humors rather than loose the diversion of hers And therefore when any had been declaiming against or censuring others or talking of any light and unprofitable thing which is the Theme commonly of Worldly Conversation Her presence as well before as after her Marriage was of sufficient Authority to silence them and Mrs. Trevor Hanmer or my Lady VVarner is coming was a forcible Item to turn the hotest Discourse into such an one as might not be displeasing to her Which evidenc'd how far they were from regretting the interruption of their own Discourse and how glad of the occasion of enjoying her's which was ever diverting and innocent CHAP. VI. The first beginning and occasion of her Conversion ALmighty God who disposeth all things no less effectually than sweetly would no longer permit one who had liv'd up so strictly to the light of Nature and Education to live without the light of Grace The beginning of her Conversion was after this manner Her Father Sir Thomas Hanmer thought a diversion for her very necessary and therefore invited Sir Iohn and her with their whole Family to Winter with him at Betisfield Whether as soon as she had recover'd her strength after her Lying-in of her Youngest Daughter they began their Journy Her diversion was Sir Thomas's design in this Invitation but her Conversion was intended by Higher Powers nor can this be reflected upon without a special Adoration of the secret Councils of Divine Providence In this sejornment it was she first began to doubt of her Religion which is commonly the first step that God makes use of to bring those that are not in it to the knowledge of the true one Hitherto she thought her self in so secure a way to Salvation that her Brother's kind and earnest intreaties of her to leave it could as we have said work nothing upon her and was so constant in it that nothing could make her think of a change but the hopes as we have said of a Religious Life to which she often found so violent an impulse that even permited her not to reflect upon the Abjuration of Protestancy which it necessarily requir'd Otherwise the difference in so Essential a Point as the Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament would have startled her and put an end to her Design of being a Nun as it did surprize her when she heard this was the Belief the Church of England Profess'd of which she hitherto acknowledg'd her self a Member One Night after Supper it happen'd that my Lady Hanmer in a Discourse about Religion affirm'd That the Belief of the Real Presence of our Savior in the Blessed Sacrament was acknowledg'd by the Public Liturgy of the Church of England which was Authoriz'd and Commanded to be Read in all Churches of the Kingdom My Lady VVarner surpriz'd at this Assertion Modestly reply d Then Madam I have hitherto been very ignorant in the Religion I Profess and have been brought up in from a Child My Lady persisted still in her Assertion and admit'd her ignorance in so considerable a Point of Faith and Sir Thomas Hanmer affirming my Lady to be in the right and his Daughter to be in an Error She was extreamly perplext to think She had been so long brought up in the Belief of that Tenet which the Church she Profess'd her self of disown'd fearing that as she was ignorant in this so necessary a Point of Faith She might be so also in others no less Essential However thô she could not submit her Judgment even to her Father's whose knowledge and experience she knew to be far greater than her own and that his kindness also was too great to lead her into an Error so deep are the impressions of Education as not easily to be canceld yet she prudently seem'd to acquiesce to their Opinion rather than farther contradict them and suspended her Judgment till she could better inform her self in so important a Point which she intended to do at London Which place after Sâ—x Months kind Entertainment Sir Iohn and she with their whole Family was to pass through in their way home She no sooner came to London but Sir Iohn Hanmer her Brother came to Visit her and told her her Unckle Hanmer a Title the VVelsh give to such as are Cousins only when they much exceed them in Age was in Town and would be very glad to see her This was that Father of the Society of Iesus above mention'd with whom she had treated about being Religious She was at first a little concern'd about what he would think of her for having embrac'd a State of Life so contrary to what she had propos'd to him but Civility overcoming this apprehension She appointed a time to receive his intended Visit which he made at the time prefixt and was so far from taking notice of what she apprehended that he Congratulated with her for her happy Marriage but neglected not to take this occasion of speaking to her of Religion of the necessity of being in the true Church that there was but one that could be true there being but one Faith as there was but one God and one Baptism and desir'd her no less for her own than for his sake to take the pains only of examining impartially the Tenets of both Churches and she would soon find which was the true one She could not but make a Civil acknowledgment for his kind concern which gave him hopes that a second Visit would not be unwelcome whereby he thought he might be able to do good upon a Soul he found so well dispos'd to hear reason perceiving her neither prepossess'd nor byas d with passion or prejudice Two of the greatest impediments in the way to Truth The second time he went to Visit her he took occasion to Discourse upon the particular Tenets of the Roman Catholic Religion having in the first only toucht them in general and among other Points he discourst most at large upon the Real Presence For which thô he brought more and better Arguments than ever she had heard yet they only wrought upon her so far as to quicken her in the performance of the Resolution she had before taken of being better inform'd in a Point of such consequence assented to by her own as well as the Roman Catholic Church thô hitherto she had believ'd the contrary She receiv'd him with no less civility in this than in the former Visit which gave Mrs. Ioan Kinaston a Relation and particular friend of my Lady's an occasion to fear that this good Father whom she knew from my Lady to be a Priest had in those two Visits wrought very much upon her â—udgment in order to perswade her to his Opinions she having been present at them both and seen with what civility my Lady Treated him Whereupon she discover'd these her Sentiments to my Lady who assur'd her That she had the same belief as ever of the Truth of her own Religion and that her compliance with him was purely out of
knew had Visited her several times whilst she was in London My Lady had several Discourses with Father Travers in which he gave her so evident an assurance of the Truth of the Roman Catholic Religion that she resolv'd forthwith to embrace it and was in pain till shâ— did so but yet would first acquaint Sir Iohn with her desires Wherefore one Night they being alone together she told him she had a request to beg of him which for the Passion of our Savior she desir'd him not to deny her he was surpriz'd at such an earnest and unusal Petition and told her he wonder'd she should by so earnest a Solicitation express a fear of his refusal who had never yet deny'd her any thing she had askt and therefore she needed not with that earnestness demand any thing that was in his Power to grant since she could not but know it was as great a satisfaction to him to grant her request as it could be to her to obtain what she askt Upon this she desir'd him to give her leave to save her Soul he told her That he was now more struc at the request it self than before at the manner of asking it because she could not think he would deny her leave to save her Soul it being as dear to him as his own He could not yet conceive the drift or reason of this demand Infine she told him That she beg'd his leave to Reconcile her self to the Roman Catholic Church without which she was convinc'd she could never be sav'd Adding That thô she knew his Condescention to her Request would be a prejudice to him both in his Estate and Reputation yet she could not but believe that the Love she had ever experienc'd from him and the necessity of a grant of what she desâ—r'd in ordâ—r to her obtaining Heaven would move him to Sacrifice both for the Salvation of her Soul Sir Iohn knowing her Zeal for the Protestant Religion and how far she was from sickleness or unconstancy in any thing especially in Religion Could not conceive what should be the cause of so earnest and unexpected a Request Therefore He desir'd her to tell him how she came now to make this Petition after such an eaâ—nest manner as she had done Hereupon she told him all that had past at London both between herself and Father Hanmer and also between her and Dr. Buck at which he was no less surpriz'd than she had been before never having believ'd that to be the Protestant Faith which Dr. Buck declar'd to be so she told him also That this Gentleman whom her Vnckle Hanmer had sent had given her such a clear knowlâ—dge of the Roman Catholic Faith and such convincing Reasons of the Truth of it that she no longer doubted there was any other way to Salvation than by making her self a Member of the Roman Catholic Church Sir John desir'd her not to be too rash in her Resolutions telling her That oftentimes a too precepitous Zeal is apt to out-run reason and discretion and make Resolutions otherways good to become Abortive that too great heat is an hinderance from bringing any thing to prefection and then added How uncomfortable a thing it would be for them to be of different Religions that he had a Soul to save as well as she and that no Temporal Interest or loss of Reputation should hinder him from doing what was necessary to obtain Salvation That he was troubled no less than her self was upon what she had related and assur'd her that he would not rest satisfied till he was throughly convinc'd which of the two Religions was the truest and that perhaps after a diligent enquiry he might be of the same mind with her and that 't would be most comfortable to both to embrace the same Religion together But he believ'd this Gentleman would not be able to Answer such difficulties as he would propose to him concerning the Roman Catholic Faith which if he could not she would then have little reason to acquiesce in those Arguments he had given her for it And lastly Desir'd her for sâ—me time at least to defer for his sake the change of her Religion however if she thought these his Reasons insufficient to move her to do what he desir'd he left her intirly to her liberty to do what she thought best Hereupon she resolv'd to put off her Reconciliation till another time The next Morning Sir Iohn not doubting but that the difficulties he had to propose were unanswerable accosts the Gentleman who handsomly Eluded all Questions that might occasion a Dispute in Religion Which Sir Iohn perceiving told him That he wonder'd he shew'd not the same Zeal for his Soul that he had express'd for his VVives and did not give him the same satisfaction in his doubts that he found he had given her in hers The Gentleman perceiving that my Lady had inform'd Sir Iohn of all that had past desir'd him to propose his difficulties which he had no sooner done but the Gentleman so easily and clearly answer'd them that Sir Iohn was astonish'd and had nothing to reply to his Answers they being so clear and convincing Amongst other things Sir Iohn asking him what rational grounds there could be for a Belief of Purgatory Hereupon he solidly explicated them shewing the difference between the guilt of Punishment and guilt of Offence by the Example of David who after the Pardon of his Transgression had the Punishment of it inflicted upon him by the Death of his Child and so ingeniously Moraliz'd upon God's Infinite goodness and mercy that would not permit him to Damn a Soul for one small Offence no more than his Justice would suffer any thing that was defil'd to enter into Heaven and therefore requir'd either a Voluntary Pennance or Mortification to be undergone in this Life or an involuntary Punishment to be suffer'd in the next to purifie such a Soul and thereby render it fit for Heaven and also clearly Explicated the difference between a Voluntary satisfaction made for Sin in this Life and a necessary undergoing the Punishment inflicted for it in the next and how much more acceptable the one must needs be to God than the other and that therefore a small Pennance perform'd in this World was able to satisfie more than many Years great sufferings could do in the next The one being freely and willingly undertaken the other suffer'd by force Sir Iohn at the end of this Discourse found himself so sensibly toucht by it that he could not refrain from telling him That were he convinc'd there was a Purgatory as he should be were he once a Roman Catholic he would use the best means he could to avoid it and he thought none better than to betake himself to a Religious course of Life the Roman Catholic Church affording this means of avoiding it having many Religious Houses whether such as perceiv'd the great danger the VVorld expos'd to and the little satisfaction it gave might retire themselves as to a secure Harbor which happiness his own Religion wanted
civility which she could not but shew him whilst he express'd his by his kind Visits and the Zeal he evidenc'd in them for her Eternal Happiness But my Ladys Answer gave the Young Gentlewoman no satisfaction and therefore she never left importuning her till she had promis'd to accompany her to a Protestant Doctor who as she told my Lady would convince her of the Falsity of all that this Priest had teld her My Lady the more willingly condescended to her importunities because she look d upon it as an occasion that Providence had given her of being better satisfied concerning the Real Presence which she still doubted of yet comply'd with her upon condition that the Doctor should not know who she was that she might with the more Liberty propose her doubts to him resolving since she had this opportunity given her to try what Answer the Doctor would make to those Catholic Tenets which Father Hanmer had explicated That since as he said there was but one Religion in which one could be sav'd she might be the better able to distinguish which of the two it was her own or his Mrs. Kinaston accepted the condition and brought her to Dr. Buck Chaplin in Ordinary to King Charles the Second Telling him This friend of hers who had no mind to be known came to him to be satisfied in some doubts of Religion the Doctor after a civil welcome desir'd my Lady to propose her difficulties I shall set down the Conference in her own words which she gave Sir Iohn in Writing before he went for his own satisfaction to discourse with the same Doctor about the same Subject which Writing contains a Summary of the whole Discourse Being first acquainted with the end of our coming the Doctor desir'd me to propose my difficulties I asked him what was the Protestant opinion concerning the Sacrament He told me that the Body of our Saviour was really there and that it was Eaten by us with our Teeth I asked him about Praying to Saints He told me 't was a thing indifferent I asked him about Purgatory He said it was an Opinion grounded upon reason and that he was not much against it I asked him about Confession He told me 't was a necessary and useful thing and that it was ever practis'd in the Protestant Church and that he himself had receiv'd Confessions all along the troublesome Times I asked him about Merit He told me 't was as the Roman Catholic Church had Defin'd it but that Protestants durst not use the word for fear of offending the Common People thô their meaning in that Point was the same with the Catholics He told me he agreed to all that the Catholic Councils had Decreed and that what they had not determin'd he medled not with He offer'd to bring me to the Arch-bishop of Canturbury Dr. Sheldon to be assur'd that this was not his own Opinion or particular Belief but that the whole Protestant Church believ'd the same He said there was no difference between the Church of Rome and Church of England but what might easily be Reconcil'd and that there was no Dispute about Fundamental Points of Faith Affirming that he had lately Discours'd with his Grace the Arch-bishop of Canturbury about these Points with the same freedom he had done with me and that the Bishop told him Doctor I am of your Opinion My Lady was surpriz'd to hear these Opinions so frequently Rail'd at by those of her own Church now in a manner own'd by a Doctor of the same and as Dr. Buck affirm'd even by the Primat of it the Arch-bishop of Canturbury himself And afterwards declar'd That this Discourse of his wrought more upon her than all she could have heard from Catholics could ever have done and was above measure troubl'd to see her self so ignorant at that Age in Points of Religion of so great moment and to find her self so unsetl'd in her Faith as to doubt whether her own or the Roman Catholic Religion were the best Mrs. Kinaston easily perceiv'd my Lady's perplexity and was no less troubl'd herself which she could not refrain from expssing by these following words Madam you were the occasion that I heard a Priest and I am so unfortunate as to have brought you to Discourse with a Iesuit meaning the Doctor who notwithstanding liv'd and dy'd a Professed Protestant of the Church of England This trouble and disquiet my Lady found in her mind after this Discourse forc'd her to send to Father Hanmer to beg of him the favor of a Third Visit which he most readily granted and when he came she told him what had pass'd and the effects of the Conference with Dr. Buck Viz. That her Belief of which was the True Religion was wavering and unsetl'd and that she was so restless and disquieted thereby that she fear'd whether or no she was of any Religion at all and that if she dy'd in this doubting condition she knew not what would become of her And with all told him That she was immediatly going out of Town and by that means should not have the opportunity of confering with him any more about a matter of so great Importance as this was upon which her Eternal Happiness depended wherefore she beg'd of him to continue his kindness for her he had hitherto so much exprest both by his words and actions in sending some friend of his to her House at Parham whether she was going the next Day to whom she might propose her difficulties and by his assistance regain that repose of mind she possest before this accident happen'd The Father promis'd to send one to her And desir'd her not to disturb her self in the mean time told her that God had occasion'd this Tempest in her Soul for her advantage who in a short time would Calm the Storm he had rais'd if she had recourse to him with a filial and unshaken confidence and that his VVisdom would help and direct her wavering judgment into the right way but desir'd her also to take great care lest Passion or Interest should interpose and hinder or divert his Divine Operations in her Soul A fortnight after her return to Parham Father Hanmer fail'd not to perform his promise and sent one Father Iohn Travers of the Society of Iesus with a Letter to my Lady to signifie That the bearer of it was such a friend of his as she had desir'd him to send to her who would give her all the satisfaction she could possibly wish for She receiv'd him as Sir Iohn did also with all respect and kindness imaginable thô Sir Iohn was all this while ignorant of what had pass'd at London but had taken notice and was much troubl'd to see my Lady was more Melancholy since her return home than ordinary which he suppos'd proceeded from leaving her Father whom she as passionatly lov'd as he did her and only knew that this Gentleman was a friend and acquaintance of he Unckle Hanmer who he
reason was concern'd that he so long defer'd the settelement of his Estate according to the Articles agreed upon at their Marriage Sir Iohn was startl'd that others should take notice of what he so little thought on and which he had more reason to apprehended then they and esteem'd this as a timely admonition from Heaven to make a Spiritual Provision for Eternity A settlement far more worth thinking on and of greater moment than any this World could afford But my Lady went on arguing as Father Travers before had done That a Religious Life they aim'd at as happy as it was requir'd such a Disposition as neither of them yet had Viz. The being Members of the Roman Catholic Church none but that affording the happiness of such a Retirement And therefore that they ought first to satisfie themselves and embrace this before they could partake of the other he had propos'd This Discourse being ended Sir Iohn retir'd himself again to his Closet where he was seiz'd with so great trouble and anxiety occasion'd by the uncertainty he felt whether he was in the true way to Salvation or no that made him restless Which disquiet of Mind was the principal occasion of ripening his Conversion and for the fear of what irreparable consequences might follow if he were not in the true way gaâ—e him no time of respite or breathing And amidst these perplexities he began to Model and consider with himself how to make a serious and lasting provision against so great an evil Finding no help from any diversion he took to ease his troubled Mind thinking the time long thô but Ten Days since Father Travers departure resolv'd to go himself purposly to him to get the Paper he had promis'd him from which he hop't to receive some comfort and satisfaction and found him in a readiness to begin his Journy for Parham with the Summary or Treatise he had promis'd of the Catholic Doctrin He beg'd of him not to charge his kind design but to accompany him back to Parham which request he condescended to Where reading the Articles over to Sir Iohn his Lady and Sister the two last were throughly and effectually convinc'd and resolv'd to take the opportunity of Father Travers presence to Reconcile themselves before his departure and thereby become Members of the Roman Catholic Church Which they did upon the Eve of St. Iohn Baptists and Receiv'd the Holy Sacrament the next Day But Sir Iohn resolv'd to hear what those of his Church would say to the Reasons set down in the foresaid Treatise before he would make any change of Religion CHAP. V. A Relation of Sir John Warner's Conversion and how both he and his Lady resolve to enter upon a Religious course of Life I Must here beg leave of the Reader to accept of a short Relation of Sir Iohns Conversion together with some Motives which conduced not a little to his change of Religon because 't will no less inform him how my Lady by that means was set at Liberty to embrace a Religious State of Life than disabuse some persons who by mistake thought such a separation impossible considering their ample Fortune in the World unless some disgust or dissatisfaction had interven'd on the one side or the other and by this short Narrative the Rich goodness of Almighty God's over-ruling Providence in drawing Souls to his Service will also evidently appear Sir Iohn thô he could not refute those Reasons Father Travers had set down yet thought it prudence to suspend his judgment and submission to a change of Religion till he found whether others of his own could solve those Queries he had heard Read Wherefore he obtains leave of Father Travers to show this Treatise to some Learned Men of the Protestant Church and for this end resolv'd to make a Journy on purpose to London and prevail'd with the Father to meet him there that they might be able to confer about the Objections that others should make to what he had set down in his Treatise Sir Iohn being in London first of all apply'd himself to Dr. Buck with whom thô he had been Chaplain to his Grand-father and had Baptiz'd Sir Iohn he had no Personal acquaintance but found him so Civil as freely to Discourse with him without asking him who he was The Doctor Read over the whole Treatise with Sir Iohn and made no Objection either against the Real Presence Prayer to Saints Purgatory Confession or Satisfaction for Sins But when he came to that Point that there was no true Oridination or Priest-hood in the Protestant Church for a proof whereof was alleadg'd what Dr. Thomdike in his VVeights and Measures wisht That since there was a great doubt in so Essential a Point they would submit to a Re-ordination by the Suftra an Bishops of Rome the Doctor was so mov'd that he declar'd the Author of that Pamphlet deserv'd a severe Punishment And when Sir Iohn endeavor'd to pacifie the Doctor telling him His Citation was out of a Protestant Author and therefore unless false was not so much to be blam'd yet the Doctor could not be perswaded to Read any further which when Sir Iohn perceiv'd he desir'd the Doctor That he would voughsafe at least to inform him since there was a doubt in the Protestant Church of a Point of so great consequence as that of True Ordination was VVhether there could be any danger of his Salvation if for this reason as well as for the advantage of Religious Houses which the Protestant Church wanted finding himself most particularly mov'd to a Religious State of Life he should quit the Protestant Religion he was Ered up in to become a Member of the Roman Catholic Church The Doctor here exprest his concern that there wanted such a conveniency in the Protestant Religion which the Roman Catholic had but would not own a want of Ordination but still invey'd against the Author of that Assertion and earnestly perswaded Sir Iohn to continue in the Church he was in which was very good and had in it all things necessary to Salvation assuring him That in a short time they would both be United The chief difference betwixt them consisting in the Popes Usurping a Power beyond what Christ had given him Their Church allowing him to be Question he believ'd would soon be decided by a Condescention on both sides Sir Iohn was not satisfied with this Answer but resolv'd to go to the Arch-bishop of Canturbury Dr. Sheldon he being the Primat of the Protestant Church whom Dr. Buck had also cited to be of his Opinion And that he might not be too troublesome to his Grace he reduc'd what he intended to propose to him to Three Queries The First VVhether there were a Church Establish'd by Christ out of which there was no Salvation The Second VVhether the Roman Catholic Church were a Member of this The Third VVhether there was Salvation in the Roman Catholic Church When Sir Iohn came to Lambeth and asked to
speak with my Lord he would not give him Audience before he sent in his Name which he barely gave concealing his Quality To the first of his Questions my Lord Answer'd Assirmitively to the second he said it was a corrupted Member whereupon Sir Iohn asked him if it Err'd in any Fundamental Point He Answer'd it did not for then it would be no Church hence out of the premises granted by my Lord Sir Iohn drew this Conclusion in Answer to his Third Query telling my Lord That then it evidently follow'd there was Salvation in the Roman Catholic Church But my Lord told him That for those who were Born and Bred up in the Roman Catholic Religion there might be Salvation but for him who own'd himself to be Educated a Protestant it was very doubtful it being very dangerous to leave apure Church to enter into one defil'd with Errors To which when Sir Iohn out of his own words reply'd That they not erring in Fundamental Points he humbly conceiv'd it could not be so dangerous as his Grâ—â—e Asserted to embrace the Roman Catholic Religion my Lord reply'd That he was not so competent a Iudge of this as himself and therefore was to rely upon his Opinion rather than his own Sir Iohn humbly submitted his Judgment to my Lords in this Point but having understood from Dr. Buck the esteem my Lord had for a Religious State from an expression the Doctor told him his Grace had one Day let fall as he was puting on his Canonical Robes in the Lobby to go into the Parlament-House Viz How happy it would be did their Church afford such a conveniency as the Church of Rome did that Brothren might dwell together in Vnity and what a comfort their Conversations would be to each other resolv'd to propose the anâ— Question to him he had to Dr. Buck. which give him occasion of Relating this passage concerning my Lord to with whether the embracing a Religious State might not be a sufficient VVarrant and Motive for a Protestant to become a Catholie The Bishop instead of Answering the Question asked Sir Iohn whether or no he were Married Who telling him he was the Bishop reply'd That such a Prophosition as hâ— had made was in vain because the State he was in render'd the other incompatible Sir Iohn told him he humbly conceiv'd that a mutual consent gave the same Priviledge to embrace that State as a single Life did My Lord again asked him If he had any Children he told him Yes whereupon any Lord said You are then oblig'd in Couscience to see them Educated Sir Iohn reply'd That by leaving them to a trusty friend with security of a sufficient Maintenance he thought he better satisfied his obligation of their Education that by Educating them himself with hazard of his own Salvation Here my Lord was interrupted by a Youth of about Ten Years of Age his Relation who was going to VVestminster-School with whom my Lord entertain'd himself so considerable a time in asking him VVhat Books he learnt How this and the other of his Friends did And such like Questions as gave Sir Iohn who sat by just Reason to think that the danger of becoming Catholic was not so great as my Lord affirm'd otherwise he would have thought his time better spent in satisfying him in a business of so great consequence than in conversing with the other about matters of less moment My Lord either unwilling to give himself father trouble or believing it might disgust Sir Iohn to see him triflle away his time thus with this Youth instead of endeavoring to clear his doubts and perhaps willing enough to break of the Discourse for fear he might not be able to give him intire satisfaction told him That since his weighty affairs allow'd him not so much time as the answering his doubts requir'd he would recommend him to one who should make it his business to do it and therefore called one of his Gentlemen and Commanded him to go along with Sir John to Dr. Dolbin then Dean of Westminster and afterwards Bishop of Rochester and last of all of York and in his Name desire the Dean to render him what service was in his Power in the business he came about As Sir Iohn was going out of his Pallace he met Dr. Sancrost now Arch-bishops of Canturbury a Neighbour and acquaintance of his entring in who offer'd him his service and probably afterwar is inform'd the Bishop of his Quality Forat the Weater-side Sir Iohn meeting Dr. Dolbin just landed at Lambeth Stairs desir'd my Lords Gentleman to say nothing to him but return back and follow the Doctor to my Lord Whâ—n he found much more civil and obliging than before who after he had talk'd near a Quarter of an hour with the Doctor they both came to Sir Iohn and my Lord assar'd him that hâ— had throughly inform'd the Doctor of his difficultes and that he was ready when ever he pleas'd to give him satisfaction in them which the Doctor also affirm'd and at Sir Iohn's request promis'd to expect him at his House the next Morning for that end Sir Iohn went according to his appointment and was immediatly introduc'd into his Closet where Sir Iohn perceiving both by the Doctors endeavors to prevent his proposing his doubts as well as by answering those he had propos'd to my Lord much after the same manner as his Grace had done that he was not like to have the satisfaction he expected made few or no Objections to what he said thinking it better to go away quietly as in appearance satisfied than otherwise give occasion of dissatisfaction both to the Arch-bishop and the Doctor and thereby cause them to divulge what few knew of to wit the disquiet and uneasiness he found in the Protestant Religion Nor was the Doctor much bent about asking his doubts but took occasion to ask many curious Questions and amongst others VVhat his Ladies Nune was Which when he understood he farther enquir'd VVhat Relation she was to Sir John Hanmer a particular acquaintance of his And being inform'd she was his Sister made greater Professions and offers of service to Sir Iohn than before For which he return'd due thanks and asked his Advice whether he judg'd it necessary that he should do the like to the Arch-bishop The Doctor told him he would do it for him and signifie to my Lord that he was the occasion he did not do it himself The Doctor offer'd Sir Iohn a Book call'd the VVhole Duty of Man which he civilly refus'd telling him that he had it already Whereupon the Doctor counsel'd him diligently to peruse that Treatise and that he would engage Soul for Soul provided he follow'd the advice he met with there that he should be as happy both in this VVorld and the next as he could hope to be by his entring into a Religious State He added also as Dr. Buck had done That 't was a meer Punctilio the Pope stood upon that
hinder'd the Vnion of both Churches which he hop'd to live to see decided and aâ—â—ur'd him that whenever any other difficulties occur'd he should find him ready at all times to Answer them and to render him what farther service he was able Which Sir Iohn humbly thanked him for and took his leave resolving now to embrace as the securest way that Religion in which both allow'd Salvation rather than remain in one where the contrary Church which the Arch-bishop had own'd to be a true one deny'd that any could be saved As soon as he had made this Resolution he began to find some Interior repose and quiet in his Soul Which from his first suspition or doubt of the truth of the Religion he Profess'd was continually upon the Rack especially during the time he was at London and it had so influenc'd his Health that he fear'd by the Indisposition he found himself in that some violent Sickness would follow Which in a Letter he gave his Lady notice of at which she was so concern'd as to hasten immediatly to London on Horse-back concluding he might be worse than he would express in his Letter for fear of troubling her But Providence order'd this for their mutual satisfaction that she might be present at his Reception into the Roman Catholic Church he having appointed the next Morning after her arrival to meet with Father Travers for that end She though so troublesome a Journy well recompens'd by becoming a Spectator of what she chiefly wish'd and Pray'd for And when he told her that since his Resolutions of Reconciling himself to the Roman Catholic Church he began to receive again that quiet and repose of Mâ—nd he had lost from the first time he began to doubt of his own Religion She reply'd That she had experienc'd the same but that 't was nothing in comparison of the comfortand satisfaction she enjoy'd after her Reconciliation which was accompany'd with such an assurance of her being in a secure way to Eternal happiness that should Father Travers Renouce the Religion she had embrac'd by his Instruction and advice who had been so Instrumental in this her Conversion yet this change in him would not move or trouble her in the lest or give her the lest doubt or disesteem of what she now Profest Sir Iohn was Reconcil'd the Sixth of Iuly 1664. and afterwards experienc'd such a Transport and Security in his Soul as his Lady had given him hopes of and 't is impossible for any one to imagine what this is but those that have felt it The doing of this was a necessary means for Sir Iohn's executing his other Design of leaving the World which the Devil since he had no success in hindering the former resolv'd now to try to prevent foreseeing that a Religious State would be no less beneficial to these happy Proselites in their way to Heaven than what they had already done And therefore endeavor'd what he could to represent and magnifie to him the present happiness he enjoy'd in the World in so incomparable a Wife so good an Estate and so handsome and convenient a House which he had just finish'd and furnish'd at great expences and as yet had not receiv'd the least satisfaction from it for the pains he had taken and trouble and charges he had been at in building it Also how impossible it would be to find any comfort or satisfaction after the leaving so good and kind a Consort the separation from whom he would never be able to survice how difficult it would likewise be to observe what was necessary in that state he aim'd at Perpetual Continency Poverty and Obedience But God's Grace still assisted him with reasons to Answer these Objections First That as Mr. Travers took notice at his first coming to Parham that thô indeed he was as happy as he could wish to be at present yet what he added If it would last always as it then struck him so now the consideration how transitory this happiness was helped him to over-come these Temptations to which also this seasonable consideration did not a little contribute Viz. That if he refus'd to follow God's Call he might thereby provoke him to deprive him of what he chiefly took a pleasure in as a just punishment for that Ingratitude and thereby make him as well miserable in this World as in the next for refusing to restore to God what he so liberally had bestow'd upon him These thoughts renew'd his good desires and made him again purpose to return to God whatever he had given and what he valued above all his other Benefits his LADY To whom he thought he could not show a greater Mark of his kindness than to forgoe the greatest comfort and satisfaction he had in this World for her greater happiness and contentment in the next Nor did he think it a sufficient compliance with God's Call to leave the World as the Devil would have perswaded him was enough if she chanced to die first because then the living in it would have been a trouble to him and would be nothing else but to Consecrate that to God which he was weary of and therefore could not be so acceptable a Sacrifice as now it would Besides it was as probable she might as well out live him as he her and then it would be out of his Power to shew any Correspondence at all to Gods Inspitation Wherefore he set a new upon bringing about the design of embracing a Religious State and finding his Ladies Inclinations intensly the same propos'd to her as a tryal of what they were afterwards to practice that for the time they should live together in the World they should live as they must do when separated not as Man and Wife but as Brother and Sister Thô to avoid giving occasions of suspition and lest these their resolutions should too soon take Air they would continue to live together as to outward appearance in the same manner as before Thus they liv'd from the 6th of Iuly till the 27th of October and God as a Testimony of the Truth of their Vocations took away all the difficulty that is in a strict Observance of Continency even amidst the continual occations to the contrary Which wounderful effects so confirm'd Sir Iohn that these desires were from God that he resolv'd speedily to dispose things for his going beyond-Sea by a settlement of his Estate In Order to which he sends for his Brother Mr. Francis VVarner who was then at London As soon as his Brother came to Parham Sir Iohn discover'd his intention to him that having no Sons he disign'd to make him Heir of his Estate paying Portions to each of his Daughters and that he would make no conditions with him that might sway him to do what he himself was not convinc'd was for the best but only desir'd in requital of this his kindness that he would do what he had done himself Viz. Laying aside both Passion and Interest examine the Principles
of both Religions and upon solid Motives embrace that which he should find the most secure for his Eternal happiness and dayly beg of God by his Sacred Passion that he would direct him into the true way to Salvation if he were not already in it Mr. Francis VVarner kindly promis'd a grant to Sir Iohn's request and for this end accompany'd him to London where in pursuit after the Truth being present at a Dispute between Father Travers and Dr. Chamberline then Chaplain to the Duke of Ormond he was so convinc'd of the danger of continuing in his own Religion that he soon after Reconcil'd himself to the Roman Catholic Church which action being maturly perform'd he acknowledg'd to Sir Iohn his Brother that he was more oblig'd to him for the manner of giving him the Estate than for the Estate it self For when first he discover'd his design to him he was so possess'd of the Truth of his own Religion that had he offer'd to give it him upon condition to abandon the Protestant Religion which then he thought the best he would sooner have refus'd the Estate than have forsaken his Religion and consequently had never enjoy'd that happiness he now experienc'd in his Soul much beyond his Power to express and far exceeding any he could hope for in the enjoyment of the Estate he had given him My Lady VVarner in the mean time redoubled her Devotions and Manifested her Zeal by endeavoring to draw as many as she was able of her Servants and Neighbours over whom she had a suasive power to make themselves as happy by embracing the Roman Catholic Faith as she was and was the cause that several of them became Catholics Her fervor had so transported her that she had even worn off the skin of her Knees by Praying and might have done her self a considerable prejudice had not Sir Iohn perswaded her to put a stop to this her great Zeal and fervor Whilst Sir Iohn prepar'd for his going beyond-sea by making a settlement of his Estate at London She did the like in the Country by disposing things in such an order that as soon as he return'd he might not be hinder'd from beginning his Journy She made an Inventory of all things in and about the House that nothing might be embezl'd by Tenants or out of the way when call'd for by Mr. Francis VVarner and she had order'd and dispos'd all things so carefully that Sir Iohn at his return found nothing wanting for the beginning of his Journy Wherefore he with his Lady Children and Sister left Parham the 20th of October and came to London the 23d where she stay'd till the 27th upon which day my Lady with Sir Iohn's Sister Mrs. Elizabeth VVarner and his Kinswoman Mrs. Frances Skelton his two Children Catherine and Susan a Servant with Mrs. Fausset a Woman who knew the Low-Countries and was accustomed to conduct beyond-sea young Gentle-women that went to Monastrys began their Journy towards Dover but my Lady would no longer admit of the Title of Madam and chang'd her Name into that of Clare As soon as they came thither they found the Pacquet-boat ready to go off and immediatly Embarqued themselves without any stay at all at Dover The reason why Sir Iohn did not accompany them was because he judg'd it best to stay privatly in London to see what consequences might follow their departure and to prevent such ill ones as might ensue It was a particular Providence they took the first opportunity for no sooner had they left London but Dr. Edward VVarner one of the Kings Physitians and Unckle to Sir Iohn heard of it and procur'd an Order to be sent to Dover from King and Council for the stoping of Sir Iohn and his Lady This came not to the Mayor's Hand till the Pacquet-boat was put off so that all he could do was to return Answer that they were gone believing Mr. Gascoin a Gentleman who met them accidentally at Dover and went over in the same Pacquet to be Sir Iohn wherefore the Mayor signified that he was sorry the Order came not time enough for him to stop them as otherwise he would certainly have done Dr. VVarner upon the supposition that Sir Iohn with his whole Family was gone beyond-sea endeavour'd to secure his Estate since he could not him and therefore Petition'd the King and Council for a Grant of it upon pretext to keep it out of the Josuits hands who as he pretended had perswaded him out of his Estate as well as Religion and had been the Principal Authors of his rash undertaking so imprudent a course of Life The King who lov'd not importunities of that kind endeavour'd to put him off with a Jest telling him If Sir John had a mind to make himself one of God Almighties Fools he must have patience and that if he would let him alone a little he himself would soon be weary of the course he had undertaken But he still persisting to urge His Majesty to prevent the ruin of a Family that had always been faithful to him the King bid him go to the Atturny General and Order him in His Name to do what the Law should direct for the security of the Estate But to show how far the Jesuits were from such a Design as Dr. VVarner pretended It will not be amiss to reflect how much Father Travers as we have said diffwaded him from this undertaking at his first proposal of it And to insert here what Sir Iohn VVarner affirms Viz. That having in his Noviship a Scruple that he comply'd not with our Saviours Counsel Of giving all to the Poor and following him Unless after the Provision for his Children he gave the Residue of his Estate to Pious Uses especially that part of it that heretofore belong'd to an Ancient Abby and therefore requir'd a Restitution to the Roman Catholic Church to which it formerly belong'd Whereupon he consulted his Superiour and proposing to him these doubts he assur'd him that no obligation of Conscience lay upon him to dispose of it any other way than he had already done in giving it to his Brother and that in the Circumstances he was in it was more prudence for him to do so than otherways whereby he would but give occasion to many Clamours and disturbances that would certainly follow a different settlement And besides added that he might as freely Entail that part of the Estate that formerly belong'd to an Abby upon his Brother as any other Land it being his Ancestors by purchace and the Pope having also by his Dispensation sent into England by Cardinal Poole in Time of Queen Maries Raign made the Possession of such Revenues lawful to all persons even Catholics themselves counselling them only to a greater liberality in Alms-giving to obtain Gods blessing upon their Estates they enjoy'd by his Dispensation and therefore he ought to have no farther Scruple in this Point This Answer of his Superiour freed him from all the before
hear the Angel Guardian of our Iland Whispering in Our Soverains Far as heretofore the Angel Guardian of Israel did in the Ear of St. Ioseph these joyful vvords Rise and take the Child and his Mother and return into your Country for they are Dead vvho sought the Life of the Child Pardon me Madam for enlarging the Preface by this Digression The Zeal I have for Your Majesties happy Restauration vvill Apologize for the length I have no more to add but to beg that Your Majesty vvould vouchsafe to Honor these Memoires vvith Your Royal Approbation and accept this Tribute of my poor endeavours vvhich vvith all imaginable submission I lay dovvn at Your Sacred Feet That the Great God of Iustice may speedily restore Your Majesty and Our Gracious Soverain to Your Thrones and that after a long and happy Raign upon Earth You may receive an everlasting Crovvn in Heaven are the earnest vvishes and dayly Prayers of MADAM Your Majesties most Dutiful and most Devoted Subject and Servant N. N. THE LIFE OF THE LADY WARNER In RELIGION Sister CLARE of IESVS THE FIRST BOOK CHAP. I. Her Birth and Family her Inclination even from her tender Years to a Religions Life both in France and England ALTHO ' Vertue stands in need of no additional Luster yet commonly the Ornaments of Nature are never wanting to accompany the high Prerogatives of Grace and for the most part Sanctity of Life has been attended by Nobility of Birth and good Education The Lady VVarner had no small advantages in this kind She was Born on the 20th of April the Year 1636. at Hanmer-hall in the Town of Hanmer in the County of Flint the Ancient Seat of the Family whose Name it bears and after a few days she there received her Christian Name of Trevor in Baptism from my Lord Baron Trevor her Godfather Her Father was Sir Thomas Hanmer Baronet whose fidelity and loyalty recommended him to the Honorable Employment of Cup-bearer to King Charles the first Her Mother was Mrs. Elizabeth Baker of the Ancient Family of the Bakers of VVhittingham-hall in the County of Suffolk whose Birth Natural Parts Beauty and Education rendred her worthy to be chosen by the Queen Henrietta Maria for one of her Maids of Honor. Soon after her Birth the Civil Wars of England began in which her Father employed the utmost of his Power for the Interest of the King his Master but finding after his Majesties Imprisonment no possibility of rendring him any farther service rather then remain a sad and useless Spectator of His Misery he chose to leave the Kingdom and to go for France where he might be able to express more evident Testimonies of his Duty than he could in his own Country in which he was dayly exposed to the danger of Imprisonment and other inconveniences incident to those times Here it was she began first to discover her inclinations to a Religious Life and Pious desires to cast those seeds which afterwards growing up came to that ripness and maturity For Sir Thomas carrying her with his Lady to Paris happened to take up his Lodgings in a Catholic House she was then about Ten Years Old and in a short time had gain d so much upon the Son and Daughter of that Family who were about her Age and had inform'd her how happy a Life the Religions of their Church lead and had given her such an Idea of it as had inflam'd her to embrace it as to obtain of them privatly to accompany her to the Monastry of Mont-Martyr a little out of the Town where her want of experience perswaded her she should be received as soon as she presented her self For this end she gathered together what Cloaths and other thing she had which she did not so carfully put up but that she dropt them as she passed through the House whereby her Plot was discovered and her design blown up and all the reward she received for her intended Devotion was a severe correction from my Lady her Mother thô then detained in bed by her last sickness but thô this design was hindred she went on in her wonted innocent divertisments of making and adorning little Oratories whilst others play'd The Death of my Lady gave Sir Thomas Hanmer more liberty of returning privatly to England to see how his private concerns went there and whether he might be any ways useful to his Master Beginning his Journy he left his Daughter Trevor in the care of an Ancient Burgher and his Wife who were Hugenots and had no Children where she might be out of danger of improving such designs as formerly she attempted which he and his Lady who were both Protestants could not but disapprove Sir Thomas contriving for his greater security whilst he was in England to keep as far from his own home as he could retired to Hengrave-hall near Bury in Suffolk where Sir Thomas Harvey a Loyal Subject and sufferer for the King having Married my Lady Penelope Gage whose Joynturhouse it was lived with his whole Family Here Sir Thomas Hanmer moved by the beauty and excellent endowments of Mrs. Susan Harvey Daughter of Sir Thomas makes his earnest Suit to her and at last having obtained her Father's and her consent Married her Sir Thomas Hanmer's thoughts were either so taken up with his new Mistriss or so distracted with the danger of those troublesome times that he seemed almost to have forgotten his Daughter who had now been above a Year in Paris without hearing from him or of him insomuch that the People with whom she was believed him Dead and looked upon it as a favorable effect of Providence that had this way found a means of giving them an Heiress whom they esteemed and loved as if she had been their own Child and resolved to make her so as much as they were able Such was her admirable sweet disposition as it won the hearts and affections of all she convers'd with But whilst they pleased themselves with this Treasure Providence they thought had sent them Sir Thomas Hanmer returned and dasht all their hopes and as a Testimony of his affection came expresly himself to fetch her over into England Being returned to England he gave her choice either to go with him to her Mother in-law in Suffolk or to live with her Grand-Mother the Lady Hanmer at Haughton in Flintshire which last place she chose Here the former thoughts she had at Paris returned and she desisted not to form new designs of executing them which her Grand-mother discovering gaue notice of them to her Father otherwise her want of ability to mannage them might have exposed her to several inconveniences which her want of experience could not foresee Her Father upon this Information sends for her to Hengrave where she is received with all imaginable kindness by my Lady her Mother-in-law which she returned with what dutiful respect and affection she was able Here she beg'd and obtain'd of her Father knowing into what
submit herself to so base and sordid a means to compass so glorious an end as she aim'd at Sir Thomas not being able to allow her more upon condition she sold only to his own Tenants gave his consent which she having obtain'd pleas'd herself with the imagination of being again enabled to compass her wishes and in a short time by her good Huswifry to improve that little stock allow'd her to such a Summ as Father Hammer had told her would be sufficient to obtain her Admittance into a Monastry But whilst she was thus in pursuit of so Pious an intention it fell to the ground her Fathers Tenants in those troublesome times grew so poor that they were not able to pay for what they had bought of her This design also failing instead of laying aside the thoughts of a Religious Life which seemed now an improbable thing to hope for she still hoped even against hope and resolved at least never to Marry that thereby she might not incapacitate herself for that Happiness she so earnestly desired Times growing now a little better her Father was offer'd several considerable Matches for her which he pressed her to hearken to by the same Arguments she had used to him to perswade him to give his consent for her being Religious Viz. That if any misfortune should happen to him the thoughts that he had provided for her would be a comfort to him in it and therefore earnestly desired her to accept of any one of these offers she liked best She on the other side beg'd of him to shew the continuance of his Affection to her by not pressing her to embrace that course of Life to which she had a greater aversion than to any thing in the World and that no heavier cross could happen to her than that of Marriage Her Father at that time desisted from any farther importunity but a Baronet who was one of her earnest Suiters did not from his to avoid which she beg'd leave of her Father to go out of the Country and obtain'd his consent for her going to live at Mr. Hawley's at Brainford near London Hither she came accompanied with a Cousin German of hers Mrs. Catherin Kinnaston who had lived with her at Alrhey where they had contracted a very particular friendship But here she was not freed as she hop'd from her Suitors importunity who followed her and had gain'd her Fathers Letter to her to perswade her to grant his request Her Fathers Letter joyn'd with the Baronets importunity wrought much upon her but he having received several denyals by word of mouth resolved to make his last attempt by Letter in which he very pathetically express'd his Passion for her telling her amongst other things That whatever he suffer'd if she deny'd him now it should be the last solicitation he would ever give her the trouble of This Letter with her Fathers perswasions in his put her into a doubt what to do and in this perplexity she consulted her Cousin who used all the Arguments she could to prevail with her not to give him any farther denyal Her powerful Counsel had such an ascendency over her that she Writ him a civil Answer which she had no sooner done and given it her Maid to send away but the thoughts of the former happiness she had propos'd return'd in so forcible a manner and the resolutions she had taken of not puting her self into any condition that might render her uncapable of that happiness came so lively to her thoughts that almost before her Maid was down Stairs she called her back took the Letter from her and immediately burnt it giving her another in which she desired her Suiter if he had the Affection he pretended for her to shew it by keeping his promise in never more troubling her in that nature It was no wonder that this as well as other Persons of Quality expressed so great an earnestness of gaining her since both her Exterior and Interior were such as challeng'd the Affections and Admiration of all that knew her and I conceive I cannot have a fitter place to give the Reader a satisfactory discription and a short pourtraiture of both than this She was above the Middle Stature of Women excellently well shapt her Complexion not extraordinary fair but comely and lasting her Featurs were charming her Eyes brown as well as her hair and her countenance had such a particular sweetness as several Painters who drew her Pictures admired but own'd their skill not sufficient to express This beautiful Symmetry of her Body was accompanied with no less lovely Qualities of her Mind Her humor was grave and serious yet sweetn'd with such an affability that render'd her conversation no ways disagreeable or uneasie but sought after and desired by All. This created a freedom in those she convers'd with as the other kept them in a certain becoming distance She was an excellent friend and where she once took a kindness 't was impossible for any to alter it and thô she chose very few to whom she expressed a particular friendship yet the choice she made evidenc'd the goodness of her judgment they being such as deserv'd it She was mild and not easily mov'd to anger yet her meekness did not hinder the expressing of her resentments when she had just cause She was a lover of frugality and industry set a high value upon time and had every hour of the day regulated took no Resolutions but with mature consideration and was as constant in the execution of what she once resolv'd upon She had a clear and peircing wit Masculine Judgment a fruitful Memory whereby she came to understand several Languages besides her own and a Prudence in business above the ordinary capacity of a Woman She was so bigotted to the Protestant Religion she was brought up in that neither the intreaties or promises of her Elder Brother Sir Iohn Hanmer could perswade her to alter it who at his return our of Portugal where he became a Catholic whilst he Studied in the English Seminary at Lisbon was so Zealous for his Religion as often upon his Knees with Tears he beg'd her to embrace it Yet all this could never move her thô she passionatly lov'd him to a less Esteem or Affection for her own Religion which nothing but the hopes she had of being Religious could ever make her think of quiting and she was very often used to say That those Desires so transported her as often as they occur'd that the scarse thought them inconsistent with her own Religion CHAP. III. The first interview between her and Sir John Warner her Marriage and behavior in the World HAving given you the discription of what she was it is time to let you know those secret and hidden ways God makes use of to draw the Predestinate to his service It happen'd whilst she liv'd at Branford that the Protector dyed whose Splendid and Magnificent Funeral invited all People to a sight of it and her amongst
mention'd doubts And ought to clear the Jesuits of that unjust Censure they ly under of Covetuousness when they refus'd such an offer as was here made them Sir Iohn finding his Unckle still busie in an earnest pursuit after his Estate thô he was assur'd by his Counsel that the settlement he had made could not be Annul'd by any thing less than an Act of Parliament yet thought it better by appearing to put a stop to his Unckles endeavours than permit him and his Brother to engage in a Law Sute and thereby spend what he pretended to conserve which would be prejudical to both But Sir Thomas Hanner being then in Town he resolv'd first to go to him and beforehand sent him a Note to know whether a Visit would not be ungratful Sir Thomas who believ'd him beyond-sea seem'd overjoy'd at the sight of his Letter that brought him the good news of his being still in England and answer'd him that he was ready to receive him with open Arms and to Embrace him with the same tenderness as ever as indeed he did His Tears at their Meeting testifying how great and Paternal an Affection he still had for him Sir Thomas after a hearty expression of the continuance of his kindness propos'd to him all the Arguments he could to perswade him to lay aside his design of parting with his Daughter and betaking himself to a Religious State of Life But perceiving Sir Iohn so fix'd in his Resolutions as that he found no hopes of perswading him to change them he told him He would soon have greater cause than himself to repent such an enterprize and when 't would be too late find the Inconveniences unto which he expos'd both himself and his VVife However he would give him no cause to suspect he wanted that kindness for him he had ever profess'd and therefore thô he could easily have crost his design he would not do it but when the Chancellor offer'd him a Decree to take Possession of the Estate so long as he and his VVife should continue beyond-sea he absolutly refus'd it rather than he would by accepting it given him any cause of disquiet or unkind thoughts of him Sir Thomas also seeming much concern'd for having taken such measures as forc'd him out of Town the next Morning told him That he would not have left it so soon had he known of his being in it Sir Iohn beg'd leave to accompany him the first Days Journy it being probably the last time he should have the opportunity of enjoying his Company which was granted with a great deal of satisfaction on both sides The next Day Sir Thomas was very pressing to have Sir Iohn go with him home and to stay so long there as he design'd to remain in England But he very gratfully refus'd the invitation resolving to follow his Lady as soon as he had put a stop to his Unckles pretensions which requir'd his Presence at London The same Night he return'd from accompanying Sir Thomas he went to the nearest Tavern to his Unckles House in Covent-Garden and sent a Messenger to let Dr. VVarner know that a friend of his desir'd to speak with him there When his Unckle came he was so overjoy'd at the unexpected sight of Sir Iohn or so confounded at what he had done as he was not able to speak So that Sir Iohn out of compassion was forc'd to make that Apology for him which he ought to have made himself thanking him for the pains and trouble he had taken for the security of the Estate as he thought thô there was no need of it because he had settl'd it as firmly as was possible by Law upon his Brother who if he had consulted him would have shown him the Deeds wherefore now he was assur'd of this from his own Mouth he hop't that he would desist from giving himself or his Brother any farther trouble in this affair He promis'd he would and was as good as his word using no other endeavours afterwards for getting the Estate into his Hands which he saw was already in the Possession of Mr. Francis VVarner his Nephew the next Heir to it But to return to my Lady from whom I have made this necessary digression to satisfie the Reader why Sir Iohn did not accompany her she took Shiping the 29th of October and landed at Dunkirck the 30th where she no sooner arriv'd but she went immediatly to the English Poor Clares and was extreamly pleas'd with their Poor and Rigorous manner of living She took the first opportunity of passing from thence by Water to Bruges where she went to the English Monastry of the Order of St. Austin and there met with one whom God Almighty had not long before inspir'd with an extraordinary Call to the Catholic Faith as well as to a Religious course of Life and who had given a very great example of courage and zeal in embracing both This person was Mrs. Catherine Holland Daughter to Sir Iohn Holland and Suffolk who by her own Reading and her Mothers Pious example who was a Catholic Almighty God's Grace also concurring was so mov'd to embrace the Catholic Religion and a Religious State as that without her Fathers knowledge she went to Flanders there to Consecrate her self wholy to Gods service even before she was a Catholic or admitted into the Roman Catholic Church But as soon as she came to Bruges she Reconcil'd her self and took the Habit amongst the English Religious of the Order of St. Austin in that Town Providence so ordering it that the Duke of Norfolk should be there at the same time who undertook if her Father did not give her the ordinary Portion requir'd by the Community at her Profession that he would pay it But her Father thinking this might reflect upon him gave the Portion himself and freely discharg'd the Dukes engagement After Mutual Congratulations with each other not only for being Members of the True Church of Christ but also for being call'd to the highest State of Perfection in it the embracing his Counsels which Mark of Sanctity seem'd wanting in the Protestant Church they had quitted my Lady took leave to pursue her Journy towards Liege and went the same Day to Gaunt where she was very kindly receiv'd by the English Benedictine Dames And there as well as at other Monastrys she pass'd was much Edified at their chearful Conversation and Religious Modesty the very Air of their Countenances evidencing that Interior Peace and comfort which the World is not able to give their Edifying Discourses also rekindled afresh her desiers of a Religious State so that she hasten'd what she could to Liege being in pain till she arriv'd at her Center where she hop't to meet those healing Joys which the distracted and thoughtful cares of a Secular Life could not afford Thither she came on the 6th of September promising her self that happiness she had so long in vain sought after The End of the First Book THE LIFE OF THE
time without great perplexity whether I might without an unpardonable presumption attempt to beg your blessing since my Actions have unhappily appear'd to you so Criminal as rather to deserve the contrary Wherefore I most humbly beg you upon my Knees to give me leave to offer unto you the sole Motives of our so much wonder'd at resolutions You know Sir that the State of Life I am now in is but what God Almighty has been pleas'd to grant me after a long and earnest pursuit of it and which if it had pleas'd him to move you to grant me sooner as he was pleas'd to move my dear Sir John Warner not only to consent to but even to propose might have prevented the unhappy disturbance I have since given you Those that consider his Vertue and that our Affections were wholy grounded on that will not wonder we should deprive our selves of those Temporal enjoyments we had here to make one another a present of Eternal ones and indeed Sir I presume to say I believe you have that opinion of my kindness to him thô you were never pleas'd to believe I had those due Respects and Affections I ought for you which might make you mitigate that severe Censure you are pleas'd to make of my Actions towards you Certainly Sir less than a particular and strong Impression that the World was not safe for me had not been sufficient to have made me part with such an Husband if you will give me leave to say nothing of your self But I must now acknowledge Sir that every word of this without your particular goodness may be offensive Therefore I do not Write without extraordinary pain As to the Infinite blessing of a Fathers presence that you were pleas'd to mention 't was too great to be offer'd till we were out of the Power of enjoying it and if you did not name it for a Torment to me you would find these Countries considering the nearness of the Spaw very convenient for you here being such entertainments and so good Conversations which if I were not here might perhaps be an invitation to you Oh Sir I wish since God has thus dispos'd of me by his infinite mercy that we had a Monastry near you in Wales for if I am to have any happiness in this World I wish it might be by your procurement For then my heart would be at rest that you had forgiven me but above all that by so acceptable a work as this you had gain'd those blessings of Almighty God which in my Prayers I shall never cease to ask knowing you would then find that true content which the World has not yet been able to give you Which that you may I beseech him of his mercy to move you to pardon whatever appears to you as Criminal in me since what contradicts not the Duty I owe my Heavenly Father I shall ever confess due to you With all Humility upon my Knees I beg your blessing for my self and Children Your most passionate and affectionate Poor Child CLARE of JESUS To which Letter she adds this Post-Script Sir I thought fit to send you these but I beseech you forget them as soon you have read them and forgive me who am the cause of so much trouble to you Nor did her restless Zeal for her Father's Conversion terminate here but she still us'd new Methods of endeavouring it And receiving no Answer to her last Letter she procur'd a Catholic Gentleman who was extreamly well verst in Controversie and a Neighbor to Sir Thomas Hanmer to take the occasion of giving him a Visit and Discoursing with him concerning Catholic Religion and withal desir'd him to carry this second Letter no less passionate then the former that by his Conversation he might come to a better knowledge of the truth of the Roman Catholic Religion SIR MY Obligations and ardent affection for you will not suffer me to be long silent nor to fear or excuse my often troubling you and I do now do it in hopes that the Conversation and acquaintance of this Gentleman who is the bearer will be so welcome to you that you will esteem his Company a divertisment At least Sir grant me this only request and satisfaction to hear you have discoursed with him I do really assure my self that if you were convinced of the necessity and had weighed the many reasons why you ought to be other than what you are your heart is too great and Noble to be kept back by any Worldly consideration St. Austin had surely something extraordinary in his Soul before it me with it's right Object and give me leave to say Sir so have you and I hope you may live to teach many to Love as he did if once all hindrances were taken away betwixt you and that ravishing goodness of God What is it we seek after but full contentment of mind And who can give that but the plenitude of all goodness In him there is nothing but love and joy his nature is to make all things happy in him and whoever has once experienced the delights he gives proper for the Soul will immediately abhor those of Sense and confess them to be real pains Sir what can you leave or suffer but he can fortifie you to undergo and change into comfort what by nature you most of all fear And infallibly his goodness will do so if you will only hear and Discourse impartially Which on my Knees I humbly beg for Christ's sake in remembrance of all he suffer'd for you Sir do not deny me behold me at your Feet embracing them with the affection of my whole heart and be no longer cruel to your self who are so dear to me since all the joys in this World can be nothing to me without your being happy Pardon me this importunity I could Write I confess and never give over but for fear of troubling you being truly thô your unworthy yet Your most passionate and affectionate poor Child CLARE of JESUS One would have thought that these lines so full of respect and affection might have deserv'd an Answer if the former had not and have convinced him that the want of affection was not the cause of her pious undertaking which he taxt her with but that this happy change of hers had purified that love which she before had for him in giving her so great a concern as she expresses in this for his Conversion on which depended his Eternal happiness And thô neither this nor those dayly Prayers and Tears she offer'd for him could gain the least upon him yet still she continu'd her sollicitations to Heaven in his behalf and that her Prayers might be the more efficacious she endeavour'd the more earnestly to obtain a more perfect and happy Union with God CHAP. V. Her generous Resolution of tending to Perfection The Testimony of her Ghostly Father and others how diligently she puts these her Resolutions in Practice IT will not perchance here be amiss to give
Temporal Blessings Another very remarkable thing of this Gentleman is that the day before his Death Brother Clare going to Montague took his way by Herke to have the satisfaction of giving Mr. Ruisson a Visit who had been so kind as to give him many at Liege upon the account of that Spiritual Friendship which he had contracted with Sister Clare coming thither he found him very sick yet perfectly in his Senses and as chearful as ever he had seen him but was concern'd to see him lay'd after so poor a manner upon the ground and asking the reason of it his Servants signified that it was in Obedience to his own Orders they had made his Bed in that manner and that he would scarse thô in so weak a condition admit of any help from them and had also desir'd his Wife for his as well as for her own greater comfort being he saw she suffer'd very much to see him in that condition that she would not come to him but leave him to make the best use he could of those few moments he had left Brother Clare thô pleas'd to see him as Mr. Ruisson also seem'd to be with his Visit yet was troubl'd to see him so ill accomadated and therefore beg'd of him to accept at least of such helps and conveniences as that dangerous condition he was in requir'd that might conduce both to his ease in his sickness and contribute also to his recovery for the manner he had order'd himself to be treated could not but much augment his distemper which of it self was already too great To all which he reply'd That could he be without those conveniencies he still had he should be very glad and if he did but know what comfort he receiv'd by the want of those he had depriv'd himself of he would rather press him to quit those he had left than desire him to admit of others and then asked Brother Clare VVhether he thought the Inconveniencies he suffer'd were comparable to those which our Saviour had suffer'd for his sake And farther aver'd That the only trouble he now felt was that he could not suffer more at his Death to express his Love to him that dyed with so much pain for him upon the Cross He expressed this with such a chearful and unconcern'd Countenance as made Brother Clare not think him to be in that danger that others thought he was in otherwise he would have given himself the comfort and advantage of being present at his Death Which happen'd the same Night he left him He giving no less evidence of his Vertue at his Death than he had done in his Life not only by a perfect Resignation to Gods Will in suffering it but by earnestly desiring as St. Paul did To be dissolv'd and to be with Christ Perhaps the occasion of this great Friendship he exprest both to Brother and Sister Clare proceeded from those Inclinations he found in himself to do what they had done and in this without doubt Almighty God made him a kind of living Martyr even by the too great Affection of the Person he loved most in the World I mean his Wife who out of the tender Affection she had for him never would give her consent for their retirement into Religion thô he had frequently desir'd it with very great instance And this kind cruelty of hers was doubtless so great a cross as nothing but his Love to Gods Will could sweeten and render supportable The truth of which he one Day confidently discover'd to Brother Clare for discoursing with him about the happiness of a Religious Vocation he told him in Confidence That it was a double favor that God had bestow'd upon him in giving him such a Vocation in the State he was in and at the same time affording him the means of putting it in execution by giving his Lady the same inclination God indeed says he has been so good as to grant me the first by letting me see the happiness of a Religious State and giving me very earnest desires of entering into Religion but as yet he has vouchsafed to give me little hopes of putting these in execution not perceiving he gives the same to my VVife and added that he found it very hard to receive such a Mortification as a refusal was to so advantagious a request from a person he so intirely lov'd and who also refus'd it out of a Motive of love to him wherefore he thought this so great an affliction as 't was impossible for any one to conceive the greatness of it that did not actually feel it CHAP. IX A remarkable passage of her burning her Picture a little before her Death 'T IS a common Axiom in Philosophy that motion for example in a Stone cast down from a high place the nearer it comes to the end or Center to which it tends the more swift it is Sister Clares example seems to prove that the same Axiom holds no less in Moral than in Natural Philosophy for thô from her first Conversion to the Catholic Faith and her entrance into Religion which immediately follow'd the other she never stopt but still made a constant and continual progress in Perfection managing each pretious moment of time to the best advantage to prepare her self for a happy Eternity still advanceing towards her end and Center of her affections God himself Yet there is one instance of her Zeal that happen'd a little before her Death which manifestly proves that the nearer she approacht her end the swifter progress she made and thô perhaps what I am about to relate may at the first fight appear to some less considerable yet whosoever shall rightly weigh it cannot but be of my opinion that it far exceeded the other actions of her Life expressing a strange fund of Humility Contempt of her self and solid Piety which also evidences that the lower she hereby debast her self in her own thoughts the higher she was rais'd in Gods esteem and in a very short time mounted to such a hight of Perfection as deserv'd immediately to be Crown'd Brother Clare long before he or she had any thoughts of Religion had procur'd her Picture to be drawn in Miniature by that famous and renown'd Artist Mr. Cooper which being extreamly well done and very like her he caused to be set in Gold with a Cristal before it This Picture he sent to her with other things to Graveling supposing she would bestow them upon the Children As soon as they came she beg'd leave to dispofe of the Picture Mother Abbess thinking she desir'd this leave that she might give it to one of her Children told her she might dispose of it as she pleas'd she had no sooner obtain'd Mother Abbesses consent but she presently endeavour'd to get the Picture out of the Case and what a Workman could scarce have done with Tools in a Quarter of an hours time Providence helpt her with a Pin only to take out in a moment even to her own