Born: 12 June, 1706 at Reading, Berkshire
Died: 24 January, 1770 at Fulneck

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Learn more about the life of Sarah Cennick

The Life of the S. Sr Sarah Cennick who went happily home Jan^y 24^th 1770
I was born June the 12^th old Style 1712 in Reading Berks.
was baptiz’d in the Church of England and brought up in that Comunion.
The first thing I remember is the simple and happy intercourse
I lived in with the Lord: I knew he lov’d me; and I lov ‘d him; & therefore
used to have recourse to Him without the least reserve.

When I was about 5 Years old, I remember to have been particularly
naughty & selfwilld, which caused me much heaviness, tho’ I strove all
I could to divert and get rid of the Conviction by play &c. But
running hastily into my Mothers room, where she was sitting with
my late d^r Bro^r John – then an Infant – lying in her lap.
I saw her weeping with lifted up hands, and heard her pray. I was
much affected: But felt so hard, to acknowledge my fault, but
upon repeatedly asking my Mother, why she cried and what she
was saying?  She referr’d the Cause to me and Said: “I was praying
for you and for your Brother.” This pierc’d me through, and I
thought my heart would break. For I thought, The Lord also is
greived! I therefore silently withdrew condemn’d and asham’d
and hasted to a private Place, where with many Tears, I beged
Him to forgive me; which he most graciously did directly, and
all my Burthen instantly removed.

My Father and his Relations being all Quakers of the
most primitive sort, and my Mother and hers all strict Church

of England; Her attachment to, and chief acquaintance were the
Clergy; So that I had the Oppertunity of an intimate familiarity
with ^each, not perceiving, at this time, the least disunion on either Side.

Our Parish Vicar and his Family was a part of our
most intimate acquaintance, and his Daughter, who had taken
a liking to me from my Infancy, calling me her own Child,
at last prevailed with my Parents, to take me more particularly
home to her; But our houses Joining each other, I was nearly
as much with my Parents as I was with them. This lady,
taking me, to a friends house with her, I slip’d out from
the Company, and saw two small Boats fastened to the
Landing Place in a deep Moat, I got into one of them
and reached out of it to the Side of the other Boat:
when both parting, and swiming from each other
had dragged me out of that I stood in, had not the toes
of my shoes hitch’d in something, and prevented it:
Thus hanging over the Water between both, I had
scarce time to give my self up for lost, Before I Slip’d
my hold and pitched into the Water, where to my Joyfull
surprise, instead of Sinking I found, as it were, Hands

bearing so strong against my hands as to get and keep my head above
water. Yea those kind Assistants bore me up so long, even till I was
capable of taking hold with one Hand of that Boat, wherein, all
while my shoes had hitch’d, but how I recover’d wholly, I never
could remember, only that, as I came to my self, I was flat on
my Back, safe and well. I know, who those ministers were, of
whose kinder Orders they Obey’d obeyed, and thanked them, and Him,
Friend: beging Him 100 times over: O pray don’t let it be found
out &c. Which, however remarkable, never was.

I was this Gentleman’s fond Companion also, and often Slid unobserv’d to him, when he was retir’d to private Devotion
sometimes I kneel’d behind, and at other times close by his side,
that I might be a partaker of those influences, which I beleiv’d,
he enjoy’d.

As I Grew older, I had more liberty among the Servants,
who endeavour’d to seduce me and bring me into all manner of
Wickedness, as much as they could, But finding me frighten’d,
and fearing I should tell, they threaten’d me hard, what they
would do to me, if I did. This brought me more particularly to my
own Hearts Friend, and they let me alone for sometime; till one
evening, I went into a back Garden, where a Company of them wo
got, but I did not know nor think of them, till I was almost
shock’d to death, and could scarce stagger into ^{the House}door, when, even in
the very Passage, the Lord met me, Comforted me, and gave me
the Assurancein my Heart, “He would preserve me for himself
for ever.” This Promise has always been a secret Comfort to me,
all my Course through, yea even, when in the highest of my Folly
in the World. I was near 8 years old, & made a memorandum of that
important Day. I was kept more close to my learning, and was
instructed in all the Principles of the Church. I also got Courage
to discover those notorious deceivers, without their knowing it was me
Yet my Heart departed from its dearest Object, and I became as
Formal and vain as any Body; I saw myself a fair Candidate
for the World; but also, Ruin, Destruction, and eternal death
stood as fair before me. This made me go on heavily, but I could
tell no one: And as I was under Preparation for the H. Comⁿ
I was the more distress’d; Sometimes in dispair and sometimes
desperate. In this Situation I went to Evening Prayers, but I
could neither pray, nor desire. I was so condemn’d; But in the
Begining of the last Prayers, my Heart became as melting Wax,
and as such a Wretch I turn’d again to my Friend, and begg’d for mercy
and got Confidence to trust and rely on him. I had sometime before
privately made it out in my own mind, that, as Oppertunity should
serve, I would privately retire to a Cloister, and in that especiall
manner dedicate myself to the Lord Forever. In

In my 17^th year it was thought proper by my Friends, that I should
go to London for further Improvement. I was receiv’d with the
greatest heartiness, and every one was kindly officious in bringing
me to public Places, and shewing me the Curiosities of the Town. I
saw the Glory’s of the World – and loved it – and concluded, as I had
often been told, I was made for the World, for it suited my Inclination
and tast every way; And I had well nigh set through all Convictions,
Though at the Bottom I had a Condemn’d heart and guilty Conscience.
My Mother being in London at this time took me with her, to see a
Friend of hers in Bedlam, and surveying the many Shocking objects
there, she turned to me and said. “This is the ^sad effect of Love and Pride.”
I made her no answere; but despairingly thought: and this will
one day be my unhappy Case unless God exert his Almighty
Power in rescuing me.

I soon followed my Mother privately to Reading, giving all my
Acquaintance the Slip; But was soon surrounded with my old
Friends and Acquaintance who were very desireous to hear news, and
learn more particularly the Fashions of the Town. I told them, I was
quite tired of all those things, and therefore resolv’d soon to retire from
all, and come and live in a quite different way: If any of them where
inclin’d to make one of the Company, when I came to settle at home,
it could be made out.

From this time I had no rest for my poor distresst Heart & mind
Therefore in my 21^st year I left London the Last time, to put in practice
what I had so long purposed, renewing my Acquaintance with the
most solid and religious Part of my Friends. I followed as near
as I could. Step for step, with my Mother & Brother, who had
begun some time ago a more religious Course of Life; But, alas!
I grew faint hearted and tir’d: And seeing all my Works, Prayers
and Duties, good for nothing at all, and I myself that same de-
plorable Creature as ever I was, I cry’d out in the Bitterness of
my Soul: O LordJesus Christ‘ if this is the way to Heaven, I shall
never come there! My distress still increased, being more & more
Sensible of my Degeneracy; But above all did my base ingratitude
to my once so tender Lover fill me with horror and Dejection.

We had heard of the Awakening in Oxford, where my B^r went,
got acquainted with several, and brought M^r. Kinching to our house;
and afterwards M^r Wesleys, Hutchins, Whitfield &c. I was much
perplex’d in my own mind at this rash (as I thought then) proceeding
of my Brothers, fearing a Schism in the Church. But being convinced
of the truth of their Doctrine, was soon Zealouslyattached thereto.
But the Preaching being in our House, it made a great stir in the
Town, and caused us much Trouble and disgrace; So that my Mother
hearing of it in London, came home, and put an intire Stop to it.

Hereupon my Brother went to Bristoll, and I, and a well disposed single
Woman took a house in the Town; but the Preaching was given up.
By these means got the ill Will of all my Friends and Relations
My Acquaintance also shun’d me, and every one’s Face was set against
me. Thus forsaken of all, and destitute of my best Friend, I grew
dejected, and quite malancholy.

In 1740I visited Kingswood and Bristol; but could not be reconcil’d
to those Agitations among the Methodists at that time. Here I had
happiness of seeing first our d^rBro^rToeltshig, who seeing my concern,
help’d me much. I soon return’d to Reading exceedingly distress’d,
And finding my dear Companion so happy in our Sav^r and myself
so wretched, I gave up all hopes of ever being sav’d. But here in
one moment did my most gracious Saviour reveal Himself to me,
forgave me all my sin, and in an instant I was dispossess’d of every
Pain: I could hardly tell if I was in the Body or not. For my heart
saw nothing but Jesus. I felt after Sin; but behold! there was
no Sin. I felt after my own guilt and Distress, but there was
no Place found for them, and nothing but light surrounded me.
I had not enjoy’d this happiness long, before my venerable Companion
fell happily asleep on the Bosom of her eternal Bridegroom.

At my return the former Disturbances were reviv’d. many were
distresst concerning their Salvation; And the Clergy being greatly
perplex’d, endeavour’d to put me to Trouble; But our Saviour
kept me stay’d upon Him and deliver’d me safe out of their Hands.
I gave up my House, and went again to Kingswood, where M^r
Whitfield, my B^r and others were separated from M^r Wesleys, and
had begun more regular Society, and gave me the care of the
Single Women, with whom I labour’d as well as I could;
But knowing my own Insufficiency, and seeing many Irregularities
creeping in among the Young People, I told my Bro^r this was not
what suited me; and therefore I came to Reading, where a Widow
Quaker Gentlewoman had long and often desir’d I would stay with
her and take^use her House as my own. I did so, And all my Quaker
Friends were exceeding kind to me, and earnestlywish’d me to
settle amongst them; I would have done it, but had no leave from
our Savr in my own Heart. My Mind was secretly Hankering
after a Cloister: But my Bro^r desiringmy Assistance at
Tetherton, I went to him, and with all the Money I had, Goods &
Furniture, engaged with him, and the Peace of God ruled & rested
upon us.

In 44I went on a Visit to London, where our late S^r Stonehouse
brought me aquainted with my ever dearest Anna Johanna, with
whom my Heart was tenderly united, as was hers to me.

I had heard of the Order among the Single Sisters, and that it was
something like a Nunery, which exacted my enquiry and I wish’d once
to see such a Choir. My Bro^r had already contracted a large Acquaintance
with the Brethren, and sometime after gave our Societies into their
care and went on a Visit to Hhaag, and from thence to Ireland.
In his Absence I had the favour of a Visit at Tetherton from our late
d^rDisciple and Discipless, Christel, Anna Johanna &c. The Discipless
was particularly hearty with me to, whom, at first, I was somewhat
reserved; But coming upon Heart Matters, I was quite openhearted,
and she spoke to me in the most Comfortable and encouraging manner,
telling me, how tenderly She and her Company felt towards me, and
assuring me of our Saviours Thoughts of Peace concerning me.

My Brother soon after return’d, who told me yet more about the
single Sis^rs, and how earnestly he had Pray’d our Sav^r to bring me
into their happy Circle, That he knew it was just a Regulation as
would please me. Upon duly weighing the matter before our Sav^r, I wrote
to my much respected Friend, the d^rDiscipless for leave to visit the Congⁿ
in Germany, who readily granted me the favour. My Mother also
at this time, was well inclin’d towards to Breⁿ;       But meeting with
some unhpy Circumstances, she was turn’d quite against them: And
tho’ I was much Staggered, yet our Sav^r preserved me, and gave me Courage
of persevere in my Purpose. Yet I had it hard to get away, and was forc’d
to leave her against her Will.

In March 1747I arrived with many more English Brethen and
Sis^rs together with B^r & Sis Teltschig in Hhaag, where I meet with
the most cordial reception from our d^rDisciple & Discipless.
The Congregation and its regulations I saw with wonder and delight;
Especially that of the S. Sis^rs. My first Intention only was to Visit
the Congⁿ, and not to become a Member thereof; But in London, on my
way heither, being a Spectator at the Holy Communion, I was so affected
that I forgott my Resolution; Till by Occasion, soon after my arrival,
I grew Suspicious, till I was quite confus’d. But having an unreserved
Confidence to the late d^rDiscipless, I told her all my Concern, who
with the greatest tenderness & Frankness clear’d up those matters which
had given me so much pain. I now became quite happy and saw
the Congⁿ in a right light, and the Beginning of that happy Period,
which the H Ghost had so many years been preparing me for.

I had the Grace to be received into the Congregation the same year,
Was soon after Confirm’d and in Jan 1748was made a happy Partaker
of the Lords Body and Blood in the H Communion. Here also I
had the Grace to be admitted into the Class of Intercessors, and soon
after set out with B^r & S^r Boehler &c. for England. Our D^rPapa,
Mamma, the Mother, Anna Johanna &c. accompanied us to Francfort, where

where, after many Blessings, the rest day we proceeded on our Journey
in the Peace of God, and blessing of the Congregation.

After staying sometime in London, I was sent to Fulneck, where
I was one of the Congⁿ Servants, Choir Servant & Helper. In June
1750I was called to London, where I enjoy’d many blessings in the
Dear Disciples House in Bloomsbury Square. From whence I
was sent to Dublin to have the Care of the S. Sis^rs There and in the
north of Ireland. The same year I visited the North, and the Year
after was sent there; where also, as in Dublin our Sav^r accom-
panied, blessed and prosper’d me, gave me the Hearts of the Sisters,
for whom I have ever retained the tenderestaffection, and shall
to my latest Breath. So that, notwithstanding the many heavy
Circumstances, I enjoy’d the still Communion with my Hearts
best Friend; Nor were my many Faults, weaknesses and mistakes
a hindrence thereto.

In Sept^r 1758I got a Call to the Disciple House, from my
dear Anna Johanna. And the 19^th  arriv’dS^r Mary, S^r Ripley
and Matty Haley, who were most heartily receiv’d by all, and
especially by our own d^r little Choir in Ballunderry.

The 30^th S^r Mary Spoke the Sis^rs to the Comⁿ and in the Afternoon
we partook of the same. Particular meetings were appointed
in all the Plans for the Reception of the above two Sisters, which
with other meetings and matters lasted to the 18^th of Oct^r when we
viz: B^r Watson, S^r. Mary, Marg^t Graham a Widow, myself,
My dear little Neice Betsey Cennick, and Betsey Mortimer,
set off from Ballunderry, and came to Bellfast the same evening
where we were detain’d till the 24^th when in our way down
to the Vessel S^r Marygot a sad fall; we got on board however
the same evening. On the 27^th a Voilent Storm arose and
we were given up for lost. this was a trying Circumstance
to me, after I had gone through so many trials before; But
I immediately turn’d to my best and ^only Friend, thought perhaps
I was the Jonas and therefore became a sinner before Him on all
accounts, and in 5 minutes all were well between Him and
me, and my heartrejoice’d that I should so soon see him. the WW^d
of the Day was. Rom. 14, 8. “Wether we live, we live unto the Lord,
or wether we die, we die unto the Lord.”
“Must a ling’ring Death await us, This Text ever will stand Good:
He in Glory to translate us, Purchas’d all Things by his Blood.”
The 28^th we got among the sandbanks. The 29we landed in
Liver Pool safe and well. Nov^r the 2^d we came to Fulneck abt
4 o’Clock. After Tea S^r Hendrengen took care of the Children, and

And in the evening S^rMary sent to invite me into her house, where
I enjoy ‘d many Blessings; till in Jan. 59B^r& Sis^r. Houptmann
received their Call to Bedford, I embrace’d this Oppertunity of going
with them from hence to that Place, where I was receiv’d with the
greatest love and heartiness. I soon went to London, when, after
waiting along while, and meeting with many hindrences, however
on the 7^th of May I arrived with several more Brethern & Sisters
to my exceeding great Joy, having that long wish’d for happiness
of seeing my dear Papa, Mamagen and Anna Johanna once more.
The 10^th I was brought to Annenhoff, where I enjoy’d many inexpressible
Blessings. The 1^4th I was receiv’d as Acoluth and ordained a Deaconess.
Here I had the favour of Staying till the Close thereof, a time,
I shall never forget. July the 17^th  I set out from Zeist with the
respectable B^r & S^r H^einrichs von Reuss & Salome Grosscame to
GnadenthalAugust the 3^rd the 11^th to Kleinwelke, & the 12^th  to Hhuth,
where I enjoy’d a real Sabatic season, Continuing in the most
tender Comunion with my eternal Friends; and in heartiest
Fellowship with all. At the latter end of this year our dear
Disciple House arrived to the universal great joy of all here; I
had the Blessing of being present at the S. Sis^rs Synod to the end;
as also at that memorable Conclusion of the faithfull Labour of those
two eminent Witnesses the d^rDisciple & Disciples of Jesus in May 1760.
That Peace of God, which came more espeically upon the
Cong^ns at that time, I also partook of in a particular manner
In which happySensationI left HhuthSep^t the 4^th with B^r & S^r Teltschig and came to Kleinwelke; the 9^th tto Barby; there I
enjoy’d many particular Blessings. The 13^th we proceeded
on our Journey, and came to Zeist on the 19^th. From thence we
came to LondonOct^r the 6^th, And the 13^th I came to Bedford, where
I was receiv’d most heartily and it went blessed^ly for a time, but
afterwards not so; Therefore I was sent to Lembster to
B^r & S^r Rice to have the Care of some young Women, Collected
from several Parts, there being only two Natives. As to outward
Circumstances it was morally impossible to come thro’ in a manner
suitable to an Oeconomy; But the principle thing in the whole
was ^thewantof hearts, and the true Spirit of Love and Harmony
amongs’t us all. I shall not enter into Farther Particulars,
They being of too painfull a nature.

In Nov^r. 1764 I receiv’d a Call from the General Synod at
Marienborn, by the Hand of my dear Bror Johann, to asist

Sis^r  Mary Vogls^ng in Caring for the S. Sisters and Great Girls of
the Country Cong^ns. I receiv’d my Call with awe & real bow-
edness of heart. I wrote to S^r  Mary on that account, who answer’d
me as a Priestess of God. In Dec^r. I set out with a B^r. and his
Daughter a great Girl, who had lived with me, for ockbrook,
where she was to reside. We arrived there safe and well after
a heavy Journey, and I stay’d to refresh myself for several days
among my old Acquaintance and then set out for Fulneck.
On the 21^st Dec^r. I came to Leeds where our late B^rShultze was
waiting to bring me to Fulneck the next Day, and presented me
with a very hearty Congratulatory Letter from my D^rSis^r  Mary
We arrived at Fulneck ab^t Noon on the 22^d and met with a
very hearty Reception from all my d^r old S. Sisters, and stay’d
till the 16^th of Jan; when I was brought to Gumersall Oeconomy be
S^r Mary and Ann Birkby. I felt well as soon as I enterd the
House. Early the next morning the ^two above mentioned Sis^rs
took their leave of us. I got alone into my little room and
kept a hearty Band with my Best Friend, and with many
tears devoted myself afresh to him: Put Him in mind of his
Promise viz: That He would once bring me into an
Asylum, where I should enjoy a real Sabatic sea-
son and Bridal Intercourse with Him, preparatory
to his taking me into His arms and Bosom.

He shewed me something more concerning my present call, than I
found, Some others knew, and was to remain a sceeret between Him
and me, I soon found myself at Home, and that he would bring
me safely thro’. I felt also that the Hearts of the Sis^rs were tenderly
inclin’d towards me; so that we soon became one Heart and one
Mind, and a Blessed Period commence’d, tho’ under many Difficulties.
Not long after, a certain Sabbatic mood and most intimat inter-
course, between me and my Friend took Place; So that my
Labour among the Souls, was my Delight, it per adventure
I might happily gain some, to become lovers of this my so favourite
Object. My Journeys were long and heavy, to go to the different
Cong^ns, and I being very weakly made me oft secretly sigh and weep be
fore my Friend: For it being just the depth of the winter that I come here,
made walking in those bad roads almost impracticable; But here I must
mention with the greatest gratitude & humility the more than
Brotherly & Sisterly love and Faithfullness of my good, old,
venerable Hearts Watsons; Happy for me they were at this time

living here in Gumersall, and had the Care of Wyke Plan also, they
therefore most Chearfully help’d me always, when, and where they
could with their horse &c. In Dec^r following, we had the misfortune
to loose them; For they went to Mirfield: Here also they faithfully
assisted me in every respect, and that same genuin look & heartiness
still subsisting between us especially my good S^rWatson our hearts
became joined and united in the heart of our wounded Friend, To be
Separated no more for ever. As I have always mostly travel’d on foot
My walks however have been made to me liturgic Walks, and my Friend
has so made perfect ^{his strength} in my weakness, that, when I have been well nigh
fainting and thought I could get no farther, I have been so Comforted,
refresh’d and Strengthened that I have not been sensible of pain and
weakness, and oftentimes stood still to consider whereabout I was, and
with surprize found myself nearer my Journeys end, then I could have thought
or imagin’d. My Garden has been like a little Paradise, wherein I
have admir’d, worship’d and ador’dmy Dearest Heart, the Great Gardener
of the universe, and He has always attended me in my meanest employment
therein. He has made my Labour truly a Liturgy. And how he and I have
Been engaged together. Some few Verses made on a Garden & Flowers, some
of which are here inserted, Do more emp^hatically express,

1
Josephs Garden here’s intomb’d my Lover
Hollw’d Cave! here lies my Gain
Here I sing in this cool silent Power
Bout the Man! my Pleasing strain
Softest Musick, gently soothing sorrow
While thy Love sick spouse her spices gather
From thy Corpse so pale & wan
Which she’s fondly dotting on
2
Red and white my Jesu’s wounded Body
As ⁱⁿ Gardens Flowers excell
lies fair and full Bloom roses Ruddy
Yeild their Odoriferous smell
engrav’d upon thy Corpse so sweetly
Wounds like roses fresh and set compleatly
And some smaller holes between
Just like Buds twist Jesemin
3
Lovly Picture Beauty most transcendent
Matchless he! My paradice
Thou my Garden fertile fragrant pleasant
Thou my food My tree of Life
Sweet inlaid among thy Clothed Tresses
From the Thorns Pomgranates have their place
Fruit and flowers, these compose
My Belov’d my Sharons rose

In the memoir, the fourth stanza is placed after stanza 8 in the right column

4
Edens Garden my love planted for me
favour’d place he brought me there
Was himself still with me so delight’d
I with him. Ah happy pair
Short liv’d Joy I got there in a surfeit
Every comfort was the fatal forfeit
Rudly ravish’d from my Love
Morn’d my Widow’d with Dove
5
Long I wander’d in the Howling desert
left my first my Virgin Spouse
Got new lovers seeming fair & pleasant
Join’d in league with my Love’s for
In Gethsemeny I saw the Combat
When he fought for Me his faithless Consort
And on Calvary with his Life
Rejoic’d in his Dear Lov’d Wife
6
Here it is that I with Brides Affection
To those places oft
With my Bridegroom in his own Affliction
Here each other we admire
Softt Sensations is the pleasing Coverse
As there Gardens on together traverse
Mutual Kisses we impart
To and from each others Heart
7
Oft we stood and seiz’d with Admiration
How intent and fond he’s been
With what diligence and warm affection
He has nurs’d some Little thing
Hardly worth another thought or notion
This has been to him the very Christ
All the finest flowers he’s left
And this one more in his Breast
8
Yes I know him exquisite his test in
What even Gardners count above
These in nosegays raisd to higher Graces
He will in his Bosom wear
Publick Grandour once demonstrating
When the Marriage will be Consumating
Ever Greens and flowers rare
Grow old with these shall then appear

My little Room has been a Cabinet of Jewels to me, Therefore I have
long concluded, that if our Sav^r  took me home here in Yorkshire, I
would die in my nest, and so slip away, as it were incognito
Since our dr B^r Boehlor‘s Visitation here, our Family has been
brought again into the injoyment of our Choir Graces with our Choir
to our very great abasement.

For this Year last past, I have felt that my time was out
in Gummersal, and last summer thought I should get a Call after
the Synod; but could never find out any Place where I could be sent
to. I once kept a hearty Band with my Friend about it, at the
Conclusion of which, and summing up the whole, I said to Him:
“Now would it not be better thou tookst me home to thy ^{own dr} self.”
I had no room to suspect any thing of the kind, from what I felt from him
at that time; But July last, As I was in the Chaple ^Garden at Work, He drew near
To me in an extraordinary manner, and discover’d to me Such an Union
& oneness between Him & me, as is altogether unutterable, tho’ I
did attempt to express something of it in a few Verses.

From this time I had often gentle hints of a Change, of something that would
take place, which should entirely suit me.

In August last I got it Voilent Cold, which grew worse & worse,
And found my Lungs were infected. In the Beginning of Sept last,
I felt myself strangly ill; so as I had never been before, which lasted
some few nights & days; And during the whole time, I was most happily
Comforted with my Friends nearness, Insomuch that I felt no illness at all,
only that I was weak and drowsy. One night, unasked for, He
came Close to my Bedside, and stood there. My Heart saw Him,
And my Soul adored Him! He dispersed intirely in a moment
every painfull thought and Sensation, inwardly and outwardly
I felt after one Wound and another sore; But behold! they were all
healed. I felt after Sin, and there was no sin. I felt after misery
and Dejection, But there was none to be found; And thus I was made
sound and whole, except those pleasing Wounds of Love, which He
had made long before in my enamour’d Heart, But now more
Deeply impress’d.

Now it was, He gave me, the soft impression of his Gracious
intention Concerning me; while I silently worship’d before Him.
On the 26^th  my d^r S^r Lorel called on us in her return from
Duckenfield, and was quite alarm’d at my seeming bad state
of Health, would not rest, But insisted on my going to Fulneck,
To stay there for some time which I did; where I assisted in
seeing the Sisters for the Communion, and could not forbear to
drop a word now and then concerning something, the very obscure of
my happy Situation. On the 9^th I return’d to Gummersal, where
my Disorder increased, And my Friend confirmed more

Strongly what he had made allready manifest to me. I was very well
seemingly, fix’d and suited; But my d^r. S^r. Lorel could not be reconcil’d
to my staying at Gumersel, and I must own shew’d more then Mothers
Faithfulness and Affection: In these Circumstances she could not be
prevailed upon to be Satisfy’d, unless I came to Fulneck.

I therefore set out in mere faith, with B^r Samuel Fowler and
Joseph PealNov^r. 20^th1769 and arriv’d here safe, and meet with a very
hearty Reception. The first d^r Heart which saluted me, was
my most dear and venerable Heart Anna Johanna; I was also made
happily sensable of that genuine Love and heartyaffection of the
Choir in general, And more especially of^from all those in Office; so that
that peace of God, and that Sabbath, which I never had heard any
one possessing, at least so long before their Departure, accompanied
me here also in the clearest manner, which begun at the time above
mentioned, when our Sav^r manifested Himself to me in such an
especiall manner. But here I must mention some essential
things, which I forgot to mention in their proper places, viz.
After all that the Lord had done for me, and I was clear and well
establish’d in it: One Day, as He & I were solacing ourselves in
each others love, it came into my mind; But that oneness & union
which I had possessed in Him. I was not so clear in at this time: He
shew’d me, I was wholly in Him and He in me, and that we
were One as he and the Father are One. I saw myself cloathed
upon in Him, and possessed of all the Bridal Ornaments of the Bridegroom.
I must therefore ascribe all the Honour and Glory alone to my own d^r.
eternal Slaughter’d Lord and Saviour and conclude my
Narrative with the Greatest truth in all the World: viz.
That, Where Sin hath abounded, Grace hath abounded
Much more.

Our venerable and Happily departed Sis^r Sarah Cennick,
Has in some measure Specify’d How varioussly her Election of Grace
has ^been manifested w^here-ever her happy Lot Has been cast, during
Her Course through this vale of tears.

Her Strong Capacity, Great Gifts, and quick sensations, was
Iluminated by such extraordinary Grace from the H. Ghost
As evidently Signalized Her a peculiar Person of Blessed
remembrance to the Hearts of many Souls.

Yet amidst all those great Endowments, she had the
Happiness, through the infinite Mercys of God, to be throughly
Convinced of her great depravity in Soul and Body, and
which truly as a monument of uncommon Mercy and Grace,
was preserved, in her Earlyest years, From the dangers and
vain Foibels of her natural Inclinations, and as her own
words has spoke it, she counted it the highest Dignity

to be rank’d amongst the Chiefest of Sinners, and has with particular
clearness expresst her mind in a few verses on this subject, in the
Beginning of her last Sickness, as follows

Thou Feast of worms & atoms
Repast of Sinners poor
Who on thy Godheads Bottom
Stands sav’d for evermore
What signified to Thee
Our vast depravity
Thou Abyss of Perfection
Thou loves immensity

Inseperable union
Devotions fragrant Source
Most Heavenly Comunion
Devinest Intercourse
Soft Gentle soothing Hum
Effectual aninum
for evermore to Solace
The Spirit& Bride say, Come.

By these Verses something may be understood of that truly
Evangelical intercourse, which our late happySis^r had with
her Souls Bridegroom; She has certainly been favour’d with a
more than common union and nearness from her Friend & Lover.
Her Soul magnify’d the Lord, and her Spirit daily rejoiced in God
her Sav^r whom she recommended on all Occasstions, with such
energy, as is not to be expresst in words, which bears an Indelible
Signature of Blessing in her Choir. During her last Sickness
we have seen many Blessed Testemonies of this Kind, wherein
she has plainly shown, that her very Soul was animated with
new life whenever our Sav^r or his matters was named,
Especially with regard to the General and Individual Intercourse
which our dear Lord should have in the Choir. On Consideration
of our dear Sis^rs Situation, and Circumstances in Sickness at
Gumersall, At our desire she remov’d to end her days in the
midst of her Choir at Fulneck, yet she retained the same Love
and Concern, for her dear GumersallSis^rs, to whom we
perceiv’d on all Occassions, she had the tenderestattachment
And her hearts Connexion with the Fountain of Love defus’d it
self thro’ the whole Choir. For notwithstanding her great
weakness, she desir’d to see the Sis^rs Room by Room, took a
most tender and solemn farewell of them all; Like wise Little
Moore & GumersallOeconomies, The Latter of which, she desir’d
to see once again, when her Dissolution was perceptably hastening,
which was a most moving scene, To Behold and feel with what power
and grace, she gave her last Benediction to that dear Oeconomy
Where she had finishe’ her faithfull Labour in this Crosses Kingdom

Here Below. And blest each with impossion of hands in the most
maternal and feeling manner.

From this time her weakness increas’d more sensibly, which
Excited a more Eagerdesire to see her Class, which Oppertunity was
most thankfully embraced to have once more a LFeast with her,
And her aspect testify’d what her heartinjoy’d on this Occasion to
have the great priviledge to declare in our midst, that the Peace
of God our Saviour, was so preceptably felt to rule and preside
By one Spirit among’st us, to the Great Comfort and astonishment
Of her heart, which she confess’d meet her at the first entrance
at our Doors. She pray’d fervently, that this Peace and blessed Harmony
in our Choir, and particularly in this her Class, might daily increase &
Prosper to the Honour of his holy name, and the Blessing on the whole
Choir, which made a latting impression on all present; And at the
Close took a most Affecting leave, and like a Handmaid and Priestess
of God, sencerely recommended her fellow Helper Lorel Seidel to the
Special blessing of the Lord in her future Course & Labour in the Choir.
The 23 in the evening she Complain’d of a pain in her Side, but had
a Tolerable good night, and took her Breakfast in the Morning, with
More relish then usual, but felt very weary.

About 9 o’Clock on S^r Lorels entering the Room she call’d
Her to her bedside, And with uncommon firmness of mind ^saidLorel
this very day. I’m determin’d to go home and repeated it again with
the greatest fervency, Saying, I have been speaking with my
Friend about it, See to it, that you have my mansion ready
(the Corpses Chamber), and then was still for some moments, a Sister
Continuing by her Bedside whom she ask’d, what she was reading
so devotly in Her Countenance. The Sis^r Answer’d, it’s the near
Approaches of your Desolution, which engages my attention in
an unutterable manner. She smiling made no answer and
remained still for some time, and then ask’d, what it was that
she now perceiv’d come with a little noise from her Breast said
is it Death! answer’d by the Sister I beleive it is, then she haistyly
reply’d, Pray then call Lorel. At whose entrance into the
Room, she fixt her eyes upon her and said, Dont look so anxious
This Ruttling in my Breast is no pain to me, I am quite easy
and shall very soon be with him, in whose heart centers all my wishes.

She retain’d a Strong presence of Mind, and during her
Whole Sickness to her last Moments, was Carried on with remarkable
Serinity and ease, Traceing many intimations from some
Months past of her GraciousLords intentions with her
By this sickness, And that no pains should interrupt that

Sweet Comunion that her Soul injoy’d with its Beloved Bridegroom
Which was truly verify’d to the end.

About an Hour before she departed it was perceivd her
Lips moved very quick, beleiving she call’d some one by name,
On being ask’d if it was so, she reply’d it’s possibly. But I
was conversing with my Friend and lover: Continuing in this
way about 3 quarters of an hour, And then wanted very much
To Speak, Her Faliltering Tongue could no more be understood
only Christ & Cry &c. a few moments would now end the Period
of her time, upon which Sis^r. Lorel laid her hand upon her head
and she look’d once more up. And then Closs’d her eyes to Sleep
in the Arms of her everlasting Bridegroom. during
The Blessing of her Choir, with a most powerfull feeling of
Grace, from the sensible near presence of our dearest Lord,
Which will never be forgotten by those who had the favour
To be present, at this important Event

Her Corpes had a most lovly Aspect. She has spent in this
Dying Life 57 Years, 7 Months, and some Days. In the margin in pencil, next to the last line, is written “1770”