Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 5.

[p. 11] think how the iron of the eighteenth century theology entered into this gentle soul. Surely such as she had their Purgatorio on earth and were made ready for their Paradiso straightway they left it. But it is also of interest to note the mental attitude of both her father and her husband at this tile. Sympathetic they undoubtedly were, for the letters of her father gave evidence of deep paternal feeling, but both divines seem to regard her poor frenzied declarations of sinfulness and hopelessness as perfectly natural. One cannot help feeling that they regarded their spiritual patient as an interesting case, of which her father's diagnosis is considered masterly. That Mr. Turell believed her to be a very perfect creature, notwithstanding her own doubts and fears is evident throughout the record; and especially in the summary, (or catalogue of her virtues it might almost be called). After relating her practice of reading the Bible out in course once a year, the Psalms much oftener, besides many chapters and a multitude of verses, he says:

I must own, considering her tender Make and often Infirmities, she exceeded in Devotion. And I have thought myself obliged sometimes (in compassion to her) to call her off, and put her in mind of God's delighting in Mercy more than in Sacrifice. I may not forget to mention the strong constant Guard she plac'd at the Door of her Lips. Who ever heard her call an ill Name? or detract from any Body? When she apprehended she received Injuries, Silence and Tears were her highest Resentments. But I have often heard her reprove others for rash and angry Speeches. In every Relation she sustained she was truly exemplary, sensible how much of the Life and Power of Religion consists in the conscientious Practice and Performance of Relative Duties.

The People, among whom she lived the last eight Years of her Life, both Old and Young, had a Love and Veneration for her, as a Person of the strictest Virtue