A35578:287
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 ...
A35578:287
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.
Gods grace works irresistibly, she would fain have run away from God, he would not let her go, but carried her through, and suffered her to have no power to leave seeking of him, Psal. 68 18. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive, thou hast received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God may dwell among them.
Gods grace works irresistably, she would fain have run away from God, he would not let her go, but carried her through, and suffered her to have no power to leave seeking of him, Psal. 68 18. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive, thou hast received gifts for men, yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God may dwell among them.
Such as are most cast down in conversion are usually most lifted up afterward. She had great troubles of conscience then, and grievous pangs, &c. And afterward full assurance all her sins were pardoned by the blood of Christ, and great rejoicings. The Father made merry with the Son when he returned, Luk. 15.23, 24. that was driven to husks, and ready to perish, vers. 16, 17. The Jailer ⟨p. 42⟩that came trembling, Acts 16.29. afterwards rejoiced, believing in God, vers. 34.
Such as are most cast down in conversion are usually most lifted up afterward. She had great troubles of conscience then, and grievous pangs, &c. And afterward full assurance all her sins were pardoned by the bloud of Christ, and great rejoycings. The Father made merry with the Son when he returned, Luk. 15.23, 24. that was driven to husks, and ready to perish, vers. 16, 17. The Jailour ⟨p. 42⟩that came trembling, Acts 16.29. afterwards rejoyced, believing in God, vers. 34.
The way to make our Election in God sure, is by the work of grace in our selves: I know it certainly, (saith she) that God did choose me from all eternity, because he had made me to give up my self to Jesus Christ, for those ends that Jesus Christ gave himself for me, 1 Thes. 1.4, 5. knowing brethren beloved, your election of God, for our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the holy Ghost, and in much assurance. Rom. 8.29. For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son.
The way to make our Election in God sure, is by the work of grace in our selves: I know it certainly, (saith she) that God did chuse me from all eternity, because he had made me to give up my self to Jesus Christ, for those ends that Jesus Christ gave himself for me, 1 Thes. 1.4, 5. knowing brethren beloved, your election of God, for our Gospel came not unto you in word onely, but also in power, and in the holy Ghost, and in much assurance. Rom. 8.29. For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son.
Some believers are very high and eminent in the workings and ways of God, 2 Thes. 1.3. Your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all towards ⟨p. 43⟩each other aboundeth. 1 Cor. 1.5. In every thing ye are enriched by him in all utterance, and in all knowledge, vers. 7. so that ye come behind in no gift. 1 Thes. 1.5. Our Gospel came not unto you in word only but also in power, and in much assurance. 1 Pet. 1.8. Ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Act. 13.52. The disciples were filled with joy and with the holy Ghost. Acts 9.31. Walking in the fear of the Lord and the in comfort of the holy Ghost. Ps. 32.8. I will instruct thee & teach thee in the way which thou shalt go, I will guide thee with mine eye. Isa. 43.2. When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee, when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Psal. 46.1. God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble. Gen. 22.14. In the mount of the ⟨p. 44⟩
Great Saints have sometimes sore assaults from Satan, as she had sometimes buffetings with Paul, ⟨p. 45⟩2 Cor. 12.7. haply least she might have been exalted above measure, through the abundance of incomes. Pirates set upon the richest ships, and trees are most threshed that be fullest of fruit.
Great Saints have sometimes sore assaults from Satan, as she had sometimes buffetings with Paul, ⟨p. 45⟩2 Cor. 12.7. haply least she might have been exalted above measure, through the abundance of incomes. Pirats set upon the richest ships, and trees are most threshed that be fullest of fruit.
Christians high in comforts are low in acts of mortification, and self-denial: How often did she fast and afflict her soul before the Lord, and was sensible of her failings, Luke 2.37. She departed not from the Temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. In all she did, she went out of her self to the strength of Christ, attributing all to him. 1 Cor. 15.10. By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly then they all, yet not I but the grace of God, which was with me. Gal. 2.20. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless ⟨p. 46⟩I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 1 Tim. 1.15. Sinners of whom I am chief. Trees with high tops have deep roots.
Such serve God truly, that conscientiously serve him secretly. Many days of fasts and seeking God we•e in secret by her self, Mat. 6.6. When thou prayest enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy father which seeth in secret. And vers. 16, 17. When thou fastest be not as the hypocrites, &c. But so, vers. 18. as that thou appear not to men to fast, but unto thy father which is in secret.
Such serve God truly, that conscienciously serve him secretly. Many days of fasts and seeking God we•e in secret by her self, Mat. 6.6. When thou prayest enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy father which seeth in secret. And vers. 16, 17. When thou fastest be not as the hypocrites, &c. But so, vers. 18. as that thou appear not to men to fast, but unto thy father which is in secret.
It is a happy thing to be related to them that are truly godly. How did she pray for her husband and children? Nature helps grace, and grace acts for nature, Rom. 9.2, ⟨p. 47⟩3. I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart, and I could wish that my self were accursed from Christ, for my brethren my kinsmen according to the flesh. Rom. 10.1. Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved.
It is a happy thing to be related to them that are truly godly. How did she pray for her husband and children? Nature helps grace, and grace acts for nature, Rom. 9.2, ⟨p. 47⟩3. I have great heavinesse and continuall sorrow in my heart, and I could wish that my self were accursed from Christ, for my brethren my kinsmen according to the flesh. Rom. 10.1. Brethren my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be saved.
When we cannot serve God so well as we ought, we should serve him as well as we can, and not omit duties. She was troubled for being so unprepared, yet came to Sacraments and found God very graciously. 2 Chron. 30.18. &c. The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the Sanctuary, and the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, an healed the people. Cant. 6.12. &c. I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished, and the pomegranates ⟨p. 48⟩budded, or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Aminadab.
It is good to come to God in Ordinances for particular mercies. She made this and that her special errands, and the Lord vouchsafed them unto her, Job 22.28. Thou shalt also decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee. Psal. 37.4. Delight thy self also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart. Mat. 21.22. and all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing, ye shall receive. 1 Sam. 1.27. For this child I prayed and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.
It is good to come to God in Ordinances for particular mercies. She made this and that her speciall errands, and the Lord vouchsafed them unto her, Job 22.28. Thou shalt also decree a thing and it shall be established unto thee. Psal. 37.4. Delight thy self also in the Lord and he shall give thee the desires of thy heart. Mat. 21.22. and all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing, ye shall receive. 1 Sam. 1.27. For this child I prayed and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.
God oft cometh in seasonably to them that wait upon him in Ordinances, as frequently to her in hearing, with suitable and se• sonable words, Isa. 30.20, 21. Thine eyes shall see thy teachers, and thine ears shall hear a word behind ⟨p. 49⟩thee, saying, this is the way walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left. Prov. 8.34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Great enjoyments of God in Ordinances, should not take us from them, or make us live above them, but carry us the more to God in and by them. Thus it was with her, the more she received, the more she waited upon God in them. Psal. 63.2. To see thy power and thy beauty as I have seen thee in the Sanctuary. 2 Chron. 30.23. And the whole Assembly took counsel to keep other seven days, and they kept other seven days with gladness.
Great enjoyments of God in Ordinances, should not take us from them, or make us live above them, but carry us the more to God in and by them. Thus it was with her, the more she received, the more she waited upon God in them. Psal. 63.2. To see thy power and thy beauty as I have seen thee in the Sanctuary. 2 Chron. 30.23. And the whole Assembly took councell to keep other seven days, and they kept other seven days with gladnesse.
Sacraments are not only sealing, but exhibiting Ordinances, of more grace and comfort to believers, she received much increase from God in and by them. Mat. ⟨p. 50⟩3.16. And Jesus when he was •• p•ized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove, and light•• upon him. Acts 8.39. The Eu•••• after Baptism went away rejoicing. The bread and wine which are the signs in the Lords Supper, are nourishing.
Sacraments are not only sealing, but exhibiting Ordinances, of more grace and comfort to believers, she received much encrease from God in and by them. Mat. ⟨p. 50⟩3.16. And Jesus when he was •• p•ized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and the Spirit of God descended like a dove, and light•• upon him. Acts 8.39. The Eu•••• after Baptisme went away rejoycing. The bread and wine which are the signes in the Lords Supper, are nourishing.
The incomes from God in Ordinances are very various, sometimes one, sometimes another, sometimes more, and sometimes less, sometimes sooner, sometimes later, sometimes she ha• meltings at the Sacraments, sometimes resolutions to serve God against sin, giving up her self to the Lord; sometimes meekening of her spirit, sometimes desires to come again, sometimes great assurance and comforts, sometime• at the time, sometimes afterward 1 Cor. 3.5, 6. Who then is P•• ⟨p. 51⟩•nd who is Apollo? but Ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man. I have planted, Apollo watered, but God g•ve the increase. Isa. 56.7. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Act. 10.44. While Peter yet spake these words, the holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 2 Chron. 1.6. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings vers. 7. In that night did God appear unto Solomon.
The incomes from God in Ordinances are very various, sometimes one, sometimes another, sometimes more, and sometimes lesse, sometimes sooner, sometimes later, sometimes she ha• meltings at the Sacraments, sometimes resolutions to serve God against sin, giving up her self to the Lord; sometimes meekning of her spirit, sometimes desires to come again, sometimes great assurance and comforts, sometime• at the time, sometimes afterward 1 Cor. 3.5, 6. Who then is P•• ⟨p. 51⟩•nd who is Apollo? but Ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man. I have planted, Apollo watered, but God gve the increase.
When we have performed duties to the Lord, we are to expect his answers. She would wait for returns, when she had been a seeking of him. Psal. 5.3. I will direct my prayer to thee and will look up. Psal. 85.8. I will hear what God the Lord will speak.
The Lord sometimes withdraweth from Ordinances, that we should not rest in them but in himself. 2 Cor. 1.9. We had the ⟨p. 52⟩sentence of death in our selves, that we should not trust in our selves, but […] God which raised the dead. This use she made thereof when she had not altogether these incomes.
The Lord sometimes withdraweth from Ordinances, that we should not rest in them but in himself. 2 Cor. 1.9. We had the ⟨p. 52⟩sentence of death in our selves, that we should not trust in our selves, but 〈…〉 God which raised the dead. This use she made thereof when she had not altogether these incomes.
Some believers are very high and eminent in the workings and waies of God, 2 Thes. 1.3. Your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all towards ⟨p. 43⟩each other aboundeth. 1 Cor. 1.5. In every thing ye are enriched by him in all utterance, and in all knowledge, vers. 7. so that ye come behind in no gift. 1 Thes. 1.5. Our Gospel came not unto you in word only but also in power, and in much assurance. 1 Pet. 1.8. Ye rejoyce with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Act. 13.52. The disciples were filled with joy and with the holy Ghost. Acts 9.31. Walking in the fear of the Lord and the in comfort of the holy Ghost. Ps. 32.8. I will instruct thee & teach thee in the way which thou shalt go, I will guid thee with mine eye. Isa. 43.2. When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee, and thorow the rivers they shall not overflow thee, when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Psal. 46.1. God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble. Gen. 22.14. In the mount of the ⟨p. 44⟩Lord it shall be seen. 2 Chron. 17.6. His heart was lift up in the ways of the Lord. Psal. 119.32. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. Psal. 119.6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. She was a believer of the highest form, a star of the first magnitude, one that had not onely the graces of the Spirit, but the sealings and joyes of the Spirit in abundance, and was rich in the knowledge of the Mysteries of Christ. One that the Lord did much councell, and direct in all her waies, and kept her in all her straights, and redeemed her with great deliverances, her extremity often was Gods opportunity. One that was raised up and elevated in his service fulfilling all his wils.