A35578:268
The excellent woman a sermon preached at the funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott ...…
The excellent woman a sermon preached at the funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott ... on the 16 of Decemb. 1658 / by Tho. Case ...
A35578:268
The excellent woman a sermon preached at the funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott ... on the 16 of Decemb. 1658 / by Tho. Case ...
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. That Gods loving countenance is better then life, and that God would have me depending, and contented with whatsoever he will give: O that I could learn and practise these lessons, which were precious fruits of the Ordinances. This Sacrament I was failing in my meditation, examination, and excitation, and my dead heart much hindered me in the service of the living God, but the Lord brought me to his table with some assurance it was my portion, and I sat under his shadow, and he acted my graces, I desire to magnify free grace, and to expect strength from him to do it according to the Covenant sealed in his blood. This Sacrament I had some sweet actings of faith above sense, and assurance that God was my father ⟨p. 25⟩and his power and wisdom would order all things for my good. This Sacrament, though I did not mourn for my sins that did slay my Saviour, nor act sacramental repentance as I ought, yet by faith I received Jesus Christ, and came home with some comfort, and had some softness of heart. I had sweet expe•ience of my Gods answering my prayer in the very thing I desired. This Sacrament, though I did not receive so much of Christ as I desired, yet I had some sweet effects of his blood, in resolving in his strength not to give way to unbelief nor sin and desiring to come again to his Ordinance.
4. That Gods loving countenance is better then life, and that God would have me depending, and contented with whatsoever he will give: O that I could learn and practise these lessons, which were precious fruits of the Ordinances. This Sacrament I was failing in my meditation, examination, and excitation, and my dead heart much hindred me in the service of the living God, but the Lord brought me to his table with some assurance it was my portion, and I sat under his shadow, and he acted my graces, I desire to magnifie free grace, and to expect strength from him to do it according to the Covenant sealed in his bloud. This Sacrament I had some sweet actings of faith above sence, and assurance that God was my father ⟨p. 25⟩and his power and wisdom would order all things for my good. This Sacrament, though I did not mourn for my sins that did slay my Saviour, nor act sacramentall repentance as I ought, yet by faith I received Jesus Christ, and came home with some comfort, and had some softnesse of heart. I had sweet expe•ience of my Gods answering my prayer in the very thing I desired. This Sacrament, though I did not receive so much of Christ as I desired, yet I had some sweet effects of his blood, in resolving in his strength not to give way to unbelief nor sin and desiring to come again to his Ordinance.
This day I was at a fast, and God came sweetly in and melted my heart, and made his promise good, that they that wait on him shall renew their strength, God sweetly answered my […] ⟨p. 26⟩mercy for one of my children. This day I did receive Jesus Christ in the Sacrament, and came home rejoicing, and assured my sins were pardoned, and that Christ could as well be pulled out of heaven, as I pulled from Christ. I renewed my Covenant, I gave my self to my God for his service for ever. This Sacrament I did receive Jesus Christ, and sweet influence from him, and I desire to honour him in all things for ever, in my soul, body, estate, will, affections and all; I, and all I have are his, and to be at his ruling in all things at all times; These are fruits of Christs blood, I desire to bear about the world with me, the dying of the Lord Jesus, and to be crucified to the world by his cross, and to do and suffer for him, and endeavour the good of others souls, and I found my inward man much strengthened ⟨p. 27⟩and sin weakened. This Sacrament God gave me some resolutions, but I had not much comfort. This Sacrament, I had sweet assurance that my sins should be destroyed. I kept a fast day by my self, to seek help from God, in the great strait I was in; for no power but his could help me out and deliver me: The Lord did graciously assist me, and afterward I kept a fast in private with others about it, my heart was out of fra•e and very heavy, and perplexed, but God came in and melted, and made the duty very sweet; and at night, a sweet, quiet, and believing waiting frame came upon my spirit; God answered my prayer sweetly and particularly. That text in 1 Cor. 10.13. the Lord made good to me. I resolved to keep a fast by my self and humble my soul before the Lord, and pour out my complaint before him, and ⟨p. 28⟩seek strength from him; God sweetly encouraging me with many Scriptures, and melted my heart, oft pouring it into his bosom, and drew me out of my self into Jesus Christ. Again I kept a fast by my self to seek the Lord, and humble my self for my failings, and God did sweetly melt my heart, and helped me to pray, and made it a comfortable day, and I desire to hope and wait for a gracious answer, and God did answer me very graciously.
I kept another fast by my self, to seek the Lord to mortify my corruptions, that I might not dishonour him, but be acted by him and his grace, to his glory, and to order all for me aright according to his will; the Lord sweetly assisted me, and I desire to wait for an answer, and blessed be his name, he hath sweetly answered my prayer by many remarkable providences which I desire ⟨p. 29⟩to improve to his glory. God did visit me with a fever, and had shaken his rod at me before, but I took not warning as I should, for God is so gracious, that he delights not in afflicting the children of men, if they return. Gods chastising me was very full of tender gentleness, I felt little or no pain, but kept my bed from monday till saturday, and God chained up Satan that he did not at all tempt me, but I lay with abundance of peace and assurance of Gods love, and God made my bed for me, and raised me up again in much faithfulness, and showed me why he had contended with me, and I acknowledged Gods dealings exceeding just, merciful, and faithful. The sin that God did especially afflict me for at this time, as he did convince me, was, my great sinning about the Ordinances, God will be sanctified in ⟨p. 30⟩them that draw nigh to him, and I had been very formal in duties, & cold in them, neglected to go to Ordinances, did not prepare my self before I went as I should; coming sometimes late, distracted at holy duties, and was unprofitable under them, not so mourned when I heard Gods name blasphemed, glad when Sabbaths were done, and vain thoughts then also, guilty of much Sabbath profanation, in coming to the Lords day with a common worldly frame of heart, and having such a common worldly frame of heart on the said days; Being too long in bed on the Lords days mornings, and not doing duties as Sabbath duties, and not walking answerable to the Sabbath Ordinances I enjoyed. So that it was high time for God to come now.
I kept another fast by my self, to seek the Lord to mortifie my corruptions, that I might not dishonour him, but be acted by him and his grace, to his glory, and to order all for me aright according to his will; the Lord sweetly assisted me, and I desire to wait for an answer, and blessed be his name, he hath sweetly answered my prayer by many remarkable providences which I desire ⟨p. 29⟩
The experiences that I have got by this are, that God is very patient, and good, ⟨p. 31⟩and faithful, he will not leave me unpunished altogether, neither will he fail or forsake me in it, therefore I resolve in his strength to love him, fear him, and his goodness, serve him, walk closely with him, be zealous for him, give up my self & my all to be laid out for his glory, and in his service, and to sanctify him in all my drawings near to him, to serve him alone, in his strength, and the power and spirit of Christ enabling me, for if he leave me, to my self, I shall sin more then ever; these are some of the fruits I desire should come forth from this rod. I kept a Fast by my self to humble my soul before God, and renew my repentance, and seek help and direction from him, and my God made it a sweet day unto me. I kept another fast by my self for the same mercies that I did the other before, and the Lord did ⟨p. 32⟩much assist and help me to mourn for sin, and to pray for Zions peace, and of the land. I kept another fast by my self to humble my soul for mine own sins, and the sins of others, and to seek for direction in the straight I was in, and the Lord did help me, and after much and long seeking to God, the Lord did answer me.
The experiences that I have got by this are, that God is very patient, and good, ⟨p. 31⟩and faithful, he will not leave me unpunished altogether, neither will he fail or forsake me in it, therefore I resolve in his strength to love him, fear him, and his goodnesse, serve him, walk closely with him, be zealous for him, give up my self & my all to be laid out for his glory, and in his service, and to sanctifie him in all my drawings near to him, to serve him alone, in his strength, and the power and spirit of Christ enabling me, for if he leave me, to my self, I shall sinne more then ever; these are some of the fruits I desire should come forth from this rod. I kept a Fast by my self to humble my soul before God, and renew my repentance, and seek help and direction from him, and my God made it a sweet day unto me. I kept another fast by my self for the same mercies that I did the other before, and the Lord did
The fourteenth of December, 1655. God did vouchsafe unto me a very great deliverance, wherein I saw abundance of his power, wisdom, and goodness in it to me, which were wonderfully discovered, in the way of it, to the Glory of God, and honour of the Gospel, even to the acknowledging it elsewhere, to be the very hand of God; An answer of prayer. I was fully freed and cleared. I desire this great experience should be food for faith, and that I called on God for, it ⟨p. 33⟩was the faithfulness of God in performing that promise; that he would keep in his way, and he kept me in my calling, which was his way, and so I had protection from him, and he found out a way for me, and I desire to improve my freedom for his glory, and walk more spiritually and closely all my days with God, then ever I have done. The experiences I got by this were,
The fourteenth of December, 1655. God did vouchsafe unto me a very great deliverance, wherein I saw abundance of his power, wisdom, and goodnesse in it to me, which were wonderfully discovered, in the way of it, to the Glory of God, and honour of the Gospel, even to the acknowledging it elsewhere, to be the very hand of God; An answer of prayer. I was fully freed and cleared. I desire this great experience should be food for faith, and that I called on God for, it ⟨p. 33⟩was the faithfulnesse of God in performing that promise; that he would keep in his way, and he kept me in my calling, which was his way, and so I had protection from him, and he found out a way for me, and I desire to improve my freedome for his glory, and walk more spiritually and closely all my dayes with God, then ever I have done. The experiences I got by this were,
1. That it is the duty and safety of a Christian to walk and keep in the way of God, had I been out of Gods way, I had been gone.
2. That there is no difficulty too hard for God, but his wisdom can find out a way, and his power can bring it to pass, and his faithfulness will do it.
2. That there is no difficulty too hard for God, but his wisdom can find out a way, and his power can bring it to passe, and his faithfulnesse will do it.
3. That it is the duty of Christians to wait Gods leisure and ⟨p. 34⟩time, which is the best and fittest time.
4. It is their duty also never to trust to their own heart, but in God, and expect direction, protection, and guidance from him, and I resolve in Gods strength always to be and continue in his way, and to believe no difficulty too hard for him, but his wisdom can find out a way, and when we cannot, his power can bring it to pass, and his faithfulness will do it, and I will never trust mine own heart more but wait on God, trust in him, and expect all from him, and hang upon him by faith and prayer. I kept another fast by my self, my God did help me in some measure: I desire to lay all my sacrifices on Christ, that precious altar, that I may be accepted, and answered. I kept another fast by my self for one of my children, God carried me through the ⟨p. 35⟩duty with some sweet meltings and incomes, I desire to wait on him for an answer, and to live my prayers, and still to trust in him, and do duties in faith and obedience. I kept another fast by my self about my children, desiring to do all in Christs strength, and to expect all upon his account, and God did give me very precious answers. I kept another fast by my self to be humbled for my own and others sins, as my children's, my Fathers house, and Sir Walters, and the sins of the times, and to seek blessings and sanctifications of Gods dispensations, and directions from the Lord, and desire to wait. I kept another fast by my self, for my children and other things, God did humble me in some measure, and assist me, And God did wonderfully and speedily answer. O bless the God that heareth prayers, and follow God for further ⟨p. 36⟩mercy. I kept another fast by self, about one of my children, and God gave me some sweet assistance in the duty, and acceptance in Christ. This Sacrament I received Christ and had sweet fruits from him. This Sacrament God did help me to go against some difficulties, and my special errand to Christ was to deliver me from vain roving thoughts, and to fill my heart daily with heavenly meditations, and that I may still breath forth sweet ejaculations, God gave me Christ and I desire to believe and wait. This Sacrament, I received Christ by faith, and desire to live on him, but my errand was for a broken heart, and sense of sin aright, and I had sweet meltings.
4. It is their duty also never to trust to their own heart, but in God, and expect direction, protection, and guidance from him, and I resolve in Gods strength alwaies to be and continue in his way, and to believe no difficulty too hard for him, but his wisdom can find out a way, and when we cannot, his power can bring it to passe, and his faithfulnesse will do it, and I will never trust mine own heart more but wait on God, trust in him, and expect all from him, and hang upon him by faith and prayer. I kept another fast by my self, my God did help me in some measure: I desire to lay all my sacrifices on Christ, that precious altar, that I may be accepted, and answered. I kept another fast by my self for one of my children, God carried me through the
This Sacrament I had some hatred of sin, and God brought me home with resolutions in his strength to honour him, and act for him, in the places ⟨p. 37⟩where I were going, and improve all I am and have for his use and honour, and to be more meek to them without. This Sacrament, God freely gave me Christ, and all his purchase and offices, and as I went for more faith and wisdom, so I came away believing I should have them; God did assist me. This Sacrament God gave me Christ, and sent me comfortably home. This Sacrament I received Christ according to his promise and desire a Law of thankfulness, should by the hand of the Spirit, and in the blood of Christ, be written in my heart, and a law of obedience in my whole life, and all my conversation. This Sacrament though I was failing every way, yet God freely gave me Christ his body broken, and his precious blood, the seal of the Covenant of Grace; and in the afternoon, God told ⟨p. 38⟩me out of his word, he would give me a new heart; which was that I went for as one end, and I desire to wait and believe.
This Sacrament I had some hatred of sinne, and God brought me home with resolutions in his strength to honour him, and act for him, in the places ⟨p. 37⟩where I were going, and improve all I am and have for his use and honour, and to be more meek to them without. This Sacrament, God freely gave me Christ, and all his purchase and offices, and as I went for more faith and wisdome, so I came away believeving I should have them; God did assist me. This Sacrament God gave me Christ, and sent me comfortably home. This Sacrament I received Christ according to his promise and desire a Law of thankfulnesse, should by the hand of the Spirit, and in the bloud of Christ, be written in my heart, and a law of obedience in my whole life, and all my conversation. This Sacrament though I was failing every way, yet God freely gave me Christ his body broken, and his precious bloud, the seal of the Covenant of Grace; and in the afternoon, God told ⟨p. 38⟩me out of his word, he would give me a new heart; which was that I went for as one end, and I desire to wait and believe.
These are what as yet are only come to hand, which Mrs. Scot had with her at Holborn where she died, probably she may have many more in the Country whence she newly came.
These are what as yet are only come to hand, which Mrs. Scot had with her at Holbourn where she died, probably she may have many more in the Country whence she newly came.
Out of these may be made many useful Observations, for our own Instruction, in our going forth by the footsteps of this member of Christs flock.
Out of these may be made many usefull Observations, for our own Instruction, in our going forth by the footsteps of this member of Christs flock.
As Though not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty not many noble are called, 1 Cor. 1.26. yet some are. Act. 17.12. Many of them believed, also of honourable women, which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. Mar. 15.43. Joseph an honourable Counsellor which also waited for the Kingdom of God.
As Though not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty not many noble are called, 1 Cor. 1.26. yet some are. Act. 17.12. Many of them believed, also of honuorable women, which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. Mar. 15.43. Joseph an honourable Counceller which also waited for the Kingdom of God.
Though vanity be never so much ⟨p. 39⟩yet grace can overpower all, 1 Cor. 6.11. And such were some of you, but ye are washed, &c. Titus 3.3. And we our selves were sometimes foolish disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, &c.
When we are making our pursuit to gratify our carnal senses, God can bring us to better enjoyments, Rom. 10.20. I was found of them that sought me not, I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. The Lord took her at her hunting pleasures to bring her to the comforts of his own spirit.
When we are making our pursuit to gratify our carnall senses, God can bring us to better enjoyments, Rom. 10.20. I was found of them that sought me not, I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. The Lord took her at her hunting pleasures to bring her to the comforts of his own spirit.
Any means when sanctified, can bring us to the Word, and so to God, as the hurting of her leg did her, and the crowing of the Cock did Peter, to remember the word Christ spake, and to return to him, Mat. 26.74, 75.
Any meanes when sanctified, can bring us to the Word, and so to God, as the hurting of her leg did her, and the crowing of the Cock did Peter, to remember the word Christ spake, and to return to him, Mat. 26.74, 75.
This day I was at a fast, and God came sweetly in and melted my heart, and made his promise good, that they that wait on him shall renew their strength, God sweetly answered my 〈…〉 ⟨p. 26⟩mercy for one of my children. This day I did receive Jesus Christ in the Sacrament, and came home rejoycing, and assured my sinnes were pardoned, and that Christ could as well be pulled out of heaven, as I pulled from Christ. I renewed my Covenant, I gave my self to my God for his service for ever. This Sacrament I did receive Jesus Christ, and sweet influence from him, and I desire to honour him in all things for ever, in my soul, body, estate, will, affections and all; I, and all I have are his, and to be at his ruling in all things at all times; These are fruits of Christs bloud, I desire to bear about the world with me, the dying of the Lord Jesus, and to be crucified to the world by his crosse, and to do and suffer for him, and endeavour the good of others souls, and I found my inward man much strengthened ⟨p. 27⟩and sin weakned. This Sacrament God gave me some resolutions, but I had not much comfort. This Sacrament, I had sweet assurance that my sins should be destroyed. I kept a fast day by my self, to seek help from God, in the great strait I was in; for no power but his could help me out and deliver me: The Lord did graciously assist me, and afterward I kept a fast in private with others about it, my heart was out of fra•e and very he•vy, and perplexed, but God came in and melted, and made the duty very sweet; and at night, a sweet, quiet, and believing waiting frame came upon my spirit; God answered my prayer sweetly and particularly. That text in 1 Cor. 10.13. the Lord made good to me. I resolved to keep a fast by my self and humble my soul before the Lord, and poure out my complaint before him, and ⟨p. 28⟩seek strength from him; God sweetly encouraging me with many Scriptures, and melted my heart, oft pouring it into his bosome, and drew me out of my self into Jesus Christ. Again I kept a fast by my self to seek the Lord, and humble my self for my failings, and God did sweetly melt my heart, and helped me to pray, and made it a comfortable day, and I desire to hope and wait for a gracious answer, and God did answer me very graciously.