we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son And which is more he prayed for his own Executioners Rom. 12.21 that you might learn to overcome in good the evill Gal. 2.20 Ps. 115.3 Consider 3. He suffered for all so that he offered to his Eternal Father his Sufferings for every one in particular Wherefore take them to your self and use them as your own saying with S. Paul Who loved me and delivered himself for me Think what return you can make him What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendred to me I will take the chalice of Salvation Take therefore the chalice of his Passion and drink it up at least spiritually by contemplation and you will thereby have made the most proper and most acceptable return Of Christs Passion in General With what affection he suffereth Luc. 12.50 FIrst with the affection of a most ardent Love most ernestly beforehand wishing the hour of his Passion were come and saying I have to be baptized with a baptisme and how am I straightened till it be dispatched 2. Of most profuse Liberality for whereas the least drop of his bloud would have sufficed to redeem the whole world by reason of the dignity of his person he would notwithstanding powr out all he had Ps. 21.15 Ps. 129.7 1 Pet. 2.23 As water I am powred out Because with him is plenteous Redemption 3. Of the greatest meekness Who when he was reviled did not revile when he suffered he threatned not but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly Is 53.7 And was led as a sheep to slaughter 4. Of an Insatiable zeal thirsting the salvation of all men which made him cry out on the Cross I thrist Jo. 19.28 Ps. 21.6 5. Of an incomparable Humility making himself the Reproch of men and outcast of the people who notwithstanding was in form of God Of extreme Proverty renouncing all earthly goods whatsoever even his own garments so as to hang naked on the Cross 7. Of Invincible Patience and Fortitude in suffering constantly to the end most grievous torments 8. Of the perfectest Obedience being obedient in a matter of the greatest difficulty unto death Phil. 2.8 even the death of the Cross And that not onely to his Eternall father but also to his bloudy Executioners I have given my body to the strikers Is. 50.6 and my cheeks to the pluckers I have not turned away my face from the rebukers and spitters Looke throughly into this pattern of all Vertue and doe according to what you see therein I will sow her unto me into the Earth and will have mercy on her that was without mercy Osee 2.23 Luc. 8.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Seed of Eternall Life Galat. 6.8 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel The sower went forth to sow his seed c. Christ our Lord is both the sower and seed it self for he soweth his own pretious body under the form of wheat in the hearts of the faithful not unto a corruptible but an incorruptible harvest and unto life everlasting For He that soweth in the Spirit saith S. Paul of the Spirit shall reap life everlasting Think with your self how much this blessed harvest is to be wished for Consider 2. This divine seed although in it self it be most fruitful notwithstanding requireth the concurrence of a good soile to bring forth fruit Wherefore if it fall in the high way it is trampled upon by the passengers as in the Ghospel if upon stones it 's dryed up to nothing if among thorns it is choked up See therefore whither your soule be a fit soile well cleansed supple far from the high way or rather whither it be not thorny stony full of the cares and occupations of this life hard to receive heavenly influences and open to all manner of thoughts and distractions But if it be so see that you mend your self and prepare your Soul to receive this heavenly seed Consider 3. This seed though in a good soile and in the best heart doth not yeild fruit but in patience as Christ saith that you might learn to persever with patience in expectation of the effect Luc. sup 15. and fruit of this divine grain and of whatsoever other Visitation of God and give not over to cultivate your Soul for that perhaps you doe not perceive that fruit which you desire Behold the Husband was expecteth the precious fruit of the Earth patiently bearing Jâ—c 5.7 till he receive the timely and the lateward that is either timely or later fruit Doe you the like and you will bring forth plenty of excellent fruit He fortelleth his Disciples his Passion Mat. 20. Marc. 10. Luc. 18. Mat. 20.18 COnsider 1. Behold we go up to Jerusalem c. The time being now come wherein Christ had decreed from all Eternity to suffer for the redemption of the world he went up with his Disciples to Jerusalem with great cheerfulness and speed for he went before them Mar. 10.32 and they were astonished and following were affraid Thus did he hasten to his death carried on by the force of his love You on the contrary are slow in suffering any thing He also went before leading the way that you might learn to shew first by example what you would persuade by words Mat. sup Consider 2. He revealeth his Passion to his Disciples The son of man shall be delivered to the chiefe Priests He had done this before but now more expressly He maketh this frequent mention of his Passion though most bitter in it self for that he did continually bear it in mind and amidst all his glory in the Transfiguration he treated of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem Luc. 9.31 Doe you endeavour to be piously affected towards the memory of it that you may say with the spouse in the Canticles A bundle of Myrrhs my beloved is to me Cant. 1.13 Luc. 18.34 Consider 3. And they understood none of these things The Apostles were as yet worldly given and bent upon honors and preferments Luc. 22.24 And there fell also a contention between them which of them seemed to be greater Therefore they understood not the Mystery of the Cross and what great good consisted in Humility and suffering of reproch Cast you off all these worldly affections if you will understand the Mystery of the Cross Ponder Christs severe reprehension of S. Peter disswading him from the ignominy of his Passion Go after me sathan Mat. 16.23 thou art a scandal unto me because thou savorest not the things that are of God but the things that are of men Mat. 21. Luc. 19. Of Christs solemn Enterance into Jerusalem before his Passion Part. 1. Zachar. 9.9 COnsider 1. Christ drawing neer to Jerusalem sendeth two of his Disciples to bring unto him an Asse upon which he intended to ride into the
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
filled Come therefore confidently with these Is. 66.11 that you may suck and be filled of the brest of his consolation Of the Benefit of Creation Part 1. COnsider 1. What you were before God created you As to your Soul you were quite nothing as to your body little better for that which you have from your parents how easily might God have hindred and turned it into some other substance Therefore out of his meer goodness without any merits of yours among innumerable other creatures which he could have produced insteed of you he decreed to take you out of the abysse of your nothing and to bestow upon you the forme or being not of a stone or tree or of some brute beast Jer. 18.6 but of Man Behold saith our Lord as clay in the hand of the Potter so are you in my hand Consider 2. The Excellency of your Soul which God hath placed in your body 1. It is a spirit like unto the Angels and God himself that you should learn to regard only Spiritual things and not hunt so wretchedly as you doe after corporal pleasures and riches 2. It is Immortal and cannot be destroyed by any created power See therefore that as you are immortal by nature you be likewise so by grace For the death of the Soul is Sin Deut. 32.18 Consider 3. The noble powers wherewith God hath endowed your Soul chiefly the Memory Will and understanding also the Prerogative of free will whereby you are Lord and Master of your own actions Likewise a capableness of Wisdom Grace and the like Think what you may return to your Creatour for all these benefits at least return him these same again without blemish and take heed you come not to suffer that reproach God that-begat thee thou hast forsaken and hast forgotten our Lord thy Creatour Of the Benefit of Creation Part 2. Job 10.8 10. COnsider 1. The many benefits that are discovered in the composition of your body Thy hands have made me saith Job and framed me wholly round about c. Thou hast as milk milked me and carded me as cheese c. See with what variety of members senses and necessary instruments and conveniences for the exercise of its several Functions God hath furnished you how admirably and fitly he hath disposed all things in their due place and order so that in the whole Fabrick nothing can be found either superfluous or wanting or disordered Ps 138.6 S. Basil apud Bellarm Hence David with reason cryeth out Thy knowledge is become marvellous of me that is as S. Basil expoundeth out of the structure of my body it is made great and I cannot reach to it Rom. 6.19 Consider 2. How every member of your body is a particular benefit of God Think how it would be with you if you should want your eyes your tongue or hand or any other member how much would you esteem your self bound to him that should restore any single one of these that had been lost How much more grateful then ought you to be to God who hath bestowed them all upon you whole and entire See therefore you do not abuse these same benefits to the displeasure and dishonor of your Creatour by exhibiting your members to serve uncleanness and iniquity to iniquity rather then to serve Justice as the Apostle admonisheth unto Sanctification 1 Cor. 9.7 Consider 3. How just a thing it is that he who hath created your whole self should likewise wholly and entirely possess you For as the Apostle saith Who planteth a Vine and eateth not of the fruit thereof God hath planted you as a choice Vine in his Vineyard yield him therefore the fruits thereof fruits of Piety Charity Patience and of other like Virtues Bern. de quadr debite All that you have saith S. Bernard you owe it him of whom you have it Of the benefit of Conservation Part 1. COnsider 1. The greatness of this benefit By Creation alone God gave you your self but once by Conservation he doth the same every moment of your life for unless he did preserve you you would immediately return to your own nothing The Noon-beams have not so strict a dependance of the Sun as you have of God If therefore one that should hang by a small thred held in an others hand ready to fall from a high Tower into a deep Pit if the thred should be let go would not dare to revile or injure him that held the thred how dare you that depend immediately on the hand of God provoke him by sin to let go the thred of his concurrance and your life Consider 2. As you cannot live without God so neither can you though living exercise any action of life without his special concurrance not so much as to move a hand or open your eyes or utter a word or do the least thing for as S. Paul said in him we live Act. 17.28 Aug. in Soâ—â—leq c. 18. and move and be Whence S. Augustine You oblige me to you Lord every moment while every moment you afford me your large benefits Consider 3. God doth not barely preserve your life but withall defends it from innumerable evils and miseries which others suffer so that others miseries are your benefits Think with your self why you are not as many others are blind deaf dumb same and oppressed with a thousand diseases and infirmities why not slain by Sword consumed by fire or water or dashed in pieces by some ruine and the like God hath delivered you from all these misfortunes that being so highly obliged to him for his benefits Lue. 1.74 75. you might serve him in Holiness and Justice before him all the daies of your life Of the benefit of Conservation Part 2. Ps 8.5 8. COnsider 1. Almighty God for your better pâ—â—servation hath not only removed evils from you as we have seen but also as a most indulgent Father hath abundantly provided you both with necessaries and all useful conveniences He hath furnished this lower world for you as a house to dwell in and hath adorned it with the Sun Moon and Stars for your benefit and delight and hath stored it with all manner of living creatures for your use In fine whatsoever flourisheth in gardens walketh in the fields swimmeth in the waters flyeth in the ayr or shineth in the Heavens is all for you What is man that thou art mindful of him c. Thou bast subjected all things under his feet all sheep and Oxen Moreover also the beasts of the field the birds of the ayr and fishes of the Sea that walk the paths of the Sea Consider 2. How God not content to have provided all these creatures for your use vouchsafeth also joyntly to concur with them for seeing he hath necessary influence into all their actions with the fire he doth truly warm you with the Sun he illuminates you with the ayr he refreshes you with meat and drink he feeds
be directed as Incense in thy sight and the elevation of my hands as evening Sacrifice 2. By Prayer man becometh companion of the Angels and converseth familiarly with God himself 3. God takes himself to be honoured by our prayers as he expresly tells us by his Prophet Invocate me in the day of tribulation Ps 49.15 I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorisie me 1 Pet. 5.8 Consider 2. The necessity we have of Prayer in regard of the miseries of this mortal life and continual dangers 1. Of Soul from the assaults of the Devil who as a roaring Lion goeth about seeking whom he may devoure from the alurements of the world and from the rebellion of our own flesh 2. Of Body from War Famine and Pestilence from poverty sickness loss of goods and fortunes death of friends and from innumerable other crosses and afflictions All which make us to cry out with King Josaphat to our Lord Whereas we are ignorant what to do 2 Paral. 20.12 this only we have lest that we direct our eyes to thee Luc. 18.1 Consider 3. The goodness of God who whereas he could sufficiently redress all our necessities with the general Providence wherewith he provideth for his other creatures yet to endear us the more to himself requireth that we have our recourse unto him by prayer acknowledging him the Author of all good and depending wholly on him in all occasions and therefore he hath given us an express Command thereof delivered by Christ in these words It behoveth always to pray Reflect upon your own particular necessities spiritual and temporal Heb. 4.16 and go with confidence to the Throne of Grace that you may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid Of the benefit of Prayer Part 2. COnsider 1. More in particular the benefits and efficacy of Prayer which as S. Hierom saith overcometh the inâ—iâ—cible Hieron in Epist and bâ—adeth the Almighty moving him to mercy and tying his hands from punishing our sins Suffer me said God to Moyses Exod. 32.10 when he was praying for the people that my fury may be angry against them It is a general remedy against all difficulties and temptations Prosp in Serm. Exod. 17.11 c. Jos 10.14 and a Scourge as S. Prosper saith to the Devils Moyses lifting up his hands in prayer obtained victory over the Amalecites Josue by prayer made the Sun and Moon stand still our Lord obeying the voice of a man How much more then may we hope the effect of our prayers for the obtaining of spiritual blessings Consider 2. Prayer as S. Augustine saith Aug. Serm. 26. de temp Luc. 11.13 is the Key of Heaven opening unto us all manner of heavenly treasures For by prayer we obtain 1. The divine Spirit of God Your father from heaven will give the good Spirit to them that ask him 2. Increase of habitual and sanctifying grace 3. More frequent supplies of actual grace 4. All manner of virtues and supernatural gifts Besides in the exercise thereof our faith is quickned our hopes raised and our love and affection inflamed towards God whom therein we acknowledge to be our chief Benefactor and Author of all good Is 65.24 Consider 3. All this and whatever else we can desire for our good Almighty God is readier to bestow upon us then we to ask and doth even prevent our prayers according to that And it shall be before they call I will hear as they are yet speaking I will hear And if he denieth us any thing it is our fault in demanding either what we ought not or not in the manner we ought but still his mercy Aug. Ser. 53. de Verb. Dom. for God in his mercy saith S. Augustine denieth such things which he could not grant but in wrath Be grateful for so great a benefit and serve your self of it by a due and constant use in all your occasions Of the benefit of Prayer Part 3. Eccli 18.23 COnsider 1. That of the wise man Before prayer prepare thy soul This preparation consisteth 1. In an humble heart towards God acknowledging our sins and unworthiness to appear in his sight as did the Publican and Centurion for God hath had respect to the prayer of the humble Ps 101.18 and he hath not despised their Petition And the prayer of him that humbleth himself shall penetrate the Clouds Eccl. 35.19 2. In peace and charity with our Neighbour pardoning all injuries and offences When you shall stand to pray Mar. 11.25 forgive if you have ought against any man c. 3. In putting off all hardness of heart towards the needy for as the wise man saith He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor Pro. 21.13 himself also shall cry and shall not be heard Mat. 6.6 Consider 2. In our prayer we must observe what Christ requireth in those words When thou shalt pray enter into thy chamber and having shut the door pray to thy father in secret c. That is we must retire our selves from all distracting objects and shut the doors of our senses We must also pray in spirit Jo. 4.23 and verity that is with a serious and earnest application of mind intending from our heart what we outwardly express in words that we may not be in the number of those of whom the Prophet This people honoreth me with their lips Mat. 15.8 but their heart is far from me We must finally bring a lively faith and confidence All things whatsoever you ask praying saith Christ believe that you shall receive Mar. 11.24 and they shall come unto you Consider 3. The grounds of this confidence which are chiefly three 1. The love of the Eternal Father towards us For as Christ said Jo. 16.27 The Father himself loveth you and who of his own accord bestowed his only Son upon us will not stick to grant us upon earnest entreaty lesser blessings 2. The Merits and Passion of Christ who is our Mediator and Advocate and assures us Jo. 14.13 Whatsoever we shall ask in his name that he will do 3. The intercession which the Divine Spirit himself doth make for us who as the Apostle saith Rom. 8.26 requesteth for us with groanings unspeakable On the Feast of our Lords Ascension Arise be illuminated Jerusalem upon thee shall our Lord arise and his glory shall be seen upon thee Is 60.1 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the King of Glory Ps 46.6 COnsider 1. Christ is often in the Scripture called the King of Glory and this day in triumphant manner he ascended the highest Heavens in great Glory and Majesty God is ascended in Jubilation and our Lord in the voice of Trumpet He is the Fountain whence Glory is derived to all the blessed and the several gifts of grace to the faithful but especially in this day of his Triumph as great Princes are wont in like occasions he prodigally
hath given the pledge of the Spirit as the Apostle saith in our hearts Of Heavenly Glory as it is in it self COnsider 1. Christ ascended into Heaven to prepare us a place Jo. 14.2 Leo Seâ— 1. de Ascens I go saith he to prepare you a place For Christ Ascension as S. Leo saith is our promotion so that where the glory of the Head is gone before there is hopes for the rest of the body to follow after Give God thanks for having vouchsafed to call you and contemplate the happiness of that state that you may be the more inflamed with the love of it Consider 2. Heavenly Bliss as the Divines define it out of Boetius is a state perfected by the concurrance of all good There are no evils to molest you Greg. in fine 7. Psal Penit. nor any good wanting which you can desire There saith S. Gregory will be light without eclipse joy without sighs desire without pain love without sorrow satiety without cloying safety without danger life without death health without impare and so of other happinesses without the admixture of those evils of which nothing in this life is free Jo. 16.22 Consider 3. All these happinesses are everlasting and never to be lost Wherefore after a thousand millions of years they will not decay nor diminish but will be then as new as ever And your joy saith Christ no man shall take from you Think how different are the enjoyments of this life which soon pass Bern. and as S. Bernard saith While they are possest they burthen while they are loved they defile and when they are gone they torment See which you will chuse to prefer Of Heavenly Glory as to the Place and Company Baruc. 3.24 Apoc. 21.18 c. COnsider 1. The happiness of the State in regard of the Place which is the highest Heaven then the which nothing can be imagined more beautiful pleasant or glorious O Israel said the Prophet how great is the House of God and how great is the place of his possession This is that City described in the Apocalyps whose gates are of Pearl the walls of Jasper stone the foundations of the walls of other precious stone the streets and the City it self of pure gold The City needeth not Sun Ibid. v. 23. nor Moon c. for the Lamb is the lamp thereof O! How beloved are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hoasts My soul coveteth Ps 83.2 3. and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. Apoc. 7.9 Consider 2. The happiness arising from the company There will be a great multitude which no man can number of all Nations and Tribes and Peoples and Tongues c. There is to be seen an infinite number without dissention distinction of degrees without envy free communication without confusion If it be a pleasure in this life to converse with such as are learned noble and of agreeable conversation how much greater pleasure and satisfaction will it be to have Angels for our companions who are most Noble Spirits and endowed with all manner of Science and Virtue and to live for ever in the company of Patriarchs Prophets Apostles Martyrs Confessors Virgins and the other Saints of heaven Phil. 3.8 Consider 3. How vile and contemptible all earthly things should appear unto you while you look up to heaven and how you ought to esteem all things as detriment and dung to gain heaven Of Heavenly Glory as to the Soul Ps 144.7 COnsider 1. The Essential Glory of the Soul which shall be wholly replenisht with God as a burning hot iron is with fire In the first place the Memory will be imployed in the remembrance of most delightful objects nor shall the mind be ever diverted from the present happiness it enjoyeth They shall utter the memory of the abundance of thy sweetness and in thy Justice they shall rejoyce Secondly The Understanding shall be wholly taken up with the Vision of God intuitively beholding the Divine Nature Persons Attributes and Mysteries that now lye hidden from us There it will see the profound secrets of Gods Councels and of his Providence both over us and all others We see now by a glass saith the Apostle in a dark sort 1 Cor. 13.12 1 Jo. 3.2 Ps 138.17 but then face to face And as S. John saith We shall see him as he is O what a happiness O how honorable are become thy friends O God! Ps 35.9 Thirdly The Will after an unspeakable manner shall adhere to God and be as it were transform'd into him by love whence it will even overflow with the excess of joy and that of the Psalm will be fulfilled They shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house and with the torrent of thy pleasure thou shalt make them driak Their whole life and imployment shall be wholly to contemplate love and enjoy their Creator to delight and rejoyce in him and to praise bless thank and congratulate with him for his infinite perfections Who would not be content to suffer not only patiently but also willingly the afflictions of this life to purchase such a Crown of Glory O how true it is that the passions of this time are not condigne to the glory to come Rom. 8.18 that shall be revealed in us Of Heavenly Glory as to the Body Mat. 13.43 COnsider 1. The proper gifts of a glorious body The first is Clarity or Brightness shineing like unto the Sun Then shall the Just shine as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father The second is Impassibility for as S. John saith They shall no more hunger Apoc. 7.16 Sap. 3.7 nor thirst The third is Agility The Just shall shine and as sparks in a place of reeds they shall run abroad The fourth is Subtilty whereby they shall be able to penetrate other bodies and be like unto Spirits free from the necessities belonging to the vegetative life Mat. 22.30 as the Angels of God Job 19.26 Consider 2. The happiness of each Sense 1. The Sight shall be delighted in beholding the glorious bodies of the Saints especially of Christ and his Mother I know saith Job that in my flesh I shall see God my Redeemer 2. The Hearing shall be recreated with heavenly Musick Hymns and Canticles Less de SS bon l. 3. c. 8. 3. The Smelling shall be filled with unspeakable sweetness issuing forth of the glorified bodies Your Saints O Lord shall flourish as the Lilly and shall be as the odour of Balm with you 4. The Tast though not by way of food shall have also its proper delight Ps 35.9 With the torrent of thy pleasure thou shalt make them drink 5. Lastly the Touching shall have its fill of most pure delight and that all the body over So that the Apostle with good reason did say Eye hath not seen nor ear hath heard 1 Cor. 2.9 neither hath it ascended into the heart of man what things God
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
Num. 11. â—9 Consider 2. The Elder Brother hearing of his Fathers Joy and Feasting murmured for envy Ponder how easie it is even among virtuous persons to be touched with some litt e envy or grudge at anothers commendation or preferment that you may so much the more carefully keep your self from the like Infection You ought rather to wish with Moyses that all might praise and honour God O that all the people might Prophesie and that our Lord would give them his Spirit Consider 3. The Fathers mild answer endeavouring to bring him from his errour Son thou art always with me and all my things are thine O what a happiness it is to the Just to have God always with them How rich must they be that have all things common with God Learn to rejoyce when your Brother is brought back again to Christ and endeavour what you can to bring very many to him Of him that was wounded by the Thieves Luc. 10.30 c. Part 1. A Certain man went down from Hierusalem into Jericho and fell among Thieves c. Consider 1. In this Parable the Fall of Mankind in Adam Man in his first Creation was ordained to take the course of his life from Jericho that is from this Sublunary World for Jericho signifieth the Moon to the Heavenly Hierusalem but he turning his affections which are the feet of the Soul from Hierusalem to Jericho fell among Thieves to wit the Devils who robbed him of Original Justice and giving him wounds left him half dead Consider 2. The many wounds which our Nature received by that first sin they are commonly by Divines accounted to be four in number S. Tho. 1.2 q. 85. a. 3. The first is Ignorance whereby the Understanding is made destitute of that order which it hath to Truth The second is Malice whereby the Will is disordered in the pursuance of good The third is Infirmity whereby the Irascible Power is weakened in order to what is difficult The fourth is Concupiscence whereby the Concupiscible Power is left in disorder as to moderate delight See how you are maimed in all these and have recourse to the Pious Samaritan for remedy saying with the Prophet Heal me O Lord and I shall be healed Jer. 17.14 save we and I shall be saved Consider 3. Neither the Priests nor Levites of the Antient Law could afford any remedy to man thus wounded The Samaritan alone Christ our Lord in form of a Sinner coming near him by his Incarnation bound his wounds and out of the precious Vessels of the Sacraments powred in Oyl and Wine And when he went for Heaven he recommended him to the care of Prelates promising them reward for the care and diligence they should use towards him What will you return to this Samaritan for this so great love and mercy towards you Of him that was wounded by the Thieves Luc. 10. Part 2. COnsider 1. In this Parable your own and every sinners fall They who go down from Hierusalem to Jericho and turn their affections from heavenly things to those of this world do certainly fall into the hands of Thieves but not on the contrary Ponder how this world is like to Jericho that is the Moon for its Inconstancy and think how dangerous it is to travel in a way that is beset with Thieves Such is your journey in this life Because your Adversary 1 Pet. 5.8 Ps 9. apud Heb. 10.9 the Devil as a roaring Lyon goeth about seeking whom he may devour He lyeth in wait in secret as a Lyon in his Den. Consider 2. How the Devil treateth such Passengers as deliver themselves up to him for he can hurt none but such as will themselves he robbeth them of all the Ornaments of Grace he striketh them with desperate wounds of Vicious Habits and so leaveth them half dead he is truly half dead that hath but one half of himself alive who though he be well in body yet is dead in spirit and to God See whether you be such be sorry for having been so at any time and have a care you do not any more put your self into the hands of so cruel a Tyrant Consider 3. The great Mercy of our Saviour who approacheth near the sinner by his holy Inspirations and chiefly by the Eucharist to bind up bis wounds and cure the infirmities of his Soul Our Lord shall bind up the wound of his people Is 30.26 and shall heal the stroke of their wound saith the Prophet Who would not confide in such a Physitian he powreth Wine and Oyl into the wounds to teach us how to cure our Neighbour when he sinneth to wit by tempering Severity with Mildness So that in our Correction there be both love Greg. in Past p. 2. c. 6. without remissuess and vigour without sharpness Of Holy Communion Forgive us our Debts as we also forgive our Debtors Mat. 6.12 Mat. 18.24 c. Consider Christ as a Patient Creditor COnsider 1. And imagine your self to be that Servant of whom is mention in this daies Gospel that owed his Lord ten thousand Talents For the debt of punishment which the Sinner oweth to God for every Mortal sin is in a manner infinit neither is he able to make any satisfaction although he were to be sold and with all that he hath condemned to perpetual Slavery What then would become of you if our Lord should call you to account this very day You are charged with a great Debt and you are not able to pay Ephes 2.4 Eccli 5.4 Ps 144.8 Joel 2.13 Is 1.18 Consider 2. The Depth of Gods Goodness who is ready to forgive more then man can possibly owe whence he is called Rich in Mercy A patient Rewarder Pittiful and Merciful And ready to be gracious upon the malice And by the Prophet he even provokes us Come and accuse me saith our Lord if your sins shall be as Scarlet they shall be made white as Snow c. He will come therefore unto you this day in the Eucharist which he would have to be as a Sanctuary or Refuge to all his Debtors that are not able to pay Therefore David Our Lord is made a Refuge for the Poor O how are you to wish for the coming of so good Ps 9.10 Creditor Luc. 6.37 Consider 3. Out of this Parable what preparation is required 1. He is to be entreated by frequent and earnest prayer I forgave thee all the debt because thou besoughtest me 2. With profound Humility for the servant falling down bâ—sought him 3. You are firmly to purpose amendment in life and manners Have patience towards me and I will repay thee all 4. You must forgive your Brother if you have any thing against him Oughtest not thou also to have mercy upon thy fellow-servant even as I had mercy upon thee Forgive and you shall be forgiven Of the Workmen in the Vineyard Mat. 20.1 c. Part 1. COnsider 1. The Kingdom of
Body and Mind and while they are yet in flesh emulate the perfection of Pure Spirits with this advantage of desert that what they are by Nature these arrive unto by a glorious Victory over their own Nature Virgins are specially beloved by Christ he would have a Virgin Mother a Virgin for his Precursor and among all his Disciples he loved best the Virgin S. John Virginity as S. Cyprian affirmeth is the Flower of the Churches Off-spring Cypr. de Discipl Habitu Virg. the Glory and Ornament of Spiritual Grace the Image of God and the most Illustrious Portion or part of Christs Flock 2 Cor. 4.7 Consider 2. Virginity although it be a special gift of God is not bestowed without our concurrance nor conserved without diligent care for we have this treasure in Earthen Vessels The means therefore to obtain and conserve it are 1. Mortification of the Flesh by Fasting Abstinence Watching and other Corporal Austerities 2. Strict guard upon our Senses which are the gates through which all evil doth enter into our Soul 3. Command over our thoughts neither admitting nor even disputing with any that are against this Virtue 4. The avoiding of all occasions that may bring us into the least danger 5. Earnest Prayer to Almighty God whose gift it is 6. Humility not trusting to our selves knowing our own weakness 7. Fear of God 8. Memory of the last things Apoc. 14.4 Consider 3. The Reward of Virginity 1. It is sufficient Reward to it self freeing the Soul from the Tyranny of the Flesh and unruly Passions to which others are subject and filling the same with most pure joy and content above all the delights of the World 2. Virgins after a special manner are Temples of the Holy Ghost and Spouses of Christ with whom he delighteth to be Whence they have that singular Prerogative above others in Heaven that they follow the Lamb whither soever he shall go 3. They have a special Crown in Heaven like to that of Martyrs And S. Ambrose doth stile Virginity the Mother of Martyrs and a glorious Martyrdome it self Stir your self up to the love of this Heavenly and Angelical Virtue and make use of the means that help to obtain it On the Feast of any Saint General Points Rom. 8.30 COnsider 1. Four things in whatsoever Saint you meditate on 1. His Predestination 2. Vocation 3. Justification 4. Glorification according to that of the Apostle Whom he hath predestinated them also he hath called and whom he hath called them also he hath justified and whom he hath justified them also hath he glorified The Predestination or Election to Glory was of Gods free gift without any desert of theirs Ephes 1.4 Before the canstitution of the world that they should be Holy and Immaculate in his sight Their Vocation in divers of them was different some were called in their Youth others in their Old Age some by Miracle others occasionally But God hath been wonderful in all Their Justification afforded them great gifts of Grace and special helps the chief of which you may reflect upon more in particular Their Glorification chiefly after death by Miracles Visions the gift of curing Diseases and the like Mat. 16.24 Consider 2. How the Saint of whom you meditate answered Gods Call and practised what he required of all those that would follow him as in set down in the Gospel If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Ponder how he was 1. In the Abnegation of himself by mortifying his Flesh Senses and Appetites 2. In carrying his Cross that is in manfully undergoing labours and pains for the glory of God and suffering adversities such as are Sickness Persecutions Afflictions Miseries c. 3. In following Christ by the exercise of all manner of Virtue in imitation of him Consider 3. In what particular and in what manner you are to imitate the Saint of whom you meditate Chrysost Ser. de Mart. quod imitand in brev 7. Noâ—omâ— Because as S. Chrysostome saith You must imitate if you praise or must not praise if you refuse to imitate And we might be what the Saints are if we would do what they did FINIS To the greater Glory of God His B. Virgin Mother and all his Saints A TABLE OF THE MEDITATIONS Contained in this Book as they lye in Order distributed for every Day of the Year From the 1 of November to Advent ALL-Saints day Of Christ in the Eucharist as God Page 1 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as King Page 2 2. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Father Page 3 3. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Brother Page 5 4. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Master Page 6 Of Mans last End 2. Meditations Page 7 8 Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Med. Page 9 10 11 Of the Sin of Angels Page 12 Of the Sin of our first Parents Page 13 Of the grievousness of Mortal Sin 5. Med. Page 14. c. Of flying Venial Sins 3. Med. Page 21. c. Of Death 3. Med. Page 25. c. Of preparing against Death 2. Med. Page 28. c. Of particular Judgment 2. Med. Page 31. c. Of general Judgment 2. Med. Page 33. c. Of Hell 2. Med. Page 36. c. Of Purgatory 2. Med. Page 39. c. From Advent to Christmass 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as Judge page 42 Of imitating the Life of Christ 2. Med. Page 43. c. Of Gods Decree concerning the Incarnation 2. Med. Page 45. c. Of the Election of Christs Mother 2. Med. Page 47. c. 2. Sunday Of Christ as the Expectation of the Gentiles Page 50 Of sending the Angel Gabriel Page 51 Of the Angels Salutation Page 52 Of the Delivery of the Message Page 53 Of the B. Virgins Reply Page 54 Of the B. Virgins Consent Page 55 Of the accomplishment of the Incarnation Page 56 3. Sunday Of Christ as the Anoiuted of our Lord Page 58 Of our Ladies Journey to Elizabeth Page 59 Of the Virgins Entrance to Elizabeth Page 60 Of the Canticle Magnificat Page 61 Of the Virgins stay with Elizabeth Page 63 Of Saint Johns Nativity 2 Med. Page 64. c. 4. Sunday Of Christ as our Souls Guest Page 66 Of the Revelation made to S. Joseph 2. Med. Page 67. c. Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 2. Med. Page 70. c. Of the Virgins Journey to Bethlehem Page 72 From Christmass to Septuagesm On Christmass-day Of Christ as a little one Page 74 Of our Lords Birth 3. Med. Page 75. c. Of the Shepherds and their Adoration 3. Med. Page 78. c. On New-years day Of Christ as he is Jesus Page 82 Of our Lords Circumcision 2. Med. Page 83. c. Of our Spiritual Circumcision 2. Med. Page 86. c. On Twelfth-day Of Christ as our Sovereign Lord Page 88 Sunday in the
service of God and good of Souls 2. Wisdom in governing their Flock 3. Fulness of Faith and Devotion in themselves and indefatigable endeavour of propagating the same in others 4. Profound Knowledge in Scriptures 5. Interiour Light Purity and Perfection joyned with Eminency of Doctrine to purge illuminate and perfect Souls committed to their charge Heb. 13.7 Consider 3. How well they corresponded with the Grace of their Vocation both as to themselves and their Flock For 1. They were Holy and Irreprehensible in their Life and Conversation as persons of an other world and consecrated to God 2. Notwithstanding their Eminent Dignity and the honours done them by men they were humble of heart Despisers of themselves and ambitious of nothing but to serve and do good to all 3. They were poor of spirit though in possession of great Revenues which they imployed no in superfluities upon themselves or their Relations but in relief of the Poor necessities of Virgins Pupils and Orphans and in other Works and Monuments of Piety As to their Hock they were always intent discharging to the full the above-mentioned Offices of Fathers Pastors Guides Mediators Legats and High-Priests by Sacrifices and Sacraments by Incessant Prayer by Counsel Exhortation Preaching c. Remember therefore with gratitude your Prelates saith the Apostle which have spoken the word of God to you the end of whose Conversation beholding imitate their Faith and other Virtues Of the Patriarchs or Founders of Religious Orders OUr Blessed Lord to maintain in his Church the fervour which he inspired in the Primitive Christians hath instituted several Religious Orders as so many Schools of Evangelical Perfection For the Founding of these he raised men from nothing as he formerly did his Apostles and by the Power of his Divine Grace made them absolute Masters and perfect Myrrours of Perfection to their Followers choice Vessels of Election to his own Honour and glorious Champions to his Militant Church against its Capital Enemies the World the Flesh and the Devil Ponder therefore to their honour and your own spiritual good the admirable Virtues which they exercised in opposition to these three common Adversaries Phil. 3.20 Consider 1. In opposition to the World they practised and taught 1. Perfect contempt thereof and of all its Pomps 2. Holy Solitude and Retiredness 3. Strict Silence 4. Evangelical Poverty and that by Vow 5. Contemplation of Heavenly things whereby though living on Earth their conversation was in Heaven 6. Ardent Love of God by which they lived wholly to him so that they might say with S. Paul I live now not I Gal. 2.20 Gal. 6.14 but Christ liveth in me And with the same Apostle they were truly Crucified to the World and the World to them Gal. 5.24 Consider 2. Against the Flesh they exercised 1. Angelical Purity consecrating themselves to God by the Vow of Chastity 2. Religious Modesty and Command over their Senses and Passions 3. Regular Discipline and Rule 4. Rigorous Fasting 5. Continual Prayer Reading and other Holy Exercises 6. Penance and perfect Mortification of the whole Man Interiour and Exteriour By all which means as the Apostle speaketh they have crucified their flesh with the Vices and Concupiscences Consider 3. Against the Devil they opposed 1. Profound Humility and contempt of themselves 2. The Vow of Perfect Obedience requiring of their Followers entire resignation of their wills and judgments into the hands of their Superiours 3. Lively and vigorous Faith working always conformably to it and according to the Principles of Eternal Verity 4. Inflamed love of God and their Neighbour seeking in all their actions his greater glory and their everlasting good labouring both by themselves and their Children to suppress Infidelity Heresie and Sin with zealous Preaching Teaching Administration of Sacraments and other Apostolical Functions Extol the goodness of God Honour and Reverence these Saints and make your benefit of their Example by Imitation according to the state of life and condition you are in Of Confessors in General COnsider 1. Under the Name of Confessors are understood 1. Those who have openly professed the Faith of Christ before Judges and after Imprisonments Chains Torments and Banishments suffered for the same Cause without further violence have died in peace 2. Those who having left all they had in the world have consecrated themselves to God in Religion living in perpetual Poverty Chastity Obedience and observance of Religious Discipline 3. All those who not being in any of the above-mentioned Ranks of Saints have led their lives in all manner of Virtue and Sanctity conformable to their state of life and Calling They are called Confessors because they confessed Christ 1. In their heart believing in him loving and adoring him 2. With their tongues continually praising and blessing him and giving him thanks for his benefits 3. In their actions keeping his Commandments following his Counsels and labouring in the exercise of good works Imitate these holy Saints and endeavour to confess and honour God with your whole heart and in all your words and actions Consider 2. These Holy Confessors not content with the bare observance of Gods Commandments and Councels laboured to purge their heart and affections of all whatsoever was not God by a pure and upright intention of his honour and service in all things Their care and study was to regulate their thoughts to moderate their affections to curb their senses to break self-will and judgment and by taming the flesh with fasting watching and other corporal austerities to bring it to perfect subjection to the spirit that so they might serve their Creator with a pure and undefiled heart For the same end they gave themselves to the continual exercise of Prayer and Meditation of Heavenly things and led their lives free from worldly cares and cogitations Endeavour by the same means to procure this Purity of Heart and Intention which these Saints made so much of Mat. 10.32 Luc. 12.8 Consider 3. Of what benefit to the Church and Merit and God these holy Confessors are 1. For that by the singular purity and integrity of their life they easily appease Gods wrath against sinners and obtain blessings from him 2. For that thereby more efficaciously then by words they Preach the Contempt of the World and convince by their own example that there is no Sex Age Condition or Calling in the Church which may not by the concurrance with Gods Grace easily attain to Virtue and Perfection Consider finally their Reward 1. Every one that shall confess me before men I also will confess him before the Angels of God and before my Father which is in Heaven 2. Of these our Lord said That he will gird himself and make them sit down Luc. 12.37 at his Nuptial Feast in Heaven and passing will minister unto them Of Virgins COnsider 1. Holy Virgins are those who notwithstanding whatsoever enticements threats promises temptations c. lead their lives in all Purity of