second Month 10th, 1815, we received the 
 intelligence that they were in much distress at the Grove, dear 
 H. having been extremely ill in the night, which having ended 
 in a fit of apoplexy, they could not expect him to survive long. 
 Joseph and I immediately went to the Grove, and soon joined 
 them in the room where dear H. was lying on the poiut of 
 death. The scene was awful and deeply affecting. My beloved 
 uncle and airnt were sitting over liim, much distressed and 
 bowed down under the heavy and unexpected stroke. We sat 
 in solemn silence ; but, as our beloved cousin seemed on the 
 point of departing out of this world, I could not forbear from 
 supplicating that the Lord Jesus would, in that awfid hour, 
 come quickly — that the Lord, in taking him hence, would be 
 mercifidly and graciously pleased to take him to himself into his 
 everlasting kingdom, " where the wicked cease from troubling, 
 and the weary are at rest." We seemed also called upon to 
 
1815.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 33 
 
 render thanksgiving unto Him -vrho had preserved this beloved 
 child from the evils and pollutions of this world, and humbly to 
 pray that every transgression might be blotted out and every 
 sin covered—that he might be clothed with the garments of 
 righteousness — that he might be admitted into the presence of 
 the Almighty — that the Lamb might lead him unto living foun- 
 tains of water. 
 
 He quietly departed on the day of this interview. Pris- 
 cilla Guruey remained for a time with the bereaved parents ; 
 and on Second Month 20thj she writes : — 
 
 I have been staying here since the event happened, and I 
 have felt it quite a privilege to be with them. The true and 
 Christian resignation with which my beloved uncle and aunt 
 have been able to meet this close trial, has been encouraging and 
 strengthening to those about them : to the feelings of nature it 
 is indeed a bitter cup, but my hope and belief is, that it may be 
 sanctified to them all. What an inexpressible blessing it is to 
 see those we love fortified by faith and submission at such a 
 time as this ! I have seldom felt it more than on this occasion. 
 How very solemn are these repeated warnings to those who 
 remain! Surely, we have had to experience, within the last few 
 years, that in the midst of life we are in death. There is hardly 
 anything to me more overwhelming in these events, than the 
 loud call to us who remain to watch and be sober : it is easier 
 to say they are warnings, than to listen to and obey the warning 
 voice. 
 
 How have I longed during this time, and from our late ex- 
 perience, that our hearts might be more and more weaned from 
 the world, and that our conversation might be more in heaven ! 
 where indeed we seem to have much treasure. This is my feeling 
 about those who have gone before us, who have escaped from 
 the troubles and conflicts of this life, and are anchored on the 
 Eock of Ages, in a state of everlasting rest and peace. I some- 
 
 c 3 
 
34 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GUENEY. 
 
 [1815. 
 
 times think, if, through a grain of faith, we are permitted now 
 and then to have a glimpse of this eternal state, it compensates 
 for aU our troubles and conflicts here. I do not at all approve 
 of taking a gloomy view of life, where we have so much to 
 make us thankful and happy, at least with a better hope beyond 
 it ; and with such a hope, how can we be thankful enough for 
 the unmerited and marvellous blessings bestowed upon us ? 
 
 TO HEE SISTER, ELIZABETH GXTEITET, 
 
 Earlham, Fourth Month 9th, 1815. 
 
 You have been brought very near to me of late. I have 
 renewedly longed for you, unitedly and separately, that you may 
 increasingly surrender yourselves to the service of our blessed 
 Master. I have thought that the sacrifices which have been, 
 and may yet be required of you, may be in some of the little 
 things (at least what may be termed little by others) ; but I am 
 increasingly persuaded that some of these little things are often 
 our stumbling-blocks, and also, that nothing is little which pro- 
 motes our own spiritual advancement, or serves that most holy 
 cause, which I humbly trust we have in some measure at heart. 
 May you both, under a sense of the manifold benefits and mer- 
 cies bestowed upon you, be more and more willing to surrender 
 whatever may be called for at your hands ! I believe thou art 
 hardly aware, my beloved Elizabeth, how, inasmuch as thou 
 hast been faithful to the Cross, thou hast been a strength and 
 a comfort to me. Many and many a time have I secretly felt 
 the influence of it ; and a renewed and earnest desire has of 
 late attended me, that thou mayest be encouraged, not only to 
 be an helpmate to thy dear husband, but more and more of 
 a true and faithful and self-denying labourer in the vineyard. 
 
 Early in 1815, Priscilla Gurney was engaged in the very 
 weighty service of paying a religious visit to the families 
 of Friends throughout the limits of her own Quarterly 
 
1816.] 
 
 MEMOIR OP PRISCILLA GURNEV. 
 
 35 
 
 Meeting. She was accompanied by her beloved cousin 
 Anna Buxton, who, like herself, had been enabled, by 
 yielding to the constraining love of Christ, to forsake all 
 that, to the human soul unregenerated by the Spirit of 
 Truth, appears to promise a life of pleasure and self-indul- 
 gence. These two devoted messengers of the gospel were 
 closely cemented in the fellowship and communion of their 
 Redeemer ; and there were not a feWj who, by their chris- 
 tian labours and pious example, were stimulated and en- 
 couraged to take the Saviour's yoke upon them, and 
 humbly to learn of Him who was " meek and lowly iu 
 heart." After the accomplishment of this important visit, 
 Pi'iscilla Gurney was, dui'ing most of the remaining months 
 of the year, and also for several of those in the spring of 
 1816, permitted to remain at her comfortable home, and 
 to pursue, in comparative retirement, those occupations 
 which remarkably promoted the welfare of the surrounding 
 district. Her beloved sister Richenda had married Francis 
 Cunningham; and, referring to this circumstance, she 
 writes, Second Month 26th, 1816 :— 
 
 I have of late felt much bound to home, and it is very com- 
 fortable not to have any particular call from it. It is rather 
 remarkable to feel my own allotment so very difterent from 
 that of my three sisters,* with whom I was brought up in the 
 closest union ; my religious path so distinct from theirs, and 
 prospects in life so different. Sow these things are we knoiv 
 not. Sis ways are not as our ways .... I confess that, 
 since Eichenda went, I have sometimes felt a little lonely and 
 solitary in my path ; but I earnestly desire to be thankful for 
 the many blessings which are bestowed upon me. How comfort- 
 ing it is sometimes really to believe that, whatever be our aUot- 
 
 • Hannah having several years earliei- being married to T. P. Buxton, and 
 Louisa to Samuel Hoare. 
 
36 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 ment, whetlier we rejoice or whether we mourn, however varied 
 may appear our portion here, yet that every dit3pen.sation is , 
 sent in wisdom and mercy, and that each has that which is 
 best for us. I do so desire to rest in this belief, and in what- 
 ever state I am therewith to be content. 
 
 To another friend she addressed the following, dated 
 Fourth Month 4.th :— 
 
 I have longed to tell thee, during the last few weeks, how 
 sweetly in my inmost heart my love has flowed towards thee, 
 indeed towards all your beloved circle, though under an inex- 
 pressible sense of my own weakness and nothingness, which 
 has been especially brought home to me of late ; yet I can desire 
 for others that they may go on from strength to strength, and 
 come forth valiantly for the cause of truth amongst and before 
 others : this is the prayer of my heart for you, that whilst 
 health and strength and life are granted you, you may dedicate 
 these talents to the service of your blessed Master — that you 
 may not limit the power of the Lord, saying in your hearts, 
 " Thus far will Ave go and no farther." 
 
 Some important family claims required Priscilla Gurney's 
 attention during the time of the Yearly Meeting of 1816. 
 She felt the privation, consequent on being necessarily 
 absent from it, to be no small trial ; but, with the spirit 
 of cheerful acquiescence with every circumstance permitted 
 or dispensed by the providence of her heavenly Father, 
 which so uniformly prevailed in her heart, she was per- 
 fectly willing to forego the enjoyment of a privilege which 
 she greatly valued. She says : — 
 
 It has been quite a sacrifice to me to give up the Yearly 
 Meeting. I had longed for such a refreshment, and to be a 
 little more amongst Friends, as we have not much of this kind 
 of help in our situation here : but I do not doubt it is for our 
 
181G.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PUISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 37 
 
 benefit to be, for a time, deprived of much outward belp and 
 consolation. This has been remarkably my case for many 
 months past. My dear uncle and aunt's loug absence from 
 home has been one thing that has given this feeling : but I am 
 sure that these things are ordered in wisdom and mercy, and 
 ought to lead us, vrith more faith, trust and dependence, to 
 the Source of all good. 
 
 As the autumn approached, it brought mth it, to some 
 of her near connexions, accumulated solicitudes and 
 sorrows. Her uncle Joseph's family had, as we have seen 
 in the record of the previous year, been suddenly bereft of 
 a young and interesting member : this heavy affliction 
 was quickly followed by another, not less deeply felt, 
 and attended by circumstances of peculiar trial. Their 
 daughter Rachel was seriously affected by symptoms of 
 pulmonary disorder ; and, by the urgent advice of some 
 attendant physicians, it was concluded that she should 
 pass the ensuing winter in the milder climate of Savoy. 
 Some painful anxieties respecting others of their beloved 
 circle prevented Joseph and Jane Gui'ney from accom- 
 panying their dear child to a foreign land; and they 
 confided this important charge to their affectionate niece, 
 of whose skilful and assiduous attentions to such as were 
 sinking under disease they had repeatedly had ample 
 proof. Priscilla Gurney felt weightily the responsible 
 undertaking; but meekly surrendered herself to perform 
 the arduous duties which it involved. Her tenderly 
 sympathising, yet lively spirit, her deep and solid piety, her 
 constant faith and trust, rendered her a most valuable 
 companion to the sick and to the mourner, particularly to 
 those in early life, whose future appeared to be no longer 
 irradiated by the sunshine of youthful anticipations. 
 Rarely could one be found whose experience could better 
 
38 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 qualify to administer to the failing tabernacle ; or, in 
 seasons of extreme weakness and discouragement, when 
 the spirit might sink at the prospect of the awful gloom 
 that enveloped the dark " valley of the shadow of death," 
 few could be more prepared to point the sufferer to those 
 rays of " the Sun of Righteousness " which illumine the 
 Christian's pathway to the tomb. The invalid was also 
 accompanied by her sister Jane. This little, but very inte- 
 resting party, commenced their journey on the 27th of 
 Ninth Month, at which date Priscilla writes : — 
 
 Our parting at Earlham was under a most sweet and 
 comforting impression of gospel love. We had a solemn 
 reading. I felt engaged in prayer that we might be esta- 
 bhshed, strengthened, and settled in the Truth as it is in 
 Jesus ; and I was enabled to commend myself, and those most 
 dear to me, as well absent as present, to the Lord, and to his 
 grace under every dispensation. The warm expression of 
 christian love, unity, and sympathy, from so many of my near 
 and dear friends, was consolatory on leaving my most beloved 
 home. Our departure from the Grove was very affecting ; but 
 quietness and even peace prevailed. A low ride to Harleston. 
 The feebng of most tender love and union of spirit with those 
 I had left (united, I humbly trust, in Him who is the Light of 
 the World,) was powerful through this day and night. 
 
 29^^. — We began to read with dear Eachel, in the carriage, 
 the Grospel of John. We had some interesting conversation, 
 in which I fully expressed my desire that we might be unmoved 
 under every dispensation, having our hearts withdrawn from 
 the things of this world. Never did I much more earnestly 
 desire that they may be uplifted above its cares and its enjoy- 
 ments, and whoUy fixed on our heavenly treasure. I felt my 
 absence from my beloved famUy this morning ; but was per- 
 mitted to hold sweet communion with them in Him, and 
 through Him, who is our advocate with the Father. 
 
1816.] MEMOIR OF PEISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 39 
 
 At Witham, one of their resting-places, she addressed 
 the following to her beloved cousin, Anna Buxton, then 
 about to be united in marriage with William Forster :■ — 
 
 Nintli Month ^Oth. — I believe I shall be much with you 
 in mind, and in a little of that spirit which we may humbly 
 hope still unites us together, under the varied events of life. 
 Various and unexpected indeed they are, and such I must say 
 is my present undertaking to accompany dear Eachel on such 
 an expedition as this : I cannot but feel it serious on many 
 accounts. I have deeply felt leaving home. I believe we shall 
 sometimes have your sympathy, may we not hope your prayers 
 for our preservation. Though the pain of leaving home has 
 been great, yet a feeling of sweet peace has, I think, been per- 
 mitted to attend us, and I have been, on the whole, quiet and 
 comfortable. And now, my beloved friends, I may from my 
 heart say. Farewell. May we more and more seek that Spirit 
 which can enable us to mourn and rejoice together, and 
 which may lead us continually to commend ourselves and one 
 another unto that grace which can alone build us up, sustain, 
 and comfort us. 
 
 The travellers reached Bury Hill on the evening of the 
 last date. Here, another cousin, Elizabeth Barclay, whose 
 health was in a very critical state, had been directed by 
 her physicians to spend the winter at Nice. She was 
 accompanied by a brother and sister, and by her cousin, 
 A. R. Barclay. It was arranged that the two parties 
 should proceed together. On the 1st of Tenth Month, 
 Priscilla Gurney writes : — 
 
 It was interesting to meet the party here. Joseph and 
 Elizabeth Fry came with their baby in the evening. E. F. 
 visited both our patients in their different apartments, and 
 
40 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 earnestly supplicated for each of us : for dear Eachel — that, 
 whether her time here might be loug or short, every dispensation 
 might tend to her refinemeut and preparation for another state of 
 being — that she might be increasingly established on that rock 
 against which the gates of hell can never prevail — that, through 
 our Redeemer, she might obtain the victory over sin, death, 
 and the grave. This was very solemn. She prayed also for 
 dear Jane's preservation and consolation, and for her establish- 
 ment in the Truth ; and for me, that during our separation the 
 Lord might be a shelter from the storm, a shadow from the 
 heat, when the blast of the terrible one may be as a storm 
 against the wall. I believe our hearts were united and 
 refreshed together. 
 
 Tenth Month, 3rd. — A little withdrawing of that holy and 
 heavenly presence which has mercifully attended me, was my 
 experience during this day ; I believe through my own unwatch- 
 fulness. 
 
 5th. — We were anxious about dear Rachel; she appeared 
 to me very iU. "We read together Cowper's hymn on prayer, 
 " Jesus where'er thy people meet," &c. Oh, that we may aU be 
 delivered from temptation, and kept from all evil ! 
 
 First-day, the 6th. — At Dorking Meeting. This text much im- 
 pressed me, " The time is short," &c., conveying warning to the 
 careless, and consolation to the alflicted — on the shortness of 
 time, and preparation for an eternal world — on examining our- 
 selves, whether we be in the faith — on that knowledge of God 
 
 and of Christ which is life eternal, &c In the 
 
 evening D. B. read John vi. and Psalm ciii. to the family and 
 servants ; after which we had a solemn pause : I could not 
 separate, and indeed it seemed that we could not part, without 
 supplicating for mercy, and the blessing of Grod upon us, that 
 He would grant to each of us what we need in things temporal 
 and spiritual. We seemed afresh called upon to connnend our 
 beloved patients to the Lord, that his presence might be with 
 them, that they might partake of the bread of life, and so come 
 
1816.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PllISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 41 
 
 unto Christ that they may never hunger, and believe in Hiin 
 that they may never thirst. 
 
 7 t?i. — Departure from Bury Hill — bustling arrival at 
 Brighton. 
 
 Sth. — Very interesting and memorable departure in our boat 
 to the packet. 
 
 Before quitting the English shores she addressed her 
 dear sisters and brothers. She says : — 
 
 A hope prevails that I am in my right place — that this 
 separation from many things so dear to us may be a means 
 of establishing us more in the knowledge and experience of the 
 blessed Truth as it is in Jesus. For myself, I think I hardly 
 ever was more sensible than since I left you, of the breadth 
 and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that 
 passeth knowledge. Without some sense of this most precious 
 knowledge my heart would have sunk more in leaving you all. 
 
 Night — on board the packet — very comfortless. Patients and 
 nurses all ill. Beautiful morning. We brought the invalids 
 on to the deck. The approach to the French coast very inte- 
 resting. Landed at Dieppe. Our patients were carried into 
 the inn amongst a crowd of people. 
 
 After a short stay the party proceeded to Rouen. Stop- 
 ping at a village on their way, Priscilla distributed a few 
 tracts. 
 
 One little girl brought me her father's Bible and read to 
 me in it — (she said) " Voulez-vous venir dans notre Jardin ? " 
 It was a pretty scene — little rooms round it, with their beds — 
 a crucifix in one of them. Many of the children could read, 
 but no other Bible could I hear of. Gave a Testament to the 
 landlady. One man would have disputed with me for being a 
 Protestant : " Oh, vous n'etes pas Catholique — vous ne croyez 
 pas a la A^icrgc." I could not speak French enough to justify 
 
42 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 my creed. Our two maids had gone forward (to Rouen) in 
 the diligence. We found a comfortable inn and things nicely 
 prepared, but so different from England. Everybody full of 
 life, dirty, but obliging. Pleasing femme de chambre. — I gave 
 her a tract, and she promised to read it " au dimanche." Houen 
 is a fine old city — the Seine wdth its numerous islands, and the 
 old city, a striking scene. I felt in some degree the emptiness 
 of all worldly sights. 
 
 \2th. — Had enjoyed some time by myself the two pre- 
 ceding evenings, and again felt the privilege of having those 
 absent from me brought, in a lively manner, to my remem- 
 brance. 
 
 " Still in spirit we may meet, 
 And in sweet communion join." 
 
 A fatiguing day's journey to Verdun. Stopped at Louvier, 
 — an interesting time there amongst the people — gave some 
 tracts. A lovely young woman entered into conversation with 
 me, and expressed some serious feeling — said very sweetly, 
 " Nous devons aimer 1' Etemel de tout notre coeur — oui, de 
 toutlnotre force." 
 
 Tenth Month \^th, Mrst-day. — ^Went forward to Mantz. 
 I longed for the privileges of an English "Sabbath." The 
 people were assembling for mass ; but there was not much 
 appearance of seriousness. I earnestly desire that our present 
 mode of life may not scatter the seed of the kingdom in our hearts. 
 A very sweet reading in the evening. I felt the separating effect 
 of worldly things, but was enabled to supplicate the Divine 
 blessing stiO. to rest upon us, and, for our dear patients, that 
 the Lord would atisfy them with the bread of life, and fUl the 
 hungry soul with His goodness. A covering of love seemed at 
 last, at the close of the day, cast over us, and we separated 
 peacefully. 
 
 lUh.—To " St." Germains. 
 
 15th. — To Paris. Many objects of interest. The house 
 
1816.] 
 
 MEMOIR OP PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 43 
 
 of tlie Empress Josephine, Malmaison, water-works at Marli ; 
 entrance to the city, grand, unlike anything I have seen before. 
 Had a comfortable retirement by myself in my comfortless 
 little dressing-room at our hotel. 
 
 19th. — "Walked to the Agent's of the Bible Society, — agreed 
 to communicate, should any opening occur where we settle 
 for spreading the Scriptures. How much I desire that this 
 may be the case. Leo caUed in the evening and engaged 
 to send us some of his Testaments. It is cheering to me to 
 have any prospect of a little good ojiening before us. 
 
 20th, First-day. — At home all day. With our two invalids 
 had a little reading, and quiet time together, which was better 
 than nothing. ^I was much, in miud, with our beloved friends in 
 England ; and, under the sense of our privation, I thought of 
 and felt the words of this Psalm, — " Tea, we wept when we 
 remembered Zion. How shall we sing the Lord's song in a 
 strange land ? " 
 
 21s^.— Preparations for leaving Paris. "We were not sorry 
 to leave it, as it is not calculated to make the happiest 
 impression on the mind. Many French about us, amongst 
 the rest our Mantua-maker, to whom I gave a Testament, 
 with which she was much delighted, and said she should 
 often read it with her little girl. Came forward to Melun. 
 Dear Rachel more easy than usual, and we enjoyed our reading 
 in the Bible and the first chapter of Baxter's "Dying Thoughts." 
 Pleasant evening at Villeneuve : we read together the " Crook 
 in the Lot." — I read hymns to dear Rachel, &c., ^dth much 
 comfort, especially this, — "How are thy servants blest, O 
 Lord," &c. 
 
 They reached Sens on the 24th. 
 
 Rachel very poorly, which rendered the ride hence to 
 Auxerre a painful one ; but we went on -v^dth our reading. The 
 vineyards on the sides of the hills much more luxuriant than 
 any I had seen. Auxerre is a fine town. I walked over the 
 
44 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 bridge ; it was a beautiful clear afternoon — enjoyed the loveli- 
 ness of the scene, the view of the town, the islands in the 
 river— groups of figures coming down the hill with their baskets 
 of grapes. 
 
 27^/*.— Autun, Another Eirst-daj. Eead the Epistle to 
 Titus. Whilst thus separated from the Church, I have felt an 
 earnest desire that we may be increasingly united to Him who 
 is the Head of the Church, and more and more know Him for 
 ourselves ; and also, that whilst separated \n person from those 
 who are the members of the Church, we may be permitted to 
 enjoy spiritual communion and fellowship in Christ. "We 
 thought there was more appearance of the " Sabbath" being kept 
 here than ui Normandy, or near Paris, — more of seriousness 
 among the people. We read this afternoon, with real comfort, 
 and some unity of spirit, the 40th of Isaiah, 1st Peter, and 
 the two last chapters of the Revelation ; and I trust our 
 hearts were a little raised above the cares and troubles of life. 
 
 2Sth. — The views of Autun and the surrounding countrj', 
 highly interesting. We think the difference of the chmate 
 begins to be evident. 
 
 22th. — Chalon, not a striking place. Preparations for our 
 voyage down the Saone. Our patients were carried through a 
 thick fog from the diligence into our boat. I sat on the deck 
 and enjoyed my morning's reading, thoiigh a little interrupted 
 by passengers. I have found many opportunities, during this 
 journey, for retreat and entire inward retirement, which have 
 been particularly comfortable to me. As it regards my service 
 to others, my present life is a humbling one. 
 
 ZOth. — This whole day peciiliarly comfortless. Crowds of 
 low passengers. The country more beautiful — especially near 
 Lyons, the approach to which place is very striking ; nor is it 
 less so to one's muid to be at a place so often read and heard 
 of. The air is very warm. The remembrance of the Martyrs 
 interesting to me : Perpetua and Felicitas, and the history of 
 the Church at this place. We ascended the hill behind the 
 
1810.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 45 
 
 Cathedral, from whence we had a fine view of the Alps, which 
 was highly iuterestiiig : Mount Blanc, Mount Cenis, &c., &c. 
 
 Slst. — We set off for our second voyage in a large boat, and 
 soon left the Saone for the lihone, which is a much nobler 
 river, but the water is muddy. We reached Vienne, where we 
 had but comfortless accommodation. Tlie chambermaids zealous 
 in our service ; one very lively girl waited on us with great 
 alacrity. I gave her a Testament. 
 
 Eleventli Month 2nd. — One of the pleasantest days we have 
 had during our journey. The country in parts was highly 
 beautiful, the mountains clothed with vines, very luxuriant. 
 Our dinner was a cheerful one, in our boat. Drawing was 
 to-day a pleasant occupation to us all. Elizabeth and I have, 
 during these two days, thoroughly enjoyed the epistles to 
 Timothy ; and I have seldom felt more sensibly the superiority 
 of spiritual good to every oilier gratification whatever : we feel 
 that the one soon passes away, but the other nourishes the soul 
 to life eternal. We stopped in the evening at Cerier. Two 
 little girls in the inn, dressed like old women, interested me, 
 and I promised them a Testament. Walked by the river by 
 moonlight. 
 
 Eleventh Month 3rd. — I ran before breakfast to visit the 
 mother of the two little girls (just mentioned), to whom I 
 gave the Testament with some satisfaction, and a hope that a 
 blessing might attend it to these dear children. We breakfasted 
 in our boat. The wind being against us, we were obliged to 
 stop at "St." Valiere. 
 
 4<th. — A stormy and wet day — could only proceed five miles. 
 This is a curious mode of life, much like that of a company of 
 gypsies. The scenery very fine. 
 
 5th. — Proceeded to Valence and Bourg St. Antoine. 
 
 Gth. — A pouring wet morning, but we contrived to convey 
 our patients into our boat. We reached Avignon, and 
 are settled at the most comfortable inn we have met with 
 in France. 
 
46 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 Tth. — A satisfactory parting with the boatmen, to whom we 
 gave a Bible and two Testaments. We had a comfortable 
 reading ; after which, in some conflict of mind, it seemed right 
 for me to return thanks for the mercies hitherto granted ua, 
 and to supplicate that we might yet have the loving-kindness 
 of the Lord, and know the way wherein we should walk. 
 Pauline, a sweet little girl, with me in the evening. 
 
 Eleventh Month %th. — Had some conversation with an old 
 hermit, who lived in the mountains and occasionally comes into 
 the town to ask charity : an interesting figure. Visited a poor 
 woman in her cottage and heard with pain of the distresses of 
 the poor, which I fear are spiritual as well as temporal. Gave 
 a Bible to the landlady's son, an intelligent young man, and a 
 Testament to Pauline. 
 
 — A quiet comfortable home-day. We sat together part 
 of the morning, reading, &c. Walked out before dinner, and 
 we saw the remains of the palace of the Popes. The hall is 
 now converted into a stable for a regiment of soldiers. The 
 elFect of the desolation, caused by the revolution, melancholy. 
 
 \Q>th, First-day. — I have felt the want of more retirement 
 for the last few days, from having risen late. Pauline read to 
 me a chapter in the Testament, and I questioned her upon it 
 with interest and satisfaction. I cannot help longing to take 
 some part with, the dear children. Pauline had been with her 
 sick nncle to mass. Let us not judge others, though we may 
 feel for one another, and prize the privileges uw possess. We 
 have been having our meeting together. I had to remind my 
 companions of a text which has frequently been on my mind 
 during our journey, — " Examine yourselves, prove your own 
 selves, whether ye be in the faith, &c." — Of the importance, 
 (especially) under our present circumstances, of self-examina- 
 tion whether we be in the faith, whether Christ be in us by his 
 Spirit, whether we are so abiding in Him as to bring forth 
 fruit. We read the fourth and fifth chapters of second 
 Corinthians. Visited the Hospital, where the nuns of "the 
 
1816.] 
 
 MEMOIK OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 47 
 
 order of St. Joseph " attend the sick, — an interesting scene. 
 Had some conversation with the patients, also with the 
 nims." 
 
 In a letter to her beloved brother Samuel, she says : — 
 
 Avignon, Eleventh Month 13th. 
 I spent some time on First-day at a large hospital, where 
 the sick people are attended by an order of nuns from an adjoin- 
 ing convent. I was interested much by the scene, both by the 
 invalids and their attendants, and in my very poor way had 
 some communication ^vith several of tliem, and wished much to 
 see the convent ; but could not then obtain leave. The sick 
 people seemed to benefit much by the kind care of the nuns ; 
 I could not help wishing for some such attendance in our 
 hospitals. I took a Catholic edition of the Testament \vith 
 me ; but they would not accept it. The nuns were very kind 
 tome, though addressed by the title of " Heretique." Since 
 this visit we obtained a letter from the Bishop, with leave to 
 visit the convent, and we have been there this morning and 
 spent about an hour with the nuns. A most curious visit we 
 paid. I wish I could describe it to you ; it was a great favour 
 to be admitted, and I believe it was owing to my having the 
 appearance of a " Eeligieuse Anglaise' ' (English nun) that 
 obtained the permission for us. They are only eighteen in 
 number. I should think, by the appearance of the house, 
 reduced — so many of their chambers appeared unoccupied. To 
 be sure, we were never so addressed before ; such invectives 
 and denunciations against the Protestants, such entreaties to 
 return to the " only true Church," such warm invitations to 
 join their members, such expressions of horror at our heresy, 
 as I really could not have believed had I not heard them. 
 They all being about us, we could only answer their lectures 
 and exhortations by a few broken defences of our faith. I was 
 not in the least inclined to enter into discussion, but rather to 
 gather what there was to be gathered of the sweet and good 
 
48 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 spirit amongst them, and to unite in those simple truths in 
 which we could unite. On this account, I believe, and from 
 my appearance, they had more hopes of me, and were, in con- 
 sequence, more earnest in their entreaties and invitations. 
 After they had showed us through the house, chapel, &c., many 
 of them feU upon their knees, which they said was to pray for 
 us, that we might be converted and saved, and during the time 
 we were there they were continually falling on their knees 
 before some saint, or the Virgin, &c. There really appeared 
 much devotion to their duties ; but so much delusion, such 
 narrow boundaries, that it vras impossible not to be painfuUy 
 impressed ; and I could not help feeling and thinking how little 
 was to be felt of the glorious liberty of the children of Grod. I 
 said, I hoped we should part in christian love, to which they 
 assented ; and they really were very kind and affectionate in 
 manner. It seems as if I were to be introduced to a variety in 
 the christian world. I must confess that the experience of 
 this journey has led me increasingly to value that religion 
 which is spiritual and inward, and to desire to be more and 
 more guided (seeing the delusions of men) by that Spirit and 
 holy anointing which can really change the heart, and lead 
 into all truth : at the same time, when we can, we ought to 
 take example from the good we see in others, and I think we 
 may gain some lessons from the Catholics. We must still 
 remember that we are not to judge one another ; there is One 
 that judgeth. I have given away one Bible and several 
 Testaments here, which have been thankfully received. The 
 other day I had quite a long visit to a respectable man and 
 his wife, and had a good deal of communication with them. 
 "When I am alone, I can manage to convey my mind tolerably, 
 though in a very poor stumbling manner. 
 
 The Superieure of the nuns who attend the sick in the hos- 
 pital refused to accept a Testament which I offered to her. 
 Pauline has been with us aU day — visit to her uncle and aunt, 
 to whom I gave a Testament with satisfaction and hope. "We 
 
1816.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 49 
 
 talked of the influence and instruction of the Holy Spirit, as 
 superior to that of man. I long to see this more understood, 
 particularly in France. 
 
 ISth. — With Pauline to the Libraire and renewed my stock 
 of Testaments. I felt low to-day : less access to the only 
 Source of substantial comfort and consolation. 
 
 14#7j. — Farewell to the family of our landlady — rather inte- 
 resting. Reached Port Eoyal in the evening. The mountains 
 grand, summits covered with snow, colouring most beautiful. 
 
 15th. — Entrance into Aix, very fine : four rows of trees in 
 the principal streets, fountains of hot and cold water, striking 
 in their effect. The weather very cold, owing to the Bise 
 (their north-east wind). 
 
 17th. — To Luc: country most luxuriant, with olive trees 
 &c. Felt thankfulness in having been thus far carried through 
 difficulties, and helped on our' way, and for the various 
 deliverances we have experienced. 
 
 l%th. — From Luc to Frejus. The sight of the Mediterranean 
 interesting. Walked to the Eoman Amphitheatre. Sketched 
 the scene. 
 
 19^^. — A bitterly cold walk before breakfast to see the 
 remains of the Roman Lighthouse. Wonderfully fine ride 
 from Frejus to Cannes. At Frejus Bonaparte landed from 
 Egypt and also embarked for Elba : at Cannes he landed from 
 Elba. 
 
 Writing at this date to her sister Rachel^ Priscilla 
 Gurney says : — 
 
 We have to-day crossed over a very high hUl, which took up 
 most of the morning ; I quite enjoyed my solitary walk, or 
 rather ascent, up the mountain — my own contemplations, and 
 the wonderful works of nature. I walked alone, until I over- 
 took a hermit going on a pilgrimage to the Pope at Rome ; 
 and, feeling something like a pilgrim myself, we joined company, 
 
50 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNET. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 and entered into conversation and a little sj-mpathy on our 
 way. He lived in a hermitage near Boiirdeaux, and had 
 travelled several hundred miles, taking with him no money, 
 having only his staff, and (as he said) protected by several 
 crucifixes and relics of "the order of St. Jaques." He wore a 
 most curious large leathern garment, the sign of his order, 
 covered vrith. shells, relics and crucifixes. I asked him whether 
 he had any companion. He said, none other than the one he 
 wore — pointing to the image of our Saviour. I said, I hoped 
 that his Spirit dwelt in his heart, as well as his image on his 
 garment. He assented, and, after giving him a few sous, we 
 parted. 
 
 20f7i. — G-ave Testaments to our landlady and one of her 
 neighbours. From Cannes to ^ice, the entrance into which 
 place was, I believe, deeply felt by us all : the remembrance of 
 our long pilgrimage, the uncertainty of the event, especially to 
 the dear invalids, excited much thought. May they so love 
 the Lord that aU things may " work together for good." 
 
 Mrst-day. — Comfortable. Our meeting in the morning. 
 This day I had to say a few words on the text, " Him that 
 Cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." I had to sup- 
 plicate that the presence of the Lord might be with us. These 
 meetings I find occasion more conflict of mind than more 
 public ones. 
 
 Eleventh Month 26th. — TTe took possession of our new- 
 abode ; a house pleasantly situated, just out of the town. 
 That the Divine blessing may rest upon us in it, was my 
 desii-e. 
 
 27th. — My birth-day — thirty-one. I seem far advanced in 
 my pilgrimage. A poor account from the Grrove of their dear 
 Joseph, which was trj-ing and depressing. "We began to read 
 together in the evening Jones's " History of the "Waldenses." 
 We talked of the necessity of our simple and entire reliance on 
 Providence, committing ourselves and those most dear to us 
 
1816.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 51 
 
 to his mercy and protection. Oh, tliat we may be enabled to 
 do this ! 
 
 28^^. — I felt and expressed the desire that, in all our 
 words and actions and deportment, we might be strengthened 
 to confess Christ before men, and so guarded that in nothing 
 we may deny Him. They that confess Him shall be confessed. 
 
 29th. — Rachel and I read the two first chapters of Revela- 
 tions. We dwelt with comfort and, I trust, with some encou- 
 ragement, on the promises to those who overcome. 
 
 Very anxious about dear Eachel. We read with much 
 interest, and I trust not without some profit, that wonderfid 
 chapter the third of Eevelations. 
 
 First-day, Eleventh Month 30<7*. — I enjoy my quiet retreat 
 before breakfast. Our meeting after breakfast comfortable. I 
 was enabled, under a peculiar sense of my own weakness, to 
 express a few words on this text, — " He that cometh unto God 
 must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them 
 that diligently seek Him," and my desire that we might all 
 come imto Him in this spirit of faith. 
 
 To her sister Rachel she wrote : — 
 
 I think often of those words of David, — " I had rather be a 
 doorkeeper in the house of my Grod than to dwell in the tents 
 of wickedness." Oh, it is infinitely better to be a doorkeeper 
 in his house than to possess all that this world can give ! 
 In this country we cannot but lamentingly feel that, though 
 the harvest is great, the labourers are few. The blind worship 
 of the Virgin, the images, and pictures of the Redeemer, gives 
 me a melancholy feeling. Surely these things must tend to 
 obscure his holy presence in the heart ; and they appear to 
 me obviously to have their deadening and darkening eff"ect. 
 
 Twelfth Month 6th. — Poor account of dear Joseph. A low 
 evening : solemn time at the end of it. 
 
 7th, First-day. — A solemn meeting together, at least it was 
 
 D 2 
 
53 
 
 MEMOIR or PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 SO to me, ending in prayer that, whatever may be the trials 
 permitted, or sacrifices required, our faith may not fail. 
 
 Qth. — A cloud seems to hang over us on account of dear 
 Josejih's illness. 
 
 \Oth. — I much enjoyed reading with Elizabeth the third 
 chapter of Corinthians, — " Know ye not that ye are the temple 
 of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" 
 
 Twelfth MotitJi \lth. — Eead to Eachel Bishop Taylor on 
 humility ; some excellent instructions ; may we take them home. 
 I long for the growth of this christian grace in our hearts. 
 
 \4itk. — The suspense and deep feeling of anxiety about 
 Joseph have been trying. 
 
 \5th, First-day. — Assembled as usual for our little meeting. 
 
 Afterwards she wrote to lier brother and sister Hoare: — 
 
 Withdrawn, as I have been, from my (usual course of) life, 
 it has sometimes led to a serious review of myself, in which I 
 have had humblingly to feel my many and various deficiencies in 
 every way ; but the mercy and redeeming love which blots out, 
 and which covers our transgressions, has often, I think I may say, 
 been afresh and powerfully manifested to me, and I have at 
 times been permitted to feel the unspeakable consolations of the 
 Gospel dispensation, and the love of God through Jesus Christ. 
 
 IQth. — Visit from a. young Countess. Not so comfortable a 
 morning as usual. We talked of other people, which is seldom 
 without dissatisfaction to me. How I do long that every 
 thing in our hearts may be brought under the influence of 
 christian love. 
 
 llth. — Visit from the Coiintess Cesole. She gave us an 
 interesting history of the sufferings of her family during the 
 Revolution, and in a pleasing manner, with much feeling. The 
 Abbe, her son, a priest, was afterwards introduced to us : the 
 most humble and pleasing priest, in appearance, that we have 
 seen. 
 
1816.J 
 
 MEMOIR OF PKISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 53 
 
 18^A. — The letters brought the sad and deeply affecting 
 intelligence of dear Joseph's death. A solemn and suffering day. 
 
 For many months this beloved youth, the eldest and 
 only surviving son of Joseph and Jane Gurney, had been 
 in declining health. He had been remarkably preserved 
 from the evils of the world, and his mind imbued with 
 religious principle. Fully aware of his danger, he was 
 favoured with great quietness and peace in his transit from 
 time. 
 
 19i5^.— A low night. 
 
 P. G. wrote to her deeply afflicted uncle and aunt "with 
 feelings not to be described." After this the sorrowing 
 little company met together for a time of worship ; "at the 
 conclusion of which," she says — 
 
 I believe we were drawn unitedly to the throne of grace, 
 humbly supplicating for those absent, as well as for ourselves, 
 that the blessing of the Lord might be with us, sanctifying 
 this deep affiction to many hearts, that our faith and patience 
 may not fail. More quietness and composure prevailed to-day. 
 
 2lst. — There is a peace, and sometimes even a joy, in this 
 time of trial, in the belief which has been permitted to ua that 
 our beloved Joseph is at rest, and that the sustaining Arm is 
 yet imdemeath those who remain in this state of probation. 
 "We read comfortably in the Bible before we separated, and 
 were, I trust, enabled to commend ourselves and those far 
 away to the preserving care, love and mercy, of the Shepherd 
 of Israel. Thus ends this solemn week, one not soon to be 
 forgotten ; and the effects of which on our hearts will, I hope, 
 never be done away. 
 
 First-day, 22nd. — I had to express my desire that we might 
 attend to our Savioiu-'s injunction, " Take no thought for the 
 
54 
 
 MEMOIR OP PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1816. 
 
 morrow," &c., and also to allude to the importance of doing the 
 day's work in the day time ; for " the night cometh" soon, "when 
 no man can work." 
 
 In refei'ence to the decease of their dear cousin^ she 
 writes to her brother J. J. G., Twelfth Month 26th : — 
 
 There are few passages in Scripture that have been more 
 animating or comforting to me than the promises in the Revela- 
 tions to those who overcome : I have dwelt on them with a 
 peculiar interest, and I believe with a renewed desire for us 
 who remain, that we may with more faith, more humility, and 
 more entire and simple obedience, enlist under the banner of 
 the Captain of our salvation, that we may follow Him whither- 
 soever He leadeth us, that we may trust in Him with our whole 
 hearts, until we know the victory to be obtained through Sim 
 over sin and the world, and over death. " The last enemy that 
 shall be destroyed is death." It is indeed the prayer of my 
 heart, my dearest J oseph, that thou mayest be encouraged and 
 enabled yet to go on, yet to press forward in every reUgious, 
 domestic, and public duty, in quietness and humility, " not 
 slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." When 
 the curtain drops and the scene closes here, how is then every 
 sacrifice in the cause of religion, how is every act of faith and 
 obedience to be prized ; how inestimable do they become as 
 evidences of that grace by which alone we are saved ! Whilst 
 thus separated from the world and withdrawn from service, and 
 feeling my own poverty and littleness in every way, the desire 
 is stiU lively for the faithful servants of the Lord, that they 
 may be stedfast and immoveable, always abounding in the 
 work of the Lord ; and for none do I feel this more earnestly 
 than for you, my dearest brothers, that in your respective 
 allotments you may so hold fast that no man may take your 
 crown : and may you be more and more willing to bear the 
 cross of our blessed Lord ; may it in nothing, little or great, be 
 
1816.] 
 
 MBMOIB OF PRISOILLA GURNEY. 
 
 55 
 
 a stumbling-block to you. May you, in all things, suffer his 
 holy will, becoming as little children, " learning of Him who 
 was meek and lowly of heart ;" thus you will become (and 
 indeed it is my most comforting hope and belief for you) as 
 valiants in his army, as faithful servants in his most holy 
 church, and you will finally find in Him " eternal rest unto 
 your souls." 
 
 In a letter to a Friend in England, about this time, she 
 says : — 
 
 I have felt an earnest desire that thou mayest not be dis- 
 couraged in the important duty of attending meetings. It 
 appears to me most desirable that we should ever bear in mind 
 for what we go to meeting, — not to seek man nor the help of 
 man, but to seek the Lord and the Tielp of the Lord ; and I can 
 truly say, I am increasingly persuaded of the truth of these 
 words, — " The Lord is good to those that wait for Him, to the 
 soul that seeketh Him." How does every fresh experience of 
 life make me desire for those in early life, that they may 
 remember their Creator in the days of their youth ! I feel so 
 very sure that they wiU never have cause to regret any sacrifice 
 made in his service, or for his sake. 
 
 Twelfth Month 23rd. — It was with some effort that we began 
 the occupations of the week. Elizabeth and I resumed our 
 Bible reading. In the evening we continued the " History of 
 the Waldenses." 
 
 24<th. — After breakfast I visited some poor people with Cook 
 (their man-servant). Went up a dark staircase, into a Httle 
 room, where we found a poor widow, just dead ; also a tailor 
 and his wife, &c. We afterwards saw the funerals of two rich 
 ladies — an aunt and her niece — who died nearly at the same 
 time, one of them in the " church." We met the procession 
 coming from the old lady's house. In the " church" many priests 
 were assembled, also les Filles de la Charite, holding candles, 
 and praying for the departed souls. The old woman was carried 
 
56 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY, 
 
 [1816. 
 
 on something of a bier, her head and face exposed. She had on a 
 smart cap, with white satin ribbons. The view of death 
 bringing home our present trial, and still more the oppression 
 of that covering which seems spread over the Truth, made me 
 very low. 
 
 2,0th. — Beautifully warm clear day. I walked under the 
 rocks. This text comforted me, — " Blessed are they that 
 mourn, for they ehall be comforted." It seemed right for 
 me to express my belief that this blessing is designed to 
 attend us all, present and absent, in this time of affliction. If 
 we be faithful, patient and obedient, we shall all find that it 
 is, and will be, more blessed to mourn than to rejoice. 
 
 21 th. — Eawlinson B— — and I visited, with the Coimtess 
 and the Abbe, les Fllles de la CTiarite, and were interested in 
 seeing this Institution, which appears, in many respects, well 
 conducted. We were entertained with many figures which had 
 been arranged for the devotions of " Christmas." Some things 
 in the religion of the Catholics appear to me so very childish. 
 
 2Sth. — "Walked round the foot of Mount Cennier. This has 
 been to me a peaceful, though low week. 
 
 First-day, 2dth. — Our Meeting was quiet and satisfactory. 
 These words were very comforting to me, which I had to 
 express, — " Pather, I will that those whom thou hast given me 
 he with me where I am, that they may hehold my glory. ''^ Con- 
 solation in our separation from so many near and dear to us, 
 and encouragement to us who remain to seek to be partakers 
 of the same promises. How great the importance of having 
 our hearts weaned from all earthly dependencies and excite- 
 ments ! Head a little in Leighton on this subject, Had a sweet 
 walk before dinner on Mount Cennier. The distant views of 
 the mountains, with the sea and town, and the setting sun, 
 were particularly beautiful, and awakened many interesting 
 and affecting associations. Began to read Young's "Night 
 Thoughts " through with Elizabeth. 
 
 31s^. — Elizabeth very unvrell. I sat with her in her room 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 57 
 
 aud read to her portions of Scripture. This evening I felt the 
 solemnity of the close of this year, and an earnest desire for us 
 aU, absent aud present, that we may begin the next with 
 renewed diligence, running " with patience the race that is set 
 before us." The peasants, in the adjoining garden, were 
 dancing and screaming with apparent ease and low pleasure. 
 It was a contrast to my own feelings. Eachel expressed to me, 
 before we parted for the night, how very solemn she felt the 
 prospect of entering another year with such a mist before it — 
 such uncertainty as to life or death. Looking every way, the 
 prospect was, she said, serious to her ; the continuance of 
 illness, death, or the restoration to life : the latter would be, 
 to her, almost as solemn as the former. It is my sincere desire 
 that, whatever may be the events or the dispensations of the 
 year to her, " neither life nor death, heights nor depths, nor 
 any other creature," may " be able to separate" her " from the 
 love of Grod which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Heard distant 
 shouts and sounds of rejoicing after I was in bed, and also 
 early this morning, the first day of 1817. 
 
 First Month Ind. — Our meeting this morning was particularly 
 interesting to me. I felt peculiarly drawn to supplicate in 
 
 spirit for , feeling near unity and sympathy with her, 
 
 desiring that, though the Lord has been pleased to show her 
 great and sore troubles. He may, in his own time, bring her up 
 again as from the depths of the earth ; and, if He seeth meet 
 stiU to lead her as into the wilderness, that He may " open 
 unto her the door of hope ;" that his word may be a light unto 
 her path, and a guide to her feet ; and for us all, in this new 
 year, that He would enable us to do his will, giving us, day by 
 day, our daily bread. 
 
 ^rd. — Our invalids very poorly : I felt unable to administer 
 much comfort to them. 
 
 5th. — With E. to visit the poor. Bachel and I afterwards 
 read Barrow's Sermon on submission, then had a pleasant 
 excursion by myself: enjoyed the company of two sweet inno- 
 
 D 3 
 
58 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1817. 
 
 cent-looking girls who sat beside me, but we coiild only 
 communicate by signs.* I was amused with the people, and 
 they with me. Afterwards I visited the motlier of a large 
 family. 
 
 The reader, in mentally accompanying Priscilla Gurney 
 in her daily pursuits, can scarcely fail to be impressed with 
 her constant piety, her unvarying spirit of warm christian 
 benevolence, drawing her into sympathy with every fellow- 
 creature. She appeared never to live for herself, or to 
 seek personal gratification ; for, though she derived sweet 
 enjoyment from beholding the beauties of the external 
 creation, we may perceive that an aspiration after the 
 sensible influence of the love of God was ever the pervading 
 principle in her soul. This Divine love led her to desire to 
 relieve the necessities, and to soothe the sorrows, of all the 
 children of want and affliction, and so enlarged her heart 
 that it knew no limitations from diversity of sect ; not 
 being restrained even by the chilling effect of spiritual 
 darkness, or of the mists of gloomy superstition. She was 
 always attracted towards the young; but her tender 
 interest was, as might be expected, especially excited in 
 reference to the welfare of her nearest connexions : of 
 these, the children of her beloved sister, E. J. Fry, occupied 
 a large space in the sphere of her affections. She not 
 unfrequently addressed them by letters suited to their 
 youthful tastes, yet calculated to imbue their minds with a 
 disinterested concern for the happiness of others, as well as 
 with a reverence of their Almighty Creator. It was her 
 practice to write to the two elder ones of that interesting 
 
 * Nice being an Italian city, many of the lower classes in the district 
 beyond it cannot converse in the French language. They speak a mixture of 
 French and Italian. 
 
1817.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 59 
 
 family in. the French language, thus encouraging them in 
 their study of it. From Nice she sent to them the follow- 
 ing (translated) : — 
 
 First Month, 1817. 
 
 My dear Nieces, K. and E. F., 
 We are much pleased with Nice. It is an agreeable town, 
 situated on the sea, and surrounded by high mountains. Some 
 of them have their smnmits always covered with snow, and 
 sometimes with clouds ; but the weather has been so fine here 
 since we came, that the sky is almost always clear. Oh, how 
 charmed you would be with this country ! When I walk about 
 alone I often think of you, my dear nieces, aud I wish much 
 to have you for my companions in my walk, because you would 
 have great pleasure in traversing the country with me, and in 
 admiring the fine vines that are seen from the roads around our 
 dweUing. The poor people, also, would interest you much — 
 their language, their dress, and their manners, are very dilfereut 
 from those of the poor in our country. Sometimes I visit 
 them in their houses, and often find them occupied in cul- 
 tivating their gardens. I am obliged to make myself under- 
 stood by signs, which sometimes serve me for a French word, 
 and sometimes for an Italian word ; because they speak, in this 
 part, a mixture of these two languages. In the town and its 
 environs we sometimes find a crowd of beggars, aud the 
 peasants in the country have also the habit of begging. We do 
 not often give them money, but we have purchased for them a 
 supply of soup, which is distributed every day in the town, at 
 the gate of an establishment called the Hospice. It is a 
 charitable institution for poor girls who are orphans. Our 
 friend, the Abbe de Cesole, has the direction of it. We have 
 visited this house, and have remarked with pleasure that it is 
 well conducted, and the girls have an appearance of good 
 health and happiness. They are to come and make a visit to 
 us in the garden, and have cakes and fruit. They often ac- 
 
60 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1817. 
 
 company the Abbe (to whom they give the name of Father) to 
 funerals. There are not any nims at Nice. Since the Revolu- 
 tion several convents have been abandoned. There are some 
 monks in the convents of Barthelemi and Cennier v?ho have 
 been long here. One of these monks comes every week to our 
 house to make la quete (a gathering), for tlie rules of their 
 order oblige them to subsist on charity. One of them enters 
 a house, and asks for bread and oil and other things necessary 
 for them ; they rarely eat meat, and they are not willing to 
 accept money. My cousin Jane has sketched one of these 
 monks, and when we return to England we may perhaps show 
 you his portriiit. 
 
 Thus, by exciting in the young mind an interest on 
 behalf of the indigent, were the seeds of benevolence im- 
 planted, which have been fruitfiil in maturer age. 
 
 TO LUCX AGGS. 
 
 Nice, First Month 3rd. 
 
 I feel a very near interest in all that concerns thy welfare, 
 and sincerely desire that a blessing may attend thee wherever 
 thou goest, and in whatever place thy allotment may be cast. 
 I look sometimes with something of a feeling of anxious solici- 
 tude towards many of the young people at Norwich. I hope, my 
 dear Lucy, thou mayest be encouraged, according to thy ability, 
 to labour amongst them faithfully, in spirit, if not in word. 
 However weak, however poor we may be, (and I am sure I feel 
 myself amongst that number,) we must stUl be willing to take 
 our portion of service, be it little or great, that we may be 
 called upon to perform. We must remember that the " in- 
 crease" can alone be given from above. I cannot well express 
 to thee what I sometimes feel for our dear Friends at Norwich 
 and in Norfolk, to whom I feel increasingly united (I hope) in 
 spirit. How do I desire that the Spirit of Truth may more and 
 more prevail amongst us ! Whilst so whoUy and unexpectedly 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOia OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 61 
 
 withdrawn from them, I still often turn in spirit towards many, 
 individually and collectively, with feelings of near interest, and 
 sometimes with the hope that, whether present or absent, we 
 may yet be permitted to feel something of the " unity of the 
 Spirit in the bond of peace." Surely the loss of our beloved 
 Joseph, an event so awful, so striking, and so alfecting, wiU be 
 the means of impressing the young people amongst us ! I 
 believe I may say, it is the prayer of my heart that it may be 
 so, that they may be more willing to gather in faith and 
 obedience, (for that, I believe, is what is wanting amongst us,) 
 under the wing of the Shepherd of Israel. I think I never on 
 any occasion felt the force of these words so much, — " Blessed 
 are those servants that are found watching." 
 
 First Month 8t7i. — Call vnth Gr. B. on the Greniers, (a Swiss 
 minister and his wife,) which proved satisfactory. 
 
 9th. — Our Meeting this morning was deeply interesting. 
 Surely we were baptized together. I have, for many days past, 
 been brought into a deep and an unusual degree of sympathy 
 with each member of our company ; and before we separated 
 this forenoon, I was permitted and strengthened to pour forth 
 the feelings of my heart before Him to whom all thtags are 
 naked and open, and who knoweth all our sufferings, tempta- 
 tions and conflicts. The solemnity of this morning, I think, 
 cannot soon be forgotten. I trust its efliects may be lasting in 
 our hearts. 
 
 lOtk. — Speaking of the spiritual consolations which she has 
 of late experienced, Rachel said that, in the midst of this aflBic- 
 tion, she had at times known a joy which she had never felt in 
 the same degree before. I finished "Barrow on Submission" 
 to her in the afternoon. 
 
 11th. We received a pleasant visit from P. Grenier, the 
 Swiss minister. He and Rachel and I had some conversation 
 on the present state of religion in the world. I hope this 
 may prove a useful acquaintance for us. 
 
62 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1817. 
 
 To a beloved brother she writes at this time : — 
 
 I can say with truth that the experience of this journey has 
 not weaned my heart from Friends, or lessened my value for 
 that holy, actuating, and living principle, which, I believe, is the 
 groundwork of our profession, if not as much as it ovglit to he 
 of our practice. On the contrary, I long for its prevalence in 
 the world, which certainly does appear to me (I hope without 
 the spirit of judgment) chained and darkened by forms and 
 ceremonies : but this submission to the Spirit, to its guidance, 
 to its baptisms, to its humiliation, its teachings and its 
 sanctifications, we find daily and hourly in the way of the 
 Cross, and therefore, alas ! it is too much of a stumbling-block 
 to many of us ; at least I am sure it is to me ; but the sense 
 of my own weakness and imperfections does not make me the 
 less desire for those most dear to me, that they may not flinch 
 from this " Cross of Christ." 
 
 \2th. — Meeting as usual. I had to express a few words of 
 encouragement to each dear individual of our little community ; 
 (with the inquiry) had we not each known the voice of the 
 Lord ? that it is mightier than the noise of many waters ? 
 What had his voice spoken of consolation, of warning, and of 
 invitation ? How important is obedience to it ! 
 
 \^th. — I rode with the A's in their carriage the greater 
 part of the morning, and enjoyed the beauty and the sublimity 
 of the country. We went some miles on the Genoa Eoad, 
 which is one of the wonderful works of Bonaparte. Our 
 reading and parting this evening were solemn. I had felt, 
 during the day, much impressed with this text — " Grreat and 
 marvellous are thy works, Lord Grod Almighty !" And I felt 
 called upon to supplicate that, as we experience the truth of 
 this in the works of creation, so we might more and more 
 know that great and marvellous are the works of the Lord, 
 spiritually. 
 
 Fifth-day, IZrd. — As usual, our meeting was an exercising 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 63 
 
 time to me. I am sure it is no light service to have so often 
 to speak on these occasions. This I had to acknowledge, as 
 well as to dwell on the importance of learning in every state 
 to be content, and the necessity of applying this to things 
 temporal and to things spiritual, and in every conflict attendant 
 on the Christian warfare, not only in the great events, but in 
 the minute and daily and hourly occurrences of life. Sweet and 
 tranquil walk by myself, after meeting, to the foot of Cennier, 
 and to take some articles of clothing to my four poor girls. 
 The weather was warm and delicious, and I enjoyed the sweet 
 country, particularly the green meadows under Cennier. 
 
 24^/«. — Read " Barrow " to Elizabeth and Eachel, which we 
 enjoyed. Heard to-day of the death of R. W. of Bristol, and 
 felt comforted in the belief that she was prepared for the awful 
 change. Oh, that we may die the death of the righteous, and 
 our last end be like unto theirs ! " Blessed are those servants 
 whom the Lord, when He cometh, shall find watching." 
 
 First-day, 2Qth. — It is remarkable to me how I have been 
 brought into sympathy with each individual of our party : this 
 
 I felt in a peculiar manner towards dear • this morning ; and 
 
 the language, "1 have a baptism to be baptized with," seemed 
 to come home. We know not the purpose of our present 
 baptisms ; whether to prepare us for service in the Church, or 
 for our own refinement, to clothe us with that holiness without 
 which no man shall see the Lord. Afterwards a pleasant call 
 at F. Grrenier's, — I found his wife very poorly, but enjoyed her 
 company. 
 
 27th. — "Went with Cook after breakfast to visit Nannette 
 and her father, and also two poor widows living together. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO HER BROTHER, JOSEPH JOHN 
 GURNET. 
 
 I really felt quite uneasy at making no efi'ort about the 
 Scriptures here ; so I went off" on Second-day morning with 
 
64 
 
 MEMOIK OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1817. 
 
 Rawlinson, to speak more openly and boldly on the subject to 
 the Abbe. We took a Catholic French Testament and the 
 " Scripture Extracts," which we gave to him ; and conversation 
 about schools, &c., led to the subject. The reports of the 
 obstructions to their being known and read are evidently too 
 true, and so bound do the people appear to their priests, that 
 it seems in vain to do anything. The Abbe says it is not for- 
 bidden to give Testaments, but that it is forbidden to read in 
 them without the consent of the confessor. He seems to think 
 that we have very little to do with the Old Testament. His 
 manner, however, was pleasing, humble and kind. It is melan- 
 choly — and I am sure ive ought to feel it more so — to see so many 
 of our fellow-creatures in such a deplorably low condition tem- 
 porally, and, I cannot butfear, spiritually also. But He that hath 
 the key of David opeueth and no man shutteth ; and I trust the 
 door of consolation and hope is opened in many hearts when we 
 cannot perceive it. 
 
 28tk. — This day we accomplished an excursion which we have 
 had a long time in view. Gurney, and Agatha, Kawlinson, and 
 I, set off after breakfast. It was an interesting day ; the coun- 
 try wonderfully fine ; and it forcibly recalled to my mind the 
 days of my youth. It was bright moonlight as we returned 
 home. As we traversed the mountains I enjoyed my own con- 
 templations on the back of my mule. 
 
 First-dag, Second Month 2nd. — Oh, how I long to be more 
 willing to submit to that nothingness which it is often my allot- 
 ment to feel ! To be really brought down, and to be truly 
 sensible that we are, of ourselves, naked, blind, <fec., is, I believe, 
 one of the hardest lessons which human nature has to learn. 
 O Lord ! teach us to become as little children — more humble 
 and more dependent upon Thee. Enable us so to come unto 
 Thee, that, in thy beloved Son, we may be made rich, and be 
 clothed upon with the raiment of his righteousness. We had 
 a quiet, sweet meeting, in which my spirit seemed to be with 
 our beloved friends in different parts of England ; and before 
 
1817.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 65 
 
 we separated I believe we were enabled to supplicate for a 
 blessing, not only for ourselves, but for all those who had 
 gathered in the name of the Lord, wherever they might be 
 scattered ; that we might unitedly be brought to acknowledge 
 One Father, " in whom we live and move and have our being," 
 — "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." 
 
 4ith. — Spent most of the morning in the city. Eawlinson 
 Barclay and I visited again the Abbe at his Institution. He 
 appears much devoted to his religious duties ; but the obstruc- 
 tion to the Scriptures being known and read by the Catholics 
 does indeed appear extraordinary. Visit to the Countess, and 
 afterwards to poor families : then an interesting one to F. 
 Grenier, who is very low about his wife. We had some serious 
 conversation, though it is difficult to converse in French. 
 
 To her brother Joseph she writes : — 
 
 I now have constantly the name of " La Eeligieuse" and 
 excite much more curiosity than admiration ; and I am so 
 different from the " Eeligieuses" of this country, that we are a 
 little afraid that I shall bring those of England into disrepute. 
 As I wander occasionally into the country, dressed in my dark 
 gown and shawl, amongst the poor people in their bright 
 coloured dresses, I often hear a hearty laugh, especially amongst 
 the children ; but I pass along very quietly. 
 
 Fifth-day, Gfh. — I had to express a few words on this most 
 solemn text, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
 heart, with all thy strength, &c." Our present circumstances 
 appear to me, in a peculiar manner, to call upon us to examine 
 our hearts very closely on this point — whether we are seeking 
 thus to love the Lord our God. Heard of the death of poor D. 
 Grant, the young lady who has been so long ill here. This is 
 the third death in that family within three years. Though I 
 was permitted to feel some spiritual help and consolation this 
 day, yet how many valleys have I to pass through, in which I 
 
66 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 feel almost bowed down under the sense of my own weakness 
 and infirmities. Oh, that these experiences, which are for 
 the present humiliating and depressing, may be working for my 
 good eventually ! 
 
 First-day, 9th. — G-. B, attended the funeral of D. Grant. 
 This event has been peculiarly alFecting, and seems to have 
 brought the subject of death vert/ home to us. There was a 
 melancholy over this day. Elizabeth, Eawlinson B. and I took 
 our usual walk over the wooded hill. This was pleasant, and 
 the quiet is always a rest to me. It was some relief to me, 
 before we separated, to be enabled to commend, not only 
 ourselves, but others, especially the afflicted in this place, to 
 the mercy of the Lord ; that his Spirit may be with them to 
 teach and to console them, and this, under a fresh sense that 
 He who hath the key of David openeth, and no man shutteth, 
 and shutteth and no man openeth. 
 
 TO c. G. 
 
 Nice, Second Month 8 th. 
 Hidden and clouded as our prospect was on leaving home, 
 I remember how it was the desire of my heart that unless the 
 Lord's presence went with us, we might not be taken hence, 
 and there have been times in which I have been ready to believe 
 that his presence has been with us, and that it has hitherto 
 guided, strengthened, and comforted us. This has been my 
 feeling. Having been mercifully a little uplifted above my own 
 poverty, weakness, and natural lowness, makes me shrink from 
 my return to myself: but this will not do ; — I believe we must 
 again and again be brought to the knowledge of ourselves, and, 
 as thou sayest, of our own wretchedness, before we can under- 
 stand the value, the necessity, and the importance of being 
 brought to Christ, as our Helper and Redeemer. Every fresh 
 experience of ourselves and of life makes us feel that this is 
 our only sure and effectual refuge. I am sure it is necessary 
 to our comfort and spiritual prosperity to be weaned from all 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 67 
 
 human dependencies, to have every earthly tie shaken, and 
 especially those which our hearts are too apt to cleave to. 1 
 am ready to hope that, in some things, this has been a weaning 
 time to me, withdravra, as I have been, not only from the 
 nearest and dearest natural ties, but, also, from all outward 
 religious dependencies ; but I think I never felt the christian 
 bond which may (and which cannot too much) unite us 
 together, stronger or more precious. Let us remember that we 
 must not be too anxious to choose our own duties : I sometimes 
 think the human heart is remarkably deceitful on this very 
 point. Are we not too apt to shrink from denying ourselves 
 and taking up our cross daily ? I am not brought fully to 
 imderstand that the human heart is desperately wicked ; but I 
 think I have quite discovered that it is prone to evil, and that 
 it is deceitful. I truly desire thy encouragement in every good 
 word and work, little and great. Thou linowest that I want 
 thee more and more, my dearest C, to think it worth while to 
 exercise the christian principle in the least, as well as in the 
 greatest occurrences of Hfe. I know that it ought to influence 
 and to govern all our thoughts, words, and deeds ; and I am 
 sure if I wish it for thee, I wish for it and want it for myself. 
 
 l\th. — Spent the day pleasantly with the A's, but it is diffi- 
 cult to get much beyond the surface of things. Walked home 
 in the evening, having fir-apples for our lanterns. 
 
 12th. — The Countess came to have her picture taken by Jane. 
 I sat by and enjoyed her company. She gave us an interesting 
 accoimt of the Abbe in his youth. Called on the Greniers. 
 Walked in their garden with their sister, and had some con- 
 versation on the state of religion in Switzerland, and on their 
 " Church." The circumstances of the Grants, during the 
 whole of this week, excited much my feeling and sympathy. 
 
 \5th. — Visit from the Abbe de Cesole and his poor girls, 
 which was satisfactory. 
 
 IQth, First-day. — After Meeting, Agatha and I paid an 
 
68 MEMOIR OF PHISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 interesting visit to the Grants. It was with some agitation 
 of mind that I entered the house ; having been brought under 
 so much feeling for them. We were received cordially. 
 
 ISth. — Parting visit to the Grants — I felt I could not leave 
 without saying a few words to them : so, before we rose, I 
 said I hoped it was not too great a liberty for a stranger to 
 express an earnest desire that the blessing of the Lord might 
 be with them — that He might be their refuge and strength, and 
 present help in every trial — that the Spirit of the Lord might 
 be their Comforter, their Guide, their Strength under every 
 affliction. There was a solemn and sweet feeling which was 
 more than words, and I felt that we parted in christian love. 
 It was a time of meutal conflict, and my heart seemed afterwards 
 to overflow with thankfulness in having again been sensible of 
 His power, who yet sustains and helps us in our weakness, and 
 who makes a way where we can see no way. In this power 
 we can sometimes acknowledge that, though of ourselves we 
 can do nothing, yet all things are possible with God. A 
 sweet note from M. Grant (the widower) in the evening, which 
 was comforting and encouraging to me. 
 
 19th. — The departure of the Grants from Nice this morning 
 was afi"ecting, as the close of our communication had also 
 been. 
 
 20th. — " Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word 
 of God." This has often appeared to me one of the most 
 difficult lessons, and one the most contrary to our natures to 
 learn. Not only do we experience that we are not to be satis- 
 fied with the things of time, but we are often not permitted 
 sensibly to partake of that " bread which cometh down from 
 heaven." This is a difficult lesson, because the Word of God in 
 our hearts leads into an entire surrender of oiu-selves to His 
 will ; it convinces of sin, it manifests that of ourselves we are 
 wretched, miserable, blind and naked ; it teaches a humhling 
 lesson, and therefore contrary to our nature. I could not but 
 believe that, in the present time, some, if not aU, among us, are 
 
1817.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 69 
 
 called upon to experience this truth, that " man doth not live 
 by bread aloue." I desire the encouragement of those who 
 may be brought to this experience. Those who are willing to 
 learn this lesson shall, in due time, know that his " words they 
 are spirit and they are life." After meeting, I visited the grave 
 of D. Grant with G. A. and E. After standing round the 
 grave in silence I had to supplicate that, seeing that in the 
 midst of life we are in death — that all flesh is as grass — the 
 Word of our Grod might so far prevail in our hearts that we 
 might know it to abide for ever — that, through the Spirit, we 
 might so live aud believe in Christ, as to know Him to be our 
 Resurrection and our Life — and not only for ourselves had we 
 to supplicate, but for the afflicted and bereaved family, that 
 their sufferings might lead them to the blessed knowledge that 
 their Redeemer liveth, and that the Lord might, in all things, 
 guide them by his counsel, and afterward receive them into 
 
 glory I have had to acknowledge that, in the 
 
 spiritual exercises of the past week, which have not been light 
 ones to me, " the Lord is my Helper" — that his Spirit is yet a 
 sure giude and an all-sufficient support. Oh, that I may be 
 enabled, more and more, to live according to his instructions ! 
 
 First-day, 2Zrd. — One of our quiet and solemn meetings, in 
 which I believe we were enabled unitedly to draw near to the 
 throne of grace, and in my mind there seemed a renewed sense 
 that we have a " High Priest who is passed into the heavens, 
 who ever liveth to make intercession for us." 
 
 To S. G. she wrote at this time : — 
 
 I fully agreed with thee in what thou sayest of the Spirit and 
 Liward Teacher given to all. Tou may perhaps think that I 
 have dwelt too much on the importance of spreading the 
 Scriptures ; the reason is that I have felt it the only thing we 
 can do here. There appears to me, among the Catholics, so 
 veiy little opening for any other means of communication ; but 
 I never felt more deeply convinced of the importance and 
 
70 MEMOIR OP PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 efficacy of the work of the Spii-it on the heart, than in the ex- 
 perience of this jovirney, and never more truly valued that 
 principle which leads to an entire submission to its guidance, 
 its teaching, and its baptism. 
 
 24it7i. — I felt the prospect of taking leave of the Q-reniers. 
 A. and I spent some time with them in the afternoon, and had, 
 I hope, a satisfactory parting. I believed it right to express a 
 few words in prayer in English. I felt more power than 
 usual to utter some expressions in French afterwards. "We 
 parted affectionately. 
 
 Third Month 2nd. — Spent a comfortable and industrious day. 
 A letter from M. Q-rant (the bereaved husband) to A., from 
 which I felt some encouragement. 
 
 An extract from this letter affords one amongst many 
 evidences, frequently occurring, that Priscilla Gurney was 
 a messenger of Divine good to those by whom she was 
 surrounded, and, wherever her lot was cast, her light shone 
 brightly before men. " I hope," says M. Grant, " that Mr. 
 Barclay and your cousin will keep their intention of 
 seeing Marseilles before they return home, and that we 
 shall have the pleasure of seeing them there. The con- 
 duct of your amiable cousin, the day before we left Nice, 
 has made a deep impression on every member of this 
 family, and I can hardly express how very much we were 
 affected by it, or how grateful we shall ever feel to her." 
 
 TO WILLIAM AND ANNA TOESTEB. 
 
 Nice, Third Month 5th. 
 
 I have had much satisfaction in being with dear Jane and 
 Eachel, as well as the rest of our little circle ; and we have been, 
 to my feelings, very sweetly and comfortably united together. 
 I believe it will now be a relief to my mind to resign my charge 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIK OF PRISCILLA GUllNEY. 
 
 71 
 
 to my beloved uncle and aunt, and to return to my own post at 
 home. I feel truly obliged to thee, dear William, for thy few 
 lines of exhortation and encouragement to me : they have been 
 particidarly seasonable at this time. I hope to have your con- 
 tinued sympathy, and to be remembered by you ; for indeed, I 
 often feel that I need in a peculiar manner the help spiritually 
 of my friends ; though I am sure I have no cause for complaint, 
 but, indeed, very great occasion for thankfulness in the many 
 and unmerited blessings which are granted me ; and I have felt 
 renewedly sensible of this in my situation here, and in the long 
 and distant separation from my dear Tinends, and from my 
 beloved family. 
 
 A prospect of visiting the Friends of Congenies, &c., though 
 one not by any means clear as to how it will turn out, is one of 
 considerable weight and seriousness to me ; but I have not felt 
 easy to leave France without visiting them. I am not inclined 
 to be very anxious on the subject, believing that if the thing 
 be right, the way will somehow be made for it. It seems 
 almost in vain to look on the right hand, or on the left, or to 
 expect the approbation of man on the one side or the other. I 
 believe it would not be of so much consequence to us if oiu" eye 
 were really kept single towards our dear Lord and Master ; at 
 least I feel this much myself, and I well know that this is what 
 I want very far more of. 
 
 P. G. here mentions paying a social visit to the country 
 seat of the Countess de Cesole ; several of the party also 
 took a ride to Falacone and St. Andre. 
 
 Qth. — Agatha and Jane brought home a pilgrim. He had a 
 beautiful countenance. He was going on a pilgrimage to 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 Tth. — "We received an agreeable visit from the Abbe 
 de Cesole. I walked alone before dinner, and sat on a hill 
 enjoying the beautiful country and the views of the sea. Felt 
 much in the prospect of leaving this place. 
 
72 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 14f7f. — Went into Nice with the Countess, to call on the 
 poor widow. 
 
 15th. — Eode with E. and Gr. to Villa Franca and the Bay of 
 Hospice. 
 
 Wirst-day, \Qih. — A comfortable meeting. Pelt the language 
 of our Saviour to the disciples in the storm, " Peace, be still." 
 Visited a sick lady, and read the Bible to her, and had some 
 satisfactory conversation with the family. Took leave of the 
 old widow, &c. 
 
 Mrst-day, 2Srd of Third Month. One of those days in 
 which I had much, very much, to feel. It was our last 
 meeting together, and an occasion to be remembered. It 
 seemed right for me to address a few words to each individual 
 of the circle ; which, under a great sense of weakness, was 
 indeed no light service ; but I felt that I was helped and sup- 
 ported through all. Visit to the A's and a comfortable 
 reading with the invalid ; afterwards had a sweet walk home 
 by myself. A satisfactory reading in the evening ; after which 
 I had to express a few words to the servants. On retiring this 
 evening I desire to feel thankful in having been carried 
 through this day. 
 
 24^/*. — Chiefly engaged in making preparations for my 
 departure. 
 
 25th. This day was devoted to paying farewell visits to the 
 Count and Countess ; afterwards, with the latter, to the Abbe 
 at his institution, and had quite a sweet parting with him. 
 Our dinner was low, and we all felt agitated at the prospect of 
 the arrival of my uncle and aunt. Before we separated I felt 
 bound in spirit to supplicate (vocaUy) that He who had 
 sustained us in every conflict would be with us, would yet 
 strengthen and comfort us. Interesting visit to the A's. I 
 had to express my desire for them, that aU their afflictions 
 might work for them " a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
 of glory. 
 
 2Gth. — The arrival of my dear uncle and aunt and Emma was 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OP PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 73 
 
 one of those very affecting events not soon to be forgotten. 
 They came about ten. It was overwhelming to our natural feel- 
 ings to meet them again. We are all cast down, and very low. 
 
 In reference to this deeply touching re-union of the be- 
 reaved family^ the reader will scarcely need to be reminded of 
 the solemn event that had occurred during their separation, 
 which had removed from them the only surviving son and 
 brother ; or of the mournful anticipation that their beloved 
 Rachel would soon follow to the grave the two dear youths 
 whom they had been called to resign. But, most bitter as 
 was their cup of life, during years of sorrow and anxiety, 
 the power of christian faith was remarkably exemplified in 
 the meek submission with which there was a surrendering 
 to Divine disposal the treasured objects most dear to their 
 hearts. How animating and instructive is it to follow these 
 afHicted individuals ; to mark especially how, in the strength 
 of his gracious Lord, the honoured head of that circle was 
 sustained, and under every circumstance enabled to dedi- 
 cate himself and his all to the service of Christ. Priscilla's 
 journal proceeds : — 
 
 Fifth-day, Titli. — My uncle said a few words after break- 
 fast, expressing his thankfulness for the spiritual blessing 
 
 bestowed in every situation We all met at 
 
 meeting. My uncle spoke beautifully on the wells of water, of 
 the sound to be heard at a distance wGen we could not 
 always fully partake of them. I afterwards walked to the sea 
 shore. 
 
 First-day, ZOth. — An interesting, but painful day to me ; yet 
 we passed through it as comfortably as we could expect, under 
 our present circumstances. 
 
 On this day one of the Romish festivals was celebrated, 
 and P. G, describes it : — 
 
 E 
 
74 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 Numbers of people were carrying branches of palm, olives, and 
 laurels, to be blessed by the bishop. This renders them, in the view 
 of the people, sacred, and they are kept as precious possessions in 
 their houses, to protect them against all evil and mischief. The 
 ceremony and outward show in the Catholic church are, I must 
 say, extraordinary to me. We had a comfortable meeting — my 
 uncle beautiful in prayer for the true chiurch. I afterwards paid 
 a visit with my aunt to the A's ; then, vdth A. B., to take a 
 second farewell of the Cesoles. At the close of our reading, I 
 felt as though I could not leave them without offering the 
 language of supplication on their behalf. 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OP PRISCILLA GUKNEY. 
 
 75~ 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 1817—1818. 
 
 PRISCILLA GUENET QUITS NICE VISITS THE FRIENDS AT CONGENIES, ETC. — 
 
 RETURNS TO ENGLAND — ATTENDS THE YEARLY MEETING IN LONDON — 
 RETURNS TO EARLHAM — DEATH OF RACHEL GURNET — CORRESPONDENCE — 
 MARRIAGE OF JOSEPH JOHN GURNET — BENEVOLENT OCCUPATIONS AT HOME 
 — RELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENTS IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND HUNTINGDONSHIRE 
 — GENERAL VISIT TO THE MEETINGS OF FRIENDS IN IRELAND — YEARLY 
 MEETING IN DUBLIN — IN LONDON — RETURNS HOME. 
 
 It was very affecting to Priscilla Gurney's tenderest feel- 
 ings to bid farewell — as it proved — for the last time to her 
 beloved cousin Rachel, whom she had watched with such 
 anxious solicitude. 
 
 For several months she had believed it would be right 
 for her to take a rather different route on her journey 
 homeward, and to visit Congenies and those places in its 
 vicinity where the principles of the religious Society of 
 Friends were professed by a small company of interesting 
 persons. We return to her journal. 
 
 Third Month Z\st. — I left them early, after I had visited 
 them all in their rooms. I enjoyed the quiet rest of the day's 
 journey : the country and weather delightful. At Antibes we 
 stayed some time. A. R. Barclay (who was her attendant) 
 having to procure passports, I gave away several Testaments 
 and a number of tracts, especially amongst some soldiers. In 
 the evening we walked by moonlight to the Amphitheatre at 
 Frejua. 
 
 B 2 
 
76 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 Fourth Month \st. — From Frejus to Luc to breakfast, and 
 before night reached Aix, where we were kindly received and 
 well remembered. The books I had given appear to have been 
 valued and carefully kept. The situation of Aix is very 
 beautiful. From Aix to Port Eoyal on the 2nd : there we left 
 our old road and came to " St." Kemy, a very striking place. The 
 costumes of the people are pretty. We visited the Eoman 
 arch near the Tower — the scene highly beautiful : thence to 
 Nismes. I had some conversation with the landlady of the 
 hotel, who is a Protestant: I gave her a Bible. It appears, 
 from her account, that the Protestants here have suffered much 
 at different times, and numbers of them lost their lives about a 
 year and a half ago. Many families are without the Scriptures. 
 
 ^rd. — After a very early breakfast we came forward to this 
 place (Congenies). My heart sank a little, feeling the Aveight 
 of this visit in prospect. Louis IMajolier met us at his door, 
 and we received a very kind welcome. The remainder of the 
 day occupied by calls from the Friends who came in to see me. 
 A low night. I felt in some degree dismayed, till I was again 
 permitted to partake of a little of that peace which can quiet 
 every storm. 
 
 4ith. — ^After breakfast we visited P. Benezet and his wife, and 
 several other families of the Friends. I was enabled to express 
 my desire for them, in French, that they might acknowledge one 
 Lord, be established in one faith, and be baptized by one baptism. 
 I felt some degree of satisfaction in these visits ; paid others 
 in the evening, seeing many Friends who flocked around lis. 
 
 First-day, Gth. — The meetings were, on the whole, comfort- 
 able ; though I longed for more quiet, inwardly and outwardly. 
 We walked after dinner to Louis Majolier's vineyard. I 
 enjoyed the company of the Friends. 
 
 7th. — I walked with the two little boys to a mill upon the 
 hill. After breakfast we visited several families, and a number 
 of Friends from the neighbouring villages came to see us. 
 
 8th. — Went to Fontana to visit an aged Friend and her 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 77 
 
 family. I enjoyed niy ride on the ass, and had some interesting 
 conversation with Autoine Brun. 
 
 9^/(. — Two fomily Wsits, and afterwards met all the INIajolier 
 fomily, which was interesting and relieving to me. Leave- 
 taking and departure for " St," Giles, accompanied by Louis M. 
 and one of his daughters. The meeting at Giles not soon to be 
 forgotten. It was a time of deep feeling to me. 
 
 We may here introduce an extract from the notes of the 
 journey kept by her cousin A. R. B. 
 
 Congenies, Tliird Month 4th. 
 
 At seven in the evening, the meeting took place in the large 
 room adjoining Louis Majolier's house ; Priscilia spoke with. 
 much sweetness in the French language with little apparent 
 difficulty, and for some time, and I am told was generally 
 understood. These poor Friends are engaged mostly in the hard 
 and laborious emjjloymcnt of the culture of the vine. Their 
 vineyards are dug with the hand, a spade resembling a bat 
 being used for the purpose ; so that hard labour from an early 
 hour in the morning seems to be the order of the day. 
 
 5th. — During one of our visits this morning some few words 
 were uttered in French, in supplication, by Priscilia Gurney, 
 during which some of those present seemed to be much affected. 
 After supper this evening at Louis Majolier's, some portion of 
 the Scriptures were read to our party, which was increased in 
 number by the presence of most of the Friends in the village, 
 so that we were about thirty or forty in number. It was a 
 pleasing and interesting sight to see them all thus assembled. 
 Cheerful conversation followed till the party separated to retire 
 to rest. It was a pretty sight to see dear Priscilia surrounded 
 by the young and old of the party, who seemed delighted with 
 her ; her own lively countenance in the midst of the group, 
 beaming with christian affection and sweetness. 
 
 9ih. — We passed over a flat country to Giles. At the 
 meeting Priscilia spoke in exhortation and supplication ; she 
 
78 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURXEY. [1817. 
 
 "was particiilarly earnest at almost eveiy visit on the subject of 
 reading the Scriptures in their families. 
 
 In the afternoon, after parting "with our dear friends, "we pro- 
 ceeded to Xismes. Saw the Roman antiquities with L. M. in 
 the evening. 
 
 11th. — Saw the gardens and temple of Diana. Travelled on 
 to Pont du Gard ; thence to Avignon, where we had the comfort 
 of meeting Gurney Barclay from Nice, and of hearing a satis- 
 factory account of the dear party there. 
 
 12ih. — "We had a comfortable day's journey to Talence. 
 
 — Reached Lyons to lodge. How did I feel aU that has 
 passed since we were there before ! 
 
 14:th. — "We were detained until one o'clock, in consequence 
 of some repairs being reqiiired to our chariot wheels. We 
 reached Macon. It has been a pleasant easy day. 
 
 The travellers proceeded through Autun, Auxerre and 
 IMelun, to Paris, Avhcre they arrived on the 18th. Here 
 they found the weather " bitterly cold.'* 
 
 "We visited the Museum, which is a wonderful collection of 
 the productions of nature, also the Jardin des Plantes. Dined 
 with a French family, which was an effort to me — meeting with 
 several ladies who could not speak English, — but we had an 
 agreeable evening. 
 
 19M. — Left Paris after we had visited the Foundling Hospital. 
 Reached Abbe\"ille in the evening : enjoyed our comfortable 
 hotel and our approach to our own country. 
 
 First-day, 20th. — I felt anxious not to travel on this day 
 without a very sufficient motive. The vrind was excessively 
 cold : I walked a little with a lively French girl. 
 
 On the 20th, they reached Calais in the evening, and, 
 finding a vessel about to sail for England, they hastened 
 on board " lea^"ing the French shores, not without strong 
 emotions and many touching recollections.'' 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 79 
 
 I felt, in reviewing the months that we had spent in that 
 country, how much we had to be thankful for. I was in some 
 measure made sensible that tlie Everlasting Arm had been 
 underneath to sustain ; and in examining the past, I was, I 
 believe, humbled under the consideration that we had done but 
 little to promote the cause of the Lord, and but little for the 
 good of our fellow-creatures, who seem indeed to stand in need 
 of help in these countries, both in spiritual and temporal things : 
 but I felt a desire, as I have often done during my residence in 
 that foreign land, that a blessing might attend our little services 
 — even the blessing of Him who alone can give the increase. 
 After a favourable passage, we landed at Dover. The change 
 to our own country was exceedingly pleasant and very striking, 
 almost as much so as our first impressions on landing in 
 France. The people looked more solid, and everything seemed 
 more comfortable. We travelled through the night to London ; 
 the atmosphere and influence of which were oppressive to my 
 feelings. I went to Mildred Court, — very unexpectedly to 
 them. We were rejoiced to meet again. Next day to dear 
 Louisa at Hampstead, where we spent an interesting time 
 together. I stayed in and around London until after the Yearly 
 Meeting, when we heard of an accident having befallen our 
 brother Cunningham : Joseph and I went immediately to 
 Pakefield, where I remained about a week assisting to nurse 
 him : and reached my own dear home about the middle of the 
 Sixth Month, after an absence of about nine months. 
 
 Thus was concluded the disinterested labour of this 
 lengthened period of anxiety and change ; throughout the 
 whole of which Priscilla Gurney was devoted to the service 
 of God, and to the help of the afflicted and the needy. 
 Truly she manifested, under every dispensation, that her 
 spirit was deeply imbued with the truth, "Ye are not your 
 own." May every one who traces the circumstances of 
 her life, short as it was and closely filled up in the perform- 
 
80 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 ance of duty, be impressed by the admonition, " Go thou 
 and do likewise." Varied are the requirements and oppor- 
 tunities of service in the great harvest-field; yet each 
 individual is called to " work while it is day." 
 
 Priscilla Gurney received, soon after her arrival in 
 London, a rather poor account of her beloved cousin 
 Rachel, who had been so long the object of her tenderest 
 solicitude. A letter from Joseph Gurney, dated Nice, 
 Fourth Month 15th, says : — 
 
 Our dear Rachel continues yet to struggle with her malady. 
 She views her situation as doubtful, and is humbled, yet not 
 fearful under it ; loathing her past life, yet trusting in mercy : 
 indeed it has been sweet to sit by her ; and I hope natural 
 affection may not mislead us into the belief that she has not 
 striven in vain to make her peace with her Maker ; resting in 
 faith on the merits and necessity of a Redeemer. 
 
 As the spring advanced her weakness and disease in- 
 creased, and she, as well as her beloved parents and sisters, 
 became fully aware of her very critical state ; and, early 
 in the Fifth Month, symptoms of rapid decline indicated 
 that the close was approaching : and her father wrote : — 
 
 Yesterday was a day of great conflict. In recalling the 
 sentiment of speedy danger her mind (quite clear) seemed at 
 liberty to address us individually, with a strong and clear voice. 
 She was very emphatic in her advice, particularly I thought to 
 E. ; but, of herself, she spoke of being oppressed v\dth the 
 burden of disobedience ; and yet not without a gleam of hope 
 in mercy. In the afternoon she supplicated, " Cast me not off 
 from thy presence, &c :" and craved that if, in the end, a clearer 
 earnest of the future were not vouchsafed to her, no murmuring 
 spirit might be suffered to arise. She sent her love and many 
 particular messages to her relations and friends 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 81 
 
 IShe felt grateful to for his kindness, and for the help he 
 
 had been made to her, and earnestly desired for him that he 
 would follow what she was certain he knew to be right for him, 
 ' — said that he would be subject to many temptations and 
 allurements to draw him from it, but that if he kept firm it 
 would lead him to eternal glory. 
 
 Three weeks after the above was written, this dear voung 
 friend was favoured peacefully to pass away into the invi- 
 sible world. One of her cousins announced the event to 
 Priscilla Gurney : — 
 
 Nice, June 1st, 1817. 
 You must be fully prepared to hear that our beloved Hachel 
 is released from all her sufferings. The awful scene closed this 
 morning, — I think I may add, with an assurance that she is at 
 rest. I know we have had your truest sympathy and yoiir 
 heart with us. Would that you were here in reahty. 
 
 Her sister Jane writes to P. G. and G. B. — 
 
 We have many and great consolations. Our loss is unspeak- 
 able, but her gain is inconceivable too, and her sufferings ended 
 for ever ; and we remember, as we always must do, that you did 
 greatly soothe them. 
 
 Of the funeral; which took place on the following Third- 
 day, Jane Gurney, jun. says : — 
 
 My mother attended it. We had to walk about a mile, part 
 of the way through orange-gardens, and part upon the high road. 
 There was no crowd, and nothing could exceed the stillness and 
 order of the whole time. The ground is enclosed by a wall, 
 retired from the road, and not far from the sea. There are 
 several gravestones in it, with cypresses planted round them. 
 At the grave (which is next to poor dear Grant's) my dear 
 father, after a solemn pause, expressed his belief in the blessed- 
 ness of his beloved child ; in her justification through faith, and 
 
 E 3 
 
83 MEJIOIR OF FRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 sanctification through Christ ; that this belief alone could enable 
 parents to give up the child of their bosom, and yet raise the 
 voice of thanksgiving and praise. He enforced the necessity of 
 an inward and spiritual religion ; a dependence upon God as our 
 Teacher, rather than on man. The body was then laid in the 
 grave ; all its afflictions over, and the spirit, we may believe, 
 freed and joyful. 
 
 Her father, in a letter to some others of the family, 
 penned a few days afterwards, says, referring to the last 
 hours of nature's conflict : — • 
 
 I found her quite sensible ; and though it was difficult for her 
 to articulate, yet with words and signs she made herself under- 
 stood ; suffering at times (but I trust not greatly) to the end, 
 when her countenance bespoke, as well as other proofs through- 
 out her illness, that her prayer had been heard, and that " no 
 murmuring spirit" had been "suffered to arise." Our loss is, 
 indeed, a very heavy one ; and though we have witnessed suf- 
 ferings which have caused us (as it were) to bleed at every pore, 
 and led us to desire a release from them, yet, when the time of 
 separation arrived, when this beloved child was to be resigned 
 into the hand of Him who bestowed on us the precious gift, the 
 anguish was, and is, keen. But I trust I can in measure rejoice 
 that her pains are at an end, and still more in the belief that 
 her purified spirit is at rest with her Saviour. Her last illness 
 has evinced that she has been under His holy guidance, and her 
 chief desire was to do his will. And this desire was not confined 
 to herself, but for all those connected with her. She addressed 
 those about her, separately and emphatically, strongly recom- 
 mending the cross to he home, and lamenting for herself that she 
 had not taken it up earlier. Afterwards she supplicated for 
 herself, concluding in the words of the Psalmist, "At thy right 
 hand are pleasures for evermore." I hope ever to remain 
 thankful that I have been permitted to be with her. 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF FRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 83 
 
 PEISCILLA GURNET TO H. C. BACKHOUSE. 
 
 Pakefield, Seventh Month 1st, 1817. 
 The close of our dearest Kacliel's suft'erings and conflicts has 
 been more interesting to me than I know how to express, but 
 attended with sensible consolation, for which we may, indeed, 
 well be thankful. I have found (and increasingly) that it is not 
 all the words of consolation in the world that will avail at such 
 a time ; but to be permitted to experience a little faith that the 
 change is a happy one is a precious feeling, and something of it 
 has attended me on account of dear Rachel. The remembrance 
 of her is accompanied with uncommon sweetness and peace, and 
 I have at times felt the belief that her spirit is returned to her 
 Saviour. I have lately had such an acute sense of the cares of 
 life, — of the difficulties from without and from within, which 
 attend our running with patience the race set before us, — 
 that it is consoling to remember, and to bear in mind, those 
 that we humbly hope are for ever at rest — those who have 
 weathered the storm, and have entered the haven. 
 
 Shortly after Priscilla Gurney's return to Earlbam, she 
 received, from several persons on the continent, interesting 
 letters, expressing, in aflFectionate and earnest language, a 
 grateful remembrance of her sympathising and pious labours 
 to promote their well-being. Several of these communi- 
 cations were addressed to her by the Friends of Congenies 
 and its vicinity, and appear to give evidence of the correct- 
 ness of her views respecting them, as she had described 
 them in a note that related some interesting circum- 
 stances : — 
 
 There was manifested by many of them a strong love for the 
 Trutli as it is in Jesus, and a desire for the attainment of that 
 experimental knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ which is 
 life eternal. They appeared a good deal separated from the 
 world, and were simple and pleasing in their manners. 
 
'SA . MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 On 17* h of Sixth Month, Priscilla Gurney^ in a letter to 
 her endeared sister Elizabeth Gurney, says : — 
 
 I feel in a tranquil, peaceful state of mind, and I hope not 
 quite insensible to the many enjoyments and comforts with 
 which we are surrounded. In returning to England I have 
 afresh felt the importance of our seeking, in humility and 
 simplicity, to keep om places, both for our own sakes, for the 
 Society, and for the dear children who will be looking to us 
 
 for examples I do indeed believe that a blessing 
 
 will attend us if we are concerned to persevere, and to increase 
 in faithfulness and dedication in little and in ffreat things. 
 .... If William Allen should go to France, I feel very 
 desirous that he should furnish himself with Bibles and Testa- 
 ments to distribute, as well as tracts. Have you ever thought 
 of publishing some extracts from Fenelon and Thomas a Kempis, 
 in the form of a tract ? I really think it might be very useful 
 to the French Catholics. 
 
 On the 25tli of Eighth Mouth she wrote* to her beloved 
 niece Katherine Fry — 
 
 Since your departure from Earlham I have wished to write 
 to thee, but have not had leisure to employ myself so agreeably. 
 I have, however, thought very often of you all. I suppose you 
 pass your time in reading, studj^, and working together. Since 
 I saw thee I have made a little visit to H. It was indeed 
 a very agreeable one, and I was much pleased with the garden, 
 there are so many fine flowers and fruits. I like much the 
 sitaation of the house, in the midst of the cottages of the poor. 
 I have not seen your school, because, diu-ing the time that I 
 remained at your house, the scholars were not assembled. 
 Hast thou begun to instruct the poor chddren at Plashet on 
 the First-day ? I know thou hadst the intention to do so when 
 thou left us, and I wish to know if thou hast executed thy 
 
 • In French. 
 
1817.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 85 
 
 project. My dear K., at thy age, thou hast much to learu, 
 and it is necessary to be very diligent, and never to lose 
 time. I advise thee always to employ thy time in the best 
 manner that thou canst, and thou will never have to regret it. 
 We are now much occupied in making preparation for thy uncle 
 Joseph's marriage. The house is nearly in a state to receive 
 bur new sister. Our family will fiud a great change from this 
 marriage, and without doubt it will procure for us much 
 pleasure. 
 
 The marriage alluded to in this letter was accomplished 
 in the following month. It was an event that caused 
 great satisfaction and joy to pervade the whole circle, and 
 was an especial source of comfort to Priscilla Guruey. She 
 thus writes of it to William and Anna Forster, Ninth 
 Month 12th, 1817, from Runcton :— 
 
 I must give you some account of our sweet wedding. It is 
 a comfort to have it over, and to have our dearest Joseph 
 married, and so much according to his heart's desire. The 
 meeting was solemn, and a very sweet influence prevailed, 
 such an one as made us feel it was an union truly in the Lord, 
 and gave the encouraging hope that his blessing was with them 
 in it. Dearest Betsy supplicated for them in a manner which 
 seemed much felt by those present, and dear Joseph after- 
 wards, in a few words, but with much weight. The day passed 
 very quietly and comfortably ; the weather was very sweet ; 
 and the place particularly agreeable for such an occasion. In 
 the evening the party separated various ways : our dear pair 
 went on their way towards Earlham, where we now imagine 
 them enjoying themselves. 
 
86 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1817. 
 
 TO HEE SISTER FRY, A WEEK AFTER THE WEDDING. 
 
 Earlham, 2nd, 
 
 The emotions on my reaching Earlham are strange and new 
 indeed. Everj'body has felt the change, all the servants look 
 as if they had ; but there appears to me to have been a most 
 sweet and, we may say, almost a sanctified influence over it. 
 The Everlasting Arm appears, I think, in a remarkable manner 
 to have been underneath from the commencement to the com- 
 pletion of their union. 
 
 The accustomed avocations of Priscilla Gurney — visiting 
 the infirm and sick, attendance at schools, which she had 
 been the chief instrument in establishing, and the higher 
 duties of frequenting the religious meetings at home, and 
 in other districts of her own Quarterly Meeting — occupied 
 the Autumn months of 1817. Early in the Twelfth ]\Ionth 
 she left home, with the concurrence of her friends, in 
 order to visit the meetings of Friends in Cambridgeshire 
 and Huntingdonshire. At Wisbeach, on the 13th of that 
 month, she writes : — 
 
 I felt something of the depth of lowness at this time and in 
 the night ; not only from the weight of the service, but from 
 those peculiar conflicts which I have had of late to pass through. 
 
 14?"^, First-day. — Meeting at Wisbeach, solemn, and, I may 
 thankfully acknowledge, relieving to my mind ; but I have 
 seldom been made more sensible of my poverty and inability. 
 The subject on my mind arose from the text, " Can ye drink of 
 the cup that I drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that 
 I am baptized with?" — applicable to us, as well as to the 
 disciples formerly. A solemn query. Are ye alJe ? Inasmuch 
 as we share the suff'erings of our blessed Redeemer, are we> 
 through his Spirit, made able and willing ? Supplicated after- 
 wards that, if it might be needful for us to pass through 
 tribulation before we enter into the kingdom of God, the Lord 
 
1817.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 87 
 
 would support and sustain us, and grant us a portion of that 
 peace which shall be perfected in heaven ; for the few Priends 
 here, that this support may be granted in all their conflicts and 
 temptations, so as to be " made more than conquerors, through 
 Him who hath loved us." The afternoon meeting w^as remark- 
 ably sweet and encouraging to my feelings : I had to address 
 this language to the few present — " Fear not, little flock ; for it 
 is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom," — that 
 if of his flock they had nothing to fear, — and on the importance 
 of examining whether we have reason to believe that we are 
 partakers of this privilege : what are the peculiar blessings of 
 those who belong to this flock, and know Christ to be their 
 Shepherd ? After the family reading, I expressed my desire for 
 them that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ might be with 
 them, — this I had especially to apply to the young people. A 
 sweetness has prevailed through the day, and I feel thankful in. 
 having been so far helped. 
 
 Second-day . — Before our separation this morning our hearts 
 were, I trust, united in solemn supplication for the blessing of 
 the Lord, in an especial manner for the family we were with, — 
 for the young people, that they might come to be more and 
 more labourers in the vineyard, and that the Lord would be 
 with us in our various callings, strengthen and help us. Eode 
 to March with the Peckovers. Interesting meeting there, — a 
 number of poor people. I felt as if something of the true life 
 were stirring amongst them, and had to address them from the 
 words, "Lord, we have left all and have followed thee," — with 
 my apprehension that some present might almost adopt this 
 language. Then had they not to experience, even when their 
 flesh and their heart faileth, the Lord to be the strength of 
 their heart and their portion for ever ? I had also to speak of 
 our peculiar privileges in withdrawing from all outwai-d things, 
 and being permitted to enter as into the sanctuary of the Lord. 
 If called upon to give up the world, let us be encouraged to do 
 so, remembering the words of our blessed Eedeemer, " My peace 
 
88 ME.MOIR OF PRISCILI.A GUUNEY. [1817. 
 
 I give unto you." .... I felt this to be a day of deep 
 spiritual exercise, — not only from the services in which I was 
 engaged, but also from my ovm peculiar trials at this time, 
 which call for much patience and submission. * 
 
 Fourth-day. — Called on some Friends. I felt the great pri\d- 
 lege of the domestic comfort and good order which so con- 
 spicuously prevail amongst Friends. The meeting interested me 
 much. Many serious people were present. A q\iiet solemnity 
 seemed to prevail over them. I had to speak on this text, "We 
 have found Him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets 
 did write," and of the experience of the disciples formerly. 
 They were led to expect the Messiah and to feel the need of 
 a Redeemer, — they rejoiced to find Him. This also applied to 
 those present : had they not also found their Saviour ? Such 
 were encouraged to follow Him, to take up their daily cross, 
 and to deny themselves. I had also to express my desire that 
 they might be more fully brought into the love of God, and 
 the patient waiting for Christ ; abiding in Him in spirit, so as 
 to bring forth much fruit. The afternoon was occupied in 
 calling on several of the Friends. Much sweetness and true 
 simplicity Avere, I thought, conspicuous. I felt, as I entered a 
 little cottage, the force of these words, — " The blessing of the 
 Lord maketh truly rich." I had to express my hope that, 
 tlu"ough faith and obedience, they would increasingly become 
 
 partakers of this blessing I felt much exhausted 
 
 and fatigued this evening, but I hope thankful in having been 
 carried through another day. 
 
 Fifth-day. — At Earitli. — Felt low and cast down ; but in the 
 meeting had to speak on the living icaters. — " If thou hadst 
 asked of me, I would have given thee living water." The in- 
 vitation still goes forth, " Ho ! every one that thirsteth !" 
 Our journey through life may be compared to the Israelites. 
 To those whose trust is in the Lord the waters are " driven 
 
 * She had in prospect a religious visit to Friends in Ireland, which weighed 
 heavily and solemnly upon her spirit. 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 89 
 
 back, the mountains skip like rams, and the little hills like 
 lambs." My dear uncle and aunt joined us before meeting, 
 which was remarkably solemn, and I felt the silence to be 
 quieting and composing to my soul. Before the meeting 
 closed, I had to remind them of the disciples in the storm, 
 and the Master's gracious language, " Peace, be still;" exem- 
 plified in our own experience, the power of the Redeemer 
 being known amongst us to quiet every storm, to enlighten 
 our darkness, and to strengthen us in weakness — encourage- 
 ment to sit at his feet. Lodged at L. Squire's — a SM'eet 
 family — several little children. I had to exhort them to per- 
 severance in every labour of love towards their dear children. 
 
 Sixth-day. — Quarterly Meeting. Many ministers present. 
 My dear uncle spoke on the importance of bringing forth the 
 fruits of the Spirit ; to which I added the apostle's injunction, 
 " Examine yourselves, prove your own selves, whether ye be in 
 the faith ;" and on the necessity and importance of this serious 
 examination in every situation in life. The test is, Is Christ 
 in us ? What do we know of him as our Redeemer ? What do 
 we know of reconciliation with the Father, through Him ; of 
 his bearing our transgressions ? — AVhere are the fruits in us of 
 his Spirit ? I had to go into the men's meeting — a close 
 trial of faith — addressed them on the salutation of the apostle, 
 " Finally, brethren, be perfect, be of one mind, live in peace, 
 and the Grod of love and peace shall be with you." At the 
 close of the women's meeting, I expressed a few words of en- 
 couragement to the tried servants of the Lord, — " Let patience 
 have its perfect work," hold fast confidence in the Lord Jesus ; 
 for " they that endure unto the end shall be saved." 
 
 Mrst-day. — Meeting at Downham, which was interesting. I 
 felt inexpressibly my poverty and darkness ; but in this state I 
 felt the power of the Spirit to arise. I was engaged in sup- 
 plication that those who had put their hand to the plough 
 might be preserved from looking back. Afterwards, I had to 
 speak on these words, — " By their fruits ye shall know them. 
 
90 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURXEY. [1817. 
 
 Do men gather grapes of thorns," &c. "What are the fruits of 
 the good seed ? — Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, &c. How 
 far are they produced in us ? Our situation in life is not the 
 thing to be considered ; but this single question applicable to 
 all, Do ive ahide in Christ ? They that abide in Christ shall 
 indeed be fruitful branches. 
 
 Second-day, 22nd Twelfth Month. — Returned to Earlham 
 with the C.'s, for whom I felt afresh interested. In reviewing 
 this little journey, I have reason to acknowledge that I have 
 found strength to be given in weakness, and experienced the 
 Lord to be a present helper in the needful time. I have also 
 felt encouraged in myvisits to these Friends, believing that He 
 in whom is life is near to many of them. It was pleasant to 
 see some in little cottages, which gave me the feeling of being 
 peaceful habitations. My prevailing desire for them has been, 
 and is, that they may be ever kept on the true and only 
 foundation, Christ J esus the Lord : that he may be unto 
 them the Way, the Truth and the Life. In the evening I 
 attended our Norwich select meeting, and had to say a few 
 words on the language of Peter, — " Lord, I will lay down my 
 life for thy sake;" and on the danger of afterwards denying 
 Christ. 
 
 2Srd.- — Quarterly Meeting. This might be truly called a 
 solemn day, and one in which the presence of the Lord seemed 
 to own us. I had to address the meeting on those words, — " To 
 you who believe He is precious, but to the disobedient a stone 
 of stumbling and a rock of offence ;" also, on the. preciousness 
 of the Eedeemer to the penitent sinner, to the afflicted, and, 
 finally, to those who are brought to the bed of sickness, and to 
 the hour of death. But what is the hope of those to whom the 
 cross of Christ is a stumbling-block ? Encouragement to 
 those who, through faith, have known Christ to be precious to 
 their souls, and warning to those who still stumble at his 
 word : with my earnest desire for us all that we may be so 
 brought to the Redeemer, as to know his preciousness here 
 
1817.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 91 
 
 and hereafter. I had to lay my concern for visiting Ireland 
 before the women, and then before the men Friends. The 
 time in the men's meeting was one of deep solemnity. 
 Dearest Joseph supplicated for me in a pathetic and feeling 
 manner, for my support and consolation in this service, and 
 that if it be consistent with the Lord's will, I might be restored 
 to them in peace. INIy heart was deeply aifected ; but the 
 voice of the Lord had been mightier to my so\il than the noise 
 of many waters. I had to leave with our men Friends these 
 few words, — " Say unto Jerusalem, fear not ; and unto Zion, 
 let not thine hands be slack." The women's meeting concluded 
 with supplication that we might yet ^now in all future seasons, 
 when collected together, or when separated, that " the Lord's 
 arm is not shortened that it cannot save, nor his ear grown 
 heavy that it cannot hear." Dined at the Grove, and we 
 passed a sweet evening, in much love and harmony. As I was 
 reflecting on the past day, I felt as if it had been a wedding-day 
 to me ; though no earthly marriage indeed. I was thinking it 
 was just as if all my dear friends had been signing my marriage 
 certificate. I was engaged in these thoughts when my dear 
 uncle Joseph broke the silence, by saying, " Well ! this day has 
 been to my feelings like a wedding-day, a day of espousals, a 
 day of solemn covenant with our God !" He then expressed 
 how very sweet and heavenly an influence had been spread 
 over us ; desiring that we might pay our vows and l eep our 
 covenants. It was particularly striking to me. I prayed that 
 this day of visitation might be blessed to us. — Dearest Lord ! 
 if this day has been, indeed, as a wedding-day to me — not 
 temporally but spiritually — if I have had afresh to enter into 
 a solemn covenant with Thee, then be Thou with me, weaning 
 my wandering aflections from earthly things, and set them 
 entirely on things above ; that I may indeed say, " My heart is 
 fixed." And as Thou seest meet that my longing heart should 
 not be satisfied with anything here below, be pleased to fill up 
 this void with thine own Spirit, and, by the consolations of thy 
 
92 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 presence, make the desert of my heart to blossom as the rose. 
 Be the Bridegroom, and the beloved of my soul, that, finally I 
 may find rest and peace and joy, in Thee, my strength and my 
 Redeemer. 
 
 Two days later (viz., on the day called Christmas), 
 being the usual week-day meeting at Norwich, Priscilla 
 makes this entry in her journal : — 
 
 It was very comfortable and accordant with my feelings to 
 assemble at meeting this morning. The remembrance of this 
 day last year at Nice was very solemn to me. I felt some- 
 thing of that sweet rest and peace at meeting which is like a 
 foretaste of " the rest which remaineth for the people of God." 
 
 First Month 1st, 1818. Fifth-day. — Beturned from Cromer, 
 where we had paid an interesting visit to dear Louisa, and 
 arrived in time for meeting, which was quiet and sweet to my 
 feelings. Dear Joseph spoke in a very solemn manner of his 
 own experience of the past year, and on the seriousness of 
 beginning a new one ; also, on what had been his hope and 
 consolation in reviewing the year now expired : that he could 
 find no substantial hope or consolation but ii\ " the Lamb of 
 God, who taketh away the sin of the world." This, also, our 
 only hope, strength, and consolation for the future. The 
 beginning of another year has felt very serious to me, as it has 
 usually been ; yet every returning one is increasingly so. 
 
 First-day, Mh. At meeting, I had to enlarge a little on the 
 parable of the tares and the wheat. It is not for us to judge, 
 or here to separate the tares from the wheat ; but it is for us 
 to watch individually over ourselves, that the tares be not 
 sown, or suffered to grow up, among the good seed. At the 
 afternoon meeting had to speak on the importance of partaking 
 of the Bread of Life — even of Christ Jesus who came down 
 from heaven, that those who partake of Him, spiritually, may 
 never die. In the latter part of this day, I felt something of 
 very deep conflict, almost tribulation of mind. The division 
 
'1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 93 
 
 between earthly and heavenly things has, at times, been a 
 sharp and close trial. 
 
 First Month 17th. — Of the conflicts which I have passed 
 through in the prospect of visiting Ireland, it is enough to say 
 that they have been peculiar, and very deep. But I desire, also, 
 ever to remember that, in the midst of many infirmities and 
 many sorrows, the Everlasting Arm has been underneath to 
 sustain ; and I trust that the fruits have been, to have my heart 
 more simply fixed on Christ as my only Saviour, and on his 
 Spirit as my only eifectual Comforter. 
 
 First-day, 18th. — The meeting at Norwich was solemn. On 
 taking leave of my friends there, I had to remind them of this 
 text, — " This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, 
 that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." As He 
 is the only sure foundation of our faith and hope, it is well we 
 should examine what we knoiv of Christ as our Redeemer. I 
 had again to encourage all my beloved friends to come imto 
 Christ. The meeting ended with supplication for our preserva- 
 tion, faith, &c. We were also, I think, comforted together. 
 
 In the afternoon meeting, prayed for dear Anna Forster* 
 
 and me unitedly, and in a very impressive manner, that we might 
 be helped, supported and guided — enabled to speak the word 
 in season, according to the ability given ; and, according to the 
 example of our blessed Master, to heal the broken-hearted, to 
 comfort those who mourn, to proclaim the acceptable year of 
 the Lord, &c. ; that if we were called to go forth weeping, we 
 might be permitted to come again rejoicing, bringing our sheaves 
 with us. Then for the Church at large. We have surely often 
 been permitted, when gathered together, to draw near to the 
 throne of grace, through the power of Christ. We dined at 
 home together. There was a sweetness to be felt, and yet a 
 
 * Her beloved friend and cousin, Anna Forster, was united with her in the 
 weighty concern to pay a religious visit to the meetings of Friends in Ireland. 
 She veas also liberated for the service with the full concurrence of the Monthly 
 and Quarterly Meetings of which she was a member. 
 
94 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1818. 
 
 melancboly, iu the prospect of our long and distant separation. 
 In the evening we had one of our large parties collected in the 
 ante-room. I felt inexpressibly low ; but a solemn covering was 
 spread over us ; and though I seemed to have but few words 
 to express, yet the secret desire of my heart was, that the inter- 
 cession of the Spirit might be accepted on behalf of my beloved 
 brothers and sisters, (whether present or absent,) of those who 
 had affectionately and faithfully served us, of all our poor neigh- 
 bours, and especially on behalf of those who laboured amongst 
 them. How great is our privilege, to be permitted, even under 
 the weight and in the depth of our infirmities, to commend one 
 another unto the Lord. 
 
 Second-day, \Qth. — Catherine and Hachel went "ndth me to 
 
 K , where we dined. We all felt cast down in spirit. They 
 
 accompanied me to the mail, — when, and liow to meet again, 
 how little do we know ! A. S. was my kind companion (to 
 London). I felt tranquil and composed; but still the conflict 
 of giving up home has been a severe one, though not known in 
 its full extent to any mortal, and but to few in any measure. 
 May it prove as a preparation for the holy service of our dear 
 Redeemer. ... I enjoyed my quiet corner in the mail, where 
 I had many solemn and affecting thoughts, but mingled with 
 consolation and comfort. The review of the months lately spent 
 at home was interesting — I hope not unprofitable. Many recol- 
 lections were deeply humbling, and the general result can only 
 be self-abasement. But still, on looking beyond myself, I can 
 acknowledge that, as J. S. said, " The Lord hath covered my 
 head in many battles." 
 
 Third-day, 20th. — After arriving, at an early hour, at 
 Stratford, she " walked by moonlight to Upton." 
 
 Fifth-day, 22nd. — At meeting I had to say a little on these 
 words — " They that endure to the end shall be saved." How 
 often of late has this language been applicable to my state, — 
 " Why art thou cast down, oh my soul ?" Oh, that I may yet 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 95 
 
 hope in God ! Then shall I eventually " praise Him who is the 
 health of my countenance, and my God." 
 
 First-da^, First Month 25th. — I felt being at Gracechurch 
 Street Meeting. It was an inexpressible effort to me to speak 
 in that meeting ; but help is still given to us in our weakness. 
 I felt the same in the afternoon, when I had to speak on that 
 text, — " These are they that came out of great tribulation, and 
 have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of 
 the Lamb." After meeting, P. B. accompanied us to Islington 
 School, where we spent an interesting evening among the 
 children. I was pleased and encouraged by their orderly and 
 quiet deportment. I examined them in the knowledge of the 
 Scriptures, &c., and was much satisfied with the result. I rejoice 
 that so much care is given to their religious instruction. 
 
 26th. — Finished the examination of the girls at Islington : 
 it was very satisfactory. 
 
 dOth. — Most of the day spent at Islington. At meeting with 
 the children in the morning ; I had to speak to them in the 
 language addressed by the angels to the shepherds, — " Behold ! I 
 bring you glad tidings of great joy :" — -these glad tidings brought 
 to us all — the truth known that a Saviour is born unto them 
 by Sis work in their hearts, &c. 
 
 Seventh-day, ^\st. — All our family party were assembled. I 
 was brought into a deep and tender sympathy with . Some- 
 times we have to know a little what it is to be baptized with 
 others, and, in measure, to partake of their conflicts. 
 
 First-day, 1st of Second Month. — Attended Southwark 
 Meeting. Had to speak on the body returning to the dust, and 
 the spirit to God who gave it, and on the preparation for the 
 return of the spirit to God. 
 
 2nd. — Finished the examination of the boys at Islington 
 School. Afterwards dined at the "Wilberforces". 
 
 3rJ. — Betsy and I met the "Wilberforces at Newgate. 
 Highly interesting visit to the prison : the order of the poor 
 women very encouraging. After all were assembled Betsy 
 
96 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 read a chapter, and afterwards prayed for all present. First, 
 for those who had been devoted to the service of God ; and 
 then for the prisoners, that through grace they might be 
 delivered from the bondage of sin and made partakers of the 
 glorious liberty of the children of God. We visited the poor 
 ■women under condemnation ; and then the men's side of the 
 prison ; which was truly affecting. 
 
 4!th. — M. S. accompanied me to Wandsworth. After meeting 
 I spent some time at A. M.'s school, where I had some conver- 
 sation with her and with the girls, on the important subject of 
 a closer application to the Scriptures. 
 
 6th. — Our party were assembled together in the evening, 
 which was comfortable to me, — for I had longed to reach a 
 little true spiritual communion before we separated, and I 
 trust we were enabled to press through aR outward obstacles 
 and to draw near to the throne of grace, and once more solemnly 
 to commend one another unto the Lord and to his keeping. 
 How do I sometimes feel that if we may be permitted to touch 
 but, as it were, the hem of the garment of our dear Redeemer, 
 there is healing in it, — that power and virtue which cures our 
 diseases and redeemeth the spiritual life from destruction. 
 
 First-day, 8th. — I had some satisfactory conversation with 
 Eliza Try and her children, on religious instruction and a dili- 
 gent application to the Scriptures. 
 
 15th. — At Tottenham Meeting, which was comfortable — many 
 promising young people. I had to address them on these 
 words, — "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob," &c., and on 
 their privilege in being brought up as in a holy inclosure in the 
 fold of the true Shepherd ; but also on the necessity of giving 
 " all diligence " to make their " calling and election sure." 
 "Many are called but few chosen." 
 
 IQth. — This was a day of much close conflict to me. Dear 
 Betsy and I spent most of the morning at Newgate, much 
 engaged by the poor convicts left for execution the next day. 
 We sat some time with them ; the scene was afflicting. Betsy 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIU OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 97 
 
 and I were united in prayer for them. I deeply felt that a 
 preparation for death is a solemn and Divine work. I trust 
 there was some fruit of true repentance. Our visit to the men 
 was a very close exercise of spirit. I had to supplicate that we, 
 and the poor sufferers especially, might be brought experi- 
 mentally and savingly to understand and to partake of the 
 benefit of the sufferings of our Redeemer for sinners. I was 
 much sunk in spirit in the afternoon, and hardly knew how to 
 part from my beloved brothers and sisters. Many of us were 
 assembled at Mildred Court, and we separated under a sweet 
 and soothing influence. Left that evening by the mail for 
 Shrewsbury. My thoughts much with the poor sufferers at 
 Newgate, and also with the beloved friends whom I had 
 parted from ; but I felt peaceful and quiet during my journey. 
 Cornelius Hanbury was my kind companion. 
 
 18^A. — We travelled through Wales to Bangor, where we met 
 William and Anna Forster. Keached Holyhead in the evening. 
 
 XQth. — We were cheered a little this morning and I think 
 enabled, vrith a measiu-e of faith, to commend ourselves again 
 unto Him whom we indeed know to be Lord of the winds and 
 waves, naturally and spiritually. 
 
 2Qth. — We reached Dublin harbour about noon. It was a 
 strange feeling on landing to find ourselves in another country. 
 The appearance of the people was different from that of the 
 English. We were kindly welcomed at Eobert Payle's. I felt 
 encouraged by the remembrance of that language, — ."The 
 Lord hath delivered thee ia six troubles, and in the seventh 
 shall no evil touch thee.'' 
 
 First-day, 22nd. — This was an exercising day to us — Dublin 
 Meeting is large. I had to supplicate that the same gospel 
 love that had led us forth might stiU be shed abroad in our 
 hearts ; and not only in ours, but in the hearts of those amongst 
 whom our lot might be cast. We felt it difficult to reach the 
 living seed of the kingdom and the deep waters. In the 
 afternoon a few words were expressed on the importance of 
 
98 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 ■« atclifiilness. Mauy Friends assembled to see us in the evening. 
 I often feel much at being anything to be sought after, well 
 knowing my poycrty, weakness, and how little I haye in myself. 
 
 Second-day, 12nd. — Left Dublin for "VVicklow, where we were 
 received by Friends who were very kind, hospitable, and easy 
 in their manners. Before we separated at night I longed for 
 us to be brought at least to the spirit of prayer, and had to, 
 say a few words on the subject. 
 
 2^rd. — The meeting interesting and relieving. Expressed a 
 little on those words, — " AH flesh is grass," &c., " but the Word 
 of the Lord abide th for ever," and on the infinite importance 
 of the Word abiding in us. After dinner supplicated for a 
 blessing, and that the Word of the Lord might bring forth fruit 
 for the little communitj- at Wicklow, that their light might 
 shine before the people, who appear to sit " in darkness and in 
 the shadow of death." Eeturned to DubHn. 
 
 2Gfh. — Left DubUn and proceeded to Kathiriland. 
 
 The trayellers passed through some large towns. The 
 appearance of the poor people whom they had hitherto 
 seen was " oppressive to the spirit, bespeaking much 
 wi'etchedness and ignorance but " the country improves 
 on entering Ulster." After visiting some meetings in that 
 province, they went on to Lisburn, where they attended 
 the Quarterly Meeting : " a day of much weight and 
 solemn feeling;" but P. G. adds — 
 
 How have we to experience, day after day, that grace is 
 siifficient for us in our great weakness ! 
 
 Fourth-day, Third Month 4ith. — The ride to Belfast very 
 pleasing : the appearance of the country cheerful and flom-ish- 
 ing. At the meeting at Belfast I had to express a little on 
 the inquiring language, — " Wherewith shall I come before the 
 Lord ?" &c. He requireth us " to do justly, to love mercy, 
 and to walk humbly" before Him. We must be brought to 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 99 
 
 walk humbly, and with repentance and contrition, before we 
 can see and understand what it is that covers transgression, 
 and before we can behold for ourselves " the Lamb of God 
 which taketh away the sin of the world." In the evening many 
 Friends came to see us. I continually feel, "What have we to 
 give, unless we receive an immediate and constant supply from 
 the Source of all help ? After all, what can we do for the 
 salvation of others, but commend them unto the Lord and to 
 " the word of his grace ?" 
 
 7th. — Eeturned to Lisburn. Visited several families and the 
 school, about forty children. They appeared nicely cared for. 
 I ventured to give a little advice about reading the Scriptures. 
 
 It may be here remarked that tlie right training- of 
 youth, which; as we have seen, was at all times a subject 
 of deep interest with Priscilla Gurney, was, throughout 
 her travels in Ireland, a prominent object of her con- 
 cern. She saw the great importance of sound religious 
 instruction ; and she well knew, from her own happy 
 experience, that to imbue the minds of children and young 
 persons with a knowledge of the Divine law, as developed 
 by the precepts of the gospel and presented to us in Holy 
 Scripture, was the most likely means of instilling the pure 
 principles of christian truth, and that " fear of the Lord" 
 which " is a fountain of life." To encom-age the reading 
 of the sacred volume was, therefore, often felt by her to be 
 her incumbent duty, and that every obstruction to the 
 faithful fulfilment of it must be surmounted. 
 
 First-day, 8th. — At the morning meeting at Ballinderry. 
 Spoke on these words, — " To the poor the gospel is preached," 
 not only by outward word, but by the anointing : this preaching 
 is saving to those who believe, — teaching us of the Redeemer, 
 leading to the Saviour, to his poicer in overcoming and forgiving 
 sin. Evening meeting at Lisburn, which was satisfactory. 
 
 F 3 
 
100 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 9tJi. — To meeting at Lurgan. Addressed the language of 
 encouragement to the sheep who are of the fold of Christ ; 
 though outwardly scattered as having no shepherd, yet He, who 
 is "the good Shepherd," who "gave his life for the sheep," 
 knoweth his own, and is " known of them." 
 
 11th. — At Grange. The message which I had to deliver was 
 — " Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish ;" — the neces- 
 sity of individual repentance and humiliation, which can alone 
 bring us to the experimental knowledge of the Saviour. 
 
 12th. — To Eich-hill. These meetings caU for a deep travail 
 of spirit ; and, according to our little measure, we have to feel 
 it. On the way from Eich-hill to Newry, I gave away many 
 tracts and little books among the people. I have enjoyed much 
 inward peace and consolation, which has been an inexpressible 
 favour. To be brought into a state of resignation and sub- 
 mission under all the circumstances of life is indeed a cause of 
 great thankfulness. 
 
 J 'ith. — We returned to Dublin. 
 
 15th, First-day. — How have I longed this day, for myself and 
 others, that we may be brought toore fully to know Christ as 
 our Saviour, our Eesurrection and our Life ! 
 
 l%th. — Very poorly to-day ; but visited the Orphan Asylum, 
 an interesting institution, containing one hundred and sixty 
 orphan girls. 
 
 Vlth. — Had a bad night, from a good deal of fever, which made 
 me feel seriously the probability of my being very ill.* This 
 excited, at first, an emotion of some alarm ; but I endeavoured 
 to be quiet, and I felt that power to be mercifully near which 
 can wonderfully allay our fears, and quiet every storm. 
 
 I'^th. — I was better, and we proceeded on our journey. I 
 distributed many tracts and little books, which were generally 
 well received. One Catholic threw them back at me. He wotdd 
 neither receive them hiaiself, nor suffer others to take them. 
 
 l^th. — Eeached Edenderry. At meeting, the subject that 
 
 * A contagious fever was generally prevalent in Ii-eland at that time. — Ed, 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 101 
 
 impressed me was from the passage, " If the righteous scarcely 
 be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear ?" 
 
 21st. — Came forward to Mountmellick. A day of family 
 visiting, which was exercising to mind and body. 
 
 22nd. — To the Provincial School, where I had some hours' 
 work in examining the children a little, as to their knowledge 
 of Scripture. 
 
 2'ird. — To TuUamore, where we visited two families. 
 
 25fk. — To Moate. The meeting there to be remembered. I 
 had to express the earnest desire, which did indeed prevail with 
 me, that all might come to the true and effectual knowledge of 
 the Gospel — of the truth as it is in J esus ; and to enlarge on this 
 text, — " I bring you glad tidings," &c., that to us these glad 
 tidings are brought, of " a Saviour who is Christ the Lord," &c. 
 I felt drawn to supplicate that, if any had been carried away, 
 they might be brought back, &c. We afterwards found that 
 an individual was present who had formerly been an acceptable 
 minister ; but he was now one of the secoders.* 
 
 After visiting the meetings at Ballymurry and Athlone, 
 the travellers returned to Mountmellick, where P. G. 
 says — 
 
 Dear Ann Shannon gave us a kind reception, and we dined 
 with her and her school. We heard of a priest at Ballymurry 
 who had ordered sixty Testaments to be burned. His chapel 
 was, on the same, or the next day, burned down. The priests 
 cannot induce the people to part with their Irish Testaments. 
 In the evening attended the School Committee. 
 
 28th. — The Quarterly Meeting. I shall not soon forget 
 the weight of it in prospect ; but, from day to day, help 
 and strength have been mercifully afforded to us. I felt deeply 
 impressed with the infinite importance of having a part in 
 Christ, through the washing of regeneration. 
 
 • This person was afterwards restored to membership, and died in unity with 
 his friends, and there was good ground to believe that his end was peace. — Ed. 
 
102 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 2dfh. — INIeetiiigs, and visit to the Provincial School. Tb& 
 schools have been a peculiar exercise to me. It has been hard 
 work to do that which I felt it right to do. As the way opens 
 I must leave a hint here and there ; and in this, as in other 
 services, the fruits may and must be left. We had a comfort- 
 able time w-ith the heads of the family, and with the boys, after 
 which I felt drawn to supplicate for a blessing upon them. 
 There appears to me hope for the youth of this country. We 
 have endeavoured to do the part assigned us, in exhorting, 
 encouraging and warning. 
 
 30/7*.— Quarterly Meeting for discipline ; — lively, to my 
 feelings. 
 
 3l5^. — Kose early, and visited the School. Tlie Friends were 
 warm in their expressions of love and kindness, especially some 
 of the younger people. I expressed a few words of exhortation 
 after the reading. Then to the closing meeting of the Quar- 
 terly Meeting. I had much desired that, through submission, 
 and a simple surrendering to the teachings of the Spirit, we 
 might leave this meeting unburdened ; and this, through renewed 
 help and unmerited mercy, was permitted to us. The meeting 
 was solemn, and we parted under the influence of Gospel love. 
 I felt as if the Spring had been opened among us, and the flow 
 of the Spirit was more to be felt, both immediately and instru- 
 mentally, than has often been the case in this land. Paid 
 several farewell visits, and distributed books, &c. 
 
 Whilst at Mountmellick, Priscilla Gurney received from 
 a christian friend in Norfolk the following letter; to 
 which she returned the subjoined reply : — 
 
 17th Mai-ch. 
 
 I have my full share of the interest which your labour of love 
 cannot fail to excite in the minds of your friends. All that hath 
 reached me since your departure has had a direct tendency to 
 deepen the interest that the first declaration of your design 
 awakened. Both yourself and yom* excellent feUow-worker 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 103 
 
 have learned how to regard events that make large demands on 
 your patience and submission ; and I cannot help thinking you 
 will both be taught, from the circumstances of the present 
 mission, to extract a virtue that may prove singularly cheering 
 in the after-stages of your christian journey. I have often 
 thought I should be glad (if overtaken by it in the path of duty) 
 to undergo the terror and agitation of those persons who " reel 
 to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their 
 wits' end," (Psalm cvii.) if it led me to cry unto the Lord in 
 my trouble, and enabled me to see and feel, and know, that He 
 brought me out of my distress. I exceedingly value such 
 
 experience 
 
 It has been established as a conviction in my mind, not only 
 that every work of faith and labour of love is accepted of the 
 Saviour, but that absolute good is produced by each in the 
 world, whether we are permitted to see it or not. It is my 
 main design in this letter to tell you how strongly I am per- 
 suaded of this in relation to your arduous visitation in Ireland, 
 and how much I wish you may both of you enjoy the same con- 
 viction. Seeming impediments are often real helps ; and you 
 know, my dear friends, that Jacob was never more mistaken 
 in his life, than when, in reference to some dark providences, 
 he said, "All these things are against me." They were, in 
 fact, all for him. 
 
 Mountraellick, Third Month 29th. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 Meetings, readings, greetings, and the concourse of Friends, 
 are for this day over, and I am very tired to answer thy ac- 
 ceptable letter ; but it was too much a word in season to remain 
 unanswered. Anna, as weU as myself, were cheered by thy 
 welcome salutation on our way. We felt thy sympathy and 
 thy understanding of our present situation and peculiar trials, 
 as a refreshment. I feel grateful for such a remembrance of 
 us in our journeyings, and in our separation from all our 
 nearest and dearest friends. I think I have seldom felt the 
 
104 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1818. 
 
 expression of cliristian unity and sympathy more helpful than 
 during our engagements in this country ; and to believe that we 
 have the good desires, and sometimes the prayers, of our friends, 
 has always been a strength and a consolation to me ; for this 
 journey has, from various causes, been in a peculiar manner an 
 exercise to foitli and patience. How very much do I unite 
 with thee in all thou sayest on that subject ; but that thou wert 
 able to give us a word of encouragement and a little exhorta- 
 tion, so applicable, not only to our present situations, but to 
 our present feelings, was very comforting. " I was brought 
 low, and He helj)ed me," has been again and again my ex- 
 perience ; and as thou sayest, I believe it is well to be brought 
 to know and to feel the depth of our own unworthiness, 
 poverty, weakness, and helplessness, that we may truly expe- 
 rience the power, love and mercy, of the Eedeemer. But to 
 be willing to be brought really low and to be truly humbled is 
 hard M ork, and often deeply in the cross to our natures. I 
 have sometimes earnestly desired that the various conflicts 
 which, from within and from without, have attended me in the 
 present engagement, may be a means of bringing me more to 
 this experience, and to know more of the power and love of 
 Christ, and of that meycy which delivers in the time of need. 
 The present state of the country, and the devastations occa- 
 sioned by the fever, have certainly added much to the trial of 
 our faith. Such a visitation is awful and solemn, and ought to 
 be felt so ; it ought to bring us into deep feelings for others, 
 and I am sure it ought to raise the query in our hearts 
 whether we also are ready. Though the first impression of 
 fear is a good deal passed off, and I hope the fever has subsided 
 in many places, yet I have felt the seriousness of our situation, 
 and I think I have sometimes been solemnly impressed with 
 the infinite importance of a preparation for such a change, of 
 knowing Christ to be, through faith and obedience, our Resurrec- 
 tion and our Life. It is difficult to express how I have longed, 
 for myself and for others, an establishment in this faith. How- 
 
1818.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 105 
 
 ever poor aud however limited our services may be in tins 
 land, yet we have never had to doubt that it has been our right 
 calling ; we have never, I think I may say, experienced any 
 painful misgivings as to the guiding Hand that hath led us 
 here. This is an inexpressible favour, and reconciles to every 
 dispensation ; for we know that the consequences and the 
 fruits, either to ourselves or others, are no more at our command 
 than the cause which led us forth. We must endeavour to do 
 that which our hand findeth to do, and we may leave the rest- 
 Little as has been our communication with the people in 
 general, yet the spiritual bondage, and what appears to us 
 darkness, which I fear prevails too much, is deeply to be felt. 
 It has a very distressing effect on the mind, and cannot fail of 
 raising something of a mourning spirit in the heart. It is 
 humbling to be able to administer so little to the help of 
 others in their distresses and needs. We have had much 
 rough, winterly, and stormy weather, which has for the last 
 day or two given way to something of the sweet feeling of 
 Spring. I have been ready to hope also that we have been per- 
 mitted to taste a little of this sweetness spiritually, having had 
 a comfortable Quarterly Meeting at this place, and often having 
 to feel, lately, something of that peace which the world cannot 
 give, and to partake of a little refreshment on our way. 
 
 Proceeding in the service they visited Mountrath, 
 Roscrea^ &c., and on the 3rd of Fourth Month arrived at 
 Limerick. 
 
 4#A. — A day of rest. 
 
 5tJi, First-day. — A laborious day spiritually ; many present 
 at meeting. After very earnestly desiring that we might be 
 brought to an entire dependence on our Guide and Helper, 
 these words presented themselves very impressively : — " The 
 children of this world are wiser in their generation than the 
 children of light ; but wisdom shall be justified by her children." 
 I had a little to unfold how it is, for a season, that the children 
 
 F 3 
 
106 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1818. 
 
 of tliis world are wiser than the children of light — they lire' 
 at ease, thej may enjoy the pleasures of sin, they avoid the 
 cross, they come not to the light. "We cannot understand the 
 end of the ungodly until we come, like David, to the sanctuary of 
 the Lord ; then we know that their end is destruction, without 
 hope. But how different the "children of light!" They 
 endure the cross for their dear Lord and Master. They know 
 Him to be their Saviour, " the Lamb of God, which taketh away 
 the sin of the world." We cannot judge one another ; " but 
 there is One that judgeth." Oh, the importance of coming 
 to the light, that we may know of what spirit we are ! It has 
 been my allotment in life to experience much and almost con- 
 stant self-mortification — I doubt not a needfid refinement, and 
 for my deeper humiliation. 
 
 On the 6tli they went on to Cork — 7th to Youghal — 
 meeting there and returned on the 8th to Cork ; attending 
 the Monthly Meeting on the following day, of which P. G. 
 remarks ; — 
 
 It was not a little weighty to our feelings, as these large 
 meetings generally are. On the text, " The harvest truly is 
 plenteous," &c., had to encourage the few faithful labourers. 
 I visited H. D., a young girl in the last stage of consumption. 
 I had to remind those present with her, and to feel myself, 
 the importance of becoming as little children, without which 
 we cannot enter the kingdom. 
 
 First-day, 12th. — The prospect of this day was uncommonly 
 weighty to us both. But we have again, with humble thank- 
 fulness, to acknowledge the help afi'orded in the needful time. 
 This I experienced at meeting, when, through great mercy, I 
 felt more than usually strengthened to deliver what was given 
 me to commimicate on the offices of the Redeemer : — •" When 
 He ascended up on high He led captivity captive, and gave 
 gifts unto men." The deliverance oflered by the Saviour from 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNET. 
 
 107 
 
 the captivity of Satan, from the boudage of corruption, and 
 from the spirit of this world, by his death, resurrection, and 
 ascension. 
 
 Examination. — What do we each know of this deliverance ? 
 
 "We cannot serve two masters : — is Christ our Master ? 
 
 Are we still under the bondage of Satan, &c. ? 
 
 Not only is this deliverance experienced through the Ee- 
 deenier, but he giveth gifts unto men, especially the gifts of the 
 Spirit. How are we improving these talents unto the glory of 
 our Lord and Master ? Those who serve Christ shall be with 
 Him where he is. "We were favoured vdth. a solemn close to 
 this meeting, and the spirit of supplication seemed poured forth. 
 It was trying to me to have to speak again in the afternoon 
 meeting ; but I could not be clear without addressing a few 
 words of encouragement to those who were travelling through 
 the wilderness : " These forty years has the Lord thy God led 
 thee through the wilderness, to humble and to prove thee." I 
 visited on her deathbed once more H. D., and had to supplicate 
 for her that her transgressions might be forgiven, and her spirit 
 so purified, that it might return to God who gave it. I was 
 concerned to observe at Cork the number of children idle and 
 unoccupied about the streets. 
 
 13/7;. — Comfortable departure from Cork. J. A. accompanied 
 us to Glaumire, an interestuig-lookiug village. Kode to J. C.'s, 
 a serious character, to whom I brought a letter. It was com- 
 forting to meet with religious people. I believe they are 
 amongst those who are willing to labour for the good of the 
 poor around them. There are many obstructions and dis- 
 couragements to ever}' good work in this country ; but we know 
 there is a power that can remove them all. I long to have the 
 young people ajnong Friends more engaged in general good in 
 this country. 
 
 "We have been pleased and struck with the affectionate man- 
 ner which is very agreeably conspicuous in the Irish towards 
 each other. The poor have this characteristic. We have also 
 
108 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 remarlvcd much of the appearance of happiness and harmony 
 in the domestic life among " Friends." 
 
 The travellers visited some interesting families on their 
 route to Clonmel, attending also the meeting at Garry- 
 roan, from which place they proceeded to Anner Mills, 
 where, says P. G., "we were kindly received by S. G. and 
 her daughters." 
 
 IGtJi. — Meeting at Clonmel. The effect of our finding our- 
 selves among so many deeply experienced Friends, though very 
 comforting, was, at first, depressing to my spirits. I had to 
 speak on the invitation still going forth to the Church, — " The 
 Spirit and the bride say come," &c. Dined at Suir Island 
 School, a very interesting establishment. I like very much the 
 general plan of the schools in Ireland. The whole community 
 are more as of one family than in England.* Much watchful 
 care is extended towards the dear children in this institution. 
 Anna spoke encouragingly to them after dinner, and I had to 
 pour out a little of my oppressed spirit for ourselves, and more 
 especially for this large family, under a fresh and comforting 
 belief that none shall seek the face of the Lord in vain. 
 
 17tli. — Dined with J. and S. Gr. They are truly valuable 
 Friends ; but I felt a little restrained with them. How neces- 
 sary it is, in all companies, and under every influence, still to 
 have our eye single to our dear Lord and Master. 
 
 18^^. — The select Quarterly Meeting. The evening spent 
 with S. C, the teacher at Suir Island : very satisfactory com- 
 munications on the religious instruction of children. 
 
 First-day, IQth. — The morning meeting was trying. I felt 
 rather distressed after it. But the afternoon, in a measiu-e, 
 dispelled these clouds. 
 
 Second-day. — Quarterly Meeting for discipline — lively and 
 satisfactory. When the queries were gone through, I had to 
 speak on these words, — " The weapons of our warfare are not 
 * This may not apply in the present day. — Ed. 
 
1818.] MEMOni OF PRISCILLA GURNEY, 
 
 109 
 
 carnal, but spiritual," and on the christian fight, and on the 
 armour of God. 
 
 Third-day. — An interesting meeting for worship and conclu- 
 sion to the Quarterly Meeting. How important it is, under all 
 circumstances, to look with a single eye unto the Lord, for this 
 only gives a feeling of peace. I had to enlarge on these words, 
 — " AVTiatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might," 
 and on the importance of doing the day's work in the day-time, 
 working out our own salvation, and seeking for reconciliation 
 with God through the Redeemer, and thus becoming as lively 
 stones in the spiritual house of the Lord. In much natural 
 fear, but in a little foith, I had to supplicate that the Lord might 
 be pleased still to build up his Church. After meeting called 
 on the M's — a sweet family of young women who had lost their 
 mother in early life. In the afternoon to the mill, to a little 
 school, and one of the cottages. 
 
 22n J. — A solemn parting with the family at Anner Mills. 
 
 23rJ. — Meeting at Carlow. Had to enlarge on the words, 
 — " Receive with meekness the ingrafted Word, which is able to 
 save your souls." This Word is the power of an endless life — 
 the power of God unto salvation. I felt this subject, the living 
 principle of Friends, open before me with much clearness, and 
 had to express my earnest desire that nothing of ourselves, our 
 own wisdom and wills, might obstruct the dominion of this 
 ingrafted Word, which not only changes the heart, but leads to 
 that knowledge of God and of Christ which is life eternal. 
 Had some communication with the master of the school on the 
 religious instruction of his boys, to my relief. A meeting at 
 Ballitore ; then to Dublin on the 24th. In reviewing the time 
 passed since we last left Dublin, and in remembering our 
 various exercises, I have felt how we are called upon to return 
 thanks unto the Lord, Avho, in all our difficulties and conflicts, 
 through all our fears and great weakness, hath hitherto helped 
 us ; and may it lead us still to trust iu Him, in whom is 
 " everlasting strength." 
 
110 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 Firsf-clmj, 26M.— The Yearly Meeting. S. G. spoke on the 
 necessity of coming before the Lord in a humble state of mind, 
 to which I added a few words from this text, — " Thou sayest that 
 thou art ricli and increased with goods, &c., and knowest not 
 that thou art wretched and poor," &c. 
 
 2^th. — I felt bound to lay my concern before the meeting on 
 the religious education of children. Though my views on this 
 important subject do not, I believe, and have to feel, fully unite 
 with those of some deeply experienced Friends, yet it is still a 
 biu-deu which I have to bear, and I desire only to look with a 
 single eye to what may, through the Spirit, be required of me, 
 and I hope to bear, with a submissive mind, the pains and 
 humiliations which I sometimes have to experience. 
 
 29/7i. — Hose early, and was engaged with dear S. Gr. in writing 
 an epistle to the meetings of Friends in Ireland. 
 
 Fifth Month 1st. — Closing meeting. Visit to the men's 
 meeting, under much weight and cross to my own will. I had 
 to express my fear lest there should be such a spirit, still 
 prevailing in too many, which would " crucify the Son of God 
 afresh." With encoiu-agement to those who, through all con- 
 flicts and trials, have sought to uphold the holy cause of the 
 Redeemer. They may rejoice ; although they now suffer for 
 Christ, yet " when his glory shall be revealed," they " shall be 
 glad also with exceeding joy." If sons are still given us for 
 prophets, and young men for Nazarites, the importance of 
 watchfulness against that spirit which would say unto the 
 prophets, prophesy not, and would give the young men wine 
 to drink. Farewell in. the women's meeting. He that is faithful 
 in that which is least, shall be made ruler over much. 
 
 First-day, Srd. — This was a solemn day to me : I felt the 
 seriousness of the prospect of departure from our friends. 
 On reviewing the exercises of our journey in the afternoon 
 meeting, I had to address a few words to several states in the 
 body. To the faithful : " Comfort ye, comfort ye mi/ people, 
 saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, cry unto 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEV. 
 
 Ill 
 
 her that her warfare is accomplished, her iniquity is pardoned." 
 The security and consolation of the faithful : they know that 
 " there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus ! " 
 " Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's good pleasure to 
 give you the kingdom." 
 
 To the wavering, doubting spirit : " Oh, thou of little faith^ 
 wherefore dost thou doubt ?" 
 
 Applied to the faint-hearted : " If thou wouldst believe, thou 
 shouldst see the salvation of God." 
 
 To the rebellious : " They dwell in a dry laud, they build 
 upon the sand," when the floods, &c. beat against their house 
 it must fall. 
 
 The Spirit is still saying " come," to the faithful by encourage- 
 ment, to the faithless by warning, to the rebellious by reproof 
 and instruction. 
 
 I had to add our petitions, though very weak and very 
 unworthy, not only for the people, but for the children 
 wherever they may be scattered in this land, that they may 
 know Christ to be their Redeemer and Shepherd. 
 
 For those who still sit in darkness, as in the shadow of death, 
 for the sick especially, and that many may be added to the 
 kingdom of Grod and the Lamb. 
 
 4!th. — Left Dublin for Kilconnor. A sweet Spring morning. 
 I walked before breakfast, enjoying the lovely views of the 
 country. At the meeting, I had to speak on that text of James 
 which enjoins that the rich should rejoice when they are brought 
 low in spirit. Happy for those who, if they be rich in this 
 world, are humbled under the mighty hand of God, so that 
 Christ may reign over them. Anna expressed her fear lest 
 there should be in some a desire to be inheritors of two kingdoms : 
 this not compatible with the gospel dispensation. I had to 
 supplicate that if the "friendship of the world" be "enmity 
 with God," our aflfections might be more truly set on things 
 above. 
 
 6th. — Meeting at Ballitore : sweetly situated among the 
 
112 MEMOTR OF PRISCILLA GTTRNEY. [1818. 
 
 trees. Had to encourage the faithful few. In the afternoon 
 to Cooladine, to Thomas Thompson's, an Elder, living in much 
 true simplicity in a nice farm-house, with a sweet family.* We 
 enjoyed a quiet evening with them. 
 
 Ith. — Meeting at Cooladine, — a sweet feeling prevailed. 
 The language of encouragement flowed towards the faithful 
 remnant who still seem to keep their places here. Came forward 
 to Enniscorthy, — meeting there in the evening, — a considerable 
 number present, Eriends and their neighbours, to whom I felt 
 drawn to address the language of our Eedeemer, — " Come unto 
 me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you 
 rest ! " with encouragement to come and partake of the conso- 
 lations of Christ. 
 
 Stli. — Eose early and proceeded to Eorest meeting, which 
 was laborious and our exercise weighty. This was the language 
 that impressed me (to utter amongst them) , " The hour is 
 coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the 
 Son of God, and shall come forth." " They that have done well 
 unto the resurrection of life, but they that have done evil to 
 the resurrection of condemnation." The importance and neces- 
 sity of considering our latter end, and of a preparation for it, 
 through a living and experimental knowledge of the Saviour. 
 Afternoon, came on to S. E.'s at Ross ; at meeting there had to 
 unfold the different states of the religious and the ungodly. 
 
 Qth. — To Waterford, drank tea with J. S. and his wife, — had 
 a few words to say on bringing up the little children in the 
 simplicity of the truth. 
 
 First-day, \Oth. — Eose early and prepared for visiting the 
 school. IMorning meeting large. There was some feeling of 
 real encouragement ; but I had to speak closely on the state of 
 
 * Two of the children of this valued Friend — a son and a daughter — from 
 motives of disinterested philanthropy, accompanied Hannah Kilham in a visit 
 to Africa. The young man, John Thompson, of pious character, sank under 
 the influence of fever, whilst labom-ing for the benefit of the native population, 
 —Ed. 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRTSCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 113 
 
 some there, from the text, " We are the circumcision who 
 worship God in the sj)irit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no 
 confidence in the flesh." This was our standard and profession 
 from the beginning ; but we have cause for humiliation and 
 contrition in such an evident departure from it. With J. W. 
 to the Provincial School at Newtown, — an interesting visit. 
 Afternoon meeting solemn and relieving. At this, the last 
 opportimity in Ireland, I was enabled to commend our dear 
 Friends, whether present or absent, and of every class, to the 
 grace of our Lord J esus. Then it seemed to us that our services 
 in tlie land were finished and we were set free. 
 
 11 ^/^. — Left Waterford. Lodged at Blenheim. Many Friends 
 accompanied us to the packet. We parted from them in much 
 love. Voyage to Milford of twenty hours. We felt constrained 
 to remain with our dear Friends there during the next day. 
 
 ISifA.— To Brecon. 
 
 16th. — To Gloucester. After the meeting there, I parted 
 from my dear companion, which I felt much, after all we had 
 passed through together. Proceeded with my friend Samuel 
 Elly to London, and attended the Yearly Meeting there. 
 
 On reaching home she addressed the following letter to 
 a Friend : — 
 
 Earlham, Sixth Month 10th, 1818. 
 Though I have had much comfort and enjoyment in meeting 
 all my dear friends again, yet the pressure of engagements and 
 interests during my stay in and about London was sometimes 
 rather overcoming to me, and at last I felt so much exhausted 
 that the rest of home was peculiarly desirable to me. It was 
 an interesting and, I think, encouraging Yearly Meeting : 
 there appeared to me real cause for comfort in the state of the 
 Society. I had not much part to take in any way, which was a 
 relief to me ; I went to none of the Committees, and was 
 thoroughly disposed to retire into the back-ground. It is a good 
 thing, and I never felt it more than at this Yearly Meeting, that 
 
114 MEMOIR OP PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 there is that spirit in the Society which leads to ■watching over 
 one another for good : if it be kept under the right influence it is 
 an invaluable safeguard. Indi\adually, I passed along very- 
 much unnoticed ; I felt neither encouragement nor discou- 
 ragement from others. I sometimes fear falling into a flat, 
 indiff"erent state, about myself; I feel there is a danger of it, 
 from my circumstances, and from the tendency of my own 
 mind. I have had hardly time to dwell much on our late inte- 
 resting journey ; but, on returning home, I feel afresh sensible 
 of the great cause we have for thankfulness in having been 
 carried through our various exercises and conflicts. I have felt 
 very much without a burden on reflecting on our little exercises 
 in Ireland, and the feeling of peace, I really believe, does rest 
 upon it. This is an iinspeakable, and I do sometimes feel, an 
 unmerited favour. It is a privilege to have been so sweetly and 
 so nearly united as I trust we were in this service. There are 
 few things I more earnestly desire to attain than that spirit of 
 love which would lead to still more unreserved rejoicing with 
 those that rejoice, as well as mourning with those that mourn. 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 115 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 1818-1819. 
 
 RELIGIOUS AND PHILANTHROPIC ENGAGEMENTS IN NORFOLK — COMPILES 
 VOLUME OF HYMNS — CORRESPONDENCE — HEALTH FAILS— MUCH EXERTION 
 IN SCHOOLS, PRISONS, ETC. — ATTENDS THE YEARLY MEETING IN LONDON 
 — A CONTINUANCE OF DECLINING HEALTH — VISITS UPTON • — SERIOUS 
 ATTACK OF ILLNESS THERE— REMOVES TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT— WINTER 
 THERE —CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 Soon after her return home, Priscilla Gurney visited the 
 families of Friends of Norwich and Yarmouth. After the 
 conclusion of this engagement, she reviews the lengthened 
 period of religious service in which she had been employed, 
 and adds : — 
 
 It has been truly a time of probation to me, — one of much 
 deep inward exercise and conflict. Though much brightness 
 has not been my allotment, yet I have often felt, and have 
 cause gratefully to acknowledge, the "Everlasting Arm" to 
 be underneath, and that the grace of the Lord Jesus is still 
 sufficient for every service to which He is Himself pleased to 
 call us. 
 
 The ensuing winter was spent at Earlham, but it was 
 closely occupied in the fulfilment of many social and 
 religious duties. Priscilla Gurney devoted some portions 
 of her retirement to the compilation of an excellent little 
 volume of hymns, — consisting of selections from many 
 pious authors, and of some instructive pieces never before 
 
116 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNET. [1818. 
 
 published. She designed it particularly for the benefit of 
 young persons of the Society of Friends, — but it is calcu- 
 lated to edify true Christians of every class. 
 
 Before the close of the year 1818, the health of this 
 devoted servant of Christ showed symptoms of declining 
 vigour, yet not sufficiently marked to excite in the minds 
 of her family any serious apprehensions. During the 
 Autumn she laboured diligently. In conjunction with her 
 beloved brother Joseph John Gurney, she held some 
 appointed meetings with different classes of the Friends 
 of Norwich. Alluding to this engagement, she says : — 
 
 I had felt the service in prospect very weighty. We were 
 carried through to our own relief, though I have had to feel 
 lately as if my little measure of religious labour were almost 
 run out. To the parents, I had to express my sense of the 
 great importance of being faithful to our stewardship, — that 
 of parents being one of weight and responsibility, — they are 
 called upon to watch over the souls of their children for good, 
 to train them for an heavenly inheritance. There is much 
 danger of a worldly spirit creeping in amongst us, — of the cross 
 of our dear Eedeemer being rejected. The meeting with the 
 young people was very satisfactory. I had to address them on 
 the words of the apostle, " I have no greater joy than to hear 
 that my children walk in Truth," and on the comforts and 
 privileges of those, especially in early life, who are indeed 
 walking in the Truth as it is in Christ Jesus ; with warning 
 lest any should he led from the Truth by the spirit of the world, 
 and by the temptations of the adversary of our souls' salvation. 
 
 On the 3rd of Eighth Month, J. H. and his daughter paid 
 us an acceptable and strengthening visit. On First-day, in the 
 forenoon meeting, he iiufolded, in a few words, his own expe- 
 rience in being brought, through mental sufiering and conflict, 
 to obedience and consequently to peace ; quoting, — " Be thou 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 117 
 
 faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.' 
 After I had added some expressions on our sujiplicatious being 
 offered in faith, J. H. spoke of the badge of discipleship, love, 
 which he believed was permitted to be our covering. 
 
 — J. H. left us after expressing his feelings very sweetly 
 to us collectively, speaking of the precious communications 
 which we had been permitted to enjoy together. He said that 
 after partaking of angels' food we must be content to hunger 
 and to abstain. 
 
 I attended the Workhouse Committee. We came to the 
 conclusion to have a First-day School opened there. I have 
 particularly desired that the blessing of the Lord might rest 
 on our undertaking. 
 
 5th. — A sweet meeting. Encouragement to the few who 
 are willing to forsake their worldly interests and to gather 
 together in the name of the Lord. He will still be with all such. 
 
 7th. — We heard the affecting account of the death of dearest 
 Louisa's little girl, — this is a close trial and a heartfelt sorrow, 
 and I feel very near and tender sympathy with oui' beloved 
 sister ; but I trust and earnestly desire that it may be for her 
 good, and for the good of all of us, to be thus exercised. 
 
 8th. — At Norwich with my school children. Then to Ipswich, 
 to meet Stephen GreUet and William Allen, before their depar- 
 ture for the continent. 
 
 Here she penned the following letter to her sister 
 Louisa Hoare, datedj Ipswich, Eighth Month 10th : — 
 
 I need hardly say how deeply and tenderly I feel for thee. 
 I long to be with thee. I have the most Lively participation 
 with thee in every trial, — indeed we may truly say, "If one 
 member suffer, all the members suffer with it." Thou hast 
 been continually on my mind. I have a strong hope that thou 
 wilt be comforted and suppoi-ted in this close trial, and be 
 
»• 
 
 118 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 strengthened to bear it with resignation and composure. I 
 have passed through many conflicts within the hist year or two, 
 and have so deeply felt life to be disappointing in itself that 
 my mind is prepared to expect suffering to be often our allot- 
 ment here ; and I also feel how much we need suffering to keep 
 us in a humble, submissive frame of mind : therefore, I desire 
 to be more and more williug to accept it with resignation for 
 myself, and for those most near and dear to me ; though in some 
 respects it seems harder to feel this resignation for others than 
 for ourselves. My heart is indeed with you ; I have a most 
 comfortable ho2:)e that you wfll^all be helped through from day 
 to day. How desirable it is for us, at all times, and more 
 especially in times of trial, to endeavour not to look beyond the 
 present day ; and I hope, my dearest Louisa, this will be thy 
 experience, and I do indeed believe that " as thy day is, so shall 
 thy strength be." 
 
 'First-day, Qth. — This was one of those deeply interesting and 
 instructive occasions not soon to be forgotten. The meetings 
 might truly be said to be edifying. Stephen Grellet spoke in a 
 striking manner on the text, " The Lord is with you while ye 
 be with him," beautifully exemplified by the history of Asa. 
 Also on the necessity and blessedness of holding fast the begin- 
 ning of our confidence stedfast unto the end ; illustrated by 
 the circumstances of John the Baptist : concluding by a most 
 beautiful, impressive and affecting address, in which he expressed 
 his love to the gospel ; to his fellow-creatures everywhere ; en- 
 couraging also the tried servants of the Lord to hold fast tmto 
 the end. In the evening we were again gathered into a solemn 
 silence before the Lord, and permitted to enjoy something of a 
 holy communion in Christ, and we parted under the sweet 
 cementing influence of the love of God. 
 
 Wth. — Heturned home from Ipswich. 
 
 12th, — We had all the boys of the Lancasteriau School to 
 dinner. 
 
1818.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 119 
 
 Eighth Month 13th. — Widow F.'s funeral. I was made 
 sensible of the solemnity and awfuluesa of death, at whatever 
 period it may arrive. 
 
 IGth, — To the "Workhouse School in the morning. How 
 do I increasingly see the necessity of seeking for the Divine 
 blessing on all our objects of interest. I sometimes feel a 
 deep concern for myself and others, that we may have life in 
 Christ. I long for us to be aroused from sleep, and this was 
 so much impi'essed on my mind this morning, that I had to 
 express a few words on our Lord's warning exhortation, — 
 " Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping." The awful- 
 ness of being found in this spiritual sleep, in this careless, 
 unrepenting state, should the Judge of all the earth call for 
 us to appear before his judgment-seat ! Oh, that our prayers 
 may be offered more and more in faith ! Then may we still 
 hope, though discouragements abound, " to see the salvation 
 of our God." It is a deep and solemn service to be engaged, 
 though in ever so small a measure, in promoting the Lord's 
 salvation in the souls of others. Our Lord only knows the 
 conflicts, the spiritual travail, and the desire of his poor un- 
 worthy servants thus engaged, and how deeply they are brought 
 to feel that the work, the spirit, and the life are his, and that 
 they have nothing of themselves wherewith they may promote 
 his holy cause. 
 
 Adult School in the evening, &c. My life is full ; but the 
 grace of the Lord can alone make it fruitful to myself and 
 others. 
 
 Vlth. — I feel daily and hourly the need of drawing nearer 
 unto the Lord — of seeking to live in near communion with my 
 Saviour. This will and does supply every void — this makes the 
 wilderness to blossom like the rose. The manifestations of the 
 love of Christ as our Eedeemer, have at times of late been 
 bright and comforting to me under every tribulation. 
 
 First-day, 2Srd. — I had to say a few words on our Lord's 
 
120 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 declaration, — " He that is not with us is against us," &c. In 
 the afternoon, — "Except ye become as little children, ye shall in 
 no wise enter into the kingdom of Heaven." Spoke on the unity 
 of the Spirit, the source from which this unity springs, simple 
 devotedness to the Lord, that which destroys the principle of 
 self in the heart, — on following the Lord Jesus rather than the 
 " prince of the power of the air." 
 
 — My uncle B. died rather suddenly : his end ap- 
 peared peaceful. How often do we find the words of the 
 psalmist verified, — " Behold the upright, for the end of that 
 man is peace." 
 
 Ninth Month 2nd. — My uncle B.'s funeral. I felt the occa- 
 sion ; it was a very exercising and heart-searching time : I was 
 brought most sensibly to feel the importance of " loving the 
 praise of God^' more than the praise of men ; I was constrained 
 to break the silence of the meeting by a few words of the 
 apostle, — •" In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any- 
 thing nor uncircumcision, but a new creature ^ It is this 
 wbicb can prepare us for the awful change from mortality to 
 immortality ; — if we are indeed in Christ Jesus, and know him 
 to be our Saviour, we must be born again. 
 
 liETTER TO "M. T." 
 
 Tenth Month, 1818. 
 I often feel it of great importance that these events, which 
 bring the reality of death to our view, should not pass away 
 unimproved, — that they should be teaching us the lesson of 
 having our afi"ections set on things above. These events make 
 a strong impression on our natural feelings ; but there is a 
 danger, without watchfulness and prayer, of their passing away 
 without that influence on our hearts and lives which, we may 
 fuUy believe, is intended by the trials and afliictions of life. In 
 such scenes, (witnessing death), the truth as well as the power 
 of religion and of the gospel dispensations are often mercifully 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 121 
 
 manifested. It is thus that the season of affliction becomes 
 blessed and sanctified to us ! 
 
 TO HEE COTISIN MARIA FOX. 
 
 Earlham, Eleventh Month 11th, 1818. 
 I wish much to know whether you have adopted my plan of 
 religious instruction with the children in your meeting. There 
 are many Friends and deeply feeling minds who are much on the 
 cautious side of the question ; and this, I have no doubt, is well ; 
 but with caution and watchfulness, seeking to move and to act 
 under the right influence, I am (and I believe many others 
 also,) convinced of the great importance of religious care and 
 instruction in early life, and that, in spiritual things as well as 
 natural, we are called upon to be endeavouring to sow the seed, 
 though we know, and must always deeply feel, that we can 
 never add the blessing and give the increase. I feel, I hope, 
 truly thankful in being permitted really to settle at home, 
 having no other defined prospect before me. We do indeed 
 experience that we serve no hard Master, and that He does 
 not call upon us to do more than He enables us to perform. 
 I have felt this very sensibly in being so much released from 
 religious service, and in being allowed the enjoyment and rest 
 of settling once more at home. In the last two years I have 
 had so much travelling, so many exercises of mind and body, 
 that now to be set free, which I think will probably be the case 
 for a long time, (according to my present feelings,) is indeed 
 an unspeakable favour, and calls for humble thankfulness. I 
 do not know when, if ever, I have felt so much comfort, enjoy- 
 ment, and peace in my own home. I long to have my heart 
 made more and more sensible of the many mercies bestowed, 
 not only upon me, but also upon those who are most dear and 
 
 near to me. How is dear ? The more she is made willing 
 
 to give up all to follow Christ, the moi-e I am persuaded she 
 will experience a peace which the world cannot give. If life be 
 a wilderness, the saving and experimental knowledge of Christ 
 
 G 
 
122 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 makes it at times to blossom as the rose : and whether we 
 abound or suffer need, as to the things of time, there is a joy 
 and peace in believing, for those who cannot be satisfied 
 with merely temporal things : and I often increasingly desire 
 that we may seek more earnestly for the attainment of that 
 knowledge of the true God and of Jesus Christ, Avhich is 
 " life eternal." How very important it is, that Friends should 
 in the present day keep their places rightly, keeping near to 
 the life, and abiding in Christ ; this, and this alone, will enable 
 them still to be as lights in the world. 
 
 Ninth Month Vith. — Much inward depression was the cover- 
 ing of my spirit during this day. How deeply do I feel my own 
 unworthiness when partaking of so many blessings ! I long for 
 deliverance from this bondage of spirit ; but whilst it continues 
 so much and so often to be my portion, may it be an humbling 
 lesson to me. At the morning meeting I had to express the 
 language of the poor woman, — " If I may but touch the hem of 
 his garment I shall be made whole." We do, indeed, feel that, 
 unless M-e approach the Saviour, and partake of his virtue and 
 power, we cannot be healed. 
 
 Third-day, 22nd. — Quarterly Meeting — comfortable and 
 peaceful. I had to offer the language of exhortation from the 
 text in Eevelations, " Be watchful, and strengthen the things 
 that remain," &c. In the meeting for discipline I made the 
 proposition to open a school in this county for the children of 
 Friends, which was well received. 
 
 24ith. — Visit to the hospital, which was interesting, and on 
 the whole satisfactory. 
 
 First-day, 2Tth. — A comfortable day to me. I have had of 
 late more serenity of mind, more rest and peace, which is an 
 unspeakable favour. The meetings were solemn. I felt an 
 earnest desire that we might be brought to understand, savingly 
 the mystery of Grod's salvation thi'ough Jesus Christ. 
 
 First-day, Tenth Month 4:th. — Had to say a few words on 
 the prophetical declaration, — " This child is set for the fall and 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIK OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 123 
 
 rising agaiu of many in Israel," descriptive of the gospel dis- 
 pensation. The creature must be brought down before the 
 Creator can be exalted; must be thoroughly humbled and con- 
 trited before the power of the Eedeemer can be fully manifested. 
 This is a stumbling-block to such as are setting up themselves, 
 or anything in or o/" themselves. 
 
 A public meeting was at this time held in Norwich, to 
 promote Christianity among the Jews. Several persons 
 from different places were assembled at Eai'lham on the 
 occasion, with some of the brothers and sisters, and 
 amongst the number of other visitors was Charles Simeon 
 of Cambridge. He was intimately acquainted with the 
 several members of the Gurney family, and particularly 
 united to Priscilla ia the bonds of chi-istian friendship. 
 She mentions also the holding of the meeting for the 
 Bible Society during the same week^ and adds : — 
 
 There has, I think, been much of the liberty of the Spirit in 
 ovu" meeting together at Earlham at this time, and much sweet 
 tmity in the bond of peace. Not only has this bond been 
 strengthened amongst the brothers and sisters, but also with 
 our visitors, which is a great blessing. 
 
 First-day, 25th. — I felt deeply the solemnity of spiritual 
 worship, and expressed my earnest solicitude that we might 
 come before the Lord with reverence and godly fear. I after- 
 wards visited the poor women in the workhouse, and was secretly 
 engaged in prayer that the Lord would be graciously pleased to 
 break the spiritual bonds of these poor peoj)le, and briug them 
 to the blessed knowledge of their Saviour. Oh ! how deeply do 
 I sometimes feel my weakness, my povertj^, in administering to 
 others ; but I still experience that, if we cast our whole selves 
 on the Lord, his grace is sufEcieut for us. It is an immerited 
 favour, if a blessing be pei-mitted to attend our poor unworthy 
 services. 
 
 G 2 
 
124 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GUKNEY. 
 
 [1818. 
 
 29th. — To Pakefield with Louisa. "We went to meeting 
 there together. I deeply felt uiy omi weakness, and expressed 
 it in referring to the words of the Psalmist, — " Wlieu my heart 
 and my flesh faileth, the Lord is the strength of my life, and 
 my portion for ever." 
 
 First-day, Eleventh Month 1st. — "Went to Tai-mouth Meeting. 
 A day of much spiritual exercise. Enlarged a little on prayer : 
 " Thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet," &c. The 
 blessing and the duty of secret prayer, and of communion with 
 God through Christ ; of seeking to live in this spiritual com- 
 munion. 
 
 Ith. — Commenced the school at Earlham with fresh spirits. 
 
 VI th. — Yisited the workhouse, where I saw a poor man on 
 his death -bed. It was an awful scene, as he did not appear 
 sensible of any religious consolation. I felt solemnly the mys- 
 teriousness of an eternal state. 
 
 To her cousin Hannah C. Backhouse she wrote : — 
 
 Earlham, 13th of Eleventh Month, 1818. 
 I really disapprove of living without holding any communica- 
 tion with those I love ; for I think the habit of having no inter- 
 course may, without great watchfulness, beget something of the 
 feeling of indifierence in one another's concerns. While many 
 new interests are found as we advance in life, I am much 
 inclined to cherish those that have taken deep root, and are 
 of long standing. I enjoy our quiet settlement and happy 
 home : my time is fully and very pleasantly occupied. I am 
 enough exercised in mind and body to be often made very 
 sensible that this is not our rest, and a glimpse of that eternal 
 rest which " remaias for the people of Cod," occasionally comes 
 before me with brightness and hope. But this is not without 
 fear and trembling, " Lest we should come short of it." I think 
 I have of late been rather increasingly impressed with the 
 duty of watchfulness and prayer, not only for ourselves, but for 
 others ; and this has, perhaps, arisen from feeling how much I 
 need to be remembered by others. I have been much intei-ested 
 by hearing of the school at Darlington. I rejoice that you have 
 
1S18.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 125 
 
 taken up the cause of education, which appears to me increas- 
 ingly one oi great importance to the -vveliare of society. In the 
 present state of things, a liberal education, as far as it is con- 
 sistent with the principles of Friends, is really a duty o\\"ing to 
 the rising generation. I hope, dear H., thou wilt not quite lay 
 aside thy drawing. I think it such a useful kind of recreation 
 for the young people of a certain class in the Society, and may 
 often take the place of much more unprofitable employments. 
 I should be glad to hear of thy teaching thy chQdren to draw. 
 I often feel a little ashamed (with rather a strong sense of my 
 own deficiencies) of being so engaged in recommending things 
 to others, and encouraging them in their duties. 
 
 \Qtli. — I went oiF early to the Monthly Meeting at Tivetshall, 
 where I was again helped through those little services that 
 seemed to be required of me. The first meeting encouraging. 
 It was a close exercise of submission to have to visit the men's 
 meeting — a service to which I have so seldom been called, and 
 which is remarkably adverse to my nature. I left with them 
 the word of warning lest there should be any who, from 
 discouragement or other obstructions, might be ready to say, 
 " I pray thee have me excused." How many exercises and 
 conflicts of spirit have I had to experience in some of these 
 solitary meeting excursions ; yet how mercifully has help been 
 administered in the needful time ! 
 
 Mevenfh Month 21th, 1818.— My birth-day— thirty -three. 
 I feel seriously my advance in life — my youth is entirely gone. 
 I long to be enabled to resign myself more submissively, more 
 perfectly, to the service of my blessed Redeemer, in whom is 
 salvation and remission of sin, and to be pressing after an 
 entire preparation for an entrance into his holy kingdom. 
 
 PRISCILLA GUKXET TO . 
 
 Earlham, Twelfth Month 2ud, 1818. 
 
 I often A-iew your situation with real interest in spiritual 
 things. It is certainly being cast on rather l)arren laud, but this 
 
120 MEMOIR OP PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1818. 
 
 is not discouraging to me where the desire is sincere, to be 
 growing in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. T feel an increasing persuasion that where the heart 
 is really given up to serve the Lord, " His grace is sufficient 
 for us," in every situation and under every circumstance 
 of life. I have also something like a little faith that you 
 are in your right place, and that if thou and thy dear 
 husband are enabled to fill your different stations faithfully, 
 diligently, and with an humble spirit, as unto the Lord, 
 and not unto man. He will bless you as much as be good 
 for you in things temporal, and what is of infinitely more 
 consequence in things spiritual. As I advance in life (being 
 just thirty-three,) and as I have had very deeply to feel that 
 the things of life are in themselves unsatisfactory, so I think 
 I have been more and more made sensible of the infinite 
 importance of those things that are eternal, and of having our 
 hearts fixed upon them, which, so far from lessening, v. ould, I 
 cannot hnt believe, increase our diligence and watchfulness, in 
 all the duties in life, and does in fact give the greatest relish 
 to all its lawful enjoyments. 
 
 11th. — I wrote to the Islington School Committee on the 
 subject of religious instruction — one of much and serious 
 importance to the welfare of our Society, and which, at this 
 time, claims the consideration of many Friends. I think I feel 
 less fear of the judgments of men than I once did ; I desire to 
 have my eye constantly single unto the Lord. 
 
 First-day, Twelfth Month V6th. — I rose with some sense of 
 the renewed strength that cometh only from the Lord, and 
 with an earnest desire to commend myself and others unto 
 Him. I feel very thankful for the hours of retirement and 
 profound quiet which my present life affords. I trust they 
 have been favourable to communion of spirit with the Lord, 
 and in Him with his children. 
 
 First-dajj, 11 th. — I received the interesting, affecting, and 
 yet, in one sense, comforting intelligence, that William Forster 
 
1818.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF I'UISCIIXA GURXEY. 
 
 127 
 
 has a prospect of visiting America. It is animating and 
 striking to see faith triumph over nature. I have lately 
 experienced much want of strength and vigour ; but this seldom 
 gives me any uneasiness. 
 
 Wrote to W. and A. Forster :— 
 
 Earlham, Twelfth Month 30th, 1818. 
 
 Mt beloted Friends, 
 It seems difficult for me to express hy words, how deeply 
 interesting, affecting, and yet comforting, your letter has been 
 to me. The intelligence conveyed in it at last came upon me 
 unexpectedly; it was brought before me vnth that kind of 
 evidence, in which we are constrained to acknowledge, " It is 
 the Lord's doing and marvellous in our eyes." We all felt it 
 exceedingly, and I have been able, I believe, to mourn and 
 rejoice with you. All that you have passed through and may 
 yet have to suffer, calls for our most tender and near love and 
 sjTnpathy ; and yet it is unprofitable not to rejoice that the 
 power and love of the Eedeemer should have thus prevailed in 
 your hearts, and I cannot but feel every hope, that in the end, 
 it ■R'ill also be, to you both, a joy unspeakable and full of glory. 
 The depths and extent of the sacrifice cannot be fully under- 
 stood but by yourselves ; yet those who know you the best, 
 can the best know what it must be. I long to be more capable 
 of entering with you into the cup of suffering, as well as of 
 consolation, which, I am sure, abundantly attends those so 
 devoted to the Lord. I have felt comforted in my present 
 entire disengacjeinent ; for this amongst other things — that I may, 
 in any way as it may seem needful, be devoted to your service 
 as far as outward help can go (which, to be sure, is very 
 limited) ; I trust you will have it from all your friends : but 
 may we all be enabled to seek for you that help and power 
 which can alone effectually sustain you and quiet every storm. 
 I feel unequal to saying much on the subject, but I believe I 
 shall be much with you in mind. I dislike sending you so 
 poor a letter, so little expression of what I have in my heart 
 
138 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1819. 
 
 towards you ; but I have been so remarkably languid in mind 
 and body the last week or two, from not haying been very well, 
 that I seem incapable of much expression about anything ; but 
 this is, I believe, but a passing cloud ; for I have, of late, been 
 very comfortable, and I hope have been thankful in the enjoy- 
 ment of a quiet, peaceful state of mind, with now and then 
 something like a. gleam of rejoicing in the openings of that rest 
 which remaineth, &c., if we can but attain unto it. 
 
 Engaged most of the day by our school concerns, which, 
 perhaps through much weakness of body, I felt burdensome 
 and oppressive. O Lord, undertake for me ! has been truly 
 the language of my spirit of late. 
 
 Zlst. — This year, fraught with many interests, and blest with 
 many unmerited mercies, has closed, somehow or other, cloudily, 
 under a very deep and painful sense of distressing weakness 
 and unworthiness, and w4th a renewed feeling of being, alas ! 
 but " an xinprofitable servant." Still thy mercy and thy 
 goodness, O Lord, follow us all the days of our lives ; and 
 may it be more and more our earnest desire to dwell in thy 
 house for ever. 
 
 From these later entries in bar journal we perceive the 
 indications of an enfeebled constitution of body — pro- 
 ducing a depressing effect upon the naturally bright, 
 cheerful, and active spirit of this excellent young person. 
 The seeds of disease were deeply sown in her delicate 
 frame, and slowly, but surely, they produced the fatal 
 result. On commencing the year 1819, Priscilla Gurney 
 makes the following entry : — 
 
 First Month \st. — I arose with something of a thankful and 
 relieving sense of that Divine life and light which dispels om- 
 clouds of darkuess, and with the earnest desire for myself and 
 others that, on euteriug on another year, our loins may be 
 girded and our lamps burning. Whatever be the events of 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 129 
 
 this year, may we be among those serrauts who Avait for their 
 Lord, and who, when He cometh, shall be found ready. I 
 have enjoyed the privilege of spending this day quietly over 
 my own fireside, and much in solitude. I have valued this 
 retirement for reviewing the past, and for seeking after a right 
 preparation of mind for the future. 
 
 — Interesting time with dear H. The prospect of jjarting 
 with them (her brother and sister Buxton) has made me very 
 low all day. After our morning's reading, I was enabled, 
 though under a heavy feeling of weakness and depression, to 
 supplicate for the continuance of that Divine blessing upon 
 them which has been so eminently extended towards them ; 
 for our dear brother in an especial manner. This month he is 
 to commence his parliamentary career. May the grace of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ be with him, to preserve him from all evil, 
 and to enable him to become valiant for the cause of Truth and 
 Eighteousness upon the earth. 
 
 5th. — The Biixtons left Earlham. I spent part of the morn- 
 ing amongst the poor ; felt dreary in returning home, but 
 afterwards a peaceful influence prevailed. 
 
 Qth. — To Nor\vich Benevolent Society ; after which I visited 
 two men in the Castle. 
 
 Sth. — To Easton about the poor ; not to much satisfaction. 
 Evening, to the Quarterly Conference of the Bible Association. 
 
 First-duy. — The meeting to-day was very comforting, owned, 
 I cannot but believe, by the presence of Him who is the Heaa 
 and Life of the church. 
 
 Wth. — Spent the morning among the poor at Easton, and 
 finished my concerns there upon the whole satisfactorily. 
 
 13<7«. — Visited Barlow on his death-bed. I had to supplicate 
 for the mercy of the Lord towards him, that, whether he lived 
 or died, he might be the Lord's. He seemed comforted, and 
 expressed something of a joyful foretaste of that which is to 
 come. How great and how wonderful are the mercies of the 
 Lord towards those who may appear to the eye of man amongst 
 
 G 3 
 
130 MEMOIR or PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1819. 
 
 tlie -R'ealiest of his creatures. I was thankful in having been 
 made willing to yield, (though iu the cross to mj nature,) to 
 this little service, and I can bear my testimony to the truth of 
 the declaration, that " to obey is better than sacrifice, and to 
 hearken than the fat of rams." 
 
 14<tJi, Fiftli-daij. — A solemn meeting. I expressed a little, 
 (after many meetings in silence,) on the words of our Lord, 
 " Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he cometh, 
 shall find watching " — applicable, not only to the last day and 
 hour, but to every event in our lives, and to the spiritual 
 appearing of the Lord Jesus. Many interesting letters from 
 our family circle, which excited much feeling — from Eachel, 
 giving an account of her journey to Darlington. Encourage- 
 ment on the subject of I'eligious instruction amongst Friends 
 in the north, also on prison affairs. Trom Hannah, telling us 
 of dear FoweU's entering Parliament, and of her numerous 
 family interests and cares. And from dearest Louisa, who still 
 suffers much from her late trial [the loss of a sweet child]. 
 May we all, indi\'idually and collectively, dwell under the 
 shadow of the Almighty, and find entrance into the fold of the 
 true Shepherd, where alone we can be kept in safety. 
 
 18^7i. — Part of the morning in Noi-wich, visiting two women 
 in the Castle. I so greatly want more faithfulness, courage 
 and energy, in all my objects. 
 
 On the following day slie addressed a letter to her 
 beloved cousin Maria Fox^ from which, the annexed extract 
 is taken. 
 
 Earlham, First Month 20th, 1819. 
 
 I am only more and more convinced of the importance of 
 endeavouring to sow the seed, and of alloioing our young people 
 some knowledge of scripture truths, provided we keep as much 
 as possible to the life of our own principles, and seek for the 
 guidance and help of heavenly influence for them and for 
 ourselves. I deeply feel the importance of a jealous watchful- 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 131 
 
 ness of auy innovation of our jirinciplc of the liberty and 
 immediate teachings of the Spirit. This liberty of the Spirit 
 I increasingly see to be an inestimable privilege, and we may 
 well watch against the bondage of marCs instructions. All that 
 I desire to maintain and encourage is the simple knowledge 
 of the Scriptures ; and let those engaged in the work adopt 
 such methods as appear to them the most simple, and the 
 most easy to their own minds. 
 
 2\st. — A very sweet meeting. Joseph spoke on the Comforter. 
 The Holy Spirit is indeed a Comforter. He dwelt on the inesti- 
 mable and unspeakable privileges which can only be enjoyed by 
 those who receive this holy visitant into their hearts. And 
 oh ! it was the fervent prayer of my soul that this may be the 
 case with us. And, for myself, that having no very strong 
 attractions to tliis life, I may really be laying hold on eternal 
 life. It is unspeakably important to realize to one's mind death 
 and judgment, so as to seek a preparation for them. My having 
 some increased sense of the reality of heavenly things, and of 
 enduring rest, is a great cause of humble thankfulness. I have 
 lived much of late in my own room ; yet I highly prize being 
 with my dear brother and sister, whose kindness and affection 
 for me are a constant source of comfort. I humbly trust that, 
 in my hours of profound retirement, I have tasted of the power 
 and love of my ever-blessed Eedeemer, in whose presence there 
 is fulness of joy. 
 
 Priscilla Gurney's solicitude on account of the youtli 
 continued unabated, and the wisdom that guided her in 
 the manifestation of it is conspicuously evinced in the 
 following letter which she addressed to a young person who 
 was about to engage in the office of a governess in a 
 private family : — 
 
 In ujidertaking the important charge of children, I earnestly 
 recommend thee, in all things, to attend to " the manifestation 
 
132 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 of the Spii-it, which is given'to every man to profit withal,"' not 
 placing too much reliance on thy own strength or thy own 
 judgment. " Trust in the Lord vdth all thy heart, and lean not 
 to thy own understanding." Kemember always to act towards 
 the dear children, as if in the presence of the Lord, and in aU 
 thy dealings with them do that which thou believest would be 
 acceptable in his sight. Next to their religious studies : 
 endeavour to impress on the minds of the childi'en their 
 duties towards their parents, lead them by every means in thy 
 power to love, obey, and respect them. Always bear in 
 mind that, with children, example has far more effect than pre- 
 cept ; for, without setting a right example in all things, advice 
 and correction avail but little. This should lead to caution in 
 aU thy words and actions, as well as to the cultivation of good 
 habits in all thy employments. Employ thy leisure time in 
 endeavouring to improve thyself, which thou wilt find very 
 necessary as the children advance in age — thy stock of know- 
 ledge and useful information should be continually increasing — 
 and, above all, endeavour to secure some time for retirement and 
 for the regulation of thy own mind. Whatever be the dispo- 
 sitions of the children under thy care, and whatever be the 
 little difiiculties and trials which thy situation may subject thee 
 to, endeavour to bear all with patience, not giving way to a 
 spirit of discontent or fretfulness. Be careful not to correct a 
 child under the fii'st impression of displeasure or vexation ; 
 always wait till thy own mind is cool and collected ; so that a 
 correction, whether it be by word or punishment, (if the power 
 of punishment is committed to thee) may never be given for the 
 gratification or relief of thy own feelings, but only for the good 
 of the child ; this woiild prevent thy speaking hastily or un- 
 guardedly to them or before them, which has often an injurious 
 effect on the minds of children. In all thy dealings with them 
 endeavour to be strictly just and impartial towards each ; be 
 cheerful and conciliating in thy manners towards them, but 
 never sanction the least thing that is wrong, or rude and vulgar, 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF rUISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 133 
 
 that thou niayest gain their respect as well as love. By being 
 kind and affectionate towards them, good-natured to others, 
 rendering those about thee every service in thy power, thou 
 wilt encourage the children, more than by many words, to love 
 and be kind to one another, and to serve their fellow-creatures. 
 Endeavour to convince them that doing good to others is one 
 of the greatest pleasures in life. Let thy actions justify thy 
 words in all things ; on this account never threaten correction 
 or punishment unless it be thy intention to perform it, nor 
 promise reward, or encouragement, vmless thou carefully 
 fulfil it. In teaching children, remember it is better that 
 they should learn a little thoroughly, than a great deal super- 
 ficially. Endeavour to instruct them in those things that are 
 useful rather than ornamental ; at least, let the most useful 
 branches of education take the first place. 
 
 First-day, 24;th. — An exercising meeting to me. I was 
 constrained once more to come forth a little in the work of 
 the ministry. This, I think, is rather increasingly difficult to 
 my natural feelings. I spoke on the words of our Saviour, 
 "Nevertheless, in this rejoice not," &c. ; but rather rejoice that 
 your names are written in the book of life. This, as it is an 
 infinitely important subject for examination, so it is also the 
 only substantial source of rejoicing, — applicable to the different 
 states in the church. To those called into much service, tMs 
 must not be their reliance, but onli/ whether they have just 
 cause for hope that their names are written in the book of life. 
 Those who fill less conspicuous situations, whose works may be 
 hidden from their fellow-creatures, must not be discouraged, 
 but rather look to their foundation. Have tJiej/ also the same 
 hope ? To the careless and indiff"erent the appeal is a solemn 
 and awful one. In the hour of death and judgment, the only 
 important thing then is, not whether we have rejoiced or 
 mourned in this world, but whether our names are " written in 
 the Book of Life." 
 
134 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY, 
 
 [1819. 
 
 2Gth. — Morning at Norwich. Visited the workhouse and 
 Bridewell to some satisfaction. 
 
 Second Month Isf. — Kachel and I went to Pakefield. 
 
 Firtst-daij, 7th. — This was one of those interesting days not 
 soon to be forgotten. After breakfast we visited the schools. 
 Dear Joseph joined us from Halesworth : and when we had 
 seen the people of the parish go off to "church," we retired to 
 our own quiet little meeting, where a rather large congregation 
 was assembled, for a Pahefield meeting. I felt comforted in 
 the renewed belief that the Bread of Life, which is Christ 
 Jesus our Lord, is offered to all ; and had to recommend our 
 seeking, by prayer and faith, to partake of it ; that we may eat 
 thereof and not die. During the afternoon, I visited some 
 poor persons, and we met again at tea, after which most of our 
 party adjourned to the school, where F., (her brother-in-law 
 Francis Cunningham) has all the children, and many of the 
 parents, assembled on a First-day evening. I sat with dear 
 
 in our room. A general meeting together ended this 
 
 interesting day. 
 
 %th. — We spent the morning together, reading, talking, and 
 walking. Lady Grosford was ill, and Bachel and I went to see 
 her in the evening. My heart, though full of love, was op- 
 pressed ; and I could not find utterance for that which was in 
 my mind toward her. I have often to pass through much hidden 
 inward exercise of mind, before the way opens for my relief : 
 but we must wait patiently until the opening be made. 
 
 Qth. — After some hours of lowness and mental conflict, I 
 was enabled, before we separated, to pray for the Di\-ine blessing 
 upon us, individually and unitedly, and, in an especial manner 
 for dear Francis and Clienda.* Wth. — Beached home. 
 
 \4ith. — A meeting of feeling to me. I had to repeat the 
 warning language of the Bedeemer, — " Lf I had not done among 
 them the works which no other man did, they had not had sin, 
 
 * The familiar name which Richenda Cimningham bore in the family 
 circle. — Ed. 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 135 
 
 but now they have no cloak for their sin." Afterwards I 
 visited some sick Friends, the workhouse and school. 
 
 Priscilla was, on the 24th, rendered very anxious by an 
 account of lier dear sister E. Fry's being " very seriously 
 ill." This circumstance lias, she says, " cast clouds over 
 everything." 
 
 26^7«.— A better account of our dear sister. This week closes 
 with a renewed sense of the mercy and loving-kindness of the 
 Lord. I have had to say a few words before dinner, both at 
 the Grove and at Keswick, during the week. This is a service 
 hard to my own will, and always much in the cross : but still, 
 I must bear testimony to the truth that, even here, the cross of 
 Christ leads to the crown. 
 
 First-day, l^th. — I felt very closely exercised and engaged 
 in spirit this morning, which, after some conflict, ended in 
 vocal supplication for various states, especially for the servants 
 of the Lord, who, having to advocate his cause, feel that they 
 not only wi-estle against the infirmities of flesh and blood, but 
 against principalities, &c. In this prayer I felt my most be- 
 loved sister E. P. brought near to my heart — and also I prayed 
 for those who are less conspicuously, but not less sincerely, de- 
 voted to their God ; and also for those who still sleep with the 
 enemy at hand — and may we not add the petition that the 
 Lord may hear our cries for ourselves and others. 
 
 Third Month 1st. — I felt very languid and low. After some 
 hours at home I paid a visit to a poor woman at Criugleford, 
 and also to L. C. To the latter I was enabled to address a few 
 words of encoiu-ageraent. 
 
 2nd. — Morning in Norwich. Our dear visitors, Lady Gosford, 
 &c., came, and we much enjoyed their company. 
 
 4ith. — It was a comfort and refreshment before we parted 
 to be at meeting together. I had to say a little on the 
 animating words of our Saviour, " Be of good cheer, I have 
 
136 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 overcome the world." Before we separated, Joseph expressed 
 tlie comfort he felt in the love which uuites true Christiana 
 imder all circumstances ; recalling to our remembrance the 
 prayer of our Eedeemer, " That they all may be one, as Thou, 
 Father, art in me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in 
 us." After an early dinner I came with Lady Gr. to Euncton. 
 "We had a sweet ride together. 
 
 Gth. — After our morning's readiug, I was enabled to return 
 thanks for the blessings which we had so richly enjoyed 
 together, and to pray for a continuance of the Divine care over 
 us. I felt much humbled afterwards, and was made deeply 
 sensible of my own weakness as an instrument. Lady Gr. 
 and I had an interesting journey to Brampton ; we read the 
 Epistle of John, and much of Henry Martyu's Life. It was 
 affecting to arrive at Lady C's. Lord Gr. had got there before 
 us. He read the scriptures and prayers to the servants, in the 
 room appropriated to those purposes. The whole thing was 
 affecting to my feelings. I believed it was my place to sit 
 quietly through their religious services. 
 
 First-day, Third Month 1th. — Lord Gr. very kindly took me 
 to meeting, which was comforting ; for my spirit was closely 
 exercised in various ways. I hope I was enabled to fulfil the 
 little services called for — and between the meetings I visited 
 the Pakefield schools. Eeturned to Brampton to dinner. The 
 evening assembly of servants peculiarly interesting ; and when 
 the service was over, I felt constrained to kneel down, and 
 humbly to supplicate for the household, for the absent head of 
 the family, and her beloved child, that the alBictive dispen- 
 sations of the Lord might be abundantly blessed to themselves 
 and others ; and especially for those present, that they might 
 be increasingly and neai'ly united in the love of God, and 
 partake of the grace of their Eedeemer. There was a great 
 solemnity over us, and we parted, I believe, in love. I was 
 exhausted on retiring to bed and slept but little. I feel the 
 seriousness of my calling increasingly, and in being thus 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 137 
 
 encasred, I am a little made sensible that we must lose our 
 life, if we would find it in Christ. 
 
 8th. — Took leave of my dear friends, and felt much quietness 
 and peace, under the renewed sense of the Lord's mercy and 
 goodness towards me. Came to Huntingdon — thence to 
 Cambridge, where I enjoyed a warm meeting with our dear 
 friend Charles Simeon, and was refreshed by his company and 
 flow of christian love. Thence I came forward in the coach 
 by myself to Lynn. I was glad to find myself once more at 
 Euncton. 
 
 llfh. — To Downham with Aunt B. — very small meeting. I 
 felt myself comforted, and had to speak on the words of our 
 Saviour, "He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." 
 The christian traveller soon finds there is a death of self to 
 die, a life to lose, if you would find it in Christ. This life in 
 Christ is a wonderful recompense for every loss ; one of those 
 lives must prevail and obtain the victory. Qiiety. — How is it 
 with us ? Supplication for these dear friends, that the anoint- 
 ing may still be their teacher — the Holy Comforter their guide, 
 
 support, and consolation. Called on , and had a religious 
 
 opportunity with her and her daughter ; but my spirit was low 
 and under oppression. I sometimes feel, in myself and in 
 others, as if the Spirit of the Lord was under oppression, as a 
 " cart under sheaves." 
 
 Mrst-day, Third Ifonth 14/7*. — Meeting at Lynn. I sat 
 down under an almost overwhelming sense and feeling of in- 
 firmity and poverty ; but help was mercifully given in the 
 time of need, and I felt not only a little revived in spirit 
 myself, but was enabled to address the language of encou- 
 ragement to others, on coming unto Christ, our only defence, 
 refuge, and consolation, and also to offer up the language of 
 supplication for the travellers Zionwards, of whom there are 
 several, I cannot but believe, in this reduced meeting. The 
 afternoon meeting was also relieving ; and I paid several visits 
 to the Friends, and endeavoured, according to the little ability 
 
138 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 given, to comfort some of them on their way ; but, alas ! how 
 great is my own inward weakness and poverty. 
 
 l^tJi. — Dined with the Edwards's, and had a comfortable 
 day with these beloved friends. 
 
 16fh. — Quiet day at Kuncton. 
 
 '\7tk. — Went with Rachel to "Wisbeach. The day was an 
 exercising one to me. I was, however, comforted at the meet- 
 ing, and in sympathy with the few friends in this place in their 
 lonely situation, and in the reflection that Christ is the only 
 door into the sheepfold, and that this door is open to all. 
 Returned to Runcton. 
 
 18tJi. — Rachel and I went to meeting at Lynn, on our way 
 to Fakeuham. "We reached the Rawlinson's to dinner, and I 
 was glad to meet dear Emma once more at her own house. 
 
 19^^. — Dearest Rachel left us after breakfast. It was painful 
 to me to part from her ; but I trust we were both thankful in 
 having been brought together in much near union and love. I 
 endeavoured to devote myself in mind to dear Emma and her 
 husband and children, and became increasingly interested in 
 them and their concerns. We read together, and a very sweet 
 influence of love prevailed over us, so that before we separated 
 I was enabled to commend them unto the Lord and to pray for 
 his blessing upon them. 
 
 20tJi. — After addressing a few words of encouragement to 
 dear Emma and her husband, I left them. Had a pleasant 
 journey with Aunt B., and reached home once more before 
 dinner. I was glad to be here again with dear Joseph and 
 Jane, and thankful in having been, in this short but interesting 
 excursion, helped on my way from day to day. 
 
 22?id. — The School Committee, in which things appeared 
 favourable. Afterwards the select meeting, which was solemn. 
 
 23rc?. — There was much sweetness and unity in the Quarterly 
 Meeting. I was thankful for the encouragement afforded us. 
 I again felt the review of the queries solemn, and had to appeal 
 to my dear friends in the women's meeting as to how our ac- 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR or PKISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 139 
 
 t'ouut stood in the siglit of our Almighty and All-seeing 
 Judge. 
 
 29//«. — Morning at Earlham. Visited our people, and fixed 
 to read with the neighbours once in the week. May a blessing 
 attend every little and weak endeavour for the help of others. 
 
 30th. — INEorning at Norwich — schools, workhouse, &c. I 
 felt some comfort and a little encouragement in reading with 
 my poor old women. I was exhausted, and had some hard 
 struggles with myself, and with my own will, which is often 
 disappointed. 
 
 Fourth Month Isf. — At meeting. " Blessed are they that 
 hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." 
 
 2nd. — I began to read with our neighbours, with a low and 
 fearful mind ; but had some encouragement in it. 
 
 Srd. — I am thankful in having felt some life and hope in the 
 schools lately, which was the case to-day, though not without 
 some labour of body and spirit. 
 
 First-day, 4th. — Much impressed with the importance of 
 experiencing the presence of the Lord in our hearts, and had 
 to supplicate that we might know the Redeemer in the charac- 
 ter of " Emanuel, Grod with us," as a refiner and purifier and 
 comforter. Visited a poor man near his end, and in great 
 bodily distress. How do the flesh and the heart fail at last ! 
 and what a blessing it is for those who know the Lord to be 
 the strength of their lives and their portion for ever ! After- 
 noon meeting — silent, but not comfortless. Joseph much 
 engaged about the poor men in the Castle. 
 
 6th. — Visited Bedlam and Bridewell. Joseph received inte- 
 resting letters from E. Harbord about the poor prisoners : two 
 of them are reprieved. 
 
 7th. — A quiet day at home. I read with our poor neighbours 
 in the evening. 
 
 8th. — Monthly meeting for the sick poor. Dear Samuel and 
 Elizabeth arrived in the evening, which was a great pleasure. 
 
 9th. — This was the day called " Good Friday." All my 
 school-children drank tea here. The day was clouded and 
 
140 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 melaucholy, from the execution of poor Belsham, for whom 
 Joseph and E. Harbord have so zealously interested themselves. 
 Under much exercise I had offered up my supplications for him 
 in the morning. 
 
 14<th. — I visited poor Jonathan B., a young man in a con- 
 sumption, to whom I addressed a few words, in the cross to my 
 weak nature. 
 
 15th. — Dear Samuel accompanied me to Wymondham 
 Monthly Meeting, which was upon the whole encouraging and 
 satisfactory. I had to quote the text in Isaiah, — " When the 
 enemy shall come in like a flood the Spirit of the Lord shall 
 lift up a standard against him. 
 
 l&Ji. — Dear S. and E. left us. Their visit has been very 
 sweet and uniting. I trust that before we separated we were 
 enabled to commend one another unto the Lord, and to pray 
 for the continuance of his mercy and loving-kindness ; not, I 
 believe, without some deep sense of his manifold blessings 
 towards us. 
 
 First-da^, 25tJi. — A full, but rather a low day. The ministry 
 at meeting was much on the subject of death. 
 
 Fifth Month 8th. — Much exertion in a languid state. Schools, 
 "Workhouse, Sick Charity, &c. 
 
 10th. — Comfortable journey to Plaistow. 
 
 11th. — Meeting at Plaistow. I felt (and had to express it) 
 that it was a favour to be permitted to partake, though ouly as 
 of the crumbs that fall from the Master's table. 
 
 12th. — To Hampstead, to dear Louisa. 
 
 17th. — Yearly Meeting of ministers and elders. The two 
 sittings comfortable. 
 
 18th. — The meeting this morning was one long to be remem- 
 bered. Dear William Eorster laid before it his concern to ^^sit 
 America, and some of the West India Islands. He spoke with 
 much feeling and humility. There was a solemn silence after 
 it. Many Friends expressed their entire unity ; and, indeed, 
 the whole body seemed brought into one feeling and one spirit. 
 Dear Anna spoke beautifully, aud witli power, declaring the 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 141 
 
 goodness and mercy of tlie Lord which had hitherto followed 
 them, and expressed her strong desire that her beloved luisband 
 might be upheld, comforted and encouraged. The whole meet- 
 ing seemed affected. Their striking example of submission and 
 resignation has been edifying, and deeply instructive. 
 
 \9th. — The women's meeting began comfortably. I had to 
 address a few words of encouragement to the young people 
 before the close of the meeting. 
 
 2ith. — ^The state of the Indians, which was brought before 
 the meeting, interested me ; but I long to hear of more religious 
 service amongst them. But it was an encouragement that, 
 whilst they have been persecuted and oppressed by others, they 
 have invariably been protected and assisted by Friends. I am 
 more and more convinced that our principles lead to love. 
 Abigail Pirn spoke of the evils of this world, arising from 
 selfishness, and warned all against this corrupt principle of self- 
 love. I much desired to take it home. 
 
 28th. — We were visited by Joseph Gurney and Robert 
 Fowler. The former dwelt upon the important effects of female 
 influence upon men, and encouraged wives, sisters, &c. to 
 watchfulness over their oAvn spirits, to exercise this influence 
 rightly. The petition of the Meeting for Sufferings against 
 capital punishments was read, which brought forward the sub- 
 ject of prisons, and other objects of benevolence, in a very 
 interesting manner. 
 
 28th. — This afternoon was the concluding meeting, which 
 was altogether solemn and satisfactory. Towards the close I 
 had to say a few words on the shortness of time, and that what- 
 ever our hands find to do we shoidd do it with all our might. 
 
 Sixth Month \st. — H. and I went to the Eefuge for the 
 Destitute, and afterwards to Dr. Farr, who spoke rather 
 seriously of my present state of health. Spent some time at 
 Islington School. 
 
 8th.— To Plaistow Meeting -nath dearest E. F.* Had to say 
 
 * Her sister Fiy. 
 
142 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 a few words (in much weakness) to the faithful few amoug them, 
 ou the words, " Be not weary in Avell-doing, for in due time ye 
 shall reap if ye faint not." I was followed by E. J. F., on the 
 answer of our Lord, — " If I vnW that he tarry till I come, what 
 is that to thee ? Follow thou me :" which came home to my 
 heart amidst the variety of people and scenes among whom my 
 lot is cast. 
 
 9th. — Travelled home. 
 
 10th. — Eecoinmenced the school at Norwich, with some 
 feeling of comfort. 
 
 13fh. — Keceived a pressing letter from dear H. to go to 
 Pakefield, to see their poor mother, who appears to be drawing 
 near her close. 
 
 14<th. — We went to Pakefield, and spent the afternoon with 
 A. C, who appears very sweet, quiet and resigned. After 
 much mental conflict, and an earnest desire to move only under 
 the right influence, I was enabled to return thanks for the 
 victory of which, we humbly trusted, she was a partaker, and 
 which is to be obtained through Christ ; and to supplicate that 
 the last enemy, which is death, might be so subdued, that it 
 might lose its sting, and the grave its victory. 
 
 \5th. — I sat some time beside our poor invalid, and was 
 comforted by the quietness of her spirit. After their morning's 
 service I was enabled, once more, to supplicate that the mercy 
 and loving-kindness of the Lord might rest on them, and on all 
 their community, and soon after took my leave. How have I 
 acknowledged that the Lord is a present help in time of need. 
 
 Seventh Month 10th. — Attended to the schools with M. ^Y. 
 Felt oppressed and unwell, but was enabled to get througli the 
 business of the day. 
 
 First-day, 11th. — The meeting this morning solemn and 
 comforting. Had to say a little on Christ "leaving us an 
 example that we should follow his steps." In no point more 
 important than the entire resignation of the will. Eecom- 
 meuced visiting the adult school. Evening at , where I 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIll OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 143 
 
 felt weakened by too much conversatiou. Oh, how I wanted 
 more stillness and quietness of mind ! 
 
 Eighth Month liSth. — Left home with dear Joseph and Jane, 
 and reached Hunstanton in the evening. 
 
 First-day, ISth. — To meeting at Lynn, which was interesting. 
 Several serious Methodist sailors came in, and sat with un- 
 common stillness. I had to address them and others on that 
 encouraging text, "Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father's 
 good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Paid several visits 
 afterwards to the sick. 
 
 list. — From Lynn to Upton. Felt low — but have been 
 helped from day to day. 
 
 24<A. — Joined the party at Plashet at their French lessons ; 
 overstrained my voice, which was very weak ; was poorly all 
 the rest of the day. In the evening I was much oppressed in 
 body, and still more in spirit ; and, on retiring to my own 
 room, I was surprised, but not much agitated, by the breaking 
 of a blood-vessel. A low and feverish night ensued, but I did 
 not feel at all alarmed. 
 
 25th. — I was ill, but not uneasy. In the evening I passed 
 through a serious conflict, from a return of the hemorrhage, 
 accompanied by much difiiculty in breathing. 
 
 2Qth. — In the evening had a slight return of the bleeding. 
 
 27M.— I thought myself better, and was altogether com- 
 fortable ; but Avas, through iin watchfulness, overset in the 
 evening. We applied leeches. I had a deeply trying night, 
 and was very ill. 
 
 2'8th. — I was very much sunk during this day ; and, to 
 my own feelings, it was a conflict between life and death ; but 
 through infinite mercy, I felt, and, according to my very small 
 measure, believed in the power of the Eedeemer to overcome 
 ileath. We had some edifying and instructive time together, 
 though it was a day of much trial. Dr. Farr came in the 
 evening, and comforted and encouraged us. 
 
 29th. — Eather better to-day, but the night was one of much 
 
144 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY, 
 
 [1819. 
 
 conflict. Death was brought very closely before me : but I 
 now feel thankful in having been enabled, through the mercy 
 of our Lord, to view death with hope and tranquillity. 
 
 The reader, who has thus far traced, in Priscilla Gurney's ■ 
 course, the remarkable exemplification of the gospel spirit, 
 that breathes, " Glory to God in the highest, on earth 
 peace, and goodwill towards men," will doubtless be 
 impressed with sympathetic interest, by these affecting 
 entries in her journal ; and will be prepared for the heavy 
 cloud which overshadowed, her path, during the few re- 
 maining steps of her earthly pilgrimage ; — a cloud through 
 which, nevertheless, the bright effulgence of the Sun of 
 Righteousness shed upon her soul the radiance of heavenly 
 light and peace. Four weeks after the alarming attack 
 she writes : — 
 
 I have been gradually recovering from this very serious 
 illness. It has been a memorable and an instructive time ; and 
 I have inexpressible cause for thankfulness. I am left in a 
 low state of spirits, and low as it regards the things of this 
 world ; but may I stiLl place all my trust in the Lord, who has 
 done so much for me, and be enabled to commit all my way 
 unto Him. I have had great comfort from all my beloved 
 brothers and sisters, and also from the love and sympathy of 
 our numerous kind friends and relations. I must just note 
 down, how much I have been confirmed in the importance of 
 religious instruction during this illness, on having the mind 
 properly informed on the truths of the gospel — these truths, 
 through the power of grace, often return with fresh life in the 
 hoiu" of need. 
 
 By the direction of her medical advisers, Priscilla 
 Gurney was removed to the Isle of Wight. She was 
 accompanied by her beloved sister Rachel ; and on the 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 145 
 
 25th of Nintli Mouthy after arrmng at Ryde, she 
 writes : — 
 
 I was fatigued and poorly. If we would secure anything 
 like perfect peace it is indeed most needful that the mind 
 should be kept staid on Grod. 
 
 First-day, Tenth Month Zrd. — Enjoyed some retirement of 
 spirit this morning, and visited, mentally, those from whom we 
 are now separated. Whilst disabled from all active service 
 and employments, how important it is that such a time should 
 lead to deep self-examination ! My mind is not capable of much 
 continued reflection ; but may I endeavour, like Mary, to sit at 
 the feet of the Kedeemer, to wait upon Him, and to hear his 
 word. 
 
 TO ELIZABETH BAECLAT. 
 
 Isle of Wight, Ninth Month, 1819. 
 I have felt peculiarly near to thee, my dear Elizabeth, in 
 sympathy and understanding, when to my own feelings I seemed 
 wholly micertain as to life or death. It was a comfort to think 
 of thee, and remember how the same power had mercifully 
 supported and sustained us in the hour of need. Such proofs 
 of the unremitting love of tlie Eedeemer ought to animate and 
 encourage us to hold on our way, and to follow Him with more 
 devoteduess of heart. There are times when, I trust, this has 
 been the effect upon my mind ; but I have been often much cast 
 down since by internal lowness, and a sense of my weakness, 
 as well as something of a reluctance to enter the conflicts of 
 the present state again. I have been so thoroughly disabled 
 that it is no longer a question, but a necessity, to retire from 
 the field of action, and I should not be surprised if the 
 present system of care proved beneficial (through the Divine 
 blessing— for what are all our efforts without it ?) for the future. 
 I am verj^ doubtful whether I shall ever recover much power of 
 voice again ; but this point, as well as all others, I desire to 
 
 H 
 
146 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 leave ; I should be -n-ell content, if it be the wUl of our dear 
 Lord and Master, to be more withdrawn from anything of 
 public service, and to lead a more secluded life. The future is 
 remarkably in obscurity to me ; it is good to feel we have here 
 no continuing city. We are very pleasantly situated at this 
 place, and enjoy our retreat from the world. 
 
 First-day, Tenth Month lOth. — I feel my absence from 
 meetings ; and from that precious communion which, in meet- 
 ing together, we have so often enjoyed. 
 
 IQth. — I consulted Dr. Hamilton, who took an unfavourable 
 view of my case, which I felt seriously, but not painfully. It 
 would, I think, give me little real concern to believe that my 
 continuance here was not liicely to be long. I shrink, however, 
 too faithlessly from the prospect of suffering. 
 
 Extract from a letter to a friend, Tenth Month 28th, 
 1819 :— 
 
 " IMy experience has long been that of walking through the 
 valley to which I see not the end ; yet a quiet hope generally 
 prevails that I shall be upheld through it ; that it may be the 
 passage to more of the glorious liberty of the children of G-od, 
 even here. But should it prove the " valley of the shadow of 
 death," still I believe there is cause for faith and confidence 
 that the good Shepherd will be with me ; that his rod and his 
 staff will comfort me. I cannot but hope that this wilderness 
 journey, and my many low estates, will be blessed in more 
 effectually shaking all self-dependence, and in leading me to 
 place my trust more simply and more faithfully on the Saviour 
 as our only hope of glory. I do truly long to have my heart 
 more enlarged in humble thankfulness for the many eminent 
 blessings granted to us all, and to dear J. J. Gr. and Jane in 
 so especial a manner, enriched, as I believe they are, not only 
 by the fulness of the earth but the dew of heaven. 
 
 About the 28th of Tenth Month she addressed a letter 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 147 
 
 to her beloved cousin Maria Fox, from wliich the follow- 
 ing is an extract, dated from Ryde : — 
 
 Whilst I am remarkably withdrawn from actual service, I 
 cannot but, I believe, more than ever rejoice for those who are 
 willing in life and conversation, and in whatever way they may 
 be called, to advocate the ever-blessed cause and gospel of the 
 Redeemer. It is impossible for me not to encourage all to 
 draw near unto Him, to sit at his feet, and to hear and obey his 
 word. I cannot doubt He will still be thy light and salvation, 
 and, inasmuch as thou art enabled to trust in Him, the strength 
 of thy life in every needful time. I can speak a little from 
 solenm experience, in being brought, as I thought, to the near 
 view of death and eternity, of the blessedness of those who are the 
 faithful followers of the Redeemer. It was clearly and deeply 
 manifested to me, and in such a way as, I trust, may never be 
 forgotten by me. I long to be strengthened myself and to 
 encourage others to follow Him : I cannot see any other way, 
 than through humility and obedience, of coming to that experi- 
 mental knowledge of the only true Grod and of Jesus Christ as 
 our Saviour, which I felt more strongly in my late illness than 
 I ever felt before, is eternal life. I am almost ashamed of 
 sending forth the word of encouragement to you, when I am 
 leading a life of ease and indulgence, and am brought to a state 
 of much poverty myself ; I do, however, I hope, accept with 
 thankfulness this season of rest and recreation of mind and 
 body. The apparent probability of giving up the present life, 
 though solemn and awful, was not without a sense of the 
 unspeakable blessing of knowing Christ to be our "resurrection 
 and our life." I can indeed acknowledge that the cross has 
 been accompanied with inexpressible mercy, so that I ought 
 not to shrink, as my weak nature is sometimes inclined to do, 
 from the prospect, as it were, of the warfare. R. and I enjoy 
 reading together, and are iuterested in some objects for the poor, 
 though in the most hmited way. I cannot but anxiously desire 
 
 H 2 
 
148 
 
 MEMOIR OF PKISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 that you may still be encouraged (and ■whoever are engaged 
 in the care of children) in watching for eveiy right opening for 
 their religious and scriptural instruction. I cannot very well 
 express in words how important I felt this object to be in the 
 Society during my illness. To have the truths of religion early 
 impressed on the mind appears to me to be of the highest 
 importance ; what may be for a long time as only the dead 
 letter, often arises in the remembrance with "newness of life." 
 How I felt this in the time of deep conflict ! 
 
 Eleventh Month 5th. — "We left Eyde ; not, I trust, without 
 some thankful sense of the blessing of the Lord. "We reached 
 the Sand Eock Hotel (at Niton) ; pleasantly situated, and 
 sheltered by the rocks ; commanding a fine view of the sea. A 
 most comfortable and luxurious retreat from the world and its 
 cares. 
 
 10th. — Rachel and I went to the village of Niton to enquire 
 a little about the poor. It would be a great comfort if a door 
 for some little usefulness were opened for us here. 
 
 liETTEE FEOM P. G. TO A BEIOVDD EEIEND. 
 
 I do not know how to express to thee all that has passed 
 through my mind, on thy account, in my wakeful hours this 
 morning. I longed for thy encouragement and consolation 
 amidst the conflicts which attend thy path, from vrithout and 
 from within ; and I felt with unusual comfort the blessedness 
 of that language of the dear Eedeemer, — " Te are they which 
 have contiuued with me in my temptations, and I appoint unto 
 you a kingdom." How wonderfully is the tribulated path of 
 the christian traveller set forth in these few words, and how 
 glorious and animating is such an end to his pilgrimage, even 
 an entrance into the kingdom of his Lord. During my illness, 
 and in my subsequent state of weakness, and in the midst of 
 many conflicts and distressing infirmities, my spirit has been 
 made, I hope, humbly sensible of the excellency of the know- 
 
1819.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 149 
 
 ledgo of Christ Jesus our Lord, aud of the unsearchable riches of 
 his grace, so that all things have really appeared to me as " loss" 
 iu comparison ; and I could almost have longed that the time 
 were drawing nigh, when I might be released from the bondage 
 of corruption, and be made partaker of the glorious aud eternal 
 liberty of the children of God. It has been most truly worth 
 passing through much suffering to have been permitted, as it 
 were, one glimpse within the veil : it is one thing to hear, and 
 to speak, and to exhort, on the love of Christ and the joys of his 
 salvation, and another thing to feel them. I hope I do not 
 make this acknowledgment to thee of some of the inmost 
 thoughts of my heart presumptuously : never was I more feel- 
 ingly made sensible of my own nothingness and unworthiness, 
 and that it is only iu our weakness that the strength of the 
 dear Redeemer can be made perfect. 
 
 First-day, Eleventh, Month I'ith. — After a restless night, I 
 enjoyed some portion of sweet peace and serenity of mind during 
 this day. I was made sensible, more than usual, of the pre- 
 cariousness of my present state of health, and seriously felt the 
 importance of pressing toward the mark for the prize. Eachel 
 began her First-day School with some encouragement. 
 
 15th. — I was better again. A quiet, peaceful and happy day. 
 How thankful I ought to be, for having every want supplied, 
 and for the many privileges of this situation. 
 
 20th. — This last week has been one of sweet peace and com- 
 posure of mind and spirit. Our dear Lord, in his own time, 
 after leading us through the deep waters, and giving us a taste 
 of our manifold corruptions and infirmities, is still pleased to 
 restore, unto his poor, dependent children, the joys of his salva- 
 tion. They have been clearly manifested to my inmost spirit, 
 and I have felt that all things are but as loss compared to the 
 excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus oux Lord. If my 
 health and strength be restored, oh, that they may be more 
 singly, more faithfully dedicated unto Him ! But if I am not 
 
150 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY, 
 
 [1819. 
 
 to return to the world, — if I am not to be from henceforth a 
 labourer in his vineyard, may my whole spirit, soul and body, 
 be preserved blameless until his coming. May I be redeemed 
 and sanctified, and prepared for his heavenly, holy and eternal 
 kingdom. In reviewing the volume of my joiu-nal, I desire to 
 acknowledge, with deep humility and thankfoLness, the loving- 
 kindness and tender mercies of our Lord. My dear Eedeemer 
 has not forsaken me in heights and depths. His Comforter 
 has been my only sufficient support and consolation, — my only 
 safe Guide, Light and Counsellor. In all my future movements 
 may I surrender myself entirely to Thee, O Lord ! May I be 
 brought, by thy own Spirit, to desire, that not my will, but 
 ihine may be done. 
 
 On the 18tli of the following montb, Priscilla Gurney 
 addressed the subjoined letter to her beloved cousin, 
 Elizabeth Barclay, who had been one of the two dear 
 invalids that had been objects of her tenderly affectionate 
 solicitude during the sojourn at Nice^ in the winter of 
 1816-1817. 
 
 Niton, Twelfth Month 18th, 1819. 
 
 My Deadest Elizabeth, 
 ]\Iy heart has been so much, so nearly, so sweetly Avith thee, 
 as I have been a great deal in my bed during the last few days, 
 that I reaUy must send thee a letter. How very often I follow 
 thee and dear Agatha in mind, and retrace the scenes of interest 
 which we have passed through together. Being an invalid, and 
 nursed and watched by dear Eachel, continually recalls you to 
 my mind. I seldom mount my pony for our walk without 
 having thee before me. I find that thou hast suiFered from the 
 late very cold weather. I can feel for thee in thy illness and 
 infirmities ; for, though I do not compare my much slighter indis- 
 position with thine, yet I often sufier enough to make me turn 
 with love and sympathy towards my dear tried companions in 
 tliis pilgrimage. Thy patience and submission, and I believe I 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIH OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 151 
 
 may add thy humble-mindedness, (I do not attribute these 
 christian graces to thyself,) are comforting and encouraging to 
 me. I can desire for thee, my beloved cousin, that whatever 
 may yet be the dispensation of a mercifid Providence towards 
 thee, whether heights or depths, thy light may shine more 
 and more unto the perfect day, and this not only for thy own 
 sake, but for aU around thee. Surely thy illness has, through 
 Divine grace, been blessed to them, as well as to thyself. I 
 have found that my infirmities are humbling, and therefore 
 liope to find them a profitable lesson. My whole nervous 
 system has been a good deal affected by my illness, so that 
 occasionally I have had much to pass through. I have had 
 a deep sense and taste of my manifold weaknesses ; but I 
 have, indeed, cause most thankfully to acknowledge, that if I 
 have had to learn more of myself, more of my poverty and 
 fraUty, and of the proneness of our nature to evil and cor- 
 ruption, I have also experienced and seen more of the marvellous 
 power of the Redeemer to deliver from death and sin than 
 I ever experienped before ; so that now and then I could 
 almost unite in the language of the Psalmist, — " Thou hast put 
 ofi'my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness." It is an un- 
 speakable blessing, and worth suffering for, that in the midst 
 of all our tribulations, and that though now we see through a 
 glass darkly, yet we are now and then permitted to have a 
 clearer view of an eternal state of rest and real blessedness ; 
 though I feel, indeed, so little prepared to meet suflering and 
 death, — so little fitted for an entrance into that state, — yet I 
 must confess the illness I have passed through has had the 
 eflfect, I believe, of weaning my heart from the world. I feel, 
 at times, but little inclination to enter into the cares and inte- 
 rests of life again. I have, indeed, for a time, been remarkably 
 and most unexpectedly taken from them; and our present 
 profo\ind retirement and seclusion are truly accordant to my 
 taste of mind and body. Dearest Eachel is a comfortable and 
 delightful companion for me, and we are thoroughly happy 
 
153 
 
 MEMOIR or PKISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1819. 
 
 together : she is a good deal interested in a First-day School 
 here. We never, I thinlf, anywhere met lA-dth the same eager 
 spirit to attend it as in this village. I should think she may 
 be made the instrument of some little good in this place : the 
 people sadly want care and instruction, but are open-hearted, 
 and very pleasing. As for me, I am indeed laid as it vrere upon 
 the shelf. I trust I feel that there are many blessings — many 
 privileges in this dispensation, though I almost dread falling 
 into habits of indulgence and indolence of mind as well as body. 
 Rest is, however, I beUeve, permitted to be my portion for the 
 present. I feel my separation from Friends and meetings, and 
 sometimes long for the sweet and precious communion so 
 emiuently, to my mind, to be enjoyed amongst them. But I 
 trust my heart is in some measure capable of loving and uniting 
 with all true Christians, feeling that we have, indeed, but " one 
 Lord, one faith, one baptism." 
 
 In the same month she writes to her sister Louisa 
 Hoare — 
 
 Sand Rock Hotel, Twelfth Month ?th, 1819. 
 The last two or three months, though I have passed through 
 some conflict and trials, have yet been a period of much comfort, 
 and often of tranquillity and peace of mind, and especially since 
 we have been here. I never, that I remember, experienced so 
 much of the wonderful consolations of the G-ospel, or was so 
 deeply sensible of the unsearchable riches of the Redeemer. It 
 is, indeed, an unspeakable blessing, sometimes during our pil- 
 grimage here, to be refreshed by the view of an eternal state of 
 blessedness and rest. This has been more realized to my mind 
 than I almost ever have known it before ; and I long for myself, 
 and for those most near to me, that we could, with more faith 
 and submission of will, " count all things but as loss, that we 
 may win Christ and be found in Him," &c. I am inclined very 
 weakly to shrink from entering into the conflicts, cares and 
 interests of life again, I have been so sheltered from them for 
 
1819.] 
 
 MEMOIE OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 153 
 
 a time. It is in vain, liowever, to expect, and we ought not to 
 desire, to find our resting-place here. 
 
 Twelfth Month 2^th. — My mind engaged on the subject of 
 love. Oh, kovf wonderfully comprehensive are the Scriptures 
 on this christian grace ! I reviewed this morning many years 
 that are past and gone. " The ways of the Lord are unsearch- 
 able, and his judgments past finding out." 
 
 Twelfth Month 1Q>th. — I was permitted this morning to 
 feel the efiicacy and consolation of prayer, and enabled to 
 cast my burdens (and they are often weighty, but none so 
 overwhelming as sin,) on the Lord my Savioiir. He knoweth 
 that my way is often in the depths, that my future is involved 
 in clouds ; but He can make it plain. 
 
 28<^. — My religious services have been much obstructed of 
 late, but the spring is yet sometimes opened. I felt this after 
 our morning reading ; and we were, I trust, permitted to 
 approach the throne of grace in prayer, through Jesus Christ, 
 our only Mediator and Advocate. 
 
 Twelfth 3Ionth Z\st. — Our Bible communications with our 
 dear friends are exceedingly to my comfort. The evening was 
 solemn, and we were called to some serious reflection upon the 
 past year. My spirit was a little burdened ; but I found no 
 opening for relief. We must indeed wait on the Lord till He 
 is pleased to renew our strength, till He lift up tlie light of his 
 countenance upon us in the midst of our darkness. 
 
 H 3 
 
154 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 1820-1831. 
 
 PRISCILLA GURNEY EETDENS FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT TO EARLHAM — 
 RECURRENCE OF ALARMING INDISPOSITION — IS REMOVED TO THE COAST 
 — SETTLES AT CROMER HALL — LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH. 
 
 First Month \st, 1820. — A day of mucli serious aud solemn 
 feeling. In the morning I had to plead for the renewings of 
 the Holy Spirit, which prayer I feel to be mercifully answered. 
 A hue winter's morning. We continued our village visits, and 
 I felt some increased capacity for exertion. A letter in the 
 afternoon from dear Chenda, giving a most affecting account of 
 a shipwreck on their coast (near Yarmouth) . AVell may we say, 
 — "Thy ways, O Lord! are past finding out." My whole 
 mind, during this day, seemed clothed with the spirit of self- 
 humiliation, and of supplication in the beginning of yet another 
 year. After our reading the springs were mercifully opened, 
 and a little utterance was given me. We were, I believe, 
 unitedly brought to humble ourselves, and to know something 
 of a deep sense of the necessity of repentance before our Grod, 
 in remembering the transgressions aud manifold weaknesses 
 of our lives during the past year : at least, this was strongly 
 ray own individual impression. I felt called upon to commend 
 our little community here, as Avell as our beloved friends absent 
 from us, to the tender mercy — the directing aud preserving 
 care of the Good Shepherd, with the desire that our being with- 
 drawn for a season from the world, and brought into our present 
 circumstances, may be a means of edification to our souls, 
 and, if it please the Lord our Saviour, of good also to our fellow- 
 
1820.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNE\ , 
 
 155 
 
 creatures. It was indeed the sincere and fervent prayer of my 
 heart for myself, and for those most near and dear to me, that, 
 whatever may be the dispensations of our God towards us 
 dm-ing the year on which we have now entered, neitlier life nor 
 death, heights nor depths, things present nor yet to come, may 
 be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ 
 Jesus our Lord. We parted this evening in love, and, I fully 
 believe, in a measure of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
 peace ; and my poor, weak, and often depressed spirit, was, 
 through the mercy of the dear Eedeemer, a little refreshed and 
 comforted in the Lord. 
 
 First-day, First Month Srd. — An impressive family reading ; 
 after which I had to say a few words on the important text, — 
 "Blessed are those servants that are found watching," &c. 
 Examination of the past year : this should be instrumental to 
 our preservation for the time to come — hein^ always ready. 
 
 Tth. — One .of our delightful and peaceful days. 
 
 9th. — "We had the comforting intelligence of oui' dearest 
 Hannah's* being safely confined with another girl. I trust our 
 hearts were bowed in thankfulness to the Father of Mercies, 
 from whom cometh every good and perfect gift : this I had to 
 express in a few words after our family reading. 
 
 First-day, 10th. — A day of more serenity and peace of mind 
 than I have for some time enjoyed. 
 
 llth. — The weather cold : my chest iuditferent : my spirit 
 encompassed with clouds. 
 
 — Kachel went to the vdlage and visited the poor. How 
 completely are all my abiUties laid low ! May the many humili- 
 ating and proving lessons that I have lately received teach 
 rae to live more unto Thee, O Lord ! and less unto myself. 
 
 18f7«. — Some conversation with dear Eachel on my future 
 prospects. May I have no choice of my own, as it regards my 
 future path, but commit it wholly and simply to God. In this 
 alone I find rest and peace. 
 
 • Her sister Buxton. 
 
156 MEMOIR OF PEISCILLA GURNEY. [1820. 
 
 2lst. — T. "W. (a clergyman from Eyde) left us, after being, 
 I trust, united in prayer that we might together be made par- 
 takers of the love of Grod that passeth knowledge. 
 
 EXTRACT EEOil A LETTER TO HER SISTER HOARE. 
 
 Sand Rock, Seventh-day Evening, First Month 23rd, 1820. 
 
 "We shall not I think forget to visit one another in mind 
 to-morrow. It is very sweet (and how much ought it to be 
 cultivated) to unite in communion on our " Sabbath" days. It 
 is now nearly five months since my First-days have been spent in 
 retirement, and very much in solitude. I am sure they ought 
 to be profitable to my ovm mind. I too often, however, sutfer 
 from languor of spirit as well as body. The thought of meet- 
 ing you all again is very delightful. Sometimes I shrink a little 
 from the prospect of re-entering the stage of life. Nothing, 
 however, can be more irnwise, or indeed more unfaithful, than 
 to be apprehensive for the future, when everything ought to 
 make us " trust and not be afi'aid." The best way to secure 
 tranquillity of mind is to confine our views to the present, and 
 to commit ourselves unreservedly to Him, who can do all things 
 for us, and give us strength in our weakness. How I some- 
 times long for more of this spirit for and about myself and 
 others ! 
 
 First Month 24<th. — Dear Eachel and I were together this 
 morning, and were permitted, through the sweet influence of 
 the Spirit, to be united in prayer, both for ourselves and for 
 the absent members of our scattered family, as well as for all 
 the members of the Church of Christ. It is truly a blessed 
 thing to feel that we are partakers of the same hope — having 
 " one Lord, one faith, one baptism," one Father over all. Our 
 evening sweet and uniting. I had to say a few words on the 
 importance of our being doers of the Word and not hearers only. 
 Oh, may every fresh experience lead us more humbly, more 
 earnestly, to the prayer, — " Lead us in thy truth and teach us." 
 
1820.] 
 
 MEMOIll Of PIUSCILLA GUKNEY, 
 
 157 
 
 First-day, 31st. — A day of much peace and encouragement 
 to me : less care for the future: some reliance on the power 
 and mercy of the Eedeemer, whose arm is not shortened that it 
 cannot save, nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. I wrote a 
 little on the subject of love and family Jiarmony. 
 
 In directing the attention of the reader to the instruc- 
 tive observations which were now penned by the dear 
 invalid^ (as referred to in the last entry in her journal,) 
 it may well be accompanied by some reflections on the 
 remarkable evidence, afforded by the circumstances of the 
 Earlham family, of the practical influence of Priscilla 
 Gurney's sentiments, not only on her own mind, but also 
 upon each one of the interesting circle. Whilst, as it 
 referred to their religious course, some of them trod in 
 paths that led into external observances varying much 
 from the track conscientiously pursued by others of the 
 household and nearest connexions, there was, throughout, 
 preserved amongst them a very careful and tender regard 
 to the feelings of each one, with a niost affectionate and 
 constant solicitude for the welfare and comfort of all ; and, 
 under circumstances of sickness or affliction, they exhibited 
 a rare example of self-sacrificing devotedness of every 
 energy of body and mind to console and to assist the be- 
 loved ones who were in suffering or in sorrow. 
 
 ON OHEISTIAIT LOVE AND FAMILY HAEMONT. 
 
 The command to love one another from the highest authority, 
 is taught not only by the doctrines, but by the example of our 
 Lord, who went about doing good, " This is my commandment, 
 that ye love one another as I have loved you." — John xv. 12. 
 "A new commandment I give imto you, that ye love one 
 another as I have loved you; that ye also love one another." — 
 John xiii. 34. There are few things that I have so much 
 
158 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 ilesired iu christiau coinmuuities as that this holy influence of 
 love were a moi-e actuating and prevailing principle amongst 
 them. We see much of universal benevolence, but the preva- 
 lence of christian love in domestic life is still evidently but 
 too deficient and imperfect. It is so much a general feeling 
 that the ties of natural affection are sufficient for domestic 
 union and harmony ; but there are innumerable proofs that this 
 is but a transitory and frail bond, unless supported by the 
 discipline of christian and Divine love ; whereas this holy, and 
 blessed, and sanctifying principle, gives strength and stability 
 to natural affection ; being itself of a pure and eternal nature, it 
 gives the same stamp to relationships and unions begun in this 
 ' life. It is impossible that christian love can prevail unless 
 . self-love be brought under subjection, and we are called upon 
 j to practise forbearance and self-denial even iu the enjoyment 
 of the nearest and dearest ties in life. We must love our 
 neighbour as ourselves ; we must do unto others as we woxold 
 be done unto ; we mijst in honour prefer one another. Now, I 
 think we see that these injunctions are often more practically 
 obeyed and observed by Christians in their general intercourse 
 Avith others, than with their fomilies in their private and domes- 
 I tic life. It is a great error that even religious characters are 
 I too apt to fall into, to suppose that we do not want to have our 
 natural affections regulated by Divine love: the former, unas- 
 sisted by the latter, will never teach us to suffer long and be 
 kind, to envy not, to seek not our own, to bear all things, to 
 hope all things, to believe all things. It is, surely, from this 
 cause that we see so little family union and harmony amongst 
 Christians, too rarely in much perfection even among those of 
 high spiritual attainments in other points. It is very delightful 
 where we witness charity (in its most extensive sense), thus to 
 begin at home. The important subject of family harmony has 
 of late much engaged my attention, and I have been led to 
 reflect on those principles which can alone insure it, and on 
 those causes which too lamentably prevent its prevalence iu 
 
1820.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 159 
 
 the world. The nearer, the closer, the dearer the natural 
 connexion, the more important does this solid foundation and 
 cementing influence become. The nature of human affection 
 is to diminish, to fall away. Divine love is not opposed to 
 natural aftection, but gives it strength, value, and duration. 
 Natural love finds no full satisfaction, but christian love 
 alters its character and gives it that Avhich is satisfying, com- 
 plete, ami lasting. Natural love is selfish, but, sanctified by 
 Divine love, it become disinterested and generous. The princi- 
 ples first to be looked for as the fruits of this love are, religious 
 union and religious liberty. Real Christians must be imited 
 in essential points. If Christians at all, they must have " one 
 Lord, one faith, one baptism, one Grod and Father of all, who is 
 above all, — and in all." But such is the imperfect state of 
 the church-militant on earth, that these essential and vital truths 
 are viewed through difierent mediums. The application of these 
 truths to individual experience may be a little difierent in their 
 religious services and christian practice : " There are diversities 
 of gifts, but the same spirit ; and there are differences of 
 administrations, but the same Lord ; and diversities of opera- 
 tions, but it is the same God who worketh all in all." How 
 deeply it is to be lamented, that these little diflierences among 
 Christians should be more separating, than the essential grounds 
 of union should be uniting. We must, then, if we would love one 
 another according to the commandment of our Saviour, diligently 
 cultivate such a spirit, as well as conduct, of religious liberty, as 
 would lead us to forbear one with another in love. We must 
 cherish the feelings of interest in one another's weLfai-e. We 
 must " watch unto prayer " for those we love as well as for our- 
 selves, but we must suspend the spirit of judgment. It would be 
 pleasant, indeed, always to walk in the same path, and espe- 
 cially to go together " to the House of God in company ;" but 
 since this cannot be, in the present state of things, we must 
 chiefly desire that the will of the Lord may be done. We must 
 look with a single eye unto Him ; must remember his injunc- 
 
160 
 
 MEMOIR OF PKISCILLA GUKNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 tion to Peter— "If I will," &c., "what is that to thee? 
 Follow thou me." On looking a little to this principle of 
 religious liberty, as tending to promote unity and family 
 harmony, it is still evident that the more complete be the union 
 and understanding on religious subjects, the more perfect must 
 be this harmony. Ajid it therefore appears to me a matter of 
 essential importance, that in connexions of marriage there 
 should be similarity of view and union of heart and of mind, 
 on the lesser, as well as on the greater points of christian faith 
 and practice. To walk in the same path, to partake of the 
 same refreshment, to be united in the same objects, to have 
 one mind with regard to their families and households, to be 
 enabled to strengthen one another's hands in their daily walk 
 in Life, — must greatly tend to their domestic happiness and 
 good. This complete union, therefore, should be earnestly 
 desired in this most close and near connexion, and it must be 
 considered a great risk and very imprudent, to enter upon it 
 without this accordance. If, however, differences of views on 
 these important subjects should arise, then, in proportion as the 
 connexion is near, should be the watchfulness, that forbearance 
 in love may be experienced one towards the other, that the 
 spirit of religious liberty may be cherished, that the essential 
 points of union may be kept alive in the heart and cultivated, 
 and that the points of discussion may be kept out of sight ; and 
 be in no wise suffered to occasion any breach of love. This 
 holds good, also, in all the relations of life, — parents towards 
 children, children towards parents, and brothers and sisters 
 towards one another. Let parents diligently implant in the 
 minds of their children those principles and views which appear 
 to them the most accordant with the truth. If, after the most 
 watchful care and example, the result should be a want of that 
 conformity which they have desired, let not these things, more 
 than can possibly be helped, occasion a breach of love and union, 
 and of family harmony. And, on the other hand, let children 
 yield as much as their conscience will allow them, to the judg- 
 
1820.] MEMOIR OF PKISCILLA GURNEY, 
 
 161 
 
 ment and wishes of their parents : they are called upon to 
 honoui" tlieir parents, and nothing but the will of God should 
 be stronger to them than the will of their parents. 
 
 Second Month Srd, 1820. — In the afternoon our dearest 
 Samuel, with his boy and H. F., arrived. Very interesftng it 
 was to meet again. 
 
 4<th. — Our whole party excursed to Shanklin. We walked 
 afterwards to Black-gang-chiiie. 
 
 First-day, Itli. — We had a little meeting together. Evening 
 reading Avith all the party. We were, before reading, drawn 
 together under the sweet influence of the Spirit, and I had to 
 express a few words on the hope that, not only were we united 
 here, but that we might look forward to be joined together in 
 communion in eternity. 
 
 8M. — All our party went to Hyde. We parted, I trust com- 
 fortably, with dear Samuel, &c. ; but I could not be easy to 
 separate without commending one another to the constant, sure, 
 and preserving care of the Shepherd of Israel. 
 
 13^7*. — A sweet and peaceful day. I felt my clouds to be 
 mercifully removed, and the Sun of Eighteousness to arise with 
 healing in his A^dngs. 
 
 1\st. — My breath very poorly ; but I have lately felt much 
 internal quietness and peace, A\hich compensates for CAcry 
 external deprivation. I desire to be thankful for the calmness 
 and ease which is at this time granted me about the present 
 and the future. 
 
 Tidrd Month 3rd. — In the house aU day, and but poorly. I 
 was, I trust, enabbd with some little faith to commit my life 
 and spirit into tl e hands of my dear Redeemer. Oh, how 
 great, how unspeakable the privilege, to feel that, whether we 
 live or die, we are the Lord's ! 
 
 Second-day, Gth. — I was very weak and low in spirits, and 
 under the influence of much mental conflict. " Who can deliver 
 us from the body of this death ? I thank Grod through Jesus 
 
162 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 Christ our Lord ! " lu almost tlie deepest conviction I ever had 
 of the sinfulness of my own heart, and the power of the enemy. 
 I have also at times experienced the truth, tlie efficacy and 
 power of this victory. 
 
 Th§ disease which had so seriously prostrated the bodily 
 powers of the beloved invalid had been, for a time, arrested 
 in its progress ; but its insidious operation was not eradi- 
 cated. She left the Isle of Wight in the Fourth Month, 
 and returned to Earlham. Her spirit was, at this time, 
 introduced into much sorrowful sympathy vrith her beloved 
 brother and sister Buxton, who were bereft of three lovely 
 children in the short space of five weeks. This affecting 
 circumstance producing, in her very sensitive condition, a 
 degree of physical excitement, caused a return of the 
 hemorrhage, and from this time she became increasingly 
 ill. Of this renewed indisposition she writes to one of 
 her sisters : — 
 
 Earlham, Fifth Month 7th, 1820. 
 Once more, my dear, I must write to thee from my bed, to 
 which I have been closely confined for the last four days. C, 
 I hope, told thee all the particulars of this attack. It was most 
 unexpected to me. I have, indeed, cause to be very thankful 
 for having, in every way, been mercifully dealt with in this 
 iUness. I have been kept in much quietness of mind, and been 
 enabled to feel, in some degree, what is the joy and peace of 
 believing, when our hold on this life is shaken ; stiU this has 
 been accompanied with much infirmity. The sensitiveness of 
 my nervous system is always some trial in illness, and, with 
 other deeper faults and weaknesses, ought to be very humbling. 
 What are likely to be the effects of this attack we cannot yet 
 tell. I confess I have felt this retm-n seriously, and to my own 
 mind it makes the prospect of recovery more doubtful than 
 ever ; but I truly desire to leave this and aU my concerns to a 
 better wisdom, and care than our own. 
 
1820.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 ICS 
 
 To another sister — 
 
 Fifth Month 12th, 1820. 
 I heave ofteu, through the Divine blessing, (for truly we have 
 nothing of ourselves,) possessed much quietness and composure 
 of mind, — something of that peace which can only be felt and 
 enjoyed when we are kept, by the power and mercy of God, 
 stayed upon him, as our Saviour and Eedeemer. So much for 
 the infirmities of the flesh. I must not enlarge upon the much 
 deeper and more pressing infirmities of the mind and spirit. 
 After all, the evils of our own hearts are our greatest trials ; at 
 least I am sure I find this to be increasingly my experience. 
 I am at times low and cast down in spirit ; but this is 
 not to be wondered at : the afilictions of our beloved brother 
 and sister, which are also our ovrn, must overshadow every 
 enjoyment, and the things of this life must be clouded for the 
 present. We are called upon patiently to submit to our por- 
 tion of suffering, and most thankfully to acknowledge the 
 consolations and Divine support which have attended this deep 
 family trial. Our blessings have been and are abundant : we 
 may believe that our afflictions are amongst the best of them. 
 
 TO F. AND E. CUNNINGHAM 
 (then in France). 
 
 Earlham, Sixth Month 20th, 1820. 
 
 Mt Dearest F. and C, 
 I hope you will have received C.'s letters, giving an account 
 of this return of the bleeding. I have been recovering very 
 favourably. I do, I hope, feel very thankful for having been 
 thus mercifully and comfortably brought through this little 
 illness ; but it is still a greater blessing that I have been kept 
 (for I am sure we cannot keep ourselves) in a quiet and com- 
 posed state of mind, and I have felt more sensible comfort and 
 consolation than for a long time past ; indeed, this best help has 
 sometimes been so present to me, that I have felt more recon- 
 ciled to the portion of suffering and trial, which we maybe sure 
 
164 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 has been iu mercy and wisdom administered to us. I have 
 longed that we aU, in our various allotments, may keep near to 
 Him who is our Head, and that there we may quietly rest, and 
 seek more and more for a spirit of submission and acqui- 
 escence with whatever is dispensed. We have many of us 
 had a time of discipline lately : I have felt this myself. I value 
 being at home much : there is a rest in it which no other place 
 or situation can yield. I hope, dearest C, thou wilt not feel 
 anxious about me. As far as I am able to judge, I have not 
 one symptom in my present state to excite serious anxiety ; 
 still it is impossible not to feel the doubtfulness of entire reco- 
 very. I cannot say it is much my own expectation ; I have for 
 so long a time been getting gradually lower and lower, and my 
 cough is so very tenacious. I am not at aU. anxious. Such a pause 
 ought, 1 am sure, to be a time of preparation either for life or 
 death. It is as much our privilege as it is our duty, to endea- 
 vour to resign our own will, and to commit our way entirely to 
 our Lord, who can only bring it to pass to His glory and our 
 good. I have felt my separation from dear E.. C. It is also a 
 serious loss to have so kind and devoted a friend as Dr. H. 
 withdrawn, whilst I have been so poorly ; and yet I can often 
 be thankful when human dependencies are taken away, if it be 
 a means of fixing our hearts more on that help which is from 
 above. 
 
 In a letter to the physician, Dr. Hamilton, who had 
 assiduously endeavoured to promote her recovery during 
 her residence on the Isle of Wight, she says^ under date 
 Earlham, Sixth Month, 1820 :— 
 
 One other thing of much more importance has dwelt much 
 on my mind about thee, and therefore I shall express it in 
 writing, though I have often done it in conversation. It is 
 chiefly to tell thee how rejoiced and thankful I am that thou 
 art not disposed to cleave to any particular party in religion. 
 I do truly and warmly desu'e for thee that thy heart may be 
 
1820.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNET. 
 
 165 
 
 more and more enlarged in the love of the gospel, and be 
 enabled, in this love, to make allowance for the " differences of 
 administrations and of operations," which we still see are per- 
 mitted to exist iu the church of Chi'ist. I cannot help thinking 
 there is some real danger in the present day of a more ex- 
 clusive spirit among some Christiana than the scriptures at all 
 justify. I have been particularly struck with the thirteenth of 
 Corinthians, as applicable to individual practice, and as a part 
 of Scripture which can hardly be too much dwelt upon by 
 Christians, and as rather peculiarly applicable in the present 
 times : " Though I understand all mysteries and all knowledge, 
 and though I have all faith," &c., " and have not charity, I am 
 nothing." "When we see the e^^ls which are in the world, the 
 great proneness to imperfection in all parties in the church 
 militant, and above all, when we feel the depth of corruption 
 of the human heart ; well may we pray and heartily desire that 
 the truth, as it is in Jesus, may be preserved in its purity and 
 fulness and excellency amongst us. 
 
 About two weeks after the foregoing, she addressed her 
 beloved cousin Hannali C. Backhouse : — 
 
 Earlham, Sixth Month 30th, 1820. 
 
 The future is entirely in obscurity to me, nor do I wish to 
 penetrate it, but rather confine my views to the present, seeking, 
 day by day, for the gift (for I am sure it is nothing of o^xr own) 
 of a meek and quiet spirit, which can enable us to receive our 
 daily bread with thankfulness and contentment. I am thankful 
 to say, I am able very much to leave the ipast. I have some- 
 times felt that if I had more faith, more child-like obedience, 
 my situation might in some things have been difterent, and my 
 life more fruitful ; but we cannot judge ourselves, " there is 
 One that judgeth." Nothing I have found avaiHngly consoling, 
 in illness and the prospect of death, but looking to that mercy 
 and redemption which covers our transgressions and forgives 
 
166 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRTSCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 our sins ; but how little and how imperfectly do I comprehend, 
 or really take home, t\ie fulness of the gospel dispensation. 
 
 The air of Cromer being considered more faA^ourable for 
 her restoration than that of an inland residence, she was 
 induced to remove thither in the early part of the Seventh 
 Month. At that place she writes, for the last time, in her 
 journal : — 
 
 Seventh Month 20th, 1820. — My present life presents so re- 
 markably shifting a scene, that I am become weary of relating 
 every little particular ; yet I wish, for my own sake, and 
 perhaps that of others, to note down the principal occurrences ; 
 having still, and in all things, to declare the goodness, power, 
 and mercy of the Redeemer, — of Him who remains the same 
 yesterday, to-day, and for ever. We left our quiet and peaceful 
 abode in the Isle of "Wight on the 11th of Eourth Month, and 
 ended our sojourn there, upon the whole, satisfactorily, though 
 under a heavy cloud from the afflictions of our beloved Powell 
 and Hannah. The loss of their dear children has been 
 almost the heaviest trial we have ever sustained, and has cast 
 the deepest shade over our temporal prosperity and enjoyment ; 
 but I humbly trust a little of that faith which overcometh the 
 world hath supported us, especially their bereaved and afflicted 
 parents. The Everlasting Arm has been underneath to sustain ; 
 but the conflicts of the last two months, to some iu our circle, 
 have been of no light nature. Our Redeemer has been surely 
 visiting ovir spirits as the Eefiner and Purifier, and we have 
 had to partake, not only of the baptism of the Spirit, but also 
 of fire ; this has often been my iudividual experience. I left 
 my dearest Rachel (so long my companion and nurse,) and 
 accompanied Joseph to Earlham, leaving our beloved circle in 
 much distress. My heart seemed torn by this sudden, but 
 apparently necessary, separation from them all. These conflicts, 
 with other causes, brought on a serious illness after my return 
 home in the Pourth Month. I was most tenderly nursed by 
 
1820.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 167 
 
 dearest J., and J — e, and E. E. soon after joined us from 
 Pakeuliam ; but my whole body and spirit seemed deeply 
 wounded, and I often doubted whether I ever should recover 
 the effects of it ; but surely the voice of the Lord is more 
 powerful than the noise of many waters, and this I have ex- 
 perienced. I spent three months at home, in which I had 
 some serious illness, much close confinement, but, through 
 great mercy, comparatively little bodily suffering. Upon the 
 whole I have been permitted to partake of much peace and 
 serenity of mind ; and occasionally something of that bright 
 hope which is unspeakable and full of glory ; and I have much 
 enjoyed having dear Catherine as my frequent companion, and 
 being once more at home with my very dear brother and sister 
 there, whose great kindness and affection have been an unspeak- 
 able alleviation to the pains and trials of illness. Our life has 
 been retired and much secluded from the world, and accordant 
 with my present state of mind and body. Our scene has now 
 changed to Cromer, where we are settled, for a few weeks, during 
 Joseph's visit to Ackworth. 
 
 TO HEE SISTER ELIZABETH GURNET. 
 
 Cromer, Eighth Month 2nd. 
 
 We have been settled here most comfortably and quietly for 
 a week, and the benefit we have all derived from the change is 
 greater than we could almost expect. I had been so long in a 
 very poor and languid state, that a revival to me of health and 
 strength is a great present enjoyment. The retirement and 
 quiet of our life is as salutary as the air, which has been delight- 
 fully warm and mild and yet refreshing. We live much out of 
 doors, lounging on the sands, and riding in our little cart. I 
 have also, the last day or two, mounted a nice donJiey. And 
 now, my dearest sister, I must turn to you and your concerns, 
 and which, I am sure, are near my heart. From various 
 causes the last few months have appeared to me a time of 
 remarkable exercise and discipline to many in our circle ; we 
 
168 
 
 MEMOIR or PRISCILLA GUKNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 have had to feel and experience something of the " Refiner's 
 fire," both from within and from without, and many individuals 
 in our own family have been called to the exercise of patience 
 and submission. I have also felt it to myself a time of uncom- 
 mon proving ; but from whence do all our trials and provings 
 spring ? — we must not, and cannot, doubt they are needful for 
 us. I have sometimes felt the desire for us all, that oiu* faith, 
 though it may be tried as with fire, may eventually be found 
 unto "praise, glory," &c. I am, of course, now anxious to 
 reserve my strength for the strong interest of being with our 
 dear Hannah. I think of thee, dearest Elizabeth, with warm 
 and grateful affection ; thou hast been a sister indeed to me and 
 to us all. I seem to have no strength, I might almost say no 
 calling, for any other object of interest than my own family. 
 ]\Iy love particularly and affectionately to thy dear mother and 
 to J. and L. I can heartily rejoice to think of their prospering 
 in the best way, and earnestly wish they may persevere without 
 fainting. Our day is short, and how happy for those who are 
 doing their day's work in the day-time ! I have seldom felt 
 this more forcibly than of late, though brought into such a state 
 of nothingness myself. Very, very affectionately, farewell. 
 
 Thine &c., 
 
 P. G. 
 
 It was the desire of her affectionate family, that Priscilla 
 Gurney should pass the ensuing winter in a milder climate. 
 Referring to the consideration of this plan^ she writes to 
 one of her sisters, as follows : — 
 
 Cromer, Eighth Month 13th. 
 The question which is soon coming before us, and which is 
 already a subject of consideration in the family circle, is, whether 
 it would, or would not, be a desirable measure for me to go to 
 the South of France for the winter. If, after serious considera- 
 tion, we should conclude to make the effort, I think it would 
 
1820.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 169 
 
 not be prudent to commence our journey later than the begin- 
 ning of the Tenth Mouth, and it is on this account that we must 
 not delay turning our attention to the subject, though I much 
 dislike, in my uncertain state, to look forward to the future more 
 than can possibly be helped, and if it be a duty to give up home, 
 I am, on many accounts, more inclined to the South of France, 
 except on this account, that it would be necessary to leave 
 home so much the sooner. The attractions to France are 
 meeting F. and C, the motives for it are, that my case still 
 seems to admit of so much hope that, if a sacrifice is to be made, 
 it is better to do it effectually at once. The better I am, the 
 more I am disposed to go abroad, because of the reasonable 
 hoi)e it presents of being of material benefit ; but when I am 
 iU, I am very faint-hearted at the prospect, and am doubtful 
 how far I could undertake it. Thus, at present, I am wholly 
 in obscurity as to all future movements, but I am thankful to 
 say I am not anxious ; I trust and believe, light will arise on my 
 path, both in reference to things temporal and spiritual. 
 
 Increased illness rendered it undesirable to pursue the 
 course which had been anxiously recommended by her 
 physician and nearest connexions, and with some degree 
 of encouragement contemplated by herself. She remained 
 in a house on the cliff at Cromer until the Eighth Month ; 
 when she was removed to that of her dear brother and 
 sister Buxton, Cromer Hall, which, from its sheltered 
 situation, appeared a very suitable residence. Here she 
 was tenderly nursed by her bereaved sister, in whose deep 
 affliction she had largely shared. 
 
 The succeeding narrative of the few remaining months 
 of Priscilla Gurney's valuable life, is selected from the 
 journals of her sisters H. Buxton, L. Hoare, and Eachel 
 Gumey. 
 
 "Aui/tist" 31st. — Priscilla and I had some interesting conver- 
 
 I 
 
170 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GITRNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 sation after reading the third chapter of 1st Peter. This Epistle 
 opened to her with such particular force. She remarked that 
 the prospect of meeting those that were gone was animating ; 
 that to see God and be with him was our chief hope and 
 joy ; but that she believed the wish to be with tliose whom we 
 love, and to have our connexions with them perfected, was a 
 most allowable source of comfort and encouragement. She 
 dwelt upon this, — that our relationships will be perfected in 
 heaven. 
 
 " Septe77iher" 10th. — After a day of great illness, R. stayed 
 with her all night. I went to her at seven, found her very 
 low ; I expressed my sense of the power and presence of the 
 Lord in her chamber ; she replied, " It is true, it is a comfort." 
 I said, even in the conflict yesterday, I could not but feel He 
 was near, sustaining and helping. " I felt it most sensibly," 
 she answered. After she was up, I read the third of Ephesians : 
 her countenance was animated by the description of the love 
 of Christ, and she expressed her admiration of it, as if entering 
 into and comprehending it. We talked of the high spiritual 
 attainments of some Eriends, beyond those of any other set of 
 people. W. Eorster and S. Grellet, she mentioned as instances, 
 where everything appeared brought into subjection to the 
 
 power of the Spirit. She thought was one of the most 
 
 constantly on the watch of any she knew. The place of Eriends 
 in the church was, she thought, to hold up the highest standard 
 of holiness. 
 
 " September''^ l^tJi. — P. said, with regard to the fear of 
 death, the bodily part was by nature weak, but that the sting 
 was wholly removed through Christ. She had rather have 
 people silent on the hope set before them in their friends' 
 death. It was a hope in common ; but the flat and supposed 
 necessary mention of such things ivas to her very unpleasant ; and 
 as to all religious conversations about a person, or to a person 
 who was on a death-bed, that did not flow from a spring of 
 Divine life within us, it was, she thought, vain and unprofitable. 
 
1820.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 171 
 
 To seek to find out a person's mind was undesirable : a time of 
 illness and incapacity was not the period when she thought we 
 were called to publish, or particularly to declare, our love to 
 Q-od, — that was to be manifested in the days of health and 
 strength, when we were to shew our love by our services. It 
 was an inexpressible blessing to be left in the days of sickness 
 to rest, — not to be called upon to declai-e or reveal our love by 
 words. She talked much of the power of an endless life, which 
 was at times to be found in attending the dying, but had very 
 seldom trusted this to be the case. " I did with J. W.," she 
 said, who without much profession had lived, she believed, in a 
 waiting spirit. She turned to herself and said, how often did 
 she know this power of Eternal life while lying on her own bed. 
 
 15tJi. — P. addressed us before taking leave of us at night, — 
 expressed her thankfulness for the sweet communion we had 
 enjoyed together — something of the joy as well as peace of 
 believing ; and she said she had herself never been more sensible 
 than at this time of the power of that voice which says " Peace 
 be still," notwithstanding the sorrow and conflict which we had 
 
 tasted ; and added to that it was not the service in which 
 
 he had been engaged among us, or the gifts that had been 
 exercised for ourselves, but that it was the christian charity 
 which had been shed abroad in his heart towards us that had 
 diffused its sweet influence, and had been both consolatory and 
 uniting to her feelings. " Tongues shall cease and prophecies 
 shall fail," but " charity never fail eth ;" and that this charity 
 might bind us more and more together was her prayer. 
 
 16^^. — Sitting by Priscilla before she was up this morning : 
 she began by saying she felt very free from disease. What a 
 trial it would be to re-enter life ! In some things one dare not 
 wish ! (implying a wish to recover) it would indeed be retracing 
 one's steps. 
 
 On the 17th of Ninth Month P. G. penned the following 
 lines to her beloved cousin Agatha Barclay, on the occasion 
 
 I 2 
 
172 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1820. 
 
 of the decease of her brother Gurney BarcLay. The reader 
 will probably remember that both the brother and sister 
 had been amongst PrisciUa's companions in the mournful 
 sojourn at Nice, in 1817. 
 
 Cromer Hall, Ninth Month 17th, 1820. 
 Though I am too weak in body and mind to say much on this 
 affecting and mournful occasion, I cannot be easy without 
 expressing my near and deep sympathy and tender feeling for 
 you all. The loss of dearest Grurney comes closely home to my 
 own heart. Though of late we have had but httle intercourse, 
 yet I was strongly attached to him, and have known what it is 
 to be sweetly united to him in spirit. Those times I hope never 
 to forget ; the weight, the comfort, the spirituality of his 
 influence, lives in my remembrance, and most thankful am I for 
 the evidence which he himself so often gave me, that he pos- 
 sessed the knowledge of the only true God, and of Jesus Christ 
 his Eedeemer, which, we may now humbly and thankfully trust, 
 is to him eternal life. Tet the warning to us all is solemn and 
 awful. Oh, that we may profit by it ! May the grace of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ be with you ! Farewell, my dearest Agatha ! 
 We have known what it is to mourn together. 
 
 Most affectionately thine, 
 
 Peiscilla Gtjbnex. 
 
 to maeia fox. 
 
 Cromer HaU, Eleventh Month 20th, 1820. 
 I have often had to review the past very seriously, as thou 
 mayest suppose ; and I believe I may say in this work (of the 
 ministry) though I am aware how Hmited it has been, I can 
 remember few occasions in which the way has not been made 
 for me. No circumstances in society, no difficulties or discou- 
 ragements, have prevailed against these manifestations of the 
 Spirit of Truth ; for if we believe at all, what else can we caU. 
 them P Nor have I, that I remember, ever had occasion to 
 
1820.] MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 173 
 
 repent yielding to them. Now I would not make this confession 
 to many, and I am sure I say it not in the way of boasting, but 
 rather with an humble and thankful sense of the marvellous 
 loviug%indness and tender mercy of the Lord, who in this 
 particular service has brought me to submit to his will, — who 
 has, I believe I may say, invariably made hard things easy, and 
 many, many times, bitter things sweet. Most happy should I 
 be, could I believe that in other parts of my calling I had as 
 simply followed the leadings and most gracious guidance of the 
 Shepherd. He only knows how far too much I have followed 
 the devices and desires of my own heart — how far too little I 
 have committed myself in my ways unto Him, inasmuch as 
 in those things in which I have been anxious to choose for 
 myself, I have had many conflicts to pass through, and have been 
 involved in many perplexities. But, deeply sensible as I am of 
 my short-comings, &c. I have had some comforting assurance 
 of the imsearchable riches of Christ, as our Redeemer from sin 
 and from death. In the prospect of the uncertainty of life, and 
 the probability of a nearness to death, I have, I believe, known 
 a little what it is to cast aU our burdens on Him who hath 
 suffered for us, and have had some glimpse, at least, of that only 
 state of preparation for a heavenly, and a holy, and eternal state, 
 the being " washed white in the blood of the Lamb." A child- 
 like submission, a waiting and quiet spirit, is the one to be de- 
 voutly sought for. I fear not, inasmuch as thou art brought into 
 this frame of mind, but that thou wilt be led quietly and safely 
 in the way appointed, and that light wUl arise, again and again, in 
 the midst of darkness. Do not perplex thyself with anxious 
 thoughts about the future. Many and great as have been the 
 discouragements which I have had to pass through, from -within 
 and from without, I can yet bear my testimony to the reality 
 of the gift, and to the tender mercy and all-sufficiency of the 
 power of Him who, when he sees meet, can make use of the most 
 feeble instruments in his service. I can hardly do otherwise than 
 encourage others to be faithful, keeping a single eye to our 
 
174 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1820. 
 
 Lord, watching against imaginations and the delusions of our 
 own forming, or of our spiritual enemy. In every act of sub- 
 mission and of dedication, fear not ! If the Lord be with us, 
 if He be our God, we need never be dismayed." 
 
 Referring to Priscilla Gurney's increased indisposition, 
 her brother Buxton writes at this time — 
 
 As for my dearest Priscilla, I neither grieve with the bad 
 account of yesterday, nor rejoice with the more favourable one 
 of to-day. I feel her given to the Lord, and I am sure He is 
 about her bed, and that He loves her, and that whatsoever shall 
 happen to her shall be sent in peculiar tenderness ; and in these 
 certain truths I commit her to Him without fear or repining. 
 She is inexpressibly dear to my inmost soul ; but I look upon 
 her as a saint already in the hands of the Lord, and as He is 
 managing for her I carmot venture to wish for anything, except 
 the thing, whatever it may be, that He may ordain. I am 
 satisfied and joyfid in her state, and can with unbounded confi- 
 dence commit her to the Lord, and shall be almost glad if you 
 tell her I send no message of hope or fear, neither can I hope 
 nor fear. 
 
 Her beloved brother J. J. Gurney writes of a visit to 
 his precious sister, to whom he had been united, not only 
 in the bond of nearest kindredship, but also in the sacred 
 fellowship of religious communion. He says: — 
 
 Dearest Priscilla' s state is increasingly consoling. She has 
 felt, thought, acted, and known, as much as many, and sustained 
 the great cause of truth and righteousness. Now all is hushed, 
 brought into rest and stillness — and her soul is like that of a 
 weaned child. Sweet and joyful have been my feelings whilst 
 I have sat by her bedside, and warm my praises — not of her, 
 but of Him who has redeemed her with his blood. 
 
1821.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 175 
 
 TO E. E., A BELOTED FRIEND AT rAKENHAM, "WHO HAD 
 TENDERLY NURSED HER. 
 
 (Supposed to be the last letter written by PrisciUa Gumey.) 
 
 Cromer Hall, Fii-st-day, First Month 28th, 1821. 
 
 I Avish to thank thee, my dearest Emma, for thy love and 
 kindness to me, not only during my illness, but from the com- 
 mencement of our friendship. I have often been surprised at 
 the constancy and stability of thy friendship for me, feeling but 
 little in myself, or in my conduct, that has deserved it. A 
 constant faithful friend is, however, of no small value, and 
 of late, excluded as I have been from many whom I love, I 
 am not insensible to those things which are of true value. I 
 am perhaps prompted to make one more attempt at expression 
 of my love and interest for thee and thy dear husband, by the 
 effects of a singular dream, which I had the other night. I 
 thought I was going off on a long journey, and had parted from 
 everybody, when thy image presented itself strongly before me : 
 nothing could exceed thy kindness or readiness to help me to 
 pack up and go, but that I could not receive any help, and 
 chose to pack up for myself, (how drolly descriptive of our 
 two selves, was it not ?) and yet, all the while, I felt so united 
 to thee in love, and was uneasy afterwards, because I was afraid 
 I had hurt thee, and had not taken a satisfactory leave of thee 
 and thy dear husband. Therefore, my beloved friends, as this 
 long journey may not be very remote from me (not that I am 
 inclined to be superstitious on the subject) I am the more easy 
 to bid you affectionately farewell ! and to express my very 
 sincere desire that you may prosper on your way Zionwards ; 
 for if we are not travelling this road, what end or resting-place 
 can we any of us look for ? Oh, that you may then, and your 
 children, be led to walk patiently, constantly, firmly, and faitli- 
 fuUy in the way everlasting ! I have lately been brought very 
 
176 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1821. 
 
 low, but my state is fluctuating, and I wish not to speculate 
 upon it. It is a wonderful mercy to be kept in a measure of 
 tranquillity of mind, and to be spared from greater suffering. 
 If I have not the active help of my friends, I trust and believe 
 I have their watchfulness and prayers : these are what I most 
 need. Do not give way to too much feeling about me : my 
 motto often is, and I recommend it to thee, " Remember, oh 
 my soul, the quietude of those in whom Christ governs, and 
 in all thou dost, feel after it ! " Love to aU your family circle. 
 
 Thine, &c., 
 
 PeISCILLA GrEXET. 
 
 We proceed with, her sister's narrative. 
 
 "January" IQth. — PrisciUa has been very increasingly lU, 
 obliged to give up work and nearly all writing and reading to 
 herself. Interesting conversation witli her in the morning on 
 her place in the church, in heaven especially. She expressed 
 her own view that there are different stations in the church, 
 some to more honour, some to less ; that she was sensible she 
 was fitted and intended for a low place, but she was perfectly 
 wilUng to heep a low place ; that it was almost presumptuous 
 to talk of what place we might be found to fiU in the church 
 above. "What & favour to be admitted at all into it ! She often 
 thought of the parable of the man coming in and taking a high 
 seat. She was entirely convinced that we could not be happy 
 in spiritual or temporal things till we were made really willing 
 to take the lowest seat. I expressed my firm belief that, as one 
 star differeth from another star in glory, she would be one of 
 chief magnitude. This grieved her : she thought it had been an 
 inexpressible blessing to have been kept in this evil world from 
 great sins, and to have been preserved in a measiu-e from evil. 
 She was most thankful and sensible of the mercies in every way 
 bestowed upon her ; but yet continued to express a deep sense 
 of the lowness of her state. I spoke of the uncommon gifts and 
 
1821.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA CrRNEY. 
 
 177 
 
 graces which she had received. She replied, " I am quite con- 
 vinced that gifts are no proofs of the life of the soul. "We do 
 not live by gifts ; and I am thankfid that my ministry is so 
 much taken from me, to shew me how little the life of religion 
 in my soul depends upon it ; and also how entirely the work ia 
 out of myself." 
 
 Her sister L. Hoare's diary supplies some farther par- 
 ticulars of this interesting illness : — 
 
 " February''' 12th. — After hearing the forty-second Psalm, 
 she said a few words of thanksgiving, — " I thank thee, O Lord ! 
 that through our great weakness and manifold infirmities we 
 can say, "Hitherto thou hast helped us;" and we pray thee, 
 whatsoever state we may have to pass through, we may find the 
 grace of our Lord Jesus Christ sufficient for us." 
 
 When I told her that F. and E. C. had arrived (from 
 Switzerland), she said, "That is a comfort." Their intro- 
 duction to the room was easy and comforting. When she could 
 speak, holding the hand of each of them, she said she hoped 
 the presence of God had come with them ; it was a great 
 comfort to her to see them. I thought she shed tears, which 
 have been very rare with her through all her illness. 
 
 14>th. — Priscilla wished F. to sit and read with us : he 
 read the thirteenth of John. She said, when it was done, " It 
 is so comforting, I should like the next chapter." He read the 
 fourteenth. P. afterwards said to me, " It has been a delightful 
 reading ; I don't know when I have felt so comforted." Some- 
 thing of happiness prevailed over our sick room, and our dearest 
 patient was strikingly serene, comfortable and easy. In the 
 evening she was very sinking : she wished us all to meet in her 
 room : we sat in silence. She prayed, " Grrant, O Lord, that 
 thy poor unworthy servant may so see, and feel, and experience 
 thy great salvation, that she may depart in peace." " Tell 
 them," she said to her sister Buxton, " tell them all to watch 
 with me." 
 
178 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1821. 
 
 Priscilla received at this time the following letters from 
 W. Wilberforce and William Allen : — 
 
 Kensington Gore, 15th February, 1821. 
 
 Mt dear Fbiekd, 
 Tor so I trust you will allow me to style you ; I have long 
 been indulging myself in the speculation of writing you a few 
 lines for the purpose of assuring you of the friendly interest I 
 take in all that concerns you, and as this feeling is that of 
 enlightened, I may humbly hope, as well as of true friendship, 
 it renders me most interested in that which is most important 
 to you. I should rejoice indeed to hear that it had pleased our 
 Heavenly Father so far to bless the means that are used for 
 the recovery of your health as to enliven us with the hope of 
 your complete restoration to your former mediocrity of bodily 
 strength, a degree which would enable you to be again active 
 in your Master's service ; but if this intelligence be denied me, 
 I should not speak the truth if I were to say I am much 
 distressed ; in fact, my mind seems rather to be raised to a 
 higher elevation, to be warmed with a more animating hope, and 
 to be enabled to see you walking, in whatever direction it may 
 be, under the guidance and support of that merciful Shepherd 
 who carries his lambs in his arms, and who will never leave you 
 nor forsake you. Oh, my dear friend, what prospects open on 
 our view, when we look in this direction — a world of love and 
 peace and joy, and mutual confidence and unclouded affection ! 
 "We shall be like Him," says the apostle, " for we shall see 
 Him as He is !" May we be enabled more and more to live 
 under the power of this blessed truth. Meanwhile, you, I am 
 persuaded, ■will not forget the beautiful simplicity and christian 
 force of that delightful passage in Milton's sonnet on his own 
 bUndness, — 
 
 " They also serve who only stand and wait." 
 In truth, this is the more difficult service to be performed with 
 
1821.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 179 
 
 full acquiescence of will, and confidence of hope and love ; yet 
 from what I have heard from our dear friend F. Buxton, I trust 
 you are enabled to manifest your achievement of this harder task 
 of christian duty. My dear friend, may the same Everlasting 
 Arms continue to sustain you; and if we never meet again in 
 this world, may we meet where we shall love each other still 
 more than we do now, and shall be able to look forward to an 
 eternity of holiness and happiness, of the sweets of friendship, 
 heightened by a keener relish, and augmented by our common 
 enjoyment of those pleasures which, through the infinite mercy 
 and goodness of Him who sent his Son into the world to save 
 sinners, and of Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us, we 
 shall enjoy at God's right hand for evermore. May the best 
 blessing of heaven be your's, now and for ever, so wishes and 
 prays, 
 
 Tour sLucere and afi"ectionate friend, 
 
 AV. W. 
 
 WILLIAM ALLEN TO PRISCILLA GURNET. 
 
 Plough Court, Second Month 13th, 1821. 
 
 Sister, beloved in tue Lord, 
 Thy precious, innocent spirit feels very near to me, in the 
 fellowship of the gospel of our dear Redeemer, who, " having 
 loved his own who were in the world, loved them unto the end." 
 My heart glows with the belief, that thou art one of those whom 
 He hath loved, and still loves, who He wills shoxdd be with 
 Him, where He is, even in His glory. Take courage, then, dear 
 heart, and though thou wilt feel the flesh to be weak, and 
 though the enemy may yet for a short season attempt to create 
 dismay, yet as thy soul continues to be deeply anchored in Grod, 
 thou wilt know the accviser of the brethren to be cast down 
 for ever. Let faith and patience, then, have their perfect work, 
 recline upon the breast of thy beloved, cast all thy cares upon 
 Him, for He careth for thee, and I firmly believe tliat when the 
 frail tabernacle breaks down, thy precious immortal spirit will 
 
180 
 
 MEMOIR 
 
 OF PRISCILL.V GURNEY. 
 
 [1821. 
 
 be presented before thy Redeemer's throne of glory with ex- 
 ceeding joy. Farewell, farewell in the Lord! and if thou 
 shouldst be enabled, pray that thy poor weak brotlier may also 
 be preserved to the end. 
 
 Believe him ever affectionately thine, 
 
 William Allen. 
 
 Rachel's journal proceeds as follows : — 
 
 " Felruary''' 21st. — P. wished us all to meet in her room. 
 F. read a part of Revelation, only a few verses, and prayed. 
 Dearest Priscilla said in prayer, " Great and marvellous are thy 
 works, Lord Grod Almighty ;'' and may we be enabled humbly 
 to acknowledge that " Just and true are all thy ways, thou King 
 of Saints." She wished T. to leave the chair next to her, that 
 lier sister Louisa Hoare might take it, and repeat aloud what 
 she said, as follows : — " I wish to express the longing desire and 
 prajrer of my heart, that the best of blessings may be with you 
 all, individually and collectively ; that all you have done for me 
 — all your kindness — may be rewarded ; and that whether our 
 time here be long or sliort, we may all of tts be good, faithful, 
 and valiant soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ unto the end ; and 
 I much more especially express my desii-e that this blessing may 
 be with dearest Fowell and Hannah." 
 
 22nd. — We read one of Thorpe's interesting letters. P. sent 
 her love and messages to several. When on the bed she prayed, 
 " Enable me, O Lord, to cast myself wholly, unreservedly, and 
 humbly on thy love ; and grant, that although now I see thee 
 not, yet believing, I may rejoice with joy unspeakable and full 
 of glory !" Quiet assembly of us all in her room in the evening. 
 F. C. read, at her desire, the hymn on the death of a believer, 
 and that on the death of Stephen. 
 
 23rt?. — We met together as usual in her room. F. C. read 
 the thirty-fourth Psalm. She afterwards desired me to say, 
 " Though there is nothing said on the present occasion, how 
 much I hope that, through the power of the Redeemer present 
 
1821.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 181 
 
 with us, we may experieuee what is conveyed hy this text, ' Be 
 still, aud know that I am God.' " 
 
 2-Uh. — J. J. Gr. read iu her room, passages iu Isaiah aud 
 Eevelatiou, and spake of the beautiful condition of the de- 
 parted saints, — of those who were written in the Lamb's book 
 of life. Dearest Priscilla said to him, " Tell everybody (all 
 our circle) how much it is my desire that we may possess our 
 souls in patience." 
 
 Mr. D.* came. Dearest Priscilla took him most 
 affectionately by the hand as he was sitting by her, and said, 
 " I feel a strong interest in thee, and an earnest desire that 
 thou mayest be made a partaker of the hope and consolation of 
 the gospel." Mr. D. checked her, and said he coidd not allow 
 her to speak and hurt herself on his account. When he arose 
 to take leave she said, " I desire a blessing may be with thee : 
 it cannot hurt me to say this." 
 
 " March " 3>'d. — "We read and sat in her room. In the evernng 
 she was moved iato the arm-chair, the six sisters surrounding 
 her. She appeared in some distress, but soon repeated these 
 words, " Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive 
 me ;" asking for the conclusion of the verse. She said to H,, 
 " What a comfort to have such attendance !" I think she said, 
 some days ago, there was nothing for which she could desire so 
 much to recover, as to pay more attention to the sick. 
 
 4:th. — She said to F. C, " One thing I have learned, aud 1 
 wish thee to feel and remember it — that all suffering is short. 
 The time for trial and suffering is but for a moment. Let us 
 have patience while it lasts. Do remember this." To P. B. 
 she said, how very much she hoped she would cultivate the 
 blessed habit of patience and forbearance ixnder little difSculties. 
 
 Gth. — On giving her some medicine, when very low, she 
 paused and said, " Now when my flesh and my heart fail, do 
 thou be the strength of my life, and my portion for ever." 
 
 8th. — When Powell had carried Priscilla to bed, she stopped 
 • Her medical attendant. 
 
182 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1821. 
 
 liim. She wanted to speak to him. Her cough prevented her 
 for some time. Then she said, " Oh the sufferings of the 
 slaves !" 
 
 lOth. — J. J. Gr. came. He sat hy her, and she asked him 
 where that text was, " They that walk in darkness and have no 
 light, let them trust in the Lord, and stay themselves upon 
 their God." She seemed low and ill. She said, " I wish to 
 know if I have anything more to do." 
 
 Third Month 1 1th. — Elizabetli J. Fry records : — 
 Dearest PrisciUa 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 She expressed how entirely 
 
 she felt her dependence on the Lord alone, and hovr little she 
 felt the want of outward ministry ; though what came in the 
 life was refreshing and sweet. She also expressed, this morning, 
 a great desire for the Friends of the family, that they might 
 holdfast their principles. 
 
 12th. — Our dearest PriscHla is brought to the lowest and 
 most tried state of body ; yet she expresses that the Lord 
 manifests his power to be sirfficient to keep and sustain her in 
 this time of her great need. She has said that, through aU her 
 sufferings and her low estate, she is enabled to cleave fast to 
 the cross. She told E. F. that she trusted that she should not 
 be utterly cast do^vn, and yesterday morning expressed an 
 earnest desire and prayer that she might be enabled in every- 
 thing to give thanks, and she quoted part of the 10th verse of 
 the 50th of Isaiah. It is beautiful to see her entire submission to 
 the Avill of the Lord in everything. It is so evident to what 
 hand she wholly yields herself : her faith, her hope, her trust, 
 and her patience never fail. I heard her to-day pray over 
 something she was taking, " I desire to be thankful for aU the 
 mercies mingled in the cup of suffering. Thj' mercies are many 
 indeed." And after asking who was to sit up with her, she 
 
1821.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 183 
 
 paused, and then said, " Dearest Lord, grant thy blessing upon 
 this night, and give me thy help." She prayed that the Lord 
 would be with her in her deep distress, and that the deliverance 
 from it might be in his own time. " In thy own time. Lord." 
 
 16^^. — We thought yesterday the lowest day that has yet 
 been passed through. In this suffering state she said to E. 
 that the Lord was still sufficient for her. E. P. ministered to 
 her from the 40th Psalm, " Make no tarrying, oh my Grod : 
 be thou our help, and deliverer." PrisciUa said, "Amen." 
 
 19^7*.— She desired messages of great love and interest to 
 several relatives. She said to E. E. that having nearly lost the 
 use of her speech made her feel the exceeding importanoe of 
 the governrnent of the tongue ia health. 
 
 25th. — Our dearest Priscilla has sunk during the past week 
 into the arms of death. Her powers of body have been escaping 
 her : she has been scarcely able to speak, and, when she could, 
 has been heard with difficulty. She has much liked our reading 
 to her, several times in the day, in the Bible or hymns, also 
 Samuel Scott's Diary, John E,ichardson's Journal, and, for a 
 change, the history of the various Moravian missionary stations. 
 Though she has appeared so death-like, we have found the 
 powers of her mind surprisingly alive. On Eriday morning 
 we moved her on to the couch, which she left no more. We 
 endeavoured to get her to-bed at night ; but finding her much 
 exhausted by the attempt, I asked her to hold up her hand if 
 she preferred remaining on the couch, which she did. The 
 appearance of approaching death increased so much that we all 
 assembled round her. Her speech was gone, and she had 
 entered the valley of the shadow of death. The night was 
 deeply serious and awful ; yet she revived sufficiently for us to 
 have interesting communication with her during yesterday, and 
 the effect of her spirit upon us was delightful, though in silence 
 and death. She made us imderstand we were to read, by 
 pointing to C. and making signs : 13th of Corinthians was 
 chosen. EoweU, after reading, spoke very forcibly of the security 
 
184 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. [1821. 
 
 of the love of Grod towards her, that though she might, through 
 great weakness and illness, lose the sense and knowledge of it 
 herself, yet his love was unmeasurable, unutterable, and that 
 neither life nor death, neither principalities nor powers, nor 
 any other creature, could separate her from his love : that it 
 depended not on our sense of it ; that nothing iu us could 
 shake it, and that he did feel most strongly and powerfully that 
 she was in the hands of the God of love. She held his hand, 
 and by feeble squeezes indicated her satisfaction in what 
 he said. Her voice had wholly failed her, and the power of 
 articulation was almost entirely gone. Iler power of moving 
 or expressing herself by action was almost as much gone as 
 utterance ; but we could gather her mind and discover she was 
 trying to express something. It was evident to me that she 
 attempted to say " I'arewell " to Powell, of whom she wished to 
 take leave. As the evening advanced, the appearance of 
 approaching death decidedly increased. We assembled round 
 her. I was sitting holding her hand, the others about us. She 
 fixed her half-opened eyes upon me, and many times whispered 
 inarticulately, " Farewell." She was still seen making efforts to 
 speak, when I heard quite evidently, "Parewell to you all." She 
 looked up to Rachel, and again comparatively audibly uttered, 
 " Farewell," with quite a heavenly look, and I believe she said, 
 " My love is with you," and was moving her lips for some time. 
 We discovered her saying, " O Lord ! ' ' She was, no doubt, in 
 prayer — we thought for us. And here she feebly moved her 
 hand and arm to take our's, and F. thought made a movement 
 with her face for me to kiss her. This I observed twice or 
 thrice, and an evident decided smile, such as it had been long 
 since I had seen. E. J. Fry was then empowered (it was, 
 indeed, with a power and demonstration of the Spirit) to hold 
 forth to her the most lively encouragement, to lift up her head 
 in the strength of the Lord, to assure her soul before Him, that 
 He would carry her above the waves of Jordan. And she 
 added something to this effect : — " If I saw with my eyes the 
 
1831.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 185 
 
 glorious things prepared for tliee, I coidd not be more sure of 
 thcin them than now I am." Soon after this she fell asleep, 
 ■which became more and more the sleep of death. Several sat 
 up all night. We were summoned into the room after family 
 reading in the morning, and all assembled round her. We 
 trembled whilst watching whether each would be the last, 
 breath. J. J. Gr. said, " Lord Jesus, receive her sjjirit," — when 
 she ceased to breathe. E. Fry repeated the same in a prayer of 
 thanksgiving. Catherine quoted that verse, " Blessed are the 
 dead which die in the Lord, for they rest from their laboiu's, and 
 their works do follow them." 
 
 She was a most precious, tenderly beloved sister ! How 
 have we seen her soul live in strength through the decay of the 
 body ! 
 
 The closing scene to which this most interesting recital 
 has conducted the reader, occurred on the 25th of Third 
 Month, 1821. Very solemn and animating is the contem- 
 plation of such a blessed victory over the power of sin and 
 sorrow. How gently did the angel of death lay his hand 
 upon her, shielding her from the extremes of nature's 
 agony ! And how shall finite thought conceive, or mortal 
 utterance describe, the ineffable and perfect bliss and glory 
 that awaited her ransomed and happy spirit ? But to the 
 divinely anointed vision of frail and feeble pilgrims yet 
 waiting on the wilderness side of Jordan, some glimpses are 
 at times afforded of the riches of this perfect bliss and 
 glory, and in the ear of faith a celestial voice announces, 
 " All are yours ; for ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's." 
 
 One of the sisters gives a very touching description of 
 the funeral, which took place on the 31st. "There was," 
 she says, — 
 
 A blessed sense of the Divine providence and support 
 through everj' part of it. J. J. Gr. aud E. F. both prayed at the 
 
186 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURXEY. 
 
 [1821. 
 
 grave, and both in a strain of praise and thauksgi\Tng for the 
 mercies that had been vouchsafed to Priscilla in her life and in 
 her death. J. J. Gr. gave thanks that she had been redeemed 
 from this present evil world ; that, through the everlasting love 
 of God, she had been made ready, sanctified, and prepared for 
 the inheritance incorruptible ; that her conflicts and her trials 
 had, through the mercy of her God, been made subsei'vient to 
 the great end of working out her salvation, and that she was 
 amongst that blessed number whose robes had been washed 
 white in the blood of the Lamb ! E. J. T. alluded to the 
 shortness of her time here on earth, to some of the heavy and 
 sorrowfid steps of her pilgrimage : " Thou leddest her in the 
 wilderuess, in a solitai'y way, where she found no city to dwell 
 in. Yet thou didst sustain, comfort, and bless her, and in thy 
 own appointed time thou hast led her to a city of habitation." 
 At the meeting, my uncle Joseph Guruey bore his testimony to 
 her upright and holy course of life, to the glory and beauty of 
 that principle of faith in Christ which had led her in the way of 
 the cross, which had kept her in an humble and self-denying 
 path, but one in which she had been enabled to glorify the God 
 whom she had served. Those to whom she had shown many 
 kindness'^s, to whose wants she had administered, to whom she 
 had been the means of imparting spiritual instruction and 
 consolation, who had beheld the sweetness of her coiintenance, 
 and had blessed her, were earnestly invited to make themselves 
 acquainted with the principles of Gospel love, of that living 
 faith in Christ, of that grace shed abroad in the heart, which 
 had led to such abundant fruit in her whose loss we then 
 deplored. 
 
 An extract from some reminiscences of the cLaracter of 
 Priscilla Gurney, penned by her sister Rachel Gurney, 
 may prove an appropriate conclusion to the foregoing 
 memoir : — 
 
 The principles of conduct iu Priscilla, that were particularly 
 
1821.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 187 
 
 brought to my observation, were these : — 1st. Her anxious 
 desu-e to employ time well. 2nd. Her vigQant attention to 
 the poor and the sick. 3rd. Her lively interest in the edu- 
 cation of the youth of all classes, and more especially in the 
 religious instruction given them : a cause which she had most 
 deeply at heart. Her frequent calls from home, both of a 
 religious and domestic nature, made it difficult to pursue any 
 object Avith regularity; but her perseverance in overcoming 
 these obstacles I'endered her unusually skilful in the economy 
 of time, through almost every variety of circumstances. There 
 was, in her, the ever-open eye to watch and discern the leadings 
 of Providence, even in the minuter occurrences of the day, and 
 a most discriminating perception of the duties that were 
 involved in them, and in nothing was this more displayed than 
 in her equal fitness for the passive graces or the active virtues, 
 as either the one or the other might be required of her. This 
 haj)py combination of the principles of true diligence with a 
 nice judgment in their application, was discernible in every 
 stage of her illness, during which period, her exertions were 
 adapted to her power of making them, %\-ith wonderful exact- 
 ness and perseverance. The labours of love, which had 
 occupied so great a portion of her life, were still ever ready to 
 be extended to all within her reach ; this was to be particularly 
 observed to the children of our family circle, whom she treated 
 with especial tenderness, and to the servants who waited upon 
 her. The governing principle of religion was not only con- 
 spicuous in the economical arrangement of her time and her 
 pursuits, but in the love of order and completeness, which so 
 remarkably characterized all her undertakings. Her interest 
 for the poor, and the sick amongst them, was habitual to her, 
 and led to a vigilant care of them at all times, and wherever 
 she might be placed. If she could not give them her own 
 personal attention, she was very careful to stimulate others to 
 the discharge of this duty. She did not consider that a short 
 stay in any place exempted her from the necessity (when it 
 
188 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GXJRNEY. 
 
 [1821. 
 
 could be done) of ascertaining tte state of the poor in it ; but, 
 on the contrary, it furnished her with motives for redoubled 
 diligence in her attentions to them, that some good, if possible, 
 might result to the neighbourhood where such accidental visits 
 were paid. Towards the sick, especially, her tender sympathies 
 were drawn forth, and she considered it one of the most im- 
 portant obligations of christian charity to have them diligently 
 sought out, that assiduous care should be taken to mitigate 
 their sufferings and to minister to their comfort. She thought 
 an association for the benefit of the sick was also particularly 
 desirable, as affording a permanent source of relief for them, 
 but where this could not be effected, she was most anxious 
 that there should be, at least, a supply of linen and other neces- 
 saries in readiness to be lent out to them. She was greatly 
 interested in the establishment of Bible associations generally^ 
 being the most ready and effectual method of supplying the 
 Scriptures, and of exciting their desire to possess them. In 
 schools of every kind she felt much interested, but especially 
 in Sunday-schools ; as being, under careful superintendence, 
 one of the finest means of diffusing the knowledge of religious 
 principles. At some periods of her life, she was very diligent 
 in visiting our own schools and those in the neighbourhood, 
 with the express design of examining and promoting the scrip- 
 tural instruction of the children ; in this work, her grand aim 
 was, to instil into their minds the principles of Christian 
 conduct in connexion with the doctrinal truths of Scripture ; 
 thus preparing them to comprehend the obligation of the " two 
 great commandments " on which " hang all the law and the 
 prophets." She was strongly persuaded that the principle of 
 christian charity was very inadequately cultivated in its various 
 branches even by sincere Christians, and she thought that to 
 imbue the minds of children with its beauty and excellence, 
 was, with the blessing of God, one great means of increasing 
 peace on earth and goodwill towards men. She was deeply 
 solicitous that, in the Society of Friends, the young people 
 
1821.] 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 189 
 
 should be well versed in the Scriptures. lu aU her ratercourse 
 with the poor, it was her endeavour to exercise great caution 
 in administering to their relief, that no undue dependence on 
 their part might be begotten by it ; on the contrary, she 
 wished to help them in a way that should stimulate their own 
 industry and independence as much as possible. With this 
 view, she frequently assisted those who were the most diligent 
 labourers, and she took great pleasure in encouraging young 
 people to make useful exertions, and to perform acts of kindness, 
 by uniting timely presents and rewards to the exhortations and 
 instructions which she gave them. She went much to the 
 cottages of the poor, and sought opportunities of reading the 
 Scriptures, and other religious communion with them, as the 
 way might open. She thought that the most important service 
 that could be rendered to the sick, was by frequent visits to 
 them, and by inducing their neighbours to attend upon and 
 watch over them. In concluding these subjects — of her charities 
 to the poor and her interest in the religious instruction of 
 young people — it may be as well to add that she was very con- 
 scientious in the expenditure of money ; though perfectly 
 liberal in all reasonable expenses, she studiously endeavoured 
 to avoid aU superfluities of every kind that should curtail her 
 means of assisting others, or of supporting objects that she 
 conceived to be generally beneficial. Her forbearance and 
 wisdom were conspicuous in her conduct towards those from 
 whom she differed in opinion, and her great caution to avoid 
 giving pain to others was habitual to her, even in the minor 
 matters of taste and inclination ; yet this care was united to 
 a faithful desire that no considerations for the feelings of others 
 should interfere with the discharge of those religious duties 
 to which she apprehended she was called, and which were 
 frequently rendered more difficult to her by the narrow and 
 solitary path that they occasionally led her into. In mixed 
 societies she might be said to adorn the doctrine of God her 
 Saviour, and to wear the ornament, spoken of by the Apostle, 
 
190 
 
 MEMOIR OF PRISCILLA GURNEY. 
 
 [1821. 
 
 " of a meek and quiet spirit." Her active and almost anxious 
 benevolence made her so much alive to every description of 
 persons with whom she associated, that none were indifferent to 
 her ; this was a talent used to good purpose, and one that, under 
 the government of religion, gave peculiar tenderness and efficacy 
 to her ministry, especially when exercised towards individuals ; 
 her ready discernment of character also, aided her in adapting 
 the administration of her gifts and graces to the necessities of 
 others, and the sweetness of her countenance, together with 
 the peculiar refinement of her manners, gave her access to all 
 classes, by whom she was loved and revered in no common 
 degree. Her calling to the ministry was exercised by her in 
 deep self-humiliation, and in subjection to what she conceived 
 to be the authority of scripture on the subject ; in this work, 
 it was her endeavour to follow implicitly the guidance of the 
 Spirit by which she felt she had been constrained to enter 
 upon it. In her public services she was governed by the 
 discipline of the body of Christians to whom she belonged, and 
 by whom she was acknowledged as a minister, gifted and 
 prepared for the work allotted her. It was not only in this 
 character, but in her whole conduct, she exhibited a beautiful 
 example of the efficacy of the principle Avhich she advocated, 
 and which is so prominently upheld by the Society of Triends, 
 — that of the immediate direction and sensible influence of 
 Grod's Spirit over the hearts and minds of true Christians. 
 
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 ! THE DEMERERA MARTYR. Memoirs of the Rev. 
 
 ■ John Smith, Missiouaiy to Demerera. By Edwin 
 
 1 Angel Wallbeidgk. With a Preface by the Rev. 
 
 I W. G. Baeeett. 
 
 I " There will one day he a resurrection of names and 
 
 j reputations, as certainly as of bodies." John JiUlion. 
 
 I " The book is a worthy monument to the distinguished 
 
 I Martyr whose history forms its leading subject. * * » 
 
 '. "A valuable contribution to the cause of freedom, human- 
 
 ity, and justice in Demerara." — I'atriot. 
 
 5, Bishopsgate Street Without. 
 
24 
 
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 PORTRAITS. 
 
 ELIZABETH FRY. A Full-length Portrait of 
 Elizabeth Fry. Engraved by Samuel Cousins, A.R.A., 
 from a picture by George Richmond. 
 
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 ELIZABETH FRY. Engraved on Copper. By 
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 THOMAS CLARKSON. A Splendid Portrait of this 
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 WILLIAM ALLEN. J)va.wn on Stone. By Day 
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 SAMUEL GURNEY. . Dravna on Stone by 
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