Family-histories and genealogies : containing a series of ...

0QX(tn=3offn»on
Dr. Brainerd had died in 1 805 ; so that, on the death of their youngest
child, the next year, Mrs. Brainerd was left a lonely widow. Her pastor
Rev. Dr. Field speaks of her, in a funeral-sermon preached two days after
her death, as follows :
" Her understanding was originally superior, and her temper uniform and
pleasant. She .
. . for nearly forty years has been an exemplary professor of
religion in this church. Her mental, social and moral qualities, improved by a
religious education, refined and virtuous society, discreet reading and regular exer-
tion, advanced her to a degree of excellence not often surpassed. The numerous and
distressing afflictions, which it pleased a sovereign and holy God to visit upon her,
served both to improve and display her worth. Through life the subject of bodily
infirmities, and not unfrequently of sickness herself, she was called to witness and
bewail the death of almost all her near kindred. Her father and mother, her brothers
and sisters, with the exception of a half-sister, have long since been removed into
eternity. Dr. Brainerd, about twenty years before his death, was afflicted with para-
lytic complaints, that gradually deprived him, to a great degree, of the use of his
limbs and speech ; in consequence of which he required the constant and special
care of his partner ; the education of the family was devolved upon her, and the
management of a large property. These calamities must have tried her soul. Nor
were these all. Her children had been her rising and joyful hope, and were trained
up for extensive usefulness—but these, with her husband, were successively removed
from her. For several years she had been comparatively alone in the world. These
various and aggravated trials she met with fortitude, and bore with patience ; her
mind was composed and cheerful, and her affairs were managed with steadiness and
discretion. As a wife and mother she was affectionate and eminently faithful. With
unaffected dignity of manners she united ease and familiarity ; and
to the vast circle
of friends and people, of different ages and conditions, who visited her, her conver-
sation was pleasant and instructive. Her house has been a home of the clergy of
this vicinity, whom she loved and respected, and by whom her memory will be long
held in joyful remembrance. By hospitality and charity she has been the succourer
of many ;
and
as a proof of her general regard to Christianity, and particularly of
her regard to the spiritual welfare of this people, it may be "mentioned in this place
that she has bequeathed by will five hundred dollars to the Missionary Society of this
State, and the like sum to this Ecclesiastical Society. Her influence, by no means
small, has been exerted on the side of order, peace and religion.
348