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.
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!