Body and Mind and while they are yet in flesh emulate the perfection of Pure Spirits with this advantage of desert that what they are by Nature these arrive unto by a glorious Victory over their own Nature Virgins are specially beloved by Christ he would have a Virgin Mother a Virgin for his Precursor and among all his Disciples he loved best the Virgin S. John Virginity as S. Cyprian affirmeth is the Flower of the Churches Off-spring Cypr. de Discipl Habitu Virg. the Glory and Ornament of Spiritual Grace the Image of God and the most Illustrious Portion or part of Christs Flock 2 Cor. 4.7 Consider 2. Virginity although it be a special gift of God is not bestowed without our concurrance nor conserved without diligent care for we have this treasure in Earthen Vessels The means therefore to obtain and conserve it are 1. Mortification of the Flesh by Fasting Abstinence Watching and other Corporal Austerities 2. Strict guard upon our Senses which are the gates through which all evil doth enter into our Soul 3. Command over our thoughts neither admitting nor even disputing with any that are against this Virtue 4. The avoiding of all occasions that may bring us into the least danger 5. Earnest Prayer to Almighty God whose gift it is 6. Humility not trusting to our selves knowing our own weakness 7. Fear of God 8. Memory of the last things Apoc. 14.4 Consider 3. The Reward of Virginity 1. It is sufficient Reward to it self freeing the Soul from the Tyranny of the Flesh and unruly Passions to which others are subject and filling the same with most pure joy and content above all the delights of the World 2. Virgins after a special manner are Temples of the Holy Ghost and Spouses of Christ with whom he delighteth to be Whence they have that singular Prerogative above others in Heaven that they follow the Lamb whither soever he shall go 3. They have a special Crown in Heaven like to that of Martyrs And S. Ambrose doth stile Virginity the Mother of Martyrs and a glorious Martyrdome it self Stir your self up to the love of this Heavenly and Angelical Virtue and make use of the means that help to obtain it On the Feast of any Saint General Points Rom. 8.30 COnsider 1. Four things in whatsoever Saint you meditate on 1. His Predestination 2. Vocation 3. Justification 4. Glorification according to that of the Apostle Whom he hath predestinated them also he hath called and whom he hath called them also he hath justified and whom he hath justified them also hath he glorified The Predestination or Election to Glory was of Gods free gift without any desert of theirs Ephes 1.4 Before the canstitution of the world that they should be Holy and Immaculate in his sight Their Vocation in divers of them was different some were called in their Youth others in their Old Age some by Miracle others occasionally But God hath been wonderful in all Their Justification afforded them great gifts of Grace and special helps the chief of which you may reflect upon more in particular Their Glorification chiefly after death by Miracles Visions the gift of curing Diseases and the like Mat. 16.24 Consider 2. How the Saint of whom you meditate answered Gods Call and practised what he required of all those that would follow him as in set down in the Gospel If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Ponder how he was 1. In the Abnegation of himself by mortifying his Flesh Senses and Appetites 2. In carrying his Cross that is in manfully undergoing labours and pains for the glory of God and suffering adversities such as are Sickness Persecutions Afflictions Miseries c. 3. In following Christ by the exercise of all manner of Virtue in imitation of him Consider 3. In what particular and in what manner you are to imitate the Saint of whom you meditate Chrysost Ser. de Mart. quod imitand in brev 7. Noâ—omâ— Because as S. Chrysostome saith You must imitate if you praise or must not praise if you refuse to imitate And we might be what the Saints are if we would do what they did FINIS To the greater Glory of God His B. Virgin Mother and all his Saints A TABLE OF THE MEDITATIONS Contained in this Book as they lye in Order distributed for every Day of the Year From the 1 of November to Advent ALL-Saints day Of Christ in the Eucharist as God Page 1 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as King Page 2 2. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Father Page 3 3. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Brother Page 5 4. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Master Page 6 Of Mans last End 2. Meditations Page 7 8 Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Med. Page 9 10 11 Of the Sin of Angels Page 12 Of the Sin of our first Parents Page 13 Of the grievousness of Mortal Sin 5. Med. Page 14. c. Of flying Venial Sins 3. Med. Page 21. c. Of Death 3. Med. Page 25. c. Of preparing against Death 2. Med. Page 28. c. Of particular Judgment 2. Med. Page 31. c. Of general Judgment 2. Med. Page 33. c. Of Hell 2. Med. Page 36. c. Of Purgatory 2. Med. Page 39. c. From Advent to Christmass 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as Judge page 42 Of imitating the Life of Christ 2. Med. Page 43. c. Of Gods Decree concerning the Incarnation 2. Med. Page 45. c. Of the Election of Christs Mother 2. Med. Page 47. c. 2. Sunday Of Christ as the Expectation of the Gentiles Page 50 Of sending the Angel Gabriel Page 51 Of the Angels Salutation Page 52 Of the Delivery of the Message Page 53 Of the B. Virgins Reply Page 54 Of the B. Virgins Consent Page 55 Of the accomplishment of the Incarnation Page 56 3. Sunday Of Christ as the Anoiuted of our Lord Page 58 Of our Ladies Journey to Elizabeth Page 59 Of the Virgins Entrance to Elizabeth Page 60 Of the Canticle Magnificat Page 61 Of the Virgins stay with Elizabeth Page 63 Of Saint Johns Nativity 2 Med. Page 64. c. 4. Sunday Of Christ as our Souls Guest Page 66 Of the Revelation made to S. Joseph 2. Med. Page 67. c. Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 2. Med. Page 70. c. Of the Virgins Journey to Bethlehem Page 72 From Christmass to Septuagesm On Christmass-day Of Christ as a little one Page 74 Of our Lords Birth 3. Med. Page 75. c. Of the Shepherds and their Adoration 3. Med. Page 78. c. On New-years day Of Christ as he is Jesus Page 82 Of our Lords Circumcision 2. Med. Page 83. c. Of our Spiritual Circumcision 2. Med. Page 86. c. On Twelfth-day Of Christ as our Sovereign Lord Page 88 Sunday in the
more excellent then God Man as to his body is no better then dirt and dust a sack of dung and meat for worms As to his Soul he is the very sink of sin an Abyss of ignorance and Myrrour of Inconstancy Think how slender is his ability how little it is he knoweth what miseries he is subject unto so that Job said with reason What is man that thou magnifiest him Job 7.17 or why settest thou thy heart toward him Gen. 41.40 1 Reg. 9. Ps 77.70 Consider 2. On the other side what God is and how great is his Majesty Glory Riches Beauty Power c. and what a dignity it is to be his adoptive Son If it was esteemed a great and wonderful thing in Joseph the Patriarch to be taken out of prison and made Lord of Egypt in Saul from following of Asses to be annointed King and in David from following after the Ewes with young to be assumed to a Kingdome How much more is it to be admired that a lump of earth should be raised to dignity of being the Son of God and that the harbourer of worms should become the companion of Angels Ps 112.7 8 Consider 3. How much you owe to God for having so highly exalted you Raising up the needy from the earth and lifting up the poor out of the dung to place you with the Princes of his heavenly Court O unspeakable honour you deserve not the name of Gods servant Leo Serm. 1. de Nativit and you are made his Son Acknowledge therefore O Christian saith S. Leo your dignity and being made partaker of the Divine Nature do not by unworthy behaviour degenerate to your former baseness Of the benefit of Adoption Part 2. COnsider 1. The admirable effects of this benefit 1. It puts us under Gods special providence and protection so as to bring us up govern maintain and defend us as a loving Father doth his Children Whence David said Ps 102.13 As a father hath compassion of his children so hath our Lord compassion on them that fear him c. And by Isaie he promiseth yet more Why Is 49.15 can a woman forget her Infant that she will not have pity on the son of her womb And if she should forget yet will not I forget thee O what a security it is to be protected by such a Father If God stand for us who will be against us 2 Pet. 1.4 Consider 2. How by this adoption we are made partakers of the Divine Nature and in a manner Gods according to that of the Psalmist I said you are Gods and the sons of the highest all Ps 81. â— for it makes us partakers in some degree of Gods perfections and excellencies as of his Wisdome Fortitude Constancy Justice Charity and other Attributes which in him are by nature and are communicated to us as his children by grace Learn therefore greatly to esteem such a benefit that makes you like to God himself Rom. 8.17 Consider 3. How it makes us also Heirs of the Kingdome of Heaven according to that of the Apostle And if sons heirs also heirs truly of God and co-heirs of Christ O what a happiness Look therefore upon heaven as your own by inheritance Say with that Philosopher Corn. ad Rom. c. 1â— 14. I am born to greater things then to make my self a slave to my own flesh Direct your thoughts and cares thither where you are sure to inherit endless treasures contemn all mortal things and give your mind only to such as are truly great and everlasting and as a certain holy man was wont to say In Vita P. Balt Alvarez Do not degenerate from the high thoughts of the sons of God Of the benefit of Adoption Part 3. Deut. 32.6 COnsider the several Obligations we have by reason of this benefit The first is of loving tenderly and from our whole heart so loving a Father For if children of this world do naturally love their Parents of whom they only receive their corporal substance and earthly goods how much more are you bound to love God from whom all proceeds that is good and who hath possessed thee and made and created thee Exod. 20.12 The second Obligation is of honouring him as our Father that is reverencing him with exteriour worship and serving him what we can with all respect and duty Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thou mayst be long lived upon the earth And our Lord himself by Malachy saith And if I be the father Mal. 1.6 where is my honour Mat. 5.48 Ephes 5.1 The third Obligation is of imitating God as children do their Parents Therefore Christ said Be you perfect as also your heavenly father is perfect And S. Paul Be followers of God as most dear children You must therefore imitate his Sanctity and Immunity from sin his Charity Mercy Justice and other Virtues Lev. 11.45 You shall be holy saith our Lord because I am holy Lev. 19.3 The fourth Obligation is of fearing ever to offend our Father according to that of Leviticus Let every one fear his Father and Mother And if children of this world fear to offend their Parents that they may not be disinherited by them how much more ought we to fear God Take heed that it be not ever objected to you Is 1.2 I have brought up children and exalted them but they have despised me You will despise him if you prefer your own will and desires before his Counsels and Commands Of the benefit of the H. Sacraments Is 12.3 COnsider 1. The wonderful care your Heavenly Father hath of you for to conserve you in the grace of his Adoption he hath provided you with many means for which you owe thanks and gratitude the chief of them are the seven Sacraments which as so many Fountains he would have to flow with several gifts of Grace in all abundance according to the diversity of our necessities so as to make good that of the Prophet You shall draw waters in joy out of the Saviours Fountains Ps 83.5 Consider 2. The infinite Wisdome of God in most fitly ordaining each Sacrament for that man might be born into a spiritual life he instituted Baptisme to grow up and be strengthened in the same Confirmation to be nourished Holy Eucharist That he might have a remedy and certain cure against his spiritual diseases Penance That he might be armed for his last Combat Extreme Unction Lastly for the right discharging of several states and duties in his Church he instituted H. Order and Matrimony Truly blessed are they that dwell in thy house O Lord who doest so abundantly provide for them that fear thee Is 55.1 Consider 3. These Fountains of Grace 1. Are open to all none are excluded though never so poor Whence the Prophet cryeth out All ye that thirst come to the waters and you that have no silver make hast buy and eat 2. They are
of his Passion and Death as to the perfect use and exercise of it Hence it followeth that we have a Triple Obligation of serving him 1. As our God by his Deity 2. As the Sovereign Lord and Head of all Mankind by his Incarnation 3. As our Saviour and Redeemer by his Death and Passion He hath exercised his Power to the full for your good See that you fulfill your duty in serving him Consider 2. Going therefore teach ye all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost By virtue of his Divine Power he doth Authorize and Commission his Disciples 1. To go and teach what he had taught them 2. To Baptize them in the Name of the B. Trinity that by the benefit of Baptism they might obtain Divine Faith Remission of their sins Grace and Everlasting Glory 3. To deliver unto them Christs new Law Precepts and Councels teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you Consider 3. And behold I am with you all daies even to the consummation of the world Christ is with us 1. As God by his Immensity 2. As God and Man by his Presence in the H. Eucharist 3. By Habitual and Actual Grace enabling us to act Supernaturally in order to our End 4. By a special Providence governing and directing every one towards the attaining to the perfection of their Vocation 5. After a special manner he is with the whole Church and principle Members thereof assisting them with his Divine Wisdom and Veracity in their Councels and Definitions Interpretation of Scriptures and Government and arming them with his Omnipotent Power against Persecutions Heresie and Infidelity so that the Gates of Hell shall not be able to prevail against them Be grateful for these benefits and endeavour to be always present with him in mind and affection On the same day as being the 1. Sunday after Pentecost the Gospel is chiefly of Mercy Luc. 6.36 for which see page 344. Corpus Christi day Of the Mystery Jo. 6.55 page 284 285 286 287. Sunday in the Octave of Corp. Chr. Of the great Supper Luc. 14.16 page 288. c. to the page 296. see page 439 440. 3. Sunday after Pentecost Of the lost sheep Luc. 15.1 page 296. see page 459. 4. Sunday after Pentecost Christ teacheth c. out of Peters Ship Luc. 5.1 page 304. Consider 1. The multitudes pressing our Lord went up into Peters Ship and that being brought back a little from the Land sitting be taught the multitudes from the ship Ponder with what fervour the people did run to hear the Word of God be ashamed of your own dulness herein and eagerness of hearing Toys News and Reports of the World Christ teacheth from Peters Boat from which we are all to take the Word of God our Faith and the hopes of our Salvation out of which there is none Observe how the Boat was brought from the Land to teach us that the Preachers Life and Doctrine must not be worldly but Coelestial Consider 2. As he ceased to speak he said to Simon Launch forth into the deep and let loose your Nets to make a draught It is Christ that moves our heart in Sermons but 't is our part to co-operate to launch forth into the deep by proceeding always forwards and raising our intentions and desires to heavenly things and to loose our Nets by a forwardness and endeavour of profiting upon all occasions Peter answered Labouring all night we have taken nothing Such are the fruits of worldly cares and labours and in the Night of Sin nothing is gained in order to Eternal Life We must therefore loose our Nets in Christs Name and upon his Word by a sincere intention of serving and obeying him Consider 3. And when they had done this they inclosed a very great multitude of Fishes and their Net was broken Whereupon Peter fell down at Jesus kaâ—eâ— saving Go forth from me for I am a sinful man Ponder here 1. Peter lendeth Christ his empty Boat and receives it full of Fish and is well enough contented to have his Net broken in so profitable a service So ought we in temporal losses that are accompanied with great spiritual gains 2. Peter out of Humility falleth upon his knees and is made the Fisher of men From this time thou shalt be taking men 3. Upon the same account he willeth Christ to go from him and thereby came the nearer unto him for leaving all things they followed him Ponder each particular and gather something for your own profit 5. Sunday after Pentecost Of the observance of the Law Mat. 5.21 page 312. Consider 1. Valesâ— your Justice abound more then that of the Scribes and Pharisees you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven The Pharisees did often fast they prayed much in the Temple and in the Streets they gave the Tythes of what they had they gave God thanks for his benefits they carried the Law about them in the Hem of their Garments c. Do you do as much Yet all this was nothing but an outward shew of Virtue and only ceremonious observances of their own The Justice of a Christian must be internal and real consisting in a pure intention of Gods Honour in all things in the exercise of Christian Virtue chiefly of Charity Patience Humility c. in subduing our Passions evil Inclinations and Affections and the like Consider 2. It was said to them of old thou shalt not kill c. But I say to you that whosoever is angry with his Brother shall be in danger of judgment c. Ponder the Excellency of the New Law above the Old 1. That which was given to a dull and earthly people prohibited only gross things this forbiddeth even little imperfections 2. That went no further then the outward appearance this passeth to the interiour affections of the mind 3. That proposed no other then temporal reward this everlasting Think what perfection God requireth of you according to your Calling and be su e you come not behind the Pharisees upon peril of your Salvation 1 Cor. 10.17 Consider 3. And imprint in your heart and memory those words of Christ If thou offer thy gift at the Altar and there thou remember that thy Brother hath ought against thee leave there thy Offering before the Altar and go first to be reconciled to thy Brother Fraternal Charity is so necessary that no Sacrifice nor Divine Worship can be acceptable to God without it and if this in the Old Law how much more in the New and in the Sacrifice of Mass and Communion of the H. Eucharist which is the Sacrament of Union for we are one body all that participate of one bread Observe how God vouchsafeth to accept of our poor duties as offerings and gifts whereas they are indeed his own gifts and bringing no good to him from us 6. Sunday after Pentecost Of the seven Loaves Marc. 8.1 page 320. Consider 1.