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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
man with me Besides it was an action that redounded to the dishonor and reproch of his schoole which had brought up such timorous and saint-hearted Disciples But he was chiefly concerned for their want of faith wherein they did all waver See you doe not leave Christ to suffer alone bear him company at least by affection and compassion Be content to be slighted and left by your friends Mat. 26.35 Consider 3. The weakness of mans nature in these Apostles who notwithstanding the many miracles they had seen Christ work the grace which they lately received by the divine Eucharist and fervor wherein every one said Allthough I should dye together with thee I will not deny thee Yet no sooner were they assaulted with temptation but they all failed Think how little reason you have to trust your self Eccli 2.1 Therefore coming to the service of God saith the wise man stand in fear and prepare thy Soul to Tentation And the Apostle Phil. 2.12 With fear and trembling work your Salvation Christ is led to Annas Jo. 18.13 COnsider 1. They brought him to Aâ—â—taâ— first Ponder how Christ would be brought before all the Tribunal seates for the greater Ignominy all the Tribunal seates for the greater Ignominy Therefore he is led first to Annas as President of the supreme Councel whereunto it appertained to judge of Doctrines See with what Clamor Laughter and Ignominy Christ is hurried along the ways and streets people running every where to their doores and windows to see the Captive How different was this enterance into Jerusalem from that which he made some sew days before when they cryed out Blessed is be that cometh in the name Mat. 21.9 of our Lord Hence learn to contemn the inconstancy of worldly favor Is. 9.3 Consider 2. How Christ is brought as a Criminal to the Tribunal of this Judge The Creator stands before his Creature The Eternal Wisdom of God is brought to the barr to give account of his Doctrine to an arrogant smatterer in the Law Behold the Doctors round about him all puffed up with their learning Rejoycing as conquerours rejoyce after a prey is taken Hear how they question him concerning his Doctrine and Disciples Beseech our Lord to instruct you in things appertaining to your salvation and not to let you harken after vain Sciences whose fruit is no other then pride and ostentation Jo. 18.20 21. Consider 3. How Christ beareth their reproches with silence but answereth resolutly to the point of Doctrine because thereon depended the salvation of many I have openly spoken to the world c. Why askest thou me ask them who have heard c. Learn hence to stand resolut in defence of your faith and of truth and to be silent in your own privat injuries See how he saith nothing of his Disciples because being he could not commend them as staggerers in their faith he would not say any thing to their dispraife Doe you in the same manner endevour to hide others defects when you may and not to discover them but to a good end Aug. l. 3. de Cons. c. 6. Of the Blow Christ received in Annas's House Jo. 18.22 COnsider 1. One of the Ministers standing by gave Jesus a blow Ponder here the General Circumstances Who To whom and What Think 1. How cruel this blow was as being given by a furious and armed Souldier 2. How ignominious before so great an assembly and inflicted upon his person whose sanctity of life and Miracles made him to be admired and respected by all 3. How unjust and Injurious for a most just and prudent answer 4. How grievous as being seconded with the loud laughter and scornful applause of the company O amiable countenance which the Angels so much desire to behold how hath this ignominious buffet set you all over in a blush Now my beloved is truly white and ruddy Cant. 5.10 and to be imitated by me both in candor of life and Vermillion of patience Jo. sâ—p Consider 2. On the contrary the mildness and patience of our Lord He is not moved to indignation he revengeth not though it were in his power and could in a moment have annihilated the wretch Yet modestly he justifyeth himself that he might not seem to have injured the high Priest whom he respected for the place and authority he bare If I have spok n ill give testimony of evill but if well why strikest thou me How different are your replyes when you have done amiss Endevour therefore to imitate your Lord Luc. 21.19 and in your patience to possess your Soul The Third Station Consider 3. And Annas sent him bound to Caiphas Imagin what a painful and ignominious journey this was to our Lord being haled and dragged about the streets at that time of night like some notorious malefactor from one Judgement seat to another Think what indignities he suffereth as he passeth along from all sorts of people even those that had received benefits from him What a spectacle was it to Heaven to see the Lord of Angels thus abused Condole admire give thanks imitate c. The Spirit of our Lord shall seise upon thee c. And thou shalt be chaâ—ged into an other man 1 Reg. 10.9 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Transfigurer of your Soul COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel that Christ transfigured himself taking upon him the form of a glorious body Mat. 17.1 The same will he doe this day to your soul transfiguring it into himself by vertue of the Holy Eucharist if you doe not otherwise hinder him For the Eucharist makes us as S. Thomas speaketh the same with God S. Tho. Opus 58. c. 15. Aug. Cons l. 7.10 And S. Augustin maketh God to say I am the food of great ones grow and you shall feed on me yet so that thou shalt not change me into thee but thou shalt be changed into me Rom. 8.29 Gen. 3.5 Consider 2. What an inestimable benefit and dignity it is for man to be transformed into God and to be made conformable to the image of his Son It was the temptation of our first Parents You shall be as Gods but they were deluded By the Eucharist and the Grace that proceedeth from it we truly become one with God being made partakers of the divine nature and even incorporated and of the same bloud S. Cypr. Cat. 4. 1 Reg. 18.18 Jo. 1.12 with Christ as that Holy Father speaketh Humble your self therefore and say with the Prophet What am I or what is my life or the kindred of my father that I should be made not the Son in law of a King but the true adoptive Son of God for as many as received him be gave them power to be made the Sons of God Exod. 34.29 Consider 3. What is said of Moses that his face was horned that is resplendent and shining with two rays of glory
Consider Christ as the Guardian of your Soul Ps 23.8 Gen. 15.3 Ps 120.4 COnsider 1. What is said in this days Ghospel When the strong armed keepeth his Court those things are in peace that he possesseth Luc. 11.21 Imagin therefore your soul to be a Court or Castle which Christ our Lord who is both strong and armed desireth to guard that whatsoever she possesseth may be preserved in peace and security There is none stronger then this Champion of ours Our Lord strong and mighty Our Lord is a Man of Warr Omnipotent is his name No keeper can be more watchfull then he He shall not slumber nor sleep that keepeth Israel and doth all with that care and love as if it were to keep the apple of his own eye as Moyses speaketh Deut. 32.10 O what a happiness it is to be under the protection of such a Guardian Ps 22.5 Consider 2. This Guardian of yours will enter to day in the holy Eucharist the Castle or fortress of your Soul to visit strengthen and defend it against your Mortall enemy the Divel who surrounds it day and night seeking how he may destroy it For this divine banquet or table as David saith is chiefly instituted as a fence against our enemies Thou hast prepared in my sight a table against them that trouble me Hence conceive a great confidence in your Guardian and as great a desire of the happy hour wherein you are to receive him Consider 3. In what manner you may best entertain this Guardian You must be sure to cast out of your heart whatsoever may offend his purest eyes least otherwise being offended at his enterance he presently leave you and deliver you over to your enemies Deliver him up the keyes of your Castle that he may freely dispose of you and yours in all things and upon all occasions Aske pardon for your former offences Ps. 139.5 Say with the Prophet Keep me O Lord from the hand of the sinner and from unjust mâ—n deliver me Christ is led from Caiphas to Pilat Mat. 27.1 COnsider 1. And when morning was come all the chiefe Priests and Ancients of the people consulted together against Jesus that they might put him to death How diligent are the sons of darkness in prosecuting their wicked designs scarce giving themselves time to sleep or rest O that you were as zealous in the service of God! Think how welcom to our B. Lord was that last morning in which he was to perfect the work of our Redemption Ponder how being now in full Councel they examin our Lord over again condemn him as a Blasphemer vote him guilty of death and deliver him finally over to the secular power to be executed Luc. 23.1 Consider 2. All the multitude of them rising up led him to Pilat Think what a heavy journey this was to our B. Lord. By this time the whole town was full of what had passed the night before and in a longing expectation of the result of the high Councel and now they see the Captive hurried along by their dores and accompanied by their high Priests and Elders as so many unquestionable witnesses and proclaimers of his guiltiness Our B. Lord is held and treated by all as a Notorious Malefactor and entertained all along as he passed with loud shoutes and clamors with scoffs with reproches and with barbarous insolences of the rude and enraged people And even those who before held him in veneration as a great Prophet and their Messias now hould themselves as miserably seduced and him for a grand Impostor Who ever did or could suffer so much in his reputation Jo. 18.28 Consider 3. Being come to Pilats Court they went not into the Palace it being the habitation of a Gentil that they might not be contaminated but that they might eate the Pasch O superstitious Hypocrisy They pretend Religion and Conscience in a small matter while they are actually contriving murder and Sacriledge They strain a gnat and swallow a Camel Mat. 23.24 Yet would to God you were as nice and zealous in point of purity when you come to eate the true Pasch in the Holy Eucharist and would not thrust your self in after so distracted a manner and full of worldly cogitations Christ is accused before Pilat Luc. 23.2 COnsider 1. Pilat having brought Jesus forth to the People and demanded what accusations they had against him They began to accuse him 1. As a seditions person We have found this man subverting our Nation who ever taught and practiced Obedience and did good to all 2. As Prohibiting to give Tributes to Cesar who notwithstanding was known to pay tribute for himself though otherwise exempt And. 3. For saying that he is Christ the King Jo. 6.15 And yet though he were truly so when they would have made him King he fled and hid himself Ps 61.10 Learn hence what liers the children of men are in their balances and how easy a matter it is to calumniat the Innocent Mat. 27.14 Consider 2. Christ our Lord could easily have cleared himself with a word but would answer all his accusations with silence so that the President did marvell exceedingly fullfilling thereby that of the Psalmist I have set a guard to my mouth when the sinner slood against me Psa 38.2 O that you would doe the same when others rise up against you Know that an Innocent life is the best plea and that true courage and fortitude consisteth in silence and contempt of injuries and affronts committing our cause to God according to that of the Prophet In silence and in hope shall your strength be Js 30.15 Consider 3. Pilat laying hold of the last accusation asked Jesus whether he were King of the Jews Luc. sup Jo. 18.36 who answered Thou sayest but withall My Kingdom is not of this world nor of worldly greatness pomp and state but of Poverty Contempt Hymn Vexilla Obedience Humility and the Cross God took his raign from the Cross Think whether or no you belong to his Kingdom for if you are of the world that is if you mind and seek after things of this world you are none of his They are not of the world Jo. 17.14 saith Christ of his Disciples as I also am not of the world Learn hence to have a high value of the Cross Humility c. Christ is sent to Herod Luc. 23.4 COnsider 1. Pilat sought what he could to set Christ at liberty for that saith he I find no cause in this man The Pharises urge the more saying He stirreth up the people c. Beginning from Galiâ—â—e even hither whence he taketh occasion to send him to Herod as one belonging to his jurisdiction but withall streightly bound as a Malefactor guarded with Souldiers and accompanied with the Priests his accusers Thus was our B. Lord posted from one Tribunal to another and exposed to the publique view and scorn of the
the 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
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
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
of John made great resort unto him and not only the common people but the chief Magistrates began to doubt whether he were not Christ Therefore they sent from Hierusalem Priests and Levites to him that they should ask him who art thou Ponder how powerful Innocency of life is to move mens minds and how true is that which S. Bernard saith Bern. Serm 55. in Cant. That louder is the voice of works then of words Consider 2. The divers acts of Humility of S. John in this occasion for whereas he was in such esteem with the Jews as to be held for Christ he did not therefore vainly vaunt himself above what he was as worldly men are wont in like occasions but confessed and did not deny and he confessed that I am not Christ This is the first degree of Humility to disown what he knew belonged not unto himself and to resign it where it was due See whether you do not otherwise making your self more then you are and concealing what in truth you are Mat. 11.9 Consider 3. How when the Jews demanded again whether he were not Elias or some Prophet he answered No. He might have given himself out for Elias in Spirit though not in person and for a Prophet and more then a Prophet as he was stiled by the Angel and by Christ himself But he that is truly humble doth not only refuse what is not his own but also takes off as far as truth will permit from what is his due He never commendeth himself Bern. Ep. 87. but rather as S. Bernard saith as much as lies in him will not be known what he is Be ashamed therefore to seek the applause of others and not content with that to be your own Trumpeter Of the Jews Message to John Jo. 1.23 Part 2. COnsider 1. The Jews still urging him to give some account of himself He said I am the voice of one crying in the Desart make straight the way of our Lord. He boasteth not of his Race Parents Priesthood c. as worldly men are wont He calleth himself a Voice expressing thereby his Office of Precursor and signifying withall that whatsoever he was belonged wholly to another to wit God whose Instrument he was in speaking This is a third degree of Humility that when we are constrained to discover some good or perfection that we have we acknowledge it only as a gift of God and not as any thing of our own Consider 2. They said to him Why then doest thou baptize if thou be not Christ The Jews check him as taking upon him by his own private Authority an Office not belonging unto him But he contendeth not in his own defence nor maketh any Apology but referring the matter to God proceedeth in villifying himself Saying I baptize in water but there hath stood in the mids of you whom you know not c. whose latchet of his Shoe I am not worthy to loose This is a fourth degree of Humility to be backwards in ones own excuse O that we would all practice it Consider 3. The Jews sent the Message to John not to Christ of whom notwithstanding they might have been better informed So we often seek comfort from creatures instead of the Creator Observe moreover the blindness of the Jews who hearing of John that Christ whom they fought conversed among them notwithstanding made no further enquiry after him For your part be diligent to understand the Will of God in all things and when you have understood it be as faithful to put it in execution c. Of Christs Baptisme Mat. 3.13 Part 1. COnsider 1. How Christ beginning his Preaching goeth first to be baptized to teach us that we should begin the work of God with a clean heart Therefore he taketh leave of his Mother who though she cannot but grieve thereat for the absence of such a Son yet withall she rejoyceth for the Redemption of Israel drawing so near at hand He taketh a long journey to John the greater to the lesser the Lord to the Servant to be baptized by him as a finner among the Publicans and Souldiers and among the Rout and Scum of people Admire this Humility of the Son of God and learn that it is the best preparation towards the undertaking of great things according to that And that which shall bâ— saved of the House of Juda and which is left Is 37.31 shall take root downward and shall bear fruit upward Consider 2. How John by Divine Revelation knowing our Lord at his coming modestly refuseth to baptize him saying I ought to be baptized of thee and comest thou to me Think what affections of joy reverence and submission John felt at that time in his heart seeing the Creator humbling himself so low as to receive Baptisme of his Creature Stir up the like affections in your self as often as he comes to you in the B. Sacrament Consider 3. Christs answer Suffer me for this time for so it becometh us to fulfill all Justice Ponder those words All Justice and learn to omit nothing in the way of Virtue that may benefit your self or edifie your Neighbour Examine your self whether you do so and whether you put in practise what you teach others by word of mouth for as S. Ambrose saith That Pastor fulfilleth Justice Ambr. in 3. Luc. that makes good by deeds what he teacheth by words Of Christs Baptisme Part 2. Luc. 3.21 22. COnsider 1. What S. Luke saith Jesus being baptizâ—d and praying Heaven was opened and the Holy Ghost descended in corporal shape as a Dove upon him For God is wont to exalt and honour the humble Christ therefore is honoured here 1. By the opening of the Heavens to signifie that by him Heaven Gates were opened to us 2. By the coming down of the H. Ghost to express the fulness of Grace and Heavenly Gifts which were in him and were by him to be derived unto us all 3. He is proclaimed the Natural Son of God to whom all creatutes ought to give due honour Consider 2. The Holy Ghost appeared in the form of a Dove to shew what manner of life ought all they to lead that are baptized That every one may understand saith S. Augustine if he hath the simple spirit that is August Tract 6. in Joan. of truth and sincerity that he must be like a Dove have peace with his Brethren which the Doves kind kisses do signifie And lastâ—y to hurt no body for the Dove hurteth not so much as a fly Is 54.7 Consider 3. The heavenly effects of our Sacrament of Baptisme expressed unto us in Christs Baptisme 1. The opening of Heaven Gates 2. The revealing of Divine Mysteries 3. The Remission of Sins 4. The Unction of the Holy Ghost 5. The Adoption to be the Children of God Give thanks for so manifold a benefit and being now made the Son of God raise up your thoughts and affections to your heavenly habitation that
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
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
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
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
wandring thoughts of your Studies or imployments or of corporal necessities and conveniences or the like buz in your mind persist still with so much the greater fervour Ps 12.4 Ps 17.29 Consider 3. Christ stood and asked the blind man What wilt thou that I do to thee for he giveth not his Grace to us unless we will our selves and co-operate with it The blind man answereth Lord that I may see Let the same be likewise your Petition Lord that I may see See you and see my self Illuminate mine eyes that I sleep not in death at any time My God illuminate my darkness Of the Blind Man of Bethsaida Mar. 8.22 c. COnsider 1. Christ being come to Bethsaida the Disciples bring to him one blind and desired him that he would touch him And taking the hand of the blind he led him forth out of the Town He is blind saith Glossa who seeth not what he was what he is and what he is to be Think whether or no you be taken with this blindness and withall take notice that whosoever desireth to see aright must permit himself to be led by our Lord out of Town that is out of the noise of worldly cares and then he will be enlightned Consider 2. Christ did not presently and by word of mouth only give sight to this man as he did to the former but spitting into his eyes imposiâ—â— his hands he asked him if he saw any thing Thus God doth differently illuminate Souls some all in a moment others by degrees The blind man recovering sight in this manner saw men as it were Trees walking For to men that are not thoroughly enlightned by Divine Grace all worldly things appear greates and in a more flourishing condition then truly they are And men may be said to be Trees for that unless they bear fruit they will only serve to make fuel for the fire Consider 3. The blind man at last was restored to his perfect sight so that he saw all things clearly Beseech our Lord so to open your eyes that you may also see things clearly and distinguish between true and false solid and counterfeited good Hym. fer 5. ad Laudes Many things are set out in false colours which need to be cleared Lord by your Divine Light Lastly it was said to him Go into thy house Our house and home is Heaven for as the Apostle saith Eph. 2.19 We are Citizens of the Saints and the Domesticals of God Walk therefore as a Domestick of God and Son of Light lest perhaps our Lord strike thee in his wrath Deut. 28.28 29. and make thee grope at mid-day as the blind is wont to grope in the dark and direct not thy ways Of the Lunatick Devil Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Part 1. Mar. 9.18 COnsider 1. The great Tyranny which the Devil exerciseth upon the bodies of those whom God permits them to possess wheresoever he seized upon this Lunatick he dashed him against the ground made him to foam to gnash the teeth Mat. 17.15 and to wither and cast him often into the fire and as often into the water Think if he be so outragious in this life where his hands are tyed how much more will he be so in Hell where as the Prophet faith Is 34.9 The torrents thereof shall be turned into pitch and the groâ—nd thereof into brimstone and the land thereof shall be into burning pitch 2 Tim. 2.26 Consider 2. How the Devil exerciseth the like Tyranny upon a Soul that is subject to him For 1. He makes her Lunatick by Inconstancy 2. Deaf to the Inspirations of God and dumb in his praises 3. He casteth her to the ground by affection to earthly things 4. He makes her to foam and gnash the teeth with foul and unruly language 5. He makes her wither away by an insensibility in spiritual things 6. He often throws her into the Fire of Concupiscence and often plungeth her into the waters of fleeting pleasures that you may learn to take heed of the Devils Snares of whom sinners are held Captives as the Apostle saith at his will Ps 118.71 Consider 3. This Lunatick was first presented to the Disciples who notwithstanding could not cure him So we must first try humane means before we recur to God for a Miracle The Disciples were not permitted to cure this man perhaps to keep them in Humility It is good for me that thou hast humbled me saith David that I may learn thy Justifications Of the Lunatick Devil Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Part 2. Mar. 9.19 c. COnsider 1. Christ being desired to cure this man whom the Disciples could not he first reprehended their incredulity O incredulous Generation how long shall I be with you how long shall I suffer you Whence you may see how hateful to God is hardness of belief And when the possessed man was brought before him immediately the Spirit troubled him and being thrown upon the ground he tumbled foaming How bold is the wicked Spirit even in the presence of Christ that you may not wonder if perchance he tempt you in time of Mass or Communion Consider 2. The Power of Christ casting the Devil out by Command who notwithstanding had possessed this young man from his Infancy Deaf and dumb Spirit I command thee go out of him and enter not any more into him Lord speak with the same efficacy to my Soul Observe withall how the Devil crying out and greatly tearing him went out of him While he had him he tore him not but when he was forced out for he is ever most spiteful to us then when we leave him Eccli 10.11 Consider 3. This Disease was hard to be remedied because inveterate and grown up with him from his Infancy So it is hard to rid your self of Vices that you have been long accustomed unto according to that Long sickness grieveth the Physitian Besides This kind can go out by nothing but by prayer and fasting that you might learn with what weapons you are to fight against the Devils Of Holy Communion Eat O friends and drink and be inebriated my dearest Cant. 5.1 Consider Christ as your Souls Friend Mat. 26.50 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Friend how camest thou in hither not having a wedding Garment Christ most mercifully inviteth all to his friendship and desires as much as lyeth in him to have it with all men and endeavoured to bring Judas back into his favour even while he was practising Treason against him saying Friend whereto art thou come Ponder the greatness of this honour he does us S. Greg. We are not fit servants saith S. Gregory and we are stiled friends What an honour is this for miserable wretches made of clay and dirt to become friends of the Almighty God 1 Reg. 18.1 Consider 2. This Friend of yours will come to day in the Eucharist to instruct you with his Divine
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
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.
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