AN edifying WONDER, OF Two children dying 100 years old OR A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE LAST HOURS OF SUSANNA BICKES, (In the 14 year of her age) before her death. Septemb. 1. 1664. ALSO OF JACOB BICKES her Brother of 7. years old. Aug. 6. 1664.  ESAI. 65. 20. 
The child shall die an hundred years old, bot the sinner being an hundreth years old shallbe accursed.  MATTH. 21. 16. 
Have ye never read. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.  LUK. 18. 16, 17. 
And Jesus called the little children to him, and said: Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you: who so receiveth not the Kingdom of God as a little child he shall in nowise enter therein.  
Printed in the Year 1666.   

READER.  
THis was done at first in another language And albeit I know that there is so much sobriety in the most able, who put pen to paper in those days, as maketh them to find some scarring upon their own spirits: when they suppose, how many of those who look upon a new book, may happen to welcome it into the world, with a word of snuffing disdain, Tush, the world is too full of books already. Yet I am some what above the fear of the hardest censure for this small and indirect accession to the adding of one poor sheet more; that I am rather confident that (Read who will these few pages) his conscience within him (such as it is) will extort so much from him, like a testimony to the ways of God that he shall at least say, O that I may die the death of the righteous, and that my latter end might be as his. And that the Reader, who is taught the fear of the Lord, willbe farther enlightened and refreshed, and persuaded of the ways of holiness. And more particularly of these few things following. First, that there is a Holy Ghost which dwelleth in, and shallbe with the saints for ever. And 2. that he is the comforter who alone can and should comfort the soul. And 3. that his consolations are not small; by which there is singing for joy of heart and glorifieing God even in the fires, and by which beleivers are enabled to laugh at destruction and famine, and dearth and pestilence, and to lift up their heads, and be able to stand before the Son of God, though they should live to see the greatest distresses of nations, and the shakings of heaven and earth: which make the hearts of the stout to stoop, and fail. 4. That the pure ordinances of Christ are no vain things but aught to be much followed and cleaved unto, and that there Christ giveth his loves. 5. That the word is that sword of the Spirit, and there is none like it against that Goliath, that red Dragon, that Leviathan, and the King of Terrors. How mighty was this young Damsel in the Scriptures, and the young one wanted not his own number of Scripture places: by which, through grace, they did quit themselves like men, and overcame: and, at their death, declared themselves, by the faith and consolation of the Scriptures, to have attained to the stature of perfect men. Christians, know what hour it is of your day, and what is your work. Be faithful in the lesser or greater things of opportunity and means of working out your salvation. You do not know what evil may be upon the earth; albeit we know, that the Cup of trembling (go round as it will) from Nation to Nation, from Church to Church, from City to City, from Family to Family: yea, often, it beginneth at the house of God, and his own sanctuary. Ezek. 9 2 Pet. 3. But yet a little while, and it shallbe taken out of the hand of the Lords people, and the dregs thereof shallbe wrung out by all the wicked of the earth, and that most Signally, by Antichrist, apostates, seducers, persecuters, and others also, who have a form of Godliness and deny the power thereof.   

THE LAST HOURS OF SUSANNA BICKES in the 14th year of her age.  
SUSANNA BICKES borne in Leyden januarij 24. 1650. was visited/ from the hand of the Lord/ with the Pestilence/ upon the 30. of August 1664. being Saturnday/ betwixt 7. of 8. at night. And after the beginning of her sickness/ there were considerable presages of her death. And very speedily she betook herself to the great Physician of soul and body. The first night/ she exercised herself to earnest prayer/ by herself alone (without many words/ or speech to others) that God would furnish her with strength in her soul/ to bear out that great conflict/ which she did apprehend to be approaching with the waves of death: that she might by faith and patience/ as becometh a dying Christian/ partake of the victory/ which Christ hath purchased over death/ to all these/ for whom he himself had tasted of death. And as God had blest the preaching of the word abundantly to her/ and the exercises private and public/ upon the catechism: So/ that she had acquired a mervellous measure of knowledge/ and daily increasing in the same/ from the very day that she was in any capacity to learn: So/ what instruction she received in the grounds of Religion: it did so take hold upon her/ that not only she retained the notions thereof in her understanding: Bot the impressions of the truth were engraven upon her heart/ of which she gave remarkable proofs at this time of her death. And that the word of God had dwelled plentifully in her: whereby she was enabled to speak unto herself/ and to sing with grace in her heart/ making sweet medoly to the Lord/ while surrounded with the billows of the King of Terrors/ marching in battle array against her/ with the terrible slaughter weapon of the Pestilence. As abundanly is evident by the ensueing words uttered by her/ and faithfully collected; and/ by the advyce and help of some judicious and Religious persons/ published/ for the use of others both old and young. The account whereof might have been much larger than here it is done; but that several things did escape the memories of the bystanders/ and of the Penman/ being partly through grief/ and partly through wonder/ diverted from the exact noting of the things which she uttered.  
At the beginning of her sickness/ she was heard/ with much feeling and power/ breaking forth to God with these words of Psalm, 119. If thy law were not my delyt I should perish in my affliction. Whereupon her Father said to her: be of good comfort my child/ the Lord willbe near unto thee/ and us/ under this heavy and sore tryel/ and will not forsake us; although now he chasten us. David/ by these words/ belike/ meant of the Lords hand which had been heavy both upon his house and upon his person several ways. Whereof we read in the Scripture. Yea Father/ said she/ Our heavenly Father doth chasten us for our profit that we may partake of his holiness. As we read Hebr. 12. 10, 11. And albeit (as it is said there) not chastening for the present time seemeth to be joyeous bot grievous: nevertheless, afterwards, it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them who are exercised by it. The Lord is now chastening me upon this sickbed/ and I hope he will bless it so/ as to make it to yield unto me that same blessed fruit/ according to the riches of his mercy and compassions which fail not: and then sighing to God with her eyes up to heaven/ she said: be merciful unto me/ o Father/ be merciful unto me poor sinner according to thy word.  
And looking upon her sorrowing parents who stood by her. Father said she/ It is said in the 55. Psal. vers 23. Cast thy burden upon the Lord: and he shall sustain thee: for he will never suffer the righteous to be moved. Therefore/ dear Father and Mother/ cast all your care and sorrow upon the Lord who shall make all things go well that concern you. Oh (said the Mother) my dear child/ I have had no small comfort from the Lord in thee/ and the fruits of his grace in thee/ whereby thou hast been so much exercised unto godliness in the word/ and prayer/ and religious and gracious discourse unto thine own and our comfort and edification. The Lord himself/ who gave us thee/ make up our loss of thee: If it be his pleasure that we must now part one from another. D. Mother (said she) albeit I leave you/ yet God shall never forsake you: for it is said Isai. 49. 15, 16. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the fruit of her womb: yea she may forget: yet I will not forget thee. Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hand etc. Oh comfortable words both for mothers and children. Mark dear Mother/ how fast the Lord keepeth and holdeth his people that he hath them (even) graven on the palms of his hand. Therefore think with yourself/ that albeit I must part with you or ye with me/ yet the Lord shall never separat from you or me.  
She being wearied through much speaking/ desired to rest a little: and after a very little tym she awaked. Her Father asked how it was with her/ but she asked what day of the week it is now. Her Father told her/ it was the Lord's day. Well said she/ have ye given up my name to be remembered in the public prayers. Her Father told her he had done so. I have learned/ said she/ that the effectual fervent prayer of the Righteous doth avail much. The two worthy Ministers/ who are aftermentioned/ she would have much desired they should have been by her/ but from her love to them/ being much tender and careful of their safety/ she would not have them desired to visit her: but rather satisfied herself to be cast upon the Lords own hand/ and to accept of/ and improve the visits of others/ whom the providence of God should send unto her: or those (who being judged by the Church sit for the visiting of the sick in these caices of hazard) arewont to come with more freedom. Of whom their was one who used to come several times to her/ and who was through the Lord's blessing useful to her: to whom she gave hearty thanks for his visit. And one tym/ after he was gone/ she began to weep bitterly/ and her Father asked her the cause. Have I not matter for weeping/ said she/ for what I have heard/ but just now/ by the visitor: that Domine de Witte was to day taken sick in the pulpit/ and went home so unwell. which is a sad token for the people. For/ when God is about to smite a Land or a City/ often times he smiteth and removeth their pastors/ and aught we not then to lay such a thing to heart. although for my part/ I know that I shall not long live to behold the evil which may come/ and which I have helped to procure als well as others. And therefore I pray with David Psa. 25. Remember not, O Lord the sins of my youth, nor my trespasses, according to thy tender mercy, remember thou me for thy goodness sake, O Lord. Oh how do I long; even as the Hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my thirsty soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, the living God. Oh how doth my soul thirst all the day after thee, O God. Psa. 42. And farther/ in the words of that 51. Psal. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, according to thy loving kindness; according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. And so forward to the 11. vers/ which she much insisted upon/ often repeating the same/ especially the 5. vers/ Behold I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Upon which words she enlarged her meditation and speech/ according as she had learned from the Scriptures and the Catechism/ and the books written thereupon for explication/ concerning that subject of original sin. This is comed/ said she from the disobedience and fall of our first parents in paradise/ that our nature is so corrupted; that we are all/ & altogider conceived and borne in sin: So we read also Gen. 5. 3. Thus/ Adam (it is said) begat a son after his own likeness. Sin is not of God/ for he hath form man upright in the beginning; but he hath sought out many inventions. Eccl. 7. 29. Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: but death reigned from Adam to Moses; even over them who had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression. Rom. 5.  
She spoke also many things very judiciouslie of the old man/ and the putting off the same: and of the new man/ and of the putting on thereof: from Eph. 4. and then she fell again upon the 51. Psa. and these words/ The sacrifices of God are a broken heart, a broken and a contrite Spirit, O Lord, thou wilt not despise? that brokenness of heart/ said she/ which is built upon/ and/ floweth from faith: and that faith which is built upon Christ/ who is the  and alone true sacrifice for sin. And heerupon she spoke of the offerings and sacrifices of Abel and of Cain. Hebr. 11. 4.  
Thereafter she desired to rest and having slumbered a little/ she said/ ah dear F. and M. How weak do I find myself. My dear child/ said her Father/ God shall in his tender mercy strengthen you in your weakness. Yea Father/ said she/ that is my confidence/ for it is said Isai. 42. The bruised reed he will not break, and the smoking flax he will not quench. Should I not then believe/ read Hebr. 11. How Abraham being proved of God did by faith offer up Isaac in sacrifice. Oh what a steadfast & loyal faith was that of Abraham/ which made him willing and ready to offer that his own one son. Oh/ what is faith? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, & the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11. 1. Also 2. Tim. 2. 19 the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth those who are his own. Bot now dear F. and M. why weep ye so over me/ knoweing so well/ I hope/ that if the Lord shallbe pleased to take me out of this lamentable woeful world/ it shallbe well with me/ and that therewith ye ought to be content. It is said Psal. 115. Our God is in the heavens and doth all what soever he pleaseth. Yea/ we pray every day that his will may be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Now Father/ this is Gods will/ that I lie upon this sickbed of this disease. Therefore we must be content that it be to us according to our prayer. Otherwis we then should murmur against God: without whose good pleasure/ nothing comes to pass. Although I be thus stricken with so heavy and sad a disease: yet it is the will of God/ and there is my silence. Therefore I will pray that his will be done and not mijne. Therefore/ Father/ never doubt of God's providence/ for it is said Matth. 10. are not two sparrows sold for a farthing and that not one of them falleth to the earth without your Father, yea the hairs of your head are also numbered. Therefore fear not: ye are better than many sparrows. And Lam. 3. 38. There goeth not out of the mouth of the almighty good and evil. Adversity and prosperity are both good. Some things may seem evil in our eyes/ but the Lord turneth all to good. Amos 3. 6 Shall there be evil in the city which the Lord doth not. Cometh not the Pestilence from God. What mean those people/ who say that it cometh by the air? and is not the Lord the Creator and the Ruler of the air/ and all the Elements. Or/ if it come out of the earth: yet is it of the Lord. What talk they; that it came which a ship which was come from Africa. We have long ago read together out of Leu. 26. 25. I shall bring a sword upon you to avenge the quarrel of my covenant, & where you are assembled in your cities, then shall I bring the pestilence in the midst of you.  
After this/ she sought some rest again: and having slumbered a little/ she said/ O now my dear Fat. and Mot. now is this day for the opening of the first quest. of the catechism/ and if we were there with others; we should hear/ that whether in death/ or life; we are the Lord I. Christ's/ our faithful Saviour/ who hath by his own precious blood redeemed us from the power of the devil. And the following words/ Rom. 14. 8. for none of us liveth to himself, & none of us dyeth to himself, for whether we live: we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord, whether then we live, or die, we are the Lords. Then be comforted: for whether I die/ I shall die to the Lord/ or if I live I shall live to the Lord. The life which God at first gave me; I have as yet/ and so long as the soul is in the body there is hope. wherefore then do ye so much afflict yourselves. But what shall I say: with weeping I came into ye world, and with weeping must I go out of it. Oh my dear parents/ better is the day of death than the day of ones birth. Eccles. 7. 1. There is a time to be borne, and a time to die. If my time to die/ be not comed, I shall then not die. So than ye must comfort yourselves/ and think that God shall make all well. Ah my d. F. and M. let us pray together/ and pray the Lord with me; that he would vouchsafe upon me a quiet and peaceable passage through death. Her Father/ after he had prayed. being full of fatherly sympathy and care of such a child; both in what concerned her soul and body/ asked her/ if he should once more bring the physician to her. Nay/ said she/ the Doctor shall do me nothing/ nor can he help me/ but I hope abundantly that my heavenly Father shall help me. Well/ said her Father/ my child we shall use the ordinary means: and let the Lord bless/ as he sees good. Yea/ said she/ dear Father/ the heavenly Physican is the true helper: he shall help/ he can help both soul and body. It is said Matth. 11. 28. Come unto me all ye who are weary, & heavy loaden and I will give you rest. See there/ Father/ there is the helper/ even as Psa. 50. call upon me in the day of distress: I shall delyver/ and thou shalt glorify me. All who are in trouble/ must call upon God alone/ for when human help is done: then beginneth God's help for them who call upon him in truth and in faith. Therefore let us once more pray. After her Father had prayed/ the friend  came to visit her/ and as the Lord had so opened and enlarged her heart that every word spoken to her from the Scripture took hold upon her with refreshing impression/ so was the visitor also much refreshed by her/ wondering at the grace of God in her/ and that she spoke so pertinently and aftectionatly to her parents/ for comforting them. And so after she had bid him thanks for his visit/ he took his leave with tears: which were tears als much of joy as sorrow. When he was gone/ she asked what day is it now/ they told her/ it was Monday. Then said she/ to morrow is the catechising day in our quarter. There is one thing I will earnestly beg of you/ Father/ and that ye will promise it to me/ and that is; that ye shall go to Dom. de Witte and Ardinois, and thank them for the learning and instruction which I reaped by their catechising/ and tell them that these excellent and brave places of Scripture which they taught me upon the catechism at the meetings in the Kirk/ have been/ and are blessed of God for my comfort/ now upon my death bed/ yea/ be useful unto me/ for my salvation. Oh that sweet catechising: unto which I did alwis resort with gladness/ and waited upon it without wearieing/ until it was ended. I have seen and understood/ that there is so little comfort and good/ & so much vanity in the Kermis & holy idle days of play/ that I have grieved/ and been ashamed both for young and old people/ to see them so glad and mad upon vanity. Also dear Father ye shall give thanks to my Schoolmaster/ and Mistress; who taught me the first beginnings of my reading/ I entreat and hope that ye will do so/ and not forget my thanks to the Ministers/ as ye have already promised. Yea/ said her Father/ I promise you I shall/ if the Lord preserve my life and health (which accordingly he did/ at convenient occasion/ on her behalf: which was refreshing/ & acceptable to these worthy men/ as if it had been a present of another nature/ from some greater personage.  
Being wearied and weakened with speaking/ she sought some rest; and having turned her to the wall/ she slumbered about a quarter of an hour/ and being awake/ her Father asked how she did/ and expressed somewhat of the great satisfaction and contentment he had in her reading/ and writing/ and her religious profiting. Yea Father/ said she: in that ye have been so careful for me/ to get me to read and learn/ hath been better to me/ then if ye had provided ten thousand gilders of portion for me: for thereby have I learned to comfort myself out of the word of God.  
Her Father perceiving her groweing weak/ said to her/ my dear child/ I think thou becomes very weak. Yea said she/ I feel it so more and more/ as also your grief for me/ I see/ doth increase/ which is a piece of my affliction. be content I pray you/ it is the Lord who doth all this. And let us (with David 2 Sam. 24. 14.) fall in the Lord's hand; for his mercies are great. David, while his child was sick/ he fasted/ and eaten not: but when the child was dead/ and God had declared his purpose in it; then he did eat. Yea/ why should I now fast/ said he? can I bring him back from death: I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. 2. Sam. 12. 23. so ought ye to comfort yourself also/ after my death/ and say/ our child is well; for we know that they who trusted in God/ are well. My dear Mother/ who hath done so much for me/ ye must promise to me/ that after my death ye shall not sorrow so much: for I am afraid for you/ when I consider your grief for me/ and for my other sister/ and brother/ who are gone through death before me. And consider your neighbour/ who hath lost her two sons/ & hath no more children. Ye shall both of you promise me/ that ye will comfort one another. Comfort yourselves with Job, who having lost all his children, said, the Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord. Do ye not think but it went very sad with him. Ye know well that Christ said to the Apostles Joh. 16. 33. In the world ye shall have tribulation. But be of good comfort: in me ye shall have peace: I have overcome the world. And must the Apostles suffer so great tribulations? and shall not we endure some what. Yea/ hath not jesus Christ my only life and favior/ in the garden of Bethsemane/ swatt blood for my sake. was he not mocked/ and spitted upon in jerusalem: and/ thereafter/ nailed unto the cross: and a spear thrust through his blessed side: and all this for my sake; for my stinking sins sake. Yea there he cried with a loud voice: my God, my God, wherefore hast thou forsaken me. Now thus hath he purchased his church with his own blood. Act. 20. 28. From the cross is that precious blood to be gotten/ which alone can cleanse us from all sin. 1. Joh. 4. 7. There did jesus hang naked/ who hath purchased to me the garment of salvation/ and clothed me with the rob of righteousness. Isai 6. 10. And salvation is in none other besides him. Yea there is no other name in heaven, or earth among men, by which to be saved. Act. 4. 12.  
Oh dear F. and M. I wax more and more feeble/ and weak. o/ that I may quietly fall asleep in his bosom: and till then/ he may strengthen me/ and take me in his arms/ as he did the little children/ and said Mark. 10. 14. suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of God. And it is said vers 16. he took them in his arms, and laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. I lie here as a child. o Lord/ I am a child; receiv me into thy gracious arms. o Lord/ grace/ grace/ and not justice/ for if thou enter in judgement with me I can not stand. Yea no living shall in thy sight be justified. Psal. 143. 2. for there is none who sinneth not. 1. k. 8. 4. 6.  
Thus with continued speaking she became very faint/ and all her strength seemed quite gone; yet she forced a cry more/ ah my dear mother/ ah how faint and feeble. This did so pierce the heart of her mother; that she could say nothing/ but ah my dear child. Then began she again to comfort her mother: so long as my life is in this body/ there is hope/ said she. If it should pleas the Lord to recover me to life and health: how careful/ and earnest would I be to pleas you/ in my work/ and learning/ and what ye would require/ and lay upon me. And here upon again being a little more revived/ the Lord renewed her strength wonderfully/ to speak as before/ and to comfort herself/ and her parents/ out of the scriptures/ saying with the Apostle Rom. 8. 28. we know that all things work together for good to those who love God; even to these who are the called of God, according to his purpose. O God/ establish me with thy free spirit: that I never fall from thy love. Yea/ its said there/ who shall separat us from the love of Christ. I am persuaded that neither life, nor death, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall separat us from the love of God; which is toward us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Also Joh. 10. 27, 28, 29. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand. my Father, who gave them me, is greater than all, and none shall pull them out of my Father's hand. But now let me rest a little.  
After some slumbering/ she spoke to her Father again/ with much gladness/ and joy of heart. It is said/ saith she 1. Cor, 15. 54, 55, 56, 57 death is swallowed up of victory: o death where is thy sting; o Hell? where is thy victory, the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law: but God be thanked who giveth us victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. There ay/ see that my dear saviour hath overcome death? and the sting of death? who then would not be earnestly content to die. For we must all once die. We are from the earth/ and to the earth we must return/ the dust is mother of us all. Eccl. 12. 7. the dust shall turn to dust, from whence it is, and the spirit to God, who gave it. So that my spirit shall turn to God/ who is the giver of all things. But oh/ what is man's life upon earth. The days of man upon earth are as the grass, as the flower of the field, so he floorisheth. The wind passeth over it, and it is no more. And his place knoweth him no more. Psal. 103. 15, 16. And if a man should live long; yet the longer he should live/ he should the more have sin. Psal. 90. 10. The days of our years are threescore and ten years. And if by strength, they be fourscore: yet is the strength thereof labour and sorrow. Now the Lord shall free me from all that labour/ and that sorrow. Suppose/ and think with yourselves/ that ye were both sick/ and the Lord should come and take you from us/ and leave us poor children behind you? How far greater loss should that seem for us. Is it not better that the Lord remove us first/ who would/ belike/ have so few friends behind you. Bot we know not the thoughts of the Lord: yet we know/ they are peace and good/ and not evil/ and to give an expected end/ unto good. But oh? what shall I say; my life shall not continue long/ I feel so much anxiety. Oh/ Lord/ look upon me graciously: have pity upon my weak and distressed heart/ my distressed soul: I am oppressed/ undertake for me/ that I may stand fast and overcome. Here again/ a little reviving/ she said.  
It is said/ Joh. 14. 16. I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, who shall remain with you for ever, even the spirit of truth. O Lord let him not leave me. O Lord continue with me/ till my battle and work be finished. Without thee I can do nothing. joh. 15. 5. I am, said Christ/ the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. ah/ ah/ my God let me be a branch of that living vine. Oh/ what are we poor worms/ who can of ourselves do nothing. O dear Father/ how lame/ and halting go we in the ways of God and salvation. 1. Cor. 13. 9, 10. For we know but in part, and we prophesy but in part, but when that which is perfect is come: then shall that which is in part be done away. Oh that I had attained to that. Now? but what are we of ourselves. Gen. 6. 5 see/ not only/ the weakness/ & nothingne/ but also the wickedness of man: that all the imaginations of the thoughts of the heart are evil, and only evil continually. and Eph. 2. We were by nature the children of wrath, and are conceived and borne in sin, and unrighteousness. Psal. 51. Oh/ oh/ this wretched and vile thing/ sin. But thanks be to God who hath redeemed me from it. Rom. 8. 15, 16, 17. Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear: but ye have received the spirit of adoption, by which ye cry Abba, Father. It is the spirit which witnesseth with our spirit that we are the children of God. And if children, then are we heirs; Heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. Thence ye see/ Father/ that I shallbe a fellow heir with Christ/ who hath said Joh. 14. 2, 3. In my Father's house are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and take you to myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. O Lord take me to thyself. Behold/ dear M. he hath prepared a place and dwelling for me. Yea/ my dear child/ said her Mother he shall strengthen you/ with his holy spririt/ until he hath fitted you/ and prepared you fully for that place/ which he hath prepared for you. Yea Mother/ it is said in Psal. 84. How loulie are thy Tabernacles, O Lord of hosts: my soul doth thirst, and longeth for the courts of the Lord: one day in thy courts, is better than a thousand. Yea/ said David/ I had rather be a doorekeeper in the house of my God, then to dwell in tents of the wicked. Read that Psalm D. M. and therewith ye may comfort one another. As for me/ I am more and more spent/ and draw near to my last hour. Pray with me. Pray that the Lord would vouchsafe unto me a soft death. And when they had prayed with her/ she turned her to her Mother/ and with much affection / she said/ ah my dear and loving Mother/ that which cometh from the heart/ doth ordinarily go to the heart. Once come and kiss me before I leave you/ and also my dear father/ and my sister. And/ father/ let my sister be trained up in the ways of God/ as I have been/ I bewailed and weeped for my sister/ thinking she should die; and now she weepeth for me. Also/ she took her young little sister in her arms/ a child of 6. months old/ and she kissed it with much affection/ as if her bowels had been moved: and spoke with many heart-breaking words/ both to the parents/ and the children. Her father said to one standing by; Take from her that poor lambkin/ from the hazard of that fiery sickness. Give her from you: for ye have too much already to bear. Well father/ said she/ did not God preserv the 3 children in the fiery furnace. Ye yourself learned me from Isai 43. 3. When thou passest through the fire, thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  
After this/ she had some little rest/ and being awaked/ she said. We read 1. Cor. 15. 42, 43. The body is sown in corruption; but shallbe raised incorruptible. It is sown in dishonour, but shallbe raised in glory: it is sown in weakness, but shallbe raised in power. Behold thus it is/ and thus it shallbe with my poor mortal flesh. Revel. 14. 13. Blessed are the dead who die in ye Lord, because they do rest from their labour, and their works shall follow them: Isai. 57 1, 2. The righteous perish, and no man layeth it to heart; and the upright are taken away, and no man regardeth it; that they are taken away before the evil which cometh. They shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, every one who have walked in their uprightness. Behold now father/ I shall rest and sleep in that bedchamber. Also Job saith/ chap. 19 25, 26, 27. I know that my Redeemet liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though, after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. Behold now/ father/ this very skin which ye see/ and this very flesh/ which ye see/ shallbe raised up again: and these very eyes/ which now are so dim/ shall on that day see and behold my dear and precious Redeemer. Albeit the worms shall eat up my flesh; yet with these eyes shall I behold God: even I myself and not another for me. Joh. 5. 28, 22. Mervell not for this: for the hour is coming, in the which all who are in the grave, shall hear, and come forth: these who have done good, unto the resurrection of life. See/ Father/ I shall rise on that day/ and than I shall behold my Redeemer; then shall she say/ come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared fore you, before the beginning of the world. Behold/ now I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life that I now live in the flesh, is by the Faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and hath given himself for me. I am saved, and that of grace, through faith: and that not of myself: it is the gift of God. Not of works: to the end that no man should boast. Eph. 2, 8 9, My dear Parents/ now we must shortly part: my speech faileth me. pray the Lod for a quiet close to my combat. All our dear child/ how sad is that to us/ that we must part. Yea said she; I go to heaven/ and there shall we find one another. I go to jesus Christ/ and to my Brother jacob/ who did so much cry to God/ and call upon him/ to the very last breathing: and to my little sister/ which was but three years of age/ when it died: and when we asked it? if it would die: yea/ said it/ if it be Gods will/ I will go to my little brother if the Lord will. Or/ I will also stay with my Mother/ if it be his will: but I know that I shall die/ and go to heaven/ to God. Oh/ see how so small a babe/ to which so much grace was given/ as to have itself/ every way/ and in all things/ so subjected/ and submitted to the will of God: as if it had no will of its own/ it said alwise; If it be the will of God: if it pleas God: Nothing for it/ but as it was the will of God? the pleasure of God, etc. And therefore/ dear F. and M. give the Lord thanks for this his free/ and rich grace: and then I shall the more gladly be gone. Be gracious then O Lord unto me also/ be gracious to me: wash me throughly from my unrighteoushes, & cleanse me from my sin. It is said Isa. 1. 18. Although your sins were as scarlet, they shallbe white as snow. Although they were red as crimson, yet they shallbe as wool. Behold/ God hath washen away my sin. Oh how do I long: for in this body, said the Apostle/ we earnestly sigh, and groan, longing for our house which is in heaven; that we may be therewith clothed. 2. Cor. 5. 2. Now I also lie here sighing/ and longing for that dwelling/ which is above. In the same sermon/ which I heard/ or shall ever hear/ on earth; I heard of this/ in the new Kirk: which is matter of great comfort now unto me.  
Then she brought forth several notable scriptures/ which were quoted in that sermon/ especially. Revel. 22. And then she called for prayer. Pray with me/ said she/ that my sins may be forgiven me/ and that I may have the more abundant faith/ and assurance of it/ and the comfort of that assurance/ and the strength of that comfort/ according to my necessity. She prayed herself/ and continued a pretty space.  
After prayer (in which she insisted principally/ for pardon of sin) she said/ my 〈◊〉 parents? have I angered/ or grieved you/ at any time: or done what became me not; forgive it me. O poor child/ say they/ if all children carried so to their parents'/ as thou hast done/ there should be less grief and sorrow/ upon all hands. And if any such thing had escaped thee/ we would forgive it/ with our whole heart: you have done 〈…〉 a good child.  
The heart of her being quieted by her peace with God her Father in the heavens/ and her peace with her parents on Earth/ then she began to dispone her books/ and other little things: and as the grace of God had made her so wise unto salvation; so she did show some proportion of christian prudence/ almost in every thing/ smaller/ and greater. My dear mother/ said she/ ye shall keep my Catechise book/ in remembrance of me. Ye shall keep Dom. de Wit's Catechisation/ so long as ye live: and let my little sister have the other book/ as my remembrance. In the mean while/ she told that she found her heart exceedingly pained/ and overwhelmed/ and that she knew that her life should quickly pass away. Her Father speaking a word/ as he was able/ hoping the Lord would be near with his strength in this sad hour of her necessity. Yea/ said she/ The Lord is my shepherd: Although I pass through the shadow of the valley of death; I will not fear, for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff shall comfort me Psa. 23. And it is said/ Rom. 8. the sufferings of this present life, are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shallbe revealed in us. Shall I not suffer and endure: seeing my glorious Redeemer behoved to suffer so much. Oh how was he mocked/ and spitted on/ and crowned with thorns/ that he might parchase a crown of righteousness for us. And that is the crown/ of which Paul said/ 2. Thes 4. 7, 8. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my race, and keeped the faith. Henceforth, is laid up for me, a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give unto me in that day: and not only to me, but to all who love his appearing. 1. Cor. 6. 20. Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your souls and bodies, which are his. Must I not then exalt/ and bless him/ while I have being/ who hath bought/ yea bought me with his blood. Isai 53. Surely he hath borne our griefs, & took our infirmities: & we esteemed him smitten and stricken of God. But he was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our sin: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and through his stripes are we healed. And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all. Joh. 1. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Behold/ that Lamb is jesus Christ; also/ for my sins/ he hath satisfied. So said Paul 1. Cor. 6. 11. Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and through the Spirit of our God. My end is now very near. Now shall I put on white raiment/ and be clothed before the Lamb/ that spotless Lamb/ & with his spotless righteousness. Now are the Angels making ready to carry my soul before the throne of God. Those are they who are come out of great tribulation, who have washed their robs, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revel. 7. She spoke this with a dying voice: but full of the Spirit/ and of the power of faith. And this her lively assurance/ and persuasion of her salvation/ she further uttered with the words of Paul/ 2. Cor. 5. 1, 2. For we know, that if this earthly house of our tabernacle, be dissolved; we have one, which is built of God, a house not made with hands, but eternal in the heaven. For in this we sigh for our house, which is in heaven, that we may be clothed therewith. There/ Father/ ye see that my body is this tabernacle/ which now shall be broken down. My soul shall now part from it/ and shall be taken up into heavenly Paradise/ into that heavenly jerusalem. There shali I dwell/ and go no more out; but sit and sing/ holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts, the Lord of sabbaoth. And her last words; O Lord God, into thy hands I commit my Spirit. O Lord be gracious/ be merciful unto me a poor sinner; and heerupon she fell asleep. Being the 1 of September in the evening betwxt 7 and 8: having obtained/ very remarkablie/ that which/ so often/ she entreated of the Lord: to wit/ a soft and quiet departure/ and the end of her faith/ the salvation of her soul.   

The last words of her Here follow the last words of her BROTHER JACOB a child of 7 years old.  
THis little child was visited by the Lord with a very sore sickness/ upon the 6 of August: three or 4 weeks before his sister/ of whose death we have given some account already. For most part he sleeped till near his death. That which he spoke ordinarily/ when he was awake; is/ in these few words fowowing/ communicated to the christian Reader. So often as he awaked/ he gave himself to pray. Once/ when his parents had prayed/ they asked him? if they should not/ once more/ call for the physician. Nay said her, dear Fa. and Mo. I will not have the Doctor any more: The Lord shall help me. I know he shall take me to himself/ and than he shall help all. Ah my dear child/ said the Father/ that maketh my heart sore. Well/ said the child/ Father/ let us pray; and the Lord shall be near/ for my helper. And as the parents had again prayed/ he said/ come now dear Fa. and Mo. and kiss me. I know now/ that I shall die. Adieu dear Fa. and Mo. adieu my dear sister: adieu all. Now shall I go to heaven unto God/ and jesus Christ/ and the holy Angels. Father/ know ye not what is said/ by Jeremy chap. 17. Blessed is he who trusteth in the Lord. Now I shall trust in him/ and he will bless me. And 1. Joh. 2. Little children, love not the world; for the world passeth away. away than all that is the world: away with all my pleasant things in the world. away with my dagger (which a Student had propined him) for where I go/ there is nothing to do with dagger/ and sword. Men shall not fight there/ but praise God. Away with all my books/ for where I go/ there is nothing ado with books: There I shall know and be learned/ sufficiently/ all things of true wisdom/ and learning/ without books. The Father being astonished with wonder/ knew not well what to say; but/ my dear child/ the Lord willbe near to thee/ and uphold thee. Yea/ Father/ said he/ the Apostle Peter saith. God resisteth the proud but he giveth grace unto the humble. I shall humble myself under the mighty hand of God; and he shall help/ and lift me up. Ah my dear child/ said the Father/ hast thou so strong a faith. God will strengthen thy saith. Yea said the child/ Father/ God hath given me so strong a faith upon himself/ through jesus Christ; that the Devil himself shall flee from me: for it is said Joh. 3. He who beleiveth on the son, hath everlasting life, And hath overcome the wicked one. 1. Joh. 2. Now I believe in jesus Christ my Redeemer / and he will not leave nor forsake me. but shall give unto me eternal life. Then shall I sing holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Sabaoth. And with the short word of prayer Lord be merciful to me a poor sinner. He quietly breathed it out/ and steeped in the Lord. August 8. 1664.  
To conclude; we may see here/ by the mouth of these children (being, as it were, two or three of that blessed cloud of witnesses. Hebr. 12. 1.) That verified/ which we read/ Isa. 65. 20. THE CHILD SHALL DIE AN HUNDRED YEARS OLD. Reader I have no more to say to thee; but/ as thou would wish to live for ever/ stand in alw of that which followeth/ immediately/ in that same vers: BUT THE SINNER/ though AN HUNDRED YEARS OLD, SHALL BE ACCURSED.  
FINIS