man with me Besides it was an action that redounded to the dishonor and reproch of his schoole which had brought up such timorous and saint-hearted Disciples But he was chiefly concerned for their want of faith wherein they did all waver See you doe not leave Christ to suffer alone bear him company at least by affection and compassion Be content to be slighted and left by your friends Mat. 26.35 Consider 3. The weakness of mans nature in these Apostles who notwithstanding the many miracles they had seen Christ work the grace which they lately received by the divine Eucharist and fervor wherein every one said Allthough I should dye together with thee I will not deny thee Yet no sooner were they assaulted with temptation but they all failed Think how little reason you have to trust your self Eccli 2.1 Therefore coming to the service of God saith the wise man stand in fear and prepare thy Soul to Tentation And the Apostle Phil. 2.12 With fear and trembling work your Salvation Christ is led to Annas Jo. 18.13 COnsider 1. They brought him to Aâ—â—taâ— first Ponder how Christ would be brought before all the Tribunal seates for the greater Ignominy all the Tribunal seates for the greater Ignominy Therefore he is led first to Annas as President of the supreme Councel whereunto it appertained to judge of Doctrines See with what Clamor Laughter and Ignominy Christ is hurried along the ways and streets people running every where to their doores and windows to see the Captive How different was this enterance into Jerusalem from that which he made some sew days before when they cryed out Blessed is be that cometh in the name Mat. 21.9 of our Lord Hence learn to contemn the inconstancy of worldly favor Is. 9.3 Consider 2. How Christ is brought as a Criminal to the Tribunal of this Judge The Creator stands before his Creature The Eternal Wisdom of God is brought to the barr to give account of his Doctrine to an arrogant smatterer in the Law Behold the Doctors round about him all puffed up with their learning Rejoycing as conquerours rejoyce after a prey is taken Hear how they question him concerning his Doctrine and Disciples Beseech our Lord to instruct you in things appertaining to your salvation and not to let you harken after vain Sciences whose fruit is no other then pride and ostentation Jo. 18.20 21. Consider 3. How Christ beareth their reproches with silence but answereth resolutly to the point of Doctrine because thereon depended the salvation of many I have openly spoken to the world c. Why askest thou me ask them who have heard c. Learn hence to stand resolut in defence of your faith and of truth and to be silent in your own privat injuries See how he saith nothing of his Disciples because being he could not commend them as staggerers in their faith he would not say any thing to their dispraife Doe you in the same manner endevour to hide others defects when you may and not to discover them but to a good end Aug. l. 3. de Cons. c. 6. Of the Blow Christ received in Annas's House Jo. 18.22 COnsider 1. One of the Ministers standing by gave Jesus a blow Ponder here the General Circumstances Who To whom and What Think 1. How cruel this blow was as being given by a furious and armed Souldier 2. How ignominious before so great an assembly and inflicted upon his person whose sanctity of life and Miracles made him to be admired and respected by all 3. How unjust and Injurious for a most just and prudent answer 4. How grievous as being seconded with the loud laughter and scornful applause of the company O amiable countenance which the Angels so much desire to behold how hath this ignominious buffet set you all over in a blush Now my beloved is truly white and ruddy Cant. 5.10 and to be imitated by me both in candor of life and Vermillion of patience Jo. sâ—p Consider 2. On the contrary the mildness and patience of our Lord He is not moved to indignation he revengeth not though it were in his power and could in a moment have annihilated the wretch Yet modestly he justifyeth himself that he might not seem to have injured the high Priest whom he respected for the place and authority he bare If I have spok n ill give testimony of evill but if well why strikest thou me How different are your replyes when you have done amiss Endevour therefore to imitate your Lord Luc. 21.19 and in your patience to possess your Soul The Third Station Consider 3. And Annas sent him bound to Caiphas Imagin what a painful and ignominious journey this was to our Lord being haled and dragged about the streets at that time of night like some notorious malefactor from one Judgement seat to another Think what indignities he suffereth as he passeth along from all sorts of people even those that had received benefits from him What a spectacle was it to Heaven to see the Lord of Angels thus abused Condole admire give thanks imitate c. The Spirit of our Lord shall seise upon thee c. And thou shalt be chaâ—ged into an other man 1 Reg. 10.9 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Transfigurer of your Soul COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel that Christ transfigured himself taking upon him the form of a glorious body Mat. 17.1 The same will he doe this day to your soul transfiguring it into himself by vertue of the Holy Eucharist if you doe not otherwise hinder him For the Eucharist makes us as S. Thomas speaketh the same with God S. Tho. Opus 58. c. 15. Aug. Cons l. 7.10 And S. Augustin maketh God to say I am the food of great ones grow and you shall feed on me yet so that thou shalt not change me into thee but thou shalt be changed into me Rom. 8.29 Gen. 3.5 Consider 2. What an inestimable benefit and dignity it is for man to be transformed into God and to be made conformable to the image of his Son It was the temptation of our first Parents You shall be as Gods but they were deluded By the Eucharist and the Grace that proceedeth from it we truly become one with God being made partakers of the divine nature and even incorporated and of the same bloud S. Cypr. Cat. 4. 1 Reg. 18.18 Jo. 1.12 with Christ as that Holy Father speaketh Humble your self therefore and say with the Prophet What am I or what is my life or the kindred of my father that I should be made not the Son in law of a King but the true adoptive Son of God for as many as received him be gave them power to be made the Sons of God Exod. 34.29 Consider 3. What is said of Moses that his face was horned that is resplendent and shining with two rays of glory
be directed as Incense in thy sight and the elevation of my hands as evening Sacrifice 2. By Prayer man becometh companion of the Angels and converseth familiarly with God himself 3. God takes himself to be honoured by our prayers as he expresly tells us by his Prophet Invocate me in the day of tribulation Ps 49.15 I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorisie me 1 Pet. 5.8 Consider 2. The necessity we have of Prayer in regard of the miseries of this mortal life and continual dangers 1. Of Soul from the assaults of the Devil who as a roaring Lion goeth about seeking whom he may devoure from the alurements of the world and from the rebellion of our own flesh 2. Of Body from War Famine and Pestilence from poverty sickness loss of goods and fortunes death of friends and from innumerable other crosses and afflictions All which make us to cry out with King Josaphat to our Lord Whereas we are ignorant what to do 2 Paral. 20.12 this only we have lest that we direct our eyes to thee Luc. 18.1 Consider 3. The goodness of God who whereas he could sufficiently redress all our necessities with the general Providence wherewith he provideth for his other creatures yet to endear us the more to himself requireth that we have our recourse unto him by prayer acknowledging him the Author of all good and depending wholly on him in all occasions and therefore he hath given us an express Command thereof delivered by Christ in these words It behoveth always to pray Reflect upon your own particular necessities spiritual and temporal Heb. 4.16 and go with confidence to the Throne of Grace that you may obtain mercy and find grace in seasonable aid Of the benefit of Prayer Part 2. COnsider 1. More in particular the benefits and efficacy of Prayer which as S. Hierom saith overcometh the inâ—iâ—cible Hieron in Epist and bâ—adeth the Almighty moving him to mercy and tying his hands from punishing our sins Suffer me said God to Moyses Exod. 32.10 when he was praying for the people that my fury may be angry against them It is a general remedy against all difficulties and temptations Prosp in Serm. Exod. 17.11 c. Jos 10.14 and a Scourge as S. Prosper saith to the Devils Moyses lifting up his hands in prayer obtained victory over the Amalecites Josue by prayer made the Sun and Moon stand still our Lord obeying the voice of a man How much more then may we hope the effect of our prayers for the obtaining of spiritual blessings Consider 2. Prayer as S. Augustine saith Aug. Serm. 26. de temp Luc. 11.13 is the Key of Heaven opening unto us all manner of heavenly treasures For by prayer we obtain 1. The divine Spirit of God Your father from heaven will give the good Spirit to them that ask him 2. Increase of habitual and sanctifying grace 3. More frequent supplies of actual grace 4. All manner of virtues and supernatural gifts Besides in the exercise thereof our faith is quickned our hopes raised and our love and affection inflamed towards God whom therein we acknowledge to be our chief Benefactor and Author of all good Is 65.24 Consider 3. All this and whatever else we can desire for our good Almighty God is readier to bestow upon us then we to ask and doth even prevent our prayers according to that And it shall be before they call I will hear as they are yet speaking I will hear And if he denieth us any thing it is our fault in demanding either what we ought not or not in the manner we ought but still his mercy Aug. Ser. 53. de Verb. Dom. for God in his mercy saith S. Augustine denieth such things which he could not grant but in wrath Be grateful for so great a benefit and serve your self of it by a due and constant use in all your occasions Of the benefit of Prayer Part 3. Eccli 18.23 COnsider 1. That of the wise man Before prayer prepare thy soul This preparation consisteth 1. In an humble heart towards God acknowledging our sins and unworthiness to appear in his sight as did the Publican and Centurion for God hath had respect to the prayer of the humble Ps 101.18 and he hath not despised their Petition And the prayer of him that humbleth himself shall penetrate the Clouds Eccl. 35.19 2. In peace and charity with our Neighbour pardoning all injuries and offences When you shall stand to pray Mar. 11.25 forgive if you have ought against any man c. 3. In putting off all hardness of heart towards the needy for as the wise man saith He that stoppeth his ear at the cry of the poor Pro. 21.13 himself also shall cry and shall not be heard Mat. 6.6 Consider 2. In our prayer we must observe what Christ requireth in those words When thou shalt pray enter into thy chamber and having shut the door pray to thy father in secret c. That is we must retire our selves from all distracting objects and shut the doors of our senses We must also pray in spirit Jo. 4.23 and verity that is with a serious and earnest application of mind intending from our heart what we outwardly express in words that we may not be in the number of those of whom the Prophet This people honoreth me with their lips Mat. 15.8 but their heart is far from me We must finally bring a lively faith and confidence All things whatsoever you ask praying saith Christ believe that you shall receive Mar. 11.24 and they shall come unto you Consider 3. The grounds of this confidence which are chiefly three 1. The love of the Eternal Father towards us For as Christ said Jo. 16.27 The Father himself loveth you and who of his own accord bestowed his only Son upon us will not stick to grant us upon earnest entreaty lesser blessings 2. The Merits and Passion of Christ who is our Mediator and Advocate and assures us Jo. 14.13 Whatsoever we shall ask in his name that he will do 3. The intercession which the Divine Spirit himself doth make for us who as the Apostle saith Rom. 8.26 requesteth for us with groanings unspeakable On the Feast of our Lords Ascension Arise be illuminated Jerusalem upon thee shall our Lord arise and his glory shall be seen upon thee Is 60.1 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the King of Glory Ps 46.6 COnsider 1. Christ is often in the Scripture called the King of Glory and this day in triumphant manner he ascended the highest Heavens in great Glory and Majesty God is ascended in Jubilation and our Lord in the voice of Trumpet He is the Fountain whence Glory is derived to all the blessed and the several gifts of grace to the faithful but especially in this day of his Triumph as great Princes are wont in like occasions he prodigally
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
things up in your heart by serious Meditation and beg that the hand of our Lord may also be with you Zacheus come down in haste because this day I must abide in thy house Luc. 19.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Guest of your Soul Apoc. 3.20 COnsider 1. How Christ although he be the Lord of Glory and Majesty whom thousands of millions attend on in heaven is notwithstanding wonderfully desirous to make himself your guest and to lodge in your Soul Whence in the Apocalyps he saith I stand at the dore and knock if any one shall open unto me the gate I will enter in to him and will sup with him and he with me O what a favour is this Who are you and who is he Luc. 3.4 Consider 2. What is said this day in the Gospel Prepare the way of our Lord make streight his paths You must make ready the room of your heart that it may be fit to entertain so great a guest He is content and well pleased with what is mean so it be but cleanly and therefore he would not take flesh but in the Virgins purest womb nor be layed but in a new Sepulchre and wrapped in a pure clean Winding-sheet He is highly taken with Humility and as much offended with Pride and Self-conceit If you be a valley you shall be filled up as it is said to day in the Gospel but if you be a hill or mountain you shall be humbled and taken down Meet him then prostrating your self before him and crying out from the bottom of your heart Luâ— 7.6 Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof c. Gen. 18.3 c. 4 Reg. 4.8 Luc. 10.38 Prov. 23.26 Consider 3. With what prompt observance and hearty welcome anciently they did entertain their guests Abraham the three Angels the Sunamite woman the Prophet Elizeus Martha Christ himself Do you the like and the best you have set before him that is present him your whole heart My son saith he give me thy heart See it be all of a piece whole and entire not divided either by self-love or inordinate affection to things of this world Mat. 1.18 Of our Blessed Ladies Virginity revealed to St. Joseph 1. Part. COnsider 1. The singular Sanctity of St. Joseph answerable to so high an office though God had not as yet revealed unto him the Mystery of the Incarnation for a proof both of his and the Virgins Vertue Wherefore perceiving her to be grown big after her return from Elizabeth he was startled at it and began to be troubled in minde doubtful what he should do to keep himself blamelesse Thus God is wont to try his servants though but for a time Ps. 54.23 for he will not give fluctuation saith David to the Just for ever Consider 2. The many Vertues of the holy man in this perplexity of mind Patience in supporting and not divulging the matter Charity in not reproaching her Prudence in taking mature deliberation with himself of what were fit to be done Do you the like when any thing happeneth amisse in your brother beware of rash judgement follow that of St. Bernard Ber. ser 10. in Cant. Excuse the intention if you cannot the fact take it for a mistake judge it aâ— surprize think it a chance Is 24.16 Consider 3. The admirable Vertues of the B. Virgin in this surprize of Joseph She alleadgeth nothing in her own defence though easily she might Her honour was in question in a matter of the highest concern notwithstanding she chooseth rather to be silent and to commit the matter to God then to publish any thing that might turn to her own praise My secret to me You perhaps do not so but presently blab out whatsoever makes to your commendation and though you be in fault make a thousand excuses one upon the other in your sins Ps. 140.4 Mat. 1.20 Of our Blessed Ladies Virginity revealed to St. Joseph 2. Part. BEhold the Angel of our Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph Consider 1. The sum of the Angels Message 1. He honoureth Josâ—ph with the title of being son of David 2. He takes away all fear and trouble of mind 3. He justifieth the Virgin 4. He informs him of the Mystery of the Incarnation Ponder here how God was not wanting in due time to these holy persons but when all humane means failed sent them succour from heaven Admire the divine Providence which though it seems to leave us for a while yet will not abandon us for good and all For a moment Is 54.7 a little while saith he have I forsaken thee and in great mercies will I gather thee Consider 2. What excesse of joy St. Joseph was in when he understood of the Mystery of the Incarnation the Innocency of his Spouse and her election to be Mother of God where he understood himself to be assumed to that eminent dignity of being not only Guardian and Spouse to the Mother but also the reputed father of the Son of God and as father to give him the name of Jesus Think how he condemned himself as one rashly jealous Congratulate with him for this honour and reverence with singular devotion him whom both Mother and Son so highly favoured Cant. 5.2 2.11 Consider 3. The Angel disappearing probably St. Joseph impatient of delay went forthwith to his most innocent Spouse knocked at her chamber dore where she likely was watching in heavenly contemplation and used those woâ—ds of the Canticles Open to me my sister my love my beautiful one for winter is now past the rain is gone and departed Then he asked pardon with tears and recounted to her the whole passage of the Angels Vision Think what joy there was between them Learn to put your trust in God in like accidents who after a tempest maketh a calm Tâ—b 3.22 and after tears and weeping poureth in joyfulnesse Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 1. Part. Luc. 12.50 COnsider 1. The Infant Christ shut up in his Mothers womb did earnestly long for the coming of that hour wherein he was to appear in the World to perfect the work of our Salvation so as even then to say I have to be baptized with a Baptisme and how am I straitened till it be dispatched He contained himself notwithstanding for nine whole moneths neither would he dispense one day with himself in that tedious and painful Inclosure but embraced it as a fit occasion of suffering for us of which nature he would omit nothing that came in his way What man in his wits according to flesh and bloud would suffer himself to be so long shut up in such a prison though it were to gain the world Be ashamed then to complain of small inconveniences when God himself suffered so great for you Cant. 8.1 Consider 2. The expectation on the behalf of the Mother now near her time and most
early days for banishment labours and miseries He rejoyceth to goe into Egypt to sanctify it with his devine presence and to destroy the Idols that were in it Isa 19.1 Behold our Lord c. Will enter into Egypt and the Idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence Beseech him likewise to sanctify you in the Holy Eucharist and to destroy in you all the Idols of your Vitious affections Consider 2. What they doe and suffer in the way Offer your selfe as companion Observe their religious comportment their pious discourses their interiour recollection with God See with what patience they endure and overcome the many difficulties of a very long and troublesome journey of about two hundred and seventy miles Think what they suffer in the Innes and other places being poor and strangers in the country Have compassion on them and be confounded for being so nice and seeking so much your own ease and satisfaction in meat drink lodging c. Consider 3. How being come into Egypt they took up there habitation for seven or eight yeares between Heliopolis and Cairus Think what manner of life they led all that time 1. Their religious obseruance towards God and his laws as much as the condition of banishment in a Heathenish country would permit 2. Their Charity and Union among themselves 3. Their extrem poverty having nothing but what they got by labour of their hands to maintain themselves and the Child 4. Their patience in the ill usages of the Egyptians 5. The edification they gave to their Neighbours and zeal in endevoring their conversion and that probably not without success in many Ponder every thing attentively and gather something for your self Of the Murder of the Holy Jnnocents Mat. 2.16 Ps 2.4 COnsider 1. Then Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the Sages was exceeding angry and sending murdered all men children c. Observe the barbarous cruelty and into what enormities Ambition doth plunge a man that you may conceive the greater hatred against it But let the wicked rage and fume as they please let them devise practices against our Lord and his Saints He that dwelleth in the Heavens shall laugh at them and our Lord shall scorn them as he did Herod and frustrated his designe Learn therefore to confide in our Lord. Consider 2. The cruelty of the Officers exceeding even that of the Tyrant See how redily and to the full they execute their Princes command murdering as many as they could finde all about Bethleem Be confounded in your selfe for being so remisse in doing good Imagin what a heart-breaking this must needs prove to these childrens mothers See that your concern and griefe be no less as often as Christ is taken from you by sin Think how Christ though a far of beholdeth all these things with compassion but withall rejoyceth at the Infants glory and crowns in Heaven Judic 14.8 Consider 3. The goodness of God who knoweth how to draw good out of the Wickednesse of man and produce a honey combe out of the Lyons jawes He permitted therefore this slaughter that so he might raise the Infants to the crown of Martyrdom Commit your selfe and all you have to God for he knows better how to dispose all things then you your felfe Wish that you also may come to shed your bloud for him but first imitate the Innocency of these Saints by purity of life Apoc. 14.5 That you may be without spot before the throne of God Of Christs Return out of Egypt to Nazareth Mat. 2.19 Psa 33.6 COnsider 1. When Herod was dead behold an Angel of our Lord appeared in sleepe to Joseph in Egypt saying arise and take the Child and his Mother and goe into the Land of Israel Who being afterwards in doubt where to dwell for feare of Archelaus was admonished again to goe into Galilee Observe here 1. How short is the prosperity of the wicked in this life and how soone it is changed into everlasting miseries of the next 2. What a speciall care and providence God hath of the Just taking them in due time out of the afflictions he permitted them to fall into for their greater good and directing them in all their ways Therefore Come ye to him and be illuminated and your faces shall not be confounded Cant. 2.1 Consider 2. And coming he dwelt in a Citty called Nazareth Imagin the joy and congratulations of their friends and kindred for their return and for the increase of a son where admire their singular modesty in concealing the admirable Mysteries which God had wrought in them leaving it to him to reveale them in due time Observe how Christ from Nazareth was called a Nazarite and Nazareth signifieth a flower and Christ saith of himselfe in the Canticles I am the flower of the field not of the garden that is born of mean not of noble or wealthy parents and the Lilly of the Valleys not of the mountains that is springing forth of the hearts of the humble not of the proud and high minded Be you therefore a Valley that is humble that the pure lilly of Chastity may bud forth of your heart and your self florish for ever in the presence and company of your Lord. Consider 3. Many are the followers of Jesus the Nazarite but few of the Crucified They willingly hear him company in a prosperous and florishing condition but leave him in adversity They would be sharers of his kingdom not of his Passion of his Crown not of his Cross But you my soule so follow the Nazarite as to run after the sweet odour of his Vertues and follow him also Crucifyed for that by his Cross and not otherwise you must passe to his Crown A summary of the Vertues which Christ exercised in his Infancy HAving considered the Mysteries of Christs Infancy it will not be amiss to cast an eye back and reflect upon the admirable examples of Vertue which he gave us therein 1. Of Contempt of the World He would be born secretly in the night without any pompe or attendants unknown to all Being born he would be visited by none of his country but by poore silly shepheards in the Temple he chose to be manifested by two mean and obscure persons Simeon and Anna and lived afterwards obscurely in banishment refusing and contemning all the enjoyments of this World 2. Of Humility From the God of infinit Majesty become a helplesse Infant in his birth an outcast in Bethleem a companion of beasts in a stable a reputed sinner in his Circumcision a weak worm and fugitive in his flight into Egypt I am a worm and no man a reproach of men Psa 21.7 and outcast of the people 3. Of Poverty For you he was made poor 2 Cor. 8.9 wheras he was rich scarce admitting necessaries and in what he had ever chusing the meanest and worst a stable for his house a manger for his cradle straw for his bed course swathing
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
Body and Mind and while they are yet in flesh emulate the perfection of Pure Spirits with this advantage of desert that what they are by Nature these arrive unto by a glorious Victory over their own Nature Virgins are specially beloved by Christ he would have a Virgin Mother a Virgin for his Precursor and among all his Disciples he loved best the Virgin S. John Virginity as S. Cyprian affirmeth is the Flower of the Churches Off-spring Cypr. de Discipl Habitu Virg. the Glory and Ornament of Spiritual Grace the Image of God and the most Illustrious Portion or part of Christs Flock 2 Cor. 4.7 Consider 2. Virginity although it be a special gift of God is not bestowed without our concurrance nor conserved without diligent care for we have this treasure in Earthen Vessels The means therefore to obtain and conserve it are 1. Mortification of the Flesh by Fasting Abstinence Watching and other Corporal Austerities 2. Strict guard upon our Senses which are the gates through which all evil doth enter into our Soul 3. Command over our thoughts neither admitting nor even disputing with any that are against this Virtue 4. The avoiding of all occasions that may bring us into the least danger 5. Earnest Prayer to Almighty God whose gift it is 6. Humility not trusting to our selves knowing our own weakness 7. Fear of God 8. Memory of the last things Apoc. 14.4 Consider 3. The Reward of Virginity 1. It is sufficient Reward to it self freeing the Soul from the Tyranny of the Flesh and unruly Passions to which others are subject and filling the same with most pure joy and content above all the delights of the World 2. Virgins after a special manner are Temples of the Holy Ghost and Spouses of Christ with whom he delighteth to be Whence they have that singular Prerogative above others in Heaven that they follow the Lamb whither soever he shall go 3. They have a special Crown in Heaven like to that of Martyrs And S. Ambrose doth stile Virginity the Mother of Martyrs and a glorious Martyrdome it self Stir your self up to the love of this Heavenly and Angelical Virtue and make use of the means that help to obtain it On the Feast of any Saint General Points Rom. 8.30 COnsider 1. Four things in whatsoever Saint you meditate on 1. His Predestination 2. Vocation 3. Justification 4. Glorification according to that of the Apostle Whom he hath predestinated them also he hath called and whom he hath called them also he hath justified and whom he hath justified them also hath he glorified The Predestination or Election to Glory was of Gods free gift without any desert of theirs Ephes 1.4 Before the canstitution of the world that they should be Holy and Immaculate in his sight Their Vocation in divers of them was different some were called in their Youth others in their Old Age some by Miracle others occasionally But God hath been wonderful in all Their Justification afforded them great gifts of Grace and special helps the chief of which you may reflect upon more in particular Their Glorification chiefly after death by Miracles Visions the gift of curing Diseases and the like Mat. 16.24 Consider 2. How the Saint of whom you meditate answered Gods Call and practised what he required of all those that would follow him as in set down in the Gospel If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Ponder how he was 1. In the Abnegation of himself by mortifying his Flesh Senses and Appetites 2. In carrying his Cross that is in manfully undergoing labours and pains for the glory of God and suffering adversities such as are Sickness Persecutions Afflictions Miseries c. 3. In following Christ by the exercise of all manner of Virtue in imitation of him Consider 3. In what particular and in what manner you are to imitate the Saint of whom you meditate Chrysost Ser. de Mart. quod imitand in brev 7. Noâ—omâ— Because as S. Chrysostome saith You must imitate if you praise or must not praise if you refuse to imitate And we might be what the Saints are if we would do what they did FINIS To the greater Glory of God His B. Virgin Mother and all his Saints A TABLE OF THE MEDITATIONS Contained in this Book as they lye in Order distributed for every Day of the Year From the 1 of November to Advent ALL-Saints day Of Christ in the Eucharist as God Page 1 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as King Page 2 2. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Father Page 3 3. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Brother Page 5 4. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Master Page 6 Of Mans last End 2. Meditations Page 7 8 Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Med. Page 9 10 11 Of the Sin of Angels Page 12 Of the Sin of our first Parents Page 13 Of the grievousness of Mortal Sin 5. Med. Page 14. c. Of flying Venial Sins 3. Med. Page 21. c. Of Death 3. Med. Page 25. c. Of preparing against Death 2. Med. Page 28. c. Of particular Judgment 2. Med. Page 31. c. Of general Judgment 2. Med. Page 33. c. Of Hell 2. Med. Page 36. c. Of Purgatory 2. Med. Page 39. c. From Advent to Christmass 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as Judge page 42 Of imitating the Life of Christ 2. Med. Page 43. c. Of Gods Decree concerning the Incarnation 2. Med. Page 45. c. Of the Election of Christs Mother 2. Med. Page 47. c. 2. Sunday Of Christ as the Expectation of the Gentiles Page 50 Of sending the Angel Gabriel Page 51 Of the Angels Salutation Page 52 Of the Delivery of the Message Page 53 Of the B. Virgins Reply Page 54 Of the B. Virgins Consent Page 55 Of the accomplishment of the Incarnation Page 56 3. Sunday Of Christ as the Anoiuted of our Lord Page 58 Of our Ladies Journey to Elizabeth Page 59 Of the Virgins Entrance to Elizabeth Page 60 Of the Canticle Magnificat Page 61 Of the Virgins stay with Elizabeth Page 63 Of Saint Johns Nativity 2 Med. Page 64. c. 4. Sunday Of Christ as our Souls Guest Page 66 Of the Revelation made to S. Joseph 2. Med. Page 67. c. Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 2. Med. Page 70. c. Of the Virgins Journey to Bethlehem Page 72 From Christmass to Septuagesm On Christmass-day Of Christ as a little one Page 74 Of our Lords Birth 3. Med. Page 75. c. Of the Shepherds and their Adoration 3. Med. Page 78. c. On New-years day Of Christ as he is Jesus Page 82 Of our Lords Circumcision 2. Med. Page 83. c. Of our Spiritual Circumcision 2. Med. Page 86. c. On Twelfth-day Of Christ as our Sovereign Lord Page 88 Sunday in the
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
all others whence by the Holy Fathers it is called the Mother and Guardian of other Vertues for he that is Obedient is also humble patient meek charitable continent and Master of himselfe for as the Wise man saith An obedient man shall speak Victory Pro. 21.28 Procure therefore to be well affected to this Vertue and to exercise it when occasion is in imitation of Christ Behold I sow my Law in you and it shall bring fourth fruit in you 4 Esd 9.31 Mat. 13.24 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the good seed of our Soule Zach. 9.17 COnsider 1. What is said to day in the Ghospel The Kingdom of Heaven is resembled to a man that sowed good seed in his field Ponder therefore how your soule is a field capable both of good and bad seed and that God doth cast into it many good seeds of holy Inspirations and pious affections by good books Preachers Directours c. But the choisest seed of all is his own pretious body which he soweth in your soule by the Eucharist for this is the corn of the Elect and the seed that yeeldeth fruit of eternal life Consider 2. The soile of your soule of itself is fruitless and barren bringing forth nothing but thorns and bryars and subject to be overgrown with cockle which resembling the good seed of Vertues doe fill up and cosen the soule with vain hopes of fruite and in harvest time that is in the later judgement are cast into the fire Cleanse therefore your soule carefully from the weedes and bryars of Vice with the harrow of Mortification Separate the cockle from the pure wheat true Vertue from that which is false and counterfeit that the seed of the heavenly sower may not be choked up within you Heb. 6.7 c. Consider 3. How seriously you ought to labour to the end that by meanes of so much sowing and frequent receiving the Sacraments you may yeeld fruit answerably lest otherwise the heavenly husbandman provoked to indignation condemn you to the fire For the earth saith the Apostle drinking the raine often coming upon it and bringing forth grass commodious for them by whom it is tilled receiveth blessing of God but bringing forth thorns and bryars it is reprobate and very neer a curse whose end is to be burnt Luc. 2.52 Of Christs growing in Age and Wisdom c. Part I. COnsider 1. And Jesus proceeded in Wisdom and age and grace with God and men Christ from his first conception had all fullness of Grace Wisdom and all manner of Vertue but he proceeded still forward in them to the outward appearance accommodating his actions and discourses sutably to his age that you might learn to conform your self to the time and place you are in and to make continual progress in Vertue Luc. 9.62 Consider 2. There are diverse ways both of profiting and of failing in a spirituall life First some after they have begun well give back through Inconstancy and these our Lord condemneth when he saith No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is apt for the Kingdom of God and biddeth us remember Lot's wife who was turned into a pillar of Salt that others might be the wiser by her misfortune Apoc. 2.4 Consider 3. Others in their progress grow remisse in fervor and use of those means whereby they might profit and therefore are in danger of falling To such Christ speaketh in the Apocalyps I have against thee a few things because thou hast left thy first charity Others againe begin and goe on with a slow pace and although outwardly there appeare no defect yet for the most part there is a reall decay within Finally others when they have once begun well Ps. 83.6 goe on cheerfully disposing ascension in their hearts c. From one Vertue to another See in what class you are or would wish to be and mend your pace towards gaining the prize Luc. 2.52 Of Christs growing in Age Wisdom c. Part 2. COnsider 1. Jesus proceeded in Wisdom and age and grace with God and Men saith the Evangeast We must therefore joyn both together and avoid two extremes Wherefore ponder how some there are whâ—se care only it is to carry a faire outside in the eyes of men and doe little regard their own true interior profit in the sight of God and their own conscience So did the Pharisees of whom Christ Mat. 6.16 They disfigure their faces that they may appeare unto men to fast Amen I say to you that they have received their reward See whither you doe your actions so for example frequenting the Sacraments hearing Masse and the like only for human respects and that you might not seem indevout And see you mend Rom. 10.2 Consider 2. Others there are on the contrary who have no regard to the edification of their Neighbour in what they doe out of fervor having somtimes an over great and indiscreet Zeal of God but not according to knowledg as the Apostle saith And these the same Apostle admonisheth to be providing good things not only before God Rom. 12.17 but also before Men. Mat. 5.17 Consider 3. Lastly Others joyne both together and that in due manner according to the example of Christ who said So let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven Run over all your actions in particular and see what you are wont to doe only to please men what againe to please God alone though it be with the offence and disedification of others and endeavour in all things to please God by a right intention and to edify men by good example Of the Necessity which all have of profiting in Vertue Part 1. COnsider 1. All that are disciples of Christ must make continuall progress in spirit 1. Because not to goe forwards in the way of God as the Saints doe teach is to goe backwards For as a boat cannot keep its ground in a swift river but must necessarily be carryed down ward by force of the stream unless it be born upward by meanes of oares so unless you goe continually on strugling with main force against the impuâ—se of nature you will certainly by force thereof be cast back for as S. Bernard saith Not to gaine doubtless is to lose ground Ber. Ep. 341 whence you will come to fall at last into the hands of your enemies whom you desire to escape Mat. 5.48 Consider 2. Because such is the will of God who will have us to be pure and holy in his sight without spot or wrinckle Be you perfect therefore saith Christ as also your Heavenly Father is perfect No man becometh eminent all on a suddain Let every one therefore seek to perfect himselfe by degrees that he may at last arrive to the top of perfection S. Bern. Consider 3. Because so it becometh a disciple of Christ to doe Whence
S. Bernard elegantly saith The scholar that profiteth is a glory to his Master Whosoever therefore profits not in Christs schoole is unworthy to have him for his Master What a shame would it be for one after seven yeares study of Philosophy and Divinity to have profited nothing and to end his course no better a scholar then he began Much more ought you to be ashamed if which God forbid you become worse more remisse in prayer more given to detraction and a greater lover of your self and your own ease and satisfaction then when you first entered the schoole of Vertue Endeavor therefore continually to better your self Of the Necessity which all have of profiting in Vertue Part 2. Apoc. 2.5 COnsider 1. The Damages which the neglect of advancing in spirit doth bring for first it provoketh God to wrath Therefore in the Apocalyps it is said to the Bishop who had done many good works but had left his first Charity or fervor Be mindful from whence thou art fallen c. And doe the first works But if not I come to thee and will move thy candlestick out of his place God perchance hath designed you for a candlestick to give light to many Have a care therefore he doe not remove you for leaving your first Charity or fervor of devotion Pro. 10.4 Consider 2. How the aforesaid neglect depriveth us of great spiritual gaines and rewards The slothful hand hath wrought poverty saith the Wise-man O what glory should we purchase in Heaven if we were allways intent upon our spiritual profit and took hold of all occasions of exercising Vertue Think what care and labour worldly Merchants take to heap up money which is to perish and moulder away and you that are a Merchant of Heaven neglect everlasting treasures that are freely offered unto you Mat. 25.28.30 Consider 3. How this same neglect disposeth us to a finall decay and absolute breaking for of the servant that neglected to increase the stock or talent which he received it was said take ye away therefore the talent from him c. And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the utter darkness c. Excite your self therefore to goe on cheerfully Examen wherein you are wont to be most at a stand and resolve to go through with courage You have Christ for your Captaine and for your reward life everlasting Of Christs life from the twelfth to the thirtith year of his age Part 1. COnsider 1. There is nothing exstant in the Ghospel of Christs life from the twelfth to the thirtith year of his age but of his Obedience to his parents and progress in Vertue as we have seen above that you may make the greater account of them Consider 2. It seemeth certain that Christ spent great part of that time in most high contemplation and conversing with his heavenly father for he that was afterwards to say of Mary Magdalen that she had chosen the better part in respect of her love and exercise of contemplation must needs practise it himself much more perfectly And if David seven times a day did utter praise to God and besides did rise at midnight to confess unto him Ps. 118.164 Item v. 62. how much more did Christ Learn hence to give your self to prayer both for your own and your neighbours good and that the frequent exercise therof and familiar conversation with God are prime and necessary dutys of a Christian Jo. 7.15 Mar. 3.21 Consider 3. All that time Christ concealed his Wisdom so that he was held unlearned by all whence afterwards for a wonder they said How doth this man know letters whereas he hath not learned Nay they said that he was become mad for that he spake and wrought such strange things as could not be expected from him Love to be unknown and of no account Believe me said one He hath lived well that hath layn well hid Ovid. Be not too forward to vent your knowledge though you take your self to be more knowing then others Let not the Wise man glory in his wisdom Jer. 9.23 c. But he that glorieth let him glory in this to understand and know me Of Christs life from the twelfth to the thirtith year of his age Part. 2. Mar. 6.3 COnsider 1. As to the exterior manner of living 't is probable Christ our Lord practised the Carpenter's trade also after S. Joseph's death whence the Jews said of him Is not this the Carpenter the son of Mary Imagin your self therefore to see the Word of God and Lord of Heaven handling his hatcher and plainer hewing sawing plaining and joyning boards and other timber together and with astonishment think Who What Where c. And how true that saying is His work is strange from him If. 28.21 Gen. 3.19 Consider 2. Christ did this first out of love to Humility for he that had taken upon him other miseries of human nature and had freely submitted himself to the general malediction of Death would also submit himself to the other malediction of toyl and labour wherein it was said to Adam In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread Secondly he did it to teach us by his example to shun idleness the fountain and origin of all evill See therefore you imitate him Eccli 33.29 for idleness as the wise man saith hath taught much naughtiness Consider 3. What singular profit the B. Virgin made all that time of so long and familiar conversation with her son Imagin what discourses they hold one with another allways of God and of divine matters See the Virgin standing in amaze and beholding her son while he out of love to humility sweepeth the house washeth the pots maketh the fire and dresseth meat for his mother and the like Rom. 11.33 O depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! Reflect upon every parâ—icular and draw somthing out of all for your own benefit c. The Maana was as it were the seed of Coriander Num. 11.7 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a Grain of Mustard-seed Mat. 13.31 COnsider 1. What is said to day in the Ghospel The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a Mustard-seed c. To wit that Christ was the Mustardseed being indeed in outward appearance the least of all men Ps. 21.7 according to what he saith of himself I am a worm and no man but in Vertue and efficacy greater then the Angels themselves and this is verified of him most of all in the Eucharist For as to sense what is of less shew then a morsâ—ll of bread but what more divine then the Holy Eucharist as to the Vertue and excellency it containeth with in it S. Tho. Opâ—sâ— 58. 〈◊〉 21. Consider 2. The many admirable Vertues of this Eucharistical grain S. Thomas recounteth twelve like to the twelve fruits of the tree of life of which we read in the Apocalyps 1. It driveth
Their Evangelical Poverty for love of which As many as were owners of lands or houses sold Ibid. 34 35 and bought the prices of those things which they sold and laid it before the feet of the Apostles c. Neither did any one say Sup. v. 32. that ought was his own of those things which he possessed but all things were common to them Act. 2.46 47. Consider 3. The rest of their life they were daily also continuing with one accord in the Temple and breaking bread from house to house as well the Eucharistical bread in Communion as common bread in Hospitality they took their meat with joy and simplicity of heart praising God and having grace with all the people How far are we off from the like fervour assiduity of prayer and simplicity of heart Let us therefore imitate their example that we may come to enjoy their company in heaven Lord if I have found grace in thy sight go not past thy servant Gen. 18.3 Trinity Sunday Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Second Person of the most Blessed Trinity Isa 6.3 COnsider 1. What Faith teacheth us concerning this most sacred mystery to wit three Persons subsistent in one single Nature or Essence of Divinity the Father unbegotten his only begotten Son and the Holy Ghost proceeding from both Imagine your self to see innumerable millions of Saints and Angels in heaven prostrate before the Throne of the Divinity with most prefound reverence and admiration of this incomprehensible Mystery and continually singing forth Holy holy holy the Lord God of Hosts Consider 2. The Second Person of this Sacred Trinity will abide with you this day and with him the other two the Father and the H. Ghost who being the self-same in Nature with the Son Suar. 2. p. to 3. disâ— 51. See 6. in a special manner are also present in the Eucharist What entertainment therefore will be sitting for such Guests what care of neatness and adorning your self with acts of virtue Consider 3. With what servour humility and devotion Abraham entertained the three Angels who represented the B. Trinity He received three but adored only one saith S. Augustine saying Aug. l. 16. c. 29. Civit. Lord if I have found grace in thy sight go not past thy servant Then himself ran to the Herd took from thence one of the best Calves and caused it to be boiled and set before them Do you the like and present your guests with the best you have to wit your heart well prepared by the sire of Charity and say with the Church In Offic. ss Triritatis Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity now and ever and world without end Of the first Person of the B. Trinity or of the Eternal Father 2 Cor. 4.4 Heb. 1.3 COnsider 1. The Eternal Father as Faith teacheth is the Fountain and Origin of the other persons in the B. Trinity for understanding himself by an Intuitive Vision he begetteth the Eternal Word that is a most perfect and substantial Image of himself which is the Son the Image of God and the figure of his substance And again together with the Son by mutual love breatheth forth the Holy Ghost communicating unto them both his entire Nature without division retaining in himself his own proper personality uncommunicated Admire the sublimeness of this Mystery stir your self up to acts of Faith and acknowledge how weak mans understanding is to comprehend divine things O depth of the riches of the wisdome Rom. 11.33 I and of the knowledge of God c. Consider 2. Although all exteriour works of God are common to the whole Trinity notwithstanding those of Power and Omnipotency are appropriated to the Father such are the Creation Conservation and Government of the World whence you may learn both how much you ought to love him who created you and for your sake produced this admirable Structure of the Universe and how much reason you have to fear him Mat. 10.28 who in a moment can destroy both soul and body into hell Jo. 16.27 Consider 3. This Father and Lord of all things notwithstanding the greatness of his Majesty stoopeth so low beneath himself for love of us who at the best are but his Slaves and Vassals as to make us his children and heirs by adoption For the Father himself loveth you saith Christ Nay God so loved the world Jo. 3.16 that he gave bis only begotten Son for its redemption See therefore how much reason you have to love and reverence with your whole heart and with all your strength so loving a Father Of the Second Person of the B Trinity or of the Son Is 53.8 COnsider 1. That as Faith teacheth the Son was begotten from all Eternity without the least difference of time or point of inequality for he is Consubstantial Coeternal and in all things equal to the Father he is properly the Word of the Divine Intellect expressing in himself the whole substance of the Divinity the which being made as it were Vocal by the Incarnation declared unto us the secret Mysteries of the Father Who shall declare his generation Neither the Angels themselves can comprehend this unspeakable Procession Therefore what you cannot conceive either by sense or reason believe with a firm faith and rejoyce for the glory of the Son equal in all things with the Father Consider 2. The Sons love towards mankind who to redeem his Slave delivered himself over to death For us men and for our salvation Symb. Nicen he descended from heaven and was incarnate and born and that in so humble and contemptible a manner God was made man that man might be made God Aug. Ser. 9. de Nat. Leo Ser. 6. de Nat. Or as S. Leo saith Christ was made the Son of man that we might be made the Sons of God O ineffable love O incomprehensible favour Consider 3. How you may requite so great a love Doubtless it requires that you both reverence his divine person with the greatest devotion and respect and with as great tenderness love that sacred humanity which he took upon him and nailed to the Cross for your sake Say with S. Bernard S. Bern. Ser. 1. de Epiph. The more vile he is become for me so much the more dear he is to me and take heed least by sinning you alienate from your self so loving a friend Of the Third Person of the B. Trinity or of the Holy Ghost Pref. Miss COnsider 1. The Holy Ghost as the Third Person of the B. Trinity proceeding from the Father and the Son but coeternal and consubstantial to them both of equal power wisdom and so of the other divine Attributes For there is as the Church singeth Propriety in the Persons unity in the Essence and Equality in Majesty Do you also reverence and honour this divine person and joyn your voice with the Seraphins crying out Holy Is 6.3 holy
of John made great resort unto him and not only the common people but the chief Magistrates began to doubt whether he were not Christ Therefore they sent from Hierusalem Priests and Levites to him that they should ask him who art thou Ponder how powerful Innocency of life is to move mens minds and how true is that which S. Bernard saith Bern. Serm 55. in Cant. That louder is the voice of works then of words Consider 2. The divers acts of Humility of S. John in this occasion for whereas he was in such esteem with the Jews as to be held for Christ he did not therefore vainly vaunt himself above what he was as worldly men are wont in like occasions but confessed and did not deny and he confessed that I am not Christ This is the first degree of Humility to disown what he knew belonged not unto himself and to resign it where it was due See whether you do not otherwise making your self more then you are and concealing what in truth you are Mat. 11.9 Consider 3. How when the Jews demanded again whether he were not Elias or some Prophet he answered No. He might have given himself out for Elias in Spirit though not in person and for a Prophet and more then a Prophet as he was stiled by the Angel and by Christ himself But he that is truly humble doth not only refuse what is not his own but also takes off as far as truth will permit from what is his due He never commendeth himself Bern. Ep. 87. but rather as S. Bernard saith as much as lies in him will not be known what he is Be ashamed therefore to seek the applause of others and not content with that to be your own Trumpeter Of the Jews Message to John Jo. 1.23 Part 2. COnsider 1. The Jews still urging him to give some account of himself He said I am the voice of one crying in the Desart make straight the way of our Lord. He boasteth not of his Race Parents Priesthood c. as worldly men are wont He calleth himself a Voice expressing thereby his Office of Precursor and signifying withall that whatsoever he was belonged wholly to another to wit God whose Instrument he was in speaking This is a third degree of Humility that when we are constrained to discover some good or perfection that we have we acknowledge it only as a gift of God and not as any thing of our own Consider 2. They said to him Why then doest thou baptize if thou be not Christ The Jews check him as taking upon him by his own private Authority an Office not belonging unto him But he contendeth not in his own defence nor maketh any Apology but referring the matter to God proceedeth in villifying himself Saying I baptize in water but there hath stood in the mids of you whom you know not c. whose latchet of his Shoe I am not worthy to loose This is a fourth degree of Humility to be backwards in ones own excuse O that we would all practice it Consider 3. The Jews sent the Message to John not to Christ of whom notwithstanding they might have been better informed So we often seek comfort from creatures instead of the Creator Observe moreover the blindness of the Jews who hearing of John that Christ whom they fought conversed among them notwithstanding made no further enquiry after him For your part be diligent to understand the Will of God in all things and when you have understood it be as faithful to put it in execution c. Of Christs Baptisme Mat. 3.13 Part 1. COnsider 1. How Christ beginning his Preaching goeth first to be baptized to teach us that we should begin the work of God with a clean heart Therefore he taketh leave of his Mother who though she cannot but grieve thereat for the absence of such a Son yet withall she rejoyceth for the Redemption of Israel drawing so near at hand He taketh a long journey to John the greater to the lesser the Lord to the Servant to be baptized by him as a finner among the Publicans and Souldiers and among the Rout and Scum of people Admire this Humility of the Son of God and learn that it is the best preparation towards the undertaking of great things according to that And that which shall bâ— saved of the House of Juda and which is left Is 37.31 shall take root downward and shall bear fruit upward Consider 2. How John by Divine Revelation knowing our Lord at his coming modestly refuseth to baptize him saying I ought to be baptized of thee and comest thou to me Think what affections of joy reverence and submission John felt at that time in his heart seeing the Creator humbling himself so low as to receive Baptisme of his Creature Stir up the like affections in your self as often as he comes to you in the B. Sacrament Consider 3. Christs answer Suffer me for this time for so it becometh us to fulfill all Justice Ponder those words All Justice and learn to omit nothing in the way of Virtue that may benefit your self or edifie your Neighbour Examine your self whether you do so and whether you put in practise what you teach others by word of mouth for as S. Ambrose saith That Pastor fulfilleth Justice Ambr. in 3. Luc. that makes good by deeds what he teacheth by words Of Christs Baptisme Part 2. Luc. 3.21 22. COnsider 1. What S. Luke saith Jesus being baptizâ—d and praying Heaven was opened and the Holy Ghost descended in corporal shape as a Dove upon him For God is wont to exalt and honour the humble Christ therefore is honoured here 1. By the opening of the Heavens to signifie that by him Heaven Gates were opened to us 2. By the coming down of the H. Ghost to express the fulness of Grace and Heavenly Gifts which were in him and were by him to be derived unto us all 3. He is proclaimed the Natural Son of God to whom all creatutes ought to give due honour Consider 2. The Holy Ghost appeared in the form of a Dove to shew what manner of life ought all they to lead that are baptized That every one may understand saith S. Augustine if he hath the simple spirit that is August Tract 6. in Joan. of truth and sincerity that he must be like a Dove have peace with his Brethren which the Doves kind kisses do signifie And lastâ—y to hurt no body for the Dove hurteth not so much as a fly Is 54.7 Consider 3. The heavenly effects of our Sacrament of Baptisme expressed unto us in Christs Baptisme 1. The opening of Heaven Gates 2. The revealing of Divine Mysteries 3. The Remission of Sins 4. The Unction of the Holy Ghost 5. The Adoption to be the Children of God Give thanks for so manifold a benefit and being now made the Son of God raise up your thoughts and affections to your heavenly habitation that
and so thou shalt depart 3 Reg. 19.8 Consider 2. This strengthening bread is properly the Holy Eucharist which is therefore given us under the form of Bread and that of Wheat which is most comfortable of all other thereby to enable us to go on with alacrity to overcome the toil and labour of the journey and to resist our spiritual enemies that strive to hinder our passage A lively figure of this was that bread which the Angel gave to Elias in the strength whereof he walked fourty daies and fourty nights unto the Mount of God Horeb. Consider 3. This bread although of it self most comfortable and strengthening produceth not its effects but in a well ordered and clean stomack for if it be foul it overchargeth and weakneth it the more 1 Cor. 11.30 Therefore are there among you many weak and feeble saith the Apostle because they received Christs Body unworthily Wherefore duly prepare your soul and cleanse it of all disordinate affections and then this heavenly bread will enable you so as to run chearfully in the way of Gods Commandments according to that Ps 118.32 I ran the way of thy Commandments when thou didst dilate my heart Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 1. Mat. 8.19 COnsider 1. While Christ was walking by the Sea of Tiberias with multitudes about him A certain Scribe came to him and said I will follow thee whither soever that thou shalt go This was a liberal Oblation of himself but not accepted of For the holy Fathers are of opinion S. Hieron S. Aug. apud Barrad to 2. that this man followed Christ only for gain as thinking by his Miracles and concourse of people that he gathered store of money Or perhaps also he would follow him out of vain ostentation and that he might come to work Miracles O how many are there in the world that say they follow Christ but in truth seek their own ends Mat. 5.3 Consider 2. Christs answer The Foxes have holes and the Fowls of the ayr Nests but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head As â—f he would say Why should you desire to follow me for worldly wealth who have no lodging of my own being less provided then the very beasts and fowls themselves O wonderful poverty of this Sovereign King But this Poverty is so rich and of that value as to be able to purchase the Kingdom of Heaven according to that Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Ps 87.16 Mat. 11.29 Abdias 4. Consider 3. The Disciples of Christ ought not to be either Foxes having their holes that is Coffers to hoard up treasures in or Birds building their Nests aloft and seeking high and eminent imployments and dignities for that he himself is poor and in labours from his youth Meek and humble of heart Ponder those words If thou shalt be exalted as an Eagle and if thou shalt set thy Nest among the Stars thence will I pluck thee down saith our Lord. Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 2. Luc. 9.59 COnsider 1. Christ said to another follow me And he said Lord permit me first to go and to bury my Father This was a great mercy of Christ inviting him to be his Disciple and yet not accepted of but upon condition for he would first bury his Father who lay a dying or as others expound would have taken care of him till he died and after that betake himself to the service of God So many would serve God but after their own fashion that is after they have served their own pleasures and had their swing in the world Luc. 14.26 Consider 2. Our Lords answer Let the dead bury the dead but go thou set forth the Kingdom of God He teacheth us to prefer God before our Parents or Kindred He forbids not the performance of our duty but would have natural affection give way to the Divine Service for he will have his Disciples to cast off all carnal affection wherefore in another place he saith If any man come to me and hateth not his Father and Mother c. he cannot be my Disciple 1 Tim. 5.6 Consider 3. Christ termeth them dead that live to the world in sin For there are two sorts of death one of the body the other of the soul the body dieth when the Soul departeth the Soul dieth when it is separated from God by sin Christ therefore saith let them that are dead to God bury and take care of them that are dead to the world But let your care rather be to preserve the life of your Soul lest some time or other you come to die by sin and be cast off from the Face of God more loathsome to him then any dead carkass She that is in deliciousness saith the Apostle living is dead Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 3. Luc. 9.61 COnsider 1. A third came to Christ and offered himself to follow him but asked leave that he might first return home to dispose of his things and take leave of his Father and Friends I will follow thee Lord but permit me first to take my leave of them that are at home A reasonable request in appearance but not received for that all dangerous delays in the service of God ought to be carefully avoided Eccli 5.8 Slack not to be converted to our Lord and defer not from day to day Consider 2. Christs answer No man putting his hand to the Plough and looking back is apt for the Kingdom of God As much as to say the Ploughman that hath his hand upon the Plough and looketh the contrary way is not fit to plough so he that intends to be my Disciple and turneth back to regard worldly affairs is not fit to preach the Gospel The Ploughman must see what is before him so must the Disciple of Christ according to the Apostle Phil. 3.13 Who forgetting the things that are behind stretched forth himself to those that are before Eccli 27.12 Consider 3. We are admonished here of constancy and perseverance in what we undertake for God A fool is changed as the Moon but a holy man continueth in wisdom as the Sun never going back but still making progress Examine your self how constant you are in your good purposes whether you keep the first fervour of your Conversion or as much as you remember your self to have had at other times c. Be stedfast in the way of our Lord Eccli 5.12 and if you find your self to have grown cold do penance Apoc. 2.5 and do the first works Of the Vocation of the Rich young man Mat. 19. Mar. 10. Luc. 18. Part 1. Luc. 18.18 Mar. 10.17 COnsider 1. As our Lord passed through Jewry A certain Prince running forth and kneeling before him asked him
was the Bright Morning that brought the happy tidings of the Sun of Justice Reverence therefore and honour her Birth and full of admiration enquire diligently Who is this that cometh forth rising as the Morning Consider 2. The Virgin being born her name was called Mary and that no doubt by Divine Instinct and perhaps also by express intimation of an Angel for Mary signifieth 1. A Sea Star 2. A bitter Sea 3. Lady or Exalted 4. Enlightened or enlightening For she is indeed 1. A Bright Star to them that sail in the dangerous Sea of this world 2. A large Sea of all manner of Grace sweet to men but bitter to the Devils and in her Sons Passion she was an Ocean of Grief 3. Lady of the whole world In Offic. B. Virg. In Pref. Miss de B. Virg. Cant. 1.3 and exalted to the Heavenly Kingdom above the Quires of Angels 4. Enlightened first in her self she enlightened the world bringing forth to the world the Eternal Light Jesus Christ our Lord. O Mary Oyl powred out is thy name illuminating healing and comforting our souls 1 Jo. 3.9 Consider 3. In imitation of this Virgin your Mother you must be born spiritually to God to be born in flesh is not in mans power neither is it where or when he will but it is in our hands to be born in spirit by the Divine Grace Let this therefore be your birth-day to God and endeavour hereafter to demean your self worthily as his Child Every one that is born of God committeth not sin Therefore fly sin that you may ever remain the Son of God Of the Assumption of the B. Virgin Who is this that cometh up from the Desart flowing with delights Cant. 8.5 For the Annunciation Visitation and Purification see in their proper places COnsider 1. The B. Virgin though she were free from sin yet was not so from death from which Christ himself would not be exempted Therefore the end of her life now drawing nigh and being admonished by an Angel of the time of her departure as Authors relate think with what ardent affection she disposed her self Metaphâ— Niceph. c. apud Barrad to 1. l. 6. c. 11. Cant. 5.8 Ps 141.8 by intense acts of love saying with the Spouse in the Canticles I languish with love and with David Bring forth my soul out of Prison And how at last the Apostles being all about her she breathed forth her blessed Soul into the hands of her Son who was there present and invited her to his Glory O my Soul Num. 23.10 die the death of the Just and my last ends be made like to hers Cant. 8.5 Consider 2. How that blessed Soul released from her Body was led by her Son into Heaven environed with Angels singing forth those notes of admiration Who is this that cometh up from the Desart flowing with delights leaning upon her Beloved See how she being now entered into the Empyreal Heaven is welcomed by the Eternal Father and the whole B. Trinity and as Sovereign Queen seated in a Throne of Glory above all Creatures for a Throne was set for the Kings Mother who sate on his right hand 3 Reg. 2.19 The measure of her Glory was proportioned to the greatness of her love and Charity that you might also learn to be fervent in your love to God Consider 3. How after three daies lying in the Grave the blessed Body was united again to the Soul and with unspeakable pomp assumed into Heaven accompanied with the Angels Juvenal S. Damasc aliique apud Barrad Cant. 1.3 and the whole Coelestial Court and Christ himself her Son O what a Triumph what a glory was this Do you likewise ascend in spirit with your Mother and say to her Draw me after thee now in affection afterwards in the happy enjoyment of your company Rejoyce that you are to receive this day a pledge of her in the Eucharist for in the Sons Body still remains in a manner the Mothers Flesh and Blood and endeavour to come with due preparation Of the Angels Part 1. THat you may be the more stirred up to the Veneration of the holy Angels consider 1. Their Natural Excellencies They are by Nature 1. Most noble and pure spirits most absolute in themselves without concretion with flesh or any corporeal substance 2. Immortal and incapable of any decay or corruption 3. Of most sublime with and understanding comprehending by an Intuitive knowledge all natural objects 4. Of most perfect free will subject to none but its Creator and inseparably fixed upon its Supreme Good which it hath once possessed 5. In power inferiour to none but Divine and superiour to all that is created Consider 2. Their Supernatural Endowments 1. Of Grace for in them as S. Augustine saith God at once created Nature Aug. l. 12. de Civ c. 9. and infused Grace together with all manner of Virtue and that in an eminent degree whereby in a moment they merited their Eternal Happiness 2. Of Glory whereby they are in perpetual possession and enjoyment of their Supreme Good whence proceed all their other Prerogatives as of being Peers and Princes of Heaven Domesticks Familiars and Favourites of God continually assisting at his Throne and beholding his Divine Countenance Consider 3. These blessed Spirits though never out of the Center of their happiness have a larger Sphere then the Empyreal Heaven for they are the Movers of the other Coelestial Orbs and immediately under God do rule and govern the whole Universe they are over Kings Princes States and Magistrates they defend us from evils they intercede for us and present our prayers to God they enlighten our Understanding and inflame our Will towards God and heavenly things c. Admire and love the perfections of these Heavenly Spirits implore their assistance and endeavour by purity of life and promptness in the Divine Service to be compartment with them in glory Of the Angels Part 2. COnsider 1. The H. Angels though in number almost infinite are commonly divided into nine Quires and three Hierarchies In the first are the Cherubins Seraphins and Thrones The Cherubins property is to be inflamed with the love of God and to enkindle the same in others The Seraphins excel in Wisdom and Knowledge of God and with the same do enlighten the inferiour Angels The Thrones are so called for that by reason of their singular Purity Humility and Justice God doth particularly reside in them as his Imperial Throne Apply all this to your self and endeavour to be a Cherubin in Love a Seraphin in the Knowledge of God and of heavenly things and a Throne in Purity of Life in Humility and Justice towards God and Man Consider 2. In the second Hierarchy are the Dominations Virtues and Powers The Dominations exercise Command over the Inferiour Angels and direct them in the Government of the Universe The Virtues do effect in themselves and others a firm and unchangeable adhesion to
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
your self first with all humility in the presence of God imagining that Christ expects you there ready to give you audience then kneeling down with profound reverence say that short Preparatory prayer of the Church Prevent we beseech thee O Lord our actions by thy Spirit assisting us and in hâ—ping forward prosecute them that all our prayer and work may begin always from thee and begun by thee may be ended Through Christ our Lord Amen or some other like Then make use of the first Preamble of Composition of Place and that being done beg of Almighty God grace suitable to the subject of your present Meditation After this enter upon the points or matter of your Meditation which must be prepared before hand and discourse upon them with your understanding examining with your self who what where by what means wherefore in what manner when and other general circumstances that offer themselves and in all of them procure now and then to stir up your will by pious Affections and Colloquies as often as there shall be occasion in which Affections and Colloquies because the chief fruit of prayer doth consist therefore we will treat of them in this place more at large Of Colloquies Colloquies are to be made as well through the whole course as at the end of Meditation to wit as often as the will is stirred up to love or hate to prosecute or to fly what is set before it according as it is informed by the understanding of the goodness or malice of the object And because we may divers ways conceive God in relation to our selves therefore the Colloquies are to be made sometimes as of a Subject to his Prince sometimes as of a Child to his Father at other times again as of the Spouse to her Beloved of Friend to Friend of a Criminal to his Judge c. now begging something now admiring now offering now congratulating now condoling as the present matter shall require And because there are many kinds of these affections it will not be amiss in this place to reherse some of them in particular in an Alphabetical order The Colloquie therefore may be framed by way of I. ACOVSATION Accusing your self for having been cause 1 Paral. 21.17 of Christs sufferings or of other evils saying with David Am not I he that commanded c. It is I that have sinned it is I that have done the evil c. Lord my God let thy hand be turned I beseech thee upon me and the like II. ADMIRATION Wondering at the Goodness Wisdome Power and other like Attributes of God O Lord our Lord Psal 8.2 how marvelous is thy Name O Lord of Hosts who is like to thee Thou art mighty O Lord Psal 88.9 and thy truth round about thee or the like III. AFFIRMATION Affirming for example that God is just great and dreadful that they are happy that serve him and the like Psal 118.137 Psal 46.3 Psa 64. â— Thou art Just O Lord and thy Judgement is right Because our Lord is high terrible a great King over all the earth Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken he shall dwell in thy Courts IV. BENEDICTION Blessing God for hearing our prayers for having redeemed us and for other benefits which he hath bestowed upon us and inviting all creatures to do the same Blessed be God who hath not removed my prayer Ps 65.20 Luc. â—â— 66 and his mercy from me c. Blessed be our Lord God of Israel because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people All works of our Lord Dan. 3.57 bless ye our Lord praise and superexalt him for ever V. COMMINATION or threatning woe to your self unless you mend unless you obey Gods call c. Vnless you will be converted Psal 7.13 he shall shake his Sword be hath bent his bow and prepared it c. Vnderstand these things Psa 49.22 you that forget God least sometime he take you violently and there be none to deliver you VI. COMPASSION for Christs labours and sufferings I am sorry for thee my Brother Jonathas 2 Reg. 1.26 2 Reg 18.33 Rod. de Pas c. 8. exceeding beautiful and amiable Who would grant me that I might dye for thee I will not live without wound saith Saint Bonaventure because I see thee full of wound VII COMPLAINT Piously complaining as if God had left you Psal 1.1 How long O Lord wilt thou forget me unto the end how long dost thou turn away thy face from me Where are thine old mercies Ps 8850. Ps 8â—15 O Lord c. Why dost thou O Lord reject my prayer VIII COMPVNCTION and GRIEF for that by your sins you have been cause of Christs sufferings and of the scourges wherewith God doth chastize the world Jâ—â— 1.12 Psal 50.5 Take me up and east me into the Sea for I know that for me this tempest is upon you I do know mine iniquity and my sin is before me always IX CONFESSION Acknowledging the Benefits of God Eccli 51.1 and your own Infirmity I will confess to thee O Lord King and will praise thee God my Saviour I will confess to thy Name because thou art become my helper Psal 37.4 and protectour There is no health is my flesh c. my bones have no peace at the face of my stâ—s X. CONGRATVLATION with Christ for his victory over death with the Blessed Virgin for the glory of her Son and for her own Election Let us sing to our Lord Erod 15.1 Judith 15. â—0 Ecclesia in Missa for he is gloriously magnified c. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem thou the joy of Israel thou the honour of our people c. We give thee thanks for thy great glory XI CONSVLTATION Consulting between our Lord and your self what you are to do for him what to return for his beneftis Job 7.20 Ps 115.3 What shall I do to thee O Keeper of men What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendered to me XII DESIRE of heavenly and everlasting goods How beloved are thy Tabernacles Psal 83.2 O Lord of Hosts My soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. Psal 41.2 Even as the Hart defireth after the Fountains of waters so doth my soul desire after thee O God I desire thee a thousand times Bern. 〈◊〉 Jub my Jesus when will you come when will you make me ioyful when will you give me my fill of you XIII DETESTATION Abominating your own sins and sluggishness Psal 118.163 Psal 25.2 Ps 72.25 I have hated iniquity and abhorred it I have hated the Church of the Malignant and with the impious I will not sit What is to me in Heaven and besides thee what would I upon the earth XIV DOVBT Demanding of your self what you ought to do and what will become of you seeing all are to be so rigorously judged Psal 138.7 Psal 88.49
Whither shall I go from thy spirit and whither shall I fly from thy face who is the man that shall live and shall not see death shall deliver his soul from the hand of hell and the like XV. EXHORTATION Exciting your self to delight in God alone to open your self unto him to put your whole trust in him Psal 36.4 5. Be delighted in our Lord and he will give thee the petitions of thy heart Reveal thy way to our Lord and hope in him and he will do it Cast thy care upon our Lord Ps 54.23 and he will nourish thee XVI FAITH and CONFIDENCE in the goodness of God and that by his grace you will overcome all difficulties and temptations c. Our Lord is my Illumination Psal 26.1 Ps 102.9 Ps 17.30 and my Salvation whom shall I fear He will not be angry always neither will he threaten for ever In thee I shall be delivered from temptation and in my God I shall go over the wall XVII GLADNESSE or JOY for the propagation of Gods glory for the greatness of his Majesty and perfections and for the fulfilling of his Divine Will Be joyful in our Lord and rejoyce ye Just Ps 31.11 Isa 61.10 and glory all ye right of heart Rejoycing I will rejoyce in our Lord and my soul shall be joyful in my God because he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation c. XVIII GRATIVDE and THANKSGIVING for benefits received Ps 102.2 Apoc. 11.17 My soul bless thou our Lord and forget not all his retributions We thank thee Lord God Omnipotent which art which wast and which shalt come XIX HVMILIATION Acknowledging your self a sinner a wretch a worm your own infirmity reioycing therein as occasion of merit and humility Psal 21.7 Psal 43.7 Psal 118.17 I am a worm and no man a reproach of men and outcast of the people I will not hope in my Bow and my Sword will not save me c. It is good for me that thou hast humbled me that I may learn thy justifications XX. IMITATION exciting your self to follow our Lord Exo. 25.40 Ephes 5.1 Ro. 13.14 and tread his foot-steps Look and do according to the pattern Be a follower of God as a most dear Child Do you on our Lord Jesus Christ I will follow thee whither soever thou goest Luc. 9.57 XXI INVITATION Inviting our Lord to visit help and save you Ps 43.23 Ps 79.15 Arise why sleepest thou O Lord Arise and expell us not to the end O God of Hosts return regard from Heaven and see and visit this Vineyard XXII LOVE Professing your self to love God above all things Jo. 21.16 Psal 17.2 Ps 30.24 Lord thou knowest that I love thee I will love thee O Lord my strength And exhorting all men to do the same Love our Lord all ye his Saints XXIII NARRATION Recounting what God hath done for you or others or what you have done for him Our Lord ruleth me Psal 22.2 and nothing shall be wanting to me in place of pasture there he hath placed me In thee our Fathers have hoped they hoped Psal 21.5 Ps 39.11 and thou didst deliver them Thy Justice I have not hid in my heart Thy truth and thy salvation I have spoken XXIV OBLATION Offering your self to God to serve him to obey him in all things and to suffer for him O Lord I am thy servant Ps 115.7 Ps 72.23 Ps 37.18 I am thy servant and the Son of thy Handmaid As a Beast I am become with thee and I always with thee I am ready for scourges and my sorrow is in my sight always XXV OBSECRATION Earnestly imploring the Divine Aid and such spiritual graces as you stand most in need of Help us Psal 78.9 O God our Saviour and for the glory of thy Name O Lord deliver us Turn thee O Lord and deliver my Soul Psal 6.5 save me for thy mercy XXVI PETITION Craving to be heard illuminated Ps 38.13 directed preserved and the like Hear my prayer O Lord and my petition with thine ears receive my tears Psal 69.2 Psal 5.9 Psal 24.5 O God intend unto my help Lord make hast to help me Direct my way in thy fight Direct me in thy truth and teach me Keep me O Lord from the hand of the sinner c. Psal 139.5 XXVII PRAISE Extolling the Power Wisdom and Mercy of our Lord and inviting all creatures to do the same Ps 146.5 Great is our Lord and great is his strength and of his wisdom there is no number Luc. 1.46 Ps 148.1 My foul doth magnifie our Lord. Praise ye our Lord from the Heavens Praise ye him in the high places Praise ye him all his Angels XXVIII PREFERRING Having a greater esteem and concern for heavenly and divine objects than for the earthly and trausitory things of this world Psa 83.11 Better is one day in thy Courts above thousands I have chosen to be an object in the house of my God rather than to dwell in the Tabernacles of sinners Psa 36.16 Better is a little to the just above much riches of sinners XXIX PROSOPOPEIA Imagining to your self that God doth speak unto you reproving your negligence Jer. 2.21 Isa 5.2 Thre 4.1 Jer. 3.12 or exhorting you to fervour How art thou turned unto me into that which is depraved O strange Vineyard I looked that it should yeild grape and it yeilded wild grapes How is the gold darkned the best colour changed Return O rebellious Israel soul and I will not turn away my face from you XXX PVRPOSE Purposing to serve God better to resist temptations and to propagate his glory Psal 38.2 I will keep my ways that I offend not in my tongue I will pursue mine enemies Ps 17.38 Ps 21.23 and overtake them and will not return till they fail I will declare thy name to my brethren in the midst of the Church I will praise thee XXXI RENVNCIATION or ABNEGATION Denying your own will and renouncing all honour and glory as due to God alone Luc. 22.42 Ps 113.9 Mat. 8.8 Not my will but thine be done Not to us O Lord not to us but to thy Name give the glory Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof XXXII REPREHENSION Rebuking your self for being slothful irresolute a lover of toyes c. How long wilt thou sleep O sluggard Prov. 6.9 Pro. 1.22 Psal 12.2 When wilt thou rise out of thy sleep How long do you love infancy and as fools covet things which are hurtful to your self How long shall I put counsels in my soul XXXIII RESIGNATION Resigning your self to the will of God Lord not as I will Mat. 26.39 Mat. 6.9 Job 1.21 but as thou Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven As it hath pleased our Lord so is it done The Name of our Lord be blessed XXXIV SOLACE or ENCOVRAGEMENT Animating