Death, Bill 2
The next Day (which was appointed for her Execution) being Lecture Day, July 31 1701 This other Bill was preſented by one that took it from her own mouth.
ESTher Rodgers a poor Priſoner of Hope, under Sentence of Death, which is in a few hours to take place upon her, being through Gods Grace made ſenſible of the juſt hand of God upon her, for her great and crying ſins ſhe was found guilty of before God and man: Conſidering ſhe is upon the Brink of Eternity, which ſhe hopes will be a Bleſſed Eternity to her; and having a comfortable aſſurance thereof, thro' Gods infinite mercy in Chriſt vouchſafed to her ſo great a Sinner, ſhe humbly begs the Prayers of all Gods People for her, as being the laſt time ſhe ſhall enjoy ſuch a benefit here in this world; that the Lord will be pleaſed to ſtand by her, and ſtrengthen her, that her Faith and Hope in Chriſt may hold out to the end; & that her heart may be opened & enlarged to declare to others what God has done for her Soul; and to give warning to thoſe that are Standers by, to take heed of falling into any ſuch ways and courſes, as ſhe has been left unto.
Some time before the Publick Lecture began, the Reverend Mr. Wiſe went in to viſit the Priſoner, and began to quaery with her, about her Spiritual Condition, viz In what preparation ſhe was for Death, that was now approaching?
Her anſwer was in expreſſion of much comfort and aſſurance of her future well being.
In the inte…im of time came in a Gentlewoman that was her peculiar Viſitant, and asked her how ſhe found her ſelf this morning? She anſwered, her hopes and comfort continued▪
Queſt. Whether, when her Coffin was brought in, it did not daunt her?
Anſw. No, but it rather miniſtred matter of comfort to me. Then Mr. Wiſe replied to what he heard from her, that if this were real, the effect of a Saving Change upon her heart, ſhe of a poor miſerable Malefactor was become one of the greateſt Favourites to the King of Heaven. Why Eſther can you entertain Death, and ſuch terrible Forerunners of it in ſuch Triumph? Then you are very happy: But are you not miſtaken? Will you give me leave to make a more exact ſcrutiny into the State of your Soul? Then pray, be free and plain hearted, that I may have a particular account of your Spiritual State For this ſhe deſired Privacy: whereupon the whole Company withdrew. And Mr. Wiſe proceeded in diſcourſe with her after this manner.
Eſther, The Godly after Grace is implanted, God is want to order that they paſs variety of trials for the proof of the ſoundneſs of their State, that Divine Grace in them may grow into greater aſſurance: So that to put you upon an Examination of this nature, will be no diſadvantage to you. Therefore let me have liberty more c…itically to enquire into the ground of your fore mentioned hopes: I would not at ſuch a time moleſt your Spiritual quiet, yet you are now within a few hours to appear before a Jealous and Omniſcient Judge; you cannot be too curious in ſe…ling all things right between Him and your Soul, under the benefit of means. There is no room to err twice in this Adventure. If there be any eſſential error in your State, and it continues, you are undone for ever. Therefore take my freedom in good part.
Queſt. Where are your hopes placed?
Anſw. In the Mercy of God, and Merits of Chriſt.
Queſt. You have been a very great Criminal, What ſenſe have you had of Sin? have you ſeen it exceeding ſinful?
Anſw. Yes, It has been a greater grief to me that I have offended God, than for what I have, or ſhall yet endure for my Sin. The time haſtens, give me a diſtinct account of the work of Gods Spirit upon your heart.