Funeral Sermons derive their Original from Primitive times, and are of a pious de­sign, to affect the Heart by the ear with a sense of Death and Judgement; Eccles. 7.1. and so raise the soul above the world, above sense and flesh; which things I shall attempt from the double Text before me, viz. This I have read, and that which is the occasion of it, The Honourable Lady whose interment we attend.

In this Text we have three general Parts; 1. A Supposition. [If our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolved.]— 1. This supposition contains—it. A description of the present world­ly tenement in which the soul dwells, which is a poor mean thing, in these words [our earthly house [Page 2]of this tabernacle] What meanness these words im­port you shall see presently.— 2. An intimation of the downfall of this Tenement; this clay-house will inevitably e're long tumble down into the dust, as we see by these words [were dissolved] —Now, this supposal would be very grievous, if not followed with that which is able to render it much more eligible and pleasing viz.

2. A Proposition, [We have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the hea­vens.] — Here also we have two things: — 1. The description of the souls glorious house in the other world, and that is very magnificent: viz. [a building of God, a house not made with hands.] How transcendent this is you shall see by and by, when I come to open the termes of it. — 2. The duration of this dwelling, it's to be [eternal in the heavens.]

3. You have The certainty of these things laid down, in these words [we know.] 'Tis not a plea­sing juggle, nor a cunning devised Fable, but a thing that we know to be true.

From these words, I shall only give you two Observations or Conclusions; though I could easily give you several others.

1. Its certain that the souls of men have their various habitations.

2. That the souls of true Saints have a more glorious and magnificent habitation in the other world.

First Conclusion is,

Its certain that the souls of men have their various habitations.

One sort of them is in time, to wit, the dying bodies of men; in the Text called [earthly houses] in the Book of Job called Houses of clay, Job 4.19. whose foundations are in the dust. These are the Winter Houses, where men undergo all the storms and bit­ter blasts of the present world; These stand on the lower ground, in the vale among mire and dirt; all you that hear me grant this, or else you neither know where you are, nor what you are.

Another sort of them is in eternity, i. e. either in Heaven or in Hell. That the souls of all men when they leave the body make a remove to one of these two places, hath been the strong and har­monious belief of the most men that ever lived in the world, and is often and plainly affirmed in the indisputable Oracles of God.— These Habitati­ons of souls (which have left their houses of clay) are, I say, either in Heaven or in Hell; If in Hell, Oh how woful and lamentable they are! If in Heaven, Oh how happy and blessed beyond all describing and comparison! The sole instance of Dives and Lazarus doth competently illustrate these things, Luk. 16.25.

The certainty of these things appears from the Apostles saying, [we know] that is, we know that these things are true; we have a full understand­ing and satisfaction, that there is a great reality in what we say. This term of [knowing] often goes [Page 4]for infallibility and certainty in Scripture dialect. —So that it appears plainly that the souls of men have their various habitations.

Well, then be sure you loose not your better Habitations for your souls in the happy world, by over pampering those they dwell in at present. As some loose their bodies for their estates, so others loose their Heaven for their bodies; Rom. 13. clos. Mat. 16.26. and like the brutish Cardinal prefer their part in Paris to that in Paradise.

Again, If the soul have variety of habitations, then be sure you lay out the greatest pains and cost on that which is the most worthy, and will continue longest, Eccles. 12.5. and that is, the house in the o­ther world. You are a going presently to remove to your long home, where you must abide for a long season, a very long-long time; Oh then be sure you be best provided for it! Alas, what will become of them that must dwell with everlasting sorrows? that must remove from a bed of down, to one of thorns and vipers stings! from a sweet air, to stinking smells! From sumptuous fare, to feed on agonies of Conscience and flames of di­vine wrath! from great attendance, to be made eternal slaves to ugly devils! Oh what mad and infatuated souls that forget those houses from whence they must never remove, and yet fondly humour those that must presently be left behind? Now, its most certain, when men have said what the please to the contrary, [...]uk. 16.19, 24, 25. & 12.18, 19. (for their lives con­fute them to their faces) that they prize their bo­dies [Page 5]above their eternity in heaven; this silly clay house above that building of God, which is with­out end in glory.

Second Conclusion, is,

That the souls of true Saints have a more glorious and magnisicent habitation in the other world.

This I'le first Illustrate, then Apply.

1. For Illustration; I'le endeavour to make this truth shine by that rare light which I'le let in upon you from the words of my Text; and here I'le gloss upon the several termes, keeping close to the Apostles Metaphorical manner of speech: that the matter may appear, as really it is, more lofty and high, and so be made more winning and taking to your souls, that they may more importunately de­sire and indeavour after an interest in this more magnificent Habitation in the other world.

That the souls of true Saints have such an habi­tation there; will be illustrated by considering, First, What their habitation is in this world. Secondly, What it is in the future; for when we have compared them one with the other, you may easily see whether is the more magnificent.

First, We'l consider what their habitation is in the present world; and that the Apostle tells you in the first part of my Text, is, [An earthly house, a tabernacle, which is to be dissolved.]

1. As to the material, Its an earthly house; i. e. A poor sorry Cottage, patched up of a little slime and mud; an house made up of a bag full of [Page 6]bones, and dawbed up with a little rotting con­suming flesh; a moving clod of earth, and a little dung finely washed over. An earthly house as coming from, and going to the earth: Dust thou art, Gen. 3.19. Eccles. 1 [...].7. and unto dust thou shalt return, is more than once affirmed of the body in the holy Text. Oh what a silly thing is this clay-house! a disease or a discontent makes the rarest beauty very defor­med; as you see in the case of Job, when he stunck above ground, and his own familiars loathed him, fit to sit no where but upon a dunghill, nor to have any thing touch him but an old nasty potsheard, notwithstanding all his foregoing loveliness. Such a woful thing is mans poor body. Thus the soul of the greatest man that now lives, or of the choi­cest Saint, is confined to a poor sorry little clay-hut, no higher usually then two yards (if so high) and not one of them over. A shadow, a vapour, a vanity, and a kind of nothing is enough to de­scribe you what the souls earthly house is. It hath often been observed that men (as to the body) are born and dye in the night, which shews what a dark and cloudy peice mans body is. Job 17.14. & 19.26. & 21.26. & 24.20. The finest pampered bodies are but only mortal, dying car­casses well fed for a few crawling slimy worms to domineer over and live upon in the grave. This now can but be a poor house for a precious soul. This as to the material.

2. As to the nature of this house, it's but a Ta­bernacle, i. e. Like unto a pitiful, ragged, wea­ther-beaten, dirty Tent, pitched in the earth [Page 7]upon a few stakes for a little time, so is mans body. Heb. 11.9, 10. This is fit for none to dwell in but Soldiers and Pilgrims, such as do not resolve for any long con­tinuance in a place. Tents (or Tabernacles, for they re both one in this place) are things that are hugged and hurried up and down, and fret and wear away every day with using. Oh what a sorry thing then is the souls house in a present world? Like a poor moveable shed made up of a few sticks and clouts? Thus when the work is finished it does but amount to a decaying Tent, not a durable marble, nor Ivory Palace.

3. And last. It is an house that will presently be dissolved; so in the Text: Like such houses as children, and they that have nothing else to do, make them of snow of Ice in the winter season, which a few days or weeks will melt away, and no appearance will be left; and I may tell you that to dissolve and melt are of the same signification: So Job speaking of his body, says, That his sub­stance did dissolve or melt away. And the Original word in the Text, [...], signifies nothing less, Chap. 30. in differ Transl. if not much more. — Thus now we see what the souls house is in the present world; as to the ma­terial of which is made, that is poor earth, clay, or dust: As to nature, when finished with its best ornaments, no stately structure, but a poor Tent, weather-beaten, and dirty: As to duration, not to continue long, but to be dissolved, to disap­pear, and be brought to a sort of nothing. — Surely this is but an humble and mean house for [Page 8]the souls of Saints, those great and noble persons to dwell in. — But we'l see

In the 2. place, what it is in the other world; and then the glory of this will utterly cloud the other. The second part of my Text shews you what this is, v. [A building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens] — Here Ile speak to four things, to shew that this habitation and dwelling place for the souls of Saints is much more glori­ous and magnificent than the other. 1 Pet. [...]. 9. — And here,

1. Let's confider the nature of it i. e. It's a building; not a poor shed and hut like the other, but a very stately Palace, we at present can only see the remote outwork all bespangled with glori­ous Luminaries, far beyond the most orient gems, and therefore that description of St. John the Di­vine in Rev. 21.10. to the end, though it seem very great at the first view, yet much of it is but a dark shadowy resemblance of what it really is; for this building is glory it self, of which we can say no­thing, but sit down admire and wonder; the greatest sort of mortal Orator in the world, if he came to speak of this, would only speak a finer sort of nonsense, for Coelum non patitur Hyperbolen; the best description of this place lies in 1 Cor. 2.9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have en­tered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. The eye hath seen great and stupendious rarities of Art and Nature; the ear hath heard exhilerating transporting sounds; and the heart of man can [Page 9]conceive of, and wish for, a world universally more rich then gold and gems, and more illustri­ous than the Summers Sun; and yet all these are nothing, when laid in the Ballance with this Build­ing that is above. If the Idolatrous Temple of Diana at Ephesus was so bright, that the door-keeper cryed always to them that entered into it, Take heed to your eyes. Oh what then is Heaven? It's almost difficult to imagine how even an im­mortal eye should look within that place and live. Ovid in his Metamorphosis having called this place Regalem Domum, & Atria Nobilium, takes it as a bold attempt to tell what it is, it is so much trans­cending our skill to describe without blemishing its glory.

Hic locus est, quem, si verbis audacia detur Hand timeam magni dixisse Palatia Coeli.

2. We'l consider the Architect of it; that is, who was the Builder of it; for according to him that worketh so usually is the workmanship both in esteem and real worth. And here,

1. In the Negative, it was not man that made it; for its expresly said, Is an house not made with hands: so that it is a work beyond humane. If man had made it, it might have been matched in time by some of the wonders of the world, as by the foresaid Diana's Temple, Mansolus Tomb, or some other Prodigies of Industry and Ostentation, which have had many years, thousands of men all that time, and millions of mony laid out to raise them in: but this house is not of mans making. But,

2. In the Affirmative, It's a Building of God: A structure raised by him who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working; him that made Sun and Moon, and created Angels and glorious spirits: Oh what a sublime and glorious place must this needs be! Solomon was a wise man, and therefore the Temple he made was a wonderful thing; but a greater than Solomon is here, and therefore the work must needs be much more great and stupendious. Oh how splendid then is this Habitation of Souls! Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable and past finding out is this building of God, which he has prepared as an habitation for the souls of his Saints?

3. Let us consider it as to its durableness; for that is the next thing in our words, to wit, that it is [eternal]: A building of God not made with hands, eternal. The body is far from being eter­nal, as I have shew'd you; and Houses in this world, Gutta cavat la­pidem, &c. though they be made of flint, yet wear away with time: but this house in the superiour world is endless-endless! And 'tis here, as not in all other things, the longer the better, the length is the happiness. Eternity in this dwelling of souls is an infinite endless progress and duration of most glorious happiness: but we had best let this alone till we come there, for it will be difficult to speak pertinently of it till then. Oh who would value that which hath an end, unless it be as it leads to that which hath no end? all things must needs be [Page 11]as dung and dross that are of a perishing nature. What a matchless wonder, and durable miracle is eternity, that swallows up all our Chronology and Arithmetick? It was our misery as to the worldly Paradise, that there was a way out of it, but none in again; but it's our happiness in glory that there is a way in, but none out again.

4. And Lastly. Let's consider the Country where this glorious dwelling lies, and that is, [in the Hea­vens] A building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Some Countries have vast trade, others most fruitful soil: Some have most healthfull and pleasing air, and others most famous Arts; But what are all these to Heaven, but a company of pleasing appearances represented in a dream? Oh 'tis Heaven that is all alone, and all things else are nothing without it! Who would not desire an house, where all desirables that can be thought o [...], are freely and fully to be enjoyed? Why, this house only stands in Heaven: Here is no man sick, no man poor, no man reproached, no man hath any ailment at all: This is the excelling Country indeed! Who would not have a dwelling here? Well, here all true Saints must be Inhabitants.

Now, Is it not fully apparent, That the souls of true Saints have a more glorious and magnifi­cent habitation in the other world, seeing I have shew'd you what they both are? And does not this which is in heaven infinitely out-shine that which is here on earth?

Thus I have illustrated the truth of the Doct­rine by a little glossing upon the words of the Text. My next thing is,

2. To Apply this Doctrine, and to bring it into life and use, in four Exhortations.

1. If it be thus that the souls of true Saints have a more glorious and magnificent Habitation in the other world, then, Let the souls of true Saints be wained to the present habitations in which they dwell in this lower World. Who would be fond of an old thatched crazy Cottage, of an House made of such perishing materials, that wash away with every storm, such an one as if it had not dayly new props to shoar it up, would presently drop down into the dirt; and when all is done that can be done, down it will fall presently. It's much like a suit of cloathes that wear gradually away every day, and must in a little time be put off and laid aside, or else will piece by piece fall off the mans back that wears them; to this the Apostle alludes, when he tells of putting off this Tabernacle, and that shortly, 2▪ Pet. 1.14. And so doth the Psal­mist, Psal. 102.26. when he saith, All of them wax old like a garment, and as a vesture they shall be changed. And Paul tells you of the world in general, 1 Cor. 7.31. That the fashion of it passeth away. Oh what a cooling character is that of Saint James concerning this clay-house, in which the soul dwells at present, when he saith, What is it? and answers his own question, saying, Its even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Mans [Page 13]body is often compared to a flower that flourish­eth in the morning, Job 14.1, 2. Psal. 103.14, 15.16. 1 Pet. 1.24. and is very brave and illustri­ous, but before night is cut down and withered away unto a very obscure or cloudy appearance. Who would not now be weaned to the Souls pre­sent lower house? And the rather because if we be Saints, there is one that is glorious and magnifi­cent behind, in an higher and more happy Re­gion. 2 Cor. 5.8. Who would not be weaned to the thing they must most certainly and suddenly leave? and such a thing too, as within a very little while will so rot and stink, that those who were once most enamoured upon it, will be as importunate (as once Abraham was) to bury their dead out of their sight. Ah poor Bodies! Who would humour and pamper such pitiful vile carkasses to the wronging of their interest in that more glorious building of God in Heaven? Thus be weaned to the souls present Habitation, and that in such a manner, as the gracious Paul once was, when he kept under the body and brought it into subject­ion, lest, 1 Cor. 9.2 [...]. notwithstanding his holy Profession and services, he himself should be a cast away. How brave was that of Seneca? How manlike? And how divine? Major sum, & ad majora natus, quam ut sim mancipium corporis mei.

2. If it be thus, that there is such a more glori­ous and magnificent habitation for souls in the other world, and that our souls must within a little while be gone out of these poor clay-huts in which they now dwell, Then let us do all we can to [Page 14]get a title to that more glorious and magnificent ha­bitation. It is such an House as all men that will may purchase, and yet every man that will may have a full title to it: Now, the Doctrine fairly intimates how this House not made with hands, eternal in the heavens may be got, viz. By be­coming true Saints: We know the Saints great Charter runs for both worlds, 1 Cor. 3.21, 22, 23. All things are yours, whether things present or to come. The first Chapter and second Verse will tell you that this was spoken to Saints: So will the first verse of the second Epistle tell you that the words of my Text are spoken by or of the same happy sort of men. 1 Tim. 4.8. Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This glorious Habitation is promised and prepared for Saints by Christ him­self, John 14.2, 3. In my Fathers house are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you; and I will come again and receive you unto my self, that where I am there ye may be also. Well, may the serious soul say, Is it possible to get a title here? Then I'le do as the wise Merchant did, viz. Sell all that ever I have to get this glorious Habitation made up of matchless Gems, of endless value and worth; an House cut forth of one great Diamond, all round beset and walled with Gold and more ex­celling things, is but an obscure Metaphor of what it is. The way to get a Title here you see is to become Saints, and how to be such the Gospel gives you many great Characters: As, it tells us, [Page 15] That such an one has laid aside the corrupt nature and life; and is got into, Ephe. 4.22, [...]. Rom 8.1.and goes on in that nature and life which is divine. If meer innocent mortal na­ture, because mortal, most not, cannot, dwell in Heaven, as is affirmed in sacred Writ, then not corrupted nature, that which is morally stained and defiled: 1 Cor. 15.48, 49, 50, 53. Psal. 5.4, 5. Revel. 21.27. The Saint is best known by his progressive durable manner of living, not by his notional Principles, or pretences unto Christ. Acts 12.13. & 14.22 & 2.23, 24. He is one that hath a full purpose of heart about these better things, he does not fluctuate, but is fixed upon them, tide life or death. He hath a right and a full mind for God. Others must know us by our lives, but we may best of all know our selves by our minds, by observing which way our wills and affections go; for men may practise holy things for company, or some other such perishing prin­ciples, but they cannot will and affect upon these: So that the man is what his mind is. But I must not be particular; if you would dwell in this glorious building when turned out of door from the house of clay, then you must become glorious persons: but read at your leisure Psalm 15. Well, Psal. 5. or 24. get a title to this magnificent house in the other world, you see the way of doing it; and you must be gone hence presently, and when you are gone, there is but two great houses that all men go unto to dwell in for ever: The one is an horrible habitation of Devils and damned spirits, full of all manner of unalterable wo and misery, and to this [Page 16]you are born heirs, and have a fast title; Oh do all that ever you can to cut off this Entail! And to get Title to that most pleasing ravishing Habitation that is above, unto which you have no right by nature, but may obtain a full right by entring upon, and continuing in the gracious state and life. Do not then perish when the way of safety and happiness is so plainly set before you.

3. If it be thus, that there is such a glorious habitation for the souls of Saints to dwell in when in the other world, Then let this incourage Saints while they continue in this world against all the ail­ments and miseries that attend the body. What makes the matter, though stormes beat against the crazy walls of the souls present house, or though it be about to fall into the dust; for you, if true Saints, have a magnificent house in the other world, will make amends for all? It's certain the Apostle brings in my Text upon such an account as this, if you compare it with the foregoing Chapter, ver. 1, 8, 9, 11, 16, 17, 18. And then my Text comes in, as an high encouragement; As, against tiresome and fretting industry and labours; Heaven is a rest, Heb. 4 9. Rev. 14.13 and there is a cessation from la­bour; all men that get thither shall have an happy maintenance without any toil or sweat at all. Against sicknesses and pains; this stinging torment­ing gout, stone, and the like, shall not last al­ways, there is a dwelling behind, where these shall not approach; an house (such an one was never heard of besides) as keeps out all ailments, [Page 17]and is ever full of health and happiness: no groan, no sigh, is heard in this place; not one tear ap­pearing in the eye; there is nothing can dwell in it but must smile for ever and ever. Revel. 21.4. God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes (that get thither) there shall be no more sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, &c. Against blemishes and decaies of body, because Hea­ven frees the soul from those ailements its subject to in this afflictive world; there will be no blind­ness, nor lameness, nor defective, nor blemished member or part; all things there shall be eternally sound and perfect, the first entrance into that place doth render all things juvenile, fresh and active: The Transfiguration of Christ, when his face did shine as the Sun, and his raiment was white as the light; was some type of what Hea­ven makes all those that come there. Against Scoffs and reproaches, and ill usage for serving God; there will be no Ishmael to flout at the Son of the promise; no Doeg to complain to higher Powers, of the innocent servants of God; no Saul to per­secute them from place to place, and to hurry them into Prisons and death; if we but once get into heaven, then we are quite beyond the reach of what evil men and Devils can do. And lastly, Against Death it self; Oh how dreadful would this be if there was not a most happy life that fol­lows it! But death is but the dark passage into a most pleasing happiness: or, it is the taking down the old crazy shed where the soul dwells at pre­sent, [Page 18]that the unwillingness may be taken away, and it may be removed into that most magnificent house in glory: God's put to take down the stakes of the present Tabernacle to make us willing; and who would not become willing and encou­rage themselves to leave the afflicted body, and go and see what that most glorious habitation is that is above. But,

4. And lastly. If there be such a most excel­ling Habitation for the soul, then desire to be in it. This is what Paul breaths after, ver. 2, 4. follow­ing my Text, We groan earnestly to be in our house in the heavens, saith he. Was ever weary or sick child unwilling to put off his clothes, and go to lye in his dearest fathers bosom. Oh the unwil­lingess there is in us all to be gone! Why pray we Thy Kingdom come, and yet have no mind to be hailed out of this dirty house of bondage? Why? Alas, the reason is, because not weary of sin; not sensible of the vanity of the creature: Oh how defective are our faith, love, and longings after Heaven? How wedded to the world, even when going out of it? Alas if you would not dye and go to Heaven, 2 Cor. 5.6, 8. Phil. 1.23. & 3.20, 21. Heb. 11.9, 10, 13, 14, 16. & 13.13, 14. & 4.9, 11. what would you have more than beasts and Epicures? If once truly desirous to be gone, then the fear of death is gone.

Say then to your souls, Ah poor and precious souls, Awake your selves, loose your selves from earth and flesh, and make on with all your might towards these eternal mansions! What? places so sweet, so excelling, where we shall live in all [Page 19]manner of joys, without the least heart-qualme­ing fear of ever leaving them! Oh what sweet words are these! [A building of God, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens] able to put the serious soul (that hath the title and hope of enjoy­ing what they propose) into a rapture and trans­port of desire, and to look out at her windows, and say, Oh why are his chariot wheels so long a coming? When shall the day dawn, and shadows flee away? Why do these clay-walls interpose between me and that glorious habitation that is above?

Thus I have done with my first Text, and have but one word more to say by way of use to unite the first and second together; thus,

If it be so, That the souls of true Saints have a more glorious and magnificent habitation in the other world, then this shews us the probable hap­piness of the more noble part of this Honourable Lady, whose poor clay-house lies here before us, that now must make worms its companions, and moulder away to dust; for I would not question her interest in Saint-ship, and so consequently the triumphing of her soul in endless happiness, This building of God, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

I come now to my second Text, which is to give you some account of this elect Lady whose Interment we attend: And what I shall say, I'le put under three Heads, of Nature, Art, and Grace.

1. Of Nature; Here her Priviledges and ac­complishments were considerable. If we consider Her,

1. As to Original, she was an happy Branch of one of the most Noble and Illustrious Families in England, whether you look at Descent, Degree, or Actings: As to Descent, of a long tract of time in the world, among the oldest our present Nobility: As to Degree, high born, I can say, and say truly, she was Atavis edita Regibus, really ally'd to Kings and Princes: As to Actings, to pass over the great and Heroick performances both in matters Civil and Millitary done by her Progeni­tors in their native soil, See Graston, Speed, S [...]r Rich. Baker, in Henry the 6th. Jo­hannes Talbotus, Comes Salopi­ [...]nsis, vir cla­rissimus, fortissi­musque, cujus virtute populi Anglicani no­men maxime Gallis sor mido­losum extiterat. Polid. Virg. Ang. Hist. l. 23. the Talbots Name conti­nues till this day so great in France for long and numerous Conquests and Triumphs in that King­dom, that they use to hush disturbances into quiet and composure by the mention of it. I might here give you a true and large History, but I must re­member that time will but allow me to give you brief notices of what takes up and merits consi­derable Volumnes. To be the Sons or children of Nobles is honourary, (even in Scripture Dia­lect, which useth to overlook such things) espe­cially when found in the way of righteousness, as here we have it.

2. As to Feature and Activity of Body; she was in the first of these more considerable even to her dying day then most of her date in the world, which shewed what she was in the Summer of her age, being what I have said in the deepest part [Page 21]of winter days; I the rather mention this because of that old, and in this place true, saying, Gra­tior è pulchro veniens è corpore virtus. In the latter of these, Activity of Body, she was much above ordinary, being very lively and stirring to her very close of time; being able to walk with quick­ness and durableness without the help of hand or staff: Something of this nature is recorded to honour the memory of Moses after his death, Deut. 34.7. close.

3. As to Natural Parts: She was quick, viva­cious and comprehensive in judging of things even to the last hours of life: Though she might be considerably past fourscore years of Age, yet could discourse as rationally the day she died on, as others in the flourish of age and life: which was not a lightning before her death, for forerun­ning days were the same. (As Rationality raiseth men above Beasts, so the higher any are in it, the neerer they are to Angels.) These Excellencies are admirably beyond those imaginary ones of ex­ternal honours and riches; and so some of the old poor Philosophers did wonderfully transcend the Conquerours and Emperours of their times.

Thus in a few words for her Priviledges and ac­complishments as to Nature.

2. We'l consider them as to Art: Her Lady­ship was the owner of no mean Acquirements.

1. In General; she was well skill'd in all, or the most, things that referr'd to her Sex, Degree, and Place, which referred to numerous things, [Page 22]and so required such attainments, which she had in an high measure arrived at. But,

2. I'le speak to some things particularly; but with brevity, that I may have leave to say the more to the last General Head; Her Ladyships Acquirements did appear in these particulars.

1. She was not without skill in some languages more than her own native Tongue; as, I have often made remarks upon her knowledge in Latine and French.

2. She was considerably skill'd in Divinity and History; In the first, not only knowing practical things, but also very intelligent in matters notio­nal and polemical. In the second, she had a good acquaintance with the Jewish, Roman, and Evan­gelical Histories in their older days. As to both Divinity and History, I can truly say, That I have observed many of her Sex talk only with more confidence, but less skill, in either than her self.

3. She was one that well understood how to manage her concerns distant and near to the very last of her time, without even so much as small miscar­riages. I believe few that ever lived to such a number of days was ever in these things more ex­act than her Ladyship.

4. And Lastly. She was of a very obligeing de­portment to the utmost date of life; In this she was a Critick, few could go beyond her: with humble courtesie in carriage and words she would have obliged any thing she conversed with; for as she was the owner of activity of body, so of perti­nent [Page 23]and taking language even to the close of life. which she used to imploy to oblige her Visitors and Friends, yea, all men with. This piece of Humanity (or candour) is a very lovely thing, Gal. 5.22. with many o­ther places. much recommended to the world by the Gospel Divinity.

3. As to Grace; Here I have such things, and so many to say, as will highly add to the memory of this Elect Lady: Without this all the rest had been perishing accomplishments, only Ornaments in meer Humanity. Some notable beyond-Sea­men have nervously attempted to prove, That it is only Religion, and not meer Reason, that disser­enceth men from Beasts.

Well, —1. In General.

This Honourable Lady was of an holy life; she used to affirme, an holy life and graces of the Gospel to be more dignifying then Birth, Estate, or great and shining worldly Titles: and would use to say, That what Paul says, was a great truth upon her long experience, 1. Cor. 1.26. Not many wisemen after the flesh, not many mighty, not many Noble are called. I have heard her also af­firme, that the new birth deserves to be (as it truly is) the greatest, John 1.13. Born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Blessed be God this pious Lady was not like a fair house with an ill Inhabitant, but had a noble soul inhabited all her other excel­lencies. Though many other things raised her to an high pitch of greatness; yet none did so [Page 24]much dignisie her as her Religion; and that which made it splendid was its regularity, universality, and constancy. But,

—2. To be particular:

Her Religion or Grace appeared,

1. In loving it in others; In loving those that were of a good and gracious life; Saint John makes this the infallible Testimony of the graci­ous state, 1 John 3.14. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the Bre­thren; he that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Noscitur exsocio, qui nondignosci­turex se. She could not at all be at ease in ill com­pany; she might in a good measure say as the holy Psalmist, The Saints, the excellent in the earth, in whom is all my delight, Psal. 16.3. She loved it not only in those that lived in her Family (choo­sing her servants by this standard) but also in meer strangers, which shewed she loved it for its own sake.

2. In indeavouring to advance it in others; not by meer conference and counsel, for these were the cheapest sort of indeavours she used; but also by many Letters writ with her own hands, perti­nent and nervous for the advancement of holi­ness; and further also, she used often to give Books and sometimes mony to draw on to a serious life: but this will be farther illustrated in the next.

3. In her Charity to souls; As I need men­tion no more instances for this, but her large contribution to the conversion of the poor Indians [Page 25]in America, continued year by year for many years till this she dyed in; of which, blessed be God, she had a yearly account to her great re­freshment and joy.

4. In her love to be invited to holy services; This was so durable and lively, that she might truly say without ostentation or vanity, as David once did, Psalm 122.1. I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord. She used to be as eager to go to holy Ordinances, as others are, or can be, to go to their worldly vanities.

5. In her Reverence to holy things, or Persons; As to God and Christ even in their very Names, which she used to mention with a more than ordinary dread. She used to deport her self with abundant gravity in the House of Prayer, and with high respectfulness to the lowest of the Ministry, if industrious and serious men; I have observed her alwaies more excellent in this than others of the lowest Degree.

6. In her Discourse, Loquere u' [...]e videam.which always dropped as the honey Comb; It was alwaies favoury and seasoned with salt, so as to minister grace to the Hearers, according to the Apostles advice con­cerning it.

Thus I have given you some brief hints of things, time not allowing further.

I have not told you of her Ladiships constant giving upon Charity; besides her known Alms-Houses [Page 26]in three Counties; and many other ways, sometimes large summes; and now gone she hath lest 40 l. a year, for an hundred years time want­ing only one.

Nor have I told you of this Ladies constant De­votion, In a dayly reading of Scripture and other choice Books, besides retired Prayers twice every day; and in these things she was constant to the close of life.

Thus you have seen something of her Life; I'le say a little to her Ladyships dying state, and then I'le close: Here you may see some noble Testi­monies of her Grace or Religion:

1. In her fervour to do good to the last of life: which she highly breathed after, the day she dyed on; desireing to do still more for God.

2. In her warm and bleeding sense of the low estate of Religion and its owners in the world. 1 Sam. 4.13. Her Heart trembled for the Ark of God.

3. In her submission to the divine will and dispo­sal; she freely offered up her self to her great Lord and Owner, to do what he would with her.

4. In her peace of soul. I have this to say of both these, That though I had often before seen her in danger of dying, yet I never saw her in such a submiss and peacefull frame of soul; I might really say, that I saw that one Scripture, Psal. 37.37. made plain and true, Mark the per­fect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.

5. In her Faith; commending Christ as the highest and most proper Cordial in the fainting hour; which were some of the last words she spake before she dyed.

6. In solemn Prayers; In this holy Duty she solemnly gave up her soul to God.

Now may we not say as Luk. 10.42. Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. The Jews at this day look upon women as of a lower Creation, and suffer them not to enter into their Synagogues: So the Turks make no reckoning of the Religion of women; but we see by this instance that they may excell. Let it be observed also that in the dayes of our dearest Lords corporal converse here on earth, three of his most thorow-followers were women, and all of the same Name with our Honourable Lady, viz. the Virgin, Magdalen, and Martha's Sister. We have many other instances of famous women in the Gospel, as, of Elizabeth, walking in all the commandments of God blameless: Of Dorcas, fruitful in the works of Charity and love: Of Priscilla, who was learned and skilled in the Gos­pel Divinity: Of Lois and Eunice, excellent in unfained Faith: Of Lydia, one whose heart was notably opened to entertain the things of God; with many others much commended in the New Testament for excelling Persons: Something of what was in all these might be found in this Lady I have been discoursing on. — Now, what should [Page 28]I say, but as once Seneca, Non omne tempus Catones parit, &c. Every day brings forth common Per­sons, but would to God that every year, nay, every 10. or 20. years, would but bring us such a Lady, to live to such an age.

But you'l say, Had she no failings? Yes, I grant she was not without them: But, blessed be God, what I have said was the main of her Life, the o­ther by the by: To be without unallowed fail­ings, 1 Cor. 13.12. & 15.54. would be to be without mortality. I question not but many great Persons much applauded have not merited half of what this Lady did: I am sure I may put her in the Ballance with thousands of her Rank, Prov. ult. 29. and say, Many Daughters have done vertuously, but she excelled them all.

Soli Deo Gloria.