SUSANNA PERWICH
Her's all that's left. Reader, untimely Death
Hath Snatcht the rest: hee needs would stop the breath
Of this our sweet harmonious Queene of loue
And by her lifeles picture plainly proue
Nor Goodnes, Beauty, Breeding finest parts
Where sin is found n [...]n shend from his feirce darts
But what th [...] Effigies wants, the Booke will tell
[...] Jnwarrd Splendors, looke and View them well.

THE Virgins Pattern IN THE Exemplary Life, and lamented Death OF Mrs. SUSANNA PERWICH, Daughter of Mr. ROBERT PERWICH; Who departed this Life, every way rarely [...]complished Virgin, in the flower of her Age, at her Father's House in Hackney, near London, in the Coun­ty of Middlesex▪ July 3. 1661.

Published at the earn [...] request of divers knew her well, for the use and benefit of others▪

By John Batchiler, a neer Relation, that occasio [...] ­ly hath had an intimate converse in the [...] ly with her, more or less, the grea [...] part of her Life.

London Printed by Simon Dover, and are so [...] at his House, in Martins, near Alde [...]sgat [...] and at Book-sellers shops, [...]

To all the young Ladies and Gentle-women, of the several Schools, in and about the City of London, or elsewhere; more particu­larly to those of Mrs. Per­wich her School at Hackney.

Sweet Ladies and Gentle-women,

THE reason why this en­suing Relation (wor­thy of all future me­mory) is chiefly pre­sented unto you, is the equity and congruity thereof; together with that particular right, by which you, of all others, seem to lay claim to it. The Person here spoken of, was bred up in the same Fa­ [...]ily with you, and among you, a daily object before you, and a lively exam­ple [Page] to as many of you as had wisdom to take notice and make use of it. The manifold Excellencies that shined in her, whether natural, acquired, or in­fused, are not unknown to you. Whatever was ornamental to body or mind, from nature, breeding, or grace it self, she had as much of it, yea, more (all cir­cumstances considered) than any that I have heard or read of. Indeed some there were of those eight hundred that have been educated in her Father's house within the compass of her time, that did out-do the rest in their respe­ctive seasons, some in one quality, some in another, according to their dif­ferent capacities, and the pains they took, or the time they spent, more or less, in the School: but not any one that came neer to her in one half of those en­dowments and rare abilities (without offence be it spoken) that She had attain­ed unto, as will appear abundantly in the ensuing Narration thereof. For if that be true which Mr. Rogers, Mr. [Page] Bing, Mr. Coleman, Mr. Brian, Mr. Hazard, and the rest of the Masters of the School, have often said in respect of the several qualities she learned of them, that (to use their own words) they knew not where she hath left her fellow in the world: when all her other excellencies are considered also, in con­junction with them, it must needs be then much more true. That is a rich Jewel which is made up of all manner of pre­cious stones; and that a sweet Nose-gay that hath all sorts of fragrant flowers in it; even such lustres and pleasant mixtures were conspicuous in Her, to every unprejudiced and impartial eye. Indeed it was her hap to be less known to, and less loved by some, than others; whether it were out of a secret envy at her eminent worth, by which she out-shined them, or from too severe a cen­sure of that in her, which even in them­selves (because of higher rank in the world) they did easily allow, I know not. But this I can and do affirm, with [Page] truth concerning her, that when she was told above a year before her death, that certain persons (not here to be named) who wished her well, were jealous of her, lest she were puffed up with pride, and the love of vanity; the only answer she made, was, That whatever they thought of her, she honoured them for the grace of Christ she believed was in them, and that she hoped God would en­able her to make a good use of this their fear of her, for the better observing of her own heart, and the keeping it the more humble.

Among those inducements that oc­casioned the publishing of this, some of the chief are these which follow.

First, to rofute the opinion of such as greatly blame the education of publick Schools, as if they were places of all other, most dangerous to corrupt the manners of youth: Behold here a great instance to the contrary, besides many others that might be named of the very same School, there having been al­wayes [Page] some as virtuous and religious young Gentlewomen brought up there, as in any private Family whatsoever. Nor is it difficult to go to the several Ci­ties and Counties of this Kingdom, and find out the Houses in which many of them are surviving, beautiful Orna­ments of the places where they live, ei­as ther Virgins, Wives, or Matrons.

Secondly, to give a proof of the restlessness of a Soul once touched with Divine Love; for let it be where it will, though cumbered with never so much business, and called off with ne­ver so many divertisements, yet early or late, at one time or another, it will have its opportunities of converse with God, and will not be hindered, but ra­ther lose both meat and sleep; than such opportunities as these.

Thirdly, to let all men see that there is something in that which we call Grace, which in the midst of all the most enticing vanities, and blandish­ments of the world, can and doth ravish [Page] the heart more then all these ever did or could do. Here was a young Gentle­woman in the flower of her Age, com­passed about with all manner of delights and entertainments, that a carnal mind could desire, and yet what dead things were they to her, and she to them! how were they mutually crucified each to other, when once her nature was renew­ed, and she felt the sweetness of the change! how was an entire Commu­nion with God, even an Heaven upon Earth unto her! Holiness (let prophane scoffers and wretched Atheists say what they will of it) hath something in it more lovely than all the Beauties in the world; something more sweet than all the Musicks in the world; something mor [...] [...] all the Pleasures in t [...] [...]

Fourthly and lastly, to set a rare Pat­te [...] and Example to all that shall hap­pen to hear or read of this Relation; and indeed this is none of the least in­ducements, because it pleased the Lord [Page] that divers, who are now living, are able and ready to witness and acknow­ledge, that her Example, while they were in the Family with her, did not only con­vince them of their own neglect of the duties which she constantly practised betwixt God and her own soul, and smote their consciences for it; but did so far work upon them, as to cause them to do the like ever since. It may there­fore be reasonably hoped, that God may bless the same Example unto others, though she be dead; and were it not for such an end as this, how vain would the publication hereof be? Can it any way availe her now she is gone? surely no­thing less; let none therefore be so un­charitable as to think, that th [...] Author hereof can propou [...] [...] end therein, but such [...] [...]n­ed. He hopes he [...]th better learned Christ; nor yet that what is here related is more out of favour or affection than otherwise. Those that please to enquire, will find witnesses enough to assert the [Page] whole truth of the premises; and there­fore notwithstanding the unkind cen­sures of any, out of a desire of serving Christ, and the good of precious souls, he can appeal to God, he hath done this, and accordingly makes it his earnest Prayer for a blessing on it: who to shew his resolution to own & make good what­ever is here said, subscribes his Name,

John Batchiler.

To the READER.

Courteous Reader,

IF it be asked why any part of the above-mentioned Relation is re­peated in Verse, it is for the sake of such as affect Poetry, rather than Prose; but in case those that read the Prose avoid the Verses, as containing part of the same matter, let them also please to take notice, that divers things are interspersed in Verse, that they find not in the Prose, and that at least one half of the Verses, viz. from the 50. Section to the end, is all new matter, and I hope such as will not be altogether unprofitable to the inge­nuous honest-hearted Reader.

J. B.

The exemplary Iafe, and lamented Death of Mistris Susanna Per­wich, Daughter of Robert Per­wich, of Hackney, in the County of Middlesex, Gent. who dyed a rarely accomplish'd Virgin, at one of the clock in the afternoon, on Wednes­day, the 3. of July, 1661. in the 25. year of her Age.

SHE was born upon the 23. day of Sept. in the year of our Lord, 1636. in the Parish of Alderman­bury, London; where, having by the care and cost of her Pa­ [...]ents been sent to School to learn to read [...]s soon as capable thereof;Her early pregnancy while a child. this was remark­able in her at that tender age, that she [...]ould needs learn by hearing and obser­ving [Page 8] others rather than by the teaching o [...] her Mistris, taking a delight it seems t [...] get her learning altogether by her own in­dustry; yea, so impatient she was of bein [...] instructed by any, that she would altoge­ther refuse their help, and yet rested no [...] till she had attained to an ability of read­ing Scripture, full as well and as distinctly as any of her elder Sisters; an argumen [...] of such Pregnancy and Ingenuity, as is no [...] ordinary in young children.

When she was seven years and a hal [...] old, her Father removing his dwelling to his School at Hackney, where now he live [...] She among the rest of his Children,A most rare Musician, & plays at sight on the Tre­ble Viol at 14. years & a half old. had the advantage of a choice breeding there, and in short time made no small Progress in it, especially in the grounds of Musick; for at fourteen years and a half old, She was able to play in Consort, at the first sight upon the treble Viol, and this with so much skill, ease, and sweetness, that She gave no ordinary hopes of proving a very rare Mu­sician. Indeed such an harmonious soul She had, and a genious so exceeding tractable to all sorts of Musick,Took her Musick as it were natu­rally. that one of her Ma­sters (Mr. Ives hy name) was wont to say he could play no new Lesson before her, but She would have it presently: insomuch that not himself only, but divers others [Page] her Instructers in that Art, were not a [...]tle proud of her.

The first that grounded her in the notes [...] Musick, and enabled her to play so ex­ [...]llently on the treble Viol, was Mr. Tho­ [...]as Flood, who falling sick, and continuing [...] a long time, it occasioned her Father [...] make choice of a new Master (Mr. Wil­ [...]am Gregory by name) who being eminent­ [...] skilful at the Lyra Viol, did very much [...]tter the making and forming of her [...]and, Becomes ex­cellent at the Lyra Viol. and was the first that gave her that [...]re delicious stroke, which afterwards be­ [...]me so singularly peculiar to her self. He so taught her all varieties of rare turn­ [...]gs. That which made her so expert, both [...] her own play, and in judging of others [...]hen She heard them, was her most cu­ [...]ous ear, seldom equalled by any, the very [...]st Masters in that Art. Divers Books [...]he read of excellent composure, and under­ [...]ood them well; nor cared She for any Les­ [...]ns but what were very choice; but her [...]hief delight was in divisions upon grounds [...] which She had the best that England [...]uld afford.

Her principal Master at the Viol, for the [...]st seven years, was Mr. Stephen Bing, a [...]rviving witness of her admirable abili­ [...]es, which in great part (to his honour [Page 4] be it spoken) She gained from him, it be­ing very much his care and ambition, to en­courage her with the best grounds and suits of Lessons that could be gotten, and thereby bring her to the highest perfecti­ons attainable at the Viol.

When She played on this Instrument, though singly, as She used it, it gave the delight of a full Consort; but when in Consort with other Viols, or a set of Lute [...] only, or Viols and Lutes together, or with the Harpsicord or Organ, still her Instru­ment was Queen of all, and as if it ha [...] been touched by more than a mortal hand, gave so delicious a sound, and so distinctly too, that any judicious ear might discei [...] it above the rest; insomuch that it migh [...] be truly said, look what the racy flavour i [...] to the richest Wine; fragrancy to flowers▪ varnish to colours; burnish to gold; spark­ling to diamonds; and splendor to the light [...] that was her ravishing stroke to all the o­ther Musick;She plays in­comparably, and yet sits as if she min­ [...] it not. and yet (which was the mor [...] admirable) She sate so steady, and free from any the least unhandsom motion in her bo­dy, so modestly careless, and as it wer [...] thoughtless of what She was about, as i [...] She had not been concerned at all; and al [...] this She did, though She never spent th [...] tenth part of that time in private practise [Page] which others are wont to do; for indeed She made better use of her time, at other sorts of higher Musick, which was much sweeter to her, as we shall hear anon.

As her accomplishments at the Viol were superlatively great, so at the Lute also, in which Mr. Ashberry having done his part towards her, in teaching of her till he dy­ed; And at the Lute. Mr. John Rogers the rare Lutenist of our Nation, for the last three years, came after him, and added much more to her; professing that her skill at this Instrument was so very exquisite, and her hand so sweet, that he never taught any like her. When She played on the Viol, She seemed to transcend at that Instrument above all the rest, and when She played on the Lute, She seemed to transcend as much there; such a contention, and so pleasant, scarce was ever known from one and the same Vir­gins hand before.

Had leisure given leave, that She could have spared time from her other Instru­ments and employments, Mr. Albertus Brian, that famously velvet fingered Orga­nist, would gladly have done the same for her, which he hath done for one of her Sisters yet living, in making her as rare at the Harpsecord, as She was at any of her other sorts of Musick; and so have paired [Page] the two Sisters together; one set of the choisest Lessons at this Instrument, [...]lso at the [...]arpsecord. at the request of the said Mr. Brian, She learned of him, and as himself affirms, not only at­tained them in a very short time, but played them as well as he himself could.

To this her Instrumental Musick we may adde her Vocal, no less delicious and ad­mirable, if not more excellent; as if her Lungs had been made on purpose, (as no doubt they were) by their natural melodies to out-do the artificial;She sings most sweetly. and here Mr. Edward Coleman, her Master, and one of greatest renown, for his rare abilities in singing, deserves no less thanks and com­mendations for the care and delight he took in perfecting her in this Art also, than any of her other Masters.

She was an incomparable Dancer, as at Country, so in French dances, wherein she was so excellently curious, in her Po­stures, footings, and most graceful coun­tenance,A most cu­rious Dancer. that Mr. Hazard, her last and chief instructer therein, and one of the rarest Masters of that Art in England, ac­counted her a prime Flower of the Age in that respect, and said She was as knowing therein, as any Dancing-Master whatever.

The Fame of all which at last grew so publick and universal, that there are few [Page 7] places in England but have heard thereof, yea, and many parts beyond the Seas too. For not onely persons of high rank and quality, of all sorts, came from London, the Inns of Court, Her Music [...] frequented by strangers from all part not only in England, but in for­reign Na­tions. and out of several Coun­ties, to hear and judge of her abilities, especially the chiefest Musick-Masters that are now living: but many forreigners also, as French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, as well Agents and Embassadors, as other Travel­lers into these parts, desired a taste of these her rare qualities, alwayes going away with high admiration, saying that they had now seen one of the choisest rarities of Eng­land, and professing they never heard or knew of the like in any of their own Coun­treys.

All other parts of excellent breeding she likewise had; whatever curious Works at the needle, or otherwise can be named,She had all other parts of breeding, whether in curious works or whatever else. which Females are wont to be conversant in, whether by silver, silks, straws, glass, wax, gum [...], o [...] any other of the like kinde, she was perfectly skilled in. To say nothing of her ability at the pen, where, being an accountant, her skill was more than ordina­ry women have; and in Arts of good house-wifry, and Cookery, wherein she had a good [Page 8] share likewise; I hasten rather to the more noble perfections of her mind, which in­deed were very aimable and lovely.

For she had a delicate and nimble wit, a quick apprehension, a clear understanding, a sound judgement, [...]er natural [...]rts. a fine invention, a te­nacious memory, which (as we shall hear anon) she was not wont to stuffe with va­nity, but with what was most worthy to be learned and kept. And as these natural parts and reasonable faculties of her soul, so her moral virtues also were eminent. She was very discreet, [...]er moral [...]irtues. wise, and prudent in her actions; not passionate, nor retentive of an­ger, never over merry, but modestly grave and composed; of a very comely and hand­som carriage, insomuch that strangers were wont to say, when she came into their pre­sence, they had not seen a more sweet com­portment, or a more taking person. For disposition, so affable, kind, and courteous, that she soon gained the love of all, where ever she came. Her discourse was alwayes pertinent and useful, not at all loquacious, her speech being rather sontentious, than garrulous. These and many such like grace­ful ornaments, added unto the comeliness of her person, rendred her very winningly [Page] acceptable to all that knew her. But that which most of all commends her, and just­ly leaves her a very imitable example to all that shall hear of her, and for which principally this present Relation is penned, is much more considerable than what hath been yet said: Namely, that choice and precious work of Grace upon her heart, which God was pleased to work in her, and by which all her other excellencies were sweetly sanctified; the occasion whereof was as followeth.

About four years since, being disappoin­ted in the enjoyment of her desires in a Match then propounded to her,Her Conversion, and th [...] occasion of i [...] by the sud­den death of the party that had gained her affection, she wisely considered with her self, what the meaning of this so sad a pro­vidence should be; and at last, after many Prayers and tears to God, that he would bless this unexpected stroke to her, and some way make her a gainer by it, her heart began to be much broken and melted towards God,Her broken­ness of heart not so much for this tem­poral loss (which she often said might have proved a snare to her) as at the sight and sense of sin, and her estate by nature (which (though well educated all her time [Page 10] before) yet till now she had not taken much notice of.

The good work of God thus happily be­gun, ceased not, but went forward in her heart daily, to the joy of such near Rela­tions as knew of it; nor could she be quiet, till she had uttered all her mind herein to them, earnestly desiring the assistance of Counsel and Prayer, that she might fully understand her condition, and not be de­ceived therein. Of all things, she was ex­ceedingly urgent with God, that he would not suffer her to be mistaken herein. Indeed her fears thereof at first were many and great; the questions she put about it, not a few, but never came to be satisfied there­in, till God was pleased to give her a sight of that poysonous fountain of original cor­ruption,Her deep sense of Ori­ginal sin. with which she found her self al­wayes pestered, and so hindered in her desi­sired progress towards Heaven, that this sin above all others she much bewailed.

And farther became so deeply sensible of the danger thereof, and the necessity of an effectual remedy against it,She makes haste to Christ. that she made haste to run unto Jesus Christ. [...] help, and that not only for the pardon of this sin, but for power against it, and that continually.

Hereupon finding her heart alwayes burdened with sin, full of corrupt motions and affections, and yet still relieved by ap­plying Christ, with what he had done and suffered, unto her self, and also feeling her desires stirred up by the good Spirit of Grace, more eagerly to long after God, and the knowledge and enjoyment of him; and farther perceiving, that though the same good Spirit sometimes would melt her heart, yet at other times was pleased to leave her without those inward warmths, which in the use of the best means she laboured af­ter, but by her own strength could not at­tain unto: she from thence concluded that these changes which she thus felt within her, were the effects of some real and true work of God upon her; for thus she ar­gued, how comes it to pass, that I feel these alterations in my self, now and never before? How is it, that sometimes I am delighted with the inward and sweet work­ings of the Spirit of God upon my heart? and that at other times I am troubled for the want of it? I lived under the same Mi­nistry before; the same publick Ordinan­ces; injoyed the same helps in the Family, and from faithful friends that sought my [Page 12] souls best good, and prayed much for it; yet never till now could I find any of all this experience, from the different workings both of Sin and Grace in my own heart. Sure this is of God, said she, and can be from nothing else. Thus at last she came to be somewhat perswaded and confirmed con­cerning the goodness of her spiritual state, as one that was now got over the pangs of the new Birth, though not without many a salt tear, and broken heart.

Answerable to this first work, was the rest that followed to her dying day, especial­ly within the last two years of her life,Her Reli­gious course [...]f Life. and somewhat more; for when it pleased God so to order it by his permissive providence, that one which she most dearly loved, be­came guilty of a great offence through a sudden temptation that seized on her; it went neer to her, and was a great occasion of making her search into her own heart and wayes, more narrowly than ever, and not only to bless God that had kept her from the like, Looks more narrowly in­to her own heart. but also to mourn for those frailties of her youth, which formerly she minded not, though no other than what usually befal the very best that are.

Thence forward she betakes her self to [Page] a more careful and strict watchfulness o­ver her own heart;Is very watchful o­ver her self, and keeps close to duty. and to close and constant duty, not only in the Family, but most of all in secret, betwixt God and her own soul; insomuch that when she was sometimes missing, and earnestly called for, but could not be found; at last it appeared that she had often hid her self, to be alone with God, in the duties of meditation and fer­vent Prayer.

One of the first Discoveries hereof, was upon this accasion; being retired into her Closet, and as she thought,Her secret Communion with God, discovered against her Will. had sufficient­ly fastened the door inwardly, one of her most intimate Consorts, upon an urgent occasion, running hastily in with a violent motion, thrust the door open, little think­ing at that time, that she had been there; where she kneeling upon her knees, turned about to see what the matter was, the tears in the mean while, trickling down both her cheeks, but was much troubled at this in­terruption, and discovery of her Devo­tion.

Indeed that was one of the matters of her complaint, that she wanted convenien­cy for retirement, where she might fully vent her Soul to God, without disturbance [Page 14] or observation; and therefore because th [...] house was alwayes full of company, havi [...] well nigh an hundred, and sometimes mo [...] of Gentlewomen with their attendants; an [...] the Servants and Children of the house e­very where going up and down,She seeks the greatest privacy for her Devo­tion. in ev [...] Room, so that she could get no place [...] privacy; her manner was, in the day time, to get into the Garden, at such hour [...] when others might not so freely come in­to it, and there with her Bible, or som [...] other choice Book, spent an hour or more i [...] Reading, Meditation, and such ejaculation [...] as she could send up to Heaven in walking at which seasons, Findes much sweetness in her lonely walks with God. she hath sometimes sai [...] to such as she was wont to tell her min [...] to, her heart hath been as much warm [...] and refreshed in converse with God, as when she hath been most affected upon her knees elsewhere.

Mornings and Evenings she never sail­ed, by her good will, to read some portion of Scripture (if not called away by extra­ordinary business on a sudden) and to pour out her heart to God in private Prayer; A diligent Reader of the Scriptures. for which, because no place in the house was so convenient, and so far from noise and sight of others, as one certain re­mote [Page] room, where none usually came at [...]ose hours, The chief place of her retirement for holy du­ties. therefore that place of all others [...]e made choice of, in the dark Winter [...]venings, and the Mornings before the [...]amily was up; many a time hath she vi­ [...]ed one corner of that Room, which was [...]ost retired, with eyes and hands lift up to [...]eaven, kneeling at a chair with great [...]fection, which though she never knew that [...]ny took the least notice of (for that would [...]ave been a trouble to her) yet a certain [...]eer relation that often looked in at a cran­ [...]y of the door, which she had fastened in­ [...]ardly, and did not a little joy to see her [...] employed, is yet surviving as an eye-wit­ [...]ess of it. Sometimes her red eyes and [...]lubbered face, discovered her, before she could get conveniencies to wash them, notwithstanding that her hood was pulled over them. Nothing did more abash or [...]rouble her, than when any suspected what she had been about; not out of any shame of Religion (for that she owned upon all oc­casions very freely, Much trou­bled when discovered in them. as well among the Gentlewomen in the Family, as elsewhere) but out of an honest affectation of being more in this sense, than she would seem to be.

So sweet and pleasant was her Comm [...] nion with God in such retirements as thes [...] that she said, if ever she should change h [...] condition, it should be more for this re [...] son than any other, that she might hav [...] the full and free use of her time, and oth [...] helps for her soul.

It was observed, that she was alwaye [...] out of the way at five a clock, and appeare not till the Bell rang to Supper, at six [...] clock, or thereabout, which time she spen [...] in the aforesaid Duties.

If at any time she had omitted duty, 'tw [...] one of her greatest troubles afterward,Is much troubled for sins of omis­sion. an [...] when she sequestred her self unto duty, whether of Meditation or Prayer, she usually read some part of David's Psalms ( [...] Book which she greatly delighted in) because she alwayes found matter there, ver [...] proper, preparative and helpful to her i [...] the said Duties.

Among other profitable and fruitful Me­ditations, she was not a stranger to thoughts of Death, even in her best health▪ insomuch that when she heard a passing Bell or knel for any, her custom was to re­tire into a solitude for a good space, sometimes an hour or more, there to af­fect [Page] her heart with such considerations as [...]ere suitable to the occasion.

She never was better pleased then when [...]e met with any in holy Conference (a pra­ [...]se which she used (as often as she could [...]t opportunity) that communicated ex­p [...]riences of the same corruptions and tem­ [...]ations, that she found in her own heart;She loves the Commu­nication of Christian ex­periences. [...]nd withal, the same wayes of help and [...]lief against them.

When she found a deadness and coldness [...]pon her heart, as sometimes she did,By the dead­ness of her own heart findes conti­nual need of assisting Grace. and [...]ould not get it into a good frame towards [...]od, by any means she could use, this in­ [...]rence she made from it; that she hereby [...]erceived her dependance must be wholly up­ [...]n Free-grace, as for the acceptation of that she did, so for assistance and ability [...]o do what she ought: And several times [...]pon this occasion would let fall expressions [...]f wonderment, Wonders at those that plead for a power in na­ture. how any that pretended to [...] real acquaintance with God, and carry [...]orrupt hearts about them, alwayes dogged [...]nd set upon by temptations from Satan, [...]nd an evil world, could plead for a power [...]n themselves unto any thing that is good.

Her care for the spiritual welfare of her [...]eer Relations, and some others whom she dearly loved, was very great, and thereup­on [Page] took occasion often to admonish, exhor [...] and perswade them,She is care­ful for the souls of o­thers. about the things th [...] concerned their eternal state; sometim [...] with tears lamenting their danger, whe [...] they walked loosely; and then again rejoycing as much, when she perceived an [...] ground of hope for them.

One time when she was asked what sh [...] thought of the condition of one that sh [...] was trusted with the special care of,Her chara­cter of true Grace. and w [...] wont to take some pains with, in the ma [...] ters of her soul; she answered, the greate [...] thing she doubted her for, was, lest sh [...] neglected private duties, which she coul [...] never perceive she spent any time in; supposing (as there was good reason she should [...] that the driving of that secret Trade fo [...] Heaven, is one inseparable property of tru [...] Grace, and that the want thereof, together with the ordinary neglect of Family-dutie [...] and publick Ordinances (whatever the out­ward Profession might be) were argument [...] of a very ungracious and profane heart.

A quick dis­cerner of o­thers that made profes­sion of Reli­gion.A notable spirit of discerning she had for when she heard any make semblance o [...] love to God, and were very confident o [...] their own good estate, but withal spake very woodenly (as her expression was) about [Page] matters of Religion, and the experiences [...]ereof, she much pittyed their case, and [...]ayed earnestly, that God would open their [...]yes; convince them of their sin and hypo­ [...]isie; shew them them evil and danger of it, [...]d effectually bring them home unto him­self; often saying, what pitty it was, that [...]ny who are otherwise qualified with ma­ [...]y desirable good things of nature, should [...]iss of the highest and best improvement of [...]em for God, and at la [...] perish themselves or want of Grace.

When any vain language, or sinful ex­ [...]ressions (such as the abusive use of, A wise re­prover of sin. O [...]ord! or O God!) came from any of the Gentlewomen in the House, or any others; [...]r any evil action was done by them, she would reprove it so wisely, with so milde and meek a spirit, that they were ashamed of [...]t, and sometimes were reformed for the [...]uture, at least in her sight and hearing.

Two principal helps which she coveted most, and made the greatest use of, were good Books and good Company.

Of good Books she had some stone, but [...]hose that she took chiefest delight in,The choice Books she read. were Mr. Shepards true Convert and his sound Believer. Mr. Baxter's Call to the uncon­verted. Dr. Goodwin his triumph of Faith, and heart of Christ in Heaven, toward sin­ners [Page 20] upon earth. Dr. Spurstow upon th [...] Promises. Mr. Watson his Christian Cha [...] ter. Mr. Brooks his riches of Grace. M [...] Love's works. Mr. Craddock's Book [...] Knowledge and Practise. Mr. Francis R [...] berts his Key of the Bible. Besides some C [...] techetical Books, as Mr. Baal, Mr. Eus [...] bius Paget his questions and answers upo [...] most of the Books of the Old and New Testament; Her Pra­ctise every night, before she went to sleep. some one of which she alwaye [...] read every night in her bed, immediatel [...] before sleep, and then fed upon them [...] her first waking, by which means she e [...] creased much in knowledge, and kept he [...] heart warm whilst it was thus pre-occupie [...] from all things else in the morning.

Since January last, she and two or three more, in three months time, read over the whole New Testament, Reades over the whole New Testa­ment in 3. months time. and all along as they went, (still reading an whole Book at [...] time) discoursed of the Contents of what they had read; when any doubt arose in her readings either from Scripture or othe [...] Books, she sought for satisfaction by putting questions, Full of que­stions from what she read. and alwayes shewed a good un­derstanding, in the v [...] mysteries of Di­vine Truth, and experi [...]l Grace, in that no answers ever relished with her, but what most agreed, both with the Analogy of Faith, and the common sense of the best Christians.

Her next great help (as was before hin­ted) she found to be good Company, Her deligh [...] in good Com­pany and good Dis­course. which she alwayes desired and sought for, and when she had it, improved it. Fruitful dis­course she would either set on foot, or en­deavour to keep up, and drunk it in as plea­santly, as thirsty men do that which best sa­tisfieth their thirst. Among all other sub­jects, none pleased her better than to talk of Heaven, sometimes saying, Oh how sweet would it be to know what is doing there; and then in a kind of rapture would break out with such affection and language, as argued a very great inward Joy at the hopes of her coming thither one day. Such a full content and inward refreshment she felt in conferences of this Nature, Her Musick a burden to her in com­parison. that she would often say, her Musick was a burden to her, in comparison; and that were it not in conscience to her duty of be­ing useful by it in so publick a Family, she would spend much less time in that, and more in this;The Spiri­tual use she makes of her Musick yet she confessed sometimes (through Grace) it helped to raise her own heart towards the highest Musick of all, and for that [...] practised it more than otherwise she [...]ld have done.

Upon occasion when some had been greatly taken with the melody she made, both by her voice and instrument, yet how [Page 22] short (saith she) doth this come of a warm Prayer, A warm Prayer or [...]eavenly [...]onference [...]weetest of all to her. or heavenly Conference? and in­deed she found it so many a time, when her heart which hath been heavy and sad at first, hath by such Prayers and Confe­rences gone away greatly cheered and re­vived, but never could find the like effects from her Musick only.

No day of the Week unto her so wel­come and desirable as the Lord's Day; Lord's dayes most welcome to her; dan­cing dayes wearisom, are but these pleasant. dancing dayes were alwayes wearisom, but these pleasant to her, and therefore u­sually (if much ilness hindered not) she was up more early on these dayes than [...] any other, and spent less time in putting on what she wore; her head on these dayes of late years she never drest, and for that reason alwayes went close covered with her hood. She was very diligent and at­tentive at the publick Ordinance, careful­ly writing the Sermon, and examining her notes when she came home,A diligent Writer of Sermons. which she would not fail to mend by such help as she could get, either at the repetition in the Family, or otherwise, and as constantly re-enforced all by Prayer for a blessing upon it,Loseth her meals rather than oppor­tunity for prayer. when she could get opportunity and place convenient, either in her own clo­set, or elsewhere, and would rather lose her Supper or come late to it, then miss of her aim herein.

Yet here it must be remembred that it was not alwayes thus with her upon these dayes, nor at other times; for she some­ [...]imes complained of her own heart, and [...]ow wearisom these holy duties were to [...]he flesh; Is much troubled at divertise­ments. how apt she was to be taken off [...]y divertisements in the Family occasions; that many times when she came down in a morning with a resolution to keep her mind and intent upon God all the day, she was frequently disappointed therein, and still taken off by one business or other, or by some temptation unto vanity, that was ready to surprize her. The consideration whereof at other times much troubled her,Is much comforted at the thoughts of Heaven, where no in­terruptions will be. kept her under a sense of own her weaknes, and caused her sometimes to break forth in these or the like words. O! how sweet will Heaven be! where there will be no in­terruptions by sin, or wearisomness of the flesh! What a perpetual rest will that be, when we once come to enjoy it!

By her good will she would not be ab­sent at any time when the Lord's Supper was administred,By her good will never misseth the Lord's Sup­per. of which having always a weeks warning, she failed not with great care to examine her own heart, and put up strong cryes to God for a fitness to so great a Duty, and so high a Priviledge; and in­deed sometimes had more fear than ordi­nary [Page 24] of her unworthiness to partake of it, as appeared by her discourse, which usually was much upon this subject all that Week. So desirous was she not to be found at that Feast, without her wedding garment; it was no small trouble to her sometimes to think what general mixtures there are in that fellowship, in all places throughout the Land; yet being perswaded that to such a sincere receiver, as could not have it otherwise, God would come in with his presence and blessing; she attended upon it in the place where God by his Providence had cast her lot.

Sinful alterations in publick Worship she very much feared,She much fears pollu­tion in the Worship of God. and that she might the better understand the pure Institutions of Christ, and what is contrary thereunto, she took great care to inform her self therein, by reading of such Books as she could get the clearest light from. Much enquiry she made after the Martyrs, as well of antient times, as in later dayes, what they suffer­ed for, and upon what occasion, desiring and resolving, if she had lived, to have read over the history thereof.

And because she perceived that the Romish Religion, and whatever else is a kin [...] to it, is an undoubted piece of Anti-chri­stianism, that every true servant of Christ [Page] ought to bear testimony against, in these parts of the world, and knew not how soon her self with others might possibly be called to it;Takes pains to be instru­cted in Christ's In­stitutions, a­bout Do­ctrine, Disci­pline and Worship. therefore she betook her self to the getting a good information in those truths that were likely to be most opposed, especially about the Worship of God. Such Books as lately came forth upon these sub­jects, she endeavoured to get, and diligent­ly read. Among other subjects, that of the reign of Christ upon earth was very pleasant to her; for though her belief reached not so far as to conclude that Christ shall come to reign personally on earth again, yet she rejoyced exceedingly, Joyes much at the thought of Christs Kingdom up­on earth. that he shall certainly reign in this world by the effusion of his Spirit, at least, in the hearts of men, and that then Antichrst shall be wholly ruined, and that glorious song of triumph sung, The Kingdoms of this world, are become the Kingdoms of the Lord and his Christ.

And because the Book of the Revela­tions points at those times wherein these desirable changes shall be,Reades the whole Book of the Reve­lations at one time. she thought it not improper for her, (though of the female sex) to pry into it with humble reverence and Prayer, and therefore sate down one day with another friend, to read over that whole Book, at one time, which accordingly [Page] they did; beginning at the first Chapter and never ceasing till they had read ove [...] the whole two and twenty. This she di [...] about three months before her Death, an [...] the reason why she did so, was, that sh [...] might take the better notice of the whole Prophecy, and have a full prospect thereof, as it were,Reades an excellent Comment up­on the Reve­lations two or three times over. all at once; and that which mad [...] the reading of it the more pleasant and profitable to her, was the light which sh [...] had gained before, in the knowledge of this Book, by twice or thrice reading over th [...] judicious Comment upon it, published b [...] Mr. Francis Roberts before mentioned, it his Key of the Bible.

A great sympathizer with the suf­fering ser­vants of Christ.She had a very compassionate heart to­wards the suffering servants of Christ, whether by imprisonment or otherwise; pit­tyed them much; spake often of them, some­times with tears in her eyes; and praye [...] for them constantly with great affe­ction.

Visits some choise friends in the To­wer, and comforts them with Musick and discourse.Some of her acquaintances, and very dear friends, such as the Lady Willowby and some others, not here to be named (who highly valued her, and desired her Company (as oft as might be) she frequent­ly visited for several years together, while under their restraint in the Tower of Lon­don; to whom after a sweet & more spiritual [Page] converse otherwise, she would sing and play with all alacrity imaginable, to comfort them in their sadness; accounting it an high honour to her, that she was any way able to be a refreshment to those that she thought were dear to God. To such per­sons and to such places as they were in, though the closest prisons, she went readily and joyfully; but when invited to any Mu­sick-meeting in London, where the choisest ears, and most skilful Masters of Musick coveted to hear and admire her, though never so earnestly desired,Would not b [...] prevailed with to go t [...] Revels or dancing Bals she was still backward to it. One time above the rest, with very great importunity she was strong­ly set upon by some Gentlemen of special acquaintance, to be present at the Revels or dancing Balls, but being left free to her own choice, whether she would go or not (at which she was very glad) she absolutely & irrefregably refused it, as thinking it no way suitable, either to her Person or Pro­fession of Religion.

Nor were the Musicks aforesaid, which she so freely imparted to her said friends in Prison, all the comfort they had from her, but her Spiritual and Christian converse al­so, was a de [...]igh [...] to them, (as is before hinted) as theirs likewise was to her; in­somuch that when she returned home from [Page] visiting them,Accounts it [...] sweetness [...]nd glory to suffer for Christ. her discourse was so raised, and her affections so quickned, that she would sometimes say, O! how brave a thing is to suffer for Christ! who would not wish to be among the souls under the Altar, that cry, how long Lord will it be, ere thou revenge our blood on them that shed it! Thus triumphing, as it were, with a kind of heroick spirit of Martyrdom be­fore hand; further adding, that since a Death must be undergone, what better or more noble death can there be, than thus to die?Yet fears her own strength [...]f called to suffer. Yet at other times she had as great fears upon her, saying, that if she were called to suffering, she doubted she should not hold out; only the consideration of good Company, a good cause, and especially of a good God (she said) would encourage one much.

Among her other gracious qualifications, this was not the least, (especially of latter times) a very tender conscience, as might be instanced in many particulars, wherein she rested not till she received satisfaction to all doubts, from such arguments as were cleered by Scripture, and approved of by persons able to judge in the case.

Yet rather [...]han would [...]ffend other, resolves to deny her self in that particular.To which also must be added, that when she perceived any, especially such as she had a reverence to, remained unsatisfied in [Page] any of her actions, she was alwayes ready [...]pon knowledge of it, from their own [...]ouths, to forbear it, out of a tenderness [...]f grieving any of the generation of the [...]ust, or any way scandalizing her Professi­on, though as to her own particular, she [...]t the same time did think what she was [...]o desired to forbear warrantable in it [...]elf.

As for black spots or patches, A great ha­ter of black spots. as they are [...]alled, she abhorred them with her very soul, and was so far displeased at the sight [...]hereof, that when any of the Gentlewomen made use of them, she seldom or never [...]eft, till she had prevailed with them, to forbear that so uncivil a dress, or else desi­red her Mother to take them off from them.

As great an enemy she was to any un­comely attire; nor did she affect rich laces, And of all uncomely and undecent dresses. or any thing over costly, but what was most [...]eat in a plain ga [...]b, much more minding the Ornaments of the hidden man, which in the sight of God are of greatest price.

It was a great abashment to her,Could not en­dure to hear her own praises. when [...]ome unwisely uttered high praises of her to her face, and thereby put her [...]nto a blush; the fear whereof, made her often modestly refuse to come into such Company at other times: Indeed she knew God [Page 30] had blessed her with some of those liu [...] things (as she was wont to call them) whic [...] the sensual world magnified too much,Fears the pride of her own heart. an [...] she desired to be very thankful for them but withal was much afraid of being lift [...] up with pride, and therefore entreate [...] friends in that respect to pray for her.

As she was alwayes ready to assist he [...] Mother in Law in the Family and Sch [...] so she had a particular reverence and ver [...] dear affection to her own Father, A ready help in the Family. who cheerfulness and content, was one of th [...] greatest pleasures she had in this world; [...] his sadness and trouble at any time, [...] great an occasion of grief to her;And a most dutiful and tender child to her Fa­ther. and therefore did what she could to minister a [...] manner of comfort to him, by the perfo [...] mance of those dutiful and tender respects, which as a child she owed him.

As for her condition in respect of a si [...] gle life, She wanted no profers for marriage. it was not for want of profers fro [...] several that would gladly have obtained her, but through dissatisfaction in th [...] qualifications of the Persons, she being resolved (God assisting her) never to mat [...] any,Resolves ne­ver to marry any but such as may help her in her way to Hea­ven. were his worldly advantages nev [...] so great, unless she were well assured ( [...] far as charity could iudge) of th [...] goodne [...] of his spiritual state, and hee likely- [...]oo [...] of his being a real help to he [...] in the way [...] [Page] Heaven. Had she lived to a perfect reco­very from sickness, divers considerable of­fers (known to some friends) would spee­dily have been made to her, of which she might have taken her choice; but now God hath otherwise declared his pleasure in the highest and best disposing and preferring of her, even by making her a Bride in Hea­ven, to him who for some years past, had [...]gotten her heart from all other Objects; and to whom she stuck with all faithful­ness, till at last after a sore fit of sickness, she dyed in his arms; the occasion where­of I now hasten to.

In Whitsun Week, at the earnest desire of a very dear friend, she went to London, Her sickness unto Death, with the oc­casion of it. where (as Providence ordered it) she was unhappily lodged in damp Linnen, which in the night time clung fast about her, and had left that in her, which she her self said (as soon as she awaked) would prove her Death; whereupon in the morning it be­ing made known, the best means that could be, were used to prevent the danger of it, but the Lord was not pleased to give suc­cess therein; and so after three or four dayes she returned home, Her mind runs altoge­ther upon her own Death. (upon Saturday J [...] [...]e 8th.) to her Father's House at Hackney, where all her mind from that time, still ra [...] upon the thoughts of her own [Page 32] Death; the strong apprehensions whereo [...] put her upon a great improvement of her remaining time, both in Reading, Praying, and Discoursing, Prepares for it. like one that expected shortly to leave the world; for she said she felt that about, her which would carry he [...] away quickly, Exhorts her friends to prepare for a change. and was much worse inward­ly, than perhaps any one thought; and therefore exhorted one of her Sisters, whom she dearly loved, and conversed most with, t [...] mind eternity, to think much of her change, and labour to be prepared for it; acknow­ledging the goodness of God to her self, who had spared her so long. After this time she grew worse and worse, till on Saturday June the 22. (14. dayes after her return home) she took her bed, She takes her bed in a Violent Fea­vour. in order to her grave; where being seized upon by a Vio­lent Feaver, her strength was so wasted, and her spirits gone, that upon the Teusday af­ter at mid-night, (being June the 25.) she was hardly able to chatter,Three dayes after sends for all friends to take a so­lemn leave of them. and so sent for her Father, Mother, and Sisters, to see them once more, and take a solemn leave of them; who when they were come and sate all weeping about her, with great lamenta­tion, after a little space, as if strength had been renewed on purpose for that end, she began to utter her affections and desires to them about many things, wherein she ex­pressed [Page] her self, with so much prudence, Discourseth excellently with inter­missions for divers hours. [...]iscretion, and composedness of mind, and [...]his for almost four hours together, with [...]ome intermissions, that it was marvellous [...]o behold; among other things she much [...]erswaded to the preservation and streng­ [...]hening of a love and unity among [...]ll Relations. At last as she was say­ [...]ng,With her Fa­ther's leave gives all she had to seve­ral friends. that she had nothing to leave them [...]n memorial of her, presently her Father [...]old her, he gave her free liberty, to dispose [...]f whatever she had; at which she was [...]ery much pleased, and thanking of him, distributed to every one according to her [...]wn mind; her several Rings to be worn di­ [...]tinctly, as she directed, by her Father, Mother, and Sisters; two of her Rings she [...]ut upon her fingers, and taking them off again,Distributes her Rings, Clothes, VVorks, Books and Instruments. gave them to be kept for her two Brothers beyond Sea, as a token to them [...]rom her dying hand; all her Clothes, her Watch, and a certain piece of Plate mark­ [...]d with her own Name, she gave to one Sister; all her Works and Instruments of Musick to be divided betwixt three other Sisters; her Books also she disposed of; and as a Legacy to all the Gentlewomen of the School; Her Legacy to the Gen­tlewomen of the School. she commended her dying desires and requests to them, that they would not spend their time in reading of vain Books, but instead thereof, to betake themselves [Page 34] to the best Book of all, the Bible, and such other choice Books, as might do their souls most good; as also that they would be con­stant in the use of private Prayer; that they would be careful to sanctifie the Lord's Day, and not waste those precious hours in over-curious dressings; and that they would behave themselves reverently at the publick Ordinances, it having been a great offence to her formerly when any have done the contrary.

Then falling into speech about her Fu­neral, Expresseth her mind a­bout her Fu­neral. in what Room she desired her Herse might stand, where she should be Buried, and other particulars about the manner o [...] it; she desired that all might be done de­cently, and that Dr. Spurstow, by whose Ministry she had been much edified and comforted, might Preach at her Intermen [...], in all which she submitted to her Father's pleasure.

But that which was very remarkable in this her large Discourse,Seems not afraid of Death. she shed not one fear nor seemed at all sadded at her approaching Death; and when she was told that her Fathers heart was ready to break, wh [...] fare-weeping and groaning by her all th [...] while; she said she was sorry for it, a [...] asked why he would do so? adding farther that for her part, she was in God's hand [Page 35] and willing to yield up to him, hoping that [...]ll friends would endeavour to do the like; [...]d so being now quite spent with speaking [...]or she desired not to be intterrupted, till [...]er whole mind was uttered) she lay still [...]e rest of the Night.

The next Day being VVednesday, June [...]he 26. Dr. Spurstow came to visit her,VVhat pro­mise she re­lyed upon, though in the dark. [...]ho asking her what she found in her self? [...]hat she thought concerning her own spi­ [...]itual State? as also what evidence she had [...]f Gods Love? or Promise to rely upon? [...]he answered, that she was in the dark as [...]o her own evidences, and that they were [...]ot so clear to her as she could wish; yet [...]hat she was not without hope; that she [...]ad found much sweetness in many passa­ [...]es of Scripture; but from that chiefly (Ro­ [...]titus the 8. and 28.) All things shall work [...]ogether for good, to them that love God. Af­ [...]er Discourse ended, she desired of the Doctor, that she might once more hear him Pray, and accordingly had her desire [...]herein.

The same Day in the afternoon, she [...]as more strongly assaulted than before; for [...]ow to her Peaver, and almost exhausted [...]trength, convulsive motions were added, and [...]isings of the Mother, by which when she had been greatly afflicted, and beyond all [Page 36] hope recovered again out of them,Her thank­fulness for a little ease, and pious re­solution if she lived. s [...] called to her Sister sitting by, and aske what day of the Month it was; who enquiring after the reason of that question, w [...] told by her, that if she lived, she woul [...] celebrate it for ever hereafter, in a thanks [...] remembrance of her being thus reviv [...] again, as it were like another Lazarus.

The next day lying in a slumber, as he [...] Sister thought,She awakes out of a kind of trance. she suddenly turnes he [...] head to her, and hastily tells her, that sh [...] had a Call to be gone; a Call, saith she, b [...] whom? God hath Called me, replyed she to be gone from hence, and I must die why, how do you know it? said the othe [...] very well saith she, I am sure it will be so and therefore do not reckon upon my Life

One coming not long after to visit her and to pray with her, asked her how sh [...] did; I am going to Heaven, said she, a [...] fast as I can.

Three nights after this, God in a won­derful manner supporting her under conti­nual pains, so that friends hoped she migh [...] wear them out; well, saith she, for all th [...] I shall dye, and be at rest in Heaven wit [...] my dear Lord, before the morning comes yet it proved not so, for she lived almos [...] four dayes after, sometimes giving new hope of recovery, and then falling bac [...] again.

All the time of her sickness she was ve­ [...] patient, Prayes very much for pa­tience, and is answered. earnestly praying that God [...]ould enable her still so to be, and that [...]e might not murmur while his hand lay [...] heavy on her. Ever and anon she would [...]y out, little doth any know what I feel; [...]ut I hope, saith she, God will strengthen [...]e to the end. She often enquired whe­ [...]er any were seeking God for her, which [...]hen she was assured of, blessed be God, [...]ith she, he will reward them for it.

Three things she desired might earnest­ [...]y be sought for from God on her behalf, [...]atience under her so grievous sickness, [...]lear evidences of God's Love, and an easie [...]assage, if God should call her out of this [...]ife; in all which she was graciously an­ [...]wered, as every one that attended her [...]rom first to last, can witness.

One time she seemed to lye in a kind of Agony, Some fear seizeth on her, but pre­sently va­nisheth. and suddenly breaking out with these words, said, shall I say that God [...]ath forsaken me? no, I will not. All the [...]ime after she seemed well satisfied, and much at peace in her mind concerning her future state, nor had any fear at all upon [...]er; for being told by her Sister, that she was perswaded, if God should be pleased to take her from hence, she should be hap­py with him; she replyed, I doubt it not in [Page 38] the least, and was never heard to let fal [...] one word to the contrary all the while after.

Submits to the will of God.Being asked (as she often was) how she did? she answered, in pain all over, eve [...] as God will have it; the Physitian I see can do me no good, but one word from Go [...] can help all, if he please.

At another time she looked about her, and said to the standers by, God might ha [...] made you all like me, and I might have bee [...] in your case, if it had seemed good to him, b [...] his holy Will be done.

Upon the Lord's Day before her Death, when speech almost quite failed he [...] (though not her senses nor understanding, Her medita­tions fixed on God. which she had even to the last) she softl [...] uttered these words in the midst of very great pains, which all that day universally seized on her, the Goodness of God is the bes [...] goodness, the Goodness of God is the best good­ness; often repeating of it, as if her hear [...] were holy taken up with that Meditation.

When a near friend stood by her praying earnestly, for her in this extremity, at eve­ry sentence she testified a very great affe­ction, Her great fervency in time of pra­yer, though weak. by such a lifting up her eyes and hands towards Heaven, as if her whole soul had ascended in every petition, which oc­casioned some heavings of the Mother; and [Page] being told, that since it came by the zeal [...]f her heart in Prayer, God would sweeten [...]t to her; she replyed, I question it not.

On the Munday morning,She fortels the hour of her own Death. she often mut­ [...]ered out very softly, these words, two dayes and an half more, and then I shall be an rest; which she repeated two or three times; and accordingly from that very time, she did live two dayes and an half, to wit,And dyes at the same hour. till Wednesday Noon following, and then be­gan to draw on apace towards her last breath.

Indeed her pains now seemed to leave [...]her, or her strength rather, being able no more to struggle; and so lying in a kind of quiet sleep, at last panting for breath a short space, in a small silent groan, gave up her precious soul into the hands of God, whose Angels carrying it away to Heaven (as we have comfortable ground of hope to believe) left us all in bitter mourning and wailing over her dead Body.

When she was laid out in the Chamber where she dyed,The great lamentation at her laying out. dressed in her Night clothes, one would have thought she had been in a kind of smiling slumber; and now the Gentlewomen, with the rest of the Family, and some neighbours coming to see her, and give her their last salute, it would have broken ones heart, to have [Page 40] heard and seen the many cryes, tears, and lamentations, that the Room was filled with.

So dear a child she was, and of such high deserts (as hath been already related) that her Father and all friends, thought her worthy of a very decent Burial, and accor­dingly upon Saturday the sixth of July, she was attended to the grave with a numerous Company, in manner following.

The Herse covered with Velvet, was carryed by six servant Maidens of the Fa­mily,Her honou­ [...]ble Burial. all in White; the sheet was held up by six of those Gentlewomen in the School, that had most acquaintance with her, in mourning Habit, with white Scarf [...] and Gloves; a rich costly Garland of gum-work, adorned with Banners and Scutchions, was borne immediately before the Horse, by two proper young Ladies, that intirely lo­ved her. Her Father and Mother, wi [...]h o­ther near Relations, and their Children, fol­lowed next the Horse, in due order, all in mourning; the Kindred next to them, af­ter whom came the whole School of Gen­tlewomen, and then persons of chief rank, from the Neighbour-hood, and from the City of London, all in white Gloves, both Men, VVomen, Children, and Servants, ha­ving been first served with Wine.

When the Herse first entred the Church, the rest of the Schools were all there, in their respective places, affectionately sympa­ [...]hizing with the rest of the Mourners. I know not whether Hackney Church hath often not more weeping eyes; and aking hearts in it, on such an occasion, so great­ [...]y and generally was she beloved.

The Horse being set down, with the Garland upon it, the Reverend Dr. Spurstow applyed himself to the proper work of the [...]eason, and preached upon those words,The Text preached up­on at her Funeral. [...] Cor. 3.22. Death is yours. From whence, after he had declared at large the sweetness that lyes in this word Death, as it is a part of Christ's Legacy to a Believer, he made such useful inferences and applications, [...]s were proper for the occasion.

This done, the rich Coffin anointed with [...]weet Odors, was put down into the Grave, [...]n the middle Alley of the said Church, The place of her Burial. un­ [...] [...]he same stone, where Mrs. Anne Carew, [...]ne of the great beauties of England in her [...]ime, and formerly a Gentlewoman of the School, and intimately acquainted with her, was buryed; being the second of those five Gentlewomen onely, which have dyed out of [...]er Father's House, among? those eight hun­ [...]red, that have been educated there, within [...]he compass of seventeen years.

And now what follows after all this? i [...] it not a fair warning to us,The Conclu­sion of all. that yet survive her, to bethink our selves of our own condi­tion? and whether we be ready for death, i [...] we should be suddenly called, as she in [...] manner was? should we not make it ou [...] constant Prayer, and utmost endeavour, t [...] number our dayes, and so to number them as to apply our hearts to Wisdom, even t [...] that Wisdom only, which will make us [...] to dye? All the dayes of my appointed tim [...] will I wait (saith Job) till my change come O let that be our saying too, and our pra­ctise also.

Upon the aforesaid Mrs. SUSANNA PERWICH.

I. A Descri­ption of her Person.
AMong the many Female Glories,
Which may be seen sometimes in stories,
Let candid Readers shew us where
She can be found, that may compare
With Her this paper now sets forth,
Far short of her rare parts and worth.
Her Person comely, Red and VVhite,
Mix'd curiously, gave great delight.
Pure snows, with Rich Vermilions stream,
Strawb'ries i'th' Silver dish of Cream.
Fresh-blown Cornations, Queen-like reigns,
While Violets tincture all her veins.
Straight, Proper, Handsom, every Feature,
Set in due place, made her a Creature.
Much lov'd; let's take a special view,
Look where you will, you'l find it true.
Her dark brown Hair, her double mould,
More lovely were, than sparks of Gold,
Her own meer natural curious Tresses,
Out-shine all adventitious Dresses.
Round Argent Brows! whoever mark [...]
Her smooth high Fore-heads Eban-Arks;
Tralucent Temples, through her Locks,
Peer out like Alablaster Rocks.
From her black jetty starry Eye,
Ten thousand sparkling Lustres flie.
Brave gen'rous Spirits siderial,
Move quick about each nimble Ball.
Under a Velvet Coverlet,
Each glittering Star doth rise and set.
Such Eye-lids, fittest Caskets be,
For such bright Gems effulgency.
Ouches of Gold, encircling passes,
About this pair of burning-glasses.
Two Hemisphears, with two such Suns,
O're Microcosm's seldom runs.
Midst these twin-flames, a marble Mount,
Mounts ridge-wise up, down from her front.
On each side of which ridge you'l spie,
Aurora's Rosy blushes lie.
Her sanguine Checks, like two Queen-apples,
Natures great Artist neetly couples.
Her two Ambrosial ruddy Lips,
In deepest Scarlet dye she dips.
Who views her well-set polish'd Teeth,
Will think two ranks of Pearls he seeth.
Twixt these matcht milk-white Ivory rows,
A sweet breath'd Aromatick slows,
All down 'long to her swan-like Neck,
Her fine Complexion hath no speck.
Her pair of round Crown'd rising Hills,
Each moment with new panting fills.
Her sleck soft downy checker'd Wrists,
Small Azure threads, finely entwists.
Her Lilly Hands, long woodbine Fingers,
Hang ever quivering, never lingers,
In trembling strokes, which alwayes she,
Tunes into sweetest Harmony.
I scarce ere see them, but the sound,
Of Musick seems thence to rebound.
No Unions, no choice Jewels are,
Found any where, that may compare,
With th'very Nails, or Joynts, or Bones,
That her ten sister-fingers owns.
You'd scarce know which are richest things,
Her knuckle bones, or Di'mond Rings.
More curious is each Sattin limb,
Than th' silken trails that cover him.
Thus if you take her every way,
How lovely she's! what shall I say?
Her Head, her Face, her every part,
Most graceful was, there need no Art,
Be us'd at all, her to adorn,
With Paints or Pearls, she being born,
Natures own Master-piece; white Skin,
Rose-lips, fair Breasts, sweet Smiles, and in
Her gestures such a compound Grace,
Made her to beautifie the place
Where e're she came, her goodly look,
At first sight the beholders took;
And won their hearts immediately,
With her thenceforth to live and dye.
II. Her natural parts.
Yet this is but the out-side, we
By looking inwardly shall see,
More Orient Beams; within her shin'd
The choicest Beauties; she was lin'd,
With stuffe more costly there; such Rayes
of Radiancy she thence displayes,
As if the Pangloretta she,
Of her whole Sex was made to be.
Her sharp, sublime, and pleasant Wit,
Made her Companion very fit,
For the rich pregnant genious.
Of those were most ingenious.
Fine jests, quick answers readily,
Flow'd from her tongue most fluently.
Rhet'rick she had, and Eloquence,
As if she'd been at great expence
In learned Schools: fine sentences
Dropt from her, great dependences
Were in her words; the sense and matter
Was useful, solid, she'd not scatter
Vain talk, but what best profited
Her self and others, that she fed
Their eares withal; what she had learn'd
From well-read Books, and what she earn'd
By her industrious Meditations,
Or by her careful observations
From others speech, that she laid up,
And therewith made her guests to sup,
When they came in to visit her,
And to them was an Instructer.
III. Her moral Virtues.
Not rash, but most deliberate
In all things, and considerate;
Prudent she was, discreet, and wise,
Humble and meek, no lofty eyes
In her were seen: she never frown'd
With angry looks, such as abound
In rugged tempers; modesty
In bashful blushes constantly
Colour'd her Face; no garishness,
Or any wanton foolishness
Stain'd her at all; she much desi'd
These vices, and them ever fly'd.
Most gentle, affable, and kind,
She was to all, you scarce could find
One so benign; few of this Age,
'Mong young folks, or among the Sage,
Beyond her went in courtesie,
More ready was to gratifie
Favours receiv'd: she would requite
Such kindnesses with all her might.
She had a noble generous heart,
As she was able to impart.
IV. Her charity to the Poor.
Where need requir'd she, suffer'd none
In vain to her to make their moan.
The meanest Beggar at the door
She pittied, and reliev'd the Poor.
By her good will, no one should want,
Specially those in Covenant:
For them it was her chiefest care,
When they were sick, hungry, or bare,
Most to refresh: she would be sure
Them food and raiment to procure,
Whoever wanted, they should not,
If succour for them could be got.
V. Her sympa­thy with the suffering servants of Christ.
Christ's suffering Members she would visit,
As oft as time serv'd, she'd not miss it.
The Exile and Imprisonment,
Of some dear Friends she'd much lament.
Was their blood shed? she felt the dart,
That wounded them, 'twent to her heart,
To think what dark, close, dungeons they
Were stifled in, both Night and day.
Great pitty caused her to yearn
For them, and all her bowels turn
Within; when she got them among,
Tears from her eyes, and from her tongue
Sad language flow'd: she did partake
[...]heir sorrows, head and heart did ake,
[...]t thought of what they suffer'd; she
[...]ould not forbear to go and see
[...]ow't far'd with them, though she were shent,
And many a precious hour she spent,
To comfort them what she was able,
In this their case so lamentable.
VI. Her part­nership in friends af­flictions.
Mourn'd others? she in sympathy
Would mourn also, when they did lye,
In any doleful misery.
Their griefs she alwayes made her own,
And ever greatly did bemoan
Their sad calamities: her heart
In sorrows deep did bear a part.
Did Parents sigh? she sighed too;
Grieved they? she knew not what to do,
Till she had found out some relief,
To case the pain of Parents grief.
Were any of her neer Relations,
Afflicted by sad alterations
[...]n health, estate, or comforts any,
[...]er groans were such, her tears so many,
[...]s i [...] alone concern'd: so deep
[...]ere her rescentments, she'd so weep,
[...]s if her heart would break asunder,
[...]nd the great burden truckle under.
VII. Her love to peace.
Peace was the darling of her heart,
So that to her no greater smart
Could come, then when a diff'rence rose
Among dear Friends, she'd interpose,
And by her wise calm moderation,
More firmly knit each dear Relation.
VIII. Her most excellent breeding.
Next her improved breeding high
You will perceive now by and by.
No quality or rare perfection,
But 'twas her own, make what election
You please of most desired skill,
That Females glory in, she will
Excel them all throughout the Town,
Yea Kingdom too, and wear the Crown,
Of a renowned veneration,
From all the rest of the whole Nation
IX. Her incom­parable abi­lities in Mu­sick of all sorts, both vocal and instrumen­tal.
First for her Musick, who can give
Sufficient praise? or cause it live,
As it deserves in memory?
And that to all posterity?
Ask Rogers, Bing, Coleman, and others,
The most exactly skilful Brothers:
Ask Brian, Mell, Ives, Gregories,
Hows, Stifkins, all, in whom there lyes,
Rare Arts of Musick, they can tell,
How well she sung: how rarely well
She play'd on several Instruments,
What high admir'd accomplishments,
She had attain'd to; Angels hands,
On Lute or Viol scarce commands
A sweeter touch; she never shall,
Be equall'd by the Nightingale.
If Kings and Princes claim the best,
Of Melodies above the rest,
'Twas she could give them, she alone,
Whether from Art, or natures tone.
So tun'd a voice! so shrill a sound,
In Male or Female rarely sound!
Each Crotchet, Quaver, Minnum, Note,
Kept time within her warbling throat.
Soft, deep, high strains, in treble Song,
Flow'd sweetly from her sugered tongue.
No strings of Harp, no Organ Pipe,
Strecht or reach'd higher; she was ripe
Ev'n for the heavenly Chorus; she
Of all sorts, gave such Harmony.
Where she was singing had you come,
By chance into the blissful Room,
You'd thought by the melodious Air,
That Quiers of Angels had been there.
Laws, Sympson, Polewheel, Jenkins, all
'Mong the best Masters Musical,
Stand ravish'd while they hear her play,
And with high admiration say,
What curious strains! what rare divisions!
Are we not 'mong Celestial Visions!
This is no humane hand! these strokes,
The high immortal Spirits provokes
To listen to her! she playes so,
That after her none takes the bow,
To play again; it is too much,
To take the confidence to touch,
The Instrument which she laid down,
Or go about to win the Crown,
Which she had set on her own head,
With Lawrels all enamelled.
No, no, they must wholly despair,
To give one such delicious Air
Of which she millions gave; each touch
To most judicious ears was such,
So sweet, so quick, so dainty, rare,
That nothing could therewith compare.
No strain but was incomparable,
And by mens Art insuperable.
The deepest grounds where utmost skill,
Of a rich fancy lay, she still
Most finely nick'd; her nimble Arm,
Still made a most delicious Charm.
Quick numerous motions she would show,
With her swift, gliding, jumping bow.
Even in a moment she would measure,
Thousands of strokes, with ease and pleasure,
Where others hundreds scarce could reach,
Though such as most profest to teach.
All this, both by her hand and brain,
Without the least toil, labour, pain.
X. Her hand­som sitting at her Musick
No Antick gestures, or bold face,
No wrigling motions her disgrace.
While she's at play, nor eye, nor head,
Hither or thither wandered.
Nor nods, nor heaves in any part,
As taken with her own rare Art.
All vain conceited affectation,
Was unto her abomination.
With body she ne're sat ascue,
Or mouth awry, as others do.
Careless she seem'd, as if her mind,
Were somewhere else, and yet we find
Performances to admiration,
And our exceeding delectation.
XI. A most cu­rious dancer.
As hand and tongue, her feet also,
She curiously had taught to go.
Her motions measure all the ground
Exactly, while sweet Musicks sound:
That whosoe're observ'd her tread,
Must needs be much enamoured.
If French or English Dances were
An ornament, how finely there!
Did she out-do all she came neer;
To th' wonderment of them that see her?
XII. A Composer.
As Lessons she, so Dances too,
When old were spent, could make more new.
Masters themselves, sound at the closure,
A curious skill in her composure.
Then to preserve her memory,
Oh let them alwayes practis'd be!
And to keep up their Authors fame,
Oh let them also bear her Name!
XIII. Good at the Pen.
She writ well, cypher'd, cast account,
Could tell to what the sums amount
Spent in the House, and greater too,
If need requir'd, as oft as you
Demanded it; fair letters write,
Pregnant, with sense, worthy the sight
Of learned Secretaries. She
In needles Art attain'd to be
XIV. Her rare skill in all sorts of Works.
Perfectly curious; every work
In which a cunning skill did lurk,
She had it at her fingers end,
And lov'd therein sit time to spend.
In black-works, white-works, colours all,
That can be found on earths round ball,
She did excell. Wax, Straws and Gum,
Silks, Gems, and Gold, the total sum
Of rich materials she dispos'd
In dainty order, and compos'd
Pictures of men, birds, beasts, and flow'rs,
When leisure serv'd at idle hours.
All this so rarely to the Life,
As if there were a kind of strife,
'Twixt Art and Nature: Trees of fruit,
With leaves, boughs, branches, body, root,
She made to grow in Winter time,
Ripe to the eye, easie to climbe.
Buds, blossoms, foldings, Sunny beams,
In checkered shadowings finely streams,
Among the thickest clusters there,
Whether of Apple, Cherry, Pear.
Here hangs a Plumb, a Strawberry,
An Orange there, a Goseberry,
An Hony-succle, July flower,
Wetted as 't were from a fresh shower.
The Rose, the Violet, the Lilly,
The goodly Tulip, Daffadilly,
With many more varieties,
Of natures chiefest rarities.
XV. Her great humility in the midst of all her ex­cellencies
All these rich qualities she had,
Most beauteously and bravely clad
With ornaments of every kind,
Whether for body or for mind.
And yet which was the Crown of all,
She was not touch'd with pride at all.
No vain conceit puff'd up her heart,
VVith thoughts of this her great desert.
Although there was a glorious sound,
VVent of her worth, all England round,
In London, when great meetings were
Of curious eares, which here and there
Lay scatter'd, and were got together,
And one much pleased with another,
In their own Musicks, yet she still
The Lawrel bears, not any will
Farther contend when she hath play'd,
But down their Instruments all lay'd.
Yet notwithstanding this, when even
She was again desir'd, she never
By her good will would come again,
'Twas not her pleasure, but her pain,
To hear her own admired Name
Sounded with golden trump of fame.
VVhen commendations 'fore her face,
Her high encomia's did enchase;
When tongues of Strangers could not hold
Till they her praise to all had told,
Yea to her self too, yet her ear
Ne're listen'd to't, 'twas her great fear,
Lest some black evil her should seize,
If puff'd up by such things as these.
XVI. Gives God the glory of All her ric [...] qualities.
Blessings she did acknowledge them,
And often said, she should condemn
Her self of much ingratitude,
And not her duty understood,
Unless she very thankful were
To him that of all gifts that are,
The fountain is, to him alone,
She joy'd to give what was his own:
And with the best of all she had
Sincerely serve him, and make glad,
Her pious friends, that earnestly,
Pray'd for this her humility.
XVII. Abominates black spots.
Black spots to her abominable
Were alwayes held, nor was she able
To bear their sight, she did complain,
Till they were taken off again,
Where e're she saw them, her self ever
So much detested them that never
Durst she wear them, for well she knew,
If she had don't she must renew
Repentance for't: she'd ne're disgrace,
God's workmanship in her own face,
Whose lustre never shineth less,
Than when in such an whorish dress.
XVIII. And naked­ness.
Nor naked was her back or breast,
What was most chaste she loved best.
Whisks, Handcherchiefs, she'd always wear,
Where others shamelesly went bare.
They yet live whom she carefully
Consulted, what most lawfully
In all parts of her garb she might
Wear without sin, and do what's right.
She ne're would in the least desire,
Uncomeliness in her attire.
XIX. Delights in decent and modest attire.
Decent she lov'd, and neat to be,
As best befitted her degree.
Her Whisks, Quoifs, Hoods, and silver purles
Suited her garments silken furles.
Fine Bracelets, Ear-rings, Neck-laces,
Sometimes those parts encompasses,
That when she led the Dances 'mong
The many beauteous Ladies young,
Which to her Mother's Scoool were sent,
She might give them the more content.
Yet this to her no pleasure gave,
For she had rather been more grave,
But that the business of her place
Required such an handsome grace.
XX. A transition from morals to supernatu­rals.
Thus we a little now have seen
What were the virtues of this Queen
Of Diamonds, in moral things,
But that which lifts her on the wings
Of highest same, is yet behind,
The best endowments of her mind,
In works of grace and holiness,
Let's see her now in that brave dress.
XXI. Her conversion, and the occasion of it.
That which first wrought upon her soul,
And did her happy name enrole
Among true Converts, was the Death
Of a dear friend, whose mortal breath
Gone suddenly, left such impression,
(According to her own confession)
That she enquiring of her God,
What was the meaning of this rod,
'Twas plainly told her, reformation
And not at all her desolation:
But that her souls eternal good
Was only sought; at which she stood
Pausing a while, and then she said,
Is this the reason God hath laid
His rod upon me? I'le repent
Of every sin, I'le now relent;
I'le search my heart, I'le try my wayes,
I'le hearken what my conscience sayes,
Concerning mine eternal state,
And what is like to be my sate;
Lest I likewise surprized be,
By sudden death as well as he.
XXII. Her self-examination.
Thus first resolving she proceed [...],
Examins Thoughts, and words, and deeds,
Compares them with God's holy Word,
To see wherein her dearest Lord
Offended was, and what the spring,
Such filthy noisom streams did bring,
Wherewith she was polluted so,
And did a fresh still overslow
So fast upon her; last she spyes
Whence 'twas, and then aloud she cryes
XXIII. Her sight of Original sin, with the danger of it.
O my great Sin Original,
Hence, hence, my foul corruptions all
Boil up, break forth, contaminate
What e're I do, communicate
Abominations ugly stain
To my best actions; hence my pain,
Even from the grand iniquity
Of Father Adam wickedly
Rebelling 'gainst his Maker, when
In's loyns lay all the sons of men.
Then I among the rest was there,
And in that sin had equal share!
Oh how I am indrencht all o're,
In that abominable gore!
How filth, and sin, and misery,
And even a Hellish slavery
Inthrals me now! what hideous crimes
Grow thick upon me! how betimes
Each morning doth my naughty heart
Cast forth its filth! how many a dart
All the day long do I send out
'Gainst Heaven in my rebellion stout!
As full of poyson as the Toad!
Or Serpents which lye on the road,
With speckled skin, but venom'd head,
Indangering all that on them tread!
XXIV. She com­plains of temptations from sin and Satan.
Satan still tempts me every day,
Yea hour and minute, there's no way
Left open for me to escape
His fierce assaults, the ugly shape,
Of some new guilt or other still
Deforme my heart, my mind, and will.
No sooner are his evil motions,
Suggested to me, or his potions
Of poys'nous lusts in's golden cup,
To my vile senses offer'd up,
But I embrace them, and comply
With his allurements presently.
Base my affections! base my heart!
Oh how the dread of 't makes me start!
To think how dangerous is my case,
And that the only proper place,
For such a sinner is to fry;
In Holl's hot fire eternally.
XXV. Cryes out to God for strength a­gainst them, and for a thorough work of ‖ Grace in her heart.
Thus, thus, she muses, and then prayes,
God would not leave her in these wayes
Of sin and death, Oh no said she!
Let God do what he will with me,
Chastise, afflict, break, bruise, correct;
So he'l vouchsafe me to direct
In path of Life, and me translate
Out of this sinful cursed state,
In which I now by nature lye,
And crown me with the dignity
Of his high favour, mercy, grace,
And cause my feet to run the race
Of his Commandements, then I
Nor care to live, nor fear to dye.
When once sweet influences of Love,
All melt my heart, drop from above.
This, this, is all my soul requires,
O let it burn in these pure fires!
These Aromaticks! let them give
Their powerful odors, I shall live
Best in these flames; O what a change
Is here! O tell me, is 't not strange!
That she should make such blessed use
From her friend's Death, thus to produce
Life in her self! therefore it was
She joy'd so much, as often as
She spake thereof, and plainly found,
God's love to her did more abound,
In taking of that friend away,
Then if he had liv'd to this day.
Such great good sometimes God intends,
When he some sharp affliction sends.
'Twas her own frequent saying too,
That all things put together do
Work for the good of those that fear,
And love God, with an heart sincere.
XXVI. Her pro­gress in the work of Grace.
The ground-work thus begun in her
'Bout four years since,she did bestir
Her self to carry on the building,
With precious stones, and costly guilding.
Her time far spent, she now makes haste,
And by her good will doth not waste
One minute more; she will redeem
The time that's lost, a great esteem
She puts on every person, thing,
That helpt reform her wandering.
Now she keeps close to th' good old way,
Careful no more to go astray,
But wisely walks with circumspection,
And often makes a sad reflection
Upon her former course of life,
Contending with an holy strife,
To go the faster unto bliss,
Nor stopt till come where now she is.
XXVII. The pains she took for sound knowledge.
What pains she took fully to know
Sweet heavenly Truths! how she would go
From Book to Book! to catechise,
Her self where the foundation lyes.
In Perkins, Baal, or any other
That could teach better than other.
XXVIII. Writes dili­gently at Church.
The paper Books, and Sermon notes,
She left behind, plainly denotes,
With how much reverend care she did
Receive God's Word, and wisely hid
It in her heart; she would repeat
Choice passages, and made the seat
Of what she heard her heart to be,
More than her writing Book we see.
When she came home, she did retire,
On the Lord's Dayes, and much enquire
What she had miss'd of what was said,
And when her Notes she over read,
Soon mended, if they wanting were
With a devout Religious care.
XXIX. Seeks bles­sing upon what she hears by prayer.
This being done it was not all
Sh'was wont to do, for she would call
For blessing on't, with bended knees,
From him whose eye in secret sees.
Ejaculations from her heart,
She'd frequently to Heaven dart.
No time so pleasant as the Night,
When she might most be out of sight.
No place by her so much desir'd,
As where she might be most retir'd,
[...]ar from all noise and observation,
[...]o pour out her souls warm devotion.
When she sometimes could not be sound,
[...]he'd hid her self, where the sweet sound
Of her deep sighings, sobs, and cryes,
Might secretly to Heaven rise,
[...]nheard of any but his ears,
Who knew her thoughts, and saw her tears.
XXX. Hates vain Books, but studies the Bible much.
Vain wanton Books her soul abhorr'd,
As an offence to her dear Lord.
The Bible was her chiefest Book,
In which her practise was to look
And read, and meditate all day,
As oft as she could get away
From other bus'ness; her great care
Was to grow rich in knowledge there.
Hard questions sometimes she would put,
And lik'd the Answers which best cut
All knots; she was inquisitive,
That she her heart as a large hive,
Might fill with hony combes of Truth,
On which she suck'd thus in her Youth.
Such Keyes she used frequently,
That open'd Wards which easily
Would not give way without: her minde,
With heavenly thoughts she thus refin'd.
XXXI. What good Books she read, and what was her evening and morning Work.
The Works of Watson, Shepherd, Love,
Goodwin, and Spurstow, to improve
Was her endeavour and delight,
As much as might be, day and night.
Some one of these she alwayes kept
At her Beds head, and 'fore she slept,
Did read an hour and sometimes more,
That laden with a precious store,
She might take rest, and when her eyes
First open'd, 'fore she 'gan to rise,
She did revolve what she had read,
The night before within her Bed.
While in the morning others slept,
She meditated, pray'd, and wept.
XXXII. Sins of omis­sion trouble her.
Sins of omission many times,
Touch'd her as much as acted crimes.
If she were heavy, dead, or dull
At Holy Duties, it did pull
Her heart much more with inward grief,
Than if by hands of wretched Thief
Her choicest treasures all were lost,
Wherein was greatest worth and cost.
XXXIII. Her delight in the Sab­bath, and the duties of it.
When Sabbaths came or Sacrament,
Her devout soul then strongly went
To celebrate those blessed seasons,
With ardent zeal: no carnal reasons
Prevail'd with her, to take her off;
Nor aking head, nor painful cough
XXXIV. She sees a need of Christ in all.
Could ever cool her hot affection,
Yet still complain'd of imperfection
In all her duties, and then cry'd,
Oh wo to me! had not Christ dy'd
To purifie my holy things:
Thus by her Faith she often brings,
What Christ had done and suffer'd too,
To her own heart; and this she'd do
Continually, on all occasions,
When Satan came with his invasions.
XXXV. She is care­ful about Christ's pure Worship.
Pure Doctrine, Worship, Discipline,
In her souls eye did brightly shine.
To these her heart was so endear'd,
That their pollutions she much fear'd.
XXXVI. She fears her own strength if called to suffering.
Sighing she said, O how shall I
Suffer for Christ! him to deny
How grievous is't! and yet how weak
Am I to bear! sure 't will soon break
My feeble spirit in bonds to lye,
When I am call'd to testifie
The truths I own: the times may come,
When a fierce cruel Martyrdom,
May true Believers portion be;
And if it chance to fall on me,
What shall I do? I'm full of care,
Lest I in sufferings lose my share.
And yet I tremble at the thought
Of those sad sorrows may be brought
Upon me, for the Gospel's sake,
Of which I now profession make.
However I will learn to trust
Him whose performances are just,
His many gracious Promises
Contain in them great sollaces,
Which ne're yet fail'd, when trusted on,
And by true faith rely'd upon.
Besides I'm much refreshed by
The thoughts of that good Company,
Which in their sufferings altogether,
Will much encourage one another.
XXXVII. She had ma­ny profers for marriage.
Many there were sought her good will,
Rich, handsom, beautiful, but still
She them refus'd, she ne're would Wed,
Or cared for the marriage Bed,
Till such a one a Suiter came,
That felt the love, ador'd the Name
Of her dear God: till she could say,
He was a man could warmly pray,
And first in Christs own bosom lay.
XXXVIII. Her compa­ny was loved, and much desired by friends.
So sweet she was, courteous and kind,
And in all hearts so much entwin'd,
That whosoever knew her would
Do to the utmost what they could,
With Father, Mother, to prevail
For her Converse: they would not fail,
As oft as might be, her to get
Abroad with them, and scarce would let
Her return home in many dayes,
Desiring rather she alwayes
Might stay with them. But oh the fate!
That by such means she felt of late!
For when at a friends house she meets,
Her sickness unto death, with the oc­casion of it.
And lodgeth there, behold damp sheets
Cling close about her in the Bed,
At which she waking said, I'm dead:
And so it prov'd, alas! for wo!
At thought on't I'm afflicted so!
That brinish tears drop from mine eyes,
My heart with throbs, and inward cryes,
All broken is! what shall I say?
She's thus untimely snatcht away!
Shall I the careless Maid go blame?
And tell her what a horrid shame,
It is, that by her negligence,
So choice a one is lost from hence?
Alas! alas! it is no boot,
She was permitted thus to do't,
God's own o're-ruling Providence
Was pleas'd it self thus to dispense.
XXXIX. The manner of her sick­ness, and how grievous.
What I therefore shall further do,
Will our sad griefs yet more renew,
In telling what her sickness was,
And that therein she lay ev'n as
Upon a rack, in torments great,
The pain whereof made her to swea [...],
And us to weep 'bout her beds side,
And with our floods raise a full tide.
XL. Her patience and submis­sion unto God, under all her pains.
O God! O God! she often cry'd,
And on his Goodness still rely'd,
To be supported and preserv'd,
Till she with Patience fully serv'd
His holy Will; 'midst all her grief
This was to her a great relief,
To think that still within his hand
She safely lodg'd, and his command
As much obey'd in what she felt,
As when upon her knees she knelt.
No froward word, fell from her lips,
When tortures wrested hands and hips,
Convulsive motions, Mother fits,
New sorrows night and day begets,
And yet she's silent, 'cause she knows,
'Twas God alone that sent these throws.
XLI. A cloud of fear comes, but vanish­eth again.
One time a little fear her seiz'd,
But presently her heart was eas'd,
As careful standers by did find
By th' sweet expressions of her mind.
Shall I think God hath me forsaken
Saith she? since Christ the load hath taken
Of all my sins; no, I'le not dread
Nor sin, nor Satan, when I'm dead,
I doubt not, but in Bliss to be,
And beatisick Visions see.
XLII. Her thank­fulness when a little eased.
When God was pleas'd her to revive
A little, and make her alive
Again, as 'twere, from pangs of death,
These words she utter'd at next breath.
Pray Sister tell me, what's the date
Of this good day? I'le celebrate
Its mem'ry, if I longer live,
And God shall please more time to give.
Then thee and I'le both strive to be
Better by far; the world shall see,
Our business is in grace to grow,
And hand in hand to Heaven go.
XLIII. [...]he calls for [...]iends to [...]ke leave of [...]hem.
The last Tuesday i'th'month of June,
Finding her self much out of tune,
And that her time 'gan to draw nigh,
When she undoubtedly must dye,
Her Father, Mother, Sisters all
At midnight she thought fit to call,
Of them to take her solemn leave,
And so go hasten to receive
A better life, when this should end,
As God at this time did intend.
XLIV. Her speeches [...]o them.
For sev'ral hours such exhortation
She gave them all, to admiration,
Speeches so grave, so wise, so good,
And all so plainly understood,
So sage, so serious, so religious,
So full of prudence, so ingenious,
That every word went to the heart
Of those that heard them, every part
Of her discourse so profited,
That all the while their tears were shed
So much the faster, and the thought
This precious Life could not be bought
At any rate, but must be lost
From all friends here, O how it cost
Thousands of groans all that night long!
At every word fell from her tongue.
XLV. Her Lega­cies left in memorial of her.
When she had spoke her mind at large,
And to all there had given charge,
Of love, sweet unity, and peace
After she should have her release
From hence, then with her Fathers leave,
'Twas her desire each should receive
Some token from her, to be kept
By them that round about her wept.
Her Rings, her Books, her Instruments,
Her Works, her Cloaths, her Ornaments,
Of every sort, she parted so,
That every one their own might know.
XLVI. Especially those to the Gentlewomen of the School.
But among all her Legacies,
Some of the very best were these.
To the young Ladies of the School,
The holy Scriptures Cristal pool
She did commend, to wash their eyes,
When they first in the mornings rise.
By sweet devotions she desir'd,
They'd labour to get their hearts fir'd
As oft as might be, wanton Books
To throw away, and sober looks
Bring alwayes when they did attend
The publick Ord'nance, and to spend
Their precious time on the Lord's Day,
Not in vain dressings, but to pray,
Reade, meditate, and so improve
Those holy hours in purest love
To heavenly things. Thus far she went,
And then began to be quite spent.
XLVII. Her mind is Heaven­ward.
When a friend ask'd her how she found
Her self next day? with a low sound
She said, I go to Heaven, I
Now hasten thither, thither flye
As fast as may be, on the wings
Of faith and hope, where Angels sings.
Yet after this she lingred out
Another full whole week about,
And some hours more, in torments great,
Yet not perceiv'd at all to fret
Against Gods hand, but quietly
Resign'd her self in peace to dye.
XLVIII. She foretels the hour of her Death, which pro­ved accord­ingly.
On Munday Morning 'fore she dy'd,
Two dayes and half she often cry'd,
And then shall my soul be at rest,
In my Lords bosom, and be blest.
She said so, and it proved so,
As if her Lord was pleas'd to show
This secret to her, for at noon
Next Wednesday, her breath, how soon
Was't gone? in a weak silent groan,
And we left mourning all alone!
You that late toll'd her passing-bell,
May hasten now to ring her Knell.
She's dead! she's dead! there's no more hope
Of her Life here, the onely Scope
She aim'd at, now she doth enjoy,
Whilst sore afflictions us annoy.
XLIX. She is whol­ly taken up with thoughts of Christ, and coming to him.
All she sought was a better Life,
And to become the Lambs dear Wife.
His Jewels, Bracelets, righteous Robes,
His blood, his Spirit, his starry Globes,
Her eye and heart were eager after;
The hopes of these fill'd her with laughter
Amidst the many screeks and tears,
She met with from the King of fears.
Faith, Love, Humility, each grace
Shin'd bright in her, the lovely face
Of her dear Lord when first she spy'd,
She car'd not then how soon she dy'd.
That thus adorn'd she might be bold
To stand before him, and behold
Those radiatures that glitter there,
Where the eternal blisses are.
How swift her motions were! that thither
She might come richly laden, whither
Pure spirits flye, till she had got
The place where lay her goodly lot.
How restless was she! therefore flies
On wings of Angels 'bove the skies,
Before we thought on't, up she goes,
In glorious Chariots, where no soes
Of sin or death molest her more,
Which wrack'd her here with pains so sore.
L. The lamen­tation over her dead body upon the floor.
While she lyes dead upon the floor,
How friends stand weeping at the door!
While she is in her Night clothes drest,
How sweet her smiles are 'bove the rest
That yet survive! how many kisses
On her dead face! there's none that misses
To take their farewel. Oh! how many
Came crowding in! there was not any
But long'd to see her once again,
While she above ground did remain.
What floods of tears there now did meet
On her pale cheeks, and winding-sheet!
All eyes about her full of bubbles,
And all their hearts too, full of troubles.
They wring their hands, lift up their voice
Aloud in cryes, and mournful noise.
LI. The neigh­bours lament her loss.
And now when these sad tydings came
Abroad i'th' Town, and when the same
Began to spread the City round,
And the whole Country. Oh the sound!
Of deep fetcht sighs that you might hear,
In ev'ry place! how many a tear
Fell from the eyes of all that knew,
How great, how sore this loss! more true,
And general griefs were never known,
In any age, for such an one.
She liv'd desir'd, lamented dy'd,
Who lov'd her now 'twas fully try'd:
Both far and neer all England o're
She'l be bewail'd by thousands more.
LII. How dutiful she was and tender of her aged Father.
No Father e're more dearly lov'd
A child; no child yet ever prov'd
More gracious, dutiful, and tender
To a dear Father, she would render
What e're to th' utmost she could give,
To make her Father's comforts live:
The chief staff of his age she was,
The greatest stay. Alas! alas!
What stayes are these to lean upon!
Broken so soon! and so soon gone!
LIII. Her Funeral solemnity.
At her sad parting Funeral,
What num'rous eyes were weeping all!
What aking hearts! what heavy looks!
What overflowing spreading brooks
Of surging sorrows! mourning blacks,
Scarfs, Gloves, Wine's given, nothing lacks
To celebrate the Obsequies
Of her that thus lamented dyes.
Great pitty 'twas, said old and young,
As she i'th' room stood them among,
In Velve [...] Herse, with Garlands crown'd,
And her Companions weeping round.
Friends, Neighbours, and acquaintance all
Came flocking in both great and small,
To mourn for this rare flower of youth,
And follow her to the graves mouth.
At her Interments lamentation,
So crowded was the Congregation,
That He the Word did then dispense
Scarce saw a greater audience,
On such occasion, in that place:
'Tis Hackney Church, where her sweet face
Now hidden lyes, cover'd with dust,
While her blest soul among the just
Sings and triumphs. Well! she is gone,
What now remains more to be done?
Though her griefs end, our agonies
Thus now begin sad Elegies.
LIV. An Elegy upon her Death.
Deep sighs! torn hearts! wet eyes! bemoan
The Mistris of our joyes; each groan
Lament the loss that Ages past
N'ere knew so manifold, make hast
To drop your Pearls upon her Herse,
And cause her live in mournful Verse.
Come Parents dear, weep o're your child,
On which you have so often smil'd.
Come Musick Masters, hear the tone
She trils forth in her dying groan.
Come Ladies lay your Ivory hand
On her soft skin, a while here stand,
To see what difference sickness makes
On fairest beauties, when it takes
Colour, and freshness quite away,
As 'twill from all of you one day.
Come Brethren, Sisters, Kindred all,
And see how vain it is to call
Her back again, she hears no more,
Now she's arriv'd at th' other shore.
Come Strangers which so ravish'd were
With many a curious dainty Air,
That she was wont to melodize
Into your ears, before your eyes.
Come young ones see what here lyes cropt,
A Rose in 'ts bloom, the Tree is lopt,
While yet the fruit remain'd upon 't,
Before 't had time to ripen on 't.
Come all her old acquaintances,
See now in deaths black ballances
What your weight is, when life is gone,
It may be your own case anon.
Come Virgins wreath your flowers about
Your Garlands, as you carry her out.
Your turns will come ere long to go,
The same way too, it must be so.
Take Patterns from her Virtues rare,
That you with her in bliss may share.
LV.
Mean while, Alas! what shall we say,
From whom she's now thus fled away?
The sables of the darkest night
Take place while she is out of sight,
The boauteous heaven ne're shed such beams,
As slow'd from her in golden streams.
Lusters of Grace out-shine the rayes
Of the bright Sun, ev'n at noon dayes.
Now these absenting disappear,
What have we left our hearts to cheer?
The Garden which she visited,
No Garden is now she is dead.
No Walks, no Arbors, beds of flowers
Smel sweet, no artificial bowers
Give us content, now she is gone,
And we left in them all alone.
Within doors there's no Company,
For want of her Society.
Her single self was more than many,
Too fill her room up there's not any,
'Mong our remaining socials left,
Alas! alas! we are bereft,
Of such a full Consort in one,
That all our Musicks now are gone.
Lute, Viol, Song-book, altogether,
Cannot make up such another.
Where once her measuring feet did tread,
Alas! we now our tears do shed,
And wet the floor, our trembling hearts
[...]n sorrowing motions act their parts.
No Dances, Voices, Lessons, more,
We must expect from her; our sore
Is very grievous! who can tell
How such strong passions to repel?
Which in renewed surges rise,
From our sad hearts and watry eyes.
LVI. Another Elegy.
Indeed if she could once again
Appear as formerly, our pain
Would soon asswage; her warbling arm,
Soft touch, sweet voice, would quickly charm
Our doleful plaints, her Musick strains
More cordial were than all the grains
Of rich Ingredients Doctors give,
To make their dying Patients live.
If precious, Powders, Pearls, or Gold
Could save Life, she had liv'd till old.
No Syrrups, Liquors, Tulips, Gems,
Can so far sap dry wither'd stems,
As to revive them, one cold breath
Quite kills them, from the mouth of death.
But stay a while, methinks I hear
Her rare set melodies so clear,
As if her own well tuned head,
At sound thereof rose from the dead.
Others when neither heart nor life
Seem'd to remain in them, the strife
Betwixt her hand and Instrument,
So fill'd them with a rare content,
That out of deepest sadness they
Cheerful and pleasant went away.
And may not such effects as these
Give us also a little ease?
From the same Musicks? Alas! no!
All that now proves but a vain show.
LVII. What her friends should do now she is gone.
What once we heard, must hear no more.
Our business now is to deplore
What cannot be recall'd, and strive,
To do as she did when alive.
Pray, Read, Discourse, and Meditate
Of what concerns our future state.
This was her work, her greatest joy,
She counted all the world a toy,
Compar'd with this. Her heavenly King
She long'd to go to, long'd to sing
In that loud Chorus, sweeter layes,
And from her soul tune higher praise,
Then lungs or fingers here could make,
Even then when oft her head did ake.
Her Viol-strains, her Vocal trils,
We ne're would miss with our good wills,
Though she was wont oft to complain,
She play'd and sung in no small pain.
Willing she was at any time,
To help such hearts, as fain would climb
Into celestial thoughts, all these,
In love to Christ, she lov'd to please.
Thinking no better use could be,
Of her sweet Musicks harmony.
LVIII. Her, passage towards Heaven.
At last when she had run her race
Alotted here, she speeds apace
To her dear God, with many a groan
She cryes to him, and makes her moan,
That weary of this world she'd fain
Return her spirit to him again.
And so she did, to Heaven she hy'd,
Where now she lives Christs joyful bride.
His ornaments are now upon her,
His glorious eyes now fixed on her,
Before under her pained head,
While she lay in her dying bed,
His arms enclosed her; but now
He hath fulfill'd his marriage vow,
And taking her up to his Throne,
Gives thousand smiles for every groan.
With new embraces, sollaces
He kindly now her compasses.
In stead of this worlds clam'rous noise,
Much sweeter Musick feeds her joyes.
Her songs are now all Hallelujah,
To her eternal King Jehovah.
Oh thither let our souls desire
In divine ardours now expire.
LIX. A review of her.
But shall I leave her thus? Ah no!
Methinks I cannot let her go.
Methinks I see her in the Walks
About the Garden, where she talks
VVith her own soul, unto her Lord
Of those sweet things which in his word
She then and there had newly read,
And therewith her heart fully fed.
Methinks I see her in the room,
VVhere she was daily wont to come,
At meal times still, with some good Book,
VVhich alwayes she 'long with her took,
Within her hand, under her arm,
That she her precious soul from harm
Might safely keep, while thus employ'd,
All her life time untill she dy'd.
Methinks I see her in the front,
'Mong the young Ladies she was wont
To lead up, on the dancing dayes,
When friends and strangers came alwayes;
Methinks I see her take the Viol,
That such as would [...]ave no denial,
She might in great civility,
With her sweet Musick satisfie.
Methinks I see her, here and there,
Above, below stairs, every where,
With pleasant look, with cheerful eye,
And kind salutes, still passing by.
Alas! alas! shall I no more
See her, as I was wont before!
She's gone! she's gone! what shall I say?
We must all follow the same way.
Who knows how soon? we must all come,
As well as she to the cold tomb.
LX. An exhorta­tion to repen­tance, and preparation for death
Shall we then any more delay
Speedy repentance? since each day,
Each hour, each minute, may cut off
Our thread of life? since one small cough
May quickly waste us? or consumption
Soon end us? Oh! let no presumption
Possess the healthy, lusty, young,
Though ne're so well, though ne're so strong,
In flower of Age, in heat of youth,
In vigor, freshness, yet how doth
Death seize on them with his cold blaste;
And cause them fall at's foot as fast
As leaves from Trees? fears he to blow
On any mortal wight? ah no!
When their time's spent, and hour is come,
To others they must yeeld their room.
What do we talk of weeks, dayes, hours?
When we can't say one moments ours;
The distance 'twixt our life and death,
[...]s't any more than one short breath?
LXI. No possible exemption from death to any, how good or great soever.
The richest ransoms cannot give
The greatest Dons the least reprieve.
No heaps of gold, no Counsels deep,
Can any one from a grave keep.
No honours, beauties, riches, wealth,
Wisdom or learning can give health,
Or save ones life a moment more,
Then was appointed long before.
As goodness, so nor greatness can
Prolong the time of our short span.
Dukes, Nobles, Earls, Kings, Princes, Queens
As well as others, deaths black screens
Shall surely visit, the same shades
They must pass through, same dismal glades
Shall seize on them too, they shall have
Experience of the darksom grave.
Where smell, nor colour in their dust
Shall make a difference, they all must
Be equall there; Scepters and Spades
Are much as one, where death invades.
Gyants and Babes are both alike
To him, when his keen darts do strike.
He gives to all a conquering charge,
And in that war there's no discharge.
Monarchs and Beggars the same state
Have after long, or later date.
Nor Robes, nor Crowns, nor splendid Throne
Fence Royal hearts from dying groans.
No Kingdoms, Armies, Empires can
Here priviledge the mightiest man.
Then midst great banquets, sports, and plea­sure
Should not the greatest Prince sind leisure,
To meditate on this sad fate,
Which him also early or late,
Most certainly will seize upon?
He ne're grows wise till this be done.
LXII. The exhor­tation to prepare for death re-en­forced.
This being so, and needs must be
Without prevention, as we see,
Shall we remain still in the deep
Of sins security; and sleep
Our selves to death? shall we not rise
With quickest speed, and rub our eyes?
That we may clearly see the way,
Where we were wont to go astray,
[...]t to avoid? and chuse the road,
That they went in, whose blest abode,
[...]s now in Heaven? if we do not
Thus here, even as our bodies [...]ot
[...]n slime and filth, our souls also
Laden with sin, to Hell must go.
LXIII. How to be­come fit to dye, and the fruit of it.
[...]hould we not then be alwayes ready
When death us calls? and with a steady
Hand of true faith take a strong hold
[...]n Christ? that so we may be bold
Deaths face to look on without fear,
When e're he shall to us appear?
Ghastly and grim his visage is,
Yet he shall send us up to bliss.
His killing darts, his cruel stings
Ne're hurt the good, no terror brings.
Faith, Holiness, Sincerity,
Makes death a precious Legacy
To gracious hearts; it them transmits
Thither where each believer sits
Surrounded with most glorious grace,
Reflected from his Saviours face.
And where now she's in high content,
Whom we below here thus lament.
LXIV. A serious exhortation to the Gen­tlewomen, that either are or have been of the School.
Now you young Ladies of the School,
Lest your affections grow too cool.
Sit down, consider well your case,
Have any of you firmer place
Than she? in this worlds tottering frame
Are not you all o'th' very same
Mould as she was? may not your lot
Be th' very next to her? are not
The same infirmities in you?
Same weakness, frailties, causes too
Of sin and death? have you exemption
More than the rest? can a redemption
Be gained for you more than other,
By power, or favour, 'bove another?
Tell me, what is the priviledge
That you can for your selves allege?
Are you young? handsom? beautiful?
Could not she say as much to th' full
As most of you? have you rare parts?
Or are you skill'd in curious Arts
In Works? or Musicks? any thing?
That's excellent? can you play? sing?
Beyond all humane expectation,
Even unto greatest admiration?
All this she did, and yet we see,
Her under stroke of death to be.
Have you more honours? riches? wealth?
A greater share in strength or health?
Well! be it so; will this avail
To give you rescue? will death fail
One moment of his time? or will
He make long stay for you, untill
You ready are; at your request?
And so spare you above the rest?
What warrant have you sor't? will he
By greatest offers bribed be?
Or will he at your stern command
Forbear a while, and make a stand?
If this would cause him not to strike,
Or disappear, then sure 'tis like,
[...]or great, nor small, rich, poor would dye,
[...]ut either would command or buy
[...]ife for themselves, and still renew
[...]r words, or gifts, as dangers grew
From their diseases, or old age,
What e're they had, they'd still engage
New sums, for a new term of years,
To save them from the King of fears.
But let's not be deceiv'd, Alas!
Such fine expedient never was
Yet practised, nor never will,
But we undoubtedly shall still
Find that black fate irrevocable,
Still like himself, inexorable.
If Fathers sighs, or Mothers groans,
If dear Relations doleful moans,
If friends bewailing round about
Could keep out sickness, drive death out;
If brinish tears or lamentations,
Or the most fervent invocations;
If the Physitians care and skill,
Or richest Cordials in the bill
That he prescrib'd, could have prevail'd
Her to preserve, we had not fail'd
Of our desire, she had not dy'd,
Nor we so bitterly have cry'd
For our sad loss; what then remains?
But that with all your might and pains
You hasten, and your selves apply
To live so, as not fear to dye.
She you a lively pattern gave,
So serious was she, and so grave,
So humble, holy, heavenly;
So much in duties constantly,
So little minded she the pleasures,
The house afforded, or earths treasures;
So weaned from this world below,
So fast she did to glory go;
And all this daily in your sight,
Early i'th' morning, late at night;
That if you do not imitate
These her rich qualities, your sate
Will be most lamentable; you
Of all the rest that most her knew,
Take heed you do not carelesly
Let slip the opportunity,
That yet you have, the precious season
Of grace that yet remains, what reason
Have you to look for happiness,
Unless you practise Holiness?
As late she did, while yet alive.
Sweet Ladies, I beseech you strive
To be like her, get her renown,
That you in Heaven may wear a Crown,
As she now doth. Oh give sweet rest
To Jesus Christ betwixt your breast.
Let him your bosom-jewel be,
He was to her; I fain would see
You all enflam'd with the same love,
That she to this her Lord above
Had alwayes burning in her heart;
O labour here to act her part.
Her Legacy do not forget,
Which she among those jewels set
She valued most, and left to you,
Her memory sometimes to renew.
Pray'd she in secret? do you go
In secret too, and pray you so.
Did she much love to read and hear
Gods holy Word? and many a tear
Shed from a broken heart? did she
Alwayes with God delight to be?
In holy thoughts; in sweet Communion,
In neer acquaintance, strictest union?
Oh that I could perswade you all
Unto the same! oh that the call
Which her example gives you, might
So work upon you in the sight,
Of all that know you, that it may
Occasion all your friends to say,
Though her removal be your cross,
Yet 'tis your gain, and not your loss.
LXV. A particular advice to all neer Rela­tions.
Where dearest love, most sweet content
Have lost their object, where the bent
Of strong affections want the scope
They us'd to aim at, where the hope
Of some rare, choice delight doth fail,
And where no comforts can prevail,
To quiet and compose the mind,
The only remedy I find,
Is presently to hasten from
The mud-dry'd stream; and haste to come
To the sweet fountain of all good,
Where it will best be understood,
How deep our sorrows are, how great
Our unknown troubles; what's the heat
Of our inordinate desires,
And those hot scorching burning fires
That flame within us? Oh let's there
Drench deep, refresh our souls, take care
To quench our droughts, thence take reliefs
That may give ease to all our griefs.
A fountain 'tis so calm, so cool,
So healing too, a silver pool
So clear, so fresh, so pleasant taste
It gives to all, that we but waste
Our precious time while we refuse
Its dainty streams; oh let us chuse
This safe, sure help, above all others
That Brethren, Sisters, Fathers, Mothers,
Can us afford, in our distress.
All put together give much less
Support or comfort, one small drop
From this high spring, down from the top
Of that gold Mountain where it runs,
Gives more refreshments than whole tuns
Of these low muddy waters here,
Even when they seem to run most clear.
If we then haste to wash, bath, drink
Of this sweet font, we ne're shall sink
I'th' Sea of our own passions wide,
But bear up 'gainst the strongest tyde
Of sorrows, while this is the helm
Of our hopes, what can overwhelm
Or drown us? we shall never split
Our Ship with shelves, or sands, or hit
Against hard rocks, no boistrous blasts,
Or surging storms shall hurt our masts.
Where doleful plaints immoderate are,
And endless, these aloud declare
We lov'd too much what we lament
In such excess, and must repent
Of this great sin, shall we not rest
In what God doth, as ever best?
Shall we not suffer him fulfill
His own all-wise and soveraign will?
Are we so angry 'cause the flower
Is cropt by him, who hath the power
To take his own when e're he please?
What though we plead such things as these?
Ah! 'twas a flower, so sweet, so fair,
So beautiful, so choice, so rare,
A flower we lov'd to look upon
With great delight, that flower alone,
Which we rejoyc'd in most of all,
Above the rest on the round ball.
Well't may be so; perhaps we smelt
Too much unto't, perhaps we felt
Our hearts too much engag'd, our hand
Too much upon't, our eye to stand
Upon this flower, and there to pore
On the fine streaked colours more,
Then we should do; how many a flower
Have we oft spoyl'd in one short hour,
With our warm hand, and our hot breath,
Have we not wither'd it to death?
Apes hug their young and lose them so,
When we in our great folly go
The same way too, is't any wonder,
If the wise God doth put asunder
Us and our comforts? let's be wise
At last, oh let us now advise
What our great duty is, surely
'Tis to be silent, not ask why
God hath done this? when he consumes
Man for his sin, can all his fumes
Or frets within give any ease?
Or cause the hand of God to cease
From the least stroke? ah no! how vain
Is't? and how sinful to complain?
Shall sorry man thus with his Maker
Contend so fiercely? be partaker
Of so great guilt, and not submit?
But still remain in's sullen fit,
If we continue to do so,
May it not bring some greater blow
Down quick upon us? let's Take heed
Lest God in his great wrath proceed
Us more to punish; we should rather
Seek to find him our tender Father,
By humble, patient, child-like fear,
Let us adore him and revere
His holy Name. He's a good God
If we please him, his very rod
All dipt in honey shall relieve
And comfort give, when we most grieve.
As for our friend that now is gone,
Our dear Relation we bemoan,
So much, so long, let us rejoyce,
That though no more we hear her voice
'Mongst us poor mortals, yet she's where
Much better friends, Relations are.
She sings much sweeter tunes than ever,
She playes unwearied strains that never
Shall have an end, her aking head
Now akes no more, her restless bed
Pains her no more, her cryes and groans
Are all turn'd to melodious tones;
Her cares, her griefs, her brinish teare
Are now all lost, and all her fears
Are vanish'd quite, she's laid to rest
In her Lords bosom, there's a nest
Of such strong comforts she ne're knew.
So fresh, so springing up a new,
That if we lov'd her, we must needs
Rejoyce to think what she there feeds
Upon for ever, what sweet smiles
She lives among? and what high piles
Of wealth and store she there enjoyes?
While we remain still in the noise
Of a loud, clamerous, roaring world,
Where we from toyl to toyl are hurl'd
Toss'd, vex'd, tormented more and more
With turmoils, crosses, troubles sore,
All sorts of sins, temptations, crimes
Still us annoy i'th' best of times,
We e're yet met with: every kind
Of wants, diseases, griefs of mind,
Sollicite us, we ne're are quiet,
Nor ne're shall be, till the same diet
She now feeds on, be ours also.
Oh! thither let's make haste to go
In our affections first, and then
At our last dissolution, when
God shall appoint, mean while let us
Be in deaths oft, for we best thus
Befriend our selves, by frequent sights
Of Death's black face, do cause the frights
Thereof to cease; familiar talk
With a Death's head in every walk,
'Midst all our mirths and banquettings,
If we discern deaths glimmerings,
If in our gardens and our bowers,
And our converse among sweet flowers,
Still we with death acquainted are,
And for his darts alwayes prepare,
It ne're shall take us suddenly,
Nor yet find us unfit to dye.
LXVI. Upon the words of the [...]xt, 1 Cor. 22. Death [...] yours.
Now in the close of all I'le next,
Tell you the seasonable Text,
The Reverend Doctor pleas'd to take,
And did a useful Sermon make
At her Interments. Words were these,
Sweet Death is yours. Death gives you ease,
That Death which all Believers dye,
And by which though their Bodies lye
In slimy Valleys of the grave,
Yet those same filthy slimes they have
So sweeten'd by Christ's rich perfume,
(His odours sure will ne're consume)
That there they lye as if in beds
Of fragrant Roses, he that sheds
Salt tears upon them doth but mingle
Bitter with sweet; there's no one single,
No, nor yet compound smell that can
Match th' Aromaticks of that man,
In's very grave, that dyes a Saint,
His Sepulcher needs no rich paint.
Though what lyes there all putrid be,
Though spoyl'd in the fine symmetry
Of every part, yet I dare say
That at the Resurrection day
That dust shall blossom; a new flower
Shall bud and blow from thence; that power
That urn'd it there, with better scent
Shall sweeten't, and make redolent.
Most costly odours never gave
So rich a scent as that shall have.
This very dust, is dust of Gold,
Bought with vast sums, can ne're be told.
Christ's own heart blood, that pretious thing
Was all paid for the purchasing
This very dust; this rotten mould
Blest Angels one day shall behold
Quicken'd again, immortaliz'd,
With Christ's own body similiz'd
As vile as 'tis, splendors of Glory
Shall brighten it, the highest story
Of bliss it shall be mounted to,
So high, so very high, that you
Shall see the twinckling starry globes
Beneath this dust, the costly robes
It shall be vested with out-shine
The Sun at Noon, all beams combine,
When this dry dust unites again,
To fix upon it, and remain
In their full lusters. Purity
Most incorrupt, agility
Most quick and active, then shall be
The new rais'd bodies property.
If thus this casket as before,
Shall be embroidered all o're
With richer things then Gems or Gold,
More then empearl'd. We may be bold
To think the jewel lately pent
Within it much more Orient.
That Diamonds all glittering Angles
More sparkling are than all the spangles
We elsewhere s [...]. The difference must
Be vastly great betwixt this dust
And that which quicken'd it: the glory
As we do find by sacred story,
Which hath a reference to the tomb
And fleshly part, is yet to come.
But now the Nobler part, the mind,
If we consider well, we find,
Is in possession presently,
When it doth from its body flie.
Next moment is it not transpos'd
From Earth to Heaven? and repos'd
I'th' bosom of sweet rest and peace?
Hath it not gain'd a full release?
From sins? temptations? miseries?
From all sorts of calamities?
Hath it not left a world behind,
In which we nothing else can find,
But vanities and sore vexations,
With thousand thousand molestations?
Hath it not blisses now, and store
Of such high joyes 't ne're knew before?
Is't not enrob'd, enthron'd, encrown'd?
With brighter glories, circled round
With lusters more intense by far
Than any in those orbes that are
Now visible to humane eyes?
Doth not Christs own sweet Vision rise
Into emperial culminations,
Of unapproached coruscations?
What is the spangled Canopy
Compar'd with this bright fulgency?
Seated in this high chair of State
Doth not the glorious soul now hate
Sins snares below? this m [...]re and clay
Which here 'twas clog'd with th'other day?
Doth it not now with scorn behold
This our contemptuous dirty mould?
Is not the very dust it treads
Now made of Stars? are not the beds
Where now it takes repose the same,
Which Christ himself long'd till he came
Unto, when he his life had shed
And for poor sinners to death bled?
While thus in goodly dignity
It sits aloft, sublime, and high,
While Angel-like it is array'd,
And all its golden beams display'd
Before its Soveraigns beauteous face,
Spouse of his heart, and of his Grace
The large replenish'd subject is,
And reigns thus in eternal bliss:
While 'tis bedew'd, embalm'd, o're-run
With streams from this ne're setting Sun,
While all sweet influential Powers
And virtues down upon it showers,
While Union, Vision, Joy and Rest,
Peace, Light, and Glory makes it blest,
While his love warms, melts, and inflames
The soul, while all the pregnant names
By which all future good is shown,
Unto this blessed soul are known,
While it partakes, sucks, feeds upon
All this, as if it self alone
Injoy'd it all, and this for ever,
Must keep it alwayes, lose it never.
Tell me I pray what is thy thought
Of that sweet death such things hath wrought
For this rais'd soul? what Legacy
More rich could well be given by
Him, that by death gives such a life,
So full of bliss, so free from strife?
LXVII. The chara­cter of a Be­liever's death.
These things consider'd, now I shall
Proceed with Truth sweet death to call,
A silver bridge that passeth o're
All good souls to the other shore.
A golden key made to unlock
The gates of Glory to Christ's Flock,
To open Wardrobes, Treasuries,
Where all rich stores and jewels lyes.
A sweet sleep in perfumed bed
Where just men rest their wearied head.
An Officer that gives possession
To him that makes sincere profession
Of all his hopes and expectations
With full compleat remunerations.
Accomplisher of his desires,
And what by true Faith he requires.
Performer of sweet Promises,
That easeth of all grievances.
Remover of his cares and fears,
Answers all pray'rs, wipes off all tears.
That turns the seed into its crop,
Rich grace into its gallant top
Of Glory; roots to full-blown flowers.
Griefs drops into the golden showers
Of Joy; that crowns the Conquerour
Who fought for Christ, the laborour
In Wine-press of afflictions great,
Rewards his sufferings, sorrow, sweat
Which he with patience underwent,
Self-abnegation, and content.
A tite Ship that through surging Sea
Bears a true Christian quite away,
From Rocks and quick-sands to his port,
Which he seeks after, that strong fort
Which men and divels too cannot
Or hurt, or batter, with their shot.
The ladder by which up we climb
To th' place not measur'd out by time.
The Mid-wife of a purer birth;
An In-let to the sweetest mirth;
That to the Bridegroom gives his Bride,
Knits knots no more to be unty'd
Betwixt them, puts the glittering Crown
Upon her, and the sumptuous Gown
Of needle-work in Ophir Gold,
The garment which ne're waxeth old.
That with August inauguration,
Seats her in highest installation
'Mong those bright mansions which before
Prepared were, and evermore
Stand firmly fix'd. That dwelling place
'Mong beams which from a Saviour's face
Create whole myriads of blisses
Perpetually, and never misses.
If this be all the alteration
That death makes by a separation
Of soul and body for a space
Till both meet in so high a place,
Shall we not count it our best friend,
That brings us to so brave an end?

ACROSTIGKS.

I.
S orrows how great! How fast they come
U pon our hearts! how burdensom!
S ighs, sobs, griefs, tears, most bitter moans
A re our food now! more deep fecht groans
N e're came from any; we are left
P ast remedy; this sudden theft
E ver surprizeth where he can
R ich, poor, small, great, there is no man
W hate're he be must look to scape
I ts killing stroke; upon his nape
C ruel assaults will give their blow
H is life to end before they go.
II.
S ore griefs must needs afflict us when
U ntimely death the best of men
S natcheth away, when Virgins young
A re cropt i'th' bud, and plac'd among
N ight-sepulchers; when we do see
N ew blossom'd Roses scatter'd be
A t deaths black foot: may not we say?
P itty, oh pitty us! we pray
E specially since our sad griefs
R eturn so fast, and no reliefs
W ill ease our heavy sinking hearts,
I n midst of our most doleful smarts.
C ome Lord, true grace, peace, comfort give
H ear us, give answer, while we live.
III.
S he's blest no doubt, now she is gone
U nto her Lord; Him, him alone
S he most desir'd, and lov'd to meet
A s Mary did, where his blest feet
N ew tydings brought, of such sweet peace
N one knew before; she'd never cease
A t any time to labour after
P art of those toyes, that fill with laughter
E ternally; where she might find
R est, Pleasures, Blisses for her mind:
W here she might sing above the skies
I n sweeter notes new melodies.
C hrist had her heart, his bosom she
H ath now got her repose to be.
SUSANNA PERWICH. Anagram I. SIN'S WAN CAEAR UP.
IS SIN WAN? let's CHAR UP our hearts
'Tis struck dead by Christs own keen darts.
Though it leave mortals, pale, WAN, dead,
Yet 'twas it self first conquered.
Our WAN looks shall revive again,
Let's CHEAR UP; when Christ 'gins to reign
Sin lives no more: well't may look WAN
When it lyes sprawling, and ne're can
Get up again: its deadly wound
Admits no cure. How sweet's the sound
Of this good news unto our ears!
With how great joy our hearts it CHEARS!
Doth she CHEAR UP? is her base sin
Turn'd to rich Grace? her drossy tin
Into pure gold? Any do [...] WAN looks
To beauties? do joye [...] p [...]ea [...] brooks
Fill her with a Fel [...]ity
Ineffable, Eternally▪
Let us CAEAR UP too, may not we
Hope for the same as well as she?
No doubt we may, if we but live,
As she did us example give.
Then we (as she) may hope no more
To SIN or look WAN as before.
SUSANNA PERWICH. Anagram II. PURCHASE SWAN-IN.
SWANS sing most sweetly when they dye,
Saints do the like most usually.
But what's the IN such SWANS as these
Take harbour in with well turn'd layes?
Is't not bright Heav'n, that blissful port,
The chiefest of all Inns of Court?
Fair lodgings there were furnished
For our sweet Songster that is dead.
Dove-like she liv'd, Swan-like she dy'd,
And Phenix-like to Heav'n fly'd,
From that low moorish River here
She rais'd with many a brinish tear.
This Heavens SVVAN-IN she therefore sought
Of whom, and for what 't might be bought.
And when at last st [...] [...]d [...]derstood
No other price [...] Christ's heart blood
Could PURCHASE it, [...]he then made bold
From thence to fetch huge heaps of gold
And paid down for't, whereby she made
A gainful PURCHASE: there's no trade
Like this with Christ to buy and sell
This her experience knew full well.
So this brave PURCHASE heavens SWAN-IN
She makes, and now she dwells therein.
SUSANNAH PERWICHE, Anagram III. AH! IC HEAV'NS PURE SUN.
AH! I C see now (late dim half-Moon)
Bright HEAV'NS PURE SUN in'ts glorious Noon.
MOon-like before my squallid motions
Swell'd all my banks with brinish lotions.
Broad streams, high tydes flow'd and reflow'd,
So that huge Vessels might have row'd
I'th' lowest waters, my griefs made
So deep no foot therein could wade.
But now methinks I look more blith
Now I'm got in conjunction with
My blissful SUN and source of light
My day's now come, my darksom night
Is gone and past; my cold moist drops
Are all dry'd up: I'm on the tops
Of spicy Hills: Olympian beams
Send rowling out such flaming streams
As me ingulf; I'm circled round
With glomerations which abound
Where shades were wont: black miry earth
I've changed for HEAV'N by a new birth.
Death kill'd me not, but gave a life
Above all sorrow, sin, and strife.
What wisdom is't on earth to stay,
For any that get HEAV'N may?
Who would not turn his dross to Gold?
Pebbles to pearls? his dirty mould
To all-tralucent glittering beams?
Foul muds into PURE Christal streams?
His pricking thornes to softest downes?
His clods to stars? crosses to Crowns?
Who would not change bitter for sweet?
Vile gall for hony? with running feet
Haste quick away to that brave place,
Where he may see in's Saviour's face
Ten thousand smiles, joyes, beauties, blisses,
And thence receive millions of kisses
Sweeter by far, than any Nectar;
Which for our tears is an Elixar
That turning them to silver balls,
Stills all our groanings, cryes and brawles?
I'm blind to earth now I Csee HEAV'N
I'le feed no more on sins sowre leav'n.
In stead of rags, I here wear Robes,
And under feet tread spangling Globes.
Here I walk round from Tower to Tower,
And pass along from Bower to Bower.
Here Angels sing, there Cherubins,
Arch-Angels here, there Seraphins.
I stand and listen in a gaze,
I hear and see what doth amaze
My ravish'd soul. Dominions high
Here sit enthron'd, and there doth flie
A winged Chorus. Melodies
To what shril mounted strains they rise!
Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
How they chant to great Jehovah!
Lutes, Viols, Harps, Cytherns, Gettars
Compar'd with these, oh what harsh jars
Do they send forth! and what sad lowers
Sit on the looks of fairest flowers,
Colours, or beauteous faces here
Compar'd with the bright objects there!
Visions I see incomparable,
Rare tunes I hear unutterable.
Fast am I held by ears and eyes,
Yet mine imagination flies
Farther and farther; therefore I
Away with speediest motions hye
To view where th' mighty Potentates
And all the rest o'th' glorious states
Do reign and rule; where all the Powers
And Principalities down showers
Their more than golden lusters; where
The several Heav'nly places are
I read of in that holy Word,
First did the knowledge me afford
Of these rare things: but most of all
I view the Seat Imperial,
Where HEAV'NS PURE SUN with glittering rayes
Sits, and his Majesty displayes
With most corruscant emanations,
Commanding lowliest adorations
From highest Powers. Oh what pure lights
Doth he transfund! what dazling sights
Gives he! 'tis true all Heaven o're
I see high Thrones, myriads, and more:
Yet all these are but th'glimmerings, he
Sheds from his own dread effulgency.
All Crowns Vibrat from his great Crown;
Whole Thrones from his great Throne drop down;
Not single beams, but Suns, whole Suns
From this PURE SUN still streaming runs.
As sparks from huge great Di'monds fall
While cut in numerous Angles all:
Or as Gold Oar from mighty Mountains,
Rowl in small sands through silver fountains.
The Heav'n of Heav'ns shines in his face,
He brightens Glory 't self: the place
Where he's enthron'd all flaming is,
So ever radiantizing 'tis,
That were it not refracted to
Created eyes, it would undo
The boldest Angels to behold
In glimpse not a minute old
The splendors of't, in one straight line
So unapproach'd is't in its shine.
Oh glorious object! what intense
And condens'd pleasures fetch I thence!
Would't not me prove a very sot,
If I all ravished should not
Break out in wonders? therefore now
Without all blame you'l me allow
To joy that my half-Moon's thus drown'd
I'th' Ocean lusters me surround;
And as one wrapt up in a Trance,
Wondering my wonders still t'advance,
And say, Ah! I Csee with m'own eye,
Bright HEAV'NS PURE SUN eternally.

EPITAPH.

HEre Beauties, Odors, Musicks lye,
To shew that such rare things can dye.
Weep Passenger, weep, sigh, and groan,
When was e're such another known?
From Heav'n she came with Melodies,
And back again to Heav'n she flies.
Here follow certain Copies of Verses, composed by some of the friends of the Deceased. In memory of that eminently Vertuous, his much honoured Cozen, Mrs. Susanna Perwich.
ANd what! is death of late so meal'd mouth'd grown
As to sleight courser, and to feed on none
But natures choicest dishes? must her heart
Needs feel the point of his all-conquering dart?
Could neither Beauty, Vertue, him provoke
To hold his hand from this sad fatal stroke?
Could they have don't, then certainly we may
Conclude that she had liv'd still to this day.
'Tis no Hyperbole to say her mind
Others in rarest ex'lencies out-shin'd.
The Vertues which elsewhere lay scattered,
Within her breast were all concentered.
But why do I thus stammer out her worth?
There needs an Angels tongue to set it forth.
Y [...]t now she's gone; let not her dear friends weep,
[...] she's not dead, but only fall'n asleep;
[...] her rejoyce, that God them honour'd so,
[...]h a rich gift upon them to bestow.
With whom we leave her, and shall add but this,
In heavenly joyes her soul now sollac'd is;
Warbling out sweetest Anthems 'bove the skies,
Not such as are found in the Lythurgies.
Well! what remains, but this one wish, that we
Who stay behind, may be as good as she?
S. R.
Some serious thoughts let forth for my deceased Friend, Mrs. Susanna Perwich.
OH help me Muses, you that softly sing
In solitaries, bring me on your wing,
Where grief may melt me, and my tears extend,
To touch, each loyal heart that means to spend
Some select mournings, that our lives may be
The perfect Emblems of true Piety.
We know our frailties, and we can't express
It more to purpose (mortals) see this Herse
Whereon doth lye, the body of our Friend,
A soul too good, too great, too soon to end;
And yet her star is not extinct, for she
Triumphs in glory over misery.
What mean then thus our thoughts to mourn, o [...] why
Do they complain? will still my watery eye
Dissolved be in tears? stop, stop, no more
Of thy distilling; peace, 'tis time, give o're.
Lift up thy down-cast senses, see her set
In beams of brightness, labour thou to get
To her preferment, and thou maist be sure
Thou wilt exchange thy dross for what is pure▪
Call home thy dunghil cogitations, be
An imitator of her charity.
Abound in goodness, and let love invite
Thee to her pattern, for her sole delight
Was to be pious, courteous, sweet to all;
Not vainly proud, nor subject to have gall.
Free to forgive the greatest wrongs, and she
Never took pleasure in much jolity;
But wisely ponder'd in her serious cell
'Twas best becoming wisdom for to dwell
Within its proper walls, and there to be
Protected from injurious falsity.
In sum, her life was such as might have been
A Nautick-card, to guide the best of men.
I. H.
Upon that incomparable Lady, Mrs. Susanna Per­wich, the miracle of her Age, for all Excel­lencies, both Spiritual and Temporal.
WAat ails my thoughts? I'm haunted so with grief,
That to my mind nothing can yeeld relief.
[...]hat do I ask the reason? it is plain,
[...]a'n't every face an Elegiack strain?
[...]reat sorrow can't be smother'd, in each eye
[...]ppear the sad complaints of misery.
What are we mortals now at last bereft
[...]ven of that little which the Fall had left?
What is that Lady struck by death's keen darts,
[...]n whom concentred all the heavenly Arts?
[...]hus sad were mortals, when Astrea flew
[...]o Heaven, and bid the cursed earth adieu.
[...]'m nought but stormes within, they'l not be pent,
My heart must break, or I must give them vent.
Come then my Muse, try if rais'd by her fall,
Thou canst her image to my mind recall:
Her beauty and rare features I'le forbear,
Lest thinking on them, I should surfeet there.
I'le boast not of her blood, though in her face,
Both Lancaster and York had equal place:
But she was Musicks Master-piece, a wonder,
Oh that I could but run division on her.
What means this sudden stroke? did Pallas fe [...]
(Musicks great Goddess) to be challeng'd here
In her own Art, and lose that glorious name,
Which hath so sounded in the trump of fame?
Or wa'n't the heavenly Lyra sweet alone,
To make a Consort? is she thither gone?
When hospitality out of England went,
She's said to ave yeelded up her breath in Kent;
So Musick in her, whom we now bemoan,
I fear will prove to'ave given its last groan.
If she unseen did sing, I wish'd to be
All ear; if after that I her did see,
My wish was chang'd, I fain would be all eye,
That so I might her glorious gifts espie.
Sure nature framed her for this intent,
That of their wishes men might still repent.
Orpheus his well tun'd soul in her did live,
If to Pythagoras we may credit give;
He made the eared Oaks dance to his layes,
And duller stones the walls of Thebes to raise.
But what is more, she stony Rocks could move,
Rough tempers mild after her play would prove.
But if you look on skill in Musicks Art,
What is most rare, she had a well-tun'd heart:
For although others the sphears harmony
Could never hear, because o'th' noise and cry
Of worldly things, yet sure she this had heard,
Her soul to Heaven was so often rear'd:
She ne're was so well pleas'd with Musicks airs,
As when she rose to Ela in her prayers:
'Twas far more pleasure to her, and content,
To tune her heart, than tune her Instrument.
Those rarities that in her breast did lye,
She cloathed all with rich Divinity.
When the three Goddesses did each contend
For th' golden Ball, Parts did recommend
It unto Venus; but she unto Grace,
On th' contrary did give the chiefest place;
For though those earthly Syrens did their part;
That each might gain that golden Ball, her heart;
Yet she did stop her ears to all their strife,
And gave it unto Christ, the Lord of Life.
She was our Phenix, but this breaks my heart,
Her ashes can't another Life impart:
But is she dead? and did not every thing,
Rush into its first Chaos once again?
For since the harmony o'th' world is gone,
I expect nothing but confusion.
Philosophy now fails, that argument
It us'd to prove the Heavens are permanent,
In her's confuted, for her perfect form,
Could not discharge her body from the worm.
E. B.
UPON
Mistris
Sure there are mysteries hid in this Name,
Under it's comprehended so great fame.
Search well the Holy Language, Rabbins all,
And see what mean the lerters radical.
Ne're were a Females parts improv'd so high,
Nature in her did meet with industry:
And every letter in this Name sure will
Prove Hieroglyphicks of her various skill.
Equal to her were none, for parts, or worth,
Religion yet did chiefly set her forth.
Weep Reader, weep, this fair one's snatcht away,
In her best years she felt her strength decay.
Can any read this without sighs, and say,
Here lyes a mirror wrapped up in clay?
Idem.
An eLegIe on that peerLess VIrgIn, SVsan [...] PerWICh, Paragon of aLL VertVe, the fLoVrIshIng gLory of her seXe, Who LateLy DeCeaseD, DDCCLLLLLLLLXVVVVVVVVVIIIIII.
VVOuld tears permit, would sighs an [...] sobs give way
My honest Muse her mournful deb [...] would pa [...]
Unto thy Herse, dear Saint. Can grief give time
Or knows it measure, can't compose a Rhime?
Strong duty bids it try, though't be confus'd,
Grief to trim Dress, or Order is disus'd.
Now from the Fortress of my love-stor'd heart
Officious words would sally, to bear part
I'th' rites, but by an ambushment of tears
Surpriz'd: I'le try again devoid of fears.
Now try we if 't be true, or meer surmises,
That from the Phenix urn another rises:
If this prove true, 'twil give our grief a lank,
Whose prouder swelling laughs at bound or bank
Were I in Sect a Petrolitan
Holding that mannerly devotion ran
Through th' Conduits of the Saints: her Name alone
I would adore, at her shrine make my moan.
If not by Precept, but by Precedent
(A breathing Precept) Vertue best is sent
Into the soul, behold a perfect Guide,
In whom all Vertues are exemplifi'd:
Courted by strong Temptations to be proud,
Yet in Fames silver Trumpet sounds aloud
Her great Humility; which was the ground
Whereon her other Vertues flower'd were found,
This vertue is the ground on which the rest
Run sweet division in a fair contest.
On this firm Basis that bright Fabrick stands,
Which kisses Heaven and the Clouds commands,
So many excellencies were her lot,
One in anothers beauty is forgot.
As calm she was in words as in desires,
Knew not her Sexes tempests nor their fires.
Some are but fairer Aeolus his Dens,
In which the winds and blustring storms he pens.
Beauty, Proportion, Colour do define,
To which some graceful motion well adjoyn;
Whereto may voice be added, all these here
Conspir'd to place her fame above a Peer.
Though chaste and comely seldom we do see
In high degrees (at least) conjoyn'd, yet she
Was Beauties darling, Modesties delight,
Giving as rare as ravishing a sight.
Hackney, the Ladies University
Of Female Arts the famous Nursery;
Which in their kind at least, may well compare
With those of th'other Sex; what Arts so rare
Which are not liberally furnish'd here?
Mathematicks they count within their Sphear;
Arithmatick in musick couch'd you'l find;
Geometry hath in their dancing shin'd.
Astronomy's best read i'th' Ladies eyes;
Rhetorick first from women did arise;
Their Logick, Will, our Reason doth defie;
There are Grammarians for Orthography.
Tongues there abound. Blame not in improper Muse
In Elegies still Elogies we use.
This University she grac'd, wherein
To the chief Colledge Students she did win.
She there proceeded highest Graduate,
Mistris of Arts that are profest thereat.
How great a loss th [...]t University
O [...] her bereft sustain'd! how great's the cry
Of that fam'd Colledge, which she did adorn
Which knows but one long night without a morn?
How dumb's their Musick and their dancing lame!
Or if both's good, yet neither is the same.
Those pretty Doves eyes with griefs needle seil'd,
They prick their fingers till their works blood yeeld
In all the needles Curiosities
Exactly she was read, view, wipe your eyes.
In dancing reach'd perfection of the foot,
Yet not with labour much gave her mind to't.
Her Musick jars Division in this strife,
Whether she sang or plaid more to the life,
That subdivided, whether on the Lute
Or Viol best her fingers sweet did sute.
Her Hand and Ear fell out which should be best
The Hands none such by all she is confest.
In all her Exercises shown such Art
Neglectedly concerned in each part,
As if to her they all were natural,
Or she to them were supernatural;
And so in truth she was, her nobler Fire
Unto a higher Region did aspire.
This by her bearing is well figur'd out,
Which rightly doth her represent devout.
The Field is Argent; charge, a Chevron fable
Betwixt three Eaglets, which to view are able
Her Crest, a Southern Sun, in Noon-tide glory,
Thus Eagles prove their young, in Natures story
Not silken Arts, nor graceful steps, nor dresses
Not modish ordering heart-ensnaring Tresses,
Not Art with Nature, Instrument with Voice
Can make a Female Glory to rejoyce;
Nor Natures paint, but much less that of Art,
By which your Dames of pleasure make their mart
But a bright burnish'd mind, whose lustre vies
With the Celestial Lamps, dazling all eyes.
I'th' Heavenly Academy she was verst,
Knowledge there's tasting, things are not rehears [...]
But done, not only for a blaze profest,
But Action there with constant heat is blest;
In the Celestial University
She now degrees of Glory takes more high.
She once blest Earth, while acting on this stag [...]
Now gives Heavens Book of Bliss another Page,
Which gives me greater Amours, and much more
I long to read it now, than e're before.
You'l say, my Muse soars not so high a flight
As justly rates her worth; confest, 'tis right
One cause is this, her wings with grief are wet,
Or else her Lute had strain'd a nobler set.
S. B.
To the READER. …

To the READER.

Courteous Reader.

SOme pages of this sheet being left void for want of matter, rather than they should stand empty, I have filled them up with short practi­cal Quaeries, grounded (for the most part) upon such pregnant Scriptures as have the answer still per­spicuous in them, the rest may be supplied with answers from the mind of the Reader, either ne­gatively or affirmatively, according to the na­ture of the Quaeries. And because my aim is to speak something that hath a particular reference to all sorts of sins and duties, I have therefore put my Quaeries accordingly; and for the more delight and variety, disposed them into a miscelaneous order. At first indeed, I thought to have filled up this sheet only, and no more, but my hand being in, I pro­ceeded to a double century and somewhat more, and have divided them into Decads, for the better help of memory, and to prevent weariness; so remain­ing an hearty well-wisher to thy souls best good, I subscribe,

John Bachiler.

I. DECAD.

1. VVHether the imputed Righteousness of Je­sus Christ by Faith, be not the true formal cause of a Believers Justifica­tion? whether the satisfaction he hath made to his Father's Justice on be­half of the Elect, be not sufficient? whether the merits of his Active and Passive obedience, do not arise from the dignity of his Person? and whe­ther he that denies this, doth not make the Gospel void? Esa. 53. throughout, 2 Cor. 5.21. Mat. 3.17. Heb. 7.25, 26, 27. compared with Rom. 4.14. Gal. 3. from 17. to 27. & Chap. 4.5.

2. Whether he that affirms total and final falling away from special Grace, be not a down-right Armi­nian, and Cozen-German to a Pa­pist?

3. Whether he that holds the po­wer [Page 130] of nature (otherwise called Free­will) may not strongly be suspected to be unknown to himself, or at least not to take due notice of the work­ings of sin and Grace in his own heart?

4. Whether one may not be a zea­lous Preacher against sin, and for in­herent Grace, in order to Justification thereby, and yet be a Jesuit, or eve­ry whit as bad, whatever his pretence may be to the contrary? and whe­ther such may not be accounted up­holders of the doctrine of merit, and establishers of their own Righteous­ness? Rom. 10.3.

5. Whether it be possible to co­ver a sinners spiritual nakedness with any other garments, but those which Christ wears on his own back? Rev. 3.18.

6. Whether the Righteousness of Christ applyed by Faith, be not both coat of Mail and cloth of Gold; and such too, as nothing can either pierce [Page 131] or sully? and whether he that hath this upon him, be not both securely and bravely arrayed from head to foot? Eph. 6.11. compared with Rev. 1.13.

7. Whether any other robes have such rich embroideries, or are hung with so many, and so costly Jewels, as those robes of Christ, which both himself and his People wear? Es. 61.10. Cant. 1.10, 11.

8. Whether Christ hath any Dowry with his Bride? and whether her Wedding clothes are not of his pro­viding, Ezek. 16.13, 14. compared with Rev. 21.2.

9. Whether it was not an unpa­rallel'd love for Christ, to account the day of Espousals, with one that had neither Beauty, Parentage, nor Por­tion, to be the day of the gladness of of his heart? Cant. 1.6. Eze. 16.3, 4, 5, 6. compared with Cant. 3.11.

10. Whether by the Queens, her being all glorious within (Psal. 45. [Page 132] 13.) and by her clothing of wrought Gold, be not meant, the splendors of Grace in the heart, and the shine of them in the Life?

II. DECAD.

11. Whether, if Grace be the Flower, sincerity and godly simpli­city, be not the lasting fragrancy and beauty of that Flower?

12. Whether the Flames of Di­vine Love are not most vehement, even flames of God? and whether those flames are not raised and main­tained from the sweetest Fuels? Cant. 8.6. compared with Chap. 1.12.

13. Whether these flames shall ever go quite out for want of fuel, or can be extinguished, either by men or devils? Jer. 31.3. compared with Rom. 8.35. to 39.

14. Whether the very best duties of the best Saints, have not need of Christ's perfumes to sweeten them? [Page 133] and whether much incense be not therefore added to their Prayers, be­cause they are in themselves very un­savory, and from very noysom hearts? Rev. 8.3.

15. Whether in the golden Vials (mentioned Rev. 5.8.) though the Prayers are the Saints, the odours are not Christ's? and whether the reason why they are all called odours, be not, because the denomination is alwayes from the better part?

16. Whether fervent Prayers from holy hearts, make not as sweet a smell in Heaven, as their praises make me­lodies? Psal. 141.2. Cant. 2.14.

17. Whether a soul can truly live without Christ any more than the Body without wholesom food, Joh. 6.27, 32, 33.

18. VVhether the highest Angels feed on better dainties than the mean­est Saint? and whether the Love of God be not a full and a sumptuous Feast? Psal. 36.7, 8. & 34.8. compa­red with Esa. 25.6.

[Page 134]19. Whether the hardest heart doth not drink in the Love, and melt in the Blood of Christ, as sugar sucks up, and melts in wine? Rom. 5.5.

20. Whether one can begin too soon to love God? or can love him too much? or can suffer or lose, or do too much for him? and whether he doth not deserve the very best of all we have? the best of our time? the best of our affections? the best of our in­joyments? and accordingly whether he doth not expect it? Deut. 6.5. Gen. 4.4. compared with Mal. 1.8.

III. DECAD.

21. Whether true saving Faith may not well be said to have an Ea­gles eye, since in a right line it can look on the brightest Sun, the Sun of Righteousness? Esa. 45.22. compa­red with Mal. 4.2.

22. Whether a weak Faith, like a palsy hand, may not lay hold on a pardon or purse of gold? the woman [Page 135] came trembling to Christ, Luke 8.47. Mark 9.24. Joh. 6.37.

23. Whether the lowly grace of Humility, like the delicate scented Violet, that even kisseth the earth, and as 'twere hides it self under its own leaves, be not as sweet as any of the Taller graces? and whether this be not a thriving Grace? Psal. 25.9. Prov. 29.23. Jam. 4.6. 1 Pet. 5.5.

24. Whether they have not the quickest and best hearing, who have an ear in their heart that listens to, and hears the smallest motions of the Spi­rit of Grace? Esa. 30.21.

25. Whether Faith and Love are not a pair of golden wings, with which a gracious heart flies to Hea­ven every day? Psal. 11.1. & 143.9.

26. Whether the lowest sighs from a broken heart, do not make the loudest Prayers? and whether a Pray­er upon the knee, will ever reach Heaven, unless it be a Prayer on the wing too? Psal. 51.17. Esa. 37.4.

[Page 136]27. Whether all the day long, wheresoever or howsoever imployed, the sending up of frequent ejacula­tions to Heaven, be not to drive a secret, but thriving trade for Grace, and the comforts of it? Psal. 139.17, 18. Esa. 26.8, 9.

28. Whether any one truly peni­tent groan, was ever unheard of God? or one penitent tear unseen or unbot­tled up by him? and whether God will defer the deliverance of his affli­cted People one moment longer than is necessary? 2 King. 20.5. Psal. 56.8. 1 Pet. 1.6.

29. Whether he that suffers or loseth most for Christ, be not the grea­test gainer? Mat. 5.11, 12. Rom. 8.17, 18. 2 Cor. 4.17.

30. Whether by some mens lives and actions, it may be supposed, that they do really believe there is a God, a day of Judgement, an Hea­ven and an Hell?

IV. DECAD.

31. Whether the death of many righteous in a few months time, be not a sad prognostication of much evil to come? and whether every day of our life, we ought not seriously to think of, and carefully prepare for the hour of our death? Esa. 57.1. Job 14.14. Psal. 90.12.

32. Whether a covert under the wings of the Almighty, be not a safe and a warm place in stormy times? and whether they may not reckon them­selves secure whom God keeps? Psal. 91.1, 4.

33. Whether the bosom of God be not the sweetest, highest and brightest place in Heaven? and whether it be not the place where Abraham lyes? Luk. 16.23.

34. Whether his case be not to be lamented, who makes it his business so to live, as to dye a fool? and whether a poor Lazarus be not in an happier [Page 138] condition than he? Luk. 12.20. & Chap. 16.22.

35. Whether he that refuseth to answer God's Calls and Counsels in the time of his Life, can expect God's an­swers to his calls and cries at the hour of his death? Prov. 1.24 to 31.

36. Whether Fornicators, Adulte­rers, and other such like, shall not do well to consider, that God's eye is broad open upon them at midnight, when no candle is in the room, no com­pany there, and the curtains drawn round about them? and whether he doth not see their thoughts too, as well as their actions? Psal. 90.8. & 139.1 to 14. Heb. 13.4.

37. Whether, if every idle word must be accounted for, as certainly it shall, Mat. 12.36. it will not be sad with them, whose mouths belch forth nothing but oaths, cursings, blas­phemies, scurrilities, all manner of filthy communications, and bitter re­vilings against God, his wayes and [Page 139] People? Psal. 10.7. Rom. 3.13, 14. 1 Pet. 2.23. Jude 15.

38. Whether the righteous God be not engaged to a severe punish­ment of the wrongs and injuries done to him and his? and whether present forbearance will pass for payment, or doth not make way rather for the heavier blows at last? Psal. 37, 12, 13. Eccles. 8.11, 12. Prov. 11.21.

39. Whether God will be mocked, or doth not take notice of the intole­rable insolencies of prophane scoffers at his Holy things, especially his ser­vants the Prophets, and the messages which they bring? and whether this was not one great cause of all that wrath that brake out against Judah, when they were carried away cap­tives into Babylon? 2 Chron. 36.16. Gal. 6.7.

40. Whether the terrible Judge­ments of God, in the present death of four of the Actors of the passion of Christ, upon the very place where, and [Page 140] while they were acting it (mentioned by Philip Melancthon) are not to be taken notice of by such as adventure on such bold attempts?

V. DECAD.

41. Whether Idolatry were not one principal sin, that sent the ten Tribes into perpetual captivity? and whether the practise of it among Christians, be not one great hindrance of the conversion of the Jews, who having smarted so much and so long together for that sin, do they not now dread to come where it is, or to embrace that Religion that is defiled with it? 2 King. 17.7. to 19.

42. Whether the worshipping of the true God, after a false manner, be not Idolatry in the Scripture ac­count, as well as the worshipping of a false God? and whether God cares for any worshippers, but such as wor­ship him in Spirit and Truth? Ezek. 43.8. John 4.24.

[Page 141]43. Whether a little pollution, mixt with the pure Doctrine, Discipline and Worship of God be not like a little spider in a cup of rich wine, which may poyson it as well as a bigger? and whether God doth not expect full as great care and caution about the mat­ter and manner of his Worship in the dayes of the Gospel, as he did in the dayes of Moses, who was not to vary in the least, from the pattern that was shewed him in the Mount? Exod. 35.40. Ezek. 44.7, 8.

44. Whether it be not the peculiar Office of the Spirit of God, to teach his People to pray? and whether any prayers will be accepted, but such as he dictates? Rom. 8.15, 26, 27. Psal. 10.17.

45. Whether seeming grace or ho­liness, will qualifie a man for happi­ness, any more than real sins? and whether those Scribes and Pharisees, which our Saviour calls Hypocrites, in their external acts of worship, and [Page 142] publick profession of Religion, were not in appearance very devout men? Mat. 23.14, 25, to 30. Phil. 3.4, 5, 6.

46. Whether any leaven so sowers the Conscience? any thorn so sharply pricks it? any dagger so deeply wounds it, as hypocrisie? 1 Cor. 5.8. Prov. 18.14.

47. Whether Swearers, Drunkards, Whore-masters, or any other prophane persons and lewd livers, be any whit the better men, because they go to Divine Service twice a day, and per­haps can say all the Prayers without book too (being so often used to them) unless they truly repent and re­form? Esa. 29.13. Jer. 7.9, 10, 11.

48. Whether the Gospel should not be preached in season and out of season? and whether; where vision fails, the people are not in danger of perishing? 2 Tim. 4.2. Prov. 29.18.

49. Whether the darkness, occa­sioned among a People, by the ab­sence [Page 143] of the Sun of Righteousness, and his shining Gospel, be not far greater, and more terrible than that of Aegypt, it being a deprivation of a more glo­rious Light? Luk. 1.79.

50. Whether they that cannot endure the light of the Gospel, have not sore eyes? and they that cannot see the light of it when it shines bright­ly, are not stark blind? and whether they that do their utmost to extin­guish it, are not willing to have them­selves and deeds undiscovered, and so go to Hell without stop? Joh. 3.19, 20. Eph. 5.13. 2 Cor. 4.3, 4.

VI. DECAD.

51. Whether Christ his local de­scent into Hell, were an Article of the Christian Faith, the first 400. years after Christ? and whether those words of our Saviour upon the Cross, It is finished, (Joh. 19.20.) do leave any ground to believe that he suffer­ed any pain, or felt any farther wrath [Page 144] of God afterwards, as common Peo­ple are apt to conceive, by those words of his, Descending into Hell?

52. Whether the words of that Article in the Creed, Crucified, dead and buryed, do not sufficiently express Christ his remaining in the state of the dead, without the addition of any o­ther words? and if they do, whether then the following words must not be taken in a distinct sense? or else be liable to the danger of a Tantology?

53. Whether the Lords day doth not consist of as many hours as any other day? and whether it ought not to be wholly set apart, either for per­sonal duties in secret; or for private duties in the Family; or for publick duties of Piety in the Congregation, and of charity among Neighbours, as occasion requires? Exod. 20.8, 9, 10, 11. & Chap. 31.13, to 18. Levit. 19.3, 30. Mat. 12.1, to 9.

54. Whether a great and strict charge doth not lye on Parents and [Page 145] Governours of Families, to Catechize Children and Servants, and to instruct them in the admonition and nurture of the Lord? and whether the want of this be not one great hindrance to the work of the Gospel in the publick ministration of it? Deut. 6.6, 7. Prov. 22.6. Eph. 6.4.

55. Whether the want of frequent and plain Preaching and pressing the fundamentals of Religion, by the Mi­nisters of the Gospel, be not one chief occasion of the great ignorance and confusion, that is ordinarily found in the minds of People, about matters of Faith and Practise, and of their aptness to be seduced into errors?

56. Whether it may be ever hoped for in this world, that all men shall be just of a mind, or of the same opinions and apprehensions (in matters dispu­table at least) any more than all to be of one and the same complexion and feature in their faces? 1 Cor. 1.12. & Chap. 3.3, 4, 5, 6. & Chap. 12.4, 5.

[Page 146]57. Whether Parents ought not to bear a great reverence towards their Children, in doing and saying nothing in their sight and hearing, which they are unwilling to have them learn or practise? and whether evil communi­cation in them as well as others, doth not corrupt good manners? 1 Cor. 15.33. Eph. 4.29.

58. Whether often dropping savory and good speeches among those we have ordinary converse with, in de­sign to win souls, or to quicken grace in our selves and others, be not a sowing of precious seed, that will be sure to come up at one time or ano­ther in a fruitful Harvest? and whe­ther Abraham, Joshua, and David, with other eminent Saints in Scrip­ture, were not wont to be much im­ployed this way? Gen. 18.19. Josh. 24.15. Psal. 34.11. Prov. 31.1, to 10. Prov. 1.1, 3, 4. & Chap. 10.21.

59. Whether he that willingly and constantly neglects the duties of secret [Page 147] meditation and Prayer betwixt God [...]nd his own soul, may pass in charity [...]or a good Christian? Mat. 6.5, 6.

60. Whether a cold, flat, dull spi­rit of Prayer among Gods People, be not a sad symptom, both of their unfitness to suffer afflictions, and un­preparedness for deliverance out of it? Esa. 43.22. and whether when God intends mercy, he doth not give an heart to pray earnestly for it? Jer. 29.10, to 15.

VII. DECAD.

61. Whether the flood-gates of all manner of sins standing open among a People, and no stop put to them, will not let in also inundations of judge­ments? and whether in such times there can be any more than two par­ties found, either such as willingly partake of the common guilt, or such as sigh and cry for the abominations committed among them? Lam. 1.8, 9. Ezek. 9.4.

[Page 148]62. Whether those that live mo [...] holily, mourn for their own and the Nations sin most affectionately, and pray for their Prince most fervently, are not the best subjects? 1 Tim. 2.1, 2.

63. Whether pure Religion, and undefiled, doth not consist in the con­scientious performances of the du­ties of both Tables, viz. of Holiness towards God, and Righteousness towards men? and whether he that most truly fears God, doth not most truly honour the King too? and whether the second must not needs be affirmed, where the first is granted? 1 Pet. 2.17. Act. 24.16.

64. Whether there can be any comfort in suffering, unless it be for well doing? and whether a man hath not need of a very good and cleer cause, that lyes in a Prison for it? 1 Pet. 3.17.

65. Whether Prayers and tears are not the Saints weapons, and af­ter [Page 149] their death too? and whether by [...]hese they may not hope to prevail [...]gainst their adversaries in due time, Rev. 6.9, 10. Exod. 2.23, 24, 25.

66. Whether injuries, especially [...]or God's sake, are not patiently to be born, rather than revenged? and whe­ther Christ himself give not a great ex­ample and proof of it? Luk. 6.28, 29. 1 Pet. 2.23.

67. Whether it was not providen­tial, that the name of the first man that dyed for the Christian Religion (Stephen) should signifie a Crown? and whether that crowned Emperour, Philip the Arabian (Successour to Gordianus) who in the time of the 7th. persecution was slain, because a Chri­stian, was not advanced to a much higher dignity than he had before, by his being crowned with Martyrdom? 2 Tim. 4.7, 8. Jam. 1.12. Rev. 2.10. & 3.21.

68. Whether a Prison for Christ's sake, doth not become a Pallace and [Page 150] place of glory, and a close stinking dungeon, a Paradise of sweetest plea­sures? and whether Christ himself be not fellow-Prisoner there? Rev. 2.10. Act. 12.7. & 16.25. Mat. 25.36.

69. Whether fires of the Saints Bodies are not made of the richest fu­els? and whether God smells not sweet savours from these flames? Phil. 2.17. Rom. 12.1.

70. Whether the Ashes of holy Martyrs, are not reserved in golden Urnes? and whether the most lasting perfumes, are not found in the graves of those that dye in, and for Christ, e­specially since Christ himself and his odours lay in a grave? Joh. 19.39, 40, 41. 1 Thes. 4.14, 16.

VIII. DECAD.

71. Whether the History of the ten persecutions, especially the Martyr­doms of the Apostles, of Epagathus, Zenon, and other Noble men of Rome, of Ignatius Bishop of Antioch, [Page 151] of Eustachius, one of Hadrian's most [...]aliant Generals of his Armies, of [...]olycarpus Bishop of Smyrna, of Fe­ [...]citas and her seven Sons, of Germa­ [...]icus Sanctus, Maturus, Attalus, Laurentius, Blandina, with very many others, are not most pleasing and pro­fitable to be read in suffering times?

72. Whether visions of God, and [...]is holy Angels, to some of the afore­ [...]aid Martyrs, and their fellows, did not fill them with ineffable joyes in the midst of their greatest sufferings? and whether the intensness and sweetness thereof, were not the true reason (as the Writers of these things report) why from morning to night they could endure such exquisite torments, as burning plates, scalding lead, boyling oyles, and many other such like, in­flicted on their naked bodies, as if they had never felt them? 1 Pet. 4.13, 14. Heb. 10.35. & 12.2.

73. Whether some may not be kil­led, but not hurt? and others not on­ly [Page 152] dye, but be killed by death? Rev. 2.11, 23.

74. Whether all the world be not a place of exile to him, whose Coun­trey is Heaven? and whether a Be­lievers home can be any where but in his Fathers house? John 14. 2. Heb. 11.13, 14, 15, 16.

75. Whether Holiness be not the beauty of youth, and the glory of old age? the shine of this, and of the o­ther world? Prov. 1.8, 9. & 16.31.

76. Whether the Sun in the firma­ment hath half so many beams and in­fluential powers, as the Covenant of Grace hath consolations? and whether the Promises are not the breasts there­of, and so full, that the Babes of Christ can never empty them by suck­ing? Heb. 6.17, 18. 2 Pet. 1.4. Esa. 66.11, 12.

77. Whether God be not such an ever and over-flowing Fountain of Life and Grace, as sends forth millions of fresh and new streams continually? [Page 153] and whether all other fountains of good are any other than so many sin­gle drops of this? Psal. 36.8, 9. Esa. 12.2, 3.

78. Whether all our flowers grow not in Gods Garden? and whether he be not provoked to crop them, when we look too much upon them, or smell too much to them? Hos. 2.8, 9, 10.

79. Whether engaging the heart more than is meet, in creature-com­forts, be not like a surfeit from sweet-meats, that often brings death? Luk. 8.14. 2 Tim. 3.4.

80. Whether most men like spi­ders, do not suck poyson from God's flowers; rather than like Bees, make honey out of them? and whether in­gratitude, doth not turn his honey in­to gall, and presumption, his grace into wantonness? 2 Tim. 3.2. Jude 4.

IX. DECAD.

81. Whether it be not better to suffer than to sin? and whether many [Page 154] do not wish they had done so, when [...] is too late? 1 Pet. 4.16. Mat. 27.3, 4, 5.

82. Whether God will thank any man for being so over-careful or bu [...] in providing for the peace of the Church (or his own peace rather) tha [...] he is not so careful as he should be for the purity of it? and whether it be [...] good way to procure its peace, b [...] yeelding to any thing that pollutes it? Ezek. 13.17, to 23.

83. Whether a tender conscience, that fears to offend God in the least thing, especially in matters of his divine Worship, be not less dangerous, than a bold conscience that adven­tures far, and a large conscience tha [...] can swallow any thing for preferment [...] sake? and whether a tender consci­ence be not a better guard upon the purity of Gods holy Ordinances, than a forward compliance with those pre­cepts of men, which (if Christ himself be worthy of belief) renders the Worship of God vain? Esa. 29.13. [Page 155] Mat. 15.7, 8, 9. Mark. 7.6, 7, 8, 9.

84. Whether carnal pollicy, love of [...]lf and base fear, have not betrayed [...]any a brave Cause? and whether he [...]hat steps back, and loseth but one [...]oot of his ground, doth not draw his [...]dversary the faster and more fiercely [...]n him, till he be quite beaten out of [...]he field by him? Gal. 1.16, 17. & [...]hap. 2.4, 5.

85. Whether those wounds upon [...]he Gospel, be not most gaping, and [...]hose gashes in the profession of it, [...]he deepest, which are made by men, who being reputed truly godly, do most unworthily renounce, or at least not openly, strenuously and constant­ly assert, those professed Principles and practices, which with good reason, they formerly, more wayes than one de­clared for, and maintained, in the face of the whole world? and whether Francis Spira found not the bitter fruit of such a tergiversation from the Truth, when he subscribed to the [Page 156] Popes Legat? Oh how did he cry out of the shipwrack which he had made of Faith and a good Conscience I how did he torment his own soul, with that dreadful Scripture (Prov. 14.14.) The back-slider in heart shall be fil­led with his own wayes! which sore judgement the Lord avert (for his mercy sake) and prevent in others.

86. Whether patience under af­flictions, be not best maintained in a gratious heart, by thinking well of God, and a firm belief that all things shall work together for good? and whether the consideration, that God is a crea­ting God, and so able to create succours and means of help, when all visible hopes from second causes fail, be not a ground of great consolation to Be­lievers when most oppressed? Rom. 8.28. Heb. 12.5, 6, 7, 10. Esa. 50.2. & 59.1.

87. Whether God intends any more hurt to his servants, when he puts them into the fire, than the Re­finer [Page 157] doth to his pretious mettals, when he puts them into the Furnace? and whether it can reasonably be imagi­ned, that he means to consume his gold and silver, and so impoverish himself? Mal. 3.2, 3. Zachar. 13.9. 1 Pet. 4.12.

88. Whether Gods actions are not alwayes best, how cross soever they may seem to us, and done upon the highest and best reasons? and whether there be not good reason for us to con­clude so, though sometimes we un­derstand them not? Psal. 136.5. Prov. 3.19, 20. Job 36.22, 23.

89. Whether God only be not the most absolute Soveraign, that by a pe­culiar prerogative, makes his own will the rule of whatsoever he doth, both in Heaven and Earth? and whether any thing can possibly be contingent to him, or happen otherwise (even in any the least circumstance) than he hath before decreed, ordained, and appoin­ted? or than he orders, permits, and [Page 158] directs? Job 9.12. Esa. 46.11. Act. 2.23. & 4.28. & 17.26. Rom. 9.15, 18, to 24.

90. Whether God be not greatly to be observed and admired, in all that he doth, not only in his works of Creation, but in the continued course of his renewed Providences? and whe­ther every thing that proceeds from God, should not lead us to God? Act. 17.26, 27.

X. DECAD.

91. Whether it be not a duty to follow Providence, and not to lead it? to be led by it, and not to drive it? or whether we can have peace in doing or suffering any thing without a good warrant, or call from God? Psal. 73.24. Heb. 5.4.

92. Whether Original Sin was not the Devils first Brat, begot upon hu­mane nature, with its own consent? and whether millions of millions more, of all manner of transgressions, [Page 159] have not ever since been conceived and sprang from the same womb? Gen. 3.4, 5, 13. 2 Cor. 11.3. Rom. 5.12, 16, 17, 18, 19. Gen. 6.5. Ec­cles. 8.11. Jam. 1.14.

93. Whether all manner of mise­ries and deaths, have not come in at this door only? Rom. 5.12, to 17. Jam. 1.15.

94. Whether we are not worse ene­mies to our selves by far, than the De­vil can possibly be, since he can ne­ver hurt us witho [...] our own consent? Prov. 1.10. Psal. 50.18.

95. Whether the heart of man be­fore 'twas entred and possessed by sin, was not the very Paradise of Pa­radise, an Eden within Eden it self, even Gods own sweet Garden of de­light, where himself, and Son, and Spirit, did all dwell and converse to­gether? and whether ever since it hath not been the very spawning place of all filthiness? a Cage of unclean birds? an horrible deep and dark pit, of his­sing [Page 160] stinging Serpents? and these so bedded and twisted together, and so continually multiplying, that it is ut­terly impossible they should ever be destroyed any other way, but by plentiful streams of Christ his own wreaking warm blood, poured hot up­on them, from his dying heart. This indeed can stiffle and kill them, when nothing else can, Gen. 1.27, 28. com­pared with Chap. 6.5. and with Jer. 17.9. as also with 1 Joh. 1.7.

96. Whether Pelagiamsm, that denies Original Sin, and makes death not to be the punishment thereof, but the meer necessary consequence of nature only, be not a most dangerous Heresie? and whether the doctrine of general Redemption, which grants Ori­ginal Sin, but then takes it off again from all mankind, by attributing too large an extent to the death of Christ, be not every whit as dangerous? and whether both these Grand Heresies, are not against most express Scrip­tures? [Page 161] the first against, Rom. 5.12. & chap. 3.9, 10, 11, 12, 22, 23. Gal. 3.23. the second against, Esa. 53.11, 12. Joh. 17.9. Rom. 3.26. & 5.12. & 6.23. compared with, Gen. 2.17.

97. Whether the roarings which some men have in their Consciences, when their own sins and Gods wrath, are let out against them, even here in this Life, be not more hideous and lamentable, than those that were made by the Bull of Phalaris, or the red-hot chains and grid-irons, that some of the holy Martyrs were broiled and fryed to death by? and yet how short doth this come of Hell? Prov. 18.14. Mat. 27.4, 5. Mat. 22.13. & 25.41. Esa. 33.14.

98. Whether force and violence, up­on so tender a place as Conscience, are not sore temptations? and whether, while they cause men to sin against their own light, they do not often oc­casion far more grievous torments inwardly, than those outward fiery [Page 162] tryals of affliction can possibly be, which they dread so much, and seek this way to avoid? Prov. 14.14.

99. Whether God be not as skil­ful, yea infinitely more skilful, to draw good out of evil; yea the greatest good out of the greatest evil, than men are to make soveraign Triacles out of strong poysons? Rom. 8.28.

100. Whether the blood of Christ be not the most soveraign Balsom? and whether it be possible for the least wound, that ever sin made, to be cu­red without it? and lastly, whether Christ be not the best Physitian, as well as Chyrugion, since none that he hath undertaken, ever miscarried under his hand, or ever can, Heb. 9.14, 22. Mat. 9.12. Luk. 10.34, 35. John 6.37.

XI. DECAD.

101. Whether all the Monarchies in the world, and millions more of the same kind, can bear equal weight [Page 163] with one dram of saving Grace? and whether they that make drudges of themselves to get wealth, but never mind the salvation of their precious souls, do not sell Heaven and Happi­ness for a golden nothing, and so make sad work for themselves when they lye a dying? Mat. 16.26.

102. Whether a little Religion in great persons, doth not go a great way, and shine far? and whether such persons, in the midst of their many temptations from Honours, Riches, and Pleasures, are not rather to be pittied and prayed for, than envied? 1 Cor. 1.26.

103. Whether Jesus Christ be not worthy to be accounted and made use of, as the most illustrious and re­fulgent Jewel that can be worn, ei­ther in the bosom of Noblest Ladies, or on the Diadems of mightiest Mo­narchs? 1 Pet. 2.6, 7.

104. Whether Glory doth not sparkle in Grace here, as in a rich Dia­mond [Page 164] full of Angels, and Grace flame in Glory hereafter, as in a bright shi­ning Sun? and whether that which is called Grace in the cradle, be not the same, that is called Glory upon the Throne? 2 Cor. 3.18.

105. Whether the poor Groom in the Stable, or the Scullion in the Kit­chin, that hath true Faith in Christ, and sincere Love to God, shall not be sure of a place in Heaven, when the great Lord or Lady which he serves, having none of these Graces, shall never come there? Jam. 2.5.

106. Whether it be not great pit­ty, that one should get into the Su­burbs of Heaven, but never into Hea­ven it self? and whether it doth not concern the fine-spun Hypocrite, and the great moralist, to think of this? Mark 12.3.

107. Whether every one should not strive to be better than others, and to set the liveliest patterns of holiness? and whether the lowly Grace of Hu­mility, [Page 165] which like the delicate scen­ted Violet, hangs its head neer the ground, and hides it self as 'twere, un­under its own leaves, be not as sweet as any of the taller graces? Tit. 2.7. & 3.1. 1 Cor. 14.12. also, Prov. 15.33. and 22.4. 1 Pet. 5.5.

108. Whether many Heathen, for their moral vertues, did not out-do many of those, that in our dayes, go by the name of Christians? and whe­ther it be not best, so to live al­wayes, as one would wish to have li­ved when he comes to dye? Mat. 11.21.

109. Whether he takes not the most desirable journey, and hath not the best company for his fellow-tra­vellers, that goes towards Heaven, and gets thither at last, though some­times his way be dirty? Mat. 7.14. compared with, Prov. 3.17.

110. Whether the Saints do not alwayes walk with the best guards; for while wicked men are attended with [Page 166] none but the Devil and his Imps, are not they ever surrounded with the holy Angels, and with God to boot? Psal. 91.9, 10, 11, 12. Heb. 1.14.

XII. DECAD.

111. Whether it be not the wisest way to get preferment in that Court, where all are Kings? and whether a Believers Crown of Thorns, that is li­ned with Diamonds, be not richer, and more easie, than those Crowns of Diamonds that are lined with Thorns? Rev. 1.6. Mat. 13.7, 22.

112. Whether any Garden or Gal­lery, be so pleasant, sweet, and state­ly to walk in, as where Christ and his Spouse are wont to meet? and whe­ther any nourishment be so desirable, as that honey and milk which they eat of, and those spiced Wines which they drink? Cant. 5.1. & 7.5. & 8.2. Esa. 25.6.

113. Whether the Citizens Mer­chandize, or the Countrey-mans Hus­bandry, [Page 167] the Gentlemans Revenues, and the Poor mans Labours, are not more or less prosperous, sweet and comfortable, as they have more or less interest in God, and converse with him? Deuter. 28.2, to 21.

114. Whether any calling, imploy­ment or business, can be warrantable, which one cannot in Faith pray for, and expect a blessing on? and whe­ther Stage-Players, makers of Popish Pictures and Images, and many others, are not concerned in this Quaery? Rom. 14.23. Esa. 44.9, to 21.

115. Whether a secret curse doth not the same in some mens great E­states, that worms do at the roots of fairest flowers? and whether every thing on this side Heaven, be not ei­ther a Feather or a Thorn, vanity or vexation of spirit? Prov. 3.33. Mal. 2.2. Job 20.26. Eccles. 1.2, 14.

116. Whether holy tears have not a shrill voice? and whether a right Prayer indeed comes not into Gods [Page 168] ear, as soon as it is out of a Believers heart? Psal. 6.8. Esa. 65.24.

117. Whether one affectionate warm active Christian, among many cold ones, be not like one live coal, that enkindles many dead ones? and like a load-stone, in the midst of many needles, which draws and gives mag­netique touches to them all, by vertue whereof, they draw others likewise? 1 Cor. 11.1. Heb. 3.13. John 1.43, to 47. Act. 18.24, to 28.

118. Whether passions out of or­der, are not like fire out of the chim­ney? and whether all care ought not to be used to keep them within their due place and compass? Jam. 1.19, 20. & 3.5, 6. Eph. 4.26.31.

119. Whether it be not the duty of Husbands and Wives, not only to pray for and with one another, at times of ordinary address to God, but also at special seasons in their retire­ments, frequently set apart for that purpose betwixt themselves? and [Page 169] whether this be not an excellent means to procure blessings upon, and to keep all things in sweet harmony in their Families? Zachar. 12.11, 12, 13, 14. Luke 1.6.

120. Whether the Husband ought not to dwell with his Wife as a man of knowledge, and to be a good guide and head to her? and whether the Wife by her vertues, should not become a Crown to her Husband? and whether in this case, the Head and the Crown be not well met? 1 Pet. 3.7. Prov. 12.4.

XIII. DECAD.

121. Whether Kings, Princes, and Nobles, have not the greatest opportu­nities of doing good in their Gene­rations? the greatest obligations upon them towards God? and the greatest accounts to make to him? Esa. 49.23. Psal. 101. throughout, & Psal. 34.11. 2 Chron 29.36. Esth. 4.13. Nehem. 1.4. Luk. 1.3.

[Page 170]122. Whether Judges and Law­yers, of all others, have not the most frequent and lively representations of the day of Judgement before their eyes? and whether such of them as take Bribes, give wrong Judgement, undertake bad Causes, and refuse to plead good ones, shall not certainly come to their tryal, at that High Tri­bunal? 2 Chron. 19.6. Levit. 19.15. Prov. 31.9. Esa. 1.17, 23. Deut. 25.1. also, Psal. 94.21. Esa. 5.23. Heb. 10.30.

123. Whether those are not weak Nets, or those Nets not well managed, which will catch and hold little fishes only, but not great ones? and whether those Laws are not as weak, or at least weakly executed, that catch little of­fenders only, but let great ones escape? 1 Sam. 8.3. Esa. 29.21.

124. Whether the pardoning of many and great crimes, be not some­times very seasonable and necessary? and whether this be not to imitate [Page 171] God himself, in one of his most Royal Prerogatives? 2 Sam. 19.21, 22, 23. Prov. 10.12. Exod. 34.7. Jer. 50.20.

125. Whether he that is implaca­ble against another, that hath causles­ly offended him, so as never to par­don nor forget the wrong done to him, hath any reason to hope for mercy from God, whom himself offends dai­ly and hourly? Rom. 1.31. Luk. 17.2, 3. Mat. 6.14, 15. 2 Cor. 2.7.

126. Whether he that prays God would forgive him, as he forgives o­thers (whom he neither doth forgive, nor ever will) doth not thereby give answer to himself, and conclude ne­ver to be forgiven? or at least, doth not his tongue contradict his heart? and that in the sight of him who knows all hearts? Mat. 6.12, 13, 14, 15. Act. 15.8. Luk. 6.37. & 11.4.

127. Whether some men do not sin fearfully, by rash vows, and obsti­nate resolutions, without and against all rule or president from the Word [Page 172] of God? and whether such men fall not into dreadful snares thereby? or can have any other way to deliver themselves from the sin or danger thereof, but by repenting with all speed, and nullifying such unwarran­table vows and resolutions? Judg. 11.39. Act. 9.23, 24. & 23, 12, 13, 14.

128. Whether it be not an unpa­rallel'd, both crime, folly and cruel­ty, to be irreconcileable to another for the same faults, (or perhaps less) that ones self either is or hath been guil­ty of, and yet reckon upon going to Heaven at last, without any greater (or perhaps not so great) evidence of re­pentance or reformation, than the Party he is so irreconcileable to doth give? Mat. 18.32, 33, 34, 35.

129. Whether a mans own Con­science be not a Law, a Witness, and a Judge to himself? and whether the Righteous God doth not pass the same Sentence upon a man, that his own conscience doth? Prov. 14.14. [Page 173] Rom. 2.14, 15, 16. 1 Joh. 3.20, 21.

130. Whether it be likely that he, who at any time thinks it too soon to repent, or thinks it soon enough to re­pent at any time, means ever to re­pent at all? and whether any man be truly wise, but he that is wise at last, and so wise for eternity? Heb. 3.7, to 16. Rom. 2.5. Prov. 19.20. Deut. 32.29.

XIV. DECAD.

131. Whether part of a good Mo­thers imployment, should not be a constant endeavour to instil knowledge and grace into her Childrens hearts? and the like of a Mistris to her Mai­dens? Prov. 31.1. 2 Tim. 1.5.

132. Whether a disobedient Child, that truly repents, and endeavours to amend for the future, may not hope for mercy from his Father in Heaven, in case he cannot obtain none from his earthly Parents? and whether he that wants bowels to another in mise­ry, [Page 174] may not fear he shall find as little favour himself, when he stands most in need of it? Luk. 15.17, to 22. Prov. 12.10. Jer. 6.23. Jam. 2.13.

133. Whether it be possible for Children, by all the duty and love they can express, to make full payment of what they owe to Parents? and whe­ther they ought not to do their utmost to become comforts to them, and be grieved at the very heart if they have been crosses? Luk. 15.18, 19.

134. Whether they are not the best neighbours, friends and companions, whose constant discourse is most hea­venly, and their examples most Holy? 1 Thess. 1.7.

135. Whether she makes not the best Wife that hath two Husbands, one in Heaven as well as one on Earth? and whether she can love the latter well, unless she love the other better? Cant. 2.16. & 6.3. & 7.10.

136. Whether to match with Christ be not high preferment? and [Page 175] whether Gods most wonderful con­descension, in accepting any poor vile mortal, and making one fit to become a Spouse for his Son, be not a good document and instruction to those Parents, that sometimes find their Children match below their rank and estates, provided they meet with internal qualifications of mind, suita­ble and commendable in the want of other things? Mat. 22.2. Esa. 54.5.

137. Whether pride be not a swel­ling tumour, most angry, fiery, and festering, and upon the worst place of all, the heart? and whether reviling language doth not argue a blistered tongue, and slanderous lips cut like a Razor? Prov. 16.5. & 21.24. & 29.22, 23.

138. Whether any two that lye in a bed together, after personal and se­cret liftings up of their respective hearts to God, can spend their time better before they rise, than by quick­ning each other with holy confe­rence, [Page 176] and consulting how best to serve God all the day after? Psal. 5.3. & 63.6. Mal. 3.16.

139. Whether as soon as our eyes are open in the mornings, we should not prevent Satan, by giving the first possession of our hearts to God? and whether it be not needful alwayes, to set a watchful and strong guard about them, to keep the Devil out? Psal. 63.1. & 88.13. & 139.18. also, Prov. 4.23.

140. Whether the Prayer of Jo­nah out of the belly of the Whale, got not as quick to Heaven, and with­out wetting its wings too, as Solomon's did from the Holy Temple? and whe­ther he that prayes most sincerely hath not the sweetest breath, as well as he that sings most spiritually hath the sweetest voice? Jonah 2.7. Cant. 2.14. Rev. 5.8.

XV. DECAD.

141. Whether God in his appoin­ted [Page 177] time, will not fully vindicate the [...]onour of his own holy Ordinances, upon the prophaners, despisers, and contemners of them? and whether [...]e hath not done so sooner or later, [...]n all foregoing Ages? Malech. 1.7. Isa. 5.24. Ezek. 22.8. Amos 2.4, 5. 1 Cor. 11.30.

142. Whether a quiet, but evil Conscience, be not an Ulcer most dangerous, and of all others, the most incurable? Prov. 18.14. Mat. 2.5. Gen. 4.13, 14.

143. Whether he be not the best Soldier, that maintains a spiritual war­fare against Sin, Satan, and his own evil heart? 1 Tim. 1.18, 19. Eph. 6.11, 12.

144. Whether the Devil, that old and subtile Serpent, be so able and cunning to deceive a man, as a mans own heart is to deceive it self? and whether Satan, with all his tempta­tions, can hurt us without our own consent? and whether sins are not [Page 178] greater or lesser, as more or less o [...] our own will is in them? Gen. 3.13. compared with, Jerem. 17.9. Jam. 1.14.

145. Whether Godliness be not an hard trade or mystery, to be dili­gently and carefully learned? and whether that Apprentice deserves, or can expect to live well hereafter, that trifles away his opportunity, and is not industrious to get the mysteries of his Trade before his time be out? 1 Tim. 3.16.

146. Whether all the most preci­ous commodities that Merchants, Gold­smiths and Jewelers deal for, are not sorry wares, in comparison of those that a good Christian trades for with Heaven? Prov. 3.13, 14. Mat. 13.45, 46.

147. Whether it be not a miserable thing, for one to have the chief work for his soul to do, when the glass of his Life is run out? and whether it be not in vain for him then to call time [Page 179] again? Heb. 3.7, 13. & 12.17.

148. Whether that stubborn Impe­ [...]itent, which would not be reclaimed in his life-time, by all counsels and entreaties whatsoever, might not thank, himself for those horrors, which caused him to cry out at his last breath, Oh! that I had been made a toad under a block, when I was made a man? Prov. 1.24, to 32.

149. Whether mutual admoniti­ons, reproofs and exhortations, are not duties that lye on all men in their fit seasons? and whether, when they are wisely placed, they are not like Apples of gold with Pictures of silver? Heb. 3.13. & 10.25. Tit. 3.10.

150. Whether the weakest men, are not soonest and most invincibly conquered by their own passions? and whether he be not the greatest slave of all, that is a slave to his own lusts? Ec­cles. 7.9. Prov. 14.17. Rom. 7.14, 23.

XVI. DECAD.

151. Whether he be not guilty of an high affront against God, that will not be prevailed with to imitate him, so glorious a pattern, in pardoning of­fenders, and shewing mercy to such as have need of it? Luk. 6.36, 37, 38. compared with, Prov. 1.29, 30, 31.

152. Whether he that most sympa­thizeth with the poor suffering Ser­vants of Jesus Christ (be they hungry, naked, sick, or in Prison) according to his ability, shall not be well payed in the other world? Mat. 25.34, to 41.

153. Whether he that wants such a sympathizing heart as aforesaid, and is not ready to the utmost of his po­wer, to give ease and succour to the said suffering Members of Christ, may in charity be supposed to be any true integral part of Christs mystical Bo­dy? 1 Cor. 12.26, 27. Eph. 4.25. & 5.30.

154. Whether Jesus Christ doth [Page 181] not improve all the interest that he hath in Heaven, for the good of his Redeemed Ones, the interest of his God-head, the interest of his Son-ship, the interest of his Mediator-ship? and whether he doth not deserve, that they also should improve all the interest they have in this world, for him? Joh. 17.12, to 26. Heb. 6.20. & 7.25. Psal. 116.12, 13, 14.

155. Whether he that hath a great Estate, but not an heart to improve it for God, were not much better be without it? and whether he that hath both these, doth not either find or make opportunities, to express his great love to Christ this way, and so not only brings a blessing upon what he enjoyes here, but layes up vast treasures for himself hereafter? Luk. 16.19, to 26. compared with, Luk. 19.8. & Mark 10.21. and with Luk. 16.9.

156. Whether if Darius an Hea­then Prince, thought the Present of an handful of cold water offered him in [Page] his Progress by Sinetas a poor Shep­herd, (for want of something bet­ter) worthy to be received into a cup of gold, and then the cup it self to be given to him (as Aelian reports in his various History) will not the great God much more reward him that gives but a cup of cold water (if he be able to give no better thing) to one that bears the name of a Disciple? Mat. 10.42.

157. Whether he that doth good with what he hath, according to his abili­ty, while he lives, be not the best Exe­cutor to his own Estate? and whether he that is most rich in good Works, be not the richest man? 1 Tim. 6.18, 19. Rev. 14.13.

158. Whether Covetousness be not Idolatry, and such Idolatry, as of all others, hath most worshippers, and most hearty ones? and whether some rich pinching muck-worms, though they pay all men their dues, yet may not dye much in debt, viz. to their own [Page] backs and bellies? Colos. 3.5. Eccles. 5.11.

159. Whether unjust and cruel gripers and graspers, as well as pro­fuse wasters of Estates, have not sad accounts to make? and whether this Epitaph may not be written on their grave-stones, Here lyes the worlds rich fools, who dyed miserable poor men? Luk. 12.20. Eccles. 2.18, to 24.

160. Whether King Cyrus his kisses to his Favorites, were not of greater value than the golden Cups he gave to strangers (as Xenophon reports?) and whether Gods special love, be not much more desirable than his common mercies? Exod. 19.5. Cant. 1.2.

XVII. DECAD.

161. Whether honest thrift, and in­genuous industry in mens particular Callings (alwayes provided that God hath his due share of their hearts, and their time in his Service) are not great gatherers, and fill not the bag apace? [Page 184] and whether that which men get by lying, cozening, cheating, and stealing, is not wont to be put into a bag that hath many holes in it? Prov. to. 4. & 12.24, 27. & 22.29. also, Micah 6.10, 11, 12. Hag. 1.6.

162. Whether a good Conscience be not a Nightingale, that sings all the year long in a mans own bosom? the best and most sure friend in evil times? and a continual Feast, afford­ing the daintiest dishes in their proper seasons? Act. 23.1. & 24.16. Rom. 9.1. 2 Cor. 1.12. 1 Tim. 1.5, 19. & 3.9. 2 Tim. 1.3. Heb. 13.18. 1 Pet. 3.16, 21. Prov. 15.15. & 14.14.

163. Whether the loss of ones in­ward peace, for the greatest profits and preferments in the world, can possibly be recompensed thereby, or be recovered again with ease? Mat. 16.26.

164. Whether temporal things, are not first desired, and then had, but spiri­tual things first had, and then desired? [Page 185] and whether true desires of Grace, do not suppose and proceed from Grace? Neh. 1.11. Esa. 20.8, 9. 2 Cor. 8.12.

165. Whether the Graces of the Spirit of God, may not sometimes be found inviron'd with ill natures, and thorny dispositions, as ripe Strawber­ries among nettles, and under briry bushes? 1 Cor. 6.10, 11.

166. Whether the highest stars make not the quickest motions, and heavy bodies, when neerest their centers? and whether the holyest hearts do not the like, in their Heavenly motions to­wards God? Psal. 63.8. & 143.6, 9. & 119.60.

167. Whether the speech used by a Persian Queen, when her King gave her a most costly Jewel to wear, say­ing, You Sir, are my only Jewel; may not most properly and truly be utter­ed by the Spouse of Christ, to him her Soveraign Lord and Husband? Prov. 5.10, to 16.

[Page 186]168. Whether in times of deserti­on, one may conclude, Gods face will not shine again, any more than by a dark Night, that the Sun will not re­turn in the Morning? and whether a burning-glass, that hath nothing in it at mid-night, may not the next day, be full of condensed and flaming beams? Psal. 30.5. & Psal. 4.6. & 80.3, 19. Esa. 54.6, 7, 8. & 57.17, 18.

169. Whether a gracious heart, may not interchangeably enjoy assu­rance, and be troubled with doubt­ings? and whether Faith of adhe­rence, be not a good relief in the want of assurance, though one should live and dye without it? Cant. 8.5. Job 13.15.

170. Whether purity of heart and life, be not a most necessary qualifi­cation for Heaven? and whether those that want this, or scoff at it, under the names of Puritan, Round-head, Pha­natick, or such other opprobrious terms, are ever like to come there [Page 187] without Repentance? Mat. 5.8, 20. & 12.14. also, Rev. 22.15.

XVIII. DECAD.

171. Whether Masters and Mistris­ses, are not answerable for the souls of their Servants, as well as their Chil­dren? and whether they ought not to train up them also, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Gen. 18.19. Josh. 24.15. Psal. 101.6, 7. Esth. 4.16. Nehem. 13.19. Eph. 6.9. Col. 4.1.

172. Whether Servants, both males and females, are not then most diligent, faithful, and cheerful in their places; and do not then give that re­spect and reverence which is due unto them they serve, when they remem­ber, well consider, and practice what God requires of them in his Word, especially in, Eph. 6.6. & Colos. 3.22. Tit. 2.9, 10. where they are comman­ded to obey their Masters in all things, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God?

[Page 188]173. Whether the world hath not as much need of the labour of the poor, as of the wealth of the rich? and whether the inclining of all sorts of persons respectively, to a natural affe­ctation to, and delight in, the several Callings and imployments which they voluntarily chuse, how mean, base, and servile soever they are, be not a great argument of the wise and won­derful Providence of God, over-ruling particulars, for the good of the whole? Esa. 28.24, to 29. & Gen. 4.20, 21, 22. Act. 17.26.

174. Whether he be not the best Scholar that hath most learned Christ? and the best read in the Scriptures, that is most guided by them? Act. 4.13. Eph. 4.21. 2 Tim. 3.15, 16.

175. Whether the purest and sweet­est knowledge be not derived from Gods own Book, the Bible? and whe­ther there only are not the richest Mines to dig in? the fullest stores and magazines, of all desirable good [Page 189] things? Prov. 2.1, to 10. Psal. 19.7, to 11. Colos. 3.16.

176. VVhether the light of Gods countenance cannot make day in the darkest soul at mid-night? and one kind word from him, revive the heart in the midst of the pangs of death? and whether he be in any danger of sinking, that is supported with everlasting arms? or of fainting, that is refreshed with the cordials of Divine Love? Psal. 4.6. & 27.1. & 36.9. Can. 2.3, 4, 5. Esa. 2.14. & 40.11. Deut. 33.27.

177. VVhether the same omnipo­tent Power of God, that is an hedge of protection to his People, and a wall of brass for their defence, is not an hedge of thorns to scratch their ene­mies, and a wall of fire to devour them? Iob 1.10. Ier. 1.18, 19. Act. 9.5.

178. VVhether any one can pos­sibly be devoured in a den of fiercest Lions, or drowned in the deepest wa­ters, [Page 190] or burned in the most raging flames, while God is there with him, and undertakes his safety? Dan. 6.22. & Chap. 3.25. Exod. 14.21, 22. Esa. 43.2.

179. Whether the sweetest nature, that can be found amongst men, can get to Heaven without grace? and whe­ther the least degree of Grace will not meliorate and sweeten the most crabbed and unpleasing nature? Phi. 3.6, to 11.

180. Whether married or unmar­ried, young men or old, Virgins, Wives, or Widows, can live happily, or dye comfortably, without a sure in­terest in, union to, and Communion with Jesus Christ? Joh. 14.19. 1 Joh. 5.12. Cant. 1.2, 3.

XIX. DECAD.

181. Whether hardness of heart, and final impenitency, be not of all Judge­ments the most dreadful? and whether the serious consideration thereof, would not damp the joy of the most riotous sinner in the world, and make [Page 191] him tremble every moment, for fear of his dropping presently into Hell? Rom. 2.5. Psal. 7.11, 12, 13. Job 21.12, 13, 23, 24, 25.

182. Whether that conviction which ends not in true conversion, doth not still leave a man under the power of sin, in the gall of bitterness, and the state of damnation? and whether con­vinced sinners should not look well to this? Mat. 18.3. Act. 3.19. & 8. 22, 23.

183. Whether he that never knows any more than one birth, that is, a meer natural birth only, be not sure to dye three deaths, viz. a natural, spiritual, and eternal? and whether he that passeth through two births, and so is born again, shall not be sure to escape the two later deaths, and find the o­ther also upon the matter, no death at all, properly so called, but a sweet sleep rather? Joh. 3.3. Rev. 20.6. 1 Thess. 4.14, 15.

184. Whether the death of Infants, [Page 192] be not an unanswerable Argument to prove that they have sin in them, at least Original Sin, as well as those of grown age, for how else could they be subject to death, which is the wa­ges of sin only? Rom. 3.22, 23. & 5.12. & 6.23.

185. Whether a Believer, standing on the mount of a Promise, may not from thence take a pleasant prospect of Heaven, and particularly of the glorification of his own humane nature, sitting at Gods right hand, in the per­son of his Saviour? and whether after such a fight as this, all things here be­low will not look dim and duskish, as colours do through Church-win­dows, when the Sun shines bright up­on them? Act. 7.55, 56. Heb. 11.1, 13, 14, 15. 2 Cor. 5.1, 2, 3, 4.

186. Whether the same flowers, that ere while were seen under a warm and a shining Sun, to display them­selves with great beauty and cheer­fulness, may not hang dangling soon [Page 193] after with drops of rain, and be vio­ [...]ntly dashed with stormy showers, [...]om a black and tempestuous Heaven [...]ver them? and whether such a [...]hange may not possibly befal the Graces and Comforts of Gods dearest Children, and yet they remain his Children still, as the other remain flow­ [...]rs? Psal. 88. throughout, Esa. 63.7, 8, 9. Jer. 31.18, 19, 20.

187. Whether in times of greatest afflictions, and inward seeming deser­tions, the Graces of holy hearts may not smell sweetest, as Flowers do after showers of rain, Spices, when most bruised, Rose-waters, in the Limbeck, and Juniper-wood, in the burning flames? Psal. 51.17. Cant. 2.14. & 5.5, 6. & 8.6, 7.

188. Whether the very excellen­cy of holy gratitude, consists not in this, viz. as fast as our mercies grow fresh and new upon us, in what kind soever, to present them as so many new-blown flowers to God, to have the [Page 194] first smell of them? Esa. 18.7. Psal [...] 72.10. & Psal. 76.11.

189. Whether Christ, and the Spi­rit of Grace, are not two great Com­forters, as well by the appointment o [...] God the Father, as their own free con­sent, in which Believers only have [...] special interest? and whether for this reason, among others, the four Occu­menical Councils of Nice, Constantino­ple, Ephesus and Chalcedon, in cleering and establishing the Doctrines of Christ his Divine Person, the distin­ction of the two natures subsisting in it, and the Deity and Personality of the Spirit, against Arrius, Macedo­nius, Nestorius, and the rest of the Hereticks of those times, did not eminent service unto the Gospel? Joh. 14.16, 17, 18, 26.

190. Whether it be not a most no­torious absurdity and contradiction to affirm, that the Spirit of Grace, which is supernatural, and altogether invince­able in it self, can ever be so far resist­ed [Page] or quenched, as to be totally ex­ [...]elled out of that heart, where it hath [...]een once received in truth? and [...]hether the heart of man, being de­ [...]eitful above all things, full of imagi­ [...]ations, which are only evil, and that [...]ontinually, & so desperately wicked, that [...]one can know it, can be supposed to have any the least power to fetch in saving Grace of it self? and whether he that asserts these two dangerous points, doth not, implicitly at least, deny the absolute freeness and un­changeableness of Gods love, and make his Acts of Grace vallid or in­vallid, according to the will of his own Creature? Gen. 6.5. Jer. 17.9. 2 Cor. 3.5. Joh. 15.5. compared with, Rom. 9.15. Mal. 3.6. Ezek. 36.31, 32.

XX. DECAD.

191. Whether sanctified content­ment, will not make every condition sweet? and the contrary, make any [Page] thing, be it never so satisfactory and comfortable in it self, burdensom and intollerable to the restless mind? and whether true thankfulness or un­thankfulness for mercies received, are not proportionable to these two? 1 Tim. 6.6. Exod. 16.2, to 22. Psal. 106.24, 25.

192. Whether one may not be ve­ry poor and very rich at the same time? and whether some men in their rags, have not a great interest in God, while others in their stately Robes, have none at all? Jam. 2.5. Luk. 16.19, to 24.

193. Whether poor Servants, and others in lowest condition, should not take arguments from their own mean­ness here in this world, to seek after the Kingdom of Heaven the more di­ligently, that so they may have as large Revenues there as any others? and whether our Saviour doth not imitate as much, where he saith, the poor re­ceive the Gospel? Zeph. 3.12. Mat. [Page] 11.5. Mark 12.42. Luk. 4.18. & 6.20.

194. Whether Parents that have many Children, and but little or no­thing to leave with them when they dye, have not the more need to seek after Portions of Grace for them, pour forth many Prayers, and exercise much Faith in the Covenant of Grace, on Grace on their behalf? Gen. 17.7. Act. 2.39. Psal. 37.29. 1 Sam. 1.27. com­pared with, Chap. 2.7. Gen. 48. throughout.

195. Whether Faith in Christ, the great Saviour and deliverer of man­kind, be not the best Midwife to wo­men in travel, and the best Nurse for them and their Children afterwards? and whether their chiefest care should not be to make sure of this Midwife and Nurse, above all others? 1 Tim. 2.15. Psal. 91.14, 15, 16.

196. Whether idleness be not the Devils cushion? and whether slothful­ness doth not gather f [...]lth, as standing [Page] waters do mud? Ezek. 16.49. 1 Tim. 5.13.

197. Whether a firm perswasion of Gods omniscience, omnipresence, ha­tred of sin, and of his power and re­solution to punish it, where not re­pented of, would not prevent millions of sins that are hourly committed throughout the whole world? Psal. 50.21, 22. & 90.8. & 139.1, to 13.

198. Whether the bare believing that there is a God, that Christ is the Son of God, the Scriptures the Word of God, and that all men ought to walk according to them, be any other kind of faith, than the Devils them­selves have? Jam. 2.19, Mat. 8.29. & Chap. 4.6.

199. Whether to bear and forbear among Friends and neer Relations, be not excellent and most necessary du­ties? and yet how difficultly are they learned? and how few are there that practice them well? Rom. 15.1. Gal. [Page 199] 6.2. Ephes. 4.2. Colos. 3.13.

200. Whether growing in Grace, be not the only way to thrive? and whether he doth not become richer and richer that trades at this Mart, and without fear too of losing what he hath already got? 2 Pet. 3.18. Prov. 3.13, 14, 15. & 4.7, 8, 9.

XXI. DECAD.

201. Whether the Office of Am­bassadors, the Arts, cares and pains of Shepherds, Fisher-men, Husband-men, Carpenters, with divers others such like, ought not to be known to, and imitated by those Ministers of the Gospel, that have the oversight and trust of Souls? and whether they are not the best Preachers that move the hearts of their Hearers, more than tickle their heads? 2 Cor. 5.20. Cant. 1.8. Mat. 4.19. 1 Cor. 3.9, to 14. & Chap. 2.4.

202. Whether the plague upon the Streams, Rivers, Ponds, and Pools of [Page 200] water, in the Land of Aegypt (Exod. 7.) were not as dreadful as any of the other plagues? and whether impuri­ties in Universities and other Schools of Learning, be not as great a plague as that, and as much to be dreaded and prayed against? Psal. 23.2. Ezek. 47.1, to 13.

203. Whether young Scholars, that take upon them the work of the Mi­nistry, before they are well lined with Learning, and have thoroughly stu­died the whole Body of Divinity, are not like new rigged Ships, that are put out to Sea, without ballast or burden?

204. Whether sanctified Studies, in a Learned head and Holy heart, do not reduce Ethicks, Metaphy­sicks, and Theology into one Science?

205. Whether many a sweet ker­nel, doth not lye in the Criticisms of the Original Languages of the Holy Scriptures?

206. Whether John Bradford, that blessed Martyr, was not worthily cal­led [Page 201] Holy Bradford, who prayed as much as he studied, did both upon his knees, and seldom or never sat at meals without wetting his trencher with his tears, either of godly sorrow for sin, or from a melting warm love to God? Psal. 6.6. Luk. 7.37, 38.

207. Whether he that delights in Hunting, be it for love of the Veni­son, or for sport, can pick out more pertinent Scriptures to meditate up­on, than the Preface of the 22. Psal. where Christ is called the Hind of the Morning? and the first verse of the 42. Psal. where David saith, that his soul panted after God, as the Hart pants after the water-brooks?

208. Whether Gold-smiths can deal any where for such pure gold, as is mentioned, Rev. 3.18. or the Vint­ner, for such rich Wines, as we read of in, Esa. 25.6. & Cant. 5.1. & 8.2. and whether it is not their chiefest wisdom, to drive their whole stock there?

[Page 202]209. Whether a seeds-man shall not do well to consider, that he that sows most tears for sin, shall have the richest crop? and the Plough­man, that his Plough in the field will speed much the better, when he is care­ful in the due seasons of it, to Plough up the fallow ground of his own heart too? Psal. 126.5, 6. Jer. 50.4, 5. Luk. 6.21. also, Jer. 4.3. Hos. 10.12.

210. Whether there be just reason for any to despair, since it is not possi­ble for the sins of any to be so great or numerous, as Gods mercies are infi­nite? and these most freely offered to them that have the greatest need of them? Esa. 55.1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10. 2 Sam. 24.14. 1 Chron. 21.13. Mat. 11.28, 29. Joh. 6.37. Heb. 4.16. Rev. 22.17.

XXII. DECAD.

211. Whether the Pope be not Antichrist in the Judgement of Ribera himself, though a Iesuit, and many [Page 203] others of their own most learned Writers?

212. Whether the slaughter of the Witnesses, be not the immediate fore­runner of the downfal of Antichrist, though the darkest dispensation is not the inlet of the happiest times that ever the world yet saw? and whether the duration thereof will not certainly end at three years and an half from the true Epocha and be­ginning thereof? Rev. 11. through­out.

213. Whether the doctrine of the Spiritual Reign of Christ on earth for a thousand years in a sober sense, were not a common received doctrine by the Fathers of the first ages after Christ? and whether he that con­sults, Iraeneus, Tertullian, Lanctantius and others, without prejudice will not find it so? Rev. 20.6.

214. Whether the Conversion of the Iews, ought not to be believed and prayed for▪ and whether it be [Page 204] not propable, that one special means thereof may be by Christ his own ap­pearing in the Clouds, so as every eye shall see him, as he did to Saul the Jew, when he was going to Damas­cus? Ezek. 36. & 37. throughout, & Chap. 39.23, to 29. Zachar. 9. & 10. throughout.

215. Whether the Society of the Jesuits are not the richest, most subtil, potent, diffusive and influential on the affairs of the whole world, of any o­thers? and whether they spare for any cost to procure, or want corre­spondents to give them the knowledge of greatest secrets in Princes Courts?

216. Whether all the Monarchs and States, both small and great up­on the whole habitable earth, have so many Emissaries and Agents a­broad, as one single man, the Pope? and whether they take not upon them all manner of names, shapes, habits, trades, and employments, where they come?

[Page 205]217. Whether the Pope his craft, in setting on foot and continuing the Holy War in Palestine for almost 200. years, was not as great as devout Ber­nards mistaken zeal was, in promoting of it? and whether the Popes ever since, have not been as crafty Foxes for themselves, among the Princes of Europe?

218. Whether such unparallel'd usurpations, insolencies, unclean­nesses, Sodomies, sorceries, witch­crafts, cruelties, blasphemies, and all manner of most horrible impie­ties, have been ever found among any sort of men since the Creation of the world, as among the Popes?

219. Whether Pope Alexander the 6th. was not rightly served, while himself was poysoned with the first draught of that Cup, which he and his complices had prepared to poyson others?

220. Whether Caesar Borgia his Son, the Duke of Florens, among all [Page 206] the plots laid by him and his crafty Se­cretary, Matchiavil, committed not a foul error, in not thinking of, and pro­viding for a surprize by death? and whether himself did not see it, and repent of it, when it was too late, as the History of his life witnesseth?

XXIII. DECAD.

221. Whether much credit be to be given to the Popish Editions, of Ambrose, Chrysostom, Jerom, Augustine, and all the rest of the Greek and La­tin Fathers, (whose Authorities they urge so much upon us) since their In­dex expurgatorius, hath been in use? and whether many of their School­men, which they so much boast of, do not abound more with nice and needless distinctions, than sound Di­vinity?

222. Whether Popery, spreading so greatly as it doth in all parts of the world, it be not a foul shame for Pro­testants to be so divided, and thereby [Page 207] weakened among themselves? and whether it be not matter of sport, e­ven to Satan himself, to see what ir­reconcileable differences and ammosities still continue among them?

223. Whether God will long bear it at the hands of his own Children, thus in his sight and presence to quar­rel, fall out and fight with each other? and whether, when nothing else will quiet and reconcile them, the Rod shall not? 1 Cor. 3.3. & 11.18.

224. Whether since Grace is the most uniting Principle in the very na­ture of it, and sin the most dividing Principle, it is not just cause of won­der, that the People of God of all others, should be so much divided, and wick­ed men so firmly knit among them­selves? and whether any reason can possibly be given for it, but the pre­valency of sin on their part, and Gods just judgement in permitting it, by way of punishment on his part? Rom. 16.17, 18. 1 Cor. 6.1, to 9.

[Page 208]225. Whether those Scholars are not great wasters and abusers of their time and studies, who take much pains to get all manner of Learning, except the knowledge of the Bible and their own hearts?

226. Whether a Believers habita­tion, be not of all others, the most stately? and whether it be not seated in the finest air, and with advantage of the bravest Prospect? Psal. 90.1. & 91.1, 9. 1 Joh. 4.16. Heb. 11.16.

227. Whether it be worth the while to live, unless it be to answer the ends of our Creation, and to be fit to dye? and whether Water-men, Marriners, and all that travel by Sea, have not as much reason as any, to be provided for death every moment? Jam. 4.14. Job 9.25, 26. Psal. 39.4, 5, 6. & 90.4, to 13. Iob 14.14.

228. Whether the leaves of Trees, that fall so fast in Autumn, and the sight of a flourishing Garden, depri­ved of all or most of its fair Flowers, [Page 209] that stood there but an hour before, are not lively Emblems of mans mor­tality, and the suddenness of his re­move by death, especially in times of great sicknesses, and Epidemical dis­eases? Psal. 39.10, 11. & 90.5, 6. & 103.15, 16. Iob 13.25. Esa. 64.6.

229. Whether among those that attend at Funeral solemnities, there be one of twenty usually, that make the sad occasion of their appearance there, the subject of their own thoughts, or the matter of their discourse with o­thers? and whether this be not an argument of a common, and very great insensibleness among men, of the strokes of God upon them, and the hardness of their hearts under them?

230. Whether the highest Angels, & the lowest worms, are not fellow-crea­tures? & whether there be not an infi­nite distance, as well between God and the highest creatures, as between him & the lowest? and whether the conside­ration thereof, should not make poor [Page 210] mortals, even the greatest that are, to walk humbly towards God? Iob 42.5, 6. Esa. 6.2. Iob 15.14, 15, 16.

XXIV. DECAD.

231. Whether a clear and full sight of God, be not the only way for a man to come to the right know­ledge of himself? and whether this, of all things else, is not most to be de­sired, and speedily sought for by him? Job 42.5, 6. Psal. 139.1, to 18.

232. Whether they that bear the most eminent testimonies for Christ up­on earth, shall not bear the biggest palms in their hands, and stand neerest his Throne in Heaven? Rev. 7.9, to 17.

233. Whether it be likely, that they will ever be convinced of the evil of those actions, which being once done, they are resolved to justifie, and instead of amending, recriminate up­on others? and whether it be not a most deplorable thing, that bitter ex­aspirations, and mutual accusations of this nature, should be found among [Page 211] the differing parties of Gods own Peo­ple, in times wherein all had need to seek peace with God and among them­selves, and do their utmost, by a meek healing spirit, to make up all breaches? 1 Cor. 3.3, 4. Gal. 5.10, to 16. & 6.1, 2. 1 Thes. 4.9, 10, 11. Eph. 4.2, 3.

234. Whether God doth not touch the heart first, with his powerful mag­netick Love, before it ever moves or can move in the least towards him? and whether the eye of Christ, did not first spye Zacheus in the Sycomore-tree, Nathaniel under the Fig-tree, and Mary in the Garden, before ever they spyed him? 1 Joh. 4.19. Hos. 11.4. Luk. 19.5. Ioh. 1.48. & 20.13, 14, 15, 16.

235. Whether those comforts that fail in the dryed streams, as in the loss of Husbands, Wives, Parents, Chil­dren, all other neer and dear Rela­tions, Friends and Estates, with what­ever else is of like nature, can be made [Page 212] up any where, so well as in and by the Original Fountain of them all, God himself? and whether it be not the greatest wisdom when all is done, to ha­sten thither with all possible speed that may be? Iob 6.15. & 19.13, to 20. Prov. 23.5. Habak. 3.17, 18, 19. Psal. 36.9, 10.

236. Whether to make an absolute, free and full resignation of ones self, and all that one hath, to the Will of God, to be disposed of as he pleaseth, be not the only way to give him the Glory of his Soveraingnty? and whether to do or suffer any thing for him, with a willing and cheerful heart, doth not ar­gue much Grace, and is not to be ac­counted an high Honour? 2 Sam. 15.25, 26. Psal. 40.7, 8. Mat. 26.39, 40.

237. Whether they that follow Christ in good earnest, do not deny themselves, and take up their Cross daily? and whether they are not in mind alwayes resolved, ready and pre­pared, to part with House, Land, Reve­nues, [Page 213] Estate, Liberty, and Life too, if called for, rather than forsake Christ? Mat. 4.20. & 16.24, 25. Mark 10.29, 30.

238. Whether every Promise, Pro­phesie, and Threatning in Gods Word, hath not hitherto been most punctually performed, in the due season of it, in all former ages, even to a tittle? and whe­ther there be any the least reason to doubt, that what is not yet accom­plished, shall be when the sit time is come? Gen. 48.15, 16. Exod. 12.41, 42. Micah 7.20. 1 King. 13.1, to 6. compared with, 2 King. 23.4, to 9. Gal. 4.4. Eph. 1.10. Mat. 5.18.

239. Whether those that have es­caped from dangerous diseases, long and wasting sicknesses, or death it self, when they were without all hope or expectation of recovery, are not in all likelihood, reserved for some great good or evil? and whether it be not a duty incumbent on them, to consider much of it, and lay it to heart? Esa. 38. throughout.

[Page]240. Whether Physitians, of all others, have not the best opportunities, sometimes to deal effectually with the souls of their sick, or dying Pa­tients, about the matters of eternity, if they have but the heart and the skill to do it? and whether God doth not expect they should improve this advan­tage for him, as well as for themselves and their Patients?

XXV. DECAD.

241. Whether the guilt of very many of the sins, both in City and Country, be it drunkenness, unclean­ness, swearing, Sabbath-breaking, and whatever else is of like kind, doth not lye at the Magistrates door, unless he put forth the utmost Power that God hath given him, to punish and reform them? and whether God e­ver intended that he should wear his sword in vain? Rom. 13.1, to 8.

242. VV [...] her naked breasts and black spots, do not argue foul hearts? [Page 215] and whether the Ladies that use them, would be willing to appear in such a dress at the day of Judgement? or may not meet with sore rebukes herealso, as the daughters of Zion did, in Esa. 3. from v. 16, to 25.

243. Whether wanton looks, wan­ton guarbs, wanton words, and wanton books, be not the Devils snares to catch, and the Devils poysons to vi­tiate and deprave hearts? and whe­ther all manner of unlawful sports and games, do not insensibly undo thou­sands here, and then before they are aware of it, trapan them into Hell, out of which there is no recovery? Esa. 3.16, to 25. Rom. 13.13. Gal. 5.19. Eph. 4.19. 1 Pet. 4.3, 4. Job 21.12, 13.

244. Whether false wares, false weights, false lights, false measures, and false asseverations, are not too fre­quent in Trades-mens shops [...]nd whe­ther the gain that com [...]s in that way, lyes not under an eating, (though hap­ly [Page 216] at the present an undiscerned) curse? Prov. 11.1. & 12.22. Micah 6.10, 11, 12.

245. Whether nature will not be content with little, and Grace with less? and whether a Righteous mans little, be not more than a wicked mans much? 1 Tim. 6.6. Prov. 15.16, 17. & 16.8.

246. Whether Believers have not possession of Heaven already, since their Head is there? and whether Christ be not gone thither before hand, as a Messenger or Harbinger, to trim up the Lodgings appointed for them, and to secure them for them, till they come themselves? Joh. 14.2. Heb. 6.20.

247. Whether the soul be not a glorious Bride, when once Christ is become its Bridegroom; especially since he marries it not in its own cloth [...]s, but such as are fitted for it, out of the Wardrobes of Heaven? Mat. 25.10. Esa. 61.10. Rev. 21.2.

[Page 217]248. Whether she be not the most amiable Virgin, and will not make the sweetest Wife, that hath Christ lying as an handful of Myrrh continually be­tween her breasts? Cant. 1.13. & 5.4, 5.

249. Whether early and young Saints, are not as acceptable to God, as rare and choice fruits, set ripe on a Princes board some weeks before the ordinary seasons of them? Jer. 2.2. Eccles. 12.1.

250. Whether a Believer, brightly shined on by the light of Gods pleased countenance, and at the same time gi­ving out the lusters of his inherent gra­ces to standers-by, be not a rich Dia­mond that sparkles in the midst of Sun­beams? Psal. 31.16. & 110.3. Mat. 5.16. Phil. 2.15.

XXVI. DECAD.

251. Whether the People of God are not his Jewels? Mal. 3.17. yea, his Crown, his glorious Crown, and Roy­al [Page 218] Diadem? Esa. 62.3. yea, his Crown-Jewels? Zach. 9.16. and whether he will suffer these his Jewels to lye long in the dirt, or this his Crown to be alwayes trodden under the feet of his enemies?

252. Whether God having freely and most strongly tyed himself to his People, both by his Word, his Promise and his Oath (such a threefold knot, as there is none like to it) be not greatly injured by such as disbelieve, or make question in the least of his performan­ces? Heb. 3.12. & 6.16, 17, 18, 19. Mat. 13.58.

253. Whether holy Meditations do not dwell on the very Hill of Frankincense, and on the Mount of Spices? & whether every busie thought, like the nimble honey-Bee, doth not pass from blossom to blossom, from flow­er to flower, that is, from one Promise to another, from one Providence to another, and so through the variety of all sorts of pleasant subjects, and [Page 219] gather sweetness, till it hath filled its whole Hive (the heart) with the purest honey? Psal. 104.34. & Psal. 94.19.

254. Whether frequent and faith­ful examinations of ones inward state, and how things stand between God and the soul, be not a most necessary and important duty? and whether this, of all things else, ought not to be most diligently minded, whatever else be neglected? Psal. 4.4. 2 Cor. 13.5.

255. Whether Apostatizers, Time­servers, and all such as shamefully de­sert their formerly received sound Principles and holy Practices, do not consult destruction to themselves, and run the hazzard of those sore curses, mentioned in, Deut. 29.21?

256. Whether he that abounds al­together in his own sense; accounts whatever himself affirms to be as au­thentick as some divine Oracles is a [...]ry with, and severely censorio [...] of, those that do not, or cannot forsake their own Principles as all false, and embrace [Page 220] his as all Truth, be not guilty, at least, of the suspicion of Pride? or whether he be not a kind of little Pope, that pretends to infallibility, whilst per­haps under strong delusion? and whe­ther such an one be not rather to be neglected, than disputed with? Jam. 1.12. Prov. 21.24. 2 Thess. 2.10, 11.

257. Whether evil thoughts are not the spawns of sin, and evil words and actions the products of those spawns? and whether Cockatrices eggs, while hatched by Cockatrices, will not bring forth their own kind? Mat. 12.33, to 38. & 15.18, 19, 20. Esa. 59.4, 5.

258. Whether every man ought not to be very careful what objects he fixeth his eye and his heart upon? and whether God be not King of hearts, and deserves not that every man should give him (not a part only but) his whole heart? and whether he that doth this, doth not take the wis­est course, to make the worst part [Page 221] of himself to become the best? Iob 31.1. Psal. 62.10. Prov. 23.26. Ezek. 36.26.

259. Whether being imposed up­on, in matters of Conscience, where Christ hath left it free, be not as grie­vous and intollerable from one sort of men as from another? and whether, if there be any difference, it be not most intollerable from those that are, or have been, or at least pretend to be Brethren?

260. Whether the right stating and granting of true Christian liberty, so as to prevent licentious extravagances on the one hand, and unjust severity on the other hand, would not be most sa­tisfactory to all peaceably-minded good men? and whether till this can be done, it be not best for every one to think it possible, that he may be under some mistakes as well as his dis­senting Brethren, and so resolve to al­low and receive a mutual freedom in following their respective light, and [Page 222] exercising a friendly familiarity, and hearty love towards one another? Gal. 5.1. Eph. 4.2, 3. 1 Thess. 4.9. Heb. 13.1. 2 Pet. 1.7.

XXVII. DECAD.

261. Whether the most exact plat­form of the purest Church, both for Do­ctrine, Worship, and Discipline, ought not to be the constant Rule, Standard, and Pattern to all the rest? and whe­ther such a platform can be given by any, but God himself; or is to be looked for, or can be found any where else, but in the Word of God, and in that only? Exod. 25.40. Heb. 8.5. & 9.23.

262. Whether some Churches may not, as to essentials, be true Chur­ches, though very corrupt, and so be far from conformity to their true Pat­tern, (as a leprous man is a true man, notwithstanding his Leprosie?) but whether it be not the duty of every such Church, to endeavour to their [Page 223] utmost, the neerest agreement attain­able to the pattern aforesaid? Rev. 22.18, 19. Phil. 3.17.

263. Whether in case such Churches, as are now last mentioned, do not profess they ought, or do not visibly intend and endeavour in good earn­est, with all their might, to be every way like their Original Pattern, both in Doctrine, Worship, and Disci­pline; it be not the duty of every one that would live and dye with a clear and quiet conscience, to come out from among such Churches, and joyn with those that come neerest the said Ori­ginal Pattern? and whether this kind of separation, even from true Churches thus corrupted, and willing to conti­nue so, be not as justifiable as separa­tion from a false Church? yea, and whether such a separation as this, be not so far from being blame-worthy, that it is absolutely necessary, and must be performed, by all that desire to be­come Gods People, and would have [Page 224] him dwell among them? 2 Cor. 6.14, 15, 16, 17, 18.

264. Whether the great noyse and cry that is abroad in the world against separation, would not be much silenced, if once the above-mentioned Rule and Standard of the first pure Chur­ches in the Scripture, were every where agreed to, admitted, and obser­ved? and whether in the mean time, the Papists do not think they have as much reason to account Protestants to be Separatists, as several parties of Protestants do account each other?

265. Whether the sight of any person or persons, that are very poor, beggarly, hungry, ragged, naked, woun­ded, maimed, diseased, deformed, or any way miserable, should not both occasion pitty in us towards them, and excite us, as we are able, to comfort and relieve them; but also cause us to lift up thankful hearts, that we are not in their case? 1 Cor. 4.6, 7.

266. Whether all that Trade in [Page 225] Victualling, as Cooks, Vintners, Drawers of Ale or Beer, and such like, do not put the poyson of a Curse into their own dishes and Cups, while they so greatly contribute to the sinful waste of the good Creatures of God, in sup­plying their gluttonous and drunken Guests with whatever they call for, till they become no better than brutes in disgorging themselves, and casting out their filthy vomits? Esa. 28.3, 8.

267. Whether sanctification of Sab­baths, a right and holy participation of Sacraments, diligent reading and hearing of the Word of God, hea­venly Conference, and other the like Duties, are not alwayes prized, atten­ded upon, and practiced more or less, according to the measure of Grace re­ceived by any? and whether the want of delight in them, or the accounting them a burden rather, be not an ill sign of an evil heart? Esa. 58.13. Mal. 3.16. 1 Cor. 11.23, to 30. Jam. 1.21, to 26. also, Mal. 1.12, 13. Amos 8.5.

[Page 226]268. Whether a Believers, both Life and Treasure, doth not lye hid­den and out of sight to the world, even as the roots of fruitful Trees lye under ground, and as gold and sil­ver Mines run in the bowels of the earth undiscerned and unthought of, by them that walk upon it? Colos. 3.3, 4. Eph. 3.8, 9.

269. Whether in long and linger­ing sicknesses, especially if accompa­nied with much pain and anguish, a pa­tient acquiescency under the hand of God, a submissive acceptance of the punishment of ones iniquity therein, and a cheerful satisfaction in the Will of God, who is pleased thus to use his Rod, be not an argument of a gratious frame of heart, and of a sancti­fied improvement of the affliction? and whether the contrary frame of spirit, doth not produce contrary effects? Rom. 5.3, 4. & 15.4, 5. Colos. 1.11. 2 Thess. 1.3. 2 Thess. 1.4. Heb. 6.12. Jam. 1.3, 4. & 5.10, 11. Levit. 26.41. [Page 227] Job 1.21, 22. & 2.10. also, Esa. 51.20. Jonah 4.9.

270. Whether the education of Youth, be not a weighty business, a great trust, and a work that requires much care and diligence, wisdom and skill to manage it? whether it be not an eminent service (when well done) to Church and State, yea and to Christ himself too? and whether all Parents and Guardians of Children, Tutors in Universities, School-Masters and Shool-Mistrisses, ought not to be earnest with God in Prayer, for his constant assistance, and their comfor­table success therein? Prov. 22.6. Eph. 6.4. 1 Sam. 19.20.

Three concluding Quaeries.

1. VVHether Peter, Paul, and Bar­nabas in their times; Polycar­pus, Ignatius, Tertullian, Cyprian, Athanasius, in their times; Ambrose, Chrysostome, Au­gustine, in their times; our Guildas among the antient Britains; our English Wick­leife, and Tindal, Oecolampadius, Martin Lu­ther, Philip Melancthon, Iohn Calvin, Beza, and the rest of the most famous, both Ger­man, and French-Divines, in their re­spective ages; yea, and whether John Knox, John Reynolds, Jewel, the Rogerses, our late Golden-mouth'd Preston, Sibbs, Reverend Usher, and thousands more, the choisest and most successful Ministers of the Gospel, did ever blunt their own Holy Zeal, dispirit their own frequent Preaching, and cooll the hearts of their Hearers, with reading every word from their written pa­pers, and so turn their Sermons into Ho­milies? and whether, though in some cases, to some persons, some litle use of notes may be allowable, and convenient, yea, perhaps necessary; yet the constant and total use of them by others (as is practised by too many in this our present age) doth not argue lazyness, or an over-affected niceness [Page 229] and curiosity in words and language, rather then such a Passionate desire of saving souls, as becomes the faithful Ministers of the Gospel? and lastly, whether it be likely, that those who accustom themselves to this way of reading, rather then Preaching Sermons, while they are young, and their memories as well as other parts be quick and nimble, will leave it when they are old, or will be ever able to preach in the dark, or when their sight growes dim?

2. Whether the Apostle Paul by his com­mand of doing all things decently and in order, 1 Cor. 14.40. intended any more than the doing of all those things only, which God by him his Pen-man had commanded and po­sitively set down, and in the self-same or­der and holy Method too, which he also had plainly and fully expressed? 1 Cor. 11.34. and 16.1, 2. Colos. 2.5. and whether it can be reasonably imagined, that Paul gave authority to Titus, (Chap. 1.5.) to in­vent or adde any the least circumstance for matter or manner, in or about the Worship of God in Crete, more then what he had formerly appointed, and himself Practiced elsewhere? and lastly, whether the Pro­hibition of the Apostle, in Coloss. 2. from ver. 8. to the end, That none should be subject to Ordinances, according to the Commande­ments [Page] and doctrines of men in Will-worship, doth not extend to all following times, and all future Churches of Christ.

3. Whether he that diligently reads and considers the 6th and 7th Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles, will not find, That the only occasion of Stephen the Proto-Mar­tyr, being accused of Blasphemy and stone [...] to death, was his bold and resolute defence [...] the spiritual Worship brought in by Christ, in opposition to the Jewish Rites and Ceremo­nies, which though appointed by God him­self at first, yet now are out of date & usless? and whether this very thing was not one of those pretended Crimes, that Christ him­self was arraigned for in the High Priests Hall? as appears in, Mat. 26.57, to 69. com­pared with, Joh. 4.19, to 27. and whether a good cause with a mans own innocency in the sight of God and his own conscience, be not one great support to him under the severest censures, and sharpest sufferings he can meet with from this world?

FINIS.

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