THE LIFE AND DEATH, Of the Eminently Learned, Pious, and Painful Minister of the Gospel, Dr. SAMVEL WINTER, Sometime Provest of Trinity College near Dublin in Ireland.  
Together with some Rare Examples of Gods gracious Answer to his Prayers, upon several Occasions.  Prov. 10.7. 
The memory of the Just is blessed: But the Name of the Wicked shall rot.  ●sal. 34.15. 
The eyes of the Lord are upon the Righteous: and his ears are open to their Cry.  
LONDON, Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, at the sign of the Bible and three Crowns at the lowe● end of Cheapside. 1671.   

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.  
Reader,  
THou hast here a true Narrative of the Life and Death of that eminent Servant of Jesus Christ, Samuel Winter Doctor in Divinity, who was for several years Provest, or Master of Trinity College near Dublin in Ireland, published at the desire of his sorrowful Widow, by a Person who had familiar acquaintance with him for about twenty years, as well whilst he was Minister of Cottingham, hereafter mentioned, as whilst he was in Ireland, and since his coming over into England, and was present with him in the time of his Sickness, and at his Death, who by reason of his long, and familiar Conversation with him, is able, and doth testify to the Truth of most of the latter passages in the ensuing Discourse, from his own knowledge; which is thought fit to be Published, not so much to adorn the Name, or to perfume the memory of the Deceased, as to provoke others (especially Ministers of the Gospel) to a serious imitation of him, to the Glory of God; edification of others, and the comfort of their own Souls here, and at the appearing of Jesus Christ; which effect that it may produce, is the earnest Prayer of the publisher  
J. W.   

Courteous Reader.  
HOwever I can have no confidence that my commendation, or attestation to the ensuing Narrative, of the Life and Death of so eminent a Servant of God, can contribute any thing to a work that indeed needs it not, being so exactly performed by a friend of approved faithfulness, and endeared affection, and so throughly acquainted with him, who is the Subject of it. Yet the desire of the pious and sorrowful Widow; and the entire love I had to her dear Husband now with God, hath occasioned the following lines; Which Justice to the dead, I hearty desire may be beneficial to the living, as being not only what I had from persons of integrity, but of the ●●ost part my own certain knowledge. ●●rely the Doctor was a pattern not unworthy his brethren's imitation; and there is no cause to doubt but that the ensuing Relation may glad the hearts of God's people, and stir them up to follow the faith of such lights. He was an other Apollo's, mighty in the Scriptures, having made them his particular study above forty years together: upon which, is the read many Expositors, so he chief studied the famous Commentaries of judicious and blessed Calvin, whom of all others he most admired; and I may truly say, his labour was not in vain: for that he attained to a more than ordinary dexterity, not only of knowing the mind of God in his Word in the general, but particularly in the most difficult, which he made sufficient proof of, in his opening of the Types and Prophecies, especially the Revelations, having expounded a great part thereof in his Divinity Lecture in the College of Dublin, whereof also he was Provest. I have often heard him Preach excellently of the Types, which he admired for their great usefulness in opening many difficulties in the New Testament▪ And for the profitable part of Critical learning, so far as concerne● the Hebrew and Creek text of the Bible, he was very well versed in them● especially the latter, insomuch tha● howsoever his Sermons were for th● most part very plain (for in them he sought not his own glory but his Masters, and the profit of his hearers,) The learned and judicious, by his excellent faculty in opening difficult Scriptures, found that in them wherewith they were benefited and delighted. And some to my knowledge, have hearty wished that his Expositions upon select Scriptures which were not ordinary, had been collected, digested, and published by himself. But his Genius being more for the Pulpit than ●he Press, dashed such expectations. ●e was a most affectionate Preacher; such was his zeal and fervency, that I may safely allude to that of the Apostle, 1 Thess. 2.8. Being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the Gospel of God only, but also our Souls, because ye were dear unto us: Such was his longing after the Salvation of poor Sinners. I have heard him often, with trouble, complain of the cold Preaching of some Ministers, as if Christ were still in his Grave. Nor was the Lord wanting to recompense this his labour of Love with a plentiful Harvest, making him a very happy Instrument in the conversion of very many, and in the building up of many also. And as his Sermons breathed of his affection, as is said, so they were with power, for he was a Boenarges: so that notorious Sinners, as not able to resist the spirit by which he spoke, have been compelled to yield, and to come unto Christ. He made if his first work wherever he came, to humble sinners, therein following the examples of the servants of God in Scripture, and the grave advice given him by Mr. Dod, or Mr. Thomas Hooker, when he was to enter upon a charge where the people were generally Rude and profane, On the other hand, he was of an exceeding tender spirit towards such a● were coming on to Christ, or under spiritual trouble for loss of communion with him, that he would even weep over them: an Argument of much grace thus kindly to bleed in the wounds of grieved Saints. And so good was God to him, that as he sound his assistance wonderful in Preaching what he had afore prepared, so even in very considerable digressions which he would purposely ●all into. I doubt not from the motion of the spirit of God and his quickness, to observe the frame and need of his hearers, which made him often say, that sometimes a digression was no Transgression. And I may say to the glory of God, that however he hath not left many Books to perpetuate his memory, yet he hath left many living Saints whom he did beget unto Christ by the Gospel, the most lively Images of the grace of God in him, and in whom though dead he yet speaketh. His dear love to the people and places where God was pleased most signally to seal to his Ministry, deserves to be remembered, whom I have known him to mention with tears of Joy, And indeed he was so set upon the fulfilling of his Ministry, that nothing rejoiced him more than an opportunity of Preaching the Gospel. He would of ten say, that his opportunities were his riches, and that his heart has been often exceedingly lifted up at the ringing of the Sermon Bell. Nor was he thus desirous to Preach, but as desirous that the word Preached might not slip out of the hearts or memories of such of the hearers as he conversed with, turning all discourses to what was lately Preached, saying, that as the Bell when it was done ringing leaves a humming behind it, so should Sermons after they are Preached. He was a man mighty in Prayer: he would often say, a man of much Prayer was a man of much grace, and a man of little Prayer, was a a man of little grace. As he was of a melted spirit in Prayer, so he was another Jacob, a great wrestler with God. His Prayers were not only affectionate, but very argumentative. He had a very great excellency in pleading with God from Scripture Topics, which he would wonderfully improve. And as his communion with God was great, so the Lord did to admiration let out himself 〈◊〉 him, not only eminently answering his prayers, but revealing many secrets to him in and after prayer; some of which for the encouragement and comfort of the Godly Reader I shall here take the liberty to relate. In his younger years he had a Lawsuit with one about a Living he was possessed of, of good value, at last he was about to resign it as being unable to withstand so potent an adversary. The people hearing of his resolution, came to him, and besought him that he would not but consider their precious Souls. His tenderness was such that he held on the Suit to the expending of a very great sum of money, and in the end was overcome. His then Wife was much cast down for that so great a part of their estate was spent in that Suit; whereupon being abroad one day, h● besought the Lord exceeding earnestly to quiet his and her spirit with hi● providence, whereupon he said, h● saw the Sky open and heard a voice which said to him, that seeing h● was willing to spend his estate for his Glory, neither he nor his should ever want, which when he came home, he told his Wife with great Joy, saying, he would not for 〈◊〉 he was worth want that comfortable answer to his prayers. At an other time being without his knowledge no● minuted in Parliament to go with their Commissioners for Ireland, his wife was unwilling, he having a precious people and great living where he was: Some also of his Wives nearest Relations, coming upon that occasion to visit them, dissuaded him from going himself also was fearful of the Sea: in this Straight, as his usual manner was he retired to his Closet, where having spread the matter before the Lord, and with much earnestness begging Counsel of God, the Lord so satisfied him, that he told his Wife he must go, for he was assured he should be carried thither in safety, and should be an Instrument to convert many Souls there. In both, the Lord was pleased to fulfil his word after a wonderful manner, as there are other Instances at hand, were it needful to multiply: as that of his persuasion of the recovery of Mr. J. Mrs. M. and Mr. J. W. Even when sick in an other Land, and his persuasion of God's great care over these Nations for the sake of the many thousands of the Righteous in them. Touching which in the close of a day of prayer, he said he had an assurance by an audible voice, and a glorious brightness that shined before him. It is not unknown to some how great an encourager he was of godliness in all, especially in such as, under his. Government in the College, were designed for the Ministry, whom he would prefer in fellowships or other places before others, And the like tenderness he showed his Brethren in the Ministry, when under any discouragement because of their own weakness, biding them to look up, and telling them that the way to have legs was to use legs. He was very communicative: for he loved to be asked questions, especially touching the sense of difficult Scriptures, to which, even upon the Sudden, he would answer admirably. His great humility he showed in his delightful Converse with the meanest Saints. What he was in other Relations needs not my recital. As he was a loving Father, so a Husband of many, which leaves the deeper impression upon the heart of his Relict. Surely he was a true friend, an useful Neighbour. But that I may draw to a Conclusion, having already exceeded the bounds of an Epistle; what I have here spoken I desire may provoke imitation, and that Ministers may thereby be excited to do all the good they can in their day, seeing the Prophets do not live for ever; that their words may live when they are dead, that having so served God's providence in their generation, they may enjoy that Crown of which he is in full possession, and I desire all may seriously consider why the Lord continues to remove our Lots, and to pluck up our stakes, and to fear lest it may be in Judgement to us of these sinful times, as it is in mercy doubtless to them. And I do hearty wish that these loud Voices of God's providence might put us upon our Watch, that keeping Faith and a good Conscience we may be in a readiness to enter into the Joy of our Lord, when we shall be Called off the Stage of this miserable world: Which the great God graciously vouchsafe in and through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.   

The Life and Death of the Reverend, Learned, and holy Doctor Samuel Winter, sometime Provest of Trinity College by Dublin.  
DOctor Samuel Winter was born in the year of our Lord 1603. at Balsal, 
His Birth and education.  in the wood-land part of Warwickshire, about seven miles from the City of Coventry, of Religious Parents. About the twelfth year of his age it pleased God, by the Ministry of one Mr. Slader, than Preacher at the Chapel of Knowl, near unto Balsal, (The Doctor's Father having a great hand in bringing him thither) to awaken his conscience, and to make him serious about the things that concerned his everlasting Salvation, 
His Conversion.  as also to stir up in him earnest desires of doing good to the souls of others; for which end, one day as he came from School, about a mile from his Father's house, he retired himself under an hedge to pray; and among other Petitions, he begged of God that he would qualify him for the work of the Ministry, and make his labour effectual, and successful therein; At which time he thought that he heard a voice, saying, God hath heard thy Prayer, 
Prayer Answered.  and hath designed thee for that Work, and thou shalt be an Instrument of Converting many Souls to God. This exceedingly cheered up his heart, insomuch as coming home, he applied himself to his Father, requesting of him that he might be trained up for the work of the Ministry: His Father asked him the reason of his desires? He told him what Prayer he had made, and what return he had from God to it.  
His Father being much affected herewith, sent him to the Free-School in Coventry, where through his extraordinary diligence and industry, he made so good a progress in Learning, that though at near fourteen years of Age, he understood nothing or very little of the first rudiments of Grammar, yet, within a few years he became fit for the University, and accordingly he was sent to Cambridge, 
He goes to the University.  and placed in L. College, and had for some time, that famous Doctor Preston for his Tutor. At the feet of this Gamaliel, those natural and gracious abilities which he brought along with him, were much improved: and partly by the help and directions of so excellent a Guide, and partly by God's blessing upon his unwearied labours, 
His proficiency there.  he attained to a great measure of knowledge, both in the Tongues and Arts, and also in Divinity.  
When he had Commenced Master of Arts, being as yet unwilling to enter upon that great and dreadful work of the Ministry, he left Cambridge, and went to Boston in Lincolnshire, 
He goes to Boston.  where he lived under the Ministry of Holy and learned Mr. John Cotton; out of whose Family, after some time, he married a Wife one Mrs. Anne Beeston, a Gentlewoman of a good extraction, 
His first Marriage.  and one that had a considerable Portion, the match being of Mr. Cottons contrivance.  
After his marriage, and some time continuance with his Wife, in Mr. Cottons. 
〈◊〉 sickness.  Family, he fell into a very violent. , which in the Judgement of his Physicians, was desperate, and left no hopes of his recovery: His Wife being much affected, and afflicted herewith, he would oft comfort her, telling her that he should not die at this time, for that God had not yet fulfilled his Promise made to him in his youth, wherein he had assured him that he should be an Instrument of converting many Souls unto him. 
His recovery.  And accordingly he recovered, and then resolved to apply himself to the Work of the Ministry: 
He enters upon the Ministry.  and being more ambitious to do God and his Church service, than to advance himself in the World, he removed from Boston to a small living near Nottingham called Woodborow, where by his painful, and powerful Preaching (many out of neighbouring Towns flocking to his Ministry, as the Doves to their windows) the seeds of Grace through God's blessing, were sown in the hearts of many, which sprang up, and some of them remain unto this day. This place he always highly esteemed, and would often call it, His Firstborn.  
From Woodborow he was removed to York, where, 
His remove to York.  in that great and populous City, he continued a Lecturer for some time, and as there he had great opportunities for service, so had he great success; receiving there a manifest Seal to his Ministry, in the Conversion, and Confirmation of many: But our Civil Wars coming on about that time, he could not stay long at York: Yet, though the door was shut up against him in that place, another large and effectual door was opened for him elsewhere. For Cottingham, a great Town within three miles of Hull, 
His remove to Cottingham●  being then destitute of a Pastor, thither he was, by a more than ordinary Providence, brought; and in that place, for about the space of eight years he continued to be a burning, and shining Light, as it was said of John the Baptist, burning in his Zeal and Doctrine, and shining in his Life and holy Conversation. 
His activity for God.  He was exceeding active and industrious for God; He thought no pains too great whereby the people's Souls might be edified. He Preached to them in public twice every Lord's Day: He expounded the Chapters which he read, and Catechised the Youth. In the evening he repeated his Sermons to his own Family, many of the neighbours also resorting to him. On the week days he took occasion to go from House to House, instructing the Ignorant, and endeavouring to build up his Parishioners in their most holy Faith. And God was pleased so to bless his labours, 
The success of his ●●inistry.  that he became instrumental to the Conversion, and Confirmation of many, who attained (partly by his public Ministry, and partly by his private pains) a great measure of Grace and Gifts; so that they made Conscience of the strict observation of the Lords Day, of Closet, and Family duties, and other spiritual services required by God as fruits of their Faith.  
So meek, and affable he was in his carriage towards all men, that his company was pleasing and delightful, even to many of those who had no relish of his Doctrine. At Cottingham he buried his loving, 
His 〈◊〉 d●es.  and dearly beloved Wife, who left him five Sons: which loss was yet (through God's merciful Providence) abundantly repaired in his second marriage, about three years after with Mrs. Elizabeth Weaver, 
His second marriage.  the Daughter of Christopher Weaver Esq with whom he had a good Portion, and she proved excellently qualified for the good and comfort, both of him and his children; and God was pleased so to bless her prudent management of his outward affairs, that when he died, he left a plentiful estate to his Children, besides all those Acts of more than ordinary bounty, which both in his Life, and at the time of his Death he testified his Faith by.  
In the year 1650. the Powers that were then in being, resolved to send over four Commissioners into Ireland, for the settlement of that distracted, and almost ruined Kingdom, and judging it necessary to send along with them a godly, able and Orthodox Divine, 
His call to Ireland.  they ordered that Mr. Winter should attend these Commissioners thither: Which Order of theirs being sent to him to Cottingham, where he than lived, he looked upon it as a clear Call from God. Yet for his better satisfaction, he advised with his Friends, and begged direction from God in a business of so weighty concernment; after which he cheerfully embraced this Call, hoping that God would bring some Glory to his own Name, by the labours of him, his unworthy servant, in that Kingdom. And so, not consulting with flesh and blood, which might have suggested unto him, that it would be an unadvised act, and disadvantageous to him, to part with so tractable, and loving a People, and with so good a Rectory, (it being above four hundred pound a year) and to cast himself upon Strangers, neither knowing, nor capitulating with them what his Salary should be, for the maintenance of himself and Family. And so, resigning up his Living, he prepared for his Journey.  
At his coming over into Ireland, 
His remove to Ireland.  the Commissioners allowed him but one 100 l. for the first year, which yet he cheerfully accepted, though it did not defray the charges of their Transportation, with such necessaries as he provided for the accommodation of himself, and Family: much less did it repair the losses which he sustained shortly after his Landing, 
His losses.  when the Irish Army took from his divers Horses of good value, which he carried over with him. A great part of his worldly delight consisting in keeping good Horses.  
In this his first year, 
His great pains.  he attended the Commissioners in several Journeys which they made into the four Provinces of Ireland, was their Household Chaplain, performed Family duties, and Preached in Public every Lord's Day, wheresoever they came. And in the City of Dublin (where they continued the greatest part of their time) he Preached sometimes twice every Lord's Day in Christ-Church, before the Commissioners, the Lord Major, and Aldermen of that City; many Gentlemen, and others resorting to his Ministry.  
Not long after, some other Ministers coming thither from England, the Commissioners (for the ease of Mr. Winter,) used to request one or other of them to Preach in the morning, reserving Mr. Winter for the afternoon, at which time was the greatest Auditory: But he not being willing to be out of employment, set up a Lecture, 
He sets up a Lecture.  which he Preached every Sabbath morning at seven a clock, in the Church of St. Nicholas, within the said City: And this Lecture was frequented by the Commissioners, City-Magistrates, and many others, so that he had a very frequent Congregation; and to encouragepoor people to come to Church, 
His prudence.  he caused some wit Loaves to be distributed among them always when the Sermon was ended.  
About this time the Commissioners finding that Trinity College by Dublin, through the iniquity of the times, and distractions of the Kingdom, was left destitute by the Fellows and Students, and thereby brought almost to ruin, they thought it their duty, for the advancement of Religion and Learning, to endeavour the repair of the same: And for the end they appointed the said Mr. Winter to be the Provest, 
He is made Provest of the College.  or Master of it, and where (after a time) he Commenced Doctor in Divinity, having with singular applause, and approbation, performed all Acts and Exercises requisite thereunto. He also out of his care, and zeal to promote so pious a work, in a short time encouraged, and procured the return of divers Fellows, 
It prospered under him.  and Students to the College, as also the coming over from England of several hopeful young Scholars, whereby the College was suddenly replenished with many Religious, and hopeful young men; likely to prove instruments of God's Glory in the work of the Ministry, and otherways. And by the great pains which he took with them, instructing them both in Humane and Divine learning, Preaching, and expounding the Sacred Scriptures to them, and often praying with them, both in the College Chappel, and sometimes in his own Lodgings, he gave as great hopes of the flourishing of that Seminary in Learning, and Piety, as in any College in Christendom. And they to retaliate his care and pains, gave him an honourable Testimonial under the College Seal, which I have thought fit here to insert.  
OMNIBUS Christi fidelibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint. Salutem in Christo Domino sempiternam. Nos Vicecancellarius Vniversitatis, & Socii seniores Collegii Sanctae & individuae Trinitatis juxta Dublin, Testamur virum venerabilem Dominum Samuclem Winter Anglum verbi Divini praedicatorem fidelem, verae religionis vindicem acerrimum, & de Collegio S. S. Trinitan in Illustri Academia Cantabrigiensi Li● beralium artium, & S. Theologiae oli● studiosum, adductum fuisse ad nos cu● uberrimis testimoniis ingenuitatis, probitatis, doctrinae, & scientiae Theologicae● (quorum meritorum suorum & studioru● luculentissimum documentum jampride● tam publice quam privatim in celeberrim● civitate Dubliniensi laudabiliter & egregie dederit) ad capessendum gradu● Doctoratus in Theologia; & illorum plurimorumque doctissimorum de meliori not● virorum, optime habilem, idoneum, & dignum testimoniis judicatum fuisse, mu● ne'er, officio, dignitate, & honore Doctoratus in Theologia. Nos itaque quib● ejus virtutum excellentia, meritorum copia, diuturna studia, pervigilesque labores innotuerunt, habita rati ne scientiae eloquentiae, doctrinae, facultaetis Theol● gicae, peritiae disputandi, interpretandi● concionandi, & aliarum virtutum, & morum ejusdem Samuelis Winter, quoru● omnium certissimum specimen laudabiliter, egregie, magistraliter, & more Doctored dederit publice è suggesto per tres dies in Collegii sacello. Nos igitur in venerand●Vniversitatis nostrae Confessu, eundém Samuelem Winter unanimiter, omniumque suffragiis in Christi nomine approbatus, & sic approbatum Doctorem in Vniversa Theologia solenniter pronuncia●imus, declaravimus, ac fecimus.  
Quod nostrum Testimonium ut omnibus innotescat, subscriptis singulorum nominibus, & publico Collegii nostri Sigillo corroborari & muniri curavimus. Decimo septimo die Augusti anno Domini Millesimo sexcente●imo quinguagesimo quarto. 

Hen. Jones Procancellarius.  
Miles Symner Williamson.  
Nath. Hoyle.  
Johannes Stern.  
Adam Cusacke.    
Whilst Doctor Winter continued Provest of that College, he had occasion to go to a place called Monouth, 
He Preaches at Monouth.  a populous Town about ten miles from Dublin; where (according to his custom in most places where he came) he Preached, and found the People very attentive to his Ministry, and desirous to be instructed in the way to Heaven: Whereupon, at the earnest request, both of the Minister, and divers others of the Inhabitants, he road over to their every three weeks, and Preached which he continued for some years, 
God's blesses his labours.  and God was pleased to bless his labours for the Conversion of many English, and Irish which flocked to hear him.  
The reason of his leaving that University and Kingdom is well known to many: and he came away to his great outward prejudice, the College being indebted to him in a considerable sum● of moneys, which he had disbursed for the use thereof, some part whereo● they have, since his decease paid t● his Son.  
After his return into England, 
His return into England.  He with his Wife, sojourned with some Friends, sometimes in and about West-Chester; sometimes at Coventry; and other sometimes with his Wife's Relations in Hertfordshire, and Rutlandshire. In all which places he became (through God's blessing) an Instrument of much good, not only in the Families with whom he abode, but also to several Neighbours with whom he conversed.  
Thus we have a brief account of the most considerable passages of this Doctor's Life, we are now come to the last Scene, wherein we shall find that saying made good; Vita qualis, finis talis: His holy and humble Life, being concluded with a comfortable and glorious Death. His Sun did not set in a Cloud, but shone out with a more bright and greater lustre than is ordinarily seen. It was his work and business to glorify God in his Life, and God did highly honour him at his Death: as will appear by that which follows.  
Whilst he was in Rutlandshire, 
His last sickness.  on Thursday October the thirteenth, in the year 1666. he road to a Neighbouring Town to assist in carrying on a Day of Humiliation; wherein, having wearied his Body, and spent his spirits, he was fain to defer his return home till the next day: On the Lord's Day following he exercised twice for the instruction of the Family with which he then abode, and at his going to bed, he found himself not well. On Monday he continued ill, yet arose, came down, and performed Family Duties. At dinner he could eat but little, and at night went ill to bed, yet slept pretty well, 
His sickness increases.  only both those nights, he complained of a pain on his right side, and he had frequent provocations to vomit, but without effect. Oft he found himself cold: yet when he came a little to the fire, he was too hot in his own senses insomuch as his friends about him judged that it would turn to an Ague.  
Wednesday and Thursday has distemper continued: and on Friday, finding himself to grow weaker he desired that his Will might be fairly engrossed which lay by him under his own hand ●●●ting; and withal he laboured to persuade his Wife to be content to part with him, saying, That it would n● be long before they should meet against and then he put up earnest Prayers unto God for her, and some other of his Relations.  
Upon Friday he sat up all the day, but still continued under his Bodily distempers, and finding his strength to decay, he would often repeat that of the Psalmist, The Zeal of thine House hath eaten me up. On Saturday he sealed, and Published his Will, 
He Publishes his Will.  all the day complaining of the Cramp that was in his left l●g. In the evening he went to bed, and to the apprehension of those about him slept well that night. About six a clock on the Sabbath morning, he raised himself up in his bed, and with a cheerful and loud voice called to his Wife, who lay in a bed by him, 
A fore●i●● of Heave  saying, Sweetheart, I have been this night conversing with Spirits: and as in a Rapture, he cried out, O ye Glories that are prepared for the Saints of God. The Lord hath been pleased to show me this night, the exceeding weight of Glory which is laid up in Heaven for his Chosen ones. Adding farther, That he had studied, and thought that he knew as much what the Glory of Heaven was, as another man: But he now saw, that all the Divines on Earth were but Children in the knowledge of that great Mystery of Heavenly Glory, which the Lord had that night given him a clearer sight of, than ever formerly he had. That it was such a Mystery as could not be comprehended by the wit of man; with many other such like expressions, having his Soul so wonderfully elevated, that he could not declare what he found, and felt therein.  
Then did he desire that his Relations, and the rest of the Family might be called up, that so he might make known unto them that immense weight of Glory, which that night had been revealed unto him. When they were assembled, he did with vehemency, and intention of spirit, endeavour to discover the same unto them in expressions as aforesaid: 
Jov unspeakable.  But he was so swallowed up in the Contemplations thereof, that he could not utter what he desired: And so he continued all that day, and even till he died in very high Raptures, and great acclamations, by way of thankfulness unto God for the Lord Jesus Christ, the Fountain of that Glory, and for those evident discoveries of the same unto him.  
Towards the evening of that L●rd Day, an Honourable Person, together with his Lady and some other Friends came to visit him, with whom he discoursed about Heaven, 
Heavenly discourse.  and the thing of God as understandingly, fervently and fluently, as if he had enjoyed hi● best health; His understanding, and memory continuing as strong, and vigorous as ever; in his discourse quoting several places of Scripture, citing the very Chapter, Verse, and words of the Texts, and explaining the meaning from the Hebrew, and Greek Originals.  
After this discourse, which continued about the space of two hours, finding himself weary, he betook himself to bed, all the company withdrawing into another Chamber. After an hours repose, he desired that the said Honourable Person, with his Lady, and other Friends, might be called in again, that he might speak something more unto them, and when they, with the rest of the Family were come into his Chamber, he told them, that he thought he had but a short time to live. That he was going to Jesus Christ, with him to enjoy the fullness of Joy, and those Rivers of pleasure, which God had lately discovered unto him, and which he had laid up in Heaven for such as love him, and keep his Commandments. O said he! If you had but a thorough sight thereof, it would make you all to love Jesus Christ, and holiness, which is the only way prescribed by God to attain to this Happiness. And then he went on to magnify the riches of free Grace, through which alone the Saints do come to enjoy that exceeding, exceeding, eternal weight of Glory, which neither eye hath seen nor eat hath heard, nor can enter into the heart of man to conceive of.  
He exhorteth them not to trouble themselves so much in labouring to ge● assurance of Salvation, 
Good Counsel.  as to exam●●● themselves carefully, and diligently whether they were in the way of Sanctification: And for this ●nd, he commended two things to their serious meditations, about which, he advised them daily to ask their Souls these two Questions: What am I? And, Where am I? What am I? Am I a New Creature? Am I born again? I● so, then New Thoughts, New Words, New Company, and a New Conversation will appear. All old Thoughts, Words, and Actions will be done away. Secondly, Where am I? Am I in that narrow way that leads to Life Eternal, or in that broad way that leads to Death, and Damnation? He told them that if any there present were still in the broad way, it had been better that they had never been born. And (said he) If you will make this your continual meditation, you cannot miscarry: And if you find yourself to be in the narrow way, the Way of Sanctification, let God a●●ne with the Rest, to give you an assurance of your future happiness, which he will do in his own time.  
He farther declared to them, 
His Perseverance.  that as by 〈◊〉 his Preaching through the whole course of his Ministry, he had discovered, and published this way of holiness, through Christ to be the only way to Heaven, so could he now at his death set forth no other way: And that if he were now again to begin his Ministry, he could hold forth no other way to attain unto Glory. And so with much earnestness of spirit, looking up towards Heaven, he begged of God that the words of a dying man might make a deep impression upon the hearts of his Hearers: And that, as God had made him an Instrument of converting many Souls unto him in his Life, so he would bless what he had now spoken, that some one Soul might be brought to Jesus Christ, by this his last Sermon. Then he proceeded to further Heavenly discourses, and Instructions, quoting sundry Texts of Scripture for the proof of what he spoke, naming the Chapters, Verses, and words of the Texts, which he opened, and explained out of the Originals, with that acuteness, and strength of words, with that zeal, and fervency of spirit as was admirable, so that he drew tears from the eyes of all that were present, whether young or old. And left any there present should think that his understanding and memory were grown weak, o● that he was overcome through the abundance of Revelation which he had the night before, to let them know that he had spoken to them the words of truth and soberness, and that with a perfect understanding of what he spoke, he made this Narrative following. He told them the manner of his education in Religion from his childhood, and of the vanity which did attend his youthful days: and where, and how God did appear to him for his Conversion at twelve years of his age, and of the assurance which God had given him (as is before related) that he should be an Instrument of converting many Souls to God. As also of his proficiency in learning from that very time.  
He farther declared (with tears trickling down his cheeks) that he had many and many a time, 
A faithful Pastor.  in private, before he went to Preach, put God in mind of that Promise so made unto him, and earnestly besought him to make good that Promise, by giving a blessing to that Word of his, which he was then going to deliver, that some Glory might redound to his holy Name thereby: To which his Prayers, God had often been pleased to give a gracious Answer, and to let him know it, by the Conversion of some, by those Sermons.  
One of his Relations then present, fearing that his Spirits would be weakened and spent by that his continued discourse, desired him to repose himself for a while: To whom he replied, with much earnestness, and strength of voice: No, 
His Zeal.  were I sure that this should be my last night (as indeed it proved) and the last Sermon that I should Preach, I would continue it two hours longer. Adding, that he was not afraid of Death: And turning his Head backward, he said, Death is a Coward; he comes behind me: 
His Triumph.  He dares not look me in the Face. And farther he said, The Devil hath oft assaulted me in my Life time: But God sto●d by me, and give me strength to resist him, so that he could never hurt me.  
All that day following he lay in Heavenly Contemplation and Raptares, 
His Raptures.  often breaking forth in Praises unto God for Jesus Christ. And would sometimes desire his Wife, and other Friends to tell him whether he were in the Body, or out of the Body: for he could not tell. And a Minister being the in the House, he desired that he might be called in: and when he was come, he propounded the same Question unto him: who answered, That he was in Life, and among his Friends on Earth, and therefore in the Body: To this he replied, It is true, and therewith rested satisfred, and desired the Minister to pray with him: which he did accordingly.  
His Wife told him that some Friends present hoped that he might yet live: To which he answered, Can a Dead man live? Will God work Miracles? Shortly after he said, God is doing great things in the world: and he much bewailed the sad condition of the Church of Christ, etc.  
In the afternoon, 
The power of Death.  finding Death to approach, he often cried out, O the power of Death! Not that he feared it; for it shrunk from him: but he found such a Power in Death as none could know but those that were under it. He wished that his Sons had been present, that they might see what the Power of Death was, and what it was to die. He desired also that some Neighbours of the Town might be called in, that he might Preach his last Sermon to them. And indeed, to this very time his spirits, speech, and memory continued very active and strong.  
About four a clock in the afternoon, his Wife, and his Wife's Brother and Sister, standing by his bedside, asked him how he did? He answered: Very Weak: Adding; That he was going to Jesus Christ: 
Death not to be feared.  Bid them not be afraid of Death: with which words he put forth his hand, and said; Brother, Sister, Take Death by the Hand; Be not afraid, Death is a coward: He flies from 〈◊〉. They found that his Hands were cold and Clammy, whereby they perceived that he grew near to his end. And himself, not long after, feeling that the dissolution of this earthly Tabernacle was now approaching, lifting up his eyes towards Heaven, he cried out, C●me L●rd Jesus: 
His blessed Death.  And presently, with a smiling countenance, he added, Art thou C●me? And so he breathed out his la●●.  
Thus Reader, 〈…〉 through the more considerable passages of this blessed man's Life, and Death Pause here a while, and take a view 〈◊〉 all again, and then surely thou canst n●● but wish (though it is desired for thee that it may be from a better Principle than was in Balaam) Let me die the Death of this blessed man, and let my last end be like his. But in vain shakebag thou wish for this, if the pattern of his Holy, and Exemplary Life be neglected by thee.  
It is Storied that a person of a lose Life, that hearing what a comfortable end St. Bernard made, said to his companions: I would willingly die like St. Bernard, but I would live like you. It's too certain that many are of the same mind: but as it is impossible, but that an holy Life should have a blessed and happy Death (Mark the perfect man, and behold the Upright: For the end of that man is Peace, Psalm 37.37.) So it is as impossible (in an ordinary way) that a lose and wicked Life should have any other than a miserable and uncomfortable Death, though some delusive, fadeing flashes of seeming comfort they may sometimes have, yet are but as a blaze of Thorns, that is suddenly extinct. For God himself hath said it: There is no Peace to the wicked, Isa. 48.22. And again: The wicked are driven away in their wickedness: But the Righteous hath Hope in his Death: Impius dum spirat sperat: Sed Justus cum exspirat sperat. The wicked Hope while they live, with a vain, ungrounded Hope: But the Righteous hope when they die, with a lively, and well-grounded Hope, that never leaves them till it brings them to fruition.  
There yet remain some things, which could not well be reduced to any one part of the Narrative of this worthy Persons Life, and because they did, like so many Golden Threads, pass through the whole Web; or like the spirits in the blood, which run through the whole Body: and therefore these were thought sit to be reserved to the close of all, that the Reader may have a view of them altogether. And they are such Graces as were very remarkable in this Man of God. For so I call him; no● only because he was a Minister, and 〈◊〉 God's Servant in a more 〈…〉 but also in regard of those eminent, and excellent Virtues, appearing in him, by which God did set his Mark, 〈◊〉 Seal upon him, as his peculiar Treasure. And these Graces were so conspicuous in him, that all that knew, and were acquainted with him, will readily attest to the Truth of them.  
And they may be thus ranked in Order.  
1. His great Humility, and meekness of Spirit.  
2. His diligence, and industry in his Calling.  
3. His Zeal, and fervour, manifesting itself in his Praying, Preaching, and Conference, and strict observation of the L●●d, Day.  
4. His Liberality, and Bounty upon all good occasions.  
5. His great Candour, and Ingenuity.  
6. His Faith, and Patience.  
First to begin with his Humility, 
〈…〉.  as that excellent Grace which embellished, and gave a lustre to all the r●st, and is often inculcated, and enjoined in the holy Scriptures, and was most admirable in our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who proposes himself as a Pattern to us in that grace especially And surely all that knew this worthy Doctor, will readily acknowledge this to have been very eminent in him, and that not only in his words, and Garb, and some trivial actions, which may easily be personated, and counterfeited: As they were in the Friar, who went seemingly dejected, and always looking down ward to the Earth, until he was made an Abbot, and then he altered his Mode, and gave this reason for it: That he had long been looking for the Keys of the Abbey, and that now having found them, he need no longer do according to his former custom. But in this person, Humility was of an higher strain, and more deeply radicated in his heart. And truly it was the more admirable in him, because he had divers things which might have elevated his thoughts, and puffed up his heart with Pride, as a plentiful estate, a considerable rank in the world, and great abilities: But these were poor things in his esteem. He could condescend to men of the lowest rank: He used to magnify the abilities of others, whilst he thought, and spoke meanly of his own, and was not offended if others did the like. He could easily bear the Contradictions of others, and stoop to the lowest offices to do good to Souls. It's well known that he would go to the poorest Neighbours houses in his Parish, and there sit, and discourse with them about the great, and weighty concernments 〈◊〉 their Souls: Questioning with them, and instructing them: And at his departure would give them some money that by his deeds he might add the greater weight to his words; 
His 〈◊〉.  and ma●● his next return the more welcome And this he did, nor to gain Preselytes to himself, or a Name among men; but to gain them to Christ, and to be a means in furthering the Salvation of their Souls.  
Secondly, His diligence, 
His Industry.  and Industry in his Calling was very great, and exemplary: A hard Student he was, and so continued to the last. It is scarce credible, but to those that saw, and knew it, what a great number of Books were found in his Library, filled with Transcriptions from the Authors he read, besides pieces of Controversy, and observations of his own. And indeed there were few Books that he read, but he drew Notes out of them, and made Marks in them of what was most considerable. To which, if we add all his Manuscripts (which had been the sum of near twenty years' study) lost in the time of the late Wars, we cannot but conclude him to have been a most faithful, and painful labourer in God's Vineyard. His daily practise declared him to be a person, ●areful to Redeem Time, and fearful 〈◊〉 lose, or waste it.  
As soon as he was out of his bed in ●he morning, whilst he dressed himself, 
His Studiousness.  his Wife, or a Servant read to him some Chapters in course, out of the Old and New Testament. When he was dressed, he retired himself into his Study, where he ordinarily continued till he was called down to Prayer, and Dinner. After which, for better digestion, he intermitted his Studies, and took opportunity of discourse with Friends, and Neighbours that came to visit him, who knew that to be the only time wherein they might find him at leisure. For he used to forbid any to come to him in the forenoon, that his studies might not be interrupted. And after two or three hours' intermission, he returned into his study again, where for the most part, 
His 〈◊〉.  he continued, both Summer, and Winter, till about eight a clock at night, seldom eating any Supper, or very sparingly.  
When he was come down, calling his Family together, he read a Chapter in course, gave the sense of it, went to Prayer, and so to bed; often grudging the time that he spent in sleep, 
Time precious.  and eating. To this may be added, that as it was his care to be well prepared before he went to Preach (for he would not offer either to God or man that which cost him nothing) so did he strive to get his heart into a right frame for Preaching, that from the heart, he might speak to the hearts of his hearers, as he used often to say: and to obtain assistance from God therein, he used by private Prayer to beg God's blessing upon his labours. It was his frequent saying: That he was as circumspect, and diligent in studying what he was to deliver, as if be expected no assistance from Christ; yet when be came to Preach, disowning his own endeavours, he wholly cat himself upon Jesus Christ for strength and assistance, as if he had not stuyed at all: And that God had oftentimes suggested such matter into his mind, in the delivery of his Sermons, as he had not thought on before, which he observed, God did abundantly bless to the Comfort, and Edification of the Auditors.  
He would often say: That his opportunities were his Riches; and he was ●areful to improve them: whence it seldom came to pass that he Preached without making some real impression upon his hearers, which was discovered by the Tears that fell from many of them.  
Thirdly, 
His Zeal.  In the next place his zeal and fervour deserves our consideration. It was the Counsel of a grave Divine, That Christians should take heed that their old judgements, did not abate their youthful affections. And certainly there was in this our old Doctor, such warmth of affections as is seldom seen in so ancient a man, and yet was it managed with such Christian Prudence, that he exercised it, not about light and trivial matters, but about the greater, and more substantial points of Religion; and that through the whole course of his Life: Whether he Preached, Prayed, or discoursed about Divine things, all was performed with much zeal, and heat of affections. He was fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, Rom. 12.11. How glad was he of an opportunity of Preaching, and if his liberty could have been purchased with money, what would he not have given for it?  
He was very affectionate in Prayer, 
His Prudence.  and yet were his affections so tempered with Prudence, and Judgement, that though upon extraordinary occasions he would d●●●large himself therein, yet in his Family Prayers, he was usually short, that so he might not make Religious duties a burden to those that joined with him. And as his Prayers were fervent, so he had this honour from God, that he had many signal returns, and answers to his Prayers, as we shall hear afterwards, and as can be attested by many who received benefit by them both for Soul, and Bodily distempers, and affections. He was conscientiously strict in the observation of the Lords Days; 
The Sabbath Sanctified.  not permitting any discourses in his presence, but such as were suitable to the Day, and to the Duties thereof: Rebuking, and reproving such as would take liberty to discourse about their worldly businesses upon God's Day.  
Fourthly, His liberality and bounty were as eminent, 
His bounty and charity.  and exemplary as any of his other Graces. God gave him a good Estate, so a large heart, which was a double mercy. He was rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate: Laying up in store for himself a good Foundation against the time to come, 1 Tim. 6.18, 19 He hath been often heard to say: That he could far hardly, and go meanly, that he might be the better enabled thereby to be charitable unto others that were in want: And it is believed that few of his estate and rank exceeded him herein. Seldom did any necessitous Persons come to him, seldom did he hear of the necessity's of others, though at a distance from him, but they tasted of his Bounty.  
He gave large sums of money every year, for divers years together, to pious and charitable uses, as his Wife can testify, who kept an account in writing of the several sums so disbursed by him. Towards the relief of the poor, persecuted Protestants in Pi●mont, he gave thirty pounds; and as much the same year to another charitable use. He gave also several considerable sums yearly for the support and encouragement of some poor Scholars in the University of Dublin, besides a large sum of money disbursed out of his own purse towards furnishing the Library there with Books. And as he had thus sundry ways exercised his Bounty whilst he lived, so at his Death, he gave large Legacies to pious and charitable uses: and God made good that Promise to him, Isa. 58.10. If thou draw out thy Soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted Soul: Then shall thy Light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the Noonday.  
5. To this Grace of Charity may be added his Candour, 
His Candour.  and courteous deportment, which gave a lustre to his Bounty; according to that of the Poet,  
Dat benè, dat multum,  
Qui dat cum munere vultum.  
He was not apt to be offended with others, much less apt to offend others. 
His Meekness.  He always interpreted to the best sense that which might seemingly have ministered occasion of offence; by which excellent temper, he drew love and respect to himself wheresoever he came, and with whomsoever he conversed, whether in private Families, or in his more public employments.  
Sixthly, In the last place his Faith, 
His Faith, and Patience.  and Patience calls for our consideration: of which, as he had given good proof in the whole course of his Life, so they eminently shone forth when he came to die. In the time of his sickness he shown an holy, humble, and cheerful resignation of himself to the wife and merciful disposal of God his Heavenly Father: Not one repining word was heard to proceed out of his mouth. He was dumb, and opened not his mouth, because it was the Lord that did it, Psalm 39.9. There was not any impatient, or uncomely motion seen in him: but being full of Faith, of Christian Patience and courage, he feared not Death, but was well prepared, and resolved against that stroke of it: And would often say, O how happy a thing is it by Death to be about a possibility of Sinning!  
The Heathen Philosophers called Death, The most terrible of all terribles: and the Sacred Scripture calls it, The King of terrors. It is Storied, that one hearing a person highly commended for his excellent Virtues, said, Let us stay till his Death, and then we shall be the better able to judge of all these things which make such a glittering show in him for the present. And certainly, to be able to look the King of Terrors in the Face, without consternation, and to meet the last enemy [Death] with Joy, and consolation, 
His Perseverance.  is no small evidence of a true, and strong Faith: and this was evidently seen, and discerned in this worthy Doctor at the time of his Death.  
He often declared in his health, that in his younger days he had been sorely vexed, and pestered with Satan's Temptations: but at last, meeting with a plain, honest Christian (such an other, probably, as the Shepherd was with whom Junius met) to whom, complaining of his fears, he first rebuked him, and then instructed him, 
Good Counsel.  saying, You look at the reward, without minding, and intending the Work, in that you desire, and expect Assurance, before you have well resolved upon doing your Duty. My advice therefore is, to mind what God requires of you in your present station, and be serious, and diligent therein, and the other will come in God's due time. This advice, he professed, was of great use to him all his Life after: so that after that time he was not troubled with such perplexing thoughts as formerly he had been: but lived, and died in Peace, both with God and man, in the great Climacterical year of his Age: October 22. 1666.  
Examples of his power, and prevalency in Prayer.  
The wise Solomon tells us, Prov. 12.2. That a good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: That is, He hath what he will of God. Id quod vult, à Domino impetrat; quia eius voluntas est ipsissima Dei voluntas; nec aliud vult: As Mercer hath it, out of Rabbi Levi. It is written of Luther, ●●e vir potuit à Deo quicquid voluit: That by his Prayers he could prevail with God at his pleasure. Melancthon, and Myconius, being sick of desperate diseases, were both recovered by Luther's Prayers. Sozomen saith of Apollonius, that he never asked any thing of God in all his Life which he obtained not Blessed is he that hath what he will, and wills nothing but what he should. The Persons of Saints (saith a Reverend Divine) are like secret pledges of common quiet, and their mediations are a Shield to the Earth against the wrath of Heaven. We have many examples in Scripture of the power, and efficacy of Prayer; and lest any should think that those were extraordinary, and that the like are not to be found in our days, take notice of these instances following.  
I. When Mr. Winter in his younger days was cast out of his living, his first Wife, having many Children, fell into great grief, and perplexity, fearing that the, and hers would come to want. Mr. Winter was much troubled to see his Wife's discontents, and thereupon plied the Throne of Grace for cure thereof: and one day, as he was riding abroad, and crying earnestly unto God about this matter, he thought that he heard a voice saying unto him, Because thou hast not spared thine estate for my glory, neither thou, nor any of thine shall want. At his return home he told this to his Wife with Joy, saying, That he would not for all he was worth want that comfortable answer to his Prayers.  
II. When an Order was sent to Mr. Winter from the Parliament to go with their Commissioners into Ireland; his Wife was very unwilling thereunto; and some of their near Relations came on purpose to dissuade him from it, himself also was very fearful of the Seas. In this his great straight, he retired into his Study (as his usual manner was in the like Cases) and there with much earnestness he spread the matter before God, craving 〈◊〉 guidance, and direction therein: And the Lord was pleased to set it upon his spirit, that he should go, and be carried in safety thinner, and there become an Instrument of converting many Souls to God. When he had declared this to his Wife and Friends, they acquiesced, and resolved upon that Journey. And according to this gracious Promise of God, though they took Shipping in the midst of Winter, and went with a Master that was not very well acquainted with those Seas, yet they found the Seas Calm, and their passage so speedy, that whereas some other great Persons went out before them, and with a more experienced Master, yet they arrived in safety, about four and twenty hours before them, insomuch as the Captain of the Ship said, That in his whole life he had never known so speedy, and calm a passage before.  
III. Not long after Mr. Winter's coming into Ireland, he went with the Commissioners unto Kilkenny, in which place Colonel Jones his Wife fell very sick of the Yellow Jandise, and some other distempers: For which cause her Husband called together some Ministers, and other Friends to spend some hours in prayer unto God on her behalf: Mr. Winter was the last man that prayed: but before he began, he went to her, and asked her, Whether she had Faith to be healed? She answered, She thought she had: Then he went to prayer, and wrestled exceedingly with God for her recovery: And when he had done, he went to her, and advised her to be careful, and diligent in the use of all good means for the recovery of health, adding, That she should live, and not die at that time. At this saying, his Wife, and her Sister were much troubled, telling him in private, that they had rather have given much money than that he should have spoken so confidently of her recovery among so many Anabaptists: Fearing that if this words proved true, they might be confirmed in their Enthusiastical conceits: if otherwise, then that they might take occasion to scandalise his Person, and Ministry: but he again affirmed, that she would not die of that sickness.  
Yet after this she continued very weak for a month, or mo●●: Her Doctors gave her up for a dead woman: whereupon Mr. Winter's Wife again blamed him for his confident saying, that she must live: To which he smilingly answered, Well, she is not yet dead. At length her disease so prevailed, that she lost the use of her senses; and her Servants weeping about her, said, now she i● near death indeed. The Saturday following, as Mr. Winter sat at dinner, a messenger came to him from Colonel Jones, to tell him, That if he would see his Wife alive, he must come away presently, for that she was now a dying. At this Mrs. Winter was much troubled, because of her Husbands former confidence in premising her Life. But Mr. Winter made no great haste to be gone, saying, That he well knew when God answered his Prayers, and when no●.  
After he had dined, he went to the House, where he found the Colonel sitting by her, ready to close her eyes so soon as breathe departed out of her body: for so she had enjoined him in the time of her health. She lay speechless and without sense; not answering, nor moving her eyes, though her Husband, and Mr. Winter called unto her: whereupon her Husband thought that she had lost her hearing. Mr. Winter desired that he might pray with her, but her Husband refused, saying, that she was senseless, and had been a dying all that morning. Mr. Winter again urged that he might pray with her. No, (said the Colonel) it is to no purpose: She is now a dead woman. And Mr. Winter urged the third time that he might pray, saying, Her life is yet in her, and so he went to prayer, which he performed with much earnestness, and with many tears.  
When Prayer was ended, Mr. Winter ●oing to her Bedside, she looked upon ●●m, and with a smiling countenance, ●●id, O! See the fruit of Prayer! O! ●●e the fruit of Prayer! Set me up, and ●●ve me something to eat: I am cured; but not by Doctors: Only Freegrace, and Prayers have prevailed with God for me. They asked her what she could eat? She answered, any thing. They gave her some bread and butter, of which she did eat pretty hearty. Then did her Husband send for her Doctors: But she bade them not to provide any more Physic for her, saying, She would take none: For she would not dishonour God, and wrong Prayer so much (by which she was now cured) as to take any more Physic: nor could she be by any means persuaded to it.  
On Monday following in the afternoon, Mrs. Winter heard that Mrs. Jones was walking in her Garden, which she wondering at, went to see her, and found her there. So soon as she saw Mrs. Winter, she went to meet her, and said. Oh! See the fruit of Prayer! Mrs' Winter blessed God for her recovery: whereupon She said, My Doctors would b●● me take some more Physic of them: B●● it is God that hath cured me, and he 〈◊〉 shall have the praise of it. I will take n● thing of them. They shall not say, the they have cured me: For God by Pray● hath done it. It's prayer alone that 〈◊〉 done it. And indeed herein God made good that gracious Promise of his, Jam. 5.15. The Prayer of Faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.  
iv Some months after Mr. Winter, with his Family, removed to Dublin, and after some time, the aforesaid Mrs. Jones fell sick again, and her sickness prevailed so far upon her, that growing very weak, she was confined to her bed. whereupon, on a Lord's Day, Mr. Winter and his wife went to visit her: when they came, they found another Minister with her, but she called for Mr. Winter to pray with her. A Lady that was present, coming to Mrs. Winter's Sister, said, O! Do you think this good woman will recover or not? She answered, I know not yet; but when my Brother Winter hath done praying I shall tell you more. When Mr. Winter had ended his prayer, this Lady came to her again, saying, What do you think now? She answered; She believed that she would not recover: and so said Mrs. Winter also: the reason whereof was, because they observed that in his prayer he was more earnest in praying for the spiritual and Eternal welfare of her Soul, than for her Bodily Health.  
When they were returned home, Mrs. Winter asked her Husband what he thought of her? He answered, that she would die: For that when in prayer he would have begged of God the restore of her to health, he could not do it, but could only pray for her eternal happiness. Faithful Prayer is ordained of God to be a means to obtain what we desire, and pray for● and therefore is never put up in vain, but shall have an answer, 1 Joh. 5.14, 15. For where God gives an heart to speak, he hath an ear to hear. And it is the observation of a Reverend Divine of our own: That when God intends not to hear, he lays the Key of prayer out of the way, as being loath that such precious breath as that of prayer is, should be without its full, and dearest success.  
After this Mrs. Jones grew worse and worse, and continued in a languishing condition for some months. She had several Doctors, who still gave her hopes of recovery. Mr. Winter prayed oft with her, but still after the same manner, insomuch as his Wife told him, that she thought he did not love Mrs. Jones as formerly, because he prayed not for her life: he answered, that his love was the same, but he was so bound up in his spirit that he could not pray for her recovery, and therefore conceived that she would die.  
At length Mrs. Jones finding herself very weak, sent for Mr. Winter to pray with her, and after prayer, she said unto him, Sir, I hear you love me not so much as formerly. God heard your prayers for me when I was a dying at Kilkenny: but now you do not pray so earnestly for my Life as you did then. No (said he) I neither do, nor can do it, though I love you as well as ever. For when I would pray for your life, my Tongue is turned to pray for your Eternal walfare: therefore I do believe you are not for this world, but will soon be in a better. Think you so? Said she. Hereupon she sent for a Colonels Wife, between whom and herself there was some difference, and they were reconciled together. She sent also for her Husband, and imparted her mind to him: Adding, that she saw she must die, for that Mr. Winter could not pray for her as he did in her former sickness; and it pleased God presently after to take her to himself.  
V At an other time Mrs. Winter's Sister going for England, left her only Son with her; and after awhile the Child fell into a high , and one morning the Maid, with whom the Child lay, came to her Mistress, and told her, She feared the Child had the Plague, for that he had many spots on his bosom. And the Plague at this time was in Dublin. Mrs. Winter sent for a Doctor, who when he had seen the Child, said, that they were either Plague spots, or  spots, and that he much feared the Child's Life. Mrs. Winter went to her Husband into his Study, and acquainted him with these things, requesting him that he would be earnest with God in begging the Child's Life. At Noon, when her 〈◊〉 ●nd came down, she asked him what he thought? He bade her not to perplex, and trouble herself, for the Child would live: And before the next day the Child began to amend, and within a few Days was perfectly well.  
VI Mrs. Winter herself was once under a strong Temptation to become an Anabaptist, being persuaded that it was the way of God, and she had been dipped but that she feared in would reflect upon her Husband's credit. Her Husband took much pains with her, yet could she not be convinced of her error, but was both night and day in great perplexity of spirit: Only she relied upon that gracious Promise of Christ, John 7.17. If any man will do his Will, he shall know of the Doctrine whether it be of God. And at last she resolved to set a day apart to seek unto God for satisfaction in this doubtful case. But it fell out that that very day, they were earnestly invited to Dine with Doctor Jones, and her Husband had promised to go: she said, she could not go, because she had set that day apart upon such an occasion: Her Husband answered her; Thou must go, for I have been praying for thee, and God hath assured me, that thou shalt be satisfied, and that quickly too; and accordingly it came to pass: for she was so resolved, and satisfied from Heaven, that afterwards she was able to Dispute with the Female Anabaptists, and to confute them; insomuch as some of the Officers would let their Wives come no more at her.  
VII. Whilst they were in Dublin Mrs. winter's Sister's Husband, being upon occasion in London, fell dangerous sick: Sir Francis Pridjean, and an other Doctor were his Physicians, who, after a time gave him up for Dead. An other of Mrs. Winter's Sisters, wrote her word of it, adding, That she believed that before that letter came to her hands, he would be dead, and buried. Hereupon his Wife desired that that afternoon might be set apart to seek unto God in his behalf: and accordingly some Ministers and Christians were invited to meet together for that end. When the time was come, Mrs. Winter requested her Husband that he would come away; for that the company was met. He had her go before; for he must endeavour to know of the Lord whether he was yet living or no: For (said he) d● you think that I will pray for a dead man? When some of the Ministers had prayed, Doctor Winter came in. They prayed with submission, that if he was yet in the Land of the Living, the Lord would be pleased to be his Physician, and to direct, and bless all good means to him, for the recovery of his health But in the close of the day, when Doctor Winter came to pray, he shown much confidence that he was yet alive, and that he should live and recover, to the amazement of all that were present: But his Sister, who knew his manner, and had experience of the successfulness of his Prayers, between hope and fear, could not contain herself from crying out. When the Doctor had done and was risen from his knees, he went to her, and took her by the hand, saying, Be of good comfort, for your Husband is alive, and shall recover, and you shall see him again with comfort. She crying out aloud said, Ah Brother! I fear he is dead. Do you think he is alive? I know (said he) that he is: and repeated over his former words: And accordingly, in their next letters, they heard of his amendment.  
VIII. At another time Mrs. Winter's Sister (who was with them in Ireland) fell into a relapse after a Fever, being great with Child, and within two months of her time: at which time she fell into a great bleeding at the Nose. She had three Doctors, and Surgeons which used all their Art, and yet could not stop it. At length she fell into Travel, and two Midwives were sent for to her. She was fain to sit upright in her Bed, and could not lie down because of her violent bleeding. Her Midwives, and Doctors gave her up for dead. And she grew so weak that Mrs. Winter not being able to see her die, left her, and went to her own lodging, where she found that her Sister's Husband had caused her Husband to 〈◊〉 and pray for his Wife, which he did with much earnestness; and it pleased God that presently after, news was brought them that she was safely delivered of a dead Child. Hereupon Doctor Winter and his Wife went to see her, and found her still bleeding; and the Doctors, and Surgeons were sent for again, who agreed to open a Vein, and let her blood. The Surgeon struck her right arm, but no blood came. The Doctors bid him try the other arm, he answered, that it was to no purpose, for she had no Pulse for some hours before; yet the Doctors made him do it, and then some few drops of blood came: but most of this time Doctor Winter was praying for her in the next room, and she sometimes overheard him, but could not speak. Afterwards she told them that these thoughts were in her Head: Yonder good man, would have me live: but is will not be.  
〈◊〉 one of her Midwives bid her 〈…〉 Death, for she could not live. To which one of the Doctors said, that sure she had forgotten Lazarus. No, replied the Midwife; I have not forgotten him; but God must work as great a Miracle now as he did then if she recovers. Yet it pleased God that she did recover, and afterwards one of the Doctors told Mrs. Winter, that he never saw one so near unto death, to live; and that to him it was a Miracle. Here was another sweet return to Doctor Winter's Prayers, and his Sister would often acknowledge that it was by the power of his Prayers that she was restored to life, and so others thought also.  
IX. The last time that the Soldiery pulled the English Parliament in pieces, Doctor Winter, and his friends in Dublin, were in great fears of the confusions which were like to follow: For which cause Doctor Winter kept Fasts Weekly with his Congregation, for a great while together. One time as he was praying, in imitation of Abraham's Intercession for Sodom, he used such like expressions. Lord wilt thou also destroy the Righteous with the wicked? Peradventure there be fifty thousand Righteous within these three Kingdoms: wilt thou also destroy, and not spare these Nations for fifty thousand Righteous that are therein? etc. And when he came to the last number of ten Thousand, as he kneeled against a Post in the room, he saw a great shining Light about him, and heard perfectly a voice saying: The Nations shall be spared for ten thousand Righteous Persons sake.  
Upon this gracious answer, he turned his prayers into praises and Thanksgiving unto God for this speedy answer to his ●●rnest requests, insomuch as all the company could not but take notice of it thought none of them heard the voice but himself only. Mrs. Winter, upon some occasion was from home at this time: Yet a Gentlewoman that was present told her afterwards, that her Husband that day was so ●levated in prayer, that he exceeded himself; and she never heard him better, and that he was answered in his Petitions before he ●ose from his knees. Mrs. Winter asked her, how the knew that? She answered, By his large thanksgivings after he had done pleading with the Lord: Also a while after a Gentleman coming to see him, that had been present that day, embraced him, saying, That he was a man, greatly beloved of the Lord, for that he could no sooner ask, but he was answered, and his Petitions granted. And the week after they heard that the pride of the soldiery had met with a great check.  
Doctor Winter afterwards told his Wife that he now perceived that a voice might be spoken to one in a Room, and none else hear it. When he lay upon his deathbed, his Wife again asked him about it, and he said, he did as plainly hear the Voice, as he heard her speak. She asked him, If the Voice was like to hers? He said, No, it was another kind of Voice. Thus we read, Acts 22.9. That the men that went with Saul to Damascus, Saw indeed the Light, and were afraid: but they heard not the Voice that spoke to him.  
X. At Dublin there was one Mrs Smith, a Merchant's Wife, which had been many days in labour: Her Child was dead within her. She had good experienced Midwives, and one Man-Midwife, and yet she could not be delivered. At last, one morning they sent for Doctor Winter to pray with her, saying, that she could not live till night, being so far spent. But it fell out that he was out of Town. At night he came home, and then they sent an other messenger for him, (her Husband saying, that she was not yet dead, but very near unto it) Doctor Winter (though very weary) went to the house, and prayed very earnestly unto God for her. When his prayer was ended, he spoke to the good women about her to raise her up, and to use all good means for her help, saying that she should live. But they (being hopeless of her Life, and delivery) desired that she might be no more tortured, but that she might die in peace. Yet Doctor Winter persuaded them to make one further trial, which at last they assented to, and had good success: for in a short time she was safely delivered of her dead Child. This Mrs. Smith, proving afterwards with Child again, a Friend said to her, She hoped it would be now better with her, than it was the time before: No (said she) Doctor Winter is gone, and I must now die; which also came to pass: for she could not be delivered.  
XI. After Doctor Winter's return into England, he, with his Wife, came to London, and for a month sojourned in Doctor Drakes House: In which time his second Daughter fell sick of the Twisting of the Guts. She had two able Physicians, Doctor French, and Doctor Cox. She lay in very great torture from Monday till Saturday night, and the Doctors had very little hope of her Life. On Saturday evening Doctor Winter came in, and meeting with her Sister, asked how she did? Her Sister answered, she thought that now she was very near unto death: For that the Doctors, having prescribed something to be given her in a Spoon, her teeth were so set, that her Aunt and she had much ado to open them to put it into her mouth. But said she, Sir, what do you think of her? Give me (said he) a candle, that I may go into my chamber, and anon I will tell you whether she shall live or die.  
When he came down, she met him at the foot of the stairs, and asked him what he thought of her now? He answered, Your Sister will live. And going up into her Chamber, he spoke to his Wife, and bid her to use all means possible for her recovery: For (said he) she must not die this time. His Wife begged of him not to be so confident, for that she was very near unto Death, and no hopes of Life remained. Yet he told her Mother, and Aunts that she should recover, and live. His Wife was much troubled at it, notwithstanding all her former experiences: But the next day, signs of her recovery began to appear, and within a little space she was perfectly well. Some other instances might be given, but these may suffice, as evidently demonstrating that the Lord is a Prayer-hearing God, That never saith to the seed o● Jacob, Seek ye my Face in vain.  
Probably, the incredulous World will not believe these things to b●true● but judge them rather to be Romances, and fancies than realities: But there are so many Conscientious Persons, and of Good credit yet living, who can, and will attest the Truth of them, that there is no place left to distrust, or doubting, among those that are sober, and judicious.  
Amos 3.7. Surely the Lord God will d● nothing, but he revealeth his secret un●● his Servants the Prophets.  
John 16.23.— Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my Name; He will give it you, v. 24. Hitherto have you asked nothing in my Name. Ask, and ye shall receive that you Joy may be full.  

A Letter written by Doctor Winter, to a Gentleman desiring of him a short and plain account of what was necessary to the Person that would be saved.  
THough many things in Scripture be required of a Christian which he is bound to observe, not to ●●tain any Truth in unrighteousness, for whosoever p●rsisteth in any sinful course against his light of Conscience, without remorse, and hearty sorrow for the same sinneth fundamentally, Rom 1.18. For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against a● ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Yet there are not many things in themselves absolutely necessary to selvation, without which no man can be Saved. These God in much mercy hath set down in holy ●●itt, that the meanest and weakest Christians may understand, Luke 19.42. If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! etc. From whence 〈◊〉 may observe that a man may know many things, ●●d yet not know the thing which concerns his everlasting peace. The understanding is the first that lives, and the last that dies. I say then,  
1. First, It is absolutely necessary that there be a work of illumination and conviction, and that a clear, full, particular, and through work be upon the understanding: which must be renewed and sanctified as well as the will, John 16.9. when the Spirit is come he will reprove the world of Sin, because they believe not on me, Eph. 4.23. And be renewed in the Spirit of your minds, so that the soul see sin to be the greatest evil in the world, and Christ the greatest good, the only excellent and  thing, Psal. 73.25. Whom have I in Heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee, Philip. 3.8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered to loss of all things, and do coun● them but Dung that I may win Christ. In the the young man in the Gospel failed, for though 〈◊〉 came running to Christ, yea kneeled down to him, Himself being a Ruler, he thought he had kept the Commandments from his youth; he thought he saw a● excellency in Christ; else why went he away sorrowful: yet because he saw a greater excellency in the world, and Embraced that rather than Christ, 〈◊〉 perished, Mark 10.17. Luke 18.18.  
2 Secondly, It is necessary that the heart be broken. Psal. 51.17. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. A broken heart is the sound heart, the oil of Grace is poured into the broken Vessel: as first the heart must be broken with hearty sorrow for sin, as sin; as it is a breach of the Law and Command of God, 1 John 3.4. Whosoever committeth Sin, Transgresseth the Law: for Sin is the transgression of the Law. We must grieve for Christ Crucified by and for us, Zech. 12.10. They shall look upon me whom they have Pierced, and they shall mourn, as one mourneth for his only Son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Till Sin is bitter to us, Christ will not be sweet to us. Again he must be broken down, 2 Cor. 10.5. That all the strong holds of Sin be tumbled down, and all those high thoughts, and strong imaginations be laid low, that those invincible forts of sin be levelled, and the will subdued to the will of Christ. Again thirdly, the heart must be broken through, that the heart be contrite, Psal. 51.17. A Contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  
The heart must be as it were shivered in pieces, and melted before the Lord; not like an Earthen Jugg, that is broken indeed, but the pieces remain hard as before; and thus it was with Pharaoh King of Egypt. Again fourthly, its necessary the heart be broken from Sin, as well as for sin, it's called Repentance from dead works, Heb. 6.1. He that doth not break off his former sins, and bid adieu to them, no more to act sin, and live in sin, as farmerly, cannot expect to be saved in the day of Christ 1 Pet. 2.24. Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the Tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.  
3. Thirdly, It's necessary that we should be emptied of all self righteousness, so that we rest not in any thing wrought in us, or by us as meritorious. Paul is this sense looks it all as dr●ss, and dung, and at the last day when perfect, desires only to be found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, which is of the Law, hut that which is of Faith by Jesus Christ, Philip. 3.9. And as when a man gives possession, to another of an house, he turns all out, no qui●● thing must be there; so all Sin, and all confidence i● our own righteousness turn out, that Christ al●n● may take possession of the Soul, which he hath purchased long ago at so dear a rate.  
4. Fourthly, It's necessary that we he regenerate, and born from above, John 3.3, 5. Jesus said 〈◊〉 Ni●●d●mns, except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Old things are passed away, and all things become now. W● mu●t have new thoughts, new desires, new sea●● new sorrows, new Joys, new speeches, new company, new objects, a new conversation: in a word that 〈◊〉 live fr●m Christ, according to Christ, and for Christ ends; and not contend with Christ any more, ab●●● the pre●eminence of the first cause, and the last end; but make Christ the Alpha and Omega in all things  
5. Fifthly, That we close with Christ by faith, as our Lord and Saviour, John 1.12. But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name. The soul being first sensible of its l●st estate, and secondly seeing a necessity of a Saviour, Acts 4.12. And thirdly being taken with the beauty and excellency of Christ, than faith closeth with Christ as Lord and Saviour; takes Christ as a Prophet to instruct him, and as a Priest to save him, and as a King to rule over him: And afterward the soul attains to assurance of his Love, 1 John 5.13. These things have I written to you, that you believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have Eternal Life, by a holy walking with God, for in that sense good works justify Faith declaratively, as faith doth the sinner.  
6. Sixthly and lastly, that we be sincere: that is, first to hate all sin and loath it. Secondly, perform, or endeavour to perform all known duties, Psal. 119.6. I shall not be ashamed, when I have respect to all thy Commandments. Thirdly, to walk as in the sight of God, Esa. 48 3. Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. Fourthly, That though we do but little, yet what we do, we do for God's ends, that he may be glorified, 1 Cor. 10.31. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. O then let us be sincere, else we shall lose the things that we have wrought, 2. John 8.  
Look to yourselves, that we lose not these things which we have wrought, but that you receive a full reward. For this heaven of hypocrisy spreads, swells, and sours all we do, and so ma●●s all. It spreads and sours, than it puffs up the Soul with spiritual pride, and no sin more dangerous than this. Hypocrisy makes all we do, but as shining sins, as the gilded Mice of the Philistines, that were sightly in the eyes of men; but of no value with God. Jehu did many glorious things but all was nothing, because his heart was not upright with God or before God.  
These are the things that accompany Salvation, which whoever attains unto shall certainly be Saved; without which the Lord according to Scripture rule will not Save you; if they be not really, and effectually wrought in you, by the holy spirit. Oh! then let me beseech you to whom these lines shall come, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: be sure you build not upon a sandy foundation, Mat. 7.26. But upon the rock Jesus Christ, Mat. 7.24. Rest not in any thing short of Christ. Take heed you perish not near the City of refuge, but consider that saying of Christ, Mat. 7.22. Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord have we not Prophesied in thy name, open to us, to whom Christ will say departed from me I never knew you. Now to attain to what is here said; is daily to seek to the Lord, who turns the hearts, as rivers of Waters, Prov. 21.1. And hath Promised to take away the hearts of Stone and give hearts of Flesh, and to put his spirit in us and cause us to walk in his ways, Ezek. 36.26, 27. We must attend in all holy ordinances; as constant prayer in secret and with others: In hearing and daily reading the holy Scriptures, some part of them. Also the Sacraments must not be neglected. Christ is a Prince and a Saviour: He gives Repentance and remission of sins: Acts 5.31. He is a God hearing Prayers; to him must all flesh come saith the Psalmist, and those that come unto him he will in no wise cast off, John 6.37. Christ will forgive iniquities, transgressions and sins. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that he might destroy the works of the Devil, 1 John 3.8. Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will ease you, and you shall find rest to your Souls, Mat. 11.28. Christ is our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption, 1 Cor. 1.30.   

A Letter written by Doctor Winter, to a Gentlewoman who was under great Trouble of mind.  
My dear Friend and Sister in Christ,  
I Received your welcome Letter, and return you many thanks for your dear affections, and fervent Prayers for me an unworthy Instrument in the hands of Christ. But am very sorry that you are relapsed into your former doubting thoughts, which I entreat you to wave and lay aside, lest Christ upbraid you as he did his Disciples, Mark 16. with your unbelief and hardness of heart. When Christ was risen from the dead, and his work was done, he doth not go to Heaven, but stays on Earth (a place not fit for a glorified Body) and convers●a with his Disciples, and that not so much for his 〈◊〉 Honour to prove himself not to be held by the h●●●s of death, as to strengthen our Faith; and in the day of his Resurrection he appeared five times, like one that cannot endure to be out of our company, though he ever finds something among us, that might justly make him withdraw, as he did among them; therefore the Lord upbraids them, for want (1) of clearness of faith, Luke 24.26. (2) of fullness of faith, ver. 25. Slow of heart to believe (all) that the Prophets have spoken, (3) of comfort of faith ver. 17. And are sad. (4) Of not owning their faith. ver. 21. We trusted that it had been he that should have delivered Israel. (5) Of readiness of faith. Ver. 25. O fools [and slow of heart] to believe: He had expressed abundance of love in satisfying all the claims that Justice would make; and when Satan verily thought he had dispatched him out of the way (He being buried and that as a malefactor) so that either he should not rise at all, or not in glory and reputation among men; now Christ riseth in despite of Hell, and the Father gives him glory, 2 Pet. 1.17. That our faith and hope may be in God, and therefore Christ expresseth a dissatisfaction, and discontent at them for their unkindness, and unthankfulness, as if he had said, Time was when you were glad to know any thing that concerned me, when you hung upon me, and whatever I said to you was a Law, and catertained with greediness, Why then are ye so backward now? Are my merits ere a whit the less? Or are you not sensible of your need, that you are so slow of heart to believe in me your everlasting Redeemer? Now consider what Christ spoke to them, He speaks to you (for all Scripture is writ for our Learning) and though Christ will not condemn you; yet he may and he doth (it seems) upbraid you; and such upbraid and frowns of Christ, are or should be as much as death, yea Hell itself to a believer, as Hell was before we believed: For the Conscience is m●n wounded by way of God's special love as a Friend, than by his hatred as an Enemy. If it were possible for a man to be thrown out of God's arm● of Love into Hell, Hell would be more to him than any other. For this made Christ's sufferings so great, because he was so infinitely beloved of the Father as always lying in his b●some. Consider what I say, as Christ takes it ill that we should question his Love; so of all sins he will bear with none less than that of Unbelief. The Disciples had many failings, but he upbraids them with no sin so much as Unbelief, as being of all sins the most grievous to him; therefore as you would make Conscience of any other sin, see that you make Conscience of this, namely of not believing in the Son of God, 1 John 3 23.  
Consider further why were these doubtings of Thomas and the Disciples recorded, but to strengthen our faith, they doubted of the Resurrection of Christ that the world might not doubt; and 'tis observable, that Thomas doubted more than all the rest; therefore he bore a more eminent testimony to Christ than they did; crying out My Lord and my God, being the first that ●wned Christ as God; Go you and do likewise.  
Trust perfectly in the grace of the Lord Jesus; and to encourage you, remember (1) you have his Word for salvation, and that Word to us surer than that voice from Heaven; This is my well beloved Son, hear Him, 2 Pet. 1.19. And the Earth shall sooner reel, than the Word and Promise of God fail.  
(2) You have his Covenant the sure mercies of David, Jer. 31.3, 17. If Heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the Earth searched out beneath. I will also cast off all the seed of Israel, for all that which they have done.  
(3) You have the Attributes of God for you, the Pillars of Heaven, yea the Pillars of God, and are not these sufficient to support your soul? There is not one Attribute of God against you, but all for you, yea Justice itself; so that you may plead with God, not only in point of mercy, but of Justice also; for Christ hath satisfied for all your sins, therefore (with reverence be it spoken) God cannot in justice require the same debt twice of your Surety, and of you also, see Rom. 3.2.  
(4) You have this attested by the broad Seal of Heaven, namely the Sacrament and Privy Seal of the spirit, called the Earnest of the Spirit against that day, and then there will be no need of that Earnest, when we have the purchased possession; but his Earnest shows you, that he is in Earnest, not in Jest● and G●d will not assuredly lose his Earnest, which is pair of the bargain and confirms it to you.  
(5) Consider all the glory of the Father 〈◊〉 upon Christ was, that our faith and hope might be in God; the Jews slighted Christ, 〈◊〉 him, but had they seen him in glory they would have believed on him.  
(6) Christ should not discharge his office, if he should not re●eive such as you, and do you think that Christ will be unfaithful to his Father, or to poor souls that come unto God by him? I tell you the Lord hath made two sorts of Promises (1) of Faith, John 6.37. All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me, namely, by Faith. (2) To Faith as it Follows in the same verse, [and he that cometh I will in no wise cast out.]  
(1) Of the Church, (2) Of my heart, (3) Of Heaven: Therefore make a venture and cast your soul on him, who will not sail to keep safely that which is committed to his trust.  
And let me tell you farther, we are the Ambassadors of Christ to treat with sinners in Christ's name, upon his own terms, and therefore if you come in upon the terms of the Gosspel, out of the sense of the poverty of your spirit, and close with Christ, as seeing an excellency in him, above all the world, so as to give yourself to him, and never to part with him, I say then that Christ is bound, and must of necessity make good, what his Ambassadors have propounded and concluded in his name, in whose name according to the contents of your Letter, and the former knowledge I have had of you, I do declare as a Minister of Christ that all your sins are forgiven you, and therefore I charge you that you roll yourself upon the Lord, the burden is too heavy for you to bear, but what you cannot bear that roll upon the Lord, and know assuredly though we be unfaithful, yet he abideth faithful and cannot deny himself; the Promise is made to the truth and not to the degrees of grace.  
Lastly, if you persist in unbelief, consider how grievous this is to Christ: forget not what was said before, that Christ upbraided the Disciples, and doubtless the anger of Christ was never greater than the offence, nor the reproof unsuitable unto the fault, therefore chide your soul; Why dost thou cast down thyself (O my soul?) Why art thou disquieted within me; still trust in God, who is the help of my faces, that is, who saves eminently, perspicuously, so that a man may see Salvation in the face.  
If all that I have said will not prevail, know I have your Hand and Seal against you, and must needs witness against you in that day; but I hope better things of you, that the Bowels of Christ will melt you, and his arms opened upon the Cross allure you to run to him, who never rejected any that came to him; and do you think that you shall be the first?  
As to that Query What is the lowest degree of faith? I answer, some say the lowest act of faith is to see a possibility of mercy, but if I should say so, I should exclude many a precious Saint out of Heaven: I say then the lowest act of faith is to put a high estimate upon Christ as the chiefest of ten thousand, Cant. 5.10. So as to cleave to him, and not to part with him for ever, though the soul see no probability, no not possibility of mercy, this is poverty of spirit, the lowest round of jacob's Ladder. To make this plain● suppose such a Maid hath strong affections to such a Person, but he is otherwise inclined, yea engaged, so that there is no possibility of obtaining him, yet there is true Love: The Case suits with many a soul, that cannot see any possibility of enjoying Christ, yet Loves him dearly, could be content to beg with him, why here is true Love, and therefore faith; for faith worketh by Love. Wherefore I say look after Christ with a wishly eye, with a long look, and you shall be saved, Isa. 45. For the prayers made toward Christ the living Temple, are heard as well as the prayers that are made in the Temple, though they cannot evidence their union with Christ.  
My Dear Friend I commend these lines to you. The Pin of the Dial points at the hour of the day, but cannot tell what a Clock 'tis, unless the Sun shine: unless the Lord shine upon your heart you can see no light of grace, or comfort, The Lord create the fruit of the lips peace, which I beg for you. Pray for me still, as I desire to do for You,  
Your assured Friend, S. W.