the Pit do go Have mercy upon me Psal 15.1 O God after thy great goodness according to the multitude of thy merccies blot out mine offences v. 12. O restore unto me the comfort of thy salvation and stablish me with thy free Spirit IT cannot be describ'd how great her grief and disquiet was when she reflected upon her weaknesses and the little care she conceiv'd she had taken in the performance of her Duty to God and in this doleful condition she cry'd out Lord God of health Psal 88.1 2 3. Old Transl the hope and stay Thou art alone to me I call and cry throughout the day And all the night to thee O let my Prayer soon ascend Vnto thy sight on high Incline thine ear O Lord attend And bearken to my cry For why with wo my heart is fill'd And does in trouble dwell My life and breath almost does yield And draweth nigh to Hell. O Lord Jer. 14.7 though my sins witness against me yet do thou pardon and put away mine iniquities for thy Great Names sake which I invoke For thy wrath endures but a moment Psal 30.5 and in thy favour is life Behold my troubles Lord How they with baste advance Psal 70.1 Patr. O do not stay but come as fast To my deliverance Like Psal 42.1 as the Hart pants after the Water brooks so longs my Soul after thee v. 2. O God! My Soul is athirst for God yea even for the Living God When shall I come and appear before God Look dawn to me and be the same Psal 119. v. 132. Woodford As thou art us'd to be to them who love thy Name 'T is for thy favour that I sue Psal 119.57 Woodf And hastning of that promise which thy Word makes due ALL the night long she was rehearsing the most pathetical Verses of the Psalms and in the morning being Munday a Roman Catholick being come to see her about nine of the Clock and expressing his grief upon the score of her sickness she answer'd his Civility and withal gave him an account of her Faith and the Hope that was in her assuring him she was resolv'd to die in that Religion which she was brought up in and always had profess'd Some few days after this a Divine by name Monsieur Boursault being come to visit her discoursed her a little while and then pray'd with her she instancing to him after his Prayer was ended what part of it had most affected her This whole day as the foregoing she pass'd in continual sighs and tears often crying out Oh! how much weakness and infirmity O my God am I sensible of Oh! how unworthy am I to appear before thee If thou O Lord mark my transgressions I shall not be able to abide it But O my God I beseech thee speak peace unto me and say to my Soul I am thy Salvation Incline thine ear to hear my voice Psal 119.149 Old Transl And pity on me take As thou wast wont so help me Lord Lest life should me forsake Since my sins do abound Rom. 5.20 O Lord so make thy Grace much more abound towards me Psal 69.16 Hear me O Lord for thy loving kindness is good turn unto me according to the multitude of thy mercies v. 17. And hide not thy face from thy servant for I am in trouble O haste thee and hear me Draw nigh unto my Soul v. 18. and save it for thy mercies sake WITH these she rehearsed also several admirable Sentences she had learn'd out of a Book intitul'd Comforts against the Terrours of Death which being slipt out of our mind are not mentioned here SHE having been from the Sunday-morning in continual frights and disquiets occasion'd by the sense of her sins and her apprehension of God's Judgments found her Spirit calmed and her mind much compos'd about seven of the Clock in the Evening when she felt the Comforts of the Holy Ghost and was fill'd with that unspeakable Joy and Glory which God diffuses in their hearts who are struck with a lively sorrow for having offended him NOW at the time of these happy Inspirations it was that she hearing them who were about her talk of giving her something to refresh her body said to them All that is done to me is to no purpose for from my God I have receiv'd the onely Remedy my Soul so much long'd for Psal 118.5 I called upon the Lord in my trouble and the Lord heard me at large I feel my God is on my side v. 6. therefore I will fear no evil v. 16. For the right hand of the Lord is exalted the right hand of the Lord brings mighty things to pass Psal 116.2 The Lord has inclined his ear unto me therefore will I call upon him as long as I breath v. 3. The snares of death compassed me about and the pains of Hell gat hold of me v. 4. I found trouble and heaviness but I will call upon the the Name of the Lord O Lord I beseech thee deliver my Soul. Gracious is the Lord v. 5. and righteous yea our God is merciful v. 6. The Lord preserves the simple I was in misery and he helped me v. 7. Turn again then unto thy rest O my soul for the Lord has dealt bountifully with thee HERE she making a stop they gave her that which was prepar'd for her and some of the Company telling her she should endeavour to take some rest she answer'd That the Rest and Peace she felt in her Soul was her sole joy and happiness And when it was farther said to her that she ought to take courage there being yet hopes of Recovery Ah! reply'd she tell me no more of living here on Earth again now all my thoughts are fix'd upon Heaven Neither does death affright me at all Rom. 6.23 for though I know it is the wages of sin I know also that the Gift of God is Eternal Life Onely pray to God for me that he would be pleas'd to strengthen me more and more against the fears which the sense of my sins may raise in me to the end I may be enabled to fight the good fight 2 Tim 4.7 and so obtain the Crown of Life UPON which one saying to her that the fears occasioned from sin ought to be much less in her than any body else she having always liv'd a most pious retired life she made this answer How do you know I would not have loved the World if I had been brought up as other people of my Quality are Am not I more happy now that my Saviour will take me from it Let us therefore pray him that be would so dispose my Heart that I may go to him with a full assurance of his Mercy O Lord this is the needful time help me my God hast thee to my relief THEN another saying to her But Madam suppose God would
with my mouth and he was extolled with my tongue If I had inclin'd my heart to wickedness v. 18. the Lord would not have heard me v. 19. But now he has heard me and consider'd the voice of my Prayer v. 20. Let us therefore praise the Lord who has not cast away my Prayer nor turned his Mercy from me WHICH having said she then pray'd for the King in these words Psal 72.1 Give the King thy Judgments O God and thy Righteousness unto the King's Son v. 2. and grant that he may judge thy people according to Justice and defend them that are opprest with wrong Bless him and all the Royal Family with thy most exquisite Benedictions from Heaven above and on the Earth beneath And thou O Lord who hast the hearts of Kings in thy hands inspire the heart of thine Anointed with tender Mercy Pity and Compassion and incline him to be the Defender of thy poor distressed People that are his Majesty's faithful and loyal Subjects Psal 20.9 Save them O Lord and let the King hear them when they call WITH which she also recited that out of the 44th 74th and 102 Psalms which was proper in this place and at the same time earnestly pray'd for the church in general saying among other things O merciful God vouchsafe in thy tender compassions to look upon thy poor desolate Sion whom thou hast chosen for thy Spouse She is afflicted and grievously opprest Psal 102.13 It is time that thou have mercy upon her Psal 103.5 and renew her youth like that of an Eagle Psal 90.15 O Lord send thy children prosperity And comfort them again now after the time thou hast plagued them and for the years wherein they have suffer'd adversity Alas poor Church there is no constant rest for thee on Earth Here thou must like thy Saviour wear a Crown of Thorns but be of good chear this will not last always thy miseries shall have an end and thy Saviour will replenish thee with eternal Joy and Consolations which he has given me a taste of already and will further make us all partakers of one day in a more abundant manner according to the Riches of his infinite Goodness and mercy And particularly she pray'd for the Church of Nantes making it her humble suit to God that He who is the God of peace would be pleas'd always to be with her and keep Unity and Concord Love and Charity in the midst of her THEN she rehears'd the 133 Psalm Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell in unity And so on And after that this Exhortation of St. Paul Rom. 12.10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honour preferring one another Which having said she turn'd towards the Lady her Mother and spake to her thus Dear Mother give thanks and praise to God all your life long for his great goodness and bounty to you in giving you a Daughter whom though she be but a wretched Worm he has made the Temple of his Holy Spirit May He that good God bless you with his choicest Blessings may He also bless your Posterity and establish his Covenant with them for all Generations as long as the Sun and Moon shall endure Then she proceeded to give her Blessing to the young Ladies her Sisters whom she call'd to her and likewise to her Brothers Brothers-in-law Sister-in-law and Niece though they were absent And after this desiring they would all come near her who were in her Chamber and had in company with the Chaplain watch'd with her the night before she in a most tender manner embrac'd and bless'd them all speaking to every one of them according to their respective conditions and that so pertinently and properly that she was the admiration of all AND in a particular manner she shew'd a great deal of respect to Monsieur de la Colombrie who was Steward of the House expressing her acknowledgment to him for his great concern and affection for their Family desiring him to continue the same Then speaking to his Wife Mrs. de la Colombrie said to her Come and rejoyce with me and take your share of these delights I am filled with as feeling my self the most satisfi'd and happy Person in the World. And afterwards directing her Speech and Exhortation to the whole Company said My dear Friends leave off sinning I pray you You see what cruel disquiets mine have caus'd me Let us according to our Calling edifie the Church of God and shew good Examples in our Lives and Conversations Tit. 2.12 Let us as the Apostle advises live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Phil. 4.8 And Whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue if there be any praise let us think on these things O how great is my love for you my dear Friends I love every one of you alike in JESUS CHRIST for I have no more affection to my own Mother Brothers and Sisters than all other persons I know I am in charity with all the World and would e'en love my Enemies if I had any NOW she hearing some body weep about her Bed said Don't you mourn for me but mourn for your sins Then presently recalling her words she thus express'd her self Oh let us lament and bewail our sins And for a proof she was not mov'd at all with the tears they shed on her account added 2 Cor. 5.16 That now she knew no body after the flesh Which saying of the Apostle she had learn'd of Monsieur Royer to whom a pious Lady spoke it on her Death-bed Whereupon she calling him to mind wished him all happiness and gave him the character of a real good man saying He is a person whom I have always observ'd to be most piously and charitably inclined I pray God bless him and more and more increase his Gifts in him Would I could see him I know he would speak comfortable words to me and we would edifie one another Here she repeated her earnest wishes for a Blessing upon Monsieur de Malnoe whom she always call'd her good Pastor and her dear Pastor and embracing him heartily pray'd that he might ever live quietly and in peace with his Brothers and Prosperity never depart from his Family saying to him I heartily beg of God to bless you and your Ministry And she at the same time expressed also a great desire to see Monsieur de Brissac praying God likewise to bless both him and his Thus having spoken for a while to the Standers-by she began again to return her thanks to God with the same zeal and fervency as before saying with David O God the spring of all my joys Psal 42.1 Patr. for thee I long to thee I look No chased Hart does pant so much after the cooling water-brook
Nobleness of Bloud Their great and unparallel'd Zeal for God's Glory and unmovable Constancy in the True Religion cannot sufficiently be commended and admir'd Afflictions and Sufferings which are the Lot of the Church-Militant here on Earth having never been able to make them renounce the Doctrine our Saviour taught and his Martyrs have seal'd with their Bloud For they all-along made it their chiefest Business more and more to establish the Covenant of God and knowledge of his Truth in their Family and to the end all the Children God had given them might he Heirs of their Piety and Virtue as well as Estate their greatest concern and care ever was to afford them together with a good Education the powerful Example of an Holy Life And though God has some time since depriv'd this Illustrious Family of Him who was the Head of it yet by the Care of his most pious Lady Godliness has no less flourish'd in it than before insomuch that God being honour'd and fear'd his Holy Name call'd upon and his Sacred Word made the subject of constant Meditation among them this Wise Mother always had the comfort and happiness to see her Cares and Desires herein answer'd by every one of her Children and particularly by this Daughter of hers whose Dying Words are here rehears'd who in the last moments of her Life did in a special manner shew how deep an impression those good Instructions had made on her which she had receiv'd in her most tender Age. THIS Pious young Lady after some days indisposition which dayly grew upon her did on the 4th of May 1681. being Sunday fall into such violent Fits that as soon as she was come to her self again perceiving her Latter End was near desir'd the Lady her Mother should be call'd that she might receive her Blessing and be comforted by her who no sooner appear'd but this Dutiful Daughter stretching forth her Hands to her with all the submission imaginable spake thus My dear Mother now is the time God will call me to Himself Let us put our selves in a condition of coming into his Presence But alas how unworthy am I to present my self before him How weak is my Faith and how disproportionate my Repentance Pray entreat God for me that he would grant me the Pardon of my Sins and speak Peace to my Soul. Oh how unhappy am I He does not speak at all to my Soul O beg of Him to have mercy on me HOW much soever the Lady her Mother found her self mov'd at this Discourse yet she had so much power over her self as to return her this Answer Dear Child it 's true Psal 143.2 that in God's sight no man living but through his mercy can be justifi'd But has not the Saviour of the World made an atonement for the greatest Sinners Have not the sins of David Manasses St. Peter the penitent Thief and abundance of others been forgiven them JESUS CHRIST as you very well know my Child did not come to call the Righteous Mat. 9.13 but Sinners to repentance 'T IS true repli'd the young Lady but such a repentance I do not find wrought in me as God requires of those he calls to him for alas he speaks not to my Soul. My dear Child answer'd the Lady her Mother since your heart is so sensible of grief for your Sins it 's a sign that your Conscience is not sear'd or stupifi'd there is something that fights within you And what can that be but the Holy Ghost Always put your trust in God's Mercy and the Merits of your Redeemer who has said Joh. 6 17. Him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out At the hearing of which comfortable words the Patient with her Eyes lifted up to Heaven broke out into these O Lord Cant. 1.4 draw me then that I may run after thee THEN she desir'd to see their Chaplain Monsieur de Malnoe who no sooner was acquainted with it but he repair'd to her Chamber in company of some Gentlewomen of the Neighbourhood he met at the door to whom as they drew near to her Bed-side to see her she spoke thus My dear Friends I beg of you pray to God that he would be pleas'd to have mercy on me And then turning to the Minister she earnestly desir'd him to assist her with his Prayers and comfortable Exhortations AND some few hours after this she finding her self uneasie in her Chamber desir'd to be and was accordingly remov'd to another and she still growing worse and worse requested to be recommended to God in the Prayers of the Church In the mean time she would hear nothing but Godly Discourses and always was talking of the heinousness of her sins Whereupon being told that it was very pleasing to God to see us accuse our selves before him 'T is true cry'd she Whosoever does confess and forsake his sins shall have mercy Prov. 28.13 ALL the rest of the day she spent in lamenting and bewailing the weakness and imperfection of her Piety and no sooner was fallen into a slumber but she awak'd and call'd for the Chaplain still continuing in Meditation and Prayer and frequently calling upon God as particularly thus With speed send help Psal 40.18 Old Transl and set me free My God I thee require Make hast with aid to succour me O Lord at my desire Like a lost Sheep I 've gone astray Psal 119.176 Patrick But now to thee I come Thy Precepts I resolve t' obey Lord bring thy Servant home O Lord Psal 6.1 rebuke me not in thine indignation neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure Psal 130.3 If thou Lord wilt be extream to mark what is done amiss v. 4. O Lord who shall stand But there is mercy with thee that thou mayst be fear'd Psal 51.2 Wash me throughly from my wickedness and cleanse me from my sins v. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me v. 9. Turn thy face from mine iniquities and put out all my misdeeds v. 10. Make me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me Lord to my Prayer incline thine ear Th' afflicted hear Psal 55.2 Sandys Nor be thou deaf to my Complaint For O I faint Regard the sighs the groans the cries Which from my pensive Soul arise O wretched Creature that I am Rom. 7.27 who shall deliver me from the body of this death WHICH having said she remain'd silent for a little while and then began to speak again saying Draw near to me O Lord and I will draw near to thee and purifie my heart that I may appear before thee To thee O Lord my God lo I Do stretch my craving hands Psal 143. v. 6 7 8. Old Transl My Soul desires after thee As do the thirsty Lands Hear me with speed my Spirit does fail Hide not thy face me fro Else shall I be like them that down Into
him and to him are all things to whom be glory for e-ever Amen Lord Jesu added she thou said'st in that Prayer thou didst put up fir thine Apostles Joh. 17.20 Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their words I have believed on thee through their words Thou didst therefore O Lord even then pray for thy poor Hand-maid Lord thou didst say v. 24. Father I will that they also whom thou bast given me be with me where I am O grant I beseech thee that where thou art I may be also to the end I may behold thy Glory to all Eternity Then hearing some of the Company say that she spake well It is not I answered she that speak but the Holy Ghost that speaks in me to whom he has given the Tongue of the Learned O Hearken to me therefore and I will tell you what he has done for my Soul. O joyn with me in returning him thanks for his unspeakable Gift 2 Cor. 9.15 IN the mean time she frequently clapt her hands and shouted for joy often repeating these words O the greatness of my Happiness How can I express the content of my Soul That blessed Comforter has overcome for me and is sent to cohabit with me He I say is come to me who is the Fountain of Life and in whose Light alone we can see light How many wonderful favours have I receiv'd from my good God! Psal 116.10 What shall I render unto him for all the Benefits that he has done to me Gen. 32.10 who am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which he has shewn to his Servant and wherewith he has fill'd my Soul. Wherefore with joy and gladness my mouth shall praise his Holy Name O Lord how much inriched am I with those excellent gifts of thy Grace Thou hast wiped away all tears from my eyes Rev. 7.17 2.17 Thou bast given me the white Stone and in that Stone a new Name which no man knows saving he that has it I shall be fatisfied with the fatness of thy House Psal 36.8 and thou shalt make me drink of the River of thy Pleasures Psal 23. The Lord is my Shepherd therefore can I lack nothing He shall make me lie down in green Pastures and lead me forth beside the still Waters He shall convert my Soul and lead me in the paths of Righteousness for his Name 's sake Yea though I walk through the Valbey of the shadow of Death I will fear no evil for thou art with me thy Rod and thy Staff comforts me Thou preparest a Table before me thou hast anointed my heard with Oyl and my cup runs over Surely loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the House of the Lord for ever WHAT am I O Lord my Saviour What am I that thou shouldst vouchsafe to make my heart thy habitation I bless thee I adore thee I glorifie thee I give thanks to thee for thy great mercy O Lord my God and heavenly Father And you my dear Friends speaking to them that stood by help me to return the thanks and praise due unto his Name Which having said she cry'd aloud Luk. 1.46 My Soul does magnifie the Lord and my Spirit has rejoyced in God my Saviour for he has regarded the lowliness of his Hand-maid How great is the goodness of God towards me who has taken pity of me O how exceeding charitable and loving is my Saviour who has extended this his great love towards me even when I was an Enemy to him yea he did knock at the door of my heart and enter in even at that time when I would have shut it against him and spake peace to my Soul. O the Abyss of Mercy and Love that He very God and man should suffer a shameful Death upon the Cross to redeem both my Body and Soul from eternal Damnation O my God my heavenly Saviour I see as it were Rivers of Bloud running out of those Wounds in thy Blessed Hands Feet and Side which are as so many Rivers of Grace that have made me whiter than Snow I therefore from a true heart love adore and embrace thee beseeching thee O thou Sun of Righteousness to shine in my Soul inlighten it with the knowledge purifie it with the fear and inflame it with the love of Thee make it partaker of thy Holiness and happiness and when it has put off this weak and frail Body grant that at the last day it may re-assume it in a glorified state and both of them reign with thee for ever and ever Amen AS she was in those Transports of Mind looking up stedfastly to Heaven a Gentleman of the Neighbourhood then present said to the Lady her Mother That he thought her Daughter might very well say with Holy Stephen Behold Act. 7.56 I see the Heavens open'd and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. Which the Patient hearing cry'd out Yea indeed I behold him and like St. Paul am placed in the view of things that are unspeakable And you my dear Friends how is it you don't see the same with me This Mercy which is not vouchsafed to every one God will shew you one day Then stirring up her self she said Psal 103.1 Praise the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me praise his Holy Name v. 2. Praise the Lord o my Soul and forget not all his Benefits Psal 34.1 Yea I will alway give thanks unto the Lord his praise shall ever be in my mouth v. 3. O praise the Lord with me and let us magnifie his Name together Let the whole World O God Psal 145.21 Woodf sing praise to thee And like mine may their Songs eternal be Oh how much in love am I with my Saviour for that he has heard my Prayer and inclined his Ear to me Therefore I will call upon him as long as I live Luk. 2.14 Glory be to God on high and on Earth peace good will towards men Lord v. 29. now lettest thou thy Servant depart in peace according to thy Word For mine eyes have seen thy Salvation v. 36. AFTER she had rehearsed these and several other places of Scripture with which she often mixt these words Oh! how great is my Happiness how surpassing my Joy she did sit up in her Bed and with an admirable gracefulness spake to the Standers-by in this manner O taste and see Psal 34.8 Patr. as I have done And then confess you must That God is good and thy are blest That in his Goodness trust Come to me with attention hear v. 11. Sand. I will instruct you in his fear O come and hear all ye that fear God Psal 66.16 and I will declare what he has done for my Soul. v. 17. I cry'd unto him
would confess with me that I should have been miserable without this his gracious Visitation AFTER this she had about an hour's sleep out of which being awaked she said What is our Life Jam. 4.14 Truly it is even a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away Psal 90.12 Therefore O Lord teach us so to number our days as that we may apply our hearts to Wisdom Psal 8.4 What is man that thou art mindful of him and the Son of Man that thou visitest him Psal 146.4 When his breath goes forth he returns to his Earth But we know 2 Cor. 5.1 that if our earthly house of this Tabernacle were dissolv'd we have a Building of God an House not made with hands Hag. 2.9 eternal in the Heavens And the glory of this latter House shall be greater than that of the former 2 Cor. 4.18 For the things which are seen are temporal but the things which are not seen are eternal THEN she said Pray let my Chaplain be call'd in that he may comfort me O the comforts of the Holy Ghost are the refreshment of my Soul. LORD Psal 119.103 how sweet are thy words to my taste yea sweeter than honey to my mouth When the Chaplain was come in she said to him ' Come Sir Heb. 4.16 Let us go boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need Whereupon he answering Why don't you say Let us go and implore for Mercy rather than say as with confidence you do Let us go that we may obtain mercy She reply'd Sir it is because I find a Redeemer there 1 Cor. 6.20 Joh. 6.37 who has bought me with a price and said Him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out ' and I am perswaded 1 Joh. 1.9 He is faithful and just to keep his promise Aye Madam answered the Chaplain this Promise he has made to your Contrition Repentance and Faith. DURING this whole day which was Wednesday she spake many other admirable things that could not all of them be remember'd One would have thought by seeing her that her Soul was set loose from the Body She had quite forgot the Earth and all Ties and Relations here her onely thoughts being now to unite her self with her God by Meditation till she might be more perfectly united to him in Heaven ABOUT Evening she felt a great drought in her Throat and was very thirsty yet they durst not give her any thing by reason her Stomach could not bear so much as one drop of fair Water without bringing of it up and that with a vehement Cough accompani'd with a stoppage and shortness of breath they therefore onely call'd for an Epitheme to allay her great palpitation of heart But she little regarding the Relief they were willing to give her Body cry'd out on a sudden LORD JESUS thou my Heavenly Physician apply the Merits of thy precious Bloud to me for that alone can infallibly heal my Soul. IMMEDIATELY after this she fell into most cruel Agonies which made her take very little rest all that night But yet she continu'd to comfort her self in God seeking no-where else but in his Word for a Remedy to all her griefs And in these circumstances she often cry'd 1 Sam. 3.10 Speak O Lord for thy servant hears Speak thou O my God to the Soul of thy poor Hand-maid WHICH having said she asked a Gentleman that was opening the Windows of her Chamber what time of the day it was he answer'd It was almost day-light adding Madam why do you ask me this Question have you a mind to do as David did and rise by break of day to praise God No Sir reply'd she I can't do that but I will continually bless and magnifie him upon this my Bed of Languishing Early my God before 't is light Psal 63. Woodf And all the Stars are up but that which makes the day Whilst Heav'n alone with flames is bright And all below is hurl'd in sable veil of night Which they can neither draw nor take away Early I 'll worship and one glance from thee E're 't is with others day shall make it noon with me And as this dry and thirsty Land Where the ground ready to expire for want of Rain Gaping and out of breath does stand And shews its very bowels shrivled like its sand And having drunk gapes for more drink again The Wilderness and I in this agree For as that thirsts for Rain so Lord I thirst for thee I thirst thy glorious Power to see As I have seen it in thy Temple heretofore When ravish'd with thy love to me To die I was content could I but so love thee And so to die this Life would chuse no more Those thoughts so high my fainting Spirit do raise That through my lips they force their voice in Songs of praise For this Pll bless thee and on high To thy Great Name send up my praises whilst I live For since at present I enjoy A mind content it shall prepare for more supply Though thou at present onely that dost give E'en that shall bring my famish'd Soul more good Than what my body had from most delicious food Marrow and fatness it shall be And all the solid meats which please and feed the strong For I shall come at last to thee Who art the blessed End of all felicity And the best subject of my humble Song And on my Bed when I revolve thy might My Praises shall instead of Watches part the night ABOUT four of the Clock her Illness so increas'd upon her that she felt most intolerable pains which was perceiv'd both by the sharp Shreeks and lamentable Cries she from time to time put forth and by the violent Convulsion-sits she suffer'd that distorted her Arms and bent her Body double But for all this her mind was still the same and lost nothing of its strength and freedom IN one of these Fits she did cry to God Lord have mercy on me Mat. 26.39 Let this Cup pass from me Nevertheless not as I will but as thou wilt In another Fit which one would have thought would have thrown her out of her Bed so vehemently it toss'd her Body she cry'd out Thunder lightning bruise break to pieces and do what thou wilt with this poor Body yet will I still love thee O my God! Yea I will always bless thee for thy wondrous Love and Mercy to me AT another time as she felt a Fit a coming again upon her said Verily Thine arrows have wounded me already Yet O my God though thou shouldst multiply thy Plagues upon me to infinity yet would that but the more increase my love towards thee Hear me O Lord Psal 69.16 for thy loving kindness is good turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies v. 17. And hide not thy face from thy
servant for I am in trouble hear me speedily Draw nigh unto my soul v. 18. And thou Rev. 22.20 LORD JESV come yea come quickly My soul out of this Prison bring Psal 142.7 Sand. That I may praise thee O my King. I most humbly beseech thee O Lord mitigate and allay my pains and speedily place me with thee Luk. 22.42 Nevertheless not my will but thine be done Then she looking on the Lady her Mother said to her Dear Mother I now suffer the cruel wounds and pangs of Death AGAIN at another time when her violent pains seized her she cry'd out Pray to God for me my dear Friends pray assist me I am quite spent I am now a drinking the very dregs of the Cup of Affliction Upon which the Chaplain said to her Madam God deals now with you as he did once with his only begotten Son with whom he never was more pleased than when he lay under his deepest sufferings O answered she I do wholly submit my self to God's will. For when I am weak 2 Cor. 12.10 Phil. 4.13 then am I strong I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me NOW the Fits returning very thick upon her she cry'd to God O my good Lord How much do I suffer But it is thy will and it is mine too Grant I may suffer patiently 1 Pet. 2.20 for that it is acceptable with thee ' And I beseech thee O Lord set a watch before my mouth Psal 141.3 and keep the door of my lips that I may not speak unadvisedly with my tongue or murmur against thee For it is my earnest desire always to bless and love thee O my God. AFTER a little pause she turning to the Company said to them I pray God shorten your Agonies when any of you shall arrive at your latter End. And then again she called upon God in these words of David O thou Psal 57.1 Woodf on whom my soul for help relies Let my distress find pity in thine Eyes Mercy Psal 56.1 my God on me thy mercy shew And if thy pleasure does my need says now The sorrows of death compass me round about Psal 116.3 and the pains of Hell have got hold upon me I find trouble and heaviness Hide not thy self from me in the needful time of my distress Hearken unto me answer me and haste thee to help me O my God! I spread my complaint and make my trouble known unto thee Have mercy Lord on thy poor Hand-maid My heart fails and my soul faints within me All these Passages she rehears'd at several times in the midst of her terrible pains for she had not now breath to speak for a long time together AFTER this she sate up in her Bed and with a tone that would have made one think she was not the same person cry'd out Why art thou troubled soul Psal 42.11 Woodf and and restless grown As if forgetten through despair As if thy God had left his care And lower than indeed thou art cast down Trust in him still for thou his Name shalt praise And whom his absence has depress'd his sight shall raise Then the Lady her Mother saying to her Like as a Father pities his Children Psal 103.13 so the Lord pities them that fear him Aye dear Mother answer'd she your love is nothing in comparison of that my Saviour has for me I know my God loves me He speaks to his Hand-maid according to her heart and heaps his mercies upon me 2 Cor. 12.7 Onely lest I should be exalted above measure he has put this thorn in my flesh WHENEVER she had any intervals from pain she sate up in her Bed praising God for the relief and ease he gave her saying I will ever bless and love thee O my good God. And when her grief return'd she held her sides with her hands and excited her self to patience with these words Courage my Soul still bless thy God Courage my Soul still love thy God. Rom. 8.18 For the sufferings of this present World are not worthy to be compar'd with the glory which shall be revealed in us ' Though indeed my pain is very grievous And grief to th' Earth my soul so low does bend Psal 31.10 Woodf That scarce in sighs I can to Heav'n ascend Consum'd with care my soul and life decay And in my wasted flesh unwillingly do stay Now her violent pains returning upon her she cry'd out again I am quite spent O let me gather strength Psal 39.13 Sand. before I pass away and be no more O my God thy Correction is very severe yet will I Kiss the Rod wherewith thou chastisest me Whereupon the Chaplain said to her Heb. 12.8 If you were without chastisement then were you a Bastard and not a true born Child for you know v. 6. Whom the Lord loves he chastens and scourges every Child he receives To which she answer'd 'T is true Sir I am well perswaded of what you say Why My Saviour has suffer'd for me and if I suffer with him I shall reign with him also He had Vinegar and Gall given him to drink and was wounded to the very heart for me Lord cover me with thy Merits impute thy Righteousness to me and let those cruel pains thou enduredst upon the Cross for me make me forget my own As they gave her a little Wine to refresh her she took the Glass and said Mat. 26.29 The hour is coming when I shall drink it new in my Father's Kingdom IMMEDIATELY after this her pains seizing her again she cry'd Psal 42.7 All thy Waves and thy Billows are gone over me Which the Chaplain hearing said to her But Madam you don't add that the Waves of his Mercy and the Billows of his Grace have over-whelmed you also Aye reply'd she 't is very true the Grace and Mercies of my God are greater than all the Miseries I undergo Do you think continu'd the Chaplain who heard her still groan and complain of her being overborn with anguish your Heavenly Father is an gry with you and will let you sink under this temptation No answered she sitting up in her Bed No Sir I know that in all these things I am more than Conquerour through Him that loved me Rom. 8.37 and that as my miseries and troubles abound so his Grace and Comforts abound much more If the Daughter of Sion cries to them that pass by Lam. 1.12 Behold and see whether there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow Yet I will add Come and see whether ever any joy were like unto my joy But O how much sorrow and solace meet together Thou O my sweet Saviour Joh. 16.20 hast said Your sorrow shall be turned into joy Here the Chaplain saying to her Now Madam you experience what St. Paul affirms 2 Cor. 4.16 That though our outward man decay yet the inward man is renew'd day by
spare you to us Here she reply'd without giving the party leave to go on Mat. 26.39 Phil. 1.23 Not my will O Lord but thy will be done Nevertheless it is far better for me to depart and be with my Saviour But O my God Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven And so proceeded to the end of the Lord's Prayer and afterwards rehearsed also the Apostles Creed Which having done she sate up in her Bed and looking on her Hands Gen. 3.19 Job 19.25 said This poor Body must return to its Dust. But I know that my Redeemer lives and that he shall stand at the latter day v. 26. And though after my skin Worms destroy this Body yet in my flesh shall I see God. 1 Cor. 15.53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal immortality v. 59. And then shall Death be swallowed up in Victory v. 55. O Death where is thy Victory Where is that Sting wherewith with thou wouldst piece me My Saviour has broken it After which she making a little pause did seem to fall asleep but presently turning her self towards the Lady her Mother with a chearful countenance said to her Dear Mother give me up to God again who thus long has lent me to you Whereupon the Lady her Mother lifting up her Eyes to Heaven with sighs and tears cry'd out O Heavenly Father into thy hands I commend both my self and this poor Child thou hast given me Make us I beseech thee partakers of thy holiness that we may be so of thy Happiness also THEN the Patient answer'd I know whom I have believed 2 Tim. 1.12 and am perswaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day And looking on the Lady her Mother with a tender look she said to her upon occasion of a Dream she had Dear Mother give me to drink again of your Consolations Whereto the Lady her Mother answer'd It is the Lord shall do that for you my Child Aye replied she yet have I received some by your means also Then the Lady her Mother went on and said Isal 12.13 With joy shall you draw water out of the Wells of Salvation To which the Patient answer'd Tea verily I am drinking already of those Waters springing up into eternal life and my Cup does overflow Lord break this Vessel of Earth that the Treasure may appear which thou bast laid up in it Take unto thee again the Breath wherewith thou bast animated this my poor Body THE next night after she dream'd that she saw two Lamps fasten'd to Heaven which gave a most glorious Light and that at last one of them was caught up and hid in Heaven Which Dream she having told the Lady her Mother the next Morning she said to her My dear Child thou Virgin of Israel Mystical Bride go to meet thy Bridegroom with thy Lamp full of that Oyl thy Saviour has given thee Then the Patient cry'd out Father Luk. 23.46 into thy hands I comment my Spirit Yea I am now going to the Wedding of the Lamb who has married me to himself in his tender mercies and I shall sit down at his Table with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven At which Conversation the Chaplain being present was going to conclude it with these words Well done Mat. 25.23 good and faithful Servant enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. But the Patient interrupting him cry'd out Oh! this Joy of the Lord is my joy adding That Mercy rejoyced against Judgement Jam. 2.13 in her behalf After this the Lady her Mother and one of her own Sisters who remain'd alone with her heard her most fervently pray to God and rehearse several Sentences of the 6.51 and 143. Psalms which she deliver'd either in Prose or Verse sometimes according to the Old and at other times according to the New Translation And thus applying her self to God with a Zeal beyond expression all her thoughts were now so rais'd that she felt such ravishing Joys as no Tongue can utter How happy am I repeated she often How surpassing is my Joy How can I express it It 's so great that is exceeds all comparison What thanks have I to return to my good God! You my dear Friends speaking to her Mother and Sister help me to ascribe the Glory due to his Name and to set forth his worthy Praise THE Lady her Mother seeing her in this happy condition call'd those in again who were gone out of the Room that they might be Witnesses of this her Joy and Consolation as they had been of her Sorrows She was at this time sitting up in her Bed with her hands joyned together and her Eyes lifted towards Heaven her looks being very lively and chearful and her countenance brisk though modest For the the space of six hours she spoke with a loud voice and did express much in few words using terms very emphatical to represent sometimes her Happiness and sometimes the Joy she was filled with interlacing her discourse with several Sentences both of the Old and New Testament which she utter'd so fast and fluently that it was impossible to remember them all and mixing her inspir'd thoughts with those written Dictates of the Holy Ghost sometimes made her address to our Lord for the Redemption he had vouchsafed to her and then again humbled her self before him At another time she congratulated her own happy state and lastly she return'd a thousand times her hearty thanks to God for the accúmulated favours she had receiv'd at his hand BESIDES She paraphrased several Chapters of the Holy Scripture as the 5th 8th and 12th of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans and the 17th of St. John's Gospel applying them to her self much after this manner My God there is now no condemnation to them that are in CHRIST JESUS I have therefore nothing to fear for I do with all my heart lay hold of his merits who is the Redeemer of the World. I am made free from the Law of Sin and Death which does no more at all affright me and I feel the Spirit of Eternal Life communicated to me by my Saviour Yea O my God I know I am one of thy Children since this thy Spirit so powerfully comforts me Arise my Soul and to th' Aimighty King Psal 104.35 Woodf Sprightly and chearful Hallelujabs sing Oh! how great is my happiness Rom. 8.15 who have not received the Spirit of Bondage but the Spirit of Adoption whereby I can call Him Father who is the Great God and Master of the World. Thou Holy Ghost shalt always bear witness to my Spirit that I am the Child of God and. Co-heir with Christ. Rom. 11.33 O the depth of the riches both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his Judgments and his ways past finding out v. 36. For of him and through
Blest be the Majesty above 41.13 Whom all true Worshippers adore Let every Age consent and say Amen till time shall be no more Which latter part of the 41st Psalm she often repeated in Verse And here remembring her Aunt the Lady de la Suse who had taught her the same she mightily long'd to see her saying over and over O my dear Aunt how much do I love you How great would my Joy be now had I you here with me for you would assist me in giving thanks to God for his Goodness to me O the great love I have for you who have so well taught me to praise him Psal 46.1 Praise the Lord therefore O my soul While I live I will praise the Lord yea as long as I have any being I will sing praises unto my God. Thy Name O Lord will I laud continually for thy great love who hast said to me Call upon me in the day of trouble Psal 50.15 and I will answer thee and thou shalt glorifie me Psal 91.16 I will satisfie thee and shew thee my salvation Yea Lord thou hast heard me and comforted my Soul that did so much long for thee Thou hast I say in a most wonderful manner comforted me with thy holy Word and Spirit and rid me of all my fears And now Lord perfect thou the good work thou hast begun in me and crown me with eternal Bliss and Glory in Heaven Yea O my good God I have already obtain'd this great felicity I have seen thy salvation THUS she took great delight in the paraphrasing of the Scripture seeming as it were to have receiv'd a new Vocation from God and above all that of teaching every one their duty Neither was she wanting in the stirring up of her self to the performance of her own who often rehears'd these words of the Psalmist Psal 34.1 I will always give thanks unto the Lord his praise shall ever be in my mouth v. 2. My Soul shall make her boast in the Lord the humble shall hear thereof and be glad and so on Which Psalm she repeated every day both in Prose and Verse according to the New or Old Translation and had this place very frequently in her mouth Keep thy tongue from evil v. 13. and thy lips from speaking guile After which she added I will give continual thanks to my good God for his infinite Mercies to me I would the whole Church were here and all let in who have a mind to see me but above all I wish those of a contrary Religion were present that they might take notice how good my Religion is since it makes me die so well If any man love not the Lord JESVS CHRIST 1 Cor. 16.22 let him be Anathema Oh how vast is my Happiness How great my Joy How numberless are the Blessings I have receiv'd Praised praised for ever be the name of my Lord and Saviour for all his wonderful Mercies bestow'd upon me IN the mean time they that stood by looking on a Watch that was upon the Table and perceiving thereby it being now past Mid-night that she had been speaking above six hours were much astonished considering the vehement palpitation of her heart and the difficulty she had to fetch her breath Which made the Company desire her to leave off discoursing for fear of spending her self too much But this advice was so unwelcome to her that she presently with some indignation answered I cannot hold my tongue I must speak Psal 45.1 for My heart is inditing of a good matter O God Psal 108.1 my heart is ready my heart is ready I will sing and give praise with the best member that I have After which she remaining silent for a little while broke out immediately into these words O what pain do I suffer in holding my peace And indeed she had no sooner left off speaking but they heard a Ratling in her Throat that was very troublesome to her but she nevertheless continu'd still to entertain her self with God when the Company withdrawing the Lady her Mother laid down her self by her and both of them had a pretty good rest that night THE next morning being Thursday after she had had some discourse with the Lady her Mother she gave her hand to a Gentleman of the Neighbourhood that was come to visit her and observing him to weep said to him What Sir do you weep Is it because God has a love for me and will take me to himself Here she alledg'd the Example of Josiah King of Judah whom God took out of the World because he loved him that he might not see those calamities that were to befal the city of Jerusalem and the whole Jewish Nation Then she speaking to the Lady her Mother said O dear Mother how well compos'd am I at this time I feel no pains at all but am very easie and do perceive my Saviour has deliver'd me from all my fears and troubles Therefore I will give him eternal thanks and praise Whereupon she presently began to recite several Psalms both in Prose and Verse as the VI. XXV XXVII XXXII XXXIV LXVI CIII CXVIII CXLVI insisting particularly upon those places that were most proper for her condition and afforded her most comfort which she uttered with so much zeal and devotion that it made the Lady her Mother say to her Well dear Child thou art a going to make one in the Quire of Angels and Seraphims and shalt very suddenly sing the Song of the Lamb. Yes answered she I shall make sweet Melody and sing everlasting Hallelujahs to his Glory And perceiving the Lady her Mother was very attentive to what she said added Good Mother we must always endeavour to edifie our Neighbours by praising God and administer such Comfort to them as we would be glad to receive our selves at God's hand AFTER this a Gentlewoman asking her whether she would not take something she answered I have no will of my own bring me what you will and do what you please with me it will be all one to me Then she turn'd to another Gentlewoman that was just come into the Room who expressing her self to have been much edified by the good things she had heard her speak the night before this devout Patient reply'd My dear Friend don't you wonder at my speaking so long with so much boldness and freedom who was ever bashful and of few words These are Gifts of God not to be forgotten Which having said she look'd about and perceiving the Lady her Mother weep said to her 'T is not you dear Mother have cause to shed tears 't is Madam she meant a Gentlewoman who was Mother to one that was turn'd a Papist who has reason to bewail her Daughter But as for yours she is going to Him who is the Dispenser of true Glory and not of Vanities SOME hours after this the young Ladies her Sisters coming to sit upon her Bed the Lady their
Mother came and sate with them and as she was saying to God Isai 8.18 Behold Lord here am I and the Children thou hast given me the Patient answer'd Dear Mother let us yield thanks to God. Psal 116.12 But what shall I render to the Lord for all his Benefits towards me Pray my dear Mother and Sisters afford me your assistance to bless my God and never mourn for me for I am too happy in that my good god calls me to himself How miserable alas should I have been in the World where we do nothing else but offend Him go through a great deal of trouble being our own Tormentors and in a word run after Vanities and mind nothing but Pride To which the Lady her Mother answered My dear Child thou wast very far from being worldly minded and have any vain or proud thoughts O Mother replied she you did not know the bottom of my heart Certainly I had pride in me and would fain have made a shew in the World and perhaps if I had remain'd longer in it it would have prov'd my undoing Pray God keep our Brethren who are expos'd to great trials Some of them she did name and added 1 Cor. 10.12 1 Joh. 2 17. Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest be fall The world passes away and the lust thereof but he that does the will of God abides for ever Then applying her self to the young Ladies her Sisters she said to them Dear Sisters keep always constantly to God's Word and store your selves well with it Psal 138.2 Lord thou hast magnified thy word above all thy Name And withal she charged them to learn the Psalms of the late Monsieur Conrart's Translation and Monsieur Gilbert's picking out first such as afforded most comfort As for her she had got twenty five of the former and twelve of the latter by heart at thirteen years of age and the whole Book of Psalms according to the Old Translation which she had learn'd at the late Lady Marchioness de Verac's that was both her Aunt and God-mother with whom she liv'd for a time She had also several of them in Prose by heart which she extreamly delighted in and though she was very perfect in sundry Chapters and most of the edifying places of the Scripture which she could say without Book yet she did oft complain of her want of memory AFTER a little pause she began afresh to speak and applying her self to one of the young Ladies her Sisters she exhorted her above all to learn a certain Prayer out of the forementioned Book called Comforts against the Terrours of Death for God's Assistance and Grace to die well and advised her to use the same daily intimating that God had granted to her self all the Petitions therein She was also wont to repeat every morning the 90th Psalm Lord thou hast been our Refuge from one generation to another and so on to the end A GENTLEWOMAN of the Neighbourhood having brought her two Daughters to her whom she had the night before desir'd to see she said to them My dear Friends have always the fear of God before your Eyes and never depart from that eternal truth which is in his Holy Scriptures Obey your Parents and Superiours 1 Joh. 2.15 And love not the World neither the things that are in the World for if any man love the World the love of the Father is not in him AT the same time she remembred four or five other She-Friends of hers wishing them with her and one above the rest whom she ever had a great kindness for and recommended her to the Lady her Mother desiring her to take care of and provide for her And the Lady her Mother naming her some others she earnestly pray'd God to bless them all and in a particular manner implor'd his Divine help and assistance for one who lay under an extraordinary great affliction WHEN she was in health she was not more backward than she was forward and desirous to speak now she was sick delivering her self with a great deal of freedom and omitting nothing of what she knew to be edifying After which she fell into a little slumber and rested about an hour and then awaking one of her Physicians was surpriz'd to find her so well compos'd she neither speaking nor looking like one that was sick but on the contrary having a serene countenance and a free and undisturbed mind He did also wonder to hear her talk so well as she did of her condition but yet for all that he now began to despair of her Recovery considering her great shortness of breath and weakness of her Stomach that was not able to bear any thing Nevertheless she took whatever he gave her saying to him Sir I will do any thing you shall please to direct and prescribe for since you are called to look after me and give me relief it behoves me to follow your Directions THE Lady her Mother whose follow was greater than can be imagin'd and who had no other comfort than what she receiv'd from her observing the Holy and Blessed Frame she was in said to her O dear Child how edifying were thy Words to me last night and are still Aye surely replied she my mind was then much at liberty and I had a great deal more freedom in my utterance than ever before I was speaking very eloquently and freely of the wonderful works of God and my mouth did utter things I never knew before I then was made acquainted with the Mysteries of our Salvation which are not to be known here below I cannot express them to you for they are Things unspeakable and through Mercy I continue still in this heavenly condition THE rest of the day she was very still and felt almost no pains except when they gave her something for that did set her a coughing her slumbers were frequent and as she waked always address'd her self to the Chaplain and congratulating her happy condition rejoyced and triumph'd in the Grace she had receiv'd the day before The onely subject of her Entertainment was the HOLY SCRIPTURE from whence she drew all her Comfort and particularly she found much of it in the first of the Romans and often blessed God in several passages of the Psalms such as these Lord I will bless thee Psal 34.1 Woodf and thy praise Shall up to Heav'n my voice and numbers raise Of thee my soul all times shall boast Who sav'dst me when I gave my self for lost And with us shall the humble joyn Hoping thou wilt their refuge be as thou wert mine To thee my God Psal 138.3 I mourn'd in my distress My doleful groans thy heart did move Thou didst refresh me from above And answer gav'st of thine own faithfulness Lord Psal 18.16 thou didst send from above thou tookest and drewest me out of many waters Psal 85.5 Thou hast been favourable to me Rom. 5.20 For where my sins abounded
thy grace did superabound Therefore when thou say'st to me Psal 27.8 Seek thou my face my Heart shall ' answer thee Thy face Lord will I seek Yea O my God thou wilt very suddenly unvail it to me in thy Holy Paradise THEN she enter'd upon a most excellent Edifying Dialogue which is intended to be publish'd by it self with the Chaplain who protests she therein open'd his Understanding in a most wonderful manner and after that spoke to the Lady her Mother thus Dear Mother my Soul is possess'd with that Peace of God which passes all understanding The Lord has sought and found me O how good is my Lord and Saviour that He the Just One should have given himself for the Vnjust After which she rehearsed several sentences out of the 119th Psalm and namely these My soul faints for thy salvation Psal 119.81 but I hope in thy Word I am thine save me v. 94. for I have sought thy Precepts How sweet are thy words to my taste yea v. 103. sweeter than honey to my mouth Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path v. 105. Vphold me according to thy Word that I may live v. 116. and let me not be ashamed of my hope AND now reflecting upon her past sorrows and disquiets she cry'd with David Psal 31.22 I said in my haste I am cut off from before thine eyes nevertheless thou heardst the voice of my supplications when I cry'd unto thee Preserve me my undoubted aid Psal 16.1 Sandys To whom thou O my soul hast said Thou art my God no good in me Nor merit can extend to thee But to thy blessed Saints that dwell On Earth whose graces most excel To the safe path of Life direct my way v. 11. Woodford Thy presence where perpetual joys flow o're Whose pleasure spring for evermore By those clear streams let me delighted stay And melt away in love as well as they She often repeated Come ye blest Saints Psal 34.3 and let us rise Together with our Songs and reach the Skies Praise him who my first groan did hear v. 4. Yet with his hand seem'd to prevent his ear And when like mine v. 5. your troubles be But look to him that hand shall save you which help'd me And here she proceeded thus Who shall in thy Tent abide Psal 15. Sand. On the Holy Hill reside He that 's just and innocent Tells the truth of his intent Slanders none with venom'd tongue Fears to do his Neighbour wrong Fosters not base infamies Vice beholds with scornful eyes Honours those who fear the Lord Keeps though to his loss his word Takes no bribes for wicked ends Nor to use his money lends Who by these directions guide Their pure steps shall never slide THOV hast dealt graciously with thy servant Psal 119.65 O Lord according to thy word It is that word that gives wisdom to the simple therefore I will never forget it To this she added also divers other places of the Scripture and then meditating a little she said Now my fear is over Rom. 8.1 and with St. PAVL There is now no condemnation to me who am in CHRIST JESVS v. 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of god's Elect It is God that justifies v. 34. Who is he that condemns It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen again who is ever at the right hand of God making intercession for us Upon which the Chaplain taking occasion to tell her she had done like that prudent Merchant in the Gospel who sought for and bought that Pearl of Price she answer'd Aye 't is my Saviour has made me a Present of this invaluable Jewel For Sir is it not true that none can affirm JESVS to be the LORD but by the Holy Ghost and that none can love him but by the same Spirit It is even He that has put this Word into the mouth of his Hand-maid O the unutterable Comfort and Relief this Word administers to me It is you my dear Mother speaking to my Lady who taught it me you have so well instructed us and shewn us a good Example which I wish I had better improv'd By this you have procur'd our Family the favour of God whom I heartily pray to continue it and more and more increase his Blessings upon you and prosper all your ways To which discourse the Lady her Mother made this reply Dear Child these Instructions and edifying words you now utter I apply as so many Checks and Reproaches to my self for my not having perform'd my Duty in all respects as I ought to have done I pray god give me grace to do better for the future according to my Calling 1 Cor. 3.6 and as it is in vain that Paul plants and Apollos waters except God give the increase so I beseech him to prevent and bless my endeavours with his Divine Grace and Heavenly Benediction THE rest of that day and part of the following night also were spent in like Conversations But towards the morning the Patient took some little rest and as she awaked asked what a Clock it was To which they answering that it was upon the stroke of three she cry'd out O my God! shall the Sun shine once more upon my Sufferings Lord thou couldst if it were thy pleasure make this the Dawning of the Day of my Deliverance and Eternal Sabbath and then would I say with a holy transport of mind 2 Cor. 6.2 Behold now is the accepted time behold now is the day of Salvation UPON which the Lady her Mother said I hope every one of us shall once see that Day when we may say one to another Isal 60.20 Thy Sun shall go down no more for the Lord is an everlasting Light to thee and the days of thy mourning are ended ' Aye dear Mother answered she Yet a little while Heb. 10.37 and he that shall come will come and will not tarry This is the Day which he has made Psal 119.24 Woodf Hosanna's now befit our voice Come let us in our God rejoyce And in the Day which he has made be glad That be prosperity may send And to our troubles put an end Set open unto me the Gates v. 19. Old Transl Of Truth and Righteousness That I may enter into them The Lord's praise to express O Death thou that bring'st good tidings how welcome wouldst thou be to me by casting me into the Arms of my dearest Friend who has loved me before the foundation of the World THIS day she was visited again by one of her She-Friends who being come to her Bed-side express'd an extream sorrow to see her in this Condition and with that gave her her hand which the Patient squeezing in hers reply'd to her O my Dear did you but know the Divine Consolations my God has bestow'd upon me and how happy I am you
day she answer'd in the words of the Psalmist On God's Almighty Word will I depend Psal 56.4 Woodf On God I 'll trust who certain help will send Come let us sing unto the Lord Psal 95.1 And all his deeds with thankfulness record Vnto our God come let us sing And to his Courts with shouts our presents bring He is our God to Him our Verse we 'll raise And he who heard our Prayers shall now attend our praise AT the same time she also rehearsed the greatest part of the LXII Psalm and often repeated these words Psal 62.1 Truly my soul waits upon God from him comes my salvation adding Where indeed rests this salvation of mine but in him whose presence is the fulness of joy Psal 34.5 They looked unto him and were lighten'd and their faces were not asham'd AFTER which she fell into a little slumber and then putting her hand out of her Bed said O Blessed be the living Lord Most worthy of all praise Psal 18.45 Old Transl That is my Rock and saving health Praised be He always And to that added several other Verses of the same Psalm and also of the XXXV and other Psalms picking out such places as were most pathetical and pertinent to her condition and more particularly insisted upon those that express'd a true and thorough repentance thereby to move God to be more favourable to her Every word of these Divine Hymns was a Sacred Balm for her which she apply'd to her Wounds with such success that she presently found her grief give way to the virtue of it And what is more to be wondred at is that the violence of her pains had not almost alter'd her at all but she look'd as fair as ever Her Eyes were brisk and lively her Countenance gay and her Speech strong yet did she not think her self to be in this condition when observing them who were about her to look upon her with mournful Aspects she said to them I suppose I fright you Pray reach me a Glass that I may see how I look Which being brought her and she having view'd her self in it said God be thanked yet I look very chearful And then in a kind of contempt striking the Glass with her hand bad them have it away THE Lady her Mother desiring nothing more than an opportunity to give this dear Daughter of hers some Token of her Tenderness and let her see that she was very far from affrighting her as she suppos'd did offer to kiss her But the Patient withdrawing her self and seeming to be as much scandalized at it as if her Mother had been going to commit Idolatry said to her Ah Mother what d' ye do Sure you forget your self And turning to the other side of the Bed where the Chaplain stood said to him Is this not a cruel thing I am got loose from the World and my Mother would tye me to it again A little while after this she also perceiv'd that her Sister the Lady De Ponthue with whom she had ever liv'd in perfect love and union look'd upon her with a very compassionate look but without being in the least mov'd or concern'd at it And now finding none of those kind and tender motions which her great love to her Sister had formerly inspir'd her with she said to her Pray dear Sister forbear you are no more to me now than another ABOUT seven a clock in the Evening the doors of her Chamber being set open she said to Monsieur de la Colombrie ' Sir that is the place pointing with her hand to the Chappel in which were the tombs of her Ancestors where this my Body is very suddenly to be laid up till the Day of the Resurrection of the Just Upon which he taking occasion of asking her whether she had any Commands to lay upon him No Sir reply'd she my thoughts are no more emply'd about things here below now my Soul is rais'd up to Heaven already and if she still animates this Body it is but to give continual praise to my God. And thus persisting to turn all her discourse to the concerns of Salvation she went on and said I have overcome all the fears of sin I shall also conquer all my pains though they be never so great Yea I shall be more than Conqueror through JESVS CHRIST who has strengthen'd me O how worthy is this Combat of my Courage WITH these and the like Expressions she either took out of the Scripture or receiv'd more immediately from the Holy Ghost she was entertaining her self and the Company and would frequently say I shall be shelter'd from the wrath of God and often repeated these Ejaculations O my God I will ever love thee I will ever bless thee And thou my Soul be of good chear Not my will Lord but thine be done Come Lord JESV yea come quickly THESE were the words she us'd in her Complaints and with which she appeas'd her grief But for hasty and murmuring words there fell not one from her mouth And as some body was once speaking to her of the temptations of the Devil and his great Warrings against the Faithful at all times especially when they were at the point of death she cry'd out Tush I fear him not 2 King. 6.16 They that he with me are more than they that be against me Joh. 14.30 The Prince of this World has nothing in me The Prince of Darkness cannot prevail against me Rom. 5.1 For being justifi'd by Faith I have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ And there is no condemnation to them which are in Him. AS it drew towards Mid-night she fell into a little slumber and her Friends that were continually with her were glad of this opportunity they had to take a little repose also for as they had watch'd suffer'd and pray'd so they were willing likewise to take some rest with her The Lady her Mother who had laid her self down upon the side of her Bed heard her about an hour before day-light often repeat these words ' Mercy Lord Mercy Come LORD JESV come quickly And she observ'd that her Daughter's cries did not express any grief now but a great deal of joy which she took notice of to others It was now Friday-morning when the Lady her Mother seeing her enjoy a greater tranquillity than she had since the preceding Wednesday at night and that she look'd very chearfully said to her Dear Child the Lord will suddenly put an end to our troubles Wait for thy God with patience Whereupon this young Virgin raising her self in her Bed and with a serene pleasant countenance looking upon my Lady said to her Dear Mother I shall not die Death is but a passage to a more constant happy Life Joh. 11.4 This my sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God. Luk. 15.6 Come and rejoyce with me JESVS CHRIST has found me who was a lost Sheep me who
was the lost Piece v. 9. Then a little while after this she with a loud voice cry'd out as one coming out of a deep Meditation Luk. 23.31 For if these things be done in the green tree what shall be done in the dry WHICH having said she now spoke no more to any body onely she once cried out O how much sorrow and joy how much grief and comfort do meet together in me and then lay down and fell into a slumber In which she had not long continu'd but the Pangs of Death came upon her she had vehement risings at her Stomach her Countenance was fallen sweat proceed from her Body in abundance the Ratling in her Throat increased and her Eyes grew dim and were distorted And being in this condition one of her Acquaintance by name Madam Herault touch'd her arm thinking she was a departing But she recover'd of this Fit and these Agonies being somewhat over her Eyes reassumed the same briskness and liveliness as before she rubbing them with both her hands to disperse the Clouds that had begun already to cover them Her Countenance also was restored to its former gaity and chearfulness and she was heard to make a Melody in singing the 84th Psalm How beauteous is the place where thou Patr. Thy presence Lord dost grant O how long t' approach thy Courts Impatient of restraint And so on THIS was a great surprize to many of them that were there and yet that was not all For after she had took a little breath and slumber'd as before a very little while she stirr'd up her self anew and began to sing the LXXXXII Psalm O what a pleasant task it is Patr. To praise the Lord above Morning and Evening to proclaim His faithfulness and love THUS far onely she went tuning it to the Treble of Claudin with all the Ornaments and Graces that could be And then falling again into the like slumber she remain'd in it as long as the first time after which she tun'd the LXXX Psalm whereof she sang these following Verses onely Thou Shepherd of thy ISRAEL Sandys That Flock-like leadest Joseph's Race Who 'twixt the Cherubims dost dwell O hear shew thy inlightning Face Exalt thy saving power before Manasseh Ephraim Benjamin O from Captivity restore And let thy beams upon us shine Great God of Battel wilt thou still Be angry and our Prayers despise Bread steep'd in tears our stomachs fill We drink the Rivers of our Eyes Our scoffing Neighbours fall at strife Among themselves to share our Right Great God restore the dead to life And comfort by thy quickning Light. AFTERWARDS being seized the fourth time with the Pangs of Death she so remain'd for the space of four hours and then being come to her self again she sang this Stanza Into thy hands Lord I commit My Spirit which is thy due Psal 31.5 Old Transl For why thou hast redeemed it O Lord my God most true THE Lady her Mother hearing her sing with so much strength said to her My dear Child since I have by God's Grace put the first word into thy mouth wherewith thou hast prais'd Him let me put in the last also I shall ever hear thee speak in this World And so she rehearsed these Verses God who my kind Preserver is I will for ever bless Psal 34.1 Patrick My tongue and lips shall be employ'd His Goodness to confess Which the Patient sang with a strong voice her Eyes being open and her looks smiling all the while Then her agonizing fit coming again upon her and the Lady her Mother not being able to see her expire bad her farewel with a most wonderful strength of mind Adieu said she dear Daughter 2 Sam. 12.23 adieu I shall go to thee but thou shalt not return to me We shall see one another again in that Blessed Day of the Resurrection of the Just And thereupon she withdrew and went and lay down upon her own Bed till her dying Daughter had given up her Soul into the hands of her Heavenly Father But above three hours after this the Chaplain Monsieur De Malnoe being desirous to see whether she had any sense left in her took her by the hand shook her arm and called to her to clinch his hand if she heard still and with that prickt her with a Straw but she gave no sign of life But as he was going out of the room her Body was re-animated on a sudden and sitting up again in her Bed she sang the second time Into thy hands Lord I commit My Spirit which is thy due For thy thou hast redeemed it O Lord my God most true THEN he drew near again and laying his Ear to her mouth heard her say to God Luk. 2.29 Lord now lettest thou shy servant depart in peace according to thy Word v. 30. For mine eyes have seen thy Salvation Which having utter'd she without stirring in the least breath'd forth three Sighs and so gave up the Ghost there being seen at the same time both in her Countenance and Eyes which remain'd half open a signal impression of Joy that shew'd her Soul had a taste of the Celestial Bliss even before the Bonds wherewith it was ty'd to the Body were wholly dissolv'd THE END Here follows the PRAYER Taken out of Mons Drelincourt's COMFORTS Against the Terrours of Death Which is mention'd in the 55th Page of this Book O GOD of all Flesh and Father of our Spirits I know that any Death of thy Beloved Ones is precious in thy sight and that whatsoever mine may be thou wilt take care of my Salvation I weighing every thing in the Balance of the Sanctuary do find it very little imports me whether my Life be taken away by a Disease or forc'd from me by Violence provided my Soul enter into thy Glory and be made Partaker of those unutterable Felicities that are with thee To me it must be all one whether my Lamp go out of it self or be blown out by any contrary wind so it be but kindled again at the Beams of the Sun of Righteousness and shine in the highest Heavens for evermore Whatsoever Death I die I shall be happy provided I die in the Lord and enter into that Eternal Rest from all my Labours O Lord thou knowest all thy works from everlasting Thou with one glance discoverest the deepest Abyss and seest to the very bottom of Eternity As thou hast precisely appointed the Hour of Death so hast thou been pleas'd also to determine the manner of it O Great and Living God! it is my Duty wholly to acquiesce in thy Adorable Providence and absolutely submit my self to thy wise Decrees But O my God my Heavenly Father if thou wilt vouchsafe me who am but dust and ashes the liberty of speaking to thee and permit thy Child to pour his / her heart 's desire into thy Fatherly Bosom I do with all the powers of my Soul humbly beseech
thee to grant me this favour that I may know my End and not be like Job's Children surpriz'd by a sudden Death But O Lord be thou pleas'd to give me notice of my dissolution as thou didst to thy Servant Hezekiah I do not sue for years but some few days or at least a few hours Warning I beg of thee that my Mind may never be disturb'd by any malignant Vapours or affrighted with any false Representations or Delusions of the Devil but that I may end my Days with all quietness and tranquillity that I may always have the free use of my Senses my Reason and Understanding and above all the Light of thy Grace that so I may glorifie thy Holy Name and edifie my Neighbours to my very last breath Finally that my Soul may not be snatch'd away by any sort of violence but that I may freely commend it into thy Fatherly Hands Amen FINIS BOOKS SOLD By John Lawrence AT The Angel in the Poultrey Over against the Compter AN Account of the Imperial Proceedings against the Turks with an exact Diary of the Siege of New Heusel and its Taking As also a Relation of all the Noted Performances of the Imperialists in all Parts from the beginning of this Summer 's Campagne till the 27th of August As it was taken by Mr. Travestin an English Gentleman who was all the while Resident in the Army at New Heusel and now in the Imperial Army and by him sent by way of Letter to a Person of Honour of this Kingdom with an exact Map of the Town and the Works of the Besiegers In Quarto The Merchant-Royal A Sermon preached at White-hall before the King's Majesty at the Nuptials of an Honourable Lord and his Lady In Quarto Several Discourses viz. 1. Of Purity and Charity 2. Of Repentance 3. Of seeking first the Kingdom of God. By Hezekiah Burton D. D. Late Rector of Barnes near London and Prebendary of Norwich In Octavo A Relation of the Invasion and Conquest of Florida by the Spaniards under the Command of Ferdinando Desoto Written in Portuguese by a Gentleman of the Town of Elvas Now Englished To which is subjoyned two Journeys of the present Emperour of China into Tartary in the Years 1682 and and 1683. With some Discoveries made by the Spaniards in the Island of California in the Year 1683. In Octavo English Military Discipline or the Way and Method of Exercising Horse and Foot according to the Practice of this present time With a Treatise of all sorts of Arms and Engines of War of Fire-work-Engines and other Military Instruments both Ancient and Modern Enriched with many Figures In Octavo The Military Duties of the Officers and Cavalry Containing the Way of Exercising the Horse according to the Practice of this present time The Motions of Horse the Functions of the several Officers from the Chief Captain to the Brigadeer Written originally in French by the Sieur de la Fontain Engineer in Ordinary to the Most Christian King and translated for the Use of those who are desirous to be informed of the Art of War. In Octavo Clavis Grammatica or the Ready Way to the Latin Tongue containing most plain Demonstrations for the Regular Translating of English into Latin. Together with Instructions how to Construe and Parse Authors Fitted as a Help to such as are desirous to attain to the knowledge of the Latin Tongue and accommodated to the Meanest Capacity Also how to Vary or Compose Latin more Elegantly With necessary Observations for Epistolizing or Writing of Letters in English or Latin And how to perform all kinds of School-Exercises that are usually practised in Schools By J. B. School-Master in London In Octavo Humane Prudence or the Art by which a Man may Raise Himself and Fortune to Grandeur The third Edition corrected and very much Enlarged by the Author In Octavo