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
of Jacob. And see that you be a Jacob Supplant and cast the Devil out of your heart wrestle with your own vicious inclinations and concupiscences Rom. 6.12 Let not sin reign in your mortal body that our Lord Jesus may reign in the house of your Soul and that for ever Say with the same St. Bernard Bern sup I have no other King then my Lord Jesus Luc. 1.34 c. Of the Blessed Virgins Reply 2 Cor. 4.7 HOw shall this be done c. Consider 1. How the Blessed Virgin who had hitherto been silent began at last to speak in defence of her Virginity which she would not forfeit to be Mother of God O admirable Purity In this Vertue she was truly singular and without example Learn hence 1. Both to speak and to be silent in their due times and circumstances 2. Not to be taken off from your good purposes and obligations upon any account without examining well how it may be done 3. To be cautious and nice in point of Chastity and not to cast your self in danger under pretence of what good soever knowing that we have this treasure of Chastity in carthen vessels Consider 2. The Holy Ghost shall come upon the and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee Ponder the excellency of Virginity whereof our Lord was so great a lover that whereas he took upon him all our other miseries yet he would not be conceived but of a Virgin and in favour of her love also to the same the divine Spirit of Purity it self wrought in her this mysterious Conception whereby her Son who as God proceeded wholly from his Father as man became entirely hers receiving from her alone what other children take from both parents Beseech our Lord to come also upon you by his holy Grace and with his shoulders to overshadow you especially in the day of battel Ps 90.4 Ps 139.8 against the heat of Concupiscence and vicious appetites Ps. 112.9 Consider 3. Behold Elizabeth thy couzen c. She who was barren becometh fruitful that you should know there is nothing impossible to God Therefore although you have hitherto been fruitlesse of good works yet by the divine Grace and your own concurrence you may come to be father of many and that not only in your self but also in your neighbour according to the condition and calling you are in Therefore even now begin to cooperate with Gods Grace for he will not be wanting who maketh the barren woman to dwell in a house a joyful mother of children Of the Virgins Consent COnsider 1. How earnestly the Angel and the whole Court of Heaven expected the Virgins consent Ber. hom 4 super missus O Lady saith St. Bernard speak the word which Heaven and Earth and the lower world expect from you At length she giveth her consent Behold the handmaid of our Lord. Admire her singular humility who being saluted Mother of God would still keep the name of handmaid This is that humility which our Lord regarded as she saith in her Canticle Magnificat and loved so much in her Put on the same humility in your life and actions if you desire the Holy Ghost should dwell in you for he sendeth forth fountains in the valleys Ps. 103.10 He watereth the humble with the fountains of his Grace but leaveth the mountains that is the high and proud ones dry Ps. 115.7 Consider 2. The name of handmaid or slave though it be contemptible among men yet in relation to God is honourable for we are truly his by the several titles of Creation Conservation and Redemption To him alone we ought to labour and to direct all things to his glory as did this blessed handmaid of his Offer your self therefore to God as a perpetual bond-slave and say with the Psalmist O Lord because I am thy servant I am thy servant and the son of thy handmaid the B. Virgin Mary Mat. 26.39 Consider 3. The admirable Obedience and Resignation of the B. Virgin in conforming her will to Gods divine pleasure Be it done to me according to thy word c. Think how grateful this answer was to God and to men and Angels Imitate her in resigning your will wholly into the hands of God and say in every thing Be it done to me O Lord according to thy word not to my will And Not as I will but as thou Think how joyful the Angel was for having obtained her consent and for the happy successe of his Embassage and how he returned without delay into Heaven full of admiration of the mystery of the Incarnation and of the Vertues and Excellencies of the Virgin Of the Accomplishment of the Incarnation Ps. 18.6 7 COnsider 1. How the B. Virgin having given her consent immediately the Eternal Word As a Bridegroom coming forth of his bride-chamber to celebrate 〈◊〉 Nâ—ptâ—â—â— wâ—â—â— humane nature Rejoyced as a giant to 〈◊〉 the way to unite unto himself our flesh and to begin the work of our Redemption Whence having presently framed a perfect body out of the most pure bloud of the B. Virgin and created a rational Soul he vouchsafed to unite his Divinity to them both Jo. 1.14 And thus the word was made flesh and dwelt in us Think with what joy of the Angels in Heaven of the Saints in Limbus of God himself and particularly of the B. Virgin now Mother of God Heb. 2.17 Consider 2. What manner of body the Eternal Word took upon him in the Virgins Womb He might have assumed an Immortal one and a Glorious Body had been but his due in regard of the Beatifical Vision But he took upon him mortal flesh and that of a little infant 1. That he might in all things be like unto his brethren 2. To oblige us to love him the more tenderly 3. To take from us all fear and make us come with confidence unto him 4. To give us example of Humility Patience and Mortification in enduring nine moneths straight imprisonment in his Mothers Womb. And 5. That he might as the Criminal pay in his flesh what were not his but our debts Humble your self you that are dust while you see the Lord of Majesty thus reduced in a manner to nothing for your sake Ps. 39.8 Consider 3. What the divine Infant did in the first instant of his Conception how he offered himself and his whole life and actions to his Eternal Father as a Holocaust and Sacrifice for our sins saying Behold I come and how the Eternal Father was pleased in this his new born Son saying Thou art my Son I this day have begotten thee Ps. 2.7 To day the Heavens did truly flow with honey while true Peace descended upon the Earth Mercy and Truth have met each other Ps. 14.11 c. Justice and Peace have kissed Truth is risen out of the Earth and Justice hath looked down from Heaven Draw me we will run
these affections bring your Lord into the Closet of your heart Ps 142.2 saying with the Psalmist Enter not into iudgment with thy servant but rather according to the multitude of thy commiserations have respect to me Ps 68.17 Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 1. Mat. 5.1 COnsider 1. Seeing the multitudes he went up into a Mountain c. and opening his mouth he taught them c. Ponder 1. The place of this famous Sermon which is a high Mountain 2. The Preachers Person which is the increated Wisdom of God 3. His Chair or Pulpit for he taught them upon the bare ground 4. His Auditors which were his Disciples and other unlearned and simple people 5. The subject of his discourse which was of true felicity Go you up in spirit with the people and sitting at the feet of so great a Master give attentive eare to what he saith 1 Reg. 3.10 Say with Samuel Speak Lord for thy servant heareth Consider 2. Christ in this his Sermon performed not only the Office of a Teacher but also of a Lawgiver declaring the Antient Law and proclaiming the New It was said to them of old Thou shalt not kill c. But I say to you Mat. sup v. 22. that whosoever is angry with his Brother shall be in danger of judgment c. and the like Reverence therefore this your Lawgiver and give him thanks for his wholesome precepts Beseech him to print his holy Law in the fleshly Tables of your heart say with David Set me a Law O Lord the way of thy Justifications Ps 118.33 and I will seek after it always Colos 2.3 Is 9.6 Consider 3. He performed also the part of a Councellour exhorting them to points of the greatest perfection even beyond the obligation of the Law as of turning the other cheek to the striker of letting go the Cloak also to him that takes away the Coat of going two other miles with him that will force you one mile and the like Think how just it is to follow his counsel in all things for in him be all the treasures of wisdom and Knowledge hid And by Isaie he is stiled Councellour and the Angel of great Councel Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 2. COnsider 1. All men have a natural desire of felicity yea even the most wicked of all would be happy but will not seek after true happiness Therefore Christ beginneth with that which all men desire as if he should say You all desire to be happy therefore I will shew you the several ways that lead to true happiness Do you therefore set your affections upon this true Felicity and seek it only by such ways or means as Christ hath pointed out to you Ps 143.15 Consider 2. How contrary are the ways of God from the ways of the world and his judgments from those of men The World placeth its felicity in honours riches pleasures eating and drinking freedom from pain and grief c. They have said that it is a happy people which hath these things On the contrary Christ pronounceth them happy that are poor meek and humble that hunger and thirst after Justice that suffer reproaches and torments c. As the Heavens are exalted above the earth so are my ways exalted above your ways Is 55.9 saith our Lord. See with what Party you side with Christ or with the World Ps 83.6 Consider 3. Eight Virtues contemptible to the world Christ honoured with the title of Beatitudes and of them as so many steps made a Ladder for us to climb up to our last and everlasting Felicity These are 1. Poverty of Spirit 2. Meekness 3. Sorrow for Sins 4. Hunger and thirst after Justice 5. Mercy 6. Purity of Heart 7. Making of peace both with God and with Men. 8. Suffering Persecution for Christ You must also climb this Ladder if you desire to enter into the Joy of our Lord Blessed is the man whose help is from thee he hath disposed Ascension in his heart Of the first Beatitude Blessed are the poor in Spirit Mat. 5.3 c. COnsider 1. More in particular each virtue and in them 1. Their Acts. 2. Christs Example 3. Their reward The proper Acts of Poverty are counted five 1. He is poor in spirit who in affection is ready rather to lose all then offend God 2. Who actually leaveth all for his sake 3. Who aspireth not to things above himself presumeth not of himself nor seeketh the praises of men 4. Who denieth his own judgment and will submitting himself to others 5. Who acknowledgeth whatsoever he hath as a gift of God and rightly understandeth his own nothing My substance is as nothing before thee Ps 38.6 See how you are in each point Phil. 2.7 Consider 2. The admirable Examples which Christ gave us in this kind throughout his whole Life but chiefly in his Crib in Banishment in his Parents House and on the Cross Besides he exinanited himself as the Apostle saith made subject and obedient not only to his Eternal Father and Parents on earth till the thirtieth year of his Age but also to his Tormentors even to death it self And of his Doctrine he publickly professed My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me Jo. 7.16 Consider 3. The Reward of this Poverty For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. sup Think what a gainful kind of Merchandise this is to get an Everlasting Kingdom by the exchange of some few transitory enjoyments of this life Ponder the excellency of this Kingdom its riches glory beauty and perpetuity That which eye hath not seen 1 Cor. 2.9 nor ear hath heard neither hath it ascended into the heart of man what things God hath prepared for them that love him Wherefore S. Grogory Nazianzen had reason to say Happy is he that buyeth Christ S. Greg. Naz. de Beatitud spiritu vitae Regul though with all his goods and fortunes Of the second Beatitude Blessed are the Meek Mat. 5.4 c. COnsider 1. After Poverty in Spirit that is contempt of the World and its desires followeth Meekness as the Child its Parent The Acts of this are chiefly three The first is to bridle the passions of Anger and Revenge and when zeal is to be shewed to do it without any perturbation either interiour or exteriour The second is to be affable to all and troublesome to none neither in word nor in action The third not to oppose or put off injuries with violence even when you lawfully may but to suffer your own contempt with peace and tranquillity of mind Think how you are in these particulars Mat. 12.19 20. Is 42.2 3 4. Consider 2. Christs example herein of whom Isaie saith He shall not contend nor cry out neither shall any man hear in the streets his voice The reed bruised he shall not break and smoaking flax he
themselves to their Ghostly Father they find themselves free and the Enemy gone So likewise those that dispose themselves to Confession God doth often justifie before hand by Contrition I said saith the Prophet I will confess against me my injustice to our Lord and thou hast forgiven the impiety of my sin Go therefore always speedily that you may speedily be cleansed Of the ten Lepers Luc. 17. Part 2. Luc. 17.15 COnsider 1. And one of them as he saw that he was made clean went back with a loud voice magnifying God So ought we to be thankful to God for the benefits we receive from him according to that of the Apostle 1 Thes 5.18 In all things give thanks for this is the will of God This is to be performed 1. With a loud voice that is with a great and hearty affection Ps 33.4 2. With magnifying God and with David exalting his Name for ever 3. With due Humility falling prostrate at our Lords feet acknowledging our selves unworthy of his so great mercies and benefits Aug. in Ps 49.13 There can be no Offering made more grateful to God saith S. Augustine then that of Thanksgiving Consider 2. Of ten that were cleansed only one returned back There was not found that returned and gave glory to God but this stranger Think how few there are among so many thousands whom God doth daily preserve and feed that acknowledge the Benefit They take their Meat which is sent them from Heaven even like bruit Beasts without once lifting up their head or thoughts thither I have brought up children and exalted them Is 1.2 but they have despised me saith our Lord These carry themselves as Inhabitants and Sons of the Earth and as if they had here a setled habitation but do you account your self as an Alien a Stranger and Pilgrim in this world and then you will come to acknowledge Gods gifts and favours unto you in all things Consider 3. This Stranger by being grateful for the recovery of his corporal health received yet a far greater benefit the Cure of his Soul in his Conversion to the Faith therefore our Lord said unto him Arise go thy ways August l. 2. c. 4. Sap. 16.29 because thy Faith hath made thee safe The other nine probably were Rebrobate For the faith of the ungratful shall melt as winter Yee and shall perish as unprofitable water Be not therefore ungrateful to God Of the Deaf and Dumb Man Mar. 7. Part 1. Marc. 7.32 COnsider 1. While Christ was passing through Galilee they bring to him one Deaf and Dumb and they besought him that he would impose his hand upon him Ponder how meritorious a thing it is to bring others to Jesus and excite your self thereunto endeavouring by such means as your Calling doth afford to bring to Christ those that you shall find spiritually deaf and dumb Consider what it is to be spiritually deaf He is deaf that gives not ear to the Verities of Faith and that hears not the Voice of God calling and exciting him to Perfection See whether you be any thing given to this deafness and do not stop your ears to God lest he do the same to you according to that Prov. 1.28 Then shall they invocate me and I will not hear Is 56.10 Consider 2. What it is to be spiritually dumb He is dumb that corrects not his Brother when he sinneth nor hindereth his sin when he may whence such are called by the Prophet Dumb dogs not able to bark He is dumb that doth not preach Christ to others when his Calling is such not openly profess his Faith when he ought Lastly he that makes not due use of his tongue to the praise and honour of God in Divine Exercises of Devotion in Pious Discourses and the like Woe is me saith Isaie because I have held my peace Is 6.5 Is 62.6 And you that remember our Lord hold not your peace Consider 3. Christ rejected not the distressed man but took him aside from the multitude and cured him Do you also retire your self from noise and company to Prayer and spiritual Exercises if you desire to be cured by Christ Observe how he cured this man not by his Word only or Command as he did others but he put his fingers into his ears and spitting touched his tongue c. Because our Lord doth diversly cure and exercise those that are his some more some less Submit your self in all things to his Divine Pleasure that you may be cured of all your infirmities Of the Deaf and Dumb Man Mar. 7. Part 2. Mar. 7.34 35. COnsider 1. After our Lord had spoken the word Be thou opened immediately his ears were opened and the string of his tongue waâ— loose and he spake right Consider how that the sign of our ears being opened is not to contradict or resist the Divine Inspirations but humbly to obey them according to that The Lord hath opened mine ear Is 50.5 and I do not gainsay c. See therefore whether the ears of your heart be open or whether you be not rather one of those that stop their ears and will not hear the voice of the Inchanters Ps 57.5 6. and of the Sorcerer inchanting wisely Jac. 3.6 Consider 2. How it is said of the cured person not that he spake much but that he spake right that we might learn to have a care of our tongue which is as S. James saith a whole world of Iniquity He speaketh right that speaketh nothing but the praises of God or what appertains to Salvation who speaketh not of Vain or idle matters nor uttereth detraction nor murmurings Examine your self by this how right you are wont to speak and remember that as David saith A man fall of tongue shall not be directed in the earth Ps 139.12 2 Cor. 6.4 Consider 3. Christ likewise here commanded them not to tell any body to teach us to shun what lyeth in us the applause of men But so much the more a great deal did they publish it and so much the more did they wonder Neither were they disobedient in this because Christ did not Command with intention of obliging them but did therein what on his part was Humility and they returned Honour and Glory which was but the duty of gratitude on their part Lastly it is said here of Christ He hath done all things well that you might learn not to be content with doing only some things well neglecting others but to do all well whence the Apostle saith Let us in all things exhibit our selves as the Ministers of God Of Holy Communion I will love thee O Lord my strength Our Lord is my Firmament and my Refuge and my Deliverer Ps 17.2 Consider Christ as the Strength of your Soul Ps 21.16 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Mat. 9.1 c. Of Christs curing the Man sick of the Palsey
Heaven is like to a man that is an housholder c. This Housholder is God himself who although he is Lord of a most ample Kingdom in Heaven and in Earth yet he doth so provide for each one in every particular and minute thing as if he were Master only of some little Family His Vineyard is the Church the Vines are all the Faithful the Workmen are the Prelates and others that dress pruen and spread the Vines and even the Faithful themselves who are bound to cultivate their own Souls by good works What a blessed thing it is to labour in such a Vineyard under such a Master and about such precious Vines Consider 2. The sollicitude of this Housholder which went out early in the morning to hire workmen c. From the very beginning of the World from Age to Age God never left to call workmen He calleth every man betimes even from the very first use of Reason and although most refuse to come yet he omits not afterwards to call again and again not giving them over to their last gasp some he allureth with hopes of reward That which shall be just I will give you Others he rebuketh for their sloth What stand you here all the day idle See whether you have not hitherto been idle Pro. 24.31 Consider 3. Part of this great Vineyard are all such as God hath placed under your charge according to the state and calling you are in but chiefly your own Soul See in what state and condition it is examine whether it be not like to that whereof the wise man speaketh in thâ—se words Nettles had filled it wholly and Thorns had covered the face thereof and the wall of stones was destroyed Think therefore that you are sent into a Vineyard not into a Garden of Pleasure to labour not to sport or live at ease and encourage your self to undergo great pains and labours knowing that the reward will be answerable Pro. 13.4 and that the Soul of them that work shall be made fat Of the Workmen in the Vineyard Mat. 20.8 c. Part 2. Jo. 5.27 COnsider 1. When Evening was come the Lord of the Vineyard saith to his Bailiff Call the workmen and pay them their hire beginning from the last c. This Bailiff is Christ our Lord whom the Father hath given power to do Judgment c. The Evening of our Life is Death for all our whole life time is but as one day and even a thousand years before Gods eyes are as yesterday that is past Ps 89.4 After death every man receives his hire or reward wherein there is not so much regard had to the time as to the fervour of working Whence they that come in last in their Conversion shall receive as much as the first because they are wont for the most part to labour with greater fervour and humility deeming themselves unworthy of any reward whereas on the contrary others are used to presume of themselves See whether or no you do not the same 1 Cor. 13.4 1 Cor. 12.30 Consider 2. How the former murmured saying These last have continued one hour and thou hast made them equal to us that have born the burden of the day and the heats Not that there will be any murmuring in Heaven but for that the reward of the last comers that work fervently will be so great that if the state could permit it would breed envy in the first It is easie to fall into the like emulation and grudge in this life See whether your eye be not sometime naught or malicious because God or your Superiour is good to your Brother Rather joy in his Preferment for Charity envieth not unless it be virtues and the better gifts Sap. 4.13 Consider 3. The Parables final clause So shall the last be first and the first last for many be called but few elect They that came last to work come first to be rewarded for their fervour in working Because God regardeth not how much is done as S. Gregory saith but out of what affection Perhaps you may reckon many years of your life time in Gods service but few of fervour rather procure that it may be said of you In short space he fulfilled much time Of the Invitement to the Wedding Mat. 22. Luc. 14. and Supper Part 1. Mat. 22.2 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a man being a King which made a Marriage to his Son This King is the Heavenly Father who made a Marriage between his only begotten Son and Humane Nature in the Bed-Chamber of the Virgins Womb The Son espoused to himself the Church in Faith and Charity according to that I will espouse thee to me in Faith Osee 2.20 and thou shalt know that I am the Lord who also espouseth unto himself the souls of the faithful and that not of a few only or of such as are Noble but generally of all that refuse not his Espousaâ—s Acknowledge therefore my Soul your Dignity and behave your self worthy of such a Spouse Luc. 14.18 c. Consider 2. The King made a Solemn Wedding Feast for his Church which he set forth with the Sacraments as so many Royal Courses and inviteth all to it but most men excuse themselves some out of an ambitious desire of Rule and Command I have bought a Farm and I must needs go forth and see it Others for their Imployment in worldly affairs I have bought five yoke of Oxen and I go to prove them Some again for carnal pleasures I have married a Wife and therefore I cannot come Others finally laid hands upon his servants Mat. 22.6 and spitefully entreating them murdered them The same do they who contumeliously reject their Pious Monitors and stick not to wound and pierce them with the Sword of their Tongue Consider 3. The madness of men that leave this Divine Banquet of the Heavenly King for vile and transitory things especially seeing that from this Nuptial Feast of the Militant Church on Earth they are to pass to that of the Triumphant in Heaven Take heed you let not your self be intangled with these snares of the world least you come to be shut out for ever from the Heavenly Banquet Luc. 14.15 Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God Aspire therefore with all your endeavour to this happiness Of the Invitement to the Wedding Mat. 22. Luc. 14. and Supper Part 2. Luc. 14.21 COnsider 1. Go forth quickly into the streets and lanes of the City and the poor and feeble and blind and lame bring in hither c. The Divine Clemency is nothing abated by mans wretchedness or ingratitude he provideth other Guests to come in their rooms and for the rich and voluptuous men that excuse themselves he calleth the poor and feeble that is such as are free from worldly incumberances and impediments He even compelleth them to enter forcing them in a
your self first with all humility in the presence of God imagining that Christ expects you there ready to give you audience then kneeling down with profound reverence say that short Preparatory prayer of the Church Prevent we beseech thee O Lord our actions by thy Spirit assisting us and in hâ—ping forward prosecute them that all our prayer and work may begin always from thee and begun by thee may be ended Through Christ our Lord Amen or some other like Then make use of the first Preamble of Composition of Place and that being done beg of Almighty God grace suitable to the subject of your present Meditation After this enter upon the points or matter of your Meditation which must be prepared before hand and discourse upon them with your understanding examining with your self who what where by what means wherefore in what manner when and other general circumstances that offer themselves and in all of them procure now and then to stir up your will by pious Affections and Colloquies as often as there shall be occasion in which Affections and Colloquies because the chief fruit of prayer doth consist therefore we will treat of them in this place more at large Of Colloquies Colloquies are to be made as well through the whole course as at the end of Meditation to wit as often as the will is stirred up to love or hate to prosecute or to fly what is set before it according as it is informed by the understanding of the goodness or malice of the object And because we may divers ways conceive God in relation to our selves therefore the Colloquies are to be made sometimes as of a Subject to his Prince sometimes as of a Child to his Father at other times again as of the Spouse to her Beloved of Friend to Friend of a Criminal to his Judge c. now begging something now admiring now offering now congratulating now condoling as the present matter shall require And because there are many kinds of these affections it will not be amiss in this place to reherse some of them in particular in an Alphabetical order The Colloquie therefore may be framed by way of I. ACOVSATION Accusing your self for having been cause 1 Paral. 21.17 of Christs sufferings or of other evils saying with David Am not I he that commanded c. It is I that have sinned it is I that have done the evil c. Lord my God let thy hand be turned I beseech thee upon me and the like II. ADMIRATION Wondering at the Goodness Wisdome Power and other like Attributes of God O Lord our Lord Psal 8.2 how marvelous is thy Name O Lord of Hosts who is like to thee Thou art mighty O Lord Psal 88.9 and thy truth round about thee or the like III. AFFIRMATION Affirming for example that God is just great and dreadful that they are happy that serve him and the like Psal 118.137 Psal 46.3 Psa 64. â— Thou art Just O Lord and thy Judgement is right Because our Lord is high terrible a great King over all the earth Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken he shall dwell in thy Courts IV. BENEDICTION Blessing God for hearing our prayers for having redeemed us and for other benefits which he hath bestowed upon us and inviting all creatures to do the same Blessed be God who hath not removed my prayer Ps 65.20 Luc. â—â— 66 and his mercy from me c. Blessed be our Lord God of Israel because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people All works of our Lord Dan. 3.57 bless ye our Lord praise and superexalt him for ever V. COMMINATION or threatning woe to your self unless you mend unless you obey Gods call c. Vnless you will be converted Psal 7.13 he shall shake his Sword be hath bent his bow and prepared it c. Vnderstand these things Psa 49.22 you that forget God least sometime he take you violently and there be none to deliver you VI. COMPASSION for Christs labours and sufferings I am sorry for thee my Brother Jonathas 2 Reg. 1.26 2 Reg 18.33 Rod. de Pas c. 8. exceeding beautiful and amiable Who would grant me that I might dye for thee I will not live without wound saith Saint Bonaventure because I see thee full of wound VII COMPLAINT Piously complaining as if God had left you Psal 1.1 How long O Lord wilt thou forget me unto the end how long dost thou turn away thy face from me Where are thine old mercies Ps 8850. Ps 8â—15 O Lord c. Why dost thou O Lord reject my prayer VIII COMPVNCTION and GRIEF for that by your sins you have been cause of Christs sufferings and of the scourges wherewith God doth chastize the world Jâ—â— 1.12 Psal 50.5 Take me up and east me into the Sea for I know that for me this tempest is upon you I do know mine iniquity and my sin is before me always IX CONFESSION Acknowledging the Benefits of God Eccli 51.1 and your own Infirmity I will confess to thee O Lord King and will praise thee God my Saviour I will confess to thy Name because thou art become my helper Psal 37.4 and protectour There is no health is my flesh c. my bones have no peace at the face of my stâ—s X. CONGRATVLATION with Christ for his victory over death with the Blessed Virgin for the glory of her Son and for her own Election Let us sing to our Lord Erod 15.1 Judith 15. â—0 Ecclesia in Missa for he is gloriously magnified c. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem thou the joy of Israel thou the honour of our people c. We give thee thanks for thy great glory XI CONSVLTATION Consulting between our Lord and your self what you are to do for him what to return for his beneftis Job 7.20 Ps 115.3 What shall I do to thee O Keeper of men What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendered to me XII DESIRE of heavenly and everlasting goods How beloved are thy Tabernacles Psal 83.2 O Lord of Hosts My soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. Psal 41.2 Even as the Hart defireth after the Fountains of waters so doth my soul desire after thee O God I desire thee a thousand times Bern. 〈◊〉 Jub my Jesus when will you come when will you make me ioyful when will you give me my fill of you XIII DETESTATION Abominating your own sins and sluggishness Psal 118.163 Psal 25.2 Ps 72.25 I have hated iniquity and abhorred it I have hated the Church of the Malignant and with the impious I will not sit What is to me in Heaven and besides thee what would I upon the earth XIV DOVBT Demanding of your self what you ought to do and what will become of you seeing all are to be so rigorously judged Psal 138.7 Psal 88.49
your self to expect our Lord to trust in him and the like Expect our Lord Ps 26.14 Psal 42.5 do manfully and let thy heart take courage and expect thou our Lord. Why art thou sorrowful O my soul and why doest thou trouble me Hope in God because yet will I confess to him XXXV SOLLICITATION As it were urging God to give you speedy aid God my God Psal 21.2 have respect to me why hast thou forsaken me Incline thine ear to me Psal 30.3 Ps 43.23 make hast to deliver me Arise why sleepest thou O Lord Arise and expell us not to the end XXXVI ZEAL Defiring that the glory of God may be propagated Psal 78.1 Ps 73.10 and his enemies humbled O God the Gentiles are come into thine inheritance they have polluted thy holy Temple How long O God shall the enemy upbraid Psal 67.2 the adversary provoke thy Name for ever Let God arise and let his enemies be dispersed These or other like affections you may make use of for your Colloquies and these or other such Versicles taken out of Scripture may perhaps help you to enter with greater facility into your Colloquies which afterwards you may prosecute more at large as your affection shall suggest and the Unction of the Divine Spirit shall teach you Manual And although it be expedient as hath been said to break into these Colloquies at any time during the Meditation yet this same is to be done with more earnest endeavour and exactness in the end sometimes calling upon the Eternal Father sometimes upon the Son at other times upon the Holy Ghost Sometimes also upon the Blessed Virgin our Angel Guardian the Saints our Patrons imploring their aid and intercession giving thanks c. as the present matter shall require Unto this Colloquy is to be ioyned some Vocal Prayer as the Pater Noster if the Colloquy be directed to God the Father Anima Christi sanctifica me The Soul of Christ sanctifie me if to the Son Veni Creator if to the Holy Ghost Ave Maria or some like to the Blessed Virgin or to the Saints It is a commendable practice of many having ended their Meditation to note down in brief in some little book for that end their good purposes and the chief lights which God communicated unto them in their prayer lest otherwise they come to be fruitless for as it sufficeth not for the bringing forth of fruit that good seed be cast into the ground unless it be kept and fostered in the bosome of the earth so neither will it be available for our souls spiritual good onely to have heard the voice or word of God in prayer But as Christ saith Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it Luke 11.28 The Morning Entertainment O God my God to thee I watch from the morning light On the Feast of All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ in the Eucharist as God and Head of all Saints Ps 62.2 I Magin your self among the Blessed companies of Saints in Heaven contemplating the divine face of God and consider 1. How greaâ— is the Glory Riches Beauty and Majesty of that infinite Essence Thousands of thousands minister to him and ten thousand hundred thousands assist him saith Daniel Dan. 7.10 Think how great is his Power All things whatsoever our Lord would he hath doâ—â— in heaven in earth in the sea and in all the depths How great his Wisdom Great is our Lord Ps 134.6 and great is his strength and of his wisdom there is no number How great his Immensity which is higher thâ—n heaven Ps 146.5 Job 11.8 deâ—peâ— then hell longer then the earth and broader then the sea And so of his other divine Attributes Prov. 8.31 Consider 2. This so great a Majesty and Head of all the Saints whose memory you celebrate this day disdaineth not to enter the cottage of your soul and even desireth it himself according to that My delights are to be with the children of men not for that he stands in need of you who are but dust and ashes but to enrich your poverty with his infinite treasures Think therefore with your self what you are and who he is and cry out with the Prophet What is man that thou art mindful of him Ps 8.5 or the soâ— of man that thou visitest him Amos 4.12 Consider 3. You must diligently prepare your soul against the coming of so great a Guest according to that Be prepared to meet thy God O Israel Wherefore cleanse it first with the greatest purity that possibly you are able and not onely from Mortal but also from all Venial Sin For Blessed are the clean of heart Matt. 5.8 saith Christ for they shall see God Then enkindle in your self an ardent love that so you may deserve to keep him long with you according to that If any love me c. we will come to him Jo. 14.23 and will make abode with him Morn Ent. To day I shall dine with the King Esth 5.12 Note The first Sunday after All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ in the Eucharist as King ¶ This and the other Meditations on the Sundays of this Moneth are to be placed between Week and Week as they come in their turn Ps 2.6 COnsider 1. Christ is truly a King the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and not onely of one Province or parcel of earth but of all Heaven and Earth of Men and Angels I am appointed King by him over Sion c. and not for a time onely as other Kings upon earth but for ever and evermore Exod. 15.18 Wherefore all duties services and tribute which Subjects owe to their King are much more due from you to Christ See whether you have perform'd them hitherto or no. 1 Paral. 29.1 Consider 2. What you would do if some earthly Prince were to come to your house how carefully would you have it swept cleansed adorned and set in order lest there should be any thing that might offend the Prince's eye How much more ought the house of your Soul to be adorned which the King of Heaven will vouchsafe this day to enter in the Holy Eucharist for as David saith The habitation is not prepared for man but for God And if those women mentioned in Esther prepared themselves a whole year to appear but once before the King Assuerus Esth 2.12 For six moneths they were anointed with oyl of myrtle saith the Scripture and other six moneths they used certain paintings and sweet spices how much greater care ought to be taken to appear worthily before Christ our Lord Ps 44.11 Consider 3. In regard you are poor and have not any thing in your Soul fit to entertain such a Royal Guest beseech him to send before-hand as great Princes are wont to do furniture and provision worthy of himself Besides if you desire to be gracious in his sight you
must put off all carnal and worldly affection and with all submission hearken to his interiour inspirations Incline thine ear and forget thy people and the house of thy father saith the Royal Prophet and the king will covet thy beauty Morn Ent. I will arise and go to my father Luc. 15.17 The second Sunday after All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Father Is 40.15 COnsider 1. Almighty God although he be infinitely powerful and rich and in respect of whom all creatures are as a drop of bucket and as a moment of a balance yet he disdaineth not to be called and to be truly our Father and what is more Call none father to your self upon earth Mat. 23.9 saith Christ for one is your father he that is in heaven And Christ himself by a special title would be stiled by the Prophet Father of the world to come Is 9.6 and not content with that he also taketh upon him something more then the affection even of a mother for if she should forget her infant yet will not I faith he forget thee Is 49.15 Ponder how excellently Christ performeth both these offices not onely begetting us to a spiritual life but also feeding and nourishing us with his own precious body and bloud Ps 102.13 Consider 2. How you like the prodigal child have foolishly left so loving and so rich a father and gone after the swine of this world yet he is still ready to receive you again and clothe you with the first robe for as a father hath compassion of his children saith David so hath our Lord compassion on them that fear him because he hath known our making He expects you to day in the Eucharist with open arms to embrace you and to give you his blessing so you do but worthily dispose your self Luc. 15.18 Consider 3. The best disposition will be 1. An humble begging of pardon Father I have sinned against heaven and before thee 2. A firm resolution of never more going from him but striving with all your endeavour to imitate the perfection of your heavenly Father according to that of the Apostle Ephes 5.1 Be ye followers of God as most dear children Wherefore with a filial confidence represent unto your Father when he cometh all your necessities Luc. 11.13 for if fathers know bow to give good gifts to their children how much more will your Father from Heaven give a good Spirit to them that ask him Who shall give to me thee my brother sucking the breasts of my mother that I may finde thee without and kiss thee Cant. 8.1 Heb. 2.11 The third Sunday after All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Brother Matt. 28.10 COnsider 1. Christ to make us the more sensible of his love towards us took upon him not onely the name of Father but also that of a Brother that so by a certain equality which is wont to be between brothers he might the more familiarly insinuate himself unto us for the which cause he is not ashamed saith the Apostle to call us brethren saying I will declare thy name to my brethren and after his resurrection Go tell my brethren saith he that they go into Galiles Think what an honour it is to be brother to so great a Prince And if the brother that is holpen of brother is as the Wise-man saith as a strong city Prov. 18.19 what comfort and help may you expect from such a brother Gen. 37.28 Consider 2. Your unhumane dealing with Christ who have sold him not for twenty pieces of silver as did the sons of Jacob their brother Joseph but perhaps for some slight or filthy pleasure And even like another Cain you have murthered this Brother Abel of yours by your sins Gen. 4.8 and nailed him on the Cross And yet he forgetting and forgiving all invites you to himself Gen. 45.4 18. saying with Joseph I am Joseph your brother c. fear not Come to me and I will give you all the good things of Egypt that you may eat the marrow of the land and what is the marrow of the land but his precious Body and Blood The corn of the elect Zach. 9.17 and wine springing Virgins Consider 3. How you are to go meet this Brother of yours Imitate Jacob who went with presents to meet his enraged brother Esau Gen. 33.10 Ps 50.19 Gen. 42.21 Let your presents be 1. A contrite and humbled heart which he will not despise 2. A firm purpose of not sinning any more against your brother 3. A desire of imitating his vertues that by the likeness of your life and behaviour to his he may appear to be what truly he is Rom. 8.29 the first-born in many brethren The master is come and calleth thee Jo. 11.28 The fourth Sunday after All-Saints Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Master Is 5.20 COnsider 1. What ignorance men are in especially of heavenly things and appertaining to their Salvation We often call evil good and good evil putting darkness light and light darkness We commonly make Vertues of our Vices and Vertue we hate as folly Therefore the Wisdom of the Eternal Father came down from Heaven to be unto us a Master to teach us the way of truth You call me Master and Lord Jo. 13.13 saith he and you do well for I am so Colos 2.3 Consider 2. How willingly you ought to hearken to this Master in whom be all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hid The prime incitement of learning saith St. Ambrose is the excellency of the Master Ambr. l. 2. de Virg. What more excellent then Christ our Lord who is Truth it self and can neither deceive nor be deceived The Queen of the South Matt. 12.42 c. came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Salomon and behold more then Salomon here and here in the Eucharist he is ready to teach you the Science of Saints and of Salvation if you come rightly disposed Sap. 1.4 Consider 3. There is required due preparation on your part that you may deserve to hear with profit the Wisdom of this heavenly Master for he will have his Schollars to be 1. Pure from all sin Because wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul nor dwell in a body subject to sins 2. Humble and little in their own eyes Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent Matt. 11.25 and hast revealed them to little ones 3. Well mortified and taken off from worldly things Whom shall he teach knowledge and whom shall he make to understand the thing heard If. 28.9 Them that are weaned from the milk that are plucked away from the breasts See therefore you be thus disposed when you go to him Of Mans last End The first Part. Prov. 16. â— COnsider 1. What you were some hundred years ago just nothing and so
you would have remained for ever but that it pleased God to take you out of your nothing and wheras he could have joyned to your first or original matter infinite other forms he would endow you with a rational one and place you in this world among men But to what end Not to disport or play not to eat and drink not to seek after honours and vanities of this life nor finally to end your days like brute beasts Our Lord hath wrought all things for himself that you might serve and worship him in this world and so at last attain to life everlasting Consider 2. The excellency of this end All other living creatures are created stooping down to their food and carry about them souls that are to end with time Man alone is elevated to that sublinie end of praising and serving his Creator and after a short and holy life to be crowned with immortal glory With good reason David full of admiration breaketh forth into those words What is man that thou art mindful of him Thou hast minished him little less then Angels with glory and honour thou hast crowned him Ps 8.5 and hast appointed him over the works of thy hands Ps 33.2 Consider 3. How much you are obliged to your Creator for so great a benefit and withall how justly he requireth of you that you direct your whole life to this onely end of his divine praise and service This therefore ought to be the onely aim of all your actions and even your thoughts viz. to honour God and serve him alone Wherefore say with the Prophet I will bless our Lord at all time his praise always in my mouth You are born for Heaven see you degenerate not See you carry not saith St. Bernard in a streight and upright body Bern. in Cant. Serm. 24. a crooked soul that is deformedly bent upon earthly things Of Mans last End The second Part. COnsider 1. Seeing your end in this life is to praise and serve God alone and seeing that in whatsoever kind the end is the measure or square of all such things as appertain thereunto it followeth evidently that you are to make use of all other creatures so far forth as they conduce to his service and honour and contrariwise to avoid them if they any way withdraw you from the same Wherefore you are not to desire riches honours conveniences of this life nor even learning or health otherwise then they may help you the better to serve God For as that holy man said well Tho. a Kemp. de Imit l. 1. c. 2. Better is the humble countreyman that serveth God then the proud Philosopher who neglecting himself considereth the course of the heavens Ps 107.2 Matt. 26.39 42. Consider 2. And examine your self in particular whether you have any disordered affection to the things above mentioned See whether you be ready to suffer poverty reproach sickness and death it self if God thereby might be the more glorified in you Offer your self to your Creator with indifferency to all things so far as they make to his greater glory Say with the Prophet My heart is ready O God my heart is ready and with Christ our Lord Not as I will but as thou Thy will be done Agg. 1.6 Consider 3. How foolishly they do who have any other end then God in their actions who employ their labours in purchasing honours riches renown pleasures and the like No otherwise do these then would he who being to sayl to the East should steer his course to the West and so never come to his journeys end Of such it is rightly said by the Prophet You have sowed much and brought in little you have eaten and have not been filled you have drunk and have not been inebriated Lastly They lead their days in wealth Job 21.13 and in a moment they go down to hell Of Mans duty towards God 1. Part. Ps 36.27 COnsider 1. The whole duty of man towards God is comprised in that short sentence Decline from evil and do good These are the two principal points of a Christian life they are the two wings whereby we must flye up to Heaven the two arms wherewith we are to lay fast hold on the Kingdom of God In respect of the first part mans life in the holy Scripture is said to be a warfare upon earth Job 7.1 and Christians are termed Souldiers carefully standing upon their guard for resisting the suggestions and temptations of sin Job 9.28 Consider 2. In this Warfare we are to strive against Sin even unto death never giving over or thinking our selves secure but always standing in arms with watchful care and fear Job notwithstanding all his Integrity discussed and feared every the least of his actions David a man according to Gods own heart Ps 76.7 did every night brush or sweep his spirit St. John Baptist that was sanctified in his mothers womb Hym. ad Mat. de S. Joh. Bapt. led an austere retired life that he might not as the Church singeth of him stain his life with a light slip of his tongue S. Paul though confirmed in Grace and rapt to the third Heaven could say of himself So I fight not as it were beating the air 1 Cor. 9.27 but I chastise my body and bring it into servitude Think not therefore much of any pains for the avoiding of sin Tob. 4.6 Consider 3. We must not onely withstand the actual committing of sin but also the consent of mind Beware thou consent not to sin at any time and resist all delectation and suggestion for as St. Gregory saith In suggestion is the seed of sin Greg. ad Interr lib. Aug. Cantuar in delectation the nourishment in consent the perfection Examine your self what vigilancy and caution you hold over your thoughts words and actions how you avoid occasions of danger and how you resist the suggestions of the Flesh the World and the Devil Take up your Weapons with the holy Saints of Fasting Prayer and Mortification of your flesh that you may also with them be crowned with a glorious Victory Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Part. Matt. 13.44 COnsider 1. The other part of Mans Duty is to labour in the exercise of good works thereby to please and serve God Wherefore Heaven is sometimes proposed unto us as a rich jewel sometimes as a treasure hidden in a field which we are to seek out with some pain and labour and to purchase with the sale of all we have sometimes again as a goal or prize 1 Cor. 9.24 which we are to gain by running on in the race of Vertue and Perfection and almost every where as the Reward and Crown of Vertuous Actions See therefore you play the industrious Merchant and by the continual exercise of good works heap up to your self treasures in Heaven Matt. 6.20 1 Thess 4.3 Consider 2. The several Motives which you have to
you are bound to so patient a Lord that hath so long expected you to do pennance Take heed lest patience abused turn into fury Wherefore humbly crave pardon for what is past and purpose amendment for the future Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin By reason of the Dignity of the Person offended 2. Part. Job 26.11 COnsider 1. The greater the dignity is of the Person offended the greater is the offence Whence greater is his crime that woundeth his King or Father then his that hurteth only some one of the common sort Wherefore ponder who he is whom you have so often provoked by your sins 1. He is God of infinite Majesty at whose beck the pillars of Heaven tremble and dread 2. He is omnipotent able to destroy you in a moment and chastize you a thousand ways 3. He is every where present Jer. 32.19 Whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the children of Adam And yet you have the impudency to do that before his eyes which you would be ashamed to do in the sight of men Deut. 32.6 18. Consider 2. The many titles of his goodness towards you for these also do aggravate the Sin 1. He hath created you of nothing preserved you hitherto as a Father and governed you as a Tutor 2. He hath drawn you out of the jaws of Hell and redeemed you with his precious Bloud 3. He it is that sanctifies you even to this day strengthening you with the holy Sacraments preventing you with his Inspirations and drawing you on a thousand ways towards the Crown of Glory And could you sind in your heart so often and so fouly to abuse such a Benefactor These things dost thou render to our Lord thou foolish and unwise people Is not he thy Father that hath possessed thee and made and created thee God that begat thee thou hast forsaken and hast forgotten our Lord thy Creator Rom. 2.5 Consider 3. How greatly you ought to be ashamed of such an ingratitude and to be grieved for having offended so great a Majesty Abuse not the treasures of so infinite a goodnesse patience and longanimity but speedily do pennance lest otherwise thou heap to thy self wrath as the Apostle saith in the day of wrath Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin By reason of the baseness of the Offender 3. Part COnsider 1. It would be judged a great offence if one Prince should strike another but much lesse then if a Subject should strike his Soveraign for the offence is proportioned to the Inequality that is between â—he offender and person offended And what greater inequality can there be then between God and you Think therefore what you are that dare reproach the Lord of hosts and in his sight commit enormous crimes as if there were no power in Heaven to punish you As to your body you are a contemptible worm crept out of the slime of the earth Grass flower of the field Ps 102.15 Jac. 4.14 Gen. 3.19 Bern. in for hon vit a vapour appearing for a little while â—ast thou art and into dust thou shalt return And as St. Bernard doth elegantly express You were unclean seed you are a vessel or sack of dung you will be meat for worms Why therefore is earth and ashes proud Consider 2. As to your Soul what are you Created of nothing and to nothing you would return if God did not preserve you without whom you cannot so much as move a finger 2. You are conceived in Sin born and bred in Sin nor is there any Sin so hainous which you would not commit if Gods Grace did not keep you back 3. As to knowledge how little is it that you know and how many things are there that you understand not As to power and ability how little is it that you are able to do and how innumerable are the things above your reach Sap. 11.23 Consider 3. What are you now compared to all men in the world What to the whole multitudes of Angels And what are all these again in respect of Almighty God As the least weight of the balance so is the round world before thee and as a dray of the dew before day that falleth upon the carth And yet vile Miscreant that you are you have had the boldnesse so often most impudently to provoke a Lord of such dread and majesty to indignation against you Do pennance and sin no more Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin By reason of the Vilenesse of the Object 4. Part. Is 40.17 COnsider 1. It would aggravate the fault if one should leave a friend or do him some notorious injury for a slight and frivolous matter For example should cut his brothers throat for a Tennis-ball The whole world in respect of God is as nothing and a vain thing as Isaie saith He would therefore highly injure God who is his Supreme and Everlasting Good that should but once leave him though it were to gain the whole world but much more he that should contemn him for trifles Whence himself as one amazed complaineth of this contempt by his Prophet Jer. 2.12 Be astonied O heavens upon this and O gates thereof be ye desolate exceedingly c. for two evils hath my people done Me they have forsaken the fountain of living water and have digged to themselves cesterns broken cesterns that are not able to hold waters Ponder how fitly God is termed an endlesse Fountain flowing with all manner of good and all things of this world leaking and broken cesterns they seem to have something in them but in truth do not hold water Consider 2. In particular for what trifles you have often forsaken God perhaps that you might please men enjoy some short pleasure satisfie you passion or greedy appetite gain some vain reputation and the like Esau did foolishly in selling his Birth-right for a messe of pottage but Judas did worse in selling Christ for thirty silver pieces Worst of all the Jews in preferring the Miscreant and Murderer Barabbas before Christ Yet these you do imitate as often as you prefer some short pleasure or evil action before God himself and your own right to the Kingdom of Heaven Consider 3. How you ought to be sorry for your sins past and wary for the future St. Cyprian saith well How greatly we have sinned Cypr. Ser. de lap Eccli 2.23 so greatly let us bewail We have a good Lord and according to his greatness as Ecclesiasticus saith so also his mercy is with him Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin For the Damages and bad Consequences it brigheth 5 Part. Prov. 14.34 COnsider 1. All men naturally fly from things that are hurtful Now there is nothing in the whole world so pernicious as Sin Whence Salomon Sin maketh peoples miserable And He that shall offend in one point shall lose many good things Eccles. 9.18 Ponder therefore the damages which it brings with it and first in this life in which
them so to be delivered over to Secular Power 1. Will be taken from her the gift of Faith for that she did not lead a life conformable 2. Will be taken also from her the gift of Hope for having neglected the means afforded her for the attaining her chiefest Good 3. She shall be deprived of all Supernatural Favors and Graces if she had any and of Moral Vertues which she made not right use of 4. Natural Sciences shall remain for her greater punishment for having preferred them before the knowledge of Salvation 5. The Character of Baptism shall also remain and whatsoever other she had for her greater ignominy that it may appear from what she is fallen and that she may be upbraided by the Infidels reproaching her with that scoff Luc. 14.30 This man began to build and he could not finish it Finally then will be fulfilled in her that of Ezechiel Ezech. 23.26 29. And they shall strip thee of thy garments and shall take away the vessels of thy glory c. and shall let thee go naked and full of ignominy Mat. 25.41 Consider 2. The terrour of the final Sentence that will be thundered out against the wicked Get ye away from me you cursed into fire everlasting c. O what a plight and horrour will the Soul be in at that time the Devils hurrying her presently away to everlasting torments But no remedy then to avoid it As yet you may if you be wise Ibid. v. 21 Consider 3. On the contrary the happy condition of the Just that will be found innocent in that Judgement Unto such it will be said Because thou hast been faithful over a few things I will place thee over many things Enter into the joy of thy Lord. Think what a joy that will be If you aspire to their lot imitate their life Of the General Judgement 1. Part. Jo. 5.22 COnsider 1. The causes of the General Judgement 1. To manifest the Glory and Power of Christ unto whom the Father hath given all judgement that all may honour the Son c. and that he who came visibly to save all men might also visibly and publickly come to judge all that the wicked may see and behold whom they have crucified 2. That the Just might have right and honour dore them and the wicked due punishment and God justified in his judgements who for the most part permitteth the Just to be afflicted while they live and the wicked to live in all prosperity 3. That the bodies also may receive due reward or punishment as they have been instruments of Vertue or Vice to the Souls Mat. 24.6 Luc. 21.11 Consider 2. The terror of the Judgement by the foregoing signs There shall be great earthquakes and pistilences and famines and terrours from Heaven The Sun shall be darkened and the Moon shall not give her light and the stars shall fall down from Heaven and the powers of heaven shall be moved or as St. Peter saith 2. Pet. 3.12 The Heavens burning shall he resolved The Sea shall roar in a horrid manner the Earth tremble and be all on fire Malach. 4.1 Behold the day shall come saith Malachy kindled as a furnace and all the proud and all that do impiety shall be stubble and the day coming shall inflame them c. Take heed therefore you prove not stubble in that fiery day Luc. 23.30 Consider 3. The Angel shall sound forth his dreadful trumpet the dead shall rise and take their bodies but with how different a countenance the just from the wicked How will these inveigh against their bodies for whose sake and pleasure they committed so many sins in their life time They shall say to the mountains fall upon us and to the hills cover us But then there will be no means to escape How much will it be wished for at that time above all the Crowns and Scepters of the world to have lived in the Grace of God Think therefore often of this Whether I eat or drink or do any thing else saith St. Jerome that dreadful voice doth ever soâ—ad in my ears Hieron Reg. Mon. c. 30 Arise ye dead and come to judgement Of the General Judgement 2. Part. Luc. 21.27 COnsider 1. The terrour of the Judgement increased by the appearance of the Judge Then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty An innumerable company of Angels shall stand about him ready to execute whatsoever he shall decree Mat. 24.30 Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in Heaven and then shall all tribes of the earth bewail to wit the enemies of Christs Crosse A Throne shall be set for the Judge in a bright Cloud and Seats round about for the Blessed Virgin and the Apostles From the Judge's countenance shall issue forth darts of love towards his friends but of fire and indignation against the reprobate Dan. 7.10 A fire and swift stream came forth from his face saith Daniel Who would not wish then to have been a friend in his life time of so dreadful a Judge Mat. 13.49 Consider 2. The Angels shall go forth and shall separate the evil from among the just These shall be placed at the right hand of the Judge as sheep The other on the lest as goats in contempt and ignominy Ponder the untimely repentance of the wicked especially when they shall see the Just above them Whom sometime they had in derision and in a parable of reproach We senseless esteemed their life madness Sap. 5.3 c. c. Behold how they are counted among the children of God Then will be exacted a most strict account of every particular and what perhaps you are now ashamed to open to your Confessor will then be known to the whole world Be careful now to blot out by Pennance what you would not then have known to your shame and ignominy Mat. 25.34 Consider 3. The just Sentence of the Judge He will say to the Saints Come ye blessed of my Father possess you the kingdom prepared for you c. To the wicked Ibid. v. 41. Get you away from me you cursed into fire everlasting Ponder the greatnesse both of the reward and of the punishment and chuse which you had rather it is now put into your own hands afterwards it will not Eccles. 9.10 Wherefore while you have time whatsoever thy hand is able to do work it instantly for neither work nor reason nor wisdom nor knowledge shall be in Hell whither thou dost hasten Of Hell 1. Part. Apoc. 19.20 COnsider 1. Hell is the dungeon of the damned full of all misery and void of all good Invent the cruellest pains and torments that you can imagine they would all be but a flea-bite in comparison of Hell The place it self shall be as S. John saith a pool of fire burning also with brimstone Wherefore it will be
saying those words of David Sacrifice and Oblation thou wouldst not c. Then said I behold I come Admire in the Son this voluntary Oblation of himself admire in the Father his most gracious acceptance O inestimable effect of Charity To redeem his slave he refused not to deliver up his onely Son Give thanks to both with the Holy Ghost and offer what you are able in gratitude Ps 93.17 Consider 3. What would have become of you had not Christ thus interposed himself You would have lain for ever in the filth of sin destinated according to your deserts to the flames of Hell So that you may with all truth say But that our Lord hath holpen me within very little my soul had dwelt in Hell Learn hence to esteem the greatnesse of the Benefit and seeing God hath thus bestowed himself upon you give your self up wholly to him Ps. 107.2 and say My heart is ready O God my heart is ready Of the divine Decree concerning Christs Incarnation 2. Part. Gen. 3.5 Phil. 2.7 COnsider 1. The admirable perfections of God discovered in this Decree And first his infinite Wisdom whereby he would cure our maladies by their contraries Man sinned through Pride vainly coveting a likenesse with God You shall be as Gods God would cure this sore by exinaniting himself taking the form of a servant and made into the similitude of men Detest Pride which hath brought so much evil into the world and imitate the example which Christ hath given you of Humility Jo. 3.16 Consider 2. His unspeakable Charity So God loved the World that he gave his onely begotten Son Even the Son himself so loved it as to give himself for it But Who and for whom The God of Majesty for a most vile and ungrateful Slave Love therefore so loving a Lord with your whole heart with all your soul and with all your strength and seeing you cannot sufficiently love him endeavour according to your state and calling to draw as many as you can into your company in the joynt love and service of him Consider 3. His infinite Goodnesse in communicating himself to man in the highest degree possible His mercy whereby he would take upon him our miseries to relieve us His Justice which that he might satisfie to the utmost rigour he made our whole debt his own Lastly his Power in joyning two extreams of infinite distance from one another God and Man Creatour and Creature O admirable conjunction Ps 97.1 2. Sing ye to our Lord a new song because he hath done marvellous things Our Lord hath made known his salvation in the sight of the Gentiles he hath revealed his Justice Of the Election of the Mother to the Word Incarnate 1. Part. COnsider 1. The Incarnation being decreed as to the substance the Eternal Word might have taken the perfect body of a man such as he framed for Adam without infringing the rigour of Justice which he desired to satisfie Notwithstanding he chose to be born of a Mother 1. So to honour both Sexes Man in his own Person Woman by taking flesh and bloud of Her 2. That in her we might also have a Mother and Advocatrix to her Son our Judge 3. That being thus made a sucking Infant and subject to his Mother he might give us example of humility and subjection Reflect how in all things he chuseth the worst and most repugnant to sense See and imitate Prov. 8.23 Consider 2. How the Word made choice of this individual Mother not for any merits of hers which then were none at all but to the end she might have merits Therefore he bestowed upon her the fulnesse of Grace and Vertue that so she might be made sit to be the Mother of God Congratulate with her for this her Election and Predestination from all Eternity From eternity I was ordained and of old before the earth was made Offer your sâ—lf to be her Client for ever and with all earnestnesse implore her aid and protection Ps 4.3 Consider 3. The Eternal Word would not have for his Mother any rich Personage or Princesse but one that was poor and of mean condition in the world thereby to confound our pride and vanity that seek and hunt greedily after such things as make a shew and noise in the world Ye sons of men how long are you of heavy heart Why love you vanity and seek lying Learn to contemn the judgements of the world and to esteem those things only great as are such in the sight of God and know that much worth and vertue often lieth under a contemptible disguise Of the Election of the Mother to the Word Incarnate And of her Prerogatives 2. Part. 3 Reg. 10.18 COnsider 1. It was fitting that the Eternal Word should honour his Mother and raise her above the common condition of Mortals by special Priviledges King Salomon made a great Throne of Ivory and covered it with Gold exceeding yellow c. There was not such a work made in all Kingdoms How much more sitting was it that the King of Heaven should adorn his Throne or Bed-chamber where he was to lie for nine moneths together Consider 2. Several of her Priviledges 1. Sanctity and that the greatest of any pure creature communicated unto her from the first moment of her Conception for it was not fit that the Mother of God should ever even for one single moment be under the slavery of the Devil 2. Suppression of Concupiscence 3. Confirmation in Grace so as never to forfeit it by Mortal Sin or even to suffer the least diminution of its fervour by Venial 4. Continual progresse in the same by heroick acts of Vertue whereby it was increased to an infinite proportion 5. The use of reason from the first moment 6. To conceive and remain a Virgin 7. To be in child-birth without pain 8. To be a Mother and delivered of her Son without detriment of her Virginal Integrity 9. To be a Mart a Sea Suar. c. 2.3 p. d. 18. sec 4. and Ocean of all manner of Grace so as to surpasse the perfections of all the Saints put together S. Bern. Consider 3. Her admirable Titles in being after an especial manner Daughter to the Eternal Father Mother to the onely begotten Son Spouse to the Holy Ghost and Soveraign Queen of Men and Angels She is also stiled the Mother of Mercy the Advocatrix of Mankind and Refuge of Sinners Think what a Refuge and Protection you have in such a Mother Commend your self earnestly to her for such is his will who will have us have all by Mary I will look towards our Lord I will expect God my Saviour Mich. 7.7 Mat. 11.3 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the expectation of the Gentiles Gen. 49.10 Agg. 2.8 COnsider 1. What is said to day in the Gospel Art thou he that art to come or look we for another Christ is the expectation of the Gentiles
desirous to enjoy the sight of her Son whom she knew to be God of God and Man of her own nature and substance She did probably apply to him and her self those words of the Canticles Who shall give to me thee my Son that I may finde thee without and kiss thee In the mean while she exercised most ardent affections of love and conformity to the divine will both as to the time place and conveniences of her Delivery casting her self and all her care upon God 1 Pet. 5.7 as St. Peter admonisheth us for that he hath care of us Do you the same in all your affairs and examine wherein you are deficient Consider 3. How well the divine Infant did requite the long harbour his Mother gave him in her Womb. If at his first entrance in his Conception he bestowed upon her such extraordinary grace and favours how did he increase them during his nine moneths abode Illuminating her Understanding with an infused light and knowledge of the Mysteries of Faith and inflaming her will with more then Seraphick Affections of divine Love He was no burthen nor pain nor the least trouble unto her but a most welcome guest an ease and comfort in all occasions He would be so in proportion likewise to you in the Sacrament if you would give him entertainment and not pour your self forth presently upon other affairs Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 2. Part. Is 4â— 8 COnsider 1. The Expectation on the behalf of the Fathers in Limbo praying continually and crying out Drop dew ye heavens from above and let the clouds rain the Just be the earth opened and bud forth a Saviour They longed to be set free that they might presently enjoy the Beatifical Vision Therefore they said Be manifest before Ephraim Ps 79.3 4. Benjamin and Manasses shew thy face and we shall be saved Quicken your dull heart with these inflamed desires Ber. ser 2. in Cant. Be ashamed saith St. Bernard that the exhibition of this benefit doth not cause in thee a joy answerable to that inflamed desire which the bare promise enkindled in the hearts of the ancient Saints Ps. 38.8 Consider 2. What expectation every devout Soul ought to be in of having Christ Spiritually born in it self by Grace What is my expectation said David is it not our Lord Wherefore we must employ all the saculties of our Soul 1. Our Memory and Understanding in a serious and attentive consideration of his admirable Vertues and Perfections 2. Our Will in ardent affections of love and desire of expressing in our selves what we behold in him that according to the Apostle Beholding the glory of our Lord 2 Cor. 3.18 we may be transformed into the same image Gal. 4.19 Consider 3. We must not content our selves with bare affections and desires for by these we only conceive Christ not bring him forth but we must also with the Apostle Travel as women in labour in the exercise of Christian Perfection till Christ be formed in us labouring to bring to light the good desires which by divine Inspiration we have conceived otherwise they will but torment 〈◊〉 conscience and prove at last our ruine as it often happeneth to mothers when they miscarry for as the Wiseman saith Prov. 21.25 Desires kill the slothful Wherefore encourage your self and inflame your heart by means of those Antiphons the Church useth these days Ecclesâ—◠〈◊〉 Officio Advent saying O wisdom which hast issued forth of the mouth of the Highest c. O Adonal and the like Of the B. Virgins Journey to Bethlehem Luc. 2.1 THere came forth an Edict from Cesar Augustus c. Consider 1. The wonderful disposition of the divine Providence Christ could have been born where at what time and with what ease and convenience he had pleased he would notwithstanding debar himself of all and disposed it so that it should happen to be in the Winter and that Cesars Edict should send his Parents far from home that he might misse even of those small conveniences wherewith he might in some sort have been provided at Nazareth Rem 11.33 O depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! Go now you that seek so greedily after your own eare and pleasures Either God is deceived â—ern de nativ for 3. or the world in an errour saith St. Bernard because their dictamenâ— are quite contrary to one another Cant. 2.9 16. Consider 2. St. Josephs and the B. Virgins Obedience to the Edict with their own great inconvenience taking a long journey of near about a hundred miles Look upon the Travellers see with what modesty patience and conformity to Gods will they carry themselves in all things Think what sweet discourses the Virgin holdeth with her Son My beloved to me and I to him c. Behold he standeth behind our wall looking through the windows looking forth by the grates For All things are naked and open to his eyes Heb. 4.13 Out of every thing gather something for your self Jo. 1 1â— Consider 3. When they were come to Bethlehem they went about all the Innes but could finde no entertainment Good God! there was place for the refuse of men but no room to be found for the Son of God! He came into his own and his own received him not See how patiently they bear this repulse and betake themselves to a cave or open and ruined stall Imitate and love to be set behind all O how true was that The foxes have holes and the fowls of the air nests but the Son of man hath not where to repose his head Think now often you have denied him entertainment while your heart was wholly taken up and full of worldly vanities If any be a little one let him come to me Prov. 9.4 Is 9.6 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a little one Luc. 2.12 COnsider 1. What is said by Isaie A little childe is born to us and a son is given to us And in the Gospel You shall find the Infant swadled in clothes Thus the Lord of Majesty delighteth in the name of a little one and that he might be such brought himself in a manner to nothing See how little he is in his Crib Is 40.12 Who pondereth the Heavens with a span who poiseth with three fingers the huge greatness of the Earth Gal. 2.20 Consider 2. This little one will come to be Spiritually born this day in your heart by Holy Communion if you prepare him a Crib in Bethleem that is in the house of Bread He appeared to men first in flesh now he will communicate himself anew unto you in bread to impart unto you by this living Bread his own divine and immortal life Go then to this divine Mystery so that he may be born anew in your heart which will certainly be if you begin to lead a life conformable to his if you
in hand like passengers eating speedily c. whereby were expressed the vigour of mind and promptness wherewith he suffered Exod. 12.11 Consider 3. Christ beholding the Lamb upon the table dead flead and rosted he reflected how himself was to be extended upon the Cross dead flead with whips and scorched with the heat and rage of his torments Beholding the same Lamb cut in pieces without breaking any of the bones he considered the mangling of his own sacred body and disjoynting of his bones though without the breach of any The hast wherewith they were to eat the Lamb represented the hasty fury and rage of his enemies to make him away The bitter Lettice called to his mind the Gall and bitter chalice of his Passion And the staffe in his hand represented the Cross which he was to embrace and to be fastened unto Jo. 13. Of Washing the Disciples feet Jo. 13.1 c. COnsider 1. After the Paschal Lamb was eaten Christ intending to institute a new memorial of himself in leaving us his pretious body and bloud to teach us with what Humility and Purity we ought to come to it would wash the feet of his Disciples Ponder the admirable Charity and Humility of Christ in this action expressed unto us in very signal termes by the Evangelist Jesus knowing that his hour was come that he should pass out of this world to his father whereas he had loved his that were in the world unto the end he loved them And when supper was done whereas the Divel had now put into the heart of Judas c to betray him knowing that the father gave him all things into his hands and that he came from God and goeth to God he riseth from supper and layeth aside his garments and having taken a towel girded himself Ponder each particular Consider 2. After that he put water into a bason and began to wash the feet of the Disciples and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded Behold the God of Heaven cast at the feet of poor fishermen and performing the office of the meanest servant which made S. Peter cry out Lord doest thou wash my feet and againe Thou shalt not wash my feet for ever Ponder Christs severe reprehension of this Dâ—sobedience If I wash thee not thou shalt not have part with me and learn that it is but false vertue and Humility that opposeth it self to Obedience Consider 3. How Christ also washeth Judas his feet and no doubt but with tender expressions of kindness thereby to mollify his hard heart but all in vaine Learn to love your enemies and to gaine them to you by doing good turns Take heed of a hard heart for The Impious when he shall come to the depth of sins Prov. 18.3 contemneth but ignominy and reproch followeth him Ponder and observe those words of Christ Jo. sup I have given you an example that as I have done to you so you doe also Arise be illuminated Jerusalem because thy light is come c. upon thee shall our Lord arise Is. 60.1 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the light of your Soul Ps. 39.13 COnsider 1. And imagin your self to be that blind man in this days Ghospel that sate by the way begging Luc. 18.35 for you are truly blind in many things not distinguishing between black and white true and false solid and counterfited good nor able to see your own defects so that you may truly say with the Propher Mile Iniquities have overtaken me and I was not able to see Tob. 5.12 Consider 2. What a sad and discomfortable life it is to be in continual darkness without corporeal light How much more then to live in spiritual darkness and blindness of mind What manner of joy shall it be to me said Toby when he was blind which sit in darkness and see not the light of Heaven Think with your self whether you behold the clear light of Heaven or rather the dimm and fading light of the Earth and earthly things Consider also how dangerous it is to be in darkness Jo. 12.35 for he that waiketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth and is exposed to a thousand dangers and falls that you may hence learn rightly to esteem the benefit of divine light Mal. 4.2 Jo. 1.9 Consider 3. How Christ out Lord is the San of Justice as the Prophet saith and the true light which lighteneth every man that cometh into this world Beseech him therefore that coming this day into your soul he would produce therein the usual effects of light and open your eyes to see your secret defects and to distinguish true and real goods from such as are only counterfited and have a care you doe not close your eyes or shut your windows against this light Job 24.13 Job saith of sinners They have been rebellious to the light they have not known his ways See you be not rebellious set open the windows of your heart and say with the Prophet Thou doest illuminat my lemp Ps. 17.29 O Lord. My God ibluminat my darkness Mat. 26.26 Mar. 14.22 Luc. 22.19 1 Cor. 11.24 Of the Institution of the B. Sacrament Part 1. Ps. 144.17 COnsider 1. Christ after he had washed his Disciples feet sate down again to table and intending to leave behind him a singular Memorial of his love towards us took bread into his hands to shew that it was the gift of a most liberal hand Thou openest thy hand and fillest every living creature with blessing Then He lifted up his eyes to Heaven to shew whence this bread cometh He gave thanks to his Eternal father for so great a gift be slowed upon man by his means He blessed iâ— and blessing it transformed it into his own body doe you also give thanks for being made partaker of the same divine bread and beseech him to give you such a blessing as may turn you into another man Consider 2. How the Apostles were astonished when they heard that Christ would give them â—â—s own body but they were together illuminated with a heavenly light wherewith they beleeved all things possible to him That you might also learn to captivate your understanding in Obedience to faith See with what Humility Reverence and Devotion each one communicateth and doe you the like when you come to the same table Judas alone in that company Eateth 1 Cor. 11.29 and drinketh judgement to himself not discerning the body of our Lord. Consider 3. This doe ye for the commemoration of me Ibid. v. 25. Ponder Christs infinit Charity and liberality whereby he would have this divine benefit continued throughout all ages and therein gave power to Priests by vertue of his words to consecrate his pretious body which was never granted to the Angels themselves Think what a dignity this is learn to reverence them whom God hath so highly honoured and to hear their voice to which the Eternal word
a Garden that where began our ruine there might also begin our reparation As he went He began to feare and to be heavy and sad Saying My soul is sorrowful even unto death Marc. 14.33 Mar. sup v. 37. 〈…〉 that is my grief is equal to the pangs of death and such as would take away my life did I not reserve it for other torments Christ could have been free of all this and have gon to suffer with a pleasant heart for that the Joys of the Beatifical Vision which he ever possessed were able to have drowned what grief soever But he would take upon him also these Interiour afflictions that he might be like to us in all things and with all instruct us by his example how to behave our selves in the like sufferings Luc. 22.40 Consider 2. When he was come to the place be said to them Pray least you enter into tempration Then being gon forward a little Mat. 26.38 he fell upon his face praying and saying My Father if it it possible let this Chalice pass from me Nevertheless not as I will but as thou Ponder 1. His profound Rererence in prostrating himself 2. His filial and fiducial Love in the tender name of Father 3. His perfect Resignation Not as I will but as thou 4. His continuing therein for a whole hour Ibid. v. 40. Could you not watch one hour with me Take this as a partern to pray by and compare your prayers with it Learn hence chiefly to resign your self perfectly to God in all things saying Not as I will but as thou Consider 3. Christ like a good Pastour carefull of his flock even in that great distress and in the heat of his prayer visits his Disciples but finds them a sleep the first second and third time Presently after Communion they were so fervorous as to offer themselves to die for their Master but now cannot so much as hold up their heads in prayer See whether you doe not as easily resent from your good purposes They formerly watched all night for their worldly interest in fishing Now when it concerned their Souls good though commanded to watch they sleep without care Take heed of sloth tediousness and forgetfullness in spiritual things whereby the Soul doth truly slumber and sleep The Souls sleep Aug. in Psal 62. saith S. Augustin is to forget God Luc. 22.43 Christ is comforted by an Angel and sweateth bloud COnsider 1. Christ having left his Disciples and being in prayer the third time There appeared to him an Angel from Heaven strengthening him Good God! So far did our Lord give himself over to griefe as to borrow comfort from his own creature Observe here how God sendeth comfort at last to those that persever in prayer Think what reasons the Angel might use in comforting our Lord representing unto him the necessity of his Passion The Glory that would thereby redound to his Father and himself The Redemption of Mankind and the like the which allthough he understood better himself yet would he not refuse the proffer of comsort that you should not disdain to learn of and be beholding to your inferiours Consider 2. And his sweat became as drops of bloud trickling down upon the Earth See how all over his body it gusheth forth of the pores and imbrueth the earth Beseech him to wash your soul also with the same Detest your own coldness in prayer who can scarce let fall one single teare for your sinns Ponder the causes of so strange a sweat 1. The lively apprehension of all his torments as if they had been then present 2. A deep resentment of the sinns which notwithstanding would be committed and of Mens Ingratitude for whom in vaine he suffered those torments Condole with your Saviour and grieve that you were also cause of his so great affliction Consider 3. And being in an Agonie he prayed the longer Learn hence the more you are afflicted the more to persist in prayer Christ could easily have freed himself from this Agony or strife between the flesh and the spirit but would suffer it to give us example of resisting our passions even to the shedding of our bloud Think how easily notwithstanding you let your self be overcome by them and for the least feare give over your good purposes Wherefore in like occasions Doe manfully Psa 26.14 and let thy heart take courage and expect our Lord. Deliver me from my Enemies O my God from them that rise up against me defend me Ps 58.2 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Captain Mat. 4.1 COnsider 1. What Job saith The life of man upon Earth is a warfare Job 7.1 We are in a continual conflict with three most fierce enemies that are allways working our ruine the Flesh the World and the Divel Christ as we read in this days Ghospel would be tempted by the Divel and fight hand to hand with him to train us up like a good Commander by his own example Therefore David cryeth out Ps 143.1 Blessed be our Lord my God who teacheth my hands to battel and my fingers to War Ps 17.40 Consider 2. How much it doth import us not to be overcome in this War where we fight for an Eternity View your self throughly and see in what particular you are most weak and defective and in what manner of encounters you are more frequently wounded Rely on the defence and conduct of this your Captain who is to come this day into your Soul For He will gird you with strength to battel He will protect and guard you If camps stand together against you Ps 26.3 your heart shall not feare Ps 142.9 Consider 3. Souldiers are wont to be sworn to their Captain So ought you to yours This duty you have once performed in Baptisme by renouncing the Divel and his pomps But O how often have you playd the Renegade and shamefully left your colours Yeeld your self now up again to your Captain renew your Oath and promise from hence forwards a more exact Obedience Cast forth of your heart whatsoever may be suspected to have confederacy with his and your own enemies Say with the Prophet Deliver me from mine enemies O Lord to thee I have fled teach me to do thy will because thou art my God Mat. 26.46 c. Christ meeteth Judas and his followers Zachar. 11. COnsider 1. Christ having ended his prayer Said to his Disciples Rise let us goe behold he approcheth that shall betray me And As he yet spake behold Judas one of the twelve came c. Observe Judas his diligence in his wicked design The other Apostles sleep and are scarce roused up at the third call But Judas watcheth to betray his Master How buisy are men in their temporal affaires how careless in their spiritual Deplore this extreme folly of the world Judas one of the twelve came O prodigious ingratitude He who was so highly favored by his Master cometh
in the head of his enemies to deliver him up into their hands Learn not to rely much on gifts bestowed gratis and without deserts of which the more you have the more you also have to answer for and the greater cause to feare Houle thou firre tree saith the Prophet because the Cedar is fallen c. If an Apostle fell why may not you likewise fall Ps. 21.17 Consider 2. And with him a great multitude with swords and clubs Behold the wicked Rout see how they come all armed with malice and prepared to work their wicked ends upon Jesus contriving with themselves by the way the manner of laying hold on him and securing him from escape How Judas giveth them a signe saying whomsoever I shall kiss that is he hold him Think what fright the Apostles were in at the noise of the Souldiers Then was truly fullfilled that of the Prophet Many dogs have compassed me the counsell of the malignant have besieged me Consider 3. Christ did not fly nor render himself invisible as easily he might 4 Reg. 1.10 Jo. 18.4 not called fire from Heaven to consume his enemies as did Elias but with an undaunted courage and desireous of dying for you went forth towards them See you be grateful and learn Constancy in adversity and not to avoid occasions of suffering for Christ but rather with courage and resolution to meet and entertain them Mat. 26.49 c. Of Judas his Kiss Ps. 54.22 COnsider 1. And forthwith Judas coming to Jesus he said Haile Rabbi and he kissed him Ponder the Impudency of this treacherous disciple He fawnes upon his Master to destroy him Such are the allurements of the world They seem kisses but truly are so many darts His words are made softer then oyle and the same are darts How many are there that with outward signes of devotion fondly fawne upon our Lord while they carry about them a treacherous mind how many again that have nothing but fair words and honey in their mouths while their heart is full of gall poisâ—n and rancor against their neighbour See you be none of these but above all take heed you give not Christ such a kiss in the Sacrament Consider 2. Christs admirable Meekness and Charity He upbraideth not teprocheth not refuseth not but receiveth the Kiss and speaketh friendly to him Saying Friend whereto art thou come if so at least he might win him to repentance he calleth him friend to make him one he asketh what he cometh for that entering into himself he might come to understand the enormity of his fact in so fouly betraying his best Friend and Benefactor his Master his Lord and God See how mercifully God doth seek to reclaim Sinners and learn with what mildness you ought to behave your self to your brother that injureth you Luc. 22.48 Consider 3. Those other words Judas with a kiss doest thou betray the Son of Man What stony heart would not these words mollify and yet they move him not We condemn Judas for his hard heart but little reflect that we are often guilty of the same while we are nothing moved by the inspirations of God and checks of our own conscience crying out with a loud voice What do you do will you sin will you offend God c. It was a circumstance highly aggravating Judas his sin to make the kiss of peace an instrument of his treason What then will it be to turn by abuse the gifts of Grace into instruments of Gods offence and our own damnation Take warning therefore in time Christ casteth his Enemies on the ground and is taken Jo. 18.4.5 COnsider 1. Jesus having asked the Souldiers whom seek ye They answered him Jesus of Nazareth Jesus Saith to them I am he and thereby cast them on the ground to give them a testimony of his divinity and to shew that he could not be apprehended unless he had pleased Ponder how those words I am are of singular comfort to the Just and signify as much as I am your Father and Protector your Joy and Comfort your wisdom your Justice your Sanctification and Redemption c. It is I feare ye not Mat. 14 2â— But to the wicked they are full of terror threatning wrath indignation punishment revenge and damnation If now therefore they strike such terrour into his enemies when it was as he said their hour and the power of darkness what will they doe Luc. 22.53 when it will be his day and hour of exercising the power of Judge Jo. 18.6 Consider 2. They went backward and fell to the ground This is a type of obstinat and impenitent Sinners that fall flat on their backs so as not to see or regard their falls Beseech our Lord that if at any time you come to fall it may be upon your face that you may see and acknowledge your fall by Humility and get soon up again by Pennance See how S. Peter draweth his sword and cutteth off the eare of Malchus but Christ reprehendeth him for it forbiddeth all violence and resistance and healeth the servants eare that you should learn to doe good for evill to your enemies Consider 3. Christ having said If you seek me let these go their ways forgetfull of himself solicitous for his Disciples Mar. 26.50 Then they drew â—eer and layd hands on Jesus and held him Behold with what rage those Hell-hounds rush upon the meek lamb buffet kick and beat him with their clubs cast him on the ground and trample over him Good God what a spectacle is this He who sitteth upon the Cherubs Ps. 79.3 is troden under the fecr of the wicked The same doe all Sinners who as S. Paul saith tread the Son of God under foot Heb. 10.29 See you be not one Christ is bound The Disciples fly Jo. 18.12 COnsider 1. Having apprehended Jesus they bound him doubtless with hard cords See how he yeelds his sacred hands and armes to be bound who notwithstanding if he had pleased could more easily then Sampson have broken those cords all in pieces Judic 10.12 as threads of Linnen cloth It was love alone that could fetter those hands which framed the Heavens and wrought wonders on earth Doe you likewise permit your self to be bound with the bands of Charity with the tye of Obedience and obligation of such duties as appartain to the state and condition you live in Eccli 6.25 Thrust thy foot into her fetters and thy neck into her chains saith the wiseman speaking of true wisdom and be not weary of her bands Mar. 14.50 Consider 2. Then his Disciples leaving him all fled Think what a sore affliction it was to Christ to be left so by his friends whereof he often complaineth by his Prophets Ps. 87.9 Thou hast made my familiars far from me they have put me abomination to themselves Ps. 63.3 I have troden the press alone and of the Gentils there is not a
each particular for all is full of pith Jo. 10.27 Consider 3. Seeing you are a sheep endowed with reason you must be careful that nothing be in you that may be ungrateful to the eyes of this your Pastour wherefore wash your self from the durt and filth of sin that you may appear in his sight with a pure and clean fleece Besides My sheep saith he Hear my voice Hear therefore and obey him diligently that you may deserve to remain for ever in his sould Jo. 21.1 Our Lord appeareth to the seven Disciples that were fishing Part 1. COnsider 1. There were together Simon Peter and Thomas and Nathanael c. Peter inviting them to fishing they all shew a readiness to accompany him We also come with thee teaching us thereby what union and concord ought to be among Evangelical Labourers in the fishing for Souls They goe a fishing both for the reliefe of their poverty and want and to avoid Idleness that you might learn to esteem the one and shun the other Ps. 126.1 Consider 2. How that night they took nothing So all humane industry whatsoever of it self is in vaine without the divine concurrance Unless our Lord build the house they have laboured in vaine that build it This hath place chiefly in the gaining of Souls that you should learn not to trust to your own abilityes but to place all your hopes of success in the divine assistance 1 Cor. 3.7 Neither he that planteth is any thing nor he that watereth but he that giveth the increase God Observe likewise that in the night of sin nothing is to be taken in order to Eternal life but all our labour though otherwise never so good during that state as to merit is wholy lost Prov. 21.28 Consider 3. How when morning was now come Jesus slood on the shore yet the Disciples knew not that it was Jesus So he often is it hand in our necessities though we mind him not Then he asketh whether they have any meat though he knew they had not because he will have us acknowledge our wants before he bestoweth his gifts Lastly he biddeth them cast the Net on the right side of the boate and having obeyed now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes in reward of their Obedience that you might learn also to follow and obey the Councels of your Superiours For An obedient man saith Salomon shall speak Victory Jo. 21.7 Our Lord appeareth to the seven Disciples that were fishing Part. 2. COnsider 1. John knowing it to be Christ by the miraculous draught of fish undoubtedly pronounceth It is our Lord. And Peter presently in all hast flingeth him self into the Sea to swimme unto him In John is expressed the light of the contemplative life which is quick sighted to know our Lord and to point him out to others In Peter is figured the fervor of the Active life which is allways forward upon works of Piety Give your self to both that by contemplation you may come to know the Divine will and by Action you may effectually put it in practice Mat. 11.28 Consider 2. Our good Lord had prepared a dinner for them probably by the hands of Angels against they were come on shore For After they came down to land they saw hot Coles lying and fish layed thereon and bread Observe how lovingly he invites them saying Come dine c. And himself distributes the bread among them In like manner he invites us all to partake of his fullness Come ye to me all that labour and are burdened and I will refresh you Wonderful is the care and providence of God over his servants that you may learn to cast your care upon our Lord Ps. 54.23 for he will noâ—rish thee Consider 3. If it be your calling to fish for Souls you must be sure to cast your net on the right side by a right and pure intention only seeking the glory of God and gain of Souls not on the left seeking your own temporal profit The Apostles saith S. Bernard did spread their nets to catch fish not Gold nor Silver Bern. Ep. 137. See that you doe the like Jo. 21.15 Our Lord commits his sheep to Peter COnsider 1. How presently after they were refreshed Christ intending to make Peter his Vicar and to commit unto him the care of his flock questions him first about his love towards him and that thrice one after another Saying Simon of John lovest thou me more then these to teach us how well grounded he must be in Christs love whosoever undertaketh the government of Souls for the undergoing with courage and resolution the labours which accompany that charge Examen your self whether you have a sufficient stock of love to discharge your duty in this point according to your calling Ezech. 34.2.3 Consider 2. What Christ said feed my sheep Ponder what it is to feed and how it is to be done For it is the same as to further them towards their Eternal life by Preaching the word of God by administration of Sacraments and by the example of a good life Let such of this calling take heed they be not the number of those whom our Lord speaks of by his Prophet Wo to the Pastours of Israel c. You did eate the milk and were covered with the wool and that which was fat you killed but my flock you fed not Consider 3. Our Lord foretold Peter his death and manner thereof which he was to suffer for his sake as a certain pledge of their mutual love that you might learn to esteem such sufferings and death it self as tokens of Gods love and special favor towards you as truely they are Therefore the Prophet said according to the Septuagint who are weyned from milk Is. 28.9 juxta Septuag expect tribulation upon tribulation hope upon hope c. That is you who are come to mans estate in Vertue and perfection expect tribulation upon tribulation that you may deserve for your reward hope upon hope Mat. 28.16 Our Lord appeareth to all the Disciples on the Mount COnsider 1. The unspeakable Goodness of our Lord who that he might comfort his friends to the full appointed them to repaire to a mountain of Gallile where they might all see him at once For probably this was that famous Apparition of which S. Paul mentioneth 1 Cor. 15.6 Then was he seen of more then five hundred Bretheren together Think with what fervor they all went to see our Lord. O that you would come with the like to receive him in the Holy Eucharist Ps. 26.3 Consider 2. How our Lord appearing unto them comforted and confirmed them in their faith and among other things said unto them All power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth He had the same Power from all eternity as God but received it now due to him as man in reward of his merits and sufferings Rejoyce that so
Mat. 12.34 COnsider 1. And they began to speak with several Tongues as the H. Ghost gave them to speak Ponder 1. The greatness of the Miracle poor Fishermen that were ignorant and unlearned speak the Languages of all Nations Ponder 2. What they speak of to wit the great works of Christ not of vain trifles or worldly rumors So those who are full of God speak not but of such things as are of God for Of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh See therefore whether or no thy speech doth bewray thee Mat. 26.73 and prove that thou art full of the World not of God Consider 2. The multitude came together and was astoniâ—hed in mind whereof some did believe but others deriding said that these are full of new wine So there will not be ever wanting those that will laugh at good works but we must not therefore leave off Beseech our Lord to make you drunk with the like wine for he whom Gods love doth inebriate saith S. Bernard knoweth how Jesus doth relish S. Bern. in Jubilo O how happy is that man whom he doth satiate there is not any thing lâ—ft him to desire Ephes 5.18 19. Consider 3. The effects which the Holy Ghost doth work in a faithful soul Be filled with the spirit speaking to your selves in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Canticles chanting and singing in your hearts to our Lord saith the Apostle See whether you do so at least excite and stir your self up to like actions Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost Part 1. COnsider 1. How bountiful the Divine Spirit is to us who having no need of us in the least notwithstanding doth liberally bestow upon us most precious and beneficial gifts which are as S. Thomas saith S. Tho. 1.2 q. 68. a. 4. c. Habits inabling a man to follow promptly the instinct of the Holy Ghost chiefly in order to Noble and Heroick Acts and are commonly accounted seven out of Isaie to wit The spirit of wisdom and understanding Is 11.2 the spirit of counsel and strength the spirit of knowledge and piety and the spirit of the fear of our Lord. Consider 3. These giâ—ts serve us as Spiritual Armour to strengthen our several infirmities for the spirit saith S. Paul helpeth our infirmity Rom. 8.26 Greg. Mor. l. 2. c. 27. Therefore he giveth us as S. Gregory teacheth wisdom against folly understanding against dulness counsel against rashness fortitude against fear science against ignorance piety against indevotion the fear of our Lord against pride Seq in Missa Consider 3. How much you are subject to these infirmities how foolishly you prefer the things of this life before Eternity how dull and heavy you are in things appertaining to the service of God and so of the rest Beseech the Divine Spirit to arm you with the even-fold Shield of his gifts Say with the Church Come holy Spirit send forth a beam of your heavenly light c. Of the gifts of the Holy Ghost Part 2. COnsider 1. By the foresaid gifts we are not only holpen against whatsoever infirmities for the avoiding of evil but also provided with excellent helps for the obtaining of good 1. Wisdom helpeth to understand the divine perfections of God and that with gust and affections of love 2. Understanding to penetrate the mysteries of faith and the profound secrets that lye hidden therein S. Knowledge to contemplate with profit created things as they proceed from and lead us to God and inform our life and manners Sap. 9.14 Consider 2. We are also helped by Counsel in our doubts and perplexities For the cogitations of mortal men be fearful and our providences uncertain And as a woman that travelâ—eth Eccli 34.6 thy heart suffereth phantasies unless it be a Vision sent forth from the Highest And because it is dangerous to trust to our selves by the gift of Counsel we are moved to let our selves be led by others especially Superiours and spiritual Directors according to that Establish with thy self an heart of good counsel Eccli 37.17 18. and perswade your self that the soul of a holy man uttereth true things c. Prov. 8.13 Consider 3. By Fortitude we are encouraged to undergo manfully whatsoever difficulties and dangers in Gods service and with an undaunted courage to suffer torments and Martyrdome By Piety we are informed to carry our selves as children towards our Superiours as Mothers towards our Inferiours with the bowels of charity and as Brethren to our Equals Lastly The fear of our Lord hateth evil and preserves us from sin even the least Because he that feareth God Eccl. 7.19 neglecteth nothing Therefore beg these gifts of our Lord who giveth to all men abundantly Jac. 1.5 Of the fruits of the Holy Ghost Galat. 5.22 23. COnsider 1. The Holy Ghost is like a great Tree whose top reacheth to heaven and whose branches shadow the whole earth its fruits are recounted by the Apostle twelve in number The fruit of the spirit is Charity Joy Peace Patience Benignity Goodness Longanimity Mildness Faith Modesty Continency Chastity These are most precious fruit and fall of all sweetness And his fruit saith the Spouse was sweet to my throat Cant. 2.3 Mat. 7.16 Consider 2. And examine your self whether you have the Spirit of God and whether you be partaker of his fruits for by their fruits you shall know them saith Christ Think therefore with your self how charitable you are how patient mild and modest and so of the rest for if you find your self destitute of these it is a sign the divine spirit hath for as yet overshadowed you nor come into you for he that liveth in the spirit Gal. 5.25 in the spirit also walketh Sap. 1.5 Consider 3. The prime disposition requisite for the receiving the Holy Ghost is a pure intention of serving God in all things for his own sake not for worldly respects for as the wise man saith The Holy Ghost of discipline will fly from him that feigneth Wherefore endeavour to please him in all things and to conform your self to the discipline of the place and calling you are of and that not in the outward shew only but sincerely and from the heart Of the manner of life which the Holy Ghost inspired into the first Christians Act. 2.42 COnsider 1. They were persevering in the Doctrine of the Apostles and in the communication of the breaking of bread and of prayers for chiefly by these three things spiritual life is nourished and encreased to wit 1. By hearing or reading the Word of God 2. By frequenting the Sacraments and principally that of the Altar 3. By continual prayer Do you likewise insist chiefly upon these Consider 2. Their living in common All they also that believed were together Ibid. v. 44. and had all things common Their Charity and mutual concord And the multitude of believers had one heart Act. 4.32 and one soul
of all occasions of doing good and that in all manner of distress according to our ability 3. They ought to be performed with an interiour pious affection Think how you are wont to be in these especially the spiritual works Mercy Mat. 11.28 Consider 2. The example of Christ in these particulars 1. As to all sorts of persons therefore he said Come ye to me all without exception that labour and are burthened and I will refresh you 2. As to all occasions of doing good therefore He was teaching daily in the Temple Luc. 19.47 Act. 10.39 And He went throughout doing good and bealing all that were oppressed of the Devil 3. He performed all with a most tender affection like to the Samaritan Luc. 10.30 c. who bound his wounds that fell among thieves therefore go and do thou in like manner Luc. 6.38 Consider 3. The Reward For they shall obtain mercy as well in this life both for body and soul as in the life to come likewise for both and that after a perfect manner and indeed with the same measure that you do mete it shall be measured to you again Think how much you stand in need of Gods Mercy What would become of you if he should deal with you according to your deserts Be merciful therefore and that in all the works of mercy that you may obtain mercy Judgment without mercy to him saith S. James that hath not done mercy Jac. 2.13 Of the sixth Beatitude Blessed are the clean of heart c. Mat. 5.8 1 Tim. 1. â— COnsider 1. Cleanness of heart consisteth 1. In being free from all sin both Mortal and Venial 2. In the frequent exercise of holy thoughts 3. In the purity of a right intention doing nothing with dissimulation or with intention to appear before men Therefore the Apostle requireth of us Charity from a pure heart and a good conscience and a faith not feigned Examine your self how you are in these particulars 1 Pet. 2.22 Sap. 7.26 Consider 2. Christs example who as S. Peter saith did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth Therefore he is also called The brightness of Eternal Light the unspotted glass of Gods Majesty and the Image of his goodness And did often rebuke the Scribes and Pharisees Mat. 23 2â— Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites because you make clean that on the outside of the cup and dish but within you are full of rapine and uncleanness See whether you imitate Christ or rather the Pharisees in your actions Sap. 1.4 5. Consider 3. The Reward For they shall see God O what a happiness it will be to see God! Neither eye hath seen nor ear heard c. Labour therefore to obtain this purity of heart which the greater it is the perfecter will be your Vision and Essential Happiness Even in this life such shall have a clearer knowledge of God and divine things On the contrary Wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul nor dwell in a soul subject to sins And the Holy Ghost of discipline will fly from him that feigneth saith the wise man Of the seventh Beatitude Blessed are the Peace-makers Mat. 5.9 c. COnsider 1. There are four several ways of making peace The first is to make peace with ones self by subjecting the Flesh to the Spirit and the Sensual Appetite to Reason The second is to keep peace with others to hurt none to give no body occasion of complaint The third is to pacifie and make agree those that are at variance The fourth and most excellent of all others is to reconcile souls to God Think how you carry your self in these Is 9.6 Consider 2. The example of Christ who therefore came down from Heaven that he might be out Mediator for peace and is therefore called A peaceable King and Prince of Peace At his first entrance into the world he brought Peace with him And in earth Luc. 2.14 peace to men of good will And at his going forth of it again he left us his Peace as a Legacy saying Jo. 14.27 Peace I leave to you my peace I give to you c. Lastly he would have his Disciples to salute all with the word of peace Peace to this house And himself after his Resurrection Luc. 10.5 used the like salutation to them Phil. 4.7 Consider 3. The Reward For they shall be called the Children of God Think what a dignity it is to be the Son of Almighty God If it be thought a great matter to be the Son of some earthly Prince how much more to have the Heavenly King and Lord of all for his Father Wherefore Almighty God doth after a special manner love cherish and protect these Peace-makers as his own children See how you keep peace within your self with God and with your Neighbour and do your endeavour that the Peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your heart aad intelligence Of the eighth Beatitude Blessed are they that suffer Persecution Mat. 5.10 c. 1 Pet. 4.16 COnsider 1. These four things 1. Under the Name of Persecution are comprehended all manner of injuries afflictions and incommodities in our fortunes honor and life 2. These are raised by the Devil or his Ministers Sometimes also through mistake God so permitting by the Just 3. They are inflicted for Justice sake when one suffereth them for the exercise of virtue and incompliance with his proper duties both towards God and men 4. In such occasions they are to be suffered not only patiently but also joyfully for the greatness of the reward Therefore S. Peter saith Let none of you suffer as a Murderer or a Thief or a Railer c. but if as a Christian let him not be ashamed but let him glorifie God in this Name Consider 2. The Example of Christ who endured all manner of injuries and incommodities in his honour in his goods in his person for a cause which on his part was the most just that could be to wit for the publishing his most wholesome and Divine Law and bringing Mankind back from the dirt and mire of Vice whereinto he was fallen to the way of Eternal Salvation Exod. 25.40 Therefore look and do according to the pattern Rom. 8.18 Consider 3. The Reward For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven And again Be glad and rejoyce for your reward is very great in Heaven Ponder well the greatness or this Reward and how true is that of the Apostle The passions of this time are not condigne to the glory to come that shall be revealed in us Of those words of our Lord Mat. 5.13 You are the Salt of the Earth c. COnsider 1. Salt doth both season Meat and preserve it from Corruption So it is the part of all Apostolical men to preserve Souls from the corruption of sin and besides to render the exercise of Virtue savoury and pleasant unto them
Prayer Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven The Will of God is of three sorts of Precept of Councel and of good Pleasure Let all therefore follow your counsels and inspirations obey your commands approve and reverence your good pleasure in Earth as the Saints do in Heaven and execute your holy will readily chearfully and constantly See whether you do so Mat. 4.4 Our daily bread c. Both corporal whereby the life of the body is maintained and chiefly spiritual whereby the Soul is preserved in life for not in bread alone doth man live but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God c. Give us this day that is daily that you should daily ask it not for your self alone but for us all even your Enemies Luc. 6.37 And forgive us our Trespasses as we c. Therefore first forgive if any one have offended you either by word or deed that you may deserve to have forgiveness of your offences You are indebted more then ten thousand talents to God in comparison whereof your Brother scarce oweth you a peny forgive therefore the lesser debt that your greater may be forgiven you Forgive and you shall be forgiven And lead us not into temptation That is do not permit us to be overcome It is not always expedient for us to be without temptation in this life for the tryal and improvement of our virtue Beg therefore strength to resist But deliver us from all evil both of guilt and of punishment from the snares of the Devil Lastly from all evil past present and future that you may enjoy everlasting happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven Amen Be it be it Of other sayings of Christ on the Mountain Mat. 5. 6 COnsider 1. In the same Sermon our Lord doth very severely forbid anger against our Brethren There are three degrees of anger the first of the heart the second of words the third of deeds Ponder the evils which it brings us It perverteth Reason it exposeth us to grievous sins and makes us liable to the torments of Hell Think how you are subject to this in your actions and see you mend your self Consider 2. He doth also forbid us to swear Let your talk be yea yea no no. Mat. 5.37 Think how detestable is the custom of swearing how unworthy of any Christian much more of sacred persons A man that sweareth much Eccli 23.12 shall be filled with iniquity and plague shall not depart from his house that is Gods revenge See whether perhaps any such custom have place in you and seek to root it out both in your self and others Mat. 6.1 Consider 3. Those words Take good heed that you do not your Justice before men to be seen of them He teacheth us to fly vain glory rising from good works otherwise we shall have no reward in heaven We are to do good works before men according to that Mat. 5.17 So let your light shine before men c. yet not with intention thereby to please men but God alone S. Greg. Hom. 11. in Evang. Therefore let the action saith S. Gregory be so in publick that the intention whereby we seek only to please God be kept in private Of sending the Apostles to Preach Mat. 10. Luc. 10. Part 1. Luc. 10.2 COnsider 1. Our most merciful Lord beholding the state of Souls in Israel said The harvest truly is much but the workmen few Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send forth workmen into his harvest Our Lords harvest are the Elect who expect the preaching of the Gospel and of these there are many of your own Country for whose good you ought to be concerned Beseech our Lord therefore to send zealous workmen and such as may reap much fruit and if it be your lot to be one see you spare no pains nor labour seeking the good of souls not your own private ends Luc. 10.1 Consider 2. Hence Christ sent his Disciples to preach But two and two to recommend Charity unto us wherewith the Preachers of the Gospel ought to be linked together for Prov. 18.19 Brother that is holpen of Brother is as a strong City Think how necessary this Union and mutual assistance is among all that help Souls least otherwise what one gathers an other scattereth and what one builds an other destroyeth Exciâ—e your self therefore to an Universal and Apostolical Charity towards all Note also that these Harvest-men must be sent or called by Christ and his Substitutes and not thrust themselves in by their own private Authority Mat. 10.8 Consider 3. Christs Precepts to those he was to send 1. He debarreth them far from all Avarice Gratis you have received gratis give ye 2. 2. He forbiddeth superfluous and precious things Do not possess gold nor silver nor money in your purses 3. In ordinary conveniences he prohibiteth such as are less necessary Not a skrip for the way neither two coats c. 4. Even in necessaries he will have them confide in God and feed upon what is set before them without seeking after extraordinaries and particularities Eating and drinking such things as they have Think how you ought to observe these things Luc. 10.7 if you desire to labour in our Lords Harvest with profit rather then with pomp Of sending the Apostles to Preach Mat. 10. Luc. 10. Part 2. Mat. 10.16 COnsider 1. Those words Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves An unheard-of kind of warfare he sendeth sheep to combat with wolves So true it is 1 Cor. 1.27 The weak things of the world hath God chosen that be may confound the strong Moreover he admonisheth his Preachers to be like sheep that is meek not returning evil for evil but imploying themselves wholly to the benefit of their Neighbour like unto sheep which give their milk and wooll and flesh and all they have for mans use Consider 2. Those other words Be ye wise as Serpents Mat. sup and simple as Doves He would have the Serpents Wisdome joyned with the Doves Simplicity He requireth Prudence in taking fit occasions of time and place c. to help our Neighbour Simplicity in doing all things sincerely without double dealing or malice and proceeding without bitterness and gall which Doves are said not to have Thine eyes are as Doves saith the Spouse in the Canticles that is Cant. 1.15 pure Such therefore ought to be the eye of your intention Mat. 10.7 Marc. 6.12 Consider 3. The Subject they are enjoyned to preach on Going preach saying that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand c. And going forth they preached that they should do Penance They preached not of vain and curious matters but of such only as were profitable for the good of Souls such ought to be the endeavours and manner of preaching of those that have care of Souls speaking inwardly to their Hearers spiritual
himself The light of thy countenance Ps 4.7 O Lord is signed upon us Therefore as it is said to day in the Gospel give him this piece of Coyn whose Image and Superscription it beareth but let it be neat and cleansed from the filth of sin Rom. 8.29 and conformable to the Image of his Son to whose likeness it was made and then he will teach you all truth Jo. 16.13 Of the Talents Mat. 25. Luc. 19. Part 1. Mat. 25.14 COnsider 1. A man going into a strange Country called his servants and delivered them his goods God as the Universal Lord of all distributes his goods among men for whatsoever we have either in body or soul within or without us natural or supernatural all is Gods O man What hast thou that thou hast not received 1 Cor. 4.7 But God distributes his Talents or Gifts whether Natural or Supernatural more to one fewer to an other at his pleasure but he saith to all Occupy or negotiate till I come Luc. 19.13 that they may make their benefit of what they receive See how much you have received for your share that you may be the better able to give an account Mat. 25.16 Consider 2. The due use of these Talents He that had received the five Talents occupied with the same and gained other five Likewise also he that received the two gained other two Equal was the industry of both though in unequal Talents and therefore equal also was their reward because God as S. Hierom saith considereth not the greatness of the gain but our good will and endeavour S. Hieron in c. 25. Mat. Wherefore you also although you may think your self to have received few Talents in comparison of others notwithstanding may be equal to them in reward if you be equal with them to your proportion in the improvement of your stock Consider 3. The powerful Motive of reward to make us labour hard Because thou hast been faithful over a few things Mat. sup 21 I will place thee over many things enter into the Joy of thy Lord But what joy That which eye hath not seen nor ear hath beard 1 Cor. 2.9 c. A joy without any limit or measure and never to have any end or abatement Be you therefore faithful over that little which God hath bestowed upon you in Wit Judgment Science Health and the like imploying all to his glory that you may deserve to be placed over many things Of the Talents Mat. 25. Luc. 19. Part 2. Mat. 25.18 COnsider 1. He that had received the one Talent going his way digged ineo the earth and hid his Lords money So many seeing themselves not able to appear exteriourly in point of Science Virtue c. so much as others fall into despair give themselves over to the world and become slothful and careless in the service of God The slothful hideth his hand under the arm-hole Pro. 19.24 neither doth he put it to his mouth But such are called Fools by the Divine Spirit Eccles 4.5 A Fool foldeth his hands together c. saying Better is an handful with rest then both hands full with labour See whether perhaps you do not the same Ps 140.4 Consider 2. The slothful servants excuse Lord I know that thou art a hard man c. He makes a lye to excuse himself for our Lord is not hard but gentle and good to all The same do all slothful people making excuses in sins they fancy vain fears and dangers saying A Lion is in the way a Lioness in the journeys Pro. 26.13 Such often say I cannot whereas there wants not Power but Will. Have a special care of this slothful humour Consider 3. This servants doom Naughty and slothful servant c. take away the Talent from him c. And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the utter darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth He is not damned as S. Augustine observeth Because he lost the Talent Aug. Ser. 10 in Joan. but because he kept it without making gain Use therefore all your endeavour to imploy well the Talents which God hath bestowed upon you you cannot want imployment in what state or condition soever you live for your own Spiritual Advantage Gods Glory and your Neighbours good Of the Vineyard let our to Husbandmen Mat. 21. Mar. 12. Luc. 20. Part 1. Mat. 21.33 COnsider 1. A man there was an Housholder who planted a Vineyard and made a hedge round about it c. God hath planted a Vineyard his Universal Church and hath bestowed great care upon it First he hath made a hedge round about it fencing it with excellent Laws and Precepts and affording it the Protection of Angels against the Incursions of Wild Beasts the Devils Secondly He digged in it a Press Instituting the Sacraments wherein is contained the precious Blood of Christ strained out for us through the Press of the Cross and ever flowing for the Remission of our Sins Thirdly He built a Tower to watch in imploying his Divine Providence both to protect it from Evils and to provide it with all good How happy is it to be placed in such a Vineyard under such a Guardian Consider 2. Having thus appointed his Vineyard he let it out to Husbandmen that is to all men that each one should labour in it as to his part or share to wit his own Soul and such others as are committed to his charge which done he went forth into a strange Country because he maketh as if he were absent leaving us to our selves to work freely and at our own pleasure And although he could have fruit from us by force yet he expecteth with patience Who then would not admire and love so great a Goodness Consider 3. Almighty God to put these Husbandmen in mind of their duty sent them from time to time Patriarchs Prophets and Priests but all in vain Lastly he sent also his own Son but him likewise they kâ—lled Justly therefore he complaineth by his Prophet What is there that I ought to do more to my Vineyard Is 5.4 and have not done to it Whence with good reason it is â—aid The naughty men he will bring to naught Mat. sup 41 See that the same sentence may not also light upon you and procure to yield fruit answerable to the Tenure which you hold Of the Vineyard let out to Husbandmen Mat. 21. Mar. 12. Luc. 20. Part 2. Jer. 2.21 COnsider 1. The Vineyard is also the Soul of every Man and yours in particular which the Supreme Housholder hath furnished with Hedge Press and Tower that is with all necessaries both for your security and convenience of yielding fruit in all manner of virtue Look well into your self and you will find that you are an Elect Vineyard of which the Prophet speaketh so that it may be also said of you What is there that I ought
for which respect we ought to be very cautious left we make other mens sins our own for that they often take their beginning from ours Look therefore well about your self and see whether you are wont to give others bad example in any kind for woe be to that man by whom scandal cometh Mat. 18.7 Of the Treasure hid in the Field Mat. 13.44 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Treasure hid in a Field This Treasure saith S. Gregory Greg. Hom 11. in Evang Mat. 11.25 is the desire of Heaven or love of Virtue and heavenly things and is said to be hidden in the field of this world for that all know not the value of it Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them to little ones Whence it is that most men abhor Humility and Poverty as vile and contemptible things Beseech our Lord so to open your eyes that you may be able to discover this Treasure Consider 2. How this Treasure is to be kept which a man having found did hide it saith Christ We must therefore lay it up closely in our hearts and cover it with the Vail of Humility from the praises of men and vain glory lest thereby it come to be taken from us and vanish away Examine your self whether you do so or whether you do not rather vainly boast and brag at every turn for what you think your self to have Our way to Heaven is beset with many Thieves and he desires to be robbed saith S. Gregory that carrieth his Treasure in open view Hide it therefore what you can Greg. sup that so you may keep it long Luc. 14.33 Consider 3. This Treasure cannot be otherwise purchased then by buying it and that with the sale not of some one or more things but of all whatsoever we have He goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth it And Christ in another place pronounceth Every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth cannot be my Disciple We must therefore leave all things of this world at least in affection to attain to a perfect enjoyment of Christ and think that well left for which we gain a hundred fold and that more then a hundred times over Of the Pearl Mat. 13.45 Luc. 19.13 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a Merchant-man seeking good Pearls We are all Merchants in this life therefore Christ in the Parable of the Talents said Occupy till I come that is to judgment All men indeed seek Pearls but some take them for Temporal Enjoyments others for Learning and Sciences others again for honors but they are all mistaken these are false Pearl nor have they anything that is good in them but an outward shew therefore the Apostle to the rich saith Your riches are corrupt Jac. 5.2 3. your gold and silver is rusted See whether you do not affect such kind of Pearl Sap. 7.9 Consider 2. And having found one precious Pearl c. for there is one only true precious Pearl Christ our Lord and the love of heavenly things All gold in comparison of her is a little sand and silver in the sight of her shall be esteemed as clay There is no comparison between Heaven and Earth ore single drop of water and the whole Ocean Time and Eternity no more is there between Christ and all earthly goods whatsoever and yet as often as you sin you renounce Christ for some base thing or other Consider 3. Here again it is said that this Peâ—â—l is not to be bought without seâ—ling all we have He went his way and sold all that he had and bought it But happy is he saith S. Gregory who with all his fortunes is able to buy Christ S. Greg. Naz. Phil. 3.8 Therefore the Apostle I have made all things as detriment and do esteem them as dung that I may gain Christ Think with your self whether you do so and what a kind of Merchant you are Of Holy Communion WHen the four and twentieth Sunday after Pentecost comes before the Moneth of November as it falls out when there are eight and twenty Sundaies then in the twenty fourth is read the Mass and Gospel of the third Sunday which was remaining after the Epiphany to wit that of the Leper and the Centurion Mat. 8. Wherefore then you shall take the Meditation which is for the third Sunday after Epiphany and consider Christ as the Physitian of your Soul as is set down there page 108. Of the lost Sheep Luc. 15.4 c. COnsider 1. What man of you having an hundred Sheep c. This Man is Christ the Sheep are the Faithful Christ performeth to the full all the Offices of a good Shepherd he came down from Heaven to feed them he marks them for his own with a Divine Character he leads them by the example of his Virtues he cures them of the Infection of Sin he defends them from the Infernal Wolves he provides them rich Pastures of his Doctrine and Sacraments and which is incomparably more he gives them his own Body and Blood for meat and drink The Faithful hear his Voice obey his Commands follow him where ever he leadeth they delight in his Pastures and yield him both the Wooll of their exteriour actions and Milk of their interiour and even their Blood and Life and all when soever there is any necessity of dying for him Is 53.6 Consider 2. The strayed Sheep is a sinner who leaving the company of the Just and Obedience to his Pastor goeth his own ways nothing is more foolish and miserable then he he understands not the happiness he enjoyeth under his Pastor he cares not for Spiritual Pastures he prefers such as are more pleasing to flesh and blood he follows him not nor hears his Call he esteems the ways of the Cross and of Mortification to be too rough and hard and chuses rather to trace the craggy and dangerous ways of his own will All we have strayed as sheep saith the Prophet every one hath declined into his own way Think how often you have done so Consider 3. The great goodness of this Pastor he seeketh after his strayed sheep first by himself while he was in Mortal Flesh by his exemplar Life and Doctrine for thirty three whole years afterwards by Superiours and Directors by Holy Inspirations by Pious Books and other means never ceasing even to the end of the world and having found it most gently and lovingly takes it up O Lord so take and receive me Ps 118.179 I have strayed as a sheep that is lost seek thy servant because I have not forgotten thy Commandments Of the Pharisee Luc. 18.10 c. and the Publican Apoc. 3.17 COnsider 1. Two men went up into the Temple to pray c. Ponder the effects of Pride in the Pharisee 1. Because he thought himself perfect he asketh nothing neither pardon of
as a Banquet Page 289 Of the Eucharist compared to the Tree of Life 3. Med. Page 290 c Of preparation for Receiving 2. Med. Page 294 c Of Christs Preaching and Miracles 3. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Shepherd c. Page 296 Of the preaching of S. John Baptist 2. Med. Page 298 c Of the Jews Message to John 2. Med. Page 300 c Of Christs Baptism 2. Med. Page 302 c 4. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Director Page 304 Of Christs retiring into the Desart Page 305 Of Christ Fasting Page 306 Of Christs temptations in the Desart 4. Med. Page 308 c 5. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as an Offering Page 312 Of the Apostles first Vocation 2. Med. Page 313 c Of the second Vocation of S. Peter and S. Andrew Page 315 Of S. James and S. Johns Vocation Page 316 Of S. Matthews Vocation Page 318 Of S. Pauls Vocation Page 319 6. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Eucharist as our Viaticum Page 320 Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ 3. Med. Page 321 c Of the Rich Young Mans Vocation 2. Med. Page 324 c Of our Vocation in general to follow Christ Page 326 7. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a good Tree Page 327 Of the Marriage Feast of Cana in Galilee 3. Med. Page 328 c Of casting out of the Temple the Buyers c. 2. Med. Page 332 c Of our Lords discourse with Nicodemus Page 334 8. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as exacting account c. Page 335 Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount 2. Med. Page 336 c Of the four first Beatitudes 4. Med. Page 338 c 9. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Merciful Lord Page 343 Of the other four Beatitudes 4. Med. Page 344 c Of those words You are the salt of the Earth c. Page 348 Of those words You are the light of the World c. Page 349 10. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Propitiation Page 350 Of our Lords Prayer 2. Med. Page 351 c Of other sayings of Christ on the Mount Page 353 Of sending the Apostles to Preach 2. Med. Page 354 c Of their Return from Preaching Page 356 11. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Giver of Hearing and Speech Page 357 Of S. John's Message to Christ 2. Med. Page 358 c Of the Martyrdom of S. John Baptist Page 361 Of five thousand fed in the Desart 2. Med. Page 362 c Of Christs flying not to be made King Page 364 12. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the good Samaritan Page 365 Of Christs allaying the Tempest Page 366 Of Christs walking upon the Water Page 367 Of S. Peter's walking upon the Water Page 368 Of S. Peters confessing Christ Page 369 Of Primacy promised to S. Peter Page 370 Of S. Peter's disswading Christ from his Passion Page 371 13. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Priest Page 372 Of our Lords Transfiguration 3. Med. Page 373 Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee 2. Med. Page 376 c Of the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Page 379 14. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Lord Page 380 Of S. Mary Magdalen's Conversion 2. Med. Page 381 c Of the Samaritan Womans Conversion 2. Med. Page 383 c Of the Woman taken in Adultery Page 385 Of the Cananean Woman Page 386 15. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Life Page 388 Of the Conversion of Zacheus 2. Med. Page 389 c Of curing the Centurions Servant 2. Med. Page 391 c Of curing S. Peter's Mother-in-Law Page 393 Of a Princes Son restored to health Page 394 16. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Guest Page 396 Of the Man cured at the Pond 2. Med. Page 397 c Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof 2. Med. Page 399 c Of the Withered Hand cured Page 401 Of the crooked Woman cured Page 402 17. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Love Page 403 Of the Leper 2. Med. Page 405 c Of the ten Lepers 2. Med. Page 407 c Of the Deaf and Dumb Man 2. Med. Page 409 c 18. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the strength of our Soul Page 412 c Of the Man born blind 2. Med. Page 413 Of the blind man of Hiericho Page 415 c Of the blind man of Bethsaida Page 416 Of the Lunatick Devil 2. Med. Page 417 c 19. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Friend Page 419 Of the Women cured of the Bloody Flux Page 420 Of raising the Arch-Synagogues Daughter to life Page 422 Of raising the Widows Son in Naim 2. Med. Page 423 c Of raising Lazarus 2. Med. Page 425 c 20. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the Worker of Miracles Page 427 Of some Historical Narrations and Parables of Christ Of the Rich Glutton and Lazarus 2. Med. Page 428 c Of the Prodigal Son 2. Med. Page 430. c Of him that was wounded by the Thieves 2. Med. Page 433 c 21. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Patient Creditor Page 435 Of the Workmen in the Vineyard 2. Med. Page 436 c Of the Invitement to the Wedding and Supper 2. Med. Page 439 c Of the ten Virgins 2. Med. Page 441 c 22. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Teacher of Truth Page 443 Of the Talents 2. Med. Page 444 c Of the Vineyard let out to Husbandmen 2. Med. Page 447 c Of the Bailiff of Iniquity Page 449 Of the Wise man and the Fool Page 450 23. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Salvation Page 451 Of the Sower Page 452 Of the Cockle Page 453 Of the Mustard-seed Page 454 Of the Leaven Page 455 Of the Treasure hid in the field Page 456 Of the Pearl Page 457 24. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ c. as is set down Page 458 Of the lost sheep Page 459 Of the Pharisee and the Publican Page 460 Of the Faithful and Wise Steward or Servant Page 461 Of Girding the Loyns Page 462 Of the Vine and its branches Page 463 Of the barren Fig-tree Page 464 Meditations of Saints Of the Excellency of the B. Virgin above all Creatures Page 466 Of the Immaculate Conception of the B. Virgin Page 467 Of the Nativity of the B. Virgin Page 469 Of the Annunciation of the B. Virgin Page 51 c Of the Visitation of the B. Virgin Page 59 c Of the Purification of the B. Virgin Page 100 c Of the Assumption of the B. Virgin Page 470 Of the Nativity of S. John Baptist Page 64 c Of the Decollation of S. John Baptist Page 361 Of S. Peter and S. Paul Page 369 c Of the Vocation of S. Peter and S. Andrew Page 315 Of the Vocation of S. James and S. John Page 316 Of S. Matthews Vocation Page 318 Of S. Pauls
2. Christ compareth the Apostles joy for his Resurrection after their sorrow for his Passion the same is of the happiness of the next life after the labours of this to the joy of a Woman after the travel of Childbirth because both these griefs are bitter both short both full of danger and are afterwards both turned into joy suitable to their sorrows and as there so here the cause of pain is also cause of comfort A woman when she travelleth hath sorrow because her hour is come but when she hath brought forth the child now she remembreth not the anguish for joy that a man is born into the world Reflect upon each particular 2 Cor. 4.17 Consider 3. What followeth I will see you again and your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man shall take from you Thus our tribulation which at present is momentary and light worketh above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory in us On the contrary the Worldlings for the short and momentary delight which they enjoyed in this life are punished with everlasting torments in the next whence Job said of them They lead their lives in wealth Job 21.13 and jollity and in a moment they go down to Hell Imprint in your memory those words of Abraham to the Rich Glutton Remember that thou didst receive good things in thy life time Luc. 16.25 and Lazarus likewise evil but now he is comforted and thou tormented 4. Sunday after Easter Christ treateth of his going and sending the Holy Ghost Jo. 16.5 page 250. Consider 1. I go to him that sent me c. It is expedient for you that I go It was also expedient for him so to take possession of his Glory but unmindful of his own he is concerned for our good O that you were so for his honour If I go not the Paraclet shall not come to you but if I go I will send him to you The love which the Apostles are to Christ was mixed with some humane affection wherefore to refine this and make it purely spiritual it was necessary he should substract himself from them If the affection to Christs Sacred Humanity was a hinderance to the receiving of the Divine Spirit how much more the affection to other flesh and blood though in spiritual and holy persons Consider 2. And when he is come he shall argue the world of sin and of justice and of judgment The Holy Ghost doth argue the world of sin saith S. Bernard because it dissembles of justice Bern. Ser. 12. which it doth not rightly order while it attributes the same to man not to God of judgment which it usurps while it judgeth rashly not only of it self but of others too Think what the Divine Spirit may argue you of bring your actions to light and be not of the number of those that do ill Jo. 3.20 and come not to the light that their works may not be controuled know that if we did judge our selves 1 Cor. 11.31 we should not be judged Consider 3. When he the spirit of truth cometh he shall teach you all truth This is a promise made to the Church He shall not speak of himself that is not only of himself but also from the Father and the Son from whom he proceedeth and from whom he is sent but what things soever he shall hear from them he shall speak Think how well grounded the Faith is which you have from the Church the Church from the Divine Spirit the Spirit from Christ Christ from the Eternal Father He shall glorifie me because he shall receive of mine and shall shew to you confirming to them the Doctrine of Christ perfecting their Understanding opening the sense of Scriptures c. Rejoyce and be grateful for so great benefits bestowed upon the Church for your good 5. Sunday after Easter Christ recommendeth Prayer to his Disciples Jo. 16.23 page 258 259 260 261 262. Ascension day Of the Mystery Marc. 16.14 page 263 264 265 266. Sunday in the Octave Of the H. Ghost and of the Apostles Persecutions Jo. 15.26 27. and 16.1 c. page 266. 2 Cor. 1.4 Consider 1. When the Paraclet cometh whom I will send from the Father the spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father he shall give testimony of me Christ to raise in his Disciples a desire and love of the Divine Spirit doth speak much of him at his departure and here he acquaints them with two chief properties 1. That he is a Paraclet that is Comforter for he it is that comforteth us in all our tribulvtion and the Church calleth him The bâ—st Comforter Seq in Missa de Spir. S. and the sweet Guest of our Soul being indeed a sweet refreshment tempering the heats of our concupiscences and passions Rest and ease to us in our labours solace and comfort in our tears and afflictions Invite this Divine Comforter to your heart and refuse all other comfort and satisfaction from creatures Jo. 14.6 Consider 2. The other property of being the spirit of truth 1. For that he proceeds from the Son who is the Wisdom of his Father the Way the Truth and the Life 2. Because he is sent to manifest the truth of Christs Doctrine of his being the true Messias Son of God and Saviour of the World 3. For that he giveth testimony of the New Testament which is of Truth it self whereof the Old Testament was but a shadow 4. For that he is the Author of all truth And you shall give testimony Ponder here the infinite Dignity of the Apostles and of their Successors the Priests of Gods Church in that they are joyned in testimony of Christs Deity and of all the other Mysteries of Faith even with the Holy Ghost himself Admire reverence and defend this Divine Authority of the Church Consider 3. Christ forewarns his Disciples of their persecutions 1. That they be not scandalized troubled or disheartened when they happen 2. That they should know what they were to trust to and what they were called for and that they might not think them to fall out by chance c. 3. That they might prepare and arm themselves against them with Patience and Fortitude 4. That when the hour shall come they might have the comfort to remember that he told them Out of the Synagogues thâ—y will cast you And every one which killeth you shall think that he doth service to God Think whether you would be content to be an Outcast contemned and despised by men and even to suffer death for Christ Whitsunday Of the Mystery Gospel Jo. 14.23 page 273. c. to page 279. Trinity Sunday Christ Commissioneth his Disciples to Baptize in the Name of the B. Trinity Mat. 28.18 page 280 281 282 283. which are of the Mystery Consider 1. All power is given to me in Heaven and Earth Christ had this Power 1. As God from all Eternity 2. As Man in the very instant of his Incarnation by right of the Hypostatical Union 3. Through the Merit