rew up to enjoy the occasional
parties which she attended with her sisters. Still, from the records of
her journal, we find that at this time neither the grave worship of
Quakerism nor the gayeties of Norwich satisfied her eager spirit. We
find too, how early she kept this journal, and from it we obtain the
truest and most interesting glimpses into her character and feelings.
Thus at seventeen years of age she wrote:--

I am seventeen to-day. Am I a happier or a better creature than I
was this day twelvemonths? I know I am happier--I think I am
better. I hope I shall be happier this day year than I am now. I
hope to be quite an altered person; to have more knowledge; to have
my mind in greater order, and my heart too, that wants to be put in
order quite as much.... I have seen several things in myself and
others I never before remarked, but I have not tried to improve
myself--I have given way to my passions, and let them have command
over me, I have known my faults and not corrected them--and now I
am determined I will once more try with redoubled ardor to overcome
my wicked inclinations. I must not flirt; I must not be out of
temper with the children; I must not contradict without a cause; I
must not allow myself to be angry; I must not exaggerate, which I
am inclined to do; I must not give way to luxury; I must not be
idle in mind. I must try to give way to every good feeling, and
overcome every bad. I have lately been too satirical, so as to hurt
sometimes: remember it is always a fault to hurt others.

I have a cross to-night. I had very much set my mind on going to
the Oratorio. The Prince is to be there, and by all accounts it
will be quite a grand sight, and there will be the finest music;
but if my father does not wish me to go, much as I wish it, I will
give it up with pleasure, if it be in my power, without a
murmur.... I went to the Oratorio. I enjoyed it, but I spoke sadly
at random--what a bad habit!

There is much difference between being obstinate and steady. If I
am bid to do a thing my spirit revolts; if I am asked to do a
thing, I am willing.... A thought passed my mind that if I had some
religion I should be superior to what I am; it would be a bias to
better actions. I think I am by degrees losing many excellent
qualities. I am more cross, more proud,