THE GODLY AND CHRISTIAN DECEASE of the Illustrious and High-born PRINCE, MAURITIUS of NASSAV, Prince of ORANGE, of happy Memory.  
For the comfort and edification of all true CHRISTIANS.  
First written in Dutch, by Master JOHN BOGERMAN, Minister of the word of God, at Leeuwarden: And Now Translated into English.  
LONDON: Printed by T. S. for Nathanael Newberry, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Star, in Pope's head Palace, and under Saint Peter's Church in Cornhill, 1625.   

We here under-written, professors of Divinity in the University of Leyden, having read and examined this Relation of the Christian decease of the Illustrious and Highborn Prince Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange; written by the worshipful Doctor, john Bogerman, being the very words which his Princely Excel: being deadly sick, spoke; do declare by these presents, that we do hold this Relation to be very necessary to be published in Print; not doubting but it will be very acceptable unto all impartial Readers, and will be read with great edification of all persons, both high and low, and will not only serve them for a pattern, but also as a motive to stir them up unto hearty Repentance and true faith in jesus Christ, to the glory of God, and the salvation of their own souls.  
Datum 26. Maij 1625. 

JOH. POLIANDER.  
ANT. WALaeVS.  
ANDREA'S RIVERTUS.  
ANTONIUS' THYSIUS.     

To the High and Mighty Lords THE ESTATES GENERAL of the united Provinces. AND To the High-born Prince, FREDERICK HENRY, Prince of Orange. And also To the Illustrious Lord, ERNEST CASIMIR, Count of Nassau, Catzenelnbogen, etc.  
MOst High and mighty, and most gracious Lords, I do present unto your Excel: and by you unto all faithful Inhabitants of these united Provinces, the description of the Christian decease of the Illustrious and High-born Prince, Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange, etc. Both, whose life and death, shall be of immortal memory. This is a small matter in regard of myself and my labour, but very great in respect of that great Prince, who doth here speak his last words, in a matter of greatest moment, and who doth here fight the greatest fight that can befall, and so doth finish the greatest work that can be done on earth, and after his labour is ended, we see him go from misery into joy and rest, leaving the whole world in a tumult of unrest. It hath been always held a commendable custom to make known the last words and actions of great personages, that it might serve for an example unto others: therefore all impartial people shall understand, that it is more than reason, to publish and make known unto the world, the last words and deeds of the High-renowned Lord, the Prince of Orange; especially since it is both of high and low so much desired and longed for, that all truehearted people (who have received the spirit of impartiality, may judge, whether among all the words of his Excel: any be to be found, that are not very religiously spoken, and aught of every of us to be followed. We may well say, the Lord hath loved this Prince uniill the end. In his life he hath made him a pattern of all heroic and Military actions, and Politic wisdom: in his death he hath in an extraordinary manner made him an object of his mercy, and an example of Christian Piety and Godliness. In his life time he gave him the victory over his bodily and outward enemies, and at his death he made him extraordinarily victorious, triumphing over his spiritual enemies. So guiding him by his holy spirit, that with an extraordinary resolute courage, he did despise all earthly things, saying many times: I will not be troubled with any worldly matters.  
So that leaving the world, and the heavy burden of his weighty affairs together, he did wholly apply himself to fight this spiritual fight: as wisely and courageously as ever he did in temporal combats. For in all his spiritual actions he did most look at that, whereat we most stumble, when we have to do with the Lord, Our Sins, which being put quite from us, we obtain free access unto the Lord, yea, we become familiar with him, as the child with the father. Blessed is he that getteth the practice of this; In this work his P. Excel: hath followed the steps of the most Valiantest Champions which have been among the people of God. As, David, Daniel, Esay, jeremy, and others, Whereof we have special examples in the Psalms, where we see that God's children having to do with God, do so often look upon their sins, and so humble themselves therewith, that thereby afterwards they come to receive in their hearts a filial faith, fear, and obedience. His P. Excel: did know that our spiritual enemy, which we bear about us, was overcome, and that death had lost her sting, and hell her victory. This enemy, Sin, we do overcome: First, by true repentance, and do hate him as our deadlyest enemy; Secondly, when we by true faith, cast them upon the shoulders of that unspotted Lamb jesus Christ, who can only bear them, & carry them away; & thirdly, when on the contrary we become lovers of righteousness, and whatsoever is acceptable unto the Lord. These three particulars may every one find that is any thing experienced in holiness, that the Holy Ghost hath in aspeciall manner wrought in this Prince. His Excel: knowing that there is but one way to heaven for the greatest potentate, and the meanest subject, hath not flattered himself, nor sought to justify his sins, but hath, as one of the least of God's servants, with an humble hart and unfeigned repentance, confessed them before the Lord, and hath, in true faith taken his refuge only to jesus Christ, in whom his soul found rest. And thereunto he so often declared his hearty desire, to serve the Lord better than he confessed to have done, as the Lords great benefits unto him did require.  
And this is the special mercy of God, which all good christians may boast of, that the Lord (who knew the good desire of his Excel:) having freed him from all worldly hindrances, for a crown unto all his laudable deeds, hath suffered his Excel: to use such a solemn and holy action as this is, not only for the rest and salvation of his own soul, but also for the edification of all good christians. And therefore I do not without cause say once more that the Lord hath loved this Prince unto the end. For I do from my hart confess that in all the times I visited his Excel: His Excel: did so behave himself, that I did not once go from him, without being edified, not doubting but it will do the like to all good christians that shall happen to read it. Wherefore I do comfort myself, and do praise the Lord, that within this my weakness of body, wherewith I did not think to have done any more public service, he hath so strengthened me, to do this spiritual service unto this famous Prince, and through him unto all good people in general, who I trust in their sorrow, which without doubt they have for the loss of this Valiant Champion, will find themselves comforted, when they shall hear from his Excel: mouth so many Christian speeches, and shall see him dye the death of the Righteous. Whereby I hope, (that we may so say) he shall have left and pronounced a blessing over the church of God, and this state. As also in particular unto his Excel: Illustrious successor, which we with true repentance (according to the example of his Excel:) will expect from the merciful God, beseeehing him in the mean time, for Christ jesus sake, mercifully to pardon our crying sins, and plentifully to pour into our hearts the grace of repentance, and not yet leave his Heritage, nor to let the Rod of his affliction to lie too long upon our backs.  
This may comfort all good Christians in their affliction, who at this present live in grief and persecution, that this famous Prince did bear such affection unto them, saying, when he heard any good news from abroad: That will be good for gods children.  
Which his Excel: declared likewise to bear unto the church of God, and to the preservation of the true religion, (which he hath sufficiently shown unto the whole world by many actions) agreeing with that which the Lord Ambassador of his Majesty of Great Britain, Sir Dudley Carleton was pleased in his speech to relate unto your H. Dignities from the very mouth of his P. Excel: which his Excel: also was pleased to communicate unto me, which words were these. These be two great Maximies, the preservation of the reformed Religion, and the wars against Spain.  
Upon which two heads his Excel: did mean that the welfare of the countries depended, I have in this relation exactly set down the very words of his Excel: as he spoke them, which when I came home I set down upon a piece of paper, and have conferred them with those that were present when his Excel: spoke them.  
That which I spoke, I have set down as I thought best for edification, at the first visitation I did not intent to have troubled his Excel: so much, as having experience of the disability of a sick person, but his Excel: detained me, partly with extraordinary attention he had to here the word of God, and partly with his questions which he propounded. The other visitations were not so long in regard his Excel: grew every day more weaker and weaker, and therefore when he could not speak any longer, we betook ourselves unto prayers, expecting a blessed end.  
I thought good to direct this work unto your High and Mighty Dignities, with whom his Excel: during the time of his government hath conversed, who are witnesses of his laudable actions, and partakers of his immortal praises: and who his Excel: hath instituted Executors of his Princely will and testament, so that of right it doth belong unto your honours: and without doubt, not only this, but also the particulars of the religious decease of this most excellent Prince will be pleasing unto your honours, with whom your Highnesses have ever lived in such a near correspondency, and have yet by your honnors Committees, (namely by the Honourable Lords, Henric of Essen, from Gelderland, Nicholas van-Bouckhorst, Lord of Nortwich, from Holland, Rienck van-Burmania, from Freesland, Assueer van-Harsolte, from Ouer-Isse) visited and remained with his Excel: until his end. Concerning your P. Excel: Gracious Lord, who hath a special interest in this labour, as being the only brother unto the deceased Prince, whom he hath loved with a brotherly love, (as is manifest) and beside, heir of his Princely dignity, and his successor in that great and weighty calling, being a little before his Excel: death, to the comfort and joy of his Excel: and unto all true christians, united in matrimony with the Illustrious Princess Amelia, Princess of Orange, Countess of Solms, who, with her Excel: the Princess of Portugal were both together with his Excel: the day before he died, and were witnesses of his Princely and christian carriage. Wherein her Excel: did take such pleasure, that she did joyfully glory therein unto the other Lords, saying, That it was a blessed thing for every Christian, to dispose himself so well at the time of his death. The like did her Excel: the Princess of Portugal your Excel: sister, That such a christian carriage came from God, and was his gift, which the Lord Agathius, Lord of Dhona, rehearsed unto me from the mouth of her Excel: Your Excel: shall not only find in this relation the christian and religious decease of this worthy Prince, but also that which may serve your P. Excel: and other Lords, for an example of imitation, and comfort, in the matter of salvation, being of more value than all the transitory goods of this world.  
Therefore I do humbly beseech your high and mighty P. Excel: graciously to accept of this my mean labour, and I will pray unto the Almighty God, to preserve your High and Mighty P. Excel: in union together, to govern you with his Holy Spirit, and so to bless and prosper you, in this time of trouble of the whole christian world, that you may happily and courageously preserve the free liberty of the Gospel in these countries, and so to supply the places of the deceased Prince, and Count William, etc. who are now both at rest with the Lord, and herewith I turn myself to the relation of that which happened before and at the death of his Excel: Remaining ever more  
Your high and mighty P. Excel: most obedient servant in the Lord, joannes Bogermanus. At the Hage, the 16. of May, 1625.   

A TRUE RELATION OF The Godly and Christian decease of the Illustrious and High-born Prince, MAURITIUS of NASSAV, late Prince of Orange, of happy Memory.  

A Relation Of that which happened at the first visitation of the Illustrious Prince of Orange, on Monday the 14. of April, Anno 1625. in the afternoon, about four of the clock.  
WHereas diverse persons of quality, did often times request me, to visit the Illustrious Prince of Orange, in the time of his sickness, which I feared to do, in regard of my weakness; yet, not to incommodate myself, and specially his Excel: I thought (the more, because I very well knew his Excel: did yet sometimes read Letters, and because I had understood by the Worshipful Doctor Walleus, professor of Divinity in the University at Leyden, that his Worship coming from thence, at the request of some of the Lords of the Council, had visited his Princely Excel: whom after many religious and godly speeches he had left very well prepared) with a brief and short Letter of exhortation and comfort, in stead of a parley in presence, to have taken my leave of his Excel: But as I was busy herewith, Master Secretary junius sent for me to come unto his Excel: who was very desirous to have me come unto him. Considering that it was Gods will, and knowing it to be my bounden duty, in regard his Excel: hath obliged us so much unto him, I omitted that which I had in hand, and presently I went with the same messenger that came for me: Beseeching the Lord to strengthen me, and to grant his blessing, that it might be for his honour and glory, for the comfort of his Excel: and for the edification of all good men.  
Being come to the Court, and having somewhat rested myself, I was by the aforesaid Lord Secretary, and the Chamberlain brought into the Chamber where his Excel: lay, who very kindly entertained me, putting forth his hand and bid me welcome, and made me to sit down at his Bed's side. Whereupon the people dismissed the Chamber, except the aforesaid Secretary, Doctor Rumpf, and the Chamberlain, who remained at the Bedside, to hear and take notice of, all the speeches that happened, although unseen of his Excel: his P. Excel: demanded of me, how I did, what sickness I was troubled withal, and whether I amended, as also of my appetite, meat, drink, and sleep: Of which when I had satisfied him, his Excel: begun to speak of his own sickness; demanding of me what Doctor Rumpf thought of it: Which when I had told him, his Excel: answered, I am of that opinion also. Complaining of his Ague and hot Fever, which did much trouble him; and it seemed, his Excel: bewailed them that were constrained to use much Physic. Whereupon I said; we must look unto God, without whose pleasure there cannot one hair fall from our heads, and in regard of his divine decree, our time cannot be shortened. Whereupon his Excel: answered, I hold it to be so also, and I am resolved: Hereby I took occasion, 
His Excel: faith of God's providence.  to show unto his Excel: the misery which man is subject unto in this life, and how happy we are, that we have that sure comfort which the Lord hath so abundantly revealed unto us in his Gospel. Whereupon his Excel: said, It is true. Then I said further, You may please to consider, the great mercy God shown unto your Excel: all the time of your government, making you an incomparable Prince of your time, whose actions the whole world admires, and specially in regard the Lord hath freed you from so many eminent perils and dangers, and doth now so mercifully show this great favour and mercy unto you, in visiting you with so Fatherly a chastisement; leading you, as it were with his hand unto a blessed end, giving you so long and moderate a sickness, wherein he doth continue your understanding and perfect speech, not only to serve the Country, as your Excel: yet doth, but also to practise that which is for your everlasting salvation: where to the contrary, that good Lord, of happy memory, Count William Lodowick of Nassau, at the beginning of his sickness did lose his speech, his strength, and his understanding: whose last words were upon the comfort which I spoke unto him, 
Count Williams last words in his sickness  LORD be merciful unto me for thy beloved Son's sake; which we miserable wretches do not in due time consider. Now I do not doubt but your Excel: doth make a good use of this affliction, that you may enjoy the perfect fruits of the Christian Religion which your Excel: hath so long maintained and propagated; and this fruit is a comfort both in life and death unto our consciences, consisting herein, that we wretched sinners, may have a reconciled and merciful God. If the favourable countenance of a King be the life of the Subjects (as Solomon saith) how much the more (said I) is the merciful favour of God? Then I said further, (considering his Excellency did hearken so attentively unto me) Gracious Lord, the reformed Religion doth most clearly and profoundly set forth unto us, our misery, and doth give us the only and sovereign remedy against the same, with the only way for our reconciliation with God, through jesus Christ his only beloved Son our Saviour, who doth bestow all his benefits on them that lay hold upon him in true faith and repentance, of whom God doth testify in the holy Scriptures: 
Matth. 13.17.  This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; 
john 14.6.  He is the way, the truth, and the life; No man cometh to the Father, but through him, neither is there salvation in any other: 
Acts 4.11.  for there is no other name given under heaven whereby we must be saved; 
1 Cor. 1.30.  Who of God is made unto us Wisdom and righteousness, 
1 Cor. 3.11.  Sanctification and Redemption; For, other foundation can no man lay, then that which is laid, which is JESUS CHRIST; 
Acts 13.39. Rom. 3 24. Ephes. 1.7. Col 1.14. john 5.11.  By him every one that believeth is justified; By whom we have Redemption and reconciliation with God through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: whereof john witnesseth, He that hath the Son, hath life. And therefore we can have no other communion with God, then through him; and this is the only, ancient, true, and everlasting Gospel, which God himself hath revealed unto our forefather's in Paradise, and afterwards by his Patriarches and Prophets hath published unto his people, by all the ceremonies in the old Testament, and hath sithence in the new Testament so gloriously revealed it unto us Gentiles, which in fore times were not of the people of God, and do now through his infinite mercy so abundantly enjoy it.  
Hereupon I rehearsed unto his Excel. that the Memorable late Count William Lodowicke of Nassau, in his sickness received tidings that the Archduke Albertus, being very sick, went unto the shrine of our Lady, at a place so called, whereto many go in pilgrimage; Scherpenheuvel, there to receive according to the Popish custom, remission of his sins, whereat the Noble Count heartily laughed, rejoicing and praising God (although in faint words) that he had laid a better foundation in his heart, and had received a better light. Whereupon his Excel: 
Notable words of his Excel:  said, Count William had Scherpenheuvel continually with him; His Excel: thinking that I did not understand him, rehearsed them again more plainer. I say (said he) beating two or three times upon his breast, Count William had Scherpenheuvel continually with him: Just said I, Noble Lord, Count William had no need to go to Scherpenheuvel for comfort, for he had his only comfort jesus Christ in his heart: so do I mean too, said his Excel. After these speeches I shown unto his Excel: the example of Hezekiah, 
2 Kings 20. Esay 38.  whom God by his Prophet caused to be told, That he should put his house in order, for he should dye & not live. The King was deadly sick, but yet did not dye, for that was hidden in Gods divine decree, whereupon when the king had humbled himself before the Lord, the Lord added fifteen years more unto his life. So (said I) if the Lord should tell your Excel: so, in this sickness, which is a messenger of God, and a forerunner of death, and death will follow, but the Lord in his mercy hath hidden from us the time when.  
Whereupon when his Excellence had given me to understand that he felt he should dye of this sickness, 
His Excel: is of opinion that he should dye of this sickness, and doth desire to be prepared for it.  I exhorted him to reconcile himself with God, with whom at this present he had to do, that he might then with a quiet Conscience, expect whatsoever the Lord should dispose of his person. Whereupon his P. Excel: answered, So I do, than I said further, it is requisite that above all things we do humble ourselves before the Lord by reason of our sins which are contrary unto the most holy commandments of God. And in their nature are abominable in the sight of the Lord, who are the occasion of God's wrath, and of all plagues temporal & Eternal, for which the son of God suffered so much on the Cross. We must have an upright hatred of them, condemn them and be ashamed of them, & according to the example of the Saints confess them before the Lord. And the stricter we are in this particular, and the more we pour out our hearts before the Lord, the more capable we shall be with joy and thankfulness to receive the riches of God's mercy.  
And when I had showed unto his Excel: some parts of Scripture wherein is promised mercy and forgiveness of sins unto them that shall truly repent, his Excel: opened his mouth and said, I have Sinned, and presently after with a more vehemency, that the very tears stood in his eyes, he said, I have Sinned grossly: Whereby I was much moved, declaring unto him that this was an acceptable offering unto the Lord, 
Psal. 51.  Such a broken heart will the Lord not despise: Showing him the abundant joy and comfort all repentant sinners have in the Lord jesus Christ, who is the only and perfect atonement for our sins: He is our Righteousness, who can only stand before the Lord, and he is our life, which I had a little before more largely insisted upon: but having showed a few more, as, Esay, 53.1. 1 john 2.1. 2 Hebrews 10. I demanded of his Excel: if in his heart, he did not comfort himself with them. Whereupon his Excel: with his hands closed, confessed his faith, saying, I take my refuge unto the great mercy of God: 
His Ex: doth confess his faith and confidence in Christ jesus. Phil. 1.6.  And I believe that jesus Christ died for me on the cross, in whom I put all my trust: and these words he said twice together. Whereupon I said, this is a true christian faith, the Lord, from whom all good gifts cometh be praised, that he hath given unto your Excel: so great a gift as this faith is, and grant to fulfil this work in you. Then I said further, in such a heart as this is, doth the Holy Ghost work all desire and love unto righteousness: 
His Ex: earnest desire to serve the Lord better than he confessed to have done. Psal. 130.  Whereupon his P. Excel: said. It repenteth me that I have not served the Lord better than I have done: I confess I have not served him enough: I will pray him to strengthen me. This (said I) is most Christianly spoken, and so must all faithful Christians do: If thou O Lord (saith David) mark mine iniquities, O Lord who shall stand? But, mercy is with thee that thou mayst be feared.  
If there were no mercy with God, no man were able to serve him, but now the forgiveness of sins is an Article of our christian Faith, we are all miserable sinners before the Lord, and do all stand in need of his mercy: It is true said his Excellency. Then I spoke unto his Excel: comforts from the word of God, that his Excel: might patiently take this cross upon him, not doubting but that it would be for the comfort and salvation of his soul, saying, that his Excel: would do well to delight himself in the meditating upon that great work of God which he did for us, in suffering his Son not to be an Angel, for Angels, but to be man, for to redeem many, whose manhood, doctrine, miracles, obedience, bloodshedding death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven is all for our good, only in faith constantly believing them as if they had here happened before our eyes, and as if we with the Apostles had seen the word of life with our corporal eyes, 
1 john 1.13.  whereof john speaketh 1 john 1.1.3. The self same JESUS doth now sit at the right hand of God, desiring and expecting that all those that believe in him, to be with him, and to behold his glory, of which glory in regard of our souls after death, as also in regard both of soul and body at the day of judgement, 
john 17.24.  I rehearsed unto his Excel: certain places of Scripture: Whereupon when his Excel: had spoken these words, 
His Ex: words of the joys of heaven.  We cannot conceive this, it is above apprehension, I said, the Angels themselves cannot conceive this great wonderful work of God, but do delight in the contemplation thereof: We must believe and admire it, giving thankes unto the Lord that he hath revealed so much unto us as doth (against the misery which we have in this life) in some measure give us a taste of the joys of the life to come: and thereupon I rehearsed unto his Excel: what joy and gladness the Apostles had upon the Mount, when they did but only see a glimpse of the heavenly glory; and so I alluded also that many times in my sickness I was therewith so rejoiced and comforted, that I felt a taste of the heavenly joys within me.  
Whereupon his Excel: enquired for some places of Scripture which I had mentioned unto him, especially of those that spoke of the Prayer of Christ, and of the joys of the life to come, which I repeated unto him, telling him, that he should not disturb himself too much, and if he could not endure much speech, to employ his mind with good thoughts, or if he could to let some body read by him that which should fall into his Excel: mind, for the word of God is fruitful: and so here with I thought to have taken my leave, excusing myself, fearing lest I should have been overtroublesome unto his Excel: but his Excel: detained me longer with these questions, There be some, said he, that have much in their mouths, but they have no deeds, their words and their deeds do not agree, and such there be many.  
Whereunto I answered that those kind of people were of two sorts, some are but hypocrites which do not mean with their hearts what they say, but do only seek to please men: those be but like painted tombs, of whom Christ speaketh. The Gospel is like unto a net which catcheth both good and bad fishes. In the Lord's field groweth both wheat and tares, and therefore we must not be offended at it, for such there hath been in the Apostles times, and ever will be. Verywwell (said his Excel:) those have it not in their hearts, but when they repent they shall be saved. These people are dead in their sins (said I) they have no spiritual life, and are not yet borne again, and if they will be saved they must be made alive by the spirit of God, and be borne again. But it is otherwise with them that have a good resolution in their hearts and thereupon vow to perform it, although the deed do fail them, they may stumble and fall, but the one more than the other, yea they may fall heavily, whereof we have examples in the word of God these have the spirit of God and are borne anew, but they are feeble and weak, like unto a weakly man, he hath a good will to go, but he cannot so fully perform it, and they are grieved for these imperfections and are sorry for them. The Apostle himself, showeth us the inward combats between the flesh and the Spirit; for, what I would, that do I not, but what I hate that do I. 
Rom. 7.   
The spirit of God is not always a like, for as the wind doth sometimes blow harder than other, so it is with the spirit of God, and God doth deal thus with his children, to humble them and make them know that it is not in their strength, but that it is a special gift of his grace. The seed that falleth into the ground doth bring forth a several quantity of fruit, in some a hundred, in some sixty, and in some but thirty. Christ will not break a bruised reed, neither will he quench smoking flax, and therefore the Lord doth not despise such. We are all weak, and are to strive with flesh and blood all the days of our life, but this fight doth not happen always alike, sometimes when we trust too much to our own power, and do neglect the means which the Lord hath ordained to preserve us, the Lord doth give the Devil leave to tempt us, and this the Lord doth do, that we (being lifted up again) might confess our weakness, and be the more careful of our ways, as we may see by the examples of David and Peter, and in the mean time they that turn unto the Lord and believe in him, have eternal life.  
Hereupon his P. Excel: said, So do I understand it also, but, there be some that think they can have faith and repentance when they please, they think it is in their power, but I know it must all come from God, and it is he that must give it. It is true, said I, your Excel: saith very well, and he unto whom the Lord doth give it, doth feel it, and doth show it according to the measure as he hath received it: but they that let themselves be persuaded they can have it at their pleasure, are deceived; for who is he that hath a spark of God's grace in his heart, that would not be willing to be released from his sins, and to do good continually, if he could do it at his pleasure? The daily experience teacheth all good Christians that do throughly examine their lives, that many times they cannot do as they would do. I have a little before showed unto your Excel: the example of the Apostle Paul upon this subject, who complaineth, that he cannot do what he would do. It is the Lord that worketh in us both the will and the deed; for we have not one good thought of ourselves, Christ saith. Without me you can do nothing, we have not so much as the power over our natural body, much less over our spiritual.  
Then his Excel: said, There be some that would fain have Repentance, but they cannot obtain it; whereupon I answered, they that have a true and hearty desire unto repentance, that is, the spirit of newness of life, those have it already, and shall have their desire; such hungry and thirsty souls the Lord will satisfy, saith Christ, partly here in this life, and perfectly in the life to come. And to this purpose tendeth that sweet call of Christ, Matth. 11. Come all unto me, ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will ease you. Hereby I took occasion to relate unto his Excel: the examples of two men, the one a Minister, who in his sickness, could not in his hart be persuaded to rely upon the mercy of God, which he would so fain have done; the other, of a man who in his sickness complained of a hard & stony heart, not being able to repent of his sins which formerly he had often done. His Excel: demanded how it went with them: the first (said I) was of a Minister demanded, if he could not remember whether in former times he had rejoiced in the mercies of God, (he said) yes, many times, then said the Minister unto him, Be of good comfort, when that dark cloud and hour of trial shall be passed, it will come again, and you shall have your desire, at which words the man so rejoiced, and presently praised the Lord, and thanked the Minister who spoke this comfort unto him; saying, this comfort could not come into my mind. The other man had a Minister to come unto him, and entreated him to pray unto the Lord for him, and he himself would pray also as much as he could, which he having diverse times done, found himself to be altered, wherefore he praised God, this said his Excel: was well done. Then his Excel: demanded for some Chapters which treated of the Lords Prayer, and of the joys of heaven; whereof having satisfied his Excel: I took my leave of him, wishing him ease in this affliction, and a blessed success from the same: wherefore his Excel: did thank me, saying, that he could very well endure to have me come oftener unto him.  
This action lasted above an hour, he being yet reasonable strong and able to speak, and was very desirous to hear the word of God.   

Between the first and the second visitation on the fasting day, being the 6. of April, I understood of Doctor Rumpf, Doctor unto the King of Bohemia, that his Excel: had his Bible lying open before him, of which I was very glad, and considering that when I was with his Excel: he was twice desirous to have some places of Scripture read unto him; not knowing if ever I should see his Excel: any more, I thought good to send unto him a note of certain Chapters for him to read, in regard he found himself to be reasonable well, that so he might employ his time in this exercise: and whereas the said Doctor at that time was to go unto his Excel: I requested his worship to take this note along with him, and deliver it unto his Excel: entreating him to take notice of his Excel: disposition, and accordingly, either to deliver, or detain it.  
A note for his Excel:  
Examples of comfort for repentant sinners, Luke chap. 15. and chap. 7. from the 36. verse to the end, Psal. 51. and 130.  
To comfort us in the love of jesus Christ, and to stir up our hearts unto holy meditations, john 17. Rom. 5.  
To withdraw our hearts from earthly things, & to move us to the desire of the joys of heaven, the two last Chapters of the Revelation.  
The next day the said Doctor told me that he had delivered it unto his Excel: himself, who presently laid it in his Bible.   

The second Visitation.  
ON the 12. of April, being Tuesday, in the forenoon about ten of the clock, her Excel: the Princess of Portugal, requested me by a Messenger, to come unto the Prince: In regard it was not likely that I should stay there long, I went, and was presently brought unto his Excel: where I found not only the said Princess of Portugal, but the Princess of Orange that now is, with a great company of Lords, Nobles, Officers, the Lord Vosbergen, and others unknown unto me, being come to his Excel: and being set down at his bed's side, I demanded of him how he felt himself; whereupon he answered, I am well resolved: thrusting up his Cap from his eyes, he settled himself to talk with me, and presently spoke these words. I have read those Chapters which you sent unto me, they were very excellent Chapters, I do thank you for them, but I cannot remember them all: I cannot repeat any particulars, but I have remembered the substance, is not that well? Yes, gracious Lord (said I) but your Excel: hath troubled yourself too much, and that was not my intent, for which I sent them; for if your Excel: remember, I told you, you should have a verse or two read unto you, of that which should come into your Excel: mind, that so you might employ your mind in meditating on good thoughts, and not to read whole Chapters, which were too tedious: But sithence your Highness hath pleased so to do, the time is very well bestowed, and I am sure it will do your Excel: good, for it is the holy word of God, written for our comfort. Your Excel: doth very well to keep the substance in your mind, which is the point of true Repentance, and the comfort thereof, and therein consisteth all?  
Repentance hath these three branches, 

1 A true and unfeigned sorrow for sin.  
2 Faith in Christ jesus.  
3 A holy resolution to amend our lives.    
Whereupon his Excel: said, 
His Excel: doth confess his sins, and bewaileth that his repentance is not so well as it ought to be.  you do very well sometimes to come and visit me: And then his Excel: spoke with a special earnestness: This is all that troubleth me, whether my repentance be sufficient enough for my sins, for I have offended the Lord grievously, and I constantly believe if I have true repentance, that all my sins are forgiven; for Christ his sake I will pray the Lord to give me true repentance, more than I have yet had: Hereupon I said, your Excel: must not presume upon your Repentance, but with an humble and lowly heart, confess and bewail your sins, as your Excel: also without doubt not feignedly, but from your heart, as it appeareth, and GOD knoweth it; and therefore your Excel: repentance is conformable to the repentance of all true repentant sinners, which are set down unto us in the word of God. Whereupon I did rehearse unto his Excel: the very words which the children of God had used at the time of their repentance, Esay 6.4.6. jerem. 14.20. of David, Psal 32.5.38.5.19.51. of the Publican, Luke 18.13. of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15.18.19. etc. And so I put his Excel: also in mind of that which he had read in the aforesaid Chapters. I said further, it is a great matter to trouble one's self in the perfection of our repentance: the man in the Gospel said, Lord, I believe, 
Mark 9.24.  help thou mine unbelief.  
Your Excel: knoweth, that here in this world we can have no perfection, neither of repentance, nor of faith: The godly lament their imperfections, and so doth your Excel: The most of our perfection in this life (saith an ancient Father) consisteth in the acknowledgement and the bewailing of our imperfections. Therefore the more you are, (according to the example of all the faithful servants of God) troubled with your sins, (as appeareth by the trouble your Excel: hath of the sufficiency of your Repentance) so much the more may you assure yourself, that your repentance is upright and acceptable unto the Lord: David saith, I confess my sins; 
Psal 38.  for there is no rest in my bones, because of my sins: for mine iniquities are gone over my head, and as a weighty burden they are too heavy for me. Your Excel: must also consider the subtlety of the devil, who as an enemy of our salvation, commonly towards our latter end doth most of all strive with us; 
Esay 1 18. 1 john 1.7.  but your Excel: must likewise know, that although our sins were as Crimson, they shall be made as white as Snow, even through the precious blood of jesus Christ, which cleanseth us from all our sins: and therefore consequently that our Faith and Repentance is unperfect. Upon such repentance as this your Excel: repentance is, the Lord will without doubt work in your heart a special joy and comfort, and so I shown unto his Excel: from the Psalms of David, that his repentance was true repentance: & when I had rehearsed some places of Scripture to confirm it, & to comfort his Excel: he answered, I will pray the Lord to strengthen me: 
His Ex: is well contented, and is resolved.  I am now at rest, and am resolved. Whereupon I committed him to the Lord and took my leave of him, and before I went away, her Excel: the Princess of Portugal requested me to come in the afternoon again. I said, I was loath to be over troublesome unto his Excel: but I was the more emboldened, because doctor Roseus, Minister of the word of God at the Hage, told me that he had been with his Excel: and found him very well at rest.   

The third visitation.  
THe same day about three of the clock in the afternoon their Excellencies the Princess of Portugal and Orange did let me understand that they were with the Prince, and that they did expect me there, Whereupon I went, and coming thither, I found the Prince very weak of body but of good comfort; 
His Ex: is of good comfort.  for when I asked his Excel: whether he was well at rest, He answered, yes as well as ever he was. Then I said, the Lord be praised for it; upon such repentance and faith as I have found in your Excel: I did expect this mercy from the Lord, & that according to the promise of Christ, to ease them that are weary and heavy laden that come unto him; and to give the victory to them that do fight so well: Such a quiet peace and rest is the life of our souls, yea, it is the Kingdom of God within us. And here I exhorted his Excel: to continue so unto the end, rehearsing certain promises, wherein the Lord doth promise the help and continuation of his mercy until the end. We poor sinners are bound to use the means which the Lord hath ordained, but without the holy Ghost this work cannot be undertaken nor continued. His Excel: said, So do I hold it to be also; It must all come from God, and I will pray him to strengthen me. 
His Ex: christian declaration of God's mercy.  Hereby I took courage to speak thus unto his Excel: Gracious Lord, your Excel: hath spoken very religiously, saying, that it must all come from the Lord, and that you will pray unto the Lord to strengthen you; The Lord will be prayed or his mercies, and that honour doth only belong unto him, and we ought to do it with a willing mind, and with all cheerfulness, and that in regard he doth so graciously promise to hear us. The Apostle james doth also exhort us to this duty, If any be sick among you (saith he) let him call for thee elders of the church, 
james 5.14.  and let them pray for him. May it therefore please your Excel: that we do all loyntly call upon the name of the Lord, and you to pray with us, as much as is in your power. His Excel: answered, when you please. 
His Ex: is desirous to have payers said at his bed's side.  Whereupon we all fell upon our knees before the Lord, and prayed with tears. Prayer being ended, I set myself down again to comfort his Excel: as the Lord should put it into my mind, amongst other things speaking of the pleasant fruits of affliction, and of the difference between the death of the Saints and the wicked, and of the profitable change which they do make, who in true faith end their pilgrimage, out of this vale of misery, leaving these earthly tabernacles, and go to dwell with the Lord, and how happy and how precious death is unto them, because it endeth their misery, and doth transport them unto the desired haven of rest, even the Kingdom of glory. At these speeches his Excellency hearkened with an extraordinary attention, turning himself unto me, and looking very steadfastly upon me, which made me to admire it; at length with great rejoicing, he approved my words, saying, So do I believe also, I am resolved; then I said unto his Excel: It pleased GOD to let me administer his holy word unto his Excel: of happy memory, Count William of Nassau, in the time of his sickness, and so God hath ordained, that I should do unto your Highness, although in great weakness, I do therefore in all humility beseech your Highness, graciously to ponder this my mean service unto you, trusting that it will not go without a blessing from the LORD, for I know with what heart I have done it; whereupon his Excel: said, I thank you for troubling yourself so much with my person; and presently after, because I did not well understand his Excel: he said, You have done me very good service. And when I thought herewith to have taken my leave of his Excel: his Excel: kissed his hand and reached it forth unto me, so that it made the tears to run down my eyes, saying; your Excel: may please to be of good comfort, and and without doubt the LORD will give you a happy issue from this affliction. And so I withdrew myself, having taken my leave of the said Princesses.  
In this action, although I was very weary of body, yet I rejoiced in GOD, and so did both the said Princesses, Praising the Lord, in the midst of their sorrow, for the Religious and Christian behaviour of his Excellency.   

The fourth Visitation. Being on Wednesday the 13. of April in the forenoon, about 10. of the clock, which was his Excel: dying-day.  
AT this time was I fetched again to come unto his Excel: whom I found to be much altered, and be was not likely to live long; although, when I asked his Excel: how he felt himself, he said, It is much alike as it was yesterday. And whereas I perceived his Excel: to be very weak, I comforted him with these places of Scripture, 1 Cor. 10.13. Heb. 4.15.16. Rom. 8.28.38.39. Whereupon his Excel: answered, I am resolved, and there is nothing in the world that troubleth me, 
Very religious words of his Excel: before his death.  only this; whether my Repentance be as sufficient for my sins, as it ought to be; I am sorry that I cannot serve the Lord as I would do; The Lord strengthen me; I am at rest. With these words his Excel: gave sufficiently to understand, that he was at rest in his mind. Wherefore with all my power and ability, I sought more and more to strengthen his Excel: in this particular, whereunto I found myself much addicted: and to this end I put his Excel: in mind of all the speeches which he had spoken; and first, I put him in mind of his repentance for his sins; secondly, of his faith in jesus Christ; and thirdly, of his religious purpose to amend his life: all which speeches I approved with the word of God, and thereupon I told his Excel: that we were commanded, to them that were thus prepared, to lay open unto them the whole treasure of God's mercy, and his faithful promises in Christ jesus: Wherefore your Excel: must make a good use of this affliction, and by the fruits thereof, show and acknowledge the love of God, according to his word, for he correcteth him whom he loveth: 
Pro. 3.12.  And your Excel: shall find that death is life, according to God's promise, He that believeth in me, 
Heb. 12.6.  it passed from death unto life. I desire, saith Paul, to be loosed, and to be with Christ; for death unto me is advantage; 
Psal. 1.23.21. 1 Cor. 5.1.  If our earthly tabernacles be destroyed we have a building given us of God in the heavens. And thus I exhorted his Excel: to set himself at peace, rejoicing in his Saviour jesus Christ, in whose name, I (as a servant of Christ) did pronounce unto his Excel: forgiveness of all his sins, which he did from his heart repent of; which the Lord himself doth promise to ratify and approve: Your Excel: 
Matth. 18 18.  said I, hath ever been a sincere Prince, hating all falsehood and lies, and your Excel: hath also meant it with your heart, whatsoever you have said in the premises; for your Excel: knoweth, that this is not a time to flatter any body in so weighty a matter as this is, whereon your Excel: salvation dependeth: Therefore your Excel: may please to be steadfast in the only comfort we have both in life and death; and wherein your Excel: hath been so long resolved to live and dye in, with the children of God, without whom I do here protest before the Lord, to know no other salvation for myself, 
His Excel: last words. Of his contentedness in the true comfort of the children of God.  nor for any other Christian: whereupon I demanded his Excel, of this comfort, out of the first question of the high-dutch Catechism; His Excel: answered, This is my only comfort: I know none other, and this is my only refuge, whereby I purpose to remain: which sweet words of his Excel: were as a Crown to this holy work, and a certain sign that the spirit of God had throughly wrought in his heart. Then I said unto his Excel: your Excel: may now expect (over and above the Laurel wreath wherewith the Lord hath crowned you here in this life) to be crowned (with all those Kings and Princes, that with true faith have kissed the Son of God) (as your Excel: hath done) with an immortal and everlasting Crown of glory in the world to come. After these words were ended, his Excel: said, (though with great trouble) I cannot well speak any more: whereupon I left his Excel: wishing him a happy end, which I saw to draw near. At this Visitation were present the chiefest Officers of his Excellency.   

The last Visitation. When his Excellency lay a dying, and departed this world.  
IN the afternoon about four of the clock, I was by two Sergeants requested to come up unto his Excel: Being come into the Chamber, I found his Excel: 
His Excel: cannot speak any more, but hath his perfect understanding.  to be toward his last end, his speech having left him, and was not able once to cast up his eyes. I spoke at his Excel: ear, Being your Excel: speech doth now fail you, think now in your heart (which the Lord doth behold and search thorough) upon your Saviour jesus Christ, who is now the only life and comfort of your Excel: And when I did perceive his Excel: gave sufficient signs that he understood me, I did, at the request of the Princess of Portugal (who stood by me, and with weeping eyes beheld his Excel:) say prayers, 
Prayers is said.  there being likewise present, the Comitties of the High and Mighty, the Lords Estates general, the Lord Vosbergen, and other Lords to me unknown, also the chiefest servants of his Highness, with two Doctors, Doctor Rumpf, and Doctor Valentius, who did all fall upon their knees before the Lord, and prayed with bitter tears for his Excel. After prayer was ended, I spoke again at his Excel: ear; saying, If your Excel: hath understood me, and that you are yet comforted in the Lord, 
His Excel. gave a sign to show that he did understand it, and that he was well contented.  I pray let me know by touching my hand; whereupon his Ex: presently hold me so fast by my hand, that I could scarce get it out, until such time as the strength of his life went from him; and then I spoke once more these words unto him, Lord jesus receive my spirit, Lord jesus have mercy upon me. His Excel: did yet sufficiently show that he understood it; whereupon we once again went unto prayers, and prayed with such fervency, as any Christian might imagine. 
Prayer is said once more.  And afterwards between 5. and 6. of the clock, this noble Prince rested in the Lord, in the prayers of the beholders, so sweetly, as ever I saw man dye, without the least motion of his body, and without any interruption of his breath. 
His Excel: pleasant death.  And thus died this famous Champion, Prince Maurice, etc. in the 58. year of his age, having Governed little less than 40. years. He was held of all truehearted Patriots, a precious and chosen Instrument of God's glory, specially for God's Church, and these Countries. He will be by some more lamented after his death, 
An Exhortation unto all the Inhabitants of this Land.  than he was beloved of them in his life. But I pray and exhort all faithful Inhabitants of this Land, to take to heart these few ensuing admonitions wherewith I will conclude this my Narration.  
The Lord hath within these few years taken from us that faithful Prince Count William Lodowicke of Nassau, etc. and hath sithence visited this Land with heavy plagues, famine, high-waters, strong-warres, as is yet at this time, besides the extraordinary besieging of the City of Breda, and now moreover smites us for our sins with this deep wound; and that in such a time, when all the world would judge we stood in most need of this great Prince. Will the Lord then utterly forsake us and go from us? It seemeth so: and certainly this is no vain imagination, but the King of all Kings, and the Lord of all Lords, whose judgements are just, and whose ways are unsearchable, can and will (according to his infinite mercy who hath so many times miraculously saved these Countries, for his holy name, and well-beloved Son's sake) keep us, if we, (as well Rulers as Subjects) do hate our sins, betimes turn unto him, and do uprightly walk before him, in his holy laws which are not unknown unto us.  
And this is that which we must do, if we will make a good use of God's judgements, that he may turn them from us, and if we desire to have the Lord to bless this Country and State; otherwise we all see, if we are not blind in heart, how the LORD doth threaten us, and which certainly once will come upon us, if we remain snorting in our carnal security, and then we shall not find any mercy with the LORD. It is not any inward nor outward means will be able to save us, if the LORD turn from us: And therefore those are the best people, who above all things seek to appease the wrath of the most Highest, who ruleth the hearts of all Kings, and so labour to obtain his favour, that with a good conscience they may both live and dye in his fear, and thereunto they use all possible means, according to their vocation, to employ it for the service of the common good; and this confirmeth a State, and bringeth the blessing of God over the whole Country; but here I take leave with the Prophet jeremy, to say; O earth, earth, earth, 
jer. 22.29.  hear the word of the LORD: What word? the word of the Son of GOD: Remember from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy first works, or else I will come against thee shortly, and will remove your Candlestick out of his place, except thou amend. I pray the Lord this may be well practised. That all higher powers, and those of meaner sort would take example of the Religious and godly decease of this Noble Prince of Orange, whose soul undoubtedly is now in glory with the Lord jesus Christ, waiting for the blessed resurrection of the dead, which the Lord of his mercy grant unto us. Unto whom, as most due is, be all honour, praise, and glory, for evermore, Amen.  
For as much as concerns those that harden themselves in their sins, by the abusing of God's mercy, and by example of those Saints that have fallen, and are risen up again, (for such there ever hath been, and yet are) must know if they have not a desire of their condemnation, Quod non sint exempla cadendi, nec in peccatis iacendi, sed cavendi & si cecideris, resurgendi; that is to say, that those be no examples to fall, nor yet to lie still, but take heed we do not fall or if we be fallen, that we rise up again. Who is so foolish that will go break his own shins, because he seethe his fellow by a fall hath broken his, and is whole again, 
Rom. 6.12.  shall we continue still in sin, that grace may abound? God forbidden; they that are led by the spirit of GOD, are afraid of such thoughts, for so much as concerneth the devil, with all his wicked complices, and unclean spirits, who cannot endure, and do nothing but scorn and deride the children of God, in whom the Angels do rejoice. We must not stumble at these, for Christ himself saith in the Gospel, that their judgement will be hard enough for them to bear; and therefore it is needless here to speak any more of them, and therefore I end: Beseeching the Lord to restrain the devil, and mercifully to save his people in this great tempest, wherein the whole Christian world do so fearfully strive with one another.  
So be it.   
FINIS.