DOCT. 1.

THAT all Holy Souls look upon themselves but as Pilgrims, and Strangers here on Earth; and are therefore earnestly de­sirous of a better Countrey, that is an Heavenly.

DOCT. II.

THAT GOD would be asham'd to be call'd the GOD of such as Renouncing this World; devote themselves entirely to his Service, and ardently as­pire Heaven-wards in the Course of their present Pilgri­mage, [Page 31] if He had not made abundant Provision for their Happiness in a better State and Life after this.

DOCT. I.

THAT all Holy Souls look on them­selves but as Pilgrims and Str [...] ­gers here on Earth; and are there­fore earnestly desirous of a better Countrey, that is an Heavenly.

THAT it hath actually been thus with many of the most Eminent Saints, mention'd in the Sacred Scrip­tures, is undeniable. Says Abraham to the Sons of Heth, Gen. 23. 4. I am a Stran­ger and Sojourner with you. And Ia­cob speaking to King Pharaoh, calls the Days of his Life,Gen. 47. 9. The Days of the Years of his Pilgrimage. They (as hath before been observ'd) were but Sojourners in that Land whereof they had the Promise; and herein they did but shadow out and repre­sent the common Condition of good Men in this Life; who notwithstan­ding, the firmness of their adherence [Page 32] to GOD, are travelling up and down in the World for a Time, in great uncertainty; often changing their Place, and State, and Posture, and Circumstances; as they of Old did in Canaan. Of which also they have not been insensible: Thus David confesseth to GOD;1 Chron. 29. 15. We are Strangers before Thee, and Sojourrers as were all our Fathers: And he gives this Rea­son; Our Days on Earth are as a Sha­dow, and there is none abiding. And elsewhere;Psal. 39. 12. I am a Stranger with thee, and a Sojourner, as all my Fathers were. And it hath been the like with others also. But that which bore them up in this their unsettled State, and under all the Evils and Troubles which attended it, was the Hope and Prospect of a quiet Habi­tation, and perpetual Rest in a Fu­ture State. Thus we are told con­cerning Abraham in this very Chap­ter;Vers. 10. That he sought a City which had Foundations, whose Builder and Maker was GOD. And 'tis intimated, that it was the believing Foresight of that, which made him easie in the midst of all his Difficulties. And Iacob in an Holy Rapture cries out; I have [Page 33] waited for thy Salvation, O Lord. Gen. 49. 18. And Iob declares,Job 19. 26, 27. that though after his Skin, Worms should destroy his Body, yet in his Flesh should be see GOD: Whom he should see for himself, and not another: Though his Reins were consum'd within him. The thought whereof enabled him to hold out, under the forest Tryals. David also herein Triumphs; that whatever he was forc't first to undergo, GOD would at length shew him the Path of Life; Psal. 16. 11▪ and bring him to his own Pre­sence, where there is fulness of Ioy; and to his Right Hand, where are Plea­sures for evermore. And at another Time, when he was much discom­pos'd at the Reflection on his own Afflicted State, compar'd with the Prosperity of the Wicked, he soon recovers, at the Thought of the Hap­py Issue that awaited all his present Exercises and Conflicts.Psal. [...]7. 15. As for me (says he) I will behold thy Face in Righteousness: I shall be satisfi'd, when I awake with thy likeness. St. Paul also not only in his own Name, but as personating the Body of Believers, declares;2 Cor. 5. 2. We know, that if our Earth­ly House of this Tabernacle were dis­solv'd, [Page 34] we have a Building of GOD, an House not made with Hands, Eter­nal in the Heavens. And that our Light Affliction, 2 Cor. 4. 17. which is but for a Moment, worketh for us a far more ex­ceeding and Eternal weight of Glory.

WHICH Things taken together, give us sufficiently to understand that this Doctrine is true in Fact, as to many of the most remarkable Ser­vants of GOD, whom we find men­tion'd in our Sacred Records: To whose Experiences in a Point of this Nature, we may well conclude, those of others, who are acted by the same Spirit, how different soever their particular Circumstances may be, should be Consonant and Correspon­dent. But I advance further, and dare be bold to say, that whosoever truly belong to GOD, they cannot but look upon themselves as Pil­grims in this Life; and therefore can do no other than earnestly seek an Home above, where they may be at Rest, and that for ever. And if you'l but a little consider, the Di­vine Principle that is in them; the Worlds unsuitableness to them; and [Page 35] the Prospect Faith gives them of Fu­turities, you'l easily conclude, that thus it must necessarily be with them.

FIRST then, Let us a little consi­der the Divine Principle which is in all Holy Souls; and which not only is in them, but acts and governs them. They are made partakers of a Divine Nature; 2 Pet. 1. 4. which therefore necessarily prompts to, and issues in a Divine Life; which lies in two things, among others, a Love of GOD, and Vniversal Pu­rity; Both which have a direct ten­dency to alienate them from this World, and make them Foreigners in it; and to raise their Hearts towards a better World, and make them ear­nest Seekers of it.

1. THE Divine Principle, which is implanted in all Holy Souls, naturally tends to draw forth their utmost ar­dour in the Love of GOD, to whom it brings them wholly to resign and sacrifice themselves; desiring above all things to please Him, and delighting in nothing so much as in Fellowship and Communion with Him. It cau­ses [Page 36] them to disdain and undervalue all things below Him, as mean and unwor­thy: So that that Strain of the Psal­mist,Ps. 73. 25. Whom have we in Heaven but Thee, and there's none upon Earth we desire be­sides Thee! becomes their natural breathing. For He is really their Souls last End and Rest. Now how can Persons of this Make be fond of this present World, which is a meer Stage of Vanity and Sin; where, under the utmost Advantages, they are compa­ratively distant from Him whom their Souls love: Comparatively, I say, with what they desire, and hope to be here­after.

THEY well know that While they are at Home in the Body, they are absent from the Lord: 2 Cor. 5. 6, 8. How then can they do any other, than (as the Apostle inti­mates) be rather willing to be absent from the Body, and present with the Lord. 'Tis the nature of Love to excite vehement desire after the nearest Union that is possible with its Prime Object, and to make uneasie under Absence and Se­paration from it. Now, what is in this Life to be found, and felt, and en­joy'd of GOD, is as nothing, to what [Page 37] our Natures are capable of, and what Grace leads Holy Souls most earnestly to desire, and what they hereafter hope for: (on the Account whereof it is that they are at present said to be as it were, absent from him:) The in­tenseness therefore of their Love to Him, necessarily leads them to look upon themselves, as being in this Life abroad, and in a strange Countrey; and with vehemence to long for that near Vision, and close and un-interrupted Enjoyment of Him, which they expect when they shall come to be at Home: And, when they act like themselves, nothing but a sense of Duty, and de­sire of serving the Purposes of His Glo­ry, according to their capacity here on Earth, can enable them to brook their Absence from Heaven, where their Hearts and Hopes are fixt.

2. THAT Divine Principle which resides, rules and governs in all Holy Souls, most naturally and directly in­fluences them to an Vniversal Purity. They are fram'd for Divine and In­tellectual Pleasures; which are unspeak­ably Superiour to what Sense can pos­sibly afford. The Body, whereto they [Page 38] are at present linkt in its State of Mor­tality and Corruption, hath such a pro­penseness to be inveigled by those light and Airy Gratifications which Sensual Objects offer for their Enter­tainment, that they are forc't to keep up a constant Contest with it; and to be perpetually striving for the Mastery of it: And when they have done all they can, they find their success so small, that they have good reason with the Apostle Paul to cry out of their wretchedness. Rom. 7. 24 This makes them necessarily very un­easie; and the more so, because they can see no reason to hope it will be otherwise while this Life lasts. Well then, and naturally may they con­clude, that this is not a Place for them to be fond of; or wherein they should desire to settle; that this World is a place where they must carry it as Strangers, least before they are aware, they are defil'd and debas'd: They must needs be induc'd often to long for their Arrival at that Place and State, where being free from that toil and trouble, which is now their daily Exercise, they shall meet with Entertain­ments every way suitable to their sub­lime and refin'd Tempers, and be sa­tiating [Page 39] themselves therewith to all Eter­nity. But further,

2. IF we add hereto the Conside­ration of the Worlds unsuitableness to Holy Souls, we shall meet with fur­ther Evidence of the same thing▪ Whatever others think, who judge by the Great, and put all the Ad­ditionals of a Freakish Fancy into the Scale, together with that small Scant­ling of Reality that is here to be met with; for their parts they find this World to be a very unsuitable place for them to make any long stay in; and the longer they live in it, the more do they find it so: And that because 'tis so very troublesome, so un­certain, and changeable, and so ensna­ring.

1. THEY find this World to be very troublesome. This Life hath a great many natural inconveniencies, which make it uneasie to Thinking-Persons. There is no Age of it, from first to last; whether Infancy or Childhood, Youth or Manhood, or Old Age, but hath its peculiar Troubles: No State in it, but what hath its special Difficul­ties. Do Persons live solitarily? they are in danger of being Mopish. Are they [Page 40] much in Conversation? they'll see so much Vanity and Folly, Ill Humour and Insincerity, as, if they will give way to Thought, cannot but disturb them. They'll find it hard, with the utmost Caution, to walk inoffensive­ly; and meet with so many unkindnes­ses, (and that even it may be, where they have study'd to oblige) as will make them weary of their Lives. Are they in a poor and low condition? they'll find it very hard to rub through the World with any thing of evenness of Temper, and content of Mind. Are they rich and wealthy? the Vexation, Care and Fear, and the envy of others, that attends their Estates, and the dis­quieting Losses and Disappointments they meet with, do often more than over­ballance the Comfort they afford them. Are they in Health and Strength? yet it's an Hundred to One if they are not afflicted with Losses, or depriv'd of their Friends, or crost in their In­terests and Designs, or have something or other, ever and anon, happening to them, to interrupt their Repose. Are they sick and crazy, or often in Pain? How little Relish have they of all all their Comforts! How burthensome [Page 41] are their Lives! Nay, How often do we find that even those who have all that heart could wish for, that have all the Materials and Ingredients of a Worldly Felicity at command, yet even in their suffciency are in streights; and make a shift to create as much trouble to themselves, by their own listless, querulous, uneasie Tempers, as those who have the most real and substantial Causes of Discontent?

BUT besides all these, and a great many other Considerations of the like Nature, that might be suggested, which are common to all, the World is pe­culiarly troublesome to Holy Souls. They for the most part, meet with a great many Hardships, Contempts and In­juries in it; they are often baited at, molested and teaz'd by the Men of the World, who care not for their Company. For, as our Blessed Lord hath long since observ'd, because they are not of the World, Joh. 15. 19 therefore the World hateth them; and is often speaking evil of them, and doing evil to them. They see GOD so much dishonour'd in it, as grieves them to the heart; and causes them often with bitterness of [Page 42] Soul to mourn in secret. And all these troubles, and a Thousand more, that were as easily nam'd as these, are great hindrances to them, in that whereon their hearts are principally intent; and often create them much perplexity and uneasiness. How can they then but be tir'd with this World, when they have dispatcht the great Business they have to do in it; and comfortably settled their Concerns as to a Future State? How can they take this for a suitable Place for them to stay in, where they are like to have little else but a constant succession of Disturbances? How can they do any other than earnestly long to be in their Father's House, where they shall meet with no sorrow or trouble more for ever?

2. HOLY Souls find also this World very unsuitable to them, because so uncertain and changeable. The more they give way to Thought, the more necessary do they find it to fly higher than the Stage of Sense for a Portion. As for themselves, they perceive by their Make, they are fram'd for Eter­nity, unless he that made them should [Page 43] annihilate them; of which they can discern no just Reason to be apprehen­sive. As for this World they find the Fashion of it is still passing away; and that in all its Parts, and at all Times 'tis full of Uncertainty and Unsettlement. How then can they six upon it? If not better provided, how certainly may they expect in a little Time to be left quite destitute? And how can they take up with that, which they are every Moment in danger of being depriv'd of? They well know that there is nothing here to be met withal, let it seem ever so sure, but it may be taken away by a thousand unforeseen Casualties; and let ever so great a Degree of Earthly Felicity be attain'd, they with­in a while must die, and in that ve­ry Day all their Enjoyments and Hopes as to this World perish. O­thers indeed know these Things as well as they, but they mind them not; and you may plainly discover by their Carriage they hardly ever think of them. But being important Matters, they are often seriously weigh'd, and intently ruminated on, by Holy Souls: Who deliberately [Page 44] thence conclude, that it is in vain to seek for an Happiness here; that we are only Travelling and Passing through the State we are in; and are thereby led to fix their Hearts on the upper World, where alone it is that any Thing Solid, Stable, and Durable, is to be met withal.

3. THIS World is therefore al­so unsuitable to Holy Souls, because ensnaring. Often have the best been here led aside from God and their Duty; and drawn into Sin to their unspeakable Damage. Either unfore­seen Temptations have presented themselves; or they have been care­less, and nibbled at the Bait, till they were caught with the Hook. Through Heedlessness and Privacy, was even a Noah tempted to Drunk­enness and Incest; and unguarded Lust, drew a David into Murder and Adultery. And who then can be Secure? Snares abound every where, and some that are taking, will not be wanting; and even those who have giv­en themselves up to GOD most serious­ly, and listed themselves in his Service most heartily, are not out of Danger: [Page 45] For they have Corruption within, and a busie Enemy without, who watches all Opportunities to entrap them; and he's so subtle and diligent, that unless they are always watchful, he'll be more or less too hard for them. And if he in any remarkable degree prevails up­on and foils them, how will he tri­umph! And how will the wicked of the World, who are ever at his beck rejoice! How busily do they, that they may serve their Master, employ them­selves in endeavouring to draw such aside into some reigning Vices! How many Artifices will they use for that purpose! And if they prevail, how will they scoffingly cry out, and say, Even the Godly are as bad as others! And when they come to recollect their own Slips and Miscarriages (especially if they are any thing notorious) great is their Concern and Regret; nay sometimes their bitterness and per­plexity is inexpressible. For time to come, it may be, they then think to be more careful. But Alas! after all, How difficult is it to live where an in­fectious Contagion is diffus'd univer­sally, and not be tainted? How hard to be daily conversant in a wicked [Page 46] World, and not be dampt and deadned in the Exercises of the Divine Life? The Generality are not aware of this; but the more holy any Persons are, the more lively is their sense of it. This causes them to live as 'twere in daily fear: And they'd be quite dishearten'd, had they not ground to hope, that such sort of Exercises would not last long; but that when they had bin try'd for a time, if they retain'd their integrity, GOD would take them to Himself, and make them Happy in His Favour and Love for ever. Thus its plain, This Worlds unsuitableness tends to wean Holy Souls from it, and raise them above it. Again,

3. THE Prospect which Faith gives them of Futurities, tends also to pro­duce the same Effects, viz. To make them weary of this Earth, and to long for Heaven. Their Faith ground­ed upon the Promise of GOD, as­sures them that He will be a Re­warder of them that diligently seek him; Heb. 11. 6. that there remaineth a Rest for His People; Heb. 4. 9. That He will give Eter­nal Life to all those who by Patient continuance in well doing, Rom. 2. 7. seek for Glo­ry, [Page 47] and Honour, and Immortality; and that there is an Inheritance incorrupti­ble, 1 Pet. 1. 4. and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserv'd in Heaven for them; and the like. These Things are not the Fruit of their Fancy; they are not Perswasions they have unwarily imbib'd, or taken upon Trust from others, without just Grounds: But their Faith herein is bottom'd on the Word of the Eternal GOD. Now 'tis in the Nature of Faith, as is e­ven in this Chapter declar'd,Vers. 1. to be the Substance of Things hoped for, and the Evidence of Things not seen: Holy Persons having such a Foundation to build upon, do as verily believe that if they persevere in the Course they are in, they shall certainly find these Things made good to them; as tho' they did actually enjoy them alrea­dy. They are as really perswaded of the Truth of these, and the like Declarations, and give as true an Assent to them, as if they could see the Things they make mention off, or as if they were intuitively, and demonstratively known to them. Now their full Satisfaction in the Grounds they go upon, must neces­sarily [Page 48] depretiate this World, and ad­vance that to come in their esteem. Were they left at uncertainties, they would not be so Positive; But having such Security given them, they can­not but look upon this Earth as a Foreign Countrey to them; and fix upon Heaven as their Home.

THUS much of the first Obser­vation: The second follows; viz.

DOCT. II.

THAT GOD would be asham'd to be call'd the GOD of such, as re­nouncing this World, devote them­selves entirely to his Service, and ardently aspire Heaven-wards in the Course of their present Pilgri­mage; if He had not made abun­dant Provision for their Happiness, in a better State, and Life after this.

AND here I'le endeavour briefly to show these Three Things.

I. WHAT it implies for GOD to be call'd any Persons GOD▪

[Page 49] II. THAT He really is the GOD of those, who renouncing this World, devote themselves heartily to his Ser­vice, and fix on Heaven as their Home and Portion. And,

III. THAT it would be Matter of Shame to Him, had He not made suitable Provision for all such Per­sons in a better State and Life than this.

FIRST then, Let's take Notice what it implies, for GOD to be call'd the GOD of any Persons. He is the GOD of all in a General Sense (as hath before been intima­ted.) For He made and sustains them, and He alone can make them Happy. But when such a Phrase is in the Scriptures apply'd to any pe­culiarly, It denotes a special Inte­rest in Him in a Covenant way; a peculiar Propriety in Him, founded on that Covenant of Grace, the Sub­stance whereof we have thus deli­ver'd to us in short; I will be their GOD, and they shall be My People▪ It necessarily therefore denotes a [Page 50] transcendent Love and Affection in GOD to any Persons, for Him to be stil'd Theirs. 'Tis certainly a great Demonstration of Love, for Him as it were to give Himself to them: And therefore also this Ap­propriation must needs imply some very great and extraordinary Hap­piness. 'Tis declar'd by GOD, That he that overcometh shall inherit all Things; Rev. 21. 7. but as if this were no­thing, notwithstanding all Things are taken in, 'tis added; And I will be his GOD, and he shall be my Son. One would have thought nothing could have been more than all: But however this is added, because all all things else are as nothing without it. But alas! who can tell what it is, and what it implies for GOD to be the GOD of any one! Thus much in General is plain; that it intimates He will Act for such a Persons good as becomes a Being, infinite in all Manner of Perfections: But come to Particulars, and we are soon at a loss. That Man that should pretend to unfold it, must be able to Fa­thom the boundless Excellencies of the Divine Essence, which are all en­gag'd, [Page 51] so far as the good of the Party to whom GOD hath made Himself over, is concern'd. Whosoe­ver hath GOD for his GOD, His Mercy is his to Pardon him; His Wisdom his to guide him; His Power his to Secure him; His Faithfulness his to fulfil all his Promises to him; His Love to confer Grace and Glo­ry on him; And in short, all that is in God is his, so far as his Necessi­ties can require, and his Capacity can reach. So that this is most evident­ly the very Top of our Happiness.

BUT let it be observ'd withal, that in such a Phrase as this, there is ever imply'd a respect to the At­toning Blood of the Mediatour; with­out the Intervention whereof such degenerate and guilty Creatures as we, could have had no Hope, should have remain'd incapable, of any such Interest: But that, hath laid a Foun­dation for our Advancement to this Amazing Honour and Priviledge; which bespeaks all those who reach to it inconceiveably Happy; by Rea­son that it intimates that GOD will do all things for them in a be­coming [Page 52] Manner, and like Himself; all Things which may further their E­verlasting Welfare.

2. GOD certainly is thus the GOD of all those, who renouncing this World, do heartily devote them­selves to His Service, and fix on Hea­ven as their Home and Portion. He is the GOD of none, if not of such. What is the Language of the Cove­nant but this,Heb. 9. 10. I will be to them a GOD, and they shall be to me a Peo­ple? Of which I think we can make nothing, were any willing to be His People, and desirous to be under His Care, and free to be govern'd by His Laws, to whom he were back­ward to be a GOD, and to Act the Part of a GOD Which is the more evident from hence; in that there cannot be such a Consent as this▪ a real willingness hereto, in any Heart that is not of His Pro­ducing. For (whatever any in the Heat of Dispute may have advanc'd) 'tis notoriously evident that none of the fallen Race of Adam would in this Case move till they were drawn; none could be free and willing to take [Page 53] GOD for theirs, as He hath offer'd Himself to them in Covenant, whom He had not made so. They might indeed after a sort, be desirous of the Bles­sings of the Covenant: That is to say, they might desire to be pardon'd that they might not be damn'd; and to be so far under the Divine Pro­tection and Care, as that they might be sav'd from Ruine, and the like: But this is all Selfishness; and hath nothing of Love to GOD at the Bottom of it. This there may be, and GOD still remain estrang'd; and they after all go without an In­terest in him as theirs. But where­ever there is a free Consent in any Heart, to take Him for Owner, Ruler, and End, according as He hath propos'd Himself; and a willingness to be entirely at His Disposal, and under His Government and Manage­ment; we may safely say, there the Divine Spirit hath been effectually at Work: For otherwise, this is a step, had never been taken. Now to suppose Persons wrought up to this, and GOD to stand back; to sup­pose them willing, and Him shy; were to imagine He mockt us in [Page 54] the Proposal of His Covenant, and sported himself with our Misery, when He made us Overtures about our Recovery.

NOW I'le leave it to any to Judge, how impossible it is for Per­sons to renounce this World, and fix on Heaven as their Home and Porti­on, and Act correspondently, and this Consent on their Part be wanting. For what is it to renounce the World, but to disclaim all Interest in it op­posite to the Divine Honour; to be Content with that Portion of it that is of Divine Allotment; to use it as not abusing it; to be rea­dy to improve what is afforded of it, for the best Purposes; and to sit loose to it, and be ready to part with what is most dear and valua­ble in it, upon a Divine Call? And what is it to fix on Heaven as an Home and Portion? But to live in the believing Hope and Expectati­on of a bettrr State and Life after this; to long for it, and pant after it; despise all Things that could be offer'd in Competition with it; to be earnest and diligent in preparing [Page 55] for it; fetch Supports from it under all present uneasinesses; and be often delightfully ruminating on those Re­ports which GOD in His Word hath made concerning it? And both these jointly, do plainly bespeak an Heavenly Mind and Heart. How can the blessed GOD, then, if He Act consistently with Himself, do any o­ther, than embrace all such with a tender Affection; become theirs, and Act like a GOD on their behalf? Now this He could in no respect be said to do, had He not prepar'd an an Heaven, that is a State of exqui­site and perfect Bliss, for their Ever­lasting Entertainment. Which leads me to the Third and Last Particu­lar, viz.

3. TO show that it would really be a Matter of Shame to the Blessed GOD, had He not made suitable Provision, for all such Persons as those foremention'd, in a better State and Life than this. None need won­der at the Phrase I use, when I speak of its being a Matter of Shame to GOD; for it's borrow'd from my Text. And indeed strictly speak­ing, [Page 56] it would be really shameful and a dismal Reflection on the great GOD, if He had not such a reserve as Heaven for their Entertainment, when this frail Life comes to an end. A few Things will sufficiently clear this.

1. UPON this Supposition He'd have provided no Satisfaction for ear­nest desires of His own exciting. He (saith the Apostle) that hath wrought us for the self same thing, 2 Cor. 5. 5. is GOD. His meaning is, 'tis He who by his Spirit hath wrought up Belie­vers to any Measure of Prepared­ness for the Blessed and Glorious State above; 'tis He that hath kindled earnest Desires after it, and excited firm Expectations of it. Had He not then such a State in Store, had He not an Heaven in reserve, for the Entertainment of His faith­ful Ones, at the end of all their pre­sent Conflicts, it would evidently ap­pear He did but Tantalize them in making any such Motions to them; in stirring up any such In­clinations in them. And would not this be shameful? Might He not be [Page 57] asham'd to be call'd their GOD, whom He lur'd to Himself, and then impos'd upon, by deceitful Appea­rances, and Shadows, instead of Sub­stances? But this we may be assur'd can never be; for He hath prepared for them a City.

2 HE would upon this Supposi­tion have made it their Duty, to in­tend an [...]nd which could not be reacht. For we knowing our Selves capable of subsisting hereafter, nay of enjoying a much greater Happiness than this pre­sent State can admit off, are hereby laid under an indispensable Obligation of intending that Happiness as our End. For supposing there should be no Fu­ture State of Bliss, there is however no possibility of being absolutely cer­tain there is none: Nay the Matter being impartially consider'd, it will appear abundantly more likely that there is. Now the very Law of Na­ture obliges us to pursue the highest Good whereof we are capable, sup­posing the Attainment of it be but probable: Revelation next steps in, and tells us it is certain. If the af­ter all, there should be no Heaven [Page 58] hereafter, we must not only acknow­ledge that Capacity needless; but al­so must be suppos'd to be oblig'd to employ the Principal Endeavours of our Life, and all our Powers to no Purpose. And what a shameful Re­flection would this be on GOD, for Him to have laid us under an ab­solute Necessity, if acting Rationally, of aiming at that which is unattain­able! Of Labouring for that which is not! And constantly tending to­wards that which hath no other Being than in the Fancy and Imagi­nation! And so we must either live like Brutes, and be continually ex­pos'd to the smart Upbraidings and Reproaches of our own Minds, with­out Relief: Or else following our Reason, must voluntarily befool our selves by Building Castles in the Air, where there is no possibility of ha­ving any Footing. Might He not well be asham'd to be call'd the GOD of those whom He held thus fasten'd in a fatal Circle, whence they could never get loose! We may therefore conclude, if He Acts like Himself, there must be an Hea­ven in Store and Reserve. Again,

[Page 59] 3. UPON the Supposition fore­mention'd, None would fare so ill as the Servants of GOD. Those who were really the best, would fare the worst: For,

1. PIOVS Persons would have no reward for all their Pains. Far be it in­deed from such as we are, to think of meriting any thing at the hands of GOD; I abhor the thought: and yet I am sure 'twould be no credit to him who hath promis'd to be a re­warder of them that diligently seek him, to let People serve him for nought. There's a great deal of Pain and Mi­sery and Sorrow, which many Holy Souls voluntarily undergo: Their ten­der Consciences reproach and smite them for the smallest Neglect and Transgression; and on that Account, draw forth many a mournful sigh and groan. The sense of their great weak­ness makes them walk in constant Fear. Watchings and Fightings against the As­saults of Satan are their Daily Exer­cise. Their Self-Denial is Galling; and their severity to the Flesh painful. Of­ten are they groaning under their own [Page 60] Body of Sin and Death; and Rivers of Tears also run down their eyes, at the sight of the Transgressions of others, where­by their GOD is dishonour'd: And can all this come to nothing at last? And there be no difference at long run between those who under­went so much for the Sake of GOD; and those who liv'd in an open E­strangement from Him, and Oppo­sition to Him! Would not this be shameful?

SHOULD any Plead, That Ho­liness and Vertue is its own reward; I'le freely grant it in the General: Inso­much that were we certain there were no Life after this, it were more for our present Interest in the main, to be vertuous than vicious; unless where there should be apparent hazard of the Loss of Life or Estate, or of any other insupportable Detriment, which a vertuous course might have attend­ing it: But yet withal, it is obvious, that there are sundry Exercises of Vertue that are very difficult and painful; in which the Holiest Souls are most strict and frequent; which upon that Supposition, would be [Page 61] needless and fruitless, and therefore better forborn: For such as these there would be no Reward. Which would cast such a Reflection on the Blessed GOD, as were never to be wip'd off But we may be assur'd 'tis otherwise, For He hath prepar'd for them a City. Nay,

2. UPON the Supposition forego­ing, The most Pious would be so far from gaining by the Service of GOD, that they'd plainly loose by it. For 'tis easie to be observ'd, that a great part of their Lives is employ'd in painful endeavours after a meetness for Hea­ven. Their great Aim and Scope is, to purifie themselves as he is pure, to whom they are devoted, and in whom they hope to be for ever happy. With great earnestness do they strive to improve both Ordinances and Pro­vidences to this purpose. Early and Late are they tugging at their listless, sluggish, backward Hearts, that they may get them into a more lively, spi­ritual Heavenly Frame. And many an Hour do they spend in endeavour­ing to mortifie a particular Sin, which they find themselves most prone to, [Page 62] which yet others, it may be, can hard­ly observe in them. And can all this at last, prove labour-in-vain? shall they be never the better for all in the issue? If so, they had done much better to have spent their time, and their pains, in more agreeable, pleasant, and de­lightful Exercises, like the rest of the World. 'Twas better they had deny'd themselves nothing that their hearts could crave, which yet had not pre­sent visible damage and detriment at­tending it; 'twere better they had freely enjoy'd themselves, and what came within their reach, and not have so tired their Spirits, or perplext their Minds, or sower'd their Joys, by any such needless Labour and Se­verity. They lost all that Pleasure and Ease, and Freedom and Satisfaction which others met with, all that while that they were Grinding at the Mill, as 'twere, and all to no purpose. Let none say this is as nothing; For though it be freely granted it would appear so, upon a certain Prospect of a Future State, which unspeakably over-ballances; Yet, had we no more to expect than what this Life could afford, it would be very considerable, [Page 63] and a Stress might be deservedly laid up­on it. For Common Sense would teach us to make the most of our all. It was not without good Reason there­fore, that the Apostle declares, That if in this Life only we have hope in Christ, 1 Cor. 15. 19. we are of all Men most miserable. But this cannot be, for he hath prepar'd for Them a City: And which is more, their future Advancement therein shall be the higher; the more pains they took in His Service in this Life, and the more they lost and endur'd for his Sake. Again,

4. UPON the foregoing Supposi­tion, GOD would either leave His most faithful Ones without any Thing to support them under their greatest pre­sent Troubles, or He'd support them with a Fallacy. Holy Souls fetch their great Consolations from Heaven in every State. The Thoughts of that refresh and chear them when their Sins and Sorrows make them wea­ry; support them under the greatest Disappointments; and make them Boast and Triumph in their GOD, in the midst of all their Afflictions. This Thought often recurs; we are [Page 64] not far from Home, and then 'twill be better. Were it not for this, their Spirits would often sink, and their Hearts faint. Nothing else in rea­lity, besides a Prospect of a Future State of Bliss, can any thing tolera­bly support them. The Thoughts of the utter unavoidableness of the Troubles they met with, through the Imposi­tion of a rigid Fate; or of the com­mon liableness of all Mankind there­to; or of the likelihood of their ceasing in a little time, upon their pas­sing into a state of Silence and Dark­ness, and Everlasting Oblivion, would give little Relief.

IF this then prove a Fallacy, he who pretends to be their GOD, hath most miserably deceiv'd them: And is not that a Matter of Shame? But this need not be feared, for he hath pre­par'd for them a City.

Lastly, WERE there not an Hea­ven prepared for Holy Souls hereaf­ter, A Special Relation to GOD would signifie just nothing. Those big Phrases, Their GOD, and our GOD, would in reality, dwindle to meer Noise and [Page 65] Sound. For what could they be sup­pos'd to import that could amount to any thing, if yet the Persons concern'd might be left destitute; if there were no Provision made for their Eternal Abode. They had e'en as good have bin without Him, and had no Concern with Him, any further than was com­mon to all. For they'll be left to the Full as helpless and miserable, as if they had slighted and disregarded Him all their days, and liv'd as much at Random as any in the World. So that even GOD Himself must neces­sarily be ashamed of any such Empty Title, that hath no significancy in it, or benefit attending it. But there being an Heaven, that is unspeakably more glorious than we can conceive, He is not asham'd: And we, if we are his Faithful Servants, may have the Comfort at present, and shall have the Benefit hereafter.

I should now expatiate beyond all Bounds, should I pretend to be parti­cular in my Application of the Dis­course foregoing; However, I can't be satisfi'd, without making some Im­provement.

[Page 66] 1. THEN Give me leave to ask you (My Friends) how you stand af­fected, making this Text the Touch­stone, as it hath bin open'd to you? Are you of the same Spirit and Temper with the Antient Patri­archs? Deceive not your selves; the Faithful Servants of GOD in all Ages, are of one and the same Make, and acted by one and the same Spirit. The Period of time, wherein they liv'd, makes no essential difference between them. Have you then any of that Faith for which they were so famous? and doth it work the same way, ac­cording to our Circumstances and Di­vine Calls? Our Advantages with re­spect to clearness of Light, and op­portunity of distinctly understanding the way of Salvation, are greater than theirs: But how is it with our Hearts? Do they work towards GOD and Hea­ven as theirs did? Do you, Sirs, carry it like Pilgrims and Strangers here on Earth? Do you desire, and seek, and pant after a better Countrey, that is an Heavenly? Give me leave to put it to you (and I pray put it home to your selves); could you not be con­tented, [Page 67] would it not be pleasing and delightful to you, to have the hope and prospect of living here always? I doubt that's the Case of many: But must assure you where-ever 'tis so, 'tis a Sign there's not the least Tincture of Saving Grace. Have you fixt on the Most High GOD for Yours? Have you chosen Him, and given your selves up to Him, and that heartily and sin­cerely? Can you evidence it by your Heavenly-Mindedness? If so, 'tis hap­py for you. But let me tell you, these things deserve to be enquir'd into, and that with great Seriousness and Appli­cation; for much depends upon them. Again,

2. LET me desire you to consider what is like to become of those of you who never yet minded this better, this Heavenly Countrey, in the whole Course of your Lives; but have bin bury'd in the World, and minded Earthly Things, and nothing else. I doubt this would take in many in this Nu­merous Assembly. Pray, Sirs, what is likely to become of such as you in a little time? Where do you think to go when your Souls shall take their [Page 62] [...] [Page 63] [...] [Page 64] [...] [Page 65] [...]

[Page 66] 1. THEN Give me leave to ask you (My Friends) how you stand af­fected, making this Text the Touch­stone, as it hath bin open'd to you? Are you of the same Spirit and Temper with the Antient Patri­archs? Deceive not your selves; the Faithful Servants of GOD in all Ages, are of one and the same Make, and acted by one and the same Spirit. The Period of time, wherein they liv'd, makes no essential difference between them. Have you then any of that Faith for which they were so famous? and doth it work the same way, ac­cording to our Circumstances and Di­vine Calls? Our Advantages with re­spect to clearness of Light, and op­portunity of distinctly understanding the way of Salvation, are greater than theirs: But how is it with our Hearts? Do they work towards GOD and Hea­ven as theirs did? Do you, Sirs, carry it like Pilgrims and Strangers here on Earth? Do you desire, and seek, and pant after a better Countrey, that is an Heavenly? Give me leave to put it to you (and I pray put it home to your selves); could you not be con­tented, [Page 67] would it not be pleasing and delightful to you, to have the hope and prospect of living here always? I doubt that's the Case of many: But must assure you where-ever 'tis so, 'tis a Sign there's not the least Tincture of Saving Grace. Have you fixt on the Most High GOD for Yours? Have you chosen Him, and given you selves up to Him, and that heartily and sin­cerely? Can you evidence it by your Heavenly-Mindedness? If so, 'tis hap­py for you. But let me tell you, these things deserve to be enquir'd into, and that with great Seriousness and Appli­cation; for much depends upon them. Again,

2. LET me desire you to consider what is like to become of those of you who never yet minded this better, this Heavenly Countrey, in the whole Course of your Lives; but have bin bury'd in the World, and minded Earthly Things, and nothing else. I doubt this would take in many in this Nu­merous Assembly. Pray, Sirs, what is likely to become of such as you in a little time? Where do you think to go when your Souls shall take their [Page 68] flight, and leave your Bodies behind? It may be you may hope you should be transplanted into this better Coun­trey: What! and never Mind it be­fore! Think of it a little and you'l easily discern that that is an unrea­sonable, and will in the Event prove a groundless Expectation. No, you must desire it; and that not Lazily, but Earnestly; you must be diligent in using all the Means GOD hath directed you to, in order to the reaching of it; you must get above the World while you are in it; you must get an Heavenly Mind and Heart; otherwise this will be impossible. And truly you had need Mind this Matter speedily: For an Heavenly Temper is not likely to be gotten in an instant. And should you Die without it, what would become of you? GOD hath indeed prepar'd a City, a glorious City, where his faith­ful Ones, shall have Everlasting Rest, and Peace, and Joy: But flatter not your Selves, this is nothing to you; you have neither Part nor Portion in this Matter. I beseech you then; look about you, before it be too late. You might come there as well [Page 69] as others; (for whatever you may weakly imagine, there's no Bar in your Way, but what is of your own laying:) 'tis offer'd to you as well as others; and GOD is Sincere and Earnest in that offer: Why then should you befool your Selves? Neg­lect your own endless Happiness, and throw your Selves into Perdi­tion?

CONSIDER a little where you must go, if excluded thence. Pray, whither can you go but to the Land of Gloominess, and thick Dark­ness; where Weeping and Wailing, and Gnashing of Teeth, is the per­petual Employment: And there must you spend an Eternity, in Lamenting your present Folly. As you would not have this to be your woful Case, I beg of you this Day; rid your selves of Encumbrances, Mind Heaven in earnest. Break off your Sins by Re­pentance. Make your Peace with GOD. Look out for an Interest in Christ. And think not to make a neglected GOD and SAVIOUR your last Refuge, which I'm sure would be little to your Comfort, [Page 70] nay would be likely to Issue in your Everlasting Confusion. Again,

3. IF GOD is not asham'd to be call'd our GOD, then let us take Care, that we be neither asham'd of Him, nor a shame to Him.

LET us not be asham'd of Him; that is asham'd to own Him. Shall the Men of this World Glory in their Shame (as they often do) and we be asham'd of our Glory! How unaccountably strange doth that ap­pear! Let them Laugh, Ridicule or Banter; pray what will they get by it, or we loose? But I am verily perswaded, would but Pious Persons put on Courage, and Manage it with Prudence, your Hectoring Swagge­rers, who Pride themselves in defying GOD, and pouring Contempt on whatever belongs to him, would in most Cases, with­out much Difficulty, be put out of Countenance. But be that as it will, why should we in any Compa­ny, be asham'd to own to whom we belong? Our Service is honourable; and our Reward will be great; we [Page 71] have no need therefore to sneak: Let us leave that to those, who can give no Account of themselves or their Actions; their Work or their Wages. Again,

LET us also take Care, that we be not a shame to GOD. Lets be­ware of a carnal, drossy, earthly Spirit.

LET's beware of narrowness of Mind and Selfishness: And indeed of any Thing that might bring a Re­proach on Him whom we serve, or the way we walk in. Let's remem­ber that the Eyes of GOD, and of the World too are upon us; and that there is, and may be a General Expectation, to find a difference be­tween us and others. Let's have our Conversation in Simplicity, and Godly Sincerity; keep our Eyes six't upon our Home; and carry our selves so, as that others may be able to ob­serve, what we aim at, and whither we are tending.

LASTLY; Since GOD hath provided a better Life for His Peo­ple [Page 72] after this; hath prepared for them a City; we may groundedly Cry out, Blessed are the Dead, Rev. 14. 13. which Die in the Lord. For they are Transplanted into that Countrey which they so much desir'd, and so earnestly sought, and on which their Hearts were so much set: And feel the Meaning of GOD's being their GOD, in a Degree beyond what we at our di­stance are capable of Understand­ing.

AND this I doubt not is the Case of our lately Deceased Friend, the truly▪ Pious Mrs. Elizabeth Williams. Whom I dare to set before you as one of the Primitive Stamp; one of a like Spirit and Tem­per with those Worthies whom my Text speaks off.

TAKE Her before Her late Ill­ness, and She had as many Things to make this World agreeable to Her, as most can pretend to. She came of an Honourable Family; had a great many Noble Relations; an Husband to Her Hearts desire; a Considerable Estate; and a General Re­spect [Page 73] from all that knew her: And yet all this was as nothing to Her; She could not bear a thought of fixing, and taking up her Rest here below; but lookt upwards; and pro­fess'd Her Self a Poor Pilgrim and Stranger in the World: She sought a better Countrey; that is an Heaven­ly; and that with greater Vigour and Assiduity; with greater Diligence and Fervour; and with greater Earnest­ness and Constancy, than, is I am sure, (to say the least) usual and common.

SHE began to dislodge from this Earth, and look Heaven-wards be­times. She was brought Home to GOD in Her Younger Years, by Means of a Sermon of one Mr. Baynes, who was an Eminent Mini­ster in Dublin; and gain'd many Souls to Christ in his Day. And setting out for Heaven so soon, She made a much greater Advance in the Way thi­ther, than could otherwise have been expected. She often reflected on Her Early Dedication of Her Self to GOD with Comfort and Joy; and hath many Times been heard to say [Page 74] with an Holy Triumph, by those who were intimate with Her; GOD hath been my GOD, even from my Youth. And She ever after kept as close to him, and gain'd as much by close walking with Him, as most can pre­tend to.

I cannot forbear particularly men­tioning some Things con [...]erning Her, which I take to be generally Exempla­ry and Instructive.

SHE was one of great Faith, and signal was Her Trust in GOD: To Him She had heartily given Her Self, and in Him, who She knew was faithful, She could Conside. There was a remarkable Instance and Evi­dence hereof, in Her last Passage from Ireland to England in the Month of September, 1687. She was then in a Violent Storm; eminent was the Danger; not only in the Apprehen­sion of the Passengers, but of the Master, and Seamen; all reckon'd themselves as Lost. Here was a Time of Tryal. But She was fearless; and great was Her Composure and Un­dauntedness. She cast Her Self on [Page 75] GOD, and was freely ready for His Pleasure. I have seen this Passage of Providence Recorded by Her own Hand; with this Remark: That there was at that Time an observable An­swer of Prayer, in a sudden and un­expected Calm immediately following up­on their joint Recommendation of them­s [...]lves to GOD. And with this short Petition annext; Lord make me to live more to thy Glory, that I may not be afraid to Die at any Time.

HER Love to GOD was emi­nent. She manifestly seem'd to all who had any Thing of Freedom with Her, to value His Favour more than all the World; and to Fear His Dis­pleasure, more than any Trouble whatever. It seems to be the most in­ward Sense of Her Soul She vented, when She put this short Passage un­der Her Hand; The Manifestation of GOD to my Soul, is my highest Pri­viledge and Comfort: And the hidings of His Face, my greatest Loss and Sor­row. She appear'd to take Delight in whatever belong'd to GOD. His Word She counted Her chiefest Trea­sure, and therewith She converst [Page 76] daily, with great Earnestness and Pleasure. His Sabbaths She esteem'd the sweetest Portion of Her Time. His Ordinances, were the greatest Comfort of Her Life: And it hath been observ'd by those who knew Her well, that She would be more Chearful and Pleasant in Her walks to the House of GOD, than at any other Time. She had a mighty Ho­nour, Value, and Love to the Mini­stry. She did not (as is common with many) Love this or that Par­ticular Minister extravagantly, and disesteem others: But She honour'd the Office, and all without Distin­ction who were faithful in it: She lov'd all, and despis'd none. She lookt upon all equally as GOD's A­gents and Representatives; and as such they were the Objects of Her singular Esteem and Respect. And in short, whatever any Way be­long'd to GOD, or had any Thing of Him in or on it, She discover'd an high Value for.

SHE was much taken-up in admi­ring Thoughts of our Lord Iesus Christ, and His Work of Redemption: And [Page 77] often venting the Sense of her Soul, in ardent Breathings after Him. I'le give you a few Passages of this kind out of Her Papers; in Her own Words.

IN one Place thus: I'm amaz'd at the Mysteries of Redemption; the Incarnation of the Son of GOD; the Killing the Prince of Life; the Humi­liation of the High and Lofty One; the Disgrace of the Lord of Glory; the Curse upon Him who is Blessed for ever: O the Mysteries of Scripture, of Love, of Grace, of Providence!

IN another Place; Oh that I may know Christ as a Prophet instructing me; a Priest satisfying for me; and a King ruling spiritually in me.

IN another thus: This Wretched Soul of Mine doth Pine away for Strength, and even Pant for Breath; longing to receive Encrease of Life from the Living Stock Christ Iesus; which must be thy Work, and thine on­ly. Oh work it I humbly pray Thee, which way thou wilt; Oh Empty my Self, of my Self, and let all Glory [Page 78] be given to Thee, and not to any o­ther.

SHE was entirely Dependent for all on the Blessed Spirit of Grace. In one of Her Papers, She hath this remarkable Passage looking that way: There is no Corruption though more deeply rooted than others, but that in Time, by walking in the Spirit, bring­ing it to the Law of Christ, to the Death of Christ, and to the Love of Christ, and joining Ones own Endeavours to the Spirit of Christ, one may get an Eminent Victory over it, and see it by Degrees fall down before us. Lord lend me the powerful Aid of thy Spi­rit, I humbly beg it.

IN another Place thus: I am troubled with Temptations, but I Trust in Thee: I Rest on Thee for Life and for Salvation: Oh take me into the Bo­som of thy Love for Christs sake: I cast my Self into the Arms of Thine Everlasting Strength; I have no Con­fidence in my Self nor any other.

BUT in no Grace was She more eminent than in that of Humility. [Page 79] She silently converst with Her GOD, and that better World, which Her Heart was set upon, without Noise and Ostentation. She was more fear­ful of nothing than Spiritual Pride. Methinks that is an affecting Passage which dropt from Her Pen a Year or two ago: I must humbly leave it on Record, I never found so much of GOD, I never drew so near Him, I never experienc'd the Power of His Word as of Late.

AND yet as Humble as She was, and as diffident of Her Self, She did not think Her Self excus'd from be­coming Christian Resolutions in De­pendence on Divine Strength. Take some of them, in Her own Words.

‘I'LE be ruled by thy Revealed Will.’

‘I'LE be dispos'd of, by thy Pleasure.’

‘I'LE gladly be improved by Thee.’

[Page 80] ‘I'LE Rest on Thy Fulness to discharge all my Bonds.’

‘I'LE wait on Thee in all Thine Appointments.’

‘I'LE intend thy Honour in all I do as my chief End.’

‘I'LE be serviceable in my Place,’ as I can to others.

‘I'LE be satisfi'd with Thee, and thy Rich Treasures as my Portion.’ And

‘I'LE take thy Word and Sa­craments as my Security.’

‘HEREIN will I Hope, and go on till Death.’

‘I am weak; but Christ is strong.’

‘AND I Hope for Supplies from Him.’

To which She subscrib'd Her Name.

[Page 81] GREAT was Her Contentedness, Resignation, Submission to the Will of GOD, and Heavenly Mindedness. Her Papers abound with pregnant Expressions, and Indications hereof. In one Place She delivereth Her Self thus.

LORD give Me what thou wilt have Me to do; and then do what thou wilt to, and with, Me thy unwor­thy Servant.

IN another, She hath these Two Remarkable Passages.

IF Thou wilt have Me poor and disgrac'd, I am Content to be so.

IF Thou wilt have Me serve Thee in the Condition I am in; I will glad­ly do so.

IT is enough to Me, that Thou wilt have it so.

I desire to yield readily, humbly and chearfully to thy Disposing Providence.

AMEN, Amen, Lord.

[Page 82] HATH GOD made Me Rich, that I might maintain my Pride, my Pomp, and Erutish Pleasures?

NO; He hath rather Lent than ful­ly given Me what I have; and I must give an Account to Him for all.

ALL we are and have, we have it on this Condition; TO use it, to leave it; TO lay it out, to lay it down;

VNTO the Honour of our Master, from whose Bounty we receiv'd it.

SHE was very Regular in Her Devotions: Much in Prayer; and fre­quent in Meditation; and spent more Time in Converse with GOD in Her Closet than most. I'l Cite a few Passages out of Her Papers, which seem to deliver the very Sense of Her Soul as to Religious Dutys. In one Place She expresseth Her Self thus.

[Page 83] IN Duty I'd not be satisfi'd, un­less Affections be rais'd so as feeling­ly, awfully, believingly, fervently, and sincerely, I pour out my Heart with its Desires to GOD.

IN another thus; The Soul on the Lip, and the Soul in the Ear, ridd Work in GOD's Service.

IN another thus; A Soul in League with Sin, dare not come or look to, or think of GOD; and what must that Man think on in a Duty, who dare not seriously think of GOD?

SHE was much in Self-Examina­tion: And such as these, were some of the Marks and Signs whereby She try'd Her Self.

• 1. DO I prize Christs Righteous­ness?
• 2. DO I choose Heaven above all?
• 3. DO I hate all Sin?
• 4. AM I spirited for Duty?
• [Page 84] 5. DO I relish and prize the Things of GOD?

SHE fram'd various Maxims, and Collected Rules for Her Self, both for Her Temper and Practise; which those who knew Her best, can bear Witness She made Conscience of minding and following. I'le menti­on a few of them, as I find She hath set them down for Her Use.

‘WE should see, that we may be fit and ready for GOD's Ser­vice; and that Religion, and Re­ligious Duties sit fitly on Us.’

‘THE Commandment finds work; the Promise finds Strength.’

‘Religion is an inward, difficult, and serious Business: Oh rather give me the Saints Heart, than the Angels Tongue.’

‘THE End of Christs Doctrine, is Practise and Exercise, and not Speculation and Discourse.’

[Page 85] ‘NOBILITY of Birth, Honour, and all outward Delights, are to be deny'd for Christ.’

‘A sound-hearted Christian hath always a GOD to go to; a Pro­mise to go to; and former Expe­riences to go to; besides some Ex­perience of GOD's goodness which he now enjoys.’

‘BE sure there is somewhat dis­pleasing to GOD, when the Word wants its powerful Effect.’

‘ITS our Duty to refer all the Circumstances of our Petitions to the Wisdom of GOD.’

‘WE may be Suitors to GOD, but we must not be His Coun­sellours.’

‘THAT Condition should be chosen by all, which is best for their Souls.’

‘IT is a Blessed Trouble that brings sound and long Peace.’

[Page 86] ‘THE Spirits Operations will ex­tort Acknowledgments. And the like.’

AND yet notwithstanding all these Instances and Evidences, and a great many more that might be pro­duc'd, of the Fervour of Her Piety, and the Vigour of Her Grace, She (as is usual with the best of Christi­ans) had Her Complaints. She thus expresseth Her Self in one of Her Papers.

OH my dark Vnderstanding! Oh my hard and unbelieving Heart! My Heart is the worst Part of Me. Coldness and deadness of Heart is my Fault. I desire to repent, and to be humbled for it.

She had a very tender Consci­ence; which made Her mourn in Se­cret, for those Things which others would have taken little notice off. But withal She had Her Comforts, Hopes, and Ioys. Her Religion did not lie all in complaining; but in a Life of Faith, Self-denial, delight in GOD, and Preparation for Heaven. Her Heart was so set on the Coele­stial [Page 87] Felicity, that She seem'd as it were out of the World while She was in it; and hardly any converst with Her, but they might observe She lookt upon Her Self as belong­ing to another Countrey.

THE Grounds of my longing for Heaven (saith She in one of Her Papers) are; those glorious Enjoyments that are there to be met with; GOD's Presence; Perfection of Grace; Fulness of Ioy; Excellency of Glory; Plenty of best Wealth and Peace, &c.

SHE made no great Stir or Fi­gure here below; Her aim seem'd to be to pass through the World without much Observation. She was not indeed fram'd for a Life of much Action; but was a great Lo­ver of Retiredness; I think I may justly say to a fault: By Reason that She would in all Probability have more Consulted Her own Benefit; and have been more useful to o­thers, had She been more in Con­versation. But I pretend not to be giving an Account of one that was without Imperfections, and Defects. [Page 88] Though withal 'tis not unworthy Observation; that She by Her pri­vate and retir'd sort of Life, avoid­ed a great many Snares which much Conversation hath attending it; which also was no small Inducement to it.

THERE is one Thing which in Justice to Her Memory, I cannot forbear mentioning as the Matter of my own Observation; which hath been Noted also by many others. She was a Pattern of a Loving and Respectful Wife. A more Reverential Respect for an Husband, join'd with a more tender Affection, I must de­clare I never saw, nor ever expect to meet with: And more than once hath She intimated to me Her en­tire well-pleasedness with the dispo­sal of Providence in fixing Her Con­dition in the World; assuring me 'twas more to Her Satisfaction and Content, than if Her Circumstances upon Marriage, had not only equall'd but exceeded, what according to common Course, She from Her Birth and Estate might have had Reason to have expected.

[Page 89] SHE was not without a Variety of Difficulties and Trials in the Course of Her Life; and no won­der, since all Things we know come alike to all at present, and there's no knowing either Love or Hatred by these Things. But She under all, car­ried it with a Christian Patience, and Composure; and often had re­course to Her smal, Her Everlasting Home, for Support.

THOUGH She had met with many Troubles, yet none ever came so near Her, as the loss of Her dear­ly beloved Sister, The Countess of Mountrath, a few Weeks since; which did indeed sink Her Spirits, and was too hard for Her. This may seem somewhat strange after the foregoing Account of Her: But the best have their Weaknesses. Though there is this to be said in Her Case; She had before been much indispos'd, and was not recover'd, when the Tidings of that Stroke first reacht Her: She receiv'd the News of it upon a Sur­prizal, which encreas'd the Impressi­on it made; and then She pent up [Page 90] Her Grief, and would not give it vent in the usual way, which was the occasion of its over-setting Her. She was fearful of dishonouring GOD by immoderate Mourning; and thereupon suffer'd Her Grief to boil within: Whereas had She let it run over, it would in all probability have been much better with Her. So that there was an Holy Tender­ness observable, even in that which occasion'd the Distemper, which hath now laid Her in Her Grave.

A little before Her Disorder came upon Her, She express'd Her Self thus one Morning to Her Husband. I know not what I may meet with, but great Things pass'd between GOD and Me this Night. He hath with unusual Power assured Me, and spoken to my Heart; I will never leave Thee nor forsake Thee: And this She during Her Illness, oft repeated. And GOD did indeed remarkably Guard Her; He kept Her from doubt­ing of Her State; She retain'd Her Assurance; in Her greatest disorders She express'd Her desires to Die and be in Heaven; and the breathings [Page 91] of Her Soul after GOD, even then, were such, as discover'd the Pious bent of Her Heart. Indeed the Pow­er of Grace in Her Soul was con­vincingly evidenc'd in the heighth of Her Disease.

SHE had not Her great Work then to do: She had indeed been very unfit for it. But through Mer­cy, 'twas, I trust, dispatch'd long be­fore. O take Warning all you, who leave the principal business of Life to an uncertain hereafter. Little do you know, but you may be surpriz'd by Death on a sudden; or if not, may be seiz'd by some such Distem­per, as though it may not remove you immediately, may yet take away all Capacity of making your Peace with GOD, or getting ready for another World. Take warning, I say; and provide in Time, and im­prove your Health, and neglect not GOD, least you are deserted, and abandon'd by Him.

THE last Seene of our Dear De­ceased Friends Life was dark and gloomy: But the Clouds are now [Page 92] quite blown over, the Issue was, I doubt not, glorious. GOD was Her GOD still: He was not asham'd to own Her, nay helpt Her to own Him, even the Day before She dy'd: When She express'd Her Faith and Trust, of Her being about to be re­mov'd out of a Troublesome World into Her Fathers House.

THERE She now is in that bet­ter Countrey; on which Her Heart was so much set: Let us therefore be Followers of Her thither; and to­gether with Her, of all that nume­rous Company, Who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises.

AND GOD grant that we may.

Amen.