assisted at this cruell spectacle and vexed our Sauiour with their ill speaches did by their example moue the theefe that haÌ„ged at his left hand to do the like 2. How his companion defending our Lord and taking his part warned that blasphemer to looke to himself and to haue compassâ—on of that innocent to whome he commended him self saying Lord remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdome 3. How our Sauiour answered him This day thou shalt be with me in paradise O sweet worde O happie theefe who hast stolne eternall glory at the last hand Let vs learne 1. That we must neuer follow those that do yll albeit they be many and seeme to be men of great authority 2. That we ought to excuse our neigbours and defend them against backbiters 3. To hope in Gods mercy and bountie euen till death CXVIII MEDITATION Of the third word that Christ did speak on the Crosse Iohn 19.26 1. CONSIDER how our B. Lady hauing followed her welbeloued sonne our Sauiour from Pilates house vnto Mount Caluary and seene all the torments that those barbarous people had made him suffer did notwithstanding abide still by the Crosse and participate of all the euils that our Lord endured 2. How sweet IESVS beholding her and on the other side casting his eyes vpon S. Iohn who was also present there said to his Mother Woman behold thy Sonne to S. Iohn Behold thy Mother 3. Think what sorrow did surprize the heart of the glorious Virgin considering with herself that this was the last farewell that her Sonne was to giue her leauing her the disciple instâ—ed of the maister the seruant insteed of his Lord and Zebedeus sonne insteed of the soÌ„ne of God Let vs learne 1. To perseuer euen vntill death neere the Crosse of our Sauiour 2. To haue compassion vpon the afflicted 3. To hold our B. Lady for our deere Mother and to haue recoâ—rse to her in all our necessities CXIX MEDITATION Of the fourth word that our Sauiour spake on the Crosse Iohn 19.28 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour hauing indured an infinâ—â—e number of torments all the night before that day without any consolation or ease from any oâ—e felt such straunge alteratioÌ„ that he was forced to crie and say I thirst 2. How albeit hâ— had iust cause to be maruelâ—usly altered in body yet was his hart much more for the desire that he had of the saluation of soules for which he would willingly haue endured a hundred thoâ—sand times as much 3. How those obstinate Iewes insteed to giue him water or some good wine as reason and custome required did offer him vineger Let vs learne 1. To daunte our body with hunger thirst and other mortifications 2. To imitate the desire that our Sauiour had of the saluation of soules 3. Not to bestow the worst things that we haue vpoÌ„ the poore which do represent vnto vs the person of our Sauiour CXX MEDITATION Of the fift word our Sauiour spake on the Crosse Matth. 27.46 Marke 15.34 1. CONSIDER how the Sunne not able to support any longer the iniuries that were done to his God and Creatour was about midday eclipsed in a strange manner so that the whole earth was couered with darknes for the spac of three houres 2. How our Sauiour about three houres after midday to shew how much he suffered cried out with a loud voice and said my God my God why hast thou forsaken me 3. How his sweet Mother vnderstanding that he remained as abandoned of his eternall Father of whome only he could then receaue any comfort did thereby feele new sorrow and griefe Let vs learne 1. To turne away from our eyes the iniuries done to our God 2. To approach vnto him in all our necessities and so much the more boldly and feruently by how much they are or seeme to be greater 3. To pray often for a happy houre of our death seeing that our Sauiour him selfe hath laboured so much in the same CXXI MEDITATION Of the sixth word that our Sauiour spake on the Crosse Ioan. 19.30 1. CONSIDER how our Lord although he was extremely afâ—lâ—cted neuâ—â—â—heles saying this word It is coÌ„summate or all is accomplished he felt exceeding consolation because he punctually followed the will of God the Father and performed the worke of our Redemption 2. How he felt a vehement griefe setting before his eyes as in a book all that he had suffered from the house of his birth vntill then to present them vnto his Father seeing the houre of his death to draw so neere 3. How the dolefull Mother hearing these words of her sweet child lifted vp her eyes to him and said It is then your paines my dearest Loue it is your paines and torments that shall haue an end but myne alas begin more now then euer Let vs learne 1. To be glad when we do suffer any thing for Gods sake 2. To offer our trauels and paines to God 3. To thinke oftentimes vpon the houre of our death so to be the better prouided for it CXXII MEDITATION Of our Sauiours death and the last word he spake on â—he Crosse Luke 28.46 Iohn 19 30. 1. CONSIDER how our Lord to shew that he died willingly and had yet some force to resist did exalt his voice as triumphing ouer death and commended his soule to God 2. How afterwards bending downe his head to take leaue of his Mother he gaue vp the ghost most sweetely to God his Father who had sent a multitude of Angels to assist his Sonne at his death 3. Consider ô my soule how great this last paine was which the Sonne of God felt when his soule departed out of his body Let vs learne 1. To haue euermore before our eyes this venerable head hanging towards the ground to teach vs how grieuous the burden was of our sinnes which he did lay on his owne backe 2. To giue vs example of his wonderfull Humility Obedience and Pouerty 3. To offer vs the kisse of peace CXXIII MEDITATION Of that which passed after our Sauiours death Matth 27.51 Mark 15.18 Luk. 23.47 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour had giuen vp the ghost to God the insensible creatures were so grieued that they all seemed desirous to end and perish the earth trembled the rocks were rent and the graues were opened 2. How the Centurion who remained to see our Sauiour dye was moued to confesse that indeed he was the sonne of God 3. How others also that were present at this sight said the same and knocking their brests in signe of peÌ„nance returned to Ierusalem Let vs learne 1. To be sory at the death and passion of our Sauiour if we will not be thought to be more hard then the rocks more insensible then the earth and more dead then death it self 2 To confesse the truth freelie when it is requisite for Gods honour and glorie 3. To tame our body by doing pennance and satisfaction for our sinnes CXXIV MEDITATION How
thereon the three powers of our Soule Memorie Vnderstaning and Will With our memorie we must as it were rehearse vnto our selues in order that which is conteined in the first point of the matter we prepared calling to mind also such things as we haue read in the holy Scripture and other good Authors or heard of discreet and deuout persons yf it make for the matter we haue in hand and lay open to the view of our vnderstaÌ„ding the persons wordes and workes contained in the first point if it containe any if none at least the most notable matters therin 13. Then we must exercise our vnderstanding vpoÌ„ that which the memory hath proposed and search out diligently what may be considered about that present obiect inferring one thing from another framing from thence true pious and spirituall coÌ„ceipts fit to moue our Will to vertuous affections Lastly for that the will is naturally inclined and moued to affect thoâ—â— things which the vnderstanding proposeth we must procure with all diligence to stir vp in our selues those affections which the operations of our vnderstanding going before incline vs vnto 14. And hauing thus exercised the three powers of our soule vpoÌ„ the first point we must passe on to the next But finding our selues imploied with spirituall profit about that we haue in hand we must not be follicitous to passe on further although by our long stay in one point we should not haue leasure to goe ouer them all within our determined tyme But it wil be best to satisfy our selues fully where we find spirituall comfort and reserue the rest for an other time of Meditation We must also know that the exercise of our Memory and Vnderstanding in Meditation is ordained to the motion of our will and must therfore be vsed with such moderation as may serue for the mouing therof and no more that so our Meditation may be full of pious and good affections not vaine and filled with curiosities 15 We may frame our conceiâ—es vpon diuers heades which our matter will yielde vs as if it be historicall we may consider in the persons there represented who they be their thoughts and affections their inwarde vertues and out ward carriage with other circumstances In the words we may consider their first and proper sense as also the figuratiue and translated signification if there be any and the ende wherfore they are spoken In the workes are to be considered their nature what they are with their circumstances comprehended in this verse vsuall amongst those who treate of morall actions Quis Quid Vbi Quibus aâ—uilijs Cur Quomodo Quando wayghing well what person that is by whome the action is done examining what he speaketh and doth where with what helpe or assistance for what end in what manner and at what tyme. 16. But if our matter be spirituall and affoard no persons with their wordes and workes we must endeauour to conceiue the matter throughly in our vnderstanding and to find out the true sense and meaning of the wordes which represent the matter vnto vs and the right nature of the things therin represented and we may help our selues much to the framing of spirituall conceites if we apply vnto our matter familiar similitudes drawne from our ordinary actions and this aswell in historicall as spirituall meditations 17. The affections which we ought to procure by these conceipts are many and diuerses nor can it be assigned which we should alwaies procure they chiefly depending on the guift of the holy Ghost Yet whilst we attended especially â—o the rooâ—ing out of vices which 〈◊〉 termed by the Maisters of spirit via purgatiua the purgatiue way we ought to labour first for great griefe with shame and confusion for our sinnes for our negligence and couldnes in Gods seruice for carelesnes and sloth in seeking perfection Secondly a feare of offending God of loosing his grace of not fulfilling our obligation in answering to his heauenly voice and inspirations and of seuere punishment for ouâ— sinnes Thirdly a perfect hatred of all sinne coldnes and negligence in spirit of all earthly things which with-hould vs from God and of our owne pleasures and contentments 18. Fourthly a desire of mortification of our body our senses passions and inclinations to honour and estimation submitting our selues to the lowest persons accompting our selues the baseâ—◠〈◊〉 all others and desiring that others should esteeme vs so Likewise when we principally endeauouâ— to plant vertues in our souleâ— which is termed via illuminatiua the illuminatiue way we must stiâ— vp first a loue and desire of all vertues as also a desire to know the person and actions of our E. Sauiour so to imitate him the better Secondly a hope to please God with the help of his holy grace to perseuere in his seruice to free our selues from coldnes and defects to attaine perfection in this life â—ternal happines in the life to come 19. Thirdly sorrow coÌ„passâ—oÌ„ for the suffering of our Sauiâ—ur for the blindnes and ingratitude of those who offend him so often greiuously And whilst we cheifly seeke to vnite our soules to God which is called â—iâ— vnitiua the vnitiue way we must stir vp in our selues first an exceeding loue of God Secondly a spirituall reioycinâ— in his infinite riches and perfections as also in the glorie and happines of our Sauiour risen from death and receiued into heauen with trumph and maiesty Thirdly a gratefull ioy for the charity he hath shewed to mankind and our selues in particuler and for so many and great benefits bestowed vpon his friends Fourthly a vehement desire that Gods name be knowne and sanctified that he may reigne our all soules without resistance and that his holy will may be fulfilled in all places and many more such like affections as we haue heere set downe the Holy Ghost will teach vs in all these waies if we dispose our selues with a great desire of them and humility altogeather necessary for the receiuing of this diuine influence yet not omitting our owne diligence 20. We may moue and strenghthen these affections by earnest demaunding them of God eitheâ— with wordes of the holy Scripâ—â—â—e or some deuout saying of our owne By obsecration instantly asking them of God for his infinite loue Goodnes and mercies sakeâ— for the most gratefull merits of his beloued sonne for the sanctitie and puritie of his Blessed Mother By gratitude giuing thankes to God for so many benefits so many bountifull and assured promises descending into particulers By oblation offering our selues to God prepared and ready to do whatsoeuer he hath taught vs to imitate our Sauiour so neere as we can to suffer whatsoeuer for his sake and to seeke all meanes to please his diuine maiestie By good purposes intending most firmly in the sight of the whole Court of heauen to do all that we know or shall know to appertaine to the glory of God to make good vse of his grace heauenly
though they be done by vile and base persons 3. Not to labour to be greatly prized since our Lord was so mocked and contemned CIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour was in diuers manners mocked in Pilates Pallace Matth. 27.27 Mark 15.16 Iohn 19.2 1. CONSIDER how these cruell souldiars not content to haue tormented our Sauiouâ— in such sort that they had already couered his whole body with woudâ— from the sole of his foote euen to the top of his head did begin to afflict his soule by all such meanes as they could deuise 2. How putting a reed into his hand they would thereby signifie and it may be they said so much vnto him that he had no more wit then that reed had iuyce or pith 3. How kneling before him vpon one knee on the ground they saluted him King of the Iewes and spit in his face striking him on the Crowne of thornes with the reede and buffeting him Let vs learne 1. To shun all hypocrisy and to worship our Lord sincerely with soule and body 2. Nâ—t to leane too much to humane helps and meanes which be more fraile then reedes 3. Not to esteeme much what the world saith of vâ— prouided that our â—onscience be cleere from all euill â—o not reprehend vs. CIIII. MEDITATION How Pilate shewed our Sauiour to the People Iohn 19.5.14 1. CONSIDER how Pilate albeit he was a Paynim yet desirous to deliuer the innocent deuised to shew our Sauiour vnto those fierce and furious people in that so piteous plight into which they by their cruelty had put him 2. How therefore he brought him forth crowned with thornes couered only with a poore robe of purple which he lifted vp a litle to shew vnto the Iewes his body all disfigured and bloudie and said to them Bâ—hold the man 3. How those obstinate people moued neither with pitie nor compassion began to crie with a furious voice Crucifie him Let vs learne 1. To defend euermore truth innocency in whomsoeuer it be 2. That the filthines of sinne is most grieuous seeing that our Sauiour hath byn so greatly tormented to satisfy for the same 3. To beware of all kind of choler and rancour which doth blind those that take not heed of it CV MEDITATION How the Iewes made new instance with Pilate that he would condemne our Sauiour Luk. 23.22 Iohn 19.6.12 1. CONSIDER how Pilate persisting in his desire to deliuer our Lord did his best to giue him ouer into the hands of the Iewes they might iudge him according to their Law but they answered that according to their Law he ought to dy speaking in this truer then they thought 2. How Pilate did againe demauÌ„d of our Sauiour whence he was To which question receauing no answer when he vaunted himselfe of the power which he had our Lord then said vnto him with most great wisdome That his power was giuen him from aboue which was cause that Pilate desired much more to release him 3. How the Iewes perceauing Pilates good will and inclination towards our Sauiour cried out aloud and boldly that if he deliuered him he could not be Cesars friend Let vs learne 1. To perseuere in that good which we haue once knowne and imbraced 2. To acknowledge that all authority coÌ„meth from aboue 3. Not to feare those which haue power only ouer the body but not ouer the soule CVI. MEDITATION How Pilate condemned our Sauiour Matth. 27.26 Mark 15.15 Luke 23.23 Iohn 19. 1. CONSIDER how Pilate seing himselfe prest more and more by the Iewes did enter againe into his Pallace where sitting to end our Sauiours processe he receaued a message from his wife who prayed him not to meddle in the affaires of innocent Iesus 2. How Pilate neuertheles perceauing the seditioÌ„ to increase more and more and that the mutinous Iewes did redouble their outcries he coÌ„ming out of his Hall did wash his hands in preseÌ„ce of al the people and protest that he would not be their compartner in so vniust an act 3. How vpon this all the people hauing receaued the whole fault vpon themselues and their posterity Pilate pronunced the sentence of death against our Sauiour giuing him vp into the executioners hands and deliuering Barabbas Let vs learne 1. How innocency can neuer be oppressed though the innocent do often suffer wrongfully 2. How little it auaileth to haue the body cleane when the soule is defiled and loden with sinne 3. That we must suffer oftentimes therby to haue compasâ—ion of our Sauiour CVII MEDITATION How our Sauiour did beare his Crosse Mat. 27.31 Mark 15.20 Luke 23.26 Iohn 19.17 1. CONSIDER the griefe that our B. Lady felt when she heard that the sentence of death was giuen against her deare beloued Sonne and saw the guard on horsback to lead him to the place of execution 2. How the pittilesse executioners did take off our Sauiours purple robe and commaunded him to put on his owne garments and by this meanes renewed his wounds which gushed out bloud on euery side 2. How they did loade his feeble shoulders with that huge burden of the Crosse and hastned him to go on the way albeit he was otherwise scarce able to stand but alas it was for the satisfaction of our sinnes that our Sauiour was so ouercharged Let vs learne 1. To beare our Crosse after him by labouring willingly in his holy seruice 2. By mortifying our body and sensuall appetites 3. By ouercomming all tentations and lets which the Diuell and the world do put in our way CVIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour diâ— speake to the women that followed him Luk. 23.27 1. CONSIDER with what deuotioÌ„ those good womeÌ„ which had followed our Sauiour in his life did also accompany him in his death making great lamentation according to their nature 2. How our Sauiour when that he heard them bewaile him so pitifully did turne back to them exhorting them rather to weepe vpon themselues and vpon their children who should be cruelly punished for the paines which they made him now indure 3. How those enraged Iewes would not suffer him to speake on the way but did push him forward hauing giuen him for companions two theeues that were also lead to be executed Let vs learne 1. To haue compassion of the paines which our Sauiour hath endured for vs. 2. To bewaile our sinnes which were cause of his death 3. To pray for the euils that be to ensue to the end that God either turne them away or giue vs patieÌ„ce to support them CIX MEDITATION How Simon of Cyrene did help to beare our Sauiours Crosse Matth. 27.32 Mark 15.21 Luk. 23.26 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour altogether wearied with the paines and torments which he had endured the night before and ouercharged with the great weight of his Crosse went soft and faire marking all the way with the bloud which flowed from his pretious wounds 2. How the Iewes perceauing his weakenes and seeing him fall oftentimes vnder the burden yea and fearing
our Sauiours side was pierced with a speare after his death Iohn 19.34 1. CONSIDER how the rage of the Iewes not being yet appeased with all those tormentes which they made our Sauiour indure they bethought them selues that it would not seeme decent to leaue those bodies hanging on the Crosse in the most solemne Sabboth day of the whole yeare 2. How therfore they praied Pilate that their legs might be broken to the end they might dye the sooner and their bodies be caried away and so it was donne to the two theeues which were crucified with our Sauiour 3. How when they came to our Lord IESVS to do the like they found him dead wherat one of the horsemē of the gard as it were grieued did strike him with a speare which did euen pierce him to the heart whēce presētly gushed forth bloud and water Let vs learne 1. To marke the singular loue of our Sauiour who would shed for vs euē that little bloud that remayned yet in his heart 2. Who would satisfie with his very inward parts for the sinnes that the world had cōmitted by thought 3. Who would witnes vnto vs the great and inuincible wound of charity which his heart had receaued for our sakes CXXV MEDITATION How our Sauiour was taken downe from the Crosse Math 27.57 Mark 1◠42 Luk 23.50 Iohn 19.38 1. CONSIDER how our Blessed Lady who remained all this while by the Crosse was greatly afflicted in mind because she had no meanes to take downe our Sauiours body when in the meane season Ioseph of Arimathia inspired by our Sauiour went boldly to Pilate and demaunded leaue of him to take downe the bodie 2. How hauing obtained his request he forthwith bought a most fine sheet and went towards mount Caluary to take him off from the Crosse which at length he did with due reuerence 3. How the sweet Mother did affoard as much help as lay in her to take him downe and after receaued him into her lappe to contemplate more neerely the wounds of his precious body Let vs learne 1. To expose our selues willingly to all sorts of labour for the loue of our Sauiour 2. To prepare our soule like a faire cleane sheet as often as we be to receaue him 3. To imbrace him straitly and to keep him in our heart after that we haue receaued him by meditating vpon his holy death and Passion CXXVI MEDITATION How our Sauiour was buried Mat. 27.59 Mark 15 4◠Luk. 23.53 Iohn 19.39 1. CONSIDER how whilest Ioseph of Arimathia and others tooke downe our Sauiours body from the Crosse Nicodemus prepared a hundred pounds of most precious ointmēt and came iust in time to honour our Sauiours buriall 2. How the disciples were much abashed at the matter when they saw themselues forced to demaund their masters body of his Mother who held it so straitly imbraced 3. How she neuertheles giuing it willingly into their hāds they buried it in a faire new mōumēt hewed out of a rock that lay in the next garden and couered the same with a great stone of marble Let vs learne 1. That if we will haue our Sauiour to dwell in our heart it is requisite that he find it first all new by a new life 2. That he find it constant and firme through a setled will alwaies to do good 3. That he find it free from all corruption of sensuall thoughts and desires CXXVII MEDITATION Of the guard that was put to keep our Lords sepulcher Matth. 27.62 1. CONSIDER how our Blessed Lady S. Iohn Ioseph of Arimathia Nicodemus and others who were present at the buriall of our Sauiour returned towards the euening ech one to his owne house very woefull and sory for our Sauiours death 2. How the last that departed were Mary Magdalene Mary of Ioseph who did marke the place very carefully where he was buried with intention to returne anoint him againe 3. How the Iewes fearing lest our Lord would rise as he had foretold demaunded souldiars of Pilate to keepe the sepulcher which they did also seale with their owne signet Let vs learne 1. Neuer to omit welldoing but to reiterate twice thrice yea a hundred times if need be the same seruice for Gods sake 2. To be as diligent and carefull to do good as the Iewes were to do ill 3. To keepe well the dores of our senses for feare lest we loose our Sauiour after we haue receaued him CXXVIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour descended into Limbo 1. CONSIDER how the soules of the Patriarches and other holy persons of the old Testament detained in Abrahams bosome expected from day to day the comming of their Messias and this more earnestly because they knew that his time was neere at hand 2. How the soule of our Sauiour who might well haue deliuered them without departing from the world did daine notwithstanding through his infinite goodnes to descēd into those obscure dungeōs to visit comfort them not as his seruants but as his well beloued children 3. How excessiue and great the ioy was that those Blessed soules receaued beholding their Redeemer and what dread did appall the infernall spirits when they perceaued themselues vanquished by him whome they caused so ignominiously to be put to death Let vs learne 1. Neuer to lose courage for any temptation that may befall vs. 2. To descend and humble our selues if we desire to be exalted 3. To visit willingly the sicke imprisoned other needy folkes CXXIX MEDITATION Of our Sauiour his glorious Resurrection Matth. 16.1 Luk. 28.1 Mark 24.1 Iohn 29.1 1. CONSIDER how the Glorious soule of our Sauiour hauing visited the Fathers that were in Limbo returned againe on the Sunday morning very early to reunite and ioyne her selfe to the body so to comfort the Apostles and Disciples 2. How at the same time the three Maries were on their way to anoint and imbalme their maisters body againe and going together they asked one of another who should open the monument vnto them 3. How comming to the sepulcher they found the stone remoued and an Angell who told them that Iesus was risen Let vs learne 1. To comfort the afflicted by the example of our Sauiour who did hasten the time of his Resurrection as much as he might so to giue heart and courage to his Disciples 2. To exercise the workes of mercy as these three Maries did 3. To forsake all our imperfections that we may arise with our Sauiour CXXX MEDITATION How our Sauiour appeared to his B. Mother 1. CONSIDER how after the friday at night that our Sauiour was buried his holy Mother was altogeather discōforted hauing alwaies in her heart before her eyes the paines torments that her deare Sonne had indured in her sight 2. How our Sauiour to acomplish the dutie of a Good child taking his body againe as soone as he could went first to his Mothers house to make her first partaker of the ioy of his Resurrection 3. What most kind
our Sauiour appeared and shewed some part of his glory to the Apostles and fiue hundred other persons that beleeued in him to whome he largely declared the power that his Father had giuen him in heauen and in earth and discouered vnto them diuers mysteries of the faith 3. How for conclusion he promised neuer to withdraw his assistance and fauour from them Let vs learne 1. To keepe our selues in the mountaine of perfection and still to aspire to the same if we desire that our Sauiour shew himself vnto vs. 2. To feare and respect his power 3 Not to loose heart in time of temptation seeing that he is alwaies present with vs. CXXXVIII MEDITATION Of our Sauiours glorious Ascension Mark 16.19 Luk. 24.50 Act. 1.9 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour stāding on moūt Oliuet after that he had taken leaue of his Mother Apostles disciples and others there present he gaue vnto them all his holy blessing and afterward ascended glorious into heauen accōpanied with many squadrons of Angels and holy Fathers which he had deliuered out of Limbo 2. How comming to heauen he was there receaued by God the Father and all the celestiall Court with great triumph and ioy as Conquerour of death Hell and the world 3. How the Disciples hauing lost the sight of their Lord and maister did all do reuerence to his glorious mother taking her for their mistresse and guide Let vs learne of our Lord 1. The way to mount vp to heauen which is to humble our selues and to withdraw all our affection from earthly things 2. That to deserue triumph we we must first ouercome our passiōs 3. That if we desire to haue our B. Lady for our guide and mistresse we must imitate her vertues CXXXIX MEDITATION How our Sauiour did send the holy Ghost vpon his Disciples and Apostles Act. 2.1 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour was ascended into heauen the most B. Virgin retyred her self to Ierusalem where more by her example then by words she did instruct and comfort the Christians expecting the comming of the holy ghost which our Sauiour had promised to send 2. How the most Blessed Virgin and all the Apostles being together in a great roome and praying to almighty God the holy Ghost came vpon them and appeared vpon euery one of them in forme of fiery tongues 3 How the holy Ghost did so inflame the hearts of the Apostles that they preached the faith without any feare seeking nothing more then the glory of God Let vs learne 1. To help our neighbours more by giuing good example then by faire words 2. That praier is a singular meanes to obtaine the holy Ghost 3. That if we do in our actions seeke only the glory of God it is a signe that the holy Ghost is in vs. CXL MEDITATION Of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady 1. CONSIDER how the most Blessed Virgin esteeming that her presence was no more necessary for the Church of God which was then very much increased did demaund of God to depart this life that she might be with her sonne in heauen 2. How great ioy and contentment she receaued vnderstāding by relation of an Angell that her sonne our Sauiour would fulfill her desire and that he came now to receaue her soule 3. How her thrice happie soule three daies after it was departed frō the body returned to reunite it self with the same and so our B. Lady accompanied with Angels was as some say carried vp into heauen Let vs learne 1. To liue heere on earth a celestiall life if we desire to gaine heauen 2. Not to make any designments in this life and so we shall not be sory when we shall heare of death 3. To receaue God in our hearts at this present and he will afterward receaue vs in heauen CXLI MEDITATION How our Blessed Lady was crowned in Heauen 1. CONSIDER what feast the Blessed Saints of Paradise made beholding the Queene of Angels and the Mother of God to come into Heauen so glorious as she did 2. With what maiesty and reuerence she was led to the throne of the holy Trinity where she was most honorably receaued and crowned 4. How she was seated on a beautifull throwne aboue all the Angels at the right hand of her beloued Sonne where she prayeth cōtitually for her deuoted seruants Let vs learne 1. To humble our selues heere on earth by example of the glorious Virgin if we desire to appeare glorious in Heauen 2. That our Blessed Lady hath merited to be crowned in Heauen not simply because that she was the Mother of God but for that she was adorned and enriched with millions of vertues 3. That if we desire that our B. Lady take care of vs in heauen we must be deuout to her on earth CXLII MEDITATION Of Death 1. THINK that we must ōce dy yet we know not when nor how and that dying we must leaue all thinges of this world which will afflict vs at that houre so much the more as we haue byn affected to them in our life 2. That then our soule shall be so troubled and tormented by the Diuels and our body so strongly seazed with sicknes that we scarce shall know whether we be aliue or dead 3. How in that traunce we shall be more grieuously afflicted with the worme of conscience which will not only gnawe vs for the euil we haue committed but also for the good we haue omitted Let vs learne 1. To marke heere three great follies committed by men and first by those vvho are so much affected to these vvordly thinges that once they must leaue and abandon 2. Of those that deferre driue off their conuersiō vntill the houre of death which is a time so doubtfull and vncertaine 3. Of those who do not now that which thē they would haue done and let vs perswade our selues that he that liueth ill seldome or neuer dieth well CXLIII MEDITATION Also of death 1. CONSIDER that as soone as the soule shall be out of the body euery one will abandon the same as a thing most horrible How afterwards they will throw the same into a filthy and stinking hole to be gnawen and deuoured of wormes Behold how this body shall end which we haue cherished so much in this world and for whose sake we haue so offended Almighty God 2. Let vs turne towards our soule and we shall see it depart out of this world loaded only with the works which she hath done The ill ones make her tremble quake the good giue her some small comfort but aboue all she is grieued that she liued not better 3. Behold with what cariage and countenance she doth present her selfe before the throne of the diuine iustice there to receaue the sentēce that her works do deserue Let vs learne 1. How little accoumpt we ought to make of our body seeing it is of so base and vile condition 2. To doe alwaies good since this is it that must accompaine vs in the
entertainment the Sonne made to his Mother and the Mother vnto her Sonne seeing him so gloriously risen from death Let vs learne 1. Yf we desire to be partakers of this ioy to endeauour to follow the qualities of glorified bodies and first to shine by good example before our neighbours 2. To be prompt and nimble in Gods seruice 3. To follow the puritie of Angels which we get by mortification of our senses and passions CXXXI MEDITATION How our Sauiour appeared to S. Mary Magdalene Iohn 20.1.11 1. CONSIDER how Mary Magdalene although she came to the sepulcher with the other women yet she would not go back with them so soone but remayning there wept and went now then to see if she could find her maisters body 2. How she hauing spoken to the two Angels that were within the sepulcher turning back saw our Sauiour and taking him to be the gardiner of that place for she knew him not she praied him to tell her if he had taken away her maisters body and where he had put it 3. How knowing him by his voice she ranne forthwith to prostrate her self at his feete and to adore him and imbrace him which our Sauiour would not permit her to do Let vs learne 1. To perseuer if we desire to haue any good 2. To weepe willingly since by teares we may easily obtaine of God that which we desire 3 Not to stay nor rest our selues too much in consolations when it pleaseth God to affoard vs them CXXXII MEDITATION How our Sauiour appeared to the two disciples going to Emaus Mark 16.12 Luk. 24.13 1. CONSIDER how these two disciples going on their way did intertaine and comfort themselues with holy discourses talking of those things that passed in our Sauiours death which was cause that he approached neer to thē and put himself in their companie 2 How demaunding the cause of their sorrow he taught them out of the scriptures how all had passed as it was long agoe foretold and afterwards feigned that he would go further 3. How they constrained him to enter into their lodging and suppe with them where knowing him in the manner of breaking and blessing bread their eyes were opened and they greatly comforted Let vs learne 1. To intertaine our selues willingly in vertuous discourses if we desire to haue God present with vs. 2. To instruct and teach the ignorant 3. To exercise the works of mercy and not to content our selues with only speaking of them for these two disciples were not illuminated vntil they had receaued our Sauiour CXXXIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour appeared to all the Disciples being together Mark 16.14 Luk 24.33 Iohn 20.19 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour not content to haue shewed himself in particuler to his Mother to S. Peter to the three Maries to Ma. Magdalen was desirous to make all his disciples at one partakers of the ioy of his Resurrection 2. How therefore entring into the place where they were gathered togeather for feare of the Iewes he said vnto them Peace be to yow It is I feare not 3. How perceauing for all this that they were troubled and frighted imagining that they saw a spirite he assured them that they had no cause to be afraid Let vs learne 1. How our Sauiour for greater proofe of his Resurrection shewed his disciples his hands to teach vs to take paines and to suffer 2. Hee shewed them his wounded side to exercise vs in his loue 3. He shewed them his pierced feete to teach vs perseuerance CXXXIV MEDITATION How our Sauiour did proue his Resurrection to his disciples Luk. 24.38 1. CONSIDER how the Apostles disciples being much astonished at the wonders that they saw and scarce beleuing that which they did touch with their fingers our Sauiour did ask them if they had any thing to eate and did eate in their presence 2. How making afterwards along discourse of the figures and prophesies of the old testament he gaue them clerely to vnderstand how all had byn performed in him and so opened their vnderstanding that they might easely see the truth of the scriptures 3. How seeing them now confirmed assured and full of comfort he gaue them againe the peace and power to remit sinnes Let vs learne 1. To accommodate our selues to our neighbours infirmities so to induce them to goodnes 2 To desire almighty God that he neuer withdraw his light from vs. 3. To yield him thankes for the power that he hath left to the Apostles and Priests to forgiue sinnes as not willing to make other iudgment in heauen then that which by them is made on earth CXXXV MEDITATION How our Sauiour appeared to his disciples S. Thomas being present Iohn 20.26 1. CONSIDER how S. Thomas by reason of his departure from the other Apostles was for the space of eight daies depriued of our Sauiours sight and remained so obstinate in his infidelity that he would not beleeue what the rest told him of our Sauiours resurection 2. How our Sauiour notwithstanding as well for the particuler saluation of this Infidel as also for the greater assurance of all the rest would appeare againe the second time to all his Apostles and in their presence giue vnto S. Thomas such proofe as he had desired of his Resurrection 3. How S. Thomas astonished altogeather at this cried out my Lord my God not able to say any more for admiration Let vs learne 1. How good a thing it is to be in good and godly companie to be visited by God amongst others 2. That we must not alwaies seeke after sweetnes and consolation in our spirituall exercises 3. That to stirre vp our selues and nourish our faith we must exercise works of charitie CXXXVI MEDITATION How our Sauiour appeared to his Disciples that were fishing Iohn 21.1 1. CONSIDER how S. Peter and his companions though they were well assured of our Sauiours Resurrection yet not daring to go abroad publickly before they had receaued the holy Ghost went forth a whole night to fish but all in vaine 2. How about the breake of the day our Sauiour appeared to them but was not knowen and commaunded them to cast the nette on the right hand which they speedily doing tooke an hundred fifty and three great fishes 3. How by this strange and vnexpected draught they came to know our Lord drew the net to land found dinner ready to which our Sauiour himselfe did inuite them Let vs learne 1. To keepe our selues alwaies in the grace of God that so we may merit 2. To obey promptly and spedily 3. To labour diligently if we be desirous that God inuite vs one day to his holy repose CXXXVII MEDITATION How our Sauiour appeared to his disciples vpon the mount of Galilee Matth. 28.16 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour hauing promised and oftentimes signified euen by Angels to his Apostles and other Christiās that in Galilee they should see him many went thither and expected there his comming 2. How the day appointed