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
influence to all virtuous actions 4. It springeth up unto life everlasting raising up our thoughts unto it whose pledge it is Say therefore with the woman Lord give me this water that I may not thirst c. Of the Samaritan Womans Conversion Jo. 4.26 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. The wonderful goodness of Christ vouchsafing to manifest himself openly to a sinful woman saying I am he to wit the Messias that speak with thee Consider the efficacy of her Faith she presently went into the City leaving her Water-pot behind her to bring others of the City to the same Faith Come and see saith she a man that hath told me all things whatsoever I have done Such is the fervour of true zeal which bestirreth it self and seeketh every where whom it may gain to Christ If therefore you be enkindled with true zeal cast away the Pitcher of terrene affections and seek whom you may likewise inflame Consider 2. The Woman being gone the Disciples offered Christ to eat for it was that time of the day but he being intent upon the Conversion of the Samaritans whom he did expect refused saying Ibid. v. 34. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me to perfect his work that you may learn to prefer the Spiritual good of your Neighbour before your own corporal refection O that your meat and drink your delight and pleasure were only to do the will of your Heavenly Father Consider 3. How many of the Samaritans moved by the Womans speeches came and were converted and said to her That now not for thy saying do we believe for our selves have heard Ibid. v. 42. and do know that this is the Saviour of the world indeed Rejoyce that your Saviour was manifested to those men and wish that all the world may come to his knowledge and withall do your utmost endeavour to bring as many as may be unto him S. Greg. Hom. 6. in Evang. If you walk towards God saith S. Gregory procure not to come to him alone without company Of the Woman taken in Adultery Jo. 8.3 c. COnsider 1. The Pharisees seeking to intrap our Lord take occasion of his Meekness wherefore they bring unto him a Woman taken in Adultery with intent that if perhaps he should give his Sentence for her dismission he might be held for a Corrupter of the Law So the Devil layeth his Snares in that Virtue wherein we most excel the Zealous he endeavours to provoke to anger the Humble to dejection and pusillanimity the Meek to remissness and too much indulgence But there is no counsel against our Lord Pro. 21.30 Job 5.13 And Christ apprehendeth the wise in their subtilty Luc. 6.36 Consider 2. Jesus bowing himself down with his finger wrote in the earth so to decline his giving sentence which might breed contention Therefore the Apostle No man being a souldier to God intangleth himself with secular businesses 2 Tim. 2.4 He did it moreover to teach us that we ought to proceed warily and not with precipitation in such causes But they still urging him He lifted up himself and said to them He that is without sin of you let him first throw the stone at her Most wisely neither clearing nor yet condemning her but pricking their conscience and moving them to compunction for their own sins and commiseration for others Be ye merciful as also your Father is merciful Eccli 34.31 Consider 3. The Pharisees going away one by one the Woman remained alone repentant for her sin and probably with an interiour Faith expecting absolution thereof from Christ Our Lord therefore understanding by her that no body had condemned her Neither will I condemn thee saith he Go and now sin no more Observe and admire the Riches of our Lords Goodness Patience and Longanimity in bringing you and others to Penance O how often hath he said unto you Now sin no more and yet you have still gone on A man that fasteth in his sins and doing the same again what doth he profit in humbling himself Of the Cananean Woman Mat. 15. Mar. 7. COnsider 1. How a Woman of Canaan a Gentile came to our Lord to obtain the cure of her Daughter and see how well she prayeth 1. With a great Faith confessing him to be the Son of David 2. With profound Reverence for she fell down at his feet 3. With tender Charity Mar. 7.25 not begging for her self but for her Daughter 4. With great affection and instance for she cryed out after our Lord. 5. With admirable Constancy for she was often put off yet she still persisted in her Petition Such likewise ought to be your prayer Mat. 15.26 Consider 2. How Christ at first answered harshly unto her and seemingly cast her off like a dog saying It is not good to take the bread of the children and to cast it to the dogs so to exercise her virtue and crown her perseverance God doth often do the like with us because as S. Gregory saith He loveth to be entreated he is willing to be forced Greg. in Ps 6. Paenit and even desireth to be overcome by importunity Observe moreover the Womans Humility in not denying her self a Dog but requesting that which was proper to dogs to wit to eat of the crums of their Masters Table Let your prayer also be humble for the prayer of him that humbleth himself Eccli 35.19 shall penetrate the Clouds saith Ecclesiasticus and he will not depart till the Highest behold Mat. 15.28 Consider 3. Christ yielding at length to the Womans pious importunity first commendeth her Faith O Woman great is thy Faith then granteth what she asked Let it be done to thee as thou wilt Perhaps your Soul also like to the Womans Daughter is sore vexed with an evil Spirit He is sorely vexed who yieldeth to his troubles and temptations but he that overcometh them is vexed to his great benefit and Crown Beg therefore of our Lord strength and courage to resist and pray that as it was to this Woman so it may also be done to thee as thou wilt Of Holy Communion Love the Lord thy God and obey his voice and cleave to him for he is thy life and the length of thy daies Deut. 30.20 Aug. tr 47. in Joan. Consider Christ as the Life of your Soul COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel how Christ raised a young man from death to life and that he is the true Life of your Soul according to that Jo. 11.25 I am the Resurrection and the Life he that believeth in me although he be dead shall live And as the body dieth saith S. Augustine when the soul is departed which is its life so the soul dieth when it loseth God by sin who is its life Ponder the benefit of Spiritual Life by comparing it with that of the body for what a dead carkass is in the eyes of men deformed loathsome
Grace in the Soul 3. As to the Body of Christ which is here in manner of a Spirit whole in the whole Host and whole in every part thereof it is the self-same in several places together Indivisible Impassible Indeficient and equally sufficient to one 3 Reg. 10.20 and to many Truly there was not such a work made in all Kingdoms Eccles 7.19 Consider 3. The necessary preparation for receiving this Miraculous Food is the fear of our Lord for he hath given meat to them that fear him And he that feareth God neglecteth nothing that is pleasing to him Do you therefore do the like Of some Historical Narrations and Parables of Christ Of the Rich Glutton Luc. 16.19 c. and of Lazarus Part 1. 2 Tim. 6.9 COnsider 1. There was a certain rich man and and he was cloathed with Purple and Silk and he fared every day magnifically Observe the Vices which commonly follow Riches Pride in Apparel Riot in Feasting Contempt of the Poor and the like that you may keep your self from the desire of them For they that will be made rich fall into tentation and the snare of the Devil Job 21.13 Consider 2. The rich man died and was buried in Hell How sad an Obit to so pleasant a life but such for the most part is the end of riches and pleasures They lead their lives in wealth and in a moment they go down to Hell Ponder here his torments for Purple and Silk he is invested with Flames for Delicious Fare he is tormented with Intollerable Thirst for his Contempt of the Poor he is now contemned by him and he that denied the Crums of his Table cannot obtain one drop of water Thus the punishments are proportioned to the offences Sap. 6.7 The Mighty saith the wise man shall mightily suffer torments 2 Tim. 3.12 Consider 3. The just Judgment of God The rich man is not heard in his Torments who neglected to do Mercy in his Jollities Therefore when he begged it was answered him Remember that thou didst receive good things in thy life time As if it were not lawful to receive good things here and there too and so it is For all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution Seek not therefore to enjoy prosperity in this life least you come to miss of it in the next Act. 14.21 For by many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of God Of the Rich Glutton and of Lazarus Luc. 16.20 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. There was a certain Beggar called Lazarus Christ vouchsafed to call the Beggar by his Name and make him known to Posterity but not the rich man Greg. Hom 40. for as S. Gregory saith Our Lord acknowledgeth and approveth the humble but the proud he knoweth not that you may learn to esteem Virtue more then worldly riches and splendour The memory of the Just saith the wise man Prov. 10.7 is with praises and the name of the Impious shall rot Consider 2. This Saints Patience whereby he arrived to such a degree of Sanctity He was 1. Full of sores patiently enduring the pain proceeding from them 2. Extreme poor desiring to be filled of the crums that fell from the rich mans table 3. Contemned by all And no man did give him 4. So miserable that he was fain to permit the dogs to lick his Sores and perhaps by reason of his weakness he was not able to keep them off Who is there now a-days that would prefer such an one before a rich man and yet this did Christ our Lord. Num. 23.10 Consider 3. The happy death of Lazarus who was immediately carried of the Angels into Abrahams Bosom Thus short are the tribulations of the Just but their glory is everlasting What joys riches and honours did sores poverty and contempt bring to this Beggar O let my Soul die the death of the Just and my last ends be made like to them Ponder how unequal were the lots of the rich man and of holy Lazarus after their death much more certainly then they were in their life time He was happy for a moment but everlastingly miserable this miserable indeed for a while but afterwards most happy for all Eternity Of the Prodigal Son Luc. 15.11 c. Part 1. Eccles 7.30 COnsider 1. A certain man had two Sons and the younger said to his Father Father give me the Portion of Substance that belongeth to me God hath two Sons the Just and the Sinner the Just is Elder because God made man right in the beginning and he always abideth in Gods House the Sinner estrangeth himself from him and abuseth the gifts which he affordeth him both of Nature and Grace living riotously that is perversly they go into a Forreign Country whosoever leave God who is the way Therefore David Ps 118.155 Salvation is far from sinners Consider 2. The Miserie 's this young man fell into when he was from his Father 1. He began to be in need So a sinner that estrangeth himself from the Sacraments from Exhortations and from the company and example of the good beginneth to be in want of spiritual sustenance 2. He cleaved to one of the Citizens as a servant for whosoever do sin give themselves over as Slaves to the Devil and he imployeth them in feeding Swine while he makes them like to that sort of Beasts swill themselves with sensual pleasures 3. Neither could he so fill his belly because even all worldly delights cannot satiate the Souls Appetite Js 28.19 Consider 3. Returning to himself he said c. Being pressed with Famine he cometh to himself because vexation alone shall give understanding to the sinner and makes him think how foolishly he hath left eternal things for such as quickly pass away How many of my Fathers hirelings have abundance of bread and I here perish for famine Hence he is moved to repentance I will arise and go to my Father O how often have you followed this Prodigal Child in going astray follow him therefore also in returning by Repentance Of the Prodigal Son Luc. 15.20 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. The Fathers Bowels of Mercy who when his Son was yet far off he saw him and was moved with mercy So Almighty God with the Eyes of his Mercy doth look upon a sinner being yet a far off from him by sin He invites him to him by his Exciting Grace saying Return c. and I will take you Jer. 3.14 And as soon as he returneth he meets him he falls about his neck he imbraces him he adorns him with the first Stole of Justice he puts on a ring upon his hand for the exercise of good works and shoes upon his feet to keep him from the dirt of worldly pleasures O God! is it possible you should bear such love to a man made of Clay and that hath deserved a thousand times the torments of Hell
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
1. It obscureth the understanding and by false perswasions withdraws it from the truth 2. It alienates the Will from the Supreme and Soveraign Good to that which is onely counterfeited and makes it even have a loathing of Spiritual things 3. It maketh Reason a slave to bruitish Appetites 4. It depraveth all the Senses with unlawful delights 5 It depriveth the whole man of the friendship and protection of God 6. It robbeth him of Habitual Grace and the ornaments of Vertue and of a child of God makes him a slave of the Devil an Ulcer and Sinck of all filth and abomination 1 Cor. 2.9 Consider 2. As to the other life 1. It depriveth man of the vision of God and those joys which eye hath not seen nor ear hath heard 2. It excludeth him from the company of the holy Saints and Angels and that for ever 3. It makes him liable to everlasting fire without any hopes of releasement 4. It placeth him in a most loathsome dungeon and among the detestable crew of the damned under the cruel tyranny of the Devil from which no power is able to deliver him Eccli 21.2 Consider 3. And add to all this that every one by sinning doth trample under feet the precious Bloud of Christ shed for our sins turneth Gods gifts into so many weapons against himself and even destroyeth God himself as much as lieth in him and in a manner contristates the Saints and the Blessed Virgin hurteth men by his wicked example and lastly makes a triumph of himself for the Devils With good reason then crieth out Ecclesiasticus As from the face of a serpent slye from sins c. The teeth of a lion the teeth thereof killing the souls of men Of flying Venial Sins As disposing to Mortal 1 Part. COnsider 1. He that throughly hateth Mortal Sin must also endeavour what he can to avoid Venial otherwise He that contemneth small things Eccli 19.1 S. Tho. 1a 2ae q. 86. a. 3. shall fall by little and little For Venial Sins dispose unto Mortal 1. In regard of the matter or object which being for the most part the same in both affords an easie passage from the lesser that is of custom to a greater transgression 2. By reason of our own forces which are much weakened by frequent Venial Sins Whence it is that we are presently cast to the ground at the rising of any strong temptation according to that Eccles. 10.18 In slothfulness the roof of the house shall go to ruine and in the infirmity of hands the house shall drop through 3. In regard of the exteriour assistance of God which he doth often substract for Venial Sins such especially as are more voluntary for he deserveth little help that is sparing of his own endeavours 2 Cor. 9.6 He that soweth sparingly sparingly also shall reap Is 40.6 Consider 2. What caution that man useth that hath straw hay or gun-powder lodged in his house lest any sparkle of fire should light thereon All flesh is grass or hay and no gunpowder taketh fire sooner then doth Concupiscence Look upon holy David through an unwary glance of his eyes miserably fallen first into Adultery then into Murder Take heed therefore of the least sparkle resist the beginnings and dash the little ones against the rock Ps 136.9 that is bad motions while they are but little Consider 3. From slight wounds not looked unto in time and festered proceed malignant feavers in the body and death it self The same happereth to the Soul by Venial Sin Wherefore look into all your actions and see wherein you are wont more frequently to receive a wound and arm your self in time Endeavour to the utmost of your power to refrain not only from evil it self but also from all appearance of evil as the Apostle admonisheth 1 Thess 5.22 Of flying Venial Sins For the Damages they bring with them 2. Part. COnsider 1. We ought to avoid Venial Sins not onely for that they dispose to Mortal but also for their own proper deformity for as Saint Augustine saith they are like scabs in the body Aug. l. 50. Hom. Ser. 41. de Sanctis and do so deface the beauty of the Soul that she becometh thereby in disgrace with her heavenly Spouse Think with your self if you were to passe through dirty ways in a pure white and precious garment what care you would take to keep it clean Souls invested with Habitual Grace are whiter then snow purer then milk fairer then the Saphyre Thren 4.7 With how much more care then are we to preserve them without spot or blemish through the foul ways of this life Eccles. 10.1 Consider 2. Other damages which these Sins especially if frequent bring with them 1. They diminish the fervour of Charity like cold water cast into a vessel of warm 2. They keep back the Soul in her progress as a burthen doth him that walketh 3. They take off from the merit of good works as dying flies do from the sweetness of oyntment 4. They are an Impediment to Prayer and Devotion 5. They abate the efficacy of the Sacraments 6. They hinder the increase both of Grace in this life and Glory in the next 7 They are pleasing to the Devils displeasing to the Angels 8. They make God himself to have a loathing of us according to that Apoc. 3.15.16 I would thou wert either cold or hot But because thou art lukewarm I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth Deut. 18.13 Consider 3. It followeth hence that it is not lawful for the conversion of the whole world to commit one single Venial Sin And although all are to avoid the same yet chiefly such as have consecrated themselves to God of whom he exacteth perfect purity Therefore he enjoyneth every one of his Levites You shall be perfect without spot before the Lord thy God Examine your life and actions and do your best to live without spot or blemish Of flying Venial Sins For the Punishments due unto them 3. Part. Ps 118.137 COnsider 1. That of David Thou art just O Lord and thy judgement is right And yet he hath inflicted most heavy punishments for sins by the judgement of most onely Venial that thence you might understand the grievousnesse of them Num. 12.10 1. He struck Mary Sister to Moyses with a horrible leprosie for lightly murmuring against her brother notwithstanding his earnest intercession for her pardon 2. Two Sons of Aaron Levit. 10.2 Cornel. ibid. for casting into their thuribles in haste other then sanctified fire he struck suddenly dead in the sight of the whole people Num. 15.35 Salian ibid. 3. He commanded to be stoned to death a poor man that had gathered up a few sticks on the Sabboth day Lastly he took Moyses out of this life before he could enter the Land of Promise which notwithstanding he most ardently desired and this for some diffidence as the
From this forgetfulnesse of death proceed all our Evils Wherefore whensoever you see a dead Corps or Scull imagine that of Ecclesiasticus to be spoken to you Be mindful of my judgement for such will also be thine to me yesterday and to thee to day Wherefore be ever preparing your self and live as one that is a dying S. Hieron Corn. in Eccli c. 7. For He will easily contemn all things that alwayes imagines himself a dying man Of preparing against Death For those that are in Health 1. Part. COnsider 1. With what diligence men are wont to prepare themselves for a long Voyage for example to the Indies and if they are but to crosse the Sea how carefully do they watch the wind and provide lest the time of embarking find them unprepared We ought to be much more sollicitous for our departure out of this life whence we are to go into an everlasting happinesse or misery Therefore Christ doth often inculcate to us Be ready Luc. 12.40 for at the hour you think not of the Son of man will come and the like Consider 2. The Preparation consisteth chiefly in this point that the Soul at her departure whensoever it shall happen be found free from all Mortal and as much as may be also from Venial Sin so that it may have no hinderance in going strait to Heaven Wherefore examine your self see whether you be conscious of any thing that may stop your passage to Heaven if you were now to dye and put your self in that state which you would wish your self to dye in Aug. l. de gen con Man c. 28. and strive to persever therein for you may chance to dye suddenly and few become better in time of sicknesse The Sinner as St. Augustine saith hath also this punishment inflicted upon him that when he cometh to dye he is unmindful of himself who while he lived was forgetful of God Wherefore while you are in health neglect not your self Consider 3. What things in particular are wont to cause much comfort to dying persons Such are to have suffered much for Christ to have been given to the mortification of the flesh and abnegation of self-will to have been devout to the Blessed Virgin and the Saints and the like Wherefore apply your self vigorously even now to these things Cass l. 5. c. 28. Happy was that holy man who could say on his death-bed I have never done my own will neither have I taught any one what I have not first practised my self Of preparing against Death For the Sick 2. Part. Tob. 12.13 COnsider 1. Sicknesse is usually the Messenger of Death Therefore let a man foresee what may be expedient for him against the time of Sicknesse that so he may make a more secure and happy end Let him then in the first place acknowledge that Sicknesse and Pain are gifts of a most loving Father and sent him either to take away the rust of Sin or for trial of his Vertue and increase of Glory according to that saying Because thou wast acceptable to God it was necessary temptation should prove thee And therefore let him also give God thanks that by means of Sicknesse he hath both warning and time to dispose himself for Death Consider 2. What the Sick man is chiefly to do in order to the disposing himself 1. To cleanse himself of all Sin by Confession if he can General 2. To offer himself to God wholly resigned for life or death as it shall best please him 3. To foresee such occasions wherein perhaps he may come to suffer either through the vexation of his sicknesse or by carelesnesse of his tenders and animate himself to suffer all with courage 4. To procure good Books to be often read to him 5. Now and then to inflame himself with Jaculatory Prayers 6. Often to call to mind Christ's Passion 7. Diligently to recommend himself to the Blessed Virgin and the Saints his Patrons 8. To make now and then acts of Faith Hope Charity Contrition and other such like Consider 3. Danger increasing he is timely to demand the last Sacraments that so he may receive them with greater devotion Then let him dilate his heart towards the happy meeting of his Spouse Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye forth to meet him Matt. 25.6 Let him yield himself up wholly to his Lord God saying with Christ Luc. 23.46 Ps 141.8 Father into thy hands I commend my spirit or with David Bring forth my soul out of prison to confess to thy Name Of the Particular Judgement 1. Part. 2 Cor. 5.10 COnsider 1. At the hour of Death all men are to be judged That every one may receive the proper things of the body according as he hath done either good or evil Ponder the terrour of this Judgement First in respect of the Persons that are to be Actors in it He that is to sit Judge is infinitely Wise whom you cannot deceive infinitely Powerful whom you cannot resist infinitely Just who cannot be wrought to favour and lastly of Supream Authority from whom you cannot appeal The Devils will be at hand as Accusers and if we have deserved evil even our own Angel-Guardians There also our own Conscience will stand witnesse against us Before all these the poor Soul is to appear without any attendance of Servants or support of Friends despoiled of whatsoever she had in this world accompanied only with her own works These alone whether good or evil will follow her to an everlasting reward or punishment For their works follow them Apoc. 14.13 Eccles. 12.14 Mat. 12.36 Consider 2. The terrour of this Judgement in regard of the strict account There will be made a processe of our whole life every action though never so much hidden and secret will be brought to a most strict examination All things that are done God will bring into judgement even every idle word The severe Judge will exact an account not onely of evils committed but also of the good neglected He will also weigh the good actions themselves and see whether they be full and performed with due intention and exactnesse I saith he by David will judge Justices Ps 74.3 Soph. 1.12 And by Sophonias I will search Jerusalem with lamps and if Jerusalem and the Saints how much more Babylon and Sinners Eccli 18.20 Consider 3. And ask your self this question What shall I miserable wretch say for my self at that time For prevention take the advice of Ecclesiasticus Before sickness take medicine and before judgement examine thy self and in the sight of God thou shalt finde propitiation While you have time do good Of the Particular Judgement 2. Part. COnsider 1. The miserable condition of a sinful Soul when at her trial she shall be found to come short in her accounts and guilty of deadly sin For then she is to be degraded as Priests are wont in disgrace and ignominy having their sacred Vestments taken off from
divine Infant Of Holy Communion Heal me O Lord and I shal be healed save me and I shall be saved Jer. 17.14 Consider Christ as the Physician of your Soul Is 61.1 COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Ghospel to wit that Christ healed the Leper and after that the Centurions servant Matt. 8. and that he is the general Physician of all our Souls who therefore came into the world That I should heal saith he the contrite of heart And while he was upon earth wheresoever he came Virtue went forth from him Luc. 6.19 and healed all Consider 2. How many diseases Man is subject unto Our feaver saith St. Ambrose is covetousness our feaver is sensuality our feaver is rage and anger c. So many are our diseases as we have vices Ponder what concern and danger they are of as bringing with them everlasting death how hard to be cured being of the nature not of outward diseases that easily discover themselves but of inward malignities that lie hid from the patient himself and are in a manner rooted in the very substance of the Soul What a happiness were it to be cured of all these and to have a Physician at hand who knows how to apply soveraign remedies against them Is 53.4 Consider 3. We ought to put great trust in this our heavenly Physician 1. Because he is most skillful and knowing all things and that he might have a more experimental knowledge of our necessities He hath born our infirmities and our sorrows he hath carried 2. Because he is most compassionate even thirsting after our health and Salvation and therefore of his own accord asked that man in the Ghospel Wilt thou be made whole 3. To the end he might the more effectually cure us Jo. 5.7 he hath made a most admirable Balsom of his most precious Body and Blood for us to take as a most soveraign remedy Cast your self therefore at his feet and say with the Prophet Have mercy on me Lord Ps. 6.2 because I am weak Dispose your self to obey whatsoever this divine Physician shall prescribe Of Christs flying into Egypt Part 1. Mat. 2.13 COnsider 1. How different are the ways of God from those of men Christ as soon as born is sent into banishment God could have taken Herod away or easily have appeased his wrath or have rendered his Son invisible but he would have him fly Think how derogatory this was to the dignity of the Son of God how full of inconvenience Thus God dealeth with them whom he loveth best Are you greater or better then the Son of God why then do you complain when he permits you to suffer some hardships Take these as tokens of his love and you will bear them the better and that with joy and thanks too Consider 2. God would not have him go to the Sages where he would have been held in honor and veneration and could have wanted nothing but into Egypt a barbarous nation and ever averse from the Israelites far from home from his kindred and acquaintance Thus did he take from his Son during his infancy all manner of comfort help and relief which he might otherwise have had from his friends Why then do you so much seek to be respected and served by all and think much if you suffer any incommodity If you did love and serve Christ in earnest you would rather rejoyce and think it honor enough to be neglected despised and afflicted with and for him It sufficeth the disciple that he be as his Master Mat. 10.25 and the servant as his Lord. Heb. 13.14 Consider 3. Christ as he would be born far from home so would he be banished far from his own Countrey 1. That we should both own and carry our selves as strangers and exiled persons not as Citizens or natives of this world knowing that we have not here a permanent City but we seek that which is to come 2. That those who were afterwards to suffer banishment for his sake might find comfort in his example Learn willingly for the love of Christ to be exiled from your native countrey and friends for true is that saying A man of resolution makes every countrey his own Cic. Tusc 5. Of Christs flying into Egypt Part 2. Mat. sup COnsider 1. Behold an Angel of our Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph saying Arise and take the Child and his Mother and fly into Egypt Ponder the particulars 1. The Angel commandeth in the name of God who is our Supreme Lord. 2. He delivereth it not to the Virgin though the more worthy but to Joseph as head of the Family Thus God doth first Illuminate Superiors by himself then us by them 3. He appeareth in sleep recommending thereby Gods care of us who while we are at sleep is watching for our good 4. He bids him take the Child and his Mother without care of any thing else O that Jesus and Mary were your onely care and love 5. He assigneth him the place he is to go to Learn hence â—ot to be your own chuser but to take all from the hand of God place imployment prosperity adversity c. Pro. 20.24 Ps. 90.10 Consider 2. Those words of the Angel Be there until I shall tell thee He could have told him determinately till such or such a time but God would not have them know it that they might the more depend on his providence Be not in your affairs sollicitous for the future as to time place and other circumstances learn to depend in all things on the divine providence for the steps of man are directed of our Lord as the Wiseman saith And He hath given his Angels charge of thee that they keep thee in all thy ways Follow this conduct not your own ways and you will ever live in security Consider 3. Who arose and took the Child and his Mother by night c. Ponder here S. Josephs perfect obedience 1. In submitting his judgement whereas there wanted not many things which he might have objected against so sudden a departure 2. In readily conforming his will notwithstanding the many difficulties that represented themselves 3. In his prompt and exact execution in every particular rising that very time of night with breaking his sleep and rest and leaving all that he had uncertain of returning any more 4. In performing all this with great chearfalness knowing he did therein the will of God Compare and reform your Obedience in all things to this perfect Example Of Christs flying into Egypt Part 3. Matt. 2.14 ANd retired into Egypt Consider 1. How without delay they put themselves upon their journey Ponder the tender affection of the Mother and compassion towards her Child beginning even now from his infancy to train himself up to hardships and how notwithstanding she resigneth her self to the will of God Think also how the divine Infant freely offereth himself to his eternal Father even in these
whom you behold in the outward shape of man the same is God and Lord of all things the Messias Saviour Doctor and Pastor of men who for love of mankind abased himself beneath the condition of a slave even to this lamentable plight Mat. 12.18 Consider 2. And imagin these same words spoken by the Eternal Father proposing his Son as an example of all Vertue for you to imitate Behold the man Behold the servant whom I have chosen my beloved in whom my soul hath well liked Look Exod. 25.40 and make it or doe according to the pattern He suffereth himself to be contemned and scoffed at to confound your pride He is naked to correct your Covetousnes He indureth excessive torments to satisfy for your sensuality He turneth his cheeke to the striker to allay your anger and passion and so of the rest See therefore how you may imitate 1 Jo. 2.2 Ps. 83.10 Consider 3. These words may be spoken by you and by the whole Church to the Eternal Father offering Christ unto him as a pacifick Host for all our sinnes O Eternal Father Behold the man who in the name of all mankind is come to pay Adams ransome He is the Propitiation for our sinnes Therefore behold O God our Protectour and look upon the face of thy Christ Say the same often to your self with affections of compassion to your Lord and Saviour of gratitude for suffering so much for love of you of confidence and hope in so great a goodness and of an ardent desire of imitating his example and of suffering for love of him Mat. 27. Luc. 23. Christ is condemned to death Mat. 27.19 COnsider 1. As Pilat was sitting in place of Judgement his wife sent unto him c. Ponder the goodnes of God seeking divers ways to hinder the sins of men as here he did admonishing Pilat by his wife and her in sleep so that it may be justly objected to every sinner Perdition is thine O Israel O how often hath he admonished you Osee 13.9 speaking interiorly to your heart by holy Inspirations and exteriorly by Preachers and superiours forbidding you to doe this or that and yet you have not given over Be careful hereafter to be more observant of his admonitions Mat. 27.24 Consider 2. Pilat seeing that he nothing prevailed c. Taking water washed his hands saying I am innocent of the bloud of this Just man And yet at the same time pronounced sentence of Death against him So many pretend innocency in their life but matter not their foul mouthes they will not offend their neighbour in their outward actions but scruple not to wound him with their tongues Hear how the Jews cry out His bloud be upon us and upon our Children See how the heat of passion casteth a man head-long upon his own ruine And have a care you be not over-ruled by any Luc. 23.24 Consider 3. And Pilat judged their petition to be done Think how unjust this sentence was whereby the Author of life was condemned to death allmost in the same breath wherewith he was pronounced Just and innocent and how wickedly Pilat did in yeelding to their unjust demands against his own conscience that you might learn to stand resolutly for Justice although you were to suffer a thousand deaths for it Think with what shouts the people wellcomed this sentence and how the Priests and Pharises triumphed Ponder what feeling Christ himself had at that time how he complained not nor made any opposition but with an undaunted mind 1 Pet. 2.23 delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly Christ carrieth his Cross Rom. 13.14 COnsider 1. Sentence of Death being given Christ is stripped of the Purple Garment and cloathed with his own that he might be the better known in his own attire The robe is taken off not the crown that he might not be without torment So you likewise if you desire to carry your Cross after our Lord must cast off the purple robe that is the love of the world and put on the garments and livery of Christ to wit Mildness and Patience according to that of the Apostle Doe ye on our Lord Jesus Christ Consider 2. The Cross being brought forth ponderous in weight and fifteen foot in length our Saviour doubtless exulted and with greater reason and feeling then did afterwards his Disciple S. Andrew saluted the same in those or the like words Wellcome O pretious Cross long wished-for Barrad l. 7. c. 10. entirely beloved and now at last prepared to my hearts desire he imbraced kissed and took it upon his shoulders O what shouting and laughter was there then among the people For his greater Ignominy there are led with him two theeves But with what difference both of countenance and disposition of mind doe they beare their several Crosses Think with your self whom you will rather choose to imitate in carrying yours Jo. 19.17 Consider 3. And bearing his own Cross he went forth c. To wit between two theeves the Cryer all along proclaming the respective causes of their death Gen. 22.6 So did Isaac formerly carry on his shoulders the wood of the Holocaust whereon himself was to be sacrificed See how the tender and feeble members of Christ shrink under the heavy burthen and how he stumbleth and falleth often to the ground as he goeth being quite tired-out and exhausted by his torments O Angels of Heaven why doe you not ease his burthen But your sins O my Soul are more burthensome unto him for our Lord hath put upon him saith Isaie the Iniquity of all us Cease therefore to sin Is. 53.6 that you may likewise cease to burthen him Of Meeting the Blessed Virgin COnsider 1. Christ being sentenced to death the news was probably carryed to the B. Virgin by some of the Disciples Ponder how according to Simeons prophecy her Soul is here pierced with the sword of griefe She might likely say with David Who would grant me that I might dye for thee Jesus my Son my Son Jesus She resigned herself 2 Reg. 18.33 notwithstanding wholy to the will of God according to that As it shall be the will in Heaven so be it done 1 Mach. 3.60 Consider 2. How notwithstanding her grief with an undaunted courage she resolveth to goe to the place of Execution to give her last embracements and farewel to her B. Son She stays therefore with other women by the way side where her Son was to pass by Think what torment of mind she felt when she first saw the rout of people coming along with Nailes Hammers Ladders and other such like instruments What afterward when she beheld her most innocent Son coming between two theeves laden with a heavy Cross and cudgelled on by the Souldiers to make hast Condole with them both and grieve for giving cause of their sufferings by your Sinns Luc. 23.28 Consider 3. Those words of Christ to
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
and so thou shalt depart 3 Reg. 19.8 Consider 2. This strengthening bread is properly the Holy Eucharist which is therefore given us under the form of Bread and that of Wheat which is most comfortable of all other thereby to enable us to go on with alacrity to overcome the toil and labour of the journey and to resist our spiritual enemies that strive to hinder our passage A lively figure of this was that bread which the Angel gave to Elias in the strength whereof he walked fourty daies and fourty nights unto the Mount of God Horeb. Consider 3. This bread although of it self most comfortable and strengthening produceth not its effects but in a well ordered and clean stomack for if it be foul it overchargeth and weakneth it the more 1 Cor. 11.30 Therefore are there among you many weak and feeble saith the Apostle because they received Christs Body unworthily Wherefore duly prepare your soul and cleanse it of all disordinate affections and then this heavenly bread will enable you so as to run chearfully in the way of Gods Commandments according to that Ps 118.32 I ran the way of thy Commandments when thou didst dilate my heart Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 1. Mat. 8.19 COnsider 1. While Christ was walking by the Sea of Tiberias with multitudes about him A certain Scribe came to him and said I will follow thee whither soever that thou shalt go This was a liberal Oblation of himself but not accepted of For the holy Fathers are of opinion S. Hieron S. Aug. apud Barrad to 2. that this man followed Christ only for gain as thinking by his Miracles and concourse of people that he gathered store of money Or perhaps also he would follow him out of vain ostentation and that he might come to work Miracles O how many are there in the world that say they follow Christ but in truth seek their own ends Mat. 5.3 Consider 2. Christs answer The Foxes have holes and the Fowls of the ayr Nests but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head As â—f he would say Why should you desire to follow me for worldly wealth who have no lodging of my own being less provided then the very beasts and fowls themselves O wonderful poverty of this Sovereign King But this Poverty is so rich and of that value as to be able to purchase the Kingdom of Heaven according to that Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Ps 87.16 Mat. 11.29 Abdias 4. Consider 3. The Disciples of Christ ought not to be either Foxes having their holes that is Coffers to hoard up treasures in or Birds building their Nests aloft and seeking high and eminent imployments and dignities for that he himself is poor and in labours from his youth Meek and humble of heart Ponder those words If thou shalt be exalted as an Eagle and if thou shalt set thy Nest among the Stars thence will I pluck thee down saith our Lord. Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 2. Luc. 9.59 COnsider 1. Christ said to another follow me And he said Lord permit me first to go and to bury my Father This was a great mercy of Christ inviting him to be his Disciple and yet not accepted of but upon condition for he would first bury his Father who lay a dying or as others expound would have taken care of him till he died and after that betake himself to the service of God So many would serve God but after their own fashion that is after they have served their own pleasures and had their swing in the world Luc. 14.26 Consider 2. Our Lords answer Let the dead bury the dead but go thou set forth the Kingdom of God He teacheth us to prefer God before our Parents or Kindred He forbids not the performance of our duty but would have natural affection give way to the Divine Service for he will have his Disciples to cast off all carnal affection wherefore in another place he saith If any man come to me and hateth not his Father and Mother c. he cannot be my Disciple 1 Tim. 5.6 Consider 3. Christ termeth them dead that live to the world in sin For there are two sorts of death one of the body the other of the soul the body dieth when the Soul departeth the Soul dieth when it is separated from God by sin Christ therefore saith let them that are dead to God bury and take care of them that are dead to the world But let your care rather be to preserve the life of your Soul lest some time or other you come to die by sin and be cast off from the Face of God more loathsome to him then any dead carkass She that is in deliciousness saith the Apostle living is dead Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 3. Luc. 9.61 COnsider 1. A third came to Christ and offered himself to follow him but asked leave that he might first return home to dispose of his things and take leave of his Father and Friends I will follow thee Lord but permit me first to take my leave of them that are at home A reasonable request in appearance but not received for that all dangerous delays in the service of God ought to be carefully avoided Eccli 5.8 Slack not to be converted to our Lord and defer not from day to day Consider 2. Christs answer No man putting his hand to the Plough and looking back is apt for the Kingdom of God As much as to say the Ploughman that hath his hand upon the Plough and looketh the contrary way is not fit to plough so he that intends to be my Disciple and turneth back to regard worldly affairs is not fit to preach the Gospel The Ploughman must see what is before him so must the Disciple of Christ according to the Apostle Phil. 3.13 Who forgetting the things that are behind stretched forth himself to those that are before Eccli 27.12 Consider 3. We are admonished here of constancy and perseverance in what we undertake for God A fool is changed as the Moon but a holy man continueth in wisdom as the Sun never going back but still making progress Examine your self how constant you are in your good purposes whether you keep the first fervour of your Conversion or as much as you remember your self to have had at other times c. Be stedfast in the way of our Lord Eccli 5.12 and if you find your self to have grown cold do penance Apoc. 2.5 and do the first works Of the Vocation of the Rich young man Mat. 19. Mar. 10. Luc. 18. Part 1. Luc. 18.18 Mar. 10.17 COnsider 1. As our Lord passed through Jewry A certain Prince running forth and kneeling before him asked him
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
c. The Souls Palsey is an Enervation of Spirit and utter decay of its strength by sluggishness sloth and pusillanimity Think how far you are gone in this Disease how weak you are in bearing Adversity how faint-hearted in undertaking any thing of difficulty for God how inconstant in keeping your good Purposes Lastly how slack and remiss and even languishing you are in all matters of Devotion You may with truth say with the Prophet My strength is withered as a potsheard and my tongue cleaved to my jaws Jer. 16.19 Is 12.2 Consider 2. God is properly the fortitude and strength of our Soul according to that O Lord my force and my strength And Our Lord is my strength and my praise But he doth work this effect chiefly in the Eucharist affording to the Soul abundant forces to get out of this dead Palsey to overcome all fears and difficulties and to undertake and go through with what Enterprise soever for Gods sake Hence it is called The Bread of the Strong Ones the Meat of Great Ones the Bread that confirmeth or strengtheneth the Heart of Man a Type or Figure whereof was that Loaf of Bread that was brought to Elias 3 Reg. 19.8 in whose strength he walked 40 daies and 40 nights unto the Mount of God Wish therefore with a longing desire for that happy hour wherein you are to receive this Divine Food Consider 3. That you may be rightly disposed to obtain the Cure of your Palsey you must imitate the Faith of this sick man Go therefore with great confidence and put your self into the Arms of the Holy Saints your Patrons but especially of the B. Virgin that they may conduct and present you to our Lord Say with the Psalmist In thee O Lord Ps 30.2 Ps 17.35 Ibid. v. 30. Ps 30.4 have I hoped c. Thou hast put mine arms as a Bow of Brass And in my God I shall go over the wall c. Because thou art my strength and my refuge Of him that was born Blind Jo. 9.1 c. Part 1. Ps 24.18 COnsider 1. Jesus passing by saw a blind man from his Nativity He beheld him with the Eyes of Mercy and presently thought of remedy Beseech him to look also upon you with the like affection See my humiliation and my labour and forgive all my sins We are all blind from our Mothers Womb born in sin and involved in the darkness of Ignorance through the fault of our first Parent but they are blind after a special manner from their Nativity who vainly boast of their Noble Birth and Parentage not seeing that Virtue alone as one saith is the only true Nobility Juven Sat. Think whether these things have place in you Consider 2. The Diâ—ciples having asked Who hath sinned this Man or his Parents that he should be born blind Christ answered Neither this Man hath sinned nor his Parents but that the Works of God may be manifested in him Whence you may understand that Sicknesses and Calamities are not always caused by Sin but are often sent us by God for his greater Glory and exercise of our Virtue as it proved in Holy Job Toby and others I must work the works of him that sent me Christ saith while it is day that is while the day of this mortal life lasteth Much more it behoveth you to do the like works while your day is before you go unto the dark Land Job 10.21 that is covered with the Mist of Death Gen. 3.19 Consider 3. Christ spit on the ground and made Clay of the Spittle and spread the Clay upon his Eyes He applyed a contrary Remedy to shew his Power If you desire to be delivered from the Spiritual Blindness of your Soul lay the Clay or Dirt of your first Creation upon the Eyes of your Heart Remember Man that dust thou art and into dust thou shalt return Of him that was born Blind Jo. 9.11 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. The Gratitude of this man in publishing to all the benefit which he received That Man which is called Jesus made clay c. 2. His Constancy in professing Christ as a Prophet even before the Pharisees with danger of Life and Fortunes 3. His Patience in bearing Contumelies as that of the Pharisees Thou wast wholly born in sins Ibid. v. 34. and doest thou teach us Such are the affections of a Soul illuminated by God Think how you may imitate 2 Tim. 3.12 Consider 2. He was presently cast forth of the Synagogue by the Pharisees for speaking so well of Christ that you might learn to suffer willingly for a good cause For all that will live godly in Christ Jesus saith the Apostle shall suffer Persecution Christ neglected not him that was made an Out-cast for his sake but rewarded him with the gift of perfect faith seeking after him and freely manifesting his Divinity unto him which he presently falling down Jo. sup v. 38. adored Often stir up in your self the like Acts of Faith and falling prostrate adore your Lord. Prov. 3.7 Consider 3. The words of Christ reproving the Pharisees pride who notwithstanding were wise and quick-sighted in their own opinion For judgment came I into this world that they that see not may see and they that see may become blind that is that Idiots and simple people may come to know the truth but the wise and proud men of the world be strucken blind at the greatness of his Splendour Therefore be not wise in thine own conceit least thou become blind and like a blind man run headlong into perdition Of the Blind Man of Hiericho Luc. 18.35 c. Ps 1 18.32 COnsider 1. It came to pass when he drew nigh to Hiericho a certain blind man sat by the way begging This is a lively figure of a sinner blind of both eyes to wit of Knowledge and Love For 1. He sitteth in darkness and taketh rest and satisfaction in his sordid condition being habituated in sin 2. By and not in the way wherein the Virtuous do chearfully run according to that I ran the way of thy Commandments 3. He sitteth begging some petty comfort and content from creatures Think what an unhappy state this is of these blind men who see not though you set before their eyes the Joys of Heaven or Torments of Hell but as S. Augustine saith August Soliloq c. 35. they walk through darkcess into darkness Consider 2. The fervour of this blind man when he heard that it was Christ that passed by 1. He cryeth out with a strong Faith professing his Power and imploring his Mercy Jesus Son of David have mercy upon me 2. He persisteth constant though others endeavour to hinder him 3. He encreaseth his fervour by their opposition But he cryed much more c. Learn Constancy in the service of God and mind not them that would draw you off Learn to persever in prayer with fervour and if idle and
wandring thoughts of your Studies or imployments or of corporal necessities and conveniences or the like buz in your mind persist still with so much the greater fervour Ps 12.4 Ps 17.29 Consider 3. Christ stood and asked the blind man What wilt thou that I do to thee for he giveth not his Grace to us unless we will our selves and co-operate with it The blind man answereth Lord that I may see Let the same be likewise your Petition Lord that I may see See you and see my self Illuminate mine eyes that I sleep not in death at any time My God illuminate my darkness Of the Blind Man of Bethsaida Mar. 8.22 c. COnsider 1. Christ being come to Bethsaida the Disciples bring to him one blind and desired him that he would touch him And taking the hand of the blind he led him forth out of the Town He is blind saith Glossa who seeth not what he was what he is and what he is to be Think whether or no you be taken with this blindness and withall take notice that whosoever desireth to see aright must permit himself to be led by our Lord out of Town that is out of the noise of worldly cares and then he will be enlightned Consider 2. Christ did not presently and by word of mouth only give sight to this man as he did to the former but spitting into his eyes imposiâ—â— his hands he asked him if he saw any thing Thus God doth differently illuminate Souls some all in a moment others by degrees The blind man recovering sight in this manner saw men as it were Trees walking For to men that are not thoroughly enlightned by Divine Grace all worldly things appear greates and in a more flourishing condition then truly they are And men may be said to be Trees for that unless they bear fruit they will only serve to make fuel for the fire Consider 3. The blind man at last was restored to his perfect sight so that he saw all things clearly Beseech our Lord so to open your eyes that you may also see things clearly and distinguish between true and false solid and counterfeited good Hym. fer 5. ad Laudes Many things are set out in false colours which need to be cleared Lord by your Divine Light Lastly it was said to him Go into thy house Our house and home is Heaven for as the Apostle saith Eph. 2.19 We are Citizens of the Saints and the Domesticals of God Walk therefore as a Domestick of God and Son of Light lest perhaps our Lord strike thee in his wrath Deut. 28.28 29. and make thee grope at mid-day as the blind is wont to grope in the dark and direct not thy ways Of the Lunatick Devil Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Part 1. Mar. 9.18 COnsider 1. The great Tyranny which the Devil exerciseth upon the bodies of those whom God permits them to possess wheresoever he seized upon this Lunatick he dashed him against the ground made him to foam to gnash the teeth Mat. 17.15 and to wither and cast him often into the fire and as often into the water Think if he be so outragious in this life where his hands are tyed how much more will he be so in Hell where as the Prophet faith Is 34.9 The torrents thereof shall be turned into pitch and the groâ—nd thereof into brimstone and the land thereof shall be into burning pitch 2 Tim. 2.26 Consider 2. How the Devil exerciseth the like Tyranny upon a Soul that is subject to him For 1. He makes her Lunatick by Inconstancy 2. Deaf to the Inspirations of God and dumb in his praises 3. He casteth her to the ground by affection to earthly things 4. He makes her to foam and gnash the teeth with foul and unruly language 5. He makes her wither away by an insensibility in spiritual things 6. He often throws her into the Fire of Concupiscence and often plungeth her into the waters of fleeting pleasures that you may learn to take heed of the Devils Snares of whom sinners are held Captives as the Apostle saith at his will Ps 118.71 Consider 3. This Lunatick was first presented to the Disciples who notwithstanding could not cure him So we must first try humane means before we recur to God for a Miracle The Disciples were not permitted to cure this man perhaps to keep them in Humility It is good for me that thou hast humbled me saith David that I may learn thy Justifications Of the Lunatick Devil Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Part 2. Mar. 9.19 c. COnsider 1. Christ being desired to cure this man whom the Disciples could not he first reprehended their incredulity O incredulous Generation how long shall I be with you how long shall I suffer you Whence you may see how hateful to God is hardness of belief And when the possessed man was brought before him immediately the Spirit troubled him and being thrown upon the ground he tumbled foaming How bold is the wicked Spirit even in the presence of Christ that you may not wonder if perchance he tempt you in time of Mass or Communion Consider 2. The Power of Christ casting the Devil out by Command who notwithstanding had possessed this young man from his Infancy Deaf and dumb Spirit I command thee go out of him and enter not any more into him Lord speak with the same efficacy to my Soul Observe withall how the Devil crying out and greatly tearing him went out of him While he had him he tore him not but when he was forced out for he is ever most spiteful to us then when we leave him Eccli 10.11 Consider 3. This Disease was hard to be remedied because inveterate and grown up with him from his Infancy So it is hard to rid your self of Vices that you have been long accustomed unto according to that Long sickness grieveth the Physitian Besides This kind can go out by nothing but by prayer and fasting that you might learn with what weapons you are to fight against the Devils Of Holy Communion Eat O friends and drink and be inebriated my dearest Cant. 5.1 Consider Christ as your Souls Friend Mat. 26.50 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Friend how camest thou in hither not having a wedding Garment Christ most mercifully inviteth all to his friendship and desires as much as lyeth in him to have it with all men and endeavoured to bring Judas back into his favour even while he was practising Treason against him saying Friend whereto art thou come Ponder the greatness of this honour he does us S. Greg. We are not fit servants saith S. Gregory and we are stiled friends What an honour is this for miserable wretches made of clay and dirt to become friends of the Almighty God 1 Reg. 18.1 Consider 2. This Friend of yours will come to day in the Eucharist to instruct you with his Divine
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.
was the Bright Morning that brought the happy tidings of the Sun of Justice Reverence therefore and honour her Birth and full of admiration enquire diligently Who is this that cometh forth rising as the Morning Consider 2. The Virgin being born her name was called Mary and that no doubt by Divine Instinct and perhaps also by express intimation of an Angel for Mary signifieth 1. A Sea Star 2. A bitter Sea 3. Lady or Exalted 4. Enlightened or enlightening For she is indeed 1. A Bright Star to them that sail in the dangerous Sea of this world 2. A large Sea of all manner of Grace sweet to men but bitter to the Devils and in her Sons Passion she was an Ocean of Grief 3. Lady of the whole world In Offic. B. Virg. In Pref. Miss de B. Virg. Cant. 1.3 and exalted to the Heavenly Kingdom above the Quires of Angels 4. Enlightened first in her self she enlightened the world bringing forth to the world the Eternal Light Jesus Christ our Lord. O Mary Oyl powred out is thy name illuminating healing and comforting our souls 1 Jo. 3.9 Consider 3. In imitation of this Virgin your Mother you must be born spiritually to God to be born in flesh is not in mans power neither is it where or when he will but it is in our hands to be born in spirit by the Divine Grace Let this therefore be your birth-day to God and endeavour hereafter to demean your self worthily as his Child Every one that is born of God committeth not sin Therefore fly sin that you may ever remain the Son of God Of the Assumption of the B. Virgin Who is this that cometh up from the Desart flowing with delights Cant. 8.5 For the Annunciation Visitation and Purification see in their proper places COnsider 1. The B. Virgin though she were free from sin yet was not so from death from which Christ himself would not be exempted Therefore the end of her life now drawing nigh and being admonished by an Angel of the time of her departure as Authors relate think with what ardent affection she disposed her self Metaphâ— Niceph. c. apud Barrad to 1. l. 6. c. 11. Cant. 5.8 Ps 141.8 by intense acts of love saying with the Spouse in the Canticles I languish with love and with David Bring forth my soul out of Prison And how at last the Apostles being all about her she breathed forth her blessed Soul into the hands of her Son who was there present and invited her to his Glory O my Soul Num. 23.10 die the death of the Just and my last ends be made like to hers Cant. 8.5 Consider 2. How that blessed Soul released from her Body was led by her Son into Heaven environed with Angels singing forth those notes of admiration Who is this that cometh up from the Desart flowing with delights leaning upon her Beloved See how she being now entered into the Empyreal Heaven is welcomed by the Eternal Father and the whole B. Trinity and as Sovereign Queen seated in a Throne of Glory above all Creatures for a Throne was set for the Kings Mother who sate on his right hand 3 Reg. 2.19 The measure of her Glory was proportioned to the greatness of her love and Charity that you might also learn to be fervent in your love to God Consider 3. How after three daies lying in the Grave the blessed Body was united again to the Soul and with unspeakable pomp assumed into Heaven accompanied with the Angels Juvenal S. Damasc aliique apud Barrad Cant. 1.3 and the whole Coelestial Court and Christ himself her Son O what a Triumph what a glory was this Do you likewise ascend in spirit with your Mother and say to her Draw me after thee now in affection afterwards in the happy enjoyment of your company Rejoyce that you are to receive this day a pledge of her in the Eucharist for in the Sons Body still remains in a manner the Mothers Flesh and Blood and endeavour to come with due preparation Of the Angels Part 1. THat you may be the more stirred up to the Veneration of the holy Angels consider 1. Their Natural Excellencies They are by Nature 1. Most noble and pure spirits most absolute in themselves without concretion with flesh or any corporeal substance 2. Immortal and incapable of any decay or corruption 3. Of most sublime with and understanding comprehending by an Intuitive knowledge all natural objects 4. Of most perfect free will subject to none but its Creator and inseparably fixed upon its Supreme Good which it hath once possessed 5. In power inferiour to none but Divine and superiour to all that is created Consider 2. Their Supernatural Endowments 1. Of Grace for in them as S. Augustine saith God at once created Nature Aug. l. 12. de Civ c. 9. and infused Grace together with all manner of Virtue and that in an eminent degree whereby in a moment they merited their Eternal Happiness 2. Of Glory whereby they are in perpetual possession and enjoyment of their Supreme Good whence proceed all their other Prerogatives as of being Peers and Princes of Heaven Domesticks Familiars and Favourites of God continually assisting at his Throne and beholding his Divine Countenance Consider 3. These blessed Spirits though never out of the Center of their happiness have a larger Sphere then the Empyreal Heaven for they are the Movers of the other Coelestial Orbs and immediately under God do rule and govern the whole Universe they are over Kings Princes States and Magistrates they defend us from evils they intercede for us and present our prayers to God they enlighten our Understanding and inflame our Will towards God and heavenly things c. Admire and love the perfections of these Heavenly Spirits implore their assistance and endeavour by purity of life and promptness in the Divine Service to be compartment with them in glory Of the Angels Part 2. COnsider 1. The H. Angels though in number almost infinite are commonly divided into nine Quires and three Hierarchies In the first are the Cherubins Seraphins and Thrones The Cherubins property is to be inflamed with the love of God and to enkindle the same in others The Seraphins excel in Wisdom and Knowledge of God and with the same do enlighten the inferiour Angels The Thrones are so called for that by reason of their singular Purity Humility and Justice God doth particularly reside in them as his Imperial Throne Apply all this to your self and endeavour to be a Cherubin in Love a Seraphin in the Knowledge of God and of heavenly things and a Throne in Purity of Life in Humility and Justice towards God and Man Consider 2. In the second Hierarchy are the Dominations Virtues and Powers The Dominations exercise Command over the Inferiour Angels and direct them in the Government of the Universe The Virtues do effect in themselves and others a firm and unchangeable adhesion to
Religion so that there is nothing good and holy in the Church which proceeded not from them the Constancy of Martyrs the Justice of Confessors the Purity of Virging the Zeal of Doctors the Sanctity of Priests the Rigour of Moncks and Religious c. â—ook theâ—â— beginning from them Jo. 14.27 Consider 3. Their Reward 1. In this life in the wonderful fruit which they daily reaped of their labours and chiefly in the interiour Joy and Jubâ—ly of heart surpassing all the joys of the world Peace I leave to you my peace I give to you not as the world giveth do I give to you wherein they enjoyed to the full the hundred-fold which Christ had promised them 2. In the other life where they shall sit as Judges of the world and even of the Angels themselves and after a special manner shall eat and drink at Christs own Table in his Kingdom where above the other Saints they shall be inebriated with the pleaty of Gods House Ps 35.9 Of Martyrs Jo. 15.13 COnsider 1. The Holy Martyrs are the Seed of the Church and Champions of Christ Martyrdom is an act 1. Of the greatest Charity Greater love then this no man hath that a man yield his life for his friends 2. Of Invincible Patience and Fortitude contemning all manner of torments and death it self 3. Of Religion it being an entire Sacrifice of the whole man and perfect Holocaust 4. Of the perfectest Imitation of Christ If any man will come after me saith Christ let him take up his Cross Luc. 9.23 and follow me Consider 2. There are divers sorts of Martyrs 1. Those who have suffered death for the Faith of Christ among Infidels and Hereticks of which sort there have been innumerable in Gods Church 2. For defence of the Truth as S. John Baptist Isaie Jeremy 3. For the observance of the Divine Law as the Machabees 4. For defence of the Churches Liberties and Immunities as S. Thomas of Câ—nterbury 5. For their own Piety and Virtue as Abel the Just Besides these there are other true Martyrs who though not in their Body have suffered interiourly in their Mind As 1. The B. Virgin whose soul was pierced with the Sword of Grief and is deservedly stiled the Queen of Martyrs 2. Holy Hermits Virgins Luc. 2.35 and the truly Religious who all their life time have Crucified their flesh with its Concupiscences among whom many through the long durance of their sufferings have not only equalized but also surpassed in Merit the sharp torments of other Martyrs Luc. 21.19 Consider 3. Their Reward 1. Of Heavenly Comfort and Consolation which was oftentimes so great that it made them insensible of their torments 2. Of security of their future happiness In your patience you shall possess your Souls Whence S. Augustine He that prayeth for a Martyr doth an injury to the Martyr 3. Of a special Crown of Glory in Heaven above all other Saints 4. Of particular honour which the whole Church doth them in celebrating their Feasts next to those of the Apostles both more frequently and solemnly So that most true is that of the Psalmist Ps 115.6 Precious in the sight of God is the death of his Saints See that you celebrate aright their Festivities that is by imitation of their Vitues for as S. Augustine saith The Solemnities of Martyrs Serm. 47. de Sanctis are so many Exhortations to Martyrdom at least of Self-love Inordinate Passions and Vicious Appetites Of the Doctors of the Church COnsider 1. Almighty God hath provided his Church with holy Doctors whom he hath enâ—owed with all manner of Wisdom and Knowledge Humane and Divine and this they obtained not so much by their own sedulous study and labour as 1. By continual Prayer wherewith they humbly begged it of God the Author of all Science and Wisdom 2. By Purity of Life whereby they became pure Glasses and Myrrours fit to receive the Rays of Divine Light 3. By Humility whereby they submitted both to one another and to the Sense and Definitions of the Church If you desire to partake of their Knowledge and Wisdom make use of the same means Consider 2. Their Study was not meerly to know which is but an idle Curiosity nor to be known which is Vanity nor to get which is base Lucre But 1. To further their own Salvation 2. For the good of their Neighbour 3. For the propagation of the holy Faith defence of the Church and glory of God Examine what your labours tend to Curiosity Vanity or the Glory of God See that you imploy your Learning and others Talents not in devising or upholding new-fangled Doctrines but in zealously maintaining the known received and approved Tenets of the Church Consider 3. The admirable fruits of their labours 1. They have illustrated the whole Church with their holy Sermons and Writings 2. They have opened the sense of Holy Scriptures declared the Mysteries of our Faith maintained and propagated Truth and Religion 3. They have expelled Ignorance corrected Errours vanquished Infidelity Heresie and Vice bringing Infidels to the Faith Hereticks to the Church Sinners to Repentance 4. They have wonderfully promoted Piety throughout the whole Christian world by their zealous Preaching by their admirable Documents in all manner of Virtue and by the exemplar Sanctity of their Life and Conversation So that the Holy Church doth deservedly apply to them what our Saviour said to his Apostles You are the Salt of the Earth c. You are the Light of the World c. Mat. 5.13 15. See how the properties of each do agree with them consider withall their special reward in Heaven above other Saints They that be learned in the Law of God shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and they that instruct many to Justice Dâ—n 12.3 as Stars unto perpetual Eternities Of Holy Bishops Confessors COnsider 1. Almighty God out of his Paternal Providence hath raised some among men who should be 1. As Fathers to others in begetting them spiritually to Christ 2. As Pastors by governing and feeding them with the Pasture of Divine Doctrine 3. As Leaders and Guides towards their Heavenly Country 4. As Mediators between God and Men to appease his wrath against them 5. As Legats to represent their necessities to God and to declare his will to them 6. As High-Priests in the name of the whole Church to do Divine Worship and Honour to God to offer Sacrifice to present our Prayers Oblations and Thanksgivings and by means of these Duties to obtain for us the return of heavenly blessings These were the proper Offices and Functions of the Holy Bishops Consider 2. In regard the Calling of Bishops is the same with that of the Apostles whose Successors they are God endowed them with special Gifts of Grace and Virtue answerable to the Dignity and End of their Calling Ponder therefore 1. Their Apostolical Spirit and Zeal in all things belonging to the
mercy upon thee Apply these words to your self and take heed of what follows And his Lord being angry delivered him to the Tormentors until he had repaid all the debt Ponder well the final clause So also shall my Father do to you if you forgive not every one his Brother from your hearts Sins once forgiven return not but the succeeding Ingratitude is made the greater and worthy of double punishment by the greatness of the former benefit This forgiveness must not be verbal only but from the heart and without keeping any grudge 22. Sunday after Pentecost Of paying Tribute to Cesar Mat. 22.15 page 443. Consider 1. Master we know that thou art a true speaker and teachest the way of God in truth neither carest thou for any man for thou dost not respect the persons of men Here is delivered a perfect description of an upright man Think how you are in every particular whether you be a true speaker 1. As to your self by a right judgment and estimate of things 2. In relation to others by conformance of your words to Truth and Conscience whether you hold the way of God or not rather the Maximes and Principles of the World whether you care for man so as to fear or love him more then you do God and whether you respect the person of men so as to do or omit any thing for humane respects against your Conscience Ps 4.7 Consider 2. Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar A pertinent Question but proposed with a wicked intention to intrap him in his speeches But there is no Councel nor Wisdom against our Lord who takes them in their own Traps proposing to them a question about the Tribute Coyn saying whose is this Image and Superscription Look upon your self and ask this question Whose is this Image You cannot say it is Cesars or the Worlds it is Gods The light of thy Countenance O Lord is signed upon us But alas how deformed is it become you have made it the Image of the Terrene Man endeavour to reform your self till Christ be formed again in you Gal. 4.19 1 Cor. 15.49 and as you have born the Image of the Earthly so hereafter bear the Image of the Heavenly Rom. 7.13 Consider 3. Render therefore the things that are Cesars to Cesar and the things that are Gods to God God will have us give every one his due To whom tribute tribute to whom oustom custom to whom fear fear to whom honour honour Owe no man any thing but that you love one another Render your self therefore Body and Soul with all your Powers Senses and Faculties to God whose you are by Creation Redemption c. Render likewise what you owe to your Neighbour to wit Love and Charity who is made to the same Image Created by the same hand and redeemed with the same precious Blood with your self 23. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Princes Daughter and the Hemorroisse Mat. 9.18 page 451. see page 420 421 422. 24. Sunday after Pentecost or the last before Advent Of the Destruction of Jerusalem and of the Latter Judgment Mat. 24.15 Consider 1. When you shall see the Abomination of Desolation c. then they that are in Jewry let them fly to the Mountains c. In the first part of this Gospel Christ treateth of Jerusalems Destruction and Desolation in the second of the latter Judgment Death is the time of mans greatest Desolation and the next passage to his particular Judgment on which depends the General Christ therefore warns us to provide for it in time for when it is once come it will then be too late and we shall be so surprized that we shall not have leisure to dispose of our selves or our goods as we would He that is in the house top let him not come down to take any thing out of his house and he that is in the field let him not go back to take his coat Consider 2. Woe to them that are with-child and that give suck in those daies That last day is always at hand and perhaps this may be it Woe be to you if you labour till now in bare desires and have as yet brought forth no good works to light Pray that your flight be not in the winter Stir your self up to Fervour and have a care Death comes not upon you while you are cold and frozen in Gods service Nor on the Sabboth while you are in your jollines You must be disposed for every hour for no hour is secure from danger Consider 3. There shall be then great tribulation such as hath not been from the beginning of the world Such will Death truly be to tepid and improvident Christians that have put off till then what they should have done before the Body will then be tormented all over with a dreadful Agony but much more the Conscience for then it will have a clearer knowledge of Good and Evil and will find the burden of Sin more heavy and unsupportable then ever before If you be wise seek to avoid this Tribulation do now what you would have done then avoid now what you would wish then to have avoided Faults Escaped in Printing IN the Preface page 14. Margent Psa 118.17 read 71. page 34. line 30. of God read of God page 34. Marg. for the first Citation read Luc. 21.11 p. 35. l. 17. Judge r. Judge p. 44 45. all the Citations lower three lines then ought p. 65. l. 14. Title af r. of p. 66. l. 1. Prophet r. Prophet p. 73. Foxes have holes c. r. in the Marg. Mat. 11.4 p. 80. l. 24. robes r. robes p. 169. Marg. The third Station leave out Page 477. line 29. Virging r. Virgins What other Faults have been over-seen the Courteous Reader may be pleas'd to Correct and excuse