filled Come therefore confidently with these Is. 66.11 that you may suck and be filled of the brest of his consolation Of the Benefit of Creation Part 1. COnsider 1. What you were before God created you As to your Soul you were quite nothing as to your body little better for that which you have from your parents how easily might God have hindred and turned it into some other substance Therefore out of his meer goodness without any merits of yours among innumerable other creatures which he could have produced insteed of you he decreed to take you out of the abysse of your nothing and to bestow upon you the forme or being not of a stone or tree or of some brute beast Jer. 18.6 but of Man Behold saith our Lord as clay in the hand of the Potter so are you in my hand Consider 2. The Excellency of your Soul which God hath placed in your body 1. It is a spirit like unto the Angels and God himself that you should learn to regard only Spiritual things and not hunt so wretchedly as you doe after corporal pleasures and riches 2. It is Immortal and cannot be destroyed by any created power See therefore that as you are immortal by nature you be likewise so by grace For the death of the Soul is Sin Deut. 32.18 Consider 3. The noble powers wherewith God hath endowed your Soul chiefly the Memory Will and understanding also the Prerogative of free will whereby you are Lord and Master of your own actions Likewise a capableness of Wisdom Grace and the like Think what you may return to your Creatour for all these benefits at least return him these same again without blemish and take heed you come not to suffer that reproach God that-begat thee thou hast forsaken and hast forgotten our Lord thy Creatour Of the Benefit of Creation Part 2. Job 10.8 10. COnsider 1. The many benefits that are discovered in the composition of your body Thy hands have made me saith Job and framed me wholly round about c. Thou hast as milk milked me and carded me as cheese c. See with what variety of members senses and necessary instruments and conveniences for the exercise of its several Functions God hath furnished you how admirably and fitly he hath disposed all things in their due place and order so that in the whole Fabrick nothing can be found either superfluous or wanting or disordered Ps 138.6 S. Basil apud Bellarm Hence David with reason cryeth out Thy knowledge is become marvellous of me that is as S. Basil expoundeth out of the structure of my body it is made great and I cannot reach to it Rom. 6.19 Consider 2. How every member of your body is a particular benefit of God Think how it would be with you if you should want your eyes your tongue or hand or any other member how much would you esteem your self bound to him that should restore any single one of these that had been lost How much more grateful then ought you to be to God who hath bestowed them all upon you whole and entire See therefore you do not abuse these same benefits to the displeasure and dishonor of your Creatour by exhibiting your members to serve uncleanness and iniquity to iniquity rather then to serve Justice as the Apostle admonisheth unto Sanctification 1 Cor. 9.7 Consider 3. How just a thing it is that he who hath created your whole self should likewise wholly and entirely possess you For as the Apostle saith Who planteth a Vine and eateth not of the fruit thereof God hath planted you as a choice Vine in his Vineyard yield him therefore the fruits thereof fruits of Piety Charity Patience and of other like Virtues Bern. de quadr debite All that you have saith S. Bernard you owe it him of whom you have it Of the benefit of Conservation Part 1. COnsider 1. The greatness of this benefit By Creation alone God gave you your self but once by Conservation he doth the same every moment of your life for unless he did preserve you you would immediately return to your own nothing The Noon-beams have not so strict a dependance of the Sun as you have of God If therefore one that should hang by a small thred held in an others hand ready to fall from a high Tower into a deep Pit if the thred should be let go would not dare to revile or injure him that held the thred how dare you that depend immediately on the hand of God provoke him by sin to let go the thred of his concurrance and your life Consider 2. As you cannot live without God so neither can you though living exercise any action of life without his special concurrance not so much as to move a hand or open your eyes or utter a word or do the least thing for as S. Paul said in him we live Act. 17.28 Aug. in Soâ—â—leq c. 18. and move and be Whence S. Augustine You oblige me to you Lord every moment while every moment you afford me your large benefits Consider 3. God doth not barely preserve your life but withall defends it from innumerable evils and miseries which others suffer so that others miseries are your benefits Think with your self why you are not as many others are blind deaf dumb same and oppressed with a thousand diseases and infirmities why not slain by Sword consumed by fire or water or dashed in pieces by some ruine and the like God hath delivered you from all these misfortunes that being so highly obliged to him for his benefits Lue. 1.74 75. you might serve him in Holiness and Justice before him all the daies of your life Of the benefit of Conservation Part 2. Ps 8.5 8. COnsider 1. Almighty God for your better pâ—â—servation hath not only removed evils from you as we have seen but also as a most indulgent Father hath abundantly provided you both with necessaries and all useful conveniences He hath furnished this lower world for you as a house to dwell in and hath adorned it with the Sun Moon and Stars for your benefit and delight and hath stored it with all manner of living creatures for your use In fine whatsoever flourisheth in gardens walketh in the fields swimmeth in the waters flyeth in the ayr or shineth in the Heavens is all for you What is man that thou art mindful of him c. Thou bast subjected all things under his feet all sheep and Oxen Moreover also the beasts of the field the birds of the ayr and fishes of the Sea that walk the paths of the Sea Consider 2. How God not content to have provided all these creatures for your use vouchsafeth also joyntly to concur with them for seeing he hath necessary influence into all their actions with the fire he doth truly warm you with the Sun he illuminates you with the ayr he refreshes you with meat and drink he feeds
and despicable poor man be calleth Son whom the Priests vouchsafed not to touch Observe how he remitteth his sins which were cause of his infirmity to teach you that diseases are inflicted also for hidden sins and that when you are sick you must first seek your Souls cure then that of your body Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof Mat. 9. Mar. 2. Luc. 5. Part 2. Luc. 5.21 COnsider 1. The Pharisees murmuring Who is this that speaketh blasphemies Who can forgive sins but only God Condole with Christ for being held a Blasphemer and be not troubled if at any time you be treated below your deserts Observe Christs mildness he is not moved to indignation he seeketh not to revenge himself as he could most easily have done but sweetly endeavoureth to bring them out of their erreur Wherefore think you evil in your hearts Mat. 9.4 Consider 2. Christ in proof of his Divinity and power of forgiving sins presently cured the man and sent him away free of his Palsey saying Arise take up thy bed Ibid. Luc. 5.24 and go into thy house Your house and home is Heaven here you are but a Stranger and Passenger therefore hasten home and settle your thoughts cares and desires there where you are to dwell for ever Eccles 12.5 August in Ps 85. Man shall go saith the wise man into the house of his Eternity and S. Augustine A House is taken as it were for ever a Nest is made up but for a time Do not therefore make more of your dirty brittle Nest then of your stable Mansion House Consider 3. The man being cured Luc. sup went into his house magnifying God It is the proper effect of spiritual health to magnifie God and to give him thanks for benefits received Do you also magnifie God as often as you are dismissed in the Sacrament of Penance free from the dead Palsey of Sin say with David I will bless our Lord at all time Ps 33.2 his praise always in my mouth Of the Withered Hand cured Mat. 12. Mar. 3. Luc. 6. Luc. 6.6 Ps 143.8 COnsider 1. It came to pass on another Sabboth that be entered into the Synagogue and taught And there was a man and his right hand was withered c. Our most merciful Lord taketh hold of all occasions of converting Souls wherefore on the Sabboth days he frequented the Synagogues that being then gathered together he might the better reach them heavenly things In the Synagogue he found a man whose right hand was withered for many there are even in Gods Church that have their left hands ready for mischief but their right hands withered and unable to do any good And their right hand is the right hand of Iniquity See whether your hand be not thus withered Mat. 12.13 Consider 2. Then he saith to the man stretch forth thy hand and he stretched it forth and it was restored to health Our Lord could as easily have done the Cure without stretching forth but he will have us also to co-operate in our own behalf according to that of the Prophet Zachar. 1.3 Convert to me c. and I will convert to you Stretch forth therefore your hand to good works to help your Brother and in frequent prayer to God and you will undoubtedly obtain perfect health Eccles 9.10 Whatsoever thy hand is able to do work it instantly saith the wise man Ps 2.4 Consider 3. The Scribes and Pharisees having seen the Miracle whereas by benefit thereof they might have wrought their own salvation they took occasion thereby out of envy to contrive Christs death But he that dwelleth in the Heavens shall laugh at them And Christ although he could have destroyed them in a moment yet he chose rather to bear with them and withdraw himself for the time to another place to teach you meekness Of the crooked Woman cured Luc. 13.11 c. Dan. 13.9 COnsider 1. Christ being again in the Synagogue according to his custome Behold a Woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years and she was crooked neither could she look upward at all This infirmity was caused by the Devil as Christ himself witnesseth and this either in punishment of sin as it was in Giezi's Lepre or by Gods permission for exercise of her virtue as it happened to Blessed Job Mystically the Devil causeth the like crookedness in all those souls which he makes to stoop down to worldly things and keeps them so fixedly bent upon them that they cannot look up nor raise their thoughts to Heaven Of such it is said They declined their eyes that they would not see Heaven nor remember just judgments See whether you be not likewise crookedly bent in your works and intentions Consider 2. The Mercy of Christ of his own accord calling the Woman to him and curing her Woman thou art delivered from thy infirmity And the effect presently seconded his Omnipotent word for having imposed his hands upon her she was forthwith made straight and glorified God Observe and imitate this Womans gratitude who as soon as she saw her self cured glorified God See how much more reason you have to be ever grateful and to glorifie God who healeth all thine infirmities Ps 102.3 say with David My strength and my praise is our Lord and he is made unto me a Salvation This is my God Exod. 15.2 and I will glorifie him Is 51.7 8. Consider 3. The perverse Zeal of the Arch-Synagogue who had indignation that Jesus had cured on the Sabboth as if it were not lawful to do a good work although not servile on the Sabboth day Thus many pretend Zeal for their passions Procure to do all your actions with a sincere and upright intention as in the sight of God and you will not fear what judgments men pass upon them Fear ye not the reproach of men and be not afraid of their blasphâ—mies for as a garment so shall the worm eat them and as wooll so shall the Moth devoure them Of Holy Communion Behold my Beloved speaketh to me Arise make hast my Love c. and come Cant. 2.10 Consider Christ as your Souls Love Cant. 5.2 COnsider 1. What is commanded in this daies Gospel Thou shalt love the Lord thy God from thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind c. Mat. 22.37 God would be our Souls Love therefore he often calleth them his Beloved his Spouses his Sisters Open to me my Sister my Love my Dove c. And because love is gained by love Let us therefore love God 1 Jo. 4.19 because God first hath loved us Who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his blood Apoc. 1.5 Never any Mother loved her Child so tenderly nor Spouse his Beloved as God doth Man making himself 1. His Companion 2. His Food 3. His Ransom And lastly his Everlasting Reward so that he
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
distributeth his gifts and favours among his people according to that of the Apostle Ascending on high he led captivity captive Ephes 4.8 he gave gifts to men If. 60.13 Consider 2. This King of Glory will come this day to you though under the Cloud of the Eucharistical Species to the end that by the gifts of his grace he may dispose you to partake also of his glory The glory of Libanus shall come to thee c. to adorn the place of my sanctification and the place of my feet I will glorifie O what a favour and benefit is this What may you not hope for from so bountiful a Guest in this day of your solemnity Ps 23.7 Consider 3. How to receive worthily this King of Glory Lift up your gates ye Princes and be ye lifted up O Eternal Gates and the King of Glory shall enter in The gates of the Soul are our interiour powers Reason and Will by which there is a mutual intercourse between our Soul and enteriour objects they entring into her and she going forth to them Lift up therefore these gates on high raise them only to such things as are heavenly and everlasting and then the King of Glory will enter into you and make you partaker of his Glory Of our Lords Ascension Part 1. Mar. 16.14 COnsider 1. The fourty daies being expired which our Lord was pleased to spend in comforting and instructing the Apostles after his Resurrection last he appeared to those cleven as they sat at the Table and having strengthened their faith which wavered yet in some of them he leads them forth to Mount Olivet that where he had began his Passion by his Bloody Sweat there he might also begin his Triumph See with what tenderness of love he doth all this and withall learn hence that the way to glory is by suffering Luc. 24.49 Consider 2. These words of Christ to his Disciples But you tarry in the City till you be endowed with power from high If our Lord would not have his Apostles too forward in preaching but quietly and in prayer to expect power and virtue from Heaven how fitting is it that others who have not been trained up in Christs School as they were should first prepare themselves in private and holy cetiredness and long prayer for preaching and other Apostolical Functions Ps 103.3 Consider 3. After they were all come to the Mount our Lord being now to depart lifting up both his hands to signifie the fulness of his blessing he blessed them then raising himself up he ascended by degrees till he was out of their sight Think how the Disciples rejoyced to behold the glory of their Lord Making the Cloud to ascend on and walking upon the wings of winds Do you also ascend in spirit with him Ps 83.6 Dispose ascensions in your heart as the Prophet speaketh making continual progress from one virtue to another till you arrive to the height of perfection Of our Lords Ascension Part 2. Ephes 4.8 COnsider 1. Our Lord being out of the sight of his Disciples entereth into Heaven in a triumphant manner He was accompanied with an infinite multitude of Angels who came forth to meet him there followed a numerous Train of the Holy Fathers whom he had redeemed out of captivity according to that Ascending on high he led captivity captive Neither was there wanting solemn and publick Jubily God is ascended in Jubilation Psa 46.6 and our Lord in the voice of Trumpet The Angels inviting one the other in those terms Sing to our Lord Ps 67.33 34. sing ye to God that mounteth upon the Heaven of Heaven to the East And the like Consider 2. Christ being come to the Throne of his Eternal Father presents him with the holy company of Saints as spoils taken from the Infernal Enemy he gives him account of the work he had accomplished Jo. 17.4 5 6. saying I have glorified thee upon Earth I have consummated the work which thou gavest me to do And now glorifie thou me O Father with thy self c. I have manifested thy Name to men c. The Father welcometh his Sons return with unspeakable expressions of love and placeth him on his right hand fulfilling that of the Psalm Our Lord said to my Lord Ps 109.1 sit on my right hand c. Apoc. 5.12 Consider 3. The Jubily which was at that time in Heaven of the Holy Fathers for the happiness they were arrived to of the Angels both for the company of the Saints and for the filling up of the places which had been so long empty Lastly of them all for the humanity of Christ our Lord which they saw glorified according to its deserts Then did they likewise break forth into those words of the Apocalyps The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and dignity and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and benediction Joyn your lauds and praises with theirs rejoyce for having such an Advocate with your Father and fix your thoughts there whither your Head and best part of you is already gone Of Holy Communion Our Lord will give Grace and Glory He will not deprive them of good things that walk in Innocency Ps 83.12 13. Consider Christ as a Pledge of Future Glory COnsider 1. How great is the Glory of God and of all the Blessed in Heaven how excellent a place what noble Citizens and what happy concord and union among that blessed company and the like Our most merciful Lord promiseth us in due time the fellowship of this glory and in the mean while gives us for a pawn or pledge his most precious Body and Blood Wherefore the Church cryeth out O sacred Banquet Brev. Rom wherein Christ is received c. and a pledge of future glory is given us Deut. 4.7 Consider 2. What a great matter you would think it if some Prince should promise you a Kingdome after the term of some few years and in the mean time should give you his only Son for security Truly there is no other Nation so great that hath Gods approaching unto them as our God is present to us He is present with us here in nourishment that he may afterwards be wholly ours in reward 2 Cor. 1.22 Consider 3. This divine pledge doth not only serve as an assurance but doth even in this life produce in some sort the effects of Glory if it be not hindered For 1. It brings with it the lustre of Habitual Grace then the which nothing is more glorious in the sight of God 2. It rendereth the Soul impassible that is not subject to be moved or disturbed by any worldly adversity 3. It gives us a spiritual agility promptly and readily to obey the Commands of God 4. It assords us also a certain subtility to go through and overcome what difficulties soever Prepare your self therefore worthily to receive it and bless the infinite mercy of God who
Wisdom to enrich you with his Treasures to defend you with his Power and to inflame you with his Love for among friends all things are in common O what a happy hour is this It is said of the friendship between David and Jonathas that the Soul of Jonathas was joyned fast to the Soul of David But Christ proceeded much farther who that he might have the straighter Union with you would make himself your meat and drink that entring in this manner into your very bowels Cyril Cat. 4. he might be joyned in flesh and blood with you Jo. 15.14 Consider 3. Your preparation for his coming must be a return of love This it is that this loving Friend requireth of every one whence he ordained this Heavenly Banquet for only such as would return love for love Eat O my friends and drink and be inebriated my dearest And to day in the Gospel he condemned to perpetual darkness the man that came without the Nuptial Garment of Charity Love therefore and do whatsoever â—he shall inspire you for you are my friends saith he himself if you do the things that I command you Of the Woman cured of the Bloody Flux Mat. 9. Marc. 5. Luc. 8. Mat. 9.20 Luc. 8.43 COnsider 1. While Christ was going to raise one from death Behold a woman which was troubled with an issue of blood twelve years and had bestowed all her substance upon Physitians neither could she be cured of any she came behind him and touched the hem of his garment c. Observe 1. The admirable Humility and Reverence of this woman not presuming to come but behind him 2. Her Confidence saying within her self Mat. sâ—pâ— if I shall touch only his garment I shall be safe They truly suffer a spiritual issue of blood that imploy their labours and actions in vain and perishable things they spend their substance in vain upon Physitians that is the deceitful allurements of this life from which they will never receive any solid profit or comfort Jer. 32.19 Consider 2. The Woman touching Christ received perfect health in reward of her Faith How much more might they justly hope for who do not only touch the Hem of his Garment but receive within themselves in the Eucharist his whole Sacred and All-healing Body if they would but come worthily to it and like to this woman Observe moreover how this touch though most secret and insensible did not scape Christs knowledge that you might learn that no action of yours though never so secret can be kept hidden from God whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the children of Adam Consider 3. The multitudes did throng and press upon Christ and yet he asketh Luc. sâ—â—â— Who is it that touched me for the others touched him only Corporally but this woman also Spiritually and therefore received cure So many there are that touch Christ in their actions especially in the Eucharist but they do it without Spirit Of such the Prophet saith This people approacheth with their mouth and with their lips glorifieth me Is 29. â—3â— but their heart is far from me See whether you be not one of them Of raising the Arch-Synagogues Daughter Mat. 9. Mar. 5. Luc. 8. Luc. 8.41 COnsider 1. Behold there came a man c. and he was Prince of the Synagogue and he fell at the feet of Jesus c. Observe how calamities do humble even Princes and force them to have recourse to God Therefore David said It is good for me that thou hast humbled me Ps 118.71 Ps 31.4 And I am turned in my anguish whiles the thorn is fastened He beggeth for his only Daughter that lay a dying Your only Daughter is your Soul see whether perhaps it be not at the last gasp and upon the very point of deadly sin by her over-great carelesness in venial sins and beseech our Lord to lay his hand upon her and cure her Consider 2. Christs goodness in going presently with the Prince to his house though he could have cured her at distance Besides he endeavoureth what he can conveniently to conceal so singular a Miracle to give us example of Humility and therefore he took with him in company only three Disciples and withall put the Minstrels and multitude out of doors Learn to sequester your self from the rabble and noise of worldly thoughts if you desire to live to Christ Wherefore it is said in Job Job 28.14 S. Greg. ibid. The Sea speaketh Wisdom is not in me And by the Sea as S. Gregory saith is understood the life of worldlings Luc. 8.54 Consider 3. Christ holding the Maids hand raised her saying Maid arise Thus he raiseth up the sinner from sin holding his hand and directing him to good works Then he presently bad that something should be given her to eat Ibid. v. 55. Whence you may learn that those who rise out of sin must have the Spiritual Food of the Sacraments given them that they may not fall again See therefore that you take this Food often and in due manner that you may live for ever Of raising the Widows Son in Naim Luc. 7.11 c. Part 1. Eccli 38.23 COnsider 1. Jesus went into a City that is called Naim c. And behold a man dead was carried forth the only Son of his Mother c. Observe how this was a young man in the flower of his youth whence you may learn that no Age is secure from death Imagine him to say unto you Be mindful of my judgment for thine also must be so to me yesterday and to thee to day And think what would become of you if you should die this very day Reflect also that young men come sooner to die spiritually to God then others more antient for that as S. Hierom saith Hieron Ep ad Nepot Youth undergoeth many conflicts of the body Deut. 32.11 Consider 2. Our Lord met the Corse not by chance but of set purpose and offered of his own accord without any entreaty to raise the dead man As the Eagle provoking her young ones to fly O how often hath he freely offered you his assistance towards all manner of perfection suitable to your state of life and you would it not Take heed lest wilfully resisting and contemning the mercy he offereth you it be said to you Prov. 1. I also will laugh in your destruction Consider 3. Christ moved with commiseration towards the Widow said to her Weep not for that you shall soon be comforted In the same manner see you weep not or be over-concerned or grieved for temporal losses which will soon have an end but reserve your tears rather for the Everlasting Damages that proceed from your own and others sins for of such it is said Blessed are they that mourn Mar. 5.5 for they shall be comforted Of raising the Widows Son in Naim 〈◊〉 7.14 Part 2. 〈◊〉 16.13 COnsider 1. How
sins nor the gifts of Grace 2. Under the pretence of Thanksgiving he commends himself for his own good works 3. He arrogantly prefers himself before others 4. He contemns the Publican whom he rashly judgeth a sinner Thus all proud men are blind and say I am rich and lack nothing But alas Thou knowest not thou proud fool that thou art miserable and poor and blind and naked c. Consider 2. The Publicans Humility 1. He stands a far off deeming himself unworthy to approach near to God or even the Pharisee 2. He dares not so much as lift up his eyes out of confusion for his sins 3. He knocks his brest with a contrite heart and desirous to make satisfaction 4. He humbly beggeth for pardon saying God be merciful to me a sinner Such likewise ought to be your prayer humble contrite and accompanied with purpose of amendment Consider 3. Christs Sentence of both these men This man went down into his house justified more then he c. Thus Pride destroyed even those good works that were in the Pharisee Humility on the other side by the help of Penance blotted out sin in the Publican So every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted as it often falleth out even in this life but most certainly in the next Think therefore with your self where you will chuse to be humbled here or there Of the Faithful and Wise Steward Mat. 24. Luc. 12. or Servant Luc. 12.42 COnsider 1. Who thinkest thou is a faithful Steward and wise c. Our Lord finds few such therefore he speaketh of them in an admiring way That which he requireth of his servants is 1. That they be faithful 2. Prudent 3. Good to others 4. Perseverant that when our Lord shall come at the hour of death he may find them so doing See how you behave your self in these points whether you do faithfully and to your utmost promote Gods Cause or not rather your own Interest whether you do your actions with due circumspection and deliberation whether you seek to benefit others according to your ability and lastly how firm and constant you are in good purposes Luc. 12.19 Consider 2. The evil conditions of the bad servant 1. He saith in his heart My Lord is long a coming and thinks he has a long time yet to live as did that other who said to his Soul Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years c. 2. He is injurious to others striking the servants and hand-maids 3. He gives himself over to carnal pleasures beginning to eat and drink and be drunk Have a care you keep your self from these Vices and observe that the beginning of all these mischiefs is a perswasion of long life and forgetfulness of what is to befall us in the end Consider 3. The reward and punishment of both these servants Of the former it is said Blessed is that servant c. over all things which he possesseth he shall appoint him to wit in Heaven But of the latter The Lord of that servant shall come in a day that he hopeth not and at an hour that he knoweth not and shall divide him to wit from the company of the Just and shall appoint bis portion with the Infidels in Hell Imitate therefore the first least your portion and lot come to be with the last c. Of Girding the Loyns Luc. 12.35 c. COnsider 1. Let your loyns be girded and candles burning in your hands and you like to men expecting their Lord when he shall return from the Marriage Ponder how carefully servants watch for their Masters coming from a Marriage-Feast such would Christ have us to be against his coming We gird our loyns saith S. Gregory when we restrain Luxury by Continency Greg. Hom 13. in Evang and we hold burning candles in our hands when by good works we shew our Neighbours the light of our example See how you perform both these duties Phil. 1.23 Consider 2. That when he doth come and knock forthwith they may open unto him Our Lord cometh when he hasteneth to judge us at our death he knocketh when he sendeth us sickness the Good at that time without delay and with great joy open unto him having a desire with the Apostle to be dissolved and to be with Christ. On the contrary with what an unwilling and heavy heart do the wicked let him in when he knocketh Therefore Ecclesiasticus Eccli 41.1 O Death how bitter is thy memory to a man that hath peace in his riches Consider 3. If the Housholder did know what hour the Thief would come he would watch verily and would not suffer his house to be broken up Death will most certainly come upon us as a Thief and break open the house or habitation of our body but what day or hour it will come is as uncertain Therefore our Lord would have us to be watchful every hour of our life that we may not be catched at unawares in that moment wherein is turned the Dye of our Everlasting Doom Of the Vine and its branches Jo. 15.5 c. Ps 79.12 COnsider 1. I am the Vine you the Branches c. Christ is truly a Vine in regard of that most precious Wine which he powred forth on the Cross and is daily presented to us in the Chalice The Branches of this Vine may be whosoever will themselves therefore he inviteth all and of this Vine it is said It extended her branches even to the Sea and her boughs unto the River for he quickneth us all as so many branches with the Sap of his Grace and with the same nourisheth us and maketh us rich and full of excellent fruit O how well is it with the branch that remaineth and liveth in such a Vine Consider 3. An evident sign of remaining in this Vine is fruitfulness He that abideth in me and I in him the same beareth much fruit Wherefore by the fruit you bear you may gather whether you remain in him or no Besides Every branch that beareth fruit the Heavenly Father will purge it that it may bring more fruit The Husbandman purgeth the branches by Pruning and Incision so God doth those that are his by afflictions sicknesses and temptations that you might learn to take these things willingly at the hands of God as helps towards your spiritual profit Consider 3. What becometh of the branch that beareth not any fruit He shall wither and they shall gather him up and cast him into the fire and he burneth One of the two saith S. Augustine appertaineth to the branch Aug. tr 81. in Joan. fruit or fire Procure therefore to bring forth fruit and that in due season sweet and not wild grapes lest otherwise like a dry withered branch cut off from the Vine you become fuel for that fire which can never be quenched Of the Barren Fig-tree Luc. 13.6 c.