The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons, Part 2 · Biographies
THE LIVES Of Several Excellent LADIES AND GENTLEWOMEN IN THIS LATER AGE.
The Life and Death of Mrs. Mary Gunter, who died about the year, 1633.
MRS. Mary Gunter was by Birth a Gentlewoman, but descended of Popish Parents, who dying in her infancy, she was committed to the Tuition of an old Lady, honourable for her place, but a strong Papist, who nursed this Orphan in Popery till she came to be about fourteen years of Age: At which time this Lady dying, it pleased God (who had a merciful purpose towards her Conversion) by his good Providence, that she was brought into the Family, and service of that Religious, and truly Honou-Lady, Leitice, Countess of Leicester, who entertained her with more than ordinary respect, both because of her young and tender years, as also because she was allied unto Sir Christopher Blunt, then Husband to this honourable Countess, at whose request, this Lady had taken her into her care.
To this honourable Countess she came a most zealous Papist (according to princiciples of her Education) and was resolved, so soon as possibly she could meet with a fit opp…tunity, to convey her self beyond the Seas, to become a Nun. For she then thought that that was the surest, and most likely way to get to Heaven; which, as she had an earnest desire to attain, so she would take the neerest way, which she thought would bring her thither.
But she could not so closely carry on her secret devotions or intentions, but that by the vigilant, and careful eye of that Honourable Lady, they were soon discovered, and not sooner discovered than wisely prevented. For presently her Lady took from her all her Popish Books, Beads, and Images, and all such Trumpery, and set a narrow Watch over her, that she might be kept from her Popish Prayers, and not absent her self from the daily Prayers used in the Family, which were constantly and Religiously observed therein. Farther also she required her to read those Prayers which her Honour daily used to have in her private Chamber with her Women.
Her Ladiship also carefully prevented her meeting with any of her Popish Companiens, or intercourse with them by Letters, not suffering her either to Write or Receive any Letter without the view or consent of her Honour.
She also caused her to give an account of the Sermons, which were Preached in the Family, which were constantly two every Lords day, that thereby she might attain to sound knowledge, which is the great Hammer to beat down, and enervate Popery. And it pleased God so to bless these means in a short time, that she became helpful unto others, by Communicating to them the substance of those Sermons which she heard; and she had the greater opportunity to do this, because it was constantly observed by all the Women in that honourable Family, to come together after the Evening Sermon, and to improve their time by repeating both Sermons.
But all this she as yet did out of fear, keeping still this reserve that she would devote her heart to Popery, and (as Naaman) trusted that God would be merciful, because she did all through fear, and constraint. But God (who in his own due time, and by his own means) bringeth about his own purposes, began to work in her a staggering first, about her former old way. For when she saw, and observed the grave and holy Conversation of that Reverend man of God, who then was Chaplain to the Countess [Mr. J. W.] she began to apprehend and perswade her self, that surely this mans godliness must needs bring him to Heaven: And hereupon, the Reverend respect which she did now bear to the man, made her to lend a better ear, and give more heed to his Doctrine, to examine his proofs, and to reverence his Ministry, whereby (in a short time) she came to embrace the Truth in the Love of it, and to renounce her former superstitions, and to bewail her ignorance.
And, as it is the property of a true Convert, being Converted her self, she much endeavoured the Conversion of others, and was a great help, and furtherance to the publick Ministry, in her place and station. And this was a thing which that honorable Family took special notice of, and there were many that had great cause to bless God for her, for the benefit which they received by her.
But presently after Satan (that subtile Serpent that watcheth to devour every manchild that is born unto God) began to rage, and roar upon her, by strong, and Hellish temptations: First, terrifying her with an apprehension that she had committed the sin against the Holy Ghost, having been a deep dissembler; For that, having been in heart a Papist, yet had she joyned in worship with the Protestants whom she held to be Hereticks, and did all this against her knowledge and conscience: And so incessantly, and violently did he pursue her with this Temptation, that she was brought to believe that it was impossible that this sin should, or could be pardoned. And this Temptation was edged and sharpened with that foul and unnatural suggestion of making away her self by murther; as if the remedy of the sin against the Holy Ghost, were to destroy ones self.
While she was tossed and molested long with this Satanical suggestion, she (by concealing her grief) was brought so low, by bodily distempers, that she almost despaired of recovery. But in the nick of time, it pleased God to direct that Reverend Minister (who was her Father in Christ, and whom she ever after embraced with the most intire Love of the most natural Child) to discourse, and treat of this sin, and to shew what it was, and by whom, and in what manner it was committed. To this Doctrine she attended with great diligence, and by examining it, and comparing her self and her own condition with what she had heard of it, and finding that she had not so sinned after illumination, nor with obstinate malice against God and his Truth (for that was it, when she was most superstitiously devoted, she desired to find out) it pleased God to calm and quiet her mind for that, and so freed her from that Temptation.
But Satan (who departed from our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, only for a season) was not long absent before he again set upon her with new suggestions, and upon his return brought with him seven other spirits (if it were possible) worse than himself, and now his name might fitly by called Legion. For now he cast other siery Darts at her, to confound and destroy her: And this he endeavoured by injecting multitudes of blasphemous thoughts into her head. For now she must believe that there is no God: That the sacred Scriptures are not the Word of God, but a humane policy to keep men in order: Or if it were Gods Word, who must interpret it? Or how could she, a silly woman, get the understanding of such deep Mysteries as were contained in the same? Besides, as she was of mind that she was gotten out of one Error, so she knew nothing but that she was misled into another? For how could she be assured that this was the Truth which she now embraced, and professed, seeing there are as many, or more Learned men of the one Opinion as of the other; and all of them defend, and maintain their Opinions by the Scriptures?
Thus was she vexed and molested with Armies of roving, and unsetled conceits for the space of five, or six years together, till God (whom she often implored and importuned by fervent prayer, for direction and assistance in the Combate brought her to this resolution, that she would hold these Conclusions whatsoever Disputes Satan might vex and weary her withal.
1. That there was, not only a God in himself, but a God that was her God: 2ly. That whatsoever Opinions there were in the World, that yet there was but one Truth, and that was to be Learned out of the Scriptures: And that, though there was much in the Bible which she did not understand, yet she was perswaded, that if she would diligently read, and search the Scriptures, with earnest prayer unto God for a good understanding in them, she should attain thereby, such a measure of knowledge, as would be sufficient to bring her to Heaven. And holding strongly to these grounds, she found her Temptations to vanish and wear away by degrees, and was her self daily more confirmed, and setled upon the foundation.
Neither was she only (through Gods Grace,) a Conqueror over these Temptations; but (as the Apostle Paul speaketh) Rom. 8. more than a Conqueror by them. For God (who bringeth Light out of darkness) made these Temptations a sweet seasoning of her; by occasion whereof, she tied her self to an exact▪ and strict course of godliness, and to the constant practice of Christian duties, which she religiously observed and practiced even till her dying day.
For first, That she might be established in the Truth, and confirmed against her former waverings, and weaknesses, she resolved that (God assisting her) she would every year read overy the whole Bible in an orderly course, which course she constantly observed for the space of fifteen years together, beginning her task upon her Birth day, and reading every day so many Chapters as to bring it about just with the year: By which exercise she gained a great encrease and measure of knowledge, and no less strengthening of her Faith. For she did not read carelesly and negligently, but always kept a Note of such Places as she did not understand; and would be still enquiring after the meaning of them, as she met, either with Ministers, or with other understanding Christians, who as she thought, were able to help her therein. And her custom was, ever before she opened her Bible, to direct, and send up a short Prayer unto God for the opening of her blind eyes to the understanding of those sacred Mysteries, that they might be as a Lamp to guide her feet in the ways of holiness, until she should attain the end of her Hope, and Faith, even the salvation of her Soul.
And yet not herewith content, as a good Mary, she pondred the good Word of God in her heart. For by her great industry in the Scriptures, she had gotten by heart many Select Chapters, and more of the Psalms: and in every Book of the Scripture one choice Verse; all which she repeated every week in a method and order which she had propounded to her self. And being asked, why she took so much pains in getting and retaining those Scriptures in memory? Her Answer was, that she knew not what dayes and times of Trial, and Persecutions might come, wherein she might be deprived of her Bible, and other good Books and helps; But so much of the Scriptures as she could get into her heart, she knew that no Tyrant, or Enemy could bereave, or rob her of them.
Secondly. For that time of her trouble, she resolved upon Daniels Practice, wherein she was constant also; namely, that besides Family duties, which were performed twice every day, by the Chaplain in the Religious house in which she lived, till within one year of her death: And besides the private Prayers which she daily read in her Ladies Bed-Chamber, she was thrice on her Knees every day before God in secret, like a true worshipper, whose delight was frequently to present her self before the Lord: And by means of this days exercise (besides all other comfortable fruits) she attained to a singular sweet gift in prayer, whereby she could both strongly wrestle, and happily prevail with God, whose gracious disposition inclines him to be prevailed with, yea, to be overcome by the Prayers of his weak Servants.
She also knowing that religious fasting, is the Whetstone of Prayer, she tied her self to set apart six dayes in every year, wherein she did in an extraordinary manner humble her self before God by fasting and prayer for her own sins, and for the sins of the times wherein she lived. At all which times she was in a special manner earnest with the Lord, that he would be pleased farther to reveal his whole Truth, needful for her Salvation, and keep her constant in the Obedience thereof unto the end.
And because she knew that the right and worthy receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, did afford to a Christian some special strength, and much stability in the course of Godliness; as she diligently laid hold on every opportunity, wherein she might partake thereof; so for many years she laid a bond upon her self never to receive it, but the day before, to sit, and examine her self seriously, and deeply to humble her self before the Lord in fasting and prayer all the day long.
Thirdly. The troubles of her Conscience made her ever of a tender Conscience, so that she was ever fearful of offending God and her own Conscience, for which end she always kept a strict and narrow watch over her heart. And to keep her self in the greater awe, for the space of about five years before her death, she kept a Catalogue or Register of her daily slips, yea, she set down the naughty thoughts which she observed in her self, that one day in every Week she might extraordinarily humble her self for all the failings of that Week; and at such times her abstinence was more than ordinary, using only so much food as might best fit her weak body to humble and fervent prayer. All these private duties of Religion were carried on with so much fervency, that none in the family, besides her bosom friend, knew of their performance.
And as she was fearful of sins present and to come, so was her Conscience as tender in respect of sins past, as will appear by this memorable instance. Whilst she was a Child, bred up in the Family of that afore-mentioned old Lady, she was enticed by some lewd Servants, who fed her with Figs, and such other Toys, fit to please Children withal, to steal for them money out of her Ladies Cabinet, which often stood open in her Chamber, and which they knew, she of all others had the fittest opportunities to do: And her childishness giving way to these enticements, she found that it was not missed, and therefore was encouraged to continue it, for about the space of seven years, without any great check of Conscience: But when the Light of Gods Word shone into her soul, and made a privy discovery of the secrets of her heart, and thereby made her able to take her self with the Fact; Now she was ashamed and confounded in her self, and her awaken'd Conscience gave her no rest; neither could she concieve any hope of quiet, because she saw that she had done that which she could no way undo.
When she looked at the Sums of money taken by her, and given to those wicked Enticers, she conceived that by continuing in that course, for so many years together, she might have wronged that Lady of Thirty, or Forty pounds. If she thought of making Restitution, she was no way able to do it. And thus she groaned under the burden of this sin for a long time, easing it as well as she could, by taking up a firm resolution, that if God pleased ever to make her able, she would make full Restitution to the Heirs of the deceased Lady, which afterwards she did accordingly.
For when that honourable Lady, whom she had long served, at the time of her Marriage, gave her a large and bountiful Portion, she soon after made choice of a Reverend Minister, to whom she enjoyned secrecy; and because she would be sure to make full Restitution, she delivered to him Threescore pounds to make tender of it to the Ladies heir, as from a concealed Servant of the Ladies, who had unjustly taken it away from her. And when the Gentleman returned Ten pounds of it again, such was the tenderness of her Conscience, that she would receive none of it to her own use, but gave it away to the poor, and pious uses. And this childish miscarriage God turned to her good. For in all the two and twenty years service to that honourable Lady, she never made use of any thing which was under her charge, whether small or great, but she set it down in Writing, and once every day did make it good, either in the very kind, or in some other thing which she bought for her Ladiships use.
Fourthly. The sense of her own weaknesses and wants made her of a pitiful and charitable disposition towards the wants and miseries of others. She had ever a very large heart to the poor, especially to the godly poor. She did never see or hear of any that were in want, but her heart did mourn if she had not wherewithal to relieve them▪ Neither yet was her hand shut; for she did yearly lay aside a portion of mony, to the uttermost of her ability (if not beyond it) for their relief. Thus she lived, and therefore happily, and desiredly. Neither could so gracious a Life be concluded, but by an answerable, that is, a happy death and dissolution, which accordingly, through Gods mercy, she attained.
True it is that the Life of a Christian should be a continual meditation of death, as it is a continual motion towards Death. And such was the latter part especially of the Life of this gracious woman, who was of a weak and sickly constitution for many years before her death, which made her the more and better prepared for her last combate and sickness, which continued for the space of ten Weeks; in all which time she certainly apprehended, and expected her approaching dissolution, it being the principal, and almost only subject of her discourses, for six Months before it came to pass. But Thirty days before her departure, she finding her pains increasing and growing very sharp and tedious, she spent an hours discourse with her Husband, concerning her desire about the things of this Life. And having imparted to him what she purposed, she thus concluded her Speech. And now sweet-heart, no more words between you and me about any worldly thing, only let me earnestly request you, and charge you, that as you see my weaknesses to encrease, you will not fail to assist me, and to call upon me to follow the Lord with prayer and patience. For now, I know, that Satan will shew all his malice, because his time is but short against me, and he will easily espy my weakness, and make his advantage of it; and therefore now especially help me with your counsel, comfort, and prayers.
In all the time of her sickness, her gracious God, who, as a fast friend, standeth close to his Servants, when they have need of him, shewed his merciful presence with her, as in all other comfortable supplies, answerable to the depth of her distress, so especially in hearing, and answering her prayers, and desires of her heart. For
There were four things, which in her prayers, she especially begged of God, in the time of her sickness, and in none of them was she denied.
First: That she might be armed with strength against Satans assaults, and temptations which she expected would be very fierce and frequent: From whom (according to her request) she was mercifully freed. Only about three days before her death, she began to be dejected in the sight and sense of her present dulness, and hereupon began to call in question, the love of God towards her, and the truth of Gods Grace in her. For (said she) were I the Lords, why should not I now lift up my head with Joy, seeing the time of my dissolution draweth on so near?
But, through Gods mercy, these complaints continued not above six hours, before she had much comfort and chearfulness again, which she expressed in earnest and excellent prayers (wherein her Gift was more than ordinary for her Sex) as also in many hearty and chearful Praises, and Thanksgivings unto God for his great mercy, in that he had so chained up Satan, at this time of her great weakness; whereas she had been formerly molested, and daily vexed with his Buffetings, and fiery Darts, for above the space of six years together; yet now, God would not suffer him to spit out his malice against her for above the space of six hours.
Her second request was, that the Lord would support and strengthen her, patiently to endure, and cheerfully to undergo all the pains he should lay upon her, even to the end. And herein also was she graciously heard, as well as in the former. For though she was full of great pains, and endured many strong fits, in which no part of her body was exempted from racking, and deadly torments, and every of these fits continued for many hours, yet was she never heard to utter any impatient word concerning her self, or of discontent to any that were imployed about her: Much less did she charge God foolishly, in whose hands she judged her self to be, as the Clay in the hands of the Potter.
Her third request to God was, that she might in all her sorrows be supported with some sense and evidence of his Love, and with the assurance of the pardon of all her sins. And that God was comfortably found of her in this request, also was very apparent in her joyful expectation of death, the time whereof she truly foretold five days before it came to pass: And as this time approached, her Joy encreased, so as she was able to comfort her mournful Husband and Friends, saying: Mourn not for me, but for your selves: For I shall very shortly be more happy than the wishes of your hearts can make me; and therefore cease your mourning, and help me thither by you prayers as fast as you can.
Her fourth and last request was, that she might have her memory continued to her until the last period of her life, that so by no idle or light speech, she might dishonour God, or bring a scandal upon her profession. For she said, If I through pain, or want of Sleep (which indeed she much wanted) should have any foolish, or idle talk, I know what the Speech of the world useth to be. This is the end of all your precise Folks, they die mad, or not themselves, &c.
And as the prayed, God gave her her memory to the last gasp, so that she died praying. For a little before her departure, she called her Husband, and her Friends that were about her, and hasted them to prayer: For now (said she) I shall be gone presently (which words they then believed not) but prayer being ended, she said with more strength than she had spoken any thing for four hours before, Amen, Amen, Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit, Lord Jesus have mercy on me, and receive my Soul. And thus with her breath and words, she breathed out her soul, which by the Angels was carried into Abrahams bosom in the highest Heavens, to which her eyes and hands were lifted up. About the year of our Lord, 1633.
Praised be God.
The Life and Death of the Lady Alice Lucy, who Died, Anno Christi 1648.
HEr Birth was none of hers, and therefore cannot be either her vertue or her praise. High descent, and glorious Names, far fetcht, are but Names; and the Names of others too—Vix ea nostra voco. Scarcely can we call ours what our selves are not the Authors of. And, not many Generations, and a multitude of mouldy statues, but Virtue only gives the Character of true Nobility, as some of the Heathen hath said: How far then should Christians be from committing of Idolatry with Stocks, and worshipping of Images! Ascribing so much to Families, and esteeming themselves or others truly Noble, if their Progenitors have been so. Nobility is not Hereditary, but Inherent; not Relative and transmitted, but Moral, and Personal; or at least, not so much: Though we are very apt to give much honour to the very shadow of Nobility. But when to the shadow there is added the substance; Nobility Inherent to Nobility Hereditary, there truly we owe a debt of double honor. And such a debt was due to this noble Lady, so conspicuous in both.
Her entrance was early into the Conjugal State and Condition (such Fruit so rare, so Her Marriage.soon ripe, could not continue long ungathered) yet not sooner than she was fit for it. She knew that her taking of a second self, was a self-denying work; and therefore she resigned both her reason, and her will unto her Head, and Husband; to whom she was, Her Humility.as Monica, the Mother of Saint Austin, was to her Husband Patricius, Reverently amiable, and admirable: And from whom, for all the Virtues which an Husband can A good Wife.wish for in his Wife, she received as much honor as she could expect, or desire.
After they had drawn together in one yoke for about the space of Thirty years, Her Husband, Sir T Lucy of Charlcot, dies.with much mutual dearness, and delight, it pleased God to dissolve the Knot; by taking away her support and honour, far dearer to her than her very Life. But then it pleased God also, to shew himself abundantly gracious unto her. For when he had made her a Widdow, he made himself her Husband; supporting her, comforting her, and enabling her prudently to mannage her great Estate, and to order her numerous Family, with so much Wisdom as was admirable; especially if we consider that her bodily Her Prudence.infirmities did most commonly confine her to her Chamber, and seldom permitted her to stir abroad. Its no wonder that the Turkish Bassa's, and Privy Counsellors carry themselves so regularly and exactly towards him, though he never come amongst them: For he hath his dangerous Window (as 'tis called) where he can hear their Words, and see and observe all their behaviour, though none of them can see him: And wonderful it was that all in so great a Family as this Ladies, should be so regular, so diligent Good Servants.in their places, so faithful to her, who, as she scarce ever came among them, so had no Window through which she might over-look them. Gods Wisdom is every where visible, though himself be not: So her Influence extended to all her affairs, though her self were so retired.
She continually carried about her the burthen of a weak body; but she did hear Her great weakness.it with singular Patience, and improved it to her spiritual advantage. Its a blessed weakness which causeth us to make God our strength: A blessed Consinement, which sets the soul at liberty, and set it a longing after more Communion with God. Her great affliction it was that she could not visit the house of God and attend upon the Publick Ordinances, where God hath promised his presence, and where we may expect his blessing What many in those giddy days departed from, she most earnestly desired to repair to, and enjoy: But because she could not go from her house to Gods house, she made a Church of her house, where for sundry years, she every Lords day in the Evening (unless she Her Piety.were hindred by extroardinary weakness) heard the Preaching of the Word; strictly requiring the presence of all her Family, and shewing her self an example of great reverence, and singular attention.
It was observed that she never removed out of one Room into an other, but she Prayer.used some short Ejaculations, with lifting up her Eyes and hands to God.
Her first imployment every day, was her humble Addresses to Almighty God in secret: Secret duties.Her next was to read some part of Gods Word, and of other good and profitable Books: And indeed she had a great Library, well stored with most of our choice English Authors. No sooner could she hear of any pious Book made publick, but she endeavoured to make it hers, and her self the better for and by it.
Much she was in reading, and able to give as good an account of what she read as Children well Educated.most are: She had an excellent understanding, as in secular so in spiritual things. And finding the benefit of this course, and practice to her self, she commended it to her Children, whom she caused, every day to read some Portions, both of the Old and New Testament in her own presence and hearing. In the Afternoon she spent some time in the same manner as she had done in the Morning.
About an hour before Supper, she appointed some one of her Children to read some godly and useful Sermon in the presence of her self and of her other Children: Frequently taking occasion of instilling into them some sweet and profitable Instructions, and of exhorting them to a constant religious walking with God. In the Evening a little before she betook her self to repose, she commanded them all to come into her Lodgings, where they joyned in singing of a Psalm (as the Servants did also constantly after Supper, before they rose from the Table; the men-servants in the Hall, and the Maid Servants in a more private Room) And whence, after many pious Exhortations, and her Motherly Benediction, she dismissed them: And then closed the day, with secret duties, as she began it; begging Gods blessing upon her self: And thus she did constantly every day.
By what hath been said, we may observe that she was of a precious, and gracious spirit her self, and as careful to leave such holy and gracious impressions upon her Children after her. A very Fruitful Vine she was, and many were her Olive Plants Her fruitfulness.about her Table. Some of them tasted of death before their dear Mother, yet she left Ten living after her; the same number of either Sex, who were all present at her Funeral. Whilst she lived, they daily tell down and craved her blessing: They also rose up, and (with the Children of Solomons Virtuous woman, Prov. 31. 28.) called her blessed.
Next to her golden Chain of Graces, mentioned by Saint Peter (1 Pet. 1. 5, 6, 7.) wherewith she was eminently Beautified) and the Ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, (1 Pet. 3. 4.) she accounted (with Cornelia, that noble Roman Matron) her Children to be her chiefest Ornaments; and therefore her desire, and earnest endeavours were to beautifie and adorn them with all virtuous Habits, and to make them the true Children of God. She knew, and would have them know too, that if they would be happy, to their Great Birth there must be added the New Birth: To great Kindred and Allies, there must be Relation to the Family of Heaven: To a great Estate, the State of Grace, or else it would come to pass that they would one day wish, that they had never been born. She often inculcated into them, That true Grace is true Greatness▪ And that the more any of them feared and served God, the greater portion of Love they might expect from her.
The last Link in Saint Peters Chain is Charity. And this Elect Lady (2 John 1.) Her Charity.was much in those gracious practices, whereby she might make her Calling and Election sure. Much she was in the duties of Piety: Much in the duties of Charity: Many Coats and Garments did this Dorcas make whilst she was alive: She had not a hard heart, nor a withered Hand. She was none of those, who having this worlds goods, and seeing their Brother have need, do yet shut up their bowels of Compassion from him. She may be a Pattern to all that come after: God gave her the blessing of a great Estate: Yea, he gave her a greater blessing than that, an heart to make a right use of it.
Every day she stretched out her hand to the poor; yea, she reached out her hands to the needy. A great number she relieved at her Gates, and gave her charge to her Porter, that when there came any that were very Aged, or that complained of great losses in those dismal Times of our Civil Wars, especially if they seemed honest, that he should come and certifie her of it, that she might enlarge her Charity to such; which if he had neglected at any time to do, and she had known of it, probably she would have been as much displeased with him, as once she was with another of her Servants, for neglecting a Command which she had given him in reference to the refreshment of some poor.
In those Times of scarcity, every Week she sent many Loaves of Bread to many Neighbour Towns: She caused her Corn to be sold in the Markets (as it were) by Retail, in such small quantities as might not exceed the Poors abilities to purchase. She allowed certain Meals in her House to sundry poor Neighbours, whose empty Bellies were discernible in their pale Faces; and when hereby they had recovered their former Complexion, and received (as it were) a new Life by her means, she with Joy professed, that the sight of such an alteration in them, did her as much good, as any thing which she her self had eaten.
She continually imployed many poor old men and women in such works as were fit Her Prudence.and sutable to their skill and strength.
When the Physitian came at any time to her house, she used to make inquiry whether any were sick in the Town; That if any were, they might partake of the same benefit with her self: But at all times when any wanted health, she presently had intelligence of it, and most chearfully Communicated whatsoever she conceived conducible to their recovery; having, not only great store of Cordials and Restoratives always by her, but great Skill and Judgment in the Application of them.
And as our Saviour Christ said unto the Woman of Canaan (Matth. 15. 28.) great is thy Faith, so may we say of this Virtuous, and Religious Lady, Great was her Charity. For she knew right well, and considered;
That Faith is but a fancy without the Labour of Love. For true Faith cannot be idle, its never out of work, 1 Thes. 1. 3. And it worketh by Love, Gal. 5. 6.
That the greater any are, the better they should be: The more Goods they have, the more Good they shoud do: And as they have opportunity they should do good to all, Gal. 6. 10.
That such as are rich in this world, have a great charge. For they are charged, not to be high minded, and close handed (which they are too apt to be) But to do good, to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to Communicate; So laying up in store for themselves, a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life, 1 Tim. 6 17, 18, 19.
That the Wisdom that is from above, as 'tis pure, and peaceable, gentle and easie to be intreated: So 'tis full of mercy, and good fruits; without partiality, and without Hypocrisie, Gal. 3. 17.
That pure religion, and undefiled before God and the Father, is this: To visit the Fatherless and Widdows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world, Jam. 1. 27.
Thus unspotted she ever kept her self. As the Apostle S. Paul saith; Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? It is God that justifieth, &c. Rom. 8. 33. So may we say, who can lay any thing to the charge of this Elect Lady? God had sanctified her: Yet not so as to free her from the Inherency of sin (for so he sanctifies none in this Life), but so, as to free her from the Regency of it, and from all such acts as would have proved a spot, and blemish to her, which all that knew her must needs acknowledge. And this also, that she, like unto a choice and dainty Garden, was free not only from eminent Weeds, but richly furnished with all manner of fragrant Flowers and delicate Fruits. Or like the glorious Sun, not only free from spots, but full of Light.
All the Countrey knew her; as Boaz said of Ruth, all the City knew her to be a Virtuous woman.
At her entrance into her last sickness (which was about a fortnights length) she Her last sickness.conceived her Life to be but of a very short continuance, and therefore prepared and composed her self for her dissolution. Yet durst she not but make use of her Physitians, whose singular ability and fidelity she had frequently experienced, having been raised Death prepared for.up by them, when she was faln almost as low as the very Grave. And now, had she been recoverable, they (by Gods blessing) would have recovered her. But as he faith;
Non est in Medico semper relevetur ut aeger:
Interdum Doctâ plus valet Arte malum.
Ovid. de Pont.
The most able and learned Physitians cannot keep Life when God calls for it. There is no Antidote against death: No doses will free us from paying our last debt. Go we must when our Life-Lord bids us come. The last words of this virtuous Lady were; My God I come flying unto thee. Presently after which, her Soul took its flight from Her Death.hence, and she quietly slept in the Lord in August, Anno Christi 1648.
Such was her humility and modesty, that although in that Magnificent Monument Her Humility.which she made for her Husband, Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlcot in Warwick-shire, she caused her self to be laid by him in her full proportion; yet would she not suffer her Epitaph to bear any proportion with his: She conceived the most that could be said of him was too little, and the least that could be said of her self was too much. Unwilling she was to have any thing at all said of her self: But when that might not be, she would by no means allow of any more than this; Her observance of her dearest Husband while she enjoyed him; her remembrance of him by that Monument, when she had lost him. Only one thing more was added, but full sore against her will; Namely, that her other exquisite Virtues were forbidden by her excessive modesty, to make their appearance in that Marble.
See her Funeral Sermon Preached by Mr. Thomas Dugard, August 17th. 1648.