KAtherine Overton (for so was her Virgin Name) was born at Bedworth in the County of Warwick, Her Pa­rentage and Birth. four miles from Coventry, February the Twenty fifth, Anno Christi, 1602. of Godly, and Religious Parents. Her Father was Mr. [Page 4] Valentine Overton, Rector of Bedworth, where he lived a constant, and painful Preacher of Gods Holy Word till he was almost Eighty two years old. Her Mother was Mrs. Isa­verton, a gracious Woman, and an excellent Huswife, who took off the whole burden of Family affairs, both within, and without Doors from her Husband, that he might with the more freedom attend his Holy Calling.

Her Edu­cation.Our Katherine was, by these her Parents brought up Reli­giously, and it pleased God be­times to plant the Seeds of Grace in her Heart, which first discovered themselves,Early working of Grace. when she was about fifteen years Old: At which time God was pleased to discover unto her the corruption of her na­ture, and some common mis­carriages [Page 5] which are incident unto youth: And these made such a deep impression upon her tender years, that where­as she was naturally of a cheerful Sanguine Constitu­tion, she now became serious, and somewhat Melancholy: Her Temp­tations, And sup­port. Hereupon Satan, that Old Ser­pent, and Enemy to our Souls; assaulted her with many, and various Temptations, where­by he sought to quench these Heavenly Sparks, to stifle this New Creature in its first Con­ception. But by frequent rea­ding the sacred Scriptures, di­ligent attending to the Word Preached, and secret Prayer, it pleased the All-Wise God to support, and strengthen her against him, and all his Devi­ces. Yet did these conflicts continue the longer, because she had none to whom she [Page 6] durst unbosome herself, and make her Case known.

When she was about seven­teen years old,More Troubles. she was by her Parents sent to Siwel in Nor­thampton-shire to wait upon a young Lady, that was some­what Related to her.

Yet this kind of life was so tedious and irksom to her, that at the end of Six Months she prevailed with her Pa­rents to send for her home again.Her return home. Hear the Narrative of it in her own Word as they were found Written in her Cabinet after her De­cease.

Some years after her return, [Page 12] she (for the most part) con­tinued in her Fathers Family, where by a diligent and con­sciencious use of the means, both publick and private, she did thrive and grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as she increased and grew in Dayes and Years: and therewith also learned and ex­ercised all parts of Huswifry, which might fit her for the Government of a Family, wen God should call her thereunto.

Her Marri­age. February 2, Anno Christi, 1625. Which was the same Day on which K. Charles the first was Crowned, she was, with the consent of Parents on both sides, married to Mr. Sa. Clarke, who at that time was Minister at Shotwick, four miles beyond West-Chester, [Page 13] who looked upon this Match as the greatest outward tem­poral Blessing that ever God bestowed upon him; whereby he could experimentially say, That a Prudent Wife is the Gift of God: And that in the enjoyment of her, he enjoyed more Mercies then he could well enumerate. But to de­scend to particulars, and to take notice of some of those virtues and Graces where­with God had beautified; and adorned her Soul.

First her Piety was signal and exemplary from her first Conversion to the Hour of her Death:Her Piety. Her life was not stained with any scandalous Sin, which might be a blemish, either to her Person, Professi­on, or Relations. She was a constant, and diligent atten­der upon the Publick Ministry [Page 14] of Gods Holy Word; And when she lived where she had the opportunity of hearing Lectures in the Week Day, she made choice to attend upon those who were most plain, practical, and powerful Preachers, from whose Ser­mons, and Gods Blessing up­on them, she always sucked some spiritual nourishment and came home refreshed from them. And when Days of Humiliation, or Thanks­giving came, she never failed to make one among Gods People in the Celebration of them.

Sabbaths Sanctified.The Lords Days she care­fully Sanctified, both in Pub­lick and in Private; rising ear­lier upon them then upon o­ther's, especially when she had many young Children about her, that so she might have [Page 15] opportunity, as well for se­cret, as for Family Duties, before she was called away to the Publick. She was like un­to Davids Door keeper, One of the first in and last out of Gods House. Her constant Gesture at Prayer was Knee­ling, thinking that she could not be too humble before God. Her usual manner was to write Sermons to prevent drowsiness and distractions, and to help Memory, whereof she hath left many Volumes, and her Practice was to make good use of them, by frequent reading and meditating upon them; And if at any time she was cast into such Places, and Company as were a hinde­rance unto her in the strict Sanctification of this Holy Day, it was a grief and burden to her.

Scriptures read.There was no Day that passed over her head (except Sickness, or some other una­voydable necessity hindred) wherein she did not read some portions of the Sacred Scrip­tures, both in the Old, and New Testament, and of the Psalms; and in Reading she took special notice of such passages as most concerned her self. She was frequent, and constant in Secret Prayer, and Meditation. She also read much in other good Books, especially, in the works of those Eminent, and excellent Divines, Mr. Ambrose, and Mr. Reyner: and in reading of them she used to transcribe such passages as most warmed her Heart.

She never neglected any opportunity of receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Sup­per, Sacra­ment pre­paration. [Page 17] and before her coming to it, was very strict, and se­rious in the Duty of Self-Exa­mination, and for her furthe­rance therein, at those times she read some of those Books that treated upon that subject. And the Fruits of her holiness manifested themselves in the exercise of those Graces which God required of her. She was not a Wordy, but a Real Christian: A true Isra­elite in whom was no guile. Her endeavour was to yield universal, constant, cheerful, and syncere Obedience to all Gods Commandments, and wherein she failed, and came short, it was her grief, and Burden. Her Meditations up­on what she heard and read were frequent: And her Heart having indited a good matter, her Tongue was as the Pen of a [Page 18] ready Writer, taking Oppor­tunities to speak to the Edifi­cation of those with whom she conversed.

She filled every Relation with the Exercise of such Graces, and Duties as were suitable thereunto, knowing that where Relative Duties are neglected, and not made con­science of, there also our pre­tended Religion is in Vain.

A good Wife.First: As a Wife: She was singular, and very Exem­plary in that reverence and o­bedience which she yeilded to her Husband, both in Words, and Deeds. She never rose from the Table, even when they were alone, but she made courtesie. She never drank to him without bowing. His word was a Law unto her: She often denyed her self to gratify him: And when in her [Page 19] sickness, and weakness he mentioned her Case in parti­cular unto God in his Prayers, the Duty being ended, she would make him courtesie, and thank him. In case of his absence she would pray with her Famliy Morning, and E­vening: The like she would do in his presence, in case of his Sickness, and inability to perform the Duty himself. Her Modesty, and Chastity were rare, and remarkable: But fitter to be conceived by those which know what be­long, to them, then to be ex­pressed in Words. For there is a conjugal, as well as a Vir­ginal, and Vidual Chastity.

In Case of her Husbands Sickness, she was a tender, di­ligent, and painful Nurse a­bout him; Skilful, and care­ful in making him Broths, [Page 20] and what else was needful for him. If at any time she saw him in Passion, with sweet and gentle words she would mollify and moderate it. She was often a Spur, but never a Bridle to him in those things which were good.

She was alwayes well plea­sed with such Habitations, as (in their many removes) he provided for her; And with such Apparrel, and Diet as his means (which was some­times short) would allow. She never grutched, nor grum­bled at any of those Dispensa­tions which Gods Al-wise Providence carved out unto them.

As a Mo­ther.Secondly, As a Mother to her Children (whereof God gave her nine, four Sons, and five Daughters) she nourished them all with her own [Page 21] Breasts; was very handy and handsome about them in their minority; Kept them sweet and cleanly; In neat and mo­dest Habits; Knew how to order them both in Health and Sickness. She loved them dearly without fondness; Was careful to give them Nurture as well as Nourishment, not sparing the Rod when there was just occasion. And as soon as they were capable, she was vigilant and diligent to season their tender years with Grace and Virtue, by instilling into them the first grounds, and Principles of Religion; And as they grew up, she did more freely discover her tender Af­fections to them, by Instructi­on, advice, and good Counsel as there was occasion; And when they were disposed of [...]broad, by her gracious let­ters, [Page 22] and hearty Instructions at their meetings, she labou­red to build them up in grace and godliness: And God was pleased to let her see (to her great Joy and Comfort) the fruit of her Prayers, and pains in keeping them from scanda­lous Courses in these corrupti­ons, and in working Grace in most of their Hearts. When they were married, and had Children, she was frequently making one thing or other for them.

As a Mistress.Thirdly. As a Mistress to her Maids: She was careful (so far as she could) to bring such as were Religious at least, seemingly, into her Fami­ly; And having occasion to be much in their Company she would take all occasions and opportunities to manifest her love and care of their [Page 23] Souls, by frequent dropping in good Counsel, and whole­some Instructions; By Cha­techising; Enquiring what they remembred of the Ser­mons they heard, Reading her Notes to them; Encou­raging them in what was good, and with the Spirit of meekness blaming them for what was evil. And for Hus­wifery, and Houshold Affairs, she instructed their Ignorance, commended and incouraged what they did well, and her self (being of an active, and stirring disposition, and ha­ving her hand in most busi­nesses) set them a Pattern, and gave them an Example how to order the same. She was careful (so far as possi­bly she could) to prevent all spoil, and to see that they did not eat the Bread of Idleness.

As a Friend.Towards her friends, and her own, and her Husbands Relations she was courteous and amiable in her deport­ment, free and hearty in their entertainment. She would have plenty without want, and competency without su­perfluity; And also neatly and well ordered, that none which came to her Table (whereof some were Persons of Honor and Quality) but commended her Cookery, and were well pleased with their entertain­ment.

In her Houshold Furniture she loved not to want, nor de­sired more then was needful. It was,Her Hous­wifery. though not costly, yet cleanly, and she was frequent in repairing and mending de­cays, and what was amiss, both in Linnens, and Wool­lens.

For her Apparrel,Her Habit she was never willing to have that which was costly for the mat­ter, or gairish for the manner: Rather under then above her Rank. For the Fashion of it, it was grave and Exemplary, without Newfangledness and Levity. She followed Peters directions which he gave to Christian Women in his time [1. Pet. 3.3. &c.] whose a­dorning, let it not be that out­ward adorning of plaiting their Hair, and of wearing of Gold, or of putting on of Apparel. But let it be the hidden man of the Heart, in that which is not cor­ruptible, even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in old time, the holy Women who trusted in God adorned them­selves being in subjection unto [Page 26] their own Husbands.

And whatsoever Apparel she had, she was careful to keep it from stains, and rends, and so soon as any thing was amiss presently to amend it, insomuch as she made it last long, and yet it was always whole aad neat. All her own, and Husbands linnens, she made her self, and much of her other Apparel: And at lei­sure times she imployed her self in knitting Stockings for her self and Grand-Children; and was as careful, and han­dy in mending her Husbands Cloaths, as her own.

Her Chari­ty.She was very Charitable to the Poor where ever she lived, according to that Estate wherewith God had entrusted her. She was ready to relieve such as were Objects of Cha­rity, with Meat, or Drink, [Page 27] and to lend them Mony, and to minister some Physical things (whereof her Closet was never empty) according as their necessities required.

She had a very melting Heart, and truly SympathizedHer Sym­pathy. with the Church and People of God whether at home or abroad in all their sufferings, and rejoyced in their Prospe­rity. She was much affected with, and afflicted for that great loss which the Church of Christ had, when so many able, Godly, faithful, and painful Ministers were eject­ed; not thrust forth into, but thrust out from labouring in Gods Harvest; wherein her Husband, and two Sons were co-sufferers, to the loss of their livelihoods; yet the loss of their Liberty lay nearer to her Heart, and was a far greater [Page 28] Grief to her then the out­ward wants they were expo­sed to.

Her Hu­mility.Her Humility was not infe­rior to her other Graces. She had alwayes a very low esteem of her self, and was ready to prefer others before her self, and would not take it ill when her inferiors were set above her: She well remem­bred the Apostle Peters charge. All of you be subject one to another, and be cloathed with Humility. For God resisteth the Proud, and giveth Grace to the Humble. And that of St. Paul, Rom. 12.10. In honour prefer one another.

Her Love to God, & Man.Her Love to God, to his Ordinances, and to his Chil­dren was hearty, and without Dissimulation. She abhorred that which was evil, and clave to that which was good. She [Page 29] was of so sweet and meek a disposition that she never used to speak evil of any, but was ever prone to forgive and for­get wrongs.

She was very prudent in managing her Houshold affairs to the best advantage.Her Pru­dence. She would have diverse Dishes of Meat with little cost; yet so dressed and ordered as made them grateful and pleasing un­to all: When they were alone, she had such variety of Dishes and Dresses as prevented nau­seousness. She was careful to see that nothing was lost or spoiled. By her wise and frugal managing her Houshold, though her husband had ne­ver much coming in, yet at the years end he could al­wayes save something: So that her price to him was far above Rubies: His Heart trust­ed [Page 30] in her. For she did him good, and not evil all the Dayes of her Life. Prov. 31.10.11, 12.

Her A­ctivity.In her Younger Dayes she was healthful; Of a cheerful and active Spirit, and abhor­ring Idleness; She would have her Hand in every business. In her Old Age, though she was crazie, yet whilst she could stand, she would be about one kind of work or other.Her Patience. She bore her weakness and Affli­ctions with much Patience and holy submission to the will and good pleasure of God, she was so uniform in the frame of her Spirit, and so maintained her Peace with God through her Holy and humble walking, that when Death, many times in her sick­ness, threatned to seize upon her, She feared it not, as know­ing [Page 31] that it would be gain and advantage to her: Concerning which hear what she her self left in writing which was found after her Decease.

In my younger Dayes (saith she) my spiritual Af­flictions, and inward trou­bles continued long before I could attain to any assu­rance of my Salvation: But of late years it hath pleased God of his infinite Mercy, and Free Grace to give me more Assurance of his un­changeable Love to me through Faith in his Rich and free Promises of Life,Her Faith. and Salvation, through Je­sus Christ, who is pretious to my Soul, and who is the Author and finisher of my Faith; God blessed for e­vermore: To whom be Praise and Glory World [Page 32] without end Amen.

Her amia­bleness.In her converse with her Friends She opened her Mouth with Wisdom, and in her Tongue was the Law of Kindness (Prov. 31.26.) which made her Company grateful unto all, and burdensome, or underva­lued by none.

Divers years before her Death, upon catching Cold, she had many fits of Sickness, and weakness, and some of them were Violent as brought her neer unto Death; Yet the Lord had mercy upon her Husband and Family in rai­sing her up again almost be­yond hopes, and expectation: And she was alwayes a Gai­ner by her Afflictions,Afflicti­ons sancti­fied. God making good that Promise to her, Rom. 8.28. All things shall work together for good to them that love God, To them [Page 33] who are Called according to his purpose. For after those fits she walked more humbly, ho­lily, fruitfully, and faithful­ly, both in her General, and particular Calling, as one that waited daily for the ap­pearing of her Lord, and Ma­ster. The Winter before her Death, she enjoyed better Health then she had done for some Winters before.

May the 25th. Anno Christi, 1675. Some Friends came from London to dine with her, and that morning (according to her usual custom in such Cases) She was careful, and busy in providing for their kind intertainment:Her last Sickness. But it pleased God whilst they were at Dinner to strike her with a kind of Shivering, which made her look paler then or­dinary, and after Dinner her [Page 34] Distemper continued, so that she was soon confined to her Chamber, and not long after, for the most part to her Bed. But herein God shewed her great mercy, and had respect to her weakness, in that, du­ring all the time of her lan­guishing she was free from Sickness, and pain, only some­times she was troubled with some Stitches,Gods Mercy. which yet were tollerable, not violent: She was also troubled with some Vapours which made her Breath very short; Yet had she a pretty good Stomach, and she relished her Food well till about two Days before her Death; But then, though she did eat, yet she sound lit­tle tast in her Meat. Her sleep was pretty good, and alwayes very quiet. She was never ill either after Food or Sleep. [Page 35] Only two Dayes before her Departure she slept little, by reason of the continual rut­ling of Flegm in her Throat, when she wanted strength to expectorate.

As for the State of her Soul during all the time of her sick­ness, she enjoyed constant Peace and Serenity, and had (through Gods Mercy) much Joy, and Peace, by believing; Satan (that Roaring Lion) who uses to be most strong when we are most weak be­ing so chained up by God that he had no power to mo­lest her. She often cryed out Hold out Faith and Patience: She told her nearest Relati­on, when she saw him mour­ning over her, that she was going to be joyned to a Better Husband.

Her youngest Son, taking [Page 36] his leave of her the Day be­fore her Death, she gave him much Heavenly counsel for the good of his Soul, and Blessed him, and all his, as she did the rest of her Chil­dren and Grand-Children. She earnestly desired to be Dissol­ved, and breathed after a ful­ler enjoyment of Jesus Christ, which she accounted best of all: She would somtimes say, that it was a hard thing to Dye: And This is a hard work. Her Understanding, Memory, and Speech continued till within two Minutes of Death; And a little before, her Daughter speaking to her of Jesus Christ, She replyed, My God and my Lord: And so June the 21, about five a Clock in the morning, She fell asleep, ex­changing this Life for a bet­ter, without any alteration [Page 37] in her Countenance, but only that her colour was gone. She closed up her Eyes her self, as who should say,Death. It is but winking, and I shall be in Heaven. She changed her Place, but not her Company. She sickned May the 25th. Anno Christi, 1675. She con­cluded her Dayes June the Twenty First, being Munday, about five a Clock in the Mor­ning, when having ended her last Sabbath upon Earth, she began to celebrate an Ever­lasting Sabbath in Heaven. She was Aged Seventy three years and about four Months, and had been married almost Fifty years.

Thus did this Holy Wo­man wear out, not rust out: Burn out, was not blown out: Yea, she flamed, not smothered out, she served [Page 38] God in her Generation, and then retired into that Place where is Health without Sick­ness: Day without Night ▪ Plenty without Famine: Rich­es without Poverty: Mirth without mourning: Singing without sighing: Life with­out Death: And these, with infinite more to all Eternity. There is unspotted Chastity: Unstained Honor: Unparal­led Beauty. There is the Tree of life in the midst of this Paradise. There is the River that waters the Garden. There is the Vine flourishing, and the Pomgranate budding: There is the Banqueting-House where are all those De­licacies, and Rarities where­with God himself is delighted. There shall the Saints be a­dorned, as a Bride, with rare Pearls, and sparkling Diamonds [Page 39] of Glory. A Glory fitter to be Believed, then pos­sible to be Discoursed. An Ex­ceeding, Excessive, Eternal weight of Glory (2 Cor. 4.17.) Even such a weight, as if the Body were not upheld by the Power of God, it were impos­sible but that it should faint under it: as an eminent Divine speaketh.

After Mrs. Clarkes Decease their was found in her Cabi­net a Paper which by frequent using, was almost worn out.Promises to strength­en her Faith. It contained a Collection of these several Texts of Scrip­ture which she had recourse unto in times of Temptation, or Desertion.

Who is among you that feareth the Lord: That obey­eth the Voice of his Servant: That walketh in darkness and hath no Light: Let him trust [Page 40] in the Name of the Lord and stay upon his God, Isa. 50.10.

For the Name of the Lord is a strong Tower; The Righ­teous run unto it, and are safe. Prov. 18.10.

Thou wilt keep him in per­fect Peace, whose Mind is stai­ed on thee, because he trust­eth in thee, Isa. 26.3.

Blessed is the Man that ma­keth the Lord his trust, Psa. 40.4.

Blessed is the Man to whom the Lord imputeth not Sin. Psal. 32.2.

Though our Hearts may fail us, and our Flesh may fail us, yet God will never fail us. Psa. 73.26. For he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Heb. 13.5.

And again: I will be a Fa­ther unto you, and ye shall be [Page 41] my Sons and Daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor. 6.18.

I, even I am he that blotteth out thy Transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy Sins, Isa. 44.25.

My Grace is sufficient for thee: For my strength is made perfect in weakness, 2. Cor. 12.9.

By Grace you are saved through Faith, and that not of your selves: Ephe. 2.8.

I give unto them Eternal Life, and they shall not perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my Hand, Joh. 10.28.

Who are kept by the Pow­er of God, through Faith un­to Salvation. 1. Pet. 1.5.

The Foundation of God standeth sure, having this [Page 42] Seal; The Lord knoweth who are his, 2. Tim. 2.19.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk, not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 8.1.

Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth. Rom. 4, 10.

It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth? Rom. 8.33.34.

The promise is to you, and to your Children, and to all that are afar off; Even as many as the Lord our God shall call, Act. 2.39.

The Gifts, and Calling of God are without Repentance▪ Rom. 11.29.

These Texts of Scripture having been as so many Cor­dials unto her in Times of [Page 43] Temptation, it is hoped that they may prove so to others, and therefore for their sakes they are here set down. And hereby it appears that she was not without some shakings, but, through Gods Mercy, they were such as made her root the faster: And by her prudent, and seasonable hol­ding forth the Shield of Faith, and the Sword of the Spirit, she became more than a Con­querour, through him that had loved her.

In another little Book, which was found after her Death, she gives this account of herself and of Gods graci­ous dealing with her.

From the beginning (writes she) of Gods shewing me Mercy in my Conversion.

I here set down Gods gra­cious dealings with me,Her Con­version not [Page 44] for mine own Praise, but for the Glory of God, and to stir up my Heart unto true Thankfulness for such invalu­able Mercies. And then she set down the time, manner, and means of her Conversion: And afterwards proceeds thus.

What have been my Experi­ences of Gods gracious dealings with me at several times under Afflictions: As

By all these I have gained this Experience.

Again in regard of Bodi­ly weakness and Sickness, my Experiences have been these.

In regard of Publick Dan­gers I have had a great deal of Experience of Gods goodness towards me and mine several wayes, and at several times. For

In regard of Satans Temp­tations; Especially concer­ning [Page 57] my coming to the Sacra­ment of the Lords Supper, my Experiences have been these.

So he gives us leave to engage our selves (by renewing our Covenant with him) to be­lieve in him, and to trust upon [Page 59] Christ for Life and Salvation: And it pleased God to give me Faith to apply this in per­ticular to my own Soul: And a while after, to shew me, and to make good to my Soul that pretious, and comfortable Promise, That though he hide his Face from us for a little moment, yet with Mercy, and loving kindness he will return to us again. This was a won­derful comfort, and support to my dejected Heart: Blessed be the Lord for ever, I desire to treasure up these Experien­ces, that for the future, I may resolve in the like case to put my whole trust and confi­dence in him, that so Satan may not entrap me in his Snares through unbelief, but that I may resist him steadfast in the Faith: for I am not al­together ignorant, of his De­vices. [Page 60] Gods Promise is, that in all these things we shall be more then Conquerour, through him that hath loved us: And hath said that this is the Victory which overcomes the World, e­ven our Faith. 1. Joh. 5.4.

In the year 1669: there came to us the sad news of the Death of my second Son Mr. John Clarke, a godly, faithful, and painful Minister sometimes before ejected out of the Rectory of Cotgrave in Nottingham-Shire, who died the 18th of September.

Thus as the Waves of the Sea follow one another, so God is pleased to exercise his Chil­dren with one Affliction after another. He sees that whilst we carry about with us this Body of Sin, we have need of manifold Trials, and Temp­tations, as saith the Apostle. [Page 61] 1. Pet. 1.6.—now for a sea­son ye are in heaviness (if need be) through manifold Temp­tations; to keep us under, and to make us the better to re­member our selves.

Indeed it hath been the Lords course and dealing with me ever since he stopped me in the way as I was posting to Hell, to raise up one Afflicti­on or other, either inward or outward, either from Satan, the World, or from mine own corrupt Heart, and nature, not having Grace and Wisdom to behave and carry my self as I ought under his various Dispensations and Providen­ces, as appeared at this time by his laying so great and grievous an Affliction upon me in taking away so dear a Son, from whom I had much Soul-comfort, and ardent Af­fections, [Page 62] which he manifested by his fervent Prayers for me, and by his spiritual Letters, and Writings to me, wherein he applyed himself sutably to my Comfort in those in­ward troubles of Heart and Spirit which lay upon me. This caused my Grief and Sor­rows to take the greater hold on me, upon the loss of one who was so useful to me: Yet hereby I do not derogate from my Elder Son, from whom I have the like help, and Com­fort.

Upon this sad occasion my Grief grew so great that I took no pleasure of any thing in the World: But was so overwhelmed with Melan­choly, and my natural strength was so abated, that little Food served my turn, and I judged that I could not [Page 63] live long in such a condi­tion.

Hereupon I began to ex­amin my Heart why it should be so with me, and whether carnal and imoderate Affecti­ons were not the great Cause of my trouble, which I much feared; And having used ma­ny Arguments and laid down many reasons to my self to quiet and moderate my Passi­ons, and yet nothing prevail­ed to quiet and calm my Heart, and to bow me to the Obedience of his revealed Will: And withal, conside­ring that it was God only that could quiet the Heart, and set our unruly, and carnal Affections into an holy frame and order, and, That he was a present Help in times of trou­ble, I often and earnestly sought unto the Lord with [Page 64] many Prayers, and Tears▪ beseeching him to quiet my Heart, and to over power and tame my unruly Affecti­ons, so as to be willing to submit unto him, and to bear his Afflicting Hand patiently and fruitfully, and to be rea­dy and willing to submit (ei­ther in doing or suffering) to whatsoever he pleased to im­pose upon me: And to be rea­dy to part with the best out­ward Comfort I enjoyed whensoever he should please to call for the same.

And it pleased God seaso­nably to hear my Prayer, to regard my Tears, and to grant my Requests, by calming, and quieting my Heart, and Spirit, and by giving me much more contentedness to submit to his Holy Will, and good Plea­sure who is a God of judgment [Page 65] and knows the fittest times and seasons to come in with refreshing comforts and who waits to be gracious unto those that trust in him. Yet surely I was not without ma­ny Temptations in this Hour of Darkness from that subtile Adversary who always stands at watch to insinuate and frame his Temptations an­swerable to our Conditions, and like a Roaring Lyon walks about continually, seeking to de­vour poor, yet pretious Souls. Then I called upon the Lord in my distress, and he answered me and delivered me.

Bless the Lord O my Soul; and all that is within me Praise his Holy Name. For he hath remembred me in my low and troubled estate, because his Mercy endureth for ever.

Having thus had new ex­perience [Page 66] of Gods readiness to hear and help when I called upon him; And having found that it is not in vain to seek to, and to depend upon God in all our Straits, I could not but re­cord these things, that so Eve­ry one that is Godly may seek unto him in a time wherein he may be found, who is a present help in times of trouble, and who doth for us abundantly above what we can ask, or think

The Lord knows that I write these things for no other end, but that God may have the Glory, and that others, e­specially my Relations, may be encouraged to seek God in their Straits, and to trust in him at all times. Amen.

After her Decease there was also found in her Cabinet a Paper with this Superscrip.

My Will and desire is (with the leave of my Hus­band) to bestow upon my Children these things as to­kens of my Motherly Affecti­ons, and that I may be remem­bred by them. She began with her Husband, and what she gave to him and all the rest, were all wrapped up in several Papers, and each Name endorsed on the outside to whom it did belong, And then concludes all thus.

But above all, my Prayers unto God are, that he would e­specially bestow upon you, all needful Saving Graces, whereby y [...]u may be enabled to Glorifie his Great Name, in those seve­ral places and callings wherein he hath set you. Amen, A­men.

She left also Legacies to some Poor Neighbours: As [Page 68] also ten shillings to Mr. W. the Minister of the place, to buy him a mourning Ring Concluding thus.

If God shall please to bring me to my Grave in Peace, let this be the Text at my Fune­ral, Ephes. 2.8. For by Grace ye are saved, through Faith, This Scripture I was oft put upon to have recourse to in times of Temptations, and Desertion.

In an other little Book she had collected sundry Texts of Scripture, which might mi­nister grounds of great Com­fort against Satans Temptati­ons, whereby he labours, by setting before us a black Bill of our Sins, and daily Infir­mities, and our great inabili­ties to every Good Duty, to blot out our Evidences, to stagger our Faith, and to make [Page 69] us go heavily, and drooping in our way to Heaven.

Isa. 1.17.18. Cease to do E­vil, Learn to do well:— And then, Though your Sins be as Scarlet, they shall be as white as Snow: Though they be red as Crimson, they shall be as Wool.

Isa. 43.25. I, even I am he that blotteth out thy Transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy Sins.

Ezek. 16.6. When I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thy Blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy Blood, Live: Yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy Blood, Live, V. 8. When I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold! Thy time was the time of Love: And I spread my Skirt over thee, [Page 70] and covered thy Nakedness Yea, I sware unto thee, and entred into a Covenant with thee (saith the Lord God) and thou becamst mine. V. 9. Then washed I thee with Wa­ter: Yea, I throughly wash­ed away thy Blood from thee, and anointed thee with Oyl.

Ezek. 36.26, 27. A New Heart will I give you, and a New Spirit will I put within you: And I will take away the Stony Heart out of your Flesh, and I will give you an Heart of Flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my Statutes, and ye shall keep my Judgments and do them.

Lam. 3.31. The Lord will not cast off for ever.

Joel 3.16. The Lord will be the Hope of his People.

1. Joh. 1, 9. If we con­fess [Page 71] our Sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our Sins, and to cleanse us from all Unrighteousness. He that believes shall be saved.

Rom. 8.33, 34. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? It is God that Justifies: Who is he that Con­demneth?

2. Tim. 2.13. If we believe not (that is, If sometimes we are not able to act Faith) yet God is faithful: He cannot de­ny himself.

Ephe. 1.4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the Foundation of the World. V. 5. Having Predestinated us to the Adoption of Chil­dren by Jesus Chrisi to him­self, according to the good pleasure of his Will. V. 6. To the Praise of the Glory of his Grace, wherein he hath made [Page 72] us accepted in the Beloved v. 7. In whom we have Re­demption through his Blood, the forgiveness of Sins, through the riches of his Grace.

2. Thes. 5.9. For God hath not appointed us unto Wrath: But to obtain Salvation by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Joh. 10.28.29.30 I give unto them Eternal Life, and they shall never perish, nei­ther shall any Man pluck them out of my Hand. My Father which gave them me is great­er then all, and no Man is a­ble to pluck them out of my Fathers Hand: I and my Fa­ther are one.

Isa. 50.10. Who is among you that searcheth the Lord that obeyeth the voice of his Servant; That walketh in darkness, and hath no Light: [Page 73] Let him trust in the Name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.

Psa. 32.1, 2. Blessed is the Man whose iniquity is forgi­ven, Whose Sin is covered. Bless [...]d is the Man to whom the Lord imputeth not Sin.

Ephe. 2.8. For by Grace you are saved through Faith, and that not of your selves: It is the Gift of God.

Rom. 6.14. Sin shall not have dominion over you: For you are not under the Law, but under Grace.

Rom. 8.1. There is there­fore now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit.

Psa. 73.26. Though our Hearts may fail us, and our Flesh may fail us, yet the Lord will never fail us.

Jer. 31.3. For he hath lo­ved us with an everlasting Love.

Isa. 26.3, 4. Thou wilt keep him in perfect Peace, whose mind is staid on thee, because he trusteth in thee. Trust in the Lord for ever. For in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting Strength.

Promises of Protection, As­sistance, Comfort, and deli­verance, whereby our Hearts may be upheld in the evil Day.

Ezek. 9.4. Go through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the Foreheads of them that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst thereof.

Psal. 34.6. This Poor man cried, and the Lord heard, and saved him out of all his troubles. v. 19. Many are the [Page 75] Afflictions, of the Righteous: But the Lord delivereth them ou [...] of them all.

Psal. 46, 1. God is our re­fuge and strength: A very present help in trouble. v. 2. Therefore will not we fear, &c.

Psa. 42.11. My Soul, why art thou cast down, and disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet Praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Isa. 3.10. Say ye unto the Righteous, it shall be well with him.

Prov. 3.25, 26. Be not afraid of sudden Fear, neither of the desolation of the wick­ed when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy Confidence, and shall keep thy Foot from being taken.

Psa. 3.8. Salvation be­longeth to the Lord: Thy Blessing is upon thy Peo­ple.

Psa. 4.3. Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: The Lord will hear when I call unto him. v. 8. I will both lay me down in Peace, and Sleep. For thou Lord only makest me dwell in safety.

Nahum 1.7. The Lord is good: A strong hold in the Day of trouble, and he know­eth them that trust in him.

2. Tim. 1.12. I know whom I have believed; And I am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that Day. For: Gen. 17.2. He is God Alsufficient.

Promises made to Gods People in the most dangerous [Page 77] Times. What confidence we should have in God.

Psa. 27.1, 2, 3. The Lord is my Light and my Salvati­on, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be a­fraid. When the Wicked even mine Enemies, and my Foes came upon me to eat up my Flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an Host should encamp against me, my Heart shall not fear. Though War should rise against me, in this will I be confidenr. v. 4. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after: That I may dwell in the House of the Lord all the daies of my life. v. 5. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his Pavilion: In the secret of his Tabernacle shall he hide me: He shall set [Page 78] me up upon a Rock. Therefore v. 9. Hide not thy Face from me. Put not away thy Ser­vant in Anger: Thou hast been my Help; Leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my Salvation. v. 13. I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Li­ving. v. 14. Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thy Heart. Wait I say on the Lord.

Psal. 40.4. Blessed is the Man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the Proud, nor such as turn aside to Lyes.

Psal. 32.1. In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: Let me never be ashamed. V 3. For thou art my Rock, and my Fortress; therefore for thy Name sake lead me and guide [Page 79] me. v. 23. O love the Lord, all ye Saints: For the Lord preserveth the Faithful. v. 24. Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your Heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Psa. 91.2. I will say of the Lord: He is my Refuge: and my Fortress. My God, in him will I trust.

Psa. 94.14. For the Lord will not cast off his People, nei­ther will he forsake his Inhe­ritance. v. 19. In the multitude of my Thoughts within me, thy Comforts delighted my Soul.

Psa. 102.2. Hide not thy Face from me in the Day when I am ln trouble, incline thine Ear unto me. In the Day when I call, answer me speedily.

Psa. 115.11. Ye that fear the Lord trust in the Lord. [Page 80] He is their Help, and their Shield.

Psa. 112.7. He shall not be affraid of evil tidings. His Heart is fixed trusting in the Lord.

Psa. 118.5. I called upon the Lord in distress: The Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. v. 6. The Lord is on my side, I will not fear, what can man do unto me?

1. Pet. 4.17. The time is come that Judgment must be­gin at the House of God: And if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God? v. 19. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the Will of God commit the keep­ing of their Souls to him in wel-doing, as unto a faithfu Creator.

[...]. Thes. 1.6, 7. It is a Righteous thing with God to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you. And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus Christ shall be revealed from Heaven, &c.

2. Thes. 3.3. The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

These I have thought fit to t [...]nscribe, hoping that by Gods blessing they may prove Useful and Comfortable to many others as they were to her. But besides she had col­lected many others, whereof (to prevent tediousness) I shall only give you the Heads. As

Promises to strengthen our Faith.

For Deliverance from all evil.

For assistance in times of trouble.

For the Resurrection of our Bodies.

For Eternal Glory with Christ.

That God will preserve his Children from Afflictions so far as it is good for them.

That God will qualify, and moderate their Afflictions when they do come; And proportion them to their Strength.

That Afflictions are sove­raign Medicines to kill Lusts, and to cure spiritual Disea­ses.

Promises made to such as suffer in a Good Cause, for the Truth.

Promises of Deliverances from the Evil World.

Of Comfort to such as fall through Infirmity.

Promises made to such as are Ignorant.

Comforts against doubts and fears of loosing the Love of God.

Comforts against forgetful­ness of Good things.

Comforts against fears of falling from God.

Comforts against dismay­edness under many and strong Corruptions.

Comforts against troubles arising fom the want of the means of Grace, either in the whole, or in the Power of them.

Comforts to Gods Chil­dren in case of spiritual Diser­tion.

Promises of the continu­ance and Unchangeableness, of Gods Love.

Promises of Gods special and gracious presence with [Page 84] his Children.

Promises of Gods Pro­tection and Providence over his.

Promises of bestowing Christ, and of many Blessings with him. As, of Redemp­tion: Effectual Calling: Justi­fication: Reconciliation: A­doption: Of bestowing the Spirit, for their Sanctificati­on; and all Spiritual Grace, As Faith; Confidence in God; Hope; Joy; Love to God: To Christ: To our Brethren: To Enemies: Of Obe­dience: Of Repentance; Of Knowledge: Of audience of their Prayers: Of Morti­fication of Sin, &c.

Promises of assistance in Holy Duties.

Promises of Gods accep­tance of our spiritual Sacrifi­ces.

Promises of a blessing upon Holy Ordinances.

Promises made to the con­scientious performance of sundry Duties. As, to Prayer: To a careful seeking of God: To watchfulness: To con­scientious Sanctification of the Lords Dayes: For the pre­servation of his Church &c.

In reading of Practical Au­thors she had collected, and set down many things which she found useful, and Comfortable to her Soul: As,

Certain grounds of Com­fort to build our Faith upon in times of Temptations.

Signs whereby we may know whether we be in Co­venant with God or no.

Reasons why God made this Covenant with faln Man.

What are the Gifts and priviledges of this Covenant.

She hath also set down m [...]ny Helps to provoke, and enable us to wait Gods leisure for the ac­complishment of his Rich, and free Promises, though his Pro­vidences seem to run cross t [...] them.

And how we may be ena­bled to apply Gods Promi­ses.

And in the Conclusion of all she thus Writes.

It was the goodness of my God to remember me in my Youth, that so I might not for­get him, neither in my Youth, nor in my Old Age.

By all this it may appear what were the Gifts, and Graces wherewith the Lord had adorned her, and what her inward Beauty was: And as the Jewel was rare, so was [Page 87] the Cabinet wherein it was lodged, comly. And the [...] tels us

And such truly was hers in her younger Dayes, and some Characters, and Lineaments of it continued in her Old Age, even to the last, as sundry Per­sons observed.

Hallelujah.

What was long since said of Mrs Katherine Bretterg may be t [...]ly applied unto her.

Katherina

• Pura: Christoqua [...] purgata,
• Vita, Christo p [...]e­parata,
• Morte, Christo de­dicata,
• Coelis, Christo con­jugata.

Prov. 31.30. Favour is de­ceitful, and beauty is vain, but a Woman that feareth the Lord she shall be Praised.