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
man with me Besides it was an action that redounded to the dishonor and reproch of his schoole which had brought up such timorous and saint-hearted Disciples But he was chiefly concerned for their want of faith wherein they did all waver See you doe not leave Christ to suffer alone bear him company at least by affection and compassion Be content to be slighted and left by your friends Mat. 26.35 Consider 3. The weakness of mans nature in these Apostles who notwithstanding the many miracles they had seen Christ work the grace which they lately received by the divine Eucharist and fervor wherein every one said Allthough I should dye together with thee I will not deny thee Yet no sooner were they assaulted with temptation but they all failed Think how little reason you have to trust your self Eccli 2.1 Therefore coming to the service of God saith the wise man stand in fear and prepare thy Soul to Tentation And the Apostle Phil. 2.12 With fear and trembling work your Salvation Christ is led to Annas Jo. 18.13 COnsider 1. They brought him to Aâ—â—taâ— first Ponder how Christ would be brought before all the Tribunal seates for the greater Ignominy all the Tribunal seates for the greater Ignominy Therefore he is led first to Annas as President of the supreme Councel whereunto it appertained to judge of Doctrines See with what Clamor Laughter and Ignominy Christ is hurried along the ways and streets people running every where to their doores and windows to see the Captive How different was this enterance into Jerusalem from that which he made some sew days before when they cryed out Blessed is be that cometh in the name Mat. 21.9 of our Lord Hence learn to contemn the inconstancy of worldly favor Is. 9.3 Consider 2. How Christ is brought as a Criminal to the Tribunal of this Judge The Creator stands before his Creature The Eternal Wisdom of God is brought to the barr to give account of his Doctrine to an arrogant smatterer in the Law Behold the Doctors round about him all puffed up with their learning Rejoycing as conquerours rejoyce after a prey is taken Hear how they question him concerning his Doctrine and Disciples Beseech our Lord to instruct you in things appertaining to your salvation and not to let you harken after vain Sciences whose fruit is no other then pride and ostentation Jo. 18.20 21. Consider 3. How Christ beareth their reproches with silence but answereth resolutly to the point of Doctrine because thereon depended the salvation of many I have openly spoken to the world c. Why askest thou me ask them who have heard c. Learn hence to stand resolut in defence of your faith and of truth and to be silent in your own privat injuries See how he saith nothing of his Disciples because being he could not commend them as staggerers in their faith he would not say any thing to their dispraife Doe you in the same manner endevour to hide others defects when you may and not to discover them but to a good end Aug. l. 3. de Cons. c. 6. Of the Blow Christ received in Annas's House Jo. 18.22 COnsider 1. One of the Ministers standing by gave Jesus a blow Ponder here the General Circumstances Who To whom and What Think 1. How cruel this blow was as being given by a furious and armed Souldier 2. How ignominious before so great an assembly and inflicted upon his person whose sanctity of life and Miracles made him to be admired and respected by all 3. How unjust and Injurious for a most just and prudent answer 4. How grievous as being seconded with the loud laughter and scornful applause of the company O amiable countenance which the Angels so much desire to behold how hath this ignominious buffet set you all over in a blush Now my beloved is truly white and ruddy Cant. 5.10 and to be imitated by me both in candor of life and Vermillion of patience Jo. sâ—p Consider 2. On the contrary the mildness and patience of our Lord He is not moved to indignation he revengeth not though it were in his power and could in a moment have annihilated the wretch Yet modestly he justifyeth himself that he might not seem to have injured the high Priest whom he respected for the place and authority he bare If I have spok n ill give testimony of evill but if well why strikest thou me How different are your replyes when you have done amiss Endevour therefore to imitate your Lord Luc. 21.19 and in your patience to possess your Soul The Third Station Consider 3. And Annas sent him bound to Caiphas Imagin what a painful and ignominious journey this was to our Lord being haled and dragged about the streets at that time of night like some notorious malefactor from one Judgement seat to another Think what indignities he suffereth as he passeth along from all sorts of people even those that had received benefits from him What a spectacle was it to Heaven to see the Lord of Angels thus abused Condole admire give thanks imitate c. The Spirit of our Lord shall seise upon thee c. And thou shalt be chaâ—ged into an other man 1 Reg. 10.9 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Transfigurer of your Soul COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel that Christ transfigured himself taking upon him the form of a glorious body Mat. 17.1 The same will he doe this day to your soul transfiguring it into himself by vertue of the Holy Eucharist if you doe not otherwise hinder him For the Eucharist makes us as S. Thomas speaketh the same with God S. Tho. Opus 58. c. 15. Aug. Cons l. 7.10 And S. Augustin maketh God to say I am the food of great ones grow and you shall feed on me yet so that thou shalt not change me into thee but thou shalt be changed into me Rom. 8.29 Gen. 3.5 Consider 2. What an inestimable benefit and dignity it is for man to be transformed into God and to be made conformable to the image of his Son It was the temptation of our first Parents You shall be as Gods but they were deluded By the Eucharist and the Grace that proceedeth from it we truly become one with God being made partakers of the divine nature and even incorporated and of the same bloud S. Cypr. Cat. 4. 1 Reg. 18.18 Jo. 1.12 with Christ as that Holy Father speaketh Humble your self therefore and say with the Prophet What am I or what is my life or the kindred of my father that I should be made not the Son in law of a King but the true adoptive Son of God for as many as received him be gave them power to be made the Sons of God Exod. 34.29 Consider 3. What is said of Moses that his face was horned that is resplendent and shining with two rays of glory
ever flowing without cessation like that Womans Oyl in the fourth of the Kings which never failed to run 4 Reg. 4. so long as there were any empty Vessels 3. They do infallibly work their effect by force of that virtue which they receive by the Divine Institution unless we put an impediment 4. They are placed in obvious things and easie to be had for our more certain use and benefit Be thankful to God for so great a liberality and endeavour to come ever worthily unto them Of the benefit of the Custody of Angels Ps 90.11 COnsider 1. What David said He hath given his Angels charge of thee that they keep thee in all thy ways Our heavenly Father not content to make us his Sons would also provide us as Princes do their children with Tutors and Guardians This charge he committed to the Angels themselves who should illuminate govern and protect us Heb. 1.14 for they are all ministring spirits saith the Apostle seat to ministen for them which shall receive the inheritance of salvation Eze. 28.12 Consider 2. To whom and of whom he hath committed this charge To the Angels who are most Noble Creatures pure Spirits immortal by nature full of wisdome and perfect of beauty more powerful and strong then whole Armies of men adorned with all manner of grace and glory and ever enjoying the Vision of God To these then he hath committed thee who art but a silly worm and no better then dirt and ashes Ps 90.12 that they should bear thee in their hands lest perhaps thou knock thy foot against a stone O what a care and protection is this of the Angels what a favour Consider 3. How this eare of theirs ought to stir up in us as S. Bernard admonisheth Reverence Devotion Bern. in Ps 90. and Confidence in them Reverence in regard of their presence Devotion for their benevolence Confidence in their sure custodâ— If I should deliver myself to be thy servant said young Tobias to the Angel Raphael his Guardian I should not deserve thy providence Tob. 9.2 Reverence therefore your Angel-Guardian with affection and do not presume in his sight who is always present to do that which you would be ashamed of before man Observe him Exod. 23.21 22. and hear his voice c. saith our Lord and I will be Enemy to thine Enemies and will afflict them that afflict thee And mine Angel shall go before thee Of the benefit of the Patronage of Saints and chiefly of the Blessed Virgin Job 42.8 COnsider 1. Our heavenly Father hath not only provided us with Guardians but also Patrons and Advocates to wit the Blessed that reign with him in Heaven to the end that in regard he is also our Judge we might have those that would continually intercede for us and move him to mercy Go saith our Lord to my servant Job and offer Holocaust for your selves and my servant Job shall pray for you His face I will receive that the folly be not imputed to you 2 Machab. 15.14 Consider 2. With what care and love the Saints in Heaven perform this Office and with what benefit to us obtaining for us all manner of good as is evident by infinite Miracles and Revelations Of holy Jeremy it is said in the second of the Machaâ—ces This is a lover of his Brethren and of the people of Israel this is he that prayeth much for the people and for the whole City What confidence therefore may we justly put in the protection of such powerful Advocates If it be a thing of great account to have a powerful friend in some worldly Princes Court how much more to have one in the Court of Heaven Consider 3. How diligent you ought to be in the worship and Invocation of the Saints especially these of your Name and your Patrons that they may obtain of our Lord what you stand in need of But above all you must procure to be fervent in devotion and reverence to the B. Virgin who being Mother of all the living as the Fathers call her she exceeds all others S. Epiph. Serm. 78. both in love to us and in power with her Son Give God thanks therefore for so powerful an Advocate and recommend your self with all earnestness unto her Zach. Ep. Foro. l. 2. to 1. c. 7. for she denieth help to none that doth duely ask it and intercedes not for any in vain to her Son Of Holy Communion Incline thine car O Lord and hear me because I am needy and poor Ps 85.1 Consider Christ as a Liberal bestower of Gifts Eccli 24.26 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Until now you have not asked any thing in my Name ask and you shall receive c. Jo. 16.24 Imagine your self on the one side as a poor naked beggar and wanting many things necessary for the maintenance of your spiritual life and Christ our Lord on the other infinitely rich infinitely liberal and desirous that all should partake of his plenty Hear his solemn proffer Ask and you shall receive Never did any Prince make so liberal a promise He longeth in a manner to be rid of his gifts Pass to me all ye that desire me and be filled of my Generations He is more ready to give then we to receive Consider 2. This bountiful Lord will come this day unto you in the Eucharist and if you be gracious in his sight will say unto you as Assuerus did to Esther What is thy Petition Esther Esther 7.2 that it may be given thee and what wilt thou have done although thou shalt ask the half part of my Kingdom thou shalt obtain See therefore what you stand most in need of and have ready your Petition and adorn your self as Esther did that you may gain his good will to you when he comes Jo. 9.31 Consider 3. The impediments which will render your prayers of no effect to the end you may take them away 1. Sinners God doth not hear that is as long as they persist in sin without repentance 2. Neither doth he hear those that ask vain and unprofitable things but sends them away with that check and rebuke You know not what you desire Mat. 20.22 3. Nor yet those that pray tepidly and coldly But because thou art lukewarm Apoc. 3.16 c. I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth 4. And lastly he requireth constancy and perseverance in asking So to him that persevered knocking were given Loaves Luc. 11. Even for his importunity as many as he needed Luc. 11.8 Of the benefit of Prayer Part 1. Psa 140. â— COnsider the benefit of Prayer which the Church recommendeth particularly unto us these Rogation daies Consider therefore first the Dignity and Excellency of Prayer 1. It is an act of Religion and divine worship offered to God and accepted by him as Incense and Sacrifice according to that Let my prayer
If it be your lot to serve God in the nature of Salt see that you be first throughly refined and purged from worldly affections by the fire of Divine Charity that you may be such your self as you desire to make others Consider 2. How excellently Christ performed this proper effect of Salt who to purge and preserve us from sin spent himself wholly upon us in a manner melting away like salt and communicated to our actions of themselves insipid and of no worth the divine savour and value of his precious Merits Moreover by his Example and Doctrine he hath made Persecutions which are bitter of themselves sweet and pleasant unto us Permit your self therefore to be seasoned with the Salt of his Wisdom and Example Levit. 2.13 what Sacrifice soever thou offerest thou shalt season it with salt saith our Lord that is with the Merits and Example of Christ Mat. 5.14 Consider 3. But if the salt loose his virtue c. it is good for nothing any more but to be cast forth and trodden of men In the same manner will God use those Preachers that have no virtue or efficacy either of Example or Doctrine to season the life and manners of others but vanish and moulder away by pride vain glory and affection to worldly things Rom. 1.21 They are become vain in their cogitations saith the Apostle and their foolish heart hath been darkened See that you do not at any time come to this pass Of those words of Christ Mat. 5.15 You are the Light of the World c. Dan. 12.3 COnsider 1. Apostolical men are to be not only Salt to purge the hearts of men from sin but also the light of the world to enlighten others and direct them into the way of all Virtue This is a Divine Office and most acceptable to God according to that They that be learned shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and they that instruct many to Justice as stars unto perpetual eternities 'T is the property of light both to enlighten and to give heat See therefore how you do already or may hereafter perform both Jo. 1.9 Consider 2. How Christ was the true Light which lighteneth every man that cometh into the world by word and example and by the interiour Rays of his Grace Besides ponder how light although it pass through unclean places is nothing defiled thereby So Christ and all Apostolical men although they converse and deal with sinners yet partake not with them in their sins Baruc. 3.25 Consider 3. Those words of Christ Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel Where also those are reprehended who imploy not themselves in enlightening their Neighbour according to the Talent they have received but rather hide their light in their bosome either out of pusillanimity or sluggishness Do you rather according to the charge God hath committed unto you be careful to shine forth to all like unto the Stars of which Baruch speaketh They were called and they said Here we are and they have shined to him with chearfulness that made them Of Holy Communion Because with thee there is propitiation and for thy Law I have expected thee O Lord. Ps 129.4 Consider Christ as our Propitiation Luc. 18.13 COnsider 1. That you are that Publican of whom it is read to day in the Gospel for by reason of your many sins you deserve not to lift up your eyes to Heaven but ought rather to knock your breast and to cry out continually with him O God be propitious to me a sinner Call to mind the sins of your life past and you will see how fitly that saying agreeth with you 1 Jo. 2.2 Consider 2. You have cause of great confidence in regard that after so many sins you have the Judges Son to stand for you and more then that have the Judge himself Christ our Lord your Propitiator For he is the Propitiation for our sins nor for ours only but for the whole worlds And although he be always and every where merciful yet never more then in the H. Eucharist where that he might be propitious unto us he would even be incorporated with us That which covered the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Law Exod. 25.20 was called the Propitiatory much more therefore is the Eucharist our Propitiatory having under it the Living Ark of the true Covenant between God and us Levit. 23.28 Consider 3. The Jews were forbidden to do any servile work upon the day of Propitiation No servile work shall you do in the time of this day because it is a day of Propitiation Sin is properly a servile work Amen Amen I say to you Jo. 8.34 that every one which committeth sin is the servant of sin saith our Lord Abstain therefore from sin even the least especially upon daies of Communion and with the Prophet say to our Lord when he cometh For thy Name O Lord Ps 24.11 thou wilt be propitious to my sin for it is much Of our Lords Prayer Mat. 6.9 c. Part 1. COnsider how Christ on the Mount like a great Master of a spiritual life among other things taught his Disciples also the manner of Prayer which because we use daily to the end we may do it with the greater fruit and spiritual gust it will be to good purpose to ponder each word apart Our Father which art in Heaven In the Old Testament God was ordinarily called the Lord in the New he is pleased to be called Father and that by his own Vassals He is Father 1. By Title of Creation 2. Of Conservation 3. Of Adoption See therefore that you prove a Child worthy of such a Father Besides it is said Our not mine alone that you should understand that all men are your Brethren and to be loved by you as such Who art in Heaven as in the Seat of Majesty though he is every where by his presence that you should raise your thoughts thither as to your Native Country flowing with all manner of riches and delights Is 6.3 Ps 113.9 Hallowed by thy Name This is that which we ought to seek in the first place to wit the honour and glory of God that he may be worshipped and loved of all and honoured by the Saintity of our lives Therefore stir up often these affections in your self say with the Seraphins Holy holy holy the Lord God of Hosts and with David Not to us O Lord not to us but to thy Name give the glory Apoc. 5.10 Thy Kingdom come That is let thy Kingdom come to us in this life by Grace in the other by Glory for God doth truly reign in the Just by Grace according to that Thou hast made us to our God a Kingdom See whether God or not rather the world reigâ—eth in your heart and affection Of our Lords Prayer Mat. 6.9 c. Part 2. COnsider the rest of the
that of the Evangelist as spoken unto you by him Luc. 17.8 Make ready supper and gird thy self Consider 2. This Divine Guest feedeth as the H. Fathers teach upon our Virtues Ambr. de bon Mor. c. 5. Bern. sup Cant. Serm 71. Cant. 1.12 Bern. Ser. 4. de Assump Gen. 27.9 but above all he is delighted with humility and therefore while he was at Table to day with the Pharisee he taught us to chuse the lowest place in Banquets And the Spouse in the Canticles saith While the King was at his repose my Spikenard gave the odour thereof The Spikenard is a low plant saith S. Bernard and Embleme of Humility Therefore be careful to prepare such meat for your Guest as you know he gladly eateth and humble your self what you can in all things Consider 3. The Liberality of this your Guest who wheresoever he cometh bringeth with him gifts and pledges of his bounty So this day in the house of the Pharisee he cured one sick of the Dropsie And if you look well into your self perchance you will find that you are taken with the same Disease that is full of waterish humours of worldly affections whereof an evident sign is the burning thirst you have after things that are delightful to sense Beseech therefore your Divine Guest to rid you of this Dropsie and say with the Psalmist Save me O God Ps 68.2 because waters are entred into my Soul Of the Man sick of the Palsey Jo. 5.2 c. cured at the Pond of Probatica Part 1. Ps 50.21 COnsider 1. What a benefit God bestowed on the Jews in the Pond of Probatica near the Temple wherin the sheep were washed for Sacrifice For 1. The Water was stirred by an Angel 2. It received thereby virtue to cure all manner of diseases in them that entred first after the motion This was a Type of the Sacraments of Baptisme and Penarce wherein Christs Sheep are washed for the Sacrifice of Justice and the which 1. Have a heavenly virtue infused into them by the Angel of the Testament Christ our Lord. 2. They cleanse us from all manner of sin 3. Not only the first comers but all and every one without any exception or cessation Ponder the greatness of this benefit and endeavour to make due use of these Divine Ponds Ps 39.2 Consider 2. At this Pond lay a great multitude of sick persons of blind lame withered expecting the stirring of the Water So God will have us to expect with patience his gifts whence David said Expecting I expected our Lord and he hath attended to me Among other infirm persons there was a certain man there that had been eight and thirty years in his infirmity of the Palsey The Spiritual Palsey is a dissolution of the Nerves and Faculties of the Soul a defect of spiritual vigour and life and as it were a deading of the Spirit See how many years you may reckon in this infirmity and seek remedy by the Baths of the Holy Sacraments Consider 3. The goodness of Christ freely inviting the sick man to his own cure Wilt thou be made whole God can justifie us by himself alone but will not do it without our consent He made you saith S. Augustine without your knowledge but he justifieth you with your consent August Ser. 15. de Verb. Apost See whether you will that is efficaciously be made whole for God is ever ready on his part Of the man sick of the Palsey Jo. 5.7 c. cured at the Pond Part 2. COnsider 1. Lord I have no man c. He confessed his impotency for that he could neither move of himself to get down time enough into the Pond nor had any man to help him whence he presently received health of Christ for the humble confession of our own weakness is the best disposition to obtain Gods assistance Perhaps you have cause to say of your self I have no man that is I have not the heart nor courage of a man to overcome my self though truly you have one of Christ our Lord who is ready to raise you up with his Grace You have also Preachers Superiours and Directors to admonish you and if you will your self also to help you Ps 34.3 Consider 2. The efficacy of Christs words wherewith without more ado he cured the sick man Arise take up thy bed and walk c. O Lord speak so likewise to me Say to my Soul I am thy Salvation Ponder the mans obedience who presently arose up and though it were the Sabboth day took his bed upon his shoulders and so walked giving us a perfect example of blind obedience Do you therefore if you be sound carry your bed take up the light Yoke of our Lord and walk not in high and strange things Gen. 17.1 above your self but with Abraham before or in the sight of God and be perfect 2 Pet. 2.22 Consider 3. Christ after he had wrought the Miracle shrunk aside from the multitude to give us example of shunning the applause of men Afterwards Jesus findeth him in the Temple and said to him Behold thou art made whole sin no more lest some worse thing chance to thee Imagine the same to be spoken to you as often as you go to the Sacrament of Penance Return not back like the dog to the vomit or the sow washed into her wallowing in the mire Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof Mat. 9. Mar. 2. Luc. 5. Part 1. Mar. 2.2 COnsider 1. There were gathered together a great multitude to hear Christ in the house where he was so that there was no place no not at the door and he spake to them the Word Observe our Lords indefatigable Zeal of gaining Souls not sparing himself at any time or place but freely admitting and instructing all even with open doors that you might learn to bestow your self 2 Cor. 12.15 and to be bestowed again with the Apostle for the souls of your Brethren Luc. 5.18 Consider 2. And behold men carrying in a bed a man that had the Palsey c. and not finding on which side they might bring him in for the multitude they went up upon the Roof and through the Tiles let him down with the bed in the midst before Jesus Admire their Faith whereby they undoubtedly believed that Christ would cure him so that they refused no pains to bring him to him Observe moreover their courage and resolution in not yielding to the difficulties that hindered their free access but breaking their way through all so that they accomplished their desire Bonav in Luc. 5. A true firm belief saith S. Bonaventure is not brought back or cooled by impediments but inflamed See how you are in like occasions and how easily you leave off for fear Consider 3. The Mercy of Christ saying Son thy sins are forgiven thee Mat. 9.3 Hieron in c. 9. Mat. O wonderful Humility saith S. Hierom a decrepid
and despicable poor man be calleth Son whom the Priests vouchsafed not to touch Observe how he remitteth his sins which were cause of his infirmity to teach you that diseases are inflicted also for hidden sins and that when you are sick you must first seek your Souls cure then that of your body Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof Mat. 9. Mar. 2. Luc. 5. Part 2. Luc. 5.21 COnsider 1. The Pharisees murmuring Who is this that speaketh blasphemies Who can forgive sins but only God Condole with Christ for being held a Blasphemer and be not troubled if at any time you be treated below your deserts Observe Christs mildness he is not moved to indignation he seeketh not to revenge himself as he could most easily have done but sweetly endeavoureth to bring them out of their erreur Wherefore think you evil in your hearts Mat. 9.4 Consider 2. Christ in proof of his Divinity and power of forgiving sins presently cured the man and sent him away free of his Palsey saying Arise take up thy bed Ibid. Luc. 5.24 and go into thy house Your house and home is Heaven here you are but a Stranger and Passenger therefore hasten home and settle your thoughts cares and desires there where you are to dwell for ever Eccles 12.5 August in Ps 85. Man shall go saith the wise man into the house of his Eternity and S. Augustine A House is taken as it were for ever a Nest is made up but for a time Do not therefore make more of your dirty brittle Nest then of your stable Mansion House Consider 3. The man being cured Luc. sup went into his house magnifying God It is the proper effect of spiritual health to magnifie God and to give him thanks for benefits received Do you also magnifie God as often as you are dismissed in the Sacrament of Penance free from the dead Palsey of Sin say with David I will bless our Lord at all time Ps 33.2 his praise always in my mouth Of the Withered Hand cured Mat. 12. Mar. 3. Luc. 6. Luc. 6.6 Ps 143.8 COnsider 1. It came to pass on another Sabboth that be entered into the Synagogue and taught And there was a man and his right hand was withered c. Our most merciful Lord taketh hold of all occasions of converting Souls wherefore on the Sabboth days he frequented the Synagogues that being then gathered together he might the better reach them heavenly things In the Synagogue he found a man whose right hand was withered for many there are even in Gods Church that have their left hands ready for mischief but their right hands withered and unable to do any good And their right hand is the right hand of Iniquity See whether your hand be not thus withered Mat. 12.13 Consider 2. Then he saith to the man stretch forth thy hand and he stretched it forth and it was restored to health Our Lord could as easily have done the Cure without stretching forth but he will have us also to co-operate in our own behalf according to that of the Prophet Zachar. 1.3 Convert to me c. and I will convert to you Stretch forth therefore your hand to good works to help your Brother and in frequent prayer to God and you will undoubtedly obtain perfect health Eccles 9.10 Whatsoever thy hand is able to do work it instantly saith the wise man Ps 2.4 Consider 3. The Scribes and Pharisees having seen the Miracle whereas by benefit thereof they might have wrought their own salvation they took occasion thereby out of envy to contrive Christs death But he that dwelleth in the Heavens shall laugh at them And Christ although he could have destroyed them in a moment yet he chose rather to bear with them and withdraw himself for the time to another place to teach you meekness Of the crooked Woman cured Luc. 13.11 c. Dan. 13.9 COnsider 1. Christ being again in the Synagogue according to his custome Behold a Woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years and she was crooked neither could she look upward at all This infirmity was caused by the Devil as Christ himself witnesseth and this either in punishment of sin as it was in Giezi's Lepre or by Gods permission for exercise of her virtue as it happened to Blessed Job Mystically the Devil causeth the like crookedness in all those souls which he makes to stoop down to worldly things and keeps them so fixedly bent upon them that they cannot look up nor raise their thoughts to Heaven Of such it is said They declined their eyes that they would not see Heaven nor remember just judgments See whether you be not likewise crookedly bent in your works and intentions Consider 2. The Mercy of Christ of his own accord calling the Woman to him and curing her Woman thou art delivered from thy infirmity And the effect presently seconded his Omnipotent word for having imposed his hands upon her she was forthwith made straight and glorified God Observe and imitate this Womans gratitude who as soon as she saw her self cured glorified God See how much more reason you have to be ever grateful and to glorifie God who healeth all thine infirmities Ps 102.3 say with David My strength and my praise is our Lord and he is made unto me a Salvation This is my God Exod. 15.2 and I will glorifie him Is 51.7 8. Consider 3. The perverse Zeal of the Arch-Synagogue who had indignation that Jesus had cured on the Sabboth as if it were not lawful to do a good work although not servile on the Sabboth day Thus many pretend Zeal for their passions Procure to do all your actions with a sincere and upright intention as in the sight of God and you will not fear what judgments men pass upon them Fear ye not the reproach of men and be not afraid of their blasphâ—mies for as a garment so shall the worm eat them and as wooll so shall the Moth devoure them Of Holy Communion Behold my Beloved speaketh to me Arise make hast my Love c. and come Cant. 2.10 Consider Christ as your Souls Love Cant. 5.2 COnsider 1. What is commanded in this daies Gospel Thou shalt love the Lord thy God from thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind c. Mat. 22.37 God would be our Souls Love therefore he often calleth them his Beloved his Spouses his Sisters Open to me my Sister my Love my Dove c. And because love is gained by love Let us therefore love God 1 Jo. 4.19 because God first hath loved us Who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his blood Apoc. 1.5 Never any Mother loved her Child so tenderly nor Spouse his Beloved as God doth Man making himself 1. His Companion 2. His Food 3. His Ransom And lastly his Everlasting Reward so that he
A JOURNAL OF MEDITATIONS For every day in the Year Gathered out of divers Authors Written first in Latine by N. B. and newly translated into English by E. M. in the Year of our Lord 1669. Every day will I bless thee and will praise thy name for ever and for ever and ever Ps 144.2 Anno Dom. MDCLXIX THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER THe general use of Mental Prayer through the Christian World next to the influence of the Divine Spirit who is the principal Cause and Author of all that is good oweth very much to the pious labours of those who in Written Books and Volumes have treated at large of this holy Exercise of its nature excellency and advantages and have delivered rules and precepts for the due performance of it and withal have suggested ample matter of Meditation digested into points and set down in order and method By which means this principal part of Devotion though something difficult in its self without the special unction of the Holy Ghost hath been wonderfully facilitated and made familiar to all Neither are we in England destitute of these helps having in our own language Luiz de Puentes Luiz Granada's and Vincentio Bruno's Meditations and some others whose pious labours have proved singularly beneficial to the Christian World Yet in regard these Authors are either large in themselves or have not that set and ready distribution for each day in the year which would be a riddance of a continual trouble in seeking out and contriving Meditations suitable to the current time and day and because many there are who though desirous to employ themselves daily in this Exercise yet have not either will or leasure to spend much time therein or convenience to have always about them larger Volumes I thought it would not prove a superfluous labour to adjoyn to the former helps some more compendious and methodical supply which I hope will be so performed by this short Journal that young beginners may find what help they desire without tediousness and others that have had more practice in Mental Prayer and desire to employ more time therein may not want matter to work upon and dilate themselves more at large both in discourse and affection The Author of this Journal is of our own Nation and yet living though buried to the World whose modesty enjoyns me to a concealment of his name But in regard the reputation of my Author may be of concern to the benefit of my Reader I think my self bound to let the world know that his singular vertue and abilities have first placed and since fixed him these last twenty years in an eminent employment and one of greatest trust in the state and profession he liveth in He wrote this Book thirty years since in Latine for the benefit of a private Community of whose spiritual advancement then committed to his charge he was zealous This work though never yet set forth to the publick view of the world in Print hath a sufficient approbation from the general esteem of all those that have made use of it Some persons of known vertue literature and authority have procured themselves Copies and make use of no other in their daily exercise of Mental Prayer Others have taken the pains to Transcribe it for their constant use and both these and several others have wished to see it published in English for the more general benefit of our Nation The matter is solid and for the most part grounded on Divine Scripture and fitly accommodated to the use and practice of the Church which in several parts of the year doth represent unto us the several Mysteries of our Saviours Incarnation his Infancy Life and Doctrine his Passion and Death Resurrection and Ascension The Method is plaâ—â— and easie laying down in order each days Meditation and requiring no further trouble than the going continually on with them or if you chance to make any interruption for weeks or days you need but turn to the week and day you are in according to the Ecclesiastical account which every Calendar will tell you As concerning the Translation I have been faithful in my trust keeping touch all along with the sense of the Original What alterations I have made I was necessitated unto by reason of the matter which being in many places applied by the Author to the particular Community for which he wrote required some change for the more general use of all and I was authorized therein by an express and large Commission from the Author which notwithstanding I have used sparingly As for the Version of the Scripture-Text I have carefully sought out each Citation and even scrupulously followed every where the Rhemes Testament reverencing and preferring the publick authority of those learned and grave Authors before that of any private person much more of my own Judgement opinion I have also for the readier use and satisfaction of such as may have occasion or desire to see the Citations in the Text it self noted every where not onely the Chapter but Verse also and by this diligent search have corrected very many false quotations caused by the several transcriptions of Copies As for the Citations of Holy Fathers and other Authors not having convenience of Books to look them out I have left them as I found them Having thus Christian Reader given you some account of this Journal and its Translation I leave it in your hands and recommend it to your serious perusal If perhaps your necessary occasions and employments or little practise or apprehension of difficulty in the exercize of Mental Prayer permit not any longer or more studious Meditation at least take the pains to read every day one of these pages and for the space of a quarter of an hour either sitting or walking onely to reâ—â—ect or ruminate upon what you have read applying what you may to your self and thinking what may serve for your own practise I hope after some acquaintance you will receive that satisfaction which I proposed to my self in the first undertaking of the Work and that by means thereof and the assistance of Gods Holy Grace you will come to reap thâ—se admirable fruits of Mental Prayer consisting in the knowledg of your self and of your duty to God of the malice and damages of Sin of the Miseries and Vanities of the World of the practise of all manner of Christian perfection but chiefly in the eminent knowledg and love of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ with the infinite treasures comprehended in the Mysteries of his Life Passion and Resurrection wherein consisteth the height of all our perfection in this life Joh. 17.3 and the accomplishment of all our happiness in the next according to that of the Apostle This is Life everlasting that they know thee the onely true God and whom thou hast sent Jesus Christ To whom with the Father and Holy Ghost be all praise honor and glory now and for ever Amen Your Servant in
you would have remained for ever but that it pleased God to take you out of your nothing and wheras he could have joyned to your first or original matter infinite other forms he would endow you with a rational one and place you in this world among men But to what end Not to disport or play not to eat and drink not to seek after honours and vanities of this life nor finally to end your days like brute beasts Our Lord hath wrought all things for himself that you might serve and worship him in this world and so at last attain to life everlasting Consider 2. The excellency of this end All other living creatures are created stooping down to their food and carry about them souls that are to end with time Man alone is elevated to that sublinie end of praising and serving his Creator and after a short and holy life to be crowned with immortal glory With good reason David full of admiration breaketh forth into those words What is man that thou art mindful of him Thou hast minished him little less then Angels with glory and honour thou hast crowned him Ps 8.5 and hast appointed him over the works of thy hands Ps 33.2 Consider 3. How much you are obliged to your Creator for so great a benefit and withall how justly he requireth of you that you direct your whole life to this onely end of his divine praise and service This therefore ought to be the onely aim of all your actions and even your thoughts viz. to honour God and serve him alone Wherefore say with the Prophet I will bless our Lord at all time his praise always in my mouth You are born for Heaven see you degenerate not See you carry not saith St. Bernard in a streight and upright body Bern. in Cant. Serm. 24. a crooked soul that is deformedly bent upon earthly things Of Mans last End The second Part. COnsider 1. Seeing your end in this life is to praise and serve God alone and seeing that in whatsoever kind the end is the measure or square of all such things as appertain thereunto it followeth evidently that you are to make use of all other creatures so far forth as they conduce to his service and honour and contrariwise to avoid them if they any way withdraw you from the same Wherefore you are not to desire riches honours conveniences of this life nor even learning or health otherwise then they may help you the better to serve God For as that holy man said well Tho. a Kemp. de Imit l. 1. c. 2. Better is the humble countreyman that serveth God then the proud Philosopher who neglecting himself considereth the course of the heavens Ps 107.2 Matt. 26.39 42. Consider 2. And examine your self in particular whether you have any disordered affection to the things above mentioned See whether you be ready to suffer poverty reproach sickness and death it self if God thereby might be the more glorified in you Offer your self to your Creator with indifferency to all things so far as they make to his greater glory Say with the Prophet My heart is ready O God my heart is ready and with Christ our Lord Not as I will but as thou Thy will be done Agg. 1.6 Consider 3. How foolishly they do who have any other end then God in their actions who employ their labours in purchasing honours riches renown pleasures and the like No otherwise do these then would he who being to sayl to the East should steer his course to the West and so never come to his journeys end Of such it is rightly said by the Prophet You have sowed much and brought in little you have eaten and have not been filled you have drunk and have not been inebriated Lastly They lead their days in wealth Job 21.13 and in a moment they go down to hell Of Mans duty towards God 1. Part. Ps 36.27 COnsider 1. The whole duty of man towards God is comprised in that short sentence Decline from evil and do good These are the two principal points of a Christian life they are the two wings whereby we must flye up to Heaven the two arms wherewith we are to lay fast hold on the Kingdom of God In respect of the first part mans life in the holy Scripture is said to be a warfare upon earth Job 7.1 and Christians are termed Souldiers carefully standing upon their guard for resisting the suggestions and temptations of sin Job 9.28 Consider 2. In this Warfare we are to strive against Sin even unto death never giving over or thinking our selves secure but always standing in arms with watchful care and fear Job notwithstanding all his Integrity discussed and feared every the least of his actions David a man according to Gods own heart Ps 76.7 did every night brush or sweep his spirit St. John Baptist that was sanctified in his mothers womb Hym. ad Mat. de S. Joh. Bapt. led an austere retired life that he might not as the Church singeth of him stain his life with a light slip of his tongue S. Paul though confirmed in Grace and rapt to the third Heaven could say of himself So I fight not as it were beating the air 1 Cor. 9.27 but I chastise my body and bring it into servitude Think not therefore much of any pains for the avoiding of sin Tob. 4.6 Consider 3. We must not onely withstand the actual committing of sin but also the consent of mind Beware thou consent not to sin at any time and resist all delectation and suggestion for as St. Gregory saith In suggestion is the seed of sin Greg. ad Interr lib. Aug. Cantuar in delectation the nourishment in consent the perfection Examine your self what vigilancy and caution you hold over your thoughts words and actions how you avoid occasions of danger and how you resist the suggestions of the Flesh the World and the Devil Take up your Weapons with the holy Saints of Fasting Prayer and Mortification of your flesh that you may also with them be crowned with a glorious Victory Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Part. Matt. 13.44 COnsider 1. The other part of Mans Duty is to labour in the exercise of good works thereby to please and serve God Wherefore Heaven is sometimes proposed unto us as a rich jewel sometimes as a treasure hidden in a field which we are to seek out with some pain and labour and to purchase with the sale of all we have sometimes again as a goal or prize 1 Cor. 9.24 which we are to gain by running on in the race of Vertue and Perfection and almost every where as the Reward and Crown of Vertuous Actions See therefore you play the industrious Merchant and by the continual exercise of good works heap up to your self treasures in Heaven Matt. 6.20 1 Thess 4.3 Consider 2. The several Motives which you have to
you are bound to so patient a Lord that hath so long expected you to do pennance Take heed lest patience abused turn into fury Wherefore humbly crave pardon for what is past and purpose amendment for the future Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin By reason of the Dignity of the Person offended 2. Part. Job 26.11 COnsider 1. The greater the dignity is of the Person offended the greater is the offence Whence greater is his crime that woundeth his King or Father then his that hurteth only some one of the common sort Wherefore ponder who he is whom you have so often provoked by your sins 1. He is God of infinite Majesty at whose beck the pillars of Heaven tremble and dread 2. He is omnipotent able to destroy you in a moment and chastize you a thousand ways 3. He is every where present Jer. 32.19 Whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the children of Adam And yet you have the impudency to do that before his eyes which you would be ashamed to do in the sight of men Deut. 32.6 18. Consider 2. The many titles of his goodness towards you for these also do aggravate the Sin 1. He hath created you of nothing preserved you hitherto as a Father and governed you as a Tutor 2. He hath drawn you out of the jaws of Hell and redeemed you with his precious Bloud 3. He it is that sanctifies you even to this day strengthening you with the holy Sacraments preventing you with his Inspirations and drawing you on a thousand ways towards the Crown of Glory And could you sind in your heart so often and so fouly to abuse such a Benefactor These things dost thou render to our Lord thou foolish and unwise people Is not he thy Father that hath possessed thee and made and created thee God that begat thee thou hast forsaken and hast forgotten our Lord thy Creator Rom. 2.5 Consider 3. How greatly you ought to be ashamed of such an ingratitude and to be grieved for having offended so great a Majesty Abuse not the treasures of so infinite a goodnesse patience and longanimity but speedily do pennance lest otherwise thou heap to thy self wrath as the Apostle saith in the day of wrath Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin By reason of the baseness of the Offender 3. Part COnsider 1. It would be judged a great offence if one Prince should strike another but much lesse then if a Subject should strike his Soveraign for the offence is proportioned to the Inequality that is between â—he offender and person offended And what greater inequality can there be then between God and you Think therefore what you are that dare reproach the Lord of hosts and in his sight commit enormous crimes as if there were no power in Heaven to punish you As to your body you are a contemptible worm crept out of the slime of the earth Grass flower of the field Ps 102.15 Jac. 4.14 Gen. 3.19 Bern. in for hon vit a vapour appearing for a little while â—ast thou art and into dust thou shalt return And as St. Bernard doth elegantly express You were unclean seed you are a vessel or sack of dung you will be meat for worms Why therefore is earth and ashes proud Consider 2. As to your Soul what are you Created of nothing and to nothing you would return if God did not preserve you without whom you cannot so much as move a finger 2. You are conceived in Sin born and bred in Sin nor is there any Sin so hainous which you would not commit if Gods Grace did not keep you back 3. As to knowledge how little is it that you know and how many things are there that you understand not As to power and ability how little is it that you are able to do and how innumerable are the things above your reach Sap. 11.23 Consider 3. What are you now compared to all men in the world What to the whole multitudes of Angels And what are all these again in respect of Almighty God As the least weight of the balance so is the round world before thee and as a dray of the dew before day that falleth upon the carth And yet vile Miscreant that you are you have had the boldnesse so often most impudently to provoke a Lord of such dread and majesty to indignation against you Do pennance and sin no more Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin By reason of the Vilenesse of the Object 4. Part. Is 40.17 COnsider 1. It would aggravate the fault if one should leave a friend or do him some notorious injury for a slight and frivolous matter For example should cut his brothers throat for a Tennis-ball The whole world in respect of God is as nothing and a vain thing as Isaie saith He would therefore highly injure God who is his Supreme and Everlasting Good that should but once leave him though it were to gain the whole world but much more he that should contemn him for trifles Whence himself as one amazed complaineth of this contempt by his Prophet Jer. 2.12 Be astonied O heavens upon this and O gates thereof be ye desolate exceedingly c. for two evils hath my people done Me they have forsaken the fountain of living water and have digged to themselves cesterns broken cesterns that are not able to hold waters Ponder how fitly God is termed an endlesse Fountain flowing with all manner of good and all things of this world leaking and broken cesterns they seem to have something in them but in truth do not hold water Consider 2. In particular for what trifles you have often forsaken God perhaps that you might please men enjoy some short pleasure satisfie you passion or greedy appetite gain some vain reputation and the like Esau did foolishly in selling his Birth-right for a messe of pottage but Judas did worse in selling Christ for thirty silver pieces Worst of all the Jews in preferring the Miscreant and Murderer Barabbas before Christ Yet these you do imitate as often as you prefer some short pleasure or evil action before God himself and your own right to the Kingdom of Heaven Consider 3. How you ought to be sorry for your sins past and wary for the future St. Cyprian saith well How greatly we have sinned Cypr. Ser. de lap Eccli 2.23 so greatly let us bewail We have a good Lord and according to his greatness as Ecclesiasticus saith so also his mercy is with him Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin For the Damages and bad Consequences it brigheth 5 Part. Prov. 14.34 COnsider 1. All men naturally fly from things that are hurtful Now there is nothing in the whole world so pernicious as Sin Whence Salomon Sin maketh peoples miserable And He that shall offend in one point shall lose many good things Eccles. 9.18 Ponder therefore the damages which it brings with it and first in this life in which
things up in your heart by serious Meditation and beg that the hand of our Lord may also be with you Zacheus come down in haste because this day I must abide in thy house Luc. 19.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Guest of your Soul Apoc. 3.20 COnsider 1. How Christ although he be the Lord of Glory and Majesty whom thousands of millions attend on in heaven is notwithstanding wonderfully desirous to make himself your guest and to lodge in your Soul Whence in the Apocalyps he saith I stand at the dore and knock if any one shall open unto me the gate I will enter in to him and will sup with him and he with me O what a favour is this Who are you and who is he Luc. 3.4 Consider 2. What is said this day in the Gospel Prepare the way of our Lord make streight his paths You must make ready the room of your heart that it may be fit to entertain so great a guest He is content and well pleased with what is mean so it be but cleanly and therefore he would not take flesh but in the Virgins purest womb nor be layed but in a new Sepulchre and wrapped in a pure clean Winding-sheet He is highly taken with Humility and as much offended with Pride and Self-conceit If you be a valley you shall be filled up as it is said to day in the Gospel but if you be a hill or mountain you shall be humbled and taken down Meet him then prostrating your self before him and crying out from the bottom of your heart Luâ— 7.6 Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof c. Gen. 18.3 c. 4 Reg. 4.8 Luc. 10.38 Prov. 23.26 Consider 3. With what prompt observance and hearty welcome anciently they did entertain their guests Abraham the three Angels the Sunamite woman the Prophet Elizeus Martha Christ himself Do you the like and the best you have set before him that is present him your whole heart My son saith he give me thy heart See it be all of a piece whole and entire not divided either by self-love or inordinate affection to things of this world Mat. 1.18 Of our Blessed Ladies Virginity revealed to St. Joseph 1. Part. COnsider 1. The singular Sanctity of St. Joseph answerable to so high an office though God had not as yet revealed unto him the Mystery of the Incarnation for a proof both of his and the Virgins Vertue Wherefore perceiving her to be grown big after her return from Elizabeth he was startled at it and began to be troubled in minde doubtful what he should do to keep himself blamelesse Thus God is wont to try his servants though but for a time Ps. 54.23 for he will not give fluctuation saith David to the Just for ever Consider 2. The many Vertues of the holy man in this perplexity of mind Patience in supporting and not divulging the matter Charity in not reproaching her Prudence in taking mature deliberation with himself of what were fit to be done Do you the like when any thing happeneth amisse in your brother beware of rash judgement follow that of St. Bernard Ber. ser 10. in Cant. Excuse the intention if you cannot the fact take it for a mistake judge it aâ— surprize think it a chance Is 24.16 Consider 3. The admirable Vertues of the B. Virgin in this surprize of Joseph She alleadgeth nothing in her own defence though easily she might Her honour was in question in a matter of the highest concern notwithstanding she chooseth rather to be silent and to commit the matter to God then to publish any thing that might turn to her own praise My secret to me You perhaps do not so but presently blab out whatsoever makes to your commendation and though you be in fault make a thousand excuses one upon the other in your sins Ps. 140.4 Mat. 1.20 Of our Blessed Ladies Virginity revealed to St. Joseph 2. Part. BEhold the Angel of our Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph Consider 1. The sum of the Angels Message 1. He honoureth Josâ—ph with the title of being son of David 2. He takes away all fear and trouble of mind 3. He justifieth the Virgin 4. He informs him of the Mystery of the Incarnation Ponder here how God was not wanting in due time to these holy persons but when all humane means failed sent them succour from heaven Admire the divine Providence which though it seems to leave us for a while yet will not abandon us for good and all For a moment Is 54.7 a little while saith he have I forsaken thee and in great mercies will I gather thee Consider 2. What excesse of joy St. Joseph was in when he understood of the Mystery of the Incarnation the Innocency of his Spouse and her election to be Mother of God where he understood himself to be assumed to that eminent dignity of being not only Guardian and Spouse to the Mother but also the reputed father of the Son of God and as father to give him the name of Jesus Think how he condemned himself as one rashly jealous Congratulate with him for this honour and reverence with singular devotion him whom both Mother and Son so highly favoured Cant. 5.2 2.11 Consider 3. The Angel disappearing probably St. Joseph impatient of delay went forthwith to his most innocent Spouse knocked at her chamber dore where she likely was watching in heavenly contemplation and used those woâ—ds of the Canticles Open to me my sister my love my beautiful one for winter is now past the rain is gone and departed Then he asked pardon with tears and recounted to her the whole passage of the Angels Vision Think what joy there was between them Learn to put your trust in God in like accidents who after a tempest maketh a calm Tâ—b 3.22 and after tears and weeping poureth in joyfulnesse Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 1. Part. Luc. 12.50 COnsider 1. The Infant Christ shut up in his Mothers womb did earnestly long for the coming of that hour wherein he was to appear in the World to perfect the work of our Salvation so as even then to say I have to be baptized with a Baptisme and how am I straitened till it be dispatched He contained himself notwithstanding for nine whole moneths neither would he dispense one day with himself in that tedious and painful Inclosure but embraced it as a fit occasion of suffering for us of which nature he would omit nothing that came in his way What man in his wits according to flesh and bloud would suffer himself to be so long shut up in such a prison though it were to gain the world Be ashamed then to complain of small inconveniences when God himself suffered so great for you Cant. 8.1 Consider 2. The expectation on the behalf of the Mother now near her time and most
the Manger God his Father would honour him and make him known to the Shepherds by Angels and to the Sages by a Star because He that humbleth himself shall be exalted Ponder the words of the Evangelist And there were in the same countrey Shepherds watching and keeping the night-watches over their flock and behold an Angel of our Lord stood beside them and the brightnesse of God did shine round about them Consider 2. Christ would not be made known to the Wisemen about Bethleem because they were proud nor to the rich because they were covetous nor to the noble because they were given to pleasures but to Shepherds that is men that were poor humble laborious vigilant and careful in their office Be you therefore such an one and be watchful over your self that you may deserve to be visited with divine illustrations Consider 3. Such a Shepherd or Pastour was St. Thomas whose Feast you celebrate this day and therefore the Gospel of the good Shepherd is applied unto him For the same reason Christ manifested himself unto him after a special manner towards an eminent degree of Sanctity in this life and is now seen and enjoyed by him in the other to an equal proportion of Glory See his Zeal for the Church of God his Constancy in adversity and Piety in Prosperity and do your utmost to imitate him And if you be to receive to day Christ the chief Pastour in the Holy Eucharist beseech him to instruct you how to feed and govern according to his and St. Thomas his example the flock committed to your charge which in the first place is your own Soul with all its powers faculties and senses then those that are under your charge that by vertue of his divine illustrations you may your self be enlightened all over and with all be a light to others both by word and example For as St. Gregory saith Greg. Ep. 32. l. 7. The flame or fire of the Shepherd is the light of the flock Of the Message sent to the Shepherds 2. Part. Luc. 2.10 11. COnsider 1. Those words of the Angel I evangelize to you great joy c. because this day is born to you a Saviour c. The joys of the world are either base or vain The onely true and solid content is of God and of things appertaining to our eternal Salvation and this joy as our Saviour saith no man shall take from you Jo. 16.22 Think therefore what cause you have to rejoyce for the Birth of this Saviour Mat. 1.21 who saveth his people from their sins from the power and slavery of the Devil from hell and damnation and bestoweth upon them all manner of Spiritual Blessings Grace Vertue and Life everlasting And this to you as much as to all the world besides and even this day and at all times that you will your self Say therefore with the Prophet Habac. 3.18 I will joy in our Lord and will rejoyce in God my Jesus Consider 2. And this shall be a sign to you You shall finde the Infant swadled in clothes and laid in a manger Good God what signs are these of the Messias Lord and Saviour of the world Infancy clouts and manger Who would not have expected he should have heard of Courts Thrones Purple robes c. Try whether you can finde such signs of Poverty and Humility in your heart that thence you may come to know whether or no Christ be as yet spiritually born within you Consider 3. And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly Army praising God c. O what heavenly Musick was then heard O with what Angelical Harmony was then first entoned Gloria in excelsis Deo Glory in the highest to God Learn hence to praise and glorifie God in all things And in earth peace to men of good will Hence also learn that peace both interiour and exteriour with God and our Neighbour is a peculiar gift of Christ For Ps. 71.7 There shall arise in those days Justice and abundance of Peace O how much is this Peace to be wished for Yet it is not bestowed but upon men of good will that is rightly subordinate to God For Is 48.22 There is no peace to the impious saith our Lord. Luc. 2.15 Of the Shepherds Adoring 2 Reg. 23.15 COnsider 1. Let us go over to Bethleem c. See their prompt Obedience With the same readinesse ought you likewise to obey divine Inspirations And they came with speed that you may learn to be fervorous in the Service of God For as St. Ambrose saith no body seeketh Christ slothfully Go you also and that frequently over to Bethleem considering the Mysteries that were there exhibited for your Salvation Say with David O that some man would give me drink of the water out of the Cestern that is in Bethleem The Cestern is the Cave the Water is Christ Jer. 2.13 Eccli 1.5 who is the Fountain of Living Water and the Fountain of Wisdom Consider 2 And they sound Mary and Joseph and the Infant c. Whence you may learn that the readiest way to finde Christ is by means of the B. Virgin and the Intercession of Saints See with what Spiritual Joy the Shepherds adore what Presents they offer How afterwards they return again and recount to others what had passed Gloâ—ifying and praising God in all things that they had seen and heard And out of all gather something for your self Consider 3. But Mary kept all these words c. Observe four several sorts of persons then in Bethleem 1. Some passing by did see the Shepherds and the Crib but not finding any thing extraordinary went on their ways without any further notice or feeling 2. Others heard and admired what the Shepherds related unto them but being busied with other affairs thought no more of it 3. The Shepherds themselves adored also and with a lively faith but returned afterwards to their own uncertain with what event 4. Only the B. Virgin and St. Joseph insisted upon the Mystery pondering each particular and bearing them constantly in minde Think what rank you are of or would wish to be Behold thy Saviour cometh Is 62.11 O God save me in thy name Ps. 53.3 Luc. 2.27 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as he is Jesus or Saviour Ps. 129.7 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel to wit that in his Circumcision His Name was called Jesus that is Saviour and with reason for that to day he sheddeth his first bloud as the earnest penny of our Redemption being to pay the remainder of our Ransome on Mount Calvary so as to make good that of the Psalmist And with him there is plenteous redemption If Joseph and some others were called Saviours for having delivered the people from famine and temporal death how much more Justly is Christ so called who saveth us from that which is everlasting For he saith the Angel shall save his
people from their sins Mat. 1.21 Ps. 30.8 Consider 2. This Saviour will come to you to day in the Holy Eucharist to save thy Soul out of her necessities To deliver you from your Spiritual Enemies giving strength and forces to overcome them He will wash and cleanse you with the Sacred Bloud he shed this day And lastly he being the beginning both of the year and of all other things will give you himself as a New-years Gift and Pledge of a happy year being willing to abide continually with you if you will your self O what a benefit Ps. 33.19 Ps 16.7 Consider 3. You must prepare a lodging in your Soul against the coming of your Saviour First by Humility acknowledging your own unworthinesse and his Greatnesse For as the Prophet saith The humble of spirit he will save Secondly by a great confidence in his Goodnesse for He maketh his mercies marvellous and saveth them that hope in him Prepare also a New-years Gift for him saying with David I am thine save me Ps. 118.94 122. Ps. 59.19 Receive thy servant unto Good A contrite and humbled heart O God thou wilt not despise Of our Lords Circumcision 1. Part. COnsider 1. Christ was not subject to the law of Circumcision as being incapable of contracting Original Sin whose remedy it was He would notwithstanding undergo it though most painful 1. To honour the Law in his own Person 2. Not to offend others by his singularity 3. That he might soon begin to shed his bloud for us 4. That having taken upon himself our sins he might also undergo the penalty 5. To give us example of Obedience to the law of God of contempt of all worldly reputation and of mortifying our selves Learn to do even what you are not obliged unto and to seek the mortification of your flesh and cover not the reputation of a Saint seeing you cannot but confesse your self a sinner Consider 2. Probably Christ was Circumcised by his Mother or St. Joseph seeing the Law did not prescribe any certain place or Minister Think with what tendernesse they performed this action with what compassion towards the Child and resignation to the will of God for that they knew he was not subject to the Law Stir up in your self like affections of Compassion Resignation c. Erod 4.26 1 Reg. 18.27 Consider 3. The affections of the Infant How he willingly offereth himself to his divine Father to suffer in satisfaction for your unlawful pleasures how patiently he endureth the pain how at the same time he crieth as an Infant but rejoyceth withall for promoting thus your Salvation He is this day truly become a bloudy Spouse espousing us to himself not as David did Michol in the Prepuces of the Philistines but in his own precious Bloud Excite your self to suffer something for your Spouse who endured so much for love of you Of our Lords Circumcision 2. Part. Luc. 2.21 HIs name was called Jesus Consider 1. After the painful Act of Circumcision is given him a name that is above all names For God honoureth them that suffer any thing for his sake and exalteth those that humble themselves Behold the B. Virgin pronouncing this holy name Phil. 2.9 which she learned of the Angel saying Jesus is his name See how at the first utterance thereof all the Celestials Terrestrials and Infernals bowed their knees how all were transperted with joy but chiefly the Blessed Mother saying with the Prophet I will rejoyce in God my Jesus Do you also rejoyce for the imposing this Sacred Name wherein we must be saved Habac. 3.18 Act. 4.12 Consider 2. The Excellencies of this Name Jesus or Saviour for it expresseth all the divine Perfections 1. Power for that he hath taken us out of the hands of our most powerful enemy 2. Wisdom whereby he over-reached his adversary appearing in the form of a slave and concealing under it that of God 3. Charity whereby without any benefit to himself and with his own great pains and labour he set us at liberty 4. Sanctity for unlesse he had been without all blemish himself he could not have cleansed others from their sins 5. Divinity for none but God could pay the infinite debt of Sin 6. His dominion over all men whom he bought with his precious bloud Truly Oyl poured out is his Name dilating its sweet sent in all manner of Spiritual Graces Cant. 1.3 Consider 3. How highly you ought to reverence this holy Name how greatly to be affected towards it how carefully to labour in propagating its Glory following the counsel of the Apostle All whatsoever you do in word or in work all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Beg of him to make good the exposition of his Name and to save you Say with the Prophet Col. 3.17 Help us O God our Saviour and for the glory of thy Name O Lord deliver us and be propitious to our sins for thy Names sake Ps 78.9 Of our Spiritual Circumcision 1. Part. Jer. 4.4 COnsider 1. Every Christian ought Spiritually to be Circumcised after the example of his Lord and Captain This we are all enioyned in those words of the Prophet Be circumcised to our Lord and take away the prepuces of your hearts ye men of Judah and Inhabitants of Jerusalem lest perhaps mine indignation go forth as fire and be kindled and there be none that can quench it because of the malice of your cogitations Hence conceive how great necessity there is of it and take heed of incurring Gods wrath and indignation Consider 2. This Circumcision as Saint Bernard noteth must be throughout the whole man Ber. ser 1. de Circumc Therefore search your self narrowly cut off all disordinate passions and all manner of superfluities which may any wayes hinder your Spirituall Progresse In the first place you must take away all stiffnesse in judgement and opinion which is the fountain and origin of many evils For hence all manner of Heresies Illusions of the Devil Dissentions Strifes and the like take their beginning Wherefore detest it as the plague and bane of Vertue Learn to submit it willingly to the Church your Superiours and Spiritual Directours whom you have in place of God and as the Wiseman counselleth Lean not upon thine own prudence Prov. 3.5 7. and Be not wise in thine own conceit Consider 3. You must also circumcise Self-love the greatest enemy man hath It blindeth the Understanding it inflames the minde with hurtful desires which drown men into destruction 1 Tim. 6.9 and perdition Such are the desires of having of enjoying the conveniences of this life of being honoured and esteemed by men of having our actions taken notice of and preferred before others likewise the desire of vain and unprofitable knowledge love of vanities and pleasures of this world and the like Cut off therefore all these Mat. 5.31 and cast away from you Deny your self and
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
early days for banishment labours and miseries He rejoyceth to goe into Egypt to sanctify it with his devine presence and to destroy the Idols that were in it Isa 19.1 Behold our Lord c. Will enter into Egypt and the Idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence Beseech him likewise to sanctify you in the Holy Eucharist and to destroy in you all the Idols of your Vitious affections Consider 2. What they doe and suffer in the way Offer your selfe as companion Observe their religious comportment their pious discourses their interiour recollection with God See with what patience they endure and overcome the many difficulties of a very long and troublesome journey of about two hundred and seventy miles Think what they suffer in the Innes and other places being poor and strangers in the country Have compassion on them and be confounded for being so nice and seeking so much your own ease and satisfaction in meat drink lodging c. Consider 3. How being come into Egypt they took up there habitation for seven or eight yeares between Heliopolis and Cairus Think what manner of life they led all that time 1. Their religious obseruance towards God and his laws as much as the condition of banishment in a Heathenish country would permit 2. Their Charity and Union among themselves 3. Their extrem poverty having nothing but what they got by labour of their hands to maintain themselves and the Child 4. Their patience in the ill usages of the Egyptians 5. The edification they gave to their Neighbours and zeal in endevoring their conversion and that probably not without success in many Ponder every thing attentively and gather something for your self Of the Murder of the Holy Jnnocents Mat. 2.16 Ps 2.4 COnsider 1. Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the Sages was exceeding angry and sending murdered all men children c. Observe the barbarous cruelty and into what enormities Ambition doth plunge a man that you may conceive the greater hatred against it But let the wicked rage and fume as they please let them devise practices against our Lord and his Saints He that dwelleth in the Heavens shall laugh at them and our Lord shall scorn them as he did Herod and frustrated his designe Learn therefore to confide in our Lord. Consider 2. The cruelty of the Officers exceeding even that of the Tyrant See how redily and to the full they execute their Princes command murdering as many as they could finde all about Bethleem Be confounded in your selfe for being so remisse in doing good Imagin what a heart-breaking this must needs prove to these childrens mothers See that your concern and griefe be no less as often as Christ is taken from you by sin Think how Christ though a far of beholdeth all these things with compassion but withall rejoyceth at the Infants glory and crowns in Heaven Judic 14.8 Consider 3. The goodness of God who knoweth how to draw good out of the Wickednesse of man and produce a honey combe out of the Lyons jawes He permitted therefore this slaughter that so he might raise the Infants to the crown of Martyrdom Commit your selfe and all you have to God for he knows better how to dispose all things then you your felfe Wish that you also may come to shed your bloud for him but first imitate the Innocency of these Saints by purity of life Apoc. 14.5 That you may be without spot before the throne of God Of Christs Return out of Egypt to Nazareth Mat. 2.19 Psa 33.6 COnsider 1. When Herod was dead behold an Angel of our Lord appeared in sleepe to Joseph in Egypt saying arise and take the Child and his Mother and goe into the Land of Israel Who being afterwards in doubt where to dwell for feare of Archelaus was admonished again to goe into Galilee Observe here 1. How short is the prosperity of the wicked in this life and how soone it is changed into everlasting miseries of the next 2. What a speciall care and providence God hath of the Just taking them in due time out of the afflictions he permitted them to fall into for their greater good and directing them in all their ways Therefore Come ye to him and be illuminated and your faces shall not be confounded Cant. 2.1 Consider 2. And coming he dwelt in a Citty called Nazareth Imagin the joy and congratulations of their friends and kindred for their return and for the increase of a son where admire their singular modesty in concealing the admirable Mysteries which God had wrought in them leaving it to him to reveale them in due time Observe how Christ from Nazareth was called a Nazarite and Nazareth signifieth a flower and Christ saith of himselfe in the Canticles I am the flower of the field not of the garden that is born of mean not of noble or wealthy parents and the Lilly of the Valleys not of the mountains that is springing forth of the hearts of the humble not of the proud and high minded Be you therefore a Valley that is humble that the pure lilly of Chastity may bud forth of your heart and your self florish for ever in the presence and company of your Lord. Consider 3. Many are the followers of Jesus the Nazarite but few of the Crucified They willingly hear him company in a prosperous and florishing condition but leave him in adversity They would be sharers of his kingdom not of his Passion of his Crown not of his Cross But you my soule so follow the Nazarite as to run after the sweet odour of his Vertues and follow him also Crucifyed for that by his Cross and not otherwise you must passe to his Crown A summary of the Vertues which Christ exercised in his Infancy HAving considered the Mysteries of Christs Infancy it will not be amiss to cast an eye back and reflect upon the admirable examples of Vertue which he gave us therein 1. Of Contempt of the World He would be born secretly in the night without any pompe or attendants unknown to all Being born he would be visited by none of his country but by poore silly shepheards in the Temple he chose to be manifested by two mean and obscure persons Simeon and Anna and lived afterwards obscurely in banishment refusing and contemning all the enjoyments of this World 2. Of Humility From the God of infinit Majesty become a helplesse Infant in his birth an outcast in Bethleem a companion of beasts in a stable a reputed sinner in his Circumcision a weak worm and fugitive in his flight into Egypt I am a worm and no man a reproach of men Psa 21.7 and outcast of the people 3. Of Poverty For you he was made poor 2 Cor. 8.9 wheras he was rich scarce admitting necessaries and in what he had ever chusing the meanest and worst a stable for his house a manger for his cradle straw for his bed course swathing
with sorrow and love 4. The Prayer they made that whole night begging ernestly of God the return of the Child It often happeneth that we lose Christ in the day time of prosperity and that we come not to take notice of it till the night of tribulation Begg of your Lord not to leave you say with the Prophet Forsake me not O Lord my God depart not from me Christ is sought for by his Parents Luc. 2.45 Cant. 1.7 COnsider 1. The great care of the B. Virgin and S. Joseph in seeking after their son who appeared not all that first night of their journey They returned into Jerusalem seeking him Leaving no place either in the way or Citty unsearched if so perhaps they might find him out whom their hearts loved so entirely The B. Virgin might probably say that of the Canticles Shew me O thou whom my soule loveth where thou feedest where thou lyest in the midday or heat and height of my affliction See with what fervor you ought to seeke after your Lord as often as you have lost either his personall presence with you by Mortall sin or his most gracious familiarity by Tepidity Consider 2. Christ could not be found among his kindred and acquaintance that you might learn to quit your self of all inordinat affection towards your kindred country and friends if you desire to enjoy the company of Jesus Bern. For as S. Bernard elegantly saith How shall I finde you good Jesus among my kindred who could not be found among your own Cant. 3.1 2. Consider 3. Neither yet is he found in some pleasant field nor in the Market place nor common Inn. Nor did the spouse in the Canticles find her beloved in the bed of ease and pleasures nor in the streets and high wayes of distractions He was sound at last in the Temple amongst the Doctors Seeke our Lord therefore in the Church and by prayer and if you find him not the first or second night persever still in seeking after him for as the Wise man saith of Wisdom Sap. 6 1â— He is easily seen of them that love him and is found of them that seek him Luc. sup Christ is found by his Parents COnsider 1. And it came to passe after three days they found him in the Temple Behold the B. Virgin entering into the Temple and think with what joy her very bowels were filled when she saw her Son who was the very light of her eyes yet she did not thrust herselfe into the assembly nor vainly boast herselfe as Mother of such a Son but silently and modestly waited the end Doe you the like in such occasions Mat. 27 4â— Luc. sup Consider 2. The Mothers words Son why hast thou so done to us This was not a complaint but an amorous expression of her griefe such as was that of Christ to his Father My God My God why hast thou forsaken me Behold thy father and I c. She honoureth her spouse in calling him father whereas he was but foster-father to the Child she prefers him before herselfe by naming him in the first place that you might learn to prefer others before your self Sorrowing did seek thee And therefore they found him Ps. 125.5 for They that sâ—â— in teares shall reap in joyfulnesse Consider 3. The Childs answer Did you not know that I must be about those things which are my fathers A true golden sentence and worthy to be ever born in mind teaching you to prefer the service of God before other affaires or concern whatsoever Examin your selfe whither you be wholy taken up in those things that are of your heavenly father or rather in toys in things of this world in self concernes in affaires opposit to Heaven and contrary to your vocation Of Christs Return to Nazareth and of his Obedience to his Parents Luc. 2.51 Part. I. COnsider 1. Christ having now performed the will of his Eternal father notwithstanding his great love to solitude prayer and the immediate worship of God in the Temple Weat down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them To teach us by his own example that God expecteth not the highest and most spiritual actions from all and at all times but requireth rather that we condescend to others and conform our life in the exterior to the condition of our calling performing the proper and ordinary actions thereof with perfection Think how Christ related to his B. Mother by the way what passed between him and the Doctors And his Mother kept all these words in her heart Doe you likewise keep the word of God in your heart that it may keep you Consider 2. The admirable example of Obedience which Christ vouchsafed to give and declare in these words And was subject to them Bern. ser 2. super Missus Ponder with S. Bernard Who to whom God to Men God to whom the Angels are subject whom the Principalitys and Powers obey was subject to Mary c. And in what things In all even in the meanest and vilest offices Id. in Cantser 19. Idem sup Missus The word and Wisdom of God despised not a Carpenter and a Woman Consider 3. With what good reason the same saint cryeth out Learn O man to obey Earth learn to be subject learn dust to submit Be ashamed proud ashes God humbleth himself and doe you exalt yourself God submits himself to men and doe you seeke to domineer and prefer yourself before your maker If being man yourself you scorn to follow the example of man surely it will not be beneath you to follow your Creatour Of Christs Obedience to his Parents Part. 2. 1 Reg. 15.22 COnsider 1. That you may be the more excited to imitate this admirable example of Obedience in Christ towards Superiours Governours and Directours under whom God hath already or shall hereafter place you Consider the many advantages that accompany Obedience And first nothing more acceptable can be offered to God God indeed is pacifyed with Victimes and Sacrifice as the chiefest act of Religion and worship that man can exercise and yet he assureth us that Obedience is more gratefull unto him Better is Obedience then Victimes saith he by his Prophet and to herken rather then to offer the fâ—t of ramms And with good reason saith S. Gregory for that in Sacrifice the flesh of an other but by Odedience ouâ— own will is killed and the whole man offered in Sacrifice Pro. 12.15 Consider 2. There is no safer way to Heaven for as the holy Saints teach us there is nothing more dangerous in a spiritual life then to be ones own guide and to follow his own judgement whence S. Bernard saith excellently well He that is his own Master hath a fool for his Scholar for as Solomon saith The way of a foole is right in his eyes but he that is wise heareth counsels August Consider 3. In this one Vertue are included
we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son And which is more he prayed for his own Executioners Rom. 12.21 that you might learn to overcome in good the evill Gal. 2.20 Ps. 115.3 Consider 3. He suffered for all so that he offered to his Eternal Father his Sufferings for every one in particular Wherefore take them to your self and use them as your own saying with S. Paul Who loved me and delivered himself for me Think what return you can make him What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendred to me I will take the chalice of Salvation Take therefore the chalice of his Passion and drink it up at least spiritually by contemplation and you will thereby have made the most proper and most acceptable return Of Christs Passion in General With what affection he suffereth Luc. 12.50 FIrst with the affection of a most ardent Love most ernestly beforehand wishing the hour of his Passion were come and saying I have to be baptized with a baptisme and how am I straightened till it be dispatched 2. Of most profuse Liberality for whereas the least drop of his bloud would have sufficed to redeem the whole world by reason of the dignity of his person he would notwithstanding powr out all he had Ps. 21.15 Ps. 129.7 1 Pet. 2.23 As water I am powred out Because with him is plenteous Redemption 3. Of the greatest meekness Who when he was reviled did not revile when he suffered he threatned not but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly Is 53.7 And was led as a sheep to slaughter 4. Of an Insatiable zeal thirsting the salvation of all men which made him cry out on the Cross I thrist Jo. 19.28 Ps. 21.6 5. Of an incomparable Humility making himself the Reproch of men and outcast of the people who notwithstanding was in form of God Of extreme Proverty renouncing all earthly goods whatsoever even his own garments so as to hang naked on the Cross 7. Of Invincible Patience and Fortitude in suffering constantly to the end most grievous torments 8. Of the perfectest Obedience being obedient in a matter of the greatest difficulty unto death Phil. 2.8 even the death of the Cross And that not onely to his Eternall father but also to his bloudy Executioners I have given my body to the strikers Is. 50.6 and my cheeks to the pluckers I have not turned away my face from the rebukers and spitters Looke throughly into this pattern of all Vertue and doe according to what you see therein I will sow her unto me into the Earth and will have mercy on her that was without mercy Osee 2.23 Luc. 8.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Seed of Eternall Life Galat. 6.8 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel The sower went forth to sow his seed c. Christ our Lord is both the sower and seed it self for he soweth his own pretious body under the form of wheat in the hearts of the faithful not unto a corruptible but an incorruptible harvest and unto life everlasting For He that soweth in the Spirit saith S. Paul of the Spirit shall reap life everlasting Think with your self how much this blessed harvest is to be wished for Consider 2. This divine seed although in it self it be most fruitful notwithstanding requireth the concurrence of a good soile to bring forth fruit Wherefore if it fall in the high way it is trampled upon by the passengers as in the Ghospel if upon stones it 's dryed up to nothing if among thorns it is choked up See therefore whither your soule be a fit soile well cleansed supple far from the high way or rather whither it be not thorny stony full of the cares and occupations of this life hard to receive heavenly influences and open to all manner of thoughts and distractions But if it be so see that you mend your self and prepare your Soul to receive this heavenly seed Consider 3. This seed though in a good soile and in the best heart doth not yeild fruit but in patience as Christ saith that you might learn to persever with patience in expectation of the effect Luc. sup 15. and fruit of this divine grain and of whatsoever other Visitation of God and give not over to cultivate your Soul for that perhaps you doe not perceive that fruit which you desire Behold the Husband was expecteth the precious fruit of the Earth patiently bearing Jâ—c 5.7 till he receive the timely and the lateward that is either timely or later fruit Doe you the like and you will bring forth plenty of excellent fruit He fortelleth his Disciples his Passion Mat. 20. Marc. 10. Luc. 18. Mat. 20.18 COnsider 1. Behold we go up to Jerusalem c. The time being now come wherein Christ had decreed from all Eternity to suffer for the redemption of the world he went up with his Disciples to Jerusalem with great cheerfulness and speed for he went before them Mar. 10.32 and they were astonished and following were affraid Thus did he hasten to his death carried on by the force of his love You on the contrary are slow in suffering any thing He also went before leading the way that you might learn to shew first by example what you would persuade by words Mat. sup Consider 2. He revealeth his Passion to his Disciples The son of man shall be delivered to the chiefe Priests He had done this before but now more expressly He maketh this frequent mention of his Passion though most bitter in it self for that he did continually bear it in mind and amidst all his glory in the Transfiguration he treated of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem Luc. 9.31 Doe you endeavour to be piously affected towards the memory of it that you may say with the spouse in the Canticles A bundle of Myrrhs my beloved is to me Cant. 1.13 Luc. 18.34 Consider 3. And they understood none of these things The Apostles were as yet worldly given and bent upon honors and preferments Luc. 22.24 And there fell also a contention between them which of them seemed to be greater Therefore they understood not the Mystery of the Cross and what great good consisted in Humility and suffering of reproch Cast you off all these worldly affections if you will understand the Mystery of the Cross Ponder Christs severe reprehension of S. Peter disswading him from the ignominy of his Passion Go after me sathan Mat. 16.23 thou art a scandal unto me because thou savorest not the things that are of God but the things that are of men Mat. 21. Luc. 19. Of Christs solemn Enterance into Jerusalem before his Passion Part. 1. Zachar. 9.9 COnsider 1. Christ drawing neer to Jerusalem sendeth two of his Disciples to bring unto him an Asse upon which he intended to ride into the
a Garden that where began our ruine there might also begin our reparation As he went He began to feare and to be heavy and sad Saying My soul is sorrowful even unto death Marc. 14.33 Mar. sup v. 37. 〈…〉 that is my grief is equal to the pangs of death and such as would take away my life did I not reserve it for other torments Christ could have been free of all this and have gon to suffer with a pleasant heart for that the Joys of the Beatifical Vision which he ever possessed were able to have drowned what grief soever But he would take upon him also these Interiour afflictions that he might be like to us in all things and with all instruct us by his example how to behave our selves in the like sufferings Luc. 22.40 Consider 2. When he was come to the place be said to them Pray least you enter into tempration Then being gon forward a little Mat. 26.38 he fell upon his face praying and saying My Father if it it possible let this Chalice pass from me Nevertheless not as I will but as thou Ponder 1. His profound Rererence in prostrating himself 2. His filial and fiducial Love in the tender name of Father 3. His perfect Resignation Not as I will but as thou 4. His continuing therein for a whole hour Ibid. v. 40. Could you not watch one hour with me Take this as a partern to pray by and compare your prayers with it Learn hence chiefly to resign your self perfectly to God in all things saying Not as I will but as thou Consider 3. Christ like a good Pastour carefull of his flock even in that great distress and in the heat of his prayer visits his Disciples but finds them a sleep the first second and third time Presently after Communion they were so fervorous as to offer themselves to die for their Master but now cannot so much as hold up their heads in prayer See whether you doe not as easily resent from your good purposes They formerly watched all night for their worldly interest in fishing Now when it concerned their Souls good though commanded to watch they sleep without care Take heed of sloth tediousness and forgetfullness in spiritual things whereby the Soul doth truly slumber and sleep The Souls sleep Aug. in Psal 62. saith S. Augustin is to forget God Luc. 22.43 Christ is comforted by an Angel and sweateth bloud COnsider 1. Christ having left his Disciples and being in prayer the third time There appeared to him an Angel from Heaven strengthening him Good God! So far did our Lord give himself over to griefe as to borrow comfort from his own creature Observe here how God sendeth comfort at last to those that persever in prayer Think what reasons the Angel might use in comforting our Lord representing unto him the necessity of his Passion The Glory that would thereby redound to his Father and himself The Redemption of Mankind and the like the which allthough he understood better himself yet would he not refuse the proffer of comsort that you should not disdain to learn of and be beholding to your inferiours Consider 2. And his sweat became as drops of bloud trickling down upon the Earth See how all over his body it gusheth forth of the pores and imbrueth the earth Beseech him to wash your soul also with the same Detest your own coldness in prayer who can scarce let fall one single teare for your sinns Ponder the causes of so strange a sweat 1. The lively apprehension of all his torments as if they had been then present 2. A deep resentment of the sinns which notwithstanding would be committed and of Mens Ingratitude for whom in vaine he suffered those torments Condole with your Saviour and grieve that you were also cause of his so great affliction Consider 3. And being in an Agonie he prayed the longer Learn hence the more you are afflicted the more to persist in prayer Christ could easily have freed himself from this Agony or strife between the flesh and the spirit but would suffer it to give us example of resisting our passions even to the shedding of our bloud Think how easily notwithstanding you let your self be overcome by them and for the least feare give over your good purposes Wherefore in like occasions Doe manfully Psa 26.14 and let thy heart take courage and expect our Lord. Deliver me from my Enemies O my God from them that rise up against me defend me Ps 58.2 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Captain Mat. 4.1 COnsider 1. What Job saith The life of man upon Earth is a warfare Job 7.1 We are in a continual conflict with three most fierce enemies that are allways working our ruine the Flesh the World and the Divel Christ as we read in this days Ghospel would be tempted by the Divel and fight hand to hand with him to train us up like a good Commander by his own example Therefore David cryeth out Ps 143.1 Blessed be our Lord my God who teacheth my hands to battel and my fingers to War Ps 17.40 Consider 2. How much it doth import us not to be overcome in this War where we fight for an Eternity View your self throughly and see in what particular you are most weak and defective and in what manner of encounters you are more frequently wounded Rely on the defence and conduct of this your Captain who is to come this day into your Soul For He will gird you with strength to battel He will protect and guard you If camps stand together against you Ps 26.3 your heart shall not feare Ps 142.9 Consider 3. Souldiers are wont to be sworn to their Captain So ought you to yours This duty you have once performed in Baptisme by renouncing the Divel and his pomps But O how often have you playd the Renegade and shamefully left your colours Yeeld your self now up again to your Captain renew your Oath and promise from hence forwards a more exact Obedience Cast forth of your heart whatsoever may be suspected to have confederacy with his and your own enemies Say with the Prophet Deliver me from mine enemies O Lord to thee I have fled teach me to do thy will because thou art my God Mat. 26.46 c. Christ meeteth Judas and his followers Zachar. 11. COnsider 1. Christ having ended his prayer Said to his Disciples Rise let us goe behold he approcheth that shall betray me And As he yet spake behold Judas one of the twelve came c. Observe Judas his diligence in his wicked design The other Apostles sleep and are scarce roused up at the third call But Judas watcheth to betray his Master How buisy are men in their temporal affaires how careless in their spiritual Deplore this extreme folly of the world Judas one of the twelve came O prodigious ingratitude He who was so highly favored by his Master cometh
in the head of his enemies to deliver him up into their hands Learn not to rely much on gifts bestowed gratis and without deserts of which the more you have the more you also have to answer for and the greater cause to feare Houle thou firre tree saith the Prophet because the Cedar is fallen c. If an Apostle fell why may not you likewise fall Ps. 21.17 Consider 2. And with him a great multitude with swords and clubs Behold the wicked Rout see how they come all armed with malice and prepared to work their wicked ends upon Jesus contriving with themselves by the way the manner of laying hold on him and securing him from escape How Judas giveth them a signe saying whomsoever I shall kiss that is he hold him Think what fright the Apostles were in at the noise of the Souldiers Then was truly fullfilled that of the Prophet Many dogs have compassed me the counsell of the malignant have besieged me Consider 3. Christ did not fly nor render himself invisible as easily he might 4 Reg. 1.10 Jo. 18.4 not called fire from Heaven to consume his enemies as did Elias but with an undaunted courage and desireous of dying for you went forth towards them See you be grateful and learn Constancy in adversity and not to avoid occasions of suffering for Christ but rather with courage and resolution to meet and entertain them Mat. 26.49 c. Of Judas his Kiss Ps. 54.22 COnsider 1. And forthwith Judas coming to Jesus he said Haile Rabbi and he kissed him Ponder the Impudency of this treacherous disciple He fawnes upon his Master to destroy him Such are the allurements of the world They seem kisses but truly are so many darts His words are made softer then oyle and the same are darts How many are there that with outward signes of devotion fondly fawne upon our Lord while they carry about them a treacherous mind how many again that have nothing but fair words and honey in their mouths while their heart is full of gall poisâ—n and rancor against their neighbour See you be none of these but above all take heed you give not Christ such a kiss in the Sacrament Consider 2. Christs admirable Meekness and Charity He upbraideth not teprocheth not refuseth not but receiveth the Kiss and speaketh friendly to him Saying Friend whereto art thou come if so at least he might win him to repentance he calleth him friend to make him one he asketh what he cometh for that entering into himself he might come to understand the enormity of his fact in so fouly betraying his best Friend and Benefactor his Master his Lord and God See how mercifully God doth seek to reclaim Sinners and learn with what mildness you ought to behave your self to your brother that injureth you Luc. 22.48 Consider 3. Those other words Judas with a kiss doest thou betray the Son of Man What stony heart would not these words mollify and yet they move him not We condemn Judas for his hard heart but little reflect that we are often guilty of the same while we are nothing moved by the inspirations of God and checks of our own conscience crying out with a loud voice What do you do will you sin will you offend God c. It was a circumstance highly aggravating Judas his sin to make the kiss of peace an instrument of his treason What then will it be to turn by abuse the gifts of Grace into instruments of Gods offence and our own damnation Take warning therefore in time Christ casteth his Enemies on the ground and is taken Jo. 18.4.5 COnsider 1. Jesus having asked the Souldiers whom seek ye They answered him Jesus of Nazareth Jesus Saith to them I am he and thereby cast them on the ground to give them a testimony of his divinity and to shew that he could not be apprehended unless he had pleased Ponder how those words I am are of singular comfort to the Just and signify as much as I am your Father and Protector your Joy and Comfort your wisdom your Justice your Sanctification and Redemption c. It is I feare ye not Mat. 14 2â— But to the wicked they are full of terror threatning wrath indignation punishment revenge and damnation If now therefore they strike such terrour into his enemies when it was as he said their hour and the power of darkness what will they doe Luc. 22.53 when it will be his day and hour of exercising the power of Judge Jo. 18.6 Consider 2. They went backward and fell to the ground This is a type of obstinat and impenitent Sinners that fall flat on their backs so as not to see or regard their falls Beseech our Lord that if at any time you come to fall it may be upon your face that you may see and acknowledge your fall by Humility and get soon up again by Pennance See how S. Peter draweth his sword and cutteth off the eare of Malchus but Christ reprehendeth him for it forbiddeth all violence and resistance and healeth the servants eare that you should learn to doe good for evill to your enemies Consider 3. Christ having said If you seek me let these go their ways forgetfull of himself solicitous for his Disciples Mar. 26.50 Then they drew â—eer and layd hands on Jesus and held him Behold with what rage those Hell-hounds rush upon the meek lamb buffet kick and beat him with their clubs cast him on the ground and trample over him Good God what a spectacle is this He who sitteth upon the Cherubs Ps. 79.3 is troden under the fecr of the wicked The same doe all Sinners who as S. Paul saith tread the Son of God under foot Heb. 10.29 See you be not one Christ is bound The Disciples fly Jo. 18.12 COnsider 1. Having apprehended Jesus they bound him doubtless with hard cords See how he yeelds his sacred hands and armes to be bound who notwithstanding if he had pleased could more easily then Sampson have broken those cords all in pieces Judic 10.12 as threads of Linnen cloth It was love alone that could fetter those hands which framed the Heavens and wrought wonders on earth Doe you likewise permit your self to be bound with the bands of Charity with the tye of Obedience and obligation of such duties as appartain to the state and condition you live in Eccli 6.25 Thrust thy foot into her fetters and thy neck into her chains saith the wiseman speaking of true wisdom and be not weary of her bands Mar. 14.50 Consider 2. Then his Disciples leaving him all fled Think what a sore affliction it was to Christ to be left so by his friends whereof he often complaineth by his Prophets Ps. 87.9 Thou hast made my familiars far from me they have put me abomination to themselves Ps. 63.3 I have troden the press alone and of the Gentils there is not a
Consider Christ as the Guardian of your Soul Ps 23.8 Gen. 15.3 Ps 120.4 COnsider 1. What is said in this days Ghospel When the strong armed keepeth his Court those things are in peace that he possesseth Luc. 11.21 Imagin therefore your soul to be a Court or Castle which Christ our Lord who is both strong and armed desireth to guard that whatsoever she possesseth may be preserved in peace and security There is none stronger then this Champion of ours Our Lord strong and mighty Our Lord is a Man of Warr Omnipotent is his name No keeper can be more watchfull then he He shall not slumber nor sleep that keepeth Israel and doth all with that care and love as if it were to keep the apple of his own eye as Moyses speaketh Deut. 32.10 O what a happiness it is to be under the protection of such a Guardian Ps 22.5 Consider 2. This Guardian of yours will enter to day in the holy Eucharist the Castle or fortress of your Soul to visit strengthen and defend it against your Mortall enemy the Divel who surrounds it day and night seeking how he may destroy it For this divine banquet or table as David saith is chiefly instituted as a fence against our enemies Thou hast prepared in my sight a table against them that trouble me Hence conceive a great confidence in your Guardian and as great a desire of the happy hour wherein you are to receive him Consider 3. In what manner you may best entertain this Guardian You must be sure to cast out of your heart whatsoever may offend his purest eyes least otherwise being offended at his enterance he presently leave you and deliver you over to your enemies Deliver him up the keyes of your Castle that he may freely dispose of you and yours in all things and upon all occasions Aske pardon for your former offences Ps. 139.5 Say with the Prophet Keep me O Lord from the hand of the sinner and from unjust mâ—n deliver me Christ is led from Caiphas to Pilat Mat. 27.1 COnsider 1. And when morning was come all the chiefe Priests and Ancients of the people consulted together against Jesus that they might put him to death How diligent are the sons of darkness in prosecuting their wicked designs scarce giving themselves time to sleep or rest O that you were as zealous in the service of God! Think how welcom to our B. Lord was that last morning in which he was to perfect the work of our Redemption Ponder how being now in full Councel they examin our Lord over again condemn him as a Blasphemer vote him guilty of death and deliver him finally over to the secular power to be executed Luc. 23.1 Consider 2. All the multitude of them rising up led him to Pilat Think what a heavy journey this was to our B. Lord. By this time the whole town was full of what had passed the night before and in a longing expectation of the result of the high Councel and now they see the Captive hurried along by their dores and accompanied by their high Priests and Elders as so many unquestionable witnesses and proclaimers of his guiltiness Our B. Lord is held and treated by all as a Notorious Malefactor and entertained all along as he passed with loud shoutes and clamors with scoffs with reproches and with barbarous insolences of the rude and enraged people And even those who before held him in veneration as a great Prophet and their Messias now hould themselves as miserably seduced and him for a grand Impostor Who ever did or could suffer so much in his reputation Jo. 18.28 Consider 3. Being come to Pilats Court they went not into the Palace it being the habitation of a Gentil that they might not be contaminated but that they might eate the Pasch O superstitious Hypocrisy They pretend Religion and Conscience in a small matter while they are actually contriving murder and Sacriledge They strain a gnat and swallow a Camel Mat. 23.24 Yet would to God you were as nice and zealous in point of purity when you come to eate the true Pasch in the Holy Eucharist and would not thrust your self in after so distracted a manner and full of worldly cogitations Christ is accused before Pilat Luc. 23.2 COnsider 1. Pilat having brought Jesus forth to the People and demanded what accusations they had against him They began to accuse him 1. As a seditions person We have found this man subverting our Nation who ever taught and practiced Obedience and did good to all 2. As Prohibiting to give Tributes to Cesar who notwithstanding was known to pay tribute for himself though otherwise exempt And. 3. For saying that he is Christ the King Jo. 6.15 And yet though he were truly so when they would have made him King he fled and hid himself Ps 61.10 Learn hence what liers the children of men are in their balances and how easy a matter it is to calumniat the Innocent Mat. 27.14 Consider 2. Christ our Lord could easily have cleared himself with a word but would answer all his accusations with silence so that the President did marvell exceedingly fullfilling thereby that of the Psalmist I have set a guard to my mouth when the sinner slood against me Psa 38.2 O that you would doe the same when others rise up against you Know that an Innocent life is the best plea and that true courage and fortitude consisteth in silence and contempt of injuries and affronts committing our cause to God according to that of the Prophet In silence and in hope shall your strength be Js 30.15 Consider 3. Pilat laying hold of the last accusation asked Jesus whether he were King of the Jews Luc. sup Jo. 18.36 who answered Thou sayest but withall My Kingdom is not of this world nor of worldly greatness pomp and state but of Poverty Contempt Hymn Vexilla Obedience Humility and the Cross God took his raign from the Cross Think whether or no you belong to his Kingdom for if you are of the world that is if you mind and seek after things of this world you are none of his They are not of the world Jo. 17.14 saith Christ of his Disciples as I also am not of the world Learn hence to have a high value of the Cross Humility c. Christ is sent to Herod Luc. 23.4 COnsider 1. Pilat sought what he could to set Christ at liberty for that saith he I find no cause in this man The Pharises urge the more saying He stirreth up the people c. Beginning from Galiâ—â—e even hither whence he taketh occasion to send him to Herod as one belonging to his jurisdiction but withall streightly bound as a Malefactor guarded with Souldiers and accompanied with the Priests his accusers Thus was our B. Lord posted from one Tribunal to another and exposed to the publique view and scorn of the
the other women that followed Weep not upon me but weep upon your selves and upon your Children c. For if in the green wood they doe these things in the dry what shall be done Christ was a fresh green and juicy stock full of all manner of grace and perfection all we sinners are as so many dry sticks fit for nothing but the fyre If then the green wood was in that heat of suffering for the sinns of others how will the dry withered sticks burn in Hell or Purgatory for their own And if God the father did so severely chastize the offences of his slaves in the person of his most innocent Son how much more will he punish them in the offenders themselves Eccla in Off. Def. when That day shall once come the day of wrath calamity and misery Weep therefore for your self now that you may not hereafter be forced to weep for ever I will expect our Lord who hath hid his face from the house of Jacob and I will wait for him Is 8.17 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a hidden God Is. 45.15 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel how Christ hid himself from the Jews that would have stoned him Jo. 8.59 in memory whereof the Crosses this day are covered in the Churches and Christ himself by Isaie is termed a hidden God Verily thou art God hidden the God of Israel a Saviour And speaking of him in his Passion he saith Is. 53.3 His look as it were hid and despised He hid his Divinity under the disguise of flesh and bloud his glory with the Ignominy of his Passion and both his flesh and Divinity under the formes of bread and wine so that the Psalmist with reason said of him Ps. 30.20 How great is the multitude of thy sweetness O Lord which thou hast hid for them that fear thee Seq in festâ— Corp. Chr. Consider 2. In the Eucharist not only the flesh it self of Christ is hidden from our senses for the greater merit of our faith but also its Vertue and efficacy whence it is that not all that come to this Sacrament doe taste of its sweetness and delight nay it is no less then death to the bad as it is life to the good And even among the good it worketh in every one very different effects so that it may deservedly be called a hidden Manna and a white counter and a new name written Apoc. 2.17 which no man knoweth but he that receiveth it Ibid. Consider 3. If you desire to know the sweetness of this hidden Manna 1. Be Master of your self and your Appetites for To him that overcometh saith our Lord I will give the hidden Manna 2. Be humble and little in your own eyes Mat. 11.25 Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them to little ones Cant. 2.14 Deut. 32.13 1 Cor. 10.4 3. Hide your self in the holes of the Rock in Christs wounds and Meditation of his Passion and so you will come truly to suck honey out of the Rock For The Rock as the Apostle saith was Christ Of Crucifying our Lord. Part 1. COnsider 1. Being come to the place appointed for execution our Lord is again stripped naked of his clothes in the sight of so great a multitude before the insolent Souldiers and them that sought for nothing more then subject of scorn and laughter He beareth patiently this Ignominy due to our Sins and giveth us thereby in his own person a lively example of Evangelical poverty Then to the end that no sense might be without its torment Mat. 27.34 They gave him wine to drink mingled with gall And when he had tasted he would not drink Ambr. in Luc. c. 25. Not for the galls sake saith S. Ambrose but for that he refuseth such bitternesses as are mingled with wine For our Saviour would swallow down the bitter pills of his Passion without the mixture of any sweetness Be ashamed for seeking dainties for your palat and for murmuring when they are not afforded Is. 55.8 Consider 2. The Circumstance of Place It was a high hill exposed to the view of all for the greater Ignominy full of deadmens bones for the greater horror and loathsomness Our Lord made choice of an obscure place to be born in thereby to conceal his glory but would dye hanged up a loft openly in the sight of all and in the middle of the Earth as some observe for the greater infamy How different O Lord are your cogitations from our cogitations and your ways from our ways We strive what we can to conceale whatsoever is in us that may turn to our disgrace and divulge alâ— that makes to our praise and commendation Is. 53.7 Consider 3. The Circumstance of Time On the most solemn festivity of Easter at what time all the people were wont to flock to Jerusalem at brode light and in the very heat of Noon day to signify the fervor of his Charity wherewith as with fire this holocaust was consumed For he was offered because himself would and at what time he would and where he would and with whom he would but withall would doe it in that manner that he might teach us by his own example to contemn all things Of Crucifying our Lord. Part 2. Gen. 22.9 COnsider 1. All things being now ready for his crucifying he is insolently thrown down by the Executioner upon the Cross See how obediently he placeth himself thereon and like Isaac when he lay on the Alter upon the pile of wood offereth himself in Sacrifice to his Eternal Father See how he stretcheth forth his hands to the holes whereto they were to be nailed for Adams stretching forth his to the forbidden fruite Hear the hideous sound of the hammers knocking the nailes into his Sacred hands and feet See the streames of bloud running down upon the ground and learn by the example of our Lord to crucify your flesh Galat. 5.24 with the vices and concupiscences as the Apostle teacheth Ps 21.18 Consider 2. What excessive torment must our blessed Lord feel in those tender parts and full of sinews especially being violently stretched out and probably also disjoynted to make them reach to the holes so as to fullfill that of the Prophet They have digged my hands and my feet they have numbred all my bones Compassionat your deare Lord and grieve for having been cause of these his torments by your sins Bern. ser de Nativit Acknowledge O man saith S. Bernard how grievous your wounds are that is your sins for which it was necessary our Lord should be wounded Consider 3. Our Lord being nailed to the Cross is pulled up on high and violently let down again into the trench they had made to fasten the Cross in to the unspeakable increase of all his torments O what a spectacle was this to the World to Angels 1 Cor. 4.9 and
to Men Of compassion and astonishment to the Angels of scorn and derision to the wicked of compunction and example to the Just and a Sacrifice most acceptable to the Eternal Father Fall at the feet of the Crucifix take up the sacred bloud that falleth down and speak what affection shall suggest Of Crucifying our Lord. Part 3. COnsider 1. What Christ might doe say or think hanging on the Cross and in those hideous torments when he received no comfort either exteriourly from men or interiourly in his Soul If he stirred his body it was tormented a fresh by the wounds of his hands and feet whereon the whole weight of his body did hang. If he moved his head the thorns were stroken in the deeper and yet not the least sigh or moan or complaint was heard to proceed from him but he offered all to his Eternal Father for your and others sins Mat. 27.39 c. Consider 2. And they that passed-by blasphemed him The Priests the Souldiers and all sorts of men They upbraided him 1. With Impotency He saved others himself he cannot save 2. With Arrogancy as vainly taking upon him the title of King If he be King of Isarel let him come down 3. As counterfeiting himself Son of God and presumptuously relying thereon He trusted in God let him now deliver him if he will c. 4. As boasting of himself Vah thou that destroyest the Temple of God and in three days doest reedify it To all this he holdeth his peace as a dumb sign or mark exposed to all manner of contradiction So as to be filled with reproches Thren 3 3â— Is 53.5 Consider 3. Christ would not come down from the Cross nor shorten the durance of his pains as easily he might but would continue in them to the last breath without admitting any manner of comfort that you might also learn to persever in good even untill death Take notice also that he suffered all this for our sins He was wounded for our iniquities he was broken for our sins Take heed therefore lest returning to sin Hebr. 6.6 you crucify again to your self as the Apostle speaketh and to your own ruine the Son of God Of Christs first word on the Cross Father forgive them c. Luc. 23.34 Luc. 9 3â— COnsider 1. Christs was given to the world by his Eternal Father as a Doctor or Master to teach us the way of Salvation This is my beloved Son bear him Hear him then from the Cross as his Pulpit or chaire reading seven admirable lessons unto you and seek to prove a diligent disciple in his schoole that you may say with the Apostle 1 Cor. 2.2 I judged not my self to know any thing among you but Jesus Christ and him crucifyed Is. 53.12 Consider 2. Christs first Lesson is of loving our Enemies and praying for them Father forgive them for they know not what they doe He doth not call fire down from Heaven upon his persecutors as did Elias nor curseth them as Elizeus but asketh pardon for his enemies and as Isaie saith prayeth for the transgressors fullfilling by deeds what before he commended in words Pray for them that persecute Mat. 5.44 and abuse you See whether you doe so I say not only for your enemies that persecute you but for your familiars and neighbours who may perhaps offend you with some light word or injury Consider 3. More particularly each circumstance Who is it that prayeth The Son of God Whom doth he pray His Eternal Father Where On the tree of the Cross At what time When he was quite spent and exhausted with suffering and now ready to dye In what manner Not sitting or lying at his ease but strait erected upon his feet and stretching forth his hands In what termes Not many but full of affection and mingled with sighs teares and blood For whom for sinners for his enemies persecuters and tormenters What doth he ask Mercy Before whom To the hearing of all even his Adversaries that you might learn Mildnes and Charity towards all and in all occasions Of the Second Word Luc. 23.43 This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Is. 53.12 COnsider 1. It was none of the least Ignominies which our Saviour suffered to hang between two theeves as their ringleader making good that of the Prophet And he was reputed with the wicked He was born between two silly beasts and would dye between two theeves to give us example of Humility though in Heaven he be seated between the Father and the Holy Ghost Ambr. in Luc. c. 23. Even he himself as S. Ambrose speaketh was a theefe by Mistery laying wait for the Divel to steale away his weapons and on the Cross robbed him of a theefe O Lord rob me thus of my heart that it may serve you alone Ambr. sup Consider 2. Those words of Christ This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Admire the riches of Gods Bounty and Longanimity He takes up infamous robbers and makes them his sons and heires of his Kingdom and this at the first word without any put-ofs or delays This very day thou shalt be with me He giveth the theef incomparably more then he demanded of him He craved only a remembrance and Christ promiseth him a Kingdom for as S. Ambrose saith Our Lord ever bestoweth more then is demanded of him and his grant is larger then the Petition Who would not love and willingly serve such a Lord Job 33.27 Consider 3. Three several sorts of sufferers in these three that were put to the same death of the Cross some deservedly but impatiently as the bad theef Others though deservedly yet patiently as the good theef Others again both undeservedly and withall patiently as Christ our Lord. Seek to be one of the two later sorts at least be of the second and confess with holy Job I have sinned and indeed I have offended and as I was worthy I have not received for you are truly worthy of many stripes Of the Third Word Woman behold thy Son Jo. 19.25 COnsider 1. And there stood beside the Cross of Jesus his Mother Ponder how his blessed Mother and other devout persons stood neer the Cross Whence you may learn that the lovers of Christ are also lovers of his Cross and the neerer they stand to this the more they shew their love to him Think how his B. Mother was afflicted when she saw her son and that such an one so barbarously used S. Bonav Your Son O Virgiâ— saith S. Bonaventure suffered in his body you in mind The several wounds which were all over his body met together in one within your heart Yet she gave not the least sign of impatience not did she any thing misbeseeming her person that you might learn to compassionat Christ together with her and withall to suffer your own adversities with courage Jo. sup Consider 2. Woman behold thy Son He calleth her
intollerable and lasted all that night and day fellowing for about twenty hours together Speake what affection shall suggest Of our Lords Buriall Mat. 27. COnsider 1. After our Lord was dead his sacred body was taken down from the Cross with great devotion and teares by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathia who laid it in the Mothers armes whereby that of the Canticles was fullfilled Cant. 1.13 A Buadle of Myrrhe my beloved is to me he shall abide between my brests Think what expressions of griefe and sorrow what sighs and tears passed from her Ponder what was said and done at that time by her and her devout companions See that your beloved Lord be also to you a bundle of Myrrhe and that by frequent contemplation of his Passion you lodge him in your bosome and heart 2 Cor 4.10 Consider 2. Griefe and love having acted their parts they embaulm the sacred Corps and wrap it up in a clean winding sheet Our Lord is delighted with cleanliness even in his grave that you might learn diligently to cleanse your heart as often as you receive him in the Holy Eucharist Our Lord will have his Mystical members embaulmed especially with the Myrrhe of Mortification that with the Apostle Allways bearing about in our body the Mortification of Jesus the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our bodys Think how you may put this in practise Tit. 2.13 Consider 3. Our Lord being buried every one betake themselves to their own home for they were not permitted by the keepers to remain at the Sepulcher Think in what solitude the B. Mother and other devout persons were in and how they gave themselves wholy to prayer Expecting the blessed hope and advent of the glory of the great God The B. Virgin doubtless comforted herself with that of the Psalm At evening shall weeping abide and in the morning gladness Ps. 29.6 Doe you likewise in Desolation have recourse to prayer and learn to put your trust in God Things to be observed concerning the Meditations of the Mysteries after our Lords Resurrection 1 Cor. 6.17 THe Meditations upon the Mysteries after our Lords Resurrection appertain to the Unitive way This being an Uniting of our will with the divine will of God by way of affection maketh that our will as it were going forth of her self layeth hold on the goodness of God represented unto it and adhereth unto him and by this adhesion is united with him according to that of the Apostle He that cleaâ—eth to our Lord is one Spirit Hence this Unitive way hath diverse affections properly belonging unto it which we may make use of in the ensuing meditations The chiefe are these following 1. Admiration of Gods Majesty whom we contemplat and of his Attributes and Perfections 2. Joy and content for that God is so absolutly perfect in himself good to others and so admirable in his works 3. Praise and thanksgiving for his gifts and benefits with desire of seeing and enjoying him and of honouring and obeying him 4. Zeale of Gods Glory and good of Souls wishing that all the world might come to know love and serve him 5. Trust in his Goodness and Providence together with a filial respect standing in fear of being separated from him or of committing any thing which may justly offend so great a Majesty and bewailing all the sins whereby we had incurred at any time his just indignation 6. Desire of these Heavenly things we contemplat so that whatsoever is upon earth may seem but durt unto us while we look up to heaven saying with the Prophet How beloved are thy tabernacles Ps. 83.2 O Lord of hoasts my Soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. And Ps. 41.2 Even as the hart desireth after the fountains of waters so doth my Soul desire after thee O God 2 Cor. 3.18 By these and such like affections let us endeavor to obtain that Beholding the glory of our Lord c. We may be transformed as the Apostle speaketh into the same image from glory unto glory that is that we may become like unto him by the union of our wills increasing dayly more and more in the knowledge of him till at length passing from the imperfect clarity of this life and pilgrimage we arrive to the perfect clarity and glory of our native Country and Beatificall Vision Rise thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ will illuminate thee Ephe. 5.14 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as our Resurrection Apoc. 3.17 COnsider 1. The manner wherewith Christ raised his body out of the Sepulcher of deformed rendering it glorious Ponder what a difference there is between a body that is dead pale wan destitute of all sense and motion and the same when it is invested with the array and endowments of glory The same difference is between the Soul in Sin and in the state of Grace and almost the same between tepidity and fervor For in the state of Tepidity the Soul is as it were in a slumber and void of all heroical motion she is insensible of things appertaining to God and being possessed with innumerable phantasies pursueth vaine trifles and dreams instead of reall and solid goods She thinks herself in a good state when in truth she is like that man in the Apocalyps miserable and poor and blinde and naked Jo. 11.25 Consider 2. Christ is ready to raise us out of these miserable states therefore he saith I am the resurrection and the life To wit the cause and Author of both and as well of the Soul as of the body O what a benefit it is and how infinitly to be valued to be raised from the death of Sin and grave of Tepidity and to be placed in the cleare light of the Childeren of God that walk and work with fervor The same will Christ bestow upon you this day in the Holy Eucharist if you hinder him not For therefore he is called the bread of life Jo. 6.35 Ibid. v. 40. S. Tho. alii and as we owe unto him the Resurrection of our bodies in the last day so doe we now the Resurrection and reviving of our Soules Colos 3.1 Consider 3. The signes of our rising with Christ are to seek and mind the things that are above not the things that are upon earth So the Apostle If you be risen with Christ seek the things that are above c. Seek therefore and affect only heavenly things Rom. 6.9 and as Christ Rising again from the dead now dyeth no more So you being raised from the state of Tepidity to Fervor have a care you fall not into a relapse Of our Lords Resurrection COnsider 1. There having now passed time sufficient to evidence the certainty of his death on the third day early in the morning our Lord hastened to bring forth the Holy Fathers our of Limbus to comfort his B. Mother and desolate Disciples and Illustrate
the whole world with the rayes of his glory What Jubily were the Holy Fathers in at that time when they saw that Blessed hour come of their delivery which they had longed for so many ages Free O Lord in like manner my Soul from the Lions mouth and from the deep lake and let not my Enemies The World the Flesh and the Devil ever domineere over me Consider 2. How when Christs Soul was come out of Limbus to the body in the Sepulcher he shewed it to the Holy Fathers as it lay pale and wan all mangled and disfigured that they might see how much he had suffered for them and at what rate he had redeemed them Then he reunited it to the Soul and that of David was fullfilled Our Lord hath reigned Ps. 92.1 he hath put on beauty Our Lord hath put on strength and hath girded himself For he took upon him the four properties of a glorifyed body 1. Of Clarity rendring it brighter then the Sun it self 2. Of Subtility to penetrate the Sepulcher and whatsoever other corporal substance 3. Of Agility to move itself to the remotest places in a moment 4. Of Impassibility so as to be incapable of dying or suffering any more Being thus crowned with glory he might say to his Eternal Father with David Thou hast turned my mourning into joy unto me thou hast cut my sackcloth Ps. 29.12 and hast compassed me with gladness Apoc. 5.12 Consider 3. How the Eternal Father congratulateth with his son as also doe the Angels of Heaven and the Fathers of Limbus for the reunion of his body all crying out as with one voice The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and divinity and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and benediction Joyne you with them and say This is the day which our Lord made Ps. 117.24 let us rejoyce and be glad therein Learn hence that the Tribulations of the Just are but short but their glory everlasting Rom. 8.17 and that if we suffer with Christ we shall also be glorifyed with him Of our Lords Apparitions and how he appeared first to his Blessed Mother Act. 1.3 COnsider 1. Christ three different ways manifested his Resurrection 1. By Saints who arose in their bodies and appeared to many 2. By Angels at the Sepulcher 3. In his own person shewing himself alive in many arguments for fourty days appearing c. After the same manner he is wont to manifest himself to his devout servants by spiritual men by their Angel Guardians and immediatly by himself He that loveth me c. I will love him Jo. 14.11 and will manifest my self to him Love him therefore that he may manifest himself also to you 2 Cor. 1.7 Consider 2. Christ first of all appeared to his B. Mother according to the pious beliefe of the Church that she who had drunk most of the bitter chalice of his Passion should be the first in partaking the joy of his Resurrection As you are partakers of the Passions so shall you be of the consolation also She did most certainly believe and most ardently expect the hour of his Resurrection and said with David Arise my glory Ps. 56.9 arise psalter and harp and therefore she was not frustrated of her desire that you might learn both fervently to desire heavenly things and withall patiently to expect the time Habec 2.3 If he shall make tarriance expect him because coming he will come and he will not slack and will recompence his delay Consider 3. What joy possessed the Mothers heart when she beheld her son What holy embracings passed between them What was said or done on both sides Doubtless the Holy Fathers Adam Abraham Moyses David and others did congratulate with the Virgin and say Thou Daughter art blessed of our Lord for that by thee we have partaken the fruit of life Ecl. in Off. E. V. Do you likewise congratulate with her from your heart and say with the Church Rejoyce thou Queen of Heaven Alleluia because whom thou didst deserve to beare Alleluia Regina Coeli is risen againe as he said Alleluia Pray unto God for us Alleluia Angels appear to the Women at the Sepulcher Mar. 16.1 Jo. 20.1 ANd very early the first of the Sabboths they come to the monument Consider 1. The devotion of these three women 1. They brought Spices not sparing any cost to performe the last Obsequies of their love in annoyling the corps of their Lord. 2. For the same purpose they rise very early and when it was yet dark Learn to spare no labour nor cost in the service of God according to your ability and that as the wife man sayeth Sap. 16.28 We ought to prevent the Sun to blesse God and at the rising of the light to adore him See whether you be so early in the morning employed in the Divine Service Consider 2. And they said one to an other who shall role us back the stone from the dore of the monument Among their pious discourses in the way they were in care about removing the stone But no sooner were they come but they saw the stone roled back So we fancy to our selves many difficulties in the way of vertue and perfection which notwithstanding when we come to practise Allmighty God doth facilitate unto us and take away And entering into the monument they saw a young man sitting on the right hand God rewardeth the Womens devotion with the vision of an Angel And his countenance was as lightening and his garment as Snow Mat. 28.3 Who would not wish to dwell with such happy company Galat. 6.14 1 Cor. 2.2 Consider 3. Be not dismayed you seek Jesus of Nazareth that was crucified Among the titles of our Lord now in glory is also ranked that of being Crucified that you might learn with the Apostle not to glory saving in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ c. And even not to know any thing but Jesus Christ and him Crucified Think what joy the holy Women were in to hear that Christ was risen and how they went forth quickly out of the monument with feare and great joy Mat. 28.8 running to tell his Disciples Christ appeareth to Mary Magdalen Jo. 20.11 MAry stood at the Monument without weeping Consider the fervorous love of this pious Woman and Constancy in persevering still at the Sepulcher whereas the others returned back whereby she deserved to see our Lord before the rest for as S. Gregory upon this place saith Greg. hom 25. in Evang. The Vertue value or worth of a good work is perseverance Learn hence how to seek our Lord when by sin he is taken from you or when by desolation he withdraweth himself you must doe it with sighs teares and ardent love whereby you will come to find him whom your Soul loveth Cant. 3.4 Consider 2. Angels appear unto Mary and aske her Woman why weepest thou but
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.
Behold two of them went the same day into a town c. They went therefore on the very day of the Resurrection to a neighbouring town or village and while they were discoursing together of our Lords Passion and of the reports and signes of his Resurrection Christ joyned himself with them that you might learn how grateful unto him are pious discourses especially of his Passion They knew not our Lord because they wavered in their Faith Wherefore if you will understand divine things you must firmly believe Is 7.9 Juxta Septuag for as Isaie saith If you will not believe you shall not understand God is often with us at hand and we take no notice of him Consider 2. How sweetly Christ did insinuat himself to his Disciples What are these communications that you conferr one with another Like a Physitian he searches the wound to apply his salve They answered Concerning Jesus of Nazareth who was a Man a Prophet mighty in work and word before God and all the People An honourable opinion of our Saviour Such ought to be all those that are imployed in gaining Soules joyning action to their words and exhortation and teaching first by example what they are to Preach by word of mouth Greg. l. 1. Ep. 24. For that speech doth more easily penetrate the hearts of the auditours which hath recommendation from the Oratours life as S. Gregory saith Mat. 11.12 Consider 3. Those words of Christ Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and so to enter into his glory to wit by his passion And what way will you enter that seek your own ease convenience and satisfaction in all things and can not endure to suffer in the least Think how little you have suffered hitherto in Gods cause and yet The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent beare it away Luc. 24.30 c. Our Lord appeareth to the Disciples c. Part 2. COnsider 1. How Christ walketh with his Disciples and explicateth unto them the mysteries of his Passion O how their hearts were inflamed by the divine fire which was so neer them So that with good reason they might afterwards say Was not our heart burâ—ing in us c. A signe therefore of Christs presence in a Soul is fervor if you be colde and without fervor Christ is not with you Prov. 8.31 Consider 2. How the Disciples being come to their journeys end invite Christ to take up with them He makes as if he had further to goe but they prevaile with him to stay In the same manner although he desireth nothing more then to be with us according to that My delights are to be with the Children of Men yet he loves to be intreated and in a manner forced to it by ernest Prayer So Jacob compelled the Angel I will not let thee goe unless thou bless me Gen. 22.26 Mat. 15.28 So likewise the Cananean Woman by still urging on after the first repulse obtained her Daughters care Author Imperf August Paulinus Beda theophilact hic Consider 3. Whiles he sate at the table with them he took bread and blessed and brake and did reach to them Whereupon Their eyes were opened and they knew him These signal actions and the singular effect of notifying Christ shew that it was a Sacramental entertainment as also the Holy Fathers doe generally teach The Souls of the faithful and worthy receivers are truly enlightened by the breaking of the Eucharistical bread and their eyes opened to see acknowledge and love the infinit goodness of the Author Christ having thus discovered himself presently disappeareth for he would not have us entertain our selves overlong even in spiritual consolations but betake our selves to our employments and therefore the Disciples rising up the same hour went back into Jerusalem and related with great joy what had happened Christ appeareth to his Disciples gathered together S. Thomas being absent Jo. 20.19 Part 1. Is. 66.11 COnsider 1. When it was late that day c. And the doores were shut Jesus came and stood in the middes c. This is the sixth apparition wherewith Christ was pleased to comfort his friends on the very day of his Resurrection That all might be filled of the brest of his consolation and flow with delights in all manner of his Glory But here he appeareth 1. Late in the evening that you should learn to expect our Lord with patience and Longanimity 2. He entered the dores being shut to shew the subtility wherewith his body now in glory was endowed Doe you in like manner shut the dores of your senses You must be a garden inclosed Cant. 4.12 a fountain sealed up if you desire to entertain Christ 3. He stood in the middle as a Shepheard amidst his flock as a Master among his disciples and as the Sun in the middle of the world Stand thus O Lord in the center of my Soul Feeding Teaching and Illuminating her Phil. 4.7 Consider 2. He saith to them Peace be to you He wisheth them not plenty of Riches nor Honours nor the like but Peace and this with God within themselves and among one another Learn to prize and purchase this peace before all worldly wealth and beseech our Lord That the Peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your heart and Intelligence in Christ Jesus Consider 3. To confirm them the more he asketh whether they have any thing to eate And they offered him a peece of fish broiled Luc. 24.42 and a hony comb and he did eate thereof Christ doth often ask of you some thing to eate For The Word of God as S. Ambrose saith feedeth upon the vertues of our Souls De bon Mor. c. 5. You are as a fish swimming in the main Sea of this world all wet and slabby with the vanities thereof Be therefore broyled with the fire of Charity and seasoned with the hony of Devotion that you may make up a dish fit for our Lords table Jo. sup Christ appeareth to his Disciples gathered together c. Part 2. COnsider 1. How after he had eaten he ordained his Disciples as Missionants Doctors and Pastors of his flock but first repeateth Peace be unto you to shew how necessary Peace and union is among themselves in Apostolical men As my father hath sent me I also doe send you That is with the same authority that my father sent me I also send you and as my father sent me into the world not to seek my ease and pleasure but to take paines and suffer afflictions after the same manner I send you that you may learn hence what things Apostolical men ought to be lovers of Consider 2. When he had said this he breathed and he said to them Receive ye the Holy Ghost Our Lord could have given it without breathing on them but he would use this Ceremony that you might learn to reverence the like ceremonies of the Holy Church for likewise
great power is reposed in him who loves you so intirely How well may you assure your self of his Protection and say with the Prophet If camps stand together against me my heart shall not fear If battell rise up against me in this will I hope Jac. 2.10 Consider 3. It followeth Going therefore teach ye all Nations baptizing them c. Where he instituted the Sacrament of Baptisme in place of Circumcision And as that was the dore or enterance in the antient Law so is Baptisme in the new but with far greater advantages of grace c. Observe likewise that Baptisme or faith alone sufficeth not to Salvation and that there is also required the observance of all the Commandements Teaching them to observe all things c. For whosoever offendeth in one is made guilty of all Therefore David said I was directed to all thy commandements Ps. 118.128 all wicked way I have hated Doe you the like Of other Apparitions within the fourty dayes Act. 1.3 COnsider 1. How our Lord as S. Luke saith Shewed himself alive after his Passion in many arguments for fourty days appearing c. So long would our Blessed Lord remain with them to confirm them the more in the beliefe of his Resurrection And during that time allthough he was ever present with them after an invisible manner yet visibly he appeared only at times that so like a tender mother he might use them by degrees to more solide though harder fare to wit the want of his corporal presence Ibid. Consider 2. How in these Apparitions saith S. Luke he spake of the Kingdom of God Not of vanities or curiosities or of things delightfull to sense nor of news nor of other worldly trifles but of purchasing the Kingdom of God and that by sufferings and Tribulations by mortification of our selves and violence according to that The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence Mat. 11.12 and the violent beare it away Learn hence to treat willingly of Heavenly things Moreover it is like our Lord in that time did teach the Apostles those things which they afterwards delivered to the Church by Tradition Beseech our Lord that he would vouchsafe to converse with you in the secret closet of your heart and there instruct you in his law Say with the Prophet Blessed art thou Ps. 118.12 O Lord teach me thy Justifications Consider 3. And reflect seriously upon your self how often God hath spoken within your heart concerning the Kingdom of God moving you both to the desire and purchase thereof by works of Perfection of Charity of Humility of Temperance and the like And you have not heard his voice Listen therefore to him hereafter least perhaps he bring upon you those plagues of which Moyses Our Lord shall increase thy plague Deut. 28. v. 59.62 c. Great plagues and continuing sore infirmities and perpetual c. Because thou heardst not the voice of our Lord thy God Of diverse Circumstances of Christs Apparitions Cant. 5. â— COnsider 1. Diverse Circumstances of these Apparitions which were made after the Resurrection for that allmost the like doe dayly happen in the interiour Visitation of the Soul 1. These Apparitions were not of continuance but short and by fits and more or less frequent according to the disposition and fervor of desire in the parties The same order our Lord observeth with a devoute Soul communicating himself unto her not allways or without intermission but at times and by fits only Inflame your self with his love that you may the oftener enjoy him and be able to say with the spouse If you shall find my beloved tell him that I languish with love Consider 2. He appeared for the most part unexpectedly and as sudenly he with drew himself and commonly made but a short stay whereby he nourished in them a desire of him self In the same manner he visits the faithfull Soul Whence saith S. Bernard Bern. in Canâ— ser 32. There may in this life be joy and content in the spouses presence but not satiety Therefore doe not expect to have your fill here but let it suffice you to have a taste only of the joys of his divine presence Ps. 16.15 You shall be filled with David when his glory shall appear Jo. 3.8 Consider 3. The time and place were different So it is in the interiour Visits of the Soul which happen sometimes in prayer sometimes in reading at other times in midst of buisiness and affairs For the spirit breatheth where he will Lastly at sometimes he appeared in a disguise as he did to Mary Magdalen and the two Disciples going to Emmaus sometimes in his own shape and figure at other times again he made himself known only by Angels In the same manner he manifesteth himself to us now immediately by himself and that apparently now obscurely now again by our Superiours Preachers c. Beseech him to open your eyes that you may know him in what manner soever he shall please to shew himself to you Say with the Spouse Cant. 1.7 Shew me where thou feedest where thou lyest in the midday Our Lord wil comfort Sion and all the ruines thereof and he will make her desert as delicacies Is 51.3 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Comforter of our Soul Ps. 33.20 COnsider 1. What is read in this days Ghospel I will see you again and your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man shall take from you Jo. 16.22 Think how many are the tribulations of the Just in this life from within and without That all the delights of this world are but vaine and empty and that there is not any solid comfort or joy to be taken in any thing but in God alone who therefore by S. Paul is said to be the God of all comfort who comforteth us in all our tribulation 2 Cor. 1.3 Ps. 22.5 Consider 2. Christ in the Eucharist is properly the comforter of the afflicted Therefore David Thou hast prepared in my sight a table against them that trouble me And My chalice inebriating how goodly is it For the Holy Eucharist is a torrent of pleasure a river flowing with sweetness an Ocean of Spiritual delights inebriating the mind with unspeakable sweetness according to that of the Psalm Thou hast visited the Earth and hast inebriated it Ps. 64.10 thou hast multiplyed to inrich it If it doth not inebriat nor enrich you it is a sign you are not sufficiently disposed Ps. 93.19 Consider 3. The necessary disposition to enjoy this sweetness and these Spiritual comforts is 1. A perfect griefe for your sins For according to the multitude of my Sorrows in my heart saith David thy consolations have made my Soul joyfull 2. An aversion and loathing of the World with a hunger and longing desire of Heavenly things Therefore our Lord saith by Jeremy Jer. 31.25 I have inebriated the weary Soul and every hungry Soul I have
you with the flowers he delights you and so of the rest Wherefore say with S. Augustine As there is not any hour Lord Aug. in Soliloq c. 18. or moment of all my life wherein I do not enjoy your benefits so ought there not to be any moment wherein I have you not before my eyes by remembrance and love you not with my whole strength Ps 115.3 Consider 3. Other benefits of God appertaining particularly to the mind such as are good Education care of Parents and Superiours counsel and example of the Virtuous the endowments of Knowledge Arts and Sciences together with the conveniences of this life and that perhaps with little care or labour of your own which many others cannot get without sweat of brow and hazard oftentimes of soul Think therefore what you shall render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendered to you Pro. 23.26 He desires nothing but your self My Son saith he give me thy heartâ— Of the benefit of Redemption Part. 1. COnsider 1. That you may the better understand the greatness of this benefit ponder what a misery it is to live in Slavery under some cruel Tyrant where you are to endure perpetual imprisonment hunger and thirst stripes and other torments Think what the Children of Israel suffered in the bondage of Egypt and Captivity of Babylon and what you were like to suffer if you were condemned perpetually to the Galleys under the Turk and what you would give for your Ransome 2 Tim. 2.26 Consider 2. The Slavery of Sin is incomparably greater then all this which makes us Slaves of the Devil as the Apostle-speaketh and liable to the torments of Hell We were all under this slavery nor was there possible any humane means of escaping when behold the only begotten Son of God came down from heaven and took upon him to satisfie for our sins that so he might deliver us from so cursed a servitude Tit. 2.14 Who gave himself saith the Apostle for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity Ps 15.2 Consider 3. The cause of so great a mercy Christ did it not for any profit of his as if he had need of us Thou art my God saith David because thou needest not my goods Nor for any deserts of ours which then neither were nor could be any but out of his own meer goodness and mercy according to that of Isaie In his love Is 63.9 and in his indulgence he redeemed them and bare them and lifted them up all the daies of the world Who would not love so loving a Lord and give himself up wholly to him without whom he had been lost for ever Of the benefit of Redemption Part 2. Ps 129.7 COnsider 1. The manner wherewith Christ redeemed you from the said slavery With good reason David said With him is plenteous Redemption for he could by his absolute power have remitted all our sins without taking mans flesh upon him He might also have satisfied the rigour of Justice by the least action of his after his Incarnation but would suffer so much that where sin abounded Rom. 5.20 grace might more abound and that he might leave us example according to S. Peter 1 Pet. 2.21 that we may follow his steps Consider 2. More in particular what he suffered In the Manger in his Circumcision in his flight and in Egypt it self by hunger and thirst by cold and nakedness by much travelling and frequent dangers Lastly during the time of his Passion by his scourging at the Pillar by the crowning with Thorns and nailing on the Cross and all this he suffered for his Enemies that is for all sinners Who did ever suffer so much even for his friends Wherefore the Church on Easter Eve breaketh forth into those admirable notes O happy fault which deserved to have such In benedic Cerei and so greet a Redeemer Consider 3. What you ought to do in return and what to offer to such a Redeemer Ask your self that question with S. Bernard If I owe my whole self for being made Bern. de diligendo Deo what more shall I add for being repaired and repaired in such manner for I was not so easily repaired as first made Wherefore behave your self as a Bondslave of Christ as truly you are thank him for so great a favour and give your self wholly to his service Reflect often upon that saying of the Apostle 1 Cor. 6.20 You are bought with a great price glorifie and bear God in your body Of Holy Communion Consider Christ at the Advocate of our Soul Behold the Lord God my helper who is he that shall condemn me Is 50.9 1 Jo. 2.1 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel I go to him that sent me c. And it is expedient for you that I go Jo. 6.5.7 For our Lord went to his Eternal Father to plead for us and that he might be in that Supreme Consistory of Heaven our Patron Advocate Mediator or Intercessor according to that of S. John We have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Just And that of S. Paul 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one Mediator of God and men Man Christ Jesus Therefore it was truly expedient for us that he should go to his Father to intercede in our behalf being guilty of many crimes Apoc. 1.5 Consider 2. What a benefit it were to have for Proctor or Advocate in the Court of some worldly Prince the Kings only Son ready upon all occasions to defend you with his Father and to further and promote you what he could Such an one is Christ our most loving Lord who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his blood most willing to help us who will all men to be saved And lastly 1 Tim. 2.4 most powerful to obtain what thing soever of his Father Luc. 10.22 All things are delivered to me of my Father Sap. 1.4 Consider 3. How much you are to wish for that hour wherein this Advocate of yours is to come into your Soul in the H. Eucharist for then you may confidently open unto him all your miseries and necessities that he may plead to his Father for officacious redress See therefore that the lodging of your heart be clean for he is wonderfully delighted with cleanliness and as the wise man saith Wisdome will not enter into a malicious Soul nor dwell in a body subject to sins Of the benefit of Adoption Part 1. 1 Jo. 3.1 COnsider 1. That of S. John See what manner of charity the Father hath given us that we should be named and be the Sons of God The Father of Mercies was not satisfied with redeeming us but would also adopt us to be his Children The benefit is the greater in regard of the meanness of the person and the Excellency of the Dignity to which he is raised For what more vile or base then Man What
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
distributeth his gifts and favours among his people according to that of the Apostle Ascending on high he led captivity captive Ephes 4.8 he gave gifts to men If. 60.13 Consider 2. This King of Glory will come this day to you though under the Cloud of the Eucharistical Species to the end that by the gifts of his grace he may dispose you to partake also of his glory The glory of Libanus shall come to thee c. to adorn the place of my sanctification and the place of my feet I will glorifie O what a favour and benefit is this What may you not hope for from so bountiful a Guest in this day of your solemnity Ps 23.7 Consider 3. How to receive worthily this King of Glory Lift up your gates ye Princes and be ye lifted up O Eternal Gates and the King of Glory shall enter in The gates of the Soul are our interiour powers Reason and Will by which there is a mutual intercourse between our Soul and enteriour objects they entring into her and she going forth to them Lift up therefore these gates on high raise them only to such things as are heavenly and everlasting and then the King of Glory will enter into you and make you partaker of his Glory Of our Lords Ascension Part 1. Mar. 16.14 COnsider 1. The fourty daies being expired which our Lord was pleased to spend in comforting and instructing the Apostles after his Resurrection last he appeared to those cleven as they sat at the Table and having strengthened their faith which wavered yet in some of them he leads them forth to Mount Olivet that where he had began his Passion by his Bloody Sweat there he might also begin his Triumph See with what tenderness of love he doth all this and withall learn hence that the way to glory is by suffering Luc. 24.49 Consider 2. These words of Christ to his Disciples But you tarry in the City till you be endowed with power from high If our Lord would not have his Apostles too forward in preaching but quietly and in prayer to expect power and virtue from Heaven how fitting is it that others who have not been trained up in Christs School as they were should first prepare themselves in private and holy cetiredness and long prayer for preaching and other Apostolical Functions Ps 103.3 Consider 3. After they were all come to the Mount our Lord being now to depart lifting up both his hands to signifie the fulness of his blessing he blessed them then raising himself up he ascended by degrees till he was out of their sight Think how the Disciples rejoyced to behold the glory of their Lord Making the Cloud to ascend on and walking upon the wings of winds Do you also ascend in spirit with him Ps 83.6 Dispose ascensions in your heart as the Prophet speaketh making continual progress from one virtue to another till you arrive to the height of perfection Of our Lords Ascension Part 2. Ephes 4.8 COnsider 1. Our Lord being out of the sight of his Disciples entereth into Heaven in a triumphant manner He was accompanied with an infinite multitude of Angels who came forth to meet him there followed a numerous Train of the Holy Fathers whom he had redeemed out of captivity according to that Ascending on high he led captivity captive Neither was there wanting solemn and publick Jubily God is ascended in Jubilation Psa 46.6 and our Lord in the voice of Trumpet The Angels inviting one the other in those terms Sing to our Lord Ps 67.33 34. sing ye to God that mounteth upon the Heaven of Heaven to the East And the like Consider 2. Christ being come to the Throne of his Eternal Father presents him with the holy company of Saints as spoils taken from the Infernal Enemy he gives him account of the work he had accomplished Jo. 17.4 5 6. saying I have glorified thee upon Earth I have consummated the work which thou gavest me to do And now glorifie thou me O Father with thy self c. I have manifested thy Name to men c. The Father welcometh his Sons return with unspeakable expressions of love and placeth him on his right hand fulfilling that of the Psalm Our Lord said to my Lord Ps 109.1 sit on my right hand c. Apoc. 5.12 Consider 3. The Jubily which was at that time in Heaven of the Holy Fathers for the happiness they were arrived to of the Angels both for the company of the Saints and for the filling up of the places which had been so long empty Lastly of them all for the humanity of Christ our Lord which they saw glorified according to its deserts Then did they likewise break forth into those words of the Apocalyps The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and dignity and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and benediction Joyn your lauds and praises with theirs rejoyce for having such an Advocate with your Father and fix your thoughts there whither your Head and best part of you is already gone Of Holy Communion Our Lord will give Grace and Glory He will not deprive them of good things that walk in Innocency Ps 83.12 13. Consider Christ as a Pledge of Future Glory COnsider 1. How great is the Glory of God and of all the Blessed in Heaven how excellent a place what noble Citizens and what happy concord and union among that blessed company and the like Our most merciful Lord promiseth us in due time the fellowship of this glory and in the mean while gives us for a pawn or pledge his most precious Body and Blood Wherefore the Church cryeth out O sacred Banquet Brev. Rom wherein Christ is received c. and a pledge of future glory is given us Deut. 4.7 Consider 2. What a great matter you would think it if some Prince should promise you a Kingdome after the term of some few years and in the mean time should give you his only Son for security Truly there is no other Nation so great that hath Gods approaching unto them as our God is present to us He is present with us here in nourishment that he may afterwards be wholly ours in reward 2 Cor. 1.22 Consider 3. This divine pledge doth not only serve as an assurance but doth even in this life produce in some sort the effects of Glory if it be not hindered For 1. It brings with it the lustre of Habitual Grace then the which nothing is more glorious in the sight of God 2. It rendereth the Soul impassible that is not subject to be moved or disturbed by any worldly adversity 3. It gives us a spiritual agility promptly and readily to obey the Commands of God 4. It assords us also a certain subtility to go through and overcome what difficulties soever Prepare your self therefore worthily to receive it and bless the infinite mercy of God who
hath prepared for them that love him Mat. 11.12 Consider 3. What is fit for you to do to obtain so great a reward The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence Offer therefore violence to your self and you shall have it Of the Expectation of the Holy Ghost Part 1. Act. 1.14 COnsider 1. How the Apostles being returned from the Mount whence our Lord scended they repair all of them into one Room and by continual prayer and servent acts dispose themâ—elves to receive the Holy Ghost They were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus and his Brethren The dispositions therefore which they used were 1. Retiredness in a private room far from noise and prophane company 2. Perseverance in prayer 3. Concord and umon of minds 4. The company of the B. Virgin Luc. 24.49 Consider 2. If our Lord would have the Apostles to prepare themselves in this manner for the receiving the Holy Ghost whom neverthele she was to send for the establishing and propagating of his glory how much more necessary is it for others of the like calling to tarry in the City as they did in solitude and retirement and by continual contemplation of divine things to prepare themselves till they be endowed with power from high to exercise their Apostolical Functions Do you also imitate the Apostles fervour in seeking the Holy Spirit say with the Prophet Ps 50.12 Create a clean heart in me O God and renew a right spirit in my bowels Consider 3 The coming of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles was deferred ten daies which number in Scripture generally signifieth multitude that we might learn with long patience to expect our Lord whose presence though never so short will abundantly recompence whatsoever delay God â—â—â—th S. Augustine S. Aug. Ep. â— Fraâ— aâ— 4. by deferring extends our desire by desiring inlargeth our heart by inlarging makes it the more capacious Of the Expectation of the Holy Ghost Part 2. Jo. 3.16 COnsider 1. The causes of giving the H. Ghost The first was the infinite goodness of God who so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son And although the world had treated him so ill he would notwithstanding also give us the H. Ghost who might teach us all truth The second were the merits and prayers of Christ I will ask the Father Jo. 16.13 Jo. 14.16 and he will give you another Paraclete The third for that he was to consummate the work of our Redemption giving us the gifts of his divine grace whereby we might obtain heaven Rom. 5.5 Consider 2. The greatness of this gift then the which nothing can be more excellent or divine for it is God himself The Charity of God is powred forth in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us With himself therefore he gives us all things for he is as the Church singeth Seq in Missa the bestower of gifts and the light of our hearts He is as an ever-flowing river whence all manner of grace is derived unto us He that believeth in me Jo. 7.38 out of his belly shall flow rivers of living waters And this he said of the Spirit that they should receive which believed in him Prov. 3.32 Consider 3. To whom he is given First to Idiots and Fishermen for he is the Father of the poor And his communication is with the simple Secondly he is given to all faâ—thful souls that fervently desire him Joel 2.28 I will powre out my spirit upon all flesh Pray therefore with a fervent desire and prepare your self worthily that he may come and remain ever with you Of Holy Communion Loe our Lord will come in Fire Is 66.15 Consider Christ as a Fire COnsider 1. How the Holy Ghost descended this day upon the Apostles in the form of Fire how he enlightned and inflamed them and made them quite other men Think how greatly you stand in want of this heavenly Fire who are so cold in Gods service and all over full of the dross of worldly affections and have need to be throughly purged Is 1.22.25 Thy silver is turned into dross c. I will turn my hand to thee and I will boil out thy dross till it be pure and will take away all thy tyn Deut. 4.24 Consider 2. Christ in the Eucharist is properly a Fire to your Soul but covered with a Cloud Thy God saith Moyses is a consuming fire for it consumes the chaff of terrene affections takes away the dross of imperfections inflames our tepidity and illuminates our darkness and as S. Gregory speaketh Greg. Hom 5. in Ezech Is 6.7 c. purifieth the soul which it doth replenish from the rust of sin The Eucharist is like to that hot Cole taken from the Altar which cleansed the lips of Isaie and endowed him with the spirit of Prophecy Confide that it will also work the same effects in your Soul if you be worthily disposed Consider 3. The dispositions to this Fire in the Apostles were as hath been said 1. Retirement 2. Constant Prayer 3. Mutual concord 4. The B. Virgins company and pretection Imitate therefore their example and take heed lest being once warmed at this Divine Fire you return to your former state of coldness and tepidity Of the coming of the H. Ghost upon the Apostles Act. 2.1 c. Part 1. COnsider 1. The time being expired which God had ordained and the Apostles being duely disposed by prayer the H. Ghost came upon them being all together in one place that you should learn to give your self to prayer to follow the community and fly singularity if you desire to be visited by the H. Ghost Besides he came suddenly because his Visitation hath no prefixt time and therefore ought without intermission to be sought for and with long expectation to be attended Is 11.9 Consider 2. And it filled the whole house where they were sitting Ponder the bounteous liberality of the Divine Spirit leaving nothing void of his gifts The earth is replenished with the knowledge of our Lord as the covering waters of the Sea And although they were all full yet one received more then another according to the greater or lesser capacity of each ones Vessel Whence the B. Virgin received more then all the rest Inlarge therefore your vessel or heart that you may deserve to receive a â—â—rge proportion Ps 80.11 Dilate thy mouth saith he by his Prophet and I will fill it Consider 3. And there appeared to them parted Tongues as of fire The H. Ghost took upon him the form of Fiery Tongues because as S. Gregory saith whom he replenisheth he maketh both fervent and eloquent Greg. Hom. 3. in Evang Desire him to effect both in you the first for your own good the other for the benefit and edification of others Of the coming of the Holy Ghost Act. 2.4 c. c. Part 2.
his Eternal Father in the Eucharist Of the Eucharist compared to the Tree of Life and its fruits Part 2. Gen. 1.2 THe fifth Misery is want of the knowledge of our selves Darkness was upon the face of the depth so is it likewise upon the heart of that man that is not enlightned with the grace of God Therefore the Prophet saith The heart of man is perverse Jer. 17.9 and unsearchable who shall know it The Eucharist remedieth this enlightning our understanding like to the honey that enlightned the eyes of Jonathas Your selves have seen that mine eyes are illuminated 1 Reg. 14.29 because I have tasted a little of this honey Mat. 24.12 The sixth is want of love towards God and our Neighbour for where Iniquity shall abound Charity shall wax cold This is cured by the Eucharist which inflameth the heart with divine love for the lamps thereof lamps of fire and flames Cant. 8.6 The seventh is the indisposition of our spiritual appetite whereby we relish not spiritual things for the sensual man perceiveth not these things that are of the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.14 And he that feedeth himself with the pleasures of this present life his interiour senses are so disordered thereby that he cannot relish spiritual things The Eucharist helpeth this curing the palat of our heart so that we may tast and see that our Lord is sweet Ps 33.9 Luc. 14.30 The eighth is a faintness in perfecting what is good we often begin fervorously but soon fail This man began to build and he could not finish it Against this the H. Eucharist doth strengthen us like to that Loaf of Bread 3 Reg. 19.8 which the Angel brought to Elias In the strength whereof he walked fourty days and fourty nights without any toil unto the Mount of God Horeb. Beg therefore of our Lord these fruits especially that you may be constant in good For of all Virtues saith S. Bernard Perseverance alone is crowned Bernard Of the Eucharist compared with the Tree of Life and its fruits Part 3. Ephes 2.3 OUr ninth Misery is the penalty of Eternal Death For we were as the Apostle saith by nature the children of wrath From this evil the Eucharist freeth us giving us Eternal Life For if any man eat of this bread saith our Lord he shall live for ever Jo. 6.51 Gen. 8.21 The tenth is our continual decay in good passing daily from bad to worse For the sense and cogitation of mans heart are prone to evil from their youth This is taken away by means of the H. Eucharist whereby as by spiritual food man groweth up in a spiritual life and encreaseth in merits of good works for he that abideth in me and I in him Jo. 15.5 the same beareth much fruit Ps 119.5 The eleventh is the irksomness of this worldly banishment of which David Woe is to me that my sejourning is prolonged The Eucharist doth mitigate this tediousness and is given also as a Viaticum or provision to live upon in this our Pilgrimage as was the Manna to the Israelites in the Desart till they were brought into the Land of Promise which to us is the Kingdom of everlasting glory Gen. 3.19 The twelfth is a total corruption of our corporal substance because dust thou art and into dust thou shalt return And thus according to the course of Nature this our body would perish for ever but by reason of the corporal participation of Christ as S. Thomas saith the Saints shall rise again in their bodies more glorious then the Sun according to that of Christ He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath life everlasting Jo. 6.54 and I will raise him up in the last day Ps 102.2 3. Admire the admirable virtue of these heavenly fruits and be thankful for so powerful a remedy and preservative against all your maladies My soul bless thou our Lord c. who healeth all thine infirmities Of Preparation for receiving the H. Eucharist by Faith and Purity 1 Cor. 11.28 COnsider 1. How necessary is a due preparation before hand for receiving the H. Eucharist least otherwise through mortal sin you make that your poyson which is the food of life or through indevotion and tepidity you partake less of its sweetness Therefore the Apostle admonisheth Let a man prove himself and so let him eat of that bread And Mat. 22. he that presumed to come to the Marriage Feast without the wedding garment was cast into utter darkness Heb. 10.22 Consider 2. The first preparation must be by Faith which is as it were the ground and foundation of all the rest therefore the Apostle saith Let us approach with a true heart in fulness of faith Kindle therefore in your self a lively faith as often as you frequent this Sacred Mystery and denying whatsoever sense shall object to the contrary offer your life and blood to defend the truth of Gods Word Consider 3. The second preparation must be by Parity which the greater it shall be the more you will partake of its divine fruits and tast of its hidden sweetness wherefore the Prophet Be cleansed ye that carry the Vessels of our Lord Is 52.11 The same doth the Church recommend unto us by ordaining the H. Eucharist to be consecrated upon clean Corporals S. Tho. 6.11 which as S. Thomas observes are first washed then wrung and thirdly dried so he that goes to receive this Sacrament must first of all be washed with the tears of Penance then wrung by works of Mortification and thirdly well dried of worldly affections by the fervour of Charity See whether you find these dispositions in your self Of Preparation for receiving the H. Eucharist by holy Desires and Prayer Eccli 24.26 COnsider 1. To the foresaid Purity must be joyned an ardent desire and hunger after this heavenly Banquet for our Lord inviteth such to himself in those words Pass to me all ye that desire me and be filled of my generations And by the Psalmist he telleth us Ps 106.9 that he hath filled the empty that is the thirsty soul and the hungry soul he hath filled with good things Procure therefore in your self this hunger and thirst as often as you come to this Divine Table Dilate thy mouth Ps 80.11 and I will fill it faith our Lord. Ps 104.40 Consider 2. To this desire must be added earnest Prayer for God bestoweth all he hath upon them that ask Therefore said David They made petition and the Quail came and he filled them with the Bread of Heaven If therefore you desire to have your fill of this heavenly Bread you must make earnest suit for it and give your self to Prayer and Meditation Vnder his shadow whom I desired Cant. 2.3 I sat that is in holy Meditation and Contemplation whence having had experience of its sweetness the Spouse presently adjoyneth and his fruit
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
Ps 68.10 Consider 2. Christ inflamed with zeal for his Fathers House when he had made as it were a whip of little cords cast them all out of the Temple the sheep also and the oxen and the money of the Bankers be powred out and the Tables he overthrew The same he did again afterwards a little before his Passion The most meek Lamb when his Fathers Honour was concerned put on the Lyon fulfilling in himself that of the Prophet The zeal of thy house hath eaten me with such zeal ought all Priests to be inflamed and with their utmost endeavour to hinder the sins of their Neighbour Consider 3. This zeal of the Divine Glory is most grateful to God whence he doth reproach some of his Prophets in those words You have not ascended against nor opposed a wall for the House of Israel Wherefore S. Gregory saith S. Greg. Hom. 17. in Evang. S. Aug. sup Joan. No Sacrifice is more grateful to God then zeal of Souls True zeal of Souls consisteth in this that whatsoever you see amiss in others you endeavour to mend which if you cannot to bear withall and deplore See how cold perhaps you are on this behalf as if like another Cain you were not your Brothers keeper Gen. 4.9 Of casting the Buyers and Sellers out of the Temple Jo. 2.16 Part 2. Mat. 21.13 COnsider 1. How Christ casting them out of the Temple saith Make not the House of my Father a house of Merchandise And at another time a little before his Passion My house shall â—e called the House of Prayer but you have made it a Den of Thieves Whereby we are taught to observe due reverence both interiour and exteriout in Gods Church See whether you make it an House of Prayer or not rather of Merchandise thinking of your affairs studies or other trifles 1 Cor. 3.16 17. Consider 2. Your Soul is a Temple of God according to that of the Apostle You are the Temple of God and the Spirit of God dwelleth in you Whence followeth that terrible sentence But if any violate the Temple of God God will destroy him Consider therefore whether it be a House of Prayer by frequent lifting up your mind to God or rather of worldly negotiation bending your thoughts upon earthly things your own temporal concerns meat drink and the like wherefore cast out from thence sheep and oxen that is all bruitish and earthly affections even offering violence to your self by whips and cords for that the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence Mat. 11.12 and the violent bear it away Ps 118.61 Consider 3. Christ brought not the scourge into the Temple but made it of the cords he found there So our Lord carrieth not a scourge about him but makes one up of our sins as of so many cords The cords of sinners saith David have wrapped me round about wherefore cast forth all sin out of the Temple of your Soul and you will leave him nothing to make a scourge of Woe to you that draw iniquity in cords of vanity Is 5.18 and sin as the link of a Wayn which those do who add sin to sin and the longer and more grievous the sin is Aug. To. 10 in Joan. the more grievous also will be the scourge Of our Lords discourse with Nicodemus Jâ— 3.1 c. Rom. 1.16 COnsider 1. How Nicodemus being a prime man and well skilled in the Law came to Christ for instruction but in the night time and in private for fear of the Jews and in regard of his worldly reputation being ashamed perhaps to appear amongst the poor and unlearned Disciples Think how many are hindered from their Salvation by these worldly respects but do you rather say with S. Paul I am not ashamed of the Gospel and confess God both confidently and openly For he that shall be ashamed of me and of my words him the son of man shall be ashamed of Luc. 9.26 when he shall come in his Majesty saith our Lord. Consider 2. Christ as a most loving Physitian accommodated himself to the weakness of this Disciple and instructed him in many things 1. Concerning Baptisme 2. Of the causes of his coming into the world 3. Of his Passion that was to ensue 4. Of Faith necessary to salvation Give God thanks for these and ponder in particular the benefit of our Spiritual Generation by Baptisme You must be born again c. Consider also the greatness of that love wherewith God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that every one which believe in him perish not Mat. 10.26 Tonsider 3. Those words The light is come into the world and men have loved the darkness rather then the light O shameful neglect Examine your self whether in your actions you rather love darkness then light for every one that doth ill hateth light See whether you do nothing in private which you would be ashamed of in publick and hereafter desist from it for nothing is hid that shall not be revealed and secret that shall not be known at least by God in whose sight continually you are Of Holy Communion Render account of thy Bailiship Luc. 16.2 Consider Christ as coming to exact an account of your Bailiship Luc. 16.1 COnsider 1. What is said this day in the Gospel There was a certain rich man that had a Bailiff c. Think that you are this Bailiff whom our Lord hath intrusted with several goods Internal External Natural Supernatural but with what fruit 'T is to be feared but little yet Look throughly into your self and perhaps you will find all out of order You have slept out your sleep of tepidity and now you find nothing in your hands and therefore you are in disgrace with your Lord as having squandered away not your own who have nothing of your self but his goods Consider 2. Our Lord will come unto you to day in the Eucharist to exact an account of the goods he hath intrusted you withall but at present he will do it favourably with mercy and commiseration For as Job saith he doth not now infer his fury Job 35.15 neither doth he revenge wickedness exceedingly He will rather supply your defects forgive you your debts and make good unto you again by his holy Grace what you had mis-spent Hereafter he will come with an Iron Rod to do Justice and Judgment and will search you with Lamps Endeavour therefore now to please him by an exact performance of your duties seeing you cannot otherwise make him any recompence Mat. 18.32 Consider 3. These duties are 1. An humble begging of pardon according to that I forgave thee all the debt because thou besoughtest me 2. Frequent and constant love Luc. 7.47 Many sins are forgiven her because she hath loved much 3. A perfect forgiveness of offences and injuries done to you by others Luc. 6.37 Forgive and you shall be forgiven With
shall not extinguish c. He shall not be sad nor turbulent And S. Peter 1 Pet. 2.23 who when he was reviled did not revile when he suffered he threatned not but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly And of himself he saith Mat. 11.29 Learn of me because I am meek and humble of heart Think how you may imitate the same Eccli 3.19 Consider 3. The Reward For they shall possess the Land to wit of their own heart being Masters of their own passions and also of the hearts of others according to that Son do thy works in meekness and thou shalt be beloved above the glory of men Lastly they shall possess the Land of Promise Ps 36.11 and Everlasting Inheritance The meek shall inherit the Land and shall be delighted in multitude of peace Procure therefore to have this Meekness in your life and conversation that you may come also to be delighted in multitude of peace as well with God as with your self and with all the world Of the third Beatitude Mat. 5.5 Blessed are they that Mourn c. Ps 119.5 COnsider 1. This Mourning is threesold 1. Of Compunction for our own sins according to the example of David and S. Peter 2. Of Compassion for others 3. Of Devotion for our banishment in this world our separation from God and our longing desire after him Woe is to me that my sejourning is prolonged This Spiritual Mourning doth not wholly consist in afflicting the mind but also in refusing such things as bring pleasure and delight with them Whence the wise man Eccles 2.2 Laughter I have reputed error and to Joy I have said why art thou deceived in vain Think on the contrary how greedily you seek after your own content and satisfaction in all things Prov. 2.14 and perhaps also rejoyce in most wicked things Consider 2. The example of Christ our Lord of whom S. Chrysostome writeth Chrysost Hom. 6. in Mat. Eccles 7.5 You will often find Christ weeping but never laughing And Salomon saith The heart of wise men where sadness is and the heart of fools where mirth Think therefore how reasonable it is you should imitate the example of so great a Master and rank your self with wise men rather then with fools Mat. 5.5 Consider 3. The Reward For they shall be comforted both in this life with Divine Illustrations and with the testimony of a good conscience but more to the full in the life to come where they shall be inebriated with the plenty of Gods House Ps 35.9 and be made drink of the torrent of his pleasure Wherefore lament your own and your Neighbours sins for those that sow in tears shall reap in joy On the contrary Luc. 6.25 Woe to you that do now laugh because you shall mourn and weep And in the Apocalyps it is said Apoc. 18.7 So much as she hath glorified her self and hath been in delicacies so much give her torment and mourning Of the fourth Beatitude Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Justice Mat. 5.6 c. 1 Cor. 1.30 COnsider 1. To hunger and thirst after Justice hath these proper Acts The first is to desire all things without exception to be fulfilled which are of Justice and obligation towards God and our Neighbour The second to desire more and more our Progress in Virtue The third that this same Justice be in all the world and that all may purchase and conserve it The fourth to hunger after Christ our Lord who is our Justice and Sanctification as the Apostle witnesseth both Sacramentally and Spiritually by a lively faith and interiour gust Think how you are in these points and whether you do not rather loath these and thirst only after worldly delights Jo. 4.34 Jo. 19.28 Consider 2. The example of Christ who all his life time sought after nothing else then to do the will of his Father according to that My meat is to do the will of him that sent me And hanging upon the Cross he said I thirst to wit the Salvation of Mankind for whom he shed his blood Such ought to be your hunger and thirst not that of the wicked that serve their bellies Consider 3. The Reward Mat. sup For they shall have their fill God affording them special graces and spiritual comforts in this life and replenishing them to the full with the clear Vision of himself in the suture according to that Ps 16.15 I shall be filled when thy glory shall appear Think how much this heavenly Saturity is to be wished for which never cloyeth though it lasteth for all Eternity See whether you had rather have your fill in this life or in the next it will not be afforded in both in one you must suffer hunger Of Holy Communion Hear me O Lord because thy mercy is benigne Ps 68.17 Luc. 19.41 Consider Christ as a Mercisul Lord. COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel how that Christ wept upon Hierusalem for God is very sensible of our miseries and compassionate and is therefore called by the Apostle The Father of Mercies and often 2 Cor. 1.3 Infra Heb. 4.15 The merciful and pittiful Lord For the Apostle saith speaking of Christ that we have a High-Priest who can have compassion on our infirmities wherefore you may justly comfort your self in this that this same merciful Lord will come to day into your Soul to powre out the riches of his Mercy upon her Ps 110.4 5 Consider 2. The Mercy of God towards men never shewed it self more in any work then in the Eucharist therefore David cryeth out He hath made a memory of his marvellous works a merciful and pittiful Lord he hath given meat to them that fear him Think what a mercy this is to feed us with his own Flesh and make us drink of his Blood Who ever did so much for his greatest friend Lay open therefore confidently the miseties of your Soul when he cometh to you and beseech him to afford redress Consider 3. You must have great care when he comes unto you that you give him not occasion of weeping upon you as he did upon Hierusalem Because thou hast not known the time of thy Visitation Luc. sup 44 He doth often visit us by holy Inspirations by good books c. and thereby incites us to perfection See how you correspond least there may be the same reason to say of you For the daies shall come upon thee and thy Enemies shall compass thee with a Trench V. 43. c. and by Sin beat thee flat to the ground Of the fifth Beatitude Blessed are the Merciful Mat. 5.7 c. COnsider 1. Mercy comprehendeth fourteen sorts of actions which are called Works of Mercy seven Spiritual and seven Corporal The Acts of this Virtue that they may be perfect must 1. Extend themselves to all without exception even our Enemy 2. Lay hold
are of God as labours crosses ignominies Examine your self whether you do relish spiritual and divine things and take real gâ—st in them at leastwise make it your endeavour to procure it Of Holy Communion Go shew thy self to the Priest Mar. 8.4 Consider Christ as a Priest Luc. 17.14 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel of ten Lepers of whom it is said Go shew your selves to the Priests And it came to pass as they went they were made clean As there are several sorts of Lepers in the Body for some are but light and in the skin only others in the flesh and mortal so there are also different kinds of Spiritual Lepers or sins We are all of us leprous in some degree having our swellings and spots rising from the abundance of peccant humours and affections Imagine therefore your Soul all over in a scurf and become a lamentable spectacle in the sight of God and with Naaman the Syrian 4 Reg. 5. be desirous to meet with some Prophet that may cleanse you Levit. 13.9 Consider 2. The Antient Law of God If the Plague of the Leprosie be in a man he shall be brought to the Priest to be condemned as unclean and to be separated in the New Law he is brought to the Priest to be cleansed Our High-Priest is Christ our Lord according to that Ps 109.4 Thou art a Priest for ever according to the Order of Melchisedech How greatly therefore ought you to wish to appear before this Priest in the Eucharist who not with water as Elizeus but with his own precious blood will cleanse our conscience as the Apostle saith from dead works Heb. 9.14 c. Luc. 17.12 c. Consider 3. That you may be perfectly cleansed you must imitate the example of the Lepers in the Gospel 1. You are to go to meet Christ seeking him with all diligence 2. To stand afar off acknowledging your unworthiness 3. To lift up your voice by fervent prayer 4. With all humility to implore mercy Lastly To follow the counsel and admonishments of your Spiritual Fathers and Directors according to that Observe diligently that you incur not the Plague of Leprosie but thou shalt do whatsoever the Priests of the Levitical Stock shall teach thee c. and fulfill thou it carefully Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Part 1. COnsider 1. Our Lord vouchsafed to manifest his Glory 1. To confirm the Apostles in their Faith 2. To encourage them to carry their Cross which he had lately exhorted them to 3. To give them before-hand a tast of the Heavenly Joys He did it on a high Mountain apart that we should learn to sequester our selves from the cares of this world and climb to the Mountain of Perfection if we desire to contemplate the Face and Glory of our Lord. Thren 1.12 Consider 2. Christ would have few Witnesses of his Glory to wit only three of his Disciples but of his Cross and ignominies all sorts of men Therefore upon the Cross he saith by the mouth of the Prophet O all ye that pass by the way attend and see c. In thâ—se three Disciples are deciphered unto us three Virtues that accompany Contemplation and concur to our Souls Transfiguration in Peter Faith in James Hope in John Charity See how and in what degree these Virtues are in you Luc. 9.29 Consider 3. And whiles he prayed the shape of his countenance was altered Our Lord was transfigured while he was praying to teach us that prayer doth transform and beautifie mans Soul so as sometimes to have influence also upon the body so Moyses his face was horned with Rays of Glory by the conversation of the talk of our Lord. Exod. 34.29 Beseech our Lord to alter and transfigure you into another man that is to make you holy that having cast off all bad habits you may be made conformable to his Image and likeness Be much in prayer that you may be enlightned according to that Come ye to him Ps 33.6 and be illuminated and your faces shall not be confounded Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Part 2. Mat. 17.2 COnsider 1. The manner of this Transfiguration His face did shine as the Sun and his garments became white as snow The Evangelist had nothing better to compare it withall but it did incomparably exceed both Congratulate with your Lord and his Sacred Humanity for this array of glory which ever was his due and wherewith he ought always to have been invested but for our sakes he eclipsed it Rejoyce that your Beloved is thus white and ruddy chosen of thousands Cant. 5.11 Cant. 6.9 c. fair as the Moon elect as the Sun Exod. 4.13 Consider 2. There appeared with him Moyses and Elias two chief Lights of the antient Law to signifie that both the Law and the Prophets gave testimony of Christ Think how great was their joy to see their Redeemer so long wished for by all Nations and whom they themselves had so often foretold Send whom thou wilt send and the like Observe how they were both like to Christ in their fourty daies fast and therefore were also made Companions with him in Glory Luc. 9.31 Consider 3. The Subject of their discourse for they told the decease that he should accomplish in Hierusalem Our Lord in the very height of all his glory discoursed of his ignominious and bitter Passion that you might see how much he made of it and how he bare it in mind and affection above all Glory Galat. 6.14 God forbid that you should glory as the Apostle saith of himself saving in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ And let not your mind ever be so transported with joy in time of prosperity as to put off the thought or memory of death Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Part 3. Mat. 17.4 COnsider 1. The excess of joy in the Apostles at so glorious a Spectacle Peter said Lord it is good for us to be here and would have fixed his Habitation there and have raised three Tabernacles for Christ and his two Companions Think what will be in Heaven if one single drop of Heavenly Joy could so inebriate the Apostles that forgetful of all other things they would have remained there for ever What will the whole Ocean of Joy do in Heaven Ps 35.9 where they shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house O Lord and with the torrent of thy pleasure thou shalt make them drink Consider 2. A Voice came from Heaven saying This is my well beloved Son Mat. sup in whom I am well pleased hear ye him Ponder each word and how he is the only begotten Son of the Eternal Father Consubstantial and Coeternal with him and equally Immense and Omnipotent See whether you are wont to hear him exciting you to perfection contempt of the world and
abnegation of your self say at least hereafter 1 Reg. 3.10 with Samuel Speak Lord for thy servant â—eareth Consider 3. Our Lord the Vision being passed forbad his Disciples to divulge it to any one Tell the Vision to no body Mat. sup till the Son of Man be risen from the dead to give us example of Humility for that extraordinary Visions and favours of God ought to be kept secret and not to be discovered unless some great profit or necessity require it and even then not as our own goods but as gifts of God whereof we shall be demanded an account Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee Mat. 20. Mat. 10. Part 1. Mat. 20.20 CConsider 1. Then came to him the Mother of the Sons of Zebedee c. The Mother cometh to petition for her Sons what they themselves pretended for but they interpose their Mothers prayers as a Cloak to cover their own ambition So men oftentimes make use of others desires and commands to cloak their own pretences Observe moreover how the Mother cometh in an humble and suppliant manner and adoring presents her Petition Because Ambition as S. Ambrose witnesseth first serveth Ambr. inâ— Luc. c. 4. that it may afterwards domineer it stoopeth to mean Offices to be served with honour Is 14.13 Consider 2. Her Petition Say that these my two Sons may sit one at thy right hand and one at thy left hand in thy Kingdom 'T is natural to all to be ambitious of the first place this cast the Angels out of Heaven I will ascend into Heaven above the Stars of God will I exalt my Throne c. The same thrust man out of Paradise You shall be as Gods Gen. 3.5 The same assaileth also the Apostles See whether it hath as yet got any hold of you How much safer is it to follow the counsel and example of Christ and to sit in the lowest place 2 Cor. 1. â— Consider 3. Christs answer You know not what you desire They who sue for honours and vanities of this world truly know not what they desire It followeth Can you drink of the Cup that I shall drink of to wit the bitter Cup of Sorrow and Affliction intimating thereby that the glory of Heaven shall be measured to them proportionably to the draught which they shall take of this Cup so that the more one shall drink of this the nearer he shall be seated to Christ Wherefore encourage your self to drink manfully of this Cup to the very bottom for that as the Apostle saith as you are partakers of the Passions so shall you be of the Consolation also Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee Mat. 20.22 c. Part 2. Phil. 4.13 COnsider 1. The Apostles readiness to drink the Chalice proposed to them They say to him we can The like alacrity may proceed from a different spirit 1. From Ambition refusing no labours that they may come to what they aim at 2. Out of a rash Fervour not knowing what they undertake as War is sweet to them that have had no experience of it 3. From Divine Grace according to that I can all things in him that strengtheneth me Be ashamed of your self for being so slack and that you have not the courage to undertake that for the Kingdom of Heaven which others do without fear or wit for some vain honour You often answer I cannot whereas not ability but will and resolution is wanting Act. 10.35 Mat. 16.27 Consider 2. Christ seeing this readiness in them answered My Cup indeed you shall drink of but to sit at my right hand and left is not mine to give you but to whom it is prepared of my Father Not disswading them from using their endeavour to deserve the Chief Seats but letting them understand that the Gifts of Glory are not distributed out of favour or upon account of some Temporal Relation or respect but in reward only to their Merits for that God is not an accepter of persons but will render to every one according to his works Consider 3. The difference there is between worldly Precedency and that which is proper to the School of Christ which our Lord explicated upon this occasion The Princes of Gentiles over-rule them c. It shall not be so among you but whosoever will be the greater among you let him be your minister c. which he confirmeth with his own example who came not to be ministred unto but to minister Let your ambition therefore be for the lowest place in all occasions if you desire to be Christs Disciple Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 18. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Mat. 18.1 Mar. 9.34 COnsider 1. At that hour the Disciples came to Jesus saying Who thinkest thou is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven c. There had a little before been a contention among them which of them should be the greater and each one would have the first place in Heaven for himself Thus Ambition insinuates its self even into spiritual things and persons therefore they ask who is the greater c. And perhaps some one might think that Rich and Principal men in this world were to be preferred before others also in Heaven Consider 2. Jesus calling unto him a little child c. said Vnless you be converted Mat. sup and become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child he is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven Think what it is to become a little one Be not children in sense saith the Apostle but in malice be children A child preferreth himself before none arrogates nothing to himself carrieth himself lovingly to all and finally lets himself be ruled and governed by his Parents Behave your self therefore after the same manner if you desire to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Narrow is the gate and strait is the way that leadeth to life Mat. 7.14 and therefore none but they that are little and low by Humility can enter through it Consider 3. The grievousness of the offence which they commit that give scandal to Christs little ones that is are occasion of their spiritual ruine either by word or example 'T is expedient for him Mat. 18.6 that a Milstone be hanged about his neck and that he be drowned in the depth of the Sea Take heed therefore lest any one be induced to evil by your example Ezec. 3.18 that his bloud may not be required at your hands Of Holy Communion The Lord thy God thou shalt adore and him only shalt thou serve Deut. 6.13 Is 45.18 Ezec. 18.4 Consider Christ as your Lord. COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Gospel No man can serve two Masters Mat. 6.24 God is your only true and lawful Lord I the Lord and there is none other All Souls are mine as the Soul of the Father so
also the Soul of the Son is mine No Lord is so perfectly Master of any thing as God is of you for he hath an absolute Dominion over you 1. By the Title of Creation 2. Of Perpetual Conservation 3. Of Purchase having bought you 4. Of your own voluntary subjection in Baptisme Rejoyce that you have so great and powerful a Lord S. Ambr. in 1 Tim. 1. for as S. Ambrose saith it is an honour to be servant to some great Lord. Deut. 32.18 Consider 2. The Dominion over any thing is nothing else but a right to dispose of it at ones pleasure Think therefore how often you have violated this right that God hath in you not permitting him to dispose of you at his pleasure and what is worse you have been rebellious against him by sin O how often have you sold your self to the Devil his Capital Enemy God that begat thee thou hast forsaken and hast forgotten our Lord thy Creator Think well of this and be confounded Consider 3. This your Lord will come to you to day in the Eucharist to take a fuller possession of you as his own for although he stands not in any need of you yet he will have you wholly to himself The Lord thy God shalt thou adore Mat. 4.10 Deut. sup and him only shalt thou serve Wherefore renounce all other Leagues with the Flesh the World and the Devil which are against him Present him anew wich the keys of your heart ask him pardon of your former disloyalty and let him freely dispose of you in all things Lastly let your care hereafter be to please him alone in whatsoever you do for no man can serve two Masters Of Conversions and Cures wrought by Christ Of the Conversion of S. Mary Magdalen Part 1. Luc. 7.37 COnsider 1. And behold a woman that was in the City a sinner c. A sinner that is by dishonesty although it be not specified because the Apostle would not have it named by us Ephes 5.3 so unbeseeming is the very name much more the thing is self in them that pretend Virtue and Sanctity 'T is probable she heard our Lord preach and being touched to the heart with repentance not expecting opportunity of time or place S. Aug. lib. 50. Homil. 13. Eccli 5.8 rushed in as S. Augustine affirmeth to the banquet Wherefore do you likewise after sin flack not to be converted to our Lord and defer not from day to day Consider 2. The fervour of her Penance wherein is discovered unto us an admirable Faith in Christ his Divinity and Power of forgiving sins 2. Humility not caring to suffer confusion before men she stood behind beside our Lords feet as deeming her self unworthy of his sight Luc. sup 3. The greatness of her love expressing extraordinary signs of grief with tears kissing and anealing his Sacred Feet 4. Contempt of worldly things making her precious oyntments and her very hair and eyes instruments of Penance which before had been of Vanity that she might punish her self in the same things wherein she had formerly sinned Ps 61.10 Consider 3. The Pharisees rash judgment in reproving Christ for letting himself be touched by a sinful woman whence you may learn that there is no action so holy that is not liable to wrong censures Most true it is the children of men are lyars in their balances that is in their judgments that you may accustom your self not to regard them when they are opposite to true Piety and Devotion Of S. Mary Magdalens Conversion Luc. 7. Part 2. Luc. 7.41 COnsider 1. Christs Wisdom in reproving the Pharisee his Entertainer which he did with all modesty and sweetness as is fitting to do to persons of Authority for avoiding offence He proposeth a Parable of two Debtors to one Creditor God is the Creditor all we are Debtors some more some less neither have we any means to make satisfaction but by the Merits of Christ The greater therefore the Debt is that is forgiven us the greater obligation we have of love and gratitude See how great your Debt is and consequently what obligation you have Consider 2. Doest thou see this woman Ibid. v. 44. He confounds the Pharisees and withall our pride by the example of a sinful woman for she acknowledging the favour done her in remitting her great Debt shewed more love then those who little regarding their lesser debts were cold in affection Ask your self often that question Do you see this woman and be ashamed for being so far behind her in your love to God and in works of Penance who perhaps have received greater favours at his hands Take heed you be not one of those of whom Christ speaketh in those words Publicans and whores shall go before you in the Kingdom of God Mat. 21.31 Ps 31.5 Consider 3. Magdalens Discharge Thy sins are forgiven thee O with what joy must she needs be filled when she heard those comfortable words Ponder the efficacy of Contrition which in a moment blotteth our all the sins of ones former life Stir your self up to the like as often as you go to the Sacrament of Confession and as you have followed Magdalen in sin so follow her likewise in Penance Confess against thy self thine injustice to our Lord and he will forgive the impiety of thy sin Of the Samaritan Womans Conversion Jo. 4.6 c. Part 1. Sap. 6.14 COnsider 1. Jesus therefore wearied of his journey sate so upon the Fountain for he travelled on foot like a good Shepherd seeking his loft sheep and among other corporal miseries admitted also weariness and thirst But see with what patience he endured them both He sat therefore upon the Fountain well knowing what would follow thereby not so much taking rest as occasion of befitting others for Wisdom preventeth them that covet her that she may first shew her self unto them O how often doth she prevent you and you mind it not Consider 2. There coming a certain Woman and a sinner to draw water Christ preventeth her saying Gave me to drink She refuseth and withall accuseth him How doest thou being a Jew ask of me to drink c. So many reject Christ while he moves them interiourly and seeks to be entertained and refreshed with their virtues our Lord did not therefore desist from helping this sinner but offered her living water to drink of Thou perhaps wouldest have asked of him and he would have given thee living water Consider 3. The Excellency of this Water that is of Divine Grace which our Lord promiseth to his faithful He that shall drink of the water that I will give him shall not thirst for ever c. 1. Therefore it quencheth our thirst and that for ever 2. It doth so fill the Soul that it lets it not thirst after any other water to wit of earthly comforts 3. It becometh a Fountain of all good to the Soul ever flowing and giving
and useless in all respects the same is a soul that is without grace in the sight of God Ps 35.10 Consider 2. Christ with whom is the Fountain of Life giveth life to dead Souls by the Sacrament of Penance and conserveth the same and encreaseth it by the Holy Eucharist He that eateth me saith Christ the same also shall live by me Jo. 6.57 And again He that eateth this bread shall live for ever You ought therefore with a longing desire to expect that hour wherein this Fountain of Life is to come to you and say with the Psalmist Ps 41.2 Even as the Hart destreth after the Fountains of Waters so doth my Soul desire after thee O God My Soul hath thirsted after God the living Fountain Ps 20.5 Consider 3. This Spiritual Life is not bestowed but upon them that ask it and that with great devotion He asked life of thee and thou gavest him length of daies for ever and for ever and ever Moreover being that the life of the body is known by its motion and operation in the same manner the life of your Soul which is Christ 2 Cor. 4.10 1 Jo. 2.6 ought to be manifested in you by your works and chiefly by the imitation of his life for he that sayeth he abideth in him saith S. John ought even as he walked himself also to walk Of the Conversion of Zacheus the Publican Luc. 19.2 c. Part 1. Sap. 6.13 18. COnsider 1. Behold a man named Zacheus and this was a Prince of the Publicans and he rich and he sought to see Jesus The desire of finding Jesus is a rare thing in rich men but this was the beginning of Zacheus his Salvation for Wisdom is easily found of them that seek her and the beginning of her is the most true desire of discipline See whether you feel the like desires of Perfection and procure to have them Consider 3. And he could not for the multitude see Jesus therefore he went up into a Sycamore Tree that is according to the Greek word a silly Fig Tree A man of that Authority that he was did nothing regard the Scoffs and Flouts of the rude people And you perhaps are not able to see Christ nor understand his Divine Mysteries for the croud of worldly thoughts Wherefore retire your self from them by prayer and by mortification get up into the silly Fig Tree that is the Cross which to the Gentiles is foolishness 1 Cor. 1.23 Greg. l. 27. Moral c. 27 For as S. Gregory saith they who through humility choose that which is folly to the world come to contemplate with great subtilty the Wisdom of God himself Consider 3. The Charity and Mercy of Christ in granting Zacheus even more then he wished not only permitting himself to be seen by him but also inviting him to his conversation and familiarity Come down in hast because this day I must abide in thy house He saith In hast for that the grace of the Holy Ghost knows not slow delays and This day while time is for perhaps to morrow you may not have me And you in like manner if perchance to day you shall hear his voice exciting you to greater perfection and imitation of himself harden not your heart Ps 94.8 Of the Conversion of Zacheus the Publican Luc. 19.6 Part 2. Apoc. 3.20 COnsider 1. Zacheus his Obedience to Christs Call And he in hast came down and received him rejoycing So ought you to do when our Lord calleth speedily and with joy to receive him and to open the door of your heart as soon as you hear him knock lest if you make delay he turn aside from you as he did to the Spouse in the Canticles and passed away from her Cant. 5.6 Observe how when all saw it they murmured saying that he turned in to a man that was a sinner Whence you may see that even the holyest actions are carped at by the malicious for they understood not the zeal of our Lord who came to seek and to save that which was lost Luc. 18.27 Consider 2. How Zacheus being at length converted by our Lords speeches said Behold the half of my goods Lord I give to the poor c. Here the rich man despoileth himself of his wealth and imployeth it partly for the benefit of the poor partly in satisfaction for what he had unlawfully got He overcometh himself in a thing the hardest of all the abandoning of riches but the things that are impossible with men saith Christ are possible with God by his grace See whether you have as yet overcome your self at least in putting off all affection to riches and chiefly in denying your own will Consider 3. Christ approveth of Zacheus his Piety This day Salvation is made to this house that is to the whole Family whereof he was Head so greatly availeth good example in Rulers Beseech our Lord mercifully to work the like Salvation in the house of your Soul especially when he cometh to visit you in time of Mass either by Sacramental or Spiritual Communion whereunto you may most fitly apply this whole passage Of curing the Centurions Servant Mat. 8. Luc. 7. Part 1. Mat. 8.6 COnsider 1. The Centurions Servant was fallen sick and his Master being sollicitous for him sent Intercessors to Christ saying Lord my Boy lieth at home sick of the Palsey and is sore tormented Observe the Masters goodness and care for his Servant as also his Faith wherewith he believed that Christ though absent could work the cure Learn to be ready in works of Charity even to your inferiours If thou have a faithful servant saith the wise man let him be unto thee as thy Soul Eccli 33.31 and as a Brother so entreat him Consider 2. Christs Charity and Goodness I will come and cure him He offereth more then the other asked to wit to come in Person whereas the Centurion wished only a single word from him for working the cure S. Aug. Let men be ashamed at their backwardness saith S. Augustine for that God is ready to give more then we to take Observe moreover how Christ being an other time invited to cure a Princes Son would not go and now freely offereth himself without any entreaty S. Greg. Hom. 28. in Evang. to go to the Centurions Servant To beat down our pride saith S. Gregory who do regard in men not so much their nature which is equal and the same in all c. as honours and riches Luc. 7.6 Consider 3. The Centurion hearing that Christ was coming sent others to meet him saying Lord trouble not thy self for I am not worthy that thou shouldest eater under my roof for the which cause neither did I think my self worthy to come to thee but say the word and my servant shall be made whole Ponder these words and admire his admirable Humility by means whereof while he deemed himself unworthy to
Wisdom to enrich you with his Treasures to defend you with his Power and to inflame you with his Love for among friends all things are in common O what a happy hour is this It is said of the friendship between David and Jonathas that the Soul of Jonathas was joyned fast to the Soul of David But Christ proceeded much farther who that he might have the straighter Union with you would make himself your meat and drink that entring in this manner into your very bowels Cyril Cat. 4. he might be joyned in flesh and blood with you Jo. 15.14 Consider 3. Your preparation for his coming must be a return of love This it is that this loving Friend requireth of every one whence he ordained this Heavenly Banquet for only such as would return love for love Eat O my friends and drink and be inebriated my dearest And to day in the Gospel he condemned to perpetual darkness the man that came without the Nuptial Garment of Charity Love therefore and do whatsoever â—he shall inspire you for you are my friends saith he himself if you do the things that I command you Of the Woman cured of the Bloody Flux Mat. 9. Marc. 5. Luc. 8. Mat. 9.20 Luc. 8.43 COnsider 1. While Christ was going to raise one from death Behold a woman which was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years and had bestowed all her substance upon Physitians neither could she be cured of any she came behind him and touched the hem of his garment c. Observe 1. The admirable Humility and Reverence of this woman not presuming to come but behind him 2. Her Confidence saying within her self Mat. sâ—pâ— if I shall touch only his garment I shall be safe They truly suffer a spiritual issue of blood that imploy their labours and actions in vain and perishable things they spend their substance in vain upon Physitians that is the deceitful allurements of this life from which they will never receive any solid profit or comfort Jer. 32.19 Consider 2. The Woman touching Christ received perfect health in reward of her Faith How much more might they justly hope for who do not only touch the Hem of his Garment but receive within themselves in the Eucharist his whole Sacred and All-healing Body if they would but come worthily to it and like to this woman Observe moreover how this touch though most secret and insensible did not scape Christs knowledge that you might learn that no action of yours though never so secret can be kept hidden from God whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the children of Adam Consider 3. The multitudes did throng and press upon Christ and yet he asketh Luc. sâ—â—â— Who is it that touched me for the others touched him only Corporally but this woman also Spiritually and therefore received cure So many there are that touch Christ in their actions especially in the Eucharist but they do it without Spirit Of such the Prophet saith This people approacheth with their mouth and with their lips glorifieth me Is 29. â—3â— but their heart is far from me See whether you be not one of them Of raising the Arch-Synagogues Daughter Mat. 9. Mar. 5. Luc. 8. Luc. 8.41 COnsider 1. Behold there came a man c. and he was Prince of the Synagogue and he fell at the feet of Jesus c. Observe how calamities do humble even Princes and force them to have recourse to God Therefore David said It is good for me that thou hast humbled me Ps 118.71 Ps 31.4 And I am turned in my anguish whiles the thorn is fastened He beggeth for his only Daughter that lay a dying Your only Daughter is your Soul see whether perhaps it be not at the last gasp and upon the very point of deadly sin by her over-great carelesness in venial sins and beseech our Lord to lay his hand upon her and cure her Consider 2. Christs goodness in going presently with the Prince to his house though he could have cured her at distance Besides he endeavoureth what he can conveniently to conceal so singular a Miracle to give us example of Humility and therefore he took with him in company only three Disciples and withall put the Minstrels and multitude out of doors Learn to sequester your self from the rabble and noise of worldly thoughts if you desire to live to Christ Wherefore it is said in Job Job 28.14 S. Greg. ibid. The Sea speaketh Wisdom is not in me And by the Sea as S. Gregory saith is understood the life of worldlings Luc. 8.54 Consider 3. Christ holding the Maids hand raised her saying Maid arise Thus he raiseth up the sinner from sin holding his hand and directing him to good works Then he presently bad that something should be given her to eat Ibid. v. 55. Whence you may learn that those who rise out of sin must have the Spiritual Food of the Sacraments given them that they may not fall again See therefore that you take this Food often and in due manner that you may live for ever Of raising the Widows Son in Naim Luc. 7.11 c. Part 1. Eccli 38.23 COnsider 1. Jesus went into a City that is called Naim c. And behold a man dead was carried forth the only Son of his Mother c. Observe how this was a young man in the flower of his youth whence you may learn that no Age is secure from death Imagine him to say unto you Be mindful of my judgment for thine also must be so to me yesterday and to thee to day And think what would become of you if you should die this very day Reflect also that young men come sooner to die spiritually to God then others more antient for that as S. Hierom saith Hieron Ep ad Nepot Youth undergoeth many conflicts of the body Deut. 32.11 Consider 2. Our Lord met the Corse not by chance but of set purpose and offered of his own accord without any entreaty to raise the dead man As the Eagle provoking her young ones to fly O how often hath he freely offered you his assistance towards all manner of perfection suitable to your state of life and you would it not Take heed lest wilfully resisting and contemning the mercy he offereth you it be said to you Prov. 1. I also will laugh in your destruction Consider 3. Christ moved with commiseration towards the Widow said to her Weep not for that you shall soon be comforted In the same manner see you weep not or be over-concerned or grieved for temporal losses which will soon have an end but reserve your tears rather for the Everlasting Damages that proceed from your own and others sins for of such it is said Blessed are they that mourn Mar. 5.5 for they shall be comforted Of raising the Widows Son in Naim 〈◊〉 7.14 Part 2. 〈◊〉 16.13 COnsider 1. How
Num. 11. â—9 Consider 2. The Elder Brother hearing of his Fathers Joy and Feasting murmured for envy Ponder how easie it is even among virtuous persons to be touched with some litt e envy or grudge at anothers commendation or preferment that you may so much the more carefully keep your self from the like Infection You ought rather to wish with Moyses that all might praise and honour God O that all the people might Prophesie and that our Lord would give them his Spirit Consider 3. The Fathers mild answer endeavouring to bring him from his errour Son thou art always with me and all my things are thine O what a happiness it is to the Just to have God always with them How rich must they be that have all things common with God Learn to rejoyce when your Brother is brought back again to Christ and endeavour what you can to bring very many to him Of him that was wounded by the Thieves Luc. 10.30 c. Part 1. A Certain man went down from Hierusalem into Jericho and fell among Thieves c. Consider 1. In this Parable the Fall of Mankind in Adam Man in his first Creation was ordained to take the course of his life from Jericho that is from this Sublunary World for Jericho signifieth the Moon to the Heavenly Hierusalem but he turning his affections which are the feet of the Soul from Hierusalem to Jericho fell among Thieves to wit the Devils who robbed him of Original Justice and giving him wounds left him half dead Consider 2. The many wounds which our Nature received by that first sin they are commonly by Divines accounted to be four in number S. Tho. 1.2 q. 85. a. 3. The first is Ignorance whereby the Understanding is made destitute of that order which it hath to Truth The second is Malice whereby the Will is disordered in the pursuance of good The third is Infirmity whereby the Irascible Power is weakened in order to what is difficult The fourth is Concupiscence whereby the Concupiscible Power is left in disorder as to moderate delight See how you are maimed in all these and have recourse to the Pious Samaritan for remedy saying with the Prophet Heal me O Lord and I shall be healed Jer. 17.14 save we and I shall be saved Consider 3. Neither the Priests nor Levites of the Antient Law could afford any remedy to man thus wounded The Samaritan alone Christ our Lord in form of a Sinner coming near him by his Incarnation bound his wounds and out of the precious Vessels of the Sacraments powred in Oyl and Wine And when he went for Heaven he recommended him to the care of Prelates promising them reward for the care and diligence they should use towards him What will you return to this Samaritan for this so great love and mercy towards you Of him that was wounded by the Thieves Luc. 10. Part 2. COnsider 1. In this Parable your own and every sinners fall They who go down from Hierusalem to Jericho and turn their affections from heavenly things to those of this world do certainly fall into the hands of Thieves but not on the contrary Ponder how this world is like to Jericho that is the Moon for its Inconstancy and think how dangerous it is to travel in a way that is beset with Thieves Such is your journey in this life Because your Adversary 1 Pet. 5.8 Ps 9. apud Heb. 10.9 the Devil as a roaring Lyon goeth about seeking whom he may devour He lyeth in wait in secret as a Lyon in his Den. Consider 2. How the Devil treateth such Passengers as deliver themselves up to him for he can hurt none but such as will themselves he robbeth them of all the Ornaments of Grace he striketh them with desperate wounds of Vicious Habits and so leaveth them half dead he is truly half dead that hath but one half of himself alive who though he be well in body yet is dead in spirit and to God See whether you be such be sorry for having been so at any time and have a care you do not any more put your self into the hands of so cruel a Tyrant Consider 3. The great Mercy of our Saviour who approacheth near the sinner by his holy Inspirations and chiefly by the Eucharist to bind up bis wounds and cure the infirmities of his Soul Our Lord shall bind up the wound of his people Is 30.26 and shall heal the stroke of their wound saith the Prophet Who would not confide in such a Physitian he powreth Wine and Oyl into the wounds to teach us how to cure our Neighbour when he sinneth to wit by tempering Severity with Mildness So that in our Correction there be both love Greg. in Past p. 2. c. 6. without remissuess and vigour without sharpness Of Holy Communion Forgive us our Debts as we also forgive our Debtors Mat. 6.12 Mat. 18.24 c. Consider Christ as a Patient Creditor COnsider 1. And imagine your self to be that Servant of whom is mention in this daies Gospel that owed his Lord ten thousand Talents For the debt of punishment which the Sinner oweth to God for every Mortal sin is in a manner infinit neither is he able to make any satisfaction although he were to be sold and with all that he hath condemned to perpetual Slavery What then would become of you if our Lord should call you to account this very day You are charged with a great Debt and you are not able to pay Ephes 2.4 Eccli 5.4 Ps 144.8 Joel 2.13 Is 1.18 Consider 2. The Depth of Gods Goodness who is ready to forgive more then man can possibly owe whence he is called Rich in Mercy A patient Rewarder Pittiful and Merciful And ready to be gracious upon the malice And by the Prophet he even provokes us Come and accuse me saith our Lord if your sins shall be as Scarlet they shall be made white as Snow c. He will come therefore unto you this day in the Eucharist which he would have to be as a Sanctuary or Refuge to all his Debtors that are not able to pay Therefore David Our Lord is made a Refuge for the Poor O how are you to wish for the coming of so good Ps 9.10 Creditor Luc. 6.37 Consider 3. Out of this Parable what preparation is required 1. He is to be entreated by frequent and earnest prayer I forgave thee all the debt because thou besoughtest me 2. With profound Humility for the servant falling down bâ—sought him 3. You are firmly to purpose amendment in life and manners Have patience towards me and I will repay thee all 4. You must forgive your Brother if you have any thing against him Oughtest not thou also to have mercy upon thy fellow-servant even as I had mercy upon thee Forgive and you shall be forgiven Of the Workmen in the Vineyard Mat. 20.1 c. Part 1. COnsider 1. The Kingdom of
manner by afflictions and tribulations as so many Scourges to make them come to his Supper Admire the riches of the Divine Goodness and beg of him with the Church that he would also propitiously force your rebellious will towards himself Mat. 22.11 Consider 2. And the King went in to see the Guests and he saw there a man not attired in a wedding Garment This Wedding Garment is Charity and the Grace of God wherewith whosoever is not invested must not presume to sit at the Table of the H. Sacraments Consider how God offereth this Garment of Charity to every one Who will all men to be saved 1 Tim. 2.4 and to come to the knowledge of the truth And yet men out of wretchedness often refuse it But do you earnestly beg it of God and presume not to come without it especially to the Eucharist Consider 3. The Kings Indignation against him that had not on his Wedding Garment Mat. sup 13 Bind his hands and feet and cast him into the utter darkness c. The punishment of a sinner is manifold the first of perpetual imprisonment in Hell the second of horrid darkness as being deprived of the fight of God the third of obstinacy in malice whence his hands are tyed so that he cannot work any more and his feet shackled that he cannot make escape Beseech our Lord to deliver you from all these evils c. Of the ten Virgins Mat. 25.1 c. Part 1. COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is like to ten Virgins c. In the Militant Church there are both good and bad wise and foolish both expect the coming of Christ the Spouse to Celebrate his Nuptials with the Triumphant Church They are like to the foolish Virgins that have Lamps without Oyl who keep their Faith but without Charity which gives it life And what can be more foolish then to expect a Judge that seeth all things and not to prepare himself against his coming See whether you are not guilty of this folly Consider 2. The Bridegroom tarrying long they slumbered all and slept By this is signified the time of our life wherein even the good do often slumber through carelesness and negligence though not mortal The wicked are in a dead sleep by an absolute forgetfulness of God Take heed even of slumbering least thence you come to fall fast asleep or rather into a Lethargy Hearken to the Apostle rousing you up in those words Rise thou that sleepest Ephes 5.14 c. and Christ will illuminate thee 1 Thes 5.2 Consider 3. And at midnight there was a clamour made Behold the Bridegroom cometh c. Your Judge will come upon you on the sudden and when you least expect that you may learn to be always ready The day of our Lord shall so come saith the Apostle as a Thief in the night If your Temporal Life were in danger and you stood in fear of Thieves you would certainly keep your self awake And can you find in your heart to sleep being in hazard of Eternal Life Wherefore often ring that Peal in your ears Behold the Bridegroom cometh least otherwise he find you at unawares Watch ye therefore saith Christ because you know not the day nor the hour Of the ten Virgins Mat. 25.7 c. Part 2. Ps 58.7 COnsider 1. Then arose all those Virgins and they trimmed their Lamps c. At the news of death every one commonly bestirreth himself but they that have led ill lives find not the Oyl of Charity in their Vessels neither will there often be time then to go to the Priests and to buy it with works of Penance They will return at evening saith David and they shall suffer famine as dogs for then they shall be denied that Spiritual Food which they neglected in their life time Gal. 6.10 Therefore whiles we have time let us work good Is 35.10 Consider 2. They that were ready entred with him to the Marriage Ponder of what importance it is to be ready at that hour whereon dependeth Eternity They entred but with what joy and congratulating with one another Everlasting Joy shall be upon their head they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and mourning shall fly away Their Lamp there shall shine a hundred fold from the Rays of brightness that proceeds from the Bridegrooms Countenance and shall send forth flames of most sincere Charity without danger of being ever extinguished Who would not wish to enter in their company Mat. 7.21 Consider 3. Last of all come also the other Virgins saying Lord Lord open to us They knocked with bare words not with deeds therefore they were not let in For Not every one that saith to me Lord Lord c. but he that doth the will of my Father c. he shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Knock therefore with good works and that while you have time that you may be let in Terrible are those words I know you not Take heed therefore they may never come to be spoken to you Of Holy Communion Direct me in thy truth and teach me Ps 24.5 Consider Christ as the Teacher of Truth Mat. 22.16 COnsider 1. What is said to day in the Gospel Master we know that thou art a true speaker and teachest the way of God in truth c. We all live in great darkness in this life and we want a sure Leader that may teach us the way of God in truth for the wise men of the world do all erre Thy Prophets have seen false and foolish things to thee And the children of men are lyars in balances Thren 2.14 or in their judgments they deceive and are deceived themselves nor can any man safely rely upon them Christ alone of himself is infallibly true and therefore he saith I am the Way Jo. 14.6 Rom. 3.4 and the Verity and the Life And the Apostle God is true and every man a lyar 1 Reg. 9.6 Consider 2. What was said to Saul when he was out of his way Behold a Man of God is in this City a famous man all that he speaketh cometh to pass without doubt now therefore let us go thither if perhaps he may tell us of our way for which we are come Apply this to the Eucharist where the Man of God truly is yea God himself is truly the Man who will tell you of your way for which you came into the world Come therefore with a great confidence for whatsoever he speaketh doth certainly come to pass Ibid. Consider 3. For a due preparation you must bring with you as Saul did some gift to present this Man of God withall Loe we will go what shall we carry to the Man of God And being poor he gave what he had to wit the fourth part of a sickle of silver And you although you be poor yet you have a Soul stamped like a piece of Coyn with the Image of God
sins nor the gifts of Grace 2. Under the pretence of Thanksgiving he commends himself for his own good works 3. He arrogantly prefers himself before others 4. He contemns the Publican whom he rashly judgeth a sinner Thus all proud men are blind and say I am rich and lack nothing But alas Thou knowest not thou proud fool that thou art miserable and poor and blind and naked c. Consider 2. The Publicans Humility 1. He stands a far off deeming himself unworthy to approach near to God or even the Pharisee 2. He dares not so much as lift up his eyes out of confusion for his sins 3. He knocks his brest with a contrite heart and desirous to make satisfaction 4. He humbly beggeth for pardon saying God be merciful to me a sinner Such likewise ought to be your prayer humble contrite and accompanied with purpose of amendment Consider 3. Christs Sentence of both these men This man went down into his house justified more then he c. Thus Pride destroyed even those good works that were in the Pharisee Humility on the other side by the help of Penance blotted out sin in the Publican So every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted as it often falleth out even in this life but most certainly in the next Think therefore with your self where you will chuse to be humbled here or there Of the Faithful and Wise Steward Mat. 24. Luc. 12. or Servant Luc. 12.42 COnsider 1. Who thinkest thou is a faithful Steward and wise c. Our Lord finds few such therefore he speaketh of them in an admiring way That which he requireth of his servants is 1. That they be faithful 2. Prudent 3. Good to others 4. Perseverant that when our Lord shall come at the hour of death he may find them so doing See how you behave your self in these points whether you do faithfully and to your utmost promote Gods Cause or not rather your own Interest whether you do your actions with due circumspection and deliberation whether you seek to benefit others according to your ability and lastly how firm and constant you are in good purposes Luc. 12.19 Consider 2. The evil conditions of the bad servant 1. He saith in his heart My Lord is long a coming and thinks he has a long time yet to live as did that other who said to his Soul Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years c. 2. He is injurious to others striking the servants and hand-maids 3. He gives himself over to carnal pleasures beginning to eat and drink and be drunk Have a care you keep your self from these Vices and observe that the beginning of all these mischiefs is a perswasion of long life and forgetfulness of what is to befall us in the end Consider 3. The reward and punishment of both these servants Of the former it is said Blessed is that servant c. over all things which he possesseth he shall appoint him to wit in Heaven But of the latter The Lord of that servant shall come in a day that he hopeth not and at an hour that he knoweth not and shall divide him to wit from the company of the Just and shall appoint bis portion with the Infidels in Hell Imitate therefore the first least your portion and lot come to be with the last c. Of Girding the Loyns Luc. 12.35 c. COnsider 1. Let your loyns be girded and candles burning in your hands and you like to men expecting their Lord when he shall return from the Marriage Ponder how carefully servants watch for their Masters coming from a Marriage-Feast such would Christ have us to be against his coming We gird our loyns saith S. Gregory when we restrain Luxury by Continency Greg. Hom 13. in Evang and we hold burning candles in our hands when by good works we shew our Neighbours the light of our example See how you perform both these duties Phil. 1.23 Consider 2. That when he doth come and knock forthwith they may open unto him Our Lord cometh when he hasteneth to judge us at our death he knocketh when he sendeth us sickness the Good at that time without delay and with great joy open unto him having a desire with the Apostle to be dissolved and to be with Christ. On the contrary with what an unwilling and heavy heart do the wicked let him in when he knocketh Therefore Ecclesiasticus Eccli 41.1 O Death how bitter is thy memory to a man that hath peace in his riches Consider 3. If the Housholder did know what hour the Thief would come he would watch verily and would not suffer his house to be broken up Death will most certainly come upon us as a Thief and break open the house or habitation of our body but what day or hour it will come is as uncertain Therefore our Lord would have us to be watchful every hour of our life that we may not be catched at unawares in that moment wherein is turned the Dye of our Everlasting Doom Of the Vine and its branches Jo. 15.5 c. Ps 79.12 COnsider 1. I am the Vine you the Branches c. Christ is truly a Vine in regard of that most precious Wine which he powred forth on the Cross and is daily presented to us in the Chalice The Branches of this Vine may be whosoever will themselves therefore he inviteth all and of this Vine it is said It extended her branches even to the Sea and her boughs unto the River for he quickneth us all as so many branches with the Sap of his Grace and with the same nourisheth us and maketh us rich and full of excellent fruit O how well is it with the branch that remaineth and liveth in such a Vine Consider 3. An evident sign of remaining in this Vine is fruitfulness He that abideth in me and I in him the same beareth much fruit Wherefore by the fruit you bear you may gather whether you remain in him or no Besides Every branch that beareth fruit the Heavenly Father will purge it that it may bring more fruit The Husbandman purgeth the branches by Pruning and Incision so God doth those that are his by afflictions sicknesses and temptations that you might learn to take these things willingly at the hands of God as helps towards your spiritual profit Consider 3. What becometh of the branch that beareth not any fruit He shall wither and they shall gather him up and cast him into the fire and he burneth One of the two saith S. Augustine appertaineth to the branch Aug. tr 81. in Joan. fruit or fire Procure therefore to bring forth fruit and that in due season sweet and not wild grapes lest otherwise like a dry withered branch cut off from the Vine you become fuel for that fire which can never be quenched Of the Barren Fig-tree Luc. 13.6 c.
Body and Mind and while they are yet in flesh emulate the perfection of Pure Spirits with this advantage of desert that what they are by Nature these arrive unto by a glorious Victory over their own Nature Virgins are specially beloved by Christ he would have a Virgin Mother a Virgin for his Precursor and among all his Disciples he loved best the Virgin S. John Virginity as S. Cyprian affirmeth is the Flower of the Churches Off-spring Cypr. de Discipl Habitu Virg. the Glory and Ornament of Spiritual Grace the Image of God and the most Illustrious Portion or part of Christs Flock 2 Cor. 4.7 Consider 2. Virginity although it be a special gift of God is not bestowed without our concurrance nor conserved without diligent care for we have this treasure in Earthen Vessels The means therefore to obtain and conserve it are 1. Mortification of the Flesh by Fasting Abstinence Watching and other Corporal Austerities 2. Strict guard upon our Senses which are the gates through which all evil doth enter into our Soul 3. Command over our thoughts neither admitting nor even disputing with any that are against this Virtue 4. The avoiding of all occasions that may bring us into the least danger 5. Earnest Prayer to Almighty God whose gift it is 6. Humility not trusting to our selves knowing our own weakness 7. Fear of God 8. Memory of the last things Apoc. 14.4 Consider 3. The Reward of Virginity 1. It is sufficient Reward to it self freeing the Soul from the Tyranny of the Flesh and unruly Passions to which others are subject and filling the same with most pure joy and content above all the delights of the World 2. Virgins after a special manner are Temples of the Holy Ghost and Spouses of Christ with whom he delighteth to be Whence they have that singular Prerogative above others in Heaven that they follow the Lamb whither soever he shall go 3. They have a special Crown in Heaven like to that of Martyrs And S. Ambrose doth stile Virginity the Mother of Martyrs and a glorious Martyrdome it self Stir your self up to the love of this Heavenly and Angelical Virtue and make use of the means that help to obtain it On the Feast of any Saint General Points Rom. 8.30 COnsider 1. Four things in whatsoever Saint you meditate on 1. His Predestination 2. Vocation 3. Justification 4. Glorification according to that of the Apostle Whom he hath predestinated them also he hath called and whom he hath called them also he hath justified and whom he hath justified them also hath he glorified The Predestination or Election to Glory was of Gods free gift without any desert of theirs Ephes 1.4 Before the canstitution of the world that they should be Holy and Immaculate in his sight Their Vocation in divers of them was different some were called in their Youth others in their Old Age some by Miracle others occasionally But God hath been wonderful in all Their Justification afforded them great gifts of Grace and special helps the chief of which you may reflect upon more in particular Their Glorification chiefly after death by Miracles Visions the gift of curing Diseases and the like Mat. 16.24 Consider 2. How the Saint of whom you meditate answered Gods Call and practised what he required of all those that would follow him as in set down in the Gospel If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Ponder how he was 1. In the Abnegation of himself by mortifying his Flesh Senses and Appetites 2. In carrying his Cross that is in manfully undergoing labours and pains for the glory of God and suffering adversities such as are Sickness Persecutions Afflictions Miseries c. 3. In following Christ by the exercise of all manner of Virtue in imitation of him Consider 3. In what particular and in what manner you are to imitate the Saint of whom you meditate Chrysost Ser. de Mart. quod imitand in brev 7. Noâ—omâ— Because as S. Chrysostome saith You must imitate if you praise or must not praise if you refuse to imitate And we might be what the Saints are if we would do what they did FINIS To the greater Glory of God His B. Virgin Mother and all his Saints A TABLE OF THE MEDITATIONS Contained in this Book as they lye in Order distributed for every Day of the Year From the 1 of November to Advent ALL-Saints day Of Christ in the Eucharist as God Page 1 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as King Page 2 2. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Father Page 3 3. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Brother Page 5 4. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Master Page 6 Of Mans last End 2. Meditations Page 7 8 Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Med. Page 9 10 11 Of the Sin of Angels Page 12 Of the Sin of our first Parents Page 13 Of the grievousness of Mortal Sin 5. Med. Page 14. c. Of flying Venial Sins 3. Med. Page 21. c. Of Death 3. Med. Page 25. c. Of preparing against Death 2. Med. Page 28. c. Of particular Judgment 2. Med. Page 31. c. Of general Judgment 2. Med. Page 33. c. Of Hell 2. Med. Page 36. c. Of Purgatory 2. Med. Page 39. c. From Advent to Christmass 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as Judge page 42 Of imitating the Life of Christ 2. Med. Page 43. c. Of Gods Decree concerning the Incarnation 2. Med. Page 45. c. Of the Election of Christs Mother 2. Med. Page 47. c. 2. Sunday Of Christ as the Expectation of the Gentiles Page 50 Of sending the Angel Gabriel Page 51 Of the Angels Salutation Page 52 Of the Delivery of the Message Page 53 Of the B. Virgins Reply Page 54 Of the B. Virgins Consent Page 55 Of the accomplishment of the Incarnation Page 56 3. Sunday Of Christ as the Anoiuted of our Lord Page 58 Of our Ladies Journey to Elizabeth Page 59 Of the Virgins Entrance to Elizabeth Page 60 Of the Canticle Magnificat Page 61 Of the Virgins stay with Elizabeth Page 63 Of Saint Johns Nativity 2 Med. Page 64. c. 4. Sunday Of Christ as our Souls Guest Page 66 Of the Revelation made to S. Joseph 2. Med. Page 67. c. Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 2. Med. Page 70. c. Of the Virgins Journey to Bethlehem Page 72 From Christmass to Septuagesm On christmass-Christmass-day Of Christ as a little one Page 74 Of our Lords Birth 3. Med. Page 75. c. Of the Shepherds and their Adoration 3. Med. Page 78. c. On New-years day Of Christ as he is Jesus Page 82 Of our Lords Circumcision 2. Med. Page 83. c. Of our Spiritual Circumcision 2. Med. Page 86. c. On twelfth-Twelfth-day Of Christ as our Sovereign Lord Page 88 Sunday in the
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