after thee in the odour of thine oyntments Cant. 1.4 Jo. 1.19 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Anointed of our Lord. Cant. 1.3 Ps. 44.8 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel How the Pharisees sent to St. John to demand whether he were Christ whereas this name agreeth with none but our Lord Jesus who properly is Christ or the Anointed of our Lord and that by a triple Unction as King as Prophet as High Priest Oyl poured out is thy name saith the Spouse And David Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Where ever he goeth he carrieth with him a most sweet sent of Vertues And who would not run in the odour of his precious oyntments Ps. 44.9 Consider 2. This same Anointed of our Lord will come to day unto you in the Eucharist to make you partaker of his sweet Oyntments for Myrrhe and Aloes and Cassia from thy garments that is from the Sacramental Forms which cover him as garments hence he will anoint you with a threefold Unction 1. With the Unction of Mercy blotting out your sins 2. With the Unction of Fortitude strengthening you against your Spiritual Conflicts 3. With the Unction of Wisdom instructing and enlightening your Understanding For His Vnction teacheth you saith St. John of all things 1 Jo. 2.27 Ps. 131.17 Consider 3. You must prepare your self against Christs coming I have prepared saith David a lamp to my Christ Which the holy Doctours expound of John Baptist for he was the lamp burning and shining Jo. 5.35 Prepare also in the same manner the lamp of your Soul cleansing it from filth of sin and giving it brightnesse and lustre proceeding from good works that you may both burn inwardly with love and shine forth to others by example Of the Visitation of the B. Virgin And first of her Journey to Elizabeth Luc. 1.39 COnsider 1. The Word Incarnate as soon as he was conceived hastened to fanctifie his Precursor that so he might presently begin the Office of a Saviour He could have done this where he was and at that distance but he inspired his Mother to go to Elizabeths house that she who was to be a Mediatrix between us and her Son might in some sort concur to the first Sanctification which he wrought And she now full with God readily followeth the divine impulse and willingly embraceth the occasion of doing a good office Learn of both to be zealous in helping others and not to let slip any occasion of exercising Charity And Mary rising up went unto the hilly countrey with speed Consider the promptnesse of her Obedience to the divine Inspirations Neither the difficulties nor unpleasantnesse of a long journey nor her own tendernesse nor the quality of being now Mother of God could take her off but she presently puts her self upon the way This sudden departure of hers was not out of vain complement or ceremony nor of curiosity nor of doubt in what the Angel had assured her but out of pure zeal of pleasing God and helping her neighbour Observe her singular modesty recollection and devotion wherewith she entertaineth the Son of God whom she carrieth in her womb and learn hence how to demean your self while you yet carry within your breast the same Son of God in the Sacrament Consider 3. It is proper for them that are full of the divine Spirit to tend towards the Mount of Perfection to despise the world and to aspire to things above Gen. 19.17 Ambr. in Luc. and to Heaven it self Save thy self in the mountain said the Angel to Lot Besides they do it with speed and servour for as St. Ambrose saith the Grace of the Holy Ghost knoweth no lingring delays See whether in your thoughts and desires you do not cleave to these inferiour things and whether you do not go slowly and coldly on towards the mount of Perfection Of the Blessed Virgins Entrance into the house of Elizabeth Luc. 1.44 COnsider 1. Mary being entred into the house of Elizabeth saluteth first though greater in dignity So it becometh every one to prevent each other in Civility and Charity Think with what modesty and in what terms she delivered her self happily in those Hail Our Lord With thee There passed no empty Complements nor worldly Ceremonies between them but hearty expressions of mutual ioy At the voice of Mary the Eternal Word sanctifieth his Precursor cleanseth him of Original Sin enricheth him with the gifts of Grace and Sanctity bestoweth upon him the use of reason and makes him sensible even then of the Mystery of the Incarnation and of his own happinesse As the voice of thy Salutation sounded in my ears the Infant in my Womb did leap for joy Consider 2. How Elizabeth also at the voice of Mary was replenished with the Holy Ghost endowed with the gift of Prophesie and cried out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy Womb. Learn hence how beneficial is the Mediation of the Blessed Virgin by whose means the Eternal Word wrought such admirable effects in the Infant and his Mother and that we all partake of the fulnesse of Maries Grace and Blessings Salute her with the Spirit of Elizabeth acknowledge and extoll her Excellency proceeding from the divine Fruit of her Womb For By their fruits you shall know them Mat. 7.16 Consider 3. Those other words of Elizabeth Whence is this to me that the Mother of my Lord doth come to me Humility doth ever accompany the divine Spirit and his gifts Observe how by divine Inspiration she stileth her Mother of God which the Holy Church acknowledgeth as her chief title Happily St. John might use the like expressions towards his Sanctifier and like affections passe between the Infants from Womb to Womb as did between the two Mothers Learn from the Infant and his Mother how to entertain your Lord when he cometh to you in the B. Sacrament Of the Canticle Magnificat COnsider 1. Elizabeth having uttered these great praises the B. Virgin brake ferth into that admirable Canticle Magnificat Observe how she returneth not the like again in complement as is the fashion of the world nor yet out of a dissembling pretence of humility doth she deny them as most do in like occasions but ascribeth all to God nothing to her self Learn hence that it is not the vertue of humility to deny or dissemble the natural of supernatural gifts we have but 1. To acknowledge them as proceeding from the meer goodnesse of God not from our selves or our own deserts 2. To give God all the praise and honour usutping nothing thereof to our selves Prov. 2.14 Consider 2. Two principal documents we are taught in this Canticle First to rejoyce and delight in God alone and in things appertaining to our Salvation not in the vanities and pleasures nor in the praises and favour of the World for God
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
your self to expect our Lord to trust in him and the like Expect our Lord Ps 26.14 Psal 42.5 do manfully and let thy heart take courage and expect thou our Lord. Why art thou sorrowful O my soul and why doest thou trouble me Hope in God because yet will I confess to him XXXV SOLLICITATION As it were urging God to give you speedy aid God my God Psal 21.2 have respect to me why hast thou forsaken me Incline thine ear to me Psal 30.3 Ps 43.23 make hast to deliver me Arise why sleepest thou O Lord Arise and expell us not to the end XXXVI ZEAL Defiring that the glory of God may be propagated Psal 78.1 Ps 73.10 and his enemies humbled O God the Gentiles are come into thine inheritance they have polluted thy holy Temple How long O God shall the enemy upbraid Psal 67.2 the adversary provoke thy Name for ever Let God arise and let his enemies be dispersed These or other like affections you may make use of for your Colloquies and these or other such Versicles taken out of Scripture may perhaps help you to enter with greater facility into your Colloquies which afterwards you may prosecute more at large as your affection shall suggest and the Unction of the Divine Spirit shall teach you Manual And although it be expedient as hath been said to break into these Colloquies at any time during the Meditation yet this same is to be done with more earnest endeavour and exactness in the end sometimes calling upon the Eternal Father sometimes upon the Son at other times upon the Holy Ghost Sometimes also upon the Blessed Virgin our Angel Guardian the Saints our Patrons imploring their aid and intercession giving thanks c. as the present matter shall require Unto this Colloquy is to be ioyned some Vocal Prayer as the Pater Noster if the Colloquy be directed to God the Father Anima Christi sanctifica me The Soul of Christ sanctifie me if to the Son Veni Creator if to the Holy Ghost Ave Maria or some like to the Blessed Virgin or to the Saints It is a commendable practice of many having ended their Meditation to note down in brief in some little book for that end their good purposes and the chief lights which God communicated unto them in their prayer lest otherwise they come to be fruitless for as it sufficeth not for the bringing forth of fruit that good seed be cast into the ground unless it be kept and fostered in the bosome of the earth so neither will it be available for our souls spiritual good onely to have heard the voice or word of God in prayer But as Christ saith Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it Luke 11.28 The Morning Entertainment O God my God to thee I watch from the morning light On the Feast of All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ in the Eucharist as God and Head of all Saints Ps 62.2 I Magin your self among the Blessed companies of Saints in Heaven contemplating the divine face of God and consider 1. How greaâ— is the Glory Riches Beauty and Majesty of that infinite Essence Thousands of thousands minister to him and ten thousand hundred thousands assist him saith Daniel Dan. 7.10 Think how great is his Power All things whatsoever our Lord would he hath doâ—â— in heaven in earth in the sea and in all the depths How great his Wisdom Great is our Lord Ps 134.6 and great is his strength and of his wisdom there is no number How great his Immensity which is higher thâ—n heaven Ps 146.5 Job 11.8 deâ—peâ— then hell longer then the earth and broader then the sea And so of his other divine Attributes Prov. 8.31 Consider 2. This so great a Majesty and Head of all the Saints whose memory you celebrate this day disdaineth not to enter the cottage of your soul and even desireth it himself according to that My delights are to be with the children of men not for that he stands in need of you who are but dust and ashes but to enrich your poverty with his infinite treasures Think therefore with your self what you are and who he is and cry out with the Prophet What is man that thou art mindful of him Ps 8.5 or the soâ— of man that thou visitest him Amos 4.12 Consider 3. You must diligently prepare your soul against the coming of so great a Guest according to that Be prepared to meet thy God O Israel Wherefore cleanse it first with the greatest purity that possibly you are able and not onely from Mortal but also from all Venial Sin For Blessed are the clean of heart Matt. 5.8 saith Christ for they shall see God Then enkindle in your self an ardent love that so you may deserve to keep him long with you according to that If any love me c. we will come to him Jo. 14.23 and will make abode with him Morn Ent. To day I shall dine with the King Esth 5.12 Note The first Sunday after All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ in the Eucharist as King ¶ This and the other Meditations on the Sundays of this Moneth are to be placed between Week and Week as they come in their turn Ps 2.6 COnsider 1. Christ is truly a King the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and not onely of one Province or parcel of earth but of all Heaven and Earth of Men and Angels I am appointed King by him over Sion c. and not for a time onely as other Kings upon earth but for ever and evermore Exod. 15.18 Wherefore all duties services and tribute which Subjects owe to their King are much more due from you to Christ See whether you have perform'd them hitherto or no. 1 Paral. 29.1 Consider 2. What you would do if some earthly Prince were to come to your house how carefully would you have it swept cleansed adorned and set in order lest there should be any thing that might offend the Prince's eye How much more ought the house of your Soul to be adorned which the King of Heaven will vouchsafe this day to enter in the Holy Eucharist for as David saith The habitation is not prepared for man but for God And if those women mentioned in Esther prepared themselves a whole year to appear but once before the King Assuerus Esth 2.12 For six moneths they were anointed with oyl of myrtle saith the Scripture and other six moneths they used certain paintings and sweet spices how much greater care ought to be taken to appear worthily before Christ our Lord Ps 44.11 Consider 3. In regard you are poor and have not any thing in your Soul fit to entertain such a Royal Guest beseech him to send before-hand as great Princes are wont to do furniture and provision worthy of himself Besides if you desire to be gracious in his sight you
woman not Mother that he might not seem to regard flesh and bloud who was wholy employed in doing the will of his Eternal Father and that he might not the more deeply wound her afflicted heart with the tender name of Mother He commends unto her his Disciple S. John and in him all Christians that she who is so powerful with God might be a Mother to us She willingly accepteth the charge so that she is deservedly stiled by the Saints The Mother of the living S. Epiph. l. 3. hom 78. Hym. Ave Maris stella Recommend your self therefore unto her saying with the Church shew your self a Mother Eccli 13.20 Consider 3. Behold your Mother To wit so as to have recours unto her as a child to his Mother and that you love respect and assist her as your own parent Teaching us herein to be careful of our parents to our last breath Observe how he recommends Virgin to Virgin Be therefore a lover of Chastity if you desire to be ranked among the sons of Mary For like to like and as the Wise man saith Every man will associat himself to his like Imitat S. John in devotion to your Sacred Mother who from that hour took her to his own Behold thy King cometh to thee meek Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a milde King Mat. 21.5 COnsider 1. What is said this day in the Ghospel Behold thy King cometh to thee meek Thou art the same my King and my God Ps. 43.5 which commandest the Salvations of Jacob. At other times we may take him as the King of Majesty the King of Glory a powerful King and exceeding dreadful But in his Passion he would shew himself a milde King who when he suffered threatened not c. 1 Pet. 2.23 And therefore to day sitteth upon an Ass a gentle tame beast Ps. 98.1 Ps. 103.3 who at other times is said to sit upon the Cherubs and walk upon the wings of the winds With this mildness he will come to you in the Eucharist wherein that you might not dread his Majesty he lyeth hid under the disguise and form of most delicious food and suffereth himself with admirable patience and longanimity to be taken into the mouths and brests even of his enemies Ps. 22.2 Consider 2. How much you ought to wish that this King may come and raign in your soul and subdue all your unruly passions For he is both of infinit wisdom and power to govern and protect you and as infinitly rich and bountiful to reward and Crown you Our Lord ruleth me saith David and nothing shall be wanting to me Wherefore if you will want nothing deliver your self to be ruled by him Consider 3. You must duely prepare your soul to receive your King so that he may come to visit you in his mildnes not in his fury and indignation Goe forth therefore to meet him like the Children of Jerusalem carrying with you fresh green branches of good works spead your garments in his way and cast under his feet at least in affection all earthly and worldly concerns sound forth and sing his prayses and say with the Prophet I will exalt thee my God the King Ps. 144.1 Ps. 5.3 and I will bless thy name for ever And Attend to the voice of my prayer my King and my God Of the fourth Word My God my God c. Mat. 27.46 COnsider 1. About the ninth hour Jesus cryed with a mighty Voice saying My God my God why hast thou forsaken me A loud cry and voice are signs of excessive griefe for our Lord was left all alone in his sufferings which continued a long time with exceeding great torment destitute of all manner of comfort which might arise from the Inferiour part of the soul forsaken of his own people even Disciples forseeing withall that the greatest part of the world would forsake him to whom all those bitter torments of his would prove in vaine so that now was truly fullfilled that of Jeremy the Prophet Thren 2.13 Great is thy destruction as the Sea who shall heale thee Consider 2. Christ our Lord could easily have freed himself from these interious anguishes of mind by giving way to the joys of the Beatifical vision which possessed the Superiour Powers of his Soul to overflow also the inferiour but would endure them all that he might be the more like to us in all things and withall to instruct us how to behave our selves in time of Desolation Dryness in Devotion and Trouble of mind which are incident to persons even of the greatest Vertue and Perfection Learn therefore to stand resolutly in like occasions to betake your self to prayer and to hold out with patience in expectation of Gods divine assistance Habac. 2.3 Because coming he will come saith the Prophet and he will not slack Ps. 25.2 Consider 3. If God the Father left his beloved Son in this manner wonder not if he seem to leave you to your self for some time without all comfort Nay such Desolations are signs of his love sent us for tryall of our Constancy and inlargement of our Crown Whence it is that David said Prove me O Lord and tempt me burn my reines and my heart Offer your self in like manner Only beg of him with the same Prophet that when he leaves you Ps. 118.8 he forsakes you not wholy Of the fifth Word I thirst Jo. 19.28 COnsider 1. Jesus knowing that all things were now consummate c. He saith I thirst Christ had a double thirst Corporal and Spiritual His Corporal thirst was most vehement and inflamed with his last nights restless watching weariness interiour affliction and effusion of so much bloud Our Blessed Lord would also suffer this torment for our instruction neither would he quench his own thirst Ps. 77.16 Judic 15.19 who brought forth water out of the Rock for his people that thirsted in the desert and afforded Sampson in his thirst drink out of the jawe of an Ass that you might learn to suffer hunger thirst and other corporal incommodities Consider 2. And they putting a sponge full of Vinegre about Hyssope on the top of a cane offered to his mouth not to refresh but to torment him a new Ps. 135.25 Ps. 144.17 What a potion was this for the Son of God who giveth food to all flesh And filleth every living creature with blessing How much better drink doth â—ie afford us of his own pretious bloud in the Holy Eucharist Ps. 22.5 And your chalice inebriating O Lord how good is it Be ashamed for being so nice in your drink and perhaps complaining also if it happen to be any thing stale harsh unpleasant c. Mat. 5.6 Consider 3. Christs spiritual thirst which was chiefly of three things 1. Of obeying his Heavenly Father and fullfilling whatsoever was written of him 2. Of suffering yet more to which purpose he openly proclamed his thirst
your self first with all humility in the presence of God imagining that Christ expects you there ready to give you audience then kneeling down with profound reverence say that short Preparatory prayer of the Church Prevent we beseech thee O Lord our actions by thy Spirit assisting us and in hâ—ping forward prosecute them that all our prayer and work may begin always from thee and begun by thee may be ended Through Christ our Lord Amen or some other like Then make use of the first Preamble of Composition of Place and that being done beg of Almighty God grace suitable to the subject of your present Meditation After this enter upon the points or matter of your Meditation which must be prepared before hand and discourse upon them with your understanding examining with your self who what where by what means wherefore in what manner when and other general circumstances that offer themselves and in all of them procure now and then to stir up your will by pious Affections and Colloquies as often as there shall be occasion in which Affections and Colloquies because the chief fruit of prayer doth consist therefore we will treat of them in this place more at large Of Colloquies Colloquies are to be made as well through the whole course as at the end of Meditation to wit as often as the will is stirred up to love or hate to prosecute or to fly what is set before it according as it is informed by the understanding of the goodness or malice of the object And because we may divers ways conceive God in relation to our selves therefore the Colloquies are to be made sometimes as of a Subject to his Prince sometimes as of a Child to his Father at other times again as of the Spouse to her Beloved of Friend to Friend of a Criminal to his Judge c. now begging something now admiring now offering now congratulating now condoling as the present matter shall require And because there are many kinds of these affections it will not be amiss in this place to reherse some of them in particular in an Alphabetical order The Colloquie therefore may be framed by way of I. ACOVSATION Accusing your self for having been cause 1 Paral. 21.17 of Christs sufferings or of other evils saying with David Am not I he that commanded c. It is I that have sinned it is I that have done the evil c. Lord my God let thy hand be turned I beseech thee upon me and the like II. ADMIRATION Wondering at the Goodness Wisdome Power and other like Attributes of God O Lord our Lord Psal 8.2 how marvelous is thy Name O Lord of Hosts who is like to thee Thou art mighty O Lord Psal 88.9 and thy truth round about thee or the like III. AFFIRMATION Affirming for example that God is just great and dreadful that they are happy that serve him and the like Psal 118.137 Psal 46.3 Psa 64. â— Thou art Just O Lord and thy Judgement is right Because our Lord is high terrible a great King over all the earth Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken he shall dwell in thy Courts IV. BENEDICTION Blessing God for hearing our prayers for having redeemed us and for other benefits which he hath bestowed upon us and inviting all creatures to do the same Blessed be God who hath not removed my prayer Ps 65.20 Luc. â—â— 66 and his mercy from me c. Blessed be our Lord God of Israel because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people All works of our Lord Dan. 3.57 bless ye our Lord praise and superexalt him for ever V. COMMINATION or threatning woe to your self unless you mend unless you obey Gods call c. Vnless you will be converted Psal 7.13 he shall shake his Sword be hath bent his bow and prepared it c. Vnderstand these things Psa 49.22 you that forget God least sometime he take you violently and there be none to deliver you VI. COMPASSION for Christs labours and sufferings I am sorry for thee my Brother Jonathas 2 Reg. 1.26 2 Reg 18.33 Rod. de Pas c. 8. exceeding beautiful and amiable Who would grant me that I might dye for thee I will not live without wound saith Saint Bonaventure because I see thee full of wound VII COMPLAINT Piously complaining as if God had left you Psal 1.1 How long O Lord wilt thou forget me unto the end how long dost thou turn away thy face from me Where are thine old mercies Ps 8850. Ps 8â—15 O Lord c. Why dost thou O Lord reject my prayer VIII COMPVNCTION and GRIEF for that by your sins you have been cause of Christs sufferings and of the scourges wherewith God doth chastize the world Jâ—â— 1.12 Psal 50.5 Take me up and east me into the Sea for I know that for me this tempest is upon you I do know mine iniquity and my sin is before me always IX CONFESSION Acknowledging the Benefits of God Eccli 51.1 and your own Infirmity I will confess to thee O Lord King and will praise thee God my Saviour I will confess to thy Name because thou art become my helper Psal 37.4 and protectour There is no health is my flesh c. my bones have no peace at the face of my stâ—s X. CONGRATVLATION with Christ for his victory over death with the Blessed Virgin for the glory of her Son and for her own Election Let us sing to our Lord Erod 15.1 Judith 15. â—0 Ecclesia in Missa for he is gloriously magnified c. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem thou the joy of Israel thou the honour of our people c. We give thee thanks for thy great glory XI CONSVLTATION Consulting between our Lord and your self what you are to do for him what to return for his beneftis Job 7.20 Ps 115.3 What shall I do to thee O Keeper of men What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendered to me XII DESIRE of heavenly and everlasting goods How beloved are thy Tabernacles Psal 83.2 O Lord of Hosts My soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. Psal 41.2 Even as the Hart defireth after the Fountains of waters so doth my soul desire after thee O God I desire thee a thousand times Bern. 〈◊〉 Jub my Jesus when will you come when will you make me ioyful when will you give me my fill of you XIII DETESTATION Abominating your own sins and sluggishness Psal 118.163 Psal 25.2 Ps 72.25 I have hated iniquity and abhorred it I have hated the Church of the Malignant and with the impious I will not sit What is to me in Heaven and besides thee what would I upon the earth XIV DOVBT Demanding of your self what you ought to do and what will become of you seeing all are to be so rigorously judged Psal 138.7 Psal 88.49
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
follow your Lord. Of our Spiritual Circumcision 2. Part. COnsider 1. Not only the Inward man as above in the Understanding and Will but also the Outward in the Exteriour Senses is to be circumcised Think with your self how many Souls have been cast into Hell by occasion of one single glance of the eye How many have perished by the abuse of the other Senses of Hearing Tasting c. Wherefore refrain your eyes from the sight of dangerous obiects chiefly of Womer and unchaste Pictures Your ears from any thing that soundeth of Vanity Curiosity and much more of Dishonesty Murmuring and Detraction Your Taste from excesse in eating and drinking also unnecessary and untimely repasts and so of the rest Consider 2. You must not omit among the rest to have a care of your Tongue and to cut off from it all Detraction Murmuring and whatsoever else serveth to sowe discord Likewise all manner of contentious injurious sawcy unseemly or immodest language Also lying cursing swearing and the like Lastly flattery double dealing dissimulation vain complements c. that you may be like to your Lord of whom it is said 1 Pet. 2.22 Who did no sin neither was there guile found in his mouth Examine your self in each particular and beseech our Lord with David Ps. 140.3 To set a watch to your mouth and a dore round about to your lips Jac. 3.2 Jac. 1.26 For If a man offend not in word this is a perfect man On the contrary If any man think himself to be religious not bridling his tongue c. this mans religion is vain 1 Tim. 6.8 Consider 3. You must finally cut off all Superfluities relating to the Body as in Clothing Sleep Pastimes and other Conveniences of this life Having food saith the Apostle and wherewith to be covered with these we are content Wherefore quit your self of all other things that you may become the more like to Christ who saith of himself Ps. 87.16 I am poor and in labours from my youth Rehold the Dominators and Lord cometh Introit Missae ex Malac. 3.1 Take with thee presents and go to meet him 4 Reg. 8.8 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Sovereign Lord to be adored with Offerings Mat. 2.2 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Introit of the Masse Behold there cometh the Soveraign Lord and a Kingdom in his hand c. to wit that Christ is the Supream Lord of the whole Earth to whom all men even Kings and Princes are to pay Tribute in acknowledgement of this Soveraignty This the Sages by divine instinct understood and accordingly came this day to offer their Gifts He are come say they to adore him And opening their treasures they offered him gifts Gold Frankin couse Ibid. v. 11. and Myrrhe Deut. 16.6 Consider 2. This Soveraign Lord will come into your Soul to receive your Tribute and Presents and withall to return other far more precious gifts Wherefore Take gifts with you and go forth to meet him Bethink with your self what you can ofter for in Deuteronomy it was forbidden that any one should appear before our Lord without offerings There shall not appear before our Lord any empty But every one shall offer according to that be hath Consider 3. You must prepare a Throne in the middle of your Heart wherein to place and adore your Lord when he cometh Make him a Present of your Souls three Powers Memory Understanding and Will so that he may wholly dispose of them at his pleasure and not permit you to know affect or even think of any thing that may be lesse pleasing to him Offer him the Gold of Charity and Love the Frankincense of Prayer the Myrrhe of Mortification In fine give as much as you can for it will be returned back with advantage I the Lord thy God that teach thee profitable things Is 48.17 Lord shew me thy ways and teach me thy paths Ps. 24.4 Joel 2.23 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Teacher of Justice ¶ This Sundays Meditation is to be inserted between the Week days as it shall fall out COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel tha◠Christ was found in the middle o◠Doctours hearing them c. He is truly our Doctour or Teacher not of prophane Erudition but of Justice Whence the Prophet Ye children of Sion rejoyce and be joyful in the Lord your God because he hath given you a Doctor of Justice And he himself by the mouth of David inviteth us to a lesson of the fear of God Ps. 33.12 saying Come Children hear me I will teach you the fear of our Lord. Ps. 93.12 Consider 2. How much this Science of Justice ought to be preferred before all worldly Sciences These cannot save us but may serve to encrease our damnation if we make not right use of them This alone can make us happy for ever Hence think what a benefit it will be to have this Doctor come to day into your Soul for truly blessed is the man whom thou shalt instruct O Lord and shalt teach out of thy law 2 Cor. 6.16 Consider 3. How Christ state to day in the Temple among the Doctors See therefore that your Soul be a Temple of the living God as the Apostle warneth us not of Dagon that is of Sin Let it be a house of prayer not of worldly negotiation nor a den of thieves that is of vain thoughts of self-esteem robbing God of the honour which is due to him alone Then with all humility fall at the feet of your Lord with Magdalen and beseech him to teach you the way of Salvation For they that approach to his feet Deut. 33.3 shall receive of his doctrine Lastly bring with you an eagernesse to learn and resolve to put in execution what he shall say unto you lest otherwise he leave you to your self according to that of the Prophet Jer. 6.8 Be thou taught Jerusalem lest perhaps my Soul doth depart from thee Of the Sages Journey towards Jerusalem 1. Part. Ps 97.2 COnsider 1. Our Lord being born a Star appeared in the East and the Eternal Father as he had revealed his Sons Birth to the Jews by an Angel so would he likewise manifest the same to the Gentiles by a Star he being to be equally Saviour to both Jew and Gentile Rejoyce that the glory and greatness of your Lord was thus made known to the remote Nations of the World and give God thanks for having made known his salvation in the sight of the Gentiles whose first fruits these Sages were and in them to your self Mat. 22 14 Consider 2. The Star in the East appeared to all that were in those parts but few would stir to seek out our Lord or obey Gods call Thus Many be called but few elect Many there are to this day so wholly bent upon their temporal affairs that they neglect the light of divine inspirations
They pretend a thousand difficulties Prov. 22.13 Job 6.16 saying A lion is without c. I am to be slain But as Job saith They that fear the hoare frost snow shall fall upon them And they that are overmuch concerned for temporal losses will incurre that which is irrecoverable and everlasting 1 Pet. 2.9 Consider 3. The singular benefit bestowed upon the Sages that they above all others should be efficaciously moved to seek Christ even with neglect of all their other concerns Such is the benefit whereby among so many thousands in England God hath vouchsafed to call you from darkness into his marvellous light Wherefore be ever grateful for it Ponder besides how the Sages having overcome all difficulties enter upon their journey and how they encourage and comfort one the other See how the Star goeth before and directeth their steps In like manner to them that with courage and resolution undertake any enterprise in the service of God there will not be wanting the conduct and assistance of divine Grace They follow the course of the Star do you follow the Guides which God hath given you of holy Inspirations Superiours Spiritual Directours c. Of the Sages Journey towards Jerusalem Mat. 2. 2. Part. Cant. 3.3 COnsider 1. The Sages being come near to Jerusalem the Star disappeareth in trial of their Faith and Constancy So God doth often take away spiritual comfort from his servants that they may know it is none of their own but a free gift of his and withall to exercise their patience and fidelity towards him The Sages are perhaps somewhat troubled at it yet do not thereupon leave off their journey So you when spiritual consolation is taken from you do not therefore give back nor lose heart But betake your self to ordinary means enquire of others with the Spouse in the Canticles Have you seen him whom my soul loveth Inform your self by reading Spiritual Books consult with your Ghostly Father c. Mat. 2.2 Consider 2. How being entered the City they boldly enquire after a new-born King saying Where is he that is born King of the Jews Ponder 1. Their singular Faith wherewith nothing doubting of the fact they only sought after the place 2. Their great courage being not afraid even in the Royal City and in face of Herod himself to make publick enquiry after another King 3. Their admirable Devotion being not ashamed openly to confess Christ and acknowledge that they came to do homage to him And we are come to adore him Learn to do the like Rom. 1.16 and with St. Paul not to be ashamed of the Gospel Prov. 2.14 Consider 3. Herod was troubled So the wicked grieve wherein they should most rejoyce and on the contrary rejoyce in most wicked things Think whether you do not feel some inward grudge repining and trouble when good times put you in mind of disposing your self to the Sacraments or when any thing of greater perfection is proposed unto you being loth to lose any thing of your wonted liberty And all Jerusalem with him Thus Inferiours do easily fashion themselves to higher Powers especially in what is evil Learn to rejoyce only in things appertaining to your eternal Salvation and to give good example to them that are under your charge Mat. 2.4 c. Of Herods Enquiry after Christ ASsembling together all the high Priests and the Scribes of the people he enquired of them where Christ should be born And again Secretly calling the Sages learned diligently of them the time of the Star c. Consider here 1. How diligent and full of care worldlings are in their temporal concerns and how dull and slothful you are in that of Heaven Herod made greater search after Christ to destroy him then you do to love and serve him 2. The wonderful providence of God which maketh even the wicked instrumental in concurring with his divine will to our good and disposeth so that Herod himself was cause of manifesting Christ to the Sages and so to the world while he thought to obscure him and make him away Consider 2. How the Priests and Scribes point out the place of his Birth saying in Bethleem of Juda but themselves would not stir a foot Miserable wretches They perish near the fountain of life which they had discovered to others So do all they that preach to others the way to Heaven which they will never follow themselves Like saith St. Augustine to the builders of Noes Ark Aug. ser 65. de diversis Who built that wherein others might escape the Deluge and themselves perished in the waters Observe how Christ was not to be found in the head City or at Court or in a Palace But in Bethleem in a manger and in clouts Job 28.13 And as Job saith He is not found in the land of them that live pleasantly Prov. 21.30 Job 5 13 Consider 3. Herods words to the Sages Go and enquire diligently of the Child and when you shall find him make report to me that I also may come and adore him Thus did he think to make a prey of Christ O Sacrilegious Hypocrite to adore in words and kill in heart the Son of God But God blinded him so as not to think of sending a Messenger with them that might inform him of every thing that hence you might learn There is no Wisdom there is no prudence there is no counsel against out Lord c. Who apprehendeth the wise in their subtlety and dissipateth the counsel of the wicked Of the Sages Arrival and Adoration at Bethleem Mat. sup COnsider 1. The Sages having heard the King went their way In seeking Christ they loose no time but having informed themselves where they might finde him leaving the City with all its curiosities and entertainments they follow on their journey O that you did seek Christ as close and not let your self be taken up with worldly vanities And behold the Star c. Went before them For God is wont to be the more liberal of his Illustrations the farther we are off from the trouble and noise of worldly affairs Until it came and stood over where the Child was Thus the divine Providence reacheth from end to end mightily And seeing the Star they rejoyced with exceeding great joy especially when they saw it point out the place where they were to find what their hearts had so long wished and sought for Consider 2 And entering into the house they found the Child with Mary his Mother Ponder their admirable faith not being startled at a loathsome stable and an Infant lying in a manger nor doubting any thing of the Mystery Consider the tears of devotion which the vileness of the house the poverty and rags together with the beauty of the Infant and the Virgins modesty did move them to How were they struck with admiration to see the King of Kings and Lord of Lords as now by faith they knew him to be lying
in a stable upon a bed of straw Consider 3. And falling down adored him 1. They prostrated themselves with most profound humility as well interior as exterior acknowledging their own unworthiness and their subjection and dependance on him 2. They adored him with a most perfect act of Adoration as their Soveraign Lord and God 3. This Adoration was seconded with an entire oblation of themselves and their Kingdoms with sincere expressions of gratitude both for their own particular and for the general benefit of all in his Incarnation and Vocation of the Gentiles together with most ardent affections of love and desires that all the world might come to his knowledge and service Learn hence what admirable effects a lively faith doth work in a devout Soul and with that affections you are to come to the same Lord in the Holy Eucharist Mat. 2.11 Of the Sages Offerings or Gifts ANd opening their treasures they offered to him gifts Gold Frankincense and Myrrhe Consider how with the above-named affections of faith humility reverence devotion and love they offer gifts in homage to their Soveraign Lord and that of the best things they had and out of their treasures that you might learn to give to God and to employ the best not the worst things you have in divine uses Consider the gifts in particular and present yours joyntly with them They offer Gold as Tribute to their Lord and King Offer him also Gold that is 1. a heart full of Charity loving him from your whole heart for as Gold is the chief of Metals so Charity is the Queen of Vertues 2. Exterior worldly goods with an affection and love to Poverty setting them all at naught in respect of his divine service so as to be ready even actually to leave all rather then to offend him only Venially Ps 140.2 Consider 2. They offer Frankincense in acknowledgement of his Divinity Offer also your Frankincense of fervent and frequent Prayer saying with David Let my prayer O Lord be directed as incense in thy sight Offer again to God your Frankincense that is your will as a most sweet perfume and this by Obedience to your Superiours Governours and Directours whom God hath appointed in his place over you For there is no Sacrifice more grateful to him then that of our will by means of Obedience 1 Reg. 15.22 Better is Obedience saith Samuel then Victims Consider 3. They offer Myrrhe as to a mortal man Offer you also the Myrrhe which is of a bitter taste of Mortification chastifing your body with St. Paul and bringing it to subjection so as to obey the Spirit Offer also a special Myrrhe of Chastiry carefully avoiding whatsoever may endamage it for as Myrrhe preserveth dead bodies from corruption S. Greg. Orat. 16. so Chastity doth keep both the bodies and minds of the living undefiled Lastly consecrate your whole self to God and give whatsoever you have to him who hath given you all things Of the Sages Return ¶ If the Octave fall upon Sunday make this Meditation on Saturday and on Sunday of H. Communion as above 1 Jo. 4.1 2 Cor. 11.14 COnsider 1. How the Sages having performed their homage and duty of Adoration having also presented the B. Virgin and St. Joseph with some gifts and taken their leave were now ready for their return full of spiritual joy and zeal of bringing others to Christ and amongst them Herod himself but were admonished in their sleep that they should not go back to him Whence you may learn that God hath a care of them that are his and can easily frustrate the subtile intentions of the wicked And that in the way of Vertue not every motion which seems to be according to zeal ought always to be followed But we must prove the spirits if they be of God for oftentimes as the Apostle witnesseth Satan transfigureth himself into an Angel of light Consider 2. How they presently obeyed and went back another way into their Countrey Mat. 2.12 So ought we to follow the inspirations of God and they that have had more knowledge and experience of Christ should enter into another course of life of greater exactness and perfection in their progress towards their heavenly countrey Greg. hom in Epiph. from which seeing we turned away by pleasures we should return by the contrary way of sorrow and repentance Think how the B. Virgin behaved her self in all these passages and what joy she was in to see her Son thus adored and that of the Prophet fulfilled Ps 71.10 The Kings of Tharsis and the Islands shall offer presents c. Recommend your self earnestly to her saying with S. Bernard Orat. S. Ber. By you Virgin Mother let us have access to your Son 2 Cor. 9.6 Consider 3. The B. Infant did not send the Sages away empty but highly rewarded for their pains and devotion He bestowed upon them supernatural and heavenly gifts in return to theirs for their Gold he gave them the rich treasures of Wisdom and Charity for their Frankincense the gift of Prayer and Devotion for their Myrrhe the Soveraign Balm of his divine Grace against the corruption of Sin We can give nothing to God that returneth not with advantage to our selves the more we give the more we shall receive Be liberal therefore to God that he may be so to you remembring what the Apostle saith He that soweth sparingly sparingly also shall reap and he that soweth in blessings of blessings also shall reap ¶ If there remain any days between the Octave and the 2. Sunday repeat these Meditations according to the number of the days If a whole Week then on Munday take the Meditation of the Purification and go on with them the other days as they follow intermitting that of the second Sunday till it cometh in its course of that year Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye forth to meet him Mat. 25.6 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Spouse of your Soul Ose 2.19 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel There was a Marriage made in Cana of Galilee c. Jo. 2.1 The like Espousals will be made this day between Christ and your Soul if you will but give your consent for he on his part doth earnestly desire it according to that I will despouse thee to me for ever and I will despouse thee to me in Justice and Judgement and in Mercy and in Commiserations Nay although you have often been disloyal unto him by your disordinate affection and adhering to creatures he is notwithstanding ready to pardon all and even invites you again to him by the Prophet Jer. 3.1 Thou hast committed fornication with many lovers nevertheless return unto me saith our Lord and I will receive thee Ps 44.3 Consider 2. How great a dignity it is to be espoused to a King here upon Earth How much greater then to the King of Heaven Think how incomparable is the
whole Citty Good God! â—ow were the former affronts and insolences redoubled upon him and that of Jeremy verifyed to the full Thren â— 15 All that passed by the way have clapped their hands vpon thee they have hissed and moved their head Luc. 23.10 Consider 2. Christ at first is civily entertained by Herod who hoped to see him work some miracle but our Lord abhorred his lewdness and would not comply with his curiosity nor owe his life which he so much desired to lay down to his favor and courtesy nor return one single word to many of his and though the chiefe Priests and the Scribes stood constantly accusing him he made no answer Admire and imitate the courage and constancy of his mind which could neither be bent by flattery nor overcome with ill usage and learn withall to be reserved and not familiar with persons of a lewd life without certain hopes of gaining them Ibid. Consider 3. And Herod with his army set him at naught and he mocked him putting on him a white garment Ponder how Christ our Lord the eternal wisdom of God is held for a foole and one that out of simplicity had called himself King and is treated as such by the King and his whole Court delighting themselves with flouting and scoffing at him And in this plight he is sent back to Herod and proclamed all along as he went for a foole and fantasticall King Good Lord Is this the way you chuse to cure my pride and confound my arrogancy With how much truth did the Apostle say 1 Cor. 3.18 if any man seeme to be wise among you in this world let him become a foole that he may be wise Barabbas is preferred before Christ Mar. 27.15 COnsider 1. Upon the solemn day the President had accustomed to release unto the people one prisoner whom they would Hence desirous to release Jesus whose innocency was clearer then the Sun he puts him in balance with a most wicked fellow that was guilty both of sedition and murder Offering them their choice whom they would have freed of the two Think what a comparison this was of light with darkness of a murderer with the author of life of a common robber with a most munificent Benefactor and giver of all good And yet Christ disdained it not Luc. 23.18 Consider 2. The foolish and most unjust demand of the people Dispatch him and release us Barabbas It was a foul disgrace and ignominy to be matched with so bare and notorious a Villain but much greater to be set behind him Now was truly fullfilled that of the Propher Ps 21.7 I am a worm and no man a reproch of men and outcast of the people What are the judgements of the world What wise man would rely on them or care whither they praise or reprove The like judgement to that of the Jews you do passe as often as you sin mortally prefering in your heart and affection some momentary delight before an infinit good some vile creature before the Creator and even a Barabbas before Christ Mat. 27.22 Consider 3. Pilat demandeth What shall I doe then with Jesus The people cry out saying Crucify crucify him Luc. 23.21 Think with what Modesty and Patience Christ received these unjust demands not uttering the least word against them Ask your self often this question What will you doe with Jesus Will you Esteeme Love Serve and Honour him as you ought or rather choose to afflict injury and even crucify him a new for no less doe all Sinners Crucifying again as the Apostle saith to themselves the Son of God Heb. 6.6 and making him a mockery Of the Whipping at the Pillar Part 1. Jo. 19.1 COnsider 1. Then therefore Pilat took Jesus and scourged him To the end he might in some part satisfy the rage of the Jews and so set him afterwards at liberty Think notwithstanding how this sentence was 1. Unjust as being pronounced against him who by the Judges own confession was innocent 2. Infamous it being the usual punishment of common slaves 3. Cruel it being decreed purposely to satiate the Jews fury See how readily for all that and how cheerfully Christ doth accept of it saying with the Prophet Ps 37.18 I am ready for scourges And this to satisfy for your Sins Consider 2. So soon as the sentence was given how impudently the Souldiers strip him of his clothes and binde him to the pillar Ponder the Virginal bashfullness and shame our most chast Lord was in to see himself exposed all naked to the view of so great a multitude See with what promptitude of Obedience he stretcheth forth his armes to be bound without making the least complaint or resistance and learn hence how truely meek and humble of heart he is Mat. 11.29 and you ought to be Consider 3. The Grievousness and Cruelty of this scourging 1. In regard of the instruments which are credibly said to have been of three sorts to wit thorny rods hard sinews and Iron chaines 2. By reason of his delicat and tender complexion being also much exhausted with his late bloudy sweat and ill treating restless night and painful journeys of that morning 3. Through the cruel usage of his tormentors who were set on and provoked by the Pharises that stood by 4. For the multitude of stripes which as is gathered out of S. Brigits revelations surmounted the number of five thousand Whereas the law of Moses alowed not full fourty for any Malefactor Therefore Isaie from the sole of the foot to the top of the head Is. 1.6 there is no health in him Of the Whipping at the Pillar Part 2. I Magin your self to see Christ our Lord fast bound to the Pillar with a company of Souldiers round about tyranizing over him with their whips and consider the general Circumstances Who What Where c. Heb. 1.3 Who is he that is tyed to the Pillar The only begotten Son of God The brightness of his glory and the figure of his substance He is higher then Heaven Job 11.8 deeper then Hell The most high Creator omnipotent and mighty King and to be feared exceedingly Eccli 1.8 Sitting upon his throne and the God of dominion Is. 53.4 What He is most unhumanly scourged even to the discovery of his ribs and bones No slave was ever so cruelly handled We have thought him as it were a lepre and strickin of God and humbled Where In the very middle of the world in a most populous Citty in the open Court of the President a whole Legion of Souldiers and an infinit multitude of people looking on Is 63.5 With what helps Destitute of all human assistance There was none to appeare in his defence none to comfort him I looked about saith he by the Prophet and there was no helper I sought and there was none to aide Ps 90.4 Wherefore To satisfy for your sinnes to make a bath of
his pretious bloud to wash and cleanse you withall He took upon his shoulders stripes which were due to you whereby he made good that of the Prophet With his shoulders shall he overshadow thee Is. 50.6 Is. 53.7 How Of his own free choice cheerfully constantly and silently I have given my body to the strikers c. As a lambe before his shoarer be was dumb When In the most solemn feast of the Pasch at what time an infinit number of people were resorted from all parts to celebrate that Mistery All which made to his greater ignominy and confusion Come eate ye my bread and drink the wine which I have mingled for you Prov. 9.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the food of your Soul Jo. 6.55 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel how Christ with five loaves fed five thousand persons Jo. 6. He will come this day into your soul to feed it with a food the sweetest most pretious and wholsome that ever was from the beginning of the world his own sacred Body and Bloud For My flesh is meat indeed and my bloud is drink indeed and that you might not fear to come he invites and calls upon you Eate Cant. 5.1 O friends and drink and be inebriated my dearest Consider 2. Three chiefe effects which corporall food worketh in the body 1. It nourishes and strengthens 2. It satiat's 3. It preserv's life In the same manner as S. Thomas saith this divine food worketh in the Soul Opusc 58. c. 9. It strengthens giving Grace and Vertue to overcome vice It satiat's in begetting a loathing of worldly pleasures for as the wise man saith A soul that is full shall tread upon the hony comb Prov. 27.7 that is the delights of this world Lastly it preserv's the spiritual life of the Soul and advanceth it to a blessed Eternity Jo. 6.58 He that eateth this bread saith Christ shall live for ever O what a happiness is it to feed upon such bread Consider 3. No meat though never so wholsome does good but in a body well disposed and taken in a clean stomack as the Physitians affirm Foul bodies the more you nourish the more you indanger for in these all nourishment is turned into ill humors See therefore that you duely prepare your Soul Ps 33.9 if you desire to taste how sweet our Lord is Purge your self of bad humors and evill affections which hinder spiritual digestion Let a man prove himself and so 1 Cor. 11.28 that is well proved and examined and not otherwise let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice Of the Crowning with Thornes Ps. 37.15 COnsider 1. Christ out of his excessive love of suffering for us not content with ordinary sufferings permitted the Souldiers to invent and practice upon him an unheard-of kind of cruelty striving to out doe both in invention and cruelty what was newly done in Herods Court. 1. Therefore they strip him of his own clothes not without great torment they being now cloven to the gore bloud which ran from his wounds then they put about him a purple garment in token of a mock-King See how he lets them abuse him aâ— their pleasure without the least resistance or contradiction being become as a man not having reproofs in his mouth Mat. 27.29 Consider 2. And plating a crown of thornes put it upon his head O unheard-of torment Some affirm that our Lord was wounded in seventy two distinct places of his head by those thorns Cant. 3.11 Goe forth my Soul and see King Salomon in the diadem wherewith his mother the Synagog whereof he was according to flesh hath crowned him and be astonished Away with Pride away with all sensuality Be ashamed saith S. Bernard to be a delicat or nice member Bern. ser 5. de Om. SS under a thorny head Mat. sup Consider 3. And they put a reed in his right hand And bowing the knee before him they mocked him saying Haile King of the Jews and spitting upon him they took the reed and smote his head What indignities are these What torments Ponder severally each one See how the King of invincible patience letteth not goe but keepeth still in his hand the Scepter of scorn and derision to provoke you to imitate Now was fullfilled that of the Prophet Behold my servant Mat. 12.18 Isa 42.1 c. He shall not contend nor cry out neither shall any man heare in the streets his voice The reed bruised he shall not breake and smoking flax he shall not extinguish Jo. 29. Loe the Man Part. 1. Jo. 19.5 COnsider 1. Jesus therefore went forth carrying the Crown of thorns and the purple Vestment Ponder how Pilat to move the Jews to commiseration brought forth our Lord scourged and crowned as he was and shewed him to the people Think what a confusion it was to our Lord to be exposed thus for a sight to the Pharises and his other enemies and with what humility and patience our meek Lamb bare it O how are you sweet Jesus altered from what you lately were when you appeared glorious on the mount Thabor or when you sate upon the Cherubins displaying the raves of your Majesty in the highest Heavens Is 53.2 Consider 2. Pilat said Loe the Man He was so disfigured that he could be scarce known for a man How true was that of the Prophet There is no beauty in him nor comlines and we have seen him and there was no sightlines Who would not melt with teares to behold so sad a spectacle and yet the hard hearted Jews are nothing moved but cry out the more Crucify crucify him O most beautifull of men where is now that gratious aspect of yours where those rayes of your divine countenance Do not consider me saith he that I am brown Cant. 1.6 because the Sun hath altered my colour The Sun and heat of your charity O Lord hath indeed altered your colour and metamorphiz'd you into a worm and the reproch of men for us Pro. 29.25 Consider 3. Pilat had long laboured to release Christ but when he heard those words of the Jews If thou release this man thou art not Cesars friend out of human respects and policy lest perhaps he might be accused to Cesar yeelded him unto them against all Justice Have a care that like human respects prevaile not with you against Justice and Equity He that feareth man shall soone fall saith Salomon He that trusteth in our Lord shall be lifted up Jo. 19. Loe the Man Part 2. COnsider 1. Having set Christ before your eyes with the Crown of thornes on his head and Robe of scorn on his shoulders as in the former Meditation and wounded all over from head to foot Imagin those words behold the man spoken to you by the holy Ghost to the end you should more attentively contemplat him as much as if he should say He
could not satisfy her mind or affection for no wordly comfort is able to content the soul that truly seeketh God Then Christ himself appeareth but first in the shape of a Gardiner so as she knew him not saying Sir if thou hast carried him away tell me where thou hast laid him and I will take him away Great was the force of her love She excepted no place feared no danger but was ready to seek her Lord upon any termes See whether your love be such Iob. 3.22 Consider 3. Jesus saith to her Mary Our Lord doth often conceale his presence and seemeth to be far off from his servants when he is neer at hand He conceales himself under a disguise the better to try our love and inflame our desires but discovereth himself at last and as Sara said after teares and weeping powreth in joyfullness Beseech our Lord that he would vouchsafe to be so intimate and familiar with you as to call you by your name and speake so to your heart that you may come to know his voice and with B. Magdalen be more and more inflamed with his love Our Lord appeareth to the other Women Mat. 28.9 COnsider 1. While the Holy Women among whom probably was S. Mary Magdalen were in their return from the Sepulcher to the Citty Christ met them in the way and saluted them saying All haile Ponder here the great goodness of our Lord affording comfort in a most seasonable time and not disdaining the weaker fer Ponder also that word All haile which the Angel Gabriel likewise used to the B. Virgin and did work in their hearts what it did outwardly signify O Lord speak so to my Soul Cant. 2.14 Let thy voice sound in my eares for thy voice is sweet and thy face comely Ps 44.8 Consider 2. But they came neer and took hold of his feet and adored him They were permitted to touch and kiss his sacred feet O with what reverence and joy of heart did they doe it In reward of their good desires of anealing his sacred Corps in the Sepulcher they were themselves anointed with the oyle of gladness above their fellowes Learn hence with what affections you ought to embrace not his feet but whole Christ in the Eucharist as often as you frequent it Lay fast hold on your Beloved and let him not goe from you till he hath given you his blessing Gen. 32.26.29 as he did to Jacob. Pro. 18.19 Consider 3. Jesus said to them Feare not goe tell my bretheren c. Admire the sweetness of our Lord in comforting his servants and taking from them all feare Ponder those words My Bretheren bearing a most friendly and sweet name He who was now King of Glory disdained not to call poor ignorant fishermen his bretheren O what a happiness it is to have such a brother Love him therefore as your brother and put your trust in him for if the Brother that is holpen of Brother as the Wise man saith is as a strong Citty how much more he who is holpen of such a Brother Peter and John goe to the Sepulcher and Our Lord appeareth to Peter Luc. 24.11 COnsider 1. The devour Women relate what they had seen at the Sepulcher to the Disciples that were assembled together But it seemed before them as dotage for the Apostles were as yet fixed to sensible things and were not enlightned by the Holy Ghost So the Mysteries of the Cross and Resurrection seeme no better then meer folly to the Wise men of this world Beseech our Lord to enlighten your darkness that you may not dote so miserably with the World Consider 2. Peter and John more desireous then the rest of knowing the truth ran to the Sepulcher entered in looked throughly about and found all as the women had related but neither Angels nor our Lord appeared unto them for their further tryall and for that the relations of others ought to have sufficed By John is signifyed Faith by Peter Charity with both we must seeke Christ if at any time he be taken from us Consider 3. On the same day afterwards Christ appeared as is gathered out of S. Luke unto Peter Ibid. v. 34. who went away marvelling with himself at that which was done And Our Lord hath risea indeed and hath appeared to Simon Thus our Lord would comfort him 1. That he might afterwards confirme others in the same beliefe 2. Because he had already blotted out the Sin of his denyall with due penance and now deserved to receive corsolation 3. Because of all the Disciples he loved Christ most and therefore conceived more griefe then any for his death Learn to beare Christ company in his sufferings that you may rejoyce with him in his Resurrection For Ps. 93.19 according to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart thy consolations have made my Soul Joyfull I will hear what our Lord God will speake in me because he will speake peace upon his people Ps 84.9 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Prince of Peace Jer. 29.11 Is. 9.6 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel how Christ appeared unto the Apostles and thrice imparted unto them his peace saying Peace be to you Jo. 20.19 For he is our peace as the Apostle saith Ephes. 2.14 intending cogitations of peace and not of affliction and therefore among other titles he is called by Isaie the Prince of Peace Gal. 5.17 Consider 2. There are three sorts of peace which we are to procure 1. With God 2. With our Neighbour 3. With out solves for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh Ps. 37.4 and therefore David said My bones have no peace And a mans enemies are they of his own houshould to wit Mich. 7.6 his own unlawfull Appetites This threefould peace the Prince and Author of it will bring unto you in the Eucharist if you hinder not for the Eucharist is properly a Pacifick Host between God and us The Simbole and band of Charity between us and our Neighbour Cyril lib. 4. in c. 27. Je. and lastly that which as S. Cyril saith doth restrain the raging tyranny of our members and doth intrench us round about with perfect peace Whence David said Ps. 147.3 He hath set thy borders peace and filleth thee with the fat of corn Levit. 26.6 Consider 3. Christ brought Peace this day to the Arostles when the dores were shut and they assembled together within and in prayer Therefore shut up carefully the gates of your senses and retire your self within the inward closet of your heart and our Lord Will give peace in your coasts You shall sleep and there shall be none to make you affraid But above all purge your self throughly from sin 〈◊〉 48.22 For There is no peace to the impious saith our Lord. Luc. 24.13 Our Lord appeareth to the Disciples going to Emmaus Part. 1. COnsider 1.
be directed as Incense in thy sight and the elevation of my hands as evening Sacrifice 2. By Prayer man becometh companion of the Angels and converseth familiarly with God himself 3. God takes himself to be honoured by our prayers as he expresly tells us by his Prophet Invocate me in the day of tribulation Ps 49.15 I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorisie me 1 Pet. 5.8 Consider 2. The necessity we have of Prayer in regard of the miseries of this mortal life and continual dangers 1. Of Soul from the assaults of the Devil who as a roaring Lion goeth about seeking whom he may devoure from the alurements of the world and from the rebellion of our own flesh 2. Of Body from War Famine and Pestilence from poverty sickness loss of goods and fortunes death of friends and from innumerable other crosses and afflictions All which make us to cry out with King Josaphat to our Lord Whereas we are ignorant what to do 2 Paral. 20.12 this only we have lest that we direct our eyes to thee Luc. 18.1 Consider 3. The goodness of God who whereas he could sufficiently redress all our necessities with the general Providence wherewith he provideth for his other creatures yet to endear us the more to himself requireth that we have our recourse unto him by prayer acknowledging him the Author of all good and depending wholly on him in all occasions and therefore he hath given us an express Command thereof delivered by Christ in these words It behoveth always to pray Reflect upon your own particular necessities spiritual and temporal Heb. 4.16 and go with confidence to the Throne of Grace that you may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid Of the benefit of Prayer Part 2. COnsider 1. More in particular the benefits and efficacy of Prayer which as S. Hierom saith overcometh the inâ—iâ—cible Hieron in Epist and bâ—adeth the Almighty moving him to mercy and tying his hands from punishing our sins Suffer me said God to Moyses Exod. 32.10 when he was praying for the people that my fury may be angry against them It is a general remedy against all difficulties and temptations Prosp in Serm. Exod. 17.11 c. Jos 10.14 and a Scourge as S. Prosper saith to the Devils Moyses lifting up his hands in prayer obtained victory over the Amalecites Josue by prayer made the Sun and Moon stand still our Lord obeying the voice of a man How much more then may we hope the effect of our prayers for the obtaining of spiritual blessings Consider 2. Prayer as S. Augustine saith Aug. Serm. 26. de temp Luc. 11.13 is the Key of Heaven opening unto us all manner of heavenly treasures For by prayer we obtain 1. The divine Spirit of God Your father from heaven will give the good Spirit to them that ask him 2. Increase of habitual and sanctifying grace 3. More frequent supplies of actual grace 4. All manner of virtues and supernatural gifts Besides in the exercise thereof our faith is quickned our hopes raised and our love and affection inflamed towards God whom therein we acknowledge to be our chief Benefactor and Author of all good Is 65.24 Consider 3. All this and whatever else we can desire for our good Almighty God is readier to bestow upon us then we to ask and doth even prevent our prayers according to that And it shall be before they call I will hear as they are yet speaking I will hear And if he denieth us any thing it is our fault in demanding either what we ought not or not in the manner we ought but still his mercy Aug. Ser. 53. de Verb. Dom. for God in his mercy saith S. Augustine denieth such things which he could not grant but in wrath Be grateful for so great a benefit and serve your self of it by a due and constant use in all your occasions Of the benefit of Prayer Part 3. Eccli 18.23 COnsider 1. That of the wise man Before prayer prepare thy soul This preparation consisteth 1. In an humble heart towards God acknowledging our sins and unworthiness to appear in his sight as did the Publican and Centurion for God hath had respect to the prayer of the humble Ps 101.18 and he hath not despised their Petition And the prayer of him that humbleth himself shall penetrate the Clouds Eccl. 35.19 2. In peace and charity with our Neighbour pardoning all injuries and offences When you shall stand to pray Mar. 11.25 forgive if you have ought against any man c. 3. In putting off all hardness of heart towards the needy for as the wise man saith He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor Pro. 21.13 himself also shall cry and shall not be heard Mat. 6.6 Consider 2. In our prayer we must observe what Christ requireth in those words When thou shalt pray enter into thy chamber and having shut the door pray to thy father in secret c. That is we must retire our selves from all distracting objects and shut the doors of our senses We must also pray in spirit Jo. 4.23 and verity that is with a serious and earnest application of mind intending from our heart what we outwardly express in words that we may not be in the number of those of whom the Prophet This people honoreth me with their lips Mat. 15.8 but their heart is far from me We must finally bring a lively faith and confidence All things whatsoever you ask praying saith Christ believe that you shall receive Mar. 11.24 and they shall come unto you Consider 3. The grounds of this confidence which are chiefly three 1. The love of the Eternal Father towards us For as Christ said Jo. 16.27 The Father himself loveth you and who of his own accord bestowed his only Son upon us will not stick to grant us upon earnest entreaty lesser blessings 2. The Merits and Passion of Christ who is our Mediator and Advocate and assures us Jo. 14.13 Whatsoever we shall ask in his name that he will do 3. The intercession which the Divine Spirit himself doth make for us who as the Apostle saith Rom. 8.26 requesteth for us with groanings unspeakable On the Feast of our Lords Ascension Arise be illuminated Jerusalem upon thee shall our Lord arise and his glory shall be seen upon thee Is 60.1 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the King of Glory Ps 46.6 COnsider 1. Christ is often in the Scripture called the King of Glory and this day in triumphant manner he ascended the highest Heavens in great Glory and Majesty God is ascended in Jubilation and our Lord in the voice of Trumpet He is the Fountain whence Glory is derived to all the blessed and the several gifts of grace to the faithful but especially in this day of his Triumph as great Princes are wont in like occasions he prodigally
lyeth open for you Say with the Prophet who will give me wings as of a Dove and I will fly and rest Of Holy Communion Direct 〈◊〉 Lord my way in thy sight Ps 5.9 Consider Christ as the Director of our Actions Luc. 5.5 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Master labouring all the night we have taken nothing for men live in a great Mist or darkness of Ignorance not knowing what to do nor what will prove beneficial or hurtful for them wherefore they stand in need of a Divine Light whereby they may be directed in all things 2 Paralip 20.12 Whence King Josephat said Whereas we are ignorant what we ought to do this only we have left that we direct our eyes to thee Neither doth God refuse the Office of a Director for it is said of Joseph Gen. 39.23 Our Lord was with him and directed all his works Consider 2. Christ as we read in this daies Gospel directed the Apostles Fishing and presently there was taken a great quantity of Fish He will likewise come this day into your Soul and direct your Fishing that is your spiritual affairs so that you have great reason to hope for much profit provided that you loose your Net in his Word Luc. sup that it follow his directions and promptly obey his interiour Inspirations Consider 3. You must prepare your heart against the coming of this your Director and first purge it from all sin And therefore S. Peter in this daies Gospel said Go forth from me Sup. v. 8. because I am a sinful man O Lord Knowing that Christ cannot stand with sin Secondly you must make earnest suit unto our Lord beseeching him to do you that favour for of King Ozias it is said 2. Paralip 26.5 And when he sought our Lord be directed him in all things Wherefore say with the Prophet Look upon thy servants and upon thy works and direct their children And let the brightness of our Lord God be upon us Ps 89.16 and direct thou the works of our hands over us and the work of our hands do thou direct Of Christs retiring into the Desart c. Mat. 4. Marc. 1. Luc. 4. Mat. 4.1 COnsider 1. Jesus full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan and was driven in the Spirit into the Desart c. Ponder whither the Holy Spirit doth lead the Soul which it hath once replenished to wit to prayer and contemplation of heavenly things Besides our Lord retired himself to avoid the applause of the people which was like to follow from those wonderful signs which they had seen in his Baptisme He would before his Preaching make use of these Spiritual Exercises of 40 daies that you might learn to be well affected towards the like and to perform them with Spirit and Devotion in their time according to the example of our Lord. Rom. 8.14 Consider 2. Christ is said after his Baptisme to have followed the Conduct of the Holy Ghost to intimate that all who are baptized ought to follow the direction of the Divine Spirit not their own judgment Examine your self by what Spirit you are led in your actions whether of Perfection or of Vanity If you be the Son of God you must in all things be led by his Spirit For according to that of the Apostle whosoever are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God Marc. 1.13 Consider 3. What S. Mark saith of Christ And he was with Beasts Admire the Humility of our Lord who being the Creator of all disdained not for fourty daies to keep company with bruit beasts He might truly say with Job I was the Brother of Dragons Job 30.29 and fellow of Ostriches Be confounded that you cannot live contentedly but with those of your own humour Learn to bear patiently the fellowship of troublesome companions if you chance to live among them Greg. in cap. 30. Job For as S. Gregory saith No body is perfect that is impatient among ill Neighbours Of Christs Fasting Mat. 4. Luc. 4. Mat. 4.2 COnsider 1. And when he had fasted fourty daies and fourty nights afterward be was hungry Consider how Christ joyned Fasting and Mortification to his Prayer in the Desart for Prayer and Mortification are as two Sisters helping one the other Prayer quickneth Mortification and Mortification refineth Prayer as Fire doth Gold In this manner therefore Cant. 3.6 Christs prayer ascended by the Desart as a little rod of smoke of the Aromatical Spices of Myrrhe and Frankincense Endeavour that yours may ascend in like manner and remember what the Angel said Tob. 12.8 Prayer is good with Fasting and Alms. Pro. 21.27 Consider 2. Our Lord fasted with that rigour in the beginning of his Preaching to teach us that the beginning of a spiritual life much more of an Apostolical one ought to be taken from taming our sensual appetite Hence the antient Fathers as Cassian witnesseth ordained that the first Spiritual Lesson should be of taming this appetite for he that cannot master these palpable and grosser Vices how will he be able to subdue those that are more subtil and secret See therefore how you are in this point and ponder that of the wise man He that loveth good chear shall be in poverty to wit spiritual he that loveth wine and fat things shall not be rich Consider 3. The many fruits of Fasting that you may give your self to it as far as your health and strength of body will permit 1. It tameth the rebellion of the flesh 2. It purifieth the mind and makes it fit for heavenly contemplation 3. It appeaseth Gods wrath and indignation 4. It satisfieth for sin 5. It is meritorious of eternal life 6. It often obtains likewise temporal blessings 7. It is the Devils scourge 8. It is the food and nourishment of all Virtue Of Christs Temptations in the Desart Mat. 4. Luc. 4. Heb. 4.15 Heb. 2.18 COnsider 1. After 40 daies fast in the Desart our Lord suffered himself to be tempted by the Devil in point of Glurtony vain Glory Ambition and Avarice 1. That he might learn by his own experience to have compassion on our infirmities For in that wherein himself suffered and was tempted he is able to help them also that are tempted 2. That as a good Captain he might instruct us how to fight in this spiritual warfare Thank him therefore for so great an example of humility and say with the Prophet Blessed be our Lord my God who teacheth my hands to bated Ps 143.1 and my fingers to war S. Hilar. Consider 2. No body in this life although he be a Saint is free from Temptation This appeareth by the example of Christ and his Saints in so much that the perfecter a man is the more fiercely he is assaulted by the Devil who is more pleased saith S. Hilary with victory over Saints Be not therefore troubled if you find
Angelical behaviour and incomparable Innocency of Life Consider 3. Upon this occasion Christ said The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent bear it away Think how true that was in S. John in the Martyrs and in all the Saints There are two sorts of Violence the one exteriour which curbs the flesh the other interiour which bridleth the inordinate appetites of the mind whereof this latter is the more excellent but both to be used wherefore S. Hierom with good reason did say So much shall you profit Hieron ap Rodrig p. 2. tr 1. c. 5 by how much you offer violence to your self See what and how much it is that you do in this point Of the Martyrdome of S. John Baptist Mat. 14. Marc 6. Marc. 6.22 Eccles 7.2 COnsider 1. Herod made the supper of his Birth-day to the Princes c. Worldly men place their felicity in the enjoyment of this mortal life which notwithstanding passeth away like a shadow On the contrary the Holy Ghost saith Better is the day of Death then the day of Nativity for that this bringeth us into this world and into innumerable miseries the other if we have lived well uniteth us with God himself Therefore have your eye always upon that and dispose your self to it in all your actions Pro. 23 2â— Consider 2. Among their Cups and Dances was demanded and granted the Head of a most innocent and holy man where you may learn what crimes Riot and Wantonness do beget whence the wise man saith Be not in the feasts of great drunkards Herod fell into this Precipice for that he would not hear S. John which word signifieth Grace Take heed therefore you do not expose your self to the same ruine by resisting Gods holy Grace and Inspirations Woe to thee that despisest Is 33.1 shalt not thy self also be despised Ps 115.6 Consider 3. S. John received the Sentence of Death with great joy and with as great constancy laid his Head on the Block whence he breathed forth his blessed Soul into the bosom of Abraham Precious in the sight of our Lord is the death of his Saints Beg that you may come to the like end whereby you will have a most secure and short passage to Heaven Offer your self often to God for Martyrdome Imitate the example of so many glorious Martyrs of your Country by the continual practise of Virtue and constancy in Faith and Religion Of five thousand fed in the Desart Mat. 14. Jo. 6. Mar. 6. Part 1. Mar. 6.34 COnsider 1. How a great multitude of people followed Christ into the Desart drawn by his Miracles and Doctrine He had compassion on them c. and he began to teach them many things He first giveth them spiritual food afterwards also corporal You must also retire into the Desart far from the noise of worldly cares if you desire to be regaled by our Lord Osce 2.14 I will lead her into the wilderness and I will speak to her heart saith our Lord of a faithful soul Observe also the Apostles care for the people saying Mat. 14.15 Dismiss the multitudes that going into the Towns they may buy themselves victuals Ibid. Consider 2. Christ having demanded of his Disciples what they had to set before the people they answered him We have not here but five loaves and two fishes This was all the provision of that Apostolical Family a few course loaves and two fishes although they were themselves Fishermen Moreover they promptly exhibit what they have without alledging their own want or scarcity that you might learn what you can to help others according to that Tob. 4.8 As thou shalt be able so be merciful Ps 67.4 Consider 3. The Order of the Miracle the loaves being brought Christ commanded the multitude to sit down upon the grass The Apostles minister himself looking up to heaven blessed the loaves and distributed them In the same manner ought you to look up to heaven before you eat that is to lift up your heart to the Giver of all good that you may not fall upon your meat as beasts do Therefore David Let the Just make merry and rejoyce in the sight of God Of five thousand fed in the Desart Mat. 14.20 c. Part 2. Ps 77.19 Deut. 32.13 COnsider 1. How the Loaves by Divine Power were multiplied in the Apostles hands so that although they were continually distributing yet still they found either in their hands or in the Baskets more to distribute the Angels as is probable secretly supplying new provision of loaves and fish In like manner formerly at the prayers of Elias neither Meal nor Oyl was wanting although the present provision was daily spent Who would not willingly serve so good and powerful a Lord who can prepare a Table in the Desart and is able to bring forth honey out of the Rock and Oyl out of the hardest stone Is 55.2 Consider 2. They did all eat and had their fill The delights of this world may please and content us for a while but cannot fill for the Souls capacity and appetite is greater then to be satisfied with such Trash Christ alone is able to give it full content wherefore he saith by the Prophet Why bestow you silver not for bread and your labour not for satiety Come therefore to him that you may be filled Pro. 19. 17 Consider 3. After all had eaten the Apostles gathered out of the leavings more then what they had given out to wit twelve full baskets of the fragments So God is wont to reward the Charity of his Servants and is liberal to the liberal He lendeth our Lord that hath mercy on the poor and he will repay him the like Give therefore to your Brother good measure and pressed down Luc. 6.38 and shaken together and running over that you may receive the like into your bosome Christ flyeth Jo. 6.14 not to be made King Ps 43.5 COnsider 1. Those men therefore when they had seen what a sign Jesus had done said that this is the Prophet c. They were astonished at the strangeness of the Miracle of feeding five thousand with so little provision and would therefore have made Christ their King Our Lord worketh daily a far greater Miracle in feeding the whole world bringing forth plentiful Harvests out of a few grains of Corn why therefore do we not make him King of our heart obeying him in all things Thou art the same my King and my God which commandest the salvations of Jacob said King David Consider 2. Jesus therefore when he knew that they would come to take him and make him King he fled again into the Mountain himself alone Soveraignty was due to Christ as being Son of God it was due also to his Merits and Bountifulness towards men but he would not accept of it and whensoever there was any Treaty about it he fled away and hid himself
Octave Of Christ as Teacher of Justice Page 89 Of the Sages Journey to Jerusalem 2. Med. Page 91. c. Of Herods Enquiry after Christ Page 93 Of the Sages Arrival and Adoration at Bethlehem Page 94 Of their Offerings Page 96 Of their Return Page 97 2. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Spouse Page 99 Of the Virgins Purification Page 100 Of our Lords Presentation Page 101 Of what passed with Holy Simeon 2. Med. Page 103. c. Of what passed with Anna. 2. Med. Page 105. c. 3. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Physitian Page 108 Of Christs Flight into Egypt 3. Med. Page 109. c. Of the Murder of the Holy Innocents Page 113 Of Christs Return out of Egypt Page 114 Of the Virtues which Christ exercised in his Infancy Page 115 4. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Souls Tranquility Page 117 Of Christs going up to the Temple 2. Med. Page 118 c Of Christs being sought by his Parents Page 120 Of Christs being found by his Parents Page 121 Of Christs Return to Nazareth and Obedience to his Parents 2. Med. Page 122 c 5. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as the Good Seed Page 124 Of Christs growing in Age Wisdom c. 2. Med. Page 12â— c Of our necessity of profiting in Virtue 2. Med. Page 127 c Of Christs Life from the 12th to his 30th Year 2. Med. Page 130 c 6. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ compared to the Mustard-seed Page 132 From Septuagesm to Easter Of our Lords Passion Things to be noted concerning the Meditations of the Passion Page 134 c Septuagesm Sunday Of Christ as Master of our Souls Vineyard Page 136 Christ inviteth all to contemplate his Passion Page 137 Of the General Circumstances of Christs Passion 5. Med. Page 138 c Sexagesm Sunday Of Christ as the Seed of Eternal Life Page 143 Of Christs foretelling his Passion Page 145 Of Christs Solemn Entrance into Jerusalem 2. Med. Page 146 c Of Christs being sold by Judas Page 148 Of the Paschal Lamb Page 1â—9 Of washing the Disciples Feet Page 151 Quinquagesm Sunday Of Christ as the Light of our Soul Page 152 Of the Institution of the B. Sacrament 1. Med. Page 153 c Of our Lords Sermon after Supper 2. Med. Page 156 c Of Christs Prayer in the Garden Page 158 Of Christs Bloody Sweat and of the Angel Page 160 1. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as our Captain Page 161 Of Christs meeting Judas c. Page 162 Of Judas his Kiss Page 163 Of Christs casting his Enemies on the ground and being taken Page 165 Of Christs being bound and of the Disciples Flight Page 166 Of Christs being led to Annas Page 167 Of the Blow in Annas House Page 168 2. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as the Transfigurer of our Soul Page 170 Of Christs Accusation before Caiphas Page 171 Of the Injuries which Christ suffered in Caiphas's house 2 Med. Page 172 c Of Peter's denying Christ 2. Med. Page 175 c Of Judas his Despair Page 177 3. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as our Souls Guardim Page 179 Of Christs Journey from Caiphas to Pilat Page 180 Of Christs Accusation before Pilat Page 181 Of Christ sent to Herod Page 182 Of Barabbas preferred before Christ Page 184 Of the Whipping at the Pillar 2. Med. Page 185 c 4. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as the Food of our Soul Page 187 Of the Crowning with Thorns Page 188 Loe the Man 2. Med. Page 189 c Of Christ condemned to death Page 191 Of Christs carrying his Cross Page 193 Of meeting the Virgin Page 194 Passion Sunday Of Christ as a hidden God Page 195 Of crucifying our Lord. 3. Med. Page 196 c Of Christs first Word on the Cross Page 200 Of the second Word Page 201 Of the third Word Page 202 Palm Sunday Of Christ as a mild King Page 204 Of the fourth Word Page 205 Of the fifth Word Page 206 Of Christs last words and Death Page 207 Maundy Thursday Of Christ as our Redeemer Page 209 A Summary of our Lords Passion Page 210 Of our Lords Burial Page 211 From Easter to Whitsontide Things to be observed in the Meditations of the Mysteries of the Resurrection Page 213 Easter day Of Christ as our Resurrection Page 215 Of our Lords Resurrection Page 216 Of Christs appearing to his B. Mother Page 218 Of the Angels Apparition at the Sepulchre Page 219 Of Christs appearing to Mary Magdalen Page 220 Of his appearing to the other Women Page 221 Of Peter and John at the Sepulchre Page 223 Low Sunday Of Christ as the Prince of Peace Page 224 Of Christs appearing to the Disciples going to Emmaus 2. Med. Page 225 c Of his appearing to his Disciples S. Thomas being absent 2. Med. Page 228 c Of his appearing to them when S. Thomas was present Page 230 Of his Wounds shewed to S. Thomas Page 232 2. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as a good Pastor Page 233 Of Christs appearing to seven Disciples Fishing 2. Med. Page 235 c Of Christs committing his Sheep to Peter Page 237 Of his last Apparition on the Mount Page 238 Of other Apparitions within the 40 days Page 240 Of divers Circumstances of Christs Apparitions Page 241 3. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as our Comforter Page 242 Of Gods Benefits and 1. Of Creation 2. Med. Page 243 c Of the Benefit of Conservation 2. Med. Page 246 c Of the Benefit of Redemption 2. Med. Page 248 4. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as our Advocate Page 250 Of the Benefit of Adoption 3. Med. Page 251 c Of the Benefit of the Holy Sacraments Page 255 Of the Benefit of the Angels Custody Page 256 Of the Benefit of the Patronage of Saints Page 257 5. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as the Bestower of Gifts Page 258 Of the Benefit of Prayer 3. Med. Page 259 c On Ascension day Of Christ as King of Glory Page 263 Of our Lords Ascension 2. Med. Page 264 c Sunday in the Oct. of Ascen Of Christ as a Pledge of future Glory Page 266 Of Heavenly Glory 4. Med. Page 267 c Of the expectation of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 271 c From Whitsontide to November or Advent Whitsunday Of Christ as a Fire Page 273 Of the coming of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 274 c Of the gifts of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 276 c Of the fruits of the Holy Ghost Page 278 Of the Life of the first Christians Page 279 Trinity Sunday Of Christ as second Person of the B. Trinity Page 280 Of the three Persons in the B. Trinity 3. Med. Page 281 c Corpus Christi day Of Christ as Instituter of the B. Sacrament Page 284 Of the H. Eucharist as compared with Manna 2. Med. Page 285 Sunday in the Oct. Corp. Chr. Of the Eucharist as a Banquet Page 288 Of the Eucharist