our Sauiour appeared and shewed some part of his glory to the Apostles and fiue hundred other persons that beleeued in him to whome he largely declared the power that his Father had giuen him in heauen and in earth and discouered vnto them diuers mysteries of the faith 3. How for conclusion he promised neuer to withdraw his assistance and fauour from them Let vs learne 1. To keepe our selues in the mountaine of perfection and still to aspire to the same if we desire that our Sauiour shew himself vnto vs. 2. To feare and respect his power 3 Not to loose heart in time of temptation seeing that he is alwaies present with vs. CXXXVIII MEDITATION Of our Sauiours glorious Ascension Mark 16.19 Luk. 24.50 Act. 1.9 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour stāding on moūt Oliuet after that he had taken leaue of his Mother Apostles disciples and others there present he gaue vnto them all his holy blessing and afterward ascended glorious into heauen accōpanied with many squadrons of Angels and holy Fathers which he had deliuered out of Limbo 2. How comming to heauen he was there receaued by God the Father and all the celestiall Court with great triumph and ioy as Conquerour of death Hell and the world 3. How the Disciples hauing lost the sight of their Lord and maister did all do reuerence to his glorious mother taking her for their mistresse and guide Let vs learne of our Lord 1. The way to mount vp to heauen which is to humble our selues and to withdraw all our affection from earthly things 2. That to deserue triumph we we must first ouercome our passiōs 3. That if we desire to haue our B. Lady for our guide and mistresse we must imitate her vertues CXXXIX MEDITATION How our Sauiour did send the holy Ghost vpon his Disciples and Apostles Act. 2.1 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour was ascended into heauen the most B. Virgin retyred her self to Ierusalem where more by her example then by words she did instruct and comfort the Christians expecting the comming of the holy ghost which our Sauiour had promised to send 2. How the most Blessed Virgin and all the Apostles being together in a great roome and praying to almighty God the holy Ghost came vpon them and appeared vpon euery one of them in forme of fiery tongues 3 How the holy Ghost did so inflame the hearts of the Apostles that they preached the faith without any feare seeking nothing more then the glory of God Let vs learne 1. To help our neighbours more by giuing good example then by faire words 2. That praier is a singular meanes to obtaine the holy Ghost 3. That if we do in our actions seeke only the glory of God it is a signe that the holy Ghost is in vs. CXL MEDITATION Of the Assumption of our Blessed Lady 1. CONSIDER how the most Blessed Virgin esteeming that her presence was no more necessary for the Church of God which was then very much increased did demaund of God to depart this life that she might be with her sonne in heauen 2. How great ioy and contentment she receaued vnderstāding by relation of an Angell that her sonne our Sauiour would fulfill her desire and that he came now to receaue her soule 3. How her thrice happie soule three daies after it was departed frō the body returned to reunite it self with the same and so our B. Lady accompanied with Angels was as some say carried vp into heauen Let vs learne 1. To liue heere on earth a celestiall life if we desire to gaine heauen 2. Not to make any designments in this life and so we shall not be sory when we shall heare of death 3. To receaue God in our hearts at this present and he will afterward receaue vs in heauen CXLI MEDITATION How our Blessed Lady was crowned in Heauen 1. CONSIDER what feast the Blessed Saints of Paradise made beholding the Queene of Angels and the Mother of God to come into Heauen so glorious as she did 2. With what maiesty and reuerence she was led to the throne of the holy Trinity where she was most honorably receaued and crowned 4. How she was seated on a beautifull throwne aboue all the Angels at the right hand of her beloued Sonne where she prayeth cōtitually for her deuoted seruants Let vs learne 1. To humble our selues heere on earth by example of the glorious Virgin if we desire to appeare glorious in Heauen 2. That our Blessed Lady hath merited to be crowned in Heauen not simply because that she was the Mother of God but for that she was adorned and enriched with millions of vertues 3. That if we desire that our B. Lady take care of vs in heauen we must be deuout to her on earth CXLII MEDITATION Of Death 1. THINK that we must ōce dy yet we know not when nor how and that dying we must leaue all thinges of this world which will afflict vs at that houre so much the more as we haue byn affected to them in our life 2. That then our soule shall be so troubled and tormented by the Diuels and our body so strongly seazed with sicknes that we scarce shall know whether we be aliue or dead 3. How in that traunce we shall be more grieuously afflicted with the worme of conscience which will not only gnawe vs for the euil we haue committed but also for the good we haue omitted Let vs learne 1. To marke heere three great follies committed by men and first by those vvho are so much affected to these vvordly thinges that once they must leaue and abandon 2. Of those that deferre driue off their conuersiō vntill the houre of death which is a time so doubtfull and vncertaine 3. Of those who do not now that which thē they would haue done and let vs perswade our selues that he that liueth ill seldome or neuer dieth well CXLIII MEDITATION Also of death 1. CONSIDER that as soone as the soule shall be out of the body euery one will abandon the same as a thing most horrible How afterwards they will throw the same into a filthy and stinking hole to be gnawen and deuoured of wormes Behold how this body shall end which we haue cherished so much in this world and for whose sake we haue so offended Almighty God 2. Let vs turne towards our soule and we shall see it depart out of this world loaded only with the works which she hath done The ill ones make her tremble quake the good giue her some small comfort but aboue all she is grieued that she liued not better 3. Behold with what cariage and countenance she doth present her selfe before the throne of the diuine iustice there to receaue the sentēce that her works do deserue Let vs learne 1. How little accoumpt we ought to make of our body seeing it is of so base and vile condition 2. To doe alwaies good since this is it that must accompaine vs in the
true children LXI MEDITATION Of our Lords Praier or Pater noster Matth. 6.9 Luke 11.2 1. CONSIDER vpon these words of our Lords praier Hallowed be thy name what we demaund in them saying We demaund 1. That we be sanctified to the end that we may inuoke him holily and by vertue therof obteine of him whatsoeuer we need 2. That we may alwaies praise our God and in all things and euery where seeke his greater glory 3. That we alwaies speak of almighty God with great reuerence respect 4. That all men may praise and honour his holy name with hart and mouth Thy kingdome come we demaund 1. That the holy faith and Ghospell of Christ be preached throughout the whole world and receaued of all nations that all may knowe their true King God and Creatour 2. That our Lord affoarding vs his holy grace do so possesse our soules that neither temptation of the diuell nor afflictioÌ„ of the world of the flesh or any other sinne may finde place in our soules 3. That in the end it will please him to receaue vs into his glory which is his true kingdome Thy will be done that is be accomplished perfectly 1. In my self as well in my body as in my soule so that I neither will nor desire any thing but that which my Lord God willeth and desireth of me 2. In all my neighbours and all men that liue in the world to the end they may willingly fulfil all that which God hath commanded them to do Giue vs this day our daily bread to wit 1. Thy holy word which is the foode of our soules whether we heare it in Sermons Exhortations Reading or Praier 2. Thy holy body which is the true bread of life 3 The nuriture necessarie for our bodyes without superfluitie or daintinesse And forgiue vs our debts as we aâ—so forgiue our debtours that is 1. The sinnes we haue committed against thy diuine maiestie whether they be Mortall to the paines of which we ar yet obliged or Veniall into which we dailie fall And leade vs not into temptation which is to say 2. Permit or suffer not o Lord that we fall into those sinnes and offenses vnto which we are daily sollicited and prouoked by the world the flesh and the diuell who doth continually watch to ruine and destroy vs. But deliuer vs from euill that is 3. From all temporall euill that in this world may befall and oppresse vs as plague warre famine sicknes and other calamities which through our sinnes we haue oftentimes deserued Free from all dangers O our good Father Lord and Sauiour So be it LXII MEDITATION Of the life of poore Lazarus and the wicked Richman Luke 16.19 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour recounting this history vouchsafed not to name this Richman and yet named the poore Lazarus therby to shew vs that it is not riches that makes men great before God but vertue and to teach vs how we ought to coÌ„ceale keep close the names of those whose imperfectioÌ„s we are forced to discouer 2. How the Ghospell neuer maketh mention that our Sauiour spake of riches but condemning and despising them or threatning and cursing rich men thereby to teach vs how hard a thing it is to be saued amongst riches and contrariewise how blessed are the poore 3. Behold on the one side this Richman well apparelled stately lodged and delicately fed and on the other side poore Lazarus all naked lying on the ground desyring the crums of bred that fell froÌ„ the Rich-mans table and receauing more consolation of dogs then of men Let vs learne That the prosperities and riches of this world doe so blind men that they make them become more hard and vnmercifull then brute beasts LXIII MEDITATION Of Lazarus and the rich Gluttons end Luke 16.22 1. CONSIDER how poore Lazarus died and was carried by the Angels into Abrahams bosome being a place of repose but that the Rich man dying was buried in hell 2. How the rich Glutton was not only tormented by the diuels who afflicted him but also by the remembrance of his sinnes commitâ—ed and of the daunger wherein he saw his brethren were who yet liued 3. How Abraham answered him that there was now no more time to do good refusing to giue him a little drop of water which he demaunded to asswage his torments Let vs learne 1. That the euils vexations and anguishes which we suffer in this world shall soone haue an end but that the paines of hell shall endure for euer and euer 2. How great and excessiue are the torments of the damned seing they haue not any consolation at all 3. To do good whilest we can for the time will come in which we will wish we had done it but then we shall haue no more meanes LXIIII. MEDITATION Of the young man that damaunded of our Lord what he might do to be saued Matth. 18.16 Mark 10.17 Luk. 18.18 1. CONSIDER with what deuotion this young man was moued to goe and present himself so humbly before our Sauiour and to aske him the meanes how he might â—e saued 2. How although our Lord seemed not to take in good port to be called Good of him that did not esteeme him for such yet did he answere to his question and teach him the things most necessary for his saluation to wit the Commaundements of God 3. How hauing vnderstood of this young man that he had alwaies carefully obserued and kept them our Lord loued him so much the more and said that it was sufficient inâ—ugh to be saued but that if he would be great and excellent in heauen he should leaue all that he had and follow Euangelicall perfection Let vs learne 1. To seeke incessantly that which may further vs to our saluation 2. To exercise our selues in works of charity towards our neighbourâ— by meanes of which we shall be more and more vnited with God 3. To condemne the riches and commodities of this world seing that they hinder vs to go forwards and grow in perfection LXV MEDITATION Of the reward our Sauiour promised vnto his Apostles Matth. 18.27 Mark 10.28 Luke 18.28 1. CONSIDER how the Apostles hauing noted the suddaine chaÌ„ge which was wrought in this young man as soone as our Lord spake vnto him of leauing his riches and wealth and how he departed discontented were much astonished especially when they heard our Lord who said vnto them three times that it was a very hard thing for a Richman to be saued 2. How S. Peter as chiefe and head of the Apostolicall Colledg although he had not forsaken much substance for Christ his sake yet thinking that he had left somthing done that which our Sauiour requested at the hands of this young man did demaund very confidently what recompence they were to haue who had left all things to follow him 3. How our Sauiour promised vnto his Apostles rest and repose for their labour authority to iudge others for the reproaches and dishonours
and there put himself amongst publicans and other sinners to be baptized 2. Consider how much S. Iohn did admire and was amazed seeing the Sauiour of the world come vnto him as if he had byn the most abiect creature vpon the earth And we may piouslie think that he did prostrate himself at our Sauiours feete saying vnto him the wordes recorded in the ghospel I ought to be baptized of thee 3. Consider how after that our Sauiour was baptized the heauens were opened the holy Ghost descended and there was a voâ—ce heard from heauen which said Thou art my beloued Sonne in whome I am wel pleased Let vs learne 1. To humble our selues more and more moued by our Sauiours example 2. Neuer to desire to seeme singular in any thing but to follow the order and vsage of others in all things that be good and holy 3. To purge and clense our conscience well if we desire to haue our praiers heard for our Sauiour praying after his baptisme was incontinently heard of his celestiall Father XX. MEDITATION How our Sauiour was tempted in the desert Matth. 4. Mark 1.12 Luk. 4.1 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour had ben honoured by his heauenly Fathers 〈◊〉 and receaued the Holy Ghost whâ—ch desceÌ„ded visiblie vpoÌ„ him he retired into the willdernes where he remained forty daies without house bed or victualls extenuating and afflicting his body 2. Consider that whosoeuer shall sound the reasons well which moued our Lord God who nourisheth all creatures that be on the earth thus to suffer hunger and permit the diuel to come and tempt him he I say will neuer refuse to be tempted and to abide hunger and thirst for IESVS Christ his sake seeing that our Sauiour himself hath ouercome all these difficulties 3 Consider the diligence with which the Angels did serue our Sauiour and the modestie that he kept albeit he were hungrie Let vs learne 1. To separate and withdraw our selues from the world not only with our bodie but also with all our affection and will 2. To striue manfullie against temptations and neuer to suffer them to surmount vs. 3. To serue God in the person of our neighbours with as great diligence as the Angels did vse in seruing our Lord himselfe XXI MEDITATION Of the calling of the fiue first Disciples Iohn 1.35 1. CONSIDER the piety and deuotion with which S. Iohn Baptist did pronounce these words Behould the Lambe of God the immaculate Lambe whose bloud must blot out all the sinnes of the world 2. Consider with what diligence S. Iohns two disciples did follow our Sauiour and marke his lodging where he made his aboad so to bring vnto him other disciples 3. Consider Nathanaels simplicitie and how our Sauiour brought him to know the truth and to confesse that he was the sonne of God Let vs learne 1. To endeauour what lieth in vs to help and assist our neighbours shewing them IESVS Christ whome they ought to follow 2. To follow promptly our selues the good inspirations that God doth send vs. 3. To haue alwaies before our eyes our Lord God who seeth and knoweth all things as he made Nathanael plainly perceaue XXII MEDITATION Of our Sauiours first Miracle donne at the wedding Iohn 2.1 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour for the loue he did beare vnto men was pleased to abase himself so much as to go to their banquets and honour their tables with his presence not so to fill his body but to feede their soules 2. Consider the care that our Blessed Lady had of the temporall good and reputation euen of those that had inuited her which care she shewed in representing their necessitie and want vnto her sonne at whose hands she expected speedie redresse of the same 3. Consider the admiration and as it were amazing with which the bridegroome was surprized vnderstanding that there yet remained such quantitie of exquisite wine Let vs learne 1. Neuer to disdaine any honest companie nor poore mens tables 2. To haue great compassion of the need and necessity temporall of poore folkes whosoeuer they be 3. Neuer to make shew of the best that may be in vs at the beginning but to reserue it for the end seing it is this that must crowne out worke XXIII MEDITATION How our Lord did cast out of the Temple the buyers and sellers Iohn 2.13 1. VVE must consider how carefull our Lord was to keep and solemnize the feast daies so he was amongst the rest of the Iewes and not without great trauaile went a foot to Ierusalem 2. Consider how our Sauiour entring into Ierusalem went forthwith to the Temple there to pray and adore his Father with the other Iewes 3. Consider how he that is goodnes it self cannot endure the wrong which he seeth done vnto the Temple a holy place and a place of praier which the auarice and couetousnes of men had turned into a place of traffique and merchandise but he casteth out the buyers and fellers Let vs learne 1. To sanctifie the holy daies 2. To pray willingly in euery place but chiefly in the Church 3. To be zealous of Gods honour in cleanenes and sanctifying of those places things that are dedicated vnto him XXIV MEDITATION Of our Sauiours conference with Nicodemus Iohn 3.1 1. CONSIDER how Nicodemus hauing heard a report of the Miracles which our Sauiour had wrought came vnto him by night to be instructed of the way that he was to hold to arriue to the port of saluation 2. Consider how our Sauiour hauing proposed vnto him the doctrine of the regeneration of our soules caused by the Sacrament of Baptisme did reprehend him sharply for that he vnderstood not a similitude taken from earthly things and said vnto him Thou art a maister in Israâ—l and art thou ignorant of these things 3. Consider how Christ did afterward discourse vnto him very amplie of his past on and of the deatâ— he was to suffer vpon the altar oâ— the Crosse shewing him principally in this point the greaâ—nes of God loue towards man kind Let vs learne 1. To seeke with great care arâ— diligence such things as may forward vs to our saluation 2. To render incessant thanâ— vnto almighty God for the benefâ— of Baptisme receaued at his hands 3. To haue alwaies our Sâ—uiours passion in our remembrancâ— XXV MEDITATION Of S. Iohn Baptist his imprisonment Matth. 14.1 Marke 6.14 1. CONSIDER how S. Iohn Baptist leauing now the desert into which he was retired from his tender age went oftentimes to the Court to exhort and admonish King Herod who did reforme himself in some things that S. Iohn had told him 2. Consider how after some space of time he did reprehend him more eagerly then he was accustomed to doe because the matter did so require forsomuch as he kept his brothers wife he being yet aliue contrary to all right and reason 3. Consider how Herodias being much grieued at S. Iohns words did â—oue the King in such sort that
and eate of his bread 2. With what feruour and deuotion Marie Magdalene came throwing her selfe at our Lords feete washing them with her teares wiping them with her hayre and breaking the vessel of pretious ointment which she had brought with her she powred it vpon his head 3. How euen the Apostles grudging at this deed and grieued at the losse of that which might haue byn imploied to the profit of poore folkes as they said our Sauiour defended Marie Magdalene assuring thē that for doing of this she should be praised throughout the world Let vs learne 1. To reioice when we are to go to the table of our Lord and to receaue him in the Blessed Sacrament 2. To imploy our selues as willingly to serue the poore which be the feete of our Lord as to annoint the head himself 3. To make no accompt of the scofs reprehensions which worldlings forme against vs prouided alwaies that we serue God LXXII MEDITATION How our Lord did weepe vpon the Cittie of Ierusalem foretelling the destruction thereof Luk. 19.41 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour viewing with his corporall eyes the Citty of Ierusalē and foreseeing the calamities and ruine that soone after should befall vnto it did weepe vpon it 2. How albeit that many of the inhabitants thereof did presse to come before him and receaue him as he deserued yet he did not cease to lament the misfortunes by which this poore Citty was to be destroied in such sort as he did foreknow 3. How amongst other words that he spake we must ponder well these O if thou also hadst knowen and that in this day the things that pertaine to thy peace Let vs learne 1. To bewaile the daungers in which we our selues and all other men doe liue in this world 2. To haue compassion not only of our friends benefactors and kinsfolkes but also of those that wish and doe vs harme 3. Not to let the time ouerslip in vaine nor loose the occasions which we haue to doe good LXXIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour entred into Ierusalem Matth. 21.1 Mark 11.1 Luk. 19.20 Iohn 12.15 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour set on towards Ierusalem albeit he knew very well on the one side the enuie and rancor that the Iewes did beare him and on the other that the time of his death and Passion was at hand 2. In what manner he would make his royall entry into the Citty to wit riding vpon an asse couered only with his disciples garmēts and himself accompanied and attended on by poore folkes going a foot on ech side of him 3. With what deuotion the Apostles did bestrew the waies with their apparel and mantels the people did cut downe bowes from the trees to that end and all did crie with a loude voice Praise and Health to the sonne of Dauid Let vs learne 1. To offer presēt our selues willingly to labours and daungers euen of life when it should be for Gods glory and our neighbours saluation 2. To desire alwaies the lowest offices and to approach willingly vnto those of whome the world maketh lest accompt 3. To subdue and mortifie our body which serues as a garment for our soule to prepare the way for our Lord who will enter and dwell in vs. LXXIIII MEDITATION How our Lord did curse a fig-tree Matth. 21.18 Mark 11.13 1. CONSIDER how our Lord hauing spent all the day in which he entred into Ierusalem in preaching curing of the sick and in the exercise of other charitable works but finding none that would offer him lodging or inuite him to their house he returned very late towards Bethania 2. How returning the next morning from Bethania to Jerusalem he felt himself oppressed with hunger which is a signe that the euening before he had supped with very little or nothing and that according to his wonted manner he had spent the night in praier 3. How perceauing a fig-tree by the way well couered with leaues he went right vnto it and finding no fruite cursed it which incontinent was withered Let vs learne 1. Not to trust to the pompe and faire shewes of the world which in the euening seemeth not to know him whome in the morning it did cherish and flatter 2. To conuerse amongst men in such sort that yet more willingly we be solitary 3. To labour that our hands be found alwaies full of good vvorks and fruite for feare that our Lord comming vvhē vve least think of it and finding vs vnprouided doe then curse vs. LXXV MEDITATION Of the Councell and assembly which the Iews held against our Sauiour whome Iudas sold vnto them Luk 22.1 Iohn 11.47 1. CONSIDER that vvhen our Sauiour did vvatch and pray for the conuersion of the Iewes these obstinate fellowes assembled themselues to find out the meanes how to apprehend and put him to death 2. How Iudas burning with couetousnes went to present himself to this wicked damnable Councell and sould his good master for thirty pence O vnfortunate merchant 3. How our good Lord though he knew right well what Iudas had done did not therefore shew him worse countenance but rather did speake vnto him and let him sit at his table vsing towards him all the kindnes fauour accustomed so to win him with sweetnes and bring him to acknowledge his fault Let vs learne 1. To beware of this vice of vnthankfulnes which was cause of the Iewes ouerthrow 2. Not to set our hearts too much on worldly goods lest they make vs forget those goods that be euerlasting 3. Not to abuse the sweetenes which our Sauiour shewes towards vs who doth inuite and expect vs to perfect penance from day to day LXXVI MEDITATION How the Apostles made ready the place where our Sauiour was to celebrate his last supper Matth 26.17 Marke 14.12 Luk. 22.7.2 1. CONSIDER how the Apostles knowing on the one side the good custome that their maister had to obserue all that which was commaunded by the law of Moyses and on the other side that he had no house of his owne did therefore demaund of him where it would please him that they should goe to prepare all that which was requisite for eating of the Paschall lambe 2. How our Lord sent them to Ierusalem giuing them for a mark of the place where he would make his supper that there they should find a man carrying a pitcher of water 3. How they met this man and followed him and entring into the house had leaue of the owner thereof to prepare in a great hall well appointed and furnisshed all that which was necessary for them Let vs learne 1. To preuent as much as we may if we be Religious our Superiours by doing before time that which afterwards we shall be commaunded 2. To obey promptly and as they say with our eyes shut at the least direction of our Superiour 3. To prepare our heart for our Sauiour enlarging it with a liuely faith great hope and ample charity and hanging it with tapestrie of most
he answered that touching his doctrine he might be informed of those that had heard him preach publiquely in the Temple as concerning his Apostles he would say nothing 3. How one of Annas seruants gaue him a great blow repreheÌ„ding him for that he had spoken so confidently to the high Priest which iniurie he patiently endured Let vs learne 1. To beware that we do not buffet our Sauiour which they do who omit to do any good for feare of displeasure or do commit any euill to please men 2. That giue not eare to godly inspirations 3. That take not well the good counsels and aduises of those that gouerne them in Gods place XC MEDITATION How our Sauiour was sent by Annas vnto Caiphas Matth. 26.57 Mark 14.53 Luk. 22.54 Iohn 18.24 1. CONSIDER hovv our Sauiour as it were now half coÌ„demned to death was misused by the cruelty of those that lead him and how he was receaued of those Elders others assembled together in Caiphas house 2. How being before Caiphas they brought forth against him many false witnesses which neuertheles could not agree amongst themselues to make him guilty of death 3. How Caiphas seeing this demaunded of our Sauiour why he defended not his innocency against those witnesses but sweet IESVS answered not a word Let vs learne 1. To hold our peace when that which is demaunded vs deserueth no answere 2. When we perceaue that whatsoeuer we should say shal be misconstrued 3. When it is time to suffer and not to excuse XCI MEDITATION How Caiâ—has adiured our Sauiour to tell if he were the Messias Matt. 26.63 Mark 14.62 Luk. 22.67 1. CONSIDER how Caiphas breaking into passion because he could find nothing to lay against our Sauiour did at last remember to adiure him in the name of God to tell him if he were the Messias 2. How our Sauiour did then confesse that he was truly the Messias foretelling him moreouer that they shoâ—ld heerafter see him sitting on the right hand of God and coÌ„ming in the end to iudge the world 3. How Caiphas hearing these words rent his garmeÌ„ts crying with a lâ—ud voice that he had blasphemed and that there needed no other testimonies against him wherevpoÌ„ al that wicked troope adiudged him worthy of death Let vs learne 1. Neuer to make firme resolution of any thing so long as we are troubled with passion 2. To speake alwaies the truth principally when it concerneth Gods honour 3. Not to make great account of mens iudgments which cannot make vs worse then we are XCII MEDITATION Of the iniuries done to our Sauiour in Caiphas house Matt. 26.67 Marke 14.65 Luk. 22.63 1. CONSIDER how the souldiars and seruants of the Iewes perceauing the spite that Caiphas had against our Sauiour to please him the more began to increase much more then before they had done their rage vpon our Sauiours body striking and vexing him on euery side 2. How others of them when they had blindfolded him did buffet strike him on the face in diuers manners and said Prophesy vnto vs ò Christ who is he that strooke thee 3. How diuers of them contrary to all ciuility did spit in his face Let vs learne 1. That many do now adaies also spit on our Sauiours face as those which with foule filthie thoughts do defile their soule made to the likenes and image of God 2. Those that do resist the holy inspirations that God doth send them 3. Those which do receaue the body of our Sauiour not haâ—ing well â—urged cleansed their soules before XCIII MEDITATION How S. Peter did thrice deny our Sauiour Matt. 26.69 Mark 14 66. Luk. 22.55 Iohn 18.17 26. 1. CONSIDER how S. Peter hauing abandoned his maister and warming himself amongst the souldiars and seruants of the Iewes was so astonished at the bare word of a poore chamber-maid that fearing death he denied the fountaine of life 2. How not content to haue simply denied him once the second time he did foresweare himself saying thaâ— he knew him not and the third time he denied him with cursing and swearing 3. How our Sauiour hauing sweetly looked back vpon S. Peter he forthwith called to mind his promise acknowledged his fault and presently departed out of tear vnhappie house so to begin a course of wailing and pennance which he did after continue as long as he liued Let vs learne 1. To auoid bad companie 2. To resist tentations in the beginning lest they draw vs from euill to worse 3. To imitate the pennance of this holy Apostle XCIV MEDITATION Of the sorrow that our B. Lady felt the night that our Sauiour was taken 1. CONSIDER how our B. Lady when she had receaued the heauie news that her deare beloued sonne was taken prisoner felt therefore extreme great sorrow and griefe feeling then in her heart the sword of sorrow which old Simeon had foretold her on the day of her Purification 2. How albeit in this as in what els soeuer she did conforme her will to the eternall Father yet she did pray him very effectuously that it would please him to make her feele the paines that the accursed Iewes were to make her sonne endure 3. How departing from her house she went to find out her sonne that so she might at the lest accompanie him to his death as indeed she did Let vs learne 1. Not to loose courage when we fall into any disgrace or tentation seeing that Gods chiefest fauorites haue past that way 2. To pray for those that be tempted and afflicted 3. To labour as much as lieth in vs to assist and comfort them XCV MEDITATION How the Iews iudged our Sauiour guiltie of death Matt. 26.66 27.1 Mark 14.64 1. CONSIDER how the souldiars hauing spent the night in mocking and gibing at our Sauiour making him indure diuers paines the next morning very early the chiefe Priests of Ierusalem sate in Councell to determine what they should do with him 2. How when they had made him to appeare before them they demaunded of him if he were the Sonne of God to which he answered If I say I am yow will not belieue me but hereafter you shall see the sonne of man sitting at the right hand of the Father 3. How at this answere they al exclaimed saying that he had blasphemed and did therefore iudge him worthy of death which Iudas vnderstanding brought back the money they had giuen him for betraying of his maister and confessing his offence he went and hanged himself Let vs learne 1. How the wicked are alwayes diligent to do ill and the good to do good 2. How it little auaileth to preach to obstinate persons â— How sinnes do not seeme so great when they are commited but when we see the euill that ensueth of them they oftentimes driue vs euen to despaire XCVI MEDITATION How our Sauiour was accused before Pilate Matth. 27.11 Mark 15.1 Luk. 23.1 Iohn 18.28 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour was brought to Pilates pallace and
though they be done by vile and base persons 3. Not to labour to be greatly prized since our Lord was so mocked and contemned CIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour was in diuers manners mocked in Pilates Pallace Matth. 27.27 Mark 15.16 Iohn 19.2 1. CONSIDER how these cruell souldiars not content to haue tormented our Sauiouâ— in such sort that they had already couered his whole body with woudâ— from the sole of his foote euen to the top of his head did begin to afflict his soule by all such meanes as they could deuise 2. How putting a reed into his hand they would thereby signifie and it may be they said so much vnto him that he had no more wit then that reed had iuyce or pith 3. How kneling before him vpon one knee on the ground they saluted him King of the Iewes and spit in his face striking him on the Crowne of thornes with the reede and buffeting him Let vs learne 1. To shun all hypocrisy and to worship our Lord sincerely with soule and body 2. Nâ—t to leane too much to humane helps and meanes which be more fraile then reedes 3. Not to esteeme much what the world saith of vâ— prouided that our â—onscience be cleere from all euill â—o not reprehend vs. CIIII. MEDITATION How Pilate shewed our Sauiour to the People Iohn 19.5.14 1. CONSIDER how Pilate albeit he was a Paynim yet desirous to deliuer the innocent deuised to shew our Sauiour vnto those fierce and furious people in that so piteous plight into which they by their cruelty had put him 2. How therefore he brought him forth crowned with thornes couered only with a poore robe of purple which he lifted vp a litle to shew vnto the Iewes his body all disfigured and bloudie and said to them Bâ—hold the man 3. How those obstinate people moued neither with pitie nor compassion began to crie with a furious voice Crucifie him Let vs learne 1. To defend euermore truth innocency in whomsoeuer it be 2. That the filthines of sinne is most grieuous seeing that our Sauiour hath byn so greatly tormented to satisfy for the same 3. To beware of all kind of choler and rancour which doth blind those that take not heed of it CV MEDITATION How the Iewes made new instance with Pilate that he would condemne our Sauiour Luk. 23.22 Iohn 19.6.12 1. CONSIDER how Pilate persisting in his desire to deliuer our Lord did his best to giue him ouer into the hands of the Iewes they might iudge him according to their Law but they answered that according to their Law he ought to dy speaking in this truer then they thought 2. How Pilate did againe demauÌ„d of our Sauiour whence he was To which question receauing no answer when he vaunted himselfe of the power which he had our Lord then said vnto him with most great wisdome That his power was giuen him from aboue which was cause that Pilate desired much more to release him 3. How the Iewes perceauing Pilates good will and inclination towards our Sauiour cried out aloud and boldly that if he deliuered him he could not be Cesars friend Let vs learne 1. To perseuere in that good which we haue once knowne and imbraced 2. To acknowledge that all authority coÌ„meth from aboue 3. Not to feare those which haue power only ouer the body but not ouer the soule CVI. MEDITATION How Pilate condemned our Sauiour Matth. 27.26 Mark 15.15 Luke 23.23 Iohn 19. 1. CONSIDER how Pilate seing himselfe prest more and more by the Iewes did enter againe into his Pallace where sitting to end our Sauiours processe he receaued a message from his wife who prayed him not to meddle in the affaires of innocent Iesus 2. How Pilate neuertheles perceauing the seditioÌ„ to increase more and more and that the mutinous Iewes did redouble their outcries he coÌ„ming out of his Hall did wash his hands in preseÌ„ce of al the people and protest that he would not be their compartner in so vniust an act 3. How vpon this all the people hauing receaued the whole fault vpon themselues and their posterity Pilate pronunced the sentence of death against our Sauiour giuing him vp into the executioners hands and deliuering Barabbas Let vs learne 1. How innocency can neuer be oppressed though the innocent do often suffer wrongfully 2. How little it auaileth to haue the body cleane when the soule is defiled and loden with sinne 3. That we must suffer oftentimes therby to haue compasâ—ion of our Sauiour CVII MEDITATION How our Sauiour did beare his Crosse Mat. 27.31 Mark 15.20 Luke 23.26 Iohn 19.17 1. CONSIDER the griefe that our B. Lady felt when she heard that the sentence of death was giuen against her deare beloued Sonne and saw the guard on horsback to lead him to the place of execution 2. How the pittilesse executioners did take off our Sauiours purple robe and commaunded him to put on his owne garments and by this meanes renewed his wounds which gushed out bloud on euery side 2. How they did loade his feeble shoulders with that huge burden of the Crosse and hastned him to go on the way albeit he was otherwise scarce able to stand but alas it was for the satisfaction of our sinnes that our Sauiour was so ouercharged Let vs learne 1. To beare our Crosse after him by labouring willingly in his holy seruice 2. By mortifying our body and sensuall appetites 3. By ouercomming all tentations and lets which the Diuell and the world do put in our way CVIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour diâ— speake to the women that followed him Luk. 23.27 1. CONSIDER with what deuotioÌ„ those good womeÌ„ which had followed our Sauiour in his life did also accompany him in his death making great lamentation according to their nature 2. How our Sauiour when that he heard them bewaile him so pitifully did turne back to them exhorting them rather to weepe vpon themselues and vpon their children who should be cruelly punished for the paines which they made him now indure 3. How those enraged Iewes would not suffer him to speake on the way but did push him forward hauing giuen him for companions two theeues that were also lead to be executed Let vs learne 1. To haue compassion of the paines which our Sauiour hath endured for vs. 2. To bewaile our sinnes which were cause of his death 3. To pray for the euils that be to ensue to the end that God either turne them away or giue vs patieÌ„ce to support them CIX MEDITATION How Simon of Cyrene did help to beare our Sauiours Crosse Matth. 27.32 Mark 15.21 Luk. 23.26 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour altogether wearied with the paines and torments which he had endured the night before and ouercharged with the great weight of his Crosse went soft and faire marking all the way with the bloud which flowed from his pretious wounds 2. How the Iewes perceauing his weakenes and seeing him fall oftentimes vnder the burden yea and fearing
assisted at this cruell spectacle and vexed our Sauiour with their ill speaches did by their example moue the theefe that haÌ„ged at his left hand to do the like 2. How his companion defending our Lord and taking his part warned that blasphemer to looke to himself and to haue compassâ—on of that innocent to whome he commended him self saying Lord remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdome 3. How our Sauiour answered him This day thou shalt be with me in paradise O sweet worde O happie theefe who hast stolne eternall glory at the last hand Let vs learne 1. That we must neuer follow those that do yll albeit they be many and seeme to be men of great authority 2. That we ought to excuse our neigbours and defend them against backbiters 3. To hope in Gods mercy and bountie euen till death CXVIII MEDITATION Of the third word that Christ did speak on the Crosse Iohn 19.26 1. CONSIDER how our B. Lady hauing followed her welbeloued sonne our Sauiour from Pilates house vnto Mount Caluary and seene all the torments that those barbarous people had made him suffer did notwithstanding abide still by the Crosse and participate of all the euils that our Lord endured 2. How sweet IESVS beholding her and on the other side casting his eyes vpon S. Iohn who was also present there said to his Mother Woman behold thy Sonne to S. Iohn Behold thy Mother 3. Think what sorrow did surprize the heart of the glorious Virgin considering with herself that this was the last farewell that her Sonne was to giue her leauing her the disciple instâ—ed of the maister the seruant insteed of his Lord and Zebedeus sonne insteed of the soÌ„ne of God Let vs learne 1. To perseuer euen vntill death neere the Crosse of our Sauiour 2. To haue compassion vpon the afflicted 3. To hold our B. Lady for our deere Mother and to haue recoâ—rse to her in all our necessities CXIX MEDITATION Of the fourth word that our Sauiour spake on the Crosse Iohn 19.28 1. CONSIDER how our Sauiour hauing indured an infinâ—â—e number of torments all the night before that day without any consolation or ease from any oâ—e felt such straunge alteratioÌ„ that he was forced to crie and say I thirst 2. How albeit hâ— had iust cause to be maruelâ—usly altered in body yet was his hart much more for the desire that he had of the saluation of soules for which he would willingly haue endured a hundred thoâ—sand times as much 3. How those obstinate Iewes insteed to giue him water or some good wine as reason and custome required did offer him vineger Let vs learne 1. To daunte our body with hunger thirst and other mortifications 2. To imitate the desire that our Sauiour had of the saluation of soules 3. Not to bestow the worst things that we haue vpoÌ„ the poore which do represent vnto vs the person of our Sauiour CXX MEDITATION Of the fift word our Sauiour spake on the Crosse Matth. 27.46 Marke 15.34 1. CONSIDER how the Sunne not able to support any longer the iniuries that were done to his God and Creatour was about midday eclipsed in a strange manner so that the whole earth was couered with darknes for the spac of three houres 2. How our Sauiour about three houres after midday to shew how much he suffered cried out with a loud voice and said my God my God why hast thou forsaken me 3. How his sweet Mother vnderstanding that he remained as abandoned of his eternall Father of whome only he could then receaue any comfort did thereby feele new sorrow and griefe Let vs learne 1. To turne away from our eyes the iniuries done to our God 2. To approach vnto him in all our necessities and so much the more boldly and feruently by how much they are or seeme to be greater 3. To pray often for a happy houre of our death seeing that our Sauiour him selfe hath laboured so much in the same CXXI MEDITATION Of the sixth word that our Sauiour spake on the Crosse Ioan. 19.30 1. CONSIDER how our Lord although he was extremely afâ—lâ—cted neuâ—â—â—heles saying this word It is coÌ„summate or all is accomplished he felt exceeding consolation because he punctually followed the will of God the Father and performed the worke of our Redemption 2. How he felt a vehement griefe setting before his eyes as in a book all that he had suffered from the house of his birth vntill then to present them vnto his Father seeing the houre of his death to draw so neere 3. How the dolefull Mother hearing these words of her sweet child lifted vp her eyes to him and said It is then your paines my dearest Loue it is your paines and torments that shall haue an end but myne alas begin more now then euer Let vs learne 1. To be glad when we do suffer any thing for Gods sake 2. To offer our trauels and paines to God 3. To thinke oftentimes vpon the houre of our death so to be the better prouided for it CXXII MEDITATION Of our Sauiours death and the last word he spake on â—he Crosse Luke 28.46 Iohn 19 30. 1. CONSIDER how our Lord to shew that he died willingly and had yet some force to resist did exalt his voice as triumphing ouer death and commended his soule to God 2. How afterwards bending downe his head to take leaue of his Mother he gaue vp the ghost most sweetely to God his Father who had sent a multitude of Angels to assist his Sonne at his death 3. Consider ô my soule how great this last paine was which the Sonne of God felt when his soule departed out of his body Let vs learne 1. To haue euermore before our eyes this venerable head hanging towards the ground to teach vs how grieuous the burden was of our sinnes which he did lay on his owne backe 2. To giue vs example of his wonderfull Humility Obedience and Pouerty 3. To offer vs the kisse of peace CXXIII MEDITATION Of that which passed after our Sauiours death Matth 27.51 Mark 15.18 Luk. 23.47 1. CONSIDER how after that our Sauiour had giuen vp the ghost to God the insensible creatures were so grieued that they all seemed desirous to end and perish the earth trembled the rocks were rent and the graues were opened 2. How the Centurion who remained to see our Sauiour dye was moued to confesse that indeed he was the sonne of God 3. How others also that were present at this sight said the same and knocking their brests in signe of peÌ„nance returned to Ierusalem Let vs learne 1. To be sory at the death and passion of our Sauiour if we will not be thought to be more hard then the rocks more insensible then the earth and more dead then death it self 2 To confesse the truth freelie when it is requisite for Gods honour and glorie 3. To tame our body by doing pennance and satisfaction for our sinnes CXXIV MEDITATION How
our Sauiours side was pierced with a speare after his death Iohn 19.34 1. CONSIDER how the rage of the Iewes not being yet appeased with all those tormentes which they made our Sauiour indure they bethought them selues that it would not seeme decent to leaue those bodies hanging on the Crosse in the most solemne Sabboth day of the whole yeare 2. How therfore they praied Pilate that their legs might be broken to the end they might dye the sooner and their bodies be caried away and so it was donne to the two theeues which were crucified with our Sauiour 3. How when they came to our Lord IESVS to do the like they found him dead wherat one of the horsemē of the gard as it were grieued did strike him with a speare which did euen pierce him to the heart whēce presētly gushed forth bloud and water Let vs learne 1. To marke the singular loue of our Sauiour who would shed for vs euē that little bloud that remayned yet in his heart 2. Who would satisfie with his very inward parts for the sinnes that the world had cōmitted by thought 3. Who would witnes vnto vs the great and inuincible wound of charity which his heart had receaued for our sakes CXXV MEDITATION How our Sauiour was taken downe from the Crosse Math 27.57 Mark 1◠42 Luk 23.50 Iohn 19.38 1. CONSIDER how our Blessed Lady who remained all this while by the Crosse was greatly afflicted in mind because she had no meanes to take downe our Sauiours body when in the meane season Ioseph of Arimathia inspired by our Sauiour went boldly to Pilate and demaunded leaue of him to take downe the bodie 2. How hauing obtained his request he forthwith bought a most fine sheet and went towards mount Caluary to take him off from the Crosse which at length he did with due reuerence 3. How the sweet Mother did affoard as much help as lay in her to take him downe and after receaued him into her lappe to contemplate more neerely the wounds of his precious body Let vs learne 1. To expose our selues willingly to all sorts of labour for the loue of our Sauiour 2. To prepare our soule like a faire cleane sheet as often as we be to receaue him 3. To imbrace him straitly and to keep him in our heart after that we haue receaued him by meditating vpon his holy death and Passion CXXVI MEDITATION How our Sauiour was buried Mat. 27.59 Mark 15 4◠Luk. 23.53 Iohn 19.39 1. CONSIDER how whilest Ioseph of Arimathia and others tooke downe our Sauiours body from the Crosse Nicodemus prepared a hundred pounds of most precious ointmēt and came iust in time to honour our Sauiours buriall 2. How the disciples were much abashed at the matter when they saw themselues forced to demaund their masters body of his Mother who held it so straitly imbraced 3. How she neuertheles giuing it willingly into their hāds they buried it in a faire new mōumēt hewed out of a rock that lay in the next garden and couered the same with a great stone of marble Let vs learne 1. That if we will haue our Sauiour to dwell in our heart it is requisite that he find it first all new by a new life 2. That he find it constant and firme through a setled will alwaies to do good 3. That he find it free from all corruption of sensuall thoughts and desires CXXVII MEDITATION Of the guard that was put to keep our Lords sepulcher Matth. 27.62 1. CONSIDER how our Blessed Lady S. Iohn Ioseph of Arimathia Nicodemus and others who were present at the buriall of our Sauiour returned towards the euening ech one to his owne house very woefull and sory for our Sauiours death 2. How the last that departed were Mary Magdalene Mary of Ioseph who did marke the place very carefully where he was buried with intention to returne anoint him againe 3. How the Iewes fearing lest our Lord would rise as he had foretold demaunded souldiars of Pilate to keepe the sepulcher which they did also seale with their owne signet Let vs learne 1. Neuer to omit welldoing but to reiterate twice thrice yea a hundred times if need be the same seruice for Gods sake 2. To be as diligent and carefull to do good as the Iewes were to do ill 3. To keepe well the dores of our senses for feare lest we loose our Sauiour after we haue receaued him CXXVIII MEDITATION How our Sauiour descended into Limbo 1. CONSIDER how the soules of the Patriarches and other holy persons of the old Testament detained in Abrahams bosome expected from day to day the comming of their Messias and this more earnestly because they knew that his time was neere at hand 2. How the soule of our Sauiour who might well haue deliuered them without departing from the world did daine notwithstanding through his infinite goodnes to descēd into those obscure dungeōs to visit comfort them not as his seruants but as his well beloued children 3. How excessiue and great the ioy was that those Blessed soules receaued beholding their Redeemer and what dread did appall the infernall spirits when they perceaued themselues vanquished by him whome they caused so ignominiously to be put to death Let vs learne 1. Neuer to lose courage for any temptation that may befall vs. 2. To descend and humble our selues if we desire to be exalted 3. To visit willingly the sicke imprisoned other needy folkes CXXIX MEDITATION Of our Sauiour his glorious Resurrection Matth. 16.1 Luk. 28.1 Mark 24.1 Iohn 29.1 1. CONSIDER how the Glorious soule of our Sauiour hauing visited the Fathers that were in Limbo returned againe on the Sunday morning very early to reunite and ioyne her selfe to the body so to comfort the Apostles and Disciples 2. How at the same time the three Maries were on their way to anoint and imbalme their maisters body againe and going together they asked one of another who should open the monument vnto them 3. How comming to the sepulcher they found the stone remoued and an Angell who told them that Iesus was risen Let vs learne 1. To comfort the afflicted by the example of our Sauiour who did hasten the time of his Resurrection as much as he might so to giue heart and courage to his Disciples 2. To exercise the workes of mercy as these three Maries did 3. To forsake all our imperfections that we may arise with our Sauiour CXXX MEDITATION How our Sauiour appeared to his B. Mother 1. CONSIDER how after the friday at night that our Sauiour was buried his holy Mother was altogeather discōforted hauing alwaies in her heart before her eyes the paines torments that her deare Sonne had indured in her sight 2. How our Sauiour to acomplish the dutie of a Good child taking his body againe as soone as he could went first to his Mothers house to make her first partaker of the ioy of his Resurrection 3. What most kind