to retyre into â—gypt obeyed promptly not excâ—sing himselfe that it was winter â— a bad time to trâ—uaile in or that hâ— knew not the way or that the people of Egypt were idolatours anâ— infidels 2. How our Lord the King oâ— Kings doth fly the crueltie and tyrannie of an earthly King and how euen from his tender age he beginneth to suffer persecution for our iâ—struction and saluation 3. How the holy mother did beaâ— her beloued babe in her armes beinâ— more molested in mind for compassion of the cold and discommoditâ— that her little Sonne endured the for the paine that she her selfe took for him in so long and tedious a voâ— age which led them into a straâ—â— country where they were constrâ—ned to earne their liuing with theiâ— hand-worke Let vs learne 1. To obey promptly euen secrâ— admonitions by S. Iosephs example 2. To suffer willingly with our Blessed Lady 3. Not to care in what place we â—ine so it be to the greater glory of God XIV MEDITATION Of the Killing of the Innocents Matth. 2.16 1. CONSIDER the fury and rage of Herod who hauing vnderstood how the three Kings were returned to their country by â—nother way and being aduertised â—f that which passed in the Temple â—he day of the Purification did coÌ„maund that all the little men-chilâ—ren in Bethleem and in all the â—orders therof from two yeares â—ld and vnder should be killed 2. Consider the griefe which â—ur Lord did feele euen then seing â—s he did well know all things so many little infants to be so cruellâ— slaine for his sake 3. Consider the cruelty of thosâ— barbarous souldiars which hauinâ— no regard neither of age nor of sex nor of the dolefull mothers did couer the streetes with bodies of the dead infants Let vs learne 1. How hurtfull pride and ambition are which make a man tâ— band himselfe against God as Hâ—rod did 2. How we ought not to feare thâ— force of tyrants who haue no poweâ— but vpon the body 3. That it importeth not wheâ— or where we dye so it be in God grace and for his honour and glory XV. MEDITATION Of our Sauiours returne out of Egypt Matth. 2.19 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour had remained in Egypt seuen yeares the Angel appeared againe to Sâ— Ioseph notifying vnto him King Herods death coÌ„maunding him in Gods behalfe to returne into Iurie with the infant IESVS and his Mother 2. How the returne was much more cumbersom and painfull then the flight because our Sauiour being now growne somwhat great our B. Lady could not beare him so commodiously and on the other side he was to young to walk by him selfe a foot 3. How S. Ioseph being arriued â—n Palestine and vnderstanding that Archelaus had succeeded his Father Herod in the Kingdome of Iurie durst not goe thither but being warned in sleep retired into Nazareth Let vs learne 1. That God doth neuer wholy forget those that suffer for him although he permit them to be a while afflicted for his sake 2. To obey readilie such as haue commaundement ouer vs in Gods place whether it be to go or returnâ— from any one place to another 3 Neuer to trust to our owne forces nor to expose our selues to the daunger of temptation or any otheâ— euill XVI MEDITATION How our Lord was fouÌ„d in the TeÌ„plâ— Luke 2.41 1. CONSIDER how our Loâ— remaining in Ierusalem wâ— to the Temple as to his Fatheâ— howse there with praier to honour God and with his doctrine to giue some light of saluatioÌ„ to the doctors of the law 2. Consider what sorrow our B. Lady felt not finding her deare beloued sonne neither with her spouse nor kinsfolks how many teares she shed and with what diligence she returned the morning following to seeke him in Ierusalem 3. Consider what ioy our B Lady did feel hauing fouÌ„d her deare sonne in the Temple sitting in the midst of the doctors hearing asking them Let vs learne 1. To make more accoumpt of Gods honour and seruice then of wordly parents and friends 2. Yf the Virgin Mother did so â—itterly lament because the lost our â—auiour without any fault of her â—art what ought he to do that caâ—eth him of by sinning â— Yf we desire to find our Sauiour â—e must seeke him with sorrow XVII MEDITATION Of our Sauiours life from twelue yeares vntill he was thirty yeares old Luke 2.51 1. CONSIDER that which the Euangelist saith to wit that our Sauiour the King of Kings and Emperour of Heauen and Earth was subiect to his parents 2. Consider how our Sauiour all that while kept himself retyred yet was not he idle but imploied the time well and profitably in visiting often the Temple in attending to praier in shunning the conuersation of men and in helping his Motheâ— and his Father Ioseph as S. Marke doth recount chap. 6. â— 3. How that which the Euangeliâ—â— saith that our Sauiour daily grew iâ— wisdome and in grace with God anâ— men doth sufficiently shew vntâ— vs that he did much more then thâ— which is recorded in the Ghospel that although he was retyred yet did he neuer cease to profit Let vs learne 1. To obey euen the very least being taught so to do by our Sauiours example 2. To be more delighted with silence theÌ„ with speach and conuersation 3. To recollect and retyre our selues as much as is possible for it is a singular meanes to obteine grace in the sight both of God and men THE SECOND PART OF THE EVANGELICAL HISTORY Conteyning the Actes of our Sauiour from his Baptisme vntill the second Easter XVIII MEDITATION Of S. Iohn Baptist his preaching Matth. 3.1 Mark 1.4 Luke 3.2 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour desirous to publish himself so to accomplish that for which he waâ— sent into this world made S. Iohâ— Baptist goe before him being man very austere as well in his diâ— as in his apparell and manner also of preaching to make men see with their eyes that which he did announce by word of mouth 2. We must endeauour to vnderstand wel the summe of S. Iohns preaching which is conteined in these words Do penance for the Kingdome of heauen is at hand and also consider the great good that we get by penance which maketh vs capable to receaue Gods grace 3. Consider S. Iohns humilitie who being the greatest of all the Prophets and of all the children of men yea in such opinion with the Iewes that they were ready to receaue him for their Messias did neuerthelesse care nothing for these honours but did praise and magnify him whose forerunner he was Let vs learne 1. To loue austerity as much as our manner of life doth permit vs. 2. To doe voluntarie penance 3. Alwaies to praise others but neuer to commend our selues XIX MEDITATION Of our Sauiours Baptisme Matth. 3.13 Marke 1.9 Luke 3.21 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour tooke leaue of his Mother to go towards the riuer of Iordan where S. Iohn was
the meanes of those graue Seniours and aged men 3. To acknowledge our selues both with heart tongue as most vnworthie to receaue any fauour at Gods hands and much more to receaue himselfe XLIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour did raise the widowes sonne from death neere the towne of Naim Luke 7.11 1. CONSIDER on the one side this good widowe very sorowfull anâ— afflicted first for the losse of her husband and next of her only sonne and on the other side behould our Lord who seeing her affliction was moued to pittye and compassion and did comfort her 2. Consider how our Sauiour drawing neere to the hearse those that carried the dead corps stood still and he commaunded the young man that was dead to arise 3. Consider how the young maâ— remained astonished seeing himsel recalled from the darknes where hâ— was to light and the Mother greatlâ— comforted hauing recouered he child and hearing him speake and â—he whole company that was present wonderfully admired at the greatnes of the miracle Let vs learne â— To approach neere willingly vnâ—o the afflicted to comfort and aide â—hem as much as we may â— To be ready alwaies for death â—ince we see that the young doe dye â—s well as the aged and full of yeares â— To arise and leaue our faultes â—nd imperfections when our Lord â—od doth moue vs so to do by his â—oly inspirations XLIV MEDITATION Of Marie Magdalens conuersion Luk. 7.36 CONSIDER how our Sauiour sitting at the table â—th the Pharisie that had inuited â—n Mary Magdalen surprised with a bitter repentance of her sinâ— came behind him to cast her self his feet to wash thâ—m with teares and wipe thâ—â— with 〈◊〉 haire 2. Consider how all those thâ— were bid to the banquet were muâ— astonished at this manner of proâ—ding but aboue all others the Phâ—risie murmuring in himself at thiâ— that our Sauiour would endure 〈◊〉 be touched by this woman as if 〈◊〉 were no Prophet nor knew not hâ— to be such a one as she was taken fâ— of the whole cittie 3. Consider how our Lord mâ—king no accompt of the iniuâ— which the Pharisie did vnto hiâ— tooke the penitent womans paâ— and hauing condemned his hoâ— by his owne words dismissed Maâ— Magdalen in peace Let vs learne 1. Not to be ashamed of the woâ—â— when we are to do any plublick â—â—tification or penance 2. Neuer to iudge what is within a man by the exteriour shew seeing that he may be changed in an instant 3. Not to make any reckoning of the opinions and iudgements of men prouided that our conscience do not reprehend vs before God XLV MEDITATION How our Lord did cure one that was deafe and dumbe Mark 7.31 1. CONSIDER on the one side the faith charity and deuotion of certaine good people who brought vnto our Lord this dumbe and deafe man humblie intreating him that he would touch him and on the other side think of our Sauiours goodnes who did â—ncontinently graunt them that which they demaunded for this poore man 2. Consider how our Lord did â—ake this patient aside touch his eares and tongue lift vp his eyes to heauen and after that he had giuen forth a great figh euen froÌ„ the bottom of his heart he commaunded the instruments of his senses to open themselues and performe their ordinary functions 3. Consider how after that our Sauiour had restored this poore man to health he forbad him to speake thereof vnto any which he notwithstanding obeyed not as the Euangelist noteth Let vs learne 1. To pray God as deuoutly for our neighbours necessities as for ouâ— owne 2. To lament and bewailâ— our sinnes seeing that our Lord diâ— sigh so profoundly to cure our corporall infirmities and diseases 3. To render thanks vnto Goâ— and praise him highlie for the goâ— he bestoweth vpon vs. XLVI MEDITATION Of the woman that praised our Sauiour Luke 11.27 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour hauing healed a man possessed of the diuell that was deafe and dumbe although the Iewes did reprehend calumniate him demaunding a signe from heauen yet did he not therefore omit to instruct and teach the people 2. Consider how a good woman that was amongst the rest of the people seeing this surprised with a certaine great loue of God cried out saying Blessed is the wombe that bare thee and the breasts that gaue thee sucke 3. Consider how our Lord did answere her That they were more happie which did not only heare Gods word but also did practise it liuing according to the same Let vs learne 1. Neuer to omit wel dooing although the wicked doe carpe at vs and despise vs therefore 2. To praise God in all things and in all places 3. To make our benefit of his holy word when we read or heare it in Sermons Exhortations or familiar discourses XLVII MEDITATION How those of Nazareth would haue throwne our Sauiour downe headlong from the toppe of a hill Matt. 13.53 Mark 6.1 Luke 4.16 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour continuing to performe that for which 〈◊〉 was sent to wit to preach vnto the people and teach them went to Nazareth and taught iâ— the synagogue the comming of the Messias whome they expected taking his theme out of Isay the Prophet 2. Consider how some did profit by our Sauiours words some others were scandalized in hearing him and called him the Carpenters sonne desiring more to see his miracles then to heare his discourses 3. Consider how our Lord much grieued at the hardnesse of their harts said that it was no wonder to see that those of his owne countrie did not heare him willingly and so beginning to shew vnto them their obstinacie he was in daunger to haue ben throwne downe headlong by them in their furie Let vs learne 1. To speake very modestly of that which toucheth our selues as our Sauiour did in explicating the place of Isay 2. To content our selues with their only words whom we know do seeke in euery thing our good without demaunding so many wiâ—nesses 3. To take in good part the reprehensions and admonitions of those that tell vs of our faults and to loue them more entirely XLVIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour did chuse the tweluâ— Apostles and sent them abroad to preach through Iewrie Matt. 10.1 Mark 6.7 Luk. 6.12 1. CONSIDER how when our Sauiour had spent a whole night in praying to God his Father he made all his discipleâ— come before him and out of seaueÌ„ty or fourescore that they were hâ— did chuse only twelue which he called Apostles 2. Consider how sending them abroad to preach peâ—â—â—nce and to gather the fruits that the Patriarches and Prophets had sowen he did forbid them to carry any thing that was superfluous were it apparell money or other like prouision to the end that they should put all their hope in him that sent them 3. Consider how he did aduertise them to be simple as doues wise as serpents and aboue all to beware of men Let vs learne 1.
presented to that heathen President who was constrained to go forth of his hall to heare the Iewes which made more scruple to enter into his pallace then to accuse the innocent IESVS wrongfully 2. How Pilate asked of the Iewes what informations they had against that man who answered him at the first instant that if he had not byn a malefactour they would not haue giuen him ouer to the secular power 3. How they afterward did accuse him of three crimes to wit that he seduced the people that he forbad to pay tribute to Cesar thought to make himself a King Let vs learne 1. To submit our selues to euery one for the loue of God 2. To beare patiently the euill donne vnto vs euen by those to whome we haue donne good 3. Neuer to reprehend nor accuse any other wrongfully XCVII MEDITATION How our Sauiour was examined by Pilate Matt. 27. â—1 Mark 15.2 Luk. 23.3 Iohn 18.33 1. CONSIDER how good IESVS submitteth himself to a Iudge to whome he was no way subiect answering from point to point to all that which he demaunded of him 2. How Pilate hauing performed his duty in examining of our Sauiour and finding nothing in him whereby he might iudge him worthie of death came out of his Pallace to tell the Iewes therof 3. How those wreched Caitifes fearing lest the President sâ—ould iudge according to truth and iustice did anew begin to accuse our Sauiour more earnestly and eagerly then they had done before saying that he was a seducer of the people vnto all which sweet IESVS neuer answered one word in so much that Pilate did greatly maruell at his patience Let vs learne 1. To iustifie and cleere our selues before those who are not well informed of our innocencie 2. Rather to hold our peace before false and malicious accusers theÌ„ to dispâ—te and contend with them 3. To imitate the patience of our Sauiour XCVIII MEDITATION How Pilate sent our Sauiour to King Herod Luk. 23.6 1. CONSIDER how Pilate when he vnderstood that our Sauiour was of the countrie of Galilee sent him to Herode who was King of those parts and how those that led him did in the way torment and vexe him more then euer seeing that his condemnation was so delaied 2. How Herode was very glad to see our Sauiour because he had hope either to see him worke some miracle or to learne some new thing of him and therefore did demaund of him many curious questions touching diuers things 3. How our Lord would neither answere one word to him nor to the Iews who did againe accuse him before this King Let vs learne 1. That it suffiseth not to haue a desire to see our Sauiour if we do not take profit by his holy dâ—ctrine 2. That we mâ—st not further nor sooâ—h the curiosity of wordlings by telling or teaching them such things as can no waies profit them 3. That we ought not to sâ—ew nor communicate vnto others the fauours that God hath bestowed vpon vs but to those to whome we know it may do good XCIX MEDITATION How our Lord by Herod his Court was helâ— for a foole Luk. 23.11 1. CONSIDER how Herod both astonished offended that he could not get as much as one word from our Sauiours mouth to that which he demaunded did mocke him calling him foole sensles and voide of wit whome also in this vnciuill kind of dealing his whole Court followed 2. How to scoffe the more at our Sauiour they clad him with a white robe and sent him backe to Pilates Pallace 3. How the off cers and souldiars led him back with great insolencie through the streets most inhabited shewing him vnto all those whome they met that they might mocke him as a foole Let vs learne 1. To reioyce when the world doth scoffe at vs. 2. Not to be ashamed to weare poore and torne garments so to conforme our selues to our Sauiour 3. Neuer to mocke or scoffe at any one whosoeuer C. MEDITATION How the Iewes preferred Barabbas before our Sauiour Matth 27.15 Mark 15.6 Luk. 23.17 1. CONSIDER how Pilate proceeding according to iustice and equitie and finding no crime worthie of death in our Sauiour sought to deliuer him saying that nether Herod had found him guiltie nor condemned him to death 2. How he offered to shew him fauour by releasing him according to the cuâ—tome which he had to deliuer euery yeare vnto the Iewes one prisoner at their request about the feast of Easter 3. How these obstinate people did choose rather one Barabbas a notable theefe and who had slâ—ine mâ—ny men then our Sauiour who had raised from death to life foure dead folkes Let vs learne 1. To defend alwaies truth and innocencie 2. Neuer to yield to our sensuality nor to the imperfections of others against equity and iustice 3. Nor to esteeme what opinion men haue of vs albeit they take vs to be worse then those whome they think to be most wicked men CI. MEDITATION How our Lord was scourged Mat. 27. 26 Mark 15.15 Luk. 23.16.22 Iohn 19.1 1. CONSIDER how Pilate appointed that our Sauiour should be wâ—ipped although he knew him to be innocent and wrongfully accused all which our Sauiour willingly accepted of making more account of our good then of his owne torments 2. How the cruell Iewes without any respect of our Lords person tooke off his garments and bound him like a slaue vnto a pillar all which he suffered patiently so to loose and breake the bands of our sinnes 3. Consider awhile the extreme paines that the most tender and delicate flesh of our Sauiour did suffer being altogether torne and rent with so many lashes and scourges therby to make satisfaction for our disordinate pleasures Let vs learne 1. To make no account of humane respects if we will not commit many grosse errours 2. Not to lament nor grudge when God doth punish vs for our sinnes seeing that when our Sauiour waâ— scourged he did not repine 3. How we ought to deale with our rebellious flesh CII MEDITATION How our Sauiour was crowned with thornes Matt. 27.29 Mark 15.17 Iohn 19.2.5 1. CONSIDER the robes which these fellowes bestowed vpon the King of Heauen to wit an old mantle of purple to breed laughter a crowne of thornes for his Diademe and a reed for his Royall Septer and how our Sauiour receaued all this at their hands that did moâ—k him without any contradiction 2. Cast your eyes vpon that venerable and Holy face of our Lord and you shall see it all couered with foule and filthy spittle and disguised with buffets that these wicked men did giue him 3. Consider with what patience our Sauiour did support and endure such dishonours and esteeming much to be mocked that so he might abate our pride and pull downe our ambitious desires Let vs learne 1. To be obedient euen in those things that be coÌ„trary to our lyking and to the opinion of the world 2. To support iniuries
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
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
other world 3. To liue in such sort that afterwards we need not feare the last sentence which shall be peremptory of our eternall good or ill CXLIV MEDITATION Of the Generall and last Iudgment 1. CONSIDER what dread and feare men will haue when presently after the generall Resurrection they shall behold the signe of the Crosse and other armes of the Passion which will appeare in heauen borne before our Sauiour who shall come with great maiesty to iudge the world 2. How the iudgmeÌ„t being begun euery one shall be constrained to giue account euen of his most hiddeÌ„ thoughts in such sort that euery ones life shall be wholy knowne to all the rest 3. How great the confusion of hypocrites principally shall be when their malice and wicked thoughts will be discouered to the whole world Let vs learne 1. To resolue with our selues to loue and serue God more carefully to the end we may be able to appeare before him with more security 2. To make vp our accounts with the mercy that God doth now present vnto vs and not to expect the time when he will vse his iustice 3. For feare lest our sins should be knowne of all men at the day of iudgment we must presently blot them out by a good confession and by doing of pennance CXLV MEDITATION Of the same generall Iudgment 1. CONSIDER how that great Iudge will recompence the iustice of the iust will praise them for their good workes esteeming that he hath receaued in his owne person whatsoeuer they haue done to the poore 2. How reproaching the obstinate of their sinnes with a dreadful countenance he will driue them out of his presence sending them to hel-fire and deliuering them into the hands and power of the diuell 3. How suddainly these vnfortunate sinners shall find themselues enuironed and all wrapped vp in a terrible fire and so blaspheming shall be throwne downe into the bottomles pit of hell and contrariwise how the good praising and thanking God shall be led to heaueÌ„ to raigne there eternally with our Sauiour Let vs learne 1. To do good and that for the loue of God if we will haue recompence at the day of iudgment 2. Not to cast God out of our soules that in the day of iudgment he driue vs not out of his sight 3. To walke in the way of vertue and then we need not feare that we shall be sent to the house of vice nor be made companions to the dwellers therof CXLVI MEDITATION Of Hell 1. SET before your eyes the horrible bottomles pit of Hell established and appointed by Gods iustice to be the perpetuall prison of rebellious and vngrateful persons 2. Consider the paines and torments that the damned do indure in that place beholding those hideous infernall monsters hearing their cryes and enormous blasphemies and feeling infinite and intolerable stinke 3. Think what excessiue griefe these miserable soules shall feele when inclosed in this dreadfull prisoÌ„ they shall be told that it must be for euer without any hope of departing thence Let vs learne 1. That if this lodging like vs not we follow not the way that leadeth vs vnto it 2. That to eschew those paines we must keepe our selues from sinne that maketh vs worthy of theÌ„ 3. That this place is not prepared but for those that make themselues the slaues of sinne CXLVII MEDITATION Of the same Hell 1. CONSIDER that the great paine which the damned do suffer is that they see themselues for euer banished out of heaueÌ„ which was their owne country and depriued of the enioying of almighty God who is their only end soueraigne good 2. How they are tormented in all their senses with so horrible paines that they be neuer asswaged wheÌ„ce it commeth that they dye alwayes and yet neuer end 3. Consider that they were created redeemed to enioy celestiall and eternall felicity which they lost for so light and small pleasure and yet hauing meanes to remedy their euils by doing penance which they did not they are surprised with so great vehement griefe that in a manner they burst asunder Let vs learne 1. That he which doth suffer himself to be carried away with sinne deserueth to be cast out of heauen 2. That if heer we will satisfie our seÌ„sualities as we list God will afterwards satisfie his iustice as he ought to do 3. That he is ill aduised who doth not amend himself and become wise by other mens harmes CXLVIII MEDITATION Of Heauen 1. CONSIDER how Heauen which God hath ordained for those that loue him is so beautifull a place that there is nothing in this world to be compared vnto it There is no danger of death of sicknes of aduersity nor of any other misery whatsoeuer 2. How the inhabitants of heauen do liue in highest peace and coÌ„teÌ„tment haue neuer any sorrow nor disgust but do loue one another so entirely that ech one is as glad at his neighbours good as at his owne 3. What ioy and contentment the Blessed soules do receaue when after so great labours and paines they enter into that place replenished with all good delight there to repose for all eternity Let vs learne 1. That if the place do please vs we must follow the way that leadeth thither though it seeme vnto vs somwhat straite and rough 2. That he is vnwise who for worldly pelfe forgetteth heauen which is our true country 3. That those which in this world haue suffered much for the loue of God do receaue great reward and recompence for the same in heauen CXLIX MEDITATION Againe of Heauen 1. CONSIDER how those Blessed soules beholding the infinite maiesty of God are so replenished with ioy and contentment that they cannot desire any more nor any other thing 2. That they are neuer wearied in blessing the time which they haue imploied in their deuotions in frequenting of the holy Sacraments and in the exercise of the works of mercy which they see to haue ben receaued and accepted of God as if they had ben donne to his owne person 3. How they do greatly reioyce because they are certaine that their glory and felicity shall neuer faile and that it cannot be lost taken away or hindered by any once Let vs learne 1. To please Almighty God heere on earth by seruing him deuoutly and he assuredly will giue vs all contentment in heauen 2. How the world is grosly abused making so little account of deuotion and other spirituall exercises 3. How men do deceaue themselues if they send not their goods and treasures into their true countery which is a place so assured CL. MEDITATION Of the effects of deadly sinne 1. CONSIDER how deadly sinne maketh vs loose the grace of God in this lyfe 2. How it doth depriue vs of all those consolations that God is accustomed to giue to his welbeloued children in this world 3. How it doth exclude vs from the euerlasting glory for which we were created and redeemed with the most precious bloud of our Sauiour IESVS Christ 4. How it doth procure vs in this life the emnity of God who is our creatour and ought to be our God 5. How it bringeth vnto vs an infinite number of trauailes and miseries making vs seruants of our passions and flause to the diuell 6. It is cause that our good works cannnot be meritorious of eternall life 7. Consider how grosse an absurdity and folly it is of a man for a small pleasure contrary to the law and will of God to expose himself to the daunger to be throwne headlong into euerlasting paines where he shal be punished perpetually without any hope to be euer deliuered A PRAIER O MY God I should indeed be senseles yea and more then seÌ„sles if reuolting against thy sacred Maiesty I would subiect my self to the tyranny of sinne of the diuell And what would it auaile me to haue my whole hearts desire in this world if I were depriued of thy grace Alas who could defend me from those euils vnto which mans life is subiect who could help me at the houre of my death who could deliuer me froÌ„ hell if through my own demerits thou shouldst become mine enemy I had rather o my good God I had rather I say indure all the daungers misfortunes that may befall me in this life and had rather dy a thousand deaths then to liue eueÌ„ one moment out of thy â—â—â—ce fauour and protection FINIS