American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1823-06-20
EXTRACT.
LADY ELIZABETH HASTINGS.

beth Hastings have lively instance of the power
and support of religion.
An ingenious temper, quickness of understan-
ding, benevolent spirit, Hexblity of nature, and
solemn sense OF divine things were observable in
her tender age; and in the dangerous ascent of
life, her feet guided and preserved in the paths
OF rectude and goodness so that she was not only
free from the stain Of vice in her rising years. but
superior to the world, and its vain and riing amuse-
ments. Through the whole course Of her time, her
lamp shone brightly and, in mature age, dfused
Its light and Atiuence in wide extent around her.
1t appears that the great aim of her life was to
promote the glory of God, and the welfare Of men
keeping her talents extensive fortune, and other
means of doing good, continually employed for the
benefit of her fellow creatures. OF all her cares,
most special ono that of the stranger, the father
less, and the widow; the needy, and him that had
no helper the lame, the halt, and the blind. These
objects excited her most tender compassion. She
participated in their sufferngs she often conversed
with them and inquired into their history, with
great condescenslon. She studied their particular
cases, and put them in the way Of improving their
condition. She often visited them in sickness, bore
the expenses OF it; and, no doubt, endeavoured to
hardships of their allotment.
| The following character ofths noble minded
woman, was drawn BY he hand Of an eminent writer.
l"Iier countenance the lively picture OF her
mind, which was the seat OF honour, truth, compass
sion, knowledge and innocence. In the midst Of
the most ample fortune, and the veneraton OF all
that beheld and knew her, without the least atfecta-
ton, she devoted herself to retirement, to the con-
Itemplat,on Of her own being, and OF that supreme
Power which bestowed it. Without The learning Of
schools, or knowledge Of long course of argu.
Ements she went on in an uninterrupted course Of
Ipiety and virtue; and added TO the severity and
privacy Of the last age all the freedom and Of
This. The language and mien OF court she was
possessed ofin high degree; but the simplicity
land humble thoughts OF cottage, were her mors
WELCOME entertainments She was female pho-
Isopher who did not only live up to the resignation
Io the most retired lives Of the ancient sages, bu
lalso to thl schemes and plans which they though
beautiful, though inimitable. This lady was tn,
}most exact economist, without appearing busy; thu
most strictly virtueus without tasting the praise o
lit; and Stunned applause with as much industry a
lothers do reproach."
Towards the close Of life she experienced grea
bodily affection, having in the breast, 70
(which she underwent an amputation. But in al
: her sufferings from this cause, and even under tn
trying operation her religious ortitude and seren
Ity of mind did not forsake her. The resignation
her spirit to the dispensalions of Divine Providence
lis strongly marked by the following expressions
which dropped from her during the course Of th
painful dstemper: " / would not wish to be out
Inv present situation for all the world nor exchang
liz for any other at any price"
The night subsequent to the operation, did M
afford her much sleep, but it was night of celes
peace time Of thanksgivingto her God, for I'll
visible demonstration of his power in and about her
for his stretched out in her great deliyerance
for the bountifu provisions he had made for all ii
wants Of her soul and body and, in a word, for a
his blessings conferred upon her.
She was, sooner than expected restored to a con
Portable state of health and to that life Of CHART
and benehcence, which was the joy OF her hear
but the disorder, repressed only for time, appea
ed again with new malignity, and at length put
period to all her sorrows. Her lamp and her Ii
we're, however, to be extingushed together: 81
was pious and bene6cent to the last
short time before her departure, Impress
with a strong sense of Divine Goodness. She bro
out, with a raised accent, in the following manne
q Lord what is it that see? 0 the greatness
The glory that is revealed in me! that is belo
me ~ So joyful appears TO have been her entran
into the kingdom OF her Lord and Saviour.
The truly religious, whose evidences OF bless
uturity, are clear, RATIONAL and well founded, hay