Wisdom to enrich you with his Treasures to defend you with his Power and to inflame you with his Love for among friends all things are in common O what a happy hour is this It is said of the friendship between David and Jonathas that the Soul of Jonathas was joyned fast to the Soul of David But Christ proceeded much farther who that he might have the straighter Union with you would make himself your meat and drink that entring in this manner into your very bowels Cyril Cat. 4. he might be joyned in flesh and blood with you Jo. 15.14 Consider 3. Your preparation for his coming must be a return of love This it is that this loving Friend requireth of every one whence he ordained this Heavenly Banquet for only such as would return love for love Eat O my friends and drink and be inebriated my dearest And to day in the Gospel he condemned to perpetual darkness the man that came without the Nuptial Garment of Charity Love therefore and do whatsoever â—he shall inspire you for you are my friends saith he himself if you do the things that I command you Of the Woman cured of the Bloody Flux Mat. 9. Marc. 5. Luc. 8. Mat. 9.20 Luc. 8.43 COnsider 1. While Christ was going to raise one from death Behold a woman which was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years and had bestowed all her substance upon Physitians neither could she be cured of any she came behind him and touched the hem of his garment c. Observe 1. The admirable Humility and Reverence of this woman not presuming to come but behind him 2. Her Confidence saying within her self Mat. sâ—pâ— if I shall touch only his garment I shall be safe They truly suffer a spiritual issue of blood that imploy their labours and actions in vain and perishable things they spend their substance in vain upon Physitians that is the deceitful allurements of this life from which they will never receive any solid profit or comfort Jer. 32.19 Consider 2. The Woman touching Christ received perfect health in reward of her Faith How much more might they justly hope for who do not only touch the Hem of his Garment but receive within themselves in the Eucharist his whole Sacred and All-healing Body if they would but come worthily to it and like to this woman Observe moreover how this touch though most secret and insensible did not scape Christs knowledge that you might learn that no action of yours though never so secret can be kept hidden from God whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the children of Adam Consider 3. The multitudes did throng and press upon Christ and yet he asketh Luc. sâ—â—â— Who is it that touched me for the others touched him only Corporally but this woman also Spiritually and therefore received cure So many there are that touch Christ in their actions especially in the Eucharist but they do it without Spirit Of such the Prophet saith This people approacheth with their mouth and with their lips glorifieth me Is 29. â—3â— but their heart is far from me See whether you be not one of them Of raising the Arch-Synagogues Daughter Mat. 9. Mar. 5. Luc. 8. Luc. 8.41 COnsider 1. Behold there came a man c. and he was Prince of the Synagogue and he fell at the feet of Jesus c. Observe how calamities do humble even Princes and force them to have recourse to God Therefore David said It is good for me that thou hast humbled me Ps 118.71 Ps 31.4 And I am turned in my anguish whiles the thorn is fastened He beggeth for his only Daughter that lay a dying Your only Daughter is your Soul see whether perhaps it be not at the last gasp and upon the very point of deadly sin by her over-great carelesness in venial sins and beseech our Lord to lay his hand upon her and cure her Consider 2. Christs goodness in going presently with the Prince to his house though he could have cured her at distance Besides he endeavoureth what he can conveniently to conceal so singular a Miracle to give us example of Humility and therefore he took with him in company only three Disciples and withall put the Minstrels and multitude out of doors Learn to sequester your self from the rabble and noise of worldly thoughts if you desire to live to Christ Wherefore it is said in Job Job 28.14 S. Greg. ibid. The Sea speaketh Wisdom is not in me And by the Sea as S. Gregory saith is understood the life of worldlings Luc. 8.54 Consider 3. Christ holding the Maids hand raised her saying Maid arise Thus he raiseth up the sinner from sin holding his hand and directing him to good works Then he presently bad that something should be given her to eat Ibid. v. 55. Whence you may learn that those who rise out of sin must have the Spiritual Food of the Sacraments given them that they may not fall again See therefore that you take this Food often and in due manner that you may live for ever Of raising the Widows Son in Naim Luc. 7.11 c. Part 1. Eccli 38.23 COnsider 1. Jesus went into a City that is called Naim c. And behold a man dead was carried forth the only Son of his Mother c. Observe how this was a young man in the flower of his youth whence you may learn that no Age is secure from death Imagine him to say unto you Be mindful of my judgment for thine also must be so to me yesterday and to thee to day And think what would become of you if you should die this very day Reflect also that young men come sooner to die spiritually to God then others more antient for that as S. Hierom saith Hieron Ep ad Nepot Youth undergoeth many conflicts of the body Deut. 32.11 Consider 2. Our Lord met the Corse not by chance but of set purpose and offered of his own accord without any entreaty to raise the dead man As the Eagle provoking her young ones to fly O how often hath he freely offered you his assistance towards all manner of perfection suitable to your state of life and you would it not Take heed lest wilfully resisting and contemning the mercy he offereth you it be said to you Prov. 1. I also will laugh in your destruction Consider 3. Christ moved with commiseration towards the Widow said to her Weep not for that you shall soon be comforted In the same manner see you weep not or be over-concerned or grieved for temporal losses which will soon have an end but reserve your tears rather for the Everlasting Damages that proceed from your own and others sins for of such it is said Blessed are they that mourn Mar. 5.5 for they shall be comforted Of raising the Widows Son in Naim 〈◊〉 7.14 Part 2. 〈◊〉 16.13 COnsider 1. How
ever flowing without cessation like that Womans Oyl in the fourth of the Kings which never failed to run 4 Reg. 4. so long as there were any empty Vessels 3. They do infallibly work their effect by force of that virtue which they receive by the Divine Institution unless we put an impediment 4. They are placed in obvious things and easie to be had for our more certain use and benefit Be thankful to God for so great a liberality and endeavour to come ever worthily unto them Of the benefit of the Custody of Angels Ps 90.11 COnsider 1. What David said He hath given his Angels charge of thee that they keep thee in all thy ways Our heavenly Father not content to make us his Sons would also provide us as Princes do their children with Tutors and Guardians This charge he committed to the Angels themselves who should illuminate govern and protect us Heb. 1.14 for they are all ministring spirits saith the Apostle seat to ministen for them which shall receive the inheritance of salvation Eze. 28.12 Consider 2. To whom and of whom he hath committed this charge To the Angels who are most Noble Creatures pure Spirits immortal by nature full of wisdome and perfect of beauty more powerful and strong then whole Armies of men adorned with all manner of grace and glory and ever enjoying the Vision of God To these then he hath committed thee who art but a silly worm and no better then dirt and ashes Ps 90.12 that they should bear thee in their hands lest perhaps thou knock thy foot against a stone O what a care and protection is this of the Angels what a favour Consider 3. How this eare of theirs ought to stir up in us as S. Bernard admonisheth Reverence Devotion Bern. in Ps 90. and Confidence in them Reverence in regard of their presence Devotion for their benevolence Confidence in their sure custodâ— If I should deliver myself to be thy servant said young Tobias to the Angel Raphael his Guardian I should not deserve thy providence Tob. 9.2 Reverence therefore your Angel-Guardian with affection and do not presume in his sight who is always present to do that which you would be ashamed of before man Observe him Exod. 23.21 22. and hear his voice c. saith our Lord and I will be Enemy to thine Enemies and will afflict them that afflict thee And mine Angel shall go before thee Of the benefit of the Patronage of Saints and chiefly of the Blessed Virgin Job 42.8 COnsider 1. Our heavenly Father hath not only provided us with Guardians but also Patrons and Advocates to wit the Blessed that reign with him in Heaven to the end that in regard he is also our Judge we might have those that would continually intercede for us and move him to mercy Go saith our Lord to my servant Job and offer Holocaust for your selves and my servant Job shall pray for you His face I will receive that the folly be not imputed to you 2 Machab. 15.14 Consider 2. With what care and love the Saints in Heaven perform this Office and with what benefit to us obtaining for us all manner of good as is evident by infinite Miracles and Revelations Of holy Jeremy it is said in the second of the Machaâ—ces This is a lover of his Brethren and of the people of Israel this is he that prayeth much for the people and for the whole City What confidence therefore may we justly put in the protection of such powerful Advocates If it be a thing of great account to have a powerful friend in some worldly Princes Court how much more to have one in the Court of Heaven Consider 3. How diligent you ought to be in the worship and Invocation of the Saints especially these of your Name and your Patrons that they may obtain of our Lord what you stand in need of But above all you must procure to be fervent in devotion and reverence to the B. Virgin who being Mother of all the living as the Fathers call her she exceeds all others S. Epiph. Serm. 78. both in love to us and in power with her Son Give God thanks therefore for so powerful an Advocate and recommend your self with all earnestness unto her Zach. Ep. Foro. l. 2. to 1. c. 7. for she denieth help to none that doth duely ask it and intercedes not for any in vain to her Son Of Holy Communion Incline thine car O Lord and hear me because I am needy and poor Ps 85.1 Consider Christ as a Liberal bestower of Gifts Eccli 24.26 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Until now you have not asked any thing in my Name ask and you shall receive c. Jo. 16.24 Imagine your self on the one side as a poor naked beggar and wanting many things necessary for the maintenance of your spiritual life and Christ our Lord on the other infinitely rich infinitely liberal and desirous that all should partake of his plenty Hear his solemn proffer Ask and you shall receive Never did any Prince make so liberal a promise He longeth in a manner to be rid of his gifts Pass to me all ye that desire me and be filled of my Generations He is more ready to give then we to receive Consider 2. This bountiful Lord will come this day unto you in the Eucharist and if you be gracious in his sight will say unto you as Assuerus did to Esther What is thy Petition Esther Esther 7.2 that it may be given thee and what wilt thou have done although thou shalt ask the half part of my Kingdom thou shalt obtain See therefore what you stand most in need of and have ready your Petition and adorn your self as Esther did that you may gain his good will to you when he comes Jo. 9.31 Consider 3. The impediments which will render your prayers of no effect to the end you may take them away 1. Sinners God doth not hear that is as long as they persist in sin without repentance 2. Neither doth he hear those that ask vain and unprofitable things but sends them away with that check and rebuke You know not what you desire Mat. 20.22 3. Nor yet those that pray tepidly and coldly But because thou art lukewarm Apoc. 3.16 c. I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth 4. And lastly he requireth constancy and perseverance in asking So to him that persevered knocking were given Loaves Luc. 11. Even for his importunity as many as he needed Luc. 11.8 Of the benefit of Prayer Part 1. Psa 140. â— COnsider the benefit of Prayer which the Church recommendeth particularly unto us these Rogation daies Consider therefore first the Dignity and Excellency of Prayer 1. It is an act of Religion and divine worship offered to God and accepted by him as Incense and Sacrifice according to that Let my prayer
hath prepared for them that love him Mat. 11.12 Consider 3. What is fit for you to do to obtain so great a reward The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence Offer therefore violence to your self and you shall have it Of the Expectation of the Holy Ghost Part 1. Act. 1.14 COnsider 1. How the Apostles being returned from the Mount whence our Lord scended they repair all of them into one Room and by continual prayer and servent acts dispose themâ—elves to receive the Holy Ghost They were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus and his Brethren The dispositions therefore which they used were 1. Retiredness in a private room far from noise and prophane company 2. Perseverance in prayer 3. Concord and umon of minds 4. The company of the B. Virgin Luc. 24.49 Consider 2. If our Lord would have the Apostles to prepare themselves in this manner for the receiving the Holy Ghost whom neverthele she was to send for the establishing and propagating of his glory how much more necessary is it for others of the like calling to tarry in the City as they did in solitude and retirement and by continual contemplation of divine things to prepare themselves till they be endowed with power from high to exercise their Apostolical Functions Do you also imitate the Apostles fervour in seeking the Holy Spirit say with the Prophet Ps 50.12 Create a clean heart in me O God and renew a right spirit in my bowels Consider 3 The coming of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles was deferred ten daies which number in Scripture generally signifieth multitude that we might learn with long patience to expect our Lord whose presence though never so short will abundantly recompence whatsoever delay God â—â—â—th S. Augustine S. Aug. Ep. â— Fraâ— aâ— 4. by deferring extends our desire by desiring inlargeth our heart by inlarging makes it the more capacious Of the Expectation of the Holy Ghost Part 2. Jo. 3.16 COnsider 1. The causes of giving the H. Ghost The first was the infinite goodness of God who so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son And although the world had treated him so ill he would notwithstanding also give us the H. Ghost who might teach us all truth The second were the merits and prayers of Christ I will ask the Father Jo. 16.13 Jo. 14.16 and he will give you another Paraclete The third for that he was to consummate the work of our Redemption giving us the gifts of his divine grace whereby we might obtain heaven Rom. 5.5 Consider 2. The greatness of this gift then the which nothing can be more excellent or divine for it is God himself The Charity of God is powred forth in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us With himself therefore he gives us all things for he is as the Church singeth Seq in Missa the bestower of gifts and the light of our hearts He is as an ever-flowing river whence all manner of grace is derived unto us He that believeth in me Jo. 7.38 out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters And this he said of the Spirit that they should receive which believed in him Prov. 3.32 Consider 3. To whom he is given First to Idiots and Fishermen for he is the Father of the poor And his communication is with the simple Secondly he is given to all faâ—thful souls that fervently desire him Joel 2.28 I will powre out my spirit upon all flesh Pray therefore with a fervent desire and prepare your self worthily that he may come and remain ever with you Of Holy Communion Loe our Lord will come in Fire Is 66.15 Consider Christ as a Fire COnsider 1. How the Holy Ghost descended this day upon the Apostles in the form of Fire how he enlightned and inflamed them and made them quite other men Think how greatly you stand in want of this heavenly Fire who are so cold in Gods service and all over full of the dross of worldly affections and have need to be throughly purged Is 1.22.25 Thy silver is turned into dross c. I will turn my hand to thee and I will boil out thy dross till it be pure and will take away all thy tyn Deut. 4.24 Consider 2. Christ in the Eucharist is properly a Fire to your Soul but covered with a Cloud Thy God saith Moyses is a consuming fire for it consumes the chaff of terrene affections takes away the dross of imperfections inflames our tepidity and illuminates our darkness and as S. Gregory speaketh Greg. Hom 5. in Ezech Is 6.7 c. purifieth the soul which it doth replenish from the rust of sin The Eucharist is like to that hot Cole taken from the Altar which cleansed the lips of Isaie and endowed him with the spirit of Prophecy Confide that it will also work the same effects in your Soul if you be worthily disposed Consider 3. The dispositions to this Fire in the Apostles were as hath been said 1. Retirement 2. Constant Prayer 3. Mutual concord 4. The B. Virgins company and pretection Imitate therefore their example and take heed lest being once warmed at this Divine Fire you return to your former state of coldness and tepidity Of the coming of the H. Ghost upon the Apostles Act. 2.1 c. Part 1. COnsider 1. The time being expired which God had ordained and the Apostles being duely disposed by prayer the H. Ghost came upon them being all together in one place that you should learn to give your self to prayer to follow the community and fly singularity if you desire to be visited by the H. Ghost Besides he came suddenly because his Visitation hath no prefixt time and therefore ought without intermission to be sought for and with long expectation to be attended Is 11.9 Consider 2. And it filled the whole house where they were sitting Ponder the bounteous liberality of the Divine Spirit leaving nothing void of his gifts The earth is replenished with the knowledge of our Lord as the covering waters of the Sea And although they were all full yet one received more then another according to the greater or lesser capacity of each ones Vessel Whence the B. Virgin received more then all the rest Inlarge therefore your vessel or heart that you may deserve to receive a â—â—rge proportion Ps 80.11 Dilate thy mouth saith he by his Prophet and I will fill it Consider 3. And there appeared to them parted Tongues as of fire The H. Ghost took upon him the form of Fiery Tongues because as S. Gregory saith whom he replenisheth he maketh both fervent and eloquent Greg. Hom. 3. in Evang Desire him to effect both in you the first for your own good the other for the benefit and edification of others Of the coming of the Holy Ghost Act. 2.4 c. c. Part 2.
COnsider 1. A certain man had a Fig-tree planted in his Vineyard and he came seeking for fruit on it and found not c. This Fig-tree is every Christian planted by Gods own hand in the Vineyard of his Church to bring forth fruit of good works This Tree God doth cherish with the warm Sun and water with the showres of his Grace and if that suffice not he forceth it in a manner to good by digging and laying dung about it and if neither after all this it will yield fruit he bids it to be cut down and cast into the fire For every tree that doth not yield good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire Consider 2. And apply all this to your own Soul which the Heavenly Husbandman hath planted as a choice Sprig in the Vineyard of his Church exposed to the open Sun of his Divine Illustrations often watered with the showres of his Grace and finally provided with all necessaries to bring forth plenty of fruit and yet perhaps he may justly say of you Loe it is now so many years since I come seeking for fruit upon this Fig-tree and I find not that is I find not fruit answerable to my labour and expectation What then Apoc. 2.21 Consider 3. Let it alone this year also c. Who knoweth whether God hath not prefixed this year as your last in hopes of greater fruit so that hereafter he will not afford you so many helps of his Grace God oftentimes giveth us time to do Penance but if we use it not he closeth his hand and as it is said in the Apocalyps Apoc. 10.6 There shall be time no more that is of such abundant helps without which we shall not be able to work Therefore make good use of the time allowed you and procure to produce good fruit and not leafs only MEDITATIONS OF SAINTS Of the Excellency of the B. Virgin above all Creatures COnsider 1. With what pomp and state of Plate Perfumes Tapistry and other rich Furniture worldly Princes are wont to set forth their Bed-chamber and Rooms of Presence How much more fitting was it that the King of Heaven should adorn the Cabin wherein he was not only to abide for some time but of which he decreed to frame himself a Body To be Mother of God is the greatest Dignity that can possibly be communicated to a pure creature To her therefore are due all manner of Grace and Ornaments which by the ordinary Power of God may be conferred upon any pure Creature Therefore S. Anselm S. Ansel l. de Concep V. c. 8. It was fitting that the Virgin should be adorned with that Purity then the which no greater under God could be conceived Consider 2. Hence it followeth that whatsoever Internal Grace and Virtue was bestowed upon any Saint the same in a much more perfect manner was conferred upon the B. Virgin And which is more divers Authors affirm Suar. 3. p.t. 2. disp 18. Sec. 4. Barrad c. 1. l. 6. Cant. 6.3 And which is more divers Authors affirm that her Grace and Glory alone did surpass that of all other Saints put together For it is fit that a King of Infinite Power and Riches should bestow more upon his Mother then all his Servants besides therefore it is said in the Canticles Thou art fair O my Love sweet and comely as Hierusalem that is as the whole City of Heaven And S. Bernard S. Bern. Serm. signum magnum To others saith he Grace is imparted by parcels but upon Mary the whole fulness thereof was powred forth Consider 3. What Reverence Confidence and Love you ought hence to have towards this Sacred Virgin Reverence for the Excellency of her Dignity Confidence for the greatness of her Goodness Love for the tender bowels of her Charity towards us For she vouchsafeth to be a Mother to us all and the greater she is the more tender she is of us what might you not hope for if you had a Mother that were Empress of the whole world Love therefore that you may deserve to be loved and protected by so powerful a Lady Of the Immaculate Conception of the B. Virgin The work is great neither is the habitation prepared for man but for God 1 Paral. 29.1 Ps 45.5 COnsider 1. It was not fitting that the Mother of God should for any one moment be Slave of the Devil And if the Ark of God and the Tabernacle were to be made of the wood Setim which would not rot much more the living Ark and Tabernacle of God ought to be preserved from all Corruption Therefore the Highest hath sanctified his Tabernacle so that from the very first instant wherein her blessed Soul was united to her Body in her Mothers Womb it was ever true to say Thou art all fair my Love and there is not a spot in thee Cant. 4.7 Ps 86.3 Consider 2. She was not barely preserved from all stain and blemish by the infusion of Grace but besides she received such plenty of Habitual Grace and all manner of Virtue together with the suppression of Concupiscence and use of Reason that even then she surpassed the greatest Saints Therefore it is said of her Glorious things are said of thee O City of God And what are those glorious things The foundations thereof in the holy Mountains for that the foundations or beginnings of all other men are laid in Original Sin but the foundations of the Blessed Virgin were holy Suar. 3. p. to 2. disp 18. and equal to the very top of other Saints perfections And if the very ground-work were such what do you think was the height of Sanctity she arrived unto at her death By continual encrease and addition proceeding from the exercise of most intense Acts of Virtue Consider 3. How much you ought to rejoyce for the Immaculate Conception of her that was likewise to be your Mother Do you also procure this day to be spiritually conceived to God without spot and so ever after to remain Rejoyce that you are to feed in the Eucharist on the very same flesh which the Son of God took from his Virgin Mother and endeavour to come without the least spot to the spotless Lamb of the Immaculate Virgin Of the Nativity of the B. Virgin What is she that cometh forth as the Morning rising Cant. 6.9 Antiph and Magnif COnsider 1. How true is that saying of the Church Your Nativity O Mother of God hath brought joyful tidings to the whole world c. For 1. The Blessed Trinity rejoyced as for the Coadjutrix of the Incarnation 2. The Angels for their Queen 3. The Fathers in Limbo for the Motheir of their Deliverer 4. The Just also in this world God infusing an extraordinary kind of Joy into their Souls though themselves perhaps knew not the cause thereof as often happeneth The whole world is exhilarated at the break of day as the Fore-runner of the Sun rising Mary