of Jacob. And see that you be a Jacob Supplant and cast the Devil out of your heart wrestle with your own vicious inclinations and concupiscences Rom. 6.12 Let not sin reign in your mortal body that our Lord Jesus may reign in the house of your Soul and that for ever Say with the same St. Bernard Bern sup I have no other King then my Lord Jesus Luc. 1.34 c. Of the Blessed Virgins Reply 2 Cor. 4.7 HOw shall this be done c. Consider 1. How the Blessed Virgin who had hitherto been silent began at last to speak in defence of her Virginity which she would not forfeit to be Mother of God O admirable Purity In this Vertue she was truly singular and without example Learn hence 1. Both to speak and to be silent in their due times and circumstances 2. Not to be taken off from your good purposes and obligations upon any account without examining well how it may be done 3. To be cautious and nice in point of Chastity and not to cast your self in danger under pretence of what good soever knowing that we have this treasure of Chastity in carthen vessels Consider 2. The Holy Ghost shall come upon the and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee Ponder the excellency of Virginity whereof our Lord was so great a lover that whereas he took upon him all our other miseries yet he would not be conceived but of a Virgin and in favour of her love also to the same the divine Spirit of Purity it self wrought in her this mysterious Conception whereby her Son who as God proceeded wholly from his Father as man became entirely hers receiving from her alone what other children take from both parents Beseech our Lord to come also upon you by his holy Grace and with his shoulders to overshadow you especially in the day of battel Ps 90.4 Ps 139.8 against the heat of Concupiscence and vicious appetites Ps. 112.9 Consider 3. Behold Elizabeth thy couzen c. She who was barren becometh fruitful that you should know there is nothing impossible to God Therefore although you have hitherto been fruitlesse of good works yet by the divine Grace and your own concurrence you may come to be father of many and that not only in your self but also in your neighbour according to the condition and calling you are in Therefore even now begin to cooperate with Gods Grace for he will not be wanting who maketh the barren woman to dwell in a house a joyful mother of children Of the Virgins Consent COnsider 1. How earnestly the Angel and the whole Court of Heaven expected the Virgins consent Ber. hom 4 super missus O Lady saith St. Bernard speak the word which Heaven and Earth and the lower world expect from you At length she giveth her consent Behold the handmaid of our Lord. Admire her singular humility who being saluted Mother of God would still keep the name of handmaid This is that humility which our Lord regarded as she saith in her Canticle Magnificat and loved so much in her Put on the same humility in your life and actions if you desire the Holy Ghost should dwell in you for he sendeth forth fountains in the valleys Ps. 103.10 He watereth the humble with the fountains of his Grace but leaveth the mountains that is the high and proud ones dry Ps. 115.7 Consider 2. The name of handmaid or slave though it be contemptible among men yet in relation to God is honourable for we are truly his by the several titles of Creation Conservation and Redemption To him alone we ought to labour and to direct all things to his glory as did this blessed handmaid of his Offer your self therefore to God as a perpetual bond-slave and say with the Psalmist O Lord because I am thy servant I am thy servant and the son of thy handmaid the B. Virgin Mary Mat. 26.39 Consider 3. The admirable Obedience and Resignation of the B. Virgin in conforming her will to Gods divine pleasure Be it done to me according to thy word c. Think how grateful this answer was to God and to men and Angels Imitate her in resigning your will wholly into the hands of God and say in every thing Be it done to me O Lord according to thy word not to my will And Not as I will but as thou Think how joyful the Angel was for having obtained her consent and for the happy successe of his Embassage and how he returned without delay into Heaven full of admiration of the mystery of the Incarnation and of the Vertues and Excellencies of the Virgin Of the Accomplishment of the Incarnation Ps. 18.6 7 COnsider 1. How the B. Virgin having given her consent immediately the Eternal Word As a Bridegroom coming forth of his bride-chamber to celebrate 〈◊〉 Nâ—ptâ—â—â— wâ—â—â— humane nature Rejoyced as a giant to 〈◊〉 the way to unite unto himself our flesh and to begin the work of our Redemption Whence having presently framed a perfect body out of the most pure bloud of the B. Virgin and created a rational Soul he vouchsafed to unite his Divinity to them both Jo. 1.14 And thus the word was made flesh and dwelt in us Think with what joy of the Angels in Heaven of the Saints in Limbus of God himself and particularly of the B. Virgin now Mother of God Heb. 2.17 Consider 2. What manner of body the Eternal Word took upon him in the Virgins Womb He might have assumed an Immortal one and a Glorious Body had been but his due in regard of the Beatifical Vision But he took upon him mortal flesh and that of a little infant 1. That he might in all things be like unto his brethren 2. To oblige us to love him the more tenderly 3. To take from us all fear and make us come with confidence unto him 4. To give us example of Humility Patience and Mortification in enduring nine moneths straight imprisonment in his Mothers Womb. And 5. That he might as the Criminal pay in his flesh what were not his but our debts Humble your self you that are dust while you see the Lord of Majesty thus reduced in a manner to nothing for your sake Ps. 39.8 Consider 3. What the divine Infant did in the first instant of his Conception how he offered himself and his whole life and actions to his Eternal Father as a Holocaust and Sacrifice for our sins saying Behold I come and how the Eternal Father was pleased in this his new born Son saying Thou art my Son I this day have begotten thee Ps. 2.7 To day the Heavens did truly flow with honey while true Peace descended upon the Earth Mercy and Truth have met each other Ps. 14.11 c. Justice and Peace have kissed Truth is risen out of the Earth and Justice hath looked down from Heaven Draw me we will run
desirous to enjoy the sight of her Son whom she knew to be God of God and Man of her own nature and substance She did probably apply to him and her self those words of the Canticles Who shall give to me thee my Son that I may finde thee without and kiss thee In the mean while she exercised most ardent affections of love and conformity to the divine will both as to the time place and conveniences of her Delivery casting her self and all her care upon God 1 Pet. 5.7 as St. Peter admonisheth us for that he hath care of us Do you the same in all your affairs and examine wherein you are deficient Consider 3. How well the divine Infant did requite the long harbour his Mother gave him in her Womb. If at his first entrance in his Conception he bestowed upon her such extraordinary grace and favours how did he increase them during his nine moneths abode Illuminating her Understanding with an infused light and knowledge of the Mysteries of Faith and inflaming her will with more then Seraphick Affections of divine Love He was no burthen nor pain nor the least trouble unto her but a most welcome guest an ease and comfort in all occasions He would be so in proportion likewise to you in the Sacrament if you would give him entertainment and not pour your self forth presently upon other affairs Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 2. Part. Is 4â— 8 COnsider 1. The Expectation on the behalf of the Fathers in Limbo praying continually and crying out Drop dew ye heavens from above and let the clouds rain the Just be the earth opened and bud forth a Saviour They longed to be set free that they might presently enjoy the Beatifical Vision Therefore they said Be manifest before Ephraim Ps 79.3 4. Benjamin and Manasses shew thy face and we shall be saved Quicken your dull heart with these inflamed desires Ber. ser 2. in Cant. Be ashamed saith St. Bernard that the exhibition of this benefit doth not cause in thee a joy answerable to that inflamed desire which the bare promise enkindled in the hearts of the ancient Saints Ps. 38.8 Consider 2. What expectation every devout Soul ought to be in of having Christ Spiritually born in it self by Grace What is my expectation said David is it not our Lord Wherefore we must employ all the saculties of our Soul 1. Our Memory and Understanding in a serious and attentive consideration of his admirable Vertues and Perfections 2. Our Will in ardent affections of love and desire of expressing in our selves what we behold in him that according to the Apostle Beholding the glory of our Lord 2 Cor. 3.18 we may be transformed into the same image Gal. 4.19 Consider 3. We must not content our selves with bare affections and desires for by these we only conceive Christ not bring him forth but we must also with the Apostle Travel as women in labour in the exercise of Christian Perfection till Christ be formed in us labouring to bring to light the good desires which by divine Inspiration we have conceived otherwise they will but torment 〈◊〉 conscience and prove at last our ruine as it often happeneth to mothers when they miscarry for as the Wiseman saith Prov. 21.25 Desires kill the slothful Wherefore encourage your self and inflame your heart by means of those Antiphons the Church useth these days Ecclesâ—◠〈◊〉 Officio Advent saying O wisdom which hast issued forth of the mouth of the Highest c. O Adonal and the like Of the B. Virgins Journey to Bethlehem Luc. 2.1 THere came forth an Edict from Cesar Augustus c. Consider 1. The wonderful disposition of the divine Providence Christ could have been born where at what time and with what ease and convenience he had pleased he would notwithstanding debar himself of all and disposed it so that it should happen to be in the Winter and that Cesars Edict should send his Parents far from home that he might misse even of those small conveniences wherewith he might in some sort have been provided at Nazareth Rem 11.33 O depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! Go now you that seek so greedily after your own eare and pleasures Either God is deceived â—ern de nativ for 3. or the world in an errour saith St. Bernard because their dictamenâ— are quite contrary to one another Cant. 2.9 16. Consider 2. St. Josephs and the B. Virgins Obedience to the Edict with their own great inconvenience taking a long journey of near about a hundred miles Look upon the Travellers see with what modesty patience and conformity to Gods will they carry themselves in all things Think what sweet discourses the Virgin holdeth with her Son My beloved to me and I to him c. Behold he standeth behind our wall looking through the windows looking forth by the grates For All things are naked and open to his eyes Heb. 4.13 Out of every thing gather something for your self Jo. 1 1â— Consider 3. When they were come to Bethlehem they went about all the Innes but could finde no entertainment Good God! there was place for the refuse of men but no room to be found for the Son of God! He came into his own and his own received him not See how patiently they bear this repulse and betake themselves to a cave or open and ruined stall Imitate and love to be set behind all O how true was that The foxes have holes and the fowls of the air nests but the Son of man hath not where to repose his head Think now often you have denied him entertainment while your heart was wholly taken up and full of worldly vanities If any be a little one let him come to me Prov. 9.4 Is 9.6 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a little one Luc. 2.12 COnsider 1. What is said by Isaie A little childe is born to us and a son is given to us And in the Gospel You shall find the Infant swadled in clothes Thus the Lord of Majesty delighteth in the name of a little one and that he might be such brought himself in a manner to nothing See how little he is in his Crib Is 40.12 Who pondereth the Heavens with a span who poiseth with three fingers the huge greatness of the Earth Gal. 2.20 Consider 2. This little one will come to be Spiritually born this day in your heart by Holy Communion if you prepare him a Crib in Bethleem that is in the house of Bread He appeared to men first in flesh now he will communicate himself anew unto you in bread to impart unto you by this living Bread his own divine and immortal life Go then to this divine Mystery so that he may be born anew in your heart which will certainly be if you begin to lead a life conformable to his if you
must put off all carnal and worldly affection and with all submission hearken to his interiour inspirations Incline thine ear and forget thy people and the house of thy father saith the Royal Prophet and the king will covet thy beauty Morn Ent. I will arise and go to my father Luc. 15.17 The second Sunday after All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Father Is 40.15 COnsider 1. Almighty God although he be infinitely powerful and rich and in respect of whom all creatures are as a drop of bucket and as a moment of a balance yet he disdaineth not to be called and to be truly our Father and what is more Call none father to your self upon earth Mat. 23.9 saith Christ for one is your father he that is in heaven And Christ himself by a special title would be stiled by the Prophet Father of the world to come Is 9.6 and not content with that he also taketh upon him something more then the affection even of a mother for if she should forget her infant yet will not I faith he forget thee Is 49.15 Ponder how excellently Christ performeth both these offices not onely begetting us to a spiritual life but also feeding and nourishing us with his own precious body and bloud Ps 102.13 Consider 2. How you like the prodigal child have foolishly left so loving and so rich a father and gone after the swine of this world yet he is still ready to receive you again and clothe you with the first robe for as a father hath compassion of his children saith David so hath our Lord compassion on them that fear him because he hath known our making He expects you to day in the Eucharist with open arms to embrace you and to give you his blessing so you do but worthily dispose your self Luc. 15.18 Consider 3. The best disposition will be 1. An humble begging of pardon Father I have sinned against heaven and before thee 2. A firm resolution of never more going from him but striving with all your endeavour to imitate the perfection of your heavenly Father according to that of the Apostle Ephes 5.1 Be ye followers of God as most dear children Wherefore with a filial confidence represent unto your Father when he cometh all your necessities Luc. 11.13 for if fathers know bow to give good gifts to their children how much more will your Father from Heaven give a good Spirit to them that ask him Who shall give to me thee my brother sucking the breasts of my mother that I may finde thee without and kiss thee Cant. 8.1 Heb. 2.11 The third Sunday after All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Brother Matt. 28.10 COnsider 1. Christ to make us the more sensible of his love towards us took upon him not onely the name of Father but also that of a Brother that so by a certain equality which is wont to be between brothers he might the more familiarly insinuate himself unto us for the which cause he is not ashamed saith the Apostle to call us brethren saying I will declare thy name to my brethren and after his resurrection Go tell my brethren saith he that they go into Galiles Think what an honour it is to be brother to so great a Prince And if the brother that is holpen of brother is as the Wise-man saith as a strong city Prov. 18.19 what comfort and help may you expect from such a brother Gen. 37.28 Consider 2. Your unhumane dealing with Christ who have sold him not for twenty pieces of silver as did the sons of Jacob their brother Joseph but perhaps for some slight or filthy pleasure And even like another Cain you have murthered this Brother Abel of yours by your sins Gen. 4.8 and nailed him on the Cross And yet he forgetting and forgiving all invites you to himself Gen. 45.4 18. saying with Joseph I am Joseph your brother c. fear not Come to me and I will give you all the good things of Egypt that you may eat the marrow of the land and what is the marrow of the land but his precious Body and Blood The corn of the elect Zach. 9.17 and wine springing Virgins Consider 3. How you are to go meet this Brother of yours Imitate Jacob who went with presents to meet his enraged brother Esau Gen. 33.10 Ps 50.19 Gen. 42.21 Let your presents be 1. A contrite and humbled heart which he will not despise 2. A firm purpose of not sinning any more against your brother 3. A desire of imitating his vertues that by the likeness of your life and behaviour to his he may appear to be what truly he is Rom. 8.29 the first-born in many brethren The master is come and calleth thee Jo. 11.28 The fourth Sunday after All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Master Is 5.20 COnsider 1. What ignorance men are in especially of heavenly things and appertaining to their Salvation We often call evil good and good evil putting darkness light and light darkness We commonly make Vertues of our Vices and Vertue we hate as folly Therefore the Wisdom of the Eternal Father came down from Heaven to be unto us a Master to teach us the way of truth You call me Master and Lord Jo. 13.13 saith he and you do well for I am so Colos 2.3 Consider 2. How willingly you ought to hearken to this Master in whom be all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid The prime incitement of learning saith St. Ambrose is the excellency of the Master Ambr. l. 2. de Virg. What more excellent then Christ our Lord who is Truth it self and can neither deceive nor be deceived The Queen of the South Matt. 12.42 c. came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Salomon and behold more then Salomon here and here in the Eucharist he is ready to teach you the Science of Saints and of Salvation if you come rightly disposed Sap. 1.4 Consider 3. There is required due preparation on your part that you may deserve to hear with profit the Wisdom of this heavenly Master for he will have his Schollars to be 1. Pure from all sin Because wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul nor dwell in a body subject to sins 2. Humble and little in their own eyes Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent Matt. 11.25 and hast revealed them to little ones 3. Well mortified and taken off from worldly things Whom shall he teach knowledge and whom shall he make to understand the thing heard If. 28.9 Them that are weaned from the milk that are plucked away from the breasts See therefore you be thus disposed when you go to him Of Mans last End The first Part. Prov. 16. â— COnsider 1. What you were some hundred years ago just nothing and so
with sorrow and love 4. The Prayer they made that whole night begging ernestly of God the return of the Child It often happeneth that we lose Christ in the day time of prosperity and that we come not to take notice of it till the night of tribulation Begg of your Lord not to leave you say with the Prophet Forsake me not O Lord my God depart not from me Christ is sought for by his Parents Luc. 2.45 Cant. 1.7 COnsider 1. The great care of the B. Virgin and S. Joseph in seeking after their son who appeared not all that first night of their journey They returned into Jerusalem seeking him Leaving no place either in the way or Citty unsearched if so perhaps they might find him out whom their hearts loved so entirely The B. Virgin might probably say that of the Canticles Shew me O thou whom my soule loveth where thou feedest where thou lyest in the midday or heat and height of my affliction See with what fervor you ought to seeke after your Lord as often as you have lost either his personall presence with you by Mortall sin or his most gracious familiarity by Tepidity Consider 2. Christ could not be found among his kindred and acquaintance that you might learn to quit your self of all inordinat affection towards your kindred country and friends if you desire to enjoy the company of Jesus Bern. For as S. Bernard elegantly saith How shall I finde you good Jesus among my kindred who could not be found among your own Cant. 3.1 2. Consider 3. Neither yet is he found in some pleasant field nor in the Market place nor common Inn. Nor did the spouse in the Canticles find her beloved in the bed of ease and pleasures nor in the streets and high wayes of distractions He was sound at last in the Temple amongst the Doctors Seeke our Lord therefore in the Church and by prayer and if you find him not the first or second night persever still in seeking after him for as the Wise man saith of Wisdom Sap. 6 1â— He is easily seen of them that love him and is found of them that seek him Luc. sup Christ is found by his Parents COnsider 1. And it came to passe after three days they found him in the Temple Behold the B. Virgin entering into the Temple and think with what joy her very bowels were filled when she saw her Son who was the very light of her eyes yet she did not thrust herselfe into the assembly nor vainly boast herselfe as Mother of such a Son but silently and modestly waited the end Doe you the like in such occasions Mat. 27 4â— Luc. sup Consider 2. The Mothers words Son why hast thou so done to us This was not a complaint but an amorous expression of her griefe such as was that of Christ to his Father My God My God why hast thou forsaken me Behold thy father and I c. She honoureth her spouse in calling him father whereas he was but foster-father to the Child she prefers him before herselfe by naming him in the first place that you might learn to prefer others before your self Sorrowing did seek thee And therefore they found him Ps. 125.5 for They that sâ—â— in teares shall reap in joyfulnesse Consider 3. The Childs answer Did you not know that I must be about those things which are my fathers A true golden sentence and worthy to be ever born in mind teaching you to prefer the service of God before other affaires or concern whatsoever Examin your selfe whither you be wholy taken up in those things that are of your heavenly father or rather in toys in things of this world in self concernes in affaires opposit to Heaven and contrary to your vocation Of Christs Return to Nazareth and of his Obedience to his Parents Luc. 2.51 Part. I. COnsider 1. Christ having now performed the will of his Eternal father notwithstanding his great love to solitude prayer and the immediate worship of God in the Temple Weat down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them To teach us by his own example that God expecteth not the highest and most spiritual actions from all and at all times but requireth rather that we condescend to others and conform our life in the exterior to the condition of our calling performing the proper and ordinary actions thereof with perfection Think how Christ related to his B. Mother by the way what passed between him and the Doctors And his Mother kept all these words in her heart Doe you likewise keep the word of God in your heart that it may keep you Consider 2. The admirable example of Obedience which Christ vouchsafed to give and declare in these words And was subject to them Bern. ser 2. super Missus Ponder with S. Bernard Who to whom God to Men God to whom the Angels are subject whom the Principalitys and Powers obey was subject to Mary c. And in what things In all even in the meanest and vilest offices Id. in Cantser 19. Idem sup Missus The word and Wisdom of God despised not a Carpenter and a Woman Consider 3. With what good reason the same saint cryeth out Learn O man to obey Earth learn to be subject learn dust to submit Be ashamed proud ashes God humbleth himself and doe you exalt yourself God submits himself to men and doe you seeke to domineer and prefer yourself before your maker If being man yourself you scorn to follow the example of man surely it will not be beneath you to follow your Creatour Of Christs Obedience to his Parents Part. 2. 1 Reg. 15.22 COnsider 1. That you may be the more excited to imitate this admirable example of Obedience in Christ towards Superiours Governours and Directours under whom God hath already or shall hereafter place you Consider the many advantages that accompany Obedience And first nothing more acceptable can be offered to God God indeed is pacifyed with Victimes and Sacrifice as the chiefest act of Religion and worship that man can exercise and yet he assureth us that Obedience is more gratefull unto him Better is Obedience then Victimes saith he by his Prophet and to herken rather then to offer the fâ—t of ramms And with good reason saith S. Gregory for that in Sacrifice the flesh of an other but by Odedience ouâ— own will is killed and the whole man offered in Sacrifice Pro. 12.15 Consider 2. There is no safer way to Heaven for as the holy Saints teach us there is nothing more dangerous in a spiritual life then to be ones own guide and to follow his own judgement whence S. Bernard saith excellently well He that is his own Master hath a fool for his Scholar for as Solomon saith The way of a foole is right in his eyes but he that is wise heareth counsels August Consider 3. In this one Vertue are included
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
distributeth his gifts and favours among his people according to that of the Apostle Ascending on high he led captivity captive Ephes 4.8 he gave gifts to men If. 60.13 Consider 2. This King of Glory will come this day to you though under the Cloud of the Eucharistical Species to the end that by the gifts of his grace he may dispose you to partake also of his glory The glory of Libanus shall come to thee c. to adorn the place of my sanctification and the place of my feet I will glorifie O what a favour and benefit is this What may you not hope for from so bountiful a Guest in this day of your solemnity Ps 23.7 Consider 3. How to receive worthily this King of Glory Lift up your gates ye Princes and be ye lifted up O Eternal Gates and the King of Glory shall enter in The gates of the Soul are our interiour powers Reason and Will by which there is a mutual intercourse between our Soul and enteriour objects they entring into her and she going forth to them Lift up therefore these gates on high raise them only to such things as are heavenly and everlasting and then the King of Glory will enter into you and make you partaker of his Glory Of our Lords Ascension Part 1. Mar. 16.14 COnsider 1. The fourty daies being expired which our Lord was pleased to spend in comforting and instructing the Apostles after his Resurrection last he appeared to those cleven as they sat at the Table and having strengthened their faith which wavered yet in some of them he leads them forth to Mount Olivet that where he had began his Passion by his Bloody Sweat there he might also begin his Triumph See with what tenderness of love he doth all this and withall learn hence that the way to glory is by suffering Luc. 24.49 Consider 2. These words of Christ to his Disciples But you tarry in the City till you be endowed with power from high If our Lord would not have his Apostles too forward in preaching but quietly and in prayer to expect power and virtue from Heaven how fitting is it that others who have not been trained up in Christs School as they were should first prepare themselves in private and holy cetiredness and long prayer for preaching and other Apostolical Functions Ps 103.3 Consider 3. After they were all come to the Mount our Lord being now to depart lifting up both his hands to signifie the fulness of his blessing he blessed them then raising himself up he ascended by degrees till he was out of their sight Think how the Disciples rejoyced to behold the glory of their Lord Making the Cloud to ascend on and walking upon the wings of winds Do you also ascend in spirit with him Ps 83.6 Dispose ascensions in your heart as the Prophet speaketh making continual progress from one virtue to another till you arrive to the height of perfection Of our Lords Ascension Part 2. Ephes 4.8 COnsider 1. Our Lord being out of the sight of his Disciples entereth into Heaven in a triumphant manner He was accompanied with an infinite multitude of Angels who came forth to meet him there followed a numerous Train of the Holy Fathers whom he had redeemed out of captivity according to that Ascending on high he led captivity captive Neither was there wanting solemn and publick Jubily God is ascended in Jubilation Psa 46.6 and our Lord in the voice of Trumpet The Angels inviting one the other in those terms Sing to our Lord Ps 67.33 34. sing ye to God that mounteth upon the Heaven of Heaven to the East And the like Consider 2. Christ being come to the Throne of his Eternal Father presents him with the holy company of Saints as spoils taken from the Infernal Enemy he gives him account of the work he had accomplished Jo. 17.4 5 6. saying I have glorified thee upon Earth I have consummated the work which thou gavest me to do And now glorifie thou me O Father with thy self c. I have manifested thy Name to men c. The Father welcometh his Sons return with unspeakable expressions of love and placeth him on his right hand fulfilling that of the Psalm Our Lord said to my Lord Ps 109.1 sit on my right hand c. Apoc. 5.12 Consider 3. The Jubily which was at that time in Heaven of the Holy Fathers for the happiness they were arrived to of the Angels both for the company of the Saints and for the filling up of the places which had been so long empty Lastly of them all for the humanity of Christ our Lord which they saw glorified according to its deserts Then did they likewise break forth into those words of the Apocalyps The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and dignity and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and benediction Joyn your lauds and praises with theirs rejoyce for having such an Advocate with your Father and fix your thoughts there whither your Head and best part of you is already gone Of Holy Communion Our Lord will give Grace and Glory He will not deprive them of good things that walk in Innocency Ps 83.12 13. Consider Christ as a Pledge of Future Glory COnsider 1. How great is the Glory of God and of all the Blessed in Heaven how excellent a place what noble Citizens and what happy concord and union among that blessed company and the like Our most merciful Lord promiseth us in due time the fellowship of this glory and in the mean while gives us for a pawn or pledge his most precious Body and Blood Wherefore the Church cryeth out O sacred Banquet Brev. Rom wherein Christ is received c. and a pledge of future glory is given us Deut. 4.7 Consider 2. What a great matter you would think it if some Prince should promise you a Kingdome after the term of some few years and in the mean time should give you his only Son for security Truly there is no other Nation so great that hath Gods approaching unto them as our God is present to us He is present with us here in nourishment that he may afterwards be wholly ours in reward 2 Cor. 1.22 Consider 3. This divine pledge doth not only serve as an assurance but doth even in this life produce in some sort the effects of Glory if it be not hindered For 1. It brings with it the lustre of Habitual Grace then the which nothing is more glorious in the sight of God 2. It rendereth the Soul impassible that is not subject to be moved or disturbed by any worldly adversity 3. It gives us a spiritual agility promptly and readily to obey the Commands of God 4. It assords us also a certain subtility to go through and overcome what difficulties soever Prepare your self therefore worthily to receive it and bless the infinite mercy of God who
these affections bring your Lord into the Closet of your heart Ps 142.2 saying with the Psalmist Enter not into iudgment with thy servant but rather according to the multitude of thy commiserations have respect to me Ps 68.17 Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 1. Mat. 5.1 COnsider 1. Seeing the multitudes he went up into a Mountain c. and opening his mouth he taught them c. Ponder 1. The place of this famous Sermon which is a high Mountain 2. The Preachers Person which is the increated Wisdom of God 3. His Chair or Pulpit for he taught them upon the bare ground 4. His Auditors which were his Disciples and other unlearned and simple people 5. The subject of his discourse which was of true felicity Go you up in spirit with the people and sitting at the feet of so great a Master give attentive eare to what he saith 1 Reg. 3.10 Say with Samuel Speak Lord for thy servant heareth Consider 2. Christ in this his Sermon performed not only the Office of a Teacher but also of a Lawgiver declaring the Antient Law and proclaiming the New It was said to them of old Thou shalt not kill c. But I say to you Mat. sup v. 22. that whosoever is angry with his Brother shall be in danger of judgment c. and the like Reverence therefore this your Lawgiver and give him thanks for his wholesome precepts Beseech him to print his holy Law in the fleshly Tables of your heart say with David Set me a Law O Lord the way of thy Justifications Ps 118.33 and I will seek after it always Colos 2.3 Is 9.6 Consider 3. He performed also the part of a Councellour exhorting them to points of the greatest perfection even beyond the obligation of the Law as of turning the other cheek to the striker of letting go the Cloak also to him that takes away the Coat of going two other miles with him that will force you one mile and the like Think how just it is to follow his counsel in all things for in him be all the treasures of wisdom and Knowledge hid And by Isaie he is stiled Councellour and the Angel of great Councel Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 2. COnsider 1. All men have a natural desire of felicity yea even the most wicked of all would be happy but will not seek after true happiness Therefore Christ beginneth with that which all men desire as if he should say You all desire to be happy therefore I will shew you the several ways that lead to true happiness Do you therefore set your affections upon this true Felicity and seek it only by such ways or means as Christ hath pointed out to you Ps 143.15 Consider 2. How contrary are the ways of God from the ways of the world and his judgments from those of men The World placeth its felicity in honours riches pleasures eating and drinking freedom from pain and grief c. They have said that it is a happy people which hath these things On the contrary Christ pronounceth them happy that are poor meek and humble that hunger and thirst after Justice that suffer reproaches and torments c. As the Heavens are exalted above the earth so are my ways exalted above your ways Is 55.9 saith our Lord. See with what Party you side with Christ or with the World Ps 83.6 Consider 3. Eight Virtues contemptible to the world Christ honoured with the title of Beatitudes and of them as so many steps made a Ladder for us to climb up to our last and everlasting Felicity These are 1. Poverty of Spirit 2. Meekness 3. Sorrow for Sins 4. Hunger and thirst after Justice 5. Mercy 6. Purity of Heart 7. Making of peace both with God and with Men. 8. Suffering Persecution for Christ You must also climb this Ladder if you desire to enter into the Joy of our Lord Blessed is the man whose help is from thee he hath disposed Ascension in his heart Of the first Beatitude Blessed are the poor in Spirit Mat. 5.3 c. COnsider 1. More in particular each virtue and in them 1. Their Acts. 2. Christs Example 3. Their reward The proper Acts of Poverty are counted five 1. He is poor in spirit who in affection is ready rather to lose all then offend God 2. Who actually leaveth all for his sake 3. Who aspireth not to things above himself presumeth not of himself nor seeketh the praises of men 4. Who denieth his own judgment and will submitting himself to others 5. Who acknowledgeth whatsoever he hath as a gift of God and rightly understandeth his own nothing My substance is as nothing before thee Ps 38.6 See how you are in each point Phil. 2.7 Consider 2. The admirable Examples which Christ gave us in this kind throughout his whole Life but chiefly in his Crib in Banishment in his Parents House and on the Cross Besides he exinanited himself as the Apostle saith made subject and obedient not only to his Eternal Father and Parents on earth till the thirtieth year of his Age but also to his Tormentors even to death it self And of his Doctrine he publickly professed My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me Jo. 7.16 Consider 3. The Reward of this Poverty For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. sup Think what a gainful kind of Merchandise this is to get an Everlasting Kingdom by the exchange of some few transitory enjoyments of this life Ponder the excellency of this Kingdom its riches glory beauty and perpetuity That which eye hath not seen 1 Cor. 2.9 nor ear hath heard neither hath it ascended into the heart of man what things God hath prepared for them that love him Wherefore S. Grogory Nazianzen had reason to say Happy is he that buyeth Christ S. Greg. Naz. de Beatitud spiritu vitae Regul though with all his goods and fortunes Of the second Beatitude Blessed are the Meek Mat. 5.4 c. COnsider 1. After Poverty in Spirit that is contempt of the World and its desires followeth Meekness as the Child its Parent The Acts of this are chiefly three The first is to bridle the passions of Anger and Revenge and when zeal is to be shewed to do it without any perturbation either interiour or exteriour The second is to be affable to all and troublesome to none neither in word nor in action The third not to oppose or put off injuries with violence even when you lawfully may but to suffer your own contempt with peace and tranquillity of mind Think how you are in these particulars Mat. 12.19 20. Is 42.2 3 4. Consider 2. Christs example herein of whom Isaie saith He shall not contend nor cry out neither shall any man hear in the streets his voice The reed bruised he shall not break and smoaking flax he