our Sauiour appeared and shewed some part of his glory to the Apostles and fiue hundred other persons that beleeued in him to whome he largely declared the power that his Father had giuen him in heauen and in earth and discouered vnto them diuers mysteries of the faith 3. How for conclusion he promised neuer to withdraw his assistance and fauour from them Let vs learne 1. To keepe our selues in the mountaine of perfection and still to aspire to the same if we desire that our Sauiour shew himself vnto vs. 2. To feare and respect his power 3 Not to loose heart in time of temptation seeing that he is alwaies present with vs. CXXXVIII MEDITATION Of our Sauiours glorious Ascension Mark 16.19 Luk. 24.50 Act. 1.9 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour stāding on moūt Oliuet after that he had taken leaue of his Mother Apostles disciples and others there present he gaue vnto them all his holy blessing and afterward ascended glorious into heauen accōpanied with many squadrons of Angels and holy Fathers which he had deliuered out of Limbo 2. How comming to heauen he was there receaued by God the Father and all the celestiall Court with great triumph and ioy as Conquerour of death Hell and the world 3. How the Disciples hauing lost the sight of their Lord and maister did all do reuerence to his glorious mother taking her for their mistresse and guide Let vs learne of our Lord 1. The way to mount vp to heauen which is to humble our selues and to withdraw all our affection from earthly things 2. That to deserue triumph we we must first ouercome our passiōs 3. That if we desire to haue our B. Lady for our guide and mistresse we must imitate her vertues CXXXIX MEDITATION How our Sauiour did send the holy Ghost vpon his Disciples and Apostles Act. 2.1 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour was ascended into heauen the most B. Virgin retyred her self to Ierusalem where more by her example then by words she did instruct and comfort the Christians expecting the comming of the holy ghost which our Sauiour had promised to send 2. How the most Blessed Virgin and all the Apostles being together in a great roome and praying to almighty God the holy Ghost came vpon them and appeared vpon euery one of them in forme of fiery tongues 3 How the holy Ghost did so inflame the hearts of the Apostles that they preached the faith without any feare seeking nothing more then the glory of God Let vs learne 1. To help our neighbours more by giuing good example then by faire words 2. That praier is a singular meanes to obtaine the holy Ghost 3. That if we do in our actions seeke only the glory of God it is a signe that the holy Ghost is in vs. CXL MEDITATION Of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady 1. CONSIDER how the most Blessed Virgin esteeming that her presence was no more necessary for the Church of God which was then very much increased did demaund of God to depart this life that she might be with her sonne in heauen 2. How great ioy and contentment she receaued vnderstāding by relation of an Angell that her sonne our Sauiour would fulfill her desire and that he came now to receaue her soule 3. How her thrice happie soule three daies after it was departed frō the body returned to reunite it self with the same and so our B. Lady accompanied with Angels was as some say carried vp into heauen Let vs learne 1. To liue heere on earth a celestiall life if we desire to gaine heauen 2. Not to make any designments in this life and so we shall not be sory when we shall heare of death 3. To receaue God in our hearts at this present and he will afterward receaue vs in heauen CXLI MEDITATION How our Blessed Lady was crowned in Heauen 1. CONSIDER what feast the Blessed Saints of Paradise made beholding the Queene of Angels and the Mother of God to come into Heauen so glorious as she did 2. With what maiesty and reuerence she was led to the throne of the holy Trinity where she was most honorably receaued and crowned 4. How she was seated on a beautifull throwne aboue all the Angels at the right hand of her beloued Sonne where she prayeth cōtitually for her deuoted seruants Let vs learne 1. To humble our selues heere on earth by example of the glorious Virgin if we desire to appeare glorious in Heauen 2. That our Blessed Lady hath merited to be crowned in Heauen not simply because that she was the Mother of God but for that she was adorned and enriched with millions of vertues 3. That if we desire that our B. Lady take care of vs in heauen we must be deuout to her on earth CXLII MEDITATION Of Death 1. THINK that we must ōce dy yet we know not when nor how and that dying we must leaue all thinges of this world which will afflict vs at that houre so much the more as we haue byn affected to them in our life 2. That then our soule shall be so troubled and tormented by the Diuels and our body so strongly seazed with sicknes that we scarce shall know whether we be aliue or dead 3. How in that traunce we shall be more grieuously afflicted with the worme of conscience which will not only gnawe vs for the euil we haue committed but also for the good we haue omitted Let vs learne 1. To marke heere three great follies committed by men and first by those vvho are so much affected to these vvordly thinges that once they must leaue and abandon 2. Of those that deferre driue off their conuersiō vntill the houre of death which is a time so doubtfull and vncertaine 3. Of those who do not now that which thē they would haue done and let vs perswade our selues that he that liueth ill seldome or neuer dieth well CXLIII MEDITATION Also of death 1. CONSIDER that as soone as the soule shall be out of the body euery one will abandon the same as a thing most horrible How afterwards they will throw the same into a filthy and stinking hole to be gnawen and deuoured of wormes Behold how this body shall end which we haue cherished so much in this world and for whose sake we haue so offended Almighty God 2. Let vs turne towards our soule and we shall see it depart out of this world loaded only with the works which she hath done The ill ones make her tremble quake the good giue her some small comfort but aboue all she is grieued that she liued not better 3. Behold with what cariage and countenance she doth present her selfe before the throne of the diuine iustice there to receaue the sentēce that her works do deserue Let vs learne 1. How little accoumpt we ought to make of our body seeing it is of so base and vile condition 2. To doe alwaies good since this is it that must accompaine vs in the
other world 3. To liue in such sort that afterwards we need not feare the last sentence which shall be peremptory of our eternall good or ill CXLIV MEDITATION Of the Generall and last Iudgment 1. CONSIDER what dread and feare men will haue when presently after the generall Resurrection they shall behold the signe of the Crosse and other armes of the Passion which will appeare in heauen borne before our Sauiour who shall come with great maiesty to iudge the world 2. How the iudgmeÌ„t being begun euery one shall be constrained to giue account euen of his most hiddeÌ„ thoughts in such sort that euery ones life shall be wholy knowne to all the rest 3. How great the confusion of hypocrites principally shall be when their malice and wicked thoughts will be discouered to the whole world Let vs learne 1. To resolue with our selues to loue and serue God more carefully to the end we may be able to appeare before him with more security 2. To make vp our accounts with the mercy that God doth now present vnto vs and not to expect the time when he will vse his iustice 3. For feare lest our sins should be knowne of all men at the day of iudgment we must presently blot them out by a good confession and by doing of pennance CXLV MEDITATION Of the same generall Iudgment 1. CONSIDER how that great Iudge will recompence the iustice of the iust will praise them for their good workes esteeming that he hath receaued in his owne person whatsoeuer they haue done to the poore 2. How reproaching the obstinate of their sinnes with a dreadful countenance he will driue them out of his presence sending them to hel-fire and deliuering them into the hands and power of the diuell 3. How suddainly these vnfortunate sinners shall find themselues enuironed and all wrapped vp in a terrible fire and so blaspheming shall be throwne downe into the bottomles pit of hell and contrariwise how the good praising and thanking God shall be led to heaueÌ„ to raigne there eternally with our Sauiour Let vs learne 1. To do good and that for the loue of God if we will haue recompence at the day of iudgment 2. Not to cast God out of our soules that in the day of iudgment he driue vs not out of his sight 3. To walke in the way of vertue and then we need not feare that we shall be sent to the house of vice nor be made companions to the dwellers therof CXLVI MEDITATION Of Hell 1. SET before your eyes the horrible bottomles pit of Hell established and appointed by Gods iustice to be the perpetuall prison of rebellious and vngrateful persons 2. Consider the paines and torments that the damned do indure in that place beholding those hideous infernall monsters hearing their cryes and enormous blasphemies and feeling infinite and intolerable stinke 3. Think what excessiue griefe these miserable soules shall feele when inclosed in this dreadfull prisoÌ„ they shall be told that it must be for euer without any hope of departing thence Let vs learne 1. That if this lodging like vs not we follow not the way that leadeth vs vnto it 2. That to eschew those paines we must keepe our selues from sinne that maketh vs worthy of theÌ„ 3. That this place is not prepared but for those that make themselues the slaues of sinne CXLVII MEDITATION Of the same Hell 1. CONSIDER that the great paine which the damned do suffer is that they see themselues for euer banished out of heaueÌ„ which was their owne country and depriued of the enioying of almighty God who is their only end soueraigne good 2. How they are tormented in all their senses with so horrible paines that they be neuer asswaged wheÌ„ce it commeth that they dye alwayes and yet neuer end 3. Consider that they were created redeemed to enioy celestiall and eternall felicity which they lost for so light and small pleasure and yet hauing meanes to remedy their euils by doing penance which they did not they are surprised with so great vehement griefe that in a manner they burst asunder Let vs learne 1. That he which doth suffer himself to be carried away with sinne deserueth to be cast out of heauen 2. That if heer we will satisfie our seÌ„sualities as we list God will afterwards satisfie his iustice as he ought to do 3. That he is ill aduised who doth not amend himself and become wise by other mens harmes CXLVIII MEDITATION Of Heauen 1. CONSIDER how Heauen which God hath ordained for those that loue him is so beautifull a place that there is nothing in this world to be compared vnto it There is no danger of death of sicknes of aduersity nor of any other misery whatsoeuer 2. How the inhabitants of heauen do liue in highest peace and coÌ„teÌ„tment haue neuer any sorrow nor disgust but do loue one another so entirely that ech one is as glad at his neighbours good as at his owne 3. What ioy and contentment the Blessed soules do receaue when after so great labours and paines they enter into that place replenished with all good delight there to repose for all eternity Let vs learne 1. That if the place do please vs we must follow the way that leadeth thither though it seeme vnto vs somwhat straite and rough 2. That he is vnwise who for worldly pelfe forgetteth heauen which is our true country 3. That those which in this world haue suffered much for the loue of God do receaue great reward and recompence for the same in heauen CXLIX MEDITATION Againe of Heauen 1. CONSIDER how those Blessed soules beholding the infinite maiesty of God are so replenished with ioy and contentment that they cannot desire any more nor any other thing 2. That they are neuer wearied in blessing the time which they haue imploied in their deuotions in frequenting of the holy Sacraments and in the exercise of the works of mercy which they see to haue ben receaued and accepted of God as if they had ben donne to his owne person 3. How they do greatly reioyce because they are certaine that their glory and felicity shall neuer faile and that it cannot be lost taken away or hindered by any once Let vs learne 1. To please Almighty God heere on earth by seruing him deuoutly and he assuredly will giue vs all contentment in heauen 2. How the world is grosly abused making so little account of deuotion and other spirituall exercises 3. How men do deceaue themselues if they send not their goods and treasures into their true countery which is a place so assured CL. MEDITATION Of the effects of deadly sinne 1. CONSIDER how deadly sinne maketh vs loose the grace of God in this lyfe 2. How it doth depriue vs of all those consolations that God is accustomed to giue to his welbeloued children in this world 3. How it doth exclude vs from the euerlasting glory for which we were created and redeemed with the most precious bloud of our Sauiour IESVS Christ 4. How it doth procure vs in this life the emnity of God who is our creatour and ought to be our God 5. How it bringeth vnto vs an infinite number of trauailes and miseries making vs seruants of our passions and flause to the diuell 6. It is cause that our good works cannnot be meritorious of eternall life 7. Consider how grosse an absurdity and folly it is of a man for a small pleasure contrary to the law and will of God to expose himself to the daunger to be throwne headlong into euerlasting paines where he shal be punished perpetually without any hope to be euer deliuered A PRAIER O MY God I should indeed be senseles yea and more then seÌ„sles if reuolting against thy sacred Maiesty I would subiect my self to the tyranny of sinne of the diuell And what would it auaile me to haue my whole hearts desire in this world if I were depriued of thy grace Alas who could defend me from those euils vnto which mans life is subiect who could help me at the houre of my death who could deliuer me froÌ„ hell if through my own demerits thou shouldst become mine enemy I had rather o my good God I had rather I say indure all the daungers misfortunes that may befall me in this life and had rather dy a thousand deaths then to liue eueÌ„ one moment out of thy â—â—â—ce fauour and protection FINIS
AN ABRIDGMENT OF MEDITATIONS of the Life Passion Death Resurrection of our Lord and Sauiour IESVS CHRIST Written in Italian by the R. Father Vincentius Bruno of the Society of IESVS And translated into English by R G. of the same Society VVhereunto is premised a briefe Methode for Instruction Practice of Meditation Permissu Superiorum 1614. TO THE VERTVOVS AND RELIGIOVS GENTLE-WOMEN MISTRESSE MARY WARDE AND THE REST OF HER DEVOVT COMPANY IN S. OMERS MVCH HONOVRED AND RESPECTED GENTLE-VVOMEN FOR three or foure Reasons commonly are men moued to dedicate their labours vnto others Either for their Honourable Descents in Bloud or for their eminent Places in Dignity or for their Vertuous Example of life or lastly for some respect of Desert due to their Persons And although in your Humility you will not acknowledge any of these Titles in your selues yet do I so cleerly see them eyther all or the most part therof summ'd as it were and compact togeather in your deuout Congregation that I haue made choice to present this little Treatise of Meditations vnto your pious Reading Considerations in regard that you ayme at nothing more thē true Perfection in your selues by procuring the spirituall good of others as a most speciall meanes to arriue therunto which through your industrious labour diligēce you haue already begun with no lesse laudable then successefull profit in the education of yonge Gentlewomen of our Nation in Piety Vertue other excellent Qualities beseeming your sexe In this Booke shall you behould as in a most cleare and christall Mirrour the vertues of our Blessed Sauiour liuely propounded vnto you for speculation Herein shall you learne to imitate His and his Blessed Mothers Humility Heere shall you spiritually tast of the fruite it selfe which from these deuout Meditations and practicall applications thereof either to your selues or others may be gathered And therfore I seriously commend the same vnto your diligent Perusall for that the most easy and readiest way in your more fruitfull progresse is in my opinion not only to haue a bare knowledg but also a practicall exercise of the Heroicall Vertues of your Lord and Maister Christ Iesus the most exact and perfect Modell of all Perfection whatsoeuer Accept then Worthy Gentlewomen this little Diamond as I may so terme it or rather inestimable Treasure in regard of the heauenly food of Soules it conteyneth so much the more proper to your Vocation to the course of life by you chosen by how much the meanes profit therby likely to ensue are answerable to your intēded purpose desyre My labour heerin hath byn the least but your profit shal be my Comfort and my poore prayers your Attendāts euer ready to assist you for the purchasing and increase of such vertues as are principally requisite to the performance of so pious and worthy a worke This 30 of September 1614. Yours euer I. W. P. THE PRACTICAL METHODE OF MEDITATION MEDITATION which we treate of is nothing els but a diligēt forcible application of the vnderstanding to seeke and knowe and as it were to tast some diuine matter from whence doth arise in our affectionate powers good motions inclinations and purposes which stirre vs vp to the loue and exercise of vertue and the hatred auoiding of sinne it is the shortest almost the only way to attaine to Christian perfection it is the path which all holy men of what estate soeuer haue troden Wherfore let those who desire to enioy their cōpany follow their example 2. And surely it seemes a thing euen impossible to arriue vnto any notable degree of perfection without this so necessary a meanes For perfection beeing nothing els but the rooting out of vices and planting of vertues in our soules vnles we withdraw our affections from earthly obiects and settle thē on heauenly we shall neuer performe the one nor attaine to the other And seeing that our affectionate part imbraceth nothing vnlesse our vnderstanding both know it and iudge of it neither can it find out fit obiects for heauēly affections vnles it discourse on them nor moue therwith the will except it consider the goodnes which often lieth hidden in them it followeth euidently that without meditation no man can attaine to any height of Perfection 3. Besides it is the most excellent manner of praising God employing euery power of our soule in shewing forth the excellencies of their Creator which is the chiefest end of our creation neither doth it rest heere but bringeth a man to heauen that so I may say before his tyme making him enioy after a sort euē in this life the blessednes of the life to come which being nothing els but the seeing louing and enioying of Gods diuine Maiesty we giuing our selues by meditation to the most perfect knowledge to the straitest bande of loue and the sweetest fruition of God which this wretched life affoards we participate in the best manner which our estate will permit vs of the happines of the Blessed in heauen 4. True it is that through the vnhappy estate of this troublesome world man beeing distracted by other thoughts and surprised by other affections cannot cōtinually nor without some little violence especially at the first enioy this so great a happines yet may he ioyning his owne diligence to Gods help so vnite himselfe to his Creator by this exercise that at least for some determinate time he may enioy him with some familiarity 5. It will therfore be good for those who intende to reape the fruit of this heauenly emploiment to appointe vnto themselues by the counsell of some one skilfull in matters of spirit the tyme they meane to spend euery day therin and that with so stedfast a resolution that they make conscience to omit it without vrgent occasion which omission although necessary let them supply at some other tyme of the day if it be possible And let them be but diligent constant at the beginning it will proue an excercise most full of spirituall profit and delight which will aboundantly counteruaile the paines bestowed therin 6. And let those who thinke Meditation to belong only to Religious persons and that secular ought not or need not busy themselues therwith be fully persuaded that they ar in an errour very pernicious For as secular men haue more distractions by reason of their diuers worldly employments then Religious more temptations by the continuall presence of many alluring obiects more imperfections sinnes and ill habits to conquer so haue they more need to retire themselues by this holy recollectiō to propose vnto themselues the highest obiects most worthy of loue affection and prosecution to exercise themselues in the acts of th◠noblest verues all which is performed by meditation And if religious persons being Gods sworne souldiars vse these weapons as thinges belonging to their estate and dignity secular people must put them on also at least for their necessary defence and of these many
â—orthwith he commaunded him to â—e apprehended coÌ„mitted to prisoÌ„ Let vs learne 1. That we must some tymes for some space and vpon some occasions leaue the sweet repose of contemplation especially when the saluation of our neighbours soules doth require it 2. To reprehend bouldly and constantly the vices of Princes and great noble men when the affaire doth demaund it yet so that it be donne with wisdome and discretioÌ„ 3. To endure not only bands imprisonment when it shall be requisite but also death it self for the word of God and testimony of the Truth XXVI MEDITATION How our Sauiour did talk with the Samaritane woman Iohn 4.5 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour went from one townâ— to another to conuert sinners and although he was weary both by reasoÌ„ of the difficulties of the wayes and also by the discommodities which he endured through his pouerty yet did he not therfore omit to drawe as many as he could to the knowledge and great loue of God his Father 2. Ponder well the first words that our Sauiour spake to this Samaritane woman and how he demaunding water of her to drink she refused to giue him for that he was of another religion then hers 3. Consider how our Sauiour promised to giue her of the water which doth quench the thirst in such manner that who drinketh of it needeth no more to go to the fountaine Let vs learne 1. Neuer to omit nor neglect the occasion of well dooing when it is offered vs. 2. Not to be ashamed to aske almes for our selues or others when necessâ—ty doth require it 3. How we ought to liue amoÌ„gst worldlings very warily for helping them taking occasion thereof froâ— temporall things XXVII MEDITATION How our Sauiour conuerted the Samaritane woman Iohn 4.16 1. CONSIDER how this woman vnderstanding the oâ—fer that our Sauiour made her of water far better and more soueraigne then that which was drawâ— out of this fountaine was not ashâ—med to demaund him some of it aâ—beit she before had denied to giâ—â— him any of hers 2. Consider how our Sauiour diâ— not answere her directly to the puâ—pose but to bring her to a moâ—â— cleare knowledge of her sinnes saiâ— vnto her that she should goe câ— her husband as if he should say when he is come I will giue to you both 3. Consider how this woman leauing her vessell at the well weÌ„t to the towne to publish the wonder that she had vnderstood and our Sauiour remained so comforted at her conuersion that he forgot to eate and drinke of that which his Disciples presented vnto him Let vs learne 1. Neuer to be ashamed to aske that others teach and instruct vs in things that appertaine to our saluatioÌ„ and perfection 2. To discouer our selues wilâ—ingly to our ghostly Fathers and to acknowledge our faults forasmuch as God doth not coÌ„municate himself but to those that acknowledge confesse their owne in perfectioÌ„s 3. To abandone all to help â—hose that do imploy themselues in Gods seruice for the weale and conâ—ersion of soules XXVIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour did cure a certaine Lords sonne Iohn 4.46 1. CONSIDER how this Lord moued as well with his sonnes desire as with the renowne of our Sauiours Miracles which he wrought departed from his lodging to find him and desired him humbly that he would vouchsafe to come downe to his howse at Capharnaum to heale his sonne 2. Consider how our Sauiouâ— did sharpely reprehend his incredulity and the little faith of the Iewes that would not belieue but by force of Myracles neuertheles thaâ— Lord desisted not to continue hiâ— request vnto our Sauiour saying â— pray you Maister come downe before that my sonne die 3. Consider how our Sauiour diâ— reward that Lords perseuerancâ— with saying vnto him Go thy sonne liueth and he giuing credit vnto this simple word found by report of his seruants that his sonne was wholy recouered at the very same houre in which our Sauiour spake vnto him Let vs learne 1. To haue recourse to almighty God for redresse and confort in all our diseases tentations and other accidents that may befall vs. 2. To perseuere humbly in our praiers 3. To haue a firme and stedfast hope in God that we shall receaue the effect of all his promises XXIX MEDITATION How our Sauiour began his preaching Matthew 4.12 Mark 1.14 Luke 4.14 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour hauing one only time disputed with the Doctors in the twelfth yeare of his age did after keep silence for eighteene yeares togeather 2. Consider how being thirty yeares ould or therabout he began his Sermons with penance which was also the subiect or matter of S. Iohn Baptists Sermons therby to approue the doctrine of his forerunner and also to shew how it is penance that can leade vs back to heauen from whence sinne doth expell vs. 3. Consider how our Sauiour like a skilfull phisitian goeth to seek them who through weakenes and disease are not able to come to him and cureth them without any griefe or paine Let vs learne 1. Not to leaue of easily the enterprizes that serue for our profit and forwardnes 2. To imbrace very willingly fasting and such other mortifications of the flesh which lead vs to heauen 3. To succour with all readines the sick and diseased XXX MEDITATION Of the miraculous fisshing of S. Peter at our Sauiours commaundement Luke 5.4 1. CONSIDER how Christ our Lord seeing himself thronged with the multitude of people that folowed him coÌ„tinually entred into S. Peters bark desyring him as the Euangelist saith to put it back a little from the land and sitting therein did preach from thence to the people 2. Consider how after the Sermon ended our Lord said to S. Peter that he should launch forth into the deepe and cast his nets to make a draught who after he had somwhat excused himself did neuertheles obey and begin to fish 3. Consider how the firâ—â— draught of fish was so faire and greaâ— that S. Peter altogether amazed diâ— cast himselfe downe at our Sauiouâ— feete humblie desyring him to retyre out of his poore Barke to somâ— place more worthie of his excellenâ— and puissance Let vs learne 1. Neuer to be weary of doinâ— good be it by land or by sea in daâ— or in night 2. To obey promptly withouâ— making reply or excuse to those thâ—â— haue authority to commaund vs. 3. Humbly to acknowledgâ— the benefits that God hath imparte vnto vs be it in prosperity or in aduersitie XXXI MEDITATION How our Sauiour cured S. Peters motherinlawe Matthew 8.14 mark 1.29 Luke 4.38 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour going out of the Synagogue entred into S. Peters house to take his repose and here think what great contentment the Apostles all receaued considering how he vouchsafed to conuerse so familiarly with them 2. Consider how although our Sauiour went ordinarily seeking those that were sick and diseased to heale them and knew right well â—hat S. Peters mother inlaw had an
the faith hope and charity of this good woman who was content to touch not the body or apparel of our Sauiour but euen the hemme of his garment 2. Consider how although our Lord to whome nothing is hidden knew right well who it was that had touched him yet did he turne to behould her and said that he felt the vertue that proceeded from him therby to manifest the faith of this woman and the health she had receaued â— Consider how this good woman fearing to be punished and to fall againe into her wonted disease did prostrate her selfe at the feet oâ— our Sauiour who commended her faith and dismissed her wholâ—â—ecouered of her infirmity Let vs learne 1. With what faith and reuerence we ought to receaue the precious Body of our Sauiour 2. Not to do any thing that we would not haue manifest known to the whole world seeing God doth know it and can make it open 3. To acknowledge all the good that we haue as coÌ„ming from Gods liberall hand and to render him oftentimes thankes for the same THE THIRD PART OF THE EVANGELICAL HISTORY Comprehending that which our Sauiour did in the second yeare of his preaching XXXVIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour cured a bedred mâ—â— at the miraculous pond Iohn 5.1 1. CONSIDER how our Lord IESVS Christ to solemnize the holy daie the better went to visite the hospitall of incurable sick folks which was built neere a great pond that was in Ierusalem 2. Consider how albeit our Sauiour had compassion of all the sick folks that were within the fiue porches or roomes of that hospitall notwithstanding he did choose one only who had laÌ„guished there thirtie eight yeares of whome also he demaunded whether he would be cured 3. Consider how the poore sick man being commaunded by our Sauiour did arise take his bed and returne home to his house whole and ioyfull Let vs learne 1. To visit hospitalls and other sick houses willingly 2 To support patiently the infirmities that God laieth vpon vs as much and as long as it shall please him 3. To ayd our selues with those humane helps that God hath sent vs and to endeauour to march forward euery day making some progresse in vertue XXXIX MEDITATION Of the Sermon that our Lord made vpon the mountaine Matth. 5.1 Luke 6.17 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour desiring to instruct his disciples of things much important for their saluation departed from the towne and went vp to a mountaine and although many others did follow him yet did he cast his eyes principally vpon his disciples as vpon those that were more capable of his doctrine by reason of their simplicity and goodnes 2. Consider and weigh well the words of the first beatitude Blessed are the poore in spirit for theirs is the Kingdome of Heauen â— Consider and ruminate the second beatitude Blessed are the meek for they shall possesse the Land Let vs learne 1. That to reape profit by hearing Gods word we must free our selues from the care of all earthly things 2. That if the reward of the poore be euerlasting lyfe as our Sauiour hath said then those that loue riches ouer much ought iustly to feare that they shall neuer enter into heauen 3. That if the poore in spirit which be such as are humble haue heauen for their recompence and the meek the land then for the proud and cholerick there remaineth but hell XL. MEDITATION Of the six last beatitudes Matthew 5.5 1. CONSIDER that we muâ—â— take these beatitudes one by one weigh well the wordes oâ—â—â—ch of them and endeauour to â—â—ape some spirituall fruit out oâ—â—â—em The beatitudes vpon which we are to make this meditation are these The 3. Blessed are they that mourne for they shal be comforted 2. The 4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after iustice for they shall haue their fill The 5. Blessed are the mercifull for they shall obtaine mercy The 6. Blessed are the cleane of heart for they shall see God 3. The 7. Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God The 8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for iustice for theirs is the kingdome of heauen Let vs learne 1. That yf they which do mourne in this world shall be comforted in the other what may those expect that do nothing els but laugh and reioice in this world but that â—hey shall weepe and lament for euer in the world to come 2. That it is not sufficient 〈◊〉 to loue iustice but we must alâ— haue hunger and thirst therof 〈◊〉 desire that these things daily increasâ— in vs. 3. That we must willingly foâ—giue those which do offend vs 〈◊〉 we will obtaine pardon and mercâ— of those whome we our selues haâ— so often offended 4. To loue purity of heart An so to take some profit of the rest XLI MEDITATION How our Sauiour did câ—re a Lepe Matthew 8.1 Mark 1.40 Luke 5.12 1. CONSIDER the faith this Leper which moâ— him to come towards our Sauiâ— to be healed the deuotion whâ— he shewed in kneeling and adori him and the maÌ„ner that he obâ—â—ed in demaunding his health â—â—bmitting himself wholy to the will and good pleasure of our Saâ—iour 2. Consider how our Lord did touch him notwithstanding that the Jewes did so abhorall kind of leprosie that they did cast out of their Citties euen those that were troubled with the itch disdaining as much as to looke vpon lepers 2. Consider how our Sauiour sent him to the Priest and did forbid him to tell any body of his cure which commaundement notwithstanding he did not obey esteeming himself more bound to render thankes to his benefactor then by silence to fauour his humility Let vs learne 1. To imitate the deuotion of â—his poore Leper 2. Neuer to sâ—unne nor refuse â—o touch the diseased persons be â—heir euils neuer so horrible and â—wle 3. To flie vaineglorie and not desire to be spoken of yea though we wrought miracles XLII MEDITATION How our Sauiour cured the Centurious seruant Matthew 8.5 Luke 7.1 1. CONSIDER the affection that this good Centurion did beare to his seruant which was cause that he did nâ— only labour himself for his health but also imploied the assistance oâ— his friends to goe and solicite ouâ— Sauiour 2. Consider the great reuerence that he did beaâ—e to our Lord not daring himself to goe vnto him and causing him to be praied not 〈◊〉 take the paine to come vnto thâ— sicke-man but only to commaunâ— from the place where then he was in which action this Centurion diâ— shew a most excellent faith and such as deserued to be praised by our Sauiours owne mouth 3. Consider how our Lord granted vnto the Centurion all that he had demaunded and although he was absent yet cured his man sick of the palsey Let vs learne 1. Not to contemne any man be he a poore seruant or whosoeuer 2. To interpose the Saints to pray God for vs as this Centurion did vse