i I LIBRARY \y MEMOIRS O F EMINENTLY PIOUS W O M E N, WHO WERE ORNAMENTS TO THEIR SEX— BLESSINGS T# THEIR FAMILIES— AND EDIFYING EXAMPLES TO THE CHORCH AND WOPvLD. Dtt./ OFdBONSi . L0Npd.5f, ; I* By DANIEL DANA, A. M, N E W B U R Y P O R T : Printed for the Subscribers by Angier Marcil Publ&hpd according t*^ Acs of Congress. PREFACE TO THE ABRroGMENT. 1 HE ufefiilmfs of BlograpJrj is equally $bvious and acknowledged, Nofpccies ofwrhlng feems fo happllj calculated at once to iiforni the mind^ to improve the tafie, and to meliorate the heart. By exhibiting goodnefs in an alluring, but practicable form ; by prefenting excellence actual- ly attained^ with the various means andfleps of its acquifttion; it furnishes us with fomeofthe befl pofjible excitements to be y>'hat we onshi to be. In one point of view, the delineation of eminent Chriflian chara&ers appears peculiarly interefl- ing. It a for as a ft r iking evidence, at once of the divinity of the Scriptures, and the tranfcendent excellence of the religion which they inculcate. The be ft vindication of this religion refults from a difplay of its nature and genuine e feels. It needs hut to be heard in its own defence, or rather to be fcen ; and its oppofers are either confounded or gained. 18/4.41 IV PREFACE IVith great pmpriety U has been remarked:^ that '' thofc lives whkJs. dcj'crvt mojl to be had in " remembrance^ are niofl eajllj recorded^ and con- "' f'f* (^ff^'^^fl ariicles."" The memorials of excel- hnt and exemplary women are therefore pecui- r!y worthy of attention^ for the very reafons for %hich titey are fometimes undervalued. Though generally uniform in their tenor ^ barren of inci- dent^andojcourfe^ little calculated to gratify tners cnriofity^ yet thefe are the lives which a^'ord the mojl folid end valuable inffrucfion : inflruFflon which comes home so the bojoms ofalU and which pecuT: • ' ^7'ejres us amid our humbler occupa- tions^.. : retired fenes, h is here that th^ ore at in a fs ofmanlHnd are found; and here the :>' wlw are defiinedto more fplendid parts in the. fima ^jfUfcj mujl have their preparations form* ■ '. :::d their characters ftamped, X .2 importance ofwr.nen in every civilized foci'% eiy^ their afcendanceover theotlierfex, andinflu^ -:e in forming its characler^ are generally con- ..but can fcarce be adequately appreciated^, ij uiii influence extended only to the periods ofin- ra:icy and childhood^ it would be a mod momentous ^air; efpedally taken in ccnmxion with the pe- .liar opportutiitiesfir its exertion. But it cpcr* ates PREPACK. V ates with even an Increafedforce^ in thefucceeding pages ; andceafes not^ but with life. If in man^ this flifceptibill^y be a weaknejl^ it is a weaknefs to which the mofl noble and virtuous minds are mo[l [abject. It IS of incalculable importance that thofs y>'ho thus give the tone of fentiments and manners to their fpecies^ should be themfelves correct. Nor can a greater fervice be done.tofociety^than to pre- fent them with models by which their own charac- ters may withfafety and advantage be formed. The Memoirs of emincnrb/ pious Women, by Dr. Gwuio^^^ furnish much valuable in ft; ruction of this kind. The characters exhibited are many of them of the fir fl order. Nor is it an unimportant cir cum fiance to find eminent piety recommended-, info many inflames,, by the embellishments ofgen* ius^ learning and rank, Tet certain obvious infe- licities attached to thework^feem much calculated to obftrucl its circulation and u fcf nine fs. To rem* edy thefe infelicities^ has been the aim of the editor of the pre fent volume. He has connected the nar- rative^ comprejjcdiheflyle^ and^ without omitting what feemed important,, curtailed a variety of re- dundant anduniriterefting matter. In a few in- fiances^ diflinct and independent accounts of the fame life have been incorporated; a change equal- h VL F R E F A C E. ly conducive to conc'ifenefs andperfpicuity. In otfi- ers^ where the materials for profit ahk.hiflory were- obvioiifly fcanty^ it was deemed hefl to prefent^ without ornament or circumlocution^ the few traits which could he collected. Such are the principal means by which he has endeavored to transfufe in* to a moderate duodecimo volume^ the effence of two copious octavos, Thejiiccefs of the attempt is fuh' mittedto thedecifion of the intelligent reader^ who- way have opportunity to compare it with the origin nal compilation. Whatever imperfections may attend the work,, either in its primary orprefentjorm^yet its obvious tendency to promote experimental and practical religion^ andfubferve the higheft inter efls of man- kind^ will conciliate^ It is hoped,^ the candid atten- tion of the ferious and benevolent. To their patron- age^ and to the bleljing of God^ it is humbly com- mended, D. D, Newbdryport, 0(fl. 29, 1802, CONTENTS. J.-/ADY Jane Grey^ 9 Queen Catharine Parr, ^7 Jane, Queen of Navarre, 38 Mary, Queen of Great-Britain, 45 Lady Mary Vere, - . . - 72, Counters of Suffollv', 79 Lady Mary Armyne, 87 Lady Elizabeth Langham, 92 Counters of Warwick, 103 Lady Elizabeth Brooke, 133 Mifs Margaret Andrews, 165 Lady Alice Lucy, 174 Lady Margaret Houghton, 179 Mifs Ann Baynard, - - . 184 Lady Frances Hobart, 189 Lady Catharine Courten, 198 Lady Cutts, - . - - 205 Mrs. Anne Askewe, - _ . 213 Lady Elizabeth Haftings, 220 Mrs. Jane RatclifFe, 23s Mrs. Catharine Bretterg, 245 Lady Rachel Ruflell, 254 Mrs. Elizabeth Burnet, 274 Mrs. Elizabeth Bury, - _ • . £90 Mrs. Elizabeth Rowe, - , . . 355 LADY JANE GREY: CTHERWISEy LADY JANE DUDLEY. OHE wn5 born, as is fiipporecl, about the beglnningof the year 1536. Ker parents were Henry- Grey, Marquis of Dorfet, and Lady Frances Bran- don, grand-daughter to King Henry the Seventh. Her perfon had in it fomet'nir.g fingularly elegant and attra6live. But in her, the advantages both of birth and beauty were early edipfed by uncommon powers of genius and acquifitions of learning ; and by the dill more valuable endowments of gentlenefs, humility and piety. The fupcrioriry of her mind was fird announced- by her excellence in the accompli (hments ufual to her fcK and rank. Her facility and elegance in the per- formances of the needle and pen, her fl her father was created Duke of Suffolk, and at the fame liine, Dudley, Earl of War- wick, was created Duke of Northumberland. Not long after, thefe noblemen attained the pinnacle of power. Perceiving the king's health decline, and Gonfcious that his death mud precipitate them from their elevation, they began to deliberate on fome method by which this dreaded reverfe might be pre- vented. Their deliberations terminated in a Icheme to effecl a change in the fuccedion to the crown, and transfer it to their own families. The Lady Jane was deftined to the principal part in this intended revolu- tion. In reality, the whole of it centered in her. — • Thofe excellent and amiable qualities which had rendered her dear to all who knew her, fubjecled her to becom.e the chief inllrument of an ambition notori- onfly not her own.- With this object In view, fuz; was married to Lord Guilford Dudley, fourth fon ot the Duke of Northumberland, without any difcovery, or even intimation to herfelf, of the real deflgn of the match, which was celebrated with great pomp> the latter end of May, 1553, fo much to the king's fatisfaClion, that he largely contributed to its expcnfcs from the royal wardrobe. But the magnificence and fplcndor attending their nuptials was the laft gleam of joy which fhone in the palace of king Edward who, a few days afterward, grew fo weak, that the Duke of Northumberlard thought it time to carry his projef fuch a princefs ; and that in this cafe, he was bound to fet aiide all partialities of blood and relation fhip, v/hich were inferior confiderations, and to be over- ruled hy the public good. To add force to his per- fuafions, and fecure fuccefs to his propofal, care was taken to place about the king thole who fhould em- Ijrace every favorable occafion, to purfue the fubjecl,, ^^lpa] enlarge on the accompiifhments of Lady Jane. The plan fucceeded : and tue king, in the refult, con- fented to a difpofition of the crown which overlooked PiOt only his father's will, but the exprefs provifions of the Englifn Conftitution. Agreeably, a deed of fettieraent, being drawn up in form by the judges, v/as figned by his Majefty, and all the Lords of the Council'. The matter being thun far accomplifhed, and the letters patent having palb-d the feals before the clofe of the month, the next object was to adopt the moft effectual method for carrying the new arrangement into execution, and, until this was done, to keep it as fecret as polfible. In purfuance of this dcfign, the Duke of Northumberland directed letters to Lady Alary, in her brother's name, requiring her attend- ance at Greenwich, where the court then was. The princefs, in obedience to the fummons, had arrived ivithin half a day's joarney of the palace, when king Edward expired. This events which took place July 6, 1553, was feafonably made known to her, ^nd (he availed herfelf of the opportunity to efcape the fnare which had been thus artfully laid. The, Lady Jane Gre?. 13^ The Dukes of Suffolk and Northumberland found it necelTary to conceal the king's death, that they might have time to gain the city of London, and fecure the confent of Lady Jane, who was as yet wholly unacquainted with the lieps which had been taken to procure her the crown. At this jundlure, the princefs Mary fent a letter to the privy Council, in which without exprefsly alTuming the title of queen, (he clearly affirted her right to the throne ; taking notice likewife of the concealment of her brother's death, and of their tranfa^S^ions fince ; inti- mating that there was flill room for reconciliation ;and that if they now complied with their duty in pro- claiming her queen, the paO: fhould be not only par- doned but forgotten. In anfwer to her letter, they inuiled on the indubitable right of Lady Jane, and their own unalterable fidelity to her as their queen, to whom they endeavored to perfuade her to lubmit. Thefc previous fteps being taken, and the Tower and city of London fecured, the Council quitted Greenwich, and came to London. Soon after, the tv/o Dukes repaired to Durham-houfe, where Lady Jane refided with her hufband, as part of Northum- berland's family. There the Duke of Suffolk open- ed to his daughter, with much folemnity, the difpoll- tiDU which the late king had made of his crown by letters patent, the clear fen fe the privy Council had of her right, and the coufent of tlie magiflrates and citizens of London. In conclufion, himfelf (her fatlier) and Northumberland fell on their knees, and paid her homage, as queen of England. The poor lady, much a(h)nirhed at their difc^jurfc, but nowife perfuaded by their arguments, nor elevated by fuch un- expected honors, returred an anfwer to this cffc6t : ** That as the lav/s of the kingdom, and natural right were in favor of the king's fiflers, flie would be- ware of burdening her weak confcience with a yoke which belonged to them j thai te well knew the i:\- b 2, famv 1^ IMemoirs of faray of tb.ofe who had violated right to gain a fccp- tre; that It was a mockery of God and juftice, to fcruple at the (lealing of a fhilling, and not at the ufurpatlon of a crown. <* Eefides/' faid flie, ** I am not fo young, nor fo little read in the guiles of fortune, as to fufFer rnyfelf to be taken by them. If fhe enrich any, it is but to make them the fubjeft of lier fpoil. If fhe raife others, it is but to pleafure herfelf with their ruin. What (he adored yeil:erday. Is to-day her fport : aad if now i permit her toadorii and crown me, to-morrow I mufl fufFer her to crufh 2nd tear me to pieces. Nay, with what crown does ihe prefent me ? A crown which has been vio- lently and fhamefuUy wrefted from Catharine of Ar- jagon ; made more unfortunate by the punidimentof Anne Boleyn, and others that wore it after her. Why then would you have me add my blood to theirs, cTid be the third viftim from whom this fatal crown m.ay be ravifhed, with the head that wears it ? But admit that it fhould not prove fatal to me, and that all its venorh were confumed ; if fortune (liould give me warranties of her conftancy ; would it be wife to take upon me thofe thorns which would dllacerate, though not kill me outright ? — to burden myfelf with a yoke v/hich would not fail to torment me, though I were allured not to be ftrangled with it ? My liber- ty is better than the chain you proffer me, though framed of gold, and adorned with precious flones. X will not exchange my peace for honorahle and pre- i'ious jealouftesy for magnificent and glorious fetter'^. And if- you love me fmcerely, and in good earneft, you will rather wi(h me a fecure and quiet condition, though mean, than an exalted fituation, cx'pofed to the wind, and followed by fome difmal fall." This fpeech, fo remarkable for its humihty, judg- ment and eloquence, had no effedl : and the good lady was at length prevailed on by the exhortations of her father, the interceilions of her mother, the artful per- fua.Qons Lady Jane Grey. t^ fnaiions of tlie Duke of Northumberland, anJ, above all, by the earneit deiires of her hufband, whom fbc tenderly loved, to yield her allent to vi^hat had been done already, and what was in immediate contempla- tion.* Thus, with a reludant and heavy heart, fne fuffered herfelf to be conveyed to the Tower, where Ihe entered in the ftate of a queen, attended by the prin- cipal nobility, and (what was very extraordinary) her train fupported by the Dutchefs of Suffolk, her mother, in whom, if in any of this line, the right of fucceflion lay. The fame day, Vnc was proclaimed queen, with the ufual folemnities, after which ih.e proceeded to exercife fome a<£ls of fovereignty. But fliort indeed was the date of her royalty, a term of nine days only ; at the clofe of which commenced the teign of queen Mary, announced by a proclamation in London. As foon as the event was known to the Duke of Suffolk, who now refided with his daughter, in the tower, he repaired to her apartments, and in the foft- eil terms pofiible, acquainted her with what had taken place ; intimating the necefiity of her parting with her recent dignity, and retiring to her former ftate. This intelligence fhe received with a countenance compofed and ferene ; declaring that the meilage- was lefs '*'' They told her,'' Jiys Bijhop Burmt, *' that all that had been doney was according to law, to which all the judges and counfellors had fet their hands." ** Lady faney'' fays the writer of the Britifli Bio- graphy, ** was altogether iminfuenced by any ambitious viewsy and the fcttlement of the fucceffion was by no means agreeable to her. Indeed it does net appear that fhe zuas at all confultcd about it either by her father^ or by the Duke of Northumberland ; nor dees flje feeni even to have been acquainted with it, till after king Edward's deceafe,'\ I J Memoirs of lefs painful than that of her advancement to royalty: that from obedience to him and to her mother, flie had done violence to herfelf, and grievoully finned : that ihe now obeyed the diclates of her inmolf foul in refigning the crown ; and would gladly make every poiiible reparation for errors Co great as iho'c which had been committed, by an ingenuous confellion and relinquifliment of them. The clcfe of her reign was the com.mencement of her fufferings. Her palace was loon converted to a prifon. This reverfe, affli cling as it was, would have been lupportable, could flie hav€ borne it alone. As llie was lovrly in the profpecl of a crown, fo the lofs of it, and the calamities attending the depri- vation, fo far as they were confined to lierfelf, rob- bed her neither of dignity nor peace. But her mind, equally generous and tender, was deeply wounded by the extenfive affliction in which others were involved by her fall. Many of the molt refpeclable perfons in the kingdom, feme among the firit of the nobility, who had fupported her claim to the crown, were im.- prifoned. Among thefe were her own father, and the father of her hul"band, with all his family. Th& latter was brought to the block. On the third of November, herhufbanti and herfelf were carried from the tower to Guildhall, where be- ing arraigned and convicted of high treafon, they both received fentence of death. A mitigation of their confinement which took place afterward, wirh fome other circumltances of indulgence, induced a feeble hope that thoughts of mercy had entered the heart of queen Mary. But the contrary foon appear- ed, and her determmation to have the fentence execu- ted, was announced. The fatal intelligence made jittle imprellion on the mind of Lady Jane. The bittemefs of death was pair : fhe had long expected,, it, and had endeavored to be prepared for the worfK Hither ta Lady Jane Grey. 17 Hitherto, the hiftory of this lady his furnKhed fTOof of uncommon intellectual excellence, with a lenfibility, a fortitude, and a greatnefs of foul, which it is impoiTible not to adrnfre. Bur the higher part of her chara^er, her ardent piety, claims a more dif- tin6t illufrration. This at once adorned and fancti- fied her other excellent and amiable qualities. Its influence was vifible amid her greateil: profperity and enjoyment. But with peculiar luftre did it break through the cloud of her fuH^rings, and fhcd a glory- on the evening of her life. She was early inftrucled in the principles of the Reformation, which Ihe ftadied with great feriouf- nefs and attention, and to which flie was ftrongly at- tached. This was a capital c ire umfta nee which re- commended and endeared her to king Edward : as her difiike of Popery, early imbibed and avowed, and at no fubfequent period dilTembled, is thought to have been one reafon of her finding fo little favor with queen Mary. Her deep acquaintance w^ith the diilint;ui(hingdodrInes of the Reformation, and her capacity to defend them, were evinced in a conver- fation fhe had with Dr. Feckenham, who was fent by the queen, two or three days before her death, tha't he m.ight endeavor to reconcile her to the church of Rome. On this trying occalion, the caUmnefs of he- mind and the force of her reafoning v/ere equally re- markable. Dr. Feckenham, fmding his attempts unavailing, took his leave,' fayin^r, that he was forry for her ; '* for I am fure," he added, " we tv/o lliall never meet." '* True," ihe replied, ** we ihall nevtr meet, unlefs God turn your heart ; for I am allured, tinlefs you repent and turn to God, you are in an evil cafe : and I pray God, in the bowels of his mercy, to fend you his holy Spirit ; for he hath eiven vou his great gift of utterance, if it pleafed him^alfo to opeu the eyes cf your heart." The; i8 Memoirs or The fame concern (he manifefted for the recovery" of Mr. Harding, one of her former preceptors. He had been a zealous protc^^ant, a preacher of the re- formed religion, and very fervent in animating its profeflTors to abide by it, in the face of all perfecution and danger. But on the return of Popery in queen Mary's reign, he ren^ unccd hisprinciples, and became a Papill. To him Cnc wrote a letter, full of faithful expoftulationand pungent reproof for his apoftacyjand breathing an ardent defire for his reftoration. At the clofe, fhe expre.Tes herfelf to this purpofe : ** Returns- return again into Chrift's war ; and as becomes a faith- ful warrior, put on that armor which Saint Paul teaches to be moilneceirary for a Chriftian. Above all, take to you the fhield of faith, and be excited by ChriiVs own example to withftand the devil, to foVfake the world, and to become a true and faithful m.ember of his myllical body, who fpared not his own body for our fins. *^ Let the fear of his threatened vengeance for the heinous offence of apoftacy, overawe your fpirit : and be animated, on the other iiand, by the mercy, blood and promife of hina who is ready to return to you, the moment you return to him. As with the loft fon you have wandered, be not afiiamedw'ith him to return fro?n the riot of Grangers, to the dainties of your hea- venly Father's houfe ; acknovv'ledging that you have fmneJ againd: heaven and earth. Agalnft heaven, by flair.ing the glorious name of God, and caufing his moft holy wordto be evil fpoken of, Againft earth, by becoming a ftumbling-block to many of your weak brethren. Come home again with Mary ; and with Peter, bitterly weep. Let ftreams of forrow for your offenfive fall iffue forth from your inm.oft heart. With the penitent publican, pray, God be merciful to me a fmner. Remember the horrible cafe of Julian : and let the fearful end of Spira, yet frelh in your memory, terge^oa to beware of his crime. ^ i* Fh\9MY:2 Lady Jane Grey. 19 ^' Finally, let the lad great clay be ever before your eyes. Think of the terror which will then overwhelm every fugitive from Chrift— all who value the world more than heaven, and their life more than Him who ^'[ave it. Think too, of the ineftimable joys prepared for thofe who, dreading neither danger nor death, f])all have glorioufly encountered and vanquiflied the powers of darknefs, hell and death, through that al- mighty Savior vvhofe arms are even now extended to receive you ; w^ho is ready to fall upon your neck, and fead you with all the bleflings which his precious blood has bought. — To whom, w ith the Father, and the holy Ghofl, be all honor, praife and gbry ever- iafting. Amcn^" To her Father, the unhappy inftrument of her pre- mature death, (he wrote, during her imprifonment, a letter, in which (he exprefied not only her reconcilia- tion to that event, but her thankfulncrs for it, as pre- ferable, in her view, to a protracted lite, with all the world at her difpofal. She intimated to him that it was her confolation to refledl, that though (he had com- mitted a grievous offence againft: the Qjieen and her laws, her crime was in great meafure involuntary ; nor liad her enforced honor ever blended with her licart. She concluded by declaring, that however ])ainful her approaching death might appear to him, yet to her nothing could be more welcome, than from this vale of mifery to afpire to a lieavenly throne of iov and pleafure with Chrid her Savior — and prayed, that he too might be fo divinely preferved in the faith of Jefus, that they might meet in heaven at \z\\. Another letter of this excellent lady is preferved. It wasfent, the night before her dcalh,to her fider Cath- arine. It was written at the end of a Greek Tcila- ment, nearly in the follov/ing words. • *M have fent you, good filter Catharine, a book which, though not outwardly decorated with gold, yet is inwardly of more value than the mod precious gems. 0.O' Memoirs of fems. It is tlie book, dear fifter, of the law of the ,ord. It is his tellamentand latt will, which he left to us wretches ; which (hall lead you to the path of eternal joy. If with a good mind you read it, and ■with earneftnefs follow it, it fhall bring you to an ev- erlafting life. It iliail teach you to live, and help you to die. It fliall v/in you more than you Ihould have j^ained by your unhappy father's lands. , For as if God had profpered him, you fhould have inherited his lands, fo if you apply diligently to this book, fetking to dire£l your life by it, you fhall be an heir of fuch liches as neither the covetous fhall withdraw from 3'ou, nor thief ileal, nor moth corrupt. Defire with David, good fifter, to underftand the law of the Lord God. Live ftill to die, that by death you may attain eternal life. Tiuft not that the tendernefs of your age fii'dW lengthen your life ; for as foon, if God call, go- eth the young as the old. Labor always to learn to die. Defy the world, deny the devil, and defpife the ilefh. Delight yourfelf only in the Lord. Be peni- tent for your fins, yet dcfpair not : be ftrong in faith, yet prefume not ; and defire with Saint Paul, to be "with Chrift, with whom even in death there is life. Be like the good fcrvant. Even at midnight be wak- ing, left when death cometh, and f^ealeth upon you as a thief in the night, you be, with the evil fervant, found fleeping ; or be like the five foolifh women, or like him that had not on the wedding garment, and then be caft out from the marriage. Rejoice in Chrift, as I do. Follow the ftepsof that Divine Mauer,and take up your crofs. Lay on him the burden of your fins, and ever embrace him. As to my death, rejoice, as I do, good fiftcr, that I fiiall be delivered of this corruption, and put on incorrr.ption ; for I am aHTured that by lonng a mortal, I fnall gain an immortal life, , —which I pray God grznt you y and fend you of his grace to live in his fear, and to die in the true Chrif- tian faith, from which, in God's name, I exhort yea that Lady Jake Grey. 5t that you never fwerve, neither for hope of life, nor for fear oF death. For if you deny bis truth to length- en your life, God will deny you, and yet fhorten your days : and if you cleave to him, he will prolong your iliys, to your comfort, and his glory : to which glory God bring me now, and you hereafter, when it plcaf- cth him lo call you ! Fare you well, good filler ! Put your only truft in God, who only mull help you." Among the precious remalnsof ti)islady,is z prayer^ which (he drew up in the time of her trouble. Wc -prefent it as dlfclofing the (late of her mind in tho iiear profpe6l of death and eternity. ** O Lord, thou God and Father of my life! hear me, a poor and defolate woman, who fly to thee alone in all troubles and miferles. Thou, O Lord, art tlie only defender and deliverer of thofe who put their trufb in thee : and therefore I, being defiled with fin, en- cumbered with atflicTtions, difquieted with troubles^ wrapped in cares, overwhelmed with miferies, and r![rievoufly tormented v/ith the leng imprifonmcnt of this: vile raafs of clay, my fmful bo«iy, come to thee, O merciful Savior, craving thy mercy and help, with- out which fo little hope of deliverance is left, that E may utterly defpair. Although it is expedient, that fnice our life llands on trying, we (liould be vifited with adverfity, whereby we may both be tried, wheth- er we be of thy flock or not ; and alfo know thee and ourfelvcsthe better ; yet thou, who faidlf thou wouldft not fufFer us to be tempted above our power, be mer- ciful unto me, a miferable wretch. I befeech thee, that I may neither be too much puffed up with prof- pcrity, nor too much pre fled down with adverfity. O . merciful G.'^djConfider my miftry, befl known to thee, and be thou now to me a flrong tower ot defence, t luinAoly intreat tl;ee. Suffer n^e not to be tempted a- bove my power; but either deliver me from this great juifery, or give me grace patiently to bear thy heavy iiand and fliarp correction. It was thy right hand c that i22 Memoirs of .l>>at delivered the people of Ifrael from tlie hands of Pharaoh, who for four hundred years did opprefs them, and keep them in bondage. Let it therefore feem good to thy fatherly goodnefs to deliver me, for- rovvful wretch, for whom thy Son Chriit fhed his prr- cious blood on the crofs, from this miferable captivi- ty and bondage. How long wilt thou be abfent ? Porcver? O Lord, haft thou forgotten to be gracious, ^nd haft thou fliut up thy loving kindnefs in difplea- Xure ? V/ilt thou no more be intreated ? Is thy mer- cy clean gene forever, and thy promife come utterly to an end ? Why doft thou make fo long tarrying ? Shall I defpair of thy mercj, O God r Far be that from me. 1 am thy workmanftiip, created in Chrift Jefus : give me grace theref^ue Xo tarry thy leifure, and patiently to bear thy works, aduredly knowing that as thou canft, fo thou wilt deliver me, when it •fhall pleafe thee ; nothing doubting or miftriifting thy goodnefs towards me ; for thou knoweft better what is good for me than I do ; therefore do with me in all things what thou wilt. Only in the mean time, arm me, I befeech thee, with thy armor, that I may ftand faft, my loins being girt about with verity, having on the breaftplate of righteoufnefs, and Ihod with the ftioes prepareti by the goi'pel ot peace \ above all things, tak- ing the fliield of faith, wherev/ith I may be able to •quench all the fiery darts of the w-icked, and the hel- met of falvation, and the fword of the Spirit, which is thy mopL holy word ; praying always with all manner of prayer and fupplication, xhat I may refer myfelf wholly to thy will, abiding thy pleafure, and comfort- ing myfelf in thofe troubles which It fhall pleafe thee to fend me, feeing fuch troubles are profitable for me, and feeing I am affuredly perfuadcd that it cannot but be well, all that thou doft. Hear me, O merciful Father, for his fake whf>m thou wouldft to be a facri- jfice for my fins : to whom with thee, and the holy Ghoft, be all honor and glory. Anicn.". Lady Jane Gret. 23- In the place of her confinement, file wrote (it is thought with a pin) the following verfcs : Think not, O mortal vainly gay, That thou from human woes art free : The bitter cup I drink to-day To-morrow may be drunk by thee. Endlnfs* all malice, ifourGod'be nigh ; Fruitlefs all pains, if he his help deny. Patient I pafs thefe gioom.y hours away. And wait the morning of eternal day. We are now to attend her to her clofing fcene, and Contemplate the manner in which fhe met her violent and unmerited death. The day appointed for her exe- cution, and her huiband's, was the 12th of February, 1554. The fatal morning being come, Lord Dudley earnellly rcquefted of the officers the liberty of taking a blf farewell of his beloved confort. This was read- ily granted : but on its being notified to her, fhe very prudently judged it inexpedient ; and colleding the whole force of her mind, endeavored to diffuade him from his purpofe. Shealfured him that » fucha meeting would rather adll to his afflicflions, than increafe the quiet wherewith they had pofleffed their fouls for the ftroke of death : that he demanded a lenitive which would put tire into the wound ; and that it was to be feared her prefence would>ather weaken than flreni^th- en him : that if his foul was not firm and fettled," fhe could not fettle it by her eyes, nor confirm it by her werds r that he would do well to remit this inivrview to the other world : that there indeed friendlliips were happy, and unions indilfoluble ; and that theirs would be eternal, if they carried nothing v/ith them gf tcr- rcilrial, which might hinder themi from rejoicing.' She exprefTed great emotion when fhe faw'her liuf^ band * Perhaps it Jhauld he harmlefs. .^4 Memoirs of band led out to execution ; but foon overcame it by Te{ie(3:ing how clofely fhe fhould follow him. All ihc could do, was to give him a tarcwel out of a wiidows, as he paded. He fuffered on a fcaifold on Tower-hill, T.ith much Ch^iftian meeknefs. His body, being laid. in a car, and his head wrapped in a linen cloth, were carried to the chapel within the Tower, in the way to which, they paiied under the window of Lady jane. She beheld the fad fpedacle with a fettled counte- nance, and foon after thig^ trial of her fortitude, wrote three fliort fen tences in her table-book, in Greek, Xatin and EnglKh. This book Hie prefented to Sir John Bridges, Lieutenant of the tower, as a .grateful acknowledgment of his civilities ; he having previouf- 3y entreated of her fomething which he might preferve as a memorial. The fenfe of the Greek f^ntence was i *' If this (lain body fliall give fentence againft me be- fore men, his moft ble (Ted foul {h?}\ render an ecernal proof of my innocence in the prefence of God." The latin fentence may be thus tranflated : *' The juincc of men took, away his body, but the divine mercy has preferved his foul." The Englifh fa-ntence was this : ** If mv fault deferved punKhment, my youth at leall, and my imprudence, were worthy of excufe. Gad and podcrity will fnew me favor." She was attended to thefcaffold, and upon it, by Dr. peckenham, though llie wasobfervednot to pay much. :attention to his difcourfe, but to keep her eyes fread- jly fixed on a book of prayers which flie had in her liand. After fome fhort recoUecSlion, fhe fahited thoie who were prefent with a countenance perfectly c-m- pofed. Then taking her leave of Dr. Feckenham, fhc laid : *' God will abundantly requite you, good fir, for your humanity to me ; though your difcourfes gave me more uneafincfs than all the terrors of my ap- proaching death." She then addrelfed herfelf to ths ipeclators in a fpeech nearly as follows. Lady Jane Gr£v. -> '* My Lords, and you good Chriftians who come to fee me die : I am under a law, and by that law, as a never-erring judge, I am condemned to die : not that I have intentionally offendeuthe Qhieen's Majef- ty ; for 1 will wafh my hands guiltlel's thereof, and deliver to my God a foul as pure from fuch trelpafs, as innocence from Injuilice ; but only that I igno- rantly confented to a thing which was forced upoix me. Notwithftanding, 1 have offended Almighty God, in that I have followed too much the luft of my own flelh, and the pleafures of this; wretched world : neither have I lived according to the knowledge that God hath given mc ; for which caufe He hath ap- pointed tome this kind ot death, and that mod: juftly, according to my deferts. Yet I thank him heartily that he hath given me time to repent of my-fins ai.d be reconciled to my Redeemer, wliom my former van- ities had- much difpleafed. Therefore, my Lords, and you good Chriltians, I moft earncftly defire you all to pray with me, and forme, while I am yet alive, that God of hi-s infinite goodnefs ami mercy would for- give my firs, how numberlefs and grievous foevcr a- gainfl him. And I befeech you all to b^^ar me wit- Dti'sy that I here die a true Chrlilian v/oman, profef- iing and avouching from my foul, that I trull to he faved by tl>e blood, pafhon and merit of Jefus Chriil my Savior only, and by no other means ; casing far b-hind'me all the merit of my ownaciionr^, things as fo fhort of the true duty I owe, that I Ihudder tu think how much they may (land no againlime." Having delivered this fpeech, flic kneeled down, and repeated the fifty-nrft pilalm, in a molt devout manner ; after which Ihe Hood up, and gave her gloves and handkerchief to her womiCn, and her prayer-book. t6 Sir Johiv Bridges. - On her untying her gown, the executioner offered to arfift her, but (lie declined. She then, turning herfclf to her wonien, ha 1 their help in tailing it off ^ on which they gave her a handkerchief 56 Memoirs of to bind about her eyes. The executioner, kneclln* down, reqvicflcd her forgivencfs, which flie mort wil- lingly gave him. She then tied her handkerchief a- bout her eyes, and feeling for the block, faid, *' What iliail I do ? Where is it r" Upon which, one of the by-ilanders guiding her to it, Ihe laid her head down upon the block, and then lirctclicd herfelf forward, and faid : ** Lord, into thine hands I comincnd my fpirit ;" and immediately the executioner at one Itrokc i'evered the head from the body. Thus fell this admirable woman, about the age of eighteen. The faith by which ll^e lived, gave peace and tranquility to her latelf hour, and converted her ignominious death into glory and triuiuph. The following concife charadcr of her is given by: Islr. Fuller. ** She had the innocence of childhood^ the beauty of youth, the folidity of middle life, and all at eighteen. She had the birth of a princcfs, the learn- ing of a divine, and the life of a faint ; and yet fuf- fered the death of a malefatSlor, for the offences of her parent?.' From a variety of poetical tributes to her memory,, we felcd: the two following. In the firft, Lady Jane is introduced as fpeaking. To an hnpcr'ial JlocR my life I ow^d : A crswn imperial on my !c7nptcs gloiv'd, BiithiiierJjrroWy and corroding care If ere woven zvith it, while it glittered thers^ A better diadem viy God has given y As bright y as lajiing as the days of heaven. From the Female Advocate y by Mifs Scott* The heauteous Dudley rofe to grace the ftage^ The pride and wonder of her f ex and age ; Loiv hending at the radiant jhrine of truth y Her foul tynounc'd the idle toys ofy^uth, hnpeU'd Ladv Jane Grev, *l^ ImpelFdly nobler fj-es fie boldly f oar d, And every Jcicjice every art explord. Religicin in lis purejijorm array' dy Htr tongue y her manners and her pen difplay'd. Fore' d to the fplendld burden of a crawny She foon with pleajure laid the burden down. Her Jleady Joid fate' i fi&rcejl frown eould bravf-, Secure of cndlefs blifs beyond the grave. O Faith y whofe f acred tray f ports never clo^-, Sweet prelibation of immortal joy ! What proud Philosophy but aims to preachy ''/is thine with fivereign energy to teach. Jtifpird by theey zve learn to f mile at pain^ And all the vanities of life difdain. Serenely meet the fudden firoke of fate. Or wait, if Heaun approves, a longer date / Cmvincdy howe'er eternal truth decides, A parent's love Jill I o'er our zveal prcjidcs. CATHARINE PARR, Wife of King Henry the Eight h - li^ HE was born about the beginning of th her learning. But Ihe was Id's folicitous to plc-afc and ihinr, tiian to fcrvc God and mankind. She conic- crateti her uncommon talents and accomplilhments to the bell ot piirpoles, in everv llat^c ot lite. She was firll married to JohhNevil, Lord Latymer* Alter'his deccafvi, the beauiics ot her perl'on and min^ engaged the a{!e«5lion9 of King Henry, to whom (he was married, July 12, 1543- ' She fccms to have had fome uncommon impredions of piety from her infancy. But the religion of her early life received a tin6lnre from the blind and fn- pcrl\itious devotion of that age; ■ In thtfe errors flic did not long reniuin. • By a conflant and clofe atten- tion to the word of God, which was her chief delight, and by hisbleliingon her inveltigations of divine truih, flic V. as foon freed from the miltakes in which the had been educated, and erHgbteneil-into the diilingnilhing do(flrines of the gofpel. She not only renounced the errors of Popery, but gave great encouragement to the Proieltant caufe, and engaged with much fpirit in for- "Wardingthe Reformation. This important dcTign (he profccuted as far as the mutable and pcrverfe difpoii- tion of an arbitrary prince, and the iniquity ot the times would admit ; and even farther than (lie could go with.out expofiiig . herfelf to the utmoll chnger. Ti'hough her laudable attempts were purfucd with great prudence, and v:s much fecrccy as the nature of the calc would allow, thev could not efcape the malicious ob- fervation of the bigotted adlierents to Popr did ilie ceafe the expreflion of her kind sitid.beiievolent feelings, even aiier the king had inti- mated 39 Memoirs oi* mated' to her the unworthinefs and evil defigns of hint for whom ihe interceded. Thus remarkably did divine Providence defend her from the malice and fnares ot her enemies. Refcued from a danger thus imminent and diftrefling, fhe paflTed- fafely through the remainder of this tempeduous reign. But the akrrn (he experienced was falutary in its con- fequences. It rouzed all her fou*, excited her to nev/ fervency in meditation and prayer, and quickened her preparations for eternity. She now perceived with new conviftion tliat tl\e' principles of religion tlie had firft imbibed, did notr correfpond with the infpired writings. But though' poireifcd of no inconfiderable (hare of learning, joined* to an excellent underftanding, fhe dared not rely on: thefe alone, in things of fo great importance. Hum- bly -diiiruftful of her own abilities and refearches, and anxious to obtain the belt lights, Ihe kept feveral em- inent divines confiantly with her, to folve her doubts,- and indrucl her in the true religion. With thefe learned men, who were her chaplains, fhe had many" private conferences about the dodfrines of the Refor- mation, and the abufes which had then crept into the church. She had a fermon preached to her in the af- ternoon of every day, in her chamber ; at which exer- cifes, the hivlies and gentlemen of her privy chamber, and others who were difpofed to hear, were prefent. To all this fne added great application and induffry in the ftudy cf books of divinity, particularly the hoYy fcriptures. Thus qualified, fhe began to cptumrt fome of ner thoughts to writing. Her firft compofition has this memorable title: ^ieen Catharhie Parr s^LaTnentation ef a finner hewailing the ignorance of her blind life. This produdion was found a.-nong her papers atter her de'ath, and was publilhedby Secretary Cecil, who attended it with a preface of his own. Here fhe ac- knowledged thti fiaful courfe ef her life for many yearsj Cathar IKE Park. 35 rears, in which, relying on external performance!-, fucli as Fafts and Pili^rimages, (he was all the time a ftrang- er to the interiral power of religion, which (he came afterward to experience by the lludy of the fcriptiire^, and prayer to God for the aiTiltance of that holy Spirit by whole direction they were indited,. She explains clearly the ideas (he had oi juftification ly faith y^vsA of holinefs as its neceilary conltquence ; and laments the great fcandal^ given bysnany Gcfpellers, a name giv- en to thofe who read and fiuciied the Scriptures. She alio drew up pfalms, prayers and pious difcourf- .C.S, which were publilhed during her life. The pfalms "H'ere compofed in imitation of thofe of David, from which (as from other parts of fcriptnre) many verfes \rere borrowed. The firft was a fupplication/<7r the rem'Jjhn of fins, beginning thus : ^' O Lord ct lords, God Almighty, great and dreadful ; who by thy word Jiail made heaven, esrih, and fea, and all things con- .tained in them I nothing is able to re fid thy power: thy mercy is over all thy works : all things are under ihy dominion, both man and beall, and all livingcrea- tures. Tliou art merciful to whom thou wilt, and liaff compaiiion on whom it pleafeth thee, &:c." The fecond Pi'alm was on the fame fubjcC^, begin<» ning thus : *> O-moil: mighty God of angels and men, whofe judgments are unfearchablcjand whofe wifdom is prof.oLuid and deep : Hear the prayer of thy fer- vant, and caft not away the humble fuit of ihy poor creature and h?-ndy-work, .&c." The other pfalms vvere the effuHons of a pious mind in complaint, fup- plication, thankfgiving, &c. The players likewife exhibit much of the fpirit of piety and devotion, of a fenfe of God, and dependence ijpon him, and many of them are judicioufly adapted to the peculiarities of her own condition. One com- pofed for t!ie King, and for the \](ii of men entering battle, contains the following petition : ''Our caufe bein^ ji70W juft, and being ei; forced into war and bat- tle. 3^ Memoirs op tie, we mofi; humbly bcfeech thee, O Lord God of Horts, fo to turn the hearts of our enemies to the de- fire of peace, that no blood be fpilt : or elfe grant, O Lord, that with fmall effufion of blood, and to the lit- tle hurt and damage of innocents, we may to thy glo- ry obtain vidlory ; that the wars being foon ended, wc may all with one heart and mind, knit together in con- cord and unity, laud and praife thee." The following prayer may ferve as a fpecimen of the devout exercifes of her foul. ** Moft benign Lord Jcju ! grant me thy grace that it may always v/ork in me, and perfevere with me to the end. "Grant me that I may ever defire and will that which is mofl pleafing and acceptable to thee. *^ Thy will be my will, axnd my will to follow al- ways thy will. " Let there be always In me one will, and one de- fire with thee ; and let me have no defire to will, or not to will, but as thou wilt. <*^ Lord thou knov/eft what is moft profitable and rnoPc expedient for me : <* Give me therefore v/hat thcu wilt, as much as thou wilt, and when thou wilt. *^ Do with m.e what thou wilt, as it fliall pleafe thee, and as (hail be moft to thine honor. ** Thy creature I am, and in thy hands. Lead me, and turn me where thou wilt. " Lo ! I am thy fervant, ready to all things that thou commanded ; for I defire not to live to myfelf, but to thee. ** Lord Jefu ! I pray thee grant me thy grace, that I may never let my heart on the things of this world, but thai all carnal and worldly afFeclions may utterly die, and be mortified in me. " Grant me above all thiners, that I may reft ia thee, and fullv pacify and c^uiet my heart in thee. ' , ** For Cathai^ine Parr, -33 ^* For thou, Lord, art the very true peace of heart, and the perteci reft of the foul ; and without thee, all things are grievous and unquiet. *^^My Lord /e/u ! I befeech thee, be with me in every place, and at all times ; and let it be to me 11 fpecial foiace gladly to lack all worldly folace. ** And if thou withdrav/ thy comfort from me at any time, keep me, O Lord, from defperation, and make me patiently to bear thy will. " O Lord Jefu ! thy judgments are righteous, and thy providence is much better for me than all that I can imagine or devife. ** Wherefore do with me in all things as it (hall pleafe thee. *' For it mav not be but v/eil, all that thou doft. If thou wilt that I be in light, be thou blelTed \ if thoa wilt that I be in darknefs, be thou alfo bleffed. ** If thou vr;uchfafe to comfort me, be th.ou highly blelTed : and if thou wilt I lie in trouble, and withouc comfort, be thou likewife ever blefied. " Lord, give m.e grace gladly to fuffer whatfoever thou will lb all fall unon. vnt, and pauently to take at thy hand good and evil, bitter and i "vveet, joy and for- row ; and for all things that (hall befall mie, heartily to thank thee. *' Keep m.e, Lord, from fin, and I Hi all then dread neither death nor hell. ** Oh ! what thanks ihall I give unto thee, who hafc fuffered the grievous death of the crv:;rs, to deliver me irom my fins, and to obtain everlafting life for me? ** Thou gavcil us the moft perfect example of pa- tience, fulfilling and obeying the v/iil of thy Faiher, even unto death. *^ Make me, wretched Hnner, obi-diently *^o uf^ my- felf after thy will in all things, and patiently to bear the burden of this corrupt life. *' For though this, lire be tedious, and as a heavy- burden to my foul, yet nevextheiefs, through thygrace,- D and 34 Memoirs of nnd by example of thee, it is now made much more eafy and comfortable; thMi it was before thy incarna- tion a.nd painon. Thy holy life is our way to thee ; and by following that, we walk to thee who art our Head and Savior, Except thou had ft gone before, and fhcwedusthe way to everlafting life, who would endeavor himfelf to fol- low thee, feeing we are yet fo flow and dull, having the light of thy blclled example and holy doftrine, to lead and direct us r " O Lord Jefu ! make that poliible by grace, that is to me impoflible by nature. *' Thou knoweit well that I can little fuffer, that I am foon cafl: down, and overthrown with a litik r^dverfiiy : wherefore I bcfeech thee, O Lord, to ilrengthen me with thy Spirit, that I may willingly inffer for ihy fake, all m.anner of troubles and aftiic- tions. ** Lord, I will acknowledge unto thee all my un- righteonfnefs, and confcfs all the inftabiliiy of my heart. *' Oftentimes a very little thing troublethine much, and maketh me dull and flow to ferve thee : ** And fom.etimes i purpofe to ftand ftrongly, but when a little trouble cometh, it is to me great an- guifli and grief; and of a very little thing rifeth a grievous temptation. ** Yea, when I think myfelf fure and ftrong, fud- denly I feel myfelf ready to fall with a little blaft of temptation. *' Behold therefore, good Lord, ray w^eaknefs, and confider my frailty, bell known to thee. ** Have mercy on m^e, and deliver me from all ini- quity and fm, that I be not entangled therewith. " OftentimiCs it grieveth me' much, and in a man- iierco4ifoundeth me, that I am {o unftable, fo weak a-nd frail in refilling fmful motions ; which, although they draw me not av/ay to confent. are yet very grie^ V0U4S iii their uiTaults ; ' ** And CAtHARiXE Parr. 35 '^ And it is tedious to me to live in fuch conPiicl ; although I perceive that it is not iir.prolitable ; for thereby I know myfelf and my own infirmities, ami that I muil: feek help only at thy hands. ** Whatever pleahire the world otrereth me here, is but an unpleafant burden. ** I defire to have inward fruition in thee, but I cannot attain thereto.'' The number as well as piety of thefe compoG- tiop.s (hews how m»tchof her time and thoughts, amid the bufinefs and ceremony of her exalted ftation, was devoted to the concerns of her own foul, and to tl.o dilfemination of piety and virtue among her people. And as (he well kjiew the im.portancc and neceility of learning, in order to the fpread of religion, Ihe ufed her utmoft endeavors to promote ir. The fol- lowing inifance is worthy to be recorded. When the acl was paflcd, that all colleges, chan- tries and free chapels fhouM be in the king's dif- pofal, the Univerlity of Cambridge, much alarmed and knowing the queen's regard to learning, addreiTed letters to her, intreating her Majeiiy to intercede with the king in behalf of their colleges. This llie did, and to effed. In her letter of reply to the Univerfi- ty, fhe expreifes herfelf to this purpofe : ^ That fhci had intreated the king in behalf of their polfellions ; and that notwithrtanding his Majefty's property and intereft in them by virtue of the A.ct of Parliament, he was fuch a patron of learning, that he woidd rather erecl new colleges than do any thing to injure thofe that cxirted : fo that to him learning might hereafter afcribe its confervation and defence :' — adding that * fhe doubted not that their ihWy invocations would be offered up for the prefervation and profpcrity of their royal benefaclor, to Him who alone can difpofe all to every creature.' In the fam.c letter fhe writis ll'.it ♦ forafmuch as Ihe well unJerftood that all kinds 3^ Memoirs or of learning flouriHv?:! among them, 'as ainon? the Greeks at Athens long sgo, ihe defired and required il 3 JANE, . 3§ Memoirs op JANE, QUEEN of NAVARRE, OHE was daughter to Henry the Second, J^ing of Navarre, and Margaret of Orleans, fifter of Prancis the Firft, king of France. She was by her parents carefully intruded from her infancy in the Proteftant religion, of which flie was a firm friend and fupporter, to the clofe of her life. She was married to Anthony of Bourbon, fon of the Duke of Vendofme, by whom flie had Henry the Fourth, King of France by his father's right, and of Navarre hy his mother's. She early began to- fuffer from the bigotry and Jiils of the leading Papifts of France, to Vrhofecruei iTialice fhe finallylfcll a vidim. Their firft obje6t was to detach herhufband, the king of Navarre, from ihe Proteftant intered, that thus they might weaken, and in the ilTue deftroy it. On this objefi they were i.he more intent, as, being the firft prince of the blood,. }ie was ofcourfe protcclor to the heir-apparent of the French crown, during his minority. The king was overcome by their artifices. He not only eftranged himfelf by degrees from the Proteftants, but folicit- ed the queen his wife to return into the bofom of the Romilh Church, and induce her children to follow her fleps. But her attachment to the truth was too enlightened and too ftrong to admit of fo cafy a renunciation. She retained her religion, biit loll the afFc6lions of her huftand ; and in confequence, retired to Podium in the a>tintry of Berne, where ilie kept her court. ( Soon Jane, Queen of Navarre. 39 Soon after, at the flege of Orleans, the king receiv- ed a wound in the fhoiilder, v/hich, after a fhort lan- giiifliment, pnt a period to his lile. The next defign of the faction before mentioned, was to feize upon the queen, with her fon and daugh- ter, and bring them before the Spanifh Inquifition. But by a fignal interpofition of Providence, this cruel plot w as frultrated. In the time of the third civil war on account of religion, the pious queen thought it her duty to raife a confiderable force, which (he led to Rochelle, Averfe to the laft rcfort, (he endeavored to avoid it- But her remonfi ranees to the opponte party proving fruitlefs, and every pacific propofal having been rc- je6^ed, the war went on. In the battle of BaiTac, the Protcftants were defeated, and the prince of Conde was flaiii. As foon as the mclanchcly news arrived at Rochelle, the queen hailed to the Proteftant army, where before a great alfembly of nobles and foldiers, ilie made an animating and impreflive fpeech. She applauded the virtue and conftancy of the prince of Conde, who had faithfully exerted himfelf even to death, in the defence of (o good a caufe. She exhort- ed the reft to imitate his example, and to perfevere in maintaining the truth of Chrilt, and the liberty of their country : ** For," faid fhe, ** the good caufe is not dead with the prince of Conde, neither ought w orthy men to yield to defpondency in fuch cafes, God having fo provided for his caufe, that he gave Conde com{)anions while he lived, who may fuccecd him now he is no more. 1 have brought with me," ihe added, ** my only fon Henry, who, as he is the heir of Conde's name, fo he is alfo of his virtues. Thefe, with other Nobles, I trull, will never be wanting la fo good a caufe." — After this addrefs to the Nobles and army, and m?ny things faid in private to her fon, to encourage and confirm his mind, file returned to Rochelle, to raife new fuccois. Still 40" Mentoirs 07^ Still fuccefs attended her enemies. They rcducrJ the countries of Berne and Foix, and laid fiege to. Navarre, the only place of flrength which remained to the queen. In this melancholy and alarming crifis, her little army was blefTed with a vi6lory as important as it was unexpected and furprillng. Thefiegewas raifed, the enemy difperfed. her lo(l territory regained, and the war concluded by a treaty which ftipulated the free exercife of her relirnon. o But the malice of the Popiih party was flill una- bated. What force could not eifed, they now at- tempted to accomplifh by art. At their inftigation. a marriage was propofcd between Henry, the queen of Navarre's fon, and the French King's fifler. To this propofal, which feemed, in many rerpe6ls honor^ able and advantageous to the queen, (he replied by an ^xpreffion of her gratitude, and of her difpofition to comply with the French king, fo far as the rriighr confiitently with a good confcience ; adding, that in the prefent cafe, flie had her doubts on account of th<^ difference in religion between her fon and the lady : but that fhe vv^ould confult her divines on the fubje£t, and what fhe fhould find would contribute to the glory of God; and the good of the kingdom, fue would cheerfully embrace. In confequence of t'nis confultation, and the favora^ ble opinion c-f feveral Proteftant divines, (though others diiTentedj together widi the fpecioiis pretences of the king and queen-mother, the marriage was de-- termined on, and its conditions adjufled. In the mean time, the queen's attachment to the Reformation was in no degree impaired ; nor did fhe relax her efforts to fupport and propagate it. She. employed the prefent interval of peace and leifure in fending into Cantabria, a province of the jurifdiclion of Navarre, a numbirr of pallors, previoufly inftrucled (a its language; though until then it had been under- Oood Jane, Qjjeen of Navarre. 41 fcood by almofr none befide the natives, and was thought quite incapable of being written. She took care likewife to fend among them the New Tefta- ment, the Catechifm, and the prayers iifed in the Crinrch of Geneva ; all which the for this pnrpofe canfed to be iranflated into the Gafcoigne or Canta- brian tongue, and printed in an excellent llyle. The king of France infifting that the propofed jnarriage fhould be celebrated in Paris, as what would contribute much to univerfal harmony and fatisfadion, the queen of Navarre repaired thither, not without reluctance, but utterly unfufpicious of the bloody and barbarous fchcmes which were planned, and fliortly to be perpetrated in that city. Indeed who could have imagined that a marriage was to be the occafion and the fignal for the murder of thoufands of innocent Proteilants ? Yet fuch was the deteltable de- sign of the Papifts then in power— a defign but too fuccefsfully accompli filed.* Tiie pious queen had long been regarded with eyes of averfion by the queen-mother, a mod cruel and bigotted, though unprincipled woman, who feemed determined at all events to crufh the Reformation, In the wide-fpread deftruclion of the Proreftants which her malice'had planned, (he wilhed to include the queen ; and the more, as (he dreaded the effects of the greatnefs of her fpirit, Ihould file furvive the gene- ral maffacre. But a colorable pretext was wanting. She therefore imparted her defign to a wretch of the name of P«.ene, an Italian, who, at her infiance, f(^ld tlie queen o^ Navarre certain perfumes mingled v/ith a fubtil and powerful poifon. The * The inhuman work commenced at Paris, on^ St. BarthrAomew'sdayyAuguft 24., 1572. In this city, and ether parts of France, 30,000 Proiejtants ixieremaj- Jacredj without regard to age or/ex. 42 Memoirs of The queen fell fick of a continued fever, which ihe perceived would terminate in death. With equal folenmity and compofure of mind, ilie endeavored w prepare for the ftroke. Calling her fon Henry, fhe in joined him above all things, carefully to ferve God, according to the religion in which he had been educa>- ted, and not to fuifer iiimfelf to be diverted from it by the empty pleafures and delights of the world. She charged him to take care that the conftitutlons con- cerning it, which fhe had publiihed in the principali- ty of Berne, and the lower Navarre, lliould be in- violably preferved. She exhorted him to purge his family, and baniih thence all irreligious counfellors, an:J all flatterers, the abufers of princes, with all other vicious perfons ; but carefully to retain all good men, of whom (he named feveral of unfpotted repu- tation. She befought him to take a tender care of his fider Catharine, to give her an education in the fame fchool of piety in which he had received his own, and to difpofe her in marriage, at the fuitable lime, to a prince of the Protedant religion. She then appoint^ him her heir, intreating the king, and other principal perfonages of the royal family, to take upon them the proteclion of her fon and daughter, and to allow them the free exercife of their religion. She next requeued that fhe might have about lier fuit- able perfons to pray with her, andto adminifter con- folations from the word of God. On a minifter's com- ing in and fuggefiing to her the obligations to fubmif- fion, and the merciful defign of God in affliding his children, ihe replied : ** I take all this as fent from the hand of God my mod merciful Father. Nor have I, during this extremity, been afraid to die; much lefs have I murmured againlf God for. inflicting this chaftifement upon me, knowing that whatever he does, he fo orders it, that in the end it Ihall turn to my ev- erlafting good. As for this life," (he added, ** I ara in a good meafure v/eaned from it, through the af- hitilons JANE, Queen of Navarre. 43 fi'ctions which have followed me from my youth to the prefeni hour ; but cfpccially becaufel cannot live without offending my God, with whom 1 dcfire to be with all my heart." The miniftcr having remarked that life was a blef- fm,2:, as it afforded opportunity to promote the divine glory, and rcquefted her to pray, that if it were the will of God, he would employ her ftill longer in his fervicc, for the furthcir fprtud of the gofpel, flie repli- ed that * as to what concerned hcrfelf, her lite was not d^ar to her, fince ft long as llie lived in this frail flefh, file was dill prone to finagaiufl God ; only,' fhe faid, * Ihe had a concern for the children whom God had ijiven her ; as, if fhe were now to die, they would be deprived of her in their early years. Yet,' faid {he, 'I doubt nor, though he (liould fee fit totakemefrom them, that he himfelf will be a Falh.er and Protccloi* to them, as I have ever experienced him to be to mc, in my greateil afdiclions ; and therefore I commit thcin wholly to his government and fatherly care.' After- ward (he added that * death was not terribletoher.be- caufe it was the way to pafs to lier eternal reft.' The minifter admonilhing her to make cojifeiljon of her fins before God, the queen, with her hands and eyes lifted up to heaven, acknowledged, that * tf.e fins ihe had committed againft the Lord were innumcra- ])le, and m ire than ihe could reckon up ; but yet that ilie hoped that God lor Chriit's fake, in whom flic put her whole truft, would be merciful to her.' The miniilcr afking her whether flie verily beUev- cd in Chrilt as a Savior, and ex peeled forgiveiiefs of ilns through th-e (bedding of his blood — "Yes, flie re^ plied, ** 1 do ; believing that he is my only Savior and Mediator ; and I look lor falvation from none other, knowing that he liath abundantly fatisfied for the fins of his people, and therefore I r.m alfured that Gcd for his fake, according to his gracious promife in him, vill have mercy en mc." J)uring 44 Memoirs of During her ficknefs, the fteadfaftnefs of her faith and hope imparted ferenity and cheerfulnefs to her very countenance. Her pains, though fometimes very fevere, extorted not a word that bordered on impa- tience, and fcarcely at any time fo much as a groan;. She fpent much of her time in hearing the pious ex- hortations and prayers of godly men who came to vifit her, in which^lhe took great delight. With thefe file mingled much edifying difcourfe of her own,ex- preOifig not unfrequently her earneft deflre to depart and be with Chrilt and uttering her afpirations in fuch words as thefe : " O my Gud, in thy due time, deliver me from this body of death, and from the miferies of the prefent life, that I may no more offend thee, and that 1 may attain to that felicity which thou in thy word hart promifed to beftow upon me." Yet if at any time, Hie perceived an abatement of the violence of her diftemper, (he exprelied her willing- nefs to obtain the recovery of her former health ;ncr did fherefufe any means prefcribed by her phyficians for this purpofe. When file faw the ladies with her weeping about her bed, flie blamed them, faying, ** I pray yoir do not weep for me, fince God by this ficknefs calls me to the enjoyment of a better life. 1 am now en- tering the defired haven towards which this frail vefiel has been fo long fteering." The greater part of the night before l^er death was fpent in hearing paffages from the bible, fuitedto her (late, with the difcourfe and prayers of her minif- ters. She enjoyed her fpeech and reafon perfe She judged that the ble fling of the whole day turned upon them. She religioufly obferved the Lord's day ; on which fhe attended the public worlhip of God thrice, and of^ Wn four times. She was coiutant in her monthly at« E- ^ tendaiice 50 Memoirs of tendance at the Sacrament, and particularly attentive to her preparations for this ordinance ; ufually devot- iflg the preceding day to prayer and fading. In the public worihip of God,fhe was a bright ex- ample of folemn, unafftded devotion. Her whole foul was intent and engaged ; nor was a fingle glance allowed for obfervation. She loft herfelf in the majef- ty of the King of kings. So remarkable v/as her grav- ity and reverence, that Ihe feemed to fpread the fpirit of devotion around her ; though few of her fellow- wcrihippers attained to fuch a ferioufnefs cf applica- tion as they beheld in her. Heir attention to fermons was fo fixed that, as her eye never wandered from a good preacher, fo (he dif- covered no uneafmefs in hearing an indifferent one. When afked how fhe could be fo attentive to fermons of very inferior merit, fhe would reply, that * ihe thought it did not become her by any part of her be- havior to difcourage, or even feem to diilike, one who was doing hisbeft." She was very ready to beftow com- mendation where it was merited : and lier hardeft cen- fure of the pooreft preachers was to fay nothing to their advantage. She endeavored to diffufe a fpirit of piety into all who came near her, efpecialiy thofe under her immediate care, whom llie inftruded and admonifhed with all thelove and watchfulnefs of a mother. She dif- perfedgood books to all around her ; and frequently or- dered them to be laid in places of attendance, that fuch as waited might not be condemned to idlenefs, but have both inftruClion and entertainment within their reach. She was anxious to raife the reputation and author- ity of the clergy, as the principal mean of advancing religion. Confcious that this could be efFecled only by engaging them to be exemplary in their lives and abundant in their labors, to watch over their flocks, and edify them by good preaching and diligent cate- chiling, fhe was refolved to have it known that thcfe were the only methods by which divines could be rec- ommended Mary, QuEfiN OP Great Britajn. 52 ommeflded to favor. When church preferments v/ere to be difpofed of, Ihe confidered the right difpofiticn of them as a capital objedl of her care. She charged thofe in whom ihe had the greateft confidence, to look out the beft men and beit preachers, and make them known. When ihe apprehended them to be biaHed by friendfhip, fhe intimated it with an authority which became her.^ She could firmly deny the mod earneft iolicitations when fhe thought the perfon for whom, they were made, unworthy of them. But fhe did this with fuch foftnefs, and fogood reafons, that the repulf-- ed could not but confefs that fhe was in the right, ev- en while they wifhed perhaps that for once Ibe had:- been in the wrong. She v/as grieved to hear of the low condition of ma-> ny of the Englifh churches. She formed plans to laifo them up, and afford dwe encouragement to their min- ifters. Pluralities and non-rfftdeticey when not abfo- lately necedary, v ere odious to herfelf, and fhe endea- vored to render them fo much fo to others, as fhould fupprefs the practices of thofe who undertook the care of fouls for v/hich they neither watched nor labored. In a difcourfeon the fubjed, the day before fhe was feized with her fatal difeafe, flie faid, ** She had no great hopes of redifying matters, but was refolved to go on, and not fuffer herfelf to be difcouraged. She v/ould ftill try what could be done, and purfue her de- flgn, however flow and infenfible its progrefs might be.' She was fincerely zetilous for healing religious divi- fions ; and declared her refolurion, on thefirll: addrefs of fome miniftersjto ufe all means for that bleffed end. She well underllood the difference between doctrines and rituals, and allowed a juft liberty for difienting in things of fmall moment. She was fettered with nofu- perftitious fcruples,' ut her free fpirit v/as for the uniori of all thofe who embraced the efumtials of Cliriliianity, No intimation was ever let fall in her prefence, of- fering a probable mean of rcfcrmation y^'\\ic\i was loft by 5:2- - Memoirs 0?" by her. She would call upon perfons who fuggeiTedf any thing of this kind, to turn the matter over and or- er again, till flie had matured her thoughts concerning iV, It was furpriling to fee how well flie undcrflood fuch things, and how zealous fbe was in promoting them. She rightly judged that the true end of power, and the beft excrcife of it, was to do good, and to make the world better. She often faid, fhe found nothing could make lifuppo-iiabki not to fay pleafant,beiide this ob- ject ; and Ibe wondered that the true pleafure attend- ing it, did not engage princes to pudue it more ar- dently. She encouraged thofe who were frequently with her, to lay before her every occafion of doing good that might occur to their thoughts, and was al- ways pleafed when fuch opportunities were prefented. She even charged the confciences of fome with a ccin- viand to keep nothing of this kind from her, which it w^as proper ibe fhould be acquainted with. Never was miftrefs both feared and loved fo entire)}'" as (he was. She charmed her dbmeftics with her iri- ffruclions, and won them by her kindnefs. Indeed ^\(^ delighted all who knew her by the obliging tenderncfs of her deportment, ohe foftened the affli6lions of the unhappy, by the Iharefhe took in them ; and miniftcr- cd to the ntcellities of the indigent.- It was eafy toi her to reward, but hard to puni(h,uniers the nature of the crime rendered mercy a cruelty. Then fiie was inflexi- ble, not only to importunity, but to her own tendernefs. The fphere which Providence allotted for her boun- ty and compadion' was extenfive : but larger flill was her heart,' Thofe worthy confeflbrs whom the perfe- cution of France banifhed to England, and to the Unit- ed Provinces, felt her munihcence. Multitudes who fled for Ihelter from^the confuficns of Irehnd, reduc- ed from affluence to want, had their exile mitigated, and their exigencies relieved, by her compaflion. The fame relief was liberally difpenfed to the miferable at liome, efpecialiy fuch as fufFered by- the cafualties-of war.- Mary, Queen OF Grsat Britain. 53 war. She was particularly attentive to difcover and fupply tiie neccffities of perfons of fingular merit. Inaclsof this kind, there was often difphtyed a greatnefs of foul which feemed to render munific&nce itfelf more generous, A nobleman of great piety hav- ing once propofed to her a good work which was fome- what expenfivc, and fhe having ordered a hundred pounds tor the purpofe, it fo happened, that a confid- crable time intervened before the fum was received. The nobleman waited on the queen, ai^d pleafantly remarked that interefl was due for the delay of pay- ment : on which Ihe immediately ordered that fifty pounds fliould be added.. The largencfs of her charity neccfiltated her to be very attentive and exa6l in itsdiftribution. She found that even a royal treafury could not anfvvcr all demands. Hence fhe took care to obtain accurate accounts both of the necedities and merits of the candidates for her liberality; and in difpenfmg it, difplayed as much memory, judgment and diligence, as if flie had no cares of a different nature. Amid all, fhe was very diftant from odentation. She manifefted no difpofition to difplay herjelf ; no delight in commendation. Even when due acknowl- edgments v/ere made, or juft praife given, they feemed fcarce to be heard ; and never were anfvv-ered in {wah a wav*as remotely tended to protracl the difcourfe. She pad from it to other fubje(Sl:s, as though (he could not bear it. In her were feen the mod adive zeal for the public, and conftant delight in doing good, joined with fuch unaffe£led humility and indifference to ap- plaufe, that the mod critical obfervers could fee no rtafon to think that the fecret flatteries of vanity and felf-love had any influence over her. Indeed her charities were condu£led with the great- cd poffible fecrccy. None knew what ^t gave, or to. whom, but thoie whom fhe was nectlTitated to employ in the communication, of her bounty : and they were. imdey- 54- Memoirs Of* under injimcllonsof filence. When it was practicable^ her own hand was the conveyance. So far was ihc from fpeaking of her charities, that when in her pre- fence, Tome were mentioned as objecis, whom (he had" already relieved, ihegave no intimation of what had been djne, though if the neceiTity appeared greater than the had apprehended, a new fupply was given. Her extraordinary pietv, while it alleviated many- of her troubles, gave a fiing to others. She enter- tained, and often exprelied, a painful {enie of the judgments which feemed hanging over the nation. The impieties and blafphemies, the open contempt of religion and virtue, of which (he heard from many pruts, filled her v/ith melancholy reflexions, and pre- fented lo her mind a dark profped. She was peculi- arly pained, when ih^ heard that fome who pretend-- ed much zeal for the crovvnand the Revolution, feem- ed to think that thence they derived a kind of right to indulgence in their irregularity and Hcentioufnefs. *' Can a blefTrng be expe£led," file would fay, " from fuch hands, or any thing that murtpafs through themr"' She longed to fee a fet of men of probity and public fpir- it, with whom the concerns ot the crown and people might be lodged with reafonable hopes of fuccefs, and' of the blelling of heaven on their fervlces. She had a high eldeem of all whom fhe found truly virtuous and religious; nor couldany other confiderations weigh, much with her, where thefe excellencies were want- ing. Next t) open impiety, the want of life and zeal in'the profelTors of religion, and the general coldneis an^d difunion of the Proteilants, fenfibly affected her. With much feeling (he would often fay, " Can fuel? dry bones live P''' — When fhe heard what crying fins abounded in the Britifh fleets and armies, ihe gave Aich dire6lions as feem.ed practicable, to thofe who might have influence to correal them. She frequent- ly intimated to perfons in eminent ftations, that noth- m^ could gratify and oblige her more, than that carer ihoulcL Mary, Queen of Great Britain. 55 fhould be taken to (lop thofe growing diforders, and reduce things to the rerioufners and fobriety of fc^rm- er tiine?-. Her lall: great project related to a royal proviiioH for maimed and decayed fcaircn ; a capital object: of which was to put them in a probable way to conclude their days in the fear of God. It gave her feniible pain to hear that Ireland v/as fcarce em- erged from its miferies, before it was returning to the levities, and even abominations of farmer times. She informed herfelf particularly into the Itate of tlie Britilh plantations, and of their colonies among infi- dels. It grieved her to hear that thofe colonies were too generally a reproach to Chrilfianity. She adop- ted apropofition made for ereding fchools, and tound- ing a College among them. For the latter, fhe pro- vided a noble endowment, of which fhe prefented a fcheme, thoroughly digefted, to the king. Nothing was m.cre agreeable to her than the profpe6l of ad- vancing^ religion, efpecially am.ong infidels. Her attention and mtmificence were extended to foreign churches. The fcattcred remains of tlve Pro- teffants who had been hunted out of their vallies in Piedmont, were, by her charity embodied and rever- ed. What was left of' the Bohemian churches fhe preferVed : and fae formed nurferies of religion in fome parts of Germany which were cxhauiled by war. Of time, file was a mofl diligent improver. She conlidered her glafs as continuallv running, and every fand to be accounted for. She viewed idlcncfs as the great corrupter of human nature; and believed that the mind which had no employment would create it- felf the word. When therefore her eyes were weaken- edby exceflive reading, llierefortedto work, which (lie piirfued with as much dilligence as if her labor were her fupport. While thus employed, (he took care to furnidi entertainment, at once for herfelf, and thofe who had the honor to work with her. One was ap- pointed 56 Memoirs ob apointed to read to ihe reil fomething lively as weH as inilriidive. Few or her fex, "^not to fay of her rank, ever gave lefs time to drefs, or leemed lefs curious about it. While the more tedious parts oi it were attended to, fhe cor.jftantly read herfelf, and generally aloud, that thofe who ferved about her, might be the better for it; and mingled fuch reflections, that the comment was often better than the text. Thus the hours of clofe attendance, which in moft courts, are the heavieft part of the day, were in hers the moft delighttuL She polleffed a native fincerity, which appeared in fuch genuine characters as fully convinced every one that ail vv^s uniform and confiltent. She never bor- rowed afTiilance from thofe arts fo common to elevat- ed ftations, as by fome to be imagined necelTary. She never covered her purpofes by doubtful expreffions. She not only would not be active in deceiving others, but avoided'faying that which might give them occa- sion to deceive themfelves ; and when ilie did not in- tend to promife, took care to explain her meaning fo critically, that nothing of the kind was fo much as in- timated. To this rigidnefs of integrity it was owing, that in a courfe of feveral years, flie did not once need an explanation to juftify either her words or adions. The franknefs of her mind and conduct was chaft- cned by the itri6teft difcretion. Thofe who knew her beft, and faw her ofteneft, could never difcover her thoughts and intentions further than fne chofe. No half-word, or change of look, drev/ any thing from her which fhe did not mean to impart. This caution, which in moft might be unneceifary and improper, was in her indifpenfable. It was no other than the xeferve demanded by her exalted (tation, and the mo- mentous affairs with which (he was converfant. She was remarkably diftant from pride ; nor lefs fo from patlion. Her fercne countenance was a chryftal, "^vhich difcovercd the tran(juility within. Her bread ■yv as Mary, QuEE^7 ot Great Britain, 57 %«-as like the Tea, when unruffled by fomuch as a trnn- fient breeze. The modefly and fanftiry cf her mind were fo undiflTcmWed and uniform, that nothing im- pure dared approach her prefence. No natural defe6ts, nor faults of chara£ler were ev- er the fubje6ts of her mirth ; nor could fhe bear it in others, if wit happened to glance on fiich topics. She thought it cruel and barbarous to be merry at the mif- forlunes or follies cf orhersc She was fmgubrly pleaf- cd with the fermon cf Archbifhop Tillotfon againit Evil-fpeaking ; and when fhe thought fome were guil- ty of it, flic would ind^ireclly reprehend them by aflc- ?ng, if they had read t/iat fermon. As fne uttered no cenfures lierfelf, flie was remark:- ably exempt from ihofe of others. On being remind- ed of this felicity, fhe faid that * flie afcribed it whol- ly to the goodnefs of God to her ; for fhe did not doubt that many fell under hard cenfures who deferved them as little' — adding that * God knew her weaknefs, that fhe was not able to besr fome imputations, and there- fore did not try her beyond her strength.' What is good, and what is great in human nature, were fo equally mixed, and flione Co brightly in her, that it was difficult to i'^.y for which Hie was moif re- markable. She was diflinguiflied for a clearncfs of apprchen- fion, an exadlnefs of memory, a folidity of judgment, and corrednefs cf expreffion. She dlfcovered a fupe- rior genius, and a felicity of imrglration, even on common fubjefts. Her age and rank denied her f p- portunities for much ftudy : yet fhe read the befl books in Englifb, Dutch and French ; three languages whiclt were almofl: equally familiar to her. She gave rnoCt of her hours to the ftudy of the fcriptures, and of books relating to them. Jn this way flie acquired a -deep and extenfive knowledge of Divinity. Next to this, Hil^ory, crpccially of modern times, and of her own country, engaged much of her attention, as bein^ F ^pcculiarl^ peculiarly ir.ilriiiiive. Of Poetry, (he was both x k^ver and a judge. She liked it bell: -when employed on the befi fubjecls: but its proftitution gave her great pain. She acquainted herlelt with Natural Hiltory ami Pcrljpeclive, was accurate in Geography, and ac- <^'jired fonse general knowledge of Philolophy and the Mathematics. On the whole, her proficience in inowieJge was remarkable, ccMiiidering the weaknefs of her eves, and the many hours v.r,ich Ihe fpent in herclofet. For tathionable entertainments ihe had no leliih. If ihe fometimes u!ed them, it was becaufe ihe wiihed not to give offence by too rigid an oppo- ii'tion to eftablilhed cuftoms. Her favorite amufe- ir»ents were Architecture and Gardening, in which ihe gave fome indulgence to her genius and talle. In this \'^SLY fhe incurred ccniiderable expeni^s ; but as marv J]3nd^ were employed, (he faid, * Ihe hoped it v. ouid be forgiven hsr.' If we coailder the fubjeci of cur memoirs r^sre ex- -prefslv as a queen, ihQ will appear lo much advan- tage. Few have polTeiTed at cnce fo great capacity for government, and fo. little inclination. What fhe re- luctantly aiTumed, -and cheerfully relinquifhed, fhc managed with remarkable fkill and propriety. Call- ed, in the abfence of the king, to preude in the ad- miniuration, fne ruled in a manner worthy of herfelf ; governing the affections of the people, and erecting her throne in their hearts. She vvas gentle in com- inanding, cautious in promlfing, generous in reward- inir, patient in her audiences, and her attentions to the complicated concerns of government. That nothing might be done in haile, the day was early begun. Thus wiihout (Lortening her devotions, (he found time to keep up the cuftomary forms, and the cheerfulnefs of a court. She was not fo abforbed by the greatell xares, as to negled the fmalleft. There were occafions indeed, on which {he was fo 'rDrefTed by her modePiy and humility, as to be too eaflly Mary, Qj: e e .s- o f G r e a t E ?. i t a i n* . 59- eafily perfuaded that the plan? of conducl fuggeiled by others, vsere belter than her own. Ii in this way Die was fometimes milled, efpecially in things with whica Ihe had iittie previous acquaintance, the miilake was not only venial, but amiable. Where confcience clearly decided the path of duty, ilie \\?.s firm zrA :::" movable. Her adminifrration of public affairs had this pccu.- iar felicitv attending it, that whiie her amiable con- du'^ difarmed the greater p .rt of her enemies, her v/ifJom and fecrecy efreduallv defeated the deiigns of the few who '.vere more determined and inveterate. Ir feafons of apparent tranquility, ibe was circum- fpeSiy and often apprehenfive : bat when vir!ble dan- ger prefented, her nrmnefs of mind and conduct were truly remarkable. When -there appeared reafcn to fear the worif, Trie feemed afraid of nothine. This was particularly manifeil when an invaflon wrs threatened from France, in the early-part cf her rti,. She was refolvcd th.^ if things fhould proceed lo t : tremities, (he would venture ht^rfeif with her people, and either fave them, or perKh with them. This nril exercife of royal power mull have hsen impleafant indeed : but fbe polFcired her fctd in ])2- tience, and lived in a conifa'--* rehgnation t3 the w iH of God, free from great anxiety refpecling events. The victory at the Boyne, where king James's army was routed by king William's, foon rtverfed the fcene, and put another face on public aiTairs. On this occ?- fjon, none feem.ed lefs changed than the queen. She looked more cheerful, but not more tranquil, than be- fore. She was indeed greatly relieved to find that her father, fer whom fhe lliil cheri^ed a tender affection, was fafe. To preferve his life, or her hulband's, fhc would willingly have facrificed her own. Spe?.king of the goodnefs of G^^d in their prefcrvation, fhe could Eot refrain weeping, while ihe faid that her heart had tienabled, not fo-much at her own canger, as at the fcenc Co Memoirs o? fceiie a-^ed ?1 the Boyne ; that God had heard her prayers, and fhe bleilcd him lor it \vith as fenlible a joy as llie ever knew. The next feafon of her adminillration concluded the reduction of Ireland ; an event v^hich at the time, feemed very improbable, and which gave occafion to the pious queen to make a remaik to this purpole : that the national forces cliewhere were fo confidera- ble, that languine hopes were indulged, of fomeihing d^rcifive : Ireland alone w^as apprehended to be too weakly furnilhed. * Yet fo diiferent, llie added, * are the methods of Providence from human calculation?, . that nothing memorable happened, but in the very- place where little or nothing was expected,' She was again in the adminillration when the na- tion was thrcalened with a defcent and invafjcn which - leemed very formidable. A moil painful circiun- jlance to the queen was, that it was to be conduced by her father. It was utterly fruihated by a feries of w'inds equally favorable to the Eritiili fieet, and hof- lile to the French. In contem.plation of this fignal interpofition cf Heaven, Hie was thankful, but not e- jated. Nor was (lie, on the contrary, greaily depref-. fed, when, in the courfe of things, Picvirlence feem- ed lefs to favor, She \\;xs led indeed by fuch events, to make humble and tender refledions on her own frailties and errors, and to fear left they were the guil- ty, caufe. Still (he fought her refuge in God : and tre- quently acknowledged that her greateft difquietudes were tranquilized and relieved by prayer, When melancholly events came immcdiEtdy from the hand of heaven, fhe laid that * though there was TiO occafion oi co^nptaint or anger j on thele crofs events, yet there w-as a juiter caufe oi grief, fir.ce Go.ds hand was to be feen fo particularly in them.' ;:o:r.etimes fhe feared thar fome fecret fins /night He at the root, and blaiiali : but Ihe wouldfoon add, that * where fo much was vifible, there wa.' no need cf divination, coricerning what might be hidden/ In Mary, Qijeen of Great Britain. 6t In her brighteft feafons, (lie grew not fcciire r.or unniindful ot her dependence on God. The plcufures of a court had little place in her heart ; and fhe hap- pily maintained a habitual indiffeience to their con- tinuance. From fome cafual indifpofitions (he took occafion to bring death as near as pufhble to her mind, that {he might judge of her preparation to encounter tliat lad enemy. The refult cf this examination was very comforting. She faid that though flie did not pray for death, yet flie could neither wifli nor pray againft it. She left that with God, and referred her- felf to the difpofal of his providence. If (he did not wiih for death, yet (he did not fear it. The tranquility fhe felt when death appeared more diftant, was neither deftroycd nor leifencd by its near approach. Amid the fighs and tears of all around her, fhe was ferene and peaceful. So faft did {he rife above mortality, that even her hufband, wliO was more to her, than all the world be fide, could not infpire her with any defirc of returning back to life. She receiv- ed the intimations of ^ approaching death with firmnefs. In that horir^Rien the moft artificial grow fincere, when hypocrify drops its mafk, and difclofcs the foul to view, it appeared how fincere and fublime was her piety. *' 1 have been inilrticltd," faid (be, *' hov/ very hazardous it is to r^ly upon a deaih-bcd repentance ;and I am notnow to begin liie great work of preparing for death : and I praife God, I am not afraid of it." She added, that Ihe experienced the joys of p, good confcience,and the power of rcligi(Mi giving hcv jupports which even the lart agonies could not fllak^^ She fcemed to have left nothing to be arranged by her in her lafl hours. Her mind was free from anxieties of every kind, and calm as the Hill fmall voice which feemed to be- calling her foul away to the regions a- bovc. An entire refignation to the will of God, ani a willingnefs to be diffolved, did not foffake her, fo much as for a moinent. Her genilcncfs and tender' y % attciuioas 62 Memoirs of attentions to all about her, v,'ere equally unaltered. A few hours before (he breathed her laif, preceiving that her chaplain had been attending on her long, and apprehending he nnight be weary, fhe bade him fit down, and repeated the injun6lion till he complied — a clrcumjiance indeed ; but fuch as dilcovered at once tne calm.nefs of her mind, and the fv/eet benevo- lence of her difpofitien. While ^\^ was awake, her conllant exerciie was prayer : and fo fenfible was the Tefrefhment which fhe found in it, that fhefaid it gave her more cafe than any thing which was done for her. Nature funk apace. She received the facrament with a devotion which at once animated and melted all pre- fent. That being over, fhefeemed on the wing \ and gave herfeif up fo entirely to meditation, as fcarcel- to regard any tiling earthly. Providence blcifed he. with adifmiiiion fo eafy, that ihe would fcarce have ■known herfeif to be fick, but by what was intimated, Jind done for her, by thofe around. Thus fhe put off mortality, and pad from an earthly to a lieavenly crown ; a crown of glory that ihall never fade away. There is one point of H j^t too important to be o- mlitad, in which this extraordinary woman has not; yet been exhibited. She was a pattern of every con- jugal virtue. ** She was fo tender and refpectful a wife," fays Bifhcp Burnet, ** that (he feemed to go he)ond the mofl perfect idea to which invention has been able to rife. The lowefl: condition of lile, or the greateft inequality of fortune, has not afforded fo complete a pattern. Tendernefs and complaceny. feemed to flrive which fhould he the more erainento She had no higher fatisfadion in the profped of the greatnefs that was defcending on her, than that it gave her an occafion of making herhufband a prefent wor- thy of himfelf. Nor had crowns or thrones any charm f.) pleafant to her, as that they raifed him to a greatnefs which he fo well deferved,and couldfo well maintain. She was all zeal and rapture when any thing Mary, Queen of Great Britain. % thing was to be done that could exprefs eiiher affec- tion or refpe6l to him.'- Thefe enconniums, though they may feem extravagant, ^realmoft juftified by the king's pungent and inconfolable grief at the lols of her, and the expreffions which theoccafion drew irom hira. When Dr. Tenifon, upon her death, went to comfort the king, his Majefty anfvvercd, that * he could not but grieve, fmce he had loft a wife who in feventeen years had never been guilty of an indifcre- tion.' *' On the third day of her illnefs," fays BilTiop . Burnet, ** the king called me into his clofet, and gave a free vent to a moil: tender palTion. He burft into tears, and cried out, that- there was no hope of the queen, and that from being the happieft, he was now going to be the mod miferable creature on earth. He faid, that during the whole courfe of their marriage, he had never known a Tingle fault in her ; that there was a worth in her, that no body knew bcfides him- felf.' The fame hiftorian adds, that ** the king's af- flidion for her death was as great as it was jull. It was greater than thofe Vv'ho knew him beft, thought his temper capable of. During her ficknefs, he was in an agony that amazed us all, fainting, o-fien, and breaking out into mod violent lamiCntations. When fhe died, his fpiriis funk fo low, that there was great reafon to apprehend he was follo\\ ing her. For fome weeks after, he was fo little maOcr of himfelf, that he was not capable of minding bufinefs, or of feeing company." Among the remains of this excellent woman, is a colleclion of letters (to the number of thirty-feven) which flic wrote to her hufband, during his abfence in Ireland ; a period of about three months. As thefe letters throw much light on the fubjed lad mention- ed, and on many other parts other charader, we Ihail enrich thefe memoirs with a few Extracts, << You ^ Memoirs 02^' '' You will be weary of feeing every dr.y a letfar from me, it may be : yet, being apt to flatter myfelf I hope you will be as willing to read, as I to write* Indeed, it is the only comfort I have in this world, be- iide that of truft in God. • I have nothing to fay tcr yon at prefent, that is worth writing, and I think it unreafonable to trouble you with my grief, which I muft continue while you are abfent, though I truft every poft to hear feme good news from you. I can- not enough thank God for your being fo well pad the dangers of the fea, I befeechhim in his mercy ftill to preferve you, and fend us once more a happy meet- ing on earth. I long to hear again from you, hoiv the air of Ireland agrees with you ; for I muft ov/n I am not without my fears for that, loving you fo eii- tirely as I do, and fliall till death," O;; a ?'efjiarkahle efcape cf the 'kin^.. ' ** I can never give God thanks enough, as long ijs I live, for your prefervation. I hope in his mercy, that this is a l:gn he preferves you to finifh the work lie has begun by ycu ; but I hope it may be a warn- ing to you, to let you fee you are expofed to as many accidents as others. And though it has pleafed God to keep you once info vifible a manner,- yet you muft forgive me, if I tell ycu- 1 fhould think it a templing God, to venture again, without great neceflity. I know what I fay of this kind will be attributed to fear. J own I have agrcat deal for your dear perfon ; yet I hope I am not unreafonable upon the fubje^, for I truft in God ; and he is pleafed every day to confirm me more and more in the confidence I have ia him. Yet my fears are not lefs, fmce I cannot tell if it- fhould be his will to fufi^er you to com.e to harm for our fins, and when that miight happen ; for though God is able, yet many times he puniihes the fins of a 2]Atioii as it fesms good in his fight. Your writing, me. Mary, Queen of Great Britain. 65 nie word how foon you hoped to fend me good new?, Ihewsme how loon yon thought there may be fomc adion ; and that thought put me in perpetual pain. This morning, when I heard the exprels was come, before Lord Nottingham came up, 1 was taken with a trembling for fear, which has hardly left me yet ; and I really do not know what I do. Your let- ter came jufl before 1 went to chapel ; and though the f.rft thing Lord Nottingham told me was, that ycu were very well, yet the thoughtsthat youexpofe your- fclf thus to danger, fright me out of my wits, and' make me not able to keep my trouble to myfelf : but let me beg you to lake more care for the time to come. Gonfider what depends upon your fafety. There are fo many more important things than myfeU, that I think 1 am not worthy naming among them. ^ But it may be, the word will be over before this time,^fo that I will fay no more. I riid not anfwer your let' er by the poft laft night, becaufe the exprefs could not be difpatched ; and i believe more hindrances are come ; for Lord Steward and Lord Pembroke wriie v^ord they will be here to-night. But I can fay very little upon the fubje^V at prefent, for I really had my head and heart fo full of you, I could mind nothing cile. I hope you will forgive me, if I forget half what I have to fay -, for really my concern for you has got the mailery, and I am not able think of any thing elfe, but that I love you in more abundance than my owq life.--' On the -king's vlSfory at the Boyr.c. '* How to begin this letter I know not, or how to render God thanks enough for his mercie?. Indeed they are too great, if we look on our deferis. Eut, as you fay, it is his own caufe : and fmce it is tor the glory of Ids great name, we have no reafon to fear but he will perfecT: what he has begun. For myfelf, my heart is fo full of joy and acknowledgment to tb^^ii great 66 Memo IKS OP great God who has preferved yoii, and given you [uth a vittorv, that 1 am unable to explain it. I befeech him to ^ive rae grace to be ever fenfible, as I ought ; and tha^ I and all may- live fuitably to fuch a mercy as this is. 1 am lorry the fleet has done no better ; but it is God's providence ; and we mud not murmur, but wait with paiience to (ee the event. 1 was yefter- day out of my fenfes with trouble : I am now almcjt fo with joy ; (o that I really cannot as yet tell what I have to fay to you by this bearer, who is impatient to return, t hope by the afternoon to be in a condition of {cnC^ enough to fay much more j but for the prcf- en^ I am not. ** When I wrote the foregoing part of this, it was in the morning, foon after 1 had received yours : and now it is four in the afternoon ; but I am not yet come to my felt ; and fear I fliall lofe this opportunity of writing all my mind, for I am ftill in fuch a confulion of thoughts, that I fcarce know what to fay : but I hope YOU will now readily confent to what the Lord Preudent wrote lalf night j for methinks there is no- thing more for you to do, ■ I will hallen Kenfmgtoa as much as poilible ; and I will alfo get ready for you here ; for 1 hope you may come before that is done. I mulf ptit you in mind of one thing, believing it ro-vV the feafon ; which is> that you would take care of the church in Ireland. Every body agrees that it is the worft in Chriftendomv There are now biflioprics vacant, and other things. I beg you will take timfe to confider wliom-you will -fill them Vv^ith.- You will forgive me that I trouble you with this now •, but I hope you will take care of thofe things which are of fo great confequence to religion, which I am fure witl be more your care every day, now that it has pleafed God to blefs you with fuccefs. I think I liave told you before, how impatient I am to hear how you ap- prove what has been done here. I have but little part In it myfelf^ but I .long to hear how others have pler^f^- Mary, Queen OF Great ijRiTAiN. 67 ed you. I am very uneafy in one thing, which is the want of fomcbody to fpeak my nnind freely to ; for it is a great rcdraiRt to think, and be lilent, and there is (o much matter, that I am ready to burft. Lord Not- ti.ngham brought me your letter yeflerday, and I could not hold,- To he favv me cry, which I have hindered myfelf from before every body till then, that it was impofiible : and this morning, v/hen I heard llie joy- ful nev/s from Mr. Butler, I was in pain to know what bad become of the late king, but durft not afk him : but when Lord Nottingham came, I venture d to do it, and had the fatisfaclion to know he was fafe. I know I need not beg you to let liim be tsken care of, for I am confident you will for your own fake yet add that to all your kindnefs, and for my fake let people know you v/ould have no hurt come to his perfon. Forgive me this. The Lords of the Treafury have defired me that if there is anything to .be d()ne,-L would h.ear them all. You gave me no direcTrions in tills, but to the contrary ; fo that I liave declined it hitherto, but if I mud fign any warrant, it muft ccme loir. *' I have written this at Co many times that I fear you will hardly make fenfeof it. 1 long to hear what you will fay to the propofition that will befent to you tiiis night by the Lords, and flatter mvfelf mightily "ivith the hopes to fee you ; for which I am more im- j)atient than can be exprelTed, loving you with a paf- iion vvhich cannot end but with my life." On fJje kifig's delayhig his return^ -** Unlefs I could exprefs the joy I had at the thouglifs of your coming, it would be in vain to ujidertake tel- ling you of the difappointment it is to me, that you do not come fo foon. I began to be in great pain left y^u had been in the (form on Thurfday niglit, which I am told was great; though its being on the other fide the CS .Memoirs o? the houfe hindered my hearing it ; but was foon de- livered by your letter of the 29th. I confefs I defervc Aich a flop to my joy, fmce it may be it was too great, and I not thankful enough to God, and we all here are apt to be too vain upon fo quick a fuccefs. But I have mortification enough to think your dear perfon may be again expofed at the paflage ot the Shannon, as it was at that of the Boyne. This is what goes to my heart ; hut yet I fee the reafons for it fo good that I will not murmur : for certainly your glory would be the greater to terminate the war this fummer, and the people here much better pleafed, than if they muft furnifli next year for the fame thing again. Upon thefe confiderations I ought to be fatisncd ; and I will eisdeavor, as much as may be, to fubmit to the will of God, and your judgment. But you miuft forgive a p^or wife, who loves you fo dearly, if I cannot do it with dry eyes. Yet fince it has pieafed God fo wonderful- ly to preferve you all your life, and fo miraculoufiy liow, I need not doubt but he will ftlli preferve you. Yet let me beg you not to expofe ycurfcli unneceffari- }y: that will be too much tempting that Providence which I hope will ftill watch over you. 1 fhall be very im.patlent to hear again from you ; till when, I fliall be in perpetual pain and trouble, which I can- not think you can can wonder at, kriowing that you are dearer to me than m.v life.'' '* You may believe I iliali do as much as lies in my power to follov/ your directions in all things whatev- er, and am never fo eafy as when I have them. Judge then what a joy it was to me, to have your approba- tion of my behavior : this, and the kind way you cx- prefs it in, is the only comfort I can poflibly have in your abfence. What other people fay, I ever fufpe6l ; but when you tell me I have done well, I could be al- mod: vain upon it. I am. hire I have all the reafon in the world to praife God, who has fuilained me ia things Mary, Queem of Great Britain. 69 things fo difficult to fiefh and blood, and has given ine more courage than I could have hoped for. I ana fure, it is fo great a mercy that I can never forget it. Wc have received many : God lend us grace to value thein as we ought. I am very innpatient to hear again if yoij are over the Shannor. Thar pairage frights me. You muil excufe my telling my tears. 1 love you toj much to hide ;hem ; and that makes all dangers feeni greater, it may be, than they are. I pray God in his mercy keep you, and fend us a happy meeting here cii earth, before we meet iu heaven ! ** If I could take more pains todeferve yourkinri- i:efs, that which you write v.ould make me do it: bi.: that has been ever fo much my de']rc,that 1 cannot io more for you, nor love you better." " You will have an account trom Lord Nottirg- ]iam what has been done this day and yeueriday. I know you will piiy me ; and I hope you will believe, if your letter had been Itfs kind, I do not know wha: would become or me. It is that only makes nie bear all that now fo torments me : and I give God thanks every day for your kindnefs. it is fuch a fati^faclion to me to find that you are fatisiied with me, that I .mnot exprefs it : and 1 do (o flatter myftU wiih tiio hopes of being once more happy with ycu in this world, that that thought alone makes me bear all wiih patience. I pray God preferve you from the dan^;ers I hear you expoie yourfelf daily to, which puts me in continual pain. A battle I fancy is foon over ; but the perpetual Ihooling you are now in, is aa intolera- ble thing to think on. Take care of yourfelf. You owe it to yourfelr, and this country, and to all in Gen- eral. I mull not i'lams rayfeif, where church andliate are equally concerned : yet I mud needs fay, ycu owe a little care for my fake, who, I am fere, lo\e ym mere than you can do rne ; and the little care you Xikt o of Memoirs of c»f your dear perfon, I take to be a (ign of it : but I mufl: 0:111 love you more than life.'"' ni^, than this eminent woman had trom thofc who lived under her roof.. Slie was favored with a remarkable flrength and conftancy of faith. Nor was Ihe without a good de- gree of air.irance refpecting her Hate, efpecially in the concluding part of her life. About a year before flic died, (lie fell intoa'fvvoon, which continued about l\alf an hour, without any probable appearance of recovery. As foon as ilie came to hcrfclf (lie joyful- ly exclaimed : ** I know that my Redeemer liverh :" :md on being conveyed to her cliniiibcr (lie added : *' I know whom I have believed." The crowning'part of this pious Lady's charn61cr was her humility. This grace, as well as her undif- iembling fincerity, appeared in the great freedom ^vhich (lie permitted and encouraged in her friends, of fpeaking to her of whatever they faw amifs in her. She placed a lugh value on the privilege of having a faithful friend ; frequently oblerving that * others ri!\:,ht fee more of us than v/e could" of ourfelves ; 78- Memoirs o-f- and that it was a great mercy to be convinced of an^r fin.' She thought meanly of herfelf. She faw not how brightly her face Ihone, though others could not but behold and admire its luftre. Her frequent com- plaint was, that (lie was ufelefs, and did no good. She was much in fpeaking of her imperfections and- v/arits, weaknefs and unworthinefs. *' I abhor my- felf, indeed I do," was her frequent exprelhon. She was eafy of accefs. even to the meaneil who came in- • to her prefence : and her deportment to the poorell around her was full of courtefy and lowlinefs. Otten when her fervants had well performed any bunnefs fhe had ailigned them, Die would be particular in thanking them. To whomfoever Ihe fpoke, the law of kindnefs was on her tongue. Her bright and long day had a mod: agreeable an^- happy clofe. It might be truly faid, that at evening time it was light. In her laft ficknefs, her pains were llrong, but her patience was ftronger. Never was fhe heard lo murmur, or utter an exprelTion of im- patience. She was particular in jultiiying God in all his difpenfations toward lier. She was much in- admiration and praife of his mercies, even amid her acuteft pains, and moil didrefling agonies. In the darkefl: hours of nature, and with the Iharpeft thorns C'f affliction at her breait, ihe could utter fongs of thankfgiving to the God of her mercies. She was not entirely free from the affaults of her grand enemy ; but he came only to be repulfed with iliame. The divine armor which fhe had been both- accudomed and fkilful to u{e in feafons of health, did n-ot fail her now. The lafl words which were ob- ferved to be fpoken by her, before fhe was feized with the fatal lethargy which in two days brought on the diilbiution of her weak, worn-out frame, were. thefe ; *« How fliall I do to be thankful ? How fhall I. do to praife my God ?" Thus fhe clofed her life in the excrcifeof that duty vyhich was to bq her con-- ilant^. Lady Mary Vere. 79 .ftar.t, endlefs employment and happinefs in that bet- ter life on which flie was entering. She died in the lord, December 25th, 167 1, in the ninetieth, it not the ninety-firit year ot her age. God gave her a hr.^ life, and crowned her at lait with hh Jarcaticn, Her remarkable piety is amply aitelted by thofe eminent men, Dr. Sibbs and Mr. Gnrnal. The form- er infcribed to her, in conjundlion with her hufband, his book intitled The bruijed reed. The latter, in his dedication of The Chrljiian in complete armory ad- drelfcs her as a woman who admirably vindicated the iionor of religion, by the amiable iinirormity of her piety, beneficence, charity, and other graces which adorn the charadlcr and proftllion of the Chriftian. The PvIght Honorable The countess of SUFFOLK. T, HIS Ladv was born in or abont t'ne year i6'.7. She was the fccond daughter of the Earl of ifolland, and was married vtry young to Thcophilus, Earl of Suffolk. Her powers of imagination, judgment and memory were extraordinary. In ihelaft particular *i\\^ was fo happy, that (he has frequently committed to writ- ing on Monrjay, the fermon which flie had heard the preceding Lcrd*s day, and this nearly in the very words of the preacher. She ?o Memoirs of She had a remarkable government of her pafiions. She was felclom fo angry as to chide. It was often remarked that there was nothing in which Ilie was more urillal condition, flie charged iiim to deal feverely and impartially with her, 5ind itill would urge him again and again, befeeching him to let her know the worft , and cxpreffing her fear that he dealt more gently with her, than he would with another. I^^f The CouKTESs OF Suffolk. S7 Hor laft ficknefs feized her intelkas for feme days before her death. Yet flie had fome lucid intervals. In one of thefe, fhe poured out her foul in a large prayer, confiding of very fervent, melting expreffions, £ts if (he would feize the kingdom of heaven by an irreliftible, yet humble violence ; pleading before God, Ills name, his attributes, his mercies, his Chrift, and his promifes, which fhe drew from every part of his word. This feemed the lafl: confiderablc interval of reafon ; excepting that after her ftrength was much fpent, file recognifed her friends when they came to her, fignified to them her aiTurance of her iiitereft in Chrilt, and joined very attentively in prayer with one •whom llie defired to perform that office. About an hour afterward, in a kind of quiet fleep, fiie yielded her fpirit to her G'jd, Mdy 10, 1649 ; moil tenderly lamented by her friends, to whom Ihe had been incx- preffibly dear and delightful. As in youth, (he had her convcrfation much in hea- ven, and feemed early ripe for it, (lie was privileged with an early adniifhon to its joys, iihe dropped mor- tality at the age of twenty-two. LADY MARY ARMYNE. JL HIS Lady was a branch of the ilhiflriciis family of Talbots. Her natural abilities wejc great. She had a comprehenfive and vigorous undcrflanding, even to the lail hours of her life. Though above four- fc^re years of age, flie could difcourfe with great ilrength of reafon, on the day of her death. She S^'^ Memoirs o^ She er.rly acquired thofe accomplifhments wliicH were fuitabie for her fex and ftation. She v/as ac- quainted with divinity, not only pradlical, but con- troverfial ; with ecclefiadical affairs ; with the French and Latin languages ; with hi (lory, efpecially the hif- torical part of the fcriptures. She underftood the management of domeftic concerns. In her deport- ment, ihe was very engaging. By the condefcenfion and courtefy of her manners, flie won.the afteclion of all with whom (he converfed. To crown all, her life was eminently holy and ex- emplary. Her genius, knowledge and politenefs were ennobled and adorned by religion. She loved it in others. She loved fuch as led a holy life. She could not be eafy in the company of thofc whofe converfatlon fliewed them deftitute of the fear of God. She valued holinefs, not only in her own family, choofing her fervants by this qualification, but in whomfoever ihe faw, its marks and expreflions, though they were the greateft Grangers — a happy evidence that flie loved it for its own fake. She endeavored to promote godlinefs in others, not only by often dropping ferious exhort?.tion and coun- fel in her converfations with them, but by many pious letters wliich flie wrote them* She frequently diirrib- uted good books to thofe about her ; and fne gave large fums annually ie)r carrying on the defign, commenced in New-England, for converting the Indians. Nor did Ihc dlfcontinue this important charity, to her dy- ing day. When, in the year 1662, feveral hundreds of pious rriinifters were ejccled from their livings, to the great dirtrcfs of their families, her compaflion and fyrnpa- thy were mofi; powerfully excited. A lew days alter the melancholy event, {he,\vent to the Rev. Mr. Cal- aray, and committed to him five hundred pounds, to be diit'ribr.ted to thofe among them, whole fufferings and v/ants were moll preffing. She Lady Mary Armyne. §9 Slic was accuftomed to retire, at lead twice every day,. for reading the Icriptures, with other piousbooks, and for fecret prayer : a pra6lice in which fhe con- tinued to the end of life. It was her joy to embrace every opportunity cf joining in the wor(hip of God, whether public or pri- vate, ordinary or cccafional. The ardor which others devote to worUlly pleafures and piirfr.its, was confe- crated by her, to the duties and ordinances of religion. Her deportment in the fan61uary was exemplarily fe- lious and humble. Nor did fhe, en any occafion, mention the name of God, or of Chriil, wi.hoiit a rev- erential awe upon lier fpirit. She highly elleemed godly miniilers. She maniftft- «d a great refpe6l even to thofe of the lowed grade, nnd meaned gifts, if fhe obferved them to be pious, «nd diligent in their facred calling. Her cliarity was eminent and ad ive. In adiliuon to the indances already given, fhe ereded and endow- ed alm:-houfes in three feveral counties. When oc- cafion called, her donations to charitable ufes were large. As die was not weary of well-d-jing while fhe lived, die left, at her death, a confiderable annuity to be employed for benevolent purpofes. Though die defccnded from an ancient and honor- able family attached to the Romidi religion, yet God •was h:-r teacher, and confirmed her not only in the principles of Protedantifm, but in the love and feri- ous pradice of the religion die profeffed. She v/as rot a formalid, zealonfly contending fr truth, while deditute of its faving in'duence. She did not thmk ■with thofe who condder it as a mark of Chrilf's difci- pies to be acciijers of the brethren; and who are ready to pronounce their fellow-profedors to bo no Chrif- tians, that they rr ay treat them ill wiih kfs dilhonor and remorfe. The only war which die declared, was, viih the world, the fledi and th? devil. Sh^. go MexVOIrs of She v/as not "attached to feels or novelties in religion, under pretence of rifln^;to the highelt grade among Chridlans. She confuL-rcd the height or religion as confiding in an ardent love to God and man ; in a fimple, conftant reliance on the merits aiid mediation of Chrill:, and a ileadiaft, exemplary obedience to his will. Thoi]£:h file lived in a ftyle correipondent with her rank, and eihite, v»-hich was opulent, yet Ihe habitual- ly manifcfted great meeknefs and iowlinefs of mind. Her prudence, fcbriety and gravity were exemplary : nor was htr impaniality in loving all v.'hom iiie judged to be true Chriftians, lefs remarkable. Though fincerely an enemy to a dividing and fa6ii- ous fpirit, fns did not confider it a countenancing of fchirm,to relieve fuch fervants of Chrill in their dif- trefs, as were branded by many oi^ her time, as here- tics and fchifmatics. In fliort, her \vhole fpirit and life were a beautiful and Ibiking comment on the defcription of the Apoflle Jam.es. " The wifdom that is from above, is firtf pure, then peaceable, gentle, eafy to be intrear- ed, full of meicy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrify : And the fruit of rightecuf- nefs is fown in peace of them that make peace." To live as this trulv honorable and excellent wo- man lived, in wifdom, humility, temperance, in a charitable, peaceable, and impartial piety, attending to the great realities of religion, God, the Redeemer, grace, glory, our own hearts, our duty, and prepara- tion for the day of final account, w^ill prove more fafe ancl comfortable, at lau, than the proud, wrathful, tur- bulent religion (as it is fometimes abfurdly ilyled) of fuch as v/ould fet up Chriif and his Church, or rather themfelves, by perfecuting, hurting and delUoying their fellow-Chriflians, or avoiding them, as unwor- thy their communion, • As Lady Mary Armyne. 9r As file lived to God in an eminent degree, Co He was pleafed to indulge her a long life, enriched with many and diftinguifhing mercies. Though ihe was long affiicied with an excrucia-ing diforder, which probably laid the foundation for her dilTolution, yet ijie had remarkable relief and exemption from it in the clofmg period of her life : fo that near her eighti- eth year, ihe enjoyed much health, and ferenity of mind. A learned and pious minii^^ei who lived near her, has left his teftimony concerning her in the following terms. ** The converfe I had wiib her," fays he, ^' afforded me opportunity to know he: more inti- mately than many who only faw he: h )\y courfe ; for her bufmefs with me v/as no other iiis.i ;o open the flats of her foul, to confefs her infirmities, to produce her evidences for heaven, and to dehre my judgment of them, together with my counfel and comh^rt ; and farther to afk my advice for fuch v/orks of public ben- efit as (lie charitably intended, and afterward liberally perform.cd. Upon trial, I found that flje had a fafe and well-fettled (late of foul, not tree from, all degree of fears, and fmaller doi-btings oF herfelf, and far from a prefumpiuous, unhuinbled and f^fif-jufiifying fpirit. Her evidences were found, and her difcernm.ent of them fo clear and fure, as enabled her to conclude her right to everlafting life, and fo with the greater peace to think on death : which evidences, as Ihc had open- ed them to me, not long before, fo (he did it over a- gain in her ficknefs, not many days before her death. At which time, after complaints of fuch impcrfecf ions of grace as were her trouble, (lie prcfefled the full de- dication of herfelf to God, her firm confent to his cov- enant, her earneft defires after perfect holinefs, and her truft in the mediation and merits of her Redeemer. In the ficknefs of which flic died, fhe gave many finiihing proofs of the fincerify of her religion : fucli a« the fervor of her fpirit to pcrfeve-re in v/ell-doi "S ijZ .WEMCIRS OF to the end— her breathin:^ after Chrii>,and Jefiringto be dhrolv'ej a.iJ be with him, as the happieil of all — her deep ar.d painiiil fcnle of the low llate of religion, and the proftinon of it in the world — her fubmiliion to the divine will anddifpofal ; freely fur rendering up herfelf to her fovercign Lord and Proprietor, that he might do with her, in life or death, as he pieafed— her peace of confcience : (in former ficknelies Hie had en- joyed much fcrenity, but never a more placid and re^ figned frame of foul, than at this feafcn} — htr faith, and love to Chriil, manifcikd in her reccrr. mending an intcreft in him, as the belt of cordials in a faintiui; hour, when other comforts forfake. Some of her lait words were to this purpofe. Her fervent prayers ccn- tinaed to tije end ; in the midll of which, llie fweetly breathed out her fpirit into the bofom of her God. The Right Hoxoraele LADY ELIZABETH 1.ANGHAM. T, HOUGH her ccicrl.t \N :i-^ Ki-.-UiuU^, ii;C was never known to betray, either in words cr de- portment, that ihe valued lurfelf on this circumifance, vr regretted her being exceeded in wealth and fpien- d< r by others inierior in rank. If her hufband. Sir James Langham, ever fpokeof the fmallnefs of his torture, when compared with that oi her ov.'n family, fhe ii:terr'"3tfi hini b^ cynrclling hcf fatisfaclion and oiatitude Ladv Elizabeth Lakgham. 93 gratitude at finding heiTelf pofTeiTed not only of aa honorable competence, but of liberty and aid for the works of piety and benevolence. She was educated with great care and fuccefsbyher eminently pious mother, the Counrcfs of Huntingdon. With her, fae enjoyed a religious retirement, for \Thich fhe frequently blefied God, as that which fecur- cd her not only from temptations to vice, but from the knowledge of it. Her mother, that The might the more effectually infinuate the principles of religion into her heart and memory, was at the pains to digefl her indructions into verfe. Nor was her labor without a rich re- ward in the docility and improvement of her lovely pupil. The f^ted thus carefully fown, feemed early to produce net only the bloiToms, but the fruits of piety. In her childhood, (he m.anifelled a tender- nefs in refpecl to duty, a folemn reverence of God« and his holy day ; on which ftie would neither dlU courfe herfelf, on any common topics, nor willing- ly hear orhers. As her capacity expanded, (he took great delight in hearing the word preached, and wa? careful to digelt it, by meditation, and converfe with otliers. From her infancy, (he was dutiful to her parents, even to the fm.alleft punctilio in which their pleafure •was intimated. Her mother v/as heard to fav that (he never offended her in all her life. Perceiving her once to be more affeSed than (lie wifhed, in con- fequence of having rnifapprehended fome advice (he had given her, (he found it necefTary to comfort her ^vith this explanation : thatfeveral things which (he had fpoken to her, were not intended as conima?ids^ but as counfels, which in things indifferent were not indifpcnfable. As (he advanced, (he was obferved to be very exact in things of a moral nature, efpecially in keeping her Word j to accomplifb which v/ith 'more certainty. «4 Memoirs o? file was very cautious and fparing in her promifes. Indeed, on fubjecls in general, fhe leaned fb much more to filence than loquacity, that a pcrfon of piety and judgment, intimately acquainted with her, obfer- 'ved that * flie believed this lady had the lead account to give for words, of any that ihe ever knew.' This caution was owing neither to want of talents, nor of anatter for converfation ; for fhe poireiled great intel- leclual flrength and acquirements. She was modeft and grave in her whole demean- or, not from a defe£i: of fprightlinefs, or of good hu- mor, but from a juft fenfe of what was demanded by the dignity of her fex, and of virtue. She difplayecl, at the fame time, her affability and condefcenfion in kindly receiving the vifits, even of the meaneft of her neighbors, and freely converfing with them. As any of them favored more of godlinefs, Ihe increafed her familiarity ; ftudioufly declining to admit any to her frienddiip, till by accurate obfervation {he had found them to anfwer that character of worth by which it ■was her plan to choofe iier friends ; not that oi greats ncjs^ but goodnejs. She was fo courteousto all claffes of perfons, andcf- pecially to fuchas were petitioners for her bountv,that what was faid of a Roman Emperor, might with great truth be faid of her — I'sone zvcnt from her prefence dif- cmtented. Even thofe to whom fhe declined giving alms, (lie fo handfomely reproved, for not ufing their flrength to help themfelves in a more creditable way, that they feemed to go away fcarce lefs fatisfied with her advice, than they would have been with her boun- The poor had fuch confidence In her goodnefs, and fhe fo tenderly felt for their dlftreiTes, that fhe was frequently employed in applying in their behalf to fome of her relations, on whom they depended : in which cafes, the prudence of her conduct, and the blefTmg Lady Elizabeth Langham 95 Lleffing of God attending her humane endeavors, gen- erally enfured fuccefs. Her fervants {hared in her condefcenfions ; for though fhe underdood her own place and theirs, yet fuch mildncfs and prudence were mingled in her treat- ment of them, that (lie was never known to utter a haliy or palhonate exprefiion to any of them, though file had fometimes great provocation. So peculiarly innocent was her deportment, even from childhood, that one of great integrity was led to remark that * during the fpace of ten years in which fhe lived in her mother's tamily, flie could never ob- ferve in this lady any unbecoming word or adion, or any thing which, if the whcl: world had been acquaint- ed with it, would have tended to her jull difparagc- ment.' She ftudied much to pleafe thofc with whom fhe converfed, fo far as was allowable. If a friendly de- bate occurred, Ihe was far from tenacious of her own opinion ; and refpedtully yielded to the judgment of others, if plain truth or duty did not forbid it. As a friend (he eminently (hone. She was not hafty in admitting any to lier bofom ; but having done it once, flie was unfufpicious, noble, generous, and particularly unrcfcrved in communicating whatever judgment di6lated as mofi conducive to their bed ben- efit, whether it were advice, comfort or reproof. For this laft, at once the mod painful and mod benevolent aft of frienddiip, flie always referved a liberty, even in regard to her mod valued friends : performing it with great tendernefs, but with the mod confcien- tious fidelity. To none was fhe more rigid than to hcrfelf. Her life was a comment on the Apodolic injunction : "See that ye walk circumfpeclly." She avoided not only what fhe condemned in others, but what ih^Jufpeilcd to be amifs. Nor would fhe pardon in herfelf, that which her charity induced her to hope well of in thenu So ^6 Memoirs of So uncommonly tender was her conTGience, that fhd took the alarm at the remoteft appearance of fin. Two inftances Pnall be given out of many. When iittle more than a child, Ihe one day, in great affiic- lion, and with tears in her eyes, addreffed her govern- efs, intreating her to forgive her, becauje Jhe knezo that in her childhoodyfie had been wa.Jit'mg in affe^ion. to her, and vjas afraid jhe did not love her. — In more jnature age, having once threatened a child, of whom ihe had fome care, that if fae did not do fuch a thing, /he zvQuId not Jove her, file immediately recalled the cxpreffionas too harfhy faying, *' Alas ! God deals not fo with us, notwkhrtanding our continual difobedi- •ence.' As (he grew in years, flie gr^w in grace ; increaf- ing her acquaintance with God, by a conftant corref- ipondence and communion with him. So frequent were her devotions, that her mother, one day, appre- henfive of her health, told her, that if that was to be- !her way, ihe was not fit to live in this world. She jneekly replied, (taking her mother's exprefi!ion in a different fenfe from what was intended] ** No indeed, madam, I confefslam not.'* Amid the cares and duties of a married life, her de- votion continued the fame. Her prayers, like thofc of Daniel, were offered three times in the day ; and the latter part of her life, ftill more frequently. Her time in the clofet was employed not only in prayer and meditation, but likewife in the ftudy of the fcriptures, and the perufal of books of pra6tical divinity. She read a fermon every day, generally out of her note-books,^ for fhe conftantly took down the fermons Ihe attended ; by which practice, and by frequent inculcation, (lie fixed in her memory the moll which fhe heard, and had it in readinefs for occafion- alufe. , A As in this way, and by a diUigent application Jb. ^he other duties of life, flie was an eminent example Lady Elizabeth Langham. 97 of redeeming time, (lie could have little opportunity ior thofe amufements which where curtomary among perfons of her ftation. And flie had as little in- clination. They were againft her confcience : for file doubted whether the expenfe of fo much time as they generally con fume, would be allowed on the great day of her audit. She highly efteemed every part of the holy bible ; and very particularly the book of Pfalms. One or more of them fhe conftantly read or heard, at her hour of repofe in the evening, which by meditation and difcourfe, file improved to the bcnent of herfelf and thofe about her. She likewife repeated a pfalm from memory at lying down in bed, and another at riling in the morning. At all times, in all emergencies, fhe was felicitous to know her duty, in order to practice. She made God's teftimonies not only her dellghi but her counfcU lors. Nor would file determine any doubtful matter of importance, but with the beft attainable light, and the greateft deliberation. She was regular in her attendance on public ordi- nances. And that file might make the beft ufe of good miniifers, flie wouIdy>^^ the law at their mouth ill private, as well as in pubic. When llie met with divines of eminence at the houfe of Sir John Lang- ham, her father-in-law, fhe would defire her hufband to propofe feme profitable difcourfe,- which might give the company the advantage of their converfation ; obferving that it feemed quite incongrous that Phy- ficians and Lawyers fhould be fo commonly entertain- ed with fubjeds fuited to their refpedive fundicns, and that Divines alone lliould be prefented with to- pics out of the line of their profeflion, and perhaps very unfuitable to it. She w^as a pattern of fecial and relative duty. Her Iiufband had the chief place in her afFedions. She loved him with equal tcndcrnefs and flrength. To I ^ his 9^ Memoirs o? his wifhes flie was greatly attentive. Every re- to me that I am going whither after a while you will follow me." During her ficknefs, fhe was very anxious left fhfi fhould diihonor God by impatience ; and frequently afked ihofe about her, whether fhe did not appear to them to be deficient in patience. She feemed humbled at the recolledion of what Ihe had feen in fome Chrif- tian friends whom fhe had attended in their ficknefs;- apprehending herfelf to come far fhort of them. She had fome conflicts with temptation, and with the tendernefs of her own confcience, which was apt to reproach her for the fmalleft omiilions. She com- plained of herfelf in many particulars in whicli ihofe who knew the clofenefs of her walk with God, thought there was little reafon. But as it pleafed God, the light of his countenance foon pierced and difpelled every cloud, filling her heart with peace and comfort. To a friend who vifi- ted her, Hlq faid, * fhe blelfed God, that inftead of a longer ilay in a world full of miferies, He had given her the fight of a better country, and had cleared her intereft in it — fhe was willing to- refign her foul into the hands of her heavenly Father, knowing whom fhe had trufted ; and to quit her earthly tabernacle in ex- change for that houfe not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' Thus fell what was mortal of this excellent woman^ to her own infinite gain, but to the great lofs of ths world, and the inexpreflible grief of her furviving. friends = Ths The Countess of Warwick. 103 The Right Honorable The countess of WARWICK. JL HIS Lady was a daughter of Richard Boyle, the firft Earl of Cork, who was born a pri- vate gentleman, and, being the younger brother of a younger brother, had no other inheritance than is ex- preffed in this 77iottGy whicii he infcribed on his prin- cipal buildings, and ordered to be written on his t(;mb: God's Provuleme is my Inheritance. By the blelling of that Providence on his unremitting induftry, he rofe to a date of opulence and honor rarely known. One of her numerous brothers was the celebrated Robert Boyle; a man equally diiiinguinied for ge- nius, learning and piety ; a bright ornament to religi- on, and to human nature. She was early intruded in the principles of reli- gion, yet confefl'ed that (he know nothing of its life and power on her heart, nor any relilh for divine things, till fome years after her marriai:e. She declared that fhe came into her hufbandV family with very falfe conceptions of religion, and prejudices againft it : but the devotion of that family, the excellent prer.ching {he heard, and the amiable tendernefs of her illuflri- ous father-in-law, were foon effeclual to the rerioval of her dangerous prepoireihons. Two other means were eminently bleilec^ ;<) her fpiritual good : afflictions and retirement. Ev theje. Heaven was pleafed in a kind and gradual way 10 de- tach 104 Memoirs of tach her heart from the follies and pleafurcs of the world, which feemed her principal fnares ; and to fix it on better things : fo that fhe found herfelf able to affiire her friends of the defirablenefs of the ex- change the had made, of Ihadowy, imfiibftantial grati- fications, for the folid joys which flie found in reli- gion ; and from her own happy experience, to recom- mend the fame choice to them. Chriftian exhortation and preaching were likewife g'reatly inflrumental in cherifliing and keeping alive thofe convi6lions which terminated in her conver- fion. This happy change took place about thirty- years before her death. From this period, her conver- fation, which had been externally inoffenfive, was yet vifibly changed. She became eminent, even among Chriftians, for the gravity, humility and circumfpec- tion of her walk, and for her progrefs in the know- ledge and experience of divine things. From the commencement of her Chriftian life, {he feem.ed much concerned to know that fhe was on the true foundation. She dreaded a deception in things of TCverlafting concernment. She ferioufly examined the grounds of her hope, and her evidences for heaven, by the word of God ; and carefully committed the refult of her examination to writing* It feemed to be the grand objeft of her life to walk v/orthy of God, to adorn the gofpel, and to fhev/ forth the pralfes of Him who, fhe trufted, had called her* from darknefs into his marvellous light. She was careful and circiimfpe£l in abftaining from all appearance of evil. In all doubtful cafes, her rule was to take the fafe fide ; faying (he was fure it would do her no harm to let that alone whofelawful- nefs was at all difputable. While therefore none were farther fr'* n cenfuring others, or fitting in judg- ment on their liberties, fhe confcientioully abftained from thofe artificial methods of increafing beauty, which were common among thofe of her rank ; nor would The Countess of Warwick. 105 v/eiild fhe play at any of the fafliionabie games, be- ■caufe, befide many other inconveniencies attached to them, (he thought them great wafers of time, of v/hich fhe v/as nobly avaricious. There were thresi things fhe would fometimes fay, which fhe confcffed T7erc too hard for her to comprehend : "How thofe "who profelfed to believe an eternal flate, and its de- pendence on this inch of time, could complatn 9f time's lying as a dead commodity on their hands, which they were at a difiiculty to difpofeof : — Hov/ profefling Chriilians, who would feem devout at church, could laugh at others for being feri6us out of it : — And how intelligent men could take care of fouls, and feldom come among them, and never look after them." For many years before her death, (lie kept a diary, in which, among other things, Ihe recorded the daily- frame of Iier heart toward God, his fignal providen- ces to herfelf, and fometimes to others, his gracious manifefiations to her foul, anfwers of prayer, temp- tations prevailing or refifted, with whatever might be ufeful for caution or enccuras^ement, or afi\)rd matter for thankfulnefs or humiliation. She ufed to ilyle prayer hsarf's eafe^ as flie often foimd it. In praying, fhe prayed ; being not only conftantand ab'jndant, but mighty -and fervent in this duty. When fhe ufed not an audible voice, her fighs anfl groans were fometimes overheard from her clofet. Indeed prayer was the element in which fhe lived, and a£i:ually died : the vital breath of her foul, that' Wafted it iinraediately to heaver^. She walked two hours every morning for fecret meditation ; in which important art fiie was a great proficient ; fometimes employing her thoughts on particular fubjecls, and at others, extiacling merital food and improvement from obje<5ls and occurrences as they prefented. Volumes of this kind flie left be« hind her in raanufcript. K After •£o6 * Memoirs o* After confecrating theday by reading the fcriptures, prayer and meditation, {he attended either to her do- iiieftic concerns, or the reading of fome pious book. With exemplary ftriflnefs (he kept the fabbath, as the beft inftrumental prefervative of the life of reli- gion. She was a devout communicant ; feldom o- mitting to prepare for renewing her covenant with God, by fafting, as well as prayer. Of one of the laft Sacramentdays which flie enjoyed, the following account is extracled from her diary. " As foon as I awoke, I bleffed God. When I had read in the word, the chapters concerning the fiifferings of my bleOed Savior, I fpent much time in meditating on his dying love : by which thoughts I found my heart much drawn out to love him, and melted with his love. Next, with awful apprehenfions of God upon my mind, I went to prayer. My heart was lifted up in the high praifes of God, for both i'piritual and temporal mercies, and my afFedions v/ere much drawn out in the duty. My heart followed hard after God, for a nearer communion with him in the facrament, than I had ever yet enjoyed. I then renew- ed my covenant with God, and made promiff s that by his grace enabling me, I would walk more clofely with Him for time to come. That w^hich in a fpecial manner I begged of God, at this Sacrament, was niore love to him, more holinefs, more contempt of the world and the glories of it, and that I might be more ufeful to the fouls and bodies of my fellow- Chriftians, than forjuerly I have been. *' I was in a fpecial mianner grateful for the Crea« tion and Redemption of the w^orld ; for the gofpel, and covenant of grace ; for converting grace ; for luftification ; for fome m.eafure of landification ; for io much patience exercifed toward me before my con- verfion, and, in order to it, the imbittering of crea- ture comforts, that I might feek for comforts from above i The Countess op Warwjck. 107 above; for ran6tified affllclion, for Tome degree of patience to bear it, and for fupports under it, by the \varm and lively confolations of the Holy Ghof!: ; for returns of prayer ; for fo many opportunities to feek to God ; for the fweet, reviving hours I have enjoyed with God in folitudeby heavenly meditation ; tor the word and Sacraments, and the fanaifying motions of Gods' Spirit. I was in a more than ufual manner melted in the duty. On coming from it, I found a longing defire to partake of the Lord's Supper, and a great joy that I v/as going to celebrate it. Then 1 went to hear. The text was, / am the way^ the truth and the life : no man come to unts the Father but by me, John 14. 6. <* I was attentive at that good fermon ; and by what 1 heard of the excellence of Chriil, had my heart much warmed with love to him. ** Afterwards, at the confefiion before the Sacra- ment, I found my heart in an uncommon nnanner broken for my fins, and I judged and loathed myfelf fbr them. After I h^d received, I found i^iy heart warmed with love to God, auv^ my foul followed hard after him, to be made more holy, and for grace to ferve him better than I had ever y^t done. I had lively afFeclions in the ordinance, and received much joy, and delightful communion with God in it. ** After I had, at the table of the Lord, given to the poor, I came awa,y with my heart in a fweet, grateful fram.e, and blcfTed God in private for that bleffed feaft, and begged (Irength of Him to keep the promifes I had made of new obedience. *' In the afternoon, I again heard the fame minifter, on the fame text. I was in an attentive, ferious frame under that good fermon. The drift of it was to (liow that Chrid was the only way for penitent fmners to come to the Father. ** I meditated on the fermons, and prayed them •ver. I had alfo contemplations on the joys of heav- en , ic8 Memoirs of eij, with the thoughts of being forever freed from fin,, and of being forever wuh the Lord, where I fhouli, enjoy him in hisfulieft love. ** I found my heart much revived, and my foul- made ftrong fallies and cgre Ties after that bleffed reft,. " C Lord, I do from my foul blefs thee for this, fweet day, in which thou wert pleafed to vouchfafc to me, thy moil: unworthy fervant, more foul-joy than- thou haft given me for a long time before." She v/as fcarcely lefs folicltous to tnake others good,, than to be good herfelf. She had a kind of feraphic. leiil for the glory of God, and an ardent love to im-. mortal fouls. It fecmcd the one great obje6l of her life to promote religion. To this end, fhe endeavored to exhibit it in its moft amiable and inviting form* To a temper and deportment naturally fweet and en-. gaging, me fiiperadded the lovely and attradlive charms of Chriftian meekncfs, benevolence and courtefy. She was likewife ftudious to keep herfelf; ^ifeiigaged from parties and feds, that none might iufpect her of a delign to make profelytes to any but- to God. When in company, (he v/as careful to introduce dif- courfe at once pleafant and profitable. In this fhck had great fldll and dexterity, frequently giving the converfation an infenfible turn, by dropping Tome moral or religious apophthegm, cither of her owr> or borrowed. She had a high value for fuch remarks as contained much inflruf^ion in little com.pafs, and ]iad a large colle6lion of them ; of which the follow- ing is a brief fpecimen. *• He loves God too little, v^ho lovies anything zvifbi iiim, which he loves not for him. " By hov/ miuch the more vile Chrift made himfelf for us, by fo much the more precious (hould he be to us* *' He who takes up Chrift's crofs aright, will find U fuch a burden as wings to a bird, or fails to a fhip» ** O Lord, ITme Countess of Warwick, 109 ^* O Lord, what I give thee, doth not pTeafe thee, unlefs I give thee myfelf. So what thou giveft me, fhall not fatisfy me, unlefs thou give me thyfelf. ** To be libelled for Chrift, is the bed panegyric. ** Where affliction is heavy, fin is light. " Sin brought death into the v/orld, and nothing but death will carry fin out of it. *• The beftfliield againft flanderers, is to live fotliat none may believe them. ** He who revenges an injury, a(f!:s the part of an executioner : he who pardons it, acls the part of a prince. ** It is a great honor to be almoner to the King of heaven. To give is the greateft luxury. Kovv in- dulgent then is God, to annex future rewards to what is fo much its own recompenfe. ** Why are we fo fond of that life that begins with a cry, and ends with a groan ? Where this pious lady had particular intereft with any whom flie apprehended deftitute of religion, fhe would improve the authority of friendfliip, to plead with them the caufe of God, and their ov/n fouls. * Let me.' fays the minifter who writes her life, and was many years well acquainted with her, * echo from her lips, though alas ! too faintly, the melting firains' in which * fhe would make her attempts upon the friends whom file longed to refcue from ruin.' ** Coirie, come, my friend, you muft be. good ; you fhall be good. I cannot be fo imkind, nay fo unfaith- ful to the laws of friendlhip, as to let you perfifi and pcrifii in a way which you know, as well as I, leads down to hell. It grieves my very foul to have fijgood a nature enfnared againft the dictates of its own light, bv bad example, cultom, or any thing elfe."— If tliey replied with excufes, file would (kp them thus : ** Pray, my triend, have patience ; hear me out. I know, or guefs at leaft, what you v/ould fay, and I K ^ ' would no Memoirs o? would not have you fay it. It is ba<3 to commit fin, but it is worfe to plead for it, and defend it. None fia ibdangeroufly asthofe who fin with excufes. Thede\'il plants a new fnare when he gets into our tongues, to fatten us to our failings, or when he raifes an outwork in our own mouths, to fecure the fort he polTefies iu our hearts, I take it for granted that all other holds were quitted eafily, could you conquer" fuch or fuch u vice, ** too much, by cuftom, prevailing ever you^ Unhappy cuftom ! that dares prefcrlbe againfl God's law — But, friend, ufe no arguments now, that will not hold at the day of judgment. Though hand join in hand — you know what follows. No example, Jcuftom or number fliould have power over us, which cannot excufe and fecure us. But this is the mifchief i)i Tin lived in: it bewitches the heart to love it fo that it cannot leave it. Cannot ! So men love to fpeak. But it is becaufe they tvill not ; that is, will ufe no endeavors to be rid of it. But, my friend, you muji leave it — there is no remedy — though it coft you trou- bh, fmart and felf-denial. There is as much as all :his comes to, in cutting off a right hand, and pluck- ing out a right eye. I fpeak to you, as to one ia ■^vhom. 1 have a party to help mc plead ; I mean your confciencc, and the belief ot the Scriptures : for if you were one of thofe on v/hom you know I ufe to fet my mark, I would not give you this trouble, nor ef- teem myfelf vuider more thaJi the laws of a general charity to wifh you better, and Oiould hardly venture 2Tiy little il of God— in perfonal inftrudion of them, and familiar perfuafian— in ferioufly endeavoring to prepare thera for the Lord's fupper, and exhorting them to partake it frequently— in difperfinggood books in all common rooms and places of 'attendance, that thofe in waiting might have profitable employment— and in making reltgion in her fervants a itep to her favor. She treat- ed them all as friends, but they who moft remarkably §eatGd the Lovdj were favorites. She was exemplary in her difcharge of the duties of the fecond table. No inconvenience could ever make her recoil from obligations under which Ihe had once laid The Countess OF Warwick. 113 laid herfelf. She thought it not only wrong, but con- temptible, to recede from explicit, or even intimated promifes, and difappoint expectations (lie had raifed. it an attempt was made to induce her to any thing of this kind, her reply would be, ** You know I dare not, I, will not lie." What with fuch abhorrence fha avoided herfelf, file likewife endeavored to prevent in her fervants, to whom fhe would frequently fay, **Tell me the truth, and Lean forgive you any thing.'* With the divine injunction to ** fpeak evil of no man," her practice exemplarilycorrefponded. Where fne could not commend,, Ihe was filent,unlefs to fome fmgle friend of whofe taciturnity fhe was fecure. Nor did (he invidiouily detract from the juft praife of any; but frequently extenuated their failings, by pre- fenting the bright lides of their character. As a wife., it may be truly faid, that the heart of her hufoandjafely trujled in her, andflje did him goody and net evily all the days of her life. She lived under a con- itant and imprellive fenfe of the covenant of God which was between them ; mingling uncommon ten- dernefs and afFedion with a. condu'S uniformly com- plying. She concealed his infirmities, fympathized in his indifpofitions, and attended him with the great- eft kindnefs. Above all, fhe loved his foul ; fervently- praying for him, and counfelling him with mingled, zeal and prudence. Amoiig other tellimonials of ef- teem and gratitude, he gave her, by will, his whole.' eftate, and left her fole executrix. This truff, great and arduous as it was, fhe difcharged with fuch atten- tion, prudence and accuracy, as even more than fatis- fied all concerned : an event which (be gratefully ac- knowledged as a fignal mercy. Her excellence as a mother amply appeared in- the education of her fon, a promifmg youth, who died be- f!ore her ; and afterward, of three young ladies, he'C nicQes, to whom fhe v^-as a mother in the belt fenfe. She iijf. ■ Memoirs o? She was a pattern of rerpc6l and duty .to her parents. Of her Father's worth, fhe had fach an affectionate Jenfe, that {he once had it in contemplation to write his life, and coUeded coniiderable materials for the purpofe. As a fifter, (he was inexprefTibly tender and endear^ ing : as a friend, open, unfufpicious and faithful. The temporal, as well as fplritual intereft of her fervants, was near her heart. She feemed to have as much fatisfaclion in pleating them, as fome of the bell: of fervants, in pteafing their hiperiors. She delighted to render their lives eafy, and free from difcontent, that fo they might ferve God with cheerfulnefs. Sh« extended her generous careof them to the period when her relation to them would be diiTolved ; giving to ma- ny of them the noble legacies of four, three, two and cne hundred pounds (and fmaller fums to others, ac- cording to their terms of fervice) to purchafe annuities for their lives. In addition (he gave a full year's vvage: to every one not fpecified by name, and three months' entertainment at herhoufe,as in her life, that they might have ample time to feek. other convenient places. She was a mofi: tender and ii^dulgent land-lady ; and was accuftomed to fay of her tenants : " Alas I poor creatures ; they take a great deal of pains, and I love to fee them thrive, and liv« comfortably ; I cannot bear to fee them brought into ftraits.and would there- fbre without grudging^have all things made convenient for them." If any "of them had fuftained material lolFes, fhe did not fail to confider them. In her charity, (he was forward to her power, and beyond it, though it was large. She would anticipate her incomes, rather than reftrain or fufpend her libe- rality. She would not live poor in good works, to die polTefled of a great eflate. Her own liberal hands were the executors to her enlarged heart. Havings- The Countess €F Warwick. 115 Having, in her Lord's life, a feparate allowance, fhe inquired of a Hiinifter of her acquaintance, what pro- portion of their fubftance perfons were bound to con- jccrate immediately to God, and to the poor. The niinifter replying that it Vv'as impoilible to eftablifha univerfal r'.de, and that particular circumftances muft often dired, fhe iniifted on an anfwer more explicit and precife. On his fuggefting that a feventh part, as he fuppofed, would be a fuitable proportion of her fubftance, fhe immediately rejoined, without giving him time to aflign his reafons, that fhe could not think of iefs than a third. This proportion Ihe accordingly fet afide for charitable w^f^ \ nor did the mod prefling occafions of a different kindever prevail on her to in- fringe on it, though file often borrowed from the re- mainder of her property, to increafe it. When file cam.e into polTeflion of the large eftate bequeathed her by her hufband, her difpofjtion of it realized, in great meafure, the remark faid to have been uttered by a perfon of eminence, that the Earl cf IVartvick had given all his ejiate to pious ufes. She feemed to have no fatisfadfion in fo great pofleffions on any other account than that of doing more exten- five good ; and has been heard to declare that flie would not be incumbered with the largeft eftate in England on any other conditions. That her charity W2iS judicious vls well as generous, appears from its being bellowed on objefls of thefol- iowine defcriptions : 1. Perfons really in want, whofe necefllties were yet through their modefty and delicacy, Iefs obvious and known. Such flie liberally relieved, though un- afned ; while at the fame time, fnc feemed more fo- licitous for xht'ix pardon y than their thanks. 2. Foreigners who fled to England to preferve their religion, or to embrace what they believed to be the truth. 3. Scholars^ ii6 Memoirs of 3. Scholars, of promifing difpofnions and capacU ties, whom in gx-eat numbers Ihe educateda tthe Uni- verfity, either entirely, or in part ; allowing them, according to their exigencies, an annual Tumot thirty, twenty, ten pounds, &c. 4. Multitudes of poor children. As many of them as were willing to learn, or could be perfuaded to it, fhe put to fchool in neighboring towns; not only pay- ing tor their inftrudion, but giving them books, and often, clothing. This noble" kind of charity flie ex- ercifed not only near home, but as far diftant as Wales, contributing largely to the pious defign of the excel- lent and truly apoilolic Mr. Gouge, to refcue that country from its grofs ignorance. 5. Many minifters of other denominations, as well as conformifts, who had either no livings at all, ar fuch as were very incompetent. 6. Many occafional applicants. Though fometimes deceived and abufed in thefe cafes, (he was not difcour- aged from continuing to give ; faying * fhe would ra- ther relieve ten who appeared proper objeds, and were not, than let one go unrelieved, who was in dif- irefs; for though they deceived her in her giving, God would not deceive her in accepting what wa^ jjncerely done for his name's fake. 7. The poor around her whom fhe knew. Thefa fhe 1'ed, in great numbers, not only with fragments, but with generous fupplies purpofely provided. And if any of them were fick, or in diftrefs of mind, to whom (hould they apply, but to her f She fuppiied them v.'ith medicines, and perfonally vifited even the meaneft of them, to converfe with, to inftrud and to ccmfort them. Her love and compaffion for them were wonderful. Twice a week, bread and beef were provided for the poor of four adjacent pariihes ; and ilie ordered, in her will, that the fame bounty fliould be continued after her death, and a hundred pounds diftributed to the poor of four parifhcs befide. Such The Couts^rEss of Warwick. • 117 Such was the^ amiable and exemplary life of the Coiintefs of Warwick. It remains that foipe account be given of her death. This great evenit was habitually the fubjecl of ^^er thoughts ; and fhc nfcd to call her walking to ineditate upon ir, hei' goiuo- to take a turn with death. From a palfage in her diary, written tlie laft Lord's day of her health, it appears that fhe had then fome remarkable imorefilons of her diiTolution as near. On the Tiiefday t^ollowing, fhe was feized with a fevere Indifpofition, from which however Ihe foon appeared partly to recover. But in aboitt afor:niglu,hcr licknefs jctnrncd, with increafed i*everity, and mcft alarming iVmntoms. She difcourfed with great cheerfulnefs, till near the clofe of life. To fome friends who were near her llie faid, as fhe turned hack the curtains of her bed (and it was one of the laft fentences (he was licard to utter,) ** Well, Ladies, if I v/ere one hour in heav- en, J would not be again with you, as much as ] love 3'ou." Having foon after propofed prayer, fhe, almolt as foon as it was begun, fetched a figh as ilie fat in her chair, turned fuddenly pale, and expired, agreeably to }icr own vvqili : for Ihe had often been heard to fav that * if (he might choofe the manner and circumRan- ces of her death, (he would die praying.' It has been feen how this excclle'nt woman fervod and glorified God. It may not be an improper addi- tion to our accoimt of her, to notice brietly fome prin- cipal in'lances in which He was pieafcd to put iignal honor on her : according to liis own declaration, ** Thofe who honor me, I will honor." God gave her riches, as well as honor^ in abun- dance, as it is faid of Jehofhapliat : yet her heart was not lifted up with th.^m ; bur, as is declared of tliat good king, it was lifted up in ihe ivays of the Lord. God gave her a heaven upon earth ; for after fome painful fcruples and trembling fears, fne enjoyed the bleffcd calm of a purified, ferine and wcll-afiu red con- science. L God vi v; pvt ci^r : ,1 ^.x\i name, v * ' ' wherever i: wa^ cd u$ rrc\:iou^ v vtou ^a\^ her Kiany «wrvlu\, er^katcO f l^t '^'ul .i!i her *>*vn foul:* to ctmntd and cv>p- "^ n.1 i :u'p, her thrwu^ her gTs^atcil dhKciiUk^ Ciod i::;4Vc her miny inercitul ticUvcrAucc^ , otu^ . >»hkh lulv :i^. iDOi J was extmardinarv. Whc the'- ^ ^ •■ ..■■•••. \;er, G. d p\^ her the attc^tiorute elkem of aU hv neighbors* She was the delight et the coimtry rour hir. And fuch was her reputation for pn-dencc, tfi cn^tion and imrirtial reduuJc, that the b. tr.c urbttrtifs ot all oantroverties among , ma- ■ ■ ■ 'v n of all wjv . Tiu : iiivi lucau* the rich ar- lions ot /- „ - cs, ind what is more, of .i as, p;iid her tlK^ kiadetl and molt heart>fc' It aiav be faid of hwr, ^t *• God prevented he ■ ' '- '" ; of his gix>dners, and crowned !k . :'s and tender mercy ^ that he ma . •: ot'his countenance ; and .^iv and tatnels ; that he g. ':^.c r^|uc\t< or her Irps, and imit not out her prayer :" And at the lait, he gave her abiUty and time to teltle Ker a^ain>%rith fattstadiv^n, to recoUeci herfelf, and -vfnew her evidences tor heaven* * Ftnallv* God took out the tUn«^ of death : nor did • ' ■• • • ■ • . • ^ • icndditi;- ; tVom t J io ihv eurnal I at. \Vemaya[\ her 'I' IS :i C'j 'J I' I i'. .:■. ^ . ' ; !. :r furlJen and peaceful exit, ihc i^ixi ot l:*c cxcciicr.'. [)r. Wafts, on a fimilar occafion. J foul prepard needs no delnji ; The Jummom come, the faint oheys : Swift i^LS her flighty and fhort the road : She cl^m her eyes, and faiv her God, She left behind her a great number of pious obfcr- vations on particular paffages of fcripture, ^nd occur- rences of life, a few fpccimeus of which arc here ad- ded. RlfLECTIONSOS PASSACfS OP,SCRII Pralm 1/9. 136. Riven y j^uiiri ruH d'.vjn mj ^^^j, Icavfe menhec".' not thy law. Lord, when I read in thy v/ord, of the man aft^.r thy own heart thus fpcaklng, and confider that I ari frj far from imitating him, that 1 can many times fuf- fer (in to be upon my brother, with ut fo much j- giving hini a reproof for it, or advifing him to conrider v/!iom he offends by it ; nay, that I am ready to fmil. at that which is a grief to thy Holy Spirit ; I befeec'- thee, O Lord, to humble me under this confideration ; and make me for time to come to imitate holy Davi i in my charity towards my offending brother ; and wi: thy fervant Lot, let my foui be lexed in hearing an"' feeing the converfation of the wicked. O let mc b^ fo charitable as to weep over the foul of my offendin;; brother ; and let me, as much as in roe lies, deliver him out of the fnare of fin, and by my prayers and holy example help him towards heaven ! Mark 9. 5. And Peter anfwered and f aid to JcfuSy Mofier, it /r good for us to he here. Lord when I pcrufe thefe xvords of Peter, // isgo, ' for us to be here^ it makes mr; reflect n';ori in-,fi;j \v. 120 Memoirs Oc? relation to the prefent world," who am often, when de- ]iH,hted with any thing here below, which pleafes my i'tnfual appetite, ready to fay, /'/ is good to be here. But O Lord, I befeech thee do thou then fay to me, ** Up, and be going \ for here is not your rdjL: look beyond things temporal, to thofe which arc ctSnal." Thefc v/orldly pleafures, I know, die in the birth, and are not worthy to come into the bill of mortality. Make ir.e, O Lord, to confider that thefe things cannot fat- isty me for a moment, miich lefs for eternity ; and that though the world feems to kifs me, it is but to itab me ; that though it makes mefport,. it is but to put out my eyes ; that it promifesmuch, but performs nothing. Therefore let m^e not i^zwy It is gocd to be here ; but let me feek after that city which hath foun- da t ions i zvhofe builder and ?naker is God .-after that het*^ ier ccv.nirjy that isj a hcavcnlj,^ Luke i6. 25. Bui Abraham /aid y Son, rejnember that thou in thy. life- time received jl thy good things^ and likeivife Laza^. rus evil things : but noWf he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Lord, when I remember this fad anfwer of Abra- ham to the rich man's requeii, how fad a remem- brance nwSl it have been to him, to confider his for- mer profperity ; that he was clothed in parple and fins linen, and fared fumptuoufly every day, and yet that now he wanted a drop ofV/ater to cool his tongue ! The memory of his paft pvofperhy was only an ag- gravation of his prefent mifery ; for what good did it do him to confider that in his lite-time he had, it ma}« be, a great retinue, and m.any to wait'cn him, where- as in hell, his attendants were only devils and damned ipirits. O Lord, I befeech thee, may it nev^r be faid to me^ as it was to this miferable great one. Thou haft had, iii thy life-time, thy good. things 1 thou haft received, thy The Countess of Warwick. 121 thy confolation ! O Lord, I befeech thee, give me not my portion in this life ! O let me not have a fhort heaven here, and an eternal hell hereafter ! Let me not be fatisfied with the bleflings of thy footdool, without thofe of thy throne ; nor Vv'ith the fatnefs of the earth, \vitho\it the dew of heaven ! Let me not fay to gold, thou art my hope ; nor to the fine gold, thoji art mv confidence ! Let me not count thefe lower things my good things, becaufe they may confid with reproba- tion, and a Dives may have them, and go to hell ; but let me account thofe good things which cannot confiiL with reprobation ! O vifit fne. Lord, vv^ith the favor of thy chofen ! O Jet me not fo much covet to be clothed with purple and fine linen, as to be like the King's daughter, all glorious wiihin, and be clothed with the righteoufnefs of Chrid: 1 O help me to put on the Lord Jefus Chrift, and to make no proviiiou' for the flefli, to fulfil the luff thereof ! Genefis aa. 9, 12. Abraham bound Ijaac his Jon y and laid h:?n on the a.- tar, upvi the wood. Lay not thine hand on the lad^ neither do thou any thing unto him. Lord, when 1 read with what obsdience faithful Abraham complied with that command to flay liisfon in facrifice— a command which not only rati crofs to his natural aifedion, but feemingly would difappoint the promife which he fo long waited for, and at leiu^th. received with fo much deliglit and fatisfaaion,that l)e named his fon Ifaac, laughter, as a witnefs and me- morial of his joys — and v/hen I read how, v»/hen he had flretched out his hand, and taken his knife to flav his '^OAj thou calledH: from heaven to him, Lay not thine hand upon the lad ; the confideration of ^L'^''^ m.akes me a(hamed,-to think how How a;)d backw^l I was to yield to thy gracious commands and calls to devote m.yfelf entirely to thee, in a courfe of ftridf re> Hgion, and to prefent my body as a living facrifcc,. 122 MeMOIJIS Gi- holy and acceptable to thee — for fear of flaying my Ifaac, and lofing all my joy and delight. But C Lord, I muft acknowledge I was afraid •where no fear was •, for I find by blelTed experience that religion, that being laid upon thine altar, neither Itabs, nor burns up our delights, but only confines and regulates them : as I find in the hifiory of the prodi- gal fon, that though he had much mad jollity before, yet he never knew what true joy was, till he came to lumfelf, and returned to his father ; for it was then^ and not till then, that he and his began to be truly merry. Matthew 7. 21. Not every one that Jaiik unto me. Lord, L:rd, fnall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; hut he that does the ■wiil of my Father which is in heaven. O Lord, when I read that it is not a calling upon thee, Lord, Lord ; but obeying thee as fuch, by doing thy will, that will give entrance into thy kingdom, how denrous am I to live npto my prayers ! And as I every day pray, as thou haft taught me, that thy will may be'done', fo, Lord, enable me to do thy will;, even when it is molf contrary to my own ! Let thy will commanding be my will obeying ! Kelp m.e to refign mjy will wholly to thine ! Make me cheerfully to do, and patiently to fufFer thy will 1 Lijrd, let thy will be done by me, ?nd npon me t Occasional PvIeditation?. On the different manner cf working of a Bee cjid Spider, While I am attending 10 this defpicable Spider, which, defpicable at it is, has yet fomeof its kind that have the honor to inhabit the courts of potentates, (for tiie infplred volumes tell us, they are in kings palaces) I am kd to cor.fider ;hat the work he is fo ^ ^ bufijy Ihe Couktess of Warwick. 1^7 bufily employed in, while he fpins his webs enlirely out of his own bowels, -without ha\ing help from any thing without him, is, when finifncd, good for rioihing, but is foon brufhed down, and flung away. While the indniirious Bee, who is bufjly employed in making his ufeful combs, daily flies abroad to enable him. to do fo, and flying from one flower to another, gathers from each that which both renews his own ftrength, and yields fweetnefs to others. By the Spider's work, I am reminded of a forma!- ill, or proud profeflbr, who works all from himifelf, and his own llrength, and never goes out of himfelf to get ftrength for his performances ; and therefore his tl\in-fp«n righteoufnefs is good for nothing, ana ■will be thro^^Ti away. Tfie Bee's going abroad is an emblem of the real Chriifian, who is renewed in the fpirit of his mdnd, and, that he may be enabled to work the great work for I which he came into the world, gvoes out to an ordinance, and lo Chrift in a promife, for llrengthby which to work, and thus obtains it ; and this makes his work vield honey, and turn to advantage. O Lord, I molt humbly befeech thee, let me not rare work from myfeif, but go out daily to thee for ability with which to work my great and indifpenH- bie work, tl\at I may deny my own righteoufnef?, and make niention oi thine only ; and may find fuch fweetnefs from every ordinance and promife, that mv. foul mav belike a garden which the Lord hath bleiTec, and may exceedingly thrive and profper. On feeding the pcBr at the gate with Jame broken meat left at a feaji. How thankful are ihefe neceiiitous perfons for the fragn':ents of that feaft which was fo plentiful to thofe who fat within at the table! Improve this, O my fcuj, by confidering the diflferent ftates of the church tri- umphant^ and lb at which is yet militant. The 2tZ4' Memoirs of The church triumphant is in pofTeflion of eternal blifs, happy in' the fruition ot God in his fulleft love, and is continually fealled at the marriage-fupper of the Lamb : while the church tnilitantf as yet without the door of heaven, is glad of fonie taftes of thofe pleafures which are earnefts of the purchafed polTef- iion, and previous gufts of it ; or, as it were, fome of the fragments of the full, conftant and delicious fcafts of thofe blelTed inhabitants of the New Jerufalem. O Lord, I naoft humbly befeech thee, entertain me fomctimes with fome taftes of the joys which thofe partake, who are prefent withthyfelf! Let me fee through the lattice, till I fhall fee thee as the pure in J.eart Ihall fee thee in another world ; that fo I may long to be dilTolved, and be with Chrifl:. Believing in thee, let me even here rejoice with joy imfpeakable and full of glory, which may make me thankful to thee for what I here enjoy of thee ; knowing that Chrifl: poiTeiTed by faith is a young heaven, glory in tlie bud: — and thereby do thou raife mydelires to go to thofe celeftial manfions where glory is full blown, and where I lliall be entertained with rivers of pleaf- ures at thy right hand for evermore ! Gn my gardener's chooftng young thriving fiocks to graf: on, and rejecting old and withered ones. My gardener's care, in grafting, to choofe young and iiourifliing ftocks, and paffing by thofe which are old and withered, puts me in mind of God's dealings with his creatures, in grafting his grace upon their hearts. . , - Though the mercy of God ought not to be confined to any age, yet we may obferve that God doth not tre- quently v/ork faving grace in old and withering crea- tures, but choofes young difciples, delighting to graft his grace on fuch, that they may go on to bring fortii more fruit in old age, having given God the Spring oi their lives by a folemn ad of early dediealion. Thefe by The Countess OF Warwick. 125 fetting out betimes on their journey to heaven, have a long time in which to glorify God, and to be exam- pies and encouragers to others to come in and ferve i^cd, by aiiuiing them that his yoke is eafy, that all his ways are pleafantnefs, and his paths peace. O Lord. I moft humbly befeech thee, by this medi- tation, Jet my heart be lifted up in the high praifes of thee, my great and good God, tor not fuffering m,c to continue fo long under the reigning power of lin, as to be caft off, like an old and withered ftock ; but that thou wert pleafed to iliew me the beauties of hoiinefs betimes, before the autumn of my age ! Though, Lord, I confefs, v/ith St. Auguftine, that too iate, O Lord, I knev/ and loved thee, and heartily grieve that I did not, as I ought, devote the entire fpring of my years to^ thee, but did give fo much of my young tim>e to C\n and' folly, being too conformable to the v^ickcd v/orld ! ButO ! for ever admired be thy mercy, which pluck- ed me as a brand out of the fire, and left m.e not to be fuel for everlafting burnings ! Thou mighteit. Lord., juflly have faid to me, Thou art filthy ; he filthy filll : and mightell have puniihed my former iniquity, by leaving me to die in my fms. But, bleiled be thy name, thou didft implant in me the graces of thy holy Spirit before my old age ; by which thou haft been pieafed to give me mere time to ferve thee, and taf^e the pleafurts of thy fervice \ and haft thereby enabled me to declare to others that thou art good to the foul that feeks thee, and that the purei'l, moft fatisf)ing and hfting pleafures are to be found in a holy and ftricl walk with thee, that in keeping thy command- ments tliere is great rev/ard, and that the religious have their joys, though the blind finners of this world want eyes to fee them. Lord, make me now in my old age to bring for;h more fruit, that thou mayft not fay of me, as juftly thou didft of the fruitlefs fig-tree^, Qui. it. down. I vjhy cumbers it the ground i On. 126 Memoirs of On feeing a fine carpet taken off a dufty table. While this elegant carpet was upon the table, it might be thought very fine and clean, but when tlie adorning cover was removed, how foul and duliy was it found to be ! This brings to mind a formal profefTor, who places all his religion in the formality of outward' duties, which to beholders make him appear decently ; but all this while, under that outfide appearance of devotion^ his heart is foul and filthy ; his care being only to ap- pear, like a painted fepulchre, beautiful without,whiIe within there is all uncleahnefs. So he thinks by a hypocritical outfide to conceal c\\ his faults, and ferve the devil fecurely in the livery of Chrift. O Lord, I hutnbly befeech thee, fuffer me not to fatisfy myfelf with the outward formality of duties, which may feem well to fpeclators ; but make me ta mind their inward and fpiritual performance, and how my heart is afFecledin them. Let me look to heart- purification, knowing that thou, my great God, look- ed at the heart ; and that though Lmay by covering over a finful heart with a fine outward formality, de- ceive men, yet I cannot deceive thee, the great Search- er of the heart, before whom all things are naked and open. On lighting many candles at one. This candle, tliat has lighted fo many, ftill gives as much light as it did before, and has loil nothing by what it has imparted to them. Improve this, O m.y foul, by confidering that fome excellent Chriftians, like John Baptlft, that burning and jhining light, are fo confplcuous, that ail behold- ers take notice of their well-ordered converfations ; their light fo fnining before mxen, that others, feeing their good works, are thereby excited to glorify God. They are fo communicative of that light with which God . The Countess OF Warwick. 127 God hath vouchfafed to illuminate their underftand- ings, that they are in a fpiritual, what Job was in an- other fenfe, eyes to the blind ; and are ftill teaching young difciples what ihey, who are old, have beea taught of God, and fo are training them up in Cb.rif- tianity. Yet by imparting their knowledge of God, they know him not lefs ihemfelves, but many timies the more ; and while they are acquainting others with the pleafures of religion, and bringing them into the holy path which leads to eternal life, they hinder not their own prog;rers to heaven. O Lord, I moll: humbly befeech thee, let this med- itation provoke me to com.municate,more than I have ever yet done, to my fellow-Chriftians, efpecially to my family under my authority, what I know of thee ; that by declaring how good a God thou art, I may bring others to know thee, not only with a general, but an experimental knowledge, fuch as will make them fay as I do, that thou art goody and deft good. O let me by declaring what thou haft been to my foul, caufe others to join me in adoring thee tor thy great- nefs, and loving thee for thy goodnefs, that we may magnify thy name together ; and that I may be at once a burning and Ihining light myfclf, and inftru- mental to impart light to others. On a pcrf on of lively genius 071 d great knowledge y hu. unfancfified. This perfon, who in this profane age, is celebrated as a great wit, and is very acceptable to all his com- panions on that account, yet makes fo ill a ufe of the parts God hath beftowed en him, that he employs them only to laugh and jefl at all that is'facredbr feri- ous ; endeavoring to turn all devotion into ridicule. Thus he perverts the know^ledge that God has con- ferred on him ; and infcead of glorifying with it his great Creator, renders it an iniirument of his own -deftruction, a torch to light him to damnation. C Lord, 128 ^ Memoirs of O Lord, I mod humbly befeech thee, let this med- itation make me choofe to have a little fandlified kno'.vledge, rather than the quickcft and moft elevated parts iinfan£lified. Help me to improve the powers thou hail bellowed upon me, to thy honor, that I may never fight againft thee with thy own weapons, but bring fome glory to thee by them ! O be pleafed to give me light in my head, and fire in my heart, even that fire from heaven by which I may inflame others with true zeal for thy glory ; that ufing for thee the vveak parts thou bait vouchfafed to me, I may by the little knowledge I have, be lighted to the regions of blifs, while others, with their greateft knowledge, devoid of grace, go down to utter darknefs. We conclude the memoirs of this pious I;idy with fome pallUges of a Letter which ilie wrote to Earl Berkeley, in reply to hlsrecueft of fome rules for a ;-e- ijgious life. As Toon as you awake, fix your thoughts on that God who gives you time to think. Do as holy David did, who faid, When I woke^ I am ftill zvith Thee. Conlider that your bed might have been your grave ; for many, every night, go down to the place of iilence. Conndcr alfo what a mercy fleep IS. If we mifs but a night's reft, how burdenfome and uneaO/ v;e are to ourfelves. Therefore begin the morning 'with blefiing God for it ; and then com- mune with your own heart upon your bed, and be fiill. Reflect what a mercy it is to have another day added to your life. Think what many a poor, dying crea- ture would give for a day to repent in ; and at what a high rale,'if it were to be purchafed, the damned jfpiri'ts would purchafe a day to repent in. Confid- cr that a day is a precious thing. The Emperor Vei- pafiaa The CotTNTEss OF Warwick. 12^ -'•afian, a heathen could fay, when he had fpent n day U'ithout doing good : " O my friends, I have loil: a day !" Another would fay : " He was not corthy the Dame#of a man, who fpent a whole day in worldly pleafures." Rennember that this little moment of time is all we have given us in which to provide for eter- nity ; and therefore is not to be thrown away care- iefsly, as if we had'no God to ferve, no foul to fave. When you are ready to retire to your clofet, let none of the bufmcfs of the world be hrfl: difpatched^ -ihough the devil be ever fo bufy to perfuadc you to it : but fay to all your worldly employments, Stay here, while I go yonder and worfnip. When you fliutyour door, have a care tcfnut out vain, diftradting thoughts which will be very bufy to fleal away your heart.— )3egin your private devotions by reading fome portion of ihe word of God, and remember it is the word bv which we mufi one day be judged. When you havl- xlone this, confider ferioufly what you are going about ; t-iat you are going to fpeak to liiat God, before whom tlie angels andcherubhii cover theirfaces in reverence^ as not able or worthy to behold fo much glory ; an.' before whom the father of the faithful efteemed him- i joyed fome communion with God in them. Be as cheerful as you can. Give me leave to af- •fure you, that however the devil and wicked men may perfuadeyou that religion will make you melan- choly, I >can alTert from my own experience, that nothing can give you fuch comfort, ferenity andcom- pofednefs of mind. This will keep you clear of dif- quicting remorfes. It will give you the peace of God that paiTes all underflanding, and the continual feaft of a good confcience. It. will make you rejoice with joy unfpeakable and full of glory. It will calm your defires, and quiet your wiflies, fo that you fhall find that the confolations of God are not fmall. You will £nd you have made a happy exchange, having gold for brafs, and pearls for pebbles. Truly, my Lord, I am upon trial convinced that all the pleafures of this world are not fatisfaclory. We expect a great deal more from them than we find. Though I had as much as moft in this kingdom, to pleafe me, and was an eye-witnefs to all the glories of the court, and was young and vain enough to have my ihare in its vani- ties, I never found that they fatisfied me ; God having given me a nature incapable of fatisfaftion in any thing below the higheft excellency. I never in all jny life experienced real and fatisfying comfort, but in the v/sys Cii God, and I am very confident that your Lordlhip never will. Therefore I befeech you to make the experiment, and then I verily believe you will be of my opinion, that the ways of religion are plcafantnefs, and all her paths peace. Set apart fome time every day for reading good books, and for meditation. Do not fear that a little jtime alone will make ygu melancholy. You will find yourfelf The Countess OF Warwick. 13T yoiirfelf never lefs alone : for certainly that God wha TnaUcs all others good company, miift needs be beic himfelf. Be often In the profitable work of felf-examina- tion. Be not a ftranger at home, but pray St. Au- gcjftine's prayer : ** Lord, make me to know thee, and myfclf !" Yon will find the practice of this rule conduce much to the good of your foul. This will make you fee what fin is moH: predominant, and what grace is mod weak, and has need of ilrcngthening. It 'A'ill keep fin irom growing undifcerned. Meditation is a moll profitable duty. Therefore meditate on the tranfitory and unfatisfying nature of all this world's glories. Your Lordlbip has, young a«you are,fecn fuchfirange revolutions as are fufficient to convince you that there is nothing certain in this Jife, and that all is vanity and vexation of fpirit. — God has in our age call contempt upon Princes, and ftaincd all the glory of human exeellencies, to make us ceafe to put confidence in man, whofe breath is in his noflrlls ; for wherein is he to be accounted of? God hath humbled all the gods of the earth, that he might be God alone ; and hath imbittered the ftream, that we might apply to the fofintain. In this manner often meditate, that you may be kept from over-loving any fublunary enjoyniei>t- Meditate on the Ihortnefs of your life, and the im- certainty of the time of your death, on the dark abyfics of eternity, and the great account you muft give of all you have done in the body, whither it be good or evil : for vje muji all appear hcf ere the judg- ment feat of Chrifl. ■ Think too, of the joys of heaven ; of the refi: that remains to the people ot God ; of the better country, even the heavenly ; of the joys which eye hath not feen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, but v/hich God hath laid up for thofe who love him. Heaven will make us happy, not as phi- IcCophy pretends to ^o^ by the confincincnty but by the fruition 33« Memoirs op fruition of our defires. There fhall we be paft doing,,, as vrell as fuffering ill. There all tears Ihall be wip- ed from our eyes, we fhall obtain joy and gladnefs,. and forrow and fighing fliali flee away. They arQ unmixed blefiings which are referved for the other life. We (hall there enjoy health without ficknefs, pleafure v/ithout forrow, and happinefs to eternity : but what is above all, zve Jhall be ever with the Lordy and fee Him who will be all in all to us. Yea, we fhall fol- low the Lamb whitherfoever he goes. I would have you frequent in fuch meditations as thefe, that while you are mufing, the fire of heavenly devotion may burn, and inflame your heart with love to God j that io your meditation of hirn may be Iweet. I v/ould alio recommend to you the frequenting of the public ordinances, which are excellent helps to devotion : God hath promifed that they who wait on him lliall renew their ftrength, and that he will make them joyful in his houfe of prayer. I know your IvOrdlhip too well to perfuade you to works of charity ; for I am not ignorant that your Lordihip abounds in good works. Oiily to encourage you to continue in tills exerciie, I would put you in mind that God hath, laid : He that givelh to the poor y lendcth to the Lord : .;.nd that whojoever gives a difciple in the name of adif^ clphy though il be hut a cup of cdd water, fiall not Ufa his reward. My Lord, I fear I have tired yon with too many tedious ndes,. and lliall therefore put an end to them, ivhen I have added one more ; which is, to conclude theday always with prayer, and not give Ileep to your eyes, till you have called yourfelf to account, what mer- cies you have received in the day, that you may praife God for them ; and wdiat fms you have committed, that you ma'/ be hiimbled for them— remembering what the good Primate of Armagh faid ; that the befi tnan living did enough in the day^ to bring him upon his knes^ Lady Elizabeth Brooke. 133 fit night. Therefore every night make your peace with God, remembering that many have fhut their eyes in a healthful fleep, and yet waked in another world. Lady ELIZABETH BROOKE, OHE was born January i66r,of n.n nncient and refpedable family, from which, however, fhe re- ceived lefs honor, than (he rel1e£ted on it by her fm- gular virtues. In her infancy fhe loft her mother, and in her chili- hood, her father ; fo that fhe was early call on the care of the Father of the fatherlefs. She had rare endowments from nature ; an excellent mind, lodged in a fine form, and looking through a beautiful countenance, the traces of which were dif- cernible in old age. She pofreHed an extraordinary quicknefs cf 'apprehenfion, and richnefs of fancy, united Vvlth a folid judgment, and retentive memory. But her greatefl glory was religion, in which (lie was eminent. She devoted herfelf early to God, remembering him as her Creator and Redeemer in thti days of her youth. And ilie continued to lualk zvlth God with great deadinefs through a long life ; fo that {lie was found at death, not only full of years, but full of grace. As fhe early applied herfelf to religion, and e:?- perienced its pov/er; her genius, indul^ry, length.Qf. M %. time;, J 34 Memoirs or time, life of excellent books, and converfe with learn-*- ed men, all united, rendered her one of the mofl in- telligent of her iex, efpecially in divinity, and the holy fcriptures. Her knowledge of the book of God was not con- fined t© the praclical, but extended to the doftrinal and critical parts. Many of the difficulties in Scrip- ture chronology fhe was able to folve. She could difcourfe pertinently on the great points of theology. She could oppofe an atheift by argu- ments drawn from topics of natural religion ; and anfwer the obje£lions of other cavillers by weapons drawn from the Scriptures. Students in divinity might profitably fpend their time in hearing her dif- courfe ; and fome of her own chaplains confeifed that her converfation was more edifying as welhas plea- fant, than their fludies \ and that while they taughty. they I earned. Thefe uncommon acquifitions will appear \t^^ wonderful, when v;e confider the affiduity and IkilF •with which (he ufed the beft means of knowledge — She was an indefatigable reader of books, efpecially the Scriptures, and the moll valuable commentaries on them. She perufed' a multitude of treatifes, not only of the practical, but the learned kind ; and, a- mong others, feveral of the ancient philofophers. — i She vv'as a moft diligent inquirer ; embracing every opportunity of fuggeilip-g queilions to her learned, friends, on' fubjeds moft intereding and difficult ; luch as cafes of confcience, obfcure texts of fcrip- ture, and the accomplifliment of the prophecies. She generally took notes from the books i\\& read, that ffie might recur to the mofl: im.portant ideas they con- tained, without a fecond perufai. She was induftri- ous to preferve what either intruded her mind, or affe£ted her heart, in the ferm.ons flie heard, to which fae gave great attention while they were preachedj^. and had them repealed in her family j making them tl; •wi-h all its purity and ftridlnefi?, involves in it neither melancholy nor morofenel^s. Nor was it uncoiTimoQ for her greatly to deny herfelf, and relinquifh her own rights that (he might avoid giving offence, and main^ tain love and peace in the church and world. She carefully avoided cenforioufnefs ; putting the beft conftruction on the words and actions of others ; not lightly fpeaktng evil of any, nor readily receiv- ing an evil report. She peculiarly abhored a cenforious fpirit in reference to preachers and fermons. She v/as a moft candid hearer ; judicious indeed, and crit>- ical, but very diftant from feverity and captioufnefs. li but truth were fpoken, and piety enforced, though in an ordinary method, fhe was fo far fatisfied as to fmd no fault. But her favorite difcourfes were fuch as were either peculiarly argumentative, or clearly il- luftrated the fenfe of Scripture, or unfolded the excel- lence of the gofpel, or dil^layed Chrift in his perfon, undertaking and offices, or dete61:ed the difference be- tv/ecQ the real and almojl Chriitian, and came neareft the confcience, urging the exa6left convcrfation, a^nd thtj ftrideft government of the heart, thoughts and af-- fe£lions. . Iii- "Lady Elizabeth Brooke. 73^ In all her relations, fhe exhibited the Chrlflian. As a wife, fhe was faithful, affedionate, prudent, complying. As a mother, watchful and indefatiga- ble ; retraining herchildien from evil, bringing ihem up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, con- ftantly endeavoring to inftil.into their minds the prin- ciples of holinefs, cliarity and juftice. Thofe who be- came her children by marriage, fhe treated with the famekindnefs and aiFeclion as her own. To her fer- vants and tenants file was jull: and good : to her neigh- bors, all that they could deine. She was greatly endeared to her particular friends^ by her prudence, fidelity, and almoft excefs of love. She was fedulous in improving her friendfhips to fcrve the great purpofes of religion. Ey thefe excellencies, and iv.any more which might ;be named, (he .obtained a g^^ody and (what 'i^.c was far Jrom defiring} 2. great name. She had the moft hon- orable tcllimoniaU fromfeveral eminent divines of her day, who perfonally knew her. One of them (^ifhop Reynolds) after being mofl generoufly entertained at her houfe, declared that < the beft of his entertainment was his converfc with fo excellent a lady.' Another, who frequented her houfe, (Dr. Sibbs) ufcd to fay that * he went to other places to fatisfy others, but that he went thither to plcafe himfelf.' A third re- turned from a viiit v/hich he made her, exclaiming that * the one half was not told iiim.' She had great mercies, and interchangeably great afHiclions. The firfl (he received with humility, the lall with patience. To the form^er head may be re- ferred the great kindnefs of her hnlband, a numerous family, and plentiful eftate ; a fine temperfiture of body, fo that fhe was feldom fick, though never flrong ; the continuance of her fenfes, the vigor of her intel- lects, and the foundnrfs of her judgment, even in the laft years of her life ; the attention and refpe6f fhe received from the molt refpectable perfons in her neigh- borhood j 140 TvIemoirs Of borhood ; ihc conclufion offv-^n'O ur.kitul ia\v-Uj:ts, which ns iLc ».?iJ not begin, flie could not prevent \ the bidding ot long life, and that of feeing every fur- viving branch ot her family amply providrdiW. What \va^ more than all, (lie enjoyed much ir.ward peace, which, ihorgh fometimes interrupted bv doubts and fears, was generally even and firm, and fometimes ad- vanced to joy and Arong confolation. Her affJclions were chieiiy \vidowhood,and thelofs of ch.ildrcn. The lliarpeft of her trials was the un- timely death of her laft ion, who was drowned. It was moil fcverely felt, and fceiiicd to threaten, for a time, both her reafon and life. But i'o gracioi'.i'y was le fitpported and carried through, that fhc furvived •'^.anv \ears, and recovered a confiderable meafure of lie r tonncr cheerfulnefs. 1 n her greateft dillrefs, and ^^hen VciC feemed mofl in dangcrof finking under this iJ event, Ihe was Hill meek and refigned, often juf- litying God, r.cknowleduing^ the rlghteoufnefs of the liifpenfation, and exprciling a lively concern left her extreme atHi^ion Ihould bring diihouor on religion. The cloie of her life was a langultliment of feve* ral months, attended at times Avith grievous pain, which Ihe bore with exemplary patience. During her fickncfs, her mind was calm, ber confcience t\ it- nelfed her integrity, and ilie maintained an unfliaken hope in God, that he would crown his grace in her with perfeverance and eternal glory. Sh© was deep- ly fciJlbleof her need of Chriil, adhered to him, re- ioicevi in him, and defired to be with him. She ex- pired alraoil infenfiblv, patung by an eafy tranfitioa to that long-defired rrjt wbkb r/meir.s fs ibe feaple cf C.J. To conclude oi?r account of this lady, it may be remarked of her, that (he had the knowledge of a di- vine, the faith, purit\- ST^d zeal of a Chri:!ian, the wifdom of the f^rpent, and the innocence of the dove. She was lerious, but net mclafKholy ; and cheerful, without Lady Elizabeth Bsooke. 141 '7/ithout any tirdure of levity. She was very holy, aii.'l humble, anl thankftil to God tor all his mercifrs, and above all tor Jefus Chrift, en whofe merits (he cn.ircjy relied, renouncing all her own works in the article of jiiilincation. In fine, fhe was (to iife the cxpreffions of one who undertook to give a brief id^a of her cliaracter) a Sarah to her hufband, a Eunice :o h^r children, a /. 5/1 to her gj-and-chiidren, a Z/-:/:^ ; mini iters, a Martha to her guefls, a Dorcas to tiis '-/or, and an Any.a to her God. She left behind her eviden<:cs of unufual and ad- mirable indultry in her r^umerojsmanLfjripts, among v/hich were the following : A Body of Divinity; ill-wing what a Chriftian mull believe and pradlife Co'Iedions of 'Commentaries on a great part of the Holy Scriptures; and the fum of the controverfies between the Proteffants and Papifts — Obfervations, Experiences, and Rules for practice. Of the latter^ as they fe;:m peculiarly* an irr>age of her mind, we have kL'hclcd the moit vaiuable parr?, and prefent tliem, as happily fupplying ti-e deied:5 ot thefc me- moirs of her life. Obsesvatio!?^. /-nl» Lxperiekces. f'ii^ifj cf the y.:rl'J. All my comforts b'^Iow, are dying comfcrt?;. Ko one creature, ntyrali the creatures liia!. ever I enioved, have given my fouJ faiisfadtion. Good atiiom vAil hear covf-deratim : but ezil aclkns VJiii not. "Every ad of p'ety and obedience will bear ccn- fideration ; but fo will not any (infni action. If ue conHd: r, before we attempt a finful a«ft ion, either Ave fcll n-^: comoiitir, or we fhall doit with regret, and '^ a conlcience f4.£ Memoirs of :fi confcience half fet on fire. But if we confider be* fore a holy adion or duly, our revoiving thoughts %vill much animate us to the fervice . Wherefore I conclude that^«yZ>^;//^j, and that religion jujiifi£s itfelf. The zyorfiip of God is piade picafant hy a fenfe of his prefcnce in it. God's prefence was formerly raanifefted by vifibic iigns, as the cloud, lire, and brighlnefs : but though we cannot expe6l thefe, yet we have the fame fpecial prefence of God with lis. And whenever by faith v/e attain any lively apprehenfions of it, how folemn, profitable and delightful do they make the worfhip of God ! With what joy do they bring us to the public aifemblies ; and how unwilling are we to be kept horn them, when we have this expectation from them ! And finding our expectation anfwered, how devoutly do we behave in them ! How joyfully do we return heme, as thofe who have feeaGod,and converfed with him. ! ' // is difficult to pro'y vjith out feme wanderivig thoughts^ It is very difficult to carry fmcerity,'and keep iip a fenfe of God, through every part of prayer ; which is r.ecelfary to be endeavored, and is the life of the duty.. I find it' hard to keep my foul intent ; for my thoughts are fiippery and fwift, and my heart is fnatched away ibmetimes againft my will, and before I am aware ; yea, even fometimes when I have made the greateft preparation, and had the greatest refolutions, through grace, to avoid wandering thoughts. My belt prayers \herefore needChrill's incenfe fo perfume them. A deep f erf e of God in prayer is defirahle and ravijhing. Could I underftand my near approach to God in prayer, it would exalt iriy foul above meafurc. And why am I not raviihcd with the thoughts of being ip the Lady ]£lizabeth SRCOiCE. 143 the prefence of God, and having the ear, yea, the heart, of the King of heaven r It is nothing but want of faith, and the ftrange power of fenfe, that weakens my fpiritual apprehenfions, and keeps me from an uii- fpeakable delight in my addrefles to God. What a high privilege is this, to fpeak to the great Jehovah, as a child to a Father, or a friend to a triend ! But how How of heart am I to conceive the glory and hap- pinefs thereof ! Could I but manage this great dmy as I oueht, it would be a heaven upon earth : it wculd bringGoddown to me, or carry m.e up to him. Why fhould I not be carried above the world, when I am fo near to God r Why fhould I not be changed into the fam.e image, from glory to glory r W^hy am 1 noc even tranfported beyond myrdf ? IVe ought to he ccv.jlant in prayer, Incondancy in prayer is not only finful, but dan= gerous. Cmifiion breeds dill ike, (irengihens corrup- tion, difcourages the fpirit,and animates the unregen- erate part. Conifancy in this duty breeds a holy con- fidence towards God. Inconftancy breeds rtrangenefs. Upon an omillion, I muft never approach God ag?,in, or my next prayer muft be an excrcifc of rcp£n:a||fe for my lall: omiffion. Sincere prayers are nrjcr offered in lain. Formality is apt to grow upon our fecret praverr One of the befl ways to prevent it, is to come to Go •withanexpe6lation. Thisfets an edge upon our fpirit> I do not enough obferve the returns o^ pravcr, thou:: God hath faid, I Ihall never feck him in vain. But when I obferve, Imuft acknowledge I have cailv anf- wers of my prayers, in fome kind or other. Nay, I think I may lay, I never offered a fervent prayer to God, but I received fomething from him, at lealt as \o ihe frame of my own l^nriu Fra)ir 1^4- ■ Memoirs of Prayer promotes pic'Vy and acquaintance with God. It is the ChriPfiap'.s c'lit)^ in everything to pray ;^ snd holinefs lies at the bottom of thi'^ duty. If i-i ev- ery thing I commit myfelf to God, I. fhall be fure to keep his way, or my prayer will upbraid me. This keeps me from tempting him, and makes me careful ?o find a clear call in all I undtertake; knowing thaf if 1 20 only where I am fcnt^ the Angel of Ids prefence •wiil go before me, and my way Vv-ill he cleared of temp-.. tatie^ir, and mifchiefs. When our call is clear, our -^vav is fate. Befides,the pra6lice of this leads me into 2r:u'ch acquaintance with God. My very praying, is 2in acquainting myfelf with him : and it in every ihii.g 1 pray, I Tnati in every thing give thanks ; and this- brine-s me into fiill more acqiiaintance with him. By thefe^ means my life will be fiUed up with a going to^ 's.xi^ returning from God. The real Chrif,lan loves foUtude, Solitude is no burden to n real Chriftian. He iS:. leaft alone, when alone. His folitude is asbufy and laborious as any part of hi;, life. It is impofilble to. bereligious indeed, and not in fc^me meafure to Icve flpude ; for all the duties of religion cannot be per- formed in public. It is alfo as noble as it is ne^cefl'ary, 10 love to converfe with our own thoughts. Thei;„^/V, ij|ind does net more naturally love company, than the, *V'[;/«^ mind, frequent retirement. Such perfons have •work to do, and meat to eat, that the world knows, not of. Their pleafurcs are fecret, and their chief, delight is between God and thernfclves. There is more nscejfary to render us truly religious' than a mere external Revelation of truth. True religion is heaven-born. Not only the out- ward. R.eveiation is necelfary, but alfo an inward, fe- cret and divine imprcffion. The favoring of divine. things, Lady IElizabeth Brooke. 145 preiiion, men are not aoie to perceive tne tnings or God. There muft be a light withia us, as well as without us ; otherwife the gofpel may be hid, event where it fhines : fo that whoever conclude aright, that they are under the power of religion, mufl have ex- perienced fomething fupernatural ; fomething that is the work of God, and not of men ; fomething above all their owri povver, and the povvcr of the whole world. Religion in its pra^ice is highly rational, R.eHgion makes a man live up to his Reafon. So far as a man is a Chriftian, fo far is Reafon exalted, fits on the throne, and commands all the powers of the foul. Religion enlightens and ftrengthcns Reafcii, and Reafon helps and ferves Religion. Reafon is in- feparable frcm the foul (we lliall be all raional in heaven.) The whole practice of godlinefs, both in divine and moral duties, and the frame of a ChrilHan's fpirit, are but the rational confequences of two great principles, which the Chriftian hides and embraces in his heart ; namely, that there, is a God, and that the fcripture is his word,. The inferences from thefe two truths, and tlie life of a Chrillian, are the fame. Rcligim 1(1 its praciicCy is a living in, and ccnvctjituh'- ■ivith G:d. True Religion makes a man not only live above the world, and in converfe with his own reafon, but alfo to live out of himfelf in God, conveviing mucli with him. A real Chriftian v.'ill deny himfelf for God, quit all felf-intereft, and re-lgn'to him in ail points of duty and feryice. The glory of God /s hi 5 end, his work, his direction. He takes no pleafur^ in himfelf, nor in any thing,without himfelf, furth<..- N 2- th^.a ' 146 Memoirs o? than he fees the (lamp of God upon it. He 'forgcf!? Mmfelf, and minds nothing but the will of God : he triumphs in nothing more than in his own emptinefs,. and the divine all-iufHciency and fuhiefs. This is having nothings and yet pojf effing all things. This is the divine life, and the height of religion, to know and perceive that not only as to our natural life, we de- pend on Providence, and live, and move in God, but that alfo as to our Jplr'itual life, we receive all out of his fulnefs, and are acled by a life in and from him. Of this I defire to be more and continually fenfible. Religion. gives us a rea-l evjoyment of God. The true Chriilian lives above himfelf, not only in . a way of iVif-denial, but in the very enjoyment of God. His fellowfhip is with the Father, and with the Son. He every where, and in every thing, feeks ivM God. In ordinances, duties and providences,. lA nether profperous or adverfe, nothing pleafes, un- lefs Godbe found in them, or admitted into them. That is to him an ordinance indeed, in which he meets -'Vith God. That is a merciful providence indeed, in ".vhich there apoears much of the finger of God. God 5s nearer to tile true Chrifcian than he is to others : for there is an inward feeling, an intelledual touch, v.hich carnal men have not. And herein lies the very foul and quintelTence of religion, that it unites ns in a r.earnefs to God, and gives us already to enjoy him. .Religion, givfi a ??ian power overhimfef, who by nature is his own worjl enemy. True religion gives a man a great com.mand, and Te(!ores him to a juft power and dominion, over him-> felf,*by Ribduing in him his own will and paiTions, Man in his di^praved condition, is himfeii his greateft enemy : for the devil and the world prevail againft him, not by their own Rrength, but by the treachery and L'ady Elizabeth Brooke. 147 and baferrers of his own heart. The deRmaion of fouls is of themfelves. Ignorance and neglect of God take away fear : and there is in men fuch an inclina- tion to fin, as leads them to adeiightfui entertainment of temptations : To that they are not fo much the devil and the vvcrld without, as' the devil and the world vr-ithin ; not the baits of honor, wealth and pleafure from without, but ambition, covetoufnefs and fenfu- ality within, wliich prevail upon men. Wherefore to purified fouls, znd mortified minds, many tempta- tions in a manner ceafe to be temiptairons. Self-denial Pears a great part in the praciice cf trui Religion. The great property of true religion is tjiat it teach- es /f/f-^^«/e/ ; which felf-deniai is indeed the foun- dation of religion, and the fum of all the precepts of the gofpel. Every true Clirlfcian fincereJy, though imperfe6lly, denies himfelf, and makes a free-will of- fering of himfelf to God, in leilgning himfelf to his will. Indeed we can never have peace in profperity inilefs our will as to a6lion is fwaliowed up in the divine will: nor can we have cootentment in adverfi- ty, unlefs our will be complying with Gx)d's will. This is the great victory, to conquer ourfelves : and to him who thus overcomes^ is thepromife g-vcn, of fit- ting with ChriJ} on his. ih?'une. JVe glorify God, not by giving to him^ hut by receiving from him, I know I can add nothing to God's glory. I glo- rify him by receiving from him the imprcfs of his glory upon me, rather than by communicating any glory to him. When the frame of my mind and lite is according to his prefcription, when I am moit like to him, when a fpirit of love and holinefs runs through ail my adtions, then L glorify hinu God feeks his own 148 Memoirs o^^ own glory by communicating grace and happinefs io me ; and I glorify him by deliring and endeavoring to partake of his grace and happinefs. God's Behigy Providence and Covenant y moji agreeahU, The notion of God is moft agreeable to my mind. I fliould not know how to live in the world, if there were not a God to govern it. His Being delights me, , his Providence fupports me, his Covenant and Love rejoice me. Without thefe, I fhould not value my ov/n being and life= Peace and hope generally attend Jincerity., -I have peace, though not always great afiurance, ?Vly hopes are fuch as keep me in the way that leads to heaven. The word of God delights me ; the com- mands of God are not griev^oiis to me. I rejoice i?i his promifes, and his ordinances are to me a fpiritual fea(t. The knowledge I have of God, the notice I take of his providence, and the meditation of his word, afford me no little pleafure. The 'method of attaining great fpiritual comfort. Could I exercife grace with greater ftrength, and more fully mortify fin ; , and not to think myfelffecure without fuch demon- ilTations of his loveas are not to be enjoyed here, and which would take away faith,and turn all into vifion. A good name is a grcqt hleffmgy which God only can pre- ferije to us. A good name ought to be valued. It is better than precious oiatmeat. It is a real, and a promifed bleX- Lady Elizabeth Brooke, 14^ ing. It is to be valued next to life, if it is not equal to it. It is an honor to God, and our profeflion. It even makes us capable of doing good ; it gives ftrength to our inilrutlions and reproofs, and without it, we become ufelefs in the world. But it is hard to keep a good name. It requires much innocence, prudence and watchfulnefs : and when all is done^ unlefs God reftrains the fpirits of men, every lying tongue, or ma- licious, or unkind fpirit may blot our name. It i^s hard to preferve a good name, confidering our own liable- nefs to mifcarriages, and the enmity of the v/orld a- gainil holincfs. God mujTnot cnly he known ^ hut ackmvjledged. God may in fome fort be known, and not acknow- ledged. Knowledge is rational ; acknowledgment is ^ratikaL Aekxowledgfncnt of God is fruit and fub- f^ancc ; knowledge is but leaves and fijadows. To acknowledge God is to converfe with him, to have a lively fenfe of his being, of his all-governing provi- dence, and of his prefence everywhere. It is to con- fider his majefty, greatnefs, and glory w.ith due reve- rence, his v/ifdom with efteem and admiration, his power v/ith fear, truft, pleafure, hope, and his holi- nefs with deep refle61ion on our own finfu'-nefs, and with, defire to imitate fuch an excellent pattern. Death TS a Chrljlians pajf'age to hea'ven. To confider death as a paffage to -heaven, and the way to the Father, v/ill help a CbriRian cheerfully to pafs through the world, and willingly to leave it. Necfffity of the ajfijlance cf the holy Ghojl. I fmd it hard to preferve entire my communion with the holy Spirit, though I perceive my need of ijjm is very great. He is the original and principle of all fpiritual life and motion ; and without his con- tinual . 1^& Memoirs of tinual influence, T am as a disjointed, weak membeiv which hath neither confillcncy nor uniformity in its- motions or adions. Co?ifcience tnuft not he offended by allciving anyfm. I find it better to offend a world of men, than my" own ccnfcience. Confcience is quickly offended, but FiOt fo foon pacified. Confcience hath a good merno^ rv, and will keep the remembrance of offences a long lime, and give many a fecret wound, m.ake faith and confidence in God weak, hinder the vigor of prayer, and freedom in our converfe with him. They who knozv God's Jaw, andvjlll coyifJer and refi-e£f^ will dijcern much fin in themj elves. If we are not fenfibie of fin in our fouls, it pro- ceeds either from ignorance af what is fin, or from jiot refledinsj on ourfelves. They who know the flridtnefs of God's law, and are obfervers of them- felves, will find many working? and motions of pride, vain-glory, love of the world, felfifiinefs, and other evil affedions ; and that they cannot keep themfelves pure without a contiriual care of their hearts. It is the f pi ritual part of religion that is hard j tlie outward part is eafy. The remainder offn within us is very active. Sin within always works, and labors to bring fortli the deeds of the flefli. It is always either inclining to evil, or hindering from good, or disframing the foul, and making it lefs meet for converfe with God. It deceives, feduces, tempts, and in fome meafurecor- nipts and pollutes all that we perform to God, or do for hi nu Kin^ Lady Elizabeth Brooke. 151 Sin cannot he mortified by our ownftrength. I find an aptnefs, when fin afflids me, prefently t« promife m) felf and God, that I will do fo no more, and refolve by prayer and watchfulnefs to prevent it. And this will do fomething for a feafon, till my heat abates, my fenfe of fm wears off, and then ray morti- fication vanifhes alfo. Tlierefore I refolve never to think of mortifying fin by my own ftrength,bijt hum- bly to look up to God for the help of his holy Spirit. There arijcs great pleafure from rejijling tempi Gticns. There will never be found fo much fatisfaciion in the gratifying a temptation, as in a noble, generous retufal of it. The m.ore I rcfiil, the more 1 find of peace : and the denial of the moft pleafing temptation brings with it the fvveeteft joys. // IS better to prevent Jiuy than to admit, and mortify it. If fin enters, it muft be diflodged ; and it is ht caf- ier to prevent than to eje£l it. It is not eafy to bring the foul back again into the itate in which it was be- fore it contracled guilt. Anger isfeldom /* innocent. I have no reafon to truft my anger. It is not fe juft and righteous as it fometimcs feems to be. An- ger is apt to blind my mind, and then tyrannize over it. There is in it fomething of raj:;e and violence. It ftirs me up to acl, but takes away my rule by v.hich I .fhould ad. I find an apt efs ro credit my palliori ; and that foments it : and wnen 1 ?.-ii under the pov.tr of pallion, I have caule to fufped my ov/n apprehcn- fions ; for paffion is blind, and c:nnot judge. It is furioiis, and hath no leifure to debaie and confider.. ■Giving way to it, makes me unfit to act or receive Ther^; 4^2 Memoirs op There is a chain rf graces. It is mod certain there is -a chain of graces infepar- r.bly linked together; and they who have one, have all in fome good meaiure. They Vv'ho have a lively hope, have fervent love to God ; and they who love God, love their neighbors ; and they who love God and their jieighbors, hate fin ; and they who hate (in, forrov/ for it ; and they who forrovv' for it, will avoid the oc- caflonsofit; and they who are thus wp.tchful, will pray fervently ; and they who pray, will meditate ; and they who pray and meditate at home, will join fe- rioufly in the public worihip of God. Thus graces are combined, and holy duties connected together, and no grace is found alone. It is not with graces, as with gift^, where to one is given this, and another that. J'o be impartial in piety and mortiJicatiGn, is difkulf^ It is a mod difficult thing to withdraw th^ love of the foul from every fin. To proceed a little v/ay in religion is not hard, but it is really fo, to go to the ex- tent of mortification and piety. Some mor«ility, and an outward devotion are not diflicult to fiefh and blood, neither do they fliake Satan's kingdom, nor do they trouble the moil of thofe with whom wc con- verfe. But when we come once to engage in a clofe walk with God, and to live by rule in every part of lite, rcfolving fcrioufly to indulge no fm whatever, we pull the kingdom of darknefs upon cur heads. Then corruption will drive, Satan will rage, and the world Vv'ill fcoit, watch for our halting, aad glory in our mif- carriages \ and we (hall find it dillicult to run againil the CGurfeof nature, onpofe Satan, and go contrary to men. But all this of necefllty mud be ; for any fm ■indulged v»' ill fcparate us from Chrid. Lady Elizabeth Brooke. is^ To irufi in Gody is a Chrljlian s necefjary duty. I find trull ing in God my moft neceflfary duty, Tvly condition is fuch that I cannot fee before me. I know not what a day may bring forth. I find my- felf weak and impotent, unable to do or fiifter as I ought. I cannot preferve my foul, life or health, or any thing dear tome ; and without trufting in God, J cannot expect God fhould fulfil to me any promife. Trujiing in God produces real comfort, 1 find it comfortable to truft in God. It raifes my hope, and gives me prefent reff, and holy cojitent- ment. Truiling in God, like many other duties, \i my work, and my wages. To trujl in God is one of our moft difficult duties. I find it difficult to trufl in God at all times. Wh^. providences crofs my expe6lation, they difcou rage mc, and prove a temptation through my vvcaknefs. I liave butfeeble apprehenfions of the power and good- nefs of God, when I come to make ufe of them for my particular fecurity and benefit. I think I may iay it is eafier to obey, and adl for God, than to truil in himl Faith is the root of other graces. Faith is the principle of fpiritual life and motion. Every truly good work, and cxercife of grace, takes its rife, and derives its vigor from faith. A Chriitiau prays, reads and meditates ; hears, hopes, loves ; is zealous for God, and does good to others. Why ? Bccaufe he believes. V/hence fpring repentance and godly forrow, but from the foul's being aded by faith ; or its belief of the finfulnefs cf fin, its oppo- fition and contradiiSlion to God, the hidi obligations Ave are under to avoid it, the mifery \ve incur by 1^4 Memoirs op venturing npon it, and the folly and madnefs of nun- ing our fouls by it ? I find faith mod neccfTary, and that I cannot be v/ithout it. Whither can I go, or what can I under- takct where faith v/ill not bcnccelTary r If I pray, or moditate, they will be Grange exercifes, if faith be •wanting. If I read or hear the word, it will not profit ine, unlefs I mi^ it with faith. Would 1 hope in any promifc? 1 muil call lorth my faith. Would I be heavejily-minded ? It is faith nui.fl raife me above the world. Would I be zealous for God ? Zeal will not gather heat, unlcfs faith fan the iire. Would I liave peace and joy f They muit be had by believing. Nay, I can do nothing in my more ordinary affairs v/ithout faiih. I muft know and believe my dcfign is good, and centers in my great end, the glory of (jod ; and the means I employ muft be known and believed to be regular and holy ; or I dare not make lafe of them. And then I muft be able to caft my care upon God, and to commit the ifiue and event to him ; orelfe my bufinefs becomes burdcnfome, and I have no reft. *T'he Devil Is a mighty , hut not an Invhiclhle enemy, I have a powerful, fubtil, watchful and malicious enemy to encounter ; but he is a known enemy, for the word has difcovcred him, and his power is limited. God hath promifed mc vi^lory over him : nay, my Jx>rd hath already conquered him. And I am not alone in this warfare againft Satan : there is a wliole army engaged in the quarrel. The whole church prays and fights againft him. The faints collectively make war upon him. All the prayers of the people of God go up to heaven for my aftiftan.ce, fo that I have help againft temptation from every quarter. All ftrike this dart into his fide : Lordy lead us not Into temptation. And ^vc all fight under our victorious C*»)tain f/ADY Elizabeth Brooke. 155 Captain, Chrift Jefus. The honor of God, and oi Chrilt my Head, is bound up in my fafety, and there- fore I Ihall conquer ; and ihe very temptations of Satan (Irall turn to my good. All ihefe coriiidcrations alford me cncou-ragement. The things which the holy GhoJ} teaches. The holy Spirit teaches every gracious foul to re- gard the immoiial fpirit above the body, to obey God rather tlian man, and to make provifi-on for eternitv/ rather than time. And all the circumrpe6l walk or" faints, their redeeming their time, their daily devotion, their felf-denial, their confcicntious carriage, and what- ever provokes profane mouths to reproach them, are but the necelfary eiTccls of thefe three principles of ■vvifdom. And all the vvickednefs of ungodly meu proceeds from the want of them. Holinefs Is a privilege. I look upon holinefs as none of theleaft of a Chrif- tian's privileges. We are to confider it not more necelfary than glorious ; not more our duty than our ornament. Acceptance with God is a privilege : and is likenefs to him inferior to it ? Is freedom from Satan's malice a privilege, and is nor the deilruclion of his image in us a privilege r From carnal to bo- come fpiritual, from earihly to be made heavenly, from pride to be changed into humility, from peeviOi to become kind, and from fmners to be converted in- to faints \ are not thefe things piivileges ? Let this truth then be entertained ^'that holinefs is a privilege. And when we fee the beauty of holinefs,.. and defire itbecaufe'we love and eileem it, then will God open the treafures of his grace, and give us a* more plentiful efFufioii of hiii Spirit. rho- 156 . iViEMO'JR?? 0^ The necejjiiy of havliig forne fiated rulcs^ arid living fy them. In order to Oiake off the tjraivn'cal government of paffion, ambition and felf-will, and that we *may not be hurried 'i>^^ every motion of our mind, it is necef- fary to have fome fixed and ftated rules of good and evil ; without which we {liail never live as becomes reafonable creatures. Such is our ignorance, that tve (hail not know how to govern ourfelves, unlefs we upply to fome rule for information ; and fo many and great are our temptations, that they will prevail, im- \th we keep fome fixed rule for our action;^. He "who a^ls always according to prefent thoughts and inclinations will never be able to refill: temptations to iin. Such alio are our incogitancy and forgetfulnefs, that it is needful to fix fome rules for our actions, to •y/hich we bind ourfelves ; for thefe will alarm and enlighten confcience \ and confcience is the fureft Jielp to memory. Our inconftancy to ourfelves makes it needful ; that fo every thought, every company, every accident o£ life, may not alter our minds and a6lions. When zve converfe with Gsd in holy ordinances. The v/ay and means by which God communicates^ lumfelf are the public ordinances, and the private du- ties of religion. Thefe are like the tabernacle and ark of old. As they were fomctimes filled and cover- ed with the cloud, fo thefe with fpiritual and invifible glory. But a bare attendance on thefe is not our communion v/ith God. This confifts in having our fouls fuitably affeded with the matter of them. When the heart is hot, the alfeclions moving, and grace ex- ercifed ; vyhen a threatening awes us, a command de« lights us, and a promife enters the ear like good news in a perilous time ; when a difcourfe of Chrifl; in- fiame^ the foul with bve and defire i when a difcourfs. of Lady Elizabeth Erooke. 157 *f heaven raifes the mind above the world ; when truths are accompanied with light and love, fo that the foul cleaves to them, and hangs upon them ; this is communion with God ; and then are ordinances and duties filled with the holy Spirit. To govern the tongue is one of the dif^cidt parttof rc-^ ligion. It is hard to govern the tongue aright. Much of mortification lies in reftraining it ; much pofitive fandiiication in the right life of it. It requires much knovv'ledge, wifdom, faith fiilnefs, courage, watch- fulnefs, deliberation, examination of ourfelves,much prayer, yea, much and iirong grace, to govern it well.. The right government ot it is alfo a glorious part of our Chriltian pVofefTion, and a power! id commen- dation of it 10 others. He 'who governs his tongue aright j is a -perfect man. The due government of the tongue' implies and fuppofes whatever elfe goes to the making up of e- vangelical perfedion. Where the tongue is gov- erned, the whole life alfo is ordered by rule : and it will be found that whoever wants grace, fails much in this particular, anddifcovers the want of it, either by his fpeech, or by his iilence ; for the fame light which directs the government of the tongue, ih.e fame arguments that move to it, and the fame power that adills it, will enlighten us to fee other duties, move us ilrongly to undertake them, and as eftectually help Bs to perform^ them. Meekr.efs produces peace and joy. The exercife of that meeknefs which is a fuper- natural grace, a dirpofiti^^n in rhe foul wrought by the holy Ghoit, which aims at the glory '^i God and o 3 the 15^ Memoirs of the honor of religion, renders the confcience ferensr and joyful. When I can refiecl on pallions reltrain- cd, injuries forgiven, an enemy loved, contentment in every condition, ready fubmilFionto every providence, and much felf-denial that God may be pleafed, how pleafant is the review of confcience ! Meeknefs gives us thepcjjejjlon of ourf elves, Meeknefs gives us the entire poiTeflion of ourfelves, and ufe of our facuhies. But anger and impatience prevent the enjoyment of ourfclves, and our application to any affair that lies before us, choking our way with thorns, and making every thing tedious and trouble- fome to us. an. The expe^iailm of death is prcfitahle to a Chrifti, The ferious expectation of death frees us from the afflicting, difcompofing apprehenfions of it. It is of great fervice to the Chriftian. It takes off the foul from carnal pleafures, covetous de fires and am- bitious purfuits, and aiMs patience and contentment. Tt helps the ChriTiian to redeem his time, prompts him to fettle theaitairsof his foul, to put his heart and houfe in order, and to leave nothing to be done to-morrow, that may be done to day. It excites to frequent examination, quickens repentance, and fuf- fers him not to -continue in fm. It aflifts fervency ia prayer, as it drives away worldly cares, and helps a- .^^ainft diliraaions ; for death is a folemn thing, the thoughts of it breed a pafiion in the mind ; and all foft padions cherifli devotion. The expedation of death fweetens all labor and duty, becaufe ot the ever- iafting reft to which death leads us. It m.oves us to pray for others, counfel them, and and du what we can for them. Thus death is curs. The Lady Elizabeth Brooke. 15^' The government of our thoughts is necejfary. It is no little fclf-denial to manage our thoughts ftriclly : yet it is the mofl reafonable part of religon,- not properly the height of piety, but its foundation, without -which it cannot (land. He who can blulli at his thoughts, and endeavors to fupprefs them, who dares not entertain the leall: fin, no, not fo much as in his imagination, looking upon God and confcienceas more than a thoufandwitneiles ; this man is religious indeed. tf The end of our anions mvjl he good. Great Care mufl; be had concerning the end of our actions; for this, like the altar, fandifics the gift. A man's end has a mighty influence on him. As is the end, fuch is the man. He v/hofe end is worldly, is himfelf earthly : but if God be a man's end, it makes him godlike, JVe muft beware of fpiritual floth. Spiritual floth leads to fpiritual poverty. To have raifed affeflions in holy duties requires much force, to which nature is averfe. Corrupt nature does not always difcover its oppofition to that which is good by paflionatecontradidion, but oftentimes loofuccefs- fully, by floth and iluggifhnefs. DetraSlion muft he avoided. We are naturally prone to fpeak evil of others with delight, and to aggravate'their faults. This fin per- fjfted in will fhut us out of heaven as really as mur- der or theft : and there is a fecret plague attending' it in this life ; for the way of divine Providence is fre- jTJoft neceiTary a,nd ufeful to the fpiritual life of the Chriilian. They help and fupport, when all other things fail. The fatisfaction they yield is a real plea- fiire ; but yet their glory and excellence are not to be feen, till God opens the eyes of the Chrillian, and gives him a new lit_;ht. There is a veil upon the pro- mifes, or rather a film upon the eye of the foul ; and till that is removed, the promifesare dark ; they have no form nor comdinefs in therii. They are great and precious In themfelves ; yet they cannot be fo to us, unlefs God and the promife come in together. The Spirit mull move upon the fa-ie of the waters, before they become refrelhing ilreams to make glad the heart. The Chriflian's own arm will not reach comfort from them : for this, God muft be fought, and the promife mull: be cur meditation. The Holy Ghojl proceeds in his cpei-ationf gradually. The Spirit of God operates gradually. He teach- es iirit one truth, and then another. He lays a found- ation in the heart for the whole of religion, and ihea draws us on gradually to more and more of it. Rules for Practice. I. Let love and charity be univerfal ; for no pre- tence whatever, no, not of religion and zeul ior God, can jufiify your not loving any perfon in the world. Treat all men with kindnefs, and with them v,^ejl. Do them good according to their necelliiy, and your power and cpportuiiity. It perfons be above ycu, exprefs Ladv Elizabeth Brooke, iSi exprefs your love by prying them the honor their place and authority call ior. It they be in worldly rerpe61:s beneath you, manifefi: your love by kindnefs^ affability, and granting them an eafy accefs to you. If they excel in natural or acquired endowments of mind, exprefs your love by a due eitefm. If they be rather wanting than excelling, (how your love by pitying them, and defpife not their weaknefs. If any be in mifery, compaffionate them, pray for them,, comfort them with your prefence if you can reach them, and relieve them according to your power. If any be defamed, fliow your love by flopping and re- buking the defamation. 2. Be careful net to harbor an evil afteclion in your heart againft any perlbn whatever ; for though you are farlt'rom intending any aclual mifchief, yet you tempt God to let loofe your corruption, and his provi- dence to permit an opportunity, and fo, ere you are aware, you may be drav,'n to an aft you never before thought of. Befides, by an evil afreclion harbored in your mind, you will prevent the bleffed illapfes of the Spirit of God, and open a wide door for the en-' trance of the devil into your foul. And indeed aa unkind difpoiition towards any rnan is fo much akin. to Satan, that if you admit the one, you cannot ex- elude the other. 3. Defpife none ; for love nev?r rides in triumph over inferiors. 4. Look upon all unavoidable temptations as op- portunities for a high exercife of grace. Are you in- jured r Be forry for him who has done the wrong;, and blefsGod for the opportunity of iliewing yourfelt a Chriflian by patient bearing, forgiving, doing good againft evil, treating your adverfary with mecknefs^ and breaking his heart with love. Every provocation is a price in your hand. Get a heart to improve it. 5. Put a due value irpon your name and reputation ; but be not over folicitous about it ; for that difcovers foms uiimortified lull at the bottom. 6.. Purfue V^2 Memoirs of 6. Purfiie piety as an imitation of God ; and the« fo great a plcafiire will refalt from it, that neither men nor devils fhall be able to make you queflion l^is "Being and attributes. This notion will raife an ef- teen-rof piety., will render it lovely, make -the duties of religion more eafy, and gradually Vv'ear out the re- mains of unbelief, and unkind jealoufy of God. 7. Let humility be the conftant covering of yowr foul, and let repentance follow ail your performances. This will demonllrate that your religion is inward ; fcr if religion enter deep into the heart, it will always find work fcr repentance, while we are in a ftate of imperfedion. 8. Love nothing above God andChrift : for to love any thing more than God or Chrift is the way either never to enjoy it, or foon to be deprived of it, or tc find yourfeif deceived in it. 9. Do nothing upon which you dare not afic God's bleffing. 10. Edeemtlme asyourmoft precious talent, which when you bedow on any, you give them more than you can underftand. A joint affiftance of men and' smgels cannot reltore it to you again. 11. Never fpeak of religion for the fake of dif- courfe'and entertainment, but for the purpofe of piety. 12. On the Lord's day, confider in private the love of God, in the feveral infiiances of it, to yourfelf and the world, in creation and redemption, the promifes of eternal life, the care of his Providence, his mercies to you, your friends and family ; and ftay upon thefe confiderations, till your heart be lifted up in hispralfe, and you can fay with David, ** Now will I goto God my exceeding joy." Confider-alfo your mifcarriages in the week pail, and induifrioufly endeavor to pre- vent them in the week to come. 13. Ba diligent in-yoar particular calling, in obe- dience to God's command : for the fame God who faid, Be fervent in prayer, halh alfo faid. Be not lloik» f ul - Lady Elizabeth Brooke. 163 -fill inbuiinefs. That therefore which puts a gprd man aipon praying in his clofet, calls hinri out again ; even fubmiinon to God, the great Mafter of the world, by whom we are placed in our prefect llations. 14 Carefully avoid all thofe fins to which your calling and diligence in ir, expofes you. 15. Never let the^ infirmity of a brother be your recreation. Let not that which grieves God, make you merry. Let not that be your fport which is heav- en's forrow ; for fo is every thing evil. 16. Let the uie of retrefhments make you com- pafiionate to the poor who want them. This will be an evidence that they are fan^lifitd to you. 17. Cenfure not any m.an's acS^ions which cortra- dlcf not a plain rule, and in .which there is the ufe of prudence ; becaufe much of prudence depends on cir- cumftances of which you are ignorant. God hath made yoa a feoffee in truftof your neighbor's name ; and it is a greatnefs of mind not to fjpeak evil of others. Before a brother's face, flatter not. Behind his back, be as tender of his reputation as of his life. 18. Inconverfe, though your difcourfe be not al- ways of religion, yet make it' your defign thereby to recommend religion. 19. Let not fretting anddifccntent prey upon your titiic. They will make you negledf fome prefent duty. You will be like a Ihip tolled upon the migh- ty waters, which is moved, but brought to no pla-ce. 20. Be exa6l in your actions, becaufe they mufl: ftand on record to eternity. 21. That you may think of God aright, you mi'ift nbilracl: from your prefent temper, and your own f:nfe ; for experience tells us that if a man be con- vinced of fm, and under terrors, all tlie art of m.an cannot fatisfy him, that God will pardon fuch a fm- ner as he is, becaufe he judges of God by what he feels. On the otlier haiid, as to him who perceives not 164 Memoirs op not the bitternefs of fin, all arguments can fcarcely perfuade him that (in is fo great an evil as it really is, or that God will feverely puniih it, becaufe he judges of God according to his prefent temper, or his own i'enfe of things. 22. Give God the honor of his attributes together. You defire his mercy : let him have aifo the glory of his wifdom in his choofing the channel in which his goodnefs fhall flow. 23. Never be a fpenthrift of that of which alone you can be covetous ; that is, of your time. 24. Meditate much on the promifes : for though meditation can add nothing to the promifes, yet it difcovers the beauty, and draws forth the fweetnefs contained in them. 25. Apply the promifes frequently, though you find not fuch fenfible effcds either of grace or com- fort iiTuing from them as you exped or defire. The manner of fulfilling them may be various, but the performance is moll: certain. The blefling of the promife fometimes defcendslike rain in vifiblefliow^- ers, producing the fenfible effe(5ls of peace and joy in the foul ; and fometimes like dew which diftils in filence, without making any perceivable alteration in the heart. The virtue of it is realj but hidden and fee ret. Miss MARGARET Mixs Margaret Andrews. 165 Miss MARGARET ANDREWS. OHE was the only child of Sir Henry An« (^iicws, whofe pious inltructions, and thofe ot his lady, feemed early attended with a fpccial blefling t» their bclovc 1 daughter. Alrnofl: as foon as flie iin- derrtood anything, Ihs exhibited profiling fymptoms of piety, in the deli^Iu Ihc took in prayer, and ling- ing the praifes of God ; in her meekncfs, efpeciall/ in receiving and regarding reproof; in her Uriel re- gard to jiiftice, and utter deteltation of falfehood ; irt her tenderncfs and pity to the poor, and eagcrnefs t(j l^elp them. At the age of fevcii or eight years, flie gave more fatisfa^lory evidences of a regenerate Itate ; appearing very foHcitoiis refpt^ling her foul, and giv- ing her chief attention to the things pertaining to its falvaiion. Her plcafure in the fcripiurcs manifefl-cd itfelf not only in reading them with great attention, but in committing whole chapters to memory, whicli ihe did with great facility. She had a high refpecb for good minillers ; delighting to hear them pray and preach, and afking them queltions concerning God •.a:id her duty. . Her charity alfo was proportionably improved. She was remarkably attentive to enquire out the neceflities of the poor, and to procure relief for their diilreires, as they were made known to her. She early manitefted a fuperiority and indifference to thofe objeds which attract and occupy the hearts of nioft, efpecially the young. She valued the world and its alhjrements as little as multitudes do their fouls. Thefe things had \Qxy iitile place even in her thoughts. ? Her 166 Memoirs of Her mind was fo converfant with heaven and its glo- ries, that llje feeined to be borne to a great diflancc from fuch earthly vanities; regarding them as. anwor- thy her efteem, and far too fmall to fatisfy ihe enlarg- ed defires of lier foul. Being once obferved to figb, and fome around exprefiing their wonder refped^ing the caufe, fince fhe feemed to poflefs fuch advantages for being happy ; Die replied : ** I want nothing in ibis world. I do not flgh for that ; but how much better is heaven than all this 1" Then ftarting up from her feat, and fpreading her hands, fhe added, ** O there are fuch joys in heaven, as cannot be conceived." She had a great indifference to thofe gaieties of drcfs which the young, efpecially of her fex, are apt to admire : for though llie fubmitted to wear clothes fuited to her rank- it was evident they were the obje£ls neither of her defire nor delight. When her parents beflowed any rarities upon her, they were thankfully acknow- ledged and prized, as tokens of their kindnefs, but lit- tle noticed on any other account : fo that when fhe lliewed her clcfet and its curiofilies, to gratify her friends, it would be plainly fetn that her heart wason very different things. Before the age of twelve, Die was once taken by fome of her friends, to fee a play. As on her return (lie made no comments, fhe was afl<- ed, how die liked it. Her reply was ; /* 1 like it fo, that I never defire to fee another." Nor did fhe ever vary from this determination. Not that fhe wanted either capacity or tafle for what was fprightly and hu- morous. But her mind was fo much occupied by things folid and ufeful, and fo habitually converfant with heaven and its objects, that while the moft inno- cent recreations had few charms for her, thofe that did but border on the contrary, were abfolutely dif- She was conftarxt and diligent in reading books of piety. She appointed herfelf a daily portion of the fcriptures, which file read v/ith much obferyation -j allying Miss Margaret Andrews. 167 ainfiug of others an explanation of fuch parts as file' did not underiiand. In this way, The loon obtained a Ihare of knowledge which enabled her to inflriK^ moil ■who converled with her. Reading once in the pfaUn?, fhe was much affected with the troribles of David, and thence took occafion to difcourfe with her maid about the afHidtions of life in general, and particularly, her own. The fervant obferving \\\?i.Xjhe could have In!: little trouble, fhe replied, *' They that have the leafi: trouble, have a great deal : and if we do but confidtr what joys there are in heaven, it is enough to make us impatient to live here." She was much in meditation ; and when alone, was fometimes fo much abGorbedj as to be feen v.'alking with her hands and eyes lifted up to heaven, and exprelling, in other ways, much joy and comfort. When walking with others, (he would difcourfe on the vjorks, as wtil as the word of God, in a (train which lliewed them to be familiar to her thoughts. Her mind was much employed on the great fubje6l of death. It \yas com- mon for her, at going to bed, to conveVfe with her maids about it ; faying,- ** How ought we to think of our death, when this night m.ay be the laft !" Some- times, when taking leave of them at night, (lie would fay, ** Well, I urn going to death's kinfman." Her devotion vv^as eminent. She prayed regular! v three times a day at leaft ; and rarely an hour p^jUed without fecret ejaculationso Nor was it uncommon for her, in the midft of her. youthful employmenis or recreations, to fend away her maids, and retire for prayer. Such fervor and delight did (lie feel in this duty, that (he fometimes forgot herfeif and her health fo far, as to continue l^ortwo hotjrs in her clofet, even amid the fevereit cold. Not only on thefe occadons, but during the prayers of the family, it was common far Jitr to fned tears in abundance. ' No company, no engagements, were permitted to fuperfede her devo- tions, Bling once invited 10 go iaio the prefence of the i6S^ Memoirs #f the Queen, and being of courfe ncceflitated to fpendl a coniiderable time in drefiing, (he immediately after jetired to her clofet. The Lady who was to intro- cJuce her being come, and waiting for her, her mother^ 3iot knowing the caufe of her delay, went haftily into the chamber, where (he found her with her hands lift^ rd up to heaven, snd her face bedewed with tears, ut- tering thefe words : ** Good Lord, for tlie fake of Jefas Chrift, fuffer not Satan to prevail over me !'* The latter part of her life, it was thought that (he iifed dated prayer at Icall: ten times a day. In this ■way (he confecrated every place into which fhe came^ tmd converted every room of the houfe into a kind of Oratory. Yet though flie fpent fo much of her time in retirement, fhe was cheeriul, as well as affable, in company ; and appeared as if her heart were almofl continually filled with comfort and joy. The prayers,, iighs and tears which fhe fent to heaven, feem.ed to re- turn in peace and bleflings into her foul. Her exem- plary devotion imparted to her whole demeanor a iweetnefs and folemnity which were equally engaging.. She was exemplarily {iviS: in her obfervance of the fabbath. By fecret devotion fhe prepared for the pub- lic worfbip of God. She heard his word with foleinri ^nd reverent attention. Returningfrom the fand^uary, file repeated in pi;ivate what Ihe could remember of the fermons, and fpent the reft of the da-y in reading to others, or alone ; in prayer, meditation, and other pious exercifes. When requeftcd for the fake of her health to walk abroad, (he generally declined, left her xni nd ftiould be diverted from things divine. She manifefted a ftncere love to the fouls of others ;. inftrucling and admonilhing the ignorant, reproving the wicked, comforting the difconfolate, and doing ■what was in her power to prevent fin in all. She taught the fervants the things of religion ; exhorting them to be conftant in prayer and reading the fcrip-. tiires;^ to avoid falfebood^ and hQ kind^ according to. theii* Miss Margaret Andrews. " 169 their ability, to the poor. She warned them againfl: letting any bufinefs whatever prevent them from prayer; and efpccially, that they fiiould guard their hearts from wandering in that duty ; adding, " This I tell you, becaiife rny heart is apt to do fo." If any of them were about to partake the Sacrament, ilie in- ftrucfed them into the danger of doing it unprepared ;. Ihswing the neceOity oi repenting and fcrfaking fm, efpecially the (in to which they were moil inclined. Sach pious counfels, ftrengthened by her good exam- ple, feemed much bleiTed to feveral of the fervants. One of them in particular acknowledged that flie had received more good to her foul by this young lady, than (he had got elfevvhere in all her life before. Though anger was rarely, if ever, manifefled by her on any other account, yet ihe has been known to reprove for ini with great pungency, where the occafiori required it. In a perfon of fuch a fweet, gentle, in- oifenuve difpofition, this difcovered great zeal for the honor of God, and a lively fenfe of the danger of the guilty perfon. Nor was her 'fidelity in giving re- proof greater than her humility, and even gratitude in receiving it. So tender was her compa^flion to thofe who were afEicled, efpecially in mind, that though her modelly was great, (he frequently found herfelf compelled to offer confolation to thofe in this ftate, who were much older than herfelf. To a vifitant recentlv deprived of feveral near relative5, and otherwife m.uch diifreircd, file judicIouOy enlarged on the wifdom and goodnefs of God, who knew what was befr for her, and no doubt liad gracious purpofes in fending thofe afflic- tions ; reprefenting in addition, what might be the probable intention of them, and which vv'ay they might turn to her advantage, and the confcquent reafons for fetting bounds to her forrovv-. If any fault was committed in tlie houfe, (he wotil • dcfire her mother not to alk the fervants about it, If, P 2. £0j; l^O iMElMOIES OP for fear of her anger, any of them fhould tell a lie io conceal it. When a boy in the family was taken in a fault, fhe defired her mother to corre6l him ; to "which her mother replied, * fhe had forgiven him fo many faults, that fhe would turn him away.' ** No, motlier," rejoined the young interceflfor, " pray let him be corrected, and tell him the fm, and fet before him the terrors of confcience, and the torments of hell, and I warrant you it will do him good." If any poor cnme to the houfe, Ihe did not fail to intercede for them with her parents, nor to add fome- thing of her own, though very fecretly. When llis met with a diftrelfcd obje6t, fhe would come in with tears of compallion to defire relief : and when vilited by fome whom fne fufpecled to be reduced to indi- gence from circumftances of eafe, llie would moft tenderly draw from them an account of their ftate,and offer her ailhiance, if there was need. Nor was fhe contented to fupply thofe who came to her father's houfe, but went abroad in queft of objeds of charity ; yet concealing her defign as much as polhble. She once, on the morning of Monday, came unperceivcd behind a poor vv^oman hard at work, v/ho was that moment thinking how flie fliould maintain her fami- ly through the week, and making her fad complaint to God ; and putting a piece of money into her hand, went away. The unexpected relief greatly affeded the poor woman, who thought it came, as by an an- gel from heaven. So frequent were fuch vifits, with this compaffionate young lady, that fhe was well ac- cjuaintcd with the condition of the poor of the parifh, and fometimes gave particular information of their iieceflities to her parents, informing them who want- ed viduals, clothes or fire, and importuning them for a fupply till it was granted. On one of thefe occa- fions, ihe faid to them : '* If you will but give what •wood I will carry, they fhall not want." She would alfo particularly reckon up to them the poor's, charge, what Miss Margaret Andrew^". t^x what they were allowed, and what they could earn, and then put the queftion to her parents, whether they could live upon fo little ; and this fo judicioufly, that they feldom or never had reafon to controvert her flatements. When flie could not go abroad herfelf, ihe fent money to the poor by her maid, charging her not to fay any thing of it. She alfo injoined on her, that when any poor people came,fhe fnould not fpeak harfhly to them, but go to her parents, and reprefent their condition ; adding a charge that fhe fhould do the fame where^/cr fhe might be placed ; and that when ihe iliould be fettled in tlie world, Ihe fhould be kind io the poor ; fiiying fhe would find that far from hav- ing lefs at the year's end, fhe would be doubly paid by Providence. So difpleafed was fbe to hear any thing faid injuri- ous to the reputation of another, that fhe would re- prove and filence the lead whifpers of detraction. To thefe excellencies, truly uncommon in one fo young, it may be added, that her difcretion and judg- ment were fo eminent, that even the aged were cau- tious what they faid before her ; and that fuch was her humility, meeknefs and univcrfal exemplarinefs, as to rank her among the firfl:-rate Chriflians. A little before her laft ficknefs, fhe thus expoftulaf- cd with her mother, in whom ilie difcovered an im- moderate anxiety about her : ** Am I not," faid fhe, •* in the hands of God? Cannot he preferve me ? If it be his pleafure, I lliall live. If nor, ycur care can- not preferve me. And what if he fhould take me ? You will not be long after me. If you live twenty or thirty years after me, what is that to eternity r"-^ Such expreffions render it not improbable that flie had fome apprehenfions of approaching death ; efpecinlly as flie was heard about this time to exprefs a wiih that her mother had another child, and that her par- ents had lefs afredlion for her. Slie likcvvife oblerv- ed; in confecjuence of a journey being planned for her, that 3 7^. Memoirs o? that if {lie went to the place contemplated, fhe fiiould never return. Soon after, being within feme months of fourteeq^ file was feized with the fickncfs which gave her up to God and glory. Being in great pain at fir^V, fhe ofteri called on God, and faid, ^* He is very merciful to me ; for what I feel is nothing to the fufferings of Chrill forme." After fome eafe, fhe faid, ** God 1% very- gracious in giving us pain ; otherv/ife, Ave ihould not know how to be thankiul for eafe." She fpent much of her ficknefs in prayer ; and when llie could not fpcak, fhev/ed great figns of inward de- votion. Two or three hours before her death, her mother faid to her, *' My dear, are you fo ill that you think yoQ ihall die ? Be not backward to tell me, for it will not be hard for me to part with you to God, if it be ' his pleafcre." To this queftion fhe replied,/mlling,> <* I hope God will pardon my fms" — thus intimating her hope that rae fhould find the fting of death taken out. She afterwards a(ked the Doftor, **Dayou think I fliall die r" He anfwered, *♦ Madam, no one can tell that." She replied, " Pray,^ Doaor, deal plainly vs'ilh me : I would not be deluded." He anf- wered, "It is doubtful." She then faid, <* I have been a great fmner ; but I hope God svill pardon me. My Savior is in heaven, and I hope he will put on me the white robe." She confefied the former mercies of God to her, faid fhe had been troubled for fin,but the Lord had gi^en her the Comforter, and fealed her, and fhe had been comforted ever fince. She then, with the confent of her parents, ordered confiderable fums of money to be given to the poor after lier death. Af- ter this, addrefiing her father and mother, flie faid, " Pray, do not be troubled when I am gone. Do you think you Ihall be long after me r" Mtr father and vhe relf of the family kneeling down, and recommend- ing her to God, fns feemsd devout and cheerful^ Praycv Miss Margaret Andrews-. 173 JPrayer being ended, fhe bowed forward, exprefTing her gratitude to God, and her acknowledgments to her father. She then afkcd for the minifter, who coni- ing to her when her fpirits were almoft fpent, (he faid to him, *' O Sir, I have been a great Tinner, but I hope God will pardon me.'* Afterwards fhe was heard to pray, and to call upon the name of Jefus. Thus, without any cloud upon her intelle£ls, fhe de^ parted to the eternal tifion and enjoyment of him. Her funeral fermon was preached, according to her deOre, from 2d Timothy y 4. 7,8. How does fuch an example of piety thus mature in one Icfs than fourteen, reprove the irreligious, ufelefs, perhaps pernicious old age of multitudes! "While it forcibly allures the young, the thoughtlefs and the gay, to that religion which confers fuch real dignity^ and fuch fubltaniial pleafure ; which can render them in life fo ufeful, in death fo happy ! In a Latin epitaph, prefixed to her life, are expref- fions to the following purpofe : ** She was a perfon rarely paralleled — the hope and love of her parents — the delight and ornament of her family — Her bofom was the temple of modeliy, puri- ty and goodnefs — To the poor fhe richly fcatterecl bleiTmgs — the pomps of the world fhe difdained — the powers of Satan fhevanquifhed^ — for God dwelt in her,. ^.rii\ file in God. — Wonder not that fuch a fpirit made fo fhort a vifit to our world, as its prayers and devout breathings were the wings and gales that wafted it to- its heavenly reft. Depart, traveller ^ ponder, and be Wifej' LADY 1^4- Memoirs of LADY ALICE LUCY, J^HE was the wife cf Sir ThGinas Lucy, an amiable man, to whom Ihe was married while verY voung. All the virtues which can be wfiiicd for in a wife, her favored hufband found in her : while fhe, no lefs favored, received from him every proof and ex- pjelTion cf the tcndereit regard. The rational and refined enjoyment which might be anticipated from the union of virtuous and con- genial minds, was indulged them for a period of thir- ty years ; at the clofe of which the lady who is the fubjecl of lliefe brief memoirs, found herfeif plunged into the depths of diitrefs, by the lofs of one who was far dearer to her than life. But the Being who afflict- ed her, was her refuge and fupport. He upheld her when ready toTmk, and gave her comfort in all her tribulation. Though confined, far the greater part of the time, to her chamber by bodily infirmities, fhe was ftill enabled to manage with fmgular prudence the extenfive concerns connefled with a large eflate, and to govern a Kumerous famdly, with admirable wiidom. She continuiilly carried about the burden of a weak body, but fhc bore it with exemplary patience, and improved the trial to her fpiritual advantage. It was her great affiicUon that Cni could not vi fit the houfe of God, and attend on thofe ordinances in which He has proraifed his prefence, and where his people iTiay ex- pea his bleffing. But as fhe could not go from her nabitaiion to the houfe of God, Hie made a ciiurch of her ■ . Lady Alice Lucy, xjS ^cr hoiife, where for feveral years, iinlefs preventeJ by extraordinary weaknefs, ("he heard the preaching of the word every Lord's day evening ; firi6l!y requiring the prcfence o't all her family, and fetting them the example of great reverence and iblemnity of atten- tion. Her firft employment every day was to addrefs her heavenly Father in fecret. Her next was to read fomc nort ion from the fcriptiires, and from other pious and r.rofitable books, with which her library was well fiir- nifhed. No fooner was fhe informed of any valuable publication of the religions kind, than (he endeavored to make it her own, and to make herfelf the better by it. ' As flie poffefied an excellent underflanding, and an ardent thirft for knowledge, efpecially in fpiritnal things, (lie fpent much of her time in reading : and what Ihe read, {he digelkd, and endeavored to make her own. The fame prailice which (he found bene- ficial to herfelf, fhe recommended to- her children. She inculcated on them a ferious care and diligence in the acquifition of divine knowledge, and caufcd them to read every day fome portion boih from the Old and New Teliament, in her prefence and hearing. About an hour be'ore fupper, fhe appointed one of her children to read fome pious andufetul fermon be- fore herfelf and the other children ; frequently taking occafion to inftil into their minds pleafant and profit- able inftrudlion, and exhorting them to a con.ftant, religious walk with God. In the evening, a little before HieVent to reft, fhe colledcd them all into her lodg- ing-room, where they joined in fmgir.g a pfalm ; the ftrv.ints uniformly doing the fame alter frpper, before they rofe from the table. After her children had done finging, fhe gave them many pious exhortations, and her maternal bencdiclion, and then difmiiTcd them, {Such was her continual courfe. Thus 176 Memoirs of Thus ferious and exemplary was her diligence to increafe the fpirit of piety in herfelf, and to transfufe it to the bofoms of her children. Some of them tafted death before their dear mother : yet fhe left no lefs than ten behind her — five fons, and five daughters — who were all prefent at her funeral, and who were all inclined, with the children of the virtuous woman rpoken of in fcripture, to call her bkjj'ed. Next to the golden chain of graces mentioned by St. Peter, (2d Epiji. i. 5, 6, 7. J with which Ihe was eminently beautified, and the ornament cf a meek and quiet fpirit J file accounted her children her chief orna- ments. Her earned defires and endeavors Vvcre, to be inftrumental to ennoble and adorn them with every virtuous habit, and to make them the true children ©f God. She felt, and was folicitous to have them alfo ieel, that if they wotild be happy, they mud have fome- ihing far fuperior to an illuitrious natural defcent, and fplendid alliances ; namely, a nezv and celcjlial hirthy and a relation to the family of heaven. Often did £hc inculcate on them, that real holinefs is true greatnefs ; and that unlefs to their great eft ate the riches of divintj grace were fuperadded, they would one day wifli they Iiad never been born. Nor was flic lefs concerned to 2et them know, that the more any of them feared and ierved God, the greater fhare might they expecl ifi her iove. She was not more diftinguifhed or abundant in the duties of piety, than in thofe of charity. Beilde the blefljng of a great eflate, God iiad given her what was i^ar more deilrable ; a heart to make the bell ufe of it. Not a day paifed, but in which fhe reached out her hands to the needy. A great number Ihe relieved at her gates ; and gave charge to her porter, that when there came any who were very aged, or who had fuf- tained great lofles in the times of civil war, efpeciaU ly li they feemed honeft, he fliould come and acquaint her j that ihe might enlarge her bounty to a corref- pondence Lady Alixte Lucy; 177 Tiondence with their ncceflities. Nor was (he a little difpieafed when thefe orders, or thofe which fne gave her fervants for the relief of the ordinary poor, were neglecled. In limes of fcarcity, rtie fent many loaves every week to various towns in the neighborhood. She caufed her corn to be fold in the iriarkets in fuch fmall quantities, as might not exceed the -abililies of the poor to purchafe. She allowed certain meals in her houfe to feveral poor neighbors, whole want was vifi- ble in their pale faces : and when they had by her bounty recovered their former complexion, and re- ceived, as it were, a new life, fhc remarked, that the fight of fo happy an alteration in them did her as much good as any thing which fiie ate herfelf. Like another Dorcas, (lie provided many coats and garments for the poor. She likev/ife conilantly em- ployed many elderly men and women in fuch v/crks as v/ere adapted to their age and ftrength. Whenever the phyncian came to her honfe, Vac in- q«]ired whether there were any fick perfons in the town, that flie might fiirnifh fuch as were unprovid- ed, with the fam.e accom.m-odations which fhe enjoy- "hich fhe had manifefied through life. She was eminent in meeknef?. She exhibited much of a m.ild and quiet fpirit. Often have I obferved her amidfi provocations, peaceable, meek, gentle, and eafy to be intreated. In her ficknefs, fhe behaved herVelf as a lamb. Not a word of paffion or peeviih- nefs dropped from her lips. The very image of that divine Savior who faid, Learn of me, for I am meek ; fecmcd; in thk refpect, drawn fair within her. Shs. Lady Ma-rgar-et Houghto>7. i8d' She was eminent for humility. Though of highl- and even royal defcent, ftie was lowly in fpirit. She never defpifed the pooreft creature, but often ftcoped to v/hat others viewed as wonderful condefcenfions. In her ficknefs, as well as death, Ihe laid her honor- in the dull : and through life, • clothed herfelf with- humility. She was remarkable for her patience, and fubmif- fion to the divine difpofals. Her iicknels was fevere " and tedious in itfelf ; and Teemed the more fo on ac- - count of her former health, which through her great care and conftant exercife, had been remarkably hrm and uninterrupted. Yet though the rcverfe was {o great, that fhe found herfelf unable even to move, flie was patiently fubmillive under the hand of God ; having learned the church's lelTon : I will hear the in- dignation of. the - Lord J hecaujc I have finned againjl him,'- She was eminent for faith. She often acknow- ledged her vilenefs and wretchednefs, that fne was of little faith, and had no ability to help herfelf. Indeed her vveaknefs in every grace, and in all religious per- formances, was her contlant complaint. 1 have feea others in ficknei's, very confident of their falvation, whom though 1 dare notcenfurc, becaiife unacquaint- ed with their grounds \ yet 1 mud acknowledge that: I dearly love a humble, trembling, fclf-condemning frame. Sure I am, that they who areihevileit in their own eyes, a/e the fduls in whom God moit delights. The man -/ho will, as it were, kifsthe dull of Jefus' feet, He will take in his arms, and lay in his bofom. Such was the fpirit of this good lady. She was preil with a fenfe »f her fpiritual poverty ; yet fhc ca!^ herfelf into the arms of Chritt : yea, fhe lay at his feet, crying, " Ljr^/, I believe ; help thou 7ny unht-- lief.'' At another tiine : ** Though the Lord fhr me, yet will I trull: in him." At another :'' Ho hath delivered, he doth deliver, and J truil: in hini iS2 Memoirs 9 that he will deliver me flill." And again : '' Hold- out faith, and anon thou wilt come to vifion." This expreilion, "hold out faith," w^as one of the laft fhe uttered. She was remarkable for her love to tlie minifters of Chrift. Her heart, wholly fet on Jefus, w^as at- tracted to his bleffcd image, wherever it was difcern- ed, efpecially in his arabaffadors. Among others, file was pleafed to (hew her regard tome, the un- worthieft of all my Mailer's melTengers. The Lord made her the firft wheel of his providence in bring- ing me hither. Indeed fhe honored all the miniftcrs of Chrirt, and the fundion itfelf, for his fake. She v/as full of love and charity to all. Many dif- cords have happened in thefe fad times, and Ihe has fufrered much in many refpeds. In her approach to the confines of eternity, I defired her to forgive others, as fhe defired God to forgive her : on which (he very alfeclionately declajed that ' (he freely forgave all the -world, and defired all whom ihe had offended to for- give her.' Her children kneeling about her, fhe gave them her blelling, whicii fhe pronounced with luch cheerful nefs, aifedion and fervor of fpirit, as melted the hearts, and drew a flood of tears from the eyes, of thofe about her bed ; infomuch that ihe felt con- ilrained to roufe herfelf up, and addrefs them, as Chrifl did the weeping women : *' IP'eep not for tne^ but iveep for yourf elves.'' Why Ihould you weep for me who am going to my Cliriil, and to thofe joys prepared by him.' After this, fhe gave a folemn charge refpeillng the duties incumbent on children of the fame family, toward each other. Finally, this pious lady was defirous to die, and to be with Chrid, which flie viewed asbeflof all. Some- limes Ihe exclaimed, **0! when will that blelfed hour come r" And again : ** O that I were diffolved, that I might be with Chriil!" Being reminded of her duty to wait with paiience, fne replied ; " I will wait. Lady Margaret Houghton, 1S3 wait. Lord, / will zvait till my change /hall come.''' She comtorted herlelif with the recolledion of that promife [Heh. 10. 37.) For yet a little while ^ and he that jhall come yVjill comcy and will not tarry, — One thir.g occaiioned her trouble. She was afraid that her frame would not yield to theftroke of death with- out much llruggling. Her reafons were beft known to herfelf, but her apprehenllons were verified : for indeed, when death feized her heart, flie uttered fuch groans, that (he out-groaned all our prayers. At laft, the refiftance of nature was overcome ; and fhe calm- ly and quietly left the world, in the midft of our fup- plications. You fee nov/, concludes the preacher, how {he re- deemed the time in life and death. As Chrilt laid to the lawyer, fo let me fay to you : Go thcUy and do likezvife. It is not long that any of you have to live. Therefore I befeech you, improve time, and lay hold of every feafon to fecure heaven. Walk accurately^ exadlly, circumfpeStlyy not as foolsy hut as wife, re' deeming the time) bccaufe the days are evil. Miss /^4 Memoirs of Miss ANN BAYNARD- s 'HE was the beloved daughter, and onl)f -child, of Dr. Edward Baynard ; who early diicover- ing in her an elegant and fprightly genius, united with a natural propenfity to learning, was induced to indulge her with a literary education. This privilege ihe improved to excellent purpofe. By indeiatigabls diligence and applicadon, Ihe acquired an accurate and extenijve knowledge of the matheiTiatics, of af- tronomy, of natural philofophy, and the learned lan- guages. She took peculiar pains to gain a pcrfedl acquaintance with the Greek tongue, that To ihe might be able to read not only the New Tedament in the original, but likewife the writings of fome of the ancient Fathers, particularly St. Chryfollom. With the Latin fne was fo familiar, as to compofe wiih eafe in that language : and fo far did (lie penetrate into the depths of metaphyfics, as to become an accom- pUniedireafoner, • She pofTeffed a very unufual extent of knowledge ; yet her capacious and comprehenfive mind was confiantly coveting more. In thefe things, fhe would frequently obferve, it was a fm to be con- tented with a Uttle, Yet with all thefe endovvmcnts and acquifitions,* Hie deeply felt that there were other things of far greater importance. • With profound humilily, and proflration of mind, flie would exclaim, in the lan- guage of the Ap (Ue Paul, <* I coufit all things but ]ofs, for the excellency of the knowledge of Chrift Jpfus my Lord, She has frequently been heard to fay. Miss Ann Baynard. 1S5' fay that ' human learning was worth nothing, unlefs, as a handmaid, it led to the knowledge of Chriil: re- vealed in the Gofpel, as our only Lord and Savior.—- Nor was her progrefs fmall, in this bielfed and invalu- able knowledge. Her fenfe of the precioufnefs of true religion, and her preference of it to all other acquifitions, was of- ten manifeifed in fuch difcourfes as thefe. ^* What avails," fhe would fay, '* the ildW of Solomon in all the works of nature, if we are not brought by them, 10 fee the God of nature r — What is it to be fo (ktU ful in aftronomy, and the knowledge of the heavens, as even to foretei things to come, if we never Iludy, by our holy pra6Lice, to arrive at thofe blefled regions > What is it to be fo flcilful in arithmetic, as that we can divide and fubdividc to the fmalleft frailion, un- lefs, as God hath revealed unto us in his holy word, we fo learn to number our days, as to apply our hearts to wifdom ? — What isitfor aphyfician tobe fo flcilful in forefeeing and preventing the difeafes of the body, unlefs, as God hath revealed unto him, he knows where to find the balm of Gilead, the wine and oil of that Samaritan, the Lord Jefus Chriff, to pour into the federcd wounds of his -own foul and confcience r'* Such fentimencs as ihefe were familiar to her. — And they feemed not to be mere fpeculations, but to determine her pra6lical judgem.ent, and influence her whole fpirit and life. . She gave a conflant and de- vout attendance on the preaching of the word, and the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper : nor was (he abfcnt from the daily prayers of the Church unlefs^ prevented by bodily indifpofition. In the duties of private devotion, ihe was equally confcientious. In her clofet, like holy David, Ihe communed with her own heart, and folemnly examined the Hate and con- dition cf her foul, that Ihe might fland in awe, and not fin. She cheerfully embraced all convenient op- portunities for retirement, that fhe might enjoy more fenftble 1 86 Memoirs of fenHble and uninterrupted intercourfe with heaven . She believed that one of the mod effedlual ways oto- vercomlng the world, and living above it, was to with- draw herielf from it ; and that the bell^ preparative for death, was to die daily in holy folitude and pri- vacy. By the blelling or God on theie attempts, flic was fo happy as to find herielr early reconciled to her diiibiution ; an event which was much in her thoughts, and of which ihe feemed to have fome peculiar pre- monitions. AmiJ her fondnefs for retirement,. however, the fo- cial duties were neliher forgotten nor neglected. Her circumRances did not permit her to extend her lib^e- rality as ihe wiihed. Yet ihe v/as cheerful and con- llant, if not abundant, in giving. Nor did Ihe fail to feqneller a certain proportion of what was allowed her, to benevolent and pious ufes. But her charity di fplayed itfelf in ways (1111 more noble and impor- tant. She tenderly loved the fouls of her fellow-crea- tures, and was greatly afflicied at- the errors, follies and vices of the age in which Ihe lived. She was pe- culiarly pained to obferve that many who called them- felves Chriflians, induli^ed fuch principles and prac- tices as were grofsly difhoncrable to their facred pro- ieHion, and fuch as while they looked with a fad af- peft, on their own falvation, were dire611y calculated" to fruftrate that of others. In her neareft approaches to her God, (he lamented thefe evil-s, and earneftly implored their fuppreirion. Her zeallikewife impart- ed to her a courage and difcretion above her years> in endeavoring to benefit the fouls of thofe with whom Ihe converfed, by pious inllruc^ions and counfels, and iaithful, though friendly reproofs. About two years before her death, happening, amid her foliiary walks for meditation, to enter the church- yard, and indulging, as (he refted herfelf in the porch, thofe contemplations which the fcene fuggefted, fhe felt a fudden and itrong impredion that Ihe fhouLd iliortly^ Miss Ann Baynard. 1^7 ihortly die, and find her grave in that place. This. Imprc'flion, which never left her till the event a6lually occurred, imparted no horror, and little melancholy, to her mind. On the ccntrary, (lie felt, from that time, a peculiar attachment to the place, and made it the fcene of her freq'jent retirements. Mr. Prude, the minifter of the place in which (he lived, fpeaks very highlv, in her funeral fermon, of her piety and accompliihments ; while he laments-it as his infelicity, that he knew her no longer time be- fore fhe was remiCv^d from our world. '* I fhould oiherwife," he remarks, ** have learned much more fr.';m her : I fhould, as the wife man fpeaks, have at- tended to her v/ifdom, and bowed my ear to her under- flanding." In another part of his difccnrfe, he cxpreires hlm- felf thus : '* B? pleafed to underfiand that fhe defired ine, on her death-bed, tliat I would exhort all young people to the Ifudy of wifdom and knowledge, ^s the means to improve their virtue, and bring them to tlis trueft hajjpinefs. And this I think I cannot do bet- ter, than in the words which were taken from her own mouth, jnfl: when her foul was hovering on her lips, ready to take wing for that other world. Her words were thefc : ** I defire that all youn.'^; people m.ay be exhorted to the pra6lice of virtue, and to increafe their knowledge by the ftudy of philofophy,and more efpccially to read the great book of nature, wherein they may fee the wifdom and power of the great Creator in the order ot the univerfe, and .in the prcduclion and preferva- tion of all thint^s. It will fix in their minds a love to lo much perfe Lady Catharine Courten. igf During the months of her health, ihe was remark- able for her quiet, cheerful and thankful fubmiffion to divine Providence. Few, very few, have beea exercifed with feverer trials. She was married to William Courten Efq ; .a gentleman of great opu- lence ; and what was far more to her, found in hiin a mod tender and affeftionate hufband. Their union and happinefs were crowaed with a numerous ofF- fpring. Thus her mountain feemed to fland ftrong ; and in the height of her profperity, fhe was ready to izN.Jhe fhould never he moved. But it was not long before God in the difpenfations of his providence, hid his fa€e from her, and Jhe was troubled. He firft bereaved her of children, taking away one after anoth- er, till only one fon and one daughter were left. He Dext frowned upon her hulban'd's traffic to the Indies, a matter of formality or conftraint, but wilh ardent defire and delight. On no occafion would (he difpenfe with this duty. She elleemed it her great honor and hap- pinefs to attend upon God ; and Ihe refolvtd to find leifure for this, for whatever elfe fbe might want it. How thefe fecret tranfac!:ions between God and Iter foul were conduced, is known to Him alone whom fhe worfhipped. But if one might judge of her pri- vacies by what was feen of her in public, the conclu- fion muit .be, that {he was full of humility, devotion and fervor ; for fo fhe eminently was in the religious exerciles of God's houfe.. There, her behavior was mod: devout and folemn, yet (hikingly decent, eal/ and unaffeded. It was throughout fuch as declared itfelt' nottlie refult of the paluons merely, but to flow from an underltanding divinely enlightened, and en- riched wiili ftores of religious knowledge. s Z " This aoG Memoirs op- This knowledge, of which the foundation was lafd by the bleiling of God on early inftruftion, was much increafed by frequent reading and meditation, of which from childhood (he was very fond ; and by a tliiigent attendance on public fermons ; at which ex- ercifes, fhe was all attention, all ear. She kept her heart intenfely fixed on its holy work, by keeping her eye from wandering. She often exprefled her dillat-- isfadlion at that indecency of deportment which pre- vails in alTemblies for public worfnip ; and wonder- ed that thofe Ibould often be moft carelefs of their be- havior towards God, who are moft fcrupulouily nice in exaclingand paying all the little decencies in ufe among men. When the bread of life was diftributed from the facramental table, fhe never failed to be prefent. On^ thcfe occafions, the ftri^^nefs of her attention, and the reverence of her behavior, were, if pofiibls, raifed' and improved. Books were her delight ; efpecially books of divin- ity and devotion, which fhe ftudied and reliOied above all others. But of all books, the book of God was that in v/hich ilie was moft delighted and employed. It Avas never, for any confiderable time, out of her hands. She knew and felt its great ufe, and fweet in- fluence in calming her mind, regulating her defires, and lifting up her thoughts to heaven ; in feeding and fpreading that holy fiame v/hich the love of God had" 'kindled in her heart, and which fhe took care, by thefe means, to keep perpetually ^burning. Wijen fhe met with any thing in the holy Oracles, or any other pious book, which fhe thought would be of fpeclal ufe in the condu£l of her life, flie trufted uot her memory vviih it. though it was fo retentive that Hie fafely trufted it with things of fmaller mo- ment ; but immediately committed it to writing. Ma- afiy fuch obfervations fhe has left behind her, chiefly drawn from the facred pages, and equ.^lly exhibiting her piety and judgmeiu, The Lady Cutts. 207 The paflages of holy writ which (he noted, were' generally fuch as related either to the concerns of her fpiritiial flate, or to naatters of prudence ; but flie like- wife fpent no inconfiderablepart of her time in medita- ting on thofe paiTages which contain the fubiimeP: points of Chriftian do£lrinc, and in polTelling her itiind with a deep fenfe of the Wonderful love of God to man, as manifefted in the myfterious work of Re- dcmption. She endeavored to underftand the great ar- ticles 01 Chri-flian faith, as well as to pradifethe rules of life contained in the gofpel ; and (lie fenfibly found that the bed way to be excited to holy duties, was to acquire and maintain a thorough acquaintance wiih evangelical do6>rines. The Lord's thy was not only held facred by her=-- felf, but in her family,- wore a face of devotion fuit- able to its divine dignity. It was truly a day of reft to all under her roof. Her fervanis were difmiiTed from a great part of their attendance on her, that they' might be at liberty to attend on that Lord and Mader whom fhe and they were equally bound to obey. There was fuch a filence and folemnity obfervedby all about her, as might have become the houfe of mourning ; and yet fo much eafe and ferenity were vifible (efpe- cially in herj as fhewed that they who were in the houfe of fealHng vv^cre not better fatisfied. Thus did file prepare for the enjoyment of that perfect reil, the celebration of that endlefs fabbath, on which fhe was fo foon to enter. Thus did fhe pracilife on earth the duties, the dtvoiions, the culloms and manners of heaver]. To promote her progress in piety, fhe kept an ex- a(5l journal of her life, in which fhe re-corded her re- ligious experience, and the various ftate and temper- ament of her foul. At this glafs the drefTed her mind from day to day. To tliis faithful monitor flie frequently repaired for advice ancl diredion. She compared the prefent with the $iS ^ Memoirs o^' the paft, judged of what would hehy what had beciii accurately obierved the feveral degrees of holinefs fhe attained, and of infirmity fhe furnnoiinted, and traced every ftep (he took in her way to heaven. One would have thought that fo much cxafthefs and feserity ia private, would have infenfibly wrought itfcit into her general deportment andconverfe. Yet nothing could be more free, fimple and natural. She had the reali- ty, Vv'ith little oF the fhew, oi ftricSlnefs. All her rules and performances fat fo well upon her, that they ap- peared not lefs her pleafure than her duty. In the midft of them, fhe was eafy in herf.lf, and a delight to all around her ; ever cheerful, but calm and even, in her deportment. Her faiistadion, like a deep, untroubled ftream, ran on without any of that vio- lence and noife in Vvhich the fhallovveO: pleafares fometimes abound. Cheerful and agreeable as fhe wa?,flie never carried her good humor fo tar as to fmile at a profane, ill- natured, or indecent jefl. In her higheft mirth,fucha liberty made her remark3bly grave and ferious. She had a peculiar delicacy as to the leaft approaches to fuch faults ; and ihevved a very quick fenlibility at any •th^ng which flruck her as improper either for herfelf to fiear, or others to fpeak. True piety, which principally confifts in a humility and fubmillion of mind toward God, is ever attended with humility 2nd goodnefs toward his creatures. So it was in this excellent woman. Never was there a more deep, artlefs, unfeigned lowlintfs of mind (ttn in any of her rank and flation. Far as (he was raifed above mod: of the world, (he converfed, as it were, on a level wiih.all. Yet when fne (looped lowed, ihe preferved her- dignity. Indeed, fo much merit as hers did not need fear being familiar; for the effed of fa- miliarity was, that being better known, fhe was more loved and valued. Not only none of her inferiors came uneafy ffom her, but none v/ent uneafy to her ; fo Lady Cuttsv 2b^ fo confident were all beforehand of the fweetnefs of her temper, and an obliging reception. When fhe opened her lips, gracious words proceeded -hence, and inher tongue was ttie law of kindnefs. Her referve and love of retirement might be fometimes mifinter- preted as the indication of pride and felf-fatisfa6tion ; but the leafl: acquaintance with her bani (lied fuch fuf- picions. For though the attra<^ions both of her per- Ion and mind were extraordinaryj (he ever feemed un- confcious of them. Nor was any one miOre dillant from an oftentatious difplay of beauty or wit. In-- deed, it was a difiinguifiiing part of her chara£ler, that fhe little ftudied appearance, or made advances toward the good opinion of the world. She was con- tented to he what was good, without taking pains to appear (o : and this> not from an aftccled difregard of public efteem, but from the modeily and facility oF her difpofition, which induced her to give way to oth-- crs who were more willing to be obferved. Yet (he had alfo her hours of opennefs and freedom, when her' foul poured itfelf into the bofoms of her friends and^ acquaintance : and then, out of the good treafure of her heart, what good things did fhe bring forth!" With what delight was flie liftened to by thofe who had the happinefs to converfe with her ! So that it is a' doubt whether the was moft to be admired for what fhe faid, or for what fhe did not fay. It was won- derful that one who could converfe with fo much eafe" and propriety, fhould choofe to be fo often filent : and it was furprifiag that fuch a lover of filence fhould, • "whenever Ihe fpoke, charm all who heard her. To her command of her tongue, fhe added a firI6l and watchful guard upon her pallions, thofe efpecially of the rough and troublefom^ kind; with which fhe was very feldom feen difquieted. She fcarce knew "what the diforders of anger were, even on occafions- that might feem to juftify, if not to require it. As- ai-uch as fhe hated vice^ fhe chofe rather to look it out- of 216 Memoir's of of countenance, than to be fevere againd it in words y- and rather to win the bad to the fide of virtue by her example, than her rebukes. Her fweet deportment toward thofe who were in her company could be outdone by nothing but her ten- dernefs in regard to the abfent, of whom ihe thought and fpoke as well as was polTible. If iheir characters were plainly bad, (he Ihewed her dillike by only fay- ing nothing of them. Neither her good nature nor her religion would futFer her to fpeak reproachtully of any. She thought The had enough of that kind to do at home, without looking abroad, and theretore turned the cdgQ of her reflecStions on herfelf. It was her fet- tled opinion, that the good name of any one was too tender and ferious a thing to be played with ; and that it was a foolifh kind of m.irth, to fay the lead, which, to divert fome, hurt others. She could not think that the only thing which gave life and fpirit to converfa- tion, was to have fomebody's faults for the fubje£l ; or that the pleafure of a viiit lay in giving up the com- pany alternately to one anoilier's fport and malice. With all this gentlenefsand meeknefs ot difpofition, fhe had a degree of fpirit and firmnefs unufual in her fbx ; and was particularly obferved to have a wonder- ful prefence of mind in any occurrence of danger. The purity of her mind banilhed her from mod of the public entertainments. She thought that no degree of wit or humor could make amends for what was ■wounding to the ear of chaftiry. She apprehended ihat thefe qualities rendered the poifon more palata- ble, and therefore more to be dreaded. She had nei- ther relifli nor leifure for fuch entertainments, nor for a thoufand other things v/hich tie world mifcals pleali-res. Not that ihe wanted a tafte for intelle6fual gratification : but her thoughts were fo much engroff- ed by fubjeds important and ufeful, and fhe was fo devoted to the improvement of her heart and life, as- well as her underitanding, that what was merely a-. xnufingj Lady Cutts. 2if {•fiiifing, was to ber at befl indifferent, and often tircr fome and difgufting. She did not think it the peculiar privilege of the great to have nothing to do, but took care to fill e very- moment ot life with fome ufeful or innocent employ- ment. The feveral hours of the day had their peculr iar bufinefs allotted to them, ei'ber converfaiion, ^or work, or reading, or domeiUc affairs, each ot which came up regularly in its -turn, and was beautiful in tit Jeafon. Yet her regularity was free from formality and conftraint. If any accident intervened, it was inter- rupted with as much eafe as it was ordinarily pra6tif- ed : for one of her difcretionary rules was, to i'eem to have none, and to make thofe which Ihe eftabliflied for her general government give way to particular cir- cumdances and occafions. She often wrought with her ov/.n hands when flic could have employed her time more pleafantly and profitably in reading or meditation ; but Ihe was wil- ling to fet the example io thofe around her who could not ;*and remembered that it was a part of an infpir- ed defcription of a virtuous woman, xh^iX Jhe looked well to the ways of her houJehoUi, and ate not the bre^.d of idlen/^fs. Diligence and frugality are filters. She was firi(fl:- ]y careful of her expenfes, and yet knew how to be generous, and to abound, as occafion required But of all ways of faving, (he liked that the lealt which fliuts the hands to the poor, toward whcm (he was al- ways compaffionate and charitable. Ot the other der lights which a great toriune furnifhcd her, (he ■was almod: infenfible \ but on this account ihe valued it, that it gave her an opportunity ot enjoying the pleaf- ures of beneficence, and of tafting all the fweets of well-.'!oing. She dell'uered the poor that cricd^ and the f therejsy and him that had none to help him. The hlejjmg of him that was ready to peri fh came vpon hcry and 215 Memoirs of 4ind fhe caufed the widoio's heart tofwgforjoy. Yet fo unofteniatious and fecret was fhe in the exercife of fthis virtue, thatmany of the mod remarkable inflanccs of her goodnefs were not known till after her death. Retirement and privacy flie always loved. More than three years before her marriage, fhe was at lib- erty to have lived in tov/n ; but from a fettled a/erfiori to the noife and hurry of fuch a life, (he fVill hid her- >felf in the country. She had too poor an opinion of herfelf, to think it fo much the intereft of virtue and religion as it really was, that ihe fhould be known and diilinguiflied. When afterv»'ard fFie went to court, as was fomc- times neceflary, her air and manner were fuch as plainly Ihev/ed that flie went to pay her duty there, and not to enjoy the pomp and fplendor of the fcene. SoOn after her marriage, ihe declared to feveral friends her perfuafion, that every woman of quality was as much more obliged, as fhe was more enabled, than other women, to do good in the world ; and that the fliorteft and fureft way of doing this was to endeavor lo be as good a Chriflian, as good a wife, and as good a friend as was poffible. All this ihe attempted ; and came much nearer the mark than moft. In each char- adler, relation and duty that belonged to her, ilie ex- celled. She was devout, without l^iiperifiii©n ; ftri^f, without ill-humor; good-natured, without weaknefs; cheerful, without levity ; and regular, without affect- ation. She was to her hufband, the beft of wives, the moil agreeable of companions and of friends ; to her fervants^ the kindefl of miftrefles ; to her relations, extremely refpeclful ; to her inferiors, fingularly con- defcending • and by all who knew her, either nearly, ox at a di(tance,rae was efteemed and confeifed one of the be If of Vv' omen. As her life was Ihort, her death was fudden. A few hours only intervened between her being very eafy in this world, and very happy in another. But Hie was ever Xa^v Cutt^. 113 «ver in preparation : and was taken ill the moment after (he had clofed her morning devotions. In Inch a cafe, how defirable is fudden death ! She had been lb much iifed to have her converiation in h.eaven,and her foul had been fo often on the wing thither, that it ieemed glad to embrace the firil: call to quit its prifon of clay. This excellent and happy woman ilayed no longer after the (wmmons, than to aiFure her beloved hufband of her entire refignation to the divine will, and her perfecSl peace in the profpecl of exchanging worlds. When this was over, and ihe had taken a tender leave, fhe had nothing more to do, btit funk to her long-defired rell in the bofom of her Sa-jior. M^.s. ANNE ASKEWE, otherwise KYME. pi^HE was born about the year 1520, or 1521- She was favored with the advantages of a learned ed- ucation, of which The made the bed improvemenc ; and her great learning was fan£lified by early and un- feigned piety. She was married to a perfon of the name of Kyme : a Hep to which (he was induced, or rather overawed and conftrained, by her father, Sir William Afkewe, who cruelly facrihced to his own convenience and in- tereff, the happinefs cf his daughter. From a con- nexion thus unwarrantably formed, little good could be expeded. Its confequences, dircd and more re- mote, were unhappy indeed ! T * Although 2f4 Memoirs of Although married much againfl her will, yet the moment (he was bound by obligations fo folemn, (he applied herfelf to difcharge them as became a Chrif- tian. In all the duties incumbent on a wife, (he was confcientious and exemplary. The book of God was her coniiant companion and delight. In fearching its pages for light and diredlion, Ihe found ^.bundant jeafon to be fatisfied that many Popifh ideas in which ihe had been educated, were mere Tuperftitions, nei- ther grounded in the declarations of God's word, nor confilient with them. She therefore, with the fim- plicity and ingenuoufnefs of a pious heart, rejected them, and embraced the doctrines of the Reformation. This alteration of fentim.ents was foon difcovered by jfeveral Popilh priefts, who mod unhappily had a great afcendency over her hufband, an unfeeling and cruel iTian ; and who prevailed with him to expel her from his houfe. Thus circumftanced, fhe concluded herfelf •warranted both by the principles of reafon and fcrip- ture, to feek a dilTolution of the marriage relation ; and accordingly went to London in order to obtain a iegal divorce. Hither fne was purfued by the vigi- lance and cruelty of theRomiih priefts ; and here, by the procurement of her hulhand, fhe was taken into cuf!:(.dy, to be examined concerning her faith. This examination confifted partly of queftioJis ref- peeling the principal points in difpute between the Papifts and Proteftahts, and partly of interrogations equally infignificant and enfnaring. To the former, her anfwers were generally enlightened, explicit and iirm. To the latter, ChQ replied with fo tr.uch brevity and prudence, as to give her examiners little advan- tage againft her. Sometime after, (lie was again quef- tioned before the King's Council. During this ex- amination, v/hich continued abo«5t five hours, (he dif- played the fame courageous and determined adherence to the truth as before. The BilTiop of Winchefter threatening her, that unlefs (lie renounced her opin- ions, Mrs. Anne Askew e. 215' ions, (he fhoulci be burnt, (he coolly replied : <' I have Searched all the fcriptures, yet could never find that either Chrift or hisApoftles put any creature todeath." She added, that God would laugh their threatenings to fcorn. Her perfecutors, finding that neither threats nor perfuafions were of any avail, were compelled to defift for the prefent. But a fhort time afterward, this uncommon woman, and glorious fufferer for the truth of the gofpel, was fent to Newgate. Neither her fex, nor tlie tendernefs of her education, nor a fevere and painful indifpofition which flie had tit the time, could exempt her from this infamous and cruel imprifon- nient. From Newgate fne was brought to Guildhall, that fte might be again examined, and condemned. Being told that fne was a heretic, and condemned by the law, (a law which at that time exifted, dooming to death luch as denied the doctrine of tranfubftanliation) un- lefs (lie would abandon her opinions, CnG replied, that ill e was no heretic, neither deferved death by the lav/ of God ; but the faith which fne had uttered and written to the Coimcil, flie would net deny ; becaufe fhe knew it to be true/ Being an and have done unto me. Open thou alfo their blind hearts, that they may hereafter do that which is alone acceptable before thee, and fet forth thy verity aright, free from all the vain fancies of fmful men. So bs it, O Lord, fo be it ! — —By me, AnNI^ ASKEWE." The Chriflian fortitude and comfort exhibited by this pious fufferer, form a flriking comment on the fol- lowing defcription of Sir Richard Blackmore. Thy force a]oney Religion^ death difnrfnsy Breaks all his darts, and every viper charms,- Soften d by thee^ the grifly form appears No more the horrid object of our fears : JVe undifmayd this awful pow'r obey. That guides us through the fafe^ though gloomy way^ Which leads to life, and to the hleft alcdcy Where ravifl/d minds enjoy what here they owndy a god-. The aab Memoirs of The Right Honorable LADY ELIZABETH HASTINGS. HIS lady was daughter of the Earl of Huntingdon, and was born April 19, 1682. There was an agreeable dawn of her future excellencies, in her childhood, Acountenance that united in it fome- thing great, and fomething condefcending, a quick- nefs of underftanding, a flexibility and ingenuoufnefs of difpofition, a benevolent fpirit, and an inclination to ferioufnefs and devotion, were perceived in her, e- ven at this early period. She manifefled not only a remarkable unexceptionablenefs of condud, but a fu- periority to the world and its amufements, very unu- fual at her age. She was much attached to retirement, - and much engaged in the devout exercifes of the clofet,- , , , She early difplayed a fmgular prudence of difpofi-- tion and condud ; efpecially in demeaning herfelf, a-" midft fome unhappy family contefts, fo unexception- ably as to preferve the efteem and affedion of each of the contending parties. After the death of her father, though her means- were ntot fo great, file applied herfelf fo alfiduoufly to-^ doing good, as ftrikingly to manifeft the benevolence and largenefs of her heart. But her aftive life com- menced more confpicuoufly at the deceafe of her bro- ther ; when her extraordinary virtues ilione out, by ■what has been the eclipfe of virtue in others, the ac- ceflion Lady Elizabeth Hastings^ 22i cefiion of a large fortune. From this period, fhe be^ came known a^ a lady poflelTed of fomething more than great beauty, fine accompli (hments, engaging manners, and external regularity in religious duties. Her aims were high ; and no attainments in piety and goodnefs, which v/ere (hort of perfection, could limit her purfuits. Her merit and accomplifliments were celebrated by the ingenious autlior of the papers called ihe Tatle?\ whofpeaks of her under the nameof^^^^, as an *'iU lulfrious pattern to all who love things praile-worthy, Methinks," fays this writer, '^ I now fee her walking in her garden, like our firft parent with unafFe6led charms before beauty had fpeclators, and bearing ce^ ieifial, confcious virtue in her afpect. Her counten- ance is the lively picture of her mind, which is the feat of honor, truth, compaflion, knowledge, and in-^ TiOcence. There dwells the fcorn of vice, and pity too. In the midft of the moft ample fortune, and venera- tion of all that behold her, without the lead afFeda- tion file confuits retirement, the contemplation of her own being, and that Supreme Power which beflow- ed it. Witliout the learning of fchools, or know- ledge of a long courfe of arguments, file goes on in a fteady courfe of uninterrupted piety and virtue, and' adds to the feverity of the lait age, all the freedom and eafe of this. The language and mien of a court llie is pofieifed of, in the higheft degree ; but the fim- plicity and humble thoughts of a cottage, are her more welcome entertainments. Afpafia is a female philof- opher, who does not only live up to the refignation of the mod: retired lives of the ancient fages, but alfo to the fchemesand plans wliich they thought beautiful though inimitable. She is the mod: exa£t economill:^ without appearing bufy ; the mod ftridly virtuous^ without tafting the praife of it ; and Ihuns applaufe- vvith as much induftry as others do reproach. This- charader. 2xi Memoirs or cbara£ler is fo particular, that it v/ill be very eafily fixed on her only, by all that know her ; but I dare fay, Ihe will be the lad that finds it out." That fhe might be under the beft advantages for im- provement in piety, Vat formed an acquaintance with feveral perfons efieemed eminent for religion ; and a- mong the reft, with Archbifhop Sharp, Dr. Lucas and Mr. Nelfon. Many years after their deceaie, fhe has been heard to felicitate herfelf on the privilege file had enjoyed in their friendfliip. By them fliev/as muclv efteemed and honored. In a letter of thelafl gentleman mentioned, which yet remains, he celebrates her in that high eulogium of fcripture : Many daughters have done vlrtuoujlyy hut thou excelleji them all. In the place where her Lady (hip fpent the greater" part of her life, alinoft every eye beheld her with wonder. Her amiable example charmed multitudes around her*into the love of goodnefs, while it con- firmed and improved the virtues of others. Such was the fuperiority of her underftanding, that' in thingsof great moip.ent, hundreds have afked coun- fcl of her, who were well qualified to beftow it on others. She was blelTed with a re£litude of judgment that enabled her readily to penetrate through perplex- ities, and difcern the wifetl and fafeft courie, having ever for her guide the interefts of truth, juftice and religion. Her grand objedl v/as the glory of God, Vnd the good of her fellow-creatures, for whofe ben-" efit {he kept her capacities., her powers, her fortune, continually on the itretch ; weeping with thofe who wept, reioicing with thofe who rejoiced, given to hof- pitalitv,diftributing to the neceffitiesof the faints, and of thofe who were not faints, having joy at the con- verfion of a fmner, and even the fmalleft appearances of it. BefiJe an uncommon underftanding of fubjec^s pertaining immediately to the prefent life, flie was (indued with much of the wijdom which is from above / - ' and- and was io ;.:•:■! riially under its influence, that what- ever (he wrote or fpoke was in confiftency with it. Her mind was in full harmony with the felt-denying precepts of the gofpel. From this facred fource flie drew her rules and maxims of condu^:, and was fe- licitous to have her whole ccnverfation conform.ed to them. **Her will was bowed to the divine will in her aftliclionF. Becaufe they were the pleafiire of God, they were hers too : and when his arrows, ftuck fait within her, and his hand preffed her fore, llie poiTeffed her foul not only in patience, but cheerfuinefs ; and on the matnreft'refledion, preferred thefe painful fea- fons of life to the days of eafe and health. Her afrec- tions were remarkably fet on things above, pantincr and longing after the pleafures which are there, and attaching her to fuch employments as infallibly lead to them. Her drefs and mode of living were fuch as became iier rank and ftation. She confidered her body as the temple of the holy Ghoft, and poirelfed it in fancjili- cation and honor. Her portions of meat, and drink, 2nd fleep, were all dictated and limited by neceffity. The intervals in the laft were improved in pious med- itation, or in deliberating how fhe might better ful- fil the duties of her Chrilfian calling. The word of God was a lamp to her feet, and a light to her path. Her delight was in his law, and fhe made it her every day's ftudy. She held her bible to her heart, to receive its quickening virtue ; while at the fame time, fhe applied it as a mirror to her face, to difcover every fpot and blemJih. The other books which fhe ufed, were well chofen ; and often did fhe refort to them as means of direction and felf-exain- ination, and in order that fhe might learn what Ihe had in common with the children of God, and in what ilie fell fhort of them. She compared Ipiritual things with fpiritual, fne ccmmuned with her own heart, and fearched out her fpirit, weighing herfelf as in a balance. She 1^24 Memoirs c? She iifed her pen much ; fometimes for herfdf, but oftener in the fervice of others. Befide thofe papers which went abroad, many remained with her, but Were unhappily deftroyed, by a too fevere a fentence of her own. Had they been preferved, fhe would have been better known, and doubtlefs many excel- lent things might have been faid of her, which no other inform.ation canfurnifh. She began everyday with fecret prayer ; addref- iing her God with much premeditation, recoUedlion of .fpirit, and fervency. She well knew and appre- ciated the importance of prayer, its help to enlight- en, relieve, llrengthen and purify the foul. Hence file was almoft continually in this duty, ever attend- ing to the all-feeing eye of God upon her, and having her foul winged and carried up in holy pantings and afpirations toward Him. It was likewife her cuftoni tocoUecl her family for tiiis exercife, excepting fuch as were neceffarily detained, four times a day. Hap- py were thofe fervants who came under her roof; for there v/as everything for them that might do them good, in a tender, gracious bountiful, compaflionate miftrefs prefiding over them with the difpofilions ot a parent, providing for the improvement of their minds and the decency of their behavior, and ufing every pofTible method to bring them to true religion. And as her great talents were remarkably calculated to turn m.any to righteoufnefs, fo fhe was remarkably fuccefsful. She was inflrumental greatly to enlarge the borders of God's kingdom, both near and afar off. She delighted much in public worlhip, and con- flantly attended it. Her behavior in the houfe of God, though free from all Pharifaical afrc6fation,was felemn, grave and av/ful, and mirch calculated to jqiiicken and anim.ate the devotions of others. She was confcientioiis in regard to every part of duty. Her care extended even to her cattle, becaufe rhat Is declared to be a property of mercy. Shefpar- ed Lady Elizabeth Hastings. 225' «d no pains nor expcnfe in (o accommodating her hoiire, as might moit conduce to the eafe and comfort of her fecvants. She even attended to elegance, both within and around her dwelling ; and this principal- ly, that her peorerneighbors mit^ht be iiirnillied wiui employment. Vifits and ceremony were far from b'eing agreea- ble to her ; vet rather than incur the im.piJtation of oiftance and fnpercilioufnefs, Ihe kept up an inter- coiirfe with thofe of her rank. As a companion, fiie was peculiarly amiable. She pofteired fnining talents for converfation, of which hov/ever The made a very temiperate life ; frequently reftraining a lively imagination, and manifefting her excellent tafle in preferring felid fenfe and real kind- Ficfs, to all the brilliancies of v.'it and humor. It was her great care to convince thofe v/ith whom fhe con- verfed of her regard, to make none uneafy with licr fuperiority, to let none think themfelves negledted or overlooked, and to adapt her converfation lo. the fub- ie6l ; conftantly watching, with ergerrefs and pene- tration, for a happy tranfition of the difcourfe to re- ligion. When this point was gained, Ihe was in her element, and highly enjoyed hcrfclf. Nor had ilie ever much pleafure in company, tinlefs religion had fome place in the converfation. She apprehended its fpirit mud be v/anting, at leaft in the greater part of thofe prefent, if there was an entire filence on the one thing needfuL At her table, her countenance was open and ferene, lier voice foft and melodious, her converfation polite and feafoned with fait, tr-eating of things ufeful and important, and bringing out of her treafures of wif- dotn things new and old. Here fhe difplayed the el- egancies of good breeding, addrefiing herf^flf to all ^vi'h meeknefs and condefcenfion, and adapting hcr- 1-lf to every one's talents and capacities. The feiles u ' of 226 Memoirs op .of her benevolence were enjoyed by all, and every one Jelt the fweetnefs of her company. As her hoiife and table were rarely deftitiite of fome of her family connexions, fo flie made them all parts .of hcrfelf, and embraced all her relations according to their feveral degrees of confanguinity, with true and tender afFe6lion. She would alfo inquire and feek af- ter any of the withering and drooping branches of her family, that ihe might fupport and cherifh them; aiming by kindnefies of this nature, to ferve their befl ihterelts, and allure them into the paths of piety. It would be fcarce poflibleto defcribethc tenderncfs ^nd conftancy of her care exercifed toward the (Irang- er, the fatherlefs and widow, the needy, and him that had no helper, the lame, the halt and the blind. Such objects drew out the compaflions of her foul. She ihared in all their fufferings. She inquired into their* jiiftory with the utmoft condefcenfion. She ftudied their particular cafes, and put them in "a way to better their condition. She vifited them in ficknefs, and de- frayed the expenfes of it. Some of them were ever in her court-yard, or in her houfe ; and frequently jrreat numbers. Nor was it chargeable on any ne- Sled of hers, if any one went away unrelieved with rneat, phyfic, clothing, or money ; and many times they were all beftowed on a fingle fubje^f. Many v,ho lived remote, had yearly allowances, and large fums were frequently fen t into diflant parts of the kingdom. Her ftill larger applications of her property were ilxed penfions on reduced families, exhibitions to icholars at the Univerfiiies, the maintenance of her own charity fchool,hcr contributions to other fchools, difburfements to the focieties for propagating the gof- pel in foreign parts, and for promoting Chriftian }.:nowledt;e at home, with the erection and augmenta- tion of churojhes. To which may be added, frequent ;:emifiions of debts in cafes of diifrefs or infolvency ; together Lady Elizabeth Hastings. q.v] tl-^gether with a noble plenty, and a decent magnin- cence in her houfe, and con:tant afts or generoliiy, net only to relations and friend^-, but to thofc who were merely known to her. Her declared rule was to give the firit place \o jufiice^ the lecond to charily, and the third to genercfit)'. Of her eminence in the lad- vir- tue, very unufual inflances nnight be produced \ fiicii a* five hundred p^)unds a year given to one relation, three thoufand pounds at one time, to another, thrct; hundred guineas (all Ihe had at the time) and larg-; promifes ot more, 'to a young lady whole fortune was much impaired by thcfouth-feafcherne. While Ihe thus adorned iier ChriMian profeflion, and cKhibiced the beauty of holincfs \i\ her life, fhc fenfibly felt that the principal feat of religion is with- in, in the h'ulJen man of the heart. Accordingly, hf^r eye was ever there, ro^lbe that the f<3urce and princi- ples of her actions were cleanfedfiom every mixtare, were urutainted with felfilhncfs and unfullied by vain- glory. She carefully obferved the bias and motions of her heart ; and was anxious to find the power of {\\\ weakened ancl dclUoyed there. She lived a hiJdtn Jife ; a life o^ faith in tlie blood and righteoufnefs of her Redeemer, accounting her own righteoufnefs and bed works as noihing, Ihidlly marking, and penitent- ly lamenting, her daily hns and lliort-comings. Nor coidd any one manrfelt a more imaffccled rcludance than file, at heisrin^ any thing fpoken in her praife. In this courfe of piety did Ihe walk clofely with her God, and tlius brightly did Ihe fhine, an example of every virtue, through a period of aimed thirty- years. Bat we mud novv accompany her to her clcf- ing fcene. Her evening correfpondcd with her day; or rather, her hn\ went down witli an improved ludre. She had received, in early life, a contufion in her right bread, wliich left a fmall inward tumor, which gave little pain, and was lor a long tirn^ little noticed. But about 22^ Memoirs of about twenty months before her death, it nfTumed a formidable afpedl ; in confequence of which, appli- cation was made to Dr. Johnfon, a clergyman who was eminent for his fkill in furgery. Immediately en examination, he gave his opinion that the part af- fected mud be feparated from the body. This notice, which threw her family into the ulmofl: confterna- tion and didrefs, was received by the lady herfelf,. with perfect calmnefs and ferenity. She declared ihat (lie would not wiili to be out of her prefent fitu- r.ilon for all the world, nor would fhe exchange it lor any other, at any price. Accordiugly, without miy change of her temper, with great fubmidion, and even cheerfulnefs, ilie paiTed the time which pre- ceded the operation, as one greatly inditFerent whether jife or death would be its confequence. When the important crifis arrived, every precaution was taken to fecure a niccefsfui operation. It was performed with great flcill and accuracy, her hands being held by men of lirength. But they might have bjen held by' a fpider's web. A fpedalor would have tl>.}iTght her ileOi as infcnfible to pain, as her fpirit was in reality fuperior to it. She exhibited no re- ludance, no ftruggle, not even a complaint, except- h\',!i that toward the clofe of the very diftreulng ope- lauon, Ihe heaved a figh, fuch as iriay efcape the breaii of any compafiionate reader in perullng this account. The foflowing night was not a. night of much ileep, but it was a feafon of truly celeftial reft. Iler fpirit magnified the Lord for all his gocdnefs to her foul and body ; efpecially for his out-ftretched arm vifible in her receiit deliverance. AH her pow- ers were delightfully e:;ercifed in acts of love, grati- tude and adoration. Sooner than was expeded, flie was in a confidera- ble meafure refiored ; 'and with every imprcvement which (he could devife, Tne returned to her former tenor of life j devoting herfelf with new ardor and applicatioa. Lady Elizabeth Hastings. 229 application to the glory of God, and the benefit ot mankind. She favv and felt the great importance of learning?' as a handmaid to religion. She was the more capable of properly appreciating it, as (he poiTeircd no fmall fliare herfelf^ being able to compofe well, and to point out the excellencies and defers of authors, iri w^hich ihedifplayed a very corre6t tai^e and judgm.ent, efpecially on fubjeits of pra6lical divinity, ■ Thus impreiTed, fne conceived that to provide for the promotion of learning in fchools and univerfities, was a proper obje£l of her care and munificence.— Accordingly, fhe bequeathed an important part of her eitate to 3iieens College, Oxford, for the education 01 fludents for the miniitry. Finding herfelf feeble, ilie employed much time in providing for- carrying into the beft effeti the fettle- rnents ihe had made for benevolent purpofes, and for guarding them againft the poflibility of perverfion or depredation,' To this end ihe digefled and improved feveral fchemes with great ability and penetration. - Her labors of love were fhorljy to be exchanged for reil.- Her diftempcr, only reprelfed for a time, broke out with increafed malignity. Butfl)^ had been fo long in the fchool of afflidion, had experienced ih much of its falutary effefts, and was fo much in con- templation of the infinitely greater fufFerings of her Savior, that fhe wa-s but little moved. She trufted in God, and was favored with uich a lively profpecland hope of an -eternal weight of glory, as made her af- fiiclions light,- Though for many months fhe was unable, through the extremity of her- pain, to turn herfelf in bed, yet her- mind fecmed wholly occupied with divine things, and preifed forward, with una^ bated ardor, to new attainments in holinefs. Though ihe had little appetite to cat, flie could find ftreng'th for prayer ; and fufFered fcarce an hour in the day ta j>aXs wiihcut it. She was much concerned to pro- V 2 mote 230 Memoirs o^ mote the fpiritual benefit of thofe around her. And finding that feme of her family who had lefs acqui- efcence than herfelf, in the divine will, rehifed to be comforted, fhe exerted herfelf to mitigate their grief,, fuppreffing every complaint that could be fuppreiTed^ and affuming as much as polhble, the appearance of cheerfulnefs. In the near approach of death, fhe waslikewife fb- licitous to do good more extenfively. She wrote miany letters to her friends and acquaintance, and after fhe "became unable to write, didlated others, flrikingly dif- playing the bleirednefsofreligion,explaining its nature, and prefiingits necefhly. Great numbers of perfons of Jill defcriptions, reforted to her houfe, to witnefs in her the power and fupports of religion, and to receive .her counfel. With thefe fhe converfed in a very edify- ing and heavenly manner, while fhe had (Irength to fpeak, and was careful to have others with her, who mic^ht give them feafonable inftrudion and admoni- tion. Nor did fhe, amidft her greateft weaknefs and diilrefs, lofe her care and tendernefs for the indigent, but fent large fums for their relief. Forty guineas fhe de/otcd at once, to the releafc of aperfon who was im- prifoned f«r debt, whom Ihe had never fecn, but had heard favorably fpoken of. Her compaflion feemed peculiarly drawn forth toward fuch as were pious as vv'ellas af^ifted. "Where," would fhe often fay, *' is there a poor member of Chrift, whom I can com- fort and refrefli ?" She frequently invited to her bed perfons eminent 5n holinefs, fuch as fhe had been intimate with, or were known to her by report ; warming and refrefh- ing her fpirit with them, enjoying fweet communion, and imparting, as well as receiving, fpiritual light, comfort and If rength. She had been a veryconflant and exemplary attend- ant on public worfhip, not only in health, but after llie had become very fssble. And whsn it was total- ly Lady Elizabeth Hastings. 23E ]y impofTible for her to vifit the houfe of God, fhe introduced his folemn worlliip to her own dwelling, and had the facrament adminiftered to her every Lord's day. She viewed the approach of death without difmay. Her faith in the hnifhed righteoufnefs of her Re- deemer fupportcd and tranquiiized her foul, and ena- bled her to look forward to the heavenly felicity as her red and her home. Nor did fhe, for a confidera- ble time, appear to have any tie to earth, excepting her wifli to have her defigns of benevolence and chari- ty eftabiiflied by law. In this refpect, her defire was granted. Finding herfelf at length ready to launch into fu- turity, (he allembled her whole family, that by her dying counfels, (he might imprefs deeper in the minds of them all, the lelTons flie had inculcated be- fore. The fame pious care (lie would have extend- ed to the whole village, but was reftrained by her phy- fician. The minii\er, having been lent for, and at- tended prayer with her, foon perceived a remarkable alteration in her appearance. She feemed in an unu- fual m.annertranfported, and almoil overwhelmed, with impreifions of coming glory. Her very eyes, which had long languiOied with age and (icknefs, exhibited a furprifing hiftre : and (lie broke out, with a raifed accent, into expreflions like thefe : " Lord ! \yhat is it that I fee ? — O the greatnefs of the glory that is revealed in me — that is before me !" Some time after, fhe fell aileep. Thus abundant was her entrance in- to the everlafting kingdom of her Lord and Savior. To the above account of this excellent woman, we fubjoin what may be termed its epitome, as publiOied in the Gentleman s JVIagazine for Jan. 1740. *' Though the fplendor of her birth was truly great, it feemed as it were eclipfed by her (hining qualities. She was genteel in her mien, polite in her manner?, and agreeable in her converfation. Her judgment was ^33' Memoirs of V-^as folid, her regard to friendfliip facred, her fenfe cf honor llricl to the lall degree, and (he was of fo rare modefty and humility, that a more difagreeable thing could not be done, than publifhing her good deed*, and rendering her due praiie. She was, above all, a fmcere Chriilian. Her piety toward God was ardent znd unafFecled, and her benevolence to mankind was fuch as good Angels are blefled \\ith> Thoufands had Ihe comforted and relieved ; m.any, enriched and advanced. Her patience and refignation under her jaft long and tedious ficknefs, her mourning for the fins of men, her unwearied endeavors for their eter- nal welfare, her generous and charitable appoint- ments, her tender exprelfions to her relations, iriends and fervants, require whole pages to fct them in a proper light. In ihort, fcarce any age has afforded a greater blefiing to many, or a brighter example to all.'' Mrs jane RATCLIFFE, X AER childhood and youth were too much devoted to vanity. But it pleafed a fovereign and gra*. cious God effectually to call her to himfelf Toon after her marriage, by th^ mlniftry of Mr. Nicholas By- field, whofe powerful and inQruclive preaching was ftcondcd by the lofs of her firH: child ; an event wluch ihe laid deeply to heart, anU found greatly falutary, as well as painiul. • Her Mrs Jane Ratglif?e. 233 Her early exercifes on the fubjed of religion were of a very cliftrefiing kind, and often full of terror,. inch as feemed to border on defpair. But after a time, it pleafed Him who tnaketh fore, and hindeth up, who ivoundeth, and whojz hands make vjhole, to quiet her troubled fpirit, and favor her with a comforting af» furance of his love. By an attentive perufal of fermons, and ether pious books, efpecially the Bible, and by frequent conver-- fation with the moll informed and judicious Ckrifti- ansjfiie foon became a proficient in religion, and was very diligent in inltrucling her family in divine things. She concerned herfelf but little in v.-orldly affairs ; and vvhen duty required that they fnould employ her time and her hands, her heart was in better things.— In thefe flie flione. It might be truly faid, that the word of God dwelt richly in her in all wifdom. She was well prepared either to counfel or coinfort, to re- prove or defend, as occafion called. Yet (he was tar from talkative ; and fo fearing of hv_r fpeecl^that. thofe who admired the prudence of her converfation, admired that of her filence too. Efpecially was Ihe {Tuarded again ft fpeaking evil of any, and of the ab- fent above all. She cenfured others little ; herfelf often. She was a vv^oman of a compofed fpirit, and of re- markable difcretion ; direding her condud by the clidates of grace and reafon, v/ithout any debafmg mixtures of paflion. H' at any time, duty Teemed to require a warmth in reprehending, that v/armth was fo tempered, as that nothing in her" words, looks or- geftures contradided or di (honored religion. Though Ihe pofftriTed eminent gifts, fhe was far from any affectation of fingularity ; and though flie had lefs to do with worldly things than mod in her fi~ tuation would have had, yet in the management cf them, Ihe was provideiit and prudent. 2^4 Memoirs o f As her faith and knowledge of God were remarkable^ fo was her devotion. She converfed much with her Maker, not only in the public ordinances, but in fe- cret ; and hud gracious returns frona him. He fent forth the Spirit of grace and fupphcation into her heart, whereby ihe cried Abbay Father. She was fa- vored with great freedom in prayer : not only with a fervor, and holy importunity of fpirit, but fuch a per- tinence and rich variety of expreifion, as gave can fe to v/onder hov/ one fo fparing of words in common converfation, ftiould be fo eloquent in her intercourfe with God. Yet her fpeech was frequently interrup- ted by floods of tears. Such was the opinion which fome of her intirnale female friends entcriainsd of her gift and prevalence in prayer, that when fick, or in great diilrefs, either of body or mind, they would foraetimes prevail with her to pray with them ; and frequently were thefe pious and benevolent interceflions followed by remark'- able interpofitions of divine mercy. A friend of hers who lodged with her for feveral weeks in London, and thus (liared in her daily devotions, declared that ex- cepting the interruptions of fighs and tears, ihe pour-- ed out her foul in a moft remarkable abundance and variety of pertinent exprefhons. V/hen the heaft is full of love, the mouth is apt to be filled with praife of the beloved objecl. When this pious woman found an opportunity to turn the difcoiirfe on her favorite topic, and to fpeak of her heavenly Father, it was with fuch a relKh, fuch rever- ence and affeclion, as if her foul would leap out of her lips into the ears of ctherr, and kindle the fam.e holy fire in their hearts, which burned in her own. Shs longed that others might with her, tafte and fee the goodnefs of the Lord, and rival her, in religious love. And great washer joy, when a finnerwas converted^ ®x ?^iy fubjed of grace belter enabled to promote xh.% Mrs Jane R.ATCLIFFE. 23^ •g'iory of God, the end at which fhe aimed in her dif- courfe concerning him. After having given vent to her heart in fpiritual conjerencej to the great delight and edification ot her friends, {he would frequently complain of lier own exprcflions, as being faint and flat, and fo far below what was fuitable to the r.iajefty of the great Jehovah, that all the acceptance (he defiicd, wVls but pa-rdon for her prefumplion, in taking upon h^r to fpeak of hi.s excellency in terms fo very poor and inadequate. She had a moil tender love to the people of God, and to his worihip. The progrefs and profpcrity of religion, whether at home or abroad, fhe preferred a- bove her chief joy. And it was a great nffiiclion to her to hear any ill tidings of a good man, or a good lufe. She highly prized the word of God, and in the Sa- crament of the Lord's fupper, (he felt fiich a divine rcfrefnmcnt, that with peculiar propriety it might be fald of her, that fhe had meat to eat, which others knew not of. If by any infnperable obfiacles, fne was detained from public v/orlhip, her foul was fervently longing to be there. Far from abfenting herfelf, with fome, on flight occafions, fhe would. ottcn oblige her feeble body to carry her to the honfe of God, though the day before, flic had been confined to her chainber, or even to her bed. And it was remarkable, that though by this zeal, her health was much hazarded, it feldom received any material injury. She was greatly free from inordinate attachments to the world, particularly its gratifications. She not only ■ abandoned the amufements which had engaged her youth, and exercifed a remarkable abftinence in her diet, making it no objedl to gratify her appetite, but kept frequent fafts in fecret. She found by happy ex- perience the eflScacy of falling and prayer, to ftrcngthen 236 Memoirs of flrengthcn her for fpiritual conflicts, and to elevate her foul to God and heaven. So fenfibly did llie cleave to God as her portion, and find her happinefs in the riches of his love, that jQie had little regard to wealth. Though flie vv'ell knew there v/as no certain connexion between poverty and grace, and though (he was frugal and provident in the concerns of her family, yet the often beibught the Lord rallier to make and keep her poor, than fuller her heart to fink down from her Maker, and go aftray after Mammon, It might be truly faid, that fiie honored God with her iubftance. No mifer could be more gratified J^ix. laying up money fur himfelf, than (lie, in fpending it for lier Maker. She was much atlii6led to hear of the parfimony of fome in the city of Chefler, where (he lived, in regard to the maintenance of the miniftry. She declared fne would rather be at the charge of all the contributions herfelf, if her eilate could bear it, than that God iliould be murmured at, or the wages of his work unwillingly paid. Her fervent affedion to God, and defire to be with him, induced a fear not very common. She was a- fraid (he (hould have a long life. Death, which is an objed of terror to moll, fhe (o much wiihed, that her friends found themfelves condrained to plead with her to be pleafed with life ; though with little fuccefs, as appears from the two following Statements v/hich ilie drew up for her own ufe in the more immediate profpedl: of death. '* Firjly ivhy I dcjflre to die, '* I defire to die, becaufel want, while I live here, the glorious prefence of God, which I love and long for ; and the fweet fellowfnip of angels and faints, who would be as glad of me, as I of them, and would entertain m.e with unwearied delisht. «' I defu-e Mrs. Jane Ratcliffe. 237 ** I defire to die, becaufe while I live, I fliall want the perteclion of my nature, and be as an ellranged, tanifhed child from my Father's houfe. *' I defixe to die, becaufe I would not live to offend fo good a God, and grieve his holy Spirit. For bis loving kindnefs is l^etter than lifc^ and He is abundant in mercy to me ; and it often lies as a heavy load on my heart, to think of difpleafmg him. ** I defire to die, becaufe this world is generally in- fe6ted with the plague of fm, and fome have this plague-fore running upon them, and I myfelf am tainted with the fame difeafe. So that while I live here, I can be in no phce, nor in any company, where I fliall not be m danger of being infected, or of in- fecting others. And if this world hates me becaufe I endeavor to follov/ goodnefs, how would it rejoice if my foot fliould flip ! How woful would my life be to me, if I fliould give occafion to the world to tri- umph or blafpheme ! ** I cannot but defire to die, when I confider that fm, like a Icprofy, hath fo corrupted me, that there is no foundnefs in me. My mind, my memory, ray will and affedions, and my very confcience, are fall im- pure. In every faculty of my foul, there is a mifcr- able mixture of vile infeclion, which makes me weary of my life. As the difeafe is in this world incurable^ and my infeparable companion, I can go no where to avoid it. There is no buiinefs I can difpatch relat- ing to my happinefs, but there is a mutiny in m.y heart. Thougli the works of God are all fair, yet thei-e are in my nature foniany defeds, infufficiencies, miltakes and tranfgreflions, that I may fay v/ith David, Innumerable evils have compnjfed me -about ; ?ny iniqui- ties have taken hold upon me, fo that I am not able t§ lo'-Ji up. I therefore defire heaven for holinefs, ratlier than for happinefs, that I may fm no mere. I de- fire that condition in which I luay mod glorify God, yy *• I dcHre '^B Memoirs op '* I defirc to die, becaiifc of the devil's malignant and perpetual affaults. I can ftand no where before the Lord on earth, but one devil or another is at my right hand, and I mud: of necefiity enter into conflict with them, and their temptations, and be butFeted and ^ored by them, which is a thoufand-fold vvorfe than death. It is more cafy to wrelile ivUh flcjh and bloody than %vUh principalities and powers, vjith Jpiritiial ivickednefleSfand the rulers of the darkncjs of this world; for they are fubtil and cruel, and, like roaring lions, fhey go about, feeking zvhojn they may devour. '* I defire to die, bccaufe by death I fhall red from ihe hard labors of this life. '' I dcfire to die, becaufe notliing in this world can give me folid and durable contentment. I like life the lefs, and have the greater defire of death, when I^ confider the mifery that may come both on my body and eftate. Fearful alterations may come; wars may come, and all the defolations which accompany theni, and I may be left in the hands of the fonsot violence. Befides, I daily fuffer the lofs of my friends, the com- panions of my life, and the channels ot much pieafure to me \ and thofe whom I lofe by my life, 1 fliall find by my death, and enjoy in another wcrld, to all eter- nity. As to leaving my children, it doth not much trouble me ; for that God who hath given them life nnd breath and all they have, while I am living, can provide for thehi when I am dead. My God will be their God if they are his ; and if they are not, what comfort would it be for me.to live r My life would be exceedingly bitter to m.e, if 1 Ihould fee them dif- lionor God, whom I fo much love r" Such were the rcafons why (he defired to die. The following are i\v^ Rcafo^is why pe did not fear death, " I fear not death, becaufe it is but the feparation of the body from the foul, and that is but a fhadovv of ;he body of rkath; iJ.lom, 7. 24.) Whereas the fepar- ation Mrs. Jane Ratcliffe, 23^> ation of the foul from God by fin, [Ifa. 59. 2.) and of loul and body/;r fin, is death indeed. " I fear not death, becaiife it is an enemy that hith" been often vanquillied, and becaufe I am armed for it, and the weapons of my warfare are mighty through. God, and I am aifured of vitftory, ** I do not fear death for the pain of it, for I ani perfuaded I have endured as great pains in life, as t fhali find in death, and death will be the cure of all my pains.' Bcfide, Chriil died a terrible and curled death : and fo any kind of death may be blefifed to me. And that God who hath greatly loved me in life, will not negle6l me in death ; but his Spirit will rtrength- en and comfort me, all the time of my combat. " Ido not fear death for any lofs ; for I Ihall only lofe my body by it ; and that is but a prifon to my foul \ an old rotten houfe, a tattered garment. Nay, I ihall not lofe that ; for I fhall have it rcftored at my Savior's fecond coming, much better tb.an it now is : for this vile body (hall be like the boclv of ChriH ;• and by death I Ihall obtain a far better life." As an incentive to divine love, and as matter for meditation and thankfgiving on her death-bed, (he prepared a compendious account of God's' principal mercies to her, as follows :■ ** How fhall I praife God ? i. For my convertl'Tn, 2. For his Word, both in refpc<^l to my aifeftion fof it, and the wonderful comforts I liave received from it. 3. For hearing my prayers,- 4. For godly forrov/. 5. For fellowship with the godly. 6. For joy in the holy Ghofl. 7. For the de fire of death. 8: For con- tempt of the worlds- 9'. For private helps and com- forts. 10. For giving me fome ftrengih againil m/ lin. II. For preferving me from grofs evils, both before and after my calling, ^c. ^ /:, She maniteiled her love to God by keeping%is com- maEidments, To know that any. thing was enjoine.^ or 243 Memoirs op ©r lorbidden bv him, was ever fufficient to determine her pra(5^ice. Nolhirig was with' her fo fmall, but that his Word could give it weight enough to bow. her foul to obedience. If the thing required was fmall, file apprehended that the contempt or ncgle^l of it mull: incur aggravated guilt ; and that the eafier the duty, the greater would be the difobedience if it were left undone. In this way fSie advanced in fanc= tification, and kept at a diibnce from great offences : for he who is afraid of a fmall lin, will not eafily be tempted to commit a great one. She was very tender of the abfent, and would fufFer 3:!either her tongue nor her ears to be guilty of any. wrong to them. She confidered the robbery of repu- tation as the Vv'oril of robberies. Far from charging- them with imaginary faults, fhe feldcm mentioned, 5^nd never aggravated thofe lins which were molt- known, nor difclofed thofe which were fecret. She j^ever denied, nor detracTted from the virtues of any. Though her hatred of i'ni v/as fuch as became a Chriftlan, yet ilic knew how to diftinguifh between-.. iin and the fmner : and v.hile flie was incapable of bcitig reconciled to the former, the latter had her love and companion. Her charity was regulated by the directions o Scripture, which (he wrote down for her guidance, in- four particulars, thus : '' I. I mull give readily, Jol; 31. 16. Prcv, 3. 28,, I Ti?n. 6. 18. 2. 1 muft give fccretly, Mai/b. 6. 3. 3. I muft give liberally, 2 Cor. 8. 12. and 9. 6. 4. 1 muit give cheerfully, 2 Cor. 8. 12." She difiributed her alms according to her own abli- ity, and the neceffities of others. She preferred giving, a little to many, to giving mwch to a few ; and fo or- dered her charity as not to exhauft her whole ftock on one, or a few occafions, but to have always fomething to communicate. If in cafe.s peculiarly important or intereftingj Mrs. Jan'e RATCLii« PE. 241 interefting, her donations were not magnificent, \hi obllacle was in her circumilances, not in her mind. She performed this duty with great clieerhilnefi,'. She bellowed notliing on herfelf with greater alacrity than (he imparted uhat fne could fpare, for the relict' of the diftreded : nor could a thief be more fdent and fccrct in ftealing, than (he generally was in giving. Few indeed did f^ much good, with fo little appear- ance of It, As to the objects of her charity, Pne cl/,l good to ally but efpcctally to the houjehold of faith. Her benevolence and aiTection to her friends were very great, but not coniined to them. She had no en- emy (() bitter, whom (lie could not lovf. Thougli quick in perceiving what tended to the di(\urbance of peace and patience, her ("erenity ofmind was feldom ir;- terrupted. In return for injuries, flic could more eaf- ily pray and weep, than exprefs lentiments of unkind- nefs and indignation, either by actions or looks. In cafe of a mifunderflanding between herfe)f and others, fhe enjoyed the freedom of her judgment, but never felt, at liberty to withdraw her aftedioii from them, or to pats unimproved an opportunity to do ihen\ good. ■ She hated nothing but tin. : and flic hated that mofl: of all in herfelf. She tenderly fyinpathized in the fuffciings of tic Church of (jod,and of particular faints. In all theii* afflictions (lie was afHicied. Yet thcu<^h (he fenfibly felt 4he trials of others, (he fuflained her own with remarkable fortitude and patience. If flie receivcil news of lofli^s, as flie fometimes did of great ones, (he compofed her fpirit with fuch reileclions as thefe.;' «' It is that God who gave all, who now tijkes away > fome : why (hould I take it ill ? Ue would not ha\e-;, me be in love with, or trufl in uncertain riches, which' were never true to any who truflcd them, but to triifi: upon hirnfelf : and I willingly renounce them, to red upon lum. He can, if he fee it good, recompenfe the. lofs in the like, or Ibme belter kind, li he tal::.: W- ^ more %,\-% Memoirs o? more from me, there -will will yet be many poorer than myfelf : and if He takes away all my goods, He can give me contentment without them, for He is all- fufficient ; and fo, thongh I have nothings I may yet fee as pojjfejjlng all things. The world and I mull part ; and whether we be loofened from each other by de- grees, or torn afunder all at once, all is one to me. What God choofes, is mofl: for his glory, and my good, if I murmur not againft him, but willingly, as is jny prayer, give way to his will." Her patience was likewife much tried by her bod- ily fufferings. She v/as afflicSted with a painful and". iingering ficknefs, to which were applied the mod uncomfortable medicines ; fo that fhe endured not on- .ly the anguifli of her difeafe, but, with the woman \\\ thegofpel, ^* fufFered many things of the phyficians.'* To all this was added the trial of deformity. Her .lower jaw was fo fallen, that (he could not make it meet with the upper. Her mouth was diftorted and: drawn awry toward her ear ; fo that with much diffi- culty her food was conveyed by an oblique paifage to, lier throat. Thefe trials (in fome refpe6ls enhanced by her having once polTelTed uncommon beauty) fhe bore •with admirable rubmiflion, declaring that it it pleafed \h!& Lord to continue her a fpedlacle of deformed mif- ery, fhe would not repine at the allotment, but wil-. 3ingly abide it, till He freed her body from difeafe, or, difmiifed her foul by deaih. The m.odefly and gravity of her countenance and nvhole demeanor were fuch as, without the aid of fpeech, to reprove every thing indecent either faid or done in her prefence. There v/as in her afpecl, mingled with much fweetnefs, a majefty which frequently overawed the moft abandoned. In humility flie was a great proficient. She could endure contradiction, and even reproach, without breaking peace with any. She was ever ready to wave Iier own cUims^and yield to the opinions and demands of Mrs. Jane Ratcliffe. 243 of others, fo far as fne could with a good confcicnce. In lowlinefs of mind, fhe efteemed others better than herfelf. She difavowed the praife fhe received, though confidered by others much lefs than her due ; and gave place to thole who were in fa6l far below her. The reafon of this was her intim.ate acquaintance with her- felf, and the deep fenfe fhe entertained of her own failings, while Ihe obferved others moft for what was bell in them, and in order to improve herfelf at once by imitating their excellencies, and being humbled for her own comparative defects. But mod of all did file arraign and abafe herfelf be- fore her God. CoTiparingherown ilns, infinnitiesand wretchednefs with his infinite purity and majefly, fhe was filled with love and admiration of him, while fhe heartily lothed and detefted herfelf. If compelled to fee anything in herfelf which was good, file alfumed none of the glory of it, but acknowledge the fovereign, felf-moved goodnefs of God in bellowing, as well as his patience and mercy in continuing it. It was a favorite maxim with her,thar if it be good to be efieemed virtuous, it is much better to be fo in- deed ; and that the fubftance of a good thing is always to be preferred to its femblance. Hence, in the whole Gourfe of her life, fhe was eminently fmcere, and hat- ed every approach to hypocrily. Her deeds of benev- olence were always better than her w^rds, of which file was fo parfimonious, that fome thought her want- ing in affability. This being once luggefted to her, fhe replied, that fhe liked not the lavilh language of thofe who have their mouths full of compliments, while their hearts are contraded and fhut. " Or if they have enough to maintain fuch liberality ot words, I like," faid ilie, ** my own heart the worfc, that it is jiot fo ready to attend on my tongue, as fuddenly to miniiler affedions fuitable to fuch expreflions of iricndfhip," In 1m rclii;it>!S Dk' in.niK.uiml .iii imcoiTimon c6n!-' Ihim-y inul (liihilify. Her hc:nt was tlcaiHall wilb (lOtI, and in his «.ovcnai\t. llcr taiilv was lo lirmly. fixcil, that Iht'was not canicci ahoiit with every wind ot cloc^hinc Her icli>,',ion wt)rc tlic fame in.neralconi- nlexiunat hciHirll convorllon/atidat all linusaltcrward. Hill in regaid to the tncre m.nnre conlideration, (lie apprehended that def- erence to tlu* memory and rank of one who had^ been rcpeateuly Mayor of the city, and a member of V:n- li.iment» "jni!:,lu div5tate to her to retain it ; which llic To Inin up her charac^lcr : (he was an atlcc^ionatc :ind fuhmilVivc wife, a carefnl and tender mother, .i ?;entlo and beneficent mitlrefs, a chaiit.ihle neighbor, and a conllaiu, faithliil tVicnd. • Toward the clofe of life. Hie v\'as fubjedted to afe* jies of fits, which thougii not ditlrellini; at the time, ^verc enfeebling in the extreme, and tinally left her vitht)ut the power of fpeech or motion. A little more than a week before Ibe expired, dc;\t!\ feemed to ij^ake his firlt aitaidt. A p.ilcnefs mer- fprcad her face, and was vifiblc at the cxiri^mities of her fmgers. The day following, an ague comiiAcnced, and foon after, a continued fever, attended nith fe- vere pains. Durinii her ficknefs, live had llronsj Icfucs tor a fpeedv diilohition, which Ihc exprelTed ia th,e words ot David, i/yv/.7/ -jb'. 22,^ and 40. 13.) Mrs. Jane Ratclifff. ±4^ M^he hajlc to help mc, O Lord of my falvatmu Be pjcafed, Lord, )o deliver me : Lordy make hujle to help me. And ihe happy hour was now come when her beO: dcfircs were to be granted. She was helped in the foftcfl: and tendereft manner ; for when it was thought that (he was only fallen afleep, her foul fled into the arms of her Redeemer. This blefTed con- Jummation took place, Augult 17, 1638. Mrs. CATHARINE BRETTERG. I^HE was the daughter of Mr. John Briien> and was born about the year 1580. She was educated In a very careful and religious manner. When achild, lie was a ftudent in the holy Scripture?, by the at- lentive pcrufal of which, flie attained fuch a know- ledge of divine things as was of great \\[q Xo her in that forming age. She manifcfted very early fymp- toms of the fear of God, and of walking before hitn- with aperfetJ heart. She was moderate in her en- joyment of the comforts of life, and remarkably in- different to the amufemcnts and fafnions of the time. Her pleafures were in the fancluary of the Lord, and the paths of religion. The fabbath was ever dear and welcome to her ; and though frequently fhe went far for it, fhc could jiot be oontent without enjoying the miniftry cf the word. Her heart was fo tender and fufceptible, that ihe was often obferved to hear fcrmons; to read, pray •^46 Memoirs ©p' and meditate, with tears. She made confcience of af! fins, even the leaft, and fuch as many accounted no fms. She was remarkably free from any thing light and unbecoming in her fpeech. Neither the names nor titles of God were pronounced by her without great reverence. Heir converfation was well feafoned, and while it evidently proceeded from a findified heart, miniftered grace to the hearers. Her daily ex- ercife was to converfe v/ith God in reading, prayer, meditation and fmging. Her delight was in the faints, the excellent of the earth. The precepts of the Lord were precions to her. She grew in grac^-; and in the knowledge of Jefus Chriil ; and (hewed herfelf able to give a reafon of the faith and hope that were in her. When about twenty years old, fhe was married to Mr. William Bretterg, a young gentleman who fm- cerely embraced religion, and fuffered much for it at the hands of the Papifl^'. This pious pair lived together two years in fuch mutual affeclion and comfort as became the children of God; in which time they had one daughter. Theic habitation was fituated in the midll of Papllts, many of whom were lingalarly ignorant and brutal. From thefe they continually received injuries. But hor prudence, mildnefs and conOancy in the truth, much edified and firengthened her hufband in his holy faith, , and animated him to bear with great equanimity the' ill ufage and indignities he daily experienced. Several times their horfes and' cattle were killed in the night by thofe malicious people. But this good woman not only fubmitted to the affli^lion with ad- mirable patience, but even rejoiced and praifed God;,, refigning herfelf to his holy and all-v/ife Providence. She would often remark : ** It is good that fuch things Ihould be ; but wo be to thofe who do then^^ It is good in God, thus to chaften his children, and prevent fome fminto which lie faw we were likely, to fail. It Mrs. Catharine Bretterg. 1249 is good in refpecSl to the Church of God, that the weak may be confirmed in the truth, and that Popery may be difgraced, when the world fees what wicked- refs proceeds from it. It is good in God, that fo the wicked maybe without excufe in the day of judgment, when their confciences tell them, that tliough God fufFers them to commit fuch abomination for fomc caufe known to himfelf, they perpetrate it only from malice and revenge." In the midd: of fuch troubles, fhe vvoulJ often add : *' The mercies of the Lord are infinite, who does not only by his word, but ly his juitice alfo, make us fit for his kingdom. Little (\o our enemies knoy»^ what good they do us by thefe things, and what ruin they bring to their own king- dom, while they thus publiQi abroad its wickednefs." She often prayed that God would forgive thofe who did thefe wrongs, andgivcthem repentance for their iniquity. She exhorted licr hufoand to. do the fame ; and foUov/ed up her cxhoriations with daily prayers, that God would fanclify liis thoughts, and direcl his heart aright, that lie might feek the divine gloiy, to the exclufion of all revenge, and every other e\il paf- fion. Her mceknefs, humility and blamelefs walk were fuch as to condrain many who were enemies to relig- ion to fpeak well of her. She had a good report of all who knew her, for her holy and exemplary life. She was very tender and bountiful to the poor, ne- f^lcding no opportunity that prefented itfelf, of ihew- Fng thetn kindnefs. She conltantly had her itated fea- fons for prayer, reading, and meditation ; and Vv^as no lefs confcientious refpeiSllng the religious duties of the family. It was her pradice to read at leaft eight chapters every day in the holy Scriptures. Such time as Oie faw any fpending idly, fhe called, " the time of temptations.' She diligently read other books of piety befide^ the Scripture?, fuch as judicious expofitoxs, and the hiflo- ries 24S Memoirs of ries of Martyrs. She was often fo mucli affe£lecf with the torments which Chritlians had endured, as to weep very bitterly. She had an ardent zeal for the glory of God, and an immovable attachment to what fhe confidered as his truth. Sin, of every kind, vv^^s hateful to her. She grieved for -it in others, and, ei- pecially in herfelf. About two years after her marriage, fhe was feized with a fever, which was at times fo violent as to in- terrupt the exercife of her reafon. At other intervals, ihe fuftained great conflicts of fpirit, -and didrelling temptations ot the adverfary. A viewoftlie Uriel- nefs of divine juftice, and of the greatncfs of her own fins, diftreiTed, and almoft overwhelmed her mindo At fome times, (lie accufed herfelf of pride, of impa- tience, of hypocrify, and even of the fins of her par- ents. At others, her mind was perplexed about her election. At fomc times, fhe would feem almoft ready to abandon the bible, faying that though it was indeed the book of life, fhe feared it had become to her the book of death. At others, Va^ would complain tiiat her fins had niade her a prey to Satan, a fpedacle to the world, a difgrace to religion, and a ihame to her hufband. Then Qie would weep bitterly, vviia fhe had never been born, or that file had been made any other creature. Often flie cried out, ** Wo, wo, wo; a weak, woful, wretched, forfaken woiiian, &c." and after beginning to pray, would flop fuddenly and fay^ ** I may not pray, I may not pray," Thefe feafons, though mod difireffiRg to herfelf, and uncotnfortable to her friends, were neither laft- ing nor unintermitted ; but in the midfl of them fhe would exhibit fome happy fymptoms of faith, in op- pofing and ftriving againfl her temptations and im- ploring ftrength from God to conquer them. She of- ten, v.'ith a cheeriul countenance entreated her friends not to faint, nor give over, but coaftantly to pray, and help her againft the tempter. One Mrs. Catharine Bretterg. 249 One of them inquiring whether (he believed the promifes, and whether flie* could pray ? fhe anfvvered, ^* O that i could ! I would willingly, hut he will not let me. Lord I believe : help roy unbelief !" Her friend cbrerving Xh3.t her {/ef.res ^n6 endeavors were accepted for Chrifl's rake,ihe feemed much comfort- ed. — Once, after a great confli<5l: with her cruel ene- my, (he faid, " Satan, reafon not with me. I am but a weakwoman. If thou^haif any thing to fay, fay it to my Ch.rift. He is my Advocate, my Strength, and my Redeemer, and he fhall plead for m.e." Sometim.es, being afflitlcd v/ith a fight of her fms, and her want of the light of God's countenance, fhe would fay, with many tears, interrupted by frequent fobs, ** Pray to the Lord JefusChriO:, to help and comfort me, a poor, woful, diflrefied woman." A pious and companionate friend reminded her of the mercies of God, the merits of Chrift, the many gracious promifes contained in the Word,&:c . which, through the divine blcliing. greatly refreflied her, and encouraged her often to call upon God for increafeof grace, and deliverance from her grievous temptations. The Lord foon after granted her defires, fo that flie began to feel herfelf greatly delivered from her form- er fears and diftrefTeSo But the day before her death, ilte wa? fet at perfed liberty, and filled with an abun- dance of fpiritual confolation. One day, her brother, ?vlr. John Bruen, a holy man, coming to vifit her, he ii^id, '' Sifter be not difmayed at your troubles. Remember what the Apoftle fays, \\\:xt judgment muji begin at the houfe of God.'' She re- plied, ** True ; and if it begin zuith us, and the righ- teous jhall fcarcely befavedy where Jhall the finners and ungodly appear .^" She often repeated comforting paf- fages of Scripture, efpecially the eighth chapter to the Romans, clofing all with prayer, and a mod joyful application of the word to herfelf. "When any thing "Vi'as offered rier to drink, fne would often repeat thofe X animating Memoirs of aniQiatlng words : " To him that cometh will I give to drink of the water of life freely." Once (he took her bible in her hand, and joyfully Iciihng it, exclaimed : ** O Lord, it is good to be af- ili6^ed, that I might learn thy ftatutes. The law of thy mouth is belter to me than thoufands of gold and filver." Calling her hnfband to her, {he faid : ** Beware of Popery : keep yourfelf holy bef©re the Lord: yield :r!ot to the abominations of the wicked, lell they re- joice, and fo you dillionor God, and dellroy your own ibul. Let my little child be brought up in the true fear of God : fo, though I mufl now leave her behind me on earth, I (hall meet her in heaven." She often repeated : <' We have not received the fpirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adop- tion, whereby we cry, Abba, Father :/' which lad' words (he dwelt on with much afteCtion and comfort. The day before her death, {he feemed to difmifs all thoughts of the world, her hufband, child, and every tiling elfe but heaven, and what is connected with it. 8he lay with a cheerful countenance, as one in tranf- ports of fplrit, and her lips overflowed with the praif- csofGod. Her hultand reading fome portions of Scripture, when he came to that in John 17. 4. Iha^ve fjii/Jjed the zuork zvhich ihoii gcvveft me-to do, and now ^^/^r//)' wf— Ihe defired him to paufe, and then ex- claimed. ♦* Bleffed be thy name, O blclTed Savior ! perfeft the work, I humbly befeech thee, which thou hafl begun in me." -VVhen he read vcrfe 9. I pray not for the worlds hut for thsm %vhich thou haji given vie, for they are thine'; flic faid, " O Lord Jefus, dofl thou pray for m.e r O -blefTed and fweet Savior I how wonderful ! how w^onderful how v.'onderful are thy mercies ! — Read" on ; 'tis the raoft bleiTed reading I ever heard. The comfort of it fvveetens my foul." When he read verfe 22. The glory that thou gaveji me I have given themj that they may h cnc, even as we are Mrs. Catharine Bretterc. 2£X cne ; fhe faid in a tranfport of joy : *' I ccnfefs be- fore the Lord his loving kindriefs, and his wonderiirl works before the fons of men ; for he hath fatishcd my/oul, and filled my hungry foul with goouneis." When he read verfe 24. Fathery I will that they whom thou haft given me^ he with me where I arUj that they may behold 7ny glory i^c. ** Stay," faid (he ; ^ let me meditate on the goodnefsof the Lord, for this is the fvveeteif faying that ever came to my foul. Now I perceive and feel that the countenance of Chrili: my Redeemer is turned toward me, 1 he bright- fnining beams of his mercy are fpread over me. O happy am I, that I was ever born to fee this bleiTed day. Praife, praife, Opraife the Lord for his mercies ; for he hath brought me out of darknefs and" the ihadow of death; he h?,th delivered my foul from the fnareofthe fowler; he hath taken m.e out of the den of lions, and fet me in a place of rell and fweet refrelhing. O my fweet Savior ! Shall I be one with thee, as thou art one with the Father ? Wilt thou glorify me with the glory thou hadft with the Father before the world was r And doll thou fo love me, duff ar.d afhes, as to make me partaker of glory with thee? What am I, poor wretch, that thou art thus mindful of me r O how won- derful ! how wonderful ! hov/ wonderful is thy love \ Oh, thy love is unlpeakable l.Oh, Ifeel thy mercies \ and O that my tongue- and heart were able to foimd forth thy praifes as I ought, and v.'illingly would do 1 Ohelp me to praife the God of all confolation!" Thus fhe continued for the fpace of five hours, praifing the Lord with a cheerful and heavenly coun- tenance, tellifying her heart-felt experience of his mer- cies in Ihains likethcfe : *' O my Lord God, blelTcd be thy name for ever more ! Thou had fnewn me the path of life. Thou didft, O Lord, hide tliy facefrom me for a feafon, but with everfailing m.ercy thou ha ble to bear it : that though her prefent concern a- bout his prefervation fo occupied her mind, as in fome mealure to fupport her, he feared that when that ihould be over, her grief would prey with all its force upon her fpirit; Indeed his heart never appeared fo near failing him, as when he fpoke of her. Sometimes a tear would be {^ten in his eye ; but he would imme- diately change the difcourfe to another fubjeft. The evening before his death, he fufFercd his children, at- tended by fome friends, to take leave of him ; and though a fond parent, prefervedg?tratconftancy through theintervicv/. The' fame evening, he parted, in a tran- quil filencc, with his lady, whom he elieemed and lov- ed beyond expreilion, faying, as foon as Ihe was gone, '« The bitternefs of death is paft." He difcourfed a long time concerning lier excellencies, declaring how great a blefiing he had enjoyed in her, and what a iTiifery it would have been to him, if flie had not pof- itKc^ fuch a magnanimity, mingled with her tender- Tiefb, as never to defire him to do a bafe thing to (ave his !ife. He added, that there was a fignal providence of God manifelfed in his being favored with fuch a v;ife, who befide the advantages of birth, of fortune, and a fine underftanding, united a deep fenfe of relig- ion with the tendered alFcaion for himfelf. " But," faid he, "her condu£f in my extremity was beyond all." He exprelTed his fatisfaction that ihe would jofe fo little by his death, and that he left his children in the hands of fuch, a mother, who had promifed to take care of herfeif for their fakes. As to lady Rufiel^the fortitude with which (he UU- tained the ihock was tridy wonderful. On recent trying occcafions, fhe had appeared in an attitude to excite the tendered: compalhon and fympaihy. But her concuift nov/ commanded admiration. Her hap- p.incfs with her hufband had bcen.almoft unparalleled 5 nor Q,^^' Memoirs a?- nbrhadher aifedion to him been lefs remarkabW It almofl furpafled all that has been known in a wife. It was theretore natural to fear that her diftrefs would have furmounted all the barriers of reafon and relig- ion. But Ihe took the laft farewell without a figb or a tear. After his death fhe feemed abforbed in a pious concern to honor God under fo heavy a chaitife- ment, and to fulfil the duties devolved on her in the care and education of her children, now doubly dear to her, as the remains and reprefentatives of their be^ loved father* She approved herfelf a faithful guardian of her de- ceafed hufband's reputation, and paid his memory ev- ery honor which a generous and feeling heart could devifc. She wrote a letter to the King in order to vindicate his name from the mifreprefentations and calumnies of his enemies. She ufed her intereft to obtain a penfron for a worthy man who had been his chaplain, and adtuaUy obtained it. • The proraife flie had made him, to take care of her life and health for the fake of his children, fne religioufly obferved ; and file continued his widow to the clofe of her life, though Ihe furvived him more than forty years. Though fhe gave ample dem-onftraton of the moft lively and • lafting grief for her hulband's untimely ly death, yet through all, her pious, unrepining fub.* midion to the will of God ihone confpicuous. It is obfervable, that in the freefl: eifufions of her heart-felt forrow, conveyed in letters to her intimate friends, there cannot be found a fingle trace of refentraent or reproach toward any perfon concerned in his death, .Though the Duke of York had inftigaied the King, his brother, tolhew himfelf inexorable to all appli- cations for Lord RulfeU's life, and had even made the "barbarous propofal that he fhould be executed at iiis ov^ndoor, Ihe uttered no cenfure againlf him. And ivhen, after having- been king himfelf, he was a king Lady Rachel Russell. 257" kin^ no more, a wanderer in a foreign land, fhe never dropped an expreffion that looked like triumph o- ver him, or fo m.uch as intimated that fhe thought him juftly punifhed for his cruelty. Yet this unhap- py man was once reminded on the rubje6t, in a way which cut him to the heart, . Having occafion, in his difirefTes, to apply for help to Lord RuiTell's father^ the venerable Earl of Bedford, he addrelTed him in this ftyle : ** My Lord, you are an honeft m.an, have great credit, and can do m.e fjgnal fervice." *' Ah, Sir," replied the Earl, . ** I am old and feeble ; 1 can do you but little fervice ; but I once had a fon that could have afiifted you— but he is no more." The iallen monarch was fo much affeded by this reply, as to re- main for fome minutes incapable of fpeaking. For feveral of the laft years of her life, Lady Ruf- fel was afflided with a v^eaknefs of eyes which feem- ed for a while to threaten a total lofs of fight. Her mingled fenfibiiity and fubmifiion to this calamity, appear from the following paiTages of letters to sl friend. *' While I can fee at all," fays flie, " I m.uft do a little more than I can, v/ntn God fees it bed: that ut- ter darknefs fhall fall upon me, which will deprive me of all fociety at a diitance, which I efteem exceed- ingly profitable and pleafant. But ftill I -have full hope, Lfoall rejoice, in that he will not deny me his great grace to flrengthen me with might by his Spirit in the'inner man. Then fnall I walk in the right •way, till I reach the joys of eternal endurance. Again : " Alas ! my bail eyes ferve me new fo lit- tle, that I could not read your papers, and tell^ you that I have done ioy in one day, - It is mortifying : yet I hope I do not repine, but on the contrary, re- joice in the goodnefs of my God to me, that, when I feared the utter Icfs of fight, has let me thus long fee the light, and by it given me time to prepare for that day of darknefs, which perhaps niufi foon overtake Hie." ^^^ 258 McMOiks OF She was held in the higheft efleem by feveral of (be? mort: eminent divines of her lime, among whom were Dr. Tillotfon, Dr. Burnet, and Dr. Patrick, who were her correfpondents. She was lilcewife iionored %vith tokens of very peculiar re^oedl and confidence by the Dutchefs of Marlborough ; and received feveral letters from Qijeen Mary, exprelhve of much affec- tion and fympathy.. As the memoirs of tliis diftingiiiilied woman are very imperfect, it may be proper to fupply their de- fe6ts with extracSls from her letters. Thoiifands of thefe are irrecoverably loft.' The fele£lions which follow are made principally from thofe which ilie wrote to Dr. Fitzwilliam, a divine who had been chaplain to her father, and for whom llie entertained a peculiar efteem and friendfhip. *' I know I have deferved my puni{hment,and will be filent under it ; but yet fecretly my heart mourns, too fadly I fear, and cannot be comforted, becaufe I have not the dear companion and fharer of all my joys and forrows, I want him to talk with, to walk with, to eat and flee p with. All thefc things are irkfome to me now : the day unwelcome, and the night fo too. "When I fee my children before me, I remember the pleafure he took in them. This make^ my heart ihrink. Can I regret his quitting a lefs good for a greater ? Oh ! if I diJ fteadfailly believe, I could not be dejected ; for I will not injure myfelf to fay, I of- leY my mind any inferior confolation to fupply this jofs. No : I moft willingly forfaks this world, thi-s vexatious, troublefome world, in which I have no other bufinefs btit to rid my foul from tin, fecure my internal interefts^ with patience and courage bear my eminent misfortunes, and ever hereafter, be above the fmiles and frowns of it, and when I have finilhed the work apj)ointed me on earth, joyfully wait for t.he heavenly. Lady Rachel Russell. 259 lieavenly pcrfeclion in God's good time, when, in his infinite mercy, I may be accounted ^vol•t^y to enter into that relt and rcpofe to which he ib gone, for whom J grieve.' '' You deal with -me, Sir, juft as I would be dealt with ; and it is pofTible^ I feel the more fmart trom my f aging griefs, becaufe I would not lofe them, but upon fit conViderations. It is eafieft to our natures to have our fores gently handled: yet, as moft profita- ble, I would yi^ld, and even dcfire, to have mine fearched, that as you religioufiy defjgn by it, they may not fefter. - It is poflible I grafp at too much of this kind, for a fpirit fo brckep, by. affliction : for I am fo jealous that time, or necedity, the ordinary abater of all violent pafiions, nay, even empioym.ent,or the com- pany of fuch friends as .1 have left, fhould do what reafon or religion ought, as makes me covet the beft advice, and ufe all methods to obtain relief in 2.filent Juhmiffion to this fevere and terrible Providence, with- out any ineffective willingnefs merely to bear what I muft fuffer ; and fuch a vidory over ■ myfelf, that immoderate pafiions, once allayed, may not break out again when frefli occafions and accidents offer to my memory the dear obje6l of my defi res— which mult happen every day, I may fay, every hour of the long- elt life I can live :— tliat fo when I muft return to the •world, to.atft the part incumbent on mc in faiihfulnefs to him to whom I owe as much as can be due to man, it mav be with great itrength of fpirits, and grace to live a (Iriaer liteof holinefs to my God, who will not always let. me cry to him in vain. On him I will wait till he have pity upon me, humbly implorinj]^ that by the mighty aids of his Holy Spirit, he^ will touch my heart with greater love to himfclf. 1 hm fliali I be what he would have tTic But I am unwor- tiw of fuch a fpirUual bldTing, who. remain fo un- ^ ^ ^ thankful SOO MEMOITiS OF thankful a creature for the earthly ones I have enjoy- ed, beraufe I have them no longer. Yet God/ who knows our frame, will not expert that when we are weak, vvr (honld be l>rong. T'his is much comfort tinder my deep dejeftions wliich are increafed by the fubtil malice of the great enemy of fouls, taking ad- vantage of my prefent weakinrd and wafted fpirits, and altaulting with divers temptations.'' '* In the years my nnprofitable life has been pre- ferved in this vain and wicked world, 1 have been made acquainted with many fad and niortifying e* vents : yet I am too fure the great work of real mor- tification to the inordinate love to, and expectation frem creatures, is fo very imperfedly wrought in me to this day, that I ever need fuch inftruftions as help to wean m^e from binding up ray life and content in them, though the befl: of creatures in their bed ftate. And very perverfe it is in me toward my heavenly Father, if I fecretly repine at hisdifpenfing tomethat which my corrupt nature makes fo neceiTary for me. But it muft be his free, effectual grace, that mull per- fect the work. He has called m.e to diiferent encoun- ters, and thereby invites m,e to ftir up the grace he has put in my heart. He has been pitiful to my fmall grace, and removed a threatened blow which mud: have quickened my forrows, the lofs of ray poor boy. He has been ill ; and God has let me fee the folly of thofe imiaginations which have made me con- clude I had nothing left, the deprivation of which could be matter of much angui fa, or its pofleffion, of any confiderable refrefhment. I have felt the falfenels of the firft notion ; for I know not how to part from the little creature. I defire to do fo, of the fecond ; and that my thank fulnefs for the real blefling of thefe children may refrefh my laboring, weary mind with fomejoy and falisfadion, at leaft in endeavoring to do Lady Rachel Russell. Q.6t t^othe part toward them, their mofl: dear and tender faiher would not have omitted, and which may con- duce to their happinefs here and hereafter. When I have done this piece of duty to my bcil friend and them, how gladly would 1 lie dov^n by that beloved dull 1 lately went to vlfit ! — *' I went not to fcek tlie living among tlie dead. I knew I fhonldnot fee him any more wherever I went, and had made a covenant with myfelt not to break out in unreafonable, fruitlefs paihon, but quicken my contemplations on that diflant country whither the nobler part was fled, where no earthly power bears fway, nor can put an end to a happy fociety. There I would willingly be : but we mufl: not liiiiit our time. I hope to wait without impatience." *' The confideratlon of the other world is not only a very great, but, in my fmall judgment, the only fupport under the greateft afflicSlions. The enliven- ing heat of thofc glories is fuflicient to animate and rcfrefh us in our dark palTage t'lrough this world ; and though I arn below the meaned of God's fervants, and have not lived in the leaft degree anfwerably to the opportunities I have had, yet my Mediator is my Judge, and he will not defpife weak beginnings, though there be more fnx)ke than fiame. He will help ws in beliering ; and though he fuffers us to be caft dov/n, will not caft: otF thofc who commit their caufe to him. *' I have, you find. Sir, lingered out my time here ; and I think none will wonder at it, who reflecls that the place I am going to, [London^ was the fccne of To much forrow to me, and v.'h.ere 1 a£led fo unfuccefs- ful a part for the prefcrvation of a liTe, I could have laid down my owntoha\ehad continued. It was an ineilimablc treafure 1 loft ; one with whom I had lived in the highelt pilch of this world's felicity.— • y But '2.6Z Memoirs of But I mufl remember, I have a better- friend, a mors abiding, whom I defire with an inflamed heart to know, Bot only as good in a way of profit, but amiable in a ■way of excellency. Then fpiritual joy will grapple ■with earthly griefs, and fo far overcome, as to give fome tranquility to a mind tofled to and fro with the evils 'of life. Yet I experience but fhort moments of this defirable temper, and fear to have fewer when 3 firfl: come to that defolate habitation where fo many various paflions will affault me. But having fo many months mourned the fubflance, I think, by God's af* iillance,thc fhadows willjiot fuik me." '* You infiruifi: me admirably how to overGomc, that I may make application of Rev. 3. 12. The, great thing is to acquiefce with all one's heart in the |!;ood pleafure of God, who will prove us in the way he fees bed ; and when he will break us to pieces, we mufl be broken. Who can tell his works from the beginning to the end ? But who can praife his mer- ■cies more than wretched I, that he has not cut me off in anger, who have taken hischaftifements fo heavily, not weighing his mercies in the midft of judgment. The ftroke was the moil grievous, fure : but had J not a reafonable hope that what I loved as my own foul, was raifed from a prifon to a throne ? Was I not enabled toHiut up my own forrows,that I might not increafe his fufferings ? How were my finking fpirits fupported by the,earjy corapaffions of excel- lent and wife Chriftians, inceffantly admonifhing me of my duty, inlfru6fing, reproving, comforting me ; and charitably contributing to the gathering to- gether of my fcattered fpirits, and bringing them in- to fubmiffion ! Further, God has fpared me hitherto the children of fo excellent a friend, given them hopeful underftandings, with very tra£lableand fweet diipofitions, and fpared iny life, I truft to be ufetul to ■them. And feeing I am to linger in a world I can rio longer delight in, He has given' ais frpedom frorii bodily Lady Rachel R.ussell. 2(>^ lx)dily pain, to a degree I almofl: never kucw.^ 1 his- calls for praifes my dead heart is not exercifed in, but I hope this is my infirmity. I bewail it. He wh» took our nature, and felt our infirmities, knows the wcaknefs of my perfon_, and the fliarpnefs of my for- ro w s , " ^* If I could contemplate the condu(f{: of Provi- r'ence, with the ufesyou do, it would give cafe indeed, and no difafrrous events would much affed me. I often conclude myfeif very void of temper and reafon, that I {till fhed tears of forrow, and not of joy, that fo good a man is landed fafe on the fliore of a bleficd eternity. Doubtlefs he is at reft, though I find none without him \ fo true a partRcr was h^ in all my joys and griefs. I truft the Almighty will pafs by this niy infirmity. I was too rich in poffellions while I pofTeited him. All relifli now is gone, I blefs God for it ; and pray, and ad: of all good people to pray, that I may more and more turntheftream of my aiTedions- i]pward,and fet my heart on the ever-fatisfying per- fedions of God, not ftartled by his darkeft providen- ces, but remembering continually that his glory, juf- tice or power is advanced by every one of them, and that mercy is over all his works, as we iliall one day Vvith ravilhing delight behold. In the mean time, I endeavor to fupprefs all thofe •wild imaginations which a melancholy fancy is apt to let in, and fay with him in the Gofpel, ** Lord, i be- lievej help thou my unbelief »" *^ It is a happy efTed of forrow, and a fure evi- dence to the fourthatthepromifes of the word belon2; to it, that the work of grace is growing tovvard thofe degrees at which when we fhall arrive, we fhall tii- umph over imperfedions, and our wills defire noth- ing a64 Memoirs of ing but what fhail pleafe God. "We fliall be renevv- ed like eagles ; and like eagles, (hall mount up to meet the Lord in the clouds, and ever tarry with him, and be no more faint or weary in God's fervice^ Thefe are raviihing contemplations ! Tliey clafp the heart with delight tor fuch moments, or mere proper- ly, fuch parts of a moment, as they continue with -us. It is true, we may bear our grief without being drown- ed in palTion ; but to bear it without a murmuring heart, is the taflv, and in failing there, lies the fm. O Ivord, lay it not to the charge of thy weak fervant ; but make me cheerfully thankful that I had fuch a. friend to lofe, and contented that he is difmilTed from his attendance here. When the time com.es that I fliall liave mine, I know not how it v/ill£nd me, but I am fure it is my mo?c reviving thought now. When phmged in multitudes of Vv'ild and fad thoughts, I re- cover, and recoUefl that alittle time v/illend this life,.. and begin a better which fnall never end, and in which. vv'e fliall difcov^r the reafons and ends of all the. feemingly fevere providences we have known. Thus I feem'to long for the lafc day \ yet it is poilible, if iicknefs, or any other forerunner of diifoluticn were- prefent, I (liould defer it if I could. So deceitful is the heart, or fo weak is faith. But I think one may ar-'ue again, that God has wifely implanted in our r/iture a fiirinking at the approach of a feparation. — • If it were not fo, many would not endure the evils of life, who now do, though confcious that duty en-. joins it." " The faflePc cement of friendfhip, is piety. ^ One may love paffionately, but one loves unquietly, if the friend be net a good man. But when a feparation -comes, what veneration do we give their memory, "^hoin we ccnfidcr as loved by God from all eternity 1'* ^< I often Lady Rachel Rcssell. 265;. «*' I often think that could this fingle particular be ; nked firmly in our hearts, that God knows where it is beft to place his creatures, and is good to all, we . could eafily live by rule, and defpife the world. W^e xire pilgrims and ftrangers upon earth, travelling to a better country, and may well bear with bad accom- modations, fometimes, in our way to it. None are fo dealt with, I believe, as not to have fome days of joy, (though we can lay no claim to them ;) nor are thehappietl here below without tailing the bitter cup of affiidion. So im.perfect is this ftate ; and doubt- jefs it is wifely and mercifully ordered ; that fo, through the changes and chances of tliis mortal life, we may prefs more eagerly towards, and at laft W'ith inexpreffible joy attain, that (late where we lliall feel no more (lorms, hut enjoy a perpetual calm. What can be more r The thought clafps one's hearf, and caufes the imprifoned foul to long to take her flight. . B;iit it is our duty to wait with patience our appoint- ed time. '- ^^ I read yours of the 4th of July on the 2cth ; the - eVe of that day -I will no* fulfer my hand to write fatal,h2ca.uk the blow (truck on it gave eternal reft to my beloved friend. I -d j not contend, on thefe days, •with frail nature, but keep her as innocent as 1 can. And now, having laid all my forrows at the foot of the throne of grace, I devote fome of my reirjaining time to what moft compofes my thoughts, and enter- tains my tired mind — writing where 1 may do it freely, where my vv-eaknefs will be pitied, not cenfured. — It is true, as you liave ftated, I had made him my idol, though I did not know it; loved man too much, and God too little ; yet m.y confiant prayer Vv'as not to do fo> though not fervent' enough. I v»ill turn the cur- rent of my love, fo far as polnble, to his dear children,, and if I iiiay be directed and blelfed in their educa-. y '2, - ticn, , •266 Memoirs op lion, what more can I afl-: for myfelf, in relation to this periihing worhl r It is joy and peace in believing that I covet, having notliing to fear, but lin." *' What comforts the world can give, I am moft fiire I have felt, and found uncertain and perifliing. Such, grace afTiliing, I will nevermore look after ; and yet I expeil: a joyful day after feme mournful cnes= And though I walk fadly through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, humbling myfelf under the mighty hand of God, who will fave in the day of trouble. He knows my forrows, and my weaknefs : 1 com- mit myfelf and mine to him." " I hope I. may conclude I grieve without finning ; yet I cannot attain to that love of God, and fubmif- iion to all his providences, that I defire. Hov^/ever, I blefs him for his infinite mercy in a fupport that is aiot drawn from the world, though my heart is too much bound up in the blefilngs 1 have yet left. I hope he has enabled m^e chiefly to rejoice in him as my. everlafling portion, and the aifured hope of gocd things in the other world. *' We are travelling the fame w^ay,and hope, through mercy, to meet in the fame eternal reif ; and it is of great advanta^^e to that attainment to comtr.unicate our pious thoughts to each other. Nothing on this fide heaven comes [o near it ; and being where God is, is heaven. If He be in cur hearts, there will be peace. To a female friend in affliction, '^ I befeech God one day to fpeak peace to our af- fiicled minds, and not let us be difappointed of our great hope. But v/e mull wait for our day of confo- lation, Lady Rachel Russell, 267 lation, till this world paiTes away : an unkind and truftlels world it has been to us.- Why it has been fuch, God knows beft. Ail his diipenfations fcrvc the end of his providence ; and they are ever beauti- ful, and mull be good, and good to us, even thefe dif- mal ones, if we have evidence in our own fouls, that we are better for our afPii6tions. We rnay reafonably believe our friends find that reft we yet but hope for : and what better comfort can your Ladyfliip or I de- i^re, in this valley of the fliadow of death we are walk- ing through ? The rougher our path is, the more de- iighllul and ravilhing will the great change be," To anciher female friend^ " As r have been wonderfully fupported, fo I have a humble confidence I ihall be, the few remaining days I have to live. BlefTed be the mercy of God who giv^es us joy, hope and comfort in believing ; and that, whatever the methods of Providence are, or may be, the final iiVue will bedelight for evermore. Were that blelTfd ftatc only a reft from the labors and toils of life, how welcome muft it be ! But, as the Pfalmift fays, ** At thy ri^ht hand are plcaiures for evermore :" and in order to attain to this bleliedncfs whic-h our Savior with the price of his bloo^ purchafedfor us, we fhould ftand in awe, and often remember that p!?.ce of fcrip- ture where God fays, '* I am with you, while you are with me.'"' Let us ftrive faithfully to walk in his ways, and then our penfive and moft folemn thoughts will be cur beft, and foon calm all our tumultuous ones, fuch as the troubles and croiTes of this v.-orld lead us to. I heartily pray both you and I may experience the fweetnefs of fuch micditalions : then fhall we wait with becoming patience, the great day of confola- tionJ' Ta ii6B ;' Memoirs o?^' ^0 anoiher. ^* Wc lie under innumerable obligations to be en-='''' tkely God's : and nothing fhould be fo attrad^ing to us as his miraculous love in fending his Son. But my • ilill pungent forrow for e&rthly loffes, makes me ■ know I loved inordinately; and my profit in the fchool of adverfity has been fmall, or I fhould long-i fince have turned my mourning into rejoicing thank- fulnefsthat I had fuch a friend to lofe, that I faw him •whom I loved as m.y own foul, take fuch a profpe£l of death as made him walk through the dark and Iba-- ded valley, (nctwithftanding the natural averfion to reparation) without fearing evil. For if we, with our limited degrees'-of goodnefj^, will not for fake thofe that depend on us, much lefscan God caft us off from liim, when we feek to him in cur calamity. And though he denied my earncft and repeated prayers, yet-, he has not denied me the fupport of his holy Spirit in - my long day of calamity, but enabled me in fome • meafure to rejoice in him as rny portion for ever, who has provided a remedy for all our griefs by his fure promifes of another life, Vv'here there is no death, nor pain, nor trouble, but fulnefs of joy in the prefence of God who made us, and loves us for ever." Lady Rufiell received, in the feafon of her diftrefs, a letter of confolation from the great and pious Mr. Howe. It is written in a manner fo happily calculat-. ed for general inftru^iion and ufe, thai it is thonobt. not improper to infert fome parts of it, which follow, **The caiife of your forrow, Madam, isexceeding- ly great. The caufes of your joy are inexpreihbly greater. You h.ave infinitely more left, than you have loll. Doih it need \o be difpuled, whether God. bo- beucx and i.reaier ihaii man : or more to be valued, ^- loved.. . Lady Rachel Russell. ^Gg^ loved, and delighted in ? and whether an eternd re- Ja'ion be more confKierable than a temporary one ? Was it not your conftant fenfe in your belt outward Hate, IVhcin hav^ 1 in heaven hut thee, O God ; and whom can I deft re on earth in comparifon zvith thee ? Plalm 73. 25. Herein the llate of your Ladyfhip's cafe, is Itill the fame, if yoa cannot rather with greater clearnefs, and with lefshefitation, pronounce thefe hit- ter words. The principal caufesof your joy are im- mutable, fuch as no fupervening thing can alter. — You have loil: a mofi: pleafant, delectable earthly re- lative. Doth the bleffed God hereby ceafe to be the beft and moft excellent good ? is his nature changed ? his everlafting covenant reverfed and annulled, which is ordered in all things, and Jure y and is to be all your fahaticn, and all your deftre^ vjhcther he make your houfe on earth to grow, or not to groiv J 2 Sara. 23. 5. That forrow which exceeds its caufe, compared with the remaining and real caufes of rejoicing, is in that excefs caufelefs. •* Again, v/e ought to con fide r, in every cafe, prin- cipally that which is principal. God did not create thi.^or that excellent perfon, and place him, for a- while, in the world, principally to pleafe us ; nor doth he take him av^ay, principally to difpleafe or punifh us, but for much nobler and greater ends, which he hath propofed to himfelf concerning him. Nor are we to reckon ourfelves fo little interefled in the great and fovereign Lord of all, whom we have taken to be our God, and to whom we have abfolute- 3y refigned and devoted ourfelves, as not to be obliged to fatisfy ourfelves in his pleafure, purpofes and Qnd^,. more tfian our own apart from his. Such as_ he has nardoned, accepted and prepared for himfelf, are to ierve and glorify him in a higher and more exalted; capacity than they ever could in this wretched world of ours, and wherein they have themfelves the higheft fatisfaaion. When the bleiTed God is plealed in havings >7» iViEMorss o? having attained and accomplifhed the end and inteii-- tions of his own boundlefs love, too great to be fatis- fied with conferring only temporary favors in this im- perFe6l ftate, and they are pleated in partaking the fall effedls of that love, who arc we, that we fhould be difpleafed ? or that we flioiild oppofe our fatisfa6lion to that of the glorious God, and the glorified creature ? ** Therefore, Madam, whereas you cannot avoid thinking miich on this fubjecl, anchavi.ng the removal of that incomparable perfon for a great theme of your thoughts, I only propofe moil liumbly to your honor, thai you would not confine them to the fadder and darker part of that theme. It hath alfo a bright fide, and it equally belongs to it, to confider whither he is gone, and to whom, as whence, and from whom. Let, 1 befeech you, your mind be more exercifed in con- templating the glories of that flate into which your blefied Confort is tranfiated, which will mingle plea- fure and fweetnefs with the bitternefs of your afflict- ing lofs, by giving you a daily intelleclual participa- tion, through the exercife of faith and hope, in his enjoyments. He cannot defcend to fhare with you in your forrows ; but you may thus every day afcend, and partake with him in his joys. He is a pleafanf iubjeci: to confider. A prepared fpirit, made meet for an inheritance with them that are fanclified, and ■with the faints in light, now entered into a flate fo connatural, and wherein it finds every thing moil a- greeable to itfelf! Kow highly grateful is it to be united with the true centre, and come home to the Pather of fpirits ! to confider how pleafant a wel- come, how joyful an entertainment your Confort hath met with above ! how delighted an aifociate he is with the general AlTembly, the innumerable com- pany of Angels, and the Spirits of juft men made per- ic&. ! how joyful a homage he continually pays to the- throne of the celeftial King! Will Lady Rachel Russell, 271 Will your Ladyfhip think that a hard faying of our departing Lord to his mournful difciplcs : If ye loved tne, ye would rejoice that Ifaidy I go to the Father ; for tny Father h greater than L John 14, 28. As it he had faid, '*.He fits enthroned in higher glory than you can fran:ie any conception of, by belioldiiig me in fo mean a condi'iion on earth." We are as remote, and as m.uch fliort in our thoughts, as to conceiving the glory of the fupreme King, as a peafant, who never law any thing better than his own cottage, from con- ceiving the Splendor of the moll: glorious Prince's court. But if that faith which is the fubflance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not fecn, be much accuftomed to its proper work and bufinef?, the daily, delightful vifiting and viewing of the glori- ous invifibie regions ; if it be often converfant in thofe vaft and fpacious trads of pure and brightelt light, and among the holy inhabitants that replenilh them ; if it frequently employ itfelf in contemplating their comely order, perfeA harmony, fublime wildcm, unfpotted purity, molt fervent mutual love, delicious converfation wiVn each other, and perpetual, pleafant confent in their adoration of their eternal King — who is there, to whom it would not be a folace to think, I have fuch and fuch friends and relatives, fome perhaps as dear as my own life, perfe(5ily well pleafed and hap- py among them ? How can your love. Madam, fo generous a love towards fo deferving an cbjeft, how- can it but more fervently fparklc in joy for his fake,- than diilblve in tears for your own ? Nor fhould fuch thoughts excite over-hafly, impa- tient defires of following prefently to heaven, but to the endeavors of ferving God more cheerfully on earth for our appointed time ; whichi earncOly defire your Ladylhip to apply yourfelf to, as you would not difpleafe God, who Is your only hope, nor be cruel to vourfelf, nor diihonor the religion of Chriftians, aslf they had no other confolaiions than this earth can «£72 Memoirs ©p can give, and earth:y power can take from tbeir Ycur Lsdyihip, if any one, would be loth to do ar thing unworihy your family and parentage. Yc; 111 gheil alliance is to that Father and Family abo- whofe dignity and honor are, I doubt not, of highc. account with you. I multiply wordsjbeinglotbtolofe my defign. I fhail only add that confideration which cannot but be valua- ble wiih you, upon the firft propofal of him who had all the advantages imaginable to yht it its full weighs I mean that cr thofe i/iar pledges left behind, M own heart even bbedsto think of the cafe of thoi- fweet babes, fhould ihey be bereaved of their other parent too : and evtii your continued vifible dejeclicn would be their unfpeak able difadvantage. You al- ways naturally create.iri them a r<;verence of you ; and I canROt but apprehend how the conftant mien, afpecl and deportment of fiich a pareitt will infeni:- b'y ih3ijence the temper of duriful children, and, ii they be fad and defpondent, deprefs their fpirits, and take off that ed^e and quicknefs, upon which their comfort and ufefnlnefs will much depend. Were it p 'lii'^ie their now glorious father fhculd viflt and in- i^€\ .ou, would you not be troLibled to behold a Uo\. r. in that Lright and ferene face r You are to piealo a rr;Gre penet rating eye ; which you will do befl by putting on a temper and deportment fuitable to your weighty charge and duty, and to the great pur- pofes for which God continues you in the world, by giving ever unnecelT^ry folitude and retirement, w hich, though they pleafe you, i\o really prejudice you, and are more than you can bear. Nor can any rules ot d^ztncy require more. Nothing that is necef- fary, and truly Chriftlan, ought to be reckoned unbe- coming. David's example, ■2 Sam. 12. 20. j is or too great authority to be accounted a pattern of irKij- cer.cy. The G'id of heaven lift up the light of hit countenance upon yon, and thereby put gladnefs into ycur Ladt Rachel Rissell. 2*3 yonr heart, anl riv; t-- t^ sT^rrr^rr^ ^-~ -* '-r tt? ycHi, Arife, : Thatlhav^L.--. . : . ro apjiOiT, bet do thereto-? hide r* nor • : . - - _ - ^ ^ - - . - tr.-. conn: ^: eve: ber Cioit iiiicerchonorcr,and^i20tt humbie^Gevoteu icr^a... Welhall corcVce the rr:f^eir? of Ladv R-: . " xrith a rc^rlcsl tribute to her metric rv.extrideJ i::... /; : ...^Hh- Jr.: .. ■ o :hs ieiicr was ^iuss'Ut » fi*:s^c, <274 Memoirs of Mrs. ELIZABETH BURNET. s iHE was born November 8, 1661. In the .coiirfe oi her early education, fhe read -with great at- tention the' volumes which were put into her h^nds, but afpired after more folid and fublime lentiments than are to be met with in mod books. At eleven rears of age, fhe began to have a true fenfeofie- v'^^ion. Being married, at about feventeen, to Robert Berke- ly, Efq. and going to live in the family of her huf- "band's mother, The had the affliction to find her,thougI) a woman of exemplary life, a zealous Pa])ift. This <:ircumll:ance excited her to peculiar attention in fludy- iing the controvcrfy betv/een the Proteftants and Papifts, that fo Ihc might guard her hufband and herfelf a- gainft the artifices of Pop! Hi priefts, and the influence of his motlier, who had great power over him. The particular turn of his mind, and the deference fhe wi filed to pay to his parent, occafioned her fome per- plejfity, efpecially as ilie wifhed to avoid all dif- putes about religion, which were not abfolntely jieceffary. But her admirable difcretion carried her through. At the fame time, Vne inculcated on herfelf a more ;han ordinary exadlnefs of attentioa to the offices of piety, Mrs. Eliza heth Blrnkt. 275 piety, and tlic duties of life. She ftiidied to adorn I>cr prok-lfi )n by her pradtice, coiiflantly governing htr- ielf by the (tridelt rules of religion and virtue. J/iv- ing in the country, where fhc enjoyed much leifurc, Ihe LMve a ;2;reat portion of her time to devotion and readinu;. When inclined to divert iierftlf with work, fhe generally caufed fome pcrfon to read to her : and when her poor neighbours came to vifit her, which fhc encouraged them to d':> often, Ihe frequently read piou:t books to them herfelf, that fhe might in(tru(5t them without the appearance'of affuming a fiiperioiity. In this manner fhe lived lor fix years) ef^eemed and loved by all who knew her, not excepting thofe who, on accoiuit of difF^jrent opinions in religion, were like- ly to be mod prejudiced again(l her. In King James's time, when the fears of Popery began greatly to increafe, and Hifliop Fell being dead, ■who had had a principal influence in preventing Mr. Berkely's being gained over to the principles of his relations, Mrs. Berkely prevailed on him io go t-o liolland. Accordingly they travelled t(;gciher over the fevcnteen provinces. In the Popifh provinces, tlicy met, on account of his relations, a fmgularly kind reception, letters having been fent without their knowled.'e, to BrufTels, Ghent, Liege, and other con- liderable places, rccommcndir.g Mrs. Berkely parti - cularly, as one whofe piety and \irtuc were great enough to entitle her, had fhe been of the Catholic Church, as they called it, to the charader of a Saint. After thefe journies, Mr, and Mrs. Berkely fixed at the Hague, where fhe foon became known, and enjoyed a high place in the efleem and friendlhip of the moft refpe6tablc characters. They cofitinued liere till about the time of the Revolution, when they returned to England; and retired to their country-feat »t Spetcjdy., :r ■ Memoirs of Here Mrs. Berkely refumed her former coiirfe of jiie, and made the happieit progreCs in the doctrines snd pradlice of religion. She had generally fome young perfons in her family, for the purpofe of edu- catijr., on whom her excellent inftru6tions and exam- ple operated fo powerfully , as foon to produce a vili- ble alteration \\\ tlieni. Her knovvled(;;e and virtue attra(9.ed general notice. She contra6led aii intimate friendlfrip with the emi- nent Dr. StiiiingUcct, Jjilhop of Worceftcr, who to liis death maintained a high etleem for her, and was frequently heard to declare that he knew not a woman in England who was her fuperior. In the year 1693, her liufcand v/as rem>oved by- death. From tlds period, as flie had more leifure, fo, file applied herfelf more entirely to devotion, to read- ing, to acls of charity, and the offices of friendChip.. She took upon herfelf the fame care of her late huf- band's Proteftant relations as if they had been her own. Indeed flie exhibited to them the tendernefs of a mother, fo long as (he lived, and manifefted her. kindnefs for them at her death. Nor did any of his family fail to receive from her the demonftratlons of a fjncere benevolence and friendiliip. Having a large income, fhe mianaged it with equal prudence and generofity. She feemed uneafy at every expenfe which did nor ferve the caufe of charity and benevolence. At her hofpitable manfion, the neigh- boring clergy were always welcome. To fuch of -them as were in low circumftances, flie paid particu- lar attention and refped, cordially eft'eemingthem. fo^ their functions anil labors. She frequently made them prefents of the mofl iifefnl books; and to fome flie generoiifly lent inoney without fecurity, expecting on- ly to be paid when by the Providence of God they might be put into more eafy circumftances, Mr. Berkely having ordered in hiswill, that a large fum iliould be appropriattdfrom his citate to the eF=. edion Mrs. Elizabeth Burnet. 77. ?(ftion of a hofpltal at Worcefter for the poor, fhe nf- ed great care and ailiduity to have thccleiign perfcc^t- ed as foon as poflible ; and it pleafed God to contin- ue her life till fhe favv it accompli flied. Befide the care of this bufinefs, (lie took upon herfelf feveral payments of debts and legacies from his edate, beyond what the law required. She alfo continued an emi-7 nent inftance of charity, to which {he had engaged Mr. Berkely in his life ; a charity, which has fincej by the divine blefling, fpreadalmofl: all over England ; the fettingup of fchocls for the inftruclion and edu- cation of poor children. The number of thefe fchools ihe afterwards greatly increafcd. After a widowhood of near feven years, fhe was married to Dr. Burnet, Billiop of Salifbury. In his houfe ihe found a family of children, whom fhe treat- ed neither with excelfive indulgence, nor unnatural fe- verity, but with all the tender concern for their edu- cation and befl: interefls which fhe could ha\e exhlb- ed, had they, been her own, > In return, fhe received from them every exprefficn of filial duty and love : and the Bifhop by his will, left them under her direc- tion in a w^ay much more abfolute than is ordinarily known in the cafe of real mothers,- He gave anoth- er proof of his efteem, and of his high fenfeof the hap- pinefs he beftowed on his family by bringing fuch a mother into it, though Ihe fliould bring nothing with Her, by defiring her to retain the eniire difpcfition of her own cflate, and tobeftow it by will as ihe pleafed. After this, Oie extended her charity miich furiher than before.- Inftead of devoting a fifth part of her income to benevolent objecls, fhe could with difficul- ty be reconciled to appropriate as much to her own life. Hence the fums which fhe confecrated to char- itable purpofes were large, Befide many other in- fiances of this kind, more than a hundred poor chil= dren in and about Worcefter and Salifhury, were taught at her expenfe. To be rich in good works, Z z was- ^7^ Memoirs of was the reigning dcfign, and capital pleafurc of he/ life. Notvvithftanding the interruptions arifing from a more diffufivc acquaintance, among whom Ibe v/as in the highel'l efteem, flie fpent mnch time in vvriiing on divine and moral (iibjecSls. A book of whicli llie had made the firfl draught in her widowhood, dellgningit entirely for her own ufe, fhe was now prevailed on to publifli. Finding it much approved, and williing to make it ftill more ufcful, llie printed, at her ov/n ex- penfe an enlarged edition, and diitributed the volumes among thofe whom fhe thought moft likely to receive benefit from them. This book, entitled A Method of Devotion, or Rul"- for holy and devout livingy with Prayers, bV. befide pafling through feveral imprcflions in her life, was reprinted after her deceafe, with memoirs of its Au- thor, by Archbiihop Goodwyn. It exhibits through- out, a vein of good fenfe and fervent piety. Its max- ims and rules are excellently adapted to promote a clofecorrefpondtncc with heaven, and a growin[^p.rc- paration tor it. We lliall only fek£l an inftance or two of the method it propofcs for meditating on por^- tions of fcripture, together with a rnorning and even- ing prayer for young perfons. The latter we Ihall add at the clofe of thefe memoirs. Pfahn 103. I 5. BJefs the Lordy my f 'Ail ; and all that is within me, hlcfs his holy name. All my faculties and powers, my underflanding and tiiought,' Ihall be employed to know my Creator and Preferver, by contemplating what is revealed in the •vt'orks andwordof God ; therctoreadthe wonders God hasdonefor the children of men ; the free gift of being and creation, providence and prcfervation. And to what Mrs. Elizabeth Burnet, lyg •what end could God, infinitely Jiappy inhimfelf, make man, bnt to be happy ? And Low can a creature ca- pable of thought, be happy, but in fubjeftion and de- pendence on a Being that is perfedl:, where pcrfedl love will cail out all tear — for fear has torment r My memory fhall be employed to treafure np and recount often to myfelf and others, the glorious marks o[ God's v/ifdoni and goodnefs, fo plainly ftamped on all his •works : and whoever choofe to retain God in their minds, cannot but love, cannot but obey him. Love r.£ceir:^.rlly attends all. known good, and where the gOwd is pertecL, h mud be the love and obedience. Verfe 2. Blefs the Lord, O my foul , and for-gct not &U lis benefits. As much as in thee lies, forget not any ofhis ben- efits.; at lead, defire to have a grateful ^cn(Q of them all. Verfe 3. Who forgives all thine iniquities, andheah all thy difeafes. But alas ! how often have I. forgotten my duty, and my true happinefs, by fufTcring the falfe appearance of good, or the bafe fear of fome tranfitory evil, to pof- fefs my mind ! How often have the clouds and difor- ders of padion, the attraction of Vvhat is prefcnt, the .allurements of fenfe, and the falfe reafcning introdu- ced to fupport the corrupt cufloms of the world, be- trayed me into fm and lolly ! Yet thy long-fuffering mercy, O Lord, has waited to be gracious, and has not puniflied me as my iniquities have deferved. O let me ever celebrate that mercy which not only un- afl:ed gives me fo much good, but after fuch ungrate- ful returns, continues to forgive me fo much evil 1 nay, is ready to hed thofe wounds to which my fol- ly has expofed me, audto give more grace and ftrenuth. even all I need, if I v/ill but af^ it, and failhfidly im- prove it. A'cilc aSo Memoirs or Verfe 4. IVho redeems thy life from defiruBl on ; tvh$ croiv?JS thee with loving kindnefs and tender mercies. — — Who when man had by fin, whofe wages is death, loft life and immortality, purchafed again his firft-defigned inheritance ; and that not with corrup- tible filver and gold, but with the precious blood of the Son of God, who, after a life of fufFering, and do- ing good, teaching a perredl law, and fetting a perfe(5l example, died for our fms, and rofe again for ourjuf- tlncation, and who will appe:^f again atthe.laft day, to judge and acquit all that believe and obey the Gof- pel, and then pronounce that gracious fentence : Well done, good and faithful fervant, enter into the joy of thy Lord : thou flialt receive a crown and kingdom that fhall have no end, laid up in heaven for thee. I Cor. 13. I 9. Though I fpeak zuith the tongues of men, and of an'^ g^Isy and have not charity, I am become as founding i'ra/Sf or a tinhling cymbal. The ■ greateft eloquence and flame in praying or ' preaching, without an inv/^ard principle ot tiie love of God and his creatures, is but like a dead inftrument, that may delight others by being well played on, but has no delight in itfclf, Verfe 2.' and 3; And though I have the gift of proph^ ecy^ and undcrfiand-all riyJ}e7-ieSy and all hnoiviedge ; and though I have all faith y fo that I could remove moun^ tains y and have not charity y I am nothing. And though 1 hefioiu all my goods to feed the poor ; and though I give 77iy body to be hurned, end have not charity, it profits m^ nothing. The gifts of prophecy, or pleaching, a capacity to underftand and unfold obfcure myfteries, a faith oi lairacles, or what is more aHouiftiing, a faith of mar- tyrdom, . Mrs. Elizabeth Burnet. aSr tyrdom, a iiberality that parts v/ith all its worldly goods to thofe who want, when they are without this inward grace of charity, fhall have no reward, and be of no profit. Now fince this grace is fo neceilary, and fo apt to be mifunderftood, how fliall I know whether I have it in truth ? The Apoftle has given the following rules : let them be the rules of my ex- aniination ; and it I am fmcere, I cannot greatly err ? Verfe 4. Charityfuffers lov.gy and is kind ; charity envies not ; charity vaunts not itjelf, is not eajily puf- fed up. Do not the ingratkr.dc or injuries I meet with, weary out thofe proper aces of kindnefs due to the in- jurious: Do I not envy the profperous, efpecially thofe I. favor nor r Am I not exaltcvl at my own prof- pcrity ; and do I not make a vain boaff, as if it were the etfc6l of my own fkill, or the rev/ard of my mer- it, and not the gift of God ? Verfe 5. Does not behave itfeif unfecmlyy feels not her GZim, is not eafiy provoked, thinks no evil. Do I not by my contempt of thofe below me, increafe the miferies of their poverty r Do I choofe to give up fome little benefit to myfelf, rather than that it fhould occafion fome great and more grievous evil to my neighbor ? Am. I not apt to be provoked, and to fufpedl ill intentions, without uifiic lent ground r Verfe 6. Rejoices not in iniquity , hut rejoice: in the truth. Do I not rejoice in injuflice, when I may be prof^ ited by it r Do I rather rejoice in what is jufi and '.rue, though it conduces to my damage ? Verfe 7. Bears all things, believes all things, hope's w// things J endures all things, r ■ ^^■ Dc aSa- Memoirs or Do I bear patiently thofe things that are mcfc grievous ? Am I ready to put thcbeft conftrijclion on doubtful a6lIons, and to believe the belt 1 can with* reafon ? And, v/here truth and evidence reftrain iny charity, do I at lealt hope better for the future ; and does that hope incline me to pray for thofe who life nie ill, and endure the p.refent inconveniences fo long as any ground ot hope remains r ^/erfe 8. Charity never faih^ i^c, ■ Such a charity, and fuch alone, will never fail. It is both more excellent and more necelTarvj than all other gifts and graces ; and will be more lading \ for it will go with us into heaven itfelf. Heaven can- not be without it r and in whatever bofom it is per- fe6t:ed, heaven is in great meai''u re there. O my foul, think often of the beauty of a univerfal goodnefs, the true greamefs of forgiving and doing good for evil, of an unatTecled humility from a true knowledge of one's {elf, and the great fecurity of conllancy and perfever- ance in doing good, v/hatever ill returns or difap^ pointments we meet with, by doing it for God's fake, snd for 'the relation mankind have to God. It maybe fafely aflirmed, that the daily obfervance of fuch a method as this, in drawing out the hidden riches of fome feleft portion of fcriptnre, by medita- tion, with mingled felf-application and prayer, would be one of the happiefl means to acquaint iis with our Bibles, fo that theword of God Ihould dwell richly in us ; as likcwife to inform the judgment, diredl: the confcience, pacify and comfort the foul, and ex- cite us to all holy duty. To pafs haftily over many chapters of facred Writ,\7ithout paufing to give it en- trance, is far lefs likely to turn to account, than the careful examination and ferious improvement of a i^w vtrrfes only, A bird may range for hours over a fpa* ciovis Mrs. Elizabeth Burnet. ^83 «ious flower-garden, -^vithout cclle6ling any food : while the bee, confining iifelf to a few fiowers, ex- plores them, dwells upon them, and quits them not -without extradi;;g and bearing away their precious treafures. Let us not merely read, huxjiudy our Bi- bles, and improve them as our great help in prayer, " Indeed," fays Mrs. Burnet, in her preface to the work above-mentioned, "the Bible is the beft prayer- book, and is full of noble thoughts that may by an or- dinary capacity, and with little alteration, be turned into the language of devotion." She kept a journal of her life ; employing a por- tion of time every evening in recoUedling and weigh- ing her condu6l and difcourfe through the day ; and carefully marking every error, in order to avoid it in future. She well knew how to diftinguKh between the means and end of religion, and juft ly appreciated the impor- tance of each. As fbe was exemplarily ft ri«5l and con- fcientious in the duties of piety and devotion, both private and public, (he was no lefs diligent in main- taining a careful government of her pallions, a cori- flant watchfulnefs over her whole condud, and an ar- dent zeal to abound in every good work. Though unfRilled in the learned languages, yet by making the bible her chief ftudy, by the ufe of the beft Commentators, and and by availing herfelf of the learning of thofc clergymen with whom fhe was ac- quainted, {lie attained an uncommon knowledge of the fcriptures. When converfmg with divines and Scholars with whom (he was intimate, fhe frequently took pleafure in difcuding deep and difficult fubjecls. But in mixed companies, and on ordinary occalions, she was exceedingly diftant from the affedfation of un- common knowledge. Her thoughts on the fubjeft of religion were gene- rous and noble. She confidered thofe the beft repre- fentauons of it, which made it appear beautiful and lovely J £84 MexMoirs of - lovely ; and which tended to promote purity of henrtj, united with an exahed zeal and fervor in the affec- tions. Yet ihe guarded againlt all enthufiafm ; nor ever affcdted to be wife above what is written. In her laft years, (lie delighted mod in bocks which treat- ed on the inward life of reiigion, the reparation of the foul from all creatures, and sn entire refignation of every thing to4he will of God. But above all, fiie %vas cpnfiant in reading the Scriptures daily, frequent- ly obferving that * the reading of the pra61:ical parts of them with a fpirit of humility, and in fimplicity of heart, with earncH: prayer, and ardent defires to un- deritand the w^ill of our hear.eiily Father, was the bed way to know of any do£lri?:je, whetiier it was of God or not.' Sr.e read the Bible rather as a mean to raifc her foul to great and fublinie views of Gcd, and to a iioble fenfe or foiid virtue, than from fpeculative curi- oHty, or a wifli to iliine in CGnverfa*:lon. And indeed fnt fometimes fp.>ke on thefe fubjeils in frrains that :^pproached to rapture, and fuch as charmed, while they animated, thqfe who heard them« Though her mind was naturally inquifitive, her ap- prehenf).'>n quick, and her judgment foiid, yet flic con- fined her inquiries to a few things. Accordingly^ •when fhe had made fome progrcfs in Geometry and natural Philofophy, (lie laid thofe iludics ailde, while her relilh for them was yet unabated. She applied the whole force cf her mind to religion ; and even in that, (lie valued knowledge, only as it purified the rnind. Her grand concern was to govern her pailions, to moderate- her defires toward created obje(^s, and to have her whole ioul habitually refigned and conform^ ed to the holy Vv'ill of God, Slie had a ji'il fenle of the danger of Popery, and often blelfed God for the Revolution , which (he zeal- ouOy defended, confideiing the prefervation and fecur- ity of the Proteftant religion as intimately conneded Tvith it. Yet her rifle tfions were ^owife aliena'.ed from Mrs. Elizabeth Burnet^ 2)?| frcm thofe who entertained different fentiments. She was very careful to avoid v/hat tended to contention on this, and every other fubjedt. If an unhappy dif* ference arofe among her friends, (he immediately in- tcrpofed to effecl a reconciliation ; and was often fm- gularly fuccefsful in her benevolent attempts. If any were fpokcn againfl in company where fiic was, (he endeavored to vindicate or excule them, if pra6licable ; if othervvife, ilie exerted herfelf to turn the difcourfe to fome other topic. She confidercd formal vifits as one of the burdens of life, though fhe did not fuiTer herfelf to neglc£t any civilities of this kind, which could be rationally expe6led from her. Her difcourfe in company v/as clieerful, though guarded. Few among thole pofiefT- ed of her piety, have attained to fuch fprigi.itlinefs and innocent freedom. Severe to herfelf, the avoided all appearance of feverity to others, andall oftentatioQ of piety. Nor was ihe prone to cenfure thofe who did not iattain the flri6lnefs which in herfelf fne thought indifpenfable. Her delign was to render fe- rious religion as agreeable to all, as poflible. Her hum/ility was vifible in her v/holeconverfation. She was eminent in her condefcenfions to thofe be- low her. She utterly contemned the pomps of life. Her necelTary compliances with what was ufual among thofe of her rank, in point of drefs and diet, were chaftened with great plainnefs, though in nothing did (lie afFe6l fmgularity. In her friendlhips, Hie was moflconftant and faith- ful. She cheerfully embraced every opportunity of ferving her friends, efpecially in their bed intercfts ; for this file conceived to be the befl and nobleft end of friendfhip. She conHdered herfelf as but half dif- charging her duty to thofe with whom fiie was inti- mate, unlefs befide her bed advice, and faithful re- proofs, (lie gave them a place in her prayers. A a She p.^ Memoirs o.f She W2S an excellent economic of her time. She .prayed, read and wrote Co much, that it might natural- 'ly have been thought (he mud have confined herfelf ahnofl entirely to her clofet: yet (he was fo confiant- Jy employed in doing good, fo helpful to her iriends, and fo eafy of accefs to all, that it was difhcult to conceive y/h^t opportunity fhe could have for retire- .ment. A perfon fo eminent in every thing amiable, can- not eafily be fuppofed to have. had many enemies. In ihe few inilances of this kind^which occurred, Ihe very -clearly manifefted, by the. returns fhe made for ill of- fices, that fhe could not only forgive from the heart, but overcome evil with good. Under frequent indifpofitions of body, (he exhibited not only patience and refignation, but remarkable cheerfulnefs. Efpecially did fhe learn from thefe af-. iiidions to bear the lefs important evils of life with .great equanimity. Itv/asfeldom obferved that any perplexity or difappointm-ent in her private affairs ^ave her ccnfiderable uneafinefs ; though her concern for her friends and the public was fo great, that any calamities which af!li6led, or even threatened them, would afFed her mod fenfibly. He who had oppor- tunity' to know her mofl intimately, was often heard to fay, that '^ her zeal for the public good, and that eagernefs of fpirit which kept her intent upon it, was the only thing he had ever obferved in her, that look- ed like excefs." After fhe had been long affii6led with great debili- ty of conilitution, her complaints affumed a very a- larming afpect. A journey, and the ufe of medici- jial waters in the year 1707, efFeded a partial reftora- tion. But in the January of the foUov/ing year, fhe wasfeized with a pleuritic fever, under which fhe funk in a few days. The nature of the diforder pre- ..vented her fpeaking much, but fhe exhibited through- ' aifedions, rendered her company and converfe at once- picafant and inftruclive, and by the blefling of God,, was very ufeful to many. Thus, endeavoring to perfuade and allure thofe a- round her to walk with her in the path to Zion, fhe" held on her courfe with great refolution and alacrity ;. proceeding from ftrength to llrength, exhibiting unuf- ual attainments in divine knowledge and grace. The, bleiled. Mrs. Elizabeth Bury* 493 blefTed work which fhe began early in the morning of life, fhe unremittingly purfued through the day. She felt that file had much to do, and that, of infinite im- portance ; that her feafcn might be fliort, and that every moment claimed an improvement. She often remarked on what is faid of Jacob, [Gen, 29. i.) that after he had met with God, he gathered up his fecty (fo the original might be rendered) and went on his way : an example which ilie propofed for her own imitation. In profecution of her pious defigns, '^iXQ determined to keep a daily m.em>orial, which might be, as ilie ex- preiTed it,<2 zvitnefs [between God and her czun foul. In this Diary, which file is fuppofed to have begun about her eighteenth or twentieth year, (he recorded (fomc- times with 4(puch m.inutenefsj the mod remarkable providences refpe^ling herfelf and others — the fol- emn tranfaclions between God and her foul, in the clofet, family, fan61uary, and her daily walk — the in- iiuences, confoiations and withdrawings of the Spirit of God— her daily infirmities, afflictions, fupports, felf-examinations, evidences and foretalles of eternal life — her advances in religion, and her apprehended decays, &c. 6cc. In this method (he found many advantages ; and foraetimes remarked tliat were it not for her diary, ihe fhould know neither what (he was, nor what flie did, nor what ftic had. By recourfe to it in feafons of at- flidion, temptation and darknefs, fhe often obtained great relief. The review of psft experiences fre- quently proved an excitem.ent and help to future con- fidence. Hence fhe reccm.mended the keeping of a diary to others, that God might not lofe the glory, nor themfelves the comfort of their lives. It was eafy to obferve a very lively impreffion of the image of God upon her foul ; and the whole train of Chrillian graces was exhibited in a beautiful har- jxjony, in the Qourfe of her life and condu.dl. 294 Memoirs op 'Her humnity appeafed in her courteous treatment of the poorell: around her, 2nd her readinefs to con- verfe with them, erpecially it fhe perceived any prof- pe6l of doing them good. Her writings teltify how vile fhe was in her own eves whenever iTie came before God, and how much fhe abhored herfelf on account of the Lerna maloruyn^'^ [:\s file expreRed it) or the /«- fin i ty 0/ evils which (hQ found in her liriiur nature, and which rendered her a burden to herfelf. She was likewife greatly humbled by obferving the conde- fcenfions of divine grace under all her infirmities. ** What grace ! and fuch grace to me, to unworthy'' me, to vile, ungrateful me 1" Nothing fo much af-" fecfed her heart, as the grace of God to fuch a finner* Her patience under divine chaflifemenls was re- mark able. - She frequently expre'Jed h^f^fubiniilion to her heavenly Father's di-fcipline in fuch language as this : ** This, or anv other method. Lord, to take away fin. This flefh (hall bear it, and this fpirit fhall not repine at it. This is a partof thy covenant, and I am thankful for it. Thou haft done me good by afiiidions, and wilt do me more, and therefore I "U'lll glory in them." Under the unkind treatment ot fome whom fhe had peculiarly ftudied to oblige,- and whofe interefts flie had often efpoufed to the pre- judice ot her own, fhe manifefted a very exemplary felf-poflpfiion. She had .a tender feeling of the fe iff- juries; but by the grace of God, fhe was fuperior to^ them, and ftill rendered good for evil. She eyed God ■ in all, and ever referred her caufe to him. She was thankful to her divine Benefador for the' many bleliings fhe enjoyed in reference to the pref- ent * Lerna luas a lake near Argcsy in Peloponnefus where Hercules is /aid to have fiain the Hydra, ivhofe heads'- dTf fabled to have grown again as faji as they zvers' sut of. H^nce L^rn:^ mAovuoi may/tgnify ^n uif\nity> ©f titled Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. 295 cnt world ; but frequently declared, ' ftie would never take it for her portion, fmce God had tendered heav/- en and himfelf to her.' The cares and vexations of the v^'orld, ar.d efpecially its finfulnefs, had weanecl her affections from it,aiid caufed her to fi^h and pray for her final relcafe. She was not elevated vviih its fmiles, unlefs in thankful nefs to God ; nor deprefTed by its frowns, unlefs (he apprehended her fins to be the caufe. Her mind was generally in an even (late, becaufe (he habitually afpired after a belter country and inheritance. ** O for thofe. realms of light, and love, aiid purity !" was her frequent ex predion. Her love to the fouls of others was manifefted in her frequent infirucf ions, counfels and reproofs. In regard to her acquaintance in general, it v»'as one of her firi'l folicitudes to know how they were refpeding religion. After ferioufly and faithfully converfing with them on the fubjed, (he would earneftly pray for them in her clofet ; and was greatly thankful whenever (he found ferious impredions made on their minds. She conilantly bewailed the ignorance, im- piety, profanenefs and immorality (he faw, or heard of, in any ; but above all, thcinfenfibiiity and v.ick- ednefs of the feed of the righteous ; the children of prayers and vows. fier aftedion for the truly pious was very cbferva- ble. She delighted greatly in their company, and re- garded them as the excellent of the earth, however they might be overlooked or defpifed by others. — She loved them as the children of God, and fellow- heirs of the kingdom, would diligently frequent their alTemblies for prayer, and always promote forae fpi ritual converfation. Where this was negleded in company, (he was difappointed and grieved. In her Diary, v/e often find her praying that her vifits may be made profitable to herfelf and others, that pre- /Cious time may not be wafted in trifling difcourfe, ;Uut that (he and her companions may be helpers of cack $^9^ Memoirs op each other's faith and joy, and may have fome com- forting conference on the kingdom. She often la- mented that the communion of Saints, which was an article of the Chriftian creed, was fo much forgotten by m.oft Chriftians : and fonietimes, on returning from unprofitable converfation, (lie would com- plain, that thongh lliehad flruck fire often, it always fell upon wet tinder. Her charity and beneficence were difplayed to ma- ny efpecially to the houfehold of faith, whether na- tives Qfi her cv/n country, or foreigners. She fpared no pains nor expenfe during her widowhood, in car- r}'ing on her defigns for the relief ot deftitute families exiled on account of religion, for ere<5ling charity fchools, for the maintenance of minifters, and candi- dates for the facred office, and for a provifion ot bi- bles and practical boohs, to be diltributed as there fhould be occafion. Many long and expenfive jcurn- les did ihe take for promoiinsj tiiefe deligns among her acqnsintance : and l"he fometimes pleafantly remark- ed, thatfhe had acted the part of a beggar folong, that fhe was n w almoft really one herfelf. She much approved of perfons' exprefsly devoting a certain part ot their eilate tr^ pious and charitable ufes. In this cai'e, fhe would lay, they will not grudge to give out of a bag that i<: no longer their own. She thought that thofe who had no children might properly, ifcir- cinr: (lances favored it, appropriate a tourth part of their income in this wav ; and praclifed according- ly herf^If. Her faith in Chrifi:, and dependence on the coven- ant of her God was the daily exerciTe of her foul. Af- ter clearing up her interefi in Chrifr, which Ihe did with great care and caution, (he prepared and nieth- c^ized a choice collection of proniifes failed to every ftate, relation^ duty, frame, temptation and difficulty. From thefe promises, Ihe derived condant (Irength and comfort ; and on them fhe grounded her pravers. She Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. ^9^ S7ie took Tier arrows out of Grd's own quiver, plead- ed with him from his own word, and wreltled with him in his own rtrength, for herfelf and others, in ev- ery ordinance, and in every fcene of life. She not only took fad hold of God, by the promifcs of his co\'enant, but kept her hold, fometimes hoping a- gainfl: hope, till fhe had bafRed temptation, fubdued corrnption and fiirmoun'ed every difficulty. The reaches of her faith after Chrii1:,her folemndedicatiqiis of herfelf to him, and fteady repofe of foul upon him, as her only rock and refuge, were fuch as did not ap- pear in common Chriflians. It might well be faid to her : O ivoinany great is thy faith ' And it was often faid : Be it unto thee even as thou wilt. She confidcred vjulking ivith God zs implyine ^tcceptable in other families. And fuch was the fuceefs of thefe religious attempts, that I know not of one fervant flie ever had, but was firfl or laft under fome awakenings and convitrifling in the place of her retirement. The great work of this pious v/oman's life, was preparation for death. Shebeganthis important work early, fhe purfucd it daily, and with great fuccefs. She often reviewed the feveral flages of her life, and penitently bewailed the fins of her childhood and youth, as well as of her fucceeding years. Nor could 3iie reft till fhe found peace and pardon fpoken to litr foul. It was about her twentieth year, that flie was fav- ored with the firft alTurance of the love of G^kI, and of her title t© eternal life. For fifty-fix years after- ward, fhe lived in comfortable communion with God, and the joyful expeclation of the promifed inherit- ance. She caretully laid her foundation in God's covenant with Chrift, and with finners in him, and her own cordial confent to that covenant, and then c c . built 3^® Memoirs of built upon thepromifes of God, and the righteoufnef^, merits and mediation of the Lord Jefus Chrift She would often fay that < though it fhould forTiCtimes rain in at the roof, fhe muft not therefore pluck up the foundation, or fufpecl her fafety from every fhock or failure in the courfe of her life and adions.' She was conLiantly coir.plaining of a corrupt na- ture, ^and often of an evil frame of heart, and wander- ings from God in feafons of duty ; but ftill Die an- cliored her foul on the Redemption of Chrift, and I'ept her hold of the covenant of God in him, and thus her hope was ordixiarily fteadfaft, even to the end. She was often taken into God's banqueilng-hcufe, where flie found the banner of his love difplayed over iier. Special remarks are to be met with in her dia- jy, upon fome days, and fome hours, as affording her greater delight than all the refi.— ** O joyful morning, -^r.ever to be forgotten !— Blelled day of God, a day of heaven .to my foul ! — Tlvis day in God's courts was better than a thoufand.— O how the face of the dear Jledeemer fhone on his unworthy duft in that ordi- nance! — O the fulnefs of joy, and ravifliing confola- tion of the Spirit of God, this morning in my clofet ! ; — Was ever fuch grace as this ? What ihail I render to the Lord ?'■' She lived long at the gate of heaven, and therefore it is no v/onder that fhe fo earneftly defired to enter into the beatific- region itfelf. Often would file fay, '* The bleffed hour v/ill come ! — Kow gladly would I enter into the hea-renly Courts !—VvMien ih'all I fee God r — O hov/ I long to get out of the tents of Ke- dar, and be at reft ! — Come Lord Jefus ! come quick- ly ! — I love my relations on earth, yes, I love them dearly ; but I cannot but love my God and Savior, nnd love them better. — O for that life of purity, and iovc, and joy, where every thing will be as I would have it !" For Mrs. Elizabeth Bltrv. 31^ For feveral of the lad years of her life, Hie found herfelf in a declining (late. Daring iliis period, l>.ci vnight be truly faid 10 be wailing for her dirn:iifi!on. Her vigor of mind, clearnefo of thought, and ihcngtii of memory, continued to the lad, and f!ie often cx- prefled her ardent defircs to enter into her eternal relK On the third of May, 172c, as Hie entered with Mr. Bury, into a friend's houCe, where ^they were to have dined, (he was fuddenly feized with an exquifitc pain in one of her ears, which prefently caufed Inch :i deafnefs as to render her unconverfablc. Upon this, ihe dell red to withdraw, and went home. Her deaf- nefs continuing, a pleuritic fever foon followed, and after- that a lethargy, which in part deprived her friends of That heavenly difcoiirfe they promifed them- felves they fliould have heard from her, upon her death- bed. In former illneffes, when fne herfelf, and every one elfe, thought her under the fentence of death, fhe was' always far above the fear of it, though naturally of a very timorous fpirit. She even triumphed over it» Tinging, ** O death ! where is thy (ting ? O grave • where is thy vi6lory ? Thanks be to God Who givetli me the vi6lory, through our Lord JefusChrid. — I am fighting,-' faid fhe, ** under the great Captain of my falvation, and can bid defiance to all the powers of hell, and boldly encounter Satan in his own kingdom. — I am now in the dark valley, but I- fee light at tlie end of it, and the gate of heaven ftands open.- O let .me go into endlefs love,- and live that fmlefs life ! — When, Lord, (liall I come to thee ?' Almoft gone, and yet r cannot go.— O iny dear friends, v/hy fo cruel ? What fhould I live any'longcr for ? My work isdonc, and w4iy woidd yon not have me go to reft ? Give me- up, I entreat you, to God, and do it cheerfully. My conftant prayer has been, to be always waiting, and hoping ; and this is my prefent'frame. — It is an abun- d-int anfwer to all your prayers for me, that I have peace, 212 Memoirs o? «^ ].>eace, and hope, and comfort, v/ithoutany doubt, or tear, or lufpicious thought of my falvailon. I am furcl have not Mattered my felf in the trial of my ftate, j)or been fiiperficial in it ; and I am fully perfuaded that God will not deceive me. — I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine. It is but one itruggle ; and better now, if God fees fit, or elfe I have all this to do again. — Fath.er i into thine hands let me commend my fpirit !" — With pleafure would (lie feel her faul- tering pulfc,and fay, "^ When wilt thou beat thy laft ? It is not death yet ; but, blelled be God, it is pretty near it. 1 hope I ihali not return to labor, and for- rovv, and fm again. O that i had the wings of a dove ;, then would I fly away, and be at reft." Yet file would often add, ** We have need of patience, that after we have done the will of God, we may inherit tha promifes." In her lail illnefs, fhe had the fame ileadfafl: faith, and flrongconfolation llie had experienced before, but found more difficulty in her palfage out of life, than iiad been expected. From her lamentable groans for fomc days together, it was concluded that her pains muir be exquiute. Yet when Ihe was an.<.ed concern- ing lierlelf, ilie generally anfv;ered, *' I feel but little p:tIn,onlv am rcltlefs." Her cold and excefTive fweats continued for many hours together. Though the nature of her dlforder prevented her from fpeaking much, yet what (he did i'peak was al- ways-rational, as well as fplritual. Her mind was not only cahn and compofed, but very cheerfid, wl-Ten- ever ihc awoke. ** O my God," laid ihe, ** I M^ait for thy falvation. — This day I hope to be withChrlft in paradife. — The promlfesof God are all yea and amen in Chriif Jefus ; and here my faith lays hold, and here it keeps its hold." On the eleventh of May, fhe entreated her friends ■with great earnellnefs, to detain her no longer by t^eir prayers^ but r.efign up her foul to Gcd j ** vvhichj' '; fa vs. Mrs. Elizabeth Blrv. ->(> fays Mr. Bury, ** we did with as much carneHnefs as ever we had alkcd her life before. Such are God's ways to wean us from our deareft enjoyments in this world." Ab Hit ten o'clock that night, the prifoner was releafed from all her bonds, and obtained a i^lo- rious freedom. Her heaven-born foul took wing for the realms of light, and v/as welcomed to the ]ny cf her Lord. She had often made it her prayer to God, ihaf /Ije vught come of' honorably in her laj} encounter, that" To neither religion might be difcr'ediied, nor her iriejids difcouraged, by any thing which- fhould be cbferved in her. And as God had abundantly anfwered many of her prayers before, fo he very graciouriy granted this requefl \ tor fuch were the lively exercifcs of her faiih and love, that they entirely triumphed over al). her fearsj and carried her with tx full jail \\\\o the ha- ven of glory,- To the great comfort of her furvivin<'; friends, (he left the world at laft without cither figk or groan, and with a plcafanter finile thi.n was cvcr obferved in her countenance before. Mr. Bury> herhufoand, who d rev/ .. ... accor.nt of her life, has made a large colle<5Lio!) of cxcelleiu pa4Tages from her diary. We mull content ourfeivcs with the following extracts tr;^m what he Kas rnore dirFufely communicated ; conBiienr that they will prove highly pleaiing and edifying to every fciious 1690, Sept. 27. When I was nine or ten year? old, I tirll began the work of felf-examination, and beg- ged the all-fcarchtng God to try, and difcover me to myfelf ; and I think I may date my converfion about tiiat time. • I have kept an account of my trials of myfclf finc^ 1670 ; and though my undutiful, ungratefi;! returns have niied each examination v.'ith juft and bitter com- C c 3 plaints. ^14 Memoirs of plaints, yet upon twenty years' review, to the glory of trse grace, I take it the cafe has ftood thus with me. My judgment has efteemed God, even his holinefsj the molt delirable good ; and I would be partaker of his holinefs, whatever it colt me ; and I have general- ly been V'/illing and thankful for the fmarteft difci- pline, in hope of that deiired effect ; and I would iliil be more holy, thoui^h by ficknefs, pain or any other af^iclion, having aiv^ays accounted fin the greatelt evil, and nov/ for many years my bittereft afflidlion^ though in fome hurries, I have not i'elt the moil fenfi-. ble mournings for it. As I have chofen God for my portion, fo I ftand by my choice, and rejoice in it above all the v/orld ; and, through his grace affi-fting me, I refolve never to forfake him, though I die for it, which I tliall never do without extraordinary aids, having no natural cou- rage. I have chofen the path of God's precepts, as the means lo this end, and have deliberately, entirely ;:*nd joyfully given mvfclf to Jefus Chrift, the W'aVj, ihe truth and the life ; and his love I prefer to all the work! i and by many fweet, though too lliort experi- iences, I have found his love lifting my heart above all eartlily enjoyments, and fometimes making it joy- ful amidii pain and trouble, which has hinted the povver of his prevailing love, and made m^e hope it ^vill cad out fear, if he calls me lo martyrdom. My hope is in God thro«gh Chrifl: ; and all I have 1 would part vv'ith,. rather than his love, and the inter- cfr I hope 1 have in it. My defires are after him above gold, health, friends, Iionor, &c. 1 long to have fuller communion with I'^ather, Son and Holy Spirit here, and the uninter- rupted communion of heaven. My forrovv and anger are ufually mod intenfe a- gainll fin, though too violent torrents of thcin have been often fpciit on iny fuiieringSo My Mrs. Elizabeth Burv. 315 My hands, feet, head and heart follow not as I would. My life is itained and blotted with daily fins, yet God knows I loathe them. ^ I find daily defe6ls in my duties, yet I have a rerpe6i: to all God's com- mandments. O wretched creature ! Sin flill dwells in me. I cannot do the things I would, but I would upon any terms be rid of fin. I fin daily ; but I dai- ly forrow for, and hate fin, and fly to ihQ fountain op- enedy which alone can cleanle me. I forfake and renounce the Devil's dominion ; and as I have received the Lord Jelus Chrifi, fo I watch, and pray, and itrive to walk after his will, and holy example. The world gets near me, and about me, and I am too ready to follow and ferve its pleafures and con- veniencies ; but it is more folid joy to my foul to fay that *' Chrid is mine," than to be able to fay, ** this kingdom, this v/orld, yea, all that I ever loved are mine." My own righteoufnefs I abhor. The beft, the mon perfect, the mod: lincere fervice I ever did> or hope to do, gives me no hope of acceptance, but in and through Clirift. O Lord Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Spirit ! thou art my portion ! Whatever this flefii would have, Lofvl, let me be thine at any rate ! Truly I am, and would, and will be thy fcrvant by choice and co-ifent, whatever thou givelT: m.e, and whatever thou denielt m.e. O how bountifully has God dealt with me, while he has loved me from death to life \ Lord Jefus! thou art my way to the Father ; my only Mediator. I have accepted thee to teach and rule, as well as fave, my guilty foul. I cry as hud for purifying, as for pacifying grace. I am willing to be kept from my iniquity. I except no darling fin from thins iron rod. I ;iflv no mercy for it, nor would J ihevv it aiiy. 1 approve ^nG Memoirs o? I approve and fubfcribe.to all thy precepts, as holy.^' ju(t and good ; as beit for me at all times, and in alT" conditions. Let my heart be fearched, and I will' love the word that fearches it. I account thy law my liberty. Thou haft drawn, and I have run. Thou haft made thy word miy love, delight and ftudy, and it' is the ftacere bent of my life to keep it. O that I might keep it to the end ' lO over- - oivi the OSf* 30. Strength to combat, rathe-^ '■■'^'• come : yet feme viclory, and more ex; all-conquering Spirit of God, freely proiiiH^:;. 1691, Sfpf. 27. Full of pain anti pleafure. Lcrdf what thou wilt : with fuch ainftance, it fhal! be no' burden to me. Sweet was the word, commending Ghrift as my foul's Phyfician, and faith as the inftni-' mcnt of application : my heart anfwering the marks' of the healed ; and yet not fuch lively joy as in the morning. 1692, 'j . Lor:l ! bow imfpeakably fwee':' has ^iiis moruin^, c arldreis been ! Thy prefence has been better than life in itsutmoft perfc^dion. And if' ever i choofe the beft of fenfual pleafnres before, or with the abatement of ought I have tafted this morn-* ing, let thefe lines witnefs againft,and recall my back- Hiding fouk O that poor deceived worldlings mighL- tafte of thy prOviuons ! and that thy dtar diftreifed- childr;jn might feed joyfully thereon ! Loid, fupport' in the way thofe whom thy grace lias made heirs and" expectants ot future glofy. Fe5. 19. Aihamed and fad, in the confidcration of' the Vv'onderful ftnicVr;reof m.y houfe of clay, inhabited by an immortal fpirit, capable of itiieCtion, &c. yet' both fo long utterly ufelets to my Creator's glory ; (till fo little anfwering the noble intentions to which body and foul were moft wifely and righteoully dire(!:/ied :— «*^ yet adoring the divine boimty^ pity and patience, that pardon, adopt and fandiiy fuch aa Unworthy creature. I reu^ned Mrs. Elizabeth Bury, 317 2 reilgned body and foul entirely to him who made them, begging a vviiling, happy dilTolution. March 20. Faint, yet purfuing ; dull, yet adoring;, impure, yet loathing ; wandering, yet returning ; go- ing to the fountain opened, to be purified from all (in,. that tills day may begin my eternal Hallelujah ! JpT-'d 7. Unftabie as water, my foul cannot excels Where are the fwect influences lately tailed • O im- mutable, omnipotent Father of fpirits ! in thee only 1 live, move and am : thy gifts and callings are with- out repentance : thou canil raife the dead : let my foul revive. * yiily 19. All the world never gave me fuch fatisfy- ing delight, as this morning's communion with God. And whence is this to me, that my Lord will thus viiit, revive and cherilh his poor, dull, languilhing, unvv^orthy child 1 O what fhall the full allimilating^ eternal vifion of my God be ! Sept I. My delight foon abated. It is ^^/r// weath- er, vvith me. I am flill on a iioating iiland. Lord ! when fliall I dv/ell on the continent ? Dec, 14. Glorious fights of future glory fweeten the world's frowns, and -death's terrors. And now, Lord ! let me fee man no more on earth, if I may fee the Iledeemer of loft man in glory. O the triumphs of ;hy love ! And v/hat can vile dufi: fay more ? Is this the manner of men, O Lord ? Who is it, that finds his enemy, and kls him go r Bu4 hov/ long, and hov/ often hall thou found me in enmity, and refcued me from my felf-ruining lufts ! and now ilione into iny ungrateful foul,, as if I had ntver grieved thy Spirit ! Oh ! Eeep for ever the im-prefTions cf thy myf- terious love on my imtltable fpirit. 1693, Feb, 16,- Continual violent pains render me incapable of reading, prayer or meditation; yet I am willing to undergo any difcipline for the removal of my I'pifitual maladies. Strike, Lord, fo thou ftili liesleft. Wound^ for my cure, and fpare not. ^tg Memoirs o? May 6. Refle(?ting on my finful foul frommy child^ hood to this day, I find my heart humbled with amaz- ing forrovv for that which r ftill remember, and of which I flill feel the remainders*. I am alloniihed at the patience of God, in whofe fight all my pafl fins, \vheiher remembered or forgotten by me, are fiilf prefent ; and yet he waits to be gracious to an un- grateful and rcbd'ioi^s c;c:i:vrc. I acivnowledgc i defervc nothing but ' .-. ; : i riy to the mercy of GoJ' oifered in Chrift, n: ' 'X he w^ould dealvvith my fins after' his own h-i...\.i o. t^^m, and iliev/ mercy to' me, a miferable finner, according to the tenor of hij* gracious covenant in Chrift Jefus. May 7. Thy vows, O God, are upon me, and my' refoiutions are renewed, to be more thine than ever ; but the grace and flrength to perform them are thine. Lord, give what thou commanded, pofTefs what thou liaif purchafed, and perfect what thou haf!: begun. Sei)t. 16. Indifpofed body clogging my afcending foul • rehiring flefh flruggling with arefigning will :^ the Holy Spirit affiifing ; fome vidory : fweet, calm; joyful hope, love, and longing for the coming of my. Lord Redeemer ; my Life, Love, Joy and Crown. 1695, July 14. Lord I how fv/eet are the returns of thy favor, after dark defertionl What can difpleafc' my foul in all this difcipline, while thou increafelf, and helpefi me to aCl, my faith on thy truth, power" and promife. Lord 1 while thou haft taught me by thy Word, and helped me by thy Spirit, to believe, how eafy are the difliculiies ! how light the afRi(Stions ! i^ow reafonable the dark difpenfations ! how true thy retributions ! how clear the myfteries of the gofpcl ! ]^.o->v hopeful death itfelf i and how certain the pro^- mifcs that concern thy Church ! all which iiave {o puzzled and afflicted my foul of late. iV^f. I. ,The Lord has guided, ^nd fwcetly calms' :ny fpirit, and gives fome victory over pafiion, pride^ jnpatience, reluciance at divine difpofals— with joy' and. Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. 31^ ra-d thankfulnefs in and for his redeeming love.— Adoring my heavenly Father in wounding and heal- ing my^fmtul foul and body, praying lor^ thofe who AingratefuJly treat me, and tor the feed of his fevvantF, 1696, Jan. 3. Dulhand penfive, under ungrateful treatment from creatures, yet well fatisfied with my heavenly Father's love and difcipline; choofing rather a bitter v/eaning from, than an inordinate love to any thing here. Jug. 4. O how much better than life, or any thing in life, is the loving kindnefs of God, fo fweetly, io evidently, fo abundantly mani fefted to my foul this morning ? Lord, how free, how full, how humble nnd ingenuous my confcilicns, when thy Holv Spirit indites them, and grants me his alTiHance ! What a view of (in ! what melting fname and forrow ! what tears of love ! what delight ! what panting after m.ore grace ! what cahn and joyful acquicfcence in once dreaded difcipline ! what cheerful, unreferved refig- nation ! Lord, how long have I ftruggled in vain for what of thy free bounty thou haft given in one hour ! Lord, keep it ever on my heart \ 1697, Jan. 3. God taught me to pray, and licard my prayer. He afliCted his mclfcnger to draw the bow with full ftrength, and to cry to him to dire6l the ar- rows. Lord, I loojc, and will wait for fomte of the arrows from thv quiver litis day to (lick faft in my own foul, and the fouls of others. I blefs thy name for fweet diredions to live on another's life, to fatisfy by another's righteoufne fs,, and to a61: in another's ftrength. Lord, ftre.ngtben thy weak creature 1 March 20. 1 rnade a fearch into my heart, before the Sacrament, with refpecl to the nature and eifeds £)f true faith, and find I am glad of the difcovery even of fuch truths as moft direclly ftrike at my ftrongeft heart-fms, and moft violent inclinations. I am as glad of the threatenlngs, that pov/erfully work on inc for my reform.ation, as of the prc??iijes that refrefii m.e. J believe »>2o Memoiks of I believe them all» and, fo far as I can ciifcern, wifli their energy in purifying, as well as comforting m.e. I embrace the promifes with delight, and find, through freq grace, a. fpi ritual tafte and relifh for the food of life, fuch as fometlmes quite weans me from the love of the world, and gives me great peace of con- fcience, joy in the Holy Choft, and love to Chrift's fecond appearing. I find good hope, through grace, that I live by the faith of the Son of God, who gave himfelf for unworthy me ; for I delight in his word above my appointed food. It has been in fome mea- fure of an affimllating nature. I hope i have attaiJi- €d to fome, and I pray and labor for more growth, in tiniverfal, uniform obedience to God's commands. I depend on the perfect righteoufnefs of Chrift, and muft own that ircrn the beams of that Sun of^ right- eoufnefs, I have received a gracious i'ilumination up- on my foul, and a powerful inclination to all good — a tender fympathy,for the mof!: part, with the Church of God, even when my particular (late inclines me to a contrary temper — and a free ufe of fpi ritual fenfes ; feeing the light of God more perfectly and frequently than \nu3l, hearing his word with delight, tailing his mercies with comfort, feeling and mourning under the v/ounds and prelTures of fm. I love divine truths, not fo much becaufe they are proportionable to my defires, but becaufe they are conformable to God. I refolve in all dates to rely on God's mercy and provi- dence." I wholly renounce all truR in myfelf, or any concurrence of my own, naturally, in any good. I build not my hopes or fears on men ; nor make them, nor myfelf, the end or rule of my de fires. I indulge no known fin. I have no known guile. I allow not the leaft fin, nor appearance of evil. I hate the firfl rifings of fin ; and bitterly regret the leaft, the firft, the moft unavoidable thought that rebels againft the divine law. Mrs. Elizatseth Bury. 3^,1 March 28. Glorious morning of the dry of the Son of man ! Lord, what is all this world to me ? Thy clarkeft paths appear light and pleafant to my foul. Thy will be done with all my heart. All thy ways are, and have been holy, juft, good and true. In very faithfulnefs thou haft afflided^in tendereft bowels pit- ied, fpared and borne with thy peevifh, ungrateful child, and yet fayeft, thou art mine, and 1 am thine, and hafl filled my foul with joy, adoration, love, pralfe, refignation, acquiefcence, hope, truft, above what I can remember I ever enjoyed. O that prefent expe- rience may ftrengthen my faith in future combats. Amen. 1698, June 22. A cheerful morning this: my heart appealing to God that Chrift is my choice, religion my bufinefs, the holy Scripture my rule, heaven my defign, the faints my beloved companions, and the or- dinances my delight when I m.eet with God in them. 1699, Jan. I. With fhame and forrcw my foul re- fieds on the fins of rny whole life, and particularly of the year pad. O Lord 1 days and years have not taught miC wifdom : but after fo long experience of the tendereft care, compafTion, patience, pardon and provifion, what a monfter of ingratitude do I ftill continue, and this after refolutions, covenant- engage- ments, and hopes of better. Lord, how unfruitful, dull, wandering, flothful and fretful is my heart ! And muft it be ever thus r Is not cleanfing, quicken- ing, ftrengthening, promifed and fealed in thy coven- ant, as well as dedication and refignation on my part ? Lord, I gave my foul and body to thee for fandifica- tion, as well as juftification : I renew my folemii covenant this day, and go forth to the gofpel fcaft for all I v/ant, and thou haft provided. O give bread, not ftones, to thy ftarving child, though unworthy to be called fo : yet, through grace, I am thy fervant, thy child. Let thy bowels move toward nie. Draw me till I follow hard after thee. Waih me in the vital D d ftream 32Z -Memoirs of if ream from my dear Lord's fide, till I feel I am cleanfed, and return with praife. 1 70 1, May 29. In a fliort review of my life pafl, I adored divine patience, goodnefs and wifdom, which have been exercifed towards me from my birth to this day, in God's bringing me into fo noble a being; fiif- taining fo polluted a wrench, a tranfgrelTor from the /Womb ; bearing fo long the rebellions and vanities of my youth ; wifely chailening my proud fpirit by the difpleafure of fome, and by difappointments from oth- ers ; drawing me by his Word and Spirit, and driving jne by affli£lion, to prayer, and encouraging my early addreifes to him \ difpollng me comfortably in the world ;imbittering over-loved enjoyments, to wean me from them ; bringing me into nearer commijnion with himfelf ; gracioully directing by his providence to a fecond marriage \ and giving me comfort in it, ■beyond my faith or prayers. 1702, Feb, 7. Upon the beft fearch I can make, if I'were now at the awful bar of God'stribunal, I muft fay, fo far as I can judge of my heart, it does hate all iin, as (m : it is, and loves to be humbled before God : it loves God for every rebuke of its lulls : it loves the perfon of Chrifl; in all his offices, and every foul that bears his image, though in nothing elfe lovely : it would approve itfelf to God, when no eye fees it : it choofes the image of Chrift more than all comforts. March 24. The good Spirit of God witnelTcd with my fpirit, to the marks of true Repentance ; in hating fin as fin, forfaking it, and flying toChrift for cleanf- •ing : forrow for fin has been frequently expreffed by tears, when a fenfe of pardoning mercy has melted my heart : it has been more general, voluntary and lading, than for any aflliclion. I therefore conclude God has pardoned my Iin, for the glory of his fove- jeign will, mercy, riches of grace, goodnefs, truth and'power ; and has chofen, redeemed, and will re^ ceive me lo glory hereafter. 1704^ Mrs, Elizabeth Bury. 323 r'704, March 1,2. I have now been for fixty years- God's care and charge ; and acknowledge to the glo^ ry of his infinite' mercy, that never was more un- worthy creature more indulged, pitied, faithfully and wifely chaftened. drawn and driven to God, my chief Good, by mercies, afTliclions, ordinances, providen- ces, all made fuccefsful by the holy Spirit's influence upon my foul. 1706, Ol?. 25, 26. I fetcloiely toexaminemy ftate, and begged of God to difcover whatever miftake 1- might have been under in my form^er trials, which I reviewed. Mr. Vines diftinguiflies the true Chrif- tian from the hypocrite, by the following marks : 1. A true Chrifiian's hatred to Jin , and his liking /# Gody arije from an inn a rd nature or principle. Lord, my confcicnce docs not reproach me when I fay, I hate the whole fpecles of fin, and whatever appears finful to me. 1 love the whole law of God for its purity, and my foul pants daily for more conformity" to it. 2. The inward man of a Chriflian is made up of Chriji. Lord, thou knowefl: that the little knowledge I have had of Chrift, the little faith in him, love to him, and talles of him, have made me hate and mcura for fin ; and 1 do fight againil: fm in his ftrcngth. I ~ have felt the teachings of God, and do love my ador- able Lord J.efus, for himfeif. My repentance and forrow for lin is moft pungent, when under the pow- er of lo\'e. I defire grace for fervice, as well as fci; falvation, 3. True grace cajis out fef-hve. It comes from Ghrift and draws the foul into union and acquain- tance with him. Lord, I Icve my foul and body, u hen they love and ferve thee. I hate that either Ihould difhonor thee. I am willing to deny myfelf any thing for thee : yet I fear too much of indulgence of Jfclf, by floth and love of e«fe. 4. Tq ^24 Memoirs o? 4. To IjVs find feck God for hi?tifelf, is above ihs- p:wcr of all common gifts. O Lord thou haft enabled my foul to love thee ior thy glorious excellencies and perfeAions, as well as thy redeeming love, though not always fo diftin6lly as I would. — From thefeand fimilar evidences, I dare not but conclude, upon the moft diligent fearch I can make, that I am a Chrif« tian, and no hypocrite. 1707, April 15. I believe thy power and truth for victory over fin, and the fafe poifeffion of heaven at laft. O leave me not, and I Ihall fhortly caft my crown at thy feet, and cry, Grace, grace forever ! to God, and to the Lcmb, and to the holy Spirit of love. April 20. Sweet was this morning's retirement, in reading iV«/72/5d?rj xxi. Lord, what encouragement is there in looking to Jefns, for healing of llie flaming iiings of fm in my foul ! What my tears cannot quench, my exalted Savior can. O fend thy Spirit to be a well of life in my foul ! Spring up, O well^ this day, and caufe me 10 fmg, and let poor, difeafed fouls be healed in the waters of the fancluary 1 July 4. 1 cannot yet get the art of awaking with Gcvd, giving him the nobleft, firil-born thoughts. Though gracioudy eafed of accle pains in the night, yet near an hour after waking, ere my heart fixed on heavenly objecls. Oh ! how fhort of due improve- ment of Hying m.oments, of fabbaths, holy ordinance?, ^ni\ Chriftian converfation, though gracioufly alliiled in all, and lately more than formerly, blefied be God ! Augufi 17. I go to this holy feaft, [the Lord^s Sup- per,) for increafe of faith, that 1 may more clearly ap- prehend divine truths, and be m.ore diftin£l and firm in the alTiirance of them, that mjy confent to the cov- enant may be more free, refolved and delightful, that my love may he more inflamed, and that I may be more patient in fuffering, and more diligent in doing, the will of God. I depend on the fufficient grace of God for ftrength in all duties, for wifdom to dire(5l me, - Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. 325 »ie, and for vidory over fin and temptation. Help, Lord, under all affli6tion, and in my lafl: change i Strengthen my faith, patience and diligence, by this ordinance ! 1709, y^ft. I. I bewailed the fins of my life, ef~ pecially the pride, felf-love and vain-glory I am fniarting for, in my dear relations' mifery. Lord ! I loathe my (inful foul : I adore thy patience : I ac- cept the punilhment of my iniquity : I acknowledge thyjuflice, I admire thy mercy, in the everlaifing cov- enant. I renew my covenant with thee in thy ftrength, to be entirely and eternally thine ; and can, through thy grace, profefs, that I have neither power norhicli^ nation to revoke myfoleinn dedicaticti to thee. I love and ehoofe ail thy laws "and precepts : I abhor every devi- ation from them in heart or life : I deprecate fin more than any fwffering. Accept, Lord, through Cliriil,thy poor willing, v/eak, finful child, in the fervice and duties of the enfuing year. 17 10, July 1 6.- I was grieved to read that aiTcr- tion of Popinus and Quintinus, in Calvin's time, that the only mortification required offinnersy was to cxtin- guijh the Jenje off^n in their hearts. But furely this is to mortify repentance y noifin ; to kill the new mar?, not the old ; to out-face confcience, and not to quiet it ! Surely where there is fin, there muft and vv'iil be trouble ! Nov. 17, 18'. I reflecledon the covenant I have long fmce made, and often with joy renewed, andwas nevl cr willing to retraa. I ftili find my grief, forrow ani iliame for my natural pollution and eftrangement from God, exceeds all the forrow and trouble I have ior any lofs, crofs or difappointm.ent in this world,. Though not fo paflionate, it is more durable. 1 do clleem it the worlf mifery I ftd, that I can love God no more ; thatft can honor and ftrve him no better. I am not a willing fubjea to Satan. I refift his mo^ tiorjs, I abhor his rule, and fiy to my Redeemer for D d 2 " ' {iier.".^;ii 326 Memoirs gf ftrength to overcome all his temptations. I do not^ confent to, nor indulge the intereft of the flefh. I flruggle againit its dominion. I would allov/ it but %vhat tends to make it more ferviceable to the glory of God, and the good of my immortal foul. I do not take up with this world for ray portion. I would lather be denied anything in it, if I may thereby en- joy more of God. I lefs defire its honors, riches and pleafures than formerly. I thankfully own thy boun- ty, O Lord ! in fupplying my v/ants, in fweetening my nearell relations, and a thoufand comforts 1 en- joy : but, Lord 1 I will not take this for my portion. J would rather lofe them all than the light of thy countenance, {o far as I know my heart. I do dai- ly, thankfully, joyfully accept and rely on the Lord Jcfus Chrift, as ofxered in the gofpci, to juftify my poor, miferable, guilty foul, that has nothing in it but fin and mifery, and muft perifii forever, if thou ■wilt not pity and fave it ; but hopes to cad-its crown TA thy feet, and cry, Grace I Grace I — Lord, I ac- cept thy government with equal defire as any of thy benefits, and would be faved from my fin, O Lord I thou knoweO". I except not againll thy crofs, though thou call for life itfelf, or any thing in it : but I am afraid of my poor, feeble, timorous fpirit. Lord i i rely on thy flrength. Never leave me to defert thy intereft, whatever it coft me. Lord ! Jehovah ! Fath- iher ! Son \ and Holy Spirit ! I ftill give myfelf to Thee, to thy praife. Lord ! thy glory is m.y ulti- jTiate end. All I am, or have, or can do, is of the Lord, and from him. With joy and thankfulnefs I rccognife thy right, and yield up myfelf to xhe/an^- if^^if^i power of the Spirit ; confenting that thou fhouldft cleanfe my unholy heart in what way thou pleafeft, and write thy law there, and make me obedient :— • 4ind to tliy di/pojing will, as the rule of^my patience ; that thou fhouldft fubdue every murmuring thought at any Mrs. Elizabeth Bury, 327 any thing thou doft v/ith me or mine. Lord, I am a foci J thou art wife \ let thy will be done. Amen. I'jii, Feb. II. Lord f I go forth weeping and wanting, to thy houfe and table. I muft always do fo in this wrldernefs. But blefTed for ever be the Lord, my Redeemer and my King, for his bountiful provifion's in the way, of which 1 am invited to eat, left the journey be too hard for me. . The Lord, my King, who invited me to his table, and gave me a fpiritual appetite and expectation, fat with me, 2nd entertained my foul, and fweetly excited my re- pentance, faith, love, filial fear and hope. Through his ftrength, I covenanted to love him and all his better. 1712, June 17, to July 9. In the evening (June 17.) about 7 or 8 o'clock, I v/as feized with a violent rigor upon my nerves, whiclilafted all night, and next morning a fever fucceeded, which fo m^uch affecled my head, that I was incapable of direding thofe a- bout me what to do with me. Yet fo gracioufly did God hear miy daily and lad fupplicationin fecret, that I was willing rather to depart and be with Chrift, and had not one cloud, doubt, or fear of death, through the whole ficknefs. The dlfeafe appeared defperate ; and no hope of my life from human help remained;.. But my dear relations ceafed not to pray, and call on others to join ; and many from whom I expected not fo great a fhare of afFedion, were miuch enlarged in prayer for me ; and the Lord was entreated to fpare a poor, fmful, unworthy, unprofitable creature, and fay, returriy while firong men bowed under the fame difeafe, and fell down flain, though they had the fame phyficians, and the fame means ufed for them, as my- felf. So, Father, it has feemed good in thy fight ( Thy will be done ! But what fhall I render ? What fhall I do ? I am thankful for life. It is the gift of God. It is given in anfwer to prayer. But, Lord, if I improve it not for thy glory, how fad fliall I be ! Thou 3:28- Memoirs of Thou knowefi: I had no defire to live but for oettcf fervice. And fhall I be called from a feemingly a- feundant entrance into glory, again to ftruggle with ilefh and blood, the v/orld and the Devil, and not be^ made more than conqueror, through theCaptain of mv falvation r O Lord, on thee, through thy afliflance', did I caft my finful foul and difeafed body, when I thought them parting afunder, without any reludant thought; and fhall I dii'lrufl thy power or love in what thou haft yet for me to do or fuffer ? Strengthen my faith by this experience of thy power and goodnefsV for Jefus' f«ike, v/hom thou heareft always. July 27. The Lord God of nature, grace and glo- ry, has been All in all to my foul and body this morn- ing. Son of David ! I feel thou haft the mercies of a God, and the compaffions of a man. O fatisfy^ my craving foul with nearer and fvveeter communion- with thee ftill, in thy houfe, and at thy table. 1713, March 22. I cannot deny, O Lord, the marks of a true love to thee. I do value thee above all, and Verily hope I can part with all for thee. I am fure> that I have a love for ordinances, and a thirft after- Thyfelf : that there is no pleafure fogre^t to me as- communion with thee ; no grief fo lafting and fo- pungent, as diftance and eftrangement from thee. L have not ordinarily any hard thoughts of thee. I am- fure I allow of none. ' I have a filial fear of offending, thee, efpccially when I enjoy thy fmiles. I can mourn heartily for grieving thee^ when thou art evidencing- to me thy pardoning love. My ftudied, allowed, and- moft pleafant m.editations are of thee. I choofe thy intercft, and would ever prefer it to my own, I love- thy memory, and to commemorate thy dying love at thy table. 1 do commend thy love to all otr.ers ; but O that it were more feelingly and fervently ! lam grieved when thy name is profaned, though I am not valiant enough in refenting the affrOut. 1 would o- bey all thy commandments mere fmcerely, freely and conitantly^ Mrs. Elizabeth Bury, 329 Gonflantly, in the mod difficult articles, and mod: dan- gerous ieafons. Lord, help me ! Eternal God-man! I love xhy pej'forif as well as thy benefits. I love thy fweet difpofitions, and aim at likeneCs, but attain too little. 1 adore thee as the Son and Servant of God ; as my Redeemer, Hufband and Advocate. I would fubmit, and be faithful, loyal and loving. I adore thy fuitablenefs. I feel my need of thee, and accept ihee in all thy ofrices. I adore and love thee for all thy graces, and ilrive to imitate them. I adore and Jove thee for all thine ordinances, in which thou haO; often fhewn me thy unparalleled love. Jprll 25^ 26. O Lord ! if I hate any thing, I Iiate fin ; and if I love any thing, I love thee : buf that I could find both in more intenfe degrees! — I' fee], Lord;, that in thy ftrength, Lean do all ; though io weak in myfelf, that I can do nothing.'' Lord, vouchfafe the benign influences of thy Spirit, and I fhall get nearer, and tafte more of thee, this day, than- ever. Awake, O North w ind ; come thou South.— ^ BlefTed Spirit blow, and I fliall praife ! Ocf, 4. I awoke and rofe in pain, which abated with fuch tremblings, ficknefs and faintings, that my natural fpirits could give no afiiftance to the joys of this day. Yet never was m.y heart more joyful, more pleafed in meditation, prayer, hearing, linging, converfe, when my fpirits were fo funk that Ithought 1 Ihould ha'/edied in my pew. Howpleafant were the thoughts of going out of that tabernacle of grace,, to the glorious temple above! O holy Spirit of grace ! how free, how fweet, how powerful are thy gracious operations ! 1714. Sept. 30. O Lord, who fcefl into the fecret re- celles of my heart, thou knowefl: my moft ardent de- fires are after moreholinefs and refemblance to thyfelf. Thou gaveft this thirft, not to torment thy creature. Thou half pronounced a bleding on it, and .promifed that it Ihall be falisfied. But yet how little do I find mv ■330 Memoirs of my foul as yet conformed to thy image and will ! Lor(?> fhall I have the name of thy child fo many years, and yet no more of thy nature ? O that Iwere more meek, mcrcitul, hum.ble, thankful, patient, ready to give, and to forgive ! O Lord, 1 have chofen thee for my portion, and verily hope thou art and will be my ever- lafting felicity ; and yet, what little felfilh defigns and thoughts perplex my m.ind ! I- know, and daily feel there is nothing in this world can fatisfy my foul ; and yet every little difappointment in the creature difcom- pofes my fpirit. I feel this earthly tabernacle falling and yet what little joy do I find in the profped of my houfe in heaven ! Lord, what unaccountable contra- diftions are there in my o'"eceitful heart ! O fearcli, and heal me ! 1715. June 18. In fearching my heart, I fiill find good hope, through grace, that I am thy child, though the moiT. unworthy one that could ever call thee Father. And how often do I forfeit the relation, and all its privileges, by my unruly, undutiful carriage, and un- filial temper ! O Lord, I own thy right to rule and difpofe ofme,andrownitmyhappinefs,- I have folemnly will- ingly, cheerfully devoted ray felf to thee, to be taught thy will, with a full refolution to obey and fubmit; to be heal- ed of the plague in my heart by any method thou flialt choofe. 1 rely on thy fatisfadion and interceflion a- lone, for pardon and reconciliation. Lgive myfelf to thy dIre£lion, with refolution to follow thy guidance always ; and to thy difpofal, with refolutions to ac- quiefce in all thou doft. Yet, Lord, my treacherous heart rebels \ obeys not thy precepts ; frets at thy methods of curing nyy finful foul ; is unapt to urt- derifand thy guidance, or negligent in following ; and fo fretful and peevilh a«t thy difpofals, as if it would Ve its own carver, and bafe felf its own centre* O Lord! I am amazed, afhamed and forrowful at thefe remaining feeds of the old apoftacy \ this pride, in- gratitude,. Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. 331 gratituds, folly. Lord, when {hall I be healed ? Waih me thoroughly, and make me clean. Renew 4hine image, and it is enough, whatever elfe thou de- nieft me. I willingly bind my foul to thee againll Jill fin, more efpecially this fm that does fo eafily be- fet me, the ^'///)A7r^«<:/ of my fpirit at thy wife and holy difpofals. Lord, I own it is moft unjuft, un- ieafonabie,ungrateful,yet I cannot Gonquerwithout thy strength ; and in that, I covenant never to indulge it. I hate my uncharitable, peevifli refentments of inju- ries, and hardnefs to forgive and forget. Lord, in- creafe Kiy faith, that I may do better. I will now covenant, in thy ftrength, to walk more Godlike, more holMy and righteoully, and to be more inward- ly and univerfally good, in all places and relations, in clofer communion with God, in ordinances and prov.- -idences, and to watch againft all fm, and be more tiiligent in all duty. But, Lord, without thee, I cau do nothing ! I am oppreiTed ; Lord, undertake for me. July 31. I went out in hope ot feme revival, and heard fome of the fermon ; \_a partial deaf r.efs was ^low upon.her,~\ and my heart anTwered the marks of a deliberate, free, humble, thankful, cordial, unllmit- -ed confent to be the Lord's. I renounce ail others, and love to love and obey him. -I love his precepts ; and would rather conform to them all, than be par- doned for breaking any. I fubmit to bis difcipline ; -but cannot be fo cheerful under, or thankful for it, as 1 ought. Lord help me, that I may neither deipifc -the rod, nor faint when I am corrected. I adore and love all tiiy perfections, even thy juilice, power and •fovereignty. I know thy goodnefs is comm.enfurate with all, and is thy glory. I adore and f&ke thee for my portion here, and for ever. I defire no other, but .more of thee, and then I have a goodly heritage. I like and love thy people, though weak, infirm, and with fpots, as I have, I love thy iniiitutions, and Jong 333 Memoirs of long to enjoy thee in all ordinances, and to imitate thee in holinefs, juilice, goodncfs and patience. Lord thou knuvveft this to be my love and choice ; thou madeft meconfent ; and therefore I hope thou haft chofen me, a poor, vile, impotent wretch, for thou betrotheji in righteonjnejs to thy covenant [Hojea 2. 19.) with thy Son, my Redeemer. He has paid my debts to thy juftice, and thou wilt not be twice paid. ThoM betrotheji alfo in judgment ; on mature counfel. Thy gifts and callings are without repen- tance. Thou forefavvelt all events, and how often I iliould abufc thy mercy, and grieve thy Spirit, and yet hetrotheji in judgment. O adorable, pure love and kindneis, to betroth a creature fo vile by birch, fo de- formed, fo lame, fo blind, fo weak^ fo poor, and yet fo proud ! O the multitude of mercies original and aclual, firft and continued m.srcies, in this efpoufal ! Betrothed 2\'iQ in falthfulnejs. Though fubjevR: to fo many infirmities, and worfe tranfgreHions, yet in faithfulnejs. Though I fin, and thou corredeft, yet thy faithful covenant falls not. Thou wilt nev- er caft me otF, and I fiiail never depart from thee. Amen. Amen. Ocl, 2. Lord, melt my dull heart with the diftin- guifliing, unparalleled kindnefs fliewn to unworthy me, in watering my fleece, while the ground has been dry around me. O the riches of immortal grace ! If I outlive my fenfes, I cannot outlive my graces. O how beautiful ! how honorable ! how durable ! 17 16, June 30. In fearching my heart, I have fiill good hope that my beloved is mine, and I am his, though ftill a poor, vv^eak, unworthy, defiled child, loathing myfelf, hating my fin, aihamed I get no more vicliory under fuch means, fo many chaftifements, and more mercies, but flill find fuch rifings of corruption, •on every temptation. Yet blefs the Lord, O my foul ! for fpcedy recovery, and gracious aids of the holy Spirit, calming my mind, and raifing my affec- tions Mrs. Elizabeth EiLRY. 333 'tlons above this world, Tlie righteoufnefs of Chrift is fufficient ; and 1 depend on it for pardon, healing, conduct, and perfeverance to eternal life. I would be at thy difpofal, not my own, though too often ir.)- fiefh would iiave what thou feed good to deny. What- ever decays of nature I feci, or muft yet fwfFer, let thy grace grow and increafe daily more and more, till thou bring me to glosy. Many dangers and difficulties are flill in my way home. Flefn and heart may fail, the world frown or flatter, my heart is deceitful, the devil, fubtil and malicious : but thou, Captain of my jalvatlon ! hafl fulfilled that character to all that ever truly trufted thy conduit. On thee my foul relies. fail not to perform all thy work in and for me, till 1 caft my crown at thy feet, and fing Hallelujah to the Lamb for ever ! 0£i. 6. Not fo watchful over my tongue as I ought to have been, having told a fault of a member of the ?:oi}gregaiion to anotlier, before I had told the guilty. I begged pardon for this, and refolve on more watch- ful nefs over my words for the future. Dec. 3r. On review of the year pad:, J m.ufl: Hill witnefs to the truth and meTcy of God, who has not turned away from doing me good. I acknov/ledge '^vith (hame and forrov/, the pride, paflion and peev- ilhnefs of m.y fpirit, under flight temptations, againit conviclions, penitent confefiions, refolutions, prayers and tears. Innumerable vain and finful thoughts and words have i been guilty of : — yet the Lord has fpar> ed me this year alfo ; has reflored my hearifig, con- tinued my fight, previded food and raiment in abun- dance, given me more health than many of my age, and many times eafed my pains and healed my difeaf- es, when I cried to him. But Oh, the rich grace and mercy to my foul, when airaofl: overwhelmed with forrow at finding fu ch fad remainders of fin in myfelf, and others dear to God and me.— Very fweet the Sab- baths and all the Sacraments of this year ha\:e-bcen, .£ e i -have 334 Memoirs of 1 have received many gracious anfwers of prayers for myfelf, and fick friends. And nov5^, Lord, I acknow- ledge the fweetnefs of following thy conduct, relying on thy ftrength, and depending on thy word. I ac* knowledge the pleafantnefs of thy ways. Only iny ilips in, and fteppings out of thy paths, have made all the bitternefs of the year. ' ;Lord, enable me to keep the refohjtion of the year, to leave every circiimftance of my future life or deatli in thy hands, to be watch- ful over my words, and to do to others as I would they/fhould do to me !-I acknowledge the multitude, ihe feafonablenefs, the extenfivenefs of the national mercies, in anfwer to the prayers of a poor remnant. . . . But O how fhort our returns of praife and duty. 1717, Fel?. 10. Lord, how fweet has this day of the Son of man been to me ! in fecret reading and medi- tation ; in prayer alone, and with the family ; in pub- lic prayer, fmging, preaching, and after-refledion. O Son and Lamb of God, v.'ho diedft for me, and haft given me life ! let all my interefts ever bow to thine ■ — ai! my corrupt pafTions be fubdued by thee — my life ready to be parted with at thy call. O holy Spirit of grace ! contini;e thy fweet and powerful influences on my foul. 1 7 18, July ,14.. Very dull and drowfy all this day. 2 have often covenanted to be the Lord's with foul and fpirit, with will and affedions : but yet how treacherous and unprot'itable have I been I I have Tcnounced fin, felf, this world ; yet how often have I been overcome by tbem ! I have taken Chriil Jefus the Lord on his own terms, to. love, obey and ferve liim; but how fhort have I been found in all! I have given up myfelf to God through Chrift, to the fandli- fying operations of the holy Spirit, to the command- ing power of his lav/, and the difpofals of his provi- dence, and would be "to him a praife ; yet how often have I been a diflionor to him ! Lord, I flill refolve, in thy ftrength, to be what I ought. Be furety for ,iby weak, b°ut willing/ervant ! Dec, Mrs. Elizabeth Burv. 335 D^fT. 31. Infinitepatiencchas borne Avith me this year alfo ; and pitied, and pardoned, and revived my droop- ing foul. When I have accepted the punilhment of my fin, and returned to him with weeping and fup- plication, he has turned my midnights into joyful and bright days. In all the changes ot this year, God has called and encouraged me to pray and wait ; and he has heard and anfwered. And my foul acknowledges his truth and goodnefs in all I have called upon him for. ':.... 1720, Jan. I, and 2. I encled the laft, and began the prefent year in extremity of pain. After a long, vaking night, I could not hx my mind on any thing W'ith comfort, till pail four in the morning, when I furrendered myfeif afreili to God, and begged healing for my difc-afed foul. Irofe at fix in much pain, en- treated of God to reconcile me to his" difclpline, and fhew m.e wherefore he thus contends with me. Not long after, I had fome eafe, and was carried in a cluir to the houfe of God, where 1 gave thanks, and expe- rienced a joyful day: Lord,' pity and heal my foul, and prepare me for glory 1 O make had:e, my Beloved, and end thefe days of f:n and forrow to a poor diftreii- ed worm, that longs to be w^ith thee, Feb. 21. Sweet entertainments ! How excellent is thy loving kindnefs, OLord! How gracious was thine affirtance to thine atr.balfador in public, and to a pbor worm in family worfhip! March 6. I went out and heard the fermonin great pain, and renewed the folemn dedication of myfeif to God, with firm refolutions, in his ftrength, to acqui- efce in his all-wife difcipline, as bed for m.e, however grievous to my fiefh. 1 returned in great torture, but with fubmiffiOH'to the rod, though its lirokes are very lliarp. April 18. The Lord has hitherto helped mt under bodily infirmities. 1 pray ?.nd hope and wait for his gracious aids, under ^11 my fpirftiJ^l complaints and laaladies* 33^' Memoirs op maladies. Thou, Lord, knoweft my Imnger andthiril; lor more righteournefs : and thou haft laid I ihall be filled. I rely on thee, O thou eternal Jmen, and on thy power, compaflion and faithfulnefs, tor what L want, and am longing for. /Way r. [Tzvodays before Jhe zvti3 feized zvith herlaji fichnejs.'}, While 1 looked inward, I. w^as overwhelm- ed with forrow, for the fad remainders of vain and evil thoughts, pride, felfi(hnefs,&c. which damped my joy and praife. O Lord, accept my broken heart, which tliou haft faid thou wilt not defpife. Teach me bet- ter how to rejoice and mourn togeiherj and give m \iclory over my heart-fins. IMrs. Bury, as her hufband and biographer obferve?^ ** wrote often to her intimate friends, efpecially fuch as were young, to perfuade them of the reafonablenefs and benefit of the great duties of religion — to w^arnt them againft the temptations of their age and ftations, and to improve tlieir education — to excite them to early and exemplary piety — toconfute their objedions — to imprefs upon them the obligation of their bap- lifmal covenant — to I'atisfy their Ipi ritual doubts, to encourage their hopes in God, and ]'erfevcrance ia a Chriftian courfe." We conclude the prefent memoirs with a few o: thefe valuable letters. Letter L V^o a perjon impatient under crojjes, Aly penfive temper feeds not fo much on fu- ture, 2s prefent troubles. I never live, till I get an hour's ccnverfe with myfelf, and with that God in whofe hand my times are. But when I can turh in- ward,. Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. 337 ward, and ferioufly confidcr the caiife and effecls of iny impatient ftruggles under the mofi: juit and pe^r- fedly wife difpofals of Providence, I am cure J, for that day, by finding worle troubles within, than ever I found without. So true is great Mr. Dod's faying, that ivherefmfJs heavy ^ the crofs fits light. I cannot but think it unparalleled ingratitude, ihat creatures fallen from Gcd, the chief good, and final happinefsof immortal fpirits, and yet reilored by God incarnate, fliould fo bafely difputc the tailing of the cup, the dregs of which he himfelf drank up for us. What zzn "We fuffer, from friends or enemies, in body, foul, name or eftate, that he has not waded through, and triumphed over, for our good, and in our flead ? And- is not our quickening Head, the fecond Adam, as powerful to conquer fm and forrow, as the firft Adam was to convey them ? O for a more lively faith in the great Redeemer, to heal our fouls of this plague \ Could heathens fay, it was glorious to live, when it was eailer to die ; and cannot we be willing to live "when every thing in life does not plcafe us ? Oh ! how unv/orihy of Chrillians is futh impatience ! I long for heaven more for freedom from fiich reludaii-- cies at the divine will, than from any troubles this world creates mc Letter if. To a parent y on the death of a child. ~ 1 know your tender love to your children muft make a wound in your heart, when you lofe any : but L hope grace, and long experience of God-s all- fufficiency, eternity, and the unchangeahlenefs of his love and covenant, are better to you thar; ycur own, or y^^ur children's lives. The good alTu ranee yon r dau^h.er left behind, of her entering into imm'.rta^ L Q % glory 33^ Memoirs of glory, has fet her above our pity. And as to omfelveSj. our fhort remaining moments here, and good hope^^ through grace, of being very foon with all our de- parted, perfected friends, fliould greatly moderate our forrows. For why, for fo fliort a time, {hould we be fo much concerned whether we meet them next on earthy or in the heavenly manfions ; elpecially fmce the lail: only can afford us thai joy andpleafure which are without alloy or mixture ? If to hear that your children at a diftance are well on earth, rejoices you, why not, to know that any of them are well, and can^ Jicvei: be otherwife, in heaven ? Letter III". — I caniot but offer at fome adlftance under your Teeming doubt, J'Fhether a per/on may certainly 'know in what ftate he is P If once we can perfuade ourfelves that the greateft good is not attainable, it ceafes to be the objecSl of our hope and endeavor. That xvicked men may without doubt conclude themfelves luch, and confequently in a damnable (late, you might pofiibly believe more eafily, than that a perfon truly accepting Chriit upon gofpel terms, may difcern that lie doth fo, and is confequently in a flate of falvation,. But that both are to be known, I think is fufficiently evident from Scripture, fmce it puts us upon judging and trying ourfeives, and making fure our own fai- vatlon. Befides, how many faints have affirmed their knowledge and joyful evidences of God's grace in them [—Add further, that our bleffed Redeemer him- felf has laid dovv*n this as an evident title to the heav- enly manficns ; that if our hearts are there, our trcafures are there alfo, Maitleiv 6. 21. Can we ima- gine that the good Spirit of God would excite our defires after fuch an inheritance, only to torment or deceive us ? No, furely. He who is gone before, to prepare Mrs. Elizabeth Bury, 339 prepare a place for his difciples, has left them his Holy- Spirit not only to fit them for that glorious inh'jritance, but alfo to feal them up to the day of redemption, and give them undoubted pledges and earnefts of their fu- ture poifeffion. — The major propofition is unqueftion- ably true ; that he who believes Jhall be Javcd : the doubt will lie in the minor — but I believe : but upon ferious trial, you may come to the knowledge that you are the true believer. That fome upon their firft converfion, have been able to draw the conclufion, I have no reafon to doubt : but it is not God's ordinary method to convince, convert, and affiire at once. Do not therefore impatiently conclude that affurance is not attainable, becaufe it is not yet attained : but with ftrenuous endeavors be dill purfuing the making of your calling and eledion fure ; always remembering that it is the fame Spirit who works grace, who alone can fhine on it, and give you the clear knov/ledge of his work. Pray hard, and be very thankful for his lead afTiftance, than which I know not a more effedlual way to gain more. Bev/are of grieving him, by con- tinuing in any knovv'n fm, or negleding any known duty. If you dally or trifle in your return to God, it will not only make your cafe feem doubtful, but, like a broken bone, make you halt for many years to come. The fmallell fin, if not refifted and mourned over, will breed doubts and troubles, as furcly as pu- trid fiefli engenders worms. Therefore fall to your Avork in earned ; and I can adiire you, the fooner you begin, the greater will be your honor and peace. — - Though you may not prefently be able to affirm an in- fallible certainty of your date, yet, if by fuch means you attain a comfortable hope to encourage future en- deavors, who knows how foon you may triumph over your conquered_enemies I Letter IV. o,4<$ Memoirs or Letter IV. On the death of an intimate friend* I came hither to clofe the eyes of my dea'/ friend ; and fince ihe might fliine no longer among fmful worms here, I blefs God who brought me lo her inftruciive death-bed, where faith, fubmillion, pa- tience, and aimort uninterrupted joy in breathing af' ter her dsar Redeemer, more than equalled all I ever faw in one who lay fo long in fight of the laft ghaftly enemy. And though I cannot yet pray againft fiidden death, her fteadfaft hope and glorious conqueft have given me more tolerable thoughts of languilliing fick- nefs ; fince I' faw in her, that neither firength of pain, nor weaknefs of the patient, can hinder a tri-' umphant exit, when' God will make his joy our' iirength. Letter V. Direction's how to ir.flruSt a child, ' '- 1 ain glad yourbrother can fo prettily divert' you. I with you wifdom and love to initrucb him. Be very watchful of his converfation ; and whatever you find faulty in him, flaew him the evil of it, rather than charge him with it, left you put him upon lying to hide his guilt. Let him fee you love him, belore you chiile him ; and that you are ready to conceal or excufe his tolerable faults. Be very frequent, but not tedious, in your iallruclions, Oi'ren open the nature, and inculcate the neceflity, of prayer tor all we want, and the encoOraging' promifes of God that he will hear us. Llfp to your brother in his own"lar)guage', . •what he prays for by his form ; and labor to excite Inhiiua ienfe of his fad if ate by Hh; greater defires aner^- Mrs. Elizabeth Busy. 341 .iUer grace, and fuller refolutions and endeavors after the lite and power of gcdlinefs. Let fome part of his catechifm be daily recited, and what he moil im- perfedly repeats, be faid at his going to fleep, and at his firft waking. Talk over the fermons you hear together, in language adapted to his capacity ; and fail not to beg of Goil a bleffing upon all your labors, elfe you will do little to purpofe. If God makes you inftrumental to the converfion of your brothers and fillers, it will be a great honor and comfort, and pro- duce the flrongeil union among you. Take fpecial care of ihofe who- are in the greateft danger. Imitate your godly, impartial mother, who, though fhe loved, all her children alike, would yet often fay, if jheknevj to which child Jhe had conveyed mojl of her Jinful na- ture yjhe would pity, and endeavor the help of that child ?nojL Letter VL To a friend under great dejeSlion and defertion, ■In thefe dark hours of your life, thefdence of your friends may leem unnatural. I cannot therefore but heartily condole you, and beg you would not ima- gine your cafe to be unufual, or out of the road of God's fatherly difcipline : for what good Chriftian's diary did you ever read, or hear of, that has not fuch lines of complaint as yours ? And no wonder, when our Head, and Lord Redeemer almofl: dies with thein in his mouth. Why fhould we grudge to pledge him in that bitter cup, whofe foul was forrowful, and fore amazed r Can our jealoufy argue a dereliction, m.ore than his ? Are'not the gifts and callings of God with- out repentance ? If your foul has not been touched with the true loadllone/'jwhat makes it (land trembling towards Us beloved point ?• Is not love in defire, and lamenting. ^4^ Memoirs of lamenting after its object, as truly love, as when refl- ing in the enjoyment ? If you find much drofs in your belf gold, will you throw away both together ? Or would you change with one w^ho hopes without trial r I find it a Irequent artifice of the old Serpent, when upon ferious fearch, I hf.ve found fin in my heart, that did not difcover itfelf upon tranfient inquiries, to be very ready to perfuade me there was nothing elfe to be found there. I blefs God, I can at prefent be- lieve he lies ; but how long I Ihall believe fo, I know not, for, alas ! I have fomc gloomy days as well as others, efpecially under bodily languors. I doubt not that you addrefs yourfelf to fp.iritual phyficians, un- der your "prefent maladies.. Blefled be God, you have many fkilful and faithful ones. Search not without their help ; and may God fend you a Meflenger, one ot a thoufand, who may Ihew you your uprightnefs. I know that He only who creaies the fruit of the lip?, Peacey can make your help confolatory ; yet wait in the way of infiituted nieans ; and remember it was but a VittU further [Cant. 3, 4.) that the drowfy fpoufe went in her fearch, ere ^Ihe found, her (lighted and grieved beloved. I trufl: your prefent temptations to throw away your hope will not prevail. Howev- er, think not of thro vv- ing ofFduty, efpecially yourat- tendance on thnt comfortable, fealing ordinance, the Lord's Supper, which I have reafon to recommend to all my afflicted, tempted friends, fince I find it ao fmall mei-cy to go and renew my former covenant \ or, if I cannot find my fidelity therein, to make it a- new ; for furely God doth ther« renew his covenant with every. fallen child of Adam who heartily con- fents, though he cannot perfedly reach the terms ac- cording to his defire. It former ftated times of com- municating afford you not a fufncient fupport, be more frequent, fince every Lord's day gives you an oppor- pcrtunity in the city. Remember, my dear difconfc- late grandmother waited long at thefe waters, thougii Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. 543 ^Ith forrow complaining they were to her a fealed fountain ; yet her dutiful attendance ended in a tri- iimphant death. Before that period, I hope to hear you are emerging from under the waves that now o- verwheim you : and by'that time, you may be 'ready to fcrengtlien weak hands, from more glorious appear- TiUces of 'God to your foul. -I beg that the God of all confolation would fhine on the graces he has wrought in you, and will by his own methods perfe6i: in your foul* -, that, when he has tried you, you may <:ome forth as gold, and meet for the inheritance of the faints in light, where no doubt of God's love to you, or of yours to him, will break your peace or inter' xupt your joy more. Letter VH. , Cautions agarnfi fpirltuaJ declenfians, -A declining ftatc is incident to the bcft, anci therefore to be feared by ail. How Ihame fully have fomc of our acquaintance ftained their families, and whither have their gradual declenficns brought them at lad \ I know there are many who alTert a total apof- tacy from true grace ; but you and 1 have been taught "better, and can comfortably conclude from God's tm- changeable love, decree, and almighty power engaged for perfeverance, and from our union withChrift, and his conftant intercefTion for us, that the hah'its of true grace cannot be lod. But alas ! what abatemeiits may there be in the degrees and exercife, in the life and ftrength of it ! And how fad and deplorable is fuch a cafe ! Who can but pity a robuft body reduced to a fkeleton by a pining confumption ? And is lefs pity- due to fouls declining in their graces, when ardent love, ftrongderires,humbleft mournings, livelieft joys, are all withering, or choked with a confluence ot ' worldly 344 Memoirs op worldly cares, or pleafiires ? Ah ! the fadnefs of this flate ! May I never weep over any of my dear rela^ tions in fuch a cafe ! The befl: are apt to decline in duty, in their love and affedion to it, and fometimes find a fad diilance from God, an eflrangement from him, and a fhinefs of him in prayer, which yetbefore has been the delight and relief of their fouls. Surely,, retraining prayer is a very fad mark ; and when our hearts do not joyfully anfwer the call of God to fetk his face. And it is little better, when our wandering fpirits are not watched, called in, and made to ply their work, but flies light upon the facrifice that ufed to flame. Nay, if only our cheerfulnefs in duty fiiould abate, hov/ heavily fliall we drive ! If what was once our delight, becomes our talk and burden ; if after du- ty there is no advantage gained, no greater nearnefs to God, no fuller refolutions, no humbler re{]gna|ionSp how weary fhall we quickly be of our choiceft happi- nefs, for the enjoyment of feme inferior good, or what is worfe, fome foul corruption, which our treacherous hearts have fecretly fallen in love with, while yet we profefs to he entirely the Lord's. Thcreare in the heft, fuch remainders of fm, as e\'er incline to apoftafy ; for none are fo completely fan£lified, but the flefh is flill lufting againll the fpirit ; and in-dvv?eliing fm is an aftive principle, very im»portunale, and not eafily to be denied. The temptations, too, of Satan are al- ways aflaulting, and our own corruptions are ever ready to fide with them. Yea, and God's jufl defer- lions often concur ; for though he does not withdraw his love and care, yet for our neglects, he often may and does fufpend his influence and adlftance : and then what are we r — Let me entreat you not to lofe thefe hafty lines till you have triedyourprefent cafe, whether you are growing or declining. If grace withers, fo, 1 am fure, muft comfort. If this be your condition, remember whence you are fallen, and repent, and do your fird works, and lay hold afrefh on the great Re- deemer, Mrs. Elizabeth Buuv. 345 deemer. If your cafe be better, blcfs God, and rejoice my foul by letting mc know it. Letter Mil. Cautions to a friend ci the fuhjecl of marriage, It is very odd, that when you afk rny opinion in the matter propofcd, you only give me an account of the gentleman's circumjlarices, and not of his char- f^er. So far as I know, I mud freely own, that I fear the ellate Is loo great, and likely to prove a fnare to you. Bifhop Hall affirms, that riches have made many ixjorfe, but never any better. I hope you would choofe to be better, rather than richer, and that you ■will, never be biaiTed by an elhte, to an indifferent choice. You know I have ever cautioned you, and mufl: caution you ftlll, againil too great a fondnefs for wealth. Alas ! ihould you have it, hov/ many things; may imbitter it to you ! Should you have a churlilh Nahal, and you could only behold your riches witfi your eye?, and not be fufTered to do any good with them, how imep.fy would that be to your charitable, generous mind ! Gr Ihould your partner's temper bj good, yet if debts, or provifion for younger children, ihould cripple a man's eflate, it is but the name, and not the thing which you enjoy. But if neither of thefe difagrecables fhoukl happen, yet may not worfe ? Suppofing there is no piety, no ardent devotion inyour hufband, but an averfion againft your attendance 011 private altars, where yon have found more than all tliis world can afford you, what perplexity are you then tied to for life.' — I know what troubles you have met with, but might you not by avoiding pielent, plunge yourfelf into future difHculties ? It is betfer to be miifcrable by neceflity, than choice. What evil (jod infli6^s,is more eafily borne, than that which v/e bring upon oUrfelves-. Let me eiitreat you to mode- rate your defircs after worldly grandeur. Pardon mjr F f freedom. 34^ 'Memoirs qp freedom; If I am apt to be too jealous of you, iti$ ^ecaufe I love you. Letter IX. On the death of a good lady and friend, I am heartily concerned for the country's lofs, and my own, of that excellent lady ; and condole you ef- pecially,who had the honor of her friendlhip as much, I believe, as could confift with the inequality of your ftations in the world ; and her goodnefs condefcended more than is ufual, even in ladies of piety. A friend "wife, pious, compafTionate^fecretj&c. is a rarity while enjoyed, and a lofs feldom repaired in this world. But b what a friend is our dear Redeemer 1 He is not limited to one or a few, like our contracted minds, but condefcends to the title and offices of a friend, to all his faithful followers, i am thankful for the taftes of his goodnefs in creature friendfhip ; but in its ut- Vnoft perfe6tion,it is but a faint fliadow of the divine, :?.nd of what I find in my eternal Lover and Friend, the Lord Jefus'Chriil, whofe friendfhip has not the difparagement which all creature enjoyments have, of -Jjeing but a fhort and uncertain pleafure. Letter X. On a tradef man's cafttng up his ficp, *— Since you feem to be plea fed with any of my icrawls, I will give you a fhort hiftory of what has jjafTed with us this Chriftmas. You remember I now Jive with a tradefman called a milliner ; I fuppofe, from the multitude of things which fuch ordinarily Trade in,* efpecially in the country. It is a prudent- and V" 7/v Latin wordj miWCfJignifss a ihoufand-. Mrs. Elizabeth BuRr. 347 atid laudable cuftom with liim to cafl: up his (liop gen- erally once in the year. 1 love not to be ignorant of any thing that falls in my way without trouble ; and therefore to divert my mind, I have fometimes engag- ed with him in fome 'little part of this pleafant fatigue, the whole of which is a thorough fcrutiny into all that has been bought and fold, what has been gained by it, and what remains. In order to this, abundance of files of bills, letters and receipts, befide books, were to be examined : but my province was only to affill in meafuring, and to write on every piece after it was meafured, what it contained. The trial of gains was left to themfelves, and occupied them night and day v and every one was cheerful and pleafant at the con- clufion. I cxpoftulatcd >vith my landlord on the un- neceffary trouble of this, for one who had no rcafon to fufped his circumftances, but was anfwered by him, that befide the pleafure of proving it, bis future trade could not be fo fuccefsful, eafy and beautiful^ -without this exaanination. The fale of what had been bought direds to what is beil to be bought again, by difcovering what had been fold to the beft advantage. What had^been mifplaced, is now put in order again, and readily found. Befides, the gain made a recom- pcnfe for tlie trouble, and was a help to thankfulnefs. —Now, my dear friend, if we are fo wife as to this world, why flibuld we be fo weak for the other ? And yet how few are there, who with the like unwearied diligence, dexterity and cheerfulnefs, call up in their fpiritual traffic 1 I blu(h at my own floth and folly, and endeavor to commend hcart-examlnailcn to my thoughts for my Chriftmds employment. The refuit of alTmy landlord's trouble aiilires him he has gained by his laft year's trade, but can give him only fome probable conje61:ures how he may thrive the next ; together with many fears of lofmg by fome unfafh- ionable goods, which he looks upon with heavy fighs,^ But if, upon ferious fearch, I can find I have gained- any J4^ IMemoirs o? any true grace, I am I'ure of its increafe, and that ft can never be lo(t^ or become ufelefs. May 1 but find grace as a grain ot raullard-feed, I . can faftly con- clude it will grow up to a tree. The path of the jufl, as the Ihining light, will ihine more and more to the peric'6l day. If I iigh over the weaknefs of my grace, 1 am yet encouraged, when I read^the encomiums of my compailionate Redeemer on the weak faith of ma- ny who addreilcd him in the days of his Ifefh. There- fore, my good friend, let us call in the afliftance of otiiers, and diligently fearch our hearts and ways, and follow it to a comjbrtable conclrificn, and then my. diverfion may be ufeful to myfelf and you. — — Letter XL On the death cf a Si fur. ~ 1 thought I could have parted with a CiRer "vvith icTs difcompofure than I ffrid I can. I hoped that death would not have begun at the wrong end of the regiiler-book : but ihey are feniors in the beR- fenfe, who have fooneft done their work, and are firft iit for glory. Though 1 could not without tears have })arted with a filler to any diitant country on earth, though it had been to her advantage, yet reafon would have blamed, and foon overcome, iuch'a fond and fool- iih paffion. Surely then religion Ihould not only do no lefs, but even more ; cfpecially as my lifter is in a iar higher and happier preferment than all this world can pretend to offer. Our a1l-wife Creator f.rfc form-,, ed our raalTy lump, and then infp'ired it : and when he is pleafed to dilfblve the compofJiim^ it is nor that either of the conlliluent parts fliould be 'deRrovi-rl.. But the diifoluiion as to the righteous, with regar.' 'o theiry'o'w/j-, is immediate ^/jrj; and with regard to their bodie:., but a refining in order to a reunion. Th-3 oifaken maafi-oa is iiidged a melancholy object^, nnd it Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. 345 It is very affe6ling to clofe the dear eyes that were wont to delight us with their lllent rhetoric : but we more than water the body Town in dufl, while wc dim our profpe6t of the glory of our friends who have died- in the Lord. Why lliould I wifli the foul in this body ftill, merely to fay, I have a filter in fuch a place? What if heaven, where flie is, is farther off ? I am' fure, as that is more fuitable, fo it ought to be nearer, to my immortal part. And may I not ftill have com- munion with her, and with the glorious company ihti keeps, by loving, praifing, admiring and adoring the~ fame God, though I am yet on earth ? May 1 not re- joice in the thought of meeting her among the fpirits of the juft m-ade perfed ? Surely they have more cou- rage, better fuccefs, or lefs difficulty than I, who can Willi the fpiritual war protradcd :— but (lie has palled the pikes, O happy foul • Her body is indeed fown in- corruption, : it cannot defend itfelf from worms, and is at prefent putrifying and ioathfome: but it will not always be fo.'' If the innate defires of reunion^ could notperfuade me of a re furred ion, yet the inialiible word of God has aiTured me of it ; and that it Ihall a- tife, not as it was fov/n, anaturaland fJuggifli body, but agile and fprightly, and fit to ferve its fuperioc and Vigorous foul. It is a pleafure to me, fometimes, to think of the luftre and adtiviiy of glorified bodies, which reft not either day or night, nor fufFer any de- cays, imperfedlions, paufes or interrupiions in theic high and happy employments. Br; the greateli pjeaf- ure of all is, to' think of being/jr ever with the Lord.. Letter XII. To a friend under great afflUfionsy and fpiritucd fears ,- I cannot forget my prcmlfes of praying lor you,, and writing to you. I" daily attempt the one, and vvilb J could perform it better ; and Si to the other, B j5'C> Memoirs- o? jfhould rejoice if my pen could afTif!: your faith and ps-- tience under the fmarting rod of (I hope I may fay) your heavenly Father ; for fo it may be, though ac- companied with angry frowns. It is true, afflictions in themfelves cannot be proofs of fonlhip : but wg are fully afiured by the facred Scriptures, that thefor- eil trials are very confiftent with that privilege. The experience of many of God's favorites confirms it». AH the promifes of fupport under, benefit by, and de- liverance from fuch troubles fuppofe it. Yet our fouls are too apt to mifconilrue fatherly chaftifements into the revenges of an enemy, or to think there is more anger than love in them, and to murmur that they are fo long and heavy. But the all-wife Father of fpiriis cannot miftake in meafuring, timing and appointing his methods of healing fouls. If guilt makes you fear his wrath, rather than taRe his love, in your afflic- tions, you fliouid caft your guilty foul upon him for promifed red, and may well be alfured that God will not ex a cl; the debt from the ofl'ender and the furetytoo, T\y daily to that refuge, that furc hope, that juitify- ing righteoufnefs, and then you will find no fury in God, however grievous youraffli6lions are. You have liberty to pray for pity and help, as well as David, who w^hen he had aching bones, had a fenfe of guilt alfo, even of fcandalous fins. If your own,' or the cries of others for you, feem to be yet unheard, it may be 1 ur miftake to urge for prefent eafe, without a duo^ refpeCt to future cdre. Sin is the worft difeafe. It3 cure is to be fought, though by the roughefl: methods,. The children of God are agreed in this, and yet can fcarce fubmit the means to the infallible Phyfician. Though we can truft a furgeon to apply a cauftic,- though o^ lapis infernalis, and let it lie his time, ii* there be any hope of a cure, yet how hardly can we fubmit on higher reafon, furer hope, or happier expe- rience, to him whofe word of truth alfures uif that every thing he does fliall do us good, and both purge away Mrs. Elizabeth Bury, 351 awav our fins, and make us partakers of his holinefs ! I muft confefs thefe lines upbraid my own foolifh choice, oftentim.es, for myfelf and my friends. I^ut I pray and wait for better fubniilTion to the heaviefl flrokes, either on myfelf or them. ' Lelter XIIL Various difpevfations of Providence argued and jujiijied, • 1 have been long your debtor for a very kind and comfortable letter, which cam.e feafonably to hand, as I was groaning under great pain, and fympathiz- ing with others under bitter affliction. Since then, I blefs God, I have feen brighter days ; but clouds have returned after rain, upon others. And may not all this, put together, commend the variegated difpen- fations of Providence ? Had all our days been halcyon, would theyliavc been fo fafe or ufeful ? Had all been fable, how difcon folate 1 Were all the children in e- qual fmart under the rod together, we fhculd be too ready to make fome unworthy retle6lions on the all- wife difcipline. Were not all alternately fo, we fliould be ready to fufpedl their fonfhip. O the depth of -wifdom, which poor (hallow mortals can never fathom! Yet how proud and peevifn are we when any thing is denied at our own time, vvhich we fancy to be good for us ! Had I been always well and at eafe, how chill a fympathy Ihould I have had with the dear affli6led members of Chriil ! Had you never been fo, I had wanted your experitnental confolalions. Now if the brief hints of this beautiful variety in the difpenfations of Providence can afford us fuch pleafure here, how bright and glorious,how fweetand ravifhing will they appear, when unfolded in eternal glory ! And why Ihould I be impatient of, or fear, the darkeft fcenc that Ihall end in the brighteft glory ? Yet vnth fhame and forrow I coufefs, the fear of what 1. may feel has * been 2^2" Memoirs o^ been as afflictive to me as mofl: I have felt : anJ' this even when I have found a good hope of an interefl in God, and after ^ a thoufand expe^ riences of his never-failing compaflions confuting my guilty fears. This childiQi, or rather un-chiid-like temper, I think increafes with years, and is partly oc- cafioned by frequent and clofe converfe with many of my fuperiors in grace under bitter affli6lions, living and dying : and when I fee what is done to ths green trees, I am apt to run into an excefs of fear what fhall be done to the dry. Fain would I cherifh an awful, while I fubdue a flaviih fear : but this I cannot do of myfelf, and therefore beg it of the Goi^ stf all grace, in which I crave your ailiftance. Jn Elegy on the death of Mrs. Bury, BY Dr. ¥/att£. She must ascend : her treasure lies on high, And there her heart is. Bear her through the sky^ On wings of harmony j ye sons of lights And with surrounding shields protect her flight. Teach her the wondrous songs yourselves compose For your bright world : she'll learn them as she gees The sense was known before : those sacred themes y The God, the Savior, and the-fiowing'streams That ting'd the cursed tre-e with blood divine. Purchased a heav'n and wash'd a world from sin »* The beams, the bliss, the visions of that place Where the whole Godhead shines in mildest grace, ■ These are the notes for luhich your harps are stru?Tg : These were the Joy and labor of her tongue. In our dark regions : these exalted strains Brought paradise to curtkj and sooth' d her pains. Souls Mrs. Elizabeth Bury. 353 Souls made of pious harmony and love Gan be no strangers to their work above. But must we lose her henc£ ? The muse in pain Regrets her flight, and calls the saint again. ** iitay, gentle spirit stay. Can nature find ** No charms to hold the once unfettered mind ? ** Alust all these virtues, all these graces soar ** Far from our sight, and bless the earth no more P ** A4ust the fair saint to tvorids immortal climb, *■• -Forever lost to all the sons of time .^" O no ; she is not lost, hehotd her here. FIozu jufi the form ! how soft the lines appear ! The features of her sohI without disguise, Drawn by her own blest pen ! a szueet surprise To mourning friends. The partner of her cares i^eizd the fair piece, and wash'-d it o'er with tears f, Dress'd it in flow' rs, then hung it on her urn, A pattern for her sex In ages yet unborn. Daughters cfEvG, come trace these heavenly lines 7 Feel zuith what powr the bright example shines. She was -what you should be, Toung virgins, come^ Drop a kind trar, and dress you at her tomb. Gay silks and diamonds^^ arc a vulgar road ; Her radiant wrlues should create the mode. Matrons, attend her hearse luith thoughts refind. Gaze and transcribe the beauties of her mind. An'! let her live in joU.^ The meek, the great. The cheisfe, yet fne . the cht'erfv! ; yet sedate, Sivift toforgire feels it painful not to rise. Jt^e venerable tribes of holy men, Read the devotions of her heart and pen : And learn to pray and die, Burissa knew To piake life happy, and resign it too. The soul that oft had walk'd th' e the rial road, Fleas' d with her summons, took her farewell flight to Godr But ne'er shall words, or lines, or colors paint Th' immortal passions of th' expiring saint. What beams of joy, angelic airs, arise O'er her pale cheeks, and sparkle in her eyes. In that dark hour I Hew all serene she lay Beneath the openings of celestial day ! Her soul retires from sense, refines from sin^ ■ While the descending glory wrought within / Then in a sacred calm resign d her breath And, as her eye-lids clos'd, she smiVd in deat^. O may some pious friend, who weeping stands Near my last pillow with uplifted hands, ^ Orzvipes the mortal deiv from off my face, Witncfs such triumphs in my soul, and trace ' The dawn of glory in my dying ?nien. While on my lifeless lips such heavenly smiles arc seen, - Mrs, Mrs. Elizabeth Rowe. 355 Mrs. ELIZABETH ROWE, Ml ,R*S. Elizabeth Rowe, a lady not more admired by the world for her writings, than eftetmed by all who knew her, for the amiable qualities of her heart, was born at Ilchefter, in Somerfetiliire, Septem- ber I r, 1674. She was the eldeft of three daughters* of Mr. Walter Singer. Both her father and mother were of diftinguilhed merit and piety. The occafion and circumftances of their -fir if acquaintance werere- markablc. Mr. Singer being i:rjprifoned at Ilchefter for his nonconformity, Mrs. Singer, then Mifs Port- nell, being an inhabitant of the town, paid him a vifit on the benevolent principle of adminiftering. confola- tion to thofe who were fepa rated from their friends, and fuffering for the fake of a good confcience. This /he did repeatedly, till a friendfhip commenced, which junited them for life, Mr. * One tif herfijiers died in childhood. The other, a young lady of great piety, Jurvlved to her tiventieth year. Re [petting her death, the following remarkable circumflances have been related. Elizabeth, afterward Mrs. Rowe, h/tng danger ov. fly ill, and under viftble diftrefs at the apprehenfton of up^ proaching death, her Jijier, objerving it, afied her tendcrly\whether Jhe was not zvilling to die ? She replied, that fide had not that full ofjurance of her intereji in Chrifl, which (he had alvjays prayed fe might have, .before being called from time. Her fifter immediately 35^ Memoirs oy Mr. Singer happily terminated his pious and iifefm life, April 19, 1719. In a memorandum of Mrs. Rowe, relating to his laft ficknefs flie fays ; ** My father often felt his pulfe, and cpmplained that it was flill regujar, but fmiledat every fymptom of approach- ing death. He would be often crying out, *< Come, Lord Jefus, come quickly : come, ye holy angels, that rejoice at the converfion of a fmner ; come and con- duct my foul to the Ikies, ye propitious fpirits :" and then would add, ** But thy time, Lord, not mine, is From lier earlieH: years, there appeared in Mrs. Rowe fomeihing uRCommon : a dawnof intelledual and fell 9n her knees, andzvith inexprfjjthle fervor entreated of God, that if her father nvjji have the grief of burying one of his daughters, it might he her : for to the glory ef his free grace, fne could humbly profefs before hi?n her affured hope of her interejl in his everlajiing mercy through fefus Chrift. She could therefore joyfully die, if it ?nigbt pleafe God to grant herffier a further f pace to make her calling ard ekStion Jure. The conjequence %vas that her fifter immediately began to recover ; while jhe fichened, and in a few dcys, died. Such is the account. Its truth isjorneivhat quefiionahle. It is confidently denied by Mr. Grove, one 0} the writers of Mrs. Rozue's life : and with equal confidence afferted hy the biographer of Dr. Cohiian of Bo/lon. The latter declares that the Doctor {who, while in England, zvas n frequent vifjant at Mr. Si-ngers and intimately acquaint edwith his furviijing .daughter ,) related the anecdote /, many during his life, and left it, much as here given^ among his papers, at his deceafe. Both the above writers agree in one rejnark, in which they will prSably be joined by every judicious reader : that the account, if true, affords no conclujive argument againjl the cany piety of Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Elizabeth IvO\ye. 357 nnd moral excellence which her f«iiure day amply re- alized. The precife lime v/hen ihc received the firil effectual impreiiions cf religion, does not appear. — Probably, it was when ihe was very voung, ** My infant hands," (he fays, in an acldrcis to her Maker, ** were early lifted up to thee ^ and 1 i'oi^'A learned to know and ackr.ov/ledge ihe God of my fathers.' She very early difcovered a tafte for painting. She loved the pencil, when ihQ had fcarce ftrength and* ileadinefs of hand to guide it. Her father perceiving this fondnefs, furnilhed her an inllrutior. . She was like wife much delighted with mniic, crpecially of the grave and folemn kind. This was belt fuitcd to the grandeur of her feminienls. and tl:e fublimity of lier devotion. But her ftrongeH: inclination was to poetry, ikr very profe had the charms of verfe without its letters ; the fame fire and elevation, the fame boldnefs of fig- ures, the fam.e richnefs of imagery and di6lion. She fcarce wrote a letter, but it betrayed the poet. At tv/elve ve'^rs old, flie began to write veifes. In the year i6q6, the twenty-fecond of her age, a colleGtiion of her poems on various orcafions was, at the dcfiie of her friends, given to the world. Though many of thefe poems are of the relictions kind, and all of them confjftent v/ith the ftri^left re- gard to virtue, yet fome things in them gave her un- eafinefs in advanced life. So quick was her moral feeling, that what fhe could not politively approve, appeared unpardonable ; and- not fatisiiedto have-done i:othing that injured the caui'e of virtue, ihe was dif- pleafed with herfelf for having wrirten any thing that did not directly promote it. She was firfl introduced to the notice of Lord Wey- mouth's faniily by a little copy of verfes, with which they were fo delighted, as to be curious to fedhe writer. In this way commenced a friendfiiip which lubGrted ever after; not more to the honor of hir G g mciit, '^^S IMemoirs op merit, than of their difcernment and tafte. She was not then twenty years of age. Her paraphrafe of the ■thirty-eighth chapter of Job was written at the requeft of Bilhop Ken, who was at that time hi the family, and gained her much reputation- She had no other inftriKflor in the French and Italian languages, than the Hon. Mr. Thynne, fon of Lord -Weymouth, who willingly alTumed and executed that tafk, and had the pleafure to fee his amiable pupil im- prove fo favl under his kffons, that in a few months- Ihe was able to read Tajfo's Jerufalem with great eafe. In the year 17 lo, fhc was married to Mr. Thomas Rovre, fon of a nonconformift minifter of refpcclable family. This young gentleman (for he was but about twenty-three when he married) poffefied a fine under- Ttanding, amply improved by learning. He was ai perfetl: m.afler of the Latin, Greek and French lan- guages. He had at once a prodigious ftrength ol' memory, and an inexhauftible fund of wit. Thefe, with a frank and benevolent difpolition, a readinefs to communicate of his learned {i:ore, and a great fluency of expreliion, caufed his coiTipany to:be univcrfally 'Coveted and prized. He formed a defign to compile the lives of all the llhillrious perfons oi antiquity o- -mitted byPlutrach ; and in part executed it. Eight of the lives were publiflieJ after his deceafe, and do honor to his memory. Mr. Rowe had a heart to value the treafare which Provide!ice had given him in a woman of fuch amia- ble qualities and exalted merit. It was his conftant ftudy to repavthe happinefs fne gave. His efteem and .tsndernefs for her were inexpre(iible,and could be e- quailed only by the delicate and ardent attachm.eiit with which they were returned. His conftitution was not naturally robufl: and for feveral of his lall: years, was much impaired by intenfo application to Rudy. After a confinement of forn.9 -monihs, Mrs. Elizabeth Ro we. 35^ Qiofiths, lie died of a confumpUon, at the age of twen- ty-eight. Mrs. Rowe has commemorated her very tender af- fetlion for him, and the exqiiifite happinefs whicll- had attended their fhort union, in an elegy written on •bis death. Nor could flie prevail on herfelf to pafs an aniilverfary of that heart-rending event, other wife than in foliiude and fadnefs. More than tvventy years after their feparation, tlie bare mention of his name drew tears from tier eyes : nor could (he fpeak of him to the lafl moments of her life,- but in the llrongefl: terms of tendernefs and veneration. She was parti- cularly attentive to his relations, and favored feveral of them with a ihare in her irrioil intimate friendlhip. While Mr. Rowe lived, her deference to his wifhes had induced her to refide in London. -during the win- ter. But this argument being withdrawn, -i]:je indulged her invincible fondnefs for retirement, and removed, as foon as her affairs would permit, 10 Frome, in Somerfetfhire, in the neighborhood of which place lay the greater part of her eftate. She quitted the town with a determination to return to it no more. Nor did file violate this refolution, but in compliance ■with the importunity of fome h.ighly refpedled friends, v.'ho in great ttfflidion, foiicited the confolation of her company^ In her retreat at Frome, fhe compofed her pieces intitled Frlendmip in Deathy^ind Letters moral and en^ tertaining. The defign of the former produdion is, a-s Dr. Young exprefles it in his preface, " to imprefs the notion of the foul's immortality, without which all virtl^e and religion, with their temporal and eter- Jia! good confcquences, mud fall to the ground ; and to make the mind contra6t, as it were unawares, a ha- bitual perfuafion of a future exiftence." It may be added, that the obje6l bo if on inquiry flie found that through the pover- ty of their parents they were not put to fchcol, [he ad- ded them to the number of thofc who were taught at her ov/n expenfe. vShe condef'cendcd herfeMe in- ilru6tthem in the plain and moft eiicntial principles and duties of religion : and the grief flie felt when a- ry of them difappointed her hopes, was correfpon- dent with the lively fatisfaclion Iheenjoy.ed when her defigns appeared to be fucceeded. She aifo contribu- ted to a more public charitable inftitution of this kind zt Frome, though, according to the cuflom of fuch fchools, al.l who were educated in it were obliged to v/orfhip God in that form from which fhe took the liberty to diilent. Indeed, fo far were her charities from being confined to thole of her own denomination or fentiments, that they were often largely fiiared by perfons whofe religious opim'ons (lie confidered of the inoll: dangerous tendency. Nor was her beneficence limited to ihofev/ho were literacy poor. She frequent- ly remarked, that it was one of the greateft of benefits, to free perfons from the anxieties attending a narrov/ fortune. In purfuance of this generous fentiment, , ihe often made large prefents to thofe who were not in indigence \ endeavoring while fae ** relieved their wants," to ** fpare their bluflies." She eminently pofft'ired the art of giving; for flie heightened every favor by the jr.anner in which ihe conferred it. In- ith principalities and powers, and the rulersof dark lefs in high places. The combination is too (Irong for unaffiiled nature to conquer. Thou knoweft my flrengih is weaknefs, my v/ifdom folly, my natural light all darknefs. I know- not the next ftep before me, and if I ftumble, it will bring reproach on thy holy v/ays, I am of the Lord's fide. I am in league with thee againft the confederacy of hell. I liil myfelf under thy banners, to oppofe the klngdoin of darknefs. Give me flrength and wifdom to encounter all oppofition. Let me never be left to my own condud, or diflionor thy caufe by any v/eaknefs or inadvertency. O thou who doft not llumber nor deep, watch my goings, and let none of my footftcps flide ! O fountain of love and grace, let me feel thy prefent influence. There is no relation in all nature fo near, as that between God and a virtuous mind : and wilt thou not adorn it with thofe graces which are capable of being improved for •ever ? In the name of the Lord God of hofis, the God of the armies of Ifraeljlet me conquer the principalities and powers of darknefs. I have taken thy v.'ord for my defence. I have fled to the name of the Lord for fafety. Let me rejoice, let me trium.ph in that fanc- tuary, nor know a thought of diffidence or fear. Let -me hope againft hope, believe above belief, with con- iidence worthy of that power on which I trufl:, and -of that veracity which is engaged to prote6l me. Be the powers of hell confounded, vv'hile i makemyboaft in the Lord, and rejoice in thy falvation. I can; Mrs. Elizabeth RowE, 393 I can, I muH:, I dare fet to my feal, that God is true. 1 need not fcruple to affirm what thou hail: at- tefted. I may without hefiiation give my affent to the word of the living God. Let not ray tootfteps flide ; keep me in the ways of life and falvation ; dire6l ev- ery motion, for thou art m.y only Counfellor. Leave lUG not to choofe for myfeU". Give me no advantage but wiiat I may employ for thy glory. Cancel every prayer that has not been agreeable to thy will. I re- tra6l every petition whofe fuccefs will not centre In thine intereft. It is thee, and not myfelf, that I would honor. It is thee I would live and die for. Make thy own terms, let them be what they will, I take thee for my only portion for this life, and to all eternity, and with full confent I fubfcribe with my hand to the Lord. E. RowE. SeJ)t. II, 1725. (Her hii-th-day.) This excellent woman ufcd fecret prayer three times a day. She often obferved that " vre ought to confecrate our brighteft hours to the fervice of heav- en ;" and agreeably to this jiid fentiment, gave thofe parts of the day to facred retirement, in which ilie fuppofed her mental powers were mofl free and ac- tive. But her devotions v/ere rather frequent, than fo protracled as to fatigue andexhaufl: the fpirits. She had a high veneration for the fabbath, which flie confecrated wholly to God and religion, and for which fhe prepared by fpending the preceding day in retired devotion. No flight indifpofition, nor fcverity of w^eather detained her from the houfe of God \ and while there, her attention and reverence manifeded an unufual corapofure and elevation of foul. In im- itation of the Savior's example of doing good on the fabbath, (he entertained a number of pcox people at h.cr hqufe on that day. For the facramental Supper, Ihe had a peculiar afcdion and reverence. As Oie had an inexpreinble love for the holy Scrip- tures, (he alfiduoufiy read them, efpecially the New K k Te (lament. 394 Memoirs ov Tedament, the Pfalms, and thofe parts of the prophe- cies which relate to the Savior. For fome time be-^ fore her death, the read fcarce any thing bcfide thefe facred books, and practical treatifes on religious fub- jefts. Her zeal in the caufe of religion was fervent be-. Yond common example. As fhe could not refrain her tears of tranfport while witnefllng any eminent in- ilance of piety, fo its too general decline rent her very foul. She faw with inexprelhble grief the fatal ad- vances of infidelity, and fpoke witii the higheft efleeni imd gratitude of thofe excellent perfons who defended Chrrftianity by their learned writings, and venerated them as benefadors to mankind. She feemed peculiarly formed for fublime and ar-