Page:Memoirs of the Lives.djvu/55

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that a poor woman in the neighbourhood, was in need of relief, and to ascertain the fact, called upon a respectable person whom he supposed to be acquainted with the particulars of her situation. Having thus satisfied himself of the truth of the case, he presented to the person on whom he had called several silver pieces—saying, "lay this out for her, hut dont let it be known where it came from."

His fondness for frequent retirement and meditation, continued throughout his life: and for the more complete indulgence and enjoyment of this rational habit, he selected an interesting spot, on the farm of the person with whom he resided, and improved a natural excavation in the earth, near a fine spring of water, so as to afford himself a commodious apartment. The interior part of the roof of his cave was neatly ornamented with festoons of evergreen, and in other respects, the room was conveniently fitted for his purpose. Here was kept his library of books, which amounted to nearly two hun-