of zeal, have been rescued from oblivion
to be a stimulus to Christians in all succeeding periods of time. And in
other instances benefits, though not equally extensive, yet substantial,
have resulted from recording, in a brief memoir, the characters and
actions of those who, not called to occupy prominent stations, have shed
a sweet influence of piety upon the more retired walks of ordinary life.

The following pages are intended to preserve some short account of a
Christian lady, who from youth to old age "walked in the truth;" and
having become at length alike venerable in years and in piety, departed
this present life with the glorious hope of a better.

Mrs. Peggy Waugh was born at Wallingford, A. D. 1747. At an early
period of life her mind was brought under a divine influence; not,
however, by the ordinary means of grace, nor by any solemn providence,
but in a manner illustrating the force of scripture, and the sovereignty
of that gracious Spirit by whom it was originally inspired, and is still
savingly applied. Being present at a party where the evening was spent
in festivity and worldly mirth, she was invited to join in the dance.
This she had often done, for she was of a lively disposition, and her
parents were gratified by her mixing in the gaieties of life; but in the
present instance she felt herself unable to maintain the hilarity of her
spirits. The cause of her dejection none imagined, and she was perhaps
ashamed to acknowledge. While all was merriment around her, she became
suddenly pensive. A passage of the word of God, pointedly in contrast
with the spirit of the scene, had come with irresistible power to her
recollection. It fastened upon her conscience:--it reached her heart.
The music and dancing lost their charms; she sat in solitariness, though
surrounded with company; the world's fascinations appeared in a light in
which she had never before seen them, and the salutary impressions of
that evening remained unerased from her mind through all her subsequent
life.

While she was yet young, her parents removed to Reading. Shortly after
they had fixed their residence in that town, she was taken by a friend
to the Baptist Meeting, where she heard the Rev. Mr. Davis. She was
much interested in his discourse, and sought for opportunities to
attend frequently on his ministry. Under the able instructions of that
excellent man, her religious views became clearer and more definite, her
principles more fir