Christians for their Security in Matters relating to our present Peace and eternal Salvation can any Errour be less corrigible any Precipice more unavoidable any Wretchedness so deplorable It is a Slavery great enough that the Immortal Soul so near related to the Seraphims should borrow her Lights at least the first Sparks of All from dull Sense and earthly Images that 's one dreadful Effect of Sin Penal Darknesses sayes St. Augustin 1. Conf. c. 18. are sprinkled over our Rebellious Concupiscences But then notwithstanding this so abject dependence of Man's Soul deriv'd from so shameful a Cause whatever Sacred Lights are set up whereby to guide our Apprehensions in the search of Divine Mysteries and to rectifie our Judgement and Will in the acceptance and use of them to their due ends still to be puzzling in the Mists and Shadows of sensible Images and while Divine Revelation for our improvement in all Christian Truths and Duties discovers unto us the Mysteries of his Love and this by so convincing a Proponent that although sifted by the severest Enquiry doth rationally create an Evidence of the Credibility of those Mysteries prudently undeniable and absolutely above whatever may venture to stand in opposition to it and is moreover approv'd and recommended unto us at our utter peril by our Blessed Lord for the entire convicting our Humane Reasonings and Fallacies and for the obliging our Wills to a free and firm assent as a Means above all Reasonable Exception everlastingly to fetter the Illustrious and super-illuminated Soul with Arguments drawn from blind and creeping Sensuality and this in Matters however transcendent and Divine is justly proclaim'd by St. Augustin Epist 118. c. 5. a most Insolent and unsufferable Madness IV. Yet further amidst the whole Symbol of the Mysteries of Grace thus revealed and this Revelation so manifestly propounded and attested through a wretched Self-choice the true Parent of Schism and of all thence growing Heresies which Party and Passion against the antient and authentick Rule of Credibility Mishaps into reveal'd Truths To admit One or some few Points of Faith for the securing some apparent Right to the Title of a Christian but to reject all others purely through the Suggestion of a private Opinion or through an over-ruling Power of a prevailing Society broken off from and in opposition unto the Antient Holy and Vndivided Body of Christians even such at the first appearing of Luther Calvin Zuinglius and other Vn-authoriz'd Preachers of new Lights whereas all Articles of Christian Faith are alike reveal'd and the Revelation of all is equally evidenc'd for the securing Catholick Unity and the obliging all to a peaceable Submission and Communion therein This without question demonstrates evidently a willful Separation Perverseness and Obstinacy in this most important Affair of Man's Salvation and that sinful man not one way only offers Sacrifice to the Apostate Angels Aug. 1. Conf. c. 17. V. For all Christian Verities however different as to their Matter and Objects yet as they are Articles of Super-natural Faith reveal'd to Man by Truth it self and shining to Him in a Divine Light and as witnessed to be so revealed by the Authority of a prudently convincing Proponent above all Exception or apparent Competition are of One and the same Kind and Nature and consequently are also inseparable if not as to actual Assent when so propounded yet at least as to the actual Obligation of Assent so as not to contradict or dissent from Them And thus whether this their Vnity and Inseparableness arise from the only Motive of all Assent in Matters of Divine Faith which is Gods Veracity Revealing All or from the Visible and Living Proponent of this Revelation or Divine Credibility which is the Authority of the Catholick Church and which as to all Matters within the Precincts of Divine Faith is the most Rational and therefore to every Prudent and Sober Enquirer of revealed Truths is the most convincing of all Humane Authorities The Pillar of Truth 1 Tim. 3.16 the true Interpreter of Gods Word Trid. Sess 4. de Edit Libr. Sacr. and Rule of Faith Aug. Epist 118. c. 5. l. contr Epist Fund c. 5. l. 1. contr Crescon c. 33. against which no Infidelity or Malice shall prevail Matt. 16.18 Aug. l. 1. Symb. c. 6. Epist 48. especially if that Authority of Learn'd Holy and Industrious Pastors and Doctors be further consider'd as authoriz'd by the express Institution and Testimony of Christ and as such recommended to our pious Obedience and Credulity by the thence ensuing Practice of all Believers ever own'd by an un-interrupted Series of Doctors and an unalter'd Chain of Doctrines to be within the Pale of the True Church And surely the ordinary course of the Sun and Stars is more marvellous and useful than the irregular and fatal Rays of giddy and dwindling Comets Sect. II. That this secure Means of arriving to Truth is Easie and Effectual VI. THis Authority of the Catholick Church whose Hierarchy supposes Superiours and Subjects and whose Mysteries do imply Doctors and Disciples is Eminential or Representative The Eminential Authority resides in One chief Bishop Superiour and Doctor though invested successively in each one of the whole Series of chief Bishops from St. Peter till now by a Legal Mission governing and teaching Christs Flock as His Vicegerents in His Name and with His Spirit and thus forward to the Worlds end The Representative Authority is diffus'd through many subordinate Pastors who as Superiors and Teachers of their special Flocks conserve the Traditions of the Ancients and instruct their Disciples in the Doctrine and Duties they receiv'd from above but is especially visible in the solemn Assemblies of these Church-Governours when legally conven'd they meet under and with their chief Bishop through the several Ages of the Church for the securing and publishing those Traditions against the Novelties of private and unsent Teachers And thus as it is no hard Matter for Subjects to determine the Imperial Right of and their own Duty to a Prince who claims by Legal Succession and Descent in the Legitimate Line of his Royal Ancestors So neither can there be any rational Doubt in whom this either Eminential or Representative Church-Authority establish'd by Christ for the conserving of Peace Truth and Obedience amongst Believers doth even this day reside with all its due Prerogatives Joan. 21.17 Chalced. act 16. in Epist ad Leon. P. Synod 6. act 18. 7. act 2. Florent Decret Vnion Iren. l. 3. c. 3. Athan. Ep. ad Faelic P. Theodoret. Ep. ad Renat Hier. Ep. ad Dam. Aug. Ep. 162. VII Now either of these Church-Authorities considering Mans present dependence on superiour Lights and Guides as to Divine Mysteries is the most unquestionable and most safe Evidencer of what Truths are indeed reveal'd by Christ and of their true Sense and Use any sincere Enquirer can reasonably appeal unto for satisfaction and security in Matters and Controversies of a Supernatural Religion And hence the
Vertues and their Memorable Actions Thus to perpetuate the Truth of King Solomons Prophetick Song That the QVEENS of the Earth shall ever eccho forth Canticks of Praise and Glory to the Holy QVEEN of Heaven Cant. 6. v. 8. While by your Sacred Majesties Religious Examples Your Kingdoms and their vast Appendants be again reclaim'd to JESVS England once more becomes the DOWRY of MARY and that by the powerful Mediation of the Divine Mother to her Bountiful Son JESVS the British Empire may prosper in TRVTH PEACE and PLENTY under the Royal Scepters of an eternal Issue of King JAMES the JVST and Queen MARY the PIOVS which is the humble earnest and daily Petition of Madam Your Sacred Majesties most Humble most Obedient and most Faithful Servant Subject J. C. Febr. 28. 1686 / 7. The CONTENTS SEct. I. That there is a secure Means of arriving to the Knowledge of Christian Religion page 1 Sect. II. That this secure Means of arriving to Truth is easie and effectual page 7 Sect. III. That this Authority assented unto all Controversies of Religion even this of the Veneration due to the Holy Mother of JESUS is at an end page 11 Sect. IV. Two sorts of persons oppose these Marian Contemplations upon what Grounds page 13 Sect. V. Four kinds of Arguments used against the Contemplations and the Case open'd page 20 Sect. VI. The Worship properly due to the Holy Mother of Jesus truly stated page 25 Sect. VII What sensible Actions may lawfully express that inward Worship we owe to Holy Mary page 28 Sect. VIII That the Worship given to the Holy Mother of Jesus is Religious and Laudable page 31 Sect. IX That the Worship of the Saints being Religious the Doctrine and practice thereof in a Super-eminent degree in the Contemplations asserted to the Mother of Jesus is Pious and Just page 42 Sect. X. That a Super-eminent Veneration is due to the Holy Mother of Jesus page 45 Sect. XI Three Singular Motives of the Super-eminent Veneration due to the Holy Mother of Jesus page 48 Sect. XII That these Three most Excellent Priviledges of Holy Mary do challenge a Super-eminent Servitude from us as they are Her Super-natural perfections page 54 Sect. XIII That the same Excellencies of Holy Mary as sublime Images of the Divine Attributes confirm Her Right of Super-eminent Servitude page 61 Sect. XIV That the Mediation of Holy Mary derogates not from the Dignity of our only Mediator Jesus page 65 Sect. XV. That the Exaltation of the Holy Mother of Jesus above all the Choires of glorified Creatures renders not the Contemplations useless to Christians page 73 Sect. XVI That the Contemplations are only a Continuation of the Antient Doctrine and Practice of the Catholick Church page 85 Sect. XVII Illustrious Testimonies of the Reverence of the first Age of the Church towards the Holy Mother of Jesus as a Rule to all succeeding Ages thereof page 88 Sect. XVIII Testimonies of the Second Age. page 97 Sect. XXI Testimonies of the Third Ages page 99 Sect. XX. Testimonies of the Fourth Age. page 100 Sect. XXI Testimonies of the Fifth Age. page 103 Sect. XXII Testimonies of the Sixth Age. page 107 Sect. XXIII Testimonies of the Seventh Age. page 108 Sect. XXIV Testimonies of the Eighth Age. page 116 Sect. XXV Testimonies of the Ninth Age. page 119 Sect. XXVI Testimonies of the Tenth Age. page 121 Sect. XXVII Testimonies of the Eleventh Age. page 122 Sect. XXVIII Testimonies of the Twelfth Age. page 123 Sect. XXIX Testimonies of the Thirteenth Ages page 117 Sect. XXX Testimonies of the Fourteenth Age. page 129 Sect. XXXI Testimonies of the Fifteenth Age. page 131 Sect. XXXII Testimonies of the Sixteenth Age. page 135 Sect. XXIXII That the Innocency Equity and Antiquity of the Super-eminent Veneration and Invocation due to Holy Mary with Magnificent Praises and Titles of Honour ought to be acknowledg'd by all True Believers page 158 An Apology for the Contemplations on the Life and Glory of the Holy Mother of JESUS Shewing the Innocencie Equity and Antiquity of the Honour and Veneration given to Her by the Holy Catholick Church Sect. I. That there is a secure Means of arriving to the Knowledg of Christian Religion I. IGnorance and Errour are the proper Birth and Growth of Mans Rebellion and Sin Had Man been obedient to his Good God he had not been divested of Original Innocence and Grace the Lights of an abstractive Knowledge of God and Divine Mysteries had suffer'd no Eclipse and Man had still walk'd comfortably with God in the Splendours of the Earthly Paradice And therefore those Dreadful Effects and Punishments of Mans Iniquity cannot indemnify Him in his breach of Moral and Christian Duties justify Heresie or Schism or become a rational Plea for Immunity and Impunity at the Bar of Gods Justice since as to the Essential Points and Fundamental Obligations of Christian Religion both those Darknesses may be evacuated entirely for Mans acquiring his Supernatural End by the Means of the Lights of Divine Revelation sufficiently appliable to each ones Capacity Endeavours and Duty partly through internal super-infus'd Gifts of Faith and Grace to that end ever ready partly through that prudently justifiable and convincing Authority and laborious Industry of lawful and careful Guides and Teachers purposely appointed impower'd and continu'd through all Ages over Believers within the Churches Hierarchy by a most Fatherly Providence of our gracious God and plentifully endow'd with the Wisdom and Spirit of Jesus the Author Conservator and Finisher of Christian Religion out of which there is no Holiness or Salvation Hebr. 11.6 Trid. Sess 6. c. 6. 8. Aug. Serm. 38. de Temp. II. For the Living God being essentially Light and Truth designing Christs Mission for our improvement in Knowledge Love and Obedience till the finishing of all Time and by manifest Edicts proclaiming his sincere Will That none shall see or possess Him in the fulness of his Glory who is not prepar'd thereunto by previous Lights of Supernatural Faith and warmth of Divine Love He will not be wanting to Men of good Will in matters he so pressingly requires of them especially as to those more important and most useful Truths and Duties on which he hath built chiefly the Sacred Fabrick of Christian Religion and by It our Hopes of Eternal Happiness and therefore hath God graciously covenanted with Believers a Supply of all Necessary Aids for their efficacious advancement amidst all Letts of Holiness upon his own Fidelity Rom. 3.4 1 Cor. 10.13 1 Thes 5.24 Hebr. 10.23 Trid. Sess 6. c. 11. Araus c. ult Aug. tr 53. in Joan. Thus saith St. Augustin 4. Conf. c. 16. Christians securely ripen their first Feathers in the Nest of the Church and nourish the Wings of their Charity by a Sound Faith. III. But if these formidable Punishments of Mans Pride be moreover encouraged by Party and Passion in opposition to the Rules of those Lights and Covenants offer'd to
in the Colledge of the Apostles celebrating her Praises with Hymns and Canticks (d) Quando ad contuendum Corpus quod vitae principium dedit Deum suscepit convenissemus Viso sacro corpore placuit omnibus prout quisque poterat hymnis celebrare infinitam Bonitatem Divina potentiae Epist Dion cit When we met to behold that Body which gave the beginning of Life and wherein God lodg'd Having beheld the Body each one according to his Power sung forth Hymns of Glory to the Infinite Bounty of the divine Power Epist Dion ad Timoth. apud Damasc Orat. 2. de Dormit Deip. LXXXII From these Illustrious Witnesses of the Ancient and Innocent Veneration and Invocation of the Mother of JESVS it manifestly appears that albeit the Sacred Monuments of this First and others next succeeding Ages of the Catholick Church either decay'd by Time or destroy'd by Persecutors or falsifi'd by false Brethren be few in regard of the great Train of holy Pastors and Teachers who by their Doctrine and Practice convey'd to us the Apostolical Faith and Holy Institutions conserv'd entire to this day by the Divine Providence ever assisting and guiding the Eminential and Representative church-Church-Authority Yet even these few do abundantly demonstrate the Primitive Doctrine and Practice of this Important Article of the Communion of the Saints as to the Worship and Intercession of Holy Mary the Mother of JESVS even under the dreadful Mystery of the Sacrifice of the Mass the greatest Act of Divine Worship Sect. XVIII Testimonies of the Second Age. LXXXIII IN the Second Age St. Irenaeus stiles the Holy Mother of JESVS The Advocate of the guilty Children of Eve. (a) Suasa est Maria obedire Deo ut Evae Virginis Maria Virgo fieret Advocata Iren. cit Libr. 5. c. 19. And Tertullian calls Her The Co-adjutrice of our Saviour JESVS in repairing the Apostacy of our first Parents and in promoting Mans Salvation (b) In Evam adhuc Virginem irrepserat Verbum aedificatorium mortis In Virginem aeque introducendum erat Verbum Dei extructorium Vitae ut quod per ejusmodi sexum abierat in perditionem per eundem redigeretur in salutem quod Eva credendo deliquit Maria credendo delevit Tert. cit Where the Parallel runs between the efficacy of Eves sin to perpetuate Mans ruine and the Excellencies of the Holiness of the Mother of JESVS to continue Mans Salvation and speaking elsewhere of the Catholick Worship of things Sacred and especially of the Holy Cross he has this remarkable Saying Ejusmodi disciplinarum si Leges expostules Scripturarum nullam invenies Traditio tibi praetendetur Auctrix consuetudo firmatrix fides observatrix l. Cor. Mil. c. 3. If sayes he you require an Express Authority of Holy Scripture for these our observances we alledge none we assert Tradition to be their Introducer Custom their Conserver and Faith their Observer l. de Carn Christ c. 17. And the great St. Justin Martyr in his Illustrious Apology for Christian Religion offer'd to Antoninus Pius the Emperor doth in express Words vindicate this Age of the Church from the Imputation of Atheism impos'd by Pagans for the practice of Saint-Servitude acknowledging the Fact but denying and refuting the Crime in that Christians give them not Divine but only Saint-Worship (c) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Justin cit We do in deed and Truth sayes he Worship adore and venerate the most true God and his Son whom he sent into the World to teach us these things and also the Troops of his Followers and Imitators of the good Angels and the Spirits of the Prophets and this Doctrine we sincerely teach others as we our selves were taught Justin Mart. Apol. 2. ad Antonin Pium Imper. Vid. Apol. 1. ad Senat. Resp ad q. 30. Gentil wherein he exactly agrees with the first Age and the practice of Ours Sect. XIX Testimonies of the Third Age. LXXXIV THis Age gives us many solemn Witnesses of the Practice of Christians in their days in Worshipping and Invocating the Glorious Saints and consequently of the Holy Mother of JESVS the Queen of Angels and Saints S. Cypr. Epist 34. 37. ad Clerum Cornel. P. Epist 1. Euseb Alex. hom de Cult Sanct. Orig. Hom. 1. in Ezech. med l. 8. contr Cels hom 5. in Cant. hom 16. in Jos But S. Methodius doth specially dilate himself in the Praises of Holy Mary (a) Salve in aeternum Ineffabile Gaudium Ad te namque rursus recurrimus Tu Festivitatis nostrae Principium Tu medium Tu Finis Tu sons uberrimus totius Sanctitatis animarum Altare In te perbenignus Conditor ferventissima Charitatis flammas quasi conferâ—â—s solis radios est ejaculatus Method cit All hail for ever O Ineffable Joy we again have recourse to thy protection for thou art the Beginning the Advancement and Conclusion of our Festivals the over-flowing Fountain of all Holiness the Altar of our Souls In thee our most bountiful Creator hath power'd forth the flames of his most ardent Charity as so many condensed beams of a glorious Sun. Orat. in Hypant Dom. where having given Her many magnificent Titles of Honour he expresseth his singular confidence in her protection through the whole Course of his Life and to that end He requests Her powerful Aid calling Her the delicious Fountain of Salvation and Altar of Propitiation where the Almighty Creator casts forth the powerful beams of his most ardent Love. Sect. XX. Testimonies of the Fourth Age. LXXXV THE Fourth Age abounds with a copious train of Zealous Witnesses of this great Article of Christian Doctrine and Devotion towards the Glorious Mother of JESVS receiv'd from their holy Pastors and Teachers and by their pious Care transmitted to their Disciples and Successors for a clear conviction of the Innocency Equity and Antiquity of the Veneration given to Her by the Catholick Church (a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Athan. cit Since he who was born of the Virgin is a King Soveraign Lord and God she also of whom he was born is truly and properly a Queen Lady and Mother of God Le ts then say that now it is verifi'd That the Queen stands at the Right hand of JESVS clad in a Mantle of Gold embroider'd with Jewels of an Infinite variety To thee we cry out Remember us O most Holy Virgin and for these our small Praises render unto us rich Gifts out of the Treasures of thy Graces O thou who art full of Grace O Mistris O Lady O Queen O Mother of God make Intercession for us St. Athanasius Serm. de Sanctis Deipar proves Her Right to the Imperial Titles of Lady and Queen from her being the True Mother of God who is the King of the World and to that end applies to Her the Prophesie of that Illustrious Queen David saw standing in glory at the right hand of God thence he proclaims the Amplitude of her Power in the Spiritual
Fathers send us sometimes to the Eminential Line of Church-Authority for the justifying Catholick Faith against the Invasions of Schism and Heresie Iraen cit Tertul. l. praescript c. 32. Hier. dial contr Lucifer Aug. Ep. 165. psalm contr part Donat. contr Ep. fund c. 4. Epiph. haer 27. Optat. l. 2. contr Parmen thereby proving the Catholick Church to be the only Apostolical as well from the Vocation and Succession of chief Bishops as for the perpetuity of its Doctrines At other times they refer us to the Body of Church-Representatives for the final Decision of all Controversies in Matters of Faith and Duty Gelas Ep. ad Episc Dardan Cyril l. 1. Trin. Ep. 1. Leo. Ep. 53 54 55. 61. Greg. l. 1. Ep. 24. Ambr. Ep. 13. Naz. l. de fid Orat. de Athan. Ep. ad Cledon Aug. l. 1. contr Crescon c. 33. VIII These Methods therefore of seeking the whole Symbol of Christian Religion are easie and secure for the Church-Authority now being is the same with that through all Ages visible to All by the perpetuity of chief Bishops by the Synods of subordinate Pastors and by the Communion of Christians with both and is efficacious enough in guiding and obliging even prescinding from that Infallibility either of those Church-Authorities have from Gods special Assistance asserted by Scripture because it resides in the most Illustrious Collection of learned and zealous Pastors and Doctors the whole World can offer as a Guide to Mankind in Matters most Important that being also their only business and they therein very intent and unanimous as to all Doctrines and Practices necessary But much rather if regarded under the Commission of that their Authority it being their special Institution and Office so to guide to that intent authoriz'd by Christ successively for all Ages that Establishment being legally proclaim'd by the Apostles and the use of this Commissive Power executed by Apostolical Governours and acknowledg'd by an universal and un-interrupted Practice of the Undoubted Christian Churches In the chief Apostolical Church the Ecclesiastical Supremacy hath ever flourished saith St. Augustin Ep. 162. and therefore To this Church all others owe their being Orthodox says Iren. cit S. Hier. adds Dial. cit fin That its perpetuity is an easie and plain Demonstration of the Duty we owe to its Doctrines and Precepts Sect. III. That this Authority assented unto all Controversies of Religion even this of the Veneration due to the Holy Mother of JESUS is at the end IX THis Church-Authority so ancient so universal so uniform and easie being once admitted by all Parties as admitting no Opposition no Competition no Appeal in Decisions of Faith the Remedy of all Ignorance and Error in Matters relating to Man's Sanctification is plain and effectual all Separation in Judgement and Manners as to the perilous Doubts what Truths are reveal'd and what Precepts impos'd would become void and the whole Body of Christians would become Catholick as well in Vnity of Belief and Practice as in the Confession of One God one Christ one Baptism Mysteries as hard and as incomprehensible as any assented unto by Catholicks by reason of that Authority X. Neither would it be here needful to set forth an Apology for my Innocent Contemplations on the Life and Glory of Holy Mary the Mother of JESUS they being in every Point consonant to the Judgment and Practice of Church-Authority nothing being therein asserted or used which may give any reasonable Jealousie of an attributed Deity or may transcend the just Prerogatives of a Pure Creature since all those Praises Titles of Honour Acts of Veneration and humble Addresses therein used imply that express Limitation of Her being a Pure Creature than which nothing can more derogate from the Perfections or Rights of a Divinity although still we must own to the Holy Mother of Jesus all those Excellencies and Duties unto WHOM the most Illustrious Gifts of Nature and Grace consistent in a PURE CREATURE seem enough only to qualifie Her for the super-eminent and ineffable Excellency of a Divine Maternity Matt. 1.16 Conc. Ephes 1. cap. 13. Greg. l. 1. Reg. c. 1. an Excellency which is the most magnificent of all communicable to a Pure Creature which no Christian can deny to Holy Mary and which as confer'd on a Pure Creature is the Measure of what-ever is said in those Contemplations according to the Pious Maxim of subtil Scotus 3. d. 3. q. 1. n. 10. That whatsoever is most Excellent is due to Holy Mary unless contrary to the Oracles of Divine Revelation or the Churches Authority And thus the whole Body of Christianity saith St. Ansel libr. de Excel Virg. c. 4. doth acknowledge Her to be priviledg'd above all the Chores of Angels And seated only beneath the un-accessible Throne of the most adorable Trinity saith St. Greg. cit Sect. IV. Two sorts of Persons oppose these Marian Contemplations and upon what Grounds XI THE modern Opposers of these Contemplations are of two kinds a friendly Trimmer Speculum B. V. London Printed for R. T. An. 1686. and an open Vigilantian Answ to a Catholick Mis-represented To the first belong all they who whatever Judgement they have of the Substance of the Doctrine and Devotions of the Contemplations wherein they are very yielding blame the Excess of some Expressions either as unduly worded or not cautiously trimmed to the present Humour and Palate of such Mis-believers who will not away with sound and wholesome Meats if not toothsome also or if themselves ill digest some Catholick Doctrines and Duties as if therefore such Meats were not to be offer'd to the Sound and Healthful And there be of these too who so trim in this great Point of Christian Piety towards the Holy Mother of JESVS so ancient and renown'd through all Nations and Ages of the Church as to reduce the whole design of the Worship of Saints to a bare Admiration Commemoration and Imitation of their Virtues Spec. c. p. 9. 29. as if the Veneration of the glorious Saints aecording to their several Degrees of Super-natural and Eternal Excellencies and our Mediation of Intercession directed mediately or immediately unto Them were not in themselves Christian Virtues or that the Practice of these Vertues were not due by Us to their high Rank and Honour as they are the refin'd and excellent Images Temples and Favourites of God or that our being Christians should under peril of the heaviest Crime and Penalty of Idolatry oblige us to lay aside all good Manners and whereas our Morals teach Men to reverence and petition the more Illustrious sort even of sinful Mortals The Gospel should command us under forfeiture of all that is Sacred and comfortable to neglect both towards the glorify'd Saints so incomparably above Us and so acceptable to God for those Excellencies especially since They by reason of those their excellent virtues and Gods Supernatural Gifts the Motives and Measure of all that Praise Honour Worship
each in their proper Station Since then next under God by Essence as the Holy Trinity One God blessed for evermore or by Con-subsistence as JESVS God and Man to whom Divine Worship is due the Holy Mother of JESVS in right of Her Maternity con-naturally qualify'd exceeds all the Choires of Angels and Saints in participated supernatural Perfections by the consent of all Doctors Fathers and church-Church-Authority for which reason St. Athanasius Serm. de Deip. applies to Her the prophetick Vision of David ps 44.10 of that Illustrious Queen he saw standing at the right hand of God whom therefore St. Gregory Nazianzen Traged Christi patient calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or pre-eminent above heavenly Orders Lady and Queen of All the proof and practice of which Excellency and Magnificence is the chief design of the Contemplations for this reason that Saint-Servitude or Worship in Right of that Excess is by the same Consent properly called Hyperdulia or super-eminent Servitude Contempl. n. 9. and this same surpassing Excellency of supernatural Endowments of Holy Mary as she is the Mother of JESVS is the precise Motive and Measure of all those superlative Praises Titles of Honour and sensible Marks of our internal Worship address'd unto Her As also of that lively and strong Confidence we have of Her Protection and Relief in our Mediation of Her Intercession for Us when we humbly offer up our Petitions either to God graciously to regard her Merits or to harken to her Requests according to the proportion of her excellent Acceptableness to Him or immediately to her self as the Mother of JESVS Queen of Angels Lady of Saints and Refuge of Sinners and therefore highly qualify'd to become a most efficacious Advocate at the Throne of Mercy for Us. XXI Wherefore All Christians believing holy Mary to be the true Mother of JESVS Symb. Apost art 3. Matt. 1.16 Conc. Ephes 1. c. 13. it seems very rational according to the regular and con-natural order of Gods Providence First That Holy Mary is the most sublime and most exact Original of all practical Perfection which the Omnipotency of God-ever drew in the Soul of a PVRE CREATVRE Contempl. Epist Dedic p. 4. l. 9. and Secondly That for this reason she claims the utmost Duty of every Christian as a proper Homage to her Greatness Ibid. p. 5. l. 10. Which Duty thirdly is explain'd to be an Act of super-eminent Servitude Contempl. n. 9. And fourthly brancheth it self by degrees into Praises of Holy Mary for her surpassing super-natural participated Perfections Illustrious Titles of Honour suitable to those Perfections Protestations of a cordial Esteem of her Excellencies of Congratulation for her just possession thereof of Submission to Her Grandeur so high above all other Pure Creatures and so nigh and acceptable to God by reason of those her exuberant Perfections of Holiness Grace and Glory so liberally communicated to Her and of humble Petition of her Intercession and Protection through her Maternity and her thence flowing Prerogatives efficaciously procuring those Divine Blessings upon us which may according to the Rules of his Sacred Providence be fit objects of his gracious Liberality towards us Contempl. n. 8. 18. Sect. VII What sensible Actions may lawfully express that inward Worship we owe to Holy Mary XXII AS the Voice is a sensible Representative of the hidden Notions and Passions of the Intellectual Soul Aug. 15. Trin. c. 11. Arist 1. Periherm 1. So also other outward actions may be Signs sensibly declarative of our inward Affections But those by which we express in our publick Worship our high esteem of and respect to the Majesty and Attributes of God which are Infinite and of the Persons and Perfections of the Saints in their several subordinate Stations though finite and dependent are frequently the same as to the Material or Physical Act. For as we uncover our Head bend our knee or lift up our Eyes or Hands to Heaven in our Latreutick or Divine Worship So also in our Saint-Servitude offer'd to Holy and Glorious Creatures without the least offence of the Creator because there is no usurpation of Gods Divine Prerogatives in the use of those indifferent Actions upon those finite Motives and also without any just cause of Scaendal to a weak Believer because nothing Divine is acknowledg'd by those sensible Marks of Worship to be intrinsick to the Saints to whom they are exhibited as to their immediate Terminative Object XXIII To clear which suppose First That as in the Old Law there was a severe Precept under penalty of Death Deuter. 17.8 So in the New under pain of Separation from the Church that Gods People should learn Divine Truths and Duties from his Commissioners the Eminential or Representative Church and therefore also the Nature Rules Design and Practice of publick Worship Matt. 18.17 1 Cor. 11.34 And this with a Spirit of Vnity by assent to reveal'd Verities and of Obedience to sublimer Powers in Matters relating to Manners and Discipline Sacred But then secondly suppose as manifest to All that those sensible Signs us'd in our Religious Worship have of themselves a manifold Signification though with a Subordination to one chief Analogate And therefore thirdly those Signs by direction of our Judgment and command of the Will are applicable to several Ends or Objects according to those divers Significations and the Nature of the Motives apprehended and guiding as their Immediate Rule and Measure so that according to the Quality of the Motive Divine or participated those general Signs are directed and specify'd and their Vse is justify'd XXIV Thus if our bended Knee by direction of our Spirit and mov'd by the apprehension of the infinite Majesty Wisdom Goodness or Power of God protests an acknowledgement of those Divine Perfections and our absolute dependence on God in our Being Motion and Happiness it is an exterior Act of Divine Worship But if it ariseth only from the apprehension of a participated Excellency of some glorify'd Creature and by our judgement be only directed to acknowledge their State of Holiness and Glory and to protest a Submission thereunto by reason of the vast Chaos betwixt a Mortal Sinner and a glorious Saint even in those their participated super-natural Blessings and consequently their acceptableness to God whose gracious Images Sanctuaries and Favourites they thereby are and our need of their Protection over us and Intercession for us then the bended Knee and other Religious Postures of Head Hands and Eyes are only Marks of Saint-Servitude or Worship suitable to the Motive and End and derogate not at all from our Latreutick Duty to the most High. XXV But because these sensible Acts by the help of our Reason and Will may profess a greater acknowledgement of the Grandeur of a Saint and a firmer confidence of their Aid by how much more Illustrious their super-natural Endowments are these being their exact Motive Rule and Measure therefore if they be directed to
Ripar Athan. l. Virg. fin Leont Dial. in Nic. 2. act 4. Dam. l. 3. c. 16. Sect. IX That the Worship of the Saints being Religious the Doctrine and Practice thereof in a Super-eminent degree in the Contemplations asserted to the Mother of JESUS is Pious and Just XXXV FRom these premises That the Worship of the Saints as such by Participation of Grace and Glory Imitation of Gods glorious State and Transfiguration into a Divine Being by reason of their beatifical Union is properly though not principally Religious It followeth evidently That the Praises Titles of Honour outward Signs of Worship and Forms of Prayer us'd by Catholicks according to the Rules of church-Church-Authority in their Saint-Servitude are Pious and Just Acts becoming and oblidging a Christian Not by reason of any Portion of the Deity or Divine Attributes inherent in the Saints as Pagans fancied in their Heroes they therefore worshipped as Gods but in Right of their super-natural Endowments of Grace and Glory whereby they incomparably transcend the whole Sphere of Civil Worship especially as they have under that consideration a special reference to Gods Majesty and Holiness which they thereby partake imitate and involve and this according to the true degree of each ones acceptableness to God in that their glorious State. XXXVI For in the first place the formal Motive of those several Actions imports an objective Honesty practically inclining a Christian to their use according to the Dictates of Reason and Faith which mov'd the Royal Prophet to cry out Psal 83.1 How amiable are thy Tabernacles of Virtues O God And when again Psal 138.16 speaking to God he sayes That his favourites are exceedingly honored and their Majesty confirmed The End also of the devout Christian Worshippers is not only an emulous Imitation of their Virtues for the advancement of their own Piety but moreover an Accumulation of Gods own Glory extended to and abiding in the Saints and therefore not only the Holy and glorious State of those Blessed Creatures but even our Esteem Love and Veneration of Them doth render Gods Glory more Magnificent and Illustrious And again these Actions are a just Debt all owing to those glorious Creatures by reason of their super-natural and Unifying State of consummated Happiness as acknowledgments of the Majesty and Glory they actually possess through Gods Bounty above the rank of the best of Mortals XXXVII All these Boundaries of a Christians Saint-Servitude to the glorified Spirits are exactly observ'd in all the Praises honourable Titles Expressions of Veneration and Methods of Prayer us'd in the Contemplations on the Life and Glory of the Holy Mother of JESVS therefore they are Religious Pious and Just Nothing in the whole is given to Her which is either due to God only or which derogates from the infiniteness and independence of his Majesty Wisdom Love Power or Glory Nothing which is above either her Capacity as a glorious Creature or her super-eminent Priviledges as the Mother of JESVS or our Duty as we yet are banish'd Mortals and exceedingly oblidg'd to Her for that part she perform'd by her acceptableness to God and her consent and co-operation with the Holy Ghost in the Mysteries of the Conception Birth and Life of JESVS Wherein she seems preferrable above the highest Quires of Angels however glorious Coadjutors they be in the Ministery of the Elect so Religious Vertuous and Just are those Homages we pay to the Sacred Virgin above the troops of other glorified Creatures and therefore at all times have been perform'd with stupendious Advantages to the Devotes of Holy Mary Nor may we deny That the Practice of Christians is the true Interpreter of Divine Revelations and the most Faithful Conserver and Conveyancer of Christian Duties according to their Original Intent and purpose according to that so renowned saying of St. Basil What we learn'd from our Holy Fathers we teach our Disciples whence the great Vincent Lyrin l. contr profan Nov. who ever departs from the Communion of their Doctrine let thom hearken to the Voice of the Apostle we worship a God of Peace and not of Dissention 1 Cor. 14.33 Sect. X. That a Super-eminent Veneration is due to the Holy Mother of JESUS XXXVIII NOW as to the Degree of Honour due to and Confidence in the Protection and Mediation of Intercession of the Sacred Virgin and glorious Saints we must observe That as the personal participated super-natural Perfections of the Saints whereby they are Images of Gods Divine Life and transfigur'd into God by beatifical Vision and Fruition is the Motive of our Praises and our other acts of Saint-Servitude So the Disparity of those Perfections is the exact Rule and Measure of their dis-proportion For in all Moral Actions their Motive specifies them and measures their Perfection So that as the Majesty and Attributes of God being Infinite and Independent require such acts of Worship as are naturally in themselves or by the direction of our Judgment and Intention apt to express a Worship suitable to that Divine Grandeur So also the Excellency of glorious Saints being finite only and infinitely beneath that of God whereof they are only limited Idea's admit of such Actions only as are expressive of a respect to their limited Greatness according to the proportion of Divine Gifts wherewith God hath endow'd them Wherefore however Magnificent our Praises of the Saints be however Illustrious our Titles of Honour whatever outward signs we show of inward Worship of those super-naturaliz'd Spirits they may not transcend the exact Measure and proportion allowable to glorious Pure Creatures They must not be such Actions as by the Consent of All are Latreutical and specially appropriated to signifie and protest Gods Majesty Perfections and Soveraignty So neither may our Prayers to them exceed a confidence in their Protection and Intercession though assured enough as relying on Gods free Promise of relief for their sake supported by his own Truth and Fidelity as far as may be useful to us XXXIX Since then Holy Mary the Mother of JESVS by the Consent of All Church-Authority and of all Christians who duly apprehend the Prerogative of her Divine Maternity in its self and all its previous concomitant and consequent Perfections doth incomparably surpass all the Quires of Angels and Saints in the amplitude and stupendious Effects of Gods Love whereby she is the most Excellent Image holiest Sanctuary and choicest Favourite amongst all Pure Creatures we may rationally conclude That the highest Praises most Illustrious Titles of honour most excellent Acts of Religious Worship and the Expressions of strongest Confidence in her protection and Intercession which may be conceiv'd possibly due to a PVRE CREATVRE dearest to God may be addressed to the glorious Mother of JESVS above whatever can be claim'd by all the Saints and Angels next beneath what 's due to JESVS the Son of God. And all this without any strain of Imagination Figure of Rhetorick or Vsurpation on Gods unaccessible Prerogatives For
still although her super-natural Excellencies be exceedingly sublime as becomes the Person of the Mother of God yet are they all created Perfections and the free Gifts of a gracious Father of pure Lights bestow'd on a PVRE CREATVRE and therefore as they in themselves are infinitely beneath the Majesty of an Independent Creator So likewise admit they only such Acts of Worship as directed by our Reason and Will transcend not the acknowledgment of a most excellent dependent Creature Sect. XI Three Singular Motives of the Super-eminent Veneration due to the Holy Mother of JESUS XL. FOR the further clearing this Christian Truth having first observ'd with St. Bern. Epist 174. That the Mother of JESVS needs not our feigned Praises or Applauses being proclaim'd by a Seraphim Full of Grace and the Mother of JESVS Thcn with the subtil Scotus 3. d. 3. q. 1. n. 10. That whatever is most Excellent may be allow'd to Holy Mary if not repugnant to Divine Revelation and church-Church-Authority We must suppose All the special Prerogatives of the Sacred Virgin to be either previous and preparatory Dispositions fitting her in Body and Mind to that Ineffable Mystery of her Divine Maternity or concurrent Qualifications or con-natural Atchievements of that stupendious Dignity To which purpose S. Ambr. l. 2. Virg. sayes That Holy Mary being prepar'd with those excellent Endowments of Purity and Holiness was made worthy â—o become the Mother of God. S. Hierom. Epist ad Eustoch de Custod Virg. speaks in the same Phrase The Purity and Innocency of Holy MARY saith he was so extream and sublime that she deserv'd to bring forth the Son of the Eternal God in our flesh S. Anselm l. Conc. Virg. c. 18. follows in the like strain of Admiration at her unparallel'd Excellencies when he tells us That 't is requisite above all Exception that the most Holy Virgin should be endow'd with such a transcendent Purity that nothing beneath God himself may be conceiv'd Greater Wherefore As the several Perfections which con-naturally accompany the Humane Nature of Jesus Christ are proportion'd to that Immense Priviledge of its Con-subsistency with the Divinity in the Person of Gods co-eternal and con-substantial Son Jo. 1.14 So the Mysterious Excellencies which embellish'd Holy Mary are exactly suitable to the high Prerogative of her being truly and properly the Mother of DIVINE JESVS Luc. 11.27 This singular and most sublime Dignity is the very Basis Motive and Measure of all her previous concurrent and subsequent super-natural Perfections which may be reduc'd to Her incomparable Innocency Her fulness of Grace and Her most sublime State of Glory above all the Choires of Saints and Angels even as to all their most Excellent Perfections of Nature Grace and Glory since by the Dignity of her Predestination she transcends the whole Sphere of the Elect and is seated next to the Throne of the Divinity as S. Greg. speaks l. 1. Reg. 1. XLI First then as to the Fundamental Excellency of Holy Mary her Divine Maternity which is a Prerogative of that vast Magnitude that no Perfection in the order of Grace can be more Illustrious more Magnificent more Honorable It s co-efficient cause with her fecundity was the Virtue of the most High Its Progress and all its Operations were full of Miracles and its product is JESVS God and Man by Her united in One Person of God. And all these Prodigies were begun and finish'd in the very first positive instant of her active Conception of JESVS wherein Holy Mary is an unspotted Virgin and the stupendious Mother of God. Whereupon Tertull. observes libr. Resur Carn That the whole Wisdom Counsel and Power of God were engag'd in finishing this great Mystery of the Maternity of Holy Mary And by consent of Holy Fathers and Doctors this Divine Mother is not therefore only proclaim'd Blessed above Women because dignify'd with the Priviledge of being the Mother of JESVS Luc. 1.42 48. but moreover that by Virtue of that Generation she hath a most special Influence into the Salvation of Mankind for Of Mary was born JESVS that is the Saviour of All Matt. 1.16 Aug. Serm. 2. Annunc Bern. hom 3. Sup. Missus Andraeas Cretens Serm. in Salut Angel. And also a special Jurisdiction over Jesus as to the Application and Extention of his saving Grà ce through a most benign Condescention of the Mercy of JESVS in subjecting Himself to her Commands Luc. 2.51 Less l. 2. Just c. 37. n. 28. Her. p. 4. tr 1. d. 4. n. 52. Abelly p. 1. tr 5. c. 8. Sect. 3. n. 5. Gualter Chron. saecul 1. Verit. 2. § 3. XLII Thus this most transcendent Dignity of the Maternity of Holy Mary gives Her an unquestionable Right to a suitable most sublime Degree of Praises Titles of Grandeur and Veneration above whatever can be conceiv'd due to all other Pure Creatures And doth moreover demonstrate to any considering Man a super-eminently efficacious Power of Patronage over Her special Clients and also of Mediation or Intercession to JESVS for her humble and earnest Petitioners through the filial Love Respect and Condescention of JESVS to his Divine Mother as the most Excellent Idea and Patern of filial Observance and Christian Perfection Whence the Angel of the Schools S. Thom. p. 1. q. 25. art 6. ad 4. tells us That Holy Mary in Right of her strict Alliance with JESVS in Quality of a Mother hath also a participated Infinity of Power and Majesty and consequently by Virtue of these super-eminent and Illustrious Prerogatives she has also a special Jurisdiction in the Courts of Claims of her Clients and of Gods Mercies Bern. Serm. Sup. Signum magnum XLIII Secondly From this prevision of the Predestination of Holy Mary to be the Mother of JESVS there follows another most sublime and peculiar Priviledge Her Preservation in a most perfect Purity and Innocency from all stain and blemish of sin so that she was neither defil'd with any Actual offence against God by a free consent of her own Will even as to the least surprize of a venial defect Nor branded with the Infamous Characters of Original sin and of a Child of Wrath albeit she was a Natural Child of the Guilty ADAM Nor was she any wayes wounded with the fatal Sting of sinful Concupiscence the dreadful effect of Original sin and Incentive of Actual Thus the Great Soul of Holy Mary was most perfectly pure and spotless resembling its excellent Idea pre-conceiv'd by the Wisdom of God even such ever as when she first issu'd forth the Hands of Her Divine Creator Prov. 8.22 Cant. 4.7 Thus Holy Mary in Right of her eternal Predestination to be the Mother of JESVS is dignifi'd with that most accomplish'd Purity whereby she incomparably surpasseth all Mortals Aug. l. Nat. Grat. c. 36. Is the most exact Image of the Innocency of JESVS possible to a Purâ— Creature is a fit Sanctuary of the Son of God and of the Theandrical Operations of his Divine
Luke 2.35 Her super-eminent Holiness Merits and Acceptableness to God even to a degree of Astonishment of the Angels at the marvellous application of Gods Liberality and Power whereby to enforce and heighten Them. (h) All hail thou who art full of Grace our Lord is with Thee Blessed art thou above all Women Luke 1.28 Thou hast found acceptance in the sight of God. 30. Thou art the blessed amongst Women 42. God hath regarded the Humility of his Handmaid wherefore behold all shall henceforth call me blessed 48. For he who is Almighty hath done wonderful things for me 49. Blessed is the Womb that bore Thee and the Breasts that suckled Thee Luke 11.27 Luke 1.28.30.42.48.49 11.27 LXXVIII Then as to the Amplitude of the Spiritual Power of holy Mary the Mother of JESVS in the Empire of Grace and Divine Favours suiting to those her Illustrious Prerogatives Virtues and Merits there be two convincing Demonstrations recorded by the holy Evangelist St. Luke first the stupendious Efficacy of her single Fiat Be it done for as Gods Fiat in the beginning of Nature was a demonstrative Mark of his proper Omnipotency in extracting the whole Fabrick of the World with all its Moveables and Ornaments out of a meer Nothing Gen. 1.3 So Maries Fiat in the beginning of Grace as an evident token of her appropriated plenitude of Power proportion'd to her fullness of Grace co-operating with the Almighty Source of all Goodness gives a Being with all con-natural Parts and Perfections to JESVS That ineffable and most Divine Compound of God and Man con-subsisting in the One Person of Gods co-eternal Word (a) Mary said behold the Handmaid of our Lord be it done to me according to thy word Luke 1.38 Luke 1.38 Secondly The miraculous Activity of her super-naturaliz'd Voice assum'd as a special Instrument of the Sanctification of St. John Baptist as yet in his Mothers Womb. (b) Behold no sooner did the voice of thy Salutation come to my Ears but the child leap'd for joy in my Womb. Luke 1.44 Luke 1.44 LXXIX The efficacy of her Mediation of Intercession to God for Mortals appears manifestly in her sollicitous Request to JESVS at the Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee (a) The Mother of JESVS said to Him They have no Wine Jo. 2.3 Jo. 2.3 For the Insurance whereof to all Intents of our protection by holy Mary and of her effectual Mediation to Himself for us our blessed Lord formerly gave a most ample Instance in his voluntary subjection and obsequiousness to her Commands from the Age of twelve years to thirty (b) JESVS went down with Mary to Nazareth and was subject to Her. Luke 2.51 Luke 2.51 LXXX No wonder now if the Angels of Heaven become Subjects to the Mother of JESVS and that the Inhabitants of the Earth be Her Devotes and Petitioners unto whom the Soveraign Lord of Heaven and Earth vouchsafes to make himself a Son and Subject Hence it was That the Royal Prophet reporting to Posterity a Magnificent Vision wherein God show'd Him the future Majesty and Prerogatives of this Divine Creature tells us (a) Astitit Regina à dextrin tuis in Vestitu de aurato circundata Varietate Ps 44.10 Ps 44.10 That he saw Her Clad in a Mantle of Cloth of Gold imbroider'd with Jewels of an infinite rich Variety standing near to the Almighty himself even at his right hand for St. Athan. Serm. de Deip. and St. Greg. Naz. (b) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Empress of the heavenly Orders Lady and Queen of All. Naz. cit Tragoed de Christ patient Explains this Prophesie as an Essay of the Grandeurs of holy Mary in her Glory and Power and therefore the same holy Prophet to mark out unto us that Veneration and Intercession we owe to this Glorious Queen of Angels expresly foretells guided by the Spirit of Prophets (c) Filiae Tyri in muneribus vultum tuum de precabuntur omnes divites plebis Psalm cit v. 13. Ps cit 13. That the Gentiles and all the Potentates of the Earth shall pay Homage to this Divine Mother and shall become Her Petitioners LXXXI To these Irrefragable Authorities of the Great Oracles of the Gospel of Grace and Founders of our Christianity agreeing with the Prophets of the Old Law evident enough to convince this mis-believing World of the super-eminent Excellencies of the Glorious Mother of JESVS and of our Obligation to Worship and Petition her Grandeur and to silence all bold Invaders of her Rights and violators of Christian Duties we may add the honorable Testimony of St. Andrew the Apostle who stiles her an Immaculate Virgin and proper Instrument of Mans Redemption (a) Necessarium fuit ut de Immaculatâ Virgine natus Christus vitam aeternam quam omnes perdîderant repararet S. Andr. cit It was necessary that Christ should be born of an Immaculate Virgin since he was to restore life everlasting which was lost to all Alois Lipoman è Presb. Achaiae S. Peter the Prince of the Apostles expresly asserts the wonderful Advantages of praying to the most Glorious Mother of JESVS and craves Mercy of God and freedom from all Evil through her Mediation (b) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Liturg. S. Petr. Receive O God this most sacred Hymn from our lips and through the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God grant us thy Mercy and Compassion Deliver us we beseech thee O Lord from all evil now and for evermore by the Intercession of our Immaculate and Glorious Lady Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary Liturg. S. Petr. med But S. James the younger more plainly stiles Holy Mary the most Holy most Immaculate and most Glorious Lady of all Believers and through her Mediation begs of God his Divine Protection and the Blessings of his Mercy (c) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Liturg. S. Jac. Min. Commemorating our most Holy Immaculate and most glorious Lady Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary with all the Saints and Just let us recommend our selves and each other and our whole Lives to Christ our God. Let us make a Commemoration of our most Holy Immaculate most Glorious and blessed Lady Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary and of all the Saints and Just that by their Prayers and Intercessions we may obtain Mercy The same Form of commemorating the Excellencies and Merits of the Holy Mother of JESVS is to this day continu'd in the Roman Liturgy Communicantes memoriam Venerantes in primis Gloriosae semper Virgiuis Mariae Genetricis Dei Domini nostri JESV Christi Ord. Miss Rom. Communicating with and worshipping the Memory in the first place of the glorious ever-Virgin Mary the Mother of God and our Lord JESVS Christ Liturg. S. Jacob. Min. med And S. Denys the Areopagite in the brief report he gives of the Illustrious Funerals of the Mother of JESVS calls her the Mansion-house of the Divinity and the Beginning of Life and brings