and go to lye in his dearest fathers bosom Oh the unwillingess there is in us all to be gone Why pray we Thy Kingdom come and yet have no mind to be hailed out of this dirty house of bondage Why Alas the reason is because not weary of sin not sensible of the vanity of the creature Oh how defective are our faith love and longings after Heaven How wedded to the world even when going out of it Alas if you would not dye and go to Heaven 2 Cor. 5.6 8. Phil. 1.23 3.20 21. Heb. 11.9 10 13 14 16. 13.13 14. 4.9 11. what would you have more than beasts and Epicures If once truly desirous to be gone then the fear of death is gone Say then to your souls Ah poor and precious souls Awake your selves loose your selves from earth and flesh and make on with all your might towards these eternal mansions What places so sweet so excelling where we shall live in all manner of joys without the least heart-qualmeing fear of ever leaving them Oh what sweet words are these A building of God not made with hands eternal in the heavens able to put the serious soul that hath the title and hope of enjoying what they propose into a rapture and transport of desire and to look out at her windows and say Oh why are his chariot wheels so long a coming When shall the day dawn and shadows flee away Why do these clay-walls interpose between me and that glorious habitation that is above Thus I have done with my first Text and have but one word more to say by way of use to unite the first and second together thus If it be so That the souls of true Saints have a more glorious and magnificent habitation in the other world then this shews us the probable happiness of the more noble part of this Honourable Lady whose poor clay-house lies here before us that now must make worms its companions and moulder away to dust for I would not question her interest in Saint-ship and so consequently the triumphing of her soul in endless happiness This building of God not made with hands eternal in the heavens I come now to my second Text which is to give you some account of this elect Lady whose Interment we attend And what I shall say I 'le put under three Heads of Nature Art and Grace 1. Of Nature Here her Priviledges and accomplishments were considerable If we consider Her 1. As to Original she was an happy Branch of one of the most Noble and Illustrious Families in England whether you look at Descent Degree or Actings As to Descent of a long tract of time in the world among the oldest our present Nobility As to Degree high born I can say and say truly she was Atavis edita Regibus really ally'd to Kings and Princes As to Actings to pass over the great and Heroick performances both in matters Civil and Millitary done by her Progenitors in their native soil See Graston Speed Sâ—r Rich. Baker in Henry the 6th Johannes Talbotus Comes Salopiâ—nsis vir clarissimus fortissimusque cujus virtute populi Anglicani nomen maxime Gallis sor midolosum extiterat Polid. Virg. Ang. Hist l. 23. the Talbots Name continues till this day so great in France for long and numerous Conquests and Triumphs in that Kingdom that they use to hush disturbances into quiet and composure by the mention of it I might here give you a true and large History but I must remember that time will but allow me to give you brief notices of what takes up and merits considerable Volumnes To be the Sons or children of Nobles is honourary even in Scripture Dialect which useth to overlook such things especially when found in the way of righteousness as here we have it 2. As to Feature and Activity of Body she was in the first of these more considerable even to her dying day then most of her date in the world which shewed what she was in the Summer of her age being what I have said in the deepest part of winter days I the rather mention this because of that old and in this place true saying Gratior è pulchro veniens è corpore virtus In the latter of these Activity of Body she was much above ordinary being very lively and stirring to her very close of time being able to walk with quickness and durableness without the help of hand or staff Something of this nature is recorded to honour the memory of Moses after his death Deut. 34.7 close 3. As to Natural Parts She was quick vivacious and comprehensive in judging of things even to the last hours of life Though she might be considerably past fourscore years of Age yet could discourse as rationally the day she died on as others in the flourish of age and life which was not a lightning before her death for forerunning days were the same As Rationality raiseth men above Beasts so the higher any are in it the neerer they are to Angels These Excellencies are admirably beyond those imaginary ones of external honours and riches and so some of the old poor Philosophers did wonderfully transcend the Conquerours and Emperours of their times Thus in a few words for her Priviledges and accomplishments as to Nature 2. We 'l consider them as to Art Her Ladyship was the owner of no mean Acquirements 1. In General she was well skill'd in all or the most things that referr'd to her Sex Degree and Place which referred to numerous things and so required such attainments which she had in an high measure arrived at But 2. I 'le speak to some things particularly but with brevity that I may have leave to say the more to the last General Head Her Ladyships Acquirements did appear in these particulars 1. She was not without skill in some languages more than her own native Tongue as I have often made remarks upon her knowledge in Latine and French 2. She was considerably skill'd in Divinity and History In the first not only knowing practical things but also very intelligent in matters notional and polemical In the second she had a good acquaintance with the Jewish Roman and Evangelical Histories in their older days As to both Divinity and History I can truly say That I have observed many of her Sex talk only with more confidence but less skill in either than her self 3. She was one that well understood how to manage her concerns distant and near to the very last of her time without even so much as small miscarriages I believe few that ever lived to such a number of days was ever in these things more exact than her Ladyship 4. And Lastly She was of a very obligeing deportment to the utmost date of life In this she was a Critick few could go beyond her with humble courtesie in carriage and words she would have obliged any thing she conversed with for as she was the owner of activity of
heavens may be got viz. By becoming true Saints We know the Saints great Charter runs for both worlds 1 Cor. 3.21 22 23. All things are yours whether things present or to come The first Chapter and second Verse will tell you that this was spoken to Saints So will the first verse of the second Epistle tell you that the words of my Text are spoken by or of the same happy sort of men 1 Tim. 4.8 Godliness hath the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come This glorious Habitation is promised and prepared for Saints by Christ himself John 14.2 3. In my Fathers house are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you and I will come again and receive you unto my self that where I am there ye may be also Well may the serious soul say Is it possible to get a title here Then I 'le do as the wise Merchant did viz. Sell all that ever I have to get this glorious Habitation made up of matchless Gems of endless value and worth an House cut forth of one great Diamond all round beset and walled with Gold and more excelling things is but an obscure Metaphor of what it is The way to get a Title here you see is to become Saints and how to be such the Gospel gives you many great Characters As it tells us That such an one has laid aside the corrupt nature and life and is got into Ephe. 4.22 â—â— Rom 8.1 and goes on in that nature and life which is divine If meer innocent mortal nature because mortal most not cannot dwell in Heaven as is affirmed in sacred Writ then not corrupted nature that which is morally stained and defiled 1 Cor. 15.48 49 50 53. Psal 5.4 5. Revel 21.27 The Saint is best known by his progressive durable manner of living not by his notional Principles or pretences unto Christ Acts 12.13 14.22 2.23 24. He is one that hath a full purpose of heart about these better things he does not fluctuate but is fixed upon them tide life or death He hath a right and a full mind for God Others must know us by our lives but we may best of all know our selves by our minds by observing which way our wills and affections go for men may practise holy things for company or some other such perishing principles but they cannot will and affect upon these So that the man is what his mind is But I must not be particular if you would dwell in this glorious building when turned out of door from the house of clay then you must become glorious persons but read at your leisure Psalm 15. Well Psal 5. or 24. get a title to this magnificent house in the other world you see the way of doing it and you must be gone hence presently and when you are gone there is but two great houses that all men go unto to dwell in for ever The one is an horrible habitation of Devils and damned spirits full of all manner of unalterable wo and misery and to this you are born heirs and have a fast title Oh do all that ever you can to cut off this Entail And to get Title to that most pleasing ravishing Habitation that is above unto which you have no right by nature but may obtain a full right by entring upon and continuing in the gracious state and life Do not then perish when the way of safety and happiness is so plainly set before you 3. If it be thus that there is such a glorious habitation for the souls of Saints to dwell in when in the other world Then let this incourage Saints while they continue in this world against all the ailments and miseries that attend the body What makes the matter though stormes beat against the crazy walls of the souls present house or though it be about to fall into the dust for you if true Saints have a magnificent house in the other world will make amends for all It 's certain the Apostle brings in my Text upon such an account as this if you compare it with the foregoing Chapter ver 1 8 9 11 16 17 18. And then my Text comes in as an high encouragement As against tiresome and fretting industry and labours Heaven is a rest Heb. 4 9. Rev. 14.13 and there is a cessation from labour all men that get thither shall have an happy maintenance without any toil or sweat at all Against sicknesses and pains this stinging tormenting gout stone and the like shall not last always there is a dwelling behind where these shall not approach an house such an one was never heard of besides as keeps out all ailments and is ever full of health and happiness no groan no sigh is heard in this place not one tear appearing in the eye there is nothing can dwell in it but must smile for ever and ever Revel 21.4 God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes that get thither there shall be no more sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain c. Against blemishes and decaies of body because Heaven frees the soul from those ailements its subject to in this afflictive world there will be no blindness nor lameness nor defective nor blemished member or part all things there shall be eternally sound and perfect the first entrance into that place doth render all things juvenile fresh and active The Transfiguration of Christ when his face did shine as the Sun and his raiment was white as the light was some type of what Heaven makes all those that come there Against Scoffs and reproaches and ill usage for serving God there will be no Ishmael to flout at the Son of the promise no Doeg to complain to higher Powers of the innocent servants of God no Saul to persecute them from place to place and to hurry them into Prisons and death if we but once get into heaven then we are quite beyond the reach of what evil men and Devils can do And lastly Against Death it self Oh how dreadful would this be if there was not a most happy life that follows it But death is but the dark passage into a most pleasing happiness or it is the taking down the old crazy shed where the soul dwells at present that the unwillingness may be taken away and it may be removed into that most magnificent house in glory God's put to take down the stakes of the present Tabernacle to make us willing and who would not become willing and encourage themselves to leave the afflicted body and go and see what that most glorious habitation is that is above But 4. And lastly If there be such a most excelling Habitation for the soul then desire to be in it This is what Paul breaths after ver 2 4. following my Text We groan earnestly to be in our house in the heavens saith he Was ever weary or sick child unwilling to put off his clothes
body so of pertinent and taking language even to the close of life which she used to imploy to oblige her Visitors and Friends yea all men with This piece of Humanity or candour is a very lovely thing Gal. 5.22 with many other places much recommended to the world by the Gospel Divinity 3. As to Grace Here I have such things and so many to say as will highly add to the memory of this Elect Lady Without this all the rest had been perishing accomplishments only Ornaments in meer Humanity Some notable beyond-Sea-men have nervously attempted to prove That it is only Religion and not meer Reason that disserenceth men from Beasts Well 1. In General This Honourable Lady was of an holy life she used to affirme an holy life and graces of the Gospel to be more dignifying then Birth Estate or great and shining worldly Titles and would use to say That what Paul says was a great truth upon her long experience 1. Cor. 1.26 Not many wisemen after the flesh not many mighty not many Noble are called I have heard her also affirme that the new birth deserves to be as it truly is the greatest John 1.13 Born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Blessed be God this pious Lady was not like a fair house with an ill Inhabitant but had a noble soul inhabited all her other excellencies Though many other things raised her to an high pitch of greatness yet none did so much dignisie her as her Religion and that which made it splendid was its regularity universality and constancy But 2. To be particular Her Religion or Grace appeared 1. In loving it in others In loving those that were of a good and gracious life Saint John makes this the infallible Testimony of the gracious state 1 John 3.14 We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the Brethren he that loveth not his brother abideth in death Noscitur exsocio qui nondignosciturex se She could not at all be at ease in ill company she might in a good measure say as the holy Psalmist The Saints the excellent in the earth in whom is all my delight Psal 16.3 She loved it not only in those that lived in her Family choosing her servants by this standard but also in meer strangers which shewed she loved it for its own sake 2. In indeavouring to advance it in others not by meer conference and counsel for these were the cheapest sort of indeavours she used but also by many Letters writ with her own hands pertinent and nervous for the advancement of holiness and further also she used often to give Books and sometimes mony to draw on to a serious life but this will be farther illustrated in the next 3. In her Charity to souls As I need mention no more instances for this but her large contribution to the conversion of the poor Indians in America continued year by year for many years till this she dyed in of which blessed be God she had a yearly account to her great refreshment and joy 4. In her love to be invited to holy services This was so durable and lively that she might truly say without ostentation or vanity as David once did Psalm 122.1 I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord. She used to be as eager to go to holy Ordinances as others are or can be to go to their worldly vanities 5. In her Reverence to holy things or Persons As to God and Christ even in their very Names which she used to mention with a more than ordinary dread She used to deport her self with abundant gravity in the House of Prayer and with high respectfulness to the lowest of the Ministry if industrious and serious men I have observed her alwaies more excellent in this than others of the lowest Degree 6. In her Discourse Loquere u ' â—e videam which always dropped as the honey Comb It was alwaies favoury and seasoned with salt so as to minister grace to the Hearers according to the Apostles advice concerning it Thus I have given you some brief hints of things time not allowing further I have not told you of her Ladiships constant giving upon Charity besides her known Alms-Houses in three Counties and many other ways sometimes large summes and now gone she hath lest 40 l. a year for an hundred years time wanting only one Nor have I told you of this Ladies constant Devotion In a dayly reading of Scripture and other choice Books besides retired Prayers twice every day and in these things she was constant to the close of life Thus you have seen something of her Life I 'le say a little to her Ladyships dying state and then I 'le close Here you may see some noble Testimonies of her Grace or Religion 1. In her fervour to do good to the last of life which she highly breathed after the day she dyed on desireing to do still more for God 2. In her warm and bleeding sense of the low estate of Religion and its owners in the world 1 Sam. 4.13 Her Heart trembled for the Ark of God 3. In her submission to the divine will and disposal she freely offered up her self to her great Lord and Owner to do what he would with her 4. In her peace of soul I have this to say of both these That though I had often before seen her in danger of dying yet I never saw her in such a submiss and peacefull frame of soul I might really say that I saw that one Scripture Psal 37.37 made plain and true Mark the perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that man is peace 5. In her Faith commending Christ as the highest and most proper Cordial in the fainting hour which were some of the last words she spake before she dyed 6. In solemn Prayers In this holy Duty she solemnly gave up her soul to God Now may we not say as Luk. 10.42 Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her The Jews at this day look upon women as of a lower Creation and suffer them not to enter into their Synagogues So the Turks make no reckoning of the Religion of women but we see by this instance that they may excell Let it be observed also that in the dayes of our dearest Lords corporal converse here on earth three of his most thorow-followers were women and all of the same Name with our Honourable Lady viz. the Virgin Magdalen and Martha's Sister We have many other instances of famous women in the Gospel as of Elizabeth walking in all the commandments of God blameless Of Dorcas fruitful in the works of Charity and love Of Priscilla who was learned and skilled in the Gospel Divinity Of Lois and Eunice excellent in unfained Faith Of Lydia one whose heart was notably opened to entertain the things of God with many others much commended in the New Testament for excelling Persons Something of what was in all these might be found in this Lady I have been discoursing on Now what should I say but as once Seneca Non omne tempus Catones parit c. Every day brings forth common Persons but would to God that every year nay every 10. or 20. years would but bring us such a Lady to live to such an age But you 'l say Had she no failings Yes I grant she was not without them But blessed be God what I have said was the main of her Life the other by the by To be without unallowed failings 1 Cor. 13.12 15.54 would be to be without mortality I question not but many great Persons much applauded have not merited half of what this Lady did I am sure I may put her in the Ballance with thousands of her Rank Prov. ult 29. and say Many Daughters have done vertuously but she excelled them all Soli Deo Gloria