your self first with all humility in the presence of God imagining that Christ expects you there ready to give you audience then kneeling down with profound reverence say that short Preparatory prayer of the Church Prevent we beseech thee O Lord our actions by thy Spirit assisting us and in hâ—ping forward prosecute them that all our prayer and work may begin always from thee and begun by thee may be ended Through Christ our Lord Amen or some other like Then make use of the first Preamble of Composition of Place and that being done beg of Almighty God grace suitable to the subject of your present Meditation After this enter upon the points or matter of your Meditation which must be prepared before hand and discourse upon them with your understanding examining with your self who what where by what means wherefore in what manner when and other general circumstances that offer themselves and in all of them procure now and then to stir up your will by pious Affections and Colloquies as often as there shall be occasion in which Affections and Colloquies because the chief fruit of prayer doth consist therefore we will treat of them in this place more at large Of Colloquies Colloquies are to be made as well through the whole course as at the end of Meditation to wit as often as the will is stirred up to love or hate to prosecute or to fly what is set before it according as it is informed by the understanding of the goodness or malice of the object And because we may divers ways conceive God in relation to our selves therefore the Colloquies are to be made sometimes as of a Subject to his Prince sometimes as of a Child to his Father at other times again as of the Spouse to her Beloved of Friend to Friend of a Criminal to his Judge c. now begging something now admiring now offering now congratulating now condoling as the present matter shall require And because there are many kinds of these affections it will not be amiss in this place to reherse some of them in particular in an Alphabetical order The Colloquie therefore may be framed by way of I. ACOVSATION Accusing your self for having been cause 1 Paral. 21.17 of Christs sufferings or of other evils saying with David Am not I he that commanded c. It is I that have sinned it is I that have done the evil c. Lord my God let thy hand be turned I beseech thee upon me and the like II. ADMIRATION Wondering at the Goodness Wisdome Power and other like Attributes of God O Lord our Lord Psal 8.2 how marvelous is thy Name O Lord of Hosts who is like to thee Thou art mighty O Lord Psal 88.9 and thy truth round about thee or the like III. AFFIRMATION Affirming for example that God is just great and dreadful that they are happy that serve him and the like Psal 118.137 Psal 46.3 Psa 64. â— Thou art Just O Lord and thy Judgement is right Because our Lord is high terrible a great King over all the earth Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken he shall dwell in thy Courts IV. BENEDICTION Blessing God for hearing our prayers for having redeemed us and for other benefits which he hath bestowed upon us and inviting all creatures to do the same Blessed be God who hath not removed my prayer Ps 65.20 Luc. â—â— 66 and his mercy from me c. Blessed be our Lord God of Israel because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people All works of our Lord Dan. 3.57 bless ye our Lord praise and superexalt him for ever V. COMMINATION or threatning woe to your self unless you mend unless you obey Gods call c. Vnless you will be converted Psal 7.13 he shall shake his Sword be hath bent his bow and prepared it c. Vnderstand these things Psa 49.22 you that forget God least sometime he take you violently and there be none to deliver you VI. COMPASSION for Christs labours and sufferings I am sorry for thee my Brother Jonathas 2 Reg. 1.26 2 Reg 18.33 Rod. de Pas c. 8. exceeding beautiful and amiable Who would grant me that I might dye for thee I will not live without wound saith Saint Bonaventure because I see thee full of wound VII COMPLAINT Piously complaining as if God had left you Psal 1.1 How long O Lord wilt thou forget me unto the end how long dost thou turn away thy face from me Where are thine old mercies Ps 8850. Ps 8â—15 O Lord c. Why dost thou O Lord reject my prayer VIII COMPVNCTION and GRIEF for that by your sins you have been cause of Christs sufferings and of the scourges wherewith God doth chastize the world Jâ—â— 1.12 Psal 50.5 Take me up and east me into the Sea for I know that for me this tempest is upon you I do know mine iniquity and my sin is before me always IX CONFESSION Acknowledging the Benefits of God Eccli 51.1 and your own Infirmity I will confess to thee O Lord King and will praise thee God my Saviour I will confess to thy Name because thou art become my helper Psal 37.4 and protectour There is no health is my flesh c. my bones have no peace at the face of my stâ—s X. CONGRATVLATION with Christ for his victory over death with the Blessed Virgin for the glory of her Son and for her own Election Let us sing to our Lord Erod 15.1 Judith 15. â—0 Ecclesia in Missa for he is gloriously magnified c. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem thou the joy of Israel thou the honour of our people c. We give thee thanks for thy great glory XI CONSVLTATION Consulting between our Lord and your self what you are to do for him what to return for his beneftis Job 7.20 Ps 115.3 What shall I do to thee O Keeper of men What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendered to me XII DESIRE of heavenly and everlasting goods How beloved are thy Tabernacles Psal 83.2 O Lord of Hosts My soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. Psal 41.2 Even as the Hart defireth after the Fountains of waters so doth my soul desire after thee O God I desire thee a thousand times Bern. 〈◊〉 Jub my Jesus when will you come when will you make me ioyful when will you give me my fill of you XIII DETESTATION Abominating your own sins and sluggishness Psal 118.163 Psal 25.2 Ps 72.25 I have hated iniquity and abhorred it I have hated the Church of the Malignant and with the impious I will not sit What is to me in Heaven and besides thee what would I upon the earth XIV DOVBT Demanding of your self what you ought to do and what will become of you seeing all are to be so rigorously judged Psal 138.7 Psal 88.49
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
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
Heaven is like to a man that is an housholder c. This Housholder is God himself who although he is Lord of a most ample Kingdom in Heaven and in Earth yet he doth so provide for each one in every particular and minute thing as if he were Master only of some little Family His Vineyard is the Church the Vines are all the Faithful the Workmen are the Prelates and others that dress pruen and spread the Vines and even the Faithful themselves who are bound to cultivate their own Souls by good works What a blessed thing it is to labour in such a Vineyard under such a Master and about such precious Vines Consider 2. The sollicitude of this Housholder which went out early in the morning to hire workmen c. From the very beginning of the World from Age to Age God never left to call workmen He calleth every man betimes even from the very first use of Reason and although most refuse to come yet he omits not afterwards to call again and again not giving them over to their last gasp some he allureth with hopes of reward That which shall be just I will give you Others he rebuketh for their sloth What stand you here all the day idle See whether you have not hitherto been idle Pro. 24.31 Consider 3. Part of this great Vineyard are all such as God hath placed under your charge according to the state and calling you are in but chiefly your own Soul See in what state and condition it is examine whether it be not like to that whereof the wise man speaketh in thâ—se words Nettles had filled it wholly and Thorns had covered the face thereof and the wall of stones was destroyed Think therefore that you are sent into a Vineyard not into a Garden of Pleasure to labour not to sport or live at ease and encourage your self to undergo great pains and labours knowing that the reward will be answerable Pro. 13.4 and that the Soul of them that work shall be made fat Of the Workmen in the Vineyard Mat. 20.8 c. Part 2. Jo. 5.27 COnsider 1. When Evening was come the Lord of the Vineyard saith to his Bailiff Call the workmen and pay them their hire beginning from the last c. This Bailiff is Christ our Lord whom the Father hath given power to do Judgment c. The Evening of our Life is Death for all our whole life time is but as one day and even a thousand years before Gods eyes are as yesterday that is past Ps 89.4 After death every man receives his hire or reward wherein there is not so much regard had to the time as to the fervour of working Whence they that come in last in their Conversion shall receive as much as the first because they are wont for the most part to labour with greater fervour and humility deeming themselves unworthy of any reward whereas on the contrary others are used to presume of themselves See whether or no you do not the same 1 Cor. 13.4 1 Cor. 12.30 Consider 2. How the former murmured saying These last have continued one hour and thou hast made them equal to us that have born the burden of the day and the heats Not that there will be any murmuring in Heaven but for that the reward of the last comers that work fervently will be so great that if the state could permit it would breed envy in the first It is easie to fall into the like emulation and grudge in this life See whether your eye be not sometime naught or malicious because God or your Superiour is good to your Brother Rather joy in his Preferment for Charity envieth not unless it be virtues and the better gifts Sap. 4.13 Consider 3. The Parables final clause So shall the last be first and the first last for many be called but few elect They that came last to work come first to be rewarded for their fervour in working Because God regardeth not how much is done as S. Gregory saith but out of what affection Perhaps you may reckon many years of your life time in Gods service but few of fervour rather procure that it may be said of you In short space he fulfilled much time Of the Invitement to the Wedding Mat. 22. Luc. 14. and Supper Part 1. Mat. 22.2 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a man being a King which made a Marriage to his Son This King is the Heavenly Father who made a Marriage between his only begotten Son and Humane Nature in the Bed-Chamber of the Virgins Womb The Son espoused to himself the Church in Faith and Charity according to that I will espouse thee to me in Faith Osee 2.20 and thou shalt know that I am the Lord who also espouseth unto himself the souls of the faithful and that not of a few only or of such as are Noble but generally of all that refuse not his Espousaâ—s Acknowledge therefore my Soul your Dignity and behave your self worthy of such a Spouse Luc. 14.18 c. Consider 2. The King made a Solemn Wedding Feast for his Church which he set forth with the Sacraments as so many Royal Courses and inviteth all to it but most men excuse themselves some out of an ambitious desire of Rule and Command I have bought a Farm and I must needs go forth and see it Others for their Imployment in worldly affairs I have bought five yoke of Oxen and I go to prove them Some again for carnal pleasures I have married a Wife and therefore I cannot come Others finally laid hands upon his servants Mat. 22.6 and spitefully entreating them murdered them The same do they who contumeliously reject their Pious Monitors and stick not to wound and pierce them with the Sword of their Tongue Consider 3. The madness of men that leave this Divine Banquet of the Heavenly King for vile and transitory things especially seeing that from this Nuptial Feast of the Militant Church on Earth they are to pass to that of the Triumphant in Heaven Take heed you let not your self be intangled with these snares of the world least you come to be shut out for ever from the Heavenly Banquet Luc. 14.15 Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God Aspire therefore with all your endeavour to this happiness Of the Invitement to the Wedding Mat. 22. Luc. 14. and Supper Part 2. Luc. 14.21 COnsider 1. Go forth quickly into the streets and lanes of the City and the poor and feeble and blind and lame bring in hither c. The Divine Clemency is nothing abated by mans wretchedness or ingratitude he provideth other Guests to come in their rooms and for the rich and voluptuous men that excuse themselves he calleth the poor and feeble that is such as are free from worldly incumberances and impediments He even compelleth them to enter forcing them in a
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
Whither shall I go from thy spirit and whither shall I fly from thy face who is the man that shall live and shall not see death shall deliver his soul from the hand of hell and the like XV. EXHORTATION Exciting your self to delight in God alone to open your self unto him to put your whole trust in him Psal 36.4 5. Be delighted in our Lord and he will give thee the petitions of thy heart Reveal thy way to our Lord and hope in him and he will do it Cast thy care upon our Lord Ps 54.23 and he will nourish thee XVI FAITH and CONFIDENCE in the goodness of God and that by his grace you will overcome all difficulties and temptations c. Our Lord is my Illumination Psal 26.1 Ps 102.9 Ps 17.30 and my Salvation whom shall I fear He will not be angry always neither will he threaten for ever In thee I shall be delivered from temptation and in my God I shall go over the wall XVII GLADNESSE or JOY for the propagation of Gods glory for the greatness of his Majesty and perfections and for the fulfilling of his Divine Will Be joyful in our Lord and rejoyce ye Just Ps 31.11 Isa 61.10 and glory all ye right of heart Rejoycing I will rejoyce in our Lord and my soul shall be joyful in my God because he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation c. XVIII GRATIVDE and THANKSGIVING for benefits received Ps 102.2 Apoc. 11.17 My soul bless thou our Lord and forget not all his retributions We thank thee Lord God Omnipotent which art which wast and which shalt come XIX HVMILIATION Acknowledging your self a sinner a wretch a worm your own infirmity reioycing therein as occasion of merit and humility Psal 21.7 Psal 43.7 Psal 118.17 I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and outcast of the people I will not hope in my Bow and my Sword will not save me c. It is good for me that thou hast humbled me that I may learn thy justifications XX. IMITATION exciting your self to follow our Lord Exo. 25.40 Ephes 5.1 Ro. 13.14 and tread his foot-steps Look and do according to the pattern Be a follower of God as a most dear Child Do you on our Lord Jesus Christ I will follow thee whither soever thou goest Luc. 9.57 XXI INVITATION Inviting our Lord to visit help and save you Ps 43.23 Ps 79.15 Arise why sleepest thou O Lord Arise and expell us not to the end O God of Hosts return regard from Heaven and see and visit this Vineyard XXII LOVE Professing your self to love God above all things Jo. 21.16 Psal 17.2 Ps 30.24 Lord thou knowest that I love thee I will love thee O Lord my strength And exhorting all men to do the same Love our Lord all ye his Saints XXIII NARRATION Recounting what God hath done for you or others or what you have done for him Our Lord ruleth me Psal 22.2 and nothing shall be wanting to me in place of pasture there he hath placed me In thee our Fathers have hoped they hoped Psal 21.5 Ps 39.11 and thou didst deliver them Thy Justice I have not hid in my heart Thy truth and thy salvation I have spoken XXIV OBLATION Offering your self to God to serve him to obey him in all things and to suffer for him O Lord I am thy servant Ps 115.7 Ps 72.23 Ps 37.18 I am thy servant and the Son of thy Handmaid As a Beast I am become with thee and I always with thee I am ready for scourges and my sorrow is in my sight always XXV OBSECRATION Earnestly imploring the Divine Aid and such spiritual graces as you stand most in need of Help us Psal 78.9 O God our Saviour and for the glory of thy Name O Lord deliver us Turn thee O Lord and deliver my Soul Psal 6.5 save me for thy mercy XXVI PETITION Craving to be heard illuminated Ps 38.13 directed preserved and the like Hear my prayer O Lord and my petition with thine ears receive my tears Psal 69.2 Psal 5.9 Psal 24.5 O God intend unto my help Lord make hast to help me Direct my way in thy fight Direct me in thy truth and teach me Keep me O Lord from the hand of the sinner c. Psal 139.5 XXVII PRAISE Extolling the Power Wisdom and Mercy of our Lord and inviting all creatures to do the same Ps 146.5 Great is our Lord and great is his strength and of his wisdom there is no number Luc. 1.46 Ps 148.1 My foul doth magnifie our Lord. Praise ye our Lord from the Heavens Praise ye him in the high places Praise ye him all his Angels XXVIII PREFERRING Having a greater esteem and concern for heavenly and divine objects than for the earthly and trausitory things of this world Psa 83.11 Better is one day in thy Courts above thousands I have chosen to be an object in the house of my God rather than to dwell in the Tabernacles of sinners Psa 36.16 Better is a little to the just above much riches of sinners XXIX PROSOPOPEIA Imagining to your self that God doth speak unto you reproving your negligence Jer. 2.21 Isa 5.2 Thre 4.1 Jer. 3.12 or exhorting you to fervour How art thou turned unto me into that which is depraved O strange Vineyard I looked that it should yeild grape and it yeilded wild grapes How is the gold darkned the best colour changed Return O rebellious Israel soul and I will not turn away my face from you XXX PVRPOSE Purposing to serve God better to resist temptations and to propagate his glory Psal 38.2 I will keep my ways that I offend not in my tongue I will pursue mine enemies Ps 17.38 Ps 21.23 and overtake them and will not return till they fail I will declare thy name to my brethren in the midst of the Church I will praise thee XXXI RENVNCIATION or ABNEGATION Denying your own will and renouncing all honour and glory as due to God alone Luc. 22.42 Ps 113.9 Mat. 8.8 Not my will but thine be done Not to us O Lord not to us but to thy Name give the glory Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof XXXII REPREHENSION Rebuking your self for being slothful irresolute a lover of toyes c. How long wilt thou sleep O sluggard Prov. 6.9 Pro. 1.22 Psal 12.2 When wilt thou rise out of thy sleep How long do you love infancy and as fools covet things which are hurtful to your self How long shall I put counsels in my soul XXXIII RESIGNATION Resigning your self to the will of God Lord not as I will Mat. 26.39 Mat. 6.9 Job 1.21 but as thou Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven As it hath pleased our Lord so is it done The Name of our Lord be blessed XXXIV SOLACE or ENCOVRAGEMENT Animating
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
labour in the pursuit and increase of Vertue 1. The will of God This is the will of God your Sanctification And Be you perfect as also your heavenly Father is perfect Mat. 5.48 2. The name of a Christian whose profession is Sanctity and therefore Christians are called by the Apostle An Elect Generation a Kingly Priesthood a Holy Nation 1 Pet. 2.9 c. 3. The Examples of Saints of both Sexes and of all conditions and callings whereby the great St. Augustine encouraged himself saying Cannot you do what such and such to wit young Youths and tender Virgins have done before you 4. The greatnesse of the reward Be glad and rejoyce Matt. 5.12 for your reward is very great in Heaven Consider 3. The many helps which God hath afforded you for your Spiritual Profit 1. His Divine Word declared unto you in Holy Scripture in Sermons in pious Books which inform your Understanding and inflame your Will towards Vertue 2. The assistance of divine Grace always ready at hand to begin prosecute and perfect any good work 3. The holy Sacraments instituted by Christ to beget us to a Spiritual Life and to maintain nourish and strengthen us in the same 4. The Life Merits and Passion of our Saviour Jo. 14.6 Tit. 2.14 who is our way verity and life And who gave himself for us that he might redeem us c. and cleanse to himself a people acceptable a pursuer of good works Of the Impediments of our End Duty Or of SIN and first Of the Sin of Lucifer and his Angels WE must first take away the Impediments which draw us from our End and Duty and then procure the supplies of Vertue to attain it Now the onely let which debarreth us from God is Sin the which how detestable it is unto him and how greatly deserving punishment you may learn by the fall first of Lucifer then of Adam Ezech. 28.12 Consider therefore 1. In what glory Lucifer with the other Angels was created for of him is understood that of Ezechiel Thou the signet of similitude full of wisdom and perfect of beauty thou wast in the delicacies of the Paradise of God Every precious stone thy covering Sardius Topatius c. These precious stones or ornaments were 1. Pure Spirituality without any admixture of a body 2. Immortality 3. Wonderful Subtlety of Wit and Understanding 4. An universal knowledge of all inferiour things 5. Might and power above all other creatures 6. Free-will and command over his own acts 7. Eminent Sanctity proceeding from the gifts of Grace 8. He was an Inhabitant of the Impyreal Heaven 2 Pet. 2.4 Consider 2. How in a moment he lost and obscured all these gifts of Nature and Grace elevating himself by pride above himself and as all Sinners do affecting what was unlawful for him See how he was immediately after his Sin cast down headlong into Hell with his Companions without hopes of mercy Ponder those words of St. Peter If God spared not Angels sinning but with ropes of Hell being drawn into Hell delivered them to be tormented c. how much more us miserable wretches Consider 3. and apply these things to your self See 1. What gifts and benefits you have received of God 2. How you have abused them even against God himself 3. The Angels sin was but one yours innumerable in thought word and deed Admire lament implore mercy c. Of the Sin of our first Parents in Paradise COnsider 1. The most happy state wherein Adam was created by God 1. He was created to the similitude of God himself and endowed with Free-will 2. He was then Immortal and not subject to any miseries 3. He had an infused knowledge of all natural things 4. He was plentifully stored with the gifts of divine Grace 5. His inferiour appetite was perfectly subject to Reason by means of Original Justice 6. Nothing could be added to the delights of Paradise wherein he was placed nothing more could be wished 7. And lastly from a Paradise on earth he was to pass immediately to that of Heaven not by death but by transmigration How happy had his posterity been if they might have continued in that blessed state Gen. 3.19 Consider 2. How being forbidden to eat of one certain tree notwithstanding by the perswasion of the Devil and the enticements of his Wife he transgressed the command of God and was thereupon despoiled of the ornaments of Grace and strucken with that dreadful sentence Dust thou art and into dust thou shalt return What miseries hath this one mans sin brought unto us all and yet this transgression at the first sight seemeth but small and in a light matter Eccli 5.8 9. Consider 3. How much heavier judgement and punishment do you deserve at Gods hands who have so often and for such trifles transgressed his Law You should long since have been cast not as Adam out of Paradise but out of the world who have so often provoked the Lord of the world and yet he hath expected you hitherto to do pennance Do it therefore out of hand and slack not to be converted to our Lord and defer not from day to day for his wrath shall come suddenly saith Ecclesiasticus and in the time of vengeance he will destroy thee Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin For the Punishments due unto it 1. Part. COnsider 1. God is most Just in inflicting punishments which notwithstanding he always doth below our deserts as the Divines speak though on the contrary his rewards are above our merits Ponder therefore the greatnesse of the offence by the grievousnesse of the punishment due to every Sin Enter with your imagination into Hell and consider attentively what God hath prepared there even for one Mortal Sin Contemplate those fiery furnaces those torrents of Sulphure the gnashing of teeth and howling of the damned and the like and reflect that all this is to last for ever without any hopes of releasement And which of you saith Isaie can dwell with everlasting beats Is 33.14 Matt. 10.28 Consider 2. What a folly it were to offend a Prince by whom you knew you were to be most cruelly tortured upon the rack How much more then to offend God that can destroy both soul and body into Hell And if so great punishment be due to one Mortal Sin though even that cometh short of its deserts what an excesse of torments will be due to your many sins Look back upon the days of your youth and think what had become of you if you had died immediately after such or such a Sin and acknowledge so many distinct favours of God towards you as you have committed sins after which you were not cast presently into Hell Say therefore with the Prophet I will confess to thee Ps 85.12 13. O Lord my God c. because thy mercy is great upon me and thou hast delivered my soul out of the lower hell Consider 3. How much
and to escape Purgatory These are Receiving the Sacraments offering the Divine Sacrifice Indulgences Fasting Alms Prayers Tears chastising the body patient suffering of hunger and thirst sicknesse and the like God is content with a little in this life and is soon appeased by means of our poor services but in the other life he will severely exact the whole debt of punishment even to the last farthing Wherefore while you have time Mat. 5.27 Eccli 14.14 do good Be not defrauded of thy good day as Ecclesiasticus admonisheth and let not a little portion of a good gift overpass thee Mat. 5.7 Consider 3. Among other means one of the most efficacious to escape or at least to mitigate our pains in Purgatory is to pray much for the dead while we live for our merciful Lord permitteth that afterwards we receive the same measure that we used to others here And The merciful as he saith himself shall obtain mercy Morn Ent. Behold our Lord is come in his holy thousands to do judgement Jude 14. Luc. 21.25 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as Judge COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Gospel that Christ is to be the Universal Judge of all men whose judgement we ought greatly to stand in fear of 1. By reason of his Supream Authority from whom none can appeal 2. For the rigour of his Justice which no entreaties nor bribes will be able to corrupt 3. For his infinite Wisdom from which nothing can be concealed 4. For that he will be not only Judge but also the plaintiff or party offended Consider 2. What a favour it would be if the Judge himself should in a friendly manner come to some Criminal in prison and teach him a way how he may escape and come off with security of life in his Trial. The same will Christ do to you this day Wherefore receive him at his coming with great love and gratitude and now while you may endeavour by earnest prayers to gain him against that dreadful day when there will be no more place for prayers Ps 142.2 Consider 3. Hence you must have a great care that there be nothing in your Soul that may displease the eyes of your Judge when he cometh He will search the inmost corners of your heart Cleanse therefore diligently all things against his coming Say humbly with the Prophet Enter not into judgement with thy servant O Lord But rather in the bowels of thy mercy visit us now O Orient arising from high Eccl. in Off. Boeth apud S. Tho. Opusc de Sacr. c. 2. c. Wherefore Boethius saith well in these words We have a great necessity of living well seeing we do all things before the eyes of the Judge that seeth all Think well on this and Before judgement prepare thee Justice Of imitating the Life of Christ our Lord. 1. Part. COnsider 1. For two reasons Christ our Lord came from the bosome of his eternal Father into the World as the holy Fathers every where do teach 1. To redeem us from sin 2. To give us example of living by his own manner of life His life therefore ought to be the square pattern and mirrour of ours to the end that squaring our actions conformably to his we may come by his steps to arrive at last also to his glory Eccli 23.38 Consider 2. How glorious a thing it is to follow such an example It is great glory saith Ecclesiasticus to follow our Lord. By following of men whosoever they are you may erre because they are men apt both to be deceived themselves and to deceive others By following Christ you cannot misse because he is the way you cannot be deceived because he is truth you cannot perish because he is life The Way in Example Bern. Ser. 2. de Ascen saith St. Bernard Truth in Promise Life in Reward Lastly he commandeth nothing which he doth not first do himself So that he may say with Gedeon What you shall see me do Jud. 7.17 do ye 1 Cor. 3.19 Consider 3. How foolishly you have hitherto done in directing your actions by any other rule then the life of Christ All other rules are crooked and naught and The wisdom of this world according to which perchance you govern your self is foolishness with God Ask pardon for this folly and beseech our Lord to accept of you and admit you into the number of his followers Of imitating the Life of Christ 2. Part. Tit. 1.16 COnsider 1. The followers of Christ are of three different sorts Some by name onely and from the teeth outwards they say they are Christians and know Christ But in their works they deny him They defile themselves with continual sins and in their works crucifie Christ anew These are but equivocally termed Christians for indeed they follow not Christ but the Devil Think how often you have been such Repent and take heed for the future Mat. 19.21 Consider 2. Others there are who indeed follow Christ but afar off as St. Peter did when Christ was taken who perhaps for that cause as some observe came to fall and deny his Master for any example or pattern that it may have influence must be duly applied and at a right distance So many follow Christ but coldly They purpose to keep the Commandments but care not to extend themselves with the Apostle to things of greater perfection When it is said to such as these Go sell the things that thou hast c. and come follow me They go away sad like the young man in the Gospel See whether you be one of these 2 Cor. 6.8 Phil. 3.8 Consider 3. Others finally there are who with a generous resolution strive to follow Christ even to the Crosse By honour and dishonour by infamy and good fame and with the Apostle do esteem all things as dung that they may gain Christ Lastly they endeavour to conform themselves in all things to the model of his life See among whom you chuse to rank your self and know that in what proportion you are like unto Christ in this life you will also be hereafter in glory Of the divine Decree concerning Christs Incarnation 1. Part. COnsider 1. The state which the whole world was in Part of the Angels had fallen All mankind also had sinned The wicked Angels leaving the Blessed in Heaven were cast into Hell Mankind lived in banishment out of Paradise shut out of Heaven made slave of the Devil and enemy to God and lay wallowing from one sin into another to be cast at length headlong into Hell fire neither did there appear any means possible of appeasing the Divine Justice being no pure creature could make is any satifaction Ps 39.7 8. Contemplate 2. The three divine Persons in Heaven out of commiseration consulting of a remedy See how the Second Person being there could not otherwise any satisfaction be made to the divine Justice freely offered himself to his Eternal Father
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
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
in a stable upon a bed of straw Consider 3. And falling down adored him 1. They prostrated themselves with most profound humility as well interior as exterior acknowledging their own unworthiness and their subjection and dependance on him 2. They adored him with a most perfect act of Adoration as their Soveraign Lord and God 3. This Adoration was seconded with an entire oblation of themselves and their Kingdoms with sincere expressions of gratitude both for their own particular and for the general benefit of all in his Incarnation and Vocation of the Gentiles together with most ardent affections of love and desires that all the world might come to his knowledge and service Learn hence what admirable effects a lively faith doth work in a devout Soul and with that affections you are to come to the same Lord in the Holy Eucharist Mat. 2.11 Of the Sages Offerings or Gifts ANd opening their treasures they offered to him gifts Gold Frankincense and Myrrhe Consider how with the above-named affections of faith humility reverence devotion and love they offer gifts in homage to their Soveraign Lord and that of the best things they had and out of their treasures that you might learn to give to God and to employ the best not the worst things you have in divine uses Consider the gifts in particular and present yours joyntly with them They offer Gold as Tribute to their Lord and King Offer him also Gold that is 1. a heart full of Charity loving him from your whole heart for as Gold is the chief of Metals so Charity is the Queen of Vertues 2. Exterior worldly goods with an affection and love to Poverty setting them all at naught in respect of his divine service so as to be ready even actually to leave all rather then to offend him only Venially Ps 140.2 Consider 2. They offer Frankincense in acknowledgement of his Divinity Offer also your Frankincense of fervent and frequent Prayer saying with David Let my prayer O Lord be directed as incense in thy sight Offer again to God your Frankincense that is your will as a most sweet perfume and this by Obedience to your Superiours Governours and Directours whom God hath appointed in his place over you For there is no Sacrifice more grateful to him then that of our will by means of Obedience 1 Reg. 15.22 Better is Obedience saith Samuel then Victims Consider 3. They offer Myrrhe as to a mortal man Offer you also the Myrrhe which is of a bitter taste of Mortification chastifing your body with St. Paul and bringing it to subjection so as to obey the Spirit Offer also a special Myrrhe of Chastiry carefully avoiding whatsoever may endamage it for as Myrrhe preserveth dead bodies from corruption S. Greg. Orat. 16. so Chastity doth keep both the bodies and minds of the living undefiled Lastly consecrate your whole self to God and give whatsoever you have to him who hath given you all things Of the Sages Return ¶ If the Octave fall upon Sunday make this Meditation on Saturday and on Sunday of H. Communion as above 1 Jo. 4.1 2 Cor. 11.14 COnsider 1. How the Sages having performed their homage and duty of Adoration having also presented the B. Virgin and St. Joseph with some gifts and taken their leave were now ready for their return full of spiritual joy and zeal of bringing others to Christ and amongst them Herod himself but were admonished in their sleep that they should not go back to him Whence you may learn that God hath a care of them that are his and can easily frustrate the subtile intentions of the wicked And that in the way of Vertue not every motion which seems to be according to zeal ought always to be followed But we must prove the spirits if they be of God for oftentimes as the Apostle witnesseth Satan transfigureth himself into an Angel of light Consider 2. How they presently obeyed and went back another way into their Countrey Mat. 2.12 So ought we to follow the inspirations of God and they that have had more knowledge and experience of Christ should enter into another course of life of greater exactness and perfection in their progress towards their heavenly countrey Greg. hom in Epiph. from which seeing we turned away by pleasures we should return by the contrary way of sorrow and repentance Think how the B. Virgin behaved her self in all these passages and what joy she was in to see her Son thus adored and that of the Prophet fulfilled Ps 71.10 The Kings of Tharsis and the Islands shall offer presents c. Recommend your self earnestly to her saying with S. Bernard Orat. S. Ber. By you Virgin Mother let us have access to your Son 2 Cor. 9.6 Consider 3. The B. Infant did not send the Sages away empty but highly rewarded for their pains and devotion He bestowed upon them supernatural and heavenly gifts in return to theirs for their Gold he gave them the rich treasures of Wisdom and Charity for their Frankincense the gift of Prayer and Devotion for their Myrrhe the Soveraign Balm of his divine Grace against the corruption of Sin We can give nothing to God that returneth not with advantage to our selves the more we give the more we shall receive Be liberal therefore to God that he may be so to you remembring what the Apostle saith He that soweth sparingly sparingly also shall reap and he that soweth in blessings of blessings also shall reap ¶ If there remain any days between the Octave and the 2. Sunday repeat these Meditations according to the number of the days If a whole Week then on Munday take the Meditation of the Purification and go on with them the other days as they follow intermitting that of the second Sunday till it cometh in its course of that year Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye forth to meet him Mat. 25.6 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Spouse of your Soul Ose 2.19 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel There was a Marriage made in Cana of Galilee c. Jo. 2.1 The like Espousals will be made this day between Christ and your Soul if you will but give your consent for he on his part doth earnestly desire it according to that I will despouse thee to me for ever and I will despouse thee to me in Justice and Judgement and in Mercy and in Commiserations Nay although you have often been disloyal unto him by your disordinate affection and adhering to creatures he is notwithstanding ready to pardon all and even invites you again to him by the Prophet Jer. 3.1 Thou hast committed fornication with many lovers nevertheless return unto me saith our Lord and I will receive thee Ps 44.3 Consider 2. How great a dignity it is to be espoused to a King here upon Earth How much greater then to the King of Heaven Think how incomparable is the
in spirit to the Church and not out of meer custom Consider 3. How well the Blessed Infant did recompense the long expectation of this Holy Man not only favouring him with his corporal presence and that in his arms but also working interiourly in his Soul admirable effects of his divine grace and replenishing him with heavenly comfort so to the full as to make him bid adieu to all earthly things and to life it self breaking forth into that sweet Canticle Now thou doest dismisse thy Servant O Lord according to thy word in peace Because mine eyes have seen thy Salvation O that you could likewise bid farewell to all worldly desires and say with the Apostle I have a desire to be dissolved Phil. 1.23 and to be with Christ Luc. 2.34 Of what passed with Holy Simeon and others Part. 2. COnsider 1. What Simeon said of Christ Behold this Infant is set unto the ruine and unto the resurrection of many in Israel Christ will indeed prove to be the ruine both of the unbelievers and of those that work not according to their belief but withall a resurrection and everlasting life to the Just Think how you would have him be to you and take notice how even the holiest things will turn to our ruine and damnation if we make ill use of them Reflect therefore upon your self and examine what use you make of Gods benefits and of the means bestowed upon you to work your Salvation Coloss 2.3 Consider 2. And for a sign which shall be contradicted O wonder He was the Increated Wisdom of God In whom be all the treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge bid and yet he was contradicted by many His words and actions were commonly calumniated and condemned and thou silly man that thou art doest thou wonder and repine that men sometimes do contradict thee and reprove thy doings and sayings Learn to suffer patiently If you desire to be Christ's Disciple you must be content to be as a set mark for others to aim at in contradiction Mat. 10.24 For the Disciple is not above the Master Eccli 11.27 Consider 3. What the Holy man said to the B. Virgin And thine own Soul shall a sword pierce c. Ponder how God mixeth sorrow with gladness and amidst those excessive joys wherewith her Soul must necessarily be filled to see her Son honoured in that solemn manner he puts her in mind of her future sorrows Ponder the singular modesty of the Virgin and withall her resignation wherewith she accepted at the hands of God the piercing sword Imitate her example and learn not to be overjoy'd in time of Consolation but to think then of the Desolation that may ensue In the day of good things saith Ecclesiasticus be not unmindful of evil Luc. 2.36 Of what passed with Anna and others Part 1. Ps 38.5 COnsider 1. In this Mystery are proposed unto us the Vertues of this Saint for our imitation After seven years of a married life she lived continually in the Temple till the fourscore and fourth year of her age by fasting and prayers serving night and day Ponder her great love of Chastity her continual exercise of Prayer and Mortification and constant perseverance of so many years in the Service of God Compare these Vertues with your Inconstancy and Tepidity That you may know what is lacking to you Consider 2. And she at the same hour suddenly coming in confessed to our Lord. Ponder here 1. Gods sweet Providence in inspiring her to come so opportunely and withall revealing unto her the Mystery of his Sons Incarnation 2. Her concurrence with the divine Inspiration not letting slip one moment of the hour that was alotted her for the obtaining of so great a blessing Who knoweth whether this be not the hour wherein God intends you some special favour if you would make right use of it Learn hence to be ready at all hours and let not any slip from you You may lose many by neglecting one Mat. 20.16 2 Pet. 1.10 Consider 3. Many others there were at that time in the Temple who both saw and heard what passed yet these two alone had their eyes open to know him for that this Blessed Infant in the exteriour made no shew of any thing that was singular or above other children Learn hence to conceal what is in you and withall not to judge of others by their outside Learn also that among so many that come to the Holy Eucharist those alone do truly know him and do taste of his sweetness who come in spirit and devotion to the Church and are rightly disposed Lastly learn hence that many are called but few elect Labour therefore the more as St. Peter admonisheth that by good works you make sure your Vocation and Election Luc. 2.38 Of what passed with Anna and others Part 2. COnsider 1. The Interiour Acts of Vertue this holy Woman exercised when she beheld the Blessed Infant Her Faith Hope Love Joy and Congratulation with her self perfect Resignation c. Observe and imitate as often as you come to the same Christ in the Holy Eucharist If you believe where is your Humility Reverence and Devotion If you hope in him why do you afflict your self for crosses and adversities If you love him why do you set your affection upon creatures If your joy be in him why do you beg content and satisfaction from earthly comforts If lastly you have resigned your self to him why do you so often recall your self and seek your own will Mat. 12.34 Consider 2. Out of the Vehemency of her affection and zeal she brake forth into the praises of God She confessed to our Lord and spake of him to all c. professing him to be the Messias of the world extolling his mercies admiring his humility inviting all to acknowledge reverence and love him as their Lord and Saviour O how true is that Of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh The reason why you are so dumb in the praises of God is because you are cold and tepid in affection Learn of this holy Woman to speak freely of God and of heavenly things in your private discourses and conversation with others Be not content to enjoy God alone but endeavour to bring others to him both by word and example Consider 3. And his Father and Mother were marveling upon those things which were spoken concerning him They admired the divine Providence in revealing these Sublime Mysteries to a few onely and those but obscure persons rather then to the great and wise men of the world And after that they had wholy done all things according to the law of our Lord they returned Learn by this their example eractly to accomplish the will of God in all even the least things Accompany them home Observe their religious comportment on the way See how they being now returned to Bethleem apply themselves each one in their several duties to tend and serve the
divine Infant Of Holy Communion Heal me O Lord and I shal be healed save me and I shall be saved Jer. 17.14 Consider Christ as the Physician of your Soul Is 61.1 COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Ghospel to wit that Christ healed the Leper and after that the Centurions servant Matt. 8. and that he is the general Physician of all our Souls who therefore came into the world That I should heal saith he the contrite of heart And while he was upon earth wheresoever he came Virtue went forth from him Luc. 6.19 and healed all Consider 2. How many diseases Man is subject unto Our feaver saith St. Ambrose is covetousness our feaver is sensuality our feaver is rage and anger c. So many are our diseases as we have vices Ponder what concern and danger they are of as bringing with them everlasting death how hard to be cured being of the nature not of outward diseases that easily discover themselves but of inward malignities that lie hid from the patient himself and are in a manner rooted in the very substance of the Soul What a happiness were it to be cured of all these and to have a Physician at hand who knows how to apply soveraign remedies against them Is 53.4 Consider 3. We ought to put great trust in this our heavenly Physician 1. Because he is most skillful and knowing all things and that he might have a more experimental knowledge of our necessities He hath born our infirmities and our sorrows he hath carried 2. Because he is most compassionate even thirsting after our health and Salvation and therefore of his own accord asked that man in the Ghospel Wilt thou be made whole 3. To the end he might the more effectually cure us Jo. 5.7 he hath made a most admirable Balsom of his most precious Body and Blood for us to take as a most soveraign remedy Cast your self therefore at his feet and say with the Prophet Have mercy on me Lord Ps. 6.2 because I am weak Dispose your self to obey whatsoever this divine Physician shall prescribe Of Christs flying into Egypt Part 1. Mat. 2.13 COnsider 1. How different are the ways of God from those of men Christ as soon as born is sent into banishment God could have taken Herod away or easily have appeased his wrath or have rendered his Son invisible but he would have him fly Think how derogatory this was to the dignity of the Son of God how full of inconvenience Thus God dealeth with them whom he loveth best Are you greater or better then the Son of God why then do you complain when he permits you to suffer some hardships Take these as tokens of his love and you will bear them the better and that with joy and thanks too Consider 2. God would not have him go to the Sages where he would have been held in honor and veneration and could have wanted nothing but into Egypt a barbarous nation and ever averse from the Israelites far from home from his kindred and acquaintance Thus did he take from his Son during his infancy all manner of comfort help and relief which he might otherwise have had from his friends Why then do you so much seek to be respected and served by all and think much if you suffer any incommodity If you did love and serve Christ in earnest you would rather rejoyce and think it honor enough to be neglected despised and afflicted with and for him It sufficeth the disciple that he be as his Master Mat. 10.25 and the servant as his Lord. Heb. 13.14 Consider 3. Christ as he would be born far from home so would he be banished far from his own Countrey 1. That we should both own and carry our selves as strangers and exiled persons not as Citizens or natives of this world knowing that we have not here a permanent City but we seek that which is to come 2. That those who were afterwards to suffer banishment for his sake might find comfort in his example Learn willingly for the love of Christ to be exiled from your native countrey and friends for true is that saying A man of resolution makes every countrey his own Cic. Tusc 5. Of Christs flying into Egypt Part 2. Mat. sup COnsider 1. Behold an Angel of our Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph saying Arise and take the Child and his Mother and fly into Egypt Ponder the particulars 1. The Angel commandeth in the name of God who is our Supreme Lord. 2. He delivereth it not to the Virgin though the more worthy but to Joseph as head of the Family Thus God doth first Illuminate Superiors by himself then us by them 3. He appeareth in sleep recommending thereby Gods care of us who while we are at sleep is watching for our good 4. He bids him take the Child and his Mother without care of any thing else O that Jesus and Mary were your onely care and love 5. He assigneth him the place he is to go to Learn hence â—ot to be your own chuser but to take all from the hand of God place imployment prosperity adversity c. Pro. 20.24 Ps. 90.10 Consider 2. Those words of the Angel Be there until I shall tell thee He could have told him determinately till such or such a time but God would not have them know it that they might the more depend on his providence Be not in your affairs sollicitous for the future as to time place and other circumstances learn to depend in all things on the divine providence for the steps of man are directed of our Lord as the Wiseman saith And He hath given his Angels charge of thee that they keep thee in all thy ways Follow this conduct not your own ways and you will ever live in security Consider 3. Who arose and took the Child and his Mother by night c. Ponder here S. Josephs perfect obedience 1. In submitting his judgement whereas there wanted not many things which he might have objected against so sudden a departure 2. In readily conforming his will notwithstanding the many difficulties that represented themselves 3. In his prompt and exact execution in every particular rising that very time of night with breaking his sleep and rest and leaving all that he had uncertain of returning any more 4. In performing all this with great chearfalness knowing he did therein the will of God Compare and reform your Obedience in all things to this perfect Example Of Christs flying into Egypt Part 3. Matt. 2.14 ANd retired into Egypt Consider 1. How without delay they put themselves upon their journey Ponder the tender affection of the Mother and compassion towards her Child beginning even now from his infancy to train himself up to hardships and how notwithstanding she resigneth her self to the will of God Think also how the divine Infant freely offereth himself to his eternal Father even in these
Citty At other times he used to goe on foot to the places where he Preached now he would be carried though not in a Chariot nor on a Sumptuous horse but on the back of a filly Asse whereby he would manifest to the world that Poverty Humility and Meekness are the proper Ensignes of his Kingdom Whence the Prophet Rejoyce greatly O daughter of Sion c. Behold thy King will come to thee the Just and Saviour himself poor and riding upon an Asse c. Hym. Vexilla Consider 2. Our Saviour would enter after that unusual manner 1. To shew with what alacrity he went to dye as if he were going to a Kingdom as indeed he was for on the tree God possessed his raign 2. To teach us to triumph in the midst of reproches and contempts 3. That the Ignominy of his Passion might be so much the greater by how much the greater was his precedent glory And being exalted Ps. 87.16 saith the Prophet I am humbled and troubled Mat. 21.15 Consider 3. The Acclamations of the people Hosanna to the Son of David c. Where ponder first that this cry was of the mean and common sort of people not of the rich or wise men of the world from whom these mysteries were kept hidden Secondly how different was this acclamation from that wherein soon after they cryed out Crucify Luc. 23.21 Crucify him How inconstant and deceitful is the favour of the world which you notwithstanding doe regard and value so much but if you be wise God forbid that you should glory Gal. 6.14 saving in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ Of Christs solemn Enterance into Jerusalem and his Weeping upon the Citty Part 2. Ps. 61.11 COnsider 1. Christ in the midst of that Triumph drawing neerer to the Citty wept for it 1. To shew that he was not and that we ought not to be transported with like honours when they are done us but if riches or honours abound set not your heart upon them 2. Out of Charity he bewailed the blindness of the Jews which he knew would prove to be their ruine 3. To give us example of weeping and lamenting in this vale of teares for we read of him to have wept several times but not ever to have laughed and to have provnounced them Blessed that mourn Mat. 5.5 Luc. 19.42 43. Consider 2. Christs words upon the Citty Because if thou also hadst known c. Thou wouldst surely weep For the days shall come upon thee and thy enemies shall compasse thee c. Take these words as spoken to your self for that if you did but know and that in this thy day the things that appertain to thy peace and what were to befall you hereafter what temptations what miseries what falls you would certainly weep and spend the time you enjoy at present more profitably Doe it therefore now with all diligence and fortify your self so that you be not hereafter overcome and cast down by your spiritual enimies Luc. sup Consider 3. Christ assigneth the cause of the Citties ruine to this Because thou hast not known the time of thy Visitation How greatly doth it import to know the time wherein God doth visit you by his holy inspirations by pious books c. exciting you to Vertue to the contempt of the world and the like Endevor therefore to understand the time of your Visitation Ps. 94.8 And even in this very day that is in this looser time of Shrovetide if you shall hear his voice harden not your heart but goe follow him Betake your self to prayer and deplore the general not and folly of men in these days Mat. 26. Luc. 22. Christ is sold by Judas for thirty pieces of Silver Ambr. l. 5. in Luc. c. 6. COnsider 1. Christ could many ways have been delivered up into the hands of the Jews but for the greater ignominy would be sold and that by his own Disciple and whom himself made choice of for an Apostle that we might learn to beare with false brethren and that there is no place or state of life so holy that is not in danger of falling He was not ignorant that it would be held a foul disgrace to his school notwithstanding he chose him for an Apostle for our instruction And In that point as S. Ambrose saith he had rather have his judgement called in question by us then his affection Mat. 26.14 Consider 2. To what a height of madnes the Spirit of Avarice doth bring a man What will you give me and I will deliver him unto you Ponder who it is that is sold It is the Lord and God of all things For how much for thirty pieces of Silver for which scarce any labouring beast or slave can be had At so easy a rate is sold the Soveraign of the World so vilely is he undervalued By whom By his own beloved Disciple To whom To his mortall and sworn enemies Compassionâ—â— your Lord and disdain not at any time to be treated below your deserts and quality Pro. 10.23 Consider 3. How often you have sold the same Lord for less while you have parted with him for some petty delight for a sinful thought for a detracting word and the like Think how many there are this time of Shroâ—etide that doe the same over and overagain and out of extream folly and madness set God to sale for trifles A fool worketh mischief as it were by laughter Saith Solomon Look that you be none of them and endeavor to appease Gods wrath against them that doe so Marc. 14. Luc. 22. Of the Paschal Lamb. Marc. 14.15 COnsider 1. Christ the day before he suffered to teach us perfect Obedience to the Laws of God would eat the Paschal Lamb with his Disciples sending before Peter and John Faith and Charity to prepare a room which was a Great chamber adorned Such ought to be your Soul enlarged with Charity and adorned with all manner of Vertue as often as you entertain Christ in Holy Communion Ponder how Christ being sate down with his Disciples sayd to them Luc. 22.15 with desire I have desired to eate this Pasch with you before I suffer Admire the excess of his love towards us longing for the time wherein he was to leave us his pretious body and bloud and to suffer and dye for us O that you were so desirous of occasions to doe and suffer for him Exod. 12. Consider 2. How religiously Christ observeth all the Ceremonies and Rites ordained by the Law for the eating of the Paschal Lamb In each of them reflecting upon himself and his Passion whereof it was a representative figure Christ our Pasch saith the Church is immolated In Praef. Pasch for he is the true Lamb that taketh away the sins of the world Behold therefore Christ with his Disciples standing at the table girded about the reines with shoes on feet and staves
in hand like passengers eating speedily c. whereby were expressed the vigour of mind and promptness wherewith he suffered Exod. 12.11 Consider 3. Christ beholding the Lamb upon the table dead flead and rosted he reflected how himself was to be extended upon the Cross dead flead with whips and scorched with the heat and rage of his torments Beholding the same Lamb cut in pieces without breaking any of the bones he considered the mangling of his own sacred body and disjoynting of his bones though without the breach of any The hast wherewith they were to eat the Lamb represented the hasty fury and rage of his enemies to make him away The bitter Lettice called to his mind the Gall and bitter chalice of his Passion And the staffe in his hand represented the Cross which he was to embrace and to be fastened unto Jo. 13. Of Washing the Disciples feet Jo. 13.1 c. COnsider 1. After the Paschal Lamb was eaten Christ intending to institute a new memorial of himself in leaving us his pretious body and bloud to teach us with what Humility and Purity we ought to come to it would wash the feet of his Disciples Ponder the admirable Charity and Humility of Christ in this action expressed unto us in very signal termes by the Evangelist Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should pass out of this world to his father whereas he had loved his that were in the world unto the end he loved them And when supper was done whereas the Divel had now put into the heart of Judas c to betray him knowing that the father gave him all things into his hands and that he came from God and goeth to God he riseth from supper and layeth aside his garments and having taken a towel girded himself Ponder each particular Consider 2. After that he put water into a bason and began to wash the feet of the Disciples and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded Behold the God of Heaven cast at the feet of poor fishermen and performing the office of the meanest servant which made S. Peter cry out Lord doest thou wash my feet and againe Thou shalt not wash my feet for ever Ponder Christs severe reprehension of this Dâ—sobedience If I wash thee not thou shalt not have part with me and learn that it is but false vertue and Humility that opposeth it self to Obedience Consider 3. How Christ also washeth Judas his feet and no doubt but with tender expressions of kindness thereby to mollify his hard heart but all in vaine Learn to love your enemies and to gaine them to you by doing good turns Take heed of a hard heart for The Impious when he shall come to the depth of sins Prov. 18.3 contemneth but ignominy and reproch followeth him Ponder and observe those words of Christ Jo. sup I have given you an example that as I have done to you so you doe also Arise be illuminated Jerusalem because thy light is come c. upon thee shall our Lord arise Is. 60.1 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the light of your Soul Ps. 39.13 COnsider 1. And imagin your self to be that blind man in this days Ghospel that sate by the way begging Luc. 18.35 for you are truly blind in many things not distinguishing between black and white true and false solid and counterfited good nor able to see your own defects so that you may truly say with the Propher Mile Iniquities have overtaken me and I was not able to see Tob. 5.12 Consider 2. What a sad and discomfortable life it is to be in continual darkness without corporeal light How much more then to live in spiritual darkness and blindness of mind What manner of joy shall it be to me said Toby when he was blind which sit in darkness and see not the light of Heaven Think with your self whether you behold the clear light of Heaven or rather the dimm and fading light of the Earth and earthly things Consider also how dangerous it is to be in darkness Jo. 12.35 for he that waiketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth and is exposed to a thousand dangers and falls that you may hence learn rightly to esteem the benefit of divine light Mal. 4.2 Jo. 1.9 Consider 3. How Christ out Lord is the San of Justice as the Prophet saith and the true light which lighteneth every man that cometh into this world Beseech him therefore that coming this day into your soul he would produce therein the usual effects of light and open your eyes to see your secret defects and to distinguish true and real goods from such as are only counterfited and have a care you doe not close your eyes or shut your windows against this light Job 24.13 Job saith of sinners They have been rebellious to the light they have not known his ways See you be not rebellious set open the windows of your heart and say with the Prophet Thou doest illuminat my lemp Ps. 17.29 O Lord. My God ibluminat my darkness Mat. 26.26 Mar. 14.22 Luc. 22.19 1 Cor. 11.24 Of the Institution of the B. Sacrament Part 1. Ps. 144.17 COnsider 1. Christ after he had washed his Disciples feet sate down again to table and intending to leave behind him a singular Memorial of his love towards us took bread into his hands to shew that it was the gift of a most liberal hand Thou openest thy hand and fillest every living creature with blessing Then He lifted up his eyes to Heaven to shew whence this bread cometh He gave thanks to his Eternal father for so great a gift be slowed upon man by his means He blessed iâ— and blessing it transformed it into his own body doe you also give thanks for being made partaker of the same divine bread and beseech him to give you such a blessing as may turn you into another man Consider 2. How the Apostles were astonished when they heard that Christ would give them â—â—s own body but they were together illuminated with a heavenly light wherewith they beleeved all things possible to him That you might also learn to captivate your understanding in Obedience to faith See with what Humility Reverence and Devotion each one communicateth and doe you the like when you come to the same table Judas alone in that company Eateth 1 Cor. 11.29 and drinketh judgement to himself not discerning the body of our Lord. Consider 3. This doe ye for the commemoration of me Ibid. v. 25. Ponder Christs infinit Charity and liberality whereby he would have this divine benefit continued throughout all ages and therein gave power to Priests by vertue of his words to consecrate his pretious body which was never granted to the Angels themselves Think what a dignity this is learn to reverence them whom God hath so highly honoured and to hear their voice to which the Eternal word
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
whole Citty Good God! â—ow were the former affronts and insolences redoubled upon him and that of Jeremy verifyed to the full Thren â— 15 All that passed by the way have clapped their hands vpon thee they have hissed and moved their head Luc. 23.10 Consider 2. Christ at first is civily entertained by Herod who hoped to see him work some miracle but our Lord abhorred his lewdness and would not comply with his curiosity nor owe his life which he so much desired to lay down to his favor and courtesy nor return one single word to many of his and though the chiefe Priests and the Scribes stood constantly accusing him he made no answer Admire and imitate the courage and constancy of his mind which could neither be bent by flattery nor overcome with ill usage and learn withall to be reserved and not familiar with persons of a lewd life without certain hopes of gaining them Ibid. Consider 3. And Herod with his army set him at naught and he mocked him putting on him a white garment Ponder how Christ our Lord the eternal wisdom of God is held for a foole and one that out of simplicity had called himself King and is treated as such by the King and his whole Court delighting themselves with flouting and scoffing at him And in this plight he is sent back to Herod and proclamed all along as he went for a foole and fantasticall King Good Lord Is this the way you chuse to cure my pride and confound my arrogancy With how much truth did the Apostle say 1 Cor. 3.18 if any man seeme to be wise among you in this world let him become a foole that he may be wise Barabbas is preferred before Christ Mar. 27.15 COnsider 1. Upon the solemn day the President had accustomed to release unto the people one prisoner whom they would Hence desirous to release Jesus whose innocency was clearer then the Sun he puts him in balance with a most wicked fellow that was guilty both of sedition and murder Offering them their choice whom they would have freed of the two Think what a comparison this was of light with darkness of a murderer with the author of life of a common robber with a most munificent Benefactor and giver of all good And yet Christ disdained it not Luc. 23.18 Consider 2. The foolish and most unjust demand of the people Dispatch him and release us Barabbas It was a foul disgrace and ignominy to be matched with so bare and notorious a Villain but much greater to be set behind him Now was truly fullfilled that of the Propher Ps 21.7 I am a worm and no man a reproch of men and outcast of the people What are the judgements of the world What wise man would rely on them or care whither they praise or reprove The like judgement to that of the Jews you do passe as often as you sin mortally prefering in your heart and affection some momentary delight before an infinit good some vile creature before the Creator and even a Barabbas before Christ Mat. 27.22 Consider 3. Pilat demandeth What shall I doe then with Jesus The people cry out saying Crucify crucify him Luc. 23.21 Think with what Modesty and Patience Christ received these unjust demands not uttering the least word against them Ask your self often this question What will you doe with Jesus Will you Esteeme Love Serve and Honour him as you ought or rather choose to afflict injury and even crucify him a new for no less doe all Sinners Crucifying again as the Apostle saith to themselves the Son of God Heb. 6.6 and making him a mockery Of the Whipping at the Pillar Part 1. Jo. 19.1 COnsider 1. Then therefore Pilat took Jesus and scourged him To the end he might in some part satisfy the rage of the Jews and so set him afterwards at liberty Think notwithstanding how this sentence was 1. Unjust as being pronounced against him who by the Judges own confession was innocent 2. Infamous it being the usual punishment of common slaves 3. Cruel it being decreed purposely to satiate the Jews fury See how readily for all that and how cheerfully Christ doth accept of it saying with the Prophet Ps 37.18 I am ready for scourges And this to satisfy for your Sins Consider 2. So soon as the sentence was given how impudently the Souldiers strip him of his clothes and binde him to the pillar Ponder the Virginal bashfullness and shame our most chast Lord was in to see himself exposed all naked to the view of so great a multitude See with what promptitude of Obedience he stretcheth forth his armes to be bound without making the least complaint or resistance and learn hence how truely meek and humble of heart he is Mat. 11.29 and you ought to be Consider 3. The Grievousness and Cruelty of this scourging 1. In regard of the instruments which are credibly said to have been of three sorts to wit thorny rods hard sinews and Iron chaines 2. By reason of his delicat and tender complexion being also much exhausted with his late bloudy sweat and ill treating restless night and painful journeys of that morning 3. Through the cruel usage of his tormentors who were set on and provoked by the Pharises that stood by 4. For the multitude of stripes which as is gathered out of S. Brigits revelations surmounted the number of five thousand Whereas the law of Moses alowed not full fourty for any Malefactor Therefore Isaie from the sole of the foot to the top of the head Is. 1.6 there is no health in him Of the Whipping at the Pillar Part 2. I Magin your self to see Christ our Lord fast bound to the Pillar with a company of Souldiers round about tyranizing over him with their whips and consider the general Circumstances Who What Where c. Heb. 1.3 Who is he that is tyed to the Pillar The only begotten Son of God The brightness of his glory and the figure of his substance He is higher then Heaven Job 11.8 deeper then Hell The most high Creator omnipotent and mighty King and to be feared exceedingly Eccli 1.8 Sitting upon his throne and the God of dominion Is. 53.4 What He is most unhumanly scourged even to the discovery of his ribs and bones No slave was ever so cruelly handled We have thought him as it were a lepre and strickin of God and humbled Where In the very middle of the world in a most populous Citty in the open Court of the President a whole Legion of Souldiers and an infinit multitude of people looking on Is 63.5 With what helps Destitute of all human assistance There was none to appeare in his defence none to comfort him I looked about saith he by the Prophet and there was no helper I sought and there was none to aide Ps 90.4 Wherefore To satisfy for your sinnes to make a bath of
whom you behold in the outward shape of man the same is God and Lord of all things the Messias Saviour Doctor and Pastor of men who for love of mankind abased himself beneath the condition of a slave even to this lamentable plight Mat. 12.18 Consider 2. And imagin these same words spoken by the Eternal Father proposing his Son as an example of all Vertue for you to imitate Behold the man Behold the servant whom I have chosen my beloved in whom my soul hath well liked Look Exod. 25.40 and make it or doe according to the pattern He suffereth himself to be contemned and scoffed at to confound your pride He is naked to correct your Covetousnes He indureth excessive torments to satisfy for your sensuality He turneth his cheeke to the striker to allay your anger and passion and so of the rest See therefore how you may imitate 1 Jo. 2.2 Ps. 83.10 Consider 3. These words may be spoken by you and by the whole Church to the Eternal Father offering Christ unto him as a pacifick Host for all our sinnes O Eternal Father Behold the man who in the name of all mankind is come to pay Adams ransome He is the Propitiation for our sinnes Therefore behold O God our Protectour and look upon the face of thy Christ Say the same often to your self with affections of compassion to your Lord and Saviour of gratitude for suffering so much for love of you of confidence and hope in so great a goodness and of an ardent desire of imitating his example and of suffering for love of him Mat. 27. Luc. 23. Christ is condemned to death Mat. 27.19 COnsider 1. As Pilat was sitting in place of Judgement his wife sent unto him c. Ponder the goodnes of God seeking divers ways to hinder the sins of men as here he did admonishing Pilat by his wife and her in sleep so that it may be justly objected to every sinner Perdition is thine O Israel O how often hath he admonished you Osee 13.9 speaking interiorly to your heart by holy Inspirations and exteriorly by Preachers and superiours forbidding you to doe this or that and yet you have not given over Be careful hereafter to be more observant of his admonitions Mat. 27.24 Consider 2. Pilat seeing that he nothing prevailed c. Taking water washed his hands saying I am innocent of the bloud of this Just man And yet at the same time pronounced sentence of Death against him So many pretend innocency in their life but matter not their foul mouthes they will not offend their neighbour in their outward actions but scruple not to wound him with their tongues Hear how the Jews cry out His bloud be upon us and upon our Children See how the heat of passion casteth a man head-long upon his own ruine And have a care you be not over-ruled by any Luc. 23.24 Consider 3. And Pilat judged their petition to be done Think how unjust this sentence was whereby the Author of life was condemned to death allmost in the same breath wherewith he was pronounced Just and innocent and how wickedly Pilat did in yeelding to their unjust demands against his own conscience that you might learn to stand resolutly for Justice although you were to suffer a thousand deaths for it Think with what shouts the people wellcomed this sentence and how the Priests and Pharises triumphed Ponder what feeling Christ himself had at that time how he complained not nor made any opposition but with an undaunted mind 1 Pet. 2.23 delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly Christ carrieth his Cross Rom. 13.14 COnsider 1. Sentence of Death being given Christ is stripped of the Purple Garment and cloathed with his own that he might be the better known in his own attire The robe is taken off not the crown that he might not be without torment So you likewise if you desire to carry your Cross after our Lord must cast off the purple robe that is the love of the world and put on the garments and livery of Christ to wit Mildness and Patience according to that of the Apostle Doe ye on our Lord Jesus Christ Consider 2. The Cross being brought forth ponderous in weight and fifteen foot in length our Saviour doubtless exulted and with greater reason and feeling then did afterwards his Disciple S. Andrew saluted the same in those or the like words Wellcome O pretious Cross long wished-for Barrad l. 7. c. 10. entirely beloved and now at last prepared to my hearts desire he imbraced kissed and took it upon his shoulders O what shouting and laughter was there then among the people For his greater Ignominy there are led with him two theeves But with what difference both of countenance and disposition of mind doe they beare their several Crosses Think with your self whom you will rather choose to imitate in carrying yours Jo. 19.17 Consider 3. And bearing his own Cross he went forth c. To wit between two theeves the Cryer all along proclaming the respective causes of their death Gen. 22.6 So did Isaac formerly carry on his shoulders the wood of the Holocaust whereon himself was to be sacrificed See how the tender and feeble members of Christ shrink under the heavy burthen and how he stumbleth and falleth often to the ground as he goeth being quite tired-out and exhausted by his torments O Angels of Heaven why doe you not ease his burthen But your sins O my Soul are more burthensome unto him for our Lord hath put upon him saith Isaie the Iniquity of all us Cease therefore to sin Is. 53.6 that you may likewise cease to burthen him Of Meeting the Blessed Virgin COnsider 1. Christ being sentenced to death the news was probably carryed to the B. Virgin by some of the Disciples Ponder how according to Simeons prophecy her Soul is here pierced with the sword of griefe She might likely say with David Who would grant me that I might dye for thee Jesus my Son my Son Jesus She resigned herself 2 Reg. 18.33 notwithstanding wholy to the will of God according to that As it shall be the will in Heaven so be it done 1 Mach. 3.60 Consider 2. How notwithstanding her grief with an undaunted courage she resolveth to goe to the place of Execution to give her last embracements and farewel to her B. Son She stays therefore with other women by the way side where her Son was to pass by Think what torment of mind she felt when she first saw the rout of people coming along with Nailes Hammers Ladders and other such like instruments What afterward when she beheld her most innocent Son coming between two theeves laden with a heavy Cross and cudgelled on by the Souldiers to make hast Condole with them both and grieve for giving cause of their sufferings by your Sinns Luc. 23.28 Consider 3. Those words of Christ to
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
woman not Mother that he might not seem to regard flesh and bloud who was wholy employed in doing the will of his Eternal Father and that he might not the more deeply wound her afflicted heart with the tender name of Mother He commends unto her his Disciple S. John and in him all Christians that she who is so powerful with God might be a Mother to us She willingly accepteth the charge so that she is deservedly stiled by the Saints The Mother of the living S. Epiph. l. 3. hom 78. Hym. Ave Maris stella Recommend your self therefore unto her saying with the Church shew your self a Mother Eccli 13.20 Consider 3. Behold your Mother To wit so as to have recours unto her as a child to his Mother and that you love respect and assist her as your own parent Teaching us herein to be careful of our parents to our last breath Observe how he recommends Virgin to Virgin Be therefore a lover of Chastity if you desire to be ranked among the sons of Mary For like to like and as the Wise man saith Every man will associat himself to his like Imitat S. John in devotion to your Sacred Mother who from that hour took her to his own Behold thy King cometh to thee meek Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a milde King Mat. 21.5 COnsider 1. What is said this day in the Ghospel Behold thy King cometh to thee meek Thou art the same my King and my God Ps. 43.5 which commandest the Salvations of Jacob. At other times we may take him as the King of Majesty the King of Glory a powerful King and exceeding dreadful But in his Passion he would shew himself a milde King who when he suffered threatened not c. 1 Pet. 2.23 And therefore to day sitteth upon an Ass a gentle tame beast Ps. 98.1 Ps. 103.3 who at other times is said to sit upon the Cherubs and walk upon the wings of the winds With this mildness he will come to you in the Eucharist wherein that you might not dread his Majesty he lyeth hid under the disguise and form of most delicious food and suffereth himself with admirable patience and longanimity to be taken into the mouths and brests even of his enemies Ps. 22.2 Consider 2. How much you ought to wish that this King may come and raign in your soul and subdue all your unruly passions For he is both of infinit wisdom and power to govern and protect you and as infinitly rich and bountiful to reward and Crown you Our Lord ruleth me saith David and nothing shall be wanting to me Wherefore if you will want nothing deliver your self to be ruled by him Consider 3. You must duely prepare your soul to receive your King so that he may come to visit you in his mildnes not in his fury and indignation Goe forth therefore to meet him like the Children of Jerusalem carrying with you fresh green branches of good works spead your garments in his way and cast under his feet at least in affection all earthly and worldly concerns sound forth and sing his prayses and say with the Prophet I will exalt thee my God the King Ps. 144.1 Ps. 5.3 and I will bless thy name for ever And Attend to the voice of my prayer my King and my God Of the fourth Word My God my God c. Mat. 27.46 COnsider 1. About the ninth hour Jesus cryed with a mighty Voice saying My God my God why hast thou forsaken me A loud cry and voice are signs of excessive griefe for our Lord was left all alone in his sufferings which continued a long time with exceeding great torment destitute of all manner of comfort which might arise from the Inferiour part of the soul forsaken of his own people even Disciples forseeing withall that the greatest part of the world would forsake him to whom all those bitter torments of his would prove in vaine so that now was truly fullfilled that of Jeremy the Prophet Thren 2.13 Great is thy destruction as the Sea who shall heale thee Consider 2. Christ our Lord could easily have freed himself from these interious anguishes of mind by giving way to the joys of the Beatifical vision which possessed the Superiour Powers of his Soul to overflow also the inferiour but would endure them all that he might be the more like to us in all things and withall to instruct us how to behave our selves in time of Desolation Dryness in Devotion and Trouble of mind which are incident to persons even of the greatest Vertue and Perfection Learn therefore to stand resolutly in like occasions to betake your self to prayer and to hold out with patience in expectation of Gods divine assistance Habac. 2.3 Because coming he will come saith the Prophet and he will not slack Ps. 25.2 Consider 3. If God the Father left his beloved Son in this manner wonder not if he seem to leave you to your self for some time without all comfort Nay such Desolations are signs of his love sent us for tryall of our Constancy and inlargement of our Crown Whence it is that David said Prove me O Lord and tempt me burn my reines and my heart Offer your self in like manner Only beg of him with the same Prophet that when he leaves you Ps. 118.8 he forsakes you not wholy Of the fifth Word I thirst Jo. 19.28 COnsider 1. Jesus knowing that all things were now consummate c. He saith I thirst Christ had a double thirst Corporal and Spiritual His Corporal thirst was most vehement and inflamed with his last nights restless watching weariness interiour affliction and effusion of so much bloud Our Blessed Lord would also suffer this torment for our instruction neither would he quench his own thirst Ps. 77.16 Judic 15.19 who brought forth water out of the Rock for his people that thirsted in the desert and afforded Sampson in his thirst drink out of the jawe of an Ass that you might learn to suffer hunger thirst and other corporal incommodities Consider 2. And they putting a sponge full of Vinegre about Hyssope on the top of a cane offered to his mouth not to refresh but to torment him a new Ps. 135.25 Ps. 144.17 What a potion was this for the Son of God who giveth food to all flesh And filleth every living creature with blessing How much better drink doth â—ie afford us of his own pretious bloud in the Holy Eucharist Ps. 22.5 And your chalice inebriating O Lord how good is it Be ashamed for being so nice in your drink and perhaps complaining also if it happen to be any thing stale harsh unpleasant c. Mat. 5.6 Consider 3. Christs spiritual thirst which was chiefly of three things 1. Of obeying his Heavenly Father and fullfilling whatsoever was written of him 2. Of suffering yet more to which purpose he openly proclamed his thirst
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.
by meanes of them is conferred the Holy Ghost and his Grace which is done either by vertue of the work it self or in respect of the merits and disposition of the person that worketh Beseech our Lord that he would in like manner breath upon you inspiring you with his divine Spirit Say with the Spouse in the Canticles Come Southwind Cant. 4.16 blow through my garden and let the aromaticall Spices thereof flow that is all manner of vertue Zachar. 13.1 Consider 3. Whose Sins you shall forgive they are forgiven c. Ponder the dignity and power expressed and conferred in these words He gave not the like to the Priests of the old law nor to the Angels themselves Besides he did not confine it to any determinate number or quality either of Sins or of Priests but would have it general for all by the Sacrament of Confession to shew the Riches of his Bounty Give him thanks for so great a benefit and so easy a remedy of your Sins For this is truly a fountain lying open to the house of David and to the Inhabitants of Jerusalem for the ablution of the Sinner and of the menstruous Woman Jo. 20.26 Christ appeareth to his Disciples when S. Thomas was present Confider 1. The great Incredulity of S. Thomas and how he came to fall into it 1. He was singular and a part from the rest when Jesus appeared 2. He stubbornly rejected what the others alleaged in testimony of the Resurrection 3. He presumptuously prescribed God the means without which he would not believe Vnless I see in his hands the print of his â—ailes c. I will not believe 4. He persisted in that obstinacy eight whole days nothwithstanding the perswasions and endevours of them all and probably of the B. Virgin herself See you be not singular and Learn how dangerous a thing it is willfully to be ruled by ones own judgement and not to yeeld to others Consider 2. Christs goodness like a good Pastor seeking after his lost sheep He returneth therefore he entereth again the doors being shut he saluteth as before and turning to Thomas rebukes him not nor reprehends him but sweetly calls him to himself in these words Pat in thy singer hither and see my hands and bring hither thy hand and put it into my side and be not incredulous but faithfull O how was his heart inflamed when he put his hand into those burning fornates of love In like manner ought yours to be inflamed as often as you receive him in the Holy Eucharist if you were not wholy insensible and colder then the very Ice Ps. 29.9 13. Consider 3. The Admirable Confession of S. Thomas My Lord and my God He acknowledgeth him true Man and true God expressing his â—â—â—an nature in the first word and his divine nature in the other Ponder with your self these titles and seeing he is your Lord carry your self not as your own man but as his and for that he is also your God see that you yeeld him due Worship and Honour Say with the Prophet To thee O Lord I will cry and I will pray to my God And Lord my God for ever I will confess to thee Of Christs wounds shewed to S. Thomas remaining in his Glorious Body Jo. 16.33 COnsider 1. Our Lord out of his goodness would retain the marks of his wounds and the very holes of the nailes for diverse ends 1. To strengthen his Disciples and us in the beliefe of his Resurrection demonstrating thereby that it was the same body that rose and that was before nailed to the Cross 2. In sign of his Victory and Triumph over the world according to that Have confidence I have overcome the world 3. That they might be a perpetual memorial of his love towards us to provoke us to return our love and to suffer for him whence S. Paul said I beare the marks of our Lord Jesus in my body to wit Gal. 6.17 by continual mortifying the flesh Is. 49.15.16 Consider 2. He retained them 4. To shew what care he would have of us in Heaven according to that of Isaie why can a woman forget her infant c. Yet will not I forget thee Behold I have written thee in my hands 5. That he might present them to his Eternal father pleading for us as our Advocate Whence it is that David said Behold O God our Protectour Ps. 83.10 and look upon the face of thy Christ ss 12.3 Consider 3. He kept them that they might be as so many fountains and rivers of his grace and favors like to those fountains which watered all Paradise Whence the Prophet said You shall draw waters in joy out of the Saviours fountains 7. That they might be an universal refuge in all out afflictions according to that Ps. 103 1â— The rock a refuge for the Irchins that is Sinners For the Rosk as the Apostle saith was Christ As often therefore as you are afflicted betake your self to these wounds Enter into the rock with Isaie and be hid in a pit Isa 2.10 in theÌ„ ground from the face of the fear of our Lord. Abide with the Spouse in the Canticles in the holes of the Rock Cant. 2.14 in the hollow places of the wall Our Lord ruleth me and nothing shall be wanting to me in the place of pasture there he hath placed me Ps. 22.2 Gen. 31.40 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a Good Pastour Is. 53.7 COnsider 1. What Christ saith to day in the Ghospel I am the good Pastour Jo. 10.11 Ponder how well this title aggreeth with him A good Pastour was Jacob who said of himself Day and night I was parched with heat and with frost and sleep did fly from mine eyes But much better was Christ who after thirty three years heats and colds lastly laid down his life for his sheep and himself become as a sheep was led to slaughter But what Shepheard did ever feed his sheep with his own bloud That did Christ to raise and make them fit for Heaven He gave them his body and bloud for meat and drink Who would not wish to be fed by such a Pastour Ezech. 45.11 c. Consider 2. This Pastour will come to you to day in the Holy Eucharist to take care of you to feed to cherish and to defend you from the Infernal wolves For there is no part of a Shepheards Office which he doth not most willingly perform Therefore he saith by the Prophet Behold I my selfe will seek my sheep and will visit them as the Pastour visiteth his flock c. In the most plentifull pastures will I feed them c. That which was Iost I will seek and that which was cast away I will bring again and that which was broken I will bind up and that which was weak I will strengthen and that which was fat and strong I will keep and will feed them in Judgement Ponder
each particular for all is full of pith Jo. 10.27 Consider 3. Seeing you are a sheep endowed with reason you must be careful that nothing be in you that may be ungrateful to the eyes of this your Pastour wherefore wash your self from the durt and filth of sin that you may appear in his sight with a pure and clean fleece Besides My sheep saith he Hear my voice Hear therefore and obey him diligently that you may deserve to remain for ever in his sould Jo. 21.1 Our Lord appeareth to the seven Disciples that were fishing Part 1. COnsider 1. There were together Simon Peter and Thomas and Nathanael c. Peter inviting them to fishing they all shew a readiness to accompany him We also come with thee teaching us thereby what union and concord ought to be among Evangelical Labourers in the fishing for Souls They goe a fishing both for the reliefe of their poverty and want and to avoid Idleness that you might learn to esteem the one and shun the other Ps. 126.1 Consider 2. How that night they took nothing So all humane industry whatsoever of it self is in vaine without the divine concurrance Unless our Lord build the house they have laboured in vaine that build it This hath place chiefly in the gaining of Souls that you should learn not to trust to your own abilityes but to place all your hopes of success in the divine assistance 1 Cor. 3.7 Neither he that planteth is any thing nor he that watereth but he that giveth the increase God Observe likewise that in the night of sin nothing is to be taken in order to Eternal life but all our labour though otherwise never so good during that state as to merit is wholy lost Prov. 21.28 Consider 3. How when morning was now come Jesus slood on the shore yet the Disciples knew not that it was Jesus So he often is it hand in our necessities though we mind him not Then he asketh whether they have any meat though he knew they had not because he will have us acknowledge our wants before he bestoweth his gifts Lastly he biddeth them cast the Net on the right side of the boate and having obeyed now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes in reward of their Obedience that you might learn also to follow and obey the Councels of your Superiours For An obedient man saith Salomon shall speak Victory Jo. 21.7 Our Lord appeareth to the seven Disciples that were fishing Part. 2. COnsider 1. John knowing it to be Christ by the miraculous draught of fish undoubtedly pronounceth It is our Lord. And Peter presently in all hast flingeth him self into the Sea to swimme unto him In John is expressed the light of the contemplative life which is quick sighted to know our Lord and to point him out to others In Peter is figured the fervor of the Active life which is allways forward upon works of Piety Give your self to both that by contemplation you may come to know the Divine will and by Action you may effectually put it in practice Mat. 11.28 Consider 2. Our good Lord had prepared a dinner for them probably by the hands of Angels against they were come on shore For After they came down to land they saw hot Coles lying and fish layed thereon and bread Observe how lovingly he invites them saying Come dine c. And himself distributes the bread among them In like manner he invites us all to partake of his fullness Come ye to me all that labour and are burdened and I will refresh you Wonderful is the care and providence of God over his servants that you may learn to cast your care upon our Lord Ps. 54.23 for he will noâ—rish thee Consider 3. If it be your calling to fish for Souls you must be sure to cast your net on the right side by a right and pure intention only seeking the glory of God and gain of Souls not on the left seeking your own temporal profit The Apostles saith S. Bernard did spread their nets to catch fish not Gold nor Silver Bern. Ep. 137. See that you doe the like Jo. 21.15 Our Lord commits his sheep to Peter COnsider 1. How presently after they were refreshed Christ intending to make Peter his Vicar and to commit unto him the care of his flock questions him first about his love towards him and that thrice one after another Saying Simon of John lovest thou me more then these to teach us how well grounded he must be in Christs love whosoever undertaketh the government of Souls for the undergoing with courage and resolution the labours which accompany that charge Examen your self whether you have a sufficient stock of love to discharge your duty in this point according to your calling Ezech. 34.2.3 Consider 2. What Christ said feed my sheep Ponder what it is to feed and how it is to be done For it is the same as to further them towards their Eternal life by Preaching the word of God by administration of Sacraments and by the example of a good life Let such of this calling take heed they be not the number of those whom our Lord speaks of by his Prophet Wo to the Pastours of Israel c. You did eate the milk and were covered with the wool and that which was fat you killed but my flock you fed not Consider 3. Our Lord foretold Peter his death and manner thereof which he was to suffer for his sake as a certain pledge of their mutual love that you might learn to esteem such sufferings and death it self as tokens of Gods love and special favor towards you as truely they are Therefore the Prophet said according to the Septuagint who are weyned from milk Is. 28.9 juxta Septuag expect tribulation upon tribulation hope upon hope c. That is you who are come to mans estate in Vertue and perfection expect tribulation upon tribulation that you may deserve for your reward hope upon hope Mat. 28.16 Our Lord appeareth to all the Disciples on the Mount COnsider 1. The unspeakable Goodness of our Lord who that he might comfort his friends to the full appointed them to repaire to a mountain of Gallile where they might all see him at once For probably this was that famous Apparition of which S. Paul mentioneth 1 Cor. 15.6 Then was he seen of more then five hundred Bretheren together Think with what fervor they all went to see our Lord. O that you would come with the like to receive him in the Holy Eucharist Ps. 26.3 Consider 2. How our Lord appearing unto them comforted and confirmed them in their faith and among other things said unto them All power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth He had the same Power from all eternity as God but received it now due to him as man in reward of his merits and sufferings Rejoyce that so
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
more excellent then God Man as to his body is no better then dirt and dust a sack of dung and meat for worms As to his Soul he is the very sink of sin an Abyss of ignorance and Myrrour of Inconstancy Think how slender is his ability how little it is he knoweth what miseries he is subject unto so that Job said with reason What is man that thou magnifiest him Job 7.17 or why settest thou thy heart toward him Gen. 41.40 1 Reg. 9. Ps 77.70 Consider 2. On the other side what God is and how great is his Majesty Glory Riches Beauty Power c. and what a dignity it is to be his adoptive Son If it was esteemed a great and wonderful thing in Joseph the Patriarch to be taken out of prison and made Lord of Egypt in Saul from following of Asses to be annointed King and in David from following after the Ewes with young to be assumed to a Kingdome How much more is it to be admired that a lump of earth should be raised to dignity of being the Son of God and that the harbourer of worms should become the companion of Angels Ps 112.7 8 Consider 3. How much you owe to God for having so highly exalted you Raising up the needy from the earth and lifting up the poor out of the dung to place you with the Princes of his heavenly Court O unspeakable honour you deserve not the name of Gods servant Leo Serm. 1. de Nativit and you are made his Son Acknowledge therefore O Christian saith S. Leo your dignity and being made partaker of the Divine Nature do not by unworthy behaviour degenerate to your former baseness Of the benefit of Adoption Part 2. COnsider 1. The admirable effects of this benefit 1. It puts us under Gods special providence and protection so as to bring us up govern maintain and defend us as a loving Father doth his Children Whence David said Ps 102.13 As a father hath compassion of his children so hath our Lord compassion on them that fear him c. And by Isaie he promiseth yet more Why Is 49.15 can a woman forget her Infant that she will not have pity on the son of her womb And if she should forget yet will not I forget thee O what a security it is to be protected by such a Father If God stand for us who will be against us 2 Pet. 1.4 Consider 2. How by this adoption we are made partakers of the Divine Nature and in a manner Gods according to that of the Psalmist I said you are Gods and the sons of the highest all Ps 81. â— for it makes us partakers in some degree of Gods perfections and excellencies as of his Wisdome Fortitude Constancy Justice Charity and other Attributes which in him are by nature and are communicated to us as his children by grace Learn therefore greatly to esteem such a benefit that makes you like to God himself Rom. 8.17 Consider 3. How it makes us also Heirs of the Kingdome of Heaven according to that of the Apostle And if sons heirs also heirs truly of God and co-heirs of Christ O what a happiness Look therefore upon heaven as your own by inheritance Say with that Philosopher Corn. ad Rom. c. 1â— 14. I am born to greater things then to make my self a slave to my own flesh Direct your thoughts and cares thither where you are sure to inherit endless treasures contemn all mortal things and give your mind only to such as are truly great and everlasting and as a certain holy man was wont to say In Vita P. Balt Alvarez Do not degenerate from the high thoughts of the sons of God Of the benefit of Adoption Part 3. Deut. 32.6 COnsider the several Obligations we have by reason of this benefit The first is of loving tenderly and from our whole heart so loving a Father For if children of this world do naturally love their Parents of whom they only receive their corporal substance and earthly goods how much more are you bound to love God from whom all proceeds that is good and who hath possessed thee and made and created thee Exod. 20.12 The second Obligation is of honouring him as our Father that is reverencing him with exteriour worship and serving him what we can with all respect and duty Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thou mayst be long lived upon the earth And our Lord himself by Malachy saith And if I be the father Mal. 1.6 where is my honour Mat. 5.48 Ephes 5.1 The third Obligation is of imitating God as children do their Parents Therefore Christ said Be you perfect as also your heavenly father is perfect And S. Paul Be followers of God as most dear children You must therefore imitate his Sanctity and Immunity from sin his Charity Mercy Justice and other Virtues Lev. 11.45 You shall be holy saith our Lord because I am holy Lev. 19.3 The fourth Obligation is of fearing ever to offend our Father according to that of Leviticus Let every one fear his Father and Mother And if children of this world fear to offend their Parents that they may not be disinherited by them how much more ought we to fear God Take heed that it be not ever objected to you Is 1.2 I have brought up children and exalted them but they have despised me You will despise him if you prefer your own will and desires before his Counsels and Commands Of the benefit of the H. Sacraments Is 12.3 COnsider 1. The wonderful care your Heavenly Father hath of you for to conserve you in the grace of his Adoption he hath provided you with many means for which you owe thanks and gratitude the chief of them are the seven Sacraments which as so many Fountains he would have to flow with several gifts of Grace in all abundance according to the diversity of our necessities so as to make good that of the Prophet You shall draw waters in joy out of the Saviours Fountains Ps 83.5 Consider 2. The infinite Wisdome of God in most fitly ordaining each Sacrament for that man might be born into a spiritual life he instituted Baptisme to grow up and be strengthened in the same Confirmation to be nourished Holy Eucharist That he might have a remedy and certain cure against his spiritual diseases Penance That he might be armed for his last Combat Extreme Unction Lastly for the right discharging of several states and duties in his Church he instituted H. Order and Matrimony Truly blessed are they that dwell in thy house O Lord who doest so abundantly provide for them that fear thee Is 55.1 Consider 3. These Fountains of Grace 1. Are open to all none are excluded though never so poor Whence the Prophet cryeth out All ye that thirst come to the waters and you that have no silver make hast buy and eat 2. They are
Mat. 12.34 COnsider 1. And they began to speak with several Tongues as the H. Ghost gave them to speak Ponder 1. The greatness of the Miracle poor Fishermen that were ignorant and unlearned speak the Languages of all Nations Ponder 2. What they speak of to wit the great works of Christ not of vain trifles or worldly rumors So those who are full of God speak not but of such things as are of God for Of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh See therefore whether or no thy speech doth bewray thee Mat. 26.73 and prove that thou art full of the World not of God Consider 2. The multitude came together and was astoniâ—hed in mind whereof some did believe but others deriding said that these are full of new wine So there will not be ever wanting those that will laugh at good works but we must not therefore leave off Beseech our Lord to make you drunk with the like wine for he whom Gods love doth inebriate saith S. Bernard knoweth how Jesus doth relish S. Bern. in Jubilo O how happy is that man whom he doth satiate there is not any thing lâ—ft him to desire Ephes 5.18 19. Consider 3. The effects which the Holy Ghost doth work in a faithful soul Be filled with the spirit speaking to your selves in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Canticles chanting and singing in your hearts to our Lord saith the Apostle See whether you do so at least excite and stir your self up to like actions Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost Part 1. COnsider 1. How bountiful the Divine Spirit is to us who having no need of us in the least notwithstanding doth liberally bestow upon us most precious and beneficial gifts which are as S. Thomas saith S. Tho. 1.2 q. 68. a. 4. c. Habits inabling a man to follow promptly the instinct of the Holy Ghost chiefly in order to Noble and Heroick Acts and are commonly accounted seven out of Isaie to wit The spirit of wisdom and understanding Is 11.2 the spirit of counsel and strength the spirit of knowledge and piety and the spirit of the fear of our Lord. Consider 3. These giâ—ts serve us as Spiritual Armour to strengthen our several infirmities for the spirit saith S. Paul helpeth our infirmity Rom. 8.26 Greg. Mor. l. 2. c. 27. Therefore he giveth us as S. Gregory teacheth wisdom against folly understanding against dulness counsel against rashness fortitude against fear science against ignorance piety against indevotion the fear of our Lord against pride Seq in Missa Consider 3. How much you are subject to these infirmities how foolishly you prefer the things of this life before Eternity how dull and heavy you are in things appertaining to the service of God and so of the rest Beseech the Divine Spirit to arm you with the even-fold Shield of his gifts Say with the Church Come holy Spirit send forth a beam of your heavenly light c. Of the gifts of the Holy Ghost Part 2. COnsider 1. By the foresaid gifts we are not only holpen against whatsoever infirmities for the avoiding of evil but also provided with excellent helps for the obtaining of good 1. Wisdom helpeth to understand the divine perfections of God and that with gust and affections of love 2. Understanding to penetrate the mysteries of faith and the profound secrets that lye hidden therein S. Knowledge to contemplate with profit created things as they proceed from and lead us to God and inform our life and manners Sap. 9.14 Consider 2. We are also helped by Counsel in our doubts and perplexities For the cogitations of mortal men be fearful and our providences uncertain And as a woman that travelâ—eth Eccli 34.6 thy heart suffereth phantasies unless it be a Vision sent forth from the Highest And because it is dangerous to trust to our selves by the gift of Counsel we are moved to let our selves be led by others especially Superiours and spiritual Directors according to that Establish with thy self an heart of good counsel Eccli 37.17 18. and perswade your self that the soul of a holy man uttereth true things c. Prov. 8.13 Consider 3. By Fortitude we are encouraged to undergo manfully whatsoever difficulties and dangers in Gods service and with an undaunted courage to suffer torments and Martyrdome By Piety we are informed to carry our selves as children towards our Superiours as Mothers towards our Inferiours with the bowels of charity and as Brethren to our Equals Lastly The fear of our Lord hateth evil and preserves us from sin even the least Because he that feareth God Eccl. 7.19 neglecteth nothing Therefore beg these gifts of our Lord who giveth to all men abundantly Jac. 1.5 Of the fruits of the Holy Ghost Galat. 5.22 23. COnsider 1. The Holy Ghost is like a great Tree whose top reacheth to heaven and whose branches shadow the whole earth its fruits are recounted by the Apostle twelve in number The fruit of the spirit is Charity Joy Peace Patience Benignity Goodness Longanimity Mildness Faith Modesty Continency Chastity These are most precious fruit and fall of all sweetness And his fruit saith the Spouse was sweet to my throat Cant. 2.3 Mat. 7.16 Consider 2. And examine your self whether you have the Spirit of God and whether you be partaker of his fruits for by their fruits you shall know them saith Christ Think therefore with your self how charitable you are how patient mild and modest and so of the rest for if you find your self destitute of these it is a sign the divine spirit hath for as yet overshadowed you nor come into you for he that liveth in the spirit Gal. 5.25 in the spirit also walketh Sap. 1.5 Consider 3. The prime disposition requisite for the receiving the Holy Ghost is a pure intention of serving God in all things for his own sake not for worldly respects for as the wise man saith The Holy Ghost of discipline will fly from him that feigneth Wherefore endeavour to please him in all things and to conform your self to the discipline of the place and calling you are of and that not in the outward shew only but sincerely and from the heart Of the manner of life which the Holy Ghost inspired into the first Christians Act. 2.42 COnsider 1. They were persevering in the Doctrine of the Apostles and in the communication of the breaking of bread and of prayers for chiefly by these three things spiritual life is nourished and encreased to wit 1. By hearing or reading the Word of God 2. By frequenting the Sacraments and principally that of the Altar 3. By continual prayer Do you likewise insist chiefly upon these Consider 2. Their living in common All they also that believed were together Ibid. v. 44. and had all things common Their Charity and mutual concord And the multitude of believers had one heart Act. 4.32 and one soul
Their Evangelical Poverty for love of which As many as were owners of lands or houses sold Ibid. 34 35 and bought the prices of those things which they sold and laid it before the feet of the Apostles c. Neither did any one say Sup. v. 32. that ought was his own of those things which he possessed but all things were common to them Act. 2.46 47. Consider 3. The rest of their life they were daily also continuing with one accord in the Temple and breaking bread from house to house as well the Eucharistical bread in Communion as common bread in Hospitality they took their meat with joy and simplicity of heart praising God and having grace with all the people How far are we off from the like fervour assiduity of prayer and simplicity of heart Let us therefore imitate their example that we may come to enjoy their company in heaven Lord if I have found grace in thy sight go not past thy servant Gen. 18.3 Trinity Sunday Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Second Person of the most Blessed Trinity Isa 6.3 COnsider 1. What Faith teacheth us concerning this most sacred mystery to wit three Persons subsistent in one single Nature or Essence of Divinity the Father unbegotten his only begotten Son and the Holy Ghost proceeding from both Imagine your self to see innumerable millions of Saints and Angels in heaven prostrate before the Throne of the Divinity with most prefound reverence and admiration of this incomprehensible Mystery and continually singing forth Holy holy holy the Lord God of Hosts Consider 2. The Second Person of this Sacred Trinity will abide with you this day and with him the other two the Father and the H. Ghost who being the self-same in Nature with the Son Suar. 2. p. to 3. disâ— 51. See 6. in a special manner are also present in the Eucharist What entertainment therefore will be sitting for such Guests what care of neatness and adorning your self with acts of virtue Consider 3. With what servour humility and devotion Abraham entertained the three Angels who represented the B. Trinity He received three but adored only one saith S. Augustine saying Aug. l. 16. c. 29. Civit. Lord if I have found grace in thy sight go not past thy servant Then himself ran to the Herd took from thence one of the best Calves and caused it to be boiled and set before them Do you the like and present your guests with the best you have to wit your heart well prepared by the sire of Charity and say with the Church In Offic. ss Triritatis Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity now and ever and world without end Of the first Person of the B. Trinity or of the Eternal Father 2 Cor. 4.4 Heb. 1.3 COnsider 1. The Eternal Father as Faith teacheth is the Fountain and Origin of the other persons in the B. Trinity for understanding himself by an Intuitive Vision he begetteth the Eternal Word that is a most perfect and substantial Image of himself which is the Son the Image of God and the figure of his substance And again together with the Son by mutual love breatheth forth the Holy Ghost communicating unto them both his entire Nature without division retaining in himself his own proper personality uncommunicated Admire the sublimeness of this Mystery stir your self up to acts of Faith and acknowledge how weak mans understanding is to comprehend divine things O depth of the riches of the wisdome Rom. 11.33 I and of the knowledge of God c. Consider 2. Although all exteriour works of God are common to the whole Trinity notwithstanding those of Power and Omnipotency are appropriated to the Father such are the Creation Conservation and Government of the World whence you may learn both how much you ought to love him who created you and for your sake produced this admirable Structure of the Universe and how much reason you have to fear him Mat. 10.28 who in a moment can destroy both soul and body into hell Jo. 16.27 Consider 3. This Father and Lord of all things notwithstanding the greatness of his Majesty stoopeth so low beneath himself for love of us who at the best are but his Slaves and Vassals as to make us his children and heirs by adoption For the Father himself loveth you saith Christ Nay God so loved the world Jo. 3.16 that he gave bis only begotten Son for its redemption See therefore how much reason you have to love and reverence with your whole heart and with all your strength so loving a Father Of the Second Person of the B Trinity or of the Son Is 53.8 COnsider 1. That as Faith teacheth the Son was begotten from all Eternity without the least difference of time or point of inequality for he is Consubstantial Coeternal and in all things equal to the Father he is properly the Word of the Divine Intellect expressing in himself the whole substance of the Divinity the which being made as it were Vocal by the Incarnation declared unto us the secret Mysteries of the Father Who shall declare his generation Neither the Angels themselves can comprehend this unspeakable Procession Therefore what you cannot conceive either by sense or reason believe with a firm faith and rejoyce for the glory of the Son equal in all things with the Father Consider 2. The Sons love towards mankind who to redeem his Slave delivered himself over to death For us men and for our salvation Symb. Nicen he descended from heaven and was incarnate and born and that in so humble and contemptible a manner God was made man that man might be made God Aug. Ser. 9. de Nat. Leo Ser. 6. de Nat. Or as S. Leo saith Christ was made the Son of man that we might be made the Sons of God O ineffable love O incomprehensible favour Consider 3. How you may requite so great a love Doubtless it requires that you both reverence his divine person with the greatest devotion and respect and with as great tenderness love that sacred humanity which he took upon him and nailed to the Cross for your sake Say with S. Bernard S. Bern. Ser. 1. de Epiph. The more vile he is become for me so much the more dear he is to me and take heed least by sinning you alienate from your self so loving a friend Of the Third Person of the B. Trinity or of the Holy Ghost Pref. Miss COnsider 1. The Holy Ghost as the Third Person of the B. Trinity proceeding from the Father and the Son but coeternal and consubstantial to them both of equal power wisdom and so of the other divine Attributes For there is as the Church singeth Propriety in the Persons unity in the Essence and Equality in Majesty Do you also reverence and honour this divine person and joyn your voice with the Seraphins crying out Holy Is 6.3 holy
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
your self at any time tempted in this or that matter but as the wise man adviseth Son coming to the service of God c. prepare thy soul to tentation Eccli 2.1 knowing that our Enemy though he rageth never so much can overcome none saith S. Bernard but such as will themselves S. Bern. Tob. 12.13 Consider 3. Temptations come to us not only by the Devil to overthrow us but also by Almighty God to Crown us for victory over them And therefore it was that he tempted Abraham and all his friends as it is said of Toby Because thou wast acceptable to God it was necessary that tentation should prove thee Jac. 1.2 Hence the Apostie admonisheth us to rejoyce in our tentations and to trust in God 1 Cor. 10.13 who is faithful and will not suffer us to be tempted above that which we are able but will make also with tentation issue that we may sustain Of Christs first Tentation in the Desart Mat. 4. Luc. 4. COnsider 1. And the Tempter approached and said Mat. 4.3 S. Greg. Hom. 16. in Evang. If thou be the Son of God command that these stones be made bread He sets upon Christ in the Desart with the same weapons wherewith he overcame Adam in Paradise And he tempts him first with Gluttony for that he saw Christ to suffer hunger after his long fasting S. Tho. 3. p. q. 41. ar 1. being desirous also to get out by this miraculous food whether he were truly the Son of God See how craftily he sets his batteries against those places which he thinks to be of less strength like to a prudent Captain that besiegeth a Town View therefore narrowly your walls on every side and be careful to strengthen your self chiefly there where you find your self weakest Consider 2. How five manner of ways we may be tempted and overcome with Gluttony 1. By preventing due time 2. By seeking more costly and nice fare 3. By curiosity in dressing even ordinary meats 4. By exceeding the just measure 5. By too much greediness Examine therefore your self how you are in these points for as B. Isidore saith B. Isid de Sum. l. 2. c. 42. No man can attain to the perfection of Virtue unless he firsi master the ravening of his belly Rom. 14.17 Consider 3. Christs answer to this Tentation Not in bread alone doth man live but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God teaching us that we should not be too sollicitous about our corporal food For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but much more about spiritual things whereby we do truly live to Eternity Wherefore we are not to expect a Miracle for meat and drink but commit those cares to Gods ordinary Providence who giveth to hâ—asts their food Ps 146.9 and to the young Ravens that call upon him Learn hence to cut off all superfluous thoughts and discourses of such things Of Christs second Tentation in the Desart Mat. 4. Luc. 4. Mat. 4.5 COnsider I. Then the Devil took him up into the holy City and sâ—t him upon the Pinacle of the Temple c. For the Enemy thought saith S. Cyprian whom he could not prevail withall by Gluttony might be overcome by vain glory Therefore he carrieth our Lord by his permission in the Ayr and sets him on the top of the Temple of Hierusalem perswading him to cast himself down harmless to the end that the men below astonished with the Miracle should come to know and honour him Ponder how subtil and dangerous a temptation this is in regard we are naturally covetous of praise and honour and see whether it doth not insinuate it self also into your actions Col. 3.1 2. Consider 2. Those words of the Tempter Cast thy self down c. So he saith to all that sin Cast your self-down into sin which is truly a downfall Nay he endeavoureth to perswade all men to cast themselves down that is to bend their thoughts and cares upon earth and earthly things and plunge themselves in them Think how often and what things they are in particular that he buzeth in your ears and hearken rather to the Apostles advice in those words Seek the thing that are above mind the things that are above and not the things that are upon the earth Consider 3. How resoluâ—ely Christ doth reject that miraculous descent and with it Vain Glory which was to rise from it Thou shalâ— noâ—â—â—enpt the Lord thy God teaching us not to expect Miracles from God when we can use humane means Learn therefore both to contemn the esteem and praise of the world and not to seek or expect extraordinary favours visitations or illustrations from God For as the wise man saith Every arrogant man is an abomination to our Lord. Prov. 16.5 Of our Lords third Tentation in the Desart Mat. 4. Luc. 4. Mat. 4.8 COnsider 1. Again the Devil took him up into a very high Mountain and he shewed him the Kingdoms of the world and the glory of them c. This is the third device of the Devil and the most forcible of all others whereby he overthrâ—weth most men to wit the promise of wealth and honours whence the wise man saith Eccli 8.3 Gold and silver hath destroyed many But the Lyar proffered more then he could perform saying All these will I give thee if falling down thou wilt adore me In like manner to them whom he induceth to sin he promiseth great matters content honours riches c. but at the up-shot payeth them only with grief and mi eries 2 Pet. 2.19 Consider 2. Christs Constancy teaching us by his example not to sin for gaining the whole world And yet how many are there that run daily to Hell but for a small parcel of it Avant Satan for it is written The Lord thy God thou shalt adore and him only halt thou serve See whether you serve your Lord God only or not rather your own inordinate desires often adoring the Devil in them For wherewith a man is overcome of that he is the slave also saith S. Peter Consider 3. After the third repulse the Devil lift him and behold Angels came and ministred to him in reward of his Victory Think with what alacrity those heavenly Spirits come sent by the Eternal Father and with what reverence they serve their Lord with the meat they bring So those that serve or help others in mean Offices do thereby truly serve Christ in his little ones Observe what S. Luke saith Luc. 4.13 that all the tentation being ended the Devil departed from him until a time that you might not think your self secure although twice or thrice you should have forced him away Chrys Hom. 3. in Gen. We have need of great vigilancy saith S. Chrysostome because we have continual War and no Truce Of Holy Communion I will go into thy house with holocausts I will render
and so thou shalt depart 3 Reg. 19.8 Consider 2. This strengthening bread is properly the Holy Eucharist which is therefore given us under the form of Bread and that of Wheat which is most comfortable of all other thereby to enable us to go on with alacrity to overcome the toil and labour of the journey and to resist our spiritual enemies that strive to hinder our passage A lively figure of this was that bread which the Angel gave to Elias in the strength whereof he walked fourty daies and fourty nights unto the Mount of God Horeb. Consider 3. This bread although of it self most comfortable and strengthening produceth not its effects but in a well ordered and clean stomack for if it be foul it overchargeth and weakneth it the more 1 Cor. 11.30 Therefore are there among you many weak and feeble saith the Apostle because they received Christs Body unworthily Wherefore duly prepare your soul and cleanse it of all disordinate affections and then this heavenly bread will enable you so as to run chearfully in the way of Gods Commandments according to that Ps 118.32 I ran the way of thy Commandments when thou didst dilate my heart Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 1. Mat. 8.19 COnsider 1. While Christ was walking by the Sea of Tiberias with multitudes about him A certain Scribe came to him and said I will follow thee whither soever that thou shalt go This was a liberal Oblation of himself but not accepted of For the holy Fathers are of opinion S. Hieron S. Aug. apud Barrad to 2. that this man followed Christ only for gain as thinking by his Miracles and concourse of people that he gathered store of money Or perhaps also he would follow him out of vain ostentation and that he might come to work Miracles O how many are there in the world that say they follow Christ but in truth seek their own ends Mat. 5.3 Consider 2. Christs answer The Foxes have holes and the Fowls of the ayr Nests but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head As â—f he would say Why should you desire to follow me for worldly wealth who have no lodging of my own being less provided then the very beasts and fowls themselves O wonderful poverty of this Sovereign King But this Poverty is so rich and of that value as to be able to purchase the Kingdom of Heaven according to that Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Ps 87.16 Mat. 11.29 Abdias 4. Consider 3. The Disciples of Christ ought not to be either Foxes having their holes that is Coffers to hoard up treasures in or Birds building their Nests aloft and seeking high and eminent imployments and dignities for that he himself is poor and in labours from his youth Meek and humble of heart Ponder those words If thou shalt be exalted as an Eagle and if thou shalt set thy Nest among the Stars thence will I pluck thee down saith our Lord. Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 2. Luc. 9.59 COnsider 1. Christ said to another follow me And he said Lord permit me first to go and to bury my Father This was a great mercy of Christ inviting him to be his Disciple and yet not accepted of but upon condition for he would first bury his Father who lay a dying or as others expound would have taken care of him till he died and after that betake himself to the service of God So many would serve God but after their own fashion that is after they have served their own pleasures and had their swing in the world Luc. 14.26 Consider 2. Our Lords answer Let the dead bury the dead but go thou set forth the Kingdom of God He teacheth us to prefer God before our Parents or Kindred He forbids not the performance of our duty but would have natural affection give way to the Divine Service for he will have his Disciples to cast off all carnal affection wherefore in another place he saith If any man come to me and hateth not his Father and Mother c. he cannot be my Disciple 1 Tim. 5.6 Consider 3. Christ termeth them dead that live to the world in sin For there are two sorts of death one of the body the other of the soul the body dieth when the Soul departeth the Soul dieth when it is separated from God by sin Christ therefore saith let them that are dead to God bury and take care of them that are dead to the world But let your care rather be to preserve the life of your Soul lest some time or other you come to die by sin and be cast off from the Face of God more loathsome to him then any dead carkass She that is in deliciousness saith the Apostle living is dead Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 3. Luc. 9.61 COnsider 1. A third came to Christ and offered himself to follow him but asked leave that he might first return home to dispose of his things and take leave of his Father and Friends I will follow thee Lord but permit me first to take my leave of them that are at home A reasonable request in appearance but not received for that all dangerous delays in the service of God ought to be carefully avoided Eccli 5.8 Slack not to be converted to our Lord and defer not from day to day Consider 2. Christs answer No man putting his hand to the Plough and looking back is apt for the Kingdom of God As much as to say the Ploughman that hath his hand upon the Plough and looketh the contrary way is not fit to plough so he that intends to be my Disciple and turneth back to regard worldly affairs is not fit to preach the Gospel The Ploughman must see what is before him so must the Disciple of Christ according to the Apostle Phil. 3.13 Who forgetting the things that are behind stretched forth himself to those that are before Eccli 27.12 Consider 3. We are admonished here of constancy and perseverance in what we undertake for God A fool is changed as the Moon but a holy man continueth in wisdom as the Sun never going back but still making progress Examine your self how constant you are in your good purposes whether you keep the first fervour of your Conversion or as much as you remember your self to have had at other times c. Be stedfast in the way of our Lord Eccli 5.12 and if you find your self to have grown cold do penance Apoc. 2.5 and do the first works Of the Vocation of the Rich young man Mat. 19. Mar. 10. Luc. 18. Part 1. Luc. 18.18 Mar. 10.17 COnsider 1. As our Lord passed through Jewry A certain Prince running forth and kneeling before him asked him
saying Good Master by doing what shall I possess everlasting life Such ought to be your cares and cogitations to wit of Eternal life not of this miserable and mortal one which vanisheth away like a shadow Therefore stir your self up and often ask your self that question By what doing shall I possess everlasting life Mat. 19.17 Consider 2. Christs first answer Keep the Commandments for this is necessary for all men neither will it suffice to keep one or more unless you keep all for he that osteadeth in onâ— is made guilty of all Jac. 2.10 See therefore whether you observe every one and in what manner which ought to be exact and perfect according to that Thou hast very much commanded thy Commandments to be kept Ps 118.4 Consider 3. The young man having answered that he had kept all the Commandments of the Law from his youth Jesus beholding him loved him and said to him c. Go sell whatsoever thou hast Mar. 10.21 c. and come follow me Or as S. Matthew recounteth If thou wilt be perfect go sell the things that thou hast c. It is therefore a sign Mat. 19.21 or effect of Gods love to a person when he invites him to renounce all things and to follow Christ in imbracing poverty think with your self what God requireth of you in this point endeavour at least to be poor in affection that you may the more readily follow Christ who for you was made poor whereas he was rich that by his poverty you might be rich 2 Cor. 8.9 Of the Vocation of the Rich young man Mat. 19. Mar. 10. Luc. 18. Part 2. Mat. 19.22 COnsider 1. when the young man had heard this word of selling all he had he went away sad for he had many possessions Thus we often purpose to do great matters for God and wish for occasions to suffer for him but when we come to the push we fail and put on a sad countenance Observe how this young man answered not Christs call to follow him because he was rich And if God hath taken from you the like hinderance of riches give him thanks for that otherwise perhaps being intangled therewith and thereby hindred from following him you had long since been a lost man Luc. 18.24 25. Consider 2. That saying of Christ after the young mans departure How hardly shall they that have money enter into the Kingdom of God For it is casier for a Camel to pass through the eye of a Needle then for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God Wherefore that you may easily enter cut off the Camels bunch that is at least all disordinate affection to the riches of the world and take heed of scraping and hoarding up For they that will be made rich saith the Apostle fall into tentation 1 Tim. 6.9 and the snare of the Devil c. Consider 3. The saying of S. Peter upon this occasion Behold we have left all things Mat. sup v. 27. and have followed thee Whence the holy Fathers gather that the Apostles made a vow of Poverty and left all not only what they had but also what they might have and even the very desire of having Ponder the greatness of the reward which our Lord promised to all that should leave any thing for his sake to wit they shall receive an hundred times so much now in this time Mar. 10.30 c. and in the world to come life everlasting O incomparable purchase and to be preferred before all the gains in this world Of our Vocation in General to follow Christ Mat. 16. Mar. 8. Luc. 9. Luc. 9.23 COnsider 1. Christ hath prescribed certain Laws to be observed by all that come to his School therefore as S. Luke saith he said to all If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow me These therefore are the Laws of his School to wit Abnegation of himself and his desires Carrying the Cross and that daily and Imitation of Christ in all things See how you are in these particulars that you may become a worthy Disciple of such a Master Consider 2. More in particular what it is properly to deny himself for it is as holy men say to break and leave ones own will Colos 3.9 S. Basil â—a reg fusius q. 6. and to spoil himself of the old man with his acts Think how necessary this is and on the contrary how dangerous a thing it is to follow ones own will and judgment See how you are in this point and how you may better your self in it to Gods glory And lastly S. Bern. Serm. 2. de S. Andrea S. Hieron in c. 16. Mat. 2 Cor. 4.10 by what means you may arrive to this Abnegation of your self Consider 3. To carry our Cross daily the Apostle also adviseth us in those words Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus Therefore no day without a line or some progress in Mortification ought to pass with a Disciple of Christ whence S. Augustine saith The whole life of a Christian if he liveth according to the Gospel is a Cross and a Martyrdom Therefore take up your Cross chearfully and whatsoever is ingrateful to flesh and blood for by the Cress the way lies open to a Crown Of Holy Communion Let my Beloved come into his Garden and eat the fruit of his Appletrees Cant. 5.1 Consider Christ as a Good Tree Cant. 2.3 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Every good Tree yieldeth good fruits Mat. 7.17 Christ above all others is a good Tree and is often compared to several sorts of Trees in the holy Scripture In the Canticles it is said As the Apple-tree among trees of the woods so is my beloved among the Sons Other men are trees of the woods which bring forth no other then wild and sowre fruit to wit Sin Christ alone is the Appletree bringing forth most delicious fruit and as the Apple by its juice affordeth both meat and drink so Christ by his precious Body and Blood is both meat and drink to us in the Eucharist Jer. 31.32 Consider 2. Your Soul is as a Garden planted with Gods own hand according to that Their Soul shall be as a watered Garden Into this Garden of yours will be brought to day and planted this heavenly Tree the true Tree of Life yielding twelve fruits as is said in the Apocalyps which are Charity Joy Peace Patience Benignity Goodness Longanimity Galat. 5.22 23. Mildness Faith Modesty Continency Chastity O how are you to long for that hour in which your beloved is to come into his Garden and eat the fruit of his Appletrees that is of good works which he will produce in you Cant. 2.3 Consider 3. If you desire to have your fill of this fruit you must set your self down under the shadow of the Tree by
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
these affections bring your Lord into the Closet of your heart Ps 142.2 saying with the Psalmist Enter not into iudgment with thy servant but rather according to the multitude of thy commiserations have respect to me Ps 68.17 Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 1. Mat. 5.1 COnsider 1. Seeing the multitudes he went up into a Mountain c. and opening his mouth he taught them c. Ponder 1. The place of this famous Sermon which is a high Mountain 2. The Preachers Person which is the increated Wisdom of God 3. His Chair or Pulpit for he taught them upon the bare ground 4. His Auditors which were his Disciples and other unlearned and simple people 5. The subject of his discourse which was of true felicity Go you up in spirit with the people and sitting at the feet of so great a Master give attentive eare to what he saith 1 Reg. 3.10 Say with Samuel Speak Lord for thy servant heareth Consider 2. Christ in this his Sermon performed not only the Office of a Teacher but also of a Lawgiver declaring the Antient Law and proclaiming the New It was said to them of old Thou shalt not kill c. But I say to you Mat. sup v. 22. that whosoever is angry with his Brother shall be in danger of judgment c. and the like Reverence therefore this your Lawgiver and give him thanks for his wholesome precepts Beseech him to print his holy Law in the fleshly Tables of your heart say with David Set me a Law O Lord the way of thy Justifications Ps 118.33 and I will seek after it always Colos 2.3 Is 9.6 Consider 3. He performed also the part of a Councellour exhorting them to points of the greatest perfection even beyond the obligation of the Law as of turning the other cheek to the striker of letting go the Cloak also to him that takes away the Coat of going two other miles with him that will force you one mile and the like Think how just it is to follow his counsel in all things for in him be all the treasures of wisdom and Knowledge hid And by Isaie he is stiled Councellour and the Angel of great Councel Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 2. COnsider 1. All men have a natural desire of felicity yea even the most wicked of all would be happy but will not seek after true happiness Therefore Christ beginneth with that which all men desire as if he should say You all desire to be happy therefore I will shew you the several ways that lead to true happiness Do you therefore set your affections upon this true Felicity and seek it only by such ways or means as Christ hath pointed out to you Ps 143.15 Consider 2. How contrary are the ways of God from the ways of the world and his judgments from those of men The World placeth its felicity in honours riches pleasures eating and drinking freedom from pain and grief c. They have said that it is a happy people which hath these things On the contrary Christ pronounceth them happy that are poor meek and humble that hunger and thirst after Justice that suffer reproaches and torments c. As the Heavens are exalted above the earth so are my ways exalted above your ways Is 55.9 saith our Lord. See with what Party you side with Christ or with the World Ps 83.6 Consider 3. Eight Virtues contemptible to the world Christ honoured with the title of Beatitudes and of them as so many steps made a Ladder for us to climb up to our last and everlasting Felicity These are 1. Poverty of Spirit 2. Meekness 3. Sorrow for Sins 4. Hunger and thirst after Justice 5. Mercy 6. Purity of Heart 7. Making of peace both with God and with Men. 8. Suffering Persecution for Christ You must also climb this Ladder if you desire to enter into the Joy of our Lord Blessed is the man whose help is from thee he hath disposed Ascension in his heart Of the first Beatitude Blessed are the poor in Spirit Mat. 5.3 c. COnsider 1. More in particular each virtue and in them 1. Their Acts. 2. Christs Example 3. Their reward The proper Acts of Poverty are counted five 1. He is poor in spirit who in affection is ready rather to lose all then offend God 2. Who actually leaveth all for his sake 3. Who aspireth not to things above himself presumeth not of himself nor seeketh the praises of men 4. Who denieth his own judgment and will submitting himself to others 5. Who acknowledgeth whatsoever he hath as a gift of God and rightly understandeth his own nothing My substance is as nothing before thee Ps 38.6 See how you are in each point Phil. 2.7 Consider 2. The admirable Examples which Christ gave us in this kind throughout his whole Life but chiefly in his Crib in Banishment in his Parents House and on the Cross Besides he exinanited himself as the Apostle saith made subject and obedient not only to his Eternal Father and Parents on earth till the thirtieth year of his Age but also to his Tormentors even to death it self And of his Doctrine he publickly professed My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me Jo. 7.16 Consider 3. The Reward of this Poverty For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. sup Think what a gainful kind of Merchandise this is to get an Everlasting Kingdom by the exchange of some few transitory enjoyments of this life Ponder the excellency of this Kingdom its riches glory beauty and perpetuity That which eye hath not seen 1 Cor. 2.9 nor ear hath heard neither hath it ascended into the heart of man what things God hath prepared for them that love him Wherefore S. Grogory Nazianzen had reason to say Happy is he that buyeth Christ S. Greg. Naz. de Beatitud spiritu vitae Regul though with all his goods and fortunes Of the second Beatitude Blessed are the Meek Mat. 5.4 c. COnsider 1. After Poverty in Spirit that is contempt of the World and its desires followeth Meekness as the Child its Parent The Acts of this are chiefly three The first is to bridle the passions of Anger and Revenge and when zeal is to be shewed to do it without any perturbation either interiour or exteriour The second is to be affable to all and troublesome to none neither in word nor in action The third not to oppose or put off injuries with violence even when you lawfully may but to suffer your own contempt with peace and tranquillity of mind Think how you are in these particulars Mat. 12.19 20. Is 42.2 3 4. Consider 2. Christs example herein of whom Isaie saith He shall not contend nor cry out neither shall any man hear in the streets his voice The reed bruised he shall not break and smoaking flax he
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
Angelical behaviour and incomparable Innocency of Life Consider 3. Upon this occasion Christ said The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent bear it away Think how true that was in S. John in the Martyrs and in all the Saints There are two sorts of Violence the one exteriour which curbs the flesh the other interiour which bridleth the inordinate appetites of the mind whereof this latter is the more excellent but both to be used wherefore S. Hierom with good reason did say So much shall you profit Hieron ap Rodrig p. 2. tr 1. c. 5 by how much you offer violence to your self See what and how much it is that you do in this point Of the Martyrdome of S. John Baptist Mat. 14. Marc 6. Marc. 6.22 Eccles 7.2 COnsider 1. Herod made the supper of his Birth-day to the Princes c. Worldly men place their felicity in the enjoyment of this mortal life which notwithstanding passeth away like a shadow On the contrary the Holy Ghost saith Better is the day of Death then the day of Nativity for that this bringeth us into this world and into innumerable miseries the other if we have lived well uniteth us with God himself Therefore have your eye always upon that and dispose your self to it in all your actions Pro. 23 2â— Consider 2. Among their Cups and Dances was demanded and granted the Head of a most innocent and holy man where you may learn what crimes Riot and Wantonness do beget whence the wise man saith Be not in the feasts of great drunkards Herod fell into this Precipice for that he would not hear S. John which word signifieth Grace Take heed therefore you do not expose your self to the same ruine by resisting Gods holy Grace and Inspirations Woe to thee that despisest Is 33.1 shalt not thy self also be despised Ps 115.6 Consider 3. S. John received the Sentence of Death with great joy and with as great constancy laid his Head on the Block whence he breathed forth his blessed Soul into the bosom of Abraham Precious in the sight of our Lord is the death of his Saints Beg that you may come to the like end whereby you will have a most secure and short passage to Heaven Offer your self often to God for Martyrdome Imitate the example of so many glorious Martyrs of your Country by the continual practise of Virtue and constancy in Faith and Religion Of five thousand fed in the Desart Mat. 14. Jo. 6. Mar. 6. Part 1. Mar. 6.34 COnsider 1. How a great multitude of people followed Christ into the Desart drawn by his Miracles and Doctrine He had compassion on them c. and he began to teach them many things He first giveth them spiritual food afterwards also corporal You must also retire into the Desart far from the noise of worldly cares if you desire to be regaled by our Lord Osce 2.14 I will lead her into the wilderness and I will speak to her heart saith our Lord of a faithful soul Observe also the Apostles care for the people saying Mat. 14.15 Dismiss the multitudes that going into the Towns they may buy themselves victuals Ibid. Consider 2. Christ having demanded of his Disciples what they had to set before the people they answered him We have not here but five loaves and two fishes This was all the provision of that Apostolical Family a few course loaves and two fishes although they were themselves Fishermen Moreover they promptly exhibit what they have without alledging their own want or scarcity that you might learn what you can to help others according to that Tob. 4.8 As thou shalt be able so be merciful Ps 67.4 Consider 3. The Order of the Miracle the loaves being brought Christ commanded the multitude to sit down upon the grass The Apostles minister himself looking up to heaven blessed the loaves and distributed them In the same manner ought you to look up to heaven before you eat that is to lift up your heart to the Giver of all good that you may not fall upon your meat as beasts do Therefore David Let the Just make merry and rejoyce in the sight of God Of five thousand fed in the Desart Mat. 14.20 c. Part 2. Ps 77.19 Deut. 32.13 COnsider 1. How the Loaves by Divine Power were multiplied in the Apostles hands so that although they were continually distributing yet still they found either in their hands or in the Baskets more to distribute the Angels as is probable secretly supplying new provision of loaves and fish In like manner formerly at the prayers of Elias neither Meal nor Oyl was wanting although the present provision was daily spent Who would not willingly serve so good and powerful a Lord who can prepare a Table in the Desart and is able to bring forth honey out of the Rock and Oyl out of the hardest stone Is 55.2 Consider 2. They did all eat and had their fill The delights of this world may please and content us for a while but cannot fill for the Souls capacity and appetite is greater then to be satisfied with such Trash Christ alone is able to give it full content wherefore he saith by the Prophet Why bestow you silver not for bread and your labour not for satiety Come therefore to him that you may be filled Pro. 19. 17 Consider 3. After all had eaten the Apostles gathered out of the leavings more then what they had given out to wit twelve full baskets of the fragments So God is wont to reward the Charity of his Servants and is liberal to the liberal He lendeth our Lord that hath mercy on the poor and he will repay him the like Give therefore to your Brother good measure and pressed down Luc. 6.38 and shaken together and running over that you may receive the like into your bosome Christ flyeth Jo. 6.14 not to be made King Ps 43.5 COnsider 1. Those men therefore when they had seen what a sign Jesus had done said that this is the Prophet c. They were astonished at the strangeness of the Miracle of feeding five thousand with so little provision and would therefore have made Christ their King Our Lord worketh daily a far greater Miracle in feeding the whole world bringing forth plentiful Harvests out of a few grains of Corn why therefore do we not make him King of our heart obeying him in all things Thou art the same my King and my God which commandest the salvations of Jacob said King David Consider 2. Jesus therefore when he knew that they would come to take him and make him King he fled again into the Mountain himself alone Soveraignty was due to Christ as being Son of God it was due also to his Merits and Bountifulness towards men but he would not accept of it and whensoever there was any Treaty about it he fled away and hid himself
difficulties and lets that hinder their mutual communication And we may fitly apply to S. Peter in this place those words of the Canticles Cant. 8.7 Many waters cannot quench his charity neither shall flouds overwhelm it See whether you love God in this manner and not rather permit your self to be often taken off from his service for small difficulties Consider 2. How S. Peter being bid to come cast himself into the Sea But seeing the wind rough he was afraid Mat. sup and when he began to be drowned he cryed out to our Lord. So our Lord doth often permit us almost to sink under our tentations that we may the more fervently call upon him But at length he stretched forth his hand to Peter and would not let him sink So he will also do with us Ps 36.24 according to that When he shall fall he shall not be bruised because our Lord putteth his hand under And he sent from on high Ps 17.17 and took me and he received me out of many waters Consider 3. What it signifieth mystically to walk upon the Sea S. Aug. Ser. 13 de Verbis Dom. The World is like a Sea saith S. Augustine if you love God you walk upon the Sea if you love the World this Sea will swallow you up Examine your self which of the two you love God or the World it is a dreadful thing to be swallowed up Be sure therefore that you walk and trample over this Sea and be mindful of what the same Saint saith Every ones inordinate desire is his tempest Of S. Peters confessing Christ Mat. 16. Mar. 8. Luc. 9. Mat 16.13 COnsider 1. Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his Disciples saying Whom say men that the Son of Man is For it is good sometimes to know what men say of us both that we may come to know and correct our defects and that we may strive to make good and to perfect in our selves such things as are said of us to our commendation but take heed you do not desire it out of vain glory and ostentation Observe how Christ calleth himself every where the Son of Man though he were the only begotten Son of God and yet worldly men foolishly stand upon their Points and Titles of Honour Consider 2. The Apostles answer Some John the Baptist and other some Elias c. they say not some a Glutton others a Drunkard and other such like reproaches to teach us that slanderous reports ought not to be uttered before our Brother not to afflict his mind Observe how far men were off from the esteem they ought to make of Christ notwithstanding that his Miracles did most apparently evidence his Divinity that you might cease to wonder if your Neighbours or Companions undervalue you or mistake in taking you to be worse then you are Be content to be such and no more then you are in the sight of God who seeth all things Ps 21.23 Consider 3. But whom do you say that I am He puts the question to his Disciples as having been long brought up in his School and consequently bound to know more of him then the rest Peter answered and said Thou art Christ the Son of the Living God not by Adoption as others but by Nature and Essence the true Messias and Saviour of the World Rejoyce for the Divinity of your Lord and Saviour and stir your self up both to confess him in your own thoughts and actions and to bring others likewise to the knowledge and service of him according to that I will declare thy Name to my Brethren Primacy is promised to Peter Mat. 16.17 COnsider 1. When Peter had made that Famous Profession of his Faith our Lord said Blessed art thou Simon Bar-jona because flesh and blood hath not revealed to theâ— but my Father which is in Heaven Our Lord pronounceth him blessed for that the foundation of a happy life is to know Christ Simon signifieth the same as Obedient Bar-jona the Son of a Dove or of Grace Be you therefore obedient and with a Dove-like simplicity endeavour to comply with the Divine Grace Do not mind what flesh and blood doth suggest but what the heavenly Father doth inspire you that you may also become happy Ibid. Consider 2. Peters reward Thou art Peter that is a Rock and upon this Rock will I build my Church c. 1. Christ giveth him a Name suitable to his Office 2. Upon him he foundeth his Church Militant and makes him the Visible Head thereof 3. He promiseth him Infallibility so that the Gateâ—s of Hell shall not prevail against him 4. He promiseth him likewise the Keys of Heaven that is the Key of Knowledge to determine matters of Faith without Errour and the Key of Power to remit sins Rejoyce for these Priviledges granted to the Chief Pastor for your particular and the whole Churches general good Consider 3. In what a miserable state are they that deny this Primacy of S. Peter and will not build upon the Rock which cannot be overthrown or rooted up but upon the Sands of their own judgment and private spirit ground their Eternal Salvation Desire and seek with most earnest endeavour suitably to your calling to bring all men to this Rock and first dispose your self unto it by the exercise of Solid Virtues S. Peter is reprehended for disswading Christ from his Passion Mat. 16. Mar. 7. Mat. 16.20 COnsider 1. How after S. Peters Confession of Christs Divinity our Lord commanded his Disciples that they should tell no body that he was Jesus Christ both to give example of Humility and to avoid Ostentation and withall for that it was not seasonable at that time And presently after he treated of his Passion From that time Jesus began to shew his Disciples that he must go to Hierusalem and suffer many things c. that you might learn in the day of good things not to be unmindful of evils Eccli 11.27 as Ecclesiasticus adviseth and that it is not enough to confess Christ as your God unless you also have an experimental knowledge and imitation of him in suffering Consider 2. S. Peter hearing this being zealous for his Master took Christ aside and rebuked him saying Lord be it far from thee this shall not be unto thee This was zeal in him but an indiscreet one Rom. 10.2 and not according to knowledge as the Apostle speaketh for he did not as yet understand how glorious would be the Ignominy of the Cross See whether you are not sometimes carried away with the like preposterous zeal in your actions Consider 3. Christs Reprehension Go after me Satan for thou art a scandal unto me because thou savourest not the things that are of God but the things that are of men Ponder how dangerous a thing it is to savour only things that are of men and to love honours riches pleasures c. and not rather those things that
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
themselves to their Ghostly Father they find themselves free and the Enemy gone So likewise those that dispose themselves to Confession God doth often justifie before hand by Contrition I said saith the Prophet I will confess against me my injustice to our Lord and thou hast forgiven the impiety of my sin Go therefore always speedily that you may speedily be cleansed Of the ten Lepers Luc. 17. Part 2. Luc. 17.15 COnsider 1. And one of them as he saw that he was made clean went back with a loud voice magnifying God So ought we to be thankful to God for the benefits we receive from him according to that of the Apostle 1 Thes 5.18 In all things give thanks for this is the will of God This is to be performed 1. With a loud voice that is with a great and hearty affection Ps 33.4 2. With magnifying God and with David exalting his Name for ever 3. With due Humility falling prostrate at our Lords feet acknowledging our selves unworthy of his so great mercies and benefits Aug. in Ps 49.13 There can be no Offering made more grateful to God saith S. Augustine then that of Thanksgiving Consider 2. Of ten that were cleansed only one returned back There was not found that returned and gave glory to God but this stranger Think how few there are among so many thousands whom God doth daily preserve and feed that acknowledge the Benefit They take their Meat which is sent them from Heaven even like bruit Beasts without once lifting up their head or thoughts thither I have brought up children and exalted them Is 1.2 but they have despised me saith our Lord These carry themselves as Inhabitants and Sons of the Earth and as if they had here a setled habitation but do you account your self as an Alien a Stranger and Pilgrim in this world and then you will come to acknowledge Gods gifts and favours unto you in all things Consider 3. This Stranger by being grateful for the recovery of his corporal health received yet a far greater benefit the Cure of his Soul in his Conversion to the Faith therefore our Lord said unto him Arise go thy ways August l. 2. c. 4. Sap. 16.29 because thy Faith hath made thee safe The other nine probably were Rebrobate For the faith of the ungratful shall melt as winter Yee and shall perish as unprofitable water Be not therefore ungrateful to God Of the Deaf and Dumb Man Mar. 7. Part 1. Marc. 7.32 COnsider 1. While Christ was passing through Galilee they bring to him one Deaf and Dumb and they besought him that he would impose his hand upon him Ponder how meritorious a thing it is to bring others to Jesus and excite your self thereunto endeavouring by such means as your Calling doth afford to bring to Christ those that you shall find spiritually deaf and dumb Consider what it is to be spiritually deaf He is deaf that gives not ear to the Verities of Faith and that hears not the Voice of God calling and exciting him to Perfection See whether you be any thing given to this deafness and do not stop your ears to God lest he do the same to you according to that Prov. 1.28 Then shall they invocate me and I will not hear Is 56.10 Consider 2. What it is to be spiritually dumb He is dumb that corrects not his Brother when he sinneth nor hindereth his sin when he may whence such are called by the Prophet Dumb dogs not able to bark He is dumb that doth not preach Christ to others when his Calling is such not openly profess his Faith when he ought Lastly he that makes not due use of his tongue to the praise and honour of God in Divine Exercises of Devotion in Pious Discourses and the like Woe is me saith Isaie because I have held my peace Is 6.5 Is 62.6 And you that remember our Lord hold not your peace Consider 3. Christ rejected not the distressed man but took him aside from the multitude and cured him Do you also retire your self from noise and company to Prayer and spiritual Exercises if you desire to be cured by Christ Observe how he cured this man not by his Word only or Command as he did others but he put his fingers into his ears and spitting touched his tongue c. Because our Lord doth diversly cure and exercise those that are his some more some less Submit your self in all things to his Divine Pleasure that you may be cured of all your infirmities Of the Deaf and Dumb Man Mar. 7. Part 2. Mar. 7.34 35. COnsider 1. After our Lord had spoken the word Be thou opened immediately his ears were opened and the string of his tongue waâ— loose and he spake right Consider how that the sign of our ears being opened is not to contradict or resist the Divine Inspirations but humbly to obey them according to that The Lord hath opened mine ear Is 50.5 and I do not gainsay c. See therefore whether the ears of your heart be open or whether you be not rather one of those that stop their ears and will not hear the voice of the Inchanters Ps 57.5 6. and of the Sorcerer inchanting wisely Jac. 3.6 Consider 2. How it is said of the cured person not that he spake much but that he spake right that we might learn to have a care of our tongue which is as S. James saith a whole world of Iniquity He speaketh right that speaketh nothing but the praises of God or what appertains to Salvation who speaketh not of Vain or idle matters nor uttereth detraction nor murmurings Examine your self by this how right you are wont to speak and remember that as David saith A man fall of tongue shall not be directed in the earth Ps 139.12 2 Cor. 6.4 Consider 3. Christ likewise here commanded them not to tell any body to teach us to shun what lyeth in us the applause of men But so much the more a great deal did they publish it and so much the more did they wonder Neither were they disobedient in this because Christ did not Command with intention of obliging them but did therein what on his part was Humility and they returned Honour and Glory which was but the duty of gratitude on their part Lastly it is said here of Christ He hath done all things well that you might learn not to be content with doing only some things well neglecting others but to do all well whence the Apostle saith Let us in all things exhibit our selves as the Ministers of God Of Holy Communion I will love thee O Lord my strength Our Lord is my Firmament and my Refuge and my Deliverer Ps 17.2 Consider Christ as the Strength of your Soul Ps 21.16 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Mat. 9.1 c. Of Christs curing the Man sick of the Palsey
c. The Souls Palsey is an Enervation of Spirit and utter decay of its strength by sluggishness sloth and pusillanimity Think how far you are gone in this Disease how weak you are in bearing Adversity how faint-hearted in undertaking any thing of difficulty for God how inconstant in keeping your good Purposes Lastly how slack and remiss and even languishing you are in all matters of Devotion You may with truth say with the Prophet My strength is withered as a potsheard and my tongue cleaved to my jaws Jer. 16.19 Is 12.2 Consider 2. God is properly the fortitude and strength of our Soul according to that O Lord my force and my strength And Our Lord is my strength and my praise But he doth work this effect chiefly in the Eucharist affording to the Soul abundant forces to get out of this dead Palsey to overcome all fears and difficulties and to undertake and go through with what Enterprise soever for Gods sake Hence it is called The Bread of the Strong Ones the Meat of Great Ones the Bread that confirmeth or strengtheneth the Heart of Man a Type or Figure whereof was that Loaf of Bread that was brought to Elias 3 Reg. 19.8 in whose strength he walked 40 daies and 40 nights unto the Mount of God Wish therefore with a longing desire for that happy hour wherein you are to receive this Divine Food Consider 3. That you may be rightly disposed to obtain the Cure of your Palsey you must imitate the Faith of this sick man Go therefore with great confidence and put your self into the Arms of the Holy Saints your Patrons but especially of the B. Virgin that they may conduct and present you to our Lord Say with the Psalmist In thee O Lord Ps 30.2 Ps 17.35 Ibid. v. 30. Ps 30.4 have I hoped c. Thou hast put mine arms as a Bow of Brass And in my God I shall go over the wall c. Because thou art my strength and my refuge Of him that was born Blind Jo. 9.1 c. Part 1. Ps 24.18 COnsider 1. Jesus passing by saw a blind man from his Nativity He beheld him with the Eyes of Mercy and presently thought of remedy Beseech him to look also upon you with the like affection See my humiliation and my labour and forgive all my sins We are all blind from our Mothers Womb born in sin and involved in the darkness of Ignorance through the fault of our first Parent but they are blind after a special manner from their Nativity who vainly boast of their Noble Birth and Parentage not seeing that Virtue alone as one saith is the only true Nobility Juven Sat. Think whether these things have place in you Consider 2. The Diâ—ciples having asked Who hath sinned this Man or his Parents that he should be born blind Christ answered Neither this Man hath sinned nor his Parents but that the Works of God may be manifested in him Whence you may understand that Sicknesses and Calamities are not always caused by Sin but are often sent us by God for his greater Glory and exercise of our Virtue as it proved in Holy Job Toby and others I must work the works of him that sent me Christ saith while it is day that is while the day of this mortal life lasteth Much more it behoveth you to do the like works while your day is before you go unto the dark Land Job 10.21 that is covered with the Mist of Death Gen. 3.19 Consider 3. Christ spit on the ground and made Clay of the Spittle and spread the Clay upon his Eyes He applyed a contrary Remedy to shew his Power If you desire to be delivered from the Spiritual Blindness of your Soul lay the Clay or Dirt of your first Creation upon the Eyes of your Heart Remember Man that dust thou art and into dust thou shalt return Of him that was born Blind Jo. 9.11 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. The Gratitude of this man in publishing to all the benefit which he received That Man which is called Jesus made clay c. 2. His Constancy in professing Christ as a Prophet even before the Pharisees with danger of Life and Fortunes 3. His Patience in bearing Contumelies as that of the Pharisees Thou wast wholly born in sins Ibid. v. 34. and doest thou teach us Such are the affections of a Soul illuminated by God Think how you may imitate 2 Tim. 3.12 Consider 2. He was presently cast forth of the Synagogue by the Pharisees for speaking so well of Christ that you might learn to suffer willingly for a good cause For all that will live godly in Christ Jesus saith the Apostle shall suffer Persecution Christ neglected not him that was made an Out-cast for his sake but rewarded him with the gift of perfect faith seeking after him and freely manifesting his Divinity unto him which he presently falling down Jo. sup v. 38. adored Often stir up in your self the like Acts of Faith and falling prostrate adore your Lord. Prov. 3.7 Consider 3. The words of Christ reproving the Pharisees pride who notwithstanding were wise and quick-sighted in their own opinion For judgment came I into this world that they that see not may see and they that see may become blind that is that Idiots and simple people may come to know the truth but the wise and proud men of the world be strucken blind at the greatness of his Splendour Therefore be not wise in thine own conceit least thou become blind and like a blind man run headlong into perdition Of the Blind Man of Hiericho Luc. 18.35 c. Ps 1 18.32 COnsider 1. It came to pass when he drew nigh to Hiericho a certain blind man sat by the way begging This is a lively figure of a sinner blind of both eyes to wit of Knowledge and Love For 1. He sitteth in darkness and taketh rest and satisfaction in his sordid condition being habituated in sin 2. By and not in the way wherein the Virtuous do chearfully run according to that I ran the way of thy Commandments 3. He sitteth begging some petty comfort and content from creatures Think what an unhappy state this is of these blind men who see not though you set before their eyes the Joys of Heaven or Torments of Hell but as S. Augustine saith August Soliloq c. 35. they walk through darkcess into darkness Consider 2. The fervour of this blind man when he heard that it was Christ that passed by 1. He cryeth out with a strong Faith professing his Power and imploring his Mercy Jesus Son of David have mercy upon me 2. He persisteth constant though others endeavour to hinder him 3. He encreaseth his fervour by their opposition But he cryed much more c. Learn Constancy in the service of God and mind not them that would draw you off Learn to persever in prayer with fervour and if idle and
Christ came near and touched the Coffia and they that carried it stood still and he said Young man I say to thee Arise He speaketh imperiously to shew that he is Lord of all That hath power of Life and bringeth down to the Gates of Death and fetcheth again The death of the Soul is sin and Hell its grave for the rich man died 〈◊〉 16.22 and was buried in Hell The Bier whereon the sinner is carried to Hell is his Body the Bearers are Vicious Habits And as the Bier is often set out with Silk and Cloth of Gold though the Corps within is full of ordure so the body of a sinner glistering in Golden Array covereth a Soul abominable to God But Christ cometh and toucheth the Coffin that is striketh the body with sâ—me grievous sickness and by that means bringeth the sinner to life again Consider 2. And he that was dead sate up and began to speak and he gave him to his Mother What joy was this to his Widow-Mother What an astonishment to the rest of the company So a sinner reviving in Spirit to God beginneth to speak of such things as appertain to God confessing his sins asking pardon and extolling so merciful a Lord. â—eg 1.6 Consider 3. And fear took them all and they magnified God From so great a Miracle there arose in the standers by a fear of offending a Lord of such power to wit a Lord that mortifieth and quickneth bringeth down to hell and fetcheth back again Think how necessary it is for you to have this holy fear for the fear of our Lord hateth evil Prov. â— 13 Eccli 2 1â— And They that fear our Lord will sâ—â—k after the things that are well pleasing to him Of raising Lazarus Jo. 11.1 c. Part 1. Jac. 1.15 COnsider 1. There was a certain sick man Lazarus of Bethania c. Lazarus his death proceeded from a languishing disease So likewise from faintness and decay in Spirit if it be not cured in time followeth the death of the Soul Concupiscence bringeth forth sin sin ingendreth death The infirmity of our Nature is the Incentive of Sin but this hurteth none but those that yield of themselves for to them that resist and sight manfully This infirmity or sickness is not to death 2 Cor. 12.9 but for the glory of God for Power or Virtue is perfected in infirmity Consider 2. Lazarus being sick His Sisters sent to Christ saying Lord behold whom thou lovest is sick They do not prescribe what he is to do to a loving friend it is enough to intimate ones necessity Such ought to be our prayers especially in matter of health or other temporal blessings for we know no whether or no what we ask be expedient for our Souls Salvation Besides Christ went not presently but deferred going for two whole daies both to exercise their Faith and Patience and to render the Miracle more Illustrious So he often dealeth with you Greg. 26. Moral c. 15 The labour of the Combat saith S. Gregory is prolonged that the Crown of Victory may be the greater Consider 3. Some disswaded Christ from returning into Jewry to cure Lazarus for that the Jews had sought for him to stone him S. Thomas answered Let us also go to die with him Such ought to be the courage of an Apostolical man Jo. sup v. 16. contemning what dangers soever even death it self for the good of Souls and glory of God And such fervent acts ought you often to make that when Persecution shall arise against you you may be able to stand in the day of battel and not make your life more precious then your self Ps 139.8 Act. 20.24 Of raising Lazarus Jo. 11.33 c. Part 2. Rom. 12.15 Heb. 4.15 COnsider 1. Christ when he was come to Lazarus his Grave seeing others weeping he groaned in spirit and troubled himself c. and wept Which he did both out of Charity to weep with them that weep and withall to shew that we have a High-Priest that can have compassion on our infirmities Then he bad them take away the stone and lifting his eyes upward he prayed to his Father to teach us that we are to take away all impediments of our Salvation and to implore the Divine Assistance in all occasions but chiefly in the conversion of a sinner Consider 2. The stone being taken away He cryed with a loud voice Lazarus come forth Ponder the power and efficacy of his word which even the dead obey For forthwith he came forth that had been dead bound feet and bands with winding bands and his face was tyed with a Napkin This man that lay four daies dead in his Grave is a perfect Figure of an inveterate sinner bound and fettered with ill habits as so many winding bands muffled with the Napkin of Blindness pressed and â—ept down by Custom as under a ponderous Grave and finally fast shut up and inclosed through hardness of heart as with a Grave-stone such are almost incorrigible Therefore Christ cryed here with a loud voice and doth daily call to such and yet is not heard Take heed of such habits and customs of sin for as S. Augustine saith He hardly riseth that is borne down by evil custom Aug. c. 49. in Joan. Consider 3. The Pharisees having heard of this Miracle Gathered a Councel and devised to kill Jesus Whence you may learn that there is nothing so holy no action so good that is not subject to envy and harsh censures of disaffected persons Of Holy Communion Stand and consider the marvels of God Job 37.14 Consider Christ as the Worker of Miracles Jo. 4.48 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Vnless you see signs and wonders you believe not Christ did many signs and wonders to confirm our Faith so that by the Prophet he is called by the Name of Marvellous Is 9.6 Yet he never appeared more wonderful then in the Eucharist the which that he might the more commend unto us he would make it an abridgment of all his Miracles according to that Ps 110.4 5. He hath made a memory of his marvellous works a merciful and pittiful Lord he hath given meat to them that fear him Consider 2. In particular some of the Miracles contained in this Mystery 1. As to the substance of bread which is wholly destroyed at the Priests words even the materia prima also and in place thereof succeedeth the glorious Body of Christ the very same that is adored in Heaven by the Angels so that there never was any so miraculous a Transmutation 2. As to the Accidents which being separated from their Substances are conserved without any Subject of Inhesion as the Rays of the Sun severed from it and yet they are never the less active and do nourish no otherwise then if they were Inherent to their own Substances and transcending all the power of Nature they truly produce Sanctifying
Grace in the Soul 3. As to the Body of Christ which is here in manner of a Spirit whole in the whole Host and whole in every part thereof it is the self-same in several places together Indivisible Impassible Indeficient and equally sufficient to one 3 Reg. 10.20 and to many Truly there was not such a work made in all Kingdoms Eccles 7.19 Consider 3. The necessary preparation for receiving this Miraculous Food is the fear of our Lord for he hath given meat to them that fear him And he that feareth God neglecteth nothing that is pleasing to him Do you therefore do the like Of some Historical Narrations and Parables of Christ Of the Rich Glutton Luc. 16.19 c. and of Lazarus Part 1. 2 Tim. 6.9 COnsider 1. There was a certain rich man and and he was cloathed with Purple and Silk and he fared every day magnifically Observe the Vices which commonly follow Riches Pride in Apparel Riot in Feasting Contempt of the Poor and the like that you may keep your self from the desire of them For they that will be made rich fall into tentation and the snare of the Devil Job 21.13 Consider 2. The rich man died and was buried in Hell How sad an Obit to so pleasant a life but such for the most part is the end of riches and pleasures They lead their lives in wealth and in a moment they go down to Hell Ponder here his torments for Purple and Silk he is invested with Flames for Delicious Fare he is tormented with Intollerable Thirst for his Contempt of the Poor he is now contemned by him and he that denied the Crums of his Table cannot obtain one drop of water Thus the punishments are proportioned to the offences Sap. 6.7 The Mighty saith the wise man shall mightily suffer torments 2 Tim. 3.12 Consider 3. The just Judgment of God The rich man is not heard in his Torments who neglected to do Mercy in his Jollities Therefore when he begged it was answered him Remember that thou didst receive good things in thy life time As if it were not lawful to receive good things here and there too and so it is For all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution Seek not therefore to enjoy prosperity in this life least you come to miss of it in the next Act. 14.21 For by many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of God Of the Rich Glutton and of Lazarus Luc. 16.20 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. There was a certain Beggar called Lazarus Christ vouchsafed to call the Beggar by his Name and make him known to Posterity but not the rich man Greg. Hom 40. for as S. Gregory saith Our Lord acknowledgeth and approveth the humble but the proud he knoweth not that you may learn to esteem Virtue more then worldly riches and splendour The memory of the Just saith the wise man Prov. 10.7 is with praises and the name of the Impious shall rot Consider 2. This Saints Patience whereby he arrived to such a degree of Sanctity He was 1. Full of sores patiently enduring the pain proceeding from them 2. Extreme poor desiring to be filled of the crums that fell from the rich mans table 3. Contemned by all And no man did give him 4. So miserable that he was fain to permit the dogs to lick his Sores and perhaps by reason of his weakness he was not able to keep them off Who is there now a-days that would prefer such an one before a rich man and yet this did Christ our Lord. Num. 23.10 Consider 3. The happy death of Lazarus who was immediately carried of the Angels into Abrahams Bosom Thus short are the tribulations of the Just but their glory is everlasting What joys riches and honours did sores poverty and contempt bring to this Beggar O let my Soul die the death of the Just and my last ends be made like to them Ponder how unequal were the lots of the rich man and of holy Lazarus after their death much more certainly then they were in their life time He was happy for a moment but everlastingly miserable this miserable indeed for a while but afterwards most happy for all Eternity Of the Prodigal Son Luc. 15.11 c. Part 1. Eccles 7.30 COnsider 1. A certain man had two Sons and the younger said to his Father Father give me the Portion of Substance that belongeth to me God hath two Sons the Just and the Sinner the Just is Elder because God made man right in the beginning and he always abideth in Gods House the Sinner estrangeth himself from him and abuseth the gifts which he affordeth him both of Nature and Grace living riotously that is perversly they go into a Forreign Country whosoever leave God who is the way Therefore David Ps 118.155 Salvation is far from sinners Consider 2. The Miserie 's this young man fell into when he was from his Father 1. He began to be in need So a sinner that estrangeth himself from the Sacraments from Exhortations and from the company and example of the good beginneth to be in want of spiritual sustenance 2. He cleaved to one of the Citizens as a servant for whosoever do sin give themselves over as Slaves to the Devil and he imployeth them in feeding Swine while he makes them like to that sort of Beasts swill themselves with sensual pleasures 3. Neither could he so fill his belly because even all worldly delights cannot satiate the Souls Appetite Js 28.19 Consider 3. Returning to himself he said c. Being pressed with Famine he cometh to himself because vexation alone shall give understanding to the sinner and makes him think how foolishly he hath left eternal things for such as quickly pass away How many of my Fathers hirelings have abundance of bread and I here perish for famine Hence he is moved to repentance I will arise and go to my Father O how often have you followed this Prodigal Child in going astray follow him therefore also in returning by Repentance Of the Prodigal Son Luc. 15.20 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. The Fathers Bowels of Mercy who when his Son was yet far off he saw him and was moved with mercy So Almighty God with the Eyes of his Mercy doth look upon a sinner being yet a far off from him by sin He invites him to him by his Exciting Grace saying Return c. and I will take you Jer. 3.14 And as soon as he returneth he meets him he falls about his neck he imbraces him he adorns him with the first Stole of Justice he puts on a ring upon his hand for the exercise of good works and shoes upon his feet to keep him from the dirt of worldly pleasures O God! is it possible you should bear such love to a man made of Clay and that hath deserved a thousand times the torments of Hell
himself The light of thy countenance Ps 4.7 O Lord is signed upon us Therefore as it is said to day in the Gospel give him this piece of Coyn whose Image and Superscription it beareth but let it be neat and cleansed from the filth of sin Rom. 8.29 and conformable to the Image of his Son to whose likeness it was made and then he will teach you all truth Jo. 16.13 Of the Talents Mat. 25. Luc. 19. Part 1. Mat. 25.14 COnsider 1. A man going into a strange Country called his servants and delivered them his goods God as the Universal Lord of all distributes his goods among men for whatsoever we have either in body or soul within or without us natural or supernatural all is Gods O man What hast thou that thou hast not received 1 Cor. 4.7 But God distributes his Talents or Gifts whether Natural or Supernatural more to one fewer to an other at his pleasure but he saith to all Occupy or negotiate till I come Luc. 19.13 that they may make their benefit of what they receive See how much you have received for your share that you may be the better able to give an account Mat. 25.16 Consider 2. The due use of these Talents He that had received the five Talents occupied with the same and gained other five Likewise also he that received the two gained other two Equal was the industry of both though in unequal Talents and therefore equal also was their reward because God as S. Hierom saith considereth not the greatness of the gain but our good will and endeavour S. Hieron in c. 25. Mat. Wherefore you also although you may think your self to have received few Talents in comparison of others notwithstanding may be equal to them in reward if you be equal with them to your proportion in the improvement of your stock Consider 3. The powerful Motive of reward to make us labour hard Because thou hast been faithful over a few things Mat. sup 21 I will place thee over many things enter into the Joy of thy Lord But what joy That which eye hath not seen nor ear hath beard 1 Cor. 2.9 c. A joy without any limit or measure and never to have any end or abatement Be you therefore faithful over that little which God hath bestowed upon you in Wit Judgment Science Health and the like imploying all to his glory that you may deserve to be placed over many things Of the Talents Mat. 25. Luc. 19. Part 2. Mat. 25.18 COnsider 1. He that had received the one Talent going his way digged ineo the earth and hid his Lords money So many seeing themselves not able to appear exteriourly in point of Science Virtue c. so much as others fall into despair give themselves over to the world and become slothful and careless in the service of God The slothful hideth his hand under the arm-hole Pro. 19.24 neither doth he put it to his mouth But such are called Fools by the Divine Spirit Eccles 4.5 A Fool foldeth his hands together c. saying Better is an handful with rest then both hands full with labour See whether perhaps you do not the same Ps 140.4 Consider 2. The slothful servants excuse Lord I know that thou art a hard man c. He makes a lye to excuse himself for our Lord is not hard but gentle and good to all The same do all slothful people making excuses in sins they fancy vain fears and dangers saying A Lion is in the way a Lioness in the journeys Pro. 26.13 Such often say I cannot whereas there wants not Power but Will. Have a special care of this slothful humour Consider 3. This servants doom Naughty and slothful servant c. take away the Talent from him c. And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the utter darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth He is not damned as S. Augustine observeth Because he lost the Talent Aug. Ser. 10 in Joan. but because he kept it without making gain Use therefore all your endeavour to imploy well the Talents which God hath bestowed upon you you cannot want imployment in what state or condition soever you live for your own Spiritual Advantage Gods Glory and your Neighbours good Of the Vineyard let our to Husbandmen Mat. 21. Mar. 12. Luc. 20. Part 1. Mat. 21.33 COnsider 1. A man there was an Housholder who planted a Vineyard and made a hedge round about it c. God hath planted a Vineyard his Universal Church and hath bestowed great care upon it First he hath made a hedge round about it fencing it with excellent Laws and Precepts and affording it the Protection of Angels against the Incursions of Wild Beasts the Devils Secondly He digged in it a Press Instituting the Sacraments wherein is contained the precious Blood of Christ strained out for us through the Press of the Cross and ever flowing for the Remission of our Sins Thirdly He built a Tower to watch in imploying his Divine Providence both to protect it from Evils and to provide it with all good How happy is it to be placed in such a Vineyard under such a Guardian Consider 2. Having thus appointed his Vineyard he let it out to Husbandmen that is to all men that each one should labour in it as to his part or share to wit his own Soul and such others as are committed to his charge which done he went forth into a strange Country because he maketh as if he were absent leaving us to our selves to work freely and at our own pleasure And although he could have fruit from us by force yet he expecteth with patience Who then would not admire and love so great a Goodness Consider 3. Almighty God to put these Husbandmen in mind of their duty sent them from time to time Patriarchs Prophets and Priests but all in vain Lastly he sent also his own Son but him likewise they kâ—lled Justly therefore he complaineth by his Prophet What is there that I ought to do more to my Vineyard Is 5.4 and have not done to it Whence with good reason it is â—aid The naughty men he will bring to naught Mat. sup 41 See that the same sentence may not also light upon you and procure to yield fruit answerable to the Tenure which you hold Of the Vineyard let out to Husbandmen Mat. 21. Mar. 12. Luc. 20. Part 2. Jer. 2.21 COnsider 1. The Vineyard is also the Soul of every Man and yours in particular which the Supreme Housholder hath furnished with Hedge Press and Tower that is with all necessaries both for your security and convenience of yielding fruit in all manner of virtue Look well into your self and you will find that you are an Elect Vineyard of which the Prophet speaketh so that it may be also said of you What is there that I ought
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.
God and all manner of virtue The Powers as their Name sounds are endowed with power to curb and quell the Infernal Spirits Implore the assistance of this Powerful Hierarchy that you may likewise constantly adhere to God be perfect Masters of your own Passions and vicious Appetites and by a compleat Victory over all temptations subdue your mortal Enemies the World the Flesh and the Devil Consider 3. In the third Hierarchy are the Principalities Archangels and Angels The Principalities do both exhibit in themselves and cause in others due Veneration and worship towards their Lord and God The Archangels are properly Gods Messengers and Administrators in the highest and most Important Affairs and are special Patrons of Purity The Angels are all ministring spirits sent to minister for them Heb. 1.14 which shall receive the Inheritance of Salvation Be zealous of the Divine Worship both in your self and others strive to be eminent in Purity and by virtuous life and conversation endeavour to be a good Angel and Minister of Salvation to your Neighbour Of Holy Patriarchs and Prophets COnsider 1. How even from the beginning and in times of Infidelity and Idolatry wherein almost the whole world was involved God was perfectly served by the holy Patriarchs and Prophets 1. They persevered constant in the Faith and Worship of God upheld and maintained the same among the people and carefully delivered it to their Posterity 2. They kept true Poverty of spirit in plenty of wealth and riches and made use of what they had not to vanity and ostentation but to the service of God and benefit of their Neighbour in works of Charity 3. Notwithstanding the multitude of temporal affairs they preserved themselves in the holy fear of God and were despisers of the honours which for their place and deserts were due to them from the people Luc. 10.24 Consider 2. They did chiefly excel in an ardent love of Christ and longing desires and expectation of his coming Many Prophets and Kings desired to see the things which you see c. saith our Saviour himself And our Lord revealed unto them many Divine Secrets and made them privy to the Mysteries of his Incarnation and Passion In this Faith and Hope they lived and died According to faith died all these Heb. 1113. not having received the Promises but beholding them a far off and saluting them and confessing that they are pilgrims and strangers upon the earth Be ashamed that your esteem love and gratitude for these benefits graciously bestowed upon you should fall short of their affections and desires of the same only represented to them and that a far off Heb. 11.35 36. Consider 3. Their fervour of Charity and love towards God wherewith they constantly endured even the greatest afflictions and death it self for his sake Others were racked as the Machabees not accepting Redemption that they might find a better Resurrection Others as Jeremy had tryal of mockeries and stripes moreover also of bands and prisons as Micheas They were stoned as Zachary They were hewed as Isaie They were tempted by allurements of pleasures as Joseph They died in the slaughter of the sword as the eighty five Priests whom wicked Saul murdered Learn of these Sobriety and Moderation in Prosperity Constancy and Patience in Adversity Of the Apostles Part 1. 1 Cor. 1.27 c. COnsider 1. What the Apostles were when Christ chose them they were poor ignorant ignoble and contemptible in the sight of the world and yet our Lord made choice of them rather then of others Admire and reverence the wonderful Providence of God herein who as the Apostle saith hath chosen the foolish things of the world that he may confound the wise and the weak things of the world c. that he may confound the strong and the base things of the world and the contemptible c. and those things which are not that he might destroy those things which are that no flesh may glory in his sight Consider 2. Other particular causes of this Election 1. That all might know that the Conversion of the World was the work of God not of Man 2. That both they and we should understand that they were not called for any deserts of their own but by meer favour and grace 3. That being by their condition exempted from the cares of temporal things they might the better attend to the preaching of the Gospel 4. That so they might be fit Preachers of Evangelical Poverty 5. That having in themselves experience of humane weakness and insufficiency they might learn to bear with others infirmities Be humble and little in your own eyes that so you may become a fit instrument of Gods glory and be not dismayed for your mean parts and abilities knowing that God will supply whatsoever is wanting if you will but do your endeavour 1 Cor. 4.1 Exod. 15.27 Exod. 39.10 c. Lev. 24.5 3 Reg. 18.31 Paral. 4.4.3 Reg. 10.20 Apoc. 21.14 Consider 3. The eminent Dignity to which they were raised 1. To be Disciples familiar Companions Friends and Brethren to the Son of God 2. To be next after Christ who was the Chief Corner-stone so many Fundamental stones of his Church and Princes of his Kingdom 3. To be the Doctors and Pastors of the world the Ministers of Christ and of the New Testament and the Dispensers of the Mysteries of God These were prefigured by the twelve Fountains of the Desart Helim the twelve Precious Stones in the High-Priests Rationale the twelve Loaves of Proposition in the Temple the twelve Stones of which was built the Altar the twelve Oxen that sustained the Brazen Sea the twelve Lyons of Salomons Throne and the twelve foundations of the Heavenly Hierusalem c. Of the Apostles Part 2. Jo. 14.12 COnsider 1. The Gifts of Grace and Power conferred upon the Apostles suitable to the Dignity of their Call 1. Of Consecrating and offering in Sacrifice the Body and Blood of our Lord. 2. Of Forgiving Sins and of opening and shutting Heaven Gates to men 3. And 4. Of feeding the Flock and ruling the Church of Christ 5. Of publishing to the world the new Law of Grace 6. Of working Miracles even greater then those of Christ himself They were endowed with gifts of Grace above all the Patriarchs Prophets and Saints of the Old and New Testament so that the Church deservedly applyeth those words of the Psalmist to them Thy friends O God Ps 138 1â— are become honourable exceedingly their Principality is exceedingly strengthened Luc. 22.28 Consider 2. How the holy Apostles did answer their Call and co-operate with their Grace 1. They left all and followed Christ at the first Call and remained with him in his temptations 2. By their Apostolical Preaching Saintity of life working of Miracles by continual labours persecutions sufferings and death it self they planted the Faith of Christ throughout the world cast down Idols abolished Vice and Infidelity and established Virtue and
as a Banquet Page 289 Of the Eucharist compared to the Tree of Life 3. Med. Page 290 c Of preparation for Receiving 2. Med. Page 294 c Of Christs Preaching and Miracles 3. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Shepherd c. Page 296 Of the preaching of S. John Baptist 2. Med. Page 298 c Of the Jews Message to John 2. Med. Page 300 c Of Christs Baptism 2. Med. Page 302 c 4. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Director Page 304 Of Christs retiring into the Desart Page 305 Of Christ Fasting Page 306 Of Christs temptations in the Desart 4. Med. Page 308 c 5. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as an Offering Page 312 Of the Apostles first Vocation 2. Med. Page 313 c Of the second Vocation of S. Peter and S. Andrew Page 315 Of S. James and S. Johns Vocation Page 316 Of S. Matthews Vocation Page 318 Of S. Pauls Vocation Page 319 6. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Eucharist as our Viaticum Page 320 Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ 3. Med. Page 321 c Of the Rich Young Mans Vocation 2. Med. Page 324 c Of our Vocation in general to follow Christ Page 326 7. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a good Tree Page 327 Of the Marriage Feast of Cana in Galilee 3. Med. Page 328 c Of casting out of the Temple the Buyers c. 2. Med. Page 332 c Of our Lords discourse with Nicodemus Page 334 8. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as exacting account c. Page 335 Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount 2. Med. Page 336 c Of the four first Beatitudes 4. Med. Page 338 c 9. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Merciful Lord Page 343 Of the other four Beatitudes 4. Med. Page 344 c Of those words You are the salt of the Earth c. Page 348 Of those words You are the light of the World c. Page 349 10. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Propitiation Page 350 Of our Lords Prayer 2. Med. Page 351 c Of other sayings of Christ on the Mount Page 353 Of sending the Apostles to Preach 2. Med. Page 354 c Of their Return from Preaching Page 356 11. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Giver of Hearing and Speech Page 357 Of S. John's Message to Christ 2. Med. Page 358 c Of the Martyrdom of S. John Baptist Page 361 Of five thousand fed in the Desart 2. Med. Page 362 c Of Christs flying not to be made King Page 364 12. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the good Samaritan Page 365 Of Christs allaying the Tempest Page 366 Of Christs walking upon the Water Page 367 Of S. Peter's walking upon the Water Page 368 Of S. Peters confessing Christ Page 369 Of Primacy promised to S. Peter Page 370 Of S. Peter's disswading Christ from his Passion Page 371 13. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Priest Page 372 Of our Lords Transfiguration 3. Med. Page 373 Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee 2. Med. Page 376 c Of the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Page 379 14. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Lord Page 380 Of S. Mary Magdalen's Conversion 2. Med. Page 381 c Of the Samaritan Womans Conversion 2. Med. Page 383 c Of the Woman taken in Adultery Page 385 Of the Cananean Woman Page 386 15. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Life Page 388 Of the Conversion of Zacheus 2. Med. Page 389 c Of curing the Centurions Servant 2. Med. Page 391 c Of curing S. Peter's Mother-in-Law Page 393 Of a Princes Son restored to health Page 394 16. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Guest Page 396 Of the Man cured at the Pond 2. Med. Page 397 c Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof 2. Med. Page 399 c Of the Withered Hand cured Page 401 Of the crooked Woman cured Page 402 17. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Love Page 403 Of the Leper 2. Med. Page 405 c Of the ten Lepers 2. Med. Page 407 c Of the Deaf and Dumb Man 2. Med. Page 409 c 18. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the strength of our Soul Page 412 c Of the Man born blind 2. Med. Page 413 Of the blind man of Hiericho Page 415 c Of the blind man of Bethsaida Page 416 Of the Lunatick Devil 2. Med. Page 417 c 19. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Friend Page 419 Of the Women cured of the Bloody Flux Page 420 Of raising the Arch-Synagogues Daughter to life Page 422 Of raising the Widows Son in Naim 2. Med. Page 423 c Of raising Lazarus 2. Med. Page 425 c 20. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the Worker of Miracles Page 427 Of some Historical Narrations and Parables of Christ Of the Rich Glutton and Lazarus 2. Med. Page 428 c Of the Prodigal Son 2. Med. Page 430. c Of him that was wounded by the Thieves 2. Med. Page 433 c 21. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Patient Creditor Page 435 Of the Workmen in the Vineyard 2. Med. Page 436 c Of the Invitement to the Wedding and Supper 2. Med. Page 439 c Of the ten Virgins 2. Med. Page 441 c 22. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Teacher of Truth Page 443 Of the Talents 2. Med. Page 444 c Of the Vineyard let out to Husbandmen 2. Med. Page 447 c Of the Bailiff of Iniquity Page 449 Of the Wise man and the Fool Page 450 23. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Salvation Page 451 Of the Sower Page 452 Of the Cockle Page 453 Of the Mustard-seed Page 454 Of the Leaven Page 455 Of the Treasure hid in the field Page 456 Of the Pearl Page 457 24. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ c. as is set down Page 458 Of the lost sheep Page 459 Of the Pharisee and the Publican Page 460 Of the Faithful and Wise Steward or Servant Page 461 Of Girding the Loyns Page 462 Of the Vine and its branches Page 463 Of the barren Fig-tree Page 464 Meditations of Saints Of the Excellency of the B. Virgin above all Creatures Page 466 Of the Immaculate Conception of the B. Virgin Page 467 Of the Nativity of the B. Virgin Page 469 Of the Annunciation of the B. Virgin Page 51 c Of the Visitation of the B. Virgin Page 59 c Of the Purification of the B. Virgin Page 100 c Of the Assumption of the B. Virgin Page 470 Of the Nativity of S. John Baptist Page 64 c Of the Decollation of S. John Baptist Page 361 Of S. Peter and S. Paul Page 369 c Of the Vocation of S. Peter and S. Andrew Page 315 Of the Vocation of S. James and S. John Page 316 Of S. Matthews Vocation Page 318 Of S. Pauls
Vocation or Conversion Page 319 Of S. Mary Magdalens Conversion Page 382 Of S. Thomas of Canterbury Page 233 79 Of the Angels Page 471 c Of the holy Patriarchs and Prophets Page 474 Of the Apostles Page 475 c Of Martyrs Page 478 Of the Doctors of the Church Page 479 Of Holy Bishops Confessors Page 481 Of the Patriarchs or Founders of Religious Orders Page 482 Of Confessors in General Page 484 Of Virgins Page 486 Of any particular Saint General Points Page 487 To the Reader WHereas the Sundays Meditations throughout the Year according to the Authors distribution are directed chiefly in Order to Holy Communion with little reflection upon the proper matter or subject of the current Gospel I thought it would conduce to the general satisfaction of all to adjoyn in this place some easie Method whereby might be assigned to each Sunday its proper Gospel which might afford matter both of Mental Prayer for those who desire to meditate weekly on the Gospel of the Sunday and of Discourse for the benefit of those who have not always at hand ready matter for their Functions of Preaching and Exhortation To which purpose I have here set down a Table representing 1. Each Sunday according to its order in the Churches Calendar 2. The subject of the Gospels 3. The Chapter and Verse by which the Gospel may be found in the Holy Bible 4. The Page of this Book which doth direct you to your Meditation 1. In reference to H. Communion 2. To the subject of that Sundays Gospel And because many Sundays have not in this Journal their proper Gospel I have supplyed the want with as many Meditations taken chiefly out of Buseus a known and approved spiritual Author A Table of the Sundays throughout the Year 1. SUnday of Advent Of the latter Judgment Luke 21. vers 25. Page 42. see page 33 34 35 36. also page 31 32. of particular Judgment 2. Sunday of Advent Of S. Johns Message to Christ Mat. 11.2 Page 50. see page 358 359 360. 3. Sunday of Advent Of the Jews Message to S. John Jo. 1.19 Page 58. see Page 300 301 302. 4. Sunday of Advent Of S. Johns first preaching in the Desart Luk. 3.1 Osee 2.14 In the fifteenth year of Tibetius Cesar c. the word of our Lord was made upon John the son of Zachary in the Desart Consider 1. How S. Johns and our Lords Preaching took their beginning from the Desart that you should love holy Solitude and retiredness as the fittest disposition to receive Gods Inspirations I will lead her the Soul into the wilderness and will speak to her heart Think where are now those great ones who are mentioned in this Gospel the Roman Emperour and President the Tetrarchs and High Priests they are all gone and their memory is kept here not for their own sakes but to evidence to the world the Incarnation and Passion of our Lord of which they were remarkable Witnesses and Actors Admire not therefore nor regard the greatness and prosperity of such in this life but rather think what all will come to 〈◊〉 last Prov. 10.7 The name of the Impious shall 〈◊〉 Mat. 3.2 Consider 2. He preached the Baptism of Penance unto remission of sins that is preparing mens hearts to receive the same afterwards by the Faith and Baptism of Christ Think how important a thing Penance is 〈◊〉 For that it was the principal subject of S. Johns of Christs and his Apostles preathing all crying out to their Auditors Do Penance 2. Because we are all sinners and stand in need of Penance If we shall say that we have no sin 1 Jo. 1.8 we seduce our selues 3. For that as Christ saith Vnless you have penance Luc. 13.3 you shall all perish See you also do penance and yield fruits worthy of penance that is satisfactory works amendment of life c. ◠Cor. 1.30 Consider 3. Prepare the way of our Lord make straight his paths Every Valley shall be filled and every Mountain and Hill shall be made low and crooked things shall become straight and rough ways plain Our preparation therefore against the coming of Christ must be 1. By levelling the Mountains which Pride and Vanity hath raised in out heart 2. By filling up the empty Valleys of slothfulness and pusillanimity 3. By rectifying our crooked intentions 4. By correcting the roughness of Anger Hatred Envy and other passions so as to become of an even temper and agreeable conversation with all Think lastly what a happiness is promised us in those words And all flesh shall see the salvation of God that is Christ Jesus who is made unto us Wisdom from God and Justice Sanctification and Redemption Sunday within the Octave of the Nativity Of what passed with Simeon Anna c. Luc. 2.33 see page 104 105 106 107. Sunday within the Octave of Epiphany Of our Lords going up to the Temple c. Luc. 2.42 page 118 c. to the page 124. see page 125 126. 2. Sunday after Epiphany Of the Marriage in Galilee Jo. 2.1 page 99. see page 328 329 330 331. 3. Sunday after Epiphany Of the Leper and the Centurions servant Mat. 8.1 page 108. see page 405 406. and again 391 392 393. 4. Sunday after Epiph. Of allaying the Tempest at Sea Mat. 8.23 page 117. see page 336. 5. Sunday after Epiph. Of the good Seed and the Cockle Mat. 13.24 page 124. see page 453 454. 6. Sunday after Epiph. Of the Mustard-seed Mat. 13.31 page 132. see page 454 455. Septuagesm Sunday Of the Workmen sent into the Vineyard Mat. 20.1 page 136. see page 336 337 338. Sexagesm Sunday Of the Sower Luc. 8.4 page 143. see page 452 453. Quinquagesm Sunday Of Christs foretelling his Passion and of the blind man Luc. 18.31 page 152. see page 145. and again 415 416. 1. Sunday of Lent Of Christs Temptations in the Desart Mat. 4.1 page 161. see from page 305. to page 312. 2. Sunday of Lent Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17.1 page 170. see from page 373. to page 377. 3. Sunday of Lent Of the Dumb Devil Luc. 11.14 page 179. Consider 1. Christ having cast out a dumb Devil certain of them said In Beelzebub the Prince of Devils he casteth out Devils Observe here the goodness of God on the one side in doing good to men and turning out Devils and the perversness of men on the other in calumniating the good and ascribing it to the Devil Ponder Christs answer Every Kingdom divided against it self shall be made desolate Think how your heart is divided The flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh Gal. 5.17 and see you bring this in persect subjection to the spirit Beg of Christ that in the spirit of God he would cast out Devils that is all sin out of your heart that the Kingdom of God may come upon you Consider 2. What Christ saith That when the unclean spirit shall depart out of a man
mercy upon thee Apply these words to your self and take heed of what follows And his Lord being angry delivered him to the Tormentors until he had repaid all the debt Ponder well the final clause So also shall my Father do to you if you forgive not every one his Brother from your hearts Sins once forgiven return not but the succeeding Ingratitude is made the greater and worthy of double punishment by the greatness of the former benefit This forgiveness must not be verbal only but from the heart and without keeping any grudge 22. Sunday after Pentecost Of paying Tribute to Cesar Mat. 22.15 page 443. Consider 1. Master we know that thou art a true speaker and teachest the way of God in truth neither carest thou for any man for thou dost not respect the persons of men Here is delivered a perfect description of an upright man Think how you are in every particular whether you be a true speaker 1. As to your self by a right judgment and estimate of things 2. In relation to others by conformance of your words to Truth and Conscience whether you hold the way of God or not rather the Maximes and Principles of the World whether you care for man so as to fear or love him more then you do God and whether you respect the person of men so as to do or omit any thing for humane respects against your Conscience Ps 4.7 Consider 2. Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar A pertinent Question but proposed with a wicked intention to intrap him in his speeches But there is no Councel nor Wisdom against our Lord who takes them in their own Traps proposing to them a question about the Tribute Coyn saying whose is this Image and Superscription Look upon your self and ask this question Whose is this Image You cannot say it is Cesars or the Worlds it is Gods The light of thy Countenance O Lord is signed upon us But alas how deformed is it become you have made it the Image of the Terrene Man endeavour to reform your self till Christ be formed again in you Gal. 4.19 1 Cor. 15.49 and as you have born the Image of the Earthly so hereafter bear the Image of the Heavenly Rom. 7.13 Consider 3. Render therefore the things that are Cesars to Cesar and the things that are Gods to God God will have us give every one his due To whom tribute tribute to whom oustom custom to whom fear fear to whom honour honour Owe no man any thing but that you love one another Render your self therefore Body and Soul with all your Powers Senses and Faculties to God whose you are by Creation Redemption c. Render likewise what you owe to your Neighbour to wit Love and Charity who is made to the same Image Created by the same hand and redeemed with the same precious Blood with your self 23. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Princes Daughter and the Hemorroisse Mat. 9.18 page 451. see page 420 421 422. 24. Sunday after Pentecost or the last before Advent Of the Destruction of Jerusalem and of the Latter Judgment Mat. 24.15 Consider 1. When you shall see the Abomination of Desolation c. then they that are in Jewry let them fly to the Mountains c. In the first part of this Gospel Christ treateth of Jerusalems Destruction and Desolation in the second of the latter Judgment Death is the time of mans greatest Desolation and the next passage to his particular Judgment on which depends the General Christ therefore warns us to provide for it in time for when it is once come it will then be too late and we shall be so surprized that we shall not have leisure to dispose of our selves or our goods as we would He that is in the house top let him not come down to take any thing out of his house and he that is in the field let him not go back to take his coat Consider 2. Woe to them that are with-child and that give suck in those daies That last day is always at hand and perhaps this may be it Woe be to you if you labour till now in bare desires and have as yet brought forth no good works to light Pray that your flight be not in the winter Stir your self up to Fervour and have a care Death comes not upon you while you are cold and frozen in Gods service Nor on the Sabboth while you are in your jollines You must be disposed for every hour for no hour is secure from danger Consider 3. There shall be then great tribulation such as hath not been from the beginning of the world Such will Death truly be to tepid and improvident Christians that have put off till then what they should have done before the Body will then be tormented all over with a dreadful Agony but much more the Conscience for then it will have a clearer knowledge of Good and Evil and will find the burden of Sin more heavy and unsupportable then ever before If you be wise seek to avoid this Tribulation do now what you would have done then avoid now what you would wish then to have avoided Faults Escaped in Printing IN the Preface page 14. Margent Psa 118.17 read 71. page 34. line 30. of God read of God page 34. Marg. for the first Citation read Luc. 21.11 p. 35. l. 17. Judge r. Judge p. 44 45. all the Citations lower three lines then ought p. 65. l. 14. Title af r. of p. 66. l. 1. Prophet r. Prophet p. 73. Foxes have holes c. r. in the Marg. Mat. 11.4 p. 80. l. 24. robes r. robes p. 169. Marg. The third Station leave out Page 477. line 29. Virging r. Virgins What other Faults have been over-seen the Courteous Reader may be pleas'd to Correct and excuse
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