If he esteemed her at a higher rate than she
in herself could have deserved, he was the author of that virtue
he doated on, while she only reflected his own glories upon him.
All that she was, was HIM, while he was here, and all that she is
now, at best, is but his pale shade.
"So liberal was he to her, and of so generous a temper, that he
hated the mention of severed purses, his estate being so much at
her disposal that he never would receive an account of anything
she expended. So constant was he in his love, that when she
ceased to be young and lovely he began to show most fondness. He
loved her at such a kind and generous rate as words cannot
express. Yet even this, which was the highest love he or any man
could have, was bounded by a superior: he loved her in the Lord as
his fellow-creature, not his idol; but in such a manner as showed
that an affection, founded on the just rules of duty, far exceeds
every way all the irregular passions in the world. He loved God
above her, and all the other dear pledges of his heart, and for
his glory cheerfully resigned them." (15)
Lady Rachel Russell is another of the women of history celebrated
for her devotion and faithfulness as a wife. She laboured and
pleaded for her husband's release so long as she could do so
with honour; but when she saw that all was in vain, she collected
her courage, and strove by her example to strengthen the resolution
of her dear lord.
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