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Mrs. Jane Turell.
This lady, daughter of Rev. Benjamin Colman, D. D., was born in Boston, Feb. 25, 1708; was married to Rev. Ebenezer Turell, of Medford, Aug. 11, 1726; joined the church, Oct. 29, 1727; and died March 26, 1735. She had three children, all of whom died early. Some further notice of this talented, accomplished, and Christian lady is required at our hands; and we gladly rely on the statements contained in Two sermons, preached at Medford, April 6, 1735, by Benjamin Colman; and Memoirs of her life and death, by Ebenezer Turell.Before her second year was completed, she could speak distinctly, knew her letters, and could relate many stories out of the Scriptures to the satisfaction and pleasure of the most judicious. I have heard that Governor Dudley, with other wise and polite gentlemen, have placed her on a table, and, sitting around it, owned themselves diverted with her stories. Before she was four years old (so strong and tenacious was her memory), she could say the greater part of the Assembly's Catechism, many of the Psalms, some hundred lines of the best poetry, read distinctly, and make pertinent remarks on many things she read.Her father devoted himself to her education. She inherited a poetic talent; and some verses written by her, in the beginning of her eleventh year, show its cultivation. In her youthful diary we find the following:--
1. Thank God for my immortal soul, and that reason and understanding which distinguish me from the lower creation. 2. For my birth in a Christian country, in a land of light, where the true God and Jesus Christ are known. 3. For pious and honorable parents, whereby I am favored beyond many others. 4. For faithful and godly ministers, who are from time to time showing me the way of salvation. 5. For a polite as well as Christian education.
