Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-01-20
ACTIVE INTERCHANGEABLE
ABETH FRY.

interesting article TO the "Lady's Book"
for December 1t is translated by one of
the editors of that agreeable miscellany,
Mrs. Sarah ]. Hale, from the French of
Madame Adele Du Thous "History of
the Quakers."
elizabeth Quincy was the third daugh-
ter of Mr. John Quincy of Earlham Hall,
county of Norfolk She was born in 1880
and as her mother died soon after, this
young girl was subject to little control. Her
father was very indulgent, and though be-
longing TO the society of Friends, he was not
very strict in restraining his children to the
companionship OF those of their own sect
Elizabeth was very handsome, and her
birth, fortune, and education entitled her to
associate with the best society. She went
TO London when she was about seventeen,
and mingled in all the gay amusements
which the capital afforded Still she show
ed, even at this age, an ardent wish to i'm
prove herself, and learn every thing which
this new scene presented. Soon after her
return the family were visited by some
Quaker connections, who were deeply i'm
bued with the pious spirit which has so Of
ten been exhibited by the devout ofth sect.
Elzabeth's mind was awakened, and her
heart changed. She adopted the plain garb
of the Friends, gave up all amusements, and
thenceforward devouted herself to the work
of doing good. Her first plan of usefulness
was to open a school in her own fathers
house for poor children. This young and
lovely girl went out and gathered from the
abodes of poverty, from the lanes and fields,
twenty-four of these destitute little beings,
whom, day by day, she instructed and com
forted. What beautiful example for young
ladies' !
''In 1900, Elizabeth Quincy was married
to Mr. Fry gentleman of the most estima-
BILE character, who aided her benevolent
plans and generally allowed her a considera-
BILE sum for her charities and, more than
this, he was willing that she should devote
the greater portion of her time to these
missions Of charity. II was while engaged
in such, comparatively, private labors Of
love, that Mrs. Fry, hearing of the deplora-
BILE condition of the female prisoners in
Newgate, resolved TO relieve them. She
applied to the governor for leave to visit
them. He attempted to dissuade her. you
will be disguised with their behavior and
language, said he Il am almost afraid,
myself, to enter the apartment; they are so
yie.'
II am fully aware of the danger meeky
replied Mrs Fry Il do not go in my own
strength. God will protect me-
"But, madame, if you are determined on
entering the den of iniquity, pray leave your
purse and watch behind said the governor
81 thank thee; / am not afraid / do not
think | shall lose any thing replied this
heroic woman.
"She entered an apartment Of the prison
in which were confined about one hundred
and Sirty oOmen the condemned and those
who were awaiting trial, being all huddled
together, with many children, who were thus
brought up in the school of vice. The
cries and curses of these poor little victims
of their parents crimes added the darkest
shade of the dreadful picture which met the
plying eyes of this angel of mercy. The
astonished inmates of the prison gazed on
her, as though she were indeed an angel
The pure and tranquil expression of her
beautiful countenance soon softened their
ferocity 1t has been remarked that if vir-
tue coald be rendered visible, it would be
impossible to resist its influence. In Mrs.
Fry, virtue seemed indeed embodied. so
lovely and attractive was the manner of her
influence she has gained over this host OF
abandoned creatures, who had seemed worse
than savages.
"She addressed them in the most gentle
accents. you seem unhappy said she
you are in want of clothes would you not
be pleased if some one came to relieve your
misery I?
."Certanly,' said one, we need clothes.
But nobody cares for US, and where can we
find friend 2 said another.
81 come to serve you, if you will allow
me- said Elizabeth Fry. She then went
OH to express her sympathy for them, and
offer them hope, that they might improve
their condition. She did not say word
about the crimes they had committed, moi
reproach them. She came to comfort and
not to condemn. When she was about to
depart the women thronged around her.
''You are leaving u.s. said they 'and you
will never come again
Eyes, will come again if you desire IL,
she replied.
awe do we dol was echoed around the
apartment.
"In short time Mrs. Fry made her SEE
ond visit, and intended to pass the whole
day. The doors were closed and barred
and she was left alone with the prisoners
you must not suppose, said she to them
that have come here without being com
missioned.' She raised the Bible which
she had brought in her hand, and continued
this book, which has been the guide of m!
life, has brought me to you 1t directed mi
to visit the prisoners; to take pity on thu
poor and afflicted You are afflicted
4 IL ealta