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
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
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
his pretious bloud to wash and cleanse you withall He took upon his shoulders stripes which were due to you whereby he made good that of the Prophet With his shoulders shall he overshadow thee Is. 50.6 Is. 53.7 How Of his own free choice cheerfully constantly and silently I have given my body to the strikers c. As a lambe before his shoarer be was dumb When In the most solemn feast of the Pasch at what time an infinit number of people were resorted from all parts to celebrate that Mistery All which made to his greater ignominy and confusion Come eate ye my bread and drink the wine which I have mingled for you Prov. 9.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the food of your Soul Jo. 6.55 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel how Christ with five loaves fed five thousand persons Jo. 6. He will come this day into your soul to feed it with a food the sweetest most pretious and wholsome that ever was from the beginning of the world his own sacred Body and Bloud For My flesh is meat indeed and my bloud is drink indeed and that you might not fear to come he invites and calls upon you Eate Cant. 5.1 O friends and drink and be inebriated my dearest Consider 2. Three chiefe effects which corporall food worketh in the body 1. It nourishes and strengthens 2. It satiat's 3. It preserv's life In the same manner as S. Thomas saith this divine food worketh in the Soul Opusc 58. c. 9. It strengthens giving Grace and Vertue to overcome vice It satiat's in begetting a loathing of worldly pleasures for as the wise man saith A soul that is full shall tread upon the hony comb Prov. 27.7 that is the delights of this world Lastly it preserv's the spiritual life of the Soul and advanceth it to a blessed Eternity Jo. 6.58 He that eateth this bread saith Christ shall live for ever O what a happiness is it to feed upon such bread Consider 3. No meat though never so wholsome does good but in a body well disposed and taken in a clean stomack as the Physitians affirm Foul bodies the more you nourish the more you indanger for in these all nourishment is turned into ill humors See therefore that you duely prepare your Soul Ps 33.9 if you desire to taste how sweet our Lord is Purge your self of bad humors and evill affections which hinder spiritual digestion Let a man prove himself and so 1 Cor. 11.28 that is well proved and examined and not otherwise let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice Of the Crowning with Thornes Ps. 37.15 COnsider 1. Christ out of his excessive love of suffering for us not content with ordinary sufferings permitted the Souldiers to invent and practice upon him an unheard-of kind of cruelty striving to out doe both in invention and cruelty what was newly done in Herods Court. 1. Therefore they strip him of his own clothes not without great torment they being now cloven to the gore bloud which ran from his wounds then they put about him a purple garment in token of a mock-King See how he lets them abuse him aâ— their pleasure without the least resistance or contradiction being become as a man not having reproofs in his mouth Mat. 27.29 Consider 2. And plating a crown of thornes put it upon his head O unheard-of torment Some affirm that our Lord was wounded in seventy two distinct places of his head by those thorns Cant. 3.11 Goe forth my Soul and see King Salomon in the diadem wherewith his mother the Synagog whereof he was according to flesh hath crowned him and be astonished Away with Pride away with all sensuality Be ashamed saith S. Bernard to be a delicat or nice member Bern. ser 5. de Om. SS under a thorny head Mat. sup Consider 3. And they put a reed in his right hand And bowing the knee before him they mocked him saying Haile King of the Jews and spitting upon him they took the reed and smote his head What indignities are these What torments Ponder severally each one See how the King of invincible patience letteth not goe but keepeth still in his hand the Scepter of scorn and derision to provoke you to imitate Now was fullfilled that of the Prophet Behold my servant Mat. 12.18 Isa 42.1 c. He shall not contend nor cry out neither shall any man heare in the streets his voice The reed bruised he shall not breake and smoking flax he shall not extinguish Jo. 29. Loe the Man Part. 1. Jo. 19.5 COnsider 1. Jesus therefore went forth carrying the Crown of thorns and the purple Vestment Ponder how Pilat to move the Jews to commiseration brought forth our Lord scourged and crowned as he was and shewed him to the people Think what a confusion it was to our Lord to be exposed thus for a sight to the Pharises and his other enemies and with what humility and patience our meek Lamb bare it O how are you sweet Jesus altered from what you lately were when you appeared glorious on the mount Thabor or when you sate upon the Cherubins displaying the raves of your Majesty in the highest Heavens Is 53.2 Consider 2. Pilat said Loe the Man He was so disfigured that he could be scarce known for a man How true was that of the Prophet There is no beauty in him nor comlines and we have seen him and there was no sightlines Who would not melt with teares to behold so sad a spectacle and yet the hard hearted Jews are nothing moved but cry out the more Crucify crucify him O most beautifull of men where is now that gratious aspect of yours where those rayes of your divine countenance Do not consider me saith he that I am brown Cant. 1.6 because the Sun hath altered my colour The Sun and heat of your charity O Lord hath indeed altered your colour and metamorphiz'd you into a worm and the reproch of men for us Pro. 29.25 Consider 3. Pilat had long laboured to release Christ but when he heard those words of the Jews If thou release this man thou art not Cesars friend out of human respects and policy lest perhaps he might be accused to Cesar yeelded him unto them against all Justice Have a care that like human respects prevaile not with you against Justice and Equity He that feareth man shall soone fall saith Salomon He that trusteth in our Lord shall be lifted up Jo. 19. Loe the Man Part 2. COnsider 1. Having set Christ before your eyes with the Crown of thornes on his head and Robe of scorn on his shoulders as in the former Meditation and wounded all over from head to foot Imagin those words behold the man spoken to you by the holy Ghost to the end you should more attentively contemplat him as much as if he should say He
to Men Of compassion and astonishment to the Angels of scorn and derision to the wicked of compunction and example to the Just and a Sacrifice most acceptable to the Eternal Father Fall at the feet of the Crucifix take up the sacred bloud that falleth down and speak what affection shall suggest Of Crucifying our Lord. Part 3. COnsider 1. What Christ might doe say or think hanging on the Cross and in those hideous torments when he received no comfort either exteriourly from men or interiourly in his Soul If he stirred his body it was tormented a fresh by the wounds of his hands and feet whereon the whole weight of his body did hang. If he moved his head the thorns were stroken in the deeper and yet not the least sigh or moan or complaint was heard to proceed from him but he offered all to his Eternal Father for your and others sins Mat. 27.39 c. Consider 2. And they that passed-by blasphemed him The Priests the Souldiers and all sorts of men They upbraided him 1. With Impotency He saved others himself he cannot save 2. With Arrogancy as vainly taking upon him the title of King If he be King of Isarel let him come down 3. As counterfeiting himself Son of God and presumptuously relying thereon He trusted in God let him now deliver him if he will c. 4. As boasting of himself Vah thou that destroyest the Temple of God and in three days doest reedify it To all this he holdeth his peace as a dumb sign or mark exposed to all manner of contradiction So as to be filled with reproches Thren 3 3â— Is 53.5 Consider 3. Christ would not come down from the Cross nor shorten the durance of his pains as easily he might but would continue in them to the last breath without admitting any manner of comfort that you might also learn to persever in good even untill death Take notice also that he suffered all this for our sins He was wounded for our iniquities he was broken for our sins Take heed therefore lest returning to sin Hebr. 6.6 you crucify again to your self as the Apostle speaketh and to your own ruine the Son of God Of Christs first word on the Cross Father forgive them c. Luc. 23.34 Luc. 9 3â— COnsider 1. Christs was given to the world by his Eternal Father as a Doctor or Master to teach us the way of Salvation This is my beloved Son bear him Hear him then from the Cross as his Pulpit or chaire reading seven admirable lessons unto you and seek to prove a diligent disciple in his schoole that you may say with the Apostle 1 Cor. 2.2 I judged not my self to know any thing among you but Jesus Christ and him crucifyed Is. 53.12 Consider 2. Christs first Lesson is of loving our Enemies and praying for them Father forgive them for they know not what they doe He doth not call fire down from Heaven upon his persecutors as did Elias nor curseth them as Elizeus but asketh pardon for his enemies and as Isaie saith prayeth for the transgressors fullfilling by deeds what before he commended in words Pray for them that persecute Mat. 5.44 and abuse you See whether you doe so I say not only for your enemies that persecute you but for your familiars and neighbours who may perhaps offend you with some light word or injury Consider 3. More particularly each circumstance Who is it that prayeth The Son of God Whom doth he pray His Eternal Father Where On the tree of the Cross At what time When he was quite spent and exhausted with suffering and now ready to dye In what manner Not sitting or lying at his ease but strait erected upon his feet and stretching forth his hands In what termes Not many but full of affection and mingled with sighs teares and blood For whom for sinners for his enemies persecuters and tormenters What doth he ask Mercy Before whom To the hearing of all even his Adversaries that you might learn Mildnes and Charity towards all and in all occasions Of the Second Word Luc. 23.43 This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Is. 53.12 COnsider 1. It was none of the least Ignominies which our Saviour suffered to hang between two theeves as their ringleader making good that of the Prophet And he was reputed with the wicked He was born between two silly beasts and would dye between two theeves to give us example of Humility though in Heaven he be seated between the Father and the Holy Ghost Ambr. in Luc. c. 23. Even he himself as S. Ambrose speaketh was a theefe by Mistery laying wait for the Divel to steale away his weapons and on the Cross robbed him of a theefe O Lord rob me thus of my heart that it may serve you alone Ambr. sup Consider 2. Those words of Christ This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Admire the riches of Gods Bounty and Longanimity He takes up infamous robbers and makes them his sons and heires of his Kingdom and this at the first word without any put-ofs or delays This very day thou shalt be with me He giveth the theef incomparably more then he demanded of him He craved only a remembrance and Christ promiseth him a Kingdom for as S. Ambrose saith Our Lord ever bestoweth more then is demanded of him and his grant is larger then the Petition Who would not love and willingly serve such a Lord Job 33.27 Consider 3. Three several sorts of sufferers in these three that were put to the same death of the Cross some deservedly but impatiently as the bad theef Others though deservedly yet patiently as the good theef Others again both undeservedly and withall patiently as Christ our Lord. Seek to be one of the two later sorts at least be of the second and confess with holy Job I have sinned and indeed I have offended and as I was worthy I have not received for you are truly worthy of many stripes Of the Third Word Woman behold thy Son Jo. 19.25 COnsider 1. And there stood beside the Cross of Jesus his Mother Ponder how his blessed Mother and other devout persons stood neer the Cross Whence you may learn that the lovers of Christ are also lovers of his Cross and the neerer they stand to this the more they shew their love to him Think how his B. Mother was afflicted when she saw her son and that such an one so barbarously used S. Bonav Your Son O Virgiâ— saith S. Bonaventure suffered in his body you in mind The several wounds which were all over his body met together in one within your heart Yet she gave not the least sign of impatience not did she any thing misbeseeming her person that you might learn to compassionat Christ together with her and withall to suffer your own adversities with courage Jo. sup Consider 2. Woman behold thy Son He calleth her
by meanes of them is conferred the Holy Ghost and his Grace which is done either by vertue of the work it self or in respect of the merits and disposition of the person that worketh Beseech our Lord that he would in like manner breath upon you inspiring you with his divine Spirit Say with the Spouse in the Canticles Come Southwind Cant. 4.16 blow through my garden and let the aromaticall Spices thereof flow that is all manner of vertue Zachar. 13.1 Consider 3. Whose Sins you shall forgive they are forgiven c. Ponder the dignity and power expressed and conferred in these words He gave not the like to the Priests of the old law nor to the Angels themselves Besides he did not confine it to any determinate number or quality either of Sins or of Priests but would have it general for all by the Sacrament of Confession to shew the Riches of his Bounty Give him thanks for so great a benefit and so easy a remedy of your Sins For this is truly a fountain lying open to the house of David and to the Inhabitants of Jerusalem for the ablution of the Sinner and of the menstruous Woman Jo. 20.26 Christ appeareth to his Disciples when S. Thomas was present Confider 1. The great Incredulity of S. Thomas and how he came to fall into it 1. He was singular and a part from the rest when Jesus appeared 2. He stubbornly rejected what the others alleaged in testimony of the Resurrection 3. He presumptuously prescribed God the means without which he would not believe Vnless I see in his hands the print of his â—ailes c. I will not believe 4. He persisted in that obstinacy eight whole days nothwithstanding the perswasions and endevours of them all and probably of the B. Virgin herself See you be not singular and Learn how dangerous a thing it is willfully to be ruled by ones own judgement and not to yeeld to others Consider 2. Christs goodness like a good Pastor seeking after his lost sheep He returneth therefore he entereth again the doors being shut he saluteth as before and turning to Thomas rebukes him not nor reprehends him but sweetly calls him to himself in these words Pat in thy singer hither and see my hands and bring hither thy hand and put it into my side and be not incredulous but faithfull O how was his heart inflamed when he put his hand into those burning fornates of love In like manner ought yours to be inflamed as often as you receive him in the Holy Eucharist if you were not wholy insensible and colder then the very Ice Ps. 29.9 13. Consider 3. The Admirable Confession of S. Thomas My Lord and my God He acknowledgeth him true Man and true God expressing his â—â—â—an nature in the first word and his divine nature in the other Ponder with your self these titles and seeing he is your Lord carry your self not as your own man but as his and for that he is also your God see that you yeeld him due Worship and Honour Say with the Prophet To thee O Lord I will cry and I will pray to my God And Lord my God for ever I will confess to thee Of Christs wounds shewed to S. Thomas remaining in his Glorious Body Jo. 16.33 COnsider 1. Our Lord out of his goodness would retain the marks of his wounds and the very holes of the nailes for diverse ends 1. To strengthen his Disciples and us in the beliefe of his Resurrection demonstrating thereby that it was the same body that rose and that was before nailed to the Cross 2. In sign of his Victory and Triumph over the world according to that Have confidence I have overcome the world 3. That they might be a perpetual memorial of his love towards us to provoke us to return our love and to suffer for him whence S. Paul said I beare the marks of our Lord Jesus in my body to wit Gal. 6.17 by continual mortifying the flesh Is. 49.15.16 Consider 2. He retained them 4. To shew what care he would have of us in Heaven according to that of Isaie why can a woman forget her infant c. Yet will not I forget thee Behold I have written thee in my hands 5. That he might present them to his Eternal father pleading for us as our Advocate Whence it is that David said Behold O God our Protectour Ps. 83.10 and look upon the face of thy Christ ss 12.3 Consider 3. He kept them that they might be as so many fountains and rivers of his grace and favors like to those fountains which watered all Paradise Whence the Prophet said You shall draw waters in joy out of the Saviours fountains 7. That they might be an universal refuge in all out afflictions according to that Ps. 103 1â— The rock a refuge for the Irchins that is Sinners For the Rosk as the Apostle saith was Christ As often therefore as you are afflicted betake your self to these wounds Enter into the rock with Isaie and be hid in a pit Isa 2.10 in theÌ„ ground from the face of the fear of our Lord. Abide with the Spouse in the Canticles in the holes of the Rock Cant. 2.14 in the hollow places of the wall Our Lord ruleth me and nothing shall be wanting to me in the place of pasture there he hath placed me Ps. 22.2 Gen. 31.40 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a Good Pastour Is. 53.7 COnsider 1. What Christ saith to day in the Ghospel I am the good Pastour Jo. 10.11 Ponder how well this title aggreeth with him A good Pastour was Jacob who said of himself Day and night I was parched with heat and with frost and sleep did fly from mine eyes But much better was Christ who after thirty three years heats and colds lastly laid down his life for his sheep and himself become as a sheep was led to slaughter But what Shepheard did ever feed his sheep with his own bloud That did Christ to raise and make them fit for Heaven He gave them his body and bloud for meat and drink Who would not wish to be fed by such a Pastour Ezech. 45.11 c. Consider 2. This Pastour will come to you to day in the Holy Eucharist to take care of you to feed to cherish and to defend you from the Infernal wolves For there is no part of a Shepheards Office which he doth not most willingly perform Therefore he saith by the Prophet Behold I my selfe will seek my sheep and will visit them as the Pastour visiteth his flock c. In the most plentifull pastures will I feed them c. That which was Iost I will seek and that which was cast away I will bring again and that which was broken I will bind up and that which was weak I will strengthen and that which was fat and strong I will keep and will feed them in Judgement Ponder
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
these affections bring your Lord into the Closet of your heart Ps 142.2 saying with the Psalmist Enter not into iudgment with thy servant but rather according to the multitude of thy commiserations have respect to me Ps 68.17 Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 1. Mat. 5.1 COnsider 1. Seeing the multitudes he went up into a Mountain c. and opening his mouth he taught them c. Ponder 1. The place of this famous Sermon which is a high Mountain 2. The Preachers Person which is the increated Wisdom of God 3. His Chair or Pulpit for he taught them upon the bare ground 4. His Auditors which were his Disciples and other unlearned and simple people 5. The subject of his discourse which was of true felicity Go you up in spirit with the people and sitting at the feet of so great a Master give attentive eare to what he saith 1 Reg. 3.10 Say with Samuel Speak Lord for thy servant heareth Consider 2. Christ in this his Sermon performed not only the Office of a Teacher but also of a Lawgiver declaring the Antient Law and proclaiming the New It was said to them of old Thou shalt not kill c. But I say to you Mat. sup v. 22. that whosoever is angry with his Brother shall be in danger of judgment c. and the like Reverence therefore this your Lawgiver and give him thanks for his wholesome precepts Beseech him to print his holy Law in the fleshly Tables of your heart say with David Set me a Law O Lord the way of thy Justifications Ps 118.33 and I will seek after it always Colos 2.3 Is 9.6 Consider 3. He performed also the part of a Councellour exhorting them to points of the greatest perfection even beyond the obligation of the Law as of turning the other cheek to the striker of letting go the Cloak also to him that takes away the Coat of going two other miles with him that will force you one mile and the like Think how just it is to follow his counsel in all things for in him be all the treasures of wisdom and Knowledge hid And by Isaie he is stiled Councellour and the Angel of great Councel Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount Mat. 5. Part 2. COnsider 1. All men have a natural desire of felicity yea even the most wicked of all would be happy but will not seek after true happiness Therefore Christ beginneth with that which all men desire as if he should say You all desire to be happy therefore I will shew you the several ways that lead to true happiness Do you therefore set your affections upon this true Felicity and seek it only by such ways or means as Christ hath pointed out to you Ps 143.15 Consider 2. How contrary are the ways of God from the ways of the world and his judgments from those of men The World placeth its felicity in honours riches pleasures eating and drinking freedom from pain and grief c. They have said that it is a happy people which hath these things On the contrary Christ pronounceth them happy that are poor meek and humble that hunger and thirst after Justice that suffer reproaches and torments c. As the Heavens are exalted above the earth so are my ways exalted above your ways Is 55.9 saith our Lord. See with what Party you side with Christ or with the World Ps 83.6 Consider 3. Eight Virtues contemptible to the world Christ honoured with the title of Beatitudes and of them as so many steps made a Ladder for us to climb up to our last and everlasting Felicity These are 1. Poverty of Spirit 2. Meekness 3. Sorrow for Sins 4. Hunger and thirst after Justice 5. Mercy 6. Purity of Heart 7. Making of peace both with God and with Men. 8. Suffering Persecution for Christ You must also climb this Ladder if you desire to enter into the Joy of our Lord Blessed is the man whose help is from thee he hath disposed Ascension in his heart Of the first Beatitude Blessed are the poor in Spirit Mat. 5.3 c. COnsider 1. More in particular each virtue and in them 1. Their Acts. 2. Christs Example 3. Their reward The proper Acts of Poverty are counted five 1. He is poor in spirit who in affection is ready rather to lose all then offend God 2. Who actually leaveth all for his sake 3. Who aspireth not to things above himself presumeth not of himself nor seeketh the praises of men 4. Who denieth his own judgment and will submitting himself to others 5. Who acknowledgeth whatsoever he hath as a gift of God and rightly understandeth his own nothing My substance is as nothing before thee Ps 38.6 See how you are in each point Phil. 2.7 Consider 2. The admirable Examples which Christ gave us in this kind throughout his whole Life but chiefly in his Crib in Banishment in his Parents House and on the Cross Besides he exinanited himself as the Apostle saith made subject and obedient not only to his Eternal Father and Parents on earth till the thirtieth year of his Age but also to his Tormentors even to death it self And of his Doctrine he publickly professed My Doctrine is not mine but his that sent me Jo. 7.16 Consider 3. The Reward of this Poverty For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. sup Think what a gainful kind of Merchandise this is to get an Everlasting Kingdom by the exchange of some few transitory enjoyments of this life Ponder the excellency of this Kingdom its riches glory beauty and perpetuity That which eye hath not seen 1 Cor. 2.9 nor ear hath heard neither hath it ascended into the heart of man what things God hath prepared for them that love him Wherefore S. Grogory Nazianzen had reason to say Happy is he that buyeth Christ S. Greg. Naz. de Beatitud spiritu vitae Regul though with all his goods and fortunes Of the second Beatitude Blessed are the Meek Mat. 5.4 c. COnsider 1. After Poverty in Spirit that is contempt of the World and its desires followeth Meekness as the Child its Parent The Acts of this are chiefly three The first is to bridle the passions of Anger and Revenge and when zeal is to be shewed to do it without any perturbation either interiour or exteriour The second is to be affable to all and troublesome to none neither in word nor in action The third not to oppose or put off injuries with violence even when you lawfully may but to suffer your own contempt with peace and tranquillity of mind Think how you are in these particulars Mat. 12.19 20. Is 42.2 3 4. Consider 2. Christs example herein of whom Isaie saith He shall not contend nor cry out neither shall any man hear in the streets his voice The reed bruised he shall not break and smoaking flax he
If it be your lot to serve God in the nature of Salt see that you be first throughly refined and purged from worldly affections by the fire of Divine Charity that you may be such your self as you desire to make others Consider 2. How excellently Christ performed this proper effect of Salt who to purge and preserve us from sin spent himself wholly upon us in a manner melting away like salt and communicated to our actions of themselves insipid and of no worth the divine savour and value of his precious Merits Moreover by his Example and Doctrine he hath made Persecutions which are bitter of themselves sweet and pleasant unto us Permit your self therefore to be seasoned with the Salt of his Wisdom and Example Levit. 2.13 what Sacrifice soever thou offerest thou shalt season it with salt saith our Lord that is with the Merits and Example of Christ Mat. 5.14 Consider 3. But if the salt loose his virtue c. it is good for nothing any more but to be cast forth and trodden of men In the same manner will God use those Preachers that have no virtue or efficacy either of Example or Doctrine to season the life and manners of others but vanish and moulder away by pride vain glory and affection to worldly things Rom. 1.21 They are become vain in their cogitations saith the Apostle and their foolish heart hath been darkened See that you do not at any time come to this pass Of those words of Christ Mat. 5.15 You are the Light of the World c. Dan. 12.3 COnsider 1. Apostolical men are to be not only Salt to purge the hearts of men from sin but also the light of the world to enlighten others and direct them into the way of all Virtue This is a Divine Office and most acceptable to God according to that They that be learned shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and they that instruct many to Justice as stars unto perpetual eternities 'T is the property of light both to enlighten and to give heat See therefore how you do already or may hereafter perform both Jo. 1.9 Consider 2. How Christ was the true Light which lighteneth every man that cometh into the world by word and example and by the interiour Rays of his Grace Besides ponder how light although it pass through unclean places is nothing defiled thereby So Christ and all Apostolical men although they converse and deal with sinners yet partake not with them in their sins Baruc. 3.25 Consider 3. Those words of Christ Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel Where also those are reprehended who imploy not themselves in enlightening their Neighbour according to the Talent they have received but rather hide their light in their bosome either out of pusillanimity or sluggishness Do you rather according to the charge God hath committed unto you be careful to shine forth to all like unto the Stars of which Baruch speaketh They were called and they said Here we are and they have shined to him with chearfulness that made them Of Holy Communion Because with thee there is propitiation and for thy Law I have expected thee O Lord. Ps 129.4 Consider Christ as our Propitiation Luc. 18.13 COnsider 1. That you are that Publican of whom it is read to day in the Gospel for by reason of your many sins you deserve not to lift up your eyes to Heaven but ought rather to knock your breast and to cry out continually with him O God be propitious to me a sinner Call to mind the sins of your life past and you will see how fitly that saying agreeth with you 1 Jo. 2.2 Consider 2. You have cause of great confidence in regard that after so many sins you have the Judges Son to stand for you and more then that have the Judge himself Christ our Lord your Propitiator For he is the Propitiation for our sins nor for ours only but for the whole worlds And although he be always and every where merciful yet never more then in the H. Eucharist where that he might be propitious unto us he would even be incorporated with us That which covered the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Law Exod. 25.20 was called the Propitiatory much more therefore is the Eucharist our Propitiatory having under it the Living Ark of the true Covenant between God and us Levit. 23.28 Consider 3. The Jews were forbidden to do any servile work upon the day of Propitiation No servile work shall you do in the time of this day because it is a day of Propitiation Sin is properly a servile work Amen Amen I say to you Jo. 8.34 that every one which committeth sin is the servant of sin saith our Lord Abstain therefore from sin even the least especially upon daies of Communion and with the Prophet say to our Lord when he cometh For thy Name O Lord Ps 24.11 thou wilt be propitious to my sin for it is much Of our Lords Prayer Mat. 6.9 c. Part 1. COnsider how Christ on the Mount like a great Master of a spiritual life among other things taught his Disciples also the manner of Prayer which because we use daily to the end we may do it with the greater fruit and spiritual gust it will be to good purpose to ponder each word apart Our Father which art in Heaven In the Old Testament God was ordinarily called the Lord in the New he is pleased to be called Father and that by his own Vassals He is Father 1. By Title of Creation 2. Of Conservation 3. Of Adoption See therefore that you prove a Child worthy of such a Father Besides it is said Our not mine alone that you should understand that all men are your Brethren and to be loved by you as such Who art in Heaven as in the Seat of Majesty though he is every where by his presence that you should raise your thoughts thither as to your Native Country flowing with all manner of riches and delights Is 6.3 Ps 113.9 Hallowed by thy Name This is that which we ought to seek in the first place to wit the honour and glory of God that he may be worshipped and loved of all and honoured by the Saintity of our lives Therefore stir up often these affections in your self say with the Seraphins Holy holy holy the Lord God of Hosts and with David Not to us O Lord not to us but to thy Name give the glory Apoc. 5.10 Thy Kingdom come That is let thy Kingdom come to us in this life by Grace in the other by Glory for God doth truly reign in the Just by Grace according to that Thou hast made us to our God a Kingdom See whether God or not rather the world reigâ—eth in your heart and affection Of our Lords Prayer Mat. 6.9 c. Part 2. COnsider the rest of the
abnegation of your self say at least hereafter 1 Reg. 3.10 with Samuel Speak Lord for thy servant â—eareth Consider 3. Our Lord the Vision being passed forbad his Disciples to divulge it to any one Tell the Vision to no body Mat. sup till the Son of Man be risen from the dead to give us example of Humility for that extraordinary Visions and favours of God ought to be kept secret and not to be discovered unless some great profit or necessity require it and even then not as our own goods but as gifts of God whereof we shall be demanded an account Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee Mat. 20. Mat. 10. Part 1. Mat. 20.20 CConsider 1. Then came to him the Mother of the Sons of Zebedee c. The Mother cometh to petition for her Sons what they themselves pretended for but they interpose their Mothers prayers as a Cloak to cover their own ambition So men oftentimes make use of others desires and commands to cloak their own pretences Observe moreover how the Mother cometh in an humble and suppliant manner and adoring presents her Petition Because Ambition as S. Ambrose witnesseth first serveth Ambr. inâ— Luc. c. 4. that it may afterwards domineer it stoopeth to mean Offices to be served with honour Is 14.13 Consider 2. Her Petition Say that these my two Sons may sit one at thy right hand and one at thy left hand in thy Kingdom 'T is natural to all to be ambitious of the first place this cast the Angels out of Heaven I will ascend into Heaven above the Stars of God will I exalt my Throne c. The same thrust man out of Paradise You shall be as Gods Gen. 3.5 The same assaileth also the Apostles See whether it hath as yet got any hold of you How much safer is it to follow the counsel and example of Christ and to sit in the lowest place 2 Cor. 1. â— Consider 3. Christs answer You know not what you desire They who sue for honours and vanities of this world truly know not what they desire It followeth Can you drink of the Cup that I shall drink of to wit the bitter Cup of Sorrow and Affliction intimating thereby that the glory of Heaven shall be measured to them proportionably to the draught which they shall take of this Cup so that the more one shall drink of this the nearer he shall be seated to Christ Wherefore encourage your self to drink manfully of this Cup to the very bottom for that as the Apostle saith as you are partakers of the Passions so shall you be of the Consolation also Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee Mat. 20.22 c. Part 2. Phil. 4.13 COnsider 1. The Apostles readiness to drink the Chalice proposed to them They say to him we can The like alacrity may proceed from a different spirit 1. From Ambition refusing no labours that they may come to what they aim at 2. Out of a rash Fervour not knowing what they undertake as War is sweet to them that have had no experience of it 3. From Divine Grace according to that I can all things in him that strengtheneth me Be ashamed of your self for being so slack and that you have not the courage to undertake that for the Kingdom of Heaven which others do without fear or wit for some vain honour You often answer I cannot whereas not ability but will and resolution is wanting Act. 10.35 Mat. 16.27 Consider 2. Christ seeing this readiness in them answered My Cup indeed you shall drink of but to sit at my right hand and left is not mine to give you but to whom it is prepared of my Father Not disswading them from using their endeavour to deserve the Chief Seats but letting them understand that the Gifts of Glory are not distributed out of favour or upon account of some Temporal Relation or respect but in reward only to their Merits for that God is not an accepter of persons but will render to every one according to his works Consider 3. The difference there is between worldly Precedency and that which is proper to the School of Christ which our Lord explicated upon this occasion The Princes of Gentiles over-rule them c. It shall not be so among you but whosoever will be the greater among you let him be your minister c. which he confirmeth with his own example who came not to be ministred unto but to minister Let your ambition therefore be for the lowest place in all occasions if you desire to be Christs Disciple Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Mat. 18. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Mat. 18.1 Mar. 9.34 COnsider 1. At that hour the Disciples came to Jesus saying Who thinkest thou is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven c. There had a little before been a contention among them which of them should be the greater and each one would have the first place in Heaven for himself Thus Ambition insinuates its self even into spiritual things and persons therefore they ask who is the greater c. And perhaps some one might think that Rich and Principal men in this world were to be preferred before others also in Heaven Consider 2. Jesus calling unto him a little child c. said Vnless you be converted Mat. sup and become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child he is the greater in the Kingdom of Heaven Think what it is to become a little one Be not children in sense saith the Apostle but in malice be children A child preferreth himself before none arrogates nothing to himself carrieth himself lovingly to all and finally lets himself be ruled and governed by his Parents Behave your self therefore after the same manner if you desire to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Narrow is the gate and strait is the way that leadeth to life Mat. 7.14 and therefore none but they that are little and low by Humility can enter through it Consider 3. The grievousness of the offence which they commit that give scandal to Christs little ones that is are occasion of their spiritual ruine either by word or example 'T is expedient for him Mat. 18.6 that a Milstone be hanged about his neck and that he be drowned in the depth of the Sea Take heed therefore lest any one be induced to evil by your example Ezec. 3.18 that his bloud may not be required at your hands Of Holy Communion The Lord thy God thou shalt adore and him only shalt thou serve Deut. 6.13 Is 45.18 Ezec. 18.4 Consider Christ as your Lord. COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Gospel No man can serve two Masters Mat. 6.24 God is your only true and lawful Lord I the Lord and there is none other All Souls are mine as the Soul of the Father so
your self first with all humility in the presence of God imagining that Christ expects you there ready to give you audience then kneeling down with profound reverence say that short Preparatory prayer of the Church Prevent we beseech thee O Lord our actions by thy Spirit assisting us and in hâ—ping forward prosecute them that all our prayer and work may begin always from thee and begun by thee may be ended Through Christ our Lord Amen or some other like Then make use of the first Preamble of Composition of Place and that being done beg of Almighty God grace suitable to the subject of your present Meditation After this enter upon the points or matter of your Meditation which must be prepared before hand and discourse upon them with your understanding examining with your self who what where by what means wherefore in what manner when and other general circumstances that offer themselves and in all of them procure now and then to stir up your will by pious Affections and Colloquies as often as there shall be occasion in which Affections and Colloquies because the chief fruit of prayer doth consist therefore we will treat of them in this place more at large Of Colloquies Colloquies are to be made as well through the whole course as at the end of Meditation to wit as often as the will is stirred up to love or hate to prosecute or to fly what is set before it according as it is informed by the understanding of the goodness or malice of the object And because we may divers ways conceive God in relation to our selves therefore the Colloquies are to be made sometimes as of a Subject to his Prince sometimes as of a Child to his Father at other times again as of the Spouse to her Beloved of Friend to Friend of a Criminal to his Judge c. now begging something now admiring now offering now congratulating now condoling as the present matter shall require And because there are many kinds of these affections it will not be amiss in this place to reherse some of them in particular in an Alphabetical order The Colloquie therefore may be framed by way of I. ACOVSATION Accusing your self for having been cause 1 Paral. 21.17 of Christs sufferings or of other evils saying with David Am not I he that commanded c. It is I that have sinned it is I that have done the evil c. Lord my God let thy hand be turned I beseech thee upon me and the like II. ADMIRATION Wondering at the Goodness Wisdome Power and other like Attributes of God O Lord our Lord Psal 8.2 how marvelous is thy Name O Lord of Hosts who is like to thee Thou art mighty O Lord Psal 88.9 and thy truth round about thee or the like III. AFFIRMATION Affirming for example that God is just great and dreadful that they are happy that serve him and the like Psal 118.137 Psal 46.3 Psa 64. â— Thou art Just O Lord and thy Judgement is right Because our Lord is high terrible a great King over all the earth Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken he shall dwell in thy Courts IV. BENEDICTION Blessing God for hearing our prayers for having redeemed us and for other benefits which he hath bestowed upon us and inviting all creatures to do the same Blessed be God who hath not removed my prayer Ps 65.20 Luc. â—â— 66 and his mercy from me c. Blessed be our Lord God of Israel because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people All works of our Lord Dan. 3.57 bless ye our Lord praise and superexalt him for ever V. COMMINATION or threatning woe to your self unless you mend unless you obey Gods call c. Vnless you will be converted Psal 7.13 he shall shake his Sword be hath bent his bow and prepared it c. Vnderstand these things Psa 49.22 you that forget God least sometime he take you violently and there be none to deliver you VI. COMPASSION for Christs labours and sufferings I am sorry for thee my Brother Jonathas 2 Reg. 1.26 2 Reg 18.33 Rod. de Pas c. 8. exceeding beautiful and amiable Who would grant me that I might dye for thee I will not live without wound saith Saint Bonaventure because I see thee full of wound VII COMPLAINT Piously complaining as if God had left you Psal 1.1 How long O Lord wilt thou forget me unto the end how long dost thou turn away thy face from me Where are thine old mercies Ps 8850. Ps 8â—15 O Lord c. Why dost thou O Lord reject my prayer VIII COMPVNCTION and GRIEF for that by your sins you have been cause of Christs sufferings and of the scourges wherewith God doth chastize the world Jâ—â— 1.12 Psal 50.5 Take me up and east me into the Sea for I know that for me this tempest is upon you I do know mine iniquity and my sin is before me always IX CONFESSION Acknowledging the Benefits of God Eccli 51.1 and your own Infirmity I will confess to thee O Lord King and will praise thee God my Saviour I will confess to thy Name because thou art become my helper Psal 37.4 and protectour There is no health is my flesh c. my bones have no peace at the face of my stâ—s X. CONGRATVLATION with Christ for his victory over death with the Blessed Virgin for the glory of her Son and for her own Election Let us sing to our Lord Erod 15.1 Judith 15. â—0 Ecclesia in Missa for he is gloriously magnified c. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem thou the joy of Israel thou the honour of our people c. We give thee thanks for thy great glory XI CONSVLTATION Consulting between our Lord and your self what you are to do for him what to return for his beneftis Job 7.20 Ps 115.3 What shall I do to thee O Keeper of men What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendered to me XII DESIRE of heavenly and everlasting goods How beloved are thy Tabernacles Psal 83.2 O Lord of Hosts My soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. Psal 41.2 Even as the Hart defireth after the Fountains of waters so doth my soul desire after thee O God I desire thee a thousand times Bern. 〈◊〉 Jub my Jesus when will you come when will you make me ioyful when will you give me my fill of you XIII DETESTATION Abominating your own sins and sluggishness Psal 118.163 Psal 25.2 Ps 72.25 I have hated iniquity and abhorred it I have hated the Church of the Malignant and with the impious I will not sit What is to me in Heaven and besides thee what would I upon the earth XIV DOVBT Demanding of your self what you ought to do and what will become of you seeing all are to be so rigorously judged Psal 138.7 Psal 88.49
you would have remained for ever but that it pleased God to take you out of your nothing and wheras he could have joyned to your first or original matter infinite other forms he would endow you with a rational one and place you in this world among men But to what end Not to disport or play not to eat and drink not to seek after honours and vanities of this life nor finally to end your days like brute beasts Our Lord hath wrought all things for himself that you might serve and worship him in this world and so at last attain to life everlasting Consider 2. The excellency of this end All other living creatures are created stooping down to their food and carry about them souls that are to end with time Man alone is elevated to that sublinie end of praising and serving his Creator and after a short and holy life to be crowned with immortal glory With good reason David full of admiration breaketh forth into those words What is man that thou art mindful of him Thou hast minished him little less then Angels with glory and honour thou hast crowned him Ps 8.5 and hast appointed him over the works of thy hands Ps 33.2 Consider 3. How much you are obliged to your Creator for so great a benefit and withall how justly he requireth of you that you direct your whole life to this onely end of his divine praise and service This therefore ought to be the onely aim of all your actions and even your thoughts viz. to honour God and serve him alone Wherefore say with the Prophet I will bless our Lord at all time his praise always in my mouth You are born for Heaven see you degenerate not See you carry not saith St. Bernard in a streight and upright body Bern. in Cant. Serm. 24. a crooked soul that is deformedly bent upon earthly things Of Mans last End The second Part. COnsider 1. Seeing your end in this life is to praise and serve God alone and seeing that in whatsoever kind the end is the measure or square of all such things as appertain thereunto it followeth evidently that you are to make use of all other creatures so far forth as they conduce to his service and honour and contrariwise to avoid them if they any way withdraw you from the same Wherefore you are not to desire riches honours conveniences of this life nor even learning or health otherwise then they may help you the better to serve God For as that holy man said well Tho. a Kemp. de Imit l. 1. c. 2. Better is the humble countreyman that serveth God then the proud Philosopher who neglecting himself considereth the course of the heavens Ps 107.2 Matt. 26.39 42. Consider 2. And examine your self in particular whether you have any disordered affection to the things above mentioned See whether you be ready to suffer poverty reproach sickness and death it self if God thereby might be the more glorified in you Offer your self to your Creator with indifferency to all things so far as they make to his greater glory Say with the Prophet My heart is ready O God my heart is ready and with Christ our Lord Not as I will but as thou Thy will be done Agg. 1.6 Consider 3. How foolishly they do who have any other end then God in their actions who employ their labours in purchasing honours riches renown pleasures and the like No otherwise do these then would he who being to sayl to the East should steer his course to the West and so never come to his journeys end Of such it is rightly said by the Prophet You have sowed much and brought in little you have eaten and have not been filled you have drunk and have not been inebriated Lastly They lead their days in wealth Job 21.13 and in a moment they go down to hell Of Mans duty towards God 1. Part. Ps 36.27 COnsider 1. The whole duty of man towards God is comprised in that short sentence Decline from evil and do good These are the two principal points of a Christian life they are the two wings whereby we must flye up to Heaven the two arms wherewith we are to lay fast hold on the Kingdom of God In respect of the first part mans life in the holy Scripture is said to be a warfare upon earth Job 7.1 and Christians are termed Souldiers carefully standing upon their guard for resisting the suggestions and temptations of sin Job 9.28 Consider 2. In this Warfare we are to strive against Sin even unto death never giving over or thinking our selves secure but always standing in arms with watchful care and fear Job notwithstanding all his Integrity discussed and feared every the least of his actions David a man according to Gods own heart Ps 76.7 did every night brush or sweep his spirit St. John Baptist that was sanctified in his mothers womb Hym. ad Mat. de S. Joh. Bapt. led an austere retired life that he might not as the Church singeth of him stain his life with a light slip of his tongue S. Paul though confirmed in Grace and rapt to the third Heaven could say of himself So I fight not as it were beating the air 1 Cor. 9.27 but I chastise my body and bring it into servitude Think not therefore much of any pains for the avoiding of sin Tob. 4.6 Consider 3. We must not onely withstand the actual committing of sin but also the consent of mind Beware thou consent not to sin at any time and resist all delectation and suggestion for as St. Gregory saith In suggestion is the seed of sin Greg. ad Interr lib. Aug. Cantuar in delectation the nourishment in consent the perfection Examine your self what vigilancy and caution you hold over your thoughts words and actions how you avoid occasions of danger and how you resist the suggestions of the Flesh the World and the Devil Take up your Weapons with the holy Saints of Fasting Prayer and Mortification of your flesh that you may also with them be crowned with a glorious Victory Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Part. Matt. 13.44 COnsider 1. The other part of Mans Duty is to labour in the exercise of good works thereby to please and serve God Wherefore Heaven is sometimes proposed unto us as a rich jewel sometimes as a treasure hidden in a field which we are to seek out with some pain and labour and to purchase with the sale of all we have sometimes again as a goal or prize 1 Cor. 9.24 which we are to gain by running on in the race of Vertue and Perfection and almost every where as the Reward and Crown of Vertuous Actions See therefore you play the industrious Merchant and by the continual exercise of good works heap up to your self treasures in Heaven Matt. 6.20 1 Thess 4.3 Consider 2. The several Motives which you have to
labour in the pursuit and increase of Vertue 1. The will of God This is the will of God your Sanctification And Be you perfect as also your heavenly Father is perfect Mat. 5.48 2. The name of a Christian whose profession is Sanctity and therefore Christians are called by the Apostle An Elect Generation a Kingly Priesthood a Holy Nation 1 Pet. 2.9 c. 3. The Examples of Saints of both Sexes and of all conditions and callings whereby the great St. Augustine encouraged himself saying Cannot you do what such and such to wit young Youths and tender Virgins have done before you 4. The greatnesse of the reward Be glad and rejoyce Matt. 5.12 for your reward is very great in Heaven Consider 3. The many helps which God hath afforded you for your Spiritual Profit 1. His Divine Word declared unto you in Holy Scripture in Sermons in pious Books which inform your Understanding and inflame your Will towards Vertue 2. The assistance of divine Grace always ready at hand to begin prosecute and perfect any good work 3. The holy Sacraments instituted by Christ to beget us to a Spiritual Life and to maintain nourish and strengthen us in the same 4. The Life Merits and Passion of our Saviour Jo. 14.6 Tit. 2.14 who is our way verity and life And who gave himself for us that he might redeem us c. and cleanse to himself a people acceptable a pursuer of good works Of the Impediments of our End Duty Or of SIN and first Of the Sin of Lucifer and his Angels WE must first take away the Impediments which draw us from our End and Duty and then procure the supplies of Vertue to attain it Now the onely let which debarreth us from God is Sin the which how detestable it is unto him and how greatly deserving punishment you may learn by the fall first of Lucifer then of Adam Ezech. 28.12 Consider therefore 1. In what glory Lucifer with the other Angels was created for of him is understood that of Ezechiel Thou the signet of similitude full of wisdom and perfect of beauty thou wast in the delicacies of the Paradise of God Every precious stone thy covering Sardius Topatius c. These precious stones or ornaments were 1. Pure Spirituality without any admixture of a body 2. Immortality 3. Wonderful Subtlety of Wit and Understanding 4. An universal knowledge of all inferiour things 5. Might and power above all other creatures 6. Free-will and command over his own acts 7. Eminent Sanctity proceeding from the gifts of Grace 8. He was an Inhabitant of the Impyreal Heaven 2 Pet. 2.4 Consider 2. How in a moment he lost and obscured all these gifts of Nature and Grace elevating himself by pride above himself and as all Sinners do affecting what was unlawful for him See how he was immediately after his Sin cast down headlong into Hell with his Companions without hopes of mercy Ponder those words of St. Peter If God spared not Angels sinning but with ropes of Hell being drawn into Hell delivered them to be tormented c. how much more us miserable wretches Consider 3. and apply these things to your self See 1. What gifts and benefits you have received of God 2. How you have abused them even against God himself 3. The Angels sin was but one yours innumerable in thought word and deed Admire lament implore mercy c. Of the Sin of our first Parents in Paradise COnsider 1. The most happy state wherein Adam was created by God 1. He was created to the similitude of God himself and endowed with Free-will 2. He was then Immortal and not subject to any miseries 3. He had an infused knowledge of all natural things 4. He was plentifully stored with the gifts of divine Grace 5. His inferiour appetite was perfectly subject to Reason by means of Original Justice 6. Nothing could be added to the delights of Paradise wherein he was placed nothing more could be wished 7. And lastly from a Paradise on earth he was to pass immediately to that of Heaven not by death but by transmigration How happy had his posterity been if they might have continued in that blessed state Gen. 3.19 Consider 2. How being forbidden to eat of one certain tree notwithstanding by the perswasion of the Devil and the enticements of his Wife he transgressed the command of God and was thereupon despoiled of the ornaments of Grace and strucken with that dreadful sentence Dust thou art and into dust thou shalt return What miseries hath this one mans sin brought unto us all and yet this transgression at the first sight seemeth but small and in a light matter Eccli 5.8 9. Consider 3. How much heavier judgement and punishment do you deserve at Gods hands who have so often and for such trifles transgressed his Law You should long since have been cast not as Adam out of Paradise but out of the world who have so often provoked the Lord of the world and yet he hath expected you hitherto to do pennance Do it therefore out of hand and slack not to be converted to our Lord and defer not from day to day for his wrath shall come suddenly saith Ecclesiasticus and in the time of vengeance he will destroy thee Of the Grievousness of Mortal Sin For the Punishments due unto it 1. Part. COnsider 1. God is most Just in inflicting punishments which notwithstanding he always doth below our deserts as the Divines speak though on the contrary his rewards are above our merits Ponder therefore the greatnesse of the offence by the grievousnesse of the punishment due to every Sin Enter with your imagination into Hell and consider attentively what God hath prepared there even for one Mortal Sin Contemplate those fiery furnaces those torrents of Sulphure the gnashing of teeth and howling of the damned and the like and reflect that all this is to last for ever without any hopes of releasement And which of you saith Isaie can dwell with everlasting beats Is 33.14 Matt. 10.28 Consider 2. What a folly it were to offend a Prince by whom you knew you were to be most cruelly tortured upon the rack How much more then to offend God that can destroy both soul and body into Hell And if so great punishment be due to one Mortal Sin though even that cometh short of its deserts what an excesse of torments will be due to your many sins Look back upon the days of your youth and think what had become of you if you had died immediately after such or such a Sin and acknowledge so many distinct favours of God towards you as you have committed sins after which you were not cast presently into Hell Say therefore with the Prophet I will confess to thee Ps 85.12 13. O Lord my God c. because thy mercy is great upon me and thou hast delivered my soul out of the lower hell Consider 3. How much
From this forgetfulnesse of death proceed all our Evils Wherefore whensoever you see a dead Corps or Scull imagine that of Ecclesiasticus to be spoken to you Be mindful of my judgement for such will also be thine to me yesterday and to thee to day Wherefore be ever preparing your self and live as one that is a dying S. Hieron Corn. in Eccli c. 7. For He will easily contemn all things that alwayes imagines himself a dying man Of preparing against Death For those that are in Health 1. Part. COnsider 1. With what diligence men are wont to prepare themselves for a long Voyage for example to the Indies and if they are but to crosse the Sea how carefully do they watch the wind and provide lest the time of embarking find them unprepared We ought to be much more sollicitous for our departure out of this life whence we are to go into an everlasting happinesse or misery Therefore Christ doth often inculcate to us Be ready Luc. 12.40 for at the hour you think not of the Son of man will come and the like Consider 2. The Preparation consisteth chiefly in this point that the Soul at her departure whensoever it shall happen be found free from all Mortal and as much as may be also from Venial Sin so that it may have no hinderance in going strait to Heaven Wherefore examine your self see whether you be conscious of any thing that may stop your passage to Heaven if you were now to dye and put your self in that state which you would wish your self to dye in Aug. l. de gen con Man c. 28. and strive to persever therein for you may chance to dye suddenly and few become better in time of sicknesse The Sinner as St. Augustine saith hath also this punishment inflicted upon him that when he cometh to dye he is unmindful of himself who while he lived was forgetful of God Wherefore while you are in health neglect not your self Consider 3. What things in particular are wont to cause much comfort to dying persons Such are to have suffered much for Christ to have been given to the mortification of the flesh and abnegation of self-will to have been devout to the Blessed Virgin and the Saints and the like Wherefore apply your self vigorously even now to these things Cass l. 5. c. 28. Happy was that holy man who could say on his death-bed I have never done my own will neither have I taught any one what I have not first practised my self Of preparing against Death For the Sick 2. Part. Tob. 12.13 COnsider 1. Sicknesse is usually the Messenger of Death Therefore let a man foresee what may be expedient for him against the time of Sicknesse that so he may make a more secure and happy end Let him then in the first place acknowledge that Sicknesse and Pain are gifts of a most loving Father and sent him either to take away the rust of Sin or for trial of his Vertue and increase of Glory according to that saying Because thou wast acceptable to God it was necessary temptation should prove thee And therefore let him also give God thanks that by means of Sicknesse he hath both warning and time to dispose himself for Death Consider 2. What the Sick man is chiefly to do in order to the disposing himself 1. To cleanse himself of all Sin by Confession if he can General 2. To offer himself to God wholly resigned for life or death as it shall best please him 3. To foresee such occasions wherein perhaps he may come to suffer either through the vexation of his sicknesse or by carelesnesse of his tenders and animate himself to suffer all with courage 4. To procure good Books to be often read to him 5. Now and then to inflame himself with Jaculatory Prayers 6. Often to call to mind Christ's Passion 7. Diligently to recommend himself to the Blessed Virgin and the Saints his Patrons 8. To make now and then acts of Faith Hope Charity Contrition and other such like Consider 3. Danger increasing he is timely to demand the last Sacraments that so he may receive them with greater devotion Then let him dilate his heart towards the happy meeting of his Spouse Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye forth to meet him Matt. 25.6 Let him yield himself up wholly to his Lord God saying with Christ Luc. 23.46 Ps 141.8 Father into thy hands I commend my spirit or with David Bring forth my soul out of prison to confess to thy Name Of the Particular Judgement 1. Part. 2 Cor. 5.10 COnsider 1. At the hour of Death all men are to be judged That every one may receive the proper things of the body according as he hath done either good or evil Ponder the terrour of this Judgement First in respect of the Persons that are to be Actors in it He that is to sit Judge is infinitely Wise whom you cannot deceive infinitely Powerful whom you cannot resist infinitely Just who cannot be wrought to favour and lastly of Supream Authority from whom you cannot appeal The Devils will be at hand as Accusers and if we have deserved evil even our own Angel-Guardians There also our own Conscience will stand witnesse against us Before all these the poor Soul is to appear without any attendance of Servants or support of Friends despoiled of whatsoever she had in this world accompanied only with her own works These alone whether good or evil will follow her to an everlasting reward or punishment For their works follow them Apoc. 14.13 Eccles. 12.14 Mat. 12.36 Consider 2. The terrour of this Judgement in regard of the strict account There will be made a processe of our whole life every action though never so much hidden and secret will be brought to a most strict examination All things that are done God will bring into judgement even every idle word The severe Judge will exact an account not onely of evils committed but also of the good neglected He will also weigh the good actions themselves and see whether they be full and performed with due intention and exactnesse I saith he by David will judge Justices Ps 74.3 Soph. 1.12 And by Sophonias I will search Jerusalem with lamps and if Jerusalem and the Saints how much more Babylon and Sinners Eccli 18.20 Consider 3. And ask your self this question What shall I miserable wretch say for my self at that time For prevention take the advice of Ecclesiasticus Before sickness take medicine and before judgement examine thy self and in the sight of God thou shalt finde propitiation While you have time do good Of the Particular Judgement 2. Part. COnsider 1. The miserable condition of a sinful Soul when at her trial she shall be found to come short in her accounts and guilty of deadly sin For then she is to be degraded as Priests are wont in disgrace and ignominy having their sacred Vestments taken off from
and to escape Purgatory These are Receiving the Sacraments offering the Divine Sacrifice Indulgences Fasting Alms Prayers Tears chastising the body patient suffering of hunger and thirst sicknesse and the like God is content with a little in this life and is soon appeased by means of our poor services but in the other life he will severely exact the whole debt of punishment even to the last farthing Wherefore while you have time Mat. 5.27 Eccli 14.14 do good Be not defrauded of thy good day as Ecclesiasticus admonisheth and let not a little portion of a good gift overpass thee Mat. 5.7 Consider 3. Among other means one of the most efficacious to escape or at least to mitigate our pains in Purgatory is to pray much for the dead while we live for our merciful Lord permitteth that afterwards we receive the same measure that we used to others here And The merciful as he saith himself shall obtain mercy Morn Ent. Behold our Lord is come in his holy thousands to do judgement Jude 14. Luc. 21.25 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as Judge COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Gospel that Christ is to be the Universal Judge of all men whose judgement we ought greatly to stand in fear of 1. By reason of his Supream Authority from whom none can appeal 2. For the rigour of his Justice which no entreaties nor bribes will be able to corrupt 3. For his infinite Wisdom from which nothing can be concealed 4. For that he will be not only Judge but also the plaintiff or party offended Consider 2. What a favour it would be if the Judge himself should in a friendly manner come to some Criminal in prison and teach him a way how he may escape and come off with security of life in his Trial. The same will Christ do to you this day Wherefore receive him at his coming with great love and gratitude and now while you may endeavour by earnest prayers to gain him against that dreadful day when there will be no more place for prayers Ps 142.2 Consider 3. Hence you must have a great care that there be nothing in your Soul that may displease the eyes of your Judge when he cometh He will search the inmost corners of your heart Cleanse therefore diligently all things against his coming Say humbly with the Prophet Enter not into judgement with thy servant O Lord But rather in the bowels of thy mercy visit us now O Orient arising from high Eccl. in Off. Boeth apud S. Tho. Opusc de Sacr. c. 2. c. Wherefore Boethius saith well in these words We have a great necessity of living well seeing we do all things before the eyes of the Judge that seeth all Think well on this and Before judgement prepare thee Justice Of imitating the Life of Christ our Lord. 1. Part. COnsider 1. For two reasons Christ our Lord came from the bosome of his eternal Father into the World as the holy Fathers every where do teach 1. To redeem us from sin 2. To give us example of living by his own manner of life His life therefore ought to be the square pattern and mirrour of ours to the end that squaring our actions conformably to his we may come by his steps to arrive at last also to his glory Eccli 23.38 Consider 2. How glorious a thing it is to follow such an example It is great glory saith Ecclesiasticus to follow our Lord. By following of men whosoever they are you may erre because they are men apt both to be deceived themselves and to deceive others By following Christ you cannot misse because he is the way you cannot be deceived because he is truth you cannot perish because he is life The Way in Example Bern. Ser. 2. de Ascen saith St. Bernard Truth in Promise Life in Reward Lastly he commandeth nothing which he doth not first do himself So that he may say with Gedeon What you shall see me do Jud. 7.17 do ye 1 Cor. 3.19 Consider 3. How foolishly you have hitherto done in directing your actions by any other rule then the life of Christ All other rules are crooked and naught and The wisdom of this world according to which perchance you govern your self is foolishness with God Ask pardon for this folly and beseech our Lord to accept of you and admit you into the number of his followers Of imitating the Life of Christ 2. Part. Tit. 1.16 COnsider 1. The followers of Christ are of three different sorts Some by name onely and from the teeth outwards they say they are Christians and know Christ But in their works they deny him They defile themselves with continual sins and in their works crucifie Christ anew These are but equivocally termed Christians for indeed they follow not Christ but the Devil Think how often you have been such Repent and take heed for the future Mat. 19.21 Consider 2. Others there are who indeed follow Christ but afar off as St. Peter did when Christ was taken who perhaps for that cause as some observe came to fall and deny his Master for any example or pattern that it may have influence must be duly applied and at a right distance So many follow Christ but coldly They purpose to keep the Commandments but care not to extend themselves with the Apostle to things of greater perfection When it is said to such as these Go sell the things that thou hast c. and come follow me They go away sad like the young man in the Gospel See whether you be one of these 2 Cor. 6.8 Phil. 3.8 Consider 3. Others finally there are who with a generous resolution strive to follow Christ even to the Crosse By honour and dishonour by infamy and good fame and with the Apostle do esteem all things as dung that they may gain Christ Lastly they endeavour to conform themselves in all things to the model of his life See among whom you chuse to rank your self and know that in what proportion you are like unto Christ in this life you will also be hereafter in glory Of the divine Decree concerning Christs Incarnation 1. Part. COnsider 1. The state which the whole world was in Part of the Angels had fallen All mankind also had sinned The wicked Angels leaving the Blessed in Heaven were cast into Hell Mankind lived in banishment out of Paradise shut out of Heaven made slave of the Devil and enemy to God and lay wallowing from one sin into another to be cast at length headlong into Hell fire neither did there appear any means possible of appeasing the Divine Justice being no pure creature could make is any satifaction Ps 39.7 8. Contemplate 2. The three divine Persons in Heaven out of commiseration consulting of a remedy See how the Second Person being there could not otherwise any satisfaction be made to the divine Justice freely offered himself to his Eternal Father
after thee in the odour of thine oyntments Cant. 1.4 Jo. 1.19 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Anointed of our Lord. Cant. 1.3 Ps. 44.8 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel How the Pharisees sent to St. John to demand whether he were Christ whereas this name agreeth with none but our Lord Jesus who properly is Christ or the Anointed of our Lord and that by a triple Unction as King as Prophet as High Priest Oyl poured out is thy name saith the Spouse And David Thy God hath anointed thee with the oyl of gladness above thy fellows Where ever he goeth he carrieth with him a most sweet sent of Vertues And who would not run in the odour of his precious oyntments Ps. 44.9 Consider 2. This same Anointed of our Lord will come to day unto you in the Eucharist to make you partaker of his sweet Oyntments for Myrrhe and Aloes and Cassia from thy garments that is from the Sacramental Forms which cover him as garments hence he will anoint you with a threefold Unction 1. With the Unction of Mercy blotting out your sins 2. With the Unction of Fortitude strengthening you against your Spiritual Conflicts 3. With the Unction of Wisdom instructing and enlightening your Understanding For His Vnction teacheth you saith St. John of all things 1 Jo. 2.27 Ps. 131.17 Consider 3. You must prepare your self against Christs coming I have prepared saith David a lamp to my Christ Which the holy Doctours expound of John Baptist for he was the lamp burning and shining Jo. 5.35 Prepare also in the same manner the lamp of your Soul cleansing it from filth of sin and giving it brightnesse and lustre proceeding from good works that you may both burn inwardly with love and shine forth to others by example Of the Visitation of the B. Virgin And first of her Journey to Elizabeth Luc. 1.39 COnsider 1. The Word Incarnate as soon as he was conceived hastened to fanctifie his Precursor that so he might presently begin the Office of a Saviour He could have done this where he was and at that distance but he inspired his Mother to go to Elizabeths house that she who was to be a Mediatrix between us and her Son might in some sort concur to the first Sanctification which he wrought And she now full with God readily followeth the divine impulse and willingly embraceth the occasion of doing a good office Learn of both to be zealous in helping others and not to let slip any occasion of exercising Charity And Mary rising up went unto the hilly countrey with speed Consider the promptnesse of her Obedience to the divine Inspirations Neither the difficulties nor unpleasantnesse of a long journey nor her own tendernesse nor the quality of being now Mother of God could take her off but she presently puts her self upon the way This sudden departure of hers was not out of vain complement or ceremony nor of curiosity nor of doubt in what the Angel had assured her but out of pure zeal of pleasing God and helping her neighbour Observe her singular modesty recollection and devotion wherewith she entertaineth the Son of God whom she carrieth in her womb and learn hence how to demean your self while you yet carry within your breast the same Son of God in the Sacrament Consider 3. It is proper for them that are full of the divine Spirit to tend towards the Mount of Perfection to despise the world and to aspire to things above Gen. 19.17 Ambr. in Luc. and to Heaven it self Save thy self in the mountain said the Angel to Lot Besides they do it with speed and servour for as St. Ambrose saith the Grace of the Holy Ghost knoweth no lingring delays See whether in your thoughts and desires you do not cleave to these inferiour things and whether you do not go slowly and coldly on towards the mount of Perfection Of the Blessed Virgins Entrance into the house of Elizabeth Luc. 1.44 COnsider 1. Mary being entred into the house of Elizabeth saluteth first though greater in dignity So it becometh every one to prevent each other in Civility and Charity Think with what modesty and in what terms she delivered her self happily in those Hail Our Lord With thee There passed no empty Complements nor worldly Ceremonies between them but hearty expressions of mutual ioy At the voice of Mary the Eternal Word sanctifieth his Precursor cleanseth him of Original Sin enricheth him with the gifts of Grace and Sanctity bestoweth upon him the use of reason and makes him sensible even then of the Mystery of the Incarnation and of his own happinesse As the voice of thy Salutation sounded in my ears the Infant in my Womb did leap for joy Consider 2. How Elizabeth also at the voice of Mary was replenished with the Holy Ghost endowed with the gift of Prophesie and cried out with a loud voice and said Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy Womb. Learn hence how beneficial is the Mediation of the Blessed Virgin by whose means the Eternal Word wrought such admirable effects in the Infant and his Mother and that we all partake of the fulnesse of Maries Grace and Blessings Salute her with the Spirit of Elizabeth acknowledge and extoll her Excellency proceeding from the divine Fruit of her Womb For By their fruits you shall know them Mat. 7.16 Consider 3. Those other words of Elizabeth Whence is this to me that the Mother of my Lord doth come to me Humility doth ever accompany the divine Spirit and his gifts Observe how by divine Inspiration she stileth her Mother of God which the Holy Church acknowledgeth as her chief title Happily St. John might use the like expressions towards his Sanctifier and like affections passe between the Infants from Womb to Womb as did between the two Mothers Learn from the Infant and his Mother how to entertain your Lord when he cometh to you in the B. Sacrament Of the Canticle Magnificat COnsider 1. Elizabeth having uttered these great praises the B. Virgin brake ferth into that admirable Canticle Magnificat Observe how she returneth not the like again in complement as is the fashion of the world nor yet out of a dissembling pretence of humility doth she deny them as most do in like occasions but ascribeth all to God nothing to her self Learn hence that it is not the vertue of humility to deny or dissemble the natural of supernatural gifts we have but 1. To acknowledge them as proceeding from the meer goodnesse of God not from our selves or our own deserts 2. To give God all the praise and honour usutping nothing thereof to our selves Prov. 2.14 Consider 2. Two principal documents we are taught in this Canticle First to rejoyce and delight in God alone and in things appertaining to our Salvation not in the vanities and pleasures nor in the praises and favour of the World for God
love nothing but what he loved that you may say with the Apostle I live now not I but Christ liveth in me Matt. 18.3 Consider 3. That you may enioy this little one you must become such an one your self For unless you become as little children you shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven Provide therefore for this little one a Crib or place of repose in your Soul swathe him with the bands of Charity defend him from the cold of a frozen heart 1 Reg. 15.17 Lastly Be little in your own eyes that you may deserve to be made Chief in the Tribes that is great among the Saints The Secrets of his Wisdom he revealeth to the little ones Mat. 11.25 Ps. 18.8 The testimony of our Lord is faithful saith David giving wisdom to little ones Of our Saviours Birth 1. Part. COnsider 1. The Blessed Virgin being in the Cave or Stable at Bethleem and perceiving her time to draw near retired her self as much as the place would permit and being in Spirit wholly fixed upon God by most high contemplation behold on a sudden bringeth forth into the world the Eternal Light The Blessed Infant issueth forth without breach of his Mothers Virginal Inclosure as afterwards he rose from his Monument though shut and made fast up And as the great Master of Humility at his first entrance into the world casteth himself on the bare ground What feeling had the Virgin at that time What affections of reverence towards her God of love towards her Son See how she takes him up in her lap kisses him wraps him in swathing bands lays him in the manger between the beasts that by their warm breath he might in some manner be defended against the cold See how she adoreth and giveth him thanks for his coming into the world and making choice of her to be his Mother How St. Joseph also performeth his part And out of all draw something for your own benefit Heb. 1.6 Consider 2. What joy was then in heaven How well pleased was the heavenly Father at this new sight And when again he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God adore him See how the Angels fall prostrate on their faces and adore him saying Holy Holy Holy c. And to the Blessed Virgin In Breviar ad Matut O Blessed Mother of God whose womb remaining untouched brought forth the Saviour of the World Rejoyce and congratulate with both and adore your new born Saviour Is 1.3 Consider 3. Then was fulfilled that of Isaie The Ox hath known his owner and the Ass his masters Crib but Israel hath not known me and my people hath not understood S. Bonav See how these silly creatures by divine instinct prostrating themselves adore their Creatour Corn. in Is c. 1. See whether you be not one of those Israelites and do not yet know your Lord being more insensible then the very bruit beasts themselves 1 Jo. 2.4 For he that saith he knoweth God and keepeth not his commandments is a lier Of our Saviours Birth 2. Part. I Magine your self in the Cave or Stable at Bethleem and fixing your eyes on the B. Infant lying in the manger ponder these general Circumstances Who What Where By what means Why How and When Ames 4. 13. Job 26.11 Who is this Infant The onely begotten Son of God and true God of God Our Lord God of hosts is his name The pillars of heaven tremble and dread at his beck Infinitely powerful infinitely wise immense eternal incomprehensible c. What He lieth as one helplesse He suffereth extremity of cold He is wrapped in poor swadling clouts He crieth and sheddeth rears as other Infarts Ps. 21.7 Where Far from his own countrey and home in a stable in a manger between two silly beasts as A worm and no man a reproach of men and outcast of the people With what means or conveniences Destitute of all without bed or bedding without fire without all manner of accommodation no servants or attendants having none about him but his poor Parents by whose care and labour he was maintained Why For your sake for love of you to give you example In Offic. Nativ Domini Is 53.7 To restore lost man to the Kingdom of Heaven Ps. 18.6 How Not forced but of his own free election He was offered because himself would Chearfully and with joy Therefore entring into the world He hath rejoyced as a Grant to run the way though rough and painful Act. 1.7 When In the very depth of Winter at midnight a time the most inconvenient of all other and yet both times and moments are all in his power Be astonished give thanks return love imitate c. And if you receive to day this Blessed Infant into the Crib of your heart be careful to entertain him well Of our Saviours Birth 3. Part. Tit. 3.4 COnsider 1. The admirable Vertues which are resplendent in this Mystery 1. The infinite Goodnesse and Benignity of God His Power appeared in the first Creation of the World Providence in the Government but after all in this mystery as St. Paul saith Appeared the Benignity and Kindness towards man of our Saviour God He was made man that he might the better be known by man born in poverty and want that he might the more endear himself unto us In an open stable to be the more easily found He lieth in a manger to encourage the poor his hands are bound that you need not fear to approach he concealeth his power to take away terrour he puteth on meeknesse to win you to himself c. 2 Cor. 8.9 Consider 2. His extream Poverty and love thereof expressed in this Mystery He made choice of a poor humble Maid for his Mother and of a Carpenter for his reputed father He was born out of house and home and in a stable lodged not in any bed of his own but in a manger upon straw and hay without sheets or blankets only wrapped up in a few clouts and all this being the Lord of all things For you saith the Apostle he was made poor whereas he was rich that by his poverty you might be rich If you be wise therefore be rich by imitating his poverty If. 53.3 Ps. 72.23 Consider 3. The incomparable example of his admirable Humility who being by nature God equal to the Father abased himself to the despicable condition of a slave and that the very vilest of them and the most abject of men Nay he is become for us as a beast even lying amongst them that so he might be with us without any regard to his honour which you are so miserably fond of Be confounded for that being but a worm you will be looked upon and regarded above others Of the Message sent to the Shepherds 1. Part. Luc. 14.11 Luc. 2.8 COnsider 1. Christ having humbled himself so low as
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
in the head of his enemies to deliver him up into their hands Learn not to rely much on gifts bestowed gratis and without deserts of which the more you have the more you also have to answer for and the greater cause to feare Houle thou firre tree saith the Prophet because the Cedar is fallen c. If an Apostle fell why may not you likewise fall Ps. 21.17 Consider 2. And with him a great multitude with swords and clubs Behold the wicked Rout see how they come all armed with malice and prepared to work their wicked ends upon Jesus contriving with themselves by the way the manner of laying hold on him and securing him from escape How Judas giveth them a signe saying whomsoever I shall kiss that is he hold him Think what fright the Apostles were in at the noise of the Souldiers Then was truly fullfilled that of the Prophet Many dogs have compassed me the counsell of the malignant have besieged me Consider 3. Christ did not fly nor render himself invisible as easily he might 4 Reg. 1.10 Jo. 18.4 not called fire from Heaven to consume his enemies as did Elias but with an undaunted courage and desireous of dying for you went forth towards them See you be grateful and learn Constancy in adversity and not to avoid occasions of suffering for Christ but rather with courage and resolution to meet and entertain them Mat. 26.49 c. Of Judas his Kiss Ps. 54.22 COnsider 1. And forthwith Judas coming to Jesus he said Haile Rabbi and he kissed him Ponder the Impudency of this treacherous disciple He fawnes upon his Master to destroy him Such are the allurements of the world They seem kisses but truly are so many darts His words are made softer then oyle and the same are darts How many are there that with outward signes of devotion fondly fawne upon our Lord while they carry about them a treacherous mind how many again that have nothing but fair words and honey in their mouths while their heart is full of gall poisâ—n and rancor against their neighbour See you be none of these but above all take heed you give not Christ such a kiss in the Sacrament Consider 2. Christs admirable Meekness and Charity He upbraideth not teprocheth not refuseth not but receiveth the Kiss and speaketh friendly to him Saying Friend whereto art thou come if so at least he might win him to repentance he calleth him friend to make him one he asketh what he cometh for that entering into himself he might come to understand the enormity of his fact in so fouly betraying his best Friend and Benefactor his Master his Lord and God See how mercifully God doth seek to reclaim Sinners and learn with what mildness you ought to behave your self to your brother that injureth you Luc. 22.48 Consider 3. Those other words Judas with a kiss doest thou betray the Son of Man What stony heart would not these words mollify and yet they move him not We condemn Judas for his hard heart but little reflect that we are often guilty of the same while we are nothing moved by the inspirations of God and checks of our own conscience crying out with a loud voice What do you do will you sin will you offend God c. It was a circumstance highly aggravating Judas his sin to make the kiss of peace an instrument of his treason What then will it be to turn by abuse the gifts of Grace into instruments of Gods offence and our own damnation Take warning therefore in time Christ casteth his Enemies on the ground and is taken Jo. 18.4.5 COnsider 1. Jesus having asked the Souldiers whom seek ye They answered him Jesus of Nazareth Jesus Saith to them I am he and thereby cast them on the ground to give them a testimony of his divinity and to shew that he could not be apprehended unless he had pleased Ponder how those words I am are of singular comfort to the Just and signify as much as I am your Father and Protector your Joy and Comfort your wisdom your Justice your Sanctification and Redemption c. It is I feare ye not Mat. 14 2â— But to the wicked they are full of terror threatning wrath indignation punishment revenge and damnation If now therefore they strike such terrour into his enemies when it was as he said their hour and the power of darkness what will they doe Luc. 22.53 when it will be his day and hour of exercising the power of Judge Jo. 18.6 Consider 2. They went backward and fell to the ground This is a type of obstinat and impenitent Sinners that fall flat on their backs so as not to see or regard their falls Beseech our Lord that if at any time you come to fall it may be upon your face that you may see and acknowledge your fall by Humility and get soon up again by Pennance See how S. Peter draweth his sword and cutteth off the eare of Malchus but Christ reprehendeth him for it forbiddeth all violence and resistance and healeth the servants eare that you should learn to doe good for evill to your enemies Consider 3. Christ having said If you seek me let these go their ways forgetfull of himself solicitous for his Disciples Mar. 26.50 Then they drew â—eer and layd hands on Jesus and held him Behold with what rage those Hell-hounds rush upon the meek lamb buffet kick and beat him with their clubs cast him on the ground and trample over him Good God what a spectacle is this He who sitteth upon the Cherubs Ps. 79.3 is troden under the fecr of the wicked The same doe all Sinners who as S. Paul saith tread the Son of God under foot Heb. 10.29 See you be not one Christ is bound The Disciples fly Jo. 18.12 COnsider 1. Having apprehended Jesus they bound him doubtless with hard cords See how he yeelds his sacred hands and armes to be bound who notwithstanding if he had pleased could more easily then Sampson have broken those cords all in pieces Judic 10.12 as threads of Linnen cloth It was love alone that could fetter those hands which framed the Heavens and wrought wonders on earth Doe you likewise permit your self to be bound with the bands of Charity with the tye of Obedience and obligation of such duties as appartain to the state and condition you live in Eccli 6.25 Thrust thy foot into her fetters and thy neck into her chains saith the wiseman speaking of true wisdom and be not weary of her bands Mar. 14.50 Consider 2. Then his Disciples leaving him all fled Think what a sore affliction it was to Christ to be left so by his friends whereof he often complaineth by his Prophets Ps. 87.9 Thou hast made my familiars far from me they have put me abomination to themselves Ps. 63.3 I have troden the press alone and of the Gentils there is not a
whom you behold in the outward shape of man the same is God and Lord of all things the Messias Saviour Doctor and Pastor of men who for love of mankind abased himself beneath the condition of a slave even to this lamentable plight Mat. 12.18 Consider 2. And imagin these same words spoken by the Eternal Father proposing his Son as an example of all Vertue for you to imitate Behold the man Behold the servant whom I have chosen my beloved in whom my soul hath well liked Look Exod. 25.40 and make it or doe according to the pattern He suffereth himself to be contemned and scoffed at to confound your pride He is naked to correct your Covetousnes He indureth excessive torments to satisfy for your sensuality He turneth his cheeke to the striker to allay your anger and passion and so of the rest See therefore how you may imitate 1 Jo. 2.2 Ps. 83.10 Consider 3. These words may be spoken by you and by the whole Church to the Eternal Father offering Christ unto him as a pacifick Host for all our sinnes O Eternal Father Behold the man who in the name of all mankind is come to pay Adams ransome He is the Propitiation for our sinnes Therefore behold O God our Protectour and look upon the face of thy Christ Say the same often to your self with affections of compassion to your Lord and Saviour of gratitude for suffering so much for love of you of confidence and hope in so great a goodness and of an ardent desire of imitating his example and of suffering for love of him Mat. 27. Luc. 23. Christ is condemned to death Mat. 27.19 COnsider 1. As Pilat was sitting in place of Judgement his wife sent unto him c. Ponder the goodnes of God seeking divers ways to hinder the sins of men as here he did admonishing Pilat by his wife and her in sleep so that it may be justly objected to every sinner Perdition is thine O Israel O how often hath he admonished you Osee 13.9 speaking interiorly to your heart by holy Inspirations and exteriorly by Preachers and superiours forbidding you to doe this or that and yet you have not given over Be careful hereafter to be more observant of his admonitions Mat. 27.24 Consider 2. Pilat seeing that he nothing prevailed c. Taking water washed his hands saying I am innocent of the bloud of this Just man And yet at the same time pronounced sentence of Death against him So many pretend innocency in their life but matter not their foul mouthes they will not offend their neighbour in their outward actions but scruple not to wound him with their tongues Hear how the Jews cry out His bloud be upon us and upon our Children See how the heat of passion casteth a man head-long upon his own ruine And have a care you be not over-ruled by any Luc. 23.24 Consider 3. And Pilat judged their petition to be done Think how unjust this sentence was whereby the Author of life was condemned to death allmost in the same breath wherewith he was pronounced Just and innocent and how wickedly Pilat did in yeelding to their unjust demands against his own conscience that you might learn to stand resolutly for Justice although you were to suffer a thousand deaths for it Think with what shouts the people wellcomed this sentence and how the Priests and Pharises triumphed Ponder what feeling Christ himself had at that time how he complained not nor made any opposition but with an undaunted mind 1 Pet. 2.23 delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly Christ carrieth his Cross Rom. 13.14 COnsider 1. Sentence of Death being given Christ is stripped of the Purple Garment and cloathed with his own that he might be the better known in his own attire The robe is taken off not the crown that he might not be without torment So you likewise if you desire to carry your Cross after our Lord must cast off the purple robe that is the love of the world and put on the garments and livery of Christ to wit Mildness and Patience according to that of the Apostle Doe ye on our Lord Jesus Christ Consider 2. The Cross being brought forth ponderous in weight and fifteen foot in length our Saviour doubtless exulted and with greater reason and feeling then did afterwards his Disciple S. Andrew saluted the same in those or the like words Wellcome O pretious Cross long wished-for Barrad l. 7. c. 10. entirely beloved and now at last prepared to my hearts desire he imbraced kissed and took it upon his shoulders O what shouting and laughter was there then among the people For his greater Ignominy there are led with him two theeves But with what difference both of countenance and disposition of mind doe they beare their several Crosses Think with your self whom you will rather choose to imitate in carrying yours Jo. 19.17 Consider 3. And bearing his own Cross he went forth c. To wit between two theeves the Cryer all along proclaming the respective causes of their death Gen. 22.6 So did Isaac formerly carry on his shoulders the wood of the Holocaust whereon himself was to be sacrificed See how the tender and feeble members of Christ shrink under the heavy burthen and how he stumbleth and falleth often to the ground as he goeth being quite tired-out and exhausted by his torments O Angels of Heaven why doe you not ease his burthen But your sins O my Soul are more burthensome unto him for our Lord hath put upon him saith Isaie the Iniquity of all us Cease therefore to sin Is. 53.6 that you may likewise cease to burthen him Of Meeting the Blessed Virgin COnsider 1. Christ being sentenced to death the news was probably carryed to the B. Virgin by some of the Disciples Ponder how according to Simeons prophecy her Soul is here pierced with the sword of griefe She might likely say with David Who would grant me that I might dye for thee Jesus my Son my Son Jesus She resigned herself 2 Reg. 18.33 notwithstanding wholy to the will of God according to that As it shall be the will in Heaven so be it done 1 Mach. 3.60 Consider 2. How notwithstanding her grief with an undaunted courage she resolveth to goe to the place of Execution to give her last embracements and farewel to her B. Son She stays therefore with other women by the way side where her Son was to pass by Think what torment of mind she felt when she first saw the rout of people coming along with Nailes Hammers Ladders and other such like instruments What afterward when she beheld her most innocent Son coming between two theeves laden with a heavy Cross and cudgelled on by the Souldiers to make hast Condole with them both and grieve for giving cause of their sufferings by your Sinns Luc. 23.28 Consider 3. Those words of Christ to
was sweet unto my throat Consider 3. You must not wonder if after diligent preparation on your part you do not always perceive the sweetness of this heavenly food For as the Physitian to some Patients prescribeth such Physick as is pleasing to their sensitive palate or appetite to others again such as is agreeable only to the rational appetite as being more wholesome then toothsome S. Tho. cit c. 22. So God doth temper the sweetness of this heavenly potion that it doth relish to some by affectual devotion to others only by the knowledge and satisfaction they receive of its great profit and benefit as he knoweth to be most expedient for every one Submit your self therefore to this heavenly Physitian and beg of him to give you that relish which he knoweth to be most for your benefit Of Holy Communion I have strayed as a sheep that is lost seek thy servant Ps 118.176 Consider Christ as a Shepherd seeking after one of his strayed Sheep Luc. 15.4 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel of a Shepherd who having a hundred sheep in his Flock went to seek one that had gone astray Consider how that Christ is this Shepherd Ponder his exceeding care of this one lost sheep whereas he had ninety nine that is innumerable others to wit Angels grazing on the Eternal Hills He wanted neither the wooll nor milk of his wandering sheep and yet seeketh up and down every where in sweat and labour to find him out and having found him he neither beats nor kicks him but lays him on his shoulders and brings him home O God! What is man that thou magnifiest him Job 7.17 or why settest thou thy heart toward him Is 53.6 Consider 2. That your Soul in particular is a strayed sheep which hath hitherto wandered up and down through the thickets and bryars of your own inventions out of your Fold and out of the bounds of that perfection which God hath called you to You do not yield him the wooll of your exteriour actions nor the milk of your interiour You take no delight in his rich and pleasant pastures but rather cast your self upon the vile Fodder of worldly delights All we have strayed as sheep every one hath declined into his own way saith the Prophet Consider 3. This loving Pastor will come to day unto you to bring you back into your right way Therefore ask him pardon for having hitherto so foolishly gone astray and that you have not been more attentive to his Call and holy Inspirations Offer him from hence forwards the wooll and milk of all your actions Say with the Prophet I have strayed as a sheep that is lost seek thy servant because I have not forgotten thy Commandments Meditations of the Life and Doctrine of Christ our Lord from his Baptisme to his Passion Note THe Life and Doctrine of Christ during the time of his three years Preaching yield plentiful matter for Meditation But because we cannot go through with every passage we will insist upon the chief and therein follow not so much the order of the History which is often in contraversie as a certain similitude and connection of one matter with another as we find others to have done before us Of the Preaching of S. John Baptist Part 1. In these daies cometh John the Baptist Preaching in the Desart Mat. 3.1 c. Marc. 1.2 COnsider 1. The Preaching of John goeth before the Preaching of Christ as doth the break of day before the rising of the Sun for of him it is said Behold I send mine Angel before thy face who shall prepare thy way before thee John therefore was an Angel Malac. 3.1 both by Office and in the Innocency of his Life and manners such as ought to be all Priests who are often in the Scripture called Angels Malac. 2.7 Mat. 3.4 Consider 2. More in particular the admirable Virtues of this holy Preacher First his austerity of life for as the Evangelist testifieth He had his garment of Camels hair and a girdle of a skin about his loyns and his meat was Locusts and wild honey Doubtless his lodging and bed were answerable to wit the bare ground under some Den or Cave nor had he any better defence against the cold of Winter and heat of Summer Think how much you come short of this great Preacher who are not content with those conveniences which your state of life affords you Consider 3. This austerity of life was accompanied with continual contemplation of heavenly things wherein he spent his whole life to the thirtieth year of his age Admire his Constancy in so long a warfare for there can be no doubt but that in all that time he had many Combats with the Devil Ponder his incomparable Innocency of life without committing the least Venial sin as most are of opinion and withall endeavour to imitate and come as near him as you can Of the Preaching of S. John Baptist Mat. 3.2 Part 2. COnsider 1. The Subject of his Preaching was nothing but Penance saying Do Penance c. to which he exhorts his Auditors by proposing to them first hopes of the Kingdom of Heaven then the fear of Gods most severe judgment representing him with his Fan in his hand to cleanse the Wheat from the Chaff Think how much you stand in need of this Penance see whether you be Wheat or Chaff if the first see you do not degenerate if the second endeavour to convert your self by the Divine Assistance into pure Wheat that you may not deserve to be cast into unquenchable fire Is 5.4 Consider 2. Those words Every tree that doth not yield good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire It is not enough to produce any kind of fruit but it must be pure good Examine your works what they are whether good solid and perfect or not rather counterfeited and fair only to the outward appearance or at least imperfect and not of full growth and maturity least that may be said of you I looked it should yield grapes and it hath yielded wild grapes And that other Cut it down whereto doth it also occupy the ground Luc. 13.7 Consider 3. John beginneth not but at a mature Age and after a long preparation by Prayer and Mortification But then by the impulse of the Divine Spirit by whose Inspiration also he had before retired himself entereth with an invincible courage upon his charge For the Holy Ghost is wont to set them whom he hath once perfected upon the perfecting of others Your Desart is a private retired life wherein you must prepare your self by Prayer Mortification and holy Solitude attending to God alone that you may prove the sitter Instrument either of the Gospel if such be your calling or of your own and your Neighbourâ— perfection Of the Jews Message to John Jo. 1.19 Part 1. COnsider 1. The Jews moved with the Sanctity
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
Prayer Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven The Will of God is of three sorts of Precept of Councel and of good Pleasure Let all therefore follow your counsels and inspirations obey your commands approve and reverence your good pleasure in Earth as the Saints do in Heaven and execute your holy will readily chearfully and constantly See whether you do so Mat. 4.4 Our daily bread c. Both corporal whereby the life of the body is maintained and chiefly spiritual whereby the Soul is preserved in life for not in bread alone doth man live but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God c. Give us this day that is daily that you should daily ask it not for your self alone but for us all even your Enemies Luc. 6.37 And forgive us our Trespasses as we c. Therefore first forgive if any one have offended you either by word or deed that you may deserve to have forgiveness of your offences You are indebted more then ten thousand talents to God in comparison whereof your Brother scarce oweth you a peny forgive therefore the lesser debt that your greater may be forgiven you Forgive and you shall be forgiven And lead us not into temptation That is do not permit us to be overcome It is not always expedient for us to be without temptation in this life for the tryal and improvement of our virtue Beg therefore strength to resist But deliver us from all evil both of guilt and of punishment from the snares of the Devil Lastly from all evil past present and future that you may enjoy everlasting happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven Amen Be it be it Of other sayings of Christ on the Mountain Mat. 5. 6 COnsider 1. In the same Sermon our Lord doth very severely forbid anger against our Brethren There are three degrees of anger the first of the heart the second of words the third of deeds Ponder the evils which it brings us It perverteth Reason it exposeth us to grievous sins and makes us liable to the torments of Hell Think how you are subject to this in your actions and see you mend your self Consider 2. He doth also forbid us to swear Let your talk be yea yea no no. Mat. 5.37 Think how detestable is the custom of swearing how unworthy of any Christian much more of sacred persons A man that sweareth much Eccli 23.12 shall be filled with iniquity and plague shall not depart from his house that is Gods revenge See whether perhaps any such custom have place in you and seek to root it out both in your self and others Mat. 6.1 Consider 3. Those words Take good heed that you do not your Justice before men to be seen of them He teacheth us to fly vain glory rising from good works otherwise we shall have no reward in heaven We are to do good works before men according to that Mat. 5.17 So let your light shine before men c. yet not with intention thereby to please men but God alone S. Greg. Hom. 11. in Evang. Therefore let the action saith S. Gregory be so in publick that the intention whereby we seek only to please God be kept in private Of sending the Apostles to Preach Mat. 10. Luc. 10. Part 1. Luc. 10.2 COnsider 1. Our most merciful Lord beholding the state of Souls in Israel said The harvest truly is much but the workmen few Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send forth workmen into his harvest Our Lords harvest are the Elect who expect the preaching of the Gospel and of these there are many of your own Country for whose good you ought to be concerned Beseech our Lord therefore to send zealous workmen and such as may reap much fruit and if it be your lot to be one see you spare no pains nor labour seeking the good of souls not your own private ends Luc. 10.1 Consider 2. Hence Christ sent his Disciples to preach But two and two to recommend Charity unto us wherewith the Preachers of the Gospel ought to be linked together for Prov. 18.19 Brother that is holpen of Brother is as a strong City Think how necessary this Union and mutual assistance is among all that help Souls least otherwise what one gathers an other scattereth and what one builds an other destroyeth Exciâ—e your self therefore to an Universal and Apostolical Charity towards all Note also that these Harvest-men must be sent or called by Christ and his Substitutes and not thrust themselves in by their own private Authority Mat. 10.8 Consider 3. Christs Precepts to those he was to send 1. He debarreth them far from all Avarice Gratis you have received gratis give ye 2. 2. He forbiddeth superfluous and precious things Do not possess gold nor silver nor money in your purses 3. In ordinary conveniences he prohibiteth such as are less necessary Not a skrip for the way neither two coats c. 4. Even in necessaries he will have them confide in God and feed upon what is set before them without seeking after extraordinaries and particularities Eating and drinking such things as they have Think how you ought to observe these things Luc. 10.7 if you desire to labour in our Lords Harvest with profit rather then with pomp Of sending the Apostles to Preach Mat. 10. Luc. 10. Part 2. Mat. 10.16 COnsider 1. Those words Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves An unheard-of kind of warfare he sendeth sheep to combat with wolves So true it is 1 Cor. 1.27 The weak things of the world hath God chosen that be may confound the strong Moreover he admonisheth his Preachers to be like sheep that is meek not returning evil for evil but imploying themselves wholly to the benefit of their Neighbour like unto sheep which give their milk and wooll and flesh and all they have for mans use Consider 2. Those other words Be ye wise as Serpents Mat. sup and simple as Doves He would have the Serpents Wisdome joyned with the Doves Simplicity He requireth Prudence in taking fit occasions of time and place c. to help our Neighbour Simplicity in doing all things sincerely without double dealing or malice and proceeding without bitterness and gall which Doves are said not to have Thine eyes are as Doves saith the Spouse in the Canticles that is Cant. 1.15 pure Such therefore ought to be the eye of your intention Mat. 10.7 Marc. 6.12 Consider 3. The Subject they are enjoyned to preach on Going preach saying that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand c. And going forth they preached that they should do Penance They preached not of vain and curious matters but of such only as were profitable for the good of Souls such ought to be the endeavours and manner of preaching of those that have care of Souls speaking inwardly to their Hearers spiritual
are of God as labours crosses ignominies Examine your self whether you do relish spiritual and divine things and take real gâ—st in them at leastwise make it your endeavour to procure it Of Holy Communion Go shew thy self to the Priest Mar. 8.4 Consider Christ as a Priest Luc. 17.14 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel of ten Lepers of whom it is said Go shew your selves to the Priests And it came to pass as they went they were made clean As there are several sorts of Lepers in the Body for some are but light and in the skin only others in the flesh and mortal so there are also different kinds of Spiritual Lepers or sins We are all of us leprous in some degree having our swellings and spots rising from the abundance of peccant humours and affections Imagine therefore your Soul all over in a scurf and become a lamentable spectacle in the sight of God and with Naaman the Syrian 4 Reg. 5. be desirous to meet with some Prophet that may cleanse you Levit. 13.9 Consider 2. The Antient Law of God If the Plague of the Leprosie be in a man he shall be brought to the Priest to be condemned as unclean and to be separated in the New Law he is brought to the Priest to be cleansed Our High-Priest is Christ our Lord according to that Ps 109.4 Thou art a Priest for ever according to the Order of Melchisedech How greatly therefore ought you to wish to appear before this Priest in the Eucharist who not with water as Elizeus but with his own precious blood will cleanse our conscience as the Apostle saith from dead works Heb. 9.14 c. Luc. 17.12 c. Consider 3. That you may be perfectly cleansed you must imitate the example of the Lepers in the Gospel 1. You are to go to meet Christ seeking him with all diligence 2. To stand afar off acknowledging your unworthiness 3. To lift up your voice by fervent prayer 4. With all humility to implore mercy Lastly To follow the counsel and admonishments of your Spiritual Fathers and Directors according to that Observe diligently that you incur not the Plague of Leprosie but thou shalt do whatsoever the Priests of the Levitical Stock shall teach thee c. and fulfill thou it carefully Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Part 1. COnsider 1. Our Lord vouchsafed to manifest his Glory 1. To confirm the Apostles in their Faith 2. To encourage them to carry their Cross which he had lately exhorted them to 3. To give them before-hand a tast of the Heavenly Joys He did it on a high Mountain apart that we should learn to sequester our selves from the cares of this world and climb to the Mountain of Perfection if we desire to contemplate the Face and Glory of our Lord. Thren 1.12 Consider 2. Christ would have few Witnesses of his Glory to wit only three of his Disciples but of his Cross and ignominies all sorts of men Therefore upon the Cross he saith by the mouth of the Prophet O all ye that pass by the way attend and see c. In thâ—se three Disciples are deciphered unto us three Virtues that accompany Contemplation and concur to our Souls Transfiguration in Peter Faith in James Hope in John Charity See how and in what degree these Virtues are in you Luc. 9.29 Consider 3. And whiles he prayed the shape of his countenance was altered Our Lord was transfigured while he was praying to teach us that prayer doth transform and beautifie mans Soul so as sometimes to have influence also upon the body so Moyses his face was horned with Rays of Glory by the conversation of the talk of our Lord. Exod. 34.29 Beseech our Lord to alter and transfigure you into another man that is to make you holy that having cast off all bad habits you may be made conformable to his Image and likeness Be much in prayer that you may be enlightned according to that Come ye to him Ps 33.6 and be illuminated and your faces shall not be confounded Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Part 2. Mat. 17.2 COnsider 1. The manner of this Transfiguration His face did shine as the Sun and his garments became white as snow The Evangelist had nothing better to compare it withall but it did incomparably exceed both Congratulate with your Lord and his Sacred Humanity for this array of glory which ever was his due and wherewith he ought always to have been invested but for our sakes he eclipsed it Rejoyce that your Beloved is thus white and ruddy chosen of thousands Cant. 5.11 Cant. 6.9 c. fair as the Moon elect as the Sun Exod. 4.13 Consider 2. There appeared with him Moyses and Elias two chief Lights of the antient Law to signifie that both the Law and the Prophets gave testimony of Christ Think how great was their joy to see their Redeemer so long wished for by all Nations and whom they themselves had so often foretold Send whom thou wilt send and the like Observe how they were both like to Christ in their fourty daies fast and therefore were also made Companions with him in Glory Luc. 9.31 Consider 3. The Subject of their discourse for they told the decease that he should accomplish in Hierusalem Our Lord in the very height of all his glory discoursed of his ignominious and bitter Passion that you might see how much he made of it and how he bare it in mind and affection above all Glory Galat. 6.14 God forbid that you should glory as the Apostle saith of himself saving in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ And let not your mind ever be so transported with joy in time of prosperity as to put off the thought or memory of death Of our Lords Transfiguration Mat. 17. Mar. 9. Luc. 9. Part 3. Mat. 17.4 COnsider 1. The excess of joy in the Apostles at so glorious a Spectacle Peter said Lord it is good for us to be here and would have fixed his Habitation there and have raised three Tabernacles for Christ and his two Companions Think what will be in Heaven if one single drop of Heavenly Joy could so inebriate the Apostles that forgetful of all other things they would have remained there for ever What will the whole Ocean of Joy do in Heaven Ps 35.9 where they shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house O Lord and with the torrent of thy pleasure thou shalt make them drink Consider 2. A Voice came from Heaven saying This is my well beloved Son Mat. sup in whom I am well pleased hear ye him Ponder each word and how he is the only begotten Son of the Eternal Father Consubstantial and Coeternal with him and equally Immense and Omnipotent See whether you are wont to hear him exciting you to perfection contempt of the world and
and despicable poor man be calleth Son whom the Priests vouchsafed not to touch Observe how he remitteth his sins which were cause of his infirmity to teach you that diseases are inflicted also for hidden sins and that when you are sick you must first seek your Souls cure then that of your body Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof Mat. 9. Mar. 2. Luc. 5. Part 2. Luc. 5.21 COnsider 1. The Pharisees murmuring Who is this that speaketh blasphemies Who can forgive sins but only God Condole with Christ for being held a Blasphemer and be not troubled if at any time you be treated below your deserts Observe Christs mildness he is not moved to indignation he seeketh not to revenge himself as he could most easily have done but sweetly endeavoureth to bring them out of their erreur Wherefore think you evil in your hearts Mat. 9.4 Consider 2. Christ in proof of his Divinity and power of forgiving sins presently cured the man and sent him away free of his Palsey saying Arise take up thy bed Ibid. Luc. 5.24 and go into thy house Your house and home is Heaven here you are but a Stranger and Passenger therefore hasten home and settle your thoughts cares and desires there where you are to dwell for ever Eccles 12.5 August in Ps 85. Man shall go saith the wise man into the house of his Eternity and S. Augustine A House is taken as it were for ever a Nest is made up but for a time Do not therefore make more of your dirty brittle Nest then of your stable Mansion House Consider 3. The man being cured Luc. sup went into his house magnifying God It is the proper effect of spiritual health to magnifie God and to give him thanks for benefits received Do you also magnifie God as often as you are dismissed in the Sacrament of Penance free from the dead Palsey of Sin say with David I will bless our Lord at all time Ps 33.2 his praise always in my mouth Of the Withered Hand cured Mat. 12. Mar. 3. Luc. 6. Luc. 6.6 Ps 143.8 COnsider 1. It came to pass on another Sabboth that be entered into the Synagogue and taught And there was a man and his right hand was withered c. Our most merciful Lord taketh hold of all occasions of converting Souls wherefore on the Sabboth days he frequented the Synagogues that being then gathered together he might the better reach them heavenly things In the Synagogue he found a man whose right hand was withered for many there are even in Gods Church that have their left hands ready for mischief but their right hands withered and unable to do any good And their right hand is the right hand of Iniquity See whether your hand be not thus withered Mat. 12.13 Consider 2. Then he saith to the man stretch forth thy hand and he stretched it forth and it was restored to health Our Lord could as easily have done the Cure without stretching forth but he will have us also to co-operate in our own behalf according to that of the Prophet Zachar. 1.3 Convert to me c. and I will convert to you Stretch forth therefore your hand to good works to help your Brother and in frequent prayer to God and you will undoubtedly obtain perfect health Eccles 9.10 Whatsoever thy hand is able to do work it instantly saith the wise man Ps 2.4 Consider 3. The Scribes and Pharisees having seen the Miracle whereas by benefit thereof they might have wrought their own salvation they took occasion thereby out of envy to contrive Christs death But he that dwelleth in the Heavens shall laugh at them And Christ although he could have destroyed them in a moment yet he chose rather to bear with them and withdraw himself for the time to another place to teach you meekness Of the crooked Woman cured Luc. 13.11 c. Dan. 13.9 COnsider 1. Christ being again in the Synagogue according to his custome Behold a Woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years and she was crooked neither could she look upward at all This infirmity was caused by the Devil as Christ himself witnesseth and this either in punishment of sin as it was in Giezi's Lepre or by Gods permission for exercise of her virtue as it happened to Blessed Job Mystically the Devil causeth the like crookedness in all those souls which he makes to stoop down to worldly things and keeps them so fixedly bent upon them that they cannot look up nor raise their thoughts to Heaven Of such it is said They declined their eyes that they would not see Heaven nor remember just judgments See whether you be not likewise crookedly bent in your works and intentions Consider 2. The Mercy of Christ of his own accord calling the Woman to him and curing her Woman thou art delivered from thy infirmity And the effect presently seconded his Omnipotent word for having imposed his hands upon her she was forthwith made straight and glorified God Observe and imitate this Womans gratitude who as soon as she saw her self cured glorified God See how much more reason you have to be ever grateful and to glorifie God who healeth all thine infirmities Ps 102.3 say with David My strength and my praise is our Lord and he is made unto me a Salvation This is my God Exod. 15.2 and I will glorifie him Is 51.7 8. Consider 3. The perverse Zeal of the Arch-Synagogue who had indignation that Jesus had cured on the Sabboth as if it were not lawful to do a good work although not servile on the Sabboth day Thus many pretend Zeal for their passions Procure to do all your actions with a sincere and upright intention as in the sight of God and you will not fear what judgments men pass upon them Fear ye not the reproach of men and be not afraid of their blasphâ—mies for as a garment so shall the worm eat them and as wooll so shall the Moth devoure them Of Holy Communion Behold my Beloved speaketh to me Arise make hast my Love c. and come Cant. 2.10 Consider Christ as your Souls Love Cant. 5.2 COnsider 1. What is commanded in this daies Gospel Thou shalt love the Lord thy God from thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind c. Mat. 22.37 God would be our Souls Love therefore he often calleth them his Beloved his Spouses his Sisters Open to me my Sister my Love my Dove c. And because love is gained by love Let us therefore love God 1 Jo. 4.19 because God first hath loved us Who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his blood Apoc. 1.5 Never any Mother loved her Child so tenderly nor Spouse his Beloved as God doth Man making himself 1. His Companion 2. His Food 3. His Ransom And lastly his Everlasting Reward so that he
Heaven is like to a man that is an housholder c. This Housholder is God himself who although he is Lord of a most ample Kingdom in Heaven and in Earth yet he doth so provide for each one in every particular and minute thing as if he were Master only of some little Family His Vineyard is the Church the Vines are all the Faithful the Workmen are the Prelates and others that dress pruen and spread the Vines and even the Faithful themselves who are bound to cultivate their own Souls by good works What a blessed thing it is to labour in such a Vineyard under such a Master and about such precious Vines Consider 2. The sollicitude of this Housholder which went out early in the morning to hire workmen c. From the very beginning of the World from Age to Age God never left to call workmen He calleth every man betimes even from the very first use of Reason and although most refuse to come yet he omits not afterwards to call again and again not giving them over to their last gasp some he allureth with hopes of reward That which shall be just I will give you Others he rebuketh for their sloth What stand you here all the day idle See whether you have not hitherto been idle Pro. 24.31 Consider 3. Part of this great Vineyard are all such as God hath placed under your charge according to the state and calling you are in but chiefly your own Soul See in what state and condition it is examine whether it be not like to that whereof the wise man speaketh in thâ—se words Nettles had filled it wholly and Thorns had covered the face thereof and the wall of stones was destroyed Think therefore that you are sent into a Vineyard not into a Garden of Pleasure to labour not to sport or live at ease and encourage your self to undergo great pains and labours knowing that the reward will be answerable Pro. 13.4 and that the Soul of them that work shall be made fat Of the Workmen in the Vineyard Mat. 20.8 c. Part 2. Jo. 5.27 COnsider 1. When Evening was come the Lord of the Vineyard saith to his Bailiff Call the workmen and pay them their hire beginning from the last c. This Bailiff is Christ our Lord whom the Father hath given power to do Judgment c. The Evening of our Life is Death for all our whole life time is but as one day and even a thousand years before Gods eyes are as yesterday that is past Ps 89.4 After death every man receives his hire or reward wherein there is not so much regard had to the time as to the fervour of working Whence they that come in last in their Conversion shall receive as much as the first because they are wont for the most part to labour with greater fervour and humility deeming themselves unworthy of any reward whereas on the contrary others are used to presume of themselves See whether or no you do not the same 1 Cor. 13.4 1 Cor. 12.30 Consider 2. How the former murmured saying These last have continued one hour and thou hast made them equal to us that have born the burden of the day and the heats Not that there will be any murmuring in Heaven but for that the reward of the last comers that work fervently will be so great that if the state could permit it would breed envy in the first It is easie to fall into the like emulation and grudge in this life See whether your eye be not sometime naught or malicious because God or your Superiour is good to your Brother Rather joy in his Preferment for Charity envieth not unless it be virtues and the better gifts Sap. 4.13 Consider 3. The Parables final clause So shall the last be first and the first last for many be called but few elect They that came last to work come first to be rewarded for their fervour in working Because God regardeth not how much is done as S. Gregory saith but out of what affection Perhaps you may reckon many years of your life time in Gods service but few of fervour rather procure that it may be said of you In short space he fulfilled much time Of the Invitement to the Wedding Mat. 22. Luc. 14. and Supper Part 1. Mat. 22.2 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is likened to a man being a King which made a Marriage to his Son This King is the Heavenly Father who made a Marriage between his only begotten Son and Humane Nature in the Bed-Chamber of the Virgins Womb The Son espoused to himself the Church in Faith and Charity according to that I will espouse thee to me in Faith Osee 2.20 and thou shalt know that I am the Lord who also espouseth unto himself the souls of the faithful and that not of a few only or of such as are Noble but generally of all that refuse not his Espousaâ—s Acknowledge therefore my Soul your Dignity and behave your self worthy of such a Spouse Luc. 14.18 c. Consider 2. The King made a Solemn Wedding Feast for his Church which he set forth with the Sacraments as so many Royal Courses and inviteth all to it but most men excuse themselves some out of an ambitious desire of Rule and Command I have bought a Farm and I must needs go forth and see it Others for their Imployment in worldly affairs I have bought five yoke of Oxen and I go to prove them Some again for carnal pleasures I have married a Wife and therefore I cannot come Others finally laid hands upon his servants Mat. 22.6 and spitefully entreating them murdered them The same do they who contumeliously reject their Pious Monitors and stick not to wound and pierce them with the Sword of their Tongue Consider 3. The madness of men that leave this Divine Banquet of the Heavenly King for vile and transitory things especially seeing that from this Nuptial Feast of the Militant Church on Earth they are to pass to that of the Triumphant in Heaven Take heed you let not your self be intangled with these snares of the world least you come to be shut out for ever from the Heavenly Banquet Luc. 14.15 Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God Aspire therefore with all your endeavour to this happiness Of the Invitement to the Wedding Mat. 22. Luc. 14. and Supper Part 2. Luc. 14.21 COnsider 1. Go forth quickly into the streets and lanes of the City and the poor and feeble and blind and lame bring in hither c. The Divine Clemency is nothing abated by mans wretchedness or ingratitude he provideth other Guests to come in their rooms and for the rich and voluptuous men that excuse themselves he calleth the poor and feeble that is such as are free from worldly incumberances and impediments He even compelleth them to enter forcing them in a
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