Elizabeth had been very remiss in her attendance at meeting; any and
every excuse, in addition to her, at times, really delicate health,
served to hinder attendance, until her uncle gently but firmly urged the
duty upon her. Thenceforward she went a little more frequently, but
still was far from being a pattern worshipper; and it will be conceded
that few, save spiritual worshippers, could with profit join in the
grave silence, or enjoy the equally grave utterances of ordinary
meeting. But William Savery was no ordinary man, and the young people at
Earlham prepared to listen to him, in case he "felt moved" to speak,
with no ordinary attention. Giving an account of this visit, Richenda
Gurney admitted that they liked having Yearly Meeting Friends come to
preach, for it produced a little change; from the same vivacious pen we
have an account of that memorable service. Memorable it was, in that it
became the starting-point of a new career to Elizabeth Gurney.

The seven sisters of the Earlham household all sat together during that
eventful morning, in a row, under the gallery. Elizabeth was restless
as a rule when at meeting, but something in the tone of William Savery's
voice arrested her attention, and before he had proceeded very far she
began to weep. She continued to be agitated until the close of the
meeting, when, making her way to her father, at the men's side of the
house, she requested his permission to dine at her uncle's. William
Savery was a guest there that day, and, although somewhat surprised at
his daughter's desire, Mr. Gurney consented to the request. To the
surprise of all her friends Elizabeth attended meeting again in the
afternoon, and on her return home in the carriage her pent-up feelings
found vent. Describing this scene, Richenda Gurney says: "Betsey sat in
the middle and astonished us all by the great feelings she showed. She
wept most of the way home. The next morning William Savery came to
breakfast, and preached to our dear sister after breakfast, prophesying