his Eternal Father in the Eucharist Of the Eucharist compared to the Tree of Life and its fruits Part 2. Gen. 1.2 THe fifth Misery is want of the knowledge of our selves Darkness was upon the face of the depth so is it likewise upon the heart of that man that is not enlightned with the grace of God Therefore the Prophet saith The heart of man is perverse Jer. 17.9 and unsearchable who shall know it The Eucharist remedieth this enlightning our understanding like to the honey that enlightned the eyes of Jonathas Your selves have seen that mine eyes are illuminated 1 Reg. 14.29 because I have tasted a little of this honey Mat. 24.12 The sixth is want of love towards God and our Neighbour for where Iniquity shall abound Charity shall wax cold This is cured by the Eucharist which inflameth the heart with divine love for the lamps thereof lamps of fire and flames Cant. 8.6 The seventh is the indisposition of our spiritual appetite whereby we relish not spiritual things for the sensual man perceiveth not these things that are of the Spirit of God 1 Cor. 2.14 And he that feedeth himself with the pleasures of this present life his interiour senses are so disordered thereby that he cannot relish spiritual things The Eucharist helpeth this curing the palat of our heart so that we may tast and see that our Lord is sweet Ps 33.9 Luc. 14.30 The eighth is a faintness in perfecting what is good we often begin fervorously but soon fail This man began to build and he could not finish it Against this the H. Eucharist doth strengthen us like to that Loaf of Bread 3 Reg. 19.8 which the Angel brought to Elias In the strength whereof he walked fourty days and fourty nights without any toil unto the Mount of God Horeb. Beg therefore of our Lord these fruits especially that you may be constant in good For of all Virtues saith S. Bernard Perseverance alone is crowned Bernard Of the Eucharist compared with the Tree of Life and its fruits Part 3. Ephes 2.3 OUr ninth Misery is the penalty of Eternal Death For we were as the Apostle saith by nature the children of wrath From this evil the Eucharist freeth us giving us Eternal Life For if any man eat of this bread saith our Lord he shall live for ever Jo. 6.51 Gen. 8.21 The tenth is our continual decay in good passing daily from bad to worse For the sense and cogitation of mans heart are prone to evil from their youth This is taken away by means of the H. Eucharist whereby as by spiritual food man groweth up in a spiritual life and encreaseth in merits of good works for he that abideth in me and I in him Jo. 15.5 the same beareth much fruit Ps 119.5 The eleventh is the irksomness of this worldly banishment of which David Woe is to me that my sejourning is prolonged The Eucharist doth mitigate this tediousness and is given also as a Viaticum or provision to live upon in this our Pilgrimage as was the Manna to the Israelites in the Desart till they were brought into the Land of Promise which to us is the Kingdom of everlasting glory Gen. 3.19 The twelfth is a total corruption of our corporal substance because dust thou art and into dust thou shalt return And thus according to the course of Nature this our body would perish for ever but by reason of the corporal participation of Christ as S. Thomas saith the Saints shall rise again in their bodies more glorious then the Sun according to that of Christ He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath life everlasting Jo. 6.54 and I will raise him up in the last day Ps 102.2 3. Admire the admirable virtue of these heavenly fruits and be thankful for so powerful a remedy and preservative against all your maladies My soul bless thou our Lord c. who healeth all thine infirmities Of Preparation for receiving the H. Eucharist by Faith and Purity 1 Cor. 11.28 COnsider 1. How necessary is a due preparation before hand for receiving the H. Eucharist least otherwise through mortal sin you make that your poyson which is the food of life or through indevotion and tepidity you partake less of its sweetness Therefore the Apostle admonisheth Let a man prove himself and so let him eat of that bread And Mat. 22. he that presumed to come to the Marriage Feast without the wedding garment was cast into utter darkness Heb. 10.22 Consider 2. The first preparation must be by Faith which is as it were the ground and foundation of all the rest therefore the Apostle saith Let us approach with a true heart in fulness of faith Kindle therefore in your self a lively faith as often as you frequent this Sacred Mystery and denying whatsoever sense shall object to the contrary offer your life and blood to defend the truth of Gods Word Consider 3. The second preparation must be by Parity which the greater it shall be the more you will partake of its divine fruits and tast of its hidden sweetness wherefore the Prophet Be cleansed ye that carry the Vessels of our Lord Is 52.11 The same doth the Church recommend unto us by ordaining the H. Eucharist to be consecrated upon clean Corporals S. Tho. 6.11 which as S. Thomas observes are first washed then wrung and thirdly dried so he that goes to receive this Sacrament must first of all be washed with the tears of Penance then wrung by works of Mortification and thirdly well dried of worldly affections by the fervour of Charity See whether you find these dispositions in your self Of Preparation for receiving the H. Eucharist by holy Desires and Prayer Eccli 24.26 COnsider 1. To the foresaid Purity must be joyned an ardent desire and hunger after this heavenly Banquet for our Lord inviteth such to himself in those words Pass to me all ye that desire me and be filled of my generations And by the Psalmist he telleth us Ps 106.9 that he hath filled the empty that is the thirsty soul and the hungry soul he hath filled with good things Procure therefore in your self this hunger and thirst as often as you come to this Divine Table Dilate thy mouth Ps 80.11 and I will fill it faith our Lord. Ps 104.40 Consider 2. To this desire must be added earnest Prayer for God bestoweth all he hath upon them that ask Therefore said David They made petition and the Quail came and he filled them with the Bread of Heaven If therefore you desire to have your fill of this heavenly Bread you must make earnest suit for it and give your self to Prayer and Meditation Vnder his shadow whom I desired Cant. 2.3 I sat that is in holy Meditation and Contemplation whence having had experience of its sweetness the Spouse presently adjoyneth and his fruit
alone it is who hath done great things to the Blessed Virgin and daily doth to his Church He alone is powerful he alone holy extending his mercy from generation to generations to them that fear him not to them that contemn and provoke him by their sins Examine wherein you are wont to be most delighted and see you be not one of those that rejoyce in most wicked things Bernard Consider 3. The other document which is the admirable vertue and efficacy of humility and this 1. In the person of the Blessed Virgin in whom it was the foundation or cause of all her blessings Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed 2. In relation to all in general He deposeth the mighty from their seat and exalteth the humble the hungry he filleth with good things and the rich he sendeth away empty Wherefore if you would be looked upon and favoured by God if you desire to be exalted if you wish to be replenished with heavenly gifts purchase humility love to be unknown and not regarded Of the B. Virgins Stay with Elizabeth COnsider 1. The B. Virgin being led by Elizabeth into the inner rooms saluteth Zachary who no doubt received special comfort and singular favours at the presence of the divine Infant and his Mother Yet he who at his Mothers first Salutation made the other Infant to leap for joy would not at this other restore speech unto the father This was a favour reserved for the honour of his Precursor at his birth Learn hence to reverence the divine Providence in the dispensing of his favours and not to prescribe to God the time or manner of affording his succour but patiently to expect with Zachary his divine pleasure Ambr. in Luc. Consider 2. The Virgin remained in the house of Zachary about the space of three moneths conversing with them with all humility and charity assisting and serving them in what she could even in the meanest domestical offices Think how holy was the conversation of that blessed company what fervent discourses and always of God how greatly Elizabeth and others profited by the company of Mary For If at the first entrance saith St. Ambrose so great was the profit that at Maries Salutation the Infant leaped and his Mother was replenished with the Holy Ghost what do we think Maries presence added by the benefit of so long a time Hence love to converse with the good and withall procure that others also may be the better for your company and conversation 2 Reg. 6.11 Consider 3 That which is said in the second of Kings The Ark of our Lord dwelt in the house of Obededom three moneths and our Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his house How much more may we think he did blesse the house of Zachary wherein the living Ark of our Lord and Mother of God dwelt so long The like blessing will he pour forth upon your house when he cometh to you in the Holy Eucharist if you receive him as you ought Luc. 1.6 Of the Nativity of St. John Baptist 1. Part. COnsider 1. The Sanctity of St. Johns Parents They were both just walking in all the commandments and justifications of our Lord without blame Here detest the perversenesse of Hereticks that hold all Gods commandments impossible learn to observe all not only Precepts but also Justifications or Councels and whatsoever else appertains to the perfection of your Calling that you may both be just in the sight of God and so deserve the blessing of a Son John that is of divine Grace and be without blame in your life and conversation with men Consider 2. How God did honour the Birth of his Precursor 1. In sending the same Angel Gabriel to denounce his and his own Sons Birth 2. In the manner of the Annunciation which was more Solemn then that which was made to the Virgin This being delivered to the High Priest in the Temple and Sancta Sanctorum in time of publick Sacrifice all the people being in expectation and wonder 3. In imposing the name himself by the Angel which we do not read he did to any other then his Son and this not an empty name but full of mystery making good in effect what it did signifie in outward sound Consider 3. The dignity of St. Johns office expressed in those words of the Angel He shall go before him bearing witnesse and preaching Christ by word of mouth and example of life In the Spirit and Vertue of Elias that is with an undaunted courage and zeal which be shewed throughout the whole course of his life in the Wildernesse at the riâ—er Jordan in Cities in Herods Court in Prison and Death it self To prepare unto the Lord a perfect people by his Baptisme preaching of Pennance and the austerity and rigour of his life Think whether this be not in some part also your Vocation and accordingly excite your self to imitate the Sanctity of Saint John Luc. 1.57 Of the Nativity af St. John Baptist 2. Part. Ps 36.3 COnsider 1. Elizabeths full time was come to be delivered and she bare a Son Ponder the Joy of the Parents and whole house and the Congratulations of their Neighbours and Kinsfolks for her delivery of a Son after so many years unfruitfulness and expectation No lesse is the joy of the Saints and Angels and comfort of a Soul when it is fruitful of good works and bringeth to effect what it conceiveth by vertue of divine Inspirations Be not dismayed if you do not presently attain the Vertue or overcome not the Vice which you desire Keep still in heart for God is wont to defer his gifts and favours the more to inflame our desires Hope therefore in God and do good and he will giue thee the petitions of thy heart Consider 2. John is his name which signifieth Grace for no Saint whatsoever after Christ and the B. Virgin did so abound with the gifts of Grace For he was by Office and purity of life an Angel in Spirit Elias more then a Propeht Sanctified in his mothers womb and one then whom as Christ himself witnessed none among the born of women ever rose greater Reverence this Saint so singularly beloved and so near allied to our Lord and endeavour to imitate his heroick Vertues Consider 3. What happeneth at his Birth 1. The Mother by divine Inspiration giveth him his name 2. The father writing the same in a Table forthwith his mouth was opened and his tongue and he spake blessing God 3. He was replenished with the Holy Ghost and prophesied c. Observe here how by Pennance and due submission a man riseth greater then he fell 4. They all marvelled and fear came upon all their neighbours 5. All that had heard these things laid them up in their heart saying What an one trow ye shall this child be for the hand of our Lord was with him Do you likewise lay these
the Divel from us 2. It alâ—ayeth the heat of Concupi cence Apoc. 22.2 3. It clearseth the heart from sin 4. It appeaseth the wrath of God 5. It enlightneth the understanding 6. It inflameth the will 7. It spiritually delighteth the memory 8. It confirmeth the whole man in good 9. It freeth from everlasting death 10. It multiplyeth our merits 11. It bringeth us to Paradise 12. It raiseth the body to life How great is the multitude of thy sweetness O Lord Ps. 30.20 which thou hast hid for them that fear thee Consider 3. The Mustardseed discovereth not its Vertve unless it be bruised but being well bruised or ground it discloseth its heat and relish In the same manner you must before hand by frequent meditating and serious consideration beat upon and bruise this divine seed of the Eucharist otherwise you will not understand its Vertue Wherefore ruminate it well pondering its secret and hidden Vertues and withall think what disposition it requireth in you and then to your great benefit you will perceive what a soveraine heat and relish it hath If there are six Weekes after Epiphany then in the sixth repeat the Meditations of the fifth For by reason it seldom falleth out that there are so many weekes it seemed needless to provide distinct Meditations for the sixth Week Or els make the Meditations of the four and twentith Week after Pentecost of the Parables which that year are to be left out Things to be noted concerning the Meditations of our Lords Passion THe Holy Church from Septuagesme leaveth off her Allelluias and Canticles of Joy and disposeth us to mourning and the memory of our Lords Passion for therefore is this Sunday called Septuagesme saith Rupertus because it beginneth the seventh week before Passion Sunday Wherefore it hath seemed good from thence to enter into the Meditations of the Passion wherein though many affections may be exercised for the Colloquies as appeareth by what hath been said in the Preface yet chiefly seven are noted by some as most proper to this Subject the which because we can not with our intended brevity insert in every Meditation we have thought good to touch them briefly in this place The Affections are these Admiration Compassion Compunction Love Hope Thanksgiving Imitation 1. Admire in each Mystery the dignity of the Person that suffereth and the greatness of the paines which he freely undergoeth Is. 63.1.2 Who is this that cometh from Edom with died garments from Bosra Why then is thy cloathing red and thy garments as theirs that tread in the Wine-press 2. Condole with him as Childeren doe with their Parents in their adversities Brothers with one another Spouses with their beloved Servants with their Masters for Christ is as much to you as all these 2. Reg. 18.33 Who would grant me that I might dye for thee Absolom my son my son Absolom 3. Be confounded and full of Compunction for that your sins are cause of all his Sufferings for from whom would not that draw teares which from Christ drew so much bloud Psa 50.5 I doe know mine Iniquity and my sin is before me allwayes 4. Love him that is so loving to you and suffereth so much for your sake Lord said S. Ambross I owe more to your injuries for my redemption Ambr. l. 1. in Luc. then to your works for my creation 5. Hope and promise your self all good that your heart can wish for for he that hath given himself How will he not also give us all things Rom. 8.32 6. Give him every where thanks for having suffered so much for you Chryso hom 26. in Mat. The best keeper of benefits saith S. Chrysostom is a faithful Memory of them and constant profession of Gratitude 7. Lastly Imitate your Lord and Captaine in sufferings reproches and injuries Hath he suffered so much for you and what have you or what will you suffer for him Christ suffered for us saith S. Peter leaving you an example that you may follow his steps Let my beloved come into his garden and eat the fruit of his Apple trees Cant. 5.1 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Master of the Vineyard of your Soul Mat. 20.1 COnsider 1. Your soul and the soul of every man is a particular Vineyard belonging to the great Householder of whom we read to day in the Ghospel c. Make account therefore that he will come to day to visit your soul his Vineyard to gather some fruit out of it Imagin that he saith with the spouse in the Canticles Cant. 7.12 Let us rise early to the Vineyards let us set if the Vineyard florish if the flowers be ready to bring forth fruits Jer. 2.21 Consider 2. This divine householder hath omitted nothing on his part that might make you a fruitful Vineyard I planted thee saith he by his Prophet an elect Vineyard all true seed c. He hath sowed within you many seeds of true piety he hath hedged you in with holy Laws he hath provided you with the benefit of the Holy Sacraments as so many Presses and Conduits of his Grace Isa 5.4 c. Finally what is there that I ought to doe more to my Vineyard saith he himself and baâ—â— not done to it Procure therefore to yeeld him ripe fruit See whither he may not say of your Vineyard I looked it should yeeld grapes and it hath yeelded wild grapes that is sowr and unpleasant grapes for then he will powr out upon it that heavy curse that followeth I will lay it wast it shall not be pruned and it shall not be digged and bryars and thorns shall overgrow it and I will command the cloudes that they rain no shower upon it Which his infinit goodness avert Cant. 8.12 Ps. 1.3 Consider 3. You must therefore Husband your Vineyard carefully against his coming Prime all superfluities by Mortification Digg and dive deeply into your soul by a profound knowledge of your self Root out by contrary acts the bryars of vitious habits and by the teares of compunction water the dry affections of your heart Lastly let your Vineyard be before you by continually looking to it And it will give its fruit iâ— its time Christ inviteth all men to contemplate his Passion Ps. 68.21 COnsider 1. Christ with all reason doth complain that having suffered so many and so great paines and torments for man man should be so ungrateful as not vouchsafe to think of them I expected somebody that would be sory together with me and there was none and that would comfort me and I found not Therefore Isay The Just peri heth Ps. 57.1 and there is none that considereth in his heart Think what it is to consider in ones heart to wiâ— with compassion and compunction Thren 1.12 Consider 2. Nothing can we doe more acceptable to Christ then often to meditate on his passion for which cause he lovingly inviteth all unto
these affections bring your Lord into the Closet of your heart Ps 142.2 saying with the Psalmist Enter not into iudgment with thy servant but rather according to the multitude of thy commiserations have respect to me Ps 68.17 Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 1. Mat. 5.1 COnsider 1. Seeing the multitudes he went up into a Mountain c. and opening his mouth he taught them c. Ponder 1. The place of this famous Sermon which is a high Mountain 2. The Preachers Person which is the increated Wisdom of God 3. His Chair or Pulpit for he taught them upon the bare ground 4. His Auditors which were his Disciples and other unlearned and simple people 5. The subject of his discourse which was of true felicity Go you up in spirit with the people and sitting at the feet of so great a Master give attentive eare to what he saith 1 Reg. 3.10 Say with Samuel Speak Lord for thy servant heareth Consider 2. Christ in this his Sermon performed not only the Office of a Teacher but also of a Lawgiver declaring the Antient Law and proclaiming the New It was said to them of old Thou shalt not kill c. But I say to you Mat. sup v. 22. that whosoever is angry with his Brother shall be in danger of judgment c. and the like Reverence therefore this your Lawgiver and give him thanks for his wholesome precepts Beseech him to print his holy Law in the fleshly Tables of your heart say with David Set me a Law O Lord the way of thy Justifications Ps 118.33 and I will seek after it always Colos 2.3 Is 9.6 Consider 3. He performed also the part of a Councellour exhorting them to points of the greatest perfection even beyond the obligation of the Law as of turning the other cheek to the striker of letting go the Cloak also to him that takes away the Coat of going two other miles with him that will force you one mile and the like Think how just it is to follow his counsel in all things for in him be all the treasures of wisdom and Knowledge hid And by Isaie he is stiled Councellour and the Angel of great Councel Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 2. COnsider 1. All men have a natural desire of felicity yea even the most wicked of all would be happy but will not seek after true happiness Therefore Christ beginneth with that which all men desire as if he should say You all desire to be happy therefore I will shew you the several ways that lead to true happiness Do you therefore set your affections upon this true Felicity and seek it only by such ways or means as Christ hath pointed out to you Ps 143.15 Consider 2. How contrary are the ways of God from the ways of the world and his judgments from those of men The World placeth its felicity in honours riches pleasures eating and drinking freedom from pain and grief c. They have said that it is a happy people which hath these things On the contrary Christ pronounceth them happy that are poor meek and humble that hunger and thirst after Justice that suffer reproaches and torments c. As the Heavens are exalted above the earth so are my ways exalted above your ways Is 55.9 saith our Lord. See with what Party you side with Christ or with the World Ps 83.6 Consider 3. Eight Virtues contemptible to the world Christ honoured with the title of Beatitudes and of them as so many steps made a Ladder for us to climb up to our last and everlasting Felicity These are 1. Poverty of Spirit 2. Meekness 3. Sorrow for Sins 4. Hunger and thirst after Justice 5. Mercy 6. Purity of Heart 7. Making of peace both with God and with Men. 8. Suffering Persecution for Christ You must also climb this Ladder if you desire to enter into the Joy of our Lord Blessed is the man whose help is from thee he hath disposed Ascension in his heart Of the first Beatitude Blessed are the poor in Spirit Mat. 5.3 c. COnsider 1. More in particular each virtue and in them 1. Their Acts. 2. Christs Example 3. Their reward The proper Acts of Poverty are counted five 1. He is poor in spirit who in affection is ready rather to lose all then offend God 2. Who actually leaveth all for his sake 3. Who aspireth not to things above himself presumeth not of himself nor seeketh the praises of men 4. Who denieth his own judgment and will submitting himself to others 5. Who acknowledgeth whatsoever he hath as a gift of God and rightly understandeth his own nothing My substance is as nothing before thee Ps 38.6 See how you are in each point Phil. 2.7 Consider 2. The admirable Examples which Christ gave us in this kind throughout his whole Life but chiefly in his Crib in Banishment in his Parents House and on the Cross Besides he exinanited himself as the Apostle saith made subject and obedient not only to his Eternal Father and Parents on earth till the thirtieth year of his Age but also to his Tormentors even to death it self And of his Doctrine he publickly professed My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me Jo. 7.16 Consider 3. The Reward of this Poverty For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. sup Think what a gainful kind of Merchandise this is to get an Everlasting Kingdom by the exchange of some few transitory enjoyments of this life Ponder the excellency of this Kingdom its riches glory beauty and perpetuity That which eye hath not seen 1 Cor. 2.9 nor ear hath heard neither hath it ascended into the heart of man what things God hath prepared for them that love him Wherefore S. Grogory Nazianzen had reason to say Happy is he that buyeth Christ S. Greg. Naz. de Beatitud spiritu vitae Regul though with all his goods and fortunes Of the second Beatitude Blessed are the Meek Mat. 5.4 c. COnsider 1. After Poverty in Spirit that is contempt of the World and its desires followeth Meekness as the Child its Parent The Acts of this are chiefly three The first is to bridle the passions of Anger and Revenge and when zeal is to be shewed to do it without any perturbation either interiour or exteriour The second is to be affable to all and troublesome to none neither in word nor in action The third not to oppose or put off injuries with violence even when you lawfully may but to suffer your own contempt with peace and tranquillity of mind Think how you are in these particulars Mat. 12.19 20. Is 42.2 3 4. Consider 2. Christs example herein of whom Isaie saith He shall not contend nor cry out neither shall any man hear in the streets his voice The reed bruised he shall not break and smoaking flax he
manner by afflictions and tribulations as so many Scourges to make them come to his Supper Admire the riches of the Divine Goodness and beg of him with the Church that he would also propitiously force your rebellious will towards himself Mat. 22.11 Consider 2. And the King went in to see the Guests and he saw there a man not attired in a wedding Garment This Wedding Garment is Charity and the Grace of God wherewith whosoever is not invested must not presume to sit at the Table of the H. Sacraments Consider how God offereth this Garment of Charity to every one Who will all men to be saved 1 Tim. 2.4 and to come to the knowledge of the truth And yet men out of wretchedness often refuse it But do you earnestly beg it of God and presume not to come without it especially to the Eucharist Consider 3. The Kings Indignation against him that had not on his Wedding Garment Mat. sup 13 Bind his hands and feet and cast him into the utter darkness c. The punishment of a sinner is manifold the first of perpetual imprisonment in Hell the second of horrid darkness as being deprived of the fight of God the third of obstinacy in malice whence his hands are tyed so that he cannot work any more and his feet shackled that he cannot make escape Beseech our Lord to deliver you from all these evils c. Of the ten Virgins Mat. 25.1 c. Part 1. COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is like to ten Virgins c. In the Militant Church there are both good and bad wise and foolish both expect the coming of Christ the Spouse to Celebrate his Nuptials with the Triumphant Church They are like to the foolish Virgins that have Lamps without Oyl who keep their Faith but without Charity which gives it life And what can be more foolish then to expect a Judge that seeth all things and not to prepare himself against his coming See whether you are not guilty of this folly Consider 2. The Bridegroom tarrying long they slumbered all and slept By this is signified the time of our life wherein even the good do often slumber through carelesness and negligence though not mortal The wicked are in a dead sleep by an absolute forgetfulness of God Take heed even of slumbering least thence you come to fall fast asleep or rather into a Lethargy Hearken to the Apostle rousing you up in those words Rise thou that sleepest Ephes 5.14 c. and Christ will illuminate thee 1 Thes 5.2 Consider 3. And at midnight there was a clamour made Behold the Bridegroom cometh c. Your Judge will come upon you on the sudden and when you least expect that you may learn to be always ready The day of our Lord shall so come saith the Apostle as a Thief in the night If your Temporal Life were in danger and you stood in fear of Thieves you would certainly keep your self awake And can you find in your heart to sleep being in hazard of Eternal Life Wherefore often ring that Peal in your ears Behold the Bridegroom cometh least otherwise he find you at unawares Watch ye therefore saith Christ because you know not the day nor the hour Of the ten Virgins Mat. 25.7 c. Part 2. Ps 58.7 COnsider 1. Then arose all those Virgins and they trimmed their Lamps c. At the news of death every one commonly bestirreth himself but they that have led ill lives find not the Oyl of Charity in their Vessels neither will there often be time then to go to the Priests and to buy it with works of Penance They will return at evening saith David and they shall suffer famine as dogs for then they shall be denied that Spiritual Food which they neglected in their life time Gal. 6.10 Therefore whiles we have time let us work good Is 35.10 Consider 2. They that were ready entred with him to the Marriage Ponder of what importance it is to be ready at that hour whereon dependeth Eternity They entred but with what joy and congratulating with one another Everlasting Joy shall be upon their head they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and mourning shall fly away Their Lamp there shall shine a hundred fold from the Rays of brightness that proceeds from the Bridegrooms Countenance and shall send forth flames of most sincere Charity without danger of being ever extinguished Who would not wish to enter in their company Mat. 7.21 Consider 3. Last of all come also the other Virgins saying Lord Lord open to us They knocked with bare words not with deeds therefore they were not let in For Not every one that saith to me Lord Lord c. but he that doth the will of my Father c. he shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Knock therefore with good works and that while you have time that you may be let in Terrible are those words I know you not Take heed therefore they may never come to be spoken to you Of Holy Communion Direct me in thy truth and teach me Ps 24.5 Consider Christ as the Teacher of Truth Mat. 22.16 COnsider 1. What is said to day in the Gospel Master we know that thou art a true speaker and teachest the way of God in truth c. We all live in great darkness in this life and we want a sure Leader that may teach us the way of God in truth for the wise men of the world do all erre Thy Prophets have seen false and foolish things to thee And the children of men are lyars in balances Thren 2.14 or in their judgments they deceive and are deceived themselves nor can any man safely rely upon them Christ alone of himself is infallibly true and therefore he saith I am the Way Jo. 14.6 Rom. 3.4 and the Verity and the Life And the Apostle God is true and every man a lyar 1 Reg. 9.6 Consider 2. What was said to Saul when he was out of his way Behold a Man of God is in this City a famous man all that he speaketh cometh to pass without doubt now therefore let us go thither if perhaps he may tell us of our way for which we are come Apply this to the Eucharist where the Man of God truly is yea God himself is truly the Man who will tell you of your way for which you came into the world Come therefore with a great confidence for whatsoever he speaketh doth certainly come to pass Ibid. Consider 3. For a due preparation you must bring with you as Saul did some gift to present this Man of God withall Loe we will go what shall we carry to the Man of God And being poor he gave what he had to wit the fourth part of a sickle of silver And you although you be poor yet you have a Soul stamped like a piece of Coyn with the Image of God
sins nor the gifts of Grace 2. Under the pretence of Thanksgiving he commends himself for his own good works 3. He arrogantly prefers himself before others 4. He contemns the Publican whom he rashly judgeth a sinner Thus all proud men are blind and say I am rich and lack nothing But alas Thou knowest not thou proud fool that thou art miserable and poor and blind and naked c. Consider 2. The Publicans Humility 1. He stands a far off deeming himself unworthy to approach near to God or even the Pharisee 2. He dares not so much as lift up his eyes out of confusion for his sins 3. He knocks his brest with a contrite heart and desirous to make satisfaction 4. He humbly beggeth for pardon saying God be merciful to me a sinner Such likewise ought to be your prayer humble contrite and accompanied with purpose of amendment Consider 3. Christs Sentence of both these men This man went down into his house justified more then he c. Thus Pride destroyed even those good works that were in the Pharisee Humility on the other side by the help of Penance blotted out sin in the Publican So every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted as it often falleth out even in this life but most certainly in the next Think therefore with your self where you will chuse to be humbled here or there Of the Faithful and Wise Steward Mat. 24. Luc. 12. or Servant Luc. 12.42 COnsider 1. Who thinkest thou is a faithful Steward and wise c. Our Lord finds few such therefore he speaketh of them in an admiring way That which he requireth of his servants is 1. That they be faithful 2. Prudent 3. Good to others 4. Perseverant that when our Lord shall come at the hour of death he may find them so doing See how you behave your self in these points whether you do faithfully and to your utmost promote Gods Cause or not rather your own Interest whether you do your actions with due circumspection and deliberation whether you seek to benefit others according to your ability and lastly how firm and constant you are in good purposes Luc. 12.19 Consider 2. The evil conditions of the bad servant 1. He saith in his heart My Lord is long a coming and thinks he has a long time yet to live as did that other who said to his Soul Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years c. 2. He is injurious to others striking the servants and hand-maids 3. He gives himself over to carnal pleasures beginning to eat and drink and be drunk Have a care you keep your self from these Vices and observe that the beginning of all these mischiefs is a perswasion of long life and forgetfulness of what is to befall us in the end Consider 3. The reward and punishment of both these servants Of the former it is said Blessed is that servant c. over all things which he possesseth he shall appoint him to wit in Heaven But of the latter The Lord of that servant shall come in a day that he hopeth not and at an hour that he knoweth not and shall divide him to wit from the company of the Just and shall appoint bis portion with the Infidels in Hell Imitate therefore the first least your portion and lot come to be with the last c. Of Girding the Loyns Luc. 12.35 c. COnsider 1. Let your loyns be girded and candles burning in your hands and you like to men expecting their Lord when he shall return from the Marriage Ponder how carefully servants watch for their Masters coming from a Marriage-Feast such would Christ have us to be against his coming We gird our loyns saith S. Gregory when we restrain Luxury by Continency Greg. Hom 13. in Evang and we hold burning candles in our hands when by good works we shew our Neighbours the light of our example See how you perform both these duties Phil. 1.23 Consider 2. That when he doth come and knock forthwith they may open unto him Our Lord cometh when he hasteneth to judge us at our death he knocketh when he sendeth us sickness the Good at that time without delay and with great joy open unto him having a desire with the Apostle to be dissolved and to be with Christ. On the contrary with what an unwilling and heavy heart do the wicked let him in when he knocketh Therefore Ecclesiasticus Eccli 41.1 O Death how bitter is thy memory to a man that hath peace in his riches Consider 3. If the Housholder did know what hour the Thief would come he would watch verily and would not suffer his house to be broken up Death will most certainly come upon us as a Thief and break open the house or habitation of our body but what day or hour it will come is as uncertain Therefore our Lord would have us to be watchful every hour of our life that we may not be catched at unawares in that moment wherein is turned the Dye of our Everlasting Doom Of the Vine and its branches Jo. 15.5 c. Ps 79.12 COnsider 1. I am the Vine you the Branches c. Christ is truly a Vine in regard of that most precious Wine which he powred forth on the Cross and is daily presented to us in the Chalice The Branches of this Vine may be whosoever will themselves therefore he inviteth all and of this Vine it is said It extended her branches even to the Sea and her boughs unto the River for he quickneth us all as so many branches with the Sap of his Grace and with the same nourisheth us and maketh us rich and full of excellent fruit O how well is it with the branch that remaineth and liveth in such a Vine Consider 3. An evident sign of remaining in this Vine is fruitfulness He that abideth in me and I in him the same beareth much fruit Wherefore by the fruit you bear you may gather whether you remain in him or no Besides Every branch that beareth fruit the Heavenly Father will purge it that it may bring more fruit The Husbandman purgeth the branches by Pruning and Incision so God doth those that are his by afflictions sicknesses and temptations that you might learn to take these things willingly at the hands of God as helps towards your spiritual profit Consider 3. What becometh of the branch that beareth not any fruit He shall wither and they shall gather him up and cast him into the fire and he burneth One of the two saith S. Augustine appertaineth to the branch Aug. tr 81. in Joan. fruit or fire Procure therefore to bring forth fruit and that in due season sweet and not wild grapes lest otherwise like a dry withered branch cut off from the Vine you become fuel for that fire which can never be quenched Of the Barren Fig-tree Luc. 13.6 c.
your self first with all humility in the presence of God imagining that Christ expects you there ready to give you audience then kneeling down with profound reverence say that short Preparatory prayer of the Church Prevent we beseech thee O Lord our actions by thy Spirit assisting us and in hâ—ping forward prosecute them that all our prayer and work may begin always from thee and begun by thee may be ended Through Christ our Lord Amen or some other like Then make use of the first Preamble of Composition of Place and that being done beg of Almighty God grace suitable to the subject of your present Meditation After this enter upon the points or matter of your Meditation which must be prepared before hand and discourse upon them with your understanding examining with your self who what where by what means wherefore in what manner when and other general circumstances that offer themselves and in all of them procure now and then to stir up your will by pious Affections and Colloquies as often as there shall be occasion in which Affections and Colloquies because the chief fruit of prayer doth consist therefore we will treat of them in this place more at large Of Colloquies Colloquies are to be made as well through the whole course as at the end of Meditation to wit as often as the will is stirred up to love or hate to prosecute or to fly what is set before it according as it is informed by the understanding of the goodness or malice of the object And because we may divers ways conceive God in relation to our selves therefore the Colloquies are to be made sometimes as of a Subject to his Prince sometimes as of a Child to his Father at other times again as of the Spouse to her Beloved of Friend to Friend of a Criminal to his Judge c. now begging something now admiring now offering now congratulating now condoling as the present matter shall require And because there are many kinds of these affections it will not be amiss in this place to reherse some of them in particular in an Alphabetical order The Colloquie therefore may be framed by way of I. ACOVSATION Accusing your self for having been cause 1 Paral. 21.17 of Christs sufferings or of other evils saying with David Am not I he that commanded c. It is I that have sinned it is I that have done the evil c. Lord my God let thy hand be turned I beseech thee upon me and the like II. ADMIRATION Wondering at the Goodness Wisdome Power and other like Attributes of God O Lord our Lord Psal 8.2 how marvelous is thy Name O Lord of Hosts who is like to thee Thou art mighty O Lord Psal 88.9 and thy truth round about thee or the like III. AFFIRMATION Affirming for example that God is just great and dreadful that they are happy that serve him and the like Psal 118.137 Psal 46.3 Psa 64. â— Thou art Just O Lord and thy Judgement is right Because our Lord is high terrible a great King over all the earth Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken he shall dwell in thy Courts IV. BENEDICTION Blessing God for hearing our prayers for having redeemed us and for other benefits which he hath bestowed upon us and inviting all creatures to do the same Blessed be God who hath not removed my prayer Ps 65.20 Luc. â—â— 66 and his mercy from me c. Blessed be our Lord God of Israel because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people All works of our Lord Dan. 3.57 bless ye our Lord praise and superexalt him for ever V. COMMINATION or threatning woe to your self unless you mend unless you obey Gods call c. Vnless you will be converted Psal 7.13 he shall shake his Sword be hath bent his bow and prepared it c. Vnderstand these things Psa 49.22 you that forget God least sometime he take you violently and there be none to deliver you VI. COMPASSION for Christs labours and sufferings I am sorry for thee my Brother Jonathas 2 Reg. 1.26 2 Reg 18.33 Rod. de Pas c. 8. exceeding beautiful and amiable Who would grant me that I might dye for thee I will not live without wound saith Saint Bonaventure because I see thee full of wound VII COMPLAINT Piously complaining as if God had left you Psal 1.1 How long O Lord wilt thou forget me unto the end how long dost thou turn away thy face from me Where are thine old mercies Ps 8850. Ps 8â—15 O Lord c. Why dost thou O Lord reject my prayer VIII COMPVNCTION and GRIEF for that by your sins you have been cause of Christs sufferings and of the scourges wherewith God doth chastize the world Jâ—â— 1.12 Psal 50.5 Take me up and east me into the Sea for I know that for me this tempest is upon you I do know mine iniquity and my sin is before me always IX CONFESSION Acknowledging the Benefits of God Eccli 51.1 and your own Infirmity I will confess to thee O Lord King and will praise thee God my Saviour I will confess to thy Name because thou art become my helper Psal 37.4 and protectour There is no health is my flesh c. my bones have no peace at the face of my stâ—s X. CONGRATVLATION with Christ for his victory over death with the Blessed Virgin for the glory of her Son and for her own Election Let us sing to our Lord Erod 15.1 Judith 15. â—0 Ecclesia in Missa for he is gloriously magnified c. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem thou the joy of Israel thou the honour of our people c. We give thee thanks for thy great glory XI CONSVLTATION Consulting between our Lord and your self what you are to do for him what to return for his beneftis Job 7.20 Ps 115.3 What shall I do to thee O Keeper of men What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendered to me XII DESIRE of heavenly and everlasting goods How beloved are thy Tabernacles Psal 83.2 O Lord of Hosts My soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. Psal 41.2 Even as the Hart defireth after the Fountains of waters so doth my soul desire after thee O God I desire thee a thousand times Bern. 〈◊〉 Jub my Jesus when will you come when will you make me ioyful when will you give me my fill of you XIII DETESTATION Abominating your own sins and sluggishness Psal 118.163 Psal 25.2 Ps 72.25 I have hated iniquity and abhorred it I have hated the Church of the Malignant and with the impious I will not sit What is to me in Heaven and besides thee what would I upon the earth XIV DOVBT Demanding of your self what you ought to do and what will become of you seeing all are to be so rigorously judged Psal 138.7 Psal 88.49
Whither shall I go from thy spirit and whither shall I fly from thy face who is the man that shall live and shall not see death shall deliver his soul from the hand of hell and the like XV. EXHORTATION Exciting your self to delight in God alone to open your self unto him to put your whole trust in him Psal 36.4 5. Be delighted in our Lord and he will give thee the petitions of thy heart Reveal thy way to our Lord and hope in him and he will do it Cast thy care upon our Lord Ps 54.23 and he will nourish thee XVI FAITH and CONFIDENCE in the goodness of God and that by his grace you will overcome all difficulties and temptations c. Our Lord is my Illumination Psal 26.1 Ps 102.9 Ps 17.30 and my Salvation whom shall I fear He will not be angry always neither will he threaten for ever In thee I shall be delivered from temptation and in my God I shall go over the wall XVII GLADNESSE or JOY for the propagation of Gods glory for the greatness of his Majesty and perfections and for the fulfilling of his Divine Will Be joyful in our Lord and rejoyce ye Just Ps 31.11 Isa 61.10 and glory all ye right of heart Rejoycing I will rejoyce in our Lord and my soul shall be joyful in my God because he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation c. XVIII GRATIVDE and THANKSGIVING for benefits received Ps 102.2 Apoc. 11.17 My soul bless thou our Lord and forget not all his retributions We thank thee Lord God Omnipotent which art which wast and which shalt come XIX HVMILIATION Acknowledging your self a sinner a wretch a worm your own infirmity reioycing therein as occasion of merit and humility Psal 21.7 Psal 43.7 Psal 118.17 I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and outcast of the people I will not hope in my Bow and my Sword will not save me c. It is good for me that thou hast humbled me that I may learn thy justifications XX. IMITATION exciting your self to follow our Lord Exo. 25.40 Ephes 5.1 Ro. 13.14 and tread his foot-steps Look and do according to the pattern Be a follower of God as a most dear Child Do you on our Lord Jesus Christ I will follow thee whither soever thou goest Luc. 9.57 XXI INVITATION Inviting our Lord to visit help and save you Ps 43.23 Ps 79.15 Arise why sleepest thou O Lord Arise and expell us not to the end O God of Hosts return regard from Heaven and see and visit this Vineyard XXII LOVE Professing your self to love God above all things Jo. 21.16 Psal 17.2 Ps 30.24 Lord thou knowest that I love thee I will love thee O Lord my strength And exhorting all men to do the same Love our Lord all ye his Saints XXIII NARRATION Recounting what God hath done for you or others or what you have done for him Our Lord ruleth me Psal 22.2 and nothing shall be wanting to me in place of pasture there he hath placed me In thee our Fathers have hoped they hoped Psal 21.5 Ps 39.11 and thou didst deliver them Thy Justice I have not hid in my heart Thy truth and thy salvation I have spoken XXIV OBLATION Offering your self to God to serve him to obey him in all things and to suffer for him O Lord I am thy servant Ps 115.7 Ps 72.23 Ps 37.18 I am thy servant and the Son of thy Handmaid As a Beast I am become with thee and I always with thee I am ready for scourges and my sorrow is in my sight always XXV OBSECRATION Earnestly imploring the Divine Aid and such spiritual graces as you stand most in need of Help us Psal 78.9 O God our Saviour and for the glory of thy Name O Lord deliver us Turn thee O Lord and deliver my Soul Psal 6.5 save me for thy mercy XXVI PETITION Craving to be heard illuminated Ps 38.13 directed preserved and the like Hear my prayer O Lord and my petition with thine ears receive my tears Psal 69.2 Psal 5.9 Psal 24.5 O God intend unto my help Lord make hast to help me Direct my way in thy fight Direct me in thy truth and teach me Keep me O Lord from the hand of the sinner c. Psal 139.5 XXVII PRAISE Extolling the Power Wisdom and Mercy of our Lord and inviting all creatures to do the same Ps 146.5 Great is our Lord and great is his strength and of his wisdom there is no number Luc. 1.46 Ps 148.1 My foul doth magnifie our Lord. Praise ye our Lord from the Heavens Praise ye him in the high places Praise ye him all his Angels XXVIII PREFERRING Having a greater esteem and concern for heavenly and divine objects than for the earthly and trausitory things of this world Psa 83.11 Better is one day in thy Courts above thousands I have chosen to be an object in the house of my God rather than to dwell in the Tabernacles of sinners Psa 36.16 Better is a little to the just above much riches of sinners XXIX PROSOPOPEIA Imagining to your self that God doth speak unto you reproving your negligence Jer. 2.21 Isa 5.2 Thre 4.1 Jer. 3.12 or exhorting you to fervour How art thou turned unto me into that which is depraved O strange Vineyard I looked that it should yeild grape and it yeilded wild grapes How is the gold darkned the best colour changed Return O rebellious Israel soul and I will not turn away my face from you XXX PVRPOSE Purposing to serve God better to resist temptations and to propagate his glory Psal 38.2 I will keep my ways that I offend not in my tongue I will pursue mine enemies Ps 17.38 Ps 21.23 and overtake them and will not return till they fail I will declare thy name to my brethren in the midst of the Church I will praise thee XXXI RENVNCIATION or ABNEGATION Denying your own will and renouncing all honour and glory as due to God alone Luc. 22.42 Ps 113.9 Mat. 8.8 Not my will but thine be done Not to us O Lord not to us but to thy Name give the glory Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof XXXII REPREHENSION Rebuking your self for being slothful irresolute a lover of toyes c. How long wilt thou sleep O sluggard Prov. 6.9 Pro. 1.22 Psal 12.2 When wilt thou rise out of thy sleep How long do you love infancy and as fools covet things which are hurtful to your self How long shall I put counsels in my soul XXXIII RESIGNATION Resigning your self to the will of God Lord not as I will Mat. 26.39 Mat. 6.9 Job 1.21 but as thou Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven As it hath pleased our Lord so is it done The Name of our Lord be blessed XXXIV SOLACE or ENCOVRAGEMENT Animating
you would have remained for ever but that it pleased God to take you out of your nothing and wheras he could have joyned to your first or original matter infinite other forms he would endow you with a rational one and place you in this world among men But to what end Not to disport or play not to eat and drink not to seek after honours and vanities of this life nor finally to end your days like brute beasts Our Lord hath wrought all things for himself that you might serve and worship him in this world and so at last attain to life everlasting Consider 2. The excellency of this end All other living creatures are created stooping down to their food and carry about them souls that are to end with time Man alone is elevated to that sublinie end of praising and serving his Creator and after a short and holy life to be crowned with immortal glory With good reason David full of admiration breaketh forth into those words What is man that thou art mindful of him Thou hast minished him little less then Angels with glory and honour thou hast crowned him Ps 8.5 and hast appointed him over the works of thy hands Ps 33.2 Consider 3. How much you are obliged to your Creator for so great a benefit and withall how justly he requireth of you that you direct your whole life to this onely end of his divine praise and service This therefore ought to be the onely aim of all your actions and even your thoughts viz. to honour God and serve him alone Wherefore say with the Prophet I will bless our Lord at all time his praise always in my mouth You are born for Heaven see you degenerate not See you carry not saith St. Bernard in a streight and upright body Bern. in Cant. Serm. 24. a crooked soul that is deformedly bent upon earthly things Of Mans last End The second Part. COnsider 1. Seeing your end in this life is to praise and serve God alone and seeing that in whatsoever kind the end is the measure or square of all such things as appertain thereunto it followeth evidently that you are to make use of all other creatures so far forth as they conduce to his service and honour and contrariwise to avoid them if they any way withdraw you from the same Wherefore you are not to desire riches honours conveniences of this life nor even learning or health otherwise then they may help you the better to serve God For as that holy man said well Tho. a Kemp. de Imit l. 1. c. 2. Better is the humble countreyman that serveth God then the proud Philosopher who neglecting himself considereth the course of the heavens Ps 107.2 Matt. 26.39 42. Consider 2. And examine your self in particular whether you have any disordered affection to the things above mentioned See whether you be ready to suffer poverty reproach sickness and death it self if God thereby might be the more glorified in you Offer your self to your Creator with indifferency to all things so far as they make to his greater glory Say with the Prophet My heart is ready O God my heart is ready and with Christ our Lord Not as I will but as thou Thy will be done Agg. 1.6 Consider 3. How foolishly they do who have any other end then God in their actions who employ their labours in purchasing honours riches renown pleasures and the like No otherwise do these then would he who being to sayl to the East should steer his course to the West and so never come to his journeys end Of such it is rightly said by the Prophet You have sowed much and brought in little you have eaten and have not been filled you have drunk and have not been inebriated Lastly They lead their days in wealth Job 21.13 and in a moment they go down to hell Of Mans duty towards God 1. Part. Ps 36.27 COnsider 1. The whole duty of man towards God is comprised in that short sentence Decline from evil and do good These are the two principal points of a Christian life they are the two wings whereby we must flye up to Heaven the two arms wherewith we are to lay fast hold on the Kingdom of God In respect of the first part mans life in the holy Scripture is said to be a warfare upon earth Job 7.1 and Christians are termed Souldiers carefully standing upon their guard for resisting the suggestions and temptations of sin Job 9.28 Consider 2. In this Warfare we are to strive against Sin even unto death never giving over or thinking our selves secure but always standing in arms with watchful care and fear Job notwithstanding all his Integrity discussed and feared every the least of his actions David a man according to Gods own heart Ps 76.7 did every night brush or sweep his spirit St. John Baptist that was sanctified in his mothers womb Hym. ad Mat. de S. Joh. Bapt. led an austere retired life that he might not as the Church singeth of him stain his life with a light slip of his tongue S. Paul though confirmed in Grace and rapt to the third Heaven could say of himself So I fight not as it were beating the air 1 Cor. 9.27 but I chastise my body and bring it into servitude Think not therefore much of any pains for the avoiding of sin Tob. 4.6 Consider 3. We must not onely withstand the actual committing of sin but also the consent of mind Beware thou consent not to sin at any time and resist all delectation and suggestion for as St. Gregory saith In suggestion is the seed of sin Greg. ad Interr lib. Aug. Cantuar in delectation the nourishment in consent the perfection Examine your self what vigilancy and caution you hold over your thoughts words and actions how you avoid occasions of danger and how you resist the suggestions of the Flesh the World and the Devil Take up your Weapons with the holy Saints of Fasting Prayer and Mortification of your flesh that you may also with them be crowned with a glorious Victory Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Part. Matt. 13.44 COnsider 1. The other part of Mans Duty is to labour in the exercise of good works thereby to please and serve God Wherefore Heaven is sometimes proposed unto us as a rich jewel sometimes as a treasure hidden in a field which we are to seek out with some pain and labour and to purchase with the sale of all we have sometimes again as a goal or prize 1 Cor. 9.24 which we are to gain by running on in the race of Vertue and Perfection and almost every where as the Reward and Crown of Vertuous Actions See therefore you play the industrious Merchant and by the continual exercise of good works heap up to your self treasures in Heaven Matt. 6.20 1 Thess 4.3 Consider 2. The several Motives which you have to
S. Bernard elegantly saith The scholar that profiteth is a glory to his Master Whosoever therefore profits not in Christs schoole is unworthy to have him for his Master What a shame would it be for one after seven yeares study of Philosophy and Divinity to have profited nothing and to end his course no better a scholar then he began Much more ought you to be ashamed if which God forbid you become worse more remisse in prayer more given to detraction and a greater lover of your self and your own ease and satisfaction then when you first entered the schoole of Vertue Endeavor therefore continually to better your self Of the Necessity which all have of profiting in Vertue Part 2. Apoc. 2.5 COnsider 1. The Damages which the neglect of advancing in spirit doth bring for first it provoketh God to wrath Therefore in the Apocalyps it is said to the Bishop who had done many good works but had left his first Charity or fervor Be mindful from whence thou art fallen c. And doe the first works But if not I come to thee and will move thy candlestick out of his place God perchance hath designed you for a candlestick to give light to many Have a care therefore he doe not remove you for leaving your first Charity or fervor of devotion Pro. 10.4 Consider 2. How the aforesaid neglect depriveth us of great spiritual gaines and rewards The slothful hand hath wrought poverty saith the Wise-man O what glory should we purchase in Heaven if we were allways intent upon our spiritual profit and took hold of all occasions of exercising Vertue Think what care and labour worldly Merchants take to heap up money which is to perish and moulder away and you that are a Merchant of Heaven neglect everlasting treasures that are freely offered unto you Mat. 25.28.30 Consider 3. How this same neglect disposeth us to a finall decay and absolute breaking for of the servant that neglected to increase the stock or talent which he received it was said take ye away therefore the talent from him c. And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the utter darkness c. Excite your self therefore to goe on cheerfully Examen wherein you are wont to be most at a stand and resolve to go through with courage You have Christ for your Captaine and for your reward life everlasting Of Christs life from the twelfth to the thirtith year of his age Part 1. COnsider 1. There is nothing exstant in the Ghospel of Christs life from the twelfth to the thirtith year of his age but of his Obedience to his parents and progress in Vertue as we have seen above that you may make the greater account of them Consider 2. It seemeth certain that Christ spent great part of that time in most high contemplation and conversing with his heavenly father for he that was afterwards to say of Mary Magdalen that she had chosen the better part in respect of her love and exercise of contemplation must needs practise it himself much more perfectly And if David seven times a day did utter praise to God and besides did rise at midnight to confess unto him Ps. 118.164 Item v. 62. how much more did Christ Learn hence to give your self to prayer both for your own and your neighbours good and that the frequent exercise therof and familiar conversation with God are prime and necessary dutys of a Christian Jo. 7.15 Mar. 3.21 Consider 3. All that time Christ concealed his Wisdom so that he was held unlearned by all whence afterwards for a wonder they said How doth this man know letters whereas he hath not learned Nay they said that he was become mad for that he spake and wrought such strange things as could not be expected from him Love to be unknown and of no account Believe me said one He hath lived well that hath layn well hid Ovid. Be not too forward to vent your knowledge though you take your self to be more knowing then others Let not the Wise man glory in his wisdom Jer. 9.23 c. But he that glorieth let him glory in this to understand and know me Of Christs life from the twelfth to the thirtith year of his age Part. 2. Mar. 6.3 COnsider 1. As to the exterior manner of living 't is probable Christ our Lord practised the Carpenter's trade also after S. Joseph's death whence the Jews said of him Is not this the Carpenter the son of Mary Imagin your self therefore to see the Word of God and Lord of Heaven handling his hatcher and plainer hewing sawing plaining and joyning boards and other timber together and with astonishment think Who What Where c. And how true that saying is His work is strange from him If. 28.21 Gen. 3.19 Consider 2. Christ did this first out of love to Humility for he that had taken upon him other miseries of human nature and had freely submitted himself to the general malediction of Death would also submit himself to the other malediction of toyl and labour wherein it was said to Adam In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread Secondly he did it to teach us by his example to shun idleness the fountain and origin of all evill See therefore you imitate him Eccli 33.29 for idleness as the wise man saith hath taught much naughtiness Consider 3. What singular profit the B. Virgin made all that time of so long and familiar conversation with her son Imagin what discourses they hold one with another allways of God and of divine matters See the Virgin standing in amaze and beholding her son while he out of love to humility sweepeth the house washeth the pots maketh the fire and dresseth meat for his mother and the like Rom. 11.33 O depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! Reflect upon every parâ—icular and draw somthing out of all for your own benefit c. The Maana was as it were the seed of Coriander Num. 11.7 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a Grain of Mustard-seed Mat. 13.31 COnsider 1. What is said to day in the Ghospel The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a Mustard-seed c. To wit that Christ was the Mustardseed being indeed in outward appearance the least of all men Ps. 21.7 according to what he saith of himself I am a worm and no man but in Vertue and efficacy greater then the Angels themselves and this is verified of him most of all in the Eucharist For as to sense what is of less shew then a morsâ—ll of bread but what more divine then the Holy Eucharist as to the Vertue and excellency it containeth with in it S. Tho. Opâ—sâ— 58. 〈◊〉 21. Consider 2. The many admirable Vertues of this Eucharistical grain S. Thomas recounteth twelve like to the twelve fruits of the tree of life of which we read in the Apocalyps 1. It driveth
it by his Prophet O all ye that pass by the way attend and see if there be sorrow like to my sorrow and in another place Thren 3.19 Remembâ—r my poverty c the wormwood and the gâ—ill Think with yourself if you had lost but an arme or a footâ— indefence of your friend might you not justly expect that he should be ever mindfull of the favour And what is that to what Christ hath suffered for you Thren 3.20 Consider 3. Offer therefore your self to Christ as an attentive spectator of his Sufferings and as a mindfull and grateful partaker of his benefits Say with the same Prophet Remembering I will be mindfull and my soul shall languish in me Recording this thing in my heart therefore I will hope And with reason may you hope seeing he suffered to the end that he might be our Advocat and that he might wash away our sins with his precious bloud finally seeing that even upon the Cross he granted Salvation and his Kingdom of Heaven to the Theef Of Christs Passion in General Who Suffereth THat you may be the better disposed to revolve the whole history of the Passion Consider first its general Circumstances and in the first place Who it is that Suffereth 1. He that suffereth is the Immacular Lambe of God Who did no sin 1 Pet. 2.22 as S. Peter saith neither was guile found in his mouth The Holy of Holies who received the divine spirit beyond measure and one whom his own Crucifiers confessed to be Just Mat. 27.54 and the Son of God 2. He suffereth who had bestowed himself wholy for the good of others Act. 10.39 Doing good and healing all that werre oppressed of the Divel Wherefore he did not only not deserve those Sufferings but on the contrary all respect and honour was due to him so that he might justly complain with David They repayed me evill things for good Learn to suffer evill at their hands Ps. 34.12 from whom you have deserved kindness and gratitude 3. He that suffereth is the great lover of mankind who is become all things to us for he is our Father and our brother He is our Master Physitian Spouse Pastour Cretour Redeemer and Benefactour If therefore the Son ought to be sensible of his Fathers Sufferings the spouse of her beloveds See that you have compassion of him who is your Father Spouse and Redeemer and beare his marks if not in your flesh as the Apostle at least in your heart and mind Think what you may doe or suffer in return for his sake Of Christs Passion in General How much he Suffereth Consider 1. He suffereth in all kinds 1. In externall goods for he was despoiled of all things stript of his clothes to the very skin and hanged naked on the Cross before all the world 2. In his honour for that all manner of reproch and slander was cast upon him 3. In fame being variously traduced in matters belonging to all sorts of Vertues held for a Samaritan and possessed of the Divel a Glutton and lover of Wine a Blasphemer and Seducer 4. In point of knowledg he was esteemed as one without litterature or learning a madman and foole 5. As for Miracles he was accounted an Impostor and Inchanter 6. He suffered in his friends being forsaken by them all Consider 2. How much he suffered in his body Go through all his senses His eyes are defiled with spittle and filled with bloud falling down from his sacred head they were also tormented to see the scornfull gestures and mockeries of them that reviled him His cares were wounded with rough pulls and pinches but much more with blasphemies against God and unjust accusations brought against himself His smell annoyed with the stench of Calvary His taste tormented with vehement thirst and bitter drench of Vinegar and gall Lastly the sense of feeling over all the parts of his body by stripes thornes and nailes so that it was most truely said of him Js. 1.6 from the sole of the foot to the top of the head there is no health Consider 3. And add to these the Interior Anguishes of his mind as that of his Agony in the Garden that other of his being left by his Father on the Cross and others such like Be ashamed that you cannot so much as endure the cold of winter or heat of Summer and much less suffer patiently some small sicknesse Wish that you may come to suffer any thing and even die for Christ Of Christs Passion in Generall From whom he suffereth COnsider 1. He suffereth from all sorts of Men from the highest and the lowest from the Sacred and the profane being dragged about the streets by the scum of the people forsaken by his friends accused by the Priests made a laughing stock by the Souldiers condemned in the High Priests Councel ignominiously treated in the Kings Court and sentenced to death at the Presidents Tribunal Learn hence to contemn the judgements of men who were so highly unjust and injurious to Christ Jo. 15.25 Consider 2. He suffered from those whom he came to save and to whom he had been singularly beneficial all the time of his preaching so that he might truely say That they hated him gratis for nothing And which is yet more he suffered himself to be betrayed by his own disciple to give us example of Parience in the like failings of friends For the man also of my peace Ps. 40.10 in whom I hoped c Hath greatly troden me â—â—dâ—r foot Luc. 22.53 Consider 3. How he was exposed and left to the Tyranny of the Divel according to that of S. Luke This is your hour and the power of darkness He was given over to Sathan not as Job was with that restriction Yet save his life but absolutly Job 2.6 and even to death it self Have compassion towards your Lord thus forsaken by his friends and left to the mercy of his enemies and if at any time it be your fortune to experience the like mockeries of men Mat. 10.24 remember that the Diciple is not to be above his Master Of Christs Passion in Generall For whom he Suffereth COnsider 1. He suffereth not for himself being incapable of doing any thing that might deserve punishment but for all men to reconcile them to his Eternal Father and to open unto them all as much as lay in him the gates of Heaven And because the whole man was wounded he would suffer in every kind that so he might apply proper remedies to every vice Therefore against our Covetousness he opposed his Nakedness his Reproches against our Pride his Torments against our Luxury his vinegar and Gall against our Gluttony and so of the rest Rom. 5.8.10 Consider 2. More particularly how he suffered also for his Enemies that is for all Sinners God commendeth his charity in us because when at yet we were Sinners Christ died for us c. And when we were enemies
Consider Christ as the Guardian of your Soul Ps 23.8 Gen. 15.3 Ps 120.4 COnsider 1. What is said in this days Ghospel When the strong armed keepeth his Court those things are in peace that he possesseth Luc. 11.21 Imagin therefore your soul to be a Court or Castle which Christ our Lord who is both strong and armed desireth to guard that whatsoever she possesseth may be preserved in peace and security There is none stronger then this Champion of ours Our Lord strong and mighty Our Lord is a Man of Warr Omnipotent is his name No keeper can be more watchfull then he He shall not slumber nor sleep that keepeth Israel and doth all with that care and love as if it were to keep the apple of his own eye as Moyses speaketh Deut. 32.10 O what a happiness it is to be under the protection of such a Guardian Ps 22.5 Consider 2. This Guardian of yours will enter to day in the holy Eucharist the Castle or fortress of your Soul to visit strengthen and defend it against your Mortall enemy the Divel who surrounds it day and night seeking how he may destroy it For this divine banquet or table as David saith is chiefly instituted as a fence against our enemies Thou hast prepared in my sight a table against them that trouble me Hence conceive a great confidence in your Guardian and as great a desire of the happy hour wherein you are to receive him Consider 3. In what manner you may best entertain this Guardian You must be sure to cast out of your heart whatsoever may offend his purest eyes least otherwise being offended at his enterance he presently leave you and deliver you over to your enemies Deliver him up the keyes of your Castle that he may freely dispose of you and yours in all things and upon all occasions Aske pardon for your former offences Ps. 139.5 Say with the Prophet Keep me O Lord from the hand of the sinner and from unjust mâ—n deliver me Christ is led from Caiphas to Pilat Mat. 27.1 COnsider 1. And when morning was come all the chiefe Priests and Ancients of the people consulted together against Jesus that they might put him to death How diligent are the sons of darkness in prosecuting their wicked designs scarce giving themselves time to sleep or rest O that you were as zealous in the service of God! Think how welcom to our B. Lord was that last morning in which he was to perfect the work of our Redemption Ponder how being now in full Councel they examin our Lord over again condemn him as a Blasphemer vote him guilty of death and deliver him finally over to the secular power to be executed Luc. 23.1 Consider 2. All the multitude of them rising up led him to Pilat Think what a heavy journey this was to our B. Lord. By this time the whole town was full of what had passed the night before and in a longing expectation of the result of the high Councel and now they see the Captive hurried along by their dores and accompanied by their high Priests and Elders as so many unquestionable witnesses and proclaimers of his guiltiness Our B. Lord is held and treated by all as a Notorious Malefactor and entertained all along as he passed with loud shoutes and clamors with scoffs with reproches and with barbarous insolences of the rude and enraged people And even those who before held him in veneration as a great Prophet and their Messias now hould themselves as miserably seduced and him for a grand Impostor Who ever did or could suffer so much in his reputation Jo. 18.28 Consider 3. Being come to Pilats Court they went not into the Palace it being the habitation of a Gentil that they might not be contaminated but that they might eate the Pasch O superstitious Hypocrisy They pretend Religion and Conscience in a small matter while they are actually contriving murder and Sacriledge They strain a gnat and swallow a Camel Mat. 23.24 Yet would to God you were as nice and zealous in point of purity when you come to eate the true Pasch in the Holy Eucharist and would not thrust your self in after so distracted a manner and full of worldly cogitations Christ is accused before Pilat Luc. 23.2 COnsider 1. Pilat having brought Jesus forth to the People and demanded what accusations they had against him They began to accuse him 1. As a seditions person We have found this man subverting our Nation who ever taught and practiced Obedience and did good to all 2. As Prohibiting to give Tributes to Cesar who notwithstanding was known to pay tribute for himself though otherwise exempt And. 3. For saying that he is Christ the King Jo. 6.15 And yet though he were truly so when they would have made him King he fled and hid himself Ps 61.10 Learn hence what liers the children of men are in their balances and how easy a matter it is to calumniat the Innocent Mat. 27.14 Consider 2. Christ our Lord could easily have cleared himself with a word but would answer all his accusations with silence so that the President did marvell exceedingly fullfilling thereby that of the Psalmist I have set a guard to my mouth when the sinner slood against me Psa 38.2 O that you would doe the same when others rise up against you Know that an Innocent life is the best plea and that true courage and fortitude consisteth in silence and contempt of injuries and affronts committing our cause to God according to that of the Prophet In silence and in hope shall your strength be Js 30.15 Consider 3. Pilat laying hold of the last accusation asked Jesus whether he were King of the Jews Luc. sup Jo. 18.36 who answered Thou sayest but withall My Kingdom is not of this world nor of worldly greatness pomp and state but of Poverty Contempt Hymn Vexilla Obedience Humility and the Cross God took his raign from the Cross Think whether or no you belong to his Kingdom for if you are of the world that is if you mind and seek after things of this world you are none of his They are not of the world Jo. 17.14 saith Christ of his Disciples as I also am not of the world Learn hence to have a high value of the Cross Humility c. Christ is sent to Herod Luc. 23.4 COnsider 1. Pilat sought what he could to set Christ at liberty for that saith he I find no cause in this man The Pharises urge the more saying He stirreth up the people c. Beginning from Galiâ—â—e even hither whence he taketh occasion to send him to Herod as one belonging to his jurisdiction but withall streightly bound as a Malefactor guarded with Souldiers and accompanied with the Priests his accusers Thus was our B. Lord posted from one Tribunal to another and exposed to the publique view and scorn of the
to Men Of compassion and astonishment to the Angels of scorn and derision to the wicked of compunction and example to the Just and a Sacrifice most acceptable to the Eternal Father Fall at the feet of the Crucifix take up the sacred bloud that falleth down and speak what affection shall suggest Of Crucifying our Lord. Part 3. COnsider 1. What Christ might doe say or think hanging on the Cross and in those hideous torments when he received no comfort either exteriourly from men or interiourly in his Soul If he stirred his body it was tormented a fresh by the wounds of his hands and feet whereon the whole weight of his body did hang. If he moved his head the thorns were stroken in the deeper and yet not the least sigh or moan or complaint was heard to proceed from him but he offered all to his Eternal Father for your and others sins Mat. 27.39 c. Consider 2. And they that passed-by blasphemed him The Priests the Souldiers and all sorts of men They upbraided him 1. With Impotency He saved others himself he cannot save 2. With Arrogancy as vainly taking upon him the title of King If he be King of Isarel let him come down 3. As counterfeiting himself Son of God and presumptuously relying thereon He trusted in God let him now deliver him if he will c. 4. As boasting of himself Vah thou that destroyest the Temple of God and in three days doest reedify it To all this he holdeth his peace as a dumb sign or mark exposed to all manner of contradiction So as to be filled with reproches Thren 3 3â— Is 53.5 Consider 3. Christ would not come down from the Cross nor shorten the durance of his pains as easily he might but would continue in them to the last breath without admitting any manner of comfort that you might also learn to persever in good even untill death Take notice also that he suffered all this for our sins He was wounded for our iniquities he was broken for our sins Take heed therefore lest returning to sin Hebr. 6.6 you crucify again to your self as the Apostle speaketh and to your own ruine the Son of God Of Christs first word on the Cross Father forgive them c. Luc. 23.34 Luc. 9 3â— COnsider 1. Christs was given to the world by his Eternal Father as a Doctor or Master to teach us the way of Salvation This is my beloved Son bear him Hear him then from the Cross as his Pulpit or chaire reading seven admirable lessons unto you and seek to prove a diligent disciple in his schoole that you may say with the Apostle 1 Cor. 2.2 I judged not my self to know any thing among you but Jesus Christ and him crucifyed Is. 53.12 Consider 2. Christs first Lesson is of loving our Enemies and praying for them Father forgive them for they know not what they doe He doth not call fire down from Heaven upon his persecutors as did Elias nor curseth them as Elizeus but asketh pardon for his enemies and as Isaie saith prayeth for the transgressors fullfilling by deeds what before he commended in words Pray for them that persecute Mat. 5.44 and abuse you See whether you doe so I say not only for your enemies that persecute you but for your familiars and neighbours who may perhaps offend you with some light word or injury Consider 3. More particularly each circumstance Who is it that prayeth The Son of God Whom doth he pray His Eternal Father Where On the tree of the Cross At what time When he was quite spent and exhausted with suffering and now ready to dye In what manner Not sitting or lying at his ease but strait erected upon his feet and stretching forth his hands In what termes Not many but full of affection and mingled with sighs teares and blood For whom for sinners for his enemies persecuters and tormenters What doth he ask Mercy Before whom To the hearing of all even his Adversaries that you might learn Mildnes and Charity towards all and in all occasions Of the Second Word Luc. 23.43 This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Is. 53.12 COnsider 1. It was none of the least Ignominies which our Saviour suffered to hang between two theeves as their ringleader making good that of the Prophet And he was reputed with the wicked He was born between two silly beasts and would dye between two theeves to give us example of Humility though in Heaven he be seated between the Father and the Holy Ghost Ambr. in Luc. c. 23. Even he himself as S. Ambrose speaketh was a theefe by Mistery laying wait for the Divel to steale away his weapons and on the Cross robbed him of a theefe O Lord rob me thus of my heart that it may serve you alone Ambr. sup Consider 2. Those words of Christ This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Admire the riches of Gods Bounty and Longanimity He takes up infamous robbers and makes them his sons and heires of his Kingdom and this at the first word without any put-ofs or delays This very day thou shalt be with me He giveth the theef incomparably more then he demanded of him He craved only a remembrance and Christ promiseth him a Kingdom for as S. Ambrose saith Our Lord ever bestoweth more then is demanded of him and his grant is larger then the Petition Who would not love and willingly serve such a Lord Job 33.27 Consider 3. Three several sorts of sufferers in these three that were put to the same death of the Cross some deservedly but impatiently as the bad theef Others though deservedly yet patiently as the good theef Others again both undeservedly and withall patiently as Christ our Lord. Seek to be one of the two later sorts at least be of the second and confess with holy Job I have sinned and indeed I have offended and as I was worthy I have not received for you are truly worthy of many stripes Of the Third Word Woman behold thy Son Jo. 19.25 COnsider 1. And there stood beside the Cross of Jesus his Mother Ponder how his blessed Mother and other devout persons stood neer the Cross Whence you may learn that the lovers of Christ are also lovers of his Cross and the neerer they stand to this the more they shew their love to him Think how his B. Mother was afflicted when she saw her son and that such an one so barbarously used S. Bonav Your Son O Virgiâ— saith S. Bonaventure suffered in his body you in mind The several wounds which were all over his body met together in one within your heart Yet she gave not the least sign of impatience not did she any thing misbeseeming her person that you might learn to compassionat Christ together with her and withall to suffer your own adversities with courage Jo. sup Consider 2. Woman behold thy Son He calleth her
whereby he might be the more tormented not refreshed 3. Of effectually redeeming whole Mankind for whom he dyed Strive to imitate him in all these Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Justice for they shall have their fill Of Christs last Words and Death Jo. 19.30 COnsider 1. Jesus therefore when he had taken the Vinegre said It is consummate He congratulated with himself 1. For having performed the will of his Heavenly Father Phil. 2.8 being made Obedient unto death even the death of the Cross 2. For having fullfilled the Prophecies and figures that were of him Mat. 5.18 of which he said I came not to breake the Law but to fullfill 3. For being come to an end of all his labours which he endured to the very last drinking up the chalice prepared for him to the bottom dregs and all Well therefore might he say to his Eternal Father I have consummated the work which thou gavest me to doe c. And I come to thee Jo. 17.4 10. Luc. 23.46 Judic 7.20 Consider 2. The Last Word Father into thy bands I commend my Spirit He said it with a loud voice in sign of Triumph over Death Sin and the Divel So Gedeon with broken pitchers and loud cry proclaimed Victory over the Madianits He teacheth us withall how to recommend our selves to God at the hour of death and what we ought chiefly to be carefull of at that time casting off all thoughts of wordly affaires Beseech our Lord that death may not so steal upon you at unawates as to prevent these or the like good affections Jo. 19.30 Consider 3. And bowing his head he gave up the ghost O unspeakable Mystery The Sun of glory is ecclipsed The Temple of the living God is dissolved The Author of life yeelds to death O how true is that of the Apostle You are bought with a great price Wherefore Glorify 1 Cor. 6.20 and beare God in your body but much more in your mind See that you be not more insensible then the sensless creatures themselves The Sun was darkened and the veile of the Temple was rent in the midst The Earth did quake and the rocks were reat Luc. 23.45 Mat. 27.51 and the graves were opened c. Be ashamed and confounded for your sins Teare a sunder the double veile of self-love and will that hangeth between God and you Tremble at the account you are to give for Christs death and Passion Rent your hard heart by true Contrition And lastly quit the loathsome Grave of Sin and Tepidity Arise sit up Jerusalem lose the hands of thy neck c. You were sould for nought and without silver you shall be redeemed Is 52.2 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Redeemer Ps. 110.9 COnsider 1. The benefit of our Redemption which the Church doth most particularly solemnize all this holy time We were all under the Tyranny of the Divel cast off from the face of God by demerit of our sins nor was there any one that could free us from this slavery no creature being sufficient to pay our ransom We were all lost for ever When behold the only begotten Son of God sent redemption to his people offering himself in Sacrifice for our sins being truly our Father Is. 63.16 our Redeemer as Esaie speaketh from the beginning such is his name 1 Pet. 1.18 Consider 2. At what rare we were redeemed namely Not with corruptible things Gold or Silver but with his own pretious bloud And whereas one single drop had been aboundantly sufficient he would notwithstanding powrâ— it all forth and suffer so many bitter torments Ps. 129.7 Because with our Lord there is mercy and with him plenteous redemption Besides not content with redeeming us once he hath left himself unto us in the Eucharist so that allthough you should often fall into the Enemies hands you might have wherwithall to free your self again O unspeakable love Return the best thanks you are able Consider 3. This Redeemer will come to day into your soul to free you from the reliques of your former captivity and to lose the bands of vitious habits if any be in you Prepare your self therefore to meet him Bestow your self as a thing none of your own but wholy his who bought you 1 Cor. 6.19 You are not your own saith the Apostle for you are bought with a great price Wherefore render your self wholy to him whose you are and cast off all affection to whatsoever els Say with the Psalmist I am thine save me Ps. 118.94 Orat. deVen Sacr. and with the Church pray that you may feel in your self the benefit of his Redemption A Summary of our Lords Passion Thren 1.12 I Magine your self to stand at the foot of the Cross on Mount Calvary and to hear our Saviour call out in these words of the Prophet O all ye that pass by the way attend and see if there be sorrow like to my sorrow Ponder attentively the whole Passion according to four particular Circumstances 1. How ignominious it was He was hanged as a theef aloft in the air as one unworthy either to live or die on the earth He was condemned at four several Tribunals hurried along the streets and pointed at as a Blasphemer Seducer Impostor Glutton Madman and Fool. What say you to all this that are so nice of your Reputation 2. How Grievous it was 1. By reason of his delicate and tender complexion 2. Because he would admit of no manner of comfort either interiour or exteriour 3. For that he was left all alone and forsaken by his friends Ps. 68.9 I am become a forreigner to my brethren and a stranger to the Sons of my Mother the Synagogue 4. Upon the Cross if he would seek any ease by moving or turning himself the whole weight of his body lay the heavier upon the wounds of his hands and feet with increase of his torments If he went to lean his head the thorns were stricken the deeper in If he thirsted his drink was Vinegre and Gall c. Good God what torment Is. 1.6 3. How Universal it was both in body and mind That of the Prophet was truly fullfilled in him From the Sole of the foot to the top of the head there is no health His head was pierced with thorns his face buffeted with fists and defiled with spittle his eyes black and blew his lips swoln his teeth strucken out his beard plucked off his ears rent with pulls and pinches his nose beaten flat his shoulders torn with stripes his side pierced with a lance his hands and feet bored through with nails in fine his whole body imbrued in his own bloud 4. How lasting it was His whole life was a continual suffering I am poor and in labours saith he by his Prophet from my Youth Ps. 87.16 But those things which he suffered from his last supper to his last breath were
intollerable and lasted all that night and day fellowing for about twenty hours together Speake what affection shall suggest Of our Lords Buriall Mat. 27. COnsider 1. After our Lord was dead his sacred body was taken down from the Cross with great devotion and teares by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathia who laid it in the Mothers armes whereby that of the Canticles was fullfilled Cant. 1.13 A Buadle of Myrrhe my beloved is to me he shall abide between my brests Think what expressions of griefe and sorrow what sighs and tears passed from her Ponder what was said and done at that time by her and her devout companions See that your beloved Lord be also to you a bundle of Myrrhe and that by frequent contemplation of his Passion you lodge him in your bosome and heart 2 Cor 4.10 Consider 2. Griefe and love having acted their parts they embaulm the sacred Corps and wrap it up in a clean winding sheet Our Lord is delighted with cleanliness even in his grave that you might learn diligently to cleanse your heart as often as you receive him in the Holy Eucharist Our Lord will have his Mystical members embaulmed especially with the Myrrhe of Mortification that with the Apostle Allways bearing about in our body the Mortification of Jesus the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our bodys Think how you may put this in practise Tit. 2.13 Consider 3. Our Lord being buried every one betake themselves to their own home for they were not permitted by the keepers to remain at the Sepulcher Think in what solitude the B. Mother and other devout persons were in and how they gave themselves wholy to prayer Expecting the blessed hope and advent of the glory of the great God The B. Virgin doubtless comforted herself with that of the Psalm At evening shall weeping abide and in the morning gladness Ps. 29.6 Doe you likewise in Desolation have recourse to prayer and learn to put your trust in God Things to be observed concerning the Meditations of the Mysteries after our Lords Resurrection 1 Cor. 6.17 THe Meditations upon the Mysteries after our Lords Resurrection appertain to the Unitive way This being an Uniting of our will with the divine will of God by way of affection maketh that our will as it were going forth of her self layeth hold on the goodness of God represented unto it and adhereth unto him and by this adhesion is united with him according to that of the Apostle He that cleaâ—eth to our Lord is one Spirit Hence this Unitive way hath diverse affections properly belonging unto it which we may make use of in the ensuing meditations The chiefe are these following 1. Admiration of Gods Majesty whom we contemplat and of his Attributes and Perfections 2. Joy and content for that God is so absolutly perfect in himself good to others and so admirable in his works 3. Praise and thanksgiving for his gifts and benefits with desire of seeing and enjoying him and of honouring and obeying him 4. Zeale of Gods Glory and good of Souls wishing that all the world might come to know love and serve him 5. Trust in his Goodness and Providence together with a filial respect standing in fear of being separated from him or of committing any thing which may justly offend so great a Majesty and bewailing all the sins whereby we had incurred at any time his just indignation 6. Desire of these Heavenly things we contemplat so that whatsoever is upon earth may seem but durt unto us while we look up to heaven saying with the Prophet How beloved are thy tabernacles Ps. 83.2 O Lord of hoasts my Soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. And Ps. 41.2 Even as the hart desireth after the fountains of waters so doth my Soul desire after thee O God 2 Cor. 3.18 By these and such like affections let us endeavor to obtain that Beholding the glory of our Lord c. We may be transformed as the Apostle speaketh into the same image from glory unto glory that is that we may become like unto him by the union of our wills increasing dayly more and more in the knowledge of him till at length passing from the imperfect clarity of this life and pilgrimage we arrive to the perfect clarity and glory of our native Country and Beatificall Vision Rise thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ will illuminate thee Ephe. 5.14 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as our Resurrection Apoc. 3.17 COnsider 1. The manner wherewith Christ raised his body out of the Sepulcher of deformed rendering it glorious Ponder what a difference there is between a body that is dead pale wan destitute of all sense and motion and the same when it is invested with the array and endowments of glory The same difference is between the Soul in Sin and in the state of Grace and almost the same between tepidity and fervor For in the state of Tepidity the Soul is as it were in a slumber and void of all heroical motion she is insensible of things appertaining to God and being possessed with innumerable phantasies pursueth vaine trifles and dreams instead of reall and solid goods She thinks herself in a good state when in truth she is like that man in the Apocalyps miserable and poor and blinde and naked Jo. 11.25 Consider 2. Christ is ready to raise us out of these miserable states therefore he saith I am the resurrection and the life To wit the cause and Author of both and as well of the Soul as of the body O what a benefit it is and how infinitly to be valued to be raised from the death of Sin and grave of Tepidity and to be placed in the cleare light of the Childeren of God that walk and work with fervor The same will Christ bestow upon you this day in the Holy Eucharist if you hinder him not For therefore he is called the bread of life Jo. 6.35 Ibid. v. 40. S. Tho. alii and as we owe unto him the Resurrection of our bodies in the last day so doe we now the Resurrection and reviving of our Soules Colos 3.1 Consider 3. The signes of our rising with Christ are to seek and mind the things that are above not the things that are upon earth So the Apostle If you be risen with Christ seek the things that are above c. Seek therefore and affect only heavenly things Rom. 6.9 and as Christ Rising again from the dead now dyeth no more So you being raised from the state of Tepidity to Fervor have a care you fall not into a relapse Of our Lords Resurrection COnsider 1. There having now passed time sufficient to evidence the certainty of his death on the third day early in the morning our Lord hastened to bring forth the Holy Fathers our of Limbus to comfort his B. Mother and desolate Disciples and Illustrate
could not satisfy her mind or affection for no wordly comfort is able to content the soul that truly seeketh God Then Christ himself appeareth but first in the shape of a Gardiner so as she knew him not saying Sir if thou hast carried him away tell me where thou hast laid him and I will take him away Great was the force of her love She excepted no place feared no danger but was ready to seek her Lord upon any termes See whether your love be such Iob. 3.22 Consider 3. Jesus saith to her Mary Our Lord doth often conceale his presence and seemeth to be far off from his servants when he is neer at hand He conceales himself under a disguise the better to try our love and inflame our desires but discovereth himself at last and as Sara said after teares and weeping powreth in joyfullness Beseech our Lord that he would vouchsafe to be so intimate and familiar with you as to call you by your name and speake so to your heart that you may come to know his voice and with B. Magdalen be more and more inflamed with his love Our Lord appeareth to the other Women Mat. 28.9 COnsider 1. While the Holy Women among whom probably was S. Mary Magdalen were in their return from the Sepulcher to the Citty Christ met them in the way and saluted them saying All haile Ponder here the great goodness of our Lord affording comfort in a most seasonable time and not disdaining the weaker fer Ponder also that word All haile which the Angel Gabriel likewise used to the B. Virgin and did work in their hearts what it did outwardly signify O Lord speak so to my Soul Cant. 2.14 Let thy voice sound in my eares for thy voice is sweet and thy face comely Ps 44.8 Consider 2. But they came neer and took hold of his feet and adored him They were permitted to touch and kiss his sacred feet O with what reverence and joy of heart did they doe it In reward of their good desires of anealing his sacred Corps in the Sepulcher they were themselves anointed with the oyle of gladness above their fellowes Learn hence with what affections you ought to embrace not his feet but whole Christ in the Eucharist as often as you frequent it Lay fast hold on your Beloved and let him not goe from you till he hath given you his blessing Gen. 32.26.29 as he did to Jacob. Pro. 18.19 Consider 3. Jesus said to them Feare not goe tell my bretheren c. Admire the sweetness of our Lord in comforting his servants and taking from them all feare Ponder those words My Bretheren bearing a most friendly and sweet name He who was now King of Glory disdained not to call poor ignorant fishermen his bretheren O what a happiness it is to have such a brother Love him therefore as your brother and put your trust in him for if the Brother that is holpen of Brother as the Wise man saith is as a strong Citty how much more he who is holpen of such a Brother Peter and John goe to the Sepulcher and Our Lord appeareth to Peter Luc. 24.11 COnsider 1. The devour Women relate what they had seen at the Sepulcher to the Disciples that were assembled together But it seemed before them as dotage for the Apostles were as yet fixed to sensible things and were not enlightned by the Holy Ghost So the Mysteries of the Cross and Resurrection seeme no better then meer folly to the Wise men of this world Beseech our Lord to enlighten your darkness that you may not dote so miserably with the World Consider 2. Peter and John more desireous then the rest of knowing the truth ran to the Sepulcher entered in looked throughly about and found all as the women had related but neither Angels nor our Lord appeared unto them for their further tryall and for that the relations of others ought to have sufficed By John is signifyed Faith by Peter Charity with both we must seeke Christ if at any time he be taken from us Consider 3. On the same day afterwards Christ appeared as is gathered out of S. Luke unto Peter Ibid. v. 34. who went away marvelling with himself at that which was done And Our Lord hath risea indeed and hath appeared to Simon Thus our Lord would comfort him 1. That he might afterwards confirme others in the same beliefe 2. Because he had already blotted out the Sin of his denyall with due penance and now deserved to receive corsolation 3. Because of all the Disciples he loved Christ most and therefore conceived more griefe then any for his death Learn to beare Christ company in his sufferings that you may rejoyce with him in his Resurrection For Ps. 93.19 according to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart thy consolations have made my Soul Joyfull I will hear what our Lord God will speake in me because he will speake peace upon his people Ps 84.9 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Prince of Peace Jer. 29.11 Is. 9.6 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel how Christ appeared unto the Apostles and thrice imparted unto them his peace saying Peace be to you Jo. 20.19 For he is our peace as the Apostle saith Ephes. 2.14 intending cogitations of peace and not of affliction and therefore among other titles he is called by Isaie the Prince of Peace Gal. 5.17 Consider 2. There are three sorts of peace which we are to procure 1. With God 2. With our Neighbour 3. With out solves for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh Ps. 37.4 and therefore David said My bones have no peace And a mans enemies are they of his own houshould to wit Mich. 7.6 his own unlawfull Appetites This threefould peace the Prince and Author of it will bring unto you in the Eucharist if you hinder not for the Eucharist is properly a Pacifick Host between God and us The Simbole and band of Charity between us and our Neighbour Cyril lib. 4. in c. 27. Je. and lastly that which as S. Cyril saith doth restrain the raging tyranny of our members and doth intrench us round about with perfect peace Whence David said Ps. 147.3 He hath set thy borders peace and filleth thee with the fat of corn Levit. 26.6 Consider 3. Christ brought Peace this day to the Arostles when the dores were shut and they assembled together within and in prayer Therefore shut up carefully the gates of your senses and retire your self within the inward closet of your heart and our Lord Will give peace in your coasts You shall sleep and there shall be none to make you affraid But above all purge your self throughly from sin 〈◊〉 48.22 For There is no peace to the impious saith our Lord. Luc. 24.13 Our Lord appeareth to the Disciples going to Emmaus Part. 1. COnsider 1.
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
Angelical behaviour and incomparable Innocency of Life Consider 3. Upon this occasion Christ said The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent bear it away Think how true that was in S. John in the Martyrs and in all the Saints There are two sorts of Violence the one exteriour which curbs the flesh the other interiour which bridleth the inordinate appetites of the mind whereof this latter is the more excellent but both to be used wherefore S. Hierom with good reason did say So much shall you profit Hieron ap Rodrig p. 2. tr 1. c. 5 by how much you offer violence to your self See what and how much it is that you do in this point Of the Martyrdome of S. John Baptist Mat. 14. Marc 6. Marc. 6.22 Eccles 7.2 COnsider 1. Herod made the supper of his Birth-day to the Princes c. Worldly men place their felicity in the enjoyment of this mortal life which notwithstanding passeth away like a shadow On the contrary the Holy Ghost saith Better is the day of Death then the day of Nativity for that this bringeth us into this world and into innumerable miseries the other if we have lived well uniteth us with God himself Therefore have your eye always upon that and dispose your self to it in all your actions Pro. 23 2â— Consider 2. Among their Cups and Dances was demanded and granted the Head of a most innocent and holy man where you may learn what crimes Riot and Wantonness do beget whence the wise man saith Be not in the feasts of great drunkards Herod fell into this Precipice for that he would not hear S. John which word signifieth Grace Take heed therefore you do not expose your self to the same ruine by resisting Gods holy Grace and Inspirations Woe to thee that despisest Is 33.1 shalt not thy self also be despised Ps 115.6 Consider 3. S. John received the Sentence of Death with great joy and with as great constancy laid his Head on the Block whence he breathed forth his blessed Soul into the bosom of Abraham Precious in the sight of our Lord is the death of his Saints Beg that you may come to the like end whereby you will have a most secure and short passage to Heaven Offer your self often to God for Martyrdome Imitate the example of so many glorious Martyrs of your Country by the continual practise of Virtue and constancy in Faith and Religion Of five thousand fed in the Desart Mat. 14. Jo. 6. Mar. 6. Part 1. Mar. 6.34 COnsider 1. How a great multitude of people followed Christ into the Desart drawn by his Miracles and Doctrine He had compassion on them c. and he began to teach them many things He first giveth them spiritual food afterwards also corporal You must also retire into the Desart far from the noise of worldly cares if you desire to be regaled by our Lord Osce 2.14 I will lead her into the wilderness and I will speak to her heart saith our Lord of a faithful soul Observe also the Apostles care for the people saying Mat. 14.15 Dismiss the multitudes that going into the Towns they may buy themselves victuals Ibid. Consider 2. Christ having demanded of his Disciples what they had to set before the people they answered him We have not here but five loaves and two fishes This was all the provision of that Apostolical Family a few course loaves and two fishes although they were themselves Fishermen Moreover they promptly exhibit what they have without alledging their own want or scarcity that you might learn what you can to help others according to that Tob. 4.8 As thou shalt be able so be merciful Ps 67.4 Consider 3. The Order of the Miracle the loaves being brought Christ commanded the multitude to sit down upon the grass The Apostles minister himself looking up to heaven blessed the loaves and distributed them In the same manner ought you to look up to heaven before you eat that is to lift up your heart to the Giver of all good that you may not fall upon your meat as beasts do Therefore David Let the Just make merry and rejoyce in the sight of God Of five thousand fed in the Desart Mat. 14.20 c. Part 2. Ps 77.19 Deut. 32.13 COnsider 1. How the Loaves by Divine Power were multiplied in the Apostles hands so that although they were continually distributing yet still they found either in their hands or in the Baskets more to distribute the Angels as is probable secretly supplying new provision of loaves and fish In like manner formerly at the prayers of Elias neither Meal nor Oyl was wanting although the present provision was daily spent Who would not willingly serve so good and powerful a Lord who can prepare a Table in the Desart and is able to bring forth honey out of the Rock and Oyl out of the hardest stone Is 55.2 Consider 2. They did all eat and had their fill The delights of this world may please and content us for a while but cannot fill for the Souls capacity and appetite is greater then to be satisfied with such Trash Christ alone is able to give it full content wherefore he saith by the Prophet Why bestow you silver not for bread and your labour not for satiety Come therefore to him that you may be filled Pro. 19. 17 Consider 3. After all had eaten the Apostles gathered out of the leavings more then what they had given out to wit twelve full baskets of the fragments So God is wont to reward the Charity of his Servants and is liberal to the liberal He lendeth our Lord that hath mercy on the poor and he will repay him the like Give therefore to your Brother good measure and pressed down Luc. 6.38 and shaken together and running over that you may receive the like into your bosome Christ flyeth Jo. 6.14 not to be made King Ps 43.5 COnsider 1. Those men therefore when they had seen what a sign Jesus had done said that this is the Prophet c. They were astonished at the strangeness of the Miracle of feeding five thousand with so little provision and would therefore have made Christ their King Our Lord worketh daily a far greater Miracle in feeding the whole world bringing forth plentiful Harvests out of a few grains of Corn why therefore do we not make him King of our heart obeying him in all things Thou art the same my King and my God which commandest the salvations of Jacob said King David Consider 2. Jesus therefore when he knew that they would come to take him and make him King he fled again into the Mountain himself alone Soveraignty was due to Christ as being Son of God it was due also to his Merits and Bountifulness towards men but he would not accept of it and whensoever there was any Treaty about it he fled away and hid himself
are of God as labours crosses ignominies Examine your self whether you do relish spiritual and divine things and take real gâ—st in them at leastwise make it your endeavour to procure it Of Holy Communion Go shew thy self to the Priest Mar. 8.4 Consider Christ as a Priest Luc. 17.14 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel of ten Lepers of whom it is said Go shew your selves to the Priests And it came to pass as they went they were made clean As there are several sorts of Lepers in the Body for some are but light and in the skin only others in the flesh and mortal so there are also different kinds of Spiritual Lepers or sins We are all of us leprous in some degree having our swellings and spots rising from the abundance of peccant humours and affections Imagine therefore your Soul all over in a scurf and become a lamentable spectacle in the sight of God and with Naaman the Syrian 4 Reg. 5. be desirous to meet with some Prophet that may cleanse you Levit. 13.9 Consider 2. The Antient Law of God If the Plague of the Leprosie be in a man he shall be brought to the Priest to be condemned as unclean and to be separated in the New Law he is brought to the Priest to be cleansed Our High-Priest is Christ our Lord according to that Ps 109.4 Thou art a Priest for ever according to the Order of Melchisedech How greatly therefore ought you to wish to appear before this Priest in the Eucharist who not with water as Elizeus but with his own precious blood will cleanse our conscience as the Apostle saith from dead works Heb. 9.14 c. Luc. 17.12 c. Consider 3. That you may be perfectly cleansed you must imitate the example of the Lepers in the Gospel 1. You are to go to meet Christ seeking him with all diligence 2. To stand afar off acknowledging your unworthiness 3. To lift up your voice by fervent prayer 4. With all humility to implore mercy Lastly To follow the counsel and admonishments of your Spiritual Fathers and Directors according to that Observe diligently that you incur not the Plague of Leprosie but thou shalt do whatsoever the Priests of the Levitical Stock shall teach thee c. and fulfill thou it carefully Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Part 1. COnsider 1. Our Lord vouchsafed to manifest his Glory 1. To confirm the Apostles in their Faith 2. To encourage them to carry their Cross which he had lately exhorted them to 3. To give them before-hand a tast of the Heavenly Joys He did it on a high Mountain apart that we should learn to sequester our selves from the cares of this world and climb to the Mountain of Perfection if we desire to contemplate the Face and Glory of our Lord. Thren 1.12 Consider 2. Christ would have few Witnesses of his Glory to wit only three of his Disciples but of his Cross and ignominies all sorts of men Therefore upon the Cross he saith by the mouth of the Prophet O all ye that pass by the way attend and see c. In thâ—se three Disciples are deciphered unto us three Virtues that accompany Contemplation and concur to our Souls Transfiguration in Peter Faith in James Hope in John Charity See how and in what degree these Virtues are in you Luc. 9.29 Consider 3. And whiles he prayed the shape of his countenance was altered Our Lord was transfigured while he was praying to teach us that prayer doth transform and beautifie mans Soul so as sometimes to have influence also upon the body so Moyses his face was horned with Rays of Glory by the conversation of the talk of our Lord. Exod. 34.29 Beseech our Lord to alter and transfigure you into another man that is to make you holy that having cast off all bad habits you may be made conformable to his Image and likeness Be much in prayer that you may be enlightned according to that Come ye to him Ps 33.6 and be illuminated and your faces shall not be confounded Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Part 2. Mat. 17.2 COnsider 1. The manner of this Transfiguration His face did shine as the Sun and his garments became white as snow The Evangelist had nothing better to compare it withall but it did incomparably exceed both Congratulate with your Lord and his Sacred Humanity for this array of glory which ever was his due and wherewith he ought always to have been invested but for our sakes he eclipsed it Rejoyce that your Beloved is thus white and ruddy chosen of thousands Cant. 5.11 Cant. 6.9 c. fair as the Moon elect as the Sun Exod. 4.13 Consider 2. There appeared with him Moyses and Elias two chief Lights of the antient Law to signifie that both the Law and the Prophets gave testimony of Christ Think how great was their joy to see their Redeemer so long wished for by all Nations and whom they themselves had so often foretold Send whom thou wilt send and the like Observe how they were both like to Christ in their fourty daies fast and therefore were also made Companions with him in Glory Luc. 9.31 Consider 3. The Subject of their discourse for they told the decease that he should accomplish in Hierusalem Our Lord in the very height of all his glory discoursed of his ignominious and bitter Passion that you might see how much he made of it and how he bare it in mind and affection above all Glory Galat. 6.14 God forbid that you should glory as the Apostle saith of himself saving in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ And let not your mind ever be so transported with joy in time of prosperity as to put off the thought or memory of death Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Part 3. Mat. 17.4 COnsider 1. The excess of joy in the Apostles at so glorious a Spectacle Peter said Lord it is good for us to be here and would have fixed his Habitation there and have raised three Tabernacles for Christ and his two Companions Think what will be in Heaven if one single drop of Heavenly Joy could so inebriate the Apostles that forgetful of all other things they would have remained there for ever What will the whole Ocean of Joy do in Heaven Ps 35.9 where they shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house O Lord and with the torrent of thy pleasure thou shalt make them drink Consider 2. A Voice came from Heaven saying This is my well beloved Son Mat. sup in whom I am well pleased hear ye him Ponder each word and how he is the only begotten Son of the Eternal Father Consubstantial and Coeternal with him and equally Immense and Omnipotent See whether you are wont to hear him exciting you to perfection contempt of the world and
Christ came near and touched the Coffia and they that carried it stood still and he said Young man I say to thee Arise He speaketh imperiously to shew that he is Lord of all That hath power of Life and bringeth down to the Gates of Death and fetcheth again The death of the Soul is sin and Hell its grave for the rich man died 〈◊〉 16.22 and was buried in Hell The Bier whereon the sinner is carried to Hell is his Body the Bearers are Vicious Habits And as the Bier is often set out with Silk and Cloth of Gold though the Corps within is full of ordure so the body of a sinner glistering in Golden Array covereth a Soul abominable to God But Christ cometh and toucheth the Coffin that is striketh the body with sâ—me grievous sickness and by that means bringeth the sinner to life again Consider 2. And he that was dead sate up and began to speak and he gave him to his Mother What joy was this to his Widow-Mother What an astonishment to the rest of the company So a sinner reviving in Spirit to God beginneth to speak of such things as appertain to God confessing his sins asking pardon and extolling so merciful a Lord. â—eg 1.6 Consider 3. And fear took them all and they magnified God From so great a Miracle there arose in the standers by a fear of offending a Lord of such power to wit a Lord that mortifieth and quickneth bringeth down to hell and fetcheth back again Think how necessary it is for you to have this holy fear for the fear of our Lord hateth evil Prov. â— 13 Eccli 2 1â— And They that fear our Lord will sâ—â—k after the things that are well pleasing to him Of raising Lazarus Jo. 11.1 c. Part 1. Jac. 1.15 COnsider 1. There was a certain sick man Lazarus of Bethania c. Lazarus his death proceeded from a languishing disease So likewise from faintness and decay in Spirit if it be not cured in time followeth the death of the Soul Concupiscence bringeth forth sin sin ingendreth death The infirmity of our Nature is the Incentive of Sin but this hurteth none but those that yield of themselves for to them that resist and sight manfully This infirmity or sickness is not to death 2 Cor. 12.9 but for the glory of God for Power or Virtue is perfected in infirmity Consider 2. Lazarus being sick His Sisters sent to Christ saying Lord behold whom thou lovest is sick They do not prescribe what he is to do to a loving friend it is enough to intimate ones necessity Such ought to be our prayers especially in matter of health or other temporal blessings for we know no whether or no what we ask be expedient for our Souls Salvation Besides Christ went not presently but deferred going for two whole daies both to exercise their Faith and Patience and to render the Miracle more Illustrious So he often dealeth with you Greg. 26. Moral c. 15 The labour of the Combat saith S. Gregory is prolonged that the Crown of Victory may be the greater Consider 3. Some disswaded Christ from returning into Jewry to cure Lazarus for that the Jews had sought for him to stone him S. Thomas answered Let us also go to die with him Such ought to be the courage of an Apostolical man Jo. sup v. 16. contemning what dangers soever even death it self for the good of Souls and glory of God And such fervent acts ought you often to make that when Persecution shall arise against you you may be able to stand in the day of battel and not make your life more precious then your self Ps 139.8 Act. 20.24 Of raising Lazarus Jo. 11.33 c. Part 2. Rom. 12.15 Heb. 4.15 COnsider 1. Christ when he was come to Lazarus his Grave seeing others weeping he groaned in spirit and troubled himself c. and wept Which he did both out of Charity to weep with them that weep and withall to shew that we have a High-Priest that can have compassion on our infirmities Then he bad them take away the stone and lifting his eyes upward he prayed to his Father to teach us that we are to take away all impediments of our Salvation and to implore the Divine Assistance in all occasions but chiefly in the conversion of a sinner Consider 2. The stone being taken away He cryed with a loud voice Lazarus come forth Ponder the power and efficacy of his word which even the dead obey For forthwith he came forth that had been dead bound feet and bands with winding bands and his face was tyed with a Napkin This man that lay four daies dead in his Grave is a perfect Figure of an inveterate sinner bound and fettered with ill habits as so many winding bands muffled with the Napkin of Blindness pressed and â—ept down by Custom as under a ponderous Grave and finally fast shut up and inclosed through hardness of heart as with a Grave-stone such are almost incorrigible Therefore Christ cryed here with a loud voice and doth daily call to such and yet is not heard Take heed of such habits and customs of sin for as S. Augustine saith He hardly riseth that is borne down by evil custom Aug. c. 49. in Joan. Consider 3. The Pharisees having heard of this Miracle Gathered a Councel and devised to kill Jesus Whence you may learn that there is nothing so holy no action so good that is not subject to envy and harsh censures of disaffected persons Of Holy Communion Stand and consider the marvels of God Job 37.14 Consider Christ as the Worker of Miracles Jo. 4.48 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Vnless you see signs and wonders you believe not Christ did many signs and wonders to confirm our Faith so that by the Prophet he is called by the Name of Marvellous Is 9.6 Yet he never appeared more wonderful then in the Eucharist the which that he might the more commend unto us he would make it an abridgment of all his Miracles according to that Ps 110.4 5. He hath made a memory of his marvellous works a merciful and pittiful Lord he hath given meat to them that fear him Consider 2. In particular some of the Miracles contained in this Mystery 1. As to the substance of bread which is wholly destroyed at the Priests words even the materia prima also and in place thereof succeedeth the glorious Body of Christ the very same that is adored in Heaven by the Angels so that there never was any so miraculous a Transmutation 2. As to the Accidents which being separated from their Substances are conserved without any Subject of Inhesion as the Rays of the Sun severed from it and yet they are never the less active and do nourish no otherwise then if they were Inherent to their own Substances and transcending all the power of Nature they truly produce Sanctifying
Octave Of Christ as Teacher of Justice Page 89 Of the Sages Journey to Jerusalem 2. Med. Page 91. c. Of Herods Enquiry after Christ Page 93 Of the Sages Arrival and Adoration at Bethlehem Page 94 Of their Offerings Page 96 Of their Return Page 97 2. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Spouse Page 99 Of the Virgins Purification Page 100 Of our Lords Presentation Page 101 Of what passed with Holy Simeon 2. Med. Page 103. c. Of what passed with Anna. 2. Med. Page 105. c. 3. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Physitian Page 108 Of Christs Flight into Egypt 3. Med. Page 109. c. Of the Murder of the Holy Innocents Page 113 Of Christs Return out of Egypt Page 114 Of the Virtues which Christ exercised in his Infancy Page 115 4. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Souls Tranquility Page 117 Of Christs going up to the Temple 2. Med. Page 118 c Of Christs being sought by his Parents Page 120 Of Christs being found by his Parents Page 121 Of Christs Return to Nazareth and Obedience to his Parents 2. Med. Page 122 c 5. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as the Good Seed Page 124 Of Christs growing in Age Wisdom c. 2. Med. Page 12â— c Of our necessity of profiting in Virtue 2. Med. Page 127 c Of Christs Life from the 12th to his 30th Year 2. Med. Page 130 c 6. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ compared to the Mustard-seed Page 132 From Septuagesm to Easter Of our Lords Passion Things to be noted concerning the Meditations of the Passion Page 134 c Septuagesm Sunday Of Christ as Master of our Souls Vineyard Page 136 Christ inviteth all to contemplate his Passion Page 137 Of the General Circumstances of Christs Passion 5. Med. Page 138 c Sexagesm Sunday Of Christ as the Seed of Eternal Life Page 143 Of Christs foretelling his Passion Page 145 Of Christs Solemn Entrance into Jerusalem 2. Med. Page 146 c Of Christs being sold by Judas Page 148 Of the Paschal Lamb Page 1â—9 Of washing the Disciples Feet Page 151 Quinquagesm Sunday Of Christ as the Light of our Soul Page 152 Of the Institution of the B. Sacrament 1. Med. Page 153 c Of our Lords Sermon after Supper 2. Med. Page 156 c Of Christs Prayer in the Garden Page 158 Of Christs Bloody Sweat and of the Angel Page 160 1. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as our Captain Page 161 Of Christs meeting Judas c. Page 162 Of Judas his Kiss Page 163 Of Christs casting his Enemies on the ground and being taken Page 165 Of Christs being bound and of the Disciples Flight Page 166 Of Christs being led to Annas Page 167 Of the Blow in Annas House Page 168 2. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as the Transfigurer of our Soul Page 170 Of Christs Accusation before Caiphas Page 171 Of the Injuries which Christ suffered in Caiphas's house 2 Med. Page 172 c Of Peter's denying Christ 2. Med. Page 175 c Of Judas his Despair Page 177 3. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as our Souls Guardim Page 179 Of Christs Journey from Caiphas to Pilat Page 180 Of Christs Accusation before Pilat Page 181 Of Christ sent to Herod Page 182 Of Barabbas preferred before Christ Page 184 Of the Whipping at the Pillar 2. Med. Page 185 c 4. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as the Food of our Soul Page 187 Of the Crowning with Thorns Page 188 Loe the Man 2. Med. Page 189 c Of Christ condemned to death Page 191 Of Christs carrying his Cross Page 193 Of meeting the Virgin Page 194 Passion Sunday Of Christ as a hidden God Page 195 Of crucifying our Lord. 3. Med. Page 196 c Of Christs first Word on the Cross Page 200 Of the second Word Page 201 Of the third Word Page 202 Palm Sunday Of Christ as a mild King Page 204 Of the fourth Word Page 205 Of the fifth Word Page 206 Of Christs last words and Death Page 207 Maundy Thursday Of Christ as our Redeemer Page 209 A Summary of our Lords Passion Page 210 Of our Lords Burial Page 211 From Easter to Whitsontide Things to be observed in the Meditations of the Mysteries of the Resurrection Page 213 Easter day Of Christ as our Resurrection Page 215 Of our Lords Resurrection Page 216 Of Christs appearing to his B. Mother Page 218 Of the Angels Apparition at the Sepulchre Page 219 Of Christs appearing to Mary Magdalen Page 220 Of his appearing to the other Women Page 221 Of Peter and John at the Sepulchre Page 223 Low Sunday Of Christ as the Prince of Peace Page 224 Of Christs appearing to the Disciples going to Emmaus 2. Med. Page 225 c Of his appearing to his Disciples S. Thomas being absent 2. Med. Page 228 c Of his appearing to them when S. Thomas was present Page 230 Of his Wounds shewed to S. Thomas Page 232 2. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as a good Pastor Page 233 Of Christs appearing to seven Disciples Fishing 2. Med. Page 235 c Of Christs committing his Sheep to Peter Page 237 Of his last Apparition on the Mount Page 238 Of other Apparitions within the 40 days Page 240 Of divers Circumstances of Christs Apparitions Page 241 3. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as our Comforter Page 242 Of Gods Benefits and 1. Of Creation 2. Med. Page 243 c Of the Benefit of Conservation 2. Med. Page 246 c Of the Benefit of Redemption 2. Med. Page 248 4. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as our Advocate Page 250 Of the Benefit of Adoption 3. Med. Page 251 c Of the Benefit of the Holy Sacraments Page 255 Of the Benefit of the Angels Custody Page 256 Of the Benefit of the Patronage of Saints Page 257 5. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as the Bestower of Gifts Page 258 Of the Benefit of Prayer 3. Med. Page 259 c On Ascension day Of Christ as King of Glory Page 263 Of our Lords Ascension 2. Med. Page 264 c Sunday in the Oct. of Ascen Of Christ as a Pledge of future Glory Page 266 Of Heavenly Glory 4. Med. Page 267 c Of the expectation of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 271 c From Whitsontide to November or Advent Whitsunday Of Christ as a Fire Page 273 Of the coming of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 274 c Of the gifts of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 276 c Of the fruits of the Holy Ghost Page 278 Of the Life of the first Christians Page 279 Trinity Sunday Of Christ as second Person of the B. Trinity Page 280 Of the three Persons in the B. Trinity 3. Med. Page 281 c Corpus Christi day Of Christ as Instituter of the B. Sacrament Page 284 Of the H. Eucharist as compared with Manna 2. Med. Page 285 Sunday in the Oct. Corp. Chr. Of the Eucharist as a Banquet Page 288 Of the Eucharist
of his Passion and Death as to the perfect use and exercise of it Hence it followeth that we have a Triple Obligation of serving him 1. As our God by his Deity 2. As the Sovereign Lord and Head of all Mankind by his Incarnation 3. As our Saviour and Redeemer by his Death and Passion He hath exercised his Power to the full for your good See that you fulfill your duty in serving him Consider 2. Going therefore teach ye all Nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost By virtue of his Divine Power he doth Authorize and Commission his Disciples 1. To go and teach what he had taught them 2. To Baptize them in the Name of the B. Trinity that by the benefit of Baptism they might obtain Divine Faith Remission of their sins Grace and Everlasting Glory 3. To deliver unto them Christs new Law Precepts and Councels teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you Consider 3. And behold I am with you all daies even to the consummation of the world Christ is with us 1. As God by his Immensity 2. As God and Man by his Presence in the H. Eucharist 3. By Habitual and Actual Grace enabling us to act Supernaturally in order to our End 4. By a special Providence governing and directing every one towards the attaining to the perfection of their Vocation 5. After a special manner he is with the whole Church and principle Members thereof assisting them with his Divine Wisdom and Veracity in their Councels and Definitions Interpretation of Scriptures and Government and arming them with his Omnipotent Power against Persecutions Heresie and Infidelity so that the Gates of Hell shall not be able to prevail against them Be grateful for these benefits and endeavour to be always present with him in mind and affection On the same day as being the 1. Sunday after Pentecost the Gospel is chiefly of Mercy Luc. 6.36 for which see page 344. Corpus Christi day Of the Mystery Jo. 6.55 page 284 285 286 287. Sunday in the Octave of Corp. Chr. Of the great Supper Luc. 14.16 page 288. c. to the page 296. see page 439 440. 3. Sunday after Pentecost Of the lost sheep Luc. 15.1 page 296. see page 459. 4. Sunday after Pentecost Christ teacheth c. out of Peters Ship Luc. 5.1 page 304. Consider 1. The multitudes pressing our Lord went up into Peters Ship and that being brought back a little from the Land sitting be taught the multitudes from the ship Ponder with what fervour the people did run to hear the Word of God be ashamed of your own dulness herein and eagerness of hearing Toys News and Reports of the World Christ teacheth from Peters Boat from which we are all to take the Word of God our Faith and the hopes of our Salvation out of which there is none Observe how the Boat was brought from the Land to teach us that the Preachers Life and Doctrine must not be worldly but Coelestial Consider 2. As he ceased to speak he said to Simon Launch forth into the deep and let loose your Nets to make a draught It is Christ that moves our heart in Sermons but 't is our part to co-operate to launch forth into the deep by proceeding always forwards and raising our intentions and desires to heavenly things and to loose our Nets by a forwardness and endeavour of profiting upon all occasions Peter answered Labouring all night we have taken nothing Such are the fruits of worldly cares and labours and in the Night of Sin nothing is gained in order to Eternal Life We must therefore loose our Nets in Christs Name and upon his Word by a sincere intention of serving and obeying him Consider 3. And when they had done this they inclosed a very great multitude of Fishes and their Net was broken Whereupon Peter fell down at Jesus kaâ—eâ— saving Go forth from me for I am a sinful man Ponder here 1. Peter lendeth Christ his empty Boat and receives it full of Fish and is well enough contented to have his Net broken in so profitable a service So ought we in temporal losses that are accompanied with great spiritual gains 2. Peter out of Humility falleth upon his knees and is made the Fisher of men From this time thou shalt be taking men 3. Upon the same account he willeth Christ to go from him and thereby came the nearer unto him for leaving all things they followed him Ponder each particular and gather something for your own profit 5. Sunday after Pentecost Of the observance of the Law Mat. 5.21 page 312. Consider 1. Valesâ— your Justice abound more then that of the Scribes and Pharisees you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven The Pharisees did often fast they prayed much in the Temple and in the Streets they gave the Tythes of what they had they gave God thanks for his benefits they carried the Law about them in the Hem of their Garments c. Do you do as much Yet all this was nothing but an outward shew of Virtue and only ceremonious observances of their own The Justice of a Christian must be internal and real consisting in a pure intention of Gods Honour in all things in the exercise of Christian Virtue chiefly of Charity Patience Humility c. in subduing our Passions evil Inclinations and Affections and the like Consider 2. It was said to them of old thou shalt not kill c. But I say to you that whosoever is angry with his Brother shall be in danger of judgment c. Ponder the Excellency of the New Law above the Old 1. That which was given to a dull and earthly people prohibited only gross things this forbiddeth even little imperfections 2. That went no further then the outward appearance this passeth to the interiour affections of the mind 3. That proposed no other then temporal reward this everlasting Think what perfection God requireth of you according to your Calling and be su e you come not behind the Pharisees upon peril of your Salvation 1 Cor. 10.17 Consider 3. And imprint in your heart and memory those words of Christ If thou offer thy gift at the Altar and there thou remember that thy Brother hath ought against thee leave there thy Offering before the Altar and go first to be reconciled to thy Brother Fraternal Charity is so necessary that no Sacrifice nor Divine Worship can be acceptable to God without it and if this in the Old Law how much more in the New and in the Sacrifice of Mass and Communion of the H. Eucharist which is the Sacrament of Union for we are one body all that participate of one bread Observe how God vouchsafeth to accept of our poor duties as offerings and gifts whereas they are indeed his own gifts and bringing no good to him from us 6. Sunday after Pentecost Of the seven Loaves Marc. 8.1 page 320. Consider 1.