The Excellent Woman, Letters

The Excellent Woman · Letters

p. 1Several Letters from divers Miniſters concerning the Life and Death of Miſtreſſe ELIZABETH SCOTT, with a Narrative under her own hand of remarkable experiences, and the gracious dealings of God towards her.

Mr. Naltons Letter to Mr. Caſe.

Dear Brother,

AMong many ſad ſignes, and ſymptoms of Gods diſpleaſure towards the land, I look on this, as not the leaſt, viz. Gods removing ſo many of his precious Saints p. 2and ſervants from among us, who while they were in the land of the Living) helped to keep off the ſtorm of Gods anger, and to turn away his indignation from a God-provoking people. Oh that our hearts were more deeply affected with it! that we might feelingly ſay with the Prophet Iſaiah (chap. 16. verſ. 11. My bowels ſhall ſound like a harp for England; Yea, we will ſigh with the breaking of our loines, Ezek. 21.6. One choice Jewel among the reſt, God has of late gathered to his Cabinet, namely, pious, precious, Miſtreſſe Scott; Concerning whom, becauſe you deſired my concurrent Teſtimony, as being one ſo well known to me, having been a member of my Congregation for divers years together, till ſhe came to be under your charge: I have this to ſay; She was a Gentlewoman of a choice ſpirit, of a marvelous p. 3ſweet temper and diſpoſition, of an amiable winning carriage, and of a truly pious and Religious converſation. She was one that made Religion her buſineſſe, her foreign, not her foreign: She made it her conſtant courſe vigorouſly to drive a Trade for heaven, and to be preſſing towards the mark, even the prize of the high calling of God in Chriſt Jeſus; She was not like thoſe, that Auſtin ſpeaks of, qui utuntur Deo, ut fruantur mundo; But ſhe made uſe of the world, but as a foot-ſtool, to raiſe up her ſoul to the enjoyment of God, as her portion for ever. She was not weary of Gods ſervice, like thoſe hypocrites that ſaid, what a wearineſſe is it, Mal. 1.13. but duty was her delight, and ſin her greateſt burden: The world did not make her weary of duty, but duty made her weary of the world; Her conſtant frequenting of Ordi ances, p. 4(wherein ſhe was both eminent and exemplary) her cloſeſt retirements, wherein ſhe ſaw often a glimpſe of that glory which ſhe now enjoys in the boſom of Jeſus Chriſt, made her long earneſtly to be at her fathers houſe, and to breath out her Cupio deſolvi, Oh that I might be with him whom my ſoul loveth! In brief, ſhe made haſte to heaven, lived much in a little time; holding forth the Word of life, by a holy and undaunted profeſſion, holding faſt the Word of Truth by a conſtant and undaunted Reſolution, and ſo finiſhed her courſe with joy. Therefore I conceive, that this Text which you ſweetly opened at her Funeral, was rightly and ſuitably applied to her, Many daughters have done virtuouſly, &c. This Teſtimony I have given not for her ſake, that is dead, but for the ſake of thoſe that are living. p. 5The dead praiſe not the Lord, ſaith David, Pſal. 115.17. Look as the dead return no praiſes to the living God, ſo neither do they regard any praiſes from living men; Our commendations cannot help them, our diſcōmendations cannot hurt them, as our prayers cannot reach them, ſo neither can our praiſes profit them; But happy ſurely are they, that can tread in the Steps of thoſe bleſſed Saints, that have gone before us; whoſe faith follow, (ſaith the Apoſtle) conſidering the end of their converſation, Heb. 13.7. If we do as they did, we ſhall ſpeed as they ſped; The Lord of his infinite mercy, help us to ſerve our generation faithfully (as this eminent godly Gentlewoman did) that we may do every days duty with Chriſtian chearfulneſſe, and bear every days burden with Chriſtian patience, and in the midſt of all changes, p. 6ſtraites and ſtormes, hold out with Chriſtian perſeverance, that in the end of our dayes, we may receive the end of our hopes, even the ſalvation of our ſouls; It is and ſhall be the hearty prayer of

Your affectionate loving Friend and Brother in the Lords Work. JA. NALTON.

p. 7Mrs. SCOTS own writings, which ſhe hath left under her own hand.

A Little before her death, ſhe began to write in a book her experiences of Gods goodneſs to her, and intended to have filled it up, but ſhe was taken away before ſhe had done many leaves of it; onelyonly ſhe had written before, divers things in ſome papers.

In the Book ſhe beginneth and proceedeth thus.

SOme notes to keep ſpeciall things in my remembrance, that I may be quickned to anſwer p. 8Gods ends, in all his gracious dealings to me, to whom all his ways have been mercy and truth; and I deſire, my ways towards him, may be conſtrained obedience, from faith and love, wrought by his ſpirit in my heart, in all things.

How God did effectually call me at firſt to himſelf.

I was born a child of wrath, and an heir of hell, and in my youth, was very vile and vain; Yet I did duties in a formal way, and was very confident God did love me, and of my good eſtate: Between ſixteen and ſeventeen I was married, and about nineteen year old as I was riding, it being hunting time, I fell down and put my leg out of joynt, which was a great miſery to me, but in that affliction, God did work on me with ſome convictions and reſolutions, p. 9if I were well again to walk in Gods wayes; afterward inquiring, his Providence brought Mr. Byfields Book to me, the Marrow of Divinity, and in reading of it, God did convince me of my abundant abominable ſins: I made a catalogue of them I could remember, and was in much trouble for them under the ſpirit of bondage, I think ſome moneths: but I have forgotten how long; but God made ſinne very bitter to me, and broke my heart for my ſinne, and from my ſinne: and I know God broke my heart, becauſe his love did it, many a tear of Love did I ſhed in the boſom of my God. When the ſpirit of Adoption was come to me, then how did I mourn for ſinning againſt the Lord, and diſhonouring of his dear Name? But when I was in the pangs of the Spirit of bondage and new birth, I had great troubles p. 10of Conſcience, and grievous pangs and after that, dreadfull baſphemous thoughts, and fain would I have run away from God, looked upon his wayes as grievous, and had hard thoughts of him, but yet the Lord would not let me go, but carried me through, that I had no power to leave ſeeking of him, and did unhook me, and brought me to keep Faſts by my ſelf, and to humble my ſoul before him, and ſhewed me how vile I was in a great meaſure, and made me confeſſe my ſinnes with ſhame and ſorrow; Then after this, he made me cloſe with Jeſus Chriſt in a promiſe, and gave me full aſſurance that all my ſins were pardoned by the bloud of Jeſus Chriſt fully, and I gave up my ſelf in Covenant to him, and by his ſweet influence, and ſhining of his face, and comforts of his ſpirit, and grace, he hath made me hate the p. 11moſt ſweet and ſecret ſin; and my hatred of all ſin appears, becauſe I deſire the death of it, and deſire to be freed from the enjoyment of the ſweeteſt pleaſure of the moſt ſecret ſin, that I may enjoy communion with my God, whoſe love is farre better than life: and I deſire ſo to eſteem it. God hath brought me to Chriſt, and hath made me put on his righteouſneſſe, and hath given me to Chriſt, and given Chriſt to me, and I know it certainly that God did chooſe me from all eternity, becauſe he hath made me to give up my ſelf to Jeſus Chriſt for theſe ends that Jeſus Chriſt gave himſelf for me; That by believing, I might give God the glory of his free grace and faithfullneſſe, and that my ſinnes might be pardoned and mortified, and that I may be ſanctified and made holy by him, redeemed from all iniquity, and p. 12vain converſation, and made a peculiar ſervant of his, zealous of good works, that I may honour him in bearing forth much fruit, and be fully acted by his ſpirit and grace, for the glory of his name in all things, that Jeſus Chriſt may ſee the travail of his ſoul in me, as much as I am capable, ſo long as I have a being, that I may admire free grace. God hath given me Jeſus Chriſt by faith, oftentimes in Sacraments, Word, and Prayer, and Meditation, by the conduit pipes of his Ordinances. And I live by Jeſus Chriſt, becauſe his Spirit liveth in me in ſome meaſure, convincing, guiding, and councelling of me; And my deſire is, to honour him as much as I am capable for ever, in his life, and ſtrength, and ſpirit.

Thus farre Mrs. Scot had proceeded in the ſaid Book, when the Lord took her from recollecting p. 13and improving his gracious experiences to her here, to the immediate and perfect enjoyments of himſelf above.

Other Writings that Mrs. Scot hath left, concerning Gods goodneſſe to her.

ABout the middle of April, 1645. there was the ſecond riſing in Kent, and I was grievouſly perplexed, thinking my husband, jewels, goods, and all I had, and my life, ſhould have then by the riſers been taken from me, and I was in exceeding fear, and diſhonoured God by over much weeping and ſorrowing before others, but that night I heard the Riſers were ſuppreſſed, then I had much joy, and reſolved through Gods ſtrength that my heart ſhould be weaned from the world, which before, I lookt for much help from, p. 14but I found none; I ſaw it was empty: then reſolved I alſo to leave reſting upon it, and to ſpend my life, and ſtrength, and meanes of grace, to the uttermoſt advantage of Gods glory, and my ſouls eternall good; and never to ſin away any opportunity of doing good, and ſervice for his glory: Thus did I ſee, that this great ſtraight, and dark Providence of the Lord wrought abundantly for my good. Two days after, I did in private by my ſelf keep a day of faſt, and had ſome grief for my own ſin and others, and had ſome comfort in Gods acceptance, though I was much wanting in the performance of the ſame. After my faſt day, there was a publick day of thankſgiving for that mercy of ſubduing the Riſers, my ſpirit was much ſadded, that my heart was no more in frame ſuitable to the ſaid day, that I did no p. 15more rejoyce in God in it. Afterward I had ſweet aſſurance of Gods eternall love, and ſaw much vanity and emptineſſe in all earthly things, and deſired to order my converſation aright. Again I kept another private day of faſt by my ſelf, and though much diſtempered yet had ſome hopes of acceptance. I kept another day of private faſt by my ſelf, to ſeek to God for more grace, to honour him, and that God would do alſo the ſame in my husband that he might honour God.

In Auguſt, 1647. a little after my husband died, my heart was exceedingly out of frame, but a Sabbath day at night the Lord came ſweetly to me, in perſwading me to truſt in him from what he had done; So I had ſweet aſſurance of his Eternal love through Chriſt at prayer, and the pardon of all my ſinnes, and gave my p. 16ſelf to him to do with me what he would, and ſo the temptation and thoſe thoughts went away, and I had ſweet peace. Afterward we kept a faſt in the family, to humble our ſelves for the breach in the death of my huſband, and then I had great deſires to honour God in my place, and gave up my ſelf to God and had peace, and afterward ſweet aſſurance that I was his. This Sacrament at Hawkherſt I was not prepared as I ought to have been, the day before I loſt my frame of grace exceedingly, by my unſenſibleneſs of Irelands miſery, and being merry when I ſhould have ſorrowed, and on the Lords day morning before I went to the Sacrament, I had a grievous temptation, as if I might live without ordinances, and as if there were no neceſſity of them; O this deaded my heart to the duty, yet my faith fought p. 17with it, and brought me to the Lords ſupper, where I received Chriſt, and gave my ſelf to him, and found ſweet comfort and ſtrength from Chriſt in his Ordinance; and I do reſolve in Chriſts ſtrength, to walk holily and cloſely with God all my dayes to his honour, and to cleave cloſe to Chriſt in all his Ordinances, whilſt I can enjoy them. Being reproved by one, my heart did greatly riſe, and I found I was not willing to ſubmit to Gods will and wayes in all things, but I had a great combate, and was reſolved to ſubmit to God in all, and ſaw more of my heart and the world then ever, and I had ſweet influence from God and ſhinings of his face in prayer. The next Lords day after I had received the Sacrament, I went to the Sacrament again, my Lord having by a providence provided another feaſt for me, knowing my p. 18neceſſities; and I did ſit under Chriſts ſhadow, and did receive his body and bloud by faith. Another Sacrament at evening I had very ſweet fruits and effects of Chriſt in me. Another Sacrament afterward I was much failing and wanting in doing my duty and acting my grace, but God gave me Chriſt in free grace, and I deſire to live by faith upon him, to him and his glory, giving my ſelf to the Lord to be his, and not mine own; and deſire to live on Chriſt as my portion and ſtrength.

In January, 1650. Mrs. Scot began another, of the ſweet experiences (writes ſhe) my God hath given me of his faithfull performances of his Word and Promiſe to me. In January 1650. The Lord ſweetly told me in the Miniſtery of his Word, out of the fourth Chapter of the Epheſians, the eighth Verſe, how Chriſt had p. 19led captivity captive in me, and for me in ſome meaſure; the ſame day, an occaſion there was that cauſed my corruptions much to ariſe, but my God according to his Word did lead that captivity captive, and at night God gave me ſweet comings in of himſelf into my ſould, and ſweet aſſurance, and ſome experience of the true & real work of Grace in me, & how God made the riſings of ſinne the ruine of ſin in me by Chriſt. The Lord gave me very ſweet experience of his power in preſerving me, when two in my family had the ſmall pox, and three the meaſels, according to his word in Pſal. 91.7. It ſhall not come nigh thee. O never diſtruſt thy God more. After this, God did ſhew me in ſome meaſure the curſed vileneſs of my nature, and ſuffered that bitter root of blaſphemy to riſe up in my heart, and God did this to puniſh p. 20me, for my vain and ſinfull thoughts, but Jeſus Chriſt made my faith to fight againſt it, but it was very ſad and bitter to me, and after I was buffeted, God made me ſee the vileneſſe of ſinne, and ſinful thoughts, and made me in his ſtrength reſolve againſt all ſin, and to hate it, and to walk colſely with my God, and chuſe rather to offend all the world, then commit the leaſt ſinne, and to loſe all, and ſuffer all miſeries, rather then commit the leaſt ſin; For God can make ones own heart and conſcience a hell to one, and ones bed and all ones comforts bitter as death. And I deſire to prize mercy, and cloſe walkings with God, to lie down and riſe up with him, and to pitty others; This precious experience and leſſon God taught me by that affliction, as by many other, and drave ſin and vain thoughts from p. 21me in ſome meaſure, making Chriſt ſweet, and fulfilling his Word, in Rom. 6.14. and Rom. 8.28. My God doth give me ſweet experience of the growth of grace in my ſoul, and all from the virtue of Chriſts blood. Before this Sacrament, my preparations were not ſo great as they ſhould have been, but my God did drive me from reſting on any thing in my ſelf, and brought me to him without money and without price, and gave me ſweet aſſurance of the truth of the work of grace on my heart; I love him becauſe he loved me firſt, and with his loving kindneſſe did he draw me. This Sabbath when I went to the Sacrament, I ſaw my preparation ſmall and my thoughts not ſo ſweet as they ſhould, but my heart deſiring the Lord to order my thoughts aright, and act my graces in ſinging part of the 23 Pſalm, before p. 22morning Sermon, God ſweetly melted me in ſome meaſure with ſome teares of love, and after did as it were ſweetly take me by the hand, ſet me down at his table, and comfortably intimated it was my portion, and ſo I ſat under his ſhadow with great delight, and his fruit was ſweet unto my taſte, and God did act my faith to take Chriſt, and pardon, ſanctification, mortification in his bloud, and ſealed deliverance from temptations by his body broken and bloud ſhed, and all the fruits thereof; ſome effects I had afterward, and the Word was ſweet, and I came home rejoycing and reſolving to live and die, to and for and with God, giving my ſelf for ever to him, to live and move all in him and by him, to reſt upon his word, and promiſe, and expect to live by him according to it; I deſire to have ſuch a day again to receive p. 23Chriſt, I was many wayes failing, all is free grace, God doth all that is good in me, for I am a hell by nature, but I have found moſt precious vertue in the blood of Jeſus Chriſt, that it hath in ſome meaſure meekened my ſpirit and overcome wicked thoughts in me. Next Sacrament I was failing in my preparation and acting of my graces, and was troubled I had no more light of Gods countenance, and my corrupt nature was apt to riſe: but God kept it down, and afterward taught me theſe leſſons by it.

1. That ſin was not ſo bitter to me, nor ſo bitterly bewailed by me, as it ought; the more bitter ſin is, the ſweeter is Chriſt.

2. That God would have me prize Ordinances to enjoy Chriſt, but not to reſt upon them.

3. That I ſhould live by faith p. 24and not by ſence, yea though there be no ſence.

4. That Gods loving countenance is better then life, and that God would have me depending, and contented with whatſoever he will give: O that I could learn and practiſe theſe leſſons, which were precious fruits of the Ordinances. This Sacrament I was failing in my meditation, examination, and excitation, and my dead heart much hindred me in the ſervice of the living God, but the Lord brought me to his table with ſome aſſurance it was my portion, and I ſat under his ſhadow, and he acted my graces, I deſire to magnifie free grace, and to expect ſtrength from him to do it according to the Covenant ſealed in his bloud. This Sacrament I had ſome ſweet actings of faith above ſence, and aſſurance that God was my father p. 25and his power and wiſdom would order all things for my good. This Sacrament, though I did not mourn for my ſins that did ſlay my Saviour, nor act ſacramentall repentance as I ought, yet by faith I received Jeſus Chriſt, and came home with ſome comfort, and had ſome ſoftneſſe of heart. I had ſweet expe…ience of my Gods anſwering my prayer in the very thing I deſired. This Sacrament, though I did not receive ſo much of Chriſt as I deſired, yet I had ſome ſweet effects of his blood, in reſolving in his ſtrength not to give way to unbelief nor ſin and deſiring to come again to his Ordinance.

This day I was at a faſt, and God came ſweetly in and melted my heart, and made his promiſe good, that they that wait on him ſhall renew their ſtrength, God ſweetly anſwered my … p. 26mercy for one of my children. This day I did receive Jeſus Chriſt in the Sacrament, and came home rejoycing, and aſſured my ſinnes were pardoned, and that Chriſt could as well be pulled out of heaven, as I pulled from Chriſt. I renewed my Covenant, I gave my ſelf to my God for his ſervice for ever. This Sacrament I did receive Jeſus Chriſt, and ſweet influence from him, and I deſire to honour him in all things for ever, in my ſoul, body, eſtate, will, affections and all; I, and all I have are his, and to be at his ruling in all things at all times; Theſe are fruits of Chriſts bloud, I deſire to bear about the world with me, the dying of the Lord Jeſus, and to be crucified to the world by his croſſe, and to do and ſuffer for him, and endeavour the good of others ſouls, and I found my inward man much ſtrengthened p. 27and ſin weakned. This Sacrament God gave me ſome reſolutions, but I had not much comfort. This Sacrament, I had ſweet aſſurance that my ſins ſhould be deſtroyed. I kept a faſt day by my ſelf, to ſeek help from God, in the great ſtrait I was in; for no power but his could help me out and deliver me: The Lord did graciouſly aſſiſt me, and afterward I kept a faſt in private with others about it, my heart was out of fra…e and very he…vy, and perplexed, but God came in and melted, and made the duty very ſweet; and at night, a ſweet, quiet, and believing waiting frame came upon my ſpirit; God anſwered my prayer ſweetly and particularly. That text in 1 Cor. 10.13. the Lord made good to me. I reſolved to keep a faſt by my ſelf and humble my ſoul before the Lord, and poure out my complaint before him, and p. 28ſeek ſtrength from him; God ſweetly encouraging me with many Scriptures, and melted my heart, oft pouring it into his boſome, and drew me out of my ſelf into Jeſus Chriſt. Again I kept a faſt by my ſelf to ſeek the Lord, and humble my ſelf for my failings, and God did ſweetly melt my heart, and helped me to pray, and made it a comfortable day, and I deſire to hope and wait for a gracious anſwer, and God did anſwer me very graciouſly. I kept another faſt by my ſelf, to ſeek the Lord to mortifie my corruptions, that I might not diſhonour him, but be acted by him and his grace, to his glory, and to order all for me aright according to his will; the Lord ſweetly aſſiſted me, and I deſire to wait for an anſwer, and bleſſed be his name, he hath ſweetly anſwered my prayer by many remarkable providences which I deſire p. 29to improve to his glory. God did viſite me with a fever, and had ſhaken his rod at me before, but I took not warning as I ſhould, for God is ſo gracious, that he delights not in afflicting the chilren of men, if they return. Gods chaſtizing me was very full of tender gentleneſſe, I felt little or no pain, but kept my bed from munday till ſaturday, and God chained up Satan that he did not at all tempt me, but I lay with abundance of peace and aſſurance of Gods love, and God made my bed for me, and raiſed me up again in much faithfulneſſe, and ſhewed me why he had contended with me, and I acknowledged Gods dealings exceeding juſt, mercifull, and faithfull. The ſinne that God did eſpecially afflict me for at this time, as he did convince me, was, my great ſinning about the Ordinances, God will be ſanctified in p. 30them that draw nigh to him, and I had been very formal in duties, & cold in them, neglected to go to Ordinances, did not prepare my ſelf before I went as I ſhould; coming ſometimes late, diſtracted at holy duties, and was unprofitable under them, not ſo mourned when I heard Gods name blaſphemed, glad when Sabbaths were done, and vain thoughts then alſo, guilty of much Sabbath prophanation, in coming to the Lords day with a cōmon worldly frame of heart, and having ſuch a cōmon worldly frame of heart on the ſaid dayes; Being too long in bed on the Lords dayes mornings, and not doing duties as Sabbath dutys, and not walking anſwerable to the Sabbath Ordinances I enjoyed. So that it was high time for God to come now. The experiences that I have got by this are, that God is very patient, and good, p. 31and faithful, he will not leave me unpuniſhed altogether, neither will he fail or forſake me in it, therefore I reſolve in his ſtrength to love him, fear him, and his goodneſſe, ſerve him, walk cloſely with him, be zealous for him, give up my ſelf & my all to be laid out for his glory, and in his ſervice, and to ſanctifie him in all my drawings near to him, to ſerve him alone, in his ſtrength, and the power and ſpirit of Chriſt enabling me, for if he leave me, to my ſelf, I ſhall ſinne more then ever; theſe are ſome of the fruits I deſire ſhould come forth from this rod. I kept a Faſt by my ſelf to humble my ſoul before God, and renew my repentance, and ſeek help and direction from him, and my God made it a ſweet day unto me. I kept another faſt by my ſelf for the ſame mercies that I did the other before, and the Lord did p. 32much aſſiſt and help me to mourn for ſinne, and to pray for Zions peace, and of the land. I kept another faſt by my ſelf to humble my ſoul for mine own ſins, and the ſins of others, and to ſeek for direction in the ſtraight I was in, and the Lord did help me, and after much and long ſeeking to God, the Lord did anſwer me.

The fourteenth of December, 1655. God did vouchſafe unto me a very great deliverance, wherein I ſaw abundance of his power, wiſdom, and goodneſſe in it to me, which were wonderfully diſcovered, in the way of it, to the Glory of God, and honour of the Goſpel, even to the acknowledging it elſewhere, to be the very hand of God; An anſwer of prayer. I was fully freed and cleared. I deſire this great experience ſhould be food for faith, and that I called on God for, it p. 33was the faithfulneſſe of God in performing that promiſe; that he would keep in his way, and he kept me in my calling, which was his way, and ſo I had protection from him, and he found out a way for me, and I deſire to improve my freedome for his glory, and walk more ſpiritually and cloſely all my dayes with God, then ever I have done. The experiences I got by this were,

1. That it is the duty and ſafety of a Chriſtian to walk and keep in the way of God, had I been out of Gods way, I had been gone.

2. That there is no difficulty too hard for God, but his wiſdom can find out a way, and his power can bring it to paſſe, and his faithfulneſſe will do it.

3. That it is the duty of Chriſtians to wait Gods leiſure and p. 34time, which is the beſt and fitteſt time.

4. It is their duty alſo never to truſt to their own heart, but in God, and expect direction, protection, and guidance from him, and I reſolve in Gods ſtrength alwaies to be and continue in his way, and to believe no difficulty too hard for him, but his wiſdom can find out a way, and when we cannot, his power can bring it to paſſe, and his faithfulneſſe will do it, and I will never truſt mine own heart more but wait on God, truſt in him, and expect all from him, and hang upon him by faith and prayer. I kept another faſt by my ſelf, my God did help me in ſome meaſure: I deſire to lay all my ſacrifices on Chriſt, that precious altar, that I may be accepted, and anſwered. I kept another faſt by my ſelf for one of my children, God carried me through the p. 35duty with ſome ſweet meltings and incomes, I deſire to wait on him for an anſwer, and to live my prayers, and ſtill to truſt in him, and do duties in faith and obedience. I kept another faſt by my ſelf about my children, deſiring to do all in Chriſts ſtrength, and to expect all upon his account, and God did give me very precious anſwers. I kept another faſt by my ſelf to be humbled for my own and others ſins, as my childrens, my Fathers houſe, and Sir Walters, and the ſins of the times, and to ſeek bleſſings and ſanctifications of Gods diſpenſations, and directions from the Lord, and deſire to wait. I kept another faſt by my ſelf, for my children and other things, God did humble me in ſome meaſure, and aſſiſt me, And God did wonderfully and ſpeedily anſwer. O bleſſe the God that heareth prayers, and follow God for further p. 36merciemercy. I kept another faſt by ſelf, about one of my children, and God gave me ſome ſweet aſſiſtance in the duty, and acceptance in Chriſt. This Sacrament I received Chriſt and had ſweet fruits from him. This Sacrament God did help me to go againſt ſome difficulties, and my ſpecial errand to Chriſt was to deliver me from vain roving thoughts, and to fill my heart daily with heavenly meditations, and that I may ſtill breath forth ſweet ejaculations, God gave me Chriſt and I deſire to believe and wait. This Sacrament, I received Chriſt by faith, and deſire to live on him, but my errand was for a broken heart, and ſence of ſinne aright, and I had ſweet meltings. This Sacrament I had ſome hatred of ſinne, and God brought me home with reſolutions in his ſtrength to honour him, and act for him, in the places p. 37where I were going, and improve all I am and have for his uſe and honour, and to be more meek to them without. This Sacrament, God freely gave me Chriſt, and all his purchaſe and offices, and as I went for more faith and wiſdome, ſo I came away believeving I ſhould have them; God did aſſiſt me. This Sacrament God gave me Chriſt, and ſent me comfortably home. This Sacrament I received Chriſt according to his promiſe and deſire a Law of thankfulneſſe, ſhould by the hand of the Spirit, and in the bloud of Chriſt, be written in my heart, and a law of obedience in my whole life, and all my converſation. This Sacrament though I was failing every way, yet God freely gave me Chriſt his body broken, and his precious bloud, the ſeal of the Covenant of Grace; and in the afternoon, God told p. 38me out of his word, he would give me a new heart; which was that I went for as one end, and I deſire to wait and believe.

Theſe are what as yet are only come to hand, which Mrs. Scot had with her at Holbourn where ſhe died, probably ſhe may have many more in the Country whence ſhe newly came.

Out of theſe may be made many uſefull Obſervations, for our own Inſtruction, in our going forth by the footſteps of this member of Chriſts flock.

As Though not many wiſe after the fleſh, not many mighty not many noble are called, 1 Cor. 1.26. yet ſome are. Act. 17.12. Many of them believed, alſo of honuorable women, which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. Mar. 15.43. Joſeph an honourable Counceller which alſo waited for the Kingdom of God.

Though vanity be never ſo much p. 39yet grace can overpower all, 1 Cor. 6.11. And ſuch were ſome of you, but ye are waſhed, &c. Titus 3.3. And we our ſelves were ſometimes fooliſh diſobedient, deceived, ſerving divers luſts and pleaſures, &c.

When we are making our purſuit to gratify our carnall ſenſes, God can bring us to better enjoyments, Rom. 10.20. I was found of them that ſought me not, I was made manifeſt unto them that asked not after me. The Lord took her at her hunting pleaſures to bring her to the comforts of his own ſpirit.

Any meanes when ſanctified, can bring us to the Word, and ſo to God, as the hurting of her leg did her, and the crowing of the Cock did Peter, to remember the word Chriſt ſpake, and to return to him, Mat. 26.74, 75.

The Lord makes ſome great in the world great in grace alſo; p. 40rich in earthly bleſſings, rich in ſpiritual likewiſe, that they have all things given them for this life and a better richly to enjoy. Job the greateſt of all the men of the Eaſt, Job 1.3. And there was none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man one that feared God and eſchewed evil, verſ. 8.

Thoſe workings that come from God, carry all to him againe. She endeavoured to act all for him that had done ſo much for her, the waters that come out of the ſea return thither again, Rom. 11.36. Of him, and through him, and to him are all things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

She was brought home the uſuall way of Gods people, by the Spirit of bondage to the Spirit of Adoption, Rom. 8.15. Ye have not rcoeived the ſpirit of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the ſpirit p. 41of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father.

Gods grace works irreſiſtably, ſhe would fain have run away from God, he would not let her go, but carried her through, and ſuffered her to have no power to leave ſeeking of him, Pſal. 68 18. Thou haſt aſcended on high, thou haſt led captivity captive, thou haſt received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious alſo, that the Lord God may dwell among them.

Such as are moſt caſt down in converſion are uſually moſt lifted up afterward. She had great troubles of conſcience then, and grievous pangs, &c. And afterward full aſſurance all her ſins were pardoned by the bloud of Chriſt, and great rejoycings. The Father made merry with the Son when he returned, Luk. 15.23, 24. that was driven to husks, and ready to periſh, verſ. 16, 17. The Jailour p. 42that came trembling, Acts 16.29. afterwards rejoyced, believing in God, verſ. 34.

The way to make our Election in God ſure, is by the work of grace in our ſelves: I know it certainly, (ſaith ſhe) that God did chuſe me from all eternity, becauſe he had made me to give up my ſelf to Jeſus Chriſt, for thoſe ends that Jeſus Chriſt gave himſelf for me, 1 Theſ. 1.4, 5. knowing brethren beloved, your election of God, for our Goſpel came not unto you in word onelyonly, but alſo in power, and in the holy Ghoſt, and in much aſſurance. Rom. 8.29. For whom he did foreknow he alſo did predeſtinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son.

Some believers are very high and eminent in the workings and waies of God, 2 Theſ. 1.3. Your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all towards p. 43each other aboundeth. 1 Cor. 1.5. In every thing ye are enriched by him in all utterance, and in all knowledge, verſ. 7. ſo that ye come behind in no gift. 1 Theſ. 1.5. Our Goſpel came not unto you in word only but alſo in power, and in much aſſurance. 1 Pet. 1.8. Ye rejoyce with joy unſpeakable, and full of glory. Act. 13.52. The diſciples were filled with joy and with the holy Ghoſt. Acts 9.31. Walking in the fear of the Lord and the in comfort of the holy Ghoſt. Pſ. 32.8. I will inſtruct thee & teach thee in the way which thou ſhalt go, I will guid thee with mine eye. Iſa. 43.2. When thou paſſeſt through the waters I will be with thee, and thorow the rivers they ſhall not overflow thee, when thou walkeſt through the fire thou ſhalt not be burnt; neither ſhall the flame kindle upon thee. Pſal. 46.1. God is our refuge and ſtrength a very preſent help in time of trouble. Gen. 22.14. In the mount of the p. 44Lord it ſhall be ſeen. 2 Chron. 17.6. His heart was lift up in the ways of the Lord. Pſal. 119.32. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou ſhalt enlarge my heart. Pſal. 119.6. Then ſhall I not be aſhamed, when I have reſpect unto all thy commandments. She was a believer of the higheſt form, a ſtar of the firſt magnitude, one that had not onelyonly the graces of the Spirit, but the ſealings and joyes of the Spirit in abundance, and was rich in the knowledge of the Myſteries of Chriſt. One that the Lord did much councell, and direct in all her waies, and kept her in all her ſtraights, and redeemed her with great deliverances, her extremity often was Gods opportunity. One that was raiſed up and elevated in his ſervice fulfilling all his wils.

Great Saints have ſometimes ſore aſſaults from Satan, as ſhe had ſometimes buffetings with Paul, p. 452 Cor. 12.7. haply leaſt ſhe might have been exalted above meaſure, through the abundance of incomes. Pirats ſet upon the richeſt ſhips, and trees are moſt threſhed that be fulleſt of fruit.

Chriſtians high in comforts are low in acts of mortification, and ſelf-denial: How often did ſhe faſt and afflict her ſoul before the Lord, and was ſenſible of her failings, Luke 2.37. She departed not from the Temple, but ſerved God with faſtings and prayers night and day. In all ſhe did, ſhe went out of her ſelf to the ſtrength of Chriſt, attributing all to him. 1 Cor. 15.10. By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace beſtowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly then they all, yet not I but the grace of God, which was with me. Gal. 2.20. I am crucified with Chriſt, nevertheleſs p. 46I live, yet not I, but Chriſt liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the fleſh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himſelf for me. 1 Tim. 1.15. Sinners of whom I am chief. Trees with high tops have deep roots.

Such ſerve God truly, that conſcienciouſly ſerve him ſecretly. Many days of faſts and ſeeking God we…e in ſecret by her ſelf, Mat. 6.6. When thou prayeſt enter into thy cloſet, and when thou haſt ſhut the door, pray to thy father which ſeeth in ſecret. And verſ. 16, 17. When thou faſteſt be not as the hypocrites, &c. But ſo, verſ. 18. as that thou appear not to men to faſt, but unto thy father which is in ſecret.

It is a happy thing to be related to them that are truly godly. How did ſhe pray for her husband and children? Nature helps grace, and grace acts for nature, Rom. 9.2, p. 473. I have great heavineſſe and continuall ſorrow in my heart, and I could wiſh that my ſelf were accurſed from Chriſt, for my brethren my kinſmen according to the fleſh. Rom. 10.1. Brethren my hearts deſire and prayer to God for Iſrael is, that they may be ſaved.

When we cannot ſerve God ſo well as we ought, we ſhould ſerve him as well as we can, and not omit duties. She was troubled for being ſo unprepared, yet came to Sacraments and found God very graciouſly. 2 Chron. 30.18. &c. The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to ſeek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleanſed according to the purification of the Sanctuary, and the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, an healed the people. Cant. 6.12. &c. I went down into the garden of nuts to ſee the fruits of the valley, and to ſee whether the vine flouriſhed, and the pomegranates p. 48budded, or ever I was aware, my ſoul made me like the chariots of Aminadab.

It is good to come to God in Ordinances for particular mercies. She made this and that her ſpeciall errands, and the Lord vouchſafed them unto her, Job 22.28. Thou ſhalt alſo decree a thing and it ſhall be eſtabliſhed unto thee. Pſal. 37.4. Delight thy ſelf alſo in the Lord and he ſhall give thee the deſires of thy heart. Mat. 21.22. and all things whatſoever ye ſhall ask in prayer believing, ye ſhall receive. 1 Sam. 1.27. For this child I prayed and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.

God oft cometh in ſeaſonably to them that wait upon him in Ordinances, as frequently to her in hearing, with ſuitable and ſe… ſonable words, Iſa. 30.20, 21. Thine eyes ſhall ſee thy teachers, and thine ears ſhall hear a word behind p. 49thee, ſaying, this is the way walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left. Prov. 8.34. Bleſſed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the poſts of my doors.

Great enjoyments of God in Ordinances, ſhould not take us from them, or make us live above them, but carry us the more to God in and by them. Thus it was with her, the more ſhe received, the more ſhe waited upon God in them. Pſal. 63.2. To ſee thy power and thy beauty as I have ſeen thee in the Sanctuary. 2 Chron. 30.23. And the whole Aſſembly took councell to keep other ſeven days, and they kept other ſeven days with gladneſſe.

Sacraments are not only ſealing, but exhibiting Ordinances, of more grace and comfort to believers, ſhe received much encreaſe from God in and by them. Mat. p. 503.16. And Jeſus when he was … p…ized, went up ſtraightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and the Spirit of God deſcended like a dove, and light… upon him. Acts 8.39. The Eu… after Baptiſme went away rejoycing. The bread and wine which are the ſignes in the Lords Supper, are nouriſhing.

The incomes from God in Ordinances are very various, ſometimes one, ſometimes another, ſometimes more, and ſometimes leſſe, ſometimes ſooner, ſometimes later, ſometimes ſhe ha… meltings at the Sacraments, ſometimes reſolutions to ſerve God againſt ſin, giving up her ſelf to the Lord; ſometimes meekning of her ſpirit, ſometimes deſires to come again, ſometimes great aſſurance and comforts, ſometime… at the time, ſometimes afterward 1 Cor. 3.5, 6. Who then is P… p. 51…nd who is Apollo? but Miniſters by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man. I have planted, Apollo watered, but God g…ve the increaſe. Iſa. 56.7. I will make them joyfull in my houſe of prayer. Act. 10.44. While Peter yet ſpake theſe words, the holy Ghoſt fell on all them which heard the word. 2 Chron. 1.6. Solomon offered a thouſand burnt offerings verſ. 7. In that night did God appear unto Solomon.

When we have performed duties to the Lord, we are to expect his anſwers. She would wait for returns, when ſhe had been a ſeeking of him. Pſal. 5.3. I will direct my prayer to thee and will look up. Pſal. 85.8. I will hear what God the Lord will ſpeak.

The Lord ſometimes withdraweth from Ordinances, that we ſhould not reſt in them but in himſelf. 2 Cor. 1.9. We had the p. 52ſentence of death in our ſelves, that we ſhould not truſt in our ſelves, but … God which raiſed the dead. This uſe ſhe made thereof when ſhe had not altogether theſe incomes.

A gracious heart is as mindful of mercys received to return praiſes and anſwerable walkings to God, as to pray for mercies wanted. Exod. 17.14. And the Lord ſaid to Moſes, write this for a memoriall in a book. Pſal. 103.2. Bleſſe the Lord, O my ſoul, and forget not all his benefits. Pſal. 116.12. &c. What ſhall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me, I will take the cup of ſalvation, and call upon the name of the Lord, I will pay my vowes unto the Lord now, in the preſence of all the people. Thus did ſhe note down in a Book the gracious dealings of God towards her to quicken her to thankfulneſs and ſuitable improvements to the glory of God.

p. 53Temptations and buffetings are not to be given way unto, but oppoſed, to conquer them; Her faith (ſhe ſaid) fought with them, and they were ſubdued under her. Jam. 4.7. Reſiſt the devil and he will flee from you.

Afflictions and mercies when improved bring forth much fruit in the people of God, as her ſickneſſe and deliverances did in her. Heb. 12.11. Now no chaſtening for the preſent ſeemeth to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheleſſe afterword it yeeldeth the peaceable fruit of righteouſneſſe, unto them which are exerciſed thereby. Pſal. 32.7. Thou art my hiding place, thou ſhalt preſerve me from trouble: thou ſhalt compaſſe me about with ſongs of deliverance.

Gods gracious returns of prayer to his people, do much engage them in affection to him, and encourage them for the future to ſeek more unto p. 54them. O bleſſe the God (ſaith ſhe, that heareth prayers, and follow God for further mercies. And elſewhere, I deſire this great experience ſhould be food for faith. Pſal. 116.1, 2. I love the Lord, becauſe he hath heard my voice, and my ſupplications, becauſe he hath enclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live 2 Cor. 1.10. Who delivered us from ſo great a death, and doth deliver: In whom we truſt that he will yet deliver us.

True grace is permanent and growing, the motion that is naturall is perpetuall. My God (ſaith ſhe) doth give me ſweet experience of the growth of grace in my ſoul: The longer ſhe lived the more ſhe acted, Job 17.9. The righteous alſo ſhall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands ſhall be ſtronger and ſtronger. p. 55Revelations 2.19. I know thy works, and charity, and ſervice, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works, and the laſt to be more then the firſt.

p. 56Mr. Thorowgood's Letter to Mr. Caſe.

Reverend Sir,

I Underſtand you intend to print your Sermon preached at the funeral of our moſt honored friend Mrs. Scot, that Saint of the Lord, that eminent believer of the higheſt form, and therewith ſome narrative concerning her. It is not onelyonly lawfull, but ſometimes very p. 57expedient to ſhew the Coates and Garments Dorcas made whilſt living; eſpecially the excellencies of great believers whoſe memory is bleſſed; and which may ſo much conduce to the advancing of the glory of Gods free grace, and the good of others; for which cauſe no doubt the ſeverall graces and holy actings of Gods people, are left on holy record. I am willing to caſt my mite into the treaſury. Her converſion (ſhe told me) was occaſioned by a fall from her horſe in hunting time, whereby one of her legs were put out of joynt, which the Lord ſo ſanctified to her, as it brought her to the ſerious receiving of the immortall ſeed of the Word thereby forming Chriſt in her, in whom the New-birth did moſt evidently ſhine ever after. O happy fall, that did ſo exalt her; before ſhe was very vain, delighting p. 58in dancing and hunting; But then God brought her to hear his rod, and to receive inſtruction, and to ſolace her ſelf in the joys of the spirit, and to purſue the ways of holineſſe; thus God did not take away her comforts, but changed them, and gave her better in the room; He did not dry up the ſtream, but diveried it and turned it into a better channel. It was not long after her converſion from nature unto grace, but ſhe was likely to be perverced from truth unto error, and was much troubled about the way of Separation, ſome of which way lived near her, and got acceſſe to her, and ſo was in danger of looſing on the one ſide, much of what ſhe had gained on the other; But the gracious God, out of his continuing goodneſſe, (as ſhe told me) proviced Mr. Elmeſtone, that old diſciple, a skilfull Pilot to freer her coune p. 59again to rights, who can relate more concerning this particular; and ever ſince through grace, hath ſhe ſailed with a full and ſteady gale in the ways of truth and holineſſe, and hath been a fired ſtar, in the Church of God, no ways moved with the ermurs, and fallings of many round about her, wandring on the right hand and on the left; after once God had cauſed her eares to hear that word behind her, ſaying, This is the way walk in it, ſhe ſhunned their books, company and diſcourſes tending that way, as taking no pleaſure therein, and would not tempt God, by going to the meetings of ſuch as cauſed diviſion, being ſully perſwaded of the truth and way ſhe practiſed; thus trees by ſhaking become more firmely stoted. She was converted in the height of Prelacy, and was of the true old Puritane and right Nonconformiſt's p. 60Spirit unto her dying day, accounting our Churches and Miniſtery eſſentially true, though wanting in circumſtantials, ſhe earneſtly deſired, and in her place fervently endeavoured a through reformation, without forſaking the Aſſemblies, and leaving the work to others, but would ſet to her helping hand alſo. She went on to perfection, but laid not again foundations; ſhe held what was good, rejecting the ill, being of quick and ſound underſtanding to diſcern between good and bad; She would mourn with the houſe of Cloe, for what was beyond her ſphere to amend, and walked very comfortably with Chriſt her ſelf in the middeſt of the golden Candleſticks, having her own garments undeſiled, and others unworthineſſe did no way prejudice her. She was a very great and conſtant prizer of the faithfull p. 61Miniſters of Jeſus Chriſt, and rejoyced not in their light for a ſeaſon, ſhe knew them that were over her in the Lord, and eſteemed them very highly in love for their works-ſake, and endeavoured peace and unity with the reſt. She walked in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameleſs, never miſſing any when able to go, and much troubled when neceſſarily detained by illneſſe; ſhe thought not they could be too often enjoyed, when ſhe could not go in her Coach in Winter time, by reaſon of the deepneſſe of the way between Congherſt and the Church, ſhe would walk on foot in all the rainy and tempeſtuous weather, that long and tedious up and down hill way: (to ride ſhe alwayes dreaded ſince her fall) and when in London, often did ſhe go from high Holbourn to Chriſts-Church to the morning p. 62Sermons on the Lords dayes, before the reft began, and then to them afterwards. Conſtantly did ſhe attend Lectures and Faſts publick and privare. In Summer when ſhe was at Congherſt, uſually there in the Countrey, ſhe had a weekly Lecture at Howkherſt, and the Miniſters ſtill at her houſe. Very often did ſhe keep in ſecret whole dayes of faſting and ſeeking God by her ſelf in prayer, and humbling and afflicting her ſoul before the Lord. When I was forth ſhe her ſelf would pray with her family; once I coming home late, unknown to her, heard her, and ſhe prayed to my very great admiration and ſatisfaction. Twice in the family morning and evening, not onelyonly prayers were, but ſomething of the word, and ſinging part of a Pſalm: On the Lords day at noon, ſinging and praying with the family, beſides morning p. 63duries, and evening reperitions of the Sermons, together with ſinging of a Pſalm, and Praying. A true ſanctifier and ſpirituall obſerver of the Lords dayes ſhe was, and dared not to ſpeak of any worldly civil (though at other times lawful) things, and oft bewailed the too much liberty many profeſſors take on thoſe days, marvailing their conſciences were ſo benummed concerning that Commandment more than others, that they could talk of ſuch civil and worldly things then without remorſe, not conſidering that Commandement is broken in words & thoughts as well as others, eſpecially when that place in Iſa. 58.13. is ſo expreſſe againſt it, Not doing thine own wayes, nor finding thine own pleaſure, nor SPEAKING THINE OWNE WORDS, viz. upon the Sabbath dayes. Beſides her privare p. 64duties in the family, ſhe was very much in ſecret duties by her ſelf, daily her uſuall manner was (as I have been certainly informed) In the mornings as ſoon as ſhe was up to go into her cloſet a little while by her ſelf, and then went to the performing of ſpirituall duties together with the family; after they were done, then ſhe retired into her chamber by her ſelf, and read the Bible in order, reading and meditating about one hour, and then went into her cloſet afterwards a pretry while. Before ſupper ſhe uſed to go into her chamber and cloſet ſome competent time, yea though late, when ſhe was neceſſarily detained abroad before ſhe came home; after duties performed in the family at nights, when the reſt were gone to bed, ſhe would walk about half an hour meditating in her chamber, and reaſoning out any diſtemper p. 65that was upon her ſpirit, to find out the cauſe thereof, and to remove it; ſaying, ſo her heart was brought into frame again, and not before; Then ſhe went into her cloſet about three quarters of an hour, and this every day. She never went abroad but ſhe went firſt into her cloſet for ſome while to prayer, and ſo ſhe did again upon her returnings home. On the Lords days at noon after duty done in the family, ſhe would retire by herſelf, til they went to the publick worſhip againe; upon the week dayes ſhe would much complaine ſhe was ſo ſtraitned for time, deſiring more to ſpeed in ſecret by her ſelf. She was a be lever that had not onelyonly the graces of the Spirit, but the ſealings and the joyes of the Spirit in her; She had much aſſurance, even to the riches of it; She knew ſhe was of God, and Chriſt was her Redeemer p. 66having loved her and given himſelf for her, and that the Covenant of Grace, with all the promiſes and mercies therein contained, and Ordinances were hers; And therefore in all places where Providence caſt her, would ſhe partake of all the Ordinances, and not infringe her Chriſtian right and liberty, as being tied to one particulat place, or people onelyonly, living without the Sacrament till ſhe came there againe; though ordinarily ſhe looked upon her ſelf as a member of that Church where her uſuall dwelling was. She was filled with joy, and walked in the comforts of the holy Ghoſt, ſhe was of a very chearfull Spirit, and grace did carry it on very graciouſly and ſpiritually; ſhe had much communion with God in all the means of grace, the Lord made her joyfull in the duties of prayer, the Word p. 67was the ſavour of life unto life unto her, and the rejoycing of her heart. Exceeding incomes ſhe had at the Table of the Lord, there ſhe ſat under Chriſts ſhadow with great delight, and his banner over her was love, and his fruit was very ſweet unto her taſte; whilſt the King ſat at his table with her, her ſpiknard did uſually ſend forth the ſmell thereof. The Lord did grearly bleſſe that Ordinance of his Supper unto her; ſhe ſaid ſhe could ferch from the Lord there, any mercy ſhe wanted, direction in ſtraights, ſupport and comfort in diſturbances, power againſt ſin and Satan, grace to carry her on in the wayes of God, &c. Much refreſhing ſhe had in ſinging of Pſalms, ſhe had many and particular returns of prayers from God, which ſhe much looked up to him for, after ſhe had directed them unto him, and took ſpeciall notice p. 68of his gracious anſwers, and improved them with thankfulneſs to his glory. She was of very excellent naturall parts, full of wiſdome and prudence; as appeared alſo in the well managing of her many and weighty affaires, and did greatly abound in the knowledge of Divine Myſteries, contained in the Scriptures; Much weaned from and crucified to the world; Whilſt her Father Sir Mathew Howland, & her Unkle Sir John Howland lived, ſhe would ſay (foreſeeing the ſame, as being their onelyonly heir) ſhe was afraid of too much of the world coming to her. Never any uſe or increaſe would ſhe take for any money's ſhe lent, though to a very conſiderable ſumme and time; and left under her own hand, that her children ſhould take none alſo for the ſame after her, in caſe ſhe died before the principall was paid in. p. 69Her good works and charity not only Hawkherſt, but Holburn alſo, and other parts can teſtifie, as your ſelf well know, and can amply relate. Her good works extended not only to her own Nation, but alſo to the Hungarian Scholers, who come ſo far to partake of our practicall Divinity, counting her ſelf a Member of the ſame univerſal Body with them. For divers years, often would ſhe have one of them time after time with her, whilſt in the Countrey; and now did take care of one this Winter, at one of her ſons, till next Summer ſhe thought to come again, and retake him into her Family: Their Land, have divers already returned into it, that have cauſed her piety and liberality to ſound amongſt them there. She diſdained not to viſit any of her pooreſt neighbours, and did love to do it, to raiſe up pity in her towards p. 70wards them, and thankfulneſſe to God for her ſelf, who had made the difference: Neither did ſhe refuſe to do the meaneſt offices of love for the good of them and theirs. Her artire, your ſelf knowes, how grave and modeſt it was; as alſo her Daughters, without nakedneſſe, or unſeemlineſſe. The gracions Providences of God were exceeding many, and very great and remarkable towards her; wherein ſhe ſaw much of her Fathers care and goodneſſe, which ſhe took ſpecial notice of, and was abundantly thankful for, and endeavoured to improve them anſwerably to his Glory, as appears in her Diary, where ſhe hath kept an account of them, and alſo of her waies towards her God, as there ſhe often calls him. She was like that vertuous woman your Text ſpake of, in her carriages in and toward her Family, p. 71ordering and taking care thereof, and them in it; and herſelf imployed about ſomething or other of the ſame, when ſhe was not in her ſpirituall converſes with the Lord, or taken off by other occaſions. She conſidered well both her husbands eſtates, and freed them from the incumberances for her children, whom, ſhe much endeavoured to make the children of God, in bringing them up in his nurture and admonition, and keeping divers days of faſts by her ſelf, to ſeek the Lord for them, in which and divers other reſpects, they could not but ariſe and call her bleſſed, and give we her of the fruit of her hands and let her own work praiſe her in the gates. As her life, ſo her death was full of grace and comfort, the Lord ſtrengthened her upon her bed of languiſhing; and made all her bed in her ſickneſſe; when ſhe was p. 72walking through the valley, of death ſhe feared no evil, her God was with her, his rod and his ſtaffe they comforted her, and miniſtred to her an enterance abundantly into the everlaſting Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt. Though her paines and tortures were great (the Phyſitians applying cupping glaſſes to her, and lancing her) yet the Lord did comfortably lift up the light of his countenance upon her, and put gladneſſe in her heart, and made her patience have its perfect work, ſhe was full of heaven, breaking forth in expreſſions of Gods goodneſſe to her, ſaying, God hath been very good to me, how good is God, and how good it is to wait upon God, there hath not the leaſt cloud interpoſed between God and my ſoul all this ſickneſſe, I will go to my God triumphing. p. 73Thus with gladneſſe and rejoycing was ſhe carried to enter into the Kings Pallace, into the joy of her Lord, where there is fullneſſe of it, and pleaſures for evermore. O mark we the perfect, behold we the upright, for the end of ſuch is peace. No marvail that even Balaam in the ſence hereof, did ſo deſire to die the death of the righteous, and that his end might be like theirs; and well had he done if he had withall deſired his life alike. For ever magnified be my good God, who hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of our habitations, that cauſed the lines to fall unto me in ſuch a pleaſant place, ſo long even ſix years in the ſame family with her, and that I ſhould be choſen and ordained a Paſtor to her and the people there at Hawkherſt; That ever I was ſo acquainted with ſuch an eminent, practicall p. 74experimentall, ſpiritual, ſtaid believer, abounding ſo much with the graces, and ſealings, and joyes of the holy Ghoſt; That I ſhould have ſuch a taſte of that happineſſe and delight that is in the ſociety of reall Saints; How did I live as in a lower heaven, walking as in Paradiſe, whilſt I was there, rejoycing in the goodneſſe of the Lord all the day long, calling the wals ſalvation, and the gates praiſe; what ſweet experiences of Chriſt had I frequently communicated to me from her! How greatly did ſhe ſt…engthe… my hands in the Lords work in the middeſt of all the oppoſition among that people; the righteous God recompence it, and all the work and labour of love, ſhe ſhewed towards his name unto me, into the boſome of he… children ſeven fold, as likewiſe al… I found from my much honoured long deceaſed friend Mr. Scot, he… husband, in his day, whoſe memory p. 75is very precious to me. O unhappy Engagement, that ſo diſengaged us from one another, and that people there: The Lord is righteous, and his wayes alſo mercy and truth, his pathes are judgment, a God of truth and without iniquity, juſt and right, wonderfull in counſel, excellent in working; Wiſdome and might are his, he changeth time; and ſeaſons making every thing beautifull in them; manifold are his works, in wiſdome hath he made and done them all, the earth is full of his riches, whatſoever he pleaſeth that doth he in heaven, and in the earth, and in all deep places. We are not to murmure and ſay, what is the cauſe the former dayes were better then theſe, for we may not wiſely inquire concerning this; yet unſenſible we ſhould not be of ſuch a loſſe, and breach as this is, like the ſea, who can heal it? p. 76whereunto ſhall I liken and compare it? that ſuch a burning and ſhining light ſhould go out amongſt us, ſuch a fixed ſtar, a ſtar of the firſt magnitude, ſhould ſe… our horizon: How hath the Lord covered thoſe parts with a cloud in his anger, and caſt down the beauty of them to the ground? how is the gold become dimme, and the moſt fine gold changed! how is the precious daughter of Zion, and the glory of thoſe parts departed! For theſe things I weep, mine eye mine eye runneth down with water; Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of teares, that I might weep day and night, even with the weeping of Jazer, yea mourn with a great mourning, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon, for good Joſiah, when he was taken away. Oh dolor exprome vires, non ſum ſolito contentus ſone, p. 77ne… indociles lugere ſimus, Scotam …emus. Ye Miniſters of Chriſt, weep over her, that was ſuch a cordiall conſtant prizer of you. O Weal of Kent, take up a wailing for her, the brighteſt ſtar in all your firmament is ſet. O Hawkherſt, make a bitter lamentation for her, whoſe coming among you, was like the rain upon the mown graſſe, as ſhoures that water the earth. O poor of thoſe parts, and Houlbourn, and elſewhere, ſet upon the ground and keep ſilence, caſt duſt upon your heads, gird your ſelves with ſackcloth, hang down your heads to the ground, ariſe cry out in the right, in the beginning of the watches, pour out your hearts like water before the face of the Lord, …ift up your hands towards him, who hath taken her away from you, that did not with hold you from your deſire, nor cauſed your p. 78eyes to fail, that did not eat her morſel herſelf alone, and you did not eat thereof; that did not ſee you without covering, or periſh for want of clothing: whom your eares have bleſſed, when heard her, and your eyes have given witneſſe to her, when ſeen her, and your loines have rejoyced when warmed by her; and ye widows whoſe hearts ſhe hath made to ſing for joy, when ſhe ſa… as Queen among the mourners. O Hungarian Scholars, call for the mourning women, and ſend for cunning women, that they may come, and let them make haſte and take up a wailing for you, that your eyes may run down with teares, end your eye lids guſh out with water, for a great Patroneſſe of yours is gone. Sir I am not yet out of my amazement by this great and ſuddain blow, to perceive the end of the Lord. In reſpect p. 79of her ſelf, it is happineſſe, not ſuffering her to be longer abſent from him here in the body, having with her ſwift motion finiſhed her courſe ſo ſoon. But why in reſpect of us, is this Citizen of heaven ſo ſoon gone from us? when but ſomewhat more then in the midſt of her dayes? We may fear a ſtorm coming, when the Father calleth his Children ſo haſtily home; The Lord fit us for the worſt of times, and our laſt hour. When Mr. Scot her husband, that godly and faithfull Magiſtrate died, and ſoon after, that godly and faithfuull Miniſter of Chriſt, in the neighbouring place of Landherſt, alſo died, it was much upon my heart that ſome evill was a coming, and accordingly was I greatly carried out to preach among my people on Iſaiah 57.1. The righteous periſheth p. 80and no man laieth it to heart, and mercifull men are taken away, none conſidering they are taken away from the evill to come. And that Lords day it was finiſhed, that very week was that great riſing in Kent, in 1648. though I had not the leaſt hint thereof till they were up, which God was pleaſed notwithſtanding in mercy preſently to avert. But this is not yet participated, the Lord goeth by me, and I ſee him not, he paſſeth on alſo, and I perceive him not; his way is in the ſea, and his path in the great waters, and his footſteps are not known. Theſe wheeles within the wheeles are not yet manifeſted; the great thing upon my ſpirit is, Lord, why haſt thou taken away thy faithfull and tallent-improving ſervant, whilſt nature was ſo p. 81ſtrong and vigorous in her, thus before her time? Righteous art thou O LORD, when I plead with thee, yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments. We cannot ſee thy works from the beginning to the end; yet muſt we believe, though clouds and darkneſſe are round about thee, yet righteouſneſſe and judgement are the habitation of thy throne. I know O Lord, thy judgements are right, and thou in faithfullneſſe haſt afflicted us: Thy works are great, ſought out of all them that have pleaſure therein, thy ſecret is with them that fear thee; thy way O GOD is in the Sanctuary, and there are thy goings to be ſeen. The good Lord ſanctifie this great and ſore affliction to us, and hereby the more quicken us to the improvement of our time and talents p. 82to the utermoſt, whilſt it is day, before our night come, when we alſo ſhall ceaſe to work. So prayeth, Sir,

Yours, affectionatly to ſerve you in Chriſt. NICOLAS THOROWGOOD. Miniſter of the Goſpel, ſometime at Hawkherſt, now at Monkton in the Iſle of Thanet and County of Kent.

p. 83Mr. Elmſtones Letter to Mr. Caſe.

Sir,

I Am perſwaded that not onelyonly we the friends and acquaintance of this lately deceaſ'd Gentlewoman Mrs. Scot, the Paragon of Piety and Chriſtian wiſdome, but even ſtrangers that never before heard of her, yea thoſe p. 84of the generation to come will con you much thanks, for that your labour, you intend (as by a Letter from Mr. Thorowgood I underſtand) to hold up her remembrance among the living, though ſhe be dead, that the glory of Gods grace (which was in her eminently conſpicuous) may thereby be magnified, and ſhe ſet forth as a lively pattern of piety, by Chriſtian Gentlewomen to be imitated. It will indeed conduce nothing to the advancement of her happy condition, who without ſence of what is here done below touching her, to her full ſatisfaction enjoyeth the beatificall viſion of her moſt dear Saviour Jeſus Chriſt. But it were pitty, that ſuch a mirrour of Gods grace in her, and the ſplendor of it ſhining from her, ſhould lie in obſcurity, the knowledge whereof might cauſe many thankſgivings to God for her, and happily kindle p. 85in ſome breſt a kindly flame of a godly imitation of her wayes. Touching the occaſion of her converſion what it was, I perceive that Mr. Thorowgood hath informed you, which I think he could do better than my ſelf, as who living a good while in her family, might hear her often relate it, ſo that touching that I need to ſay nothing, ſave only that ſo it was, as he writeth, occaſioned by a fall from a horſe, and the putting of her leg out of joynt. The danger whereof put her upon the reading of Books that concerned piety and Religion, whereby it pleaſed the Lord to work in her ſome ſerious ſence and care of Religion. But ſhe did no ſooner begin to mind matters of Religion, but that ſome two of that way of the rigid ſeparation called Browniſme, and diſciples of John Turner, the name of one of which was Scotchford, both p. 86living in Cranebrook; by the means of a Tenant unto Glaſſenbury, living in the Gate-houſe took notice of it, and together got acceſſe to her, and began to inſtill into her ſome of their principles of the ſeparation, and it ſeems had much ſhaken her, ſo that ſhe began to be ſcrupulous of holding communion with our then Churches, viz. England. It fell out that while they were thus working at times upon her, and ſhe wavering, that in that Feſtivall time of Chriſts Nativity, which in ſuch houſes was kept with ſome ſolemnity of good cheer theſe Sectaries came to Glaſſenbury, and after dinner had gotten an opportunity to conferre with Mrs. Scot, then Mrs. Roberts, ſomewhat privately in a Chamber, where yet was preſent Mrs. Criſp her Aunt, a godly Gentlewoman, now alſo deceaſed, and p. 87John Morgan a retainer to that family, a very honeſt man, now alſo dead; The good Gentlewoman, & the reſt were ſomewhat puzzeled, with the ſomewhat knottydiſcourſes of theſe Sectaries: Now it was ſo by Gods Providence, that I was alſo at that time, and had been there for ſome dayes, invited by Sir Walter Roberts, now deceaſed to, and his Son, young Mr. Roberts, who, for ſix years together, at leaſt, had been my Scholar, and boarded in my houſe; Wereupon it came into that John Morgans mind, to make a motion to Mrs. Roberts to ſend for me, and that I ſhould conferre with thoſe Sectaries, ſhe did gladly entertain the motion, and they how willingly, I know not, yeelded to it, ſo I coming to them, there we conferred together for ſome two houres (it may be) before them, about points of Separation, eſpecially about receiving p. 88the Sacrament amongſt ſuch a confuſed multitude, as then was the manner, by the iniquity of the times, whether it might lawfully be done, or could be done with any comfort. The iſſue of our conference was ſuch by the Lords bleſſing, that Mrs. Roberts was ſatisfied about ſuch objections as they made, had her ſcruples cleared, liſtened no more to their ſuggeſtions, and they being now out of hope of gaining her, left her, ſo that from thence, ſhe continued her attendance upon the publick Miniſtery, and held in, in the Communion of our Churches as true, though then in many things ſomewhat corrupt and defective. And this, Sir, is the ſtory of that paſſage, if you think meet to make uſe of it, I ſhould be willing that you would not mention me by name, but only p. 89ſay that a Miniſter being at that time there by Providence, was called in to conferre with the Sectaries, and did ſatisfie Mrs. Roberts. I cannot tell whether a paſſage or two be much worth the mentioning, but now I am wtiting I have a mind to adde them. Firſt while Mrs. Roberts was as a ſo journer in Glaſſenbury, ſummer ended, when they could not walk abroad before ſupper, in the evenings when it began to be too dark to ſee how to work, and it was too early to light a candle, it was her cuſtome with her Aunt Mrs. Criſp, and ſome other young Gentlewomen in the houſe, Mrs. Criſp her daughters eſpecially, to meet together in ſome one of their chambers, and ſit talking together about an hour or ſo, till candels were lighted. Their talk it may be was ſometimes of civil matters, and ſuch accidents as had p. 90fallen out, and come to their hearing; but there was alſo ever for the moſt part, ſomewhat of Religion, in relating what they had read in ſome good book or other, or what they had ſometime heard. I once upon an occaſion about ſuch a time ſtayed at Glaſſenbury one whole night, and then they called me into their meeting and conference, where they requeſted me to repeat the heads of a Sermon I had preached abroad not long before, about ſetting up Idols in the heart, out of Ezekiel the 14. and to pray with them. Next, when the keeping of the houſe was put over by his Father to Sir Walter Roberts his Lady, who being weak in her intellectuals, and unable to manage the buſineſſe of the houſe, Mrs. Roberts then was fain to be governeſſe of the family, and overſee the ways thereof, which was pretty great; In this p. 91time ſhe was in ſome ſtraight how to perform her morning duty of cloſet prayer to the Lord, ſhe thought that it was meeteſt that God ſhould be firſt ſerved, and ſought unto, for his bleſſing all the day after; But it ſeemeth that the thoughts of houſhold buſineſſe did interpoſe, that ſhe performed it not with meet freedom of Spirit: wherefore Mr. Whitfield that faithful Miniſter of the Lord, who had ſome relation to the family by his wife, coming there ſhe imparted her doubt to him; who gave her his opinion, that it was the ſafeſt way for her firſt to go down and ſettle things in the family for the forenoon buſineſſe, and then to retire her ſelf to her ſolitary devotion, which ſhe might attend with all freedome of Spirit from houſhold affaires, and without fear of interruption: Beſides, if upon her giving the firſt p. 92place to her devotion, if matters in the family had at any time done amiſſe, it might have turned to ſome reproach of her religious profeſſion, as making her negligent in that her domeſticall employment. So ſir after much ſcribling I have done, if any thing written will be worth the inſerting in your intended Narrative, I ſhall be glad of it, that I have lighted on any thing to celebrate the memory of that gracious Gentlewoman, whoſe loſſe I ſhall feel with others, for want of that encouragement, we had from her in piety, and her reſpect of us, and ſo deſire to lament it; If not, it is enough, that I have ſhewed my weak deſire to contribute ſomewhat toward her Funerall Obſequies; and ſo commending you to the ſafe keeping and love of p. 93our good God in Chriſt, I reſt.

Jan. 31. 1658. Yours in the ſincerity of Chriſtian reſpect, and good affection; JOHN ELMESTONE.

p. 94Mr. Elliſton's Letter to Mr. Caſe.

Worthily honoured and dearly beloved Friend.

I Am requeſted to give in my thoughts and experiences of that pious and precious Saint Mrs. Scot, once ſhining in our eyes, but now alas extinct, the fragrancy of p. 95whoſe piety was as an oyntment poured forth among us. I confeſſe I have delaied it, and had thoughts wholly to have waved it, not, &c. but fearing I might detract from her worth, or eclipſe it, and being alſo conſcious to my ſelf of my unworthineſs and unfitneſs to give teſtimony eſpecially of ſo eminent a ſervant of Chriſt, who alas ſo oft doubt of mine own intereſt. This femal glory bleſſed among women, whom God had anointed with the oyl of Grace above moſt of her fellowes, was an inſatiable worſhipper of God in Chriſt (as was ſaid of the Apoſtle Paul) much on the wings of heavenly contemplation and meditation was this divine Eagle. She had laid up her treaſure there, no marvaile then her heart had its tendency thither, ah precious boſome wherein was lodged ſo much of heaven. Oh how fearful (good p. 96ſoul) was ſhe that the lean kine ſhould eat up the fat, that Martha's part ſhould play the thief to Mary's. Oh how watchful over her heart, calling it ſlippery and deceitfull, ſaying ſhe had but a little while to keep it, and the reward would pay for her paines urging her ſelf on that ground to a fidelity and conſtancy in her watch and ward. She carried Mary's Alabaſter of precious ointment with her, which ſhe was ready to open and pour out plentifully on others, ſuting her ſavoury diſcourſe according to the conditions of the parties ſhe had converſe withall. Oh how cautious was ſhe of giving any offence in her attire, or any other wayes, ſaying ſhe never put on her beſt attire but ſhe had thoughts of cloathing her ſelf with the rich robe of Chriſts righteouſneſſe, and decking her ſelf with the jewels p. 97of his graces. Oh how exact in all her walkings, carefull to make ſtraight ſteps to her feet, looking where ſhe ſhould ſet her foot before ſhe took it up, that ſhe might tread ſafely, ſhe was rich in Grace, but poor in Spirit, eminent Grace lodged in a low heart. Poor worthleſſe creature, was frequently in her mouth. She would condeſcend to converſe familiarly with the pooreſt member of Chriſt not having the grace of Chriſt in reſpect of perſons, the ointment of her love fell as well upon the skirts of the garment as on the head; ſhe loved Grace for it ſelf, looking on it as amiable clad in ruſſet, as in velvet, in a poor ſervant, as well as in her Miſtreſſe. As all her delight was in the Saints, ſo her delight was in all the Saints, ſhe had a heart truly mortified to the world, ſhewed in her p. 98contemptuous ſpeeches of it, and the glory thereof. Oh, how beautifull were the feet of Godly Miniſters to her, a rare grace in theſe dayes. How afraid of the corruptions of the times, of ſoul poyſoning Doctrines, ceaſing her ſelf, and perſwading others to ceaſe from harkening to the inſtruction that cauſeth to erre from the words of knowledge. She was a great lover of the Word, of the Sabboths, very carefull as that her ſelf, ſo thoſe under her charge ſhould carefully prepare for them before they came, ſo holily to obſerve it when it was come; A great prizer of all Gods Ordinances, and of all opportunities of Grace, which ſhe did husband to the great improvement of ſoul good. The obſervation of humbling days was frequent with her, wherein ſhe was very ſolemn, according p. 99to the nature of the duty, and now ſhe reapes abundantly the fruit of her labour. She had a marvelous ſtomack and ſpirituall appetite to the Lords Supper, for the which ſhe did ſolemnly prepare her ſelf, plentifully ſequeſtring her ſelf from the affaires of the world, that ſhe might clean her heart for the acceptable entertainment of her beloved, no queſtion ſhe met with many a precious dole there, who had ſuch a deſire to be there. She came down from that mount, as Moſes, with a ſhining face, a heart moſt warm and lively, ſpeeches ſavoury and raviſhing, refreſht with the comfortable ſenſe and feeling of Chriſts love, ſweeter then wine, filled, ſatisfied with marrow and fatneſſe; Chriſt did frequently then and there manifeſt himſelf to her, kiſſe her, therefore her lips dropped honey, p. 100as I my ſelf have experience of it, I bleſſe God for it; Bleſſed God what a mercy I am deprived of! Oh ſhe was altogether and alwaies lovely. Her grace added much more worth to her then her birth, or any other accompliſhment ſhe had; much grace there was in her grace, it looked like it ſelf in her. I never was in her company but I went off with advantage to me, or the fault was my own, I might have learned humility, contempt of the world, to be lively and ſpirituall, &c. Oh what a pittifull heart had ſhe to the poor, eſpecially of the houſhold of faith, and as ſhe had a tender heart, ſo a bountifull hand, as ſhe ſaw occaſion, and would oft ſay, God lent it her for that end, and it was a great mercy to have a heart to it; to lay out for God, is to lay up for our ſelves; p. 101'twas her holy ambition to ſerve God in her generation. She was very ſpirituall in her affections to her relations, to her dear Lady Mother, and Children, wonderfully troubled at their deviations, and to think that any that come from her ſhould hiſſe or ſting at Gods glory, oh that thoſe cares, prayers, teares, fallen into Gods bottle, when worldly teares drop beſides it, might not (as to any of them) be rendred fruitleſſe. Sir, many of theſe flowers ſhe had growing in the garden of her heart, her veſſel was weak, her grace ſound and ſtrong, ſhe had embarked in her thoſe excellencies that would neither ſink nor ſuffer ſhipwrack. She was rich towards God, here ſhe had a Chriſt for grace, and now ſhe hath him and heaven p. 102with him for glory. She was a Sarah for courage, an Abigail for wiſdome, a Mary for chooſing the good part, a Dorcas for good works, an Elizabeth for walking in all the commandments and ordinances of God blameleſſe. Sir, if ever I had confidence in the happy eſtate of any that ever I was acquainted with, it is greatned in reference to her. All that I can ſay is abundantly below her; my prayer to God is, that God would favour me with the favour that he beared to virtuous Miſtreſſe Scot; So ſhall I be viſited I know with his ſalvation. Sir, I hope you will pardon my defects, when you underſtand I was neceſſitated to write this week or not at all, in great haſte having much other work on my hands; p. 103the reſt is the ſubſcribing my ſelf, Sir,

Sandhurſt, Feb. 28. 1658. Your younger brother in Chriſt, and unworthy fellow labourer in the Lords vineyard, PETER ELISTON.

p. 104Another Letter of Mr. THOROWGOODS. to Mr. Caſe.

Reverend Sir,

SInce my laſt to you I received further information from a friend, concerning that uſeful and precious Gentlewoman Mrs. Elizabeth Scot, by way of Narrative, of ſome other remarkable paſſages, which p. 105were not mentioned in my Letter, which may be worthy imitation, and of ſingular uſe to Chriſtians in theſe declining dayes, and may tend to the magnifying the glory of Gods free grace, ſhining forth in her converſation; in theſe following Particulars.

I. She was much in holy religious Worſhip and ſervice of God in pub…ick, exceeding careful not to loſe any publick opportunity for the good of her ſoul, making all or…inary occaſions of her own and viſits of friends give place, and not to hinder her waiting on God in the publick Miniſtry of his Word. If there were a Lecture ſhe uſed to go unto, and perſons of quality came to viſit her, after ſhe had been with them a while, and time was to go, ſhe would look upon it as no incivility to leave them with the Lady her mother, p. 106unleſſe they would go with her. I never knew any ordinary viſit or viſiters detain her from attending the Word of God preached, for almoſt theſe nine years which I have lived in her houſe. She was willing to keep fair Correſpondency with all her friends, …nd to maintain a moral principle of love, where there was no more; but exceeding tired with Lady's diſcourſe at their viſits, though I ſuppoſe in her preſence it was farre better then otherwiſe. If any buſineſſe unknown fell out when ſhe was going to the Lecture, unleſſe it would certainly prove prejudicial to her, ſhe would make it ſtand back and wait till afterward: and this I have frequently known; and ſhe often ſaid, ſhe found Satan very buſie to hinder her from laying hold of opportunities, this I believe the whole family can teſtifie with my ſelf.

p. 107II. As ſhe was carefull not to omit any publick opportunity, ſo alſo as carefull of private duties, ſhe would be ſure not to loſe her cloſet time, where ſhe was frequent and long, even when others were at their reſt; I lying in the Chamber over her, have often heard her up at one of the clock in the night or rather morning. The Church hath a great loſſe of her prayers, many a petition did ſhe put up in her cloſet, and flouds of tea… did ſhe pour forth, inſomuch that her eyes have been ſore for ſome days together (which otherwiſe were very well) when any calamity hath been upon the Church of God, o… the Lord diſhonoured by any nearly related to her, her teares have been ſo many that I have behold ſurrowes on her cheeks, and ſo likewiſe upon faſting dayes, ſhe was ſo con…cienſcious in keeping her cloſet-time, p. 108that all her ordinary buſineſs did ſtay till ſhe had done; and when any of her family have gone to her cloſet door, and told her ſome would ſpeak with her, or came to viſit her; If the buſineſſe were petty, or onelyonly viſitors, let them have been who they would, ſhe would ſtay out her time, knowing the Lady her Mother was below to entertain them; but if the buſineſſe were of great importance, then ſhe would come; But, to be ſure make haſte to her cloſet again. O the ſweetneſſe ſhe found in her cloſet communions! that ſhe would ſpend ſo much time there in the forenoons, as that ſcarce ſhe had time to dreſs her ſelf; often ſaying, her dreſſing time was the worſt time of all her time; often bidding her maid make haſte, ſaying, why are you ſo long, I hate to ſpend ſo much time in dreſſing for this is loſt p. 109time; and whilſt her maid was dreſſing her, ſhe would be making up Letters, or winding up her watch, or ſome imployment or other, not induring to ſtand idle any time in the leaſt meaſure, though it were but a very little time; She would not (ſhe ſaid) for a great deal ſpend ſo much time in dreſſing as many do, knowing how to ſpend her time if ſhe had more▪ And ſaying, I like this faſhion well either in her apparrell or dreſſing, that ſooneſt could be put on, and take up leaſt time; often charging her maid, to get all things ready againſt ſhe came to be dreſſed, ſaying ſhe could hardly afford her ſelf time to be dreſſed; yea in the winter evenings would ſhe be long in her cloſet. She was a diligent reader of the Scripture privately by her ſelf every day. She kept many dayes of faſts ſecretly by her ſelf upon many occaſions, and for p. 110her children: And thoſe dayes would ſhe ſet apart for the ſaid faſts, upon which there were ſome great ſhews or ſights to be ſeen in the City, as twice ſhe did upon a Lord Mayors day, the occaſion of her faſts falling out on thoſe times of the year, making choice of thoſe dayes rather then others, becauſe of the vanity of the ſeaſons and prophanneſſe in the City by ſurfeiting and drunkenneſſe more then at other times; And how full of heaven would ſhe come out of her faſts; How heavenly would ſhe pray in the family thoſe nights! How fervently, how broken hearted in confeſſions! How heavenlized was ſhe! in ſo much that the next day ſhe hath wiſhed, ſhe could live without eating or ſleeping, to ſpend that time upon the immediate ſervice of God, ſuch enjoyments of him did ſhe find therein.

p. 111III. As ſhe was much in holy duties publick and private, ſo ſhe was exceeding carefull to perform every duty in its ſeaſon, that one ſhould not juſtle out another, her private performances, ſhould not hinder her publick attendances; and her publick ſervice ſhould not infringe her private, and very diligent ſhe was, in not omitting the leaſt duty. God did give her that ſpirituall art of redeeming and improving time, above thouſands of Chriſtians: Her publick performances though many, did not abate her one minute of her private.

IV. As ſhe was carefull in performing all thoſe duties that concerned her ſelf, ſo alſo thoſe concerning her family, reſolving with Joſhua, that ſhe and hers would ſerve the Lord. As ſoon as her children came to any underſtanding p. 112ſhe made them learn the Catechiſmes, firſt Mr. Wilſons, and Mr. Bal's Catechiſmes, and from the year 1653. the Aſſemblies leſſer Catechiſme, and God did ſo bleſſe her endeavours, that when her children were very young, yet could they ſoon give her an account of their whole Catechiſme without book; and as ſoon as any of them could read, ſhe cauſed them diligently to read and would exerciſe their memories by calling them to an account of what they could remember of that they had read in the Bible or other good Books, and of what they had heard when they had been at Church; and it was wonderful to hear what a large account they would give of what they remembred: Surely God did much bleſſe her prayers for them, elſe I know not how poſſibly they could do ſo: She would make all p. 113children pray privately by themſelves before they went to bed, and in the mornings when they did riſe. Alſo ſhe would inſtruct in repetitions of what they could remember, what had bin preach'd, telling them oft they muſt give account to God of their time, and what they had read and heard, exhorting them to walk in the waies of God, when ſhe ſhould not be; by ſeting before them the good to be found in Gods ſervice, and the miſeries that would fall on them if they walked not in his waies, She would not keep any ſervant that was prophanely wicked, ſaying ſhe would not have ſuch, if they would give her their ſervice: ſhe would have no ſervant of an erroneous opinion; I have heard her ſeverall times ſay, ſhe would rather have thoſe, that were prophane then ſuch, becauſe there is little hope of convincing the erroneous, p. 114but more hope to convince the prophane: ſhe was very willing her ſervants ſhould go to Lectures and to the faſts, at the end of the morning exerciſes which were once a monethmonth; ſhe would afford them time, and encourage them to go to them, and if ſhe had a ſervant that could not read, ſhe would cauſe her children to teach ſuch, and her ſelf alſo would do it as ſhe could ſpare time to encourage them, and buy books for them.

V. I ſhall give an account of the method of her duties, and every dayes work. Firſt, in the morning as ſhe did riſe, before ſhe was off her bed, ſhe made her children give her an account at her beds ſide, of their Catechiſmes in courſe, one, one morning, and another another, when they were ſo large in their accounts p. 115as ſhe could hear but one a time; when ſhe was off her bed, ſhe went to her cloſet for ſome time, then afterward ſhe had refreſhed her ſelf with ſomething, ſhe would perform family duties with the family, when ſhe had no Chaplaine, in reading ſomething of the Word, and prayer; Then ſhe would uſe ſome little exerciſe ſhe could find beſt for her health, which ſhould not be long, and ſo to her cloſet again, reading the Scripture by herſelf, and ſpending the reſt of the forenoon, unleſſe ſome great occaſions called her off till about eleven a clock, when ſhe came out, and while ſhe was making up her own bed (which ſhe did every day, except the Lords days, for her exerciſe) ſhe would cauſe her children to read the Scriptures, one one morning, and another another, and as they read ſhe p. 116would ask them, what they underſtood by ſuch a place, inſtructing them as they read; if a place where ſome judgements were denounced againſt ſin or a ſinner, ſhe would ſay, ſee what cauſe you have not to ſin, and what you muſt look for if you do ſo, exhorting them from every ſuch place. By that time ſhe had done and was dreſſed it was well nigh dinner time; in the winter time, ſhe loved not to come out of her chamber before dinner was at table, becauſe the forenoons were ſo ſhort, unleſſe ſome buſineſſe more then ordinary had called her away. In ſummer time, ſometimes ſhe would walk a little before dinner in Lincolns-Inne-fields, and twenty to one if ſhe had not found an object of charity to ſcatter her benevolence upon, before ſhe came in again: after dinner, after ſome little ſpace, to her cloſet again, where p. 117ſhe was ſometimes longer and ſometimes ſhorter as her occaſions would permit; if that afternoon ſhe went to a Lecture, or to viſit friends, ſhe would be ſure to go into her cloſet before ſhe went out of doors, and when ſhe came home to her cloſet again for ſome time; then when ſhe was undreſſed and in her night garments, that was the time of her meditation, when ſhe would walk ſometimes an hour, or untill it drew neer to ſuppertime, and ſo to her cloſet againe till ſupper was ready, after ſupper, ſhe would walk again till the ſervants had ſupped, and then called them in to family duties together with ſinging of a Pſalm; after the ſame were ended, and ſhe diſcourſed ſometime with the Lady her Mother, ſhe would go to her chamber, where ſhe would walk for ſome time, and ſo to her cloſet p. 118where then ſhe ſpent much time, ſo long as at the ſooneſt it would be one of the clock before ſhe went to bed; oftentimes would ſhe be up till one of the clock in the morning, and manytimes the Belman would cry in the ſtreets, two a clock in the morning, and ſhe no more then a bed, and not a ſleep, asking her maid, if that were the Belman. I verily believe there was no ſhop, keeper more diligent in keeping his ſhop, then ſhe her cloſet; O what a trade did ſhe drive for heaven! ſhe was one that made Religion her buſineſſe indeed. Upon the Lords dayes, ſhe would be up ſomewhat earlier then on other dayes, though later up on the Saturday nights; and if in London, in the ſummertime, ſhe would go to the morning Sermons at ſeven of the clock, if the weather were good, and then to the reſt; She p. 119was full of heaven in all her diſcourſes on the Lords dayes, ſhe was one as in Iſa. 58.13. that did turn away her foot from the Sabbath, from doing her pleaſure on Gods holy day, and called the ſabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable, honouring him, not doing her own waies, not finding her own pleaſure, nor ſpeaking her own words; all her diſcourſe at table dinner and ſupper, and every where thoſe dayes, ſhould be heavenly, and ſpeaking of what was taught thoſe dayes, not a word would come from her unſuitable to the day. I verily believe if one had been ſet to watch her all thoſe days long, he ſhould not have trapp'd her in one word unſuitable to the day; if any thing had diſpleaſed her, ſhe would not have been diſpleaſed on thoſe dayes. On Lords-dayes-nights when ſhe was come from Church, p. 120and undreſſing her ſelf, her children gave her an account of what they had heard at Church, and what ſuch had read, as ſtay'd at home and could not go; and thoſe of her children ſhe could not hear then, ſhe would call to account while the ſervants were at ſupper, and afterward the family to duty, and repeated amongſt them what ſhe had written at Church thoſe dayes; This laſt year ſhe cauſed her eldeſt daughter Mrs. Frances Scot, to repeat in the family, being able alſo to write; After repetition, a Pſalm they ſung and then ſhe her ſelf prayed; in which duty, as ſhe was heavenly, ſo longer then other nights; the Lord did not onelyonly give her the grace and ſpirit of prayer, but alſo a great gift in prayer: And as ſhe was one of great gifts and parts, ſo very humble, her parts did no way puff her up or cauſe her to go out of her p. 121ſphere in the leaſt, one of her Chaplaines did much urge her in the Country (where ſhe commonly had one in her houſe) to hear her pray, but at no hand would ſhe do it, this by the way: After duty done in the family, ſhe went againe to her chamber, and ſo to her cloſet, & would be there ſomewhat longer then other nights and take her bed-time the monday mornings, indeed it would be morning, before ſhe went to bed. Her uſuall Lecture dayes at London, every week, were Tueſday's at Clements, Wedneſdays Mr. Jenkins at Black-Friars, in the forenoon, and if ſhe could have time in the afternoon Mr. Calamy's at Aldermanbury; before Mr. Jenkins Lecture was at Black-Friars, ſhe was conſtantly at Aldermanbury; Thurſdayes at Dunſtones in Fleetſtreet, to hear Mr. Manton, or at Mr. Caſe's Lecture at Martines p. 122in the fields, and Saturdayes at Gregories in the afternoons, beſides the morning exerciſes when they were neer.

VI. As ſhe did lay out her ſelf and time in the ſervice of God, ſo alſo the greateſt part of her eſtate, laying up little here; her layings out, were more then her layings up: ſhe was heaping up her treaſures in heaven, where neither moth nor ruſt conſume, nor thief break through and ſteal, how did ſhe ſcatter her benevolence every day! and ſo as her left hand knew not what her right hand did. Much money did ſhe caſt into the poors baſon at Faſts, and at thoſe faſts once a monethmonth at the morning exerciſe, the keeping of which ſhe omitted not, though many times not well; at other private faſts ſhe gave very much; there was ſeldome a week in the winter p. 123time, but ſhe was called to a private faſt for particular perſons in ſome great affliction, many weeks ſhe hath bin known to have been twice a week at thoſe extraordinary dutys, to the performance of which ſhe would be ſure to make all ordinary buſineſſes and viſits of friends give place; ſome weeks it hath bin known ſhe hath bin at 3 faſts a week, at which faſts ſhe gave the more, knowing it would be given to the godly poor, and being winter time, and the harder with them; which ſcatterings would ariſe to no ſmall ſumme in a year if they could be known how much they were. Sometimes it hath bin obſerved and ſometimes could not, at the leaſt it hath been obſerved to have bin 2 ſhillings a time; at the more private faſts ſhe would give more: In her going to thoſe faſts, if ſhe thought the farneſs of the way would weaken p. 124her ſtrength, which ſhe kept for the dutys, ſhe would ſend for a Coach; at nights if fair, ſhe would often come home on foot, both for her healths ſake, and to give the more to the poor; ſaying many might think, ſhe went on foot out of covetouſneſſe, but they would be much miſtaken; and when ſhe came home from thoſe faſts, what ſhift would ſhe make to ſteal up to her chamber by the door of the room, where ſuch as came to viſit, were, that ſhe might not be detained from her cloſet duty's. But to return to her charity every day, how did ſhe ſcatter her bounty among the poor! not to ſuch as made a trade of begging, though they uſed never ſo moving expreſſions, knowing they were prophane, and would take no other courſe of life, from ſuch ſhe would receive many a hard word, when they ſaw her give to others p. 125and not to them, and her ſervant hath been fain to defend her ſometimes from their affronting her, by not giving her way enough to paſſe. Now as ſhe walked London ſtreets, ſhe would carefully obſerve, if ſhe could ſee any poor old people, whom ſhe would call to her, or command her ſervant to go and call them to her; and would ask them if they were very poor, and if they were carefull to ſerve God, and did go to Church, and what hopes they had to be ſaved, to which they would anſwer as they were able, and ſome would ſay, I bleſſe God Miſtreſſe I am not ſo poor, but the Lord doth provide for me, that I am not driven to beg, nor extreamly want, to whom ſhe would then give; if ſhe had been in haſt, and gone by any poor people, and ſaw they did not beg ſhe would ſend her ſervant ſometimes with ſomething p. 126to them, whilſt ſhe kept on her way: She would not walk London ſtreets long but one or other would come to her begging for an almes, and ſhe would ask her ſervant if he knew them to be common beggers, if he thought no, ſhe would be ſure to give. At Lectures, if ſhe ſaw any that were old or in poor habit attending the word, then ſhe would be ſure to give them. In cold ſeaſons when it was hard with poor people ſhe would be alwaies a ſpeaking of the ſufferings of the poor, that had no fire, or ſcarce any bread, much ſympathizing with them, asking her ſervant if he knew any that it went hard with, that ſhe might relieve them, ſending her benevolence: her charity was ſo well known, that ſeldome a day, if at home, but ſhe had petitions from one or other for the ſame, many under the notion p. 127of diſtreſſed Miniſters, becauſe they knew they ſhould receive the greater almes, and that they might be ſure not to miſſe of the ſame, they would get a teſtimoniall of their godly lives, ſufferings, and neceſſitys, with the names of ſome godly Miniſters, ſhe knew or had heard of, and then hath ſhe given the more, when ſhe thought their condition real, but give it ſo privately her ſelf, as none ſhould know how much but the receivers. None that came with petitions did go away without almes, unleſſe ſhe had known they had come the ſecond time, having bin relieved before: many a time have her ſervants gone up to her chamber, or when ſhe was at dinner, with a paper or petition (they knowing when beſt to find her at home) ſhe would ask them if they knew them fit objects of charity, but let the anſwer be I p. 128or no, ſhe would ſend them down ſomething if ſhe could not go down her ſelf, ſaying, ſhe would rather give to them that had no need, then ſend one empty away that had; ſending them down word, if they had counterfeited other mens names, they would very much wrong themſelves (as ſometimes we could perceive they abuſed her charity, and grew ſo ſubtile, that they would indite Letters punctually to her by name, they having their almes according to their demerit.) Her charity was exceeding much amongſt all the poor people at Hawkherſt in Kent, where her houſe was, where ſhe was many ſummers ſince ſhe uſed to be in London the winters, they have all cauſe to remember how many have had relief at her door; Seldom a Lords day but eighteen had relief there, ſhe would exhort thoſe poor to ſerve God, p. 129and ask them if they had been at Church thoſe dayes, and if they had not they ſhould have nothing; which cauſed ſome of them to go the oftner, for they would be ſure to tell one of another, and not a day in the week, but many of them came and had relief at noon and at nights. Sir, more I could relate but Mr. Caſe ſpake of them in his Sermon, and therefore ſhall proceed no further in theſe particulars, wherein alſo it may be well ſaid, She exceeded many daughters that have done virtuouſly.

It pleaſed the Lord to fill her concluding days with many troubles, and abundance of buſineſſe, it was wonderfull the trouble and the many buſineſſes ſhe had, and how chearfully ſhe went through them, and how eminently the Lord appeared to be with her in carrying her through all, and making p. 130whatſoever ſhe took in hand to proſper. Since ſhe came out of the country laſt, ſhe ſcarce had any time to viſit her friends, this winter which I never knew before, but ſpending her time much with God. Indeed her life was a continual motion never idle in the leaſt, either in her cloſet, or with her family in performing religious dutys, or reading, or writing, or going to Lectures and faſts, or giving inſtructions concerning houſhold affaires, ſhe being now houſe-keepper in London alſo as well as in the Countrey, to eaſe the Lady her Mother in her ancient years, which ſhe did never before in London, though alwaies in the Countrey, till this laſt winter.

O what a loſſe hath her friends, yea what a loſſe hath the Church of God, and hundreds of poor people, whoſe bowels ſhe refreſhed; But now ſhe is gone before, p. 131where her ſoul long deſired to be. The Lord help us to make after, and not to wiſh for her again or that ſhe had not dyed. Why ſhould we be ſo fooliſh, it will not avail; and why ſo ſinfull and ſo impudent, as to contradict God, he ſaw it beſt to remove her hence, and why ſhould we wiſh her back again, ſhe is triumphing in heaven over the world, ſinne and Satan, ſinging Alleluja unto Him that ſitteth on the Throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. She is among the ſpirits of juſt men made perfect, and the innumerable company of holy angels, and with the great God the judge of all, and with the bleſſed Jeſus the Mediator of the new Covenant, and with the holy Ghoſt the Comforter, in the large fruition of the beatificall viſion, where is fulneſſe of joy and pleaſures for evermore, and why ſhould I wiſh p. 132her from ſuch glorious company, and tranſcendent bliſſe, as never eye hath ſeen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man; to which mercy's the Lord in his due time bring us by the merits of his dear Son and our Saviour Jeſus Chriſt.

Sir, Theſe ſix Heads which I have here ſent you, are what my friend writ, who hath known her many years.

Yours, affectionately to ſerve you in Chriſt, NICOLAS THOROWGOOD.

FINIS.

Errata.

Pag. 79. lin. 19. for Landherſt, r. Sandherſt. p. 118. l. 12. dele comma after ſhop.

End of the text · Thomas Case, The Excellent Woman (1659)