enemies 17. Protect mee vnder this Title against the wiles and deceits of the Diuell 18. Teach mee vnder this Title to ouercome all Temptations and to subdue all uices 19. That hauinge by Grace conquered them I maye freelie prayse and Glorifie thy holy name Amen THE XVII EXERCISE 1. HAYLE sueete Iesus Prayse Honour and Glorie be to thee o Christ. Whose garments the souldiers hauinge deuided amongst themselues did leaue thy coate which was without seame and signifieth the vnitie of the Church vndeuided 2. Powre downe into my hart I beseech thee the Spiritt of Peace and Vnion 3. That I may neuer through my fault deride or trouble the concord and vnion of my Bretheren 4. But that I maye alwayes endeauour to repaire diuisions and pacifie troubles 5. Hayle sweete Iesus Who sufferinge vppon the Altar of the Crosse incomprehensible torments and ineffable lanquishes wast shamefully reproached and scorned by the Iewes who vomited out of their wicked Mouths sundrie Blasphemies against thee 6. Grant ô Lord that beinge mindfull of thy humilitie and Patience mildnesse I maye quietlie and cheerefully suffer paynes disgraces Persecutions infamie and contempt of my selfe 7. And may remayne with thee nayled to the Crosse euen to the end 8. Let noe violence of temptation noe stormes of Aduersities noe tempest of contumelies hinder mee from effectinge my good purposes 9. Lett not Death or life or things present nor to come nor any creature separate mee from thy loue 10. Hayle sweete Iesus who didst tollerate one of the Theiues to vpbraid thee and didst most mercifullye and bountifullie promise the Glorie of Paradise to the other who did humblie acknowledge his owne iniustice and with a deuout faith did confesse thee to be his kinge and God 11. Behold mee I beseech thee with those eyes of mercie which thou didst cast vppon the Theife repentant for his sinns 12. O that by thy Holy Helpe and Grace I maye lead a life soe innocent that I maye soe faithfullye serue thee and purelye loue thee 13. That at the end of my life I may deserue to heare from thee most mercifull Redeemer that most desisired voyce This Day thou shalt be with mee in Paradise 14. Hayle sweete Iesus Who from the Crosse beholdinge thy most sweete Mother full of greife and teares with inward compassion didst commeÌ„d Her to Thy Disciple Iohn and agayne Iohn to Her and vs all in Iohn vnto thy said Mother 15. Grant that I maye Loue and Honour Her with a most chast and ardent affection 1â— That hauinge Her for my Mother I may deserue alsoe to be acknowledged by Her for her sonne 17. Grant that in all necessities and especially at the howre of my death I may find Her present assistance Amen THE XVIII EXERCISE 1. HAyle sweete Iesus Prayse Honour and Glorie he to thee o Christ Who in a most pittifull manner hanginge vppon the Crosse with wide gapinge wounds didst professe thy selfe to be destitute of all all comfort 2. Grant that with a firme confidence I maye alwayes haue recourse to thee my most mercifull Father in all aduersities Temptations and Desolations 3. And wholy distrustinge my selfe I maye trust in thee alone 4. And committ and resigne my selfe entirely to thee 5. Wound the intymme of my soule with the remembrance of thy wounds 6. Imprint and caracter them in my Hart and make my mind euen drunke with thy sacred Blood 7. That I may attend to thee and thee only seeke find hold and possesse 8. Hayle sweete Iesus Who pantinge vppon the Crosâ—e thy Bodye beinge drawne drie for want of Blood becamst very thirstie and didst burne with an vnspeakeable desire of our Saluation 9. Grant that I maye most ardently thirst after thyne Honour and the Saluation of our soules 10. And may with courage employe myselfe in this affaire 11. Grant that I may not be hindered or entangled by any transitorie thinge 12. Hayle sweete Iesâ—s who wouldst that a spunge dipt in vineger and gall should be offered thee to drinke thirstie euen to death that by tastinge thereof thou mighst satisfie for our gluttonie and leaue vs an example of pouertie 13. Giue mee grace to dispise vnlawfull pleasures and delights and to auoid all excesse in meate and drinke 14. Alsoe to vse those things moderately which thou giuest for the sustentation of the Bodie 15. Pacifie the inordinatenesse of my desires that whatsoeuer doth please thee may please mee and whatsoeuer displeaseth thee may be displeasinge alsoe to mee 16. Hayle sweete Iesus most enamoured of Mankind who duly performinge the Worke of our Redemption didst offer vp thy selfe vppon the Altar of the Crosse an Holy Sacrifice for the expiation of the sinns of all Men. 17. Be thou I beseech thee the scope of all my thoughts Words and Workes 18. That in all things I maye With a right and simple intention seeke thy honour 19. Grant I maye neuer grow cold or Faint in thy seruice 20. But that the feruour of Spirit may be renewed in mee and that I may be dayly more and more inflamed to praise and loue thâ—â— Amen THE XIX EXERCISE 1. HAYLE sweete Iesus prayse honâ—ur and glorie â—e to o Christ. Who of thyne owne accord didst embrace Death and recomâ—endinge thyselfe to thy Heauenly Father bowinge downe thy venerable Head yeildest vp thy Spirit 2. Truly thus giuinge thy life vp for thy sheepe thou hast shewed thy selfe to be a good shepheard 3. Thou didst dye ô the only begotten sonne of God! Thou dyedst ô my beloued Sauuiour that I might liue for euer 4. O How greate Hope How greate confidence haue I reposed in thy Death and in thy Blood 5. I Glorifie and prayse thy Holie name acknowledginge my infinit obligations to Thee 6. O good Iesus for thy bitter death and Passion giue mee Grace and Pardon 7. Giue vnto the faithfull departed Rest and life euerlastinge 8. Hayle sweete Iesus at whose death the â—unne withdrew his light the vaile of the Temple rent in sunder and the Monuments opened 9. O Sunne of Iustice permitt not I beseech thee that the beames of thy grace at any tyme forsake mee 10. But lett them continuallie enlighten the inner parts of my soule 11. Withdrawe wholie from mee the vaile of Hypocrisie 12. Shake the earth of my soule with wholesome repentance 13. Rent my stonie hart 14. That beinge wholie renewed I maye contemne all things transitorie and loue onlie that which is eternall 15. Hayle sweete Iesus Who wouldst that thy side should be opened with a soldiers launce 16. And out of itt poure out blood and water to reuiue and wash our soules 17. Thou wouldst ô my best beloued that thy mellifluous Hart should be wounded for mee 18. O that it might please thee to make a most deepe wound in my Hart with the launce of thy Loue 19. And vnite itt to thy most sacred Hart. 20. In such manner that I maye haue â—oe powre to will any thinge buâ— that which thou wilt 21.
I haue knowne to haue falne vppon other men and touched not mee beene a sufficient argument to mee that my deliuerie from euerie one of them was a peculiar benefit from thee 19. O most gratious Lord shall I be vngratefull for these Benefits 20. If the fiercenesse and crueltie of Lions and serpents be assuaged with benefits why shall not thy benefits be sufficient to tame and assuage my sinnefull Hart This is continued in the Followinge Exercise THE IV. EXERCISE 1. BVT if soe strict an account shall be demanded for these things which cost thee soe little what accompt wilt thou aske of those which thou hast bought to thy selfe with thy most pretious Blood 2. How haue I peruerted thy Counsells 3. How haue I violated the Mysterie of thyne Incarnation 4. Thou wert made man to make mee a God I haue made my selfe a beast and the slaue of the Diuell 5. Thou hast come downe to the earth to bringe mee to heauen and I haue not harkened to or acknowledged this high Vocation 6. But haue perseuered in wickednesse and in the durt and mire of my basenesse 7. Thou hadst deliuered mee I haue cast my selfe agayne headlonge into my old bondage 8. Thou hadst raised mee I haue agayne embraced death 9. Thou hadst made mee one Bodie with thee and I haue ioyned my selfe agayne with the diâ—ell 10. Soe many and soe greate Benefits could not doe soe much as make mee know thee 11. Nor soe many tokens of Loue make mee requite thee with Loue. 12. Nor soe many deserts and guifts make mee hope in thee 13. Nor such a strict kind of iustice as appeared in thy Passion make mee feare thee 14. Thou hast humbled thy selfe euen to the dust of the earth I puffe my selfe vp with pride 15. Thou didst hange naked on the Crosse I seeke the world worldlye delights 16. Thou beinge God wert buffeted if any man touch my garment who am onlie a most vile worme I presentlye become colericke 17. What shall I say my sweete Sauuiour behold how greate thy mercie and charitie is towards mee 18. Thou wouldst dye to kill my sinns and â— persuminge in thy said Mercie Goodnesse and Loue haue â—ot feared to sinne against thee what greater impietie can be imagined 19. I haue taken occasion of thy Goodnesse to worke malice and by that meane which thou hast vsed to kill sinne I haue taken occasion to raise agayne sinne in my selfe 20. Because thou wert soe good I thought I might without preiudice be euil 21. And because thy Benefits were soe many I thought I might without punishment render vnto thee as many iniuries This is further continued in the ensuinge Exercise THE V. EXERCISE 1. THVS haue I made thy medecines occasions of sinneâ— and I haue turned that sword which I receiued of thee to defend my selfe from myne enemyes against my owne bowels and with the same murthered myne owne soule 2. Finally thou diedst as wee are taught by the Apostle that they that now liue may not liue to themselues but vnto thee 3. And I as the child of Iezable haue made thy Death as a meane to depriue my selfe of thy blessings by Flyinge from thy seruice and makinge my selfe the Bondslaue of thyne enemyes 4. Alas what doth hee deserue who committeth such enormities 5. If doggs haue eaten the flesh of Iezable what will become of mee 6. If the Apostle make it soe heinous a matter of the Law itselfe to take an occasion to breake the Law how greate is my malice who of Grace Mercie haue taken an occasion to offend Grace and Mercie itselfe 7. O most Patient Lord who for sinners hast suffered buffetts but farre more patient in sufferinge sinners Will this thy patience â—ndure for euer 8. I remember what thou hast said by the Prophet I haue held my peace I haue kept silence I haue beene Patiint as one that hath beene labouringe with child I will speake 9. I see that the earth that yeldeth not fruict after rayne is reiected and cursed 10. I see that the vineyard which beinge well tilled producinge noe grapes but wild vines by thee is commanded to be destroyed 11. Wherefore ô vnprofitable fruitlesse branch dost thou not feare the voyce of that potent husbandman that dresser of the vineyard who as truth itselfe reporteth taketh away all branches not bearinge fruicte and casteth them into the fire 12. What shall I doe my Lord what shall I doe I confesse I am not worthy to appeare in thy sight nor to behold thee 13. Whither shall I flye from thy Face 14. Art not thou my Father and in verie truth a Father of Mercies which haue noe end or measure 15. For though I haue as much as lay in mee for a longe tyme desisted to be thy child yet thou euen to this present dost not desist to be my Father 16. Although I haue done many things worthy of damnation yet thou hast not desisted to saue mee 17. What then shall I doe but cast my selfe downe at thy Feete and humblie craue Mercie 18. Art not thou My Creator My Preseruer My Redeemer My Deliuerer My Kinge My Pastor My Preist and My Sacrifyce 19. Whither then shall I goe whither then shall â— flye but vnto thee 20. If thou repell mee who will receiue mee 21. If thou reiect mee of whom shall I seeke succour 22. Acknowledge ô Lord and receiue this sheepe that hath runne a stray 23. Behold I come full of wounds thou canst heale mee 24. I come all blind thou canst giue mee sight 25. I come all dead thou canst rayse mee 26. I come all full of leprosie thou canst make mee cleane 27. Thou shalt sprinkle mee ô Lord with I sope with thy pretious blood shed for mee and I shall be made cleane 28. Thou shalt wash mee and I shall be made whiter then snow 29. Thy mercie is greater then my iniquitie thy clemencie exceedeth my malice and thou canst forgiue more then I can sinne 30. Doe not therefore ô Lord doe not repell and reiect mee 31. Doe not consider the multitude of my sinns but thyne infinit mercie 32. I resigne my selfe wholye into thy hands 33. Thou ô God who art able to doe all things conuert mee vnto thee renew my Spiritt 34. Enlighten my vnderstandinge sanctyfie my will increase my strenth of Bodie and soule 35. That I may depend onlie on thee Feare and loue thee aboue all things and serue thee feruentlye 36. And in all my actions hereafter to conforme my selfe to thy blissed will and pleasure 37 I beseech thee finallye to impart vnto mee thyne aboundant effectuall Grace by which I may be able to beginne to lead a perfect and holye life and to serue thee perfectlye and throughlye euen to the end Heere end the 5. Exercises of Contrition THE VI. EXERCISE 1. TAKE pittie ô Lord take pittie ô mercyfull Sauuiour of mee most miserable sinner doinge things worthye of blame and worthylye sufferinge for the same 2. Beinge
soule and Bodye what and in what maner and for soe longe tyme as shall be pleasinge to God and as it shall be his deuine pleasure to lay vppon mee to be done or suffered by mee 4. For the loue of my God I resigne and renounce all maner of inordinate loue towards my selfe and towards all other Creatures 5. Euen now and euer I doe renounce all inordinate Affection that I beare to the personall company or societie of any Persons or to correspondence with them by letters tokens or messages And I am contented to be depriued for euer of their company and all manner of correspondence with them 6. And I will auoid such companie and correspondence soe farre as by the will of God I may where I doe or shall find it to be an occasion of fallinge into sinns or imperfections 7. And when I cannot auoid the company I will with Gods assistance be more warie and carefull in my conuersation with such persons And I doe resigne my selfe and hartilye desire to be depriued of such company 8. For the loue of God I doe resigne and yeild vpp all seekinge to gett the Loues or good wills of others towards my selfe and all sollicitous seekinge to please them further or otherwise then shall be for God-sake 9. And I will be contented that they whose loue in my nature I most looke after shall noe iust cause giuen for it by mee withdraw all their Affections from mee yea Hate mee speake ill of mee and doe mee all maner of euill Offices 10. For the loue of God I doe renounce all maner of curiosities in dressinge of my selfe and all desire that other should affect or esteeme mee for my exterior Habit corporall array or dressinge or for my personall visage feature comelynesse Grace Beautye or stature or any other Qualitie Artificial or naturall that is in mee or generally for any guift or Talent that I haue I say I doe renounce all proprietie in them all affection to them And would if it soe pleased God for my mortification be depriued of them 11. And haue them bestowed vpon some other Man whom in my nature I doe least affect and most detest It is continued THE VIII EXERCISE 1. AND as for such guifts Graces and Talents as thou ô my God wilt haue still to abide in mee I desire and intend that they may be employed and made vse of meerely and purely for thy Honour and Glorie and not for any Honour or other end of myne owne And therefore I wholy resigne and giue them vp as to any affection I retayne to them to thee my God from whom all good things doe proceed and to thee and thy seruice only doe they belonge 2. Likewise in particular I doe renounce all complacence loue and likinge to elegancie and Acutenesse of witt eloquence of tounge and abilitie to expresse my mind perfectlye by words or by letters or other writinge All Humour Abilitye or facilitye to Iest recreate or delight others All affection I say to those talents or qualities soe farre as I haue any of them in mee I doe for the loue of God resigne relinquish and abandon 3. In particular likewise for the louer of God I doe freely renounce all complacence and loue that I haue in the knowledge or skill of any particular art either of readinge writinge speakinge enditinge and generally all skill and knowledge of any art or science whatsoeuer And alsoe all desire to be esteemed for nobilitie Gentrie and gteate alliance All things in a word that are not for God and in God with the loue and Affection to them I doe for the present and future reiect and cast awaye 4. For the loue of God I doe freely renonnce all maner of affection to the occasions of sinns or imperfections soe that willingly I would vtterlye flye from them be they of what kind they will And will endeauour to auoid all such occasions as farre as well I maye and what I cannot such beinge the necessitie of our liues that wee cannot auoid all maner of occasions I will with the Grace of God be as warie in them as my frailtie will permitt mee and withdraw my selfe from those occasions soe soone as well I maye 5. I doe for the loue of God renounce all proprietie I haue or may haue in any Kind of Office Dignitie or imployment And am and will be euer readye to resigne and yeild itt vp when it shall please God and in the meane tyme shall hold my selfe in itt out of Obedience to God and for his seruice and not for myne owne turne Honour or interest 6. For the Loue of God I doe renounce all manner of proprietye to spirituall Exercises be they neuer soe pleasinge to mee soe that there is or shall be noe Exercise soe sweete or pleasinge which I would not giue ouer if I knew it were Gods will that I should doe itt 7. Neither is there any Kind of Exercise soe vngratefull or paynefull to my nature but I would embrace it If I knew or thought itt to be Gods will that I should or otherwise could find it to be profitable to mee 8. In the meane tyme I will for the loue of God serue him in such kind of Exercises as my poore knowledge shall informe mee to be most for his Honour and seruice and my owne soules good 9. I resigne my selfe to vndergoe all manner of temptations be they corporall or spirituall as Blasphemies dispaire or any other manner of Temptation wherewith it would please God to exercise and proue mee and will abide in them as longe as hee shall please that they continue be it for neuer soe many yeares yea though it were for my whole life tyme. 10. And I purpose with the Aid of his Grace not to be carried by any of of those temptations to offend his Maiestie But euer to adhere and abide faithfull to him It is continued THE IX EXERCISE 1. AND if I should happen vppon any of these temptations to fall or proue defectiue as who is not fraile I will notwithstande by the Grace of God soe soone as I can rise vp agayne reforme what hath beene amisse and for the future tyme looke better to my selfe continuinge in resistance to those temptations soe longe as they continue 2. Nor will I seeke to driue them away or lessen the payne of them but only as it shall be the will of God and not accordinge to the will of my nature that is apt to free or ease herselfe of all temptatiōs meerely out of slouth and vnwillingnesse to vndergoe the sharpe and paynefull remedies prouided by God for my soules good by the meanes of these temptations 3. I alsoe resigne mee willingly to embrace and entertayne such defects or blemishes soe they be noe sinns as are in mee by nature or by chance in bodie or in soule and by which I am lesse esteemed by others soe farre as any such defects or blemishes are in mee as Dullnesse or slownesse
forbeare them if that it could stand with the will of God accordinge to true discretion 2. I doe renounce all manner of Affection to created things be they corporall or spirituall as to any affection I heare them for their owne sakes meerely deâ—iringe and intendinge that all kind of created things spirituall and corporall and all that is not God may be loued by mee for God and in God and not otherwise 3. In particular I renounce all Affection to sensible gâ—st and Deuotion to spirituall lights to facilitie in Prayinge to eleuated contemplations both Actiue and Passiue Rapts and extases Visions Apparitions Extraordinarie Illuminations Reuelations knowledges of the deâ—ine secrets the beholdinge and conuersinge with Glorious Angells Saints or other good Spirits And to all other extraordinarie guifts and fauors I say I doe resigne all affection to them soe that if I chance to haue them yet by the Grace of God will I haue noâ— adheringe Affection to them but referre it to the goodnesse and freewill of God to giue or not to giue what Hee pleaseth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4. And with the Grace of God I will neuer â—â—st in any guift of God not in any created thinge be it neuer soe noble but only shall make vse of itt soe farre as it may be of vse for to passe further into that which is increated illimited and infinitt which is God himselfe the Creatour and Giuer who is infinitly aboue all these and other whatsoeuer guifts Graces and Creatures And in him only will I place and make my finall Rest loue and intention Though I know well I shall not attayne vnto him as Hee is in his true essence while I â—m in this lâ—fe 5. And therefore I purpose with his Grace euer to labour more and more to approach vnto him neuer to giue ouer knowinge well that I shall not perfectly come by him in this life It beinge reserued for the future but yet with continuall labour I may with his grace walkinge only in the light of faith draw neerer and liker vnto Him and more please his deuine eyes which I desire and intend seriously euer to doe 6. I resigne my selfe for the loue of God to be depriued of al bodily necessaries and to be as naked therin as when I was borne And as for such necessaries as God shall afford mee for the maintayninge of my corporall life I doe and will likwise resigne all loue and affection euen to those necessaries 7. For the loue of God I resigne my selfe to be by all that doe know or heereafter shall know mee esteemed the most abiect vnworthy base ignorant foolish wittlesse and most contempâ—ible of all humayne creatures And therefore not only incapable of all Office and imployment but alsoe vnworthy to be admitted into the company or conuersation of any Others though of neuer soe meane condition 8. For the loue of God I doe resigne my selfe to be contented with the naturall and supernaturall guifts and talents that I haue or shall haue wishinge noe more of them then it shall please God to giue mee or continue in mee which I will employ in his seruice while I haue them and will not repine or murmure â—o be depriued of them 9 I am resigned and contented to vndergoe all such mortifications Obediences and difficulties whatsoeuer which my superior mediate or immediate shall deliberately require of mee to be vndergone or performed 10. I am resigned after this life to abide in Purgatorie in horrible paynes and torments and for soe longe tyme as it shall be the will of God and to remayne there euen to the end of the world if it shall soe please God to ordayne of mee THE XII EXERCISE 1. I Am resigned not to know what will become oâ— mee heereafter â—iâ—her for bodye or soule but therin to referre my selfe to the priuate and secret Iudgement of God And to be resigned and contented that God doe reserue and concealâ— to himselfe those his knowledges iudgements about mee 2. And in particular not to know where in what companye with what assistance and in what manner of what kind of sicknesse and whither suddenly or of a longe sicknesse or in what case as to the state of my soule I shall dye as whither my soule shall goe to Heauen or to Hell or to Purgatoriâ— In all these cases I am to resigne my selfe and to be conâ—â—nted that God only doth know what will become of mee and my 〈◊〉 to be Ignorant of itt 3. Neuerthelesse as to my soule I hope and with the Grace of God â—uer will hope because hee is good and commands mee to hope that I shall be a saued soule and shall one day sooner or later enioye Him in Heauen for all Eternitie 4. For the loue I beare vnto God purely for the loue and excellencie that is in him I resigne my selfe to serue him all the dayes of my life with all my soule and bodye without any reguard to a reward for soe doinge In soe much as if there were neither Heauen or hell or Purgatorie or any Reward or punishment in this life or the next Yet would I serue him in the best maner I could and this only in reguard that his Goodnesse and Other His excellencies doe deserue infinitly greater loues and seruices then I yea or all the Angels and Saincts and other creatures whatsoeuer are able to doâ— or performe for him 5. For the loue of God in whose sight I am and vpon whom all my beinge depends I resigne my selfe vnto him with all that I haue or can doe or suffer in soule Bodie Fame Friends or externall goods for tyme and eternitie Soe that I doe reserue to my selfe noe manner of will but in all things doe make the will of God to be my will vtterlye neglectinge my owne will as if I had none at all God by this meanes wholye reigninge in mee and doinge by mee with mee and about mee as beinge but his instruement whatsoeuer shall please him And nothinge as for or to my selfe or any end of myne owne An Act for a timerous or scrupulous Conscience 6. For the loue I beare vnto God I renounce and giue ouer all manner of selfe will and selfe conceit or opinion in all matters generallye and particularly in this that I will henceforth stand to and practise such aduise and direction as hath beene giuen mee by such as I haue reason to giue creditt vnto in spirituall matters about the sayinge of my Office or about Confessions or about iudginge what is sinne and what not and what I am to iudge to be mortall and what not Neither will I in any point varie from such aduise or directions But will tye myselfe out of the loue and obedience I owe to God to â—â—and to such aduises as haue beene or shall be giuen vnto mee â—ither about the matter manner or frequencie of Confession or about the iteratinge or sayinge of my offiâ—e or any part thereof or about the
disdayne to be comforted by an Angell 3. Grant in all aduersitie desolation in all tribulation and Affliction that I may seeke comfort from thee onlye 4. And that I maye find helpe and assistance at thy hands 5. O that I could in all Euents wholie relie on thee 6. And leaue my selfe wholye to thy fatherlie care 7. Hayle sweete Iesus who by reason of thy greatnesse and vehemencie of greife hadst thy Body moistned all ouer with a bloodye sweate 8. O that all the parts of my interior Man would sweate out holy teares of Contrition 9. Hayle sweete Iesus who of thy owne accord offredst thy selfe to be taken by Iudas the Traitor other thyne enimies thirstinge after thy Blood and desiringe thy death 10. Graunt that for the honour of of thy name I maye not flye aduersities 11. But maye cheerefullye goe to meete them 1â— And ioyfullie receiue them as pretious tokens sent from thee 13. And humblie and constantlie endure them as longâ— as it shall please thee 14. Hayle sweete Iesus who didst louingliâ— kisse the traitor Iudas cominge deceitefullye to thee 15. Shewinge by the calmenesse of thy countenance and sweetenesse of thy words that thou didst loue him 16. Grant I may shew my selfe loâ—inge and mild to All myne enimies 17. That I maye pardon them from my hart howsoeuer they shall offend mee 18. And tollerate and loue them as the Ministers of thy will and promoters of my Saluation 19. Hayle sweete Iesus who didst permitt thyne enimies most furiously to lay thâ—ir Sacrilegous hands vppon thee 20. And beinge cruellye bound by them didst not reuenge but mildly endure the reproaches Blasphemies and iniuries wherewith they did most wickedly affront thee 21. O that beinge freed from the bonds of vices I may be fast tied to thee with she sweete chaines of Loue 22. O that thou wouldst beâ—tow vppon mee the grace of true patience Amen THE VIII EXERCISE 1. HAyle sweete Iesus Prayse Honour and Glorie be to thee ô Christ. Who did restore and heale the eare of Malchas one of thy furious Persecutors cutt of by Peeter thy cheife Disciple 2. That rendringe good for euilâ— the riches of thy mercie and mildnesse might shine forth to vs. 3. Grant I beseech thee that the desire of Reuenge maye neuer hau place in my hart 4. Grant that I maye beare intimate compassion and Affection towards all such as offend mee 5. Hayle sweete Iesus who like a Lambe amongst rauenous Wolues didst remayne in the hand of reprobates 6. Thy Disciples all friends runninge awaye and forsakeinge thee 7. Strenthen my too too greate weakenesse and make sted-fast my too too greate Inconstancie with the most stronge support of thy Grace 8. Hayle sweete Iesus who sufferedst thy selfe to be led bound as a Malefactor and theife by a troope of soldiers vnto Annas and to be presented before him 9. O vnspeakeable mildnesse of my Redeemer 10. Behold whilst thou art taken whilst thou art drawne whilst thou art haled Thou dost not complaine Thou dost not murmure thou makest noe resistance 11. Grant ô Lord that these examples of thy virtues maye shine in mee to my Good and thy euerlastinge Glorie 1â— Haeyle sweete Iesus Kinge of heauen and earth who standinge humbly like a base and abiect person before the prowd Bishop didst with great modeâ—tie receiue a cruell blow giuen thee vppon the face by one of his seruants 13. Suppresse I beseech thee in mee all Motions of Anger and wrath dull all the stings of Indignation and extinguish all desire of reuenge 14. That euen prouoked with iniuries I may not be troubled 15. I maye not striue or make any Tumult 16. But sufferinge all things with a meeke and patient mind I maye render good for euill and euer be readie to Fauour those who most Crosse and molest mee Amen THE IX EXERCISE 1. HAyle sweete Iesus Prayse Honour and Glory be to thee â— Christ. Who didst suffer thy selfe to be shamefullie ledd bound to Caïphas that thou mighst restore vs to true Libertie freeinge vs from the bonds of euerlastinge Death 2. Graunt that in the very midst of Derisions and contumelies I may giue thee thankes with all my hart 3. And that by them I may be aduanced and encreased in thy loue 4. Hayle sweete Iesus whom Peeter the cheife of thy Apostles thrice denied and yet thou most mercifullie lookedst vppon him and prouokedst Him to repentance and holye teares for his offence 5. O that it might please thee in like manner to looke vppon mee with that louely eye of thy Mercie 6. That with due teares of Repentance I may bewayle my sinns past 7. And hauinge bewayled them may not heereafter any more returne to them agayne 8. Hayle sweete Iefus who with a pleasinge countenance and modest looke standinge before the Bishops and the elders of the people of the Iewes didst not disdaine to be falselie accused and suffer many iniuries 9. Grant that I maye neuer vtter any falsitie or calumniate any Man 10. But maye suffer such calumnies as are laid against mee with greate tranquilitie of hart 11. And referringe all difficulties to thee with silence I maye expect thy Grace and comfort 12. Hayle sweete Iesus who whilst thou madst profession of the Truth affirminge thy selfe to be sonne of God adiured by Caïphas in the name of God yet didst thou not disdayne to be esteemed a blasphemer by the said Caïphas and his assistants 13. Grant in all places and before all men I may stand to the Truth and in awe of the presence of thy Diuinity and Maiestie not to feare the censures and Iudgements of Men. 14. Hayle sweete Iesus who by the wicked Iewes wast proclaymed guiltie of Death and without cause condemned 15. That by thy vniust condemnation thou mighst deliuer vs form the guilt of our sinns wherewith wee were iustly attainted 16. Graunt that I maye reiect all sinister and rash suspicions 17. That I may suffer without any bitternesse of hart all such wrongfull detractions and wicked iudgements as others shall deuise against mee 18. And that on all occasions I maye retayne by the helpe of thy Grace a quiet and vntroubled mind THE X. EXERCISE 1. HAyle sweete Iesus Prayse Honour and Glorie be to thee o Christ Who for my sake wast made the disgrace and scorne of men and the out cast of the people 2. And didst not turne away thy sacred face which the Angells desire to behold from the filthy spittle of thy Aduersaries 3. Grant that I may imitate thy meeknesse and patience 4. Hayle sweete Iesus who didst vouchsafe to be most cruellye beateÌ„ and buffeted and most vnworthilie reproached and reuiled for my sake 5. Grant I beseech thee that I maye neuer refuse to be disâ—ised and to be reputed base and vile 6. And accordinge to thy permission be contented to be exercised with all kind of iniuries 7. That I maye receiue them not as from men but from the hand of thy fatherlye mercie 8.
11. Graunt that with my hart I maie vtterlie tread vnder foote spitt vppon and haue in detestation all ambition ostentation worldly pompe and vanitie and all earthlie dignitie 12. That by profoâ—nd humilitâ—e and true contempt of my selfe I may incessantlie â—unne towards the Glory of thy heauenlie felicitie 13. Hayle suâ—ete Iesus Who beinge declared Innocent by Pilate the Iudge didst not refuse to heare the furious outcries of the Iewes by which they demanded that thou shouldst be crucified 14. Grant that I may liue innocently and not be troubled by reason of Other mens euill will towards mee 15. Giue mee this Grace that I maie neither backbite other Men or willinglie giue â—are to those that doe it 16. But that still I may haue a good opinion of others and beare other mens imperfections with a true compassion 17. And loue all men for God and in God with a pure sinceare and cordiall affection Amen The XIV EXERCISE 1. HAyle sueete Iesus Prayse Honour and Glorie be to thee o Christ Who didst permitt thy selfe in the presence of thy people to be vniustlie condemned to the most ignominious Death of the Crosse. 2. That thou mighst free vs from the sentence of eternall Death 3. Grant that I may seeke thy honour and rather choose to be exercised with thee in Aduersitie then by forsakinge thee to enioye the commodities of this life 4. Hayle sueete Iesus who beinge deliuered ouer to the pleasure of those who did persecute thee didst suffer greate payne by puttinge of the purple garment which did sticke vnto thy soares and puttinge on thyne owne againe 5. Grant that after I haue putt of the garment of my Bodie and am vested with the robe of perfect brightnesse I maye appeare adorned with thy meritts 6. Hayle sâ—eete Iesus Who with many disgraces and iniuries offered thee didst carrie thy Crosse on with greate payne vppon thy sacred and torne sholdiers 7. And beinge weary and breathlesse didst languish vnder the burden 8â— Grant that with feruent Deuotion I may embrace the Crosse of myne owne Abnegation 9. And with an ardent charitie imitate the Examples of thy virtues 10. And may humbly follow thee vnto Death 11. Hayle sueete Iesus Who in that lamentable iorney in which thou went to thy death didst meekely admonish the Weomen that did bewayle thee to bewayle themselues and their childeren 12. Giue mee accegtable teares of Compunction with which I maâ— truely bewaile my sinns and mine owne ingratitude 13. Giue mee Teares of deuout compunction and of holie loue which may melt my hard hart and make it gratefull vnto thee 14. That I maye loue thee alone and rest in thee only 15. Hayle sweete Iesus Who beinge led out with two theeues didst not refuse to be driuen forward to be vrged and hastened and in many other sundrie manners to be afflicted 16. Draw mee after thee and lett mee cheerefullye follow thee 17. Grant that I maie reioice in thee Alone 18. Giue mee grace to loue thee and render Loue for Loue. THE XV. EXERCISE 1. HAYLE sweete Iesus Prayse honour and glorie be to thee ô Christ Who hauinge thy sholders bruised with the weight of the Crosse didst at lenth arriue wearie at the place of execution 2. Where Wine mingled with Gall was offered thee to refresh thy languishinge forces 3. O that thou wouldst extinguish in mee the allurements of Gluttonie and the Concupiscences of that flesh 4. And cause in mee an auersion horrour from all impure and vnlawfull delight 5. And that I may eate and drinke soberly to the glorie of thy name 6. That I maye hunger and thirst after thee alone 7. And in thee place my delight ioye 8. Hayle sweete Iesus Who didst not disdaine to be stripped naked vppon Mount Caluarie in the sight of the people 9. And to suffer a most bitter paine by thy soares renewed with the pullinge of thy cloaths 10. Graunt that I maye loue pouertie of Spiritt and neuer be troubled for any worldly want 11. Grant that by thy example I may endure and suffer any corporall necessities or calamities whatsoeuerâ— 12. Hayle sweete Iesus Who beinge naked didst not refuse to be rudely stretched out vppon the Wood of the Crosse and cruellie fastned with nailes vnto the same 13. In this manner didst thou suffer thyne innocent hands and delicate feete to be most greiuously wounded and all thy sacred ioints to cracke and be put out of ioint 14. Grant mee ô Lord that with a faithfull and gratefull mind I maye consider this thy vnspeakeable Charitie with which of thyne owne accord thou didst stretch forth thyne armes and willingly offered thy hands and feete to be peirced 15. Vouchsafe ô Lord to enlardge and extend my hart with the perfect loue of thee 16. Peirce it and fasten itt vnto thy selfe with the most sueete naile of Charitie 17. And all my senses cogitations and affections inclose only in thee Amen THE XVI EXERCISE 1. HAYLE sweete Iesus prayse honour and glorie be to thee ô Christ Who didst hange thy hands feete beinge peirced three howres vppon the shamefull wood of the Crosse and sheddinge in greate aboundance thy pretious Blood didst of thyne owne accord endure vnspeakeable torments through out thy whole Bodie 2. Lift vp I prey thee vppon the wood of thy Crosse my miserable soule grouelinge on the ground 3. O healthfull Blood ô reuiuinge Blood 4. O that thou wouldst purge and througlie heale mee beinge washed with this thy pretious Blood 5. O that thou would offer this thy Blood to thy father for a perfect satisfaction of all myne iniquities 6. Grant I beseech thee that myne inward Man maye with ardent Affection mentally receiue and licke the liuely dropps of thy pretious Blood and maye truely tast how sueâ—te thy Spiritt is 7. Hayle sweete Iesus Who hanginge vppon the Crosse in the midst betwixt two notorious theiues wast reputed with the wicked 8. That by thy incomprehensible humilitie and Patience thou mights amend and withall satisfie for myne immense impatient Pride 9. Lift vp I beseech thee my Spirit aloft that from aboue I maye dispise all things transitorie 10. That I maye only admire thee my God Crucified for mee 1â— Lett mee thinke speake and dreame of thee 12. Hayle sweete Iesus Who wast soe good euen to those that were soe wicked that for the verie same parties who did crucifie thee thou didst praye vnto thy father sayinge Father forgiue them for they know not what they doe 13. Giue mee I beseech thee the grace of true meekenesse and Patience by which I maye accordinge to thy Commandement and example loue myne enemies 1â— And doe good to those that hate mee 15. I hartilie pray vnto thee for those that hurt and persecute mee 16. Hayle sweete Iesus who wouldst that the Title written in Hebrew Greeke and Latine as it were the Trophie of thy Victorie should be fastned to the Crosse that wee beholdinge it might couragiously fight against our inuisible
learninge and vnderstandinge wee delude ourselues by a vaine Fancie and Folish species and take the shadow for the substance this is Gods Worâ—e not ours For to that end onlye art thou made redeemed Hee it is that is thy beginninge and thy end Thy ioye and thy happinesse and who onlie can satisfie thy hungrie soule And therefore whatsoeuer thou haue and be thou neuer soe rich in other deeds corporall or spirituall vnlesse thou haue this Loue that I speake of and know and feele that thou hast it hold and esteeme that thou hast right nothinge Imprint well in thy soule this desire of the loue of Iesus cleaue fast therevnto and itt shall saue thee from all perills in thy iorney soe that thou shalt neuer perish and it shall saue thee from theiues and robbers which are the wicked Spirits soe that though they beare or torment or vexe thee by diuers temptations yet shall the life of the soule euer be safe And if thou thus hold on thy waye as I aduise thou shalt escape all perills and mischeifes and shalt in a short tyme come to the Cittie of Ierusalem Passinge and transcendinge brings vs to a good endinge That is thus tendinge still to God by slightinge all Creatures wee shall attayne to Him in this life by faith in the next by Glorie Now thou art in the waye and knowst the place whither thou art to drawe and tend beginne then in the name of God to proceed and goe on in thy iorney Thy goinge forth and thy proceedinge in thy iorney is nothinge else but a spirituall workinge and a bodilie alsoe when it shall be expedient which thou shalt vse with the Discretion followinge That is to saye Looke what worke it be which thou dost accordinge to the state of thy life thou art in be the worke spirituall or corporall if it helpe increase and cherish within thee this gracious desire thou hast to loue Iesus or doe make thy soule more stronge more readie and more able for the practise of all vertues goodnesse That worke hold I best for thee be it prayinge be it readinge or be it corporall workinge And as longe as the said worke or exercise strenthneth most thy hart and thy will to the loue of Iesus and furthest draweth thyne affection and thoughts from worldlye vanitie for soe longe hold thee still in that worke But if it proue soe that through vse of that same worke or Exercise the sauour or good tast of it doe growe lesse and that it seemeth to thee that some other worke or Exercise is or would be more sauourous or rellishinge to thy Spirit or that thou feelest more grace in another worke or Exercise doe thou take that other worke and leaue that former For though thy desire or longinge of thy hart to Iesus and to his loue should be euer vnchangeable yet neuerthelesse thy Spirituall workes which thou shalt vse in prayinge or consideringe for to feed and nourish thy said desire maye be diuers and maye well be changed accordinge to that thou feelest thee disposed through Grace and accordinge to that thou feelest thy Spirit more to require or rellish I meane what thou findest to be most comfortable agreeable and profitable to thy Spiritt For it faireth by workes and by desire of the loue of God as it doth by stickes and by a fire For the more sticks are laid to the fâ—e the greater is the fire Euen soe the more diuers spirituall workings at diuers tymes that a Man hath in his thoughts for to keepe whole and sound his desire towards God the mightier and more burninge shall his desire be to God Looke therefore well what worke thou canst best doe and that most helpeth to make well sound this Desire of Iesus in matters wherein thou art free and not bound that doe thou Bind not thy selfe to voluntarie customes vnchangeable that would hinder the libertie of thyne hart for to correspond or answere the motion or inuitation of Iesus if that his Grace should speciallye visit thee by which thy loue towards Him would be increased For I will tell thee what customes are euer good and needfull to be kept Loe such customes are good alwayes to hold which consists in gettinge virtues and in hinderinge and resistinge sinne Such a custome thou must neuer leaue For thou shalt be euer humble patient sober and chast c. if thou doe well and soe of other vertues But the custome of another thinge that hindereth a better is good to be laid aside giueinge place to that which would be better for vs when that the tyme is for such laieinge aside and that wee maye doe it without breach of our obligation otherwayes As for example if a man haue a custome to saye soe many beades or to meditate of such or such a matter or for soe longe a tyme or to watch or kneele thus or thus longe or to doe any such bodilie deed this custome is sometymes to be lett alone when reasonable cause requireth that wee should leaue it or else that wee find more Grace or deuotion some other waye or in some other exercise This Holy writer deliuereth the Truth soe fullye and clearelye how wee should walke that a foole cannot erre therin leauinge all to the queene of vertues discretioÌ„ by which wee may soe prudently order all our Workes Actions that wee maye still encrease in vs the deuine Charitie and desire of God Soe that euerie one accordinge to his Vocation in which hee is called secular or Religious married or single poore or rich noble or ignoble is made decible of God lead by his Holy Inspiration and brought into the true libertie of the Childeren of God Gal. 5. 13. not giuinge waye to the libertie of the flesh THE XXII CHAPTER Of certayne temptations and lettings which soules haue from their spirituall enemies in their iorney to Spirituall Ierusalem and of the remedie against the same NOW art thou in the way and knowst how thou ought to trauell and goe Now beware of enemies that will be diligent busie to lett thee if they can For their inteÌ„t is to put out of thy hart the desire and longinge that thou hast to the loue of Iesus and to draw thee home againe to the loue of worldlye vanitie There is nothinge that greiueth them soe much as to see thee seeke after and labour for the loue of Iesus Those enemies are principally fleshly desires and vayne feares that arise out of thyne Hart through the corruption of thy corporall nature and would lett and hinder thy desirâ— of the loue of God that soe they might fully and restingly possesse thy Hart These are thy neerest enemies Other enemies alsoe there are and namely the wicked Spirits who are diligent and busie with sleights inuentions and deceits to deceiue thee But one remedie thou hast against them all as before I haue told thee and that is that whatsoeuer they saye vnto thee beleiue
CHAPTER Of a generall remedie against the temptationâ— and troubles proceedinge from the flesh the world or the enemie AND after this when that thyne enimies see that thou art soe well willed that thou art not angrie nor much troubled nor incensed against any creatures for any thinge they can doe or speake against thee but art fully resolued in thy hart for to suffer and vndergoe all that maye happen to fall be it easie or vneasie sowre or sweete prayse or disprayse scarsitie or plentie And that thou dost esteeme or reguard nothinge soe thou maye keepe whole and entire the desire that thou hast of the Loue of Iesus Then are they much abashed and daunted But then they will trie and essay thee with flatterie vayne pleasinge and complacence As when they doe bringe to the sight of thy soule all thy good deeds and vertues and would perswade thee that all men prayse and speake much of thy holinesse and vertues And how that all men loue thee and reuerence thee for thy vertuous and holy liuinge and would therefore perswade thee to be sollicitous of thy good name and estimation with others Thus doe thyne enimies that thou shouldst thinke their sayings to be true and take willinge delight and pleasure in such vayne ioye and complaceâ—ce and shouldst willingly rest thee theriâ— But if thou wilt doe well thou shalt hold and esteeme all such thoughts and suggestions to be falshood and flatterie of thyne enemie that profers thee to drinke venome tempered with honie And therefore refuse it and saye that thou wilt not haue it but wouldst fayne be at Ierusalem Such offers and lettings thoâ— shall find feele or some other such lettings or offers what of thy flesh what of the world what of thyne enemie more in number I meane of the temptations and more diuers in the kinds and qualities of them then I am able to tell thee of or thou able before hand to imagine for a man soe longe as hee suffereth his mind and thoughts willingly to runne about the world or about worldly desires as all doe that doe not seriouslye applye themselues to the seruice of God in beholdinge oâ— thinkinge of vayne or hurtfull things hee perceiueth or conceiueth but few lettings But soe soone as hee draweth all his thoughts and desires to the said one thinge onlye to haue that to know that to loue that and that is only Iesus and his loue Then shall hee well feele and perceiue many paynefull and troublesome lettings For euerie thinge that hee feeleth and is not that hee coueteth or helpeth to the gettinge of it is lettinge to Him Therefore I hauerold thee of some temptations or lettings in particular as for some examples And moreouer I saye in generallitie that whatsoeuer stirringe motion or suggestion thou feelest from thy flesh or from the enemye be it pleasant or sowre louelye or dreadfull gladsome or sorrowfull that would draw downe thy thoughts and desire from the loue of Iesus to wordly vanitie and would hinder or coole the Spirituall couetousnesse that thou hast to the loue of Him and would haue thy hart be occupied with that stirring restingly Doe thou sett it at nought receiue it not willingly or deliberately tarrie not therewith too longe But if it be an exterior buâ—inesse that behooueth needs to be donne either towards thy selfe or towards thy Christian Brother or â—ister dispatch it and ridd thee soone of it and bringe it to an end that it hange not on thy Hart and soe distract thee more then needs if it be another thinge that may be spared and needeth not to be done or else concernes not thee or belongeth to thee heed it not harken not after it nor trouble thy selfe about it nor be angrie for it nor affraid of it nor loue it but cast it presently out of thy mind and hart and say thus I am nothinge I haue nothinge nothinge doe I feele or couet but the Loue of Iesus Fasten thy mind thoúghts to this desire and strengthen it and maintayne it with Prayer and other Spirituall workes that thou forgett it not and it shall lead and guid thee in the right waye and saue thee from all perills and make noe doubt but it will bringe thee to the perfect loue of our Lord Iesus This naked and cleane aspiringe and pure adheringe to God in the darke clowde of faith and blind feelings of Loue is a waye soe secure and safe that all the world and all the deuills of Hell nor euen the suttle craft of our owne selfe seekeinge can misleade vs or deceiue vs for wee still ayme at God and nothinge but pure God soe that wee shall not rest in any thinge but him not his very guifts and Graces noe relations noe Visions noe rapts noe exâ—asiesâ— But still passe and make vse of all to tend to Him aboue all Neuerthelesse on the otherside I alsoe saye and aduise thee that looke what worke or motion it be be the same corporall or spirituall that maye helpe or further thy said desire strengthen it and nourish itt drawe thy mind and thoughts furtheâ—t from the loues and desires of the world or corrupt nature and which makes thy loue and desire towards God more burninge more harty or more efficacious Whither it be prayinge either mentally or vocally or for the nature or manner of the Prayer or be it meditation or silence or speakinge solitarinesse or beinge in companie sittinge or walkinge keepe it and hold it for a tyme and worke therin and therewith soe longe as the sauour or tast of itt lasteth This discretion and freedome to doe any thinge that feeds this Holy desire to God in vs is most necessarie and without this freedome wee can make noe progresse Neither need wee to scruple at anythinge that is not euill in itt selfe or contrarie to the euident externe will of God by ordination of holy Church or our particular state or profession If it be soâ— thou take therewith as needs thou must accordinge to thy need meate drinke sleepe and rest as a pilgrime doth and hold disâ—retion in such thy workinge thou shalt doe very well and profitable in thy soe doinge For haue hee neuer soe greate hast in his goinge yet will hee eate drinke and sleepeâ— Doe thou soe likewise for though it lett thee for a tyme yet will itt further thee afterwards Amen FINIS LAVS DEO VIRGINI Benedicto Hac est via Ambulate in ea Isa. 30. 21. This is the waye walke in itt Isa. 30. 21. DEVOVT IDEOT THY Deuotions are soe happilye printed that the faults escaped are such as thou maist easilye take thy pen in the hand correct them thyselfe beinge sometymes one letter for another As an a for an e or an n for an u or a letter too much or a letter too little All which the sense will soone tell thee and I know thou endeauours to mend faults not find faults and for thee and thy like it was set forth and none other ADIEV TO THE V. R MADAME CATHERINE GASCOIGNE MOST VVORTHY ABBESSE of the English Monasterie of our Ladies of Comfort in Cambray MADAME The same engagement which obliged mee to sett forth these simple and pure Deuotions hath bound mee to dedicate and present them to your Lad P. who in verie deed hath the most right title to them beinge yours by the â—en le Authors owne guift yours by Possession but aboue all yours in the highest degree of practise And truely they belonge to such and none but such as de facto indeed practise them All others may looke on them and perchance hardlye censure them but they haue noe right and title to them They haue them not in their hart and nothinge else can possesse them these are treasures for the Hart nothinge else hath right to them This Ideot who to others seemes ignorant and foolish to you is knowingly ignorant and wisely vnlearned They perswade themselues who present him vnto you as they haue experienced themselues that hee hath taught you more high and euident truths more sapid and fatisfactorie knowledge then all the subtile Scholasticks and suttle politicks put together could haue done VVee see knowledge Prudence vertue shine in all your Actions in an high measure Noe other Maister could haue taught them you This Ideot who to others appeares soe vnhandsome and insipide to you shewes himselfe most comely and delightfull For you haue giuen all that you haue Math. 13. Math. 19. Phil. 3. Luk. 15. or rather left all that you had to conuerse with Him You esteeme all else as nothinge You haue choseÌ„ this best part vvhich shall neuer be taken avvay Accept of Him then and as hitherto lett him be euer familiar and gratefull vnto your Lad P. which they wish from their harts who are and hee hartyly by whom they make this humble adresse MADAME Your Lad ps most deuoted humble and obliged seruants c.