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coming. As the mother of Sisera-Why are his chariot wheels so long in coming? I desire to be always found in a praying, waiting frame, and in the way of my duty, because he will come suddenly, and find many sleeping. Therefore, Oh my soul, watch. Watch."

It is in the records of inspiration, that the Christian beholds wisdom clad in her loveliest attire-and finds truth "unmixed with error." The Scriptures are the map by which he travels Zionward-the fountain, by whose streams he is refreshed-the armory from whence his spiritual weapons are supplied. As such they are inexpressibly precious. But is it not to be feared, that professions of exclusive attachment to revealed truth, are, by some persons, converted into an asylum for sloth, or prejudice, or pride? Despising the usual methods of instruction, and the productions of all uninspired writers, they arrogate to themselves the wisdom which must be derived from reading the Bible only. Mrs. Savage, however, thought otherwise, and without undervaluing the Bible, highly esteemed the pious labors of good men; especially such books as were best calculated to strengthen the understanding, to quicken devotion, and excite to holiness.-Alleine's Letters, Polhill's Precious Faith, the Works of Owen, Hopkins, and Howe, Flavel, Baxter, and Watts, with other writings of a similar description, were the subjects of patient, and regular perusal.

She delighted much in Biography, and her Diary manifests the interest with which she read Clarke's Lives, Mather's History of New England, and the Lives of Mrs. Bury, Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Walker, and Mr. Reynolds. She likewise transcribed several manuscript memoirs for the use of herself, and her family. On retiring to rest, she commonly placed good books near the bedside, to prevent an unprofitable employment of her waking thoughts.

The application which has been noticed was not instituted to equip a pedant, or to furnish matter merely for discourse; but for personal benefit, and to subserve, by holy practice, the divine glory. "Saturday morning," she writes, "I was refreshed in reading the Exposition on Hosea v, 14.Tear, and go away; though God tear, yet if he stay-if he tear, and tarry-there is some hope; but if he tear, and go away, 'tis sad indeed. Oh the cheering, comforting influences of the divine presence! "Tis that to the soul, and much more, which the refreshing dews of heaven are now to the thirsty earth, which is parched and dry. In the evening I read in Mr. Alleine's Life, (that pattern of piety,) some of his letters. I met with many heart-warming expressions. Persuading to preparedness for trials, he remarks "How sad is it with them that are called to. part with all for Christ, and are not sure of him neither;" "therefore," he adds, "what

ever you do, get, and keep, your evidences for heaven clear." He would admire the mercy of God in every meal, and say to his wife, "I live a voluptuous life, but it is upon spiritual dainties, such as the world know not, nor taste of." Another saying "When I look back upon the gentle dealings of God with me, I often think he has brought me up as indulgently as David did Adonijah, of whom it is said, his father had not displeased him. I have received nothing but good at the hands of the Lord all my days." The same may I say. What a good master have I served, or rather, a tender, indulgent Father. He hath followed me with mercies all my days."

She made extensive, and useful collections from the books she read, and by writing the sermons she heard preached, and copying others from manuscripts which appear to have been borrowed for the purpose, transmitted to posterity much treasure. She did not repent the toil. Her pleasure in perusing such papers has already been hinted at, and the advantage she found in having heard, to adopt her revered father's expression, 'for the time to come,' is visible in almost every part of her Diary. Thus she wrote in the year 1727: "Sabbath day, Oct. 29. read, at noon, a good old sermon of my dear father's, (as long since as January, 1687,) concerning those things that pertain to godliness. He mentions ten, which, he said, no

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godly person is without-Knowledge, Repentance, Faith, Sincerity, a Spirit of prayer, Love to the people and word of God, Public spiritedness, Mean thoughts of the world, Delight in Sabbath sanctification.' Lord, let these things be in me, and abound. Methinks, as I grow old, I have more delight and sweetness in my old sermon notes, and often think of those who had seen the old temple, they wept, while others rejoiced. Yet, I heartily bless God for the gifts and abilities of our younger ministers. But I am comforted to think that I have not now my foundation to lay. I had then the best helps, so that my roots were watered with wine."

In the year 1750, when aged 86, noticing a sermon, preached by her honored Father, on Psalm 1xxi, 17, 18, O God, thou hast taught me from my youth, she writes; "he gave five excellent lessons for young ones: Remember your Creator, Eccl. xii, 1; Come to Jesus Christ, John vi, 45; Bear the Yoke, Lament. iii, 27; Flee youthful lusts, 2 Tim. ii, 22; Cleanse your way, Psalm cxix, 9; Blessed are they that dwell in thy house. There are precious promises, sweet ordinances, rich graces and gifts, choice comforts and hopes, and everlasting joys yet behind."

How forcibly does the preceding exhibition commend Christian diligencé! When it is considered how high a station industry occupies among virtues, how honorably it is

associated in scripture, and how closely it is allied to personal comfort, as well as public advantage, we do not wonder that the examples of the saints are proposed, by inspired wisdom, as a stimulus to exertion. "Be not slothful, but followers of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises."

It not unfrequently happens that young Christians, either from the overpowering splendor of newly discovered objects, or from a mistaken apprehension that God is only served by prayer and praise, neglect their temporal avocations, or undervalue the opportunities afforded by common duties for holy obedience. Too often, likewise, they overlook their best interests,by omitting to store their minds with Christian knowledge, which, however painfully acquired, always affords its possessor a rich remuneration. Though, in truth, the divine glory has greater accessions by the unwearied industry, patient submission, and habitual self-denial of consistent believers, than by the highest flights of rapturous devotion. Be diligent in business, is the heavenly order, "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord."

SECTION II.

HER BENEVOLENCE AND MODERATION.

THAT Mrs. Savage possessed a truly benevolent spirit, and was actuated in works of

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