chosen vertues LXXVII MEDITATION Of the last supper that our Sauiour made with his Apostles Matt. 26.20 Mark 14.17 Luk. 22.14 1. CONSIDER hovv tovvards the euening our Lord came to the house wherein his Apostles had prepared for him to celebrate the Pasche and whilest supper was a dressing he coÌ„tinued to teach them as he was wont to do 2. How when it was time he sate downe at the table telling them that he had an earnest desire to celebrate this feast with them before his passion and that this should be the last time in which he should eate before his death 3. How after these words he did eate the Paschall lambe according to the ceremonies vsed amongst the Iewes Let vs learne 1. To eate the true Paschall lambe that is our Sauiours body with azime or vnleauened bread that is with a pure conscience and voide of all malice or affection to sinne 2. To eate the same with bitter lettice which doth denote vnto vs the bitternes of Contrition that we ought to feele for our sinnes 3. To eate it being girt and shod to wit hauing all our senses affections well shut vp and sundred as much as is possible from worldly affaires LXXVIII MEDITATION How our Lord did wash his Apostles feete Iohn 1â— 3 1. CONSIDER how our Lord rising from table and laying aside his garments tooke a towell girded himself and powring water into a basen came to wash his Apostles feetes 2. How going to begin and kneeling before S. Peter this holy Apostle told him resolutely that he would neuer suffer his Creatour and Maister to wash his feete but then vnderstanding that if he were not so wasshed he could haue no part of eternall glory with his maister he let our Sauiour do what pleased him where we may wel think how much the Apostles were astonished at this example 3. How this ceremonie being ended our Lord said vnto them I haue giuen you an example that as I haue done you do also Let vs learne 1. To arise from the table that is to leaue and abandon all consolations and commodities thereby to assist and help our neigbours 2. To humble our selues at all mens feete 3. To wash the feete of our disciples which are our disordered senses and affectioÌ„s therby to serue God more sincerely LXXIX MEDITATION Of the institution of the most holy Sacrament of the Altar Matt. â—6 26 Mark 14.22 Luk. 22.17 1. Corinth 11.24 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour hauing washed his Apostles feete sate downe againe to the table tooke bread and giuing thankes to God his Father did blesse and giue it to his Apostles saying Take and eate this is my Body 2. How he tooke afterward the Cuppe and giuing thanks blessed it and gaue it to them saying This is my bloud do this in remembrance of me Where we may admire the goodnes and clemency of our Lord who not content to haue become man for our sakes would also leaue his most precious Body and Bloud for our sustenance 3. Consider how greatly the Apostles were amazed to vnderstand this new mysterie and much more when they felt the consolation and aboundance of grace which they got by receauing of this holy SacrameÌ„t Let vs learne 1. To be thankfull as the Apostles were for so great a benefit 2. To feele our selues inwardly inflamed with a new fire of loue 3 To dispose our selues as they also did to beare all the Crosses and aduersities that may betide vs that so we may become worthy to enioy daily so precious a gift And therefor we must force our selues to feele the same spirituall affection as often as we frequent the holy Communion LXXX MEDITATION How our Sauiour discouered the treasoÌ„ plotted against him by Iudas Mat. 26.21 Mark 14.18 Luke 22.21 Iohn 13.21 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour sitting yet at the table with his disciples and thinking vpon the enormitie of the treason that Iudas had plotted against him was greatly troubled for the losse of that wretched soule and therefore told them that one of them should deliuer him to his enemies 2. How S. Peter vnderstanding this heauie news and desirous to know who this might be made S. Iohn as a meane to learne it who layning his head on our Sauiours lappe demaunded of him which of them was that treacherous wretch 3. How our Lord hauing giueÌ„ the token of him to his beloued disciple tooke bread dipt it and gaue to Iudas bidding him make hast to dispatch what he had vndertaken Let vs learne 1. How much we ought to make accompt of our soules since our Sauiour was so much troubled for the losse of this traitours soule 2. How the puritie of mind and body doth make vs familiar with almighty God and partakers of his secretes 3. Not to do any thing in secret which we would not should be knowen both of God and men for feare least the Diuell seduce vs as he did Iudas LXXXI MEDITATION How our Lord did foretell S. Peter that he should deny him Mat. 26.33 Mark 14.29 Luk 22.31 Iohn 13.36 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour continuing still to think on his Passion and forseeing that not only Iudas should betray him but that also all the rest would abandone and forsake him began to take his leaue of them and told them that he was to depart and goe where none could follow him 2. How S. Peter promised to follow him though it were to prison and death if need required which also the rest of them did promise to do 3. How our Sauiour knowing right well what was to fall out did foretell them that they all should be scandalized in him that night said to S. Peter that before the Cocke crew twice he should thrice deny him Let vs learne 1. To think often on our end that we may prepare our selues the better for it 2. To be ready to suffer all that may befall vs for Gods sake 3. Not to trust ouermuch to our owne forces seeing that the most able do oftentimes breake their promises in matters of life and death LXXXII MEDITATION How our Lord went to the garden of Gethsemani Matth. 26.36 Mark 14.32 Luk. 22.39 Iohn 18.1 1. CONSIDER how it is now the time that the true lambe setteth forth to go to the place of sacrifice not omitting neuertheles to comfort his disciples so greatly afflicted for that they were to loose their maister that night 2. How when they had passed the brooke Cedron and drew towards the village of Gethsemani our Sauiour found himself so surprised with griefe and sorrow that he said vnto his disciples My soule is sorrowfull euen vnto death which is as much as to say that the sorrow which he felt was sufficient to kill him 3. Hovv being entred into the gardeÌ„ be forthvvith kneeled dovvne with his face to the ground thereby as it were not to feele so great affliction and heart-breach in beholding the sinnes of the world for which he was so much tormented Let vs
â—gue yet he did expect that the Apostles should pray and make inâ—ercession vnto him for her curing 3. Consider how hauing heard â—heir request he approached to the â—atients bed commaunded the â—euer to leaue her and taking her by the hand did render her in an instant so whole that forth with she arose serued him at the table Let vs learne 1. To imploy our selues willingly for the poore and diseased and other persons that be in necessâ—tie as here we see that the Apostles did 2. To obey those promptly and speedily which do commaund vs in the place of Almighty God to whom euen the things insensible dâ— obey as heere the feuer did 3. To vse well the fauours anâ— graces that our Lord bestowetâ— vpon vs as this good woman did XXXII MEDITATION How our Sauiour did appease the tempest on the sea Mathew 8.23 Mark 4.36 Luk. 8.22 1. CONSIDER how oâ— Sauiour hauing bestâ—wed all the night in praier accoding to his holy wonted manner and being entred the day following into a bark to passe a certaine lake was surprized with sleepe and sleeping in the puppe did permit a great tempest to arise on the water 2. Consider how the disciples perceauing the wind to increase more and more and the waues to grow higher and the water to enter into the bark in great quantity had recourse to our Sauiour and raiâ—ed him saying Lord saue vs we perish 3. Consider how Christ our Lord rising vp reprehended them that they had so little faith and then commaunded the winds and the water which forthwith became calme Let vs learne 1. That we cannot liue in this â—orld without many aduersities and â—emptations the which our Lord â—oth permit to befall vs for our greaâ—r good and profit 2. To make recourse vnto our Sauiour as often as we feele any trouble in our sowle Neuer to loose courage seeing that our Lord can set vs at peace with one only little word XXXIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour healed him that was sick of the palsey Matth. 9.1 Mark 2.3 Luk 5.18 1. CONSIDER the faith prudence and charity of those that brought this sick man of the palsey for seeing they could not enter into the place where Christ was by reason of the throng of people they went vp vpon the roofe and through the tiles did let him downe before IESVS 2. Consider how our Lord did not reprehend the importunity oâ— these men that in so doing did interrupt and hinder his sermon buâ— considering their deuotion he gaue the sick man more then he demaunded 3. Consider how Christ perceauing that the Iewes did murmur of this that he shewed himself powerable to forgiue sinnes teacheth them that there is required as much power to heale suddainly one that is diseased as to forgiue him his sinnes presently commaundeth the sick-man to take vp his bed walke Let vs learne 1. Not to be sparing of our selues in ought that we may do for such as are needie in sicknes 2. To beare with the infirmities and imperfections of others rendring euermore to theÌ„ more good then they doe vs harme 3. Neuer to leaue off the good works that we haue vndertaken begun albeit men mocke or murmur at vs for doing of them XXXIV MEDITATION How our Sauiour called his Apostles the second time Matth. 4.18 Mark 1.16 Luk. 5.10 1. CONSIDER how S. Peter and S. Andrew although they had byn once before called by our Sauiour yet notwithstanding they returned againe to their ould trade of fishing and fished so much that they were forced to mend their nets with intention to make a greater draught of fish 2. Consider how our Sauiour tooke the paine to go find out theÌ„ who in all reason ought to haue come vnto him and although he seemed but to recreate himselfe to walk by that sea-coast yet were his thoughts pitched on higher things 3. CoÌ„sider how the Disciples at our Sauiours bare word abaÌ„doned their nets bark and father to follow our Lord God who called them Let vs learne 1. That whosoeuer desireth sincerely to follow Christ our Sauiour must leaue all the occasioÌ„s of sinne by which as in a net he may be intangled 2. He must leaue his ship that is the possession of temporall things 3. He must abandon all carnall affection towards his parents which he ought to turne into spirituall loue and charity XXXV MEDITATION How S. Matthew was called to the Apostleship Matth. 9.9 Mark 2.14 Luke 5.27 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour had called and chosen for his seruice certaine poore fisher-men which were rude simple people he will haue moreouer a publike sinner to shew vnto the world that he was come for such sort of persons 2. Consider how S. Matthew did presently and wholy abandon all his treasures to follow our Sauiour whereupon we are to marke the efficacie force of Gods word which in so short speach worketh so great effects 3. Consider how our Lord did suffer himself to be lead to that banquet therby to find occasion to instruct the Publicans Customers and when the Scribes and others murmured therat he answered saying They that are whole need not the Phisician Le vs learne 1. To acknowledge the great grace that God doth vnto vs when it pleaseth him to call vs vnto him we being rude ignorant and wicked 2. To make great account of and to chearish holy inspirations and interiour vocation which it pleaseth God to send vs daily 3. To shunne murmuring of others XXXVI MEDITATION How our Sauiour did raise the Prince of the Sinagogue his daughter Matt. 9.18.23 Mark 5.22.35 Luke 8 41.4â— 1. CONSIDER how this good Iairus in presence of all the multitude that followed our Sauiour did humbly cast himselfe down at his feete praying him very affectuously to come vnto his house to touch and heale his daughter that was grieuously sicke 2. Consider how our Lord breaking off the discourse which he had begun went forth-with to satisfy the will of this Archsynagogue and although his seruant which they met by the way reported that his daughter was deceased and that they needed not to take any more paine for her yet did our Sauiour both comfort the dolefull father and continue on his way 3. Consider how when our Sauiour was come to Iairus howse he put forth the minstrels that were about the dead body stretched forth his hand tooke that of the dead commaunded her to rise which she presently did Let vs learne 1. To present our praiers vnto almighty God with all humility feruour and great confidence 2. To assist our neighbours speedily when we are requested so to doe 3. To reiect far from vs all cogitation and remembrance of vaine things if we be desirous that our Lord speake vnto our soule make her awake out of the sleepe of her imperfections XXXVII MEDITATION How our Sauiour did heale the woman that had an issue of bloud Matth. 9.20 Mark 5.25 Luk. 8.43 1. CONSIDER
the faith hope and charity of this good woman who was content to touch not the body or apparel of our Sauiour but euen the hemme of his garment 2. Consider how although our Lord to whome nothing is hidden knew right well who it was that had touched him yet did he turne to behould her and said that he felt the vertue that proceeded from him therby to manifest the faith of this woman and the health she had receaued â— Consider how this good woman fearing to be punished and to fall againe into her wonted disease did prostrate her selfe at the feet oâ— our Sauiour who commended her faith and dismissed her wholâ—â—ecouered of her infirmity Let vs learne 1. With what faith and reuerence we ought to receaue the precious Body of our Sauiour 2. Not to do any thing that we would not haue manifest known to the whole world seeing God doth know it and can make it open 3. To acknowledge all the good that we haue as coÌ„ming from Gods liberall hand and to render him oftentimes thankes for the same THE THIRD PART OF THE EVANGELICAL HISTORY Comprehending that which our Sauiour did in the second yeare of his preaching XXXVIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour cured a bedred mâ—â— at the miraculous pond Iohn 5.1 1. CONSIDER how our Lord IESVS Christ to solemnize the holy daie the better went to visite the hospitall of incurable sick folks which was built neere a great pond that was in Ierusalem 2. Consider how albeit our Sauiour had compassion of all the sick folks that were within the fiue porches or roomes of that hospitall notwithstanding he did choose one only who had laÌ„guished there thirtie eight yeares of whome also he demaunded whether he would be cured 3. Consider how the poore sick man being commaunded by our Sauiour did arise take his bed and returne home to his house whole and ioyfull Let vs learne 1. To visit hospitalls and other sick houses willingly 2 To support patiently the infirmities that God laieth vpon vs as much and as long as it shall please him 3. To ayd our selues with those humane helps that God hath sent vs and to endeauour to march forward euery day making some progresse in vertue XXXIX MEDITATION Of the Sermon that our Lord made vpon the mountaine Matth. 5.1 Luke 6.17 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour desiring to instruct his disciples of things much important for their saluation departed from the towne and went vp to a mountaine and although many others did follow him yet did he cast his eyes principally vpon his disciples as vpon those that were more capable of his doctrine by reason of their simplicity and goodnes 2. Consider and weigh well the words of the first beatitude Blessed are the poore in spirit for theirs is the Kingdome of Heauen â— Consider and ruminate the second beatitude Blessed are the meek for they shall possesse the Land Let vs learne 1. That to reape profit by hearing Gods word we must free our selues from the care of all earthly things 2. That if the reward of the poore be euerlasting lyfe as our Sauiour hath said then those that loue riches ouer much ought iustly to feare that they shall neuer enter into heauen 3. That if the poore in spirit which be such as are humble haue heauen for their recompence and the meek the land then for the proud and cholerick there remaineth but hell XL. MEDITATION Of the six last beatitudes Matthew 5.5 1. CONSIDER that we muâ—â— take these beatitudes one by one weigh well the wordes oâ—â—â—ch of them and endeauour to â—â—ape some spirituall fruit out oâ—â—â—em The beatitudes vpon which we are to make this meditation are these The 3. Blessed are they that mourne for they shal be comforted 2. The 4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after iustice for they shall haue their fill The 5. Blessed are the mercifull for they shall obtaine mercy The 6. Blessed are the cleane of heart for they shall see God 3. The 7. Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God The 8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for iustice for theirs is the kingdome of heauen Let vs learne 1. That yf they which do mourne in this world shall be comforted in the other what may those expect that do nothing els but laugh and reioice in this world but that â—hey shall weepe and lament for euer in the world to come 2. That it is not sufficient 〈◊〉 to loue iustice but we must alâ— haue hunger and thirst therof 〈◊〉 desire that these things daily increasâ— in vs. 3. That we must willingly foâ—giue those which do offend vs 〈◊〉 we will obtaine pardon and mercâ— of those whome we our selues haâ— so often offended 4. To loue purity of heart An so to take some profit of the rest XLI MEDITATION How our Sauiour did câ—re a Lepe Matthew 8.1 Mark 1.40 Luke 5.12 1. CONSIDER the faith this Leper which moâ— him to come towards our Sauiâ— to be healed the deuotion whâ— he shewed in kneeling and adori him and the maÌ„ner that he obâ—â—ed in demaunding his health â—â—bmitting himself wholy to the will and good pleasure of our Saâ—iour 2. Consider how our Lord did touch him notwithstanding that the Jewes did so abhorall kind of leprosie that they did cast out of their Citties euen those that were troubled with the itch disdaining as much as to looke vpon lepers 2. Consider how our Sauiour sent him to the Priest and did forbid him to tell any body of his cure which commaundement notwithstanding he did not obey esteeming himself more bound to render thankes to his benefactor then by silence to fauour his humility Let vs learne 1. To imitate the deuotion of â—his poore Leper 2. Neuer to sâ—unne nor refuse â—o touch the diseased persons be â—heir euils neuer so horrible and â—wle 3. To flie vaineglorie and not desire to be spoken of yea though we wrought miracles XLII MEDITATION How our Sauiour cured the Centurious seruant Matthew 8.5 Luke 7.1 1. CONSIDER the affection that this good Centurion did beare to his seruant which was cause that he did nâ— only labour himself for his health but also imploied the assistance oâ— his friends to goe and solicite ouâ— Sauiour 2. Consider the great reuerence that he did beaâ—e to our Lord not daring himself to goe vnto him and causing him to be praied not 〈◊〉 take the paine to come vnto thâ— sicke-man but only to commaunâ— from the place where then he was in which action this Centurion diâ— shew a most excellent faith and such as deserued to be praised by our Sauiours owne mouth 3. Consider how our Lord granted vnto the Centurion all that he had demaunded and although he was absent yet cured his man sick of the palsey Let vs learne 1. Not to contemne any man be he a poore seruant or whosoeuer 2. To interpose the Saints to pray God for vs as this Centurion did vse
with attention and affection And if we meditate more then once in one day in that quarter of an houre going before our tyme appointed we must read ouer diligently the matter of our meditation deuide it and settle it in our mind thinking what we are to do before whome to appeare with whome to talke and making such preparation as we appointed for our mornings meditation The performance of Meditation §. 2. THE houre of meditation being come we may imagine our selues to be inuited by our good Angell or by some other Saint to whome we are particulerly deuoted to appeare in the presence of God wherefore hauing made the signe of the holy Crosse and sprinkled our selues with holy water we may go presently with a a kinde of spirituall hunger to the place where we meane to make our meditation and standing from thence a pace or two briefly lift vp our minde to Almighty God imagining him to be so present with vs as truly he is that he behouldeth what we are to do doth shew vnto vs in that very place his most venerable and glorious countenance 2. The presence of God is best framed of our Vnderstanding by making an act of faith wherby we beleeue Almighty God to be so present there that he compasseth vs round on euery side as the water compasseth the fish and yet is also within vs and the things before vs as he is in all things somwhat like the water which is entred into a sponge and this by his diuine essence presence and power which penetrate the nature of euery creature and giue them needfull helpe for their operations 3. It helpeth much our attentioÌ„ to conceiue the presence of God after the liueliest manner wee can and to fix our meditation as much as humaine frailtie will permit continually in the sight of God perswading our selues that he is much pleased to see vs proceede with diligence in this spirituall affaire and much dislikes yf wee performe it negligently and in this point we must force our selues at little at the first vntill exercise produce facilitie 4. Hauing conceiued God thus present we must next looke vpon our owne vnworthines and with great reuerence say with the Patriarke Abraham Loquar ad Dominum meum cùm sim pultuis cinis I will speake to my Lord beeing dust and ashes and with internall adoration bending the knees of our hare kneele downe before our Lord professing the presence of the Blessed Trinity with some wordes fitting that purpose as Benedictusâ—â— Sancto Indiuidua Trinitas Blessed be the holy and 〈◊〉 deuided Trinity or Gloria Patri Filio Spiritui Sancto Glorie to the Father to the Sonne and to the holy Ghost or Sanctus Sanctuâ— Sanctus Dominus Deus omnipotens qui erat qui est qui venturus est Holy holy holy Lord God omnipotent who was who is and who is to come or the like But yf through indisposition or weaknes of body we find our selues vnapt to kneele we may hauing entred into our meditation either stand sit or walke or vse such situation of body as we shall finde fittest for our infirmitie And although we should haue our body well disposed to kneele yet if we find not in our meditation the comfort we expect we may change somtime the position we were in as froÌ„ kneeling to sitting standing walking prostrating our selues vpon our face at our Sauiours feete c. 5. And in trauel either on foot or otherwise we may meditate 〈◊〉 we goe on our iourney but ordinarily yf wee be not otherwaies hindred kneling is the fittest positioÌ„ to procure reuerence and deuotioÌ„ 6. Being on our knees or otherwaies ready to begin our meditatioÌ„ let vs acknowledge our selues sinners with as much inward feeling of heart as we can asking humbly pardon of Gods diuine Maiesty saying with diuotion the foure first verses of the Miserere Psalme the Confiteor or some other prayer to that purpose 7. Then encouraging our selues with hope of pardon we may behould the maiesty of God there present and acknowleging the great bande we haue to imploy our selues wholy in his seruice make with feeling deuotion the preparatiue Praier which is nothing els but a short petition wherein we aske helpe of God that all our powers and actions and that in particuler we now goe about may be sincerely directed and performed to the honour of God and the benefit of our owne soule 8. Then must we proceed to the preaÌ„bles or Preludiums which are three if the matter be historicall but if it be not of some history they are only two 9. The first Preludium or Preamble which is proper onely to the meditation made vpon some historie is a breife calling to mind of the mystery we are to meditate no otherwaies then if we should tell it to another without any discourse theron at all 10. The seconde is common to all Meditations and is an imagination of seeing the places where the thinges we meditate on were wrought by imagining our selues to be really present at those places which we must endeauour to represent so liuely as though we saw them indeed with our corporall eyes which to performe well it will help vs much to behould before-hande some Image wherein â—â—at mistery is well represented and to haue read or heard what good Authors write of those places and to haue noted well the distance from one place to another the height of the hills and the situation of the townes and villages And the diligence we employ heerein is not lost for on the well making of this Preludium depends both the vnderstanding of the mystery and attention in our meditation 11. Yf our meditation be of some spirituall matter of which we spake before which affordes no historie we must frame our second Preludium according thereunto as If wee meditate on sinnes we may imagine our soule to be cast out of Paradise and to be held prisoner in this body of ours fettered with the chaines of disordinate Passions and affections and clogged with the burden of our owne flesh If on Hell we may behould with our imagination the length breadth and depth of that horrible place Yf on Heauen the spatiâ—â—â— plesantnes of that celestiall Countrie the glorious companie of Angels and Saintes Yf on Gods iudgment which must passe vpon vs our Sauiour sitting on his Iudgment Seate and we before him expecting the finall Sentence if on death our selues laied on our bed forsakeÌ„ of the Physitians compassed about with our weeping friends and expecting our last agony Thus our second Preludium in these Meditations which are spirituall as we call them must be some similitude answerable to the matter 12. The third Preludium in all Meditations is a short but earnest prayer to God for that thing which we haue proposed as the scope and ende of our Meditation of which we haue already spoken Hauing finished these Preludiums we must begin the first pointe of our Meditation exercising
exercise we may make one or mâ—re Coloquiums according to the disposition of our aff ction euen as we make theâ— at the end of our meditatioÌ„ which we shall doe the better if we maintaine or renew some of those liuâ—lâ— imaginations in which we found most spirituall comfort VVhat we ought to do after the application of our Senses §. 3. VVE must do all those things which are set downe in our former practice to be done after meditation so far forth as they appertaine to this exercise 2. We may examine in particuler how we haue apprehended the obiects of the senses with our imagination vvhether with ease or difficulty vvith right or vvrong cleare or doubtfull apprehensions as vve said before of MeditatioÌ„ purposing to auoid aftervvardes that vvhich hath proued ill and to continue that which hath succeeded well THE FIRST PART OF THE EVANGELICALL HISTORY Contayning those thinges that concerne the Infancy Childhood of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ I. MEDITATION Of the Councell held in Heauen touching the Incarnation of the Sonne of God 1. REPRESENT vnto your selfe the whole face of the earth with all the diuersity of people vpon the same and then consider the most Holy Trinity who from the highest heauens doth view and behold all things 2. Giue eare to the speaches and discourses that men do make euery one about his owne affaires hearken how some do forsweare themselues others do curse blaspheme some take pleasure in lying others in vsing euill language and now and then listen to the Councell that the diuine Persons do hold concerning the Redemption of mankind 3. Togeather with this take notice of the actions and workes oâ— men of the murthers thefts and other sinnes that were committed whilest the most Holy Trinity diâ— resolue to help mankind by the Incarnation of the Diuine Word Let vs learne 1. How profitable the meditation of heauenly things is 2. How wary and circumspecâ— we must be in all our actions seeinâ— than the reuenging eye of Gods iustice is alwayes watchfull ouer vs. 3. To render a million of thanks to God the Father for the Incarnation of his Sonne Sauiour of the world II. MEDITATION How the Angell Gabriel did foretell to Zacharie the birth of S Iohn Baptist Luke 1.11 GOD vsed such mercy towards Zacharie who prayed for himself and his wife as well as for the people of Israel that he did not only graunt his request but also sent him an Angell who did tell him euen the name of the sonne that should be borne vnto him 2. Zacharie much astonished at these newes yea saltring as it were betwixt feare and hope and not forthwith giuing credit to the Angels words was made dumbe vnâ—ill his sonnes natiuity 3. Elizabeth hauing conceaued was so afraid at these newes that she durst make no mention therof vntill the fifth moneth was past Let vs learne 1. To pray with attention and reuerence if we desire to be heard receiue the fruit of our demauÌ„ds by the ministery of Angells that do enuiron vs. 2. Not to giue credit lightly to euery spirit but to try and proue those that be of God 3. To acknowledge the benefits of Almighty God before we do diuulge them III. MEDITATION Of the Annunciation Luke 1.26 1. CONSIDER how our B. Ladie being in praier the Angel Gabriel came to aduertise her that she should conceiue in her wombe and become Mother of the Sonne of God and Sauiour of the world 2. The Virgin was much amazed at these tydinges neuertheles being certified by the Angell that all should be done by vertue of the holy Ghost without preiudice of her virginity shee was wonderfully comforted and rendred thanks to God 3. Consider the singular vertues that our B. Lady did shew when she receiued this embassage to the end that you may imitate them Let vs learne 1. Her wisdome when she began to ponder with her selfe what the Angel would say whence he came and what this salutation meant 2. The zeale of her purity when she said How shall this be donne seeing I haue promised and vowed vnto God perpetuall Chastity 3. Her obedience and humility when being instructed by the Angel she gaue her consent and said Behold heere the handmaid of our Lord. IIII. MEDITATION Of the Visitation Luke 1.39 1. CONSIDER how the Mother of God vnderstanding by report of the Angel that her cosen Elizabeth who long time had byn barren had now miraculously conceaued in her old age went humbly to visit her so to serue and assist her in all her necessities 2. Elizabeth saluted by the Virgin was replenished with the holy Ghost with so great consolation that euen the little infant she did beare in her wombe did leape for ioy 3. The Virgin Mother hearing how Elizabeth did call her mother of God and Blessed among womeÌ„ praised and magnified her Creatour acknowledging and confessing him to be the author of all her good Let vs learne 1. To be carefull and diligent to exercise the works of charity and willingly to serue and assist those that need our help 2. To seeke the meanes to be visited by our B. Lady by rendring our selues wholy deuoted vnto her 3. To attribute and referre alwaies all good and praise to God the Creatour if we will be exempted from ingratitude and pride V. MEDITATION Of the Natiuity and Circumcision of S. Iohn Bapt. Luke 1.59 1. CONSIDER how not only the kinsfolke and allies but also the neighbours reioiced to see Elizabeth that was barren bring forth a faire sonne in her old age 2. Not without diuine inspiration did the Father Mother contrary to the aduise of all their kinsfolke call the child Iohn which name was foretold them by Gods commandement 3. S. Iohn being circumcised the tongue of his Father Zacharie was miraculously loosed to the end that he whome we read not to haue done any other miracle all the rest of his life should at leastwise in the beginning therof giue proofe and argument of his future holines Let vs learne 1. To be glad of our neighbours good 2. To follow diuine inspirations 3. To blesse and praise God continually with Zacharie for the benefits receiued at his hands VI. MEDITATION Of the aduertisement S. Ioseph receaued when he did deliberate to dismisse his espouse Mat. 1.18 1. CONSIDER how S. Ioseph perceiuing that the Virgin when she returned from Zacharie his house was great with child and being a iust man would not charge her with any thing much lesse complaine or accuse her to the Iudge but determined with himself to dismisse her secretly 2. How whilest he was in this deliberation the Angel appeared vnto him in sleep and did free him from so great care as troubled him recommending vnto him affectuously both the mother and the child that should be borne of her 3. Thinke with what ioy this deuout person was surprised when he receaued this vision and by meanes of it did come to know the integrity of
to retyre into â—gypt obeyed promptly not excâ—sing himselfe that it was winter â— a bad time to trâ—uaile in or that hâ— knew not the way or that the people of Egypt were idolatours anâ— infidels 2. How our Lord the King oâ— Kings doth fly the crueltie and tyrannie of an earthly King and how euen from his tender age he beginneth to suffer persecution for our iâ—struction and saluation 3. How the holy mother did beaâ— her beloued babe in her armes beinâ— more molested in mind for compassion of the cold and discommoditâ— that her little Sonne endured the for the paine that she her selfe took for him in so long and tedious a voâ— age which led them into a straâ—â— country where they were constrâ—ned to earne their liuing with theiâ— hand-worke Let vs learne 1. To obey promptly euen secrâ— admonitions by S. Iosephs example 2. To suffer willingly with our Blessed Lady 3. Not to care in what place we â—ine so it be to the greater glory of God XIV MEDITATION Of the Killing of the Innocents Matth. 2.16 1. CONSIDER the fury and rage of Herod who hauing vnderstood how the three Kings were returned to their country by â—nother way and being aduertised â—f that which passed in the Temple â—he day of the Purification did coÌ„maund that all the little men-chilâ—ren in Bethleem and in all the â—orders therof from two yeares â—ld and vnder should be killed 2. Consider the griefe which â—ur Lord did feele euen then seing â—s he did well know all things so many little infants to be so cruellâ— slaine for his sake 3. Consider the cruelty of thosâ— barbarous souldiars which hauinâ— no regard neither of age nor of sex nor of the dolefull mothers did couer the streetes with bodies of the dead infants Let vs learne 1. How hurtfull pride and ambition are which make a man tâ— band himselfe against God as Hâ—rod did 2. How we ought not to feare thâ— force of tyrants who haue no poweâ— but vpon the body 3. That it importeth not wheâ— or where we dye so it be in God grace and for his honour and glory XV. MEDITATION Of our Sauiours returne out of Egypt Matth. 2.19 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour had remained in Egypt seuen yeares the Angel appeared againe to Sâ— Ioseph notifying vnto him King Herods death coÌ„maunding him in Gods behalfe to returne into Iurie with the infant IESVS and his Mother 2. How the returne was much more cumbersom and painfull then the flight because our Sauiour being now growne somwhat great our B. Lady could not beare him so commodiously and on the other side he was to young to walk by him selfe a foot 3. How S. Ioseph being arriued â—n Palestine and vnderstanding that Archelaus had succeeded his Father Herod in the Kingdome of Iurie durst not goe thither but being warned in sleep retired into Nazareth Let vs learne 1. That God doth neuer wholy forget those that suffer for him although he permit them to be a while afflicted for his sake 2. To obey readilie such as haue commaundement ouer vs in Gods place whether it be to go or returnâ— from any one place to another 3 Neuer to trust to our owne forces nor to expose our selues to the daunger of temptation or any otheâ— euill XVI MEDITATION How our Lord was fouÌ„d in the TeÌ„plâ— Luke 2.41 1. CONSIDER how our Loâ— remaining in Ierusalem wâ— to the Temple as to his Fatheâ— howse there with praier to honour God and with his doctrine to giue some light of saluatioÌ„ to the doctors of the law 2. Consider what sorrow our B. Lady felt not finding her deare beloued sonne neither with her spouse nor kinsfolks how many teares she shed and with what diligence she returned the morning following to seeke him in Ierusalem 3. Consider what ioy our B Lady did feel hauing fouÌ„d her deare sonne in the Temple sitting in the midst of the doctors hearing asking them Let vs learne 1. To make more accoumpt of Gods honour and seruice then of wordly parents and friends 2. Yf the Virgin Mother did so â—itterly lament because the lost our â—auiour without any fault of her â—art what ought he to do that caâ—eth him of by sinning â— Yf we desire to find our Sauiour â—e must seeke him with sorrow XVII MEDITATION Of our Sauiours life from twelue yeares vntill he was thirty yeares old Luke 2.51 1. CONSIDER that which the Euangelist saith to wit that our Sauiour the King of Kings and Emperour of Heauen and Earth was subiect to his parents 2. Consider how our Sauiour all that while kept himself retyred yet was not he idle but imploied the time well and profitably in visiting often the Temple in attending to praier in shunning the conuersation of men and in helping his Motheâ— and his Father Ioseph as S. Marke doth recount chap. 6. â— 3. How that which the Euangeliâ—â— saith that our Sauiour daily grew iâ— wisdome and in grace with God anâ— men doth sufficiently shew vntâ— vs that he did much more then thâ— which is recorded in the Ghospel that although he was retyred yet did he neuer cease to profit Let vs learne 1. To obey euen the very least being taught so to do by our Sauiours example 2. To be more delighted with silence theÌ„ with speach and conuersation 3. To recollect and retyre our selues as much as is possible for it is a singular meanes to obteine grace in the sight both of God and men THE SECOND PART OF THE EVANGELICAL HISTORY Conteyning the Actes of our Sauiour from his Baptisme vntill the second Easter XVIII MEDITATION Of S. Iohn Baptist his preaching Matth. 3.1 Mark 1.4 Luke 3.2 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour desirous to publish himself so to accomplish that for which he waâ— sent into this world made S. Iohâ— Baptist goe before him being man very austere as well in his diâ— as in his apparell and manner also of preaching to make men see with their eyes that which he did announce by word of mouth 2. We must endeauour to vnderstand wel the summe of S. Iohns preaching which is conteined in these words Do penance for the Kingdome of heauen is at hand and also consider the great good that we get by penance which maketh vs capable to receaue Gods grace 3. Consider S. Iohns humilitie who being the greatest of all the Prophets and of all the children of men yea in such opinion with the Iewes that they were ready to receaue him for their Messias did neuerthelesse care nothing for these honours but did praise and magnify him whose forerunner he was Let vs learne 1. To loue austerity as much as our manner of life doth permit vs. 2. To doe voluntarie penance 3. Alwaies to praise others but neuer to commend our selues XIX MEDITATION Of our Sauiours Baptisme Matth. 3.13 Marke 1.9 Luke 3.21 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour tooke leaue of his Mother to go towards the riuer of Iordan where S. Iohn was
true children LXI MEDITATION Of our Lords Praier or Pater noster Matth. 6.9 Luke 11.2 1. CONSIDER vpon these words of our Lords praier Hallowed be thy name what we demaund in them saying We demaund 1. That we be sanctified to the end that we may inuoke him holily and by vertue therof obteine of him whatsoeuer we need 2. That we may alwaies praise our God and in all things and euery where seeke his greater glory 3. That we alwaies speak of almighty God with great reuerence respect 4. That all men may praise and honour his holy name with hart and mouth Thy kingdome come we demaund 1. That the holy faith and Ghospell of Christ be preached throughout the whole world and receaued of all nations that all may knowe their true King God and Creatour 2. That our Lord affoarding vs his holy grace do so possesse our soules that neither temptation of the diuell nor afflictioÌ„ of the world of the flesh or any other sinne may finde place in our soules 3. That in the end it will please him to receaue vs into his glory which is his true kingdome Thy will be done that is be accomplished perfectly 1. In my self as well in my body as in my soule so that I neither will nor desire any thing but that which my Lord God willeth and desireth of me 2. In all my neighbours and all men that liue in the world to the end they may willingly fulfil all that which God hath commanded them to do Giue vs this day our daily bread to wit 1. Thy holy word which is the foode of our soules whether we heare it in Sermons Exhortations Reading or Praier 2. Thy holy body which is the true bread of life 3 The nuriture necessarie for our bodyes without superfluitie or daintinesse And forgiue vs our debts as we aâ—so forgiue our debtours that is 1. The sinnes we haue committed against thy diuine maiestie whether they be Mortall to the paines of which we ar yet obliged or Veniall into which we dailie fall And leade vs not into temptation which is to say 2. Permit or suffer not o Lord that we fall into those sinnes and offenses vnto which we are daily sollicited and prouoked by the world the flesh and the diuell who doth continually watch to ruine and destroy vs. But deliuer vs from euill that is 3. From all temporall euill that in this world may befall and oppresse vs as plague warre famine sicknes and other calamities which through our sinnes we haue oftentimes deserued Free from all dangers O our good Father Lord and Sauiour So be it LXII MEDITATION Of the life of poore Lazarus and the wicked Richman Luke 16.19 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour recounting this history vouchsafed not to name this Richman and yet named the poore Lazarus therby to shew vs that it is not riches that makes men great before God but vertue and to teach vs how we ought to coÌ„ceale keep close the names of those whose imperfectioÌ„s we are forced to discouer 2. How the Ghospell neuer maketh mention that our Sauiour spake of riches but condemning and despising them or threatning and cursing rich men thereby to teach vs how hard a thing it is to be saued amongst riches and contrariewise how blessed are the poore 3. Behold on the one side this Richman well apparelled stately lodged and delicately fed and on the other side poore Lazarus all naked lying on the ground desyring the crums of bred that fell froÌ„ the Rich-mans table and receauing more consolation of dogs then of men Let vs learne That the prosperities and riches of this world doe so blind men that they make them become more hard and vnmercifull then brute beasts LXIII MEDITATION Of Lazarus and the rich Gluttons end Luke 16.22 1. CONSIDER how poore Lazarus died and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosome being a place of repose but that the Rich man dying was buried in hell 2. How the rich Glutton was not only tormented by the diuels who afflicted him but also by the remembrance of his sinnes commitâ—ed and of the daunger wherein he saw his brethren were who yet liued 3. How Abraham answered him that there was now no more time to do good refusing to giue him a little drop of water which he demaunded to asswage his torments Let vs learne 1. That the euils vexations and anguishes which we suffer in this world shall soone haue an end but that the paines of hell shall endure for euer and euer 2. How great and excessiue are the torments of the damned seing they haue not any consolation at all 3. To do good whilest we can for the time will come in which we will wish we had done it but then we shall haue no more meanes LXIIII. MEDITATION Of the young man that damaunded of our Lord what he might do to be saued Matth. 18.16 Mark 10.17 Luk. 18.18 1. CONSIDER with what deuotion this young man was moued to goe and present himself so humbly before our Sauiour and to aske him the meanes how he might â—e saued 2. How although our Lord seemed not to take in good port to be called Good of him that did not esteeme him for such yet did he answere to his question and teach him the things most necessary for his saluation to wit the Commaundements of God 3. How hauing vnderstood of this young man that he had alwaies carefully obserued and kept them our Lord loued him so much the more and said that it was sufficient inâ—ugh to be saued but that if he would be great and excellent in heauen he should leaue all that he had and follow Euangelicall perfection Let vs learne 1. To seeke incessantly that which may further vs to our saluation 2. To exercise our selues in works of charity towards our neighbourâ— by meanes of which we shall be more and more vnited with God 3. To condemne the riches and commodities of this world seing that they hinder vs to go forwards and grow in perfection LXV MEDITATION Of the reward our Sauiour promised vnto his Apostles Matth. 18.27 Mark 10.28 Luke 18.28 1. CONSIDER how the Apostles hauing noted the suddaine chaÌ„ge which was wrought in this young man as soone as our Lord spake vnto him of leauing his riches and wealth and how he departed discontented were much astonished especially when they heard our Lord who said vnto them three times that it was a very hard thing for a Richman to be saued 2. How S. Peter as chiefe and head of the Apostolicall Colledg although he had not forsaken much substance for Christ his sake yet thinking that he had left somthing done that which our Sauiour requested at the hands of this young man did demaund very confidently what recompence they were to haue who had left all things to follow him 3. How our Sauiour promised vnto his Apostles rest and repose for their labour authority to iudge others for the reproaches and dishonours
they were to endure for him and to all those that would leaue whatsoeuer to follow him a hundred fold so much in this world and in the other life euerlasting Let vs learne 1. To be wise by other folkes harmes and to shun those things which we know to haue ben the ruine and ouerthrow of others 2. How great assurance they haue of their saluation in the eys of God who haue forsaken all things to follow him 3. To haue often before our eyes on the one side the reward which our Sauiour hath promised vs and on the other the poore recompence that the world affoardeth his followers LXVI MEDITATION How our Lord receaued news of Lazarus sicknes Iohn 11.1 1. CONSIDER how Lazarus sisters did not importune nor vrge our Sauiour to come to Bethania to heale their brother but were content to make him vnderstand his disease writing to him these only words Lord behold he whome thou louest is sticke 2. How our Lord answered that that disease would not proue mortall to him but that it should rather be to the greater glory of God neuertheles three or foure daies after that he had ben aduertised of this he said to his Apostles that Lazarus was dead and went to raise him 3. How the Apostles told him that is was not expedient for him to go into Iewry where before he was like to haue byn stoned neuertheles they followed him ready to die with him according to the couragious resolution which S. Thomas had made Let vs learne 1. That it is inough to propose briefly vnto our Sauiour our corporall necessities 2. That he oftentimes doth permit that those whome he loueth best endure much in this world for their owne greater good and his diuine glory 3. That we ought not to feare any trauaile no nor death it selt if we do that which God doth appoint vs by our lawfull Superiours LXVII MEDITATION How our Sauiour did raise Lazarus Iohn 11.28 1. CONSIDER how Martha hauing heard of our Sauiours comming went out of her house to meet him told him how all had passed and got a promise that her brother should rise againe to life with other documents 2. How Marie Magdalen being come to our Lord and casting her self downe at his seete to tell him with many teares the heauy newes of her brothers death with the Iewes that were also present to accompany and comfort her he groaned in spirit troubled himself and demaunding where the dead body was laid he also wept 3 How comming neere to the graue he commaunded the stone to be taken away that couered the corps and hauing made his praier to God his father he called Lazarus with a lowde voice who forthwith came out aliue Let vs learne 1. Not to expect till our Lord come to chastise vs for our faults but as we are bound to preuent his iustice by sorrow and penance 2. So to bewaile our owne sinnes as with compassion we would lament other mens miseries 3. To remoue all the stones and to cut off all occasions which hold vs buried in our imperfections thinking vpon death and the horrour of the graue THE FIFTH PART OF THE EVANGELICAL HISTORY Comprehending the Passion Death Resurrection Ascension of our Sauiour IESVS Christ LXVIII MEDITATION Of the request that Zebedeus wife Mother to the Apostles S. Iames S. Iohn made vnto our Sauiour Matth 20.20 Mark 10.35 1. CONSIDER how the Apostles hearing our Sauiour speake of the sytting which he promised them aboue the twelue tribes of Israell and thinking that this was to be accomplished heere on earth did seeke all meanes they could to obteine and get betimes these places and dignities especially those two of whome the Euangelist maketh mention 2. How although the mother had presented to our Sauiour her demaund or request for her children he yet did not direct his answer to her but to those who had sollicited her so to do setting before them the chalice of his Passion by meanes of which he himself was to enter into his glory 3. How the other Apostles and disciples were not scandalized when they saw that S. Peter thought himself vnworthy to receaue our Sauiour into his boate but vnderstāding of the ambition of S. Iames and S. Iohn they were much offended therewith Let vs learne 1. To seeke the glory which neuer shall be taken from vs which is euerlasting 2. To labour willingly for the getting of it 3. To desire alwaies the lowest place in this world so to liue quiet and in peace with euery one LXIX MEDITATION Of the blind man which our Lord cured neere vnto Iericho Matth. 20.29 Mark 10.46 Luk. 18.35 1. CONSIDER the poore and wofull case of this needie blind Bartimaeus dwelling without Ierusalem neere the towne of Iericho sitting by the way side and begging his liuing 2. How hearing the noise that the troopes made which followed our Sauiour and it may be vnderstanding the blessings and praises that they gaue him began to crie without ceasing IESVS Sonne of Dauid haue mercy vpon me 3. How our Sauiour staying somwhat called him and demaunded what he asked and hauing heard his request did giue him his sight Let vs learne 1. That the force of praier made with feruour is so great that it staieth our Sauiour and hindereth his vengeance 2. How we ought to go to our Sauiour with all speed and diligence when he calleth vs setting aside all colour and pretext of excuse 3. How we must not returne to the place from whence we came but rather follow praise and imitate our Sauiour LXX MEDITATION How our Sauiour entred into Zacheus house Luk. 19.1 1. CONSIDER how Zacheus though he were the chiefe of the Publicans and Customers did neuertheles greatly desire to see our Sauiour but two things hindered him the little body he had and the multitude that were about our Lord. 2. How he ranne before to take vp a place by the way where our Lord was to passe and not regarding what others might think or say of him he climbed vp into a tree to see him more easily 3. How our Sauiour did cast his eyes vpon Zacheus and calling him by his name commaunded him to descend inuiting himself to his howse where he was well receaued and entertained Let vs learne 1. That to find our Sauiour we must by the example of this good Zacheus climbe vp into the tree of the Religious Crosse abandoning all affections of earthlie things 2. To answere and cooperate promptly with Gods inspirations which he sendeth vs. 3. To receaue oftentimes our Blessed Sauiour in the holy Sacrament of the Altar and to harbour him in our soule with all humility deuotion and spirituall ioy LXXI MEDITATION Of the supper made to our Lord in Simon the Lepers howse Matth. 26.6 Mark 4.3 Iohn 12.1 1. CONSIDER what ioy and contentment this vertuous person felt in his heart seeing our Sauiour whome he held for a holy man and great Prophet sit at his table
presented to that heathen President who was constrained to go forth of his hall to heare the Iewes which made more scruple to enter into his pallace then to accuse the innocent IESVS wrongfully 2. How Pilate asked of the Iewes what informations they had against that man who answered him at the first instant that if he had not byn a malefactour they would not haue giuen him ouer to the secular power 3. How they afterward did accuse him of three crimes to wit that he seduced the people that he forbad to pay tribute to Cesar thought to make himself a King Let vs learne 1. To submit our selues to euery one for the loue of God 2. To beare patiently the euill donne vnto vs euen by those to whome we haue donne good 3. Neuer to reprehend nor accuse any other wrongfully XCVII MEDITATION How our Sauiour was examined by Pilate Matt. 27. â—1 Mark 15.2 Luk. 23.3 Iohn 18.33 1. CONSIDER how good IESVS submitteth himself to a Iudge to whome he was no way subiect answering from point to point to all that which he demaunded of him 2. How Pilate hauing performed his duty in examining of our Sauiour and finding nothing in him whereby he might iudge him worthie of death came out of his Pallace to tell the Iewes therof 3. How those wreched Caitifes fearing lest the President sâ—ould iudge according to truth and iustice did anew begin to accuse our Sauiour more earnestly and eagerly then they had done before saying that he was a seducer of the people vnto all which sweet IESVS neuer answered one word in so much that Pilate did greatly maruell at his patience Let vs learne 1. To iustifie and cleere our selues before those who are not well informed of our innocencie 2. Rather to hold our peace before false and malicious accusers theÌ„ to dispâ—te and contend with them 3. To imitate the patience of our Sauiour XCVIII MEDITATION How Pilate sent our Sauiour to King Herod Luk. 23.6 1. CONSIDER how Pilate when he vnderstood that our Sauiour was of the countrie of Galilee sent him to Herode who was King of those parts and how those that led him did in the way torment and vexe him more then euer seeing that his condemnation was so delaied 2. How Herode was very glad to see our Sauiour because he had hope either to see him worke some miracle or to learne some new thing of him and therefore did demaund of him many curious questions touching diuers things 3. How our Lord would neither answere one word to him nor to the Iews who did againe accuse him before this King Let vs learne 1. That it suffiseth not to haue a desire to see our Sauiour if we do not take profit by his holy dâ—ctrine 2. That we mâ—st not further nor sooâ—h the curiosity of wordlings by telling or teaching them such things as can no waies profit them 3. That we ought not to sâ—ew nor communicate vnto others the fauours that God hath bestowed vpon vs but to those to whome we know it may do good XCIX MEDITATION How our Lord by Herod his Court was helâ— for a foole Luk. 23.11 1. CONSIDER how Herod both astonished offended that he could not get as much as one word from our Sauiours mouth to that which he demaunded did mocke him calling him foole sensles and voide of wit whome also in this vnciuill kind of dealing his whole Court followed 2. How to scoffe the more at our Sauiour they clad him with a white robe and sent him backe to Pilates Pallace 3. How the off cers and souldiars led him back with great insolencie through the streets most inhabited shewing him vnto all those whome they met that they might mocke him as a foole Let vs learne 1. To reioyce when the world doth scoffe at vs. 2. Not to be ashamed to weare poore and torne garments so to conforme our selues to our Sauiour 3. Neuer to mocke or scoffe at any one whosoeuer C. MEDITATION How the Iewes preferred Barabbas before our Sauiour Matth 27.15 Mark 15.6 Luk. 23.17 1. CONSIDER how Pilate proceeding according to iustice and equitie and finding no crime worthie of death in our Sauiour sought to deliuer him saying that nether Herod had found him guiltie nor condemned him to death 2. How he offered to shew him fauour by releasing him according to the cuâ—tome which he had to deliuer euery yeare vnto the Iewes one prisoner at their request about the feast of Easter 3. How these obstinate people did choose rather one Barabbas a notable theefe and who had slâ—ine mâ—ny men then our Sauiour who had raised from death to life foure dead folkes Let vs learne 1. To defend alwaies truth and innocencie 2. Neuer to yield to our sensuality nor to the imperfections of others against equity and iustice 3. Nor to esteeme what opinion men haue of vs albeit they take vs to be worse then those whome they think to be most wicked men CI. MEDITATION How our Lord was scourged Mat. 27. 26 Mark 15.15 Luk. 23.16.22 Iohn 19.1 1. CONSIDER how Pilate appointed that our Sauiour should be wâ—ipped although he knew him to be innocent and wrongfully accused all which our Sauiour willingly accepted of making more account of our good then of his owne torments 2. How the cruell Iewes without any respect of our Lords person tooke off his garments and bound him like a slaue vnto a pillar all which he suffered patiently so to loose and breake the bands of our sinnes 3. Consider awhile the extreme paines that the most tender and delicate flesh of our Sauiour did suffer being altogether torne and rent with so many lashes and scourges therby to make satisfaction for our disordinate pleasures Let vs learne 1. To make no account of humane respects if we will not commit many grosse errours 2. Not to lament nor grudge when God doth punish vs for our sinnes seeing that when our Sauiour waâ— scourged he did not repine 3. How we ought to deale with our rebellious flesh CII MEDITATION How our Sauiour was crowned with thornes Matt. 27.29 Mark 15.17 Iohn 19.2.5 1. CONSIDER the robes which these fellowes bestowed vpon the King of Heauen to wit an old mantle of purple to breed laughter a crowne of thornes for his Diademe and a reed for his Royall Septer and how our Sauiour receaued all this at their hands that did moâ—k him without any contradiction 2. Cast your eyes vpon that venerable and Holy face of our Lord and you shall see it all couered with foule and filthy spittle and disguised with buffets that these wicked men did giue him 3. Consider with what patience our Sauiour did support and endure such dishonours and esteeming much to be mocked that so he might abate our pride and pull downe our ambitious desires Let vs learne 1. To be obedient euen in those things that be coÌ„trary to our lyking and to the opinion of the world 2. To support iniuries