The Excellent Woman, Sermon

The Excellent Woman · Sermon

p. 1PROVERBS 31.29.

Many Daughters have done vertuouſly, but thou excellest them all.

THe nine firſt Verſes of this Chapter contain a notable Modell of Inſtructions which Solomons Mother taught him; calculated moſt properly for his uſe and direction as he was a King.

p. 2It is called a Propheſie, under which notion Counſel and Inſtruction is ſometimes ſignified (not in the Old-Teſtament onelyonly, but alſo in the New) the Originall occaſion whereof was, becauſe the Office of the Prophets was to teach and inſtruct the people, as well as to foretell and reveal things to come.

This fatter part of the Chapter from the tenth verſe to the end, containe… a moſt elegant deſcriptio… of an excellent woman.

To whom this Characte… is to be aſcribed, admits o… varions thoughts amongſ… Interpreters.

The Papiſt… attribute i… to the Virgin Mary?

Some of the ancient Fathers p. 3to the Church, the Spouſe of Chriſt.

Rabbi Solomon applieth it to the Old Teſt…ment.

And (after him) Lyra to the whole Scripture.

But all theſe are not only wide, but wilde conjectures.

Some with more probabilitie, aſ…ribe it to B…thſheba, Solomons Mother; as pen'd and compoſed by Solomon as an Encomium or Panegyrick of her Excellencies; which he ded…cates unto her by way of a gratulatory acknowledgement of her ſingular piety in theſe Motherly inſtructions, recounted in the former part of the Chapter.

But laſtly, others conceive, that the whole deſcription p. 4to be but the Character of an excelle…t woman at large, and not particularly applyed to any ſingle perſon, but as it were a general Draught or Portraicture by which we may know an excellent woman, a Wife indeed, when we ſee her.

And it is conceived that this deſcription is a continued part of this Propheſie which Bathſheba dedicated unto Solomon, and was ſpecially intended to be his Rule and Standard in the choice of a Wife; the ſpecial ſtudy and care of a pious Mother, as we ſee in Rebecca towards Jacob, Gen. 29.46. And to this conjecture I doe rather incline.

p. 5In this deſcription, the eighthteenth precedent verſes contain the particular vertues and praiſes of this excellent Woman, my Text is the ſumma totalis, the Compendium and Coronis of the whole Character, the Crown wherewith ſhe is Crowned (as it were) in the face of Heaven and Earth, God and Angels and Men; Many Daughters have done vertuouſly, but thou excelleſt them all.

Have done vertuouſly,] the Original Word ſignifieth properly to bring forth children, Chai…l from Chul dolore, eviti.with ſorrow and hard labour: hence alſo it ſometimes ſignifieth vertue, ſometimes riches: becauſe neither is ordinarily attained and proſecuted p. 6without much induſtry and activity;Gnaſhu Chaijl fecerunivirtutem. the phraſe here uſed (to the letter) is to be tranſlated have done vertue; or performed worthy things; they have acted ſtrenuouſly which ſeems to approve our tranſlation, as that which is moſt proper. They have done vertuouſly.

Many Daughters] Daughters, here is taken more Hebraico for a Woman; as men are called Sons, ſo women are called Daughters, Cant 3.5.

But how doth this p urality of good Women (many Daughters have done vertuouſly) agree with that complaint of Solomon, Eccleſ. 7.28.Eccl 7:28one man amongſt a thouſand have I found, but a Woman p. 7amongſt all theſe have I not found?

Some ſalve the difficulty thus; Solomon ſpeaks in refference to his …n experience; He had not found one good Woman indeed amongſt a thouſand, (referring to his former ſenſual converſe with women;) He had a thouſand Wives and Concubines, all the Daughters of ſtrange prophane Nations: and therefore it was no wonder he could not finde one good amongſt them all, they all proved ſnares to him to turn away his heart from the Lord unto Id…ls.1 Kin. 11.3.1 Kgs 11:3

But theſe words are Bathſhebas words in reference to her own experience, who by converſing p. 8with a better ſo…t of Women then her Sonne did; found not onelyonly one, but many good ones of that ſex, many Daughters have done vertuouſly.

I but even ſhe makes a very great difficulty alſo of finding one; Object.Verſe 10. Who can finde a vertuous woman, for her price is far above Rubies: the queſtion ſeemes to imply a good woman to be a rare jewel, and hardly to be found.

But the Anſwer (to both theſe Objections) is,Anſw. that neither the meaning of Solomon nor his Mother is to condemn one ſex more then the other, But both are to be underſtood comparatively, (and alas it holds too true in both Sexes) the p. 9number of the truly good is but very ſmall and inconfiderable, compared with the vile & vitious, whether of men or women. The bad are like pebble ſtones upon the Sea ſhore, you cannot ſtir a foot but ye ſtumble upon them, but the good are like precious ſtones, Rubies, and Diamonds of great value, and rarely to be found; the Merchant that will find them muſt travell far for them: To which ſad truth the Apoſtle beareth witneſs, 1 Cor. 1.26. Not many wiſe, nor many mighty, not many noble, &c. Bleſſed be God he doth not ſay no any wiſe, not any mighty, ſome there be which though but a little flock, compa…ed w…th the Droves p. 10and Herds which the Divel carrieth head…ong into the Sea of perdition; yet conſidered in themſelve they are not a contempt ible number; Revel. 7. from the 4th verſe to the 8 9, 10…h.

But then again, amongſ… theſe many, there is here and there a rare one to be found, a pearle of great price, many good; and ſome one excellent a paragon, a None-ſuch in he… place and age, To whom it may be ſaid, Thou excelleſ… them all.

The Words thus opened and cleared, will affords u… theſe Obſervations.

1. Obſer. All the Members of the Crurch are not of the ſame preciouſneſs and influence: p. 11there be ſeverall ſizes of Chriſtians.

2. God takes notice of the leaſt grace and goodneſs that is in any: grace in what degree ſoever it is, (if it betrue) God will not overlook it.

3. The great honour and praiſe of a Chriſtian, is to be excellent in their generations: Or, Excellency in grace and goodneſs, is that which is of great price in the ſight of God: God doth ſet a ſpecial note of approbation upon it, thou excelleſt them all.

All the Members of the Church are not of the ſame ſize in grace.Doct. 1.

In this firmament of the Church, it is as in the Firmament of the …eavens; one Star differeth from another in glory; 1 Cor. 15.41.1 Cor 15:41all Stars are p. 12not of the ſame light and influence; ſome there be of the firſt, ſome of the ſecond magnitude; others that are of a common dimenſion and influence: ſo is the reſurrection of the dead; Ver. 42.this here▪ in grace, and that hereafter in glory.

In the Houſhold of Faith all the Members be not o… the ſame Age and Office.

There be ſome Babe… in Christ, Babes i… Knowledge, and Babe… in grace, weake an… tender Chriſtans, tha… have little more the… the very being of ſpirirituall life in them,1 Joh. 2.12, 13, 14.1 John 2:121 John 2:131 John 2:14 only enough to denominate them Saints an… Children of God.

Some there be youn… p. 13men; ſtrong act…ve Chriſtians, ſtrong to overcome the Divel in all his temptations, and active in their generations, able to doe much work for Jeſus Chriſt and the Goſpel.

And then there be Fathers in the Church, Chriſtians of much experience in the myſtery of the Kingdom of God: Chriſtians of great acquaintance with God, and communion with God who can ſay with the Apoſtle,1 Joh. 1.31 John 1:3 Truly our Communion is with the Father and with his Son Jeſus Chriſt.

Amongſt the Worthies of D…vid, all did not attain the ſa…e fame and enown with the fi…ſt three &c.

p. 14Well; Let not the weake Chriſtian envy the ſtrong, Ʋſe.nor the ſtrong deſpiſe the weake; but ſee God and admire God in the ſeverall gifts and graces of his Spirit. So it muſt be in the Church of God.

But ſecondly Obſerve; Doct. 2.God takes notice of the leaſt good that is in any: Grace in what ever degree (if it be true) is not rejected by Jeſus Chriſt. The bruiſed Reed he will not breake, and the ſmonking Flax he will not quen…h; what is weaker then a b…uiſed reed; behold while it was whole, it was fit for little ſervice; but when it is bruiſed it is good for nothing: you cannot make a pin of it to hang a veſſel on: what is more uſeleſs then ſmoaking p. 15flax; ſinged and ſcorched with the fire, and ready to breake out into a flame; ye cannot make a thread of it fit for any work. Yet that grace which in the ſence and feeling of a Chriſtian, a Chriſtian that is poore in ſpirit, is of no more conſideration then ſuch ſmoaking flax, and ſuch a bruiſed reed; behold Jeſus Chriſt will be ſo farre from quenching of the one, and breaking the other, that he will bring it forth into victory; weake grace ſhall at length get the conqueſt of ſtrong corruption;

It is very obſervable in the ſeven Churches of Aſia, Rev. 2. and 3. Cha…t. there's not any thing that was good in any of them, but Jeſus Chriſt takes ſpecial notice of it.

p. 16I know thy labour and thy patience; Rev. chap. 2.2, 3.Rev 2:2Rev 2:3and thou canſt not bear with them which are evil, &c.

The Church of Smy…na; verſe 9.I know thy works and tribulation, and poverty, but thou art rich.

Pergamus, verſe 1….Thou hold…ſt faſt my Name, and haſt not denyed my Faith, though thou dwelleſt where Satan hath his ſeate.

Thyatyra, verſe 19.Thy works and charity, and ſervice, and faith, and patience, and (againe) thy works, I and thy laſt to be more then the firſt.

Sardis, hath a few Names, and Philadelphia a little ſtrength, Chap. 3.4. verſe 8.&c.

There was not the leaſt good in any of the Churches, though intermixt with much p. 17…in, and corruption, but it is taken notice of, and recorded in the Regiſter of Gods remembrance, & is mentioned to their honour & praiſe; only there was proud conceited Laodicea that had nothing but an high oopinion of her ſelf,ver. 16. and ſhe ſtands with a brand upon her forehead, inſtead of a Crown upon her head; Luke-warm.

In wicked Jeroboams family, there was but one poore childe, that had ſome good in him, and that but very little, yet that is taken notice of, and an aſteriſm ſet upon it; In him was found ſome good thing toward the Lord God of Iſrael. Therefore, 1 Kin. 14.13.1 Kgs 14:13&c.

Here the Daughters that had done vertuouſly are upon Record, though they came p. 18not up to the character of t… excellent woman,

As all that helped to r… paire the wall of Jeruſale… had not a like ſhare in t… work, yet all their nam… are upon the file, their labo… of love is regiſtred and r… ported to ſucceeding genrations.

The Ground or Reaſon… this Obſervation is this,Ground. ſ… Becauſe true grace thoug… never ſo ſmall, is theaaPhil. 2.13.Phil 2:13 wo… of God; yea, thebbEph. 4.24.Eph 4:24 Image, God; acc2 Pet. 1.4.2 Pet 1:4 beam of the Divi… Nature: and God will n… deſpiſe the work of his o… hands: God will own eve… one that is called by his Na… why? for I have created hi… for my glory, I have form… him, yea I have made him.

God knows how to diſti… guiſhIſa 43.7.Isa 43:7 p. 19between the Gold and the droſs; between a want of grace, and a want in grace: between ſincerity and cor…uption in his p…ople; between a childe and a baſtard: And he will not throw the heap of corn into the fire, becauſe there is much chaff in it; he will not reprobate the gold becauſe there is droſs mixt with it:Iſa. 57.17, 18.Isa 57:17Isa 57:18 nor diſinherit the childe becauſe a weake childe: froward Ephraim, becauſe a childe, God will heal him, and lead him, and reſtore comforts to him, and to his mourners.

Ʋſe.

It may ſerve,

1. To encourage weake Chriſtians, ſay not in thy heart I have no grace, becauſe p. 20thou findeſt much corruptio… God doth not ſay ſo. T… heavenly Father can diſcov… a ſpark of grace in a ſea … corruption, Chriſtians mu… learn to diſtinguiſh betwe… the having of corruption… and the allowing of corru… tion, between a little grac… and being contented with … little grace.

2. It may ſerve to Cauti… us againſt deſpiſing of o… weaker brethren. He is n… of the ſpirit and diſpoſitio… of our heavely Father, th… can deſpiſe one of Chriſ… little ones, a little faith, an… a little ſtrength; ſome goo… thing towards the Lord, Go… takes notice of, and Go… owns; ſo ſhould we; if … will be the Children of ou… heavenly Father. Him that … p. 21weeke in faith receive, onelyonly …ot to doubtfull diſputations; So is the Rule, Ro. 14.1.Rom 14:1…e ſhould own the weakeſt …hriſtians, to encourage and …elp their graces, but not … perplex them with unpro…able diſputes.

3. It may ſerve as an En…ouragement to all to be …od; to labour to get grace, …ho would not ſerve ſuch a …od, as will own the leaſt …ood that is in his children? …at knows how to pardon …reat ſins, and to accept of … little grace where there is …cerity? Bring into God …hat thou haſt, thy mite …hall be accepted, if it be all …hou haſt.Farre litabo perſius A paire of Turtle …ves will be accepted on …ods Altar, as well as coſt…er Sacrifices; where the ſa…rificers ability will extend p. 22no higher. But curſed … the deceiver which hath in h… Flock a Male, Mal. 1.14.Mal 1:14and ſacrifice… to the Lord a co rupt thin… A man is accepted with Go… according to what he hath. 2 Cor. 8.12.2 Cor 8:12… according to what he hath no… OnelyOnly let not this make y… idle, to be content with a litt… grace, becauſe God will acce… a little: argueth no grace … all: know thus much I b… ſeech you, that though Go… will own the weak Chriſtia… yet he delights in the exce… lent; which brings me upo… the third and main Doctri… which I intend to handle.

The great honour a d'prai… of a Chriſtian i… to be excelle… in goodneſs and grace.Doct. 3.

Excellent Saints are Go… delight.

Take a few Demonſtrat… ons.

p. 231. The word of Command; Dem. 1.…ll the Precepts and Exhorta…ons of Scripture run upon …hat ſtrain, walk before me, Gen. 17.1.Gen 17:1…nd be thou perfect ſaid God …o Ab aham: Abraham muſt …ot take up with any thing …hort of perfection. And …hat you may not think that …as a ſpecial inſtance which …ll are not bound to follow, …e Evangelical Rule which …oncerns all Chriſtians, …peaks in the very ſame Lang…age, Be ye perfect, Mat. 5. ult.Matt 5ye with …s add…tion of higheſt emidency, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 1 Pet. 1.151 Pet 1:15As he that hath called you is holy, ſo be ye holy in all manner of converſa…ion, for it is written, be ye ho…y, for I the Lord your God am holy.

Obſerve, Chriſtians muſt p. 24make God the pattern o… their holineſs, and the Motive of their holineſs; Holy as he is holy, there's our pattern; holy becauſe he is holy, ther's our motive; They muſt content themſelves with no meaſure or degree of holineſs, but forgetting the things that are behinde, preſſe ſtill after further degrees of conformitie unto God. Theſe be not onelyonly Evangelicall Counſels (as the Papiſts ſottiſhly teach, that ſo upon this foundation they may build their Superſtructure of merit and works of ſupererrogation) but they be Evangelical precepts and commands, enjoyned upon the great prerogative of divine filiation; and indeed flowing from it; Matth. 5.45.Matt 5:45that you may be the p. 25children of your heavenly Father: there is no boaſting of divine Son-ſhip, without conformity unto the divine nature: not that this conformitie is the cauſe of our Son-ſhip, but the evidence, Tunc dicitur ſaepe aliquid eſſe quum eſſe intelligitur, Beza in loc.that you may be, i. e. that you may be known to be the children of your Father which is in Heaven: According to this tenor, run all the commands of the Goſpel, perfect holineſs in the fear of God: 2 Cor. 7.12 Cor 7:1proving what that good and acceptable and derfect will of God is. Be perfect, Ro. 12.1, 2Rom 12:1Rom 12:22 Cor. 13.11. Phil. 1.10, 11.2 Cor 13:11Phil 1:10Phil 1:11be of good comfort, ſincere without offence, filled with the fruits of righteouſneſs. Whatſoever things are true, whatſoever things are honeſt: chap. 4.8.whatſoever things are juſt, whatſoever things are pure, lovely, of good p. 26report; if any vertue, if any praiſe, think on theſe things.

My Brethren, the purity of Scripture Rule, and the perfection of Scripture Rewards are the two impregnable Arguments and Demonſtrations of the Div…nitie of the Scripture, and the truth of Chriſtian Religion againſt all other Religions in the world. Behold, the Rule is an Excellent Rule which God hath chalked out to his Saints to walk by: calling for nothing ſhort of perfection, in their aimes and utmoſt contention! How perfect is the Law of God!Pſal. 19.7. 2. Dem.Ps 19:7Ps 19:2

2. Demonſtration, ſuch God commends, and of ſuch onelyonly God boaſts in Scripture, haſt thou not conſidered my ſervant Job, Job 1.8.Job 1:8ſaid God to p. 27Satan, there is none like him upon the face of the Earth, a perfect and an upright man! &c. I know Abraham, &c. Abraham my friend: Gen. 18.19. 1 Sam. 13.14. 2 Cor. 10.18.Gen 18:191 Sam 13:142 Cor 10:18And David, a man after mine own heart. Not he that man commendeth, but he that God commendeth is approved.

Thirdly, 3. Dem.theſe Excellent ones God ſets forth as Standards and Exemplars for others imitation: Be ye followers of me as I am of Chriſt; 1 Cor. 11.…1 Cor 11they be Saint Pauls words, but Gods command; whoſe Amanuenſis and Secretary the Apoſtle was; and it is the very ſame which is enjoyned unto all the followers of the Lamb, that they ſhould be followers of the Excellent ones, Heb. 6.12Heb 6:12who through faith and patience inherit the promiſes. p. 28Not onelyonly be ye followers of God as dear Children,Eph. 5.1.Eph 5:1 But, Be ye followers of th…m that excell in vertue,Heb. 13.7Heb 13:7 whoſe faith follow, conſidering the end of their converſation, Jeſus Chriſt, &c. Yet this muſt be ſtill with the Apoſtles limitation; as they are of Chriſt, we muſt not follow the Saints further then as they follow Chriſt.

Fourthly and laſtly, For the moſt excellent Saints is reſerved the moſt excellent glory. 4. Dem.According to the degree of grace here, ſhall be the degree of glory hereafter: As one Star differeth from another in glory, 1 Cor. 15.41.42.1 Cor 15:411 Cor 15:42ſo alſo is the reſurrection of the dead.

For the further enlargement and clearing of this Doctrine I ſhall briefly ſatisfie p. 29one Querie, and ſo paſſe over to the Uſes of the Point. It is this.

Queſt. What is it to be excellent? or, wherein doth the excellencie of a Saint conſiſt?

Wherein conſiſts the excellency of a Chriſtian.Anſw. Excellency conſiſts in theſe three qualifications.

1. To be univerſally good.

2. To be eminently good.

3. To be perſeveringly good.

1. Univerſally heart-good, and life-good.1. To be univerſally good: this is excellent indeed, when a Chriſtian is good all over: good quite through: good within, and good without. When a man or woman is a good Firſt Table Chriſtian: and a good Second Table Chriſtian, holy towards God, righteous, meek, merciful …oward man.

p. 30They be excellent ones, that are good in both their callings: good in their generall callings as Chriſtians, good in their particular callings as men: good on the Sabbath, and good all the weeke long. Good as Magiſtrates, good as Miniſters, good in whatſoever Trade or Profeſſion God hath fixt them in amongſt men.

Good in all their Relations, good as Husbands, good as Wives: good as Parents, good as Children, good as Maſters, good as Servants, good as Kindred, good as Neighbours. Time will not permit exemp…ification of theſe particulars.

So likewiſe they be excellent who are good every where: good at home, and p. 31good abroad, good in company, and good alone: good in good company, and good in bad: good with Saints, and good with ſinners: converſing with them, as a Phyſitian among the ſick, not as a companion with them that are well: Having no fellowſhip with the unfruitful works of darkneſs, but reproving them rather, Ep. 5.11.good in the Family, and good in the Cloſet.

He or ſhe is excellent that is good in every ſtate, and in every temper: good when rich, and good when poore, good when ſick, and good when well, good in priſon, and good at libertie, good when ſad, and good when merry, good in holy duties, and good in civil Recreations.

Behold, this is to be excellent; That is an excellent Chriſtian indeed that walks p. 32uniformly; every where, and in every thing like himſelf: …omo qua…atus.good when men ſee him, and good when none but God ſees him; Many of theſe qualifications we find in this deſcription and character, (here) of a good woman; ſhe is a good Wife, a good Mother, a good Widow: and that is her excellency, which we ſhall have occaſion to touch hereafter.

This was the excellencie of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Luke 1.6.Luke 1:6they were both righteoas before God, walking in all the Commandements and Statutes of the Lord blameleſs, i. e. in all the duties of the Moral and Ceremonial Law.

2. In eminency.Secondly, The excellency of a Chriſtian conſiſts in being eminently good, exemplarily p. 33good: To be followers of the Saints, as 1 Theſ. 1.6. this is good: But to be Enſamples to all that believe (as verſe 7.) this is excellent.

To be good is profitable unto our ſelves: but to be Eminently exemplarily good, is profitable to others.

He or ſhe that is really good, ſhall ſave himſelf, but whoſo is rarely good ſhall ſave others alſo.Mat. 5.16.Matt 5:16 Their light doth ſo ſhine before men, that they ſee their good works, and glorifie their Father which is in Heaven, this is excellent.

It is a Chriſtians excellency not to ſet himſelf any bounds in holineſſe; not to content himſelf with any meaſure or degree of grace: but with the Apoſtle, to forget the things that are behinde, Phil. 3.13, 14.Phil 3:13Phil 3:14and p. 34reaching forth unto thoſe things which are before, to preſs toward the mark.

That which is the worldly mans ſhame, is the Chriſtians glory, never to have enough, what SINGƲLAR thing do ye doe? Mat. 5.47. foreign.Matt 5:47was our Saviours Queſtion; what doe you more then others?

It is a Chriſtians glory to be ſingular! the world hates ſingularity, but God commends it.

3. In per…everance.Thirdly, A Chriſtians excellency conſiſts in being p…rſeveringly good.

Ye did run well; Gal. 5.7.Gal 5:7is the reproach of a Chriſtian, and of his profeſſion; perſeverance is the glory of both. It is the glory of a Chriſtian when their goodneſs is not as the morning cloud, …oſ. 6.4.and as the p. 35early dew, that quickly paſſeth away, but as the morning light, Pro. 4.18. Rev. 2.19.Prov 4:18Rev 2:19which groweth clearer and clearer to the perfect day. It was the ſhame of Epheſus that ſhe had loſt her firſt Love, Verſe 4.but the glory of Thyatyra, that her laſt works were more then the firſt. The Trees of God bring forth more fruit in their old age, Pſ. 92.14.Ps 92:14they are fat and flouriſhing, when others wither and dye, they retain their verdure, and are full of ſap: this is the excellency of a Chriſtian.

Ʋſe.

Uſe. Examinanation.And it may ſerve,

Firſt, By way of Trial in Self-examina…ion; are you ſuch Chriſtians?

1. Are ye univerſal in page missing p. 38Lord more faith, and mor… love, and more holineſſe, … more meekneſſe of ſ…irit, an… more zeal,Si dixti ſuffieit perſiſti Aug. and more Lor… of every grace: when every … ſay you have enough ye hav… nothing: ye are nothing; ſo fa… from excelent that ye are not reall but a meer Lukewarme Laodicean, that ſaith, I am rich and increaſed with goods, and have need of nothing; Rev. 3.17.Rev 3:17and knoweſt not that thou art wretched and miſerable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

3. Are yee perſevering Chri…ians? Are your ſ…irits ſtedfaſt with …od? Are your judgements ſabliſhed in the truth? Are your hearts ſtabliſhed in grace? doe yee keep cloſe to the good old Principles which you have ſuckt in from the breaſts of the Goſpell? &c. doe ye p. 39proceed in the way that is called holy? Are ye ſtedfaſt and In…oveable alwayes aboun… ing in the work of the Lord?2 Cor. 15.

Alas brethren, if this be to be excellent, where ſhall we find an Excellent Man, or an excellent woeman? as the 10. verſe complaines who can find avertuous woman? where ſhall we finde this exccellent daughter?

Solomon or his Mother (in this Chap.) did find her,Application. at leſt in the Character. And behold I can point you to her in perſon. Amongſt others & before many in whom this Character (here) was ever examplified ſince Solomons time, namely in this truly Honorable Chriſtian whoſe funerals we this day celebrate M^rs. ELISABETH p. 38duplicate page p. 39duplicate page p. 40SCOTT. Uupon whoſe monument (where ever it ſhall ſtand) to her immortall fame and glory, may juſtly be inſcribed This Epitaph.

Many daughter have don… vertuouſly BUT THOU EXCELLEST THEM ALL.

Doubtleſſe ſhe was an exlelent Chriſtian, a Chriſtian of an incomparable ſpirit and complexion.

All theſe 3 ingredients of excellencie were viſible in her to the eyes of all the beholders, eſpecially, ſuch who had the happineſſe of more intimate Converſe and acquaintance with her.

She was

Vniverſally

Eminently

Perſeveringly

good

p. 41She was Univerſally good: with that Elizabeth in the Goſpell ſhe walked in all the comman…ements and ſtatutes of God blameleſs.inopem me c…pia fecit.

Thardly know where to begin, leſs how to make an end of very much that I could ſay of her I will confine my ſelfe to theſe 10. Excellencies.

Firſt ſhe was a moſt knowing Chriſtian; 1 Knowldgſhe had attained to an high degree of proficiency in the School of Chriſt: ſhe was as emminently verſt in the methods of Grace and the Miſtery of godlineſſe, able to ſpeak as diſtinctly and pertinently to any piece of an inward practicall Chriſtian as any of her Sex and ſtanding in Religion that ever I had the happineſs p. 42to be acquainte… with.

When I firſt ſet upon Sacrament-Reformation, in thi… place ſhe was the firſt in a… the Congregation that appeared in the countenancing and incouraging of that wor… at which time ſhe gave the moſt ſingular account of the work of grace, and confeſſi… of her faith that I have hard; to the very high ſatisfaction and admiration of ſuch as were preſent.Wiſdome.Scientia, is an habit of principles in the underſtanding. Sapientia, a right improvement of thoſe principles unto practiſe.

2. And her knowledge was not only notional ſwimming in the Brain, wherewith moſt of the profeſſors of this age pleaſe themſelves; but her knowledge was joyned with wiſdome and prudence, whereby ſhe brought down all her principles into p. 43practiſe and turned every DOCTRINE into VSE; what light there was in her judgement, warned down into her heart, beamed out moſt gloriouſly in her life & converſation. She was a practical Chriſtian; and indeed her knowledge was the fruit of her obedience; according to the tenour of that bleſſed promiſe of our Saviour,Joh. 7.17.John 7:17 If any man will doe Gods will, he ſhall know his Dotrine. A ſtrange Methode: In nature knowledg precedes action: in Grace action precedes knowledge: where there is an obe…ientiall diſpoſition, knowledge flowes in a pace, they that doe Gods will that they may know it, and Labour to know Gods will that they p. 44may doe it, are the thriving Chriſtians.

So it was with this Excellent woman Her knowledg and practiſe …ran paral…el, and did mutually transfuſe vigour and vivacitie one into an other.

3. Notwithſtanding the greatneſſe of her knowledge She was of Singular humility Her knowledg did not puff her up, Humility.1 Cor 8.1.1 Cor 8:1her head was not ſo high but her heart lay as low; She was as mean in her own eyes as ſhe was honorable in the eyes of ſtanders by. She was a Chriſtian of infinite worth but She knew it not. Proud profeſſors doe not uſually ſpeak more contemptuouſly of others, then ſhe would doe of her ſelfe: ſhe was of Iobs Spirit.

p. 45Though She were prefect ſhe would not know her owne ſoul; ſhe did deſpiſe her ſelfe.Iob. 9.21.Job 9:21

And this humility of hers was the Nurſe to all her other graces;Humilitas con…ſrvatrix virtutum Bern. faith is the mother, humilitie the nurſe.

4. She was a woman of a Meek an… quiet ſpirit, Meekneſswhich rendered her very beautifull in the eyes of God and man She could not provoke any; nor eaſily be provoked by any.

She had much of the wiſdom which is from above which is firſt pure then peaceable, gentle, and eaſie to be intreated.

She was moſt fearfull to give offence, but moſt free to forgive it: the reaſon was evident; God had forgiven p. 46her thouſands of talents, and therefore ſhe thought it no… much to forgive a few pence.

5. She was a Mercifull Chriſtian; full of bowells: the Love of Chriſt both active and paſſive (i.e. Chriſts lov… to her,Mercy and her love to Chriſt) had melted her all into Compaſſion, Compaſſio… to the Bodies of poor Creatures, Compaſſion to ſouls,Job 29.13.Job 29:13 Compaſſion to the Outward man, and compaſſion to the inward. Compaſſion to the outward man: The bleſſing of him that was ready to periſh came upon her, & ſhe cauſed the widows heart to ſing for joy.

She might ſay with Iob (againe) If I have ſeen any periſh for want of cloathing, Iob. 31.19.Job 31:19or any poore without covering &c.

p. 47Penſioners in Ken…, Conghurſt Hawkhurſt, Cranbrook, London, Giles in the fields. Miniſters.Great was the number of Penſioners to whom ſhe al…owed weekly ſumms in the Country, and in the Citie, who now lie down in ſorrow, and mingle their drink with …heir tears.

Many precious godly Ministers, whoſe ſubſiſtence was ſcantie, and meane; did ſhe ſupport and encourage with yearly ſtipends, whoſe names I could relate, were I not reſtraind.

poor Scholars.She was a liberal contributer to the maintaining of poore Scholars at the Univerſity, witneſs that ſubſcription for Kent, and divers other, to my knowledge.

Oh what ſad lamentations and tears will it occaſion in many places, when it ſhall be ſadly reported p. 48abroad, Mrs. SCOT IS DEAD!

At publique Collections for the Churches abroad, 10. l. Piedmond.and to Calamitous places and perſo… at home, how open and liberal was her hand?

Beſides, upon all the Emergent occaſions (which were not rare amongſt us) her charity was never ſtraitned.

I never deſired her contribution to any work of mercy, but ſhe gave, and gave liberally; yea it was enough but to hint a conſiderable work of piety or charity; Yea ſhe would prevent asking, and overdoe expectation.

I have been ſometimes forced to uſe the bridle to her, when the ſpur could p. 49not ſpring ſome cold mettle profeſſors of far greater abilities; the truth is, her eſtate was not ſo large as her heart; upon which account I have ſometimes left her out of my addreſſes in many works of that nature; for which, when ſhe hath occaſionally underſtood it, ſhe hath been offended, as if a great diſſervice had been done her.

The truth is, ſhe had the moſt generous ſpirit, and the moſt liberal hand that ever I met with in her rank and quality.

A fifth part of her eſtate went in CharityBy what I have obſerved, I cannot believe ſhe could give away leſſe in a year then the fifth part of her annual Revenue; And all this without a trumpet, nay her left hand KNEW NOT what p. 50her right hand did.Mat. 6.3.Matt 6:3

Quest.Queſt. It may be ſome will ask, I but what good hath ſhe done at her death?

To which I Anſwer, Anſw.Somewhat ſhe hath done; though not much; of which I can give you this twofold accompt. 1. That Joynctures are as mortal as the perſons themſelves that have them: indeed they dye together. 2. And above all; ſhe did in her life, what others doe at their death, when they can keep it no longer; ſhe made her own eyes her overſeers, and her hands her Executors.

And her mercy to ſouls was not leſſe then her mercy to the body.Mercy to the inward man.

That was one iſſue of her worldly eſtate.

Lectures.Contribution towards the p. 51maintaining of Lectures, in ſuch places where there was ſome defect in the publique meanes

In her own pariſh in the Country, ſhe encouraged a weekly Lecture (during the time of her retirement in the Country) upon her owne charge.

Her Houſe was the Rendevouze for the godly Miniſtery within many miles of her habitation, and her Table their Ordinary, not only upon Lecture dayes, but upon all occaſions. Thither repaired tempted ſouls, doubting conſciences, oppoſed Miniſters, oppreſſed Chriſtians; ſhe was either their Oracle or their Advocate. Divers Exiles of Hungaria, Tranſilvania, Polonia, Exiles.have been p. 52nouriſhed and preſerved by her bounty.

Oh how active to bring it ſoules to Jeſus Chriſt! what pains ſhe took to inform the ignorant, to reform the places where ſhe lived? how ſtudious to promote the power of godlineſs? to gain in oppoſers? to bring out of the ſnare of the Divel ſuch as were taken captive at his pleaſure? yet ſtil within her own line and circle, ſhe was very active, but no buſibody, ever ſerviceable, but never excentrick; Such a rare skill ſhe had to diſtinguiſh between doing good, and medling out of her ſphere. And I am humbly confident, as it was her ambition, ſo it is her happineſs that ſhe is not gone to Heaven alone.

p. 53Conſtant & conſcientious Attendance on publick ordinances.Sixthly, ſhe was a conſtant and conſciencious attendant on the publick Ordinanc…s: Word, Sacrament, Prayer, &c. She forſook not the Aſſemblies of the Saints, as the manner of ſome is; But watched daily at the g…tes, and waited at the poſts of wiſdom. And that with this addition of commendation,Prov. 8.34.Prov 8:34 in her own place.

She was not a gadding fancifull Profeſſor, who took a pride to be ſeen in Forreign Aſſemblies; either to gratifie an humour or to get a name; ſhe lookt upon it as a duty to own and ſtrengthen the hands of the Miniſtery under which God had placed her.She attended the ordinances in her own place.

She was afraid ſhe ſhould ſin, to deſert thoſe, who for their faithfulneſs met with p. 54oppoſition enough, beſides, from them that are without.

She counted it no Popery to ſay my Miniſter, my Paſtor, though in the meane time, ſhe was not ignorant of her priviledge,1 Cor. 3.22.1 Cor 3:22 how that Paul and Apollo, and Cephas was hers; which priviledge accordingly, ſhe made uſe of, in the proper ſeaſon, &c. when Congregational vacancy juſtified her going abroad.

Hence, dayes of publick humiliation, weekly Lectures, and other occaſional Aſſemblies both publick and private, were the conſtant witneſſes of her unwearied devotion: yet all this without the leaſt treſpaſs upon her Domeſtick Affairs: as I ſhall tell you hereafter.

As thus ſhe was Conſt…nt; p. 55So likewiſe was ſhe Conſciencious in her publick attendances.

The time ſhe ſpent in preparation BEFORE, and in reflection and meditation AFTER the ſolemn Aſſemblies, was incredible; eſpecially conſidering what time ſhe ſpent with her Family.

Oh how abundant ſhe was in the work of the Lord, how ſevere in obſerving her times for duty, both Domeſtique and perſonal, and how provident to prevent, or evade diſtractions. Surely ſhe was truly what the Father ſaid of St. Paul; Inſati…bilis Dei cultrix.An inſatiable worſhipper of God.

Hence ſhe attained to a high degree and eminency in holineſs (you ſee I am faine p. 56to twiſt in the ſecond ſtrein of excellency with the firſt.)

A Chriſtian ſhe was of a moſt gracious ſpirit, and a moſt holy life, with how much heavenly mindedneſs did ſhe winde through a world of unavoidable diſtractions in the world?

Surely ſhe did weare her Profeſſion with as few ſtains, and carried as unblemiſhed an holineſs with her to Heaven; as moſt Chriſtians whom this generation hath known.

A woman of a moſt Spiritual and profitable Society; The Law of God was in her heart, Pſal. 37.31. and therefore her mouth ſpake wiſdom, and her tongue talked of judgment, verſ. 30. out of the abundance of her heart, her p. 57mouth ſpake to edification, Matth. 12.34. there is none that ever did converſe with her, but if they did not goe away better then they came, it was their own fault.

She was alwaies giving or taking. With weake Chriſtians ſhe would teach, with ſtrong ſhe would learn: with all ſhe would be ſweet and ſavory.

She had Exquiſitely got the art of Time-redemption: As in the Character here: ſhe opened her mouth in wiſdome, Prov. 31.26.Prov 31:26and in her t…ngue was the law of kindneſs.

Stability in judgement.Seventhly, Hence alſo her ſtability in judgement.

Unſetled hearing uſually begets unſetledneſs in opinion.

Erratick hearers (though of the better complexion) p. 58uſually are not the moſt ſtable Chriſtians; they have (many times) their f…ncies and their why bibbles, and their crotchets wherewith they doe rather trouble themſelves and others, then edifie. She was none of them (through grace;) ſhe ſtood like a rock againſt all blaſts of Hereſie and Schiſme; and did not only ſtand by her principles, but as a Daughter of wiſdom, was in a very good meaſure able to juſtifie wiſdom, and give a reaſon of the hope which was in her. She was a wellbottomed Chriſtian; of a ſound judgement:1 Cor. 2. ult.1 Cor 2 ſhe had the minde of Chriſt.

In the ninth place, Ninth.ſhe was not a cenſorious Chriſtian, as ſome Profeſſors are who are alwayes finding fault; p. 59and many times where they cannnot finde, the make offences; and ſeldom have a good word for any but themſelves.

But this worthy Gentlewoman had much of the character of charity in her, bearing all things believing all things hoping all things and enduring all things, 1 Cor. 13.7.1 Cor 13:7wich were any way capable of a fairer interpretation.

The truth is, ſhe found ſo much work to doe at home in her own heart, that ſhe had little leaſure to ſtir abroad

It is a pretty Criticiſm that the ſame word in the Greek which ſignifieth to be idle, foreign, or ior, arguo.ſignifieth alſo to cenſure: implying that idle Chriſtians are moſt cenſorious.

p. 60She would often ſay to me, that ſhe durſt not too critically enquire into or judge others who came to the Sacrament (unleſs ſhe knew them ſcandalous) ſhe had enough to doe, to make out her own right to that tremendous Ordinance.

Ninethly, ſhe was of a moſt ſweet and chearfull ſpirit; Chearfulneſs.ſhe did not want her croſſes and trials (and great ones too) yet ſeldom was there a cloud ſeen upon her countenance; the ground Whereof was the inward ſerenitie which ſhe poſſeſt in her own ſpirit, in the ſence of Gods love and her intereſt in Chriſt; of which ſhe had moſt precious Scripture evidence, which was ballaſt to her ſoule in all weathers. Surely the joy of p. 61the Lord was her ſtrength, Nehem. 18.10.

Tenthly, and laſtly, She was beyond all parallel; good in her Relations. Never Mother had a better C ie: never children bad a better Mother: never Servants had a better Governour: never Friends a better Friend: ſhe fild all her Relations with wiſdom and fidelitie.verſe before my text.

Her Children riſe up and call her bleſſed.

She was a Mother of ten thouſand to them, Both in reſpect of

A good mother in temporals.Their Temporal Eſtates.

Their Spiritual Eſtates.

As to their Temporals; God wrought little leſs then miraculouſly by her, for p. 62their aboundant enlargement.

Three Sons ſhe had by two ſeveral Husbands, to whom ſhe hath left faire and liberal Eſtates, as if they had been all Elder Bro…hers, though it was not in the power of their dying Fathers hands to do it.

Hir Firſt-born, Sir Howland Roberts of Glaſſenbury in Kent.Her Firſt-born, the hopes and honour of his Fathers Family, by her wiſdome and indefatigable induſtry, ſhe hath quietly inveſted into the Ancient and Honorable Inheritance of his Noble Ancestors of Glaſſenbury in Kent: in the Poſſeſſion of that Ancient Name of the Roberts, alias Rookherſts ever ſince the Conqueſt: So makeing …ood Solomons character, the wiſe woman buildeth her houſe, Pro. 14.1.

p. 63Her youngeſt Son.Her youngeſt Son, born but to a third part of his Ancestors inheritance; and that alſo not without incumbrances, by her incredible prudence, ſhe hath leſt now Heire Apprent to the whole eſtate; not of a mean conſideration.Conghurſt in Hawkhurſt in Kent. With the Exemplar in this deſcription of an Execellent woeman, v. 16. She conſidered the field and bought it, and with the fruit of her hands, ſhe planted the vinyard.

Her Middle Son; Second by her firſt huſband,Her middle ſon. born to little or nothing of his progenitors; by the favour God gave his gracious mother in the ſight of her own Honorable family, was adopted into a very worthy portion of a Noble inheritance of p. 64the Howlands.

The elder gracious, the younger hopefullFor her two daughters who were very pretious in her eyes, She hath Secured ſortions not beneath their living Fathers honour though far above their dying abilities.

It is wonderfull in my eyes that ſhe ſhould provide ſo fully for all her children out of ſuch a narrow and perplexed eſtate as fell to her managing by her Huſbands, for certainely the world (as it is uſually) did overvalue her incoms and undervalue her iſſues.

I ſay it is not leſs then a miracle to any that ſhall duly conſider it that ſhe ſhould have ſo little, (comparatively) and doe ſo much; both for her one family and for the p. 65Houſhold of Faith.

She gave to ſtrangers, as if ſhe had forgotten her own Children; and ſo provided for her Children as if ſhe had been a ſtranger to works of mercy.

But doubtleſs God was with her and made good the Miſtery of the widows Cruſe of Oyle, & handful of Meale, for the paying of her debts, & preſerving of her Family.

This worthy Gentlewoman was not leſs a Mother to them in Spirituals then in temporals: A good mother in ſpirituals.the neglect whereof is the great ſinne of moſt Parents, and the ruine of their Children;I b. 39.13.14.15.16. of whom we may ſay as Job of the Ostrich, She leaveth her Eggs in the Earth, and warmeth them in the duſt; and p. 66forgetteth that the foor may cruſh them, or that the wild beaſts may breake them; ſhe is hardened againſt her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vaine without feare, becauſe God hath deprived her of wiſdom, neither hath he imparted unto her underſtanding.

The moſt of Parents, if they can but Earth their Children enough, and warn them in the Duſt, the Duſt-heapes of the world, if they can but lade them with thick Clay, as Habbakkuk phraſeth ſilver and gold:Hab. 2.6.Hab 2:6 they think they have provided well for them: in the mean time th…y conſider not that the foot of temptation may cruſh them, or that wilde bruitiſh luſts may deſtroy p. 67them, they remember not that in all this proviſion heaped up, there is nothing done for the immortal ſoule; nothing laid in that may be a fence againſt temptation, or a preſervative againſt ſin: ſo much their hearts are hardened againſt their young ones; as though either they were not theirs, or, as if they had no ſouls. Their labour is in vain; all the care and travel for their Children is fruitleſs, laid out only upon emptie vanities, which periſh in the uſing, and their Children with them, forever without intervening grace.

The Reaſon followeth; The god of this world hath deprived them of ſaving wiſdome, and hath ſhut their eyes againſt ſpiritual underſtanding.

p. 68This precious Handman of the Lord was not ſo: Her great care was to make them good, rather then great; rich in grace, rather then rich in the world. Her word was towards them that of the Apoſtle, my little children of whom I travel in birth again, (or the ſecond time) till Chriſt be formed in you.Gal 3.19.Gal 3:19

I am confident their ſpiritual birth coſt her more throws and ſorrows; more cries and tears then ever their natural did. Her Children were all (to my knowledge) to her, what Aug. was to Monica, Children of many tears and prayers, which are all upon the file in Heaven; and I am humbly confident, anſwers of peace are preparing for them; they p. 69were all the Children of her vows.

Oh the care and pains ſhe took for their holy educa ion! what perpetual labour did that gracious foule take in Catechiſing them in the princples of Religion,Chatechizing. continually dropping in holy inſtructions!

How carefull was ſhe that they ſhould ſanctifie the Sabbath? read the Scriptures? repeat Sermons? wherein all of them had attained to excellent abilities, ſome by pen, the reſt (even the * youngeſt by memory: Not above nine or ten yeares of age.) her Methods and Travell herein were incredible.

Surely, in all theſe reſpects, as it is here ſaid of this Excellent woman,verſe 28. Her Children riſe up and call her bleſſed.

p. 70They doe, and they have cauſe ſo to doe; and great need they have to look that the Harveſt be anſwerable to the ſeed; leſt otherwiſe, their Education riſe up in judgement againſt them in time to come; and they have cauſe to curſe themſelves inſtead of bleſſing her; and to wiſh they had been born of a Turk or an Infidel, rather then of ſo holy a Mother.

But I hope better things, &c.

Her care of her ſervants.Her ſervants have not leſt cauſe to bleſs her, then her Children; whoſe Spiritual ſoule good ſhe tendered as if they had all been the fruit of her owne bowels: They ſhared with her Children in her pious diſcipline and inſtruction according to their ſeveral capacities p. 71ſhe would caution them to prepare for holy Ordinances,Holy Ordinances. and enquire how it was with them after the Ordinance was finiſhed, what they remembred? what impreſſions they found upon their Spirits? She would be often conferring wi…h them about their Evidences, always calling upon them to get a bottom, to work out their ſalvation with fear and trembling, and to redeem the time.

I had almoſt ſaid ſhe had none in her Family but godly ſervants; and the reaſon is, becauſe if ſhe did not finde them ſuch, ſhe would labour to make them ſuch, at leaſt conformable to the outward duties of religion; which if any after due admonition refuſed, ſhe would not retain p. 70them longer in her Family.

She had a ſpirit of prayer.She practiſed much Devids Platform of Occon… cal Government in the to Pſalm.

She had an excellent Spirit of Prayer, but accompanied with a rare modeſty, for though (when ſhe had … Chaplain in her houſe,) ſhe was able to perform the duty in her own perſon with much judgement & affection, Yet in the preſence of thoſe for whom ſhe conceived that work more proper, ſhe could not be tempted to undertak… it, with the greateſt Solicitation and importunity.

In a word to cloſe this firſt branch of Excellency, ſhe was a ſincere practiſer of that Evangelical Rule. p. 73Whatſoever things are true, Phil. 4.8.Phil 4:8whatſoever things are honeſt, whatſoever things are juſt, whatſoever things are pure, whatſoever things are lovely, whatſoever things are of good report, if there were any vertue; and if there were any praiſe, theſe were the things ſhe thought of, theſe were the things ſhe purſued with life and vigour.

And thus I have done with the firſt Ingredient Her Univerſality.

Her eminency in grace.The ſecond is her Eminencie; as ſhe was univerſal, ſo ſhe was eminent in goodneſs.

But herein I have prevented my ſelf in the univerſalitie neither could I avoid it; I could not ſpeak of her gra…, but I muſt mention alſo her Eminency in thoſe graces.

p. 74And it is well; for if that were yet to doe, I might be over burthen ſome.

I ſhall adde only the word; that this Noble Chriſtian; ſhe was as much above the ſize of other Profeſſors as they are above the ſize of other men and women, not only really good, but moſt Exemplary.

And thirdly, and laſtly, … ſhe was eminently good, ſo ſhe was perſeveringly good.

Her perſeverance.She was no wavering Chriſtian: And the reaſon is, becauſe ſhe built not upon the ſand but upon the Ra… not upon the ſand of imitation (the Rule that moſt t… up their Religion by) but upon the Rock and Found… on of Scripture evidence: … wa… a moſt Noble B…rean; p. 75She took up nothing upon truſt but ſearched the Scriptures whither thoſe things were ſo which were delivered unto her in the Miniſtry of the Goſpell.Act. 17.11. of an honorable extractions.Acts 17:11

To conclude, ſhe began betimes and endured to the end.

It pleaſed God to convert her preſently after her firſt marriage, about 26 yeares ſince.when (as ſhe hath often acknowledged) ſhe before was a vaine Creature carried away into the ſame pride and faſhions, and neglect of God and of religion as other of her rank were. The occaſion of her converſion was by a dangerous fall from an horſe,The occaſion of her Converſion. for in the dayes of her vanity ſhe delighted much to ride a hunting; in her vehement purſuit of p. 76which games Jeſus Chriſt met her as once he did Paul and unhorſt her, ſo that lying at his feet and having received in her ſelf the ſ…nte… of death both temporal & eternal ſhe began to cry out (as he did) with trembling and aſtoniſhment, Lord what wilt thou have me to do, Act. 9.6.

Soon after her converſion while it was but yet twylight with her ſhe unhappily fel in to the hands of ſome Sectaries who did rather perplex her then pervert her;How ſhe fell into the Sectaries. but God was graciouſly pleaſed to make a ſpeedy reſcue of this tender convert, by the Counſell and wiſdome of a reverend holy Miniſter of an adjacent Congregation,But was ſeaſonably reſcued. with the care and watchfulneſſe p. 77of divers other judicious Chriſtians who were jealous over her with an holy jealouſy.

I ſaid [unhappily] but I muſt recal that word (though no thanks to the ſeducer) Godmade it an happy occaſion of much good to her ſoul, for the ſnare being once broken & ſhe eſcaped like a bird out of it, ſhe hated heriſies & ſchiſm with a greater hatred; and ſtood unſhaken in the truth of God, and fellowſhip with the Saints to her dying day. From that time ſhe girded up her loines & rejoyced like a mighty man refreſheth with wine to run her race.

From that time I ſay God carryed on the work of grace gloriouſly in her ſoul. Her p. 78goodneſſe was no morning cloud, not early dew that goeth away. But as the morning light which ſhineth more and more unto the perfect day: Pro. 4.18.Prov 4:18the Heb. is to be tranſlated word for word thus.

The way of the juſt is as a light ſhining and growing and enlightning unto, or untill the prepared day. The deſcription agreeth ſingularly with this Saint of God; the grace of God in her, was a light very conſpicuous, ſhining in a Goſpel adorning converſation, and growing or going, ſtill aſcending and gathering ſtrength and illuminating; Scattering beames of of light and warmth untill the prepared day, or perfect day, the day that is prepared unto perfection, And p. 79oh how earely did this ſhining Chriſtian attaine to her prepared perfection! Her Sun did ſet at none day. She was tranſlated into the other Orb of glory, when ſhe had finiſhed little more then halfe her courſe in the firmament of grace, and the reaſon was becauſe ſhee did much work in a little time; ſhe ran a pace, and therefore arrived the earlier at her journeys end.

When ſhe came to dye, Her death.ſhe had nothing to doe but to dye, her work was done; ſhe had oyl in her veſſel as well as oyl in her lamp, her graces were in a readineſſe; her evidences were clared, her intereſt in Chriſt was ſealed upon her heart by the ſpirit of promiſe; And She her ſelf p. 80ſtood alwayes as it were at the doore of her Tabernacle waiting for her Lord: when he ſhould return from the wedding; that when he came and knockt,Lu. 12.35. She might open to him immediately.

And happy it was for her ſhe was ſo prepared; for death gave her but little warning, Her deathnot that it killed her outright at the firſt ſtroke; but in as much as the nature of her diſtemper was ſuch, as that ſeazing firſt upon her ſpirits, it rendred her uncapable of ſpeaking much, or having much ſpoken to her; the preventing whereof was the ſpeciall care and charge of her Doctors.

So that had ſhe had her evidences to ſeek when ſhe ſhould have had them to uſe, p. 81her graces to get when ſhe ſtood in need of her graces; death might have bin indeed a ſurpriſe to her of the Saddeſt conſequence imaginable.

Hence I ſay from the firſt of her ſickneſſe to the laſt,She ſpake not but very ſpiritual. ſhe ſpake not much, but what ſhe did ſpeake was ſpirituall and heavenly; upon the firſt ſeizure of her diſtemper, ſhe called her two daughters to her and renewed Joſhuahs charge upon them to ſerve the Lord, and to feare him; A Fever in her Spi… its.to take heed of ſinning againſt God; as they deſired God ſhould take care of them. From the time ſhe kept her bed ſhe would be often ſpeaking with holy admiration, how infinitely good God had bin unto her evere ſince p. 86he had bin pleaſed to reveal his Son in her. Gal 1.16.Gal 1:16She did often expreſs St Paul his holy indifference to life or death, I am willing to die, and yet contented to live if I may doe more ſervice for God.Phil. 1.22.22.Phil 1:22

My ſelfe ſtanding by her once, I ſaid to her, you would be glad to be gone from us, would ye not▪ ſhe turned her head, and with a ſweet ſmile replyed, I deſire not to leave you, but I would be glad to be with Ieſus Chriſt.

If ſhe were aſkt, how ſhe did, ſhe would ſometimes anſwer, I am the Lords Priſoner,ſometimes, An admirour of free graces and ſo I deſire to be. She p. 87was very willing to take whatſoever was adviſed; and would often heavenlize earth-refreſhings with ſpirituall contemplation, Oh this is very good and pleaſant would ſhe ſay; and if this be ſo good oh how ſweet is my good God? how pleaſant is Jeſus Chriſt?

Her expreſſions were but ſhort, but very ſweet; an heavenly ejaculation or two and then ſilence for a conſiderable time. Her daughters ſtanding by her beds ſide, ſhe beſpake them after this manner.

Oh children how ſweet and precious is Christ, but oh how bitter a thing is ſin? and after a little breathing: Be ſure to get an intereſt in Christ and try your faith.

To the Nurſes and ſervants p. 84that came to turn her in her bed (for the Fever that had accended her ſpirits) and exhauſted her ſtrength ſo faſt in a few dayes, that ſhe was not able to turn, or help her ſelfe in the leaſt meaſure, ſhe would ſay, I am very weak; but my God is very ſ…rong, and there is my comfort, he will lift me up.

Her elder daughter out of a childe-like deſire of her life: would. Sometime ſay.

Mother I hope the Lord in much mercy will reſtore you to us againe;

To which ſhe retuned what God pleaſeth; if ho have no more work for me to doe then I am exceeding willing to dye and to be with p. 85Chriſt which is beſt of all, but if God doe recover me, the Lor… give me more grace that I may walk anſwerably to his mercies.

Upon the Sabbath morning it being Sacrament day, her eldeſt daughter came to take her leave of her ſaying.

Mother, I am going to Church and to the Sacrament,

That is well, ſaid ſhe, but I cannot go, only be ſure to go in the ſ…rength of Chriſt, and doe all your duties in his ſtrength, knowing that we have none of our own to doe any thing that is good, & the Lord goe with you; with many other gracious words which dropt like hony from her lips.

The younger daughter p. 82ſtaying at home, ſhe askt her (according to her conſtant uſe) childe what do you remember of what you have read? and when the childe repeated ſome portion of it, ſhe anſwered,

It is well, but be ſure to practiſe it.

And then ſhe would break out again, Oh how ſweet is Jeſus Chriſt, but what an ougly thing is ſin.

When the evening came, ſhe called to her elder daughter, to go and repeate the Sermons ſhe had heard in the Family, as ſhe uſed to doe.

On the next day coming to viſit her, I found her very weake, yet I preſumed on ſo much liberty as to hint a word or two, to this purpoſe p. 83I hope ye have found no want of a Sabbath the laſt day; though God tye us to means, he doth not tye himſelf to means, the preſence of Jeſus Chriſt I hope hath abundantly compenſated the abſence of the Ordinances!

Yea, (ſhe replyed) I I ſate under his ſhadow with great delight, and his fruit was ſweet unto my taſte.

She was from thence (for ſome houres) under a kinde of delirium; but it was very calm and gracious, for that night the Curtains being drawn (and all attendants enjoyned ſilence by the Phyſitians) ſhe lay praying the greateſt part of the night, with as much ſweetneſs and ſavor as in her health: And when the Maids and Nurſes p. 88came about her, ſhe wor… ſpeak moſt ſenſibly to them Oh labour to make your calling and election ſure, get an intereſt in Chriſt while you are in health and ſtrength.

After this the diſtemper working more in her head, occaſioned her to ſpeake ſomewhat erratickly, though (bleſſed bee God) never uncomely; Yea and if any good notion were hinted, ſhe would cloſe with it very ſweetly, and chiding her ſelf would ſay in a very ſenſible manner, My fooliſh fancy runs upon abundance of other things, that I cannot stay my thoughts upon God as I would.

And ſo continued ſpeaking p. 89much to her ſelf and her God, though not very diſtinctly, yet all very ſpiritually.

From the time ſhe kept her Chamber, which was from Wedneſday till Monday, ſhe never ſpake of any wordly affairs; and if her ſervant had come to ask her any queſtion in order to her temporal affairs, ſhe would ſay to him, oh do not trouble me with any of theſe things on the Sabbath day.

During the greateſt part of her ſickneſſe.For that was one of her happy miſtakes, ſhe thought all the whole time was Sabbath.

And truly ſo it was to her: The Law of the Sabbath was was eng…aven upon her heart; what others wickedly pretend p. 90(indeed to the … liſhing of the Sabbath, not to the ſpirituallizing of then converſations) was real in this holy ſervant of Chriſt. Every day was a Sabbath with her, eſpecially upon her death-bed, as ſhe drew nearer and nearer to that reſt which remaines for the children of God; ſhe was wrought into a more ſutable frame of heart to that everlaſting Sabbath her motion heaven-ward was natural, motions are ſtronger & ſwifter towards the center, after which ſhe aſpired, and into which ſhe expired: And in which ſhe now triumpheth with Him whom her ſoule loved, and with the Spirits of juſt men made perfect; and all p. 91the Elect Angels of God to all Eternity.

Thanks be to God for his unſpeakable gift.

FINIS.