THE Virtuous Woman FOUND, Her LOSS bewailed, AND CHARACTER Exemplified IN A SERMON Preached at Felsted in Essex, At the Funeral of the most Excellent and Religious Lady, the Right Honourable MARY Countess Dowager of Warwick.  
By Anthony Walker D.D. Rector of Fyfield in the said County.  
To which are annexed some of her Ladyships pious and useful Meditations.  
The second Edition Corrected.  
LONDON, Printed for Nathanael Ranew at the King's-Arms in St. Paul's Churchyard. 1680.   

TO THE Right Honourable KATHERINE, Vicountess Ranalaugh.  
And the Honourable ROBERT boil, Esq Executors of the Last Will of the Right Honourable Mary, Countess Dowager of Warwick.  
Right Honourable Madam, and Truly Honourable Sir.  
MY Obedience to the repeated Commands I have received, (for so I shall always esteem your Requests) from both your Honours to publish the Sermon, I was by the same Authority engaged to Preach at the Funeral of that excellent Lady, the Genuine Sister of your virtue, as well as the German Sister of your blood; had not been guilty of these few week's delays, had not the indisposition which began to seize me at so near and perplexing a stroke, and under which I laboured all the time of my preparations, and in the hour of its delivery, continued upon me many days after: An effect so natural to so pressing a cause, that I know not whether the health of my body could have consisted with the soundness of my mind, under such an inexpressible loss to the Church of God, and my poor self in particular. 
Ut bonum quo diu fruiti sumus, etiam caeteris noscendum, imitandumque plenius describerem. S. Hier. Ep. 10 Epitaphium mircellae viduae.   
But what I was constrained to defer a while, I now multo cum faenore present to you both, with all humble observance; and under your favourable protection to the eye of the world. The Sermon is such, almost verbatim, as my hasty and sickly preparations would than allow: Her Ladyship's Character, I confess is much enlarged, that I might somewhat more fully, than those streights of time would suffer me, propound to the knowledge and imitation of others, 
Grandes materias ingenia parva non sustinent. Et in ipso conatu ultra vires ausa succumbunt, quantoque magis fuerit quod dicendum est tanto magis obruitur qui magnitudinem rerum verbis non potest explicare.  that good we had the happiness to enjoy so long, and yet too short a time.  
I am conscious to myself of the great disproportion betwixt my performance and her merit, for which my Apology is that of St. Jerome, weak parts cannot sustain great matters, etc. Yea this is a Fate must have inevitably attended, whoever had been her Orator in some degree. When I may say as truly of her as Greg. Naz, of his Gorgonia, her Prudence and Piety no man living was able to set forth, with proportionable language. And again, It is exceeding difficult to reach the excellencies of her Virtues, either by deed or word, by imitation or encomium. And though very many might have praised her more floridly, none could have represented her more truly, no man living having known her so long and so intimately as myself.  
And my weakness and plainness may attain this double advantage.  
First, 
Quaedam aostraxero ne incredibilia videantur, etc. Hier. ad Demer.  Tender the Narration more credible, which if it had been dressed up with all the ornaments of which 'twas capable, would have looked in this Age, more like a Romance than an History. 
Age ad ipsius laudes accedamus neglecta sermonis elegantia & concinnitate; nam ne haec quidem quam laudandam suscepimus lascivo unquam ornatu delectata est. Naz.   
Secondly, It will better fuit with the Original it copies; for as is said of Suetonius, he wrote the lives of the Roman Caesars, with the same liberty they led them. So I have writ this excellent Lady's life, with the * same undisguised simplicity with which she lived it. And though never any man had a more condescending, constant, sincere Friend, than she vouchsafed to be to me, yet is not the testimony lesle true, because of a Friend; but the more scrupulously exact for fear of desecrating so sacred a name, and offending the Genius of her, who above all things hated falsehood.  
I am not the first, nor shall be the last, whom those (whose charity and good opinion is not only so wise as to begin at home; but also so kind as to devil and end there too) will despise or pity, and bless themselves in the conceit, of what mighty matters they could have done, if this Province had fallen to their share. It may be little thinking, how such sorrows as mine justly are, would have blunted the edge of their keener Eloquence; and how unmeet a Theme so calamitous a loss is, on which to show our wit. 
* Non oportet ex calamitate ipsa ostendendi ingenii ansam arripere.   
But let such, for me, enjoy their humours, I'll say not more, jest I awake them, and so deprive them of their pleasant dream.  
For myself, I have endeavoured to approve my Conscience to God: Hic murus aheneus esto. And I hope I may appeal to your Honourable Attestation, (whose Testimony will be without and beyond exception) in most things I have written of Your, 
Marcellam tuam imo meam, & ut verius loquar nostram. S. Hier. ep. 16.  My, Our incomparable Friend.  
And I doubt not but all who knew her Ladyship thoroughly, will be able to say as the poor people are reported to have said after the Funeral Sermon of another 
* The Lady Veer.  eminent Ornament of this Country.  
They could have said a great deal more of Her, than the Minister did: At the hearing of which our good Lady was much pleased, and said; She should value such a Testimony above all others. The Poor, like the Widows, which stood about the dead body of Dorcas; showing the Coats and Garments she made for them, 
Acts 9.39.  whilst she was with them, being the most unexceptionable witnesses.  
I. Confess it seems both decent and necessary to suggest some Arguments of Comfort to them whom I know to be oppressed with so bitter and distressing a loss. And the undertaking would not (in one respect at lest) be altogether unsuitable to myself. Because, 
Magnum Pharmacum illud est, quod ab illi● qui eodem dolore affecti sunt porrigitur; & qui in endem calamitate versantur, corum in consolandis calamitosis major est Authorita●.  Great is that Cordial which is administered by those who are partakers of the same sorrows. And their Authority is greatest in comforting the calamitous, who bear a deep share in the same calamity, as one of the Ancients hath well said.  
Give me leave therefore, much honoured Madam, Sir, besides what you will meet with in the following discourse, to remind you of that great Panpharmacon. It is the Lord who hath done it, that Wisdom and Goodness which commits no errors, but doth all things well and wisely. And our daily prayers for the fulfilling of whose Will, obliges, at lest, to a submiss acquiescence when 'tis done.  
And as to her, She hath finished her course triumphantly, and she hath obtained the Crown.: She rests from her labours, and her works do follow her. She is landed in safe harbour, got of the rough Seas of sins and sorrows. She is taken from the evil to come, and shall neither feel nor see what our sins may justly make us fear. 
Non maeremus quod talem amisimus sed gratias agimus quod talem habuimus imo habemus: Dee enim vivunt omnia & quicquid revertitur ad Dominum, in familiae numero computatur. Epita. Paul  She would not be again with us as well as she loved us, let us long and hasten to be with Her: We have used to accounted her happiness our own, therefore her blessedness cannot make us miserable.  
She is not lost, but gone before; and She could not be where She is, nor enjoy what She doth; without being parted from us, till we can overtake Herald  
Be pleased also to remember that of Saint Jerom, We mourn not because we have lost such an one, but give thanks that we had such an one, yea have such an one: for all such live to God, and whatever returns to the Lord, is to be accounted in the number of the Family.  
But I must repress myself, reflecting how needless it is to cast in my Mite into such full Treasuries.  
I am conscious to myself but of one offence, which may make me apprehended your Frown: Which is, my adventuring to insert, without your leave or knowledge some short touches of that Noble Stock of which her Ladyship was so conspicuous and eminent a branch.  
But as I have the Example of many Ancients, 
Praecepta sunt Rhetorum ut majores ejus, qui laudandus est, & eorum gesta altius repetantur: sicque ad ipsum per gradus sermo perveniar? quo viz. avitis paternisque virtutibus illustrior fiat, & non degenerasse à bonis ipsi videatnr. Hier. de Nepotia.  and almost all Moderns, who writ on such occasions; so would it have been a great Hiatus and indecent deficiency to her Story, to have been wholly silent in it. And I have been so concise and cautious, not to offend the humble modesty of those who yet survive.  
That when the Laws of Order and Method have obtained the allowance Justice may demand; your Honour's kindness will I hope, (at lest for her sake) supply what shall be farther needful of Forgiveness.  
Those few of her Ladyship's pious and excellent Papers, which are inserted in the Discourse, or subjoined to it; (as they justly may, so I hope they) will give Ornament and Lustre to it, in the Judgement of all serious Christians: As richer Trim of Gold and Silk use to do to Garments made of couns●r Materials.  
I shall not enlarge your trouble by being importune in begging your Patronage; 'Tis Natural to all to defend their own; and surely besides the many Titles you had to me before,  
Now by your Executorship, you have an Indefeasable Right to me: For nothing to which her Ladyship's Will entitles you, was more entirely Hers, and consequently your Honours, than  
Much and Truly Honoured Madam, Sir, Your Honours Most Humbly Devoted and Faithful Obedient. Servant, Anthony Walker. May 27. 1678.   

THE Virtuous Woman.  PROV. 31.29, 30, 31. 
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.  
Give her of the fruit of her hands, let her own works praise her in the gates.  
THat hard question which Solomon propounds in the tenth Verse of this Chapter, Who can found a virtuous woman? I could have answered with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, more rapturous, quick and brisk, than that of Archimedes when he had solved the posing Problem; had not her sudden loss surprised and over balanced the joy of finding her, and sunk it into a gulf of inexpressible grief, which might justly strike me dumb with astonishing amazement, into the deepest silenc●● as S. Jerome tells his Paula and Eustochium, 
Proaem. in Eccl.  it happened to himself, upon the unexpected death of the holy Blaesilla.  
And this might excuse our measuring, and wearing out, this solemn saddest hour, not by sliding Sands, but as they used of old, by distilling drops of Water, 
* 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  our bitterest and saltest Tears, or rather, if our Blood can circulate and flow in such a consternation, and be not chilled and stagnant, with Streams of that, both from our Veins and Hearts. But though the Laws of Nature might indulge such gratifying of our Passions, as we are Men, the Law of Grace will not allow it, 
Leu. 10.3. Aaron held his peace.  as we are Christians: to whom a sullen silence is as much forbidden as a submissive holding of our peace is charged on us.  
For we must not sorrow, 
1 Thes. 4.14.  as Men without hope, for them who sleep ●n Jesus, as without any hesitance, ●e may conclude she doth, who li●ed so entirely to him; and it would ●e too rank a selfishness, and unkind Sacrilege, to rob her, but in our 〈◊〉, of the enjoyment of God, 〈◊〉 the inheritance of Saints in ●ight, that we might again enjoy ●er kind, obliging, 
Col. 1.12  holy conversa●on, in this vale of Banishment and ●arkness.  
If therefore, she being dead, yet ●eaketh, as doubtless she doth, and ●ill do to all that had the honour ●nd happiness to know her, 
Heb. 13.4  either to ●ur comfort or conviction; let me ●rce a passage through my obstiate and stupifying sorrows, and ●artly be her Echo, partly repre●nt her in effigy, that by this inno●nt and useful way, she who is gone ● live with God in Heaven, may ●ll live with us on Earth, in our ●ateful remembrance of her virtue's perfections, in our serious practise of her wise and holy counts, and in a ready imitation of her templary Piety.  
But because the most usual and useful method of instructing, is, by giving rules first, and than illustrating those rules with apposite and fit examples, which prove the● practicable, and possible at lest, i● not easy also, to be observed, ● shall pursue that order, and giv● you the rule and the measure, fro● the wisest of Men in his Generation and the example from the best o● Women in her own; the first fro● the Pen of the Royal Preacher, th● second from the Hearse of a nobl● Lady, both Epithets which carr● grandeur in their sound, and may a● waken, yea, command attent● on.  
The whole Chapter contains ● Dialogue betwixt Bathsheba and he● Son Solomon, under the the well di● guised name of Lemuel, wherein she after her scandalous fall (to she● the mighty power of Divine Gra● and sincere Repentance) now consy crated to be a Prophetess, 
* The Prophecy which his Mother taught him.  by a d● vine afflatus, instructs and catechu ses him in things of greatest impo● tance, and nearest concernment which she performs with a strong P● those, and most winning insinuation, and hath the honour to have her prudent, holy counsels recorded in the Sacred Canon. And this fills up the nine first Verses, and from thence he reciprocates, and in a lofty strain approveth and applauds his Mother.  
This latter part presents us with the John and Character of an excellent and Heroic Woman, which is laid down in two and twenty Verses, according to the number, and in the order of the Letters of the Hebrew Alphabet; every Letter in due sequence, beginning a several Verse, to intimate there's somewhat signal in it, 
Psalm 25.34.111.119. Lament. and divers other.  which is composed with so much art, as we found many other eminent portions of the Holy Scriptures are.  
Some Interpreters allegorise these words and make the Virtuous Woman the Figure of the true Church. Others refer them to the Holy and ever Blessed Virgin-Mother. Others suppose them to describe an holy and devout Soul, that consecrates itself entirely to God in the practice of all divine and truly ennobling Virtues. Others will have them to be, by a Prosopopaeia, the Idea of Spiritual Wisdom, and Heroical Virtue in the Abstract. But the most, and I think the best Expositors, esteem them the Icon, Idea, Character and Picture of a truly Wise, Religious, Godly, Gracious Woman, drawn by the Holy Ghosts own Pencil, in the hand of the most exquisite Master and Artist, Solomon.  
He gins with an inquest after her, Who can found a virtuous Woman? implying, she's a rare creature, and hardly found, but to encourage your search, he assures you, she's worth looking for, her value being inestimable, for her price is far above Pearls and Rubies, and all precious Stones. And than descends to draw her Pourtraicture and Beauty, with comely and due proportions, with bright and orient colours, and sets her in the most advantageous Light, in eighteen Verses. And finally crowns her with this Wreath of Laurels, with this golden Coronet, with this Diadem of costly Jewels, which make my present Text.  
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but the woman which feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.  
Give her of the fruit of her hands: let her own works praise her in the gates.  
The words are a Royal Garland, set on the Temples of the Virtuous Woman, by the hands of Solomon and God. I may not give the scent of every single Flower, the sense of every several word. Such solemn trifling would look like fulsome Pedantry, and ill become the mournful gravity of this occasion.  
The mixed and compound fragrancy resulting from the whole, wreathed and bound up together, is this, That solid 〈◊〉 true praise is only and superlatively due to the sincerely, godly, and gracious woman, who may claim it by the fruits her virtue hath been pregnant with: or goodness in good earnest, substantial Religion which hath fruitful hands, deserves, and shall obtain, an honourable testimony both of God and Men.  
But as too minute a niceness is unmanly, and upbraids the Auditory, so too general a procedure is confused and cloudy, acts the Dictator, and arbitrarily imposeth both on Text and Hearers, father than deduceth fairly, and convinceth clearly● I shall therefore use that method which is free from both extremes, taking for granted what is obvious, and rendering so, by additional Light, the rest which needs it.  
I may call this Text the Porch to the Temple of Honour, and it hath two Doors, one to shut out the bold Intruders, and  Pretenders: the other to admit the true and rightful claimers. Plainly it shows;  
1. Negatively, who doth not deserve.  
2. Positively, who doth deserve true praise,  
1. Negutively, no Woman deserves true praise,  
1. For Favour.  
2. For Beauty.  
2. Positively, every Woman deserves true praise,  
1. Who feareth the Lord.  
2. Who is fruitful in good works.  
First, per remotionem, negatively because the Gates of this Temple are thronged with Worshippers ●nd Praise hath many Candidates and ●otaries, and many run for this ●rize, but only one obtains it. I ●all briefly show how Solomon thrusts ●ack, and shuts the Door against, onsuits the Plea of most Pretend●ers, under two instances, of Favour ●nd Beaaty, and by parity of reasoh ●ocks the bold confidence of all●●hers, who can show no better Char●er for their claim: as if he had ●id, whatsoever is false and vainman ●an produce nothing that is true and osting: but Favour is false, deceitful, ●lye. And Beauty is a vanishing, a ●ding fleeting thing; therefore all ●he praise you affect, or can obtain ●y these, is like the seed from ●hence it springs: false and deceiv●g, perishing and vain, and she who owes such wind, may expect nothing ●ut a crop of Whirlwind, 
Hos. 8.7. Vide Cora. a Lapide in locum.  a blasting ●nd a cold return.  
By Favour is meant a comely presence, a graceful deportment, a ●inning carriage, decent gesture, and some motions, a ready wit, and ●ood expression, and a decorous conversation, made up of all these and ●uch like Ingredients, which is most taking, and renders Women desirable and acceptable, and procure Favour in the Eyes and Hearts 〈◊〉 Men.  
By Beauty he understands a goo● lie proportion of members, a j● Symmetry, and due situation of pa● with the fit mixture of the Rose a● Lily, 
Pulchritudo est Gypsum sepulchro inductum, iphlegma sanguine commixtum pulchre per pellem pellucens S. Chrys-  the best Varnish of a clear w● coloured skin, and whatever e● composes an harmonious Air. O● if you please, Beauty, whether ● tural or artificial, whether the mi●ture of Blood and Phlegm shini● through a good skin, as S. Chrysostom defines it, or Ceruse and V● million daubed on, to hid a bad o● whether a Gift wherewith God ha● blessed them, or a Theft for whi● God will blast them; whether t● Benefit of the Author of Nature or the Artifice of him who delight to disguise and destroy his Wo● manship.  
Both these are vain and inconst● false and deceitful, adventitious, 〈◊〉 external, the best not effect of o● choice, as every thing must be wh● is praiseworthy.  
The worst proceeding from a corrupt and sinful will, therefore blame-worthy, and reproachable, not excusable, much lesle commendable. Not Ague-proof, 
Temporis & morbi ludibrium. G. Naz. Can. 1.6.  nor tenable against the first assaults of age or sickness, nor dare be looked upon by Wind or Sun.  
And not only empty, vain, and destitute of good, but fallacious and deceiving, and full of evils, snares and bands, and nets, and great temptations. First, 
Fastus inest pulchris, sequiturque superbia formam.  to the Women themselves, who have them, or who make them; too often rendering them proud, disdainful, wanton, lascivious, despisers of others, wasters of their time, Idolisers of their own reflections in a Glass, and careless, or afraid to behold the image of their impurer Souls in the Crystal of God's Law, and more afraid of being sick, or dying, than of a thousand Sins or Hells.  
Secondly, deceiving and destroying silly Men, through whose Livers, 
* Prov. 7.23.  the seats of Lust, those mortal Darts strike, which an invisible Bow shoots from their wanton Glances, and bewitching Smiles and Arts.  
And by parity of reason, the like may be said of all the other perishing, empty, lying vanities: honours, richeses, strength, the wisdom of the flesh, and learning merely human, which are but adventitious Goods at best, and seldom make Men better, often worse. What shall I say, shall I praise you for these? I praise you not: nor will God ever praise you, or reward you for them.  
Nay, I must rather drive such false Huckster's for true praise, ou● of the Temple of lasting Honour with such a Scourge as the Prophet Jeremiah long since prepared fo● that purpose; 
Jer. 9.23.  Let not the wise ma● glory in his wisdom: nor the witt● in her wit. Let not the strong ma● glory in his strength: nor the fa● woman glory in her Beauty. L● not the rich man glory in his richeses nor the fine woman glory in he● dress. Let not the honourabl● Man glory in his Honour, nor th● courted Mistress in her favou● Let not the learned Man glory i● his being Nature's Secretary; no● the wanton woman in being skille● in the depths of Satan. But l● him and her that would glory, and not be ashamed, or glory in their shame, glory in this that they know the Lord, and love and fear him in sincerity and truth. Which brings me to the positive part, and is the foundation which Solomon lays, whereon to build a Pyramid of lasting Fame.  
Not the graceful, 
Pulchritudinem existima animi ornatum; non in corporis forma, sed in moribus pulchritudo sita est. Corn. a Lapide ex Chrys.  but the gracious woman, not she who glories in her face, but she who like the King's Daughter is all glorious within, even the woman that feareth the Lord she shall be praised.  
In which positive part we have the good woman's Character, and Crown.  
1. Her Character, which hath two parts, for the new creature also consists of Soul and Body, an inside, and an outside.  
1. She fears the Lord, there's the Soul of her Virtue, the root of the matter within ground, Grace in the Heart.  
2. She hath fruitful hands, there's the Body of her Virtue, the good Tree above ground works in her life.  
2. Her Crown, Praise and Renown. Which is.  
1. Promised to her: She shall be praised.  
2. Commanded for her: Give her of the fruit of her hands, let her own works praise her in the gates.  
3. Performed concerning her: Thou excellest them all.  
As briefly as may be concerning these Particulars: and first let us view both Pages on which her Character is written.  
1. A woman that feareth the Lord, that is, who is sincerely religious, good in good earnest. Nothing is more frequent or obvious in Scripture than such Synechdoches, as put one eminent Grace for all the Chain of Graces. So sometimes the Love of God, sometimes Trust in God, and most commonly the Fear of God is put for being truly religious, or is made the Periphrasis of a godly Man. As in that signal promise' of the New Covenant, Jer. 32.38, 39, 40. They shall be my people, and I will be their God, and I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and their Children after them. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good, and I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not departed from me. Job. 1.1. There was a man in the land of Us., whose name was Job, and that man was perfect and upright, one that feared God, and eschewed evil: so vers. 8. Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil, vers. 9 Doth Job fear God, for naught? Eccl. 12, 13. Fear God, and keep his Commandments, that is the whole of Man: Psal. 15.4. He honoureth them that fear the Lord; where the godly Man is under this Denomination of one that feareth the Lord, opposed to the wicked, called there a vile person. 'Tis also an infallible sign of the presence of all other Graces, in the excercise of which true Godliness consists; for as the Law is copulative, so are the Graces by which we obey it, and as where the Soul is, discovering itself by one vital act, all its faculties and powers are; so where the Spirit of God is working one Grace in truth, the Spirit of all Grace is, for the Spirit can not more be without its Graces, than the Soul without its Faculties: yea, the Fear of God contains all Graces in it, therefore when Abraham offered up his Son Isaac, which was a mighty act of Faith and Love: God saith, Now I know thou fearest me, Gen. 22.12. And as 'tis so frequent, it would be endless to cite all, so 'tis so obvious, 'tis needless to cite more.  
2. The other Page hath this Inscription, Fruitful hands: the good Woman is like Dorcas full of good works.  
1. Hands, two Hands to hold the two Tables of the Law, as Moses came down from the Mount with the two Tables in his two hands, 
Deut. 9.15.  in each hand one, neither empty nor idle.  
The first in the Right Hand, there's Religion towards God. The second Table in the Left Hand, there's Righteousness and Charity towards Men.  
2. These Hands bear Fruit, good works spring, and grow naturally, freely, seasonably, easily, maturely as fruits from a prolifique Tree, planted in a good soil, and by the Water's side, as the godly Man is described in the first Psalm: called Fruits of righteousness, Fruits of the Spirit, Gal. 5. where S. Paul hath a signal Antithesis betwixt Graces and Vices, calling the first Fruits, the other Works; the Works of the Flesh: vers. 19 There's servile drudgery in them: Fruits of the Spirit: vers. 22. There's a spiritual easiness in the production of them by the new Nature.  
3. They are Fruits, in the plural, for variety of kinds, for number in every kind. First, various acts of Devotion, Prayers, Praises, Reading, Hearing, Meditation, Conference, Preparing, Communicating, and all these reiterated, the Morning and the Evening Sacrifice, the weekly Sabbath, solemn Fasts and Festivals, secret, private, public Devotions, Morning, Evening, and at Noon day: yea, at Midnight, 
Psal. 119.  seven times a day; yea, in a sober sense, all the day long, nay, all day, and all night too, as it is testified of Anna, Luk. 2.37. That she departed not from the Temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. 
1 Thes. 5. Rom. 12.12.  Pray without ceasing, continuing instant in prayer, giving thanks continually, and in all things.  
And the Left Hand, though it grow on another Arm, draws Sap and Virtue from the same Tree and Root, to make it fruitful in variety and multitude of acts of Justice and Charity.  
1. Of Justice, thinking, speaking no evil of any Man, but dealing honestly with all Men, Superiors, Equals, Inferiors, in all natural, moral, civil Actions, in all concernments of Body, Goods and Name, wronging no Man, defrauding no Man, but doing to others as they would others should do to them; and observing this rule constantly, and in all occasions and occurrences, and so doing Righteous at all times.  
2. 
Matth. 25.  In Charity, relieving the distressed, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the afflicted by sickness, prison, or any other pressures, instructing the ignorant, comforting the feeble mindded, and supporting them who are cast down under any temptation, and this not once or twice, or to one or two, 
Eccl. 18.6.2.  but sowing this seed in the Morning, and not withholding in the Evening, giving this portion to seven, and also to eight, casting Bread upon the waters, yea, scattering by all waters. This briefly of the good Woman's Character.  
2, Her Crown, Praise: Praise is the shadow which attends the Body of Virtue. The Echo which resounds an honorary Testimony.  
1. From the Consciences of all Men, even those who will not practise it themselves, cannot but approve it and applaud it in them that do; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, the Apostle of the Gentiles, nay, the Consciences of the very Gentiles, 
Se Judice nemo nocens absolvitur.  hath annexed them so close together, they cannot be parted: for as no vicious and guilty person can be absolved, though he were to be his own judge: so no virtuous person can be condemned, 
Rom. 2.  though to be judged by his Enemies. That Law written in the heart cannot but approve the Transcript, and Counterpart, and Copy of itself where ere it meets it.  
2. From the Mouths of all good Men, and those especially who have found and felt its beneficial influence.  
Beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost to the Brethrens, and to Strangers, 
3 Joh. 5.6.  which have born witness of thy Charity before the Church S. Paul even boasted of the forward zeal of them of Achaia, 
2 Cor. 9.12, 13. 2 Cor. 8.3.  and God was glorified for their liberal distribution to all Men. And of the Churches of Macedonia he bears record That to their power, yea, and beyond their power they were willing o● themselves. 
Job 31.20.  The Loins of the poo● blessed Job who were warmed by th● fleece of his Sheep: Her children ris● up and call her blessed, for the can of their tender and pious education, and her husband for her chaste conversation and faithful industry of which he is not only a witness but reaps the benefit of it, and fo● those he praiseth her.  
3. From the whole Chorus o● the Heavenly Hierarchy, the Angel's Joy in Heaven, is the most laudative acclamation to her Virtues.  
4. From God and Christ, whose Euge, Well done, good and faithful servants, whose Come ye blessed of my Father, whose testimony, 
Matth. 29●  I was hungry and ye fed me; naked, and ye clothed me; is the highest praise imaginable, or possible.  
Now this praise is first promised, She shall be praised: God leaves us not without encouragements to make us good. Promises, and Threats, Rewards and punishments, are the great instruments of Government, both with God and Men; and all Rewards include Praise, and are the silent, yet the loudest commendations.  
A Crown of Righteousness, 
2 Tim. 4.7, 8.  and Life, is provided, and forepromised, to them that fight the good Fight, that keep the Faith, that are faithful unto death. Great and precious promises, 
2 Cor. 6.7  that God will receive us, be our Father and our God, to provoke us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fear of God. An Inheritance incorruptible, 
1 Pet.  undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven: Rivers of pleasure fullness of joy, an eternal Kingdom and everlasting life. And in the Letter, 
Rom. 2.28.  the highest praise, for he that is circumcised in heart and spirit that is a Christian within, his praise shall be of God, and he is approved indeed whom God commendeth, and we have God's word for it, that the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.  
2. 'Tis commanded and given in charge concerning her to others Give her of the fruit of her hands; let her works praise her in the Gates Let them be spoken of and mentioned to her honour in the Assemblies of the great men, and in the concourse of the people, which use to be most frequent in the Gates God gives not only leave, but charge and 'tis not only an allowable courtesy, but a just debt and tribute du● to virtuous persons, to declare and celebrated their famous Acts. 'Tis an Apostolical precept to the Phillippians concerning Epaphroditus who for the work of Christ was near unto death; hold him, and not him only, but such as he, 
Phil. 2.29.  in reputation. Yea, our Lord himself concerning Mary, who anointed him, and wrought a good work upon him: Praedicendo praecepit. Verily, 
Mat. 26.13.  I say unto you, wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this that this woman hath done be told, for a memorial of her. And God will have the Virtues and Victories of his Saints recorded, to provoke our imitation of them, and encourage our weakness to war against vice, saith S. Gregory.  
3. It's performed concerning her, thou excellest them all; we should labour to excel in Duty, 
1 Cor. 14.12.  Seek that thou may excel. What do you more than others? See that ye abound more and more, so run, out run others, that ye may obtain; and praise shall be proportionable: Thou excellest them all. We found such Encomiums frequent in Scripture. Thus of Hezekiah, 2 Kings. 18.5. He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him of all the Kings of Israel, nor any that was before him, that is, for strength of Faith So of Josiah, 2 King. 23.25. And like unto him there was no King before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul and with all his might, according to the Law of Moses, neither after him aerose any like him. So God's testimony of Job, Job 1.8. is, That there was not a Man like him in all the earth. So S. Paul testifies of Timothy, Phil. 2.20. I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your estate.  
Thus I have lightly shaken the principal Branches of this goodly Tree: and the ripe and pleasant Fruit which is fallen from them all, I shall pick up and serve in one dish. To be sincerely religiove, to be a virtuous, gracious, godly woman is the highest accomplishment, and deserves the greatest praise: nay, 'tis the most honourable testimony can be given to any, to say of her in truth, she was godly, and feared the Lord.  
There seems to be a great agreement and likeness betwixt the hundred and forty fourth Psalm, in point of happiness, and this Chapter in matter of Duty; and Praise resulting from it. And therefore the transcribing those words, may give much light and illustration to what lies before us. David therefore to show, populum quae faciunt beautiorem, What will make a people happy, proceeds thus, v. 12. That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth, that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. Vers. 13. That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store, that our Sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our Streets. Vers. 14. That our oxen may be strong to labour, that there be no breaking in, nor going out, that there be no complaining in our Streets. Vers. 15. Happy is that people that is in such a case. Every one will be ready to acknowledge and admire the happiness of such a people. But saith David, I'll tell you who are infinitely and more truly happy, yea, who are only so indeed; yea, happy is that people whose God is the Lord. So Solomon in this Chapter, to deseribe the Woman who deserveth praise, she that is so good a wife, that the heart of her Husband doth safely trust in her, that will do him good, and not evil all the days of his life, that is a Crown to him, and renders him honourable in the gates. She that is so good a Housewife, that she worketh willingly with her hands, stays at home, riseth early, is industrious, planteth, purchaseth, increaseth her estate, she that is so good a Mother, as to educate her children well, and so good a Mistress as to provide most carefully for all her servants, 〈◊〉 that they are so far from wanting , that their Liveries are Scarlet. She that is so good a Neighbour that she treats the rich, and relives the poor and needy, 
Super omnia vultus accessere boni.  and obliges all by the law of kindness in her tongue, sweetening all by kindest words, and kinder looks. This Woman certainly deserves to be admired, yea, is almost adored as a terrestrial Goddess. But after all this, saith Solomon, yet show I you a more excellent way to obtain true and lasting praise; the godly Woman, the Woman that feareth the Lord, she, she deserves to be praised above all others.  
Most Men and Women affect to be praised, but 'tis for the most part for vain and deceitful things, which deserve no praise at all; and ●f they attain any, 'tis a poor and empty praise which may sound and make a noise in the world, amongst ●he foolish Herd, but signifies little with wise men, and nothing at ●ll with God, who designs Glory ●nd Honour for none but those who ●eek it by patiented continuance in well ●oing, and working good, Rom. 2.7, ●o. But to fear the Lord, that is, ●o be godly, this deserves praise indeed. A truth so evident, and ●lear by its own light, 'tis hard to ●dd any thing to it for proof or flustration, to make it clearer, ●ature hath printed it in our hearts, ●nd the new nature in a second and ●airer edition, as a common principle. And first notions are inde●nonstrable.  
To praise is to bear witness, or ●ive an honourable testimony, of ● Man or Woman's having such a virtue, Grace, Perfection, Excellency in them, and the very acknowledging and testifying that they have them, is a praising o● them highly, as Acts 11 24. Bar● nabas is abundantly praised, in tha● testimony that he was a good ma● full of the holy Ghost, and of faith without adding other encomiastics Words. So when God himse● vouchsafes to writ Job's Panegy rick, Job 1.1. he calls him h● servant, a perfect and an upright man● one that feared God, 
Acts 13.22.  and eschewe● evil. And S. Paul expressly sait● that God gave testimony to Davi● when he said of him, I have sou● David a man after mine own hear● who shall fulfil all my william. For a we say for reproach, call a man u● grateful, and you can say no wor● you have stigmatised him with th● foulest brand. So for Praise, ca● a Woman Godly, you need say 〈◊〉 more, there's praise enough in tha● So that if you confine me strictly I must stick in the Centre, and dra● no lines from it, but all will retu● upon itself, and be the Epha nev● so full, it will settle upon its ow● Base: I may say aliud, but not an● plius, none can be commended hig● liar, than to have this Character in● pressed, they fear the Lord.  
Again, if I should compare the ●ear of the Lord with other things ●o give it its due preference, or let ●ny self lose into an enumeration ●f its causes, properties, effects, ●gns, consequents, advantages, and ●●seasonably common-place upon ●, I should launch into an Ocean, in which I should loose myself and your patience, and despair to kenn a shore a more than an hours sailing: I ●all therefore confine myself, or ●ather willingly submit to be con●ned by the straits of time, to very ●arrow measures, which shall be ●hese two:  
1. To point in general at the ●bjects of Praise, and show what in●erest Religion or the Fear of God ●ath in them.  
2. To show what usually acquires ●raise to men, in reference to God, ●heir Neighbours and Themselves, and ●eclare how being sincerely religious, will entitle us to it on those Accounts,  
1. As to the Objects of true ●raise.  
The first and grand object of Praise is God, and the divine perfections, which is so evident throug all the Scriptures, and to the lig● of Reason, that I'll not waste tin● to prove it; and consequently what is next to them, and likest them is the next and first in the ord● of the secondary objects of Prai● Now that is the Image of God r● flected and imprinted on the Soul● Man; and this, Religion and the Fe● of God produceth: Eph. 4.24. T● new man is created after God's Image● righteousness and true holiness: A● Coloss. 3.10. The new man is renews in knowledge after the image of him th● created him.  
And they that sincerely embra● the great and precious promises 〈◊〉 the Gospel, are thereby made pa● takers of the divine nature: A Go● like temper and disposition. For Go● liness is Godlikeness. Therefore ' t● enjoined in such language, Be ● holy, for I am holy: or, as I am ho● saith the Lord: 1 Pet. 1.16. an● Luke 6.36. Be ye merciful as yo● heavenly father is merciful; and 〈◊〉 ye perfect as your heavenly father ● perfect, Matth. 5.48. They there● fore that approach so near the mo● praiseworthy object, deserve great ●raise.  
2. The object of Praise is some ●cellent good, it must be good, or it ●eserves reproach; but it must be ●so excellent, or no notice is taken ●f it. Now the fear of God is excellent, Psal. 19 The Saints are ●he excellent of the earth; Psal. 16. ● The righteous is more excellent than ●s Neighbour, Prov. 12.26. Wis●m excelleth folly, as light excelleth ●arkness, Eccles. 2.13. And the ●ings of God's Law, wherein good ●en exercise themselves, are said to be ●ore excellent, Rom. 2.18. The god● therefore are to be praised, for ●ey are excellent.  
3. It must be a chosen good, for 〈◊〉 would be no praise for any Man ●f that were possible) to be good without, or against his william If I ● this thing willingly I have a reward: 〈◊〉 Cor. 9.17. Now this good wo●an chooseth. Mary hath chosen the ●od part: Luke 10.42. (And so ●d our honourable Mary, if ever ●ny) and it is employed in the re●oach cast upon Sinners: Prov. 1.9. That they did not choose the fear of the Lord: that the Saints do ch● it: Psal. 119.30. I have chosen the w● of truth, thy judgements have I laid 〈◊〉 fore me: and vers. 137. I have c●● sen thy precepts. Isa. 56.4. The 〈◊〉 nuches which choose the things wh● please me. And it's the high co● mendation of Moses, Heb. 11.25, 2● That he chose to suffer affliction w● the people of God, rather than to ● joy the pleasure of sin for a season, a● esteemed the reproach of Christ, grea● richeses than the treasures of Egypt.  
4. It must be some permane● and abiding good, not fading, n● like the morning cloud and early de● now the fear of the Lord endureth ● ever: 
Psal. 19.9.  and where it is in truth it w● both continued and grow. The rig● teous is an everlasting foundation Prov. 10.25. The good part they ch● shall not be taken away.  
They repent not of their repe● tance, and Christ hath prayed th● their faith fail not.  
They go from strength to strength ● they appear before God perfect in Zi● and bring forth more fruit in their a●  
The path way of the just is as t● shining light: 
Prov. 4.18.  which shineth more un● the perfect day.  
2. I shall consider the object of ●raise more specially, and what men ●re esteemed to merit praise for, ●ith respect to God, their Neighbours ●nd themselves.  
1. Men are praised for their wel●●erforming of their duty to God, ●s good servants.  
2. For their Beneficence to men in ●l relations, as useful, just, kind, charitable amongst and towards all anon.  
3. For their wisdom to themselves, as being prudent, discreet, ●nd wise in their own concerns.  
Now Religion, the Fear of the Lord, ● productive of all these in an eminent degree; and therefore are ●hey greatly to be praised in whom ● is.  
1. This fear will make good servants to God. This is a principal ●art of a servants duty: Mal. 1.6. ●f I be a Master where is my fear? Now this fear is the root of Universal obedience: he that fears God will not, dare not offend him: Fear God and keep his Commandments, that is ●he whole duty of man: Eccles. 12. ●3. Only fear the Lord, and serve him; if you fear him, you will no● fail to serve him. 
Deut. 10.12.  What doth th● Lord require of thee, but to fear hi●● and to serve the Lord thy God with ● thy heart and soul: serve the Lor● with fear, Psal. 2. Let us have gra● whereby we may serve God acceptab●● with reverence and godly fear: He● 12.28. Yea, the fear of God wi● help to cleanse from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness: 2 Cor. 7.1. So that it be praiseworthy to be a dutif● child and obedient servant to God, ● certainly nothing deserves it better; the woman that feareth t● Lord hath a just claim to Praise because she is such.  
2. The fear of the Lord will ma●● fruitful in all good offices to o● Neighbour, humble and obedie● to Superiors, careful of, and ten● ere to Inferiors, just and kind to a● and munificent and liberal to tho● that are in want. This good w●● man in the Text, who feareth t● Lord in her heart, had fruitful hand● and works of her own to praise her ● the gates.  
'Tis the excellency of Religion to make good in all relations. Good Magistrates, 'tis the first qualification of Jethroes Justice: Able men that fear God: Exod. 18.21.  
So Nehemiah of himself, Neh. 5.15. The former Governors which were before me, had been chargeable to the people, and had taken of them bread, and wine, and forty shackles of silver, yea, even their servants had rule over the people, but so did not I because of the fear of God, and good Subjects: Fear thou the Lord, and the King; Prov. 24.21. Fear God, and honour the King: 1 Pet. 2.17. One will enforce the other, and will make subject for conscience sake: Rom. 13.5.  
It will make loving and good Husbands, and it will make good and obedient Wives, like Sarah; for holy women who trust in God are in subjection to their own husbands: 1 Pet. 3, And this made this Virtuous Woman so excellent a Wife. It will make good Family-Governours, who will walk in their house with a perfect heart, and will neither provoke their Children, nor deny what's equal to their servants, whilst they remember themselves have a Father, and a Master in heaven: Col. 4.1. It will make dutiful children, and faithful servants. Servants obey in all things your Masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God: Col. 3.22. In a word, it will make honest and righteous in our whole conversation: S. Peter puts together Acts 10.35. Fearing God and working righteousness.  
It renders also charitable and bountiful to them in need; this good Woman, vers. 20. Stretcheth out her hands to the poor; yea, she reacheth on her hands to the needy. The good ma● is ever merciful, and dareth; yea, liberal and giveth.  
Cornelius is described, Acts 10. ● A devout man that feared God, an● gave much alms to the people; and S● James tells us, that true Religion an● undefiled is to visit the fatherless, an● widows in their affliction, that is to relieve them.  
So that if to be good in all relations, and to be a Benefactor an● common good to mankind, deserv● praise, the fear of God deserves i● which makes men such.  
Thirdly and lastly, the fear of the Lord will make a man wise for himself, to do himself good: And men will praise thee when thou dost well to thyself; Psal. 49.18. And nothing is more praiseworthy in man's account, than to be wise, nor in the account of God, than to be wise to salvation. Now the fear of the Lord not only makes wise, but is wisdom itself.  
The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to departed from evil is understanding: Job 28.28.  
Wisdom and Godliness are synonymous words in the Holy Ghost's Language, the wise man is the good man, (wise virgins, Matth. 25.) and the wicked man the fool. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; the head, the chief of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that keep his commandments. The praise of every one of them who do so endureth for ever: Psal. 111. ult.  
I am loath, notwithstanding the straits of time, to dismiss this great truth without some short improvement, let me therefore take advantage from the desire of fame and praise, which nature hath planted in us all.  
1. To reprove the blindness and folly of Men who will not see, or seeing, not pursue the only true and safe, and sure method of attaining it, by labouring to be sound and sincerely godly, but build upon the sand, that hollow, sinking ground, which will not bear this triumphal Arch, this Royal Pillar; their natural, fortuitous, acquired accomplishments, their strength, beauty, richeses, honour, fleshly wisdom, all which are perishing and vain, false and deceiving, and will crown them at last but with fading flowers, and withering garlands, with the praise of foolish men, like themselves; never with that praise which comes from God: 
Psal. 147.10.  for the Lord taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man, nor in the face of a woman: in the strength of the one, nor in the beauty of the other; but the Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, and hope in his mercy. I beseech you therefore, and adjure you by all the obligations of duty to God, and wisdom for yourselves, devote yourselves to the fear of God entirely. Resolve to be good in very good earnest; to be Christians indeed, and Christians within, 
Rom. 8.2.2.  circumcised in heart and spirit, that your praise may be of God, and not of men: 
1 Pet. 1.7.  and found in the faith, that it may be found to praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearance of Jesus Christ.  
And to encourage you, lift up your eyes, bestow one steady, wishful glance upon the goodly fruit, with which this tree of life is loaden, of which, whoever eats shall never die, but live for ever.  
1. All your sins shall be pardoned, you shall have peace with God, with conscience, and with all the creatures; acceptance of your persons, and of all your services.  
2. You shall be freed from the power, the filth, and the deceitfulness of sin, the vassalage of Satan, the sting of death, and from the pit, and fear of Hell.  
3. Your Souls shall be repaired to their original perfections and excellencies in the Image of God, and participation of the Divine Life.  
4. You shall be engrafted into Christ, adopted into the Family of God, made temples of the holy Ghost, with all the Blessings which are consequent on these.  
5. You shall be heirs of all the promises; yea, inherit all things: have all your wants supplied, all just desires satisfied, all conditions sanctified, all providences blessed, to promote your everlasting good.  
Lastly, you shall be crowned with the unwithering Laurels of true, and of eternal praises, by Men, by Angels, and by Christ, and God; and when you die in nature, begin to live in glory; go to God and see his face, and be for ever with him, in whose presence is fullness of joy, and at whose right hand are pleasures for ever more.  
And for further quickening and strengthening you against the difficulties which may seem to meet you, and to obstruct you in this excellent way. Let me set before you the examples of the Saints of God, who, though men of like passions with yourselves, inwardly clogged with the same corrupt and sinful nature, outwardly beset with the like or same temptations, cast of the weight which hung upon them, broke through the difficulties which did encompass them, and ran the race which was set before them, and through faith and patience obtained, and now inherit the promises, and that sure reward, that Diadem of Joy, and Praise, which God hath provided, and Christ hath purchased for, and promised to them that love and fear him, and wait for his appearance. Reflect on all the Worthies of the Old Testament, and New, the holy Patriarches, Prophets and Apostles, the noble Army of Martyrs, all the primitive Christians, whose names are recorded in the Church's Story, all the devout men and women of succeeding ages; and follow that Cloud of Witnesses, as Israel followed that Pillar of Cloud and Fire, through the wilderness till they arrived at Canaan.  
And that you may not doubt, or fear that God's Arm is shortened, or his hand is grown weak his Bowels straitened, or the aid of his Grace lesle powerful, sufficient, yea, exuberant than they were of old.  
Let me set before you an illustrious, an Heroic, a recent instance, fresh in your memories, known to you all, a Precedent, as much beyond exception, as example, which may silence all your cavils of difficulty, and much more of impossibility.  
I mean the thrice honourable; and truly noble, the most excellent and incomparable Lady, the sacred Shrine of whose venerable Hearse we are now drenching with the just tribute of our floods of tears, and strewing with the sweetest Flowers, of Applause and Admiration, though they as much too few, as these too pale and faint, for such an offering.  
She was a Woman;— of the feebler Sex, a sinful daughter of first sinning Eve, a rich woman, and how hardly can such be saved? That had as much business to divert her, and as much plenty to entertain her, as much beauty to tempt her, and as much Favour to entangle her, as any of you, and lived in the same atheistical, degenerate age with yourselves, wherein sincere and serious Religion is made the greatest Ridicule, esteemed the most unmodish and unfashionable thing.  
And yet in the midst of all these disadvantages, I may without Hyperbole invite you, as the Cryar used to call Spectators to the secular Plays: Come see those Shows, Quos nemo mortalium vidit, vel visurus est, Come see, come hear such an example of Heroic Virtue, of Generous Piety, of sincere, humble, unaffected, serious, fruitful Religion, as in all respects this age hath not produced, as hath had rare, if any Precedents to follow, and I fear will be followed by few, or none, but with long distant intervals.  
An hundred Mouths and a thousand Tongues, 
Si mihi sint centum linguae, sint oraque centum.  though they all flowed with Nectar, would be too few to praise her. O for a Chrysostom's Mouth, for an Angel's Tongue to describe this terrestrial Seraphim; or a ray of light condensed into a pencil, and made tactile to give you this glorious child of light in vive Effigy.  
But what great Masters can present in minature? what skilful hand epitomise so great a soul, and draw her in little (on so few remaining Sands) who had nothing little, nothing mean, but a little esteem of her own perfections, and being mean in her own eyes.  
For she was truly excellent, and great in all respects: great in the honour of her Birth, being born a Lady, and a Virtuosa both, Seventh Daughter of that eminently Honourable Richard, the first Earl of Cork, who being born a private Gentleman, and younger Brother of a younger Brother, to no other Heritage than is expressed in the Device and Motto, which his humble Gratitude inscribed on all the Palaces he built.  
God's Providence, mine Inheritance.  
By that Providence, and his diligent and wise Industry, raised such an Honour and Estate, and left such a Family as never any Subject of these three Kingdoms did, and that with so unspotted a Reputation of integrity, that the most invidious scrutiny could found no blot, though it winnowed all the methods of his Rising most severely, which our good Lady hath often told me with great content and satisfaction.  
This Noble Lord by his prudent and pious Consort, not lesle an Ornament and Honour to their Descendants than himself, was blessed with five Sons, of which he lived to see four Lords, and Peers of the Kingdom of Ireland.  
And a fifth, more than these Titles speak, a Sovereign and Peerless, in a larger Province, that of universal nature, subdued, and made obsequious to his inquisitive mind.  
And eight Daughters.  
And that you may remark how all things were extraordinary in this great Personage: it will, I hope, be neither unpleasant, nor impertinent, to add a short Story, I had from our Lady's own mouth.  
Master Boyl after Earl of Cork (who was than a Widower) came one morning to wait upon Sir Jeoffry Fenton, at that time a great Officer of State in the Kingdom of Ireland; who being engaged in business, and not knowing who it was who desired to speak with him, a while delayed him access, which time he spent pleasantly with his young Daughter in her Nurses Arms. But when Sir Jeoffry came, and saw whom he had made stay somewhat long, he civilly excused it. But Master Boyl replied, he had been very well entertained, and spent his time much to his satisfaction, in courting his Daughter, if he might obtain the Honour to be accepted for his Son-in-law. At which Sir Jeoffry smiling, (to hear one who had been formerly married, move for a Wife carried in Arms, and under two years old) asked him, if he would stay for her: to which he frankly answered him he would, and Sir Jeoffry as generously, promised him, he should than have his full consent. And they both kept their words honourably. And by this virtuous Lady he had thirteen Children, ten of which he lived to see honourably married, and died a Grandfather by the youngest of them.  
Nor did she derive lesle honour from ●e collateral, than the descending ●ine, being Sister by Soul and Ge●us, as well as Blood to these great personages, whose illustrious, unspot●d and resplendent Honour, and virtue, and whose useful Learning, ●nd accurate Pens, may atone and expiate, as well as shame, the scandalous Blemishes of a debauched, and ●e many impertinences of a scribing Age.  
1. Richard the truly Right Hoourable, Loyal, Wise, and Virtuous Earl of Burlington and Cork, whose ●fe is his fairest, and most laudable Character.  
2. The Right Honourable Ro●er, Earl of Orery, that great Poet, ●reat Statesman, great Soldier, and ●reat Every-thing, which merits the ●ame of Great or Good.  
3. Francis Lord Shannon: whose Pocket-Pistol, as he styles his Book, may make as wide Breaches in the Walls of the Capitol, as many Ca●ons.  
4. And that Honourable, and well known name R. Boyl, Esquire, that profound Philosopher, accomplished Humanist, and excellent Divin● I had almost said Lay-Bishop, as o● hath styled Sir H. Savil, who● Works alone may make a Library.  
The Female Branches also (if be lawful so to call them, who● Virtues were so masculine, Sou● knowing no difference of Sex) b● their Honours and Graces (by m● tual reflections) gave, and receive● lustre, to, and from her.  
The Eldest of which, the Lad● Alice, was married to the Lord B● ramore.  
The Second, the Lady Sarah, t● the Lord Digby of Ireland.  
The Third, the Lady Laetitia, to the eldest Son of the Lord Goring who died Earl of Norwich.  
The Fourth, the Lady Joan, to the Earl of Kildare, not only Premier Earl of Ireland, but the ancientest House in Christendom of tha● degree, the present Earl being the six and twentieth, or the seven and twentieth of Lineal Descent. And, as I have heard, it was that great Antiquary, King Charles the First his observation, that the three ancientest Families of Europe for ●obility, were the Veres in England, ●arls of Oxford, and the Fitz Ge●alds in Ireland, Earls of Kildare: ●nd Momorancy in France. 'Tis observable, that the present young Earl of Kildare, is a mixture of ●he Blood of Fitz-Geralds and Ve●res.  
The Fifth, the Lady Katherine, who was married to the Lord Viscount Ranelaugh, and Mother to the present generous Earl of Ranelaugh, of which Family I could have added an eminent Remark, I meet with in Fuller's Worthies.  
This Lady's Character is so signalised by her known Merit, among all Persons of Honour; that as I need not, so I dare not attempt beyond this one word, She was our Lady's Friend-Sister.  
The Sixth, the Lady Dorothy Loftus.  
The Seventh (the number of Perfection) which shut up and crowned this noble Train, (for the Eighth, the Lady Margaret died unmarried) was our excellent Lady Mary, married to Charles Earl of Warwick: of whom, if I should use the Language of my Text, I should neither despair their pardon, nor fear the reproach of rudeness: Many Daughters, all his Daughters did virtuously; but thou—  
She was Great by her Marriage into the Noble Neighbouring Family, which yet received accession to its Grandeur, by the lustre of her Name and Virtues. But she needed neither borrowed Shades, nor reflexive Lights, to set her of, being personally great in all natural Endowments and Accomplishments of Soul, and Body, Wisdom, Beauty, Favour, Virtue.  
Great by her Tongue; for never Woman used one better, speaking so gracefully, promptly, discreetly, pertinently, holily, that I have ●st admired the edifying words that proceeded from her Mouth.  
Great by her Pen, as you may (Expede Herculem) discover by that little taste of it, the world hath been happy in, the hasty fruit of one or two interrupted hours after Supper, which she professed to me with a little regret, when she was surprised with its sliding into the ●orld without her knowledge, or allowance, and wholly beside her expectation.  
Great by being the greatest Mi●ress, and Promotress, not to say ●he Foundress, and Inventress of a ●ew Science— The Art of obliging; ●n which she attained that Sovereign Perfection, that she reigned over all ●heir hearts with whom she did converse.  
Great in her nobleness of Living, ●nd in her free and splendid Hospitality.  
Great in the unparallelled sincerity of constant, faithful, condescending Friendship; and for that Law of kindness which dwelled in her Lips and Heart.  
Great in her dexterity of Management.  
Great in her quickness to apprehended the difficulties of her Affairs, ●nd where the stress and pinch lay, ●o untie the Knot, and lose and ease them.  
Great in the conquest of herself, and mastery of her passions, as I could give severel pregnant instances, but especially in that of th● death of her dear and only So● wherein her behaviour was so fulmiss, serene, and calm, I confes● cannot but judge it scarce imitable or attainable by any other.  
Great in a thousand things b● sides, which the world admires a● such; but I can be, and here profess myself her faithful witness she despised them all, and counte● them but loss and dung in comparison ● the fear of God, and the excellency 〈◊〉 the knowledge of Christ, Jesus our Lor●  
The Substance of great Volume uses to be summarily contracted in to Contents and Titles. All I hav● said is but an imperfect Index, ● this great Folio of Voluminous Virtue You that knew her must have th● Book before you, turn over the leave of your own memories, and rea● with pleasure what those hints refe● you to.  
But I promised you to present her as an example of Solomon's Rule, l● us therefore bring her, and the To● together, and never two were better met. If even this Scripture we● fulfilled, 'tis this day fulfilled in you ears.  
O thou Great, Heroick, Noble, Bles●d Soul, (and blessed be that God, ●d Grace that made thee such) Ma● daughters have done virtuously, but ●ou excellest them all. Though thou ●antedst not Beauty, and didst exced in Favour; thou didst neither rise them, nor catch at praises by ●em, but didst fear the Lord with ●l thy heart, and esteemedst that thy ●ly praise and honour. Thy hands ●ere fruitful, and thy lips too, and thy ●ruits were many, pleasant, useful, ●asonable, ripe, sweet, and fragrant: ●oth to God and Man.  
Thou art now praising God, and ●ve are praising thee: with the Sprigs ●f those Laurels will we crown thee which thy own hands did plant, and ●es did water; that God may be ●raised in thee, and for thee, and o●hers drawn by holy emulation to ●anscribe thy Copy.  
I shall begin with that which always had the first place in her care, ●nd heart, her Religion, and Piety, which in the language of my Text, ●s the fear of the Lord. And I may, ●s is said of Hannaniah, Neh. 7.2. truly attest, that she feared the Lord above many; above most, not to ● above all: that she feared the L● greatly, as is testified of Obad● 1 Kings 18.3. Or as David calls h● self God's servant devoted to his fe● Psalm 119.38. So might she m● truly.  
I shall give you an account of,  
1. Her Entrance, or Beginning.  
2. Progress, or Growth.  
3. Practice, and Exercise of R● ligion as to herself.  
4. Of her Zeal, and holy Indust to promote it, and encourage it others.  
First, as to her beginning to be ●●riously Religious, and to make it h●● business in good earnest, though 〈◊〉 had good education, and had be● principled in the Grounds of Catechism in her youth: yet she wou●● confess she understood nothing 〈◊〉 the life and power of Religion upo● her heart, had no spiritual sense 〈◊〉 it, till some years after she was married. She hath told me also wit● what prejudice and strange apprehensions, as to matters of Religion she came into the Family in whic● she lived and died with so much Honour, for she was almost frighted ●th the disadvantageous account ●s given of it: but when she came 〈◊〉 see the regular performance of ●●vine Worship, and hear the use●●●, edifying, preaching of the most ●●cessary, practical, and substantial ●●ths, and observe the order and ●od Government, and received ●●couragement from her Right Honourable Father-in-law, who had al●ays an extraordinary value for ●r, and affection to her▪ her prejure wore of, and approbation follow●●●. Which minds me of a compa●on, used by the Learned P. Mar●●●, which occasioned the Conversi●● of the Pious Galeacious Caracci●s.  
If a Man standing at a great distance see a Company dancing, he ●●onders at their antic Gestures, ●d seemingly ridiculous motions, ●d thinks them a company of mad ●en: but if he approaches nearer, ●●d comes within the hearing of ●e sweet and harmonious Music, ●hich guides and measures out ●ose motions, and observes how regularly one answers to the other, he than admires them, appro●●● their decency and order, and des●●● to dance with them. So if a 〈◊〉 take up the reports the world gi●● of serious Christians, or sees th● at a distance busily attending 〈◊〉 the duties of their holy Calling a●● Profession, he thinks of them 〈◊〉 Festus did of Paul: that they 〈◊〉 besides themselves, or mad: but if acquaint himself more through● with them, and hears and understand the Word of God, which is as it we the Music to which they danc● and takes notice how they measure all their motions by its melody, 〈◊〉 sees such an agreeing and beauti●● conformity betwixt them; he ca● not but approve it, and join wi●● them.  
God made use of two more rem● means of her Conversion, Affliction and Retirement, the kind of the fir● and the occasion of the second ne● not here be named. Only the d● vine Wisdom and Grace is very dorable, for adapting suitable mea● to bring his purposes to pass: 〈◊〉 these were in her circumstances, f●● she would since acknowledge th● ●r great difficulty and remora, was ●●r love of the pleasures and vani●es of the world, which she nei●●er knew how to reconcile with ●e strictness of Religion, nor yet ●ould be content to part with for ●●at, whose sweets and better pleasures, she was not than acquainted ●ith: God therefore gradually ●eaned her, by rendering more insipid what had too much pleased her, ●nd by giving her vacancy and freedom from distraction, to acquaint ●er self more throughly with the ●hings of God. By which she was ●nabled to set to her seal to that ceremony which God gives to that spiritual Wisdom, That all her ways ●re pleasantness, and all her paths are ●eace: and to her Friends would frequently and freely do it, assuring ●hem That she had no cause to re●ent the change she had found, of the solid and satisfying pleasures she obtained in Religion, for those unquiet, empty ones, she left in ways of vanity: thereby encouraging them to try, not doubting, but upon experience they would become of the same mind.  
Two more immediate helps which God blessed to her, were the preaching of the Word (which God hath ordained for the salvation of them that believe: 1 Cor. 1.21.) and Christian Conference, and (because such an● hint may do others good) the pressing the necessity of speedy and true repentance, and showing the danger of procrastination, and puttings of, and stifling present convictions by delay: This seemed to turn the wavering, tremling balance, and to fix the scale of her resolution.  
This is about nine and twenty years since, from which time (though before her conversation was viceless, sweet, and inoffensive, yet she would confess her mind was vain) she walked with God most closely, circumspectly, accurately. And I verily believe few (if any) ever chose the better part, more resolutely than this our noble Mary, or devoted themselves more unreservedly to God's love, and fear, and service, learning to be good in very good earnest, and to increase, and grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  
2. To promote this, like the wise man in the Gospel, Mat. 7.24. She dug deep to lay her foundations on a rock. She made a strict scrutiny into the State of her Soul, and weighed the reasons of her choice, in the balance of the Sanctuary. And with the other Builder of the Gospel, sat down and considered with herself what it might cost to finish her spiritual edifice, and whether she were furnished to defray that charge. And also whether the grounds of her hope were firm, and such as would not abuse, and shame her; and her evidences for Heaven, such as would bear the Test, and Scripture would approve.  
And this she drew up at large, with her own hand judiciously, soberly, modestly, humbly, and about twenty years since did me the honour with greatest secrecy to read it to me, and obliged me with all freedom and faithfulness to give her my judgement of it; which I could not but do with much approbation. And this, I doubt not, remains amongst her many excellent Papers.  
Having thus put her hand to the plough, she looked not back, but minded Religion as her business indeed; and never gave suspicion of trifling in so serious a work.  
3. Therefore for her practice of it, it was her great design to walk worthy of God in all wellpleasing, to adorn her professed subjection to the Gospel, by a conversation becoming it, and to show forth his virtues and praises, who had called her to his marvellous Light.  
First than she was circumspectly careful to abstain from all appearance of evil; and in all doubtful cases 'twas her rule to take the surest side; for she would say, I am sure, 'twill do me no hurt, to let them alone. Though therefore 〈◊〉 were further from censuring others, or usurping judgement over their liberties; yet for herself she would never allow herself the addition of artificial handsomeness, (used neither paint nor patch) and was pleased with a saying of one of her spiritual Friends, upon the reading the Book which apologises for it: O lord, I thank thee, that thou gavest me not wit enough to writ such a Book, unless withal thou hadst given me Grace enough not to writ it. Neither would she play at any Games, because beside many other inconveniences, she judged them great wasters of precious time: of which she was always very thirsty. And though she was known to be a woman of good understanding, yet were there three things which were too hard for her, and she would confess she could not comprehend them.  
First, How those who professed to believe an Eternal Estate, and its dependence upon the short inch of time, could complain of times lying as a dead commodity on their hand, which they were troubled how to drive away.  
Secondly, how Christians, who would seem devout at Church, could laugh at others for being serious out on't, and burlesque the very Bible, and turn Religion into Ridicule.  
Thirdly, How knowing men could take care of souls, and seldom come amongst them, and never look after them.  
And though in the forenamed particulars, she was content only to give example of forbearance: yet from the Playhouse, since the Stage hath taken so great liberty, she would openly dehort her Friends with greatest earnestness.  
She very many years since, began to keep a Diary; and consulted two, whom she used to call her Soul-Friends, and ever esteemed such her best Friends, concerning the best manner of performing it. This, at first, she used to perform every Evening; but finding that inconvenient, by reason of her Lords long illness, which gave her many inevitable divertions and interruptions at that season, she changed it into the quiet, silent morning, always rising early. And therein amongst other things recorded the daily frame of her own heart towards God, his signal providences to herself, and sometimes towards others, his gracious manifestations to her Soul, returns of prayer, temptations resisted, or prevailing, or what ever might be useful for caution, or encouragement, afford her matter of thankfulness or humiliation. And by this means she had arrived at such experience, that she could conclude, at lest make strong conjectures of the events of things she spread before the Lord in prayer, by the frame of her own heart, in the performance of it, as I could instance in particulars, if it were convenient.  
She used to call Prayer Hearts-ease, as she often found it; and though her modesty was such, and she was so far from a vain, affected ostentation of her gifts, I cannot name one person with whom she prayed, yet can I say she was as well mighty, and fervent in prayer, as constant and abundant in it; for she sometimes using her voice, hath been overheard, and her own Lord (knowing her hours of prayer) once conveyed a grave Minister into a secret place, within hearing, whom, if I should name, I suppose would not be denied to be a competent Judge, who much admired her humble fervency; for she praying prayed, and when she used not an audible voice, her sighs and groans would echo from her Closet at good distance. And the very day before she died, she was shut up above an hour, which she spent in fervent, private, prayer, notwithstanding her indisposition; and indeed prayer was her very element in which she lived, and actually died; and 'twas as the vital breath of her Soul, and the wing that wasted it immediately to Heaven.  
But if she exceeded herself in any thing as much as she excelled others in most things, 'twas in meditation: this was her Masterpiece; for she usually walked two hours daily in the morning, to meditate alone, in which divine art she was an accomplished Mistress, both in set and occasional, in the first choosing some select subject, which she would press upon her heart with intensest thoughts, till she had drawn out all its Juice and nourishment: and for the second, like a spiritual Bee, she would suck Honey from all occurrences, whole Volumes of which she hath left behind her.  
After this consecrating of the day with reading Scriptures, prayer, and meditation: 
Lectione assidua & meditatione diuturna pectus suum Bibliothecam fecerat Christi; unde hic fervour, nisiex amore Dei? unde legis Christi indefessa meditatio nisi ex desiderio ejus qui legein dedit?  a short dressing time, and ordering her domestic Affairs, or reading some good Book, spent the remainder of the morning till Chappel-prayers, from which she was never absent, and at which she was ever reverend, and a devout example to her whole Family.  
She was a strict observer of the Lords day, which is truly called the Hedge and Fence of Religion, and though some please themselves to call this Judaizing, to excuse the liberties they indulge themselves: I am sure our Church hath enjoined us all to cry to God for mercy, for the breach of, and for grace to incline our hearts to keep, the fourth Commandment, as well as any of the other nine: and 'tis not hard to observe that the streams of Religion are deep, or shallow, according as these Banks are kept up, or neglected.  
She was a very devout Communicant; seldom omitting to prepare her Soul with solemn fasting, to renew her Covenant with God.  
And in the act of receiving, I cannot think of her without reflecting on S. Stephen, when he saw the Heavens opened, and Jesus standing at God's right hand, and his face was as the face of an Angel.  
And to encourage others to such serious preparation to that Sacred Ordinance, as she used before it: I shall show what sweet advantages she reaped in it, and by it. And this I shall do by transcribing word for word out of her Diary, what I found written with her own hand, concerning one of the last Sacrament days, she ever enjoyed. For the Sacrament which was appointed to have been administered in her Ladyship's Chapel upon Easter-day, was put of by reason of her falling ill in Passion week.  
November, 25. Sacrament Day.  
AS soon as I awaked, I blessed God. When I had read in the Word, the Chapters of the Sufferings of my Blessed Saviour, I spent much time in meditating of his dying love. By which thoughts I found my heart much drawn out to love him, and melted by his love, than with great and awful apprehensions of God upon my heart, I went to pray. In which duty my heart was lifted up in the high praises of God, for both spiritual and temporal mercies: and my affections were much drawn out in the duty, in which my heart did follow exceeding hard after God for a nearer communion with him in the Sacrament than ever yet I had. I than renewed my covenant with God: and made promises, that by his Grace enabling me, I would walk more closely with him for the time to come. That which in especial manner I begged of God at this Sacrament was more love to him, more holiness, more contempt of the World, and the Glories of it, that I might be more useful to the Souls and Bodies of my Fellow- Christians than formerly I had been.  
Those mercies which in especial manner, I was grateful for, were, the Creation and Redemption of the World, and for the Gospel and the Covenant of Grace, and for converting Grace, and for Justification, and for some measure of Sanctification: and for so much Patience exercised toward me, before my conversion: and in order to it, embittering Creature-comforts, that I might seek for comforts above: and for a sanctified affliction, and for some degree of patience to bear it, and for supports under it by the warm and lively comforts of the Holy Ghost: and for returns of prayer: and for so many opportunities to seek unto God: and for the sweet reviving hours I had enjoyed with God in solitude by Heavenly Meditations: and for the Word and Sacraments, and the sanctifying motions of God's Spirit. I was in a more than usual manner melted in the duty, and shed a very great plenty of tears in it: which when I came from, I found a longing desire to partake of the Lord's Supper, and a great joy that I was going to partake of it. Than I went to hear— the Text was I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh to the Father, but by me.  
I was attentive at that good Sermon. And by what I heard of the excellency of Christ, had my heart much warmed with love to him.  
Afterwards, at the confession before the Sacrament, I found my heart in a more than usual manner broken for my sins, which I bewailed with great plenty of tears, and from my heart judged, and loathed myself for them. After I had received, I found my heart in an extraordinary manner warmed with love to God. And my Soul did follow very hard after him, to be made more holy, and for Grace to serve him better than ever yet I had done. I had very lively affections in the duty; in which I received much joy, and had sweet communion with God in it.  
After I had at the Table of the Lord given to the Poor, I came from the Sacrament with my heart in a sweet grateful, and Heavenly Frame, and than in private blessed God, for that blessed Feast, and begged strength to keep my promises I had made to God, of new obedience.  
In the Afternoon I heard again the same person, upon the same Text; I was in an attentive, serious frame at that good Sermon. The Subject of which was to show, that Christ was the only way for penitent sinners to come unto the Father.  
I meditated upon the Sermons, and prayed them over. And had also meditations of the Joys of Heaven, with the thoughts of being for ever freed from sin, and of being ever with the Lord, where I should enjoy him in his fullest love.  
I found my heart much revived and my Soul did than make strong Sallies and Egresses after that blessed Rest.  
After Family Duties were over, at which I prayed with fervency; I did before going to Bed commit myself too God.  
O Lord, I do from my Soul bless thee for this sweet day, in which thou wert pleased to vouchsafe unto me, thy most unworthy Servant, more Soul-joy, than thou didst give me for a long time before.  
She was a very serious and attentive hearer of the Word, and constantly after Sermon recollected what she heard, sometimes by writing, always by thinking and calling it to mind, that she might make it her own, and turn it into practice, not content to be a forgetful fruitless hearer only, but a doer, that she might be blessed in her deed.  
And such she was for the external performances of Religion.  
And though this was beautiful and lovely, yet her chief glory was within, in the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, in that dress of Graces which adorned her Soul; this string was all of Orient Pearls, and evenly matched, not one ill watered, or of unequal size. There was not one dried or withered Limb, one member wanting or defective in the new creature, she was complete in Christ, all of a piece.  
The Head of her Knowledge was comprehensive and clear, The Eye of her Faith was piercing and steady. The Ear of her obedience was open and light of hearing, and boared at the door posts of wisdom's house. Her Palate was savoury, and relishing, to which God's Law was sweeter than the honey, and the honeycomb, and more esteemed than her necessary food. The Cheeks of her Modesty were fair and ruddy. The Arms of her desires were stretched out after God, and flexile, to embrace him. The Hands of her Justice and Charity were strong and open. The Breasts of her Bounty were well-fashioned; and full of milk, and the Bowels of her compassion were tender and fruitful. Her hunger and thirst after righteousness was even greedy and insatiable. The heart of her sincerity was sound and lively, and the pulse of her conscience smooth and equal. The feet of her affections were swifter than the Roes on the Mountains of Bether, more truly winged than the Poets feign their Mercuries. The natural heat of her Zeal more fervent than the coals of Juniper, and the radical moisture of her repentance more fluid than the springs of Pisgah. Being seen with dry eyes, under tear-moving circumstances, which very nearly concerned herself, and being asked, how she could refrain? She replied, I desire to weep for nothing but my sin:. Her name was as ointment pouned forth, which made her the delight and admiration of all good men and women; yea, you may call her a She Jedidiah, a Female Lemuel, the Lord's delights, she with whom God was.  
Now the Soul of this excellent Body, which animated all its goodly parts within, was the love of God, and the gorgeous Robe which clothed it without, was her deep humility. These were the Sun and Moon in this great Firmament, all whose Stars were of the first magnitude, and the lest of which would have made the great Luminary in another Orb. Such was this beauteous Spouse of Christ, so like her Heavenly Bridegroom, that for that resemblance sake, we may say of her she was exceeding lovely.  
Nor was she lesle solicitous to make others good, than to be so herself. She well remembered our Saviour's charge to S. Peter, When thou art converted, strengthen thy Brethrens: She set her heart to build God's spiritual Temple, and therefore she applied herself to it with all her might. She had holy Transports for the Glory of God, and she was a great Lover of Souls, and those two engaged her to promote Religion with utmost industry and zeal, which that she might accomplish more advantageously,  
1. She avowedly designed to represent Religion as amiable, and taking, and free from vulgar prejudice, as possibly she might; not so as might affright and scare men from it: but that it might allure them, and insinuate its self into their love and liking: to this end she was affable, familiar, pleasant, of a free, and agreeable conversation, unaffected, not sour, reserved, morose, sad, dejected, melancholy, which presents Religion most disadvantageously. She was naturally of the sweetest temper in the World: and Grace inoculated into such a stock, thrives even luxuriantly. Whereas some crabbed, peevish, sullen natures starve the best Cien they are grafted with. As I remember one of whom 'twas usually said, he had Grace enough for seven other men, yet scarce enough for himself. And she made grace and nature both subservient to the good of others.  
As we say of some neat, well-fashioned persons, what e'er they wear becomes them, and sits well: I must do her this right, to testify, I never saw Religion become any person better. And 'twas hard not to approve and love a dress so decent and adorning.  
2. She kept herself free and disinteressed from all Parties and Factions, that none might suspect a design of making Proselytes to any, but to God.  
She was neither of Paul, nor Apollo's, nor Cephas, but only Christ. Her name was Christian, and her Surname Catholic, she had a large and unconfined Soul, not hemmed in, or pounded up within the Circle of any man's name or drawing, a Latitudinarian in the true commendable sense: and whoever feared God, and wrought righteousness was accepted of her.  
She very inoffensively, regularly, devoutly, observed all the Orders of the Church of England, in its Liturgy and public Service, which she failed not to attend twice a day with exemplary Reverence, yet was she very far from placing Religion in Ritual Observances. And I may not deny, that she would sometimes warm her heart (though never with strange fire) at private Altars in her own Chamber or Closet.  
3. She would perfume the company with good discourse, to prevent idle, or worse communication, not abruptly, upbraidingly, or importunely, which is very nauseous and fulsome and spoils a good game by bad playing: But she was like a spiritual Stove, you should feel the heat, and not see the fire, and found yourself in other company amongst the same persons, and rather wonder than perceive how you came there; for she would drop a wise sentence, or moral holy Apothegm (with which she was admirably furnished, of her own making or collection) that suited with at lest not far remote from wha● was talked of, and commending, o● improving that, she'd wind about the whole discourse without offence, yea, with pleasure.  
She kept a Book of such wise, pithy Say, much valuing words, which contained great use and worth in little compass.  
I shall transcribe a few of many.  
THe almost Christian is the unhappiest Man, having Religion enough to make the World hate ●im; and not enough to make God ●ove him.  
God's Servants should be as bold ●or him as the Devils are for him.  
What will make thee happy at ●●y time, may make thee happy at 〈◊〉 times.  
O Lord, what I give thee, doth ●●t please thee, unless I give thee ●y self. So what thou givest me all not satisfy me, unless thou give ●e thyself.  
O Lord, who givest Grace to the ●●mble, give me grace to be hum●●e.  
He loves God too little, who ●●es any thing with him, which he ●●es not for him.  
The true measure of loving God, is to love him without measure.  
So speak to God, as though men heard thee, so speak to men, as knowing God hears thee.  
Seneca said, he was better born than to be a slave to his Body.  
Luther said, Christ's Cross is no Letter, yet it taught him more than all the Alphabet.  
We should meditate of Christ's Cross, till we be fastened as close to him, as he was to his Cross.  
By how much the more Christ made himself vile for us; by so much the more precious he should be to us.  
We need every day blood for our hearts: as water for our hands.  
Through Christ's wounds we may see his Bowels.  
He only can satisfy us, who satisfied for us.  
He that takes up Christ's Cross handsomely, shall found it such a burden as Wings to a Bird, or Sails to a Ship.  
'Tis a great honour to be Almoner to the King of Heaven.  
The Bowels of the poor are the best soil, which brings forth an hundred fold.  
Who would not starve a Lust to feed a Saint?  
To give is the greatest sensuality: How indulgent than is God to annex future rewards, to what is so much its own recompense?  
To be libelled for Christ is the best Panegyric.  
Where affliction is heavy, sin is light.  
God chastises whom he loves, but he loves not to chastise.  
Sin brought death into the world, and nothing but death will carry sin out of the world.  
If all men's troubles were brought into a common store, every one would carry back what he brought, rather than stand to a share of an equal division.  
Though time be not lasting, what depends on it, is everlasting.  
The best Shield against Slanderers, is to live so, that none may believe them.  
He that revenges an injury, acts the part of an Executioner. He that pardons it, acts the part of a Prince.  
Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions.  
Man is a pile of Dust, and puff of Wind.  
Why are we so fond of that life which gins with a Cry, and ends with a groan!  
But I will not cloy you, knowing it is safest to rise with an appetite; even when we are entertained at a Banquet.  
4. Where she had particular kindness, or personal interest, she would improve the authority of her friendship to gentle, but free correption, and argue, and persuade so strenuously, that her Bow, like Jonathan's, seldom returned empty; and pled the cause of God, and their own souls, to whom she spoke with so winning and insinuating sweetness, that 'twas hard to resist the Suada, shall I say, or rather the spirit, by which she spoke. Let me resound and eccho● from her lips (though alas too faintly) how she would with melting charms, and powerful strains, attempt upon the Friends, for whom she had a kindness, and whom she longed to rescue.  
COme, come, my Friend, you must be good, you shall be good; I cannot be so unkind, nay, so unfaithful to the laws of Friendship, as to let you persist, and perish in a way, you know as well as I, leads down to Hell. It grives my very soul to see so good a nature ensnared against the dictates of its own light, by bad example, custom or somewhat else— And if they replied with excuses, she would stop them thus: I pray, my Friend, have patience, hear me out, I know, or guests at lest, what you would say, and I would not have you say it. 'Tis bad to commit sin, but 'tis worse to pled for it, and defend it. None sin so dangerously as those who sin with excuses. The Devil than ties a new snare, when he gets into our tongues to fasten us to our failings, and raises an out-work in our own mouths, to secure the Fort he possesses in our hearts: I take it for granted, all other Holds were slighted easily, could you conquer such or such a vice, too much by custom prevailing with you. Unhappy custom that dares prescribe against God's Law— But, Friend, use no arguments that will not hold water at the day of judgement: though hand join in hand, you know what follows. And no example, custom, number should allure us, which cannot excuse us and secure us. But this is the mischief of sin lived in it, it bewitches the heart to love it, that it cannot leave it. Cannot, so men love to speak; but 'tis because they will not, that is, will use no endeavours to be rid on't. But you must leave it, there's no remedy though it cost you trouble, smart, and self-denial. There's as much as all this comes to, in cutting of 〈◊〉 right hand, and digging out a right eye. I speak to you, as to one in whom I have a party to help me pled. I mean your conscience and the belief of the Scriptures for if you were one of those o● whom you know I use to set m● mark, I should not give you this trouble, nor esteem myself under more than the Laws of general charity to wish you better, should hardly venture my little skill to make you so.  
But as for you, who still own God's authority, and believe his Word, and attend his Worship. Why should I despair of making one piece of yourself, agreed with the other, your practice with your convictions, your conversation with your conscience.  
And not to fright you with the Thunderclaps of wrath and vengeance, and God's judging you know whom— listen to the still voice, 'tis your peculiar eminency to be kind and grateful (and because there is a kind of magnetic virtue in those arguments which touch our temper, and a string will move itself when another instrument is touched that's set to the same Key, and pitch) I shall attack you on that side, hoping the strongest excellency of your nature, will prove the weakest defensative for sin, and to keep our God.  
You therefore who are so good natured, so kind, so grateful that you never think you have acquit yourself sufficiently to those who have been civil, or as you please to call't obliging. O how can— be so unkind, and so ungrateful unto God Almighty, the kindest Friend, who is so much before hand with you, who hath given you so much, and is so ready to forgive you all. O that you, who I dare say would take my word for any hang else, would do me the honour to take my word for him, who I assure you upon your sincere repentance will be fully reconciled to you in Christ, and never so much as upraid your past neglects, but heal your back-slidings, and love you freely. And do not fear you shall have cause to repent of your repentance. No man ever yet was a loser by God; and you shan't be the first: you shall not loose your pleasures, but exchange them, defiling one's for pure and clean and ravishing. And let i● not seem strange, or incredible to you, that there should be such things, because perhaps you never felt them. Alas you have deprived yourself unhappily, by being uncapable of them. New wine must be put into new bottles.  
To say nothing of what the Scriptures speak of a day in God's courts being better than a thousand, and of joys, unspeakable, and full of glory, of the great peace they have who keep God's Law, and that nothing shall offend them, that wisdoms ways are pleasantness. Let my weakness reason out the case with you. Do you think that God's Angels which excel in all perfections, have no delights, because they have no flesh, no sense, no bodies, as men and beasts? or have our Souls (the Angels in these houses of clay) which are God's Images, and the price of his Blood no objects, no employments which may yield them delight and satisfaction?  
Think not so unworthily of God, or meanly of yourself; have not the strokes of your own fancy, or the intellectual pleasures of your mind, sometimes transported you beyond all the charms of your senses, when they have chimed all in tune together.  
And cannot God, think you, who is a spirit, and so fit an object for our souls, give them as great pleasures, as any object of our taste and sight.  
Come, come, my Friend, take my word for't, there is more pleasure in the peace of a good conscience, and in well grounded hopes our sins are pardoned, and in serving God, and expectation of eternal life, than in all the pleasures in the world. Alas, I was once of your mind, but I assure you upon my word, I have really found more satisfaction in serving God, than ever I found in all the good things of the world, of which you know I have had my share.  
Try therefore, dare to be good, resolve to be so throughly; and if you do not found it much better than I have told you, never take my word, or trust me more.  
Thus and much more powerfully would her zeal for their good, 'cause her to argue with her Friends, that she might by holy violence attract them, and allure them to be good, and happy.  
5. She was of an extensive charity; and would make people good by believing them to be so, and by this engagement make them ashamed to deceive her hopes, and disappoint her expectation.  
6. She had a tender, conscientious care to provide good Ministers, and to encourage them, would augment their maintenance where 'twas small; Leez, Braintree, and Foulness, etc. may be her witnesses in this, and indeed she was the heartiest and truest Friend I ever knew to such, and do despair ever to know her like, in this respect.  
7. She had a great care of the Souls of her Servants, and if she had any ambition in her, 'twas in this, to be the Mistress of a religious Family. This appeared amongst others, in these particulars.  
1. In exacting their attendance on God's public Worship, and reverend behaviour there.  
Her Eye surveyed her Chapel, and none could be absent, but she would miss them.  
2. In personal instruction, and familiar persuading of them, I appeal to the consciences of all that served her, what one of them hath she not; on some occasion, dealt with to do them good.  
3. In preparing them for, and persuading them to the frequent participation of the Lord's most holy Supper.  
4. In scattering good Books in all the common Rooms and places of attendance, that those that waited might not loose their time, but well employ it, and have a bait laid of some practical, useful Book, and sitted to their capacity, which might catch and take them.  
5. In making it the Foot-step to preferment, for she used to make the hundredth and first Psalm the Rule of her Economics; and though she treated all her servants as Friends, yet they were her Favourites, which most signally feared God.  
And she was not a first Table Christian only, we need not draw her Picture with a side-face, to hid the disfigurements of either side, both her hands wrought in the work of God: she did not claudicare, but walked in his ways with both her Feet. She had learned S. John's Lesson: That he who loves God, must love his Brother also.  

1. She was exactly righteous.  
2. She was prodigiously charitable.   
1. She was exactly just in word and deed. She never forfeited her Title, to the privilege of Peerage, to be believed upon the honour of her word; which was, as sacred as any oath, and as good security as many bonds. No inconvenience to herself would make her recoil, or flinch from the obligations she had brought herself under, by her own mouth: yea, she had such an abhorrence of a dishonourable recess, from express, or but intimated promises, that it would tender her esteem of such persons exceeding cheap and mean, who by little arts and shifts would lose and free themselves from their engagements, and disappoint the expectations they had raised in others, to save their charges, accounting their money spared, a very poor and base redemption of their reputation.  
She abhorred a lie; and used modestly to give this testimony of herself, You know I dare not, I will not lie. And her Lord knew this so well, that though he were positive enough, yet would never persist, if there happened any contest, against what ever she affirmed peremptorily.  
And a lie was the foulest blemish any could slain themselves with, in conversing with her, and the most unpardonable fault, a servant could contract, to whom she used to say, Tell me the truth, and I can forgive you any thing.  
I shall take liberty on this occasion to add a passage, which may be useful on a double account.  
1. To let her honourable Friends know she forgot them not, though her purposes were prevented.  
2. How she feared the shadow of a lie.  
About a Month before she died, she was, (though than in as perfect health, as I have known her) determined to altar her william. And whereas she had before given many honourable Legacies in money to persons of great Quality: she said, she would altar them all, for this reason, because they were rich, and money they needed not: but she would give it in something they might keep, as kind memorial of her: and when she had set down all their names in a Paper, she also bethought herself what would be most acceptable to every of them: For, said she, that renders a gift most agreeable, when it suits the fancy of the party to whom it is designed. And than surveying her own store, she fixed on what to give to most of them, but not finding herself actually provided, of what she might bequeath to all, she resolved to leave all to a Codicil, to be annexed to her Will, and expressly said, I am now, God willing, going to London, when I have finished my Will, and than I will by discourse found out, undiscerned, what will be most pleasing to every one of them, and will provide accordingly. Yet when the draught of her Will was made, she would put into the Will its self for the Right Honourable the Countess of Scarsdale her beloved Sister-in-law, (who was one of that number to which in her former Will she had given a Legacy in money) a set of silver Sconces, which adorned her own Chamber. And when I asked her Ladyship why she would not leave her to the Codicil among the rest, she was pleased to give this reason: Because, said she, she is the only person living to whom I ever intimated being in my will, and I would not die, and have it found otherwise, and so be under the suspicion of having told a lie, or dying with a lie in my mouth.  
She had learned S. Paul's Lesson to perfection, To speak evil of no man: and where she could not speak well, the worst injury she would do was to be silent, and say nothing, unless it were to some single Eriend, of whose Taciturnity she was secure by experience.  
Nor would she invidiously diminish the just praises of any who deserved them. Nay, would rather study to extenuate their other failings, by presenting the light side to hid the dark one. And would commend them for one good quality or action, to cover many bad ones: and would say, yet I must do them this right, they are so, or so— for all this.  
And she was not lesle accurately just in deed than word: she had learned to do, as well as to say: she not only gave goodly words, but good performances.  
And because the due discharge of the duties of our Relations is one of the most signal evidences of Righteousness, and the greatest ornament of our Profession of Religion. I shall touch briefly how she used to acquit herself in that respect: as a Wife to her Husband living, as an Executrix to his Will, and a Trustee to the Estate; as a Mother, as a Daughter, as a Sister, as a Friend, as a Mistress, as a Landlady, as a Neighbour. In all which she was as a singular Blessing to her Relatives, so an eminent example to others.  
First, as a Wife. The heart of her Husband did safely trust in her, and she did him good, and not evil all the days of his life. Never was woman more truly a crown or ornament to man. She always lived with a sense of the covenant of God, which was betwixt them upon her heart. She was an equal mixture of affectionate obedience, and obediential affection.  
She would conceal and hid his infirmities; deeply sympathised in his long indispositions, attended, and relieved him under them with the greatest tenderness, loved his Soul, and would both counsel him with prudent zeal, and pray for him with greatest ardours, and fervency. And he was not wanting in praising her. He hath with vehement protestations said to me: He had rather have her with five thousand pounds (though she brought him much more) than any woman living with twenty. Yea, when the very Torrents of his Sorrow were highest for the death of his only Son (and Family) he made that the circumflexing Accent of his grief: 'twould kill his Wife, which was he said more to him than an hundred Sons: Sed quid verba audiam, cum facta videam: He gave her his whole estate, as an honorary testimony of his grateful esteem of her merits towards him, and left her sole Executrix, a high testimony of his confidence in her integrity. Which trust, though it cost her almost unspeakable labour and difficulties, she discharged with such indefatigable pains, such scrupulous exactness, and admirable prudence, that as she failed not of one Title of the Will, till all was fulfilled; so she never gave, or left occasion of the lest noise of any complaining, 〈◊〉 any interested person, but rendered all more than silent, satisfied, more than satisfied, applauding, and admiring her prudent, and honourable conduct of that great Affair. Which she owned to God with much thankfulness, as no small Mercy and Blessing to her. And for that Noble Estate which was to descend to others after her, she would not have wronged it in the lest, to have gained the disposal of the whole; and therefore was at vast expenses in repairs, both on the Mansion, and Farms, though herself but a Termer. Yea, though none were more ready to recede from their own right, which determinated in her own personal interests; yet would she be stiff, and tenacious, in what may concern her Successors: Usually saying, whatever she lost herself, she would never give occasion to them that came after her, to say, she had damnified the Estate, or wronged her trust, or them. I must add one particular, because I believe she was the first, and will be the last instance of it.  
Her 〈◊〉, splendid way of living (which in most is sacrificing to their vanity and ostentation) for she lived very great, as you all are witnesses) was not an act of pride and ambition, but purely, at lest principally, of conscience: she would not contract; or abate, because she would not deceive her Lord's trust, who gave her the Estate to keep up the honour of his Name and Family in a place where it had flourished, and in that kind been famous so many years.  
She was a most incomparable Mother, which appeared in the education of one Son of her Body, and three Daughters of her Soul; for so I may truly speak. She never bore more than two Children; one Daughter, who died young, and a Son, the gallant, hopeful, young Lord Rich, of whom the world hath had an account, by the same hand which hath had the unhappy honour to be employed the third time in this mournful Service: Planctus unigeniti at the Lord Rich's Funeral: Leez lacrymen at the Earl of Warwick's: and this.  
The pious methods of whose education might be suggested, with advantage, but I should never have done, should I allow myself liberty to enlarge on all was commendable, or exemplary; yet one thing I will not conceal; those three excellent Ladies to whom she was an own Mother, though but an Aunt-in-law, and who are by their Cousin's death become so vast fortunes to their Husbands, being left with lesle plentiful portions, she would even during her Son's life, never leave pressing her Lord to make noble provisions for, and settle their portions suitable to their Birth and Qualities, which as they well knew, so I doubt not but they will most readily attest with becoming acknowledgements, as also all the other never to be forgotten obligations, which she so nobly ceased not, to please her kind humour, in conferring on them.  
I never personally saw her Right Honourable Father, nor could remember her dutiful observances of him; but this I know, that engagements of her own affections would not supersede her respects to him in her marriage, till his full consent and approbation was obtained.  
And no Child could make more honourable mention of Parents than I have heard her do of hers, and for the transmitting i● to posterity, I cannot say she had resolved to writ and publish her Father's Life; but I can, and do affirm, she had it in deliberation, and had considerable Materials and Collections, many of which she hath discoursed, and read to me, or given me the favour to read myself.  
She was so endearing a Sister, no language can express it; and therefore it would be inexcusable boldness for me to attempt it.  
A Friend so faithful, so kind, so constant, so condescending, so open, so free, unreserved, unsuspicious, as I believe is not to be found on earth. I could give instance of a Friendship, which as she vouchsafed to contract with much condescension on her part, continued thirty years, not only without interruption, or Eclipse, but without the lest cloud or shadow of misunderstanding on either side for that long space.  
The best Mistress in the world, to almost a Proverb, in a double care, both of the spiritual and bodily welfare of her servants, whom she as much loved to please, as other persons servants can do to please their Masters, it being her peculiar delight to tender the lives of all easy and pleasant, and free from discontent, that they might serve God with cheerfulness. And when she was to leave them, she left not of ●er kindness to them, or care for ●hem, but provided to the uttermost of her power, for their comfortable subsistence, according to their degree and time of service, giving. Legacies liberal and noble, four hundred pounds, three hundred pounds, two hundred pounds a piece, to some, one hundred pound a piece to many, to others eighty, to many seventy, to buy them Annuities for their lives; too others fifty, forty, twenty, & a full years' wages to every one not specified by name, and three months' Entertainment, with Lodging, Diet, and all accommodations, as in her life; that they might have time to seek out, and provide places for themselves, and not be exposed to inconveniences, by a sudden remove.  
She was a most noble, I may say, indulgent Landlady, and would usually say of her Tenants; Alas, po● creatures, they take a great deal● pains, and I love to see them thri● and live comfortably, and I cannot endure to see them brought in● straits, and therefore would wit● out grudging or difficulty have 〈◊〉 things made convenient for the● and if they had sustained any co●derable losses, effectually consider it. And for her Copyhold Tenants, would urge with warmth the timely finishing the Rolls of her Courts, ●nd delivery of their Copies, professing she could not in conscience suffer it to be neglected, because it 〈◊〉 as all they had to show for their Estates, a piece of eminent justice, not more honourable than necessary in Lords of Manors.  
And lastly, as a Neighbour, she was so kind and courteous, it advanced ●he Rend of adjacent Houses to be so near situated to her, nor only her House, & Table, but her Countenance ●nd very heart were open to all persons of Quality in a considerable ●●rcuit, and for the inferior sort, if ●hey were sick, or tempted, or in any ●istress of Body or Mind, whither ●ould they go but to the good countess whose Closet and Still-house was their Shop for Chirurge●●, and Physic, and herself, (for ●e would visit the meanest of them personally) and Ministers whom she ●ould sand to them, their spiritual ●ysicians.  
But as her love to God was the soul of her Religion, so the exuberancy of her charity towards those who needed her abundant liberality, was the conspicuous Crown which beautified all her sweetness, and goodness towards Men: for in th● she was forward, I bear her record, 〈◊〉 her power, yea, and beyond her power for she would even anticipate he Revenue and Incomes, rather tha● want wherewith to be liberal. S. J●rom placed in the highest rank of the praises of his admired Paula, th● she not only made herself poor 〈◊〉 relieve, 
S. Hier. Epitaphium Paulae.  but died in magno Aere alie●. And I am sure it used to be said ● our excellent Lady; That was 〈◊〉 Lady that would borrow money to gi● away. She would not live poor (〈◊〉 good works) to dye rich; yea, though she had chosen Executors, in who● her heart could trust as safely as e● her Husbands did in her, yet 〈◊〉 would make her own hands her Ex●cutors, and they were very faithf● to her enlarged heart.  
But to be more particular; wh● she had in her Lord and Husband's life time, a separate maintenance allowance, settled by Marriage articles, she was pleased to ask me my opinion concerning the quota pars: What proportion one is obliged to consecrated to God of our Estates, and when I told her it was hard, if not impossible, to fix a Rule which might hold universally; but the circumstances must be considered in which persons stood, their Qualities, their Incomes, their Dependences, necessary and emergent Occasions, inevitably occurring.— But she persisting to urge a more particular answer as to herself, what would be fit and becoming her to ●o, I not being ignorant of her circumstances, (I must bear my own name in acknowledging the straitness of my own heart, told her) I supposed a seventh part: But before I could suggest the reasons, she preventingly replied, she would ne●er give lesle than the third part, ●nd she kept her resolution to the all and with advantage; laying a●de constantly the third part for ●aritable uses, and would sometime borrow of that which remained to add to it, but never defaulk ●om that to serve her own occasions, though sometimes pressing enough.  
When she came to the possession of so large an Estate as her Lord bequeathed her for her life, she in good measure made it true, what a great Person was reported to say, that the Earl of Warwick had gave all his Estate to pious uses: Meaning thereby, that he had given it to this Noble Lady, who would so convert it.  
And 'tis a great truth, which I have had from her own mouth, th● all the satisfaction she took in it was the opportunity it afforded he● of doing good. And I have hea● her earnestly aver, that she woul● not accept of, or be encumbered wit● the greatest Estate in England, if i● should be offered her, clogged with this condition, not to do good t● others with it.  
But some may say, were her Ey● as open as her Hands; did she n● scatter it as carelessly as profusely Nothing lesle, her liberal Soul device liberal things: I will point at som● few of many.  
1. There are some Objects of 〈◊〉 Charity, which are not so to vulgar-Eyes or Purses; on whom she would confer, and whom she would surprise, with noble and suitable assistances, this struck deep, drew an whole bag at once, but made no noise.  
Some scarcely known to any but myself, and it may be had not been to me, but to ask my judgement, whether it might be reduced to the account of charity, to give to such and such, being in such circumstances: For she was never lesle tender of their modesty than compassionate of their necessity, and was more solicitous for their pardon, than their thanks, for helping them.  
4. Foreiners who fled either to preserve their Religion, or to embrace what they were convinced of to be the truth.  
3. A great many young Scholars of hopeful promising Parts, whom she wholly or in good measure educated at the University, allowing some thirty, some twenty, some ten, some eight, many five pounds per Annum, and some others who had more assistance, lesle.  
4. Abundance of young Children which she put to School in the neighbouring Towns, I cannot say how many, but rather sans number, all that were poor and willing to learn: Nay; that could be persuaded to it, whose Schooling she did not only pay for, but gave them both Books and often Clothing; and not only near home but as far as Wales, contributing nobly to that pious design, of that good old man and indefatigable promoter of it Mr. Gouge, so amply attested by a Cloud of Witnesses, beyond exception, to rescue Wales from its remaining ignorance and demi-Barbarism.  
5. Many Ministers of both denominations, as well Conformists whose livings were so small as not to yield them a subsistence, as those who had none at all.  
6. Many occasional Objects of Charity, which you may surely conclude, failed not to ply at those Stairs where 'twas seldom low water: And though she was sometimes imposed upon, and deceived by those that neither needed nor deserved what she gave, yet this did not discourage her from giving again; For she said, she had rather relieve ten that only appeared meet objects and were not, than let one go unrelieved that was so indeed: For though they deceived her in her giving, God would not deceive her in accepting, what was sincerely done for his Name sake.  
7. Lastly, the Poor which she fed in great number, not only with fragments and broken meat, but with liberal provision purposely made for them. She was a greatpitier, yea a great lover of the poor, and she built a convenient house on purpose for them at her London-Seat, (as they had one at Leezes) to shelter them from rain and heat while they received their dole, and when she was at London with her Family, had in her absence, whilst no house kept for their sakes alone: That is, twice a week, good Beef and Bread provided for the poor of four adjacent Parishes, and hath taken order in her Will to have the same continued three months after her decease, and by the same Will hath given an hundred pounds to be distributed to the Poor of Braintree, Felsted, Little-Leez, and Much-Waltham, at or shortly after her Funeral.  
And though it cannot reasonably be expected from one who had no Lands of Inheritance, to leave charitable foundations. Yet I may, without Hyperbole, say, that every year she lived, after she came to be Mistress of the Estate, she gave as much in charity as would have purchased Lands sufficient to have endowed an Alms-house or Free-school. And that pious and liberal foundation of Rochfort Alms-house, which though founded legally by a Patent granted under the Broad Seal for its confirmation, by the Ancestors of that Family, of which she bore the Title; was by the death of the Founder not endowed, yet as all her predecessors had done.  
She always paid the Alms-people their full designed Allowance, and ordered by her last Will it should be so done for a year after her decease. And I must here take leave to add, to their great honour, and the satisfaction of all that relate to that Family, that those Right honourable and worthy persons, to whom the estate descends, have agreed to continued the same plentiful allowance: And if I were worthy to advice them, I would earnestly persuade them to make Legal Settlement, and endow it with Lands to the value of what they resolve to allow, before they make the division of the Estate.  
But methinks I hear it asked, what! had she no Spots, no Scars, no real nor imputed Blemishes? how could she live in such an Age and not be corrupted or at lest traduced? neither scorched by the fire of infection, nor blackened by the smoke of revengeful detraction, for upbraiding the guilty by her innocency? This overdoing is undoing, if you would make us believe she had no faults, we shall sooner believe you have no truth: And that all you have said hath more of Romance, and what you fancy, than Narrative of what she was or did.  
I confess 'tis next to a miracle to consider, both how divine Grace enlarged her heart, and established her go, and restrained the tongues of others from reproaching, or showing dislike of that in her, for which they deride and hate, not to say persecute others.  
But I must implore that candour while I embalm her memory, with the sweet Ointment of her own good name, you granted to her virtues which acquired it, and made it so fragrant.  
I therefore solemnly protest, I have spoke the truth (though the truth in love; as I am allowed and required Eph. 4.15.) and have not knowingly disguised or falsified, nor dipped my pen in flattering colours.  
But since you are so inquisitive, and seem to deny me the just and civil freedom, to draw a veil of silence over her imperfections, and your curiosity will be peeping under that sacred Pall, which should secure and shrowded the worst of men from being pried into; and the Vault, and Grave, that place of darkness and forgetfulness, which should bury all defects and tender them invisible, must be ransacked: Draw back the Curtains, let in the light, surveyed its secretest recesses; nor She, nor I in her behalf, fear the most piercing Eagle-eye or Scent: Not that I deny her to have been a Sinner, while I adore that Grace that made her a Saint, or that she was a Woman, while I proclaim her a Terrestrial Angel.  
But these three things I say, and will adhere to.  
First, That she was not notoriously defective in any Grace or Virtue, but as eminent in all as most have been for a●y single one: She was not only aliquid in omnibus; but omnis in singulis, she did abound in every Grace. Which St. Gregory Naz. admires in Gorgonia, and St. Jerom in Nepotian: Itain singulis virtutibus eminebat, quasi caeter as non haberet.  
Secondly, She was never stained with any scandalous deformity, another rare mercy: For though she did humanum pati, slip now and than, or stumble if you will, she fell not, much lesle lay or wallowed to defile her Garments, which I testify not only from mine own observation, but her own Pen.  After God had thus savingly (I hope) wrought upon me, I went on constantly, comfortably in my Christian course, though I had many doubts and fears to contend with: And did truly obey that Precept of working out my Salvation with fear and trembling, yet God was pleased to carry me still onward: And though I too often broke my good resolutions, I never renounced them, and though I too often tripped in my Journey to Heaven, yet I never forsook my purpose of going thither. 
Thirdly, Her very defects and failings were such as others might be proud of, her Weeds would have been Flowers, and her Thistles appeared Roses in another Garden.  
For I never heard her blamed for more than two faults, by the most curious observers and inspectors of her disposition or behaviour.  
1. Excess of Charity.  
2. Defect of Anger, or what was reduceable to those two, Two goodly faults! But even these admit Apology more easily than they need it.  
1. What was reputed the culpable excess of her Charity, was her credulous easiness, to believe most people good, or at lest better than they were. I confess she did bend a little to this right hand error, but if it were a bad effect, it proceeded from a good cause. For as 'tis observed, that as they who are conscious to themselves of some great evils, scarce can esteem any lesle nocent than themselves; so they that have clear and innocent hearts, are ready to judge the like of others. Charity thinketh no evil, and she used this good opinion of others, as an instrument to make them what she was so willing to signify she thought them: And though she would never despair of any man, while she found them under the Awe of God's Authority and Word, for even those may receive some nourishment, who eat against Stomach, and the Sieve under the Pump may be cleansed though it hold no water; yet if she observed a person to scorn or deride the Scriptures, despise God's Ordinances, and turn all that was sacred into ridicule— She used, as her Phrase was, to set her mark upon that man: And I must further add, She was neither so often nor so much mistaken in her judgement of persons, as some supposed she was; they more misinterpreting her civility, than she did the others sanctity.  
2. For her Defect of Anger, which implies, if it be faulty, want of zeal against sin, and sinners, and so 'tis an unjust charge; for though I confess she could not rage and storm, and discover her anger, as some persons do, who verify the saying, Ira furor brevis, Anger is a kind of madness; for her sedate, composed, serene mind, and sweet, and amicable disposition was scarce forcible to what was so contrary to her nature; yet would she make deeper impressions of her displeasure for great faults, than those who appeared most furious, like a still soaking shower, which will wet more than a driving storm. And therefore 'twas observed, that if any servant had been faulty, they had rather have passed the Gauntlet thrice of their Lord's most furious expressions, than have once been sent for to their Lady's Closet, whose treatment was soft words, but hard arguments against their faults, and like that silent lightning, which without the noise of Thunder melts the Blade, and sindgeth not the Scabbard; Her reproofs were neither the frightful hissing, nor the venomed sting, but the penetrating oil of Scorpions.  
This little is enough to extenuate her, almost commendable faults; and 'tis a great evidence of her goodness, that these things were imputed as Blemishes, for they who would not spare her in these little errors, shown plainly that she was not chargeable with more or greater.  
I am now arrived at the last Stage of this Mournful Journey, to give an account of her surprising, and never enough lamented death.  
What presages she might have of its near approach she never discovered, but her preparations for it had been long habitual, it was one of the most constant subjects of her Thinking, and she used to call her walking to meditate of it, her going to take a turn with death, and it could never surprise, or take her unprepared, who was always preparing for it.  
Yet there are some passages, worthy of our remarks of the watchful kindness of Divine Providence over his own, alarming them to trim their Lamps (as the wise Virgins did) against the coming of the Bridegroom, and allowing them fit opportunities to do it, as he signally did to her.  
I shall on this consideration very seasonably add another Transcript out of her Ladyship's Diary, which contains an account of the last Sunday of her health, being written but the very day before she was taken ill, and in which God did, it seems, in a most remarkable manner, impress the thoughts of her approaching dissolution on her Soul, though there were no visible symptoms of it than upon her Body.  
March 24. Sunday.  
AS soon as I awaked, I blessed God; than I meditated and endeavoured by thinking of some of the great mercies of my life, to stir up my heart to return Glory to God. And those thoughts had this effect upon me, to melt my heart much by God's love, and to warm it with love to him.  
Than I prayed, and I was enabled in that duty to pour out my Soul to God, and my heart was in it, carried out to praise God, and I was large in recounting of many of God's special mercies to me. And whilst I was doing so, I found God mighty upon my spirit: and my heart in a much more than ordinary manner, carried out to admire God for his goodness, and to love him. And I found his love make great impressions in my Breast. And melting me into an unusual plenty of tears.  
Those mercies which in an especial manner I was grateful for, were the Creation and Redemption of the World, and for the Gospel and the Sacraments, and for free Grace, and the Covenant of Grace, and for the excellent means of it I had enjoyed: and for the great patience God hath exercised towards me before and since my Conversion. And for checks of Conscience when I had sinned, and for repentance when I had done so. And for a sanctified affliction and supports under it. And for so large a portion of worldly Blessings.  
After I had begged a Blessing upon the public Ordinances, I went to hear Mr. Woodroof: his Text was, Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear— Than after a summary accounted of the Sermon, follows: In the Afternoon I heard again the same Person upon the same Text. And than follows a concise and methodical recapitulation of that Sermon also." And after that— I was in a serious and affected frame at both the Sermons, and was by them convinced of the excellency of fearing God, and of spending of the remainder of the term of my life in his service. And did resolve to endeavour to spend the remaining part of my time better.  
At both his Prayers I prayed with fervency: afterwards I retired, and meditated upon the Sermons, and prayed them over.  
And I had also this Evening large Meditations of death, and of Eternity; which thoughts had this effect upon me, to make me in an extraordinary awakened frame, in which the things of another life were much realized to me, and did make very deep impressions upon me. And my Soul did follow hard after God, for Grace to serve him better than ever yet I had done.  
O Lord be pleased to hear my Prayers, which did not come out of feigned Lips: and to hear the voice of my weeping, for more holiness, and for being more weaned from the world, and all things in it.  
After Supper, I committed myself too God.  
This was written the very last day of her health, Monday Morning: in which we see how God realized to her, and gave her extraordinary impressions of Death, Eternity, and the Life to come, when he was about to bring her to it; for the very next day she began to be ill of that Sickness of which she died.  
Our excellent Lady was far from their humour whose Consciences are so bad and unquiet company, that they hate solitude, and dare not be alone: For she loved, and even hugged her retirements as her greatest satisfactions. And though, when she was called to it, she would deny herself and particular inclination (as in the Universe Individuals do, to obey the Laws of universal Nature) to comply with a duty of a larger spread; as is related of the devout Marquis of Renti in the two years' time he spent in repairing the seat of his Ancestors, which diversion he cheerfully suffered as a willing mortification, being a duty he owed to the Station in which God had placed him.  
So she cheerfully sustained the hurry of business which was inevitable to the acquitting herself of the trust reposed in her, by her Lord's last William.  
But never did Bird take Wing, when disintangled from a Net, with greater cheerfulness, nor chirp out the pleasures of its unconfined freedom, more merrily than she did solace herself, when she had escaped the noise and crowd of affairs, which ruffled and turmoiled her quiet, and suspended the enjoyment of herself. And when her dearest Sister was in the beginning of the last winter, about to leave her; her last farewell she took was in these words: Now I have done my drudgery (meaning her business) I will set to the renewing of my preparations for Eternity, and she made it the repeated business of the last winter.  
In the beginning of the last March, she set to the making of her Will anew, and signed and sealed it on the twelfth day of the same Month, and on the Tuesday in Passion week, March 26. was taken with some indisposition, loss of Appetite, and aguish distemper, and had four or five Fits, which yet in that season were judged both by Physicians and her Friends, more advantageous to her health than dangerous to her life. And in this state she continued freed from her fits in her own apprehension, and in our hopes, till Friday the twelfth of April, on which day she risen with good strength, and after sitting up some time, being laid upon her Bed, discoursing cheerfully, and piously, one of the last sentences she spoke was this, turning back the Curtain with her hand.  Well, Ladies, if I were one hour in Heaven, I would not be again with you as well as I love you. 
Having than received a kind visit from a Neighbouring Lady, at her departure she risen from her Bed to her Chair, in which being set, she said she would go into her Bed, but first would desire one of the Ministers than in the house to go to prayer with her, and ask the company which they would have, presently resolved herself to have him who was going away, because the other would stay and pray with her daily; and immediately he being called, and come, her Ladyship sitting in her Chair, by reason of her weakness, for otherwise she always kneeled, holding an Orange in her hand, to which she smelled, almost in the beginning of the Prayer she was heard to fetch a sigh, or groan, which was esteemed devotional, as she used to do at other times. But a Lady looking up, who kneeled by her, saw her look pale, and her hand hung down, at which she started up, affrighted, and all applied themselves to help, and the most afflictively distressed of them all, if I may so speak, when all our sorrows were superlative, catched her right hand, which than had lost its pulse, and never recovered it again.  
Thus lived, thus died this Right Honourable Lady, this Heroic Woman, this blessed Saint, this incomparable pattern of flaming zeal for the glory of God, and burning charity for the good of (mwn; in the actual exercise of prayer, according to her own desire, for there are many witnesses have testified, that they have often heard her say, that if she might choose the manner and circumstances of her death, she would dye praying;) by which she so often anticipated Heaven by pregustation, and which now wafted her longing Soul into the Holy of Holies, within the vail: at the kiss of God's mouth as Moses did, though not full of years, yet full of mature fruits, and Graces, when all men judged her worthy of a longer, but God, the only unerring Judge, found her full ripened for a better life. And in a sweeter Euthanasia than Augustus could wish himself, might claims a more triumphant Plaudite than he. Yea, might have sung her Nunc demittis with good old Simeon, nay, with the holy Apostle, that joyful Epinichion, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kep●● the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which th● Lord the righteous Judge shall give me 〈◊〉 that day, and not to me only but unto them also that love his appearing.  
You have heard, though too to dryly, how the served and honour God, I should now show to encourage you to do the like, how he honoured her, according to his word by Samuel: Him that honours me, I will honour. And that of our Saviour, He that serveth me, him will my Father honour.  
But I have much prevented myself by what is interwoven through all the preceding discourse: The greatest honour God can put upon his creatures, is to vouchsafe to use them, and to make them Vessels of Honour, fitted for their Master's service. And this he conferred upon her in eminent and redoubled measures. He imprinted on her the fairest impress of his most amiable Image, and rendered her habile, and ready to every good word and work.  
He gave her richeses and honour in abundance, as is said of Jehosaphat, 
2 Cron. 17.5, 6.  and yet her heart was not puffed up by them, but lifted up under ●hem in the ways of the Lord, as it ●here follows.  
He gave her the Heaven upon earth, (after some shivering scruples, and rembling fears) the blessed calm of 〈◊〉 purified, pacified, serene, and well●ssured conscience.  
He gave her the fragrant presume of an odoriferous name, and more than unspotted, a bright, and resplendent reputation.  
He gave her many endear Cordial Friends, faithful to her a her own Soul, to assist, counsel comfort, help her, and carry he through her greatest difficulties and entangling affairs, concerning one of whom she used often wi●● much thankfulness to say, He w● a Friend of God Almighty's giving even beyond her own expectation.  
He gave her many merciful d● liverances, one very like to th● Gregory Nazianzen, insists so largely on in his Funeral Oration for h● Sister Gorgonia, the Mules in who● Chariot running away, not on●● bruised, but broke her Bones, a●● yet God miraculously restored he So when the Horses in our Lady Coach excussed the Coachman ran furiously away, God almost n● raculously hung the Coach again a Post in the way, stopped their f●ry, rescued her life from most eminent hazard, and healed the bruises 〈◊〉 received with safety. This happened July 23. 1661.  
He gave her the affectionate esteem of all her Neighbours, to such 〈◊〉 degree, that she was like Titus, ●eliciae humani generis, the delight and ●arling of her Country, and with so ●oving a willingness did they delight ●o serve her, that you might see ●ifty fresh, brave and gallant Teams, ●ay after day bringing in her provisions, without other invitation ●han the bore knowledge of the time, which themselves would inquire out; and nothing would grieve ●hem more, than to be prevented in ●aying this Tribute of Honorary Respect.  
He gave her such an esteem for ●er prudent integrity, and discreet, ●nd impartial Righteousness, that he began to be (an employ and ●onour not usual to her Sex) the Arbitress and Vmpress of all the controversies amongst adjacent Neighbours, many of which she reconciled happily, and all which ●he decided wisely and justly.  
He gave her the universal approbation, love, admiration of all that knew her, that the Proverb was confuted, which saith, Who hath no Enemies, hath no Friends, For either she had none, or her ways so pleased the Lord, he made her Enemies to to be at peace with her. For honourable, and mean, rich, and poor, of all degrees, and which is more, of all persuasions, paid her most kind respect, honoured, and loved her.  
Finally, he prevented her with the blessing of goodness, and crowned her with loving kindness, and tender mercy. He made her glad with the light of his countenance, and satisfied her as with marrow and fatness; he granted the requests of her lips, and shut not one her prayer: He gave her ability, and time to discharge her trust, and settle her worldly affairs with honour and satisfaction, and he gave her oppotunity, space, and an heart to recollect herself, and redeem what a hurry of business had deprived her of, and renew her evidences for Heaven.  
He took out the sting of death before she died, and the pains of death when she died, and with a kiss of his mouth drew up her Soul to Heaven, 
Intelligeres illam non emori, sed emigrare, & mutare amicos non relinquere. Hierom.  to be immersed in that fullness of joy, and bathed in those rivers of pleasure, which are at his right hand for ever more.  
May we live like her, may we die like her, that we may live with her, and with our common Lord, for ever.  
And for your noble Lordship, who are now investing yourself with her large and noble Mantle— May Elijah's spirit rest upon you, as mell as his Mantle: that you may rise up an Elisha in her place and stead.  
That Leezes may be Leezes still: the seat of Nobleness, and Honour, the Hospital of Bounty, and Charity, the Sanctuary of Religion, and the fear of God.  
That so you may live, and may live longer, and as much desired, and when you die (as die you must, for Leez, though a Paradise, hath no Tree of Life) you may die later, and as much lamented as your Noble Predecessors.