difficulties and lets that hinder their mutual communication And we may fitly apply to S. Peter in this place those words of the Canticles Cant. 8.7 Many waters cannot quench his charity neither shall flouds overwhelm it See whether you love God in this manner and not rather permit your self to be often taken off from his service for small difficulties Consider 2. How S. Peter being bid to come cast himself into the Sea But seeing the wind rough he was afraid Mat. sup and when he began to be drowned he cryed out to our Lord. So our Lord doth often permit us almost to sink under our tentations that we may the more fervently call upon him But at length he stretched forth his hand to Peter and would not let him sink So he will also do with us Ps 36.24 according to that When he shall fall he shall not be bruised because our Lord putteth his hand under And he sent from on high Ps 17.17 and took me and he received me out of many waters Consider 3. What it signifieth mystically to walk upon the Sea S. Aug. Ser. 13 de Verbis Dom. The World is like a Sea saith S. Augustine if you love God you walk upon the Sea if you love the World this Sea will swallow you up Examine your self which of the two you love God or the World it is a dreadful thing to be swallowed up Be sure therefore that you walk and trample over this Sea and be mindful of what the same Saint saith Every ones inordinate desire is his tempest Of S. Peters confessing Christ Mat. 16. Mar. 8. Luc. 9. Mat 16.13 COnsider 1. Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his Disciples saying Whom say men that the Son of Man is For it is good sometimes to know what men say of us both that we may come to know and correct our defects and that we may strive to make good and to perfect in our selves such things as are said of us to our commendation but take heed you do not desire it out of vain glory and ostentation Observe how Christ calleth himself every where the Son of Man though he were the only begotten Son of God and yet worldly men foolishly stand upon their Points and Titles of Honour Consider 2. The Apostles answer Some John the Baptist and other some Elias c. they say not some a Glutton others a Drunkard and other such like reproaches to teach us that slanderous reports ought not to be uttered before our Brother not to afflict his mind Observe how far men were off from the esteem they ought to make of Christ notwithstanding that his Miracles did most apparently evidence his Divinity that you might cease to wonder if your Neighbours or Companions undervalue you or mistake in taking you to be worse then you are Be content to be such and no more then you are in the sight of God who seeth all things Ps 21.23 Consider 3. But whom do you say that I am He puts the question to his Disciples as having been long brought up in his School and consequently bound to know more of him then the rest Peter answered and said Thou art Christ the Son of the Living God not by Adoption as others but by Nature and Essence the true Messias and Saviour of the World Rejoyce for the Divinity of your Lord and Saviour and stir your self up both to confess him in your own thoughts and actions and to bring others likewise to the knowledge and service of him according to that I will declare thy Name to my Brethren Primacy is promised to Peter Mat. 16.17 COnsider 1. When Peter had made that Famous Profession of his Faith our Lord said Blessed art thou Simon Bar-jona because flesh and blood hath not revealed to theâ— but my Father which is in Heaven Our Lord pronounceth him blessed for that the foundation of a happy life is to know Christ Simon signifieth the same as Obedient Bar-jona the Son of a Dove or of Grace Be you therefore obedient and with a Dove-like simplicity endeavour to comply with the Divine Grace Do not mind what flesh and blood doth suggest but what the heavenly Father doth inspire you that you may also become happy Ibid. Consider 2. Peters reward Thou art Peter that is a Rock and upon this Rock will I build my Church c. 1. Christ giveth him a Name suitable to his Office 2. Upon him he foundeth his Church Militant and makes him the Visible Head thereof 3. He promiseth him Infallibility so that the Gateâ—s of Hell shall not prevail against him 4. He promiseth him likewise the Keys of Heaven that is the Key of Knowledge to determine matters of Faith without Errour and the Key of Power to remit sins Rejoyce for these Priviledges granted to the Chief Pastor for your particular and the whole Churches general good Consider 3. In what a miserable state are they that deny this Primacy of S. Peter and will not build upon the Rock which cannot be overthrown or rooted up but upon the Sands of their own judgment and private spirit ground their Eternal Salvation Desire and seek with most earnest endeavour suitably to your calling to bring all men to this Rock and first dispose your self unto it by the exercise of Solid Virtues S. Peter is reprehended for disswading Christ from his Passion Mat. 16. Mar. 7. Mat. 16.20 COnsider 1. How after S. Peters Confession of Christs Divinity our Lord commanded his Disciples that they should tell no body that he was Jesus Christ both to give example of Humility and to avoid Ostentation and withall for that it was not seasonable at that time And presently after he treated of his Passion From that time Jesus began to shew his Disciples that he must go to Hierusalem and suffer many things c. that you might learn in the day of good things not to be unmindful of evils Eccli 11.27 as Ecclesiasticus adviseth and that it is not enough to confess Christ as your God unless you also have an experimental knowledge and imitation of him in suffering Consider 2. S. Peter hearing this being zealous for his Master took Christ aside and rebuked him saying Lord be it far from thee this shall not be unto thee This was zeal in him but an indiscreet one Rom. 10.2 and not according to knowledge as the Apostle speaketh for he did not as yet understand how glorious would be the Ignominy of the Cross See whether you are not sometimes carried away with the like preposterous zeal in your actions Consider 3. Christs Reprehension Go after me Satan for thou art a scandal unto me because thou savourest not the things that are of God but the things that are of men Ponder how dangerous a thing it is to savour only things that are of men and to love honours riches pleasures c. and not rather those things that
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
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
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
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
the whole world with the rayes of his glory What Jubily were the Holy Fathers in at that time when they saw that Blessed hour come of their delivery which they had longed for so many ages Free O Lord in like manner my Soul from the Lions mouth and from the deep lake and let not my Enemies The World the Flesh and the Devil ever domineere over me Consider 2. How when Christs Soul was come out of Limbus to the body in the Sepulcher he shewed it to the Holy Fathers as it lay pale and wan all mangled and disfigured that they might see how much he had suffered for them and at what rate he had redeemed them Then he reunited it to the Soul and that of David was fullfilled Our Lord hath reigned Ps. 92.1 he hath put on beauty Our Lord hath put on strength and hath girded himself For he took upon him the four properties of a glorifyed body 1. Of Clarity rendring it brighter then the Sun it self 2. Of Subtility to penetrate the Sepulcher and whatsoever other corporal substance 3. Of Agility to move itself to the remotest places in a moment 4. Of Impassibility so as to be incapable of dying or suffering any more Being thus crowned with glory he might say to his Eternal Father with David Thou hast turned my mourning into joy unto me thou hast cut my sackcloth Ps. 29.12 and hast compassed me with gladness Apoc. 5.12 Consider 3. How the Eternal Father congratulateth with his son as also doe the Angels of Heaven and the Fathers of Limbus for the reunion of his body all crying out as with one voice The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and divinity and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and benediction Joyne you with them and say This is the day which our Lord made Ps. 117.24 let us rejoyce and be glad therein Learn hence that the Tribulations of the Just are but short but their glory everlasting Rom. 8.17 and that if we suffer with Christ we shall also be glorifyed with him Of our Lords Apparitions and how he appeared first to his Blessed Mother Act. 1.3 COnsider 1. Christ three different ways manifested his Resurrection 1. By Saints who arose in their bodies and appeared to many 2. By Angels at the Sepulcher 3. In his own person shewing himself alive in many arguments for fourty days appearing c. After the same manner he is wont to manifest himself to his devout servants by spiritual men by their Angel Guardians and immediatly by himself He that loveth me c. I will love him Jo. 14.11 and will manifest my self to him Love him therefore that he may manifest himself also to you 2 Cor. 1.7 Consider 2. Christ first of all appeared to his B. Mother according to the pious beliefe of the Church that she who had drunk most of the bitter chalice of his Passion should be the first in partaking the joy of his Resurrection As you are partakers of the Passions so shall you be of the consolation also She did most certainly believe and most ardently expect the hour of his Resurrection and said with David Arise my glory Ps. 56.9 arise psalter and harp and therefore she was not frustrated of her desire that you might learn both fervently to desire heavenly things and withall patiently to expect the time Habec 2.3 If he shall make tarriance expect him because coming he will come and he will not slack and will recompence his delay Consider 3. What joy possessed the Mothers heart when she beheld her son What holy embracings passed between them What was said or done on both sides Doubtless the Holy Fathers Adam Abraham Moyses David and others did congratulate with the Virgin and say Thou Daughter art blessed of our Lord for that by thee we have partaken the fruit of life Ecl. in Off. E. V. Do you likewise congratulate with her from your heart and say with the Church Rejoyce thou Queen of Heaven Alleluia because whom thou didst deserve to beare Alleluia Regina Coeli is risen againe as he said Alleluia Pray unto God for us Alleluia Angels appear to the Women at the Sepulcher Mar. 16.1 Jo. 20.1 ANd very early the first of the Sabboths they come to the monument Consider 1. The devotion of these three women 1. They brought Spices not sparing any cost to performe the last Obsequies of their love in annoyling the corps of their Lord. 2. For the same purpose they rise very early and when it was yet dark Learn to spare no labour nor cost in the service of God according to your ability and that as the wife man sayeth Sap. 16.28 We ought to prevent the Sun to blesse God and at the rising of the light to adore him See whether you be so early in the morning employed in the Divine Service Consider 2. And they said one to an other who shall role us back the stone from the dore of the monument Among their pious discourses in the way they were in care about removing the stone But no sooner were they come but they saw the stone roled back So we fancy to our selves many difficulties in the way of vertue and perfection which notwithstanding when we come to practise Allmighty God doth facilitate unto us and take away And entering into the monument they saw a young man sitting on the right hand God rewardeth the Womens devotion with the vision of an Angel And his countenance was as lightening and his garment as Snow Mat. 28.3 Who would not wish to dwell with such happy company Galat. 6.14 1 Cor. 2.2 Consider 3. Be not dismayed you seek Jesus of Nazareth that was crucified Among the titles of our Lord now in glory is also ranked that of being Crucified that you might learn with the Apostle not to glory saving in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ c. And even not to know any thing but Jesus Christ and him Crucified Think what joy the holy Women were in to hear that Christ was risen and how they went forth quickly out of the monument with feare and great joy Mat. 28.8 running to tell his Disciples Christ appeareth to Mary Magdalen Jo. 20.11 MAry stood at the Monument without weeping Consider the fervorous love of this pious Woman and Constancy in persevering still at the Sepulcher whereas the others returned back whereby she deserved to see our Lord before the rest for as S. Gregory upon this place saith Greg. hom 25. in Evang. The Vertue value or worth of a good work is perseverance Learn hence how to seek our Lord when by sin he is taken from you or when by desolation he withdraweth himself you must doe it with sighs teares and ardent love whereby you will come to find him whom your Soul loveth Cant. 3.4 Consider 2. Angels appear unto Mary and aske her Woman why weepest thou but
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
service of God and good of Souls 2. Wisdom in governing their Flock 3. Fulness of Faith and Devotion in themselves and indefatigable endeavour of propagating the same in others 4. Profound Knowledge in Scriptures 5. Interiour Light Purity and Perfection joyned with Eminency of Doctrine to purge illuminate and perfect Souls committed to their charge Heb. 13.7 Consider 3. How well they corresponded with the Grace of their Vocation both as to themselves and their Flock For 1. They were Holy and Irreprehensible in their Life and Conversation as persons of an other world and consecrated to God 2. Notwithstanding their Eminent Dignity and the honours done them by men they were humble of heart Despisers of themselves and ambitious of nothing but to serve and do good to all 3. They were poor of spirit though in possession of great Revenues which they imployed no in superfluities upon themselves or their Relations but in relief of the Poor necessities of Virgins Pupils and Orphans and in other Works and Monuments of Piety As to their Hock they were always intent discharging to the full the above-mentioned Offices of Fathers Pastors Guides Mediators Legats and High-Priests by Sacrifices and Sacraments by Incessant Prayer by Counsel Exhortation Preaching c. Remember therefore with gratitude your Prelates saith the Apostle which have spoken the word of God to you the end of whose Conversation beholding imitate their Faith and other Virtues Of the Patriarchs or Founders of Religious Orders OUr Blessed Lord to maintain in his Church the fervour which he inspired in the Primitive Christians hath instituted several Religious Orders as so many Schools of Evangelical Perfection For the Founding of these he raised men from nothing as he formerly did his Apostles and by the Power of his Divine Grace made them absolute Masters and perfect Myrrours of Perfection to their Followers choice Vessels of Election to his own Honour and glorious Champions to his Militant Church against its Capital Enemies the World the Flesh and the Devil Ponder therefore to their honour and your own spiritual good the admirable Virtues which they exercised in opposition to these three common Adversaries Phil. 3.20 Consider 1. In opposition to the World they practised and taught 1. Perfect contempt thereof and of all its Pomps 2. Holy Solitude and Retiredness 3. Strict Silence 4. Evangelical Poverty and that by Vow 5. Contemplation of Heavenly things whereby though living on Earth their conversation was in Heaven 6. Ardent Love of God by which they lived wholly to him so that they might say with S. Paul I live now not I Gal. 2.20 Gal. 6.14 but Christ liveth in me And with the same Apostle they were truly Crucified to the World and the World to them Gal. 5.24 Consider 2. Against the Flesh they exercised 1. Angelical Purity consecrating themselves to God by the Vow of Chastity 2. Religious Modesty and Command over their Senses and Passions 3. Regular Discipline and Rule 4. Rigorous Fasting 5. Continual Prayer Reading and other Holy Exercises 6. Penance and perfect Mortification of the whole Man Interiour and Exteriour By all which means as the Apostle speaketh they have crucified their flesh with the Vices and Concupiscences Consider 3. Against the Devil they opposed 1. Profound Humility and contempt of themselves 2. The Vow of Perfect Obedience requiring of their Followers entire resignation of their wills and judgments into the hands of their Superiours 3. Lively and vigorous Faith working always conformably to it and according to the Principles of Eternal Verity 4. Inflamed love of God and their Neighbour seeking in all their actions his greater glory and their everlasting good labouring both by themselves and their Children to suppress Infidelity Heresie and Sin with zealous Preaching Teaching Administration of Sacraments and other Apostolical Functions Extol the goodness of God Honour and Reverence these Saints and make your benefit of their Example by Imitation according to the state of life and condition you are in Of Confessors in General COnsider 1. Under the Name of Confessors are understood 1. Those who have openly professed the Faith of Christ before Judges and after Imprisonments Chains Torments and Banishments suffered for the same Cause without further violence have died in peace 2. Those who having left all they had in the world have consecrated themselves to God in Religion living in perpetual Poverty Chastity Obedience and observance of Religious Discipline 3. All those who not being in any of the above-mentioned Ranks of Saints have led their lives in all manner of Virtue and Sanctity conformable to their state of life and Calling They are called Confessors because they confessed Christ 1. In their heart believing in him loving and adoring him 2. With their tongues continually praising and blessing him and giving him thanks for his benefits 3. In their actions keeping his Commandments following his Counsels and labouring in the exercise of good works Imitate these holy Saints and endeavour to confess and honour God with your whole heart and in all your words and actions Consider 2. These Holy Confessors not content with the bare observance of Gods Commandments and Councels laboured to purge their heart and affections of all whatsoever was not God by a pure and upright intention of his honour and service in all things Their care and study was to regulate their thoughts to moderate their affections to curb their senses to break self-will and judgment and by taming the flesh with fasting watching and other corporal austerities to bring it to perfect subjection to the spirit that so they might serve their Creator with a pure and undefiled heart For the same end they gave themselves to the continual exercise of Prayer and Meditation of Heavenly things and led their lives free from worldly cares and cogitations Endeavour by the same means to procure this Purity of Heart and Intention which these Saints made so much of Mat. 10.32 Luc. 12.8 Consider 3. Of what benefit to the Church and Merit and God these holy Confessors are 1. For that by the singular purity and integrity of their life they easily appease Gods wrath against sinners and obtain blessings from him 2. For that thereby more efficaciously then by words they Preach the Contempt of the World and convince by their own example that there is no Sex Age Condition or Calling in the Church which may not by the concurrance with Gods Grace easily attain to Virtue and Perfection Consider finally their Reward 1. Every one that shall confess me before men I also will confess him before the Angels of God and before my Father which is in Heaven 2. Of these our Lord said That he will gird himself and make them sit down Luc. 12.37 at his Nuptial Feast in Heaven and passing will minister unto them Of Virgins COnsider 1. Holy Virgins are those who notwithstanding whatsoever enticements threats promises temptations c. lead their lives in all Purity of