Bell, Ann Mercy

Bell, Ann Mercy an English minister of the Society of Friends, was born in London in 1706. For several years she was a teacher in a Friends' school in her native city. Her conversion took place in early life, and she was impressed that it was her duty to preach. Her ministry was at first in her own immediate vicinity, but gradually extended to many parts of England. It was not confined to persons in her own denomination, but reached the various sects of Christians. In 1753 she went to London, where she was much occupied in preaching in the streets and market-places, and "such was her ardor and love for the people that she frequently preached three or four times a day in different places." She died of apoplexy, Dec. 30, 1775. See Piety Promoted, 3, 105-106. (J. C. S.)