4. A few more circumstances relating to this amiable woman, may not be unacceptable to the reader. _Elizabeth_, the daughter of _William_ and _Joan Tuck_, was born at _Penzance_, _December 20, 1734_. She was brought to _Redruth_, when about four years old, and as she grew up, lived as other harmless people did. _June 30, 1755_, she was married to one _Andrew Harper_, a shopkeeper of _Redruth_; and three or four years after, she became weak and sickly. At the same time she grew distrest in her mind, which she strove to remove by various ways; but all to no purpose. In the latter end of the year 1763, a fever brought her to the brink of eternity. She was greatly afraid to die: and hearing there were some in the town, who had no fear of death, she intreated her husband, without delay, to send for one of the preachers. Conversing with him, she saw the way of conquering the fear of death. She soon recovered her health, and from that time sought the Lord with her whole heart, till on _Easter-day_ (having joined the society before) as she was receiving the Lord’s supper, these words were strongly applied to her soul, _It is God that justifieth: who is he that condemneth?_ She went home, called her husband, and said, “Now all my sins are forgiven. I am not afraid to die now: for I love God, and I know he loves me.”
5. From this time she walked closely with God, and was hearty and zealous in his cause. There was nothing in her power, which she was not ready to do for the servants or children of God. She was exceedingly tempted, after she believed God had cleansed her from inbred sin. Of this she gives a large account in her journal: but she did not cast away her confidence. When she saw death approaching, she was not moved, but calmly looked up to God. She exhorted her husband, and all near her, not to love the world, or the things of the world. A little after she said, “_Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee._ Thou knowest, it hath been my only desire, to please thee: Come, Lord Jesus! Come, and sanctify me throughout, spirit, soul and body! O come quickly.” In a little time she cried, “He is come! He is come!” And presently fell asleep.
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An EXTRACT from her JOURNAL.
AUGUST 8, 1765. After breakfast, as I was at prayer, the Lord broke in upon my soul. O may he hasten the happy time, when I shall be filled with his fulness, and assist me to believe to full salvation! O that he would _make me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me_!
Friday 9. Blessed be his name, he has kept me this day, amidst all the hurry of business. I long to get into the glorious liberty of his dear children. May the Lord increase my faith, and confirm my hope, for my dear Redeemer’s sake!
Saturday 10. I was with some who do not hold “sinless perfection,” as they call it, to be attainable here. Afterwards I found, the talking about their opinion was not of use to me. It only damped my spirit. May the Lord of his great goodness lead me _into all truth_!
Sunday 11. We were talking of Christian experience, which is useful in its place; but I fear, I talked too much. Lord, give me a tender conscience, “the slightest touch of sin to feel.”
Monday 12. To-day, glory be to his name, I have had power over my besetting sin. I hope, it will not be long before I have an evidence, that he has made an end of my inbred sin. May he ever keep me humble, and fill me with love, _more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold_. *Afterward I was talking with a Christian friend concerning this blessing; and we saw, that none can receive it, till they feel the want of it first, and that then it must be received by simple faith alone. I said, “Suppose I begin to live now, and believe from this time?” She said, “That is the right way.” _Lord I do believe: help my unbelief_, and increase my faith more and more. When I was going to bed, I found great confidence in the Lord. May he increase it to the perfect day!
Tuesday 13. Glory be to God, this has been a day of marrow and fat things to my soul. May he keep me low at his feet, and humble me in the very dust before his glorious Majesty!
Wednesday 14. I waked with, _Now is the ax laid to the root of the tree_. May the Lord root up whatever is not of his own planting! Glory be to his name for what he has done. I have not found any anger rise in me this day. But I was surprised at private prayer two or three times, with something striking me between the shoulders as with a dart. Whatever it is, may the Lord give me power over it, and take it from me in his own due time.
Thursday 15. I was much distrest for a clearer evidence, and cried to God, to increase my faith. In reproving a person, I found something rise as quick as thought. But I looked to the Lord, and it was gone.