Her Piety and Devotion

Having seen the ardent glow which signalized

Mrs. Savage’s piety in public and social life, it will not be unimportant to retire with her into her closet, there to witness her holy earnestness for advancement in Christian experience and godly practice.

Her disposition being peculiarly sociable, she felt a refined pleasure in Christian friendship, and in conversation directed to spiritual subjects. Nevertheless, her prevailing enjoyment was in retirement, and, unless unavoidably prevented, she constantly sought it, morning and evening, and, in her latter years, at noon also. “It is the nature of true grace,” observed a great divine, “that however it loves Christian society in its place, yet it in a particular manner delights in retirement, and secret converse with God. So that, if persons appear greatly engaged in social religion, and but little in the religion of the closet, and are often highly affected when with others, and but little moved when they have none but God and Christ to converse with, it looks very darkly upon their religion.”

“I would rather,” she writes, ‘* spend one solitary hour in mourning before God over heart corruption, than many in the outward exercises of religion, wherein hypocrites may not only equal but outdo the sincere Christian. I usually find that when 1 most solemnly se-^

MEMOIRS OF MRS. SAVAGE. Ill

questcr myself, and spend most time in duty, then God is pleased to meet me, and make the duty sweet indeed.” To this, perhaps, is to be attributed in a great degree, her eminence in piety.

The following stanza, by Dr. Watts, well expressed her desires when engaged in secret worship:

Far from my thoughts, vain world, begone,
Let my religious hours alone;
Fain would my eyes my Saviour see;
I wait a visit, Lord, from thee.

“This,” she remarks, “is usually applied to the Lord’s day, but I think it a very proper thought any time when I retire.”

Self-dedication formed an important part of her employment, and it was attended with a blessed efl’ect.

A specimen is thus recorded: “Sabbath evening, Sept. ISth, 1687. I renewed my covenant with God, afresh resolving (according to Mr. Allein’s phrase) to call nothing mine but him — my Lord and my God — lie is mine. I will rejoice. Nothing shall be able to separate — neither death, nor life — prosperity, nor adversity. I trust in him. I rely on his promises. These shall be my staif with which I will pass over this Jordan towards the heavenly Canaan. Next morning I had comfort in reflecting on this.”

She invariably entered upon a new year with devout solemnity, and, accompanying a minute retrospect of providential goodness with fervent praises, consecrated herself anew to the glory of her heavenly Benefactor. The form prescribed by her father was, at those seasons, commonly used, and having transcribed it in her diary, she signed and sometimes scaled it. The following instances present themselves.

“1721, Jan. 1st. I am now entering on another year. It is of the Lord’s mercy I am not consumed. Yet spared — to see the beginning of it. It is uncertain what it may bring forth. I have, this morning, made a fresh surrender of myself and all that is dear to mc, to be freely and entirely at the disposal of my heavenly Father — with this solemn profession — that there shall be but one will between us, and it shall be his. By his grace 1 am determined to take nothing ill that he shall do with mc. If all other steps arc ordered by God, surely the last, and most important step, shall be so — the great step from one world to another. I hope he will order it wisely and comfortably. I must own I have some fears about my children’s health. The circumstances of two of them are perilous. But both as to the one, and the other, I have spread my concern before my dear and tender Father, and with him I cheerfully leave myself, and all mine. I was allected with what I read lately in the exposition on 1 Tim. ii. 2. — ‘That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.’ This is the top of the ambition of a good Christian — to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty — to get through the world unmolested — in a low, private station: and truly, this well suits me, being what I desire for myself. If God will be with and keep me in the way that I go, and give me food to eat, and raiment to put on, then the Lord shall, yea he shall be my God. I have avouched him to be mine, and, through grace, I resolve to be wholly, and entirely his.

r *

And, I am bold to assert that unallowed miscarriages, contrary to the bent and desire of my heart, shall not make void this covenant.

Thy own.

Sarah Savage.”

At another time she thus writes. “Jan. 1. Methinks I should begin the year with something of solemnity. I would begin it with God. The last has been a year of mercy. No remarkable affliction to myself or mine. Many mercies. No death in the family of our children — houses made to grow. Blessed be God, the God of our mercies! Now, what does the Lord my God require of me? I should love him more and serve him better. In order to it I devote and dedicate myself afresh to his fear and service — and, with so much the more seriousness, as I see the day approaching. I have now completed my sixtieth year. What a great while wandering in this wilderness!

“Long ago, my dear father observed, from Joshua xiii. 1, where God says, * Thou art old, and stricken in age,’ that ’ those who are so have need to be reminded of it.’ Surely I should be daily considering, What lack 1 yet? — What knowledge — what love to God — what heavenly mindedness? These I much lack, and would l)e daily improving in — but, alas! I am apt to grow cool, careless, indolent. Methinks because of all this, I would make a sure covenant, and seal it. I would be belter this year I am entering upon limn I liavG been formerly. Particularly, I would sanctify Sabbaths better, and be more frequent in solemn meditation, which has been called a soul-fattening duty. Lord, help me herein, for, of myself, I am unable to think a good thought, much less a chain of good thoughts.

“I take God the Father (my great Creator) for my chiefest good and my highest end.

“I take God the Son (whom he hath exalted) to be my Prince and Saviour.

“I take God the Holy Ghost for my sanctifier, teacher, guide, and comforter.

“I take the word of God to be my rule in all my actions.

“I take the people of God to be my people in all conditions.

“I also give, dedicate, and devote myself unto the Lord, all that I am, all that I have, and all that I can do. And this I do deliberately, sincerely, freely, and for ever.

“Amen. And let this covenant that I have made on earth be ratified in heaven.

[Seal] «’ Sarah Savage.”

“I do this with all solemnity, because I find my naughty heart too apt to fall olT, and neglect solemn obligations. It is an old maxim, ‘Fast bind, tast find,’ We cannot repeat too often that which we cannot do too well. Dear Lord, help thy poor feeble, unworthy servant, and daily work in me what thou requires! of me.”

She abounded in the arduous duty of Self-examination. Heavenly wisdom not only preserved her from presumption, but, by creating anxious solicitude as to the reality of her experience, induced a frequent and scrutinizing appeal to the bible on the important subject. She also, carefully, used other aids, so far as they corresponded with revelation; and diligently noted, in waiting, whatever she met with in reading, or heard in public worship, conducive to the same end.

“My dear brought me,” she writes on one occasion, “a good book from brother Henry, entitled, — A Sacramental Question concerning Assurance. I find many excellent things in it, which are very suitable to me — answering the objections of doubting Christians, who fear they have not passed a saving change, because they cannot tell exactly the time of it. But (saith the worthy author) ‘If the Spirit of Christ hath wrought such a change in your judgment, choice, aficctions, conscience, and life, as will make up the character of a sanctified person, you should not be perplexed for want of knowing when this change was first made. You may know a man is alive, though you know not when or where he was born.” ‘Tis certain,’ (saith he) ‘corrupt nature could never incline you to love God, and be devoted to him — to hate sin, and watch against it — to take Christ for your Saviour, and heaven for your portion. It must be from the Divine Spirit; however early, gradual, and insensible it seems to have been effected.’ I have often had fears as to myself, that I have not experienced sufficiently the terrors of the law, but I bless God for the satisfaction I have here met w-ith.”

When detained from public worship, the time was frequently spent in serious self-inquiry. Thus she expresses herself on one of these occasions:” I was all day at home. I read sometimes in Firmin’s Ileal Christian. Very excellent. Concerning receiving Christ in truth, I am, especially, to ask, IIow did I receive him? Was my choice deliberate — free — full? Am I resolved, by his grace, it shall be firm and abiding? That death itself shall not separate? I trust I am. But then

Avliom did I receive 1 A Saviour, and also a vSovercign. A Christ as well as Jesus. I am willing to take his yoke upon me. It is a sweet, pleasant, easy yoke. It is my daily grief that I daily break his holy laws. It is my comfort that he can subdue these rebels in my soul, which oppose his rule and government. O thou King of Peace! tread them under thy feet. I still find creature love prevails too much, and I wonder at the patience of my heavenly Father, that he does not take away the comforts I over-prize. Yet, Lord, thou knowest, in the settled bent of my choice, I do love thee more than these: more than any thing else. That I do at any time seem to do otherwise is my greatest grief.”

At another time thus: “This morning I read in an excellent book — Co ley on Eternity. What an awful thought! Shortly all seen things shall not be seen, and unseen things seen. It is a serious, and a needful (|uestion — What evidence have I for heaven — what ground have I to hope that it shall go well with me to all eternity? My conscience witnesses for me, that I love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity — that I would not omit a known duty, nor commit any known sin — that I would walk in the narrow way, and carefully follow those who now through faith and patience, inherit the promises — that it is my great grief that, in so many instances, I come short of my duty, grieve the Spirit, and wound my conscience. Yet, I hope I can say I do not w’ickedly depart from my God. It grieves me, saith a pious one, that I cannot give him present actual possession of that which I would he should have. It is reported of some hermits, that they were very careful of their sepulchres, but took little care of their houses, becjftise they should dwell but a little while in their houses, but should lie a long time in their sepulchres. Oh that I could always think of this, and act accordingly.”

While on a visit to her brother, Matthew Henry, at Chester, she thus mentions the exercises of the Sabbath:” I had a comfortable day joining with that assembly in holy ordinances. In the forenoon, Brother went on in expounding gospel Psalms, such as especially look at Christ. To-day Psalm lxix. We had the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (the first in the new Chapel) administered, which I have often found sweetness in. I received a pardon as being the purchase of that precious blood which purchases precious privileges, and nourishes precious graces, and comforts. Lord, evermore give me of this bread. The exhortation, Have I here also looked after him that seeth mc? He told us, that much of religion lies in the eye of a believing soul being fixed on an all-seeing God.

“The subject was 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. Doctrine: all that profess themselves Christians ought strictly to examine whether they are Christians indeed.

“I remember my faults — how much 1 have been wanting in this great duty. Oh! this heart work is hard work. The motives he urged were — It is a matter of great concernment — The rule is very strict — It is easy to be deceived — Multitudes are mistaken — It is a matter that will be examined shortly — A mistake is of fatal consequence — and the true discovery of our state will turn greatly to our advantage. The rules he gave were — Examine your settled judgment — Your deliberate choice — Your indwelling cares — Your outgoing affections — And your constant and allowed practice. Psalm cxxxix. 23, 24. O God, do thou help me in the search.

“The third head most alarms me — Indwellincf cares — I have too manv thoujrhts and cares concerning things of time and the body, but the thoughts I most delight in are of another kind; though, alas! too few and seldom. Eben-ezcr.”

Another sacramental opportunity is thus recorded:” I did avouch the Lord for my God, and I had some true, though weak, desires towards him. The exhortation was from 1 John. ii. 2. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. This was suitable to the subject of the day. Phil. iii. 9. Not having mine own righteousness; proving that the best of us have no righteousness of our own wherein we dare appear before God. There were some serious queries to-day.

1. Do you not find great defect in love to God? Think so seldom and so coldly of him?

2. Do you not find great defect in love to your brother? I am verily guilty.

3. Do you not find great defect in love to your own souls, and their true interest?

4. Do you not find a want of power to be, and do, what indeed you would, in that which is good?

I must own all this, and a great deal more. Where then is n1y righteousness? Lord, I have none. None. None of my own; but, I hope I have some interest in one who is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Righteous. I fly to him as my only refuge. Let me be found in him here, and for ever.”

Meditation may be instanced as another branch of her devotional character.

“Where your treasure is there will your heart be also,” was the impressive declaration of our Lord, when describing the nature and cllccts of piety. And since God is the Christtian’s treasure, and heaven the appointed place for the full enjoyment of his presence, the consequence is natural:

‘Contemplation is his bliss.”

After hearing a sermon Mrs. Savage thus expresses herself: “I endeavoured to do some little in the excellent duty of meditation. The subject was concerning Christ. Surely here is a large field. What think ye of Christ? A subject preached on at Nantwich, long ago, by my dear father, of blessed memory. It is of great consequence and necessary for all to reflect what their thoughts are of Christ. Some do not know him, nor think of him at all. Some think meanly, others think hardly of him. — But ask a sincere believer, and he thinks Iilm the brightness of his Father’s glory — the fairest of ten thousand. A mirror of unparalleled love thus to die for sinners — enemies. But that which most affects me is, to think that he is my beloved, and my friend; He whom I have known, chosen, loved, and desired to serve, and please in all things; and wherein I fail, I mourn and grieve. O that I could thus think of him, and demean myself to him. He is my ’ all and in all,’ both for justification and sanctification — sufficient for me both here and for ever.”

In one place her practice is thus recorded: “In the evening I endeavoured, with a little success, to meditate on the great privilege of adoption. Behold what inanner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! One sweet, excellent remark of worthy Doctor Manton is this — ‘That a child is not discarded or cast ofT for every offence, as a servant may be, but he is borne with, and made the best of.” Methinks this thought comforts me against daily infirmities. This night, on my bed, I had satisfaction in these meditations: If God be my Father I shall want no good thing. I shall have boldness in the day of judgment.

Wherefore should I fear if the judge be my Father, and my Friend ‘?”

On another occasion thus: “Nov. lOlh, Sabbath. In the afternoon I stayed at home alone. The first hour I was very dull and lifeless: afterwards I set myself to meditate on the four last things — Death — Judgment — Heaven — IIcll. The thought of these brought some warmth to my aflections. How sweet is it when I think of death, to think that it will be my friend. It may be near. If so, the will of the Lord be done. To die will be gain. All things are mine, whether death or life. As for judgment, I have reason to hope the Judge will be my Advocate; when I think of hell — to have that within me which says — through grace, this belongs not to me. And then, for the happiness of heaven; when I think of it — it is hard to believe that such poor services should have so rich a reward. But this he does like a king — he gives it to all them that are made meet for that inheritance.”

Again; “Brought in safety to one Sabbath more. The light I see is the Lord’s. This morning I read, in course, in my closet, Psalm cviii. Methinks some passages in it did help to raise my meditations of the happiness and glory of heaven. There and there only, will the heart be fixed upon the work of pi-aise. Then no diversion from it nor distraction in it. Then there will be a perfect delivery from every thing that offends. Then, indeed, our enemies shall be trodden down. There will be no devil to tempt, no corrupt heart to bo drawn aside. If I could keep my heart in a believing sight and expectation of that glory, it would quicken, strengthen, and enlarge me in all holy obedience.”

On retiring in the evening to her closet, she frequently said — “Courage, my heart, now one day more of a vain, vexing world is gone, and one day nearer heaven.”

Love to prayer, has ever distinguished the children of God, and it did not fail to do so in the present instance. If one Christian privilege was pre-eminently valued by Mrs. Savage, it was prayer — serious, spiritual, importunate prayer. She frequently remarked — ‘Prayer is a salve for every sore — a remedy for every malady.’ “I have often,” she writes, “experienced prayer to be heart’s ease. Oh, what a sweet privilege is it to have such a friend as God, to whom to tell all one’s mind! A shame that I do not more improve such a privilege.”

Indeed she abounded in the sacred duty, and, under all circumstances, sought an asylum at the throne of grace. “I had a letter,” she remarks, “from Chester with heavy tidings. This occasions grief and fear. My heart was full: my remedy is to retire, and spread the letter before a compassionate Father, and tell him how it is, which I find more easy than to submit freely to his all-wise disposal; yet, when I had done this, I was refreshed.”

“This week,” she writes on one occasion, “I was somewhat thoughtful about changing servants. God in mercy order it for the best. I committed the matter to him by prayer, and then I was easy in my thoughts. I have often had experience of his goodness and kind j)rovidence going before me in this matter. Forty years and upwards have I been wandering in this wilderness, and hitherto I have lacked nothing. Praised be God!”

At another time;” I was at Wrenbury in the afternoon. The subject was concerning Prayer. Ask. Seek. Knock — noting importunity. The minister especially exhorted to secret prayer. I bless God for the comforts of my closet, when no eye sees but my heavenly Father. Oh this hidden and divine life, which I have lately been reading of, what a blessed life is it! May I more experimentally taste the sweetness of it. I must own I love to be alone, to be looked on by my heavenly Father, who sees in secret.

His is a pure, and searching eye,

Witness to all that’s true;
Dark hell, and deep hypocrisy.

Are all before his view.”

Her exalted esteem for this important exercise is manifest in the following extract, from one of her latest diaries. “I was guihy of a great omission. I forgot secret duty till about noon. I then retired. I well may blush, and be ashamed of my folly. Is this like one that delights to approach unto God? I confessed and bewailed this with tears, and I had comfortable hope through Christ, my great Mediator, that it shall not be laid to my charge. I trust that I do not wickedly, though often weakly, depart from God, and duty. My dear, kind, heavenly Father considers our frame. He is always mindful of us, though we are not so of him.”

Prayer before receiving the daily provisions of the table was, in Mrs. Savage’s esteem, highly necessary, and she was accustomed to remark, “In craving God’s blessing upon our food there should be the same seriousness as in other acts of worship, since it is the same God we address ourselves to.” How forcibly does this thought commend itself to the heart of every Christian!

How strongly she has marked her Love of the Sabbath and Divine Ordinances, may be seen by the following extracts. The devotions, the instructions, and the society of the sabbath, greatly endeared it, and her preparation for its ay)proach was most exemplary. Indeed, the appointed labours of the week were relieved by frequent aspirations to its enjoyments: and these, by elevating and composing the mind, gave an impetus to her native fervour, highly serviceable to her generation, and honourable to the cause of Christ.

“I would not forget,” she remarks,” a pretty, affecting verse in Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Watts’s Hymns:

‘Failier, my soul would still abide Within thy teni|)le, near thy side; But if my fuct must hence depart Still keep thy dwelling in my heart:’

it is often the secret language of my soul.”

Again she writes: “The Lord loves the gates of Zion, and so do I. My conscience bears mc witness that I, sometimes, envy the sparrows and swallows who are where I cannot be. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house. But, alas! it is not the bare enjoyment of ordinances that avails any thing if the heart be not spiritual, and heavenly, so as to enjoy God in them. — Herein I was formerly much wanting, so that the Lord is righteous in cutting me short.”

On another occasion thus:” Blessed be God for the return of this holy day — this queen of days! O for a heart to improve it to spiritual advantage. I purposed to have gone to church, having been long confined, but was hindered by wet weather. Wo is me that I am cold, and hard, and want those warming, softening influences of grace which I have formerly enjoyed. But, alas! I have not improved them; and yet I rejoice in what I have had — especially, that I have seen the outgoings of my God — my king. I hope the axe of the word was laid to the root of the tree of my heart, even in the days of my youth. And blessed be God for the help I have from good books. He can, and doth make cold meat to nourish. Lord, make providences effectual instead of ordinances, that they may further spiritual growth. Sure

130 MEMOIKS OF MR£. SAVAGE.

tlic impression of such repeated strokes shall not easily wear out.”

“1G8S-9. March 3. Sabbath. A sweet day — spent at Broad Oak — the place of my solemnities — where I have many a time met with God, and been refreshed. A sacrament day. My preparation was slighty and distracted. I find it very hard to have my heart in any measure broken for sin. There, in that sweet ordinance, our gracious Father was pleased to feast us his poor children. Towards the close my heart was a little revived at thoughts of being for ever at his table in glory. It is good being here. O, but a thousand times better being there. I came away refreshed, yet that night, and the next day I was dull in duty, as I usually am after such sweet opportunities — to my shame.”

“1G91. Sabbath, June 24. Being sacrament day at Nantwich I went thither. I set out pretty early. I begged the presence and blessing of my good God, which he was pleased to afford me. Mr. Lawrence’s subject was 1 John iv. 21, That he who loveth God love his brother also — concerning brotherly love. A sweet duty. Christ places it next to the first, and great, commandment, and makes it a badge of discipleship. John xiii. 35. I am verily guilty in this concerning my brother. This day I had some sweet communion with my God in the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. Who, and what am I — a worthless worm — that I should be admitted to the table of the King of kings 1 In the close the minister spoke of vowing ourselves to God. jNIy heart was a little raised in expressing myself in that vow of Jacob’s, Gen. xxix. If the Lord will be with me, and keep me in this way — the narrow way which, by his grace, I will walk in — and give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on — which is in one word — Christ, who alone is both the food and raiment for precious souls — so that I come to my heavenly Father’s house in peace — even that an abundant entrance be administered unto me into that everlasting kingdom — Then the Lord, whom I have this day avouched, shall be my God, and I shall be to all eternity swallowed up in seeing and enjoying him. Amen. I came home tired, yet inwardly refreshed. How soon am I made cool again by this present evil world, which appears my enemy in nothing more than in taking off the edge of my allections to spiritual things.”

On another occasion she writes — “A sacrament day. Yet I have been too remiss in preparation. I have been told pains should be taken to trim the lamp. But, alas! I am greatly wanting here. The world and its concerns take up my thoughts and time, and jostle out things of greatest importance. Yet I dare not absent myself when I have an opportunity, lest, when the King comes in (as he surely doth) to see the guests, he be displeased if my seat be empty. I desired the divine presence, which he was graciously pleased to vouchsafe me. I made fresh resolves against all sin, to all duty — even hard duties that are most unpleasant to the corrupt nature. The subject concerning the returning prodigal — he arose and came to his Father. Lord, to whom else shall I go, thou art the Lord my God. The true convert yields a willing subjection to God, both as to what he will do with us, and what he will have us to do. It is owing to the grace and goodness of God that any sinners are brought home to him. Though we are joint heirs with Christ, yet not joint purchasers — he trod the wine-press alone. This day, through mercy, not drowsy. Lord, keep me from mine iniquity.”

Again.” We went to Nantwich, to renew

OLir covenant at the Lord’s Supper. I Jiope I found much sweetness, having afresh renounced the flesh and world, and devoted myself to God and Christ with full purpose of heart. Amen. Hallelujah! Hath my dear Father admitted poor me to his table, though most unworthy 1 Shall not this oblige me to duty and obedience! The exhortation was — If any man come after me, and hate not father and mother, he cannot be my disciple. By hating, here is meant less loving My love to Christ is to exceed my love to my dearest relations. I have this day seen and tasted how he has loved me — even more than his own life — and shall I not abound in love and duty to him?”

At another time. “Sabbath. I have been this day favoured with a sacramental opportunity. I have been endeavouring to shew forth the Lord’s death. I had this meditation — I must shew it to God as the purchase of my peace and pardon. Lord, this is my beloved Saviour. I must shew it forth to my own soul. Behold here is blood, and it was shed for me. Here is a spotless righteousness — and it is mine. I must shew it forth to others. I have eaten and drunk into that great body of which Christ is the head, and I look upon the meanest of his members as my brethren — the excellent of the earth, in whom is my delight. Let me walk this week as one who has this day had communion with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.”

In more advanced life she writes: — “Sabbath. I had all good helps. The subject was Rev. xxii. 14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Methinks it is comfortable to have this blessing in the close of the Bible. Though I cannot say I do them, yet I endeavour it, and if I reallv knew what would displease God, I would not do it, but endeavour the contrary. It was an excellent note of good Mr. Mottershead long ago — We wTestle not with flesh and blood, said he, only, yet with these daily. I often find the. flesh, the earthly part, my great hinderance, as, particularly, this Lord’s day. By the time I come to the assembly, methinks I am not myself — not the same that I was in the closet — but so dull, unafiected — a disinclination to any thing that is spiritual and heavenly: sometimes I lay the blame on my declining age, and decay of bodily spirits, but alas! I fear it is worse; owing to my spiritual sloth — in a cold, dull frame at the Lord’s tabic, yet I endeavoured to renew my covenant against all sin — to all duty.”

*’ 1708. April 25th, Lord’s-day. We went to Nantwich, where we had the comfortable ordinance of the Lord’s Supper. Our Lord Jesus hath instituted it purposely to keep in remembrance his death, knowing how apt we are to forget him; and though, to a carnal eye, it looks a mean thing, yet to those who are savingly enlightened, it has another aspect. Who can but be aflected with it, to think that my dear Lord Jesus, in the night wherein he wasbetrayed, when he began his most bitter passion, yet was so mindful of us, and our comfort, as to institute this ordinance? Blessed be God for any sweetness my soul has at any time found in it. Mr. Lawrence’s subject was, Phil. iii. 11. Press toward the mark. It is our great duty to be daily growing, and pressing forward in that which is good. Sure I am I have many eyes on me. Some praying, and exhorting, that I may hold on, and get forward in heaven’s way. Others, that would rejoice in my fall; but my comfort is, though I am weak and foolish, careless and lukewarm, yet my God is able to supply all my wants, and has undertaken to preserve all that belong to him (as I trust I do) safe — safe to his heavenly kingdom. Oh that this hope may quicken me to holy obedience!”

But although she often enjoyed much sweetness in holy ordinances, yet, it must not be supposed she was always upon ’ the mount.’ She, like other Christians, was not without tryingcxpcricnce. By divine grace, however, she usually was enabled to ’ hold fast her confidence.’ She thus writes: — “What a hard, stupid heart have I, that I am not affected with the love of my dear Jesus to my soul, This Sabbath is an instance. — ‘O fool, and slow of heart.’ When I should have been meditating on redeeeming love, and getting my heart alTected with it at the Lord’s Supper; then my heart was so heavy with sleep, and I so dull, and out of frame, that I was like a stock, or a stone. It is a matter of grief and shame to me in reflection, that I have so trifled away such a sweet opportunity. In the close I was a little raised. The exhortation was from the 92d Psalm, Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. The subject of the day was concerning brotherly love, from James v. 20, Converteth a sinner. O that I might more manifest that I am of the body by a fellow-feeling with the members, especially by being solicitous for their souls.”

Again; “We had, at noon, a sacramental opportunity. Blessed be God, The King sitteth at his tabic, but doth my ’ spikenard send forth its smell V Alas! No. I fear my desires were not right. Much coldness, and distraction. Yet, I trust, I did receive Christ, though with a trembling hand; and, as the bread and wine, which I have eaten, are so mine, as never to be again separated from me, so is Christ thereby set forth, and applied to my soul. For I am persuaded that neither life, nor death, shall be able to separate me from his love. Amen.”

In illustrating the piety and devotion of this excellent woman, her attentive Revieiu of Mercies received should not be overlooked. In this department of Christian wisdom, so eminently distinguished in the Scriptures, she was a proficient. She well understood the ’ loving-kindness of the Lord.’ — The following are edifying specimens.

“1714. June. When I look back to the year 1686, wherein I first began this account of myself, it is with the remark of that blessed apostle — having obtained help of God I continue to this day. Hitherto supported, comforted, carried on through storms and difficulties, so as still to be, in some measure, pressing forward. Not unto me, not unto me. Free grace shall have all the glory. I was then little more than twenty, now almost fifty years of age. I have entered my declining years. Finding those that look out of the windows begin to darken, I am obliged to use glasses. I find my strength fails. Yet, as to these infirmities, several things comfort me — They are only natural, and common, not hastened by my own sin, and folly — I, otherwise, enjoy a very great measure of health, and can be in any post of usefulness, not having been confined to my bed or chamber for almost three years. But, the greatest support of all is — the good hope of everlasting rest — that when my earthly tabernacle shall be dissolved, I shall have a heavenly mansion provided for me, where I shall see God, and my glorious Redeemer, and enjoy them — and, though how, or in what manner this shall be we are not sure, yet the thing itself is clear, as if written with a sun-beam. Not all the powers of earth and hell shall be able to break, or make void, one link of that glorious golden chain. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also

JrEMOmS OF MRS. SAVAGE. 139

‘justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What though the flesh perish, and be worms’ meat, yet the better part will be secured and the Lord Jesus Christ will not lose one grain of the dust of any of his dear people, but will, by his power, raise them up — so that soul and body shall be united, and be together for ever with the Lord. Amen. Hallelujah! Establish thy word unto thy servant on which thou hast caused me to hope. I am not ashamed, for I know in whom I have trusted, and he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

Again.” 1730, Feb. 15. I have had such plentiful experience of the goodness of God to me through all the way in which he hath led me in this wilderness, that I cannot but think it a duty to leave an acknowledgment of it under my own hand, for the quickening and encouragement of my dear children and grand-children who have this evil world to pass:

‘A dangerous and tiresome place.’

“I heartly subscribe to that sweet truth, ’ that a holy, heavenly life, spent in the service of God, and communion with him, is the most pleasant and comfortable life in the world.’

I liavc found that wisdom’s “ways are wavs of pleasantness, and desire, as one of my chiefest mercies, to mention my unspeakable happiness in a religious education. My parents were of the first three* for piety, and their good instructions, earnest prayers, and .excellent examples, are, at this distance of time, blessed. — Though they are long since out of the reach of prayer, yet God is not out of the reach of praise.”

“I fmd in the life of a good man (Ilalyburton), that besides his will as to temporal concerns, he thought proper to leave something on record of his sentiments concerning religion. I freely deolare I came into the world a defiled, polluted branch of the first Adam, tainted with original corruption — a child of wrath. And I must own it was infinite mercy that laid hold of me, discovered me to myself, changed and renewed me, or else I had been lost for ever. I owe it to the infinite mercy of my gracious God that lie has revealed his Son in me — the only Mediator between God and man. I trust only to his infinite merits and satisfaction. None but Christ. None but Christ. And if I had as many souls as 1 have bail’s on my head, I durst venture them all on

* See 2 Samuel xxiii. 23.

that sure foundation. This I account a faitiifiil saying, and worthy of all acceptation — that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. The 71st Psahn, being the aged (Christian’s prayer and song, I think very apiplicable:

‘At thy command I venture down
Securely to the grave.’

“Though my flesh must see corruption, yet, I trust in that almighty Power which raises from the dead, and that in the great day I shall be set on the right hand, and be publicly owned, and acknowledged, though infinitely unworthy such a favour. I know that my Redeemer liveth. Above all, I should desire, as Mr. Baxter did, those words of my risen Lord to be written on my sick and death bed — I ascend to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”

“Sarah Savage.”

“Wrenbury Wood.”

Another record of the same kind is dated 1734. “Finding decays,” she writes,” especially in my memory, I think it not improper to leave this testimony under my hand of that kind Providence which has followed me all my days. I think the employing of my writing faculty this way is a duty which God may expect from me, since I must own that it is a pleasure to me, which some who could do it, are averse to.

“In the IGth year of my age I was admitted to the Lord’s table. I took the covenant of my baptism upon myself. I made it my own act and deed to join myself to the Lord, and I have since found unspeakable comfort that my early days — the male in the flock, were dedicated to his service. I have often repeated, but never, repented, this choice.

“I think I may say I had my roots watered with wine. Such sweet seasons of grace. Line upon line. The best helps for my soul. Surely I should reckon this among my choicest mercies. I have my lot cast where I have not only gospel light, but all advantages — exhortations — encouragements — to improve this light, and to be enlightened by it. How much am I indebted! Such powerful preaching, sweet sabbaths, comfortable sacraments.

“I think I should not overlook the great mercy I had in those years by bodily health — not one day’s sickness in twenty years — I had comfort in the society of friends, and dear relations. We dwelt tocrethcr in the greatest unity. I had excellent helps by good books — the lives of holy persons of both sexes. These 1 am sure may be placed in the account of my mercies.

“The most signal, eminent mercy of God to me was in the great turn of my life, when I was married, March 28, 1687, to one every way a help-meet for me. I was enabled, in some measure, by divine grace, for the duties of that state, and I had abundance of the comforts of it. All praise to the God of my mercies.

“In the year 1688, I was brought safely through the small-pox, after wdiich my dear father led us in a family thanksgiving. He preached from John v. 14. Thou art made whole, sin no more. I would reckon the frequent lectures we then had, among my mercies. I hope some good was done, and the house was, as I thought, perfumed by the good prayers offered in it.

“The end of that year my first daughter, Sarah, was born, and suitable mercies were afforded to us both. After her I had six living children — three taken, three left — Dear Philip spared to his 22d year, then taken by the small-pox. I shall go to them.

“Another considerable mercy to me has been the marriage of all my four daughters suitably, and with consent, and to those who fear God, and have a competency in the world. All of them fruitful vines, and nursing mothers. Especially, that I see some of theirs, as they grow up, serious, with their faces heaven-ward.”

“I think I may reckon among my mercies the supports I have had under sharp afflictions: an only son taken in the flower of his age, 1721 — my dear husband in September, 1729, suddenly removed — Yet my God lias taken that care of me which the dearest relations could not have done, had they been spared. Since I have been in the widowed state, still goodness and mercy have followed me.

*’ The health I have in my old age is, surely, a great mercy.

‘His mercy crowns my growing years.’

“I have the use of reason, and peace in my own conscience, those ur)sj)cakable blessings. How much am I indebted! Ebene/.er.”

Mrs. Savage’s pious commemoration of her birth-day deserves particular notice. In 1704, it is thus expressed:

“Now forty years I have been in this wilderness. I have not wanted the pillar of cloud and fire for guidance on my way. I have had manna — bread from heaven — and that for many years, of the finest. The rock, Christ, to drink of, and be refreshed. Thou gavest thy good Spirit for my teacher and comforter. But that which I would be especially thankful for is — the Canaan — the rest that is to come, and for any comfortable hope of an interest in it. Yet that which damps and allays my joy and comfort is — my wilderness sins — my manifold murmurings and provocations. Had not my Lord Jesus, my dear Moses and great intercessor, stood in the gap to stay the stroke of divine justice, it had not been with me as now it is. There is a Jordan, it is true, between me and the heavenly Canaan, but, through grace, I will not fear it. The God of peace will make me more than a conqueror over the last enemy.”

The next year she writes:” Aug. 7th. I must remember the mercy of God in my birth; now I am forty-one. A great while to live to so little purpose. I bless my God who endued me with a reasonable soul, and a perfect complete body, strong and healthy, especially when I was a child. I have been told that my mother nursed me with less trouble than

any of her children.”

“I desired this evening, in my secret duty, to be more than ordinary in earnest with God for her — that showers of blessings may fall upon her — that God would bless her, and fulfil all her petitions, both for herself and us: and though my dear, thrice dear and honoured father, is out of the reach of my prayer, yet I desire to send hearty praises to God for him, and the great, unspeakable privilege I had to be born of such parents — for all the sweet counsels, reproofs, example, sermons, prayers, expositions — and for what sweetness there has been in his pious discourses, and also his pathetic letters — by all which he endeavoured to make religion the most necessary, excellent, amiablethingthatcould be. Though I think it sad that he was so soon and suddenly removed, yet it was a mercy he was so long continued in usefulness — and that his very name has a good savour to all that knew him. God grant that I may follow him here in the regeneration, that I may meet him with comfort in the great day.”

At another time, Aug. 7th, 1723, she thus expresses herself; “What a long time have I wandered in the wilderness of this world, yet lacked nothing — nothing needful, or good for mc. Mcthinks I have abundant reason to own the kindness of my heavenly Father as to my better part. When I removed hither, I yet remember my fear and trembling, lest I should wither and decay in grace, in the want of the opportunities I had always enjoyed. But how has my kind God been gracious herein, above what I could have hoped. Blessed, and kept, and taught. Surely I should be very thankful for a competency in the world — free from the snares of riches and poverty. Methinks among my sweetest enjoyments I would reckon good books, which I have found very profitable and good company, often, in my solitude. I was lately, much aflected in reading Deut. x. 5; speaking of the tables of the Covenant which Moses put into the ark, it is added — ’ and there they be.’ On which the annotations thus enlarge: “We may say to the rising generation — we have had the benefit and comfort of bibles, sabbaths, sacraments, &c., and we leave them you — there they be — as we received them from our parents.’ I trust Jesus Christ will have his faithful witnesses in all ages, and that the gates of hell shall never be able to ])revail against his church. I own I am ready to sign a discharge in full, that there has not failed to me one good thing of all that God has promised, either pertaining to this life, or a better. And now, what doth the Lord my God require of me, as Deut. x. 12? It is in one word — obedience. I^ord, 1 would be obedient, but I find myself often pulled back. I cannot do the good I would. I remember the years past, what advantage I found by solemn meditation, which now I find so great aversion to; but I do purpose, by the grace of God, to practise it more now, in the beginning of this new year of my life. Lord, help me herein.”

“To be SPIRITUALLY-MINDED is life and peace.” Experience proves it. JMeditation on heavenly things will occasion little interruption to customary avocations; while the frequency of the exercise contributes, in no small degree, to advance growth in grace, as well as to discover the present attainments of believers. “It is,” observed the excellent Caryl, “a great part of our holiness to be spiritually-minded while we are conversing with God, through Jesus Christ, in spiritual duties. But to be spiritually-minded and to mind spiritual things, when we are conversing with the clods of the earth, and the furrows of the field; when we have to do with corn and grass, with trees and plants, with sheep and oxen; when we behold the birds and fowls of the air, the worms and all that creep upon the n:roun(l — Then, I say, to be sy)irituallymuided, ami thence to have our thoughts ascending and soaring up to God, in hearl-affecting and quickening contemplations, witnesseth a high degree of holiness. To make a ladder out of earthly materials, for the raising of ourselves in spirit to heaven, is the art of arts. Holy and happy indeed are they who, being taught of God, have learned this art, and live in the daily practice of it.”*

Mrs. Savage’s residence in the country was thus improved, and her diary abounds with numerous instances illustrative of the preceding remarks. The following have been selected.

“My child being weak and unable to take its food, I am forced, at present, to have a nurse in the house. By my unconcernedness at the crying of her child, in comparison with my own, I cannot but sometimes think of the pity and tenderness of my heavenly Father towards his children. He hearkens attentively to their cry, whereas the prayer of the wicked is an abomination to him.”

“We had Mr. Lawrence’s little boys with

* Flavel’s Husbandry Spiritualized.

US, and when I consider their great loss of a pious, tender motlicr, my heart moves in pity to them. From whence I cannot but infer the pity and tenderness that is in the heart of the Father of mercies towards those who arc the seed of his friends and followers. For, alas! what are our compassions compared with his?”

“Monday. Overhearing a servant, being weary, wishing earnestly for night, that she might rest, I could not but be aflbctcd. Surely, if I was thoroughly weary of this world, which is so full of toil, labour, and sorrow, I should long for the rest of death, when my body shall sleep in the grave, and my spirit return to God who gave it.”

“The coals coming to the fire with ice upon them, at first seemed as though they would put out the file, l)ut afterwards they made it burn more fiercely. I had this meditation. It is often so with me. That which seems against me is really for me. — Have not afilictions worked for my good? Sometimes I have gone to an ordinance, as these coals to the fire, all cold and frozen, and there I have been melted. My love and desire have been inflamed. That it hath not oftener been so, has been my own fault.”

“Seeing other creatures clean and white in the same i)lace where the swine were all over mire, I thought it did represent good and bad men in the same place; the one defiled by the same temptations which the others escape, through the grace of God, and watchfulness.”

“An old tree in the garden was removed. We were afraid it would not grow in its new place. I could not but take occasion to bless God that he was pleased, in my tender years, to transplant me, and to take me from the common of a natural estate, into his own garden. The time was a ’ time of love.’ Lord, how is it? Wherefore? What sawest thou in me to move thee? Nothing but misery. The greater was the mercy. Oh that I may bring forth fruit to God!”

“Walking in the garden I had this meditation. Seeing some young trees, which have all had the same soil, the same planting, the same watering, yet, some blossoming and flourishing — others scarcely alive, it cannot but make me think of the difference that there is in the growth of professors under the same means of grace. In my Father’s family, how did I see some that were planted after me far more fruitful God-ward. This I reflect upon with shame. This comforts me — that I am a branch in Christ, and all such he will purge, that they niay bring forth more fruit, according to that Scrij)ture, John xv. 2. I have to-day been reading how Christ is the way to the Father, namely, to acquaintance, acceptation, relation, reconciliation, with him. The way to the performance of his promises, and to the possession of his kingdom. All sweet, unspeakable privileges belonging to those to whom Christ is the way.”

“By observing the flowers in the garden, which yesterday spread themselves in the sun, to-day, in the want of that luminary, close and melancholy, I see the need 1 have of the warm influences of the blessed Sun of Righteousness, without which my graces will soon languish.”

“Being employed in the garden, I was aflected to see how much the weeds come on faster than the plants and herbs. Just so do corruptions thrive and grow in my soul. Yet this comforts me — the herbs, most of them, are better rooted than the weeds; they are not so easily pulled up. The good part shall not be taken away. If I am growing on the root — Christ — no man shall ever be able to pull me thence — kept by the power of God to salvation,”

“I was affected lately when I saw our newly-sown garden, which we had secured so carefully, as we thought, from fowls, and had closely covered it, yet receive as much hurt by the unseen mole, which roots up and destroys. Lord, grant this be not the case of my poor soul. Many good seeds are sown. Line upon line — Daily hearing or reading some good truths. And, by the grace of God, with my good education, I have been kept from gross sins, but I have great reason to fear the unseen mole of heart-corruption, pride, covetousness. These work secretly, but dangerously! Lord, do thou undertake for me.”

“On Saturday my dear came home safe. Praised be God. The same watchful eye is over him abroad, and over us at home. Our joy at meeting, though after a short absence, was mutual and great. I fear lest, at any time, it exceed bounds. This, in the reflection, makes me think of the great joy that there will be when all the espoused members of Christ shall be gathered together to him, their crreat husband — to be for ever with the

Lord. The thoughts of it sometimes refresh me.”

“Finding my sight much decayed, so that I cannot read a hue without glasses, I had this thought: Surely this is a call to me to spend more time in meditation and prayer, which are, sometimes, best performed when the eyes of the body are shut.”

“The slow, gradual approach of the sun, that is, the shadow of it, in my chamber, reminds me of the old observation — We tower up to heaven by a thousand ascents in the slow proficiencies of grace — yet if, at last, I can attain, all will be well.”