From Elizabeth Missing Sewell's Journal, 19 February 1856: 'I was reading to-day the 5th chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews. I have taken this epistle for a particular study this Lent. It is a great favourite of mine. In so many ways it comes home to one's everyday trials and needs. Thinking of my birthday [19 February] threw me back into the past, and the description of our Lord having been made perfect through suffering seemed to harmonise with the great lesson which I suppose we all learn as we go on in life, that whatever we have done, or said, or thought, which may be in any way of value [...] is the fruit of suffering.'