Selected quad for the lemma: death_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
death_n	great_a	life_n	world_n	9,869	5	4.4022	3	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A01632	The ornament of women. Or, A description of the true excellency of women Delivered in a sermon at the funerall of M. Elizabeth Machell, on Easter Munday being the 15. of April 1639. By Stephen Geree, minister of Gods Word at Wonnersh, neare Guildford in Surrey.	Geree, Stephen, 1594-1656?	1639 (1639)	STC 11763; ESTC S118756	25,207	138

Sam. 1.15 and hee powred downe this great blessing upon her which was the joy and rejoycing of her selfe and her husband and the staffe and stay of all Israel as appeares at large in the first booke of Samuel And how came Solomon to be so famous and to be preferred before his elder brethren to the kingdome of Israel It is more then probable that it came to passe by his holy mothers prayers and instructions and therefore shee cals him the sonne of her vowes Pov. 31.2 vowes and prayers being sometimes taken for the very same Thus good women are wonderfull helpefull to their husbands by their prayers and also to their children And indeed the whole family fares the better for them But those that want grace Gods feare and faith cannot pray so as to prevaile with God They may say their prayers as we use to say but pray properly they cannot For how shall they call on him in whom they have not beleeved Rom. 10.14 If we aske not in faith wee cannot receive any thing of GOD Iam. 1.6 7. wee may receive something by Gods ordinary providence that is extended to man and beast but we receive nothing by our prayers that proceed not from grace The prayer of faith is that which heales both soule and body Iam. 5.15 16. Therefore those men and women that want faith and the feare of God their praying is meere prating or babbling as our Saviour saith of the prayers of the heathen Mat. 6.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 meere Battologie and bare repetition of words Hence when Saul that became Paul was newly converted who had made havocke of the Church before Christ signified the same to Ananias in these words Behold hee prayeth Acts 9.11 Saul we read was a strict Pharisee Acts 26.5 And the Pharisees used to pray standing in the Synagogues and in the corners of the streets just as the Papists and other hypocrites to be seene of men Mat. 6.5 And for a pretense made long prayers Matth. 23.14 yet behold now hee prayeth saith the Lord hee never prayed till now till hee was brought home humble to Christ had his heart changed by grace from heaven Behold now hee prayeth indeed now his prayers are to purpose Likewise as her prayers are most excellent that hath grace and the feare of God 2. Al other speeches so are her other speeches A woman that hath grace speakes so as to minister grace unto the hearers Ephes 4.29 Shee openeth her mouth with wisdome and in her tongue is the law of kindnesse Prov. 31.26 But it is farre otherwise with those that want grace they speake so as to minister rather sin to the hearers Witnesse the fond frivolous unsavoury and malicious discourses of most women when they meet together Not a word of grace comes out of their lippes in a long season they savour no such discourse Likewise Great difference in the end of their actions 1 Cor. 10.31 they differ as much in the end of their actions gracious women ayme at Gods glory in all their actions which is little regarded of those that want grace and therefore GOD regards not their actions in any measure as hee doth theirs that seeke his honour For those that honour me I will honour saith the Lord and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed 1 Sam. 2.30 Come wee a little further and consider these 2. Differences in regard of some speciall relations sorts of women in regard of some relations and other adjuncts and we shall finde a vast difference that grace makes betweene them First 1 In their heads a godly and gracious woman is a lively member of Christ whereas without grace women are no members at all or else unsound rotten and corrupt members yea in 〈◊〉 limbes of Satan And 〈◊〉 the members partake of the honour or dishonour of the head so it is here The lively members of Christ participate of his honours and dignities For in him they are more than conquerours Rom. 8.37 And to him that overcommeth saith Christ I will give power over Nations and hee shall rule them with a rod of yron c. even as I received of my Father Revel 2.26 27. And hee hath made us all Kings Revel 1.6 See also The one sort shal sit upon the bench and the other stand at the barre Revel 3.21 To him that overcommeth will I grant to sit with mee in my Throne c. This honour have all his Saints men and women Know ye not that the Saints shall judge the world 1 Cor. 6.2 whereas all others shall be judged by them and sentenced with the Devill and his Angels Matth. 25.41 The Saints shall sit on the Bench the other shall stand at the Barre Secondly 2. In their Husband The excellency of a gracious woman appeares in her husband for every Christian soule is espoused unto the sonne of God even matched unto Christ Hence the Apostle said that hee had espoused the Corinthians unto one husband Virgins in a spirituall not Popish sense that he might present them chast Virgins unto CHRIST 2 Cor. 11.2 And you know that the wife partakes of her husbands honours and excellencies Viri radijs coruscant mulieres as the Lawyers speake Women shine with their husbands beames as the Moone with the light of the Sunne If he be a Lord she is a Lady if hee bee a King shee is a Queene c. Therefore in like manner every woman that hath true grace whereby shee is matched to the most excellent husband must needs be most excellent whereas those that want grace and the feare of God are matched and lincked by sinne unto Satan and so shall partake of his shamefull miseries according to the sentence Mat. 25.41 Depart into everlasting fire prepared for the Devill and his angels Thirdly 3 In their portion Portion is an adjunct that makes a woman much set by and sought after And even in this the gracious woman hath got farre the better more than Benjamins messe exceeded his brethrens though the other hath many thousands For she hath God for her portion as David had Psalm 16.5 and others Psalm 73.26 Lam. 3.24 And accordingly she hath the most excellent joynture she is joynt heirewith Christ Iesus Rom. 8.17 So that shee hath many Iewels even those exceeding great and precious promises 2 Pet. 1.4 To such the Apostle saith All things are yours whether Paul or Apollo or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come all are yours hee saith it twice to make us the more sure and yee are Christs and Christ is Gods 1 Cor. 3.21 22 23. The same difference is here as was among Abrahams Children Genesis 25.5 6. as betweene Isaac and the sons of the Concubine Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac saith the text but unto the sonnes of the Concubine he gave gifts and sent them away Even so it is in this case

instructions and example in frequenting the house of God c. were a maine motive no doubt to make her in love with that good Word of GOD which wrought so effectually and in a manner miraculously in her therfore you have much more cause of joy and gladnesse than of griefe and heavinesse If all Parents would but give such example as you have done both at home and in Gods house ô what holy and happy houses and congregations should we have what thronging and crowding would there bee in most Churches which now are almost empty oftentimes But when most Parents provide rather for their Childrens bodies than soules making much of the Carkas neglecting the Conscience no mervaile that there is so little hope in most of their Posteritie Goe on therfore with good successe as you have begun and still doe more and more worthily in Israel GOD hath given you an heart not only to be a Favourer which is easie but a Follower yea and a Furtherer of those that hee hath sent into his Vineyard the same Lord multiply his mercy grace and spirit upon you and yours that you may still prove Noble patternes unto others And now good Madam to returne to your Ladiship I know you bare no small share of sorrow with your beloved Sister in this businesse because you have a long time loved your deceased Kinswoman as if shee had beene your owne daughter witnesse those affectionate words of salutation which you usually inserted into the Letters your Ladyship sent to her Mother which ever had a speciall accent and emphasis when you came to her Insomuch as I dare boldly say you desire nothing more to your dearest daughters than such a dowry of grace and goodnesse as her heavenly Father had bestowed on her For you knew her farre different from the disposition of other Gentlewomen who make their soules slaves to their bodyes and both soule and body drudges to the world and the Devill Because whereas other women trouble themselves with many things like Martha shee set her soule upon that one thing necessary chusing with Mary that better part which could not be taken from her Luk. 10. last ver Shee was never more diligent than when shee was to deale with GOD in his holy Ordinances and in nothing so negligent as in the world and things of the world and yet shee complained on her death bed that she had beene too worldly Alas what cause then have wee to complaine of others who dote so much upon the drosse and dung of the world and make it no better than an Idoll That precious time which other Gentlevvomen vvickedly wast in tricking and trimming the body she specially spent in decking and adorning the soule for vvhatsoever was to bee done the soule should not be forgotten And vvhereas others are taken up with faire buildings and stately houses c. shee mainely minded to beautifie her house not only vvith the Forme of godlinesse vvhich many families have 2 Tim. 3.4 but most of all with the Power of godlinesse vvhich few regard And hence vvas it that she so much desired to have the speciall care of Families commended unto others at her Funerall For she set up her resolution with worthy Ioshuah Let others doe what they would Iosh 24.15 follow the world or serve their lusts and the times She and her house would serve the Lord. Neither was shee afraid to owne Christ as many are who think it more generous to set up sports and pastimes and follow pleasures c. than set up Christ and his ordinances in their houses Moreover her charity did notably second her Piety for not only the loynes of the poore but their bellyes Iob 31.20 Shee was willing to heale their sores and helpe their souls giving them good instructions as well as plasters and backes did blesse her as Job speakes yea their legges and hands their eyes and cares did pronounce her blessed So that we have great cause to give God thanks for her work of faith and labour of love as the Apostle speaks 1 Thes 1.3 There be some that have Piety but want Charity such are but as sounding brasse and tinckling Cymbals 1 Cor. 13.1 And some againe have a kinde of Charity but care not for Pietie they give much Almes but doe not give themselves to God nor give over their sinnes Such Saint Ambrose saith Multi sunt qui faciunt eleemosynā tamen peccare non cessant tisti quasi sua● offerunt Deo seipsos Diabolo Amb. Ser. 12. give their goods to God and themselves to the devill But your worthy Kinswoman was none such for first she gave her selfe to God as the Macedonians did and then to Gods Messengers and to the Saints 2 Cor. 8.1 2 3 4 5. What then though shee dyed a distastfull death by reason of her disease Yet she left a most sweet smell and savour behinde her even the precious oyntment of a good Name so that the day of her death was much better than the day of her birth as Solomon saith in the same place Eccles 7.1 Whereas many others that die of faire discases leave a noysome and unsavoury sent behinde them going out like the snuffe of a Candle This was that which made her so ready to resigne her will to Gods in greatest extremities and towards her latter end so much to long to goe home as her words were for shee made no more of death than a departing home so that we saw her something troubled when those that were about her laboured to preserve her life saying Why will you not let me goe as if they did hinder her happines Thus with my singular respect to you both and those that bee most neare unto you commending you and all yours to the grace of our God Ephes 3.20 who is able to doe exceeding abundantly above all wee can aske or thinke I rest Your Honours much obliged Stephen Geree THE ORNAMENT of Women PRO. 31.29 30. Many daughters have done vertuously but thou excellest them all VER 30. Favour is deceitfull and beauty is vaine but a Woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised THis last Chapter of the Proverbs containes certaine singular lessons which Lemuel or Solomon learn't of his loving and religious mother Bathsheba as is gathered from the first and second verses Whereby we may justly confute the folly or rather blasphemy of those Papists and Atheists that cannot endure Women should meddle with the Scriptures or Word of God For if the words of a Woman were thought fit to bee made the word of God not only by wise Solomon but also by the Holy Ghost then surely Women may very well meddle with Gods holy word that following this holy and royall example of Solomons Mother they may instruct at least their child in the old good way according to GODS Word Ier. 6.16 The truth is many women doe shame a great many men that are ignorant idle or prophane

God in prayer how would she flye to the throne of grace as it were upon the wings of faith And how often hath she bin observed to rise from prayer with teares in her eyes on her cheekes and dropped down before her and that without any ostentation which she was as free from as any that ever I observed I speake by experience As much may be said for her diligent and dutifull hearing to adde an instance or two more And hearing Gods Word For she delighted not in houses of play and pleasure as most young Gentlewomen doe but the houses of praying and preaching were her chiefe joy Psalm 137.5 6. So that whatsoever paines shee was able to take she was willing to undergoe to come to those places where shee might heare God most lively speaking unto her and she againe most powerfully like Hannah powre out her soule unto the Lord. Mourning for nothing more in time of her sicknesse than the want of Gods house and ordinances for nothing but Necessitie could keepe her from them which is far otherwise with a great many especially of her ranck who are but too easily intreated to keep from the Church even when God himselfe their own and the Churches necessities call upon them And while shee was hearing how marvellous attentive even as was said of the people that heard our Saviour Luk. 19.48 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they were attentive to him or rather hanged upon him as the margent hath it in the last translation So she hanged upon the mouth of his messengers as Chickens hang upon the mouth of the Hen as some open the phrase that are ready to catch whatsoever shee shall breake for them or let fall unto them Even so her comming to the Sacrament was admirable And receiving the holy Sacrament How solemne and serious would shee be in preparing for that holy Supper setting apart sometimes dayes of fasting and humiliation which were dayes of Iubilee to her sanctified spirit that shee might come the more hungry and thirsty and so bee more fully satisfied with the fat and sweet of this most heavenly Table Seldome did shee receive this blesse Sacrament with dry eyes as I have bin often an eye witnesse though she carryed it covertly and yet how often did she frequent this holy Feast never missing the monthly Communions if shee were able to come to the Church and that I think for 7. yeares together after once it had pleased the Lord to let the light of his countenance shine upon her wherein she followed a good patterne given her at home These are strange things you will think but I can assure you not so strange as true for I do not speak as we must do many times by hear-say but I speak what I have seen and knowne And now for her words and speeches she had learn'd the language of Canaan Her words Jsa 19.8 Neh. 13.24 and did not mingle it with the speech of Ashdod she was not double-tongued but spake the words of sobernesse and truth She loved that pure language Zeph. 3.9 and hated lying and swearing yea she abhorred all rotten speech and corrupt communication as filthy vomit labouring to have her speeches alwaies with grace Col. 4.6 seasoned with salt as the Apostle commandes And for the end of her Actions The end of her actions She exceedingly aymed at Gods glory preferring that before all so that she would often say If she could but glorifie God shee cared not For she had learnt by heart that hard lesson of Selfe deny all for Gods sake Now in the last place to come to those relations and adjuncts of excellency First She was a most lively member of Christs mysticall body Honourable in her Head 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 She had conquest upon conquest one victory after another and therefore most honourable in Her head Witnesse those worthy workes before related She was in Christ her head more than a Conquerour Rom. 8.37 she did over-overcome as one well renders the words For she conquered the corruptions of youth of her place of the times and places wherein she lived and therefore now no doubt is gone to weare the crown of righteousnes having fought so good a fight of faith 2 Tim. 4.7 8. 2. She was no lesse excellent in her Husband than in her head In her husband which are the same for she was espoused unto Christ her heavenly husband with whose beams of grace she did shine brightlie while she was here and therefore now she glisters gloriously as the Sun with his most orient beames of blisse and happinesse 3. For her Portion that was no corruptible thing In her Portion as silver or gold but even the Lord of heaven whose mercy endures for ever in comparison of whom shee esteemed al earthly treasure but drosse and dunge And therefore now she is gone to take possession of that goodly joynture the kingdom of glory being joynt-heire with Christ Iesus Rom. 8.17 For on earth women doe not enjoy their joynture but the time of life after their Husbands death but 't is otherwise in heaven for they go to take a fuller possession of their spirituall joynture by death which is the dore of eternall life to them that die in the Lord. Lastly for her Apparell it was of the choycest and best In her Apparell even the Royal Robes of Christs righteousnes which she had put on by faith Phil. 3 9. renouncing her own righteousnes as rotten ragges in comparison often complaining of her owne unrighteousnesse And yet wheras other Gentlewomen are much taken up with providing for the body tricking and trimming that painted sheath for it is no better oftentimes See Dan. 7.15 in the Chaldee Vestite vos serico probitatis byssino sanctitatis purpura pudicitia Taliter pigmentatae Deum habebitu amatorem Ter. de cul foeminarum shee mainely minded the trimming and decking of her soule by her daily devotion wherein she excelled hating the fond and flaring phantasticall and new fangled fashions of the world as fit for none but idle braines vaine and wanton women that want eyes to look into their precious soule and see how needy and naked tattered deformed they are within Shee therefore now no doubt is arrayed like those in the Revelation that had long white Robes and Palmes in their hands in signe of victory Rev. 7.9 For she came out of great tribulation and had washed her Robe and made it white in the bloud of the Lamb v. Ver. 16.17 14. So that now shee shall hunger no more nor thirst any more all teares being wiped from her eyes See Isaiah 57.1 2. though not from ours For wee have great cause to weepe and mourne not for her but for our selves The greater her gaine is the greater is our losse and not ours only but the whole Church of God Thus much for her life Of Her death Now concerning her death I must