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
saying those words of David Sacrifice and Oblation thou wouldst not c. Then said I behold I come Admire in the Son this voluntary Oblation of himself admire in the Father his most gracious acceptance O inestimable effect of Charity To redeem his slave he refused not to deliver up his onely Son Give thanks to both with the Holy Ghost and offer what you are able in gratitude Ps 93.17 Consider 3. What would have become of you had not Christ thus interposed himself You would have lain for ever in the filth of sin destinated according to your deserts to the flames of Hell So that you may with all truth say But that our Lord hath holpen me within very little my soul had dwelt in Hell Learn hence to esteem the greatnesse of the Benefit and seeing God hath thus bestowed himself upon you give your self up wholly to him Ps. 107.2 and say My heart is ready O God my heart is ready Of the divine Decree concerning Christs Incarnation 2. Part. Gen. 3.5 Phil. 2.7 COnsider 1. The admirable perfections of God discovered in this Decree And first his infinite Wisdom whereby he would cure our maladies by their contraries Man sinned through Pride vainly coveting a likenesse with God You shall be as Gods God would cure this sore by exinaniting himself taking the form of a servant and made into the similitude of men Detest Pride which hath brought so much evil into the world and imitate the example which Christ hath given you of Humility Jo. 3.16 Consider 2. His unspeakable Charity So God loved the World that he gave his onely begotten Son Even the Son himself so loved it as to give himself for it But Who and for whom The God of Majesty for a most vile and ungrateful Slave Love therefore so loving a Lord with your whole heart with all your soul and with all your strength and seeing you cannot sufficiently love him endeavour according to your state and calling to draw as many as you can into your company in the joynt love and service of him Consider 3. His infinite Goodnesse in communicating himself to man in the highest degree possible His mercy whereby he would take upon him our miseries to relieve us His Justice which that he might satisfie to the utmost rigour he made our whole debt his own Lastly his Power in joyning two extreams of infinite distance from one another God and Man Creatour and Creature O admirable conjunction Ps 97.1 2. Sing ye to our Lord a new song because he hath done marvellous things Our Lord hath made known his salvation in the sight of the Gentiles he hath revealed his Justice Of the Election of the Mother to the Word Incarnate 1. Part. COnsider 1. The Incarnation being decreed as to the substance the Eternal Word might have taken the perfect body of a man such as he framed for Adam without infringing the rigour of Justice which he desired to satisfie Notwithstanding he chose to be born of a Mother 1. So to honour both Sexes Man in his own Person Woman by taking flesh and bloud of Her 2. That in her we might also have a Mother and Advocatrix to her Son our Judge 3. That being thus made a sucking Infant and subject to his Mother he might give us example of humility and subjection Reflect how in all things he chuseth the worst and most repugnant to sense See and imitate Prov. 8.23 Consider 2. How the Word made choice of this individual Mother not for any merits of hers which then were none at all but to the end she might have merits Therefore he bestowed upon her the fulnesse of Grace and Vertue that so she might be made sit to be the Mother of God Congratulate with her for this her Election and Predestination from all Eternity From eternity I was ordained and of old before the earth was made Offer your sâ—lf to be her Client for ever and with all earnestnesse implore her aid and protection Ps 4.3 Consider 3. The Eternal Word would not have for his Mother any rich Personage or Princesse but one that was poor and of mean condition in the world thereby to confound our pride and vanity that seek and hunt greedily after such things as make a shew and noise in the world Ye sons of men how long are you of heavy heart Why love you vanity and seek lying Learn to contemn the judgements of the world and to esteem those things only great as are such in the sight of God and know that much worth and vertue often lieth under a contemptible disguise Of the Election of the Mother to the Word Incarnate And of her Prerogatives 2. Part. 3 Reg. 10.18 COnsider 1. It was fitting that the Eternal Word should honour his Mother and raise her above the common condition of Mortals by special Priviledges King Salomon made a great Throne of Ivory and covered it with Gold exceeding yellow c. There was not such a work made in all Kingdoms How much more sitting was it that the King of Heaven should adorn his Throne or Bed-chamber where he was to lie for nine moneths together Consider 2. Several of her Priviledges 1. Sanctity and that the greatest of any pure creature communicated unto her from the first moment of her Conception for it was not fit that the Mother of God should ever even for one single moment be under the slavery of the Devil 2. Suppression of Concupiscence 3. Confirmation in Grace so as never to forfeit it by Mortal Sin or even to suffer the least diminution of its fervour by Venial 4. Continual progresse in the same by heroick acts of Vertue whereby it was increased to an infinite proportion 5. The use of reason from the first moment 6. To conceive and remain a Virgin 7. To be in child-birth without pain 8. To be a Mother and delivered of her Son without detriment of her Virginal Integrity 9. To be a Mart a Sea Suar. c. 2.3 p. d. 18. sec 4. and Ocean of all manner of Grace so as to surpasse the perfections of all the Saints put together S. Bern. Consider 3. Her admirable Titles in being after an especial manner Daughter to the Eternal Father Mother to the onely begotten Son Spouse to the Holy Ghost and Soveraign Queen of Men and Angels She is also stiled the Mother of Mercy the Advocatrix of Mankind and Refuge of Sinners Think what a Refuge and Protection you have in such a Mother Commend your self earnestly to her for such is his will who will have us have all by Mary I will look towards our Lord I will expect God my Saviour Mich. 7.7 Mat. 11.3 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the expectation of the Gentiles Gen. 49.10 Agg. 2.8 COnsider 1. What is said to day in the Gospel Art thou he that art to come or look we for another Christ is the expectation of the Gentiles
in a stable upon a bed of straw Consider 3. And falling down adored him 1. They prostrated themselves with most profound humility as well interior as exterior acknowledging their own unworthiness and their subjection and dependance on him 2. They adored him with a most perfect act of Adoration as their Soveraign Lord and God 3. This Adoration was seconded with an entire oblation of themselves and their Kingdoms with sincere expressions of gratitude both for their own particular and for the general benefit of all in his Incarnation and Vocation of the Gentiles together with most ardent affections of love and desires that all the world might come to his knowledge and service Learn hence what admirable effects a lively faith doth work in a devout Soul and with that affections you are to come to the same Lord in the Holy Eucharist Mat. 2.11 Of the Sages Offerings or Gifts ANd opening their treasures they offered to him gifts Gold Frankincense and Myrrhe Consider how with the above-named affections of faith humility reverence devotion and love they offer gifts in homage to their Soveraign Lord and that of the best things they had and out of their treasures that you might learn to give to God and to employ the best not the worst things you have in divine uses Consider the gifts in particular and present yours joyntly with them They offer Gold as Tribute to their Lord and King Offer him also Gold that is 1. a heart full of Charity loving him from your whole heart for as Gold is the chief of Metals so Charity is the Queen of Vertues 2. Exterior worldly goods with an affection and love to Poverty setting them all at naught in respect of his divine service so as to be ready even actually to leave all rather then to offend him only Venially Ps 140.2 Consider 2. They offer Frankincense in acknowledgement of his Divinity Offer also your Frankincense of fervent and frequent Prayer saying with David Let my prayer O Lord be directed as incense in thy sight Offer again to God your Frankincense that is your will as a most sweet perfume and this by Obedience to your Superiours Governours and Directours whom God hath appointed in his place over you For there is no Sacrifice more grateful to him then that of our will by means of Obedience 1 Reg. 15.22 Better is Obedience saith Samuel then Victims Consider 3. They offer Myrrhe as to a mortal man Offer you also the Myrrhe which is of a bitter taste of Mortification chastifing your body with St. Paul and bringing it to subjection so as to obey the Spirit Offer also a special Myrrhe of Chastiry carefully avoiding whatsoever may endamage it for as Myrrhe preserveth dead bodies from corruption S. Greg. Orat. 16. so Chastity doth keep both the bodies and minds of the living undefiled Lastly consecrate your whole self to God and give whatsoever you have to him who hath given you all things Of the Sages Return ¶ If the Octave fall upon Sunday make this Meditation on Saturday and on Sunday of H. Communion as above 1 Jo. 4.1 2 Cor. 11.14 COnsider 1. How the Sages having performed their homage and duty of Adoration having also presented the B. Virgin and St. Joseph with some gifts and taken their leave were now ready for their return full of spiritual joy and zeal of bringing others to Christ and amongst them Herod himself but were admonished in their sleep that they should not go back to him Whence you may learn that God hath a care of them that are his and can easily frustrate the subtile intentions of the wicked And that in the way of Vertue not every motion which seems to be according to zeal ought always to be followed But we must prove the spirits if they be of God for oftentimes as the Apostle witnesseth Satan transfigureth himself into an Angel of light Consider 2. How they presently obeyed and went back another way into their Countrey Mat. 2.12 So ought we to follow the inspirations of God and they that have had more knowledge and experience of Christ should enter into another course of life of greater exactness and perfection in their progress towards their heavenly countrey Greg. hom in Epiph. from which seeing we turned away by pleasures we should return by the contrary way of sorrow and repentance Think how the B. Virgin behaved her self in all these passages and what joy she was in to see her Son thus adored and that of the Prophet fulfilled Ps 71.10 The Kings of Tharsis and the Islands shall offer presents c. Recommend your self earnestly to her saying with S. Bernard Orat. S. Ber. By you Virgin Mother let us have access to your Son 2 Cor. 9.6 Consider 3. The B. Infant did not send the Sages away empty but highly rewarded for their pains and devotion He bestowed upon them supernatural and heavenly gifts in return to theirs for their Gold he gave them the rich treasures of Wisdom and Charity for their Frankincense the gift of Prayer and Devotion for their Myrrhe the Soveraign Balm of his divine Grace against the corruption of Sin We can give nothing to God that returneth not with advantage to our selves the more we give the more we shall receive Be liberal therefore to God that he may be so to you remembring what the Apostle saith He that soweth sparingly sparingly also shall reap and he that soweth in blessings of blessings also shall reap ¶ If there remain any days between the Octave and the 2. Sunday repeat these Meditations according to the number of the days If a whole Week then on Munday take the Meditation of the Purification and go on with them the other days as they follow intermitting that of the second Sunday till it cometh in its course of that year Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye forth to meet him Mat. 25.6 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Spouse of your Soul Ose 2.19 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel There was a Marriage made in Cana of Galilee c. Jo. 2.1 The like Espousals will be made this day between Christ and your Soul if you will but give your consent for he on his part doth earnestly desire it according to that I will despouse thee to me for ever and I will despouse thee to me in Justice and Judgement and in Mercy and in Commiserations Nay although you have often been disloyal unto him by your disordinate affection and adhering to creatures he is notwithstanding ready to pardon all and even invites you again to him by the Prophet Jer. 3.1 Thou hast committed fornication with many lovers nevertheless return unto me saith our Lord and I will receive thee Ps 44.3 Consider 2. How great a dignity it is to be espoused to a King here upon Earth How much greater then to the King of Heaven Think how incomparable is the
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
of Jacob. And see that you be a Jacob Supplant and cast the Devil out of your heart wrestle with your own vicious inclinations and concupiscences Rom. 6.12 Let not sin reign in your mortal body that our Lord Jesus may reign in the house of your Soul and that for ever Say with the same St. Bernard Bern sup I have no other King then my Lord Jesus Luc. 1.34 c. Of the Blessed Virgins Reply 2 Cor. 4.7 HOw shall this be done c. Consider 1. How the Blessed Virgin who had hitherto been silent began at last to speak in defence of her Virginity which she would not forfeit to be Mother of God O admirable Purity In this Vertue she was truly singular and without example Learn hence 1. Both to speak and to be silent in their due times and circumstances 2. Not to be taken off from your good purposes and obligations upon any account without examining well how it may be done 3. To be cautious and nice in point of Chastity and not to cast your self in danger under pretence of what good soever knowing that we have this treasure of Chastity in carthen vessels Consider 2. The Holy Ghost shall come upon the and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee Ponder the excellency of Virginity whereof our Lord was so great a lover that whereas he took upon him all our other miseries yet he would not be conceived but of a Virgin and in favour of her love also to the same the divine Spirit of Purity it self wrought in her this mysterious Conception whereby her Son who as God proceeded wholly from his Father as man became entirely hers receiving from her alone what other children take from both parents Beseech our Lord to come also upon you by his holy Grace and with his shoulders to overshadow you especially in the day of battel Ps 90.4 Ps 139.8 against the heat of Concupiscence and vicious appetites Ps. 112.9 Consider 3. Behold Elizabeth thy couzen c. She who was barren becometh fruitful that you should know there is nothing impossible to God Therefore although you have hitherto been fruitlesse of good works yet by the divine Grace and your own concurrence you may come to be father of many and that not only in your self but also in your neighbour according to the condition and calling you are in Therefore even now begin to cooperate with Gods Grace for he will not be wanting who maketh the barren woman to dwell in a house a joyful mother of children Of the Virgins Consent COnsider 1. How earnestly the Angel and the whole Court of Heaven expected the Virgins consent Ber. hom 4 super missus O Lady saith St. Bernard speak the word which Heaven and Earth and the lower world expect from you At length she giveth her consent Behold the handmaid of our Lord. Admire her singular humility who being saluted Mother of God would still keep the name of handmaid This is that humility which our Lord regarded as she saith in her Canticle Magnificat and loved so much in her Put on the same humility in your life and actions if you desire the Holy Ghost should dwell in you for he sendeth forth fountains in the valleys Ps. 103.10 He watereth the humble with the fountains of his Grace but leaveth the mountains that is the high and proud ones dry Ps. 115.7 Consider 2. The name of handmaid or slave though it be contemptible among men yet in relation to God is honourable for we are truly his by the several titles of Creation Conservation and Redemption To him alone we ought to labour and to direct all things to his glory as did this blessed handmaid of his Offer your self therefore to God as a perpetual bond-slave and say with the Psalmist O Lord because I am thy servant I am thy servant and the son of thy handmaid the B. Virgin Mary Mat. 26.39 Consider 3. The admirable Obedience and Resignation of the B. Virgin in conforming her will to Gods divine pleasure Be it done to me according to thy word c. Think how grateful this answer was to God and to men and Angels Imitate her in resigning your will wholly into the hands of God and say in every thing Be it done to me O Lord according to thy word not to my will And Not as I will but as thou Think how joyful the Angel was for having obtained her consent and for the happy successe of his Embassage and how he returned without delay into Heaven full of admiration of the mystery of the Incarnation and of the Vertues and Excellencies of the Virgin Of the Accomplishment of the Incarnation Ps. 18.6 7 COnsider 1. How the B. Virgin having given her consent immediately the Eternal Word As a Bridegroom coming forth of his bride-chamber to celebrate 〈◊〉 Nâ—ptâ—â—â— wâ—â—â— humane nature Rejoyced as a giant to 〈◊〉 the way to unite unto himself our flesh and to begin the work of our Redemption Whence having presently framed a perfect body out of the most pure bloud of the B. Virgin and created a rational Soul he vouchsafed to unite his Divinity to them both Jo. 1.14 And thus the word was made flesh and dwelt in us Think with what joy of the Angels in Heaven of the Saints in Limbus of God himself and particularly of the B. Virgin now Mother of God Heb. 2.17 Consider 2. What manner of body the Eternal Word took upon him in the Virgins Womb He might have assumed an Immortal one and a Glorious Body had been but his due in regard of the Beatifical Vision But he took upon him mortal flesh and that of a little infant 1. That he might in all things be like unto his brethren 2. To oblige us to love him the more tenderly 3. To take from us all fear and make us come with confidence unto him 4. To give us example of Humility Patience and Mortification in enduring nine moneths straight imprisonment in his Mothers Womb. And 5. That he might as the Criminal pay in his flesh what were not his but our debts Humble your self you that are dust while you see the Lord of Majesty thus reduced in a manner to nothing for your sake Ps. 39.8 Consider 3. What the divine Infant did in the first instant of his Conception how he offered himself and his whole life and actions to his Eternal Father as a Holocaust and Sacrifice for our sins saying Behold I come and how the Eternal Father was pleased in this his new born Son saying Thou art my Son I this day have begotten thee Ps. 2.7 To day the Heavens did truly flow with honey while true Peace descended upon the Earth Mercy and Truth have met each other Ps. 14.11 c. Justice and Peace have kissed Truth is risen out of the Earth and Justice hath looked down from Heaven Draw me we will run
desirous to enjoy the sight of her Son whom she knew to be God of God and Man of her own nature and substance She did probably apply to him and her self those words of the Canticles Who shall give to me thee my Son that I may finde thee without and kiss thee In the mean while she exercised most ardent affections of love and conformity to the divine will both as to the time place and conveniences of her Delivery casting her self and all her care upon God 1 Pet. 5.7 as St. Peter admonisheth us for that he hath care of us Do you the same in all your affairs and examine wherein you are deficient Consider 3. How well the divine Infant did requite the long harbour his Mother gave him in her Womb. If at his first entrance in his Conception he bestowed upon her such extraordinary grace and favours how did he increase them during his nine moneths abode Illuminating her Understanding with an infused light and knowledge of the Mysteries of Faith and inflaming her will with more then Seraphick Affections of divine Love He was no burthen nor pain nor the least trouble unto her but a most welcome guest an ease and comfort in all occasions He would be so in proportion likewise to you in the Sacrament if you would give him entertainment and not pour your self forth presently upon other affairs Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 2. Part. Is 4â— 8 COnsider 1. The Expectation on the behalf of the Fathers in Limbo praying continually and crying out Drop dew ye heavens from above and let the clouds rain the Just be the earth opened and bud forth a Saviour They longed to be set free that they might presently enjoy the Beatifical Vision Therefore they said Be manifest before Ephraim Ps 79.3 4. Benjamin and Manasses shew thy face and we shall be saved Quicken your dull heart with these inflamed desires Ber. ser 2. in Cant. Be ashamed saith St. Bernard that the exhibition of this benefit doth not cause in thee a joy answerable to that inflamed desire which the bare promise enkindled in the hearts of the ancient Saints Ps. 38.8 Consider 2. What expectation every devout Soul ought to be in of having Christ Spiritually born in it self by Grace What is my expectation said David is it not our Lord Wherefore we must employ all the saculties of our Soul 1. Our Memory and Understanding in a serious and attentive consideration of his admirable Vertues and Perfections 2. Our Will in ardent affections of love and desire of expressing in our selves what we behold in him that according to the Apostle Beholding the glory of our Lord 2 Cor. 3.18 we may be transformed into the same image Gal. 4.19 Consider 3. We must not content our selves with bare affections and desires for by these we only conceive Christ not bring him forth but we must also with the Apostle Travel as women in labour in the exercise of Christian Perfection till Christ be formed in us labouring to bring to light the good desires which by divine Inspiration we have conceived otherwise they will but torment 〈◊〉 conscience and prove at last our ruine as it often happeneth to mothers when they miscarry for as the Wiseman saith Prov. 21.25 Desires kill the slothful Wherefore encourage your self and inflame your heart by means of those Antiphons the Church useth these days Ecclesâ—◠〈◊〉 Officio Advent saying O wisdom which hast issued forth of the mouth of the Highest c. O Adonal and the like Of the B. Virgins Journey to Bethlehem Luc. 2.1 THere came forth an Edict from Cesar Augustus c. Consider 1. The wonderful disposition of the divine Providence Christ could have been born where at what time and with what ease and convenience he had pleased he would notwithstanding debar himself of all and disposed it so that it should happen to be in the Winter and that Cesars Edict should send his Parents far from home that he might misse even of those small conveniences wherewith he might in some sort have been provided at Nazareth Rem 11.33 O depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God! Go now you that seek so greedily after your own eare and pleasures Either God is deceived â—ern de nativ for 3. or the world in an errour saith St. Bernard because their dictamenâ— are quite contrary to one another Cant. 2.9 16. Consider 2. St. Josephs and the B. Virgins Obedience to the Edict with their own great inconvenience taking a long journey of near about a hundred miles Look upon the Travellers see with what modesty patience and conformity to Gods will they carry themselves in all things Think what sweet discourses the Virgin holdeth with her Son My beloved to me and I to him c. Behold he standeth behind our wall looking through the windows looking forth by the grates For All things are naked and open to his eyes Heb. 4.13 Out of every thing gather something for your self Jo. 1 1â— Consider 3. When they were come to Bethlehem they went about all the Innes but could finde no entertainment Good God! there was place for the refuse of men but no room to be found for the Son of God! He came into his own and his own received him not See how patiently they bear this repulse and betake themselves to a cave or open and ruined stall Imitate and love to be set behind all O how true was that The foxes have holes and the fowls of the air nests but the Son of man hath not where to repose his head Think now often you have denied him entertainment while your heart was wholly taken up and full of worldly vanities If any be a little one let him come to me Prov. 9.4 Is 9.6 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as a little one Luc. 2.12 COnsider 1. What is said by Isaie A little childe is born to us and a son is given to us And in the Gospel You shall find the Infant swadled in clothes Thus the Lord of Majesty delighteth in the name of a little one and that he might be such brought himself in a manner to nothing See how little he is in his Crib Is 40.12 Who pondereth the Heavens with a span who poiseth with three fingers the huge greatness of the Earth Gal. 2.20 Consider 2. This little one will come to be Spiritually born this day in your heart by Holy Communion if you prepare him a Crib in Bethleem that is in the house of Bread He appeared to men first in flesh now he will communicate himself anew unto you in bread to impart unto you by this living Bread his own divine and immortal life Go then to this divine Mystery so that he may be born anew in your heart which will certainly be if you begin to lead a life conformable to his if you
and Wisdom of God himself is so obedient at the Altar Be ever gratefull and endeavour to come allwayes worthily to this divine Mystery Of the Institution of the B. Sacrament Part 2. COnsider 1. Christ would institute this divine Mystery immediatly before his Passion 1. To testify the excess of his love towards men in preparing for them a heavenly banquet and inestimable present even then when they were contriving his death 2. To manifest the desire he had of ever remaining with us even corporally for being now to depart out of the world he would notwithstanding leave himself after a special manner to abide with us for ever 3. To leave us a perpetuall Memorial of his Passion and a living Sacrifice The Sacrifices of the antient law ceasing by his death by which the fruit and vertue of his Passion might be applyed to us 4. To make us the more sensible of his love bequeathing himself unto us by his last will and Testament Jo. 6.57 Consider 2. Christ did institute this Sacrament under the formes of bread and wine 1. That so he might the straighter be united with us becoming meat and drink to us penetrating our very bowels and incorporating himself with us 2. To signify that he doth work in our Soules what bread and wine doth in our bodies that is nourish conserve and augment our Spiritual life so as even to transform us into himself He that eateth me the same also shall live by me 3. That as bread is made one masse of many graines and wine one liquor of many grapes so by participation of this divine Sacrament the hearts of the faithfull are made one Spirit and therefore it is properly called Communion or union of many among themselves and of all with Christ Ps. 115.4 Consider 3. Allthough in each Sacramentall forme the entire body and bloud of Christ is contained without any reall Separation of one from the other yet Christ would institute the Sacrament in two different formes the better to put us in mind of his Passion and to signify that thereby all his pretious bloud was entirely separated from his body namely by his sweat in the garden by whips at the pillar by the thornes by the nayles and by the lance on the Cross Think what you can return to our Lord for his infinite love towards you expressed in this Sacrament Say with David I will take the Chalice of Salvation by grateful remembrance and compassion and I will invocate the name of our Lord. Of our Lords Sermon after Supper Part 1. Jo. c. 14.15 16.17 COnsider 1. Christ after the Communion of his Body had that long Sermon to the Apostles which is in S. John for that is the time wherein he is wont to treat more at large with the faithfull Soul and would likewise with you but that you leave him presently after Communion or doe not harken to him and therefore profit little In that divine Sermon our Lord performed the part 1. Of a Master delivering such things as he would chiefly have observed 2. Of a Comforter allaying his Disciples griefe for his future absence shewing how expedient it was for them 3. Of an Intercessor on our behalf to his Eternal Father praying him to preserve us See you observe what he enjoyneth and be thankfull for the rest Jo. 15.9 Consider 2. As our Master he doth chiefly recommend unto us the love of God and of himself above all things As my father hath loved me I also have loved you Abide in my love Think whither you love him as he hath loved you and yet there can be no comparison between yours and his love for his is infinitly beneficial to you but yours wholy unprofitable to him Notwithstanding out of pure love to you and to gain yours to himself he hath given you his own flesh and bloud for meat and drink and his life upon the Cross for your Redemption Ibid. v. 13. And greater love then this no man hath Are you ready to lay down yours for him Jo. 14.15 Ibid. v. 23. Consider 3. If you love me saith he keep my commandements And again If any one love me he will keep my word The proofe therefore of love Greg. hom 30. saith S. Gregory is the performance of deeds If you love Christ resolve to doe and suffer somthing for him at least put on the affection of compassion for his sufferings and leave it not off all this time of Lent Offer up your fasting and whatsoever you may suffer thereby in union with his paines and dolours Of our Lords Sermon after Supper Part 2. Jo. 15.12 Jo. 13.34 COnsider 1. After the love of God Christ doth earnestly recommend the love of our Neighbour This is my precept And A new commandement I give to you that you love one another as I have loved you He calleth it his and a new commandement because he renewed it being fallen to decay And New as to the manner and perfection requiring that our love be like his that is universall to all friends and enemies without respect to deserts or recompence even with our own temporal incommodity and if need be with loss of life In this all men shall know that you are my Disciples if you have love to one another Ibid. See you be his disciple in this and take to heart what he going now to die inculcated in such weighty termes Jo. 16.24 Consider 2. Christ doth also much recommend unto us the use of prayer Vntill now you have not asked any thing in my name Aske and you shall receive Whatsoever you shall aske in my name Jo. 14.13 that will I doe c. So friendly an invitation cannot but ground a great confidence The poor and needy are provoked and even pressed to receive benefits and he inviteth that is both able to make good his word and cannot deceive Only we must be careful to pray in due manner to wit in Christs name that is only for such things as appartain to our Salvation and with Preseverance Jo. 16.2 Consider 3. Christ our Lord doth arimat his Disciples and all that follow him to endure patiently reproch torments and death it self in his cause Our of the Synogogues they will cast you The hour cometh that every one which killeth you shall think that he doth service to God He encourageth them Jo. 15.20 1. By his own example The servant is not greater than his master If they have persecuted me you also will they prâ—sâ—cute 2. In delivering it as a signe of Predestination Ibid. v. 19. Because you are not of the world therefore the world hateth you 3. By proposing the reward Jo. 16.20 Your sorrow shall be turned into joy Here offer your self to suffer whatsoever for Christ Christ is Sorowful and prayeth in the Garden Mat. 26.30 Jo. 18.1 COnsider 1. An Hymn being said He went forth with his Disciples beyond the Torrent Cedron where was
by the conversation of the talke of our Lord. Be you also much conversant with God in prayer that you may in like manner be transfigured Besides you must make him the only object of your love and affection and perfectly hate whatsoever is displeasing unto him for as S. Augustine saith Every one is such as is his love August Tom. 2. 〈◊〉 Ep. 1. Jo. if you love earth you will be earth if you love God you shall be God love God therefore that you may be one with him Christ is accused before Caiphas c. Mat. 26.59 COnsider 1. Christ being brought before Caiphas The chiefe Priests and the whole Councel sought false witness against Jesus that they might put him to death O Injustice Judges who should punish seek false witness against known innocency and patronize their private unjust enâ—â—â— and hatred by the pretence of publick Justice See how the son of God standeth at the barr before his sworn enemies and forsworn witnesses and accusers The innocent lamb who did no sin 1 Pet. 2.22 neither was guile found in his mouth answereth all his accusations with silence Ps. 37.14 But I as one deafe did not heare and as one damb not opening his mouth Learn hence to be deafe and dumb in like occasions and to commit your cause to God Consider 2. So irreprehensible was Christs life that his very enemies even upon false informations could not fasten upon any thing that could make up a crime against him Wherefore the high Priest conjureth him by the living God to say whether he were Christ That he might condemn him of Blasphemy if he affirmed Christ who had been silent before in reverence to the sacred name of God answereth Thou sayest Mat. sup Mar. 14.62 I am and withall giveth them an Item of the later judgement if perhaps for feare thereof they might be moved to desist from their wicked intents But the perverse are hardly corrected Eccle. 1.15 Beseech our Lord you may never come to be one of them Mat. 26.65 Consider 3. The counterfited zeal of the wicked Then the high Priest rent his garments saying He hath blasphemed Doe you rather rend your heart with true contrition for being the cause of all these sufferings of Christ Joel 2.13 Rent your hearts and not your garments sayes our Lord Hear how they all cry out with one voice He is guilty of death Mat. sup O most unjust Sentence Sweet Jesus doe you thus endure to be held a blasphemer and sentenced to death and shall I seek to be thought more of by all and better then I am Of the Injuries which Christ suffered in the House of Caiphas Part 1. Mat. 26.67 COnsider 1. How Christ being sentenced guilty of death Then did they spit on his face and buffeted him and others smote his face with the palmes of their hands saying prophecy unto us c. Ponder five extraordinary kinds of Ignominy which Christ suffered all that night 1. They spit upon him who with spittle had given sight to the blind speech to the dumb and hearing to the deaf and on that face which the Angels adore and just Souls long after saying shew thy face and we shall be saved Ps. 79.20 He was spit on by most lewd miscreants striving to out doe on another so that he was covered all over with filth But he like a meek lamb made good that of the Prophet Is 50.6 I have not turned away my face from the rebukers and spitters but with a peaceable countenance received all But doe not Sinners still to this day spit on thee Are not our Sinnes for which you suffered all this and death it self more loathsome unto you then the Spittle of the Jews Luc. 22.64 Consider 2. The second Ignominy And they did blind fold him No doubt but with some loathsome clout that their sport might be the more compleatly injurious Heb. 4.13 They vaile those eyes to whom all things are naked and open and cover that face whereof all nations stand in love and admiration The same do all Sinners who that they may sin with the greater liberty hide God from themselves and think that he seeth them not They say according to Job For what knoweth God c. The clouds are his covert Job 22.13 neither doth he consider our things Have a care you be not one of these Mat. 26.67 Consider 3. They buffeted him and smote his face with the palmes of their hands Ponder how thick one upon an other with what cruelty and how Ignominiously by those ruffians every one striving to out doe an other in scoffs and blows Then was truly fullfilled that of the Prophet He shall give the cheeke to him that striketh him Thren â— 30 he shall be filled with reproches Admire compassionate Imitate Of the Injuries which Christ suffered in the House of Caiphas Part. 2. COnsider 1. The fourth kind of Ignominy was the insolency they practised upon the Sacred haire and beard of our Lord pulling and tearing both off with violence the which although the Evangelists do not express yet Isaie doth signify as much in those words Is 50.6 Judic 16. I have given my body to the strikers and my cheekes to the pluckers Sampson cut of fond love to Dalils lost his haire but you O Lord out of a better love to mankind suffer your self after a violent and cruel manner to be despoiled of yours so as to become even bald againe O make me suffer the like for love of you that having out of all superfluities I may follow you as naked as you made your self for me Mat. 26.68 Luc. 22.65 Consider 2. The fifth kind of Ignominy of insulting over him with reviling and reprochful language saying Prophecy unto us O Christ who is he that strook thee And blaspheming many other things they said against him Here they rip up their old slanders calling him a glutton a drurkâ—rd a seducer a blasphemer possessed with the Divel and the like so that that of Job was verified in his sacred person Job 16.11 They have opened their monthes upon me and exprobrating have stroken my checke they are â—illed with my paines Consider with what patience Christ endured all this and be confounded at your own impatience who can scarce take a light word at your brothers hands Consider 3. These Indignities lasted the whole night for they of the Court and Councel in all likelyhood repairing home to take rest in their soft beds Christ was delivered up to the guards to be strictly watched and treated at their pleasure and mercy Think what sence and feeling our B. Lord had all that night in the condition of being tired out with ill usage and want of sleep and rest and thence gather what yours ought to be Be ashamed of your little mortification and patience in bearing light affronts and occasions of your own confusion seeing your Lord for your
sake hath endured far greater in all kinds and at the hands of the bâ—sest sort of people Of S. Peters denying Christ Part 1. Mat. 26.69 COnsider 1. S. Peter having followed our Lord into Caiphas his house and standing with the rest at the fire There came to him one wench saying thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean but he denyed before them all saying I wot not what thou sayest c. He who but some few houres before said Though I should dye with thee I will not deny thee now at the first word and that of a woman Ibid. v. 35. out of shame and fear fouly denyeth that he ever knew him O how many are there now a days who not out of humility but out of a shameful â—ear of what the world would say or think of them Luc. 22.57 dare not own any Christian or Vertuous action nor profess themselves disciples and followers of Christ See you be none of these Mat. 26.74 Consider 2. Peter being still in the same company and taâ—ed by divers of being Christs Disciple he persisteth in his denyall the second and third time neither minded he the first cock crowing or at least cared not but Began to curse and to swâ—are that he knew not the man Observe the different effects of good and evill company Peter among his fellow disciples was so fervorous as to offer to dye for his Master in this lewd company he disoweneth even to know any such man Learn hence to avoid evill company and conversation for as the Apostle 1 Cor. 15.33 saith Evill communications corrupt good manners Consider 3. Some particular circumstances of S. Peters fall which all the Evangelists doe set down at large to teach us to be warie by others harmes 1. The occasion or cause of this fall was that vaine presumption of himself Mat. 26.33 Allthough all shall be scandalized in thee I will never be scandalized 2. His Negligence in prayer yeelding to sleep when he should have watched in prayer by Christs express command Ibid. v. 41. Watch ye and pray that ye enter not into temptation 3. The instrument of this fall was a Woman as was that of Adams first Sin Admire and tremble to see the pillar of the Church cast down at the voice of a Woman 4. His sin increased by degrees passing from a simple denyall to execration and open Perjury Learn to resist the very beginnings of evill and to be greatly concerned for small defects Eccli 19.1 for he that contemneth small things shall fall by little and little Of S. Peters denying Christ Part 2. COnsider 1. Our Lord turning looked on Peter Lue. 22.61 â—â—rad To. 4 l. 6. c. 21. S. Aug. l. 1. de Gratia c. 45. While Peter was actually denying our Lord the third time Jesus happened to be led down from the upper roome where he was condemned to the lower Court where Peter was and gratiously looked upon his sheep that was perishing Or as some doe expound with the interior eyes of his mercy looked vpon him a far of and by his grace moved him to repentance See how in the midst of his own afflictions he forgetteth not his ungrateful Disciple Ps 24.16 With the same eyes O Lord have respect to me and have mercy on me Mat. 26.75 Consider 2. The Conversion and Repentance of S. Peter And going forth he wept bitterly not out of the servile fear of punishment but out of love and sence of his ingratitude in offending so good a Lord Master and Benefactor He rightly understood that of Jeremy Jer. 2.19 That it is an evill and a bitter thing to thee to have left thy Lord thy God Doe you also procure to understand it a right that you may henceforwards keep your self from falling O How often have you not only in bare words but by deeds denyed your Lord and offended him perhaps more then Peter but have not as yet duely lamented your fault as he did Theod. Hist Consider 3. The long Pennance S. Peter performed for this denying his Master He is said to have bewailed it his whole life time breaking forth into teares as often as the Cock-crowing or other occasion refreshed the memory of his sin in so much that his eyes were become as two fountaines of teares and his continual weeping had made furrows in his cheekes Be confounded to see that nothing dryeth up sooner then your teares Persever therefore in works of Pennance and as Ecclesiasticus admonisheth Eccli 5.5 Of sin forgiven be not without feare Of Judas his Despair Mat. 27.3 COnsider 1. Then Judas that betrayed him seeing that he was condemned repenting him returned the thirty silver pieces c. Saying I have sinned betraying just bloud Think what an unquiet mind Judas carried after his treacherous and Sacrilegious fact so that he could take no joy in the money for which he sold his Lord but the worm of his guilty conscience gnawing his heart he brought it back whence you may learn that Sinners reap no soâ—id content out of their wickedness but much pain Aug. l. 1. Coaf c. 11. disquiet and trouble Lord you have ordained it saith S. Augustine and accordingly it is in are that every disordinat mind is its own punishment Therefore in Job it is said of the Impious Job 15.21 The sound of terrour is allways in his eares Mat. sup Consider 2. The answer of the Wicked Priests What is that to us look thou to it They are little concerned for their Neighbour whether he perish or not and like Cain will not be their brothers guardians Not so the good ones who with all endeavor labour to pull their neighbour out of the depth of sin They doe not say What is it to us look you to it but doe help and asist whom and what they are able some with charitable offices others by their prayers They are tender to all in compassion 1 Cor. 9.22 and with the Apostle To all men become all things that they may save all These you must also procure to imitate Mat. sup Consider 3. He went and hanged himself with an halter See how one sin is the punishment of another despaire of treachery God often permitting us to fall the second time in punishment of the first sin that you may learn to shun all Take notice of the fubtile wiles of the Divel who at first provoketh to sin and afterwards taking away all hopes of pardon casteth the Sinner headlong into damnation by despaire Observe also how desperat and mad are the determinations of a troubled conscience so that the Wise man had reason to say Sap. 17.10 A troubled conscience doth allways presume cruell things Lastly from this final ruine of an Apostle He that thinketh himself to stand let him take heed least he fall 1 Cor. 10.12 I have sinned what shall I doe to thee O Keeper of Men Job 7.20 Of Holy Communion
Consider Christ as the Guardian of your Soul Ps 23.8 Gen. 15.3 Ps 120.4 COnsider 1. What is said in this days Ghospel When the strong armed keepeth his Court those things are in peace that he possesseth Luc. 11.21 Imagin therefore your soul to be a Court or Castle which Christ our Lord who is both strong and armed desireth to guard that whatsoever she possesseth may be preserved in peace and security There is none stronger then this Champion of ours Our Lord strong and mighty Our Lord is a Man of Warr Omnipotent is his name No keeper can be more watchfull then he He shall not slumber nor sleep that keepeth Israel and doth all with that care and love as if it were to keep the apple of his own eye as Moyses speaketh Deut. 32.10 O what a happiness it is to be under the protection of such a Guardian Ps 22.5 Consider 2. This Guardian of yours will enter to day in the holy Eucharist the Castle or fortress of your Soul to visit strengthen and defend it against your Mortall enemy the Divel who surrounds it day and night seeking how he may destroy it For this divine banquet or table as David saith is chiefly instituted as a fence against our enemies Thou hast prepared in my sight a table against them that trouble me Hence conceive a great confidence in your Guardian and as great a desire of the happy hour wherein you are to receive him Consider 3. In what manner you may best entertain this Guardian You must be sure to cast out of your heart whatsoever may offend his purest eyes least otherwise being offended at his enterance he presently leave you and deliver you over to your enemies Deliver him up the keyes of your Castle that he may freely dispose of you and yours in all things and upon all occasions Aske pardon for your former offences Ps. 139.5 Say with the Prophet Keep me O Lord from the hand of the sinner and from unjust mâ—n deliver me Christ is led from Caiphas to Pilat Mat. 27.1 COnsider 1. And when morning was come all the chiefe Priests and Ancients of the people consulted together against Jesus that they might put him to death How diligent are the sons of darkness in prosecuting their wicked designs scarce giving themselves time to sleep or rest O that you were as zealous in the service of God! Think how welcom to our B. Lord was that last morning in which he was to perfect the work of our Redemption Ponder how being now in full Councel they examin our Lord over again condemn him as a Blasphemer vote him guilty of death and deliver him finally over to the secular power to be executed Luc. 23.1 Consider 2. All the multitude of them rising up led him to Pilat Think what a heavy journey this was to our B. Lord. By this time the whole town was full of what had passed the night before and in a longing expectation of the result of the high Councel and now they see the Captive hurried along by their dores and accompanied by their high Priests and Elders as so many unquestionable witnesses and proclaimers of his guiltiness Our B. Lord is held and treated by all as a Notorious Malefactor and entertained all along as he passed with loud shoutes and clamors with scoffs with reproches and with barbarous insolences of the rude and enraged people And even those who before held him in veneration as a great Prophet and their Messias now hould themselves as miserably seduced and him for a grand Impostor Who ever did or could suffer so much in his reputation Jo. 18.28 Consider 3. Being come to Pilats Court they went not into the Palace it being the habitation of a Gentil that they might not be contaminated but that they might eate the Pasch O superstitious Hypocrisy They pretend Religion and Conscience in a small matter while they are actually contriving murder and Sacriledge They strain a gnat and swallow a Camel Mat. 23.24 Yet would to God you were as nice and zealous in point of purity when you come to eate the true Pasch in the Holy Eucharist and would not thrust your self in after so distracted a manner and full of worldly cogitations Christ is accused before Pilat Luc. 23.2 COnsider 1. Pilat having brought Jesus forth to the People and demanded what accusations they had against him They began to accuse him 1. As a seditions person We have found this man subverting our Nation who ever taught and practiced Obedience and did good to all 2. As Prohibiting to give Tributes to Cesar who notwithstanding was known to pay tribute for himself though otherwise exempt And. 3. For saying that he is Christ the King Jo. 6.15 And yet though he were truly so when they would have made him King he fled and hid himself Ps 61.10 Learn hence what liers the children of men are in their balances and how easy a matter it is to calumniat the Innocent Mat. 27.14 Consider 2. Christ our Lord could easily have cleared himself with a word but would answer all his accusations with silence so that the President did marvell exceedingly fullfilling thereby that of the Psalmist I have set a guard to my mouth when the sinner slood against me Psa 38.2 O that you would doe the same when others rise up against you Know that an Innocent life is the best plea and that true courage and fortitude consisteth in silence and contempt of injuries and affronts committing our cause to God according to that of the Prophet In silence and in hope shall your strength be Js 30.15 Consider 3. Pilat laying hold of the last accusation asked Jesus whether he were King of the Jews Luc. sup Jo. 18.36 who answered Thou sayest but withall My Kingdom is not of this world nor of worldly greatness pomp and state but of Poverty Contempt Hymn Vexilla Obedience Humility and the Cross God took his raign from the Cross Think whether or no you belong to his Kingdom for if you are of the world that is if you mind and seek after things of this world you are none of his They are not of the world Jo. 17.14 saith Christ of his Disciples as I also am not of the world Learn hence to have a high value of the Cross Humility c. Christ is sent to Herod Luc. 23.4 COnsider 1. Pilat sought what he could to set Christ at liberty for that saith he I find no cause in this man The Pharises urge the more saying He stirreth up the people c. Beginning from Galiâ—â—e even hither whence he taketh occasion to send him to Herod as one belonging to his jurisdiction but withall streightly bound as a Malefactor guarded with Souldiers and accompanied with the Priests his accusers Thus was our B. Lord posted from one Tribunal to another and exposed to the publique view and scorn of the
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
whereby he might be the more tormented not refreshed 3. Of effectually redeeming whole Mankind for whom he dyed Strive to imitate him in all these Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Justice for they shall have their fill Of Christs last Words and Death Jo. 19.30 COnsider 1. Jesus therefore when he had taken the Vinegre said It is consummate He congratulated with himself 1. For having performed the will of his Heavenly Father Phil. 2.8 being made Obedient unto death even the death of the Cross 2. For having fullfilled the Prophecies and figures that were of him Mat. 5.18 of which he said I came not to breake the Law but to fullfill 3. For being come to an end of all his labours which he endured to the very last drinking up the chalice prepared for him to the bottom dregs and all Well therefore might he say to his Eternal Father I have consummated the work which thou gavest me to doe c. And I come to thee Jo. 17.4 10. Luc. 23.46 Judic 7.20 Consider 2. The Last Word Father into thy bands I commend my Spirit He said it with a loud voice in sign of Triumph over Death Sin and the Divel So Gedeon with broken pitchers and loud cry proclaimed Victory over the Madianits He teacheth us withall how to recommend our selves to God at the hour of death and what we ought chiefly to be carefull of at that time casting off all thoughts of wordly affaires Beseech our Lord that death may not so steal upon you at unawates as to prevent these or the like good affections Jo. 19.30 Consider 3. And bowing his head he gave up the ghost O unspeakable Mystery The Sun of glory is ecclipsed The Temple of the living God is dissolved The Author of life yeelds to death O how true is that of the Apostle You are bought with a great price Wherefore Glorify 1 Cor. 6.20 and beare God in your body but much more in your mind See that you be not more insensible then the sensless creatures themselves The Sun was darkened and the veile of the Temple was rent in the midst The Earth did quake and the rocks were reat Luc. 23.45 Mat. 27.51 and the graves were opened c. Be ashamed and confounded for your sins Teare a sunder the double veile of self-love and will that hangeth between God and you Tremble at the account you are to give for Christs death and Passion Rent your hard heart by true Contrition And lastly quit the loathsome Grave of Sin and Tepidity Arise sit up Jerusalem lose the hands of thy neck c. You were sould for nought and without silver you shall be redeemed Is 52.2 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Redeemer Ps. 110.9 COnsider 1. The benefit of our Redemption which the Church doth most particularly solemnize all this holy time We were all under the Tyranny of the Divel cast off from the face of God by demerit of our sins nor was there any one that could free us from this slavery no creature being sufficient to pay our ransom We were all lost for ever When behold the only begotten Son of God sent redemption to his people offering himself in Sacrifice for our sins being truly our Father Is. 63.16 our Redeemer as Esaie speaketh from the beginning such is his name 1 Pet. 1.18 Consider 2. At what rare we were redeemed namely Not with corruptible things Gold or Silver but with his own pretious bloud And whereas one single drop had been aboundantly sufficient he would notwithstanding powrâ— it all forth and suffer so many bitter torments Ps. 129.7 Because with our Lord there is mercy and with him plenteous redemption Besides not content with redeeming us once he hath left himself unto us in the Eucharist so that allthough you should often fall into the Enemies hands you might have wherwithall to free your self again O unspeakable love Return the best thanks you are able Consider 3. This Redeemer will come to day into your soul to free you from the reliques of your former captivity and to lose the bands of vitious habits if any be in you Prepare your self therefore to meet him Bestow your self as a thing none of your own but wholy his who bought you 1 Cor. 6.19 You are not your own saith the Apostle for you are bought with a great price Wherefore render your self wholy to him whose you are and cast off all affection to whatsoever els Say with the Psalmist I am thine save me Ps. 118.94 Orat. deVen Sacr. and with the Church pray that you may feel in your self the benefit of his Redemption A Summary of our Lords Passion Thren 1.12 I Magine your self to stand at the foot of the Cross on Mount Calvary and to hear our Saviour call out in these words of the Prophet O all ye that pass by the way attend and see if there be sorrow like to my sorrow Ponder attentively the whole Passion according to four particular Circumstances 1. How ignominious it was He was hanged as a theef aloft in the air as one unworthy either to live or die on the earth He was condemned at four several Tribunals hurried along the streets and pointed at as a Blasphemer Seducer Impostor Glutton Madman and Fool. What say you to all this that are so nice of your Reputation 2. How Grievous it was 1. By reason of his delicate and tender complexion 2. Because he would admit of no manner of comfort either interiour or exteriour 3. For that he was left all alone and forsaken by his friends Ps. 68.9 I am become a forreigner to my brethren and a stranger to the Sons of my Mother the Synagogue 4. Upon the Cross if he would seek any ease by moving or turning himself the whole weight of his body lay the heavier upon the wounds of his hands and feet with increase of his torments If he went to lean his head the thorns were stricken the deeper in If he thirsted his drink was Vinegre and Gall c. Good God what torment Is. 1.6 3. How Universal it was both in body and mind That of the Prophet was truly fullfilled in him From the Sole of the foot to the top of the head there is no health His head was pierced with thorns his face buffeted with fists and defiled with spittle his eyes black and blew his lips swoln his teeth strucken out his beard plucked off his ears rent with pulls and pinches his nose beaten flat his shoulders torn with stripes his side pierced with a lance his hands and feet bored through with nails in fine his whole body imbrued in his own bloud 4. How lasting it was His whole life was a continual suffering I am poor and in labours saith he by his Prophet from my Youth Ps. 87.16 But those things which he suffered from his last supper to his last breath were
intollerable and lasted all that night and day fellowing for about twenty hours together Speake what affection shall suggest Of our Lords Buriall Mat. 27. COnsider 1. After our Lord was dead his sacred body was taken down from the Cross with great devotion and teares by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathia who laid it in the Mothers armes whereby that of the Canticles was fullfilled Cant. 1.13 A Buadle of Myrrhe my beloved is to me he shall abide between my brests Think what expressions of griefe and sorrow what sighs and tears passed from her Ponder what was said and done at that time by her and her devout companions See that your beloved Lord be also to you a bundle of Myrrhe and that by frequent contemplation of his Passion you lodge him in your bosome and heart 2 Cor 4.10 Consider 2. Griefe and love having acted their parts they embaulm the sacred Corps and wrap it up in a clean winding sheet Our Lord is delighted with cleanliness even in his grave that you might learn diligently to cleanse your heart as often as you receive him in the Holy Eucharist Our Lord will have his Mystical members embaulmed especially with the Myrrhe of Mortification that with the Apostle Allways bearing about in our body the Mortification of Jesus the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our bodys Think how you may put this in practise Tit. 2.13 Consider 3. Our Lord being buried every one betake themselves to their own home for they were not permitted by the keepers to remain at the Sepulcher Think in what solitude the B. Mother and other devout persons were in and how they gave themselves wholy to prayer Expecting the blessed hope and advent of the glory of the great God The B. Virgin doubtless comforted herself with that of the Psalm At evening shall weeping abide and in the morning gladness Ps. 29.6 Doe you likewise in Desolation have recourse to prayer and learn to put your trust in God Things to be observed concerning the Meditations of the Mysteries after our Lords Resurrection 1 Cor. 6.17 THe Meditations upon the Mysteries after our Lords Resurrection appertain to the Unitive way This being an Uniting of our will with the divine will of God by way of affection maketh that our will as it were going forth of her self layeth hold on the goodness of God represented unto it and adhereth unto him and by this adhesion is united with him according to that of the Apostle He that cleaâ—eth to our Lord is one Spirit Hence this Unitive way hath diverse affections properly belonging unto it which we may make use of in the ensuing meditations The chiefe are these following 1. Admiration of Gods Majesty whom we contemplat and of his Attributes and Perfections 2. Joy and content for that God is so absolutly perfect in himself good to others and so admirable in his works 3. Praise and thanksgiving for his gifts and benefits with desire of seeing and enjoying him and of honouring and obeying him 4. Zeale of Gods Glory and good of Souls wishing that all the world might come to know love and serve him 5. Trust in his Goodness and Providence together with a filial respect standing in fear of being separated from him or of committing any thing which may justly offend so great a Majesty and bewailing all the sins whereby we had incurred at any time his just indignation 6. Desire of these Heavenly things we contemplat so that whatsoever is upon earth may seem but durt unto us while we look up to heaven saying with the Prophet How beloved are thy tabernacles Ps. 83.2 O Lord of hoasts my Soul coveteth and fainteth unto the Courts of our Lord. And Ps. 41.2 Even as the hart desireth after the fountains of waters so doth my Soul desire after thee O God 2 Cor. 3.18 By these and such like affections let us endeavor to obtain that Beholding the glory of our Lord c. We may be transformed as the Apostle speaketh into the same image from glory unto glory that is that we may become like unto him by the union of our wills increasing dayly more and more in the knowledge of him till at length passing from the imperfect clarity of this life and pilgrimage we arrive to the perfect clarity and glory of our native Country and Beatificall Vision Rise thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ will illuminate thee Ephe. 5.14 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as our Resurrection Apoc. 3.17 COnsider 1. The manner wherewith Christ raised his body out of the Sepulcher of deformed rendering it glorious Ponder what a difference there is between a body that is dead pale wan destitute of all sense and motion and the same when it is invested with the array and endowments of glory The same difference is between the Soul in Sin and in the state of Grace and almost the same between tepidity and fervor For in the state of Tepidity the Soul is as it were in a slumber and void of all heroical motion she is insensible of things appertaining to God and being possessed with innumerable phantasies pursueth vaine trifles and dreams instead of reall and solid goods She thinks herself in a good state when in truth she is like that man in the Apocalyps miserable and poor and blinde and naked Jo. 11.25 Consider 2. Christ is ready to raise us out of these miserable states therefore he saith I am the resurrection and the life To wit the cause and Author of both and as well of the Soul as of the body O what a benefit it is and how infinitly to be valued to be raised from the death of Sin and grave of Tepidity and to be placed in the cleare light of the Childeren of God that walk and work with fervor The same will Christ bestow upon you this day in the Holy Eucharist if you hinder him not For therefore he is called the bread of life Jo. 6.35 Ibid. v. 40. S. Tho. alii and as we owe unto him the Resurrection of our bodies in the last day so doe we now the Resurrection and reviving of our Soules Colos 3.1 Consider 3. The signes of our rising with Christ are to seek and mind the things that are above not the things that are upon earth So the Apostle If you be risen with Christ seek the things that are above c. Seek therefore and affect only heavenly things Rom. 6.9 and as Christ Rising again from the dead now dyeth no more So you being raised from the state of Tepidity to Fervor have a care you fall not into a relapse Of our Lords Resurrection COnsider 1. There having now passed time sufficient to evidence the certainty of his death on the third day early in the morning our Lord hastened to bring forth the Holy Fathers our of Limbus to comfort his B. Mother and desolate Disciples and Illustrate
the whole world with the rayes of his glory What Jubily were the Holy Fathers in at that time when they saw that Blessed hour come of their delivery which they had longed for so many ages Free O Lord in like manner my Soul from the Lions mouth and from the deep lake and let not my Enemies The World the Flesh and the Devil ever domineere over me Consider 2. How when Christs Soul was come out of Limbus to the body in the Sepulcher he shewed it to the Holy Fathers as it lay pale and wan all mangled and disfigured that they might see how much he had suffered for them and at what rate he had redeemed them Then he reunited it to the Soul and that of David was fullfilled Our Lord hath reigned Ps. 92.1 he hath put on beauty Our Lord hath put on strength and hath girded himself For he took upon him the four properties of a glorifyed body 1. Of Clarity rendring it brighter then the Sun it self 2. Of Subtility to penetrate the Sepulcher and whatsoever other corporal substance 3. Of Agility to move itself to the remotest places in a moment 4. Of Impassibility so as to be incapable of dying or suffering any more Being thus crowned with glory he might say to his Eternal Father with David Thou hast turned my mourning into joy unto me thou hast cut my sackcloth Ps. 29.12 and hast compassed me with gladness Apoc. 5.12 Consider 3. How the Eternal Father congratulateth with his son as also doe the Angels of Heaven and the Fathers of Limbus for the reunion of his body all crying out as with one voice The Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power and divinity and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and benediction Joyne you with them and say This is the day which our Lord made Ps. 117.24 let us rejoyce and be glad therein Learn hence that the Tribulations of the Just are but short but their glory everlasting Rom. 8.17 and that if we suffer with Christ we shall also be glorifyed with him Of our Lords Apparitions and how he appeared first to his Blessed Mother Act. 1.3 COnsider 1. Christ three different ways manifested his Resurrection 1. By Saints who arose in their bodies and appeared to many 2. By Angels at the Sepulcher 3. In his own person shewing himself alive in many arguments for fourty days appearing c. After the same manner he is wont to manifest himself to his devout servants by spiritual men by their Angel Guardians and immediatly by himself He that loveth me c. I will love him Jo. 14.11 and will manifest my self to him Love him therefore that he may manifest himself also to you 2 Cor. 1.7 Consider 2. Christ first of all appeared to his B. Mother according to the pious beliefe of the Church that she who had drunk most of the bitter chalice of his Passion should be the first in partaking the joy of his Resurrection As you are partakers of the Passions so shall you be of the consolation also She did most certainly believe and most ardently expect the hour of his Resurrection and said with David Arise my glory Ps. 56.9 arise psalter and harp and therefore she was not frustrated of her desire that you might learn both fervently to desire heavenly things and withall patiently to expect the time Habec 2.3 If he shall make tarriance expect him because coming he will come and he will not slack and will recompence his delay Consider 3. What joy possessed the Mothers heart when she beheld her son What holy embracings passed between them What was said or done on both sides Doubtless the Holy Fathers Adam Abraham Moyses David and others did congratulate with the Virgin and say Thou Daughter art blessed of our Lord for that by thee we have partaken the fruit of life Ecl. in Off. E. V. Do you likewise congratulate with her from your heart and say with the Church Rejoyce thou Queen of Heaven Alleluia because whom thou didst deserve to beare Alleluia Regina Coeli is risen againe as he said Alleluia Pray unto God for us Alleluia Angels appear to the Women at the Sepulcher Mar. 16.1 Jo. 20.1 ANd very early the first of the Sabboths they come to the monument Consider 1. The devotion of these three women 1. They brought Spices not sparing any cost to performe the last Obsequies of their love in annoyling the corps of their Lord. 2. For the same purpose they rise very early and when it was yet dark Learn to spare no labour nor cost in the service of God according to your ability and that as the wife man sayeth Sap. 16.28 We ought to prevent the Sun to blesse God and at the rising of the light to adore him See whether you be so early in the morning employed in the Divine Service Consider 2. And they said one to an other who shall role us back the stone from the dore of the monument Among their pious discourses in the way they were in care about removing the stone But no sooner were they come but they saw the stone roled back So we fancy to our selves many difficulties in the way of vertue and perfection which notwithstanding when we come to practise Allmighty God doth facilitate unto us and take away And entering into the monument they saw a young man sitting on the right hand God rewardeth the Womens devotion with the vision of an Angel And his countenance was as lightening and his garment as Snow Mat. 28.3 Who would not wish to dwell with such happy company Galat. 6.14 1 Cor. 2.2 Consider 3. Be not dismayed you seek Jesus of Nazareth that was crucified Among the titles of our Lord now in glory is also ranked that of being Crucified that you might learn with the Apostle not to glory saving in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ c. And even not to know any thing but Jesus Christ and him Crucified Think what joy the holy Women were in to hear that Christ was risen and how they went forth quickly out of the monument with feare and great joy Mat. 28.8 running to tell his Disciples Christ appeareth to Mary Magdalen Jo. 20.11 MAry stood at the Monument without weeping Consider the fervorous love of this pious Woman and Constancy in persevering still at the Sepulcher whereas the others returned back whereby she deserved to see our Lord before the rest for as S. Gregory upon this place saith Greg. hom 25. in Evang. The Vertue value or worth of a good work is perseverance Learn hence how to seek our Lord when by sin he is taken from you or when by desolation he withdraweth himself you must doe it with sighs teares and ardent love whereby you will come to find him whom your Soul loveth Cant. 3.4 Consider 2. Angels appear unto Mary and aske her Woman why weepest thou but
could not satisfy her mind or affection for no wordly comfort is able to content the soul that truly seeketh God Then Christ himself appeareth but first in the shape of a Gardiner so as she knew him not saying Sir if thou hast carried him away tell me where thou hast laid him and I will take him away Great was the force of her love She excepted no place feared no danger but was ready to seek her Lord upon any termes See whether your love be such Iob. 3.22 Consider 3. Jesus saith to her Mary Our Lord doth often conceale his presence and seemeth to be far off from his servants when he is neer at hand He conceales himself under a disguise the better to try our love and inflame our desires but discovereth himself at last and as Sara said after teares and weeping powreth in joyfullness Beseech our Lord that he would vouchsafe to be so intimate and familiar with you as to call you by your name and speake so to your heart that you may come to know his voice and with B. Magdalen be more and more inflamed with his love Our Lord appeareth to the other Women Mat. 28.9 COnsider 1. While the Holy Women among whom probably was S. Mary Magdalen were in their return from the Sepulcher to the Citty Christ met them in the way and saluted them saying All haile Ponder here the great goodness of our Lord affording comfort in a most seasonable time and not disdaining the weaker fer Ponder also that word All haile which the Angel Gabriel likewise used to the B. Virgin and did work in their hearts what it did outwardly signify O Lord speak so to my Soul Cant. 2.14 Let thy voice sound in my eares for thy voice is sweet and thy face comely Ps 44.8 Consider 2. But they came neer and took hold of his feet and adored him They were permitted to touch and kiss his sacred feet O with what reverence and joy of heart did they doe it In reward of their good desires of anealing his sacred Corps in the Sepulcher they were themselves anointed with the oyle of gladness above their fellowes Learn hence with what affections you ought to embrace not his feet but whole Christ in the Eucharist as often as you frequent it Lay fast hold on your Beloved and let him not goe from you till he hath given you his blessing Gen. 32.26.29 as he did to Jacob. Pro. 18.19 Consider 3. Jesus said to them Feare not goe tell my bretheren c. Admire the sweetness of our Lord in comforting his servants and taking from them all feare Ponder those words My Bretheren bearing a most friendly and sweet name He who was now King of Glory disdained not to call poor ignorant fishermen his bretheren O what a happiness it is to have such a brother Love him therefore as your brother and put your trust in him for if the Brother that is holpen of Brother as the Wise man saith is as a strong Citty how much more he who is holpen of such a Brother Peter and John goe to the Sepulcher and Our Lord appeareth to Peter Luc. 24.11 COnsider 1. The devour Women relate what they had seen at the Sepulcher to the Disciples that were assembled together But it seemed before them as dotage for the Apostles were as yet fixed to sensible things and were not enlightned by the Holy Ghost So the Mysteries of the Cross and Resurrection seeme no better then meer folly to the Wise men of this world Beseech our Lord to enlighten your darkness that you may not dote so miserably with the World Consider 2. Peter and John more desireous then the rest of knowing the truth ran to the Sepulcher entered in looked throughly about and found all as the women had related but neither Angels nor our Lord appeared unto them for their further tryall and for that the relations of others ought to have sufficed By John is signifyed Faith by Peter Charity with both we must seeke Christ if at any time he be taken from us Consider 3. On the same day afterwards Christ appeared as is gathered out of S. Luke unto Peter Ibid. v. 34. who went away marvelling with himself at that which was done And Our Lord hath risea indeed and hath appeared to Simon Thus our Lord would comfort him 1. That he might afterwards confirme others in the same beliefe 2. Because he had already blotted out the Sin of his denyall with due penance and now deserved to receive corsolation 3. Because of all the Disciples he loved Christ most and therefore conceived more griefe then any for his death Learn to beare Christ company in his sufferings that you may rejoyce with him in his Resurrection For Ps. 93.19 according to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart thy consolations have made my Soul Joyfull I will hear what our Lord God will speake in me because he will speake peace upon his people Ps 84.9 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Prince of Peace Jer. 29.11 Is. 9.6 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel how Christ appeared unto the Apostles and thrice imparted unto them his peace saying Peace be to you Jo. 20.19 For he is our peace as the Apostle saith Ephes. 2.14 intending cogitations of peace and not of affliction and therefore among other titles he is called by Isaie the Prince of Peace Gal. 5.17 Consider 2. There are three sorts of peace which we are to procure 1. With God 2. With our Neighbour 3. With out solves for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh Ps. 37.4 and therefore David said My bones have no peace And a mans enemies are they of his own houshould to wit Mich. 7.6 his own unlawfull Appetites This threefould peace the Prince and Author of it will bring unto you in the Eucharist if you hinder not for the Eucharist is properly a Pacifick Host between God and us The Simbole and band of Charity between us and our Neighbour Cyril lib. 4. in c. 27. Je. and lastly that which as S. Cyril saith doth restrain the raging tyranny of our members and doth intrench us round about with perfect peace Whence David said Ps. 147.3 He hath set thy borders peace and filleth thee with the fat of corn Levit. 26.6 Consider 3. Christ brought Peace this day to the Arostles when the dores were shut and they assembled together within and in prayer Therefore shut up carefully the gates of your senses and retire your self within the inward closet of your heart and our Lord Will give peace in your coasts You shall sleep and there shall be none to make you affraid But above all purge your self throughly from sin 〈◊〉 48.22 For There is no peace to the impious saith our Lord. Luc. 24.13 Our Lord appeareth to the Disciples going to Emmaus Part. 1. COnsider 1.
each particular for all is full of pith Jo. 10.27 Consider 3. Seeing you are a sheep endowed with reason you must be careful that nothing be in you that may be ungrateful to the eyes of this your Pastour wherefore wash your self from the durt and filth of sin that you may appear in his sight with a pure and clean fleece Besides My sheep saith he Hear my voice Hear therefore and obey him diligently that you may deserve to remain for ever in his sould Jo. 21.1 Our Lord appeareth to the seven Disciples that were fishing Part 1. COnsider 1. There were together Simon Peter and Thomas and Nathanael c. Peter inviting them to fishing they all shew a readiness to accompany him We also come with thee teaching us thereby what union and concord ought to be among Evangelical Labourers in the fishing for Souls They goe a fishing both for the reliefe of their poverty and want and to avoid Idleness that you might learn to esteem the one and shun the other Ps. 126.1 Consider 2. How that night they took nothing So all humane industry whatsoever of it self is in vaine without the divine concurrance Unless our Lord build the house they have laboured in vaine that build it This hath place chiefly in the gaining of Souls that you should learn not to trust to your own abilityes but to place all your hopes of success in the divine assistance 1 Cor. 3.7 Neither he that planteth is any thing nor he that watereth but he that giveth the increase God Observe likewise that in the night of sin nothing is to be taken in order to Eternal life but all our labour though otherwise never so good during that state as to merit is wholy lost Prov. 21.28 Consider 3. How when morning was now come Jesus slood on the shore yet the Disciples knew not that it was Jesus So he often is it hand in our necessities though we mind him not Then he asketh whether they have any meat though he knew they had not because he will have us acknowledge our wants before he bestoweth his gifts Lastly he biddeth them cast the Net on the right side of the boate and having obeyed now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes in reward of their Obedience that you might learn also to follow and obey the Councels of your Superiours For An obedient man saith Salomon shall speak Victory Jo. 21.7 Our Lord appeareth to the seven Disciples that were fishing Part. 2. COnsider 1. John knowing it to be Christ by the miraculous draught of fish undoubtedly pronounceth It is our Lord. And Peter presently in all hast flingeth him self into the Sea to swimme unto him In John is expressed the light of the contemplative life which is quick sighted to know our Lord and to point him out to others In Peter is figured the fervor of the Active life which is allways forward upon works of Piety Give your self to both that by contemplation you may come to know the Divine will and by Action you may effectually put it in practice Mat. 11.28 Consider 2. Our good Lord had prepared a dinner for them probably by the hands of Angels against they were come on shore For After they came down to land they saw hot Coles lying and fish layed thereon and bread Observe how lovingly he invites them saying Come dine c. And himself distributes the bread among them In like manner he invites us all to partake of his fullness Come ye to me all that labour and are burdened and I will refresh you Wonderful is the care and providence of God over his servants that you may learn to cast your care upon our Lord Ps. 54.23 for he will noâ—rish thee Consider 3. If it be your calling to fish for Souls you must be sure to cast your net on the right side by a right and pure intention only seeking the glory of God and gain of Souls not on the left seeking your own temporal profit The Apostles saith S. Bernard did spread their nets to catch fish not Gold nor Silver Bern. Ep. 137. See that you doe the like Jo. 21.15 Our Lord commits his sheep to Peter COnsider 1. How presently after they were refreshed Christ intending to make Peter his Vicar and to commit unto him the care of his flock questions him first about his love towards him and that thrice one after another Saying Simon of John lovest thou me more then these to teach us how well grounded he must be in Christs love whosoever undertaketh the government of Souls for the undergoing with courage and resolution the labours which accompany that charge Examen your self whether you have a sufficient stock of love to discharge your duty in this point according to your calling Ezech. 34.2.3 Consider 2. What Christ said feed my sheep Ponder what it is to feed and how it is to be done For it is the same as to further them towards their Eternal life by Preaching the word of God by administration of Sacraments and by the example of a good life Let such of this calling take heed they be not the number of those whom our Lord speaks of by his Prophet Wo to the Pastours of Israel c. You did eate the milk and were covered with the wool and that which was fat you killed but my flock you fed not Consider 3. Our Lord foretold Peter his death and manner thereof which he was to suffer for his sake as a certain pledge of their mutual love that you might learn to esteem such sufferings and death it self as tokens of Gods love and special favor towards you as truely they are Therefore the Prophet said according to the Septuagint who are weyned from milk Is. 28.9 juxta Septuag expect tribulation upon tribulation hope upon hope c. That is you who are come to mans estate in Vertue and perfection expect tribulation upon tribulation that you may deserve for your reward hope upon hope Mat. 28.16 Our Lord appeareth to all the Disciples on the Mount COnsider 1. The unspeakable Goodness of our Lord who that he might comfort his friends to the full appointed them to repaire to a mountain of Gallile where they might all see him at once For probably this was that famous Apparition of which S. Paul mentioneth 1 Cor. 15.6 Then was he seen of more then five hundred Bretheren together Think with what fervor they all went to see our Lord. O that you would come with the like to receive him in the Holy Eucharist Ps. 26.3 Consider 2. How our Lord appearing unto them comforted and confirmed them in their faith and among other things said unto them All power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth He had the same Power from all eternity as God but received it now due to him as man in reward of his merits and sufferings Rejoyce that so
great power is reposed in him who loves you so intirely How well may you assure your self of his Protection and say with the Prophet If camps stand together against me my heart shall not fear If battell rise up against me in this will I hope Jac. 2.10 Consider 3. It followeth Going therefore teach ye all Nations baptizing them c. Where he instituted the Sacrament of Baptisme in place of Circumcision And as that was the dore or enterance in the antient Law so is Baptisme in the new but with far greater advantages of grace c. Observe likewise that Baptisme or faith alone sufficeth not to Salvation and that there is also required the observance of all the Commandements Teaching them to observe all things c. For whosoever offendeth in one is made guilty of all Therefore David said I was directed to all thy commandements Ps. 118.128 all wicked way I have hated Doe you the like Of other Apparitions within the fourty dayes Act. 1.3 COnsider 1. How our Lord as S. Luke saith Shewed himself alive after his Passion in many arguments for fourty days appearing c. So long would our Blessed Lord remain with them to confirm them the more in the beliefe of his Resurrection And during that time allthough he was ever present with them after an invisible manner yet visibly he appeared only at times that so like a tender mother he might use them by degrees to more solide though harder fare to wit the want of his corporal presence Ibid. Consider 2. How in these Apparitions saith S. Luke he spake of the Kingdom of God Not of vanities or curiosities or of things delightfull to sense nor of news nor of other worldly trifles but of purchasing the Kingdom of God and that by sufferings and Tribulations by mortification of our selves and violence according to that The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence Mat. 11.12 and the violent beare it away Learn hence to treat willingly of Heavenly things Moreover it is like our Lord in that time did teach the Apostles those things which they afterwards delivered to the Church by Tradition Beseech our Lord that he would vouchsafe to converse with you in the secret closet of your heart and there instruct you in his law Say with the Prophet Blessed art thou Ps. 118.12 O Lord teach me thy Justifications Consider 3. And reflect seriously upon your self how often God hath spoken within your heart concerning the Kingdom of God moving you both to the desire and purchase thereof by works of Perfection of Charity of Humility of Temperance and the like And you have not heard his voice Listen therefore to him hereafter least perhaps he bring upon you those plagues of which Moyses Our Lord shall increase thy plague Deut. 28. v. 59.62 c. Great plagues and continuing sore infirmities and perpetual c. Because thou heardst not the voice of our Lord thy God Of diverse Circumstances of Christs Apparitions Cant. 5. â— COnsider 1. Diverse Circumstances of these Apparitions which were made after the Resurrection for that allmost the like doe dayly happen in the interiour Visitation of the Soul 1. These Apparitions were not of continuance but short and by fits and more or less frequent according to the disposition and fervor of desire in the parties The same order our Lord observeth with a devoute Soul communicating himself unto her not allways or without intermission but at times and by fits only Inflame your self with his love that you may the oftener enjoy him and be able to say with the spouse If you shall find my beloved tell him that I languish with love Consider 2. He appeared for the most part unexpectedly and as sudenly he with drew himself and commonly made but a short stay whereby he nourished in them a desire of him self In the same manner he visits the faithfull Soul Whence saith S. Bernard Bern. in Canâ— ser 32. There may in this life be joy and content in the spouses presence but not satiety Therefore doe not expect to have your fill here but let it suffice you to have a taste only of the joys of his divine presence Ps. 16.15 You shall be filled with David when his glory shall appear Jo. 3.8 Consider 3. The time and place were different So it is in the interiour Visits of the Soul which happen sometimes in prayer sometimes in reading at other times in midst of buisiness and affairs For the spirit breatheth where he will Lastly at sometimes he appeared in a disguise as he did to Mary Magdalen and the two Disciples going to Emmaus sometimes in his own shape and figure at other times again he made himself known only by Angels In the same manner he manifesteth himself to us now immediately by himself and that apparently now obscurely now again by our Superiours Preachers c. Beseech him to open your eyes that you may know him in what manner soever he shall please to shew himself to you Say with the Spouse Cant. 1.7 Shew me where thou feedest where thou lyest in the midday Our Lord wil comfort Sion and all the ruines thereof and he will make her desert as delicacies Is 51.3 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Comforter of our Soul Ps. 33.20 COnsider 1. What is read in this days Ghospel I will see you again and your heart shall rejoyce and your joy no man shall take from you Jo. 16.22 Think how many are the tribulations of the Just in this life from within and without That all the delights of this world are but vaine and empty and that there is not any solid comfort or joy to be taken in any thing but in God alone who therefore by S. Paul is said to be the God of all comfort who comforteth us in all our tribulation 2 Cor. 1.3 Ps. 22.5 Consider 2. Christ in the Eucharist is properly the comforter of the afflicted Therefore David Thou hast prepared in my sight a table against them that trouble me And My chalice inebriating how goodly is it For the Holy Eucharist is a torrent of pleasure a river flowing with sweetness an Ocean of Spiritual delights inebriating the mind with unspeakable sweetness according to that of the Psalm Thou hast visited the Earth and hast inebriated it Ps. 64.10 thou hast multiplyed to inrich it If it doth not inebriat nor enrich you it is a sign you are not sufficiently disposed Ps. 93.19 Consider 3. The necessary disposition to enjoy this sweetness and these Spiritual comforts is 1. A perfect griefe for your sins For according to the multitude of my Sorrows in my heart saith David thy consolations have made my Soul joyfull 2. An aversion and loathing of the World with a hunger and longing desire of Heavenly things Therefore our Lord saith by Jeremy Jer. 31.25 I have inebriated the weary Soul and every hungry Soul I have
Mat. 12.34 COnsider 1. And they began to speak with several Tongues as the H. Ghost gave them to speak Ponder 1. The greatness of the Miracle poor Fishermen that were ignorant and unlearned speak the Languages of all Nations Ponder 2. What they speak of to wit the great works of Christ not of vain trifles or worldly rumors So those who are full of God speak not but of such things as are of God for Of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh See therefore whether or no thy speech doth bewray thee Mat. 26.73 and prove that thou art full of the World not of God Consider 2. The multitude came together and was astoniâ—hed in mind whereof some did believe but others deriding said that these are full of new wine So there will not be ever wanting those that will laugh at good works but we must not therefore leave off Beseech our Lord to make you drunk with the like wine for he whom Gods love doth inebriate saith S. Bernard knoweth how Jesus doth relish S. Bern. in Jubilo O how happy is that man whom he doth satiate there is not any thing lâ—ft him to desire Ephes 5.18 19. Consider 3. The effects which the Holy Ghost doth work in a faithful soul Be filled with the spirit speaking to your selves in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Canticles chanting and singing in your hearts to our Lord saith the Apostle See whether you do so at least excite and stir your self up to like actions Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost Part 1. COnsider 1. How bountiful the Divine Spirit is to us who having no need of us in the least notwithstanding doth liberally bestow upon us most precious and beneficial gifts which are as S. Thomas saith S. Tho. 1.2 q. 68. a. 4. c. Habits inabling a man to follow promptly the instinct of the Holy Ghost chiefly in order to Noble and Heroick Acts and are commonly accounted seven out of Isaie to wit The spirit of wisdom and understanding Is 11.2 the spirit of counsel and strength the spirit of knowledge and piety and the spirit of the fear of our Lord. Consider 3. These giâ—ts serve us as Spiritual Armour to strengthen our several infirmities for the spirit saith S. Paul helpeth our infirmity Rom. 8.26 Greg. Mor. l. 2. c. 27. Therefore he giveth us as S. Gregory teacheth wisdom against folly understanding against dulness counsel against rashness fortitude against fear science against ignorance piety against indevotion the fear of our Lord against pride Seq in Missa Consider 3. How much you are subject to these infirmities how foolishly you prefer the things of this life before Eternity how dull and heavy you are in things appertaining to the service of God and so of the rest Beseech the Divine Spirit to arm you with the even-fold Shield of his gifts Say with the Church Come holy Spirit send forth a beam of your heavenly light c. Of the gifts of the Holy Ghost Part 2. COnsider 1. By the foresaid gifts we are not only holpen against whatsoever infirmities for the avoiding of evil but also provided with excellent helps for the obtaining of good 1. Wisdom helpeth to understand the divine perfections of God and that with gust and affections of love 2. Understanding to penetrate the mysteries of faith and the profound secrets that lye hidden therein S. Knowledge to contemplate with profit created things as they proceed from and lead us to God and inform our life and manners Sap. 9.14 Consider 2. We are also helped by Counsel in our doubts and perplexities For the cogitations of mortal men be fearful and our providences uncertain And as a woman that travelâ—eth Eccli 34.6 thy heart suffereth phantasies unless it be a Vision sent forth from the Highest And because it is dangerous to trust to our selves by the gift of Counsel we are moved to let our selves be led by others especially Superiours and spiritual Directors according to that Establish with thy self an heart of good counsel Eccli 37.17 18. and perswade your self that the soul of a holy man uttereth true things c. Prov. 8.13 Consider 3. By Fortitude we are encouraged to undergo manfully whatsoever difficulties and dangers in Gods service and with an undaunted courage to suffer torments and Martyrdome By Piety we are informed to carry our selves as children towards our Superiours as Mothers towards our Inferiours with the bowels of charity and as Brethren to our Equals Lastly The fear of our Lord hateth evil and preserves us from sin even the least Because he that feareth God Eccl. 7.19 neglecteth nothing Therefore beg these gifts of our Lord who giveth to all men abundantly Jac. 1.5 Of the fruits of the Holy Ghost Galat. 5.22 23. COnsider 1. The Holy Ghost is like a great Tree whose top reacheth to heaven and whose branches shadow the whole earth its fruits are recounted by the Apostle twelve in number The fruit of the spirit is Charity Joy Peace Patience Benignity Goodness Longanimity Mildness Faith Modesty Continency Chastity These are most precious fruit and fall of all sweetness And his fruit saith the Spouse was sweet to my throat Cant. 2.3 Mat. 7.16 Consider 2. And examine your self whether you have the Spirit of God and whether you be partaker of his fruits for by their fruits you shall know them saith Christ Think therefore with your self how charitable you are how patient mild and modest and so of the rest for if you find your self destitute of these it is a sign the divine spirit hath for as yet overshadowed you nor come into you for he that liveth in the spirit Gal. 5.25 in the spirit also walketh Sap. 1.5 Consider 3. The prime disposition requisite for the receiving the Holy Ghost is a pure intention of serving God in all things for his own sake not for worldly respects for as the wise man saith The Holy Ghost of discipline will fly from him that feigneth Wherefore endeavour to please him in all things and to conform your self to the discipline of the place and calling you are of and that not in the outward shew only but sincerely and from the heart Of the manner of life which the Holy Ghost inspired into the first Christians Act. 2.42 COnsider 1. They were persevering in the Doctrine of the Apostles and in the communication of the breaking of bread and of prayers for chiefly by these three things spiritual life is nourished and encreased to wit 1. By hearing or reading the Word of God 2. By frequenting the Sacraments and principally that of the Altar 3. By continual prayer Do you likewise insist chiefly upon these Consider 2. Their living in common All they also that believed were together Ibid. v. 44. and had all things common Their Charity and mutual concord And the multitude of believers had one heart Act. 4.32 and one soul
Their Evangelical Poverty for love of which As many as were owners of lands or houses sold Ibid. 34 35 and bought the prices of those things which they sold and laid it before the feet of the Apostles c. Neither did any one say Sup. v. 32. that ought was his own of those things which he possessed but all things were common to them Act. 2.46 47. Consider 3. The rest of their life they were daily also continuing with one accord in the Temple and breaking bread from house to house as well the Eucharistical bread in Communion as common bread in Hospitality they took their meat with joy and simplicity of heart praising God and having grace with all the people How far are we off from the like fervour assiduity of prayer and simplicity of heart Let us therefore imitate their example that we may come to enjoy their company in heaven Lord if I have found grace in thy sight go not past thy servant Gen. 18.3 Trinity Sunday Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Second Person of the most Blessed Trinity Isa 6.3 COnsider 1. What Faith teacheth us concerning this most sacred mystery to wit three Persons subsistent in one single Nature or Essence of Divinity the Father unbegotten his only begotten Son and the Holy Ghost proceeding from both Imagine your self to see innumerable millions of Saints and Angels in heaven prostrate before the Throne of the Divinity with most prefound reverence and admiration of this incomprehensible Mystery and continually singing forth Holy holy holy the Lord God of Hosts Consider 2. The Second Person of this Sacred Trinity will abide with you this day and with him the other two the Father and the H. Ghost who being the self-same in Nature with the Son Suar. 2. p. to 3. disâ— 51. See 6. in a special manner are also present in the Eucharist What entertainment therefore will be sitting for such Guests what care of neatness and adorning your self with acts of virtue Consider 3. With what servour humility and devotion Abraham entertained the three Angels who represented the B. Trinity He received three but adored only one saith S. Augustine saying Aug. l. 16. c. 29. Civit. Lord if I have found grace in thy sight go not past thy servant Then himself ran to the Herd took from thence one of the best Calves and caused it to be boiled and set before them Do you the like and present your guests with the best you have to wit your heart well prepared by the sire of Charity and say with the Church In Offic. ss Triritatis Blessed be the holy and undivided Trinity now and ever and world without end Of the first Person of the B. Trinity or of the Eternal Father 2 Cor. 4.4 Heb. 1.3 COnsider 1. The Eternal Father as Faith teacheth is the Fountain and Origin of the other persons in the B. Trinity for understanding himself by an Intuitive Vision he begetteth the Eternal Word that is a most perfect and substantial Image of himself which is the Son the Image of God and the figure of his substance And again together with the Son by mutual love breatheth forth the Holy Ghost communicating unto them both his entire Nature without division retaining in himself his own proper personality uncommunicated Admire the sublimeness of this Mystery stir your self up to acts of Faith and acknowledge how weak mans understanding is to comprehend divine things O depth of the riches of the wisdome Rom. 11.33 I and of the knowledge of God c. Consider 2. Although all exteriour works of God are common to the whole Trinity notwithstanding those of Power and Omnipotency are appropriated to the Father such are the Creation Conservation and Government of the World whence you may learn both how much you ought to love him who created you and for your sake produced this admirable Structure of the Universe and how much reason you have to fear him Mat. 10.28 who in a moment can destroy both soul and body into hell Jo. 16.27 Consider 3. This Father and Lord of all things notwithstanding the greatness of his Majesty stoopeth so low beneath himself for love of us who at the best are but his Slaves and Vassals as to make us his children and heirs by adoption For the Father himself loveth you saith Christ Nay God so loved the world Jo. 3.16 that he gave bis only begotten Son for its redemption See therefore how much reason you have to love and reverence with your whole heart and with all your strength so loving a Father Of the Second Person of the B Trinity or of the Son Is 53.8 COnsider 1. That as Faith teacheth the Son was begotten from all Eternity without the least difference of time or point of inequality for he is Consubstantial Coeternal and in all things equal to the Father he is properly the Word of the Divine Intellect expressing in himself the whole substance of the Divinity the which being made as it were Vocal by the Incarnation declared unto us the secret Mysteries of the Father Who shall declare his generation Neither the Angels themselves can comprehend this unspeakable Procession Therefore what you cannot conceive either by sense or reason believe with a firm faith and rejoyce for the glory of the Son equal in all things with the Father Consider 2. The Sons love towards mankind who to redeem his Slave delivered himself over to death For us men and for our salvation Symb. Nicen he descended from heaven and was incarnate and born and that in so humble and contemptible a manner God was made man that man might be made God Aug. Ser. 9. de Nat. Leo Ser. 6. de Nat. Or as S. Leo saith Christ was made the Son of man that we might be made the Sons of God O ineffable love O incomprehensible favour Consider 3. How you may requite so great a love Doubtless it requires that you both reverence his divine person with the greatest devotion and respect and with as great tenderness love that sacred humanity which he took upon him and nailed to the Cross for your sake Say with S. Bernard S. Bern. Ser. 1. de Epiph. The more vile he is become for me so much the more dear he is to me and take heed least by sinning you alienate from your self so loving a friend Of the Third Person of the B. Trinity or of the Holy Ghost Pref. Miss COnsider 1. The Holy Ghost as the Third Person of the B. Trinity proceeding from the Father and the Son but coeternal and consubstantial to them both of equal power wisdom and so of the other divine Attributes For there is as the Church singeth Propriety in the Persons unity in the Essence and Equality in Majesty Do you also reverence and honour this divine person and joyn your voice with the Seraphins crying out Holy Is 6.3 holy
holy c. Consider 2. The Holy Ghost appeared over our Lord in the form of a Dove both to express his love towards us for the Dove is a Symbol of sociable love and withall to teach us mildness and simplicity in our life and actions To him likewise are attributed the works of our Justification the distribution of Graces and the benefits of Inspirations and Illuminations The spirit breatheth where he will Jo. 3.8 and thou hearest his voice That you may hence see how much you stand in need of his divine help and protection 1 Cor. 6.19 Consider 3. The Holy Ghost doth not only communicate the gifts of his Grace but also his own substance and person to the Just inhabiting and abiding in them after a special manner as Divines teach according to that of the Apostle Know you not that your members are the Temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you See therefore that you make not his Temple a Den of Thieves by sin Beg of him by continual prayer that he would wash away what is unclean in you Seq in Missa de S. Spiritu water what is dry heal what is wounded bend what is stiff and unruly cherish what is cold and faint and redress whatsoever is amiss Corpus Christi Day He hath made a memory of his admirable works c. He hath given meat to them that fear him Ps 110.4.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Instituter of the most Blessed Sacrament Eccli 39.27 COnsider 1. How much you are bound to Christ for instituting so admirable and beneficial a Mystery from which as from a Fountain all manner of good doth flow For the Eucharist 1. Is properly a sacrifice for our sins 2. Spiritual food to keep us in heart 3. A lively Memorial of our Lords Passion 4. The Spring and Fountain of all grace and virtue His blessing saith Ecclesiasticus hath overflowed as a stream Supra Consider 2. This divine Instuter who several ways had shewed himself wonderful in his other works would in this single one imploy all the treasures of his power and wisdom for in the Eucharist there are discovered 1. His infinite wisdome in inventing so admirable a food 2. The like power in the Transubstantiation of Bread and Wine 3. His goodness in communicating himself and penetrating our very bowels in the nature of meat and drink 4. His liberality in giving himself wholly to each one even to the wicked 5. Patience in permitting himself to be unworthily handled and even trodden under feet sometimes by the wicked and so of other virtues He hath made a memory of his marvellous works c. He hath given meat to them that fear him Seq in Missa Consider 3. Hence the Church with good reason these days doth celebrate the memory of this Mystery with great pomp and solemnity If the Ark of God formerly was carried with so great state the King himself dancing all the way before it how much more honour doth the H. Eucharist deserve Go forth therefore to meet it in the best array of your Soul praise honour and thank the Author of it At least do what you are able because he is above all praise and you cannot praise him sufficiently Of the H. Eucharist compared with the Manna Part 1. COnsider 1. Nothing in the Antient Law was more wonderful then the Manna which for fourty years together fell daily from heaven for the sustenance of the people whence David said of it He hath made a memory of his marvellous works c. Consider therefore twelve admirable proprieties of it Ps 110.4 in a far more perfect manner expressed in the Eucharist 1. The Manna was bread but without seed or tillage not growing out of the earth but coming down from heaven So the H. Eucharist This is the bread that came down from heaven Jo. 6.58 And the sacred Body of Christ which is contained therein proceeded not by humane generation but from the Virgin alone and by the divine influence of the Holy Ghost 2. The Manna was made only by Angels whence it was called The bread of Angels Ps 77.25 Malac. 2.7 and the Eucharist only by Priests who are the Angels of the Lord of Hosts upon earth 3. The Manna contained in it self alone All delectation and the sweetness of all tast Sap. 16.20 Cyp. tract de Coena Dom. so the Eucharist surpasseth saith S. Cyprian all delicacies prepared for the tast and all the dainties of sweet meats 4. The Manna in such variety of tast and delight yet did relish differently to each one according as they desired For serving every mans will it was turned to that that every man would Sap. 16.21 so the Eucharist affordeth whatsoever virtue any one can desire to some Humility to others Chastity and so of the rest 5. The sweetness of the Manna was hidden and enjoyed only by the just whence the wicked complained saying Our soul now loatheth at this most light meat Num. 21.5 so with sinners the Eucharist relisheth no better then ordinary bread and therefore is called a hidden Manna 6. The Manna was like to the seed of Coriander whose property it is said to be that though it be broken into never so many pieces yet it retains in every one the whole virtue or strength of the seed so the Eucharist though broken into a thousand parts still as much will remain in one single parcel Seq in Missa as was before in the whole Of the H. Eucharist compared with the Manna Part 2. Exod. 16.18 COnsider the other Proprieties 7. Therefore Manna was given in an equal measure to every one Neither he that gathered more had above nor he that gathered less found under so in the Eucharist one takes a thousand takes but as much he Seq in Missa as they c. 8. The Manna was to be gathered betimes Exod. sup 21. before the Sun rising otherwise it presently melted away although within doors it would endure both fire and Mortar Sap. 16.28 That it might be known to all men saith the wise man that we ought to prevent the Sun to bless thee so the Eucharist doth impart its sweetness not to slothful and sluggish people but to the fervent Prov. 8.18 They that watch toward me shall find me 9. The Manna in an equal proportion served as well men as children old and young Exod. sup 18. so the Eucharist still the same in it self doth work differently in all according to their capacity and the disposition they bring 10. The Manna being kept only till the next day out of covetousness became full of worms Exod. sup 20. 32. and putrified yet being laid up by Gods Command in a Golden Vessel lasted incorrupt for many Generations so the Eucharist to them that receive it unworthily turneth to corruption and to their greater judgment and damnation but in the golden vessel of
thee my vowes which my lips have distinguished Ps 65.13 Consider Christ as an Offering and a Sacrifice Ephes 5.2 COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Gospel Mat. 5.24 If thou offer thy gift at the Altar c. The Eucharist of all other is the most excellent Offering that can be made wherein the Body and Blood of Christ are offered to God as a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the living and the dead For Christ loved us and delivered himself for us an Oblation and Host to God in an odour of sweetness as the Apostle saith What a treasure therefore have we in such a gift Oblation and Sacrifice Consider 2. This Divine Sacrifice hath three Excellencies above all the Sacrifices of the Old Law S. Tho. opusc 58. c. 4. 1. In the exteriour decorum as being more seemly and decent and without effusion of blood 2. In the interiour worth and dignity for that in others only beasts were offered in this the Son of God himself 3. As to the effects for this Sacrifice hath virtue and efficacy for the good of the living in this world for freeing the dead out of Purgatory and for the glory of the Blessed in Heaven Lev. 21.23 Consider 3. For due preparation to offer this Sacrifice is required 1. Singular Purity according to that Let him not approach to the Altar that hath a blemish and he must not contaminate my Sanctuary 2. And chiefly Fraternal Charity and Union as is intimated in this days Gospel Mat. sup If thou offer thy gift c. go first to be reconciled to thy Brother c. This was required in all Sacrifices but is chiefly necessary in the Holy Eucharist which was principally instituted to unite us all together as Members of the same Body under one Head and therefore by the Councel of Trent it is called the Seal of Vnity the Bond of Charity Conc. Trid. Sess 13. c. 8 and the Symbol of Concord Of the Apostles first Vocation Jo. 1.36 Part 1. Rom. 11 33. COnsider 1. Christ going about to chuse his Disciples by whom he would instruct the whole World went not to Hiecusalem nor Rome nor Athens to make his choice of Wife Noble and Rich men whom if he had so pleased he might easily have drawn to himself as he did the three Sages from the East but would chuse such as were poor simple and contemptible in the sight of the world O Depth of the riches of the Wisdom and of the Knowledge of God! What man now-a-daies would make such a choice Christ did it 1. For the commendation of Humility which was necessary for his Disciples 2. For the manifestation of the Divine Power in working great things by weak Instruments 1 Cor. 1.27 The foolish things of the world hath God chosen that he may confound the wise Consider 2. How even these men were chosen by our Lord not assembling the people and publickly selecting his Disciples out of that number for the greater Authority of his Preaching but without any noise or stir and as if he had lighted upon them by chance So two of Johns Disciples hearing that commendation from their Masters mouth Behold the Lamb of God and as they were following Christ he turned to them and most courteously asked What seek you and having brought them home with him invited them to a further acquaintance Learn to prevent others in courtesie and civility and to deal your affairs solidly well but with little noise and ostentation Eccli 17.12 Consider 3. One of these Disciples was S. Andrew who being inflamed with the love of God was desirous presently to set others on fire Therefore finding out his Brother Peter bringeth him to Christ saying We have found Messias You also by Gods great mercy before many of your time have found out the Messias in the Catholique Church Do you likewise endeavour by means suitable to your calling to bring many others to him For as the wise man saith God gave them Commandment every one concerning his Neighbour Of the Apostles first Vocation Jo. 1.43 Part 2. COnsider 1. On the morrow he would go forth into Galilee and he fiâ—deth Philippe c. Many others our Lord found in the way but Philippe after a special manner and selected him for Eternal Life saying Follow me who presently followed him Think how many able and famous men in your Country our Lord permitteth to perish in their Errours and hath singled you out of so many thousands like another Philippe and hath made you as a chosen arrow Is 49.2 In his Quiver he hath hidden you See therefore you follow our Lord as Philippe did and do not undervalue so great a benefit Greg. Consider 2. Philippe findeth Nathanael and saith to him c. The love of God is not idle but worketh great things where it is or else if it worketh not saith S. Gregory it is not at all So Philippe as soon as he came to know Christ hastened to bring others to him Ponder those words of Christ Behold an Israelite in very deed in whom there is no guile Examine your self whether you be such walking with a pure intention in the sight of God Eccli 3.28 for a heart that goeth two ways shall not have success saith Ecclesiasticus Consider 3. Christ told Nathanael what he secretly did under the Fig-tree c. Whence you may learn that all things lye open to the eyes of God even those which you do by your self alone in the most secret corner of your Chamber and of your heart and see that you behave your self worthily in his sight Ponder also the Noble Confession of Nathanael Rabbi thou art the Son of God thou art the King of Israel and stir your self up to like acts of Faith Confession and Reverence Of the second Vocation of S. Peter and S. Andrew Mat. 4. Luc. 4. COnsider 1. Jesus walking by the Sea of Galilee saw two brethren c. The first calling was only to a familiarity as S. Augustine affirmeth whence afterward they returned to their imployment of Fishing The second was to leave all to follow our Lord and to be his Disciples so a Soul is disposed by degrees to Perfection Ponder those words Come ye after me and I will make you to be Fishers of men You must follow the footsteps of Christ if you intend to be a Fisher of men Consider 2. What a dignity it is to be a Fisher of men If it be gainful to fish for Pearl and precious stones how much more to fish for and gain Souls to our Lord which himself bought at the price of his own precious Blood Of all divine things saith S. Denys the most divine is S. Dion de Eccl. Hierarchia c. 3. to cooperate with God towards the salvation of souls Think how you may also concur to so glorious an end according to the state and calling you are of and fit your Spiritual Nets for catching this
of all occasions of doing good and that in all manner of distress according to our ability 3. They ought to be performed with an interiour pious affection Think how you are wont to be in these especially the spiritual works Mercy Mat. 11.28 Consider 2. The example of Christ in these particulars 1. As to all sorts of persons therefore he said Come ye to me all without exception that labour and are burthened and I will refresh you 2. As to all occasions of doing good therefore He was teaching daily in the Temple Luc. 19.47 Act. 10.39 And He went throughout doing good and bealing all that were oppressed of the Devil 3. He performed all with a most tender affection like to the Samaritan Luc. 10.30 c. who bound his wounds that fell among thieves therefore go and do thou in like manner Luc. 6.38 Consider 3. The Reward For they shall obtain mercy as well in this life both for body and soul as in the life to come likewise for both and that after a perfect manner and indeed with the same measure that you do mete it shall be measured to you again Think how much you stand in need of Gods Mercy What would become of you if he should deal with you according to your deserts Be merciful therefore and that in all the works of mercy that you may obtain mercy Judgment without mercy to him saith S. James that hath not done mercy Jac. 2.13 Of the sixth Beatitude Blessed are the clean of heart c. Mat. 5.8 1 Tim. 1. â— COnsider 1. Cleanness of heart consisteth 1. In being free from all sin both Mortal and Venial 2. In the frequent exercise of holy thoughts 3. In the purity of a right intention doing nothing with dissimulation or with intention to appear before men Therefore the Apostle requireth of us Charity from a pure heart and a good conscience and a faith not feigned Examine your self how you are in these particulars 1 Pet. 2.22 Sap. 7.26 Consider 2. Christs example who as S. Peter saith did no sin neither was guile found in his mouth Therefore he is also called The brightness of Eternal Light the unspotted glass of Gods Majesty and the Image of his goodness And did often rebuke the Scribes and Pharisees Mat. 23 2â— Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees Hypocrites because you make clean that on the outside of the cup and dish but within you are full of rapine and uncleanness See whether you imitate Christ or rather the Pharisees in your actions Sap. 1.4 5. Consider 3. The Reward For they shall see God O what a happiness it will be to see God! Neither eye hath seen nor ear heard c. Labour therefore to obtain this purity of heart which the greater it is the perfecter will be your Vision and Essential Happiness Even in this life such shall have a clearer knowledge of God and divine things On the contrary Wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul nor dwell in a soul subject to sins And the Holy Ghost of discipline will fly from him that feigneth saith the wise man Of the seventh Beatitude Blessed are the Peace-makers Mat. 5.9 c. COnsider 1. There are four several ways of making peace The first is to make peace with ones self by subjecting the Flesh to the Spirit and the Sensual Appetite to Reason The second is to keep peace with others to hurt none to give no body occasion of complaint The third is to pacifie and make agree those that are at variance The fourth and most excellent of all others is to reconcile souls to God Think how you carry your self in these Is 9.6 Consider 2. The example of Christ who therefore came down from Heaven that he might be out Mediator for peace and is therefore called A peaceable King and Prince of Peace At his first entrance into the world he brought Peace with him And in earth Luc. 2.14 peace to men of good will And at his going forth of it again he left us his Peace as a Legacy saying Jo. 14.27 Peace I leave to you my peace I give to you c. Lastly he would have his Disciples to salute all with the word of peace Peace to this house And himself after his Resurrection Luc. 10.5 used the like salutation to them Phil. 4.7 Consider 3. The Reward For they shall be called the Children of God Think what a dignity it is to be the Son of Almighty God If it be thought a great matter to be the Son of some earthly Prince how much more to have the Heavenly King and Lord of all for his Father Wherefore Almighty God doth after a special manner love cherish and protect these Peace-makers as his own children See how you keep peace within your self with God and with your Neighbour and do your endeavour that the Peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your heart aad intelligence Of the eighth Beatitude Blessed are they that suffer Persecution Mat. 5.10 c. 1 Pet. 4.16 COnsider 1. These four things 1. Under the Name of Persecution are comprehended all manner of injuries afflictions and incommodities in our fortunes honor and life 2. These are raised by the Devil or his Ministers Sometimes also through mistake God so permitting by the Just 3. They are inflicted for Justice sake when one suffereth them for the exercise of virtue and incompliance with his proper duties both towards God and men 4. In such occasions they are to be suffered not only patiently but also joyfully for the greatness of the reward Therefore S. Peter saith Let none of you suffer as a Murderer or a Thief or a Railer c. but if as a Christian let him not be ashamed but let him glorifie God in this Name Consider 2. The Example of Christ who endured all manner of injuries and incommodities in his honour in his goods in his person for a cause which on his part was the most just that could be to wit for the publishing his most wholesome and Divine Law and bringing Mankind back from the dirt and mire of Vice whereinto he was fallen to the way of Eternal Salvation Exod. 25.40 Therefore look and do according to the pattern Rom. 8.18 Consider 3. The Reward For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven And again Be glad and rejoyce for your reward is very great in Heaven Ponder well the greatness or this Reward and how true is that of the Apostle The passions of this time are not condigne to the glory to come that shall be revealed in us Of those words of our Lord Mat. 5.13 You are the Salt of the Earth c. COnsider 1. Salt doth both season Meat and preserve it from Corruption So it is the part of all Apostolical men to preserve Souls from the corruption of sin and besides to render the exercise of Virtue savoury and pleasant unto them
How few are there that would do so now-a-days But Christ did it to reach us to fly honours as much as lieth in us and to affect humility and lowliness See how you are in this point and whether you do not rather seek after such things as bear a lustre and greatness in the eyes of the world or at least prefer your self before your Companions and Neighbours Mat. 14.23 Consider 3. What our Lord did on the Mountain He ascended saith S. Matthew into a Mountain alone to pray It was his uâ—ual custome to retire himself far off from the multitudes to pray and this for our example for he stood not in need of prayer for himself but was continually beholding the Face of God by the Beatifical Vision Imitate therefore this example of our Lord and endeavour to joyn the contemplative life with the active Eccli 18.22 Be not hindered saith Ecclesiasticus to pray always Of Holy Communion Our Lord shall bind up the wound of his people and shall heal the stroak of their wound Is 30.26 Consider Christ as the good Samaritan COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Luc. 10.30 Of a man who fell among Thieves that wounded him and of the Samaritan that bound up his wounds Consider how this man was Adam the Thieves the Devils who by Original Sin dispoiled him and us all in him of all grace and other free gifts and wounded him as Divines teach in his Natural Faculties in the Understanding by Ignorance in the Will by Malice in the Irascible Power by Weakness in the Concupiscible by unlawful Concupiscence and these are the four Wounds of our Nature S. Tho. 1.2 q. 85. ar 3. as S. Thomas teacheth Such therefore is your state and condition Zachar. 9.17 COnsider 2. The Pious Samaritan will come to you this day in the Holy Eucharist to bind your wounds and take care of you He will powre into your Soul Wine springing Virgins and the Oyl of his Mercy wherewith he doth comfort Sinners He will lay a Salve of his own Sacred Flesh to your wounds and unless you put a hinderance he will enlighten your Understanding like to the Honey by which Jonathas his eyes were illuminated 1 Reg. 14.27 Is 6.6 He will refine and rectifie your Will like to the burning hot Coal which cleansed the lips of Isait He will strengthen and enable you to endure hard things like to the Loaf that strengthened Elias Lastly 3 Reg. 19.8 he will temper the heat of Concupiscence like to the Manna which lay upon the ground Exod. 16.14 like unto the hoar frost Is 64.1 Consider 3. How much you ought to wish for that hour wherein this Samaritan is to come to you say with the Prophet Would God thou wouldest break the Heavens in sunder and wouldest descend and with that other Prophet Jer. 17.14 Heal me O Lord and I shall be healed save me and I shall be saved and above all be sure to entertain him with hearty love that cometh so lovingly to you Of Christs allaying the Tempest Mat. 8. Mar. 4. Luc. 8. Marc. 4.38 COnsider 1. Christ went with his Disciples into the Boat to pass over the Lake and while they were sailing he was in the hinder part of the Boat sleeping upon a Pillow Our Lord betakes himself to sleep though but for a while to shew himself subject to humane infirmities In the mean time there ariseth a Tempest the Boat is in danger the Disciples are troubled So Almighty God doth often permit us to be tossed with temptations and almost overwhelmed while he in the mean time in a manner sleepeth that is deferreth his peculiar assistance thereby to humble us and force us the more earnestly to implore his help Consider 2. The Disciples seeing themselves in danger came to him and raised him saying Lord save us Mat. 8.25 Marc. sup we perish And Master doth it not pertain to thee that we perish So ought we with a filial confidence to have recourse to our Lord in our temptations and to say with the Psalmist Arise why sleepest thou O Lord arise and expel us not to the end Ps 43.23 Observe moreover how our Lord being awakened reprehended his Disciples for their little confidence in him See whether he may not justly accuse you for the same Consider 3. How Christ rising up Mat. sup commanded the Winds and the Sea and there ensiled a great Calm So all Creatures even the Irrational obey their Creator Man alone is refractory to his Commands deaf and obstinate to his Councels and hard to be gained by any fair means Be sorry for having often been such and be sure to mend your self for the future Ps 94.9 And even to day if you shall hear his Voice harden not your heart Christ upon the Water Mat. 14.22 c. COnsider 1. Christ commanded his Disciples to go up into the Boat and to go before him over the water while he himself ascended into a Mountain alone to pray In the mean time there arose again a Tempest the Boat was tossed with waves Mar. 6.48 and they labouring in rowing Thus we are to suffer temptations over and over again wherein we must not neglect our selves but take the Oars in our hands use all our endeavours and betake our selves to prayer and the like Our Lord came to his Disciples at last walking upon the Sea to shew his Power He will also be at hand to assist us and be an helper in opportunities Ps 9.10 in tribulation Consider 2. The Disciples seeing our Lord walk upon the Sea said that it is a Ghost Mat. sup So many hold Christ for a Phantasm solid virtue for old Wives devotions interiour inspirations for the effects of a melanchollick humour Others on the contrary take their own Fantasies for Christ their Dreams for Revelations their Passions for Virtues Anger for Zeal and their own Private Interest for Gods greater Honour We must therefore avoid both Extremes and follow that counsel of the Apostle Believe not every spirit 1 Jo. 4.1 but prove the spirits if they be of God Consider 3. Those words of Christ It is I fear ye not Mat. sup It was a sufficient inducement to them of casting off all fear to hear him say It is I that is I who but a little before miraculously sed five thousand I who allayed the like Tempest by commanding the Winds and Sea and do now walk upon the waters c. Rejoyce for having so powerful a Helper and Refuge in your necessities Peter walketh upon the Waters Mat. 14.28 COnsider 1. The fervour of S. Peter who as soon as he understood it was our Lord was presently inflamed with an ardent desire of being with him saying Lord if it be thou bid me come to thee upon the Waters A true Lover knoweth not how to be separated from the Party he loveth and overcometh all
also the Soul of the Son is mine No Lord is so perfectly Master of any thing as God is of you for he hath an absolute Dominion over you 1. By the Title of Creation 2. Of Perpetual Conservation 3. Of Purchase having bought you 4. Of your own voluntary subjection in Baptisme Rejoyce that you have so great and powerful a Lord S. Ambr. in 1 Tim. 1. for as S. Ambrose saith it is an honour to be servant to some great Lord. Deut. 32.18 Consider 2. The Dominion over any thing is nothing else but a right to dispose of it at ones pleasure Think therefore how often you have violated this right that God hath in you not permitting him to dispose of you at his pleasure and what is worse you have been rebellious against him by sin O how often have you sold your self to the Devil his Capital Enemy God that begat thee thou hast forsaken and hast forgotten our Lord thy Creator Think well of this and be confounded Consider 3. This your Lord will come to you to day in the Eucharist to take a fuller possession of you as his own for although he stands not in any need of you yet he will have you wholly to himself The Lord thy God shalt thou adore Mat. 4.10 Deut. sup and him only shalt thou serve Wherefore renounce all other Leagues with the Flesh the World and the Devil which are against him Present him anew wich the keys of your heart ask him pardon of your former disloyalty and let him freely dispose of you in all things Lastly let your care hereafter be to please him alone in whatsoever you do for no man can serve two Masters Of Conversions and Cures wrought by Christ Of the Conversion of S. Mary Magdalen Part 1. Luc. 7.37 COnsider 1. And behold a woman that was in the City a sinner c. A sinner that is by dishonesty although it be not specified because the Apostle would not have it named by us Ephes 5.3 so unbeseeming is the very name much more the thing is self in them that pretend Virtue and Sanctity 'T is probable she heard our Lord preach and being touched to the heart with repentance not expecting opportunity of time or place S. Aug. lib. 50. Homil. 13. Eccli 5.8 rushed in as S. Augustine affirmeth to the banquet Wherefore do you likewise after sin flack not to be converted to our Lord and defer not from day to day Consider 2. The fervour of her Penance wherein is discovered unto us an admirable Faith in Christ his Divinity and Power of forgiving sins 2. Humility not caring to suffer confusion before men she stood behind beside our Lords feet as deeming her self unworthy of his sight Luc. sup 3. The greatness of her love expressing extraordinary signs of grief with tears kissing and anealing his Sacred Feet 4. Contempt of worldly things making her precious oyntments and her very hair and eyes instruments of Penance which before had been of Vanity that she might punish her self in the same things wherein she had formerly sinned Ps 61.10 Consider 3. The Pharisees rash judgment in reproving Christ for letting himself be touched by a sinful woman whence you may learn that there is no action so holy that is not liable to wrong censures Most true it is the children of men are lyars in their balances that is in their judgments that you may accustom your self not to regard them when they are opposite to true Piety and Devotion Of S. Mary Magdalens Conversion Luc. 7. Part 2. Luc. 7.41 COnsider 1. Christs Wisdom in reproving the Pharisee his Entertainer which he did with all modesty and sweetness as is fitting to do to persons of Authority for avoiding offence He proposeth a Parable of two Debtors to one Creditor God is the Creditor all we are Debtors some more some less neither have we any means to make satisfaction but by the Merits of Christ The greater therefore the Debt is that is forgiven us the greater obligation we have of love and gratitude See how great your Debt is and consequently what obligation you have Consider 2. Doest thou see this woman Ibid. v. 44. He confounds the Pharisees and withall our pride by the example of a sinful woman for she acknowledging the favour done her in remitting her great Debt shewed more love then those who little regarding their lesser debts were cold in affection Ask your self often that question Do you see this woman and be ashamed for being so far behind her in your love to God and in works of Penance who perhaps have received greater favours at his hands Take heed you be not one of those of whom Christ speaketh in those words Publicans and whores shall go before you in the Kingdom of God Mat. 21.31 Ps 31.5 Consider 3. Magdalens Discharge Thy sins are forgiven thee O with what joy must she needs be filled when she heard those comfortable words Ponder the efficacy of Contrition which in a moment blotteth our all the sins of ones former life Stir your self up to the like as often as you go to the Sacrament of Confession and as you have followed Magdalen in sin so follow her likewise in Penance Confess against thy self thine injustice to our Lord and he will forgive the impiety of thy sin Of the Samaritan Womans Conversion Jo. 4.6 c. Part 1. Sap. 6.14 COnsider 1. Jesus therefore wearied of his journey sate so upon the Fountain for he travelled on foot like a good Shepherd seeking his loft sheep and among other corporal miseries admitted also weariness and thirst But see with what patience he endured them both He sat therefore upon the Fountain well knowing what would follow thereby not so much taking rest as occasion of befitting others for Wisdom preventeth them that covet her that she may first shew her self unto them O how often doth she prevent you and you mind it not Consider 2. There coming a certain Woman and a sinner to draw water Christ preventeth her saying Gave me to drink She refuseth and withall accuseth him How doest thou being a Jew ask of me to drink c. So many reject Christ while he moves them interiourly and seeks to be entertained and refreshed with their virtues our Lord did not therefore desist from helping this sinner but offered her living water to drink of Thou perhaps wouldest have asked of him and he would have given thee living water Consider 3. The Excellency of this Water that is of Divine Grace which our Lord promiseth to his faithful He that shall drink of the water that I will give him shall not thirst for ever c. 1. Therefore it quencheth our thirst and that for ever 2. It doth so fill the Soul that it lets it not thirst after any other water to wit of earthly comforts 3. It becometh a Fountain of all good to the Soul ever flowing and giving
for which respect we ought to be very cautious left we make other mens sins our own for that they often take their beginning from ours Look therefore well about your self and see whether you are wont to give others bad example in any kind for woe be to that man by whom scandal cometh Mat. 18.7 Of the Treasure hid in the Field Mat. 13.44 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is like a Treasure hid in a Field This Treasure saith S. Gregory Greg. Hom 11. in Evang Mat. 11.25 is the desire of Heaven or love of Virtue and heavenly things and is said to be hidden in the field of this world for that all know not the value of it Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them to little ones Whence it is that most men abhor Humility and Poverty as vile and contemptible things Beseech our Lord so to open your eyes that you may be able to discover this Treasure Consider 2. How this Treasure is to be kept which a man having found did hide it saith Christ We must therefore lay it up closely in our hearts and cover it with the Vail of Humility from the praises of men and vain glory lest thereby it come to be taken from us and vanish away Examine your self whether you do so or whether you do not rather vainly boast and brag at every turn for what you think your self to have Our way to Heaven is beset with many Thieves and he desires to be robbed saith S. Gregory that carrieth his Treasure in open view Hide it therefore what you can Greg. sup that so you may keep it long Luc. 14.33 Consider 3. This Treasure cannot be otherwise purchased then by buying it and that with the sale not of some one or more things but of all whatsoever we have He goeth and selleth all that he hath and buyeth it And Christ in another place pronounceth Every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth cannot be my Disciple We must therefore leave all things of this world at least in affection to attain to a perfect enjoyment of Christ and think that well left for which we gain a hundred fold and that more then a hundred times over Of the Pearl Mat. 13.45 Luc. 19.13 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a Merchant-man seeking good Pearls We are all Merchants in this life therefore Christ in the Parable of the Talents said Occupy till I come that is to judgment All men indeed seek Pearls but some take them for Temporal Enjoyments others for Learning and Sciences others again for honors but they are all mistaken these are false Pearl nor have they anything that is good in them but an outward shew therefore the Apostle to the rich saith Your riches are corrupt Jac. 5.2 3. your gold and silver is rusted See whether you do not affect such kind of Pearl Sap. 7.9 Consider 2. And having found one precious Pearl c. for there is one only true precious Pearl Christ our Lord and the love of heavenly things All gold in comparison of her is a little sand and silver in the sight of her shall be esteemed as clay There is no comparison between Heaven and Earth ore single drop of water and the whole Ocean Time and Eternity no more is there between Christ and all earthly goods whatsoever and yet as often as you sin you renounce Christ for some base thing or other Consider 3. Here again it is said that this Peâ—â—l is not to be bought without seâ—ling all we have He went his way and sold all that he had and bought it But happy is he saith S. Gregory who with all his fortunes is able to buy Christ S. Greg. Naz. Phil. 3.8 Therefore the Apostle I have made all things as detriment and do esteem them as dung that I may gain Christ Think with your self whether you do so and what a kind of Merchant you are Of Holy Communion WHen the four and twentieth Sunday after Pentecost comes before the Moneth of November as it falls out when there are eight and twenty Sundaies then in the twenty fourth is read the Mass and Gospel of the third Sunday which was remaining after the Epiphany to wit that of the Leper and the Centurion Mat. 8. Wherefore then you shall take the Meditation which is for the third Sunday after Epiphany and consider Christ as the Physitian of your Soul as is set down there page 108. Of the lost Sheep Luc. 15.4 c. COnsider 1. What man of you having an hundred Sheep c. This Man is Christ the Sheep are the Faithful Christ performeth to the full all the Offices of a good Shepherd he came down from Heaven to feed them he marks them for his own with a Divine Character he leads them by the example of his Virtues he cures them of the Infection of Sin he defends them from the Infernal Wolves he provides them rich Pastures of his Doctrine and Sacraments and which is incomparably more he gives them his own Body and Blood for meat and drink The Faithful hear his Voice obey his Commands follow him where ever he leadeth they delight in his Pastures and yield him both the Wooll of their exteriour actions and Milk of their interiour and even their Blood and Life and all when soever there is any necessity of dying for him Is 53.6 Consider 2. The strayed Sheep is a sinner who leaving the company of the Just and Obedience to his Pastor goeth his own ways nothing is more foolish and miserable then he he understands not the happiness he enjoyeth under his Pastor he cares not for Spiritual Pastures he prefers such as are more pleasing to flesh and blood he follows him not nor hears his Call he esteems the ways of the Cross and of Mortification to be too rough and hard and chuses rather to trace the craggy and dangerous ways of his own will All we have strayed as sheep saith the Prophet every one hath declined into his own way Think how often you have done so Consider 3. The great goodness of this Pastor he seeketh after his strayed sheep first by himself while he was in Mortal Flesh by his exemplar Life and Doctrine for thirty three whole years afterwards by Superiours and Directors by Holy Inspirations by Pious Books and other means never ceasing even to the end of the world and having found it most gently and lovingly takes it up O Lord so take and receive me Ps 118.179 I have strayed as a sheep that is lost seek thy servant because I have not forgotten thy Commandments Of the Pharisee Luc. 18.10 c. and the Publican Apoc. 3.17 COnsider 1. Two men went up into the Temple to pray c. Ponder the effects of Pride in the Pharisee 1. Because he thought himself perfect he asketh nothing neither pardon of
service of God and good of Souls 2. Wisdom in governing their Flock 3. Fulness of Faith and Devotion in themselves and indefatigable endeavour of propagating the same in others 4. Profound Knowledge in Scriptures 5. Interiour Light Purity and Perfection joyned with Eminency of Doctrine to purge illuminate and perfect Souls committed to their charge Heb. 13.7 Consider 3. How well they corresponded with the Grace of their Vocation both as to themselves and their Flock For 1. They were Holy and Irreprehensible in their Life and Conversation as persons of an other world and consecrated to God 2. Notwithstanding their Eminent Dignity and the honours done them by men they were humble of heart Despisers of themselves and ambitious of nothing but to serve and do good to all 3. They were poor of spirit though in possession of great Revenues which they imployed no in superfluities upon themselves or their Relations but in relief of the Poor necessities of Virgins Pupils and Orphans and in other Works and Monuments of Piety As to their Hock they were always intent discharging to the full the above-mentioned Offices of Fathers Pastors Guides Mediators Legats and High-Priests by Sacrifices and Sacraments by Incessant Prayer by Counsel Exhortation Preaching c. Remember therefore with gratitude your Prelates saith the Apostle which have spoken the word of God to you the end of whose Conversation beholding imitate their Faith and other Virtues Of the Patriarchs or Founders of Religious Orders OUr Blessed Lord to maintain in his Church the fervour which he inspired in the Primitive Christians hath instituted several Religious Orders as so many Schools of Evangelical Perfection For the Founding of these he raised men from nothing as he formerly did his Apostles and by the Power of his Divine Grace made them absolute Masters and perfect Myrrours of Perfection to their Followers choice Vessels of Election to his own Honour and glorious Champions to his Militant Church against its Capital Enemies the World the Flesh and the Devil Ponder therefore to their honour and your own spiritual good the admirable Virtues which they exercised in opposition to these three common Adversaries Phil. 3.20 Consider 1. In opposition to the World they practised and taught 1. Perfect contempt thereof and of all its Pomps 2. Holy Solitude and Retiredness 3. Strict Silence 4. Evangelical Poverty and that by Vow 5. Contemplation of Heavenly things whereby though living on Earth their conversation was in Heaven 6. Ardent Love of God by which they lived wholly to him so that they might say with S. Paul I live now not I Gal. 2.20 Gal. 6.14 but Christ liveth in me And with the same Apostle they were truly Crucified to the World and the World to them Gal. 5.24 Consider 2. Against the Flesh they exercised 1. Angelical Purity consecrating themselves to God by the Vow of Chastity 2. Religious Modesty and Command over their Senses and Passions 3. Regular Discipline and Rule 4. Rigorous Fasting 5. Continual Prayer Reading and other Holy Exercises 6. Penance and perfect Mortification of the whole Man Interiour and Exteriour By all which means as the Apostle speaketh they have crucified their flesh with the Vices and Concupiscences Consider 3. Against the Devil they opposed 1. Profound Humility and contempt of themselves 2. The Vow of Perfect Obedience requiring of their Followers entire resignation of their wills and judgments into the hands of their Superiours 3. Lively and vigorous Faith working always conformably to it and according to the Principles of Eternal Verity 4. Inflamed love of God and their Neighbour seeking in all their actions his greater glory and their everlasting good labouring both by themselves and their Children to suppress Infidelity Heresie and Sin with zealous Preaching Teaching Administration of Sacraments and other Apostolical Functions Extol the goodness of God Honour and Reverence these Saints and make your benefit of their Example by Imitation according to the state of life and condition you are in Of Confessors in General COnsider 1. Under the Name of Confessors are understood 1. Those who have openly professed the Faith of Christ before Judges and after Imprisonments Chains Torments and Banishments suffered for the same Cause without further violence have died in peace 2. Those who having left all they had in the world have consecrated themselves to God in Religion living in perpetual Poverty Chastity Obedience and observance of Religious Discipline 3. All those who not being in any of the above-mentioned Ranks of Saints have led their lives in all manner of Virtue and Sanctity conformable to their state of life and Calling They are called Confessors because they confessed Christ 1. In their heart believing in him loving and adoring him 2. With their tongues continually praising and blessing him and giving him thanks for his benefits 3. In their actions keeping his Commandments following his Counsels and labouring in the exercise of good works Imitate these holy Saints and endeavour to confess and honour God with your whole heart and in all your words and actions Consider 2. These Holy Confessors not content with the bare observance of Gods Commandments and Councels laboured to purge their heart and affections of all whatsoever was not God by a pure and upright intention of his honour and service in all things Their care and study was to regulate their thoughts to moderate their affections to curb their senses to break self-will and judgment and by taming the flesh with fasting watching and other corporal austerities to bring it to perfect subjection to the spirit that so they might serve their Creator with a pure and undefiled heart For the same end they gave themselves to the continual exercise of Prayer and Meditation of Heavenly things and led their lives free from worldly cares and cogitations Endeavour by the same means to procure this Purity of Heart and Intention which these Saints made so much of Mat. 10.32 Luc. 12.8 Consider 3. Of what benefit to the Church and Merit and God these holy Confessors are 1. For that by the singular purity and integrity of their life they easily appease Gods wrath against sinners and obtain blessings from him 2. For that thereby more efficaciously then by words they Preach the Contempt of the World and convince by their own example that there is no Sex Age Condition or Calling in the Church which may not by the concurrance with Gods Grace easily attain to Virtue and Perfection Consider finally their Reward 1. Every one that shall confess me before men I also will confess him before the Angels of God and before my Father which is in Heaven 2. Of these our Lord said That he will gird himself and make them sit down Luc. 12.37 at his Nuptial Feast in Heaven and passing will minister unto them Of Virgins COnsider 1. Holy Virgins are those who notwithstanding whatsoever enticements threats promises temptations c. lead their lives in all Purity of
Body and Mind and while they are yet in flesh emulate the perfection of Pure Spirits with this advantage of desert that what they are by Nature these arrive unto by a glorious Victory over their own Nature Virgins are specially beloved by Christ he would have a Virgin Mother a Virgin for his Precursor and among all his Disciples he loved best the Virgin S. John Virginity as S. Cyprian affirmeth is the Flower of the Churches Off-spring Cypr. de Discipl Habitu Virg. the Glory and Ornament of Spiritual Grace the Image of God and the most Illustrious Portion or part of Christs Flock 2 Cor. 4.7 Consider 2. Virginity although it be a special gift of God is not bestowed without our concurrance nor conserved without diligent care for we have this treasure in Earthen Vessels The means therefore to obtain and conserve it are 1. Mortification of the Flesh by Fasting Abstinence Watching and other Corporal Austerities 2. Strict guard upon our Senses which are the gates through which all evil doth enter into our Soul 3. Command over our thoughts neither admitting nor even disputing with any that are against this Virtue 4. The avoiding of all occasions that may bring us into the least danger 5. Earnest Prayer to Almighty God whose gift it is 6. Humility not trusting to our selves knowing our own weakness 7. Fear of God 8. Memory of the last things Apoc. 14.4 Consider 3. The Reward of Virginity 1. It is sufficient Reward to it self freeing the Soul from the Tyranny of the Flesh and unruly Passions to which others are subject and filling the same with most pure joy and content above all the delights of the World 2. Virgins after a special manner are Temples of the Holy Ghost and Spouses of Christ with whom he delighteth to be Whence they have that singular Prerogative above others in Heaven that they follow the Lamb whither soever he shall go 3. They have a special Crown in Heaven like to that of Martyrs And S. Ambrose doth stile Virginity the Mother of Martyrs and a glorious Martyrdome it self Stir your self up to the love of this Heavenly and Angelical Virtue and make use of the means that help to obtain it On the Feast of any Saint General Points Rom. 8.30 COnsider 1. Four things in whatsoever Saint you meditate on 1. His Predestination 2. Vocation 3. Justification 4. Glorification according to that of the Apostle Whom he hath predestinated them also he hath called and whom he hath called them also he hath justified and whom he hath justified them also hath he glorified The Predestination or Election to Glory was of Gods free gift without any desert of theirs Ephes 1.4 Before the canstitution of the world that they should be Holy and Immaculate in his sight Their Vocation in divers of them was different some were called in their Youth others in their Old Age some by Miracle others occasionally But God hath been wonderful in all Their Justification afforded them great gifts of Grace and special helps the chief of which you may reflect upon more in particular Their Glorification chiefly after death by Miracles Visions the gift of curing Diseases and the like Mat. 16.24 Consider 2. How the Saint of whom you meditate answered Gods Call and practised what he required of all those that would follow him as in set down in the Gospel If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow me Ponder how he was 1. In the Abnegation of himself by mortifying his Flesh Senses and Appetites 2. In carrying his Cross that is in manfully undergoing labours and pains for the glory of God and suffering adversities such as are Sickness Persecutions Afflictions Miseries c. 3. In following Christ by the exercise of all manner of Virtue in imitation of him Consider 3. In what particular and in what manner you are to imitate the Saint of whom you meditate Chrysost Ser. de Mart. quod imitand in brev 7. Noâ—omâ— Because as S. Chrysostome saith You must imitate if you praise or must not praise if you refuse to imitate And we might be what the Saints are if we would do what they did FINIS To the greater Glory of God His B. Virgin Mother and all his Saints A TABLE OF THE MEDITATIONS Contained in this Book as they lye in Order distributed for every Day of the Year From the 1 of November to Advent ALL-Saints day Of Christ in the Eucharist as God Page 1 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as King Page 2 2. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Father Page 3 3. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Brother Page 5 4. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as our Master Page 6 Of Mans last End 2. Meditations Page 7 8 Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Med. Page 9 10 11 Of the Sin of Angels Page 12 Of the Sin of our first Parents Page 13 Of the grievousness of Mortal Sin 5. Med. Page 14. c. Of flying Venial Sins 3. Med. Page 21. c. Of Death 3. Med. Page 25. c. Of preparing against Death 2. Med. Page 28. c. Of particular Judgment 2. Med. Page 31. c. Of general Judgment 2. Med. Page 33. c. Of Hell 2. Med. Page 36. c. Of Purgatory 2. Med. Page 39. c. From Advent to Christmass 1. Sunday Of Christ in the Eucharist as Judge page 42 Of imitating the Life of Christ 2. Med. Page 43. c. Of Gods Decree concerning the Incarnation 2. Med. Page 45. c. Of the Election of Christs Mother 2. Med. Page 47. c. 2. Sunday Of Christ as the Expectation of the Gentiles Page 50 Of sending the Angel Gabriel Page 51 Of the Angels Salutation Page 52 Of the Delivery of the Message Page 53 Of the B. Virgins Reply Page 54 Of the B. Virgins Consent Page 55 Of the accomplishment of the Incarnation Page 56 3. Sunday Of Christ as the Anoiuted of our Lord Page 58 Of our Ladies Journey to Elizabeth Page 59 Of the Virgins Entrance to Elizabeth Page 60 Of the Canticle Magnificat Page 61 Of the Virgins stay with Elizabeth Page 63 Of Saint Johns Nativity 2 Med. Page 64. c. 4. Sunday Of Christ as our Souls Guest Page 66 Of the Revelation made to S. Joseph 2. Med. Page 67. c. Of the Expectation of the Virgins Delivery 2. Med. Page 70. c. Of the Virgins Journey to Bethlehem Page 72 From Christmass to Septuagesm On Christmass-day Of Christ as a little one Page 74 Of our Lords Birth 3. Med. Page 75. c. Of the Shepherds and their Adoration 3. Med. Page 78. c. On New-years day Of Christ as he is Jesus Page 82 Of our Lords Circumcision 2. Med. Page 83. c. Of our Spiritual Circumcision 2. Med. Page 86. c. On Twelfth-day Of Christ as our Sovereign Lord Page 88 Sunday in the