A69538:13
The last work of a believer his passing prayer recommending his departing spirit to…
The last work of a believer his passing prayer recommending his departing spirit to Christ to be received by Him / prepared for the funerals of Mary the widow first of Francis Charlton Esq. and after of Thomas Hanmer, Esq., and partly preached at St. Mary Magdalens Church in Milk-Street, London, and now, at the desire of her daughter, reprinted by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by B. Griffin for B. Simmons, 1682
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.
Reader,
THE person whose Death did occasion this Discourse, was one that about five years ago removed from her ancient habitation (at Appley in Shropshire)▪ to Kidderminster, where she lived under my Pastoral care till I was come up to London: and before she had lived there a twelve-month (for thither she removed) she died of the Fever, then very common in the City. She lived among us an example of Prudence, Gravity, Sobriety, Righteousness, Piety, Charity and Self-denial: and was truly what I have described her to be, and much more: For I use not to flatter the living, much less, the dead. And though I had personal acquaintance with her for no longer a time than I have mentioned, yet I think it worthy the mentioning, which I understand by comparing her last years with what is said of her former time, by those that were then nearest to her, and so were at her Death, that whereas (as I have said) sudden Passion was the sin that she was wont much to complain of, she had not contented her self with mere complainings, but so effectually resisted them, and applied Gods remedies for the healing of her nature, ⟨image 4⟩that the success was very much observed by those about her, and the change and cure so great herein, as was a comfort to her nearest Relations, that had the benefit of her converse: Which I mention as a thing that shows us, 1. That even the Infirmities that are founded in nature and temperature of body, are curable so far as they fall under the dominion of a sanctified will. 2. That even in age, when such Passions usually get ground, and infirmities of mind increase with infirmities of body, yet Grace can effectually do its work. 3. That to attend God in his Means, for the subduing any corruption, is not in vain. 4. That as God hath promised growth of Grace, and flourishing in old age, so in his way we may expect the fulfilling of his promise. 5. That as Grace increaseth, infirmities and corruptions of the Soul will vanish.
THE person whose Death did occasion this Discourse, was one that about five years ago removed from her antient habitation (at Appley in Shropshire) to Kederminster, where she lived under my Pastoral care till I was come up to London: and before she had lived there a twelve-month (for thither she removed) she died of the Fever, then very common in the City. She lived among us an example of Prudence, Gravity, Sobriety, Righteousness, Piety, Charity and Self-denyal: and was truly what I have described her to be, and much more: For I use not to flatter the living, much less, the dead. And though I had personal acquaintance with her for no longer a time than I have mentioned, yet I think it worthy the mentioning, which I understand by comparing her last years with what is said of her former time, by those that were then nearest to her, and so were at her Death, that whereas (as I have said) sudden Passion was the sin that she was wont much to complain of, she had not contented her self with meer complainings, but so effectually resisted them, and applyed Gods remedies for the healing of her nature,