the Bible and getting of his Catechism 20. When other Children were playing he would many a time and oft be praying 21. One day a certain person was discoursing with him about the Nature Offices and Excellency of Christ and that he alone can satisfie for our sins and merit everlasting life for us and about other of the great Mysteries of Redemption he seemed savingly to understand them and was greatly delighted with the discourse 22. One speaking concerning the Resurrection of the Body he did acknowledg it but that the same weak body that was buried in the Church-yard should be raised again he thought very strange but with Admiration yielded that nothing was impossible to God and that very day he was taken sick unto death 23. A Friend of his asked him whether he were willing to dye when he was first taken sick he answered no because he was afraid of his state as to another world Why Child said the other thou didst pray for a new Heart for an humble and a sincere Heart and I have heard thee didst thou not pray with all thy heart I hope I did said he 24. Not long after the same person asked him again whether he were willing to die He answered now I am willing for I shall go to Christ 25. One asked him what should become of his Sister if he should die and leave her He answered the will of the Lord must be done 26. He still grew weaker and weaker but carried it with a great deal of sweetness and patience waiting for his change and at last did chearfully commit his Spirit unto the Lord and calling upon the Name of the Lord and saying Lord Jesus Lord Jesus In whose bosome he sweetly slept dying as I remember when he was about five or six years old EXAMPLE III. Of a little Girl that was wrought upon when she was between four and five years old with some account of her holy life and triumphant death 1. MAry A. When she was between four and five years old was greatly affected in hearing the word of God and became very solicitous about her Soul and everlasting condition weeping bitterly to think what would become of her in another World asking strange questions concerning God and Christ and her own soul so that this little Mary before she was full five years old seemed to mind the one thing needful and to choose the better part and sat at the feet of Christ many a time and oft with tears 2. She was wont to be much in secret duty and many times come off from her knees with tears 3. She would chuse such times and places for secret duty as might render her less observed by others and did endeavour what possibly she could to conceal what she was doing when she was engaged in secret duty 4. She was greatly afraid of hypocrisie and of doing any thing to be seen of men and to get commendation and praise and when she hath heard one of her Brothers saying that he had been by himself at prayer she rebuked him sharply and told him how little such prayers were like to profit him and that was little to his praise to pray like a hypocrite and to be glad that any should know what he had been doing 5. Her Mother being full of sorrow after the death of her Husband this Child came to her Mother and askt her why she wept so exceedingly her Mother answered she had cause enough to weep because her Father was dead No dear Mother said the Child you have no cause to weep so much for God is a good God still to you 6. She was a dear lover of faithful Ministers One time after she had been hearing of Mr. Whitaker she said I love that name dearly for the sweet words that he speaks concerning Christ 7. Her Book was her delight and what she did read she loved to make her own and cared not for passing over what she learned without extraordinary observations and understanding and many times she was so strangely affected in reading of the Scriptures that she would burst out into tears and would hardly be pacified so greatly was she taken with Christs sufferings the zeal of Gods Servant the danger of a natural state 8. She would complain oftentimes of the corruption of her nature of the hardness of her heart that she could repent no more thorowly and be no more humble and grieved for her sins against a good God and when she did thus complain it was with abundance of tears 9. She was greatly concerned for the souls of others and grieved to think of the miserable condition that they were in upon this account when she could handsomly she would be putting in some pretty sweet word for Christ but above all she would do what she could to draw the hearts of her brethren and sisters after Christ and there was no small hopes that her example and good counsel did prevail with some of them when they were very young to get into corners to pray to ask very gracious questions about the things of God 10. She was very conscientious in keeping the Sabbath spending the whole time either in reading or praying or learning her Catechism or teaching her Brethren and Sisters One time when she was left at home upon the Lords day she got some other little children together with her brothers and sisters and instead of playing as other naughty children use to do she told them that that was the Lords day and that they ought to remember that day to keep it holy and then she told them how it was to be spent in religious exercises all the day long except so much as was to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy then she prayed with them her self and among other things begged that the Lord would give grace and wisdom to them little Children that they might know how to serve him as one of the little ones in the company with her told afterwards 11. She was a Child of a strange tenderness and Compassion to all full of Bowels and Pity whom she could not help she would be ready to weep over especially if she saw her Mother at any time troubled she would quickly make her sorrows her own and weep for her and with her 12. When her Mother had been somewhat solicitous about any worldly thing she would if she could possible put her off from her care one way or other One time she told her O Mother grace is better than that meaning something her Mother wanted I had rather have grace and the love of Christ than any thing in the world 13. This Child was often musing and busied in the thoughts of her everlasting Work witness that strange question O what are they doing which are already in Heaven And she seemed to be hugely desirous to be among them that were praising loving delighting in God and serving of him without sin Her language was so strange about spiritual matters that she made
die She answered Yes if God would pardon her sins Being asked how her sins should be pardoned She answered through the blood of Christ 14. She said she did believe in Christ and desired and longed to be with him and did with a great deal of chearfulness give up her soul There were very many observable passages in the Life and Death of this Child but the hurry and grief that her friends were in buryed them The Fifth Example of the pious Life and joyful Death of a Child which dyed when he was about twelve years old 1632. 1. CHarles Bridgman had no sooner learned to speak but he betook himself to prayer 2. He was very prone to learn the things of God 3. He would be sometimes teaching them their duty that waited upon him 4. He learned by heart many good things before he was well fit to go to School and when he was set to School he carried it so that all that observed him either did or might admire him O the sweet nature the good disposition the sincere Religion which was in this Child 5. When he was at School what was it that he desired to learn but Christ and him crucified 6. So religious and savoury were his words his actions so upright his devotion so hearty his fear of God so great that many were ready to say as they did of John What manner of Child shall this be 7. He would be much in reading the holy Scriptures 8. He was desirous of more spiritual knowledg and would be oft asking very serious and admirable questions 9. He would not stir out of doors before he had poured out his Soul to the Lord. 11. When he eat any thing he would be sure to lift up his heart unto the Lord for a blessing upon it and when he had moderately refreshed himself by eating he would not forget to acknowledg Gods goodness in feeding of him 12. He would not lye down in his bed till he had been upon his knees and when sometimes he had forgotten his duty he would quickly get out of his bed and kneeling down upon his bare knees covered with no Garment but his Linings ask God forgiveness for that sin 13. He would rebuke his Brethren if they were at any time too hasty at their meals and did eat without asking a blessing his check was usually this dare you do thus God be merciful unto us this bit of bread might choak us 14. His sentences were wise and weighty and well might become some ancient Christian 15. His sickness was a lingring disease against which to comfort him one tells him of possessions that must fall to his portion and what are they said he I had rather have the Kingdom of Heaven than a thousand such inheritances 16. When he was sick he seemed much taken up with Heaven and asked very serious questions about the nature of his soul 17. After he was pretty well satisfied about that he enquired how his soul might be saved the answer being made by the applying of Christs merits by faith he was pleased with the answer and was ready to give any one that should desire it an account of his hope 18. Being asked whether he had rather live or dye he answered I desire to dye that I may go to my Saviour 19. His pains encreasing upon him one asked him whether he would rather still endure those pains or forsake Christ Alas said he I know not what to say being but a Child for these pains may stagger a strong man But I will strive to endure the best that I can Upon this he called to mind that Martyr Thomas Bilney who being in prison the night before his burning put his finger into the candle to know how he could endure the fire O said the Child had I lived then I would have run through the fire to have gone to Christ 20. His sickness lasted long and at least three dayes before his death he prophesied his departure and not only that he must dye but the very day On the Lords day said he look to me neither was this a word of course which you may guess by his often repetition every day asking till the day came indeed what is Sunday come At last the lookt-for day came on and no sooner had the Sun beautified that morning with its light but he falls into a trance his eyes were fixed his face cheerful his lips smiling his hands and face clasped in a Bow as if he would have received some blessed Angel that were at hand to receive his soul but he comes to himself and tells them how he saw the sweetest body that ever eyes beheld who bid him be of good cheer for he must presently go with him 21. One that stood near him as now suspecting the time of his dissolution nigh bid him say Lord into thy hands I commend my spirit which is thy due for why thou hast redeemed it O Lord my God most true 22. The last words which he spake were exactly these Pray pray pray nay yet pray and the more Prayers the better all prospers God is the best Physitians into his hands I commend my spirit O Lord Jesus receive my soul Now close mine eyes Forgive me Father Mother Brother Sister all the World Now I am well my pain is almost gone my joy is at hand Lord have mercy on me O Lord receive my Soul unto thee And thus he yielded his Spirit up unto the Lord when he was about twelve years old This Narrative was taken out of Mr. Ambrose his Life's Lease The sixth Example of a poor Child that was awakened when she was about five years old 1. A Certain very poor Child that had a very bad Father but it was to be hoped a very good Mother was by the Providence of God brought to the sight of a godly friend of mine who upon the first sight of the Child had a great pity for him and took an affection to him and had a mind to bring him up for Christ 2. At the first he did with great sweetness and kindness allure the Child by which means it was not long before he got a deep interest in the heart of the Child and he began to obey him with more readiness than Children usually do their Parents 3. By this a Door was opened for a farther work and he had agreater advantage to instill spiritual Principles into the soul of the Child which he was not wanting in as the Lord gave opportunity and the Child was capable of 4. It was not long before the Lord was pleased to strike in with the spiritual Exhortations of this good man so that the Child was brought to a liking of the things of God 5. He quickly learnt a great part of the Assemblies Catechism by heart and that before he could read his Primmer within Book and he took a great delight in learning his Catechism 6. He was not only able to give a very good account of his Catechism
be thought their nature is made capable of greater glory than mans He said he was of another mind and his reason was because Angles were Servants and Saints are Children and that Christ never took upon him the nature of Angels but he took upon him the nature of Saints and by his being man he hath advanced human nature above the nature of Angels 15. By this you may perceive the greatness of his parts and the bent of his thoughts and thus he continued for several years together labouring to get more and more spiritual knowledge and to prepare for an endless life 16. He was a Child of an excellent sweet temper wonderful dutiful to his Parents ready and joyful to do what he was bid and by no means would do any thing to displease them and if they were at any time seemingly angry he would not stir from them till they were thorowly reconciled to him 17. He was not only good himself but would do what he could to make others so too especially those that were nearest to him he was very watchful over his brethren and Sisters and would not suffer them to use any unhandsome words or to do any unhandsome action but he would be putting them upon that which was Good and when he did at any time rebuke them it was not Childishly and slightly but with great gravity and seriousness as one that was not a little concerned for Gods honour and the eternal welfare of their Souls 18. He would go to his Father and Mother with great tenderness and compassion being far from telling of tales and beg of them to take more care of the Souls of his brethren and Sisters and to take heed least they should go on in a sinful Christless state and prove their sorrow and shame and go to Hell when they die and be ruined for ever 19. He was exceedingly affected with hearing of the Word of God preached and could not be satisfied except he could carry home much of the substance of what he heard to this end he quickly got to learn Short-hand and would give a very pretty account of any sermon that he heard 20. He was much engaged in secret Duty and in reading the Scriptures to be sure morning and evening he would be by himself and was no question wrestling with God 21. He would get choice Scriptures by heart and was very perfect at his Catechism 22. The Providences of God were not passed by without considerable observation by him 23. In the time of the Plague he was exceedingly concerned about his Soul and Everlasting State very much by himself upon his knees This Prayer was found written in Short-hand after his Death O Lord God and merciful Father take pitie upon me a miserable Sinner and strengthen me O Lord in thy faith and make me one of thy glorious Saints in Heaven O Lord keep me from this poisonous Infection however not my will but thy will be done O Lord on earth as it is in heaven but O Lord if thou hast appointed printed me to die by it O Lord fit me for death and give me a good heart to bear up under my afflictions O Lord God and merciful Father take pity on me thy child teach me O Lord thy Word make me strong in faith O Lord I have sinned against thee Lord pardon my sins I had been in hell long ago if it had not been for thy mercy O Lord I pray thee to keep my Parents in thy truth and save them from this Infection if it be thy will that they may live to bring me up in the truth O Lord I pray thee stay this Infection that rageth in this City and pardon their sins and try them once more and see if they will turn unto thee Save me O Lord from this Infection that I may live to praise and glorifie thy name but O Lord if thou hast appointed me to die of it fit me for death that I may die with comfort and O Lord I pray thee to help me to bear up under all afflictions for Christ his sake Amen 24. He was not a little concerned for the whole nation and begged that God would pardon the sins of the Land and bring it nearer to himself 25. About the beginning of November 1665. this sweet Child was smote with the Distemper but he carried it with admirable patience under the hand of God 26. These are some of his dying Expressions The Lord shall be my Physician for he will cure both Soul and body Heaven is the best Hospital It is the Lord let him do what seemeth good in his eyes Again it is the Lord that taketh away my health but I will say as Job did Blessed be the name of the Lord. If I should live longer I should but sin against God Looking upon his Father he said If the Lord would but lend me the least finger of his hand to lead me through the dark entry of Death I will rejoice in him 27. When a Minister came to him amongst other things he spake somewhat of life He said This is a wicked world yet it is good to live with my Parents but it is better to live in heaven 28. And hour and an half before his Death the same Minister came again to visit him and asked him John art thou not afraid to die He answered No if the Lord will but comfort me in that hour But said the Minister How canst thou expect Comfort seeing we deserve none He answered No if I had my deserts I had been in hell long ago But replied the Minister which way dost thou expect Comfort and Salvation seeing thou art a Sinner He answered In Christ alone In whom about an hour and an half after he fell asleep saying he would take a long sleep charging them that were about him not to wake him He dyed when he was twelve years three weeks and a day old Example IX Of a Child that was very eminent when she was between 5 and 6 years old with some memorable passages of her life who died about 1640. 1. ANne Lane was born of honest Parents in Colebrook in the County of Bucks who was no sooner able to speak plain and express any thing considerable of reason but she began to act as if she was sanctified from the very womb 2. She was very solicitous about her Soul what would become of it when she should die and where she should live for ever and what she should do to be saved when she was about five years old 3. She was wont to be oft ingaged in secret Prayer and pouring out of her Soul in such a manner as is rarely to be heard of from one of her years 4. I having occasion to lie at Colebrook sent for her Father an old Disciple an Israelite indeed and desired him to give me some account of his Experiences and how the Lord first wrought upon him 5. He gave me this answer that he was of a child somewhat civil
the evening in the fourteenth year of her age having obtained that which she so oft intreated of the Lord a quiet and easie departure and the end of her faith the salvation of her soul Example XII Of the excellent carriage of a Child upon his death bed when but seven years old IAcoh Bicks the Brother of Susannah Bicks was born in Leiden in the year 1657. and had religious education under his godly Parents the which the Lord was pleased to sanctifie to his Conversion and by it lay in excellent provisions to live upon in an hour of distress 2. This sweet little Child was visited of the Lord of a very fore Sickness upon the sixth of August 1664. three or four weeks before his Sister of whose life and death we have given you some account already in his distemper he was for the most part very sleepy and drousie till near his death but when he did wake he was wont still to fall a praying 3. Once when his Parents had prayed with him they asked him if they should once more send for the Physician No said he I will have the Doctor no more the Lord will help me I know he will take me to himself and then he shall help all 4. Ah my dear child said his Father that grieveth my heart Well said the Child Father let us pray and the Lord shall be near for my helper 5. When his Parents had prayed with him again he said come now dear Father and Mother and kiss me I know that I shall die 6. Farewell dear Father and Mother Farewell dear sister farewell all Now shall I go to heaven unto God and Jesus Christ and the holy angels Father know you not what is said by Jeremiah Blessed is he who trusteth in the Lord now I trust in him and he will bless me And in 1 John 2. it is said Little Children love not the world for the world passeth away 7. Away then all that is in the world away with all my pleasant things in the world away with my Dagger for where I go there is nothing to do with Daggers and Swords men shall not fight there but praised God Away with all my books there shall I know sufficiently and be learned in all things of true wisdom without books 8. His Father being touched to hear his child speak at this rate could not well tell what to say but my dear child the Lord will be near thee and uphold thee 9. Yea Father said he the Apostle Peter saith God resisteth the proud but he giveth grace to the humble I shall humble my self under the mighty hand of God and the shall help and lift me up 10. O my dear child said his Father hast thou so strong a faith 11. Yea said the Child God hath given me so strong a faith upon himself through Jesus Christ that the Devil himself shall flee from me for it is said He who believeth in the Son hath everlasting life and he hath overcome the wicked one Now I believe in Jesus Christ my Redeemer and he will not leave or forsake me but shall give unto me eternall life and then I shall sing holy holy holy is the Lord of Sabbath 12. Then with a short word of Prayer Lord be merciful to me a poor sinner he quietly breathed out his Soul and sweetly slept in Jesus when he was about seven years old He died August 8. 1664. Hallelujah Example XIII Of one that began to look towards Heaven when he was very young with many eminent passages of his life and his joyful death when he was eleven years and three quarters old 1. Iohn Harvy was born in London in the year 1654. His Father was a Dutch Merchant he was piously educated under his virtuous mother and soon began to suck in divine things with no small delight 2. The first thing very observable in him was that when he was two years and eight months old he could speak as well as other children do usually at five years old 3. His Parents judging that he was then a little to young to send out to school let him have his liberty to play a little about their yard but instead of playing he found out a school of his own accord hard by home and went to the school-Mistriss and intreated her to teach him to read and so he went for some time to school without the knowledge of his Parents and made a very strange progress in his learning was able to read distinctly before most Children are able to know their letters 4. He was wont to ask many serious and weighty questions about matters which concerned his soul and Eternity 5. His Mother being greatly troubled upon the death of one of his Uncles this Child came to his Mother and said Mother though my Uncle be dead doth not the Scripture say he must rise again yea and I must die and so must every body and it will not be long before Christ will come to judge the world and then we shall see one another again I pray Mother do not weep so much This grave Counsel he gave his Mother when he was not quite five years old by which her sorrow for her Brother was turned into admiration at her Child and she was made to sit silent and quiet under that smarting stroke 9. After this his Parents removed to Aberdeen in Scotland and setled their Child under an able and a painful School Master there whose custome was upon the Lords day in the morning to examine his schollers concerning the Sermons that they had heard the former Lords day and to add some other questions which might try the understanding and knowledge of his Schollers the question that was once proposed to his form was whether God had a mother none of all the Schollars could answer it till it came to John Harvy who being asked whether God had a Mother answered no as he was God he could not have a Mother but as he was man he had this was before he was quite six years old His Master was somewhat amazed at the Childs answer and took the first opportunity to go to his Mother to thank her for instructing her Son so well but she replyed that he was never taught that from her but that he understood it by reading and his own observation 7. He was a Child that was extraordinary inquisitive and full of good questions and very careful to observe and remember what he heard 8. He had a great hatred of whatsoever he knew to be displeasing to God and was so greatly concerned for the honour of God that he would take on bitterly if that any gross sins were committed before him And he had a deep sense of the worth of Souls and was not a little grieved when he saw any one do that which he knew was dangerous to their Souls 9. One day seeing one of his near Relations come into his Fathers House distemper'd with drink as he thought he quickly
to her to speak to any 17. One time when she fell into a fit she cried out O I am going I am going But what shall I do to be saved O what shall I do to be saved Sweet Lord Jesus I will lye at thy feet and if I perish it shall be at the Fountain of thy mercy 18. She was much afraid of presumption and dreaded a mistake in the matters of her Soul and would be often putting up ejaculations to God to deliver her from deceiving her self To instance in one Great and mighty God give me faith and true faith Lord that I may not be a foolish Virgin having a Lamp and no Oyl 19. She would many times be laying hold upon the Promises and plead them in prayer That in Mat. 11.28 29. was much in her Tongue and no small relief to her spirit How many times would she cry out Lord hast thou not said Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest 20. Another time her Father bid her be of good cheer because she was going to a better Father at which she fell into a great passion and said but how do I know that I am a poor sinner that wants assurance O for assurance It was still her Note O for assurance This was her great earnest and constant request to all that came to her to beg assurance for her and poor heart she would look with so much eagerness upon them as if she desired nothing in the world so much as that they would pity her and help her with their prayers never was poor creature more earnest for any thing than she was for an assurance and the Light of Gods Countenance O the piteous moan that she would make O the agonies that her Soul was in 21. Her Mother asks her if God should spare her life how she would live truly Mother said she we have such base hearts that I can't tell we are apt to promise great things when we are sick but when we are recovered we are as ready to forget our selves and to turn again unto folly but I hope I should be more careful of my time and my soul than I have been 22. She was full of natural affection to her Parents and very careful least her Mother should be tired out with much watching Her Mother said how shall I bear parting with thee when I have scarce dryed my eyes for thy Brother She answered The God of love support and comfort you it is but a little while and we shall meet in Glory I hope She being very weak could speak but little therefore her Mother said Child if thou hast any comfort lift up thy hand which she did 23. The Lords day before that in which she died a Kinsman of hers came to see her and asking of her whether she knew him she answered yes I know you and I desire you would learn to know Christ you are young but you know not how soon you may die and O to die without a Christ it is a fearful thing O redeem Time O Time Time Time precious Time Being requested by him not to spend her self she said she would fain do all the good she could while she lived and when she was dead too if possible upon which account she desired that a Sermon might be Preached at the Funeral concerning the preciousness of Time O that young ones would now remember their Creatour 24. Some Ministers that came to her did with earnestness beg that the Lord would please to give her some token for good that she might go off triumphing and Bills of the same Nature were sent to several Churches 25. After she had long waited for an answer of their prayers she said Well I will venture my soul upon Christ 26. She carried it with wonderful patience and yet would often pray that the Lord would give her more patience which the Lord answered to astonishment for considering the pains and agonies that she was in her patience was next to a wonder Lord Lord give me patience said she that I may not dishonour thee 27. Upon Thursday after long waiting great fears and many Prayers when all her Friends thought she had been past speaking to the astonishment of her Friends she broke forth thus with a very audible voice and chearful Countenance Lord thou hast promised that whosoever comes unto thee thou wilt in no wise east out Lord I come unto thee and surely thou wilt in no wise cast me out O so sweet O so glorious is Jesus O I have the sweet and glorious Jesus he is sweet he is sweet he is sweet O the admirable love of God in sending Christ O free grace to a poor lost Creature And thus she ran on repeating many of these things a hundred times over but her Friends were so astonished to see her in this Divine Rapture and to hear such gracious words and her prayers and desires satisfied that they could not write a quarter of what she spoke 28. When her soul was thus ravished with the love of Christ and her tongue so highly engaged in the magnifying of God her Father Brethren and Sisters with other of the Family were called to whom she spake particularly as her strength would give leave She gave her Bible as a Legacy to one of her Brothers and desired him to use that well for her sake and added to him and the rest O make use of time to get a Christ for your Souls spend no time in running up and down in playing O get a Christ for your Souls while you are young remember now your Creator before you come to a sick-bed put not off this great work till then for then you will find it a hard work indeed I know by experience the Devil will tell you it is time enough and ye are young what need you to be in such haste You will have time enough when you are old But there stands one meaning her Grand-mother that stayes behind and I that am but young am going before her O therefore make your Calling and Election sure while you are in health But I am afraid this will be but one nights trouble to your thoughts but remmember these are the words of a dying Sister O if you knew how good Christ were O if you had but one taste of his sweetness you would rather go to him a thousand times than stay in this wicked world I would not for ten thousand and ten thousand worlds part with my interest in Christ O how happy am I that am going to everlasting Joyes I would not go back again for twenty thousand worlds And will not you strive to get an interest in Christ 26. After this looking upon one of her Fathers Servants she said What shall I do What shall I do at that great day when Christ shall say to me Come thou Blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for thee and shall say to the wicked Go thou
and peace and to give an expected end But what shall I say my life shall not continue long I feel much weakness O Lord look upon me graciously have pitie upon my weak distressed heart I am oppressed undertake for me that I may stand fast and overcome 41. She was very frequent in spiritual ejaculations and it was no small comfort to her that the Lord Christ did pray for her and promise to send his spirit to comfort her It 's said said she I will pray the Father and he shall give you another comforter O let not him leave me O Lord continue with me till my battel and work be finished 42. She had very low and undervaluing thoughts of her self and her own reighteousness what meant she else to cry out in such language as that None but Christ without thee I can do nothing Christ is the true vine O let me be a branch of that vine What poor worms are we O dear Father how lame and halting do we go in the wayes of God and Salvation We know but in part but when that which is perfect is come then that which is imperfct shall be done away O that I had attained to that now But what are we of our selves not only weakness and nothingness but wickedness For all the thoughts and imaginations of mans heart are only evil and that continually we are by nature children of wrath and are conceived and born in sin and unrighteousness Oh! Oh! this wretched and vile thing Sin but thanks be to God who hath redeemed me fromit 43. She comforted her self and her Father in that great Scripture Rom. 8.15 16 17. Ye have not received the Spirit of bondage again to fear but ye have received the spirit of adoption by which ye cry Abba father It is the spirit that witneseth with our spirits that we are the children of God and if Children then are we heirs heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. You see thence father that I shall be a fellow heir with Christ who hath said In my fathers house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place for you and if I go to prepare a place for you I will come again and take you to my self that where I am there ye may be also O Lord take me to thy self Behold dear Mother he hath prepared a place and dwelling for me 44. Yea my dear child said her mother he shall strengthen you with his holy Spirit untill he hath fitted and prepared you fully for that place which he hath prepared for you 45. Yea Mother it is said in the 84. Psalm How lovely are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts my soul doth thirst and longeth for the Courts of the Lord One day in thy Courts is better than a thousand yea I had rather be a Door keeper in the house of God than dwell in the tents of the wicked Read that Psalm dear Mother therewith we may comfort one another As for me I am more and more spent and draw near my last hour 46. Then she desired to be pray'd with and begged that the Lord would give her an easie passage 47. After this she turned to her mother and with much affection she said Ah my dear and loving Mother that which cometh from the heart doth ordinarily go to the heart once more come and kiss me before I leave you 48. She was not a little concerned about the souls of the rest of her relations and did particularly charge it upon her father to do what he could possibly to bring them up in the ways of God O let my sister be trained up in the Scriptures and Catechising as I have been 49. I formerly wept for my Sister thinking that she should die before me and now she weepeth for me and then she kissed her weeping Sister Also she took her young little Sister in her arms a Child of six months old and she kissed it with much affection as if her very bowels had moved within her and spoke with many heart-breaking words both to her Parents and the children 50. Her Father spake to one that was by to take the poor little Child away from her from the hazard of that fiery distemper and bid his daughter to give her from her for he had already too much to bear Well Father said she did not God preserve the three Children in the fiery furnace and did not you teach me that Scripture When thou passest thorow the Fire thou shalt not be burnt neither shall the flame kindle upon thee 51. She had a very strong Faith in the doctrine of the Resurrection and did greatly solace her Soul with excellent Scriptures which do speak the happy state of Believers as soon as their Souls are separated from their Bodies and what she quoted out of the Scripture she did excellently and suitably apply to her own use incomparably above the common reach of her sex and age That in 1. Cor. 15.42 was a great support to her The body is sown in corruption but it shall be raised incorruptible it is sown in dishonour it shall be raised in glory it is sown in weakness but it shall be raised in power And then she sweetly applies it and takes in this cordial Behold thus it is and thus it shall be with my poor mortal flesh Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord because they rest from their labours and their works do follow them The righteous perish and no man layeth it to heart and the upright are taken away and no man regardeth it that they are taken away from the evil to come they shall enter into peace they shall rest in their beds every one who walked in their uprightness Behold now Father I shall rest and sleep in that Bedchamber 52. Then she quoted Job 19.25 26 27. I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter end upon the earth and though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God whom I shall see for my self and my eyes shall behold and net another though my reins be consumed within me Behold now Father this very skin which you see and this very flesh which you see shall be raised up again and these very eyes which now are so dim shall on that day see and behold my dear and precious Redeemer albeit the worms eat up my flesh yet with these eyes shall I behold God even I my self and not another for me 53. Then she quoted Joh. 5.28 Marvel not at this for the hour is coming in which all that are in their graves shall hear his voice and come forth those who have done good unto the Resurrection of Life See Father I shall rise in that day and then I shall behold my Redeemer then shall he say Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom prepared for you before the beginning of the world 54. Behold now I live