abnegation of your self say at least hereafter 1 Reg. 3.10 with Samuel Speak Lord for thy servant â—eareth Consider 3. Our Lord the Vision being passed forbad his Disciples to divulge it to any one Tell the Vision to no body Mat. sup till the Son of Man be risen from the dead to give us example of Humility for that extraordinary Visions and favours of God ought to be kept secret and not to be discovered unless some great profit or necessity require it and even then not as our own goods but as gifts of God whereof we shall be demanded an account Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee Mat. 20. Mat. 10. Part 1. Mat. 20.20 CConsider 1. Then came to him the Mother of the Sons of Zebedee c. The Mother cometh to petition for her Sons what they themselves pretended for but they interpose their Mothers prayers as a Cloak to cover their own ambition So men oftentimes make use of others desires and commands to cloak their own pretences Observe moreover how the Mother cometh in an humble and suppliant manner and adoring presents her Petition Because Ambition as S. Ambrose witnesseth first serveth Ambr. inâ— Luc. c. 4. that it may afterwards domineer it stoopeth to mean Offices to be served with honour Is 14.13 Consider 2. Her Petition Say that these my two Sons may sit one at thy right hand and one at thy left hand in thy Kingdom 'T is natural to all to be ambitious of the first place this cast the Angels out of Heaven I will ascend into Heaven above the Stars of God will I exalt my Throne c. The same thrust man out of Paradise You shall be as Gods Gen. 3.5 The same assaileth also the Apostles See whether it hath as yet got any hold of you How much safer is it to follow the counsel and example of Christ and to sit in the lowest place 2 Cor. 1. â— Consider 3. Christs answer You know not what you desire They who sue for honours and vanities of this world truly know not what they desire It followeth Can you drink of the Cup that I shall drink of to wit the bitter Cup of Sorrow and Affliction intimating thereby that the glory of Heaven shall be measured to them proportionably to the draught which they shall take of this Cup so that the more one shall drink of this the nearer he shall be seated to Christ Wherefore encourage your self to drink manfully of this Cup to the very bottom for that as the Apostle saith as you are partakers of the Passions so shall you be of the Consolation also Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee Mat. 20.22 c. Part 2. Phil. 4.13 COnsider 1. The Apostles readiness to drink the Chalice proposed to them They say to him we can The like alacrity may proceed from a different spirit 1. From Ambition refusing no labours that they may come to what they aim at 2. Out of a rash Fervour not knowing what they undertake as War is sweet to them that have had no experience of it 3. From Divine Grace according to that I can all things in him that strengtheneth me Be ashamed of your self for being so slack and that you have not the courage to undertake that for the Kingdom of Heaven which others do without fear or wit for some vain honour You often answer I cannot whereas not ability but will and resolution is wanting Act. 10.35 Mat. 16.27 Consider 2. Christ seeing this readiness in them answered My Cup indeed you shall drink of but to sit at my right hand and left is not mine to give you but to whom it is prepared of my Father Not disswading them from using their endeavour to deserve the Chief Seats but letting them understand that the Gifts of Glory are not distributed out of favour or upon account of some Temporal Relation or respect but in reward only to their Merits for that God is not an accepter of persons but will render to every one according to his works Consider 3. The difference there is between worldly Precedency and that which is proper to the School of Christ which our Lord explicated upon this occasion The Princes of Gentiles over-rule them c. It shall not be so among you but whosoever will be the greater among you let him be your minister c. which he confirmeth with his own example who came not to be ministred unto but to minister Let your ambition therefore be for the lowest place in all occasions if you desire to be Christs Disciple Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 18. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Mat. 18.1 Mar. 9.34 COnsider 1. At that hour the Disciples came to Jesus saying Who thinkest thou is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven c. There had a little before been a contention among them which of them should be the greater and each one would have the first place in Heaven for himself Thus Ambition insinuates its self even into spiritual things and persons therefore they ask who is the greater c. And perhaps some one might think that Rich and Principal men in this world were to be preferred before others also in Heaven Consider 2. Jesus calling unto him a little child c. said Vnless you be converted Mat. sup and become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child he is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven Think what it is to become a little one Be not children in sense saith the Apostle but in malice be children A child preferreth himself before none arrogates nothing to himself carrieth himself lovingly to all and finally lets himself be ruled and governed by his Parents Behave your self therefore after the same manner if you desire to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Narrow is the gate and strait is the way that leadeth to life Mat. 7.14 and therefore none but they that are little and low by Humility can enter through it Consider 3. The grievousness of the offence which they commit that give scandal to Christs little ones that is are occasion of their spiritual ruine either by word or example 'T is expedient for him Mat. 18.6 that a Milstone be hanged about his neck and that he be drowned in the depth of the Sea Take heed therefore lest any one be induced to evil by your example Ezec. 3.18 that his bloud may not be required at your hands Of Holy Communion The Lord thy God thou shalt adore and him only shalt thou serve Deut. 6.13 Is 45.18 Ezec. 18.4 Consider Christ as your Lord. COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Gospel No man can serve two Masters Mat. 6.24 God is your only true and lawful Lord I the Lord and there is none other All Souls are mine as the Soul of the Father so
receive Christ under his Roof he had now lodged him in his Heart that you may also imitate him especially when you communicate Of curing the Centurions Servant Mat. 8. Luc. 7. Part 2. Luc. 7.8 COnsider 1. The rest of the Centurions discourse For I also am a man subject to Authority having under me Souldiers and I say to this go and he goeth and to an other come and be cometh and to my servant do this and he doth it As if he should say if I who am but an Under-Officer and under the command of my Captains yet can say to my servant do this and he doth it how much more will all creatures obey your Word An honourable confession of Christs Power Rejoyce that he is truly such and withall be confounded that servants perform stricter obedience to their Masters in things of this world then you perhaps do to God or your Superiours that are in his place Mat. 8.10 Consider 2. Christ having heard these words extolled the Faith of the Centurion being but a Gentile above the Israelites Amen I say to you I have not found so great Faith in Israel Whereupon he adjoyneth And I say to you that many shall come from the East and the West c. but the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out c. The children of the Kingdom of Heaven formerly were the Jews but now they are become Out-casts because they obey'd not Gods call and we are made the children of that Kingdom and after a special manner an Elect Generation and a Kingly Priesthood 1 Pet. 2.9 Let us therefore behave our selves worthy of such an honour Hold that which thou hast saith our Lord that no man take thy Crown Apoc. 3.11 Consider 3. How his Request was granted Go and as thou hast believed be it done to thee Mat. sup 13 for our Lord will do the will of them that fear him and will hear their prayer Ps 144.20 Perhaps you entertain in your Soul a Will or Affection that lieth sick of the Palsey that is seized upon with the Spirit of Sloth and Sluggishness Imitate therefore the fervour and humility of this Centurion and by means of your good Friends that is the Saints your holy Patrons beg remedy of our Lord but especially when you go to Communion use those words of the Centurion and with like Faith Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof Luc. 7.6 Of the curing of S. Peters Mother-in-Law Mat. 9. Luc. 4. Mar. 1. Luc. 4.38 COnsider 1. Our Lord being entered into Peters house sound his Mother-in-Law lying sick of a strong Feaver but the Disciples besought him for her Observe the Apostles readiness to intercede for others and the efficacy of their Intercession for she was immediately cured We all of us have some Spiritual Feaver or other being set on fire by the allurements of divers unlawful desires Our Feaver saith S. Ambrose is Covetousness Ambr. l. 4. in Luc. c. 4. our Feaver is Lust our Feaver is Ambition c. See what you are most sick of and take the Apostles for your Intercessors that you may be cured Ps 148.5 Consider 2. The manner wherewith Christ delivered the sick person Standing over her he commanded the Feaver and it left her He did not drive it away with Medicines as the Physitians do but by Command alone to shew his Power and Divinity So at other times he commanded the Winds and Sea and the Devils and they obeyed him for as the members of our Body obey the Soul and move only at her will so all creatures obey God Rejoyce that you have so powerful a Lord He said and they were made he commanded and they were created Do you likewiâ—e procure to obey him in all things Pro. 31.17 Consider 3. S. Peters Mother-in-Law being cured Incontinent rising she ministred to them She pretended not weakness after her sickness nor desired to give her self any more to rest but presently betook her self to labour and pains like that valiant Woman in the Proverbs She hath girded her loyns with strength and hath strengthened her arm Wherefore it will prove an effect of your spiritual health to work fervently and to be ready for all charitable offices Of a Princes Son restored to health Jo. 4. c. Jo. 4.46 47. COnsider 1. There came unto Christ a certain Lord whose Son was sick at Capharnaum c. and desired him that he would come down and beal his Son for he began to die Observe how profitable corporal infirmities and afflictions are which force us to have recourse to God for unless the Son had fallen sick perhaps the Father had never been brought to the Faith of Christ So it is written of King Manasses while he was Captive that after he was in distress he prayed our Lord his God 2 Paral. 33.12 c. and Manasses knew that our Lord he was God Therefore take the like infirmities and afflictions as so many benefits and incitements to Virtue Their infirmities were multiplied saith David afterward they made hast Ps 15.4 Ps 43.5 Consider 2. Christs answer 1. He reprehendeth them that seek Miracles out of incredulity 2. He refuseth to go to the house where he was desired for that it is not sitting we should prescribe God the way and manner of succouring us 3. Yet he mercifully giveth recovery and health though absent the more to manifest his Power and to strengthen our Faith for he it is which commandeth the Salvations of Jacob. Learn hence not to seek Miracles Visions or extraordinary favours but to commit your self wholly to God as to the way and manner of helping you Beseech him that if you be not worthy that he come to your house in the Eucharist at least that he would send aid to thee from the holy place Ps 19.3 and from Sion defend thee Consider 3. The man believed the word that Jesus said to him and thereby received health both of body for his Son and of Soul for himself and his whole Family for himself believed and his whole Family so God heapeth favours upon favours Beseech him humbly to work also in you perfect health both of body and soul Of Holy Communion Let the King come to the banquet c. and to morrow I will open my will to the King Esth 5.8 Consider Christ as your Souls Guest Apoc. 3.20 COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Gospel how Christ entered into the house of a certain Pharisee upon the Sabboth to eat bread Luc. 14.1 He is also the Guest of our Souls and he will enter this day into the house of your soul in the Holy Eucharist to feast with you according to that If any man open to me the gate I will enter in to him and will sup with him and he with me Consider therefore attentively the Greatness and Majesty of this Guest and take
love nothing but what he loved that you may say with the Apostle I live now not I but Christ liveth in me Matt. 18.3 Consider 3. That you may enioy this little one you must become such an one your self For unless you become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Provide therefore for this little one a Crib or place of repose in your Soul swathe him with the bands of Charity defend him from the cold of a frozen heart 1 Reg. 15.17 Lastly Be little in your own eyes that you may deserve to be made Chief in the Tribes that is great among the Saints The Secrets of his Wisdom he revealeth to the little ones Mat. 11.25 Ps. 18.8 The testimony of our Lord is faithful saith David giving wisdom to little ones Of our Saviours Birth 1. Part. COnsider 1. The Blessed Virgin being in the Cave or Stable at Bethleem and perceiving her time to draw near retired her self as much as the place would permit and being in Spirit wholly fixed upon God by most high contemplation behold on a sudden bringeth forth into the world the Eternal Light The Blessed Infant issueth forth without breach of his Mothers Virginal Inclosure as afterwards he rose from his Monument though shut and made fast up And as the great Master of Humility at his first entrance into the world casteth himself on the bare ground What feeling had the Virgin at that time What affections of reverence towards her God of love towards her Son See how she takes him up in her lap kisses him wraps him in swathing bands lays him in the manger between the beasts that by their warm breath he might in some manner be defended against the cold See how she adoreth and giveth him thanks for his coming into the world and making choice of her to be his Mother How St. Joseph also performeth his part And out of all draw something for your own benefit Heb. 1.6 Consider 2. What joy was then in heaven How well pleased was the heavenly Father at this new sight And when again he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God adore him See how the Angels fall prostrate on their faces and adore him saying Holy Holy Holy c. And to the Blessed Virgin In Breviar ad Matut O Blessed Mother of God whose womb remaining untouched brought forth the Saviour of the World Rejoyce and congratulate with both and adore your new born Saviour Is 1.3 Consider 3. Then was fulfilled that of Isaie The Ox hath known his owner and the Ass his masters Crib but Israel hath not known me and my people hath not understood S. Bonav See how these silly creatures by divine instinct prostrating themselves adore their Creatour Corn. in Is c. 1. See whether you be not one of those Israelites and do not yet know your Lord being more insensible then the very bruit beasts themselves 1 Jo. 2.4 For he that saith he knoweth God and keepeth not his commandments is a lier Of our Saviours Birth 2. Part. I Magine your self in the Cave or Stable at Bethleem and fixing your eyes on the B. Infant lying in the manger ponder these general Circumstances Who What Where By what means Why How and When Ames 4. 13. Job 26.11 Who is this Infant The onely begotten Son of God and true God of God Our Lord God of hosts is his name The pillars of heaven tremble and dread at his beck Infinitely powerful infinitely wise immense eternal incomprehensible c. What He lieth as one helplesse He suffereth extremity of cold He is wrapped in poor swadling clouts He crieth and sheddeth rears as other Infarts Ps. 21.7 Where Far from his own countrey and home in a stable in a manger between two silly beasts as A worm and no man a reproach of men and outcast of the people With what means or conveniences Destitute of all without bed or bedding without fire without all manner of accommodation no servants or attendants having none about him but his poor Parents by whose care and labour he was maintained Why For your sake for love of you to give you example In Offic. Nativ Domini Is 53.7 To restore lost man to the Kingdom of Heaven Ps. 18.6 How Not forced but of his own free election He was offered because himself would Chearfully and with joy Therefore entring into the world He hath rejoyced as a Grant to run the way though rough and painful Act. 1.7 When In the very depth of Winter at midnight a time the most inconvenient of all other and yet both times and moments are all in his power Be astonished give thanks return love imitate c. And if you receive to day this Blessed Infant into the Crib of your heart be careful to entertain him well Of our Saviours Birth 3. Part. Tit. 3.4 COnsider 1. The admirable Vertues which are resplendent in this Mystery 1. The infinite Goodnesse and Benignity of God His Power appeared in the first Creation of the World Providence in the Government but after all in this mystery as St. Paul saith Appeared the Benignity and Kindness towards man of our Saviour God He was made man that he might the better be known by man born in poverty and want that he might the more endear himself unto us In an open stable to be the more easily found He lieth in a manger to encourage the poor his hands are bound that you need not fear to approach he concealeth his power to take away terrour he puteth on meeknesse to win you to himself c. 2 Cor. 8.9 Consider 2. His extream Poverty and love thereof expressed in this Mystery He made choice of a poor humble Maid for his Mother and of a Carpenter for his reputed father He was born out of house and home and in a stable lodged not in any bed of his own but in a manger upon straw and hay without sheets or blankets only wrapped up in a few clouts and all this being the Lord of all things For you saith the Apostle he was made poor whereas he was rich that by his poverty you might be rich If you be wise therefore be rich by imitating his poverty If. 53.3 Ps. 72.23 Consider 3. The incomparable example of his admirable Humility who being by nature God equal to the Father abased himself to the despicable condition of a slave and that the very vilest of them and the most abject of men Nay he is become for us as a beast even lying amongst them that so he might be with us without any regard to his honour which you are so miserably fond of Be confounded for that being but a worm you will be looked upon and regarded above others Of the Message sent to the Shepherds 1. Part. Luc. 14.11 Luc. 2.8 COnsider 1. Christ having humbled himself so low as
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
Jesus calling his Discipees together he saith to them I have compassion upon the multitude because loe three daies now they endure with me neither have they what to eat And if I dismiss them fasting into their home they will faint in the way This is a perfect Embleme of our condition in this world where even at the best we are an object of compassion The World is a Desart an habitation of wild beasts and void of all good having nothing whereon our Immortal Soul can feed and satiate it self we are a far off from our heavenly Country and ready to saint and fail in our way home happy only in this if we keep company with Jesus and can be content to endure with him Consider 2. Christs infinite goodness 1. In having compassion of their condition 2. In consulting with his Disciples for Redress 3. In making the multitudes sit down upon the ground 4. In distributing amongst them that little provision which he had for himself and his Disciples all which he did giving thanks breaking the loaves blessing the fish and giving them to his Disciples Apply this also spiritually and acknowledge in the fish and seven loaves the Provision of Grace afforded us in the seven Sacraments as also the seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost whereby the Soul is filled with comfort strength and vigour to continue the course of our Pilgrimage Consider 3. And they took up that which was left of the fragments seven Maunds Thus God is always overflowing in his liberality and gifts towards us but how niggard and close-handed are we towards him and our Neighbour Observe here that the Over-plus that we have either in Temporals or Spirituals ought not to be cast away but gathered together for the supply of others that are indigent Lastly learn this great Lesson that none will ever be the poorer but rather the richer for what they bestow out of pure Charity upon others for relief of their corporal or spiritual necessities See more of the like subject concerning the five loaves page 362 363. 7. Sunday after Pentecost Of False Prophets Mat. 7.15 page 327. Consider 1. Take ye heed of false Prophets which come to you in the cloathing of sheep but inwardly are ravening wolves False Prophets 1. Are Heretiques who under the fair pretence of Sanctity Liberty of Conscience expounding of Scripture c. preach false Doctrine 2. All those which under the pretext of some good or Virtue especially of Prudence and Discretion preach to us such things as are more agreeable to flesh and blood Such are Self-love Concupiscence Passion Worldly Maximes Pleasant Companions the Devil c. Have a care what Prophets you entertain see they be none of those of whom Jeremy Thren 2.14 Thy Prophets have seen false and foolish things to thee Phil. 3.20 Consider 2. By their fruits you shall know them Think what are the fruits of the above-mentioned false Prophets Obstinacy Licentiousness Disorder Disquiet Sting and Wound of Conscience c. A good Tree cannot yield evil fruits neither an evil Tree yield good fruits The Tree planted in the earth raiseth its branches and fruit upwards so man though upon earth should have his conversation in Heaven and produce heavenly fruit Every Tree that yieldeth not good fruit shall be cut down and shall be cast into fire Take warning and yield good fruit in time Mat. 3.10 perhaps the Axe is now put to the root of your Tree 1 Thes 4.3 Consider 3. Not every one that saith Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven Not all that call upon God by an exteriour Profession of Godliness nor all that undertake to Preach his Word shall be saved but those only which bring forth the good fruit above required viz. the Will of God declared unto them by the Holy Church Superiours Directors Interiour Inspirations c. This is the Will of God saith the Apostle your Sanctification by supernatural Grace and exercise of solid Virtue according to every ones state and profession 8. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Bailiff of Iniquity Luc. 16.1 page 335. see page 449. 9. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christs weeping upon the City Luc. 19.41 page 343. see page 147. 10. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Publican and the Pharisee Luc. 18.9 page 350. see page 460. 11. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Deaf and Dumb Man Marc. 7.31 page 357. see page 409 410 411. 12. Sunday after Pentecost Of the man wounded by Thieves and of the good Samaritan Luc. 10.23 page 365. see page 433 434. 13. Sunday after Pentecost Of the ten Lepers Luc. 17.11 page 372. see page 407 408. 14. Sunday after Pentecost Of serving God and Mammon Mat. 6.24 page 380. Consider 1. No man can serve two Masters c. You cannot serve God and Mammon There are two that would have you for their Servant God and the World you cannot serve both because they are opposite to one another neither can you serve one without hating the other God requires of you that you should seek Heaven contemn Earthly things imbrace Virtue curb the Flesh subdue Sense c. The World on the contrary will have you seek your own content and satisfaction enjoy the conveniences of this life neglect spiritual things cherish and pamper the flesh and give full scope to all your sensual Appetites Now chuse which of these two Services you like best whom you will have for your Master whom you will love and whom you will hate Consider 2. Therefore I say unto you be not careful for your life what you shall eat neither for your body what rayment you shall put on c. Christ perswades us here to cast off all immoderate care of Temporals which he doth by five convincing Arguments 1. A Majori If God hath given us our Soul and Body he will also provide us with necessaries for their preservation 2. A Minori If God doth so providently feed the beasts of the earth and adorn the flowers and grass of the field what will he not do for his children 3. For that all our care availeth nothing without Gods Providence not being able to add a Cubit to our stature 4. For that this care is common to Heathens and Infidels that know not God not proper for Christians that believe and trust in him 5. For that God is a loving Father who cannot know the necessities of his children and let them want Luc. 10.42 Mat. 13.44 45. Consider 3. That most admirable and comfortable conclusion Seek therefore first the Kingdom of God and the Justice of him and all these things shall be given you besides The Kingdom of God is his Glory and our Everlasting Happiness This one thing is necessary this is the treasure hidden in a field this is the precious Margarit to be purchased with all we have this ought to be our prime care to imploy our chiefest thoughts to take up our best
times c. which done all these things shall be given us besides O that we had courage and resolution to perform the first part and faith enough practically to believe this latter 15. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Widows Son of Naim Luc. 7.11 page 388. see page 423 424. 16. Sunday after Pentecost Of the man cured of the Dropsie Luc. 14.1 page 306. Consider 1. And it came to pass when Jesus entered into the house of a certain Prince of the Pharisees upon the Sabboth to eat bread and they watched him Ponder here the goodness of Christ not refusing to eat and converse familiarly with his Enemies seeking thereby occasion to do them good and the perversness of the Pharisees in observing and watching him not to profit but to calumniate Do you observe our Lord in all his sayings and doings but so as to benefit your self and glorifie him and endeavour to demean your self so in all your exteriour comportment that you need not fear to be observed and taken notice of by all even your Enemies Consider 2. And behold there was a certain man before him that had a Dropsie Behold your self in this man and acknowledge with S. Augustine that you have a Conscience sick of the Dropsie S. Aug. 2. quaest Evang thirsting after terrene things the more you are indulgent to your self the more you nourish this disease Christ feels their pulse and temper before he cures this man saying Is it lawful to cure on the Sabboth but they were ashamed to discover their malignity openly and what e're they thought they held their peace But he taking him healed him and sent him away And to justifie himself appeals to their own Conscience what they would judge lawful in a less concern of their own Oxe or Ass Ps 21.7 Consider 3. When thou art invited to a Marriage sit not down in the first place c. but go sit down in the last place c. This as all other things that he taught Christ exercised himself he descended from the highest Heaven to the Womb of a poor and humble Virgin and all his life long chose for himself in all occasions that which was meanest and became for us the very Out-cast of the people Ponder well that Golden Sentence Every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted First and Last are otherwise taken by God otherwise by the World the lower one is in the Worlds reckoning the higher he is in Gods account and on the contrary Christ was in the last Rank with the World but in the first with God If therefore you desire to be near Christ in Glory you must come close to him in Humility 17. Sunday after Pentecost Of the great Precept of Charity Mat. 22.34 page 403. Consider 1. A Doctor of Law asked of him which is the great Commandment in the Law Jesus said unto him Thou shalt love the Lord thy God from thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind We love him with our whole heart soul and mind when we direct our thoughts affections senses and actions to him and when we let no created thing have any place in our heart but in order to him and detest whatsoever is displeasing to him Consider the Motives you have to this love 1. His benefits towards you in your Creation Conservation Redemption Sanctification Gifts of Grace and promise of Glory 2. His own infinite Amiableness his Bounty Riches Power Glory Beauty c. Rom. 8.35 Consider 2. This love must not content it self with bare affections wishes and desires it must pass to action and both do and suffer when occasion is for the service and honour of God that we may be able to say with the Apostle Who shall separate us from the charity of Christ tribulation or distress c. or danger or persecution or sword It is the property of true love to be communicative of it self and what it hath with its Beloved Give therefore freely to God your self and whatsoever you have and because you have nothing that you have not from him return it entire to him again by gratitude and faithful use in his service This is the greatest and first Commandment Consider 3. The second is like to this Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self Our Neighbour is not one but every Child of Adam Friend and Enemy c. The Rule of our love is no other then our selves whatsoever therefore you would have done or not done to your self observe the same towards others out of love and for God and you have observed this Precept Our Motives are for that we are all Created to the same Image of God Redeemed with the same precious Blood of Christ Children of the same Heavenly Father called to the Inheritance of the same Kingdom c. Make it your whole study to have perfect Charity towards God and your Neighbour knowing that On these two Commandments depend the whole Law and Prophets 18. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof Mat. 9.1 page 412. see page 399 400. 19. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Invitement to the Wedding Mat. 22.1 page 419. see page 439 440. 20. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Princes Son restored to health Jo. 4.46 page 427. see page 394 395. 21. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Debtor of ten thousand Talents Mat. 28.23 page 435. Consider 1. There was one presented unto his Lord that owed him ten thousand Talents This is your self and every sinner there is no Debt so great as that of Sin think how great yours i And not having whence to repay it his Lord commanded that he should be sold We have nothing of our own to make satisfaction of and by sin we forfeit Grace Heaven God Soul and Body and inslave our selves to the Devil But that Steward falling down before him said have patience towards me and I will repay thee all Think how often God hath had patience with you you may truly say with the Prophet The Mercies of our Lord Thren 3.22 that I am not consumed Consider 2. And the Lord of that servant moved with pitty dismissed him and forgave him the debt How easily is God satisfied how great is his bounty who giveth more then is asked or could be hoped for He hath done the same and much more for you and hath not only freed you from the slavery of sin but also made you his Adopted Son and Heir of his Kingdom When that servant was gone forth he found one of his fellow servants that did owe him a hundred pence and laying hands upon him thratled him saying Repay what thou owest and notwithstanding the others humble entreaty went his way and cast him into prison till he repayed the debt How often do you the same in the petty injuries done to you Consider 3. Thou ungracious servant c. oughtest not thou also to have mercy upon thy fellow servant even as I had