A SERMON PREACHED at OWBURNE IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AT The Funeral of the Right Worshipful, and truly Religious Gentlewoman, Mris MARGARET ELMES. On the twenty-seaventh of july. 1641.  
By GEORGE BURCHES Batchlour of Divinity.  REVEL. 2.20. 
Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life.  
OXFORD, Printed by LEON. LICHFIELD, An. Dom. 1641.   

TO THE HONOURABLE AND TRULY VIRTUOUS Mris JANE GOODWIN Wife to the Right Worshipful ARTHUR GOODWIN Esq.  
Worthy Mistress,  
I KNOW it is an unwelcome message to be the Herald of ill news. Such tidings are like the Amalekites to David; or Jonah's Sermon to the Ninivites administering nothing but sorrow. But when withal I apprehend your goodness and wisdom, how it can make the best use of the loss of your nearest friends, I am the more emboldened to present these unwelcome and unworthy lines to your kind acceptance. It is an unalterable law like that of the Medes and Persians: 
Serius aut sitiùs m●tam properamus ad unam.  sooner or later we all hasten to the same end. Man's days are numbered, his period of time appointed, and his bound he cannot pass. David and Jonathan must part, Jacob and Rachel must be separated, and though Ruth and Naomi be never so endeared friends, yet death will divide them. All flesh is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, and so must the rarest pieces of nature return to dust. It's true, you have lost a most loving sister in law, the Church a gracious Saint, the poor a dear friend: yet must all rest contented seeing it is by the determinate hand of God. It had been a great happiness that so glorious a star might have longer shined (if God had so pleased) in the Orb where once she gave such a comely lustre. But seeing now we are deprived of her light, I mean that comfort and sweet society which was enjoyed in her presence, we must rest contented, and labour to see the hand of God in it; whose will is the rule of his actions, and is therefore pleased to add one member unto the head to live for ever with himself. As those that would inhabit the land of Canaan, were to wade through the banks and streams of the river Jordan with Josuah. So they that will arrive at that Canaan which is above must wade first through the river Lethe here with their guide and forerunner Jesus. Let it therefore comfort you that she is with her Saviour, and now nothing remains but her virtues as lively monuments of her eternal worth. In which Catalogue I will mention but one, 
Humilitas virtus Christianorum 1a, 2a, 3a. Aug. Epist.  which was her Humility, rarely to be found in persons of her rank. Her goodness having learned that this grace is the first, second, and third stair of true Christian nobility. By this she hath now ascended to happiness. For the high and lofty one (as the Prophet speaks,) that inhabiteth eternity, delighting to reside in an humble soul, hath eternised her worth; and therefore would suffer her no longer to dwell in so unworthy a country, but thinking her more fit for a greater honour, and a better place hath crowned her in his own kingdom. May it please you therefore to give leave to publish to the world under the Convoy of your worthy name, this mean, but faithful testimony of my dutiful affection and unfeigned estimation of those saving graces, which (I am persuaded) were lodged in her noble Breast. This is the first time that ever I set to sea in this public manner, that ever my name came into the Printers stocks. And had it not been out of conscience of my thankfulness to my blessed friend of everdeare memory, rather to enliven her worth then to spread my own. I would still have kept my own private way, and never have road in the common dust. But so abounding was her goodness, that I could not rest contented to bury her fame in my own breast, but must endeavour to erect a monument of her in paper to all the world. And first to you most virtuous Mris, whom I humbly crave to lodge these pocre endeavours in your good opinion and the rather for her sake whose goodness yet sparkles in your eyes. And the Image of whose virtues is in this little Codicill represented to you; so shall you oblige me who am  
Your most humble Servant GEOR BURCHES.   
2. TIM. 4.7, 8. 
7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  
8. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.  
TO omit the context which is obvious to them that will but read the precedent verses. Herein is comprised and commended to our consideration, the happy consequence and good success which will follow upon the painful endeavours the faithful undergo in their spiritual warfare. Howsoever in contending for earthly things, it oftentimes falls out that some beat the bush and others catch the Birds, some break the bone and others eat the marrow: in a word some take the pains and others attain the prize. Yet in the christian combat and spiritual conflict betwixt the sons and servants of God it is not so; for be they endurers of the sweat they shall be enjoyers of the sweet; God out of his mercy hath promised, and out of his truth will see performed, that they shall be sure to enjoy an ample and glorious reward. For when the thread of their days is spun, and their souls brought to a joyful catastrophe, then shall they inherit what here is promised a Crown of righteousness. Which makes them with S. Paul to conclude with this heavenly expression, I have fought etc.  
Which text I find expressed by two several Metaphors.  
The former drawn from Fighters, the latter from Runners.  
In the former is employed, 

1. The soldiers who are to fight, the faithful, intimated in the expression of S. Paul, I have fought.  
2. Their weapons, which though all be not expressed yet is the chief one mentioned, which is the shield of faith, I have kept the faith.  
3. Their valour, they are not faint-hearted but stand to their colours till they finish their course.  
4. The prize which they obtain by fight, and that is no less than a Crown of righteousness.    
In the latter is set forth, 

1. the runners, intimated in this particle I, the faithful.  
2ly. Their race, which is the true profession of the faith.  
3ly. Their round or continuance of it, they are neither fainting nor breathless, but go on stoutly till they have finished their course.    
Lastly, the reward they obtain by running, which is encouragement enough for their constancy, a Crown of righteousness.  
All which particulars let us sum up into three main conclusions worthy our best consideration.  

1. Faithful men are military men.  
2. As they are military so they are mortal.  
3. If they fight courageously their endeavours shall not be frustrated but amply rewarded, they shall receive a Crown of righteousness.   
To begin with the first, faithful men are military men. Thus did the wrestling of Israel prefigure, which makes S. Paul ofttimes to give it in charge to stand fast like valiant soldiers, 
1. Cor. 16.13.  and quit ourselves like men and be strong. As the Israelites fought many a dreadful battle and encountered with the great Anakims before they could set foot in Canaan. So those which are the true Israel of God are still up in arms, and in danger of many a dreadful and doleful skirmish, whiles they are marching forwards towards that Canaan which is above. Hence not unfitly that saying of holy job may be applied in this place: The life of man is a warfare upon earth. Put the case there were a man that had some great reward proposed unto him, but with this condition: That first he must subdue some tyrants, overthrow some monster, or vanquish some huge and hideous Giant. As we read of Theseus, and as the Poets do relate of Hercules, could not these otherwise be attained unto, then by some conflict or bloody combat. Mutato nomine de te fabula narratur. Change but the name, this is true of every faithful christian. God in heaven hath proposed a reward to him though resident upon earth, in attaining whereunto he hath most puissant and powerful enemies to encounter with, most direful and dreadful monsters which are up in arms and daily add battle to him. So tyrannical are they, that without intermission they labour to captivate him, and bring him from blessed freedom to slavish & hellish thraldom. The champions in which combat we meet with, are chief these three. The flesh, the world, the devil, which have entered into league and joined their forces together that like a threefold cord they cannot easily be broken. The flesh like an inbred and domestickenimy is always swelling, and rebellious against the spirit; striving and struggling for sovereignty and superiority. This great Goliath doth still bid battle to little David. Always fight against the spirit, and never failing to oppose it as appears by the words of S. 
Gal. 5.17.  Paul. Gal. 5.17. The flesh lusteth against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other. the truth hereof the Apostle finding daily by experience in himself breaks forth into this pathetical Epiphonema. O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death. In subdueing whereof there is so much the harder fight, by how much the more danger it is to encounter with a familiar, than an open enemy. The world doth challenge a christian into the open field, sometime by violence as by crosses and persecution, by open actions and evil speeches: and sometimes by deceitful policies, judas like pretending kisses when she propounds destruction; under her alluring pleasures she shrouds her deadly poison. Like another Eve always egging, like another Dalilah always tempting, and by her Siren sweet notes of profits, and of pleasures, labours to drown the soul in the full sea of perdition. The devil is no less ready to assay and assault him; 
1. Pet. 5.8.  For he goes about (as S. Peter speaks) like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour. 
Luke 4.13.  Who as he would not suffer our Saviour to be at rest, but did set upon him the 1, 2, and 3. time. No more will he permit those, who are members of that body whereof Christ is the head, who are branches of that vine whereof Christ is the root, who are sheep of that sheepfold whereof Christ is the shepherd; in a word, who are subjects of that kingdom whereof Christ jesus is the king to be in quiet; but rather than he shall be free from encounters; Proteus-like, he will by changing himself into many shapes, and turning himself into an Angel of light, give them cause continually to look and to lay about them. As Christ was, so must we be in this world. No sooner was he consecrated by his solemn Baptism to the work of a Mediator, but presently was assaulted by the tempter. And no sooner doth any one give up his name to Christ and break forth out of that hellish power under which He was kept; but forthwith Pharaoh and his hosts, Satan and his confederates pursue him with deadly fury, and pour forth floods of malice and rage against him. 
Nunquam bella boni● nunquam dissidia cessant. Et quae cum certet mens pia semper habet. Prosper.  Hell and death are at truce with wicked men; there is a covenant and an agreement betwixt them, Satan holds his possession in peace; but when a stronger than he cometh and overcommeth: from that time there is implacable venom and hostility against such a soul. The power and policy of that grand enemy the devil, the lusts and vanity, the frowns and flattery of this sinful world: in a word, the affections, inclinations, and deceits of our fleshly hearts, will ever ply the soul of a christian and force it to perpetual combats. It was not therefore without good cause that S. 
Eph. 6.10.  Paul Ephes. 6.10. did classicum canere strike up an Alarm unto his battle, wishing the Ephesians and in them all the faithful, to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, to put on the whole armour of God, to gird our loins with verity, to have on the breastplate of righteousness, to be shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, to take up the shield of faith the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit which is the word of God. Thereby plainly giving us to understand that a christian is still in danger, ready to enter into lists and to descend into the combat.  
Use 1. The consideration whereof may serve in the 1. place to discountenance that fond conceit of wicked men: who think it an easy matter to be a sound and faithful christian. They lie down in their beds of Ivory, they drink wine in bowls, they eat of the lambs of the flock and the calves of the stall (as the scripture speaks) they suffer themselves to be lulled in the lap, and muzzled in the bosom of all carnal delights, without any striving or struggling against these professed enemies of God and goodness. Nay by rushling into uncleanness, and laying of the reins lose into all manner of profaneness: they give plain evividence both to God and man, that they have entered pay, are reckoned amongst the soldiers, and fight under the banner of sin and Satan. And yet notwithstanding they are as good christians and as sound professors as the best. But alas! alas! these men put themselves into a fool's paradise, they are not as they think they are, for than they would not be at league with sin, but in arms against it. Nay on the contrary they rather show themselves, to become true traitors, to God and to themselves, who in the midst of such grand-enemies, (as the flesh, the world, and the devil) have such peace without contending, such truce without opposing so quiet and calm a league without all manner of resistance. Marvel not then ye monsters of sin though sometimes ye see poor christians look with a sad countenance, or sorrowful carriage. It is not an easy task to give Satan the foil: his darts are fiery consumeing the spirits. How is it possible on a sudden to make havoc of a man's natural corruption? or to destroy that life of sin which for so long continuance hath had being in our souls? Delude not then yourselves any longer in crying peace, for you see christians are fighters. And they that will be warriors in Christ's camp, shall have dreadful dreams, fearful visions, troubles without, terrors within, and now and then the Arrows of the Almighty to stick into and drink up their spirits. Acquaint thyself with job, demand of David what wounds they received in this warfare, and what it is to be a faithful soldier, such can tell thee. Yet if thou wouldst know by experience, leave off thy wicked associates, change the course of thy lewd life, and fight the battailer of thy God, and then thou shalt find thy thoughts to be many; thy heart heavy, thy grief great and thy fear terrible.  
Use. 2. This may serve in the second place to comfort the godly who have bicker with the flesh, skirmishes with the world, and always war with the devil: yea the very bitterness of assaults encountering with them let them not be daunted or dismayed; for this is no other thing then that which is incident unto the profession of those that fight under the colours of Christ. Doth the flesh entice thee, the world allure thee, the devil tempt thee, yea & his instruments molest thee. Let this then refresh thee that it is no other evil than which did befall the dearest of God's children. The case is common with them. For when the strong man keeps the house all is at peace at home, but go about to dispossess him then will he rage's and tear. If Nehemiah gins to repair the walls of jerusalem, Sanballet shall oppose him; Paul to preach the Gospel, his own countrymen will persecute him. Satan when his kingdom shakes will rouse up himself, arm all his Agents to act their parts lest Babel be confounded and overturned. Let not these things seem strange to thee, for no combat, no christian. When the devil doth assault thee, the body of corruption lies heavy upon thee, and death with his many Ghostly forms terrifies thee, then conclude thou either art or shalt be a right resolute heavenly warrior: For these are foes to all them that fight for the Lord or the land of life.  
Use. 3. Seeing that faithful men are military men; let us then in the last place labour to stand upon our guard: like traine-souldiers let our armour be always in readiness; for the place wherein we are (which is the Church) is militant, our calling Military, not one minute can plead a privilege from an encounter. If the case were thus with our bodies that we were still in danger to be set upon by our enemy, and knew not when he would fall upon us we would be careful to be well provided. Thus is it with our souls; and therefore by how much the more excellent the one is then the other, & by how much the more puissant and powerful the spiritual enemy is then the corporal, by so much the higher it concern us to stand upon our guard. Now that we may quit ourselves like heavenly warriors; let us have these four weapons always in readiness.  
First knowledge; this is like unto Sampsons' eyes who for the want of them could not find the pillars of the house: no more can we the principles of faith unless knowledge guide us. For without this we'll oft foil our friends, when we should wound our foes, and range beyond our ranks, when we should keep within our files. Thus it was with Paul before he did receive Christ's press-money, through ignorance he made havoc of the Church of God, and Peter on the same ground did promise what he was not able to perform. Without knowledge the mind is not good, and blind men are not fit to fight, except under the Prince of darkness, and therefore we must labour in the first place to be armed with knowledge.  
2ly Courage, what heroical spirit hath that man need to have who is to wrestle with principalities and powers, with an heavy burden of sin and strong body of corruption, he had not need to be a puling babe, affrighted with the power of his adversaries. But as little David was not dismayed either at the threats of his enemy that great Giant at Gath, or the greatness of his looks, or the strength of his hands, but did with the greatest valour overcome him, so must we do, arm ourselves against Satan's forces not flying back when he seeks to assault us, but meet him most stoutly, opposing courageously both his power and policy, until we have won the victory, who otherwise would have prevailed had we not been armed with courage.  
3ly. Love; This weapon will stir up our spirits, and add life unto all our actions, when we ourselves grow feeble and weak; the Apostle tells us it is of a lasting nature, that when all other weapons fail, yet this will endure. Let Satan be enraged never so much against us, and raise up his instruments to molest and hurt us; yet love will make us stand to our ground, resist unto blood. And though death itself surprise us as the strongest dart, yet love to our captain the Lord jesus hath taken away her sting, so that our enemies cannot mortally wound us: they may only bruise us in the heel they shall never break our heads, nor give us a deadly stroke.  
4ly. Power; The Prophet David being an old soldier prays for it. Psalm. 51.2. S. Paul a worthy warrior often commends it. Eph. 6.10. A christian should be like that Leviathan job speaks of, 
job. 4●.  his heart firm as stone, his bones as brass, he accounts Iron as straw, and esteemeth steel as stubble, no arrow can make him flee, nor spear turn him from the battle. Want of power makes us a prey to our enemies: and then we are most in danger to lose the field when we are not able to fight; Let us be armed therefore with power. He that hath knowledge without power is like a soldier that hath his eyes but wants his arms. He that hath knowledge, and power, is like a soldier that hath his eyes and arms but without courage wants his heart. He that hath knowledge, power, and courage, is like a soldier, that hath his eyes, his arms, his heart; yet without love he lacks his limbs. For power can war, but without courage dares not; power, courage can, and dare, but without love will not; power, courage, love, can, dare, and will, yet if knowledge direct not, there will be no good event in the combat. Wherefore get knowledge that will direct thee, get courage that will embolden thee, get love that will constrain thee, get power that will enable thee. For he that wants any of these shall never be crowned, except with shame and endless confusion. Arm then thyself with these be valiant till thou be'st victorious, so that in the conclusion of thy days thou mayst confess here with S. Paul I have fought a good fight etc.  
And so I have done with man's Military condition wherein you have seen how he becomes a fighter. I am now to speak of the last act or part which he plays on the stage of this world. The finishing of his course. Hence I collected that.  
Doct. 2d. As his condition is military so is it mortal.  
God puts an end to all his encounters; so that his life is nothing else but a marching to death. As soon as we be borne we begin to draw to an end, as if the whole scope of our desires were to hasten to the grave. The clearest day is covered by the clouds of the night, the longest sentence must have its period, and there is no life on earth but hath its death. As if death were the mark which the vanity of humane endeavours runs at. All men, yea all inferior things are freed by an end. And as the Philosopher answered the news of his son's death; Scio me genuisse mortalem, I have gotten a man that is mortal. So God the Father may say of every man living, Scio me creâsse mortalem. I have made man that hath made himself mortal. 
Per nativitatem vivet in carne, per juventutem candescit in flore, per mortem aret in pulvere. Greg.  Hence is that saying of an ancient setting forth man's frail estate, By birth a man is borne green in his flesh, by youth he is white in his blossom, by death he is withered in the dust. It is a law enacted by the king of heaven; Statutum est omnibus semelmori. It is appointed for all once to die. It is appointed, and that by him whose decrees are like those of the Medes and Persians which cannot be altered. Death like the fisherman encloses all kind of fish in his net, old and young, good and bad, small and great. All is catched by death. Which thing the Poets insinuate in the fable of Death, and Cupid who lodging at a time both in one Inn interchanged each others arrows, and so from that time to this it comes to pass that old men dote and young men die. If they that have brought us into the world are gone out of it before us, we may conclude our own following. There is not one in the whole cluster of mankind but eodem modo & nodo vinctus & victus, is liable to the common and equal law of death. Man's body so well as Ice expounds that riddle. The mother begets the daughter. Dust begets the body, 
Gignit filia matrem.  and the body begets dust. Our life is like a game at chess wherein men supply different places, one is a king, another a Queen, another a Bishop, another a Knight, another a pawn, but when the game is ended, and they shuffled into one bag all is alike. So death makes no distinction betwixt Prince and people, Sovereign and subjects, the robes of the one so well as the rags of the other shall not escape her ruin. When Alcibiades brags of his lands Socrates reaches him a Map, bids him demonstrate where they lie. Alas he could not find, nor scarce discern Athens itself, it was so small a point in respect of the world. 
Ecce vix totam Hercules implerit urnam.  The dust of mighty Hercules can scarce fill a pitcher. The Philosopher said of Alexander, yesterday the world did not content him, now ten cubits can contain him. It's worthy our consideration that had we as much land as ever the devil shown Christ, yet we can call no more ours but the grave. This is the estate of the best that when they have devoured the most delicate creatures, the worms shall devour them. A fat corpse is but a fat supper for the worms. It is neither birth nor bravery, riches nor royalty, that can stop us from finishing of our course or running of our race until all be concluded by death.  
Use 1. Seeing we are mortal, let this then instruct us to reflect upon ourselves. It is the folly of miserable man to be too much unmindful of the day of death. And indeed the fashion of secure wretches when they have been forgetful of any thing to say they thought no more of it then of the day of their death. Intimating hereby however they think of other things, yet the thoughts of death are fare from them. These are not apprehensive of their common condition, hence unawares they are supprized and sent packing to hell in the midst of their wretched security. Oh consider this you that are unmindful of your end, putting far from you the evil day the time of your dissolution. Remember that as the tree falls so it lies, as death leaves thee so shall judgement find thee. As thou sowest here so thou must reap hereafter. If thou hast been a swearer, a curser, a profane wretch; look for such a crop as this seed will bring forth, which without repentance is no less than everlasting horror with devils and damned spirits in a lake that burns with fire and brimstone. Be then counselled forthwith to be mindful of thy end. And for thy better proceeding consider these motives.  
1. The uncertainty of it; 
Nil certius morte, horâ mortis nihil incertius.  we see by daily experience though strong bodies may perhaps hold out many fits unexpectedly they are forced to yield to the necessity of nature. Our bodies are made of elements, weak and fluid principles; and therefore sooner resolve to their first materials. Do we not see that though some be suffered like ripe fruit to remain on the tree till the fall, to live till they be old; yet how many be cudgeled from the tree, snatched away by death in the very prime of their days. Was not Herod wounded deadly in the midst of his pomp and pride by this messenger. Surely had he then been a painting of himself as many of our Ladies do, death would soon have spoilt all his colours. How soon did that covetous muck worm in the Gospel? 
Luke 12, 10.  that thought by his wealth to purchase heaven on earth, hear that sad knell ringing in his ears; this night shall thy soul be taken from thee. His day of pleasure is ended, and the night of everlasting sorrow supprizes him. 
Extremum gau●ij luctus occupat.  Vexation treads on the heels of vanity. That when pleasure like the sun hath run her course she sets (unawares) ofttimes in a dismal night of pain. Let the uncertainty therefore of our ends cause us to be prepared for them. We know not how soon the great judge will appear in the clouds to call us to a reckoning, let us take heed of being found wrapped in a cloud of dark ignorance and blind security. We must know that cloud will dissolve ours, and lay us open with our sins to the view of men and Angels. Let us be careful to make all now even with God. And as Alcibiades told Pericles when he was troubled with studying how to give his accounts, that if he would be ruled by him he should rather study how to give no account at all. So say I, let thy whole endeavour be now employed in advancing the honour of thy God, that hereafter he cannot call thee to an account, because here thou hast his acquaintance given thee which will fully satisfy his demands hereafter.  
2ly. The hazard and danger we are liable unto in being unmindful of death; Which is no less then to be tumbled into eternity of torment, 
A quolibet monento pendet aeternitas.  with devils and damned reprobates. For upon every moment of time depends eternity, either our everlasting woe, or everlasting welfare; and if we should be swept away before we thought on our ends, what horror and vengeance would surprise us. Yea we should then undergo both the punishment of loss, and sense, and be banished from the glorious presence of our gracious God, and cast into unquenchable fire; there to feel nothing but continual cruelty exercised both against body and soul, by malicious devils without the smallest intermission or ease. As therefore we tender the good of our souls, so let the danger we are liable to by being unmindful of our mortality prevail with us to prepare for our latter end.  
3ly. The happiness we shall enjoy in being mindful of our mortality; we shall hereby become to be placed in the highest honour, even to set with Kings and Princes, to live in the largest kingdom, even the kingdom of heaven, to inherit the durablest riches where neither moth nor rust can corrupt nor thiefs break thorough nor steal. when once we arrive here we shall hunger no more, nor thirst no more; neither grief nor sorrow shall possess our souls, but all tears shall be wiped from our eyes, all fears taken from our hearts; and nothing but joy and peace, but love and goodness shall encompass us, and that not for a day, or an hour, or an year, but for eternity. The sense of this happiness shall never have an end. But after that we have finished our course and kept the faith, we shall be crowned with righteousness which is the ample reward of our holy endeavours. And brings me now briefly to the last conclusion namely  
Doct. 3d. That if we sight courageously our endeavours shall not be frustrated. God will give us a crown of righteousness.  
In the services of men it ofttimes falls out that many for the good endeavours and careful employments in their master's businesses are so fare from being rewarded according to their demerits as that they are not regarded by them. They fish fair but in the end catch nothing worth acceptance; they have their labour for their pains. But it is not thus in the service of God, he is so far from not regarding his servants as that he doth most liberally extend his hands of bounty towards them fare beyond, shall I say their deserts? (I know they have none at all; their well-doing extend not to him, 
Psal. 16.  as David speaks, do what they can, they are unprofitable servants) but fare beyond their desires, for such things which neither eye hath seen, nor ear heard, neither can it enter into man's heart to conceive what God hath prepared for them that fear him▪ which point is both pregnantly and clearly proved in scripture. The tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God is promised to Ephesus. To eat the Mannah that is hid, and a white stone, and in that white stone a new name written in it which no man knoweth save him that receiveth it, is promised to Pergamus. Power over nations is promise dto Thyatira. while Arras is promised to Sardis, to be a pillar in the Temple of God is promised to Philadelphia if they remain constant in their profession. And if Smirna be faithful unto death she shall be sure to have a crown of life. As joseph said of Pharoah's dreams, both Pharoah's dreams are one. So it may be said of these promises they are one, pointing out unto us one and the same thing, the ample and gracious goodness of God both in respecting and rewarding the painful labours of his children. A parallel hereof is that of Solomon Prov. 11.18. The wicked works a deceitful work, but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward. Hence this came to be a concluded point and out of question in S. Paul's divinity. That when the sun of his life was at the point of setting, he doth upon consideration hereof comfort himself in this chapter: yea when he was ready to be offered (as he speaks) and the time of his departing drew nigh at hand; This was his Swanlike song, I have fought a good fight I have finished my course. etc.  
Use. 1. This may serve in the first place to comfort the faithful, and courage them in all their proceed, who endeavour to fear the Lord in all sincerity and truth. They may from hence collect unspeakable comfort to themselves, there is not one prayer they make, not one chapter they read, not one Sermon they hear, but sets them forward for heaven, and enlarges their future happiness. What should more comfort them then to enjoy a crown; to which they being as heirs must needs transport their thoughts beyond all admiration. It is reputed among men no small honour to be called to the royal race any way, either by consanguinity, or affinity. Hence is that of David 1. Sam. 18.23. seemeth it to you a light thing to be a King's son in law. How much more than should it comfort the faithful, that they are of a kingly race and a royal kindred. God himself who is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, he is their father and they his sons, and so are thereby become heirs to this crown of righteousness which S. Paul here speaks of. Comfort then yourselves ye beloved of the Lord, let nothing daunt or dismay you, neither the forces of the world, nor the frowns of the wicked, the policy of the devil, or the fear of death; but know that if you sight valiantly and keep the faith, there is comfort enough to recompense all your labours in this crown of righteousness.  
Use. 2d. Let this then exhort us not to be weary in well-doing, but with that good woman of Canaan cry and continue in crying, be steadfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, seeing your reward is so great if ye continue to the end. Be not like him who in his devotions was wont to say the first day Gloria patri, the second filio, the third spiritui sancto. Doubling over his Orisons, and no whit further he was at the years end then at the beginning; but labour to go forward in the ways of obedience. If here you faint your loss will prove great, for you lose no less than a crown. Which is not a voluptuous crown of Roses as wisdom speaks, nor a crown of pride to which a woe belongeth, as Esay. 28. Nor such a crown which is set upon the heads of Dragons and beasts in the Revelation, and so Corona vitiosa ruinosa as one speaks, nor yet as the Poet's crowns of Laurel and Ivy little better than weeds which wrapped about Ionah's head, trash of no value. And as our Saviour said that his kingdom was not of this world, so these crowns are none of his crowns, but a crown where death hath no claim, a crown where danger is not incident, a crown not encompassed with crosses, but a crown enriched with everlasting comforts. O labour then to fight valiantly for it, be not faint-hearted.  
In gideon's army all faint-hearted soldiers were commanded to stay at home. No cowards shall ever obtain this crown. It is a strange thing to consider how inconstant christians are in seeking this crown of righteousness, some are of many minds, many moods, now forward, then backward, full of motions and commotions, ebbing and flowing like Euripus seven times a day. Some are neither forward nor backward neither ebb nor flow like Mare mortuum, but are betwixt the religious and irreligious just standing water. But these like cowards go back, fall off in the day of battle. I mean at the day of death when Satan doth double his forces. As the king of Assyria charged his captains to fight neither with small nor great save only with the King of Israel. 
1. Kings. 22.  So the Prince of darkness commands the leader of his troops, and those that stand at the head of his company, his master-temptations not so fight against any virtue small or great; but continuance in goodness quam solùm novit coronari. Upon whose head he knows the crown must fall. Then he bestirs himself not only because he knows his own time is but short: but because he perceives ours to be so. Therefore he doubles his forcss as if he still means to make the last conflict the sorest, resolving to set all at the stake and either now to win or sit down with loss and despair. Oh how should we now labour then to procure a true faith; and having got it to keep it: that so our common enemy may not beat off our constancy in fight under his colours who in the end will surely crown us. We know eternal life is not given to all, for than we would all presume; nor to none, for than we would despair. But vincenti dabitur, to him that overcometh, he that fighteth the good fight of faith, as S. Paul did in the text: and as our gracious sister this renowned Gentlewoman hath done: whom you now see to have finished her course, and whom as hereafter I shall declare hath kept the faith. Let this then teach thee to be valiant unto the last minute. The eye of the captain the Lord jesus is upon thee if thou faint to cheer thee, if thou fight to second thee, if thou conquer to crown the, as he did S. Paul in the text who being confident of the same did thus conclude with himself, I have fought etc. And so I am come from the text to the occasion.  
The death of man in general is able to make our sorrows run, what pity is it, that he that even now was Monarch of the air, to breathe where he listed, should suddenly have his lungs stopped with dust, and be locked up well-nigh for ever in the breathless earth. That he that kept the best company with men, should forthwith have no better companions than worms. Certainly if we could blow up this powder into our heads it might awake our souls from sleeping in security; especially if we take up this consideration withal; that the same death that slew our worthy sister here may next tread upon our own heels.  
But above all things me thinks this should prevail most with us, the death of the faithful Saints of God. Which as it is precious in God's eyes so the more pitiful for us to behold. When an ordinary person breaks rank and dies there falls a vapour, but when a godly person dies there falls a stare. When the Israelites shook of Egypt and departed, they robbed the Egyptians; and when a good person shakes of the world she robs the world. Such was the death of this thrice worthy and ever renowned gentlewoman, whom death too soon for us, though too late for herself hath with an Habeas corpus removed into another world. I know it is an usual custom upon such solemn occafions as this, to receive the worth of such persons as we know both in life and death to be truly commendable. And to warrant our actions, we have God's word to second us; who as he would have the name of the wicked to rot, so he would have that the memorial of the righteous should remain for ever. On which ground I am the more bold to blaze her worth, the commemoration whereof as it is profitable to posterity, so is it likewise acceptable and pleasing to God, who in the fame of his Saints is chief honoured as the sole Author of every good and perfect gift. 
I●m. 1.17.  Their lives are as lines by which we may lead our own. 
Polyb. hist. lib. 1.  And as Polybius wisely observeth; there is not a more expedite way to instruct us and to stir us up unto a good life, then by observing the sincere piety of faithful persons whom the Almighty hath been pleased to gather to himself. 
 qui praeceptis non accendimur saltem exemplis incitemur. Greg Mor. l. 9 cap. 3.  We are not easily moved by precepts, examples are more prevalent, practise having proved that facile in performance, which to our sluggish dispositions, by precept only, seemed very difficult. therefore,  
That God may have praise and we reap the profit of an excellent pattern, I shall adventure as well as I can to show forth Her honour whom I know to be every way truly honourable. But before I make my words good, let your belief go along with me to remove all prejudicial conceits. For I do sincerely confess, I shall not out of private affection prejudice the truth. For though Her memory be dear to me (as the relics of our loving friend are wont to be,) yet truth must still be dearer, 
1. Cor. 13.6.  and love itself rejoiceth in the truth. Let others if they please imitate bad lawyers, who for their fees will plead and commend any cause. For my own part, my conscience is not of so large a size, neither will I extend it further than her worth and goodness shall bind me.  
We will begin therefore in the first place from whence she took her beginning, at her birth and pedigree. She was cut out of no mean quarry. It was a custom amongst the Indians, says Phylostratus, after the death of any worthy person to inscribe his acts upon the doors of his house for the ennobling of his issue. So it was ever esteemed no mean blessing to be well descended. And surely if I should take upon me here the part of an Herald, & in imitation of them write upon the doors of her house her descent both by father and mother, I could easily derive her (as you know better than my self) descending from Honourable, Right Honourable, and truly noble blood. But what is greatness without grace, or honour without goodness, but as the Cabinet which wants the jewel; or the Casket that is empty of gold. It is the greatest infamy to be like unto hills, the higher the barrener; when we should be as Diamonds, the bigger, the better. But such was not this virtuous gentlewoman I may say of her truly in the words of the Apostle, she was fruitful in good works. These shined in her devout soul like heaps of Diamonds in rings of gold: being the Characters of true nobility did declare to the world her descent from the royalest blood, the great King of heaven. It is Godliness that makes us truly great, and though we be never so much honoured amongst men on earth, yet if we be not Gods favourites we die in infamy, and our very names shall rot. But enough of her birth which we all know was honourable.  
Let us come in the next place to her life, she had (as we all now have) A course to finish, but this is her happiness, her journey is at an end, our misery, we are still a travailing towards it. She hath that in fruition which we only yet hope for, even this crown of righteousness in the text. Now if the world inquire how she hath got it, or the way she took to obtain it. I answer in the words of S. Paul, by fight a good fight and keeping the faith. She was a right constant heavenly warrior, that at the conclusion of her days, not three hours before that last one of her death, I found her to have her weapons in readiness. Knowledge, Courage, Love, and Power.  
First Knowledge, which by continual practice from daily reading of the word she had procured. She did not like Martha▪ encumber herself with worldly business, but with Mary, did choose the better part. And this did her daily practice declare, whose constant course was four times in the day to set herself a part for the service of her God. So that I may say of her, as it is spoken of devout S. Hierome, she lived every day as her last day. And thus labouring to increase in knowledge she did attain to no small measure of it; for a little before her death when I began to tell her of Satan's wiles to beat us off from being confident of God's favour when we were in the weakest state to resist him: with much confidence she returns me answer in that comfortable expression of S. Paul's, Rom. 8. I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, 
Rom. 8.38.39  nor principalities nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thus word for word as strong as she was able a little before her dissolution expressed herself. Neither was this persuasion grounded on a general knowledge which is a common gift, but on a practical, experimental, and saving knowledge, which none are enriched with but such for whom God hath laid up a crown of righteousness. There are indeed a generation of men and women that pretend much knowledge, but in her it was real, not in pretence. She was none of those talking Ladies, whose Religion appears only in the tongue. But she was more for good works than words. Much like unto that worthy woman the mother of S. Greg: Nazianzen of whom it is said, that had she an Ocean of wealth she would have emptied it all into the bellies of the poor. So I may say of this virtuous Gentlewoman, there was an Ocean of pity enclosed within the compass of her heart, and when any poor neighbour stood in need of her bounty, she gave most liberally to them. And all this did arise from her knowledge, who knowing that the smallest relief given to the distressed members of Christ, should not pass unrewarded at the last day.  
2ly. As she did abound in knowledge, so with Courage, for though death, which to nature and sense is said to be the most terrible of terribles, yet the thought of it did not any way daunt her spirits. She could with boldness look death in the face, which when she was put in mind of the approaching hour, thus heavenly expressed herself, that howsoever God was pleased to dispose of her, whether for life or death, like a courageous christian she concluded she should be the Lords. Resolving like job to undergo affliction patiently, and with S. Paul to suffer death willingly, if the Lord be so pleased or hath appointed it. Now would you know the reason of this courage? It was that holy practice of her life: whereby continual purging and embracing all gracious opportunities of hearing the word preached, she did so daily renew her covenant with her God, as that hereby the sting of death being taken away it could not any way affright her. A rare pattern for the greatest Ladies to follow, whose life if they did but seriously consider, would confine themselves more unto their closerts to meditate on God and goodness, than now they lose time in their chambers, in contriving of fashions and following the vanities of this sinful world. Oh remember you great ones of the world, that you are but dust, and you know not how soon you may be resolved to your first principle which is dust. Now if in the midst of your worldly pomp and honour you should see death appear unexpectedly, as Belthazar's hand-writing did on the wall, before you had made your peace with your God, how would it make your joints to tremble; how would it fill you with horror and amazement? especially to think that you have served no other God but your pleasures, you never sought after that which would have made you truly honourable. Surely if these serious thoughts could but possess your souls with this virtuous Gentlewoman, you would turn your times of playing into praying; and by making the word of God your delight, would endeavour (with this now glorious Saint,) to procure the assurance which at the finishing of your course would make you more than Conquerors through the Lord jesus Christ that loved us.  
3ly. She was armed with Love; in respect of which virtue I may say of her, as Solomon speaks of the good woman Prov. 31.2. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou surpassest them all. Her goodness in this particular was in the superlative degree before many others of her quality; which will amply appear in the several streams of affection which flowed from that fountain of love in her heart. For first if you will view it as it appeared towards her her husband, and so you shall find it stream forth in abundance. Being as most real so most discreet, hence in the whole course of their lives, so long as they lived together, they so loved that the smallest discontent was not found to prejudice each others affection. A rare precedent for most married women, who through their indiscretion it oftentimes falls out that small jars break forth into great quarrels, yea I had almost said to the separation of conjugal affection. Let such remember here is a wife worthy their imitation, who by the sweetness of her disposition, the amiableness of her person, the meaknesse of her behaviour, the resplendent virtues that she was adorned with, did so comply with her husband's disposition, that she may shine as a rare pattern to light others in the like way to practise. 2ly. if you will view her Love as it streamed forth towards God's ministers: and here it appeared very great. For of Her, herein I may truly say with S. Paul, she did highly esteem of them for their works sake. She was none of those proud Ladies, that love to see God's Ministers stand at a distance from them; lest they melt the paint of their faces with the heat of reproof. But so meek and humble was she, and so willing to give care to heavenly instructions, that now she reaps the fruits of those celestial comforts which are conveyed unto the soul by the word of grace. 3ly. If you view Her Love as it ran forth to relieve the members of jesus Christ it here appears great also. She was in this particular like another Dorcas towards them, full of good works, feeding not only their bellies, but also clothing their backs, relieving them bountifully, maintaining them liberally. So that by Her love they were enabled to live of themselves, who before were not able to maintain their own charge. So abounding in good works was this woman, that though Her death be Her own greatest gain, yet to many objects of pity will prove the greatest loss. Lastly. I may not forget that stream of Love, which did most nobly supply the necessity of Her old servants. It's a thing little thought upon by many great persons, who out of conscience should consider, and provide for their old and faithful servants. We may not wonder to see young servingmen to become old beggars; when they meet with such unconscionable masters, who oftentimes instead of rewarding them will take occasion to cashier them; and well may they then beg, who are not able to work for themselves. But this virtuous person was never of this temper, but as ever, so especially at Her death did liberally provide for them. And gave them several Legacies to augment their stock they had gotten in Her service. Who as herein they shall have cause to remember Her Love, so especially God's goodness in placing them under so gracious a Mistress. Thus you see what an Ocean of Love possessed this virtuous foul. And as she was armed with Love, so in the last place with Power. God being infinitely gracious to her, in enabling Her to resist, yea overcome the enemies of Her salvation. Trampling the world underfoot, as unwilling or give any thoughts thereof the smallest entertainment.  
Her affections were placed according to the 〈◊〉 of the soul, only on things above. Though 〈◊〉 might labour to tempt and move Her to distrust 〈◊〉 thoughts, yet all was in vain. For God had 〈◊〉 enriched Her soul with the assurance of his favour that the gates of Hell could not prevail againe Her, so infinitely filled was Her divine soul w●●● heavenly ravishments, that whiles she was al● to speak, uttered nothing but celestial ejaculation 〈◊〉 and when she was deprived of that benefit, lifted 〈◊〉 Her hands, which were the Indices of Her con●●●●● praying; and thus having fought a good fight, and finished her course, kept the faith, she is now an 〈◊〉 tainer of that Crown of righteousness which S. 〈◊〉 here speaks of, which crown the Lord of his in●●nite mercy give us for his son our Saviour 〈◊〉 Christ his sake, by whom alone we are more 〈◊〉 conquerors. And to whom with the Father and the Eternal spirit; Three persons, one immortal and everliung God, be ascribed as is most due, all honour, and glory, power, praise, might, majesty, and dominion, now and for evermore AMEN.  
FINIS.