Phoebe Bartlet was born in March 1731 in the state of New England in the United States of America. Phoebe’s parents were members of the church where the godly Jonathan Edwards was the pastor. The following account was recorded by Pastor Edwards who saw this girl’s life first-hand and who also spoke personally with her parents.

When Phoebe was only four years old she was deeply moved by the talk of her eleven year old brother who had become a Christian a little while before. Her brother seriously talked with her about the gospel and the need to be saved. Her parents were completely unaware of this and used to direct their conversation on spiritual matters to their older children, thinking Phoebe was too young to understand. But after the conversation with her brother they noticed how seriously she listened to the advice they gave to the other children.

After a little while Phoebe’s parents also observed that she used to spend time in private praying about five or six times a day. Her mother overheard her on one occasion praying: “Pray, blessed Lord give me salvation! I pray, pardon all my sins.” She told her mother at this time that she was afraid that she would go to hell and that she hoped that God would give her salvation. Later that day she came to her mother with a smiling face and said: “Mother, the kingdom of heaven is come to me.” Phoebe went on to say that she loved God, even more than she loved her parents or her sisters.

That same day when the older children returned home from school they were aware of the change in their little sister. Phoebe was at times in tears because she was afraid that her older sisters, Abigail, Eunice and Naomi would go to hell.

From that time onwards there was a very remarkable and lasting change in Phoebe Bartlett’s life. She particularly delighted in the Lord’s Day and often during the week she would ask how long it was to Sunday, and only be content when the days until Sunday were counted out. She also seemed to love going to the services at the church, and was very eager to attend. Her mother once asked her why she was so keen to go. Was it to see all the fine people gathered for worship? No, Phoebe replied, it was to hear Mr Edwards preach!