Reformed Women of History 03

Back to Basics

I have now decided that to give you all that I have learned about the lovely Elizabeth Prentiss would keep young mothers away from their children and the rest of you from the important things that God has prepared for you to accomplish. Therefore this is a "short" bio given in three parts to satisfy the knowledge-hungry beast inside you. I will try to incorporate more about this truly excellent woman of faith in later posts, but for now; Enjoy!

Elizabeth Prentiss (Childhood)

On the 26th day of October in the 1818th year of our Lord the family of Edward and Anne Payson was blessed with the birth of their fifth child (there would be eight born, of which two died in infancy). Dr. Payson would prove to be a great proclaimist of the gospel in his time and even now his sermons are highly esteemed among Reformed Pastors and Theologians even today. The future husband of his newborn daughter would pen these words about him shortly after her death.

"Edward Payson was in all respects a highly-gifted man. His genius was as marked
as his piety. There is a charm about his name and the story of his life, that is
not likely soon to pass away"

Payson's great devotion, passion for winning souls to Christ and desire to become like his Saviour in holiness was a challenge to all that knew him. He did however struggle with a melancholy temperament was often subject to "sudden and sharp alterations of feeling." Almost to his last days he experienced seasons of spiritual gloom and depression. His familial biographer goes on to say that "it did not impair the strength and beauty of his Christian manhood." but rather placed a spotlight on his sportive humor, ready wit, and wonderful story-telling gift which made him delightful to the young and old, learned and unlearned alike.

"Dr. Payson possessed rare conversational powers and loved to wield them in the
service of his Master."

Much of his temperament was exhibited by his daughter Elizabeth as a young adult and was heightened at times by her not knowing "what it was to feel well." She was plagued by severe pains, sick headaches, and fainting spells from young childhood. She was described as "a dark-eyed, delicate little creature, of sylph-like form." Elizabeth was only nine when the father she adored departed to be with the Lord.

Elizabeth's eldest sister Louisa had recently opened a school and Mrs. Payson found it both a place of refuge and usefulness. She became a teacher in the school and after some years of further education Elizabeth would join the ranks herself. Louisa was known for her scholarship and excellent literary skills, something that would also be instilled in her younger sister. She would later marry a university professor and put her skills to the help of his position.

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These are somethings that I have learned about young Elizabeth Prentiss. She was greatly influenced by her loving and godly family to pursue excellence in her endeavors and did so in every aspect of life. The next E.P. post will focus on her young adulthood, including her own reformation by the work of Christ and her marriage to Pastor George Prentiss, brother of her good friend Ms. Anne Prentiss.

Happy Day!!