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The Life of the S. Sr Sarah Cennick who went happily home January 24th 1770.

I was born June the 12th old Style 1712 in Reading, Berks. and was baptized in the Church of England and brought up in that communion. The first thing I remember is the simple and happy intercourse I lived in with the Lord: I knew he loved me; and I loved him; and 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 and self-willed, which caused me much heaviness, tho’ I strove all I could to divert and get rid of the conviction by play etc. But running hastily into my mother’s room, where she was sitting with my late dear Brother 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 referred the cause to me and said: “I was praying for you and for your Brother.” This pierced me through, and I thought my heart would break. For I thought, The Lord also is grieved! I therefore silently withdrew condemned and ashamed and hasted to a private place, where with many tears, I begged Him to forgive me; which he most graciously did directly, and all my burden 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 opportunity 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 friend’s house with her, I slipped 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 swimming from each other had dragged me out of that I stood in, had not the toes of my shoes hitched in something, and prevented it. Thus hanging over the water between both, I had scarce time to give myself up for lost, before I slipped my hold and pitched into the water, where to my joyful surprise, instead of sinking I found, as it were, hands

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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 hitched, but how I recovered wholly, I never could remember, only that, as I came to myself, I was flat on my back, safe and well. I know, who those ministers were, of whose kinder orders they obeyed, and thanked them, and Him, friend: begging Him 100 times over: O pray don’t let it be found out etc. which, however remarkable, never was.

I was this Gentleman’s fond companion also, and often slid unobserved to him, when he was retired to private devotion. Sometimes I kneeled behind, and at other times close by his side, that I might be a partaker of those influences, which I believed, he enjoyed.

As I grew older, I had more liberty among the servants, who endeavoured to seduce me and bring me into all manner of wickedness, as much as they could, But finding me frightened, and fearing I should tell, they threatened me hard, what they would do to me, if I did. This brought me more particularly to my own heart’s friend, and they let me alone for some time; till one evening, I went into a back garden, where a company of them who got, but I did not know nor think of them, till I was almost shocked to death, and could scarce stagger into the house, when, even in the very passage, the Lord met me, comforted me, and gave me the assurance in my heart, “He would preserve me for himself forever.” 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, and 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 anybody; 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 holy Communion I was the more distressed; sometimes in despair and sometimes desperate. In this situation, I went to evening prayers, but I could neither pray, nor desire. I was so condemned; But in the beginning of the last prayers, my heart became as melting Wax, and as such a Wretch I turned again to my friend, and begged 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 opportunity should serve, I would privately retire to a Cloister, and in that special manner dedicate myself to the Lord Forever.

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In my 17th year, it was thought proper by my friends, that I should go to London for further improvement. I was received with the greatest heartiness, and everyone was kindly officious in bringing me to public places, and showing me the curiosities of the town. I saw the glory’s of the worlds – and loved it – and concluded, as I had often been told, I was made for the world, for it suited my inclination and taste every way; and I had well nigh set through all convictions, Though at the Bottom I had a condemned 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 answer; 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 desirous 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 resolved soon to retire from all, and come and live in a quite different way: If any of them were inclined 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 distressed heart and mind. Therefore in my 21st 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 and brother, who had begun some time ago a more religious course of life; but, alas! I grew faint hearted and tired: and seeing all my works, prayers and duties, good for nothing at all, and I myself that same deplorable creature as ever I was, I cried out in the bitterness of my soul: O Lord Jesus Christ, if this is the way to heaven, I shall never come there! My distress still increased, being more and 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 brother went, got acquainted with several, and brought Mr. Kinchin to our house; and afterwards Mr. Wesleys, Hutchins, Whitfield etc. I was much perplexed 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 zealously attached 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 entire stop to it.

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Hereupon my brother went to Bristol, 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 shunned me, and everyone’s face was set against me. Thus forsaken of all, and destitute of my best friend, I grew dejected, and quite melancholy.

In 1740 I visited Kingswood and Bristol; but could not be reconciled to those agitations among the Methodists at that time. Here I had happiness of seeing first our dear Brother Toeltschig, who, seeing my concern, helped me much. I soon returned to Reading, exceedingly distressed, and finding my dear companion so happy in our Saviour and myself so wretched, I gave up all hopes of ever being saved. 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 dispossessed 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 enjoyed this happiness long, before my venerable companion fell happily asleep on the bosom of her eternal Bridegroom.

At my return, the former disturbances were revived. Many were distressed concerning their salvation; and the clergy being greatly perplexed, endeavoured to put me to trouble; but our Saviour kept me stayed upon Him and delivered me safe out of their hands. I gave up my House, and went again to Kingswood, where Mr. Whitfield, my brother and others were separated from Mr. Wesleys, and had begun more regular Society, and gave me the care of the Single Women, with whom I laboured as well as I could; But knowing my own insufficiency, and seeing many irregularities creeping in among the young people, I told my brother this was not what suited me; and therefore I came to Reading, where a widow Quaker Gentlewoman had long and often desired I would stay with her and make use her House as my own. I did so, and all my Quaker Friends were exceeding kind to me, and earnestly wished me to settle amongst them; I would have done it, but had no leave from our Saviour in my own heart. My mind was secretly hankering after a cloister: But my brother desiring my assistance at Tytherton, I went to him, and with all the money I had, goods and furniture, engaged with him, and the peace of God ruled and rested upon us.

In ’44 I went on a Visit to London, where our late Sister Stonehouse brought me acquainted with my ever dearest Anna Johanna, with whom my heart was tenderly united, as was hers to me.

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I had heard of the order among the Single Sisters, and that it was something like a nunnery, which exacted my inquiry and I wished once to see such a Choir. My brother had already contracted a large acquaintance with the Brethren, and sometime after gave our Societies into their care and went on a visit to Herrnhaag, and from thence to Ireland. In his absence, I had the favour of a visit at Tytherton from our late dear disciple and disciples, Christel, Anna Johanna etc. 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 Saviour’s thoughts of peace concerning me.

My brother soon after returned, who told me yet more about the Single Sisters, and how earnestly he had prayed our Saviour 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 Saviour, I wrote to my much-respected friend, the dear discipless for leave to visit the congregation in Germany, who readily granted me the favour. My mother also at this time, was well inclined towards the Brethren; But meeting with some unhappy circumstances, she was turned quite against them: and tho’ I was much Staggered, yet our Saviour preserved me, and gave me courage to persevere in my purpose. Yet I had it hard to get away, and was forced to leave her against her will.

In March 1747, I arrived with many more English Brethren and Sisters together with Brother and Sis Toeltschig in Herrnhaag, where I met with the most cordial reception from our dear disciple and discipless. The congregation and its regulations I saw with wonder and delight; especially that of the Single Sisters. My first Intention only was to visit the congregation, and not to become a member thereof; but in London, on my way hither, being a spectator at the holy communion, I was so affected that I forgot my resolution; till by occasion, soon after my arrival, I grew suspicious, till I was quite confused. But having an unreserved confidence to the late dear discipless, I told her all my concern, who with the greatest tenderness and frankness cleared up those matters which had given me so much pain. I now became quite happy and saw the congregation in a right light, and the beginning of that happy period, which the Holy 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 confirmed and in January 1748 was made a happy partaker of the Lord’s body and blood in the holy communion. Here also I had the grace to be admitted into the class of intercessors, and soon after set out with Brother and Sister Boehler etc. for England. Our dear Papa, Mamma, the mother, Anna Johanna etc. accompanied us to Frankfort,

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where, after many blessings, the rest day we proceeded on our journey in the peace of God, and blessing of the Congregation.

After staying some time in London, I was sent to Fulneck, where I was one of the Congregation servants, Choir servant and helper. In June 1750 I was called to London, where I enjoyed many blessings in the dear Disciple’s House in Bloomsbury Square, from whence I was sent to Dublin to have the care of the Single Sisters’ 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 Saviour accompanied, blessed and prospered me, gave me the hearts of the Sisters, for whom I have ever retained the tenderest affection, and shall to my latest breath. So that, notwithstanding the many heavy circumstances, I enjoyed the still communion with my heart’s best friend; nor were my many faults, weaknesses and mistakes a hindrance thereto.

In September 1758 I got a call to the Disciple House, from my dear Anna Johanna. And the 19th arrived Sister Mary, Sister Ripley and Matty Haley, who were most heartily received by all, and especially by our own dear little Choir in Ballinderry.

The 30th, Sister Mary spoke the Sisters to the communion 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 18th of October when we, viz: Brother Watson, Sister Mary, Margt Graham, a widow, myself, my dear little niece Betsey Cennick, and Betsey Mortimer, set off from Ballinderry, and came to Belfast the same evening, where we were detained till the 24th, when on our way down to the vessel Sister Mary got a sad fall; we got on board, however, the same evening. On the 27th a violent 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 turned 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 heart rejoiced that I should so soon see him. The word of the day was Rom: 14, 8 “Whether we live, we live unto the Lord, or whether we die, we die unto the Lord.”

“Must a lingering death await us, this text ever will stand good: He in glory to translate us, purchased all things by his blood.” The 28th we got among the sandbanks. The 29 we landed in Liverpool safe and well. November the 2nd we came to Fulneck, about 4 o’clock. After tea, Sister Hendrengen took care of the children,

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and in the evening Sister Mary sent to invite me into her house, where I enjoyed many blessings; till in January ’59 Brother and Sister Hauptmann received their call to Bedford. I embraced this opportunity of going with them from hence to that place, where I was received with the greatest love and heartiness. I soon went to London, when, after waiting a long while, and meeting with many hindrances, however on the 7th of May I arrived with several more Brethren and Sisters to my exceeding great joy, having that long wished for happiness of seeing my dear Papa, Mamagen and Anna Johanna once more. The 10th I was brought to Annenhoff, where I enjoyed many inexpressible blessings. The 14th I was received 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 17th I set out from Zeist with the respectable Brother and Sister Heinrichs von Reuss and Salome Gross, came to Gnadenthal August the 3d, the 11th to Kleinwelka, and the 12th to Herrnhut, where I enjoyed a real sabbatic season, continuing in the most tender communion 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 Single Sisters’ Synod to the end; as also at that memorable conclusion of the faithful labour of those two eminent Witnesses the dear disciple and disciples of Jesus in May 1760. That peace of God, which came more especially upon the Congregation at that time, I also partook of in a particular manner In which happy sensation I left Herrnhuth September the 4th with Brother and Sister Toeltschig and came to Kleinwelka; the 9th to Barby; there I enjoyed many particular blessings. The 13th we proceeded on our Journey, and came to Zeist on the 19th. From thence we came to London, October the 6th, and the 13th I came to Bedford, where I was received most heartily and it went blessedly for a time, but afterwards not so; therefore I was sent to Leominster to Brother and Sister 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 through in a manner suitable to an Economy; but the principle thing in the whole was the want of hearts, and the true spirit of love and harmony amongst us all. I shall not enter into further particulars, they being of too painful a nature.

In November 1764 I received a call from the General Synod at Marienborn, by the hand of my dear Brother Johann, to assist

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Sister Mary Voglsang in caring for the Single Sisters and Great Girls of the country congregations. I received my call with awe and real bowedness of heart. I wrote to Sister Mary on that account, who answered me as a priestess of God. In December I set out with a Brother 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 stayed to refresh myself for several days among my old acquaintance and then set out for Fulneck. On the 21st December came to Leeds where our late Brother Schultze was waiting to bring me to Fulneck the next day, and presented me with a very hearty congratulatory letter from my dear Sister Mary. We arrived at Fulneck about noon on the 22d and met with a very hearty reception from all my dear old Single Sisters’, and stayed till the 16th of January; when I was brought to Gumersall Economy by Sister Mary and Ann Birkby. I felt well as soon as I entered the House. Early the next morning the two above-mentioned Sisters 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 sabbatic season and bridal intercourse with Him, preparatory to his taking me into His arms and bosom.

He showed me something more concerning my present call than I found, some others knew, and was to remain a secret between Him and me. I soon found myself at home, and that he would bring me safely through. I felt also that the hearts of the Sisters were tenderly inclined towards me; so that we soon became one heart and one mind, and a blessed period commenced, tho’ under many Difficulties. Not long after, a certain sabbatic mood and most intimate intercourse, 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 congregations, and I being very weakly made me oft secretly sigh and weep before 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 and humility the more than Brotherly and Sisterly love and Faithfullness of my good, old, venerable hearts Watsons; happy for me they were at this time

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living here in Gumersall, and had the care of Wyke Plan also, they therefore most cheerfully helped me always, when, and where they could with their horse etc.

In December following, we had the misfortune to lose them; for they went to Mirfield: here also they faithfully assisted me in every respect, and that same genuine look and heartiness still subsisting between us, especially my good Sister Watson. Our hearts became joined and united in the heart of our wounded friend, to be separated no more, forever. As I have always mostly travelled 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, refreshed, and strengthened that I have not been sensible of pain and weakness, and often times stood still to consider whereabout I was, and with surprise found myself nearer my journey’s end, then I could have thought or imagined. My garden has been like a little paradise, wherein I have admired, worshipped and adored my dearest heart, the great gardener of the universe, and He has always attended me in my meanest employ 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 and flowers, some of which are here inserted, do more emphatically express,

1
Joseph’s garden here’s entombed my lover
Hollowed Cave! Here lies my Gain
here I sing in this cool silent bower
Bout the man! my pleasing strain
softest music, gently soothing sorrow
while thy love sick spouse her spices gather
From thy corpse so pale and wan
which she’s fondly doting on
2
Red and white my Jesu’s wounded body
As gardens flowers excel
Lylies fair and full bloom roses ruddy
Yield their odoriferous smell
engraved upon thy corpse so sweetly
wounds like roses fresh and set completely
And some smaller holes between
just like buds twist Jasmin
3
lovely picture beauty most transcendent
Matchless he! my paradise
Thou my garden fertile fragrant pleasant
Thou my food my tree of life
sweet inlaid among thy clothed tresses
From the thorns, pomegranates have their place
Fruit and flowers, these compose
my beloved my Sharon’s rose

4 Eden’s garden my love planted for me
favoured place he brought me there
was himself still with me so delighted
I with him. Ah happy pair
Short lived joy I got there in a surfeit
every comfort was the fatal forfeit
Rudely ravished from my Love
Mourned my widowed with dove
5
long I wandered in the howling desert
left my first my virgin spouse
Got new lovers, seeming fair and pleasant
Joined in league with my love’s for
In Gethsemane I saw the combat
When he fought for Me his faithless consort
And on Calvary with his life
resaid me his dear loved wife
6
here it is that I with bride’s affection
To those places oft
With my Bridegroom in his own affliction
here each other we admire
soft sensations is the pleasing converse
As their gardens on together traverse
Mutual kisses we impart
To and from each other’s heart
7
Oft we stood and seized with admiration
how intent and fond he’s been
With what diligence and warm affection
He has nursed 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 gardeners count above
These in nosegays raised to higher graces
He will in his bosom wear
Public Grandeur once demonstrating
When the marriage will be consummating
evergreens and flowers rare
Grow old with these shall then appear

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My little room has been a cabinet of jewels to me, therefore I have long concluded, that if our Saviour took me home here in Yorkshire, I would die in my nest, and so slip away, as it were incognito Since our dear Brethren Boehler’s visitation here, our family has been brought again into the enjoyment 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 Gumersal, 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 dear self.” I had no room to suspect anything of the kind, from what I felt from him at that time; But July last, as I was in the Chapel garden at work, He drew near to me in an extraordinary manner, and discovered to me such a union and oneness between Him and 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 violent cold, which grew worse and worse, and found my lungs were infected. In the beginning of September last, I felt myself strangely ill; so as I had never been before, which lasted some few nights and days; and during the whole time, I was most happily comforted with my Friend’s 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 entirely in a moment every painful 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 enamoured heart, but now more deeply impressed.

Now it was, He gave me, the soft impression of his gracious intention concerning me; while I silently worshipped before Him. On the 26th, my dear Sister Lorel called on us in her return from Duckenfield, and was quite alarmed 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 9th I returned to Gumersal, where my disorder increased, and my friend confirmed more

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strongly what he had made already manifest to me. I was very well seemingly, fixed and suited; But my dear Sister Lorel could not be reconciled to my staying at Gumersel, and I must own showed more than mother’s Faithfulness and affection: In these circumstances she could not be prevailed upon to be satisfied, unless I came to Fulneck.

I, therefore, set out in mere faith, with Brother Samuel Fowler and Joseph Peal on November 20th 1769 and arrived here safe, and met with a very hearty reception. The first dear heart which saluted me, was my most dear and venerable heart Anna Johanna; I was also made happily sensible of that genuine love and hearty affection of the Choir in general, and more especially 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 Saviour manifested Himself to me in such a special 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 established in it: one day, as He and I were solacing ourselves in each other’s love, it came into my mind; but that oneness and union which I had possessed in Him. I was not so clear at this time: He showed 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 clothed 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 dear eternal slaughtered 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 Sister Sarah Cennick, has in some measure specified how variously her election of grace has been manifested wherever her happy lot has been cast, during her course through this vale of tears. Her strong capacity, great gifts, and quick sensations was illuminated by such extraordinary grace from the Holy 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 mercies of God, to be thoroughly convinced of her great depravity in Soul and body, and which truly as a monument of uncommon mercy and grace, was preserved, in her earliest years, from the dangers and vain foibles of her natural inclinations, and as her own words has spoke it, she counted it the highest dignity

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to be ranked amongst the chiefest of sinners, and has with particular clearness expressed her mind in a few verses on this subject, in the beginning of her last sickness, as follows

Thou feast of worms and atoms
Repast of sinners poor
Who on thy Godhead’s bottom
Stands saved forevermore
What signified to Thee
Our vast depravity
Thou abyss of Perfection
Thou loves immensity

Inseparable union
Devotions fragrant source
Most heavenly communion
Divinest intercourse
Soft Gentle soothing hominum
forevermore to Solace
The spirit and bride say, come.

By these verses something may be understood of that truly Evangelical intercourse, which our late happy Sister had with her soul’s Bridegroom; she has certainly been favoured with a more than common union and nearness from her friend and lover. her Soul magnified the Lord, and her spirit daily rejoiced in God her Saviour whom she recommended on all occupations, with such energy, as is not to be expressed in words, which bears an indelible signature of blessing in her Choir. During her last sickness, we have seen many blessed testimonies of this kind, wherein she has plainly shown, that her very soul was animated with new life whenever our Saviour 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 Sister’s situation, and circumstances in sickness at Gumersall, at our desire she removed to end her days in the midst of her Choir at Fulneck, yet she retained the same love and concern, for her dear Gumersall Sisters, to whom we perceived on all occasions, she had the tenderest attachment. And her heart’s connection with the fountain of love defused itself through the whole Choir. For notwithstanding her great weakness, she desired to see the Sisters’ room by room, took a most tender and solemn farewell of them all; Likewise Little Moore and Gumersall Economies, the latter of which, she desired to see once again, when her dissolution was perceptibly hastening, which was a most moving scene, To Behold and feel with what power and grace, she gave her last Benediction to that dear Economy where she had finished her faithful labour in this broken kingdom

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here below. And blessed each with impression of hands in the most maternal and feeling manner.

From this time her weakness increased more sensibly, which excited a more eager desire to see her class, which opportunity was most thankfully embraced to have once more a Feast with her, and her aspect testified what her heart enjoyed on this occasion to have the great privilege to declare in our midst, that the peace of God our Saviour, was so perceptibly felt to rule and preside by one spirit amongst us, to the great comfort and astonishment of her heart, which she confessed met her at the first entrance at our doors. She prayed fervently, that this peace and blessed harmony in our Choir, and particularly in this her class, might daily increase and prosper to the honour of his holy name, and the blessing on the whole Choir, which made a lasting impression on all present; And at the close took a most affecting leave, and like a handmaid and priestess of God, sincerely recommended her fellow helper Lorel Seidel to the special blessing of the Lord in her future course and labour in the Choir. The 23 in the evening she complained 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 Sister Lorel’s entering the room she called her to her bedside, and with uncommon firmness of mind said, Lorel this very day. I’m determined 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 asked what she was reading so devoutly in her countenance. The Sister answered, it’s the near approaches of your dissolution, which engages my attention in an unutterable manner. She smiling made no answer and remained still for some time, and then asked, what it was that she now perceived come with a little noise from her breast and said is it death! Answered by the Sister I believe it is, then she hastily replied, pray then call Lorel, at whose entrance into the room, she fixed her eyes upon her and said, don’t look so anxious, this rustling in my breast is no pain to me, I am quite easy and shall very soon be with him, in whose heart centres all my wishes.

She retained a strong presence of mind, and during her whole sickness to her last moments, was carried on with remarkable serenity and ease, tracing many intimations from some months past of her gracious Lord’s intentions with her by this sickness, and that no pains should interrupt that

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sweet communion that her soul enjoyed with its beloved Bridegroom which was truly verified to the end. About an hour before she departed it was perceived her lips moved very quick, believing she called some one by name, on being asked if it was so, she replied it’s possible. 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 faltering tongue could no more be understood only Christ and cry etc. A few moments would now end the period of her time, upon which Sister Lorel laid her hand upon her head and she looked once more up. And then closed her eyes to sleep in the arms of her everlasting Bridegroom. During the blessing of her Choir, with a most powerful 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 corpse had a most lovely aspect. She has spent in this dying life 57 years, 7 months, and some days.