The Firebrand taken out of the Fire OR, The Wonderful History, Case, and Cure of M is DRAKE, sometimes the wife of Francis Drake of Esher in the County of Surrey Esq.  
Who was under the power and severe Discipline of Satan for the space of Ten years; and was redeemed from his Tyranny in a Wonderful manner a little before her Death, by the great mercy of God; and (instrumentally) by the Extraordinary pains, Prayers and Fasting, of four Reverend Divines, whose names are here subscribed, viz. 

B. Usher.  
D. Preston.  
M. Hooker.  
M. Dod.    
I saw Satan like Lightning fall from Heaven  Luke 10.18. 
London, Printed for Tho: Mathewes at the Cock in St. Paul's Churchyard. 1654.   

To the Christian Reader.  
THE tempests of a troubled mind, proceeding from an apprehension of God's wrath and indignation for Sin, and the turning away of his face in displeasure; as they are unutterable or beyond the skill of man to express: So they are un-sufferable and above the strength of man to bear. A wounded Spirit who can bear? Saith Solomon: The Question implies a negation. A wounded body (that is torn and mangled) some can bear, with a Spartan patience and Resolution: But for a wounded or crucified Spirit none ever could, or can bear; it is beyond the patience of Job or that of the Primitive Martyrs.  
For this wound is such that the Devils claw is always in, to prick it and gall it, and to give it scarce any respite of torment, or time to close and heal. The pain of the body is but the body of pain, but the grief of the Spirit, is the Spirit of grief: it is quick & subtle, and piercing like those Spirits and Extractions of Chemists. Satan is God's Beadle, or Master of his Correction-house; but his discipline is very sore and severe, beyond the rack or strappado, 
1 Kings 12.11. Judg. 8.16.  or the most exquisite torments of Sicilian Tyrants. Rehoboams Scorpions, and Cedeons Thornes and Briers, wherewith he instructed the men of Succoth, were but weak shadows of his Chastisement.  
When Satan hath thrown his fiery darts into the breast of apoor Caitiff, their venom soon drinks up his Spirits, and his life is bitterness, and he chooseth strangling rather then life. A sad example of his Truth is presented to thee (Christian Reader) in this ensuing story. At qui nil sperat, desperet nihil: Let none despair in his deepest extremities. God will (on a sudden) break forth like the Sun through the thick clouds of darkness and despair, and appear with healing in his wings, and show the light, not the night of his Countenance. Rememember his promise in Isay, and apply them to the wounded Soul; there is balsam in them For a small moment have I forsaken thee, 
Isay 54.7.8.  but with great mercies will I gather thee; in a little wrath I hide my face from thee, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee. This is most eminently verified in the subsequent Narration.  
When Satan had taken possession of this Tenement (If I may so speak) herein mentioned, he presumed to make it flrong enough, and to make good his hold against all pretenders: But these Servants of the high God having (by frequent importunitees) obtained their Master a Writ of Ejectment ●gainst this Usurper, did never cea●● till they had (by force and arms) dispossessed and un-roosted him. Praye● was the Artillery, and Fasting th● Helepolis or battering Engine to fon● this Enemy out of his strong holds.  
it is observable in the story, that whi●● this Intruder was Master and Governor of this Gentlewoman, her tongue uttered his Oracles, and was taught to speak nothing but what savoured the spirit that ruled in her. She wa● taught to deride, vilify and repro●● the grave Ministers (that came un● her) with all possible scorn and contempt: so that some were (in a manner bafsled off the stage. B●t these Vetera●● Soldiers of Christ, being, not ignorant of Satan's Depths and Device and nothing daunted with these ru●● affronts, 
2 Cor. 2.11.  did at last (by their honest stratagems and frequent batteries) reduce the place and subdue it to the obedience of Christ. And that Gentlewoman being now rid of her imperious Governor, and uncivil Tutor, and being brought to her right mind again, did humbly thank those whom she had formerly reproached, and blessed God for them who had bestowed so much pains in rescuing her from the paws of the Lion. 
1 Pet. 5.8.   
I look upon a great part of this Nation (at present) in the condition of this afflicted Gentlewoman, purely possessed and Captivated, by an unclean Spirit, which makes them some at the mouth, and to rave and rage's horribly against God's Ministers who endeavour their good. Heb. 13.17. But they hope (by God's blessing on their endeavour) notwithstanding all their affronts and discouragements to drive this Evil spirit (at last) out of them by the powerful exorcism of piety and prayer; and by their patience and perseverance in well doing, to tame these poor Lunatics, and charm their fierceness, an● bring them to their right temper an● frame of mind again: So that they sh●●● be reconciled to their suppos●● Enemies; crave pardon for their E●travagances, and give them hum●●● thanks for their patience, in beari●● with them in their transports & frenzy, and for their pains and endeavours, in turning them from darkness to light, 
Act. 26.18.  and from the power of Sat●● unto God.  
God who moulds the heart of m●● and turns it as the Rivers of water● can do this, and will surely bring it 〈◊〉 pass, when the jesuits design, who 〈◊〉 the ruin of this Church and Ministry shall be farther discovered.  
For we know that the hands of Joab with them in all these things.   

TRODDEN DOWN STRENGTH, OR, MRS DRAKE REVIVED.  
THE matchless rare Case, and in that kind unparallelled trouble of that sometime worthy Gentlewoman, Mrs joan Drake of famous memory, wife of Francis Drake late of Esher Esquire; with the glorious and strange conclusion the Lord made with her, (I believe the like never read nor heard of) was the cause of writing this ensuing discourse Whose Case and trouble of ten years' continuance being so rare and seldom met with; for that the Relation thereof might perhaps help some hardhearted mourning Creatures hereafter, to gather heart and strength, not to despair (how desperate soever their Case may seem either to themselves or others to be) I have therefore by God's help, and for the comfort of such, undertaken to set down here, for the glory of God, and confusion of Satan (her main strong enemy) her Case, and cause thereof, with the progress and issue of all, as briefly as possibly I could, to remain as a pertual monument whilst time lasts, of God's great goodness and infinite mercies even to the most hardhearted and miserable that may be. To the end, that as it was said by james of job and his Case, Behold the Patience of Job, and what end the Lord made; so it may likewise hereafrer be said of this good woman, Behold the hardness of heart, stiffness and stoutness of Mrs Drake for a long time rejecting all means in a long continuance, and what a comfortable end the Lord made with her. Wherefore it being a discourse full of wind and turn, fraught with many of Satan's subtleties and intricate multifarious tentatious, wherein Proteus like, he according unto the occasion, changed shapes, to have overthrown this good Gentlewoman; all the ends whereof cannot (because of the variety and strangeness) easily be knit together: I do entreat the Readers patience to bear with me, if sometimes I seem to lose myself, or be too tedious, or for want of memory and multiplicity of matter be enforced sometimes to bring Hysteron Proteron: But howsoever the business, if largely related, might fill up a very great volume, I intent only as I am able, to gather together some of the most special material things, knitting them as briefly as may be together; seeing by God's mercy I was made an unworthy Instrument of her recovery, and an eye-witnessing Actor in all her Tragicomedy: (Not daring but to erect this Trophy of eternal thankfulness for her) in imitation of former Worthies in their deliverances; I was enforced and durst not but thus vent the business of her rare Case, unto succeeding Posterity.  
First, we will show how she was set upon and assaulted in the night with fear and horror, with her foregoing disposition, character, and what forerunners ushered this her distemper which raised so great a storm.  
Secondly, By what strange means, and way, the Lord made the Relater an unworthy Instrument, to have compassion on her, and find her out, helping to furnish her with the Instrument and means of her recovery; and what entertainment she gave that means at his first coming unto her, and after, until the time that she revealed the Devil's counsel, was contented to live, and use the means having any hope to be saved.  
Thirdly, Her deportment and carriage from this fornamed time, until a little before her death.  
Fourthly, The preparation unto her death, with the strange manner how the Lord revealed himself unto her, before the same, the like never heard of.  
1. For the first, she was the daughter of that worthy Gentleman William Totle Esquire, one of the six Clerks of Chancery, his only Heir apparent, being likely to have enjoyed all his fortunes which were very great, according whereunto she had all the excellent breeding, which is usual, and befitted a Gentlewoman issued from such worthy Parents, whose too great indulgence towards her in her youth (by her own confession) occasioned so much sorrow unto her in her riper years, receiving then no correction at all.  
She was of a low well compacted stature, 
Her character.  of a lovely brown complexion, having a full nimble quick Sparrow-hawk eye, of a natural jovial constitution, accidentally melancholy, full of love, courtesy, mercy and meekness, affable in conversation, with a deep and nimble quick pleasant present wit, tenderhearted, free and bountiful, in nothing covetous but of grace: the freest alive from all hypocrisy, unless it were to belly herself, wearing her worst side outmost, being plain, true and tender open-hearted, modest, easily drawn with love and good words; but if opposed, stout, stern and inflexible, using the outward contentments of the times, yet in a very indifferent, modest, inoffensive way, resolute in her undertake, valuing even then real goodness where she saw it in any without hypocrisy, detesting shows without substance: though then she were not acquainted with the power of godliness, yet had she it in admiration, where she saw it shine forth, so as though sometimes in a little mirth, she would vex and jest with the supposed worse sort, who at good times came to her of her neighbours; yet those who were in her judgement right, she used thus fare to open herself unto her waiting woman touching them, in this strange presaging manner.  
Dost thou see these people, some of whom I do so jeer at and vex? of my conscience I shall one day 'ere I die, be one of them; for those of them who are right, are the only happy souls, which was a strange prediction of her (even then when she was so fare from, and contrary unto them) as afterwards it came to pass.  
God's providence, and her Parent's pleasure, 
'Cause of her melancholy.  appointed unto her a Match, but such a one (though he was a worthy fine Gentleman of good birth, parts and fortunes) yet whom at first she could not affect, so as she was married against her will (a great oversight in Parents) which first bred in her the foundation of those storms and tempests, which in time were in danger to have overthrown her. Wherein though she were obedient and dutiful unto her Parents; yet it stuck close unto her, though her strength of spirit and jovial temper endeavoured with all her strength to have shaken it off, outworn it, and by all means to have outfaced it, without semblance of discontent, by merry company and divers journeys (which usually divert melancholy thoughts) as though there had been no such matter. But grief being like unto fire, which though for a time smothered, yet could not long be concealed, her discontents did secretly work upon her a habit of sadness in midst of her mirth with her friends, as Solomon shows that even in laughter the heart may be sad.  

'Cause of her distemper.  About this time not long after her marriage she was brought to bed of a daughter (a dear daughter unto her) because in that delivery being much wronged by her Midwiffe, she was ever after troubled with fumes and scurvy vapours mounting up unto her head, which bred in her for the most part a continual headache, like unto a megrim, together with somewhat like unto a fire continually burning at her stomach, which no physic could remove, or was not God's pleasure it should; the which drew her towards a more constant constitution of sadness and distemper, though yet with her usual strength of spirit and cheerful disposition, she outfaced, as though all had been well. But a fire of discontent being kindled full of sad thoughts in her; which bred and increased all the time she lay in of her daughter; thus shortly after it fell out, That  
Her Father and Mother being very indulgent towards her in this Case, and both of them being with her, when at a time she was ill at her House at Esher in Surrey; her Mother to comfort and hearten her up, then lying one night with her; It came to pass that in the forepart of the night she fel● asleep, but not long after fell ou● into terrible shricks & outcries to this purpose, that she was undone, 
The first grand tempest she endured.  undone, she was damned, an● a cast away, and so of necessity mus● needs go to Hell, and therewith shook, dropped down with sweat, an● wept exceedingly: Wherewith he● good Mother Mrs Totle much troubled, being a very religious tenderhearted Gentlewoman, did give her many good and comfortable exhortations, to be quiet, to trust in God; not to believe illusions, telling her, that the Devil was a liar, and so fell a praying with her, 
A strange change.  she being in show well recovered and pacified. Which being passed, she fell asleep again, and wakened as full of extraordinary joys, as formerly she had been of terrors; rejoicing exceedingly, and then told her Mother, What a wonderful comfortable dream she had been in, and bow from an Angel she was assured of her salvation; that now all her former fears she saw were false, now she would doubt no more, being assured to go unto Heaven; and so prayed again with her Mother.  
Some hours after this she fell asleep again for an hour and more (as her Mother told the Relator) but at her awaking was now in a more fearful case then ever, 
The tempest gins roughly.  in a fearful trembling and sweat, shaking exceedingly and crying out, That now she was a forlorn creature, being assuredly damned, without hope of mercy, without all remedy, confident that she must needs go unto hell; with shricks and loud Cries, the bed shaking, yea, the whole chamber seeming 〈◊〉 rock and reel: Which breeding to her Mother, much fear, amazement and grief, in that it was no● past her skill to fasten upon h●● daughter any thing which might allay, comfort, or quiet her distemper she now was in. In which woeful posture she still continued notwithstanding all the comfort or persuasions vented either b● her Mother or any others; a●● which were in vain, there bein● joined with her, sadness and distemper, some outrage now an● then, abstinence from meat a●● much as might be; strange desperate speeches, unruly carriage, fa● from her former natural constitution: sometime slighting and laughing at all said unto her, they now not daring to trust her alone but to have her watched continually night and day by two Gentlewomen by turns, most of the bolts and locks being taken off in the rooms, lest Satan should have circumvented them. She in the mean time all this while living in much discontent, against her will, but that she was so watched and tended, that she could by no means hurt herself, never left alone, but overawed with Overseers who were jealous of her ruin. In this Case she with much ado was brought to eat, but sparingly, very musing and silent; but when she was by her Husband, Father or Mother, much urged to the contrary; who by their authority only prevailed much with her: now at length growing desperately hopeless, refusing all means, slighting and scorning to speak with any Ministers, all who came to her, she shaking them off, a● we see a great Mastiff to turn off many small Curs; laughing at them, and sending them away with much derision and discontent; which she of purpose delighted to do, so to discourage all of them, that they might have no mind to return again: So a● she wearied out all who came unto her, who left her as a creature hopeless of recovery. In which sad Posture, now in her own eyes and most of others, hopeless and helpless, being the astonishment of Husband, Father, Mother, and of all her friends; we will now for a while leave her unto he● keepers, to show in the next place, the second thing propounded; How strangely the Lord caused the Relater to be a means to find her out, bring one of a thousand unto her, and what strange entertainment she gave him at his first coming unto her, to declare unto her, both what her iniquity, and righteousness was.  
As by God's good Providence the Relater was one day at dinner in Isleworth, 
How God caused to find her out.  at the house of the Lady Scudamore, where the late worthy Minister Dr Burges the Elder than also was, whose help she had rejected. Amongst other discourses there interposed this also of Mrs Drakes great distemper, pitiful strange unusual Case, how desperate it was, and what a great work of mercy it would be to be a means any way to help her. It then being concluded by all, that if Mr john Dod of Ashby, could be entreated or won to take so much pains, under God he were the only fit person, with his so mild, meek and merciful spirit, do deal with hers, which was so out of tune and off hooks: upon whose prayers and pains, more good success might be expected, than any one they could then think of. This motion though for the time neglected, yet after a fortnight wrought so strongly, day and night upon the Relater, that he could have no rest until he had moved the business unto Mr Dod then in Town; who modestly put it off as a business beyond his strength and leisure to wait upon, yet being contented to see her and speak with her. Whereupon the Relater than wrote unto her Husband (a stranger unto him) to this purpose; that hearing of the strange Case and danger his wife now was in, out of mercy unto her, he had procured, the fittest man known to come to see her, and do his best to help her according to his ability, one Mr Dod Minister of Cannons-Ashby in Northamptonshire. He then after enquiring of Mr Dod, found such a general good report of him, that he suddenly came unto the Relaters chamber in the White-friar's, where Mr Dod at that time was, who acquainting himself with him, entreated his help and company to visit his wife, and so took us both along with him unto his house.  
But it is strange to hear what suttlety the Devil then used, 
A sudden device of Satan.  and uncouth entertainment he caused her then to give unto him: for, she being in the dining room above, having no knowledge of his coming (which was concealed from her) yet as we came near unto the door below, she suddenly fling up stairs unto the next chamber above, and shut herself in: Whereupon her Husband took the great iron fork in his hand, and run up after her, threatening to beat down the door, if she would not open it. Who seeing him resolute so to do, at length opened the door and let them in; her Husband then getting betwixt her and the door, they both kneeled, and Mr Dod (as his custom in great matters was) kneeled and went to prayer without speaking of one word unto her: at which time she stood and would not kneel, until the latter end of the same, when she also conformed herself, and kneeled with them. Prayer being done, Mr Dod said nothing unto her, but in her hearing uttered some speeches concerning her Case, unto her Husband, tending unto her comfort and encouragement for her to make use off: and so did both before and at dinner, expecting from her some speeches to have given some pertinent occasion for further discourse with her, which she at that time omitting, he supplied with other seasonable discourses for her good, touching his experiences in the like kind, of the Devils subtleties and the danger of keeping his council, with the advantages accrueing unto him thereby; whereunto she partiently attended. Dinner being done, he being asked in his chamber at her house (where he now was persuaded to lodge) what he thought of the business? made this gracious hopeful Reply; very well, because the Devil was afraid, run away, and durst not stand to it.  
That night after she was a bed, 
She seems to neglect and depise prayer.  he was brought in by her husband to pray by her; but she seemed although she would not hear, hid herself over head and ears in the bed: not withstanding which he went on constantly in his determination unto the end thereof. The next day at his coming, he set in to speak with her; at which time she replied nimbly and strongly, using to purpose all, or much of the Devil's rhetoric taught her against herself; yea, and alleged many Scriptures, 
Strange.  which she had never read, but only as tumbling and tossing over the Bible (as her custom was) to find places against herself, she had hit upon many; which by her nimbleness and strength of wit and Satan's help, she had learned to wrest, and press hard against herself. 
A sad sore and woeful condition for the time.  But in all her discourses with him, the upshot of all still was, That she was a damned Reprobate, must needs go unto Hell to live for ever; that her heart was harder than an Adamant or Anvil, that God had forsaken her, and given her over unto a reprobate sense, her hard heart could not repent, and that in all her actions she but heaped up wrath against the day of wrath to her further condemnation; and that in that she could not grieve, nor be sorrowful for that woeful estate she was now in, this show the desperateness theoreof; that it was in vain, and too late for her to use any means: and therefore, that she would use none, nor ever go to Church again. That it was needless, fruitless and in vain, for him or any body else to lose their time or labour any more with her or her occasions, the Decree of her rejection and damnation being past and irrevocable: And therefore, all her comfort and portion being in this Life, she was resolved to spend the remainder of her time in all jolling and merriment, denying herself of no worldly comforts; and therefore, wished him to let her alone, for it was impossible for him to do her any good, nor she would not either be ruled or advised by him; with a great deal of the like scurvy rotten stuff, and that she was quite destitute of all natural affection unto Husband and, Father, Mother, Children, and every body else, having in brief no love either to, God or man; and therefore persuaded him to leave her, not to pray for her, nor come any more at her.  
Here was a sad discourse, with heavy accusations against herself, had all been true; but the Devil being a liar, and the Father of lies, made her thus fiercely and unjustly accuse and charge herself in such rigour: for even then she feared Hell fire, quaking sometimes, and trembling at it, venting herself unto her friends in private, and weeping bitterly, she used to say, O do not ye pity me, who must go to live in Hell torments for ever? Besides, 
A strange hypocrisy unusual.  even than she was pitiful and merciful unto others, but in secret so hid and clokt with words and shows of the contrary, that it was treason against her for any she entrusted, to bewray any part or parcel of her goodness; because she would gladly have been thought past hope, and praying for, which made her earnestly to beg of every one not to pray for her, it being that the Devil aimed at, that she might past hope, 
A new invention of Satan.  finally despair. For, so two years together, by her good will she would not be pray●● for, using many times at her Mother's usual time of Prayer to sen● suddenly for her, of purpose to interrupt her, who if she came not presently, as sent for; when she came, ask her pleasure, she use to reply, now I have nothing t● say unto you, for you have bee● at your Matins. But to return t● Mr Dods progress with her; I● was yet none at all, she remaine● still the same, seemed not to hear or regard his speeches and words spoken; would laugh and jest at a●● he said in derision: In her thought● likening him unto Ananias, one whom at a play in the Blackfriars she saw scoffed at, for a holy brother of Amsterdam; and when he would look pitifully upon her and reprove her for such strange carriages and speeches, telling her what a shameful thing it was, so to laugh and jest at heavenly things; she usually Replied, Why then, seeing you see what a wicked creature I am, why do you trouble yourself any more with me?  
Divers fasts were kept for her in private, 
Another of his subtle devices.  the next Chamber above hers, both then and divers times after, in midst whereof the Devil so made her restless, that she would come up to the door, disturb them, of purpose, and make them believe that if they disisted not, she would throw herself down stairs headlong. Yea once she being a bed, and he at prayer, she to make him leave off, took a bedstaff, and threatened to knock him on the head, but did not. All these and many more tricks the Devil used, still upon occasion to serve his turn, changing his weapons, so as scarcely could it be known at what ward to find him long: so to show his malice, did he change his posture and weapons.  
Now she would toughly dispute the business, 
She holds fast her doleful conclusions.  but all to no● purpose, she retaining those devilish conclusions fastened in her still So that Mr Dod wearied out thus having stayed a Month with he departed home, stayed away Month and returned again, doing thus three or four times together: yet found no amendment but still the same arguments stiffly maintained over and over again a hundred times together without any good (in show) effect upon her, who could not in two years' time he won or persuaded to come to Church or Sacrament, or to use any means at all; but carried herself as a desperate forlorn creature, notwithstanding which the overcoming thoughts and terrors of Hell did much affright her; so as gladly she would have had a door of hope opened unto her: For, 
A nice pretty story, proving that she wished for salvation.  a Kitchenmaid she kept, who had both wit and memory enough to do and retain a message; she would usually send unto divers Preachers with Messages of enquiry touching her (concealing her name,) Whether such and such a creature, without Faith, Hope, love to God or man, hardhearted, without natural affection, who had rejected all means, nor could perform any, or submit unto the same, with many the like aggravations (had enough you may imagine) yet might have any hope to go to heaven? Who still brought unto her such returns tending to hopeful encouragement: that such like and much worse (though an● bade as Manasseth) might by the mercy of God be received into favour, converted and saved, which privately did much allay her spirit; for no worse returns of her secret messages were brought unto her from any she had sent unto.  
For all this, 
A further extent of the Devil's malice.  yet did the Devil hold her close unto his main end of desperation, to have made herself away: For she swallowed down many great pins, so to have did spatched herself; all which by God's mercy without hurting passed through her: And being forbid Oranges (as naught for her) she made shift by the foresaid Maid to have forty brought unto her, so to have sped herself; but it so pleased God, that these proved excellent medicines unto her, purging away abundance of black ugly filthy matter, which made her to look much better. She used also now and then ●at meals, to shift a knife secretly in a napkin, and then to slip it up in the inside of her arm; but being watched and taken therewith she left off so doing, thus continuing, until she had in a manner wearied out every body: for, the shorter the Devil's reign was, he played the more tricks, making her by fits to be the more raging and troublesome unto herself and others.  
Now as is said, 
A strange farewell.  Mr Dod in a manner wearied out with her, as he was about to go home for a while, and to take leave, she gave unto him this rude farewell, To pray him to get him gone, to return no more unto her, enquiring at him what warrant he had, being a holy religious man, who should give good example unto others, to leave his Calling, House and Family so long, and to come to her, where he was his an unwelcome Intruder, having no hope to do her any good? Which speech was so set on with such an edge of vehemency (spoken as it appeared against her will to prove him only) bred in him such astonishment, as resolving to follow her counsel, he made her this short Reply, That this was but a bad requital of all his pains and love unto her, to have no more thanks for his labour, but to he chid out of doors, that he was very sensible of her reproof and dismission, and therefore meant hereafter to stay at home, and look unto his own matters, not troubling her any more: Which speech it seemed touched her to the quick; for though to discourage him and try him, she had made him such an untoward speech, yet was she inwardly very sorry for what was done: Only before his departure, she took him aside, desiring to speak with him in private; when she told him, that now ere his departure she would deal freely with him, and show the cause and ground of all her distempers and trouble, and what just cause she had thus to have complained, as hopeless, enjoining him silence. 
A way opened for her cure.  And so in her own chamber, none but he being present, she opened her whole heart sincerely, so as he perceived that she had concealed nothing from him of all that was in her heart; which made him (now that the Devil's counsel was out and disclosed) to conceive good hope ●● her recovery.  
For this quite mars, and is in danger to overthrow all such persons, 
Danger of conceiling the Devil's counsel.  whilst the Devil so holds them in bondage, as to make then conceal his counsel all the while, having this advantage thereby, as to make mountains of mole-bils, and of mole-bils to make mighty mountains; never suffering them to come unto the knowledge of the quality and nature of their disease, whilst the thing oppressing and seeming great unto them, is usually little, and nothing at all in respect of that he makes it; sometimes but a lie, a delusion, such as the parties themselves upon such discoveries in relating become ashamed of; As in some sort it fell out with this good woman's Case, which was nothing in a manner in regard of that the Devil urged and persuaded her; it was, he proving a strong liar unto her, and his suggestion only a mere false illusion as will hereafter appear. Then unto all that which she had then vented unto him, he then made her only this general Reply, That she was much mistaken and deluded in the quality, kind and nature of her Case, that the Devil had thus far tormented their spirit with a strong abuse in corrupting her judgement, and encensing her so unjustly against herself, setting her affections on fire, by his injected wildfire temptations. That he made no doubt of her recovery; but that now being acquainted with her Case and mind, he would go home and consult with God what were fittest answers for the same; returning ere long again if God were so pleased then to endeavour to satisfy and 〈◊〉 all her doubtings: In the meantime, until then, enjoining 〈◊〉 cheerfulness, patience, moderati●● in all things before her Husband and Parents, and to attempt 〈◊〉 more violence against herself; 〈◊〉 which she faithfully promised 〈◊〉 kept.  

Still she holds the main conclusion.  He being gone, in his absence's she carried herself discreeth and modestly, not refusing to spea●● with any of those Divines wh●● in the interim came to vi●●● her; and would sit and dispute with them a long time together but still in the old bias, holding her strong main conclusions, th● fabric whereof appeared to be 〈◊〉 strongly rooted in her, that they seemed unremovable, all who, 〈◊〉 appeared, did no good unto her save so much as they could to persuade her from such stiff peremptory conclusions against herself, and from prying into God's secrets, presuming to know those things which God in this life reveals not unto any, but reserves as his own high prerogative, only to know what his decree is touching the everlasting state of the Creature to come: affirming that this knowledge which she pretended to have thereof was false, and that this revelation, was only known in the sanctified use of means, which she so fare refused, as she could not be persuaded to go to Church by any, though they much urged her unto it: Only now she would kneel and join in prayer with them, but by no means in singing of any Psalm, which she affirmed not to belong unto any in her Case, being now very sad and retired, and now a● then in weeping fits, and sometimes in shows of jollity a● mirth, so by turns it pleased b● to outface her present misery.  

Patience, moderation and mild dealing much prevails with such.  But this as a Catholicon we o● served in dealing with her, that 〈◊〉 more patiented we were, to suffer h●● to complain and bemoan h●● self, repeat one thing over a hundred times as she used, over a●● over again, giving her good word using much meekness, affability and service unto her, even in h●● most untoward cross carriages this got much ground upon h●● spirit, and brought her to do many things which no harsh crossness could possibly effect with he●. And therefore this couse was no● taken, not to vex her any more, o● urge her with persuasions to go to Church ', or to do any thing ●o displeasing unto her, but to go ●long with her spirit, with patience abounding with love, mercy, good words and the like, until ●hee were convinced in judgement, when they needed not to hale or pull her, Duties would then come off freely: For indeed, this is the undoing of many poor souls in the like, or any distempers, to chide, rate, and urge them to much; which is a cross way, displeasing and unprosperous, yea, disproportionable unto that course Christ takes (whom we should imitate) not to break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax; and a cross way, To make judgement return unto victory: In which Case, jacobs' pace with his flocks, with such, is the best and safest way to drive them gently; especially those who are with young, in who Christ is now b●● a breeding and forming, that so● may (as the Prophet speaks, Isa. 〈◊〉 see of the travel of his soul, 〈◊〉 be satisfied: And indeed, such har●● spirits who are too quick with su●● poor souls being too nimble wi●● them before they know their d●●● ease, are but like rude Surgeons, 〈◊〉 unskilful Physicians, who venture 〈◊〉 give physic before they know th●●● ground of the disease; who man times in place of curing, do ●●ther kill, or so much the mo●●● ulcer their wounds.  
Hitherto we have seen Sata● malicious, 
A change on her occasions.  violent, subtle, various in his temptations, changing shapes, by all means striving 〈◊〉 have overthrown this good souls abuse her judgement, affections fancy, and best reason to fight against herself; notwithstanding all which, the Lord miraculously preserved her, was with her in, and brought her through this ●●●ery affliction, to wonder and admiration: Wherefore, if the ●eader will have a little more patience, he shall see how the Lord overthrew all those strong holds, which the enemy had by his wildfire unresisted temptions, and fiery darts injected in this good creature; which being not presently cast forth again (as wildfire should be) thus inflamed her affections and endeavours against herself; as in part hath been and God willing shall be related.  
For first, he fastened this temptation upon her, 
Temptation.  as his great main Bulwark, That she had sinned that great unpardonable sin against the holy Ghost; and therefore, that it was in vain for her, either to use any means for salvation, or ho● for it; and therefore, that it w●● fruitless and in vain for her 〈◊〉 hear the word, read, pray and t●● like; which he wonderful fas● had radicated in her.  
Hereupon, he inferred that 〈◊〉 God's Decree she was a Reprobate a cast away, 
Temptation.  appointed for damnation; being she was such a bar●● hearted impenitent sinner, not being able to repent: and therefore w●● a treasurer up in all she did 〈◊〉 wrath against the day of wrat●● and the revelation of God's ju●●● Judgements againsts her: and therefore, seeing that she mu●● eternally perish, living for heaping up sin only for aggravation of her punishments, therefore to make herself away, the sooner the better: which temptation a long time stuck fast, seeming unremovable.  
From whence Satan made this third deduction (like a Sophistical Logician, 
Temptation.  begging the Question) that therefore now it was in vain to use any means at all; but seeing her portion was now only in this life, therefore to deny herself no manner of pleasures or jollity and mirth, but to cast off all these sad and sour things of holy duties performing, which were to no purpose, now that the irrevocable Decree was past, which was unchangeable: And therefore, if she should be saved she should be saved howsoever, and that God would soften her heart, and give her grace to use the means: But that the fearfulness of her estate did show (he suggested) the contrary, that all her endeavours would prove in vain; this stuck hard a long time.  
Now against any of these, no thing could be fastened upon he against them, which was not presently shaken off again: But especially in that first mentioned of th● Sin against the Holy Ghost, here in she kept close the Devil's cou●●● sell, revealing the same at fir●●● unto none, but unto Mr Dod though afterwards of herself three years after, being in a good humour, she acquainted the Relator herewith; and more also the●● he hath thought fit to vent abroad (as unnecessary) giving him leave to publish and make known after her death, so much of her Case a● might in some such misery be useful unto others.  
After this Mr Dod at his appointed time returned, having seriously pondered all her business, & digested the same, and was joyfully welcomed of her friends, though by her in a muddy strange way (former tentations by that time, having again grown somewhat strong upon her) when yet he in his usual merciful way, cheered her up, encouraging her what possibly he could. And so in some few days after fell flatly upon the business, how to beat down and convince her erroneous opinions wherein she was so settled, and wherein she thought herself most secure in her own judgement, unremovably settled.  
The main & grand matter troubling her, 
The sin against the Holy Ghost discussed and stated.  and quite unhooking her off from all manner of duties (as hath been said) was, That she had sinned that unpardonable sin against the holy Ghost, which she firmly believed: Whereunto Master Dod thus replied, directly crossing all her thoughts herein, in the negative, affirming that she neither had sinned this sin, nor was ever hitherto so qualified, as to be guilty thereof; which seemed unto her very strange to prove, but was easily done. For, he shown unto her, out of Heb. 6.4. That those who commit that sin fight against their convinced enlighting, having tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, having also tasted of the heavenly gift, being made partakers of the holy Ghost; who in their practice crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame; and trample upon the blood of the Covenant, maliciously opposing the known truth, in a constant course remorseless unto the end: having lived & thriven under powerful means, which yet they slight, maliciously and purposely oppose and persecute. But that she being still in her natural estate, 
A strong assumption.  by her own confession being fare from this enlightening, never having tasted of this heavenly gift, nor of the powers of the world to come, was never thus qualified, and so had never, neither could have committed this sin: so that her temptations and fears in this kind were but mere delusions only. And for that other sort who committed this sin, without the former inward illumination and taste, such as were the Scribes and Pharisees, Julian the Apostate, and the like, who maliciously persecuted and blasphemed Christ, notwithstanding that by his Doctrine and Miracles they were convinced of his Deity; of this he shown her, she could not be guilty of, All sbe could allege against herself, consisting only in a matter of thoughts, which could not without action and former qualification be that sin, or within the compass thereof: Which were only things wrapped up in that we call (tentatio Foeda) strange injected thoughts of God, as Rom. 1.23. representing him to the fancy in abominable similitudes, likening him unto the vilest and basest things; which were only Satan's wild fire tentations; for which seeing she even then, and since, abominated them, being sorry for them, Satan must answer for, they being hers no further than as she entertained and allowed of them. And also, that these thoughts being thought of and injected betwixt the top and bottom of the hill whereupon her Father's house stood, never breaking forth into any speech or action which she was sorry for, could not be any such sin as she imagined; and therefore prayed her to content herself and the rest satisfied, and not suffer the Devil to delude and torment her any more in this kind.  
All this discourse she heard willingly without replication until he had finished what he would say, when she being very rational and convinced of the truth of what he had delivered, acknowledged her error, and Satan's delusion, promising no more to entertain any such like thoughts of that sin, 
A further complaint.  But withal she told him, that it was no matter for this, though she were free thereof, yet she had other sins enough to damn her, and was assuredly a Reprobate and cast away, being she could not love God, nor any other creature, being devoid of all natural affection, and given over to a Reprobate sense, so as she was most certain that the Decree of God against her was past, being that she had no heart or power to perform any holy duty, but was like a creature stark dead, ye a twice dead, good for nothing but for hell fire; wherewith she sometimes would laugh and smile; but we must conceive that even in the midst of this laughter the heart was sad; for in private not long after she would have sore fits of weeping.  

Knowledge of Gods Decree denied unto any one.  In vain it was now to dispute with her, or persuade her in any thing until her judgement was convinced & rectified in that matter of the Decree of God. For she fling off all with seeming assurance of her knowledge being sure that the Decree of her reprobation was past, of her rejection whereof she was sure and certain: Therefore, this being the next strong hold to be battered down, he bent in the next place all his strength this way, Denying unto her that it was possible either for the Devil, or any other creature to know the Decree of God, either for salvation or reprobation; but that this revelation came in the use of means God blessing the same; for which cause all must use the means who would be saved, not meddling with the Decree of God, nor prying into his secrets; for which then was alleged that excellent Scripture, Deut. 30.12. That what they were to perform and know, Was not in heaven, that we should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it and do it: Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us? etc. But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart that thou mayest do it. Further he urged, that if thus much were certainly know by her, he shown her, Argument. it must he by a Spirit of revelation; demanding of her, what spirit had revealed thus much unto her? If the spirit of the Devil (as it could be no other) than he was a liar and the father of lies, as Christ joh. 8.44. speaks, he speaking of his own and not from God, therefore not to believed. And as the for the Spirit of God (he shown) who only searches knows and reveals unto us the deep things of God, 1 Cor. 2.10. none but he knowing the things of God, not any creature, This holy Spirit (he shown her) had no such office assigned him of Christ in the word to be a spirit of discouragement to reveal reprobation, being the Comforter appointed to lead the Saints in all Truth, to reveal and tell things to come and teach us all things, joh. 14.36. This were directly against his nature, mission, Argument. and office, and the Decree of God, Thus to beat men off the use of means, discouraging them in the good way, who must wait and lie at the door of mercy still, until the Lords good time and pleasure were revealed and known in the use of means. And this also was pressed unto her further, Argument. 3 horrible blasphemy and impiety it were, either to honour the Devil so fare, or assume unto herself by his means, the knowledge of things to come; this being th●● which was only proper unto job vah himself, by his spirit to she and reveal; advising her to beware in this kind, not to increase the wrath of God against her, seeing God, Isa. 44.7. & 46.10. differencing himself from Idols, an● all their discoveries, is to knew things that are come and a coming declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times th● things that were not yet done: From all which issued this deduction, that she was infinitely abused in this strange conception, and that the Devil or she from him were not certain of any things to come (unless revealed by the Spirit of God) she having from thence no such revelation; that therefore she was by Satan utterly cozened and abused in the matter of God's Decree, and so was bound to use the means, trust and wait upon God therein; she being his creature, to let him do what he pleased with her, either in life or death.  
This strong fiery dart thus repulsed and quenched, she became also convinced in this point, that only God (not the Devil) could reveal his own Counsels and Decrees; and therefore, that perhaps she might be deceived in this her strong confidence in that ●inde: But still retaining the third, That her indisposition unto all man●●● of goodness, 
Satan holds hard having 〈…〉.  proneness unto all manner of evil, her natural temper and composition of mind, not able to use any means, or take any pains for heaven, too evidently demonstrated that she had no part or ●●●tion there, and therefore that she ●●d better leave off all then labour in vain: Answ. 1 Hereunto answer w●● made, That God though he h●● Decreed to save mankind by th●● means of a Mediator, yet in h●● good wise Providence had so on 
The use of means is strongly pressed upon her, to be saved.  dered the conveyance of our salvation (as Austin speaks) that he w●● made us without us, will not save without us: & therefore that all o● life time we must be humble suto● labourers after, endeavourers a● strivers after that salvation which he hath appointed for us, using a●● those means constantly, and no● to lie still in a ditch without endeavouring to rise, and to cry Lord help us; such a one he told her did worthily perish. It was further now also pressed unto her, that God now after that miracle of all miracles, in the sending his Son to assume our flesh and save us, now ordinarily wrought not the same miraculously, but by ordinary concurring means and endeavours revealed in the word; that as those who in the Wilderness were stung by the fiery Serpents, were not healed unless they looked up unto the Brazen Serpent; no more any now could obtain salvation unless they believed in Christ, its antitype: And that therefore, if she used not the means, Argument or motive. but rejected and wilfully withstood the same, as there was no hope any way of salvation; so if she used the means, there being hope, and many promises annexed to the same, there was good hope of her salvation; And put the case (which he denyted) that she must needs perish; Argument or motive. yet much better it were to perish in a way of obedience and duty full of hope all the way, and usually successful whereunto were annexed many promises wherein the truth of God who cannot lie, but is faithful in all his promises is engaged, then in a wilful way of disobedience. That all experiences since the beginning of the world have showed, Argument or motive. that it never yet was in vain, or unsuccessful, but always advantageous and prosperous to use the means, wait and depend upon God; yea, though it were as long and longer than the impotent man, joh. 5. lay at the pool of Bethesda, ere he had help: And therefore seeing her case was now just like those four Lepers who sat at the Gate of Samaria, 2 Kin. Who being like to perish in that great famine, 
Motive pressed home.  resolved, if, and since they must needs perish, if they sat still there; but if they adventured into the Camp of the Aramites, they might peradventure be saved, (at the worst but die) at their approach thither, finding the Amarites fled, they had choice of the spoil. So if she used not the means, but despised them, she must of necessity perish; but if used, she might no question be saved. And so to this effect were urged those places, Micah. 2.7. O thou that art called by the name of the house of Jacob, is the Spirit of the Lord straigthned? and those his do? do not my words do good to them that walk uprightly? and this, Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgement: seek Righteousness and seek meekness; It may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger, Zeph. 2.3. And so that of Amos 4.12. Therefore this will I do unto thee, O Israel, and because I will do these things unto thee, prepare thyself to meet thy God O Israel: even that God who is said, Amos 5.8. to turn the shadow of death into the morning; all which put her on strongly unto the matter of endeavour, seeing as it is, Micah. 4.12. Now know the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: so that their being a possibility for aught she could know to use the means as she was able; them was an absolute necessity for her to submit herself unto the means.  
These and the like things thus delivered, did much amaze her spirit to have been thus fare deluded and mistaken in her own Case, and wherein she was so settled, resolute and confident; unto all which she at length made this Reply, 
Her convinced answer.  That now she was convinced and did certainly believe, that none but God knew things that were to come; that she had erred in judgement in so thinking of herself: That the desserate Case and estate she was in had caused her to make such conclusions against herself: That now she believed the Devil had no knowledge of God's Decrees, concerning the everlasting estate of the creature, no more than pleased God to reveal unto him: That she was contented to do what she could in using of the means, if she might be assured to reap any benefit thereby: But that the accidental indisposition both of her body and mind were such, as she in this Case could do nothing to help herself, no more than a stark dead creature could; and therefore, that God must do all; in which Case, if he were so pleased to give unto her strength and grace to work, than she would, otherwise she could do nothing: a sore temptation, which even until her last she could hardly shake off.  
Answ. Hereupon he Replied, that God as was said, wrought by means, and that she was bound to read the Word diligently, to pray, hear the same, meditate and confer thereof: That this was God's way and appointed means, to make even such dead creatures live, as she pretended herself to be as it is joh. 5. That the time than was, and was a coming, when the dead should hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who heard his voice should live: Wherefore, seeing that their was such a mervellous efficacy in hearing of the Word and use of means, (Wherein the power of the Spirit did cooperate to make the same effectual) There was an absolute necessity to use the means for the attaining of salvation, or else one were thus guilty of their own damnation in wilful rejecting and refusing of the means: Unto all which, her answer was, 
Her further answers.  That she had no power so to do, but when that God would enable her, than she would: Yet he prayed her, to read the Word and pray as she could and the like, which she refused, alleging that she could not pray; and for reading of the Word, to what purpose were that, so to read her own damnation, or to hear judgements and arraignments against herself; that she was better as she was; and therefore prayed him to urge her no more in this kind, until God were pleased to work somewhat in her, with abilities so to do, which (if he had a purpose to save her) he would surely do.  

She is ●rought ●ff and from the ●hird ●●r and temptation.  But for his pains and for his conviction of her judgement, rectifying of her from those forementioned errors she gave him thanks, promising no more to torment herself with cogitations of them; for she was satisfied in the Sin agaist the Holy Ghost, in the matter of the Decree; and in Satan or her ignorance of any things to come, his knowledge to be none at all: But that for the present, here she must rest, no further she could possibly go, wishing him to spare himself from being any more vexed with her untowardness.  
He much abashed at her present distemper, and resolute show of stoutness and stiffness of Spirit; yet was not discouraged, seeing he had got so much ground of Satan, as to beat her from her former strong holds, hoping in time also to perform the rest, which seemed a tough task to effect: because the indisposition and melancholy temper of her body was such as hindered much the work, she therewith being averse unto Physic. Therefore, 
Discretion not to press too much at once.  he resolved for that time, to departed home and press no more upon her at that time, but give her time to ruminate and think upon those things delivered, hoping to find her in a better tune at his return, and so accordingly giving charge to watch her diligently, in a mild and loving way, after he had given her many and good Exhortations to use the means & to have a good conceit of God, he departed, because at his time he would not tire or overload her, or more new toil out himself.  

Satan not idie, a new storm arises.  A little after his departure she began then to be somewhat in the old posture of frowardness and distemper, uttering many times desperate speeches and hopeless, still refusing all means; saying, that all were but in vain: And was so fare gone this way, That the great snow, and all the disastrous direful events happening abroad anywhere, she said were all long of her, and for her sake, she guilty of them, and that things would never be better so long as she were alive: For then indeed Satan taking advantage of her melancholy temper, wrought her much woe thereby, making her thus over-charge and accuse herself, and endeavouring to have brought her back again unto her former erroes: So that now much ado there was with her, to stay, support, or allay that accidental fiercensse, which now those new distractions brought upon her; which bred much grief unto her Husband, Parents and Friends, but was not so to be wondered at, that Satan should cause unto her or them so much disquietness by his incessant new tentations, steering his time in Mr Dods absence, to regain his dispossessed hold, or drive her unto final desperation.  
In, or near this interim she was visited by divers worthy Ministers about the Town, amongst whom was that famous worthy man, Dr Usher, since Primate of Ireland, a magazine of all knowledge and learning, a powerful plain Preacher, none like him in setting forth Christ in his high perfections and surmouting excellencies, and in pointing the right strait next way unto him; and withal as a very wise stout man, so the mildest humblest and meekest man alive, of his infinite reading, knowledge, and parts: This worthy man many times did visit her, would entreat, persuade, open Christ unto her, magnified the riches of God's mercy that way extended unto the sons of men; showing the freeness of the gift of God this way, and that none were debarred, who did not wilfully exclude themselves, with much meekness and mildness endeavouring to win her spirit unto ●a real embracing of those tenders of grace made unto her in the use of means; whom she willingly heard, delighted to hear speak; ●ut withal still kept within the road of her old bias, 
Her answer unto him.  her inability to perform holy duties or endeavour that way; that all these were excellent things he spoke of touching Christ, for them unto whom they belonged, but she had no share there in for aught she knew she said; but yet used she him always with much love, reverence and respect, in whatsoever temper she was in, endeavouring still to give him all content and respect; and he being wise and judicous, seeing the temper of her spirit, a great work to be wrought, the issue thereof time must show, to be affected by degrees, did not much press upon her spirit, or much urge her unto any thing, being contented when he came to he to drop upon her many swee● distilling showers of precious speeches; leaving them to wort●● after he were gone.  

Her encounter with Mr Forbs.  And now also about this time, came to visit her another worthy Minister, whom the Relate● brought to see her and judge of her Case; a wise, acute, learned, discreet man, of great judgement and parts, one Mr john Forbs, Minister at Middleborrow for the Merchants. This man having first a great while viewed her and said nothing, at length broke silence & told her, that he had heard of her trouble and discouragements, and therefore had come to tender his service unto her, to try if any thing were within the compass of his power wherein he were able to serve her: She courteously gave him thanks, but withal told him that her Case and doom was already determined and passed, and therefore there was no good to be done by any one unto her: Yet seeing him so an acure sharp quick witty man, she was pleased to have a strong bout of discourse with him alone, walking at her house in Esher Gallery, where having toughly disputed with her a long time and no good to be done, but thwarted with many strong uncouth objections and Scriptures, sophistically applied by her, beyond the skill or strength of her own spirit or wit as he judged, he confessed she was too hard now on a sudden for him. So at one bout having the better of her in a discourse of Faith, he broke off laughing, with a jest, called her Husband near by and said Sir, now I can stay no longer, b● I will study how to answer you● Wives Arguments, and will no● leave her in a good estate: (〈◊〉 faith, professing infidelity,) wh●● having taken his leave and departed: The Relator enquired wha● his judgement was of her and her Case? Who made this answer, That it was the strangest tha● ever he had seen, heard or read of, 
A strange presaging Censure.  That the Lord had some strange work to do by her, but whether is mercy or judgement he could not determine: no more he would come to visit her, nor could be drawn unto it.  
Upon this her late distemper and untowardness, the good old man Mr Dod being again sent for and come, was notwithstanding entertained by her in show lovingly, yet with a sad louring countenance by and by accompanied therewith, as though he had not been welcome; which he in his usual cheerful manner not regarding, using her with all meekness and love, which he found gained much upon her spirit; after which having discoursed, & two or three days prayed with her, and for her, she began to mend, but yet could not be persuaded to read, pray by herself, or go to Church; wherefore he thought it expedient to leave urging thereof, until her judgement were convinced therein: which was the next work to be done, a tough task to effect, and which she strongly opposed and withstood by one main Argument (being beaten off from all her other shifts) which was this out of Rom. 14. ult.  
Object. Whatsoever is not 〈◊〉 Faith is sin; but she did not believe, nor could do any thing i● faith, therefore all her actions m●●● needs be sinful; so aggravating b●● condemnation, she having sin therefore enough to condemn her would no more this way increase their number already too many.  
Answ. 1. This Argument he● judged to be Sophistical, subtle, and a strong fetch of the Devil for his ultimum vale, and last refuge; whereunto he after a little pause, thus Replied, That he denied the assumption, that she could not do any thing in faith; for, the degrees of faith must be considered. There was a degree of initiation of babes in Christ, and of strong men in Christ: That she must now be considered of in the lower form of the school amongst the babes in Christ, needing milk not strong meat (as the Apostle speaks) and therefore, though things were not done in a strong, yet they might be done in a weak and true faith, which might have a true and suitable reward: So that there being in the Word many and large promises made unto the reading and hearing of the Word (some whereof we then repeated) now for brevity omitted: That duties done in obedience unto the command of God, were then so done in faith, because according to and with a respect unto the commandment; and must needs because of the truth of God who cannot lie nor deny himself, be rewarded. And put the case (which he then denied) that she must eternally perish, yet God hath many outward mercies and blessings in store, wherewith to reward such outward obedience, many times fare beyond our slight performances, freedom from many temporal judgements, lessening, delay, and mitigation of them, in number, weight, measure and continuance, remove all of them and the like, in his bestime: So that all things considered, the best for her were to submit herself unto the will of God, lie down Saintlike at his feet: use the means, trust, wait upon him, and then to let the Lord as (joab said to Abner) do that which seemeth best in his eyes.  
Answ. 2 And for that other cavil of the increase of her sins, in the matter of her endeavours; for this he told her, That all her good actions done, should be upon record, & all her sins should be forgiven and done away, so that this should not hinder her obedient walking.  
Object. Unto this she objected her inability to perform any holy duty, and therefore seeing God in the upshot of all his free promises declares himself thus (Yet for all these things, will I be sought unto of the House of Israel) she not being able to ask or make obedient endeavour to wrap herself up within the promise, so as to have interest, or challenge the same, that therefore it were in vain for her to use any means.  
Ans. Reply hereunto was made, That true it was, that this was the ordinary road of Providence in despensing of salvation, to sue and challenge the promises for our own comfort, and to dispense salvation in the use of means: Yet that God being a free agent to give and work at his good pleasure, had not so tied himself unto any method so in his working, but that at his pleasure he might despence therewith: And that therefore for her inability and weakness, God could at his good time strengthen her to his work, so in the means time, that she did her best endeavour according unto her ability, no● being this way wanting; for where much weakness was, yet God, many times helped and took in good part our weak performances, and that weakness with truth and doing to our power went fare in God's acceptance: he loving us not for any thing in us, but freely for what he works in us; as that Hos. 14.4 I will heal their back-slidings, I will love them freely, etc. And that Revel. 3.8. Unto the Church o● Philadelphia, Thou hast a little strength and hast kept my word. So was showed unto her that of the Disciples, joh. 17.8. being weak ignorant men in many things touching salvation, for whom Christ yet pleads with his Father, They have kept my word, though formerly they were not able to bear those things might otherwise have been revealed unto them, joh. 16.12. Therefore from hence was much pressed upon her the use of means howsoever unto her weak power and strength, which God would increase unto a greater growth, being that he giveth strength to the weak, and unto them that have no strength, Isa. 40.29. Her Case was showed her to be no worse than that Ezek. 16.4.5. of the people of Israel polluted in their own blood, cast forth in a miserable condition, no eye pitying of them, any way to help them; whom yet God in his mercy pitied in that woeful condition saying unto them, That even then they should live, they should live, when they were thus in their blood, Ezek. 16.6. Therefore to hope well in the mercies of the Almighty, not measuring the same by the scantling of her shallow conceits of God, in whose sight all the sins of the world are nothing, in comparison of the infinite price paid of that blood of the everlasting Covenant, and infinite value and merit of the same, which speaks better things than the blood of Abel, Heb. 12.24. and whereby we have access with boldness unto the Throne of Grace, by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the yeile, that is to say his flesh.  
The strength of these things thus enforced, so overcame her thus delivered, that herein she was also convinced, that she ought to use the means to her power, trust and wait upon God for the issue, being contented of his good pleasure whatsoever, and therefore resolved and promised, that now she would go to Church, 
She is brought to go to Church.  use the means and try what Gods pleasure were in time to do with her; conceiving now some small hope that possibly she might be saved in the use of means: and so was persuaded to go to Church; at her first going being brought to hear Dr Gibson; who knowing of her coming, applied himself covertly for her occasions, yet not so, but she suspected that he had been prompted, and had spoken things of purpose for her case (which she murmured at) but was passed over, for indeed the burden wherewith had overloaded here selfe was so great, that we durst never add any thing thereunto, but fed her with all encouragements, she being too apt to over-charge herself, and to despair upon any addition of fuel unto that fire which already was kindled in her: And so wheresoever she went to hear, notice was still given, so to manage their business, that he might know they had at that time a hearer thus qualified before them, whereby she received no discouragement in hearing of the Word; but by the contrary matter of encouragement, her spirit being still jealous that all things were prompted for her sake (hearing no more terrible things) as indeed they were.  
Yet in this interim, things being not yet well settled within her, not daring to trust her alone, it was thought fit in the next place to fetch off her endeavours from her own destruction, which by God's mercy was thus effected: 
How she was brought from attempting against herself.  One day being in a very good humour, merry and well pleased, Mr. Dod prayed her that she would resolved him truly of one Question, which he would demand of her, which she faithfully promised to do. Then he demanded of her, That if now she were condemned to be burnt, or hanged, drawn and tortured, to he first racked, scourged and many times whipped and tortured, Whether or no she would not esteems it to be a high favour and promotion, to be reprived and ress●ted for ten or twenty years or thereabouts, to live longer? Which she affirmed she would take in this case for a very high favour (nor perceiving his scope and drift in the Question;) Then said he, tell me (taking her lovingly by the hand and smiling,) Why then did you all this while past make such haste to haw posted away unto Hell fire for ever, the torments and misery whereof are many thousand times in violence beyond all the possible torments of this world, seeing it is uncertains whether ever you shall go thither or not, but that God in the use of means will soften your heart and save you? But seeing the time (if ever) will be too soon whensoever● therefore it were madness and extreme folly in you, to fall into that course which might precipitate and cast you there presently before the time; but to live forth nature's course, trying what end the Lord will make: She being by her own confession in some sort catcht now as David was by Nathan the Prophet, now perceiving the drift of this surprise, took him by the hand, and prayed him, That in that kind no more jealousy or suspicion might be had, for now she was so by him convinced, that she was resolved to live so long as God would permit her, and that she now was very sensible of his discourse of Hell, and what small reason she bade to make haste thither.  

She is convinced that she ought & might receive the Sacrament.  Having thus by God's mercy brought her to submit herself unto the means, and hearing of Word, wherein faith and salvation are usually conveyed and wrought; there wanting yet one thing, to bring her unto the Sacrament (unto which she was very averse:) The next thing this good man went about, was how to compass. this, and convince her judgement that she ought, might and must participate herein, as well as in hearing of the Word: This was by her thought a very strange thing to do, that such a one as she imagined herself to be, should dare to Communicate. But hereof he assured her the truth, from the equity and necessity of that command of God where all the Males in Israel were commanded to appear three times a year before the Lord at Jerusalem to eat of the Passeover; in which case whosoever refused to come, or despised the same; he was to be cut off from his people: Whence he inferred this conclusion, That whatsoever our worthiness or unworthiness in that case were, yet the command of God must be obeyed; all were bound to come and eat of the Passeover: And therefore that all within the Pales of the Church, aught to Communicate and receive the Sacrament howsoever qualified: In which case unworthy receiving should not damn them, if once in all their life time they should or did receive worthily: Showing that in Hezekiahs' time, many than had received the Passeover unworthily, for whom notwithstanding he prayed the good Lord to forgive them, though they had not eaten according unto the preparation of the sanctuary. Besides this he shown her, That the Sacrament was not a comforting, strengthening, building up Ordinance only, but also a converting and healing power being therein for help of the sick and diseased, a reviving quickening Ordinance also; so as all aught to participate of the same.  
Object. Hereunto she objected that out of 1 Cor. 11.29. That u● worthy Receivers did eat and drink their own damnation, and therefore she durst not adventure and more to aggravate her condemnation and punishments.  
Answ. Unto this he Replied, That she was mistaken in the meaning of the words, for the word Damnation must not there be takes in the terrible sense, the Original not carrying it so, but thus, (such ●at judgement) unto themselves, viz. temporal punishments; which the ensuing verse 30. corrects the same thus, For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep, etc. Which shows the meaning only is, that such endure sometimes temporal punishments; who yet may be saved and go to Heaven. So that still the general holds in equity, ●s in and under the Law; that God's Ordinance in the Sacrament is not to be neglected of us for our unsufficiency and unfitness for the same, no more then under the Law during the Passeover; because, it may be a means to fit, 
Let the scrupulous note this well.  heal, cure, strengthen, revive, quicken and enable us to be worthy Receivers: For we come not to bring virtue unto the Sacrament, but to receive virtue, life, strength and quickening from thence: And that howsoever in this case we be qualified, it were best to be obedient and use the means, all which with much more the Relator remembers not, was set on with more excellent illustrations, exhortations and pithy remonstrances: which discourse being finished she became in this also convinced in judgement, that she promised him thus fare to submit herself yet further unto the means, tha● she would now also go unto the Sacrament: Only in this Case sh● begged exemption not to be urged, because she could not neither was able by herself to perform any private duties of prayer, or reading of the Word constantly: whereunto, because they would not over drive her, put her beyond her strength, or molest her spirit, they spared to urge her, contented with what they could with gentleness and entreaty persuade her unto.  

A very strange experience and wonderful.  Yet it is most strange to hear, how the Lord dealt with her in one thing, wherein she delighted, and was hardly broken off, viz. She had a custom in tumbling over of the Bible, to put her finger suddenly upon some one verse as it bitten; saying, now whatsoever my finger is upon, is just my Case, whatsoever it be, and my doom: But so the Lord directed all her fingers so put, that looking upon the verse, still it was found encouraging and comfortable, not discouraging: whereupon being much prayed and entreated, seeing hitherto she had found all places to speak for her, that she would desist, and not any more thus tempt God; who prayed that she might do but once more so (it being in the presence of many) promising faithfully that after that one time, she would never do so any more, to attempt any such trial: Whereupon at length all adventured to suffer her once more to see what Gods providence would prove in so strange a Case. But withal if some cross place came, they prayed her not to be discouraged; whereupon she suddenly opened the Book, about the middle thereof, in the Prophecy of Isaiah, and without looking what she did, she put her finger upon that excellent vers. Isa. 40.27. Why sayest thou O Jacob, and speakest O Israel, my way is hid from the Lord? hast thou not known, hast thou not heard that the everlasting God the Creator of the ends of the Earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no searching of his understanding: he giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth sirength; even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall; But they that wait upon the Lord, shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, and they shall walk and not faint: Which place being considered of and read, so crossing her hopes and expectation, made her being much abashed to blush. For therein she was reproved for her cross conceits of God touching her, as neglected of the Almighty; and for all her weakness and imperfections was showed, that God could help all, who with a word made heaven and earth, enabling her to do all duties at his good pleasure; being therewith encouraged to wait and depend upon God in the use of means by such an excellent promise: And so was therewith showed how good God was unto her, every way showing love, notwithstanding her untowardness, and tempting of him by such signs: At which, not knowing what to say, she fling off poorly, saying, Object. this was promised to jacob and Israel; It was nothing unto her and her Case: Whereunto answer was made out of that place, Answ. Rom. 15. Whatsoever was written before hand, was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope; and so was thereby vanquished in judgement, that she promised now to be satisfied, and never any more to make any such trial, but to offer herself unto the use of means, and to wait the Lords leisure what he pleased to do with her: Yet still alleging the impotency in her, that she was able to do nothing herein towards this great work, but that God must do all, when being enabled, she would do that whereunto she should be strengthened  

She is persuaded to mine in singing of some ●rt of Psalms.  Yet wanted there one thing more, to get her to join in singing of Psalms, which with much ado she was brought unto, alleging that her Case admitted of no such melody, neither had she cause to sing, but to mourn all her life time: Yet being told that is was a duty to sing praises unto God, for all his mervellous mercies, power and goodness, as well as to join in hearing of the Word; and that thanksgiving being the everlasting work of Heaven in continual praising of God, was a work could not be too soon begun upon earth; and that the Psalms being of divers compositions and postures; of thanksgiving, petition, gratulation, complaint, and deprecation, she might join in some, many of which might fit her Case; she was contented to join in Psalms of complaint, petition, mourning and deprecation, but in no other of any acknowledgement of any mercy received: For said she, If I be only reserved as a stalled Ox unto the slaughter, what cause have I to give thanks; and if I be not to go to Heaven, what have I to do with the work of Heaven before the time, or having some work wrought in me, whereby I may be assured of my interest therein?  
About this time willingly she would have lived under some powerful Ministry, 
Why she would have lived under a powerful Ministry.  hoping, that thereby some such work might be wrought upon her, as might enable her to perform duties; and for this cause secretly made the Relator go into Essex to try whether or not that worthy powerful late thundering Preacher, Mr Rogers of Dedham, would have entertained her at his house, who willingly granted the same: But when the business was moved unto her Father and Mother, neither they nor her Husband would consent unto the same, though Mr Dod, and Mr Culvervell both affected to have gone with her, so too indulgent were they over her; which refulsall much unhookt her spirit, and had almost put her in her former Case again, so much did it afflict her; but no remedy, 
An experience of her spirit, & of Satan's malice against her.  at length she conformed herself unto necessity.  
I should much trangsgressse, and wrong this discourse of. God's mercies into this good creature, if I should omit any passage of Satan's subtleties and attempts against her how fare they prevailed; for so, the Power and goodness of God unto her in saving her at length, will so much the more evidently appear to his glory: Therefore this ensuing passage I relate, as the furthest extent of Satan's malice: One day as she was walking in her garden at Waltham upon Thames with the Relator and another friend (for Esher that place where her trouble first began, she never after could endure) suddenly she stopped and fixed her eyes fast upon the ground, staring upon it with strange wild looks, for half a quarter of and hour, from which we could hardly divert her, but at last did, though she seemed much troubled to be interrupted; and then (as her cusstome was when the waters of her spirits and thoughts were become muddy) she began to seem to cast off all means again; saying, That her heart was so heard, as it could never be softened; this was by those with her then much opposed and denied as fast as she affirmed the same, enforcing that God who with a Word made Heaven and Earth could soften it; whereunto she in anger replied, (why then God cannot soften my heart) at hearing of this blasphemous speech, spoken in the height of temptation, the Relator without speaking one word unto her suddenly left her; for such speeches were not to be born with, countenanced, or disputed with, but to be cast off, with detestation and abomination, for (contra principiis non est disputandum) they say: A little while after, she being then ready to ride abroad and go to her house at Esher to take the air, going to take horse, she demanded of the Relator, whether he would not ride abroad with her, whereunto he replied, No, he durst not go in her company who did so lately blaspheme, for fea● the ground would open and swallow them up; but that seeing under the Law the blaspemer was to die the death; that he would go to the Archbishop and complain of her, heard witness against her, and provide faggots to burn her; wherewith we both parred in seeming discontent. She being gone, the Relator ere his way-going, went to her waiting-woman, and left his remembrance unto her, which when her woman, at her return told her; she would not believe that he had so done, but asked her Maid, what farewell didst thou think he gave me, That he would go complain of me, and provide faggots to burn me: To which her Maid answered, Then Mistress, you have spoken some strange untoward things; I think I did so, said she: In this interim the Relator sent and wrote very kindly to her in his absence, and after a Month's time returned again unto her; when, 
Confession.  she prayed him to stay no more so long away, gave him thanks for his harsh usage of her; saying, she had deserved worse, and would never so do any more; Telling also that then when formerly she had stood staring on the ground, she was then assaulted with fierce and strong temptations; all the while a brick making for the Devil; and prayed him when he same her do so any more, to put her out of that posture, and not to spare her, how angry soever she should for the time be.  
Now as she was in a seeming good tune and posture of endeavour to use the means, 
A new storm.  〈◊〉 tumbling over the Bible, she encountered with that terrible place, Heb. 6. enferred upon the sine against the Holy Ghost, That the ground which was often watered, and brings forth nothing but briers and thorns, was near unto cursing and burnig, etc. Which place for a few days put her quite off hooks again, Object. affirming that she was just so, a creature that brought forth nothing but briers and thorns, though she had been often watered from heaven in the use of means, and therefore that she was near unto cursing and burning.  
First, Answ. This was denied unto her, that she had ever lived under ●ny such powerful Ministry, as to have been often thus watered.  
Secondly, That she neither hitherto had been so had, as to bring forth nothing but briers and thorns, having to their knowledge brought forth and produced much good fruit of her hearing in times past, though now she were for a season overclouded with temptations, so, as she could not discern of her own esate, nor was apt to judge thereof.  
Thirdly, That this place being enforced as a reason of the sin against the Holy Ghost, against their enlightening; which by her own confession, was a pitch above her, that hithreto she never had attained unto; therefore she needed not to make any such rigid application, or construction of the place against herself; wherewith and the like mild speeches unto her to this effect, she was an● length pacified as before.  

The journey passed recounted.  Good Reader be not weary, I will now suddenly make way unto a conclusion, for much of our work, and the greatest part is done and hardest to compass; Lo now, we have brought this good woman thus fare: To ask the way (in some sort like one of leremies Converts) to Zion with her face thitherwards. She is brought out of the house of bondage, from her brick making slavery, Pharaoh pursues as it were still after her, but hath not overtaken her, she is driven to fly and wander up and down the wilderness, now backwards now forwards, as the Church in the wilderness was, ere she can arrive at her heavenly Canaan; and I hope we shall ere long see her ●erdan stand up, and give her a fair passage in thither, though thee hath been well buffeted by the way.  
First, She hath been now convinced, not to have sinned that sin against the Holy Ghost (as Satan persuaded her) being in this ●ettled.  
Secondly, she hath been persuaded in that grand business of the Decree of God, not to meddle therewith, and that no Creature, Devil, Man or Angel, save God himself had any knowledge thereof.  
Thirdly, In the matter of endeavour, she hath been convinced, ●hat she ought and must set herself in what possibly she could, to ace the means, wait therein, and to trust God with the issue of all  
Fourthly, She hath been persuaded to live as long as possibly she could, not to be a means of her own destruction.  
Fifthly, She hath been persuaded of the lawfulness and necessity of her communicating, notwithstanding all her seeming averseness, and indisposition thereunto.  
Sixthly, She hath been brought from that course in tempting God by putting her finger suddenly upon places of Scripture, to try her state, all which fell out contrary unto her expectation, good still.  
Seventhly, How and on what conditions she was brought to join in singing of Psalms: all which being passed, one would think, that now there had not been much ado, but to have had a quick end of her troubles, and sufferings.  
But the Lord wonderful in working, and excellent infinitely in counsel and wisdom, had other wise so appointed the same, that she should yet a few years longer be storm beaten and sick, and wander as it were in a wilderness, ere she arrived at her heavenly Canaan: And therefore out of her habitual impotency seeing she was so stiff and slow to work out her own salvation or ●ake pains for it, She had at length her desire, though he made 〈◊〉 cost her dear ere he at length revealed himself unto her: And therefore hereat she stuck still even to the last, expecting what extraordinary work God would work in her, to enable her to take pains for her salvation: A strange temptation, which all her life time could hardly ever he quite removed: Until God in a strange and unusual manner, for matter of feeling revealed himself unto her in such a measure, at mortality was incapable of, to the overcoming of her spirits (who lived not long after) to be in its place related.  
About this time that famous worthy man of God, Mr Robert Bruce some time Minister of Edenborrow, then in prison amongst the wild Irish, for not preaching or assenting unto the truth of the Earl of Gowries Treason, hearing by the Relator the trouble and true state of this Gentlewoman's Case, with the progress thereof, and how she had been brought to reveal the Devil's counsel, wrote a letter unto the Relator touching his censure of her Case, and hopeful issue thereof: who being for afflicted consciences one of ten thousand (he himself having been for twenty years in ●etrors of conscience, ere he was forced to settle unto the Ministry) gave a judicious prophetical censure of the event of her case, as in some sort it fell out (too long here to insert) but in conclusion with this upshot: That now she had bewrayed so freely the Devil's counsel, he knew that all would shortly be well ere long, and that her trouble would have ●o admiration a strange event; and that for her final estate, he thanked God, he made no more doubt thereof then of his own, which he assured himself of, because God had given him so large a heart to continue instant for her in prayer with a great deal of comfort; concluding his letter with a pathetical speech turned in behalf of the Gentlewoman towards Satan, worthy to be written in letters of gold, which being so rare and unusual in the Press speeches of this nature, I have therefore adventured here to ensert.  

A Speech to Satan.  
O Enemy Satan, although thy enmity for the present be troublesome unto this patiented, yet I thank my God through Jesus Christ, that thou art an enemy unto her; and that he hath put her in his Camp to fight against thee. When I consider how in Paradise the Lord proclaimed irreconciliable enmity betwixt thee and the blessed seed, I account her happy in that thou art her enemy, and that strength is given her to fight against thee, for hereby I perceive that she is none of thine, but stands on that side whereof Christ is the Captain, and all the Saints are Soldiers; where the victory undoubtedly must be both sure and certain on her side. O deceitful Serpent! If we find such terrors and ensigns of thy fury for these smaller sinners of frailty which we foolishly by thy enticement commit; what should we have found if we had followed thee, in the rest of thy deadly assidual and unmeasurable fiery injected temptations? from the which the Lords preventing and restraining mercy hath kept us. I have often by experience heard that thou art a faithless traitor; because thou temptest a man to sin, and for the selfsame sin which by thy instigation we commit, thou art the first accuser, and the last tormenter. The Lord increase our faith, and confirm his good purpose in our hearts, that we never hearken any more to thy lying words, nor suffer our souls to be circumvented by thee and thy deceitful snares. And as for the work of her salvation, since it is a work which our God will work in spite of thee; wherefore should she or we any more regard thy lying testimony? Thou didst most maliciously put the question unto our Saviour, whether or no he were the Son of God? And then what marvel is it that thou darest say unto his children that they are none of his? Is there any such undoubted truth that thou darest not deny? or any falsehood which thou darest not make good and justify? Why therefore should we enter in disputing with thee? for, her salvation consists not either in thy questioning, or in her disputing against it; but upon the Lords unchangeable Decree of Election. If thou shouldest speak for her, and plead her cause, she were so much the worse, and nothing the better; and now that thou pleadest against her, she is nothing the worse. I love no testimony which proceeds from thee. When thou confessedst that Jesus was the Son of God, he rebuked thee, and would none of thy testimony; and when thou cried'st out that Paul and Sylas were the servants of the most High God, although thou spakest the truth, yet they would not accept of thy testimony. So although thou wouldst affirm that she were the child of God, were she any thing the better? no, but so much the worse; thou canst vent no truth but with an intent to deceive: Therefore keep thy testimomie to thyself, speak what thou wilt, thou art ever like thyself, a liar; cursed art thou, and cursed shalt thou be, with all thy Confederates, and cursed are they that are in friendship with thee: So in conclusion, thy pursuit of her, and her safety hitherto from thy power, shows me that she is none of thine.   
The Lord power in his comfort and grace in her weak heart, that she may find and feel the sweetness of the things we writ of, and from her feeling to give God the praise of his glory, and of her victory, which I am sure to be most certain in Gods good time, and that her salvation is as sure as mine own, I praise God.  
By this time three whole years having passed, since Mr Dod began with her, having endured so many hot skirmishes with Satan, made so many long journeys, being toiled out in body and spirit, and desirous now to rest awhile, having facilitated his tough task, and fitted it for some other to finish and build her up further, he having in all things convicted her judgement, that God who does all things well, and makes all things Rom. 8.28. work together for good unto his children; who when Moses was old, appointed the young man joshua in his place; and who when Manna failed, brought the people into Canaan flowing with milk and honey, did now also out of his good Providence appoint a fit man to succeed as a helper in Mr Dods place, meet for that posture of strength she was now in, In a strange by Satan's temptations, and prompted with strong objections against herself: So that now her great want was of an able man to be continually with her, to dispute constantly with all her temptations and objections, able to answer and crush all.  

Another fit help succeeds to Master Dod.  This and such a Helper did God in his infinite mercy in the next place provide for her. For it pleased God in his wise providence, so to order the matter, that her Husband's Cure at Esher being a Donative, and not a Presentative endownment was void and to be disposed of: In which interim, notice was given unto him of one Mr Hooker then at Cambridge, now in New-England: A great Scholar, an acute Disputant, a strong learned, a wise modest man, every way rarely qualified; who being a Non-conformitan in judgement, not willing to trouble himself with Presentative Live, was contented and persuaded by Mr Dod to accept of that poor Living of 40 l. per annum; Mr Drake her Husband being a worthy well-beloved Gentleman, and able to procure his liberty, and retain him still in the same: This worthy man accepted of the place, having withal, his diet and lodging at Esher Mr Drakes house; end so by this means, as to free Mr Dod from his toil and trouble, so to be at all assays ready to manage and work her spirit, encounter all her objections, espy all Satan's wind and turn, and catch her at all nonplus advantages, being acute, quick, nimble-witted, well skilled in knowing and opening of the Scriptures; withal a good Logician, a strong Disputant, as he could well do. And so the good old man as occasion served, sending and writing unto her, after divers sad and serious discourses with her, wherein she covenanted to observe all promises past, retaining her former resolutions in those things wherein in judgement she was convinced, he was for that time lovingly dismissed, and rewarded largely by her Parents.  
This man Mr Hooker being a good acute, smart Preacher when he listed, besides that information Mr Dod had given him, was so wife, first to try her spirit, to find her disposition, using her with much mildness & love, ere he would adventure to meddle with her spirit, choosing rather that way made from her might usher the way unto his discourse, then that at first he should enforce any thing upon her: Which was not long in suspense; for now having a fit person to rough hue her (as it were) whom she could neither weary out nor overcome in Argument, but was able to discern and catch Satan in all his Sophisms, there every way fell out strong disputes betwixt them: But all within the compass of those former things wherein Mr Dod before had convinced her: Satan delighting still to raze new uproars in her, and (as his custom is) not to suffer us to be at peace though we be out of danger: Such now were his practices anew, to wind up his old bottoms, and to renew disputes, even in those things she was convinced of. For Mr Hooker being newly come from the University had a new answering method (though the same things) wherewith she was mervellously delighted, and being very convetous of knowledge, was pleased with new disputes and objections to fasten further upon herself those forementioned things; still further and further sifting into the same old Truths whereof she was well persuaded (and as is said) convinced.  
Yet could not he so evenly hold the balance in managing of her spirit, but that now and then she would fly out, 
By degrees she is sometimes off hooks still.  in many distempers, wishing to leave off all, for she now saw that there was no remedy, the means did not work nor prove effectual unto her: To what purpose should she any more labour in vain? But especially towards the Sacrament, then usually she would be off hooks, either not coming, or unwillingly, if she did: Upon whom this place for her waiting and depending upon God was strongly urged, Had. 3. ult. That the vision of God's deliverances, was for an appointed time, therefore to wait; for though it tarried, yet it should come and not tarry; and that also of Isai. 8. I will wait upon the Lord, who hath hid his face from the house of Jacob; and I will look for him: affirming unto her that these and the like hard travels, were incident unto Gods best beloved people, to have many, hard and long trials, and yet at length glorious deliverances, as was alleged from that place, Amos 3.2. You only have I known of all the Nations of the earth; therefore I will punish you for your iniquities: (which God may do forgiving the sin, though he take vengeance of their inventions:) And that Heb. 12. what son is there whom the Father chasteneth not? If therefore ye be without correction (whereof all are partakers) then are ye bastards and not sons. Which with the like insinuations from the word closely urged, brought down her spirit to mildness and meekness: For though her indisposition and temptations, made her many times contrary unto her natural disposition harsh and untoward, with the habit she had accrued in time to be cross, and try those sound she conversed with; yet this happy endowment she had, to be very rational according unto her conception, and would be set down and satisfied with pregnant places of Scripture being seasonably pressed and lovingly opened unto her.  
But the matter of repentance much troubled her, 
Quest. of repentance, discussed.  that she could not repent; demanding, Whether it were possible for her to go to Heaven without Repentance?  
Hereunto was answered: First, 
Sol. 1.  That God did not tie salvation unto any measure of repentance; but might at his pleasure save, especially where there were no gross sins to damn up mercies gates; whereof praised be God she was free.  
Secondly, That God exacted no more of his creatures then he gave unto them: as the Apostle to the the Corinth's writes, If there be first a willing mind, accepting of us, not according unto those things we have not, but according unto those things we have: And therefore, that her weak desires and measure whatsoever given, might be accepted of God. For, she could not deny, but her wishes were that she might repent, and she was in some sort sorry for her indisposition and hardness of heart, which being a burden and a kind of grief unto her, was so a kind and sort of repentance: Therefore was she exhorted to be patiented, and not to limit the Holy One of Israel nor prescribe the fountain and depth of all wisdom which were the best way to bring her unto Heaven; but to submit herself unto the good pleasure of God; trust, hope with the best, and use the means.  
Thirdly, Further alleging unto her, That it was not the greatness, number or continuance of our sins that could stop mercy from us; but final impenitency and obduration.  
Fourthly, Repentance being the gift of God, which he might at his pleasure give and accept in good part whatsoever measure thereof he were pleased: It was not to be doubted of, but that she might in time attain unto so much thereof in the use of means, as he would accept of, and as might bring her unto heaven. For God of all his Attributes is said only to delight in mercy, Micah 7. his nature being to forgive and forget iniquity, transgression, fin and sins of custom.  
Fifthly, That as sin was a perpetual act in us, so in God there was a perpetual act in pardoning of sin, not transient, but in a perpetual constant currant; as Zach. 13.1. a fountain opened, ever running, to wash away act sin and uncleannesses; with many the like things, which now again won her spirit to rest upon God; though now and then upon divers occasions she used to fly out a little: Yet being continually hammered and hewn with the tough acute disputations of this good man, Mr Hooker, who was very assiduously industrious in watching her disposition, and various inclinations of her changes and tentations; by God's mercy she grew still better, using to present herself constantly to the use of means: having prayer, catechising, expounding and reading of the word, and singing of Psalms constantly in the family, now with delight and willingness acted: being never weary to have the word expounded; yea, and in private spending some time by herself alone daily; as the indisposition of her distempered body, heartburning and in a manner perpetual headache, would permit her; but yet would not be known not confess unto any alone.  

The good soul is yet tossed up and down.  Now have we her in the wilderness tossed up and down, like the Church in their march unto Canaan, fraught with divers storms, now backwards, now forwards, with many turning and winding temptations, restless in her thoughts, because (desire hath no rest) having some glimmering glimpse of hope, but (as she said) had no grounds for the same, expecting when the Lord would be pleased to work in her some great work for enabling. In which Case, now up, now down, the better she grew in her mind, having still therewithal the greater weakness and indisposition of body, she continued a long time, her old friend Mr Dod now and then once in a quarter of a year coming to visit her, whom she much rejoiced to see, praying not any more to stay so long away; for now she rested assured her time on earth was but of small continuance. About which time, it fell out, that Mr Hooker also having acted his part with her, and done his best, to comfort, uphold and rectify her spirit, so fitting her for mercy, as nothing remained to be done but a full gaile of spiritual wind to blow upon her, to bring forth her fruit, that be God's Providence he was married unto her waiting-woman: After which both of them having lived some time after with her, and he called to be Lecturer at Chemsford in Essex, they both left her, 
Master Hooker leaves her.  her Husband having provided another for the Cure, but not like unto the other; who also came often to visit her, being much there. And there lived also two miles from thence, a worthy good Minister, one Mr Witherell of Waltham upon Thames, whom she went constantly to hear, and was always very helpful unto her (but especially when Mr Hooker had thus left her) whom every Thursday she heard, he being a painful, able, good merciful man, did then much help her, both in public, and also in private helps of conference and expounding of the Word, which now she much delighted in at all occasion; especially she found a little comfort in opening of that chapter Micah 7. one time when Mr Dod was with her three Months before her death, though (as she said) she durst not acknowledge nor confess the same for fear it had not been so.  
But ah, should I now lance forth into the discourse of the loss of so good a friend? 
The preparation unto her death.  but what say I of loss? No, she was not lost, she was now found with her face strongly bend home Heaven-wards: Having therefore thus far proceeded in this said Trage-Comicall discourse, I must now proceed to the Catastrophe thereof: If therefore good Reader, thou wilt have a little more patience to hear the rest, thou shalt quickly see the Scene change with a joyful Comical conclusion: For though all this while she hath gone forth weeping carrying precious seed, now thou shalt see her return with sheaves of everlasting joy; though weeping hath been many an evening, yet now thou shalt see Joy come in an everlasting morning. Though Satan hath much toiled, wearied out and vexed her spirit, yet thou shalt see how the God of peace shall shortly tread down Satan under her feet: her reward infinitely surpassing all her momentany sufferings; which now comes to he the fourth and last thing propounded, Her death, and the preparation unto it.  
Divers years since Mr Dod left her, and some large time also after that Mr Hooker was removed unto Chemsford, she remained more cheerful in mind, though tormented with her heartburning and in manner perpetual megrim, which made her to lie much of the day upon her bed, unfit for any other actions of endeavour in the use of means she would or should otherwise be employed in. About this time a strong distaste was given her from a near friend, 
A new grief is added to the former.  (not necessary here to relate, nor to our purpose:) Which yet fastened so upon her, that it grew more and more, and brought her into a posture of great discontent, so as she became in her thoughts a woman in some sort of another world; who being resolute in her way, unremovable, having resolved and always purposing, when she found herself near unto her last, to die at her Father's House, and lie with her kindred and friends at Ammersum, She suddenly told her Husband, that she found herself very ill, and therefore that she was purposed to go suddenly unto her Father's House: He much wondering at the suddenness of her resolution, told her, If her resolution were such, to go so quickly, his business was such as he could not yet go with her, unless she would stay until his business was dispatched; but if she were resolute to go, that he would not stay her, she might when she would. So she being resolute, the next day with two of her men she departed for her Father's House, where being arrived, they wondering that she came so without her Husband, she in plain terms told them, That she always had resolved to die at Sharolois, and therefore she not knowing how long her time should be, finding her weakness great, had now come without her husband to die there, saying, that her husband would shortly follow after.  
They much wondering at this sudden news from her, and unexpected strange speeches; yet at her coming smoothed her over, telling her that this was but some unwarranted fear had surprised her, and that she would find herself herein as in many other surmised things deceived. But she still maintained the main, that her time was at hand, and she very weak, though she carried it fair; after which her Husband in a week or ten days arrived: But the posture of her carriage for all this was the same, She being in a surpassing extraordinary strange hunor of talking of the best things perpetually night and day without intermission, not having any jot of sleep almost night or day; whereby her spirits were both much spent and tired out.  
The Relator who still had a watchful eye upon all the passages of her occurrences, 
Mr Dod is gone for to come unto her once more  knowing of her late discontent and cause thereof, and hearing that she was removed to Sharolois, made no more ado, but with all haste went and brought Mr Dod thither, fearing that this might prove his last journey unto her (as indeed it proved,) when he came unto her two Sundays before her death, he by that time found her much weakened in body, keeping her bed; but with such vehement desires to discourse of, and hear of the best things, reading, expounding and singing of Psalms, that all were struck with admiration: and would not stay with her so long, as she would have had us; nor read unto her, because we would gladly have had her to rest, which could not be done; for she continued still speaking both night and day to some one or other who watched with her, yet all of the best things; for her time being short, she imagined (as she said) she could not too advantageously emprove the same.  
The first of the two Sundays before her death, 
She instructs, and prepares her children, to bear her death  she would not suffer her children to go to Church that day, but made them stay with her, to instruct them, and speak her mind unto them, alleging that she must take time whilst she had time; for, she knew not whether or not she should live until the next Sunday: when she vented unto them in the best manner she could at large, all she had to say unto them, expounding divers Scriptures unto them, formerly expounded unto her (which she had a large strong memory to retain) this day finishing all she had to say unto them, saving at last to give them her blessing.  
Now the Monday after this, was all spent in continual confetence with Mr Dod, so much as he would confer with her, for fear of overtoyling her spirits, she being in the other extremity more forward to entertain and speak of the best things, 
A strange change.  then formerly she had been backwards; which shown some strange change at hand: yet all this while could she, or would she never sleep, night or day, but in a perpetual motion of speaking of variety of all sorts of things; but by her goodwill, still of Divinity, and of the life to come, undervaluing all this world, and eating sparingly.  
On the Tuesday next in the morning she sent for Mr Dod, who prayed and talked a while with her, with variety of excellent discourse of death, heaven and eternal glory; when suddenly as prayer was done, about eight of the clock in the morning we were strangely enterrupted by a strange and uncouth outcry which proceeded from her, I am assured the like was never heard or read of before: which uncouth language (in show a rapture of another world) a few words whereof the Relator can show or express, only he hopes the Reader will pardon him, if he miss in recoun●ing things of another world, which Paul himself was at a nonplus in after his rapture, 〈◊〉 Cor. 12.4.7. and Peter also after ●is descent from the Mount, Mark 9.6. not knowing what he did: So difficult it is to express things unutterable.  

A strange Rapture of feeling.  Oh, oh, oh, what's this, what's this, what's this? I am undone, undone, undone, I cannot endure it, endure it: O, o, o, let me be gone, let me be gone, o, I must be gone, I cannot tarry, I cannot tarry; o what shall I do? what shall I do? O Father, O Mother, O Husband, kiss me, kiss me, and let me be gone: Come all, farewell all, let me take you by the hand and be gone: Lo, lo, the Angels are come, they wait, they stay for me; O dear Mother! why hold you me? I must be gone: O, he is come, he is come, he is come: Now you have it, you have it, you have it, why hold you me? let me be gone, my work is done: O call, call, call, where is my Crown? ●●etch me my Crown: Bring, bring, bring me my white Robes, quickly, quickly, quickly, why ●un you not? the Angel's stay, now you have it, you have it, you have it. Meaning that now we had the ●ssue and fruit of all our Prayers) O, it overcome, overcomes, overcomes me; I am undone, undone undone; what shall I do? what shall I do? what shall I do? O you will not let me be gone.  
With innumerable such swift expression could not be remembered, she in that short time of half a quarter of an hour speaking more than one can treatably in an hour, with an incredible witness (no ordinary action of this life) when withal she heaved and heaved up still all the time with fixed eyes towards the house top, as though she had seen some Vision, and would have flown away from them all, making a hole through the chamber Roof; During which time (as we cannot blame them;) the posture of all the Spectators was (save her Husband who went weeping and wring his hands up and down the Chamber) silence, wonder, and admiration; they in all their life time having never seen or heard of the like: Which put Mr Dod, her Husband, and all of them to a nonplus (as being beyond all experience:) But if the Reader will have patience, this good Creature shall herself expound this rare Riddle, yea, and comment upon it.  
This fit of sudden, extreme, ravishing unsupportable joy, (beyond the strength of mortality to retain or belong capable of) being over, and she laid again; who formerly had striven to have got away from them all; they all being in an amazed astonished silence; she herself began thus? Why are you all silent? 
Her speech after her Rapture.  where is Mr Dod? Who being near unto her, sat down on the bed's side by her, unto whom she thus directed her speech, Sir, what did you think of me lately in this strange posture I have been in? did not you imagine me to have been mad all the time? Mr Dod Replied, No, but that it was very strange unto them all, having never heard or seen the like. So (said she) surely it was, it was very strange, But will you know how it surprised me? As this morning ere you came to prayer, I being alone prayed to God that he would not absent himself for ever: but that once before my death, he would reveal Christ unto me, give me some sense and feeling of his love: And open the brazen Gates of his hard heart of mine, that the King of glory might enter in. After which as you had prayed, this sudden out-crying fit of unsupportable joy and feeling surprised me with such violence rushing in upon me, as I could not contain myself, but make this sudden outcry amongst you all: But I must confess unto you, I know not, neither do I remember what I said: But now I beseech you to make his use hereof hereafter unto all in my Case.  

Triumphant rare Speech and confession.  After me never despair of any, how desperately miserable so ever their Case be (which at the worst cannot exceed mine) but use and apply the means unto them, and they will prevail at length. I was like a piece of knotty timber, who have endured so many the more knocks with strong wedges, so much ado there was to work me; but now I thank God, who hath heard my prayer and revealed Christ unto me, and now I care not for all this world: The fountain of all my misery hath been, that I sought for that in the Law which I should have found in the Gospel, and for that in myself which was only to be found in Christ. A wrong way I confess, which hath occasioned unto me so much sorrow; but now all is well; O pray, pray, pray, O give thanks; for, now you have it, you have it, you have it.  
This so solid strange speech, so heavenly, rational, gave a great deal of contentment unto all present; Mr Dod according unto her desire, framing himself unto a prayer altogether of thanksgiving, admiring Gods infinite work in her, and for her, beseeching a happy close of this great work begun: For matter of petition now she cared not for, lying like a Conqueror, with an extraordinary cheerful aspect, full of rapt joy, as now she had been possessor of all things, having no need of any thing; now that Christ was hers, all things being hers also; the remainder of the day being spent in overjoyed speeches, with exhortations to Thanksgiving; still telling us, Now you have it, ye have it, you have it: and taking our hands in hers, and heaving them up and down many times together very thankful unto us all, as she wished us to be thankful unto God for her.  

She hath the like Rapture again.  This same Tuesday, again about sour a clock in the afternoon, the Chamber being full of her friends, joyful to see her so fraught with joy, after so many sorrowful days: Suddenly she sell out again, in a strange manner, in such an other rapt fit of joy, beyond all expression, uttering just about the same things as formerly, in the same manner as in the morning, enduring about the same time; and so ceased and was quiet again as formely: She thereupon called Mr Dod, wondering, told him, That her joy and sense thereof, was so overcoming and strong, as she could not for her life contain herself, from bursting forth thus again; for as she said her frail flesh was overcome therewith; and so she entreating him again to give thanks, he did so, spending the remainder of that day in heavenly discourse of another world; hoping that she should that night have step sound, having now watched and been without sleep, above a week together: But it seems, as as the lame man, Act. 3.8. having received his feet, for joy did nothing for awhile but skip, frisk, and leap; so she now having been as it were in another world, revived with uncouth new joys, could not take any rest or sleep, but rejoice always and talk of the same. And so that night having divers friends to watch and sit by her, she spent the same in good discourse and singing of Psalms.  
All the time she had been ill, she could not of all the Psalms endure to join in singing of the thirty Psalm, but that night of herself she called for it, with this expression, Cousin now turn to the thirty Psalm (by the Relator always urged upon her to belong unto her) but I durst never appropriate or apply the same unto myself, until now, and so that Tuesday night sung the same every cheerfully, as was said, she passing this night over also without any inclination to rest or sleep.  
On the Wednesday morning, 
Her dressing for the grave.  her indulgent Mother, that worthy good soul Mr Tottle, did rise betimes and came to visit her, when finding her in a strange unusual Attire, for that morning (now apprehending death at hand) she had caused herself to be dressed from top to toe all in white, concealing her conceit therein until her Mother came; who seeing her thus strangely dressed, spoke lovingly unto her in her accustomed phrase: How now Daughter, what's the matter with thee? me thinks thou lookest like a Bride, So I am Mother (saith she) a Bride now trimmed for Christ the Bridegroom, and now Mother I have my last suit to make unto you (for I am a woman of another world) when I am dead, I pray you, dress me just thus as you see me now, and so let me be laid in my grave; for, for this cause, I caused myself to be dressed thus this morning, that you might see how I would be laid in the grave: Whereunto her Mother bursting forth into weeping, she comforted her all she could, saying, Mother, me thinks you should rather rejoice to see me so near home, after that I have so long a time been storm beaten and sea-sick, not now to grudge that I am arrived so near the haven: And so prayed her to suffer her willingly to departed home in peace: whereupon her Mother for that time (being a matchless tender Mother) parted with many tears.  
Soon after this came Mr Dod and Dr Preston to her, unto whom she with a great deal of joy told the same discourse as formerly she had done unto her Mother, That thus as she was then dressed, she desired to be laid in the grave: After their departure having prayed with her and given thanks (for no other part of prayer she now affected, as being heir of all things, not having need of any thing) she sent for divers of the house severally, 
She schools the servants.  unto whom she gave seasonable and suitable exhotations, fitting unto their places, taking her leave of them all: wherein she was so punctual, that what with her good will she would have had every servant of the house to have come severally unto her; but that her Mother fearing that which after came to pass, some weakness to ensure so much watching, speaking and toiling incessantly of her spirits, durst not expose her unto the hazard of so insupportable a toil.  
Being now very much spent, this Wednesday after dinner, she caused to void her Chamber of every body, and sent for her Father to speak with, shoole, and take leave of him; whom she dealt with and schooled (having him all alone) for above an hour together; 
She schools and takes leave of her father.  whom when she had said her mind unto, and taken her leave of, she dismissed him. At his descending from her, the Relator did what he could in a a fair way to have fished from him, what she had said unto him: Of whom nothing could be obtained, save in the general, That he had given him very good counsel, both touching his wife and himself, and concerning the ordering of his estate and family, and to keep a Preacher in his house; with many other, all good things, is he said.  
Presently after this she called to speak with the Relator, 
Her farewell speech to the Relator.  whom having made to sit down by her, she first gave him many solemn thanks in a full gaile of loving expressions for his care and pains taken with her; and then she said she had a suit unto him: Who replied, that any suit of hers, if in his power, was granted ere known; which yet served not the turn, but she would have his hand to forgive her; which being done, she prayed him to forgive her; who wondering at the strangeness of this needless suit, told her, that he had rather cause to ask forgiveness of her, having much failed both in duty and love unto her: 
A rare confession.  O no, said she, you must forgive me that you for so many years together having showed me so much love, and been a means of my everlasting comfort and happiness, that yet I have been so unkind unto you, for I have not loved you by the hundred part, in that measure I ought to have done, according to that love you have showed me: But will you know the cause? I could love no body as I should so long as I was not assured of God's love to me (for that only sets our love a fire to run strongly the right way) I could until then neither love you nor any body else, during so much distraction and diversion as I should have done: And now that my love is thus kindled, this is my sorrow (my time being short) that now I can not otherwise express myself then by this poor acknowledgement, in a time I am so unfit and disabled to perform my desires: But I well hope, that what I cannot do, that God who set you a work you my good, and my other friends will perform, when I am gone: And so for that time with abundance of love and thanks dismissed the Relator.  
Thus having in some ample manner disposed of all the business she seemed to have in this world: The remainder of this afternoon she lay in her former joyful posture, rejoicing to speak of the best things unto every one near unto her; yet without any rest or sleep, or inclination that way. When Mr Dod and Dr Preston came to visit her, she still entreating to give thanks, no other discourse she had, as wanting nothing: So continuing all this day, until the evening late, that there was a great change, as in part shall be showed; for least she should be lifted up through her former revelation, joys and rapture, so short which endured not, surpassing her strength, she had a weakening cooler to keep her down low.  

She is surprised with a weakness.  For, lo, lo, the Scene now changes again, the curtain waves and tosses a little with an uncouth wind, party coloured, no firm impressions appeared: She who lately was in a glorious triumph, flying away forcibly from us all, as it were with eagle's wings mounting upwards, is now suddenly surprised with an extreme fainting and weakness of spirits, being for ten days and night's overwearied, watched and toiled out, so as now she bewrayed some weakness in her expressions, not being as formerly so lively and substantial; which continued the Thursday and Friday after, never having any rest or sleep all the time; which distemper, made them send post to London for two Physicians, hoping by their advice to have made her rest: But all in vain, No physic could cure her but heavenly physic: Therefore on the Saturday, Mr Dod, Dr Preston, and Mr Hooker, 
A Fast kept for her.  kept a private fast for her; the issue whereof was, in that forenoon she fell asleep, rested sound some five or six hours together, and then waked in a very mild gentle temper. Then she called unto her Cousin Herreis (a good Gentlewoman, always exceeding careful of her) Sarah, tell me, did not I lately in some speeches forget myself? Whereunto her Answer was, Truly Cousin so you did, but we imputed the same to your many days and night-watching, and over-wearying of your spirits, unable so long to hold out: So it was, said she, My spirits were spent and gone, which caused that weakness.  

Her death.  Then she remembering all that had passed, her strange Raptures, (but nothing which then she had said in them) retaining her former grounds, comfort and cheerfulness (as in so much weakness could be expressed) called for Mr Dod, Dr Preston, with the rest of her friends, causing them to give thanks with her, and for her, venting herself unto them thus, That her time was now at hand, prayed them not to leave her, and being very weak, spoke then her mind unto her Father, Mother, and Husband, in a sort taking leave of them, sent for her Children, and blessed them, now magining to have done all her work: And so from thence fell into a silent Rapture of joyful singing of Hymns, and verses of Psalms, not greatly caring to speak unto any body, save now and then unto Mr Dod when he moved an occasion: And so she lay this Saturday night, and the next Sunday, only when Mr Dod came desiring still to give thanks, all which time she grew weaker and weaker, having by this time no audible but a hollow low voice, scarce to be understood.  
The Monday after in the morning when she fell asleep being come, Mr Dod with the rest coming unto her, she when she saw them all about her, rejoiced and smiled, taking them all by the hand with a cheerful countenance, beckoned unto Master Dod to give thanks, and bend herself what she could with lifted up hands to join, speaking softly unto herself in her Hymning way: And so whilst they were at Prayer, suddenly her hands falling, and her lips going, she sunk down in the bed and departed, leaving all her friends mourning about her.  
Thus have we seen the strange Story, and scarce credible, the like never heard of before I believe, of this good Gentlewoman, whom now we will suffer to rest in peace, freed from all the storms and tempests wherein she left her survivers, 
Her burial.  Who two days after was buried according to her desire at Ammersum, in that Attire she before her death bade dressed herself; Dr Preston Preaching her funeral Sermon, with the infinite tears of all her friends and poor of the Parish.  
She was of an extraordinary sincere, plain, true heart; full and abounding in love, mervellous secret in all her goodness, very charitable to the poor, of an unblameable conversation and life; and the best Anti-hypocrite (Christ excepted) that ever lived; for, she always wore her worst side out-most, and wonderfully cloaked all the good things she ever did or said; with all her skill endeavouring to extenuate all she this way did or said: Of her jewels and other things her Husband lovingly gave her way to dispose of, she left Legacies and remembrances unto all her friends who had been most helpful unto her; and forty shillings a piece unto some few good poor women, whom she had secretly, unknown unto any, procured to pray constantly for her.  
And now that we have brought this good Creature into Heaven, good Reader give me ●eave, out of all which hath been said (for memories sake) to sum up briefly her grand Case; lest it should be mistaken.  

The sum of this grand Case.  A good Creature, in her natural estate, qualified with the best of mere nature's endowments; accidentally encountering with some grand difficulties, which a little overcame her natural parts. By the way, being surprised with admiration and wonder at the power of godliness in some eminent Professors her Neighbours (the reflex whereof struck her with a strong conviction, not no be yet the same, ●s to be saved she must needs be) with her other concurring crosses, wrought so upon her, as she became very melancholy, yet with an enforced mirth to cloak the same; which advantage Satan espying (who still loves to work out his ends by that doleful temper) he assaults her with fearful night-dreames, seconded with divers wildfire temptations to have driven her unto final despair, which he had well near effected. Mean while God intending to make her an everlasting monument of his mercy, intending a great work unto others by her trouble and deliverance; to convert by the way her Husband and Parents with divers others in both Families (so stopping divers gaps with one bush) and (as he always doth, and hath done) to over-shoot Satan in his own Bow; provides and sends one of a thousand to find her out, wrestle with all her temptations, foil Satan, and convince her judgement; so drawing her unto a conformity of the means; though with much opposition. But yet so, as an habitual indisposition she had acquired (spiced with the dregs of remaining temptations) kept her off from endeavour, never all this time having had any comfort of feeling; which she so eagerly desiring, without pains taking for it, in the interim she is well beaten; God at leghth yielding unto the importunity of prayers for her, affords her such an immense measure of comfort and feeling for a small time, as mortality was incapble to retain: After which (her spirits thereby vanquished) outwearied with watching and incessant speaking for divers days and nights together, for a small time she betrays some weakness. But upon a private Fast kept for her two days before her death, she revives again, maintains her grounds, former joys and feeling; from thence until her death, remaining in a silent Rapture of joys; wherein she departed: leaving herself, the ever memorable mirror of God's wonderful mercies, unto all the stiff, obdurate, hardhearted for ever.  
And now, good Reader, tell me, Is it fit or possible that we should part with so grand, strange, rare, and matchless a CASE, without some brief use thereof unto the Survivers? for which cause it hath been written, and for aught we know, all her sufferings were: O no, courage then, hold out a little, and I will now dispatch briefly, endeavouring in the Catastrophe of this our Tragicomey, to recompense thy patience, with the fragrance of some sweet smelling close of some Divine rarities.  
Use. First, Then here we may learn, That not the great things of this world makes one happy, but the favour of the great God: Nothing being able to content the soul, but that which is able to fill it, which all this world cannot do: Showing that there is nothing such in these earthly things (as we imagine) in the evil day or times of trial. Witness this good Gentlewoman, the subject of our discourse, who might have swimmed in the fullness of all earthly pleasures; all which were nothing unto her, she was dampt in the midst of all; so as nothing could revive or joy her (like unto David) save the light of God's countenance to be lifted up upon her. And therefore, not to deceive ourselves, but to settle in our judgements, that wherein only true solid lasting happiness consists, the favour of God, and follow that with all our might.  
Secondly, Then see hence, That of all the Burdens in this world, sin is the most insupportable, especially when therewith in any measure is joined a sense of the wrath of God: For if God, as it is in Amos, complain, that he is pressed down under the same, as a Cart under the sheaves, the sense thereof also making David to roar for grief of heart, having also bred so much terror, amazement and trouble unto this good Gentlewoman, for so many years together, being free of gross sins; what may they think of themselves, who go on sinning without fear, living and going on in grosser sins without repentance?  
Thirdly, Here we may see, That in the best, where there is sin, there must and will be smarting punishments, though it be forgiven as david's was: Yet we may sound be beaten for the same, he taking vengeance of our inventions, as the Psalmist speaks: for this good Gentlewoman, though saved and forgiven, yet was sound beaten ere she departed hence. Therefore to be afraid to sin, and to stand in awe of the anger of the great God; for though he may forgive, yet if he open Hell unto us, keep us in perpetual fear as upon the rack, as he did this good Hentlewoman, letting Satan lose to buffet her, oh what comfort can we have in such a tormenting dying life? having our happiness hide form our eyes?  
Fourthly, Hence also we may learn, That the more beloved, usually the soundlier beaten, sifted and tried, Amos 3. You only have I known, of all the Nations of the Earth, therefore you shall not go unpunished for all your iniquities; wherefore corrections being a sign of love, not of reprobation (as the Devil persuades) that the Saints should not be discouraged though storme-beaten in their journey homewards; they may go to Heaven for all this, as this good Gentlewoman did.  
Fifthly, And so here also we may gather what need we have of patience to have its perfect work in us, to fit us for the greatest and most smarting afflictions: there being yet some light in this dark cloud; the sorest and most smarting crosses, ending usually in the greatest and most glorious deliverances: Witness the none-such troubles of jacob, joseph, job, David, the Churches forty years' Pilgrimage in the Wilderness, & of this good Gentlewoman, all ending in peace and joy; because the promise is, that of necessity, the patiented abiding of the righteous must needs end in joy.  
Sixthly, Then also we see here, that crosses and afflictions are only lesser and greater, as it pleases the great God to set them on less or more: as it pleases him to abstract the light of his countenance from us, turn lose Satan upon us, enfatuate our judgements, giving us some taste and sense of his encensed wrath: Oh! who then can dwell with such everlasting burn? and if smalller sins discovered thus set on and torment, yea, some thoughts only, as in this good Gentlewoman; Oh! what may the greater do, if he should aggravate them, discovering the wrath due unto them, without a suitable sight of mercy? Therefore to break off our sins betimes, repent of them, and to sow for ourselves in righteousness, that we may have a sure reward, and be able at last to stand with boldness before the Son of Man.  
Seventhly, So seeing too eager desire of feeling cost this Gentlewoman so dear though she had her desire, therefore not to dote too much upon it; being restless until they have it, as many good souls do, who like Rachel restless for children, cried out still, comfort, comfort, feeling feeling, or else we die: But let them be contented of what measure thereof God of his infinite wisdom thinks best for them: For, He who hath created them for eternity of glory, surely knows the best means and way to bring them thither: Seeing, feeling at the best is uncertain, short and quickly vanishing; and too much doted upon and eagerly pursued, brings us only to a habit of discontentment without it: whilst we cannot be contented unless every day the Almighty feast us, forgetting that we walk, by faith, and not by sight; and that the life we now live in the flesh is by the Faith of the Son of God; vision and sense, for to come.  
Eighthly, Then behold from this rare experience here this lesson, Not to prescribe or appoint God a way which way to bring us unto glory; He knew the fittest and shortest way to have brought the children of Israel unto the Land to Canaan, without passing through a red sea; But out of his infinite wisdom, he made choice of the wilderness way unto them, That (as Moses shows) he might prove them, try them and do them good at their latter end: And yet how crooked soever his ways seem unto our corrupted senses, they be always strait, how full soever of turn and wind; as the Psalmists, That he brought them out by a right way unto Canaan: Therefore to rest confident herein, that this which God appoints is always best for us; whether he lead us in a wilderness, in a a strait, crooked, smooth, tedious long afflicted way, by the gates of Hell unto Heaven, or with a more gentle comfortable gale of joy; let us be contented, so he bring us thither, as he did this good woman here; if by any means we attain unto a joyful Resurrection of the Dead, it is a very great purchase as Paul acknowledges.  
Ninthly, For (which is the next) Sure it is, Seeing a glance of Heaven, a little taste of heavenly joy is so prevalent to make us to forget all, even an age of afflictions, as this good Gentlewoman found, who thereupon forgot all her bypast troubles swallowed up in surmounting joys; I say, if a touch, a taste, a short glance only be so forcible and ravishing. How surmountingly excellent glorious and ravishing shall that estate be to drink at the fountain head of the beatifical vision, out of the rivers of his pleasures of ever? Therefore to rest confident and patiented in all afflictions, seeing our comforts are at length beyond all our crosses; seeing God ruins none by afflictions, but purged, purifies, cleanses, whitens, enlightens and fits us thereby to be vessels capacious of so much the more glory; out of the ruins of the flesh, erecting, framing and building up that glorious struckture of the new creature, to mount up at length out of the wilderness of this world, fraught with Mirth and Frankincense, and all the spices of the Merchant, unto eternity of glory for ever.  
Tenthly, Next hence observe, That God never comes too late unto his servants, but will always be seen in the Mount, making our extremities his opportunities: as he did unto Abraham in Isaac's case, and as this good Gentlewoman found, who being much afflicted, comfortless for many years together, even at the point of death: yet at length he was entreated, came and revived her, in a swifter course than the running swift Charets of Aminadah: nay, came flying as it were upon the wings of the wind, passing and skipping by all the hills of sins and mountains of her corruptions; when (in her appearing last suit unto him, and extreme weakness) she had begged now at length once before her death to open the brazen gates of her hard heart, that the King of glory might enter in; which was abundantly done. Therefore, though he stay never so long, let all the hardhearted gain by this experience of hers; with the Church's resolution in Isaiah, I will wait upon him who hides his face from the house of jacob; and I will look for him; and reason good, For he never fails of conming, being waited for, and engaged by so many promises; wherein it is impossible for him to deny himself.  
Eleventhly, Further also hence we may learn how to deal with those in affliction in whatsoever Case: View them well first, be not too brief with them; Hear them vent themselves, Try the symptoms and palses of their disease, as jobs three friends who sat (it is written) seven days and nights silent, because they saw his grief was great; for unseasonable comforts are and prove but like ●aine falling upon hard stones, which runs off as fast as it comes, making no impressions: whilst their buzzing heads and transported spirits are gadding, plodding elsewhere with strong diversions; as it fell out with this good Gentlewoman; who passed not for all was said unto her for a long time, neither was hope of cure, until the Devil's counsel was bewrayed.  
1. Therefore, it behoves to be circumspect and patiented awhile to find out the cause and circumstances of distempers, or else no good can be done; for though counsel in the heart of a man be like deep waters, yet Solomon shows, that a man of understanding will fetch it out.  
2. And then his counsel being bewrayed, the Patient must be mildly, meekly and gently used, not hauled and pulled, hurried and chid; O no, this is a wrong course; but used with abundant patience and love, waited upon, with many good words, and suffered to bemoan themselves as much as they list, repeating one thing still over and over again, as often as they please; Many good things fit for them must be uttered in their hearing not too soon pressd upon them, as spoken unto others; they must have here a little and there a little, not pressd beyond their strength; won by degrees with a loving sweet affable carriage; as all these years of this good woman's trouble she was served by all her friends which won much, and wrung many things from her in love which could not otherwise possibly have been attained: For alas, All that while they are in a spiritual fever; and what mad Physician will adventure to give physic in a burning fever?  
3. When they begin to mend and become more docible, we must not then bring like jobs friends (who mistook his case) the Law for the Gospel. This is Satan's work usually, most of them are to apt to lay too much load upon themselves; It is an easy matter to throw down, when one is a going (facilis discensus Averni) than it is Satan's work, down with it, down with it, down with it even to the ground: O, but it is the work of the great God to raise one up who is dejected: It is the work of the Holy Ghost in that case to raise up, encourage, and convince us in a despairing estate: Wherefore spiritual Physicians must be like Christ the great Physician, of whom it is said, A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, until he bring forth judgement unto victory, or a victorious sanctification in us: as we were glad to do by this good creature, by all gentle means to toll on, uphold and cherish her spirit, until God at length came in, and did all.  
Twelfly, But lo, lo, whilst we are now towards a conclusion, where Thanksgiving also appeareth, in treating on the passages of this Rare Case not to be forgotten, so as the stupidity, dulness, deadness and sluggishness of our sinful dispositions might be whetted and set on edge more than ever thereby unto more exact and serious frequent actings thereof; for our freedom from those innumerable troubles, sorrows, sicknesses and diseases, both inward and outward, of all sorts, which tormenteth many others better than we; who enjoying abundance of unperceived, ordinary mercies, do therefore slight and neglect the same: For, when vexations of toothache, stone, strangury, convulsions, gout, palsies, burning, fevers, agues, ulcers, swell, broken and disjointed bones, strained sinews, displaced arteries, inflammations and the like annoy us; terrors of conscience, with a wounded spirit; Satan's incessant buffet, apprehensions of Hell, and the wrath of God affright us: O what torments, doleful days and miseries do we endure, to be as it is, Deut. 28. In perpetual fears, having no assurance of our lives? And yet O how unthankful are we and senseless of so great and wonderful mercies, as daily and nightly we are freed from, the least whereof (when their contraries suprize us) makes us cry out as most miserable: witness this good Gentlewoman , Who being and living in continual fears, valued nothing at all this world, took no comfort in any thing here below: And yet it is strange how daily we slubber over our Thanks givings and freedom from miseries we enjoy, as though they were not most great and wonderful, every morning renewed mercies; or else we should have wonderful and doleful days: But it is our misery and frailty, that a prick of a pin in our flesh usually we are more sensible of, then of the health and harmonical concord both of soul and body: And therefore hereafter, to chase, survey, and consider of our present mercies, to bruise and toss them, as men do Aromatic sweets, that their fragiancies may the more abundantly spread forth themselves, whilst the North and South wind of the spirit thus blows upon them, to show forth and make us consider of their excellencies unto Admirations utmost wonder; thus to ascend a higher pitch upon this ●ount of Thanksgiving, and become more perfect upon earth of our endless work in Heaven.  
Thirteenthly, As we began with this good Creature, who led forth the Van in a Tempest; so now having been victorious, let us so far honour her as to bring up the Rear, and make the last Use, which she herself made unto all succeeding Survivers howsoever afflicted, especially, by dissertion or hardness of Heart: That they should upon experience of her CASE, and God's goodness unto her, not be so discouraged in any estate whatsoever, as to give over the use of means, but to ply them still; trust and wait, and they would prevail at length. Therefore then from hence, let all such learn to wait and depend upon God: And since (as it is Isa. 30.) he waits in all their troubles for an opportunity to show mercy unto them; therefore to wait and depend upon him until he come: For though they may wait long, yet herein they may abundantly comfort themselves, That God will comfort them according to all the days they have been afflicted, and the years wherein they have seen evil; That he who hath showed us sore and great troubles, will yet quicken us again, and bring us up from the depth of the earth; increase our greatnesses and comfort us on every side, Psal. 71.20.21. That though they have been led through fire and water, causing men ride over their heads, yet that he will bring them forth unto a wealthy place, Psal. 66.12. That when they walk in the midst of trouble, God will revive them, and maintain their cause, Psal. 140.12. That after deliverances from affliction, their souls shall be as a watered Garden, and shall not sorrow any more at all, jer. 31.12. And that in deliverance, they shall have several comforts, answering their several crosses, jer. 31.8. being built up again, as at the first, jer. 33.7.  
And therefore to persist and go on, trusting still and depending upon God; because though they may for the present want sense and feeling of God's love; yet (as Peter speaks) because in the interim they are kept by the power of God unto salvation, that they are all in God's hand at the worst, Deut. 33.3. from above having the eternal God for their refuge; beneath being clasped in his everlasting arms, Deut. 23.27. And so, Because he brings light from darkness, perfection from weakness, by death bringing unto life, and by the gates of Hell unto Heaven: Seeing he makes all things work together for good unto us, and ●ll his works (how cross somever) beautiful in time. O let the ●ints after so rare a Precedent of this good woman, never hereafter he out of Heart, assuring themselves of deliverance whatsoever their Case be, in using of the ●tanes: For, What is a hard heart, 〈◊〉 ten thousand hard hearts un●● that great God, who with a ●ord made Heaven and Earth? 〈◊〉 whom nothing is too hard, ●en. 17.1. Who over-turneth the ●ountaines by the roots, who ●akes the Earth; Heaven drop●ing at his presence, Psal. 78.8 ●ho calleth all the Stars by their ●mes; by the greatness of his ●ight, spans the Heavens, clothing them with blackness, making Sackcloth their covering; commanding the Sun not to rise, and sealing up the Stars, etc.  
Upon all these grounds therefore, and many more (too tedious to relate) let all stoop unto God, Saintlike lie and sit down at his feet, receiving of his words, taking the experimental counsel of this good woman, to keep close unto God in the use of means, and then they are safe, Resolving that though they die, yet to die as his feet; and so to wait, and trust still unto the last, for he will come at last unto them; as Habacus hath it, The vision is for an appointed time, though it tarry, yet wait, for it will come and not tarry, as it did unto this good woman after ten years' expectation, whose abundant feeling and comforts in the end, did manifoldly surmount all her sufferings and toubles in an unspeakable manner and measure, leaving herself as the matchless monument of God's unspeakable mercy, unto all stout, stiff, and hardhearted sinners for ever, even though for a while they do resist the means; who for all this may be won by overcoming mercies as she was; so triumphing over all their spiritual enemies, as to sing at length in a more ensulting and lofty way with Deborah.  
Judg. 5.21. O my Soul! thou hast trodden down strength.  
FINIS.   

Errata.  
Pag. 12. l. 9 for know, read known. p. 138. l. 23. for strangely, 1. suddenly. p. 131. for Mr, r. Mistress. p. 162. l. 13. for sell sleep, r. had slept.