a Garden that where began our ruine there might also begin our reparation As he went He began to feare and to be heavy and sad Saying My soul is sorrowful even unto death Marc. 14.33 Mar. sup v. 37. 〈…〉 that is my grief is equal to the pangs of death and such as would take away my life did I not reserve it for other torments Christ could have been free of all this and have gon to suffer with a pleasant heart for that the Joys of the Beatifical Vision which he ever possessed were able to have drowned what grief soever But he would take upon him also these Interiour afflictions that he might be like to us in all things and with all instruct us by his example how to behave our selves in the like sufferings Luc. 22.40 Consider 2. When he was come to the place be said to them Pray least you enter into tempration Then being gon forward a little Mat. 26.38 he fell upon his face praying and saying My Father if it it possible let this Chalice pass from me Nevertheless not as I will but as thou Ponder 1. His profound Rererence in prostrating himself 2. His filial and fiducial Love in the tender name of Father 3. His perfect Resignation Not as I will but as thou 4. His continuing therein for a whole hour Ibid. v. 40. Could you not watch one hour with me Take this as a partern to pray by and compare your prayers with it Learn hence chiefly to resign your self perfectly to God in all things saying Not as I will but as thou Consider 3. Christ like a good Pastour carefull of his flock even in that great distress and in the heat of his prayer visits his Disciples but finds them a sleep the first second and third time Presently after Communion they were so fervorous as to offer themselves to die for their Master but now cannot so much as hold up their heads in prayer See whether you doe not as easily resent from your good purposes They formerly watched all night for their worldly interest in fishing Now when it concerned their Souls good though commanded to watch they sleep without care Take heed of sloth tediousness and forgetfullness in spiritual things whereby the Soul doth truly slumber and sleep The Souls sleep Aug. in Psal 62. saith S. Augustin is to forget God Luc. 22.43 Christ is comforted by an Angel and sweateth bloud COnsider 1. Christ having left his Disciples and being in prayer the third time There appeared to him an Angel from Heaven strengthening him Good God! So far did our Lord give himself over to griefe as to borrow comfort from his own creature Observe here how God sendeth comfort at last to those that persever in prayer Think what reasons the Angel might use in comforting our Lord representing unto him the necessity of his Passion The Glory that would thereby redound to his Father and himself The Redemption of Mankind and the like the which allthough he understood better himself yet would he not refuse the proffer of comsort that you should not disdain to learn of and be beholding to your inferiours Consider 2. And his sweat became as drops of bloud trickling down upon the Earth See how all over his body it gusheth forth of the pores and imbrueth the earth Beseech him to wash your soul also with the same Detest your own coldness in prayer who can scarce let fall one single teare for your sinns Ponder the causes of so strange a sweat 1. The lively apprehension of all his torments as if they had been then present 2. A deep resentment of the sinns which notwithstanding would be committed and of Mens Ingratitude for whom in vaine he suffered those torments Condole with your Saviour and grieve that you were also cause of his so great affliction Consider 3. And being in an Agonie he prayed the longer Learn hence the more you are afflicted the more to persist in prayer Christ could easily have freed himself from this Agony or strife between the flesh and the spirit but would suffer it to give us example of resisting our passions even to the shedding of our bloud Think how easily notwithstanding you let your self be overcome by them and for the least feare give over your good purposes Wherefore in like occasions Doe manfully Psa 26.14 and let thy heart take courage and expect our Lord. Deliver me from my Enemies O my God from them that rise up against me defend me Ps 58.2 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as your Captain Mat. 4.1 COnsider 1. What Job saith The life of man upon Earth is a warfare Job 7.1 We are in a continual conflict with three most fierce enemies that are allways working our ruine the Flesh the World and the Divel Christ as we read in this days Ghospel would be tempted by the Divel and fight hand to hand with him to train us up like a good Commander by his own example Therefore David cryeth out Ps 143.1 Blessed be our Lord my God who teacheth my hands to battel and my fingers to War Ps 17.40 Consider 2. How much it doth import us not to be overcome in this War where we fight for an Eternity View your self throughly and see in what particular you are most weak and defective and in what manner of encounters you are more frequently wounded Rely on the defence and conduct of this your Captain who is to come this day into your Soul For He will gird you with strength to battel He will protect and guard you If camps stand together against you Ps 26.3 your heart shall not feare Ps 142.9 Consider 3. Souldiers are wont to be sworn to their Captain So ought you to yours This duty you have once performed in Baptisme by renouncing the Divel and his pomps But O how often have you playd the Renegade and shamefully left your colours Yeeld your self now up again to your Captain renew your Oath and promise from hence forwards a more exact Obedience Cast forth of your heart whatsoever may be suspected to have confederacy with his and your own enemies Say with the Prophet Deliver me from mine enemies O Lord to thee I have fled teach me to do thy will because thou art my God Mat. 26.46 c. Christ meeteth Judas and his followers Zachar. 11. COnsider 1. Christ having ended his prayer Said to his Disciples Rise let us goe behold he approcheth that shall betray me And As he yet spake behold Judas one of the twelve came c. Observe Judas his diligence in his wicked design The other Apostles sleep and are scarce roused up at the third call But Judas watcheth to betray his Master How buisy are men in their temporal affaires how careless in their spiritual Deplore this extreme folly of the world Judas one of the twelve came O prodigious ingratitude He who was so highly favored by his Master cometh
Prayer Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven The Will of God is of three sorts of Precept of Councel and of good Pleasure Let all therefore follow your counsels and inspirations obey your commands approve and reverence your good pleasure in Earth as the Saints do in Heaven and execute your holy will readily chearfully and constantly See whether you do so Mat. 4.4 Our daily bread c. Both corporal whereby the life of the body is maintained and chiefly spiritual whereby the Soul is preserved in life for not in bread alone doth man live but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God c. Give us this day that is daily that you should daily ask it not for your self alone but for us all even your Enemies Luc. 6.37 And forgive us our Trespasses as we c. Therefore first forgive if any one have offended you either by word or deed that you may deserve to have forgiveness of your offences You are indebted more then ten thousand talents to God in comparison whereof your Brother scarce oweth you a peny forgive therefore the lesser debt that your greater may be forgiven you Forgive and you shall be forgiven And lead us not into temptation That is do not permit us to be overcome It is not always expedient for us to be without temptation in this life for the tryal and improvement of our virtue Beg therefore strength to resist But deliver us from all evil both of guilt and of punishment from the snares of the Devil Lastly from all evil past present and future that you may enjoy everlasting happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven Amen Be it be it Of other sayings of Christ on the Mountain Mat. 5. 6 COnsider 1. In the same Sermon our Lord doth very severely forbid anger against our Brethren There are three degrees of anger the first of the heart the second of words the third of deeds Ponder the evils which it brings us It perverteth Reason it exposeth us to grievous sins and makes us liable to the torments of Hell Think how you are subject to this in your actions and see you mend your self Consider 2. He doth also forbid us to swear Let your talk be yea yea no no. Mat. 5.37 Think how detestable is the custom of swearing how unworthy of any Christian much more of sacred persons A man that sweareth much Eccli 23.12 shall be filled with iniquity and plague shall not depart from his house that is Gods revenge See whether perhaps any such custom have place in you and seek to root it out both in your self and others Mat. 6.1 Consider 3. Those words Take good heed that you do not your Justice before men to be seen of them He teacheth us to fly vain glory rising from good works otherwise we shall have no reward in heaven We are to do good works before men according to that Mat. 5.17 So let your light shine before men c. yet not with intention thereby to please men but God alone S. Greg. Hom. 11. in Evang. Therefore let the action saith S. Gregory be so in publick that the intention whereby we seek only to please God be kept in private Of sending the Apostles to Preach Mat. 10. Luc. 10. Part 1. Luc. 10.2 COnsider 1. Our most merciful Lord beholding the state of Souls in Israel said The harvest truly is much but the workmen few Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send forth workmen into his harvest Our Lords harvest are the Elect who expect the preaching of the Gospel and of these there are many of your own Country for whose good you ought to be concerned Beseech our Lord therefore to send zealous workmen and such as may reap much fruit and if it be your lot to be one see you spare no pains nor labour seeking the good of souls not your own private ends Luc. 10.1 Consider 2. Hence Christ sent his Disciples to preach But two and two to recommend Charity unto us wherewith the Preachers of the Gospel ought to be linked together for Prov. 18.19 Brother that is holpen of Brother is as a strong City Think how necessary this Union and mutual assistance is among all that help Souls least otherwise what one gathers an other scattereth and what one builds an other destroyeth Exciâ—e your self therefore to an Universal and Apostolical Charity towards all Note also that these Harvest-men must be sent or called by Christ and his Substitutes and not thrust themselves in by their own private Authority Mat. 10.8 Consider 3. Christs Precepts to those he was to send 1. He debarreth them far from all Avarice Gratis you have received gratis give ye 2. 2. He forbiddeth superfluous and precious things Do not possess gold nor silver nor money in your purses 3. In ordinary conveniences he prohibiteth such as are less necessary Not a skrip for the way neither two coats c. 4. Even in necessaries he will have them confide in God and feed upon what is set before them without seeking after extraordinaries and particularities Eating and drinking such things as they have Think how you ought to observe these things Luc. 10.7 if you desire to labour in our Lords Harvest with profit rather then with pomp Of sending the Apostles to Preach Mat. 10. Luc. 10. Part 2. Mat. 10.16 COnsider 1. Those words Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves An unheard-of kind of warfare he sendeth sheep to combat with wolves So true it is 1 Cor. 1.27 The weak things of the world hath God chosen that be may confound the strong Moreover he admonisheth his Preachers to be like sheep that is meek not returning evil for evil but imploying themselves wholly to the benefit of their Neighbour like unto sheep which give their milk and wooll and flesh and all they have for mans use Consider 2. Those other words Be ye wise as Serpents Mat. sup and simple as Doves He would have the Serpents Wisdome joyned with the Doves Simplicity He requireth Prudence in taking fit occasions of time and place c. to help our Neighbour Simplicity in doing all things sincerely without double dealing or malice and proceeding without bitterness and gall which Doves are said not to have Thine eyes are as Doves saith the Spouse in the Canticles that is Cant. 1.15 pure Such therefore ought to be the eye of your intention Mat. 10.7 Marc. 6.12 Consider 3. The Subject they are enjoyned to preach on Going preach saying that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand c. And going forth they preached that they should do Penance They preached not of vain and curious matters but of such only as were profitable for the good of Souls such ought to be the endeavours and manner of preaching of those that have care of Souls speaking inwardly to their Hearers spiritual
you would have remained for ever but that it pleased God to take you out of your nothing and wheras he could have joyned to your first or original matter infinite other forms he would endow you with a rational one and place you in this world among men But to what end Not to disport or play not to eat and drink not to seek after honours and vanities of this life nor finally to end your days like brute beasts Our Lord hath wrought all things for himself that you might serve and worship him in this world and so at last attain to life everlasting Consider 2. The excellency of this end All other living creatures are created stooping down to their food and carry about them souls that are to end with time Man alone is elevated to that sublinie end of praising and serving his Creator and after a short and holy life to be crowned with immortal glory With good reason David full of admiration breaketh forth into those words What is man that thou art mindful of him Thou hast minished him little less then Angels with glory and honour thou hast crowned him Ps 8.5 and hast appointed him over the works of thy hands Ps 33.2 Consider 3. How much you are obliged to your Creator for so great a benefit and withall how justly he requireth of you that you direct your whole life to this onely end of his divine praise and service This therefore ought to be the onely aim of all your actions and even your thoughts viz. to honour God and serve him alone Wherefore say with the Prophet I will bless our Lord at all time his praise always in my mouth You are born for Heaven see you degenerate not See you carry not saith St. Bernard in a streight and upright body Bern. in Cant. Serm. 24. a crooked soul that is deformedly bent upon earthly things Of Mans last End The second Part. COnsider 1. Seeing your end in this life is to praise and serve God alone and seeing that in whatsoever kind the end is the measure or square of all such things as appertain thereunto it followeth evidently that you are to make use of all other creatures so far forth as they conduce to his service and honour and contrariwise to avoid them if they any way withdraw you from the same Wherefore you are not to desire riches honours conveniences of this life nor even learning or health otherwise then they may help you the better to serve God For as that holy man said well Tho. a Kemp. de Imit l. 1. c. 2. Better is the humble countreyman that serveth God then the proud Philosopher who neglecting himself considereth the course of the heavens Ps 107.2 Matt. 26.39 42. Consider 2. And examine your self in particular whether you have any disordered affection to the things above mentioned See whether you be ready to suffer poverty reproach sickness and death it self if God thereby might be the more glorified in you Offer your self to your Creator with indifferency to all things so far as they make to his greater glory Say with the Prophet My heart is ready O God my heart is ready and with Christ our Lord Not as I will but as thou Thy will be done Agg. 1.6 Consider 3. How foolishly they do who have any other end then God in their actions who employ their labours in purchasing honours riches renown pleasures and the like No otherwise do these then would he who being to sayl to the East should steer his course to the West and so never come to his journeys end Of such it is rightly said by the Prophet You have sowed much and brought in little you have eaten and have not been filled you have drunk and have not been inebriated Lastly They lead their days in wealth Job 21.13 and in a moment they go down to hell Of Mans duty towards God 1. Part. Ps 36.27 COnsider 1. The whole duty of man towards God is comprised in that short sentence Decline from evil and do good These are the two principal points of a Christian life they are the two wings whereby we must flye up to Heaven the two arms wherewith we are to lay fast hold on the Kingdom of God In respect of the first part mans life in the holy Scripture is said to be a warfare upon earth Job 7.1 and Christians are termed Souldiers carefully standing upon their guard for resisting the suggestions and temptations of sin Job 9.28 Consider 2. In this Warfare we are to strive against Sin even unto death never giving over or thinking our selves secure but always standing in arms with watchful care and fear Job notwithstanding all his Integrity discussed and feared every the least of his actions David a man according to Gods own heart Ps 76.7 did every night brush or sweep his spirit St. John Baptist that was sanctified in his mothers womb Hym. ad Mat. de S. Joh. Bapt. led an austere retired life that he might not as the Church singeth of him stain his life with a light slip of his tongue S. Paul though confirmed in Grace and rapt to the third Heaven could say of himself So I fight not as it were beating the air 1 Cor. 9.27 but I chastise my body and bring it into servitude Think not therefore much of any pains for the avoiding of sin Tob. 4.6 Consider 3. We must not onely withstand the actual committing of sin but also the consent of mind Beware thou consent not to sin at any time and resist all delectation and suggestion for as St. Gregory saith In suggestion is the seed of sin Greg. ad Interr lib. Aug. Cantuar in delectation the nourishment in consent the perfection Examine your self what vigilancy and caution you hold over your thoughts words and actions how you avoid occasions of danger and how you resist the suggestions of the Flesh the World and the Devil Take up your Weapons with the holy Saints of Fasting Prayer and Mortification of your flesh that you may also with them be crowned with a glorious Victory Of Mans Duty towards God 2. Part. Matt. 13.44 COnsider 1. The other part of Mans Duty is to labour in the exercise of good works thereby to please and serve God Wherefore Heaven is sometimes proposed unto us as a rich jewel sometimes as a treasure hidden in a field which we are to seek out with some pain and labour and to purchase with the sale of all we have sometimes again as a goal or prize 1 Cor. 9.24 which we are to gain by running on in the race of Vertue and Perfection and almost every where as the Reward and Crown of Vertuous Actions See therefore you play the industrious Merchant and by the continual exercise of good works heap up to your self treasures in Heaven Matt. 6.20 1 Thess 4.3 Consider 2. The several Motives which you have to
1. It obscureth the understanding and by false perswasions withdraws it from the truth 2. It alienates the Will from the Supreme and Soveraign Good to that which is onely counterfeited and makes it even have a loathing of Spiritual things 3. It maketh Reason a slave to bruitish Appetites 4. It depraveth all the Senses with unlawful delights 5 It depriveth the whole man of the friendship and protection of God 6. It robbeth him of Habitual Grace and the ornaments of Vertue and of a child of God makes him a slave of the Devil an Ulcer and Sinck of all filth and abomination 1 Cor. 2.9 Consider 2. As to the other life 1. It depriveth man of the vision of God and those joys which eye hath not seen nor ear hath heard 2. It excludeth him from the company of the holy Saints and Angels and that for ever 3. It makes him liable to everlasting fire without any hopes of releasement 4. It placeth him in a most loathsome dungeon and among the detestable crew of the damned under the cruel tyranny of the Devil from which no power is able to deliver him Eccli 21.2 Consider 3. And add to all this that every one by sinning doth trample under feet the precious Bloud of Christ shed for our sins turneth Gods gifts into so many weapons against himself and even destroyeth God himself as much as lieth in him and in a manner contristates the Saints and the Blessed Virgin hurteth men by his wicked example and lastly makes a triumph of himself for the Devils With good reason then crieth out Ecclesiasticus As from the face of a serpent slye from sins c. The teeth of a lion the teeth thereof killing the souls of men Of flying Venial Sins As disposing to Mortal 1 Part. COnsider 1. He that throughly hateth Mortal Sin must also endeavour what he can to avoid Venial otherwise He that contemneth small things Eccli 19.1 S. Tho. 1a 2ae q. 86. a. 3. shall fall by little and little For Venial Sins dispose unto Mortal 1. In regard of the matter or object which being for the most part the same in both affords an easie passage from the lesser that is of custom to a greater transgression 2. By reason of our own forces which are much weakened by frequent Venial Sins Whence it is that we are presently cast to the ground at the rising of any strong temptation according to that Eccles. 10.18 In slothfulness the roof of the house shall go to ruine and in the infirmity of hands the house shall drop through 3. In regard of the exteriour assistance of God which he doth often substract for Venial Sins such especially as are more voluntary for he deserveth little help that is sparing of his own endeavours 2 Cor. 9.6 He that soweth sparingly sparingly also shall reap Is 40.6 Consider 2. What caution that man useth that hath straw hay or gun-powder lodged in his house lest any sparkle of fire should light thereon All flesh is grass or hay and no gunpowder taketh fire sooner then doth Concupiscence Look upon holy David through an unwary glance of his eyes miserably fallen first into Adultery then into Murder Take heed therefore of the least sparkle resist the beginnings and dash the little ones against the rock Ps 136.9 that is bad motions while they are but little Consider 3. From slight wounds not looked unto in time and festered proceed malignant feavers in the body and death it self The same happereth to the Soul by Venial Sin Wherefore look into all your actions and see wherein you are wont more frequently to receive a wound and arm your self in time Endeavour to the utmost of your power to refrain not only from evil it self but also from all appearance of evil as the Apostle admonisheth 1 Thess 5.22 Of flying Venial Sins For the Damages they bring with them 2. Part. COnsider 1. We ought to avoid Venial Sins not onely for that they dispose to Mortal but also for their own proper deformity for as Saint Augustine saith they are like scabs in the body Aug. l. 50. Hom. Ser. 41. de Sanctis and do so deface the beauty of the Soul that she becometh thereby in disgrace with her heavenly Spouse Think with your self if you were to passe through dirty ways in a pure white and precious garment what care you would take to keep it clean Souls invested with Habitual Grace are whiter then snow purer then milk fairer then the Saphyre Thren 4.7 With how much more care then are we to preserve them without spot or blemish through the foul ways of this life Eccles. 10.1 Consider 2. Other damages which these Sins especially if frequent bring with them 1. They diminish the fervour of Charity like cold water cast into a vessel of warm 2. They keep back the Soul in her progress as a burthen doth him that walketh 3. They take off from the merit of good works as dying flies do from the sweetness of oyntment 4. They are an Impediment to Prayer and Devotion 5. They abate the efficacy of the Sacraments 6. They hinder the increase both of Grace in this life and Glory in the next 7 They are pleasing to the Devils displeasing to the Angels 8. They make God himself to have a loathing of us according to that Apoc. 3.15.16 I would thou wert either cold or hot But because thou art lukewarm I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth Deut. 18.13 Consider 3. It followeth hence that it is not lawful for the conversion of the whole world to commit one single Venial Sin And although all are to avoid the same yet chiefly such as have consecrated themselves to God of whom he exacteth perfect purity Therefore he enjoyneth every one of his Levites You shall be perfect without spot before the Lord thy God Examine your life and actions and do your best to live without spot or blemish Of flying Venial Sins For the Punishments due unto them 3. Part. Ps 118.137 COnsider 1. That of David Thou art just O Lord and thy judgement is right And yet he hath inflicted most heavy punishments for sins by the judgement of most onely Venial that thence you might understand the grievousnesse of them Num. 12.10 1. He struck Mary Sister to Moyses with a horrible leprosie for lightly murmuring against her brother notwithstanding his earnest intercession for her pardon 2. Two Sons of Aaron Levit. 10.2 Cornel. ibid. for casting into their thuribles in haste other then sanctified fire he struck suddenly dead in the sight of the whole people Num. 15.35 Salian ibid. 3. He commanded to be stoned to death a poor man that had gathered up a few sticks on the Sabboth day Lastly he took Moyses out of this life before he could enter the Land of Promise which notwithstanding he most ardently desired and this for some diffidence as the
1. Hideously obscure without light even above the Egyptian darknesse 2. Excessively strait for the infinite number of bodies that will there be packed together 3. Infinitely loathsome and stinking by reason of the soot smoke stench of brimstone and filthinesse of the bodies 4. Ever shut up without any conveniency of breathing Job 10.22 or air 5. Where as Job saith is the shadow of death and no order but everlasting horrour inhabiteth Apoc. 20.10 Consider 2. The quality of the pains 1. For being continual without intermission for they shall he tormented as St. John saith day and night for ever and ever 2. For the grievousnesse of them being most sharp and vehement without any the least relaxation Whence the rich Glutton in the Gospel could not obtain so much as one drop of water to cool his tongue 3. For the diversity and contrariety of them which makes to their greater torment expressed by that of Job Job 24.19 Let him pass from snow waters to exceeding heat 4. For the company or society which will be with the Devils and cursed Souls that are obdurated in the hatred of God and with serpents vipers and dragons Job 20.16 18. He shall suck the head of asps and the vipers tongue shall kill him c. He shall be punished for all things that he did and yet not be consumed Apoc. 9.6 Marc. 9.43 Consider 3. The everlasting durance of all this which after millions of years shall begin afresh as if nothing had ever been and shall last for ever Because 1. The Soul is immortal They shall desire to dye and death shall flye from them 2. The place never to be destroyed 3. The fire unquenchable 4. Their sin by obstinacy irrevocable and consequently their worm dieth not Ibid. 44. Lastly Gods decree is unchangeable because in Hell there is no redemption Of Hell 2. Part. Sap. 11.17 COnsider 1. That saying of the Wiseman By what things a man sinneth by the same also he is tormented And because we offend God by all the Senses of the body therefore the damned in hell shall be tormented in them all 1. The Sight shall be tormented with hideous shapes of the Devils horrid representations of sins past and with the view of their cursed company which it will detest with mortal hatred 2. The Hearing with continual blasphemies grashing of teeth curses and howlings 3. The Smell with brimstone pitch and intollerable stench of the bodie 4. The Taste with ravenous hunger unquenchable thirst and insufferable bitternesse of the fiery brimstone 5. The Sense of Feeling with most sharp torments all the body over for the Sinner shall be as the Prophet saith as stubble to the fire Malach. 4.1 Is 33.14 Which of you saith another can dwell with devouring fire which of you shall dwell with everlasting heats Imagine the same in proportion of the Understanding Memory Will and other powers Consider 2. Heavier then all this will be the pain of loss as the Divines call it for that the greater the good is that is lost the greater likewise is the grief it causeth And the damned to their greater torment shall know the greatnesse of the Happinesse which they have forfeited by Sin This Happinesse is God himself and the clear sight and enjoyment of him The blessed Company of Saints perpetual Tranquillity and Peace peaceful Delight delightful Satiety and the like And yet we can finde in our hearts to let all this go and besides incur everlasting torments for some short and trifling pleasure Consider 3. What you are to do to escape Hell You must use all your endeavour to avoid Sin which leadeth thither And if you would not for the whole world lie broiling on a gridiron but for an hour how much more ought you to be aversed from sin Let us therefore bewail our sins as a certain holy man said before we come thither where our tears will serve for nothing but to scorch and burn our bodies Of Purgatory 1. Part. COnsider 1. As Hell is ordained for punishment of Mortal Sin so is Purgatory for Venial And here likewise Sinners suffer for a time pain both of Sense and Losse Ponder therefore the grievousnesse of the pains of Sense 1. In regard of the place which is also under ground dark and joyning to Hell 2. For the nature and condition of the Fire which is of the same kind and activity as Divines teach with that of Hell 3. For the excesse of torment for as St. Augustine saith that purging fire is more grievous then what pain soever we can see feel Aug. Ser. 41. de Sanctis or even imagine in this world 4. For the long durance for although those torments be not everlasting yet to very many they last for many years and to some even till the day of Judgement as appeareth by divers very credible and authentick Histories Is 33.14 Who can dwell with devouring fire Prov. 13.12 Consider 2. The pain of Losse which the Souls sustain here for the delay of the Beatifical Vision which they most ardently long for Hope that is deferred afflicteth the soul Much more the hopes of so great a happiness as is the seeing and enjoying of God Think if you were promised a Kingdom what a longing condition you would be in till you were in possession with much greater desire are the Souls there inflamed and they grieve the more for that so great a good is deferred for their own carelesnesse and negligence in this life Aug. sup Consider 3. How much it imports you both to shun to the utmost of your power Venial Sins and withall to satisfie fully for Mortal Sins though confessed and forgiven lest you come to be cast into this purging Fire for as Saint Augustine above cited saith He that will not now put so much as one finger into the fire must necessarily dread to be tormented then whole body and soul though but for a short time Of Purgatory 2. Part. COnsider 1. For how light causes as we read in Histories many have been sent to Purgatory Some for not bowing their head in the Quire at Gloria Patri others for desiring too earnestly holy Orders Some again for Vanity in argumenting Others for curiosity in Apparel S. Severin himself at whose Sepulchre miracles were wrought for not reciting the Divine Office in its due time And Paschasius Deacon for some inordinate affection in the election of the Pope and that out of errour and ignorance Greg. l. 4. Dial. c. 40. as Saint Gregory witnesseth Compare now these small defects with yours and you will finde that you have deserved a much heavier judgement Wherefore humbly ask pardon and say with the Psalmist Ps 6.1 2. Lord rebuke me not in thy fury nor chastise me in thy wrath Have mercy on me Lord because I am weak Consider 2. Our merciful Lord hath afforded us many means to satisfie for our sins in this life
all others whence by the Holy Fathers it is called the Mother and Guardian of other Vertues for he that is Obedient is also humble patient meek charitable continent and Master of himselfe for as the Wise man saith An obedient man shall speak Victory Pro. 21.28 Procure therefore to be well affected to this Vertue and to exercise it when occasion is in imitation of Christ Behold I sow my Law in you and it shall bring fourth fruit in you 4 Esd 9.31 Mat. 13.24 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the good seed of our Soule Zach. 9.17 COnsider 1. What is said to day in the Ghospel The Kingdom of Heaven is resembled to a man that sowed good seed in his field Ponder therefore how your soule is a field capable both of good and bad seed and that God doth cast into it many good seeds of holy Inspirations and pious affections by good books Preachers Directours c. But the choisest seed of all is his own pretious body which he soweth in your soule by the Eucharist for this is the corn of the Elect and the seed that yeeldeth fruit of eternal life Consider 2. The soile of your soule of itself is fruitless and barren bringing forth nothing but thorns and bryars and subject to be overgrown with cockle which resembling the good seed of Vertues doe fill up and cosen the soule with vain hopes of fruite and in harvest time that is in the later judgement are cast into the fire Cleanse therefore your soule carefully from the weedes and bryars of Vice with the harrow of Mortification Separate the cockle from the pure wheat true Vertue from that which is false and counterfeit that the seed of the heavenly sower may not be choked up within you Heb. 6.7 c. Consider 3. How seriously you ought to labour to the end that by meanes of so much sowing and frequent receiving the Sacraments you may yeeld fruit answerably lest otherwise the heavenly husbandman provoked to indignation condemn you to the fire For the earth saith the Apostle drinking the raine often coming upon it and bringing forth grass commodious for them by whom it is tilled receiveth blessing of God but bringing forth thorns and bryars it is reprobate and very neer a curse whose end is to be burnt Luc. 2.52 Of Christs growing in Age and Wisdom c. Part I. COnsider 1. And Jesus proceeded in Wisdom and age and grace with God and men Christ from his first conception had all fullness of Grace Wisdom and all manner of Vertue but he proceeded still forward in them to the outward appearance accommodating his actions and discourses sutably to his age that you might learn to conform your self to the time and place you are in and to make continual progress in Vertue Luc. 9.62 Consider 2. There are diverse ways both of profiting and of failing in a spirituall life First some after they have begun well give back through Inconstancy and these our Lord condemneth when he saith No man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is apt for the Kingdom of God and biddeth us remember Lot's wife who was turned into a pillar of Salt that others might be the wiser by her misfortune Apoc. 2.4 Consider 3. Others in their progress grow remisse in fervor and use of those means whereby they might profit and therefore are in danger of falling To such Christ speaketh in the Apocalyps I have against thee a few things because thou hast left thy first charity Others againe begin and goe on with a slow pace and although outwardly there appeare no defect yet for the most part there is a reall decay within Finally others when they have once begun well Ps. 83.6 goe on cheerfully disposing ascension in their hearts c. From one Vertue to another See in what class you are or would wish to be and mend your pace towards gaining the prize Luc. 2.52 Of Christs growing in Age Wisdom c. Part 2. COnsider 1. Jesus proceeded in Wisdom and age and grace with God and Men saith the Evangeast We must therefore joyn both together and avoid two extremes Wherefore ponder how some there are whâ—se care only it is to carry a faire outside in the eyes of men and doe little regard their own true interior profit in the sight of God and their own conscience So did the Pharisees of whom Christ Mat. 6.16 They disfigure their faces that they may appeare unto men to fast Amen I say to you that they have received their reward See whither you doe your actions so for example frequenting the Sacraments hearing Masse and the like only for human respects and that you might not seem indevout And see you mend Rom. 10.2 Consider 2. Others there are on the contrary who have no regard to the edification of their Neighbour in what they doe out of fervor having somtimes an over great and indiscreet Zeal of God but not according to knowledg as the Apostle saith And these the same Apostle admonisheth to be providing good things not only before God Rom. 12.17 but also before Men. Mat. 5.17 Consider 3. Lastly Others joyne both together and that in due manner according to the example of Christ who said So let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven Run over all your actions in particular and see what you are wont to doe only to please men what againe to please God alone though it be with the offence and disedification of others and endeavour in all things to please God by a right intention and to edify men by good example Of the Necessity which all have of profiting in Vertue Part 1. COnsider 1. All that are disciples of Christ must make continuall progress in spirit 1. Because not to goe forwards in the way of God as the Saints doe teach is to goe backwards For as a boat cannot keep its ground in a swift river but must necessarily be carryed down ward by force of the stream unless it be born upward by meanes of oares so unless you goe continually on strugling with main force against the impuâ—se of nature you will certainly by force thereof be cast back for as S. Bernard saith Not to gaine doubtless is to lose ground Ber. Ep. 341 whence you will come to fall at last into the hands of your enemies whom you desire to escape Mat. 5.48 Consider 2. Because such is the will of God who will have us to be pure and holy in his sight without spot or wrinckle Be you perfect therefore saith Christ as also your Heavenly Father is perfect No man becometh eminent all on a suddain Let every one therefore seek to perfect himselfe by degrees that he may at last arrive to the top of perfection S. Bern. Consider 3. Because so it becometh a disciple of Christ to doe Whence
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
his pretious bloud to wash and cleanse you withall He took upon his shoulders stripes which were due to you whereby he made good that of the Prophet With his shoulders shall he overshadow thee Is. 50.6 Is. 53.7 How Of his own free choice cheerfully constantly and silently I have given my body to the strikers c. As a lambe before his shoarer be was dumb When In the most solemn feast of the Pasch at what time an infinit number of people were resorted from all parts to celebrate that Mistery All which made to his greater ignominy and confusion Come eate ye my bread and drink the wine which I have mingled for you Prov. 9.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the food of your Soul Jo. 6.55 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel how Christ with five loaves fed five thousand persons Jo. 6. He will come this day into your soul to feed it with a food the sweetest most pretious and wholsome that ever was from the beginning of the world his own sacred Body and Bloud For My flesh is meat indeed and my bloud is drink indeed and that you might not fear to come he invites and calls upon you Eate Cant. 5.1 O friends and drink and be inebriated my dearest Consider 2. Three chiefe effects which corporall food worketh in the body 1. It nourishes and strengthens 2. It satiat's 3. It preserv's life In the same manner as S. Thomas saith this divine food worketh in the Soul Opusc 58. c. 9. It strengthens giving Grace and Vertue to overcome vice It satiat's in begetting a loathing of worldly pleasures for as the wise man saith A soul that is full shall tread upon the hony comb Prov. 27.7 that is the delights of this world Lastly it preserv's the spiritual life of the Soul and advanceth it to a blessed Eternity Jo. 6.58 He that eateth this bread saith Christ shall live for ever O what a happiness is it to feed upon such bread Consider 3. No meat though never so wholsome does good but in a body well disposed and taken in a clean stomack as the Physitians affirm Foul bodies the more you nourish the more you indanger for in these all nourishment is turned into ill humors See therefore that you duely prepare your Soul Ps 33.9 if you desire to taste how sweet our Lord is Purge your self of bad humors and evill affections which hinder spiritual digestion Let a man prove himself and so 1 Cor. 11.28 that is well proved and examined and not otherwise let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice Of the Crowning with Thornes Ps. 37.15 COnsider 1. Christ out of his excessive love of suffering for us not content with ordinary sufferings permitted the Souldiers to invent and practice upon him an unheard-of kind of cruelty striving to out doe both in invention and cruelty what was newly done in Herods Court. 1. Therefore they strip him of his own clothes not without great torment they being now cloven to the gore bloud which ran from his wounds then they put about him a purple garment in token of a mock-King See how he lets them abuse him aâ— their pleasure without the least resistance or contradiction being become as a man not having reproofs in his mouth Mat. 27.29 Consider 2. And plating a crown of thornes put it upon his head O unheard-of torment Some affirm that our Lord was wounded in seventy two distinct places of his head by those thorns Cant. 3.11 Goe forth my Soul and see King Salomon in the diadem wherewith his mother the Synagog whereof he was according to flesh hath crowned him and be astonished Away with Pride away with all sensuality Be ashamed saith S. Bernard to be a delicat or nice member Bern. ser 5. de Om. SS under a thorny head Mat. sup Consider 3. And they put a reed in his right hand And bowing the knee before him they mocked him saying Haile King of the Jews and spitting upon him they took the reed and smote his head What indignities are these What torments Ponder severally each one See how the King of invincible patience letteth not goe but keepeth still in his hand the Scepter of scorn and derision to provoke you to imitate Now was fullfilled that of the Prophet Behold my servant Mat. 12.18 Isa 42.1 c. He shall not contend nor cry out neither shall any man heare in the streets his voice The reed bruised he shall not breake and smoking flax he shall not extinguish Jo. 29. Loe the Man Part. 1. Jo. 19.5 COnsider 1. Jesus therefore went forth carrying the Crown of thorns and the purple Vestment Ponder how Pilat to move the Jews to commiseration brought forth our Lord scourged and crowned as he was and shewed him to the people Think what a confusion it was to our Lord to be exposed thus for a sight to the Pharises and his other enemies and with what humility and patience our meek Lamb bare it O how are you sweet Jesus altered from what you lately were when you appeared glorious on the mount Thabor or when you sate upon the Cherubins displaying the raves of your Majesty in the highest Heavens Is 53.2 Consider 2. Pilat said Loe the Man He was so disfigured that he could be scarce known for a man How true was that of the Prophet There is no beauty in him nor comlines and we have seen him and there was no sightlines Who would not melt with teares to behold so sad a spectacle and yet the hard hearted Jews are nothing moved but cry out the more Crucify crucify him O most beautifull of men where is now that gratious aspect of yours where those rayes of your divine countenance Do not consider me saith he that I am brown Cant. 1.6 because the Sun hath altered my colour The Sun and heat of your charity O Lord hath indeed altered your colour and metamorphiz'd you into a worm and the reproch of men for us Pro. 29.25 Consider 3. Pilat had long laboured to release Christ but when he heard those words of the Jews If thou release this man thou art not Cesars friend out of human respects and policy lest perhaps he might be accused to Cesar yeelded him unto them against all Justice Have a care that like human respects prevaile not with you against Justice and Equity He that feareth man shall soone fall saith Salomon He that trusteth in our Lord shall be lifted up Jo. 19. Loe the Man Part 2. COnsider 1. Having set Christ before your eyes with the Crown of thornes on his head and Robe of scorn on his shoulders as in the former Meditation and wounded all over from head to foot Imagin those words behold the man spoken to you by the holy Ghost to the end you should more attentively contemplat him as much as if he should say He
and so thou shalt depart 3 Reg. 19.8 Consider 2. This strengthening bread is properly the Holy Eucharist which is therefore given us under the form of Bread and that of Wheat which is most comfortable of all other thereby to enable us to go on with alacrity to overcome the toil and labour of the journey and to resist our spiritual enemies that strive to hinder our passage A lively figure of this was that bread which the Angel gave to Elias in the strength whereof he walked fourty daies and fourty nights unto the Mount of God Horeb. Consider 3. This bread although of it self most comfortable and strengthening produceth not its effects but in a well ordered and clean stomack for if it be foul it overchargeth and weakneth it the more 1 Cor. 11.30 Therefore are there among you many weak and feeble saith the Apostle because they received Christs Body unworthily Wherefore duly prepare your soul and cleanse it of all disordinate affections and then this heavenly bread will enable you so as to run chearfully in the way of Gods Commandments according to that Ps 118.32 I ran the way of thy Commandments when thou didst dilate my heart Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 1. Mat. 8.19 COnsider 1. While Christ was walking by the Sea of Tiberias with multitudes about him A certain Scribe came to him and said I will follow thee whither soever that thou shalt go This was a liberal Oblation of himself but not accepted of For the holy Fathers are of opinion S. Hieron S. Aug. apud Barrad to 2. that this man followed Christ only for gain as thinking by his Miracles and concourse of people that he gathered store of money Or perhaps also he would follow him out of vain ostentation and that he might come to work Miracles O how many are there in the world that say they follow Christ but in truth seek their own ends Mat. 5.3 Consider 2. Christs answer The Foxes have holes and the Fowls of the ayr Nests but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head As â—f he would say Why should you desire to follow me for worldly wealth who have no lodging of my own being less provided then the very beasts and fowls themselves O wonderful poverty of this Sovereign King But this Poverty is so rich and of that value as to be able to purchase the Kingdom of Heaven according to that Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven Ps 87.16 Mat. 11.29 Abdias 4. Consider 3. The Disciples of Christ ought not to be either Foxes having their holes that is Coffers to hoard up treasures in or Birds building their Nests aloft and seeking high and eminent imployments and dignities for that he himself is poor and in labours from his youth Meek and humble of heart Ponder those words If thou shalt be exalted as an Eagle and if thou shalt set thy Nest among the Stars thence will I pluck thee down saith our Lord. Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 2. Luc. 9.59 COnsider 1. Christ said to another follow me And he said Lord permit me first to go and to bury my Father This was a great mercy of Christ inviting him to be his Disciple and yet not accepted of but upon condition for he would first bury his Father who lay a dying or as others expound would have taken care of him till he died and after that betake himself to the service of God So many would serve God but after their own fashion that is after they have served their own pleasures and had their swing in the world Luc. 14.26 Consider 2. Our Lords answer Let the dead bury the dead but go thou set forth the Kingdom of God He teacheth us to prefer God before our Parents or Kindred He forbids not the performance of our duty but would have natural affection give way to the Divine Service for he will have his Disciples to cast off all carnal affection wherefore in another place he saith If any man come to me and hateth not his Father and Mother c. he cannot be my Disciple 1 Tim. 5.6 Consider 3. Christ termeth them dead that live to the world in sin For there are two sorts of death one of the body the other of the soul the body dieth when the Soul departeth the Soul dieth when it is separated from God by sin Christ therefore saith let them that are dead to God bury and take care of them that are dead to the world But let your care rather be to preserve the life of your Soul lest some time or other you come to die by sin and be cast off from the Face of God more loathsome to him then any dead carkass She that is in deliciousness saith the Apostle living is dead Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ Mat. 8. Luc. 9. Part 3. Luc. 9.61 COnsider 1. A third came to Christ and offered himself to follow him but asked leave that he might first return home to dispose of his things and take leave of his Father and Friends I will follow thee Lord but permit me first to take my leave of them that are at home A reasonable request in appearance but not received for that all dangerous delays in the service of God ought to be carefully avoided Eccli 5.8 Slack not to be converted to our Lord and defer not from day to day Consider 2. Christs answer No man putting his hand to the Plough and looking back is apt for the Kingdom of God As much as to say the Ploughman that hath his hand upon the Plough and looketh the contrary way is not fit to plough so he that intends to be my Disciple and turneth back to regard worldly affairs is not fit to preach the Gospel The Ploughman must see what is before him so must the Disciple of Christ according to the Apostle Phil. 3.13 Who forgetting the things that are behind stretched forth himself to those that are before Eccli 27.12 Consider 3. We are admonished here of constancy and perseverance in what we undertake for God A fool is changed as the Moon but a holy man continueth in wisdom as the Sun never going back but still making progress Examine your self how constant you are in your good purposes whether you keep the first fervour of your Conversion or as much as you remember your self to have had at other times c. Be stedfast in the way of our Lord Eccli 5.12 and if you find your self to have grown cold do penance Apoc. 2.5 and do the first works Of the Vocation of the Rich young man Mat. 19. Mar. 10. Luc. 18. Part 1. Luc. 18.18 Mar. 10.17 COnsider 1. As our Lord passed through Jewry A certain Prince running forth and kneeling before him asked him
saying Good Master by doing what shall I possess everlasting life Such ought to be your cares and cogitations to wit of Eternal life not of this miserable and mortal one which vanisheth away like a shadow Therefore stir your self up and often ask your self that question By what doing shall I possess everlasting life Mat. 19.17 Consider 2. Christs first answer Keep the Commandments for this is necessary for all men neither will it suffice to keep one or more unless you keep all for he that osteadeth in onâ— is made guilty of all Jac. 2.10 See therefore whether you observe every one and in what manner which ought to be exact and perfect according to that Thou hast very much commanded thy Commandments to be kept Ps 118.4 Consider 3. The young man having answered that he had kept all the Commandments of the Law from his youth Jesus beholding him loved him and said to him c. Go sell whatsoever thou hast Mar. 10.21 c. and come follow me Or as S. Matthew recounteth If thou wilt be perfect go sell the things that thou hast c. It is therefore a sign Mat. 19.21 or effect of Gods love to a person when he invites him to renounce all things and to follow Christ in imbracing poverty think with your self what God requireth of you in this point endeavour at least to be poor in affection that you may the more readily follow Christ who for you was made poor whereas he was rich that by his poverty you might be rich 2 Cor. 8.9 Of the Vocation of the Rich young man Mat. 19. Mar. 10. Luc. 18. Part 2. Mat. 19.22 COnsider 1. when the young man had heard this word of selling all he had he went away sad for he had many possessions Thus we often purpose to do great matters for God and wish for occasions to suffer for him but when we come to the push we fail and put on a sad countenance Observe how this young man answered not Christs call to follow him because he was rich And if God hath taken from you the like hinderance of riches give him thanks for that otherwise perhaps being intangled therewith and thereby hindred from following him you had long since been a lost man Luc. 18.24 25. Consider 2. That saying of Christ after the young mans departure How hardly shall they that have money enter into the Kingdom of God For it is casier for a Camel to pass through the eye of a Needle then for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God Wherefore that you may easily enter cut off the Camels bunch that is at least all disordinate affection to the riches of the world and take heed of scraping and hoarding up For they that will be made rich saith the Apostle fall into tentation 1 Tim. 6.9 and the snare of the Devil c. Consider 3. The saying of S. Peter upon this occasion Behold we have left all things Mat. sup v. 27. and have followed thee Whence the holy Fathers gather that the Apostles made a vow of Poverty and left all not only what they had but also what they might have and even the very desire of having Ponder the greatness of the reward which our Lord promised to all that should leave any thing for his sake to wit they shall receive an hundred times so much now in this time Mar. 10.30 c. and in the world to come life everlasting O incomparable purchase and to be preferred before all the gains in this world Of our Vocation in General to follow Christ Mat. 16. Mar. 8. Luc. 9. Luc. 9.23 COnsider 1. Christ hath prescribed certain Laws to be observed by all that come to his School therefore as S. Luke saith he said to all If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow me These therefore are the Laws of his School to wit Abnegation of himself and his desires Carrying the Cross and that daily and Imitation of Christ in all things See how you are in these particulars that you may become a worthy Disciple of such a Master Consider 2. More in particular what it is properly to deny himself for it is as holy men say to break and leave ones own will Colos 3.9 S. Basil â—a reg fusius q. 6. and to spoil himself of the old man with his acts Think how necessary this is and on the contrary how dangerous a thing it is to follow ones own will and judgment See how you are in this point and how you may better your self in it to Gods glory And lastly S. Bern. Serm. 2. de S. Andrea S. Hieron in c. 16. Mat. 2 Cor. 4.10 by what means you may arrive to this Abnegation of your self Consider 3. To carry our Cross daily the Apostle also adviseth us in those words Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus Therefore no day without a line or some progress in Mortification ought to pass with a Disciple of Christ whence S. Augustine saith The whole life of a Christian if he liveth according to the Gospel is a Cross and a Martyrdom Therefore take up your Cross chearfully and whatsoever is ingrateful to flesh and blood for by the Cress the way lies open to a Crown Of Holy Communion Let my Beloved come into his Garden and eat the fruit of his Appletrees Cant. 5.1 Consider Christ as a Good Tree Cant. 2.3 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Every good Tree yieldeth good fruits Mat. 7.17 Christ above all others is a good Tree and is often compared to several sorts of Trees in the holy Scripture In the Canticles it is said As the Apple-tree among trees of the woods so is my beloved among the Sons Other men are trees of the woods which bring forth no other then wild and sowre fruit to wit Sin Christ alone is the Appletree bringing forth most delicious fruit and as the Apple by its juice affordeth both meat and drink so Christ by his precious Body and Blood is both meat and drink to us in the Eucharist Jer. 31.32 Consider 2. Your Soul is as a Garden planted with Gods own hand according to that Their Soul shall be as a watered Garden Into this Garden of yours will be brought to day and planted this heavenly Tree the true Tree of Life yielding twelve fruits as is said in the Apocalyps which are Charity Joy Peace Patience Benignity Goodness Longanimity Galat. 5.22 23. Mildness Faith Modesty Continency Chastity O how are you to long for that hour in which your beloved is to come into his Garden and eat the fruit of his Appletrees that is of good works which he will produce in you Cant. 2.3 Consider 3. If you desire to have your fill of this fruit you must set your self down under the shadow of the Tree by
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
influence to all virtuous actions 4. It springeth up unto life everlasting raising up our thoughts unto it whose pledge it is Say therefore with the woman Lord give me this water that I may not thirst c. Of the Samaritan Womans Conversion Jo. 4.26 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. The wonderful goodness of Christ vouchsafing to manifest himself openly to a sinful woman saying I am he to wit the Messias that speak with thee Consider the efficacy of her Faith she presently went into the City leaving her Water-pot behind her to bring others of the City to the same Faith Come and see saith she a man that hath told me all things whatsoever I have done Such is the fervour of true zeal which bestirreth it self and seeketh every where whom it may gain to Christ If therefore you be enkindled with true zeal cast away the Pitcher of terrene affections and seek whom you may likewise inflame Consider 2. The Woman being gone the Disciples offered Christ to eat for it was that time of the day but he being intent upon the Conversion of the Samaritans whom he did expect refused saying Ibid. v. 34. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me to perfect his work that you may learn to prefer the Spiritual good of your Neighbour before your own corporal refection O that your meat and drink your delight and pleasure were only to do the will of your Heavenly Father Consider 3. How many of the Samaritans moved by the Womans speeches came and were converted and said to her That now not for thy saying do we believe for our selves have heard Ibid. v. 42. and do know that this is the Saviour of the world indeed Rejoyce that your Saviour was manifested to those men and wish that all the world may come to his knowledge and withall do your utmost endeavour to bring as many as may be unto him S. Greg. Hom. 6. in Evang. If you walk towards God saith S. Gregory procure not to come to him alone without company Of the Woman taken in Adultery Jo. 8.3 c. COnsider 1. The Pharisees seeking to intrap our Lord take occasion of his Meekness wherefore they bring unto him a Woman taken in Adultery with intent that if perhaps he should give his Sentence for her dismission he might be held for a Corrupter of the Law So the Devil layeth his Snares in that Virtue wherein we most excel the Zealous he endeavours to provoke to anger the Humble to dejection and pusillanimity the Meek to remissness and too much indulgence But there is no counsel against our Lord Pro. 21.30 Job 5.13 And Christ apprehendeth the wise in their subtilty Luc. 6.36 Consider 2. Jesus bowing himself down with his finger wrote in the earth so to decline his giving sentence which might breed contention Therefore the Apostle No man being a souldier to God intangleth himself with secular businesses 2 Tim. 2.4 He did it moreover to teach us that we ought to proceed warily and not with precipitation in such causes But they still urging him He lifted up himself and said to them He that is without sin of you let him first throw the stone at her Most wisely neither clearing nor yet condemning her but pricking their conscience and moving them to compunction for their own sins and commiseration for others Be ye merciful as also your Father is merciful Eccli 34.31 Consider 3. The Pharisees going away one by one the Woman remained alone repentant for her sin and probably with an interiour Faith expecting absolution thereof from Christ Our Lord therefore understanding by her that no body had condemned her Neither will I condemn thee saith he Go and now sin no more Observe and admire the Riches of our Lords Goodness Patience and Longanimity in bringing you and others to Penance O how often hath he said unto you Now sin no more and yet you have still gone on A man that fasteth in his sins and doing the same again what doth he profit in humbling himself Of the Cananean Woman Mat. 15. Mar. 7. COnsider 1. How a Woman of Canaan a Gentile came to our Lord to obtain the cure of her Daughter and see how well she prayeth 1. With a great Faith confessing him to be the Son of David 2. With profound Reverence for she fell down at his feet 3. With tender Charity Mar. 7.25 not begging for her self but for her Daughter 4. With great affection and instance for she cryed out after our Lord. 5. With admirable Constancy for she was often put off yet she still persisted in her Petition Such likewise ought to be your prayer Mat. 15.26 Consider 2. How Christ at first answered harshly unto her and seemingly cast her off like a dog saying It is not good to take the bread of the children and to cast it to the dogs so to exercise her virtue and crown her perseverance God doth often do the like with us because as S. Gregory saith He loveth to be entreated he is willing to be forced Greg. in Ps 6. Paenit and even desireth to be overcome by importunity Observe moreover the Womans Humility in not denying her self a Dog but requesting that which was proper to dogs to wit to eat of the crums of their Masters Table Let your prayer also be humble for the prayer of him that humbleth himself Eccli 35.19 shall penetrate the Clouds saith Ecclesiasticus and he will not depart till the Highest behold Mat. 15.28 Consider 3. Christ yielding at length to the Womans pious importunity first commendeth her Faith O Woman great is thy Faith then granteth what she asked Let it be done to thee as thou wilt Perhaps your Soul also like to the Womans Daughter is sore vexed with an evil Spirit He is sorely vexed who yieldeth to his troubles and temptations but he that overcometh them is vexed to his great benefit and Crown Beg therefore of our Lord strength and courage to resist and pray that as it was to this Woman so it may also be done to thee as thou wilt Of Holy Communion Love the Lord thy God and obey his voice and cleave to him for he is thy life and the length of thy daies Deut. 30.20 Aug. tr 47. in Joan. Consider Christ as the Life of your Soul COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel how Christ raised a young man from death to life and that he is the true Life of your Soul according to that Jo. 11.25 I am the Resurrection and the Life he that believeth in me although he be dead shall live And as the body dieth saith S. Augustine when the soul is departed which is its life so the soul dieth when it loseth God by sin who is its life Ponder the benefit of Spiritual Life by comparing it with that of the body for what a dead carkass is in the eyes of men deformed loathsome
and useless in all respects the same is a soul that is without grace in the sight of God Ps 35.10 Consider 2. Christ with whom is the Fountain of Life giveth life to dead Souls by the Sacrament of Penance and conserveth the same and encreaseth it by the Holy Eucharist He that eateth me saith Christ the same also shall live by me Jo. 6.57 And again He that eateth this bread shall live for ever You ought therefore with a longing desire to expect that hour wherein this Fountain of Life is to come to you and say with the Psalmist Ps 41.2 Even as the Hart destreth after the Fountains of Waters so doth my Soul desire after thee O God My Soul hath thirsted after God the living Fountain Ps 20.5 Consider 3. This Spiritual Life is not bestowed but upon them that ask it and that with great devotion He asked life of thee and thou gavest him length of daies for ever and for ever and ever Moreover being that the life of the body is known by its motion and operation in the same manner the life of your Soul which is Christ 2 Cor. 4.10 1 Jo. 2.6 ought to be manifested in you by your works and chiefly by the imitation of his life for he that sayeth he abideth in him saith S. John ought even as he walked himself also to walk Of the Conversion of Zacheus the Publican Luc. 19.2 c. Part 1. Sap. 6.13 18. COnsider 1. Behold a man named Zacheus and this was a Prince of the Publicans and he rich and he sought to see Jesus The desire of finding Jesus is a rare thing in rich men but this was the beginning of Zacheus his Salvation for Wisdom is easily found of them that seek her and the beginning of her is the most true desire of discipline See whether you feel the like desires of Perfection and procure to have them Consider 3. And he could not for the multitude see Jesus therefore he went up into a Sycamore Tree that is according to the Greek word a silly Fig Tree A man of that Authority that he was did nothing regard the Scoffs and Flouts of the rude people And you perhaps are not able to see Christ nor understand his Divine Mysteries for the croud of worldly thoughts Wherefore retire your self from them by prayer and by mortification get up into the silly Fig Tree that is the Cross which to the Gentiles is foolishness 1 Cor. 1.23 Greg. l. 27. Moral c. 27 For as S. Gregory saith they who through humility choose that which is folly to the world come to contemplate with great subtilty the Wisdom of God himself Consider 3. The Charity and Mercy of Christ in granting Zacheus even more then he wished not only permitting himself to be seen by him but also inviting him to his conversation and familiarity Come down in hast because this day I must abide in thy house He saith In hast for that the grace of the Holy Ghost knows not slow delays and This day while time is for perhaps to morrow you may not have me And you in like manner if perchance to day you shall hear his voice exciting you to greater perfection and imitation of himself harden not your heart Ps 94.8 Of the Conversion of Zacheus the Publican Luc. 19.6 Part 2. Apoc. 3.20 COnsider 1. Zacheus his Obedience to Christs Call And he in hast came down and received him rejoycing So ought you to do when our Lord calleth speedily and with joy to receive him and to open the door of your heart as soon as you hear him knock lest if you make delay he turn aside from you as he did to the Spouse in the Canticles and passed away from her Cant. 5.6 Observe how when all saw it they murmured saying that he turned in to a man that was a sinner Whence you may see that even the holyest actions are carped at by the malicious for they understood not the zeal of our Lord who came to seek and to save that which was lost Luc. 18.27 Consider 2. How Zacheus being at length converted by our Lords speeches said Behold the half of my goods Lord I give to the poor c. Here the rich man despoileth himself of his wealth and imployeth it partly for the benefit of the poor partly in satisfaction for what he had unlawfully got He overcometh himself in a thing the hardest of all the abandoning of riches but the things that are impossible with men saith Christ are possible with God by his grace See whether you have as yet overcome your self at least in putting off all affection to riches and chiefly in denying your own will Consider 3. Christ approveth of Zacheus his Piety This day Salvation is made to this house that is to the whole Family whereof he was Head so greatly availeth good example in Rulers Beseech our Lord mercifully to work the like Salvation in the house of your Soul especially when he cometh to visit you in time of Mass either by Sacramental or Spiritual Communion whereunto you may most fitly apply this whole passage Of curing the Centurions Servant Mat. 8. Luc. 7. Part 1. Mat. 8.6 COnsider 1. The Centurions Servant was fallen sick and his Master being sollicitous for him sent Intercessors to Christ saying Lord my Boy lieth at home sick of the Palsey and is sore tormented Observe the Masters goodness and care for his Servant as also his Faith wherewith he believed that Christ though absent could work the cure Learn to be ready in works of Charity even to your inferiours If thou have a faithful servant saith the wise man let him be unto thee as thy Soul Eccli 33.31 and as a Brother so entreat him Consider 2. Christs Charity and Goodness I will come and cure him He offereth more then the other asked to wit to come in Person whereas the Centurion wished only a single word from him for working the cure S. Aug. Let men be ashamed at their backwardness saith S. Augustine for that God is ready to give more then we to take Observe moreover how Christ being an other time invited to cure a Princes Son would not go and now freely offereth himself without any entreaty S. Greg. Hom. 28. in Evang. to go to the Centurions Servant To beat down our pride saith S. Gregory who do regard in men not so much their nature which is equal and the same in all c. as honours and riches Luc. 7.6 Consider 3. The Centurion hearing that Christ was coming sent others to meet him saying Lord trouble not thy self for I am not worthy that thou shouldest eater under my roof for the which cause neither did I think my self worthy to come to thee but say the word and my servant shall be made whole Ponder these words and admire his admirable Humility by means whereof while he deemed himself unworthy to
Christ came near and touched the Coffia and they that carried it stood still and he said Young man I say to thee Arise He speaketh imperiously to shew that he is Lord of all That hath power of Life and bringeth down to the Gates of Death and fetcheth again The death of the Soul is sin and Hell its grave for the rich man died 〈◊〉 16.22 and was buried in Hell The Bier whereon the sinner is carried to Hell is his Body the Bearers are Vicious Habits And as the Bier is often set out with Silk and Cloth of Gold though the Corps within is full of ordure so the body of a sinner glistering in Golden Array covereth a Soul abominable to God But Christ cometh and toucheth the Coffin that is striketh the body with sâ—me grievous sickness and by that means bringeth the sinner to life again Consider 2. And he that was dead sate up and began to speak and he gave him to his Mother What joy was this to his Widow-Mother What an astonishment to the rest of the company So a sinner reviving in Spirit to God beginneth to speak of such things as appertain to God confessing his sins asking pardon and extolling so merciful a Lord. â—eg 1.6 Consider 3. And fear took them all and they magnified God From so great a Miracle there arose in the standers by a fear of offending a Lord of such power to wit a Lord that mortifieth and quickneth bringeth down to hell and fetcheth back again Think how necessary it is for you to have this holy fear for the fear of our Lord hateth evil Prov. â— 13 Eccli 2 1â— And They that fear our Lord will sâ—â—k after the things that are well pleasing to him Of raising Lazarus Jo. 11.1 c. Part 1. Jac. 1.15 COnsider 1. There was a certain sick man Lazarus of Bethania c. Lazarus his death proceeded from a languishing disease So likewise from faintness and decay in Spirit if it be not cured in time followeth the death of the Soul Concupiscence bringeth forth sin sin ingendreth death The infirmity of our Nature is the Incentive of Sin but this hurteth none but those that yield of themselves for to them that resist and sight manfully This infirmity or sickness is not to death 2 Cor. 12.9 but for the glory of God for Power or Virtue is perfected in infirmity Consider 2. Lazarus being sick His Sisters sent to Christ saying Lord behold whom thou lovest is sick They do not prescribe what he is to do to a loving friend it is enough to intimate ones necessity Such ought to be our prayers especially in matter of health or other temporal blessings for we know no whether or no what we ask be expedient for our Souls Salvation Besides Christ went not presently but deferred going for two whole daies both to exercise their Faith and Patience and to render the Miracle more Illustrious So he often dealeth with you Greg. 26. Moral c. 15 The labour of the Combat saith S. Gregory is prolonged that the Crown of Victory may be the greater Consider 3. Some disswaded Christ from returning into Jewry to cure Lazarus for that the Jews had sought for him to stone him S. Thomas answered Let us also go to die with him Such ought to be the courage of an Apostolical man Jo. sup v. 16. contemning what dangers soever even death it self for the good of Souls and glory of God And such fervent acts ought you often to make that when Persecution shall arise against you you may be able to stand in the day of battel and not make your life more precious then your self Ps 139.8 Act. 20.24 Of raising Lazarus Jo. 11.33 c. Part 2. Rom. 12.15 Heb. 4.15 COnsider 1. Christ when he was come to Lazarus his Grave seeing others weeping he groaned in spirit and troubled himself c. and wept Which he did both out of Charity to weep with them that weep and withall to shew that we have a High-Priest that can have compassion on our infirmities Then he bad them take away the stone and lifting his eyes upward he prayed to his Father to teach us that we are to take away all impediments of our Salvation and to implore the Divine Assistance in all occasions but chiefly in the conversion of a sinner Consider 2. The stone being taken away He cryed with a loud voice Lazarus come forth Ponder the power and efficacy of his word which even the dead obey For forthwith he came forth that had been dead bound feet and bands with winding bands and his face was tyed with a Napkin This man that lay four daies dead in his Grave is a perfect Figure of an inveterate sinner bound and fettered with ill habits as so many winding bands muffled with the Napkin of Blindness pressed and â—ept down by Custom as under a ponderous Grave and finally fast shut up and inclosed through hardness of heart as with a Grave-stone such are almost incorrigible Therefore Christ cryed here with a loud voice and doth daily call to such and yet is not heard Take heed of such habits and customs of sin for as S. Augustine saith He hardly riseth that is borne down by evil custom Aug. c. 49. in Joan. Consider 3. The Pharisees having heard of this Miracle Gathered a Councel and devised to kill Jesus Whence you may learn that there is nothing so holy no action so good that is not subject to envy and harsh censures of disaffected persons Of Holy Communion Stand and consider the marvels of God Job 37.14 Consider Christ as the Worker of Miracles Jo. 4.48 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel Vnless you see signs and wonders you believe not Christ did many signs and wonders to confirm our Faith so that by the Prophet he is called by the Name of Marvellous Is 9.6 Yet he never appeared more wonderful then in the Eucharist the which that he might the more commend unto us he would make it an abridgment of all his Miracles according to that Ps 110.4 5. He hath made a memory of his marvellous works a merciful and pittiful Lord he hath given meat to them that fear him Consider 2. In particular some of the Miracles contained in this Mystery 1. As to the substance of bread which is wholly destroyed at the Priests words even the materia prima also and in place thereof succeedeth the glorious Body of Christ the very same that is adored in Heaven by the Angels so that there never was any so miraculous a Transmutation 2. As to the Accidents which being separated from their Substances are conserved without any Subject of Inhesion as the Rays of the Sun severed from it and yet they are never the less active and do nourish no otherwise then if they were Inherent to their own Substances and transcending all the power of Nature they truly produce Sanctifying
Mar. 4. Luc. 8. Luc. 8.5 4. Esdr 9.31 COnsider 1. The Sower went forth to sow his seed c. Ponder the Infinite Mercy of God he standeth not in need of any fruit that we can yield him and yet he vouchsafeth most graciously to go forth sundry ways by Preachers by Spiritual Books by Holy Inspirations by Superiours by Directors by Examples c. to sow in our hearts the Seed of Eternal Salvation Behold I sow my Law in you and it shall bring forth fruit in you Think what a precious Seed this is whose fruit is life Everlasting Consider 2. The Earth whereon this Seed is cast is Mans Heart But there are three sorts of Soil wherein this Seed bringeth forth no fruit 1. In the publick high way that is in an open heart exposed to all manner of distractive thoughts 2. In a stony soil that is in a hard heart without any moisture of Devotion 3. In a field full of thorns and bryars that is in a heart choaked up with the cares pleasures and riches of this life See whether the soil of your heart be not such in one kind or other and endeavour to rid it of all these impediments Consider 3. The property of a good soil or heart is to retain the seed and yield fruit in patience It is not enough to receive Holy Inspirations Luc. sup v. 15. unless you endeavour to retain them for whosoever retains not his meat saith S. Gregory his life is certainly desperate Moreover the field of your heart must be patient not only in suffering the Plough that is Afflictions but also expecting with patience the Heavenly Dew and showres of Divine Grace for Luc. 21.19 In your patience you shall possess your Souls Of the Cockle Mat. 13.24 c. THe Kingdom of Heaven is resembled to a man that sowed good Seed in his field c. Consider 1. By Christs own Exposition the Sower in this Patable is God the Field this World the good Seed the Just the Cockle the Wicked the Enemy the World the Harvest the end of the World and the Reapers the Angels God for his part would have all men good and for this only purpose affordeth his good Seed but while men sleep and are careless in the affairs of their Salvation the Devil oversoweth Cockle and of good makes them wicked The Cockle groweth together with the Wheat and is hardly distinguished from it in the Blade so the Wicked often times are scarcely discerned from the good in this Life See whether you be Wheat or Cockle and whether you do sleep in the main business of your Salvation lest you come to be overborn by the Enemy Mat. 5.45 Consider 2. The indiscreet Zeal sometimes of the Just that wish all the Wicked to be rooted up Wilt thou we go and gather them up But God doth not so who maketh his Sun to rise upon good and bad for he tollerates the bad expecting them to do Penance that so from being Cockle they may turn to be good Whâ—at and for that cause will not have them all rooted up Put on the like affection of longanimity towards your Brethren and Neighbours that are troublesome to you Consider 3. The great difference in the end of this common life which the good and the bad lead in this world Bind up the Cockle c. to burn but the Wheat gather ye into my Barn Who would not chuse rather to be in this Barn then in a Burning Furnace See therefore you be true Wheat and suffer your self to be thrashed and cleansed from Chaff by Penance and Mortification for you cannot be brought into the Heavenly Granary together with your Chaff Of the Mustard-Seed Mat. 13. Mar. 4. Luc. 13. Mat. 13.31 Ps 21.7 Colos 2.3 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is like to a Mustard-seed c. Christ himself first was this Mustard-seed because as that Seed is the least and commendable neither for its smell nor outward shew yet it contains within it self a great natural heat and sends it forth also outwardly especially when it is bruised So Christ to the outward appearance was a worm and no man c. but within him were all the treasures of Wisdom and Science of God and being broken and bruised on the Cross he expressed the greatest heat of love that ever was inflaming the whole world with the Fire of his Charity Do you likewise suffer your self to be set on fire with the like heat Sap. 5.4 Consider 2. All the Just in this Life are also Mustard-seed simple and contemptible in the eyes of the world but in a high value with God and his Angels so that the wicked shall say in the day of Judgment We sensless esteemed their life madness and their end without honour behold how they are counted among the children of God Observe moreover that the Saints do then shew their virtue most when they are crushed with tribulations whence the Apostle When I am weak then I am mighty 2 Cor. 12 10. c. Consider 3. A grain of Mustard-seed cast into the earth groweth into a Tree Mat. sup So that the fowls of the air come and dwell in the branches thereof Such a grain was Christ perfectly mortified and dead upon the Cross in whose branches that is Doctrine and Example devout Souls dwell by contemplation Vnder his shadow whom I desired Cant. 2.3 I sate saith the Spouse in the Canticles and his fruit was sweet unto my throat Do you the like Of the Leaven Mat. 13. Mar. 4. Luc. 13. Mat. 13.33 COnsider 1. The Kingdom of Heaven is like to Leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of Meal c. that is she wrought it into the whole Batch of Bread so to give it its relish This Leaven first was Christ who being hid in our flesh rendred the cursed mass of mankind acceptable to God Again he is after a special manner Leaven in the Eucharist whereby penetrating into our heart he leaveneth seasoneth and in a manner Deifieth the whole man giving Chastity to the body and the savour of all Virtue to the Soul Consider 2. Good Leaven likewise are the Good that live in Communities for an exemplar life hath a wonderful influence upon mens actions and after a secret manner provoking others to their imitation maketh them like to those in whom they behold it 1 Tim. 4.12 Leo Serm. 1 de S. Laurent whence the Apostle to Timothy Be as example of the faithful in word in conversation in charity c. because as S. Leo saith Examples are more powerful then words and it is a more perfect way of teaching by action then by word of mouth 1 Cor. 5.6 Consider 3. On the contrary the power of bad Leaven because it spoileth the whole Batch whence the Apostle saith That a little Leaven corrupteth the whole Paste Even so bad example infecteth them whom we live and converse withall
Religion so that there is nothing good and holy in the Church which proceeded not from them the Constancy of Martyrs the Justice of Confessors the Purity of Virging the Zeal of Doctors the Sanctity of Priests the Rigour of Moncks and Religious c. â—ook theâ—â— beginning from them Jo. 14.27 Consider 3. Their Reward 1. In this life in the wonderful fruit which they daily reaped of their labours and chiefly in the interiour Joy and Jubâ—ly of heart surpassing all the joys of the world Peace I leave to you my peace I give to you not as the world giveth do I give to you wherein they enjoyed to the full the hundred-fold which Christ had promised them 2. In the other life where they shall sit as Judges of the world and even of the Angels themselves and after a special manner shall eat and drink at Christs own Table in his Kingdom where above the other Saints they shall be inebriated with the pleaty of Gods House Ps 35.9 Of Martyrs Jo. 15.13 COnsider 1. The Holy Martyrs are the Seed of the Church and Champions of Christ Martyrdom is an act 1. Of the greatest Charity Greater love then this no man hath that a man yield his life for his friends 2. Of Invincible Patience and Fortitude contemning all manner of torments and death it self 3. Of Religion it being an entire Sacrifice of the whole man and perfect Holocaust 4. Of the perfectest Imitation of Christ If any man will come after me saith Christ let him take up his Cross Luc. 9.23 and follow me Consider 2. There are divers sorts of Martyrs 1. Those who have suffered death for the Faith of Christ among Infidels and Hereticks of which sort there have been innumerable in Gods Church 2. For defence of the Truth as S. John Baptist Isaie Jeremy 3. For the observance of the Divine Law as the Machabees 4. For defence of the Churches Liberties and Immunities as S. Thomas of Câ—nterbury 5. For their own Piety and Virtue as Abel the Just Besides these there are other true Martyrs who though not in their Body have suffered interiourly in their Mind As 1. The B. Virgin whose soul was pierced with the Sword of Grief and is deservedly stiled the Queen of Martyrs 2. Holy Hermits Virgins Luc. 2.35 and the truly Religious who all their life time have Crucified their flesh with its Concupiscences among whom many through the long durance of their sufferings have not only equalized but also surpassed in Merit the sharp torments of other Martyrs Luc. 21.19 Consider 3. Their Reward 1. Of Heavenly Comfort and Consolation which was oftentimes so great that it made them insensible of their torments 2. Of security of their future happiness In your patience you shall possess your Souls Whence S. Augustine He that prayeth for a Martyr doth an injury to the Martyr 3. Of a special Crown of Glory in Heaven above all other Saints 4. Of particular honour which the whole Church doth them in celebrating their Feasts next to those of the Apostles both more frequently and solemnly So that most true is that of the Psalmist Ps 115.6 Precious in the sight of God is the death of his Saints See that you celebrate aright their Festivities that is by imitation of their Vitues for as S. Augustine saith The Solemnities of Martyrs Serm. 47. de Sanctis are so many Exhortations to Martyrdom at least of Self-love Inordinate Passions and Vicious Appetites Of the Doctors of the Church COnsider 1. Almighty God hath provided his Church with holy Doctors whom he hath enâ—owed with all manner of Wisdom and Knowledge Humane and Divine and this they obtained not so much by their own sedulous study and labour as 1. By continual Prayer wherewith they humbly begged it of God the Author of all Science and Wisdom 2. By Purity of Life whereby they became pure Glasses and Myrrours fit to receive the Rays of Divine Light 3. By Humility whereby they submitted both to one another and to the Sense and Definitions of the Church If you desire to partake of their Knowledge and Wisdom make use of the same means Consider 2. Their Study was not meerly to know which is but an idle Curiosity nor to be known which is Vanity nor to get which is base Lucre But 1. To further their own Salvation 2. For the good of their Neighbour 3. For the propagation of the holy Faith defence of the Church and glory of God Examine what your labours tend to Curiosity Vanity or the Glory of God See that you imploy your Learning and others Talents not in devising or upholding new-fangled Doctrines but in zealously maintaining the known received and approved Tenets of the Church Consider 3. The admirable fruits of their labours 1. They have illustrated the whole Church with their holy Sermons and Writings 2. They have opened the sense of Holy Scriptures declared the Mysteries of our Faith maintained and propagated Truth and Religion 3. They have expelled Ignorance corrected Errours vanquished Infidelity Heresie and Vice bringing Infidels to the Faith Hereticks to the Church Sinners to Repentance 4. They have wonderfully promoted Piety throughout the whole Christian world by their zealous Preaching by their admirable Documents in all manner of Virtue and by the exemplar Sanctity of their Life and Conversation So that the Holy Church doth deservedly apply to them what our Saviour said to his Apostles You are the Salt of the Earth c. You are the Light of the World c. Mat. 5.13 15. See how the properties of each do agree with them consider withall their special reward in Heaven above other Saints They that be learned in the Law of God shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament and they that instruct many to Justice Dâ—n 12.3 as Stars unto perpetual Eternities Of Holy Bishops Confessors COnsider 1. Almighty God out of his Paternal Providence hath raised some among men who should be 1. As Fathers to others in begetting them spiritually to Christ 2. As Pastors by governing and feeding them with the Pasture of Divine Doctrine 3. As Leaders and Guides towards their Heavenly Country 4. As Mediators between God and Men to appease his wrath against them 5. As Legats to represent their necessities to God and to declare his will to them 6. As High-Priests in the name of the whole Church to do Divine Worship and Honour to God to offer Sacrifice to present our Prayers Oblations and Thanksgivings and by means of these Duties to obtain for us the return of heavenly blessings These were the proper Offices and Functions of the Holy Bishops Consider 2. In regard the Calling of Bishops is the same with that of the Apostles whose Successors they are God endowed them with special Gifts of Grace and Virtue answerable to the Dignity and End of their Calling Ponder therefore 1. Their Apostolical Spirit and Zeal in all things belonging to the
Holy Fathers expound it in striking the rock Compare these and the like examples with your actions and you will finde you have often deserved more Consider 2. God hath ordained more severe punishments for Venial Sins after death in Purgatory That Purgatory Fire saith St. Augustine will be more unsufferable then what pain soever can be seen Aug. Ser. 41. de Sanctis felt or even understood in this life There all debts will be exacted to the last farthing neither will there be place for any other satisfaction then by sufferance Is 33.14 And which of you saith Isaie can dwell with devouring fire Such as will be there Aug. sup Consider 3. Seeing you would not endure now to lie in flames but for a quarter of an hour although it were to gain the whole world how reasonable were it to make satisfaction at present by Pennance for what is past and to be wary for the future and if through humane frailty you be not able to avoid all avoid at least the greater and diminish what you can the number that so that Purgatory Fire as St. Augustine speaketh may finde little or nothing in you to consume Of the Remedies against Sin The Memory of the last Things Of DEATH 1. Part. How certain it is and with all how uncertain Heb. 9.27 COnsider 1. Death is inevitable It is appointed to men saith the Apostle to dye once Nothing is more certain or evident to sense All that have gone before us Princes Emperours Bishops Popes have dyed at last neither could any one hitherto of what power or dignity soever escape or put it off Job 14.5 Thou hast appointed his limits which cannot be passed saith Job Wherefore thou also infallibly must once come to it Marc. 13.35 Consider 2. As for the time place and manner of Death nothing more uncertain How many sudden accidents have you heard read or even beheld with your own eyes How many hath death unexpectedly stolen upon while they were eating sleeping laughing or playing And when is to be your turn What if at this instant Would you be ready for it Wherefore Christ doth often and in most weighty terms inculcate unto us that we should be ready at all hours Watch ye therefore for you know not when the Lord of the house cometh at even or at midnight or at cock-crowing or in the morning Eccles. 11.3 Consider 3. Death is but once to be undergone and if it hath gone ill there is no amends or recovery to be made if once ill so it will ever be if once well it will also be well for you for all eternity If the tree shall fall to the South saith the Wiseman or to the North in what place soever it shall fall there shall it lie Neither will there be any more time or place for Pennance Procure therefore by living well that whensoever your time cometh of falling it be to the right side See in what state you are at present and whether there be any thing in you which you would not on your death-bed and think often with your self that to perish once is to be lost for ever Of Death 2. Part. How terrible it is Ps 108.18 COnsider 1. The miserable state of a dying man lying on his death-bed given over by his Physician and hastening to his last agony Consider the many griefs and anguishes that surround him on every side 1. From the memory of things past for then will come to his mind the sins he hath committed the losse of so much precious time spent in vanities together with the neglect of many helps afforded him by Almighty God towards his Salvation Then perhaps one hours space of longer pennance will be earnestly wished for but not afforded him who while he was in his jollities and pleasures neglected many He would not blessing saith David and it shall be far from him Oh with what sighs will sinners at that hour cry out Sap. 5.8 and say What hath pride availed us or what commodity hath the vaunting of riches brought to us Consider 2. The grief of mind for leaving the present enjoyments of this life Aug. Ser. de Inno. c. 3. for as St. Augustine saith That is not left without grief which is possessed with delight Notwithstanding at that hour are to be left all friends and kindred pleasures delights and riches without any hopes of evermore recovering them 1 Tim. 6.7 We brought nothing saith the Apostle into this World doubtless neither can we take away any thing Whereupon Ecclesiasticus Eccli 41.1 O death how bitter is thy memory to a man that hath peace in his riches Cast off therefore in time all affection to worldly things that you may hereafter part without grief Eccles. 9.1 Consider 3. The anguish and perplexity of mind proceeding from the uncertainty of things to come The final sentence of everlasting doom draweth near Man knoweth not whether he be worthy of love or hatred The Devil will be at hand to tempt and cast you into despair Think what you would then wish your self to have done in your life time and do it now while you have opportunity Of Death 3. Part. Of the Horrour of the Corps COnsider 1. What a thing that body is after death which in our life time we cherish pamper and adorn with so much care 1. It lieth destitute of all sense and motion it seeth nothing heareth nothing neither can it so much as put off the worms that lie devouring it 2. It looketh pale and deformed and for the intollerable stench proceeding from the corruption that issueth out of it striketh horrour even into the dearest friends Wherefore with reason Blessed Francis Borgia In vita Borg. l. 1. c. 7. Psal 4.3 having beheld the Corps of a famous Empress of his time now rotten in her grave is said to have cried out How long shall we love vanity and seek after lying How long neglecting solid truths shall we hunt after shadows All things moulter away with death and from mirth soon pass into tears Eccli 10.13 Is 14.11 Consider 2. The Garments Bed and Habitation of the dead body It is stripped of whatsoever ornaments it had for its garments it is wrapped up in a Winding-sheet for its bed it is cast on the ground for its habitation it is confined to a pit seven foot long and lastly given over to the worms and serpents to be torn and consumed by them When a man shall die saith Ecclesiasticus he shall inherit serpents and beasts and worms And Isaie Vnder thee shall the moth be strawed and worms shall be thy covering O what an habitation What companions Eccli 38.23 Consider 3. How profitable and necessary it is often to call to mind this last end of your body lest you should have a greater care and love for that which is to be devoured by worms then of your Soul that is to live for an Eternity
them so to be delivered over to Secular Power 1. Will be taken from her the gift of Faith for that she did not lead a life conformable 2. Will be taken also from her the gift of Hope for having neglected the means afforded her for the attaining her chiefest Good 3. She shall be deprived of all Supernatural Favors and Graces if she had any and of Moral Vertues which she made not right use of 4. Natural Sciences shall remain for her greater punishment for having preferred them before the knowledge of Salvation 5. The Character of Baptism shall also remain and whatsoever other she had for her greater ignominy that it may appear from what she is fallen and that she may be upbraided by the Infidels reproaching her with that scoff Luc. 14.30 This man began to build and he could not finish it Finally then will be fulfilled in her that of Ezechiel Ezech. 23.26 29. And they shall strip thee of thy garments and shall take away the vessels of thy glory c. and shall let thee go naked and full of ignominy Mat. 25.41 Consider 2. The terrour of the final Sentence that will be thundered out against the wicked Get ye away from me you cursed into fire everlasting c. O what a plight and horrour will the Soul be in at that time the Devils hurrying her presently away to everlasting torments But no remedy then to avoid it As yet you may if you be wise Ibid. v. 21 Consider 3. On the contrary the happy condition of the Just that will be found innocent in that Judgement Unto such it will be said Because thou hast been faithful over a few things I will place thee over many things Enter into the joy of thy Lord. Think what a joy that will be If you aspire to their lot imitate their life Of the General Judgement 1. Part. Jo. 5.22 COnsider 1. The causes of the General Judgement 1. To manifest the Glory and Power of Christ unto whom the Father hath given all judgement that all may honour the Son c. and that he who came visibly to save all men might also visibly and publickly come to judge all that the wicked may see and behold whom they have crucified 2. That the Just might have right and honour dore them and the wicked due punishment and God justified in his judgements who for the most part permitteth the Just to be afflicted while they live and the wicked to live in all prosperity 3. That the bodies also may receive due reward or punishment as they have been instruments of Vertue or Vice to the Souls Mat. 24.6 Luc. 21.11 Consider 2. The terror of the Judgement by the foregoing signs There shall be great earthquakes and pistilences and famines and terrours from Heaven The Sun shall be darkened and the Moon shall not give her light and the stars shall fall down from Heaven and the powers of heaven shall be moved or as St. Peter saith 2. Pet. 3.12 The Heavens burning shall he resolved The Sea shall roar in a horrid manner the Earth tremble and be all on fire Malach. 4.1 Behold the day shall come saith Malachy kindled as a furnace and all the proud and all that do impiety shall be stubble and the day coming shall inflame them c. Take heed therefore you prove not stubble in that fiery day Luc. 23.30 Consider 3. The Angel shall sound forth his dreadful trumpet the dead shall rise and take their bodies but with how different a countenance the just from the wicked How will these inveigh against their bodies for whose sake and pleasure they committed so many sins in their life time They shall say to the mountains fall upon us and to the hills cover us But then there will be no means to escape How much will it be wished for at that time above all the Crowns and Scepters of the world to have lived in the Grace of God Think therefore often of this Whether I eat or drink or do any thing else saith St. Jerome that dreadful voice doth ever soâ—ad in my ears Hieron Reg. Mon. c. 30 Arise ye dead and come to judgement Of the General Judgement 2. Part. Luc. 21.27 COnsider 1. The terrour of the Judgement increased by the appearance of the Judge Then they shall see the Son of man coming in a cloud with great power and majesty An innumerable company of Angels shall stand about him ready to execute whatsoever he shall decree Mat. 24.30 Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in Heaven and then shall all tribes of the earth bewail to wit the enemies of Christs Crosse A Throne shall be set for the Judge in a bright Cloud and Seats round about for the Blessed Virgin and the Apostles From the Judge's countenance shall issue forth darts of love towards his friends but of fire and indignation against the reprobate Dan. 7.10 A fire and swift stream came forth from his face saith Daniel Who would not wish then to have been a friend in his life time of so dreadful a Judge Mat. 13.49 Consider 2. The Angels shall go forth and shall separate the evil from among the just These shall be placed at the right hand of the Judge as sheep The other on the lest as goats in contempt and ignominy Ponder the untimely repentance of the wicked especially when they shall see the Just above them Whom sometime they had in derision and in a parable of reproach We senseless esteemed their life madness Sap. 5.3 c. c. Behold how they are counted among the children of God Then will be exacted a most strict account of every particular and what perhaps you are now ashamed to open to your Confessor will then be known to the whole world Be careful now to blot out by Pennance what you would not then have known to your shame and ignominy Mat. 25.34 Consider 3. The just Sentence of the Judge He will say to the Saints Come ye blessed of my Father possess you the kingdom prepared for you c. To the wicked Ibid. v. 41. Get you away from me you cursed into fire everlasting Ponder the greatnesse both of the reward and of the punishment and chuse which you had rather it is now put into your own hands afterwards it will not Eccles. 9.10 Wherefore while you have time whatsoever thy hand is able to do work it instantly for neither work nor reason nor wisdom nor knowledge shall be in Hell whither thou dost hasten Of Hell 1. Part. Apoc. 19.20 COnsider 1. Hell is the dungeon of the damned full of all misery and void of all good Invent the cruellest pains and torments that you can imagine they would all be but a flea-bite in comparison of Hell The place it self shall be as S. John saith a pool of fire burning also with brimstone Wherefore it will be
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
beauty of this your Spouse Goodly of beauty above the sons of men how great his Nobility Dignity Glory Riches Wisdom and Power that you may be the more inflamed with his love Consider 3. Marriage is nothing else but a mutual Contract between two of living together as one with communication of goods and fortunes Wherefore see you do not any more forsake him by sin though it were to gain the whole world Besides communicate freely with him and give him up whatsoever you have Adorn therefore and set out your self in the best manner you are able against the time of your meeting and like a good Spouse as the Apostle admonisheth in all things Study how you may please your Husband 1 Cor. 7.34 Luc. 2.22 Of the B. Virgins Purification COnsider 1. The B. Virgin having retired her self fourty days after her Child-birth goeth up to Jerusalem together with the B. Infant and St. Joseph in compliance with a double law of her own Purification and her Sons Presentation This Law concerned not her who conceived by the Holy Ghost not by man yet she would submit her self unto it 1. To imitate her Blessed Son who would be subject to the Law of Circumcision 2. Not to give offence or scandal to the Jews that knew nothing of the Mystery wrought in her 3. To conform her self in what was lawful to others of her Sex and not to appear singular 4. To be exemplar in works of greater perfection Note each particular and seek to make your benefit thereof If. 64.6 Consider 2. The admirable Vertues she exercised in this action 1. Her heroical Obedience exactly fulfilling whatsoever the Law required of others not pretending any exemption priviledge or dispensation nor using Epikeâ—as or interpretations even in that wherein she might lawfully have used them O that you were so even in things that you are obliged to 2. Her prefound Humility in concealing the Mysteious Conception and Birth of her Son and sustaining the repute of being unclean Be ashamed of your own pride in seeking to be accounted holy and without blame whereas you are but a miserable sinner and as the Prophet saith All your Justices as the cloth of a menstrued woman that is imperfect and saulty Ps 83.3 Consider 3. Her incomparable Purity wherein although she did excell all creatures yet out of the desire she had of becoming still more and more pure would not be without that Ceremonial Purification which the Law required in others Learn hence to go continually increasing in purity of body and mind though you may seem to your self never so much free from sin and imperfection Ponder lastly her singular Devotion in hastening to the Temple to offer up solemnly to the Eternal Father both his and her onely Son Her Soul coveted and fainted into the Courts of our Lord. Observe and imitate as often as you go to Mass to make the same Offering Luc. 2.22 Of our Lords Presentation in the Temple Gen. 8.21 THey carried him into Jerusalem to present him to our Lord. Consider 1. this Presentation and 1. in relation to the B. Virgin what acts of Vertue she exercised therein as of Faith Adoration Devotion and Thanksgiving towards God and of Charity towards men for whom she offered her onely Son 2. In relation to the divine Insant How he rejoyced that the hour was come which he had so much longed for wherein he was to be publickly presented to his Eternal Father as a living Sacrifice for the sins of the whole world and for yours in particular Think with what zeal of his Fathers Glory and Mans Salvation he also offered himself 3. In relation to the Eternal Father how acceptable this action was unto him If at the Offerings of Noe and others Our Lord smelled a sweet savour how much more at this Oblation of his beloved Son made also by himself and in the arms of his blesâ—ed Mother Lue. sup Levit. 12.8 Consider 2. And to give a Sacrifice c. a pair of Turtles or two young Pigcons One for an Holocaust saith the Law and another for Sin Where observe how the Virgin disdained not to be reputed poor that being the Sacrifice ordained by the Law for them that were not able to offer a lamb and a Sinner Be ashamed to disown either or to think much to be ranked among them Ponder what manner of gifts God requireth Turtles Pigeons Lambs by the Turtle is signified mourning and Pennance by the Pigeon simplicity by the Lamb mildness With these Vertues therefore present your self that so your Offering may be acceptable to him Exod. 13.13 Levit. 27.6 Consider 3. Christs Parents to fulfill the Law redeem their Son with five Sicles although the Evangelists mention it not Ponder 1. Who buyeth His Blessed Mother not to keep him for her self but to nurse and bring him up for us 2. Of whom doth she buy him Of his Eternal Father to whom he had lately been presented Thus he would have his Son to be ours by a double title first by Gift in his Incarnation and now again by Sale O that you were so liberal of your self to God! What is the price Five Sicles or pieces of silver Think at how easie a rate you may make God your own and withall how inexcusable you are in refusing to bestow that pains and labour for him which you do for the Vanities of the World Luc. 2.25 Of what passed with Simeon and others 1. Part. Eccle. 7.19 COnsider 1. And behold there was a man in Jerusalem c. Here is described the Sanctity of those that gave testimony of Christ for there is nothing of greater credit or authority then Innocency of life 1. He was Just and religious careful not to offend God in the least for he that feareth God neglecteth nothing 2. He was expecting the consolation of Israel by ardent desires and prayers powred forth with a great and holy confidence 3. And the Holy Ghost was in him inspiring him after a special manner to fix his thoughts and desires upon these heavenly things not on the terrene and vain objects of this world Such ought to be all those that have consecrated themselves to God Expecting not earthly things Tit. 2.13 but as the Apostle saith the blessed hope and advent of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Consider 2. And he came in Spirit into the Temple Ponder the difference of them that frequent the Church some coming in Spirit others out of custom See how he came presently to know the Saviour of the World so much desired and longed for by the ancient Patriarks and Prophets See how he runneth to the Mother taketh the Blessed Infant into his arms and there entertains him with holy kisses and embracings O what flames of love would it kindle to have the Son of God so near Imitate these affections as often as you receive the Holy Eucharist and learn to go
in spirit to the Church and not out of meer custom Consider 3. How well the Blessed Infant did recompense the long expectation of this Holy Man not only favouring him with his corporal presence and that in his arms but also working interiourly in his Soul admirable effects of his divine grace and replenishing him with heavenly comfort so to the full as to make him bid adieu to all earthly things and to life it self breaking forth into that sweet Canticle Now thou doest dismisse thy Servant O Lord according to thy word in peace Because mine eyes have seen thy Salvation O that you could likewise bid farewell to all worldly desires and say with the Apostle I have a desire to be dissolved Phil. 1.23 and to be with Christ Luc. 2.34 Of what passed with Holy Simeon and others Part. 2. COnsider 1. What Simeon said of Christ Behold this Infant is set unto the ruine and unto the resurrection of many in Israel Christ will indeed prove to be the ruine both of the unbelievers and of those that work not according to their belief but withall a resurrection and everlasting life to the Just Think how you would have him be to you and take notice how even the holiest things will turn to our ruine and damnation if we make ill use of them Reflect therefore upon your self and examine what use you make of Gods benefits and of the means bestowed upon you to work your Salvation Coloss 2.3 Consider 2. And for a sign which shall be contradicted O wonder He was the Increated Wisdom of God In whom be all the treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge bid and yet he was contradicted by many His words and actions were commonly calumniated and condemned and thou silly man that thou art doest thou wonder and repine that men sometimes do contradict thee and reprove thy doings and sayings Learn to suffer patiently If you desire to be Christ's Disciple you must be content to be as a set mark for others to aim at in contradiction Mat. 10.24 For the Disciple is not above the Master Eccli 11.27 Consider 3. What the Holy man said to the B. Virgin And thine own Soul shall a sword pierce c. Ponder how God mixeth sorrow with gladness and amidst those excessive joys wherewith her Soul must necessarily be filled to see her Son honoured in that solemn manner he puts her in mind of her future sorrows Ponder the singular modesty of the Virgin and withall her resignation wherewith she accepted at the hands of God the piercing sword Imitate her example and learn not to be overjoy'd in time of Consolation but to think then of the Desolation that may ensue In the day of good things saith Ecclesiasticus be not unmindful of evil Luc. 2.36 Of what passed with Anna and others Part 1. Ps 38.5 COnsider 1. In this Mystery are proposed unto us the Vertues of this Saint for our imitation After seven years of a married life she lived continually in the Temple till the fourscore and fourth year of her age by fasting and prayers serving night and day Ponder her great love of Chastity her continual exercise of Prayer and Mortification and constant perseverance of so many years in the Service of God Compare these Vertues with your Inconstancy and Tepidity That you may know what is lacking to you Consider 2. And she at the same hour suddenly coming in confessed to our Lord. Ponder here 1. Gods sweet Providence in inspiring her to come so opportunely and withall revealing unto her the Mystery of his Sons Incarnation 2. Her concurrence with the divine Inspiration not letting slip one moment of the hour that was alotted her for the obtaining of so great a blessing Who knoweth whether this be not the hour wherein God intends you some special favour if you would make right use of it Learn hence to be ready at all hours and let not any slip from you You may lose many by neglecting one Mat. 20.16 2 Pet. 1.10 Consider 3. Many others there were at that time in the Temple who both saw and heard what passed yet these two alone had their eyes open to know him for that this Blessed Infant in the exteriour made no shew of any thing that was singular or above other children Learn hence to conceal what is in you and withall not to judge of others by their outside Learn also that among so many that come to the Holy Eucharist those alone do truly know him and do taste of his sweetness who come in spirit and devotion to the Church and are rightly disposed Lastly learn hence that many are called but few elect Labour therefore the more as St. Peter admonisheth that by good works you make sure your Vocation and Election Luc. 2.38 Of what passed with Anna and others Part 2. COnsider 1. The Interiour Acts of Vertue this holy Woman exercised when she beheld the Blessed Infant Her Faith Hope Love Joy and Congratulation with her self perfect Resignation c. Observe and imitate as often as you come to the same Christ in the Holy Eucharist If you believe where is your Humility Reverence and Devotion If you hope in him why do you afflict your self for crosses and adversities If you love him why do you set your affection upon creatures If your joy be in him why do you beg content and satisfaction from earthly comforts If lastly you have resigned your self to him why do you so often recall your self and seek your own will Mat. 12.34 Consider 2. Out of the Vehemency of her affection and zeal she brake forth into the praises of God She confessed to our Lord and spake of him to all c. professing him to be the Messias of the world extolling his mercies admiring his humility inviting all to acknowledge reverence and love him as their Lord and Saviour O how true is that Of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh The reason why you are so dumb in the praises of God is because you are cold and tepid in affection Learn of this holy Woman to speak freely of God and of heavenly things in your private discourses and conversation with others Be not content to enjoy God alone but endeavour to bring others to him both by word and example Consider 3. And his Father and Mother were marveling upon those things which were spoken concerning him They admired the divine Providence in revealing these Sublime Mysteries to a few onely and those but obscure persons rather then to the great and wise men of the world And after that they had wholy done all things according to the law of our Lord they returned Learn by this their example eractly to accomplish the will of God in all even the least things Accompany them home Observe their religious comportment on the way See how they being now returned to Bethleem apply themselves each one in their several duties to tend and serve the
clouts for his garments a poor Virgin for his Mother a needy Carpenter for his reputed father Make use of all this by imitation That by bis poverty you may be rich Ibid. Phil. 2.8 4. Of Obedience He humbled himself made obedient c. His birth in Bethleem was an actuall exercise of Obedience to Cesars edict though to his extreme great inconvenience He would observe the generall Laws of Circumcision Presentation c. Though unconcerned therein and in all things obeyed his parents 5. Of Patience Allthough by right of his Divinity he was impassible and by merit of his Innocency unpunishable yet would he in that tender age suffer cold hunger infirmity and want the knife and wound of Circumcision the hardships of travelling the affliction of banishment besides the other common miseries of Infancy whereof he was most sensible as having the perfect use of reason 6. Of love and Charity both towards God and Man directing all that he did and suffered to his honour and our good He shed teares and blood also in his Circumcision not for himself as other Children but to bewaile the offence of God and our sins He took upon him our infirmities and miseries not by constraint or necessity but out of pure love both to satisfy for us and to teach us by his own example all manner of Vertue Return therefore love for love Learn to contemn the world to be humble and obedient to suffer willingly want and hardships and all this for the love of God and your Neighbour Save me O God because waters are entered into my Soule Psa 68.1 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Peace and Tranquillity of the Soule Mat. 8.23 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel How Christ allayed the tempest at Sea c. Our soule is in this life as in a tumultuous Sea tossed with many stormes and tempests partly from the raging windes of temptations raised by the malignant spirits partly also from the swelling waves of our own passions and concupiscences which unlesse they be kept under will certainly sink us to the bottom of perdition Isa 57.20 The Impious saith the Prophet are as it were the raging sea which cannot be quiet c. O how many famous men being swallowed up in it Exo. 15.5 are sunk into the bottom like a stone Ps 88.10 Consider 2. There is no other remedy against these Tempests then the protection of God Thou rulest over the power of the Sea and the moving of the waves thereof thou doest mitigate For he is the Peace and Tranquillity of the soule appeasing its turbulent motions at his pleasure Mat. sup for to day he commanded the winds and the Sea and there ensued a great calme The like he will do to you at his coming in the Holy Eucharist if you be rightly disposed Mat. 14.31 Consider 3. God often permitteth us to be tossed with the waves of troubles and temptations while he seemeth to sleep so to try our constancy and increase our Crown of glory Besides he is much pleased with the confidence we put in him in such like dangers Whence he reprehended S. Peter for his diffidence saying O thou little of faith why didst thou doubt See therefore with what passions you are most disordered and coming with great confidence to the Holy Eucharist cry out with the Apostles Mat. 8.25 Psa 68.16 Lord save us we perish or with David let not the Tempest of water drown me nor the depth swallow me Luc. 2.41 Of Christs going up to the Temple c. Part. 1. COnsider 1. It was a law among the Jews that all of the Male kinde should thrice in the yeare appear before our Lord at Jerusalem Hence S. Joseph and the blessed Virgin also went He in obedience to the Law she out of devotion to the house of God Christ went up also with them both to glorifie his Eternal father and to give solemn thanks for all benefits received as well general as particular for which end or cause that Law was instituted Learn willingly to visit the house of God as often as you may and to observe exactly the Laws or rules of the place where you live Consider 2. His Parents went every yeare unto Hierusalem c. according to the custom of the festival day to teach you Constancy and Perseverance in good works Besides allthough they had a good custome of going yet they did it not meerly for custome sake but with devotion and spirit which we ought greatly to observe in all matters of Religion and chiefly in frequenting the Holy Sacraments Consider 3. When they returned the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem Our blessed Lord would leave his parents for a time to give us example of renouncing flesh and bloud where the service and honour of God is concerned Whence afterwards he pronounced Mat. 10.37 He that loveth Father or Mother more then me is not worthy of me All carnall friends are to be left for God neither are they to be consulted withall in this point much less to be heard or followed if they prove contrary Whence is that renowned saying of S. Jerome Hieron apud Bern. Ep. 351. Trample over your father trample over your mother and with dry checkes fly away to the standard of the Crosse Of Christs going up to the Temple c. Part. 2. COnsider 1. What Christ did those three days It is probable he remained all that time in the Temple wholy taken up in divine things Barrad Tom. 1. employing himself in prayer and conversing with the Doctors He lay upon the ground lived without any other food then what was very sparing and that perhaps got by begging as some are of opinion out of his great love to poverty so as to fullfill that of the Prophet I am a beggar and poor Psa 39.18 our Lord is carefull of me Consider 2. How he behaved himself among the Doctors Ponder 1. The Modesty of his countenance words and actions wherewith the Doctors were so much taken as to admit him into their company and conversation 2. His Humility in asking questions and harkering to their answers as a learner not as a teacher although he were the Wisdom of God himselfe 3. His Prudence in the questions and answers he made even to the astonishment of them all 4. His Zeal wherewith he acted all purely for the glory of God not out of vain ostentation How contrary doe most Schollars now a days who with pride and arrogancy boast of and foolishly blab out what they know See whither you be not one of them Ps. 37.22 Consider 3. How his good parents grieve for the losse of their son Ponder 1. Their Patience for their sorrow was such that it disturbed not the quiet and peace of their mindes 2. Their Humility in ascribing it to their own fault whereas there was none on their part 3. Their care in seeking after him
we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son And which is more he prayed for his own Executioners Rom. 12.21 that you might learn to overcome in good the evill Gal. 2.20 Ps. 115.3 Consider 3. He suffered for all so that he offered to his Eternal Father his Sufferings for every one in particular Wherefore take them to your self and use them as your own saying with S. Paul Who loved me and delivered himself for me Think what return you can make him What shall I render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendred to me I will take the chalice of Salvation Take therefore the chalice of his Passion and drink it up at least spiritually by contemplation and you will thereby have made the most proper and most acceptable return Of Christs Passion in General With what affection he suffereth Luc. 12.50 FIrst with the affection of a most ardent Love most ernestly beforehand wishing the hour of his Passion were come and saying I have to be baptized with a baptisme and how am I straightened till it be dispatched 2. Of most profuse Liberality for whereas the least drop of his bloud would have sufficed to redeem the whole world by reason of the dignity of his person he would notwithstanding powr out all he had Ps. 21.15 Ps. 129.7 1 Pet. 2.23 As water I am powred out Because with him is plenteous Redemption 3. Of the greatest meekness Who when he was reviled did not revile when he suffered he threatned not but delivered himself to him that judged him unjustly Is 53.7 And was led as a sheep to slaughter 4. Of an Insatiable zeal thirsting the salvation of all men which made him cry out on the Cross I thrist Jo. 19.28 Ps. 21.6 5. Of an incomparable Humility making himself the Reproch of men and outcast of the people who notwithstanding was in form of God Of extreme Proverty renouncing all earthly goods whatsoever even his own garments so as to hang naked on the Cross 7. Of Invincible Patience and Fortitude in suffering constantly to the end most grievous torments 8. Of the perfectest Obedience being obedient in a matter of the greatest difficulty unto death Phil. 2.8 even the death of the Cross And that not onely to his Eternall father but also to his bloudy Executioners I have given my body to the strikers Is. 50.6 and my cheeks to the pluckers I have not turned away my face from the rebukers and spitters Looke throughly into this pattern of all Vertue and doe according to what you see therein I will sow her unto me into the Earth and will have mercy on her that was without mercy Osee 2.23 Luc. 8.5 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Seed of Eternall Life Galat. 6.8 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel The sower went forth to sow his seed c. Christ our Lord is both the sower and seed it self for he soweth his own pretious body under the form of wheat in the hearts of the faithful not unto a corruptible but an incorruptible harvest and unto life everlasting For He that soweth in the Spirit saith S. Paul of the Spirit shall reap life everlasting Think with your self how much this blessed harvest is to be wished for Consider 2. This divine seed although in it self it be most fruitful notwithstanding requireth the concurrence of a good soile to bring forth fruit Wherefore if it fall in the high way it is trampled upon by the passengers as in the Ghospel if upon stones it 's dryed up to nothing if among thorns it is choked up See therefore whither your soule be a fit soile well cleansed supple far from the high way or rather whither it be not thorny stony full of the cares and occupations of this life hard to receive heavenly influences and open to all manner of thoughts and distractions But if it be so see that you mend your self and prepare your Soul to receive this heavenly seed Consider 3. This seed though in a good soile and in the best heart doth not yeild fruit but in patience as Christ saith that you might learn to persever with patience in expectation of the effect Luc. sup 15. and fruit of this divine grain and of whatsoever other Visitation of God and give not over to cultivate your Soul for that perhaps you doe not perceive that fruit which you desire Behold the Husband was expecteth the precious fruit of the Earth patiently bearing Jâ—c 5.7 till he receive the timely and the lateward that is either timely or later fruit Doe you the like and you will bring forth plenty of excellent fruit He fortelleth his Disciples his Passion Mat. 20. Marc. 10. Luc. 18. Mat. 20.18 COnsider 1. Behold we go up to Jerusalem c. The time being now come wherein Christ had decreed from all Eternity to suffer for the redemption of the world he went up with his Disciples to Jerusalem with great cheerfulness and speed for he went before them Mar. 10.32 and they were astonished and following were affraid Thus did he hasten to his death carried on by the force of his love You on the contrary are slow in suffering any thing He also went before leading the way that you might learn to shew first by example what you would persuade by words Mat. sup Consider 2. He revealeth his Passion to his Disciples The son of man shall be delivered to the chiefe Priests He had done this before but now more expressly He maketh this frequent mention of his Passion though most bitter in it self for that he did continually bear it in mind and amidst all his glory in the Transfiguration he treated of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem Luc. 9.31 Doe you endeavour to be piously affected towards the memory of it that you may say with the spouse in the Canticles A bundle of Myrrhs my beloved is to me Cant. 1.13 Luc. 18.34 Consider 3. And they understood none of these things The Apostles were as yet worldly given and bent upon honors and preferments Luc. 22.24 And there fell also a contention between them which of them seemed to be greater Therefore they understood not the Mystery of the Cross and what great good consisted in Humility and suffering of reproch Cast you off all these worldly affections if you will understand the Mystery of the Cross Ponder Christs severe reprehension of S. Peter disswading him from the ignominy of his Passion Go after me sathan Mat. 16.23 thou art a scandal unto me because thou savorest not the things that are of God but the things that are of men Mat. 21. Luc. 19. Of Christs solemn Enterance into Jerusalem before his Passion Part. 1. Zachar. 9.9 COnsider 1. Christ drawing neer to Jerusalem sendeth two of his Disciples to bring unto him an Asse upon which he intended to ride into the
man with me Besides it was an action that redounded to the dishonor and reproch of his schoole which had brought up such timorous and saint-hearted Disciples But he was chiefly concerned for their want of faith wherein they did all waver See you doe not leave Christ to suffer alone bear him company at least by affection and compassion Be content to be slighted and left by your friends Mat. 26.35 Consider 3. The weakness of mans nature in these Apostles who notwithstanding the many miracles they had seen Christ work the grace which they lately received by the divine Eucharist and fervor wherein every one said Allthough I should dye together with thee I will not deny thee Yet no sooner were they assaulted with temptation but they all failed Think how little reason you have to trust your self Eccli 2.1 Therefore coming to the service of God saith the wise man stand in fear and prepare thy Soul to Tentation And the Apostle Phil. 2.12 With fear and trembling work your Salvation Christ is led to Annas Jo. 18.13 COnsider 1. They brought him to Aâ—â—taâ— first Ponder how Christ would be brought before all the Tribunal seates for the greater Ignominy all the Tribunal seates for the greater Ignominy Therefore he is led first to Annas as President of the supreme Councel whereunto it appertained to judge of Doctrines See with what Clamor Laughter and Ignominy Christ is hurried along the ways and streets people running every where to their doores and windows to see the Captive How different was this enterance into Jerusalem from that which he made some sew days before when they cryed out Blessed is be that cometh in the name Mat. 21.9 of our Lord Hence learn to contemn the inconstancy of worldly favor Is. 9.3 Consider 2. How Christ is brought as a Criminal to the Tribunal of this Judge The Creator stands before his Creature The Eternal Wisdom of God is brought to the barr to give account of his Doctrine to an arrogant smatterer in the Law Behold the Doctors round about him all puffed up with their learning Rejoycing as conquerours rejoyce after a prey is taken Hear how they question him concerning his Doctrine and Disciples Beseech our Lord to instruct you in things appertaining to your salvation and not to let you harken after vain Sciences whose fruit is no other then pride and ostentation Jo. 18.20 21. Consider 3. How Christ beareth their reproches with silence but answereth resolutly to the point of Doctrine because thereon depended the salvation of many I have openly spoken to the world c. Why askest thou me ask them who have heard c. Learn hence to stand resolut in defence of your faith and of truth and to be silent in your own privat injuries See how he saith nothing of his Disciples because being he could not commend them as staggerers in their faith he would not say any thing to their dispraife Doe you in the same manner endevour to hide others defects when you may and not to discover them but to a good end Aug. l. 3. de Cons. c. 6. Of the Blow Christ received in Annas's House Jo. 18.22 COnsider 1. One of the Ministers standing by gave Jesus a blow Ponder here the General Circumstances Who To whom and What Think 1. How cruel this blow was as being given by a furious and armed Souldier 2. How ignominious before so great an assembly and inflicted upon his person whose sanctity of life and Miracles made him to be admired and respected by all 3. How unjust and Injurious for a most just and prudent answer 4. How grievous as being seconded with the loud laughter and scornful applause of the company O amiable countenance which the Angels so much desire to behold how hath this ignominious buffet set you all over in a blush Now my beloved is truly white and ruddy Cant. 5.10 and to be imitated by me both in candor of life and Vermillion of patience Jo. sâ—p Consider 2. On the contrary the mildness and patience of our Lord He is not moved to indignation he revengeth not though it were in his power and could in a moment have annihilated the wretch Yet modestly he justifyeth himself that he might not seem to have injured the high Priest whom he respected for the place and authority he bare If I have spok n ill give testimony of evill but if well why strikest thou me How different are your replyes when you have done amiss Endevour therefore to imitate your Lord Luc. 21.19 and in your patience to possess your Soul The Third Station Consider 3. And Annas sent him bound to Caiphas Imagin what a painful and ignominious journey this was to our Lord being haled and dragged about the streets at that time of night like some notorious malefactor from one Judgement seat to another Think what indignities he suffereth as he passeth along from all sorts of people even those that had received benefits from him What a spectacle was it to Heaven to see the Lord of Angels thus abused Condole admire give thanks imitate c. The Spirit of our Lord shall seise upon thee c. And thou shalt be chaâ—ged into an other man 1 Reg. 10.9 Of Holy Communion Consider Christ as the Transfigurer of your Soul COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Ghospel that Christ transfigured himself taking upon him the form of a glorious body Mat. 17.1 The same will he doe this day to your soul transfiguring it into himself by vertue of the Holy Eucharist if you doe not otherwise hinder him For the Eucharist makes us as S. Thomas speaketh the same with God S. Tho. Opus 58. c. 15. Aug. Cons l. 7.10 And S. Augustin maketh God to say I am the food of great ones grow and you shall feed on me yet so that thou shalt not change me into thee but thou shalt be changed into me Rom. 8.29 Gen. 3.5 Consider 2. What an inestimable benefit and dignity it is for man to be transformed into God and to be made conformable to the image of his Son It was the temptation of our first Parents You shall be as Gods but they were deluded By the Eucharist and the Grace that proceedeth from it we truly become one with God being made partakers of the divine nature and even incorporated and of the same bloud S. Cypr. Cat. 4. 1 Reg. 18.18 Jo. 1.12 with Christ as that Holy Father speaketh Humble your self therefore and say with the Prophet What am I or what is my life or the kindred of my father that I should be made not the Son in law of a King but the true adoptive Son of God for as many as received him be gave them power to be made the Sons of God Exod. 34.29 Consider 3. What is said of Moses that his face was horned that is resplendent and shining with two rays of glory
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
Behold two of them went the same day into a town c. They went therefore on the very day of the Resurrection to a neighbouring town or village and while they were discoursing together of our Lords Passion and of the reports and signes of his Resurrection Christ joyned himself with them that you might learn how grateful unto him are pious discourses especially of his Passion They knew not our Lord because they wavered in their Faith Wherefore if you will understand divine things you must firmly believe Is 7.9 Juxta Septuag for as Isaie saith If you will not believe you shall not understand God is often with us at hand and we take no notice of him Consider 2. How sweetly Christ did insinuat himself to his Disciples What are these communications that you conferr one with another Like a Physitian he searches the wound to apply his salve They answered Concerning Jesus of Nazareth who was a Man a Prophet mighty in work and word before God and all the People An honourable opinion of our Saviour Such ought to be all those that are imployed in gaining Soules joyning action to their words and exhortation and teaching first by example what they are to Preach by word of mouth Greg. l. 1. Ep. 24. For that speech doth more easily penetrate the hearts of the auditours which hath recommendation from the Oratours life as S. Gregory saith Mat. 11.12 Consider 3. Those words of Christ Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and so to enter into his glory to wit by his passion And what way will you enter that seek your own ease convenience and satisfaction in all things and can not endure to suffer in the least Think how little you have suffered hitherto in Gods cause and yet The Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence and the violent beare it away Luc. 24.30 c. Our Lord appeareth to the Disciples c. Part 2. COnsider 1. How Christ walketh with his Disciples and explicateth unto them the mysteries of his Passion O how their hearts were inflamed by the divine fire which was so neer them So that with good reason they might afterwards say Was not our heart burâ—ing in us c. A signe therefore of Christs presence in a Soul is fervor if you be colde and without fervor Christ is not with you Prov. 8.31 Consider 2. How the Disciples being come to their journeys end invite Christ to take up with them He makes as if he had further to goe but they prevaile with him to stay In the same manner although he desireth nothing more then to be with us according to that My delights are to be with the Children of Men yet he loves to be intreated and in a manner forced to it by ernest Prayer So Jacob compelled the Angel I will not let thee goe unless thou bless me Gen. 22.26 Mat. 15.28 So likewise the Cananean Woman by still urging on after the first repulse obtained her Daughters care Author Imperf August Paulinus Beda theophilact hic Consider 3. Whiles he sate at the table with them he took bread and blessed and brake and did reach to them Whereupon Their eyes were opened and they knew him These signal actions and the singular effect of notifying Christ shew that it was a Sacramental entertainment as also the Holy Fathers doe generally teach The Souls of the faithful and worthy receivers are truly enlightened by the breaking of the Eucharistical bread and their eyes opened to see acknowledge and love the infinit goodness of the Author Christ having thus discovered himself presently disappeareth for he would not have us entertain our selves overlong even in spiritual consolations but betake our selves to our employments and therefore the Disciples rising up the same hour went back into Jerusalem and related with great joy what had happened Christ appeareth to his Disciples gathered together S. Thomas being absent Jo. 20.19 Part 1. Is. 66.11 COnsider 1. When it was late that day c. And the doores were shut Jesus came and stood in the middes c. This is the sixth apparition wherewith Christ was pleased to comfort his friends on the very day of his Resurrection That all might be filled of the brest of his consolation and flow with delights in all manner of his Glory But here he appeareth 1. Late in the evening that you should learn to expect our Lord with patience and Longanimity 2. He entered the dores being shut to shew the subtility wherewith his body now in glory was endowed Doe you in like manner shut the dores of your senses You must be a garden inclosed Cant. 4.12 a fountain sealed up if you desire to entertain Christ 3. He stood in the middle as a Shepheard amidst his flock as a Master among his disciples and as the Sun in the middle of the world Stand thus O Lord in the center of my Soul Feeding Teaching and Illuminating her Phil. 4.7 Consider 2. He saith to them Peace be to you He wisheth them not plenty of Riches nor Honours nor the like but Peace and this with God within themselves and among one another Learn to prize and purchase this peace before all worldly wealth and beseech our Lord That the Peace of God which passeth all understanding keep your heart and Intelligence in Christ Jesus Consider 3. To confirm them the more he asketh whether they have any thing to eate And they offered him a peece of fish broiled Luc. 24.42 and a hony comb and he did eate thereof Christ doth often ask of you some thing to eate For The Word of God as S. Ambrose saith feedeth upon the vertues of our Souls De bon Mor. c. 5. You are as a fish swimming in the main Sea of this world all wet and slabby with the vanities thereof Be therefore broyled with the fire of Charity and seasoned with the hony of Devotion that you may make up a dish fit for our Lords table Jo. sup Christ appeareth to his Disciples gathered together c. Part 2. COnsider 1. How after he had eaten he ordained his Disciples as Missionants Doctors and Pastors of his flock but first repeateth Peace be unto you to shew how necessary Peace and union is among themselves in Apostolical men As my father hath sent me I also doe send you That is with the same authority that my father sent me I also send you and as my father sent me into the world not to seek my ease and pleasure but to take paines and suffer afflictions after the same manner I send you that you may learn hence what things Apostolical men ought to be lovers of Consider 2. When he had said this he breathed and he said to them Receive ye the Holy Ghost Our Lord could have given it without breathing on them but he would use this Ceremony that you might learn to reverence the like ceremonies of the Holy Church for likewise
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
you with the flowers he delights you and so of the rest Wherefore say with S. Augustine As there is not any hour Lord Aug. in Soliloq c. 18. or moment of all my life wherein I do not enjoy your benefits so ought there not to be any moment wherein I have you not before my eyes by remembrance and love you not with my whole strength Ps 115.3 Consider 3. Other benefits of God appertaining particularly to the mind such as are good Education care of Parents and Superiours counsel and example of the Virtuous the endowments of Knowledge Arts and Sciences together with the conveniences of this life and that perhaps with little care or labour of your own which many others cannot get without sweat of brow and hazard oftentimes of soul Think therefore what you shall render to our Lord for all things that he hath rendered to you Pro. 23.26 He desires nothing but your self My Son saith he give me thy heartâ— Of the benefit of Redemption Part. 1. COnsider 1. That you may the better understand the greatness of this benefit ponder what a misery it is to live in Slavery under some cruel Tyrant where you are to endure perpetual imprisonment hunger and thirst stripes and other torments Think what the Children of Israel suffered in the bondage of Egypt and Captivity of Babylon and what you were like to suffer if you were condemned perpetually to the Galleys under the Turk and what you would give for your Ransome 2 Tim. 2.26 Consider 2. The Slavery of Sin is incomparably greater then all this which makes us Slaves of the Devil as the Apostle-speaketh and liable to the torments of Hell We were all under this slavery nor was there possible any humane means of escaping when behold the only begotten Son of God came down from heaven and took upon him to satisfie for our sins that so he might deliver us from so cursed a servitude Tit. 2.14 Who gave himself saith the Apostle for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity Ps 15.2 Consider 3. The cause of so great a mercy Christ did it not for any profit of his as if he had need of us Thou art my God saith David because thou needest not my goods Nor for any deserts of ours which then neither were nor could be any but out of his own meer goodness and mercy according to that of Isaie In his love Is 63.9 and in his indulgence he redeemed them and bare them and lifted them up all the daies of the world Who would not love so loving a Lord and give himself up wholly to him without whom he had been lost for ever Of the benefit of Redemption Part 2. Ps 129.7 COnsider 1. The manner wherewith Christ redeemed you from the said slavery With good reason David said With him is plenteous Redemption for he could by his absolute power have remitted all our sins without taking mans flesh upon him He might also have satisfied the rigour of Justice by the least action of his after his Incarnation but would suffer so much that where sin abounded Rom. 5.20 grace might more abound and that he might leave us example according to S. Peter 1 Pet. 2.21 that we may follow his steps Consider 2. More in particular what he suffered In the Manger in his Circumcision in his flight and in Egypt it self by hunger and thirst by cold and nakedness by much travelling and frequent dangers Lastly during the time of his Passion by his scourging at the Pillar by the crowning with Thorns and nailing on the Cross and all this he suffered for his Enemies that is for all sinners Who did ever suffer so much even for his friends Wherefore the Church on Easter Eve breaketh forth into those admirable notes O happy fault which deserved to have such In benedic Cerei and so greet a Redeemer Consider 3. What you ought to do in return and what to offer to such a Redeemer Ask your self that question with S. Bernard If I owe my whole self for being made Bern. de diligendo Deo what more shall I add for being repaired and repaired in such manner for I was not so easily repaired as first made Wherefore behave your self as a Bondslave of Christ as truly you are thank him for so great a favour and give your self wholly to his service Reflect often upon that saying of the Apostle 1 Cor. 6.20 You are bought with a great price glorifie and bear God in your body Of Holy Communion Consider Christ at the Advocate of our Soul Behold the Lord God my helper who is he that shall condemn me Is 50.9 1 Jo. 2.1 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel I go to him that sent me c. And it is expedient for you that I go Jo. 6.5.7 For our Lord went to his Eternal Father to plead for us and that he might be in that Supreme Consistory of Heaven our Patron Advocate Mediator or Intercessor according to that of S. John We have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Just And that of S. Paul 1 Tim. 2.5 There is one Mediator of God and men Man Christ Jesus Therefore it was truly expedient for us that he should go to his Father to intercede in our behalf being guilty of many crimes Apoc. 1.5 Consider 2. What a benefit it were to have for Proctor or Advocate in the Court of some worldly Prince the Kings only Son ready upon all occasions to defend you with his Father and to further and promote you what he could Such an one is Christ our most loving Lord who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his blood most willing to help us who will all men to be saved And lastly 1 Tim. 2.4 most powerful to obtain what thing soever of his Father Luc. 10.22 All things are delivered to me of my Father Sap. 1.4 Consider 3. How much you are to wish for that hour wherein this Advocate of yours is to come into your Soul in the H. Eucharist for then you may confidently open unto him all your miseries and necessities that he may plead to his Father for officacious redress See therefore that the lodging of your heart be clean for he is wonderfully delighted with cleanliness and as the wise man saith Wisdome will not enter into a malicious Soul nor dwell in a body subject to sins Of the benefit of Adoption Part 1. 1 Jo. 3.1 COnsider 1. That of S. John See what manner of charity the Father hath given us that we should be named and be the Sons of God The Father of Mercies was not satisfied with redeeming us but would also adopt us to be his Children The benefit is the greater in regard of the meanness of the person and the Excellency of the Dignity to which he is raised For what more vile or base then Man What
more excellent then God Man as to his body is no better then dirt and dust a sack of dung and meat for worms As to his Soul he is the very sink of sin an Abyss of ignorance and Myrrour of Inconstancy Think how slender is his ability how little it is he knoweth what miseries he is subject unto so that Job said with reason What is man that thou magnifiest him Job 7.17 or why settest thou thy heart toward him Gen. 41.40 1 Reg. 9. Ps 77.70 Consider 2. On the other side what God is and how great is his Majesty Glory Riches Beauty Power c. and what a dignity it is to be his adoptive Son If it was esteemed a great and wonderful thing in Joseph the Patriarch to be taken out of prison and made Lord of Egypt in Saul from following of Asses to be annointed King and in David from following after the Ewes with young to be assumed to a Kingdome How much more is it to be admired that a lump of earth should be raised to dignity of being the Son of God and that the harbourer of worms should become the companion of Angels Ps 112.7 8 Consider 3. How much you owe to God for having so highly exalted you Raising up the needy from the earth and lifting up the poor out of the dung to place you with the Princes of his heavenly Court O unspeakable honour you deserve not the name of Gods servant Leo Serm. 1. de Nativit and you are made his Son Acknowledge therefore O Christian saith S. Leo your dignity and being made partaker of the Divine Nature do not by unworthy behaviour degenerate to your former baseness Of the benefit of Adoption Part 2. COnsider 1. The admirable effects of this benefit 1. It puts us under Gods special providence and protection so as to bring us up govern maintain and defend us as a loving Father doth his Children Whence David said Ps 102.13 As a father hath compassion of his children so hath our Lord compassion on them that fear him c. And by Isaie he promiseth yet more Why Is 49.15 can a woman forget her Infant that she will not have pity on the son of her womb And if she should forget yet will not I forget thee O what a security it is to be protected by such a Father If God stand for us who will be against us 2 Pet. 1.4 Consider 2. How by this adoption we are made partakers of the Divine Nature and in a manner Gods according to that of the Psalmist I said you are Gods and the sons of the highest all Ps 81. â— for it makes us partakers in some degree of Gods perfections and excellencies as of his Wisdome Fortitude Constancy Justice Charity and other Attributes which in him are by nature and are communicated to us as his children by grace Learn therefore greatly to esteem such a benefit that makes you like to God himself Rom. 8.17 Consider 3. How it makes us also Heirs of the Kingdome of Heaven according to that of the Apostle And if sons heirs also heirs truly of God and co-heirs of Christ O what a happiness Look therefore upon heaven as your own by inheritance Say with that Philosopher Corn. ad Rom. c. 1â— 14. I am born to greater things then to make my self a slave to my own flesh Direct your thoughts and cares thither where you are sure to inherit endless treasures contemn all mortal things and give your mind only to such as are truly great and everlasting and as a certain holy man was wont to say In Vita P. Balt Alvarez Do not degenerate from the high thoughts of the sons of God Of the benefit of Adoption Part 3. Deut. 32.6 COnsider the several Obligations we have by reason of this benefit The first is of loving tenderly and from our whole heart so loving a Father For if children of this world do naturally love their Parents of whom they only receive their corporal substance and earthly goods how much more are you bound to love God from whom all proceeds that is good and who hath possessed thee and made and created thee Exod. 20.12 The second Obligation is of honouring him as our Father that is reverencing him with exteriour worship and serving him what we can with all respect and duty Honour thy Father and thy Mother that thou mayst be long lived upon the earth And our Lord himself by Malachy saith And if I be the father Mal. 1.6 where is my honour Mat. 5.48 Ephes 5.1 The third Obligation is of imitating God as children do their Parents Therefore Christ said Be you perfect as also your heavenly father is perfect And S. Paul Be followers of God as most dear children You must therefore imitate his Sanctity and Immunity from sin his Charity Mercy Justice and other Virtues Lev. 11.45 You shall be holy saith our Lord because I am holy Lev. 19.3 The fourth Obligation is of fearing ever to offend our Father according to that of Leviticus Let every one fear his Father and Mother And if children of this world fear to offend their Parents that they may not be disinherited by them how much more ought we to fear God Take heed that it be not ever objected to you Is 1.2 I have brought up children and exalted them but they have despised me You will despise him if you prefer your own will and desires before his Counsels and Commands Of the benefit of the H. Sacraments Is 12.3 COnsider 1. The wonderful care your Heavenly Father hath of you for to conserve you in the grace of his Adoption he hath provided you with many means for which you owe thanks and gratitude the chief of them are the seven Sacraments which as so many Fountains he would have to flow with several gifts of Grace in all abundance according to the diversity of our necessities so as to make good that of the Prophet You shall draw waters in joy out of the Saviours Fountains Ps 83.5 Consider 2. The infinite Wisdome of God in most fitly ordaining each Sacrament for that man might be born into a spiritual life he instituted Baptisme to grow up and be strengthened in the same Confirmation to be nourished Holy Eucharist That he might have a remedy and certain cure against his spiritual diseases Penance That he might be armed for his last Combat Extreme Unction Lastly for the right discharging of several states and duties in his Church he instituted H. Order and Matrimony Truly blessed are they that dwell in thy house O Lord who doest so abundantly provide for them that fear thee Is 55.1 Consider 3. These Fountains of Grace 1. Are open to all none are excluded though never so poor Whence the Prophet cryeth out All ye that thirst come to the waters and you that have no silver make hast buy and eat 2. They are
receive Christ under his Roof he had now lodged him in his Heart that you may also imitate him especially when you communicate Of curing the Centurions Servant Mat. 8. Luc. 7. Part 2. Luc. 7.8 COnsider 1. The rest of the Centurions discourse For I also am a man subject to Authority having under me Souldiers and I say to this go and he goeth and to an other come and be cometh and to my servant do this and he doth it As if he should say if I who am but an Under-Officer and under the command of my Captains yet can say to my servant do this and he doth it how much more will all creatures obey your Word An honourable confession of Christs Power Rejoyce that he is truly such and withall be confounded that servants perform stricter obedience to their Masters in things of this world then you perhaps do to God or your Superiours that are in his place Mat. 8.10 Consider 2. Christ having heard these words extolled the Faith of the Centurion being but a Gentile above the Israelites Amen I say to you I have not found so great Faith in Israel Whereupon he adjoyneth And I say to you that many shall come from the East and the West c. but the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out c. The children of the Kingdom of Heaven formerly were the Jews but now they are become Out-casts because they obey'd not Gods call and we are made the children of that Kingdom and after a special manner an Elect Generation and a Kingly Priesthood 1 Pet. 2.9 Let us therefore behave our selves worthy of such an honour Hold that which thou hast saith our Lord that no man take thy Crown Apoc. 3.11 Consider 3. How his Request was granted Go and as thou hast believed be it done to thee Mat. sup 13 for our Lord will do the will of them that fear him and will hear their prayer Ps 144.20 Perhaps you entertain in your Soul a Will or Affection that lieth sick of the Palsey that is seized upon with the Spirit of Sloth and Sluggishness Imitate therefore the fervour and humility of this Centurion and by means of your good Friends that is the Saints your holy Patrons beg remedy of our Lord but especially when you go to Communion use those words of the Centurion and with like Faith Lord I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof Luc. 7.6 Of the curing of S. Peters Mother-in-Law Mat. 9. Luc. 4. Mar. 1. Luc. 4.38 COnsider 1. Our Lord being entered into Peters house sound his Mother-in-Law lying sick of a strong Feaver but the Disciples besought him for her Observe the Apostles readiness to intercede for others and the efficacy of their Intercession for she was immediately cured We all of us have some Spiritual Feaver or other being set on fire by the allurements of divers unlawful desires Our Feaver saith S. Ambrose is Covetousness Ambr. l. 4. in Luc. c. 4. our Feaver is Lust our Feaver is Ambition c. See what you are most sick of and take the Apostles for your Intercessors that you may be cured Ps 148.5 Consider 2. The manner wherewith Christ delivered the sick person Standing over her he commanded the Feaver and it left her He did not drive it away with Medicines as the Physitians do but by Command alone to shew his Power and Divinity So at other times he commanded the Winds and Sea and the Devils and they obeyed him for as the members of our Body obey the Soul and move only at her will so all creatures obey God Rejoyce that you have so powerful a Lord He said and they were made he commanded and they were created Do you likewiâ—e procure to obey him in all things Pro. 31.17 Consider 3. S. Peters Mother-in-Law being cured Incontinent rising she ministred to them She pretended not weakness after her sickness nor desired to give her self any more to rest but presently betook her self to labour and pains like that valiant Woman in the Proverbs She hath girded her loyns with strength and hath strengthened her arm Wherefore it will prove an effect of your spiritual health to work fervently and to be ready for all charitable offices Of a Princes Son restored to health Jo. 4. c. Jo. 4.46 47. COnsider 1. There came unto Christ a certain Lord whose Son was sick at Capharnaum c. and desired him that he would come down and beal his Son for he began to die Observe how profitable corporal infirmities and afflictions are which force us to have recourse to God for unless the Son had fallen sick perhaps the Father had never been brought to the Faith of Christ So it is written of King Manasses while he was Captive that after he was in distress he prayed our Lord his God 2 Paral. 33.12 c. and Manasses knew that our Lord he was God Therefore take the like infirmities and afflictions as so many benefits and incitements to Virtue Their infirmities were multiplied saith David afterward they made hast Ps 15.4 Ps 43.5 Consider 2. Christs answer 1. He reprehendeth them that seek Miracles out of incredulity 2. He refuseth to go to the house where he was desired for that it is not sitting we should prescribe God the way and manner of succouring us 3. Yet he mercifully giveth recovery and health though absent the more to manifest his Power and to strengthen our Faith for he it is which commandeth the Salvations of Jacob. Learn hence not to seek Miracles Visions or extraordinary favours but to commit your self wholly to God as to the way and manner of helping you Beseech him that if you be not worthy that he come to your house in the Eucharist at least that he would send aid to thee from the holy place Ps 19.3 and from Sion defend thee Consider 3. The man believed the word that Jesus said to him and thereby received health both of body for his Son and of Soul for himself and his whole Family for himself believed and his whole Family so God heapeth favours upon favours Beseech him humbly to work also in you perfect health both of body and soul Of Holy Communion Let the King come to the banquet c. and to morrow I will open my will to the King Esth 5.8 Consider Christ as your Souls Guest Apoc. 3.20 COnsider 1. What is read this day in the Gospel how Christ entered into the house of a certain Pharisee upon the Sabboth to eat bread Luc. 14.1 He is also the Guest of our Souls and he will enter this day into the house of your soul in the Holy Eucharist to feast with you according to that If any man open to me the gate I will enter in to him and will sup with him and he with me Consider therefore attentively the Greatness and Majesty of this Guest and take
that of the Evangelist as spoken unto you by him Luc. 17.8 Make ready supper and gird thy self Consider 2. This Divine Guest feedeth as the H. Fathers teach upon our Virtues Ambr. de bon Mor. c. 5. Bern. sup Cant. Serm 71. Cant. 1.12 Bern. Ser. 4. de Assump Gen. 27.9 but above all he is delighted with humility and therefore while he was at Table to day with the Pharisee he taught us to chuse the lowest place in Banquets And the Spouse in the Canticles saith While the King was at his repose my Spikenard gave the odour thereof The Spikenard is a low plant saith S. Bernard and Embleme of Humility Therefore be careful to prepare such meat for your Guest as you know he gladly eateth and humble your self what you can in all things Consider 3. The Liberality of this your Guest who wheresoever he cometh bringeth with him gifts and pledges of his bounty So this day in the house of the Pharisee he cured one sick of the Dropsie And if you look well into your self perchance you will find that you are taken with the same Disease that is full of waterish humours of worldly affections whereof an evident sign is the burning thirst you have after things that are delightful to sense Beseech therefore your Divine Guest to rid you of this Dropsie and say with the Psalmist Save me O God Ps 68.2 because waters are entred into my Soul Of the Man sick of the Palsey Jo. 5.2 c. cured at the Pond of Probatica Part 1. Ps 50.21 COnsider 1. What a benefit God bestowed on the Jews in the Pond of Probatica near the Temple wherin the sheep were washed for Sacrifice For 1. The Water was stirred by an Angel 2. It received thereby virtue to cure all manner of diseases in them that entred first after the motion This was a Type of the Sacraments of Baptisme and Penarce wherein Christs Sheep are washed for the Sacrifice of Justice and the which 1. Have a heavenly virtue infused into them by the Angel of the Testament Christ our Lord. 2. They cleanse us from all manner of sin 3. Not only the first comers but all and every one without any exception or cessation Ponder the greatness of this benefit and endeavour to make due use of these Divine Ponds Ps 39.2 Consider 2. At this Pond lay a great multitude of sick persons of blind lame withered expecting the stirring of the Water So God will have us to expect with patience his gifts whence David said Expecting I expected our Lord and he hath attended to me Among other infirm persons there was a certain man there that had been eight and thirty years in his infirmity of the Palsey The Spiritual Palsey is a dissolution of the Nerves and Faculties of the Soul a defect of spiritual vigour and life and as it were a deading of the Spirit See how many years you may reckon in this infirmity and seek remedy by the Baths of the Holy Sacraments Consider 3. The goodness of Christ freely inviting the sick man to his own cure Wilt thou be made whole God can justifie us by himself alone but will not do it without our consent He made you saith S. Augustine without your knowledge but he justifieth you with your consent August Ser. 15. de Verb. Apost See whether you will that is efficaciously be made whole for God is ever ready on his part Of the man sick of the Palsey Jo. 5.7 c. cured at the Pond Part 2. COnsider 1. Lord I have no man c. He confessed his impotency for that he could neither move of himself to get down time enough into the Pond nor had any man to help him whence he presently received health of Christ for the humble confession of our own weakness is the best disposition to obtain Gods assistance Perhaps you have cause to say of your self I have no man that is I have not the heart nor courage of a man to overcome my self though truly you have one of Christ our Lord who is ready to raise you up with his Grace You have also Preachers Superiours and Directors to admonish you and if you will your self also to help you Ps 34.3 Consider 2. The efficacy of Christs words wherewith without more ado he cured the sick man Arise take up thy bed and walk c. O Lord speak so likewise to me Say to my Soul I am thy Salvation Ponder the mans obedience who presently arose up and though it were the Sabboth day took his bed upon his shoulders and so walked giving us a perfect example of blind obedience Do you therefore if you be sound carry your bed take up the light Yoke of our Lord and walk not in high and strange things Gen. 17.1 above your self but with Abraham before or in the sight of God and be perfect 2 Pet. 2.22 Consider 3. Christ after he had wrought the Miracle shrunk aside from the multitude to give us example of shunning the applause of men Afterwards Jesus findeth him in the Temple and said to him Behold thou art made whole sin no more lest some worse thing chance to thee Imagine the same to be spoken to you as often as you go to the Sacrament of Penance Return not back like the dog to the vomit or the sow washed into her wallowing in the mire Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof Mat. 9. Mar. 2. Luc. 5. Part 1. Mar. 2.2 COnsider 1. There were gathered together a great multitude to hear Christ in the house where he was so that there was no place no not at the door and he spake to them the Word Observe our Lords indefatigable Zeal of gaining Souls not sparing himself at any time or place but freely admitting and instructing all even with open doors that you might learn to bestow your self 2 Cor. 12.15 and to be bestowed again with the Apostle for the souls of your Brethren Luc. 5.18 Consider 2. And behold men carrying in a bed a man that had the Palsey c. and not finding on which side they might bring him in for the multitude they went up upon the Roof and through the Tiles let him down with the bed in the midst before Jesus Admire their Faith whereby they undoubtedly believed that Christ would cure him so that they refused no pains to bring him to him Observe moreover their courage and resolution in not yielding to the difficulties that hindered their free access but breaking their way through all so that they accomplished their desire Bonav in Luc. 5. A true firm belief saith S. Bonaventure is not brought back or cooled by impediments but inflamed See how you are in like occasions and how easily you leave off for fear Consider 3. The Mercy of Christ saying Son thy sins are forgiven thee Mat. 9.3 Hieron in c. 9. Mat. O wonderful Humility saith S. Hierom a decrepid
most justly deserveth to be loved by you from your whole heart with your whole soul and with your whole mind Jo. 14.23 Consider 2. This your Beloved will enter to day in the H. Eucharist the lodging of your heart that you may at leisure enjoy his most sweet Conversation his chast Imbraces and affectuous entertainments of Love If any one love me c. my Father will love him and we will come to him and will make abode with him Think what a torrent of Heavenly Graces will flow into your soul by the benefit of this abode if you be rightly disposed for he saith of himself With me are riches and glory Prov. 8.18 21. glorious riches and justice c. That I may enrich them that love me and may replenish their treasures Consider 3. The disposition on your side must be love for love and that the greatest you can stretch unto which consisteth more in deeds and actions then in words and affections whence he saith Jo. sup If any love me he will keep my word that is my Commandments my Counsels my Admonition See therefore how little observant you have hitherto been of them and procure that hereafter you may be able to say with the Spouse My Beloved to me and I to him in willing and not willing the same in all things with him Cant. 2.16 by a perfect Union of Wills Of the Lepre Mat. 8. Mar. 1. Luc. 5. Part 1. Mar. 1.40 COnsider 1. There came unto Christ a Lepre to be healed 1. He besought our Lord with profound Reverence kneeling down and falling on his face 2. With great Faith confessing our Lords Power Lord if thou wilt Luc. 5.12 thou canst make me clean 3. With Resignation not asking any thing absolutely but conditionally only If thou wilt if it be so pleasing to thy will Such ought also to be your Petitions Humble full of Faith and resigned to the Divine Will Is 66.2 To whom shall I have respect but to the poor little one and the contrite of spirit and him that trembleth at my words Mat. 8.3 Consider 2. Our Lords Clemency He disdained not the presence and sight of that loathsome Spectacle nor did he put off the cure till an other day and although he could have healed him with one single word yet to correct our niceness in like occasions he would also touch him wherefore stretching forth his hand he touched him saying I will be thou made clean Observe the word I will as if he should say I both will and desire for my part for God will have all men to be saved 1 Tim. 2.4 See therefore it be not lack of your self that you are not cleansed from your spiritual Leprosie Consider 3. The spiritual Leprosie of the Soul which is sin is like to that of the body for both defile the Subject wherein it is and render it a most loathsome Spectacle that in the sight of God this to the eyes of men But that of the Soul is so much the more detestable by how much the more dangerous consequence it is of as disposing to death not Temporal but Eternal Wence S. Lewis the King with good reason said as it is related of him Jon. in Vita S. Lud. c. 94. that he had rather incur the Leper of his body then sin and that he sharply reprehended one of his Nobles for making the contrary choice Of the Lepre Mat. 8.4 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. Our Lord having by his Divine Power cured the Lepre Saith to him See thou tell no body Christ knew that he would publish the Miracle to all as afterwards he did out of gratitude neither was there any danger of vain glory in Christ yet he did so for our instruction teaching us to shun the like danger with all our endeavour For vain glory as S. Basil saith is a robber of our spiritual riches Basil Const Monast c. 11. a flattering Enemy of our Souls the Moth of Virtues c. Think with your self how much you are subject to this Vice in your actions and take heed it may not also be said to you You have received your reward Mat. 6.5 16. Consider 2. Go shew thy self to the Priest and offer the gift which Moyses commanded for a testimony to them The Law of Moyses reserved to the Priests the judgment both of the Leprosie its self in case of doubt and of its cure See therefore 1. How observant Christ was of the Law 2. How he honoured those Priests although ever most spiteful to him 3. How much greater Prerogative did he confer upon the Priests of the New Law to whom he gave power to cleanse and take away all manner of spiritual Leprosie Therefore do you also as often as you find your self infected with the like Leprosie go and shew your self to the Priest Levit. 14. Consider 3. The Lepre was also to make an Offering For in the Ancient Law after the shaving of his hair he was commanded to wash his cloaths and his body and to offer a Lamb without spot in Sacrifice Let your Offering as often as you return from the Sacrament of Confession be a Sacrifice of Praise according to that Immolate to God the Sacrifice of Praise and withall Ps 49.14 the Immaculate Lamb of God in the Sacrifice of Mass Of the ten Lepres Luc. 17. Part 1. Luc. 17.12 COnsider 1. Our Lord passing through the midst of Samaria and entering a Town There met him ten men that were Lepers who stood afar off and they lifted up their voice saying Jesus Master have mercy on us Observe also in these the manner of praying well 1. With Humility and Reverence they stood a far off 2. Unanimously and with fervour they lifted up their voice for earnest and fervent prayer is pleasing to God wherefore David said When I cryed to him he heard me Ps 21.25 3. They say not heal us but have mercy on us only begging mercy of him and leaving the whole matter and manner to God Do you the like in your occasions Consider 2. Whom as he saw he said Go shew your selves to the Priests He could have healed them at that instant but he would make tryal of their Obedience sending them to the Priests for the greater respect also and observance of the Law Moreover to teach us that we ought to repair unto the Priests and to disclose our selves to them as often as we are strucken with the Leprosie of Sin and for your part sleep not so much as one night in this Leprosie for what if in that very night God should take your Soul from you your Leprosie would stick to you for all Eternity Ps 31.5 Consider 3. And it came to pass as they went they were made clean Ponder their prompt Obedience and the fruit thereof So it often happeneth to them that are tempted that even while they are but going to manifest
Grace in the Soul 3. As to the Body of Christ which is here in manner of a Spirit whole in the whole Host and whole in every part thereof it is the self-same in several places together Indivisible Impassible Indeficient and equally sufficient to one 3 Reg. 10.20 and to many Truly there was not such a work made in all Kingdoms Eccles 7.19 Consider 3. The necessary preparation for receiving this Miraculous Food is the fear of our Lord for he hath given meat to them that fear him And he that feareth God neglecteth nothing that is pleasing to him Do you therefore do the like Of some Historical Narrations and Parables of Christ Of the Rich Glutton Luc. 16.19 c. and of Lazarus Part 1. 2 Tim. 6.9 COnsider 1. There was a certain rich man and and he was cloathed with Purple and Silk and he fared every day magnifically Observe the Vices which commonly follow Riches Pride in Apparel Riot in Feasting Contempt of the Poor and the like that you may keep your self from the desire of them For they that will be made rich fall into tentation and the snare of the Devil Job 21.13 Consider 2. The rich man died and was buried in Hell How sad an Obit to so pleasant a life but such for the most part is the end of riches and pleasures They lead their lives in wealth and in a moment they go down to Hell Ponder here his torments for Purple and Silk he is invested with Flames for Delicious Fare he is tormented with Intollerable Thirst for his Contempt of the Poor he is now contemned by him and he that denied the Crums of his Table cannot obtain one drop of water Thus the punishments are proportioned to the offences Sap. 6.7 The Mighty saith the wise man shall mightily suffer torments 2 Tim. 3.12 Consider 3. The just Judgment of God The rich man is not heard in his Torments who neglected to do Mercy in his Jollities Therefore when he begged it was answered him Remember that thou didst receive good things in thy life time As if it were not lawful to receive good things here and there too and so it is For all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution Seek not therefore to enjoy prosperity in this life least you come to miss of it in the next Act. 14.21 For by many tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of God Of the Rich Glutton and of Lazarus Luc. 16.20 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. There was a certain Beggar called Lazarus Christ vouchsafed to call the Beggar by his Name and make him known to Posterity but not the rich man Greg. Hom 40. for as S. Gregory saith Our Lord acknowledgeth and approveth the humble but the proud he knoweth not that you may learn to esteem Virtue more then worldly riches and splendour The memory of the Just saith the wise man Prov. 10.7 is with praises and the name of the Impious shall rot Consider 2. This Saints Patience whereby he arrived to such a degree of Sanctity He was 1. Full of sores patiently enduring the pain proceeding from them 2. Extreme poor desiring to be filled of the crums that fell from the rich mans table 3. Contemned by all And no man did give him 4. So miserable that he was fain to permit the dogs to lick his Sores and perhaps by reason of his weakness he was not able to keep them off Who is there now a-days that would prefer such an one before a rich man and yet this did Christ our Lord. Num. 23.10 Consider 3. The happy death of Lazarus who was immediately carried of the Angels into Abrahams Bosom Thus short are the tribulations of the Just but their glory is everlasting What joys riches and honours did sores poverty and contempt bring to this Beggar O let my Soul die the death of the Just and my last ends be made like to them Ponder how unequal were the lots of the rich man and of holy Lazarus after their death much more certainly then they were in their life time He was happy for a moment but everlastingly miserable this miserable indeed for a while but afterwards most happy for all Eternity Of the Prodigal Son Luc. 15.11 c. Part 1. Eccles 7.30 COnsider 1. A certain man had two Sons and the younger said to his Father Father give me the Portion of Substance that belongeth to me God hath two Sons the Just and the Sinner the Just is Elder because God made man right in the beginning and he always abideth in Gods House the Sinner estrangeth himself from him and abuseth the gifts which he affordeth him both of Nature and Grace living riotously that is perversly they go into a Forreign Country whosoever leave God who is the way Therefore David Ps 118.155 Salvation is far from sinners Consider 2. The Miserie 's this young man fell into when he was from his Father 1. He began to be in need So a sinner that estrangeth himself from the Sacraments from Exhortations and from the company and example of the good beginneth to be in want of spiritual sustenance 2. He cleaved to one of the Citizens as a servant for whosoever do sin give themselves over as Slaves to the Devil and he imployeth them in feeding Swine while he makes them like to that sort of Beasts swill themselves with sensual pleasures 3. Neither could he so fill his belly because even all worldly delights cannot satiate the Souls Appetite Js 28.19 Consider 3. Returning to himself he said c. Being pressed with Famine he cometh to himself because vexation alone shall give understanding to the sinner and makes him think how foolishly he hath left eternal things for such as quickly pass away How many of my Fathers hirelings have abundance of bread and I here perish for famine Hence he is moved to repentance I will arise and go to my Father O how often have you followed this Prodigal Child in going astray follow him therefore also in returning by Repentance Of the Prodigal Son Luc. 15.20 c. Part 2. COnsider 1. The Fathers Bowels of Mercy who when his Son was yet far off he saw him and was moved with mercy So Almighty God with the Eyes of his Mercy doth look upon a sinner being yet a far off from him by sin He invites him to him by his Exciting Grace saying Return c. and I will take you Jer. 3.14 And as soon as he returneth he meets him he falls about his neck he imbraces him he adorns him with the first Stole of Justice he puts on a ring upon his hand for the exercise of good works and shoes upon his feet to keep him from the dirt of worldly pleasures O God! is it possible you should bear such love to a man made of Clay and that hath deserved a thousand times the torments of Hell
himself The light of thy countenance Ps 4.7 O Lord is signed upon us Therefore as it is said to day in the Gospel give him this piece of Coyn whose Image and Superscription it beareth but let it be neat and cleansed from the filth of sin Rom. 8.29 and conformable to the Image of his Son to whose likeness it was made and then he will teach you all truth Jo. 16.13 Of the Talents Mat. 25. Luc. 19. Part 1. Mat. 25.14 COnsider 1. A man going into a strange Country called his servants and delivered them his goods God as the Universal Lord of all distributes his goods among men for whatsoever we have either in body or soul within or without us natural or supernatural all is Gods O man What hast thou that thou hast not received 1 Cor. 4.7 But God distributes his Talents or Gifts whether Natural or Supernatural more to one fewer to an other at his pleasure but he saith to all Occupy or negotiate till I come Luc. 19.13 that they may make their benefit of what they receive See how much you have received for your share that you may be the better able to give an account Mat. 25.16 Consider 2. The due use of these Talents He that had received the five Talents occupied with the same and gained other five Likewise also he that received the two gained other two Equal was the industry of both though in unequal Talents and therefore equal also was their reward because God as S. Hierom saith considereth not the greatness of the gain but our good will and endeavour S. Hieron in c. 25. Mat. Wherefore you also although you may think your self to have received few Talents in comparison of others notwithstanding may be equal to them in reward if you be equal with them to your proportion in the improvement of your stock Consider 3. The powerful Motive of reward to make us labour hard Because thou hast been faithful over a few things Mat. sup 21 I will place thee over many things enter into the Joy of thy Lord But what joy That which eye hath not seen nor ear hath beard 1 Cor. 2.9 c. A joy without any limit or measure and never to have any end or abatement Be you therefore faithful over that little which God hath bestowed upon you in Wit Judgment Science Health and the like imploying all to his glory that you may deserve to be placed over many things Of the Talents Mat. 25. Luc. 19. Part 2. Mat. 25.18 COnsider 1. He that had received the one Talent going his way digged ineo the earth and hid his Lords money So many seeing themselves not able to appear exteriourly in point of Science Virtue c. so much as others fall into despair give themselves over to the world and become slothful and careless in the service of God The slothful hideth his hand under the arm-hole Pro. 19.24 neither doth he put it to his mouth But such are called Fools by the Divine Spirit Eccles 4.5 A Fool foldeth his hands together c. saying Better is an handful with rest then both hands full with labour See whether perhaps you do not the same Ps 140.4 Consider 2. The slothful servants excuse Lord I know that thou art a hard man c. He makes a lye to excuse himself for our Lord is not hard but gentle and good to all The same do all slothful people making excuses in sins they fancy vain fears and dangers saying A Lion is in the way a Lioness in the journeys Pro. 26.13 Such often say I cannot whereas there wants not Power but Will. Have a special care of this slothful humour Consider 3. This servants doom Naughty and slothful servant c. take away the Talent from him c. And the unprofitable servant cast ye out into the utter darkness there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth He is not damned as S. Augustine observeth Because he lost the Talent Aug. Ser. 10 in Joan. but because he kept it without making gain Use therefore all your endeavour to imploy well the Talents which God hath bestowed upon you you cannot want imployment in what state or condition soever you live for your own Spiritual Advantage Gods Glory and your Neighbours good Of the Vineyard let our to Husbandmen Mat. 21. Mar. 12. Luc. 20. Part 1. Mat. 21.33 COnsider 1. A man there was an Housholder who planted a Vineyard and made a hedge round about it c. God hath planted a Vineyard his Universal Church and hath bestowed great care upon it First he hath made a hedge round about it fencing it with excellent Laws and Precepts and affording it the Protection of Angels against the Incursions of Wild Beasts the Devils Secondly He digged in it a Press Instituting the Sacraments wherein is contained the precious Blood of Christ strained out for us through the Press of the Cross and ever flowing for the Remission of our Sins Thirdly He built a Tower to watch in imploying his Divine Providence both to protect it from Evils and to provide it with all good How happy is it to be placed in such a Vineyard under such a Guardian Consider 2. Having thus appointed his Vineyard he let it out to Husbandmen that is to all men that each one should labour in it as to his part or share to wit his own Soul and such others as are committed to his charge which done he went forth into a strange Country because he maketh as if he were absent leaving us to our selves to work freely and at our own pleasure And although he could have fruit from us by force yet he expecteth with patience Who then would not admire and love so great a Goodness Consider 3. Almighty God to put these Husbandmen in mind of their duty sent them from time to time Patriarchs Prophets and Priests but all in vain Lastly he sent also his own Son but him likewise they kâ—lled Justly therefore he complaineth by his Prophet What is there that I ought to do more to my Vineyard Is 5.4 and have not done to it Whence with good reason it is â—aid The naughty men he will bring to naught Mat. sup 41 See that the same sentence may not also light upon you and procure to yield fruit answerable to the Tenure which you hold Of the Vineyard let out to Husbandmen Mat. 21. Mar. 12. Luc. 20. Part 2. Jer. 2.21 COnsider 1. The Vineyard is also the Soul of every Man and yours in particular which the Supreme Housholder hath furnished with Hedge Press and Tower that is with all necessaries both for your security and convenience of yielding fruit in all manner of virtue Look well into your self and you will find that you are an Elect Vineyard of which the Prophet speaketh so that it may be also said of you What is there that I ought
to do more to my Vineyard Is 5.4 and have not done to it Ezec. 18.4 Is 45.5 Consider 2. God doth let out this Soul of yours to your self for he reserves the Propriety to himself All Souls are mine c. And I the Lord and there is none else He lets you therefore to your self that you should cultivate your own Soul like a good Husbandman and render it fruitful for his service For who planteth a Vine 1 Cor. 9.7 and eaâ—eth not of the fruit thereof Therefore our Lord likewise expecteth fruit from you But he goeth into a Forreign Country making as if he were absent and leaving you to your own liberty to do as you please your self But woe be to that Vine which bringeth forth no fruit for one of these two is due to every Vine Fruit or Fire Therefore that you may not be in Fire be not without Fruit. Mat. 21.41 Consider 3. God doth often send to you his Servants Preachers Superiours and others to put you in mind of your duty He sendeth also his only begotten Son by interiour Inspirations and the Example of his Life and Passion Take heed therefore that you do not like those wicked Husbandmen either contemn Gods Officers or kill his Son again by sin lest otherwise the Kingdom of God be taken from you and given to another that will render him fruit in its season Of the Bailiff of Iniquity Luc. 16.1 c. Ps 23.1 COnsider 1. There was a certain rich man that had a Bailiff and he was ill reported of unto him as he that had wasted his goods c. The Rich Man is God for the Earth is our Lords and the fubtess thereof You are his Bailiff whom God hath intrusted with many goods both of Body and Mind Natural and Supernatural that you might imploy them well but by your Misdemeanours you have gained the report of an ill Husband and reputed as a Waster of your Lords Goods What a shameful and opprobrious thing it is to play the Cheat with God and turn Bankrupt to Heaven Jo. 9.4 Consider 2. Render account of thy Bailiship c. When you come to die you will be exacted a most strict account of your Bailiship that is of your life and actions and then you can play the Bailiff that is work your Salvation no longer The night cometh when no man can work Wherefore let us do good while we have â—ime Wise Stewards often look into their accounts to see how things go that they may be found faithful when they shall be called to account Do you the same by a daily and rigorous Examen of your Conscience for if we did judge our selves 1 Cor. 11.31 we should not be judged Eccli 37.19 â— â—â— Consider 3. How the Steward in this Parable provided wisely for himself though deceitfully withall and therefore Christ commended not his fraud but his wit and forecast O that we were so wise and provident in procuring the Eternal Salvation of our Soul Lament that the children of this world are wiser then the children of light in their Generation and think how you may bestir your self The true wise man is wise to his own Soul Of the Wise Man Mat. 7. and the Fool. Eph. 2.20 COnsider 1. Christ pronounceth him a Wise man who building his House layeth the Foundation upon a firm Rock whence it comes to stand immoveable against all winds and fâ—ouds whatsoever The Rock is Christ who is also called the Corner-stone The Winds Flouds and Rains are the several temptations Man is assaulted withall He therefore buildeth upon a Rock that groundeth his life and actions upon Christ and Reasons of Eternity and thereby is secured from all temptations for God is in the midst and therefore he shall not be moved Ps 45.6 See whether you do so or no. Consider 2. He is called a Fool that buildeth his house upon Sand For what can be greater folly then to be at great expences in raising a building that is ready to fall to the ground by every wind By the Sand is understood all earthly things and he buildeth upon Sand that placeth his thoughts and labours upon the fleeting and transitory things of this life whence he cometh to be tossed up and down by the winds of Vanity carried away and swallowed up by the Flouds of Pleasures and even quite overwhelmed with the Rains and Storms of Adversity which God useth to send Therefore the Prophet compareth the wicked to dust Ps 1.5 which the wind driveth from the face of the earth Eccl. 1.15 Consider 3. How all men scorn the Name but most stick not to do the actions of a Fool Therefore Salomon saith The number of Fools is infinite because an infinity of men build upon Sand. See whether you do not make one of the number and observe that the Winds and Rains were common to both the Houses so Temptations do equally assault the Just and the Wicked And therefore if you fall at any time adsâ—ribe not the cause thereof to the Temptation but to the folly of an ill and groundless Foundation Of Holy Communion Attend unto my help O Lord the God of my Salvation Ps 37.22 Consider Christ as the Salvation of your Soul Mat. 9.18 Mar. 5.22 Luc. 8.41 COnsider 1. What is read to day in the Gospel how Christ raised the Deceased Daughter of the Prince of the Synagogue and healed the Hemorroisset of a Bloody Flux And lastly how he used to bestow perfect health to all that came to him for Virtue went forth from him and healed all Luc. 6.19 Ps 26.1 Therefore David saith Our Lord is my Illumination and Salvation whom shall I fear How secure is he that hath God for his Saviour and Defender Consider 2. This same Lord will come unto you to day in the Eucharist O what a happiness is this Look thoroughly into your self and think what infirmities you are most subject unto and how you are assaulted by your Enemies Perhaps you will find your Soul if not quite dead by Mortal Sin at least next door to it by a lingring Consumption of Tepidity You will find her perchance to have a Bloody Flux while she letteth the best part of her life and actions pass from her unprofitably Wherefore have recourse unto the Lord and God of your Salvation that he may say likewise to your Soul Ps 34.3 I am thy Salvation Consider 3. The preparation you are to make out of the Gospel 1. By a most Profound Humility imitating this Prince Mat. sup who approached and adored him and the Woman who came behind him and touched the hâ—m of his garment 2. By a great Confidence therefore Christ said to the Woman Thy Faith hath made thee safe And by the Prophet he saith Jer. 39.18 Thy life or Soul shall be to thee unto Salvation because thou hast had confidence in me Of the Sower Mat. 1.3
was the Bright Morning that brought the happy tidings of the Sun of Justice Reverence therefore and honour her Birth and full of admiration enquire diligently Who is this that cometh forth rising as the Morning Consider 2. The Virgin being born her name was called Mary and that no doubt by Divine Instinct and perhaps also by express intimation of an Angel for Mary signifieth 1. A Sea Star 2. A bitter Sea 3. Lady or Exalted 4. Enlightened or enlightening For she is indeed 1. A Bright Star to them that sail in the dangerous Sea of this world 2. A large Sea of all manner of Grace sweet to men but bitter to the Devils and in her Sons Passion she was an Ocean of Grief 3. Lady of the whole world In Offic. B. Virg. In Pref. Miss de B. Virg. Cant. 1.3 and exalted to the Heavenly Kingdom above the Quires of Angels 4. Enlightened first in her self she enlightened the world bringing forth to the world the Eternal Light Jesus Christ our Lord. O Mary Oyl powred out is thy name illuminating healing and comforting our souls 1 Jo. 3.9 Consider 3. In imitation of this Virgin your Mother you must be born spiritually to God to be born in flesh is not in mans power neither is it where or when he will but it is in our hands to be born in spirit by the Divine Grace Let this therefore be your birth-day to God and endeavour hereafter to demean your self worthily as his Child Every one that is born of God committeth not sin Therefore fly sin that you may ever remain the Son of God Of the Assumption of the B. Virgin Who is this that cometh up from the Desart flowing with delights Cant. 8.5 For the Annunciation Visitation and Purification see in their proper places COnsider 1. The B. Virgin though she were free from sin yet was not so from death from which Christ himself would not be exempted Therefore the end of her life now drawing nigh and being admonished by an Angel of the time of her departure as Authors relate think with what ardent affection she disposed her self Metaphâ— Niceph. c. apud Barrad to 1. l. 6. c. 11. Cant. 5.8 Ps 141.8 by intense acts of love saying with the Spouse in the Canticles I languish with love and with David Bring forth my soul out of Prison And how at last the Apostles being all about her she breathed forth her blessed Soul into the hands of her Son who was there present and invited her to his Glory O my Soul Num. 23.10 die the death of the Just and my last ends be made like to hers Cant. 8.5 Consider 2. How that blessed Soul released from her Body was led by her Son into Heaven environed with Angels singing forth those notes of admiration Who is this that cometh up from the Desart flowing with delights leaning upon her Beloved See how she being now entered into the Empyreal Heaven is welcomed by the Eternal Father and the whole B. Trinity and as Sovereign Queen seated in a Throne of Glory above all Creatures for a Throne was set for the Kings Mother who sate on his right hand 3 Reg. 2.19 The measure of her Glory was proportioned to the greatness of her love and Charity that you might also learn to be fervent in your love to God Consider 3. How after three daies lying in the Grave the blessed Body was united again to the Soul and with unspeakable pomp assumed into Heaven accompanied with the Angels Juvenal S. Damasc aliique apud Barrad Cant. 1.3 and the whole Coelestial Court and Christ himself her Son O what a Triumph what a glory was this Do you likewise ascend in spirit with your Mother and say to her Draw me after thee now in affection afterwards in the happy enjoyment of your company Rejoyce that you are to receive this day a pledge of her in the Eucharist for in the Sons Body still remains in a manner the Mothers Flesh and Blood and endeavour to come with due preparation Of the Angels Part 1. THat you may be the more stirred up to the Veneration of the holy Angels consider 1. Their Natural Excellencies They are by Nature 1. Most noble and pure spirits most absolute in themselves without concretion with flesh or any corporeal substance 2. Immortal and incapable of any decay or corruption 3. Of most sublime with and understanding comprehending by an Intuitive knowledge all natural objects 4. Of most perfect free will subject to none but its Creator and inseparably fixed upon its Supreme Good which it hath once possessed 5. In power inferiour to none but Divine and superiour to all that is created Consider 2. Their Supernatural Endowments 1. Of Grace for in them as S. Augustine saith God at once created Nature Aug. l. 12. de Civ c. 9. and infused Grace together with all manner of Virtue and that in an eminent degree whereby in a moment they merited their Eternal Happiness 2. Of Glory whereby they are in perpetual possession and enjoyment of their Supreme Good whence proceed all their other Prerogatives as of being Peers and Princes of Heaven Domesticks Familiars and Favourites of God continually assisting at his Throne and beholding his Divine Countenance Consider 3. These blessed Spirits though never out of the Center of their happiness have a larger Sphere then the Empyreal Heaven for they are the Movers of the other Coelestial Orbs and immediately under God do rule and govern the whole Universe they are over Kings Princes States and Magistrates they defend us from evils they intercede for us and present our prayers to God they enlighten our Understanding and inflame our Will towards God and heavenly things c. Admire and love the perfections of these Heavenly Spirits implore their assistance and endeavour by purity of life and promptness in the Divine Service to be compartment with them in glory Of the Angels Part 2. COnsider 1. The H. Angels though in number almost infinite are commonly divided into nine Quires and three Hierarchies In the first are the Cherubins Seraphins and Thrones The Cherubins property is to be inflamed with the love of God and to enkindle the same in others The Seraphins excel in Wisdom and Knowledge of God and with the same do enlighten the inferiour Angels The Thrones are so called for that by reason of their singular Purity Humility and Justice God doth particularly reside in them as his Imperial Throne Apply all this to your self and endeavour to be a Cherubin in Love a Seraphin in the Knowledge of God and of heavenly things and a Throne in Purity of Life in Humility and Justice towards God and Man Consider 2. In the second Hierarchy are the Dominations Virtues and Powers The Dominations exercise Command over the Inferiour Angels and direct them in the Government of the Universe The Virtues do effect in themselves and others a firm and unchangeable adhesion to
service of God and good of Souls 2. Wisdom in governing their Flock 3. Fulness of Faith and Devotion in themselves and indefatigable endeavour of propagating the same in others 4. Profound Knowledge in Scriptures 5. Interiour Light Purity and Perfection joyned with Eminency of Doctrine to purge illuminate and perfect Souls committed to their charge Heb. 13.7 Consider 3. How well they corresponded with the Grace of their Vocation both as to themselves and their Flock For 1. They were Holy and Irreprehensible in their Life and Conversation as persons of an other world and consecrated to God 2. Notwithstanding their Eminent Dignity and the honours done them by men they were humble of heart Despisers of themselves and ambitious of nothing but to serve and do good to all 3. They were poor of spirit though in possession of great Revenues which they imployed no in superfluities upon themselves or their Relations but in relief of the Poor necessities of Virgins Pupils and Orphans and in other Works and Monuments of Piety As to their Hock they were always intent discharging to the full the above-mentioned Offices of Fathers Pastors Guides Mediators Legats and High-Priests by Sacrifices and Sacraments by Incessant Prayer by Counsel Exhortation Preaching c. Remember therefore with gratitude your Prelates saith the Apostle which have spoken the word of God to you the end of whose Conversation beholding imitate their Faith and other Virtues Of the Patriarchs or Founders of Religious Orders OUr Blessed Lord to maintain in his Church the fervour which he inspired in the Primitive Christians hath instituted several Religious Orders as so many Schools of Evangelical Perfection For the Founding of these he raised men from nothing as he formerly did his Apostles and by the Power of his Divine Grace made them absolute Masters and perfect Myrrours of Perfection to their Followers choice Vessels of Election to his own Honour and glorious Champions to his Militant Church against its Capital Enemies the World the Flesh and the Devil Ponder therefore to their honour and your own spiritual good the admirable Virtues which they exercised in opposition to these three common Adversaries Phil. 3.20 Consider 1. In opposition to the World they practised and taught 1. Perfect contempt thereof and of all its Pomps 2. Holy Solitude and Retiredness 3. Strict Silence 4. Evangelical Poverty and that by Vow 5. Contemplation of Heavenly things whereby though living on Earth their conversation was in Heaven 6. Ardent Love of God by which they lived wholly to him so that they might say with S. Paul I live now not I Gal. 2.20 Gal. 6.14 but Christ liveth in me And with the same Apostle they were truly Crucified to the World and the World to them Gal. 5.24 Consider 2. Against the Flesh they exercised 1. Angelical Purity consecrating themselves to God by the Vow of Chastity 2. Religious Modesty and Command over their Senses and Passions 3. Regular Discipline and Rule 4. Rigorous Fasting 5. Continual Prayer Reading and other Holy Exercises 6. Penance and perfect Mortification of the whole Man Interiour and Exteriour By all which means as the Apostle speaketh they have crucified their flesh with the Vices and Concupiscences Consider 3. Against the Devil they opposed 1. Profound Humility and contempt of themselves 2. The Vow of Perfect Obedience requiring of their Followers entire resignation of their wills and judgments into the hands of their Superiours 3. Lively and vigorous Faith working always conformably to it and according to the Principles of Eternal Verity 4. Inflamed love of God and their Neighbour seeking in all their actions his greater glory and their everlasting good labouring both by themselves and their Children to suppress Infidelity Heresie and Sin with zealous Preaching Teaching Administration of Sacraments and other Apostolical Functions Extol the goodness of God Honour and Reverence these Saints and make your benefit of their Example by Imitation according to the state of life and condition you are in Of Confessors in General COnsider 1. Under the Name of Confessors are understood 1. Those who have openly professed the Faith of Christ before Judges and after Imprisonments Chains Torments and Banishments suffered for the same Cause without further violence have died in peace 2. Those who having left all they had in the world have consecrated themselves to God in Religion living in perpetual Poverty Chastity Obedience and observance of Religious Discipline 3. All those who not being in any of the above-mentioned Ranks of Saints have led their lives in all manner of Virtue and Sanctity conformable to their state of life and Calling They are called Confessors because they confessed Christ 1. In their heart believing in him loving and adoring him 2. With their tongues continually praising and blessing him and giving him thanks for his benefits 3. In their actions keeping his Commandments following his Counsels and labouring in the exercise of good works Imitate these holy Saints and endeavour to confess and honour God with your whole heart and in all your words and actions Consider 2. These Holy Confessors not content with the bare observance of Gods Commandments and Councels laboured to purge their heart and affections of all whatsoever was not God by a pure and upright intention of his honour and service in all things Their care and study was to regulate their thoughts to moderate their affections to curb their senses to break self-will and judgment and by taming the flesh with fasting watching and other corporal austerities to bring it to perfect subjection to the spirit that so they might serve their Creator with a pure and undefiled heart For the same end they gave themselves to the continual exercise of Prayer and Meditation of Heavenly things and led their lives free from worldly cares and cogitations Endeavour by the same means to procure this Purity of Heart and Intention which these Saints made so much of Mat. 10.32 Luc. 12.8 Consider 3. Of what benefit to the Church and Merit and God these holy Confessors are 1. For that by the singular purity and integrity of their life they easily appease Gods wrath against sinners and obtain blessings from him 2. For that thereby more efficaciously then by words they Preach the Contempt of the World and convince by their own example that there is no Sex Age Condition or Calling in the Church which may not by the concurrance with Gods Grace easily attain to Virtue and Perfection Consider finally their Reward 1. Every one that shall confess me before men I also will confess him before the Angels of God and before my Father which is in Heaven 2. Of these our Lord said That he will gird himself and make them sit down Luc. 12.37 at his Nuptial Feast in Heaven and passing will minister unto them Of Virgins COnsider 1. Holy Virgins are those who notwithstanding whatsoever enticements threats promises temptations c. lead their lives in all Purity of
Octave Of Christ as Teacher of Justice Page 89 Of the Sages Journey to Jerusalem 2. Med. Page 91. c. Of Herods Enquiry after Christ Page 93 Of the Sages Arrival and Adoration at Bethlehem Page 94 Of their Offerings Page 96 Of their Return Page 97 2. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Spouse Page 99 Of the Virgins Purification Page 100 Of our Lords Presentation Page 101 Of what passed with Holy Simeon 2. Med. Page 103. c. Of what passed with Anna. 2. Med. Page 105. c. 3. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Physitian Page 108 Of Christs Flight into Egypt 3. Med. Page 109. c. Of the Murder of the Holy Innocents Page 113 Of Christs Return out of Egypt Page 114 Of the Virtues which Christ exercised in his Infancy Page 115 4. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as our Souls Tranquility Page 117 Of Christs going up to the Temple 2. Med. Page 118 c Of Christs being sought by his Parents Page 120 Of Christs being found by his Parents Page 121 Of Christs Return to Nazareth and Obedience to his Parents 2. Med. Page 122 c 5. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ as the Good Seed Page 124 Of Christs growing in Age Wisdom c. 2. Med. Page 12â— c Of our necessity of profiting in Virtue 2. Med. Page 127 c Of Christs Life from the 12th to his 30th Year 2. Med. Page 130 c 6. Sunday after Epiph. Of Christ compared to the Mustard-seed Page 132 From Septuagesm to Easter Of our Lords Passion Things to be noted concerning the Meditations of the Passion Page 134 c Septuagesm Sunday Of Christ as Master of our Souls Vineyard Page 136 Christ inviteth all to contemplate his Passion Page 137 Of the General Circumstances of Christs Passion 5. Med. Page 138 c Sexagesm Sunday Of Christ as the Seed of Eternal Life Page 143 Of Christs foretelling his Passion Page 145 Of Christs Solemn Entrance into Jerusalem 2. Med. Page 146 c Of Christs being sold by Judas Page 148 Of the Paschal Lamb Page 1â—9 Of washing the Disciples Feet Page 151 Quinquagesm Sunday Of Christ as the Light of our Soul Page 152 Of the Institution of the B. Sacrament 1. Med. Page 153 c Of our Lords Sermon after Supper 2. Med. Page 156 c Of Christs Prayer in the Garden Page 158 Of Christs Bloody Sweat and of the Angel Page 160 1. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as our Captain Page 161 Of Christs meeting Judas c. Page 162 Of Judas his Kiss Page 163 Of Christs casting his Enemies on the ground and being taken Page 165 Of Christs being bound and of the Disciples Flight Page 166 Of Christs being led to Annas Page 167 Of the Blow in Annas House Page 168 2. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as the Transfigurer of our Soul Page 170 Of Christs Accusation before Caiphas Page 171 Of the Injuries which Christ suffered in Caiphas's house 2 Med. Page 172 c Of Peter's denying Christ 2. Med. Page 175 c Of Judas his Despair Page 177 3. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as our Souls Guardim Page 179 Of Christs Journey from Caiphas to Pilat Page 180 Of Christs Accusation before Pilat Page 181 Of Christ sent to Herod Page 182 Of Barabbas preferred before Christ Page 184 Of the Whipping at the Pillar 2. Med. Page 185 c 4. Sunday of Lent Of Christ as the Food of our Soul Page 187 Of the Crowning with Thorns Page 188 Loe the Man 2. Med. Page 189 c Of Christ condemned to death Page 191 Of Christs carrying his Cross Page 193 Of meeting the Virgin Page 194 Passion Sunday Of Christ as a hidden God Page 195 Of crucifying our Lord. 3. Med. Page 196 c Of Christs first Word on the Cross Page 200 Of the second Word Page 201 Of the third Word Page 202 Palm Sunday Of Christ as a mild King Page 204 Of the fourth Word Page 205 Of the fifth Word Page 206 Of Christs last words and Death Page 207 Maundy Thursday Of Christ as our Redeemer Page 209 A Summary of our Lords Passion Page 210 Of our Lords Burial Page 211 From Easter to Whitsontide Things to be observed in the Meditations of the Mysteries of the Resurrection Page 213 Easter day Of Christ as our Resurrection Page 215 Of our Lords Resurrection Page 216 Of Christs appearing to his B. Mother Page 218 Of the Angels Apparition at the Sepulchre Page 219 Of Christs appearing to Mary Magdalen Page 220 Of his appearing to the other Women Page 221 Of Peter and John at the Sepulchre Page 223 Low Sunday Of Christ as the Prince of Peace Page 224 Of Christs appearing to the Disciples going to Emmaus 2. Med. Page 225 c Of his appearing to his Disciples S. Thomas being absent 2. Med. Page 228 c Of his appearing to them when S. Thomas was present Page 230 Of his Wounds shewed to S. Thomas Page 232 2. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as a good Pastor Page 233 Of Christs appearing to seven Disciples Fishing 2. Med. Page 235 c Of Christs committing his Sheep to Peter Page 237 Of his last Apparition on the Mount Page 238 Of other Apparitions within the 40 days Page 240 Of divers Circumstances of Christs Apparitions Page 241 3. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as our Comforter Page 242 Of Gods Benefits and 1. Of Creation 2. Med. Page 243 c Of the Benefit of Conservation 2. Med. Page 246 c Of the Benefit of Redemption 2. Med. Page 248 4. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as our Advocate Page 250 Of the Benefit of Adoption 3. Med. Page 251 c Of the Benefit of the Holy Sacraments Page 255 Of the Benefit of the Angels Custody Page 256 Of the Benefit of the Patronage of Saints Page 257 5. Sunday after Easter Of Christ as the Bestower of Gifts Page 258 Of the Benefit of Prayer 3. Med. Page 259 c On Ascension day Of Christ as King of Glory Page 263 Of our Lords Ascension 2. Med. Page 264 c Sunday in the Oct. of Ascen Of Christ as a Pledge of future Glory Page 266 Of Heavenly Glory 4. Med. Page 267 c Of the expectation of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 271 c From Whitsontide to November or Advent Whitsunday Of Christ as a Fire Page 273 Of the coming of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 274 c Of the gifts of the Holy Ghost 2. Med. Page 276 c Of the fruits of the Holy Ghost Page 278 Of the Life of the first Christians Page 279 Trinity Sunday Of Christ as second Person of the B. Trinity Page 280 Of the three Persons in the B. Trinity 3. Med. Page 281 c Corpus Christi day Of Christ as Instituter of the B. Sacrament Page 284 Of the H. Eucharist as compared with Manna 2. Med. Page 285 Sunday in the Oct. Corp. Chr. Of the Eucharist as a Banquet Page 288 Of the Eucharist
as a Banquet Page 289 Of the Eucharist compared to the Tree of Life 3. Med. Page 290 c Of preparation for Receiving 2. Med. Page 294 c Of Christs Preaching and Miracles 3. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Shepherd c. Page 296 Of the preaching of S. John Baptist 2. Med. Page 298 c Of the Jews Message to John 2. Med. Page 300 c Of Christs Baptism 2. Med. Page 302 c 4. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Director Page 304 Of Christs retiring into the Desart Page 305 Of Christ Fasting Page 306 Of Christs temptations in the Desart 4. Med. Page 308 c 5. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as an Offering Page 312 Of the Apostles first Vocation 2. Med. Page 313 c Of the second Vocation of S. Peter and S. Andrew Page 315 Of S. James and S. Johns Vocation Page 316 Of S. Matthews Vocation Page 318 Of S. Pauls Vocation Page 319 6. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Eucharist as our Viaticum Page 320 Of three that offered themselves to follow Christ 3. Med. Page 321 c Of the Rich Young Mans Vocation 2. Med. Page 324 c Of our Vocation in general to follow Christ Page 326 7. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a good Tree Page 327 Of the Marriage Feast of Cana in Galilee 3. Med. Page 328 c Of casting out of the Temple the Buyers c. 2. Med. Page 332 c Of our Lords discourse with Nicodemus Page 334 8. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as exacting account c. Page 335 Of our Lords Sermon on the Mount 2. Med. Page 336 c Of the four first Beatitudes 4. Med. Page 338 c 9. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Merciful Lord Page 343 Of the other four Beatitudes 4. Med. Page 344 c Of those words You are the salt of the Earth c. Page 348 Of those words You are the light of the World c. Page 349 10. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Propitiation Page 350 Of our Lords Prayer 2. Med. Page 351 c Of other sayings of Christ on the Mount Page 353 Of sending the Apostles to Preach 2. Med. Page 354 c Of their Return from Preaching Page 356 11. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Giver of Hearing and Speech Page 357 Of S. John's Message to Christ 2. Med. Page 358 c Of the Martyrdom of S. John Baptist Page 361 Of five thousand fed in the Desart 2. Med. Page 362 c Of Christs flying not to be made King Page 364 12. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the good Samaritan Page 365 Of Christs allaying the Tempest Page 366 Of Christs walking upon the Water Page 367 Of S. Peter's walking upon the Water Page 368 Of S. Peters confessing Christ Page 369 Of Primacy promised to S. Peter Page 370 Of S. Peter's disswading Christ from his Passion Page 371 13. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Priest Page 372 Of our Lords Transfiguration 3. Med. Page 373 Of the Petition of the Sons of Zebedee 2. Med. Page 376 c Of the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Page 379 14. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Lord Page 380 Of S. Mary Magdalen's Conversion 2. Med. Page 381 c Of the Samaritan Womans Conversion 2. Med. Page 383 c Of the Woman taken in Adultery Page 385 Of the Cananean Woman Page 386 15. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Life Page 388 Of the Conversion of Zacheus 2. Med. Page 389 c Of curing the Centurions Servant 2. Med. Page 391 c Of curing S. Peter's Mother-in-Law Page 393 Of a Princes Son restored to health Page 394 16. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Guest Page 396 Of the Man cured at the Pond 2. Med. Page 397 c Of the Bed-rid let down from the Roof 2. Med. Page 399 c Of the Withered Hand cured Page 401 Of the crooked Woman cured Page 402 17. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Love Page 403 Of the Leper 2. Med. Page 405 c Of the ten Lepers 2. Med. Page 407 c Of the Deaf and Dumb Man 2. Med. Page 409 c 18. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the strength of our Soul Page 412 c Of the Man born blind 2. Med. Page 413 Of the blind man of Hiericho Page 415 c Of the blind man of Bethsaida Page 416 Of the Lunatick Devil 2. Med. Page 417 c 19. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Friend Page 419 Of the Women cured of the Bloody Flux Page 420 Of raising the Arch-Synagogues Daughter to life Page 422 Of raising the Widows Son in Naim 2. Med. Page 423 c Of raising Lazarus 2. Med. Page 425 c 20. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as the Worker of Miracles Page 427 Of some Historical Narrations and Parables of Christ Of the Rich Glutton and Lazarus 2. Med. Page 428 c Of the Prodigal Son 2. Med. Page 430. c Of him that was wounded by the Thieves 2. Med. Page 433 c 21. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as a Patient Creditor Page 435 Of the Workmen in the Vineyard 2. Med. Page 436 c Of the Invitement to the Wedding and Supper 2. Med. Page 439 c Of the ten Virgins 2. Med. Page 441 c 22. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as Teacher of Truth Page 443 Of the Talents 2. Med. Page 444 c Of the Vineyard let out to Husbandmen 2. Med. Page 447 c Of the Bailiff of Iniquity Page 449 Of the Wise man and the Fool Page 450 23. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ as our Souls Salvation Page 451 Of the Sower Page 452 Of the Cockle Page 453 Of the Mustard-seed Page 454 Of the Leaven Page 455 Of the Treasure hid in the field Page 456 Of the Pearl Page 457 24. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christ c. as is set down Page 458 Of the lost sheep Page 459 Of the Pharisee and the Publican Page 460 Of the Faithful and Wise Steward or Servant Page 461 Of Girding the Loyns Page 462 Of the Vine and its branches Page 463 Of the barren Fig-tree Page 464 Meditations of Saints Of the Excellency of the B. Virgin above all Creatures Page 466 Of the Immaculate Conception of the B. Virgin Page 467 Of the Nativity of the B. Virgin Page 469 Of the Annunciation of the B. Virgin Page 51 c Of the Visitation of the B. Virgin Page 59 c Of the Purification of the B. Virgin Page 100 c Of the Assumption of the B. Virgin Page 470 Of the Nativity of S. John Baptist Page 64 c Of the Decollation of S. John Baptist Page 361 Of S. Peter and S. Paul Page 369 c Of the Vocation of S. Peter and S. Andrew Page 315 Of the Vocation of S. James and S. John Page 316 Of S. Matthews Vocation Page 318 Of S. Pauls
Jesus calling his Discipees together he saith to them I have compassion upon the multitude because loe three daies now they endure with me neither have they what to eat And if I dismiss them fasting into their home they will faint in the way This is a perfect Embleme of our condition in this world where even at the best we are an object of compassion The World is a Desart an habitation of wild beasts and void of all good having nothing whereon our Immortal Soul can feed and satiate it self we are a far off from our heavenly Country and ready to saint and fail in our way home happy only in this if we keep company with Jesus and can be content to endure with him Consider 2. Christs infinite goodness 1. In having compassion of their condition 2. In consulting with his Disciples for Redress 3. In making the multitudes sit down upon the ground 4. In distributing amongst them that little provision which he had for himself and his Disciples all which he did giving thanks breaking the loaves blessing the fish and giving them to his Disciples Apply this also spiritually and acknowledge in the fish and seven loaves the Provision of Grace afforded us in the seven Sacraments as also the seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost whereby the Soul is filled with comfort strength and vigour to continue the course of our Pilgrimage Consider 3. And they took up that which was left of the fragments seven Maunds Thus God is always overflowing in his liberality and gifts towards us but how niggard and close-handed are we towards him and our Neighbour Observe here that the Over-plus that we have either in Temporals or Spirituals ought not to be cast away but gathered together for the supply of others that are indigent Lastly learn this great Lesson that none will ever be the poorer but rather the richer for what they bestow out of pure Charity upon others for relief of their corporal or spiritual necessities See more of the like subject concerning the five loaves page 362 363. 7. Sunday after Pentecost Of False Prophets Mat. 7.15 page 327. Consider 1. Take ye heed of false Prophets which come to you in the cloathing of sheep but inwardly are ravening wolves False Prophets 1. Are Heretiques who under the fair pretence of Sanctity Liberty of Conscience expounding of Scripture c. preach false Doctrine 2. All those which under the pretext of some good or Virtue especially of Prudence and Discretion preach to us such things as are more agreeable to flesh and blood Such are Self-love Concupiscence Passion Worldly Maximes Pleasant Companions the Devil c. Have a care what Prophets you entertain see they be none of those of whom Jeremy Thren 2.14 Thy Prophets have seen false and foolish things to thee Phil. 3.20 Consider 2. By their fruits you shall know them Think what are the fruits of the above-mentioned false Prophets Obstinacy Licentiousness Disorder Disquiet Sting and Wound of Conscience c. A good Tree cannot yield evil fruits neither an evil Tree yield good fruits The Tree planted in the earth raiseth its branches and fruit upwards so man though upon earth should have his conversation in Heaven and produce heavenly fruit Every Tree that yieldeth not good fruit shall be cut down and shall be cast into fire Take warning and yield good fruit in time Mat. 3.10 perhaps the Axe is now put to the root of your Tree 1 Thes 4.3 Consider 3. Not every one that saith Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven Not all that call upon God by an exteriour Profession of Godliness nor all that undertake to Preach his Word shall be saved but those only which bring forth the good fruit above required viz. the Will of God declared unto them by the Holy Church Superiours Directors Interiour Inspirations c. This is the Will of God saith the Apostle your Sanctification by supernatural Grace and exercise of solid Virtue according to every ones state and profession 8. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Bailiff of Iniquity Luc. 16.1 page 335. see page 449. 9. Sunday after Pentecost Of Christs weeping upon the City Luc. 19.41 page 343. see page 147. 10. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Publican and the Pharisee Luc. 18.9 page 350. see page 460. 11. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Deaf and Dumb Man Marc. 7.31 page 357. see page 409 410 411. 12. Sunday after Pentecost Of the man wounded by Thieves and of the good Samaritan Luc. 10.23 page 365. see page 433 434. 13. Sunday after Pentecost Of the ten Lepers Luc. 17.11 page 372. see page 407 408. 14. Sunday after Pentecost Of serving God and Mammon Mat. 6.24 page 380. Consider 1. No man can serve two Masters c. You cannot serve God and Mammon There are two that would have you for their Servant God and the World you cannot serve both because they are opposite to one another neither can you serve one without hating the other God requires of you that you should seek Heaven contemn Earthly things imbrace Virtue curb the Flesh subdue Sense c. The World on the contrary will have you seek your own content and satisfaction enjoy the conveniences of this life neglect spiritual things cherish and pamper the flesh and give full scope to all your sensual Appetites Now chuse which of these two Services you like best whom you will have for your Master whom you will love and whom you will hate Consider 2. Therefore I say unto you be not careful for your life what you shall eat neither for your body what rayment you shall put on c. Christ perswades us here to cast off all immoderate care of Temporals which he doth by five convincing Arguments 1. A Majori If God hath given us our Soul and Body he will also provide us with necessaries for their preservation 2. A Minori If God doth so providently feed the beasts of the earth and adorn the flowers and grass of the field what will he not do for his children 3. For that all our care availeth nothing without Gods Providence not being able to add a Cubit to our stature 4. For that this care is common to Heathens and Infidels that know not God not proper for Christians that believe and trust in him 5. For that God is a loving Father who cannot know the necessities of his children and let them want Luc. 10.42 Mat. 13.44 45. Consider 3. That most admirable and comfortable conclusion Seek therefore first the Kingdom of God and the Justice of him and all these things shall be given you besides The Kingdom of God is his Glory and our Everlasting Happiness This one thing is necessary this is the treasure hidden in a field this is the precious Margarit to be purchased with all we have this ought to be our prime care to imploy our chiefest thoughts to take up our best
mercy upon thee Apply these words to your self and take heed of what follows And his Lord being angry delivered him to the Tormentors until he had repaid all the debt Ponder well the final clause So also shall my Father do to you if you forgive not every one his Brother from your hearts Sins once forgiven return not but the succeeding Ingratitude is made the greater and worthy of double punishment by the greatness of the former benefit This forgiveness must not be verbal only but from the heart and without keeping any grudge 22. Sunday after Pentecost Of paying Tribute to Cesar Mat. 22.15 page 443. Consider 1. Master we know that thou art a true speaker and teachest the way of God in truth neither carest thou for any man for thou dost not respect the persons of men Here is delivered a perfect description of an upright man Think how you are in every particular whether you be a true speaker 1. As to your self by a right judgment and estimate of things 2. In relation to others by conformance of your words to Truth and Conscience whether you hold the way of God or not rather the Maximes and Principles of the World whether you care for man so as to fear or love him more then you do God and whether you respect the person of men so as to do or omit any thing for humane respects against your Conscience Ps 4.7 Consider 2. Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar A pertinent Question but proposed with a wicked intention to intrap him in his speeches But there is no Councel nor Wisdom against our Lord who takes them in their own Traps proposing to them a question about the Tribute Coyn saying whose is this Image and Superscription Look upon your self and ask this question Whose is this Image You cannot say it is Cesars or the Worlds it is Gods The light of thy Countenance O Lord is signed upon us But alas how deformed is it become you have made it the Image of the Terrene Man endeavour to reform your self till Christ be formed again in you Gal. 4.19 1 Cor. 15.49 and as you have born the Image of the Earthly so hereafter bear the Image of the Heavenly Rom. 7.13 Consider 3. Render therefore the things that are Cesars to Cesar and the things that are Gods to God God will have us give every one his due To whom tribute tribute to whom oustom custom to whom fear fear to whom honour honour Owe no man any thing but that you love one another Render your self therefore Body and Soul with all your Powers Senses and Faculties to God whose you are by Creation Redemption c. Render likewise what you owe to your Neighbour to wit Love and Charity who is made to the same Image Created by the same hand and redeemed with the same precious Blood with your self 23. Sunday after Pentecost Of the Princes Daughter and the Hemorroisse Mat. 9.18 page 451. see page 420 421 422. 24. Sunday after Pentecost or the last before Advent Of the Destruction of Jerusalem and of the Latter Judgment Mat. 24.15 Consider 1. When you shall see the Abomination of Desolation c. then they that are in Jewry let them fly to the Mountains c. In the first part of this Gospel Christ treateth of Jerusalems Destruction and Desolation in the second of the latter Judgment Death is the time of mans greatest Desolation and the next passage to his particular Judgment on which depends the General Christ therefore warns us to provide for it in time for when it is once come it will then be too late and we shall be so surprized that we shall not have leisure to dispose of our selves or our goods as we would He that is in the house top let him not come down to take any thing out of his house and he that is in the field let him not go back to take his coat Consider 2. Woe to them that are with-child and that give suck in those daies That last day is always at hand and perhaps this may be it Woe be to you if you labour till now in bare desires and have as yet brought forth no good works to light Pray that your flight be not in the winter Stir your self up to Fervour and have a care Death comes not upon you while you are cold and frozen in Gods service Nor on the Sabboth while you are in your jollines You must be disposed for every hour for no hour is secure from danger Consider 3. There shall be then great tribulation such as hath not been from the beginning of the world Such will Death truly be to tepid and improvident Christians that have put off till then what they should have done before the Body will then be tormented all over with a dreadful Agony but much more the Conscience for then it will have a clearer knowledge of Good and Evil and will find the burden of Sin more heavy and unsupportable then ever before If you be wise seek to avoid this Tribulation do now what you would have done then avoid now what you would wish then to have avoided Faults Escaped in Printing IN the Preface page 14. Margent Psa 118.17 read 71. page 34. line 30. of God read of God page 34. Marg. for the first Citation read Luc. 21.11 p. 35. l. 17. Judge r. Judge p. 44 45. all the Citations lower three lines then ought p. 65. l. 14. Title af r. of p. 66. l. 1. Prophet r. Prophet p. 73. Foxes have holes c. r. in the Marg. Mat. 11.4 p. 80. l. 24. robes r. robes p. 169. Marg. The third Station leave out Page 477. line 29. Virging r. Virgins What other Faults have been over-seen the Courteous Reader may be pleas'd to Correct and excuse
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
kind of Fish for our Lord that is use those means which your state of life affordeth for the gaining of Souls Prayer Counsel Example c. Mat. 6.24 Consider 3. But they incontinent leaving the Nets followed him Observe their prompt Obedience they neither excuse themselves nor pretend poverty c. Such ought to be your Obedience to God and his holy Inspirations and to your Superiours whom you have in place of God without making any complaints or excuses Worldly cares and businesses are Nets that intangle and hinder us that we cannot give our selves freely to God Therefore you must leave all if you will follow Christ and lead an Apostolical life For no man can serve two Masters Of S. James and S. Johns Vocation Mat. 4. Mar. 1. Mat. 4.21 COnsider 1. And going forward from thence he saw other two Brethren James of Zebedee and John his Brother c. Observe how Christ first of all calleth two couple of Brethren Peter and Andrew James and John that upon these as so many Pillars he might raise his Church to signifie that all his Disciples ought to be well grounded in Fraternal Charity according to that Jo. 13.36 In this all men shall know that you are my Disciples if you have love one to another See therefore how you are in this point if you intend an Apostolical life Consider 2. Of these it is said that they forthwith left their Nets and Father and followed him Wherefore those that intend to be Apostolical men must leave not only worldly goods but even their Parents also for Christ casting off all humane affection towards them and converting it into a divine one in making it subordinate to the Divine Service Examine your self whether this love to your Parents and Kindred doth not bear too great a sway in you and hinder you from greater perfection Consider 3. And ponder how that word forthwith was not set down here without Mystery They were mending their Nets with their old Father but as soon as our Lord called they left their Nets as they were and objected not their Fathers old Age but followed him without more a do for perfect obedience is to leave their things imperfect Whence the antient Monks as Cassian witnesseth Gloss ibid. l. 4. Instit c. 14. would leave even a single letter unfinished at the sound of the common Bell or other sign See whether you be so ready to comply with the Inspirations of God the duties of the Church and appointment of your Superiours or whether you do not rather seek excuses and pretences contrary to what is required of you Of S. Matthews Vocation Mat. 9. Luc. 5. Mat. 9.9 COnsider 1. Jesus passing through Galilee saw a man sitting in the Custom-House where he received Tolls and he saith to him follow me Great was the force of this Call which was able to take a man off that was glued fast to his riches and yet perhaps the same would not be forcible enough to withdraw you from lesser impediments Who would dispair of Salvation when he seeth publick sinners taken out of a Custom-House and assumed not only to the friendship of God but even to the highest dignity of Apostleship Most true it is Ps 144.9 His commiserations are over all his works Consider 2. How Christ afterward refused not to eat at Table with Matthew and other Publicans that so he might gain them yet the Pharisees mutter at it Whence you may learn that there is nothing so holy that is not lyable to mens censures Wherefore if at any time you chance to suffer reprehension or slander when you have done well remember that the Schollar is not to be above his Master Consider 3. The mild answer of Christ They that are in health need not a Physitian but they that are ill at case And I am not come to call the Just but sinners See how Christ professeth himself a Physitian open therefore your wounds and diseases unto him August in Psal 102. For as S. Augustine saith No disease is incurable to the Omnipotent Physitian only permit your self to be cured by him hinder not his hand he knoweth what he doth and be not only content when be stroaketh you but also patient when he lanceth Of S. Pauls Vocation Act. 9.1 Jer. 29.11 COnsider 1. And Saul as yet breathing forth threatnings and slaughters against the Disciples of our Lord c. Ponder the unspeakable mercy of God Saul persecuted his Church and was in a raging fury to destroy it when as our Lord on the contrary not seeking revenge but intending cogitations of peace prevents him while he is yet contriving his wickedness and casts him off his horse to cure his mind while he graciously calleth upon him saying Saul Saul why persecutest thou me that you might learn to reverence Christ in your Neighbours and esteem their injuries as done to Christ himself Consider 2. Lord what wilt thou have me to do Ponder the admirable resignation of his Will So ought you also to pray and to offer your self ready for whatsoever he shall please to do with you and with much prayer and great fervour to seek after the Divine Will and resolutely to fulfill it when once you know it Consider 3. Arise and go into the City and it shall be told thee what thou must do Our Lord though after a miraculous manner he had prostrated him on the ground yet would not instruct him himself but sent him to Ananias to learn what he would have him to do that you might learn to acknowledge and reverence God in your Superiours and spiritual Directors Observe moreover how Saul spent three whole daies in prayer without taking either meat or drink before he had his sight restored for fasting and prayer are the best disposition for the receiving of spiritual sight Lastly until Ananias had imposed his hands upon him his eyes being opened he saw nothing representing thereby by the state of a sinner Whence it is said Blind the heart of this people Is 6.10 Luc. 8.10 that seeing they may not see and hearing may not understand Of Holy Communion Arise eat for thou hast yet a great way to go 3 Reg. 19.7 Consider the Eucharist as the Viaticum of our Pilgrimage Marc. 8.3 COnsider 1. What is read in this daies Gospel of Christs feeding the multitude lest they should faint in the way If I dismiss them fasting into their home they will fail in the way We are all of us in our way to our heavenly Country While we are in the body 2 Cor. 5.6 we are Pilgrims from God Wherefore we must have necessary provision for our journey that we may not fail in the way and out of weariness take up in the Stable of this contemptible world instead of passing on to our Heavenly Country Therefore as said that man Jud. 19. tast first a little bread Judic 19.5 and strengthen thy stomack
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