THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE.
 
 ^ky 
 
 /^
 
 MEMOIRS OF 
 
 ANNA BRAITHWAITE, 
 
 BEING 
 
 B Sftetcb of fbev Early %itc and Minlstrij, 
 
 AND 
 
 Bitracts ^rom Iber piivatc /Dbemoran&a, 1830*59. 
 
 BY HER SON, 
 
 J. BEVAN BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 XouDon : 
 
 HEADLEY BROTHERS, 
 14, BISHOPSGATE STREET WITHOUT, E.G. 
 
 1905.
 
 HEADLEY BROTHERS, 
 
 PRINTERS, 
 
 LONDON ; AND ASHFORR, KENT.
 
 ^43757 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Birth and Ancestry — Charles and Thomas Lloyd — Her Grand- 
 father Sampson Lloyd, and her Grandmother Priscilla 
 Farmer. . . . . . . • • - • i 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 Recollections of her early years. . . . . ... 17 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Life at Home — Her father — Joseph Gurney Bevan — Stay 
 with her sister Priscilla Wordsworth — Marriage. 22 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Removal to Kendal — The circle there — Her husband's j amily 
 — His grandmother, Rachel Wilson — Rachel Wilson's 
 travels in America — Her numerous descendants. 38 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 1809-1815. 
 
 Birth of her children — Family life — The death of two brothers 
 and sister of her father-in-law, George Braithwaite — 
 Her acknowledgment as a minister. . . ... 47 
 
 LIBRARY
 
 vi. CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 1815-1819. 
 
 Review of her position as minister of the Gospel — Visits the 
 families of Friends in Birmingham — And in Westmorland 
 Quarterly Meeting, the Eastern Counties and Norwich — 
 Is Clerk of the Women's Yearly Meeting during several 
 years — Reflections on her twenty-eighth Birthday — Visit 
 to Cumberland as one of the Yearly Meeting's Committee — 
 Her father's sympathy with her various engagements — 
 Visit ,from Elizabeth Fry and Joseph John Gurney — Her 
 'first " pubHc meeting" — Visit to the families of Friends 
 at Norwich. . . . . . . . . 62 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 I Si 9- 1823. 
 
 Continues her visit to Friends in the Eastern Counties — In- 
 creased delicacy of her health — Spinal affection — Consults 
 Wm. Hey, of Leeds — His advice — Is Clerk of the Women's 
 Yearly Meeting 1821 — Enters upon family visits in neigh- 
 bourhood of London and in Midland Counties — Death of 
 her mother-in-law, Deborah Braithwaite, and of her own 
 mother Mary Lloyd — Her concern for her children, attends 
 the Yearly Meetings in Dublin and London in 1822 — Con- 
 tinues visits in London — Funeral of Jane Gurney at Norwich 
 — Death of Charles Parker — His funeral at Needham — 
 Visits families at Liverpool — Accident at Newcastle — 
 Illness and death of her sister, Mary Braithwaite — Libera- 
 tion for her visit to Friends in the United States — Letter 
 to Anna Forster — Letters from her father. . . 78
 
 CONTENTS. Vll. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 1823. 
 
 First voyage to America, 7th mo., 1823 — Her feelings on 
 leaving home — Incidents of the voyage — Arrival in New- 
 York. . . . . . . . . . . 105 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 1823. 
 
 Feelings on landing — Thomas Eddy — Meetings at New York — 
 Quarterly Meeting at Burlington, New Jersey — Stephen 
 Grellet — Thomas Stewardson — West Town School — 
 Richard Jordan — Engagements at Philadelphia. 113 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 1823. 
 
 Journey to North Carolina accompanied by Mary Allinson and 
 Israel W. Morris — First impressions of Slavery — Nathan 
 Hunt — Yearly Meeting at New Garden, North Carolina — 
 Return to Philadelphia and New York. .. 120 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 1824. 
 
 Rise of Unitarian views in New England — Spread amongst 
 Friends in New York — Elias Hicks, Anna Braithwaite's 
 first interview with him, her subsequent distress — Maternal 
 solicitudes — John Jay — Visit to famiUes of Friends in 
 New York — Dr. Hosack — Philadelphia and New York 
 Yearly Meetings. . . . . . . . . 134
 
 Viii. CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 1825-1850. 
 
 Return to England — Second visit to America 1825 — Third 
 visit 1827 — Home life 1827-1850 — The Beacon controversy 
 — Extracts from private memoranda during these 
 years. .. .. 149 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 I85I-I854. 
 
 Yearly Meeting 185 1 — Her son Bevan's marriage — Family 
 bereavements — :£)escriptifliL_o{ her husband's character — 
 Visit from Israel W. Morris — Reminiscences of America and 
 her travelling companions — Description of life atScotby — 
 Retrospect of her own life — Visit from her son Isaac and his 
 wife. . . . . . . . • 162 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 1854-1859. 
 
 Death of last surviving sister, Olivia James — Thoughts on the 
 evening of life — Desires for her children and grandchildren 
 — Serious accident to her son Foster — Her own increasing 
 sufferings — Further family bereavements — Full account of 
 her daughter Anna's life and experience — The last summer 
 and autumn at Scotby — Illness and death. . . 179
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Birth and Ancestry — Charles and Thomas Lloyd — Her Grand- 
 father Sampson Lloyd, and her Grandmother Priscilla 
 Farmer. 
 
 TT NNA BRAITHWAITE was the daughter of 
 j^^ Charles and Mary Lloyd, of Birmingham, 
 and was born in Edgbaston Street, Birming- 
 ham, on the 27th of the 12th month, 1788. She was 
 one among fifteen brothers and sisters, eleven of 
 whom grew up beyond the age of childhood. Her 
 father's family was of ancient extraction, tracing 
 their descent from some of the early Princes of 
 Wales and our own Plantagenet Kings. 
 
 In the 17th century we find Charles Lloyd, of 
 Dolobran, in Montgomeryshire, the head of this 
 branch of the family. He and his younger brother, 
 Thomas Lloyd, had been students contemporaneously 
 with William Penn* at Oxford, and it seems probable 
 that they knew each other then or later, though we 
 have been unable thus far to discover any positive 
 evidence, beyond the fact that Charles Lloyd was 
 one of the three Welsh Friends who signed a petition 
 to WilUam Penn in 1682, asking him to grant a tract, 
 
 * " Journal of Richard Davies," pp. 76, 7^.
 
 2 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 with certain special privileges, to the Welsh Friends 
 who were contemplating emigration to his new 
 colony. Still, the fact that Thomas Lloyd was made 
 a member of the Council immediately upon his 
 arrival in America in 1683, coupled with the state- 
 ment that William Penn preached at Mary Lloyd's 
 funeral a month later, " because he had such a high 
 esteem for her," certainly points to a previous 
 intimacy. 
 
 Thomas Lloyd, as already mentioned, went to 
 America with his family, and a considerable number 
 of other Welsh Friends, in 1683, and died there in 
 1694, after filling the office of President of the 
 Council and Deputy Governor of the Province for 
 several ^-ears. In the memorial drawn up by his 
 Friends after his decease he is thus described : — 
 
 " He was by birth of them who are called the gentry ; his 
 father being a man of considerable estate and of great esteem 
 in his time, and of an ancient house and estate called Dolobran, 
 in Montgomeryshire, in Wales. He was brought up at the most 
 noted schools, and from thence went to one of the Universities, 
 and because of his superior natural and acquired parts many 
 of account in the world had an eye of regard towards him. 
 Being offered degrees and places of preferment, he refused 
 them all, and, hearing of a poor despised people called Quakers, 
 he went to hear them, and the Lord's power reached unto him 
 and came over him to the humbling of his heart,- so that he 
 was convinced of God's everlasting truth and received it in 
 the love of it. . . . 
 
 • ' Thus departing from the vanities and iniquities of the world, 
 and following the leadings and instructions of the Spirit of 
 Christ, he was made an able minister of the everlasting Gospel
 
 THOMAS LLOYD. 3 
 
 of peace and salvation ; his acquired parts being sanctified 
 to the service of truth. 
 
 "His sound and effectual ministry, his godly conversation, 
 meek and lamblike spirit, great patience, temperance and 
 humility and slowness to wrath, his love to the brethren, his 
 godly care in the Church of Christ, we are fully satisfied have 
 a seal and witness in the hearts of all faithful Friends who knew 
 him, both in the land of his nativity and in these American 
 parts. 
 
 "We may in truth say he sought not himself, nor the riches 
 of this world ; but his eye was to that which is everlasting, 
 being given up to spend and be spent for the truth and the sake 
 of Friends. He was taken with a malignant fever the 5 th of 
 7th month (9th mo. N.S.) 1694, and though his bodily pain 
 was great, he bore it with much patience. Being near his end, 
 he said to those about him, ' Friends, I love you all. I am 
 going from you, and I die in unity and love with all faithful 
 friends. I have fought a good fight ; I have kept the faith, 
 which stands not in the wisdom of words, but in the power 
 of God. I have fought not for contention and strife, but for 
 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the simplicity of the 
 Gospel.' And so he bade them all Farewell." * 
 
 It was amidst the political and religious agitations 
 which marked the first half of the 17th century in this 
 country that the Society of Friends first made its 
 appearance under the ministry of George Fox and 
 his associates. 
 
 Two things especially distinguished this move- 
 ment : — 
 
 First. — Whilst Wyclif, Huss, Luther, Zwingli, 
 
 Calvin, the Wesleys and other great leaders 
 
 * See " Piety Promoted," second part p. 202, and " Col- 
 lection of Memorials of deceased Ministers in Pennsylvania, 
 etc.; to the year 1787."
 
 4 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BIJAITHWAITE. 
 
 of religious thought, have been more or less con- 
 nected with the clerical organization of the Church, 
 Fox was neither a priest nor the son of a priest. He 
 and many of his earliest associates were simple 
 laymen, unskilled in the learning of the schools, 
 claiming no call but that which they believed they 
 had received from the Great Head of the Church. 
 It was a call evidenced by the courage, the patience, 
 the wisdom, the faith and the love with which they 
 suffered and laboured. 
 
 Second. — The message of the early Friends was 
 emphatically a call from the darkness of sin and 
 corruption to the light, life, and love that are 
 revealed in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 With them a change of heart was the first and 
 principal thing. " All are concluded under sin, and 
 shut up in unbelief as I had been," are George Fox's 
 emphatic words, " that Jesus Christ might have the 
 pre-eminence, who enlightens, and gives grace and 
 faith, and power." His description is deeply 
 instructive of the distress and agony of his spirit 
 before he had been taught the meaning of the 
 words, " There is one, even Jesus Christ, that can 
 speak to thy condition." * " When I heard it," 
 he writes, " My heart did leap for joy." It was an 
 experience that ever afterwards became his central 
 theme. 
 
 To this was added a belief in the direct revelation 
 of Christ to the soul. " Now I was sent," Fox says, 
 * " Fox's Journal," p. 8.
 
 EARLY QUAKERISM, 5 
 
 " to turn people from darkness to light, that they 
 might receive Christ Jesus ; for to as many as should 
 receive Him in His light, I saw that He virould give 
 power to become the sons of God, which I had 
 obtained by receiving Christ ; and I was to direct 
 people to the Spirit, that gave forth the Scriptures, 
 by which they might be led into all truth, and so up 
 to Christ and God, as they had been who gave them 
 
 forth I saw that the grace of God, 
 
 which brings salvation had appeared to all men, and 
 that the manifestation of the Spirit of God was given 
 to every man to profit withal." 
 
 Testifying against formalism and all outsides in 
 religion, he had the courage to invite to a worship 
 for the right performance of which no human priest 
 or minister, or any outward service was essential ; 
 which depended on Christ and Christ alone ; and for 
 which faith in His all availing sacrifice, High Priest- 
 hood, mediation and intercession was the only in- 
 dispensable thing. 
 
 It was this faith which, in the view of the early 
 Friends, was under the immediate operation of the 
 Spirit of God, to transform man's whole inner being, 
 and to become " the substance " of a living Christ- 
 ianity — a Christianity which was to be no formal or 
 traditional profession, but a living practical power, 
 in which the knowledge of the Truth was to ripen 
 into a living experience of the Saviour's presence 
 and love. In their view, subjection to this risen and 
 glorified Lord was to become fruitful as an effectual
 
 6 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 witness for Him in His person, work and reign, 
 fulfilling in them and through them His own gracious 
 promise, " Because I live ye shall live also." 
 
 The spirit of inquiry and religious earnestness 
 which marked the time of the Commonwealth 
 opened the way for the promulgation and rapid 
 spread of the great principles of spiritual Christianity 
 proclaimed by Fox and his associates ; and in the 
 eleven years which elapsed between the execution of 
 Charles I. and the accession of his son, the " Friends " 
 had become very numerous throughout England, and 
 some progress had been made towards that free 
 Church organization and discipline which has so 
 long distinguished the Society, in which the mainten- 
 ance of Church order is combined with Christian 
 liberty in a manner which well deserves the attention 
 of every student of Church history. 
 
 The restoration of the monarchy was soon 
 followed by a period of severe suffering, in which the 
 faithfulness of the early Friends in their testimony 
 to the Lord Jesus Christ, both as respects worship 
 and the freedom of the ministry of the Gospel, and 
 as regards tithes, oaths, and the bearing of arms, was 
 severely tried for nearly thirty years. During this 
 long period thousands of them suffered grievous 
 imprisonments, and the spoiling of their goods ; a 
 considerable number, amongst whom may be named 
 Edward Burrough, Richard Hubberthorne, Francis 
 Howgill and James Parnell, died in prison. At 
 Boston, in New England, four were hanged under the
 
 EARLY QUAKERISM. 7 
 
 cruel laws enacted against them, one of them being 
 Mary Dyer, a noble minded Christian woman. It 
 was not until the passing of the Toleration Act in 
 1688-89 (ist William and Mary), that they obtained 
 from Parliament any considerable measure of reHef. 
 
 The early Friends were mostly of the middle 
 class of society ; yeomen living on their own estates 
 in the agricultural districts, and tradesmen or 
 shopkeepers in the cities or towns. There were but 
 few, if any, of the very poor, whilst from among the 
 wealthier or upper classes there were several con- 
 spicuous examples who, like William Penn, Isaac 
 Penington, Robert Barclay, Sir John Rhodes, Bart., 
 and others, illustrate the attractive power of the 
 simple gospel, even amongst those who were 
 exposed to the allurements of the world. 
 
 Among these latter may be classed Charles Lloyd 
 and his brother Thomas. Believing emphatically, as 
 they did, in the universality of Divine grace, they 
 early submitted to the visitations of the Holy Spirit, 
 and endured both imprisonment and the spoiling 
 of their goods for their testimony to their Lord and 
 Saviour. 
 
 Of Thomas Lloyd enough has been already said. 
 
 In 1666, George Fox mentions having a large 
 meeting at the house of the elder brother, Charles 
 Lloyd,* and various interesting notices of his labours 
 occur in the Journal of Richard Davies. Speaking 
 
 * " Journal," p. 312,- where the name is spelt " Floid," 
 according to the Welsh pronunciation.
 
 8 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BHAITHWAITE. 
 
 of a meeting held in 1662 near Dolobran, Richard 
 Davies writes : — (pp. 68-70) 
 
 Ihe report of this meeting went through the country. 
 Whereupon divers were sent for to appear before Edward; 
 Lord Herbert, Baron of Cherbury, at a place where he then 
 hved, about three miles from Dolobran, at Llyssin. After 
 some disco\irsc with them, he sent them toWelchpool to prison, 
 for refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy, 
 which they refused because they could not swear at all. 
 
 These prisoners were kept very close. Charles Lloyd, 
 who was a little before in the Commission of the Peace, was 
 put in a little smoky room, and did lie upon a little straw him- 
 self for a considerable time, and at length his tender wife 
 Hli/.abeth, that was of a considerable family (daughter of Samp- 
 son Lort. near Pembroke, in South Wales), was made willing 
 to lie upon straw with her dear and tender husband. And 
 thus they both with the rest of Friends, did rather chuse to 
 suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the plea- 
 sures of sin for a season. 
 
 After Thomas Lloyd settled in Pennsylvania, his 
 brother Charles appears to have removed to Birm- 
 ingham, where he died in 1698, at the house of his 
 son-in-law, John Pcmberton, at Bennett's Hill, near 
 Birmingham, having this testimony from his friends 
 who knew him best, that " he was a serviceable man 
 in his day, and delighted to see Truth prosper." 
 
 Charles Lloyd's second son Sampson had probably 
 removed to Birmingham before his father's death or 
 soon after that event. He died there in 1724, aged 
 60. The family was continued in his son, the 
 second Sampson Lloyd, who was born in 1699. He 
 purchased an estate near Birmingham, where he
 
 LLOYDS OF EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 9 
 
 built a substantial family mansion — still used by his 
 descendants — under the modest name of " The Farm." 
 He is remembered as a highly respected minister of 
 the Gospel in the Society of Friends. One of his 
 sayings illustrated the strength of his convictions, 
 " I had rather have my son a faithful Friend than aa 
 emperor." 
 
 He died in 1779, having been twice married. By 
 his first wife, Sarah Parkes, he had one son, the 
 third Sampson Lloyd, born in 1728, who, on his 
 father's decease, settled at the Farm, and became the 
 father of a numerous family, of whom Samuel Lloyd 
 was the eldest, who afterwards married Isaac 
 Braithwaite's eldest sister Rachel. Charles Lloyd, 
 the father of Anna Braithwaite, was the son of the 
 second Sampson Lloyd by his second wife, Rachel 
 Champion, by whom he had several other children. 
 He was born in 1748, and was consequently twenty 
 years younger than his elder half-brother. This 
 elder half-brother was a man of strong convictions, 
 and much esteemed. His name occurs as Clerk of 
 the Yearly Meeting in 1777, and again in 1782, when 
 it was usual to change the Clerk every year. He was 
 remarkable for quiet dignity and a loving spirit. It 
 was to him that Dr. Johnson felt bound to apologise 
 for his rudeness during one of his visits. Calling at 
 the Bank on the following morning, the Doctor's 
 stentorian voice was heard shouting, " Lloyd, I say, 
 I am the best theologian, but you are the best 
 Christian."
 
 lO MEMOIRS OF ANNA BHAITHWAITE. 
 
 The late Mary Anne Schimmelpenninck, a 
 daughter of the late Samuel Galton, a near relative 
 of the family, has left in her autobiography a lively 
 sketch of the two brothers.* 
 
 " The person," she writes, " who most deeply impressed 
 my childish mind was my aged cousin, Sampson Lloyd. His 
 temperament was very sanguine, and when 3'oung he must 
 have been exceedingly susceptible to all objects of taste and 
 feeling, but now his hair was snowy white, and his form bowed 
 as he sat at Meeting. His countenance bore traces of conflicts 
 long past in a heart and mind that could have felt exquisitely, 
 and that had been deeply torn. I shall never forget the beaming 
 expression of his eye, not unmingled with compassion, with 
 which he looked on all, especially the young. Truly he seemed 
 like Moses who had been on the Mount, and who descended, 
 with the glory still in his countenance, to bless the people. 
 Happy was that week when I had the good fortune to receive 
 a kind word from him as he went out of the Meeting. He was 
 called ' St. John,' and he seemed to me exactly to realise 
 the image of that beloved Apostle in his extreme age, as he 
 said, ' Little children, love one another,' a short sentence of 
 
 * See pp. 186, 194, 196. In adopting this extract, I have 
 assumed that the " aged cousin, Sampson Lloyd," there 
 referred to, was the third of that name, and not the second 
 Sampson Lloyd who died in the autumn of 1779. It must be 
 admitted that there is some confusion in M. A. Schimmel- 
 penninck's statements. But I am led to the above conclusion 
 by the following considerations. First, M. A. Schimmel- 
 penninck, having been born in the autumn of 1778, was only 
 a year old when the second Sampson Lloyd died. It is im- 
 possible, therefore, that he could have been the person " who 
 most deeply impressed her childish mind." Secondly, it was 
 the third, and not the second Sampson Lloyd who was the 
 elder half-brother of Charles Lloyd, Anna Braithwaite's father. 
 The second Sampson Lloyd was their father. These reasons 
 appear to me decisive. 'Though the third Sampson Lloyd 
 may not have been a " minister," there is no doubt that he. 
 like his father, was a man of genuine piety.
 
 LLOYDS OF EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. II 
 
 tranquil wisdom pronounced through deep experience of the 
 hfe of Christ. I seem yet to see him, and look upon his vener- 
 able and loving countenance, his white hair, and the tears 
 streaming down his cheeks as he spoke — tears such as I had 
 never seen before, for they seemed to tell of mingled affection, 
 gratitude and peaceful joy. 
 
 " Very different from my cousin Sampson was his half- 
 brother Charles, perhaps some thirty years younger.* 
 
 " He too was a man of remarkable character. Whilst my 
 cousin Sampson drew forth the religious affections, the con- 
 versation of his brother tended to establish religious foundations. 
 I have often thought how great is the blessing of associating 
 both with those who possess the inspiration of the Spirit of 
 love, and also with those who are in the habit of accurately 
 defining and strictly applying truth. It is good to have not 
 only a loving spirit, but a sharp and definite outline of truth. 
 In this my cousin Charles Lloyd was remarkable. His wife 
 was the daughter of my venerable great-aunt Farmer." 
 
 It has been said that the second Sampson Lloyd 
 had several other children by his second wife, 
 besides Anna Braithwaite's father. Amongst these 
 may be mentioned Rachel, who became the second 
 wife of David Barclay, of Youngsbury (grandson of 
 the Apologist), whose collection of poetry, published 
 by her husband after her decease, is a pleasing 
 evidence of her taste and piety. 
 
 Another daughter, Mary, was married to Osgood 
 Hanbury, of Holdiield Grange, Coggeshall, in Essex, 
 from amongst whose descendants Anna Braithwaite 
 in later years enjoyed the friendship of the first Sir 
 Thomas Powell Buxton and his sisters, Anna Forster 
 
 * The difference between the brothers' ages was only 
 twenty years.
 
 12 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 and Sarali Maria Buxton, and of Anna Gurney, of 
 Northrepps Cottage, near Cromer. 
 
 On her mother's side, the ancestors of Anna 
 Braithwaite, Hke those of her father, had very early 
 become members of the Society of Friends. Her 
 great-grandfather, Clement Plumsted, was associated 
 with William Penn and eleven others, most, if not all 
 of them, " Friends," in the purchase in 1681-82, of 
 East Jersey, in America, from the executors of Lord 
 Carteret (subsequently confirmed by a grant from 
 the Duke of York, afterwards James II.), of v/hich 
 Robert Barclay, the author of the Apology, was in 
 1683 appointed Governor during his life.* 
 
 Clement Plumsted's daughter Priscilla became 
 the wife of David Barclay, the youngest son of the 
 Apologist, who settled in London, and who received 
 George III. and his Queen at his house in Cheapside, 
 in the year 1761, of which a graphic account by her 
 brother-in-law, Joseph Freame, to his sister Plumsted, 
 is preserved amongst the family records. 
 
 Clement Plumsted's granddaughter Priscilla 
 (named after lier aunt Priscilla Barclay) married 
 James Farmer. He built Bingley House near 
 Birmingham, where he afterviards resided, and had 
 an only child, Mary Farmer, who subsequently 
 
 ♦ See Smith's " History oi New Jersey," 156, 157. Robert 
 Barclay's commission is printed at p. 166. A large MS. 
 volume containing documents connected with East Jersey 
 during his government was transferred by his descendant, 
 the late Hudson Gurney, shortly before his decease, along 
 with other Barclay papers, to Arthur Kett Barclay, of Bury 
 Hall, near Dorking.
 
 PRISCILLA FARMER, I3 
 
 became the mother of Anna Braithwaite. James 
 Farmer died in middle life. His widow survived 
 him many years, and became a decided religious 
 character. The following extracts from her letters 
 breathe her Christian spirit and her earnest desires 
 for the best welfare of her beloved daughter : — 
 
 " Be honest, my dear child, in every thing thou sayest. 
 Let every word come from thy heart. Detest insincerity 
 thyself, and be an example of sincerity to others, ever remem- 
 bering whose penetrating eye sees at all times the very bottom 
 of our intentions." 
 
 Again : — 
 
 " Above all things, my dearest, remember thy Creator 
 in the days of thy youth, and earnestly desire His fear which 
 will be to thee riches and honour and life. 
 
 "Read in the Proverbs often, a Httle at a time. Let those 
 wise precepts sink deep into thy heart." 
 
 So in another letter : — 
 
 " Mayst thou ever rejoice in communicating happiness 
 to others. I charge thee, my dearest, give way to dispositions 
 of kindness in thyself, and promote them in thy companions 
 by every means in thy power. Abhor pride and envy ; for 
 I can assure thee, who ever gives way to these tempers will 
 be tormented by them, though they may live in a palace or 
 sit on a throne." 
 
 Still later she wrote : — 
 
 " I shall rejoice to find thee growing in the best disposi- 
 tions, still leaving all things to the direction of Providence, 
 who cares for thee with unwearied love. As much as possible 
 abstract thy mind from things on earth. Choose for thy Friend 
 the God of Abraham, the glorious object of the saint's faith
 
 14 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 through all ages, and thou wilt know for thyself a stability 
 which the world cannot give, nor its frowns and flatteries 
 take away." 
 
 The following, addressed to her daughter in 
 London, illustrates the oft repeated fact that periods 
 of religious declension are nothing new or surprising 
 in the history of the Christian Church :— 
 
 9th mo. 1st, 1769. 
 
 " I rejoice thou hadst the opportunity of hearing the Gospel 
 preached by one who I believe has been an experimental 
 witness of its efficacy. The lamentable degeneracy of our 
 Society in London, its weakness, which appears so visible to 
 all eyes in the poverty of our Meetings, is a subject well worth 
 thy serious attention. Want of stability, giving way, first 
 in small then in greater matters, till every barrier is broken 
 down, has been and is the loss of individuals: and the defection 
 is felt through the whole. 
 
 " Mayst thou, my dear child, be preserved in the paths 
 through which wisdom safely conducts her early votaries : 
 so shalt thou become what I earnestly wish thee to be, a com- 
 plete female character ; and that peace to which nothing 
 upon earth is compjirable shall be thine." 
 
 Once more, writing from Bingley : — 
 
 6th mo. 1 8 th. 
 
 " May that God in whom I desire reverently to trust; 
 preserve thee from an unsuitable union, from whence too often 
 arise the worst evils. I am glad a consciousness of thy own 
 weakness attends thee. Without this thou wouldst be in the 
 greatest danger, as flattery is the means by which the enemy 
 too often beguiles unstable souls. The worldly spirit ever was 
 and is enmity with God. My dearest child, let no one take 
 thy crown, but frequently retire in profound stillness to the 
 spring of all good ; waiting to be clothed with the spirit of
 
 PRISCILLA FARMER. I5 
 
 meekness and deep humility, which will be thy brightest 
 ornament and only safety." 
 
 It was an answer to many prayers when this 
 tenderly beloved daughter became, in 1774, the wife 
 of their early friend, Charles Lloyd. Some time 
 after this event Priscilla Farmer writes from 
 London : — 
 
 6th mo. II, 1775. 
 
 " I am glad that thy union with thy husband is blessed' 
 to thee as a confirmation in thy religious walk. Indeed, my 
 dear child, I am more than ever convinced that our alone 
 safety and final happiness consist in choosing Christ for our 
 portion, who has declared himself to be the Way, the Truth,, 
 and the Life." 
 
 The present chapter cannot more appropriately 
 close than with the portrait of Priscilla Farmer, from 
 the pen of her great-niece, Mary Ann Schimmel- 
 penninck : — 
 
 " My aged great-aunt Farmer stands prominently depicted 
 in my remembrance. I have understood that in her early 
 youth she had been amongst the gayest of the gay, and the 
 most worldly of the worldly, so far as comported with high 
 respectability. Her mind was shrewd, firm and strong, 
 her objects those which by the intelligent part of the world 
 were highly prized, and her judgment was much looked up 
 to, independently of the facility with which the world always 
 congregates round those whose homes are distinguished by 
 opulence, elegance and intelligence. Her heart, I have heard, 
 was once inflated by the consciousness of her own superiority, 
 her word was law to her circle. She was as a beautiful vision 
 reflecting splendid colours to the many below who looked up 
 to her, but it pleased God in mercy to touch this bubble.
 
 l6 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BHAITHWAITE. 
 
 and it burst. I know not her history, but my earliest 
 recollection of her is that of the plainest among Friends, very 
 aged, with great dignity of manner, marked by good sense, 
 simplicity and perhaps severity, tempered with kindness. 
 As a little child, I well remember how I always felt for her a 
 degree of real confidence, though not unmingled with fear. 
 Whenever she spoke, I involuntarily listened, for I felt sure 
 that if it were on a moral subject, some foundation would 
 be cleared, if it were intellectual, some light would be 
 elicited."
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Recollections of her early years. 
 
 THE following are from Anna Braithwaite's 
 recollections of her early years : — 
 
 " I was born in Eldgbaston Street, Birmingham, on the 27th 
 of the 1 2th mo : 1788. It was not until the death of our revered 
 grandmother, Priscilla Farmer [in 1796],- that we removed 
 to her residence, Bingley House, near the town. 
 
 "When I was about four years of age, my little brother 
 Edwin died. He was a lovely child, and seeing his beautiful 
 remains made a deep impression. The countenance seemed 
 to say ' I have gone to heaven,' and I longed to follow ; 
 yet felt that I was not good enough to live with God. Many 
 were the struggles of my heart at that early age, with a naturally 
 strong will, warm affections, and decided likes and dislikes. 
 
 " At what age I was first taken to Meeting I do not recollect ; 
 but going to Meeting was always considered a privilege. I 
 was fond of observing countenances, and formed decided 
 prepossessions in favour of some whom I longed to sit near, 
 believing that there is an atmosphere of mind that can be 
 felt. When permitted to attend meetings appointed by 
 ministers, it was a great comfort to me to be placed on a hassock 
 in the ministers' gallery in order to make room. Their spiritual 
 state seemed to soothe my then anxious soul, and I loved to 
 cherish sympathy with them according to my capacity. 
 
 "- My widowed grandmother Farmer resided at Bingley until 
 her death, and my visits to her are among the deepest interests 
 
 17 
 
 3
 
 l8 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 of my early childhood. She had been for many years a con- 
 verted character. Her Christianity was eminently practical ; 
 her intellectual countenance, her loving spirit, her dignified 
 deportment, her true humility and watchfulness made a deep 
 impression. Her word was law ; but her commands were so 
 just and fitting to the occasion that even children felt it an 
 honour to obey them. She devoted herself to the sick, the poor 
 and the afflicted ; setting apart a large portion of her income 
 for charitable purposes. 
 
 " Although my grandmother died when I was little more than 
 seven years old, her countenance and figure are vividly re- 
 membered. She always sent her carriage for my mother 
 and the ' little ones,' of whom I was one, on sixth days, which 
 we spent with her. My elder sister Mary lived(,with her. My 
 grandmother had been fond of gay life when young, and had 
 had great zest in attending the theatre. This continued for 
 many years after my mother's birth, which took place ten 
 years after their marriage. (She was their only child). One 
 thing must not be omitted. Never do I remember at Bingley 
 in my grandmother's time, nor afterwards on the part of my 
 father and mother, unkind remarks about any one. Personal 
 conversation in the way of gossip was unknown. Their 
 richly stored minds never lacked subjects which were instruc- 
 tive and adapted to every variety of character ; and they 
 habitually endeavoured to find the right key to open the hearts 
 and minds of their visitors. It was an axiom with them, 
 that in this way we may learn something from every one. 
 
 "My grandmother had at this period removed most of the 
 rich adornments of my grandfather's house. The old family 
 pictures in large gilt frames were placed in one of the attics, 
 and I well remember the sort of awe with which I used to enter 
 that apartment. They spoke of the dead, and seemed to speak 
 to me by their expressive eyes and commanding figures. 
 
 " I do not remember the time from my earliest childhood, 
 when I was a stranger to convictions for sin. The practice
 
 EARLY RECOLLECTIONS. I9 
 
 of retiring to my room each evening was early begun. I 
 can distinctly trace it when seven years old. There, on a 
 little trunk, I read the Scriptures, and there I sought the Lord 
 in waiting upon Him and in prayer. My heart panted after 
 the Lord. I felt my inward corruption, I saw the hidden 
 things of darkness there. John Woolman's Journal, Kendall's 
 Extracts, and Fenelon were, after the Bible, my favourite 
 books, and were read over and over again with instruction. 
 I made rapid progress in my lessons, and was diligent in 
 my reading — especially books upon history, metaphysics 
 and biography. Blackstone's ' Commentaries,' Prideaux's 
 Connection, and other works, mostly considered dry by my 
 companions, were not so to me. At ten years of age my parents 
 sent me to an excellent school kept by a French lady, Theresa 
 Dupont, whose brother and brother-in-law, the celebrated 
 Brissot, were guillotined during the French Revolution. 
 Theresa Dupont was joined by her widowed sister, Minette 
 Aublay, who, with her husband and infant son, Francois, had 
 fled to the United States to escape the horrors of that fearful 
 time. Her husband died there of yellow fever, and she subse- 
 quently came over to England. These two sisters were well 
 educated, accomplished women. Theresa Dupont bore the 
 marks of deep suffering in her intellectual countenance, and 
 was possessed of great refinement and sensibility. She was 
 thoroughly conversant with what belonged to her department, 
 history, geography, astronomy and the use of the globes ; 
 and her lectures (for I know not how better to describe her 
 mode of instruction) on history and ancient and modern 
 geography, rivetted the attention of her pupils and, with the 
 aid of an excellent library, enabled them to follow out her 
 plan that they should all write on these and other subjects. 
 Her sister taught French, Italian,- and Enghsh grammar. 
 She understood what she taught and expected her scholars 
 to do the same, and encouraged them to ask questions for this 
 purpose, explaining as they read French or Italian, whether
 
 20 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 prose or poetry, the nature of the idioms and other matters 
 necessary for the understanding of each language and author. 
 She was a woman of strong sense, quick discernment of charac- 
 ter, much natural vivacity, and always in good humour. . . . 
 
 " It is with feehngs of deep abasement and gratitude to 
 my heavenly Father for His goodness and mercy towards one 
 of the most unworthy of His servants, that I often recur to the 
 period when the Gospel was made glad tidings of great joy to 
 my conflicted soul. The sense of the corruption of my heart 
 weighed heavily upon me. I felt that I had sinned and fallen 
 short of the glory of God, and lor many years I went mourning 
 on my way. I longed for hoUness of thought, and was greatly 
 distressed because of my distance from it. In this state of mind 
 I pursued my studies with diligence. My natural taste for 
 learning was strong and would at times engross my mind ; 
 but through all great was my anxiety to know the truth as it 
 is in Jesus. My heart was often overwhelmed within me, 
 and my secret cry was to the Lord, that He would show me the 
 way of salvation. I fell in with some Roman Catholic priests, 
 who took much pains to lead roe to adopt their views ; and 
 gladly would I have found relief from them, but, through 
 divine mercy, I was delivered out of this snare. 
 
 " After thus wading through inexpressible conflict so that 
 my friends thought I was ill and consulted a medical attendant, 
 it pleased my Heavenly Father to open my understanding in 
 an unexpected hour to see His beloved Son to be ' the Way, 
 the Truth, and the Life.' I was fourteen years old when, as 
 I was walking in a field meditating on my sad condition, I 
 poured out my soul in prayer, and thought that if the Lord 
 would, in His mercy, make known to me how I could be saved, 
 my future hfe should be wholly devoted to Him and His service. 
 Suddenly a flood of light seemed to shine on my understanding ; 
 my heart was humbled and contrited, and the words were 
 distinctly sounded to my spiritual ear, ' Believe on the Lord 
 Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.' I then understood for
 
 EARLY RECOLLECTIONS. 21 
 
 the first time the language, ' therefore being justified by faith 
 we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' 
 Often as these passages of Holy Writ had been read by me, 
 it was not until then that they were unsealed ; and thus did 
 I realize that no man can call God Father, or Jesus Lord but 
 by the Holy Ghost. Whilst my heart was thus relieved 
 and gladdened, it was said to me mentally as clearly as I ever 
 heard anything with my outward ear : ' this doctrine thou 
 wilt have to proclaim both in England and America.' Truly, 
 for the time I was broken down with the humbling sense of the 
 presence of Him after whom I had so long panted. I could say, 
 with the patriarch of old, ' I have heard of thee by the hearing 
 of the ear ; but now mine eye seeth thee.' Oh, how I longed 
 to convey to others what I then felt, ' peace with God through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ.' The fulness and the freeness of the 
 Gospel opened to my view: and Christ my Saviour was then seen 
 and known as at once the atonement for sin — the Mediator 
 of the new Covenant ; the High Priest and Advocate with 
 the Father, and as the true light which enUghteneth every 
 man that cometh into the world. I then felt nothing could be 
 too hard to give up to prove my love and gratitude. 
 
 " The Christian testimonies of Friends were at an early 
 age brought home to me with the conviction of their unison 
 with Holy Scripture, and that it was my duty to maintain 
 them. It was from this that I thought it right to use ' the 
 plain language ' from the age of ten years, in a school where 
 there were no members of our Society but my two sisters and 
 myself. It forcibly struck me as the language of the Bible, 
 and of Christ and His Apostles, as a pure form of expression, 
 and that it was my duty to adhere to it, rather than follow the 
 many who used what had originated in pride without perhaps 
 reflecting upon the subject at all."
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Life at Home — Her father — Joseph Gurney Bevan — Stay 
 with her sister Priscilla Wordsworth — Marriage. 
 
 THE circle in which Anna Lloyd moved was 
 well calculated to promote enlargement of 
 mind and habits of widespread sympathy. 
 
 Her father was interested with his brothers in the 
 iron trade, and was also a partner in the oldest 
 bank in Birmingham. But though carefully attentive 
 to his duties as a man of business, he was by no 
 means neglectful of other claims. He had received 
 a liberal education, and with his cultivated mind and 
 refined tastes, he was fond of intellectual and im- 
 proving society. To the end of his life he kept up 
 the habit, which he had early formed, of reading the 
 New Testament in the original ; and his translations 
 from Homer and Horace, which he printed for his 
 own amusement, evince his familiarity with classical 
 learning. 
 
 As a member of an extensive circle of relatives 
 and friends, and himself the head of a large family, 
 his quick sensibilities and tender affections were 
 especially conspicuous.
 
 HER FATHER, CHARLES LLOYD. 23 
 
 The following extracts from his letters will give 
 an insight into his character, and the circle in which 
 he was accustomed to move. 
 
 From Charles Lloyd to his wife : — 
 
 "15th of 2nd mo., 1791. 
 
 "We had a very large company in Red Lion Square (David 
 Barclay's) on 7th day. Robert Barclay of Ury, Samuel 
 Galton, Thomas Kett and wife with three children, Robert 
 and Rachel Barclay, etc.; in the evening a fresh succession of 
 company. We drank tea at Ann Fothergill's * on First day. 
 She was very kind. George Dillwyn was there and spoke a 
 few words acceptably. We have had much intimate con- 
 versation together. 
 
 " Yesterday Robert Barclay and I went to Hampstead, 
 and dined with Samuel Hoare, whom we found poorly. We 
 conversed however as usual. Samuel Galton supped last 
 night at Red Lion Square. We are going to dine at Joseph 
 Foster's, at Bromley. To-morrow there is to be a large party 
 at Red Lion Square, and next day Robert [Barclay] and I 
 intend to dine at Wm. Wilberf orce' s. Indeed I have so many 
 kind friends that I find it difficult to allot time for calling on 
 them." 
 
 In another letter he says : — 
 
 " I drank tea at James Phillips', and afterwards went to 
 the Committee on the Slave Trade. All the company were 
 Friends. This great cause of humanity rests very much on 
 the membersof our Society." Still later he speaks of meeting 
 the Attorney-General of Barbadoes, and being called upon 
 " to defend the cause of the poor Africans against a very able 
 opponent, who, however, candidly acknowledged that the 
 slave trade was a horrid affair, and greatly needed regula- 
 tion." 
 
 * The sister of Dr. Fothergill.
 
 24 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 Other letters describe his attendance at the 
 meetings of the country bankers, and his interview 
 as a member of a small deputation with Pitt, then 
 Chancellor of the Exchequer. 
 
 Again writing to his wife under date 
 
 " 1st of 3rd mo., 1797. 
 
 " On my arrival in London, I found quite a new state of 
 things. The Bank of England, whose notes are always 
 reckoned as cash, and for which cash has been always ready 
 (at least ever since the year I/45, when there was a temporary 
 stoppage) has entirely stopped payment of cash, so that no 
 money can be had from them, the consequence of which is 
 that all paj'ments except for a little change must be made in 
 paper. 
 
 What will be the result 01 this desperate measure is uncer- 
 tain. I believe we are better off than most, and I am thankful 
 to say that a good degree of calmness and decision covers my 
 mind, so that I hope we shall be favoured to stem the torrent 
 as far as relates to ourselves. Our Friends in Lombard 
 Street are also well and collected, and feel the blow much 
 less than might have been expected." * 
 
 It is instructive to mark, amidst all these engage- 
 ments, the evidence of an earnest endeavour to 
 maintain a consistent walk with God. 
 
 " May we be more and more strengthened in living faith," 
 are his concluding words to his wife in one of his letters, " and 
 looking beyond this world, fix our affections on things which 
 are above. The vicissitudes of this life will not then shake 
 our faith, for we may be assured that all things work together 
 for good to them that love God." 
 
 ♦ See Stat : 37 Geo : IIL chap. 45, and Walpole's " His- 
 tory of England," vol. i. p. 48 et seq.
 
 HER FATHER, CHARLES LLOYD. 2$ 
 
 He adds in another letter : — 
 
 " My faith has, I humbly trust, been renewed. The slender 
 strength of human reason avails but little, and though the 
 simple plan of Christian faith is too much ridiculed in these 
 days of human wisdom, I cannot and I hope I never shall, 
 rehnquish this strong tower of the righteous." 
 
 He was deeply moved by the death of his '* very 
 dear and very much lamented sister," Rachel 
 Barclay, the wife of David Barclay, at Youngsbury, 
 in 1792. His letters describe the interment at 
 Winchmore Hill as a very " striking opportunity." 
 "As we left Youngsbury at six this morning, my dear 
 brother remarked ' how mutable and unstable are all human 
 enjoyments. My wife and I,' he said, ' had been labouring 
 to make Youngsbury a perfect place, and this spring all seemed 
 perfection, when alas ! the partner of my joys was snatched 
 from me.' " 
 
 Charles Lloyd adds : — 
 
 " The sweetness of my dear sister's end is a great consola- 
 tion to me. She hves in my remembrance and ever will. 
 How I feel the separation ! My eyes can scarcely contain 
 the tears as I am writing : indeed ray feelings have been ex- 
 quisite ; but now nature is recovering herself, and I begin 
 to rest in the assurance that my dear sister has fought a good 
 fight, and is favoured with the crown of righteousness, and 
 what can we wish for more ! I can, as it were, hold converse 
 with her, in that love which reaches beyond the grave. When 
 Providence may see meet to remove us, may we also, in the 
 same unmerited mercy, join the general assembly and church 
 of the tirst-born who are written in Heaven." 
 
 But it was at home that Charles Lloyd delighted 
 to surrender himself to the quiet enjoyments of 
 domestic and social life.
 
 26 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " My earnest wish," he writes to his wife,* " is to make 
 a good husband, a good father, and a good member of society, 
 and in all these characters. I feel home the place to endeavour 
 to excel." 
 
 " Our son Charles," he writes on another occasion, " has 
 been spending a verj' satisfactory evening with me. Our 
 conversation has, I believe, been edifying, and if the dear 
 youth is favoured to live and can preserve, as I hope and trust 
 he will, his present dispositions, he will, I doubt not prove a 
 blessing to his parents, and be a very useful member of 
 society." 
 
 In the bosom of his tamily the Httle ones were 
 not forgotten : — 
 
 " I roasted dear Anna an apple after dinner," he writes 
 to his wife, when his little daughter was between two and 
 three years old, " and the dear little creature was all alive 
 in helping to provide sugar and a spoon to make the treat 
 palatable, and convenient to eat." 
 
 Birmingham was at that time a centre of attrac- 
 tion for not a few who were then, or who afterwards 
 became, distinguished in hterature and science. 
 Especially after Charles Lloyd's removal to Bingley 
 on the death of his wife's mother, many of these 
 were accustomed, not unfrequently, to meet at his 
 house and at that of his relative, Samuel Galton. In 
 this way the children of Charles and Mary Lloyd 
 became early introduced to such men as Dr. Parr, 
 Dr. Erasmus Darwin, Southey, Coleridge, and 
 Wordsworth, and others less known. 
 
 The preferences of Anna Lloyd's eldest brother 
 Charles ultimately led him to attach himself ex- 
 * 22nd, 2mo., 1791.
 
 CHARLES LLOYD, JNR. 27 
 
 clusively to literary pursuits. He left Birmingham 
 soon after his marriage, and settled in the neighbour- 
 hood of the Lakes, where he lived for some years at 
 Old Brathay, near Ambleside. His early poetical 
 efforts, in connection with his friend Charles Lamb, 
 are associated with those of Scott and Wordsworth 
 in the well-known satire of Byron. 
 
 " Lloyd," says De Quincey, " could not in candour be con- 
 sidered a common man. Common [ he was a man never 
 to be forgotten. He had in conversation the most extra- 
 ordinary powers for analysis of a certain kind applied to the 
 philosophy of manners, and the most delicate nuances of social 
 life, and his translation of Alfieri, together with his own poems, 
 show him to have been an accomplished scholar." * 
 
 Anna Lloyd's eldest sister Priscilla became the 
 wife of Dr. Christopher Wordsworth, a brother of 
 the Poet, and subsequently for more than twenty 
 years Master of Trinity College, Cambridge ; whilst 
 another sister, Olivia, younger than herself, was 
 married to Paul Moon James, the manager of 
 a Bank at Birmingham, and afterwards at Man- 
 chester, and the author of several well-known 
 hymns. 
 
 In this varied circle Charles and Mary Lloyd 
 maintained their position in a manner befitting the 
 heads of a Christian household in connection with 
 the Society of Friends, and were both of them 
 distinguished for delicate courtesy and the refine- 
 ment and propriety of their manners. 
 
 * De Quincey's Works vol. ii. p. 113.
 
 28 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 To the end of his hfe Charles Lloyd was in 
 the habit of regularly attending the meetings of 
 " Friends," where his voice was not unfrequently 
 heard in brief and pointed exhortation. 
 
 A volume of his addresses, as they were taken 
 down by one of his interested relatives, is preserved 
 in manuscript amongst the family records. 
 
 Anna Lloyd was accustomed in after life to make 
 frequent reference to the variety of association to 
 which she was thus early introduced at her father's 
 table, and to the gracious preservation which she 
 was permitted to experience. 
 
 When she was fifteen or sixteen years of age she 
 was called to spend several months in London with 
 her sister, Priscilla Wordsworth, whose husband 
 was then Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 Notwithstanding the somewhat peculiar circum- 
 stances in which she was thus placed, her religious 
 convictions in connection with the Society of Friends 
 continued to deepen at this period. She highly 
 prized association with her valued relatives Joseph 
 Gurney and Mary Bevan, whose example and con- 
 versation were greatly blessed to her. They then 
 lived at a house on the Green at Stoke Newington, 
 near London, and were in the habit of attending the 
 Meeting then held in Gracechurch Street.* Mary 
 Bevan was a daughter of Robert Plumsted, and a 
 niece of Priscilla Farmer, Mary Lloyd's mother. 
 
 * The meeting-house at Stoke Newington was not built 
 until many years later.
 
 JOSEPH GURNEY BEVAN. 29 
 
 She was in the position of an acknowledged minister 
 and her husband in that of an elder in the Society of 
 Friends. 
 
 Joseph Gurney Bevan was for many years in 
 business as a chemist and druggist in the well-known 
 firm, in which William Allen was afterwards a 
 partner, and which is still carried on under the style 
 of Allen, Hanbury and Co., in Plough Court, Lom- 
 bard Street. He was distinguished for unblemished 
 integrity and an undeviating regard for Truth. He 
 and his wife were conspicuous in the observance of 
 all that in the Society of Friends was then under- 
 stood to be comprehended in the words " plainness 
 of speech, behaviour, and apparel." 
 
 When satisfied as to any point of duty they were 
 not to be deterred from its fulfilment by any appre- 
 hension of the consequences. Faithful to their own 
 convictions they were at the same time careful to 
 avoid throwing upon others that which they were 
 not easy to do themselves. 
 
 This feature in Joseph Gurney Bevan's character 
 was strikingly illustrated by his conduct on a par- 
 ticular occasion. Being chosen to act as constable 
 in the ward in which he lived he could easily have 
 hired a substitute, but, finding that by so doing he 
 would be the means of another person taking an 
 oath, he served the office himself, fulfilling its duties 
 with scrupulous exactness. During his year of office 
 he was in the practice of going his rounds every fifth 
 night, and of presiding in the watch house until four
 
 30 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BKAITHWAITE. 
 
 or five o'clock in the morning ; nor did he flinch 
 from the performance of other painful duties. 
 
 " I am just come from Joseph Bevan's," writes Charles 
 Lloyd to his wife, under date 6th of 3rd mo., 1789, " where I 
 have been spending half an hour in agreeable chit chat. Both 
 he and his wife are very kind, and very cheerful. Joseph has 
 a busy office on his hands, being now a constable. He attends 
 the Old Bailey, etc., with his long staff and a crown on the top 
 of it. He might easily have got a substitute for fifteen or 
 twenty guineas ; but as this substitute must have taken an 
 oath, Joseph decided to serve himself. He makes, I don't 
 doubt, an excellent peace officer. The more I know of him, 
 the more I esteem him." 
 
 J. G. Bevan attended carefully to the improve- 
 ment of his own mind, and took pains to familiarize 
 himself with the language of the Greek Testament 
 and with classical learning. 
 
 His life of the Apostle Paul gives evidence of his 
 conscientious diligence, and may still be consulted 
 with profit.* 
 
 Both by example and precept he inculcated the 
 
 importance of the daily reverential family reading of 
 
 the Holy Scriptures ; and in the course of the years 
 
 1800 and 1801 he was called in the case of an 
 
 individual from America, to take a leading part in 
 
 his Quarterly Meeting, and afterwards before the 
 
 Yearly Meeting, in upholding and re-affirming the 
 
 belief of the Society of Friends in the Divine 
 
 authority and inspiration of the Scriptures, both 
 
 * He also published several other books, of which a list 
 is given at the end of the little volume of his Memoirs pub- 
 lished by Josiah Forster in 1821.
 
 JOSEPH GURNEY BEVAN. 3! 
 
 of the Old and the New Testament. On this critical 
 occasion he was found in his place as a faithful 
 watchman defending with lirmness and intrepidity 
 the faith of his predecessors. But whilst stedfast in 
 his allegiance to the Truth of God, his anxiety was 
 great that his testimony might be made powerful 
 with all the attractiveness of the Love of Christy 
 drawing and directing only to Him. 
 
 Though without children of his own, Joseph 
 Gurney Bevan manifested a lively and peculiar 
 interest in the religious welfare of young persons. 
 His conversation was replete with instruction, con- 
 veying much in a few words. It will never perhaps 
 be fully known on this side eternity, how much his 
 young relative, Anna Lloyd, and his young friends 
 Josiah and William Forster, to speak of no others, 
 were indebted to his example and influence. This 
 consideration may perhaps excuse what might other- 
 wise have seemed an almost unwarrantable digres- 
 sion. In their lives and in those of others of his 
 youthful friends we may read the best practical 
 comment upon his own words in the preface to the 
 life of the Apostle Paul : 
 
 " I have not many warmer wishes than that the young 
 people connected with me in reUgious profession may grow 
 up in it in a way that will evince them to be Christians in deed.. 
 May Christ be often in their thoughts as their Redeemer, 
 Instructor and Judge ; and may they be earnest in their 
 endeavours to take up His cross, when duty and inclination 
 may seem at variance. I say few things with more sincerity 
 than when I say, I love young people, and the more I love
 
 32 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 them the more I desire that sf;riousness may supersede levity, 
 and the Gospel prevail over the worldly spirit." 
 
 In later years Anna Lloyd would often recur to 
 this period of her life with feelings of humble thank- 
 fulness, and speak of the comfort she experienced in 
 making the effort of walking, often unaccompanied, 
 from the Archbishop's Palace at Lambeth to the 
 Friends' Meeting-house in Gracechurch Street. She 
 has been heard to say that during the whole of the 
 time she was under her brother Wordsworth's roof, 
 she never remembered to have heard him use a 
 hasty or unguarded expression, not even to any of 
 the domestics.* 
 
 From Lambeth she writes to her sister Mary 
 Lloyd : — 
 
 Post mark April 21st, 1805. 
 " Sometimes when I think of the many difficulties attending 
 my being at the house ot our dear sister Wordsworth, I feel 
 fearful whether I have strength enough to withstand ; but 
 in these depressed moments I tind myself constrained to leave 
 my preservation to a power superior to any outward assistance, 
 not looking forward to the future : but taking heed lest in 
 the present, I should unguardedly fall in with anything which 
 on cool reflection I might disapprove." 
 
 * Compare what is said by Bishop Burnet of Archbishop 
 Leighton, who was one of Dr. Wordsworth's favourite authors. 
 " He had so subdued the natural heat of his temper, that, in 
 a great variety of accidents, and in a course of twenty-two 
 years intimate conversation with him, I never observed the 
 least sign of passion but upon one single occasion. He kept 
 himself in so constant a recollection, that I do not remember 
 that ever I heard him say one idle word." — " Burnet's own 
 Times," vol. i. p. 193.
 
 IN LONDON. 33 
 
 How comforting at this time must have been the 
 following lines from her father : — 
 
 " Birmingham; 
 
 " 2oth 5th mo., 1805. 
 "My dear Anna,- 
 
 *'.... Now is thy time to lay a good foundation, by 
 dedicating the prime of thy youth to the service of thy Creator, 
 who will abundantly bless thee if it continue to be thy concern 
 to love Him above all. 
 
 " The prime of my days was spent under religious exercises, 
 which preserved me from the vices and follies of the world ; 
 so that I don't know that I ever gave my dear and honoured 
 father a moment's uneasiness, but on the contrary was favoured 
 with his blessing." 
 
 Priscilla Wordsworth to her sister Anna Lloyd : — 
 
 " Lambeth, 
 
 " 6th November, 1805. 
 
 " All your letters are truly welcome. We both sensibly 
 feel your truly kind exertion in having compassed so great 
 a work for us. Thank you also for the Metastasios. 
 
 "Poor Bingley must just at this time present rather a for- 
 saken appearance. You must begin to anticipate Mary's 
 approaching departure, which you cannot but sensibly feel. 
 I am glad to hear that her spirits continue so good. My dear 
 love to her. 
 
 "Last night I began to look atTni}' Italian, which I hope 
 to resume as well as my French. I wish you were here to 
 assist me a httle, as I fear that I have lost a great deal." 
 
 We now approach an event of peculiar import- 
 ance in Anna Lloyd's life. The marriage of her 
 father's nephew, Samuel Lloyd, to Isaac Braith- 
 waite's eldest sister Rachel, had naturally promoted 
 intercourse between the two families. The subse-
 
 34 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 quent settlement of her eldest brother Charles at 
 Old Brathay, near Ambleside, formed another link 
 of attraction to that part of the country ; and when 
 Isaac Braithwaite's brother George married her 
 sister Mary, Anna Lloyd paid a lengthened visit to 
 Kendal. At the close of this visit her sister writes 
 
 To HER Mother. 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 "5 th mo. 20th, 1806. 
 " The return of my dear sister Anna will be a source of much 
 comfort to thee. I think thou wilt be pleased with the calm 
 state of her mind. The society of her friends at Kendal has, 
 I believe, tended to soften the anxiety that she had felt before 
 she left home. I have felt Anna's loss sensibly, for we have 
 been so much together, that it sometimes seems as if we were 
 essential to each other ; but I believe that our separation will 
 rather increase than diminish our attachment." 
 
 The allusion in the following letter cannot sur- 
 prise us. From Hannah Plumsted (the mother of 
 Mary Bevan) 
 
 To HER Niece Mary Lloyd. 
 " Upper Clapton, 
 
 "4th of I2th mo., 1806. 
 
 " What shall I say concerning Isaac Braithwaite, who is 
 quite a stranger to me ? Anna, if I mistake not, is nearly 
 eighteen ; so he is the senior, and a branch of a respectable 
 family. The proposal brings with it the advantage of two 
 sisters becoming neighbours, and probably able to assist and 
 comfort each other in times of need. All things considered, 
 it brings an old maxim to my remembrance, which I do not 
 think amiss to recommend on this occasion, ' not to refuse 
 a good ofler without knowing why.' " 
 
 I
 
 ENGAGEMENT TO ISAAC BRAITHWAITE. 35 
 
 From Charles Lloyd to his daughter Anna, then 
 on a visit to her sister Priscilla Wordsworth : — 
 
 " Birmingham, 
 
 " loth, 5th mo., 1807. 
 " On my return from Burton this evening, I found thy 
 acceptable letter, and it gives me pleasure to find that thou 
 hast seen thy way clear to decide in favour of I. B., and I 
 sincerely hope that peace and comfort will attend all thy future 
 proceedings. Let it be now thy endeavour to forget everj'- 
 thing behind, and only look forward trusting to the protection 
 of Him who has enabled thee to struggle through many trials 
 both of body and mind, and I humbly trust will support to 
 the end. 
 
 "My dear love attends; with love to Wordsworth and 
 Priscilla. 
 
 " Thy affectionate father, 
 
 " Charles Lloyd." 
 
 In allusion to the marriage of Isaac Braithwaite's 
 youngest sister to Robert Benson, of Kendal, Charles 
 Lloyd writes 
 
 To HIS Daughter Anna. 
 ' ' Birmingham, 
 
 " 17th, loth mo., 1807. 
 " We hear that the wedding day passed off very comfort- 
 ably. I confess I am not fond of sorrowful marriages, though 
 far from encouraging levity ; but certainly where there is a 
 strong mutual affection, and the parties have proceeded with 
 the consent of parents, and are disposed to begin with pru- 
 dence, no day can give so much pleasure as the wedding day ; 
 and I hope my dear Anna will find it so.'" 
 
 In the prospect of her daughter's early marriage, 
 her mother writes
 
 36 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 To Isaac Braithwaite. 
 
 ," Bingley, 
 
 " 22nd 2nd mo.; 1808. 
 
 •• I feel an inclination, my dear Isaac, once more to address 
 thee before thou enterest into a more near and tender con- 
 nection with our family. I have every reason to be thankful 
 for the great degree of quietude and stability in which our dear 
 Anna's mind is preserved under the near approach of so im- 
 portant a change. That she feels it deeply and properly,- 
 thou canst not doubt. I avoid as much as I can, speaking of 
 my feelings to her, as I think if she knew their full extent, 
 they might tend to shake her fortitude. Be assured these 
 feelings arise from no want of confidence in thee, for I have 
 no doubt but thy affection will perhaps entirely make up 
 to Anna the loss she will sustain by the distance that will 
 separate her from her other friends. Indeed, I trust she 
 will find a father, brother and friend all united in one of the 
 tenderest and kindest of husbands. 
 
 "It is natural to scan with a critical eye every feature in 
 the character of one to whom ' one of my dearest earthly 
 treasures ' is likely to be consigned. I can truly say thou 
 hast lost nothing by this discriminating inspection ; on the 
 contrary, I think I have observed some qualities that are in a 
 peculiar manner Ukely to contribute to the happiness of the 
 married state. 
 
 " One of these is a tenderness and delicacy of affection which 
 I think leads thee to be more soUcitous for the comfort and 
 happiness of the beloved object, than for any selfish gratifi- 
 cation. The mother of a daughter of refined feelings, must 
 ever rejoice in believing that this disposition will continue 
 in the more unrestrained intercourse of married life. To the 
 want of it, much real satisfaction is often sacrificed. I have 
 had many opportunities in the course of my Ufe of making ob- 
 servations on the causes of matrimonial infeUcity, and the 
 principal one has always appeared to me to arise from the
 
 MARRIAGE TO ISAAC BRAITHWAITE. 37 
 
 parties too much laying aside the respect and delicacy with 
 which they had previously treated one another. 
 
 "We all unite in inviting thee to come as soon as possible ; 
 and be assured the dear love of this family attends thee." 
 
 On the i6th of the 3rd month, 1808, Anna Lloyd 
 was married to Isaac Braithwaite. The following 
 loving greeting awaited them on their arrival at 
 home. 
 
 From Her Mother. 
 " Bingley, 
 
 " 19th of 3rd mo., 1808. 
 " My dear Isaac and Anna, 
 
 " I wish you to receive some proof of maternal love on your 
 entering your own house, where I desire you may experience 
 as much happiness as is consistent with your best interest. 
 I salute you both as my beloved children, and fervently crave 
 that your mind may rest on that basis which can alone render 
 it permanent, and that you may be a strength and support 
 to each other in the pursuit of those things which have appeared 
 to both of you as far transcending all that this world can 
 bestow." 
 
 Addressing her mother from Kendal shortly after 
 her settlement at home, Anna Braithwaite writes : — 
 
 " When I consider the blessings which have fallen to my 
 lot, I am ready to exclaim. ' What am I that I should be thus 
 favoured.' May I endeavour to use them as not abusing them."
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Removal to Kendal — The circle there — Her husband's family 
 — His grandmother, Rachel Wilson — Rachel Wilson's 
 travels in America — Her numerous descendants. 
 
 WE may here pause to take a view of the 
 society and interests to which Anna Braith- 
 waite was introduced upon her removal 
 from Birmingham to Kendal. 
 
 Her husband's parents were then both of them 
 living surrounded by a numerous circle of children 
 and near relatives. Her husband was engaged with 
 his father and only brother George, and after his 
 father's decease in 1812, with his brother alone, in 
 the drysaltery and dyeing business, which had been 
 in the family since the early part of the i8th century, 
 a business which required close attention and con- 
 siderable knowledge of practical science to reahze 
 even moderate profits for the support of two families. 
 
 Kendal, small as it was in comparison with 
 Birmingham, was with the adjoining district of the 
 Lakes at that time a centre of uncommon interest. 
 At Keswick Hved Southey, at Grasmere, Coleridge 
 and Wordsworth, the latter of whom then occupied 
 a house called Allan Bank, previously to his settle- 
 
 38
 
 ^.A^%^ic-i 
 
 -^~::i^*.. ^ *. -^ •V-..<>.-«_-:^^^^e-t--t- aZC^,
 
 HER husband's FAMILY. 39 
 
 ment at Rydal Mount. Anna Braithwaite's elder 
 brother, Charles Lloyd, lived, as already mentioned, 
 at Old Brathay ; while Elleray and Calgarth were 
 the respective residences of Professor Wilson and 
 Dr. Watson, the Bishop of Llandaff. In Kendal 
 itself, upon the testimony of De Quincey, 
 
 *• lived many men of information at least as extensive as Dr. 
 Watson's, who were amply qualified to meet him on equal 
 terms in conversation." 
 
 Dawson, of Sedbergh, was a luminary well known 
 by mathematicians, both at home and abroad. John 
 Gough, the blind philosopher and botanist, of 
 Kendal, is remembered to this day, and according 
 to the same testimony there were many others in 
 the town who had accomplishments equal to his.* 
 
 Isaac Braithwaite had been himself educated at 
 the Friends' School in Kendal, founded about the 
 middle of the i8th century, and had enjoyed the 
 instruction of the celebrated Dr. Dalton and his 
 brother Jonathan. He and several of his cousins, 
 brought up under similar training, were thoroughly 
 instructed in chemistry, pneumatics, electricity and 
 practical science so far as they were then known ; 
 which they were accustomed to apply in the manu- 
 factures of woollens, for which the town had been 
 celebrated since the reign of Edward III. 
 
 All the individuals above alluded to were more or 
 less known to Isaac Braithwaite personally ; and 
 
 * De Quincey' s Works. Vol ii. p. 113.
 
 40 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 witli several of them, through his family connection 
 with Charles Lloyd and the Wordsvvorths, he was 
 on terms of not unfrequent association. It was a 
 treat to hear him in later life illustrate from memory 
 Coleridge's splendid conversation, when after an 
 interval of quiescence in the earlier part of the day, 
 he would gradually brighten as the evening ad- 
 vanced, and towards midnight shine forth as a star 
 of the first magnitude. 
 
 A single example may suffice from one of Isaac 
 Braithwaite's own memoranda. 
 
 The conversation had turned one evening upon 
 the extraordinary power which music exerts upon 
 the mind. Coleridge on the other hand insisted that 
 painting exercised a much greater and more abiding 
 sway. 
 
 " Conceive yourself, sir," (such was the substance of his 
 argument), "conceive yourself standing at the mouth of a 
 cavern of vast, but unknown depth, overhung with lofty pines; 
 beyond which are huge savage rocks, threatening you with 
 destruction. The clouds are rolling above in wild and storm- 
 tossed masses, adding to the scene an aspect of weird tumult 
 and frightful desolation, which strikes the heart with terror 
 and dismay. At this instant, there issues from the mouth of 
 the cavern, the hollow sound of wind, which as Wordsworth 
 says, you know, is ' the ghostly language of the earth ' : will 
 you, sir, say, or will any man say, that the impression which 
 the sound makes upon the mind is equally deep or lasting 
 with that made by the scenery I have been describing ? " 
 
 Dr. George Birkbeck, the ardent friend of 
 popular education and the founder of Mechanics'
 
 KENDAL MEETING. 41 
 
 Institutes, is another whose name ought not to be 
 forgotten in this connection. He was the eldest son 
 of the only sister of Isaac Braithwaite's father, and 
 his first wife was the sister of Isaac Braithwaite's 
 brother-in-law, Samuel Lloyd. His intimacy with 
 Isaac Braithwaite and his other relatives at Kendal 
 ended only with his death. 
 
 But it was more particularly in its religious and 
 social aspects, especially as connected with the 
 Society of Friends, that the circle at Kendal offered 
 to Isaac Braithwaite's youthful bride features of 
 peculiar interest. 
 
 A century ago, it is almost startling to think 
 how much has occurred in that interval, the 
 " Friendliness " of Kendal, with all its genuine and 
 spiritual characteristics, presented a phase of the 
 very strictest type. 
 
 The Friends' meeting was at that time one of the 
 largest in the North of England, in which the 
 Wilsons, the Crewdsons, and the members of Isaac 
 Braithwaite's own family, all descendants of Isaac 
 and Rachel Wilson, held an influential position. 
 His elder and only brother George, who was also 
 his partner in business, and who had married Anna 
 Braithwaite's elder sister Mary, possessed a clear 
 and argumentative mind, and at that time gave his 
 unquestioning adhesion to the recognised views of 
 Friends. Two of his sisters remained settled at 
 Kendal as the wives of William Dillworth Crewdson 
 (who for the five years between 1815 and 1819 both
 
 42 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 inclusive, had succeeded his relative John Wilkinson 
 as Clerk of the Yearly Meeting), and Robert Benson. 
 Their mother, Deborah Braithwaite, was one of the 
 daughters of Isaac and Rachel Wilson, whose con- 
 sistent devoted lives had left a deep impression, not 
 only at their Kendal home, but throughout the 
 Society of Friends. Rachel Wilson had travelled 
 extensively in North America as a minister of the 
 gospel in the years 1768 and 1769, a little prior to 
 the Revolutionary War, In a letter to Priscilla 
 Farmer about a year before setting out on this 
 journey she writes : — 
 
 " Kendal, 7 mo. 4, 1767. 
 " I only desire to fill up my place with propriety, and that 
 no temporal concerns nor outward connections may ever 
 prevent a steady adherence to my Great Master and a faithful 
 giving up to His requirings, though never so much in the cross 
 to self. He that hath called us is altogether able to make 
 hard things easy, and to sweeten every bitter cup of afflicting 
 exercise." 
 
 Words such as these from the grandmother of 
 Isaac Braithwaite, to the friend who afterwards 
 became the grandmother of his wife, written long 
 before the birth of either grandchild, and before any 
 connection had been formed between the two 
 famines, seem like a remarkable forecasting both 
 of Rachel Wilson's subsequent experience in 
 America, and of that which in the same country 
 fell to the lot of the descendants of herself and her 
 correspondent. Her journey in America was per- 
 formed almost entirely upon horseback. It was a
 
 RACHEL WILSON. 43 
 
 journey of many thousand miles through districts 
 then very imperfectly cleared, in Pennsylvania, New 
 Jersey, Virginia, North and South Carolina, New 
 York, and New England. Her simple narrative 
 (still preserved amongst the family records), gives a 
 vivid picture of the toil and occasional peril then to 
 be encountered in passing through dense forests, in 
 some places almost impenetrable, in the fording of 
 deep rivers where the horses were often obliged to 
 swim, and in many other hardships, in striking con- 
 trast with the comparative ease and even comfort 
 with which the same distances may now be 
 traversed. 
 
 The following brief extracts may suffice by way 
 of example. The date is in the 12th mo., 1768, 
 when Rachel Wilson and her companion were in 
 North Carolina. 
 
 " 16th. On 6th day morning we set forward on our jour- 
 ney, though the prospect was very discouraging. The snow 
 was so thick, and the trees so laden that many were broken 
 down, and the road was almost stopped up in places. My 
 horse being full of spirit rushed through the snow, that I 
 often was in danger of being thrown off, and before I had 
 ridden a mile, a large tree, under which there was not room 
 for him and me to pass, took me quite off. I fell into a hollow 
 way with my head down, where I must have perished, if help 
 had not been at hand. But my kind companion was soon off 
 his horse, ready to assist, and, being strong and willing to 
 exert himself for my relief, soon got me out of the snow, and 
 I found myself able to walk, though my leg was much crushed. 
 I got on to my horse and made a shift to ride fifteen miles to 
 one Samuel Woods, that kept an inn where they behaved
 
 44 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 kindly, and I had my leg bathed and gave it what relief I well 
 could. Having a mind to sit with the neighbours that were 
 inclined to come, notice was given, and a large meeting we 
 had in the evening, which the great Master was pleased to 
 own with His presence to our admiration and comfort." 
 
 It was several weeks before she fully recovered. 
 On another occasion, speaking of a meeting in 
 Virginia : — 
 
 " It was large and favoured with the good presence of God. 
 My mind was deeply dipped into a humbling sense of my own 
 weakness, whilst the people's minds were raised with great 
 expectations which affected me much ; yet great was the 
 condescending love of God, which caused praises to spring up 
 in our hearts. On our return to our quarters at night, we called 
 by the way to see one of the Assembly men, who was a man of 
 great moderation, and had appeared in Friends' favour. 
 His name is Patrick Henry.* He received us with great 
 civility, and we had an open time in his family, after which 
 he made some sensible remarks." 
 
 On another occasion at Providence, Rhode Island, 
 a member of the Assembly attended a meeting at 
 which she was present, and was much impressed 
 under her ministry. Being unwilling to admit that he 
 hadibeen so much influenced under the ministry of a 
 woman, he attended several other meetings, where 
 other ministers were present, but was at last obliged 
 to confess that it was under the ministry of Rachel 
 Wilson that he was first effectually reached. This 
 was Moses Brown, to whom and to his brother 
 
 * A name conspicuous in the " History of American In- 
 dependence." After the Declaration of Independence, he 
 was elected Governor of Virginia.
 
 RACHEL WILSON. 45 
 
 Obadiah Brown, the principal educational institution 
 in that city owes its foundation. He was living at 
 an advanced age when Isaac and Anna Braithwaite 
 visited America, and took much pleasure in recurring 
 to this incident. He was not the only person whom 
 Isaac Braithwaite met in America who remembered 
 his grandmother. 
 
 " My husband met me at Lancaster, where we parted; 
 and great was the thankfulness," are Rachel Wilson's words 
 concluding her narrative, " that filled both our minds under 
 a sense of the many preservations both by sea and land. 
 I found all my children favoured with health. My husband 
 had not had one day's illness during my absence, nor I whilst 
 on the continent of America." 
 
 She died, aged 54, in the year 1776, at the house 
 of Richard Chester, at Stoke Newington, near 
 London, having been a minister thirty-six years, and 
 her remains were interred at Bunhill Fields. She 
 left eight children, and through them numerous 
 descendants, many of whom became devoted 
 Christians, and centres of influence, both in the 
 Society of Friends and outside its borders. Many 
 of them resided at Kendal, or the neighbourhood, 
 but both there and in other places where they 
 became settled, whether in London, Birmingham, 
 Bristol, Plymouth, Newcastle, Darlington, or else- 
 where, they were distinguished by their sterling 
 integrity and admirable qualities of mind and heart, 
 and some of them more especially, by the con- 
 spicuous manner in which they were enabled to
 
 46 MEMOIRS OF AXXA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 maintain, through Hves of lengthened usefulness, a 
 consistent testimony to truth and holiness. 
 
 Such was the circle to which Anna Braithwaite 
 was introduced at the time of her marriage. She 
 was then little more than eighteen years of age, but 
 though so young, her mind was unusually matured, 
 and she was prepared to enter upon her new posi- 
 tion with a more than usual appreciation of its 
 responsibilities. 
 
 Amidst the varied interests to which she was thus 
 introduced, it is instructive to watch the youthful 
 bride and mother applying her mind, so capable of 
 enlarged and comprehensive views, to the minute 
 details of her daily duties in her family and house- 
 hold ; striving to maintain a simplicity and modera- 
 tion becoming her Christian profession, whilst, as 
 many could testify, her hand was not sparing " to use 
 hospitality without grudging," and to observe, above 
 all, how earnest and constant were her endeavours 
 to train up her children in the fear of God, and to 
 rule them with an authority mingled with the 
 tenderest sympathy and love.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 1809-1815. 
 
 Birth of her children — Family life — The death of two brothers 
 and sister of her father-in-law, George Braithwaite — 
 Her acknowledgment as a minister. 
 
 ANNA BRAITHWAITE had scarcely completed 
 her twentieth year at the birth of her eldest 
 child, a daughter, who received her own 
 name. This event was succeeded by the birth of 
 eight other children, two of whom died in their 
 infancy. In this important period of Anna Braith- 
 waite's life, her maternal solicitudes appear to have 
 been regulated and controlled by her earnest 
 longings after entire dedication ; and it is deHghtful 
 to trace in her letters and memoranda the continued 
 progress of that gracious work of the Holy Spirit, 
 through which she was prepared to enter upon the 
 line of service to which she was especially called. 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 (A little before the birth of her eldest child.) 
 
 " Kendal, 21st 2 mo., 1809. 
 " T can answer all thy enquiries very satisfactorily, though 
 I often feel a good deal discouraged in looking towards the 
 future. I never was of a sanguine disposition, and in this 
 
 47
 
 48 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 instance I have felt unduly depressed ; but I do endeavour 
 to keep my mind quiet, and to leave the future in the hands 
 of Him who orders all things aright." 
 
 A few months later she received the following 
 From Her Sister Priscilla Wordsworth. 
 
 " Bocking, November 4th, 1809. 
 
 ". . . . I long for you to see my dear little trio. 
 Your favourite Charley still retains his sweet blooming coun- 
 tenance. He has still the same lovely dark eyes, and the same 
 sweet complexion. Christy is, as ever, no beauty, but a most 
 entertaining little fellow. Johnny is much the same child 
 that he used to be ; very thoughtful and intelligent and affec- 
 tionate to me. They are all great comforts to us. I hope 
 you often think of us. We remember you with much affection 
 and gratitude. 
 
 " My husband is very busy writing the preface to his book,* 
 which will now, I trust, appear in print in the course of a 
 month or six weeks. We do not forget our promise of sending 
 you a copy. I hope you will find some parts of it interesting ; 
 and, if for no other reason, yet for the sake of the donor, it 
 will, I trust, have some claims upon your regard. 
 
 " I suppose your little girl is neatness personified ! . . . 
 Write soon, my dear sister, I wish we all wTOte oftener. Com- 
 munication begets communication, and silence reserve." 
 
 From the same. 
 
 " I, Walcott Place, 
 
 " 2 1st January, 18 10. 
 " Since I married, no one has so materially administered 
 to my comfort as yourself ; and I think I never wanted your 
 services and kind sympathy so much as lately. 
 
 " I am once again stationed at Lambeth, where I shall 
 probably remain six weeks, before I proceed to Birmingham. 
 
 * Wordsworth's " Ecclesiastical Biography."
 
 THE KENDAL HOME. 49 
 
 " I feel a lively interest in your dear little Anna. Some- 
 time I hope to have it personally strengthened. Your last 
 charge (for I do not forget that you first received him on his 
 birth), Christy, grows a fine stout boy, and if I mistake not, 
 has a large portion of wit in his little head.* I never saw so 
 entertaining a child. There is a frankness and drollery about 
 him very remarkable, and I think very engaging. John 
 continues handsome and intelligent, but is of a more thoughtful 
 cast." 
 
 From Anna Braithwaite to her Husband. 
 
 " Kendal, 2nd mo. 6th, 1810. 
 " Maj' we ever seek to stimulate each other to be watchful 
 and diUgent in all respects. No affection is so sincere, no love 
 so uniting as that which leads those who love one another to 
 advise each other with regard to their failings, and to avoid 
 all flattery which lulls asleep the judgment, and is in every 
 respect extremely pernicious." 
 
 The following gives a playful description of 
 Priscilla Wordsworth's impressions of her sister after 
 a visit to her Kendal home, 
 
 Priscilla Wordsworth to Mary I.loyd. 
 
 " 5th July, 1810. 
 
 " I left dear Anna on 7th day, after passing as comfortable 
 a week as my many infirmities and much anxiety would admit. 
 Indeed her kind attentions and valuable society were a source 
 of constant gratitude and interest. 
 
 " Anna looks very well ; handsomer, I think, than ever. 
 She seems to have inspired all Kendal with awe and reverence. 
 I was really amused to see a young woman of twenty-one 
 reign with such absolute sway. Her mother Braithwaite 
 is evidently quite afraid of her ; and her husband is a model 
 
 * Afterwards Bishop of Lincoln.
 
 50 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 of perfect obedience. However, I was glad to see how well 
 and how discreetly she conducted herself in her regal state." 
 
 Priscilla Wordsworth to her Sister Anna Braithwaite. 
 
 " November 9th, 18 10. 
 " I have been much gratified by the good accounts which 
 have reached me of yourself and nursery. I often long to see 
 your thriving babes. How is dear little Anna. I hope you 
 begin to admire boys as much as I do. You used to prefer 
 girls. I cannot help loving boys the best. My three sons 
 grow apace, and are very great pleasures to us. . . . 
 Never shall I forget how much I am indebted to your and 
 Isaac's kindness towards me. My visit to Kendal, though 
 at the time a suffering one in regard to health, has left the most 
 satisfactory impressions on my mind. The more so, perhaps, 
 from this very circumstance ; for had I less needed your kind- 
 ness I could never have known it to the same extent." 
 
 From Olton Green, her father's country house 
 near Birmingham, Anna Braithwaite writes 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " 6 mo. 2ist, 1811. 
 " I have begun Hannah More's ' Practical Piety.' I am 
 exceedingly pleased with it : my own sentiments seem clothed 
 in more expressive language than I could have given ; and so 
 far as I have read, I most entirely approve. 
 
 « :)c * % « 
 
 " I have many pleasing associations with the objects by 
 which I am surrounded in this delightful retreat. Almost 
 everything I see speaks to me of pleasures which are past ; 
 and in recalling the image of them, they seem for the moment 
 to bring back those happy days of childhood. I think I could 
 scarcely ever be dull in the country. There is something 
 in the simple beauty of nature which calms 'my feelings, and 
 in spite of myself induces pleasing reflections."
 
 LETTERS, 181I. 51 
 
 To THE Same. 
 
 " Olton Green, 6 mo. 22nd, 1811. 
 " I told thee in my last how very congenial this rural, 
 peaceful scene is to my feelings. T am fearful that I have 
 so long neglected to keep my mind in a truly collected state 
 that even this opportunity for mental retirement will not 
 produce all it otherwise might have done. What a mass of 
 inconsistency is the heart of man in its natural state, and 
 how is it subjected to the influence of various temptations. 
 Where the extreme of one propensity shows itself one day ; 
 its contrary extreme is most probably concealed in the same 
 breast. The more I become acquainted with the traits of 
 my own character, the more I feel that I ought never to be 
 surprised at nor condemn others for apparently incongruous 
 failings." 
 
 To THE Same. 
 
 " Olton Green, 6 mo. 25th, 181 1. 
 " Thou wilt, I believe, derive more solid enjoyment from 
 a few hours spent occasionally in solitude than in the hurry 
 between the constant succession of business and visiting. 
 I know the difficulty of refusing the numerous and pressing 
 solicitations of friends ; and yet I believe we shall find, on 
 calm reflection, that daily mental recollection is a very impor- 
 tant duty, and that we scarcely can obtain a progressive im- 
 provement of heart without it. Let us pray for strength 
 to resist every temptation, however plausible, which would 
 prevent our performing it. I have felt myself so much weak- 
 ened by not attending to this practice, that it makes me the 
 more desirous that thou shouldst not suffer in the same way." 
 
 To THE Same. 
 
 " Bingley, 6 mo. 28th, 181 1. 
 " It is indeed a blessing that our health has been so far 
 preserved. Let this outward blessing lead us to an inward 
 inquiry relative to the health of our minds. Are they kept.
 
 52 MKMOIKS OF ANNA BKAITHWAITK. 
 
 in a quiet, watchful frame ? and do we feel as we ought to 
 do the importance, yea, the necessity of placing our constant 
 dependence on the Physician of Souls ? This inward ' silence 
 of all tlesh ' is indeed a most desirable attainment." 
 
 From Her Sister Priscilla Wordsworth. 
 
 "Deanery, Bocking, August 20th, 1811. 
 
 " Our time has, of late, passed in almost uninterrupted 
 seclusion, which I have very much enjoyed. After my hus- 
 band's repeated absences, it has been quite delightful to me 
 to be settled at home together without interruption. My 
 health, too, has enabled me to enjoy our many outward bless- 
 ings. 
 
 " The dear children are going on very comfortably, and 
 enjoy going to school. I wish that you could witness our life 
 of domestic comfort, and know, more than a letter can convey, 
 exactly how we pass our time." 
 
 The following memorandum penned many years 
 later, vividly recalls Anna Braithwaite's ovi^n im- 
 pressions of this period of her married life : — 
 
 " Anna was our firstborn, a loveLy infant, andmost graceful 
 in person. Before she was three years old, she had a fall which 
 so injured some of the joints of the spine that our medical 
 attendant said on examining her that she would lose the use 
 of her limbs, and that there was no help for it ; ordering at 
 the same time a blister to be kept open on the part affected. 
 This abrupt disclosure came upon us like a violent shock. It 
 found me very weak in body, five weeks after the birth of our 
 son Charles. Previously to his birth, my beloved brothers,- 
 Robert and Thomas Lloyd, had been taken by typhus fever 
 from their tenderly attached wives and their children. My 
 precious sister Caroline followed, all in the short space of six 
 weeks. They all gave evidence of peace with God, through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, but it was a furnace indeed to those who 
 •were left behind."
 
 FAMILY BEREAVEMENTS. 53 
 
 In this furnace of bereavement her father writes : — 
 
 " 23rd of 9th mo:, 181 1. 
 
 " I have been supported far beyond what I could have 
 expected by a humble trust and confidence in the Rock of 
 Ages, who enables me to bless His name in the midst of all my 
 afflictions." 
 
 He adds in another letter : — 
 
 " i8th loth mo., 1811. 
 " I am thankful to say we continue to be supported with 
 some degree of faith and patience. The sweet close which 
 dear Caroline was favoured to make has much contributed to 
 our consolation. Indeed on her account there is nothing 
 to mourn ; for it may be truly said of her that she ' being made 
 perfect in a short time fulfilled a long time.'* May all her 
 dear brothers and sisters be encouraged by her peaceful and 
 happy close to dedicate themselves more and more to the 
 service of their Creator, that, like her, they may have to 
 say at last ' I am going to everlasting happiness.' " 
 
 Charles Lloyd to Isaac Braithwaite. 
 
 " 6 mo. 1st, 1812. 
 " I can speak from deep experience that in the midst of 
 the greatest troubles the consolatory influence of Divine grace 
 can stay the wounded spirit and enable it to bless Him who 
 giveth and taketh away. My soul has often been bowed 
 within me, when I have been drawn in the confidence of prayer 
 to place my whole hope and trust in my gracious Creator, 
 who is indeed a ' present help in time of trouble.' Mayst 
 thou, my dear son, dedicate the prime of thy days to His ser- 
 vice, and then thou wilt be enabled to find in thy own experi- 
 ence the truth of the Apostle's declaration that neither heights 
 nor depths, neither principalities nor powers, things present 
 nor things to come shall ever be able to separate us from the 
 love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 
 
 * The Book of Wisdom, iv. 13.
 
 54 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 To return to Anna Braithwaite's own memor- 
 anda: — 
 
 " The effect of these things occasioned rather a premature 
 confinement ; and I was very ill at the time and afterwards. 
 The dear baby, however, was favoured to thrive, and has lived 
 to be the succourer of many. Ten days after his birth, our 
 honoured father, George Braithwaite * died as a shock of corn 
 fully ripe for the heavenly garner. His Christian Ufe and 
 conversation won my admiration and esteem from our first 
 acquaintance ; and his kindne.-s and affection were responded 
 to by filial love on my part. His death was equally felt by 
 my dear husband and myself. Ill as I was, I made the effort 
 to join the circle who met at tea at the house on the day of 
 the funeral, and we were favoured with a comfortable religious 
 opportunity. Dear Anna's fall and its results were, however, 
 too much for my physical strength. I kept up to dress the 
 bUster, and to put all in train for following out the doctor's 
 orders ; and then symptoms of low fever came on, and I was 
 confined to bed for several weeks." 
 
 It is pleasant to picture her with her httle family 
 a few months later recruiting her health on the 
 shores of Morecambe Bay a few miles from Kendal. 
 It was a charming retreat, overlooked by the mount- 
 ains of Windermere and Coniston. 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Sandside, 
 
 " 26th 5th mo., 1812. 
 " The dear children are well. Anna seems in better spirits 
 than when we left home, and is very fond of walking without 
 taking hold. Isaac is very sweet. He would laugh and talk 
 from morning till night if he might run about unrestrained, 
 I never saw so good tempered and merry a child. He is to 
 
 * On the sth of the ist mo., 1812.
 
 women's ministry. 55 
 
 be sure fond of mischief and of paddling in all the puddles 
 he can find. Dear C. grows sweeter every day. He takes 
 so much notice, and can hold things quite steadily in his hand. 
 We have been rambling out with the children since dinner. 
 They greatly enjoy the Uberty of this place." 
 
 The Society of Friends, as is well known, 
 recognises the public ministry of women in subject- 
 ion to the Government of Christ, under the guidance 
 of His Spirit. Recollecting that Miriam, Deborah, 
 Hannah and Huldah were called publicly to exercise 
 the gift of prophecy under the law, they cannot 
 believe that the Gospel is in this or in any other 
 respect a dispensation of less privilege. 
 
 With the prophet Joel and the Apostle Peter, 
 they believe it to be a dispensation under which 
 "daughters" as well as "sons" are to "prophesy." 
 Joel ii. 28-32, Acts ii. 16, 17. Accepting the 
 apostolic definition that to " prophesy " is " to 
 speak unto men edification and comfort and conso- 
 lation" (i Cor. xiv. 3), they do not overlook the 
 fact that the Apostle Paul himself gives directions as 
 to the exercise by women of this gift (i Cor. xi. 5) ; 
 that he freely recognized the services of Priscilla as 
 well as of Aquila (Acts xviii. 26, Rom. xvi. 3), and 
 that he was a guest at Caesarea in the house of Philip 
 the Evangelist who had four " daughters " who all 
 " prophesied " (Acts xxi. 8, 9. It was not, they are 
 persuaded, the design of the Apostle to nulUfy by 
 words of seeming restriction, employed by him on 
 two occasions (i Cor. xiv. 34, 1 Tim, ii. 11, 12), the
 
 56 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 great principle thus authoritatively asserted and acted 
 on. The seeming restriction is rather, in their view, 
 to be itself interpreted and limited in harmony with 
 the general principle. 
 
 Anna Braithwaite had long been fully persuaded 
 of the truth of these general principles, but it was 
 not until the year 18 14 that she yielded to the 
 impression, which, as we have seen, had been early 
 made upon her mind, that she was herself called upon 
 to take part in this pubHc ministry. 
 
 With her strong sense of feminine propriety, to 
 do so was no small trial to her faith, and nothing but 
 the constraining sense of the love of Christ could 
 have induced her thus publicly to appear before 
 her fellow-men. 
 
 The preceding chapters have already disclosed 
 her early impressions. It may now be our privi- 
 lege to mark the progress of her convictions 
 as to her own individual duty on this important 
 subject. 
 
 The sudden deatli of a near relative whilst on a 
 visit to Kendal appears to have been made the 
 turning point in the struggle between conflicting 
 feelings. 
 
 From her private memoranda : — 
 
 " 1st mo. 31st, 1814. Secondday. 
 
 " On this memorable day our dear Aunt Rachel Smith; 
 soon after going upstairs apparently well, after dinner fell 
 down in an apoplectic fit. The remedies applied all proved 
 unavailing, she took not the least notice, and appeared in a 
 stupor."
 
 HER FIRST WORDS IN MEETING. 57 
 
 " 2nd mo. 1st. Third day. 
 
 " The stupor continued all night. Three of us sat up 
 during most of it. Our dear Aunt Stacey (her sister) was 
 deeply afflicted. I was led into near sympathy with her under 
 the painful consciousness of my inability to give consolation. 
 The beloved sufferer continued to breathe till a little past 
 nine o'clock at night, and then the solemn close took place. 
 
 " What an awful event have we been permitted to witness. 
 This has been one among the many calls which I have lately 
 had to double my diligence. Within these few years I have 
 been deprived of two brothers and a sister, an uncle and aunt, 
 besides the dear relative whose loss I now mourn ; a lovely 
 baby, a much beloved cousin, and my dear father Braithwaite. 
 
 " The present affliction seems to bring all these before me. 
 May they be profitably remembered. There surely never was 
 a more stubborn heart than mine, and if it ever become like 
 clay in the hands of the Great Potter, which is, at times, my 
 most earnest desire, it must be through an abiding under the 
 refining hand of the Lord when ' He appeareth like a refiner's 
 fire, and like fuller's soap.' " * 
 
 " 2nd mo. loth, 1814. Fifth day. 
 " This was a memorable day ; the remains of the deceased 
 were interred after a solemn meeting. Our Aunt Stacey and 
 our Aunt Bragg both addressed the meeting, and our dear Aunt 
 Stacey was engaged in supplication at the grave side. All 
 the nephews and nieces that were able took tea at my mother 
 Braithwaite' s, and we had a very solemn opportunity in the 
 evening. May it never be forgotten." 
 
 "2nd mo. I2th, 1814. 
 " My mind has been under much conflict from an appre- 
 hension which in a general wa y has long been at times preval- 
 ent, that it m.ight be required of me to express a few words 
 in meeting. This has, during the last few days, been accom- 
 
 * Mai. iii. 2.
 
 58 MHMOIKS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 panied by the belief that the time was near at hand. On the 
 evening of the funeral, it was pretty clearly shown me that 
 if simply obedient a little expression was then called for ; 
 but the struggle ended in silence, and some condemnation 
 was experienced." 
 
 " 2nd mo. 13th, 1 8 14. First day. 
 " I went to meeting much cast down, but after a sharp 
 conflict which for a time seemed nearly ready to overpower 
 both body and mind, I stood up and uttered a short text of 
 scripture ; and on sitting dowr again, was favoured to experi- 
 ence the unspeakably sweet reward of obedience which was 
 very encouraging." 
 
 Anna Braithwaite often recurred to the warm 
 and loving sympathy with which she was met by her 
 husband, after this pubhc manifestation of her 
 allegiance to her King and Saviour. The habitual 
 reserve which at that time pervaded the family circle 
 upon a subject like that of the public exercise of the 
 ministry of the Gospel, the sense of its awful 
 solemnity far outweighing any thought of its 
 attendant privilege, gave a peculiar sweetness to 
 such an expression of her husband's sympathy. He 
 soon afterwards accompanied her to the Yearly 
 Meeting ; from which she writes 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 
 " Tottenham, 
 
 " 13th 5th mo., 1814. 
 
 " We have so far had no reason to regret that we left home 
 
 to attend the Yearly Meeting. The several sittings have been 
 
 instructive, and I hope not altogether lost on me. There is; 
 
 I believe, no less benefit from ' watchings and fastings,' if
 
 HOME LIFE, 1814. 59 
 
 rightly maintained, than from ' aboundings ' in spiritual 
 things. The last sitting was remarkably solemn, and the silence 
 which preceded the close very impressive. I dined twice with 
 Anna Buxton,* which was quite a gratification to me. I 
 also met Maria Fox and her husband at my Uncle Stacey's, 
 and dined with Priscilla Hannah Gurney and Priscilla Gurney 
 at Mildred's Court." 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 
 After alluding to a visit from William Allen, his 
 
 wife and daughter, on their way into Scotland. 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 8th mo. 19th, 18 14. 
 
 " They always seem dear to me from long and early asso- 
 ciations ; being so intimate with my much loved cousins 
 Bevan, whose memory will be ever precious to me as long as 
 my life and faculties remain. 
 
 " It is a consolation amidst all the trials which have as- 
 sailed my beloved father and thyself to know that the ever- 
 lasting arms are underneath to support you, and that you 
 have found this increasingly the case with advancing years," 
 
 The months that followed were spent mostly at 
 home, where she was cheered and linstructed by visits 
 from Stephen Grellet and several others of the 
 Lord's messengers. 
 
 The Journal notices many precious opportunities 
 of rehgious retirement and edification. It was 
 evidently a time of deepening experience. 
 
 The birth of a little boy in the spring of 1815, 
 quickly followed by his early death, was an event 
 which tenderly affected her sensitive mind. It was 
 
 * Soon afterwards married to William Forster.
 
 60 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 with very conflicting feelings that she attended the 
 Yearly Meeting in London, where she was called 
 upon to act as one of the Clerks to the Women's 
 Meeting. 
 
 Soon after her return home she writes : — 
 
 " 8 mo. 9th, 1815. Fourth day. 
 " After many days of inward conflict, my mind was sweetly 
 centred this evening in my lonely sitting ; being enabled from 
 the bottom of my heart to think God and take courage." 
 
 The preceding pages have disclosed the tender 
 attachment which subsisted between her sister 
 Priscilla Wordsworth and herself. Great was the 
 shock to her feelings on receiving the following : — 
 
 From Dr. Wordsworth. 
 " Bocking, 
 
 " October 7th, 1815. 
 " I write to apprise you of a most afflicting event. My 
 dearest Priscilla is dead. Two days ago all seemed doing well. 
 Acute flying spasmodic pains then came on, but we had no 
 apprehension of danger six hours ago. Will you communicate 
 the tidings to our Kendal friends and my brother. I am 
 here all alone, and no words can describe what I have lost. 
 " Yours ever affectionately, 
 
 " Chris : Wordsworth. 
 " Saturday morning." 
 
 A visit to her parents was peculiarly fitting after 
 such a bereavement. Her twenty-seventh birthday 
 was passed under their roof at Bingley. On the 
 following day her husband writes from
 
 RECORDED A MINISTER. 6l 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 12 mo. 28th, 1815. 
 " The subject of thy being recommended as a minister 
 was determined on in our Monthly Meeting this morning, 
 when the men and women were together according to the 
 recent regulations of the Yearly Meeting. After mature con- 
 sideration a minute was formed expressive of the decision 
 of the meeting. The prospect thou hast had of accompany- 
 ing my Aunt Bragg [in a visit to the families of Friends at 
 Birmingham] was then laid before Friends, and the conclusion 
 come to, which gave rise to the enclosed minute. It was in- 
 deed a very solemn opportunity. A precious covering was 
 spread over the meeting, much love flowed towards thee, 
 and much sympathy and unity were felt."
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 1815-1819. 
 
 Review of her position as minister of the Gospel — Visits the 
 families of Friends in Birmingham — And in Westmorland 
 Quarterly Meeting, the Eastern Counties and Norwich — 
 Is Clerk of the Women's Yearly Meeting during several 
 years — Reflections on her twenty-eighth Birthday — Visit 
 to Cumberland as one of the Yearly Meeting's Committee — 
 Her father's sympathy with her various engagements — 
 Visit from Elizabeth Fry and Joseph John Gurney — Her 
 first " pubUc meeting " — Visit to the families of Friends 
 at Norwich. 
 
 THE step by which Anna Braithwaite was thus 
 placed in the position of a minister of the 
 gospel in the Society of Friends was a step 
 taken with the free unity of the adult members of the 
 Society for the district around Kendal assembled in 
 their Monthly Meeting for that purpose. It was not 
 an ordination or appointment to that office. It was 
 simply the recognition or " acknowledgement " by 
 the Church of which she was a member of the 
 spiritual gift, which in their apprehension, had been 
 conferred upon her by the Great Head of the 
 Church ; at whose immediate call and under whose 
 authority alone, according to the views of the 
 
 62
 
 FAMILY VISITS, 1815-16. 63 
 
 Society, any can be justified in breaking the silence 
 of a religious meeting, or be qualified to speak in 
 such meeting " to edification and comfort and 
 consolation." * 
 
 The years that followed this acknowledgement 
 were years in which Anna Braithwaite evidently 
 sought to act out the injunction " make full proof of 
 thy ministry." By arrangements well understood 
 amongst Friends, the sanction of the " Monthly 
 Meeting" of which the minister is a member, 
 specially convened in a joint meeting of both men 
 and women Friends to consider the subject, is 
 necessary to authorize a minister to travel in the 
 service of the gospel beyond the limits of his or her 
 own Monthly Meeting in Great Britain ; and the 
 concurrence of the Quarterly Meeting and of the 
 Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders or, as it is 
 now called, the Yearly Meeting on Ministry and 
 Oversight in London, must, in like manner, be 
 obtained for any ministerial service in America. 
 
 The visit to the families of Friends at Birmingham 
 for which Anna Braithwaite was, as we have seen, 
 liberated at the same Monthly Meeting at which her 
 gift in the ministry was " acknowledged," was 
 followed in the autumn of 18 16 by a visit to the 
 families of Kendal Monthly Meeting, and sub- 
 sequently by a similar visit to the Friends of 
 
 * On the general subject of the ministry amongst Friends 
 the Chapter on ministry in the Book of Discipline of the 
 Society of Friends may be profitably referred to.
 
 64 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 Swarthmore and Strickland Monthly Meetings, all 
 within the limits of Westmorland Quarterly Meeting ; 
 and still later by a visit to the Friends of the 
 Quarterly Meeting of Norfolk and Norwich. Other 
 engagements in the ministry followed, of which some 
 particulars may be hereafter given. 
 
 In several of these journeys, Anna Braithwaite 
 felt it a privilege to be accompanied by one or more 
 of her relatives or friends m the position of ministers 
 of the gospel. At this period of her life she fre- 
 quently attended the Yearly Meeting in London, 
 where she acted as Assistant Clerk to the Women's 
 Yearly Meeting in the years 1815 and 1817, and as 
 Clerk in the years 1819, 1821, 1822 and 1823. 
 Services such as these are not of a nature admitting 
 of much lengthened description. But she deeply 
 felt that they required the habitual exercise of 
 humble watchfulness and childlike dependence 
 upon the counsel, guidance and support of the 
 Shepherd of Israel. 
 
 It was her experience that, under His gracious 
 leading, each step becomes to the true disciple a 
 new lesson of His love ; in the learning of which He 
 is pleased to unfold through the operation of His 
 Spirit, more and more of the unsearchable riches of 
 His grace, fulfilling the precious promise : " I will 
 instruct thee and teach thee in the way which 
 thou shalt go ; I will guide thee with mine 
 eye." * 
 
 * Ps. xxxii. 8.
 
 LETTERS, 1816. 65 
 
 The following extracts from her letters and 
 private memoranda may serve to illustrate the 
 course of her experience : — 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 (In allusion to her visit to the families of Friends at Kendal.) 
 
 " 9th mo. 1 6th, 18 16. 
 " Oh that I may be kept humble and watchful. I have 
 remembered m^f^ dear father's kind advice, respecting the 
 important duties of a mother and mistress of a family ; and 
 could he be a witness to the care extended to our dear children, 
 I trust that he would not be otherwise than satisfied. We 
 have only proceeded a little way in our present engagement, 
 and though discouragements often secretly assail my mind, 
 yet I have thankfully to acknowledge that this little act of 
 dedication has been owned by the Great and Good Shepherd 
 whom I desire to follow." 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 10 mo. 28th, 1816. 
 " The ability which was from time to time afforded to 
 relieve my mind during my late solemn engagement in the 
 family visit here, calls for the return of humble gratitude. 
 In the retrospect my mind may be aptly described as being 
 clothed with ' peaceful poverty.' 
 
 " I believe this to be a safe state if rightly abode in. The 
 secret petition of my soul has been that I may be kept ' in 
 the low valley ' abiding under the ripening hand of the Lord." 
 
 From her private memoranda : — 
 
 "12 mo. 27th, 18 16. This is my birthday. I am now 
 twenty-eight years of age. Looking back to my last birthday, 
 and putting the question, how has the year been spent and 
 what improvement appears in my daily conduct and
 
 66 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 deportment, I fear that little progress has been made. I am 
 often sensible that no efforts of my own can effect the cure of 
 those diseases which lie in the heart. Be pleased, O Lord, 
 to keep me humble. Enable me to die daily ; that I may 
 know that it is indeed because my Redeemer liveth that I 
 live also." 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 6 mo. I2th, 1817. 
 " My heart has been much humbled under a sense of the 
 fresh calls for gratitude in being again restored to the bosom 
 of my family, and the blessing with which our domestic work 
 is crowned. I never more fully felt the unmerited privileges 
 we are permitted to enjoy." 
 
 During several weeks of the autumn of 1817, 
 Anna Braithwaite was engaged in a visit to Friends 
 in Cumberland as one of a Committee of the Yearly 
 Meeting. Amongst others with whom she was 
 associated in this service may be mentioned her 
 husband's aunt, Sarah Abbatt (a daughter of his 
 grandmother Rachel Wilson) and her friends, Sarah 
 Benson of Liverpool (a sister of the late William 
 Rathbone), Sarah Hustler of Bradford, and Charles 
 Parker of Yealand Conyers near Lancaster. " Our 
 little band," she writes, '* were much united in love." 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Wig ton, 
 
 " 9 mo. i8th, 1817. 
 
 " We are refreshed by a dish of tea after a rather shaking 
 
 drive from Hesket Newmarket. The Monthly Meeting at 
 
 Gillfoot was pretty well attended. There are tender minds 
 
 there, but they want help. Sarah Hustler addressed the
 
 VISITS CUMBERLAND Q.M. 67 
 
 young people very relievingly to my mind. Our cousin, 
 Sarah Benson is an example indeed. Her quietude and meek- 
 ness are deeply instructive. 
 
 " We called to see a choice old friend named Josiah Priest- 
 man near the Meeting House ; lively in spirit in the midst 
 of great bodily infirmity. 
 
 " As regards myself, I am not without inward conflict; 
 and at times seem pretty much led about blindfold, without 
 seeing the way before me. Perhaps these proving seasons 
 may tend to the death of that will in me, which rises up again 
 and again in fresh shapes. Oh 1 that I may endure all that 
 is necessary to make me what I ought to be. 
 
 " I sometimes think few persons have so much in their 
 nature to contend with as myself, but I have at times felt 
 it an unspeakable favour to be enabled reverently to make my 
 appeal to the Great Searcher of hearts. ' Lord thou knowest 
 all things, though knowest that I love thee, and desire above 
 all things to be made whatsoever thou wouldst have me 
 to be.' I think much of thee and the dear children. Kiss 
 them all for me." 
 
 To THE Same. 
 
 " Whitehaven. 
 
 " 9th mo. 2ist, 1817. 
 
 " Our dear friend Sarah Hustler, who had stayed at 
 AUonby to rest, came forward to join us at Maryport in the 
 afternoon. 
 
 "At Maryport we had a larger Monthly Meeting than I 
 had expected. Many there are deeply to be felt for. Affliction 
 has found an entrance into the habitations of many. The 
 meeting held till nearly five in the afternoon. After dinner 
 I went to see Sarah Harris. She is daily expecting to be again 
 a mother and had not been informed of her husband's sudden 
 death. But the next morning the solemn event was unfolded 
 to her, and my Aunt Abbatt and I went to sit with her. It 
 was a heart moving scene. He was well on the 19th of
 
 68 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 7 mo., and on the 21st died of a fever which is raging in the 
 Havannah. 
 
 " I afterwards called on Thomas Richardson, the blind 
 Friend. My cousin Charles Parker has been like a father to 
 me. It is a great privilege to come under the influence of a 
 man of his sound judgement and experience." 
 
 Once more at home she writes 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 12 mo. 17th, 1817. 
 
 " I believe that our strength is increased by meeting diflSi- 
 culties with a humble trust in Divine support under them. 
 I sometimes feel as though I could do very little to prove 
 my love for those to whom I owe so much as to my father 
 and thee, but I hope the will is not wanting, though but little 
 opportunity is afforded for showing it. 
 
 " I am now sitting surrounded by my little flock, excepting 
 Robert, who is gone to bed. They are amusing themselves 
 with pencils and paper, and look very smiling and happy. 
 Anna is at present rather delicate, and I fear she will remain 
 so during the winter." 
 
 A few weeks later we find her again dihgently 
 engaged in her labours in Westmorland Quarterly 
 Meeting. 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 " Penrith, 
 
 " I mo. 16, 1818. 
 " It is cause for thankfulness that from one family sitting 
 to another I have seemed to be lifted out of myself to my 
 humbling admiration. May I never shrink from the baptism 
 of spirit necessary to enable me to feel with the various states 
 we meet with. There is a jealousy over my mind lest I should
 
 LETTERS, 1818. 69 
 
 mix anything of my own with the simple unfoldings of Truth. 
 To be preserved in a capacity to be ' emptied as from vessel 
 to vessel,' * is what I crave." 
 
 From Her Father. 
 " Bath, 
 
 " 2ist 2 mo., 1818. 
 
 " We feel sympathy with thee in thy religious engage- 
 ments, and humbly trust that thy devotedness to the best of 
 causes may be attended with a rich blessing to thee and thy 
 family. 
 
 " It is through much tribulation that the righteous must 
 enter the Kingdom, and thou, my beloved daughter, like all 
 who endeavour to fight the good fight, must expect to have 
 thy share of suffering. But I trust that thy faith will never 
 be permitted to fail. ' Tribulation worketh patience, and 
 patience experience, and experience hope.' May all these 
 be thy blessed portion. 
 
 " I am thankful to say that thy dear mother is better. 
 The air and society of Bath do her good. 
 
 " We have delightful accommodation : and the company 
 of Robert Barclay and his wife, Samuel Hoare and his wife, 
 Priscilla Gurney, Mary Anne Schimmelpenninck, and Robert 
 Fox and his wife and daughters affords much satisfaction." 
 
 Her mother adds : — 
 
 " I should scarcely feel easy without assuring thee how 
 much I share in the sympathy and tender solicitude expressed 
 by thy father." 
 
 The following letter in her husband's handwriting 
 conveyed to her parents the first decided intimation 
 of her increasing delicacy : — 
 
 * See Jeremiah xlviii. 11.
 
 70 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 2nd mo. 19th, 1818. 
 " Thou must not be alarmed at receiving a letter from me 
 in my dear husband's handwriting. I am quite equal to the 
 employment, but from the nature of my local infirmity, I am 
 obhged to lie on the sofa almost constantly. Dear Mary 
 will have informed you of the weakness I have for some time 
 past had in my back, and of the relief which I have found from 
 the appUcation of leeches. Our medical man is of the judgement 
 that there is a tendency to an affection of the spine, and he 
 considers it necessary that I should try the effect of rest and 
 a rechning position." 
 
 Her illness at first threatened to be very serious, 
 more particularly as she was once more expecting 
 soon to be a mother ; but the remedies applied were 
 the means under the Divine blessing of producing 
 for a time considerable alleviation. 
 
 Two months later her husband writes 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 4 mo. 26th, 1818. 
 " My dear Anna is I hope on the whole rather better 
 and wonderfully patient." 
 
 A month later she herself writes by her husband's 
 hand 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 5 mo. 20th, 1818. 
 " You will, I know, be pleased to hear that lean now walk 
 alone out of my own room into the little one adjoining, and 
 am able to sit upon an easy chair during and for some time
 
 SPINAL WEAKNESS. 7 1 
 
 after my meals. My health has seemed much improved 
 since I kept upstairs. 
 
 " Were it possible for us to meet I believe that you would 
 receive a more favourable impression than your affectionate 
 solicitude will enable you to entertain in your absence. I 
 frequently feel that my cup of outward blessing seems to run 
 over ; and when I look back upon the seventeen weeks of 
 confinement, I consider it not one of the least of my many 
 mercies that it has been much less painful than I could have 
 anticipated. 
 
 " I was never more sensible how utterly unavailing all 
 past experience is without the renewal of that which can alone 
 quicken. Oh the need there is of waiting patiently ' all the days 
 of the appointed time.' May we, my dear mother, often 
 remember one another for good, and, when ability is afforded, 
 breathe forth the prayer for each other's preservation in that 
 path which will lead us safely through the trials of time." 
 
 Her two youngest children, (twins) were born in 
 the summer of this year. A few weeks later she 
 writes to her husband during one of his short 
 absences from home : — 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 8th mo. 24th, 1818. 
 
 " Oh ! that I and that we may unitedly, in reverent gratitude 
 and humility, offer up body, soul and spirit to His service, 
 who hath dealt so mercifully with us. This is what He is 
 calling for ; that in all our conduct and conversation we should 
 be found watching unto prayer, and that He may graciously 
 condescend to lead us in the paths of judgement, both in our 
 going out and in our coming in, before our family and friends. 
 
 " I went to meeting yesterday morning in the sedan chair, 
 and returned in it not feeling very strong. However, after 
 lying down more than two hours, I was so recruited as to sup 
 at my mother's in the evening. My uncle and aunt and
 
 72 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHVVAITE. 
 
 cousins from a distance seem very well. They came this 
 morning to see our precious little ones, who appeared to more 
 than usual advantage, and were as thou mayst suppose, highly 
 commended." 
 
 She was cheered in the autumn by the company 
 of EHzabeth Fry and Joseph John Gurney and his 
 wife, who called at Kendal on their return from 
 Scotland, where they had been inspecting the prisons. 
 Joseph John Gurney thus describes their visit : — 
 
 " Last First day morning (9 mo. 20th, 1818) we proceeded 
 early from Ambleside by the banks of Windermere to Kendal. 
 We arrived at our cousin Deborah Braithwaite's to breakfast; 
 and were most kindly received. There are about eighty 
 
 families of Friends in this place The afternoon 
 
 meeting was crowded. I felt my bonds loosened, and found 
 liberty and power to preach the Gospel with much assurance. 
 I dwelt on the depth of the fall, and the completeness of the 
 recovery offered to us in Christ. I was afterwards much drawn 
 out in prayer. After the whole was over, I felt greatly relieved. 
 
 " We met a large family party to supper at Deborah 
 Braithwaite's (a daughter of Rachel Wilson's) and could not 
 help cheering up, as is often the case with me at the close of 
 such a day. Our aged friend is surrounded both by children 
 and grandchildren ; a very interesting, harmonious and hope- 
 ful community. 
 
 " On Second day (9 mo. 2 1 ), we breakfasted with Isaac and 
 Anna Braithwaite, and it was truly pleasant to feel how love 
 flowed through our large party. After the reading, we were 
 truly baptised together into one spirit. I believed it right to 
 return thanks for the restoration of the mistress of this family 
 to her husband, her children and the Church. She is a woman 
 of excellent ability and first-rate principle, and was appar- 
 ently languishing on the bed of mortal sickness, when the birth
 
 VISIT TO EASTERN COUNTIES. 73 
 
 of twins was followed by a most favourable change, and she 
 now attends meetings once more. I afterwards visited Samuel 
 Marshall's school of about eighty boys, with which I was much 
 pleased." 
 
 Anna Braithvvaite's delicacy continued during the 
 winter, but in the spring of 1819 she was enabled to 
 proceed with her visits to her Friends in the Eastern 
 Counties in company with her aunt Sarah Abbatt. 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 
 " Downham (Norfolk), 
 
 " 5th mo. loth, 1819. 
 
 " We left Tottenham on 7th day morning. At Stanstead 
 we dined at William Grover's, whose tender, fatherly counsel 
 to me seemed as a ' word in season,' my mind being closely 
 tried. After tea, we proceeded to Saffron Walden. 
 
 " As my mind seemed drawn towards William Forster's 
 prospect of a public meeting at Cambridge, I accompanied 
 my Cousin Wyatt, George Gibson and my niece, Deborah 
 Stacey, in a post chaise thither. We met in the Friends' 
 Meeting-house in Jesus Lane. It was very full ; many stood 
 and many went away for want of room. There was a large 
 proportion of genteel people, and perhaps twenty or thirty 
 students. William Forster stood up almost as soon as the 
 meeting was gathered, and enlarged in a very impressive 
 manner on the operation and effect of spiritual religion ; 
 on the necessity of submitting to the guidance of the Spirit 
 of Truth in all things ; and on true Gospel ministry. I think 
 I never heard the latter subject more closely and clearly hand- 
 led. Many appeared very serious. It was in deep reverence 
 of spirit that I ventured on supplication, after which almost 
 all the people sat down quietly and seemed reluctant to leave, 
 even when they were informed that the meeting was over. 
 We returned to Walden, arriving there about 10.30."
 
 74 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Chatteris, 
 
 " 5 mo. 8th, 1819. 
 " We left Walden soon after eight the next morning after 
 the meeting at Cambridge, driving about thirty-two miles 
 to Earith, in Huntingdonshire. 
 
 " We dined at Lovell Squire's, whose wife is an old acquaint- 
 ance of mine. I was much pleased to be under their roof. 
 We went to Meeting at 6 p.m. About thirty were present. 
 I thought it a favour to be there, the covering over us being 
 far more precious than words. We were both of us engaged 
 in ministry, I trust under a fear of taking off from the weight 
 of the silence which was to be felt." 
 
 Anna Braithwaite soon afterwards attended the 
 Yearly Meeting in London, where she was enabled 
 to act as Clerk of the Women's Meeting, a position in 
 which she felt greatly comforted and helped by the 
 loving sympathy and counsel of many dear mothers 
 and sisters in Christ. 
 
 Returning to Norfolk after the Yearly Meeting in 
 company with her aunt, she thus describes the first 
 meeting appointed at her request for the general 
 public : — 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " North Walsham, 
 
 " 6 mo. 19th, 1819. 
 
 " On entering Yarmouth, my mind was impressed with 
 the belief that it would be consistent with my peace to have a 
 meeting for those not in profession with us. This I kept to 
 myself, till before going to meeting in the morning, and I need 
 not say to thee how serious the prospect appeared. 
 
 " I found that my dear aunt had no similar concern, but 
 she felt no objection to its being proposed. The meeting
 
 VISIT TO EASTERN COUNTIES. 75 
 
 was accordingly appointed at 6 o'clock. I cannot express 
 what I felt on the occasion. It was largely attended. I 
 was engaged in suppUcation and testimony : my dear aunt 
 also spoke a little. The people behaved very well, and I 
 was comforted with the belief that some towards whom my 
 mind had felt attracted were present." 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Keswick, near Norwich, 
 
 " 6 mo. 25, 1819. 
 " The public meeting [at Yarmouth] was no small trial 
 of my faith, being the first engagement of the kind I had given 
 up to. The Meeting-house was full, and the people behaved 
 remarkably well. I felt it a very serious service, and I hope 
 I shall always feel it to be so. We reached Joseph Gurney's 
 to dinner on the following day." 
 
 From Her Father. 
 
 " Birmingham. 
 
 " 27th 6th mo., 1819. 
 " I do not wonder at thy feeling the weight of an appointed 
 meeting. This is as it should be ; for I believe that we are 
 never so near Divine support as when we feel our own 
 weakness." 
 
 It was " under a feeling of much debility, and 
 her need of the love and prayers of her friends," 
 that in company with her aunt, she entered upon a 
 visit to the families of Friends in Norwich. They 
 proceeded, writes Joseph John Gurney in his journal, 
 " with the hearty concurrence of the ministers and 
 elders of our Meeting." They were subsequently 
 joined in part of the visit by their friends William 
 and Rebecca Byrd. The Meeting of Friends at
 
 76 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 Norwich was a large and important one, and in 
 entering upon the service it was her privilege to 
 receive the following words of wise and loving 
 counsel. 
 
 From Her Father. 
 
 " Birmingham, 
 
 " 27th, 6 mo., 1819. 
 " I have always considered the visiting of families as a 
 most weighty and delicate engagement. We are liable to 
 so many mental fluctuations, that it requires much caution 
 and experience, lest we attribute feelings which belong to our- 
 selves to those whom we visit ; and, if close advice or doctrine 
 be necessary, it is much safer to deliver it to the party alone, 
 than when others are present. Much injury has been done 
 for want of caution in this respect. It is when we have been 
 ourselves ' emptied from vessel to vessel,' and made most 
 deeply sensible of our own infirmities, that we are prepared 
 to feel great tenderness towards others, and to seek their 
 restoration or help in the Spirit of meekness, bearing one 
 
 another's burdens Our love flows towards thee 
 
 with earnest desires for thy preservation, and that thou mayest 
 continue to be a devoted servant of Him who is indeed a rich 
 rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." 
 
 The following notice of their visit to Norwich 
 occurs in Joseph John Gurney's private Journal. 
 
 "6th mo. 28th, 1819. Sixth day. 
 " Our dear friends and cousins Sarah Abbatt and Anna 
 Braithwaite spent the evening with us, and went away the 
 next morning. Their visit and spiritual labours with us 
 were very acceptable. Anna Braithwaite spoke beautifully 
 and very instructively on the subject of the Ministry, with 
 particular reference to me. Sometimes persons who have 
 experienced a strong and decided call to the work, find those
 
 VISIT TO EASTERN COUNTIES. 77 
 
 powerful impulses withdrawn, and while the cloud is really 
 resting on their tabernacle, are tempted of the enemy to rush 
 forward in their own strength, by which they are in danger 
 of moving away from their Protector and Guide ; but as they 
 are wilUng quietly to wait until the cloud manifesting His 
 presence moves on,* new lessons for themselves and others 
 will be distinctly written on their hearts, and openings for service 
 made. The burden of her exhortation was to wait to receive 
 the lesson of the day, for we have many lessons to learn." 
 Joseph John Gurney continues: — " First day the Ministry 
 in the morning meeting very acceptably confined to the four 
 visitors. Anna Braithwaite very beautifully on the wilderness 
 state." 
 
 Anna Braithwaite to Her Father. 
 
 " Lakenham Grove, near Norwich, 
 " (Joseph Gurney's), 
 
 " 7th mo. 2nd, 1819. 
 " We have met with a very open reception ; and, had my 
 dear father been present, he would have been sensible that a 
 covering of love has been remarkably spread over us. We 
 are all satisfied that our uniting with William and Rebecca 
 Byrd has been for the best. We have moved along in much 
 harmony. 
 
 " We have lodged two nights at Earlham, and two at 
 Keswick. My cousin Rachel Gurney has been as kind as 
 possible." 
 
 * See and consider Numbers ix. 15-23.
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 1819-1823. 
 
 Continues her visit to Friendi. in the Eastern Counties — In- 
 creased delicacy of her health — Spinal affliction — Consults 
 Wm. Hey, of Leeds — His advice — Is Clerk of the Women's 
 Yearly Meeting 182 1 — Enters upon family visit in neigh- 
 bourhood of London and in Midland Counties — Death of 
 her mother-in-law, Deborah Braithwaite, and of her own 
 mother Mary Lloyd — Her concern for her children, attends 
 the Yearly Meetings in Dublin and London in 1822 — Con- 
 tinues visits in London — Funeral of Jane Gurney at Norwich 
 — Death of Charles Parker — His funeral at Needham — 
 Visits families at Liverpool — Accident at Newcastle — 
 Illness and death of her sister, Mary Braithwaite — Libera- 
 tion for her visit to Friends in the United States — Letter 
 to Anna Forster — Letters from her father. 
 
 WE have seen how early Anna Braithwaite had 
 been taught thepreciousnessof the Saviour's 
 love, and how deeply her youthful heart 
 had been impressed with the solemn call, " this 
 doctrine thou wilt have to proclaim both in England 
 and America." But it was not always easy for her 
 to believe that the steps by which she was led were 
 really part of her Lord's appointed discipline. 
 
 78
 
 ILL-HEALTH, 182O. 79. 
 
 Writing in 1819 she speaks of her " present feel- 
 ings " as best described in the language, " bonds and 
 afflictions await me in every place." She feelingly 
 adds, " resignation makes hard things easy." In 
 now looking back to the strain occasioned by the 
 increasing delicacy of her health, and by the 
 frequently recurring pangs of family bereavement, 
 through which she was called to pass at this period 
 of her life, we may probably see, more clearly than 
 she could do, that these trials of her faith were 
 designed by the Great and Good Shepherd as a 
 fitting preparation for the arduous services which 
 awaited her in after years. 
 
 Visits to friends in Ipswich, Woodbridge, Bury^ 
 Sudbury, Coggeshall, Chelmsford, and some other 
 places in the summer of 1819 succeeded her labours 
 in Norfolk. 
 
 Returning home in the 8th mo., 1819, anxiety as 
 to the health of one of her children was scarcely^ 
 allayed before her own health began to give way. 
 The symptoms of special weakness, which had 
 previously made their appearance, now recurred 
 in an aggravated form, and continued with some 
 fluctuations throughout the greater part of the 
 following year, 1820. 
 
 It was thought right to consult William Hey, of 
 Leeds, whose profound skill in his profession was 
 adorned by deep piety and Christian consistency. 
 Under his advice a caustic issue was opened at the 
 back of the head. This treatment, accompanied at
 
 80 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BKAITHWAITE. 
 
 iirst with much rest upon the sofa, was continued 
 for many years, the issue being kept open and 
 renewed from time to time every second or third 
 day, the head with the exception of the hair in the 
 front being kept carefully shaven. Such a course of 
 treatment, continued as it was during the whole of 
 her American journeys, and for some time after her 
 return, must be borne in mind in estimating the 
 severe practical test which as a " thorn in the flesh" 
 was permitted to try her faith, patience, and forti- 
 tude.* 
 
 It was on the last day of 1820 that Anna 
 Braithwaite wrote 
 
 To Her Parents. 
 " William Hey gives me great reason to hope that by two 
 or three months close confinement to the sofa, and the free 
 appUcation of blisters along the spine, I may be enabled to 
 go about pretty much as usual, though he thinks it probable 
 that for two or three years I may require to have the caustic 
 issue kept open. It is my intention strictly to adhere to the 
 plan be has laid down. His manner particularly pleased 
 me, and I feel much satisfied with having consulted him." 
 
 Whilst conlined at home, her mind was not 
 forgetful of what was passing around her. 
 To Her Mother. 
 
 " Kendal, 3rd mo. 14, 1821. 
 " I observe my father's remarks respecting the Educa- 
 tion Bill, but I have not seen the pamphlet he alludes to. I 
 
 ♦ Some of my earliest recollections of my beloved mother 
 are associated with the frequently recurring shaving of her head 
 by mj' dear father.
 
 RELIGIOUS SERVICE, 1 82 1. 8 1 
 
 think William Allen's defence written in reply to the observa- 
 tions in the Edinburgh Review on the British system is much 
 to the point. There is something repugnant to my sentiments 
 in compulsory measures for effecting benevolent objects. And 
 without taking into view the paralyzing effect of such measures 
 upon the exertions of well disposed individuals, I am not con- 
 vinced that the end designed is likely to be accomplished 
 by them. People may be obliged to establish schools, but 
 the obligation to do so may neither give energy in the execution 
 of a plan nor real interest in the progress of the children, and 
 it seems to me that a little painstaking encouragement extended 
 towards the existing teachers for promoting this great object 
 would answer every end proposed, and be productive of much 
 less evil." 
 
 Under the treatment recommended by William 
 Hey, her health so much improved that she was 
 again able in 1821 to attend to the duties of Clerk to 
 the Women's Yearly Meeting, and subsequently to 
 enter upon important engagements in the neighbour- 
 hood of London and some of the Midland Counties. 
 
 A visit to the families of friends in Stoke New- 
 ington was entered upon soon after the Yearly 
 Meeting, in which she was accompanied by her 
 relative, Grizel Birkbeck, afterwards the wife of 
 William Allen. 
 
 To Her Father. 
 " Stoke Newington, 6 mo. 21st, 1821. 
 " I seem to go from house to house empty-handed; having 
 in^a spiritual sense neither purse nor scrip, yet I have been so 
 far helped to my own humbUng admiration ; and the covering 
 of love has been remarkably permitted to attend. I find our 
 cousin Grizel Birkbeck a very kind, and I believe, judicious 
 companion."
 
 82 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 To Her Mother. 
 
 " Stoke Newington, 
 
 " 6 mo. 25th, 1821. 
 *' Yesterday was the Quarterly Meeting, and the day before 
 the meeting of ministers and elders, in both of which I was 
 strengthened to labour faithfully, and felt peaceful on my return 
 in the evening. 
 
 " My health is really good, and my strength seems remark- 
 ably renewed day by day, which I accept as an unspeakable 
 favour." 
 
 From Her Mother. 
 
 " Bingley, 
 
 " 3rd of 7 mo., 1 82 1. 
 " I always feel pleasure in breaking the seal of a letter 
 directed by thy hand, and thy communications at this time are 
 particularly interesting, as none of thy friends can view with 
 indifference the arduous undertaking in which thou art engaged. 
 I heard with much satisfaction that our cousin G. Birkbeck 
 was thy companion, and her house was thy resting place of 
 an evening. Thou wilt find her a judicious and sympathizing 
 friend." 
 
 A similar visit to the families of Friends at 
 Tottenham followed, in which she felt it a privilege 
 to be accompanied by her aunt Mary Stacey. She 
 remarks : — 
 
 " I increasingly feel that I have but one .source of help 
 and preservation. May my eye be ever single to Him. 
 
 " 1 am often made to go heavily oq my way, but I have cause 
 reverently to acknowledge that He who condescends to put 
 forth His unworthy servants, forsakes them not. I have to 
 pass through much heart searching exercise that a separation 
 may be made between thing and thing, and the word divided 
 faithfully."
 
 VISITS FAMILIES AT WORCESTER. 83 
 
 Leaving London in the early part of the 8th 
 
 mo., she proceeded to Worcester, where she spent 
 
 some time in a visit to families of Friends in that 
 
 city. 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Bar ford, 
 
 " 8 mo. 15th, T821. 
 " To day we attend the Meeting at Warwick and a public 
 meeting at Kenilwortli in the evening. This looks formid- 
 able in prospect, but I dare not let go my confidence in Him 
 who has been near in every time of need. I often remember 
 dear Nathan Hunt's advice, ' Let God be thy refuge continually. 
 I find that nothing short of this will do." 
 
 Two days later she writes : — 
 
 " My dear father intends taking me to Worcester to-day 
 in the carriage. The prospect of entering on another family 
 visit looks formidable ; but my confidence is in His mercy, 
 whose promise is sure, ' I will never leave thee nor forsake 
 thee.' Shall I not trust in Him for ever ? 
 
 " To-day I feel a good deal fatigued ; but I intend to take 
 great care of myself. So great is the effect of mind upon 
 the body, that I scarcely know how much to ascribe to the 
 latter in the present case." 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 After alluding to the deep conflict through which 
 
 she passed in the prospect of her engagements at 
 
 Worcester. 
 
 " Worcester, 
 
 " 8 mo; 20th,- 1821. 
 
 " I was marvellously lifted out of this in the evening 
 
 meeting ; and to day, after ten sittings, feel myself greatly 
 
 set at hberty, my body partaking of the relief my mind has 
 
 been graciously permitted to obtain.
 
 84 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " Candia Pumphrey, whom I dearly love, supped with us 
 at the Inn, and saw my Cousin Rachel Foster dress my head, 
 which goes on pretty much as usual. My father and my Cousin 
 Rachel intend leaving after an early dinner. It seems there 
 may probably be sixty sittings. Dear Candia accompanies 
 me through them." 
 
 In a subsequent letter she continues : — 
 To HER Husband. 
 
 " Worcester, 
 
 " 8 mo; 24th, 1821. 
 " We are returned from paying our last visit. My mind 
 feels peacefully relieved, and I gratefully accept the present 
 release. I know it will be only of short duration, but I think 
 in this respect I am beaming like a child who enjoys short 
 intervals of relaxation without being harassed with the anti- 
 cipation of the future. It is only now and then that I would 
 have the pressure relaxed. May I never get from under 
 the harness until the time arrives for final liberation." 
 
 Her husband's mother, Deborah Braithwaite, a 
 daughter of Isaac and Rachel Wilson, died at Kendal 
 on the nth of the 9th mo., 1821, in her 79th year. 
 Anna Braithwaite subsequently writes in her private 
 memoranda : — 
 
 " 9 mo'. 27th, 1 82 1. 
 
 " This day two weeks I returned to my beloved family, 
 after an absence of nineteen weeks. My dear husband met 
 me at Birmingham ten days before. I felt this morning 
 contrited even to tears, under a renewed sense of the merciful 
 help experienced both outwardly and inwardly on this jour- 
 ney ; and was afresh encouraged by the assurance that if 
 faithfulness be abode in, it will continue to be extended to 
 the very end.
 
 DEATHS OF MOTHER-IN-LAW AND MOTHER. 85 
 
 " I have felt stripped in spiritual things since my return. 
 I trust that I may accept this as some evidence that I have not 
 clothed myself during the many and various exercises which 
 I have been introduced into. There are three things I especially 
 wish to have in remembrance ; ist — that in meeting my 
 dearest husband our minds were so cemented under a solemn 
 sense of silent and reverent thankfulness. I never perhaps 
 experienced deeper plunges, but was to the end so attended 
 with Divine condescension, that in every day of battle, I could 
 adopt the language ; ' when I am weak, then am I strong.' " 
 
 " 2nd. — That in a public meeting at Warrington which 
 I believed myself required to have appointed, my mind was 
 so clothed with solemn quiet, that I was reluctant to break 
 it up and this continued, attended with a sense of release 
 from further service at that time. I believe I said nothing 
 about it, but when on arriving at Liverpool, the account of 
 our beloved mother's decease was handed to us, we were able 
 without hesitation to decide upon returning home the follow- 
 ing day, and so far we have had good ground to believe it was 
 for the best. I have keenly felt the separation from our 
 dear parent. She was as kind to me as though I had been 
 her own daughter. My mind has been comforted in sitting 
 by the remains with the precious evidence of the peace of the 
 departed spirit." 
 
 The death of her mother-in-law was soon followed 
 by that of her own mother on the 9th of the 12th mo., 
 1821, in her 71st year. She had long been in 
 declining health, but the event was none the less 
 deeply felt. Her Christianity was'eminently practi- 
 cal, humble, disinterested, self-denying, and devout. 
 It was her continual endeavour to esteem others 
 better than herself. An example in her own person 
 of simplicity and refinement, she was courteous and
 
 86 MEMOIRS OF ANNA IJRAITHWAITE. 
 
 self-forgetful. Her life was a quiet and unobtrusive 
 exhibition of the blessedness of love to God and 
 persuasive invitation to its habitual exercise. 
 
 The following is an extract from the last letter 
 received by Anna Braithwaite 
 
 From Her Mother. 
 
 " Bingley, 
 
 " 3 mo. 7th, 1821. 
 " To endeavour after patience and resignation seems at 
 present the chief business of my life. 
 
 " In saying this I desire to repress repining thoughts, and 
 humbly to acknowledge the abounding mercies and blessings 
 which are granted me. 
 
 " Thy father always unites in love and best wishes with 
 thy tenderly attached mother, 
 
 " Mary Lloyd." 
 
 Her mother's decease naturally called Anna 
 Braithwaite to Birmingham, from which place she 
 
 wrote 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 " Bingley, 
 
 " 1st mo. 7th, 1822. 
 " My thoughts are often with thee. Our situation as re- 
 spects the precious lambs committed to our care becomes 
 every year more important. How necessary it is for us to 
 ' open our ears to discipline,' that the impressive language 
 of example may not operate against rather than for the 
 promotion of what we feel to be above all things desirable. 
 To stir up by way of remembrance seems all now within my 
 reach ; and I think I have seen the especial need there is of 
 this between those bound together, as I believe we are by the 
 most endearing of all unions ; I mean that of the soul. I
 
 LETTERS IN 1822. 87 
 
 think of the dear children both collectively and separately. 
 Dear Anna whose health I am often thoughtful about, Isaac 
 with his amiable and affectionate disposition ; how does honest 
 Charley go on, and merry Foster ? Dear Robert, too, I can 
 fancy I see him creeping up into my room with one of his 
 numerous requests. Bevan and Caroline should be now good 
 and orderly. Tell E. Binks (the children's caretaker), that 
 in being surrounded with these dear objects of my solicitude, 
 she has my tender sympathy as well as afiEectionate regard." 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 " 1st mo. 22nd, 1822. 
 " I take the earliest opportunity of informing thee that 
 we reached Kendal in safety about 8 o'clock yesterday evening. 
 " I was much with thee, my beloved father, in the remem- 
 brance of the hours spent with thee. 
 
 " To have left thee better in health and firm in humble 
 hope and confidence in Him in whom thou hast believed has 
 afforded me much consolation." 
 
 From Dr. Wordsworth. 
 
 " Trinity Lodge, Cambridge, 
 " Jan. i6th, 1822. 
 " My dear Sister, 
 
 " At length I send you the promised copy of Arch- 
 bishop Leighton of which I beg your acceptance as a slight 
 token of very affectionate regard. You will find much in it 
 wTitten with great sweetness and beauty and in a truly pious 
 and Christian spirit, and with respect to a few passages where 
 there is something of a leaning towards the principles of Cal- 
 vinism, I have no apprehension of their making any dan- 
 gerous impression upon you whose views I am persuaded 
 are much more sound and scriptural."
 
 88 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 In the spring of 1822 Anna Braithwaite attended 
 the Yearly Meeting in Dubhn, and afterwards the 
 Yearly Meeting in London. 
 
 On their way to DubUn, her husband writes to 
 her father from Llangollen on the 22nd of 4th mo. : — 
 "Anna has borne the journey so far capitally. 
 We thought much of thee as we drove along this 
 beautiful valley." 
 
 After the attendance of the Yearly Meeting at 
 Dublin, Anna Braithwaite writes 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Bangor, 
 
 " 5 mo. 8th, 1822. 
 " Though in great haste before the coach goes forward, 
 I write a line to say we were favoured to get over safe and well 
 last night from Dublin. William Allen, Thomas Cliristy, 
 William Rickman, Robert Forster and ourselves are going 
 forward to Shrewsbury to-day. I hope to be at Coalbrookdale 
 to-morrow and to reach dear Bingley sometime on Second day. 
 " With most affectionate love and I trust a heart sensible 
 of the late extendings of strength in weakness in our sojourn 
 in Dublin, 
 
 " I am, 
 " Thy very tenderly sympathizing, 
 " Daughter." 
 
 After attending the Yearly Meeting in London, of 
 which an interesting report by her husband in a 
 letter to her father is preserved in the correspon- 
 dence, Anna Braithwaite went forward to the 
 Quarterly Meeting at Colchester. Here she was 
 met by " the affecting intelligence " of the sudden
 
 JANE GURNEY's funeral. 89 
 
 decease of Jane Gurney (formerly Jane Birkbeck), 
 the first wife of Joseph John Gurney. 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " The Grove, near Norwich, 
 
 " 6 mo. loth, 1822. 
 " My mind was brought into a great strait from the appre- 
 hension that it was safe for me to attend the interment. I 
 conferred with a few friends who encouraged me to attend to 
 my impressions of duty. But as our plans had been previously 
 arranged for lodging at Kelvedon, and attending the week day 
 meeting at Chelmsford the following morning, we thought it 
 better to proceed so far and go forward to Norwich should it 
 continue to appear best. My cousins Joseph and Sarah 
 Foster are my truly kind companions. I accept their care 
 as from Him who has, I trust, opened their hearts for the cause' 
 sake not for mine. They readily agreed to extend their 
 journey, and I came to Norwich on Fifth day. My cousins 
 Rachel and Anna Gurney met us with a letter ^desiring we 
 would lodge at Keswick, but it being late, we preferred sleeping 
 at the Inn. The interment was at eleven on Sixth day. It 
 was very largely attended by the relations and friends of the 
 family and by many others. It proved a solemn time. We 
 dined at Keswick, and took tea with the afflicted family at 
 Earlham, where a large company of near friends assembled. 
 Joseph John Gurney appears greatly supported, and so does 
 his mother-in-law, my Cousin Martha Birkbeck." 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Stoke Newington, 
 
 " 6 mo. 20th and 24th, 1822. 
 " Sixth day at Norwich was a remarkable time. A large 
 mixed circle at Earlham in the evening caused me deep exer- 
 cise. I trust there was cause reverently to believe that He 
 who alone can anoint for service condescended to be near.
 
 90 MEMOIKS OF AXXA BKAITHWAITE. 
 
 opening before me the ' stepping stones,' and enabling me 
 to unfold many Gospel truths. There were three, if not four 
 clergymen present. Joseph John Gurney very calm. Eliza- 
 beth Fry came to Earlham, but was too unwell to be present. 
 Chas. Parker's company was very helpful. He moves in Gospel 
 authority, and has great place with his friends. Surely we have 
 been called of the Lord into the glorious liberty of His children 
 to be freed from all dependence save upon Him alone. Yet 
 it can only be through obedience that we shall be made instru- 
 mental in promoting the cause of His precious truth." 
 
 " 6 mo: 24th. 
 
 " We have great need to learn the lesson of bending under 
 the turnings of the Divine hand, and coming out of outward 
 views and plans in things of a spiritual nature. 
 
 " My going to Norwich and my late journey altogether has, 
 I reverently believe, been the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous 
 in my eyes. May we carefully keep all the Lord's secrets.* 
 It is of great importance lest those who have not ears to hear 
 or hearts to understand should be stumbled, and the door 
 of entrance in any wise closed through indiscretion. The 
 longer I live, the more I am convinced that the children and 
 servants of our Heavenly Father are never so safe as when 
 centred in dependence upon His guidance in the path of dedi- 
 cation. To have the ears shut to outward information respect- 
 ing others is likely to assist an upright discharge of our duty 
 towards them, and to promote our access even in very plain 
 dealing where the way might otherwise be very difficult 
 if not closed." 
 
 After attending the Quarterly Meeting at Ipswich 
 
 Anna Braithvvaite returned to London, where she 
 
 was engaged at intervals for many weeks in what 
 
 she felt the very solemn and responsible duty of 
 
 * Compare Tobit xii, 7, 11.
 
 VISITS FAMILIES IN LONDON. 91 
 
 completing the visit previously entered upon to the 
 families of Friends in the neighbourhood of the 
 Metropolis. Such a visit was the means of intro- 
 ducing her into a great variety of experiences. 
 Thus she writes, after an important interview, to 
 which she had looked tremblingly forward: — 
 
 " It was an awful season, but the Lord's power was over 
 all, strengthening faithfully to unfold plain home truths in 
 that love which casteth out fear ; and my dear friend who was 
 with me, and who was I have no doubt travailing in spirit 
 with me, expressed afterwards her satisfaction with the 
 visit." 
 
 At another time she says : — 
 
 " William Allen took me home to his house, where we all 
 took tea. After tea I sat with William Allen alone in his 
 study, where we had a precious time together, and afterwards 
 called with him on his aged mother." 
 
 Still later Anna Braithwaite adds 
 To Her Husband. 
 " Bromley, 
 
 " 7th mo. 4th, 1822. 
 ". . . • My late engagements have been some of the 
 most proving I ever encountered, and had I not been sup- 
 ported through Divine mercy, surely the floods would have 
 overwhelmed me. But, through all, support has been graciously 
 granted, so that in looking back, my mind is filled with ad- 
 miration, how the great Master has been pleased to temper 
 the vessel for the furnace, into which it has been often plunged. 
 Oh I that my dependence may be altogether upon Him. Truly 
 I can say, ' His mercies are new every morning. Great is 
 thy faithfulness.' "
 
 92 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE, 
 
 She was soon called upon to mourn the removal 
 of another beloved relative and friend, who had been 
 her companion in some of her recent journeys. 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Stoke Newington. 
 
 " 7 mo; loth, 1822. 
 " On Sixth day last I accompanied my Aunt Stacey and 
 my Cousin G. Birkbeck to Ipswich. We lodged at Dykes 
 Alexander's, and the next day proceeded to Needham, where 
 our beloved friend Charles Parker was unexpectedly seized 
 with the complaint, which in the course of fourteen days put 
 an end to his valuable life." 
 
 Previously to entering upon this his last journey, 
 Anna Braithwaite had received the following 
 
 From Charles Parker. 
 
 " Yealand, i6th 3rd mo., 1822. 
 
 " 1 expect to return after the Yearly Meeting through some 
 of the Eastern Counties, as way opens ; as I feel desirous to 
 finish the work given me to do and to enjoy a calm evening of 
 life afterwards. 
 
 " I am glad that thou art favoured with such health as 
 enables thee to serve thy family, and thy great and good 
 Master, who will I trust, preserve thee in that quietness and 
 confidence wherein is strength. To suffer want, as well as to 
 abound, we find very beneficial to preserve us in a state of 
 resigned dependence upon Him in whom alone is our help." 
 
 Some months later, within a few weeks of his 
 death, she received the following additional lines 
 
 From Charles Parker. 
 
 " Yarmouth, 22nd of 6 mo, 1822. 
 " My heart went with thy communication at the Grove 
 (near Norwich) and had an opportunity offered, I should
 
 CHARLES Parker's decease. 93 
 
 then have requested the favour of a few Hnes from thee, 
 addressed to the care of Dykes Alexander at Ipswich, to inform 
 me how thou hast fared, and what way has been made for 
 thee in London, as I feel a deep interest in thy comfort and 
 support every way." 
 
 Anna Braithwaite continues her account of 
 Charles Parker's decease. 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Stoke Newington, 
 
 " 7 mo. loth, 1822. 
 " He was preserved at times even in cheerfulness in the 
 midst of his painful disorder, and evinced in a striking manner, 
 that, having proved his faith in redeeming love by his obedience 
 to its quickening virtue in the heart, he had nothing to do 
 but to die in humble confidence in that Saviour who had 
 followed him all his life long. The interment was on First-day 
 morning ; many Friends came to it from the neighbouring 
 meetings. It was a solemn time." 
 
 Returning by way of Birmingham and Coalbrook- 
 dale, Anna Braithwaite spent some time in visiting 
 the families of Friends at Liverpool, in which she 
 was accompanied by her valued friend Margaret 
 Benson. 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Lodge Lane, Near Liverpool, 
 " 8 mo. i8th, 1822. 
 " We have had cause reverently to acknowledge the truth 
 of the language, ' My grace is sufficient for thee.' Last night 
 we had 124 sittings, and we hope to conclude this very serious 
 engagement on Second day. 
 
 " My present view is to proceed to Lancaster on Fourth 
 day to Yealand on Fifth day, and home on Sixth day."
 
 94 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Kendal, 8 mo. 27th, 1822. 
 
 " I have now the comfort of addressing thee from my 
 peaceful home. I arrived on Sixth day evening, after an absence 
 of nearly eighteen weeks. Sarah Benson and her daughter 
 Margaret brought me in their carriage to Yealand. My hus- 
 band met us at Lancaster on Fifth day morning, and, after 
 attending meeting there, we proceeded that evening to the resi- 
 dence at Yealand Conyers of our late honoured relative, 
 Charles Parker, whose daughter, now an orphan, without 
 either brother or sister, claims the tender sympathy of her 
 friends. 
 
 " My brother and sister Benson, and our dear Anna and 
 Isaac all met us at Yealand on Sixth day morning. My heart 
 was almost overcome with thankfulness for the many mercies 
 vouchsafed. 
 
 " On our arrival at home, we had the comfort of seeing 
 the dear children really looking better than when I left them. 
 
 " My dear brother Wordsworth and his sons had arrived 
 a little before us. They seemed well, and were, I hope, com- 
 fortable with us. 
 
 " What an unspeakable privilege that the Fountain of 
 help and strength is an inexhaustible Fountain, and the 
 weaker we are of ourselves, the purer do our supplies flow." 
 
 A few weeks spent at Kendal were followed 
 by the attendance of the Quarterly Meeting at York, 
 and a visit to her relatives at Newcastle and 
 Darlington. From the latter place her husband 
 writes 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Darlington, 10 mo. sth; 1822. 
 "In getting out of a carriage at Newcastle last Second day, 
 my dear wife fell, and hurt both her back and her head. There
 
 ACCIDENT AT NEWCASTLE. 95 
 
 was no appearance of any bruise, but the shake has made 
 her feel very poorly, and it was thought safer to have recourse 
 to cupping, which proved very relieving. We had intended 
 to have returned home last Fourth day, but it seemed unsafe to 
 travel so soon. I now quite hope that a few weeks rest at 
 home will prove entirely restorative. We were much pleased 
 with Dr. Wordsworth's visit. Here, under our cousin Edward 
 and R. Pease's roof, we are treated with every possible kind- 
 ness." 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Kendal, 10 mo. 15th, 1822. 
 
 " I returned from Darlington yesterday week. My 
 cousin Edward Pease's daughter accompanied us. Jonathan 
 Backhouse kindly lent us his carriage, which is a remarkably 
 easy one, and we accomplished the journey without much 
 fatigue. I continue at times to feel the effect of my fall 
 at Newcastle. Being so heavy, and falling just on the back 
 of my head, it is indeed cause for thankfulness that no per- 
 manent injury was sustained ; and I think that every day 
 brings some improvement. 
 
 " Our dear children are all well. I wish thou couldst 
 see them. My heart many times overflows with comfort 
 and gratitude when surrounded by them." 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 " 10 mo. 23rd, 1822. 
 " My head continues to improve and the intervals between 
 the attacks of severe pain become gradually longer. Our dear 
 children often speak of thee. Isaac is reading his Greek Testa- 
 ment, which he quite enjoys. Thou wouldst be pleased with 
 his interest in his various pursuits. We only wish he was fonder 
 of play ! " 
 
 It was on the 22nd of nth mo. that Anna. 
 Braithwaite was called upon to witness the close
 
 96 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 of her beloved sister Mary, the wife of her husband's 
 elder brother George Braithwaite. 
 
 A few days before her death Anna Braithwaite 
 writes 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " In the evening our beloved invalid appeared composed and 
 at times very still. She twice spoke beautifully respecting 
 herself, expressing her full confidence in Divine mercy. 
 
 " ' Thou knowest, O Lord, that I have loved thee, and 
 I know that I have loved thee, and have desired to serve thee.' 
 She lay perfectly still sometime after, and I trust the sweet 
 impression will not be forgotten. When I kissed her before 
 leaving the room, the bent of her soul seemed to be that she 
 might be released and go to heaven." 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Kendal, 
 
 "11 mo. 22nd, 1822. 
 " We have had the privilege of witnessing the sweetness 
 of dear Mary's spirit when about to be released from an afflicted 
 body. Most of yesterday evening she appeared to be in 
 supplication, raising her hands, and once we could distinctly 
 hear a short prayer." 
 
 From Her Father. 
 
 " Birmingham, 
 
 " 23rd II mo., 1822. 
 " I was in degree prepared for the very affecting intell- 
 igence in thy letter of yesterday. Nature does indeed shrink 
 from so tender a separation ; yet may we be enabled spiritually 
 to remember that ' the souls of the righteous are in the hand 
 of God, and there shall no evil touch them.' " * 
 
 * Wisdom iii. i.
 
 CHAS. LLOYD TO HIS DESCENDANTS. 97 
 
 " I believe it will be best and safest for me not to attempt 
 to attend the funeral. But, oh • may the balm of everlasting 
 consolation and good hope through grace ' be abundantly 
 shed among you.' " 
 
 The following are extracts from a paper ad- 
 dressed by Charles Lloyd to his children and grand- 
 children assembled at the funeral of his beloved 
 daughter : — 
 
 " Though not present with you in body, I am present with 
 you in spirit, and earnest are my wishes that in the midst 
 of this deep affliction your souls may be enabled to rejoice 
 in the Lord, and to joy in the God of your salvation. Thus 
 you will be enabled to look beyond this world where all is subject 
 to change ' to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jeru- 
 salem ' in the humble hope that you also will at last be united 
 to ' the innumerable company of angels, and to the spirits 
 of the just made perfect.' " 
 
 " We mourn for ourselves, but we cannot mourn for her; 
 for she doubtless has attained ' the end of her faith, even the 
 salvation of her soul.' 
 
 " May you, my dear grandchildren, remember your Creator 
 in the days of your youth, and constantly love and fear Him. 
 Then will He bless you in this life and everlastingly bless you 
 in that which is to come. May you be diligent in reading 
 the Holy Scriptures that your memories may be stored with 
 Divine precepts and promises, the recollection of which will 
 often afford you great consolation. Let me remind you of 
 two precious declarations. The first is to be found in the 
 prophet Malachi, ' Then they that feared the Lord spake 
 often^one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard them, 
 andja book of remembrance was written before Him for them 
 that^feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And 
 they shall be mine saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when
 
 98 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 I make up my jewels, and I will spare them as a man spareth 
 
 his own son that serveth him.' The other passage is in the 
 
 Book of Revelation. ' These are they which came out of great 
 
 tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white 
 
 in the blood of the Lamb.' ' They shall hunger no more, 
 
 neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them 
 
 nor any heat : for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne 
 
 shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of 
 
 waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.' 
 
 "And now, my dear children and grandchildren, farewell ; 
 
 may the love of your Father in Heaven rest on you, and may 
 
 you all at last receive the unspeakably happy sentence, ' Come 
 
 ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for 
 
 you." 
 
 " Charles Lloyd. 
 " Birmingham, 
 
 " 25th II mo., 1822." 
 
 Her sister Mary left a family of seven children, 
 most of them very young, at her decease. Anna 
 Braithwaite instinctively felt that her sister's decease 
 added largely to her own family responsibility. 
 Bound as she was by the ties of a double relation- 
 ship, it became her earnest desire as far as prac- 
 ticable to supply her sister's place in acting the part 
 of a mother towards her sister's family. 
 
 The following is from her private memoranda at 
 this period : — 
 
 " 1st mo. 13th, 1823. 
 
 " Sitting alone whilst the family are at Meeting, having 
 been kept at home by indisposition, my mind has been en- 
 couraged to persevere in the path of faith and obedience, 
 having a glimpse of its continuing to be one which the vulture's 
 eye has not seen yet, in which we are watchfully to walk, even
 
 PROSPECT OF VISITING AMERICA. 99 
 
 with regard to outward things. Many have been my beset- 
 ments to sohcitude respecting the latter — a large family 
 and the evident necessity for the exercise of prudence, not only 
 that our children may be provided for, but that, through our 
 conduct in any respect, the cause may not be dishonoured. 
 Wliilst I have believed that these considerations should have 
 due weight, I have clearly seen that a guard should be set 
 upon undue anxiety, and that to the believing, waiting soul, 
 there is a path of faith opened wherein the daily discharge 
 of our duties is made subservient to our spiritual advancement." 
 
 Her prospect of visiting Friends in the United 
 States had been for some time gradually maturing in 
 her mind. Looking to the distracted state at that 
 time of Friends in America, and the unsettlement 
 which then prevailed on important questions inti- 
 mately connected with fundamental truth, it was a 
 prospect which appeared peculiarly solemn and 
 responsible. 
 
 She had besides much to feel in the prospect of 
 leaving her own family still claiming a mother's 
 nurturing care, and her sister's motherless children, 
 considerations which at times weighed heavily upon 
 her. They were, however, overweighed by the 
 paramount sense of religious duty ; and on the 23rd 
 of the 3rd month, 1823, she was, after full delibera- 
 tion, set at liberty for this service by her Friends of 
 the Monthly Meeting of Kendal, a course which was 
 soon afterwards approved by the Quarterly Meeting 
 of Westmorland. 
 
 The following is an extract from a letter which 
 she soon afterwards wrote to her beloved friend and
 
 100 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 relative Anna Forster, whose husband William 
 Forster was then engaged in similar service in the 
 United States. 
 
 To Anna Forster. 
 
 "Thou wilt probably, ere this reaches thee, have been so 
 far aware of what has been passing in my mind, as to account 
 for my long silence. I have often wished to write, but whenever 
 I made the attempt, even to my most intimate friends, I have 
 found it very difficult to do bO without alluding to a subject 
 so closely interwoven with all my feelings, and with all my 
 duties, that I believed it better to wait until it seemed ripe 
 for disclosing to the Monthly Meeting. 
 
 " With so large a family as ours is, and my beloved nephews 
 and nieces who now claim from me maternal affection and 
 solicitude, thou wilt readily understand that many obstacles 
 must have presented to yielding obedience to what I have 
 believed to be required at my hands ; and how often I have been 
 fearful lest I should not feel in a sufficiently powerful manner 
 the obvious duties of my situation at home, and thus be in 
 danger of becoming a stumbUng block to sincere inquirers. 
 But in the face of all this, it has appeared to me that the path 
 of faith, though not to be discerned by the natural mind, 
 to which it appears a path of confusion and inconsistency, is 
 nevertheless a path of order, harmony and love. It lays 
 low human contrivances for ourselves and our friends, whilst 
 it centres in humble hope and trust in Divine mercy as the 
 source of every true blessing to the obedient soul. If, therefore, 
 in child-hke obedience, we yield to requirings which confound 
 the wisdom of the wise, may we not by diligently doing for our 
 famiUes what we can, both by exertion when with them and 
 arrangements in our absence, hope for a measure of Heavenly 
 dew to descend upon them. But should we stamp our frail 
 efforts so high as to neglect higher calls in order to continue 
 them, where would be our spiritual strength, or where would
 
 PROSPECT OF VISITING AMERICA. lOI 
 
 be our lively hope of Divine preservation. It may yet prove 
 that as regards the prospect before me the resignation of the 
 will is all that is called for ; but so far my mind has been centred 
 in stillness after every fresh step taken in this momentous 
 concern, and, my dear Anna, I could wish thee to know that, 
 previous to each step, doubts and fears have at times been 
 ready to overwhelm me. So it has been with me from early 
 life ; besetments have kept pace with me in the Christian 
 path, seeking by the most subtle insinuation to undermine 
 my faith. But, oh ! there is, in unutterable mercy, strength 
 in the sustaining arm underneath to guard those who have no 
 might of their own in the midst of conflict. And I long to 
 convey to thee the quiet, the freedom from solicitude which 
 at times succeeds the entire dedication of the will, whether 
 in lesser or greater matters. It seemed to me as I watched 
 my beloved sister, beyond what words could convey, that 
 the foundation of the Gospel could never be prevailed against, 
 that it was sure in the greatest afflictions, so that the paroxysms 
 of her delirium lost all their terror, and, in the midst of them, 
 my soul was refreshed, as I rested in the mercy and love of 
 my precious Redeemer. 
 
 " I do not know how it is that I should write in this way 
 to thee, for it is seldom that I can enlarge on these subjects, 
 but I hope thou wilt accept it as the overflowings of a mind 
 filled at times with a sense of unmerited mercy, and with 
 desires that all may partake of its streams through believing 
 and obedient hearts." 
 
 Still later she writes in her private memoranda: — 
 
 " 4 mo: 2 1st. I am often beset with fears of what others 
 may think of me, and this sometimes leads to an unprofitable 
 desire to explain in my own will such points of my conduct 
 as may appear singular. I believe that singleness of eye to 
 our Holy Head and High Priest causes all these infirmities 
 to be seen in their true light, and that, when we are yielding
 
 102 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 to them, it is well to examine into the state of our minds in 
 sincerity of heart before the Lord. Often, in a fresh view 
 of my sins and infirmities, do I abhor myself in dust and ashes, 
 but I have abundant cause to encourage others, however 
 dismayed with temptation, to strive after a reliance upon 
 Divine Mercy, a humble trust in Him who hath said ' Seek, 
 and ye shall find.' 
 
 " I often feel inexpressible sympathy with seeking minds 
 in my travels in different places. I have met with many of 
 these, and have felt for many personally unknown to me, 
 who are, I believe, striving after sustaining food. I have 
 believed these are especially under Divine notice, and that, 
 whilst they think all their endeavours to comfort those in 
 trouble, to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to do good 
 and to eschew evil, are less than nothing, and their hearts 
 are bowed in fearful apprehensions respecting the state of 
 their souls ; these will, if they maintain the warfare to the end, 
 be comparable to the righteous in the beautiful parable of 
 our Holy Redeemer." 
 
 Before leaving home for the attendance of the 
 Yearly Meeting in London, she received the 
 following 
 
 From Her Father. 
 
 " Bingley, 
 
 " 28th of 4 mo., 1823. 
 " I sympathize with thee, my dear Anna, under thy religious 
 exercises, well knowing that those who are specially called 
 to Gospel services, must, like the Great Author of our Salvation, 
 be made perfect through suffering. When every thing of 
 self is nailed to the cross, it is from this state of death unto 
 sin, that they experience a spiritual resurrection, being made 
 aUve unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. May this, 
 my beloved daughter, be often thy experience."
 
 HER father's sympathy. IO3 
 
 It was under very solemn feelings that Anna 
 Braithwaite laid her important prospect of service 
 in America before the Yearly Meeting of Ministers 
 and Elders. She was greatly cheered with the full 
 sympathy and unity of her Friends, and was after- 
 wards enabled to act as Clerk of the Yearly Meeting 
 of Women Friends. From Kendal she afterwards 
 writes 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " 6 mo. 17th, 1823. 
 " The dread which I have had of the ocean seems greatly 
 allayed. I look not for great things in my steppings along. 
 The breathing of my soul is to be preserved in lowUness and 
 simple dependence upon Divine mercy from one day to 
 another." 
 
 From Her Father. 
 
 " Bingley, 
 
 " 25th 6 mo.; 1823. 
 " I endeavoured in my last to express my near sympathy 
 with thee, and to commit thee unto the hands of thy faithful 
 Creator, who alone is able to comfort and support the soul 
 under every trial. How instructive are the words of the 
 Apostle, ' I can do all things through Christ, who strengthened 
 me.' I well know, however, that there are seasons when 
 the weakness of the creature is such, that we seem to have 
 the sentence of death in ourselves. But these experiences 
 are permitted that we should not trust in ourselves, but in 
 Him who died for us and rose again. How often has the deeply 
 baptized soul found by experience the truth of the language 
 ' My strength is made perfect in weakness.' So that, my dear 
 daughter, I would not have thee be dismayed, though thou 
 mayst at times have to pass as it were through a wilderness.
 
 104 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 and through a dry and thirsty land, where no water is, for I 
 fully believe that a way will be made even in the wilderness, 
 and that the streams of the water of life will be made to flow 
 even in the desert. 
 
 " And now, my beloved daughter, I bid thee most affection- 
 ately, farewell. May the Divine blessing be over thee, and 
 over all those who are dear to thee, and mayst thou be restored 
 to us in the Lord's time, in health and peace."
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 I«23. 
 
 First voyage to America, 7th mo., 1823 — Her feelings on 
 leaving home — Incidents of the voyage — Arrival in New- 
 York. 
 
 IT was between the years 1823 and 1829 that Anna 
 Braithwaite was enabled to accomplish the 
 service in the United States of America which 
 had been for so many years impressed upon her 
 mind as called for by her Lord and Master. 
 
 Her seven children were then at that susceptible 
 age in which the character is becoming formed, and 
 in which a mother's influence is of the greatest 
 importance. The two eldest had only just left 
 school ; the others were still very young. Firmly as 
 she was persuaded that no duties, rightly understood, 
 can ever conflict with one another, she was earnestly 
 desirous that, amidst the extraordinary engagements 
 now pressing upon her, her duties to her children 
 and family should not be neglected. With her 
 husband's generous concurrence and the approval of 
 her friends, she was enabled to pursue the course, 
 which, under the circumstances of her family, com- 
 mended itself to her own calm judgment by dividing 
 
 105
 
 Io6 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 her engagements in America into three visits. She 
 was thus led to cross the Atlantic six times. This, 
 before the clays of ocean steamers, involved for her 
 on each voyage an often protracted ordeal of 
 distressing sea-sickness. But in the opportunity 
 thereby afforded of spending the intervals between 
 her visits in the bosom of her own family, she 
 enjoyed what was in her view an ample compen- 
 sation for the additional suffering or inconvenience 
 thereby occasioned. 
 
 Her letters during her absence abound with 
 touching evidences of the yearnings of her heart in 
 tender love and care for her children whom she had 
 left behind. 
 
 It was on the 2nd of the 7th month, 1823, that 
 Anna Braithwaite sailed from Liverpool in the 
 " Columbia" on her first visit to America. She was 
 then in her thirty-fifth year. The " Columbia " was one 
 of a line of packets of which her friends, Cropper, 
 Benson and Co., of Liverpool, were the agents. It 
 was under the able command of Captain James 
 Rogers, whom she describes as " an agreeable 
 man ; very attentive to his ship, and to the passen- 
 gers." Her husband was, in this first voyage, unable 
 to leave his duties at home ; but she was accompanied 
 by Margaret Rigge, a young pious Methodist, as an 
 attendant who had been in a Friend's family, and 
 who made herself very useful during the voyage. 
 Her friend, Isaac Stephenson, another minister 
 among Friends, about to engage in a similar visit,
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE. I07 
 
 sailed in the same ship. Sir George Jackson, then 
 entering upon an important diplomatic mission to 
 Washington, in reference to the long disputed claims 
 as regards the boundary between the United States 
 and Canada, with a little family of four young 
 children, was also among the passengers. 
 
 The following extracts from her letters will best 
 illustrate her feelings in these novel circumstances. 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " On board the ' Columbia,' 
 
 " 7th mo. 3rd, 1823. 
 
 " After you left us, we had a very smooth sea. My mind 
 was brought to a close sense of the separation between me and 
 all who are dear to me in this life. I felt to the full the reality 
 and bitterness of the sacrifice, yet I desired to be preserved 
 in a cheerful surrender of my all unto Him whom I love, and 
 whom I feel utterly unworthy to serve. Thou art so present 
 with me in mind, that several times I have imagined that 
 thou wast here, when recollection quickly reminded me of 
 my mistake. After supper. Sir George Jackson, the father 
 of the four children whom thou saw, sat with us in the inner 
 cabin, and seemed pleased with Isaac Stephenson's proposing 
 that I should read a chapter, which I accordingly did. I soon 
 retired and slept pretty well. 
 
 " About six o'clock I awoke with the heaving of the vessel, 
 and finding myself very sick, I determined to try to dress 
 and go on deck. I accomplished this with great difficulty ; 
 and it occupied, under the circumstances, a considerable time. 
 When I at last reached the deck, the Captain invited me to 
 take hold of his arm, and walk with him for a time. This I 
 accordingly did, until I was quite warm. It did me good. 
 We had a beautiful day and a fine breeze ; going eight or nine 
 knots an hour. About sunset, we passed the Tuskar light
 
 I08 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 oflf the south-east coast of Ireland ; and I stayed watching 
 its varying light until nearly 1 1 o'clock. The wind fell in the 
 evening, and I retired to rest. My mind was sweetly sustained 
 during the night, by the renewed evidence of being in my right 
 place, and my waking thoughts were truly refreshing. 
 
 " I rose about seven, and breakfasted in the open space on 
 deck with the children, and enjoyed it as much as I generally 
 do. The scenery off the coast of Ireland is very beautiful : 
 but the wind is fallen, so that the last hour or two we have not 
 gone above two or three knots an hour. The children are 
 remarkably engaging. Indeed they greatly add to my comfort. 
 Their father seems a very zealous man, and takes great pains 
 in endeavouring to impress their minds with serious things. 
 The boy, who is ten years of age, asked me this morning to 
 be allowed to learn the hymn upon ' conscience,' in Hymns 
 for Infant minds ; which he accordingly did. His father 
 drew to Isaac Stephenson and myself, and proposed our reading 
 a chapter as we had done before ; and afterwards asked some 
 questions respecting our religious principles. The subject 
 of prayer was adverted to. Whilst fully alive to the excellency 
 of true spiritual prayer, he was not willing to admit that it 
 should exclude the use of a form of words. We are upon a 
 friendly footing, and I hope that we may continue so. 
 
 " Jth mo. yth. Since the above was written, we have had 
 very rough weather, such as the Captain says is very unusual 
 for the time of the year — more like winter. Head winds 
 and squalls have rendered it vain to attempt writing. It is a 
 great comfort to be preserved without fear, even in the midst 
 of the winds and the waves roaring. My mind is kept in quiet- 
 ness and thankfulness. We are now, the Captain says, about 
 550 miles on our course, which with the wind always West, 
 North-west or South-west, is more than we could reasonably 
 expect. 
 
 " The children seem quite fond of me. The Uttle boy last 
 night fell asleep in my arms on the sofa, after hearing me repeat
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE. I09 
 
 some little hymns ; after each of which he begged me to say 
 another. Yesterday morning, when one of the little girls 
 came up to me and repeated Bevan's favourite hymn {' This 
 is the day when Christ arose,') my heart was touched, so that 
 I could not help shedding tears. 
 
 " Yesterday was First-day. My mind had been turned 
 during the night, in which I believe I did not sleep at all, 
 towards sitting down in stillness with some of those on board, 
 but the day was so rough, there seemed no way for it. I 
 observed the captain very thoughtful near the helm, and after 
 a while, he came up to me, and said very kindly, ' If you have 
 any wish for a meeting on board, I believe that it will be quite 
 agreeable.' I could not but believe that my way was per- 
 mitted to be opened. The day, however, passed without the 
 wind and the storm subsiding. But yesterday evening the 
 captain came down into the after cabin, where Isaac Stephenson 
 and myself were gone for retirement, and stayed, I think, 
 half an hour, without conversation. I told him, before we 
 went to supper, that if he thought there would be no objection, 
 I wished to propose reading a chapter after supper. He 
 seemed pleased, and took some pains to assemble as many 
 as he could. I read two chapters out of Luke, and afterwards 
 said a few words. I think that it was a solid opportunity. 
 My heart was humbled in thanksgiving. The wind abated, 
 and we had a quiet night. 
 
 " We get on slowly, but my mind is calm. Many things 
 are very striking to me. I am often led to reflect upon the 
 vast expanse of the mighty ocean ; and the distance from my 
 nearest and dearest earthly friends. The hardships which 
 the sailors undergo, I never before had so clear an idea of. 
 
 " I take naost of my meals with the passengers, who are 
 very civil. The captain is so too. He offered to shave my 
 head this morning,* which he did very nicely. He is very 
 attentive in making way for religious opportunities. 
 
 * See supra p. 80.
 
 no MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " 7th mo. 14th, 1823. Yesterday being First-day, the 
 13th, was the first calm weather we have had for many days. 
 On Sixth and Seventh days, and during the nights, one squall 
 succeeded another in a fearful manner. The gale was so violent 
 on Seventh day.that the captain said that heihad never witnessed 
 its equal at this season of the year. My mind has been much 
 impressed with the solemn scene. In the midst of the billows 
 of the storm-tossed ocean, my soul was stayed upon Him, to 
 whom in coming hither, and in being here, I have been enabled 
 wholly to commit myself. 
 
 " yth mo. i$th. We still have very stormy weather. On 
 Fifth, Sixth and Seventh days (the loth, nth and 12th of the 
 month) it was quite awful. The head winds, squalls and gales 
 would have made our situation very perilous indeed in an old 
 vessel. The captain was up the greater part of several nights. 
 It seemed in vain to attempt writing. Indeed the heaving of 
 the vessel so affected my stomach that I was unfit for any 
 employment. On First-day morning (the 13th), the wind 
 having somewhat abated, I read some chapters after breakfast, 
 and we had afterwards a solid religious opportunity. 
 
 " Our company is a very various one. Sir George Jackson, 
 the father of the children, is in a diplomatic situation, and has 
 been employed by our Government for many years in embassies 
 to different Courts in Europe. He is a very gentlemanly man, 
 and very strict in religious observances. 
 
 " 2i^d day, jth mo. 22nd. We have again had much rough 
 weather and some of the thickest fogs that I ever saw. They 
 seem to affect my health, and thou must excuse me for not writing 
 more. The last attempt seemed to produce a return of sickness, 
 from which I did not recover for some days. I endeavour 
 to strive against it, and have risen before breakfast every 
 morning but one. But I have been very sick the last week, 
 some days scarcely retaining anything on my stomach. Some- 
 times when I look at my own situation among so many whose
 
 INCIDENTS OF THE VOYAGE. Ill 
 
 views are so different, I am in fear and trembling, lest in any- 
 way the cause should sufEer. But so far I may reverently 
 acknowledge that way has been made, to my humbling ad- 
 miration, both in the few religious opportunities we have had 
 and in conversation on religious subjects. Sir Geo. Jackson, 
 the British Envoy, and G. Parrish, both men of extensive 
 information, have made many inquiries respecting our religious 
 principles. They seemed pleased with reading Tuke's Princi- 
 ples, which was lent to them at their own request. They 
 made many observations on the subjects of Baptism, the Lord's 
 Supper, Gospel ministry, etc. Had I been aware how my mind 
 would have been exercised on these subjects, the prospect 
 would have appeared very formidable, but it has been opened 
 into greater clearness than I ever remember to have been the 
 case. 
 
 " Sir Geo. Jackson was with the allied sovereigns at 
 Vienna, and is well acquainted with the Emperor of Russia, 
 as also is G. Parrish. Sir Geo. Jackson was also employed 
 in the first mission to France after the Revolution, and knew 
 Buonaparte when he was First Consul. He saw a great deal of 
 him. He speaks highly of him in many respects, and considers 
 him to have been one of the greatest men of modern times. 
 
 " jth mo. 22rd. Yesterday evening we had the most 
 magnificent sunset I ever saw. It was succeeded by a brilliant 
 moon and stars. A total eclipse of the moon took place 
 about midnight. This morning was fine but very cold. We 
 were, in fact, drawing near a large iceberg. I watched it nearly 
 two hours. As we approached, it exhibited a very striking 
 appearance. The captain thought it was about 300 feet long, 
 and 100 in height. It appeared covered with snow. We passed 
 within less than half-a-mile of it, in Longitude about 48° W. 
 and Latitude 45°. Only two days later (say 7th mo., 25th) 
 last year the Packet ship ' Liverpool ' struck upon one in a 
 fog and was lost. It was an awful sight. Very soon after 
 we had passed it, a thick fog came on. The captain was very
 
 112 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 anxious. He and several of the crew kept constant watch. 
 He was up great part of the night. Some of our most stout- 
 hearted passengers were greatly alarmed. My mind is clothed 
 with a humbUng sense of the mercy extended in this time of 
 need. I never recollect a more precious covering of stillness 
 than attended my mind, notwithstanding the bustle and many 
 apprehensions of those around me. Our captain kept per- 
 fectly cool and collected. Nothing diverted him from his post. 
 Isaac Stephenson and myself with one of the other passengers 
 sat quietly in the after cabm, after supper, and I retired to 
 rest under a sweet sense of thankfulness for our safety thus 
 far, and commended my soul to Divine Protection. I slept 
 soundly. The captain tells me that in all his voyages he never 
 saw icebergs but once before. 
 
 " jth mo. 26th. I am just come from the deck where I 
 longed to have had the dear children to see a great number 
 of small whales from thirty to thirty-five feet long. I suppose 
 that some hundreds may have been around us this morning, 
 putting up their heads, and sending out httle fountains of 
 water. 
 
 " Third day, 8tk mo. ^th. We have been on board five 
 weeks to-day. For these two days past we have been beating 
 about in a fog on George's bank [off Newfoundland]. The cap- 
 tain has twice tacked to the South-east, in order to clear the 
 shoals which are considered dangerous." 
 
 Five days later Anna Braithwaite landed at New 
 York, on the loth of the 8th month, 1823.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 1823. 
 
 Feelings on landing — Thomas Eddy — Meetings at New York — 
 Quarterly Meeting at Burlington, New Jersey — Stephen 
 Grellet — Thomas Stewardson — West Town School — 
 Richard Jordan — Engagements at Philadelphia. 
 
 fl 
 
 NNA BRAITHWAITE'S feelings on arriving 
 in America will be best explained by the 
 following letter : — 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Three miles from New York, 
 " 8th mo. I2th, 1823. 
 
 " We landed on First-day about twelve o'clock — both well, 
 and I trust with grateful hearts ; and yet to myself it was 
 with very mingled feelings as I remembered all that I had 
 left behind, and the serious nature of the engagements before 
 me. But I kept as still as I could. Two Friends came on 
 board our vessel soon after we passed the Narrows. The 
 entrance to this port exceeds in beauty of scenery anything 
 which I think a stranger could form an idea of. Nature 
 seems to have done everything to render the scene complete. 
 
 " As I left the vessel the breathing of my soul was for 
 right direction and preservation, I have felt much of the 
 heart of a stranger since my arrival ; and though probably 
 
 "3
 
 114 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 my friends may think from my manner that I have been pretty 
 much at ease, I have been shut up in reference to my exer- 
 cises and prospects ; and have scarcely yet seen the friend 
 to whom I have felt it safe to impart anything save as way 
 opened. The exhortation ' be ye wise as serpents, and 
 harmless as doves ' has been to me the watchword almost 
 from hour to hour. So far I am well satisfied with 
 having yielded to the gentle pointing to stay here without 
 much active service, that I may feel my feet a Uttle before 
 proceeding on my way." 
 
 With these feelings it was a comfort to Anna 
 Braithwaite to meet several valuable Friends at the 
 house of Thomas Eddy, then well-known as a distin- 
 guished philanthropist, and one of the original 
 promoters of the Erie Canal. The way subsequently 
 opened for the attendance of several crowded 
 meetings in New York, held at her own request, to 
 which the public were invited. After one of them 
 she writes : — 
 
 " It was a very large and solemn meeting. I felt my mind 
 clothed with thankfulness" ; but she added, " I may here 
 state for future instruction, that in the overflowing of my 
 heart, I was afterwards betrayed into the saying of a few- 
 words in conversation, which I have never recurred to without 
 regret — so near are we to danger when we least expect it. 
 I believe," she instructively adds, " that He who knows us 
 altogether has not designed me to dwell so much as I have done 
 upon this incident, — but I hope it may be a lesson not soon 
 forgotten." 
 
 From New York her steps were directed to 
 Burlington in New Jersey, where she spent a few 
 days attending the Quarterly Meeting. She describes
 
 VISIT TO STEPHEN GRELLET. I15 
 
 it as " very large, the meeting for Ministers and 
 Elders being nearly as large as our First-day morning 
 meeting at Kendal." 
 
 From Burlington she wrote 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " The Quarterly Meeting here was a memorable time, 
 the solemnity being very great. I was enabled to discharge 
 my duty faithfully, both in the meeting for worship, and 
 afterwards in a visit to the men's meeting. 
 
 " Stephen Grellet and his wife, who reside here, live in 
 a comfortable house, with a very nice garden at the back, 
 which he cultivates himself. They have things in a plain, 
 sociable way. His wife is one of the most diffident, meek- 
 looking women I ever saw." 
 
 Stephen Grellet accompanied Anna Braithvvaite 
 on the steamboat down the Delaware to Philadelphia, 
 a distance of about twenty miles. " His company," 
 she writes, " was truly consoling to my mind." 
 
 Stephen Grellet to Isaac Braithwaite. 
 " Burlington, N. J., 
 
 " 30th of 8th mo., 1823. 
 " My near affection and brotherly sympathy prompt me 
 to give thee early intelligence respecting thy dear wife. My 
 wife and myself went to New York to give a welcome to her 
 and Isaac Stephenson, and manifest our feelings of tender 
 sympathy and Christian affection towards them. They 
 both looked bravely. Thy wife, feeling her mind drawn 
 towards Philadelphia, after a few meetings among Friends 
 and two public meetings in New York, felt free to leave the 
 latter city. She is in a remarkable manner clothed upon and 
 quahfied for the Master's work ; giving evidence of the power 
 and authority under which she has engaged in this Gospel 
 embassy.
 
 Il6 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " She came to my house this day week (Seventh day) and 
 stayed until Fourth day, attending our Quarterly Meeting. It 
 was truly gratifying to my dear wife and myself to see how well 
 and comfortable she is ; so much better, she says, than when 
 she left England. I never could have expected, when I parted 
 from her at Kendal three years ago, to have seen her so far 
 recovered. It is the Lord's doing. And it is to His service 
 that the health and strength he has thus restored are freely 
 dedicated." 
 
 At Philadelphia Anna Braithwaite was welcomed 
 to the house of Thomas Stewardson, who having 
 been, like her husband, a native of Kendal, had long 
 been settled in Philadelphia, and was in the position 
 of an Elder among Friends in that city. " He is 
 an agreeable, solid Friend," she writes, " and I feel 
 comforted in my lot being cast under his roof." 
 
 From Philadelphia she visited West Town, the 
 place where the large School is situated, answering 
 to Ackworth School in London Yearly Meeting. 
 
 She afterwards writes 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " The General Committee of the School met at this time, 
 and I felt inclined to be here with them. There are about 
 lOO girls and 60 boys. 
 
 " This morning the Committee met. I was glad I was 
 with them. It was a time of soUd exercise. Jonathan 
 Evans, Isaac Morris, Joseph Paul and many other Friends 
 seem truly well concerned for the prosperity of the Truth. 
 I have requested to see the family collected at half-past six 
 o'clock this evening, and am now writing in my lodging-room. 
 I lie down almost every day, and really do take 
 great care of myself."
 
 WEST TOWN SCHOOL. II7 
 
 She subsequently writes : — 
 
 " After finishing my letter to thee and taking tea, the meet- 
 ing for the scholars was held in the Meeting-house belonging 
 to the School. All the household, I believe, attended. Many 
 of the dear children appeared greatly tendered. It is their 
 usual plan for the boys and girls to assemble in separate rooms 
 and sit still a few minutes before going to bed, and at a signal 
 which they understand they go one by one in a very orderly 
 manner upstairs. 
 
 " I was much pleased with my visit to this institution, 
 and trust that a blessing will attend it. 
 
 " The situation is beautiful, and the premises are laid 
 out so as to afford great variety in the way of play ground; 
 gardens and shady walks for the children, they having free 
 access to all, under proper supervision." 
 
 Besides these engagements in the neighbourhood 
 of Philadelphia, Anna Braithwaite was cheered and 
 refreshed by a visit to Richard Jordan, who lived in 
 the adjoining state of New Jersey. He had been 
 long in the station of an approved minister, and had 
 travelled extensively as such, both in America and 
 amongst Friends and others in Great Britain and 
 Ireland, as well as in parts of Holland, Germany 
 and France. His " Journal," since published, contains 
 abundant evidence of the Scriptural simplicity and 
 integrity of his faith. 
 
 " Who," he asks in an instructive passage, " can disbelieve 
 in Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the world, in His manhood, 
 sufferings and death ; also in His divinity and eternal power ; 
 the Redeemer in whom, as testified by the Apostle, ' dwelleth 
 all the fulness of the Godhead bodily' ? "
 
 Il8 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 Though now in the dechne of Hfe, he was still 
 lively in spirit, rejoicing in his Saviour's love. 
 
 " We crossed the river Delaware," she writes to her father, 
 " which is here about a mile wide, in a steam-boat. Richard 
 Jordan," she continues, " resides on the Jersey shore of the 
 Delaware, about a mile from the river, in a neat wooden 
 cottage, surrounded by his well-cultivated farm, all in good 
 order. I found him in a large Leghorn hat, with a white silk 
 lining, white waistcoat and striped dressing gown, well suited 
 to this hot climate. He inquired after many of his English 
 friends. It did me good to see him. He is a truly interesting 
 man. He seemed so near to my best life, that I could have 
 supposed we had been acquainted for many years. 
 
 " We returned to Philadelphia to tea. I had yielded to 
 a sense of apprehended duty in appointing a meeting with the 
 younger Friends for the evening." 
 
 In the religious agitation which then prevailed, she 
 felt the prospect of such a meeting a very serious 
 one. She afterwards writes 
 
 To Her Father. 
 
 " Much of a superficial spirit is afloat. Some avow and 
 propagate very dangerous opinions. Others, I fear, endeavour 
 to promote the Truth with a zeal ' not according to know- 
 ledge,' and are in danger of condemning indiscriminately 
 in one mass those whose views are really dangerous, and those 
 who are ensnared through ignorance, without being aware 
 to what these things lead. These latter are, I trust, not so 
 far led astray, but that they may be restored by the exercise 
 of Gospel love and Gospel authority ' in the spirit of meekness.' 
 
 "There are many solid Friends, who appear to me to be 
 silently watching and waiting for the sound of the Captain's 
 trumpet, ere they prepare for the battle, and who are really 
 standing with firmness in their ranks in righteousness."
 
 AT PHILADELPHIA. IIQ 
 
 She adds : 
 
 " The meeting which I had thought it best to appoint 
 for the young people was thought to be the largest ever gathered 
 in this city on such an occasion. Probably not less than 
 3,000 met, chiefly of the description intended. 
 
 " A silence that was truly to be felt reigned over all before 
 the close. We met at seven and returned home about half 
 past nine." 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 
 " 9 mo. 22nd, 1823. 
 
 " This morning we have again crossed the Delaware to 
 see dear Richard Jordan. It seemed like a little brook by 
 the way. He desired his love to his friends in England. He 
 thought that I might say ' the old man is yet alive.' Yester- 
 day, being First-day, I attended Darby meeting, about seven 
 miles from Philadelphia. It was large. In the afternoon we 
 returned to take tea at Edward Randolph's, and at seven a 
 public meeting which I had believed it best to appoint was 
 held in the North Meeting-house. It was very full and closed 
 in solemn silence. I seldom recollect passing through more 
 than I did previous to this meeting. Indeed I seemed ready 
 to abhor myself in dust and ashes ; so great was my felt empti- 
 ness of that which is good. Yet amidst the bonds and afflictions 
 which abide me, and which are known only to the Searcher 
 of hearts, it is my endeavour to be preserved in much patience. 
 
 " Sometimes my heart is full, and I long to be near some 
 one to whom I could feel a liberty to speak freely : but I hope 
 to be enabled to keep all these things to myself, and, from 
 season to season, to ' wash and anoint ' that I appear not unto 
 men to fast."
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 1823. 
 
 Journey to North Carolina accompanied by Mary Allinson and 
 Israel W. Morris — First impressions of Slavery — Nathan 
 Hunt — Yearly Meeting at New Garden, North Carolina — 
 Return to Philadelphia and New York. 
 
 THT MIDST the close exercise of spirit into which 
 jI^X. Anna Braithwaite had been introduced since 
 her arrival in America, and in the prospect 
 of the further service which awaited her, it was no 
 small relief to her to feel her mind drawn to the 
 attendance of the Yearly Meeting of North Carolina, 
 which was then held in the Eleventh Month, before 
 proceeding further with engagements in the neigh- 
 bourhood of New York. 
 
 In looking forward to the attendance of the 
 Yearly Meeting of North Carolina, it was greatly 
 to Anna Braithwaite's comfort that her friends 
 Mary Allinson, of Burlington, New Jersey, and Israel 
 W. Morris, of Greenhill Farm, near Philadelphia, 
 were prepared to accompany and assist her in her 
 journey.* Mary Allinson was a valued Friend in the 
 
 * See post p. 171 for an account of the guidance which led 
 to these Friends going with her in her three journeys in 
 America.
 
 JOURNEY TO NORTH CAROLINA. 121 
 
 station of Elder, and proved during the whole of her 
 subsequent service in America a wise and faithful 
 helper and counsellor. Israel W. Morris was the 
 father of a large and interesting family of sons and 
 daughters. He was an experienced traveller, well 
 acquainted with the country, and above all, a true 
 sympathizing Christian brother. 
 
 He had once in the ardour of youthful patriotism, 
 during the short war with England in 1812, been a 
 captain of a troop of horse ; but both he and his 
 wife subsequently joined Friends some years after 
 their marriage. He was now a widower, and was then 
 or soon afterwards appointed to the station of Elder. 
 
 The necessary arrangements having been made, it 
 was at the end of the 9th month, 1823, that Anna 
 Braithwaite proceeded by way of Wilmington, 
 Baltimore, Washington, Fredericksburgh and Rich- 
 mond in Virginia to North Carolina. 
 
 In passing out of Pennsylvania, Anna Braithwaite 
 for the first time entered a slave state, and realized 
 the oppressiveness of the atmosphere of slavery. 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Baltimore, 
 
 " 10 mo. 4th, 1823. 
 " I forgot to mention that, after leaving Wilmington, 
 which is in the small State of Delaware, we came again into 
 Pennsylvania. The contrast both in the cultivation of the 
 land and the general appearance of the houses and people is 
 striking ; and again it is equally so in coming into Maryland. 
 The principal cause of this is, that in Pennsylvania there are 
 no slaves and in the other two States, labour is chiefly done by
 
 122 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 a slave population. In these latter States the farm houses, 
 many of them in ruins, the fences in want of repair, the 
 poor crops of Indian corn and other produce, seem to proclaim 
 that slavery is a system that brings desolation with it. . . . 
 We proceeded to East Nottingham, twelve miles, and then 
 went forward to Deer Creek, sixteen miles, through a romantic 
 country, very hilly and the roads exceedingly rough. We 
 crossed the Susquehanna river, over one of the wooden 
 bridges, which to me are a great curiosity. This is one newly 
 erected. It is nearly a mile long, and is covered over all the 
 way with wood work supported by arches. The scenery 
 along the banks of the river reminded me strongly of Win- 
 dermere." 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Fredericksburg, 
 " (Virginia), 
 
 " lo mo. nth, 1823, 
 
 " We had a large meeting of Friends and others in Wash- 
 ington, and the next day at Alexandria, with Friends in the 
 morning and the pubUc in the evening. ^Yesterday morning 
 we left Alexandria early, came sixteen miles over a bad road 
 to Occoquan, so called from the river of that name, and stopped 
 at a Friend's house. The situation is romantic ; the rocky 
 bed of this large river runs between high rocks covered with 
 trees almost to the top ; the autumnal tints and bright sunshine 
 adding beauty to the scene. To-day we have only come 
 twelve miles to this place ; wishing to make some arrange- 
 ments for meetings to-morrow which will be First-day. The 
 Presbyterian minister hearing of our being here, kindly offered 
 their Meeting-house, also one at Falmouth, a small town about 
 a mile from here. My mind being previously impressed with 
 the belief that it would be right to have a meeting at each place, 
 we accepted the offer. Besides the above, three other minis- 
 ters of different Societies are quite disposed to do what they 
 can to help us.
 
 NEGRO SLAVERY, I23 
 
 " Fredericksburg is thought to contain about 3,000 in- 
 habitants. We are at a comfortable tavern, with the great 
 exception of having slaves to wait upon us. . . . We 
 propose going from hence to Richmond, seventy-five miles 
 in two days, being there on Third day evening ; to Petersburg 
 on Fifth day, and then forward. Our horses are as well, and go 
 as cheerfully as we could desire. In twenty mile stages, 
 they do not flag at all, and our carriage is very easy. 
 
 " We frequently read as we travel along. Joseph G. 
 Bevan's life and some other books have been our agreeable 
 companions. It is a privilege to me that my course is directed 
 for a while from the many pecuUar exercises which awaited 
 me in New York and Philadelphia. I humbly hope preserva- 
 tion may attend me. 
 
 " To see what we have seen the last few days ought surely 
 to be sufficient to convince the strongest advocate of slavery 
 that the system is injurious. The houses of the masters are 
 poor ; and the cabins of the slaves are many of them not fit 
 for horses to live in, being made of logs without any plaster, 
 so that they can scarcely keep out the rain, much less the cold. 
 We have not met with one who has been taught to read, yet 
 in the taverns they are civil, and even affectionate in their 
 attentions, and seem much gratiiied by a little notice. In 
 Virginia, the slave owners rear slaves for sale in the other 
 States, and keep as few as they can for themselves. 
 
 " The land appears, so far, poor and badly cultivated. 
 No one, observing the alacrity of the black children in anti- 
 cipating our wants, and the readiness in performing various 
 services, could for a moment imagine them endowed with 
 inferior capacities. An agreeable young man, who has been 
 with us several times, a resident in the town, told us that he 
 has a black girl about ten years of age, who attends to his 
 children. She has taught herself to read, by being with them 
 and making use of their books ; and he scarcely ever sees her 
 even rocking the cradle without a book in her hand. He fully
 
 124 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 believes they have great facihty in acquiring knowledge. 
 This is also exemplified in the schools for coloured children 
 in New York and Pennsylvania. Thou wilt perceive that my 
 mind is much interested in this subject. I scarcely think 
 I could live in a slave country, it is quite as oppressive to the 
 feelings in reality as it is in anticipation." 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Greensboro', 
 
 " North Carolina, 
 
 " lo mo. 2ist, 1823. 
 
 " On the 1 8th, we drove twenty-two miles to Oxford, 
 which is a small but rather neat town, where there is a large 
 academy for boys ; from thence we proceeded along in hopes 
 of finding a place where we could pass the night comfortably, 
 but the taverns were so uninviting, that we concluded to beg 
 a lodging at some private house. We drove on till evening 
 overtook us, but the moon shone brightly, and we ventured to 
 ford a river, having providentially met with two men, who told 
 us in what direction we should find the road on the opposite 
 side. We first called at the house of a rich planter about twenty 
 miles from Oxford. He was out, and one of his slaves said 
 he was a bachelor, and sometimes took in gentlemen, but not 
 ladies ; but that, if we would go about a mile in a direction 
 which he pointed out, we should be sure to meet with a kind 
 reception. We did so, and were cordially welcomed by 
 Duncan Cameron, one of the judges in this State, a large 
 slave holder, having nearly 400 of these poor creatures in his 
 possession. His wife and family were truly kind. A very 
 agreeable elderly gentleman. Judge Norwood and his wife 
 were also there. We had some tea quickly prepared, and a 
 fire in our chamber which was a very commodious one. The 
 large wood fire on the hearth, the hospitable group around 
 in a well furnished parlour, really was a most refreshing treat 
 after being tossed about some days among the woods. Our
 
 LETTER FROM HER FATHER. I25 
 
 host seemed a pious man, but how it is that he can reconcile 
 and even promote slavery, is to me remarkable. I find that, 
 within a few years, a law has been passed in North Carolina, 
 prohibiting any slave-holder setting his slaves at liberty, 
 and preventing any from making them free by will, providing 
 that, if they do so, the heir-at-law may sue for them as his 
 lawful property. The magistrates unite with the planters 
 in opposing schools for the coloured people, and lately succeeded 
 in breaking up one which was prospering under the care of 
 some pious persons in Hillsboro'. The land mourns under 
 the gross darkness which these iniquitous proceedings bring 
 over it." 
 
 From Her Father. 
 " Bingley, 
 
 " 6th of 9th mo., 1823. 
 " My spirit is often with thee, my dear daughter, in sym- 
 pathy with thee in thy service for thy Lord and Master. 
 I well know that those who are deeply baptized have often 
 much to undergo. They can feel the truth of Paul's expression, 
 ' As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing ; as poor, yet making many 
 rich ; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.' This 
 comprises a great deal in a few words. With the latter part, 
 ' as having nothing, and yet possessing all things,' I am 
 particularly impressed. It is in this state of nothingness, 
 when self is of no reputation that we are among those to whom 
 our Saviour's words are applicable, ' Blessed are the poor in 
 spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' In this state, 
 how tender we are in noticing the weaknesses of others, and 
 how do our minds expand in love, so that though we are poor 
 we may make many rich, and though we may have but little 
 to say, this little from a deeply baptized spirit will comfort 
 far more than many words spoken without life. Our meet- 
 ings often suffer from a multitude of words. I do like to feel 
 a gathering influence. This is sometimes lost, when testimonies 
 and especially prayers are too long.
 
 126 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " How shall I rejoice to see thee return in health and peace. 
 My mind has rested and still rests in the faith that the Divine 
 blessing is over thee. 
 
 " Farewell, my very dear daughter. May every comfort 
 attend thee." 
 
 Proceeding onwards they came at length to the 
 house of Nathan Hunt, at Springfield, near New 
 Garden, North Carolina where the Yearly Meeting 
 was then held. Born in the loth month, 1758, 
 Nathan Hunt had travelled extensively as a minister, 
 and had been in England in that capacity in the years 
 1820 and 1821, where his visit was much valued. As 
 a plain farmer, with no other learning than he had 
 acquired at a country school, and in the diligent 
 study of the Bible under the teaching of the Holy 
 Spirit, he had become an able minister of the New 
 Covenant. His father, William Hunt, also a minister, 
 under a like training had previously visited England 
 and Ireland as a minister, and after a short sojourn 
 amongst Friends in Holland, had laid down his life 
 near Newcastle-on-Tyne, in England, in the autumn 
 of the year 1772. Nathan Hunt was now in his 
 sixty-fifth year, and died at the advanced age of 
 ninety-five, on the 8th of the 8th month, 1853. From 
 his house at Springfield, Anna Braithwaite writes, 
 loth mo. 27th, 1823, 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " After attending Deep River meeting, we came on about 
 eight miles to this peaceful habitation. We met with a hearty 
 welcome from dear Nathan Hunt, his wife and family. His
 
 NATHAN hunt's HOUSE. I27 
 
 house is situated in a paddock, surrounded with fields and 
 skirted by woods. He has cleared as much land as supplies 
 him with the necessaries of life, almost all of which are grown 
 or manufactured under his roof. His house is built of logs, 
 filled up with plaster, but no coating of plaster inside, nor 
 any wash or paint. It consists of five rooms downstairs, 
 a small kitchen, a room out of it, where the spinning wheels 
 etc., etc., are, a room, into which we enter from the front, 
 perhaps fourteen feet square with a clean boarded floor, and 
 a hearth fire, some clean white wooden chairs, and two homely 
 tables, a clock, a bookcase, a stand dyed dark blue, a sash 
 window with twelve panes of glass. Out of this are two lodging 
 rooms and a neat little pantry. Our room has two beds in 
 it ; clean and homely curtains of their own weaving, feather 
 beds, clean, coarse sheets and a warm sort of quilt, made of 
 cloth, flannel, etc., patched together, instead of a blanket, 
 and a nice white cotton counterpane. In the roof, there are, 
 I believe, two bedrooms, and every place is so clean, that one 
 forgets the unfinished walls and rustic furniture. All Nathan 
 Hunt's children are married." 
 
 She subsequently writes 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " nth of nth mo., 1823. 
 
 " On the third of eleventh month, the Yearly Meeting 
 opened. It was very large, quite crowded. I believed it 
 required of me to go into the Men's Meeting. This was to me 
 a close trial of faith, but way was made, and ability graciously 
 afforded to the relief of my mind. 
 
 " We have had some precious evenings with dear Nathan 
 Hunt and some of his friends. The language is strikingly 
 exemplified in this family, ' GodUness with contentment 
 is great gain.' A more affectionate circle I never saw, and 
 it is to me a lesson I hope lastingly to remember. It is the 
 Gospel, the genuine religion of Christ, that renders even a log- 
 house preferable to a palace without it.
 
 128 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " We may think of these things at a distance, but there is 
 nothing like seeing them for ourselves. I wish I could now, 
 whilst I am writing, convey to thee the sweet calm influence 
 all around, and at the same time give thee a picture of the 
 twelve-light window by which I write, the unfinished log walls, 
 filled up between the logs with plaster without either wash or 
 paint, the brick chimney bare as our outside walls, the hearth 
 fire without any fender, the ceiling formed merely of the boards 
 which are the flooring of the room above, without any further 
 finish, and yet withal the air of comfort which thorough cleanli- 
 ness and as much true refinement as I ever met with, in every 
 branch of the household, give to this simple abode. I have 
 a few specimens of their home manufactory for gowns, cloaks, 
 etc., which I mean to send to thee. They wear scarcely anj'^- 
 thing but what they spin, weave, and dye themselves. They 
 make their own bedsteads. Their curtains, bed-linen, blankets, 
 coats, stockings, are all their own manufacture. I have made 
 myself quite at home among them in a social way, and believe 
 that this has contributed to make way for speaking the truth 
 with boldness and meekness. Every house we have been into 
 has a room for carrying on these different works. They make 
 all their own candles, moulds and dips ; and though they may 
 be in some instances deficient in book-learning, their faculties 
 are in full operation in a practical way. It is only eighty 
 years since Carolina was first settled. They have had many 
 difficulties to struggle with, that of slavery not the least. 
 They are at a great distance from any seaport town, and 
 land carriage is so expensive as to render it out of their power 
 to procure what we are apt to think the necessaries of life. 
 To proceed with my diary : — On the second First-day of the 
 Yearly Meeting, I attended New Garden meeting. I suppose 
 there were nearly two thousand people. It was a striking 
 sight. Many had come great distances. Some hundreds 
 of carriages of various descriptions were all tied to trees in the 
 wood by which the Meeting-house is surrounded. The meeting
 
 Y. M. AT NEW GARDEN. I29 
 
 was, I think, a favoured season, and it appeared to be with 
 reluctance that the people separated after sitting nearly three 
 hours. The practice of bringing babies has been less disturbing 
 to me than I expected. I suppose there were not less than 
 thirty infants in the meeting. When the children cry, the 
 mothers usually walk quietly out of the meeting with them. 
 Many come several miles with their babies on horseback, 
 and have no one to leave them with ; and I cannot but think 
 there must be some zeal to induce them to come as they do." 
 
 The Old Meeting-house at New Garden where 
 the Yearly Meeting was held in the time of Rachel 
 Wilson, was shortly afterwards used as barracks for 
 British Soldiers at the time of the Revolutionary 
 War ; and was, it is believed, used as a school house 
 at the period of Anna Braithwaite's visit ; by which 
 time another larger meeting-house had been built 
 near the old site. 
 
 Dr. John E. Edwards, afterwards a Presbyterian 
 Minister, received the rudiments of his education at 
 the Friends' School at New Garden, and in a notice 
 in the " New York Illustrated Christian Weekly " for 
 April 5th, 1879, thus lovingly recalls some of the 
 scenes of his early boyhood : — 
 
 " How vividly all these scenes take form on the canvas of 
 memory. Many a dear old remembered spot stands out 
 conspicuously to the backward glance. Prominently among 
 these objects is the Quaker school where so many happy days, 
 as they now appear, were spent in the course of my boyhood's 
 tuition ; with the quaint old Meeting-house hard by, so silent, 
 so solemn. 
 
 " The Yearly Meeting, as it was called, was an occasion of 
 extraordinary interest at New Garden. Hundreds of visitors
 
 130 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 came from a distance in those days. Not unfrequently, 
 distinguished Quaker preachers from England were present. 
 How they got there is still a marvel to the writer. It was 
 before the days of railroads or other modes of public con- 
 veyance than the old stage coach. Anna Braithwaite came- 
 from England to attend the Yearly Meeting not less than 
 fifty years ago. 
 
 " Let us join them in the Meeting-house. It is the season 
 of autumn, say the first week in November. Just now it is- 
 the Indian summer. A dreamy haze is on the hills and fields. 
 The Indian corn has been gathered, and the cattle are luxuria- 
 ting in the rich pasturage ; gleaning the stray ears of cora 
 here and there, or reposing on the rank grass nipped by the 
 early frost. Broad acres of fallowed fields recently put down 
 in wheat are beginning to look green ; granaries are filled 
 to repletion, and plenty abounds in the land. 
 
 " It is the first day of the week. The highways and byways 
 are thronged with the people on the way to New Garden. 
 It is the Yearly Meeting of the Friends. What a crowd has 
 assembled and is assembling. They come from all quarters, 
 by all sorts of conveyances. Every panel of the fence has a 
 horse 'hitched' to it. Every branch on every accessible tree 
 has a bridle tied to it. Carryalls and gigs, carts and wagons- 
 of every description are crowded together on every hand. 
 The Meeting-house is already filled to its utmost capacity ; 
 the males and females sitting apart. Hundreds are outside ; 
 but everywhere a Quaker silence pervades the multitudinous 
 crowd. Within silence reigns. A little rustle is heard. The 
 softly modulated and sweet-toned voice of Anna Braithwaite 
 is rising in prayer. It is heard all over the assembly. That 
 voice grows stronger and fuller in its compass, and rings in 
 the closely ceiled house. What fervour, what subdued earn- 
 estness, what pathos ! She prays that war and bloodshed 
 may speedily come to a perpetual end ; that nation may 
 cease to lift up sword against nation ; that national differences.
 
 DESCKIPTION OF HER PKEACHING. I3I 
 
 may be settled by peaceable arbitration ; and that the time 
 may soon come when war shall be heard of no more. She 
 prays that the slave trade may be abolished, and that slavery 
 may not only be mitigated in its horrors, but for ever banished 
 from the earth. She closes her prayer, and silence again 
 pervades the house. Presently she unties the white ribbon 
 under her chin, and lays aside her bonnet, and rises to her feet. 
 A neat and tidy cap as plain as plain can be, without frill 
 or other appendage, fitting closely over her smoothly dressed 
 hair, and pinned under her chin, is the only ornament. Her 
 hands are ungloved and as white as marble. Serenity marks 
 her sweetly composed face. A sort of heavenly light kindles 
 on her radiant brow. Her lips part, and that sweetly modu- 
 lated voice again fills the house, as she repeats a passage from 
 the Gospel of St. John, the beloved disciple. The cadenza 
 of a mellow-throated bird in the ringing forest could not have 
 been softer or sweeter than the musical tones of that silvery 
 voice, as it rose and fell in measured cadence. Every ear 
 bent in rapt attention ; every heart in sympathy with the 
 speaker. ' Peace on earth, goodwill toward men,' is her topic. 
 She warms with her theme, and grows more and more eloquent 
 as she advances on her discourse. An hour has elapsed since 
 that sweet-faced woman arose, and still the listening crowd 
 hang breathlessly on her lips. Many an eye is moistened with 
 tears. Here and there heads are bowed. And still with glowing 
 diction, clothing her beautiful and touching thoughts, Anna 
 Braithwaite continues, until, overpowered with her emotions, 
 — ' tears in her voice,' she quietly resumes her seat, while a 
 positively awful silence pervades the house, and reigns un- 
 broken over the scene." 
 
 After the Yearly Meeting in North Carolina, 
 Anna Braithwaite returned pretty directly by way of 
 Richmond and Philadelphia to New York, holding 
 large meetings on the way both at Raleigh, the
 
 132 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 capital of North Carolina, and at Richmond, the 
 capital of Virginia. The latter meeting was held, 
 with the permission of the Governor, in the Capitol, 
 an imposing building. The prospect of meeting 
 with many members of the legislature, and other 
 prominent citizens of that large slave-holding State, 
 was to Anna Braithwaite very formidable. 
 
 " We took tea," she writes, " with the Governor, before 
 the meeting. I felt it an awful prospect ; and it was no less 
 so in reality at first entrance ; for although we went ten 
 minutes before the time, the Capitol was so crowded that it 
 was with great difficulty we could get to our seats, and many 
 hundreds, I believe, went away, for want of room. This, 
 in a place where Friends are but Uttle known, really intimidated 
 me a good deal ; but merciful condescension was near to sus- 
 tain, and I was strengthened to deliver what arose in my 
 mind ; and the people, though hundreds stood and were greatly 
 crowded, were remarkably still. Truly we do not serve a 
 hard Master, and have to acknowledge that He requires nothing 
 but what He gives ability to perform." 
 
 Arrived at Washington on her return from North 
 Carolina she writes 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 " Washington, 
 
 " nth mo. 28th, 1823. 
 " We reached this place yesterday evening. My mind 
 has been deeply exercised on account of Friends and others 
 here, but I do not see any way to appoint any meeting at this 
 time. My companions sometimes seem disappointed with 
 my caution in this respect ; and many are the hints I have had 
 that it would be acceptable if I would go and see the President, 
 and have some public meetings in this place, especially at this 
 time when the members of the Congress are assembling. Thus
 
 LETTER FROM STEPHEN GRELLET. I33 
 
 thou wilt see there is great need of care that the right thing 
 be steadily kept in view. This morning it appeared safe to 
 move towards Baltimore, and we expect to do so after an early 
 dinner. 
 
 " Truly I am much alone in my heart and mind in passing 
 along ; yet do I feel that ' underneath are the Everlasting 
 Arms.' " 
 
 From Baltimore Anna Braithwaite went forward 
 to New York by way of Philadelphia and Burlington. 
 
 Stephen Grellet to Isaac Braithwaite. 
 " Burhngton, 
 
 " 8th of 12th mo., 1823. 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 " Thy dear wife, having left my house this morning, 
 I am wilUng to give thee an early cheering report, how well 
 and nicely she looks after her laborious journey to Carolina. 
 Her dear Master has raised her up in a marvellous manner 
 from a bed of languishing. Through her companion, Mary 
 Allinson, I have had a good opportunity of hearing of her various 
 movements. They have been marked with such pecuUar 
 evidences that the Lord leads her by His counsel, and clothes 
 her with His Spirit of wisdom and strength, that thou hast 
 to rejoice, my dear brother, that thou hast such a gift as thy 
 dear wife is to thee to surrender to the Lord. I beUeve thou 
 doest it with Christian cheerfulness, and she, having that 
 evidence, feels great strength and encouragement. 
 
 " Thy dear wife returned to Philadelphia last Fifth day, 
 when my wife and myself were glad to welcome her once more 
 in our retreat. She attended our two meetings yesterday. 
 Her services in them will, we hope, be long had in remem- 
 brance."
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 1824. 
 
 Rise of Unitarian views in New England — Spread amongst 
 Friends in New York — Elias Hicks, Anna Braithwaite's 
 first interview with him, her subsequent distress — Maternal 
 soUcitudes — John Jay — Visit to families of Friends in 
 New York — Dr. Hosack — Philadelphia and New York 
 Yearly Meetings. 
 
 IT has already appeared that Anna Braithwaite's 
 visits to America occurred at a time of great 
 reHgious agitation. To explain this it seems 
 necessary to advert to the state of feeling in some 
 other religious bodies. Many of the churches in 
 New England were founded, as is well known, by 
 " the Pilgrim Fathers," whose extreme views on 
 several important points of Christian doctrine may 
 be traced in the quaint records preserved by Cotton 
 Mather in his " Magnalia Christi Americana." These 
 extreme views gradually led to a reaction in an 
 opposite direction, so that in the early part of the 
 last century most of the principal churches in Boston 
 (New England) had lapsed into Unitarianism. The 
 tendency in this direction had spread over others of 
 
 134
 
 UNITARIAN VIEWS. I35 
 
 the New England States ; whilst the openly avowed 
 infidelity of Paine, whose later years were spent in 
 New York, where he died, had not been without its 
 influence in that city, and the large and important 
 State which bears its name. 
 
 The Society of Friends did not escape the con- 
 tagion. The place which they had ever given to the 
 immediate teaching and work of the Holy Spirit in 
 order to a living practical Christianity was, in the 
 minds of many, allowed gradually to overshadow or 
 in some cases to exclude other branches of Christian 
 truth not less essential. Many other influences con- 
 spired to disturb the harmony and mutual confidence 
 so essential to the health and united action of a 
 Christian church — influences which at length, between 
 the years 1826 and 1828, produced a separation from 
 the main body, in five out of the eight then existing 
 Yearly Meetings of Friends in America, of a con- 
 siderable number, estimated at then about one-third 
 of the whole, amongst whom Elias Hicks, an aged 
 and influential minister, held the most prominent 
 position.* 
 
 " Captivated by specious pretences to a refined 
 spirituality," to use the words of the Yearly Meeting 
 of Philadelphia, the promoters of the separation had 
 been " led on step by step into an open disavowal 
 of the fundamental doctrines of the Christian reli- 
 gion, as they are laid down by our Blessed Redeemer 
 
 * See Declaration of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 1828, 
 P- 3-
 
 136 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 and His apostles in the Holy Scriptures." And not 
 a few who would have themselves shrunk from a 
 public avowal of those sentiments were induced to 
 join the ranks of the secession by the influence of 
 personal feeling or family connections ; which, in 
 minds inadequately instructed, and in some cases 
 almost indifferent as regards scriptural truth, easily 
 outweighed more important considerations. 
 
 Deeply afflicting as such an event must ever be to 
 the mind that duly considers it, it affords a striking 
 lesson — one, it is hoped, never to be forgotten by our 
 religious Society, of the absolute necessity of humbly 
 and reverently maintaining the truth of the Gospel in 
 its integrity, and of holding fast by the testimony of 
 that inspired record, which it has pleased Infinite 
 Wisdom to provide in the Holy Scriptures as a most 
 important means of conveying the truth to our under- 
 standings, and of preserving it from corruption. 
 
 Among those who thus separated were many who, 
 from a one-sided zeal " not according to knowledge " 
 for the doctrine of inward and immediate reve- 
 lation, were gradually drawn away from their faith 
 in the incarnate Redeemer, the one Fountain of all 
 true spiritual life, substituting under the notion of 
 high spirituality an exclusively inward Christ for 
 Jesus of Nazareth, the one Messiah, the anointed of 
 God. 
 
 Among the causes that led to this lamentable 
 separation, '* one of the most powerful appears to 
 have been " (to use once more the words of the
 
 CAUSES OF SEPARATION. 137 
 
 Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia*) "the neglect of 
 many members in not bestowing upon their offspring 
 a guarded religious education, labouring to imbue 
 their susceptible minds with the saving truths of the 
 Gospel, and habituating them to the frequent reading 
 of the Holy Scriptures. For want of this care on the 
 part of parents and teachers, many of the youth had 
 grown up in great ignorance of these all important 
 subjects, as well as of the history and principles of 
 the early Friends ; and thus fell an easy prey to the 
 cavils and sophistry of designing men, who were 
 seeking to lead them astray by infusing doubts into 
 their minds respecting the truth of the Christian 
 revelation." 
 
 The existence or spread of unsound doctrines is 
 no new thing in the Christian church. From the 
 earliest ages of Christianity there have been those 
 whose unsubjected spirits have refused to yield a full 
 and submissive obedience to the authority of Divine 
 revelation. The cause lies not in the Truth, but in 
 the natural opposition of that " carnal mind," which 
 ever has been and ever will be "enmity against 
 God." And, painful as the recollection of such events 
 must ever be to the feeling mind, it ill becomes us, 
 through either a misplaced charity or a heedless for- 
 getfulness, to blind ourselves to the lessons of deep and 
 lasting instruction which they are designed to afford. 
 
 To be involved in such a conflict was no small 
 trial to Anna Braithwaite's faith. 
 
 * Declaration, p. 5. •
 
 138 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " Having for many years," she writes in one of 
 her letters, "foreseen that if my life was spared the 
 sacrifice of such a journey might be called for at my 
 hands, I had sedulously avoided conversing about 
 Friends in America. All that had passed in New 
 York and Philadelphia previously to my first visit 
 was wholly unknown to me. I went forth with no 
 other defence than a humble trust in the power and 
 mercy of the Shepherd of Israel ; and as I began, so 
 I continued to desire to be found in the performance, 
 with a single eye, of my daily duties, and to uphold 
 as ability was afforded the simple Truth as it is in 
 Jesus." 
 
 The details of such visits have been so often 
 repeated,* that it seems unnecessary to revive much 
 that cannot be otherwise than painful to the 
 Christian's best feelings. And, whilst we must ever 
 firmly maintain the absolute necessity of upholding 
 the great cardinal truths of the everlasting Gospel, 
 we would cherish the hope that, under the gracious 
 influences of quickening and restoring grace, many 
 of the descendants of those who were led astray in 
 this sorrowful secession may have had their eyes 
 opened to look upon Him who was lifted up for 
 their transgressions, and to rejoice in a return unto 
 Him as the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls. 
 
 I will therefore attempt to condense within com- 
 paratively narrow limits the particulars of Anna 
 
 * See Journals of Thomas Shillitoe, Stephen Grellet and 
 Wm. Forster.
 
 INTERVIEWS WITH ELIAS HICKS. I39 
 
 Braithwaite's journeys in America, omitting many 
 things which, under other circumstances, might have 
 proved both interesting and instructive. 
 
 Soon after the Yearly Meeting in North CaroUna, 
 Anna Braithwaite returned to New York. It was 
 now (ist mo. 24th, 1824) that, accompanied by her 
 friends Ann Shipley and Samuel Parsons, Clerk of 
 New York Yearly Meeting, she had an interview 
 with Elias Hicks at his house at Jericho, Long 
 Island. Another interview, in company with Ann 
 Shipley, followed a few weeks later. 
 
 " His appearance," she writes, " is very striking — a tall 
 thin person, with prominent eyebrows, his hair combed back 
 in the way Joseph Gurney Bevan's used to be : his dress like 
 the pictures of Friends 100 years ago. His wife is also a vener- 
 able looking woman. 
 
 " I thought on first entering the house, my heart and flesh 
 would fail, but after a time of inexpressible conflict, I felt a 
 consoling belief that best help would be near, and I think 
 that every opposing thing was in great measure kept down." 
 
 In describing these interviews, Anna Braithwaite 
 writes : — 
 
 " The sentiments which Elias Hicks expressed greatly 
 distressed me. He openly avowed his disbelief of the Divine 
 authority of Holy Scripture — of the fall of man — of the Deity 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ ; and of the efficacy of His sufferings 
 and death, as ' the propitiation for our sins.' ' Did I think,' 
 he asked, ' that the Almighty could be so cruel as to appoint 
 that His own Son should be offered up for our sakes ? I 
 believe,' said he, ' that He died in support of His testimonies, 
 but that His death was no more to us than that of any other 
 martyr.' He listened to my views which I was enabled to
 
 140 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 give with calmness. He was many times brought into close 
 quarters ; but, when he could not answer me directly, he 
 turned to something else. My mind is sorrowfully affected 
 on this subject, and the widespread mischief arising from the 
 propagation of such sentiments." 
 
 Anna Braithwaite subsequently writes : — 
 
 " I have reason to think that, notwithstanding the firm 
 and honest manner in which my sentiments were expressed, 
 an open door is left for further communication. We met in 
 love, and we parted in love. He wept like a child for some 
 time before we separated ; so that it was altogether a most 
 affecting opportunity." 
 
 In the midst of these painful exercises her child- 
 ren were not forgotten. More than one brief note 
 has been carefully treasured up, written at this time 
 to one of her younger children then between five and 
 six years old, in a style suited to his capacity, telling 
 him of the constant love of his "tenderly affectionate 
 mother." 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " New York, 
 
 " I2th mo. 20th, 1823. 
 
 " Thou canst not be too minute in thy information respect- 
 ing the dear children. My solicitude is great that they may 
 be preserved from the many evils there are in the world, 
 and that we may faithfully discharge our important trust 
 towards them. 
 
 " It is indeed a great favour that dear Anna's mind is so 
 tenderly alive to a fear of doing wrong. How bitter was the 
 cup handed to us in her first seizure with disease. But can 
 we not acknowledge that this bitter cup has been one of our 
 greatest blessings."
 
 LETTERS TO HER HUSBAND. I41 
 
 Again she writes to him a little later : — 
 
 " Nine Partners, 
 
 " 2nd mo. 3rd, 1824. 
 " I have fervently remembered E. Binks* these last few- 
 days, and were I more favourably circumstanced for writing, 
 she would hear from me. I want her to be encouraged to 
 believe that although my cares are now rather different, I 
 am not unmindful of hers, nor forgetful of the daily trial of 
 faith and patience which attends her allotment ; but the con- 
 fidence I place in her is a relief to my mind, for which I am 
 thankful, and whilst my solicitude is great for my precious 
 children, and for thee that you may lack nothing, I do feel 
 a humble hope, may I not say confidence, that the best help 
 will be near to you." 
 
 A visit to several places on the Hudson River 
 now occupied several weeks, in the course of which 
 she received a pressing invitation to visit John Jay, 
 the intimate personal friend of Washington, who 
 after a distinguished career of public usefulness, was 
 then living in comparative retirement on his estate at 
 Bedford, West Chester County, in the State of New 
 York, where he was born in 1745. It was John Jay's 
 privilege to trace his descent from one of the French 
 Protestants who escaped from France soon after the 
 Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. To a personal 
 friend he was often led to observe how greatly his 
 French descent and familiarity with the French 
 language became a means of no small value in 
 promoting the great work to which he was called 
 in after life. As a young man he had been a fellow 
 
 * The Friend who was left in charge of her family.
 
 142 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 student with Lindley Murray, the well-known author 
 of an English grammar and many other educational 
 works, who, like himself, was a native of New York, 
 and for whom he ever continued to cherish an 
 affectionate regard.* 
 
 Under the administration of Washington, John Jay 
 occupied for some time the position of Chief Justice 
 of the United States, and was afterwards for several 
 years Governor of the State of New York. He 
 acted with great ability as one of the American 
 Commissioners in negotiating the Treaty of Peace 
 with this country, at the conclusion of the Revolu- 
 tionary war, and afterwards enjoyed the distinction 
 of being the first Minister accredited by the United 
 States to the Government of Great Britain. Along 
 with Madison and Hamilton he was one of the 
 writers of The Federalist, a series of papers, which 
 as since published in a collective form, was long 
 looked upon as the standard exposition of the Con- 
 stitution of the United States. But, above all, 
 John Jay was a devout and consistent Christian, who 
 accepted with a firm and reverential faith the 
 Inspiration and Divine authority of the Scriptures of 
 the Old and New Testament. On the death, in 1821, 
 of the venerable Elias Boudinot, one of the Founders 
 of the American Bible Society, John Jay was unani- 
 mously chosen to succeed him as President, an office 
 which he continued to fill until 1828, when he retired 
 
 * See the pleasing correspondence with Lindley Murray 
 in the Ufe of John Jay, vol. i. 342, 344, and vol. ii. 419.
 
 VISIT TO JOHN JAY. I43 
 
 in consequence of failing health. It was a relief to 
 Anna Braithwaite and her companion, amidst en- 
 gagements, many of them not a little trying to their 
 faith, to enjoy the privilege of accepting an invita- 
 tion from such a man. She thus describes their 
 visit in a letter 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " New York, 
 
 " 2ncl mo. 14th, 1824. 
 " John Jay is a venerable old man in his seventy-eighth 
 year. His son William, once a judge, with his wife and five 
 children, all live with him ; also a daughter who is a widow, 
 and two single daughters. They are Episcopalians, but truly 
 pious, and I was glad that I went. They told us how concerned 
 they were for the persecution Friends now undergo on account of 
 their objection to war, and that they highly disapproved of the 
 present military measures of the Government, believing peace 
 more likely to be preserved by avoiding preparations for defence. 
 They assured us that, notwithstanding these measures, the view 
 is rapidly spreading among the members of various religious 
 denominations that war is inconsistent with Christianity. 
 
 " They mentioned how sorry they had been to find that 
 Unitarian sentiments were creeping in among Friends. They 
 had read with much satisfaction the London Epistle of last 
 year (1823), and some others. The conversation turned upon 
 the Bible Society, respecting which they gave explanations 
 which proved so much to the purpose, that Jacob Conklin, 
 one of the Friends who was with me, who had withdrawn from 
 the Society, was induced to promise again to meet the Com- 
 mittee. Our views respecting the Scriptures were fully entered 
 into, particularly our objection to calling them ' the Word of 
 God,' believing that that name is in a peculiar manner appro- 
 priated to Him who is emphatically ' the WORD made Flesh.' 
 We at the same time stated our firm belief that they were
 
 144 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 ' the words of God,' given by His inspiration and ' profitable 
 for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in 
 righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly 
 furnished unto all good works.' 
 
 " John Jay said that he attributed the spread of sceptical 
 opinions very much to Calvinistic sentiments being so strongly 
 upheld. His instructive remarks were peculiarly cordial 
 to me, so that the visit was really like a ' brook by the way.' 
 On meeting me, he said, ' I am always pleased to see my friends, 
 and especially those who are of the household of faith. I 
 make no distinction as to profession, when they are of this 
 number.' "* 
 
 Whilst in New York, Anna Braithwaite was 
 enabled to accomplish a visit to the families of Friends 
 in that city, who were then very numerous. In 
 this important engagement she was accompanied by 
 her friend Ann Shipley. They probably paid about 
 176 visits, in which the opportunity was afforded for 
 waiting upon the Lord and for any accompanying 
 reUgious exercise that might arise. It was an 
 engagement which was at that time peculiarly 
 arduous, considering the state of religious conflict and 
 agitation which then existed. 
 
 * Soon after Anna Braithwaite's return from her last 
 visit to America, she was gratified by receiving from Peter 
 Augustus Jay, the son of John Jay, a beautiful copy of 
 Wilson's American Ornithology, with a letter under date 
 20th February, 1830, in which he says, " I hope that these 
 volumes may serve to remind you of a country where, if you have 
 undergone some trials, you have left many friends. During 
 the past year, we have lost my excellent father and several 
 relations. Warned as we daily are of our own mortality, 
 it is wonderful that we should feel so secure as we usually do, 
 and that we should make such feeble efforts to lay up treasures 
 which will endure forever."
 
 VISITS TO FAMILIES IN NEW YORK. I45 
 
 They entered upon the visit in the latter part of 
 the 2nd mo., 1824 ; the last visit being paid on the 
 9th of the 4th mo. On some days they appear to 
 have paid as many as ten visits. 
 
 It was during this visit that the following incident 
 occurred. 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 " New York, 
 
 " 2nd mo. 23rd, 1824. 
 
 " On First-day after the morning meeting, we called at 
 Dr. Hosack's, one of the first physicians here. He is a Presby- 
 terian, I believe, who lives in great style and whose wife appears 
 to be sinking. She had sent many times to request me to go to 
 see her, and, on Seventh-day, her husband called and urged 
 it again. He is a learned and sensible man, and has an inter- 
 esting family. I went in much trembling, and was invited 
 upstairs. 
 
 " The mother, an interesting woman, was in bed ; and her 
 husband and children were all in the room. A more hum- 
 bling season I never remember. The whole company were 
 in tears ; and a lovely boy, about fourteen, sobbed aloud." 
 
 Whilst engaged in these visits, she was cheered 
 with the following letter 
 
 From Her Father. 
 
 " Birmingham, 
 
 " 2ist 3rd mo., 1824. 
 " As the Sabbath was ordained for a day of outward rest 
 from our labours, so there is an inward Sabbath, which we must 
 keep if we would renew our spiritual strength. 
 
 " I agree with thee that it is profitable to converse with 
 religious people of other denominations. Many of them 
 Jcnow the spirituality of the Gospel ; and I can always say 
 
 11
 
 146 MEMOIRS OF AXXA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 with the Apostle, ' Grace be with all them that love our Lord 
 Jesus Christ in sincerity." He Himself has assured us that 
 ' many shall come from the East and from the West, from the 
 North, and from the South, and shall sit down with Abraham 
 and Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven.' I love to 
 think of that great multitude which no man can number, 
 of all nations and peoples and tongues, * who stand before the 
 throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and 
 palms in their hands.' 
 
 " I notice thy remarks on Bible Societies. I have attended 
 many of the General Meetings much to my satisfaction, and 
 have had many opportunities of enlarging on the univers- 
 ality of the Love of God, and of bringing before the persons, 
 assembled many of those heart-cheering texts which abound 
 in the Holy Scriptures ; which have been always most favour- 
 ably received ; so that I am convinced that the ears of the 
 people in general are much more open to receive the glad 
 tidings of the Gospel than narrow-minded men are apt to 
 believe." 
 
 After the attendance of Philadelphia Yearly 
 Meeting Anna Braithwaite writes 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " Philadelphia, 
 
 " 4th mo. 30th, 1824. 
 " The Yearly Meeting has been a most memorable time. 
 The cause of Truth has indeed proved victorious. Last First- 
 day at a very crowded meeting in Arch Street, I felt strength- 
 ened to rise. Gospel Truths came before me in a manner 
 remarkable to myself ; and the meeting was brought under 
 a very solemn covering. A great number were present who 
 were not members. The love and power of the Gospel have 
 in an eminent manner accompanied the exercises of the faith- 
 ful labourers ; and bitter feelings being left without anything.
 
 PHILADELPHIA Y. M. I47 
 
 to feed them, the ground has been cleared for pressing the Truth 
 home in a very remarkable manner to the humbling and contri- 
 ting of many minds. I paid a visit to the men's meeting 
 when it might be said that Truth reigned over all. This was 
 also the case in a meeting which it seemed best to appoint 
 for the ministers and elders — the way not opening for full 
 relief in their usual meeting. 
 
 " Oh ! that the ground may be cleared of partialities 
 and prejudices, and personal feelings ; and that in the peaceable 
 spirit of the Gospel, we may really prove that the weapons of 
 our warfare ' are not carnal ' but spiritual, and ' mighty 
 through God to the pulling down of strongholds.' " 
 
 Soon after the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, 
 Anna Braithwaite paid a short visit to Baltimore, 
 previously to the attendance of the Yearly Meeting 
 of New York. 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " New York, 
 
 " 5th mo. 24th, 1824. 
 " We returned to Philadelphia from Baltimore in the steam- 
 ship line in one day, and were a good deal fatigued. My back 
 having been painful for some time, I concluded to consult 
 Dr. Parrish. He fully approved of my being cupped, and on 
 Third-day about eight ounces of blood were taken very ex- 
 peditiously by small cupping glasses. Partly from pain, and 
 partly from the loss of blood, I felt my strength considerably 
 reduced, but concluded to go as far as Burlington on Fourth day, 
 Richard Jordan and Thomas Stewardson's daughter accom- 
 panying me. Israel W. Morris drove us. Dr. Parrish kindly 
 met us at John Cox's, and prescribed a nourishing diet and 
 bracing rigime. Pursuing this, we accomplished our journey 
 better than I expected, and I am much recruited, and able 
 to attend the meetings, which are searching seasons."
 
 148 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 After attending the Yearly Meeting at New York, 
 she writes 
 
 To Her Husband. 
 
 " ' Bonds and afflictions abide me.' This Yearly Meeting 
 has been a memorable one. It is scarcely in my power to 
 convey in writing what has passed. It has seemed as though 
 the Prince of the power of the air has been rousing up a host 
 to support the new doctrines of infidelity ; but after close 
 exercise and labour in six sittings of the Select Meeting, Truth 
 was made eminently manifest, and I trust the chain is broken. 
 
 " Oh ! couldst thou know what it has been my lot to suffer 
 in this land, thy heart would be sorely distressed ; but never- 
 theless I have a humble hope the work given me to do will be 
 accomplished, and I permitted to return into the bosom of 
 my family and Friends."
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Return to England — Second visit to America 1825 — Third 
 visit 1827 — Home life 1827-1850 — The Beacon controversy 
 — Extracts from private memoranda during these years. 
 
 IN the autumn of the year 1824 Anna Braithwaite 
 returned to England, but in the spring of the 
 following year she was engaged for several 
 months in a second visit to America, and in the early 
 part of the year 1827 she paid her third and final 
 visit to that country, being in each of the two last 
 visits accompanied by her husband. In each of the 
 voyages the ship was under the able command of 
 Captain James Rogers, in whose skill and seamanship 
 she learned to place entire confidence. During the 
 whole of this period her spinal affection continued to 
 require almost constant attention. My father was in 
 the habit of shaving her head, with the exception of 
 the forehead, two or three times a week. 
 
 During one of these voyages she was pitched by 
 a sudden lurch of the vessel from one side of the ship 
 to the other, receiving injuries which placed her life 
 for some time in considerable danger. From this, 
 however, she was happily favoured to recover. 
 
 149
 
 150 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 After the return of my dear parents from America, 
 they were often visited by their relations and friends 
 from a distance. I well remember the frequent visits 
 of Dr. Christopher Wordsworth, then Master of 
 Trinity College, Cambridge, who had, as will be 
 recollected, married my mother's elder sister Priscilla, 
 and of his brother, the poet, with his wife Mary 
 Wordsworth, and their daughter Dora, as also of Sir 
 Fowell Buxton and his sister Sarah Maria Buxton, 
 and of Anna Gurney, of Northrepps Cottage, Cromer. 
 Whenever American Friends were in England they 
 greatly enjoyed a visit to my dear parents, who were 
 always " given to hospitality." My dear mother had 
 great powers of conversation, in which she was 
 cordially seconded by my father ; and the evenings 
 of Quarterly Meetings, which were regularly held at 
 Kendal, or any other similar opportunity, were 
 always rich treats, where subjects of the highest 
 interest were entered upon in a manner worthy of 
 intelligent and immortal beings, realizing their re- 
 sponsibility to their God and Saviour. It is very 
 striking and interesting to look back and remember 
 how, without the stimulus of music or any other 
 similar attempt at entertainment, the large com- 
 panies assembled in my father's drawing-room often 
 dispersed under a deep sense of gratification and 
 thankfulness. 
 
 Yes, theirs was converse such as it behoves 
 Man to maintain and such as heaven approves. 
 
 My dear mother was now about forty years of
 
 HER husband's ILLNESS. 151 
 
 age, with a large family growing up, requiring her 
 constant thought, but she still continued faithfully to 
 labour in the ministry in her own Quarterly Meeting, 
 and from time to time was engaged in wider service. 
 Among other engagements, she visited with certifi- 
 cate Lancashire in 1832, Lancashire and Yorkshire in 
 1833, DubHn and the South of England in 1834, 
 Carlisle in 1850. 
 
 About the end of 1833 my dear father was seized 
 with Asiatic cholera during its first appearance in 
 England. It is difficult now to realize the dread 
 which then prevailed of this disease. It had already 
 carried off Dr. Adam Clark and several other dis- 
 tinguished individuals. My dear mother was absent 
 in Birmingham at the time. She returned at once 
 and devoted herself for many months to the tender 
 nursing which my father's illness required. He was 
 at that time a very heavy man — probably about 
 eighteen stone. During the illness which ensued 
 he lost between seven and eight stone in weight. It 
 was followed by a persistent attack of jaundice. 
 During his convalescence he thought it right to 
 accompany EHsha Bates in his travels in England 
 and Ireland. 
 
 Of this illness my mother afterwards writes : — 
 
 " The unexpected call home was a trial of faith, but I feel 
 bound to acknowledge that in this season of conflict I could 
 say ' the eternal God was my refuge, and underneath were 
 the everlasting arms,' and I was not left to doubt that all 
 was in Wisdom."
 
 152 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHVVAITE. 
 
 The following extracts are from her private 
 memoranda during these years. It was in the year 
 1830 that my father received an earnest request from 
 his cousin, James Foster, that he would allow my 
 eldest brother Isaac to go up to London to make a 
 trial of the business of stockbroker. On this occasion 
 she wrote : — 
 
 " 8 mo. i8th, 1830. 
 
 " Our beloved son Isaac left home for London. We 
 keenly feel parting with him, and our prayers are put up for 
 his preservation. May he continue clothed with the Divine 
 fear and may he be a true disciple of our crucified Saviour." 
 
 " 3rd mo. 3rd, 1835. 
 " On Seventh-day evening, I and Caroline came back from 
 London after an absence of ten weeks and three days, having 
 been with our dear son Isaac. When I retrace the events attend- 
 ant upon this absence and the evidence of the Providential 
 care extended to us and those left behind, mj^ heart overflows 
 with gratitude to my Heavenly Father, who has sustained 
 and protected us, and I am confirmed in the persuasion that 
 all those who seek His counsel will realize in their experience 
 the language, ' If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, 
 who giveth liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given 
 him.' I have left dear Isaac with the consoling belief that 
 many of his bonds were broken, and that he is under the notice 
 of his Heavenly Father for good. It is a great favour that 
 he has known the blessed work of the Spirit in bringing him 
 to repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. May he live in watchfulness and prayer, that he 
 may grow in grace, and prove by his fruits that he is a true 
 disciple. I find my dearest friend better than when I left 
 home, yet I should gladly see him stronger in body ; in mind, 
 I never knew him more vigorous, and the evident enlargement
 
 THE BEACON CONTROVERSY. I53 
 
 in Christian experience added to undeviating uprightness and 
 firmness in what he believes to be right, both in faith and prac- 
 tice, render him invaluable as a bosom friend and most tender 
 husband, judicious father and a religious counsellor. I have 
 thought, too, that our precious young people not only love their 
 Saviour, but evince tenderness of conscience and increased 
 humiUty and watchfulness. I dare not flatter them, but I 
 desire their encouragement, and, O gracious God, thou alone 
 knowest the fervency of spirit with which I crave preservation 
 on every hand that I may, vile and helpless as I know myself 
 to be, know Thy blessed Spirit to strengthen me with might 
 in the inner man to be true in my allegiance to Thee, and in 
 upholding, as Thou mayest give ability, the faith of the Gospel. 
 Enable me to live in Thy fear, and in all humility to prove in 
 life and conversation that I love Thee and desire to serve 
 Thee ; keep me from being a stumbling-block in my own 
 dear domestic circle, and among those by whom I am sur- 
 rounded. In a day of proving, hide me as in the secret of 
 Thy pavilion, and cause all the arrows of those who seek my 
 life to fall harmless at my feet, and, for Christ's sake, mayest 
 Thou forgive those who know not what they do." 
 
 The next extract refers to some of the difficulties 
 attendant upon the " Beacon " controversy, which 
 led to a considerable secession in the meeting at 
 Kendal : — -^ 
 
 " 1st mo. 4th, 1838. 
 
 " When confined by illness, my mind has of late been much 
 drawn into retirement. There have been many proving 
 seasons in my eventful life, when communion with God and 
 secret prayer have been my only refuge, and when I saw no 
 way to take any active steps to correct those things which 
 I have nevertheless deeply deplored. This morning, as I was 
 meditating upon our peculiar trials, I remembered the example 
 of our blessed Saviour with regard to prayer, that He was
 
 154 MEMOIHS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 all night in prayer to God, that in His agony He withdrew 
 from His disciples to pray, and I felt afresh confirmed in the 
 ef&cacy of private prayer, and that for me this is a time 
 when this is my especial duty and privilege. I have longed 
 to go to meeting, my heart is full of love and sympathy for 
 my friends. I think I do comprehend their varied views 
 and conflicts, and gladly would I break down the partition 
 wall which exists, but I believe the language applies to 
 these things ' this kind goeth not out but by prayer and 
 fasting.' The call to some of us is to be found thus watching 
 before the Lord. Almighty Father ! for the sake of Thy dear 
 Son, our adorable Saviour, enable us to cast our burthen upon 
 Thee, with believing hearts that Thou wilt sustain us." 
 
 1841. 
 " As I have been led this evening to meditate on the goodness 
 and mercy which have followed me all my life long, and upon 
 my great distance from the standard of holiness set before 
 us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my heart has been afresh 
 contrited and humbled, and I can adopt the language, ' I 
 abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.' O Thou blessed 
 Saviour, through whom I look for forgiveness of my many 
 transgressions, enable me to live more entirely unto Thee, 
 strengthen my weak faith, and by the Holy Spirit give me more 
 abounding gratitude and praise, and make me more constant 
 and fervent in prayer, that through Thee, O Thou infinitely 
 glorified High Priest, my soul may pour out its wants to God. 
 O my Heavenly Father, make me as clay in the hands of 
 the potter, suffer not any secret workings of pride or self-love 
 to keep me from that entire surrender of my will to Thy holy 
 will, which Thou wouldst call for at my hands. I am now 
 in my fifty-third year. Sometimes my heart and flesh are 
 ready to fail in thinking how little progress I have made in 
 the way cast up for the ransomed and redeemed to walk in. 
 Oh ! for the sanctification of the Spirit. The belief of the truth 
 has been precious to me from a child. Some speak much
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 184I-42. I55 
 
 of the danger of a legal spirit in dwelling upon the necessity 
 of purification of heart, and would never quote the language 
 ' be ye perfect, even as your Father who is in Heaven is perfect.' 
 How much so ever the individual believer may feel his trans- 
 gressions, he can never press too much after the experimental 
 and practical application of the faith which works by love, 
 and purifies even the thoughts and intents of the heart. The 
 more the sanctification of the Spirit is witnessed, the more hum- 
 ble and contrite shall we be, and the more shall we realize 
 that we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of 
 ourselves, it is the gift of God ; and the more we are brought 
 under the power of Christ within us, the more shall we be 
 deepened in a sense that it is only through His mediation 
 and atonement, that poor, evil, fallen man can ever know his 
 sins blotted out, and his iniquities covered, and be clothed 
 with the wedding garment." 
 
 " 1st mo; 3rd, 1842. This day my beloved husband 
 enters on his sixty-second year, and on the 27th of last month 
 I entered on my fifty-fourth year. Many changes have taken 
 place since our last birthdays. In England, and in America, 
 several near and dear to us in the bonds and fellowship of the 
 Gospel have been called from works to rewards. Very hum- 
 bling has been the review of the past ; the unwatchful moments, 
 the omissions and commissions all through want of attention 
 to the influences and operations of His Spirit, who continues 
 to be the leader and commander of His people, and very hum- 
 bling also has been the sense of the goodness and mercy that 
 have followed me through all even to the present time, for- 
 giveness through the atonement of our blessed Saviour for 
 sins that are passed, and strength in my exceeding weakness 
 for the time to come. Oh ! for more watchfulness unto prayer, 
 and more close attention to my Heavenly Guide. Sometimes 
 the remembrance of unguarded thoughts and words and looks 
 is almost overwhelming after having experienced the condes- 
 cending goodness of my Divine Master in employing such a
 
 156 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 poor creature to proclaim to others His mercies and His 
 judgements: it is cause for deep humiliation that not a day- 
 should pass without yielding to some weakness or other, 
 some hasty word or thought. I have often a solemn fear 
 lest the blessed doctrine of Atonement, that immutable 
 provision of a gracious God by which He is just, and the 
 justifier of him that believeth in Jesus, should ever be per- 
 mitted by me to lull into ease, and to afford excuse for failings 
 which He who died for me would give me the victory over, 
 were I more constantly to live under the secret operations 
 of His power, and if I were more obedient to the manifesta- 
 tions of His will. There is great need to guard against a partial 
 view of Christian doctrine. There is great need to be taught 
 of God how to apply, and how to understand His counsels. 
 He teaches His humble followers to appreciate the fulness 
 of the Gospel, to realize its power, to know it to be glad tidings 
 to their souls. He gives them to experience that repentance 
 towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, are in 
 their true character intimately connected with the illumin- 
 ating life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, that where Christ's 
 power is inwardly known and submitted to, there and there 
 only is found the true apprehension of our dependence for 
 acceptance, upon His meritorious death and sufferings and the 
 true meaning of that emphatic appellation ' The Lord our 
 righteousness.' " 
 
 " 1st mo. 12, 1843. This morning, my beloved daughter 
 Anna left us to join dear Bevan in London. She has spent 
 nearly three months at home, during which I have been more 
 of an invalid than for several years past, and the uncertainty 
 of my life was never more abidingly in my thoughts. To have 
 a daughter's kind attentions has been a great solace, and we 
 have been sweetly united in spirit, and strength has been 
 afforded to dwell on those eternal truths in which we can rejoice 
 together. Oh ! how I long for more of the sanctification of 
 the spirit, how deeply have I renewedly felt this winter my
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1 845. 157 
 
 many transgressions, my distance from the standard at 
 which I have from a child aimed. I feel not only the infirmi- 
 ties of the natural heart, but I deeply feel that Satan is still 
 permitted to buffet me, and that, but for the shield of faith, 
 he would prevail. Oh ! for more constant abiding in Him, 
 who is strength in weakness, and through whom alone we can 
 have for a helmet the hope of salvation." 
 
 " 9th mo. 1 2th, 1845. My mind has been of late intro- 
 duced into a pretty close review of my past life, and in retracing 
 the early and powerful visitations of the grace of God, how 
 humiliating is the sense of my shortcomings and my distance 
 from the standard which is given to us in the Gospel of our 
 Holy Redeemer. Never did I more abhor myself nor feel 
 more need to repent in dust and ashes. A naturally irritable 
 temper not yet leavened into the meekness and gentleness 
 which becomes the followers of Christ ; pride springing up 
 where it was least expected, and impatience with others, and 
 especially with myself, so that when buffeted by the messenger 
 of Satan, there is a great tendency to turn away from that 
 watchfulness unto prayer, in which alone we can hope for fresh 
 supplies from Him who said ' My grace is sufficient for thee. 
 My strength is made perfect in weakness.' For most of the 
 early part of the summer my heart was often clothed with 
 love to Him who first loved us. The liberty and enlargement 
 of spirit enjoyed, both in silent communion with God and in 
 speaking in His name, accompanied with a gratitude and praise, 
 comforted my soul. Truly I felt Christ to be precious. His 
 love and faithfulness as our Teacher, High Priest and Inter- 
 cessor were almost constantly a source of rejoicing, and now 
 when the withdrawal of the sensible enjoyment of these blessed 
 realities leads to deep searching of heart, when past sins rise 
 again into view, when present weakness seems almost to 
 overwhelm, O my soul, cast not away thy confidence. O 
 Lord, enable me to keep hold of faith in Thee, and to press
 
 158 MEMOIRS OF ANN'A BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 towards the mark for the prize of our liigh calling of Thee in 
 Christ Jesus. 
 
 " Keep me humble, and grant faith and patience in every 
 conflict through which Thou mayest permit me to pass and 
 under the sense of Thy goodness, contrite my heart to praise 
 and magnify Thy name." 
 
 " 7th mo. 25th, 1846. O merciful Heavenly Father, 
 I beseech Thee in the name of Thy dear Son to wash me from 
 mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sins, and to enable 
 thy poor erring servant to maintain the warfare, having the 
 shield of faith, whereby all the fiery darts of the wicked one 
 may be quenched. Thou only knowest how lively and strong 
 are my soul's enemies, and to Thee do I turn with confusion 
 of face, that through unwatchfulness they so often prevail. 
 Keep the door of my lips, that I sin not with my tongue, 
 and, O Lord, strengthen me to maintain the watch in the 
 night seasons, when Thy presence which is better than life 
 seems withdrawn. Bring me more and more into the state 
 of a little child, teachable, gentle, and easy to be instructed." 
 
 "4 mo. 24th, 1847. We returned home last week from 
 Durham, having paid truly satisfactory visits to our relations 
 and friends at Darlington and Newcastle. It has been refresh- 
 ing to my mind to mingle with these beloved ones in the unity 
 of the Spirit, and to feel this precious influence to cement our 
 souls in the bond of peace. The interchange of thought under 
 these feelings often proves of essential benefit to me, the least 
 of all who love our adorable Saviour. The extension of His 
 care and guidance fills my heart at times with gratitude and 
 praise. He has been strength in weakness, riches in povert}/, 
 and a very present help in the time of need, and the sense of 
 late of His leading beside the still waters, after much inwaid 
 conflict, has been confirming to my faith. How I long for all 
 our dear children to be established in faith in Christ in the 
 fulness of His Divine character and attributes, that they may
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1847. 159 
 
 believe in His voice within them to direct their steps, and in 
 Him as their High Priest, without the intervention of man, 
 having constant access to our Father who is in Heaven, 
 through His beloved Son. Thus may they realize the faith 
 which works by love and purifies the heart, ever deepened 
 in the sense that all their dependence is in Him, who shed His 
 blood for our sins, and who can alone clothe us with the wedding 
 garment." 
 
 To Kendal Monthly Meeting. 
 
 " loth mo. 27th, 1847. 
 '-' Dear Friends, 
 
 " Being prevented by illness from attending the Monthly 
 Meeting, I hereby return the minute granted to me in Fourth 
 month last. In doing this, I must acknowledge with thank- 
 fulness that, accompanied by my beloved husband, I have been 
 enabled to visit all the Meetings within the limits of this 
 Quarterly Meeting, and the families of Friends in most places ; 
 also to hold many meetings for those not of our Society, and 
 that, from day to day, that gracious declaration has been 
 realized, ' My grace is sufficient for thee ' ; and although 
 deeply sensible of weakness and insufficiency, yet was my soul 
 stayed on our dear Lord and Master, who strengthened me 
 from season to season for this labour of love. His injunction, 
 ' when ye have done all, say ye are unprofitable servants,' 
 has been feelingly brought home in concluding this little service, 
 and the peace which has been mercifully my portion is re- 
 ceived as being only of grace, and not of debt. I am with love, 
 
 " Your friend, 
 
 " Anna Braithwaite." 
 
 " nth mo; 17th, 1850. 
 
 " I am at home from meeting with the remains of a severe 
 
 cold. Reading some of the Psalms has been attended with 
 
 sweet feelings, I trust granted by the Comforter, even the 
 
 Spirit of Truth, who takes of the things of Christ, and shows
 
 l6o MEMOIRS OF AXXA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 them to the beUeving soul. Surely the experience of David 
 is among these. He ate of the same spiritual meat, and he 
 drank of the same spiritual drink, even of the rock that followed 
 him, and that Rock was Christ. ' The secret of the Lord is 
 with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.' 
 I can with reverent thankfulness acknowledge that this has 
 been realized by one of the weakest and most unworthy of 
 the Lord's children. In the midst of the furnace of affliction, 
 how precious has the covenant of God in His beloved Son 
 been to my soul, how inexpressibly consoling the sense of 
 access to my Heavenly Father by the blood of Jesus. In 
 the almost overwhelming sense of my impotence and infirmi- 
 ties, how precious has it been to bring my tenderly beloved 
 children to the throne of grace in fervent prayer. This 
 morning according to my usual practice, these dear ones 
 and their little ones were thus remembered soon after awaking 
 from sleep, and I have of late been favoured with the evidence 
 of access in my prayers in a more than common degree, and 
 have found much peace this day in this exercise. It is much 
 more habitual with me, than it used to be when things occur 
 which give me uneasiness, and when I observe what needs 
 improvement in my family, or in any individual member of 
 it, to resort to prayer on account of these things, and on my 
 own behalf that I may be wisely directed in speaking or in 
 silence. I say habitual, because I thankfully believe that in 
 spiritual experience, the teaching of the Spirit does lead to 
 what may aptly be termed, habitual seeking after communion 
 with God. We lose much and deprive ourselves of many blessed 
 privileges, because we do not practically believe as we ought 
 to do in the perceptible teaching of the Holy Spirit. Some 
 have the fear that such a belief savours of presumption. Let 
 such ask themselves whether it is not a much more presump- 
 tuous thing to think that we can lead a life of faith without 
 this teaching, this immediate guidance. Faith is the gift 
 of God bestowed by the Holy Ghost, and sustained from day
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA. l6l 
 
 to day by Him. In its exercise we are taught of the Spirit 
 what to do and what to avoid. Herein is the obedience of 
 faith. That which is given by inspiration of God in the Holy 
 Scriptures is sealed upon our minds by the same Divine teacher. 
 The precepts of Christ are thus felt to be of imperative obliga- 
 tion, and their application to us inseparably connected with 
 the life which the believer now lives in the flesh by the faith 
 of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave Himself for us. 
 This perceptible teaching of the Spirit discloses to us our 
 several calUngs in the Church, the gift which is bestowed 
 upon each of us : we are prepared for its exercise under the 
 anointing of the Head of the Church, and taught how and when 
 and where He leads in its exercise." 
 
 13
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 1851-1854. 
 
 Yearly Meeting 185 1 — Her bon Bevan's marriage — Family- 
 bereavements — Description of her husband's character — 
 Visit from Israel W. Morris — Reminiscences of America and 
 her travelling companions — Description of life atScotby — 
 Retrospect of her own life — Visit from her son Isaac and his 
 wife. 
 
 " Scotby, 
 
 " I2th mo., 15th, 1851. 
 
 WE came here about four weeks since after a 
 memorable summer. My dear husband 
 and I attended the Yearly Meeting and my 
 mind was deeply exercised both before going and 
 whilst there from day to day : it has ever felt to me to 
 be a great privilege to mingle with friends in this 
 annual solemnity, and never more so than at this time. 
 My spirit was bowed before the Lord and clothed with 
 that love which craves the spiritual growth of all. 
 Truly it is my experience to be in weakness and in 
 fear in our meetings, having an awful sense of the 
 danger of moving unbidden, even in remarks respect- 
 ing the discipline. 
 
 " My blessed Master was strength in my weakness
 
 YEAKLY MEETING, 1851. 163 
 
 and opened the way from sitting to sitting to relieve 
 my mind on various subjects, which had again and 
 again pressed upon it. There was much sisterly 
 condescension throughout, a strengthening current 
 of unity to be felt underneath with many known and 
 unknown personally ; at the same time there was the 
 saddening sense of bonds of prejudice, and of limited 
 views of Divine truth on the part of some dear and 
 valued friends, who I would hope and believe are of 
 the upright in heart, who will be taught in the school 
 of Christ many lessons not yet learnt. When I 
 retrace the dealings of my Heavenly Father, and call 
 to mir^d the rebellion of my proud heart against the 
 humbling nature of the Gospel in its fulness and free- 
 ness, and in its application to every condition, how 
 patient ought I to be with such. O Lord, keep me 
 in true humility, and write the law of love and kindness 
 indelibly upon my heart ; make me patient towards 
 all and alive to tender sympathy with the sufferings 
 and conflicts of others. I am truly a monument 
 of Thy grace, a brand plucked out of the burning. 
 Carry on Thy blessed work in my heart that every 
 thought may be brought into captivity to the obe- 
 dience of Christ. We had a sweet visit to Joseph and 
 Caroline, their children are in excellent training, 
 and very lovely and amiable ; we felt also much 
 comforted with ten days with Isaac and Louisa; 
 my soul rejoiced in the evidence of their growth in 
 grace and their pious concern for their seven lively 
 and most interesting children.
 
 164 MEMOIRS OF ANXA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " We spent nearly two weeks at Farm and Wake 
 Green, and saw, to our refreshment, our numerous 
 dear relatives and many friends in and near Birming- 
 ham. Our venerable sister Lloyd, in her eighty-fourth 
 year, is full of spiritual and mental vigour ; it was 
 instructive to be with her and to mingle in Christian 
 fellowship and in adoration and praise to Him who 
 hath called us out of darkness into His marvellous 
 light. It is pecuharly animating to see greenness in old 
 age. May my soul cleave to my dear Saviour, and His 
 blood and righteousness as my only hope of salvation. 
 Bingley, the home of my childhood, is no more; it was 
 sold by my nephews, being undermined by a railway 
 timnel. The Exhibition which Prince Albert patro- 
 nized by his presence was there, and afterwards the 
 excellent house was pulled down, and the beautiful 
 oak floors, stairs, etc., etc., sold for a large sum. The 
 premises are now converted into commercial ware- 
 houses, etc., etc. My dear sister James Lloyd, and 
 the amiable circle of children around her, call forth 
 much affection and sympathy ; their dear father, my 
 only surviving brother, being unable from mental 
 imbecility to reside at home. It is a great consolation 
 to know that long before the illness which left this 
 distressing result, his mind was brought to deep feeling 
 on rehgious subjects ; he came to his Saviour inbroken- 
 ness of spirit, and in true repentance and living faith 
 he could adopt the language, ' it is a true saying and 
 worthy of all acceptation that Jesus Christ came into 
 the world to save sinners of whom I am chief.'
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1 85 1. 1 65 
 
 Such instances as my dear brother's show us that our 
 faculties are not our own nor at our own command. 
 God can weaken them, by physical or other means, 
 at His pleasure, and He is pleased to teach us by 
 thus dealing at times even with the excellent of the 
 earth that the present time is only ours, if our peace 
 be made with God by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and all we are and have devolved to Him in health — 
 come what will — our life will be hid with Christ in 
 God, in time and eternity. O my soul, receive this 
 humbling dispensation with a submissive not a des- 
 ponding spirit : work whilst it is called to-day, for the 
 night Cometh, and thou knowest not how or how 
 soon, wherein no man can work." 
 
 " 12 mo. 17th. We returned home to our Quarterly 
 Meeting and were favoured to find our family circle 
 in health excepting our dear Charlotte, who has a 
 truly suffering constitution, and bears up under 
 many conflicts of flesh and spirit. How do I desire for 
 her and all our children that they may realize true 
 submission to the work of the Holy Spirit, that they 
 may know Him as their ever present Comforter, 
 taking of the things of Christ and showing them to 
 their souls. In the eighth month, we came to Scotby 
 for a week, and made arrangements for dear Bevan 
 to bring his wife here after their marriage on the 27th ; 
 it was a week of sweet refreshment. The peace of 
 God which passeth understanding was remarkably 
 our portion. We were much out in the field and garden, 
 and spent a good deal of time in reading together.
 
 l66 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 We took tea at our dear friend, Thomas Bulman's, 
 and made a few calls in Carlisle. Joseph and Caroline 
 and their party of fifteen came to our house on the 
 22nd, and it was cause of thankful rejoicing to have 
 our precious children and grandchildren under our 
 roof. They had taken Yewbarrow Lodge for two months 
 and only stayed at Kendal till the 27th. We left 
 them on the 25th, to go to our dear son Bevan's 
 marriage; dear Foster accompanied us. We spent 
 Second- day night with our beloved sister Lloyd at 
 Farm, and with our brother Pearson and niece Agatha 
 went the following day to Banbury, where our dear son 
 Bevan's marriage was accomplished on the 27th. His 
 dear Martha greeted us warmly and we felt at home 
 under her valued parents' roof. The marriage was 
 most agreeably conducted and we were favoured with a 
 good meeting. Bevan and his friend spoke very 
 feelingly. The arrangements afterwards were such as 
 became Christian professors ; all the large company 
 seemed at ease, innocent cheerfulness prevailed, and 
 after dinner we had a sweet religious opportunity. 
 The bride and bridegroom took their departure soon 
 after. We went to Eatington the following day to 
 our beloved nephew, W. B.Lowe. His father married 
 one of my early and intimate friends who is now no 
 more in this world, but gone before to her heavenly 
 home. Jeffery B. Lowe is a man of deep thought and 
 comprehensive reading, naturally retiring and con- 
 sequently too little known, and perhaps his diffidence 
 has limited his usefulness."
 
 FAMILY BEREAVEMENTS, 1 853. 167 
 
 " i2thmo. 4th, 1853, First-day. I am at home from 
 meeting, the day being oppressive to my breathing. 
 It is always a trial to my feelings to be deprived of the 
 high privilege of assembling with my friends for the 
 solemn purpose of Divine worship, and to let my 
 beloved husband go without me. May the Lord 
 comfort his soul and bless by His presence all who 
 meet in His name this day. The last two weeks 
 have been marked by events which have deeply 
 affected us. On the 23rd ultimo, our dear brother, 
 George Braithwaite, peacefully breathed his last in 
 his seventy-sixth year. He had been at times an invalid 
 for ten years, and the last two years suffered much 
 from disease of the lungs, which confined him to the 
 house, and for more than a year to his room and 
 chiefly to his bed. It was thirty years ago that his 
 sainted wife, my precious sister Mary, died in the same 
 room. She was ripe for Heaven and meekly bowed 
 in submission to her many tribulations, leaning with 
 reverent, humble heart on her Saviour. To her it was an 
 especial mercy to be early removed from a world of 
 care, with which she was little calculated from her 
 sensitive nature to contend, yet to her family it was 
 an irreparable loss. The death of our dear brother 
 brings with it many past scenes in which he was as- 
 sociated. My dear husband and he were brought up 
 together at home, continued there during their appren- 
 ticeship to their father, were partners in business till 
 seven years ago, and now the earthly tie is severed, 
 and it is permitted that the survivors should sorrow
 
 l68 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 for a season ; but, blessed be the name of our God, it is 
 also of His mercy that we sorrow not as those who 
 have no hope, but are of them who rejoice in the good 
 hope, through grace, for the loved ones gone before, 
 as well as for those left to nm a little longer in the 
 race set before us. 
 
 " On the 27th ultimo, my beloved brother, James 
 Lloyd, died in his seventy-eighth year; he had for 
 many years been unable to pursue his usual habits 
 from the effect of a brain fever, and for more than a 
 year was seldom heard to speak. He was a truly 
 affectionate brother, and with all his other important 
 engagements wrote frequently long and informing 
 letters to me till his illness. His devoted wife, now 
 a widow of fourscore years, claims tender sympathy, 
 she was a faithful companion and never spared herself 
 to comfort and sustain him in the hour of conflict 
 and trial. May the Lord be near to her drooping 
 mind, and give her to see with increased clearness, 
 the riches of His love in Jesus Christ our Lord." 
 
 " ist mo. 1st, 1854. The last year has been a 
 remarkable one to us; our dear brother George 
 Braithwaite, and my beloved brother James Lloyd, 
 have been taken to their heavenly home, our dear 
 nephew Samuel Howard has been deprived of his 
 lovely bride, two weeks after their return from their 
 wedding tour on the continent ; the home beautifully 
 fitted up for her reception received her an invalid, 
 and she neither went out from it nor were her clothes
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1854. 169 
 
 unpacked. Surely there is an especial purpose 
 of love to the large circle of young cousins ; may it be 
 accomplished, and may their hearts be given up to 
 the work of God within them, and to His service, 
 living not unto themselves, but to Him who died 
 for them and rose again. On the 27th ult. was my 
 sixty-fifth birthday, and the third of this month will 
 be my dear husband's birthday ; very humbling ought 
 to be on my part the review of the past. Obedience has 
 not kept pace with knowledge : I have often been too 
 hasty in giving expression to my views and feelings, 
 and not always so patient as I ought with my bodily 
 infirmities ; they have been for many years very suffer- 
 ing ones, requiring the constant exercise of faith to 
 keep on in my daily duties, but He who has permitted 
 them is ever near to be strength in weakness, and it is 
 for want of a closer walk with Him that impatience 
 appears. My precious husband's example preaches 
 loudly to all around him ; humble, watchful, submissive 
 under trials, ever on the watch to do good to the 
 afflicted whether in body or mind, cheerful without 
 foolish jesting, unselfish in all his habits, blameless 
 in his life and conversation, never listening to 
 evil reports, his countenance beaming with that 
 heavenly love which in cases of peculiar unkindness 
 leads him to return good for evil. O Lord, I thank- 
 fully acknowledge thy unbounded mercies to us and 
 our children. Be very near to my beloved husband 
 and pour into his heart the rich consolations of thy 
 love in Jesus Christ our Lord, — enable him to pursue.
 
 170 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BKAITHWAITE. 
 
 as he hath hitherto done, the path of the just which 
 shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Be 
 near to all our children, increase their faith, that in all 
 things they may do what they do to Thy glory. 
 Bless them as parents and bless their dear children, 
 and, O Lord, I ask Thy forgiveness for my sins 
 in the name of Jesus, and for the help of the Holy 
 Spirit to bear fruits unto Thy praise. Now in the even- 
 ing of hfe make me humble, watchful and submissivejto 
 Thy will. Blessed and magnified be Thy Name 
 for ever and ever." 
 
 " 1st mo., 1854. In the first month of thisjyear, 
 1854, our beloved friend, Israel W. Morris, came to 
 England with his son Henry (who was in a poor state 
 of health and recommended to try a voyage), his 
 daughter Hannah and his granddaughter Ellen. 
 I. W. M. at the age of seventy-six retains his wonted 
 mental vigour ; he has been far from strong in body 
 for more than a year, but there was less change in his 
 appearance than would have been looked for after 
 twenty-four years since we last met. He told us he 
 had had a strong desire to see us once more in 
 this life and this led him to accept the opportunity 
 afforded by the need his son had of such a voyage. 
 
 " The chief of five days spent under our roof was 
 a season never to be forgotten, it was indeed a time 
 of refreshment from the presence of the Lord, in 
 which the unity of the Spirit in^the bond of peace 
 met with no alloy. We were led to retrace' the
 
 VISIT FROM ISRAEL \V. MORRIS. 171 
 
 Lord's dealings with us in first bringing us together 
 and since. He had travelled with us during much of 
 our visits to the United States from 1823 to 1829, 
 a period of unparalleled difficulty and conflict in our 
 religious Society in that land. Our beloved friend, 
 Mary Allinson, was my faithful companion during 
 nearly the whole of that arduous engagement. With 
 these humble, watchful and intelligent friends, we 
 felt our carriage to be to us a truly peaceful home, 
 where, freed from the strife of tongues, we took sweet 
 counsel together, read aloud several valuable works, 
 and were refreshed and comforted after seasons 
 of inexpressible conflict and distress. I do not recollect 
 either of these beloved friends ever saying anything to 
 the disadvantage of others, my dear husband being 
 equally watchful. There was every desire on their part 
 that I might move along unfettered by personal 
 prepossessions, in simple obedience to the pointings 
 of my Divine Master. I feel inclined here to allude 
 to the protecting care and guidance of the Lord to 
 one of His most unworthy servants in reference to 
 companions, the choice of whom is of vital importance 
 to the cause in which ministers of the Gospel are en- 
 gaged. Ignorant as I was of the state of things, it was 
 not possible for me by outward knowledge to make 
 a right selection, and being introduced at first among 
 the friends of E. H.* every effort was used to put me 
 under the care of those who held similar views and 
 sympathized with him. Several companions were 
 * i.e. Elias Hicks.
 
 172 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 proposed, some by beloved Friends whom I revered 
 during their rehgious visits to this country, and who 
 at that time did not beheve the existence of that 
 infidehty which subsequent events constrained them 
 not only to see, but with meekness and firmness to 
 withstand. A secret sense of doubt in my own mind 
 led me to decline these proposals, although I consented 
 to allow one individual, an amiable female Friend, to 
 set out with me, but strongly objected to her re- 
 questing a minute from her Monthly Meeting, fearing 
 she might not be suitable. We did proceed together as 
 far as Burlington ; there at the house of our dear 
 friend, S. Grellet, Mary Allinson came in to see us. 
 As she entered the room, the impression was clear that 
 she was the Friend for me to have as companion. 
 After weighing it I called S. G. aside and inquired 
 whether he would consider her suitable ; he replied, 
 should she be wilhng he believed there was no one 
 more so in the whole Society. She was an elder, 
 worthy of double honour and old enough to be my 
 mother, these in my view were great recommendations, 
 feeling very desirous to be under the protection and 
 care of a faithful, experienced Christian. S. G. men- 
 tioned the subject to her; she said it was very con- 
 firming to her faith for, on hearing a letter read which 
 announced my prospect of visiting America, she 
 believed it would be right for her to join me but felt 
 diffident of making the first proposal. On conversing 
 together it appeared that BurHngton Monthly Meeting 
 would not be held for three weeks, we therefore con-
 
 CHOICE OF AMERICAN COMPANIONS. 173 
 
 eluded to say nothing to the Friend akeady with me, 
 but to commit the matter to Him who had, as I rever- 
 ently believed, brought me from all near and dear in 
 this life, and who would continue to guide me by His 
 counsel. In about ten days the female Friend alluded 
 to was taken ill with chill and fever and obliged to 
 return home. She afterwards openly joined the 
 Hicksites ; thus was I delivered from an unseen danger. 
 About this time I had a meeting at Providence, Penn- 
 sylvania; there I met I. W. Morris for the first time. 
 I had never heard of him, but as he walked up the 
 meeting, it seemed as though it was said to my inward 
 ear, 'That is the Friend that should go with thee.' He 
 joined us at a Friend's house ; the subject was mentioned 
 to him, and his mind was prepared to respond in the 
 affirmative; thus banded together we travelled to 
 North Carolina and various other States in unbroken 
 unity and harmony, and when I returned to America 
 with my dear husband after a peaceful interval at home 
 in the bosom of my family in 1825 and again in 1827, 
 these dear friends were found to us and to the cause in 
 which we were concerned to labour : and, from our first 
 meeting in 1823 to the present time, very precious has 
 been the unbroken unity between us, a unity of spirit in 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, begun and sweetly enjoyed 
 during our pilgrimage here and to ripen in eternity." 
 
 " 5th mo. 7th, 1854. My dear husband went 
 yesterday to attend the funeral of our beloved sister, 
 Rachel Lloyd. Charles accompanied him and Bevan
 
 174 MEMOIRS OF AXXA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 intended to be there. She died on the 2nd inst, about 
 half past two o'clock a.m. ; her end was peace. During^ 
 a long illness her mind was remarkably sustained in 
 humble rehance upon her Saviour, and gratitude and 
 praise for the abounding mercies of her long pilgrimage 
 were often expressed. The night watches amidst bodily 
 suffering were frequently passed in planning for the 
 relief and comfort of the poor and afflicted. Truly she 
 exemplified the language, ' the just shall live by faith,' 
 also * the path of the just is a shining light — shining 
 more and more unto the perfect day.' Our generation 
 is rapidly passing away. There is no gloom in this 
 thought to my feelings ; this is of the Lord's mercy, 
 because He deals gently with His weakest children, 
 and in removing their earthly props and casting a 
 shade over earthly enjo3mients. He calms the mind 
 by His presence and brings home with increased 
 fulness the good hope through grace for those who are 
 gone before, and for ourselves who remain a little 
 longer in the church militant. This day, when the 
 remains of our precious sister have been deposited 
 in the silent grave, has been a solemn one to me. 
 My beloved daughter, Susan, spent the morning 
 with me, and read to me the Epistle to the Philippians 
 and the 103rd Psalm. It has been a season of tender 
 sympathy with the family of the beloved one who 
 has entered into the joy of her Lord. The centre 
 of an unusually large circle is removed, we feel that 
 we also have sustained a loss that can never be made 
 up to us in this world. It has been also a season of
 
 LIFE AT SCOTBY, 1 854. 1 75 
 
 commemoration of the Lord's mercies, and truly 
 can my heart adopt the language : ' Bless the Lord, O 
 my soul and all that is within me bless His holy 
 name. Bless the Lord, O my soul : and forget not 
 all His benefits.' " 
 
 " Scotby, 6th mo. loth, 1854. My dearest Isaac 
 and I came here yesterday week ; the rural scenery 
 and peaceful quiet of this sweet home are truly re- 
 freshing. Having suffered much from weakness of 
 the nerves and cough, under the pressure of which 
 merciful help has been near from day to day, enabling 
 me to live by faith and conceal much from others, 
 it is truly congenial to be retired for a time and to 
 have much opportunity for meditation. My dearest 
 friend reads to me morning and evening. We read 
 to the servants before breakfast ; and the seasons of 
 silent waiting on these occasions are mostly very 
 comforting to my mind. Our servants are, I believe, 
 all of them thoughtful and concerned for the salvation 
 of their souls, and we feel united to them in spirit as 
 we sit together with our hearts turned to the Lord. 
 He teaches His children to begin every fresh day under 
 the sense of their own weakness, and their need of Him 
 to sustain their faith and strengthen them to do His 
 will during the day, and thus He prepares for prayer. 
 How great the privilege of prayer to our Heavenly 
 Father in the name of His beloved Son ; the Spirit 
 itself helping our infirmities teaches us how and what 
 to pray for. After breakfast we read together;
 
 176 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 then take a ramble, my I. B. kindly drawing me in 
 the garden chair; he feeds the poultry, etc., then 
 we write letters, I attend to domestic arrangements 
 and other duties, and at one again enjoy the garden 
 and field till two, the afternoon is partly occupied 
 with another ride in the garden chair, tea and 
 then reading. We are now reading Bevan's memoir 
 of J. J. Gurney with which we are deeply interested, 
 and we are thankful that our beloved son has been 
 enabled to execute this important work with dis- 
 crimination and judgement, interspersing observations 
 of a very instructive character. May the Divine 
 blessing accompany the perusal of it to many minds. 
 After supper at nine, we read a psalm before retiring 
 for the night. I have, of late, been especially im- 
 pressed with the duty and privilege of thanksgiving 
 in connection with prayer and supplication ; it is 
 enjoined by the Apostle in these remarkable words, 
 * in everything, by prayer and supplication, with 
 thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto 
 God.' " 
 
 " loth mo. 24th, 1854. We parted tliis afternoon 
 from our beloved son and daughter Bevan, and their 
 two sweet little girls, after a sojourn at Scotby, during 
 which dear Bevan was engaged in a mission of gospel 
 love within the compass of Cumberland and Northum- 
 berland Quarterly Meeting. They came here nearly 
 two weeks ago. His amiable and devoted wife 
 carries out her Christianity in the daily walk of life.
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1854. 177 
 
 her watchfulness and humihty are truly instructive, 
 and we have felt it a privilege to become more in- 
 timately acquainted with her. 
 
 " In reviewing my past life and the gracious dealings 
 of the Lord from my very infancy, I have often longed 
 to convey to others, especially to the beloved ones 
 of our own family, the encouragement it seems to me 
 to afford, in that one so rebellious by nature, so way- 
 ward, should have been followed by the goodness and 
 mercy of God in Christ Jesus to the present hour, and 
 have had such abundant proofs, that ' the secret of 
 the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show 
 them His covenant'; yet the inexpressible shrinking 
 which I feel from writing respecting myself has 
 prevented my keeping a journal of an eventful life. 
 Few have had to pass through more of evil report and 
 good report, or have had more to suffer from the 
 jealousies of little minds, or the misconceptions of 
 near and dear friends ; no words could set forth the 
 anguish passed through on these accounts, yet in the 
 midst of the hottest furnace there seemed no hberty 
 of spirit to spend my strength in self -justification, 
 but the secret watchword, ' Stand still and see the 
 salvation of God,' was from day to day sounded 
 in my mental ear, and truly it has been experienced, 
 in a manner which unassisted reason could not have 
 conceived." 
 
 " nth mo. 23rd, 1854. Our beloved Isaac and 
 Louisa, with their oldest son Alfred, paid us a short but
 
 178 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 truly satisfactory visit two weeks ago. Very much 
 had been passed through since we last met ; these dear 
 ones have indeed been tried in the furnace of affliction. 
 In it they have not been forsaken ; and the refining 
 process has evidently been carried on, so that we felt 
 called upon to praise and magnify the Lord for His 
 goodness, and to rejoice because of His faithfulness in 
 sanctifying trials, all the more bitter for not coming 
 immediately from His Divine hand, but from near and 
 dear friends. We had much sweet interchange of 
 sentiment, and most endearing affectionate inter- 
 course, rendered truly precious by the cementing 
 bond of Christian fellowship. May our beloved son 
 be strengthened from day to day to persevere in the 
 path of uprightness and integrity in all his concerns, 
 which he has from a boy remarkably kept to, and may 
 he continue to live near to his Lord and Saviour, and 
 realize His gracious language, ' My grace is sufficient 
 for thee ; my strength is made perfect in weakness.* 
 Under the renewed sense of the love of God, in Christ 
 Jesus our Lord, which has been enjoyed in a more 
 than usual degree, during my short illness, since our 
 beloved children left us, I adopt the words, 'Bless 
 the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless 
 His holy name.' "
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 1854-1859. 
 
 Death of last surviving sister, Olivia James — Thoughts on the 
 evening of life — Desires for her children and grandchildren 
 — Serious accident to her son Foster — Her own increasing 
 sufferings — Further family bereavements — Full account of 
 her daughter Anna's life and experience — The last summer 
 and autumn at Scotby — Illness and death. 
 
 " nth mo. 23rd, 1854. 
 " T^ TT Y dear husband is gone to see my dear sister 
 J Y J[ OHvia, how tenderly do I feel for her in her 
 widowed state, and under the pressure of 
 illness. It is evident that her Saviour is near to 
 deepen in the saving knowledge of Himself, and is 
 leading her gently under His blessed discipline to 
 entire submission to His holy will. May her soul be 
 refreshed with an increase of faith and hope, and 
 may the joys of heaven be more brought home 
 to her view." 
 
 " I2th mo. 6th, 1854. My beloved sister, OHvia 
 James, died on the 5th inst, at a quarter past five a.m. 
 She had suffered much during and after the scarlet 
 fever and measles last spring, and her health appeared 
 gradually to decline. At her dear husband's request 
 
 179
 
 l80 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 my I. B. and I went over to Summerville in the Fifth 
 month, and found our dear sister greatly reduced in 
 strength ; we spent ten days there, during which we 
 had much intimate conversation and comforting 
 rehgious opportunities. We were made thankful in the 
 evidence of growth in grace, which was manifested 
 in the daily walk and in the seasons of family devotion 
 by our valued brother, and he evinced a tenderness 
 and subduedness of spirit which soothed his beloved 
 wife in her suffering state. We had scarcely been 
 settled at home after four weeks spent at Scotby when 
 we received the unexpected tidings that our dear 
 brother had died suddenly. We set off the following 
 morning, the 15th of Seventh month, and on arriving 
 at Summerville found our widowed sister supported 
 beyond what we had dared to expect: she dwelt with 
 deep feeling and consolation on the peaceful transla- 
 tion of her dearest earthly friend. She said it was his 
 decided and often expressed wish, and that her 
 own mind was made up, that she should in case of his 
 decease come to reside near to us, and the sooner 
 the more satisfactory to her feelings. We remained 
 two weeks when, dearest Anna having come, we left 
 her with her aunt, and returned home." 
 
 After the death of her sister Olivia, she writes : — 
 
 " loth mo. 15th, 1854. I am now the last of fifteen 
 brothers and sisters. Keenly do I feel the bereavement , 
 but I also feel that between us there is a bond of 
 union which neither time nor death can dissolve,
 
 THE LAST SURVIVOR OF FIFTEEN. l8l 
 
 a union of spirit in the bond of peace ; peace with God 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ. Heavenly Father 
 enable me, for Thou alone canst give strength in my 
 exceeding weakness, enable me to leave the things 
 that are behind and to press towards the mark for the 
 prize of our high calling of Thee, O God, in Christ 
 Jesus our Lord. Under the fresh sense of Thy renewed 
 love and mercy I can now say, ' The Lord gave and the 
 Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the 
 Lord.' How I long to perfect hohness in the fear of 
 the Lord, and daily mourn over un watchfulness in 
 thought and word. Where should I be but for the 
 blood of sprinkling applied by faith, and how could 
 my prayers find acceptance save through our ever 
 living High Priest and Intercessor, who has invited 
 us to ask in His name, His all availing name ! Known 
 only to the Searcher of hearts are the conflicts of my 
 soul with an earthly tabernacle that cannot do the 
 things that I would. It is a source of daily trial that the 
 yearnings of my heart are continually suppressed. I 
 believe the suffering from active exertion, even in the 
 little I go about, is known to no one, and I desire not 
 to give way beyond what is absolutely necessary. 
 This is especially a source of conflict with respect to 
 attending meetings, which I have from very childhood 
 felt a great privilege. Now I often feel peace in 
 submission to remain at home, and enlargement in 
 prayer for myself that I may walk humbly before the 
 Lord, and for those near and dear to me, and for the 
 spread of the Redeemer's kingdom in the earth."
 
 l82 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 " 5th mo. 13th, 1855. At home from meeting, 
 having local ailments that now and then prevent 
 my having the privilege of assembling with my friends. 
 Very much has transpired to render the last year 
 a memorable one. An affection of the head and eyes 
 often deprives me of the power of writing without 
 great difficulty, and my full heart cannot therefore give 
 vent to the overflowings of gratitude or to its conflicts. 
 
 " This time twelve months ago we were at Manches- 
 ter on account of the severe illness of my beloved 
 sister, Olivia James. We paid a comforting visit to 
 her and my brother, and left them in much unity of 
 spirit, my dear sister being considerably better. We 
 then spent a month sweetly and peacefully together 
 atScotby, returning to our Quarterly Meeting in the 
 Seventh month, after which we were summoned to 
 Summerville by the sudden death of our dear brother, 
 P. M. James. We found our precious sister deeply 
 affected. Her husband died in the parlour in his 
 arm chair ; he had felt an oppression on his breathing 
 all the day and was evidently aware that his end was 
 near, indeed he had long thought he should die sud- 
 denly, and had given evidence that his heart was in 
 heaven, whilst thankfully enjoying the gifts of a God 
 of love. We remained two weeks with our bereaved 
 sister, who concluded to come to Kendal and to take 
 a house near to us. Anna arrived from London 
 and we returned home ; they followed us in about 
 two weeks. My dear sister continued very feeble 
 during nine weeks sojourn under our roof, and after
 
 THE EVENING OF LIFE. 1 83 
 
 she removed to Crag Brow, Bowness, dear Anna was 
 with her for ten weeks, when she peacefully expired. 
 She enjoyed hearing the Holy Scriptures and hymns, 
 and also the memoir of J. S. Weitbrecht, Missionary 
 in India. Her naturally diffident and timid mind 
 was sustained remarkably to the last, and she joined 
 in the tune, though too weak to utter the words of the 
 hymn beginning, ' Come let us join our cheerful songs 
 with angels round the throne,' till she fell into a sweet 
 sleep and in about a quarter of an hour breathed her 
 last. We were fifteen weeks with dear Anna at Crag 
 Brow after the funeral, which took place at Pendlebury 
 near Summerville, coming home to our winter Quar- 
 terly Meeting, and finally leaving this lovely spot 
 before our Q.M. in the Fourth month. I am now the 
 only one remaining of our large family. The thought 
 is a very touching one and increases the tendency which 
 has been mine from early childhood to dwell upon 
 the uncertainty of life, indeed it would without care 
 lead me to dwell much more on dying than on 
 living. The retirement of Bowness in the society 
 of our precious Anna and my beloved husband was 
 inexpressibly congenial and restorative both to mind 
 and body. We feel that the evening of life 
 is come to us, and crave for ourselves that greenness 
 in old age may be granted, if consistent with the 
 Divine will, and that we may daily see and be enabled 
 to perform our various duties in deep self abasement 
 and to the glory of God, ever bearing in mind that it is 
 not according to our deserts, but according to the
 
 184 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 multitude of His tender mercies that He has dealt 
 with us in His providence, and above all in the riches 
 of His grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Surely 
 if such an one as I am has found mercy, none need 
 despond ; so wayward, so unwatchful as I have often 
 been, truly can my heart respond to the apostle's 
 declaration, ' It is a faithful saying and worthy of all 
 acceptation that Jesus Christ came into the world 
 to save sinners of whom I am chief.' Whether my 
 days be many or few, may no weakening, unprofitable 
 thoughts of death prevent perseverance in the discharge 
 of all that belongs to my little stewardship, whether in 
 domestic, social or religious duties. All that the fol- 
 lowers of the Lord do, whether in thought, word or 
 deed, should be in watchfulness and humility. Oh 
 that I may increasingly prove by my fruits that my 
 abiding is in Christ the true and living vine, and my 
 heart in Heaven. Heavenly Father in the name of 
 Thy beloved Son I would pour out my soul before 
 Thee ! keep me humble and teachable as one of Thy 
 children, enable me to bear with cheerful submission 
 the infirmities of the earthly tenement, and so to bow 
 to all Thy dispensations, under the power and guidance 
 of the Holy Spirit that they may be sanctified to my 
 growth in grace ! Oh be with my precious husband ; 
 sustain his diffident mind and fill him with the joy 
 and peace of believing. Bless all our children and 
 grandchildren with the dew of heaven, that every 
 purpose concerning them may be accomplished to 
 the praise of Thy great and excellent name. Amen."
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1 855. 185 
 
 " First-day lomo. 7th, 1855. Prevented by bodily 
 infirmities from going as I much wished to, to 
 Brigflatts to attend the funeral of our friend, John 
 Handley; he has left a widow and four children. His 
 brother Thomas's wife was confined the day he died, 
 and their infant hved but a short time. My mind 
 has been introduced into near sympathy with them 
 in these afflictions. I cannot doubt they will be 
 sustained under them by their Divine Master, whom 
 they love and desire to serve. Be pleased O Lord 
 to bless the widow and the fatherless and to strengthen 
 the faith of those who remain, and upon whom heavy 
 responsibilities will devolve. How little can I now 
 prove the deep interest in the welfare of the dear 
 Friends in our country meetings. Truly my soul 
 craves that vital Christianity may spread among them, 
 and that the honest hearted and decided followers of 
 their Lord may not faint by the way, but seek and find 
 help from above for every good word and work. It is 
 a pecuharly searching thing to my feelings to be 
 unable regularly to attend meeting, yet the difficulty 
 of breathing and other symptoms seem at times to 
 render it almost impracticable; yet I do so fear to 
 give way to these infirmities, more than is absolutely 
 necessary. Thou only knowest, O Lord, what are 
 the secret conflicts passed through on this subject. 
 Give me to see my duty and faith to perform it, 
 whether it be in strugghng with a suffering body in 
 active service and in attending meetings, or whether 
 it be Thy will that passive submission should lead
 
 l86 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 me to resign what have ever been felt to be great 
 privileges. Clothe me more and more with humility ; 
 and Heavenly Father be pleased for Thy dear Son's 
 sake to forgive my transgressions and my unwatch- 
 fulness. It is in deep self abasement that I thus 
 pour out my petitions before Thee; comfort and 
 strengthen my beloved husband and unite our hearts 
 more and more in Thy love, and lead us safely down 
 the hill of life that we may be of those to whom the 
 language is applicable, ' Blessed is that servant 
 whom his Lord when He cometh shall find watching,* 
 Amen. 
 
 " My mind turns to our precious children one by 
 one with more than maternal love and sympathy in 
 their joys and their sorrows, so far as they are known 
 to me. It is a great privilege that access to the 
 Throne of Grace is opened for the poor and needy 
 souls of whom surely I am chief. There these dear 
 ones are remembered in prayer individually ; there the 
 tribute of thanksgiving on their account is poured 
 out. 
 
 " For them and their children we have not asked 
 either riches or honours, but that in humility and holy, 
 filial fear they may bring forth the fruits of the 
 Spirit in life and conversation, realizing in time and 
 in eternity the unsearchable riches of Christ. That 
 our precious Anna may be strengthened in her 
 Christian course is the fervent wish of our hearts, 
 and we rejoice in believing that in watering others 
 she is watered herself. Her sweet love and kind
 
 HER SON FOSTER'S ACCIDENT. 187 
 
 attentions are very grateful to us, yet we are all well 
 satisfied with her dedication in the sphere of usefulness 
 which we reverently believe has been cast up for her, 
 and much desire her encouragement." 
 
 " 4th mo 27th, 1856. On the 14th inst, our dear 
 son, Foster, on his return from a missionary meeting 
 at Grayrigg, was thrown out of his gig and lay senseless 
 on the ground. A dog jumped over the hedge at 
 Spittal and sprang at the pony, which in its fright 
 kicked and plunged, and both Foster and his kind 
 friend Roberts, the deputation, were thrown out. 
 The latter was not much hurt ; dear Foster was taken to 
 the farm house and afterwards brought home in a 
 fly with two doctors, in a state of unconsciousness. 
 The motion caused sickness and haemorrhage, and it Wcis 
 a fearful time for his dear wife and his father and 
 Charles, who were with him. Dr. Proudfoot and 
 Dr. Green and another doctor remained till one in 
 the morning and one of the latter all night. We now 
 thankfully rejoice in the prospect of his recovery, 
 but he has no recollection of anything for five days 
 after the sad fall, excepting that he was sick. Dear 
 Mary has been supported in calmness and able to 
 minister to his comfort. The five younger children 
 had previously been sent with confidential servants 
 to Mealbank for the cleaning, and the two older boys 
 came the next morning to Charles. Emma Savory 
 responded to a telegraphic message, and arrived on 
 Fourth-day morning. Many have been the attendant 
 mercies during this season of trial. Dear Foster
 
 l88 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE, 
 
 deeply feels that he has been on the verge of 
 eternity ; and it is a satisfaction to him that he was not 
 on an excursion of mere pleasure. His friend Roberts 
 gave an interesting account of the meeting in which 
 dear Foster took a part ; and they had conversed to 
 mutual comfort and edification on the road. It has 
 been a memorable time. The Howletts from Winster 
 were our guests that night. He accompanied Charles 
 to Spittall in a fly and walked home with him whilst 
 the two doctors brought dear Foster on a board on 
 pillows home in the fly. His wife was left with me, 
 my dear husband going over to our son's, and was most 
 kind and feeling. On this occasion I have keenly felt 
 my inability for exertion, but at the same time I rather 
 desire to dwell with cheerful submission on my in- 
 firmities and the attendant alleviations, and to have 
 my heart fixed, trusting in the Lord that I may wait 
 upon Him, pouring out my soul in prayer that He 
 will sanctify this dispensation in a very especial 
 manner to our beloved son, to his tender wife, and 
 children, and to t(s all, that every individual mem- 
 ber of our family may be dedicated to His service, 
 showing forth in their varied allotments the fruits 
 of the Spirit, to the praise of Him who hath called us 
 out of darkness into His marvellous light. It is 
 good for us often to remember it is out of darkness 
 that we have been called, that we may feel as we 
 ought to feel for those who yet prefer darkness rather 
 than light because their deeds are evil, and that we 
 may in the love and light of the Gospel feel our
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1856. 189 
 
 responsibility towards them and be very careful lest 
 unwatchfulness on our part should stumble them and 
 that we may also yield our minds to praj^er on their 
 behalf, and avail ourselves of openings to promote 
 their good. 
 
 " I am sixty-seven years of age and it is yet a 
 warfare. I often think of Fenelon's remark to this 
 effect, that he found it more difficult to be patient 
 with himself than with other people. The effects 
 of physical symptoms afford strong temptation to 
 impatience, and the spasmodic feelings on the chest 
 together with muscular weakness especially require 
 me continually to recollect that quiet submission; 
 not striving against them by active exertion, is the 
 watchword to both mind and body, naturally quick 
 of apprehension to surrounding circumstances, and 
 ardent in feeling. The conflict is one of daily and 
 almost hourly experience, and I sometimes fear that 
 the effort to conceal this from others gives an earnest- 
 ness to my voice and manner that may be greatly 
 misunderstood. Such is often the sense of suffering, 
 that, when my dear friends are with me, I must either 
 make this effort or yield to it, and thus render it 
 obvious, which I have thought weakens the capacity 
 to endure. O Lord God ! Thou alone knowest all my 
 weakness and the sins that most easily beset me. Be 
 with me now in the evening of life ; deepen my sense 
 of Thy unutterable love in our almighty Saviour and 
 Redeemer, through whose atonement the forgiveness 
 of sins, and the hope of salvation cheer my soul in
 
 IQO MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 sickness and in sorrow. Keep me in the hollow of Thy 
 hand and grant the spirit of prayer and of supplication 
 day and night for myself , that after preaching to others 
 I may never become a castaway ; for my precious 
 husband that Thou wilt strengthen his faith, animate 
 his hope and comfort him with Thy life-giving presence ; 
 for all our beloved children that every day may find 
 them growing in grace, living more unreservedly not 
 unto themselves but unto Him who died for them and 
 rose agam ; for our grandchildren that they may all be 
 lambs of Thy fold, their consciences tender under the 
 enlightening influences of Thy Spirit, and subject to the 
 discipline of Thy precepts. Accept the tribute of 
 gratitude and thankfulness for Thy mercies during 
 our beloved son's fearful state from his fall and for the 
 prospect of his restoration to health. Sanctify this 
 event, O Lord, to him, his dear wife and to us all." 
 
 " 3rd mo 8th, 1857. It is now many months since 
 I was at meeting. Sometimes I am tempted to be 
 impatient under this privation, and again and again 
 think over the cause, fearing lest I should give way 
 to infirmities more than is needful. The result is 
 always a deepened conviction that it is my duty to 
 be resigned and to bear with cheerful submission the 
 weakness in earthly tenement, to cherish a thankful 
 and grateful spirit, ever bearing in mind that I have 
 indeed been dealt with not according to my deserts 
 but according to the multitude of His tender mercies. 
 This has been an eventful winter in our circle, our dear
 
 DEATHS OF RELATIVES. I9I 
 
 cousin, Esther Wilkinson, died in the Twelfth month; 
 our beloved cousin, George Stacey, in the Second month . 
 He had ever been a brother to us, and his character 
 was marked by generosity, integrity and faithful 
 friendship. Cousin Elizabeth Clapham was taken from 
 her trials here in the Second month, and on the 17th 
 of Second month our beloved brother, Robert Benson, 
 was gathered as a shock of corn fully ripe into the 
 heavenly garner. He had for years laboured under a 
 very painful complaint which he bore with exemplary 
 patience. His last illness was short, only a few days ; 
 he was sensible to the close, and spoke beautifully 
 to those of his children who were with him a few hours 
 before, expressing the joy and peace he felt in the pros- 
 pect of living for ever with his almighty Saviour, 
 whom not having seen he loved, and in whom he 
 rejoiced with joy unspeakable and full of glory. He 
 and his precious wife had lived together more than 
 forty-nine years and they had both been invalids 
 for several years ; the latter was taken ill some time 
 previous to his attack and little hope was entertained 
 of her recovery. He felt keenly the prospect of 
 losing her, and she, knowing how dependent he was on 
 her, had often prayed that, if consistent with the 
 Divine will, he might be taken first, and so it was. Her 
 disinterested love showed itself in those prayers, 
 yet she keenly felt the pangs of separation in her weak 
 state : she could not trust herself to speak much but 
 her countenance showed what was passing within 
 and at times beamed with heavenly love and gratitude
 
 192 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 for mercies past and present, above all for the rich 
 consolations of the Gospel. My dearest Isaac has 
 often been at Pinkside and enjoys the privilege 
 of being with his precious sister, who has been 
 stronger the last week, and may, we hope, be 
 spared to us a while longer. O Lord, sanctify these 
 events to us all. We ask not an exemption from 
 trial for ourselves or for those near and dear to us, 
 but we ask for a submissive spirit, and an increase of 
 faith, that all the discipline Thou seest needed for 
 our further refinement may be received with dedi- 
 cation of heart, and we may be thereby more 
 and more fitted to the spiritual armour whereby 
 we may maintain the Christian warfare under the 
 unconquered Captain of our Salvation, and in the end 
 be prepared to adopt the language, ' Thanks be unto 
 Thee, O Lord, who giveth us the victory through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ.' Pour out, we pray Thee, of Thy 
 Spirit upon our children and grandchildren, and the 
 members of our religious Society, that vital religion 
 may increase and abound amongst us and in an 
 especial manner on those who meet together in this 
 place to worship Thee, that they may worship Thee 
 in spirit and in truth, that a living ministry may be 
 raised up amongst us, and faith and faithfulness may 
 produce fruitfulness, to the praise of Thy great and 
 excellent name. Amen." 
 
 " 5th mo. 3rd, 1857. 
 " Our dearest Anna will have attained her forty- 
 eighth birthday on the 31st of this month. Anna
 
 HER DAUGHTER ANNA. 193 
 
 was our first-born, a lovely infant and most graceful 
 in person ; before she was three years old she had a 
 fall which so injured some of the joints of the spine 
 that our medical attendant (Thomas Harrison) said 
 on examining her, that she would lose the use of her 
 limbs and there was no help for it, ordering at the 
 same time a blister to be kept open on the part 
 affected. This abrupt disclosure came upon us like 
 a violent shock. It found me very weak in body five 
 weeks after the birth of our son, Charles Lloyd ; 
 previous to his birth my beloved brothers Robert 
 and Thomas Lloyd had been taken by typhus fever 
 from their tenderly attached wives and their chil- 
 dren. My precious sister Caroline followed all in 
 the short space of six weeks. They all gave evidence 
 of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 but it was a furnace indeed to those left behind. 
 The effect of these things occasioned rather a pre- 
 mature confinement, and I was very ill at the time 
 and afterwards ; the dear baby, however, was favoured 
 to thrive and has lived to be the succourer of many. 
 Ten days after his birth our honoured father, George 
 Braithwaite, died as a shock of corn fully ripe for the 
 heavenly garner. His Christian life and esteem 
 from our first acquaintance, and his kindness and 
 affection were responded to by filial love on my part, 
 and his death was equally felt by my dearest Isaac 
 and myself. Ill as I felt, I made the effort to join the 
 circle who met at tea at the house, and we were 
 favoured with a religious opportunity. Dear Anna's
 
 194 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 fall and its results were too much for my physical 
 strength ; I kept up to put on the blister and to put 
 all in a train for following out the doctor's orders, 
 and then symptoms of low fever came on and I was 
 confined to bed several weeks. As I recovered it was 
 a source of interest to watch dearest Anna's symptoms, 
 and many were the prayers put up in secret that He, 
 who had in unerring wisdom spoiled many pleasant 
 pictures respecting this darling child, would be pleased 
 so to bring her under the discipline of His love that 
 she might be preserved from dwelling upon her bodily 
 infirmities and redeemed from self and self-love and 
 be prepared to live not unto herself, but unto Him 
 who died for us and rose again, and, blessed be His 
 holy name, these prayers from one so utterly un- 
 worthy seemed answered. The dear invalid, who for 
 two years was carried on a pillow and whose pale 
 cheeks and emaciated frame induced fears that she 
 might not long survive, soon gave unmistakable proof 
 of the work of grace in her heart : no murmur escaped 
 her, and she strove to conceal the excruciating pain 
 arising from the needful dressings of the blister on 
 the bruised joints of the spine. She won the love of 
 all around her, and her brothers Isaac and Charles, 
 as did all who followed them, delighted to be with 
 her ; her countenance beamed with almost heavenly 
 joy and peace at times. When she was five years 
 old we took her to Leeds for further advice, and we 
 were most kindly received by our valued relatives, 
 Robert and Rachel Jowitt, at whose hospitable
 
 HER DAUGHTER ANNA. I95 
 
 abode we spent four weeks. We were assured by the 
 medical man we consulted that, had the thing been 
 rightly treated at the first, no deformity would have 
 followed ; but it was too late then to prevent what had 
 already taken place. Very bitter was the intelligence ; 
 I was a young mother only twenty when Anna first 
 delighted my heart and eyes, and I was very ignorant 
 upon all such matters ; we had no skilful surgeon in 
 Kendal, and at that day no one seemed aware of 
 the deficiency. However, the well-made machine, 
 extending from the shoulders to the feet, which was 
 recommended at Leeds, gave almost immediate rehef, 
 and never will our dear daughter forget her sense of 
 pleasure in being at once enabled to stand and walk. 
 By degrees her health improved, her spine became 
 stronger, and having naturally a vigorous constitution, 
 she became able to use as much exertion as most 
 young people. The bruised parts healed and some 
 deformity alone remained. In retracing her eventful 
 life, we do truly feel that God in His abounding love 
 and mercy has overruled this sad fall for blessed 
 purposes, both to her own family and in various 
 other ways." 
 
 " 3rd mo. 7th, 1858. Almighty God, we pray Thee 
 undertake for these beloved ones in their conflicts and 
 troubles and for us also ; bring us by the discipline 
 of Thy love, however rebellious we may be by nature, 
 to a submissive spirit, that we maybe guided by Thy 
 counsel, acknowledge Thee in all our ways, and have
 
 196 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 all our paths directed by Thee. Give us more and 
 more to see that it is because Thou lovest us that Thou 
 chastenest us ; increase our faith that we may not faint, 
 but in everything by prayer and supplication with 
 thanksgiving make our requests known unto Thee, 
 O Thou who hearest and answerest prayer. And, 
 if there be things even comparable to a right hand or 
 right eye, that Thou wouldest have us to part with, 
 strengthen us to make the surrender in proof of our 
 love and gratitude to Thee, and that we do not desire 
 to live unto ourselves but unto Him who died for us 
 and rose again. Pour out Thy Spirit upon our chil- 
 dren and our grandchildren, upon the members of 
 this meeting, raise up instruments in thy holy hands, 
 who shall be devoted to Thy service, enable Thy chil- 
 dren here and everywhere to walk before Thee with 
 singleness of heart, and to give evidence that they are 
 the followers of Him whose Kingdom is not of this 
 world ; and, O merciful Father, may it please Thee 
 to be very near to my beloved husband and Thy un- 
 worthy servant, who pours out these broken petitions 
 unto Thee ; enable us in all things to make straight 
 steps for our feet, lest that which is lame should be 
 turned out of the way; keep us as in the hollow of 
 Thy hand in the evening of hfe, and enable us, in 
 reverential gratitude, to cherish a well-grounded hope 
 of everlasting salvation through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord." 
 
 " Scotby, i2mo. 3rd, 185S. We came here early 
 in the Seventh month. My dear husband's health
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1858. 197 
 
 seems restored ; his legs are both healed and he is 
 able to walk about as usual. Never do I remember 
 his mind to be more alive to subjects of interest 
 and especially to those which affect our spiritual 
 welfare. This has been delightfully the case for 
 many years, and it is animating to observe as we 
 approach the confines of the eternal world how the 
 heart is expanded in the comprehension of the height 
 and the depth, the length and the breadth of the love 
 of God, that passeth knowledge ; how the mind dwells 
 with more and more clearness of vision upon the 
 character and offices and mission of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, and on the glory and happiness of the Church 
 triumphant in heaven, and how the things of earth 
 are viewed in their relation to our stewardship here 
 and our accountability for the right use of them, and 
 how deepened is the conviction, that unless the Holy 
 Spirit is 5delded to, we can have no saving knowledge 
 of the truth as it is in Jesus. He baptizes every 
 living member of His body with the Holy Ghost. It 
 is of great moment that we cherish no prepossession 
 against the Scripture doctrine of the Father, the Son 
 and the Holy Ghost, one God over all. I believe 
 many have never had the comfort designed in their 
 Christian experience because they have been fettered 
 in this, and have thought it savoured of things too 
 high for them to dwell on what is revealed respecting 
 this important doctrine ; but the more we are taught 
 by the Holy Spirit the more we shall know Him to be 
 the promised Comforter, who takes of the things of
 
 198 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 Christ and shows them to the soul, and who enlarges 
 in prayer and supplication, according to the will of 
 God, bringing home to us the unspeakable blessings 
 of having a High Priest who has Himself atoned for 
 our sins and opened a door which no man can shut 
 to our Father who is in Heaven. When we remember 
 our weakness, our finite capacities, how presumptuous 
 does it appear that we should attempt to take from 
 or to add to what God has revealed respecting Himself. 
 Our part is to yield up our hearts to the work of God, 
 whereby we become of the babes to whom the mys- 
 teries of the Kingdom are revealed. There is much 
 of pride under the specious plea of not seeking great 
 things for ourselves ; the things which God reveals 
 unto babes are not the great things alluded to in the 
 text, but we naturally rebel against the humbling 
 pathways and prefer the clouds of mysticism to the 
 clear atmosphere of the Sun of Righteousness ; in the 
 former the subtile workings of self are not easily seen, 
 which in the latter can have no place. The former 
 hinders the work of sanctification; in the latter it is 
 carried on and is inseparable from the belief of the 
 truth. 
 
 " Our dearest Anna has been our most loving 
 companion. She is gone to Liverpool for a few days. 
 
 " Our sons Isaac and Charles have been twice to 
 see us, Robert many times. Bevan and Martha and 
 their five lovely children spent a few days with us. 
 Susan and Charlotte and one grandson, Charles, have 
 all been over ; we truly enjoyed all their visits.
 
 PRIVATE MEMORANDA, 1858-59. 199 
 
 " Dear Foster has not felt quite equal to the journey, 
 nor could Mary leave him and her large family, we 
 have had various important subjects before us. What 
 a deliverance it is to have been taught that without 
 Christ we can do nothing. He alone can give wisdom 
 to direct our steps ; and I think in our family con- 
 ferences there has been the evidence that the one aim 
 is that the right thing may be done, no self-seeking, 
 butthe unity of spirit in the bond of peace. We have 
 had many interesting visitors, Joseph Shewell and 
 our cousin, Joseph Spence. The former had a satisfac- 
 tory meeting, and a sweet encouraging opportunity 
 in our family before parting. Many dear friends from 
 Carlisle, etc., have been over to see us ; our nephew 
 and niece Crewdson spent nearly a week very agree- 
 ably with us. General Alexander, his wife too, and 
 two daughters, Lydia Simmons, Jane Whately, 
 Helen Hope, all stayed awhile here. Sarah Head has 
 frequently been and Ellen Gurney and Samuel Edmund 
 and his wife Laura and her little girl all came to see us." 
 
 " Scotby, 9th mo. 29th, 1859. ^^ came here with 
 dearest Anna on the 12th of the Eighth month. We have 
 enjoyed this rural spot and have had much spiritual 
 refreshment together, in our family gatherings 
 before breakfast and in religious opportunities 
 with our guests, and I have felt the intervals of quiet 
 salutary and comforting ; bodily suffering continues 
 my daily portion when any effort is made, but I pften 
 enjoy a sense of health and freedom from pain, and
 
 2O0 MEMOIRS OF ANNA BRAITHWAITE. 
 
 my dear husband is favoured with vigour of mind 
 and body, and much enjoys the air, and being in the 
 garden and field, during his favourite pursuits, reading, 
 writing, etc. Dearest Anna, too, seems benefited 
 by the change ; she has spent a week with her friend, 
 Helen Hope, at Carridon near Bo'ness, forty miles 
 from Edinburgh, and returned to us in safety on Third 
 day morning. 
 
 " Dear Be van came over from Newcastle yesterday, 
 he is gone to the Quarterly Meeting at Cockermouth 
 to-day, intending to return to-night and remain here 
 till Seventh-day ; he has been dihgently engaged during 
 the vacation at Lincoln's Inn in having meetings in some 
 of the Midland Counties, and expects to pay a visit 
 in the love of the Gospel to the families of Friends 
 in Newcastle. It is cause for reverent thankfulness 
 to have sons devoted to their Lord, who feel that they 
 are not their own and are bought with a price, and 
 whose aim is in humility and watchfulness to glorify 
 God in their body and spirit, which are His. When 
 I endeavour to number my blessings and think how 
 unworthy I am of the least of them, my heart is at 
 times deeply humbled and the language arises, ' Bless 
 the Lord, O my soul : and all that is within me bless 
 His holy Name.' To have seven dear children giving 
 evidence that they are the followers of the Lamb of 
 God who taketh away the sin of the world is infinitely 
 more comforting than worldly riches and honours. 
 May they be preserved in subjection to the Father of 
 spirits and live not conformed to this world but 
 
 ■i)^
 
 HER DEATH, 1859. 201 
 
 transformed by the renewing of their minds, that they 
 may prove what is the good, and acceptable and perfect 
 will of God concerning them. We thankfully rejoice 
 in dear Robert and Charlotte's letters and in the 
 comforting report from the dear ones at Kendal and 
 elsewhere." 
 
 Anna Braithwaite had especially enjoyed the visit 
 to Scotby here spoken of, and had returned to Kendal on 
 the 8th of the Twelfth month, apparently in her usual 
 health. 
 
 In the following week she suffered from an attack 
 of severe pain, but in a few days she appeared to 
 be recovered from this as on previous occasions, and 
 said to one of her children with marked emphasis, 
 " My dear, I have no anxiety." 
 
 On Seventh-day she seemed much better and entered 
 with her wonted animation into the various interests 
 of the family circle. That night she lay down to rest, 
 saying she felt " very comfortable," repeating this 
 several times. 
 
 The desire which she had often expressed was 
 mercifully granted — that she might be spared the 
 conflict of djdng. On First-day morning, the i8th 
 of Twelfth month, her spirit passed away painlessly 
 and peacefully, as in a gentle slumber, to her long 
 desired rest in the Lord whom, through a lengthened 
 life, she had sought to serve. 
 
 Finis.
 
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