deposited in the family tomb with great respect. A sermon, very appropriate to the occasion, from John 11, 25, was delivered, at her funeral, by the learned and rev. Eliphalet Pearson, LL. D. from which the following paragraphs are introduced in this work, as a lasting testimony to the excellence of her character.

"Descended through a long line of puritanick and respectable ancestors, madam PHILLIPS was the youngest daughter of the honourable Francis and Mehetabel Foxcroft of Cambridge. From her pious parents she received a religious education. Accustomed from infancy to the morning and evening sacrifice, and to the strictest observance of the sabbath; being also daily required to read the Bible and to repeat the Assembly's catechism; even while a child, she became acquainted with the primary doctrines and duties of christianity. Family instruction being seconded by the publick ministration of the word by that saint of God, the venerable Appleton, and both enforced by the Holy Spirit, she early experienced those impressions of divine truth on her soul, which formed the basis of her christian character, and was admitted a member of the first church in her native town. The doctrines of the reformation, as delineated by the Westminster assembly of divines, constituted her religious creed. In this faith she lived steadfast, and in this faith she died.

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Possessing a quick apprehension, nice discernment, delicate taste, and an ardent thirst for PEN. I.VOL. II.

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knowledge, she was formed to distinguish end re lish the best writings. To the gratification of her taste, and the increase of her mental stock, her proximity to the university was propitious. Read ing and writing were her favourite amusements, while young. Such was the brilliancy of her imagination, the pleasantry of her wit, and the felici ty of her expression, that she soon became the ornament and delight of the sentimental circle. But such was her modesty, such her diffidence in company,as to conceal, in a great measure, the powers of her mind and the virtues of her heart. To a select few only was her mental worth known; and to these more through her pen, than her lips. A. mind, exquisitely sensible, and, like the needle, tremblingly alive to every breath, naturally wishes to escape the collisions of thought, incidental to free and mixed conversation. Hence it was, that in the calm of retirement, and with her beloved pen, she did most justice to her talents. Purity, ease, and elegance characterize the style; pleasantry, dignity of thought, and elevated piety constitute the soul of her letters.

"Formed by the dignity of her person and the virtues of her mind to move in the higher walks of life, and destined by Providence for extensive usefulness, she commanded the esteem and affections of the man, whom, while memory lasts, we, who knew him, shall delight to honour. Her connexion with lieut. governour Phillips was consummated in the year, 1778; since which, her manner of life

has been known to many now present as well, as to the speaker. Gratitude to Heaven and justice to her oblige us to say that a very rare assemblage of virtuous qualities, improved by reading, matured by reflection, sanctified by grace, tried and brightened by afflictions, constituted her character. Of her failings, as they sprang from an excess of sensibility, and, from a benevolence, which wished happiness to every living thing, it may be truly said, "they leaned to virtue's side." In her own view however her imperfections were great and numerous, and, as such, were deeply lamented, and frankly confessed. Humility, that surest criterion and measure of piety, was the cardinal feature in her religion, as sensibility was of her heart. To the united influence of these qualities it must be imputed, that, in conversation, even with intimate friends, she was habitually reserved on the subject of her own religious experience; nothing scarcely escaping her lips, except frequent exclamations of of her own unworthiness and nothingness. Through life indeed she utterly disclaimed all personal merit; and during her last sickness constantly avowed her entire dependence on the Redeemer.

"Though to surrounding friends it is unspeakably delightful to catch from the lips of an expiring saint the broken whisper, "O death, where is thy sting?" This is a satisfaction, for wise reasons commonly denied by Heaven. Triumphant deaths are rare. Let it suffice us that, in view of her approaching change, our departed friend never expressed a fear

of death; and that to a near confidant, a few days before her decease, she said with a composed mind, I know, in whom I have believed. But, blessed be God, we have a more sure word of hope, by their fruits ye shall know them. To the life are we directed to look for evidence of piety, of vital union to Christ. Every branch in him bringeth forth fruit; and, being often pruned, more fruit. This best, this scriptural proof of piety, my christian hearers, is what every day of her adult life, every waking hour, furnished to those around her. Nearly fifty years a professed disciple of Christ, she was a constant, punctual, and devout attendant on the publick institutions and ordinances of the gospel. On the sabbath also, to all within it, her house was converted into a sanctuary. To her uncommon diligence through the week, and incessant exertions to make every one happy, many, who have lived under her roof, are living witnesses. Her hours of retirement notwithstanding were sacred; and, during the last years of her life, no small part of every day was passed in her closet, no doubt in reading the scriptures, in prayer, in communion with God and her own heart. Her walk with man was correspondent to her walk with God; her conversation on earth such, as became the gospel of the benevolent Jesus; humble, condescending, gentle, kind, and compassionate. She fed the hungry, and clothed the naked; was eyes to the blind and feet to the Jame. Not content with relieving the many, who solicited relief, she went about seeking objects of

charity, ministring comforts to the sick, afflicted, and needy. In which offices the delicacy of her manner was such, that the obligation she meant to lessen, was thereby doubled. To the abundance of her charities thousands in this town and in distant places have given and will give cheerful testimony. To her ability, and beyond her ability, she was ready to every good work. To her honour it will be long said by strangers, as well as by friends, that her house continued to be the same mansion of hospitality, which it ever had been during the life of her noble and generous consort. Of them both it may be said, that their hearts were not more united by mutual esteem and affection, than by acts of charity and munificence. Of this, their united exertions for the academy in this place, for the education of children and the promotion of religion in this town, and for the distribution of pious books among the poor at large, have raised durable monuments. The spirit of her ascended partner, still actuating his relict on earth, at a recent period she contributed largely to the foundation of the Theological institution; and thus, with other generous donors, extended the great plan, which his prolifick, active mind had projected, and in part executed."

As a specimen of the literary and sentimental talents of madam Phillips, the following essay, from her pen, on the divine perfections and prayer, is here introduced as the close of this article, and in it, though dead she yet speaketh.