God's terrible voice in the city

It was generally observed amongst us, that Gods people who dyed by the Plague amongst the rest; dyed with such peace and comfort, as Christians do not ordinarily arrive unto, except when they are called forth to suffer martyrdom for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Some who have been full of doubts, and fears, and complaints, whilst they have lived, and been well; have been filled with assurance, and comfort, and praise, and joyful expectation of glory, when they have lain on their death-beds with this disease. And not only more grown Christians, who have been more ripe for glory, have had these comforts: but also some younger Christians, whose acquaintance with the Lord hath been of no long standing.

It was generally observed amongst us, that Gods people who dyed by the Plague amongst the rest; dyed with such peace and comfort, as Christians do not ordinarily arrive unto, except when they are called forth to suffer martyrdome for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Some who have been full of doubts, and fears, and complaints, whilst they have lived, and been well; have been filled with assurance, and comfort, and praise, and joyful expectation of glory, when they have layn on their death-beds with this disease. And not only more grown Christians, who have been more ripe for glory, have had these comforts: but also some younger Christians, whose acquaintance with the Lord hath been of no long standing.

I can speak something of mine own knowledge concerning some of my friends, whom I have been withal; I shall instance only in the house where I lived. We were eight in Family, three Men, three Youths, an old Woman, and a maid: all which came to me, hearing of my stay in Town, some to accompany me, others to help me. It was the latter end of September before any of us were touched; the young ones were not idle, but improved their time in praying, and hearing, and were ready to receive instruction; and were strangely born up against the fears of the disease and death, every day so familiar to the view. But at last we were visited, and the Plague came in dreadfully upon us, the Cup was put into our hand to drink, after a neighbour Family had tasted it, with whom we had much sweet society in this time of sorrow. And first our Maid ⟨p. 45⟩