nish mixture, 97; letter to J. & S. G., 121' H. supper, 221; epistles, 223, 224, 226; true S. Shillitoe, Thomas, 24, 38, 100. Rigge, Ambrose, life of, 185; G. Fox, testimony A MEMOIR OF MARY CAPPER, LATE OF BIRMINGHAM, A MINISTER OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.* "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."-Prov. iv. 18. PREFACE. THE journals and other papers of Mary Cap; per, were entrusted by herself to the care and revision of the editor, with the understanding that any use might be made of them which, after her decease, should appear to be right. The present compilation is, in consequence, now offered to the public, with the hope that the cause of truth and righteousness-that cause which was so dear to the subject of this memoir through a long life, may be served thereby. limited pecuniary resources and small personal accommodations. It is true, she was often entrusted with the means of relieving those in distress, which was to her a source of genuine delight; but she steadfastly refused repeated offers of increased comforts for herself; preferring to dwell in comparative obscurity, and in the close vicinity of those dear friends whose society and kindness had largely contributed, for a long course of years, to her enjoyment. Another object which she had in view was, to be so situated as to occasion, to such friends as might be passing through the town, little inconvenience in paying her a visit; for such was her modest estimate of her own attainments, that she could not suppose her friends would incline, or could suitably be expected, to come far to make her a call. The character of Mary Capper is pretty fully developed in the subsequent pages; yet it may be allowed to the editor, who had the privilege of near intimacy with her for almost half a century, to remark, that in preparing this work for the press, and consequently dwelling much on the life and conversation of this devotedly pious Many, however, as will be seen in the followindividual, she has been particularly impressed ing pages, could bear their testimony to the with the cheerful contentment of spirit, manifest- solid satisfaction which such visits afforded ed under the varying circumstances of her life. them; and this undoubtedly proceeded from the This is the more striking, when the feebleness of her bodily powers, the enlarged liberality of her mind, and her deep feeling for human sorrows, are taken into account, together with her *Note by the Editors of the Library.-A few passages in the following Diary, chiefly written during Mary Capper's visit to France, before she became a Friend, and which appeared irrelevant to the object of the publication, have been omitted, and several original letters addressed to correspondents in America, have been added to this edition. VOL. XII.-No. 1. conviction, that the chief pursuit of Mary Capper's life had been to honour her Lord and Master; by this she gave the strongest proof of her gratitude for the love of God, extended to her in Jesus Christ her Saviour; whose peace was richly shed abroad in her heart, and more especially so as she approached his heavenly kingdom, where all is peace and love, and joy in the Holy Ghost, and that for ever! KATHARINE BACKHOUSE. Darlington, 1847. 1 MEMOIR OF MARY CAPPER. CHAPTER. I. PARENTAGE, EDUCATION, &c. MARY CAPPER was born on the 11th of the fourth month, 1755. She was the daughter of William and Rebecca Capper, of Rugeley, in Staffordshire. They had a very family, consisting of ten sons and four daughters; some of whom lived to advanced age. numerous John, their first-born, was a merchant in London, where he died in 1835, after complet ing his eighty-eighth year; James also died the same year in that city, at the of eighty-one; having been, during fifty years, Rector of Wilmington, Sussex. age The whole family were brought up by their parents as members of the Episcopal Church, to which they themselves were conscientiously attached. I was allowed to go, with my young companions, to the theatre and various other places of amusement; and I do not recollect that any remark was made, upon time being thus squandered and mis-spent. On my return home, some domestic changes had taken place; my second brother, Samuel, was settled in business at Birmingham; and as he was still young, it was considered best for my father to be much with him; so that my Mary, the subject of the following Memoir, dear mother was frequently left with my eldest possessed a mind of no ordinary description; brother, John, and the younger children, at energetic and contemplative, she seemed pecu. Rugely. Nursing and needlework were my liarly prepared, as Divine Grace was allowed proper employments, but I was fond of active to operate upon her gifted mind, to throw aside play; out-doing my companions at ball, jumpthe prejudices of education, and to stem the toring, sliding, &c." rent of opposing opinion. Her susceptible heart was, however, keenly alive to the sorrows of others, and deep were her sufferings, when, for a time, her religious views broke the harmony of the domestic circle; but having taken up the cross of Christ, she was The following extracts from a diary kept by Mary Capper, about this period, show the manner in which her time was chiefly occupied, and the unfoldings of her youthful mind. "9th. My friend K. Barbor drank tea with me. How delightful and improving is the commercifully enabled to follow her Lord in simple have read that friendship is too noble a passion pany of a good and worthy friend! I think I obedience, and in full reliance upon his power for female minds; but why so? Have we not to preserve and strengthen her through every souls as well as men? and as capable of the trial. Much of the account of her childhood was penned after she had attained the age of eighty years; and a more lively description cannot be given to the reader than in her own words. "My dear parents," she writes, "accustomed their children to read the Scriptures. The religious instruction of my childhood was, I think, received from my dear mother. She was a deeply tried Christian mother. worthiest attainments! 15th. My brother prevailed upon mamma to stay till to-morrow. I am grieved at the thoughts of leaving the country, just now that everything is in perfection, to go and bury one's self in Birmingham, where one does not feel a refreshing breeze, nor see a green leaf, except a few nasty withered things in the church yard, once in the year. I have not patience to think of it! but parents must be obeyed. I think it was about my tenth year that I 8th. Went to Church; we were very fortuwas sent to my aunt Langford, at Macclesfield in Cheshire. She was a serious member of the nate, as we got there before it was much National Establishment, a very respectable, crowded; when we were confirmed. I walked widowed gentlewoman. Uuder her kind care, in a very grave and serious humour.” I was instructed in the strict observance of religious forms; to remember the text of every sermon that I heard; to write the Collects, &c. but I do not recollect much serious impression Respecting this circumstance, she subsequently remarks; "At a suitable age, with great seri * One of these was Hester Ann Rogers, of whom an in structive little memoir is published.-Ed. ousness, and heart contriting impressions, I went through the ceremony of confirmation by the Bishop; a ceremony of no small import in my view; as what had been promised for me by my sponsors, I was, in accordance with this outward rite, bound to perform, as then of age to take the responsibility myself; viz. to deny all pomp and vanity; to walk in God's holy will and commandments all the days of my life. Knowing that I came very short of this, I was distressed, and mourned much in secret. I was afraid to mention my feelings, as they seemed strange, and I did not know of any one who had the like. In adverting to these days, M. C. writes, "I was, at times, and many times, in early life, very thoughtful as to the genuine effect of religion on the mind. My constitution was weak, which I have considered one among other favours; for my nature was volatile, and I was much left as to outward restraints; and, indeed, urged to go to public amusements, plays, dances, &c. which were considered innocent. The first contrary impression that I distinctly remember was once, whilst on my knees, at my accustomed evening prayers; my thoughts being confused and dissipated, I lay down comfortless, believing that whatever distracted and hindered prayer must be wrong. This impression rested with me; and from time to time, led to deep reflection and secret conflict. The wit 14th. Mamma told me of a fault in my behaviour, a repetition of which I will endeavour to avoid. November 10th. Received a very polite in-ness for truth left me not; and as little sacrifices, vitation from M. Capper to spend a few days at Castle Bromwich. 14th. Arrived there. 19th. I do not know the meaning of it, but I never in my life wished more sincerely to be at home. I shall be heartily glad when I get into Bull Street. 23rd. Set out for home with a joyful heart. My father received a sensible and dutiful letter from brother Jasper. O! how my father's eye glistened with true paternal tenderness! That we may all unite, and strive to give joy to the hearts of our worthy parents, is and shall be, my constant prayer." The following letter was addressed to Mary Capper by her mother, when left on one occasion as housekeeper at Birmingham: "April 17th, 1769. such as declining gay parties, seemed to yield a peaceful calm, I was favoured with resolution to persevere. I wept over my dear mother's letter, though she knew not all the temptations I was subjected to. One occasion, I think I cannot forget, because it is sealed by mercy and by experience to this day; though the thing was, in itself, comparatively little, and I was then young. Being tempted to take some fruit, in a garden where I was unobserved, and being on the point of gathering it, a sudden check arrested me. I cannot distinctly describe it, but I walked from the spot with a sweetness of inward peace, indescribable, such as I think I had never before known; and it arose in my heart, and has remained in my understanding, this is the teaching of the grace of God; or, in other words, of the Holy Spirit! This, we had been taught to believe, would enable us to overcome evil; but it is not sufficiently understood; and when gently developed in the still, small voice, it is frequently not obeyed; and the quick sense of its secret monitions becomes less discernible. MY DEAR MOLLY,—You are a good girl for writing, agreeable to promise, every week; pray continue to do so. I observed what you said about the riding-dress; but, my dear child, consider you are one of number twelve; there- External objects, and the too general example fore, no superfluities can or ought to be expect- of Christian professors, entangle and allure the ed. I was much pleased with one of your let- mind; the doctrine of the Cross of Christ, or ters, wherein you say, 'I have been strongly the self-denial thereby taught, is rarely brought solicited to go out this evening, but have with- into view; or possibly, little understood, farther stood the temptation.' O! my dear girl, may than as regards strictly moral conduct, and a you have grace to withstand every temptation due observance of religious institutes. This I to evil, or imprudent things; and that you may write, not uncharitably, nor by way of censure. be able to say, 'Get thee behind me, Satan! I was favoured with a sense of good, under for I am resolved already; and my Jesus, who such restraints as these, before I underwent the vanquished thee upon the cross, will assist my ceremony of confirmation; and for several weakness, and enable me to overcome thy years after this, during many little fluctuations temptations!' Assist and enable us He will, in the domestic arrangements, I continued seriwhenever we call sincerely upon Him; and Ious, and given to retirement. O! how would doubt not, my dear child, you have already ex- the enemy of all good, sometimes come in like perienced a pleasing satisfaction whenever you have denied yourself any amusement, though innocent, if it interfered with what was right and necessary to be done. Your mother, REBECCA CAPPER." a flood, and almost terrify me with evil thoughts and suggestions. It would be vain to attempt setting forth the hidden striving of nature with the light which manifests the evil, separating the precious from the vile. I was not obsti nately rebellious, though my temper was naturally hasty and impatient. On some occasions, my brother James was a gentle reprover, and was in example, kind. In after years, he became my advocate, as a Christian brother; for he believed me sincere, though his religious views were not in accordance with mine. My brother John married and settled at Rugeley, after which event the rest of the family went to reside at Birmingham with our parents." This brings us to a new era in the domestic circle, to which M. C. makes some allusion in mentioning the change which afterwards took place in her religious views; and as this change of view and practice first became obvious in her brother Jasper, a few particulars relating to him may here be acceptable to the reader, and useful, as a connecting link in the history of M. C. He was about four years older than she was, and tenderly attached to her. When quite young, he was sensible of the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit visiting his soul, and it became his practice reverently to read a portion of the Holy Scriptures before he left his room in a morning. On these occasions he frequently sat for a time in silence, in order to wait upon Him, who, he felt persuaded, alone could open the sacred writings to his understanding. While a young man, he accompanied his brother James (who was about to take orders as a clergyman) to London; and during their stay there, they called upon Mary Knowles, who was an acquaintance of the family.* On being informed of James's prospects, she gave them a description of the qualifications which she deemed essential to a true minister of the gospel. This address, while it produced little effect upon the mind of James, sank deeply into that of Jasper, and he was, in consequence, induced to go to a Friends' meeting. Farther reflection, enquiry and conviction were the means of attracting him very closely to this religious society; but he had much suffering to pass through, in various ways, before he became a member of it. His parents, who appear scarcely to have considered the Society of Friends to be Chris *As there is frequent mention made of this individual in the narrative, it may not be irrelevant to remark, that she was eminent for her great intellectual powers, and for her taste and skill in painting and in needlework; in which arts she excelled in her imitations of nature. Her conver sational powers were so great, and so peculiarly fascinating, that her company was much sought, and she was thereby induced to mix unprofitably, with many worldly minded persons, to her own great loss. She outlived her husband many years, and attained to advanced age. As she drew near the close of life, she was, through mercy, permitted a long illness, during which she was made to feel the burden of sin, and to lament over her mis-spent time and mis-applied talents; and there is reason to hope that the cry of her penitent spirit was heard, and that she was made a partaker of the salvation which is in Christ. tians, from partaking in an ignorance of their principles which was then very prevalent, were, of course, much opposed to his being united to such a body; and his father treated him with a severity which was cause of great sorrow to his affectionate heart; yet he was enabled to continue firm in what he saw to be required of him. He obtained some employment in London, where he was kindly noticed by a few Friends, and the house of John Fry, in Whitechapel, was always open to him. One day, while he was in much distress, on account of his father's objecting to assist, or even to see him, he went to J. Fry's and found several Friends assembled; among whom was Barbara Drewry, who was engaged in religious testimony. He quietly took his seat near the door of the room; when, without knowing anything of his situation, she addressed him very remarkably; expressing her apprehension that he was under great conflict respecting some requiring of duty; and her full belief that, if he became obedient to the will of the Lord therein, though he might be called upon to give up all that was most dear to him, and every prospect of outward advantage, yet the Lord would abundantly recompense him, and would ultimately bless him, not only with spiritual, but with temporal increase. This proved to him like a brook by the way, and contributed to strengthen his resolution to make a surrender of his all to Divine disposal. Being fully convinced of the necessity of a truly religious life, he soon became sensible of a sincere desire for the best welfare of his dear connexions, and he ventured to write to his sister Mary, endeavouring to awaken in her mind a serious concern for her eternal salvation. This letter, however, failed in producing the effect designed, and he received from his sister an answer which was very unsatisfactory to him; the following is extracted from his reply to it. "To M. CAPPER, BIRMINGHAM. London, 28th September, 1776. DEAR SISTER,-It is not my intention to enter into a religious controversy, or to persuade you or any one (for I have not myself been persuaded) into errors of judgment; if, as you say, I have blindly and enthusiastically fallen into them; but on the contrary, would gladly acknowledge my weakness and be thankful to be set right. I desire to ask you this question; By what standard did you examine letter? my Not by the doctrine of our Saviour and his apostles I am convinced, or you could not have accused me of enthusiasm; for, as I understand the word, enthusiasm is a mistaken zeal; but, where zeal is directed by truths handed down to us for our direction, it cannot be too |