EXAMPLE I. Of one eminently Converted between Eight and Nine years Old, with an account of her Life and Death.

MRS. Sarah Howley, when she was between Eight and Nine years Old, was carried by her Friends to hear a Sermon, where the Minister Preached upon Matt. 11. [...]3. My Yoke is easy, and my Burden [...]s [Page 2] light: in the applying of which Scripture, this Child was mightily awakned, and made deeply sensible of the Condition of her Soul, and her need of a Christ,? she wept bitterly to think what a case she was i [...]; and went home and got by her self into a Chamber, and upon her knees she wept and cryed to the Lord, as well as she could, which might easily be perceived by her eyes and countenance

2. She was not contented at this, but she got her little Brother and Sister into a Chamber with her, and told them of their condition by Nature, and wept over them, and prayed with them and for them.

3, After this she heard another Ser­mon upon Prov. 29.1. He that being often re­proved, hardneth his heart, shall suddenly be de­stroyed, & that without remedy: At which she was more affected than before, and was so exceeding solicitous about her Soul, that [...]he spent a great part of the night in weeping and praying, and could scarce take any rest day or night for some time together; desiring with all her Soul to escape from everlasting flames, and to get [...] interest in the Lord Jesus; O what [Page 3] should she do for a Christ! what should she do to be Saved!

4. She gave her self much to attend­ing upon the Word preached, and still continued very tender under it, greatly savouring what she heard.

5. She was very much in secret Pray­er, as might easily be perceived by those who listened at the Chamber door, and was usually very importunate, and full of tears.

6. She could scarce speak of sin, or be spoke to, but her heart was ready to melt.

7. She spent much time in reading the Scripture, and a Book called, The best friend in the worst of Times; by which the Work of God was much promoted upon her Soul, and was much directed by it how to get acquaintaince with God, especially toward the end of that Book. Another Book that she was much delighted with, was Mr. Swinnock's Christian Mans Calling, and by this she was taught in this measure to make Religion her business. The Spiritual B [...]e was a great companion of hers.

8. She was exceeding dutiful to her [Page 4] Parents, very loath to grieve them in the least: and if she had at any time (which was very rare) offended them, she would weep bitterly.

9. She abhorred lying, and allowed her self in no known sin.

10. She was very Conscientious in spending of time, and hated Idleness, and spent her whole time either in pray­ing, reading instructing at her Needle, at which she was very ingenious.

11. When she was at School, she was eminent for her diligence, teachableness, meekness and modesty, speaking little; but when she did speak it was usually spiritual.

12. She continued in this course of Re­ligious duties for some years together.

13. When she was about fourteen years old, she brake a Vein in her Lungs (as is supposed) and oft did spit blood, yet did a little recover again, but had several dangerous relapses.

14. At the beginning of January last, she was taken very bad again, in which sickness she was in great distress of Soul. When she was first taken, she said, O Mother, pray, pray, pray for me, for [Page 5] Satan is so busy that I cannot pray for my self; I see I am undone without a Christ, and a Pardon! O I am undone unto all Eternity.

15. Her Mother knowing how serious she had been formerly, did a little wonder that she should be in such agonies; up­on which her Mother asked her what sin it was, that was so burdensome to her Spirit: O Mother, said she, it is not any particular sin of Omission or Com­mission, that sticks so close to my Con­science, as the sin of my Nature; with­out the Blood of Christ, that will dam [...] me.

16. Her Mother asked her; what she should pray for, for her; she answered, That I may have a saving knowledge of Sin and Christ: and that I may have an assurance of Gods love to my Soul. Her Mother asked her why she did speak so little to the Minister that came to her? She answered that it was her duty with patience and silence to learn of them: and it was exceeding painful to her, to speak to any.

17. One time when she fell into a [...]it, she cried out, O I am a going, I am a go­ing: [Page 6] But 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 in [...]tance 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 Matt. 11.28, 29. was much in her tongue, and no small relief to her Spirit. How many times would she cry out, Lord, hast not thou 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 [Page 7] 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, [...] that they would pitty 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 ask'd her, if God would 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 lie 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 bear parting with thee, when I have scar [...] dryed my eyes for thy Brother? she answered, the [Page 8] 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 co [...]fort, 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, T [...]me, Time, precious Time! Being requested by him not to spend herself, she said, she would fain do all the good she could while she lived, and when she was dead too, if possile; upon which account, she de­sired that a Sermon might be Preached at the Funeral, concerning the pr [...]cious­ness of Time. O that young ones would now remember their Creator!

24. Some Minister 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.

[Page 9]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 Cheerful Countenance; Lord, thou hast promised, that whosoever comes unto thee, thou wilt in no wise [...]ast out; Lord I come unto thee, and surely thou wilt not 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 [...]n sending Christ! O free Grace to a poor lost Creature. And thus she ran on repeating many of these things an hundred times [Page 10] 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 Si [...]ters, with others 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, & added, to him & 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 you are young, what need you to be in such hast? You will have time enough when you are old. But [Page 11] there stands one (meaning her Grand­mother) 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 remember, 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 I am going to everlasting Joys! I would not go back again for twenty thousand worlds; and will you not strive to get an Interest in Christ?

29. After this, looking upon one of her Fathers Servants, she said, What shall I do? What shall I do at the 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 Cursed into the Lake that burns for ever. What a grief is it for me to think, that I shall see any of my friends [Page 12] that I knew upon Earth, turned into that Lake that burns forever! O that word, For Ever, remember that, For Ever! I speak these words to you, but they are nothing, except God speak to you too: O pray, pray, pray, that God would give you Grace! And then [...] prayed, O Lord finish thy work upon their Souls. It will be my comfort to see you in Glory, but it will be your Everlasting happiness.

30. Her Grand-mother told her she spent her self too much; he said; I care not for that, if I could do any Soul good. O with what vehemency did she speak, as if her heart were in every word she spoke.

31. She was full of Divine Sentences, and almost all her discourse, fr [...]m the fir [...]t to the last, in the time of her [...]ick­ness, was about her Soul, Christs sweet­ness, and the [...]ouls of others; in a word, like a continued Sermon.

32. Upon Fryday, after she had had such lively discoveries of Gods love, [...]he was exceeding desirous to dye, and cryed out, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly, conduct me to thy Tabernacle, I am a poor Creature without thee: but Lord Jesus, my Soul longs [Page 13] to be with thee: O when shall it be! Why not now, dea [...] Jesus? Come Lord Jesus, come quickly; but why do I speak thus? Thy [...]me, dear Lord, is the best; O give me pa­tience!

33. Upon Saturday she spoke very little (being very drowsie) yet now and then dropt these words: How long sweet J [...]sus? Finish thy work sweet Jesus, Come away sweet dear Lord Jesus, come quickly,; sweet Lord help, come away, now, now, dear Jesus come quickly; Good Lord give patience to me to wait thy appointed time; Lord Jesus help me, help me, help me. Thus at several times (when out of her sleep) for she was asleep the greatest part of the day.

34. Upon the Lord's day, she scarc [...] spoke any thing, but much desired that Bills of thanksgiving might be sent to those who had formerly been praying for her, that they might help her to praise God for that full assurance that he had given her of His love; and seemed to be much swallowed up with the thoughts of Gods free love to her Soul. She oft commended her Spirit into the Lords hands; and the last words which she was heard to speak, were these, Lord help, [Page 14] Lord Jesus help; Dear Jesus, Blessed Jesus— And thus upon the Lords Day, between Nine and Ten of the Clock in the fore­noon, she slept sweetly in Jesus, and began an Everlasting Sabbath, February 19. 1670.

EXAMPLE II. Of a Child that was admirably affected with the things of God, when he was between Two and Three years Old; with a brief ac­count of his Life and Death.

1. A Certain little Child, whose Mother had dedicated him to the Lord in her womb [...] when he could not speak [...], would be crying after God, and was greatly desirous to be taught good things.

2. He could not endure to be put to Bed without Family duty, but would put his Parents upon duty, and would with much devotion kneel down, & with great patience and delight, continue till duty was at an end, without the least expres­sion of being weary; and he seemed [Page 15] never so well pleased, as when he was engaged in duty.

3. He could not be satisfied with Fa­mily duty, but he would be oft upon his knees by himself in one corner or other.

4. He was much delighted in hearing the Word of God, either Read or Preach­ed.

5. He loved to go to School, that he might learn something of God and would observe and take great notice of what he had read, and come home and speak of it with much affection; and he would rejoyce in his book, and say to his Mother, O Mother! I have had a sweet lesson to day, will you please to give me leave to fetch my book that you may hear it?

6. As he grew up, he was more and more affected with the things of another world; so that if we had not received ou [...] information from one that is of undoubted fidelity, it would seem incredible.

7. He quickly learned to read the Scripture, and would, with great Re­verence, Tenderness and Groans, read till tears and sobs were ready to hinder him.

[Page 16]8. When he was at secret prayer, he would weep bitterly.

9. He was wont oftentimes to com­plain of the naughtiness of his heart, and seemed to be more grieved for the Cor­ruption of his Nature, than for Actual Sin.

10. He had a vast Understanding in the things of God, even next to a wonder, for one of his age.

11. He was much troubled for the wandring of his thoughts in duty, and that he could not keep his heart alway fixed upon God, and the work he was about, and his affections constantly raised.

12. He kept a watch over his heart, and observed the workings of his Soul, and would complain that they were so vain and fooli [...]h, and so little busied about Spi­ritual things.

13. As he grew up, he grew daily in knowledge and experience, and his carriage was so heavenly, and his discourse so ex­cellent and experimental, that it made those which heard it, even astonished.

14. He was exceeding importunate with God in duty,; and would plead with God at a strange rate, and use such ar­guments [Page 17] in prayer, that one would think it were impossible should ever enter into the heart of a Child; he would beg, and expostulate, and weep so, that sometimes it could not be kept from the ears of Neighbours; so that one of the next house was forced to cry out, The prayers and tears of that Child in the next house will sink me to Hell, because by it he did con­demn his neglect of prayer, and his slight performance of it.

15. He was very fearful of wicked company, and would oft beg of God to keep him from it, and that he might never be pleased in them that took delight in displeasing of God: And when he was at any time in the hearing of their wicked words, taking the Lords Name in vain, or Swearing, or any filthy words, it would even make him tremble, and ready to go home and weep.

16. He abhorred lying, with his Soul.

17. When he had committed any fault, he was easily convinced of it, and would get in some [...] and secret place, [...] with tears beg pardon of God, & strength against such a sin. He had a friend that oft watched him, and listned at his Cham­ber-door, [Page 18] from whom I received this Narrative.

18. When he had been asked, whether he would commit such a sin again, he would never promise absolutely, because he said his heart was naught; but he would weep and say, he hoped by the Grace of God he should not.

19. When he was left at home alone up­on the Sabbath days, he would besure not to spend any part of the day in Idleness & Play, but be busied in praying, reading in 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, Offi­ce [...], and Excellency of Christ, and that He alone can satisfie for our Sins, and merit Everlas [...]ing life for us; and about other of the great Mysteries of Redemp­tion: he seemed savingly to understand them, & was greatly delighted with the dis­course.

22. One speaking concerning the Re­surrection of the body, he did acknow­ledge it; but that the same weak body that was buried in the Church-yard, should be raised again, he thought very strange, but [Page 19] with admiration yielded, that nothing was impo [...]ble 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 sin­cere Heart, and I have heard thee; didst thou not pray with thy heart? I hope I did, said he.

24. Not long after, the same person asked him again, whether he were willing to dye? 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 dye 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 la [...]t did cheerfully 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 sate 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 wou'd chuse such times & places for secret Duty, as might render her less observed by others, and did endeavour [Page 21] 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 had 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 ask'd 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 man 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, [Page 22] and cared not for passing over what she learned, without extraordinary observati­on and understanding; and many times she was so [...]rangely affected in reading of the Scriptures, that she would burst out into Tears, and would hardly be pacified▪ so greatly was she ta [...]en with Chri [...]s Suf­ferings, the zeal of Gods Servants, 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 throughly, 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 o [...] the miserable Condition that they were in upon this account; when she could handsomely, she would be putting in some pretty sweet word of Christ; but above all, she would do what she could to draw the hearts of her Brethren and Sisters after Chri [...]t 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 [Page 23] pray, & to ask very gracious Questions a­bout the things of God.

10. She was very Conscientious in keep­ing the Sabbath, spending the wh [...]le time either in Reading or Praying, or learning her Catechism, or teaching her Brethren and Si [...]ers. 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 in [...]ead 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, [...]he [Page 24] would be ready to weep over; especially if she saw her Mother at any time troubled▪ she would quickly make her sorrows he [...] 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 possibly, 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 i [...] 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 many excellent Christians to stand amazed, as judging it scarce to be parallell'd.

14. She took great Delight in reading of the Scripture, and some part of it was more sweet to her than her appointed food; she would get several choice Scrip­tures [Page 25] by heart, and discourse of them savour­ly, and apply them suitably.

15. She was not altogether a stranger to other good Books, but would be reading of them with much affection; and where she might, she noted the Books parti [...]ularly, observing what in the reading did most warm her heart, and she was ready upon occasion to improve it.

16. One time a woman coming into the House in a great Passion, spoke of her Condition, as if none were like hers, and it would never be otherwise; the Child said, it were a strange thing to say when it is night, it will never be day again.

17. At another time a near Relation of hers being in some streights made some complaint, to whom she said, I have heard Mr. Carter say a Man may go to heaven without a Penny in his Purse, but not with­out Grace in his Heart.

18. She had an extraordinary Love to the People of God; and when she saw any that she thought feared the Lord, her Heart would e'en leap for joy.

19. She loved to be much by her self, & would be greatly grieved if she were at any [...]ime deprived of a conveniency for secret [Page 26] Duty; she could not live without constant Address to God in secret; and was not a little pleased when she could go into a corner to pray and weep.

20. She was much in praising God, & seldom or never complained of any thing but Sin.

21. She continued in this course of praying and praising of God, and great du­tifulness and sweetness to her Parents, and those that taught her any thing, yet she did greatly encourage her Mother while she was a Widow, and desired that the ab­sence of a Husband, might in some mea­sure be made up by the dutifulness and holiness of a Child. She studied all the wayes that could be to make her Mothers Life sweet.

22. When she was between eleven and twelve years old, she sickned, in which she carried it with admirable patience and sweetness, and did what she could with Scripture Arguments, to support and en­courage her Relations to part with her, that was going to Glory, and to prepare themselves to meet her in a Blessed Eter­nity.

23. She was not many days sick before [Page 27] she was marked; which she first saw her self, and was greatly rejoyced to think that she was marked out for the Lord, and was now going apace to Christ. She called to her Friends, and said, I am marked, but be not troubled, for I know I am marked for one of the Lords own. One asked her, How she knew that? She answered, The Lord hath told me, that I am one of His dear Chil­dren. And thus she spake with a holy Confidence in the Lords Love to her Soul, and was not in the least daunted when she spake of her death; but seemed greatly delighted in the apprehension of her near­ness to her Fathers House. And it was not long before she was filled with joy unspeak­able in believing.

24. When she just lay a Dying, her Mother came to her, and told her, She was sorry that she had reproved and cor­rected so good a Child so oft. O Mother, said she, Speak not thus, I bless God, now I am Dying, for your Reproofs and Corrections too; for it may be, I might have gone to Hell, if it had not been for your Reproofs and Cor­rections.

25. Some of her Neighbours coming to visit her, asked her, if she would leave [Page 28] them? She answered them, If you serve the Lord, you shall come after me to Glory.

26. A little before she died, she had a great conflict with Satan, and Cryed out, I am none of his; her Mother seeing her in trouble, asked her what was the matter? She answered, Satan did trouble me, but now I thank God all is well, I know, I am none of his, but Christs.

27. After this, she had a great sence of Gods Love, and a Glorious sight, as if she had seen the very Heavens open, and the Angels come to receive her; by which her Heart was filled with joy, and her Tongue with praise.

28. Being desired by the standers by, to give them a particular account of what she saw. She answered, You shall know hereafter; and so in an extasie of Joy and holy Triumph, she went to Heaven when she was about Twelve years old.

Hallelujah.

EXAMPLE IV. Of a Child that began to look towards Heaven, when she was about Four years old, with some observable Passages in her Life, and at her Death.

1. A Certain little Child, when she was about Four years old, had a Con­scientious sence of her Duty towards her Parents, because the Commandment saith, Honour thy Father and thy Mother. And though she had little advantage of Educati­on, she carried it with the greatest Reve­rence to her Parents imaginable, so that she was no small Credit, as well as Comfort to them.

2. It was no usual thing for her to weep, if she saw her Parents troubled, though her self had not been the occasion of it.

3. When she came from school, she would with grief and abhorrency say, that other Children had sinned against God by speaking grievous words, which were so bad, that she durst not speak them again.

4. She would be oftentimes admiring of Gods mercy, for so much goodness to [Page 30] her rather than to others; that she saw some begging, others blind, some crooked, and that she wanted nothing that was good for her.

5. She was many a time, and often, in one hole or another, in Tears upon her knees.

6. This poor little thing would be ready to counsel other little Children, how they ought to serve God; and putting them upon getting by themselves to pray; & hath been known when her friends have been abroad, to have been teaching Chil­dren to pray, especially upon the Lords Day.

7. She very seriously begged the pray­ers of others, that they would remember her, that the Lord would give her Grace.

8. When this Child saw some that were laughing, who she judged to be very wick­ed; She told them, that she feared that they had little reason to be merry. They asked whether one might not laugh? She an­swered, No indeed, till you have Grace; they who are wicked, have more need to Cry, than to Laugh.

9. She would say, that it was the Duty of Parents, Masters and Mistresses, to re­prove [Page 31] (those under their charge) for sin, or else God will meet with them.

10. She would be very attentive when she read the Scriptures, and be much affect­ed with them.

11. She would by no means be perswa­ded to prophane the Lords Day, but would spend it in some good Duties.

12. When she went to School, it was willingly and joyfully, and she was very teachable & exemplary to other Children.

13. When she was taken sick, one asked her Whether she were willing to Dye? She an­swered, Yes, if God would Pardon her Sins. Being asked how her Sins should be Par­doned? She answerd, Through the Blood of Christ.

14. She said; she did believe in Christ, & 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 & Death of this Child, but the hurry and grief that her Friends were in, buried them.

EXAMPLE V. 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: & when he was sent 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 re [...]y to say, as they did [Page 33] 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 knowledge, and would be oft asking very serious & admirable Questions.

9. He would not stir out of doors before he had poured out his Soul to the Lord.

10. 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 acknowledge Gods goodness in feeding of him.

11. 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 linnings, ask God forgiveness for that sin.

12. He would rebuke his Brethren if they were at any time too hasty at their Meals, and did eat without asking a Blessing; his che [...]k was usually this; Dare you do thus? God be merciful to us, this bit of Bread might [...]h [...]ak us.

13. His Sentences were wise & weighty, [Page 34] and well might become some ancien [...] Christian.

14. 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 ha [...] rather have the Kingdom of Heaven, than [...] thousand such Inheritances.

15. When he was sick, he seemed much taken up with Heaven, and asked very se­rious Questions about the Nature of his Soul.

16. After he was pretty well satisfied about that, he enquired how his Soul migh [...] be Sa [...]ed; 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.

17. Being asked, whether he had rather Live or Dye? He answered, I desire to Dye, that I may go to my Saviour.

18. His Pains encreasing upon him, one asked him, Whether he would rather still endure those Pains, or forsake Chri [...]t? 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 [Page 35] [...]est that I can. Upon this he called to mind that Martyr Thomas Bil [...]y; 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.

19. His sickness l [...]sted 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 chearful, his Lips smiling, his Hands and Feet 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 [...] Body that ever Eyes beheld, who bid him be of good cheer, for he must pre­sently go with Him.

[Page 36]20. 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; fo [...] why thou hast redeemed it, O Lord my God most true.

21. 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 Physician; Into His Hands I commend my Spirit. O Lord Jesus receive my Soul: Now close min [...] Eyes: Forgive me Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, all the world. Now I am well, my Pa [...] is almost gone my Joy is at hand. Lord hav [...] 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.

EXAMPLE VI. 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 pitty for him, and took an affection to him, & 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, a [...]d he began to obey him with more readiness than Children usually to their Parents.

3. By this a Door was opened for a farther Work, & he had a greater advan­tage to instil 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 [Page 38] pleased to strike in with the Spiritual Ex­hortations of this good Man, so that the Child was brought to a liking to the things of God.

5. He quickly learnt a great part of the Assemblies Catechism by heart, and that before he could read his Primer 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, but he would answer such Questions as are not in the Catechism, with greater understanding than could be expected of one of his Age.

7. He took great delight in discoursing about the things of God; and when my Friend had been either praying or reading, expounding or repeating Sermons, he seem­ed very attentive, and ready to receive the truths of God, and would with in­credible gravity, diligence and affection, wait till duties were ended, to the no small joy and admiration of them which observed him.

8. He would ask very excellent questi­ons, and discourse about the condition of his Soul and Heavenly things, and seemed mightily concerned what should [Page 39] become of his Soul when he should dye: so that his discourse made some Christians eve [...] to stand astonished.

9▪ He was greatly taken with the great kind [...]s of Christ in dying for sinners, and and would be in tears at the mention of them: and seemed at a strange rate to be affected with the unspeakable Love of Christ.

10. When no body hath been speaking to him, he would burst out into tears, and being asked the reason, he would say, that the very thoughts of Christs love to sinners in suffering for them, made him that he could not but Cry.

11. Before he was Six years old, he made Conscience of a secret [...]; and when he prayed, it was with [...] [...]ra­ordinary meltings, that his eyes have [...]ooked [...]d and sore, with weeping by himself for his sin.

12. He would be putting of Christians upon Spiritual discourse when he saw them, and seemed little satisfied, unless they were talking of good things.

13. It is evident, that this poor Childs thoughts were very much busied about the things of another World, for he would of­tentimes be speaking to his Bed-fellow a [...] [Page 40] mid-night, about the matter of his Soul; and when he could not s [...]eep, he would take Heavenly conference to be sweeter than his appointed rest. This was his usu­al custome, and thus he would provoke and put forward an experienced Christian, to spend waking hours in talk of God and the everlasting rest.

14. Not long after this, his good Mother dyed, which went very near his heart, for he greatly honoured his Mother.

15. After the Death of his Mother, he would often repeat some of the Promises that are made to Fatherless Children, espe­cially that in Exod. 22.22. Ye shall not affect any [...] or the Fatherless Child; if thou [...] in any wise, and they Cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their Cry— These words he would often repeat with tears, and say, I am Fatherless and Mother­less upon Earth, yet if any wrong me, I have a Father in Heaven who will take my part; to Him I commit my self, and in Him is all my trust.

16. Thus he continued in a course of Holy Duties, living in the fear of God, & shewed wonderful Grace for a Child, & died sweetly in the Faith of Jesus.

[Page 41]My Friend, is a judicious Christian of many years experience, who was no ways related to him, but a constant eye and ear witness of his Godly life, and honourable and cheerful death, from whom I received this Information.

EXAMPLE VII. Of a Notorious Wicked Child, who was taken up from Begging, and admirably Convert­ed; with an account of his holy Life and joyful Death, when he was Nine years Old.

1. A Very poor Child, of the Parish of Newington-But [...]s, came begging to the door of a dear Christian Friend of mine, i [...] a very lamentable case, so filthy and nasty, that he would even have turned ones stomack to have looked on him: But it pleased God to raise in the heart of my Friend, a great pitty & tenderness toward▪ this poor Child, so that in Charity he took him out of the streets, whose Parents were un­known, who had nothing at all in him to [Page 42] commend him to any ones Charity, but his misery. My Friend eyeing the Glory of God, and the good of the Immortal Soul of this wretched Creature, discharged the Parish of the Child, and took him as his own, designing to bring him up for the Lord Christ. A Noble piece of Charity▪ And that which did make the kindness far the greater, was, that there seemed to be very little hopes of doing any good upon this Child, for he was a very Monster of wickedness, and a thousand times more miserable and vile by his Sin, than by his Poverty. He was running to Hell as soon as he could go, and was old in naughti­ness when he was young in years; and one shall scarce hear of one so like the Devil in his Infancy, as this poor Child was. What Sin was there (that his age was ca­pable of) that he did not commit? What by the Corruption of his Nature, and the abominable Example of little Begger-boys, he was arrived to a strange pitch of Im­piety. He would call filthy Names, take Gods Name in vain, Curse and Swear, and do almost all kind of Mischief; and as to any thing of God, worse than an Heathen.

[Page 43]2. But this Sin and Misery was but a stronger Motive to that Gracious man to pity him, & to do all that possibly he could to pluck this Fire-brand out of the Fire, & it was not long before the Lord was pleased to let him understand, that He had a design of everlasting kindness upon the Soul of this poor Child; for no sooner had this good Man taken this Creature into his house, but he prays for him, and labours with all his might to convince him of his miserable condition by Nature, and to teach him something of God, the worth of his own Soul, and that Eternity of Glory or Misery that he was born to: And Blessed be Free Grace, it was not long before the Lord was pleased to let him understand, that it was Himself which put it into his heart to take in this Child, that he might bring him up for Christ. The Lord soon struck in with his Godly Instructions, so that an amazing Change was seen in the Child, in a few weeks space he was soon convinced of the evil of his ways; no more News now of his calling of Names, Swear­ing, or Cursing; no more taking of the Lords Name in vain; now he is civil and respective; and such a strange alteration [Page 44] was wrought in the [...], that all the Parish that r [...]ng [...] his [...] before, was now rea [...] to talk of his Ref [...]rmation; [...] company, his talk, his [...]mployment is now changed, and he is like another Creature; so that the Glory of Gods Free Grace began already to shine in him.

3. And this Change was not only an external one, and to be discerned abroad, but he would get by himself, and weep and mourn bitterly, for his horrible wicked life, as might easily be perceived by them that lived in the house with him.

4. It was the great care of his Godly master, to strike in with those Convictions which the Lord had made, and to improve them all he could; and he was not a little glad to see that his labour was not in vain [...] the Lord; he still experiences that the Lord doth carry on his own work mighti­ly on the heart of the Child; he [...] still more and more broken under a sence of his undone state by Nature; he is oft in tears, and bemoaning his lost and miserable Con­dition. When his Master did speak of the things of God, he listned earnestly, and took in with much greediness and affection what he was taught Seldom was there [Page 45] any discourse about Soul-matters in his hearing, but he heard it as if it were for his life, and would weep greatly.

5. He would after his Master had been speaking to him, or others, of the things of God, go to him, and question with him about them, and beg of him to instruct & teach him further, and to tell him those things again, that he might remember and understand them better.

6. Thus he continued seeking after the knowledge of God and Christ, and practi­sing holy Duties, till the sickness came into the house, with which the Child was smit­ten; at his first sickning, the poor Child was greatly amazed and afraid, and though his pains were great, and the distemper very tedious, yet the fence of his sin, and the thought of the miserable condition that he feared his Soul was still in, made his trouble ten times greater; he was in grievous agonies of Spirit, and his former sins s [...]ared him in the face, and made him tremble; the poyson of Gods Arrows did even drink up his Spirits; the sence of Sin and Wrath was so great, that he could not tell what in the world to do; the weight of Gods Displeasure, and the thoughts of [Page 46] lying under it to all Eternity, did ever break him to pieces, and he did Cry ou [...] very bitterly, What should he do? He was a miserable Sinner, and he feared that he should go to Hell; his Sins had been so great and s [...] many, that there was no hopes for him. He was not by far so much concerned for his Life, as for his Soul, what should become of that forever. Now the plague upon hi [...] Body seemed nothing to that which was i [...] his Soul.

7. But in this great Distress the Lord was pleased to send one to take care fo [...] his Soul, who urged to him the great and precious Promises which were made to on [...] in his condition, telling him that there was enough in Christ for the Chiefest of Sinners▪ and that He came to seek and save such a lost Creature as he was. But this poor Child found it a very difficult thing for him to believe that there was any mercy for such a Dreadful Sinner as he had been

8. He was made to Cry out of himself, not only for his Swearing and Lying, and other outwardly notorious Sins; but he was in great Horrour for the Sin of his Na­ture, for the Vileness of his Heart, and O­riginal [Page 47] Corruption; under it he was in so great anguish, that the trouble of his Spirit, made him in a great measure to forget the pains of his body.

9. He did very particularly confess and bewail his sins with tears; and some sins so secret, that none in the world could charge him with.

10. He would Condemn himself for sin, as deserving to have no Mercy, & thought that there was not a greater Sinner in all London than himself, and he abhorred himself as [...]he vilest creature he knew.

11. He did not only pray much with strong Cryes and Tears himself, but he begged the prayers of Christians for him.

12. He would ask Christians, whether they thought there were any hopes for him, and would beg of them to deal plainly with him, for he was greatly afraid of being d [...] ­ceived.

13. Being informed how willing and ready the Lord Christ was to accept of poor Sinners, upon their Repentance and Turning, and being counselled to venture himself upon Christ, for Mercy and Salva­tion, he said he would fain cast himself up­on [Page 48] Christ, but he could not but wonder how Christ should be willing to dye for su [...] a vile wretch as he was, and he found i [...] one of the hardest things in the world to Believe.

14. But at last, it pleased the Lord to give him some small hopes that the [...] might be Mercy for him▪ for he had bee [...] the Chiefest of Sinners; and he was mad [...] to lay a little hold upon such promises, [...] that, Come unto me, all ye that are weary an [...] heaven laden, and I will give you rest. Bu [...] O! how did this poor B [...]y admire and Ble [...] God for the le [...]st Hopes! How highly di [...] he advance Rich and Free Grace, tha [...] should pity and pardon him! And at last he was full of Praise, and admiring of God so that, (to steak in the words of a Preciou [...] man, that was an eye and ear witness) to th [...] Praise and Glory of God be it spoken, the hous [...] at that day, for all the sickness in it, was [...] little lower Heaven, so full of Joy an [...] Praise.

15. The Child grew exceedingly i [...] Knowledge, Experiences, Patience, Humility and Self-abhorrency; & he thought he could never speak bad enough of himself, th [...] Name that he would call himself by, was [...] Toad.

[Page 49]16. And though he prayed before, yet now the Lord poured out upon him the Spirit of Prayer, in an extraordinary man­ner for one of his age; so that now he prayed more frequently, more earnestly, more spiritually than ever. O how eagerly would he beg to be washed in the Blood of Jesus! and that the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, that was over Heaven and Earth, and Sea, would pardon and forgive him all his Sins, and receive his Soul into his Kingdom. And what he spoke, it was with so much life and fervour of Spirit, as that it filled the Hearers with astonish­ment and joy.

17. He had no small sense of the use and excellency of Christ, and such longings and breathings of his Soul after him, that when mention hath been made of Christ, he hath been ready almost to leap out of his bed for joy.

18. When he was told, that if he should recover, he must not live as he li [...]; but he must give up himself to Christ, and to be his Child and Servant, to bear his Yoke and be obedient to his Laws, and live a holy life, [...] take his Cross, and suffer mocking and reproach, it may be, persecution for [Page 50] His Name sake. Now, Child, (said one to him,) are you willing to have Christ up­on such terms? He signified his willingness by the earnestness of his looks and words, and the casting up of his Eyes to Heaven, saying, Yes, with all my Soul, the Lord help­ing me, I will do this.

19. Yet he had many doubts and fears, and was ever and anon harping upon that, That though he were willing, yet Christ he feared was not willing to accept of him, because of the greatness of his Sin; yet his hopes were greater than his fears.

20. The Wednesday before he Died, the Child lay as it were in a Trance for about half an hour, in which time he thought he [...]aw a Vision of Angels: When he was out of his Trance, he was in a little pett, and asked his Nurse, Why she did not let him go? Go, whether Child said she: Why a­long with those brave Gentlemen (said he:) but they told me they would come and [...] me away for all you, upon Fryday next. And he doubled his words many times, upon Fryday next, those brave Gen­tlemen will come for me; and upon that day, the Child died joyfully.

[Page 51]21. He was very thankful to his Master, and very sensible of his great kindness in taking him out of the streets, when he was a begging, and he admired at the goodness of God, which put it into the mind of a stranger to look upon, and to take such Fatherly care of such a pittyful sorry Creature as he was. O my dear Mother, (said he) and Child of God, I hope to see you in Heaven, for I am sure you will go thither. O Blessed, Blessed be God, that made you take pitty upon me, for I might have Dyed, and have gone to the Devil, and have been Damned for ever, if it had not been for you.

22. The Thursday before he Dyed, he asked a very Godly Friend of mine, wha [...] he thought of his condition, and whether his Soul was now going? For he said, he could not still but fear, lest he should de­ceive himself with false hopes, at which my Friend spoke to him thus: Child, for all that I have endeavoured to hold forth the Grace of God in Christ to thy Soul, and given you a warrant from the Word of God, that Christ is as freely offered to you, as to any sinner in the world; if thou [...] but willing to accept of Him, thou [Page 52] mayest have Christ and all that thou dost want, with Him; and yet thou givest way to these thy doubtings and fears, as though I told you nothing but lies. Thou sayes [...] thou fearest that Christ will not accept of thee; I fear thou art not heartily willing to accept of Him. The Child an­swered, Indeed I am; Why then, Child, if thou art unfeignedly willing to have Christ; I tell the, He is a thousand times more willing to have thee, & wash thee, & save thee, than thou art to desire it. And now at this time Christ offers Himself to thee again; therefore receive Him humbly by Faith free­ly into thy heart, & bid Him welcome, for He deserveth it. Upon which words the Lord discovered His love to the Child, and he gave a kind of a leap in his bed, and snapt his fingers and thumb together with abundance of joy, as much as to say, Well, yea all is well, the Match is made, Christ is willing, and I am willing too; and now Christ is mine, and I am His forever. And from that time forward, in full Joy & assurance of God's love, he continued earnestly praising God, with desiring to dye, and [...] with Christ. And on Fryday-morning he [Page 53] sweetly went to rest, using that very ex­pression, Into thy hands, Lord I commit my Spirit. He Died punctually at that time which he had spoke of, and in which he expected those Angels to come to him; he was not much above Nine years old when he Died.

This Narrative I had from a Judicious Holy man, unrelated to him, who was [...]n Eye and Ear-witness to all these things.

EXAMPLE VIII. Of a Child that was very Serious at Four Years Old, with an Account of his Comfortable Death, when he was Twelve Years and Three Weeks Old.

1. JOhn Sudlow, was Born of Religious Parents, in the County of Middle­sex, whose great care was to instil Spiritual Principles into him, as soon as he was capable of understanding of them; [Page 62] whose Endeavours the Lord was pleased to Crown with the desired success: So that (to use the Expression of a Holy Man con­cerning him) Scarce more could be expected or desired from so little a one.

2. When he was scarce able to speak plain, he seemed to have a very great awe and reverence of God upon his Spirit, and a strange sence of the things of another world, as might easily be perceived by those serious and admirable questions which he would be oft asking of those Christians that he thought he might be bold with.

3. The first thing that did most affect him, and made him endeavour to escape from the wrath to come, and to enquire what he should do to be Saved, was the Death of a little Brother; when he saw him without breath, and not able to stir, and then carried out of doors, and put in­to a Pit-hole, he was greatly concerned, and asked notable questions about him; but that which was most affecting of him­self and others, was, Whether he must Dye too, which being answered, it made such a deep impression upon him, that from that time forward, he was exceeding Seri­ous, & this was when he was about four Years old.

[Page 63]4. Now he is desirous to know what he might do that he might live in another World, and what he must avoid, that he might not Dye for ever, and being in­structed by his Godly Parents, he soon la­bours to avoid whatsoever might displease God; now tell him that any thing was Sinful, and that God would not have him to do it, and he is easily kept from it, and even at this time of day, the apprehensions of God, and Death and Eternity laid such a restraint upon him, that he would not for a World have told a lye.

5. He quickly learned to read exactly, and took such pleasure in reading of the Scriptures and his Catechism, and other good Books, that it is scarce to be parallell'd; he would naturally run to his Book with­out bidding, when he came home from School, and when other Children of his age and acquaintance were playing, he reckon'd it his Recreation to be doing that which was good.

6. When he was in Coats, he would be still asking his Maid serious questions, and praying her to teach him his Cate­chism, or Scriptures, or some good thing; common Discourse he took no delight in, [Page 64] but did most eagerly desire to be sucking in of the knowledge of the things of God, Christ, his Soul, and another World.

7. He was lingely taken with the read­ing of the Book of Martyrs, and would be ready to leave his Dinner to go to his Book.

8. He was exceeding careful of redeem­ing and improving of Time; scarce a mo­ment of it, but he would give an excellent account of the expence of it; so that this Child might have taught elder Persons, and will questionless Condemn their idle and unaccountable wasting of those Precious hours in which they should (as this sweet Child▪) have been laying in provision for Eternity.

9. He could not endure to read any thing over slightly, but whatsoever he read, he dwelt upon it, laboured to understand it throughly, and remember it; and what he could not understand, he would oft ask his Father or Mother the meaning of it.

10. When any Christian Friends have been discoursing with his Father, if they began to talk any thing about Religion, to be sure they should have his company, [Page 65] and of his own accord, he would leave all to hear any thing of Christ, and crept as close to them as he could, and listen as af­fectionately though it were for an hour or two: He was scarce ever known to ex­press the least token of weariness while he was hearing any thing that was good, and sometimes, when Neighbours Children would come and call him out, and entice him, and beg of him to go with them, he could by no means be perswaded, though he might have had the leave of his Parents, if he had any hopes that any good Body would come into his Fathers House.

11. He was very modest whilest any stranger was present, and was loth to ask them any questions: but as soon as they were gone, he would let his Father know that there was little said or done, but he observed it, and would reflect upon what was past in their discourse, and desire sa­tisfaction in what he could not understand at present.

12. He was a Boy of almost prodigious parts for his age, as will appear for his solid and rational questions; I shall but mention but two of many.

13. The first was this, when he was [Page 66] reading by himself, in Dra [...]ton's Poems a­bout Noah's Flood and the Ark, he asked, Who Built the Ark? It being answered, that it was likely that Noah hired men to help him to Build it: And would they (said he) Build an Ark to Save another, and not go into it themselves?

14. Another question he put was this▪ Whether had a greater Glory, Saints or Angels▪ It being answered, that Angels were the most Excellent of Creatures, and it's to b [...] thought, their Nature is made capable o [...] greater Glory than Mans. He said, he wa [...] of another mind, and his reason was, becaus [...] Angels was 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, H [...] hath advanced humane Nature above the Na­ture of Angels.

15. By this you may perceive the great­ness of his parts, and the bent of hi [...] thoughts; and thus he continued for se­veral Years together, labouring to ge [...] more and more Spiritual knowledge, and [...] prepare for an endless Life.

16. He was a Child of an excellent sweet Temper, wonderfully Dutiful to hi [...] [Page 67] 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, & the Eternal welfare of their Souls.

18. He would go to his Father and Mother with great tenderness & 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 lest they should go on in a Sinful Christless state, and prove their sorrow and shame, and go to Hell when they dye, & he r [...]ined for ever.

[Page 68]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, & 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 Short­hand after his Death.

24. He was not a little concerned for [Page 70] the whole Nation, and begged that God would pardon the Sins of this 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 — H [...]iven is the best Hospital, — It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth good in His Eyes. A­gain, — It is the Lord that taketh awa [...] my Health, but I will say as Job did, Blessed be the Name of the Lord — If I should live longer, I shall 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 rejoyce in him.

27. When a Minister came to him, a [...]mong 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. An hour & an half before his Death, the same Minister came again to visit him, and asked him, John, Art thou not afraid to [Page 71] die? He answered, No, if the Lord will but comfort me in that h [...]ur ▪ But said the Mi­nister, How canst thou expect comfort, seeing [...] deserve none? He answered, No, if I had [...] deserts I had been i [...] Hell long ago. But replied the Minister, Which way dost thou expect Comfort and Salvation, seeing thou art a Sinner? He answered, [...]n Christ alone — In whom, about an hour an half after, he fell asleep, saying, He would take a long sleep, Charging them that were about him not to [...]ake him.

He Died when he was Twelve Years Three Weeks and One Day old.

EXAMPLE IX. Of a Child that was very Eminent, when she was between Five and Six 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 [Page 72] plain, and express any thing considerable of reason, but she began to act as if she were Sanctified from the very Womb.

2. She was very solicitous about her Soul, what would bec [...]me of it when she should die, and where [...]he 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 i [...] 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 Is­raelit [...] 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 h [...] was of a [...] somewhat Civil; Honest, and as to man [...], but he was l [...]ttle acquaint­ed with the P [...]wer of Religion, till this sweet Child put him upon a th [...]row enquiry into the state of his Soul, and would s [...]ll be begging of him and pleading with him to redeem hi [...] Time, and to [...] with life and vigour in the things of God, which was no small demon­stration to him of the [...]ea [...]ity of [...], that a very Babe and Suckling should speak so feel­ingly [Page 73] about the things of God, and be so greatly concerned not only about her own Soul but about her Fathers too, which was the occasion of his Conversion, and the very thought of it was a quickning to him for Thirty Years, and he hopes never to wear off the Impressions of it from his Spirit.

6. After this she (as I remember) put her Father upon Family Duties, and if at any time he were for any time out of his Shop, she would find him out, with so much sweetness and humility beg of him to come home, and to remember the pre­ciousness of time, for which we must all give an account.

7. She was grieved if she saw any that conversed with her Father if they were [...]nprofitable, unsavoury, or long in their Discourse of common things.

8. Her own Language was the Language of Canaan: How Solidly, Profitably, and Spiritually would she talk? So that she made good people take great delight in her company, and justly draw the admira­tion of [...] that kn [...]w her.

9. She could not endure the company of common Children, nor play▪ [...] was [...] above all [...] mo [...]t [Page 74] Children are taken with; her business was to be reading, praying, discoursing about the things of God, and any kind of busi­ness that her age and strength was capa­ble of, idle she would not be by any means.

10. It was the greatest Recreation to her to hear any good People talking about God, Christ, their Souls, the Scriptures, or any [...]hing that concerned another Life.

11. She had a strange Contempt o [...] the world, and scorned those things which most are too much pleased with. She could not be brought to wear any [...]ces, or any thing that she thought [...].

12. She would be complaining to her Parents, if she [...]w any thing in them tha [...] she [...] would not be for the honour of [...] or suitable to that condition [...] the Providence of God had set them [...], in the World.

13. This Child was the joy and delight of all the Christians there-abouts, in those [...]imes, who was still quickning and raising of the Spirits of those that talked with her. This poor B [...]b [...] was a great help to both Father and Mother, and her memory is [...] to this day.

[Page 75]14. She continued thus to walk as a stranger in the World, and one that was making haste to a better place. And af­ter she had done a great deal of work for God and her own Soul, and others too, she was called home to rest, and received into the Arms of Jesus before she was ten Years old; she departed about 1640.

EXAMPLE X. Of a Child that was awakened when She was between Seven and Eight Years Old, with some Account of her last Hours, and Tri­umphant Death.

1. TAbitha Alder was the Daughter of a Holy and Reverend Minister in Kent, who lived near Gravesend. She was much instructed in the Holy Scriptures and her Catechism, by her Father and Mother, but there appeared nothing extraordinary in her, till she was between Seven and Eight Years old.

2. About which time, when she was sick, one asked her, what she thought would [Page 76] become of her if s [...]e should Dye? She answer­ed, That she was greatly afraid that she should go to Hell.

3. Being ask [...]d why she was afraid she should go to Hell? She answer [...]d, Because she [...] she did [...]ot love God.

4. Again, being askt how she d [...]d know she did not love God? She replied, What have I done for God ever since I was born? And besids this, I have been taught That he that l [...]ves God keeps His Commandment [...], but I have [...]ept none of them all.

5. Being further demanded, if she would not [...] love God, She answered, Ye [...] ▪ with all her heart, if she could, but she [...]ound is a hard thing to love one she did not see.

6. She was advised to beg of God a heart to love Him: She answered, She was afraid it was too late.

7. Being asked again, whether she was not sorry that she could not love God: she answered Yes, but was still afraid it was too late.

8. Upon this seeing her in such a despond­ing condition, a dear Friend of hers spen [...] the next day in Fasting and Prayer for her.

9. After this, that Christian Friend askt her how she did now? She answered [Page 77] with a great deal of joy, that now she blessed the Lord, she loved the Lord Jesus dearly, she felt she did love Him. Oh, said she, I love Him dearly.

10 Why said her Friend, did you not say yesterday, that you did not love the Lord, and that you could not? What did you mean to speak so strangely? Sure (said she) it was Satan that did put into my mind: But now I love Him, O blessed be God for the Lord Jesus Christ.

11 After this, she had a discovery of her approaching Dissolution, which was no small comfort to her: Anon (said she, with a holy Triumph) I shall be with Jesus, I am Married to Him, He is my Husband, I am His Bride, I have given my self to Him, and He hath given Himself to me, and I shall live with Him for ever.

12 This strange language made the Hearers even stand astonished: But thus she continued for some little t [...]me, in a kind of extasie of joy, admiring the ex­cellency of Chri [...], rejoycing in her Interest in Him, and longing to be with Him.

13 After a while some of her friends standing by her, observed a more than or­dinary earnestness and fixedness in her [Page 78] [...] Look how [...] something.

14 One asked what it was she fixed her Eyes upon so eagerly [...] warrant ( [...]aith one that was by) [...] see [...] Death [...] [...] co­ming.

15 No (said she) it is Glory that I see, 'tis that I fix my Eye upon.

16. One askt her what was Glory like She answered, I can't speak what, but I a [...] going to it▪ will you go with me▪ I am going [...] Glory, O that all of you were to go with [...] to that Glory? With which words her Sou [...] took wing, and went to the possession o [...] that Glory which she had some believing [...]ight of before.

She Die [...] when she was between Eight and Nine Years old, about 1644.

EXAMPLE XI. Of a Child that was greatly affected with the things of God, when She was very Young; with an exact Account of her admirable Car­riage upon her Death-Bed.

1. SUsanna Bioks was Born at Leiden in Holland, Jan. 24. 1650. of very Religious Parents, whose great care was [...]o instruct and Catechise this their Child▪ [...]nd to present her to the Ministers of [...]he place, to be publickly in [...]ructed and Catechised.

2. It pleased the Lord to bless Holy [...]ducation, the good Example of her Pa­ [...]ents, and Catechising, to the good of her [...]oul, so that [...]he soon had a true savour and relish of what she was taught, and made an admirable use of it in a time of need, as you shall hear afterwards.

3 She was a Child of great [...] to her Parents, and of a very sweet, humble, spiritual Nature, and not only the truth, but the power and eminency of Religion did shine in her so clearly, that [...] did not only comfort the hearts of her [Page 80] Parents, but drew the admiration of [...] that were witnesses of Gods works of lov [...] upon her, and may well be proposed as a pattern not only to Children, but to Per­sons of riper years.

4 She continued in a course of Religi [...]ons Duties for some considerable tim [...] so that her life was more excellent tha [...] most Christians, but in her last sickne [...] she excelled her self, and her deportmen [...] was so admirable, that partly throug [...] wonder and astoni [...]hment, and partl [...] through sorrow, many observable thing [...] were pass'd by without commiting to P [...]per, which deserved to have been writte [...] in Letters of Gold: But take these whic [...] follow, as some of many which were [...]ake [...] from her dying Lips, and first publishe [...] by Religious and Judicious Christians [...] Dutch, afterward translated into Scotch and with a little alteration of the stil [...] (for the benefit of English Children [...] brought into this form by me.

5 In the Month of August, 1664. wh [...] the Pestilence raged so much in Hollan [...] this sweet Child was smitten, and as so [...] as she felt her self very ill, she was sai [...] to break forth with abundance of sens [...] [Page 81] [...]nd feeling, in these following words: If [...]hy Law were not my delight, I should perish [...] my affliction.

6 Her Father coming to her to encou­rage her in her sickness, said to her, be of [...]ood comfort my Child, for the Lord will be near to thee and us, under this [...]eavy and fore Trial, He will not forsake [...] though He chasten us. Yea farther [...]said she) our Heavenly Father doth chas­ [...]en us for our profit, that we may be par­ [...]kers of His Holiness; no chastisement [...]eme [...]h for the present to be joyous, but [...]rievous, but afterwards it yieldeth the [...]eaceable fruit of righteousness to them [...]hich are exercised thereby. The Lord [...] now chastning of me upon this sick bed, [...]ut I hope He will bless it so to me, as [...] use it to yield to me that blessed fruit, ac­cording to the riches of His mercie [...] which [...] not.

7 After this, she spake to God with her Eyes lift up to Heaven▪ saying, Be mer­ [...]iful to me; O Father, be merciful to me a sinner, [...]ccording to thy Word.

8 Then looking upon her sorrowful [...]rents, she said; It is said, Cast thy bur­ [...]n upon the Lord, and He shall sustain the, [Page 82] and He will never suffer the Righteous to [...] moved. Therefore, my dear Father and Mother, cast all your care upon Him who causes all things to go well that do con­cern you.

9 Her Mother said unto her, O m [...] dear Child, I have no small comfort from the Lord in thee, and the fruit of [...] Grace whereby thou hast been so much ex­ercised unto Godliness in reading the Word in Prayer and gracious Discourse, to th [...] edification of thy self and us. The Lor [...] Himself who gave thee to us, make up th [...] loss, if it be His pleasure to take thee away from us.

10 Dear Mother (said she) though [...] leave you, and you me, yet God will neve [...] leave us; for it is said, Can a Woman forg [...] her sucking Child, that she should not hav [...] compassion on the fruit of her Womb, yet [...] not I forget thee, behold I have graven th [...] upon the palms of my hands. O comfortabl [...] words, both for Mothers and Children Mark, dear Mother, how fast the Lo [...] keeps and holdeth His people, that H [...] doth even grave them upon the palms [...] His hands. Though I must part wi [...] you▪ and you with me, yet Blessed be Go [...] [Page 83] [...]e will never part either from you or [...].

11 Being weary with much speaking, [...]he desired to rest a while, but after a [...] time awaking again, her Father asked [...]er how it was with her? She made no [...]rect answer, but asked what day it was? [...]er Father said, it was the Lords Day. Well then, said she, have you given up [...]y name to be remembred in the publick [...]rayers of the Church: Her Father told [...]r he had. I have learnt, said she, Tha [...] [...] effectual [...]ervent Prayer of the Righteous [...]leth much.

12 She had a very high esteem for the [...]ithful Ministers of Christ, and much de­ [...]red their company where she was, but [...]owing the hazard that such a visit might [...]pose them and the Church too, she [...]ould by no means suffer that the Ministers [...]ould come near her person, but chose ra­ [...]er to throw her self upon the Arms of [...]he Lord, and to impro [...]e that knowledge [...]e had in the Word, and her former ex­ [...]rience, and the visits of private Christi­ [...], & those which the Church had appoint­ [...] in such cases, to visit and comfort the [...].

[Page 84]13 One of those which came to vis [...] her, was of very great use to her to com­fort her, and lift her up in some measur [...] above the fears of Death.

14 Though young, she was very muc [...] concerned for the Interest of God and Re [...]ligion, for Gospel-Ministers, and fo [...] the Sins and the Decay of the power o [...] Godliness in her own Countrey, whic [...] will further appear, by what may fol [...]low.

15 Her Father coming in to her, foun [...] her in an extraordinary passion of wee [...]ing, and asked her what was the cause [...] her great sorrow; She answered, have I not cause to weep, when I hear that Dom [...] de Wit was taken sick this day in his Pul [...]pit, and went home very ill; Is not th [...] a sad sign of Gods displeasure to [...] Countrey, when God smiteth such a faith [...]ful Pastor?

16 She had a high valuation of God▪ and could speak in David's Language, [...] have I in Heaven but thee, and there is [...] on Earth that I can desire in comparison [...] thee. She was much lifted up above [...] fear [...] of Death; what else was the mea [...]ing of such expressions as these? O [...] [Page 85] do I long! even as the heart panteth after the water-brooks, so my Soul panteth after thee, O God, for the living God, when shall I come and appear before God.

17 She was a great hater of Sin, and did with much grief and self-abhorrency reflect upon it; but that which lay most upon her heart, was the Corruption of her Nature and Original Sin. How oft would she Cry out in the words of the Psalmist, Behold I was Shapen in Iniquity, and in Sin did my Mother Conceive me: and I was altogether Born in Sin. She could [...]ever lay her self low enough under a sense of that Original Sin which she brought▪ with her into the world.

18 She spake many things very judi­ciously of the Old Man, and putting i [...] off, [...]nd of the New Man, and putting that on; which shewed that she was no stranger to Conversion, and that she in some mea­sure understood what Mortification, Self-denial, and taking up of her Cross, and following of Christ meant. That Scrip­ture was much in her mouth, The Sacri­fices of God are a Contrite Heart; a Broken and a Contrite Spirit, O God, thou wilt not d [...]spise. That brokenness of heart ( [...] [Page 86] she) which is built upon & [...]ows from Faith, and that Faith which is built upon Chr [...]st who is the proper and alone Sacrifice for Sin.

These are her own words.

19 Afterwards she desired to rest, and when she had slumbered a while, she said▪ O dear Father and Mother, how weak do I feel my self! My dear Child (said her father) God will in His tender Mercy strengthen thee in thy weakness. Ye [...] Father (said she) that is my Confidence For it is said, The Bruised Reed He will [...] break, and the Smoking Flax He will no [...] quench.

20 Then she discoursed excellently o [...] the Nature of Faith, and desired that the Eleventh of the Hebrews should be read unto her; at the reading of which, sh [...] Cryed out, O what a stedfast loyal Faith was that of Abraham, which made him willing to offer up his own and only Son [...]ai [...]h, is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

21. Her Father and Mother hearing her excellent discourse, and seeing her ad­mirable carriage, burst out into abundanc [...] [Page 87] of tears: Upon which, she pleaded with them to be patient, and content with the hand of God. O (said she) why do you weep at this rate over me, seeing [...] hope, you have no reason to question, but [...]f the Lord take me out of this miserable world, it shall be well with me to all E­ternity. You ought to be well satisfied, seeing it is said, God is in Heaven, and doth whatsoever pleaseth Him: And do you not pray every day, that the Will of God may be done upon Earth as it is in Heaven? Now Father, this is Gods Will that I should lie upon this sick bed, and of this disease; shall we not be content when our prayers are answered? Would not your extream sorrow be murmuring against God, without whose good pleasure no­thing comes to pass. Although I am struck with this sad disease, yet because it is the Will of God, that doth silence me, and I will as long as I live, pray that Gods Will may be done, and not mine.

22 Seeing he [...] Parents still very much moved, she further argued with them from the Providence of God, which had a spe­cial hand in every common thing, much more i [...] the disposal of the lives of Men [Page 88] and Women: Are not two Sparrows sold for a farthing, and not one of them falls to th [...] ground without our Heavenly Father? Yea▪ the hairs of our Head are all numbred: there­fore fear not, you are of more value than many Sparrows. Adversity and Prosperi­ty they are both good. Some things seem evil in our Eyes, but the Lord turns all to the good of them which are His.

23 She came then to speak particularly concerning the Plague. Doth not (said [...]) the Pestilence come from God▪ Why else doth the Scripture say, Sha [...] there be evil in the City which I have not sent ▪ What do those people mean, which say, the Pestilence come from the Air? Is not the Lord the Creator and Ruler of the Air, and are not the Elements under Hi [...] Government [...] Or if they say it com [...] from the Earth, hath He not the same Power and Influence upon that too? What talk they of a Ship that came from Africa ▪ have we not read long ago, together ou [...] of Lev. 26.25. I shall bring a Sword upon you, and avenge the quarrel of my Covenant and when you are assembled in the Cities▪ then will I bring the Pestilence in the midst o [...] you.

[Page 89]24▪ After this, having taken some lit­tle rest, she said, O now is the day for opening of the first question of the Ca­techism, and if we were there, we should hear, that whether in Death or Life a [...]eliever is Christs, who hath Redeemed us by His own precious Blood from the power of the Devil: and then she quo­ted▪ Rom. 14.7, 8. For none of us Liveth unto himself, and none of us Dieth to himself. For whether we Live we Live unto the Lord, and whether we Die we Die unto the Lord, whether then we Live or Die, we are the Lords. Then be comforted, for whether I live or die, I am the Lords. O why do you [...] your selves thus! But what [...]hall I say▪ With weeping I came into the World, and with weeping I must go out again. O my dear Parents, better is the Day of my Death, than [...]he Day of my Birth.

25 When she had thus encouraged her Father and Mother, she desired her Father to pray with her, and to reques [...] of the Lord that she might have a quiet & peace­ [...]ble passage into another World.

26 After her Father had prayed for [...]er, he asked her, whether he should send [Page 90] for the Physician; she answered, by no means, for I am now beyond the help of Doctors. But said he, my Child, we are to use the ordinary means appointed by the Lord for our help, as long as we live, and let the Lord do as seemeth good in His Eyes. But said she, give me the Heavenly Physician, He is the only [...]. Doth not He say, Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest; and doth not He bid us call upon Him in the day of distress, and He will deliver us, and we shall glorifie Him: Therefore, dear Father, call upon Him yet again for me.

27. About this time a Christian friend came in to visit her, who was not a little comforted when he heard and saw so much of the Grace of God living in a poor young thing which could not but so far affect him as to draw tears of joy and ad­miration from him, and her deportment was so teaching that he could not but acknowledge himself greatly Edified and Improved by her Carriage and Lan­guage.

28 That which was not the least obser­vable in her, was the ardent affection [...] [Page 91] had for the Holy Scriptures and her Ca­techism, in which [...]e was throughly In­structed by the Divines of the place where she lived, which she could not but own as one of the greatest mercies next the Lord Christ: O how did she bless God for her Catechism, and beg of her Father to go p [...]icularly to those Ministers that had taken so much pains with her to instruct her in her Catechism, and to thank them from her, a Dying Child for their good Instructions, and to let them understand, [...]or their encouragement to go on in that work of Catechising, how refreshings those truths were now to her in the hour of her distress. O that sweet Catechising, said she, unto which I did always resort with gladness, and attended without weari­ness.

29. She was much above the vanities of the World, and took no pleasure at all in those things which usually take up the heart and time of young ones. She would say that she was grieved and ashamed both for young and old, to see how glad and mad they were upon vanity, and how fool­ishly they spent their time.

[Page 92]30 She was not forgetful of the car [...] and love of her Master and Mistress which taught her to read and work, but she de­sired that thanks might also be particularly given to them. Indeed she thought she could never be thankful enough both to God and Man for that kindness that she had experience of: But again and again, she desired to be sure to thank the [...]i­nisters that instructed her, either by Cate­chising or Preaching.

31 After some rest, her Father ask'd her again how she did, and began to ex­press somewhat of that satisfaction and joy that he had taken in her former di­ligence, in her reading the Scriptures and writing, and her dutifulness, and that great progress that she had made in the things of God, upon which she humbly and sweetly desired to own God and His kindness in her Godly Education, and said, that she esteemed her Holy Educa­tion under such Parents and Ministers as a greater portion than ten thousand Gild­ers, for thereby I have learned to com­fort my self out of the Word of God, which the world besides could never have afforded.

[Page 93]32 Her Father perceiving her to grow very weak, said, I perceive Child thou art very weak; It is true Sir ( said she) I feel my weakness increaseth, and I see your [...]orrow increasing too, which is a piece of my affliction; be content, I Pray you, it is the Lord which doth it, and let you and I say with David, Let us fall into the Lords hands, for His Mercies are great.

33 She laid a great Charge upon her Parents not to be over-grieved for her after her Death, urging that of David up­on them, while the Child was sick, he fasted and wept, but when it died, he washed his face, and sat up and eat, and said, Can I bring him back again from Death, I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. [...] ought you to say after my Death, Our Child is well, for we know it shall be well with them that trust in the Lord. She did lay a more particular and straight Charge upon her Mother; saying to her, dear Mother, who have done so much for me, you must promise me one thing before I Dye; and [...]hat is, that you will not sorrow over­ [...]uch for me; I speak thus to you, because [...] am afraid of your great affliction; Con­ [...]der other Losses what they have been; [Page 94] remember Job; forget not what Chris [...] foretold; In the World you shall have Tri­bulation, but be of go [...]d Cheer, in me y [...] shall have Peace; and must the Apostles suffer so great tribulation and must we suffe [...] for none? Did not Jesus Christ my onl [...] Life and Saviour, sweat drops of Blood▪ Was He not in a bitter agony, mocked, spit at, nailed to the Cross, and a spe [...] thrust thorow His Blessed side, and [...] this for my sake, for my stinking Sins sake▪ Did not He Cry out, My God, my God▪ why hast thou forsaken me? Did not Christ h [...]ng naked upon the Cross to purchase fo [...] me the garments of Salvation, & to cloat [...] me with His Righteousness, for there [...] Salvation in no other name.

34 Being very feeble and weak, sh [...] said, O if I might quietly sleep in the bo [...]some of Jesus! and that till then He would strengthen me! O that He would take me into His arms as He did those little ones, where He said, Suffer little Children to come unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of Hea­ven, and He took them into His arms, an [...] laid His hands on them and Blessed them. I lye hear as a Child, O Lord I am thy Child, receive me into thy gracious Arm [...] [Page 95] [...] Lord, Grace! Grace! and not Justice! [...]or if thou shouldest enter into Judgment with me, I cannot stand, yea, none living [...]hould be just in thy sight.

35 After this, she Cryed O how faint [...]m I! But fearing lest she should dis­ [...]earten her Mother, she said, while there [...] life, there is hope: if it should please [...]he Lord to recover me, how careful would [...] be to please you in my work and learn­ [...]g, and whatsoever you should require of [...]!

36 After this, the Lord did again send [...]er strength, and she laboured to spend [...] all for Christ in the awakening, edi­ [...]ying and comforting of those that were [...]bout her; but her chiefest endeavour was [...]o support her dear Parents from extraor­dinary sorrow, and to comfort them out [...]f the Scriptures, telling them, That she [...]ew all things did work together for the good of them that did love God, even to those [...]hich are Called according to His purpose; O God establish me with thy Free Spirit! Who [...]hall separate us from the Love of Christ, I [...] perswaded that neither Life, nor Death, [...] Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, [...] things Present, nor things to Come, nor [Page 96] Heighth, nor Depth, nor any other Creatur [...] ▪ shall separate us from the Love of God, which is towards us in Christ Jesus our Lord. M [...] Sheep (saith Christ) hear my voice, and [...] know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them Eternal Life, and they shall neve [...] Perish, and no man shall Pluck them out o [...] my hands. My Father who gave them [...] is Greater than all, and none shall Pluck the [...] out of my Fathers hand. Thus she seemed to attain a Holy Confidence in God, and an assurance of her State as to another World.

37. When she had a little refresh [...] her self with rest, she burst forth with a­bundance of joy, and gladness of Hear [...] with a Holy Triumph of Faith, sayin [...] out, Death is swallowed up of Victory, O Death where i [...] thy Sting; O Grave whe [...] is thy Victory? The Sting of Death is Si [...], and the Strength of Sin is the Law; but Thanks be to God who hath given us the Victory through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

38 That she might the better suppo [...] her Friends, she still insisted upon th [...] which might take off some of their bur­then, by urging the necessity of Deat [...] ▪ [Page 97] We are from the Earth, and to the Earth we must return: Dust is the Mother of us all, the Dust shall turn to Dust, from whence it is; and the Spirit to God which gave it.

39 Then she discoursed of the short­ness of Mans Life. O what is the life of man! The days of man upon the Earth are as the grass, and the flowers of the Field, so he flourisheth, the wind passeth over it, and it is no more, and his place knows him no more.

40 She further urged the sin and sor­row that did attend us in this life, and the longer we Live, the more we Sin; now the Lord will free me from that sin and sorrow. We know not the thoughts of God, yet do we know so much, that they are mercy and peace, and do 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 pitty 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 [Page 98] 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 battle and work be finished.

42 She had very low and undervaluing thoughts of her self, and her own Righte­ousness; what meant she else to Cry out in such Langauge 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 ways of God and Salvation? We know but in part, but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is imperfect shall be done away. O that I had attained to that now: But what are we 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 to God who hath redeemed me from it.

43 She comforted her self and her Father, in that great Scripture, Rom. 8.15, [Page 99] 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 witnesseth with our Spirits, that we are the Children of God; and if Children, then are we Heirs, Heirs of God, and Joynt-Heirs with Christ. You see thence Father, that I shall be a fellow-heir with Christ; who hath said, In my Father [...] house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you, 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, until He hath fitted and pre­pared you fully for that place which He hath prepared for you.

45 Yea Mother, it is said in the Eighty-fourth Psalm, How lovel [...] a [...]e 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. [Page 100] Read that Psalm, dear Mother, wherewith 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, with much affection, she said, Ah my dear & 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, & 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 [...]rained up in the Scriptures, and Catechi­sing, as I have been.

49▪ I formerly wept for my Sister, thinking that she would dye 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 [Page 101] 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 you not teach me that Scripture, When thou passest through 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, incomparibly above the common reach of her Sex and Age. That in 1 Cor. 15.42. was a good support to her, The Body is sown in Corruption, but it shall be raised incor­ruptible; It is sown in dishonour, but it shall be raised in glory; It is sown in weakness, but it shall be raised in power. And then she sweet­ly [Page 102] applyes 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 Ʋpright 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 Bed-chamber.

52 Then she quoted Job 19.25, 26, 27. I know that my Redemer 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 not 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 [Page 103] eyes shall I behold God, even I my self, and not another for me.

53 Then she quoted Joh. 5.28. Mar­vel [...] at this, for the hour is coming in which all that are in their Graves shall hear His voice, and come forth; those that have done good un­ [...]o the Resurrection of Life. See Father, I [...]hall 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, yet not I, but Christ [...]iveth in me, and the li [...]e that I now live in the [...]lesh, is by the Faith of the Son of God, who [...]ved me, and gave Himself for me. I am [...]aved, and that not of my self, it is the Gift of God, not of Works, that no man should [...]st.

55 My dear Parents, now we must shortly part, my speech faileth me, pray the Lord for a quiet close to my combat.

56. Her Parents replied, Ah our dear Child! how sad is that to us, that we must part? She answered, I go to Heaven, and there we shall find one another again; I go to Jesus Christ.

57 Then she comforted her self to [Page 104] think of her seeing her precious Brother and Sister again in Glory. I go to my Brother Jacob, who did so much Cry and Call upon God to the last moment of his breath: And to my little Sister who was but three years old when she died: Who, when we asked her whether she would Dye? Answered, Yes, if it be the Lord's will. I will go to my little Brother, if it be the Lord's will, or I will stay with my Mother, if it be the Lord's will. But I know that I shall Dye, and go to Heaven and to God. O see, how so small a Babe had so much give it to behave it self every way, and in all things so submissively to the will of God, as if it had no will of its own; but if it be the will of God, if it please God; nothing for her, but what the Will and Pleasure of God: And there­fore, dear Father and Mother, give the Lord thanks for this His free & rich Grace, and then I shall the more gladly be gone. Be Gracious then, O Lord, unto me also, be Gracious to me. Wash me thorowly from my Unrighteousness, and cleanse me from my Sin.

58 After this, her Spirit was refreshed with the sense of the Pardon of her Sins, [Page 105] which made her to Cry out, Behold God hath washed away my sins, O how do I long to die! The Apostle said, In this Body we earnesty sigh and groan, longing for our House which is in Heaven, that we may be [...]loathed therewith. Now I also lie here [...]ighing and longing for that Dwelling which is above. In the last Sermon which I heard; or ever shall hear, I heard this in the New-Church, which is matter of great comfort unto me.

59. Then she repeated several notable [...]criptures which were quoted in that Ser­mon, afterward she desired to be pray'd with, and put Petitions into their Mouths, viz. That all her Sins might be forgiven, That she might have more abundant Faith, and the assurance of it; and the comfort of that assurance, and the continuation and strength of that comfort, according as her necessity should require. Afterwards she prayed her self, and continued a pretty space.

60 When Prayers was ended, she cal­led to her Father and Mother, and de­manded of them, whether she had any time angered or grieved them, or done any [Page 106] thing that did not become her? And beg [...]ged of them to forgive her.

61 They answered her, that if a Children had carried themselves so to thei [...] Parents as she had done, there would b [...] less grief and sorrow on all hands tha [...] there is; and if any such thing hath escaped the [...], we would forgive it withal ou [...] hearts, you have done as became a good Child.

62 Her heart being quieted with he [...] peace with God and her Parents, she bega [...] to dispose of her Books; particularly sh [...] intreated her Mother, to keep Mr. De Wit [...] Catechise Lectures, as long as she lived for her sake, and let my little Sister hav [...] my other Book as my remembrance.

63 Then (said [...]e) she felt her breas [...] exceedingly pained, by which she knew that her end was very [...]igh. Her Father spake to her as he was able, telling her the Lord would be her strength in the hour of her necessity.

64 Yea said she, The Lord is my Sheperd, although I pass through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will not fear, for thou art with me, thy Rod and thy Staff, they comfort me: And it is said, The sufferings of this present [Page 107] life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Shall I not suffer and endure, seeing my Glorious Re­deemer was pleased to suffer so much for me? O how was He mocked and crown­ed with Thorns, [...] He might purchase [...] Crown of Righteousness for us: And that is the Crown of which Paul spoke, when he said, I have fought the good fight, I have finishing my Course, I have kept th [...] Faith, henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord the Righteous Judge, shall give unto me in that day; and not only unto me, but to all that love His Ap­ [...]earing.

65 Ye are bought with a Price, therefore Glorify God with your Souls and Bodies, which [...]re His. Must I not then Exalt and Bless Him while I have a being, who hath bought me, yea, bought me with His Blood? Surely He hath born our griefs, and took our infimities, and we esteemed Him smitten and stricken of God▪ But He was wounded for transgressions, and bruised for our sins: the chastisment of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes are we healed, and the Lord [...]id upon Him the iniquity of us all. Behold [...] Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of [Page 108] the World: That Lamb is Jesus Christ▪ who hath satisfied for my sins. So sait [...] Paul, Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye ar [...] justified in the Name of our Lord Jesus, and through the Spirit of our God.

66 My end is now very near, now [...] shall put on white Raiment, & be cloathed before the Lamb, that spotless Lamb, and with His spotless Righteousness. Now are the Angels makink ready to carry my Soul before the Throne of God. These [...] they who are come out of great Tribulatio [...], who have washed their Robes, and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.

67 She spoke this with a Dying voice▪ but full of Spirit, and of the Power of Faith.

68 Her lively assurance she further uttered in the words of the Apo [...]le, We know that if this earthly house of our Taber­nacle be dissolved, we have one which is built of God, which is Eternal in the Heavens; for in this, we sigh for our house, which is in Heaven, that we may be Cloathed there­with.

69 There Father, you see that my Body is this Tabernacle, which now shall be broken down: my Soul shall now part [Page 109] from it, and shall be taken up into that Heavenly Paradise, into that Heavenly Je­rusalem. There shall I dwell and go no more out, but sit and sing, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God of Hosts, the Lord of Sab­bath! Her last words were these: O Lord God, into thy Hands I Commit my Spirit, O Lord be Gracious, be Merciful to me a poor Sinner. —

And here she fell asleep.

70 She Died the First of September, 1664. betwixt Seven and Eight in the Evening; in the Fourteenth Year of her Age; having obtain'd 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 Year [...] Old.

1. JAcob Bicks, the Brother of Susanna Bicks, was Born in Leiden, in the Year 1657. and had Religious Education, under his Godly Parents, the which the Lord was pleased to sanctify 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 sore 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 awake, 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 [Page 111] 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 Dye.

6 Farewel dear Father and Mother, [...]arewel dear Sister, Farewel all. Now shall I go to Heaven unto God & Jesus Christ, and the Holy Angels: Father know you not what is said by Jeremiah: Blessed is h [...] who trusteth in the Lord. Now I trust in Him, and He will bless me. And in 1 Joh. [...]. 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 pleasent things in the world: away with my Dagger, for where I go▪ there is nothing to do with Daggers and Swords: men shall not [...]ight there, but praise God. Away with all my Books; there shall I know sufficiently, and be learned in all things of true Wisdom, without Books.

[Page 112]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, & uphold thee.

9▪ Yea Father ( said he) the Apo [...]le [...]eter saith, God Resisteth the Proud, but He giveth Grace to the Humble. I shall hum­ble my self under the mighty hand of God, and He shall help and lift me up.

10. O my dear Child, said his Father, hast thou so strong a Faith?

11 Ye [...], 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 Eternal Life, and then shall I 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. J [...]n 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 too 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 [Page 114] School-Mistress, 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 & 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 Dye, & so must every Body, & 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 the sorrow for her Brother was turned into admiration at her Child, & she was made to sit silent and quiet under that smarting stroke.

6 After this, his Parents removed to Aberdeen in Scotland, and settled their Child under an able & painful School-Master there, [Page 115] whose custome was upon the Lord's day in the Morning, to examine his Scholars concerning the Sermons that they had heard the former Lords day, and to add some other Questions which might try the Understanding & Knowledge of his Scholars; the Question that was once proposed to his Forme was, Whether God had a Mother? None of all the Scholars could answer it, till it came to John Harvy, who being asked, Whether God had a Mother? An­swered N [...], 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 replied, 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, & full of good questions, and very careful to observe and remember what he heard.

[Page 116]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 do that which he knew was dangerous to their Souls.

9 One day seeing one of his near Relations come into his Fathers House distempered with Drink as he thought, he quickly went very Seriously to him and Wept over him, that he should so Offend God, and Hazard his Soul, and begged of him to spend his Time better than in Drinking and Gaming; and this he did, without any instruction from his Parents, but from an inward Principle of Grace, and love to God and Souls, as it is verily believed.

10 When he was at play with other Children, he would be oftentimes putting in some word to keep them from nagh­ty talk, or wicked actions; and if any did take the Lords Name in vain, or do any thing that was not becoming of a [Page 117] good Child, they should soon hear of it with a witness; nay, once▪ hearing a Boy speak very prophanely, and that after two or three admonitions, he would not forbear, nor go out of his Company neither, he was so transported with Zeal, that he could not forbear falling upon him, to beat him, but his Mother chiding him for it, he said, that he could not endure to hear the Name of God so abused by a wretched Boy.

This is observed not to Vindicate the Act, but to take notice of his Zeal.

11 He was a Child that took great delight in the Company of Good men, and [...] especially Ministers and Scholars; and if he had any leisure time, he would improve it by visiting of such, whose dis­course▪ might make him wiser and better; and when he was in their Society, to be sure, his talk was more like a Christian & Scholar, than a Child.

12. One day after School-time was over, he gave Mr. Andrew Kant (one of the Minis­ters of Aberdeen) a visit, & asked him several solid Questions, but the Good man asked [Page 118] him some questions out of his Catechism: And finding him not so ready in the an­swers as he should have been, did a little reprove him and told him, that he must be sure to get his Catechism perfectly▪ by heart; the Child took the reproof very well, and went home, and fell very hot upon his Catechism, and never left, till he got it by heart; and not only so, but he would be enquiring into the sence and meaning of it.

13 He was so greatly taken with his Catechism, that he was not content to learn it himself, but he would be put­ting others upon learning their Catechism, especially, those that were nearest to him; he would not be satisfied, till he had per­swaded his Mothers Maids to learn it, and when they were at work, he would be still following them with some good question or other; so that the Child seem­ed to be taken up with the thoughts of his Soul, and Gods Honour, & the good of other Souls.

14 He was a Conscientious observer of the Lord's day, spending all the time either in secret Prayer, or reading the Scriptures, and Good Books; Learning [Page 119] of his Catechim, and Hearing of the Word of God, and publick Duties; and was not only careful in the performance of these Duties himself, but was ready to put all that he knew upon a strict ob­servation of the Lor'ds day, and was ex­ceedingly grieved at the Prophanation of it; one Lords day, a Servant of his Fathers going out of the house upon ex­traordinary occasion, to fetch some Beer, she took on so bitterly, that he could scarce be pacified, because that Holy Day was so abused (as he judged) in his Fathers house.

15 When he was betwixt Six and Seven Years old; it pleased God to afflict him with sore eyes, which was no small grief unto him, because it kept him from School, which he loved as well as many Boys do their play; and that which was worse, he was Commanded by the Doctor not to read any Book whatsoever at home. But, O how was this poor Child grieved, that he might not have liberty to Read the Holy Scriptures! And for all their Charge, he would get by himself, and stand by the window, and read the Bible and good Books; yea, he was so greedy of reading [Page 120] the Scripture, and took so much delight in it, that he would scarce allow himself time to dress himself; for reading the Word of God was his great delight. Yea, though he had been beat for studying so much, yet judging it God's Command that he should give himself up to read­ing, he could not be beat off from it, till he was so bad, that he had like never to have recovered his sight more.

16 It was his practice to be much by himself in Secret Prayer, and he was careful to manage that work, so as that it might be as secret as possible it might be, but his frequency and constancy made it to be so easily observed, upon which, One time one having a great mind to know what this sweet Babe Prayed for, got into a place near him, and heard him very ear­nestly Praying for the Church of God, desiring that the Kingdom of the Gospel might be spread over the whole World, and that the Kingdom of Grace might more and more come into the Hearts of God's People, and that the Kingdom of Glory might be hastened. He was wont to continue half an hour, sometimes an hour, upon his knees to­gether.

[Page 121]17 He was much above the vanities that most Children are taken with, and was indeed too much a man to live long.

18 He was very humble and modest, and did by no means affect fineness in ap­parel, but hated any thing more than ne­cessaries, either in cloaths or diet.

19 When he perceived either his Brother or Sisters pleased with their new Cloathes, he would with a great deal of Gravi [...]y reprove their Folly, and when his reproof signified little, he would bewail their vanity.

20 Once he had a New Suit brought from the Taylors, which when he look­ed on, he found some Ribbons at the knees, at which he was grieved; asking his Mother, Whether those things would keep him warm? No, Child, said his Mother; Why then (said he) do you suffer them to be put here, you are mistaken, if you think such things please [...] and [...] doubt▪ some that are better than u [...], may [...] the Money that this Cost you, to buy them Bread.

21 He would intreat his Mother to have a care of gratifying a proud hu­mour [Page 122] in his Brother and Sisters, he did tell them of the danger of Pride, and how little reason they had to be Proud of that which was their Shame; for said he, If it had not been for Sin, we should have had no need of Cloathes.

22 At leisure times, he would be talk­ing to his School-fellows about the things of God, and urge the necessity of a Holy life. That Text he much spoke on to them, The Axe is laid on the Root of the Tree, and every Tree that bringeth not forth good Fruit, is hewn down and cast into the Fire. Every Mothers Child of us that doth not bring forth the fruit of good Works, shall shortly be cut down with the Axe of Gods wrath, and cast into the Fire of Hell; and this he spake like one that believed and felt the power of what he spake, and not with the least visibility of a Childish levity of Spirit. This was, when he was between Seven and Eight years old, and if he perceived any Children unconcerned about thei [...] Souls, he would be greatly troubled a [...] it.

[Page 123]23 After this, his Parents removed not far from London, where he continued till that dreadful year, Sixty Five; he was then sent to the Latin School, where he soon made a very considerable Progress, and was greatly beloved of his Master, the School was his beloved place, and Learning his recreation. He was never taught to write, but took it of his own ingenuity.

24 He was exceeding Dutiful to his Parents, and never did in the least dis­pute their Command, except, when he thought they might cross the Command of God, (as in the forementioned business of reading the Scriptures when his eyes were so bad.)

25 He was exceeding contented with any mean Diet, and to be sure he would not touch a bit of any thing, till he had begged Gods Blessing upon it.

26 He would put his Brother and Sisters upon their Duties, and observe them whether they performed it or no, and [Page 124] when he saw any neglect, he would soon warn them; if he saw any of them take a spoon into their hands before they had [...]raved a Blessing, he said that is just like a Hog indeed.

27 His Sister was afraid of the dark­ness, and would sometimes Cry, upon this account; he told her, she must fear God more, and she need then be afraid o [...] nothing.

28▪ He would humbly put his near Relations upon their Duty, and minding the Concerns of their Souls and Eternity, with more Seriousness and Life, and to have a care of doing that which was for the dishonour of God, and the hazard of the Soul.

29 He was of a compassionate and charitable disposition, and very pitiful to the poor, or any that were in distress, but his greatest pity was to poor Souls; and as well as he could, he would be put­ting Children, Play-fellows, Servants, Neighbours, upon minding their poor Souls.

[Page 125]30 One notable instance of his true Charity, I cannot omit. A certain Turk was by the [...]rovidence of God, cast into the place where he Lived, which this sweet Child hearing of, had a great pity to his Soul, and studied how he might be any way instru­mental to do it good; at la [...]t finding a man that understood the Language of the Turk, he used means to get them together, which he at last procured; the first thing that he did, was to put his Friend upon d [...]scoursing with the Turk about his Principles, whether he acknowlede a De [...]ty; which the Turk owning; the next thing he enquired after, was,, What he thought of the Lord Jesus Christ. At which the Turk was troubled and put off the discourse, and said, he was athirst, and an hungry; which the Child being informed of, by the Interpreter, immediately went to a Brew-house near at hand (his own house being far off) and did intreat the Master of the Brew-house to give him some Be [...]r for the Turk, and the argument he used was this: Sir, here is a poor stranger that is athirst, we know not where we may be cast be­fore we Dye: He went to another place, and begged Food for him; using the same [Page 126] argument as before, but his Friends hearing [...]f it, were angry w [...]th him, but he told th [...]m he aid it for a poor stranger that was far from home, and he did it that he might think the better of the Christians, and the Christian Religion.

31 He would have a savoury word to say to every one that he conversed with, to put them in mind of the worth of Christ, and their Souls; and their near­ness to Eternity. Insomuch, that good People took no small pleasure in his Company. The Ta [...]lor that made his Cloathes, would keep them the longer before he brought them home, that he might have the benefit of his Spiritual and Christian society; and more frequent visits.

32 He bewailed the miserable con­dition of the generality of man-kind (when he was about Ten Years old) that were utterly estranged from [...]od, though they called Him Father, yet they were His Children only by Creation, and not by any likeness they had to God, or interest in Him.

[Page 127]33 Thus he continued walking in the ways of God, ingaged in reading, pray­ing, hearing the Word of God, and Spi­ritual discourse, discovering thereby his serious thoughts of Eternity.

34 He had an earnest desire, if it might be the Lords good pleasure, to give himself up to the Lord in the work of the Ministry, if he should live; and this out of a dear love to Christ, and Souls.

35 He was next to the Bible most, taken with reading of Reverend Mr. Bax­ter's works, especially his Saints Everlast­ing Rest; and truly, the thoughts of that Rest, and Eternity, seemed to swallow up all other thoughts; and he lived in a constant preparation for it, and looked more like one that was ripe for Glory, than an inhabitant of this lower World.

36 When he was about Eleven years and Thre quarters old, his Mothers house was visited with the Plague; his eldest Sister was the first that was visited with [Page 128] this distemper, and when they were pray­ing for her, he would Sob and Weep bitterly.

37 As soon as he perceived that his Sister was Dead, he said, The Will of the Lord be done: Blessed be the Lord. Dear Mother, said he, you must do as David did, after the Child was Dead, he went and refreshed himself, and quietly sub­mitted to the Will of God.

38 The rest of the Family held well for about Fourteen Days, which time he spent in Religious Duties, and preparing for his Death; but still his great Book was, The Saints Rest; which he read with exceeding curiosity, gathering many observations out of it in writing, for his own use. He wrote several Divine meditations of his own, upon several Subjects, but that which seemed most admi­rable, was a meditation upon the Excellency of Christ; he was never well but when he was more immediately engaged in the Service of God.

39 At Fourteen Days end, he was [Page 129] taken Sick, at which he seemed very Patient and Chearful; yet sometimes he would say that his Pain was great.

40 His Mother looking upon his Bro­ther, shaked her head, at which he asked, if his Brother were marked; she answer­ed, Yes Child; he asked again, whether he were marked; she answered nothing; well, says he, I know I shall be marked; I pray let me have Mr. Baxters Book, that I may read a little more of Eternity, be­fore I go into it. His Mother told him that he was not able to read; he said that he was; however, then pray by me, and for me; his Mother answered, that she was so f [...]ll of grief, that she could not pray now; but she desired to hear him pray his last prayer.

41 His Mother asked him, whether he were willing to Die, and leave her? He answered, Yes, I am willing to leave you, and go to my Heavenly Father. His Mother answered, Child, if thou hadst but an assurance of Gods Love, I should not be so much troubled.

[Page 130]42 He answered, & said to his Mother, I am assured, dear Mother, that my Sins are Forgiven, and that I shall go to Heaven, for said he, here stood an Angel by me, that told me, I should quickly be in Glory.

43 At this his Mother burst forth in­to tears. O Mother, said he, did you but know what joy I feel, you would not weep, but rejoyce. I tell you I am so full of comfort, that I can't tell you how I am; O Mother I shall presently have my head in my Fathers bosome, and shall be there, where the Four and Twenty Elders cast down their Crowns, and Sing Hallelujah, Glory and Praise, to Him that sits upon the Throne, & unto the Lamb for ever.

44 Upon this, his Speech began to fail him, but his Soul seemed still to be taken up with Glory, and nothing now grieved him but the sorrow that he saw his Mother to be in for his Death; a little to divert his Mother, he asked her, What she had to Supper; but presently in a kind of Divine Rapture, he Cryed out, O what Sweet Supper have I making ready for me in Glory!

[Page 131]45 But seeing all this did rather in­crease, than allay his Mothers grief, he was more troubled, and asked her, what she meant, thus to offend God; know you not, that it is the Hand of the Almighty. Humble your self under the mighty hand of God, Lay your self in the Dust, and kiss the Rod of God, and let me see you do it, in token of your submission to the Will of God, and bow before Him. Upon which, raising up him­self a little, he gave a lowly bow, and spake no more; but went Chearfully and Triumphingly to rest, in the bosome of JESUS.

Hallelujah.

EXAMPLE I.

LIttle more than Thirteen years old, was JOHN CLAP of Sci­tuate, when he Dy'd; but it might very Truly be said of him, That while he was yet Young, he began to seek after the God of his Father. From his very Infancy he discovered a Singular Delight in the Holy Scripture, whereby he was made Wise unto Salvation; and he also made himself yet further Amiable, by his Obedience to his Parents, and his Courtesy to all his Neighbours. As he grew up, he signalized his Concern for Eternity, not only by his diligent attendance upon both Publick and Private Catechising, but also by the like attendance on the Ministry of the Word, which he would Ponder and Apply, and Confer about, with much Discretion of Soul, and Pray for the Good effect thereof upon his own Soul. Yea, 'twas even from his Childhood observable in him, that ever after he began to speak Reasonably, he would both affectionately regard the Family-Prayers, and likewise, both Morning and Evening, with a most [Page 6] unwearied constancy recommend himself by his own Prayers unto the Mercies of God.

Arriving higher in his Age, he was very Conscientious of his Duty, both to God, and Man; and particularly care­ful of his Fathers Business, which now became his own Calling. At Work with his Father in the Field, he would frequently be propounding of Questions, by the Answers whereof he might be promoted in the knowledge of God: and at the seasons which others usually imploy to vain pur­poses, he would be abounding in the exer­cises of Devotion. But of all the Imitable things to be seen in him, he was exempla­ry for nothing more, than his endeavours in Preparation for, and Sanctification of, the Lords Day. Yea, his Parents have af­firmed, that for a Year or two before he Dy'd, They never heard an Ʋnprofitable Word come out of his Mouth; but he would of­ten bewayl the Idle, Tryfling, Vain Dis­courses of other People.

About a Year and a half before he Dyed, the Good Spirit of God, Blessed him, with yet a more thorow Convicti­on of his Misery by reason of Sin both Ori­ginal, [Page 7] & Actual: whence tho' he had been such a Pattern of [...]nnocency, yet he would ag­gravate his own Sinfulness, with Lamentati­ons truly extraordinary. And for his Re­lief against the Terrors of God, wherewith he was now Distracted, he was brought unto an utter Despair of his own Righte­ousnesses and Abilities; but in this Con­dition, he came to Adore the Grace of God, offering a JESUS who is Able to Save [...]nto the Ʋttermost: In his Longings to enjoy the Love of God, through Jesus, he was like the Hart panting after the Water­brooks!

The Wounds of his Spirit, were ac­companyed with a Languishing and Con­suming of his Flesh; yet with great Patience [...]e endured the Hand of God, & he follow­ed the Lord with Prayers, with Cries, with Tears, for the manifestation of the Divine Love unto him.

It was also Observed and Admired, that when he was abroad at the Publick Wor­ship, in the time of his Weakness, he would stand the whole time of the Long exercises, and be so affectionately attentive, that one might see every Sentence uttered in those Exercises, make some impression [Page 8] upon him. The best Christians in the place prosessed themselves, made ashamed by the Fervency of this Young Disciple ▪ And in Days of Publick Humiliations, or Thanksgivings, kept with regard unto the general Circumstances of the Countrey, he would bear his part, with such a sense of the Publick Troubles or Mercies, as argued more than a common measure of a Publick Spirit in him.

The Minister of the Place, visiting of him, after Sickness had confined him, found him, in an extreme dejection of Soul; his very Body Shook, through his Fear, left the Day of Grace were over with him; yet justifying of God, though he should be forever cast among the Damned. But yet his Fear [...] were accom­panyed with Hopes in the Alsufficient me­rits of the Blessed Jesus: in which Hopes he continued using all the Means of Grace, according to his Capacity, and Lament­ing after those whereof he was not Ca­pable.

A Month before he Dy'd he kept his Bed; the First Fortnight whereof he was very Comfortless, and yet very Pa­tient; abounding all this while in Gra­cious [Page 9] Admonitions unto other Young People, that they would be concerned for their own Eternal Salvation. And you should not now have heard him complain, that he wanted Health and Ease, though he did so; but that he wanted Faith, and Peace, and Chr [...]st; yet Expressing a pro­found Submission to the Will of God. But i [...] the Last F [...]rtnight of his Life, this poor Child of God, had his weary Soul more comfortably Satiated with the Pro­mise [...] of the New-Covenant. God filled him with a marvellous Assurance of His Love, and so Sealed him with His own Spirit, that he Rejoyced with Joy Unspeaka­ble and full of Glory. He would often be saying, Whom have I in Heaven but thee? and there is none on Earth, that I desire be­sides thee: My Flesh and my Heart fa [...]leth, but God is the Strength of my Heart, and my Portion for ever. And, I know that my Redeemer Lives, and that He shall Stand at the Latter Day upon the Earth. And, If I Live, I shall Live unto the Lord; if I Dy, I shall Dy unto the Lord; and whether I Live or Dy, I am the Lords. And, When Chr [...]st, who is my Life, shall appear, then shall I also appear with Him in Glory. He would profess, [Page 10] that his Communion with the Lord Jesus Christ, was Inexpressible; and the Specta­ters judg'd his Consolations, to be as Great, as could be born, in a mortal Body. Being now asked, Whether the Thoughts of Dying Troubled him not? He replyed, No, Death is no Terror to me, because Christ has taken away my Sin, which is the Sting of Death. But being asked, Whether he was willing to Live? He answered, I am willing to submit unto the Will of God; but if God have ap­pointed me to Life, I desire I may Live to His Glory. And being asked, Whether God had put out of Doubt, his Interest in a Dying and Rising Jesus? He returned, Yes; and God has fully answered my Desires; I am now going to a thousand times better World. He told his Mother, I Love you as dearly as my own Life, yet I had rather Dy, and be with Christ.

He continued Six Days, with his Teeth so shut, as that they could not be opened; and for the first Three Days and Nights, he took no [...]ustenance; af­terwards, though this but seldome, he Sucked in between his Teeth, nothing but a little Cold Water: in which Time, they that Laid their Ears to his Lips, [Page 11] could over-hear him continually Expres­sing his Comfort in God. But just before his Death, his Teeth were opened; when he would often say, Oh! how precious is [...]he Blood of Christ, it is worth more than a Thousand Worlds! and often pray, Come, Lord Jesus, Come quickly! and at Last, he gave up himself to God, in those words, Lord Jesus, receive my Spirit. He desired his Mother to turn his Face unto the Wall; whereupon she said, John, Dost thou now Remember Hezekiah's Turning his Face unto [...]he Wall? He said, Yes, I do Remember it: [...]nd as she Turned him in her Arms, he so quietly breathed his Soul into the Arms [...]f his Blessed Saviour.

[Extracted out of the Account, Written and Printed, by Mr. Witheril, & Mr. Baker, Ministers of Scituate; and Prefaced by Mr. Ʋrian Oakes, who takes that Occa­sion to say, of this John Clap, He was a Young Old Man, full of Grace, though not full of Dayes.]

EXAMPLE II.

MR. Thomas Thornton, the aged and faithful Pastor of Yarmouth, was blessed with a Daughter, named Priscilla, which at the Age of Eleven, left this world, having first given demonstrations of an Exemplary Piety.

She was one remarkably grave, devout, serious; very inquisitive about the mat­ters of Eternity; and in her particular Calling very diligent. She was neverthe­less troubled with sore Temptations and Exercises about the state of her own Soul: the Anguish of her Spirit, about her Body of Death, caused her to pour out many tears and prayers; and she pressed, That some other pious Children of her acquain­tance, might with her keep a Day of Hu­miliation together, That (as she expressed it) they might get power against their sinful Natures. But it pleased God at length to bless the words of her Godly Mother, for the quieting of her mind. It was her singular Happiness, that she had such God­ly Parents; but it was her Opinion and Expression, We trust too much to the Prayers [Page 13] of our Parents, whereas we should Pray for our selves.

At last, she fell Mortally Sick. In the beginning of her Sickness, she was afraid of Dying; For, said she, I know of no Pro­mise to encourage me. She could not but own that she had in some measure walked with God; yet she complain'd, That she had not found God meeting her in her Prayers, and making her Heart willing to be at His Dispose; and that the Pride of her heart, now lay as a Load upon it. She own'd, That she had many Thoughts of Jesus Christ, and that it grieved her that she had Sinned against Him, who had Done & Dy'd for her.

But many dayes were not past, before she could profess her self Willing to Dye ▪ with some Assurance of her then going to Eternal Blessedness. Many Thanks and Loves did she now render to one of her Superiors, declaring, 'Twas because they had curb'd her, and restrain'd her from sinful vanities. And she said, Were I now to choose my Company, it should be among the People of God; I see plainly that they are the only Company. She was not without her Conflicts in this time, wherein one of [Page 14] her Speeches was, Damnation, that is the worst thing of all, but Christ is of all the best; I find it so; Christ is to me, Wisdom, Righte­ousness, Sanctification, and Redemption. She told her Father, she knew she was made up of all manner of Sin; but said she, I hope God has Humbled me, and Pardoned me, in the Merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. Unto her affectionate Mother she said, Mother, why do you Weep, when I am well in my Soul? Will you Mourn, when I am so full of Joy? I pray Rejoyce with me.

When she was extreamly spent, she said unto her Parent, O my Father, I have been much troubled by Satan, but I find Christ is too hard for him, and Sin, and all. She now said, I kn [...]w now that I shall Dye; and being asked, Whether she were afraid of Death; with a sweet smile she replied, No not I, Christ is better than Life! And so she continued in a most joyful frame, till she Dyed: a little before which, it being the Lord [...]-day, she asked, What time of the day 'twas, and when they told her, 'Twas Three of the Clock; she replied, What? Is the Sabbath almost [Page 15] done? Well, my Eternal Sabbath is going to begin, wherein I shall enjoy all Felicity, and sing Hallelujahs to all ETERNITY. And hereupon she quickly fell asleep in the Lord.

EXAMPLE III.

MR. NATHANAEL MATHER, dyed Oct. 17. 1688. at the Age of Nineteen, [...]n Instance of more than com­mon Learning and Vertue. On his Grave­stone, at Sal [...]m, there are these words deservedly inscribed, The Ashes of an Hard Student, a Good Scholar, and a Great Christian.

He was one, who used an Extraordi­nary diligence, to obtain skill in the seve­ral Arts, that make an Accomplished Scholar; but he was more diligent in his Endeavours to become an Experienced Christian.

He did with much of Solemnity enter in­to Covenant with God, when he was about Fourteen years old, And after­wards he Renewed that solemn Action, in such a Form as this.

[Page 16] ‘I do Renounce all the Vanities and Wretched Idols and Evil Courses of the World.’

‘I do Choose, and will ever Have, the Great God, for my [...]est Good, my Last End, my Only Lord. He shall be the Only One, in the Glorifying and Enjoying of whom shall be my Welfare; and in the Serving of whom shall be my Work.’

‘I will ever be Rendring unto the Lord Jesus Christ, my proper Acknowledg­ments, as unto my Priest, my Prophet, and my King; and the physician of my Soul.’

‘I will ever be studying what is my Du­ty in these Things; and wherein I find my self to fall short, I will ever count it my Grief, and Shame; and betake my self to the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant.’

‘Now, Humbly Imploring the Grace of the Mediator to be suffi [...]ient for me, I do as a further Solemnity, hereunto Subscribe my Name, with both Heart and Hand.’

Having done This, he did for the rest of his Life, walk with much Watchfulness, & Exactness.

[Page 17]One of the Directories, which he drew up, for himself, was This.

‘O that I might lead a Spiritual Life! Wherefore let me regulate my Life by the Word of God and by such Scriptures as these.’

‘1. For regulating my Thoughts, Jer. 4.14. Isa. 55.7. Mal. 3.17. Psal. 1 [...]4.34. Phil. 4.8. Prov. 23.26 Deut. 15.9. Eccles. 1 [...].20. Prov. 24.9. Mat. 9.4. Zech. 8.17.’

‘2. For regulating my Affections, Col. 3.2, 5. Gal. 5.24. For my Delight, Psal, 1.2, Psal. 37.5. For my Joy, Phil. 4.4. Psal. 43.4. My Desire, Isa. 26.8, 9. Ezek. 7.16. My Love Mat. 22.37. Psal. 119.97. My Ha­tred, Psal. 97.10. My Fear, Luk. 12.4, 5. My Hope, Psal. 39. [...]. My Trust, Psal. 62.8. Isa. 26.4.’

‘3. For regulating my Speech, Eph. 4.29. Col. 4.6. Deut. 6.6, 7. Psal. 119.46. Psal. 71.8, 24. Prov. 31.26.’

‘4. For regulating my Work, Tit. 3.8. 2 Tim. 2.12. 1 Tim. 5.10. Tit. 2.14. Mat. 5.47. 1 Tim. 6.8. Rev. 3.2. Rom. 13 12. Act. 26.20.’

Another of his Directories, was form'd into an Hymn.

He would also keep whole Days of Prayer, and Praise, by himself: And he would set himself to Consider much on that Question, What shall I do for God?

He was much in Meditation, and often wrote the chief Heads of his Meditation. He would Read the Scripture, with a Note, and a Wish fetched out of every verse. And at Night, he would ask,

I. What has Gods mercy to me been this day?

II. What has my Carriage to God been this day?

III. If I Dy this night, is my Immortal Spirit safe?

Many more such imitable things, are in the History of his Life (diverse times Printed at London,) reported of him.

EXAMPLE IV.

ANN GREENOUGH, the Daughter of Mr. William Greenough, left the world, when she was but about five years old, and yet gave astonishing Discoveries of a Regard unto God and Christ, and her own Soul, before she went away. When she heard any thing about the Lord Jesus Christ, she would be strangely transported, and ravished in her Spirit at it; and had an unspeakable Delight in Catechising. She would put strange Questions about Eter­nal things, and make Answers her self that were extreamly pertinent. Once particularly, she asked, Are not we dead in Sin? and presently added, But I will take this way, the Lord Jesus Christ shall make me alive. She was very frequent and con­stant in Secret prayer, and could not with any patience be interrupted in it. She told her Gracious Mother, That she there prayed for her! And was covetous of being with her Mother, when she imagined such Duties to be going forward. When she fell sick at last of a Consumption, she would not by any sports be diverted from the [Page 21] Thoughts of Death, wherein she took such pleasure, that she did not care to hear of any thing else. And if she were asked, Whether she were willing to Dye? She would still chearfully Reply, Ay, by all means, that I may go the Lord Jesus Christ.

EXAMPLE V

AT Boston, 12 d. 3 m. 1694. there dyed one DANIEL WILLIAMS, in the Eighteenth year of his Age.

There was a Collection made of some of his Dying Speeches.

Being asked, Whether he Loved God? He replied, Yes, I Love Him dearly; for, Lord, whom have I in Heaven, but thee?

He said, ‘God has promised, They that seek Him Early shall find H [...]m: Ever since I was a Child, I Dedicated my self to seek and serve the Lord. Though I have not had so much Time, as some others, yet that little Time which I had, I spent in waiting on, and wrestling with, God by prayer: and I said, I will not let thee go, till thou hast blessed me.’

[Page 22]Seeing some of his Relations weep, he said, why do you Cry, when I am ready to Sing for Joy?

They saying, They knew not how to part with him, he replyed, Why? Are you not willing I should go to my Heavenly Father? I shall quickly be with my Heavenly Father, & with His Holy Angels, where they are singing of Hallelujahs. Its better being there than here. When I am there, I shan't wish my self here, in this Troublesome world again. I have a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is best of all.

He was much Concerned for poor pe­rishing Souls. He would say, ‘Oh, that I had but Strength! How would I Pray, and Sigh, and Cry to God, for the poor world, that lives in Sin and Pride!’

He Expressed himself, most pathetically to his [...]lations, when he took his leave of them.

At last, he asked, What Angel that was, that he saw before him? well, said he, I shall quickly be with him: Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!

A Friend asking him how he did, he said, ‘ I am one bound for Heaven, I would not have you pray for my Life; I am afraid you do!’

[Page 23]On the day of his Death, being full of Pain, he said, ‘Jesus Christ bore more than this, and He Dyed for me; and shall I be afraid to Dy, and go to Him: No, I am not.’

Then said he, O Death where is thy Sting? O Grave where is thy Victory?

EXAMPLE VI An Extract of a Letter, from Southold, 23 d. 4 m. 1698.

‘I Have been requested, to give you this Account, from the Parents of a Gracious Child, who in all her Life did comport her self, to walk in the Lords Holy Fear, and gave a great Attention in Hearing the Word of God, and the Lord was pleased to ripen her for Him­self, though she was but fifteen years, and four months old. Though she was Young, it pleased the Lord, to put a great fear and awe upon her Heart, of breaking the fifth Commandment. And when she was under the Dispensation of [Page 24] God in Sickness, it pleased the Lord for to endue her with patience, to be willing to bear His Hand, with all meekness. She Confessed herself to be a great Sinner, and to have sinned against a Gracious God But the Lord vouchsafed her a strong Faith, to Believe, that He is a merciful God, & willing to Forgive Sins, and that He had Forgiven her Sins, in the Blood of our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ. And, therefore she was very willing to leave the world, and her Father and Mother, having Faith, that she was go­ing to Christ. These were her own Ex­pressions. When her Mother did ask her, if she was willing to Dy, for she was too young to Dy: She sometime before she dyed, said, she was not fit to Dye, but prayed unto the Lord, that He would please to [...] her & make her, willing to Dy. Oh, said she, Death comes unaware, it comes like a Thie [...] [...]n the Night! The Lord granted her desire: For afterwards, when her Mother asked her, My Child are you wil­ling to Dy? Her answer was, That now she was willing to Dy, and to leave a thousand worlds, and Father and Mother, and all to go to Christ. She desired, That [Page 25] the Curtains might be drawn, that the light of this world might not deprive her from beholding the Brightness and the Glory of the other World. And when she see her Father and Mother weeping for her, she said, My dear Father and Mother, don't mourn for me; you might well mourn for me, if I were to go into utter Darkness; but I am going to God in Heaven. I long to be in the New Jeru­salem, with the Lord Jesus Christ: And now I can Dye. And lying a while in an Agony, when she came out of that Ago­ny, she said, Mother, did you not hear me Sing? I thought, I was in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ, & my Grand-Parents, and the Holy Angels, and heard such melo­dious Praises of God, as I never heard; and I was very sorry that I could not Sing like them. She said unto her Relations, Oh, don't set your Hearts upon the world, nor look for the Honours and Riches of this world, but seek first the Kingdom of Heaven! She would call upon her Father to go to Prayer at the Evening, and say, I cannot, I dare not go to sleep without it. She wished, That some Young People might come to her, to put 'em in mind, to [Page 26] Consider their Latter End, and leave off their Pride. There came a Young maid to see her, and she said to her, with Tears in her Eyes, That she should not follow the Fashions of the world, and not put off Repentance to a sick-bed. Yea, she spake to all them that were about her, That they would not mind this world, but the other World. Her Mother asked her, If she was not afraid to ly in the Dust? But [...]e was not thoughtful, what should become of her Body, believing her Soul should go to God. Mother, said she, I could not Sing here, but now I am going to Sing the Praises of God in Heaven. Looking on her Father, she said, Oh, Father, there is no God like our God, for [...] is a God Pardoning Iniquity, Transgressi­on, and Sin. She said, I wonder how you do, to love to live in such a Troublesome, Ev [...]l, and Sinful world: Don't you see how the Judgments of God, are all over the Earth. She often Cried out, O Lord Jesus, Come: Let thine Angels come, and carry me to the Bosome of Abraham!’

‘This is a true Relation of this Graci­ous Flower of the Lord Jesus Christ: She was an only Child; her Name was, [Page 72] Bethiah, the Daughter of Thomas and Mary, Longworth.’

‘The Lord raise up your Heart, to declare His wonderful mercies, in work­ing so Graciously upon the Heart of such a young Flower; that the Lord may raise up more such Gracious Souls, in our Ri­sing Generation.’

EXAMPLE VII. A Notable passage, transcribed from the Life of Mr. John Baily, as it was Rela­ted in a Sermon Preached on the Day of his Funeral, at Boston, N. E. 16. d. 10. m. 1697. By Mr. Cotton Mather; and after­wards Printed.

‘ FRom a Child he did know the Holy Scrip­tures: Yea, From a Child he was wise unto Salvation. In his very Childhood he discovered the Fear of God, upon his young [Page 28] Heart, and Prayer to God, was one of his Early Exercises.’

‘There was one very Remarkable effect of it. His Father was a man of a very Li­centious Conversation; a Gamester, a Dancer, a very Lewd Company-keeper. The Mother of this Elect-Vessel, one day took him, while he was yet a Child, and calling the Family together, made him to Pray with them. His Father coming to understand, at what a rate the Child had Pray'd with his Family, it smote the Soul of him, with a great Conviction, & proved the Beginning of his Conversion unto God. God left not off working on his Heart, until he proved One of the most Eminent Christians in all that Neighbour-hood. So he Lived, so he Dyed; a man of more than Ordinary Piety. And it was his manner sometimes to Retire unto those very places of his Lewdnesses, where, having that his little Son in his Company, he would pour out Floods of Tears, in Repenting Prayers before the Lord.’