TrT; EARNEST PHILANfiHROPIST. the tiers, attracted by the novelty of the scene, leant over the ships on every side, and listened apparently with great attention; she closed the Bible, and after a short pause, knelt down on the deck, and implored a blessing on this work of Christian charity from that GOD who, although one may sow, and another water, can alone give the increase. Many of the women wept bitterly, all seemed touched; when she left the ship, they followed her with their eyes and their blessings, until her boat having pushed within another tier of vessels, they could see her no more." Mrs. Fry was unceasing in her efforts to alter the deplorable condition of the convict -ships; and GOD'S blessing and approval seemed to rest on everything she attempted. Love and confidence met her on every side. One person, who met her returning from a convict-ship, speaks with warm admiration of "this beautiful, persuasive, and heavenly-minded woman. To see her," he adds, " was to love her; to hear her, was to feel as if a guardian angel had bid you follow that teaching which could alone subdue the temptations and evils of this life, and secure a Redeemer's love in eternity." These philanthropic labours did not supersede the exercise of charity in the vicinity of her own home. New claims on her time and sympathy were con- stantly offering themselves to her notice; her cor- respondence was already extensive and pressing; and as a leading member and acknowledged minister in the Society of Friends, she was frequently engaged 33
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