Page:Elizabeth Fry (Pitman 1884).djvu/168

 Friend; it is a most undue and unchristian restraint, as far as I can judge of it.”

As the time passed, and her family got scattered up and down in the world, the idea occurred to her that, although members of different sects and churches, they could unite in fireside worship and study of the Bible, as Christians. Many of them were within suitable distances for occasional or frequent meetings, according to their circumstances; while some of the grand-children were of an age to understand, and possibly profit by, the exercises. In response to the motherly communication which follows, these family gatherings were arranged, and succeeded beyond the original expectations of her who suggested them. They continued, under the title of “philanthropic evenings,” to cement the family-circle, after Mrs. Fry had passed away. The tone of the letter inviting their cooperation is that of a philanthropist, a mother, and a Christian. It shows plainly that with all her engagements, worries, and trials, she had not absorbed or lost the spirit of the docile Mary in that of the careful Martha.

“,

“Many of you know that for some time I have felt and expressed the want of our social intercourse at times, leading to religious union and communion among us. It has pleased the Almighty to permit that by far the larger number of you no longer walk with me in my religious course. Except very occasionally, we do not meet together for the solemn purpose of worship, and upon some other points we do not see eye to eye; and whilst I feel deeply sensible that, notwithstanding this diversity among us, we are