Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/692

678 Meaning, that although she was skilled in housewifery, and in such things in which women are conversant, yet her penetrating wit soared up to pry in the highest mysteries, looking at the highest example of female wisdom. Although she knew wool and flax, fine linen and silk, things appertaining to the spindle and the distaff; yet she could open her mouth with wisdom, knowledge of the best and highest things; and if this had not been most affected by her, solid wisdom, knowledge of the best things, such as make wise unto salvation; if she had sought fame rather than wisdom, possibly she might have been ranked among those wise and learned of her sex, of whom Pythagoras or Plutarch, or any of the ancients, have made such honourable mention.

'But she affected rather to study those noble Bereans, and those honourable women (as St. Paul there stiles them) who searched the scriptures daily; with Mary she chose the better part, of hearing the doctrine of Christ.'

She had two husbands; the first was, Richard, earl of Dorset, to whom she was married 1609. He died 1624. By him she had Thomas, who died young, Margaret, married to the earl of Northampton, and Isabel, to the earl of Thanet. Her second husband was Philip, earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, who died 1629, by whom she had no issue.

She survived him 27 years, during which time she employed herself in a constant series of good works, extensive charities, and generosity to learned men; also in erecting several sacred edifices; besides a noble hospital, and many other stately buildings, both for the honour of her family and for the public good.

She was very exemplary in observing religious duties both in public and private, a constant frequenter of divine service, as well as attendant on the sacrament of the