an English religious writer. She was an indefatigable reader of the scriptures, of biblical commentaries and of the ancient philosophers in English translations. She took notes of all sermons she heard and would question her family and servants about them. In 1631 she began a large volume of Collections, Observations, Experiences, Rules, together with a work What a Christian must believe and practice. As well as setting herself strict rules of personal devotion, she supervised the household in twice-daily prayer and weekly catechesis. The poor in the locality and Christian ministers benefited from her charity.
