THE EARNEST PHILANTHROPIST. Early in 1798, William Savery, a fervent and eloquent Friend, arrived in Norwich. He had for- merly been a gay, unbelieving man of the world ; he was then a zealous, sincere Quaker. He preached in the Friends' Meeting House, at the "gayest meeting he had ever sat in." Elizabeth and her sisters were present, brilliant and fashionable. Her younger sister, Richenda, sat beside her, and was so absorbed in contemplation of the lovely belle's boots, "purple laced with scarlet," - the latest freak of fashion-that she did not for some time remark that the wearer was bathed in tears and greatly agitated. Meeting over, Elizabeth wept bitterly during the ride home, and showed a depth of sincere emotion which augured well. The angels of God were triumphing. " To -day, I have felt that there is a God ! " Alas ! two days subsequently, she is riding again to Norwich to hear the band ; and, being gazed at with admiration by certain gay young officers, re- turning home, as full of vanity as she had set forth in the morning full of piety. Shortly after this, the prospect of a visit to London put the mind of Elizabeth " in a whirl ;" yet the anticipations of the gaieties and pleasures of the splendid capital were mingled with hopes of seeing William Savery, and the Plain Quakers whom .she would meet there. On her arrival she was plunged in dissipation. Operas, concerts, routs, parties, rapidly succeeded 13
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