A Believers Triumph Over Death
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The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
A Believers Triumph OVER DEATH, Exemplified in a RELATION OF The LAST HOURS OF D r ANDREW RIVET.
AND An Account of divers other Remarkable Instances.
BEING An History of the Comfortable End, and dying Words of several eminent Men; with other Occasional Passages: All tending to comfort Christians against the Fear of Death, and prepare them for a like Happy Change.
Isa. 57. 2.
London, Printed for Benjamin Alsop at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682.
The PREFACE.
I Will not trouble the Reader with a long Preface to a little Book, nor waste Time in an affected Apology for my Undertaking to publish the ensuing Stories in the English Tongue; for I doubt not but upon a serious Perusal, the things here Related will be esteemed by every Pious Christian of that worth and use, as will sufficiently recommend this Account of them to their good acceptance, who were not capable of reading them in another Language.
The first, and largest part, of what is here offered to your Service, (viz. The last Hours of Dr. Rivet) was first written, and published in the French Tongue, and soon after turned into Latin, and printed again in the last Edition of his learned and elaborate Works; from whence you have it now translated into our own Language: I have added nothing of my own to it, nor omitted the mention of the least circumstance there set down, but have faithfully represented the whole in the same order as I met with it myself: And I may modestly say, 'It is as great • Story of this kind as most Age • can furnish us with. That thi • might not go alone, I have in the Appendix added the Memorable Examples of the Blessed and Peaceful End of some others also, eminent for their Piety, and zealous Profession of the Protestant Religion while they lived: In which (where no other Author is cited) I have followed the Authority of Melchior Adamus, or of those from whom he made his Collections; and do assure you, that as there is nothing Reported without good Warrant, as to the truth of matter of fact, so I am confident nothing will occur, but what is suitable to feed and increase those holy Affections, and that Pious Zeal, which I hope the foregoing Narrative may enkindle in the Readers heart.
That which I aim at in the whole is, the Quickening and Encouragement of Christians in their spiritual Course; and that the weighty Sayings, and happy End of these Great men may provoke us to imitate that worthy Pattern of Faith and Holiness, which they have left us both living and dying: Instruction backed by Example is more powerful than that given by Precept alone: 'It is truly said, Verba docent; Exempla trahunt: i. e. Words teach, but Examples draw: Howbeit, even the Words of Dying men do usually make a deeper Impression upon the Heart, than other Discourses can do: The Sayings of one upon the brink of Eternity are next of kin to those of one returned from the Dead, and sent back from another World to give us Warning, and direction in our way thither, and therefore do justly claim a more than ordinary attention from us. These men call to us from the borders of Light, having already tasted the Fruit of the heavenly Canaan; and have left behind them such a feeling Testimony of its Sweetness and Glory, as may greatly engage our Souls in pursuit after that same Blessedness which they are arrived at. And if we would have our Death to be as Gainf • and Comfortable as theirs, w • must make the Glory of Chris • the highest End and Design o • our Lives, as they did. Wha • is the Talent of Time lent u • for, but that we might wor • out our own Salvation with fea • and trembling? We lose all ou • time and pains that are not employed this way; and shall a • last be of his mind that said upon his Death-bed, I repent of all my Life, but that part of it which I spent in Communion with God and doing Good. All the World will not relieve a Dying Man; For what will it profit a man if he Gain the whole World, and lose his own Soul? or what shall a man give in Exchange for his Soul? The greatest Monarch that dies without Grace, must subscribe to the last words of Sept. Severus the Roman Emperor, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . i. e. I have been all things, and nothing profits me.
I cannot but add the Grave and serious words of Salmasius, who was a Man of Great Learning, of extraordinary diligence in his Studies, and of Great Fame among the Scholars of this last Age; and yet upon his Death-bed he pours forth this bitter Complaint:
In like manner, the Great Hugo Grotius, after all his Labor, Study, and Proficiency in other Knowledge, at the close of his Life told his Friends,
These Learned men found Religion to be the Truest and Best Wisdom in a Dying Hour: This is the one thing needful; and we shall all find it so, when we must take leave of this World, and make our appearance before God. That the following lines may thro' the Blessing of God be made useful to the awakening a sense of Religion in those that do peruse them, is my Desire, and shall be my earnest Prayer to him who alone can bless the Seed sown, and increase the Fruits of Righteousness.
Nehemiah Coxe▪
ERRATA.
THe Errors of the Press which disturb th • sense, are thus to be corrected:
Page 19. l. 23. for Order r. Ardor, p. 20. • 10. for great very r. very great, p. 40. l. 19. •• seeing, p. 133. l. 4. dele which, p. 200. l. 8▪ dele his.
THE LAST HOURS OF Dr. ANDREW RIVET.
§. 1. THE multitude and variety of things memorable which do occur in this Narrative, doth so much amaze us, that through fear of our own insufficiency either to remember, or express them in a due man • er, and according to their • ignity and worth, we cannot • ut wish, this task had been • ndertaken by abler hands. But • eeing it is matter of fact, and • ords heard, which we are to give an account of, we had rather (so we may but serve the profit of our Friends) expose our prudence unto censure, than be defective in our care and good endeavors in this matter; wherein, that we might be sure to write nothing but most certain Truth, we have chosen to bury many things in oblivion, by a silen • passing over what we hav • but an imperfect remembranc • of; and shall content our selve • to make a rehearsal with simplicity and truth, of those grav • and almost divine Speeches which as they were pour • forth by this Holy man, wer • faithfully preserved, partly i • the Memory, and partly in th • written Notes of those wh • constantly attended on him And yet though we employ ou • utmost diligence herein, w • shall never be able to give them their just weight and Emphasis; for who can imitate that flowing stream of words which with equal wisdom and piety proceeded from him, in an (almost) continued discourse, for the space of twelve days and as many nights? Or who can represent to the Life the motions of a mind, boiling with Meditations, when the Spirit of God administered such an extemporary effort of sayings proceeding from his fruitful breast, and gravely uttered when his senses were no ways impaired, as he was diversely acted either by Grief and Fear, or Hope and Joy?
§. 2. It will be but necessary, before we enter upon the Relation of other things, briefly to mention something concerning the Temper and Disposition of this holy person, and his Circumstances before his last sickness, that the Grace of God towards his Servant may appear the more illustrious; when we see with what care and Providence he disposed his Affairs in the whole course of his life, but especially in this last act thereof.
Besides those excellent gifts wherewith he was adorned (which cannot here be reckoned up particularly) through the Goodness of God he had been favored with the enjoyment of a sound Mind in a sound and healthy Body; he was of a cheerful and sedate Spirit, holding on in an even course of Life, neither lifted up with prosperity, nor cast down by adversity. So that by the habit of a comely and moderate deliberation, he was ever blessed with an inward Joy, and possessed all things with delight and Gratitude; being no less ready to part with them without regret and trouble, pursuing his own profit and advantage in a serious contemplation of the vanity of all worldly things; often repeating that of the Apostle: The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal, 2 Cor. 4. 18. He was never moved with sorrowful events that fell out suddenly, whether in public, or in his private concerns, as a man surprised by an unexpected evil; neither was the tranquility of his mind shaken by them: He was wont to say; Nothing is impossible; I wonder at nothing. Neither on the contrary, did he at any time break forth into a loose and immoderate Joy; as being one set in an higher place, and looking down upon all things here below as uncertain and perishing. He never found himself, on any other account under such perturbation, nor shown the like, as upon the decease of the young Prince of Orange, who from a Child had been committed to his instruction and tuition; and whose Death (as he often affirmed) he bewailed out of pure Charity, and not for any private loss that himself might sustain thereby: Because the confidence he had of his excellent disposition, and expectation of his longer Life, had raised him to the hope that he would prove a useful Instrument for the good both of the State and the Church. From that time he seemed to be more than ever drawn off from worldly things, and used to speak of them with a certain loathing and disdain. The frame of his mind was also discovered, by a frequent interrupting of his accustomed course of reading the Scriptures in order in his Family, and turning to some select Chapters, such as Job 14. Eccles. 3. and 4. Psal. 49. and 144. From whence he took the occasion of such discourses, as shown what Meditations he was customarily taken up with.
§. 3. In the last week wherein he lived in health, being in his Garden accompanied by a Friend, and walking up and down therein, as he was wont, with great pleasure, he gave order what he would have done in the dressing of some Trees, and then added: If I live till the Spring time, they will afford me a pleasant sight; but if not, I shall be in a Garden far more pleasant. When his Friend interposed and said, There was no cause why he should presage such a thing to himself, seeing he was sound and lively; he received a Rebuke from Dr. Rivet to this purpose: The time is now come that I am to be treated after another manner; my age is so far declined and hasting to an end, as plainly to declare that death (which none can be exempted from) stands at my door: And truly death is the principal matter that I meditate on; God is my witness, that I desire not it's delay, but am ready with a cheerful mind to embrace it, yea even this day, if the will of God were so.
On the same day he was entreated by Mr. Hulsius the Pastor of the French Church in that place , that on the next day, being Decemb. 25. he would preach a thanksgiving Sermon after the celebration of the Lord's Supper; which he consenting to do, chose for his Text Psal. 144. 3, 4. Lord, what is man that thou takest knowledge of him, or the Son of man that thou makest account of him? Man is like to Vanity; his days are as a shadow that passeth away. In his Sermon he had an eminent assistance from God, and delivered his matter with a strong and clear voice, and great liberty of speech; and chiefly applied his discourse, to show what favor and honor God had vouchsafed unto man, as well in causing that the Son of God should be a Man, as in giving him for our nourishment unto Eternal Life; from thence teaching the Notice God took of mortal men, and how it had pleased him to embrace them in his favor, and to magnify them.
And in speaking to the answer of the Psalmist, Man is like to Vanity, he touched upon the loss of the Prince, whose Instructor he had been, which was then fresh in memory; but with words no way inclined to flattery, but becoming the Matter and Person that he spoke of, and which breathed forth nothing but pure affection: withal taking notice of the Goodness of God, who in the midst of his Judgments had shown mercy to the house of Orange, to which he had granted a new Offspring (a Son being then born) that the dying hope of that Noble Family might be revived before him: At length he closed with a Meditation of Death, an example of which (said he) seeing Young men that are strong, have before them in a young man snatchit from the earth in the flower of his age and strength, it ought to be often revolved in their minds, and deep thoughts of approaching death to be entertained, which admits of no return to life: What is man? (said he) Nothing but flesh, obnoxious to putrefaction? a flower that springs up today, and tomorrow is cut down: even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away, like the breath that proceedeth out of my mouth. For the cold being great that day, did so condense his breath, that it might be seen of all to whom he was preaching.
§. 4. When the Sermon was finished, he returned home as lively and well as he had been seen for some years past; nor did he the next day feel any decay of his former strength. But on Thursday, which was the 27 th of December, he began to complain of a pain below his Navel; and refusing to eat any Supper, desired that a Clyster might be given him; but it was to no purpose, the liquor being driven back again with greater force than it was injected. That night was passed over partly in bearing of his sharp pains, and partly in serious discourses. On Wednesday morning the complaint of his pain was increased, and he desired that the use of a Clyster might be repeated; which was done accordingly, but with no better success than the former: Then were two Physicians sent for, and they suspecting that the former Clysters either had not been skillfully injected, or else were not strong enough, made trial of the like means once and again; but with the same success as before: for a glutinous humor had already fast locked up the passage against all Remedies. On the next day which was Tuesday, they prescribed Pills of Alloes washed; and on Friday the Infusion of Rhubarb; either of which did sufficiently agitate his body, but effected nothing, neither was any way opened for their passage, the expulsive faculty being weakened and dulled, so that it could give Nature no assistance. The wind shut up in his bowels tormented the sick man, his Belly was swollen, and he was afraid to touch either meat or drink, lest thereby his grievance should be increased. There were no proper means unattempted, nor any kind of help by Clysters, Fomentations, or Baths, but were made trial of, until by the stubborn disease that resisted all Remedy, he was brought unto death, the twelfth day of his sickness; the History of which we shall now prosecute more at large.
§. 5. On the second day after his disease had seised him, he well understanding the nature of it, declared what the event would be; Not (saith he) that I would neglect Remedies; that I may please my Friends, I will do whatsoever is thought meet to be done, being secure as to the issue, which I commit to the Providence of God: Then he asked his Niece, M rs Mary Moline, what she conceived of his disease, which he thought would prove mortal: And when she answered, That her opinion was the same; yet that he had no reason to fear anything, having been long prepared to follow God when he should call; that the time of his Life hitherto had been long, if it were crowned with an happy and Glorious End.
Then suddenly turning his speech unto God, he said:
§. 6. The remainder of the day was taken up with pains, the use of Remedies, and the Visits of Friends: when the night came on, he earnestly entreated Mrs. Rivet his wife, that she would retire herself into the next Chamber; not only because she was afflicted with a vehement Cough, but also that he might remove her from the grievous sight of himself when tormented with his pains; and because he found his tender affections more moved at the sight of her, than any other person. So none remained with him but his Niece Mrs. Mary Moline, and two of the household servants. But who can particularly relate the speeches which he uttered, and in a manner poured forth that night and the day following? (which was Thursday Decemb. 29.) with an Affection and Order inexpressible, breathing from his Heart nothing but Repentance, Faith, Charity, and holy Zeal! In a word, he implored the mercy of God with the Greatest self-denial, and abasement of Soul, confessing himself to be a miserable sinner, and casting away all confidence in any good thing which he had done in his life; yea speaking of that with great very contempt, he accused his own defects, and ascribed unto God the Glory of his good works; often repeating such expressions as these.
Then repeating the word Gift he added:
Then after a little interruption of his discourse, by a shor • sleep; he thus proceeded.
I am God's and he will • save me; he hath honor • me with an holy Calling; and hath not suffered his gif • to be altogether useless in me as to the Edification of hi • Church: As to myself, I can most truly affirm, that I have not served him for filthy Lucre, but with a sincere heart; and that I was myself first persuaded of the truth of the Gospel, and experienced the efficacy thereof, before I preached it to others,
I tasted the good Word of God, which by it's power pierceth even to the dividing asunder of Soul and Spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Thou hast known my heart, O Eternal God! thou knowest that I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, but have esteemed it my only honor to serve thee; and that I have delighted myself in the pleasure of obeying thy will! Such was thy goodness unto me! I truly and humbly acknowledge, that whatsoever good was in me, flowed from thy Grace; bu • my defects ought to be ascribed to my inbred Corruption: Alas! I acknowledge • this with humble and serious repentance; how oft hav • I sinned in so holy a Charge not only by omitting man • things which I ought to hav • done, but also by doing many things amiss! How of have I offended through negligence, and slackness! Long since had I been cast off, wer • it not that I had to do wit • so good a Lord, who hat • born with me, and hath be • so gracious to me as no • to exact a severe account o • my Words and Works! Alas▪ O Lord my God! Enter no • into Judgment with thy servant, for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Let me be found not having mine own Righteousness, but the Righteousness of thy Son, for the sake of which, I beg thy favor. Pardon, O my God, Pardon the Iniquity of thy Servant, who is devoted to thy Fear: I refuse not thy discipline, I know it is necessary; only this I earnestly beg, that it may turn to my Salvation: Chasten me, O Lord, but in measure, lest thou bring me to nothing: Let not my trial exceed my strength, lest I Sin through Impatience, and become a Scandal to those I should edify. O let me never break out into a murmuring complaint: O how light is this chastisement, if compared with my fault! What are these temporal pains, in comparison with those Eternal torments from which I am redeemed by him that poured out hi • Soul upon the Cross for me! For Me! This is the languag • of Faith, which makes a particular application of General Promises. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of a • acceptation; That Jesus Chris • came into the World to sav • sinners, of whom I am Chief Lord, I believe, help though • mine unbelief: Turn though • me, and I shall be turned indeed: Seal all thy Promise in my Soul: Cause in the inmost of my heart a lively perception of those sweet word • My Son, be of good comfor • thy sins are forgiven the •
With such holy Meditatio • and speeches as these, was th • Thursday night passed over.
§. 7. On Friday morning, Mrs. Rivet his Wife, put him in mind of sending one to the Hague for his Son: By all means (said he) that ought to have been done sooner; and then gave order himself concerning it. About Nine of the Clock he was visited by Renessius a Doctor of Divinity, and Pastor of a Dutch Church; who in the Latin Tongue saluted him after this manner: Most excellent man, how do you? To whom he answered in the same Language:
The rest of the day was filled up with the Visits of Friends; for he would have none hindered from coming to him.
With such sayings as these, he filled the by standers both with Consolation and with Wonder; while he thus proceeded:
His manner was to let no Minister part from him, before he had prayed with him;
§. 8. Towards Evening, when the Gentlewoman his wife could not be prevailed upon to withdraw, and betake herself to some rest;
The night before Saturday was spent in grievous pains, and in most ardent Prayers for the Church of God, for the Princes that were Defenders of it, for the People that lived under their jurisdiction, and for the Pastors to whom the care of Souls was committed: Speaking particularly of the States, (viz: of the United Provinces) he said,
When the night was spent he was exceedingly wearied and tired out, both with overmuch speaking, and especially by means of abstinence from drink, with which he was wont to be refreshed: for when through the extremity of his thirst he was forced to take down a little, immediately his stomach cast it back again, being like a Vessel filled to the top, that could receive no more. The Physicians afflicted his body with the use of various Remedies, but he bore all with an even temper of mind; often saying,
§. 9. That Saturday he was mightily enfeebled, and sometimes very drowsy: he spake but little that forenoon. Afternoon when divers friends visited him, and were discoursing among themselves of the nature of his disease, he heard all that passed between them in the Chamber (for he was very quick of hearing) and gathered both from their discourses, and also from his own knowledge of the disease he labored under, that his distemper was that which Physicians call Miserere mei, which he was not likely to pass through without very grievous Symptoms: such as, a burning Fever, Delirium, and vomiting of his excrements: And thereupon he began to be afflicted with much solicitude, while his mind was intent upon the thoughts of the grievousness of these Symptoms: and in frequent Ejaculations he sent up short and ardent Prayers to God about it.
And smiting his belly, he said,
And in the ensuing night he did often inculcate,
Then he again poured forth his prayers for the Church of God; saying,
He suffered no day nor night to pass over without his Prayers for the House of Orange: Tbou hast afflicted it, O Lord, (said he) but we beseech thee let it not be destroyed: Let this Branch grow up, which if it be thy good pleasure, may come to be a fruitful tree in it's time: Let all acknowledge that good to come from thee; and that thou alone canst give both being and well-being: How great folly is it to put confidence in man, and in the Son of man, who is nothing: His breath goeth forth, and then his best contrived thoughts perish.
§. 10. On the next day, which was the first of the year 1651. when he first beheld the light he said,
O Lord thou hast granted unto me to see the beginning of the year: thou hast measured out my time unto the middle of this Age: Then he asked what hour of the day it was, and what weather? when it was answered, that the weather was very sharp and severe, he was afraid it might hinder his Son • journey to him: Whereupon he addrest himself to God after this manner.
O my God, bring my Son unto me, that I may see him, embrace him, and bless him before I die. Then turning himsel • to his Wife, he said;
This day also was taken up with the Visits of Friends; and amongst others that came, there was Colonel Verneuil, and some more Officers in the Garrison, of which two or three were of Poitou; unto whom he said,
When he had thus expressed himself, he dismissed him with prayers for the welfare of him and his family.
§. 11. About evening he desired to be helped out of his bed, and to sit in a Chair; where he perceived the swelling of his Belly to reach to the pit of his Stomach; which gave him apprehension that hi • end drew near; wherefore sending for Mr. Dauber an emine • Civilian, he imparted to hi • his purpose of adding a Codicil to his Will: And in orde • thereto he sent for the Town Clerk and the two Consuls, an • having fully declared his min • to them, the business being don • and sealed; he began to discourse of another settlemen • by the resignation of himse • and his into the hands, an • unto the care of God; expressing his assurance of the blessing of God upon his: and the added,
That he did exceedingly rejoice, that he should leave behi • him a Wife excelling in virt • and motherly affection to the chi • dren of her husband; and also • Son that was a good man, a • studious of peace, who would be a Father to the three little ones, whose Guardian he was appointed by that Codicil.
And for this last office he rendered unto them his thanks, and to the Council of the City in general; and in particular blessed each of them and their Families. And when they were departed, he went to his bed again; and seeing nobody stand about him but his little Family, he said to his Niece,
My Daughter, do not depart from me, but persist with me in the duty of Prayer: do not fear to rehearse all those words to me which God shall suggest unto thy heart or mouth; this sweet and pleasing communication shall help to pass over this night with the more ease: And God will be with us, and assist our good intentions: He will help our weaknesses, and afford us matter of supplications, and thanksgivings: such discourses are pleasing unto him; he attends unto them that fear him, when they talk together of those things that belong to the Salvation of their Souls.
And then as one in a Rapture, he said,
§. 12. Then turning his speech to his Niece, he said: That I may not tire thee with long discourses, Admire thou the Grace of God towards me, and bless him who fortifies me with patience: Observe my words unto my last breath, and commit them to writing as fully as thou canst, that thereby my dearest Brother, with others of my near kindred and affinity, as also my friends, may be Comforted and Refreshed: To which when she returned answer; That she was unable to retain, and commit to wriing such an abundance of holy speeches as flowed from him, he Replyed;
Fear not; only do thine endeavor, and God will help thee: If God give me strength, I will write a short Epistle, which shall be for a testimony that Credit is to be given to thy Relation. (And he was always wont upon the mention of anything of this nature, to add,)
Not that I would hereby procure praise to myself; But I would have it known unto all, That the Religion which I have professed, and taught in the name of God, is the true Religion, and that alone which leads men unto Salvation: And particularly, I would have my brother informed of that inestimable Grace which I have received of God, that he may be abundantly comforted and strengthened in his expectation of a better life, which I already enjoy: O with how great love have I loved him, and esteemed him! yea I have loved the gifts of God in him, and shall • love them to the last: I pray God who is the giver of every good gift, that he will fulfill, strengthen and make perfect his own work in him; that he will guide him with his Counsel, and at length save and receive him to his Rest: The same prayers I make for my Nephew his Son Stephen, that he may be an useful Instrument for the promoting of God's Glory, a diligent workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth. O Lord my God, I pray not only for my Brother, but for all those in France, to whom thou hast committed the conduct and Rule of the Churches: Bless their Persons; pardon their defects; Sanctify their Gifts: Grant unto them that they may seriously return unto the simplicitly which is in Christ; and that they detract not from the Glory of God, to ascribe unto man what belongs to his Salvation; He is strong and Jealous. If in my writings I have seemed to deal a little warmly with some of my brethren about their new notions, I protest before God, I was never moved by envy or wrath against any one in particular, but on the contrary always accounted the men that favored those novelties, among my friends; And the more I loved both their Persons and Gifts, the more it grieved me that I could not reconcile their Maxims with the Word of God: I do most earnestly beseech God, that he will give them the Spirit of Peace, that they may be of the same Judgment, and speak the same things: And that the love of God may constrain them, and gather them into one in Christ; Till we all come unto the unity of the Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; That following the Truth in love, we may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even Christ.
I would have thee without delay write unto thy Father; he is my Brother in a double bond, I have always esteemed, and loved him; he hath been an useful Instrument for the Glory of God, and I doubt not but he will thoroughly accomplish his work in him, to the Glory of his own Name, and his eternal Salvation: I go before him, in a little time he will follow after me: he is almost come to the end of his course, and there remains but a little time before God will Crown his labors with an Eternal Reward.
And here again in an extraordinary transport he brake out into these expressions:
Then turning his discourse to his Niece again;
§. 13. On Monday Morning he desired to arise out of his bed, that he might write those Letters which he had made mention of in the Night: and also that he might add something to the Codicil which was annexed to his Will the Evening before: His Strength was sufficient to admit the putting on of his clothes, and also his walking into his Study; where he took the Bible designed for his Niece, and gave it to her himself: And to Mr Dauber who was then with him, he gave an Arabic New Testament, and laid by another Book for Mr. Hulsius; and one for his Brother Rivet, to be immediately sent unto him to Champuer non in France; unto whom (being returned into his Chamber) he wrote this letter.
My Dear Brother!
I Now write my last to you, with a trembling and dying hand: After the preaching of a Sermon on Christmas day in perfect health: it is now eight days since I have been afflicted with a Stubborn Constipation; and the expulsive faculty is wholly extinct in me: Wherefore I am determined by the Grace of God to die with courage and constancy: By the obstinate continuance, and pains of my distemper, I am quite worn out; and the day of my dissolution draws near. My Niece Mary Mouline shall write unto you an account of my last Hours, and of that tranquility of mind which God affords to me: I expect the coming of my Son, to whom I may commit my Nephews and affairs; He shall give you an account of all. Farewell my dearest Brother! But keep me in remembrance the residue of thy life, who have loved thee and thine with a great Charity; Love mine again, as thou doest: I pray God to bless thee, and all thine: Once again Farewell!
Dated at Breda, Jan. 2. 1651.
He wrote also to Mr. Mouline, his brother by Affinity, in these words.
My Dearest Brother,
IT so pleaseth God, that yo • should remain alive after me▪ I now write being upon the borders between life and death, after a Sermon preached on Christmas day, which was followed with • pertinacious retention, faecium in alvo induratarum, and of the retaining of that load, the Dissolution of the body with grievous pains is the necessary consequent. Your Daughter which ministereth to me in this agony, hath undertaken to write to you of my constancy, and the Grace which God affordeth to me. Live unto the Glory of his Name, remembering me and mine, who die
Your most Affectionate, &c.
§. 14. When he had written these Letters, he found himself exceedingly wearied, and desired to be had to bed again. All this day was spent in receiving his Friends, especially the Pastors who were of divers Nations: unto whom he discoursed largely of surrendering up himself into the hands of God, and recited to them a Confession of his Faith, and exhorted them to proceed cheerfully in that work which the Lord had committed to them: He gladly received those consolations whereby they endeavored to asswage his pains, and heard their Prayers for him with like joy, always adding, That he was much refreshed by them. All this day the time seemed very long to him, while he expected the coming of his Son.
How fraid am I (said he) that I shall not see my Son! It is the only thing I desire in this life.
When he was wholly given up by the Physicians, and now for many days had neither received nor voided anything, a little after Noon, a good man that was touched with our Affliction said unto us, That it seemed a very wonderful and strange thing to him, that we would suffer a man of so great merit, who was yet strong and hearty, to go out of the world without trying of any Remedies: adding, That he knew a person that was held with the same disease, that was helped by Baths prescribed by a Surgeon in the City, who was indeed very skillful in his Art. This person therefore was immediately sent for, who when he came, finding the sick man strong enough to abide the use of that Remedy, without delay prepares a Bath, by which he found himself much eased, and his pains asswaged; and that Monday Night, he had a better Night of it than ordinary.
§ 15. The next day in the Morning they repeated the Bath, after which a Clyster was injected, which seemed to have begun its work: All that were about the sick man rejoiced, and bad him be of good courage, promising his recovery from his distemper; And, to say the truth, himself began, if not to hope, yet at least to think, it might be so. In the following Evening the Bath was repeated again, after which being had to bed, he began to sleep sweetly: but had scarcely rested half an hour, before he was awaked by the pain of his side, and a greater tention of his Belly than before, and the access of a Feaver. Nothing was left unattempted fo • his relief, by fomentations an • unctions; but all was to • purpose: The complaint of th • sick man was increased, an • he tired out and afflicted wit • extraordinary restlessness. An • then his Niece perceived tha • there was something else troubled him more than the pain of his Body; for he remaining silent, groaned forth most bitter sighs, whereas before the more he was tormented with pain, the more ardently did he use to pour out his prayers to God: It was Supper time when she was left with him alone, and then with a mournful voice he asked,
Who is there, is any Stranger present?
And when his Niece had told him, No: she asked him, Whence doth this unusual disquietude proceed? you seem to me to suffer something extraordinary; what is become of that cheerfulness through which you were wont to pass through your pains with the greatest Joy?
Alas! (said he) He is departed from me that made glad my Heart: I have grieved that Holy Spirit the Comforter, who had filled my Soul with Peace and Joy; I have been so wretched and unhappy as to give ear to those who spake unto me of my returning into this World: I have been tickled with the desire of living: And how could such a thing possibly be, after the fruits of the Heavenly Canaan had been tasted by me, and I had by faith taken hold of Supernatural good things? What is now necessary to be done? Whither shall I go • If I speak, he answers not; ye • he hath taken from me the power of speaking: Ah, sad change! An holy fire had kindled my meditation, but now vain thought • hurry me: I cannot get out of my mind an old Satyr, and suc • like trifles. Thus while I am • deaths door, I go backwards.
And here casting his arm • about her neck, he thus proceeded:
§. 16. Then she suggested to him those places of Scripture which by the Divine aid were brought to her mind; in answer to which, every moment he interposed those words, as made it evident that his Soul which before was sinking under its burden, began to gather strength & Comfort again. He had scarce been a quarter of an hour in that Conflict, before he fell into a Swoon; which occasioned the hasty calling in of his Son, who was come to him but that Morning; and when this sinking fit was over, there appeared in him again the same Tranquility and Chearfulness of Countenance as formerly: And seeing those of his own Household, with some Friends that used to assist him, and watch with him by turns, in the next Room, he attentively fixed his eyes upon each of them; and first Addressing himself to his Wife:
Then turning his Speech to his Son, he said,
Then taking hold of both their Hands, and joining them together:
Promise me, (saith he) that you will maintain an holy and mutual friendship with each other.
Which when they had both most solemnly Promised to do.
Then turning to his Wife, he said:
The Lord Bless thee my dear Love, and strengthen thee; he i • an Husband to the Widow, an • a Father of the Fatherless.
And to his Son,
And then taking hold of the hand of the eldest of the Children, he said,
And unto his Niece he thus spake:
Farewell my dear Niece, the Lord bless thee! We have a Kindred in the Heavens which will endure forever.
§. 17. Now when we thought this night would be his last, the principal of his Friends were called to him, and amongst them Mr. Hulsius, and as they stood about his Bed, he attentively beheld them, and discoursed of his Departure at hand, and his disposition to give up himself to the Will of God, with a joyful and free Soul. He exhorted each of them according to their respective Condition in regard of Age, Sex, or Quality, and blessed each of them and their Families.
Then again speaking to his Son, he said,
Then he uttered in French Metre the words of the Psalmist to this sense.
Unto whom shall I go for help, O Lord, and in whom is my hope? truly in thee.
I am full of days: I desire to be Dissolved and to be with Christ. It is enough, O Lord! Receive now my Soul: I commit this Body to the Earth, but I commit my Spirit into the hands of God who gave it.
And in a Paroxysm of Pain he said,
My God, I know this Tabernacle cannot be dissolved without pain, yet my heart is lively, and I have still strength to bear my pains. O Lord, help mine Infirmities; depart not far from me in the day of my Sorrow: Say unto my Soul, I am become thy Salvation.
This last he rehearsed in the French Metre, and then repeated in Hebrew, from Psal. 16. 5.
The Lord is the Portion of my Inheritance.
§. 18. From that Night forward it was observed, when any one discoursed to him of Repentance, and of the Grace of God in forgiving sins, he was wont to answer:
That night he made a long and ardent Prayer, the greatest part of which is slipped out of our Memory: In general he Prayed for all men, and bewailed the Corruption of Mankind.
§. 19. On the Wednesday morning he found himself much wearied and enfeebled, partly by the Pains he had endured, and partly by his much and earnest speaking. Both we that were about him, and himself, were all of the mind that his last hour was approaching; for which reason he spake as follows.
When he had again blessed his Family and all that stood by him, his Speech wholly failed him for a time, so that we expected nothing less than to see him draw his last Breath; but being recovered out of this sinking fit, he began to speak again, and when he saw the Chamber full of People, he said:
Therefore everyone withdrew according to his desire, and we were afraid to come • near to him, lest we should molest him; but when we heard his Groans, his Niece went in softly to him, and said, Reverend Sir, Would you be without my Company, doth it not please you that I should any longer attend upon you.
She asked if it would please him to have his Son come to him?
When he came near to him, he stretched out his hand and received him kindly, and then repeated to him what he had before said concerning his Brother, affirming,
And after a little stop, he continued his Speech unto his Son:
§. 20. This whole day was past over much to his ease and quiet, none being admitted to disturb him with their Visits: He lay still, and was inclined to Sleep; and when he observed us to look upon him as if he had been asleep; I sleep (said he) but my heart waketh. And when we asked him sometimes how he did,
These Discourses being began towards Evening, were continued till it was Night; which he perceiving and wondering at himself, said,
§. 21. On Thursday morning turning his eyes towards the light, he said,
§. 22. This whole day was spent in like holy discourses, and the Prayers of Ministers that came to him, with the Visits of other Friends. Towards Evening he found himself very weak, and had two or three fainting fits, but his speech did not wholly fail in them; sometimes he would say,
Towards the middle of the Night, his strength being a little recovered, he reached forth his hand to Mrs. Rivet his Wife, and said,
Then turning to his Son,
§. 23. Then taking many Friends by the hand that stood by him, he said,
And then turning to his Niece,
Then seeing Mr. Fayan le Coq:
§. 24. Then turning again to his Son, he said,
Then hearing the Clock strike, he asked what hour it was? which when he knew, he said:
Then smiting upon his Breast, he said:
§. 25. Thus was the Thursday night passed over: The poor sick man was wearied, and exceeding thirsty, yet durst not drink: He seemed to be breathing out his Soul every moment, and panted for deliverance; but the end of his Conflict was not yet come; there remained still above twenty four hours to be undergone, and those very sharp. His Son had betaken himself to some rest in the morning; and after a while coming into the Chamber again, his Father said to him,
My Son, this duty will be pleasing to God; I should have reckoned myself happy if in anything I could have helped my Father; he was a good and a pious man: I had also an holy Mother, which deserved very well of the whole Family; there was in her an holy Ambition and ardent Charity. My Son, how do I rejoice to see thee! I have yet many things to say to thee; Remember that thou speak to the Illustrious Princesses Dowagers, and tell them that I die devoted to them in all dutiful affection, and that I recommend unto them the utmost I can the Institution of the illustrious College in this Town; which is indeed the honor of the house of Orange, and of his memory who founded it, unto whom in my own particular I am laid under very great Obligations.
That great Prince who first called me to his service in his house, heaped his benefits upon me, and (without vanity I speak it) honored me with his friendship; of which he could give no greater Testimony than by committing to me the first education of his only Son; who indeed was snatched away from us in the flower of his age, when both his Fathers house, and the Common-wealth had most need of him: Truly he was a Prince adorned with many gifts, and disposed to receive good things, and to Piety; I believe that God was merciful to him; and that his goodness is not wholly withdrawn from this noble house, to which he hath raised up a Son that may supply his Fathers place; The Almighty God bless and Preserve that Branch, and Bless his Education; and make him to grow in Age, and in Gifts and Graces, that he may be an Instrument of promoting his Glory, and an instance of his Grace and Favor. I beseech him also to bless the Princesses, his Mother and Grandmother, that their Concord may turn to the Good of the Child and of the State: The Lord guide them in all things with the Spirit of his Fear, strengthen them in the Faith, and encourage them unto every good work: I hope they will keep in mind my service and Zealous Affection for the good of their noble Family; But if not, my trust is in God.
§. 26. After half an hours silence or thereabouts, he thus continued his discourse:
He also prayed for the Lady Electress of Brandenburg and her Sisters, That God would adorn them with all Christian and moral Virtues; and b • with them to the end of thei • Lives.
But now his oppression was so much increased, that we could not take the texture of his Meditations; only by his countenance and gesture we might see that he prayed continually; and sometimes he uttered some words, whereby we understood that others had preceded in his Meditation; a • for instance,
Then he repeated in French Metre the 18. verse of Psal 51. which is in English Metre,
§. 27. Amongst the many Physicians that had attended on him, there was one Dr. Crucius a Roman Catholic, who came this Morning to visit him, and asked him, if he still continued to be of good courage.
A while after Mr. Wickelmans a Dutch Minister came, and spake to him in the Latin tongue, to whom he answered in the same Language,
Then the Minister repeated to him the words of the Apostle, 2 Tim. 4. 7, 8. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness; At which words he cried out,
Again, when beholding hi • pains, he exhorted him to patience; he answered,
§. 28. At another hour when the same Minister visited him again, and said,
And when this Minister had prayed with him, he returned him thanks in these words:
He also added,
Immediately he subjoined a verse or two out of one of Beza 's French Poems, to this sense:
§. 29. Towards Evening the Pangs of death increased upon him; The extreme Pains of his bowels, his sudden fainting, a •• and other grievous Symptoms, were the indications of approaching death: But in this state, and utter decay of th • strength of nature, his exercis • of Faith was strengthened s • much the more, and his patience confirmed:
When he looked towards his Wife, she thus addressed herself to him:
Then calling the Child, he said,
Then taking him between his hands;
§. 30. These holy speeches were sometimes interrupted by a short sleep, and sometimes on occasion of the Prayers or Exhortations of the Ministers that came to him; He received them all most Cordially; and most willingly heard the Consolations that were suggested by them; And he would also return Consolations to them: He heard their prayers with attention, and when they had done, was wont always to say, That he found himself much relieved. And then dismissed them with thanks, giving his blessing to each of them as was proper to their Condition. Towards Supper time, he remembered the noble Virgin Anna Maria a Schurman, and said,
She is a person to whom I have always devoted my Affection and sincere Love: she hath honored me with her holy friendship, and hath called me Father; In testimony of my paternal Love, I give her my little Bible without Points, of Plantines Edition, which you shall find in such a Place in my Study (directing to the place;) If I had any strength left, I would have written a Letter to her with my own hand, whereby I would have testified to her how much I Honor her, and esteem those admirable gifts of God wherewith he hath adorned her. But you (my Son) shall supply this defect, and inform her of my happy Departure; and that I have prayed to God that he will Strengthen her in her supernatural Calling, and bestow upon her the blessings of a long and prosperous Life.
What remains? Have I not said all? I have no more to do, but to give up my Soul into the hands of God: Is it not time? O my God, let it suffice! Receive my Soul unto thyself, O Lord! I yield it into thy hands; thou hast Redeemed it, O God of Truth: Thou art my hope, and my Confidence from my youth: No care afflicts me; God hath removed from me the Opprobry which I feared; (meaning the Vomiting of his excrements, a symptom usual in his Distemper;) He will perfect (and that quickly) whatsoever belongs to his Glory, and my Eternal Salvation: If he make any stay, if he defer my deliverance, he doth it for your Edification and Salvation; Let not my Sorrows be grievous to you, but rather bless God who gives me a desirable plume, and makes my heart joyful in the midst of my pains: Rejoice therefore; and Pray with me.
§. 31. When he had asked what a Clock it was, he said to his Wife and his Son,
They withdrew therefore into the next Room, and one brought an Egg to his Niece, which he desired her to take.
Then reaching out his hand to his Niece,
His Wife and Son being returned into the Chamber;
§. 32. Oft times through the bitterness of his pains he brake forth into Cries, or rather ardent Prayers unto God; and that frequently, in the words of the Psalms in the French Metre: as Psal. 141. 1.
Then adding from Psal. 25. 18.
And upon the mention of any Text that speaks of the Remission of sins, he would immediately subjoin,
And then repeated from Psal. 118. 24.
They continually suggested to him places of Scripture; unto which he would return such answers as did abundantly manifest his Godly Ardor, Faith, and Patience; as for instance, when it was said to him,
Then that place was alleged, 1 Cor. 15.
Again from Rom. 8. 30.
Moreover, whom he did predistinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also Glorified:
Even so it is! (said he) Grace upon Grace! O lovely Chain! This is a Golden Chain indeed! there wants but the last link to complete the whole in me. O Lord make perfect, and Crown thy work; That I may die the death of the righteous, and see those good things, which eye hath not seen, neither have they entered into the mind of man; Thou givest me a foretaste of these sweetnesses and refreshings, which no words can express.
§. 33. Then Mr. Hulsius being present, asked if it would be acceptable to him that he should go to Prayer?
When he had ended his Prayer, he gave him thanks; saying,
About Midnight his pains increased exceedingly, which caused him to break forth into bitter cries, calling upon God for his help.
Presently upon this he fell into a great fainting (which Physicians call Lipothymia) on which occasion Mr. Martin Lydius a Dutch Minister was instantly called in. He was one that Dr. Rivet had a great affection for, and he was daily with him during his sickness; And therefore what passed between them two, we will set down in Lydius his own words, which are as follow.
§. 34. This Reverend Father in Christ required that I should be often called to him in the time of his sickness, having formerly been his Scholar at Leyden. When I came first to him, he exhorted me with sweet words to proceed as I had begun: saying, that it greatly rejoiced him to understand the Affection which the Church at Breda had for me; Wherefore, I pray thee (said he) Give me thy hand; Go on to adorn the service thou hast undertaken. Then he uttered an excellent Confession of his Faith with a strong Voice: in which he shown on what stays the Protestant Religion, which he had hitherto propagated both by Preaching and Writing; leaned, for the obtaining of that Consolation both in life and death, which the miserable Papists cannot have.
And when I recited some select places of Scripture to him out of the Old or New Testament, he would rehearse them again either in Hebrew or Greek. I said, that I doubted not but with Stephen the Protomartyr he did already see Heaven opened, &c. To which he replied with a cheerful Countenance and Voice,
I excused myself, that I could not pray to God with him, because I was a stranger to the French Tongue, and the by-standers understood not the Latin Tongue; but he said, Pray in that Tongue which both thee and I understand; which when I had done, and prayers were ended, he gave me thanks: saying,
When he had spoken these, and other things of like nature, I bid him Farewell: but he again desired me to pray with him: which being done, with a sigh he said,
When the fatal day was come, about two a Clock in the Morning, he would have me called, and when I drew near to his bed, he took hold of my hand, to whom I said,
This I Testifie, Martinus Lydius Preacher at Breda.
§. 35. About three of the Clock in the Morning his Wife came near to him, and beholding in his Countenance the Image of death, she cheerfully said:
Farewell my dear▪ Go rejoicing into eternal life.
Thou sayest true (said he) I go unto my God and your God▪ We are all Gainers: Amen! Amen! Farewell my Son! Farewell my dear Niece! Fear not, I have prayed for you; Ye shall • be happy. Persevere to th • end, that none get away your Crown: I go before you, and ye shall follow me; you have no cause to doubt of it: We shall be caught up together to meet the Lord i • the Air, and so we shall fo • ever be with the Lord: I have no more to say or do, I am ready, I am prepared; Come Lord Jesus, Come! receive thy Creature; I aspire I hope, I knock at the Gate; Open O Lord! Open unto thy poor Servant.
His Oppression was manifestly discerned to increase upon him, and also a mortal Sopor or drowsiness, and Rotling came upon him: The Chamber was filled with company; but most were of the mind it was not meet to weary him any longer with discourse; seeing nothing could be added to that abundant Testimony of his Faith which they had already: Therefore about five in the Morning they all departed, except Mr. Lydius, who silently waited the last season of praying to God for him when he should be drawing his last breath. But when it was past eight of the Clock, and he discerned but little change, and found his Pulse much the same, he thought he might abide in that Agony until Evening; therefore he departed, promising to return as soon as they should send for him. Only those of his own house remained with him, who feared to molest him by speaking, and were also uncertain whether he could speak, or not, because of his extreme oppression, and his lying with his Mouth open. Friends at length prevailed with his Wife to withdraw from the sight of his last Agony; and only his Son and Niece stood by the Bed, expecting his last breath; yet neither did they think that had been so near, as it was. About half an hour after Eight the Colour of his Face was wholly changed, and Convulsive motions came on: Then his Niece asked him, if he yet had his understanding.
§. 36. Then his Son said,
Then he began himself to recite those words, I have fought a good fight, &c. And when one had repeated what follows, and came to those words, which God the righteous Judge will give; he added, He will do it. And when one said;
In these last Moments there came in some of his Friends who were witnesses of his happy Departure: But the Ministers above named, viz: Lydius and Hulsius, came too late to hear him speak anything. Howbeit a short Prayer was made for him; after which when he had abode a while with his Eyes fixed, and his hands lift up towards Heaven; One of the standers by said;
AN APPENDIX: WHEREIN A CHRISTIAN 's Triumph over Death is Illustrated by some more memorable Examples.
§ 1. THE Jewish Masters have a saying recorded in their Talm. Hierosol. which Buxtorf thus translates: Non facienda sunt Monumenta justis (sc. defunctis): Verba ipsorum sunt monumenta ipsorum. That is, Monuments are not to be erected to the Righteous, when deceased; Their Words are their Monuments: They need not the help of Art to perpetuate, or to embalm their Names, who have lived and died eminent Examples of Piety and Holiness; For they shall be had in everlasting remembrance: The Memory of the just is blessed: but the Name of the wicked shall rot, Prov. 10. 7.
As for that worthy and holy person whose triumphant passage▪ thro' Death into the Joy of his Lord, we have already had a Relation of; It may be questioned, whether his most fruitful and learned works while he lived, or his gracious speeches and demeanour when he died, have contributed most to the Eternizing of his Name; But it is beyond all Question, that both the one and the other have raised unto him a Monument Aere perennius; and as in both he hath been an eminent Instrument of Glorifying God in the World, and strengthening the Faith of his Brethren; so his Name will be remembered with Honor, and Thanksgiving to God on the account of both, from Generation to Generation. We have beheld in him what Bernard tells us he saw in dying Gerardus; viz. Hominem in morte exultantem, & insultantem morti. i. e. A man greatly rejoicing in death, and insulting over death; which teacheth us that the Apostles holy Triumph, O death where is thy Sting! O Grave where is thy Victory! is no vain flourish of words, or empty Speculation; but a Truth sealed to, in the Experience of a Christian, who with a Joy unspeakable and full of Glory, can join with him in the Agonyes of Death, in his following Song of Praise; Thanks be to God, which giveth us the Victory, thro' our Lord Jesus Christ.
In such instances as these, we have a very valuable Evidence of the Truth and Excellency of the Christian Religion, and the Certainty of a future State, and blessed Immortality: Those things must needs be real in themselves, whose Efficacy is so great upon the Soul of a man in such an hour; Death is no Fancy; neither can Fables, with what Art or Cunning soever they are devised, relieve a man against the bitter pangs of it: The proud boasts of the Atheist and Debauchee are soon quelled by this King of Terrors; the very thought of whose approach surprizes them with Consternation and guilty fears; But the lively hope of Pardon in the Blood of Christ, the Smiles of a reconciled God, and foretastes of heavenly Joy, make the true and sincere Christian more than a Conqueror in this Conflict: He can fear no evil because God is with him, whose presence makes his Sick-bed easy, and gives him Prospect of the greatest Gain in the loss of this Temporal Life. He can say as the holy 'Apostle, To me to live is Christ, to die is Gain, Phil. 1. 21.
The holy Life of the Righteous is abundantly recommended to our imitation by their blessed Death; The advantage of whose End made Balaam say, Let me die the Death of the Righteous and let my last End be like his! And certainly it is no small. Honor that God hath put upon the Profession of the Protestant Religion, by affording to many of the most Zealous Assertors thereof, such an abundant entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; according to whose pure Word they have reformed themselves, and in whose Merits alone they have Trusted. Not only the constant and triumphant death of thousands, who by the cursed Tyranny and Cruelty of Papists have been brought to Seal their Profession with their Blood; but also the placid and most Christian End of others that have died in their Beds, hath left great Convictions upon the Minds of Beholders (though' before Enemies to their Religion) that there hath indeed been 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , an heavenly Excellency in it which they knew not of. This caused a Physician of the Popish Religion, that attended upon Dr. Ames in his last sickness at Rotterdam, when he observed what an extraordinary spirit of Faith and Holiness breathed in him to the last, to express himself after this manner: Siccine moriuntur Reformati! i. e. Do Protestants die at this Rate! And well indeed may they be surprised with wonder at such Examples, because the Principles of that Religion which they profess afford no such Consolations, or any firm ground for them, to those that live and die therein. When they come to die, they find their Debaucheries to be more than Venial Sins, and the Guilt of them such as will not be expiated by any of those Means which they have trusted to while living under the strength of Papal delusions; and the most refined and Superstitious Devoto's in that Religion are in no better case, when by Death summoned before the dreadful Tribunal of Divine Justice, at whose Barre their own Righteousness (though' patched up with a thousand human Inventions) will stand them in no stead: To say nothing of those Idolatries which they are taught to practice as the most effectual means of meriting Heaven, and which accordingly they principally place their Confidence in: But O how sadly disappointed will they be, when Death arrests them, who have no better Antidote against its fatal Sting, than Popery can furnish them with! They must, if their Consciences be awakened, leave the World with trembling Horror, and breathe out their last with a sad complaint of the wretched Cheat of that pretended Religion, which fails them in their greatest Extremity. Well may they then take up the dying words of * Joannes Semeca, who about the Year 1267. is reported to have left the World with this doleful Reflection.
§. 2. But it is time to return from this digression, and to prosecute our purpose, which is to present the Reader with some more eminent Instances of the Grace and Mercy of God towards, and the Efficacy of a lively Faith in, others of his Servants in their last Hours; who have been zealous Professors and Propagators of the True Religion and Faith of Christ while they lived, and have left this World with an holy Triumph in the full Assurance of Eternal Blessings, when they died. My design is, only to single out a few Instances, from many that might be with equal advantage pitched upon, were it not for swelling this little Tract beyond its due bounds.
And the first I shall mention is, that memorable Example of a Christian and happy End, which some account of the last Hours of Mr. Rollock may furnish us with, who departed this Life at Edinburgh, Feb. 8. Anno 1598. being the Forty third year of his Age.
§. 3. He was while living an eminent and very useful Instrument in the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, which he sought to promote by Evangelical Means, in the exercise of all Diligence in the Ministry of the Word, by his Learned and pious Writings, and most of all by a singular Example of Holiness and practical Religion in his Life and Conversation; which rendered him a burning and a shining Light in his day. Besides his extraordinary Labors on special Occasions, he had for some years before his death the principal Charge and Presidency over the then newly erected Academy of Edinburgh committed to him, which he administered to the great advantage of those under his care, and indeed of the whole Church; and in the faithful discharge of his duty in that great Trust, his Lord found him when he came to call him from this evil world into his Heavenly Kingdom and Glory; and how great his Affection was towards the service of his Lord, and what his care for the peace of Jerusalem, and the flourshing of true Religion, when himself was leaving this World, will be abundantly manifest in many passages during his last Sickness, which shall be recited in their proper place and order.
When he found his distemper prevail, according to his wonted Prudence he set in order what might concern his Family when he was gone, and prepared himself for a ready and cheerful submission to the Will of God. And when two of his special Friends came to visit him (that were Persons of some note and Eminency) he besought them that they would go to the King (who was then Young) and exhort him, as from him, to abide constant and immovable in the Profession of the True Religion to the end, and by no means suffer himself either by the hopes of enlarging his Kingdom, or the secret arts of Wicked men to be moved therefrom. The esteem and reverence he had for the Ministers of Christ, he expressed after this manner,
§. 4. Afterwards the Ministers of Edinburgh came to him and when they were set down he addrest himself to them in a copious and very solemn speech, wherein he tells them;
Then he proceeds to a Pathetical recommendation of the University to their care; and makes a most solemn Protestation (as in the presence of God, before whose Tribunal he must immediately appear) of his integrity and faithfulness in his Trust, both as a Pastor, and Rector of the University; That he had never suffered himself to be biased by any corrupt or sinister end, nor had any burden upon his Conscience with respect thereto: He professed the great care he had always taken of the public peace; but added,
He exhorted them to mutual peace and love; telling them▪
And after Exhortations to render all dutiful respect and Obedience to their Prince; he dismissed them with this Benediction.
§. 5. When the Night came on, death seemed to be hastening, which he perceiving, entered into such discourses of Heavenly things as seemed to the by-standers so much above the rate of human capacity to conceive and utter, that they were all filled with a joyful astonish • ent in hearing of them.
The Physicians came and endeavored (but in vain) by proper Medicines to asswage the force of his distemper; whereupon turning his speech to God, he said, Thou O God shalt heal me: And then poured out his prayers with a most ardent Zeal for the Remission of his sins through the Merit of the one and only Sacrifice of Christ; professing that he esteemed all things (though in appearance never so great) to be but dung, for the excellency of Christ Jesus; earnestly calling upon God that he would bring him to an happy and triumphant period of thi • Life, and grant that being covered with the Wings of Mercy, he might sweetly sleep i • the bosom of Jesus, and enjoy that sight of God's face which with frequent pantings he thirsted for.
He discoursed at that rate concerning the Resurrection, and Eternal Life, as if he had already forsaken the earth, and been translated into Heaven; with so great sense, and Life of Affection did he speak of these things: And then taking each one by the hand that was present with him, like the Patriarchs of old, he blessed them with words full of Gravity and Holiness; closing his Benediction with suitable Exhortations to everyone. That Night beyond Expectation he got a little rest.
And the day following the Magistrates of the City, with many other persons of quality came to visit him: To whom he made a very grave discourse, in which he earnestly recommended the University to their favor and care, and nominated a fit person to them for his Successor therein: And as to his private concerns, he affectionately recommended to them also his dear Wife (who was then big with Child) greatly praising her love and tenderness towards him in all his weakness, and Afflictions; adding,
Those present solemnly promised to answer his desire, i • all that he had mentioned t • them; whereupon he exhort • the Professors of Philosophy t • persevere in their work, an • yield due obedience to his Successor. And then he said,
§. 6. After he had spoken • hese things, a gentle sleep came upon him, out of which when he awaked, he expressed a most ardent breathing to be dissolved, and to be with Christ.
And when those that stood about him lamented the great loss they should have of him, he said;
Upon occasion of someone signifying to him, that the next day was the Sabbath day, he thus expressed himself.
Towards the middle of the Night he got a little rest, which the strength of his disease soon interrupted; and he supposing his last hour to draw near, sent for Mr. Walter Balcanquel, unto whom, when he was come in, he thus addressed himself:
Whereupon all that were present, falling on their Knees, Mr. Balcanquel prayed; but among other things he earnestly desired that it might please God to spare so worthy a man with them for some longer time, seeing both the Church and Common-wealth had so great need of his service; whereupon Mr. Rollock interrupted him, saying,
When prayer was ended, he brake forth into an earnest commendation of the Efficacy of the Word Preached.
Then turning his discourse into Prayer, he said;
§. 7. From that time till the Sabbath day morning he kept silence, when again the longings he had after his Fathers House, were breathed forth in these words.
To this one replied, Hitherto Christ hath possessed your whole heart, and he will take it whole unto himself. To which he returned answer,
Then one of the by-standers said; Let no anxiety trouble you; your Lord is now hastening.
Another said, Happy is that Soul which is so near to the Lord as yours is. To which he replied,
Being asked, if he desired to speak with any of the Ministers; he said, he would not give them trouble now they were just preparing themselves to preach.
About noon, when one comforted him with the remembrance of his unwearied pains and diligent endeavor to promote the Glory of God all his life time; he replied,
After a little rest, a person of considerable rank visiting him, he again took the occasion of an earnest recommendation of what might tend to the promoting of Religion to his care in his Station: And in the following Night he was observed to say;
§. 8. On the next day being Monday, he said to those about him,
Towards evening, he told his Friends that he experienced in himself the truth of the sixth Psalm, and repeated some Passages therein; as verse 2. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak: O Lord heal me, for my bones are vexed: To which he added,
When those that were about him, observing the bitterness and extremity of his disease, brake out into Tears and Lamentation for him.
The care of his Funeral he recommended to two of his entire Friends present, and when he had finished his Directions about what he would have done therein; he said,
After this he was not able to speak much; but to the very last what he did utter was with a wonderful savor, still expressing the inward joy and peace of his Soul, and a most assured Confidence of a complete and glorious Victory in this last conflict; and in a few hours he finished his course; and sweetly slept in Jesus.
Before I pass to another Story, I cannot but mention one thing more that happened a little before this holy man drew his last breath; And it is this.
One of his kindred coming in to see him, and perceiving that he was nigh to death, being himself a Stranger to Religion and Piety, yet convinced that it could not but be well with so holy a man as Mr. Rollock, entreated of him, That when he came to Heaven, he would Mediate for him and the rest of his Friends here below. But how grievous this ignorant and impious request was to the Soul of this blessed Saint, will be easily guessed by those, that as he did, love the honor of Christ more than their own lives; Though before he lay as one ready to give up the Ghost, at the hearing of this, his Zeal was so stirred in him, that he raises himself upright, and with a great fervency replies,
§. 9. The next instance I shall touch upon, is that of Mr. John Oecolampadius, who while he lived was also an eminent Instrument in the Reformation of Religion, and one of the first (with Zwingli and others) whose labors it pleased God to succeed for the accomplishing of an happy beginning of that great work in Basil, and other of the Svisse Cantons: He was a person very considerable both for his Learning and Piety; but for nothing more to be commended, than for his Peaceable temper, and Christian Moderation, in those controversies with which the reformed Churches were then exercised among themselves in the business of the Lord's Supper: For though he was both free in declaring, and constant in asserting that truth which the Lord had made known to him, yet his great care was, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , to speak the truth in love; and to manage the defense thereof without bitterness towards, or Provocation of, those that did in that point dissent from him. And as he was a man studious of Peace in his life, so it pleased the Lord to guard his Soul with a Peace that passeth all understanding, and to fill his Heart with Spiritual and Heavenly joy when he came to die.
After he had for some considerable time labored in the Ministry of the Word at Basil, it pleased God there to visit him with his last sickness, in the Forty ninth year of his Age, which he presently apprehended would prove mortal to him, and accordingly gave warning to his Friends that they should expect no other: But so far was he from being terrified by the approach of death, that on the contrary he expressed the greatest longings after that Heavenly light, and Crown of Glory which he saw ready prepared for him, so soon as the earthly house of this Tabernacle should be taken down: He waited not for the Consolations of others in this last conflict, but was ready to Minister Consolation to all that were about him; insomuch that his most Christian and comfortable End, was no less for the Confirmation and encouragement of the Godly in their Holy profession, than his Doctrine and blameless Life had been. He was an example of dying well, as he had been before of living well: of which abundant testimony is given by those worthy men that familiarly and almost constantly conversed. with him in these his last hours. Among whom Simon Grynaeus, a man whose praise is in the Reformed Churches, was one; who hath left us the account of the following discourse that this pious Servant of Christ made to him and the rest of the Ministers of the Church, a little before his departure; which alone is sufficient to justify all that hath been before said of the frame of his Spirit upon his dying bed. It is as follows.
§. 10.
These things he uttered with respect to the common Cause of Religion; And as to what concerned himself he told them,
The next day (which was the fifteenth from his first sickness) he caused his Children to be brought before him, and first took them by the hand, then stroked each of them, and calling them by their Names said,
And because by reason of their age, they were not yet capable of attending to the Charge of their dying Father (the Eldest being but about three years Old) he turned him to his Wife and the rest of his Relations present, and said,
The Last night he lived here being come, his inward Joy did no way abate, but rather increase as death drew nearer to him. One of his intimate friends coming, in he asked him, what News he had brought; his Friend told him, None: Why then (said he) I will tell you news; I shall in a little time be with the Lord Christ.
A while after, when they asked, If the light did not offend him; touching his breast, he said, Abunde lucis est! Here is abundance of Light!
The next morning his fatal hour came on, before which, he prayed with an ardent Affection for the Remission of Sin, repeating the 51 Psalm, from the beginning to the end; And then after a little pause and breathing, he renewed his prayer in these words: Christ Jesus save me! which were the last he uttered, and then sweetly breathed forth his pious Soul into the bosom of his Redeemer. He changed this Life for an Heavenly, on the first day of December in the year 1531. And as Mr. Rollock professed upon his death-bed, that he had laid up nothing of this World in his Life; so it is observed of this good man,
So far were these first Reformers from seeking great things for themselves! Riches profit not in the day of wrath, but Righteousness delivereth from death: To be rich towards God, to have an Heart filled with Grace and Spiritual Comfort, and the testimony of a good Conscience, that with simplicity and godly sincerity we have had our conversation in the World; will prove the best portion when we come to die; and afford such ease to us upon a sick bed, as all the Treasure under Heaven cannot procure the like.
§. 11. The Jewish Writers, from that Passage of the Psalmist: The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness; have a Proverbial saying in Tract. Nedar: to this sense; Majestas divina sedet ad caput lecti aegrotantis: i. e. The divine Majesty sitteth (or abideth) at the sick man's bedshead. His sick bed is turned into a Sanctuary, by the Gracious presence of God with him. This we have seen verified in the former Examples, and shall yet meet with a further Confirmation of, in the experience of Joachimus Curaeus, a Learned and Pious Doctor of Physic in Germany; and a Zealous Protestant; who finished his course in the year 1573. being the Forty first currant of his age. He was a person that esteemed Religion to be his greatest concern while he lived, and continually exercised himself in a diligent and serious practice thereof; And as he would by no means be diverted from working out his own Salvation with fear and trembling, by fervent Prayer, and all manner of Holy Conversation in the World, so it pleased God when he called him out of the World, to afford him such an abundant Enjoyment and sense of his love in Christ, as carried him through the Agonies of death with a more than ordinary Triumph and rejoicing. In his last hours it was most convincingly manifest, that Christ had given unto him a large draught of that water of Life, which was in him a well of water springing up unto Eternal Life; from which blessed Fountain he poured forth abundant Consolations to all that were with him in that Conflict, if so happy a departure, and so sweet a sleep, as death was made to him, may yet be called a Conflict.
When he found his sickness had prevailed over Nature so far, as that his dissolution must needs be hastening on, he wholly applied himself to ardent Prayers and Supplications unto God, making use of that exercise for the ease and support of his Soul in sickness, which had been his delight and Comfort in his health; And several times in one day, causing his his Wife and Children to come to him, he did with an inexpressible Zeal and Affection exhort them to Piety and Virtue; and then in a solemn manner recommended both them and his last charge to them, to the blessing of God; who in this also heard the Prayers of his Servant; and raised up two of his Sons after him, to be eminent examples both of Piety Virtue and Learning in their Generation; thereby making good his word, That the Generation of the upright shall be blessed.
§. 12. Being taken away in the midst of his years, at that age which was the ripest for Service, he would often repeat the mournful complaint of Hezekiah; I have cut off like a Weaver my life, &c: But then his perfect acquiescence in the will of God, and rejoicing in his Salvation, was as frequently expressed, in the following words, which are some of those holy sayings which plentifully issued from his pure Heart in this last sickness: viz.
And then reflecting upon the time of his sickness, (for he died January 21.) he proceeded in further expressions of his assured Confidence in God, and inward Joy, through the lively hope and foretaste of the blessings of that Kingdom he was going to, after this manner:
§. 13. These were the Meditations, and this the exercise of this Holy man upon his dying bed: He felt this Tabernacle to be falling, but knew he had an house not made with hands, Eternal in the Heavens; and his pious Soul was filled with Heavenly triumph, in the certain expectation of a Glorious Resurrection of that same body of his, which was now ready to be sown in corruption, which with an admirable sweetness and comfort, he thus expressed:
I shall see thee my Savior, in my flesh, which thou hast exalted to the right hand of the Eternal Father; and I will give thee thanks in the presence of thy Father, for all the Good things which thou hast communicated unto me. Yea thou wilt place thy Holy Angels to be the Guardians of my Body, that they may keep my dust, which hath been, and to all Eternity shall be, the dwelling place of thy Holy Spirit. It is impossible that this flesh of mine, which is the Temple of the Holy Ghost, this Mass of my body, which is quickened by the effusion, and communication of the Spirit of Christ, and so inserted into the flesh of Christ, should be reduced unto nothing, or abide in death, and ever remain dust and ashes: But thou who art the Author of Life, will remand from the Earth this thine own Image, even out of the smallest Crums of dust and ashes that are there; By sending forth thy breath thou wilt again build up my body alive and Glorious, which shall be the habitation of the whole Divinity, dwelling therein to all Eternity. There shall we follow the Lamb whithersoever he shall go; O Guide truly fair and Divine! There shall we sing a New Song: Let us rejoice! Hallelujah!
O Come, let us go forth to meet our Savior: Our Right as Citizens is in Heaven; but in this Life we must begin Eternal Life, and follow the order which Christ hath appointed; We shall be clothed upon, if so be that we be not found Naked: That most lovely Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world, will lead us unto the Fountains of living Waters, and wipe away all Tears from our Eyes. Eye hath not seen, nor Ear heard, neither have entered into the Heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. This Earthly Life is Death, but that Life which Christ begins in me, is Life indeed; Now it is no more I that live, but Christ that liveth in me; therefore let him be praised. O happy Soul, in which thou Jesus Christ sittest as the Guide and Rector of all its actions and Motions. I see Heaven open unto me! Now lettest thou thy Servant depart in Peace, O Lord, for mine Eyes indeed have seen thy Salvation! Thou, O Christ, art the Resurrection and Life; How amiable are thy Tabernacles, O Lord! O Christ my Redeemer, carefully watch my Soul, that it suffer no detriment by the horrible and infernal Dragon, the Devil. Let my Soul be bound up in the bundle of Life; and let this my passage hence be happy; let it be to me the way to those that live an immortal and Heavenly Life.
§. 14. After, this he again most affectionately prayed for his Wife and Children, but in terms arguing such a nearness to God and Holy Familiarity with him, as if a man had been speaking to his Friend, and devolving a care upon him that he knew most assuredly he would willingly take upon himself and see to; He mightily Comforted himself with the thoughts of Christ's sympathy and compassion, who (saith he) will certainly hear me in all these things. And when one exhorted him to be of good hope, for God would help him; he answered,
Many Prayers also he put up for the Church of God, especially that the pure Doctrine of the Gospel might be transmitted without corruption to Posterity; and with Tears bewailed the wickedness of those who by their corrupt Notions were an hindrance to its course. And once more (a little before his Soul departed) his Friends being about him, he solemnly recommends himself to Christ, and repeats the Confession of his Faith; expressing great thankfulness to God for the Reformation, and for those that he had used as Instruments therein.
At length, in the midst of his Prayers and earnest breathings after God, he yielded up his Soul into the hands and bosom of his Redeemer, where he rests from his Labors, and his works follow him.
§. 15. Another Instance worthy of our Remembrance and imitation, I shall give you, in Mr. Matthew Wesenbeck, an eminent Civilian; who after he had run the course of an Holy Life, from his first Conversion to the fifty fifth year of his Age, departed this Life at Wittenburg, in the year 1586.
The means by which God first awakened him to seek after and embrace the knowledge of the Truth, was this.
While he was studying the Law at Lovane, it fell out that there was a poor man in the City, who being blind made it his business to visit the Sick, and to instruct and comfort them as he could with Texts of Scripture, (in which he was well versed;) in recompense of which pious office, those that were well disposed, would relieve his Necessity with a piece of Bread and Cheese: After some time, this poor man was accused of Heresy, and committed to Prison; near this prison, Wesenbeck with his fellow Students were wont to recreate themselves with the Ball; on which occasion they often heard this blind man with a clear voice singing the Psalms of David according to Luther's Metaphrase; and this Holy exercise the good man performed with so much Devotion and Affection, as wrought in them a more than ordinary attention to him, although it was not without some danger to themselves; And it pleased God so to work upon Wesenbeck, by this example of Christian constancy and Zeal, together with the matter which he heard, that thenceforward he began diligently to search the Scriptures, and also to read the Writings of those of the Reformed Religion; by which means he became not only fully convinced of the Truth, but also received it in the Love thereof, and abode most constant in the Faith and Practice of it to his dying day; being an eminent example of Zeal and strict Piety in his whole life: He had an extraordinary Affection to the Holy Scriptures, but especially the book of Psalms and the New Testament were most dear and delightful to him: And notwithstanding the necessary course of his Studyes, and (for some time also) great Practice in the Law, he usually spent at fit seasons no less than five hours in a day in Prayers and retired communion with God; He was not like many that can •• d no leisure for Religion, • hat is, cannot attend to work • ut their own Salvation: but made Conscience to steer his whole course as a man resol • ed for Heaven: And his Righ • eousness and Charity towards men was not inferior to his Piety towards God; He ever • bhorr'd those Artifices which • re too common with practitioners in the Law; his Candor, • aithfulness, and Justice in his practice, made his Name precious to all that knew him; And as it pleased God to bless him with a plentiful Supply of the good things of this world, so Religion taught him not to • rust in uncertain Riches, but • o be rich in good works; His way was to give a charge • o all his Servants, that they should never turn away the Poor from his door without relief; And when they ha • not presently regarded the poor nor listened so soon as they ought to their cry, himself would open his Window and throw down Money to them.
Thus did this good man spend his Life and his Substance in the Fear of God, and working Righteousness; and accordingly his latter end was Peace; for when he lay upon his death Bed he was filled with the Consolations of God: He woul • often repeat that of the Apostle Paul, Rom. 7. O wretch • man that I am, who shall deliver me from the Body of this death! I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
And that; 2 Cor. 1. He hath sealed us, and given the earnest of his Spirit in our Hearts, by which we cry, Abba, Father.
Another time with great re • oycing he told those that were with him,
He would often rehearse divers passages out of the Psalms; as, The Lord is nigh to all that call upon him in Truth: He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him, he will hear their prayer and save them.
And immediately before he gave up the Ghost, he professed; That he was in Covenant with the Lord Jesus Christ: which words were his last.
§. 16. In these experiences we see that they which believe in Christ, never die; i. e. th •• never feel the S • ng of death nor fall under its power, but are enabled by the Faith of the Son of God perfectly to vanquish 〈◊〉 King of Terrors; yea though death assail them in his most affrighting shape, yet is he not able to remove them from their stedfastness, or to abate their Joyes; we have innumerable proofs of this in the End of those Holy Martyrs, who though they have been called to seal their Witness for God by violent, yea by most cruel kinds of death, have notwithstanding finished their course with a most Glorious Peace, and rejoicing in the hope of their calling: Howbeit I shall not here insist on any of those instances; But to let you see that death in it's darkest dress is welcome to a man assured of his Interest in Christ, and Peace with God, take the story of one Sebaldus Munster a Civilian, that flourished about the year, 1540. Whom it pleased the Lord to visit with the Plague, of which he died at Wittenburg, in a time when a general sickness raged there. This person, when some of his Friends came to visit and Comfort him a few hours before his death; he shown to them the Swellings and pestiferous Ulcers which were broken out in his Hand and Arm; saying,
At which words when they brake forth into Tears, he farther said,
Thus triumphing and full of Joy did he leave the World, having got a clear sight of a better, that is an Heavenly Country. And though to die of the Plague may seem to Sence very dismal, yet as Austin hath well observed; lib. 1. de Civitate Dei: cap. 11. Mala mors putanda non est, quam bona vita praecesserit, &c: i. e.
§. 17. These things may suffice as to my present design; And therefore I will close all, with the Addition of but one Story more, which for the remarkable circumstances of it, may be neither unprofitable nor ungrateful to those Readers which have not access to it in the Latin tongue, for whose accommodation and service the whole of this little Tract is intended. The Story I intend, is related by the excellent Dr. Rivet, in an Epistle written not long before his Death to his Brother, De bonâ Senectute: Of a good Old Age: And it is this:
Jacobus Faber a great restorer both of Polite Learning and Religion in France, being a most Faithful and eminent Minister of the Gospel there, did in a time of very hot Persecution Flye with others; and for his security retired to Albret in Gascoign to the Queen of Navarre, a zealous Professor and Protectress of the Reformed Religion, with whom he was in Great esteem: On a certain day the Queen did advertise him, That she purposed to come and dine at his House; and in order thereto invited some Learned men with whose Conference she was much pleased, to accompany her there. While they were at Dinner, Faber began to be exceeding sad, and now and then to break out into tears. At which the Queen complained, and desired him to tell the cause of such heaviness, when she was come to dine and be merry with him: At last he answered,
And what wickedness so great (saith she) can you be guilty of, who from your Youth have been esteemed to lead so holy a Life.
And when she pressed him to declare what it was, he could not speak a while for the abundance of tears; but at length said:
Whereupon the Queen (as she was very eloquent, and full of Divine Sayings) discoursed largely to him, and did by many Examples show, that the same thing had happened to many Good and Holy men who were now in the Kingdom of God; and therefore he ought not in any wise to despair of the Goodness and Mercy of God towards him. And many things to the same purpose were added by others present.
Upon which he was comforted, and became cheerful again; but said,
Then fixing his eyes on the Queen;
At this the Queen smiling, asked,
It is well, (said she) I solemnly profess, this Legacy is more acceptable to me, than if the King of France my Brother had named me his Heir.
After this his Countenance was cheerful; and he said;
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