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The single Sister Rachel Bradley who happily departed this life August 30th 1809. has left the following short account:

I was born in Goweer in the parish of Huddersfield October 15th, 1742. Shortly before I was born, my mother began to attend the meetings of the Brethren; and as soon as she possibly could she took me to the meetings too, the first time I remember having any serious thoughts concerning our Saviour was in my 6th year, when Brother Hauptman was keeping as a children’s meeting: he spoke so movingly about the sufferings and death of our Saviour that it made a deep impression on my mind. It being Good Friday, he told us that this was the day when the Lord died to redeem us out of the hand of the destroyer, telling us to pray to our Saviour to make us good and happy children, and give us a heart to love him. I prayed if thought, so I will, and prayed fervently, so that I felt him very near

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to my heart. Going to bed at night I thought I saw our Saviour, he showed me his hands and his feet, and I felt such a love to him, that I begged of him to take me to himself. In my 8th year my parents being in very low circumstances, my uncle and aunt paid us a visit, and offered to take one of us children to their house, my aunt fixed her choice on me, to my great grief, because she had no liking for the Brethren As my parents insisted upon me going I went out of obedience, but spent 2 very unhappy years. My Brother Richard coming from Fulneck about that time gave me an opportunity to acquaint him with the uneasiness of my mind, I told him that I should never go to heaven if I remained here. He asked me where I should wish to be? I answered anywhere among the Brethren my inclination was to live with the Single Sisters’, but could not see

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how it was possible to be brought about. Being one night very uneasy, I kneeled down by my bed, and prayed to our Saviour with many tears, that if is was his mind for me to live with the Sisters he would make it known to me, by putting it into my mothers heart, to come and see me, that I might tell her all the trouble of my mind; to my great surprise she came next morning, I was struck, and thanked to the Lord, because I knew it was his doing. When she asked me how I did I answered; very well! she said she was glad to hear it, for she suffered much on my account the last night and could have no ease of mind till she knew what was the matter with me. I inquired about her return, she told me in the afternoon, I took no farther notice, but dressed myself to go with her, on seeing what I was about she wished me not to

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do it, saying my father would be much displeased, not withstanding I set out, but my mother using all manners of persuasion for me to remain where I was, I told her that I could not return, unless she spoke with Brother Pyrlaus concerning me, which she faithfully promised to do, and I returned to my uncle and aunt who received me gladly, telling me that I was beloved by them as their own child. I thanked them for their kindness towards me, but acquainted them with nothing farther. My mother fulfilled her promise, spoke to the Brethren and they soon found a place for me, my Sister came to fetch me and I felt very thankful to the Lord for what he had done for me. The next day we came to little town where I remained for a short time, from thence I obtained leave to live in Gummersal Sisters House, and after living 2 years there, I removed to Fulneck. Now indeed my heart was melted before our Saviour, seeing with

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what unwearied kindness and patience our Saviour he has followed me, I shed sinner tears before him, and entreated him fervently to keep and protect me during my pilgrimage here below; and I must own to his praise that he has never left nor forsaken me, I feel myself a very great sinner, but hope through his enabling grace I shall give joy to our Saviour and his congregation. In my 15th year I had the favour to be received into the congregation, which proved a great blessing to my heart. But now the depravity of human nature began to show itself more and more. I felt a great inclination to enjoy the pleasures of this world and often thought of going back and leave the Congregation; I grew also very reserved, so that I could not open my heart to any one. But my ever faithful Saviour followed me his poor child with unwearied kindness and made it clear to me that it was his will that I should live in the congregation. one day I took a walk with a full determination

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not to return till our Saviour had manifested himself to me in his bleeding and dying form, he as the best friend of sinners granted my request, assuring me at the same time of the forgiveness of all my sins. I now returned home happy and comfort able, in the nearness of my merciful Saviour, he also gave me grace that without reserve I could open my mind to my Choir labouress. Wishing to keep noting hid which might hinder my course of grace. I felt now a great desire to enjoy the Holy Communion and this great favour was granted to me in my 22d year. And now I wish for nothing else, but to re main sitting at his through pierced feet and greeting them for my election of grace. I own and feel myself as the poorest of sinners, and have nothing to plead but his mercy. With patience immense With love most intense – Hath he led me on, – I’m lost in amazement When thinking thereon.

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Thus far her own account, which she dictated to a friend in the year 1805. and added at the same time, that this short account given of her early life had been the most remarkable to her, and the period in which she sought and found real happiness, and tho’ more then 40 years had elapsed since, during which time much had occurred yet she could say nothing more, but thank and praise our our Saviour for all his love and care. and forbearance, midst all her ailments and shortfallings. We can add to this, that she was devoted with soul and body to the Lord, his suffering beauty had captivated her heart, to read and speak about that subject was her greatest delight, she was also useful in several ways, and served with a willing and cheerful heart. Tho’ she had a very sickly tabernacle, and was several times so ill that no hopes was left for her recovery, yet she was resigned to our Saviour’s will, and could never express her gratitude sufficiently for his help and support both internal and external. Of late years she was much troubled with an

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asthmatic complaint, but she bore it with great patience, and sought comfort with him who has been her refuse in all trouble. As she loved and was beloved it was a pleasure to her to be in her room with the Sisters as long as she was able to go down, but about 3 weeks before her departure she was obliged to confine herself to the sickroom. She expressed herself on that occasion, to the following effect: “I have now done with all things in this world and am waiting for our Saviour to take me to my eternal home, I am lost in wonder when I think on his love and faithfulness, to me the poorest among the needy, O what a blessed thing it is, that he has given me that assurance though I deserved hell that he will receive me in the blessed mansions above, I will then greet his feet with sinner tears and say to him; this Lord Jesus is my only plea, here is a sinner who would fain – through the Lambs ransom entrance gain. With these happy meditations she spent her time, tho’ she suffered much of shortness of breath till Aug 30th when it pleased our Saviour in a happy and gentle manner to take her home to himself. aged 66 years 10 months 15 days.