The Virgins Pattern in the Life and Death of Susanna Perwich, Biography
The exemplary Iafe, and lamented Death of Miſtris Suſanna Perwich, Daughter of Robert Perwich, of Hackney, in the County of Middleſex, Gent. who dyed a rarely accompliſh'd Virgin, at one of the clock in the afternoon, on Wedneſday, the 3. of July, 1661. in the 25. year of her Age.
SHE was born upon the 23. day of Sept. in the year of our Lord, 1636. in the Pariſh of Aldermanbury, London; where, having by the care and coſt of her Pa…ents been ſent to School to learn to read …s ſoon as capable thereof;Her early pregnancy while a child. this was remarkable in her at that tender age, that ſhe …ould needs learn by hearing and obſerving others rather than by the teaching o… her Miſtris, taking a delight it ſeems t… get her learning altogether by her own induſtry; yea, ſo impatient ſhe was of bein… inſtructed by any, that ſhe would altogether refuſe their help, and yet reſted no… till ſhe had attained to an ability of reading Scripture, full as well and as diſtinctly as any of her elder Siſters; an argumen… of ſuch Pregnancy and Ingenuity, as is no… ordinary in young children.
When ſhe was ſeven years and a hal… old, her Father removing his dwelling to his School at Hackney, where now he live… She among the reſt of his Children,A moſt rare Muſician, & plays at ſight on the Treble Viol at 14. years & a half old. had the advantage of a choice breeding there, and in ſhort time made no ſmall Progreſs in it, eſpecially in the grounds of Muſick; for at fourteen years and a half old, She was able to play in Conſort, at the firſt ſight upon the treble Viol, and this with ſo much skill, eaſe, and ſweetneſs, that She gave no ordinary hopes of proving a very rare Muſician. Indeed ſuch an harmonious ſoul She had, and a genious ſo exceeding tractable to all ſorts of Muſick,Took her Muſick as it were naturally. that one of her Maſters (Mr. Ives hy name) was wont to ſay he could play no new Leſſon before her, but She would have it preſently: inſomuch that not himſelf only, but divers others her Inſtructers in that Art, were not a …tle proud of her.
The firſt that grounded her in the notes … Muſick, and enabled her to play ſo ex…llently on the treble Viol, was Mr. Tho…as Flood, who falling ſick, and continuing … a long time, it occaſioned her Father … make choice of a new Maſter (Mr. Wil…am Gregory by name) who being eminent… skilful at the Lyra Viol, did very much …tter the making and forming of her …and, Becomes excellent at the Lyra Viol.and was the firſt that gave her that …re delicious ſtroke, which afterwards be…me ſo ſingularly peculiar to her ſelf. He ſo taught her all varieties of rare turn…gs. That which made her ſo expert, both … her own play, and in judging of others …hen She heard them, was her moſt cu…ous ear, ſeldom equalled by any, the very …ſt Maſters in that Art. Divers Books …he read of excellent compoſure, and under…ood them well; nor cared She for any Leſ…ns but what were very choice; but her …hief delight was in diviſions upon grounds … which She had the beſt that England …uld afford.
Her principal Maſter at the Viol, for the …ſt ſeven years, was Mr. Stephen Bing, a …rviving witneſs of her admirable abili…es, which in great part (to his honour be it ſpoken) She gained from him, it being very much his care and ambition, to encourage her with the beſt grounds and ſuits of Leſſons that could be gotten, and thereby bring her to the higheſt perfections attainable at the Viol.
When She played on this Inſtrument, though ſingly, as She uſed it, it gave the delight of a full Conſort; but when in Conſort with other Viols, or a ſet of Lute… only, or Viols and Lutes together, or with the Harpſicord or Organ, ſtill her Inſtrument was Queen of all, and as if it ha… been touched by more than a mortal hand, gave ſo delicious a ſound, and ſo diſtinctly too, that any judicious ear might diſcei… it above the reſt; inſomuch that it migh… be truly ſaid, look what the racy flavour i… to the richeſt Wine; fragrancy to flowers▪ varniſh to colours; burniſh to gold; ſparkling to diamonds; and ſplendor to the light… that was her raviſhing ſtroke to all the other Muſick;She plays incomparably, and yet ſits as if ſhe min… it not. and yet (which was the mor… admirable) She ſate ſo ſteady, and free from any the leaſt unhandſom motion in her body, ſo modeſtly careleſs, and as it wer… thoughtleſs of what She was about, as i… She had not been concerned at all; and al… this She did, though She never ſpent th… tenth part of that time in private practiſe which others are wont to do; for indeed She made better uſe of her time, at other ſorts of higher Muſick, which was much ſweeter to her, as we ſhall hear anon.
As her accompliſhments at the Viol were ſuperlatively great, ſo at the Lute alſo, in which Mr. Aſhberry having done his part towards her, in teaching of her till he dyed; And at the Lute.Mr. John Rogers the rare Luteniſt of our Nation, for the laſt three years, came after him, and added much more to her; profeſſing that her skill at this Inſtrument was ſo very exquiſite, and her hand ſo ſweet, that he never taught any like her. When She played on the Viol, She ſeemed to tranſcend at that Inſtrument above all the reſt, and when She played on the Lute, She ſeemed to tranſcend as much there; ſuch a contention, and ſo pleaſant, ſcarce was ever known from one and the ſame Virgins hand before.
Had leiſure given leave, that She could have ſpared time from her other Inſtruments and employments, Mr. Albertus Brian, that famouſly velvet fingered Organiſt, would gladly have done the ſame for her, which he hath done for one of her Siſters yet living, in making her as rare at the Harpſecord, as She was at any of her other ſorts of Muſick; and ſo have paired the two Siſters together; one ſet of the choiſeſt Leſſons at this Inſtrument, …lſo at the …arpſecord.at the requeſt of the ſaid Mr. Brian, She learned of him, and as himſelf affirms, not only attained them in a very ſhort time, but played them as well as he himſelf could.
To this her Inſtrumental Muſick we may adde her Vocal, no leſs delicious and admirable, if not more excellent; as if her Lungs had been made on purpoſe, (as no doubt they were) by their natural melodies to out-do the artificial;She ſings moſt ſweetly. and here Mr. Edward Coleman, her Maſter, and one of greateſt renown, for his rare abilities in ſinging, deſerves no leſs thanks and commendations for the care and delight he took in perfecting her in this Art alſo, than any of her other Maſters.
She was an incomparable Dancer, as at Country, ſo in French dances, wherein ſhe was ſo excellently curious, in her Poſtures, footings, and moſt graceful countenance,A moſt curious Dancer. that Mr. Hazard, her laſt and chief inſtructer therein, and one of the rareſt Maſters of that Art in England, accounted her a prime Flower of the Age in that reſpect, and ſaid She was as knowing therein, as any Dancing-Maſter whatever.
The Fame of all which at laſt grew ſo publick and univerſal, that there are few places in England but have heard thereof, yea, and many parts beyond the Seas too. For not onelyonly perſons of high rank and quality, of all ſorts, came from London, the Inns of Court, Her Muſic… frequented by ſtrangers from all part not only in England, but in forreign Nations.and out of ſeveral Counties, to hear and judge of her abilities, eſpecially the chiefeſt Muſick-Maſters that are now living: but many forreigners alſo, as French, Spaniſh, Italian, Dutch, as well Agents and Embaſſadors, as other Travellers into theſe parts, deſired a taſte of theſe her rare qualities, alwayes going away with high admiration, ſaying that they had now ſeen one of the choiſest rarities of England, and profeſſing they never heard or knew of the like in any of their own Countreys.
All other parts of excellent breeding ſhe likewiſe had; whatever curious Works at the needle, or otherwiſe can be named,She had all other parts of breeding, whether in curious works or whatever elſe. which Females are wont to be converſant in, whether by ſilver, ſilks, ſtraws, glaſs, wax, gum…, o… any other of the like kinde, ſhe was perfectly skilled in. To ſay nothing of her ability at the pen, where, being an accountant, her skill was more than ordinary women have; and in Arts of good houſe-wifry, and Cookery, wherein ſhe had a good ſhare likewiſe; I haſten rather to the more noble perfections of her mind, which indeed were very aimable and lovely.
For ſhe had a delicate and nimble wit, a quick apprehenſion, a clear underſtanding, a ſound judgement,…er natural …rts. a fine invention, a tenacious memory, which (as we ſhall hear anon) ſhe was not wont to ſtuffe with vanity, but with what was moſt worthy to be learned and kept. And as theſe natural parts and reaſonable faculties of her ſoul, ſo her moral virtues alſo were eminent. She was very diſcreet, …er moral …irtues.wiſe, and prudent in her actions; not paſſionate, nor retentive of anger, never over merry, but modeſtly grave and compoſed; of a very comely and handſom carriage, inſomuch that ſtrangers were wont to ſay, when ſhe came into their preſence, they had not ſeen a more ſweet comportment, or a more taking perſon. For diſpoſition, ſo affable, kind, and courteous, that ſhe ſoon gained the love of all, where ever ſhe came. Her diſcourſe was alwayes pertinent and uſeful, not at all loquacious, her ſpeech being rather ſontentious, than garrulous. Theſe and many ſuch like graceful ornaments, added unto the comelineſs of her perſon, rendred her very winningly acceptable to all that knew her. But that which moſt of all commends her, and juſtly leaves her a very imitable example to all that ſhall hear of her, and for which principally this preſent Relation is penned, is much more conſiderable than what hath been yet ſaid: Namely, that choice and precious work of Grace upon her heart, which God was pleaſed to work in her, and by which all her other excellencies were ſweetly ſanctified; the occaſion whereof was as followeth.
About four years ſince, being diſappointed in the enjoyment of her deſires in a Match then propounded to her,Her Converſion, and th… occaſion of i… by the ſudden death of the party that had gained her affection, ſhe wiſely conſidered with her ſelf, what the meaning of this ſo ſad a providence ſhould be; and at laſt, after many Prayers and tears to God, that he would bleſs this unexpected ſtroke to her, and ſome way make her a gainer by it, her heart began to be much broken and melted towards God,Her brokenneſs of heart not ſo much for this temporal loſs (which ſhe often ſaid might have proved a ſnare to her) as at the ſight and ſenſe of ſin, and her eſtate by nature (which (though well educated all her time before) yet till now ſhe had not taken much notice of.
The good work of God thus happily begun, ceaſed not, but went forward in her heart daily, to the joy of ſuch near Relations as knew of it; nor could ſhe be quiet, till ſhe had uttered all her mind herein to them, earneſtly deſiring the aſſiſtance of Counſel and Prayer, that ſhe might fully underſtand her condition, and not be deceived therein. Of all things, ſhe was exceedingly urgent with God, that he would not ſuffer her to be miſtaken herein. Indeed her fears thereof at firſt were many and great; the queſtions ſhe put about it, not a few, but never came to be ſatisfied therein, till God was pleaſed to give her a ſight of that poyſonous fountain of original corruption,Her deep ſenſe of Original ſin. with which ſhe found her ſelf alwayes peſtered, and ſo hindered in her deſiſired progreſs towards Heaven, that this ſin above all others ſhe much bewailed.
And farther became ſo deeply ſenſible of the danger thereof, and the neceſſity of an effectual remedy againſt it,She makes haſte to Chriſt. that ſhe made haſte to run unto Jeſus Christ. … help, and that not only for the pardon of this ſin, but for power againſt it, and that continually.
Hereupon finding her heart alwayes burdened with ſin, full of corrupt motions and affections, and yet ſtill relieved by applying Chriſt, with what he had done and ſuffered, unto her ſelf, and alſo feeling her deſires stirred up by the good Spirit of Grace, more eagerly to long after God, and the knowledge and enjoyment of him; and farther perceiving, that though the ſame good Spirit ſometimes would melt her heart, yet at other times was pleaſed to leave her without thoſe inward warmths, which in the uſe of the beſt means ſhe laboured after, but by her own ſtrength could not attain unto: ſhe from thence concluded that theſe changes which ſhe thus felt within her, were the effects of ſome real and true work of God upon her; for thus ſhe argued, how comes it to paſs, that I feel theſe alterations in my ſelf, now and never before? How is it, that ſometimes I am delighted with the inward and ſweet workings of the Spirit of God upon my heart? and that at other times I am troubled for the want of it? I lived under the ſame Miniſtry before; the ſame publick Ordinances; injoyed the ſame helps in the Family, and from faithful friends that ſought my ſouls best good, and prayed much for it; yet never till now could I find any of all this experience, from the different workings both of Sin and Grace in my own heart. Sure this is of God, ſaid ſhe, and can be from nothing elſe. Thus at laſt ſhe came to be ſomewhat perſwaded and confirmed concerning the goodneſs of her ſpiritual ſtate, as one that was now got over the pangs of the new Birth, though not without many a ſalt tear, and broken heart.
Anſwerable to this firſt work, was the reſt that followed to her dying day, eſpecially within the laſt two years of her life,Her Religious courſe …f Life. and ſomewhat more; for when it pleaſed God ſo to order it by his permiſſive providence, that one which ſhe moſt dearly loved, became guilty of a great offence through a ſudden temptation that ſeized on her; it went neer to her, and was a great occaſion of making her ſearch into her own heart and wayes, more narrowly than ever, and not only to bleſs God that had kept her from the like, Looks more narrowly into her own heart.but alſo to mourn for thoſe frailties of her youth, which formerly ſhe minded not, though no other than what uſually befal the very beſt that are.
Thence forward ſhe betakes her ſelf to a more careful and strict watchfulneſs over her own heart;Is very watchful over her ſelf, and keeps cloſe to duty. and to cloſe and conſtant duty, not only in the Family, but moſt of all in ſecret, betwixt God and her own ſoul; inſomuch that when ſhe was ſometimes miſſing, and earneſtly called for, but could not be found; at laſt it appeared that ſhe had often hid her ſelf, to be alone with God, in the duties of meditation and fervent Prayer.
One of the first Diſcoveries hereof, was upon this accaſion; being retired into her Cloſet, and as ſhe thought,Her ſecret Communion with God, diſcovered againſt her Will. had ſufficiently faſtened the door inwardly, one of her moſt intimate Conſorts, upon an urgent occaſion, running haſtily in with a violent motion, thruſt the door open, little thinking at that time, that ſhe had been there; where ſhe kneeling upon her knees, turned about to ſee what the matter was, the tears in the mean while, trickling down both her cheeks, but was much troubled at this interruption, and diſcovery of her Devotion.
Indeed that was one of the matters of her complaint, that ſhe wanted conveniency for retirement, where ſhe might fully vent her Soul to God, without diſturbance or obſervation; and therefore becauſe th… houſe was alwayes full of company, havi… well nigh an hundred, and ſometimes mo… of Gentlewomen with their attendants; an… the Servants and Children of the houſe every where going up and down,She ſeeks the greateſt privacy for her Devotion. in ev… Room, ſo that ſhe could get no place … privacy; her manner was, in the day time, to get into the Garden, at ſuch hour… when others might not ſo freely come into it, and there with her Bible, or ſom… other choice Book, ſpent an hour or more i… Reading, Meditation, and ſuch ejaculation… as ſhe could ſend up to Heaven in walking at which ſeaſons, Findes much ſweetneſs in her lonely walks with God.ſhe hath ſometimes ſai… to ſuch as ſhe was wont to tell her min… to, her heart hath been as much warm… and refreſhed in converſe with God, as when ſhe hath been moſt affected upon her knees elſewhere.
Mornings and Evenings ſhe never ſailed, by her good will, to read ſome portion of Scripture (if not called away by extraordinary buſineſs on a ſudden) and to pour out her heart to God in private Prayer; A diligent Reader of the Scriptures.for which, becauſe no place in the houſe was ſo convenient, and ſo far from noiſe and ſight of others, as one certain remote room, where none uſually came at …oſe hours, The chief place of her retirement for holy duties.therefore that place of all others …e made choice of, in the dark Winter …venings, and the Mornings before the …amily was up; many a time hath ſhe vi…ed one corner of that Room, which was …oſt retired, with eyes and hands lift up to …eaven, kneeling at a chair with great …fection, which though ſhe never knew that …ny took the leaſt notice of (for that would …ave been a trouble to her) yet a certain …eer relation that often looked in at a cran…y of the door, which ſhe had faſtened in…ardly, and did not a little joy to ſee her … employed, is yet ſurviving as an eye-wit…eſs of it. Sometimes her red eyes and …lubbered face, diſcovered her, before ſhe could get conveniencies to waſh them, notwithſtanding that her hood was pulled over them. Nothing did more abaſh or …rouble her, than when any ſuſpected what ſhe had been about; not out of any ſhame of Religion (for that ſhe owned upon all occaſions very freely, Much troubled when diſcovered in them.as well among the Gentlewomen in the Family, as elſewhere) but out of an honeſt affectation of being more in this ſenſe, than ſhe would ſeem to be.
So ſweet and pleaſant was her Comm… nion with God in ſuch retirements as theſ… that ſhe ſaid, if ever ſhe ſhould change h… condition, it ſhould be more for this re… ſon than any other, that ſhe might hav… the full and free uſe of her time, and oth… helps for her ſoul.
It was obſerved, that ſhe was alwaye… out of the way at five a clock, and appeare not till the Bell rang to Supper, at ſix … clock, or thereabout, which time ſhe ſpen… in the aforeſaid Duties.
If at any time ſhe had omitted duty, 'tw… one of her greateſt troubles afterward,Is much troubled for ſins of omiſſion. an… when ſhe ſequeſtred her ſelf unto duty, whether of Meditation or Prayer, ſhe uſually read ſome part of David's Pſalms (… Book which ſhe greatly delighted in) becauſe ſhe alwayes found matter there, ver… proper, preparative and helpful to her i… the ſaid Duties.
Among other profitable and fruitful Meditations, ſhe was not a ſtranger to thoughts of Death, even in her beſt health▪ inſomuch that when ſhe heard a paſſing Bell or knel for any, her custom was to retire into a ſolitude for a good ſpace, ſometimes an hour or more, there to affect her heart with ſuch conſiderations as …ere ſuitable to the occaſion.
She never was better pleaſed then when …e met with any in holy Conference (a pra…ſe which ſhe uſed (as often as ſhe could …t opportunity) that communicated exp…riences of the ſame corruptions and tem…ations, that ſhe found in her own heart;She loves the Communication of Chriſtian experiences. …nd withal, the ſame wayes of help and …lief againſt them.
When ſhe found a deadneſs and coldneſs …pon her heart, as ſometimes ſhe did,By the deadneſs of her own heart findes continual need of aſſiſting Grace. and …ould not get it into a good frame towards …od, by any means ſhe could uſe, this in…rence ſhe made from it; that ſhe hereby …erceived her dependance muſt be wholly up…n Free-grace, as for the acceptation of that ſhe did, ſo for aſſiſtance and ability …o do what ſhe ought: And ſeveral times …pon this occaſion would let fall expreſſions …f wonderment, Wonders at thoſe that plead for a power in nature.how any that pretended to … real acquaintance with God, and carry …orrupt hearts about them, alwayes dogged …nd ſet upon by temptations from Satan, …nd an evil world, could plead for a power …n themſelves unto any thing that is good.
Her care for the ſpiritual welfare of her …eer Relations, and ſome others whom ſhe dearly loved, was very great, and thereupon took occaſion often to admoniſh, exhor… and perſwade them,She is careful for the ſouls of others. about the things th… concerned their eternal ſtate; ſometim… with tears lamenting their danger, whe… they walked looſely; and then again rejoycing as much, when ſhe perceived an… ground of hope for them.
One time when ſhe was asked what ſh… thought of the condition of one that ſh… was truſted with the ſpecial care of,Her character of true Grace. and w… wont to take ſome pains with, in the ma… ters of her ſoul; ſhe anſwered, the greate… thing ſhe doubted her for, was, leſt ſh… neglected private duties, which ſhe coul… never perceive ſhe ſpent any time in; ſuppoſing (as there was good reaſon ſhe ſhould … that the driving of that ſecret Trade fo… Heaven, is one inſeparable property of tru… Grace, and that the want thereof, together with the ordinary neglect of Family-dutie… and publick Ordinances (whatever the outward Profeſſion might be) were argument… of a very ungracious and profane heart.
A quick diſcerner of others that made profeſſion of Religion.A notable ſpirit of diſcerning ſhe had for when ſhe heard any make ſemblance o… love to God, and were very confident o… their own good eſtate, but withal ſpake very woodenly (as her expreſſion was) about matters of Religion, and the experiences …ereof, ſhe much pittyed their caſe, and …ayed earneſtly, that God would open their …yes; convince them of their ſin and hypo…iſie; ſhew them them evil and danger of it, …d effectually bring them home unto himſelf; often ſaying, what pitty it was, that …ny who are otherwiſe qualified with ma…y deſirable good things of nature, ſhould …iſs of the higheſt and beſt improvement of …em for God, and at la… periſh themſelves or want of Grace.
When any vain language, or ſinful ex…reſſions (ſuch as the abuſive uſe of, A wiſe reprover of ſin.O …ord! or O God!) came from any of the Gentlewomen in the Houſe, or any others; …r any evil action was done by them, ſhe would reprove it ſo wiſely, with ſo milde and meek a ſpirit, that they were aſhamed of …t, and ſometimes were reformed for the …uture, at leaſt in her ſight and hearing.
Two principal helps which ſhe coveted moſt, and made the greateſt uſe of, were good Books and good Company.
Of good Books ſhe had ſome ſtone, but …hoſe that ſhe took chiefeſt delight in,The choice Books ſhe read. were Mr. Shepards true Convert and his ſound Believer. Mr. Baxter's Call to the unconverted. Dr. Goodwin his triumph of Faith, and heart of Chriſt in Heaven, toward ſinners upon earth. Dr. Spurſtow upon th… Promiſes. Mr. Watſon his Chriſtian Cha… ter. Mr. Brooks his riches of Grace. M… Love's works. Mr. Craddock's Book … Knowledge and Practiſe. Mr. Francis R… berts his Key of the Bible. Beſides ſome C… techetical Books, as Mr. Baal, Mr. Euſ… bius Paget his queſtions and anſwers upo… moſt of the Books of the Old and New Teſtament; Her Practiſe every night, before ſhe went to ſleep.ſome one of which ſhe alwaye… read every night in her bed, immediatel… before ſleep, and then fed upon them … her firſt waking, by which means ſhe e… creaſed much in knowledge, and kept he… heart warm whilſt it was thus pre-occupie… from all things elſe in the morning.
Since January laſt, ſhe and two or three more, in three months time, read over the whole New Teſtament, Reades over the whole New Teſtament in 3. months time.and all along as they went, (ſtill reading an whole Book at … time) diſcourſed of the Contents of what they had read; when any doubt aroſe in her readings either from Scripture or othe… Books, ſhe ſought for ſatisfaction by putting queſtions, Full of queſtions from what ſhe read.and alwayes ſhewed a good underſtanding, in the v… myſteries of Divine Truth, and experi…l Grace, in that no anſwers ever reliſhed with her, but what moſt agreed, both with the Analogy of Faith, and the common ſenſe of the beſt Chriſtians.
Her next great help (as was before hinted) ſhe found to be good Company, Her deligh… in good Company and good Diſcourſe.which ſhe alwayes deſired and ſought for, and when ſhe had it, improved it. Fruitful diſcourſe ſhe would either ſet on foot, or endeavour to keep up, and drunk it in as pleaſantly, as thirſty men do that which beſt ſatisfieth their thirſt. Among all other ſubjects, none pleaſed her better than to talk of Heaven, ſometimes ſaying, Oh how ſweet would it be to know what is doing there; and then in a kind of rapture would break out with ſuch affection and language, as argued a very great inward Joy at the hopes of her coming thither one day. Such a full content and inward refreſhment ſhe felt in conferences of this Nature, Her Muſick a burden to her in compariſon.that ſhe would often ſay, her Muſick was a burden to her, in compariſon; and that were it not in conſcience to her duty of being uſeful by it in ſo publick a Family, ſhe would ſpend much leſs time in that, and more in this;The Spiritual uſe ſhe makes of her Muſick yet ſhe confeſſed ſometimes (through Grace) it helped to raiſe her own heart towards the higheſt Muſick of all, and for that … practiſed it more than otherwiſe ſhe …ld have done.
Upon occaſion when ſome had been greatly taken with the melody ſhe made, both by her voice and inſtrument, yet how ſhort (ſaith ſhe) doth this come of a warm Prayer, A warm Prayer or …eavenly …onference …weeteſt of all to her.or heavenly Conference? and indeed ſhe found it ſo many a time, when her heart which hath been heavy and ſad at firſt, hath by ſuch Prayers and Conferences gone away greatly cheered and revived, but never could find the like effects from her Muſick only.
No day of the Week unto her ſo welcome and deſirable as the Lord's Day; Lord's dayes moſt welcome to her; dancing dayes weariſom, are but theſe pleaſant.dancing dayes were alwayes weariſom, but theſe pleaſant to her, and therefore uſually (if much ilneſs hindered not) ſhe was up more early on theſe dayes than… any other, and ſpent leſs time in putting on what ſhe wore; her head on theſe dayes of late years ſhe never dreſt, and for that reaſon alwayes went cloſe covered with her hood. She was very diligent and attentive at the publick Ordinance, carefully writing the Sermon, and examining her notes when ſhe came home,A diligent Writer of Sermons. which ſhe would not fail to mend by ſuch help as ſhe could get, either at the repetition in the Family, or otherwiſe, and as conſtantly re-enforced all by Prayer for a bleſſing upon it,Loſeth her meals rather than opportunity for prayer. when ſhe could get opportunity and place convenient, either in her own cloſet, or elſewhere, and would rather loſe her Supper or come late to it, then miſs of her aim herein.
Yet here it muſt be remembred that it was not alwayes thus with her upon theſe dayes, nor at other times; for ſhe ſome…imes complained of her own heart, and …ow weariſom theſe holy duties were to …he fleſh; Is much troubled at divertiſements.how apt ſhe was to be taken off …y divertiſements in the Family occaſions; that many times when ſhe came down in a morning with a reſolution to keep her mind and intent upon God all the day, ſhe was frequently diſappointed therein, and ſtill taken off by one buſineſs or other, or by ſome temptation unto vanity, that was ready to ſurprize her. The conſideration whereof at other times much troubled her,Is much comforted at the thoughts of Heaven, where no interruptions will be. kept her under a ſenſe of own her weaknes, and cauſed her ſometimes to break forth in theſe or the like words. O! how ſweet will Heaven be! where there will be no interruptions by ſin, or weariſomneſs of the fleſh! What a perpetual reſt will that be, when we once come to enjoy it!
By her good will ſhe would not be abſent at any time when the Lord's Supper was adminiſtred,By her good will never miſſeth the Lord's Supper. of which having always a weeks warning, ſhe failed not with great care to examine her own heart, and put up ſtrong cryes to God for a fitneſs to ſo great a Duty, and ſo high a Priviledge; and indeed ſometimes had more fear than ordinary of her unworthineſs to partake of it, as appeared by her diſcourſe, which uſually was much upon this ſubject all that Week. So deſirous was ſhe not to be found at that Feaſt, without her wedding garment; it was no ſmall trouble to her ſometimes to think what general mixtures there are in that fellowſhip, in all places throughout the Land; yet being perſwaded that to ſuch a ſincere receiver, as could not have it otherwiſe, God would come in with his preſence and bleſſing; ſhe attended upon it in the place where God by his Providence had caſt her lot.
Sinful alterations in publick Worſhip ſhe very much feared,She much fears pollution in the Worſhip of God. and that ſhe might the better underſtand the pure Inſtitutions of Chriſt, and what is contrary thereunto, ſhe took great care to inform her ſelf therein, by reading of ſuch Books as ſhe could get the cleareſt light from. Much enquiry ſhe made after the Martyrs, as well of antient times, as in later dayes, what they ſuffered for, and upon what occaſion, deſiring and reſolving, if she had lived, to have read over the hiſtory thereof.
And becauſe she perceived that the Romiſh Religion, and whatever elſe is a kin… to it, is an undoubted piece of Anti-chriſtianiſm, that every true ſervant of Chriſt ought to bear teſtimony againſt, in theſe parts of the world, and knew not how ſoon her ſelf with others might poſſibly be called to it;Takes pains to be inſtructed in Chriſt's Inſtitutions, about Doctrine, Diſcipline and Worſhip. therefore ſhe betook her ſelf to the getting a good information in thoſe truths that were likely to be moſt oppoſed, eſpecially about the Worſhip of God. Such Books as lately came forth upon theſe ſubjects, ſhe endeavoured to get, and diligently read. Among other ſubjects, that of the reign of Chriſt upon earth was very pleaſant to her; for though her belief reached not ſo far as to conclude that Chriſt ſhall come to reign perſonally on earth again, yet ſhe rejoyced exceedingly, Joyes much at the thought of Chriſts Kingdom upon earth.that he ſhall certainly reign in this world by the effuſion of his Spirit, at leaſt, in the hearts of men, and that then Antichrſt ſhall be wholly ruined, and that glorious ſong of triumph ſung, The Kingdoms of this world, are become the Kingdoms of the Lord and his Chriſt.
And becauſe the Book of the Revelations points at thoſe times wherein theſe deſirable changes ſhall be,Reades the whole Book of the Revelations at one time. ſhe thought it not improper for her, (though of the female ſex) to pry into it with humble reverence and Prayer, and therefore ſate down one day with another friend, to read over that whole Book, at one time, which accordingly they did; beginning at the firſt Chapter and never ceaſing till they had read ove… the whole two and twenty. This ſhe di… about three months before her Death, an… the reaſon why ſhe did ſo, was, that ſh… might take the better notice of the whole Prophecy, and have a full proſpect thereof, as it were,Reades an excellent Comment upon the Revelations two or three times over. all at once; and that which mad… the reading of it the more pleaſant and profitable to her, was the light which ſh… had gained before, in the knowledge of this Book, by twice or thrice reading over th… judicious Comment upon it, publiſhed b… Mr. Francis Roberts before mentioned, it his Key of the Bible.
A great ſympathizer with the ſuffering ſervants of Chriſt.She had a very compaſſionate heart towards the ſuffering ſervants of Chriſt, whether by impriſonment or otherwiſe; pittyed them much; ſpake often of them, ſometimes with tears in her eyes; and praye… for them conſtantly with great affection.
Viſits ſome choiſe friends in the Tower, and comforts them with Muſick and diſcourſe.Some of her acquaintances, and very dear friends, ſuch as the Lady Willowby and ſome others, not here to be named (who highly valued her, and deſired her Company (as oft as might be) ſhe frequently viſited for ſeveral years together, while under their reſtraint in the Tower of London; to whom after a ſweet & more ſpiritual converſe otherwiſe, ſhe would ſing and play with all alacrity imaginable, to comfort them in their ſadneſs; accounting it an high honour to her, that ſhe was any way able to be a refreſhment to thoſe that ſhe thought were dear to God. To ſuch perſons and to ſuch places as they were in, though the cloſeſt priſons, ſhe went readily and joyfully; but when invited to any Muſick-meeting in London, where the choiſeſt ears, and moſt skilful Maſters of Muſick coveted to hear and admire her, though never ſo earneſtly deſired,Would not b… prevailed with to go t… Revels or dancing Bals ſhe was ſtill backward to it. One time above the reſt, with very great importunity ſhe was ſtrongly ſet upon by ſome Gentlemen of ſpecial acquaintance, to be preſent at the Revels or dancing Balls, but being left free to her own choice, whether ſhe would go or not (at which ſhe was very glad) ſhe abſolutely & irrefregably refuſed it, as thinking it no way ſuitable, either to her Perſon or Profeſſion of Religion.
Nor were the Muſicks aforeſaid, which ſhe ſo freely imparted to her ſaid friends in Priſon, all the comfort they had from her, but her Spiritual and Chriſtian converſe alſo, was a de…igh… to them, (as is before hinted) as theirs likewiſe was to her; inſomuch that when she returned home from viſiting them,Accounts it … ſweetneſs …nd glory to ſuffer for Chriſt. her diſcourſe was ſo raiſed, and her affections ſo quickned, that she would ſometimes ſay, O! how brave a thing is to ſuffer for Chriſt! who would not wiſh to be among the ſouls under the Altar, that cry, how long Lord will it be, ere thou revenge our blood on them that ſhed it! Thus triumphing, as it were, with a kind of heroick ſpirit of Martyrdom before hand; further adding, that ſince a Death muſt be undergone, what better or more noble death can there be, than thus to die?Yet fears her own ſtrength …f called to ſuffer. Yet at other times ſhe had as great fears upon her, ſaying, that if ſhe were called to ſuffering, ſhe doubted ſhe ſhould not hold out; only the conſideration of good Company, a good cauſe, and eſpecially of a good God (ſhe ſaid) would encourage one much.
Among her other gracious qualifications, this was not the leaſt, (eſpecially of latter times) a very tender conſcience, as might be inſtanced in many particulars, wherein ſhe reſted not till ſhe received ſatisfaction to all doubts, from ſuch arguments as were cleered by Scripture, and approved of by perſons able to judge in the caſe.
Yet rather …han would …ffend other, reſolves to deny her ſelf in that particular.To which alſo muſt be added, that when ſhe perceived any, eſpecially ſuch as ſhe had a reverence to, remained unſatisfied in any of her actions, ſhe was alwayes ready …pon knowledge of it, from their own …ouths, to forbear it, out of a tenderneſs …f grieving any of the generation of the …uſt, or any way ſcandalizing her Profeſſion, though as to her own particular, ſhe …t the ſame time did think what ſhe was …o deſired to forbear warrantable in it …elf.
As for black ſpots or patches, A great hater of black ſpots.as they are …alled, ſhe abhorred them with her very ſoul, and was ſo far diſpleaſed at the ſight …hereof, that when any of the Gentlewomen made uſe of them, ſhe ſeldom or never …eft, till ſhe had prevailed with them, to forbear that ſo uncivil a dreſs, or elſe deſired her Mother to take them off from them.
As great an enemy ſhe was to any uncomely attire; nor did ſhe affect rich laces, And of all uncomely and undecent dreſſes.or any thing over coſtly, but what was moſt …eat in a plain ga…b, much more minding the Ornaments of the hidden man, which in the ſight of God are of greateſt price.
It was a great abaſhment to her,Could not endure to hear her own praiſes. when …ome unwiſely uttered high praiſes of her to her face, and thereby put her …nto a bluſh; the fear whereof, made her often modeſtly refuſe to come into ſuch Company at other times: Indeed ſhe knew God had bleſſed her with ſome of thoſe liu… things (as ſhe was wont to call them) whic… the ſenſual world magnified too much,Fears the pride of her own heart. an… ſhe deſired to be very thankful for them but withal was much afraid of being lift… up with pride, and therefore entreate… friends in that reſpect to pray for her.
As ſhe was alwayes ready to aſſiſt he… Mother in Law in the Family and Sch… ſo ſhe had a particular reverence and ver… dear affection to her own Father, A ready help in the Family.who cheerfulneſs and content, was one of th… greateſt pleaſures ſhe had in this world; … his ſadneſs and trouble at any time, … great an occaſion of grief to her;And a moſt dutiful and tender child to her Father. and therefore did what ſhe could to miniſter a… manner of comfort to him, by the perfo… mance of thoſe dutiful and tender reſpects, which as a child ſhe owed him.
As for her condition in reſpect of a ſi… gle life, She wanted no profers for marriage.it was not for want of profers fro… ſeveral that would gladly have obtained her, but through disſatisfaction in th… qualifications of the Perſons, ſhe being reſolved (God aſſiſting her) never to mat… any,Reſolves never to marry any but ſuch as may help her in her way to Heaven. were his worldly advantages nev… ſo great, unleſs ſhe were well aſſured (… far as charity could iudge) of th… goodne… of his ſpiritual ſtate, and hee likely-…oo… of his being a real help to he… in the way … Heaven. Had ſhe lived to a perfect recovery from ſickneſs, divers conſiderable offers (known to ſome friends) would ſpeedily have been made to her, of which ſhe might have taken her choice; but now God hath otherwiſe declared his pleaſure in the higheſt and beſt diſpoſing and preferring of her, even by making her a Bride in Heaven, to him who for ſome years paſt, had …gotten her heart from all other Objects; and to whom ſhe ſtuck with all faithfulneſs, till at laſt after a ſore fit of ſickneſs, ſhe dyed in his arms; the occaſion whereof I now haſten to.
In Whitſun Week, at the earneſt deſire of a very dear friend, ſhe went to London, Her ſickneſs unto Death, with the occaſion of it.where (as Providence ordered it) ſhe was unhappily lodged in damp Linnen, which in the night time clung faſt about her, and had left that in her, which ſhe her ſelf ſaid (as ſoon as ſhe awaked) would prove her Death; whereupon in the morning it being made known, the beſt means that could be, were uſed to prevent the danger of it, but the Lord was not pleaſed to give ſucceſs therein; and ſo after three or four dayes ſhe returned home, Her mind runs altogether upon her own Death.(upon Saturday J… …e 8th.) to her Father's Houſe at Hackney, where all her mind from that time, ſtill ra… upon the thoughts of her own Death; the ſtrong apprehenſions whereo… put her upon a great improvement of her remaining time, both in Reading, Praying, and Diſcourſing, Prepares for it.like one that expected ſhortly to leave the world; for ſhe ſaid ſhe felt that about, her which would carry he… away quickly, Exhorts her friends to prepare for a change.and was much worſe inwardly, than perhaps any one thought; and therefore exhorted one of her Siſters, whom ſhe dearly loved, and converſed moſt with, t… mind eternity, to think much of her change, and labour to be prepared for it; acknowledging the goodneſs of God to her ſelf, who had ſpared her ſo long. After this time ſhe grew worſe and worſe, till on Saturday June the 22. (14. dayes after her return home) ſhe took her bed, She takes her bed in a Violent Feavour.in order to her grave; where being ſeized upon by a Violent Feaver, her ſtrength was ſo waſted, and her ſpirits gone, that upon the Teuſday after at mid-night, (being June the 25.) ſhe was hardly able to chatter,Three dayes after ſends for all friends to take a ſolemn leave of them. and ſo ſent for her Father, Mother, and Siſters, to ſee them once more, and take a ſolemn leave of them; who when they were come and ſate all weeping about her, with great lamentation, after a little ſpace, as if ſtrength had been renewed on purpoſe for that end, ſhe began to utter her affections and deſires to them about many things, wherein ſhe expreſſed her ſelf, with ſo much prudence, Diſcourſeth excellently with intermiſſions for divers hours.…iſcretion, and compoſedneſs of mind, and …his for almoſt four hours together, with …ome intermiſſions, that it was marvellous …o behold; among other things ſhe much …erſwaded to the preſervation and ſtreng…hening of a love and unity among …ll Relations. At laſt as ſhe was ſay…ng,With her Father's leave gives all ſhe had to ſeveral friends. that ſhe had nothing to leave them …n memorial of her, preſently her Father …old her, he gave her free liberty, to diſpoſe …f whatever ſhe had; at which ſhe was …ery much pleaſed, and thanking of him, diſtributed to every one according to her …wn mind; her ſeveral Rings to be worn di…tinctly, as she directed, by her Father, Mother, and Siſters; two of her Rings she …ut upon her fingers, and taking them off again,Diſtributes her Rings, Clothes, VVorks, Books and Inſtruments. gave them to be kept for her two Brothers beyond Sea, as a token to them …rom her dying hand; all her Clothes, her Watch, and a certain piece of Plate mark…d with her own Name, she gave to one Siſter; all her Works and Inſtruments of Muſick to be divided betwixt three other Siſters; her Books alſo she diſpoſed of; and as a Legacy to all the Gentlewomen of the School; Her Legacy to the Gentlewomen of the School.ſhe commended her dying deſires and requeſts to them, that they would not ſpend their time in reading of vain Books, but inſtead thereof, to betake themſelves to the beſt Book of all, the Bible, and ſuch other choice Books, as might do their ſouls moſt good; as alſo that they would be conſtant in the uſe of private Prayer; that they would be careful to ſanctifie the Lord's Day, and not waſte thoſe precious hours in over-curious dreſſings; and that they would behave themſelves reverently at the publick Ordinances, it having been a great offence to her formerly when any have done the contrary.
Then falling into ſpeech about her Funeral, Expreſſeth her mind about her Funeral.in what Room ſhe deſired her Herſe might ſtand, where ſhe ſhould be Buried, and other particulars about the manner o… it; ſhe deſired that all might be done decently, and that Dr. Spurſtow, by whoſe Miniſtry ſhe had been much edified and comforted, might Preach at her Intermen…, in all which ſhe ſubmitted to her Father's pleaſure.
But that which was very remarkable in this her large Diſcourſe,Seems not afraid of Death. ſhe ſhed not one fear nor ſeemed at all ſadded at her approaching Death; and when ſhe was told that her Fathers heart was ready to break, wh… fare-weeping and groaning by her all th… while; she ſaid she was ſorry for it, a… asked why he would do ſo? adding farther that for her part, she was in God's hand and willing to yield up to him, hoping that …ll friends would endeavour to do the like; …d ſo being now quite ſpent with ſpeaking …or she deſired not to be intterrupted, till …er whole mind was uttered) she lay ſtill …e reſt of the Night.
The next Day being VVedneſday, June …he 26. Dr. Spurſtow came to viſit her,VVhat promiſe ſhe relyed upon, though in the dark. …ho asking her what she found in her ſelf? …hat she thought concerning her own ſpi…itual State? as alſo what evidence she had …f Gods Love? or Promiſe to rely upon? …he anſwered, that she was in the dark as …o her own evidences, and that they were …ot ſo clear to her as she could wish; yet …hat she was not without hope; that she …ad found much ſweetneſs in many paſſa…es of Scripture; but from that chiefly (Ro…titus the 8. and 28.) All things ſhall work …ogether for good, to them that love God. Af…er Diſcourſe ended, she deſired of the Doctor, that she might once more hear him Pray, and accordingly had her deſire …herein.
The ſame Day in the afternoon, she …as more ſtrongly aſſaulted than before; for …ow to her Peaver, and almoſt exhauſted …trength, convulſive motions were added, and …iſings of the Mother, by which when she had been greatly afflicted, and beyond all hope recovered again out of them,Her thankfulneſs for a little eaſe, and pious reſolution if ſhe lived. s… called to her Siſter ſitting by, and aske what day of the Month it was; who enquiring after the reaſon of that queſtion, w… told by her, that if she lived, she woul… celebrate it for ever hereafter, in a thankſ… remembrance of her being thus reviv… again, as it were like another Lazarus.
The next day lying in a ſlumber, as he… Siſter thought,She awakes out of a kind of trance. she ſuddenly turnes he… head to her, and haſtily tells her, that sh… had a Call to be gone; a Call, ſaith she, b… whom? God hath Called me, replyed she to be gone from hence, and I muſt die why, how do you know it? ſaid the othe… very well ſaith she, I am ſure it will be ſo and therefore do not reckon upon my Life
One coming not long after to viſit her and to pray with her, asked her how ſh… did; I am going to Heaven, ſaid ſhe, a… faſt as I can.
Three nights after this, God in a wonderful manner ſupporting her under continual pains, ſo that friends hoped she migh… wear them out; well, ſaith she, for all th… I ſhall dye, and be at reſt in Heaven wit… my dear Lord, before the morning comes yet it proved not ſo, for she lived almoſ… four dayes after, ſometimes giving new hope of recovery, and then falling bac… again.
All the time of her ſickneſs ſhe was ve… patient, Prayes very much for patience, and is anſwered.earneſtly praying that God …ould enable her ſtill ſo to be, and that …e might not murmur while his hand lay … heavy on her. Ever and anon ſhe would …y out, little doth any know what I feel; …ut I hope, ſaith ſhe, God will ſtrengthen …e to the end. She often enquired whe…er any were ſeeking God for her, which …hen ſhe was aſſured of, bleſſed be God, …ith ſhe, he will reward them for it.
Three things ſhe deſired might earneſt…y be ſought for from God on her behalf, …atience under her ſo grievous ſickneſs, …lear evidences of God's Love, and an eaſie …aſſage, if God ſhould call her out of this …ife; in all which ſhe was graciouſly an…wered, as every one that attended her …rom firſt to laſt, can witneſs.
One time ſhe ſeemed to lye in a kind of Agony, Some fear ſeizeth on her, but preſently vaniſheth.and ſuddenly breaking out with theſe words, ſaid, ſhall I ſay that God …ath forſaken me? no, I will not. All the …ime after ſhe ſeemed well ſatisfied, and much at peace in her mind concerning her future ſtate, nor had any fear at all upon …er; for being told by her Siſter, that ſhe was perſwaded, if God ſhould be pleaſed to take her from hence, ſhe ſhould be happy with him; ſhe replyed, I doubt it not in the leaſt, and was never heard to let fal… one word to the contrary all the while after.
Submits to the will of God.Being asked (as ſhe often was) how ſhe did? ſhe anſwered, in pain all over, eve… as God will have it; the Phyſitian I ſee can do me no good, but one word from Go… can help all, if he pleaſe.
At another time ſhe looked about her, and ſaid to the ſtanders by, God might ha… made you all like me, and I might have bee… in your caſe, if it had ſeemed good to him, b… his holy Will be done.
Upon the Lord's Day before her Death, when ſpeech almoſt quite failed he… (though not her ſenſes nor underſtanding, Her meditations fixed on God.which ſhe had even to the laſt) ſhe ſoftl… uttered theſe words in the midſt of very great pains, which all that day univerſally ſeized on her, the Goodneſs of God is the beſ… goodneſs, the Goodneſs of God is the beſt goodneſs; often repeating of it, as if her hear… were holy taken up with that Meditation.
When a near friend ſtood by her praying earneſtly, for her in this extremity, at every ſentence ſhe teſtified a very great affection, Her great fervency in time of prayer, though weak.by ſuch a lifting up her eyes and hands towards Heaven, as if her whole ſoul had aſcended in every petition, which occaſioned ſome heavings of the Mother; and being told, that ſince it came by the zeal …f her heart in Prayer, God would ſweeten …t to her; ſhe replyed, I queſtion it not.
On the Munday morning,She fortels the hour of her own Death. ſhe often mut…ered out very ſoftly, theſe words, two dayes and an half more, and then I ſhall be an rest; which ſhe repeated two or three times; and accordingly from that very time, ſhe did live two dayes and an half, to wit,And dyes at the ſame hour. till Wedneſday Noon following, and then began to draw on apace towards her laſt breath.
Indeed her pains now ſeemed to leave …her, or her strength rather, being able no more to ſtruggle; and ſo lying in a kind of quiet ſleep, at laſt panting for breath a ſhort ſpace, in a ſmall ſilent groan, gave up her precious ſoul into the hands of God, whoſe Angels carrying it away to Heaven (as we have comfortable ground of hope to believe) left us all in bitter mourning and wailing over her dead Body.
When ſhe was laid out in the Chamber where ſhe dyed,The great lamentation at her laying out. dreſſed in her Night clothes, one would have thought ſhe had been in a kind of ſmiling ſlumber; and now the Gentlewomen, with the reſt of the Family, and ſome neighbours coming to ſee her, and give her their laſt ſalute, it would have broken ones heart, to have heard and ſeen the many cryes, tears, and lamentations, that the Room was filled with.
So dear a child ſhe was, and of ſuch high deſerts (as hath been already related) that her Father and all friends, thought her worthy of a very decent Burial, and accordingly upon Saturday the ſixth of July, ſhe was attended to the grave with a numerous Company, in manner following.
The Herſe covered with Velvet, was carryed by ſix ſervant Maidens of the Family,Her honou…ble Burial. all in White; the ſheet was held up by ſix of thoſe Gentlewomen in the School, that had moſt acquaintance with her, in mourning Habit, with white Scarf… and Gloves; a rich coſtly Garland of gum-work, adorned with Banners and Scutchions, was borne immediately before the Horſe, by two proper young Ladies, that intirely loved her. Her Father and Mother, wi…h other near Relations, and their Children, followed next the Horſe, in due order, all in mourning; the Kindred next to them, after whom came the whole School of Gentlewomen, and then perſons of chief rank, from the Neighbour-hood, and from the City of London, all in white Gloves, both Men, VVomen, Children, and Servants, having been firſt ſerved with Wine.
When the Herſe firſt entred the Church, the reſt of the Schools were all there, in their reſpective places, affectionately ſympa…hizing with the reſt of the Mourners. I know not whether Hackney Church hath often not more weeping eyes; and aking hearts in it, on ſuch an occaſion, ſo great…y and generally was ſhe beloved.
The Horſe being ſet down, with the Garland upon it, the Reverend Dr. Spurſtow applyed himſelf to the proper work of the …eaſon, and preached upon thoſe words,The Text preached upon at her Funeral. … Cor. 3.22. Death is yours. From whence, after he had declared at large the ſweetneſs that lyes in this word Death, as it is a part of Chriſt's Legacy to a Believer, he made ſuch uſeful inferences and applications, …s were proper for the occaſion.
This done, the rich Coffin anointed with …weet Odors, was put down into the Grave, …n the middle Alley of the ſaid Church, The place of her Burial.un… …he ſame ſtone, where Mrs. Anne Carew, …ne of the great beauties of England in her …ime, and formerly a Gentlewoman of the School, and intimately acquainted with her, was buryed; being the ſecond of thoſe five Gentlewomen onelyonly, which have dyed out of …er Father's Houſe, among? thoſe eight hun…red, that have been educated there, within …he compaſs of ſeventeen years.
And now what follows after all this? i… it not a fair warning to us,The Concluſion of all. that yet ſurvive her, to bethink our ſelves of our own condition? and whether we be ready for death, i… we ſhould be ſuddenly called, as ſhe in … manner was? ſhould we not make it ou… conſtant Prayer, and utmoſt endeavour, t… number our dayes, and ſo to number them as to apply our hearts to Wiſdom, even t… that Wiſdom only, which will make us … to dye? All the dayes of my appointed tim… will I wait (ſaith Job) till my change come O let that be our ſaying too, and our practiſe alſo.