Memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth Mortimer: with selections from her correspondence

Front matter

BR

*~

Class Book i x^

Dedication

To Mrs. Mary Holland, and Mrs. Elizabeth Reynolds ; with earnest prayer, that in themselves and their families may be perpetuated that piety and goodness which rendered their beloved, revered, and honoured parent a blessing to her connections, as well as an ornament to society ; this memorial is inscribed by their affectionate and faithful friend,

The Author.

London, November, 1835.

Contents

Introduction. — Truth in morals and religion, as in physical science, to be tested by experiment — Benefit of such investigations — Christianity a Divine provision for the recovery of man from the consequences of the fall — Its efficiency exhibited in the subject of this memoir — Methodism — Its character and results. Page 9

Chapter I

Different species of biography — Its object in the present instance — Annals of Mrs. Mortimer's (then Miss Ritchie's) early life — Her parents — First religious impressions — Removal from the parental roof — Attachment to the world — Return home — Conviction of her guilt and danger as a sinner — Prospects of earthly advantage relinquished upon conscientious grounds — - Decision in her Christian course — Obtains the blessings of experimental piety — Her journal — Extracts from it — Intercourse and correspondence with the Rev. John Wesley, 23

Chapter II

Miss Ritchie's sense of responsibility for entrusted talents — Her appointment to be the leader of a class— The nature and duties of that office — Her peculiar fitness for it — Farther extracts from her journal — Progress in Divine knowledge and grace — Increasing intimacy with Mr. Wesley — Takes occasional journeys with him to the adjacent parts of Yorkshire — Extracts from Mr. W.'s letters — Letter from Miss R. to a friend lately married — Her declining health — Sympathy of kindred spirits — Her increasing illness — Letter, on th©

6 CONTENTS.

subject, to Mr. Wesley — His visits to Otley — Notices of them in his journals — Farther correspondence — Unexpected restoration to health — Domestic trials — Marriage of Mr. Benson — Death of Mr. Ritchie — Letters from Lady Maxwell and Miss Morgan — Visit to Bristol Hotwells, 59

Chapter III

Miss Ritchie's entrance on a more public sphere of life — Travels for purposes of spiritual usefulness — Letter to Mr. Wesley — Extracts from his replies — Intimacy with Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher — Description of their marriage — Mr. Fletcher's decease — Letter from the Rev. Charles Wesley to Mrs. Fletcher — Hymn — From the same to Mr. Fletcher — Visits Madeley with Mr. Wesley — Offer of marriage from a gentleman she had seen at Birmingham — Accepts an invitation to Dublin — Returns to Madeley, and is afflicted with severe illness — Letter to Mr. Wesley — Her course of Christian activity a peculiar one — A special instrumentality prepared by Divine Providence to engage more general attention to the truth — Letter to Mr. Wesley — Miss Ritchie visits the metropolis, Newcastle, &c. — Letters

to Mrs. T n — Returns to London — Accepts Mr.

Wesley's invitation to reside at the Chapel-house — His last sickness and death — Letter from Lady Maxwell — Death of Mrs. Hall — Miss R. leaves London for Madeley — Extracts from her journal — Its close, . 93

CHAPTER IV. Extracts of letters from Miss March — Letters from

Miss Ritchie to Miss K. and Miss T n— Passes

much of her time with afflicted friends at Bristol — Letters to Mrs. T *n — Extracts from the correspondence of Lady Mary Fitzgerald — Mrs. T n's

last illness and death — Letters to two friends recently married — Letters from Lady Maxwell and Lady Mary Fitzgerald — Holy Scripture the infallible test of religious experience — Letter from Mrs. Bates, on the subject of domestic discipline, . . . 144

CONTENTS.

Chapter V

Miss Ritchie's marriage — Exemplary wisdom, prudence, and fidelity, exhibited in the discharge of new responsibilities — Salutary influence of her counsels and example — Occasional memoranda, written by herself — Her visit to Yorkshire — Affliction through disease in the eye — Thankfulness for domestic blessings — Deaths of Mrs. Crosby and Lady Maxwell — Of her youngest son — Of Lady Mary Fitzgerald — Letters from John Pearson, Esq., and from Mrs. Bates— Important extract of a letter from Miss Wesley — Observations on public amusements — Note, in reference to the Rev. Charles Wesley — Letters from Mrs. Mortimer to Mrs. J., and to Mrs. Holland, after her marriage — Letter from Mrs. D. Whitmore — From Mrs. Mortimer to Mrs. Holland on occasion of the death of R. C. Bracken bury, Esq. — Death of Mr. Mortimer — Letters on the subject from Mr. Pearson, Mrs. Bates, and Mrs. D. Whitmore — Death of Mrs. Mortimer's nephew, Joseph Ritchie, Esq. — Lines written by him on leaving England for Africa — Letters from a clergyman and from Mrs. D. Whitmore — Letters from Mrs. Mortimer to Mrs. Holland, to Mrs. J„ and to a friend under bereavement — Her last visit to Clifton, and to Raithby — Her last letter, ...... 181

Chapter VI

The transitory character of human life — Its pensive impression counteracted by the assurance of a future immortality — The old age of a Christian honourable and happy — Mrs. Mortimer's last sickness — Her conversations with her friends during her affliction — Her eminently peaceful death — Interment and funeral sermon — Sketch of Mrs. Mortimer in old age, by Mrs. D. Whitmore — Summary of her Christian character — Concluding observations — Anticipation of reunion with departed friends — The Beatific Vision. . . 285

Introduction

In physical science general principles can be established only by accumulated facts. In the moral world the same procedure is equally essential and important. Truth refuses not the testimony of experience, but emits a splendour, and exerts an energy, proportioned to the candour, care, and diligence with which its evidences are examined. But if the investigations of science require that accuracy and attention, which nothing but a laudable curiosity, excited by deep interest in its subjects, can induce ; how much more imperative is the demand for calm and discriminating observation, in the more difficult analysis of mind ! The heart with its affections, the will, the conscience, with the various impulses which operate by turns on each, and, according to their powers and nature, determine not merely the intellectual, but also the moral, constitution ; — these require the cautious, prayerful, selfobservant vigilance of the discerning Christian, in order to his adequate attainment of that most important branch of knowledge, an acquaintance with himself. Trained by these exercises to habits of attention, he is prepared to reap advantage, not only from his own experience, but from that of others ; and thus accumulates a treasure of Divine and human wisdom, to which, amidst the strange vicissitudes of life's eventful journey, he finds innumerable occasions to recur.

To frivolous and thoughtless spirits, who love to flatter on the wing of dissipation, such pursuits may be distasteful : yet can any subject more seasonably, profitably, or delightfully exercise the human faculties, than the moral constitution of man? Acquaintance with the circumstances of a being in its origin so high, by its transgression so degraded, subjected to influences powerful and multifarious from within and from without, must, in the estimation of true wisdom, be regarded as an attainment of the highest order, whether viewed in reference to the present w T orld, or to the world to come.

Creation, in its descending scale, exhibits the perfections of the Deity, as he left them gloriously inscribed on all his works. In the human spirit, the reverse of this is the affecting truth. Man, therefore, must be regarded under those aspects which explain, in reference to his circumstances, what would otherwise appear anomalous amidst the works of the Creator. Although occupying the loftiest pinnacle of terrestrial excellence, yet man as fallen is now unhappily the only type under wiiich the species can be contemplated. His tastes and habits indicate the present weakness and perversion of his faculties. Although in search of happiness, he mistakes his aim ; his moral nature is neglected ; his responsibilities are forgotten ; he sustains, in dull vacuity, a tedious and monotonous existence ; or, borne by the uncertain and impetuous gales of passion upon the rocks and quicksands that infest the treacherous sea of life, he is alike deluded, desolate, and wretched, — the sport of circumstances, and the source of misery to others and himself.

But to this his state of helplessness, distress, and degradation, is he hopelessly and irretriev ably condemned ? The glorious Gospel of the Son of God here, in its majesty of mercy, announces an oracular reply. A remedial process has been divinely instituted for the pardon of transgression, for the renovation of man's moral nature, for his reinstatement in the favour and the family of God, and for the recovery of his title to immortal life, and to the felicities of an eternal heaven. But is the remedy efficient ? Does moral health, with its concomitants, peace, purity, and power, evince its efficacy when applied to the disorders of the soul ? The Christian, who has yielded up his spirit to the hallowing influences of religion, is here entitled to reply. Facts, in cumulative and indubitable evidence, attest its vital and restoring energy, when faithfully and perseveringly applied ; and, as the philosophical experimenter derives new pleasure from every fresh confirmation of -the principles he seeks to ascertain ; so the believer in the Gospel, with a satisfaction as transcendant as the occasion of it exceeds all other grounds of joy, felicitates himself on the increased assurance of its truth and power, arising from each added instance of its saving and transforming operation on the human soul.

In this view, Christian biography is a treasure of no ordinary value ; it applies the proper test to principles ; and calls forth experience to vouch for truth. Nor in this age of infidelity is such a voucher to be lightly estimated. Cold and scornful, on the lip of skepticism, hangs the taunt of the reviler : he impugns Christianity, and affronts its majesty, by daring to degrade it to a level with his own cheerless, powerless, heartless unbelief. But from whom receives he license thus boldly to arraign the i wisdom, and the goodness, of high Heaven? Not from those who, in humility and faith, have thankfully embraced' the boon of mercy ; but from men who have assumed its title merely, and adopted its profession from no other motives than those of custom or convenience ; beneath its garb but ill concealing worldlymindedness, indifference, and too often flagrant and revolting vice ; — men who have never sought acquaintance with its holy principles, or proved its power to influence the understanding and the heart. Human crime, and indolence, and folly have obstructed, or neglected to promote, the more diffusive application of a system bearing in its whole economy the most sublime and pure impressions of the character of Him in whose perfections it originated ; yet, in examples, multiplied beyond the power of human calculation, has been evinced its glorious and complete efficiency to answer every purpose of its institution, and to prove that, were its promulgation and acceptance universal, it would ensure the renovation and salvation of the world.

The relevancy of these observations to the present subject, it will not be difficult to show. They were suggested by reflection on the uniform and consistent beauty of a character.

which, without those distinctions that command the admiration of the world, without the fascinations of rank, wealth, or genius, yet so improved the competent endowments of nature, as to acquire considerable mental elevation, to secure extensive influence, and to fill with mild and genial light a sphere of usefulness, benevolence, and duty, for the space of fourscore years. The transition of the mind is rapid from effects to causes. In the present instance there is nothing dubious : one word explains the whole : it was religion, imbibed in healthful freshness from its pure and vital source. It was Christianity, that, in early life, moulded the pliant faculties into its sweet and heavenly form ; that took possession of the mind, and stamped it with the image of true wisdom ; that taught the young affections to expand in earnest aspirations after the highest excellence ; and threw the shadow of its glory round its youthful votary, to shield her from the evil influences of a dangerous and corrupting world. From such premises the inference is easy and legitimate. A system that thus rectifies, adorns, and raises human nature, must proceed from Heaven ; and, as an emanation of Divinity, demands from men profound consideration of its claims, as well as prompt acceptance of its benefits, and perfect subjugation to its laws. In grace, as in nature, tbe final purposes of God must be contemplated, in order to the full developement of their magnificence, and to the display of that eternal wisdom, power and goodness, which are the origin and end of each.

But before entering on the details of the subject, it may be desirable to notice in what department of the school of Christ the character to be brought forward received that training under which she made so great proficiency, as to entitle her to be exhibited as an example to the Christian Church : and if the spirit of a pure and universal piety, pervading the whole heart and life, allows her claim to be adduced as a bright specimen of the efficiency of evangelical religion, must not candour also admit, that that species of Christianity, whose type she received, and which the world has chosen to designate by the name of " Methodism," contains within its system those principles of light and energy, which merit nobler epithets than those which generally assail it, from a prejudiced and undiscerning world ?

Neither to the philosopher, nor the philanthropist, can this subject be a matter of indifference, or of cold speculation. A machinery of so much moral power as that which, at the commencement of the last century, was put in motion, under special instrumentality, by the revival of religion which then took place, and which still continues to propel its influence through wider and still widening circles, cannot but invite consideration, and excite much interest in reflecting minds. Such, accustomed to connect the links that form the chain of providence, will trace the steps of prescient mercy, preparing, by a more extended and effective Christianity, a barrier against the influx of those dark and dangerous principles which, in more recent times, have poured their poisonous tide, with an impetuous violence, through almost every quarter of the globe. Infidelity and insubordination have daringly unfurled the banner of defiance against Divine and human government. The standard has been grasped with desperate energy ; and had the counteraction of religious principle been less effective, still more fatal would have been the consequences to the general interests of mankind. By the arrangements of a gracious Providence, a system of instruction was prepared and organized, peculiarly adapted to that class of society against which infidelity, and its attendant evils, forsaking the misty regions of philosophical speculation, now insidiously direct their aim.

It has justly passed into an aphorism, that " whatever is novel in religion must necessarily be false." Methodism had no novelty to present to the world. The doctrines it propounded were the great and leading principles of evangelical truth, laid down in the Scriptures, and contained, not only in the formularies of the Universal Church, but also in those of the Church of England, of whose communion its distinguished founder, the Rev. John Wesley, was an attached and a conscientious member. It was in spirit, rather than in substance, that it differed from that established form of Christianity from which it took its rise.

Numerous causes had conspired to check the course of that revival of religion, which the era of the reformation had seen so gloriously commenced. Supineness and fanaticism contributed each its quota, to obscure the truth which then emerged from long-impending night. A new impulse had become essential ; the zeal that animated the reformers required rekindling from the altar-fires of Heaven. To accomplish this important purpose, the providence of God selected its own agency ; and from the bosom of the Church of England raised up a class of men, whose holy zeal, and almost apostolic labours, roused the dormant and decaying 2

IB INTRODUCTION.

spirit of religion, and proclaimed a vital and transforming Christianity in every quarter of the land.

Not without sacrifice were these chosen instruments to be honoured as the special messengers of Heaven. Earnestness, which, in the pursuit of earthly objects, men esteem a virtue, when exercised on the important interests of religion was construed to imply the absence of sobriety of mind. Exclusion from their usual sphere of ministerial operation was the consequence of their irregular proceedings ; and censure, persecution, and reproach were plenteously awarded, in return for sufferings, labours, and privations of no ordinary kind. To these they cheerfully submitted, in the meek and animating spirit of that pure philanthropy which is originated only by the love of God.

But while human judgments, urged by human passions, misinterpreted the zeal and labours of these holy and devoted men, the seal of the Divine acceptance attested God's approval of their work. Sinners listened to the voice that warned them of impending danger, and awoke from the deceitful dream of false security ; the Gospel, faithfully proclaimed, became the power of God to their salvation ; and its legitimate effects were manifested in a renovated spirit, and a holy life. Thus, by the enlightening and ameliorating influences of a spiritual and vigorous ministry, were thousands rescued from the toils of sin ; and on the surface of society, to a considerable extent, especially upon those orders of it most accessible to danger from the peculiar spirit of the age, a healthful and restraining moral power was spread.

But although Methodism has largely participated in the glory of preaching the Gospel to the poor, yet has it numbered among its trophies some of the wisest and the best of men ; men whose understandings could be subjugated only by the force of truth, and who were alike by education and by constitution far removed from the unnatural fervours of a wild fanaticism, and from the enthusiastic vanity of expecting to attain an end without the use of means. By minds thus powerful and comprehensive has this revival been regarded as the work of God ; nor have they been ashamed of yielding up their spirits to its influence, or of being found co-operators in promoting its extension through the world.

To the enlightened intellect, no line of conduct appears so like fatuity, as that which slights concerns of everlasting moment, or turns with proud contempt from the realities of the eternal world. A form of Christianity, therefore, whose chief speciality was, that it was in earnest, would have little to conflict with in such minds. Among the friends and adherents of the Wesleys, many such characters were found ; and if from all classes of society may be largely selected those who have not only given their sanction to the economy established by these eminent men, but who have themselves been formed by it to an elevation in piety and virtue to which they might not otherwise have attained, may not Methodism, like Christianity, appeal for judgment, from the prejudices and passions of men, to its results in the exaltation of the human character, and the general improvement of society ?

These observations, it is deemed proper here to make, in order that the position occupied by the early Methodists may be distinctly understood, and a full and just light thus cast upon the portrait which is now to fill the scene. Although these things, at a period comparatively not far distant, were known familiarly, yet their contemporaries are now passed away. Events and personages sink rapidly into oblivion ; and reminiscences that should be cherished, fade like evening shadows from the mind.

On the young the expectations of the Church repose.: by them, therefore, it is devoutly to be wished, that example in its forceful influence should be felt. That this influence may not, in the present instance, be enfeebled by unfounded and fastidious prejudice ; that the candid and inquiring may be prompted to investigate a subject which now forms material for historic record ; and, especially, that the claims of personal religion may be seriously weighed and duly estimated : — these comprise the reasons that have induced the author to prefix this Introduction to the following work.

MEMOIR

OF

MRS. ELIZABETH MORTIMER.

Chapter I

" You will see what manner of persons the Spirit of God does form." — Venn.

That biography which comprises incidents of multiform and stirring interest, is, undoubtedly, to the majority of readers, most attractive; but this is seldom furnished in the course of ordinary life. There is, however, another, and perhaps a richer, source of pleasure and improvement, to those who can dispense with objects so exciting, and retire from sensible and outward things to the interior chambers of the mind. To these it is a pleasant, and an instructive, exercise, to learn the history of other minds, whether developed in the excursions of genius, the patient and laborious efforts of science, the sublime walks of philosophy, or the still higher regions of Divine truth. The memorials of intellect have an intrinsic value : light is propagated as from mirror to mirror, and its beams are rendered, not only more diffusive, but more intense.

There is yet an inner shrine : it is the region in which the immortal spirit holds converse with its Maker, and transacts the concerns of eternity. This is the sphere which is now chiefly to occupy attention ; though, while studying the principal subject, many intervening ones may be anticipated, which will at once illustrate and diversify the scene.

To ascribe glory to her Saviour, and to promote the welfare of her species, were objects of supreme desire to her, who now, fronj the retirement of domestic life, is summoned as a bright example of the power and excellence of Christian piety. To a character so humble,, and so free from ostentation, publicity on lower grounds would have been irksome and annoying ; but for such ends, she scrupled not, through life, to make innumerable sacrifices of personal and private feeling ; nor would she, from the tomb, refuse to reiterate, with more impressive emphasis than ever, those holy, useful, and important lessons which, while on earth, by precept and example she sedulously strove to* teach.

From the pen of Mrs. Mortimer herself will be derived the annals of her early life* This document was, at the request of her late husband. H. W. Mortimer, Esq., prefixed to a journal, in whieh, for more than twenty years, she registered, not only the occurrences of life, but more particularly such spiritual perceptions^ and trains of thought and feeling, as in succession exercised her heart and mind. She ran her course with circumspection and internal vigilance ; and the result was. a consistent exhibition of the graces and the virtues of the Christian life.

" My father's name," says Mrs. Mortimer, " was John Ritchie. He was a native of Edinburgh ; and, in the reigns of George the Second and George the Third, served many years as a surgeon in the navy. He was a sensible, amiable, well-informed man, fond of retirement, and had a great taste for the beauties of nature. He feared God, and in all things acted conscientiously ; received the message of the Gospel with joy ; and welcomed its ministers tu the hospitalities of his house. A nautical life was not congenial to his feelings : as soon, therefore, as he conveniently could, he sought for a quiet retreat in some retired spot. A kind Providence directed his steps to a pleasant village in the lovely valley of Wharfdale. Here he pitched his tent, and shortly afterward married my mother, Beatrice Robinson, of Bramhope. After the birth of my brother, my parents removed to Otley ; where, on February the 2d, 1754, it pleased God to bring me into this land of shadows. My early days were passed in peace and pleasure. I was naturally cheerful; my chief trouble was the pain I felt when I had grieved my relatives or friends. The restraints of a strictly religious education fixed around my young mind bounds which were never wholly broken through. From a child, I was taught to believe that xf!

God hears and answers prayer ; and was soon convinced, that it was the best means of preventing evil, and of obtaining good. When prayer was neglected, every thing went wrong. Thoughts of the day of judgment, and a conviction that I was not prepared to meet it, often made me serious, when only eight years old. But these impressions were transient ; I knew nothing of the depravity of my own heart ; and they were easily effaced by the increasing volatility of youth.

" When about twelve years of age, a lady in our neighbourhood (Mrs. H.) requested my father to bring me with him to pay her a visit. She was the last sister of an old family which my father had professionally attended ; and

lived in the family mansion at L s This

lady grew so fond of me, that at length she would not let me return home. I had here many things to bear that were not pleasant ; but I soon saw, that if I could but endure the strict discipline to which I was subjected, it would prove of excellent use. This helped me to bear a kind of treatment for which in subsequent life I have been truly thankful. My Lord prepared me here for many things through which I have since been called to pass. I was introduced into company and habits very different from those to which I had been used at home. The former flattered my vanity, and made me more willingly submit to the restraints imposed upon me. Mrs. H. w r as a strict moralist, but at that time, I fear, a stranger to the doctrines of the Gospel, and very much prejudiced against the Methodists ; against whom she also strongly endeavoured to prejudice me. In process of time she succeeded ; and I was often really ashamed to own that my parents attended their ministry. Indeed, I went so far as to use my endeavours to prevent them ; often repeating the tales I had heard, and wishing, at least, that they would not receive Mr. Wesley into their house ; but all I could say had no effect : they tried to remove my objections ; but, who are so blind as those who will not see ? I pursued my follies, and cared not how little I was at home ; but in the midst of all this I was unhappy. Sometimes I wished for greater liberty to indulge myself in all the follies of life, and thought, < Surely if I could be gratified in this respect, 1 should find the rest I am so fruitlessly pursuing.' "

This sketch exhibits the writer's characteristic ingenuousness and simplicity ; but a crisis was at hand, on whose issue hung the form and tenor of her future life, — a period of decision which was to fix her choice on God, or yield her up to the illusions of a fascinating and deceitful world. Too often has the youthful subject of Divine grace been induced to make a false and fatal compromise with conscience ; and under such circumstances to sacrifice the friendship of Heaven, and the interests of eternity, in order to run in giddy chase after those vanities which, like the rainbow on the passing cloud, continually elude their grasp. Such, in the present instance, most happily was not the case.

Mrs. Mortimer proceeds to state, that family arrangements occasioned the removal of her patroness, Mrs. H., to York, whither she accompanied her. " And here," she says, " I had the opportunity of indulging myself, beyond what I could reasonably have expected, in all the vain amusements of the world. But still my poor mind, like Noah's dove, could find no rest. I strictly attended to religious duties, but was fond of plays, cards, and company. I compared myself with others, and drew conclusions favorable to my own state ; for though 1 did not make such high pretensions as many did, yet I thought myself a good Christian : and so effectually was my conscience at that time asleep, that though nothing but death separated me from perdition, yet I was insensible ot my danger ; nay, more, so completely was I under self-deception, as to suppose myself rich in spiritual attainment, when at the same time I was a poor, deluded, miserable sinner, obnoxious to the just displeasure of almighty God."

But this darkness was shortly superseded by the true and heavenly light. That heart, whose expanding desires after happiness the world, specious and pretending as it was, could not satisfy, — that spirit which even in the formalities of religion could find no repose, — was soon to meet its proper object, and taste a pure, substantial, permanent felicity in holy and delightful friendship with the only Source of good,

"In the year 1770," continues Mrs. Mortimer, " my friend Mrs. H. took a journey to London. She said, were I to accompany her, it would introduce me more into life than would be proper at so early a period ; and that I should, therefore, visit my parents during her absence. This was a gracious providence for me. Mr. Wesley came to Otley, and I was pleased with him in company ; yet such were my prejudices at that time, that I would not go to hear him preach. The curate of Otley, the Rev. James Illingworth, was a spiritual man ; but although I had been accustomed to attend the services of the establishment both on Sundays and on week days very regularly, yet, to my shame I must confess, I was an utter stranger to the blessed doctrines which its articles and homilies contain. Mr. Illingworth particularly insisted on the natural depravity of man, on justification by faith only, the new birth, and the influences of the Holy Spirit. These subjects were new to me, and when I first heard him, he greatly attracted my attention ; but I heard for others, and often said to myself, * This is very necessary for persons that have been openly immoral ;' but I still remained ignorant of my own deep interest in them, until it pleased the Holy Spirit to remove the veil from my heart."