THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND DEATH, OF MISTRESS KATHERINE BRETTERGH, late wife of Master William Brettergh, of Bretterghoult, in the County of Lancaster Gentleman; who departed this world the last of May.  
With the manner of a bitter conflict she had with Satan, and blessed conquest by Christ, before her death, 〈…〉 glory of God, and comfort of all beholders.  MICHA. 7.8. 
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: though I fall, I shall rise again: And when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.  PSALM. 37.37. 
〈◊〉 the upright man, and behold the just: for the end of that 〈…〉 ●●ace.  
AT LONDON Imprinted by Felix Kyngston, and are to be sold by Thomas Pavier. 1612.   

The holy life and Christian death, of Mistress Katherine Brettergh.  
THis Gentlewoman was borne in Cheshire, the daughter of john Bruen of Bruenstapleford Esquire, well descended, and of an ancient house. Her education before her marriage was such, as became the profession of the Gospel, in godliness and purity of life and religion, and well beseemed the house where she was brought up. The Scriptures she knew from a child, 
Stapleford.  and by reading thereof, gained such knowledge, that she was able readily to apply them when occasion was offered, as we may see at 〈…〉 that so fitly, and effectually, that she 〈…〉 daily meditation. For the things 〈…〉 ●●●●erate, and sober, and by her Christian 〈…〉 ●ath, she ●●ght teach many Gentlewomen, how vain the pleasures and fashions of this world are, and how far unable to bring that peace to a distressed heart, that the embracing of true Religion can.  
She used not to gad abroad with wandering Dinah, 
Genes. 34.1. 1. Sam. 1.9.12.  to dancing greens, markets, or public assemblies: but rather with Hannah did choose to tread upon the dust of the Sanctuary, and walk in the wa●●● of Zion: yea, with David, 
Psalm. 84.10.  rather to be a doorkeeper in the house of God, then to have society with the wicked, or to dwell in the tents and taberna●●●s of the ungodly. The Sabbath day was always dear and ●●●come to her, what time she would not be without the word preached, though many times she went far for it. Her delight was still to consecrate it glorious to the Lord. And as it is said of josiah, 
2. King. 22.19.  his heart melted when he heard the law; so may it be said of her, her heart was so tender and full of compassion, that oftentimes she was seen to hear Sermons, read, pray, and meditate with tears.  
She made conscience of all sin; yea, of the least sin, such as worldlings count no sin: she never used to swearedath great nor small, nor yet to abuse her tongue with vain or unseemly speeches; no not so much as a iest-lie or immodest word; neither durst she name the name of God, or take his titles in her mouth, without great reverence. In private speech where she might speak with profit, she did it so well, that her speeches might have been delivered by a stronger vessel than herself: her words being so well seasoned, and proceeding from such a sanctified heart, did always minister grace to the hearers.  
To read, 
Psalm. 16.3.  to pray, to sing, to meditate, was her daily exercise; and her chiefest delight was in the holy society of the Saints upon earth (which I say not for any cause, but only to show the fountain from whence her godly end flowed, and that the world may see some there be which choose rather to be joined with the people of God, 
Heb. 11.25.  then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; and these I doubt not have chosen the better part.) Finally, the precepts of the Lord were precious unto her, for from her childhood she feared God and 〈…〉 knowledge and sanctification did join in 〈…〉 ●●fects whereof did appear in her life, and was seen at he● 〈…〉 to the glory of God, and comfort of all beholders.  
She was not like the simple Popish women of our days, which are ever learning, 
2. Tim. 3.6.7.  and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth; but rather like the noble men and women of Berea, which received the word of God with readiness, 
Act. 17.11.12.  and were able to discern of Paul's and Silas preaching. But why do I speak of Popish women whose understandings are darker than the darkness of Egypt? Let us come and examine many other which seem to detest Popery, and ask them a reason of their faith; they can tell you a tale of their ruffs, 〈◊〉 their pride, and their vanities but for Religion, it is the least thing they regard, or seek to know: which I speak not so much to solace myself in the sins and simplicity of others, as earnestly desiring all Gentlewomen, that either knew this holy Saint of God, or hereafter shall hear of her, in stead of your glasses at home, wherein you prick and prune, and pin yourselves, to look into this glass before your eyes, that so her life, and death, may be an example for you to fol ow.  
When she was about twenty years old, (by the consent of herself, and her friends) she was married to a young Lancashire Gentleman, Master William Brettergh of Bretterghoult near Liverpole: one that likewise embraced Religion sincerely, and for the same endured many grievances at the hands of Papists.  
Two years and more she lived after she was married, and had issue only one Daughter: during which time, 
Anna Brettergh.  this couple lived together in such mutual joy and comfort, as well beseemed the children of God, which make profession of his truth. And although this Gentlewoman came from the habitations of Abraham to dwell in Sodom, amidst the tents of Kedar, 
Psal. 120.5.  that is to say, among inhuman bands of brutish Papists, enduring many temporal grievances from them; yet her knowledge, patience, mild inclination, and constancy for the truth was such, as that her husband was further builded up in Religion by her means, and his face daily more and more hardened against the devil, and all 〈◊〉 plaguy agents; the Popish Recusants, Church-papists, 〈…〉 all Protestants, which swarmed together 〈…〉 parts.  
It 〈◊〉 unknown to Lancashire, what horses and cattle of her husbands were killed upon his grounds in the night, most barbarously at two several times by Seminary Priests (no question) and Recusants that lurked thereabouts. And what a loss and hindrance it was unto him, being all the stock he had on his grounds to any purpose. This fell out not long after she was married to him; yet this was so far from dismaying her, or working such passions in her, as are common to her sex, that she rather rejoiced, then sorrowed; turning it into matter of praising God, and submitting herself to his good providence. 
n =" *" john Wrightinton Esquire. Richard Orme. Ralph Heaton, etc. and many more.  Oft she would have said, It is good that such things be; but woe be to them that do them. It is good in God, thereby to chasten his children, and prevent some sin, which he saw us like to fall into. It is good in respect of God's Church, that the weak may be confirmed in the truth, and that Papistry may be disgraced, when the world shall see such wickedness flow from it. It is good in God, that so the wicked may be without excuse at the day of judgement, when their conscience shall tell them, that howsoever God suffers them to do such villainy for some just cause known to himself; yet they commit it only of malice and revenge. Oftentimes also in these vexations, she would have said; the mercies of God are infinite, who doth not only by his word, but also by his justice, make us fit for his kingdom. Little do our enemies know, what good by these things they do unto us, and what wrack they bring to their own kingdom, while they set forth the wickedness thereof. Many times she would pray that God would forgive them, which had done them this hurt, and send them repentance: and she would call upon her husband, that he would do the like, 
Matth. 5.44.  and bless them that cursed him. And for fear lest her husband should fail in that point through infirmity and weakness, 
john 1.5.  as it is said of job, who offered sacrifice for his sons, lest peradventure they should sin, and blaspheme God in their hearts: so she never failed, but daily prayed unto the Lord to sanctify her husband's thoughts, and direct his hearts, right, only to seek God's glory, without either desire of revenge, or satisfying his own affections. So humble was her spirit, so careful to avoid and prevent 〈…〉 and others; and so mild of nature, that 〈…〉 ●●●nesse softened the malicious heart of Esau his brother: 
Gen. 33.3.4. 1. Sam. 24. 17.18.  〈◊〉 David by his kindness in the cave, changed the fu●●e of Saul, into weeping, and confessing that David was more righteous than he: so she by her meekness, humility, and unspotted carriage in the world, forced some of the adversaries to Religion, to speak well of her.  
For her life, she was well reported of all that knew her. Pitiful and bountiful was she to the poor, and slacked no opportunity to do good wherein she could; but constantly held her course, and kept her times of praying, reading, and meditating, (wherein she had plentiful gifts) and continually used the same at such times as were fitting for her state, sex, and calling. At the exercises of Religion, as prayer and instruction in her family, she would not be wanting: besides private prayer, and meditation which she omitted not but used daily, both in her chamber, 
Genes. 24.63.  as also abroad secretly and solitarily in the orchard, garden, or fields, as isaack's manner was. In reading the Scriptures she used evermore to task herself, eight chapters a day at the least, and for the time which she saw evil or idly spent, without doing some good, she used to call the time of tentation. Many times also she would read some godly writer, or expositor of Scripture, or in the book of Martyrs; and was seen to weep most bitterly, when either she had read of that which touched her affections near, or of the cruel martyrdom, which the dear children of God were put unto, by the cruel and wicked tyrants of former days.  
For Popery, she saw it so gross and foolish, 
Exod. 23.13. Psalm. 16.4 Ephes. 5.3. judg. 6.31.32. Eccl. 4.25.28.  that she would not once name it, except it were to argue against it, but never for it: so zealous was she of God's glory, and loved the truth so entirely, that she would not once open her mouth to plead for Baal.  
Sin above all things was bateful unto her, for there at she would have grieved, as well when she had seen it in others, as in herself. One or two examples I cannot omit, wherein she bewrayed a worthy spirit, sanctified by the spirit of God, and prepared for all the assaults of Satan. On a time, as her husband and 〈◊〉 were riding toward the Church, he was angry with his 〈…〉 husband ●●●●th she) I fear your heart is not right toward 〈◊〉, that can be thus angry for a trifle: And weeping she said further, you must pray against this your affection, and always be sure your anger be of God, for else how dare you appear this day before his Minister? and offer up your prayers in the public congregation of the Saints of God? Another time, a tenant of her husbands, being behind with his rent, she desired him to bear yet with him a quarter of a year, which he did: and when the man brought his money, with tears she said to her husband: I fear you do not well to take it of him, though it be your right, for I doubt he is not well able to pay it, and then you oppress the poor. So great a compassion had she of other men's wants, that all things being duly considered, and rightly weighed, me thinks I may say of her, as Paul said of Timothy, I know none like minded.  
Thus after she was married, 
Phil. 2.20.  she continued in the things she had learned, and held her profession with such sincerity, that the common enemies to our religion (the very Papists) had nothing to say against her, but confessed her life was unreprovable. And as for the godly that knew her, they always acknowledged that modesty, and virtuous carriage in her, joined with knowledge and practice of all the duties of religion, that they had just cause to report of her, as of a sound and faithful professor of the Gospel.  
Two years, and somewhat more she lived with her husband, till about Whitsuntide, it pleased God to send her that sickness whereof on Whitsonday she died.  
Her sickness took her in the manner of a hot burning Ague, which made her according to the nature of such diseases, now and then to talk somewhat idl● and through the tempters subtlety, which abused the infirmity of her body to that end, as he oftentimes useth to do in many, from idle words, to descend into a heavy conflict, with the infirmity of her own spirit; from the which, yet the Lord presently and wonderfully delivered her, giving so joyful an issue to the tentation, that she might well use the words of the Prophet, as afterwards she did: For a moment, O Lord, 
Esa. 54.8. May 23.  thou didst hide thy face from me, for a little season, but with everlasting mercy thou hadst compassion on me. On Saturday seven-night before Whitsunday, what time she sickened, she began to feel some little infirmity and 〈…〉 then she had wont to show, but she so ●●●●uer came 〈…〉 Monday night it increased upon her, 
May 25.  and the assault of the enemy began to be sharp, and so continued till the next day at afternoon; what time God delivered her, and sent her peace and comfort of conscience, and so increased the same in her continually till she died The manner of her affliction was this.  
First, 
M. William Brettergh. M. William Fox M. Edward Aspinwall. M. john Brettergh Mistress Maud Brettergh. Mistress Scholastica Fox. William Woodward. Elizabeth chaloner.  the severity of God's justice, and the greatness of her sins began to come into her mind, which much afflicted her, and she would often speak of it. Then she accused herself of pride, that she had delighted too much in herself, and her beauty. Afterwards she thought she had no faith, but was full of hypocrisy, and had not embraced Religion so earnestly, nor glorified God so worthily (especially with her tongue, which oft she repeated) nor loved him so sincerely as she ought to have done. Sometime she would cast her Bible from her, and say: It was indeed the book of life, but she had read the same unprofitably, and therefore feared it was become to her the book of death. Sometimes she would say her sins had made her a prey to Satan, a spectacle to the world, a disgrace to religion, and a shame to her husband, kindred, and all true Christians: and here she would weep bitterly. Sometime the original corruption wherein she was borne, troubled her, and the sins of her parents, and the common parents of all, the eaters of the forbidden fruit: as if that had made her unworthy of God, and were then laid to her charge. Many times she accused herself of impatience, be wailing the want of feeling God's spirit, and making doubt of her election, and such like infirmities. She wished that she had never been borne, or that she had been made any other creature, rather than a woman. She cried out oftentimes, Woe, woe, woe, etc. a weak, a woeful, a wretched, a forsaken woman, and such like pitiful complaints against herself, with tears continually trickling from her eyes. She complained of grievous thirst, such as all the water in the sea could not quench (and yet when drink was given her, sometimes refused it, sometimes took a very little of it) sweat burst out upon her exceedingly, and sometimes her body borned extremely. So it seemed the sorrows of death hemmed her in, and the griefs of hell laid hold upon her. Sometimes 〈◊〉 very 〈…〉 prayer, and once when she should have said, Dead us not into tentation, she made a stop, saying, I may not pray; I may not pray (being interrupted, as she said, by Satan) and so showed much discomfort: howbeit she was not left till she could both pray, one make confession of her faith with special application to herself. Besides these fiery darts of Satan, she was once or twice troubled with vain speeches, as of her child, the kill of her husband's cattle, that she thought she saw a fire by her, etc. But every one saw that these things proceeded of weakness, emptiness of her head, and want of sleep, which her disease would not afford her.  
These fits though they were for the time grievous to herself, and uncomfortable to her friends: yet were they neither long nor continual, but in the very midst of them, would she oftentimes give testimony of her faith, striving and fight against her temptations. Many times when the standers by judged her afflictions at the sharpest, would she call upon God, lifting up her eyes and hands to heaven, and desire him to give her strength against her temptations. Many times with a cheerful countenance she would desire those that were by not to faint, nor give her over, but constantly to pray, and help her against the tempter. Once in the midst of her tentation, being demanded by Master William Fox: 
William Fox.  whether she did believe the promises of God or no? and whether she could pray? she answered: O that I could, I would willingly, 
Mark 9.24.  but he will not let me. Lord I believe, help my unbelief: which she pronounced with a still low voice. And when he replied, that if she had a desire to pray and believe, she did pray and believe, and that so effectually, that hell gates should not overcome her, according to that of the Apostle, God accepteth it according to that a man hath, 
2. Cor. 8.12.  not according to that a man hath not: she was much comforted thereby.  
Once after a great conflict with Satan, she said: Satan reaso not with me, 
William Brettergh.  I am but a weak woman, if thou have any thing to say, say it to my Christ; he is my advocate, my strength, and my redeemer, and he shall plead for me. Sometimes when she was afflicted with the accusation of her sins, and want of feeling God's mercy, she would with many a pitiful sob and much weeping, pray to the Lord jesus Christ to help and comfort her, 
john Brettergh.  a poor woeful, distressed woman, 
Edward Aspinwall.  and request others to pray for h●●. And when she was moved to make confession of her faith, she would do it oftentimes, saying the Apostles Creed, and concluding the same with words of application to herself: I believe the remission of [my] sins, the resurrection of [my] body, and eternal life [too me] Amen. And having done, she would pray God to confirm her in that faith, ever concluding with the Lords Prayer, as devoutly and reverontly as any that were present. A Christian friend, who by his daily attendance on her, discharged the duty of a faithful Christian, 
William Woodward.  standing by told her, that no tentation had befallen her, but that which appertained to the child of God, and that God is faithful and true, and had promised to give an issue with the tentation: whereat she expressed great comfort.  
Master Edward Aspinwal, a faithful professor of the truth, and a true Israelite, was much with her in the time of her sickness, and ministered much heavenly instruction unto her, and comforted her at all times with apt places of Scripture, meeting with her temptations: and so put the sword of the spirit into her hand. He propounded to her the most plentiful comforts of God unto his Church, in the 40.41.42. and 43. Chapters of Isaiah, uttered in such speeches and phrases, 
Esa. 40.1.2.28.29.30.31.  as might most fitly answer her discomforts. Also he directed her to consider the Passion and Práyer of our Saviour Christ, for all his, 
Esa. 41.8.9.10.13.14.17.18. Isa. 42.1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.13.14. 15.16. Esa. 43.1.2.5.25. Matth. 11.28.  john 17. Matth. 26. Luk. 22.23. But specially did he often inculcate that sweet invitation of our Saviour: Come unto me all you that travel and be heavy laden, I will ease you. But the difficulty she had sometimes to apply these generals unto her own soul in particular, made the case more full of anguish to herself, and fearful and lamentable to the standers by: Albeit she acknowledged God's Majesty, mercy, faithfulness, and truth; yet still complained she of her own weakness, and unworthiness, and could hardly appropriate each thing to herself.  
To help her some what herein (for properly otherwise, it is the peculiar work of the holy spirit of God, to persuade the heart and soul of her particular interest in these general promises) she was told that the Almighty who was merciful, as she had proved, and faithful as she confessed; intended all these mercies to as many as he did call and make promise to. And that he called her she must needs confess, both because that then she not only herself read, but heard others read those blessed words of God unto her: and also for that in former times, she had been touched with the love of God, and that his truth: and had well profited in the detestation of sin, and imitation of her Saviour in a holy life. And for the proof thereof; she was wished to remember in former times her Baptisine, her frequenting of Sermons, & often receiving the most comfortable repast of the holy Communion, her daily, and almost continual exercise of reading, meditating, and praying, etc. Also he assured her, that neither the present agony she was in, nor the speeches then in that distress, tending to the signification of despair, extorted from her, were any just causes, why either she, or any that heard her, should judge fearfully of her, because all might see the fault was not in her will, as appears by her prayers, confessions, plaints, sighs, tears, and groans to God for mercy, and full assurance in the blood of Christ; but in her judgement, not able at that time to discern the ways of the Almighty: And therein (he told her) she was made conformable, not only to many the holy Saints of God, job, jeremy, David, 
job 3.1. etc. jer. 20.14. job 6.4.8.9. job 16.9. Lament. 3. etc.  & others more, but also to her head, our Lord and Saviour Christ jesus: of whom we read, that some have cursed the day of their birth, and called for their end, and darkness to cover them: They have been as men without hope, and swallowed up in despair: They have cried how the wrath of God hath torn them, 
Psal. 6.3.  and the terrors of the Almighty have fought against them: They have had no peace in their souls, nor comfort in their consciences, their prayers have been shut from God, their sins have been terrible unto them, crying that their iniquities had gone over their heads, 
Psal 38.4. etc. Psalm 71.7. Psalm. 77.1.7. etc. Psalm. 51.5. Psalm. 102.3. etc. Rom. 7.24.  and were a burden too heavy for them to bear: And they have thought themselves spectacles of shame and reproach, and as monsters unto men: They were grieved for the sins of their parents, and complained that they were desolate, forsaken, and most miserable and wretched in the world; yet for all this were they still the dear children of God, as you are this day. (Nay (saith he) I pray you consider, what torments God inflicted upon his dear Son upon the Cross: did he not cry out, 
Matth. 27▪ 46. Matth. 26.38. Heb. 5.7. May 26.  My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? He complained, that his soul was heavy unto death; yet was he heard in that which he feared, and God delivered him. After this, he read unto her the 22. Psalm, wherein David complained, partly of his own, but principally of the most bitter anguish which our Saviour Christ endured, and suffered in body and soul, putting her in mind, that her case was not so bad as David's, nor much unlike our saviours, who endured all that, and more for her; and therefore she had no cause to fear, seeing Christ had obtained victory, and would undoubtedly be with her, deliver her, and eternally glorify her with himself for evermore; and so continually he propounded to her such comfortable places of Scripture, as might meet with her infirmities. This greatly refreshed her, and gave her occasion many times to call upon God, for increase of grace, and deliverance from her grievous temptations: the which God of his accustomed goodness vouchsafed, on Tuesday, about three a clock in the afternoon, what time she felt herself in very good measure delivered from all her former fears and afflictions. But on Saturday next after, which was the day before her death, she was wholly released, and filled with such inward comfort, that it greatly affected us that saw it.  
This is the sum of that tentation which she had, wherein what can any man see that might give just occasion to report our religion comfortless, or the Gentle woman died despairing? This we are sure of, that to be without tentation is the greatest tentation: as also, that nothing befell her, which hath not befallen the holiest of the children of God. And she that considered her own corruption (which how great it is in the best of God's Saints, I need not say) and be thought herself of the punishment due thereto, if God in justice should reward her, no marvel if she broke out sometime into heavy complaints. I make no question it was the work of God in her, to suffer Satan to accuse her, and afflict her for her sins, that so she might the better see them, and consider the heinousness of them, and before her departure repent her of them, and betake her wholly to Christ for the saving of her soul. And if it pleased God thus to make her possess her sins before she died, let those which never yet knew the weight of their sins, be wise in time, and remember, that he shall never have his sin forgiven, which first or last doth not undergo a holy despair for it, and acknowledge nothing to remain in himself, but matter of judgement and condemnation: and comfort and eternal life to flow alone from jesus Christ.  
And as for those which have learned to scoff at the terrors of God's children, and to censure such, as are at sometimes cast down with feeling the anger of God against sin, let them consider the blessed issue that God gave to the troubles of this Gentle woman, and let them acknowledge his work in her. And if they will not do this, but proceed to traduce the dead, 
Fox. Acts and Mon. pag. 1904.61. pag. 1908.  then let them call to mind, those of the Popish crew, and persons of greater note among them, than this Gentlewoman was, which have died most fearfully indeed. Cardinal Sadelot, jacobus Latomus the Divinity Reader at Louvain, Hofmester the Friar, Guarlacus, Bomelius, Crescentius the Cardinal, Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, and divers the bloody persecutors in Queen Mary's time, and some of the Popes themselves, as namely, 
n =" *" Francis the Monk, one of the ten popish persons converted in France, Anno Dom. 1601. See Hasen Mill. historia jesuirica, who sets down certain examples of the jesuits to this purpose.  Pope Sixtus Quintus of late years: all which died most fearfully and miserably, and showed manifest signs at their death, that their popish superstition was the condemnation of their souls. And if they will judge of my religion by my death, let them acknowledge their religion is the doctrine of desperation, and that the truth and faith which was able to fill the heart and tongue of this blessed Gentle woman at her death, with such heavenly comforts, is the doctrine of Christ, revealed from heaven that we might live and die in it.  
From Tuesday, 
Pl  till Whitian-eeven, her comfort still incereased, and temptations vanished away. She would then very cheerfully join with the company in prayer, and singing Psalms, as occasion offered, 
john Bruen Esquire. William Brettergh. William Fox. john Brettergh. William Woodward. john Holland. Maud Brettergh. Scholastica Fox. 1. Pet. 4.17.18. john Holland. William Brettergh. William Woodward.  and performed all such duties as were meet for her in that estate. One day, her brother M. john Bruen of Bruenstapleford came from his house in Cheshire to visit her, and 〈…〉 some kind salutation passed between them, he said unto her: Sister, be not dismayed at your troubles, but remember what the Apostle saith, that judgement must begin at the house of God. To whom she answered, as one that was also very ready in the Scriptures, with the very next words following: True it is, and if it begin at us, and the righteous shall scarce be saved, where shall the sinners and ungodly appear? After that she prayed with him, and sung a Psalm with him, as one that received great comfort by him, and acknowledged in him, a heart set to seek the things belonging to the kingdam of Christ. During this time, in the night with such as waked with her, she would pray and rehearse for her comfort many texts of Scripture, and namely the 8. to the Romans, many times concluding and closing up that she read, or repeated, with prayer, and most comfortable uses and applications thereof to herself, with show of such joy and comfort, that the hearers rejoiced at it. When 
n =" *" Richar Orme, john Holland, William Brettergh, William Woodward. William Fox. Revel. 21.6. William Brettergh. William Fox. Psal. 119.71.72. William Brettergh.  she received any meat, she prayed God not only to sanctify those creatures for her bodily sustenance, but also to fill her soul with the waters of life, often repeating that of the Revelation: To him that thirsteth, will I give of the waters of life freely.  
One time she took her Bible in her hand, and joyfully kissing it, and looking up toward heaven, she said that of the Psalm: O Lord, it is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn thy statutes: The law of thy mouth is better to me then thousands of gold and silver.  
Another time she called her husband to her and said: O husband, beware of Papistry, keep yourself holy before the Lord: Yield not to the abominations of the wicked, lest they rejoice, and so you dishonour God, and destroy your own soul. Again she said, Let my little child be brought up among the children of God, 
Maud Brettergh.  and in the true fear and knowledge of his Majesty; so shall I meet her in heaven, whom now I must leave behind me on earth.  
Again, 
William Brettergh. Rom. 8.15. William Fox.  sometime she would pray with a low voice to herself, and that saying of Paul, We have not received the spirit of bondage to fear any more, but the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba father, was much in her mouth: and the last words Abba father, she would double oftentimes over. She would sing to herself the last verse of the 13. Psalm.  
I will give thanks unto the Lord, and praises to him sing:  
Because he hath heard my request, and granted my wishing.  
Finally, in these and such like exercises and meditations, did she spend the whole time of her sickness, after the Lord had once enlarged her heart, from the temptations of Satan.  
But upon Saturday about eleven of the clock in the morning, 
May 30.  the Lord disclosed himself in mercy to her more plentifully than ever before; and as I may say, he dealt famlliarly with his handmaid: for from that time to her very death, which ensued the next day, the feeling of Satan's temptations seemed quite to be banished from her; so that she made no show of them, her thoughts were not occupied with the world, husband, child, or any thing else to our thinking; neither was her sickness trouble some to her, as before it had been: but as one raised from death to life, or ravished in spirit, so seemed she to us that stood by: her countenance joyful, her tongue flowing with the praises of God, and her voice as most heavenly music, and melody of peace, sounding praise, and honour, and glory to God in a wonderful manuer, as followeth.  
About eleven of the clock she began to tremble and quake a little, 
William Brettergh. Maud Brettergh. Elizabeth chaloner.  and withal she asked her husband it he would help her with prayer to God against the tempter, saying, Will ye neither pray with me, nor bring some godly man that may put holy things into my mind, whereby I may be able to resist Satan? Having thus said, she uttered these words: O Lord God of my salvation, help my weakness, plead thou my cause, O God of truth, for in thee do I trust. After this, they prayed together, and she answered Amen to every petition. Then after this she required him to read some part of the Scripture: whereupon he read unto her the 8. to the Romans, the 91. Psalm, and the 17. of john, the which as he read, and came to the 4. verse, I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do, and now glorify me: she desired him to pause a while, & then said, Blessed be thy name, O blessed Saviour, perfect the work, I humbly beseech thee, which thou hast begun in me. Then as he read the 9 verse, I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine: she interrupted him again saying, O Lord jesus, dost thou pray for me? O blessed and sweet Saviour, how wonderful! how wonderful! how wonderful are thy mercies! Read on, said she, the blessedst reading that ever I heard, the comfort whereof doth sweeten my soul. Then reading verse the 22. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one as we are one: with marvelous joy she uttered the words of David many times over, 
Psal. 107.8.9.  I confess before the Lord his loving kindness, and his wonderful works before the sons of men: for he hath satisfied my soul, and filled my hungry soul with goodness. When he came to the 24. verse, Father, I will that they which thou hast given me, be with me, even where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; Stay, said she, and let me meditate on the goodness of the Lord, for this is the sweetest saying that ever came to my soul: for now I perceive and feel the countenance of Christ my redeemer is turned towards me, and the bright shining beams of his mercy is spread over me: Oh happy am I that ever I was borne, to see this blessed day! Praise, praise, O praise the Lord for his mercies; for he hath brought me out of darkness, 
Esa. 27.1. Psalm. 103.1.2.3.4.  and the shadow of death: he hath delivered my soul from the snare of the hunter, and hath taken me out of the den of Lions, even from the jaws of Leviathan, that piercing and crooked serpent, and hath set me in a place of rest, and sweet refreshing: Oh praise the Lord O my soul, all that is within me praise his holy name: my soul praise thou the Lord, and forget not all his benefits, which forgiveth all thine iniquities, and healeth all thine infirmities: which hath redeemed thy life from the grave, and crowneth thee with mercy and compassion. This she often repeated: And then again remembering the 21. and 22. verses of the 17. of john, she said: O my sweet Saviour, shall I be one with thee, as thou art one with thy Father? And wilt thou glorify me with that glory which thou hadst with the father before the world was? And dost thou so love me (which am but dust and ashes) to make me partaker of glory with Christ? What am I poor wretch, that thou art so mindful of me? 
Psal. 144.3. Psal. 8.4.  Oh how wonderful! how wonderful! how wonderful is thy love! Oh thy love is unspeakable, that hast dealt so graciously with me! Oh I feel thy mercies, and oh that my tongue and heart were able to sound forth thy praises as I ought, and as I willingly would do! Oh that you all would help me to praise the holy one of Israel, the God of all consolations! And thus for the space of five hours together at the least, she continued praising and lauding the Lord, with such a gladsome and heavenly countenance, testifying such inward joy, from a comfortable feeling of the mercies of God in her soul, and using such sweet sentences, and sugared phrases of perfect and holy eloquence, as the truth thereof, if it could have been taken, were admirable, continuing so many hours together; some part whereof was this:  
Oh my Lord, oh my God, blessed be thy name for evermore, which hast showed me the path of life. 
Esa. 54.8.  Thou didst O Lord hide thy face from me for a little season, but with everlasting mercy, thou hast had compassion on me: And now blessed Lord thy comfortable presence is come, yea Lord, thou hast had respect unto thy handmaid, and art come with fullness of joy, and abundance of consolations: O blessed be thy name O Lord my God. Then she repeated part of the 16. Psalm, saying: The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance, wherefore my heart is glad, 
Psal. 16.59.11.  and my tongue rejoiceth: Thou wilt show me the path of life: In thy presence is fullness of joy; and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore: Oh that I could therefore praise the Lord, as he is worthy to be praised? I will sing to the Lord, I will sing to the praise of the God of Israel: come, come, (saith she) and help me, 
judges 5.3.  O help me to praise the Lord. And with that she began to sing the third Psalm, and continued to the end of the Psalm, as perfectly, and with as sweet a voice, as ever she had before in her health; and concluded with the 49. verse of the 106. Psalm:  
The Lord the God of Israel, be blest for evermore:  
Let all the people say Amen, praise ye the Lord therefore.  
And after this she said, O praise the Lord, for he hath filled me with joy and gladness of heart, and brought me from the gates of hell, and of death: repeating that of the 16. Psalm, 
Psal. 16.6.  My line is fallen unto me in a pleasant place: yea I have a fair heritage, for the Lord is the portion of mine inheritance: The place where I now am, is sweet and pleasant: Oh how pleasant is the sweet perfume of the place where I lie! 
Exod. 30.23.  It is sweeter than Aaron's composed perfume of principal spices: how comfortable is the sweetness I feel! 
Revel. 8.4.  It is like that odour that proceeds from the golden censor, that delights my soul. The taste is precious: do you not feel it? Oh so sweet it is! yea sweeter than myrrh, the honey, or the honey comb. Let me therefore sing again, and again unto my Lord, and my God. Then she did sing the nineteenth Psalm, beginning at the seventh verse, How perfect is the law of God, etc. and so on to the end of the same. And after that spiritual rejoicing, in singing of Psalms, she then prayed unto God faithfully, and praised the Lord again joyfully. And being still full of these, and such like heavenly consolations, she did sing again most hearthly, unto the praise of God the 136. Psalm. Praise ye the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever: etc. In which Psalm, for his mercy endureth for ever, is 26. times repeated. A Christian friend coming in at the same time, 
Master William Fox.  which was about six of the clock in the evening, marveling to see her exceeding joys, and heavenly harmony, wherein she continued with such words and phrases, that were so spiritual, prayed for the continuance of the same unto the end: 
William Brett●●gh. William Fox. William Woodward.  whereupon she than hur'st out, relating further of her joys, saying: Oh the joys! the joys! the joys! that I feel in my soul! oh they be wonderful! they be wonderful! they be wonderful! And after that, she prayed for increase of faith, and that God would strengthen her against temptations, with continual craving of cemission of sins, ever meditating of heavenly matters, as by her sudden and often breaking out into heavenly speeches, and praises, did appear: for the same evening she lying still and silent for a while, 
William Fox.  one prayed her to remember the Lord jesus, and that she would in her heart pray for constancy in her joyful course; whereupon she answered with a delightsome and cheerful countenance and comfortable voice: 
Psal. 27.1.3.  Oh (said she) so I do, for the Lord is my light, and my salvation, whom then shall I fear? Though an host pitch against me, yet my heart shall not be afraid, for the Lord hath said, 
Deut. 4.31.  I will not leave thee, nor forsake thee. Indeed, I should utterly have fainted, 
Psal. 27.13. Psal. 108.1.  but that I believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. And now my heart is ready, my heart is ready and prepared, yea, it panteth after thee O God: as the heart brayeth after the rivers of water, 
Psal. 42.1.2.  so panteth my soul after thee O God: my soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God. When Lord, 
William Brettergh.  when shall I come and appear before thy presence? etc. Saying then further: Lord, sith it hath pleased thee to prepare my heart, whether to life or death, thy will be done, dispose of me to thine own glory: I am thine Lord, work thy blessed pleasure and good will upon me. And after this she fell into a short slumber, and awaking said, as the spouse said unto Christ in the Canticles: Oh come kiss me with the kiss of thy mouth, 
Cant. 1.1.  for thy love is better than wine. Oh how sweet the kisses of my Saviour be? Than one said unto her, 
William Fox.  alluding to that place of S. john, Revel. 3.8. and praying that the Lord would anoint her with the eyesalve of his grace, that she might see and behold his glory. To whom she answered, Mine eyes are opened, mine eyes are opened, though for a while they were closed up and shut; yet now I thank my God, mine eyes are opened, and I do feel and see the everliving mercies of my Christ: saying then further, as it is in the 27. Psalm: Thou saidst, seek my face: my heart answered to thee, O Lord I will seek thy face. 
Psal. 27.8.9.  O hide not therefore thy face from me, nor cast thy servant away in displeasure, thou hast been my succour, leave me not, nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. And being willed to commit her soul into the hands of Christ, she said: O Lord jesus, thou hast redeemed me, 
William Brettergh. Psal. 31.5. William Woodward. Matth. 11.25.  plead thou my cause, for into thy hands alone do I commit my spirit, O thou God of truth. And then feeling more joy to abound, one praising God with her for his mercies showed toward her, she further said: I give thee thanks O father, Lord of heaven & earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise, and men of understanding, and hast opened them unto me thy poor handmaid, which am but dust and ashes. O how merciful and marvelous gracious art thou unto me! yea Lord, I feel thy mercy, 
William Fox.  & I am assured of thy love, & so certain am I thereof, as thou art the God of truth, even so sure do I know myself to be thine, O Lord my God; 
Psal. 139.10.  and this my soul knoweth right well, and this my soul knoweth right well: which speech of her assurance, she often repeated. Presently after this, 
William Brettergh. job 19.25.26.27.  sitting up in her chair, she sung the fourth Psalm; and then being laid down again in her bed, she confidently spoke these words: I am sure that my redeemer liveth, and that I shall see him at the last day, whom I shall see, and mine eye shall behold: and though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet shall I see God in my flesh with these eyes, and none other.  

Master William Harrison. William Brettergh. William Fox. john Brettergh. William Woodward.  Then came in to see her toward evening, Master William Harrison the Preacher, praising God for her continuance, in that her joyful and most happy course: and persuading her to an helie perseverance in the same, she thanked him, and desired him to rejoice in Christ with her, and to praise God for his mercies to her, and said: Oh Master Harrison, my soul hath been compassed about with terrors of death, fear within, & fear without, the sorrows of hell were upon me, knots and knorres were upon my soul, (which twice or thrice she repeated) and a roaring wilderness of woe was within me; but blessed, blessed, blessed, be the Lord my God, who hath not left me comfortless, but like a good shepherd, 
Psal. 23.2.3.  hath he brought me into a place of rest, even no the sweet running waters of life, that flow out of the sanctuary of God, and he hath led me into the green pastures, where I am fed, and exceedingly comforted: yea, he hath restored my soul, and lead me into the plain and easy paths of righteousness. The way that now I go in, is a sweet and easy way, strewed with flowers, and as a fine sandy way; 
Psal. 147.14.  yea, it is more easy and soft than the sand, for I go and tread upon wheat, even upon the finest flower of wheat: Oh blessed be the Lord; Oh blessed be the Lord, that hath thus comforted me, and hath brought me now to a place, more sweet unto me then the Garden of Eden. Oh the joy! the joy, the delightsome joy that I feel! Oh how wonderful, how wonderful, how wonderful is this joy! O praise the Lord for his mercies, and for this joy which my soul feeleth full well: praise his name for evermore. And these praises of God, she sounded forth, 
William Brettergh. William Woodward.  like David's harmony, being endued with David's spirit, to the praise of the eternal and merciful God, continuing all night in such like prayers and praises to God, except some small time, that she was silent and quiet. Master Harrison prayed twice with her that evening, as also in the morning (being Whitsunday.) After he had prayed once with her, going then toward his public charge, she sent for him to pray once more with her before he went, which he did; to the joy and gladness of heart, both of her, and all that were present: and so he took leave of her, and departed.  
Another faithful man or two came presently in that morning, and divers others well affected, 
M. Edward Aspinwall. William Fox. William Brettergh. john Brettergh. William Woodward. Mistress Maud Brettergh. Mistress Scholastica Fox. Elizabeth chaloner, and divers more. Psal. 30.10.11.12.  who were with her at the time of her death, and often prayed with her that forenoon, she still abounding in spiritual comforts and consolations: sometimes as one awaking out of sleep, she would say, the Lord was her keeper, and deliverer. Again, one saying unto her, the Lord bless you: Yea (saith she) and the Lord jesus bless us all. And so seeming to sleep a little while, and awaking again she said: Lord I trust in thee, have mercy upon me, give me strength to praise thee: defend and preserve me in the hour of tentation, and lay no more upon me, than thou wilt enable me to bear. Afterwards being asked, if she would have them join in prayer together again with her: O yes (said she) for Christ's sake I desire it: saying thus to herself: Hear O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord be thou my helper. Thou hast loosed my sack, and girded me with gladness: therefore will I praise thee, O Lord my God: I will give thanks to thee for evermore. With that, all that were present did join in prayer with her, and in conclusion using the Lord's prayer, which she said with them, to thine is the kingdom; her strength then being gone, her tongue failed her, and so she lay silent for a while, every one judging her then to be near death, her strength and speech failing her: yet after a while, lifting up her eyes with a sweet countenance and still voice, said: 
Esa. 40.2. Psal. 73.25.26.  My warfare is accomplished, and my iniquities are pardoned. Lord whom have I in heaven but thee? and I have none in earth but thee: my flesh faileth, and my heart also, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. He that preserveth jacob, and defendeth his Israel, he is my God, and will guide me unto death: guide me O Lord my God, and suffer me not to faint, but keep my soul in safety. And with that she presently fell asleep in the Lord, passing away in peace, without any motion of body at all; and so yielded up the Ghost, a sweet Sabbaths' sacrifice about four of the clock in the afternoon, of Whitsunday, being the last of May, 1601.  
This was the death of that virtuous Gentlewoman, happily dying in the Lord, and reaping the benefit of a holy profession. Wherein we cannot but acknowledge and reverence the mercy of God, who in our greatest infirmity makes his grace to shine most clearly. A sure testimony of the truth of our profession, serving to encourage us therein, and to move us to a godly life. It must needs be a divine Religion, and a true, coming from God, that thus can fill the heart and mouth of a weak woman, at the time of death, with such admirable comfort. And a wretched conceit, and mere Antichristian is that religion, which so hateth and persecuteth this faith, which is thus able to lead the truehearted professors thereof, with such unspeakable peace unto their graves.  
Her Funeral was accomplished at Childwall Church on Wednesday following, being the third of june. And now for conclusion, seeing this blessed Gentlewoman is taken from among us, and received into the holy habitations of the heavenly jerusalem, there to remain in joy, glory, and blessedness for evermore; let us lament for our less, but rejoice for her gain; and let us pray, that in heart we could as willingly wish to be with her, as she is now unwilling to be with us.  
Solomon saith, The memory of the just shall be blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. Prou. 10.7.  
FINIS.