influence to all virtuous actions 4. It springeth up unto life everlasting raising up our thoughts unto it whose pledge it is Say therefore with the woman Lord give me this water that I may not thirst c. Of the Samaritan Womans Conversion Jo. 4.26 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. The wonderful goodness of Christ vouchsafing to manifest himself openly to a sinful woman saying I am he to wit the Messias that speak with thee Consider the efficacy of her Faith she presently went into the City leaving her Water-pot behind her to bring others of the City to the same Faith Come and see saith she a man that hath told me all things whatsoever I have done Such is the fervour of true zeal which bestirreth it self and seeketh every where whom it may gain to Christ If therefore you be enkindled with true zeal cast away the Pitcher of terrene affections and seek whom you may likewise inflame Consider 2. The Woman being gone the Disciples offered Christ to eat for it was that time of the day but he being intent upon the Conversion of the Samaritans whom he did expect refused saying Ibid. v. 34. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me to perfect his work that you may learn to prefer the Spiritual good of your Neighbour before your own corporal refection O that your meat and drink your delight and pleasure were only to do the will of your Heavenly Father Consider 3. How many of the Samaritans moved by the Womans speeches came and were converted and said to her That now not for thy saying do we believe for our selves have heard Ibid. v. 42. and do know that this is the Saviour of the world indeed Rejoyce that your Saviour was manifested to those men and wish that all the world may come to his knowledge and withall do your utmost endeavour to bring as many as may be unto him S. Greg. Hom. 6. in Evang. If you walk towards God saith S. Gregory procure not to come to him alone without company Of the Woman taken in Adultery Jo. 8.3 c. COnsider 1. The Pharisees seeking to intrap our Lord take occasion of his Meekness wherefore they bring unto him a Woman taken in Adultery with intent that if perhaps he should give his Sentence for her dismission he might be held for a Corrupter of the Law So the Devil layeth his Snares in that Virtue wherein we most excel the Zealous he endeavours to provoke to anger the Humble to dejection and pusillanimity the Meek to remissness and too much indulgence But there is no counsel against our Lord Pro. 21.30 Job 5.13 And Christ apprehendeth the wise in their subtilty Luc. 6.36 Consider 2. Jesus bowing himself down with his finger wrote in the earth so to decline his giving sentence which might breed contention Therefore the Apostle No man being a souldier to God intangleth himself with secular businesses 2 Tim. 2.4 He did it moreover to teach us that we ought to proceed warily and not with precipitation in such causes But they still urging him He lifted up himself and said to them He that is without sin of you let him first throw the stone at her Most wisely neither clearing nor yet condemning her but pricking their conscience and moving them to compunction for their own sins and commiseration for others Be ye merciful as also your Father is merciful Eccli 34.31 Consider 3. The Pharisees going away one by one the Woman remained alone repentant for her sin and probably with an interiour Faith expecting absolution thereof from Christ Our Lord therefore understanding by her that no body had condemned her Neither will I condemn thee saith he Go and now sin no more Observe and admire the Riches of our Lords Goodness Patience and Longanimity in bringing you and others to Penance O how often hath he said unto you Now sin no more and yet you have still gone on A man that fasteth in his sins and doing the same again what doth he profit in humbling himself Of the Cananean Woman Mat. 15. Mar. 7. COnsider 1. How a Woman of Canaan a Gentile came to our Lord to obtain the cure of her Daughter and see how well she prayeth 1. With a great Faith confessing him to be the Son of David 2. With profound Reverence for she fell down at his feet 3. With tender Charity Mar. 7.25 not begging for her self but for her Daughter 4. With great affection and instance for she cryed out after our Lord. 5. With admirable Constancy for she was often put off yet she still persisted in her Petition Such likewise ought to be your prayer Mat. 15.26 Consider 2. How Christ at first answered harshly unto her and seemingly cast her off like a dog saying It is not good to take the bread of the children and to cast it to the dogs so to exercise her virtue and crown her perseverance God doth often do the like with us because as S. Gregory saith He loveth to be entreated he is willing to be forced Greg. in Ps 6. Paenit and even desireth to be overcome by importunity Observe moreover the Womans Humility in not denying her self a Dog but requesting that which was proper to dogs to wit to eat of the crums of their Masters Table Let your prayer also be humble for the prayer of him that humbleth himself Eccli 35.19 shall penetrate the Clouds saith Ecclesiasticus and he will not depart till the Highest behold Mat. 15.28 Consider 3. Christ yielding at length to the Womans pious importunity first commendeth her Faith O Woman great is thy Faith then granteth what she asked Let it be done to thee as thou wilt Perhaps your Soul also like to the Womans Daughter is sore vexed with an evil Spirit He is sorely vexed who yieldeth to his troubles and temptations but he that overcometh them is vexed to his great benefit and Crown Beg therefore of our Lord strength and courage to resist and pray that as it was to this Woman so it may also be done to thee as thou wilt Of Holy Communion Love the Lord thy God and obey his voice and cleave to him for he is thy life and the length of thy daies Deut. 30.20 Aug. tr 47. in Joan. Consider Christ as the Life of your Soul COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel how Christ raised a young man from death to life and that he is the true Life of your Soul according to that Jo. 11.25 I am the Resurrection and the Life he that believeth in me although he be dead shall live And as the body dieth saith S. Augustine when the soul is departed which is its life so the soul dieth when it loseth God by sin who is its life Ponder the benefit of Spiritual Life by comparing it with that of the body for what a dead carkass is in the eyes of men deformed loathsome
A JOURNAL OF MEDITATIONS For every day in the Year Gathered out of divers Authors Written first in Latine by N. B. and newly translated into English by E. M. in the Year of our Lord 1669. Every day will I bless thee and will praise thy name for ever and for ever and ever Ps 144.2 Anno Dom. MDCLXIX THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER THe general use of Mental Prayer through the Christian World next to the influence of the Divine Spirit who is the principal Cause and Author of all that is good oweth very much to the pious labours of those who in Written Books and Volumes have treated at large of this holy Exercise of its nature excellency and advantages and have delivered rules and precepts for the due performance of it and withal have suggested ample matter of Meditation digested into points and set down in order and method By which means this principal part of Devotion though something difficult in its self without the special unction of the Holy Ghost hath been wonderfully facilitated and made familiar to all Neither are we in England destitute of these helps having in our own language Luiz de Puentes Luiz Granada's and Vincentio Bruno's Meditations and some others whose pious labours have proved singularly beneficial to the Christian World Yet in regard these Authors are either large in themselves or have not that set and ready distribution for each day in the year which would be a riddance of a continual trouble in seeking out and contriving Meditations suitable to the current time and day and because many there are who though desirous to employ themselves daily in this Exercise yet have not either will or leasure to spend much time therein or convenience to have always about them larger Volumes I thought it would not prove a superfluous labour to adjoyn to the former helps some more compendious and methodical supply which I hope will be so performed by this short Journal that young beginners may find what help they desire without tediousness and others that have had more practice in Mental Prayer and desire to employ more time therein may not want matter to work upon and dilate themselves more at large both in discourse and affection The Author of this Journal is of our own Nation and yet living though buried to the World whose modesty enjoyns me to a concealment of his name But in regard the reputation of my Author may be of concern to the benefit of my Reader I think my self bound to let the world know that his singular vertue and abilities have first placed and since fixed him these last twenty years in an eminent employment and one of greatest trust in the state and profession he liveth in He wrote this Book thirty years since in Latine for the benefit of a private Community of whose spiritual advancement then committed to his charge he was zealous This work though never yet set forth to the publick view of the world in Print hath a sufficient approbation from the general esteem of all those that have made use of it Some persons of known vertue literature and authority have procured themselves Copies and make use of no other in their daily exercise of Mental Prayer Others have taken the pains to Transcribe it for their constant use and both these and several others have wished to see it published in English for the more general benefit of our Nation The matter is solid and for the most part grounded on Divine Scripture and fitly accommodated to the use and practice of the Church which in several parts of the year doth represent unto us the several Mysteries of our Saviours Incarnation his Infancy Life and Doctrine his Passion and Death Resurrection and Ascension The Method is plaâ—â— and easie laying down in order each days Meditation and requiring no further trouble than the going continually on with them or if you chance to make any interruption for weeks or days you need but turn to the week and day you are in according to the Ecclesiastical account which every Calendar will tell you As concerning the Translation I have been faithful in my trust keeping touch all along with the sense of the Original What alterations I have made I was necessitated unto by reason of the matter which being in many places applied by the Author to the particular Community for which he wrote required some change for the more general use of all and I was authorized therein by an express and large Commission from the Author which notwithstanding I have used sparingly As for the Version of the Scripture-Text I have carefully sought out each Citation and even scrupulously followed every where the Rhemes Testament reverencing and preferring the publick authority of those learned and grave Authors before that of any private person much more of my own Judgement opinion I have also for the readier use and satisfaction of such as may have occasion or desire to see the Citations in the Text it self noted every where not onely the Chapter but Verse also and by this diligent search have corrected very many false quotations caused by the several transcriptions of Copies As for the Citations of Holy Fathers and other Authors not having convenience of Books to look them out I have left them as I found them Having thus Christian Reader given you some account of this Journal and its Translation I leave it in your hands and recommend it to your serious perusal If perhaps your necessary occasions and employments or little practise or apprehension of difficulty in the exercize of Mental Prayer permit not any longer or more studious Meditation at least take the pains to read every day one of these pages and for the space of a quarter of an hour either sitting or walking onely to reâ—â—ect or ruminate upon what you have read applying what you may to your self and thinking what may serve for your own practise I hope after some acquaintance you will receive that satisfaction which I proposed to my self in the first undertaking of the Work and that by means thereof and the assistance of Gods Holy Grace you will come to reap thâ—se admirable fruits of Mental Prayer consisting in the knowledg of your self and of your duty to God of the malice and damages of Sin of the Miseries and Vanities of the World of the practise of all manner of Christian perfection but chiefly in the eminent knowledg and love of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ with the infinite treasures comprehended in the Mysteries of his Life Passion and Resurrection wherein consisteth the height of all our perfection in this life Joh. 17.3 and the accomplishment of all our happiness in the next according to that of the Apostle This is Life everlasting that they know thee the onely true God and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ To whom with the Father and Holy Ghost be all praise honor and glory now and for ever Amen Your Servant in
1. It obscureth the understanding and by false perswasions withdraws it from the truth 2. It alienates the Will from the Supreme and Soveraign Good to that which is onely counterfeited and makes it even have a loathing of Spiritual things 3. It maketh Reason a slave to bruitish Appetites 4. It depraveth all the Senses with unlawful delights 5 It depriveth the whole man of the friendship and protection of God 6. It robbeth him of Habitual Grace and the ornaments of Vertue and of a child of God makes him a slave of the Devil an Ulcer and Sinck of all filth and abomination 1 Cor. 2.9 Consider 2. As to the other life 1. It depriveth man of the vision of God and those joys which eye hath not seen nor ear hath heard 2. It excludeth him from the company of the holy Saints and Angels and that for ever 3. It makes him liable to everlasting fire without any hopes of releasement 4. It placeth him in a most loathsome dungeon and among the detestable crew of the damned under the cruel tyranny of the Devil from which no power is able to deliver him Eccli 21.2 Consider 3. And add to all this that every one by sinning doth trample under feet the precious Bloud of Christ shed for our sins turneth Gods gifts into so many weapons against himself and even destroyeth God himself as much as lieth in him and in a manner contristates the Saints and the Blessed Virgin hurteth men by his wicked example and lastly makes a triumph of himself for the Devils With good reason then crieth out Ecclesiasticus As from the face of a serpent slye from sins c. The teeth of a lion the teeth thereof killing the souls of men Of flying Venial Sins As disposing to Mortal 1 Part. COnsider 1. He that throughly hateth Mortal Sin must also endeavour what he can to avoid Venial otherwise He that contemneth small things Eccli 19.1 S. Tho. 1a 2ae q. 86. a. 3. shall fall by little and little For Venial Sins dispose unto Mortal 1. In regard of the matter or object which being for the most part the same in both affords an easie passage from the lesser that is of custom to a greater transgression 2. By reason of our own forces which are much weakened by frequent Venial Sins Whence it is that we are presently cast to the ground at the rising of any strong temptation according to that Eccles. 10.18 In slothfulness the roof of the house shall go to ruine and in the infirmity of hands the house shall drop through 3. In regard of the exteriour assistance of God which he doth often substract for Venial Sins such especially as are more voluntary for he deserveth little help that is sparing of his own endeavours 2 Cor. 9.6 He that soweth sparingly sparingly also shall reap Is 40.6 Consider 2. What caution that man useth that hath straw hay or gun-powder lodged in his house lest any sparkle of fire should light thereon All flesh is grass or hay and no gunpowder taketh fire sooner then doth Concupiscence Look upon holy David through an unwary glance of his eyes miserably fallen first into Adultery then into Murder Take heed therefore of the least sparkle resist the beginnings and dash the little ones against the rock Ps 136.9 that is bad motions while they are but little Consider 3. From slight wounds not looked unto in time and festered proceed malignant feavers in the body and death it self The same happereth to the Soul by Venial Sin Wherefore look into all your actions and see wherein you are wont more frequently to receive a wound and arm your self in time Endeavour to the utmost of your power to refrain not only from evil it self but also from all appearance of evil as the Apostle admonisheth 1 Thess 5.22 Of flying Venial Sins For the Damages they bring with them 2. Part. COnsider 1. We ought to avoid Venial Sins not onely for that they dispose to Mortal but also for their own proper deformity for as Saint Augustine saith they are like scabs in the body Aug. l. 50. Hom. Ser. 41. de Sanctis and do so deface the beauty of the Soul that she becometh thereby in disgrace with her heavenly Spouse Think with your self if you were to passe through dirty ways in a pure white and precious garment what care you would take to keep it clean Souls invested with Habitual Grace are whiter then snow purer then milk fairer then the Saphyre Thren 4.7 With how much more care then are we to preserve them without spot or blemish through the foul ways of this life Eccles. 10.1 Consider 2. Other damages which these Sins especially if frequent bring with them 1. They diminish the fervour of Charity like cold water cast into a vessel of warm 2. They keep back the Soul in her progress as a burthen doth him that walketh 3. They take off from the merit of good works as dying flies do from the sweetness of oyntment 4. They are an Impediment to Prayer and Devotion 5. They abate the efficacy of the Sacraments 6. They hinder the increase both of Grace in this life and Glory in the next 7 They are pleasing to the Devils displeasing to the Angels 8. They make God himself to have a loathing of us according to that Apoc. 3.15.16 I would thou wert either cold or hot But because thou art lukewarm I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth Deut. 18.13 Consider 3. It followeth hence that it is not lawful for the conversion of the whole world to commit one single Venial Sin And although all are to avoid the same yet chiefly such as have consecrated themselves to God of whom he exacteth perfect purity Therefore he enjoyneth every one of his Levites You shall be perfect without spot before the Lord thy God Examine your life and actions and do your best to live without spot or blemish Of flying Venial Sins For the Punishments due unto them 3. Part. Ps 118.137 COnsider 1. That of David Thou art just O Lord and thy judgement is right And yet he hath inflicted most heavy punishments for sins by the judgement of most onely Venial that thence you might understand the grievousnesse of them Num. 12.10 1. He struck Mary Sister to Moyses with a horrible leprosie for lightly murmuring against her brother notwithstanding his earnest intercession for her pardon 2. Two Sons of Aaron Levit. 10.2 Cornel. ibid. for casting into their thuribles in haste other then sanctified fire he struck suddenly dead in the sight of the whole people Num. 15.35 Salian ibid. 3. He commanded to be stoned to death a poor man that had gathered up a few sticks on the Sabboth day Lastly he took Moyses out of this life before he could enter the Land of Promise which notwithstanding he most ardently desired and this for some diffidence as the
Holy Fathers expound it in striking the rock Compare these and the like examples with your actions and you will finde you have often deserved more Consider 2. God hath ordained more severe punishments for Venial Sins after death in Purgatory That Purgatory Fire saith St. Augustine will be more unsufferable then what pain soever can be seen Aug. Ser. 41. de Sanctis felt or even understood in this life There all debts will be exacted to the last farthing neither will there be place for any other satisfaction then by sufferance Is 33.14 And which of you saith Isaie can dwell with devouring fire Such as will be there Aug. sup Consider 3. Seeing you would not endure now to lie in flames but for a quarter of an hour although it were to gain the whole world how reasonable were it to make satisfaction at present by Pennance for what is past and to be wary for the future and if through humane frailty you be not able to avoid all avoid at least the greater and diminish what you can the number that so that Purgatory Fire as St. Augustine speaketh may finde little or nothing in you to consume Of the Remedies against Sin The Memory of the last Things Of DEATH 1. Part. How certain it is and with all how uncertain Heb. 9.27 COnsider 1. Death is inevitable It is appointed to men saith the Apostle to dye once Nothing is more certain or evident to sense All that have gone before us Princes Emperours Bishops Popes have dyed at last neither could any one hitherto of what power or dignity soever escape or put it off Job 14.5 Thou hast appointed his limits which cannot be passed saith Job Wherefore thou also infallibly must once come to it Marc. 13.35 Consider 2. As for the time place and manner of Death nothing more uncertain How many sudden accidents have you heard read or even beheld with your own eyes How many hath death unexpectedly stolen upon while they were eating sleeping laughing or playing And when is to be your turn What if at this instant Would you be ready for it Wherefore Christ doth often and in most weighty terms inculcate unto us that we should be ready at all hours Watch ye therefore for you know not when the Lord of the house cometh at even or at midnight or at cock-crowing or in the morning Eccles. 11.3 Consider 3. Death is but once to be undergone and if it hath gone ill there is no amends or recovery to be made if once ill so it will ever be if once well it will also be well for you for all eternity If the tree shall fall to the South saith the Wiseman or to the North in what place soever it shall fall there shall it lie Neither will there be any more time or place for Pennance Procure therefore by living well that whensoever your time cometh of falling it be to the right side See in what state you are at present and whether there be any thing in you which you would not on your death-bed and think often with your self that to perish once is to be lost for ever Of Death 2. Part. How terrible it is Ps 108.18 COnsider 1. The miserable state of a dying man lying on his death-bed given over by his Physician and hastening to his last agony Consider the many griefs and anguishes that surround him on every side 1. From the memory of things past for then will come to his mind the sins he hath committed the losse of so much precious time spent in vanities together with the neglect of many helps afforded him by Almighty God towards his Salvation Then perhaps one hours space of longer pennance will be earnestly wished for but not afforded him who while he was in his jollities and pleasures neglected many He would not blessing saith David and it shall be far from him Oh with what sighs will sinners at that hour cry out Sap. 5.8 and say What hath pride availed us or what commodity hath the vaunting of riches brought to us Consider 2. The grief of mind for leaving the present enjoyments of this life Aug. Ser. de Inno. c. 3. for as St. Augustine saith That is not left without grief which is possessed with delight Notwithstanding at that hour are to be left all friends and kindred pleasures delights and riches without any hopes of evermore recovering them 1 Tim. 6.7 We brought nothing saith the Apostle into this World doubtless neither can we take away any thing Whereupon Ecclesiasticus Eccli 41.1 O death how bitter is thy memory to a man that hath peace in his riches Cast off therefore in time all affection to worldly things that you may hereafter part without grief Eccles. 9.1 Consider 3. The anguish and perplexity of mind proceeding from the uncertainty of things to come The final sentence of everlasting doom draweth near Man knoweth not whether he be worthy of love or hatred The Devil will be at hand to tempt and cast you into despair Think what you would then wish your self to have done in your life time and do it now while you have opportunity Of Death 3. Part. Of the Horrour of the Corps COnsider 1. What a thing that body is after death which in our life time we cherish pamper and adorn with so much care 1. It lieth destitute of all sense and motion it seeth nothing heareth nothing neither can it so much as put off the worms that lie devouring it 2. It looketh pale and deformed and for the intollerable stench proceeding from the corruption that issueth out of it striketh horrour even into the dearest friends Wherefore with reason Blessed Francis Borgia In vita Borg. l. 1. c. 7. Psal 4.3 having beheld the Corps of a famous Empress of his time now rotten in her grave is said to have cried out How long shall we love vanity and seek after lying How long neglecting solid truths shall we hunt after shadows All things moulter away with death and from mirth soon pass into tears Eccli 10.13 Is 14.11 Consider 2. The Garments Bed and Habitation of the dead body It is stripped of whatsoever ornaments it had for its garments it is wrapped up in a Winding-sheet for its bed it is cast on the ground for its habitation it is confined to a pit seven foot long and lastly given over to the worms and serpents to be torn and consumed by them When a man shall die saith Ecclesiasticus he shall inherit serpents and beasts and worms And Isaie Vnder thee shall the moth be strawed and worms shall be thy covering O what an habitation What companions Eccli 38.23 Consider 3. How profitable and necessary it is often to call to mind this last end of your body lest you should have a greater care and love for that which is to be devoured by worms then of your Soul that is to live for an Eternity
1. Hideously obscure without light even above the Egyptian darknesse 2. Excessively strait for the infinite number of bodies that will there be packed together 3. Infinitely loathsome and stinking by reason of the soot smoke stench of brimstone and filthinesse of the bodies 4. Ever shut up without any conveniency of breathing Job 10.22 or air 5. Where as Job saith is the shadow of death and no order but everlasting horrour inhabiteth Apoc. 20.10 Consider 2. The quality of the pains 1. For being continual without intermission for they shall he tormented as St. John saith day and night for ever and ever 2. For the grievousnesse of them being most sharp and vehement without any the least relaxation Whence the rich Glutton in the Gospel could not obtain so much as one drop of water to cool his tongue 3. For the diversity and contrariety of them which makes to their greater torment expressed by that of Job Job 24.19 Let him pass from snow waters to exceeding heat 4. For the company or society which will be with the Devils and cursed Souls that are obdurated in the hatred of God and with serpents vipers and dragons Job 20.16 18. He shall suck the head of asps and the vipers tongue shall kill him c. He shall be punished for all things that he did and yet not be consumed Apoc. 9.6 Marc. 9.43 Consider 3. The everlasting durance of all this which after millions of years shall begin afresh as if nothing had ever been and shall last for ever Because 1. The Soul is immortal They shall desire to dye and death shall flye from them 2. The place never to be destroyed 3. The fire unquenchable 4. Their sin by obstinacy irrevocable and consequently their worm dieth not Ibid. 44. Lastly Gods decree is unchangeable because in Hell there is no redemption Of Hell 2. Part. Sap. 11.17 COnsider 1. That saying of the Wiseman By what things a man sinneth by the same also he is tormented And because we offend God by all the Senses of the body therefore the damned in hell shall be tormented in them all 1. The Sight shall be tormented with hideous shapes of the Devils horrid representations of sins past and with the view of their cursed company which it will detest with mortal hatred 2. The Hearing with continual blasphemies grashing of teeth curses and howlings 3. The Smell with brimstone pitch and intollerable stench of the bodie 4. The Taste with ravenous hunger unquenchable thirst and insufferable bitternesse of the fiery brimstone 5. The Sense of Feeling with most sharp torments all the body over for the Sinner shall be as the Prophet saith as stubble to the fire Malach. 4.1 Is 33.14 Which of you saith another can dwell with devouring fire which of you shall dwell with everlasting heats Imagine the same in proportion of the Understanding Memory Will and other powers Consider 2. Heavier then all this will be the pain of loss as the Divines call it for that the greater the good is that is lost the greater likewise is the grief it causeth And the damned to their greater torment shall know the greatnesse of the Happinesse which they have forfeited by Sin This Happinesse is God himself and the clear sight and enjoyment of him The blessed Company of Saints perpetual Tranquillity and Peace peaceful Delight delightful Satiety and the like And yet we can finde in our hearts to let all this go and besides incur everlasting torments for some short and trifling pleasure Consider 3. What you are to do to escape Hell You must use all your endeavour to avoid Sin which leadeth thither And if you would not for the whole world lie broiling on a gridiron but for an hour how much more ought you to be aversed from sin Let us therefore bewail our sins as a certain holy man said before we come thither where our tears will serve for nothing but to scorch and burn our bodies Of Purgatory 1. Part. COnsider 1. As Hell is ordained for punishment of Mortal Sin so is Purgatory for Venial And here likewise Sinners suffer for a time pain both of Sense and Losse Ponder therefore the grievousnesse of the pains of Sense 1. In regard of the place which is also under ground dark and joyning to Hell 2. For the nature and condition of the Fire which is of the same kind and activity as Divines teach with that of Hell 3. For the excesse of torment for as St. Augustine saith that purging fire is more grievous then what pain soever we can see feel Aug. Ser. 41. de Sanctis or even imagine in this world 4. For the long durance for although those torments be not everlasting yet to very many they last for many years and to some even till the day of Judgement as appeareth by divers very credible and authentick Histories Is 33.14 Who can dwell with devouring fire Prov. 13.12 Consider 2. The pain of Losse which the Souls sustain here for the delay of the Beatifical Vision which they most ardently long for Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul Much more the hopes of so great a happiness as is the seeing and enjoying of God Think if you were promised a Kingdom what a longing condition you would be in till you were in possession with much greater desire are the Souls there inflamed and they grieve the more for that so great a good is deferred for their own carelesnesse and negligence in this life Aug. sup Consider 3. How much it imports you both to shun to the utmost of your power Venial Sins and withall to satisfie fully for Mortal Sins though confessed and forgiven lest you come to be cast into this purging Fire for as Saint Augustine above cited saith He that will not now put so much as one finger into the fire must necessarily dread to be tormented then whole body and soul though but for a short time Of Purgatory 2. Part. COnsider 1. For how light causes as we read in Histories many have been sent to Purgatory Some for not bowing their head in the Quire at Gloria Patri others for desiring too earnestly holy Orders Some again for Vanity in argumenting Others for curiosity in Apparel S. Severin himself at whose Sepulchre miracles were wrought for not reciting the Divine Office in its due time And Paschasius Deacon for some inordinate affection in the election of the Pope and that out of errour and ignorance Greg. l. 4. Dial. c. 40. as Saint Gregory witnesseth Compare now these small defects with yours and you will finde that you have deserved a much heavier judgement Wherefore humbly ask pardon and say with the Psalmist Ps 6.1 2. Lord rebuke me not in thy fury nor chastise me in thy wrath Have mercy on me Lord because I am weak Consider 2. Our merciful Lord hath afforded us many means to satisfie for our sins in this life
intollerable and lasted all that night and day fellowing for about twenty hours together Speake what affection shall suggest Of our Lords Buriall Mat. 27. COnsider 1. After our Lord was dead his sacred body was taken down from the Cross with great devotion and teares by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathia who laid it in the Mothers armes whereby that of the Canticles was fullfilled Cant. 1.13 A Buadle of Myrrhe my beloved is to me he shall abide between my brests Think what expressions of griefe and sorrow what sighs and tears passed from her Ponder what was said and done at that time by her and her devout companions See that your beloved Lord be also to you a bundle of Myrrhe and that by frequent contemplation of his Passion you lodge him in your bosome and heart 2 Cor 4.10 Consider 2. Griefe and love having acted their parts they embaulm the sacred Corps and wrap it up in a clean winding sheet Our Lord is delighted with cleanliness even in his grave that you might learn diligently to cleanse your heart as often as you receive him in the Holy Eucharist Our Lord will have his Mystical members embaulmed especially with the Myrrhe of Mortification that with the Apostle Allways bearing about in our body the Mortification of Jesus the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our bodys Think how you may put this in practise Tit. 2.13 Consider 3. Our Lord being buried every one betake themselves to their own home for they were not permitted by the keepers to remain at the Sepulcher Think in what solitude the B. Mother and other devout persons were in and how they gave themselves wholy to prayer Expecting the blessed hope and advent of the glory of the great God The B. Virgin doubtless comforted herself with that of the Psalm At evening shall weeping abide and in the morning gladness Ps. 29.6 Doe you likewise in Desolation have recourse to prayer and learn to put your trust in God Things to be observed concerning the Meditations of the Mysteries after our Lords Resurrection 1 Cor. 6.17 THe Meditations upon the Mysteries after our Lords Resurrection appertain to the Unitive way This being an Uniting of our will with the divine will of God by way of affection maketh that our will as it were going forth of her self layeth hold on the goodness of God represented unto it and adhereth unto him and by this adhesion is united with him according to that of the Apostle He that cleaâ—eth to our Lord is one Spirit Hence this Unitive way hath diverse affections properly belonging unto it which we may make use of in the ensuing meditations The chiefe are these following 1. Admiration of Gods Majesty whom we contemplat and of his Attributes and Perfections 2. Joy and content for that God is so absolutly perfect in himself good to others and so admirable in his works 3. Praise and thanksgiving for his gifts and benefits with desire of seeing and enjoying him and of honouring and obeying him 4. Zeale of Gods Glory and good of Souls wishing that all the world might come to know love and serve him 5. Trust in his Goodness and Providence together with a filial respect standing in fear of being separated from him or of committing any thing which may justly offend so great a Majesty and bewailing all the sins whereby we had incurred at any time his just indignation 6. Desire of these Heavenly things we contemplat so that whatsoever is upon earth may seem but durt unto us while we look up to heaven saying with the Prophet How beloved are thy tabernacles Ps. 83.2 O Lord of hoasts my Soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. And Ps. 41.2 Even as the hart desireth after the fountains of waters so doth my Soul desire after thee O God 2 Cor. 3.18 By these and such like affections let us endeavor to obtain that Beholding the glory of our Lord c. We may be transformed as the Apostle speaketh into the same image from glory unto glory that is that we may become like unto him by the union of our wills increasing dayly more and more in the knowledge of him till at length passing from the imperfect clarity of this life and pilgrimage we arrive to the perfect clarity and glory of our native Country and Beatificall Vision Rise thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ will illuminate thee Ephe. 5.14 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as our Resurrection Apoc. 3.17 COnsider 1. The manner wherewith Christ raised his body out of the Sepulcher of deformed rendering it glorious Ponder what a difference there is between a body that is dead pale wan destitute of all sense and motion and the same when it is invested with the array and endowments of glory The same difference is between the Soul in Sin and in the state of Grace and almost the same between tepidity and fervor For in the state of Tepidity the Soul is as it were in a slumber and void of all heroical motion she is insensible of things appertaining to God and being possessed with innumerable phantasies pursueth vaine trifles and dreams instead of reall and solid goods She thinks herself in a good state when in truth she is like that man in the Apocalyps miserable and poor and blinde and naked Jo. 11.25 Consider 2. Christ is ready to raise us out of these miserable states therefore he saith I am the resurrection and the life To wit the cause and Author of both and as well of the Soul as of the body O what a benefit it is and how infinitly to be valued to be raised from the death of Sin and grave of Tepidity and to be placed in the cleare light of the Childeren of God that walk and work with fervor The same will Christ bestow upon you this day in the Holy Eucharist if you hinder him not For therefore he is called the bread of life Jo. 6.35 Ibid. v. 40. S. Tho. alii and as we owe unto him the Resurrection of our bodies in the last day so doe we now the Resurrection and reviving of our Soules Colos 3.1 Consider 3. The signes of our rising with Christ are to seek and mind the things that are above not the things that are upon earth So the Apostle If you be risen with Christ seek the things that are above c. Seek therefore and affect only heavenly things Rom. 6.9 and as Christ Rising again from the dead now dyeth no more So you being raised from the state of Tepidity to Fervor have a care you fall not into a relapse Of our Lords Resurrection COnsider 1. There having now passed time sufficient to evidence the certainty of his death on the third day early in the morning our Lord hastened to bring forth the Holy Fathers our of Limbus to comfort his B. Mother and desolate Disciples and Illustrate
could not satisfy her mind or affection for no wordly comfort is able to content the soul that truly seeketh God Then Christ himself appeareth but first in the shape of a Gardiner so as she knew him not saying Sir if thou hast carried him away tell me where thou hast laid him and I will take him away Great was the force of her love She excepted no place feared no danger but was ready to seek her Lord upon any termes See whether your love be such Iob. 3.22 Consider 3. Jesus saith to her Mary Our Lord doth often conceale his presence and seemeth to be far off from his servants when he is neer at hand He conceales himself under a disguise the better to try our love and inflame our desires but discovereth himself at last and as Sara said after teares and weeping powreth in joyfullness Beseech our Lord that he would vouchsafe to be so intimate and familiar with you as to call you by your name and speake so to your heart that you may come to know his voice and with B. Magdalen be more and more inflamed with his love Our Lord appeareth to the other Women Mat. 28.9 COnsider 1. While the Holy Women among whom probably was S. Mary Magdalen were in their return from the Sepulcher to the Citty Christ met them in the way and saluted them saying All haile Ponder here the great goodness of our Lord affording comfort in a most seasonable time and not disdaining the weaker fer Ponder also that word All haile which the Angel Gabriel likewise used to the B. Virgin and did work in their hearts what it did outwardly signify O Lord speak so to my Soul Cant. 2.14 Let thy voice sound in my eares for thy voice is sweet and thy face comely Ps 44.8 Consider 2. But they came neer and took hold of his feet and adored him They were permitted to touch and kiss his sacred feet O with what reverence and joy of heart did they doe it In reward of their good desires of anealing his sacred Corps in the Sepulcher they were themselves anointed with the oyle of gladness above their fellowes Learn hence with what affections you ought to embrace not his feet but whole Christ in the Eucharist as often as you frequent it Lay fast hold on your Beloved and let him not goe from you till he hath given you his blessing Gen. 32.26.29 as he did to Jacob. Pro. 18.19 Consider 3. Jesus said to them Feare not goe tell my bretheren c. Admire the sweetness of our Lord in comforting his servants and taking from them all feare Ponder those words My Bretheren bearing a most friendly and sweet name He who was now King of Glory disdained not to call poor ignorant fishermen his bretheren O what a happiness it is to have such a brother Love him therefore as your brother and put your trust in him for if the Brother that is holpen of Brother as the Wise man saith is as a strong Citty how much more he who is holpen of such a Brother Peter and John goe to the Sepulcher and Our Lord appeareth to Peter Luc. 24.11 COnsider 1. The devour Women relate what they had seen at the Sepulcher to the Disciples that were assembled together But it seemed before them as dotage for the Apostles were as yet fixed to sensible things and were not enlightned by the Holy Ghost So the Mysteries of the Cross and Resurrection seeme no better then meer folly to the Wise men of this world Beseech our Lord to enlighten your darkness that you may not dote so miserably with the World Consider 2. Peter and John more desireous then the rest of knowing the truth ran to the Sepulcher entered in looked throughly about and found all as the women had related but neither Angels nor our Lord appeared unto them for their further tryall and for that the relations of others ought to have sufficed By John is signifyed Faith by Peter Charity with both we must seeke Christ if at any time he be taken from us Consider 3. On the same day afterwards Christ appeared as is gathered out of S. Luke unto Peter Ibid. v. 34. who went away marvelling with himself at that which was done And Our Lord hath risea indeed and hath appeared to Simon Thus our Lord would comfort him 1. That he might afterwards confirme others in the same beliefe 2. Because he had already blotted out the Sin of his denyall with due penance and now deserved to receive corsolation 3. Because of all the Disciples he loved Christ most and therefore conceived more griefe then any for his death Learn to beare Christ company in his sufferings that you may rejoyce with him in his Resurrection For Ps. 93.19 according to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart thy consolations have made my Soul Joyfull I will hear what our Lord God will speake in me because he will speake peace upon his people Ps 84.9 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Prince of Peace Jer. 29.11 Is. 9.6 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel how Christ appeared unto the Apostles and thrice imparted unto them his peace saying Peace be to you Jo. 20.19 For he is our peace as the Apostle saith Ephes. 2.14 intending cogitations of peace and not of affliction and therefore among other titles he is called by Isaie the Prince of Peace Gal. 5.17 Consider 2. There are three sorts of peace which we are to procure 1. With God 2. With our Neighbour 3. With out solves for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh Ps. 37.4 and therefore David said My bones have no peace And a mans enemies are they of his own houshould to wit Mich. 7.6 his own unlawfull Appetites This threefould peace the Prince and Author of it will bring unto you in the Eucharist if you hinder not for the Eucharist is properly a Pacifick Host between God and us The Simbole and band of Charity between us and our Neighbour Cyril lib. 4. in c. 27. Je. and lastly that which as S. Cyril saith doth restrain the raging tyranny of our members and doth intrench us round about with perfect peace Whence David said Ps. 147.3 He hath set thy borders peace and filleth thee with the fat of corn Levit. 26.6 Consider 3. Christ brought Peace this day to the Arostles when the dores were shut and they assembled together within and in prayer Therefore shut up carefully the gates of your senses and retire your self within the inward closet of your heart and our Lord Will give peace in your coasts You shall sleep and there shall be none to make you affraid But above all purge your self throughly from sin 〈◊〉 48.22 For There is no peace to the impious saith our Lord. Luc. 24.13 Our Lord appeareth to the Disciples going to Emmaus Part. 1. COnsider 1.
be directed as Incense in thy sight and the elevation of my hands as evening Sacrifice 2. By Prayer man becometh companion of the Angels and converseth familiarly with God himself 3. God takes himself to be honoured by our prayers as he expresly tells us by his Prophet Invocate me in the day of tribulation Ps 49.15 I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorisie me 1 Pet. 5.8 Consider 2. The necessity we have of Prayer in regard of the miseries of this mortal life and continual dangers 1. Of Soul from the assaults of the Devil who as a roaring Lion goeth about seeking whom he may devoure from the alurements of the world and from the rebellion of our own flesh 2. Of Body from War Famine and Pestilence from poverty sickness loss of goods and fortunes death of friends and from innumerable other crosses and afflictions All which make us to cry out with King Josaphat to our Lord Whereas we are ignorant what to do 2 Paral. 20.12 this only we have lest that we direct our eyes to thee Luc. 18.1 Consider 3. The goodness of God who whereas he could sufficiently redress all our necessities with the general Providence wherewith he provideth for his other creatures yet to endear us the more to himself requireth that we have our recourse unto him by prayer acknowledging him the Author of all good and depending wholly on him in all occasions and therefore he hath given us an express Command thereof delivered by Christ in these words It behoveth always to pray Reflect upon your own particular necessities spiritual and temporal Heb. 4.16 and go with confidence to the Throne of Grace that you may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid Of the benefit of Prayer Part 2. COnsider 1. More in particular the benefits and efficacy of Prayer which as S. Hierom saith overcometh the inâ—iâ—cible Hieron in Epist and bâ—adeth the Almighty moving him to mercy and tying his hands from punishing our sins Suffer me said God to Moyses Exod. 32.10 when he was praying for the people that my fury may be angry against them It is a general remedy against all difficulties and temptations Prosp in Serm. Exod. 17.11 c. Jos 10.14 and a Scourge as S. Prosper saith to the Devils Moyses lifting up his hands in prayer obtained victory over the Amalecites Josue by prayer made the Sun and Moon stand still our Lord obeying the voice of a man How much more then may we hope the effect of our prayers for the obtaining of spiritual blessings Consider 2. Prayer as S. Augustine saith Aug. Serm. 26. de temp Luc. 11.13 is the Key of Heaven opening unto us all manner of heavenly treasures For by prayer we obtain 1. The divine Spirit of God Your father from heaven will give the good Spirit to them that ask him 2. Increase of habitual and sanctifying grace 3. More frequent supplies of actual grace 4. All manner of virtues and supernatural gifts Besides in the exercise thereof our faith is quickned our hopes raised and our love and affection inflamed towards God whom therein we acknowledge to be our chief Benefactor and Author of all good Is 65.24 Consider 3. All this and whatever else we can desire for our good Almighty God is readier to bestow upon us then we to ask and doth even prevent our prayers according to that And it shall be before they call I will hear as they are yet speaking I will hear And if he denieth us any thing it is our fault in demanding either what we ought not or not in the manner we ought but still his mercy Aug. Ser. 53. de Verb. Dom. for God in his mercy saith S. Augustine denieth such things which he could not grant but in wrath Be grateful for so great a benefit and serve your self of it by a due and constant use in all your occasions Of the benefit of Prayer Part 3. Eccli 18.23 COnsider 1. That of the wise man Before prayer prepare thy soul This preparation consisteth 1. In an humble heart towards God acknowledging our sins and unworthiness to appear in his sight as did the Publican and Centurion for God hath had respect to the prayer of the humble Ps 101.18 and he hath not despised their Petition And the prayer of him that humbleth himself shall penetrate the Clouds Eccl. 35.19 2. In peace and charity with our Neighbour pardoning all injuries and offences When you shall stand to pray Mar. 11.25 forgive if you have ought against any man c. 3. In putting off all hardness of heart towards the needy for as the wise man saith He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor Pro. 21.13 himself also shall cry and shall not be heard Mat. 6.6 Consider 2. In our prayer we must observe what Christ requireth in those words When thou shalt pray enter into thy chamber and having shut the door pray to thy father in secret c. That is we must retire our selves from all distracting objects and shut the doors of our senses We must also pray in spirit Jo. 4.23 and verity that is with a serious and earnest application of mind intending from our heart what we outwardly express in words that we may not be in the number of those of whom the Prophet This people honoreth me with their lips Mat. 15.8 but their heart is far from me We must finally bring a lively faith and confidence All things whatsoever you ask praying saith Christ believe that you shall receive Mar. 11.24 and they shall come unto you Consider 3. The grounds of this confidence which are chiefly three 1. The love of the Eternal Father towards us For as Christ said Jo. 16.27 The Father himself loveth you and who of his own accord bestowed his only Son upon us will not stick to grant us upon earnest entreaty lesser blessings 2. The Merits and Passion of Christ who is our Mediator and Advocate and assures us Jo. 14.13 Whatsoever we shall ask in his name that he will do 3. The intercession which the Divine Spirit himself doth make for us who as the Apostle saith Rom. 8.26 requesteth for us with groanings unspeakable On the Feast of our Lords Ascension Arise be illuminated Jerusalem upon thee shall our Lord arise and his glory shall be seen upon thee Is 60.1 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the King of Glory Ps 46.6 COnsider 1. Christ is often in the Scripture called the King of Glory and this day in triumphant manner he ascended the highest Heavens in great Glory and Majesty God is ascended in Jubilation and our Lord in the voice of Trumpet He is the Fountain whence Glory is derived to all the blessed and the several gifts of grace to the faithful but especially in this day of his Triumph as great Princes are wont in like occasions he prodigally
most justly deserveth to be loved by you from your whole heart with your whole soul and with your whole mind Jo. 14.23 Consider 2. This your Beloved will enter to day in the H. Eucharist the lodging of your heart that you may at leisure enjoy his most sweet Conversation his chast Imbraces and affectuous entertainments of Love If any one love me c. my Father will love him and we will come to him and will make abode with him Think what a torrent of Heavenly Graces will flow into your soul by the benefit of this abode if you be rightly disposed for he saith of himself With me are riches and glory Prov. 8.18 21. glorious riches and justice c. That I may enrich them that love me and may replenish their treasures Consider 3. The disposition on your side must be love for love and that the greatest you can stretch unto which consisteth more in deeds and actions then in words and affections whence he saith Jo. sup If any love me he will keep my word that is my Commandments my Counsels my Admonition See therefore how little observant you have hitherto been of them and procure that hereafter you may be able to say with the Spouse My Beloved to me and I to him in willing and not willing the same in all things with him Cant. 2.16 by a perfect Union of Wills Of the Lepre Mat. 8. Mar. 1. Luc. 5. Part 1. Mar. 1.40 COnsider 1. There came unto Christ a Lepre to be healed 1. He besought our Lord with profound Reverence kneeling down and falling on his face 2. With great Faith confessing our Lords Power Lord if thou wilt Luc. 5.12 thou canst make me clean 3. With Resignation not asking any thing absolutely but conditionally only If thou wilt if it be so pleasing to thy will Such ought also to be your Petitions Humble full of Faith and resigned to the Divine Will Is 66.2 To whom shall I have respect but to the poor little one and the contrite of spirit and him that trembleth at my words Mat. 8.3 Consider 2. Our Lords Clemency He disdained not the presence and sight of that loathsome Spectacle nor did he put off the cure till an other day and although he could have healed him with one single word yet to correct our niceness in like occasions he would also touch him wherefore stretching forth his hand he touched him saying I will be thou made clean Observe the word I will as if he should say I both will and desire for my part for God will have all men to be saved 1 Tim. 2.4 See therefore it be not lack of your self that you are not cleansed from your spiritual Leprosie Consider 3. The spiritual Leprosie of the Soul which is sin is like to that of the body for both defile the Subject wherein it is and render it a most loathsome Spectacle that in the sight of God this to the eyes of men But that of the Soul is so much the more detestable by how much the more dangerous consequence it is of as disposing to death not Temporal but Eternal Wence S. Lewis the King with good reason said as it is related of him Jon. in Vita S. Lud. c. 94. that he had rather incur the Leper of his body then sin and that he sharply reprehended one of his Nobles for making the contrary choice Of the Lepre Mat. 8.4 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. Our Lord having by his Divine Power cured the Lepre Saith to him See thou tell no body Christ knew that he would publish the Miracle to all as afterwards he did out of gratitude neither was there any danger of vain glory in Christ yet he did so for our instruction teaching us to shun the like danger with all our endeavour For vain glory as S. Basil saith is a robber of our spiritual riches Basil Const Monast c. 11. a flattering Enemy of our Souls the Moth of Virtues c. Think with your self how much you are subject to this Vice in your actions and take heed it may not also be said to you You have received your reward Mat. 6.5 16. Consider 2. Go shew thy self to the Priest and offer the gift which Moyses commanded for a testimony to them The Law of Moyses reserved to the Priests the judgment both of the Leprosie its self in case of doubt and of its cure See therefore 1. How observant Christ was of the Law 2. How he honoured those Priests although ever most spiteful to him 3. How much greater Prerogative did he confer upon the Priests of the New Law to whom he gave power to cleanse and take away all manner of spiritual Leprosie Therefore do you also as often as you find your self infected with the like Leprosie go and shew your self to the Priest Levit. 14. Consider 3. The Lepre was also to make an Offering For in the Ancient Law after the shaving of his hair he was commanded to wash his cloaths and his body and to offer a Lamb without spot in Sacrifice Let your Offering as often as you return from the Sacrament of Confession be a Sacrifice of Praise according to that Immolate to God the Sacrifice of Praise and withall Ps 49.14 the Immaculate Lamb of God in the Sacrifice of Mass Of the ten Lepres Luc. 17. Part 1. Luc. 17.12 COnsider 1. Our Lord passing through the midst of Samaria and entering a Town There met him ten men that were Lepers who stood afar off and they lifted up their voice saying Jesus Master have mercy on us Observe also in these the manner of praying well 1. With Humility and Reverence they stood a far off 2. Unanimously and with fervour they lifted up their voice for earnest and fervent prayer is pleasing to God wherefore David said When I cryed to him he heard me Ps 21.25 3. They say not heal us but have mercy on us only begging mercy of him and leaving the whole matter and manner to God Do you the like in your occasions Consider 2. Whom as he saw he said Go shew your selves to the Priests He could have healed them at that instant but he would make tryal of their Obedience sending them to the Priests for the greater respect also and observance of the Law Moreover to teach us that we ought to repair unto the Priests and to disclose our selves to them as often as we are strucken with the Leprosie of Sin and for your part sleep not so much as one night in this Leprosie for what if in that very night God should take your Soul from you your Leprosie would stick to you for all Eternity Ps 31.5 Consider 3. And it came to pass as they went they were made clean Ponder their prompt Obedience and the fruit thereof So it often happeneth to them that are tempted that even while they are but going to manifest
God and all manner of virtue The Powers as their Name sounds are endowed with power to curb and quell the Infernal Spirits Implore the assistance of this Powerful Hierarchy that you may likewise constantly adhere to God be perfect Masters of your own Passions and vicious Appetites and by a compleat Victory over all temptations subdue your mortal Enemies the World the Flesh and the Devil Consider 3. In the third Hierarchy are the Principalities Archangels and Angels The Principalities do both exhibit in themselves and cause in others due Veneration and worship towards their Lord and God The Archangels are properly Gods Messengers and Administrators in the highest and most Important Affairs and are special Patrons of Purity The Angels are all ministring spirits sent to minister for them Heb. 1.14 which shall receive the Inheritance of Salvation Be zealous of the Divine Worship both in your self and others strive to be eminent in Purity and by virtuous life and conversation endeavour to be a good Angel and Minister of Salvation to your Neighbour Of Holy Patriarchs and Prophets COnsider 1. How even from the beginning and in times of Infidelity and Idolatry wherein almost the whole world was involved God was perfectly served by the holy Patriarchs and Prophets 1. They persevered constant in the Faith and Worship of God upheld and maintained the same among the people and carefully delivered it to their Posterity 2. They kept true Poverty of spirit in plenty of wealth and riches and made use of what they had not to vanity and ostentation but to the service of God and benefit of their Neighbour in works of Charity 3. Notwithstanding the multitude of temporal affairs they preserved themselves in the holy fear of God and were despisers of the honours which for their place and deserts were due to them from the people Luc. 10.24 Consider 2. They did chiefly excel in an ardent love of Christ and longing desires and expectation of his coming Many Prophets and Kings desired to see the things which you see c. saith our Saviour himself And our Lord revealed unto them many Divine Secrets and made them privy to the Mysteries of his Incarnation and Passion In this Faith and Hope they lived and died According to faith died all these Heb. 1113. not having received the Promises but beholding them a far off and saluting them and confessing that they are pilgrims and strangers upon the earth Be ashamed that your esteem love and gratitude for these benefits graciously bestowed upon you should fall short of their affections and desires of the same only represented to them and that a far off Heb. 11.35 36. Consider 3. Their fervour of Charity and love towards God wherewith they constantly endured even the greatest afflictions and death it self for his sake Others were racked as the Machabees not accepting Redemption that they might find a better Resurrection Others as Jeremy had tryal of mockeries and stripes moreover also of bands and prisons as Micheas They were stoned as Zachary They were hewed as Isaie They were tempted by allurements of pleasures as Joseph They died in the slaughter of the sword as the eighty five Priests whom wicked Saul murdered Learn of these Sobriety and Moderation in Prosperity Constancy and Patience in Adversity Of the Apostles Part 1. 1 Cor. 1.27 c. COnsider 1. What the Apostles were when Christ chose them they were poor ignorant ignoble and contemptible in the sight of the world and yet our Lord made choice of them rather then of others Admire and reverence the wonderful Providence of God herein who as the Apostle saith hath chosen the foolish things of the world that he may confound the wise and the weak things of the world c. that he may confound the strong and the base things of the world and the contemptible c. and those things which are not that he might destroy those things which are that no flesh may glory in his sight Consider 2. Other particular causes of this Election 1. That all might know that the Conversion of the World was the work of God not of Man 2. That both they and we should understand that they were not called for any deserts of their own but by meer favour and grace 3. That being by their condition exempted from the cares of temporal things they might the better attend to the preaching of the Gospel 4. That so they might be fit Preachers of Evangelical Poverty 5. That having in themselves experience of humane weakness and insufficiency they might learn to bear with others infirmities Be humble and little in your own eyes that so you may become a fit instrument of Gods glory and be not dismayed for your mean parts and abilities knowing that God will supply whatsoever is wanting if you will but do your endeavour 1 Cor. 4.1 Exod. 15.27 Exod. 39.10 c. Lev. 24.5 3 Reg. 18.31 Paral. 4.4.3 Reg. 10.20 Apoc. 21.14 Consider 3. The eminent Dignity to which they were raised 1. To be Disciples familiar Companions Friends and Brethren to the Son of God 2. To be next after Christ who was the Chief Corner-stone so many Fundamental stones of his Church and Princes of his Kingdom 3. To be the Doctors and Pastors of the world the Ministers of Christ and of the New Testament and the Dispensers of the Mysteries of God These were prefigured by the twelve Fountains of the Desart Helim the twelve Precious Stones in the High-Priests Rationale the twelve Loaves of Proposition in the Temple the twelve Stones of which was built the Altar the twelve Oxen that sustained the Brazen Sea the twelve Lyons of Salomons Throne and the twelve foundations of the Heavenly Hierusalem c. Of the Apostles Part 2. Jo. 14.12 COnsider 1. The Gifts of Grace and Power conferred upon the Apostles suitable to the Dignity of their Call 1. Of Consecrating and offering in Sacrifice the Body and Blood of our Lord. 2. Of Forgiving Sins and of opening and shutting Heaven Gates to men 3. And 4. Of feeding the Flock and ruling the Church of Christ 5. Of publishing to the world the new Law of Grace 6. Of working Miracles even greater then those of Christ himself They were endowed with gifts of Grace above all the Patriarchs Prophets and Saints of the Old and New Testament so that the Church deservedly applyeth those words of the Psalmist to them Thy friends O God Ps 138 1â— are become honourable exceedingly their Principality is exceedingly strengthened Luc. 22.28 Consider 2. How the holy Apostles did answer their Call and co-operate with their Grace 1. They left all and followed Christ at the first Call and remained with him in his temptations 2. By their Apostolical Preaching Saintity of life working of Miracles by continual labours persecutions sufferings and death it self they planted the Faith of Christ throughout the world cast down Idols abolished Vice and Infidelity and established Virtue and
Octave Of Christ as Teacher of Justice Page 89 Of the Sages Journey to Jerusalem 2. Med. Page 91. c. Of Herods Enquiry after Christ Page 93 Of the Sages Arrival and Adoration at Bethlehem Page 94 Of their Offerings Page 96 Of their Return Page 97 2. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Spouse Page 99 Of the Virgins Purification Page 100 Of our Lords Presentation Page 101 Of what passed with Holy Simeon 2. Med. Page 103. c. Of what passed with Anna. 2. Med. Page 105. c. 3. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Physitian Page 108 Of Christs Flight into Egypt 3. Med. Page 109. c. Of the Murder of the Holy Innocents Page 113 Of Christs Return out of Egypt Page 114 Of the Virtues which Christ exercised in his Infancy Page 115 4. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Souls Tranquility Page 117 Of Christs going up to the Temple 2. Med. Page 118 c Of Christs being sought by his Parents Page 120 Of Christs being found by his Parents Page 121 Of Christs Return to Nazareth and Obedience to his Parents 2. Med. Page 122 c 5. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as the Good Seed Page 124 Of Christs growing in Age Wisdom c. 2. Med. Page 12â— c Of our necessity of profiting in Virtue 2. Med. Page 127 c Of Christs Life from the 12th to his 30th Year 2. Med. Page 130 c 6. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ compared to the Mustard-seed Page 132 From Septuagesm to Easter Of our Lords Passion Things to be noted concerning the Meditations of the Passion Page 134 c Septuagesm Sunday Of Christ as Master of our Souls Vineyard Page 136 Christ inviteth all to contemplate his Passion Page 137 Of the General Circumstances of Christs Passion 5. Med. Page 138 c Sexagesm Sunday Of Christ as the Seed of Eternal Life Page 143 Of Christs foretelling his Passion Page 145 Of Christs Solemn Entrance into Jerusalem 2. Med. Page 146 c Of Christs being sold by Judas Page 148 Of the Paschal Lamb Page 1â—9 Of washing the Disciples Feet Page 151 Quinquagesm Sunday Of Christ as the Light of our Soul Page 152 Of the Institution of the B. Sacrament 1. Med. Page 153 c Of our Lords Sermon after Supper 2. Med. Page 156 c Of Christs Prayer in the Garden Page 158 Of Christs Bloody Sweat and of the Angel Page 160 1. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as our Captain Page 161 Of Christs meeting Judas c. Page 162 Of Judas his Kiss Page 163 Of Christs casting his Enemies on the ground and being taken Page 165 Of Christs being bound and of the Disciples Flight Page 166 Of Christs being led to Annas Page 167 Of the Blow in Annas House Page 168 2. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as the Transfigurer of our Soul Page 170 Of Christs Accusation before Caiphas Page 171 Of the Injuries which Christ suffered in Caiphas's house 2 Med. Page 172 c Of Peter's denying Christ 2. Med. Page 175 c Of Judas his Despair Page 177 3. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as our Souls Guardim Page 179 Of Christs Journey from Caiphas to Pilat Page 180 Of Christs Accusation before Pilat Page 181 Of Christ sent to Herod Page 182 Of Barabbas preferred before Christ Page 184 Of the Whipping at the Pillar 2. Med. Page 185 c 4. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as the Food of our Soul Page 187 Of the Crowning with Thorns Page 188 Loe the Man 2. Med. Page 189 c Of Christ condemned to death Page 191 Of Christs carrying his Cross Page 193 Of meeting the Virgin Page 194 Passion Sunday Of Christ as a hidden God Page 195 Of crucifying our Lord. 3. Med. Page 196 c Of Christs first Word on the Cross Page 200 Of the second Word Page 201 Of the third Word Page 202 Palm Sunday Of Christ as a mild King Page 204 Of the fourth Word Page 205 Of the fifth Word Page 206 Of Christs last words and Death Page 207 Maundy Thursday Of Christ as our Redeemer Page 209 A Summary of our Lords Passion Page 210 Of our Lords Burial Page 211 From Easter to Whitsontide Things to be observed in the Meditations of the Mysteries of the Resurrection Page 213 Easter day Of Christ as our Resurrection Page 215 Of our Lords Resurrection Page 216 Of Christs appearing to his B. Mother Page 218 Of the Angels Apparition at the Sepulchre Page 219 Of Christs appearing to Mary Magdalen Page 220 Of his appearing to the other Women Page 221 Of Peter and John at the Sepulchre Page 223 Low Sunday Of Christ as the Prince of Peace Page 224 Of Christs appearing to the Disciples going to Emmaus 2. Med. Page 225 c Of his appearing to his Disciples S. Thomas being absent 2. Med. Page 228 c Of his appearing to them when S. Thomas was present Page 230 Of his Wounds shewed to S. Thomas Page 232 2. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as a good Pastor Page 233 Of Christs appearing to seven Disciples Fishing 2. Med. Page 235 c Of Christs committing his Sheep to Peter Page 237 Of his last Apparition on the Mount Page 238 Of other Apparitions within the 40 days Page 240 Of divers Circumstances of Christs Apparitions Page 241 3. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as our Comforter Page 242 Of Gods Benefits and 1. Of Creation 2. Med. Page 243 c Of the Benefit of Conservation 2. Med. Page 246 c Of the Benefit of Redemption 2. Med. Page 248 4. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as our Advocate Page 250 Of the Benefit of Adoption 3. Med. Page 251 c Of the Benefit of the Holy Sacraments Page 255 Of the Benefit of the Angels Custody Page 256 Of the Benefit of the Patronage of Saints Page 257 5. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as the Bestower of Gifts Page 258 Of the Benefit of Prayer 3. Med. Page 259 c On Ascension day Of Christ as King of Glory Page 263 Of our Lords Ascension 2. Med. Page 264 c Sunday in the Oct. of Ascen Of Christ as a Pledge of future Glory Page 266 Of Heavenly Glory 4. Med. Page 267 c Of the expectation of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 271 c From Whitsontide to November or Advent Whitsunday Of Christ as a Fire Page 273 Of the coming of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 274 c Of the gifts of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 276 c Of the fruits of the Holy Ghost Page 278 Of the Life of the first Christians Page 279 Trinity Sunday Of Christ as second Person of the B. Trinity Page 280 Of the three Persons in the B. Trinity 3. Med. Page 281 c Corpus Christi day Of Christ as Instituter of the B. Sacrament Page 284 Of the H. Eucharist as compared with Manna 2. Med. Page 285 Sunday in the Oct. Corp. Chr. Of the Eucharist as a Banquet Page 288 Of the Eucharist
c. he goeth and taketh seven other spirits worse then himself and entring in they dwell there And the last of that man be made worse then the first Doth not the same happen to most men after Baptism by the seven deadly sins which they give way unto Doth it not also happen sometimes after a Conversion from the World that some return back far worse then ever they were before See therefore you keep the Gates of your Senses well shut against the Devil and all sin but be sure what ever you do you let not either dwell in your heart Consider 3. The special Blessings attributed to the Sacred Virgin in this Gospel the one temporal and relating to flesh and blood of which a certain woman lifting up her voice out of the multitude said to him Blessed is the Womb that bare thee and the Paps that thou didst suck The other purely spiritual of which Christ pronounced chiefly in relation to his Blessed Mother Yea rather blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it The first was a singular priviledge of the Virgin alone the other though hers also after a more special manner is common to many and may be yours if you will your self Admire and extol that with the Woman and with the Church that useth the same words to the Virgin and make this other your own by imitation 4. Sunday of Lent Of five thousand fed in the Desart Jo. 6.1 page 187. see page 362 363. Passion Sunday Of Christs arguing with the Jews Jo. 8.46 page 195. Consider 1. Christ by reason of the Beatifical Vision and hypostatical Union was most holy and irreprehensible in himself and irrefragable in his Doctrine and by these two Titles of Sanctity and Veracity deservedly claims belief of his Doctrine and Authority of rebuking sinners saying Which of you shall argue me of sin If I say the Verity why do you not believe me O that you could make the like challenge Think whether you do practically believe Christs Doctrine as to matters of Virtue and Perfection and whether you do willingly hear the Word of God and his holy Inspirations delivered unto you in Sermons Exhortations Pious Books c. and know that as he that is of God heareth the Word of God so he that hears not is not of God 1 Reg. 2.30 Consider 2. The Jews having said Thou art a Samaritan and hast a Devil Christ silently beareth the first as a private injury relating only to his person as he was Man but modestly denieth the other wherein was highly concern'd his Fathers and his own Divine Honor saying I have no Devil but I do honour my Father Well therefore might he say I seek not my own glory there is that seeketh and judgeth Think how contrary you are in this point to Christ Seek in all your actions the greater glory of God and God will honour you Whosoever shall glorifie me I will glorifie him Seek not revenge in affronts and injuries but commit your cause to God who saith Revenge to me I will repay Heb. 10.30 Consider 3 Amen Amen I say to you if any one keep my word he shall not see death for ever What greater happiness and security can there be then this And yet how few are there that are concerned for it How many that regard the Maximes and sayings of the world more then they do the Divine Words Councels and Promises of Christ But see that you stick to Christ and say with S. Peter Lord Jo. 6.68 to whom shall we go thou hast the words of Eternal Life Remember and ponder well what Christ himself said Mat. 4.4 Not in bread alone doth man live but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God Palm-Sunday Of Christs entrance into Jerusalem Mat. 21.1 page 204. see page 146. Easter Sunday Of the Apparition made to the Women Marc. 16.1 page 215. see page 219. Low-Sunday Of Christs Apparition to his Disciples S. Thomas being present Jo. 20.19 page 224. see page 228 229 230 231. 2. Sunday after Easter Of the good Pastor Jo. 10.11 page 233. Consider 1. I am the good Pastor the good Pastor giveth his life for his sheep All that have care of others are Pastors Superiours of their Subjects Parents of their Children House-keepers of their Family c. and every one of his own Powers Senses Members c. We are good Pastors when we rule govern and maintain those that are under us with Counsel Example food corporal and spiritual We are good sheep when we are innocent tractable obedient patient c. We lay down our lives when in opposition to the Wolves the World the Flesh and the Devil we deny our own wills and judgments refrain our senses and chuse rather to die then to offend God mortally in any of them Consider 2. But the Hireling c. seeth the Wolf coming and leaveth the sheep and flieth We are Hirelings 1. When in out good actions as Prayers Sermons c. we seek not Gods-honour but vain glory and esteem of the world 2. When at the Wolfs appearance by some temptation of the Flesh or the World we make no resistance nor chastise our body with Mortification but fly all Penance and by too much indulgence give our sheep over to be devoured by their Enemies whereby we come both to lose our sheep and title of Shepherds and Masters and to fall into the miserable condition of Slaves Jo. 8.34 for every one which committeth sin is the servant or slave of sin S. August Consider 3. I know mine and mine know me It is the property of good sheep and Shepherd to know one another Make it therefore your business 1. As a good sheep to know your Pastor from your Enemy to understand the Voice of God by his Church and your Superiours to hearken to his Inspirations to obey his Counsels and Commands to acknowledge and love his goodness and mercy towards you 2. As a good Pastor rightly to understand your self to know your own weakness infirmities and imperfections to have an eye upon your interiour powers to over-see and rule your exteriour senses say with S. Augustine Lord that I may know thee and know my self 3. Sunday after Easter Christ comforteth his Disciples Jo. 16.16 page 242. Consider 1. A little while and now you shall not see me being taken from you by my Passion and Death And again a little while and you shall see me in my Resurrection though but for a little while because I go to the Father Christ here mingleth sorrow with joys but first sorrow then joys contrariwise the World first proposeth joys pleasures and content but at last bringeth all to sorrow and misery Amen Amen I say unto you that you shall weep and lament but the world shall rejoyce Observe the different lot of Christs and the Worlds Disciples in this life and chuse which you will have to be yours but know withall that your sorrow shall be turned into joy Consider
From this forgetfulnesse of death proceed all our Evils Wherefore whensoever you see a dead Corps or Scull imagine that of Ecclesiasticus to be spoken to you Be mindful of my judgement for such will also be thine to me yesterday and to thee to day Wherefore be ever preparing your self and live as one that is a dying S. Hieron Corn. in Eccli c. 7. For He will easily contemn all things that alwayes imagines himself a dying man Of preparing against Death For those that are in Health 1. Part. COnsider 1. With what diligence men are wont to prepare themselves for a long Voyage for example to the Indies and if they are but to crosse the Sea how carefully do they watch the wind and provide lest the time of embarking find them unprepared We ought to be much more sollicitous for our departure out of this life whence we are to go into an everlasting happinesse or misery Therefore Christ doth often inculcate to us Be ready Luc. 12.40 for at the hour you think not of the Son of man will come and the like Consider 2. The Preparation consisteth chiefly in this point that the Soul at her departure whensoever it shall happen be found free from all Mortal and as much as may be also from Venial Sin so that it may have no hinderance in going strait to Heaven Wherefore examine your self see whether you be conscious of any thing that may stop your passage to Heaven if you were now to dye and put your self in that state which you would wish your self to dye in Aug. l. de gen con Man c. 28. and strive to persever therein for you may chance to dye suddenly and few become better in time of sicknesse The Sinner as St. Augustine saith hath also this punishment inflicted upon him that when he cometh to dye he is unmindful of himself who while he lived was forgetful of God Wherefore while you are in health neglect not your self Consider 3. What things in particular are wont to cause much comfort to dying persons Such are to have suffered much for Christ to have been given to the mortification of the flesh and abnegation of self-will to have been devout to the Blessed Virgin and the Saints and the like Wherefore apply your self vigorously even now to these things Cass l. 5. c. 28. Happy was that holy man who could say on his death-bed I have never done my own will neither have I taught any one what I have not first practised my self Of preparing against Death For the Sick 2. Part. Tob. 12.13 COnsider 1. Sicknesse is usually the Messenger of Death Therefore let a man foresee what may be expedient for him against the time of Sicknesse that so he may make a more secure and happy end Let him then in the first place acknowledge that Sicknesse and Pain are gifts of a most loving Father and sent him either to take away the rust of Sin or for trial of his Vertue and increase of Glory according to that saying Because thou wast acceptable to God it was necessary temptation should prove thee And therefore let him also give God thanks that by means of Sicknesse he hath both warning and time to dispose himself for Death Consider 2. What the Sick man is chiefly to do in order to the disposing himself 1. To cleanse himself of all Sin by Confession if he can General 2. To offer himself to God wholly resigned for life or death as it shall best please him 3. To foresee such occasions wherein perhaps he may come to suffer either through the vexation of his sicknesse or by carelesnesse of his tenders and animate himself to suffer all with courage 4. To procure good Books to be often read to him 5. Now and then to inflame himself with Jaculatory Prayers 6. Often to call to mind Christ's Passion 7. Diligently to recommend himself to the Blessed Virgin and the Saints his Patrons 8. To make now and then acts of Faith Hope Charity Contrition and other such like Consider 3. Danger increasing he is timely to demand the last Sacraments that so he may receive them with greater devotion Then let him dilate his heart towards the happy meeting of his Spouse Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye forth to meet him Matt. 25.6 Let him yield himself up wholly to his Lord God saying with Christ Luc. 23.46 Ps 141.8 Father into thy hands I commend my spirit or with David Bring forth my soul out of prison to confess to thy Name Of the Particular Judgement 1. Part. 2 Cor. 5.10 COnsider 1. At the hour of Death all men are to be judged That every one may receive the proper things of the body according as he hath done either good or evil Ponder the terrour of this Judgement First in respect of the Persons that are to be Actors in it He that is to sit Judge is infinitely Wise whom you cannot deceive infinitely Powerful whom you cannot resist infinitely Just who cannot be wrought to favour and lastly of Supream Authority from whom you cannot appeal The Devils will be at hand as Accusers and if we have deserved evil even our own Angel-Guardians There also our own Conscience will stand witnesse against us Before all these the poor Soul is to appear without any attendance of Servants or support of Friends despoiled of whatsoever she had in this world accompanied only with her own works These alone whether good or evil will follow her to an everlasting reward or punishment For their works follow them Apoc. 14.13 Eccles. 12.14 Mat. 12.36 Consider 2. The terrour of this Judgement in regard of the strict account There will be made a processe of our whole life every action though never so much hidden and secret will be brought to a most strict examination All things that are done God will bring into judgement even every idle word The severe Judge will exact an account not onely of evils committed but also of the good neglected He will also weigh the good actions themselves and see whether they be full and performed with due intention and exactnesse I saith he by David will judge Justices Ps 74.3 Soph. 1.12 And by Sophonias I will search Jerusalem with lamps and if Jerusalem and the Saints how much more Babylon and Sinners Eccli 18.20 Consider 3. And ask your self this question What shall I miserable wretch say for my self at that time For prevention take the advice of Ecclesiasticus Before sickness take medicine and before judgement examine thy self and in the sight of God thou shalt finde propitiation While you have time do good Of the Particular Judgement 2. Part. COnsider 1. The miserable condition of a sinful Soul when at her trial she shall be found to come short in her accounts and guilty of deadly sin For then she is to be degraded as Priests are wont in disgrace and ignominy having their sacred Vestments taken off from