the seed the spawn of all uncleannesse and wickednesse soever It was not it could not be unknown unto the most holy Jesus how that Peter would deny him or how that these other disciples would all of them forsake him Fore-known unto Him it was prevented by him it was not Behold O Lord our Redeemer Thou hast dyed for sin and yet sin abideth in us Thou hast called us unto holinesse and yet we have no inherent holinesse at all alas we continue above measure sinfull Lord if thou wilt thou [3] Luke 5.12 canst make us clean Our seet thou hast washed Why [4] John 13.9 not also our hands and our head But [5] Gen. 32.10 beggers must not be their own chusers Oh wherefore doth living man [6] Lam. 3.39 22 complain What is dust and ashes that any thought of his [7] Jer. 18.6 Rom. 9.20 should at all reply against his King and his God Secret [8] Deut. 29.29 causes why while we are in the flesh sin dwelleth in us belong unto Him We may finde comfort from the reasons which he [9] Rom. 15.4 hath revealed whether in regard of himself or in regard of us 1. In regard of himself The glory of all his Attributes 1. While He as he is God the Father 1 Comfort taketh occasion to reconcile his justice unto his mercy c. in creating light out of darknesse good out of evil order out of confusion peace out of guilt grace out of sin and out of dishonour his most [1] Psal 35.27 34.3 40.16 Luke 1.46 Phil. 1.20 Eph. 1.10 12 unsearchable Glory 2. 2 Comfort While as he is God the Son Son of the Father and Son of man too he magnifieth that [1] John 5.27 compared with Prov. 29.2 and Job 36.22 authority which the Father hath put into his hands All power was [2] Matth. 28.18 1 Cor. 15.27 given unto Him and it is fit that [3] Matth. 28.28 Prov. 8.22 30 the world should know it In the work of his Creation he [4] John 1.3 Heb. 1.2 sheweth himself a free agent forming many Creatures quite void of life many capable of life among living creatures he giveth unto some a power vegetative as that of Herbs Trees c. but not sensible to others as that of brutes a power both vegetative and sensible but not rational but unto mankind he giveth a power vegetative sensible and [5] Gen. 1.27 reasonable too Just thus the Son of man to shew how absolutely his elect Vessels are [6] Eph. 1.22 Phil 1.10 Revel 4.11 at his pleasure His pleasure is that man before his souls conversion [7] Rom 11.32 Gal. 3.22 should abide void of all grace but full of all sin and should after his souls dissolution [8] Phil. 3.21 1 Cor. 15.42 remain void of all sin but filled with all grace but should be from his souls conversion to his souls dissolution [9] Gal. 5.17 divided between sin assaulting and Grace assisting 3. 3 Comfort While as he is God the [1] 1 Joh. 5.7 Holy Ghost he keepeth man [2] Jude 24 from falling raiseth man [3] Psalm 145.14 Rom. 8.11 when fallen The preserver of men delighteth [4] Prov. 8.3 in the habitable parts of the earth and since this is his will even [5] 1 Thes 4.3 our sanctification He will not fail of his Will if we [6] Cal. 6.8 his Vessels be not wanting unto our own selves 2. In regard of us He glorifieth himself many wayes by our inherent sin as 1. 1 Comfort The demeanour of Gods Children under their corruptions (1) Job 1.8 22 Deut. 32.5 Phil. 2.15 16 justifieth the severity of God against Reprobates We are Gods witnesses Are Vnbelievers sinfull so are sound Believers but (2) 1 Sam. 24 10 Psalm 32.5 51.3 Zeph. 3.5 Jer. 3.3 6.15 Esay 44.9 66.5 Ezek. 16.61 43.11 2 King 22.19 not with that high hand not with that greedinesse not with the like presumption fearlesnesse shamelesnesse or impenitency When we commit evil there is sooner or later some regret some remorse some compunction some mis-givings in our consciences St. Peter (2) Matth. 27.75 weepeth out of the Hall he getteth he avoideth the like temptations again The Disciples forsake Christ but the Disciples hearts are troubled Alas (3) John 14.1 sinfull (4) 1 John 1.8 we are but this is one comfort yet viz. The (5) Deut. 33.29 haters of God shall be found lyars They shall not say we (6) 1 John 3.3 take that pleasure in our evil doings which the unbeliever taketh 2. 2 Comfort Our continual guilt ever remembreth us [1] Rom. 6.23 Lam. 3.39 Psalm 103.3 4 from what everlasting burnings we are rescued Unto which of the Angels said he at any time Thy sins are forgiven thee If the men of Jabesh must lose every one their right eyes [2] 1 Sam. 11. 2 compare v. 9 with 2 Sam. 2.4 it must be because their lives were given unto them for a prey The Lords mercy it is [3] Heb. 12.29 that we are not eternally consumed 3. 3 Comfort Our corruptions mind us from what an (1) Psalm 51.6 Exod. 12.8.11 compared with Exod. 1.14 12 39 excessive sinfulnesse we are delivered Slay them not lest (2) Psalm 59.11 my people forget it Are the imaginations of our heart evil continually evil Blessed be our God that they are not (3) 2 Cor. 3.5 more evil I thank my God (4) Rom. 7.25 through Jesus Christ our Lord. 4. 4 Comfort Our sins teach us (1) Rom. 12.9 Acts 11.23 Jer. 13.11 Psalm 101.3 Josh 23.8 22.5 Deut. 10 20 21 11.22 13.4 18.13 28.47 58 30.20 self-denial for Who would serve divers lusts Who would love a false heart Who would maintain an enmity against holinesse Who would make provision for that flesh which warreth against his soul or cherish those affections which lust against the Spirit yea who would combine with Satan against God 5. 5 Comfort Our in-bred sin (1) Deut. 13.3 Gen. 22.12 Exod. 16.28 20.20 Deut 8.2 16.30.15 19.20 Judges 2.22 31 4. compared with Psalm 26.2 Rom. 12.2 8 6 2 Cor. 8 8 13.5 Gal. 6 4 5.25 James 2.27 3.18 Heb. 3.13 1 John 3.7 8 9.10.2.3 5.3.19 24.4.13 2 Pet. 1.10 Eph. 5.1 proveth us VVhat thanks is it unto the Sun that he daily runneth so even a course or that his beames are ever glorious just none at all for a necessity of Nature compelleth the Sun to be as he is and to do as he doth I say the Sun doth never run nor shine upon choyce But our God who worketh in us all our holy desires setteth before us as well evil as good that we (2) Dicet aliquis si Deus vellet isti boni essent sed melius voluit ut quod vellent essent August may have the comfort of chusing the better part Since God
of grace then those [11] Isa 41 2.55.5 Jer. 4.2.10.7 Zech. 2.11.8.22 Turks have which worship Mahomet the same God which (12) Isa 38.19 Eccle. 8.113 Dan. 4.17 Psal 66.9 spareth unto thee the breath of life while Judas Julian nay while some born since thou wert born are grievously tormented in Hell the self same God would have thee [13] Ezek. 33.11 escape the everlasting torments due unto thee and to thy heart of unbelief Thy Rebellion [14] Isa 1.2 4 24. Nahum 2.2 6. hath been inexcusable and thou liest wholly at the power of that King against whom thou hast rebelled yet lo he offereth [15] Ezek. 18.32 Isa 55.7 a Free Pardon yea he offereth terms of Peace every way for thine advantage thou (16) Rom. 8.7 art at enmity with him but he hath Love free (17) Hos 14.4.2.19 love everlasting loves for thee though (18) Psal 9 17 11.6 Hell be thy portion fain would God entitle thee (19) 1 Pet. 1.4 to an inheritance in heaven When thou hast done all that ever thou canst be able to do thou wilt be at the best but an (20) Luk. 17.10 compared with Mat. 25.30 unprofitable creature I wiss yet loe God longeth to (21) Deut. 4.6 7.28.58.10.21 Psal 34.2 Jer. 17.14 honour thee with his service as (22) Deut. 3.1 Ezek. 6.9 corrupt as thine affections are God (23) Hos 2.14 Jer. 3.14 Isa 54.5 wooeth thee for them as wicked as thy heart is God (24) Gen. 6.5 compared with Jer. 4.14 and Prov. 23.26 calleth for it if thou wilt not believe him search the Scriptures in them he offereth thee his (25) Prov. 1.23 own Spirit in them he offereth unto thee his his own Son Oh he taketh glory Luke 19.10 in saving so lost a sinner as thou art Thou witness thy life past thou hast had no (26) Psal 14.4 knowledge of God let it be Gods glory that he can cause thee to (27) Jer. 24.7 know him thou hast a stony heart of thine own let it be the glory of thy God that he can (28) Ezek. 36.26 give thee a heart of flesh The Lord hath (29) Deut. 29.4 not given thee a heart to perceive nor eyes to see nor ears to hear unto this day let it now be his praise that he hath giveth thee a (30) Pro. 20.12 hearing ear a seeing eye and a believing (31) Phil. 1.29 heart too Thou hast had no (32) Rom. 3.18 Job 6.14 fear of God before thine eyes let God have the honour of (33) Jer. 32.40 Psal 51.6 10. putting his fear in thy inward parts Happily God hath hitherto winked (34) Act. 17.30 at thy carelesness on purpose that the (35) Rom. 5.20.7.13 transcendency of thy guilt may exalt (36) Luk. 7.47 Isa 30.18 Psal 130.4 his free his unsearchable mercies the (37) Luk. 51.13.25.11 Dan. 9.9 Lord forgive thy sins for they are great the Lord help (38) Mar. 9.14 thine unbelief for thy heart is not stedfast the Lord have compassion upon thee for (39) Heb. 5.2 thou art ignorant The holy God can write his Law even in (40) Jer. 31.33 thy heart he can pour upon thee a (41) Zec. 12.19 Spirit of Prayer and of supplication In all thy doings (42) Ezek. 21.24 thy sins appear but the person speaking in my Text can take away those (43) Zech. 3.4 Isa 64.9 filthy rags from thine incurable wounds thou hast no (44) Jer. 30.13 healing Medicines but the Physitian in my Text is the God of thy health he (45) Jer. 30.17 can heal thee and all thy back-slidings he can cause thee to draw near and to (46) Jer. 30.21 approach and to come with (47) Heb. 4.16 boldness unto the Throne of His grace Sinner thou hast (48) 2 Kin. 17.17 sold thy self to work wickedness but be no longer the (49) Rom. 6.16 servant of a Devil for Christ (50) 1 Cor. 6.20 hath bought thee and that not with corruptible gold but with his own blood his precious blood his precious his most precious blood Greater love hath no man (51) John 15.130 then this viz. that he lay down his life for his friend but Christ commendeth his love toward thee in that thou being (52) Rom. 5.8 an Enemy a polluted an inconsiderable a contemptible enemy and He being a righteous a holy person a person therefore a man (53) Heb. 2.14 because a God died died the shameful death of the Cross and despised the shame because he died for thee Who (1) Rom. 8.34 is he that condemneth It is the person speaking in my Text that died Thou who hast been so careless of Christ hitherto happily thou now turnest over a new leaf happily thou wilt now (2) Ephes 5.16 redeem thy time and amend one the (3) Jer. 7.3.23.22 evil of thy doings thou wilt put away from thee if thy canst thou wilt be renewed (4) Eph. 4.23 Col. 3.10 as well as thou canst in the spirit of thy mind happily thou art mortified and grieved and full (5) Zech. 12.10 of bitterness for the (6) Eccles 7.25 wickenness of thy folly happily thou resolvest to (7) 2 Cor. 7.1 clense thy self from all filthinesse of the flesh and of the Spirit to give (8) 1 Thes 5.17 thy self unto prayer to exercise (9) 1 Tim. 4.7 thy self unto godlinesse and to (10) 2 Cor. 13.9 strive after perfection all the days of thine appointed time if so this is a good change of mind in this thy good resolution go on prosper this notwithstanding know unless thou make the person speaking in my Text thy Refuge thy practise of Piety will never (11) Heb. 10.22 Tit. 3.5 quiet thy conscience the reason is though a (12) Rom. 8.15 spirit of bondage may restrain thee from evil and may presse thee upon duties yet it can (13) Ephes 2.9 never render thee acceptable in the presence of an offended God alas the best works that ever thou canst perform (14) Tit. 1.15 Gal. 2.16 shall never be able to satisfie the most infinite Justice of a provoked God no not (15) Heb. 9.22 for the least of the least of all thine infirmities Be as upright as ever thou canst yet of all those innumerable debts due from thee unto thy Lord thou shalt never be able to pay (16) Mat. 5.26 one mite that is sterling if this alone be that Plea by which thou hopest to (17) Rom. 3.20.24 answer the Law never never look the severe Judge in the face assure thy self that the just Judge of all the earth will do right Judas (19) Mat. 27.4 repented himself of his evil and yet Judas (20) Act. 1.25 perished in his transgression and so mayest thou if thou hope to pacifie God by thine own righteousness How then shall my Conscience obtain peace with
well knew the excellency of her gracious spirit that he aimeth to have our spirits like unto Hers His cost is your benefit His Liberal soul deviseth liberal things and by liberal things may He stand But may you and I glorifie our God [6] Gal. 1 24 in Him And as in Him so in his other Self whose untimely [7] Like Rachels Gen. 35.16 19. untimely not to her but unto us as Phil ip of Macedon spake of his friend Hipparchus Plutarch Apotheg death first gave life unto what you now read One especial matter which setteth forth the prayses of our God consisteth in [1] Psalm 66 16 Veritatem celare est aurum sepelire S. Aug. confess l. 12. what the Lord hath done for his chosen servants Our God is glorified in those divine Histories which tell us how great mercies the Lord poured upon Abraham Moses Joshua Samuel David Solomon c. He is glorified in such Scriptures as mention the prayses of Sarah Rebeccah Deborah Ruth Hannah Abigail and those other Matrons whose good examples are recorded for our learning There were that [2] Mat. 26.8 had indignation at Mary for pouring so precious ointment upon the Head of our Saviour neverthelesse it is the glory of our Saviour that Her prayse is [3] Mat. 26.13 in the Gospel May it likewise be interpreted unto the glory of our God if wheresoever this small Treatise shall finde acceptance there some of those blessings which the Lord vouchsafed unto this religious Gentlewoman be told for a memorial of her To the Right Worshipfull Sir JOHN HALES Baronet Encrease of favour with God and man SIR AMong those affectionate Kinsfolk so uncomfortably withheld from the solemn burial of your pious Aunt YOU her Dearest Nephew were a Chief Her embalmed Corps you did not see her spiced and perfumed Grave you could not attend I am bold therefore to place before you this Specimen of [1] [1] Illa quidem anima in societatem sidelium recepta landes nec curat nec quaerit humanas imitationem quaerit non laudem S. Aug. Epist 125. her Funerals A rough unpolished unhewn Tomb-stone it is a Stone worthy to be rolled away by the same hand which erecteth it Vouchsafe neverthelesse to approach unto it as [2] [2] Tumulum intuens pius esio unto her lively Monument For if the memory of this good Gentlewoman shall remain dear unto you you by delighting to imitate her vertues will partake of Her happinesse past and present You will during life obtain peace and after death life more abundant Dominae Dorotheae Rutter Vera Effigies Martij 21 mo 1661 2 Anno Aetatis suae ult et 31 mo Life more abundant in her lookes you see Picture her Soule a Heav'nly Saint is Shee Sir I willingly promise my self this blessing because it farreth with those good Christians who bury their Friends as it doth with us Ministers when we are crucified with Christ Espy us in the Town you see us in black mourning for the sinfulnesse of the World but meet us in the Temple you finde us in white rejoycing at the purity of the Gospel just so when good Christians have buried their dead if their thoughts reach no further then this World well may they cloath themselves in mourning but let their thoughts follow their dead unto their Fathers House and then their grief and sorrowes are swallowed up in Joy and Rejoycings From my Study April 3d. 1662. COnsider this dear and worthy Gentlewoman first as She was a part of this world next as She was a Member of the Church and thirdly as She is present with the Lord within the mansions in her Fathers House In every of these you will see plentiful matter layed before you for the prayses of Our God First In the things of this Life It is the glory of our God that while he [1] Psalm 17.14 giveth unto the wicked their portion only in this life He is also in the things of this life sometimes bountiful as well unto the [2] Matth. 5.45 just as unto the unjust thus he was unto [3] Gen. 13.2 6 Abraham and thus he was unto this [4] Gal. 3.7 Daughter of Abraham From the Cradle which first danced at the voyce of her cryes unto the grave which now bewaileth her silence little very little cause there was why Her heart should be troubled For instance The more loyal our affections be toward our most gracious Soveraign Lord the King the more honour we have for that Sexe which gave conception and birth unto his sacred Majesties sacred Person Adam he [1] Gen. 3.20 calleth his wives name Evah Why Answ Because she was the Grandmother of Christ in whom all are made alive Beloved Let not the community of a Blessing bury that Blessing in oblivion The Friend of whom we now speak was a Daughter in Israel to wit One of that Sexe which had both the Happinesse and the Honour to bring the Great Redeemer of all mankind into the World As for her lineage I am no Herald yet this I can say as by wedlock she matched into a [1] For she was married unto Michael Rutter of Burton on the Hill in the County of Glou. Esquire worthy Family a Family of a just esteem a Family of a good and [2] See page 117. of the Vale Royal of England viz. The County Palatine of Chester illustrated by Dan. King long descent so She her Self was no Filia terrae It is of God that while one Family is low and obscure another is superiour and exalted This Gentlewoman was of the later and superiour sort She was the branch the off-spring of a very Generous Stock I shall utter more then in other words I can so well expresse if I tell you she was a [3] Of which Family see Dugdals Surveigh of Warwicksh HALES a HALES no way over-reached by any specious pretences of hypocritical Rebels Whereas the honesty of some great Ones is rugged and the seed of their goodnesse unformed for want of an early education it was not so with this Friend she was highly civilized Indeed Her education was as well became Her Eminent birth very singular Furthermore it was as successeful-as exquisite Her wealth was suitable unto her birth The blessing of the Lord made her rich and he added no sorrow with it Her body that body which now sleepeth in Jesus was herein a picture of her soul upright and graceful In the natural endowments of her mind she surpassed many of her equals She had a tenacious memory an elegant fancy a piercing judgement and a deep understanding Her acquired parts were no lesse remarkable She read much and much unto her benefit witnesse her language alwayes apposite witnesse her habitual transcendent elocution and from that again the law of kindnesse which was ever in her lips together with that charity and that piety which so often perfumed her familiar Discourse Although she could not
thereof we (3) 2 Cor. 12.10 Est quaedam stere volupt as take pleasure in infirmities The Lord hath set adversitie over against prosperity (4) Symmachus Cajetanus in locum to the end that man should finde nothing worthy complaint 5 nothing therefore wearisome because alwayes the same That life is certainly the least burdensome which is checkered as well with the darknesse of affliction as with the light of gladnesse Yeares would slip from us like a dream did neither vanitie nor (5) Eccles 1.2 vexation keep us awake Winter is (6) Gen. 8.22 every whit as seasonable as is either Spring or Autumn and frosts not only purge but (7) Job 37.10 Matth. 5.4 please Then the morning is comfortable when weeping (8) Psal 30.5 endured a whole night and the likeliest course to reap in joy is to sowe (9) Psa 126.5 in teares A holy rest prepareth for (10) Exod. 20.9 six dayes labour and when by (11) 1 Cor. 7.20 24 2 Thess 3.10 walking in our Vocations we have gotten a (12) Mat. 5.6 Esay 58.13 spiritual appetite the first day of the week will be more the (13) John 20.1 19 Acts 20.7 1 Cor. 16.2 Revel 1.10 Lords day then our own without (14) There is such a thing as Mos populi Dei As every society so the Church besides her habemus legem hath her habemus consuetudinem Men have so great a good liking to duties which be afterward their customes that they are remembred without book neither need they be put in writing as Lawes and Statutes are Bishop Andrews Serm. 13. of the Resurrection The Civil Law speaking of Custom saith Imò magnae authoritatis hoc jus habetur quòd in tantum probatum est ut non fuerit scripter comprehendere necesse Pandect 1. Tit. 3. de legibus 35. Once call to mind what provision God made in the old Testament for his Ministery by Tithes and Offerings and for his publique worship not only on every seventh doy bùt in very many other yearly festivals and except you will either deny God your Rom. 12.1 reasonable service or else degrade the 2 Cor. 3.7 8 9 10 11. ministration of the Gospel below the ministration of death you must openly acknowledge that concerning either the maintenance of Gods Ministery or solemn dayes for Gods worship under the new Testament the holy and blessed Spirit need not 1 Thess 1.8.4.9.5.1 2. 1 John 2.27 Heb. 8.12 Esay 35.8 write unto us more then what is already written and received in the 1 John 2.7 old Testament Wherefore if any disclaim the observation of other our Holy dayes Psalm 81.3.42.4 Esther 9.26 27. John 10 22. much more if any disclaim the observation of the Lords day it is sufficient if we reply first with the first Nicene Counsel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Deut. 4.12 Job 8.8 Jer. 6.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 next with the Apostle 1 Cor. 11.16 we have no such custom neither the Churches of God videas Cyril in Joan. l. 12. c. 58. As Christ substituted the Lords Supper instead of the Posseover so did he the Lords day in the Jewish Sabbaths room saith Athanasius further scruple I say In the Kindome of grace Look how many the troubles of the righteous are so many are their (1) Rom. 8.28 Psalm 34.19.50.15 83.18 opportunities of glorifying God as God First amidst equal paines variety affordeth some ease and the more (2) Rom. 101.1 amant alterna Camaenae vicissitudes we finde the lesse we nauseate our wearisome lives Next It is both (3) Jerem. 10.24 judgement from God and mercy to us that we are corrected The (4) Rom. 6.23 wages of sin is death now because the deadly wound and killing stroke lighted upon Him who (5) Rom. 5.6 7 8 most willingly dyed for us meet it is that we our selves (6) 2 Sam. 12.13 14 10 should feel some smart That we may perceive how heavy a curse we had (7) Gal. 3.10 13 layen under had not the only Son of God been made a curse for us meet it is that (8) Gal. 6.5 every man should bear some part of his own burden and most kindly it is that we (9) Matth. 20.23 taste although we do but taste that bitter Cup the dregs whereof the mighty Redeemer drank in our stead In the third place more (10) Heb. 12.1 easily sin besetteth us the the more circumspectly we do at least the more circumspectly we should walk In (11) Mic. 7.8 Luke 12.35 dark nights we are careful to keep (12) Perdidistis utilitatem calamitatis S. August our Lamps burning If ought can draw us out of Gods blessing it is the (13) Deut. 6.12 Prov 1.32 Woe to the house where there is no chiding warm Sun as for stormes they compell us to have (14) Luke 12.32 Psalm 119.71 our loynes girt Fourthly where sorrow for sin aboundeth there thankfulnesse for free grace much more (15) Rom. 5.20 aboundeth when the letter killeth then (16) 2 Cor. 3.6 Christ cometh that we may have life and that we may have it (17) John 10.10 more abundantly Fifthly the more grievous godly sorrow is for the present (18) Heb. 12.11 afterward the more it bringeth forth the peaceable fruits of righteousnesse Sixthly If we were without chastisement whereof all are (19) Heb. 12.8 partakers we should then seem to our selves bastards and not Sons Whom thou Lord lovest them thou (20) Heb. 12.6 chastenest O shew me some (21) Psa 86.17 At tu si modò sum caelesti stirpe creatus Ede notam tanti generis meque assere coelo Ovid. Psalm 23.4 Revel 3.19 token for good A seventh particular I will be (22) Pse 31.7 glad and rejoyce in thy mercy for thou hast considered my trouble and hast known my soul in adversities Unto us in the Kingdom of grace Calamities are trials as woll of (23) Pse 20.6 41.11 Gods goodness as of (24) Deut. 8.2 16 Judges 2.22 3.1 our own It is matter worthy our thanksgiving unto God that the shoe waxeth not old upon the (25) Deu 29.5 Pilgrims foot or that his weather-beaten garment abideth new If the Prophets Widow be poor God will (26) 2 Ki. 4.1 7 pay her debts and that Widow in Zarephath shall not want for a (27) Ps 104.15 chearful countenance so long as her Cruse is (28) 1 Kings 17.16 filled with Oyle Elijah will (29) 1 Kings 17.6 want bread to chuse forasmuch as his God (30) Psa 147.9 feedeth the Ravens O my God the bones which thou (31) At Sir Thomas Overburies gate Monday Jan. 29th 1654. hast broken do (32) The Lord do good unto the house of the Overburies for then when I was mortally bruised they tenderly refreshed me 1 Tim. 1.16 rejoyce for during my weaknesse thou didst (33) A week together at Sir Thomas Overburies
be born but she must be [1] Job 14.1 born to know sorrow surely goodnesse and mercy followed her all the dayes of her life Even in all his Dispensations toward her so favourable unto her were the providences of her God that most usually her sorrowes and mourning were recompenced with joy and gladnesse True She knew the losse of Children but she never [1] Esay 47.8 sat as a Widow Bury some Kinred she did bury some Kinred if she her self would live she must but the God of our life which removed from her some Friends exalted other of her Kinred as surviving blessings The same God which suffered her to close the eyes of her dearest Parents instead of her Parents hath given unto her [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eurip. in Oreste children hopeful Children She lived to see the captivity * During our late Wars of our Zion but as Moses from Mount Nebo did before his death behold the promised Canaan so neither did she depart this life until having with [1] Heb. 2.1 the Prophet watched to see what the Lord would say She did with [2] Psal 85.8 the Psalmist hear him speak peace unto his people and to his Saints As she prayed for the peace of our Jerusalem so she saw her prayers answered She left not this transitory world until she had first seen that Deliverance which the great God hath most mercifully and most miraculously brought unto us his most unworthy people Hitherto you have chiefly seen what praises we owe unto the divine Majesty in the behalf of this dear Friend for common mercies Beloved although the bountiful God scattereth these blessings of his left hand as well upon the evil as upon the good yet when these worldly favours are placed in and imparted unto an elect Vessel they then begin to be spiritual Blessings Wherefore as God hath had the glory of his Benefits unto this singular Friend of ours in the things of this life so blesse we the Name of the Lord for that large portion of true Riches which she received in things appertaining unto a better life Concerning things appertaining unto the Gospel God was very gracious unto this singular Gentlewoman for she was exceeding happy in [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 prudent and religious Parents By them not out of custome but out of a religious choyce she was consecrated in Baptism unto their God By them she was brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord By them she was trained up in the way she should walk in which way of holinesse she kept unto the end Hence it was that she was so great a lover of good Books of good [1] Scias ipsum plurimis virtutibus abundare qui alienas sic amat Plin. lib. 1. Ep. 17. men of Lords dayes of holy Festivals and of holy Ordinances But over and above these outward priviledges of the Gospel as she walked uprightly so the Lord God Her Sun and Shield had [1] Psalm 84.11 vouchsafed unto her his free grace I say over and above these outward priviledges she had that one blessing which maketh all the rest such for the holy God withheld not from her his holy his blessed Spirit The most merciful and most gracious Father of Lights did by his good Spirit lead her in the way that she should walk in He guided her obedient soul by His Counsel and hath now received her unto his glory That is the last In the life of Glory Of this what shall I report Might her blessed soul descend hither unto us She would now tell us things which cannot be by me uttered What Our eyes have not seen what Our eares have not heard what our hearts cannot conceive that would Her glorified Soul reveal unto us We I trust shall go to Her She you know shall not come to us only This This is our Comfort that As Solomon removed the Ark from the Tabernacle unto the Temple so the Son of David even the person speaking in my Text He hath translated the soul of this Saint from her earthly Tabernacle unto the mansions in his Fathers house For this also it is our Duty to give much thanks unto our God Quest But how shall we best expresse this our thankfulnesse Answ By endeavouring as she endeavoured after a sanctified enjoyment of every of Gods blessings This Gentlewoman whose whole life was a continued thankfulnesse unto the God of her mercies may be unto us both a Motive unto religious thanksgivings and an Example A Motive for [1] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that this righteous Gentlewoman shall be had in everlasting remembrance assuring us that the prayse of a Gospel-Conversation endureth for ever An Example because she could and did shew us Her faith by Her works viz. She made the Blessings of this World serviceable unto the blessings of the Gospel and When at any time troubles arose in her heart she believed in God she believed also in Christ The greatest part of her Conversation I say the greatest part of it was not only a Practice but a Pattern of Piety Look upon her self-denyals She was as I told you very well descended But did any of you ever hear her boasting her Ancesters She had Wealth at will but Did she make it an occasion unto pride With plenty she possessed the right the humble the spiritual enjoyment of plenty Others make it their businesse to be not Christian but vainly Gentile but she instead of drowning a Christian in a Gentlewoman taught Gentility to adorn Christianity Others are more for the broidering of the hair then for the Ornament of a meek Spirit Was she so Others are more for the pride of life then for the beauty of holinesse Was she so She was none of that sort of Gentry which like S. Chrysostomes Schoolmaster [1] When Liban us who had tought Chrysostome in Philoâ—o by was asked who should succeed him in teaching Libanius answered No one but Chrysostom had not the Christians won him to them Platina in vita Zosomi repute Christs Ministers therefore contemptible because Christs Ministers She was very well educated but was she more a Courtier then a Saint Could any prophane Esau keep her by her Chimney-side then when health allowed her to attend Gods Ordinances in Gods House She had good elocution But was guile found in her mouth I speak this to her praise She detested hypocrisie in another much in her self more On the other side She was a lover of good persons because [1] Ut de pictore aut de sculptore nisi artisex judicare non possit ita nisi sapiens non possit perspiccre sapientem Plin. lib. 1. Ep. 10. good Not long since [1] viz. Octob. 15. 1660. my very good Lady [2] The Lady Ann Overbury late widow of Sir Giles Overbury Knight went comfortably from her own house unto the mansions in her Fathers House Friends You never heard this Gentlewoman
20 deserved a Pillar much more doth Hers. That Rachel followed after [5] Gen. 31.35 35.2 Justly might Rachel be buried Esay 1.29 nader an Oak idol fancies this after true godlinesse after the God of holinesse she followed not after false Gods Seeing now her steps followed God her works follow her Her name is [6] Eccles 7.1 precious among us and as [7] Mrs. Rutters body was embalmed her body so her [8] Nee doleas quod talem amiseris sed gaudeas quòd talem habueris Hieron in Epitaph Nepotian page 23. Memory is embalmed She hath travailed [1] Qaid invidetis bonam mortem cui dare vitam non potestis Plin. lib. 2. Epist. 20. quite thorow all that this world can [2] Eccles 1.2 7.1 afford viz. Troubles of heart She went farre into the Kingdome of Grace viz. she believed in God she believed in Christ And hath already entred the Kingdome of Glory possessing mansions in her Fathers house While she abode on earth she delighted in Saints now with [3] Illum non emori sed emigrare mutare amicos non relinquere intelligeres Saints she abideth Complain not then that she departed hence in the midst of her age for a vertuous life is a [4] Wisdom 4 7 8 9 Placita erat Deo anima illius in brevi spatio multa complevit S. Hieron Fitaph Lucinij long life Untimely her death was but as the Father of Alexander said [5] Plutarch Apothig in Philippo of his Friend Hipparchus the untimelinesse was not unto her self but unto us Not unto her self for God [6] Gen. 5.24 took her no nor yet unto us for The [7] Matth. 6.20 Acts 21.24 good will of our God be done Life may by no meanes be neglected great is the blessing of long life especially there where it is found in [1] Whereas green fruit and a young man want their true taste Old age is the vessel of prudeace the way of wisdome Yet compare the long life of common persons with the short life of this singular Christian In looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God many a One is so dull so slow that after the irksome labours and sorrowes of fourscore yeares his unprepared soul beginneth to cry O spare me a little before I go hence But this Christian began early in the Morning and loe she hath finished her course betimes She [2] Nos dolendi magis qui quotidiè stamns in praetio peccatoruâ— vitiis sordidamis vulaera accipimus de â—â—oso verbo sumus reddituri ratâ—â—em Idem ib.d. found favour with the Lord in the [3] Esay 57.1 We may say coâ—ceming Mrs. Rutter as our said of S. Anselm Hoâ— tempus ci datum est ut majus boaum ci in aeternitate daretur midst of her age The Race which was set before her she run as well with good speed as with patience She ran and so ran that at the one half of her yeares she obtained mercy Call to mind her dayes which she hath passed you will acknowledge them [1] aetarem ultra putet L. Florus lib. 1. Prolog worthy your imitation yea and worthy your thanksgivings too Think upon her present life you will finde in it Life more abundant Life most worthy your more abundant thanks most worthy your more abundant rejoycings too True WE cannot roll away the Stone from her grave but in due time the good Angel in my Text [2] Hos 6.2 will Yea She her self being [1] 1 Cor. 15.32 dead yet [2] Fiducia Christianorum resurrectio mortuorum Tertul. speaketh while her first Resurrection is an earnest of her second Wherefore Let not your heart be troubled Or if for a season troubled it be imitate Her for whom ye mourn As she did so do you Believe in God believe in Christ then as she doth so shall ye ye shall enjoy mansions in my Fathers House rather as she doth so shall ye ye shall glorifie your God as God Time it self [3] Rev. 10.6 must dye ye Death it self [4] Rev. 21.4 must dye but every soul which rejoyceth to glorifie God [5] Quamdiu hic moramur peregrinamur à Dommo Ad hoc anti sumus ut mâ—â—eamus aterni Hi ron ad Paul super Blesillae filae obitum Therefore as She in her Funeral Rings Posie saith I am not lost but gone before So we Non amâ—simus sed praemisimus August ad Iralicam viduam Epist 6. Non moeremus quod talem amisimus sed gratias agimus quòd habâ—â—mus imó quòd habemus Deo enim Matth. 22.32 vivuâ—t omtia quicquid revâ—titur ad Dominum in Eph. 3.15 Familiae numero computatur S. Hieron ad Eustoch in Epicaph Paul endureth for ever for which everlasting mercy and for every other mercy of his both to our bodies and to our souls ever for ever blessed be the Name of the Lord. Amen THE Jewes when they build a House are [1] J. G. out of Leon Moden digit Rili Hebraia Part. 1. bound to leave some part of it unfinished in remembrance of the destruction of Jerusalem By the same Rule in memory of this Friends dissolution I should break off here I should here leave my Discourse dying [2] John 11.16 at the Gentlewomans Grave unperfected Beloved compasse all that is before me I cannot yet neither am I inconstant unto [3] See the method proposed p. 272. my self neither dare I be forgetful of my God even of your God and mine viz. What prayses I bring I sacrifice not unto the dead but unto [4] Rev. 1.18 Him who is alive and liveth for evermore Wherefore By these few and slender instances which both I have newly given and you have patiently received I say by these few and slender instances of those many and large favours wherewith the Lord richly [1] That may be truly said of this Mrs. Dorothy Rutter which was said of Socrates Whosoever knew him loved him and honoured him and they that did not so it was because they did not know him enamelled the perfections of this One single short-lived Friend Judge I pray you between Our God and Us concerning the whole multitude of his mercies toward Vs toward Ours toward all believers from common mercies not excluding unbelievers and reprobates Concerning life past present future day by day hour by hour doth this God vouchsafe renew accumulate upon these sinful soules and bodies of ours mercies multifarious numberlesse unsearchable Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gifts Utter them we cannot Point toward them [1] Quia ipsa sibi obstat magnitudo rerumque diversitas aciem intentionis abrumpit faciam quòd solent qui terrarum situs piagunt in brevi quasi tabellà tolam ejus magnitudinem amplectar L. Florus l. 1. Prolog we may Revise a little those three great Kingdomes upon which we were entring having a little viewed them
house Compare 2 Sam. 13.6 with Psa 41.3 Cant. 1.13.2.6 make my bed Let my Beloved stay me with flagons or comfort me with apples and I 'le most willingly be (34) A weck together at Sir Thomas Overburies house Compare 2 Sam. 13.5 sick of love Let Saul encrease his fury it mattereth not so long as Jonathans heart is knit to David the more (35) 1 Sam. 20.4 Davids troubles encrease the more Jonathans loving (36) crescent illae crescetis amores kindnesses appear Good God In all our afflictions thou [37] Isa 63.9 art afflicted Can Heaven it self yield unto us many larger matters of thankfulnesse then this Blessed are they that [38] Rev. 14.13 rest from their labours I deny it not mean while I add Blessed are they who lead a [39] Mat. 5.4 heavy life viz. They shall still be praysing thy Spirit the [40] Joh. 14.16 Comforter thy Son saying in my Text Let not your heart be troubled and thy Self the [41] 2 Cor. 1.3 father of mercies Who hath none to still him may weep his eyes out but we know [42] 2 Tim 1.12 in whom we have believed The Rabbins [43] Elias Thisbites in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 reckon twenty sorts of thorns mentioned in the old Testament were those twenty and twenty more in our sides the blood of the new Testament would [44] 2 Cor. 12.9 draw them forth unto the prayse and glory of the Testator Thorough our thanksgiving for many deliverances the [45] 2 Cor. 4.15 Christus Dominus veluti medicus anima rum summus ad curandum grav's ani ni morbos permittit electos suos morbis corporum graviter affligi Eâ— quod plus est ad curandum majora crimina permittit in cidere in minora etiam mortalia D. Tho. in 2 Cor. 12. lect 3. abundant grace will redound to the glory of God Ye who mourn in Zion seven-fold are your opportunities of glorifying God as God and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way We shall in Heaven [1] Rom. 8 17 2 Tim. 2.12 reign with Christ true but that which is on our part the [2] Acts 20.35 more blessed is this We here in this Kingdom of grace have the honour not only to [3] Rom. 5.17 rule with Christ but also to [4] Rom. 8.17 Acts 5.41 Phil. 3.10 Col. 1.24 suffer with Christ said Thomas [5] John 11.16 Let us also go that we may dye with him Brethren I protest by our rejoycing which we have in Christ Jesus our Lord we may with him [6] 1 Cor. 15.31 Non decent sub spinoso capite membra esse delicata dye daily There is an Elixar in ever godly mans sorrow This Kingdome of grace hath a Chimique power it extracteth Oyl out of Flints Silver out of Lead Gold out of Brass it sweeteneth the bitterest [7] Aâ—deo dicere superhis esse utile cadere in aliquod apertum manisestumque peccatum unde sibi displiceant quijam sibi placeddo ceciderant sâ—abrias eniâ— Petrus sibi displicuit quandâ— sleviâ— quam sibi placuit quandâ— praesumpsit August de civitate Dei l. 14 c. 13. Wormwood consecrateth every cross spiritualizeth every tribulation maketh whatsoever we suffer a suffering with Christ Ignatius his love was crucified and so is [8] Gal. 2.20 6.14 ours Beloved this is a matter worthy our thanksgiving a happinesse peculiar unto this present life that to us it is [9] Phil. 1.29 GIVEN to suffer with Christ a Talent which into the future Kingdom of glory we may in no wise carry with us Once more There is [1] Esay 45.3 a promise of Treasures of darknesse Oh Sirs The dark grief for the [2] Eph. 4.18 darknesse of ignorance the darknesse of [3] Jer. 13.16 sorrow for sin and every other darknesse of [4] Lom 3.6 affliction doth in This kingdome of Heaven bring forth Treasures which Treasures the holy Angels cannot but we sinners [5] Psalm 51.3 17 32.5 2 Cor. 7.10 12 Esay 57.15 66.20 Rom. 10.10 Dan. 9.10 Ezra 10.1 may and do dedicate unto our God Although they have in Heaven no such passions as anger indignation hatred fear sim of these Priviledges We partake In our [6] Eph. 6.12 warfare against sin and Satan these passions these spiritual [7] 2 Cor. 10.4 weapons we use and for them blessed be our God It is matter well worthy our most unfeigned thanksgivings that we have by these our [8] Heb. 5.14 senses (9) 1 Tim. 4.7 exercised unto godliness Worldly and carnally minded persons have such passions but no [10] 1 John 2.15 Rom. 8.9 godlinesse the Saints departed have a godliness but no [11] 1 Cor. 15.52 such passions whereas we of the kingdome of grace participate of both esteeming the exercise of godlinesse a [12] Acts 24.16 1 Tim. 4.7 8 Psalm 119.47 great refreshment a delightful recreation a ravishing delight After death it will be too too late to [13] Isa 25.8 attempt humiliation contrition sorrow self-denial repentance c. Let not your heart be troubled taketh no place within the mansions in my Fathers house we cannot [14] Revel 7.17 21.4 shed teares in Heaven we cannot sacrifice [15] Joel 2.13 Psalm 51.17 a sorrowful spirit in Heaven Friends this matter for our thanksgiving which here we in the Kingdome of grace daily rejoyce in they in the kingdome of glory have not Christians Let us [16] Joel 56.8 42.3 Jeb 16.20 Esay 38.5 Jerem. 9.1 Lam. 2.18 Mal. 2.13 Luke 7.38.44 Acts 20.19.31 2 Tim. 1.4 bottle up teares for Heaven while we may let us weep for our sins committed let us mourn for him whom [17] Zech 12.10 we have pierced while we yet may Teares and blood these are the white and red colours the [18] Gal. 6.14 Rom. 1.16 Matth. 16.24 Domine hic da mihi poenitentiam postea indulgentiam Fulgentius flourishing trophies peculiar not unto the Church triumphant but unto the Church militant oh that with religious sighs and loving teares we could daily glorifie our God as God! Hitherto of the Moon [1] Revel 12.1 under our feet now of the [2] Revel 1.16 Sun over our heads hitherto of the [3] Jer. 32.27 God of all flesh now of the Father of [4] Heb. 12.9 Spirits hitherto of the body which is [5] Matth. 6.24 more then raiment now of what the Lord hath [6] Psalm 66.16 done for our soules for in the kingdome of grace duly considered these are the [7] 2 Cor. 4.18 non inferiora secutus most principal points worthy our thanksgiving in these distinctly we glorifie God as God If from that consolation Let not your heart be troubled we have found so plentiful matter of thanksgivings what may we expect from the reason and ground of that consolation Ye believe in God believe also in me Few there are who [1] Rari
suat qui Phâ—losophantur Ulpian de excus leg 5. finde the promise of this life neverthelesse be it that Ahab speedeth the better for humbling his heart or that Israel procure corn and wine by howling [2] Hos 7.14 Uxor dicitur quae dotem habet concubina vero quae non habet upon their bed or that every hypocrite hath the whole reward which he looketh after yet still while he preferreth things temporal before things eternal his soul is more like a* concubine then a spouse Yea let a man suck out the [3] Disce gaudere caetera bilares levitates sunt mihi crede res severa est verum gaudium Quid sit islu l interrogas Dicam ex bonâ consciâ—nt á ex honest's consiliis ex rectis actionibus Seneca lib. 3. Ep. 13. ad Lucil. sweets of Vertue let his soul delude her self with the common works of the Spirit and mistake counterfeit grace for true grace I confesse no heathen Philosopher could ever attain so near no not unto this lifes happinesse I say the soul that perisheth cannot finde a more self-pleasing practice wherewith to feed empty hopes yet still this happinesse is only in this life it is but a perishing happinesse As young as he was that dying Prince of Loraine could say [4] O Domine Jesu quem meritò praecepisti muâ—di contemptum O Lord Jesu most deservedly hast thou required our contempt of this world And Philip the third of Spain [5] Nihil confert regemesse nisi ut in morte cruciet suisse Mendoza in 1 Sam. Tom. 1. Page ult protested All the sweet which I have found in being a King only serves to embitter my death Beloved it fareth not so with the Kingdome of grace To believe in God to believe in his Christ does as well in death as in life raise for us Matter of Thankfulnesse unto God viz. First For [1] Psalm 19.11 giving us to [2] Gen. 2.17 understand our [3] Rom. 7 8 9 lost condition Who [4] Gen. 3.11 told us that we were naked Children of wrath we [5] Ephes 2.3 are by nature but who hath warned us to [6] Matth. 3.7 flee from wrath If God say unto Abimelech Thou art [7] Ephes 2.1 Gen. 20.3 a dead man there is mercy [8] Ephes 2.7 intended for Abimelech Whether we heed it or heed it not Guilt dwelleth in us It is therefore of thy free mercy O our God that the Scripture hath [9] Gal. 3.22 concluded us all under sin Secondly For delivering us from so great a death Gnashing of teeth weeping wailing This was our portion for ever Ah who among us can abide darknesse which may be felt perpetual darknesse perpetual darknesse in a bottomlesse pit in a bottomlesse pit streaming with brimstone even with everlasting burnings With everlasting burnings kindled by the breath of the Lord by the breath of Him [1] Horresco resereas unto whom vengeance belongeth even of a provoked Judge of an enraged Father in short of a jealous angry furious God! O give thanks unto the Lord for his mercy endureth for ever Thirdly For redeeming us not only from torment but from damnation Friends though we must all appear before the judgement seat of God yet there is [1] Rom. 8.1 no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus A Malefactor reprieved at the place of Execution escapeth death yet was he in a peck of cares in a bodily fright he trembled every joint of him then when he held up his hand at the Bar he looked as pale as that death which he feared at what time sentence was pronouncing against him But ye Beloved give glory to the Father of mercies Although the ungodly [2] Psalm 1.5 cannot the righteous shall [3] Psalm 37.33 stand in judgement That great and last day terrible to unbelievers to you shall be a day of [4] Revel 12.10 absolution a day of [5] Ephes 4.30 redemption a day of [6] Acts 3.21 restitution a day of [7] Luke 21.28 exaltation yea of exultation rejoycing and triumph Christians you shall be so far from dreading judgement that you your selves shall [8] 1 Cor. 6.2 judge the Angels Fourthly For preserving us as in Judgement so in death Unto us death shall be not our fear but our hope not our sting but our gain When we shall like the Priests [1] Luke 1.8 in the Temple have sinished our course we shall then [2] Revel 14.13 Heb. 4.9 rest from our labours We shall not only rest but [3] Psalm 127.2 sleep sleep we [4] Dan. 12.2 shall and shall sleep [5] 1 Thes 4.14 in Jesus Thanks be unto God for our life in death Fifthly For begetting us unto a [1] 1 Pet. 3.1 lively hope We who [2] Esay 48.8 from the tombe unto [3] John 3.3 our new birth have [4] Esay 1.2 Jerem. 5.23 Ezek 2.7 fought against [5] Psalm 2.6 10.16 our King had high cause to despair of obtaining mercy Against our dread Soveraign even then when He Himself stood at at the door [6] Rev. 3.20 and knocked we have shut the door of our Imagination which should ever conceive of him not evil but good the door of our Memory which should never let him go the door of our Vnderstanding which should in all our wayes acknowledge him the door of our Affections which should rejoyce in him above all that can be desired the door of our Conscience which should ever admit him a witnesse unto all our deeds words and thoughts These [7] Psalm 24.7 everlasting doores have we bolted against him wherefore most equal it is that he should shut against us every [8] Hos 2.15 Matth. 25.10 Prov. 1.26 28 door of hope yet lo before we call He answereth yea He expostulateth [9] Ezek. 18.31 Why will ye dye He saith unto us [10] Ezek. 16.6 Live What compassions he bare unto his Brethren Joseph [11] Gen. 42.17 concealed How Esau would deal [12] Gen. 32.7 by Jacob Jacob was not worthy to foreknow but for the righteous light is [13] Psalm 97.11 sown Our life which is given us for a prey is [14] 2 Tim. 1.10 brought to light doth not hang in doubt before us Sixthly For the exercise of godlinesse When the (1) Saper King of Persia led about the Roman (2) Valeriames Emperour captive so often as he took Horse he trod upon the back of this Emperour the late Emperour of Rome was now made an Upping stock Beloved the King of Heaven doth not like that King of Persia Upon us he trampleth not His enemies he (3) Psalm 110.1 Esay 63.3 doth his redeemed ones he doth not make his footstool VVe are not handled we are not (4) Judges 1.7 thumbed as were those seventy Kings whom Adoni-bezek used worse then dogs God neither fettereth nor cageth us as Tamerlan did Bajazet