The soules watch: or, A day-booke for the deuout soule Consisting of 52 heauenly meditations, and diuers godly prayers, fitted to all the dayes of the weeke. Being holy exercises for a sanctified conuersation, and spirituall riches for the inward man. By Iohn Gerhard Dr. of Diuinity, and superintendent of Heldburge. Englished by R.B. With the Lords Prayer expounded by him.

A DAY-BOOKE for the Deuout SOVLE .

Munday Morning Prayer .

WHither , O Lord God , Father euerlasting , maker of all things , Author of goodnesse , shall I direct my heart and voyce ? to whom shall I addresse my selfe for helpe and succour ; but to thee , which art a God of nature most benigne & louing , of grace most free , of power Almighty , and therefore most ready to heare , and most able to helpe . I know , O Lord , that without thee all mine endeuour is but vaine : If thou do but blow vpon my labour , it will come to nought ; If I begin , and thou withdraw thy self from my helpe , I shall faint in the way , and fall from my purpose , because I am not able of my self as of my self , so much as to think , much lesse to do any thing that is good , but all my sufficiencie is of thee : therefore I implore thine aid , and pray thee with thy grace preuenting , accompanying and following , to be with me in al my works , and in all my wayes , that I may see the successe and prosperitie of that which I shall take in hand , the dew of thy blessing distilling euermore on the works of mine hands . Direct thou , O Lord , my way in thy truth , put counsell and vnderstanding into my heart , and into my reines . Grant that in all my businesse I may propose vnto my selfe firmly these ends : First , thy glory , next , the good of mine own soule , then the profit of my brethren . Take from me floath and wearisomnesse : giue vnto me strength , vertue , and courage , that I may both begin and finish the workes of my Calling , with all faithfulnesse and diligence : But before all things , O Lord , put into my minde a care of religious duties , thy worship , and the workes of Charitie , that I may glorifie thee in them here on earth which are in heauen . O Lord , in my beginning I take on mee a vow of seruing thee ; giue strength , O Father , that I may performe my vowes ! so assist me in thy seruice , so confirme me in thy wayes that nothing be able to diuert or turne me out of the right way . Rebuke Satan , that is on my right hand to hinder me , let not his contradictions , nor the gainesayings of men dismay me , or make me to quaile : Let not mine owne infirmity , the weakenesse of flesh and bloud , make me either to halt in the way , or faint before I come to the end of the way : But grant that in thy power my soule may march valiantly , and that through thine assistance , I may runne a good race , and finish vp a good course , at the end whereof I may meete with blisse and immortalitie in thy Kingdome , where there is all ioy without sadnesse , all mirth without mourning , full contentment without any disgust , sweetnesse without gall , saciety without surfer , peace without all warres , rest without disturbance , plenty without penury , the fulnesse of happinesse , and the Riuer of pleasures , vnto which , thou which hast made me , bring me , for thy deare Sonnes sake Christ Iesus .

Hominis quid vita ? Cylindrus . What is the life of man ? a Cylinder . 1. Meditation . Of the vnconstancie of this present life .

THinke , O deuout soule , of the misery and vnconstancie of this life , that thy heart may be lifted vp to desire the heauenly inheritance .

While this life doth grow , Waining . it doth daily decrease : while it is increased , it is also diminished : whatsoeuer is added vnto it , somewhat also is taken from it .

It is but a minute of time that we liue , Short. and somewhat lesse then a minute : while wée turne our selues , immortality will be here : we are in this life as it were in another mans house .

Sepulchre . 2 Abraham had not in the land of Canaan , a ground of his owne to dwell in , but onely the inheritance of a sepulchre : so this life present , is a place of lodging and of a grange . Our life is like to one that sailes : Death be ginneth . hée that sailes , whether hée stand , or whether he sit , or whether he lye , alwayes goes nearer to the hauen , and thither he goes , whether he is led by the course of the Ship : so wée also , whether sléeping , or whether waking , whether vnwilling , or whether willing , by the moments of times , are alwayes led to our end . This life is rather a death , because euery day wée dye , séeing that euery day we consume somewhat of our liues . The entrance into this life is straight-wayes the beginning of death .

3 This life is full of the griefe of the things that are past , Grieuous . of the labour and paine of things that are present , of the feare of things to come . The Ingresse Ingresse . into life is lamentable , because an infant begins his life with teares , as it were foreséeing the euils to come : the Progresse Progresse . weake , because many diseases do afflict vs , many cares do vexe vs : the Egresse Egresse . horrible , because wée go not forth alone , bu our workes go forth with vs , and by death wee go forth to the seuere iudgement of God.

4 Our conception is a fault : Summe . our birth is misery : our life is paine : our death is distresse . We are begotten in filthinesse , we are fostored in darknesse , we are brought forth in heauinesse . Before we come forth into the world , wée are a burden to our wretched mothers : in our coming forth , wée teare them after the manner of Vipers : we are pilgrims in our birth , and strangers in our life , because we are compeld to go forth by death .

Liues parts miserable . The first part of our life , knowes not it selfe , the midst is ouerwhelmed with cares , the last part is oppressed with troublesome old age . All the time of our life . is either present , or past , or to come .

If it be present , it is vnstable : if it be past it is now nothing : if it be to come , it is vncertaine .

Matter miserable . We are putrifaction in our beginning , a bubble in all our life , and the food of wormes in our death : we beare the earth we were the earth , we shall be earth .

The necessity Necessity of our birth is abiect , of our life is wretched , of our death is hard .

Our bodie is an earthly habitation , in which dwels death and sinne , which euerie day consume it .

All our life is a spirituall warfare : the deuils aboue vs , Life crossed . waite for our destruction , on the right hand and the left , the world doth oppugne vs , beneath vs and within vs , our flesh doth warre against vs : the life of man is a warfare , because in it there is a continuall wrastling of the flesh and of the Spirit .

5 What therefore can be the ioy No ioy of man in this life , when there is no secure felicity in it ? What can there happen vnto vs of things present to delight vs , when all things passing away together , yet that doth not passe away that hangs ouer our heads ? when this is wholly ended that is beloued , and that alwayes comes nearer where griefe is neuer ended : we gaine that by our longer life , that wée do the more euils , that we sée the more euils , that we suffer the more euils : our longer life doth this for vs , that in the last iudgement the accusation of our sinnes is greater .

Vncertaine . 6 What is man ? the slaue of death , a traueller that passeth away , lighter then a bubble , shorter then a moment , vainer then an Image , vainer then a sound , frailer then a grasse , more changeable then the winde , more inconstant then a shadow , more deceiueable then a dreame .

7 What is this life ? Life miserable . an expectation of death , a scene of mockeries , a sea of miseries , one onely viall of bloud , which euery light fall breakes , euery little Ague doth corrupt .

8 The course Course . of our life is a Labyrinth , we come into it out of the wombe , we go out of it by the gates of death .

We are nothing but earth , Matter . but the earth is nothing but smokes but smoke is nothing . We therefore are nothing .

9 This life is fraste as glasse , Vncertaine . slippery as a Riuer , miserable as warfare : and yet to many it appeares very worthy to be desired .

10 This life appeares a precious Nut outwardly , Deceitful but if thou open it with the knife of truth , thou shalt sée that there is nothing but wormes and rottennes within . There grow Apples about the Region of Sodome , which delight with the outward beasty , but being toucht , do go into dust : so the felicity of this life doth delight outwardly , but if thou touch it with a straighter consideration , it will appeare like to smoke and dust .

Counsell . Do not therefore , O beloued soule , referre the chiefest of thy thoughts to this life , but with thy minde alwayes aspire to the ioy to come . Compare betwéene themselues the most short moment of time , which is granted vnto vs in this life , with the infinite and neuer to be ended ages of ages , and it will appeare how foolish a thing it is , to cleane to this most inconstant life , and to neglect the eternall . This life of ours is most swift and vanishing , and yet in it eternall life is either gotten or lost . This life is most miserable , and yet in it eternall felicitie is either gotten or lost . This life is most full of calamitie , and yet in it eternall ioy is either gotten or lost .

11 If therefore thou aspire to the life eternall , Vse the World. desire it with all thine heart in this life most swiftly flying and fading away : vse the world , but let not thy heart cleaue to the world : follow thy businesse in this life , but let not thy soule be fastened to this life : the outward vse of worldly things doth not hurt , if the inward loue doth not cleaue vnto them .

12 In heauen is thy countrey , in the world thy lodging on the way : be not so delighted with the lodging of this world , which is but for a day , that thou be withdrawne from the desire of thy heauenly countrey

This life is a sea , Trouble . Rest . eternall life is the Hauen : be not so delighted with the momentany tranquillity , that thou contend not to come to the hauen of eternall-tranquillity .

Failing . 13 This life is slippery , and doth not kéepe touch with her louers , because besides all opinion , it oftentimes flyes from them : why therefore wilt thou put any trust vnto it ? It is a dangerous thing if thou surely promise vnto thy selfe but the security of one houre , because ofttimes in that one houre this fading life is finished : it is most safe at all houres to expect the departure of this life present , & to prepare a mans selfe thereto by earnest repentance .

Vncertain 14 In the gourd wherewith Ionas was delighted , God prepared a worme that it might wither away : so in worldly things , to which many do cleaue by loue , nothing is stable , but the wormes of corruption do bréed in them .

Counsell . The world is now worne out with so great a blemish of all things , that it hath also lost the shew of seducing , forasmuch as they are to be praised and to be set out , which haue not vouchsafed to flourish with the flourishing world so much are they to be blamed , and to be accused , whom it delighteth to perish with the perishing . Withdraw our hearts , O Christ , from the loue of this world , & stirre vp in vs a desire of the heauenly kingdome .

Praestant aeterna coducis . Things eternall passe those that perish 2. Meditation . Of the vanity of the world .

DO not loue those things , O thou soule , which are in the world : the world shall perish , and all things that are in it shall bée burnt : where therefore will thy loue be then ? Loue the eternall good , that thou maist liue for euer .

Creatures vaine . 1 Euery creature is subiect to vanity : he therefore that cleaues vnto the creatures by loue , shall himselfe also become vaine . Loue the true and stable good , that thy heart may bée made stable and quiet .

Honour . 2 Why doth the honour of the world delight thée ? He that séek●s the honour of men , cannot bée honoured of God : hée that séekes the honour of the world , is constrained to conforme himselfe to the world : hée that pleaseth the world , cannot please God. All things are perishing and vnstable , which are giuen from those which are perishing and vnstable : wherefore the honour of the world cannot be stable : whom the day before they lifted vp to Heauen with the highest glorie , Quem dies veniens viderit superbum , &c. him oft-times the day following , they reproach with the greatest ignominy . Desire to please God , that thou mayest be honoured of God : the honour of God , 1. Sam. 2. is true and stable . What is man the better from thence , that hée is reputed greater of man ? Rom. 2. 2. Cor. 10 As much as euery one is in the eyes of God , so much he is , and no more . When Christ was sought for for a Kingdome , he fled away : Contempt better than honour . when he was sought for to reproaches and the ignominious punishment of the Crosse , hée offered himselfe of his owne accord . That therefore thou mayest bée conformed vnto Christ , let the ignominy of the world delight thée more then the glory . He that for Christ doth not despise worldly honour , how would hée lay downe his life for him ? And there is no other way to glorie , but by the contempt of worldly glory , euen as Christ by the ignominy of his crosse entred into his glory . Phil. 2.

3 Loue therefore to bée contemned , to be despised , to be put backe in this world , that thou maiest be honoured in the world to come . Christ hath taught vs by his life , what we are to estéeme of the worldly glory : all the glory of heauen doth serue him , nay , hée alone is true glory , but he doth as it were cast away glory . By how much therefore a man is the more honored , and abounds with the more corporall comforts , by so much he ought to be the more profoundly and inwardly sad , séeing himselfe to be so much the farther off from the conformity of Christ . Vaine is the praise of man , if an euil conscience accuse vs within : what doth it profit him that hath a feuer , if he be placed in an Iuory bed , when he is afflicted nothing the lesse with inward heat ? true honour and true praise is the testimony of thine owne conscience . No man is a more indifferent iudge of thy doings then God and thy conscience , desire to approue thy doings to his iudgement . Is it not sufficient for thée that thou art knowne to thy selfe , and that which is most of all to God ?

But why doest thou so much desire riches ? Riches . He is too couetous , to whom the Lord is not sufficient . This life is the way to the euerlasting countrey : what then doth great wealth profit ? It doth rather load the traueller , as great burthens the ship .

5 Christ , the King of heauen , Rom. 8. is the riches of the seruants of God. The true treasure ought to be within a man , not without him . The true treasure is that which thou canst bring with thée to that vniuersall iudgement : Perish . 2. Pet. 3. Luk. 12. but all those exterior goods are taken away from vs in death . They perish being gathered together , but the gatherer of them together doth perish worse , if hée bée not rich in God.

Poore . Job 1. 6 Thou camest poore into the world , and thou shalt go poore out of it . Wherfore should the middle differ from the beginning and the end ? Riches should tend onely to vse , and how little will suffice ? The least good of grace and vertue is more excellent then all earthly riches : why ? because vertue pleaseth God , but riches do not , vnlesse it be through vertue .

Christ poore . 7 The pouerty of Christ ought to bée more acceptable vnto vs , then the riches of the whole world . Pouerty is sanctified in Christ . He was poore in his Natiuity , poorer in this life , most poore in his death .

8 Why doest thou doubt to preferre the pouerty of the world before riches , Pouerty better than riches . when Christ hath preferred it for the kingdome of Heauen ? How will hée trust God with his soule , which will not trust him with the care of his flesh ? How will he lay downe his life for his brother , which doth not lay out his riches for him ? Riches bring forth paine in the getting , feare in the possession , griefe in the losse ; and ( that which is more to be lamented ) the labour of the couetous is not onely periturus , perishing , but also peremptorius , killing , as Bernard teacheth vs . Thy loue is thy God : where thy treasure is , Mat. 5. there is thy heart also . Hée that loues these corporall , worloly , perishing riches , cannot loue the spirituall , heauenly , eternall riches : why ? Because those do depresse a mans heart , and draw it downewards , but these do lift it vpwards . The loue of earthly things is the birdlime of spiritual wings , said one of the true louers of Christ .

9 The wife of Lot , turned into a pillar of Salt , doth as yet preach vnto vs , that we looke not back to those things that are in the world : but that we go the straight way to our heauenly countrey . The Apostles leauing all did follow Christ . Why ? Because the knowledge of true riches doth take away the desire of riches falsely so called . To him that hath tasted of the spirit , the flesh doth not rellish well : the world is better to him to whom Christ is swéet .

Pleasure . 10 But why doest thou so greatly desire pleasures ? let the remembrance of him that was crucified , crucifie in thee all desire of pleasure . Let the remembrance of the burning of hel , extinguish in thée all the heat of lust . Compare the most short Short. moment of pleasure , with euerlasting torments

11 Pleasures are beastly , Beastly . and make vs like to the bruit beasts . The swéetnesse of the kingdome of heauen doth not sauour with him that is daily full of the husks of Hogs . Mortifie it Let vs mortifie all the pleasures of our sences , and with Abraham , let vs offer vnto God in spirituall sacrifice , that beloued sonne , that is to say , the desires of our soules , voluntarily renouncing all pleasures , and embracing the sharpnesse of the Crosse .

12 It is not a plaine way and strawed with roses , Matth. 2. but a rough way , and beset with thornes , that leads to the kingdome of heauen . The outward man taketh increase by pleasures , the inward by the crosse and tribulations : as much as the outward increaseth , so much the inward is diminished . Pleasures serue the body , but they that are truly godly , haue the least care of their body , and the greatest of their soule ▪ Pleasures do captiuate our heart , lest it should be free in the loue of God. Thou shalt not carry away the pleasures , but the contempt of pleasures with thée in death , and bring it to the iudgement .

13 Therefore let the loue of God kill thy flesh , lest carnall loue deceiue thée . Let the remembrance of Gods iudgement be continually in thy minde , lest the peruerse iudgement of thy sensuall appetite leade thee away into bondage . Regard not the flattering countenance of the serpent , Reu. 12. but thinke vpon his tayle that pricks sharply at the last . Ouercome by the grace of Christ , that at length thou mayest be crowned a conquerour by Christ .

Munday Noone .

PRosper thou the works of our hands vpon vs , Psal. 90.17 O Lord ô prosper thou our handy worke .

Quis norit daemonis astus ? Who knoweth the deuils wiles ? 3. Meditation . Of the lying in wait of the Deuill .

THinke , O deuout soule , in how great danger thou art which doth alway hang ouer thée from thine aduersary the deuil : he is an enemy : Sat●●● arte . 1. in boldnesse most ready : 2. in force most strong , 3. in cunning most crafty , 4. of all treacheries most full , 5. in the desire of fight infatigable , 6. and into all shapes variable .

1 Treachery 2 He enticeth vs vnto diuers crimes , and after he hath enticed vs , hée doth accuse vs before the tribunall seat of God.

Gen. 3. Reu. 12 : 2 Cunning He accuseth God with men , and men with God , and men againe betwéene themselues . He doth first exactly looke into euery ones inclination , and afterwards sets for him the snares of temptations : As they that assault Cities , Force . Comparison of assaulting Cities . go not in their assaults to the strong and fenced parts , but where they thinke that the walls are weake , the ditches plainer , and the towers not well guarded : so the Deuill , alwayes assaulting the soule of man , first sets vpon that which he shall perceiue to be weake , and of least resistance . Being once ouercome , he doth not altogether yéeld , Infatigable but he comes on again more valiantly to tempt , that he may ouercome them by wearisomnesse and negligence , whom hée could not ouercome by temptations violence .

From whom can he refraine his wiles , 1 Bold . which durst to set vpon the Lord of Maiesty himself , with the fraud of his cunning ? From what Christian will he abstaine , which desired to winnow the Apostles of Iesus Christ themselues as wheat ?

Hée deceiued Adam in natures institution , Cunning ▪ whom shall hée not be able to deceiue in natures restitution ? He deceiued Iudas in the schoole of our Sauiour , whom shal he not be able to deceiue in the world , the schoole of errour ? In all things the deceits of the deuill are altogether to bée feared : Infatigable cunning . In prosperity he prouokes vs to pride of minde : in aduersitie hée eggs vs on to desperation : If he séeth any one to be delighted in parsimony , he delights to tye him in the giues of insatiable couetousnesse : If he sée one of a gallant and heroicke spirit , he sets him on fire with the prouocations of wrath : If hee sée a man somewhat iocond and merry , he prouokes him to the heate of mad lust : those whom he sées feruent in Religion , be doth endeuour to hamper in vaine superstition : those whom he sées placed in high dignities , them doth he vexe with the fire-brands of Ambition : when he driues vnto sinne , hée amplifies the mercie of God : when he hath cast a man head long into sinne , then he doth exaggerate the iustice of God. First hée will leade a man to presumption , afterwards he endeuours to bring him downe to desperation .

3 Sometimes hee doth oppugne vs from without with persecutions : sometimes he doth oppugne vs inwardly with fierie tentations : sometimes he doth impugne vs openly and violently : sometimes hiddenly and fraudulently . Sometimes he distorteth the body with sicknesse , casteth into the fire , bloweth downe houses , blasteth our selues , seruants , and cattell . Sometimes hée raiseth open tyrants , oppressours , murtherers , théeues , false witnesses , adulterers to spoyle vs . Sometimes false teachers , false friends , at home , abroad , in land , and sea , citie and countrey , to seduce , betray , and make merchandize of vs .

He hath put gluttony in féeding , Corrupteth . luxury , in generation ; sloth , in exercise ; enuy , in conuersation ; couetousnesse , in gouernment ; wrath , in correction ; pride ▪ in dignity ; euill thoughts in the heart ; false spéeches in the mouth ; vniust works in the members : in watching he moues to euill déeds , in sleeping to filthy dreames . So therefore euery where , and in all things , the deceits of the deuil are to be feared .

Against security . 4 The Lord watcheth ouer vs , and he watcheth : we are secure , and he goes about like a roaring lyon .

5 If thou shouldest behold an angry lyon to come violently vpon thée , how wouldest thou tremble for feare ? and when thou hearest that the infernall lyon doth lay wait for thée , dost thou as yet sléep securely on both eares ?

Remedies . 6 Consider therefore , O faithfull soule , the wiles of this most mighty enemy , 1 Spirituall armour . Ephes. 6. whom of thy selfe thou canst not escape , séeke for the helpe of spirituall Armour : Let thy loynes be girt with the truth ▪ and putting on the breast-plate of righteousnesse , put on the perfect righteousnesse of Christ , and thou shalt be safe from the temptations of the deuill : hide thy selfe in the holes of the wounds of Christ : as often as thou art terrified with the darts of this malignant Serpent , do thou truly beléeue in Christ : as therefore Satan hath no right in Christ , so also he hath no right on him that truly beléeues in Christ . Let thy féet be shod in the preparation of the Gospel of peace .

7 Let the confession of Christ be alwayes heard & sound in our mouth , 2 Confession . so no temptation of the deuill shall hurt vs : the words of the inchanter do not so much driue away the bodily serpent , as the spéeches of a constant confession do driue away this spirituall serpent .

8 Let the buckler of faith 3 Faith. bée taken vp , that the fierie darts of this most wicked enemy may bée quenched by vs . It is faith , which also remoues mountaines : vnderstand the mountaines of doubtings , of persecutions , and of temptations .

9 The Israelites were not smitten of the Destroyer , whose posts were signed with the bloud of the Paschal Lambe : they shall not be hurt of this Destroyer , whose hearts are sprinckled with the bloud of Christ by faith .

10 Faith relyes on the promises of God , but Satan cannot ouerturne the promises of God : therefore also he shall not be able to preuaile against faith .

11 Faith is the light of the soule , therefore the temptations of the malignant spirit do easily appeare in this light .

12 By faith our sinnes are cast into the déepe sea of Gods mercy , in that the fiery darts of the deuill will easily be extinguisht .

13 We ought also to take the helmet of Saluation , that is , 4 Hope . an holy hope : endure temptation , Fight better then peace . looking vnto the end of temptation . For God is the gouernour of them that striue , and the crowne of them that ouercome : if there be no enemy , there is no fight : if there be no fight , there is no victory : it there be no victory , there is no crowne : better is that fight which makes vs neare vnto God , th●n that peace which enstrangeth vs from God. 5 Sword of the Spirit .

14 We must also take the sword of the Spirit , which is the Word of God : let the consolations of the Scriptures be of more force with thée , then the contradictions of the deuill : Christ ouercame all the temptations of Satan with the Word , the Christians as yet ouercome all the temptations of Satan with the Word .

6 Prayer . 15 To conclude , in prayers thou hast the greatest help against temptations : as often as the ship of thy soule is ouerwhelmed with the waues of temptations , awake Christ with prayers : by smiting we ouercome our visible enemies , by pouring out of prayers , wée ouercome our inuisible enemy . Fight , O Christ , for vs , in vs , that also we may ouercome in thée .

Mortis meditatio vita est . The meditation of death is life . 4. Meditation . Of the daily consideration of death .

O Faithfull Soule , Thinke of death all times . looke for death euery houre , because that layes wait for thée at all houres . In the morning , O man , when thou risest , thinke that this will be the last day of thy life : in the euening when thou goest to bed , thinke that this will bée thy last night vpon earth .

1 Whatsoeuer thou doest , In all works . whatsoeuer thou vndertakest , thinke alwayes first , and consider with thy selfe , whether thou wouldest do such things , if thou shouldest dye this houre , and come to the iudgement of God ? Doest thou thinke , if thou doest not thinke of death , that it doth not draw neare vnto thée ? or that death is hastened , if thou thinkest vpon it ? whether thou thinkest vpon it or not , whether thou speake of it or not , it is alwayes at thy backe , hard at thy héeles : thy life is but lent vnto thée , it is not thy frée-hold . Thou camest in on this condition , that thou shouldest go out : thou camest naked , thou shalt go away naked : thy life is a pilgrimage , when thou hast walkt long in it , at last thou must returne : thou art but a Farmer and Tenant of the world , not a lasting Lord . Thinke euery houre , that euery moment thou art hasting . We are deceiued in this that we think wée dye at the last gaspe of our life : wée dye euery day , euerie houre , euery minute . That of our life which comes on also goes away● that of our life which is added , is likewise withdrawne and taken from vs : we do not suddenly fall on earth , but we go towards it by degrees .

2 This our life is a way , Comp●se thy self to dye . wée must daily finish somewhat of it . Death and life séeme to be most distant , when notwithstanding nothing is nearer then death to life : this alwayes slides away , and that followes hard after . As they that go a iourney in a ship , oft-times when they féele it not , when they thinke not of it come to their hauen ; so whatsoeuer we do , whether we eate , or whether we drinke , or whether we sleepe , alwayes we draw neare to death . Many haue made an end of their way , when they séek things néedfull for the way .

3 No man receiues death chéerfully when it comes ▪ but hée that hath long compo●ed himselfe vnto it . Die to thy selfe daily in thy life , so thou mayest liue in death vnto God. Before thou dyest , let thy vices die in thée : let the old Adam dye in thée in thy life , so Christ shall liue in thée in death : let the outward man daily decay in thy life , so the inward man shall be renued in thée in death .

Prepare to dye to eternity . 4 Death doth forthwith translate thée to eternitie , because where the trée falleth , there it will abide : how carefully therefore must we thinke on death ? Time passeth away , & the infinite spaces of eternity remaine , therefore in time prepare thy selfe to eternity . Such as we shall be for eternity , blessed or wretched , it is decréed in that one houre of death , in this one moment eternall felicitie is either possessed or lost . Benefits of the meditation of death .

5 Wherefore , O faithful soule , how carefully oughtest thou to prepare thy selfe to this houre ? Thou shalt easily contemne all things in the world , if thou wilt but thinke that thou shalt dye : Thinke on thine eyes that shall waxe dimme in death , & thou shalt easily turne them away from vanitie : thinke of thine eares that shall waxe deafe in death , and thou shalt easily stop them against wicked and obscene words : thinke of thy tongue that shall waxe stiffe in death , and thou shalt haue a greater care of thy spéech . Let the swet and anxiety of those that die , be continually before thine eyes , so thou shalt easily contemne the delights of the world : let the nakednes of those that go out of this life bée continually before thine eyes , and pouerty in this life shall not be grieuous vnto thée : thinke on the horrour of the whole body in death , and thou shalt easily contemne the glory of the world . Sée the pitiful wailing of the soule when it is compelled to go out of the house of the body , and thou shalt easily take héed of the guilt of all sinne . Thinke on the rottennesse that follows death , and thou shalt easily make humble thy proud swelling flesh . Thinke how destitute and naked thou art left of all the creatures in death , and thou shalt easily turne thy loue away from them , and turne it to thy Creator .

6 Thinke how narrowly death doth look that thou carry nothing with thée out of this life , and thou shalt easily contemne all the riches of the world .

Sin bringeth e●●rna●l de●th 7 He that in this life doth daily dye through sinne , passeth by death to the punishments of eternall death No man passeth to eternall life , but he that begins to liue here in Christ : that thou mayest liue in death , graft thy selfe by faith into Christ : let death alwayes be in thy thought , because it is alwayes in expectation of thée : we alwayes carry about death , because we alwayes carry about sin : but the wages of sinne is death .

9 But if thou desire to scape the bitternesse of death , By faith we scape death . kéepe the word of Christ . Faith doth conioyne and vnite vs with Christ . They therefore which are in Christ , dye not , for Christ is their life . He that cleaues to God by faith , is one spirit with him : and therefore the faithfull shall not dye for euer , because God is his life .

10 The people of Israel passe through the Red-sea to the promised land : Death a gate to life and death Pharaoh and his armie are drowned therein : so the death of the godly is the beginning to them of true life , and the gate of Paradise : but the death of the wicked and euill is not the end of their euils , but the knitting together of those that went before , and those that follow , they passe from the first death to the second .

The benefit in death of our vnion with Christ . 11 So straight is the vnion of Christ and the faithful , that it cannot bée dissolued by death : in the very thickest shadow of death , the torch of Gods grace doth shine before them : in the perillous passage of death , Christ doth prouide his beloued the protection of Angels . The bodies of the Saints are the temples of the holy Ghost : the holy Spirit will not suffer his temples to bée vtterly destroyed by death . The Word of God is an incorruptible séed , that is not extinguisht by death , but is hidden in the hearts of the godly , and will quicken them in his time .

Semper meditare gehennam . Thinke euer of hell 5. Meditation . Of the grieuousnesse of the torments of hell .

THinke , O deuout soule , on the heauinesse of the paines of hell , and thou shalt easily ouercome all the wicked pleasure of sinning . All euill no good to sinners . There will be the presence of all euil , and the absence of all good . What euill can be away from them which are punished for the greatest euill , that is to say , sin ? What good can there be present with them , which are remoued from the chiefest good , that is to say , God ? whatsoeuer hath béene giuen to the elect to the increase of their glory , all that shall turne to the damned to the augmentation of their paines .

Touching . 1 There shall bée the heate of fire , and the extremitie of cold . There shall bée perpetuall darknesse . There shall be smoke and continuall teares . There shall be the terrifying sight Sight . of the deuils . There shall be crying for euer . Taste . Smell . There shall bée drought , thirst , the stinke of brimstone , the worme of conscience , feare , griefe , shame , Within . and the confusion of sinnes , manifested to all : enuy , hatred , sadnesse , Without . the want of the sight of God , the taking away of all hope .

2 By the power of God the brightnesse of the fire Fire . shall be separated from the adustiue vertue thereof . The brightnesse shall turne to the ioy of the Saints : the force of burning to the torment of the damned . It shall shine to the wretched , not for an obiect of consolation , that they may sée , wherat they may reioyce : but for increase of their miserie , Shining to increase sorrow . Eyes . that they may sée whereat they may more grieue .

3 The sight shall be depriued of the beholding of the Sunne , the Moone , and all the Starres ; as also of the sight of Christ , and all the Saints : and it shall be punished with wéeping , smoke , and the beholding of the deuils ▪ and all the damned . The eares Eares . shall heare the howlings and continuall blasphemies of the damned : as also the horrible roarings of the deuils . The taste Taste : shall be afflicted with thirst and hunger : and shall be depriued of all the pleasure of meat and drink . Smell . The smelling shall be tormented with a sulphurous stink . The touching Touching . shall féele the fire burning within and without , and piercing euen vnto the marrow .

Body deformed . 4 The bodies of the damned shall be ill-shapen , darke , slow , ponderous . The memory Memory shall be tormented with the remembrance of sins . Neither shall it grieue so much that it hath sinned , as that it hath lost his pleasures . The phantasie shall bée afflicted with hard imaginations , and discourses of life and death , good and ill , heauen and hell . Sparke many torments . One sparke of the fire of hell , shall hurt the sinners , more then if a woman should endure a thousand yeares in labour , and bringing forth a childe . There shall bée no vice which shall not there haue his proper torment . There shall bée wéeping for griefe , and gnashing of the téeth for madnesse : in the flesh they shall bée tormented by the worme of conscience .

Nothing auaileth . 5 As nothing is desired in the kingdome of God , which may not bée found : so there is nothing found in hell , which is desired . It shall there nothing auaile the damned , that they haue vsed diuers pleasures Pleasures . in this life . But the remembrance of them shall rather torment them . It shall nothing auaile the damned , that in this life they haue liued in continuall saturitie and drunkennesse : Drunkennesse . Which cannot then obtaine as much as a drop of water . It shall nothing auaile them that they haue béene héere gallantly arrayed , Apparell . because they shall be couered with confusion , and their bodies shall bée cloathed with shame . It shall nothing auaile them that in this life they were placed in honours : Honour . because in hell there shall bée no honour , but continuall groning and griefe . Riches . It shall nothing auaile them , that in this life they haue heapt riches : because there shall be equall pouerty of all .

Shall not see God. 6 They shall be remoued from the blessed , and blessed-making sight of God : not to sée God , is more then all the torments of hell .

7 If the damned that are shut vp in the prison of hell , could sée the face of God , they should féele no paine , no griefe , no sadnesse . But they shall haue experience of the wrath of God : and yet they shall neuer behold the blessed face of God : They shall féele punishments from his face : and yet they shall neuer behold his face . The wrath of God shall euerlastingly inflame the fire of eternall damnation like a Riuer of Brimstone . Neither shall they onely be remoued from the beholding of God , but they shall also miserably be tormented with the sights of diuels .

8 They shall féele their scourges , Scourges of deuils . Sight . whose wil they haue followed in their life . If the beholding of some spirit doth almost make a man dead in this life : what shall the horrible looks of the diuell do , which shall abide for euer ?

9 Neither shall the damned be constrained onely to bée perpetually conuersant with the diuels : Conuerse . but they shall also féele themselues to be euerlastingly tormented of them . If the diuell by the permission of God doth so grieuously afflict the Saints in this life : how grieuously shall hée torment the damned , when they are deliuered to his power for euer ? The damned shall not onely be tormented by the diuels without : but also by the worme of conscience within .

No helpe of repentance . 10 All the sins which euer they haue committed , shall continually be set before their eyes : but the torment shall be by so much the more grieuous , because there remaines no more the benefit of repentance . When the virgins that are in readinesse shall enter with the Bridegroome , by and by the gate shall be shut : No mercy vnderstand the gate of indulgence , the gate of mercy , the gate of consolation , the gate of hope , the gate of grace , the gate of holy conuersion .

No hils . 11 The damned shall cry out and say to the hils and rocks , fall vpon vs , and hide vs from the wrath of the Lambe : but that cry shall be in vain , because heauen and earth shall flye from his wrath , as it is written , Euery Iland flies away , and the hills are not found .

12 The damned shall not féele any ease from thence , that some of their kinsfolke and friends are taken vp into heauen : because the elect also shall féele no griefe from thence , that they know that some of their kinsfolke are gone to euerlasting punishment .

13 There shal be indéed degrées Degrees . of punishments , but yet he which féeles the least torments , shall thenceforth féele no ease . He that shall be tormented with greater torments , shall enuy him which is afflicted with lesse . There shall be so great grief & torment in the damned , that their minde can be directed to no other thing , but to that the force of griefe doth driue them .

14. The damned shal hate all the creatures of God , Hate God they shall hate one another , they shall hate the holy Angels , the elect men , yea , euen God himselfe , not in himself , and in his nature , but in the effects of his iustice .

15 All the euils of this life are singular : one is pressed down with pouerty , another is tormented with the grieuousnes of a disease , one is cast down vnder hard slauery , another is burdened with an heape of reproaches : but there all shall be tormented together with all euils : There all . there shall be vniuersall griefes in all the senses and members . Here hope There none . In this life the hope of ease doth mitigate all vexations : but there is left no hope of deliuerance . The paine of hell is not only eternal , but also without interruption , euen for the space of one minute .

Great torments . 16 And hence it is , if all the men born since Adam vntill this day , and that shall be borne hereafter , and liue till the last day : if they should diuide but one punishment which the soule is constrained to endure for one sinne in hell equally amongst them , then euery particle of that punishment of one man , would be greater then al the torments which all robbers and malefactors euer haue endured . O Lord grant that we may thinke vpon hell , lest we fall into hell .

Tormenta aeterna malorum . The torments of the wicked are eternall . 6. Meditation . Of the eternity of the paines of hell .

THinke , O deuout soule , on the eternity of the paines of hell , and thou shalt the better vnderstand the grieuousnesse thereof . There is in Hell a raging flame , and burning without end : Life , death the life of the damned is to dye without end : Torment . their death is to liue in eternall paines . Neither is ho wearied which tormenteth : neither doth hée at any time dye which is tormented . The fire doth so consume there , that notwithstanding it alwayes reserues : the torments are so augmented there , that notwithstanding they are alwayes renued , the damned shall so dye , that they may alwayes liue : they shall so liue , that they may alwayes dye .

Neuer haue desire . 2 That a man should be tormented for euer without end , that goes beyond all the bounds of desperation . For , what is more grieuous then alwayes to will that which neuer shall be , and alwayes to be vnwilling to that which for euer shall not chuse but be ? The damned shal not attain that which they would for euer , and they shall be compelled to suffer that which they would not for euer .

3 When the iustice of God Iustice of God. shall be changed , the torments of the wicked shall also be changed : but the iustice of God is inuariable , therefore the punishments of the damned shal be eternal . When the wrath of God shall cease , Gods wrath euer . the pains of the damned shall also cease : but his wrath is eternall , therefore their paines shall be eternall .

4 It pertains to the sentence of the seuere Iudgement , ●udgement . that they neuer want punishment , which in this life would neuer want sinne . The damned haue chosen momentany pleasure , and the finite goods of the world , before the infinite good God : they haue striued rather to attaine the delights of this fading and short life , then the riches of the life eternall : it is iust therefore that they féele infinite paines . It is iust that there be no bounds of vengeance giuen to the damned , who , as long as he was able , wold haue no bound of sinne . The damned haue sinned for their lasting , Euer sin that is , as long as they liued : it is iust that they be punisht for Gods euerlasting . They haue sinned with end , because they haue liued with end : verily they would not haue offended with end , if they might haue liued without end , that they might sin without end .

Deuils tormenting . 5 When the deuils shall leaue off to torment , the damned shall cease to bée tormented : but the rage of the deuil shall neuer cease ; therefore the torment of the damned man shall neuer cease .

Repenting neuer . 6 When the damned shall truly repent , they shall be fréed from their sins : but the time of repentance is shut vp before , therefore there remaines no hope of mercy . An euill will shall neuer be taken away from the damned : The will euer ill . therefore the punishment of an euil will shall neuer be taken away .

Fire eternall , sinne . 7 The manner also of the fire of hell is eternall , that is to say , the spot of sinne , theerefore also agréeably the pain is eternall . The filthinesse of sinnes in the damned shall not bée remoued from the eyes of God : how then can the greatnesse of the punishments appointed against sinne be remoued ? Sins obiect infinite . Moreouer , sinne is an infinite euil , because it is committed against the infinite good : and Christ payed for it an infinite price , therefore agréeably an infinite punishment is appointed for those which dye in sinnes .

8 God created man in the beginning to his owne Image , Creation . that he might liue with him for euer .

9 Man killed Gods Image killed . in himselfe the eternall good , therefore by the iust iudgement of God , he fell into the eternall euill .

10 God reformed man , Reformation in Christ . being falne into sinne , through Christ , to his owne Image : he hath prouided for him all the meanes of eternall saluation , and hath offered vnto him all the rewards of eternall life : therefore it is iust that they which will want the eternall rewards , bée also subiect vnto eternall punishments .

Eternity euer beginneth torments . 11 O eternity without all bounds ! O eternity that can bée measured by no spaces of time ! O eternity that can bée vnderstood by no vnderstanding of man ! how much doest thou increase the punishments of the damned ? After innumerable thousands of yeares , they shall alwaies be constrained to thinke , that this is to them onely the beginning of torments .

Comparison . How grieuous a thing is it to lye in a most soft bed vnmoueable for thirty yeares ? what will it bée to burne thirty thousand yeares in that lake of fire and brimstone ?

12 O eternity , eternity ! thou alone beyond all measure doest exaggerate the torments of the damned . Grieuous is the punishment of the damned , by reason of the sharpnesse of their torments : it is the more grieuous , by reason of the diuersity of their torments : it is most grieuous , for the eternity of their torments : there shall be death without death , end without end , defect without defect : because death euer liueth , and the end euer beginneth , and the defect knoweth not how to faile .

14 The damned shall séek life , Seeke ease in vaine . and shal not finde it , they shall séek death , and death shall flye away from them : after an hundred thousand thousand thousand yeares , without any end they shall return to renued torments . The thought of the continuance of their griefe shall more torment them , then the féeling of their outward torment : what can be more wretched then so to dye , that thou mayest alwayes liue , so to liue , that thou mayest alwaies dye ? that life will be deadly , and death immortall . If thou art life , why doest thou kill ? If death , why doest thou alwayes endure ? Wée do not perfectly know what manner of thing eternity may be . For it is no doubt , but that which is circumscribed by no measure of time , Eternity not known can also be comprehended by no created vnderstanding . Yet if thou wilt estéeme any thing of the space of eternity , thou must think of the time before the world : if thou canst finde the beginning of God , thou maiest also finde when the torment of the damned will haue end .

15 Imagine some most high mountaine , A mountaine and bird . which in greatnesse may excéed the space of heauen and earth , Imagine a certaine Bird to carrie away euery thousand yeares from this hill one little graine of the thinnest dust : It might bée hoped , that at length , after many incomprehensible thousands of yeares , the greatnesse of that Hill would be finished : but it cannot be hoped that the fire of Hel will euer haue end .

16 The rewards of the Elect shall neuer haue end , Contrary to the same , ioy . the torments of the damned shall neuer be finished : because as the mercy of God is infinite toward the chosen , so the iustice of God is infinite towards the reprobate .

17 Imagine that there are as many kindes of torments in the damned as there are drops of water in the great Sea : A Sea and Bird. imagine that after euery thousand yeare a certaine Bird should come , and draw vp one small drop of water : it might be hoped , that at length the abundance of the Sea might be exhausted , but it cannot be hoped that the torments of the damned should euer haue end .

Meditate , 18 O deuout soule , let the eternall punishment of the damned be euer before thine eyes : the remembrance of hell kéepes vs from falling into hell .

Repent . 19 Haue a care of repentance , while there is as yet a time of mercy : what other thing shall that fire deuoure but thy sins ? by how much the more thou heapest vp sins , by so much thou reseruest the more matter for the fire . O Lord Iesus , which hast satisfied by thy passion for our sins , kéepe vs from euerlasting damnation . Amen .

Munday , Euening Prayer .

THat my minde being freed from the distractions of worldly businesses , which are the bane of piety , in the shutting vp of this day , I may lay mee downe to quiet rest , ruminating deuoutly on those holy Meditations wherein I haue beene exercised : purifie , O Lord , and clense my heart from all worldly and vnclean thoughts , and put into it the desire of good things , that it being lifted vp aboue these earthly , I may fasten the eye of my soule on the contemplation of heauenly matters . And because ( my good Lord ) that that spirituall Nahash , the Deuill , labours to put this right eye of contemplation out of mine head , and to leaue vnto mee onely the left to looke downe vpon , and to behold this earth and this world , which bewitching my sences , may make me enamoured of them , and forsaking thee , in inordinate loue to cleaue vnto them . Giue me , O Lord , the light of knowledge , to discerne betweene the earthly and the heauenly , the perishing and the lasting , and the grace , these to preferre , to my chiefest ioy , and to chuse the better part , lest my soule cleauing to this earth and clay , and embracing this present euil world should leaue and leese thee which art life and blisse , yea , and leese it selfe , and perish with the perishing . Grant therefore , O my God , that I may alwaies think of the vnconstancy of this life , lest I build vnto my self here a Babel of confused , ruinous and forlorne hopes . Giue grace that I may consider seriously of the vanity of this world ; lest the honours , pleasures , riches , lusts thereof deceiue mee . Let not that wily Serpent entrap my soule , which laies his snares for me in all the paths wherein I walke : Make me , whilest here I liue , to compose my selfe to death , that when the time of my dissolution shal come , I may not dye the death : And saue my soule , O Lord , from the lower-most Hell , the paines whereof are most grieuous , and torments eternall , that I may liue and praise thee in thy kingdome : vnto which bring mee for thy deare Sonnes sake , Christ Iesus , which hath died for me to saue me . To whom , &c.

Tuesday , Morning Prayer .

ABout the opening of the eye-lids of the morning , when I awake ( O my Lord God ) and thinke of the benefit of rest , that thou hast giuen me , while I haue paused in my bed by night , lo , the day sprung from on high visiting ; and the light blessing mine eyes , minds me of thy other benefits & blessings , which thou hast giuen me , aswel the light as the night ; the light , therein to go forth vnto my labor vntill the euening , the night therin to pause & rest . Lord think I , what am I ? or what is man ? that thou shouldst thus make the Sun , the Moone , the Starres to serue vs in their courses , to serue vs in their seasons ? Early and late thou visitest vs , and fillest our hearts with ioy and gladnes : as if it had been a small thing for thee to haue giuen vs the sons of men , the earth for a possession , to haue made vs lords of the beasts of the field , of the fowls of the aire , & the fishes of the sea , and to haue put all these things in subiection vnder our feet : thou hast made the heauens themselues to serue vs , nay what is more , the Angels also , the inhabitants of the heauenly countrey , to minister vnto vs . These are great and excellent things that I haue spoken of , tokens of thy loue ; but when I thinke , how besides all these , thou hast sent thine owne Sonne , thine only begotten Sonne , out of thine own bosome , in the similitude of sinfull flesh , into this world , to pouerty , ignominy , to death , euen the shamefull death of the Crosse , for vs men and for our saluation , then my heart faileth within me , melting away , because I cannot conceiue sufficiently of so great a benefit of so great loue , and of so great saluation : what thanks ( O Lord ) do I owe vnto thee , for creating mee , when I was not ? For redeeming me , when I was worse then nought ? for calling mee by thy Word , for iustifying mee by thy righteousnesse ; for sanctifying mee by thy Spirit ; for conseruing my bodie vnto this day in the life naturall , and my soule in the life of grace spirituall ? I must confesse with Iacob , and say , I am lesse then all the mercy , and all the truth and goodnes that thou hast shewed vnto thy seruant : for thy goodnesse hath beene greater towards me , then I can esteeme : thy mercies haue beene more towards me , then I can tel how to number . I owe vnto thee my whole selfe , for that thou hast creaed mee : I owe vnto thee more then my self , for that thou hast redeemed mee . I cannot vtter nor conceiue thanks worthy of thy loue and kindnesse , of thy bounty and goodnesse towards mee ; the oblation of my heart , the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiuing , the calues of my lips I offer vp vnto thee ; Accept them ( O Lord ) and accept me thy seruant , in thy Sonne Christ Iesus , and for his sake . To whom , &c.

Sanat confessio Morbi . Confession cureth soules . 7. Meditation . Of the true acknowledgement of our sinnes .

O Holy God , O iust Iudge , my sinnes are alwayes before mine eyes , alwayes in my minde , euery houre I thinke of death , because death hangs ouer mine head at all houres : I thinke euerie day of iudgement , because I must render an account of euery day in iudgement .

Vaine life . 1 I examine my life , and behold it is altogether vaine and profane : vaine and vnprofitable are many my actions : vaine as yet are more my spéeches : vaine moreouer are most my cogitations : neither is my life onely vaine , but also prophane Prophane . wicked , I finde no good in it , for if any thing séeme in it good , it is not truly good and perfect , because the contagion of originall sinne , Corrupt . and my corrupt nature hath marred it with defect .

2 The holy man Iob said : I did feare all my works . If the holy man complaine so , what ought the wicked man to do ? Our best , corrupt . All our righteousnesse is like the cloth of a menstruous woman : if such be our righteousnesse , what will bée our vnrighteousnesse ?

3 If you do all things ( saith our Sauiour ) which are commanded you , Vnprofitable . say yée are vnprofitable seruants : if in obeying wée are vnprofitable , surely in transgressing , wée shall be abhominable .

4 If I owe my selfe , and whatsoeuer I can do , vnto thée ( O holy God ) yea when I do not sinne , what can I render vnto thée for my sinne ? Our righteousnesse it selfe , which séemes to be such , compared to Gods righteousnesse is méere vnrighteousnesse . A light A light in the Sun. is séene to shine in darknes , which being put in the Sun-beames , is quite darkned by his brightnes . A piece of wood is thought to bée straight , if it be not laid to the Line , but when it is laid to the Line , Timber to the Line . by a certaine crookednesse it is found where it is out of square . A picture A picture to a workman . will séeme perfect in the eyes of those that looke on it , which notwithstanding is much vnperfect in the eyes of the Artificer : so , that oftentimes is foule in the discretion of the Iudge , which shines in the opinion of the workman . For the iudgement of God and of men are not all one .

Memory . 5 The memory of many of my sinnes doth affright mée : but more of them are hidden from me . Hid faults . Who vnderstands his faults ? Clense mée ( O Lord ) from my hidden sinnes .

No refuge in heauen 6 I dare not lift vp mine eyes to heauen , because I haue offended him which dwells in heauen . Neither do I finde any refuge in the Earth : Earth . for what fauour can I hope for of the Creatures , when I haue offended the Lord of the creatures ? Mine aduersarie the Deuill doth accuse mée : The deuils claime . Most iust iudge , saith he to God , iudge him for his fault to be mine , which through grace would not bée thine : thine he is by nature , mine by taking pleasure together with me in sinne : thine he is by thy passion , mine by my perswasion : disobedient he is to thée , obedient to me : of thée he receiued the long robe of immortalitie and innocency , of me he hath receiued this patched coat of a most wicked life : he hath let go thy garment , and is come to mée with mine . Iudge him to be mine , and to bée damned with me .

7 All the Elements accuse me . The Heauen saith , Heauen . I haue ministred light vnto thée to comfort thée . The Ayre saith , Ayre . I haue giuen thée all kinde of birds to obey thée . The Water saith , Water . I haue giuen thée all kinde of fishes to féed thée . The Earth saith , Earth . I haue giuen thée bread and wine to nourish thée : but yet thou hast abused all these , to the contempt of our Creator . Gen. 4. Therefore may all our benefit turne to thy torture .

Fire . 8 The fire saith , let him be burned in me : the water saith , let him be drowned in me : the aire saith , let him be winnowed in me : the earth saith , let him be deuoured of me : and hell saith , let him be swallowed vp of me .

Lost the benefit of Angels . 9 The holy Angels accuse me , whom God had giuen to minister vnto me in this life , and to kéepe me company in the life to come : but by my sinnes I haue depriued my selfe of their holy ministerie in this life , and of the hope of their societie in the other life .

God by the law accuseth . 10 The voice of God it selfe doth accuse me , that is to say his diuine law : either I must fulfill the law of God or else I must perish : but that I should fulfill the law is impossible , and to perish euerlastingly , is intolerable . God the most seuere Iudge The Iudge doth accuse me , the most mighty executor of his eternall law . I cannot deceiue him , for he is wisedome it selfe . I cannot flye from him , for he is the power that raignes euery where . Whither therefore shall I flye ? To thée most louing Iesus , my onely Sauiour and Redeemer . Sauiour , Satisfaction My sins are great , but thy satisfaction is greater . My vnrighteousnesse is great , Righteousnesse . but thy righteousnesse is greater . I acknowledge , do thou forgiue . I open , do thou shut . I vncouer , do thou couer . There is nothing in me , but whence I may be damned : there is nothing in thée , All sufficient . but whence I may be saued I haue committed many things for which I may be most iustly damned : but thou hast not lost that through which thou mayest most mercifully saue me . I heare the voice in the Canticles , which bids mee hide mée in the holes of the Rocke : thou art a most sure Rocke . Thy wounds my caues . The holes of the Rock are thy wounds , in them will I hide me against the accusations of all creatures . My sinnes cry vnto heauen but thy bloud Bloud crieth . Heb. 12. which was shed for my sinnes , cries more strongly . My sinnes are of great power to accuse me before God , but thy passion is of greater power to defend Defend . me . My most vnrighteous life is able to condemne me , but thy most iust life is more able to saue Saue . me . I appeale from the Throne of thy iustice in the Law , to the Throne of thy mercy in the Gospell . Neither do I desire to come to iudgement , vnlesse thy most holy merit be placed betwéene me and thy iudgement .

Securè viuere , mors est . A secure life is death . 8. Meditation . Of the shaking off of Securitie .

THinke , O deuout soule of the difficulty to be saued , and thou shalt easily shake off all security . At no time , and no where is there security , neither in heauen , nor in Paradise , much lesse in the world .

1 The Angell fell in the presence of the diuinity . The holiest fall . Adam fell in the place of pleasure .

2 Adam was created to the image of God , neuerthelesse hée was deceiued by the cunning of the deuill .

3 Solomon was the wisest of all men , notwithstanding he was turned away from the Lord by women .

4 Iudas was in the schoole of our Sauiour , and did daily receiue the wholsome wordes of that great Doctor : neither yet was he safe from the snares of the seducer : he was cast headlong into the pit of auarice and out of auarice , into the pit of eternall sadnesse .

Dauid was a man after Gods owne heart , and the most deare Sonne of the Lord : but by murther and adulterie , he was made the sonne of death .

5 Where therefore is there securitie in this life ? cleaue with a firme confidence of thy heart to the promises of God , God a safe refuge . and thou shalt be safe from the assaults of the deuill . There is no security in this life , but that which the infallibility of Gods promises yéelds to them that beléeue , and walke in the wayes of the Lord . We shall come to the future felicitie , then at length shall we haue full security . In this life feare and religion are knit together , neither ought one to be without the other .

6 Be not secure in aduersitie , Aduersitie no securitie . but whatsoeuer aduersities befall thée , thinke they are the scourges of thy sinnes . Oft times God doth punish hidden faults by manifest chasticements . Thinke of the grieuous blemish of thy sins , and feare the iust reuenger of sinnes .

7 Be not secure in prosperity : Prosperity for God is angry with him that is not corrected in this life . What are the afflictions of the godly ? bitter darts cast out of the swéet hand of God. God counts many vnworthy of the present punishment , which notwithstanding he doth reprobate for euer . The successe of humane felicitie is oft-times a token of eternall damnation . Nothing is more vnhappie then the felicity of sinners : nothing is more miserable then hée that knows no misery . Whither soeuer thou turnest thine eyes , thou findest matter of griefe , and beholdest remedies Remedies . against security . Aboue thinke of God , God. whom wée haue offended : Hell. beneath of hell , which we haue deserued : behinde of our sinnes which we haue committed : Sinnes , Iudgement Conscience . before of the iudgement , which we feare : within of our conscience , which we haue defiled : without of the world World. which wée haue loued .

Place . 8 Sée from whence thou commest , and blush : where thou art , and sigh : whither thou art going , and tremble .

Gate and way . 9 Narrow is the gate of saluation , but yet straighter is the way of saluation . God hath giuen thée the treasure of faith : Faith. but thou bearest that treasure in earthen vessels . God hath giuen thée the Angels Angels . to kéepe thée : but the deuill is not farre off to seduce thée . Renouation . He hath renued thée in the spirit of thy minde : but thou hast much as yet of the oldnesse of the flesh . Grace . Thou art set in the grace of God ; but thou art not yet placed in the eternall glory .

10 A mansion Mansion . is prouided thée in heauen : but yet the world by her assaults must first afflict thée .

11 God hath promised thée leaue to repent : Repentance . but hée hath not promised to giue thée a will to repent when thou doest offend . The consolations Consolation . of eternall life do abide thée : but yet thou must enter by many tribulations . The crowne Crowne . of eternall reward is promised thée : but there remaines a great fight which must first bee ouercome of thée . God doth not change his promise , neither oughtest thou to change the study of an holy life . To the seruant that doth not do as he is commanded , the Lord will do as hée hath threatened . Wée must therefore sigh continually , and mourne , setting aside securitie : lest a man be forsaken by the iust and secret iudgement of God , and be left in the power of the deuils , to be destroyed . So long as the grace of God is present with thée , be thou delighted in it : Grace delightfull . yet so , that thou thinke not that thou doest possesse the gift of God by an hereditarie right , so secure of it , as if thou couldest neuer léese it , lest suddenly when the Lord shall withdraw his gift , and draw backe his hand , thou bée abashed in thy minde , and become more sad then thou oughtest . Happie art thou doubtlesse , Beware . if thou take care to beware of carefulnesse , the source of all euils .

11 God will not forsake thée , but take héed Take heed that God bée not forsaken of thée . God hath giuen thée grace , Pray . pray that he may also giue thée perseuerance . God hath commanded thée that of thy saluation thou be sure , Be sure . but hée hath not commanded , that thou be secure .

13 Thou must fight Fight . valiantly , that at length thou mayest triumph swéetly . Thy flesh within thée fights against thée , an enemy by how much the nearer , by so much the fearefuller . The world about thée fights against thée , an enemy by how much of the greater number , by so much the more to bée feared . The deuill aboue thée fights against thée , an enemie by how much the more mightie , by so much the more to bée feared . Feare not in the strength of God to wrastle with those enemies , in the strength of God thou shalt get the victory .

Enemies not obserued . 14 But thou shalt not ouercome so great enemies by security , but by continuall fighting . The time of thy life , is the time of fight . Then art thou specially set vpon , when thou knowest not that thou art set vpon . Then do they specially gather their strength , when they séeme to yéeld thée some rest .

Be ready . They watch , and doest thou sléepe ? They prepare themselues to hurt thée , and doest not thou prepare to resist ?

15 Many faint in the way , before a place can be giuen them in the Countrey . How many of the Israelites died in the Desart , none of which attained vnto the promised Land ? How many of the spirituall sonnes of Abraham perish in the desart of this life , before they attaine the promised inheritance of the heauenly Kingdome ? Thinke of examples . There is nothing of more force to shake off securitie , then if wée thinke of the small number of those that perseuere .

Therefore let there be so great desire of the heauenly Desire of heauen . glorie in vs , and loue to come thither : let there be so great griefe Griefe , losse . that wée haue not yet attained it : let there bée so great feare , Euer feare . lest wée should not attaine it , that wée perceiue no ioy , vnlesse it bée of those things that minister vnto vs either helpe or hope to come thither .

16 What doth it auaile thée to reioyce for a moment , Ioy momentany . if thou bée inforced to lament euerlastingly ? What ioy can there be in this life , if that passe away which delighteth , but that passe not away which tormenteth ?

17 We liue secure , as if we had past ouer the houre of death and iudgement . Christ saith , that he will come to iudgement in the houre that we think not : Heare and feare . Vnprouided . the truth saith this , and repeates it againe : heare , and feare , If the Lord shall come in that houre in which wée think not , it is greatly to be feared lest we come vnprouided to iudgement . If wée come vnprouided , how shall we be able to beare the seuere examination of this iudgement ? Neuerthelesse that which is lost in this one moment , Lost , neuer got againe Iudgment in a moment . cannot be gotten againe for euer . It shall be adiudged in the shortnesse of one moment , what manner of men we shall be for all eternitie . In this one moment , life and death , damnation and saluation , eternall paine , and eternall glory , shall bée adiudged to euery one . O Lord which hast giuen vs grace vnto good , giue vs moreouer perseuerance in that which is good .

Tuesday Noone .

WHat reward shall I giue vnto thee , O Lord , Psalm 116.11 . for all the benefits that thou hast done vnto me ?

Jlle negat Christum , qui se non abnegat ipsum . Thou must deny thy selfe , or Christ . 5. Meditation . Of the denying of a mans owne selfe .

HE that will follow mée , Deny our selfe . let him deny himselfe , saith our Sauiour : to deny himselfe , is to renounce the loue of his owno selfe , the loue of a mans owne self kéeps out the loue of God : if thou wilt be the Disciple of Christ , it is necessarie , that the root of the loue of thine owne selfe dye in thée vtterly . Root out self-loue . No man loues Christ but he that hates himselfe . Vnlesse the graine of corne that falls into the earth be dead , it brings forth no fruit : so also thou canst not entertaine and receiue the fruits of the holy Ghost , vnlesse the loue of thy selfe be dead in thy heart .

Abraham forsook his countrey . Gen. 12. 1 The Lord said to Abraham , Go out of thy owne land , and from thy kindred , and from the house of thy father , to the land which I shall shew thée . Abraham could not haue béene made so great a Prophet , vnlesse hée had first gone out of his owne countrey . Thou shalt not bée a true Disciple of Christ , and a true spirituall man , before thou departest from thine owne loue .

2 Iacob by the touching of the Angel did halt vpon one foot , the other being sound and whole . Two feet double loue . By these two féet is vnderstood a double loue , that of a mans owne self , and that of God : then shall a man bée partaker of Gods blessing , when he shall halt on the foot of the loue of himselfe , that other of the loue of God remaining whole and sound . The eye . It cannot bée that with one and the same eye thou canst behold heauen and earth : so it cannot be , that with one and the same will a man should loue himselfe inordinately and God too . Loue Loue the best onely . is the chiefest good of our soule , therefore wée must giue this chiefest good of our soule , to the chiefest of good , that is , to God.

3 Thy loue is thy God , that is to say , What thou louest , is thy God. whatsoeuer thou louest principally , that doest thou set vp in the place of God. Whatsoeuer thou louest chiefly , that thou thinkest to be chiefest : but God is truly the chiefest of all things : hée therefore that loues himselfe , Selfe loue . Idolatry . thinketh himselfe to be God , and sets himselfe vp in the place of God , which is altogether the greatest idolatry .

4 That which thou doest especially loue , that thou estéemest the end of all things and holdest it the last complement of thy desires : but God alone is the beginning and end of the creatures : he is the first and the last : he alone fills the desire of our heart , God fils all desires . and nothing of that which is created can satiate the desires : therefore thou oughtst to preferre the loue of God , before the loue of thine owne selfe . God is the beginning and the end : in him therefore ought our loue to begin , in him also ought it to end .

5 The Essence of God is without al the creatures , euen as God was from euerlasting Euerlasting . in himselfe therefore withdraw thy loue from all the creatures . Such as thy loue is , such also are thy workes . If thy works proceed out of true faith , and out of the loue of God , they are acceptable vnto God , and great in his eyes , although they be but little in the eyes of all men : if they procéed out of the loue of thine owne selfe , they can neuer please God.

The loue of a mans owne selfe doth defile all the excellentest works .

6 When Christ was in the house of Simon , Maries example good . a certaine woman broke a vessell of precious ointment , and anointed the head of Christ : the worke appeareth to be small , notwithstanding it was acceptable vnto Christ , because it did procéed out of true faith , Luke 7. pure loue , and serious contrition . The sacrifice was a worke acceptable to God in the old Testament : notwithstanding it did not please God that Saul Saul ill . did separate the prey of the Amalekites , to offer sacrifices vnto God. Why ? because this did not procéed out of the loue of God. For if he had loued God truly , he had not contemned the commandement of God of burning the spoyle : he loued himselfe and his owne deuotion . Loue is a certaine fire , for so prayes the Church : Come holy Ghost , and kindle the fire of thy loue in the faithfull . Loue as fire ascendeth . Fire doth not sticke as fastened in the earth , but alwayes goes vpward : so thy loue ought not to rest in thy selfe , but to lift it selfe vpward vnto the Lord .

7 Moreouer , to deny a mans owne selfe , is to renounce his owne honour . Honour giuen to God , not our selues . The greatest and highest honour is due to the chiefest good alone : God is the chiefest good . He that séeks his owne glory , cannot séeke Gods glory , as our Sauiour said to the Pharisées : How can ye beléeue , which receiue glory one of another ? Behold Christs example and follow it : he oftentimes testifieth of his owne selfe , Christ doth not seeke his own glory . that hée séekes not his owne glorie , that he receiues not honour from men , that he is humble in heart .

7 All thy gifts thou receiuest from God , therefore giue all againe vnto God : all the riuers Riuers . of good things procéed from this fountaine of diuine goodnesse : therefore let all good things bee carried againe into the Sea . The hearbs which are called Sollequia , Marigold . alwayes turne themselues to the Sun , from whom they draw their life and nourishment : so with all thy gifts , and with all thine honour turne thee vnto God , and attribute nothing vnto thy self . If thou hast any thing of thy selfe , What hast thou that thou hast not receiued ? thou mayest séeke thine owne honour , and attribute thy gifts vnto thy selfe : but because thou hast nothing of thy selfe , but all from God , therefore thou oughtest not to séeke thine owne but Gods honour . A mans owne honour doth turne man away from God. There is an example Example . in Nabuchadnezzar which safe , This is that Babylon which I haue built for the house of my kingdome , in the strength of my power , and for the glory of any Maiestie .

8 But what follows ? as yet the word was in the mouth of the King , when a voice came from heauen : I say vnto thée , Nabuchadnezzar , thy kingdome is gone from thee : they shall cast thée out from among men , and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field . So if of thine owne honour and pride , that is to say , of the building of thine owne workes , thou esteeme of thy spirituall Babylon , and giuest the honour therof to thine owne selfe , and not to God alone , thou shalt be cast out of the sight of God.

9 To conclude , Gods will best . to deny a mans owne selfe , is to deny his owne will . We must alwayes obey the best will : but the will of God is alwayes best . We must obey his will , from whom wee haue all that we haue : but all things come from God vnto vs . We must obey his will , which alwayes leads vs to life , and to good : the will of God doth alwayes leade vs to life and to good . Delight in the Lord , and he will giue thée the request of thy heart . Our owne will doth leade vs to death and damnation . Through what did our first Father fall out of the grace of God and state of saluation , into eternall damnation ? Setting aside the will of God , he followed his owne will , he neglected the commandement of the Lord , and hearkened to the perswasion of the deuil .

10 Therefore the true disciple of Christ , renounceth his owne will , and desires to follow the will of God. Behold Christ , hée being in the agony of his passion , offers vp his owne will , as a most acceptable sacrifice vnto God. Offer thou also thine owne will vnto God , Christs will offred to his Father . and so thou shalt performe that which Christ requires of thée , the denying of thy selfe . O Lord , let thy holy will be done , as in heauen , so also in the earth .

Crescit sub pondere palma . The Palme increaseth vnder the weight . 10. Meditation . Of the profit of Temptation .

IT is profitable for the faithfull soule , to bée tried and confirmed by Temptations in this world . Christ tempted , Our Sauiour himselfe would wrastle with the deuill in the Wildernesse , that hée might ouercome him for vs : and for our saluation , and that hée might bée the first and faithfull fighter of our conflict . He descended first into hell , afterwards againe hée ascended into Heauen : so the faithfull soule doth first descend to the hell of temptations , that she may ascend to the heauenly glory .

1 The people of Israel Israel . could not possesse the promised land of Canaan , vnlesse they had first ouercome diuers enemies : neither can the faithfull soule promise to it selfe the kingdome of heauen , vnlesse shée first ouercome the flesh , the world , and the deuill . Temptation doth try vs , purge vs , illuminate vs . Temptation doth try vs : because our faith being shaken with aduersitie , is strengthened more firmly on the Rocke of saluation , propagates it selfe wider into the branches of good works , & it is lifted vp higher into the hope of deliuerance .

2 When Abraham Abrahams sacrifice . béeing commanded to sacrifice his sonne , shewed himselfe readily obedient to the commandement of God , the Angel of the Lord appeared vnto him after the temptation , saying , Now I know that thou fearest God , séeing thou hast not spared thine onely Sonne for me : so if thou shalt offer vnto God the beloued sonne of thy soule , that is to say , thine own will in temptations thou shalt be reputed truly fearing God , and shalt feele the talke of God in thine heart . The fire tryeth gold ; temptation , faith . Faith trie● by tentat●on . It appeares in the battell how valiant the souldier is : so temptation shewes how strong our faith is . When the boisterous rage of windes , and the tempestuous waues of waters rush vpon the ship of Christ , then it appeares , of how little faith are some of his disciples .

3 The Israelites , whom the Lord commanded to be led to ouercome the Midianites , were first tryed at the waters : so they are first tried in the waters of tribulations and temptations , which ouercomming their enemies , are to be brought into the heauenly countrey . Whatsoeuer aduersitie therefore , whatsoeuer temptation happen to the faithfull soule , let her thinke it to be for probation , not for reprobation .

4 Temptation doth also purge vs . Our Physitian Christ doth vse many graines of Aloes to draw out the pestiferous humour of the loue of our selues , and the world . Tribulation doth stirre vs vp to search our conscience , and cals againe into our memory , the sinnes of our life that is past . Yea , as the physicke of the body kéepeth vs from contagious diseases : so tribulation preserues vs from sinnes . Man truly is alwayes inclined to fall , yet more in the time of prosperity , Ease slayeth prosperitie . then of aduersitie . Riches are thornes vnto many : Therefore God pluckes vp the thornes , lest they might strangle their soules .

5 Varietie of worldly businesse Businesse . doth hinder many from the seruice of GOD : therefore God sends them diseases , that returning to themselues , they may beginne to dye to the world , to liue to God. It hath béene profitable vnto many to haue falne from the high tower , either of wealth or honour , vnto the quiet rest of a meane condition . The honour Honour . of the world lifts vp many vnto pride : God therefore sends contempt , and withdraws that which nourisheth pride .

●ipes ●e vn●●rstand●●g . 6 Finally , temptation doth enlighten vs . We know not , we acknowledge not , vnlesse it be in temptations , how fraile and vaine all the worlds comfort is . When Stephen was stoned , he saw the glory of Christ : so Christ shews himselfe to the contrite soule in calamities . True and solide ioy comes not but from God dwelling in vs . God dwels in a contrite and humble spirit : it is affliction and temptation which makes the spirit humble and contrite : therefore true and solid ioy is in the soule of the afflicted .

7 Temptation is a certaine way to the knowledge of God : therefore the Lord saith , I wil be with him in trouble : I wil deliuer him , and make him sée my saluation .

8 Tobias , when he was blinde , saw nothing of those things which were aboue , beneath , or before him , no not himselfe : but being illumined of God , by the Angel Raphael , he saw all things , which before he could not sée : vsing no other medicine then the gall Gall giueth sight . of the fish : that by this it might be declared , that our eyes must bée anointed and illuminated with the gall of bitternesse , that we may come to the true knowledge of our selues , and the goods of the world .

9 Wherefore saith the Apostle , that wée know in an enigme or darke saying ? because we know in temptations , that God can make his Elect merry , vnder the forme of sadnesse : that hée can quicken them , vnder the forme of death : that he can heale them vnder the forme of diseases : that hée can inrich them , vnder the forme of pouerty .

10 Therefore the crosse and temptation ought to bée acceptable vnto him , which is not vngratefull vnto Christ that was crucified for vs , and tempted for vs . O good Iesus , burne here , Correct vs O Lord . strike here , that thou mayest spare vs in the world to come . O good Iesus , which oft-times by sparing doest cast vs from thée , make vs by stripes to returne vnto thée . Afflict and presse our outward man , that our inward man may grow and bée liuely : fight , O good Iesus in mée , against me .

11 Be thou my gouernour in striuing , and my crowne in ouercomming . Let whatsoeuer aduersitie I féele in my selfe , be the strength and increasing of my faith . Encrease our faith . Helpe , O good Iesus , my weake faith , for so thou hast promised in thine holy Prophet . Euen as a mother comforts her sonnes , so will I comfort you . A mother doth foster and nourish her sucking Infant with very great care : so , O good Iesus , lift vp and confirme my languishing faith . Grant that thy inward consolations may preuaile more with me , then the contradictions of all men , and of the deuill : yea , then the thoughts of mine owne heart . O gentle Samaritane , Wine and oyle . powre biting wine into my wounds , but put thereto also the oyle of diuine consolation : multiply thy crosse , but vouchsafe vnto me further abilitie to beare it .

Quid homo ? quid bulla ? nihil sunt . What is man ? a ●ubble ? ●othing . 11. Meditation . Of the study of true humilitie .

Wretched . THinke , O faithfull soule , on the miserable condition of man , and thou shalt easily escape all the temptations of pride . Man is vile in his ingresse , wretched in his progresse , lamentable in his egresse . Sinfull . He is impugned of the deuils , hée is prouoked by temptations , he is inticed by delights , he is cast downe by tribulations , he is wrapped in crimes , hée is spoyled bare of vertues , he is insnared in euil customes .

1 Whence therefore art thou Thou art . proud , earth and ashes ? What wast thou before thy birth ? stinking sperme . What art thou in thy life ? a sacke of doung . What shalt thou bée after death ? the food of wormes . Thou hast If there be any good in thée , it is not thine , but Gods : nothing is thine but thy sinnes : therefore thou mayest arrogate nothing of those things that are in thée to thy selfe , but thy sinnes Hée is a foolish and vnfaithfull seruant , which will bée proud of the goods of his Master .

2 Behold , O man , the example of Christ : See Christs example . all the glory of the heauens doth do seruice vnto him . Nay , he alone is true glory , and neuerthelesse , he casts away from himselfe all worldly glory : be cryeth as yet , Learne of mée : because I am méek and humble in heart .

3 The true louer of Christ is also an imitator of Christ . To whom Christ is deare , to him also his humility is deare . Let the proud seruant The Seruant as the Master . be ashamed and confounded , when the Lord of Heauen is so humble . Our Sauiour saith of himselfe , that he is the Lilly of the Vallies , Lilly of the vallies . because that hée which is the most noble flower , springs , and is preserued , not on the hils , that is to say , in proud and loftie hearts , but in the lower Vallies : that is , in the contrite and humble mindes of the godly . For the humble soule , is verily the seat and delectable bed of Christ , as saith a certaine holy man .

4 True grace The works of grace . doth not lift vp , but humble a man : therefore he is not as yet partaker of true grace , which doth not walke in the humilitie of heart .

5 The streames of Gods grace do flow downewards , not vpwards . As the waters by nature do not go to high places : so the grace of GOD doth not flow but to humble hearts . The Psalme saith , So singeth the virgin Mary . the Lord dwelleth on high , and beholds the low and humble things in heauen , and in the earth . This truly is wonderfull , that we do not draw neare to the greatest and highest God , but by humilitie . He that is vile in his owne sight , is great in Gods : he that displeaseth himself , pleaseth God.

6 God made the heauen and the earth of nothing . Ephes. 2. As it was in the creation : so is it as yet in mans reparation . God creates of nothing , and he repaires of nothing . That therefore thou maist be partaker of the regeneration , and reparation , Be humble . be nothing in thine owne eyes , that is , attribute nothing to thy selfe , arrogate nothing to thy selfe . Wée are all weake and fraile , but iudge no man frailer then thy selfe . It hurts not if thou iudge thy selfe inferiour to all , and through humilitie put thy selfe vnder all : but it doth much hurt , if thou set thy selfe but before one .

7 The twenty foure Elders , Elders . that is to say , the whole Church triumphant , casts away their crownes before the Throne , giues all righteousnesse and glorie vnto God : what then may a vile sinner do ? The Scraphins , the holy Angels Angels . Isa. 6. couer their faces in the sight of the maiestie of God : what may man do , so vile a creature , and so many wayes vnthankfull to his Creatour ? Christ Christ . the true and onely begotten Sonne of God , out of his wonderfull humilitie , descended out of heauen , and too●e our fraile nature vpon him , set himselfe as low as our flesh , to death , to the Crosse : what may man do , who through his sinne hath departed so farre from God ? Sée , O faithfull soule , with what wonderfull humility Christ Follow Christ . hath healed our pride : and doest thou as yet desire to bée proud ? By the way of his humility and passion , Christ entred into his glorie : and doest thou thinke that thou canst come to the heauenly glory walking in the way of pride ? The deuill The deuil . for his pride was expelled out of the kingdome of heauen : and doest thou , which wert neuer yet in the glory of Heauen , goe thither wards , thorow the way of pride ? Adam Adam . for his pride , was cast out of Paradise , and doest thou desire to come to the heauenly Paradise through the way of pride ? Let vs desire rather to serue and wash the féete of others , with Christ , then to séeke for the more worthy place with the Deuill : Let vs bée humbled in this life , that we may be exalted in the life to come .

See thy want . 10 Thinke alwayes , O faithfull soule , not of what thou hast , but of what is wanting vnto thée . Grieue more for the vertues which thou hast not , then bragge of the vertues which thou hast . Couer thy vertues , Couer vertue . reueale thy sinnes . For it is greatly to be feared , lest if thou lay open the treasure of thy good works , through glory , the deuil spoile thee thereof through pride .

11 The fire is best kept , if it be couered with ashes : so the fire of Charitie is neuer kept more securely , then when it is buried in the ashes of humility . Pride Prides mischiefe . is the séed of all sinnes : take héed therefore , that thou be not lifted vp , lest it happen that thou bée cast headlong into the déep pit of sinne . Pride is the acceptable chamber of the deuill : The deuils Chamber . take héed therefore that thou be not litted vp , lest it happen that thy wretched soule be subdued of the deuill . Pride is a winde that burnes and dryes vp the fountaine of Gods grace : Dryeth vp grace . take héed therefore that thou bée not lifted vp , lest it happen that thou bée separated from the grace of God.

12 Heale , O Christ , the swelling of our pride : let thy holy humility be vnto vs the merit of eternall life : let it bée also the example of our life : let our faith firmly embrace thy humility , and let our life constantly follow the same .

Tuesday , Euening Prayer .

I Will not hide my sinne , like Adam , but I wil confesse against my selfe , mine owne vnrighteousnesse , that there may be an healing of my sinne , that thou , O Lord , mayest do all mine iniquitie out of thy sight : I will bewaile mine originall corruption , I will confesse against my selfe mine actuall transgression : my best things are but bad , my worst things are abhominable , Lord , be mercifull vnto me a sinner .

While sinne dwelleth in my house , whilest the deuill daily fights against my soule , and layes siege vnto it , I will not say to my soule , Peace , peace , when there is no peace ; but I will stand vpon my guard , lest in my securitie the enemie oppresse me at vnawares . To whom should I flye for succour in all my distresses , but to my Sauiour ? O Christ , I will cleaue vnto thee , I will leaue , I will deny , I will hate my selfe for thy loue : I will loue thee aboue all things , I will honour thee aboue all other , I will resigne my will to thine , since I haue learned , that mine own will leads me to death , and to damnation , but thy will to life and health .

Giue strength , O Lord , that I faint not for the fiery trial , but that I may stand fast in the euill day , & possessing my soule in patience , by thy helpe profit by all manner of Temptations . Aboue all things , O Lord , let not pride get the vpper hand of me ; but grant me , that considering mine owne vilenesse and miserie , and looking vpon the example of thine humilitie , I may from thence learne to bee lowly and small in mine owne eyes , that so thou maiest exalt me in the time of need . In conclusion of this my prayer , I pray thee to close vp mine eyes this night in quiet sleep : yet while mine eyes sleepe , O Lord , let my heart watch and wake vnto thee . Lighten thou mine eyes , O Lord , that I sleepe not in death , but raise mee heere from the death of sinne , to the life of grace elsewhere , to the life of glory , that therein thy light I may see light , and bee partaker of thy glory . Amen .

Wednesday , Morning Prayer .

IT is the word of Truth it selfe , which saith , Aske , and it shall bee giuen vnto you : I wretched creature ( O Lord ) which know my selfe to haue falne into the hands of those theeues , which haue not onely wounded me , but also vtterly stript me of grace , so that to me is left no good thing , relying with assurance on the confidence of this word and promise , doe aske those things at thy hands , which my soule wanteth , whereof shee hath beene spoyled , that thou with a free hand mayest giue them vnto mee . Now of the things whereof I feele my selfe to stand in need , what shall I aske first ? Euen thy grace to strengthen me in mine inward man , that I may bee able to resist and ouercome mine owne corruptions , mine owne euill nature , the law of sinne in my members , which contradicting the law of my mind , leades mee captiue to sinne , and drawes mee to destruction . Thy grace ( O LORD ) I begge and craue , without which I can doe nothing , which strengthening mee in thee , I am able to do all things . Next to this gift of grace , the gift of feare bestow vpon me , O Lord , thy feare to wound my flesh , lest the loue of sinfull flesh deceiue me : with these giue me a firme faith , with faith , sound hope and confidence , then let all other vertues and spirituall graces come trouping into my soule , like the company of Leahs children into Iacobs house , with temperance , patience ; with patience , humilitie ; with humilitie , true obedience ; and with these , meeknesse and holinesse , chastitie of minde , chastity of bodie , the loue of thee my God , and the loue of my neighbour . O gracious and louing God , withdraw not thy selfe from my helpe , withhold not from thy seruant any thing that shall be good for him , but fill my soule with all spirituall benediction , that it may bee as the field which the Lord hath blessed , sweetly smelling , richly fruitfull in all grace and goodnesse , which thing I beseech thee to grant vnto mee for thy deare Sonnes sake Christ Iesus .

Bona spes confundere nescit . Good hope shameth not . 12. Meditation . Of the assurance of our saluation .

WHy art thou troubled , Thy Creator maketh . O my soule ? why doest thou as yet doubt of the mercy of GOD ? Remember thy Creator , who created thée without thée ; who formed thée in secret , when the house of thy body was framed , in the lower parts of the earth . Hée therefore which vndertooke the care of thée when as yet thou wert not , should not hée take a care of thée , after be hath made thée to his owne Image ? After his own image I am the creature of God , I turne mée to my Creatour . What if my nature bée infected of the Deuill ? what if it bée maymed and wounded of théeues , that is to say , of sinners ? yet my Creatour liues as yet : Creatour cureth . hée that could make me , hée also could renue mée . He that created mée without any euill , can also take from mée all euill , which being entred into me by the suggestion of the Deuill , by Adams transgression , and by mine owne action hath gone through my whole substance . Therefore my Creator can renue me , if so be he will . Yea , Gods loue . and he will : for who euer hateth his owne worke ? Are not wée before him as clay in the hands of the Potter ? but if hée had hated mée , hee had neuer created me of nothing . He is the Sauiour of all , especially of those that beléeue .

1 He hath created me wonderfully , Christs Passion . but he hath redéemed mee more wonderfully . It neuer appeared more clearly that God loued vs , then in his wounds and passion . Phil. 2. He is truly beloued for whom the onely begotten is sent out of the bosome of the Father .

2 If thou didst not desire my saluation O Lord Iesus , wherefore shouldest thou descend from heauen ? but thou hast descended to the earth , to death , to the crosse . That God might redéeme his Seruant , Redemption . he spared not his Sonne . He therefore loues mankinde with a truly great loue , which for the redemption of mankinde deliuered his Sonne to bée afflicted , to be slaine , to bée crucified .

3 It is altogether a deare and great price , with which we are redéemed : deare therefore and great is the mercy of the Redéemer . It may séeme therefore to some , that God loueth His loue in adoption . his chosen sonnes , as well as his only begotten Sonne . For that on which we bestow any thing , is dearer then that on which we bestow nothing . That he might haue adopted sonnes , he spared not his naturall and coessentiall Sonne .

4 What great thing is it therefore , that he hath prouided for vs mansions in the house of heauen : Mansions in heauen . when he hath giuen vs his owne Sonne , in whom is all the fulnesse of his Godhead ? Surely where is the fulnes of the Godhead , there is the fulnesse of eternall life Fulnesse of eternall life . and glory . But if he hath giuen vs the fulnesse of eternall life in Christ , how shall hée deny vs the least particle thereof ? The heauenly Father loues vs sonnes adopted with a truly great loue , for whom he deliuered vp his onely begotten Sonne . The Sonne embraceth vs with truly great loue , which for vs deliuered vp himselfe . That he might make vs rich , Maketh vs rich . hée endured extreme pouerty : for hée had not where he might lay downe his head . That he might make vs the sonnes Sonnes . of God , hée was borne man . Neither hauing once performed the worke of our redemption , doth he afterward neglect vs : but hée is as yet placed on the right hand of the Maiesty of God , Maketh still intercession Obtaineth all things . and makes intercession for vs .

5 What will he not obtaine for me necessarie to saluation , when hée hath imparted himselfe to deserue my saluation ? What will the Father deny the Sonne , who was made obedient vnto him , euen vnto the death , yea , the death of the Cross● ? What will the Father deny the Son , which hath accepted the price of redemption , paid by the Sonne ? Great is mine assurance in the holy spirit . For my Sauiour dyed to send him to my comfort . He tells my spirit I am the sonne of God. Hée helpes me to cry to my Father . Yea , in this sinfull vale hée leads me to the land of righteousnesse .

Rom. 8. Nothing separateth from Gods loue : Not Satan 6 Let my sinnes accuse me , I trust in this Intercessor : hée is greater that excuseth , then he that accuseth . Let my weaknesse affright me , I glory in his strength . Let Satan accuse me , so that this Mediator excuse me : Let heauen and earth accuse me , and sue mée guilty of iniquitie : it sufficeth me , that the Creator of heauen and earth , and righteousnesse it selfe , doth intreat for me .

7 It sufficeth me to merit , to know that my merit is not sufficient . Not sinne It sufficeth me to haue him fauourable vnto mée , against whom onely I haue sinned . Whatsoeuer he hath decréed not to impute , shall be as if it had not béene . Neither doth it moue me , that my sinnes are both heauie and diuers , and often doubled : for vnlesse I were laden with my sinnes , I should not desire his righteousnesse .

8 Vnlesse I had a disease , I should not craue the helpe of the Physitian . He is the Physitian , he is the Sauiour , he is the righteousnesse , he cannot deny himselfe . I am sicke , I am damned , I am a sinner , I cannot deny my selfe : Haue pitie vpon mée , O thou the Physician : O thou the Sauiour : O thou the righteousnesse : O thou the comforter and reioycer of the heart . Amen .

In Christo electio facta . God chose in Christ . 13. Meditation . Of Predestination .

By Gods decree before the foundation of the world . Reu. 13. & 17. Ephes. 1. AS often , O deuout soule , as thou wilt thinke of thy predestination , behold Christ hanging on the Crosse , dying for the sinnes of all the world , rising againe for our righteousnesse . Begin from Christ lying in the manger , and so shall shy disputation of Predestination go on in good order .

Chosen in Christ . 1 God hath chosen vs before the foundations of the world were laid , but yet the election was made in Christ . If therefore thou bée in Christ by faith , Faith. doubt not that the election doth pertaine vnto thée also . If thou cleaue vnto Christ with a firme confidence Confidence . of heart : doubt not that thou art in the number of the elected .

2 But if from the former , without the bounds of the Word Not without the Word . thou wilt search the depth of Predestination , it is greatly to be feared lest thou fall into the depth of desperation . Without Christ God is a consuming fire : take héed therefore that thou come not neare this fire , God a fire without Christ . lest thou be consumed . Without the satisfaction of Christ , God by the voice of his Law doth accuse all , doth condemne all ; take héed therefore , that thou draw not the mystery of predestination out of the Law. Inquire not into the reasons of Gods counsels , Predestination no● in the law lest thy thoughts do much seduce thée .

Be sober . 3 God dwelleth in the light that no man can attaine vnto , endeauour not rashly to go forward vnto it . The Gospel safe . But yet God hath reuealed vnto vs the light of the Gospel : in this thou maiest safely enquire after the doctrine of this secret , The secrets belong to God , the reuealed thing to vs . Deut. 16. in this light thou shalt sée true light . Leaue the profunditie of this eternall and from euerlasting made decrée , and turne thée to the clearnesse of the manifestation made in time . Iustification , that is made in time , is the looking-glasse of Election , which was made without time .

4 Acknowledge out of the law Law. the wrath of God for sinnes , and repent thée . Acknowledge out of the Gospel , Gospel . the mercy of God for Christs merit , and apply that by an assurance to thy self . Acknowledge the nature of Faith , Working faith . and shew it through a godly conuersation . Acknowledge Gods fatherly chastisement in the crosse , Correction . and beare it with patience . Then at length begin to handle the doctrine of Predestination . This method hath the Apostle shewed vs : let the true disciple of the Apostle follow this method .

5 Thrée things there are , which are alwayes to be obserued in this mystery . The mercy of God , Gods mercie . that loues vs : the merit of Christ , Christs merit . that suffers for vs : the grace of the holy Ghost , Grace of the Spirit . that calls vs by the Gospell .

6 Great is the mercy of God , because hée hath loued all the world . The earth Great as the earth . is full of the mercy of the Lord , nay , it is greater then the heauen and the earth . For it is so great as God himselfe is : because God is loue . As himself He hath testified in his word , that he would not the death of a sinner . Saith it . If this be little , he hath also confirmed it with his oath . Sweareth it . If thou canst not beléeue Beleeue . God when hée promiseth , at least beléeue him when he sweares for thy saluation .

7 He is called the Father Father . of mercies , because it is his propertie to pitie and to spare . Pity from himselfe . He takes the cause and originall of shewing pitie from his owne : Iudgement from others . of iudging and reuenging rather from another . So that taking of pitie séemes to procéed farre otherwise from his heart , then taking of punishment . Great also is the merit of Christ , because he hath suffered for vs all . Loue in creation . What therefore could proue the loue of God more openly , then that he loued vs , when as yet we were lost , because it is of his loue that we are created ? In giuing his Sonne . He loued vs moreouer when wée were turned away from him , because it is a part of loue , that hée gaue his Sonne vnto vs to be a Redéemer . To the sinner that is adiudged to eternall torments , and not hauing wherewith he may redéeme himselfe , saith God the Father , Take my onely begotten , and giue him for thée . The Sonne himselfe saith Take me , and redéeme thy selfe .

8 Christ is the flower of the field , Cont. not the flower of the Garden : Christs merit open . because the sauour and smell of his grace is not shut vp to a few , but opened vnto many . And lest thou shouldest doubt of the greatnesse of his merit , Christ , To his enemies . when he suffered , prayed for those that crucified him ▪ and poured forth his bloud for them which poured forth his bloud themselues .

9 Great also and large are the promises of the Gospell : because Christ saith , Mat 1● . All come . Come vnto me all ye which labour . That which was performed for many , is offered vnto many . As much as thou shalt stretch forth the foot of confidence in these good things : so much also shalt thou obtaine . Christ denies his grace Grace . vnto none , but to him that thinkes himselfe vnworthy of it . Consider therefore O faithfull soule , these thrée props Three props . of Predestination , and leane on them with a firme confidence of thine heart . Consider the benefits of Gods mercy , that are past , and thou shalt not doubt of finall perseuerance .

Creation . 10 When as yet thou wast not , God created thée : when thou wert damned by Adams fall , hée redéemed thee : Redemption . Calling . Instruction . when thou didst liue in the world , out of the Church , hée called shée : when thou wert ignorant , he instructed thée : when thou wentest astray , Seeking . hée brought thée backe : when thou didst sinne , he corrected thée : Correction Vpheld . when thou stoodest , he held thée : when thou didst fall , he raised Raised . thée vp : when thou didst go , he led thée : Load . Receiued when thou camest vnto him , hée tooke thée vp : in expecting thée , he shewed his long suffering : Patience . Pardon . in pardoning , that he was easie to be intreated .

11 The mercy of God goes before thée , Mercy first and last . hope firmely that it will follow thee also . The mercy of God doth preuent thée , that thou mayest be healed , it will follow thée also that thou mayest bée glorified . It preuenteth thée , that thou maiest liue godly , it will follow thée also , The Lord preserues that thou maist liue for euer with him . Wherefore is it , that falling thou art not brused ? Who hath put vnder his hand ? who but the Lord ? Trust therefore hereafter also in the mercy of God , and hope firmely for the end of thy faith , eternall saluation .

Gods hands safe 12 In what hands also can the matter of thy saluation more safely lye , then in those which haue made heauen and earth ? in those which are not shortened ? in those which do flow with the bowels of mercy : neither want their holes , by which it may flow out ?

Election for sanctification : 13 Howbeit , thinke , O deuout soule , that we are chosen of God , that we should be holy and without rebuke . In whom therefore there is not the study of an holy life , to them the benefit of election doth not pertaine . We are chosen in Christ : in Christ wee are by faith : faith shewes it selfe forth by loue : therefore where there is not loue , there is no faith : where there is no faith , there is no Christ : where there is no Christ , there is no election . Truly , the foundation of God abideth sure , hauing this seale , the Lord knoweth who are his . But yet let him depart from iniquitie , whosoeuer calls on the Name of the Lord . No man shall snatch the shéepe of Christ out of his hand : but yet let the shéepe of Christ heare his voice . We are the house of God : but let vs retain the confidence and glory of our hope firme vnto the end . O Lord , which hast giuen vnto vs to will , giue vnto vs also to do thy will .

Mors Christi vita piorum est . Christs death Saints life 14. Meditation . Of the satisfaction for our sinnes .

COme vnto me , ye which labour and are heauy laden , and I will refresh you : they are the words of our Sauiour . Truly , O Lord Iesus , I am too much laden , and grone vnder the burthen of sinne : but I haste me vnto thée , the fountaine of liuing water . Christ first came , to entice vs to come . Come vnto me , O Lord Iesus , that I may come vnto thée . I come vnto thée , O Lord , because first thou camest vnto me . I come vnto thée , O Lord Iesus , and carefully I séeke thée : for I finde no good in my selfe . No helpe in man . But if I could finde any good in my selfe , I should not seeke thée so carefully . Truly , O Lord Iesus , I labour and am laden : neither can I compare my selfe to any of thy Saints : or else of penitent sinners , vnlesse perchance to the Thiefe vpon the crosse . Haue pitie vpon me , O Lord , because thou hadst pitie vpon the Thiefe on the crosse .

1 I haue liued wretchedly , I haue liued in sinnes , Desire a good death by Christs mediation but I desire to dye godly : but I desire to dye in righteousnesse . But pietie and righteousnesse is farre from my heart : therefore I flye to thy piety , and to thy righteousnesse . Let thy soule ( O Lord ) helpe mée , which thou hast laid downe for a redemption for many . Let thy most holy body helpe me , afflicted for me with scourges , spittings , buffets , and thornes , and fastened also to the crosse . Let thy holy bloud , O Iesus , helpe me , which was poured out of thy side , as thou didst suffer and dye , which cleanseth vs from all sinnes . Diuinitie resting , but present in the passion . Let thy most holy Diuinitie helpe me , which sustained thy humane nature in thy passion , and which resting , and not shewing it selfe forth , the most holy mysterie of our Redemption was wrought , and which added infinite power and weight to thy holy Passion : So that God hath purchased mée poore wretch to himselfe with his bloud . Let thy wounds helpe me , in which is all my soules saluation . Christ suffered for sinners , not for himselfe . Let thy most holy passion helpe me , let thy merit helpe me , my last refuge and remedie against sinne , for that which thou hast suffered , thou hast suffered for me .

2 That which thou deseruedst , that dost thou also deserue for me , and mine vnworthinesse . God giueth his Sonne . Therefore God doth commend his charitie and loue in vs , and doth proue it by a testimonie that excéeds the vnderstanding of all men , yea , of the Angels , that Christ dyed for vs , when as yet we were sinners , To sinners and the enemies of God.

3 Who wonders not hereat ? who can choose but bée amazed ? being intreated of no man , yea being hated of men , the most mercifull Sonne of God doth intreat sinners and his enemies . Neither doth he onely intreat : Satisfaction by Natiuity , holy Life , Passion , Death . but he also makes satisfaction to the iustice of God , by his natiuity most poore , by his life most holy , by his passion most bitter , by his death most cruell .

4 O Lord Iesus , Iesus loueth first . which didst intreat for me , suffer and dye for me , before I could desire thy merit and passion , or could sollicite thée with prayers to pay my Redemption : how wilt thou cast me from thy face ? how wilt thou deny me the fruit of thy most holy passion , when now out of the déepes I cry vnto thée , Cries not cast away . and desire the fruit of thy merit with teares and groanes .

5 I was an enemy by nature : now since thou hast dyed for mée , I am become a friend , a brother , and a sonne by grace . Thou heardst thine enemie , when hée did not yet intreat thée : how shalt thou despise thy friend when hée comes vnto thée with teares and prayers : A friend not despised . Thou wilt not cast him forth that comes vnto thée , because thy Word is truth . Come but in Gods truth .

6 Thou hast spoken vnto vs in spirit and truth , and we haue receiued of thée the words of eternall life . Attend , and lift vp thy self , O my soule : before we were sinners by nature , now we are iust by grace ▪ before wee were enemies , now we are friends and allies : before our help was in the death of Christ , now also in his life : before we were dead in our sinnes , now we are quickened in Christ .

7 O the great loue of God , wherewith he loued vs ! O the abundant riches of his diuine grace , Diuine riches . whereby hée hath made vs to to fit together in heauenly places ! O the bowels of the mercy of our God , in which hée hath visited vs , rising from on high ! Of death . Rom 5.10 . Of life . Now if the death of Christ hath brought life and righteousnesse to vs , what can his life ? If our Sauiour payed a price to his Father for vs dying , what shall he do liuing , and making intercession for vs ? For Christ liues and dwels in our hearts , if so be there liue and flourish in them the remembrance of his most holy merit .

8 Draw me , O Lord Iesus , Cant. 1.5 . that I may possesse that in verie truth , which here I expect in a sure hope : let thy Minister , The Seruant with the Master I beséech thée , be with thée and sée the brightnes which thy Father hath giuen thée : let him inhabite the mansion , which thou hast prouided for him in thy Fathers house . Blessed are they that dwell in thy house , O Lord , they shall praise thée for euer and euer .

Wednesday Noone .

Psal 68.16 : TVrne thee vnto me , O Lord , & haue mercy vpon me : giue thy strength vnto thy seruant , and helpe the son of thine handmaid .

Nomine quid Jesu suauius esse potest ? What can be sweeter then the name of Iesus ? The sweetest . 15. Meditation . Of the name of Iesus .

O Good Iesus , bée thou also vnto me Iesus : for thy holy Name , haue pitie vpon mée . My life doth condemne me , but the Name of Iesu will saue me . For this thy name , do vnto mée according to thy name . And whereas thou art a true and great Sauiour , Iesus respecteth sinners . thou dost also respect true and great sinners . Haue mercy vpon me , O good Iesus , in the time of mercy , lest thou condemne me in the time of iudgement . If thou receiue me within the bosome of thy mercy , Iesus ample . thou wilt not be for me more straitned . If thou distribute vnto me the crummes of thy goodnesse , thou wilt not be therefore more néedy . For me thou hast béen borne , for me thou hast béene circumcised , be thou also vnto me Iesus .

1 O how swéet and delectable is this name ! for what is Iesus , but a Sauiour ? and what inconuenience can happen vnto those that are saued ? what can wée aske , or what can wée expect as yet beyond our saluation ? Desire it in thy particular . Take mée , O Lord Iesus , within the number of thy sonnes , that with them I may praise thy holy and sauing name . Where sin aboundeth , grace aboundeth . Rom. 5 : If I haue taken away mine owne integritie , haue I also destroyed thy mercy ? If I wretched man , was able to destroy and damne my selfe , art not thou therefore , mercifull Lord , able to saue me ? Do not , O Lord , attend so to my sinnes , that thou forget thy mercie . Do not so weigh and ponder my defaults , that they preponderate thy merit . Do not attend so vnto mine euill , that therefore thou forget thy good . Be not mindfull of thine anger against the guilty , but be mindfull of thy mercy toward the wretched .

Iesus sheweth our misery to helpe vs . 2 Thou which hast giuen me a minde that I might desire thée , wilt thou withdraw thy selfe from my desire ? Thou which hast shewed vnto me mine vnworthinesse , and iust damnation , wilt thou hide from me thy worthines , and promise of eternall life ?

3 My cause is to be handled before the iudgement seat in heauen : Iesus is Iudge . but it comforts me , that the name of Sauiour is assigned vnto thée in the Court of heauen : because that name was brought by an Angel from heauen .

4 O most mercifull Iesus , to whom wilt thou be Iesus , if to wretched sinners , which séeke grace and saluation , thou wilt not bée Iesus ? Iesus calleth not the righteous but sinners . They that trust to their owne righteousnes and holinesse , séeke saluation in themselues : but I , because I finde nothing in my selfe worthy of eternall life , flye vnto thée my Sauiour . Saue me that am condemned : haue mercy vpon mée a sinner : iustifie mée that am vnrighteous : absolue mée that am accused . Thou ( O Lord ) art truth , thy name is holy and true . Let therefore thy name be true in me , be thou also vnto me Iesus and a Sauiour .

Euery where be Iesus . 5 Be thou vnto me Iesus in this life present : be thou vnto mée Iesus in death : be thou vnto mée Iesus in the last iudgement : bée thou vnto me Iesus in the life eternall . Yea , thou wilt be , O good Iesus , because as thou art inuariable in Essence , so thou art inuariable Inuariable in mercy : thy Name shall not be changed , O Lord Iesus , for me one onely wretched sinner , but thou wilt also be vnto me a Sauiour . For thou doest not cast forth a doores him that comes vnto thée . Thou that hast giuen mée a will to come , wilt giue me also fauour , Ioh. 6. that comming I may be receiued . For thy words are truth and life .

6 Let the propagation of originall sinne in me condemne mée : Conquer through him that loued vs . notwithstanding , thou art vnto mée Iesus . Let my conception made in sinne condemne mée : notwithstanding thou art vnto me Iesus . Let my shape made in sinne and vnder the curse condemne me : notwithstanding thou art my Sauiour . Let my corrupt natiuity condemne me : notwithstanding thou art my saluation . Let the sinnes of my youth condemne mée : yet thou art my Iesus . Let the leading of my whole life , spotted with most grieuous sinnes condemne me : yet thou remainest my Iesus . Let death which is to bée inflicted vpon mée for my sinnes and diuers offences condemne mée : yet thou art my Sauiour . Let the most district sentence of the last Iudgement condemne mee : yet thou art my Iesus .

Death in vs , life in Iesus . 6 In me is sinne , reprobation , damantion : in thy name is righteousnesse , election , saluation : but I haue béen baptized into thy name : I beléeue on thy name : I will dye in thy name : I will rise againe in thy name : I will appeare before the iudgement in thy name . All things are prouided for vs in this name , and shut vp like a treasure : so much is wanting of these good things , that I detract by my diffidence . Which that thou mayest command to be farre from me , I pray thée by that very name , O good Iesus , that I be not damned by my fault and vnbeliefe , whom thou desirest to haue saued by thy precious merit , and thy sauing name .

Fulgent cunabula Christi . Christs cradle doth shine 16. Meditation . Of the Mysteries of the Incarnation .

LEt vs withdraw our mindes a little from these temporall things , The Natiuity . and behold the mysteries of the Natiuity of our Lord . The Sonne of God descendeth out of heauen vnto vs , that we may obtaine the adoption Adoption . of sonnes . God is made man , that man may bée made partaker of the diuine Diuine . grace and nature . Christ would bée borne about the euening of the world , that he might signifie that the benefits of his Incarnation do not concerne this life Life . present , but the life eternall .

1 He would be borne in the time of Augustus the peaceable , Peace . which hath made mankinde at peace with God. Hée would bée borne in the time of the seruitude of Israel , which is the true deliuerer , Deliuerer . and auenger of his people . He would be borne vnder the Empire of another Lord , Empire of another world . as hée whose kingdome was not of this world . He is borne of a Virgin , that he may signifie that he is not conceiued and borne but in the hearts of them which are spirituall Virgins , Spirituall Virgins conceiue Christ . Reu. 14. that is , whose mindes do neither cleaue to the world , nor to the Deuill , but to God in one spirit . He is borne pure and holy , that he may sanctifie our impure and defiled natiuity . Sanctifie our natiuity . Hée is borne of a Virgin that was espoused to a man , for the honour of Matrimony , instituted of God , and to draw vs to loue our spirituall marriage with him ▪ He is borne in the darknesse of the night , Enlighten the darke world . which was the true Light , inlightening the darknesse of the World. Hée is borne in Bethlehem , that is to say , in the house of Bread , which brought with him most plentifull food of the heauenly benefits . He is laid in a cratch , which is the true food Food . of our soules . Iohn 6. Hée is borne betwéene an Oxe and an Asse , that he might restore men vnto their ancient dignitie , Dignity . which were made like vnto the beasts by sinne . Hée is the first begotten , and the onely begotten of his mother in earth , which according to his diuine nature is the first begotten , and the onely begotten of his Father in heauen , that we might be numbred among the first begotten , whose names are written in heauen . He is borne poore and néedy , that hée may get for vs the heauenly Riches . Riches . Hée is borne in a vile Stable of Cattell , that hée may bring vs to the Palaces of the heauenly Court. Heauenly places .

2 The messenger of so great a benefit is sent out of heauen , because none in the earth did vnderstand his greatnesse . Of celestiall gifts , there is also worthily a celestiall messenger . Mat 11. Angels fellows . The armies of the Angels reioyce , which may haue vs fellows of their happines , for the incarnation of the Sonne of God.

3 So great a miracle is first told to Shepheards , because the true Shepheard of our soules Shepheard of soules . was come to bring backe the lost shéepe into the way . The matter of so great ioy is told to the contemned and ignoble , Ignoble partake in Christ . because none can bée made partaker thereof , which doth not displease himselfe in his owne eyes . This Natiuity is told to them that watch by their flock , because not they which snort in sinnes , but whose heart doth watch to God , Watchfull . are made partakers of so great a gift . The company of the heauenly Souldiers doth triumph , Angels ioy which was grieuously sorrowfull for the fault of our first Parent .

4 The brightnesse of that Lord and King , A light in darknesse . appeares in the Heauens , whose basenesse man did despise in the earth . The Angel commands to let go feare , because he was borne , which was to take away out of the midst , Cast out feare . the causes of all feare .

5 Ioy is denounced out of heauen , because the Author and giuer of all ioy was borne . Reioyce . Ioy is commanded , because the enmity betwéene God and men , the cause of all sadnesse , is remoued . Glory Glory . is giuen vnto God on high , which our first parent , by the vnlawfull transgression of the commandement , would haue snatcht away .

6 True peace Peace . is gotten by this Natiuity , because before men were enemies vnto God : before their owne conscience was an aduersary vnto them : before they were at difference with themselues , betwéene themselues . True peace is restored Restored . to the earth , because he is ouercome which did hold vs captiues .

Goe to Christ . 7 Let vs also with the Shepheards goe vnto Christs Cratch , that is , the Church , and wée shall finde this infant wrapt vp in Swathes , that is to say , the holy Scriptures . Let vs also conserue with Mary , the holy Mother of the Lord , Keep his words . the words of so great a mystery , and let vs renue the same alwayes in our dayly remembrance . Let vs with our voyce follow the Angels that sing before vs , Sing with Angels . and let vs giue deserued thankes for so great a benefit . Let vs reioyce and be glad with the whole heauenly army . With the heauenly Army . For if the Angels doe reioyce so greatly for our sakes : how much more ought wee to reioyce , for whom this Infant was borne and giuen ?

8 If the Israelites did lift vp their voyces , With Israel and shout when the Ark of the couenant was brought vnto them , which was the figure and shadow of the Lords incarnation : how much should wee reioyce that the Lord himselfe hath descended , taking our flesh vpon him ? If Abraham With Abraham . did reioyce when he saw the day of the Lord , and when the Lord appeared vnto him in the shape of a man taken vpon him for the time , what shall we doe , when he hath ioyned our nature vnto him in a perpetuall and indissoluble league ?

9 Let vs here maruell at the infinite bounty of God , who when we could not ascend to him , Admire Cods bounty . would himselfe descend vnto vs . Let vs wonder at the infinite power of God , which of two things most distant , that is to say , the diuine and humane nature , could make one thing most coniunct , that now one and the same is both God and man . Let vs wonder at the infinite wisedome Wisedome . of God , which could finde a meanes of our redemption , when neither Angels nor men could sée the meanes . The infinite goodnesse was offended , and an infinit satisfaction was required : man hath offended God , of man was the satisfaction required : but neither could an infinite satisfaction be performed of man : neither could the diuine Iustice bée satisfied without an infinite price .

11 Therefore was God made man , that both he which had sinned might make satisfaction : and that he which was infinite , might pay an infinite price . Look vpon and desire it . Let vs wonder at this amazing temper of Gods iustice and mercy , which no creature , before God did manifest it , could finde out , nor since it is manifested , can fully perceiue . Let vs wonder at these things , let vs not search curiously into them , let vs desire to looke into them , although wée cannot fully conceiue them : let vs rather confesse our owne ignorance , then go about to deny Gods power , bounty , or wisedome .

Sit grata Redemptio Christi . Be thankfull for Christs redemption . 17 Meditation . Of the wholesome fruit of the Incarnation .

I Bring you tidings of great ioy , saith the Angell , at the Natiuity of our Sauiour . Truly it was great , and greater then mans vnderstanding can conceiue . It was the greatest of euils , that wee were held as captiues vnder the wrath of God , vnder the power of the Deuill , vnder eternall damnation . It was a greater euill as yet , that men were either ignorant of these greatest euils , or else did neglect them . But now tydings of great ioy is brought vnto vs , Ioy for saluation . that hee came into the world , which should free vs from all these euils . The Physitian Physitian . came to the sicke , the Redeemer Redeemer . to the Captiues , Way . Life . the way to the wanderers , life to the dead , saluation to the damned .

1 As Moses was sent of the Lord , Moses . to free the people of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt : so Christ was sent of his Father to redeeme all mankind from the captiuity of the Deuill . Euen as the Doue , Noahs Doue . when the waters were dryed vp , after the Deluge , brought a branch of Oliue to the Arke of Noah : so Christ came in to the world to preach peace , and the reconciliation of mankinde with God. Wee doe therefore worthily reioyce , Due ioy . and conceiue great things of the mercy of God , which loued vs so , when wee were as yet enemies , that hee scorned not to assume our nature into the most straight imbracing of the Diuinity . Assuming our nature . Therefore denieth nothing . What shall hee deny them which are ioyned vnto him by participation of his flesh ? who euer hated his owne flesh ? how therefore can that highest and infinit mercy , driue vs away from him , being now made partakers of his nature ?

Wondrous mystery . 2 Who can conceiue aright of the greatnesse of this mystery , much lesse vtter it in words ? there is the greatest height , and the greatest basenesse : there is the greatest power , and the greatest infirmitie : there is the greatest maiesty , and the greatest frailtie . What is higher then God , and viler then man ? What is mighter then God , and weaker then man ? What is more glorious then God , and more fraile then man ? Gods power reconcileth all as in it self impossible . But that greatest power did finde a meane , whereby these things might bée ioyned together , when that greatest righteousnesse did require the necessity of such a coniunction .

3 Who also can conceiue the greatnesse of this mystery ? Infinit sins require infinit price . an equiualent and infinite price was required for the offence of man : because man hath turned himselfe away from the infinite goodnesse , that is to say , God. But what can be equiualent to the infinit God ? The infinite iustice therefore , as it were of it selfe , doth take an equiualent price to it selfe , and God the Creatour doth suffer in the flesh , lest the flesh of the creature should suffer for euer . The infinite goodnesse was offended , there could none but the Mediator of infinite power make intercession , but what is infinite besides God ? Therefore God himselfe hath reconciled the world to himselfe , God himselfe is made the Mediator : God himselfe redéemes mankinde with his owne bloud .

The Creator reconcileth the creature . 4 Who can perceiue the greatnesse of this mystery ? the great Creator was offended : neither was the creature carefull to pacifie him , or to make a reconciliation with him , the same that was offended , assuming the flesh of the creature , made the reconciliation .

5 Man had forsaken God , and had turned himselfe to the enemy of God , the Deuill : but he that was forsaken , doth carefully enquire after him that forsooke him , and doth most kindly againe inuite him to him . Man went away from the infinite good , and was slipt into the infinite euill , but that infinit good , giuing the infinite price of his redemption , set frée the creature from that infinite euill .

6 Is not this infinite mercie , which excéeds all the finite vnderstanding and thought of man ? our nature is made more glorious by Christ , More glorious in Christ . then it was disgraced by the sinne of Adam We haue gained more in Christ , then we haue lost in Adam : sinne did abound , Rom. 5. but Gods grace did superabound .

7 In Adam we haue lost innocency , in Christ we receiue full righteousnesse .

8 Let others maruell at Gods power , his diuine bounty Gods bounty the greatest maruell . is more to be maruelled at , although in GOD both power and mercie be equall , both of them infinite . Let others maruell at the Creation , I rather list to maruell at the redemption : although both the creation and the redemption bée déeds of infinite power . It is a great thing to create man which had deserued nothing at all , as who as yet had no existence : but it séemes as yet a greater thing to redéeme man which had ill deserued , Wonderfull . and to take the satisfaction Satisfaction of the debt vpon himselfe . It is a wonderfull thing , that our flesh and our bones Bones . were formed vnto vs of God : it is as yet more wonderfull , that God would be made flesh of our flesh , and bone of our bones . O my soul , be thankfull Be thankfull . vnto thy God , which created thée , when as yet thou wast not : which redéemed thée , when thou wert damned through sinne : which hath prepared the heauenly ioyes for thée , which cleauest by faith to Christ .

Measpes est passio Christi . The passion of Christ my hope . 4. Meditation . Of the fruit of the Passion of our Lord .

AS often as I thinke of the passion of Christ , so often I presume highly of the loue of God , and of the forgiuenesse of my sinnes . His Head is bowed downe to kisse Kisse . mée : his Armes are stretcht forth to embrace mée : Cant. 1.1 . Imbrace . his Hands are open to giue Giue . vnto me : his Side is open to shew me his Heart flaming with loue : See loue . hée is exalted from the earth , that he may draw Draw me . all to himselfe : his wounds are pale with griefe , but bright in loue . Therefore by the ouerture of his wound we ought to enter Enter in to him . into the secret of his heart . Doubtlesse there is plentiful redemption Plentifull redemption . with him ; because not some drop onely , but a whole streame of bloud did flow plentifully thorow fiue parts of his bodie . Euen as the grape cast into the wine-presse , is broken by the weight that is laid vpon it , and on euery Euery way flowing . side poures out his liquour : so the flesh of Christ pressed down with the weight of Gods wrath , and the burden of our sinnes , doth euery where poure forth the liquor of his bloud .

1 When Abraham would haue offered his sonne in sacrifice , the Lord said , Now I know for a truth that thou louest me : do thou also acknowledge the great loue of the eternall Father , Great loue that he would deliuer his onely begotten Sonne to death for vs . Wée were beloued , when as yet wée were enemies : Loueth enemies . shall he forget vs now , when an atonement is wrought by the death of his Sonne ? Can the so precious blovd of his Sonne be forgotten before him , when hée also numbers the teares and the steps of godly men ? Numbreth teares . Can Christ forget them in life , for whom he would sustaine euen death ? Sustaineth . Can he forget them in his glory , for whom hée suffered such torments in his humility ?

2 Consider , O faithfull soule , In death . the manifold fruit of the Passion of our Lord . Christ poured out a bloudy sweat for vs , lest the most cold sweat in the agony of death In the Agonie of death . should oppresse vs . Hée would wrastle with death , lest we should faint in the agony of death . He would sustaine a most grieuous anxiety and sadnesse , euen vnto death , Sorrow . that wée might be made partakers of eternall ioy in heauen .

3 He would be betrayed with a kisse , which is a signe of friendship and good will , that that sinne might bée extinguisht , Treason of the serpent . by which Satan vnder the shew of singular good will betrayed our first parents . Hée would be taken and bound of the Iewes , that he might loose vs which were tyed with the bonds of sinne , Bond of sinne . and were to be cast into eternall damnation .

4 He would haue his passion to begin in the Garden , Garden . that hée might expiate the sinne Sinne remoued . which had his beginning in the Garden He would be comforted of an Angel , Company of Angels that he might make vs companions to the Angels in heauen . He is forsaken of his owne Disciples , that he might ioyne vs to himselfe , which were seuered from God Vnite vs to God. by so foule a falling away . Hée is accused of false witnesses before the Councell , that we might not be accused of Satan , Not accused . by the Law of God. Hée is condemned in the earth , that we might be absolued Absolued . in heauen . He held his peace for our sinne , Open our mouthes before him which had done no sinne , lest wée should be constrained to hold our peace for our sinnes brought against vs into the iudgement of God. He would be buffeted , Freed frō●●pes . that wée might bée absolued from the stings of our owne conscience , and the buffetings of Satan He suffered himselfe to be mockt , Mockes . that we might mocke at the insulting Satan . His face was couered , that he might remoue the vaile of sinne from vs , Vail of sin . which hinders in vs the sight of God , and brings into vs damnable ignorance . He would be stript of his garments , that the garment of innocency , lost by sinne might be restored vnto vs . He is prickt with thornes , that he might heale the compunctions of our heart . He bore the waight of his Crosse , Heale the heart . that hee might remoue from vs the waight of eternall paine . Remoue burthens . Hee cryeth out that hee was forsaken of God , that hee might prouide an eternall habitation for vs with God. Prouide habitation with God. He thirsted on the Crosse , that hee might deserue for vs the dews of Gods grace , Dew of grace . and lest wee should bee constrained to perish with eternall thirst . Hee would be scorched with the heat of Gods wrath , that hee might take from vs the fire of hell . Take away hell fire . He was iudged , that he might free vs from Gods iudgement . He was pronounced guilty that hee might absolue vs from guilt . Absolue vs Hee was beaten with vnrighteous hands , that he might take away from vs the stripes of the deuil . From the Deuils stripes . He cryed out for griefe , that hee might kéepe vs from euerlasting howlings . Howling . He powred forth teares , that hee might wipe away our teares . Teares . Hée was dead , that we might liue . He felt the paines of hell throughly , Hell. that we might neuer féele them . Hée was humbled , Pride . that there might a salue be brought for our proud swelling . He was crowned with a thorny crowne , Giue a crowne . Saue all . that hée might deserue for vs the heauenly Crowne . He suffered of all , that he might bring saluation vnto all . His eyes were darkened in death , See heauen . that we might liue in the light of the heauenly glory . He heard contumelies and reproaches , that we might heare Heare Songs . the Iubilies of Angels in heauen .

5 Despaire not therefore , No d●sp●ire● O faithfull soule . The infinite goodnesse is offended by thy sinnes , but an infinite price is payed for it . Thou art to be iudged for thy sinnes , but the Sonne of God is iudged already for the sinnes of the whole world , which hée hath taken vpon him . Thy sinnes are to be punisht , but God hath punisht them already in his Sonne . Great are the wounds of thy sins , but precious is the balme of the bloud of Christ . Moses pronounceth thée cursed , because thou hast not kept all things which are written in the booke of the Law , but Christ is made a curse for thée . There is an hand-writing against thée in the Court of heauen , but it is blotted out by Christs bloud . Therefore thy passion , O holy Iesus , is my last refuge .

Cum Christo ascendere nostrum est . Ascend w th Christ . 19. Meditation . Of the Ascension of Christ .

THinke , O faithfull soule , on the ascension of thy husband , Christ hath withdrawne his visible presence from his faithfull , that Faith might haue her exercise : Wee walke by faith , not by sight . for blessed are they which sée not and beléeue . Where our treasure is , there also let our heart hée . Our treasure , Christ , is in heauen , Col. 3. therefore set our heart adhere to heauenly things , and thinke on those things that are aboue . The Bride desires the returne of the Bridegroome , with most ardent sighs : so the faithfull soule alwayes desireth that the day may come wherein she may be brought vnto the marriage of the Lambe . Let her trust in the earnest of the holy Spirit , Trust the Spirit . which the Lord left her when he descended vnto her . Let her trust in the body and bloud of the Lord , The Testament . which she receiues in the mystery of the Supper . Let her beléeue that our bodies being filled with this incorruptible food , shall sometime be raised vp againe . That which we now beléeue , then wée shall sée , Our hope a possession . and our spes shall bée res , we shall enioy the substance of our hope : the Lord is present with all trauellers vnder a strange forme , but in the heauenly countrey wée shall sée him , and know him as he is .

1 Now our Sauiour would ascend from mount Oliuet : the Oliue is a signe of peace and ioy , therefore he doth fitly ascend from mount Oliuet , which by his passion hath brought forth peace and tranquillity to the consciences that were terrified and cast downe . Peace : Hée doth fitly ascend from the mount Oliuet , who is receiued with the greatest triumph of the Court of heauen , because he is the King of Peace .

2 Those mountaine places do call vs vnto heauenly things : Set affect●o●s on heauenly t●ings . let vs follow with holy desires , because we cannot follow with bodily feet . Moses likewise went vp vnto the Lord , in the mount : the holy Patriarkes worshipped on the Mount : Abraham chose the hills , but Lot the plaines .

3 Let the faithfull soule leaue the plains of the world , and striue with an holy deuotion vnto the hills of heauen : There speakes with God so shall shée perceiue the most swéet talke of God , speaking inwardly vnto her : so in her prayer , shée shall bée able to worship in the Spirit : In spirit . so shall she be able with Abraham , to escape E●cape . the euerlasting conflagration that is prepared for the plaines of the world . Gen. 19.

4 Bethany doth note vnto vs the Village of humilitie and affliction : by which there is an entrance for vs to the kingdome of heauen : Humility , the gate to glory . as Christ also out of the village of affliction , hath descended vnto the heauenly ioyes .

Paradise open . 5 Hitherto heauen did séeme to be shut , and the vper paradise to be kept by the glittering sword : now Christ the conquerour opens heauen , that he might shew vs the way into our heauenly countrey , from which wee are falne . The disciples did stand with lifted vp eyes , Look thither . looking into heauen : so the true disciples of Christ lift vp the eyes of their hearts to behold heauenly things .

6 O Lord Iesus , how glorious a conclusion did follow thy Passion ? how happy and how sudden a change was this ? what a one did I behold thée suffering in mount Caluary ? and what a one do I now behold thée in the mount Oliuet ? Alone . there thou wert alone , here accompanied with many thousands of Angels . With Angels . There thou didst ascend Ascend . vnto thy Crosse : Crosse . here thou doest ascend in a cloud to heauen . Heauen . There thou wert crucified among théeues : With Theeues . here thou doest triumph among the quires of Angels . Angels . There thou wert fastened to the Crosse with nayles , Suffered Deliuered and condemned : here thou art free and a deliuerer of the damned . There thou wert dying and suffering : Dye . Triumph . here thou art reioycing and triumphing .

7 Christ is our head , The change in Christ our ioy . wée are his members : be glad therefore , O faithfull soule , and reioyce in the ascension of thy head . The glory of the head is also the glory of the members . Where our flesh Flesh , raigneth , there let vs beleeue that wée shall raigne : Where our bloud Bloud . beares rule , there let vs hope that wée shall be glorious , although our sinnes do h●no●r vs , yet the communion of nature Nature . doth not repell vs . Where the head Head. is , there also shall the rest of the members be : our Head is entred into heauen , therefore the rest of the members haue iust reason to hope for heauen : not this onely , but they haue already taken their possession in heauen .

Came , &c. Ascended for vs . 7 Christ came downe out of heauen to redéeme vs : he ascended againe into heauen to glorifie vs . He was borne for vs , he suffered for vs , therefore also he ascended for vs . Ground . Our charitie is grounded on the passion of Christ , our faith on the resurrection , our hope on the ascension .

8 Now we must follow Follow. our Husband and Bridegroome , not onely with ardent desires , but also in good worke . Nothing that is defiled shall enter into that Citie that is aboue : Vndefiled . in token whereof the Angels coming out of the heauenly Ierusalem , Like Angels . appeared clothed in white garments : by which is set out vnto vs purenesse and innocency .

9 Pride doth not ascend with the master of humility , Sinnes enter not . nor malice with the author of goodnesse : nor discord with the friend of peace : nor lust and luxury with the Son of the Virgin. Vices do not ascend after the father of vertues : nor sinnes after the Iust : neither can infirmities go after the Physician . He that desires sometimes to behold God face to face , let him also liue worthily in his sight . He that hopes for heauenly things , Hate earth . let him contemne earthly things . Draw our hearts vnto thée . O good Iesus , to Paradise , where thou art .

Electos Deus obsignat spiramine sancto . The elect are sealed by the spirit . 20. Meditation . An Homilie of the holy Ghost .

Gift of the holy Ghost OVr Lord ascending into the heauens , and entering into his glory , sent the holy Ghost vnto his Disciples , on the very day of Pentecost . Euen as in the old Testament , God promulging his Law on mount Sinai , did descend vnto Moses himselfe : so when the Gospel was to bee propagated , through the whole world by the Apostles , the Spirit it selfe did descend to the Apostles . The Law thundreth There were thunderings , and lightnings , and the most shrill voyce of a trumpet , because the Law doth thunder against our disobedience , and proues vs guiltie of the wrath of God : but here is the sound of the Winde Gospel sh ill winde . making a still noyse , Flye . Exod. 20. because the preaching of the Gospel doth lift vp the minds that are cast downe . There was the feare and terror of all the people , because the law worketh wrath : but héere the whole multitude comes together , Assembly . Act. 2. Heb. 12. and heares the wonderfull things of God : because there is a passage open for vs vnto God , by the Gospell . There Iehouah comes downe in fire : but in the fire of wrath Fire of wrath . and fury , therfore the hill was moued and did smoake : but here Iehouah , the holy Ghost , descends in fire , Fire of loue . but in the fire of loue and charity , from whence the house is not moued with the wrath of God , but rather it is wholly filled with the glory of the holy Ghost . What maruell is it if the holy Ghost be sent out of the Court of heauen to sanctifie mankinde , when the Sonne was sent to redéeme mankinde ? the Passion of Christ had not béene profitable , vnlesse it had béene declared vnto the world by the Gospell . For what vse is there of a treasure Treasure communicated . that is hid ? therefore the most benigne Father not onely prepared a great benefit by the passion of his Sonne , but also would offer it to the whole world , by the sending of the holy Spirit .

Two brests 1 A faithfull mother giues both her breasts to her tender sonne : our faithfull God sends vnto vs , poore wretches , both his Sonne and his holy Spirit . Sonne and Spirit . But the holy Ghost came vpon the Apostles when they did continue together with one accord in prayer : Spirit of prayer . for it is the spirit of prayer , it is obtained by prayers , and it driues vnto prayers . Why ? because it is that bond by which our hearts are vnited vnto God , Spirit vniteth to God. euen as it vnites the Sonne with the Father , and the Father with the Sonne . For it is the mutuall substantiall loue of the Father , and of the Sonne . This spirituall coniunction of vs with God is made by faith , By faith . but faith is the gift of the Spirit , it is obtained by prayers , but true prayers are made in the Spirit .

2 In the Temple of Solomon when Incense was burned vnto the Lord , Spirituall prayers sweet odours , the Temple was filled with the glory of the Lord : so if thou offerest the swéet odours of prayers vnto God , the glorie of the holy Ghost will fill the temple of thine heart .

3 Let vs here maruell at the mercy and grace of God : Maruellous helpe of prayer . the Father promiseth to heare our prayers : the Sonne makes intercession for vs : the holy Ghost prayeth in vs : the Angels carry our prayers vnto God , and so the whole court of heauen is open to our prayers .

Affection . 4 The mercifull God giues vs an affection to pray , because he giues vnto vs the spirit of grace , and of prayers . He also giues vnto vs the effect of prayer , Effect . because he alwayes heares our prayers , if not according to our will , yet to our profit .

5 The holy Ghost came , when they were all with one accord in one place : Spirit of concord . With Christ , God. Man . forsooth he is the spirit of loue and concord : he ioyneth vs vnto Christ by faith : he ioyneth vs vnto God by charity , he doth vnite vs also with our neighbour by loue .

The deuill diuideth . 6 The deuill is the author of discord and separation , he separates vs by sinnes from God : hée separates men from themselues by hatred , contentions , and brawles : but the holy Ghost , The spirit ioyneth . as it hath ioyned together in Christ the diuine and humane nature , by his wonderfull ouer-shadowing : so also by his gifts that are poured forth vpon vs : he ioynes together both men with God , and God with men .

7 As long as the holy Ghost remaines in man , As long as he abideth . by his grace and by his gifts , so long man abides vnited vnto God. As soone as man by his sinnes falls from faith and charity , and shakes off the holy Ghost , he is separated from God , and that most blessed vnion is taken away .

8 He that hath the holy Ghost , No hate of members . hateth not his brother . Why ? because by the spirit he is made partaker of the mysticall body of Christ , whose members are all the godly : but who euer hateth his owne members ? Ephes. 5. But loue . Nay , he loueth his enemies which is gouerned by the Spirit of the Lord . Why ? because he that cleaues to the Lord , is made one spirit with him . But now God suffers his Sunne to arise both vpon the good and vpon the euill , and hateth nothing of those things that he hath made : Like God. so he that hath the Spirit of God , is ready to serue all , after his power , doth do good vnto all ; offers himselfe to bée vsed of all , because God also is the fountaine of all mercy and grace towards all . Spirit worketh Gods Image . Now the holy Ghost brings to passe such motions in man as he himselfe is . Euen as the soule makes the body to haue life , féeling , and mouing : so the Spirit maketh a man spirituall , Maketh spirituall . it doth fill a mans minde with the pleasure of Gods swéetnesse , and doth direct all his members to performe obedience to God and his neighbour . That found came out of heauen , which was a token of the holy Ghosts coming , because that holy Spirit is of an heauenly nature , that is to say , Heauenly of the same essence with the Father and the Sonne , from which Father and Sonne he procéedeth from all eternitie : he makes men also to haue minde of heauenly things , and to séeke those things that are aboue : he that doth yet cleaue to earthly things , and is knit to the loue of the world , he is not made partaker of the holy Spirit .

10 He comes vnder the similitude of a winde or breath , Comfortable . because he doth minister liuely consolation to the afflicted . Because also by a reciprock breath and respiration of the aeriall spirit , wée liue according to the flesh : Life . therefore he came vnder the similitude of spirit and breath , which giues vnto vs , that we liue according to our better part .

Joh. 3. 11 The winde blows whither it will , and thou hearest the sound thereof , Passing vnderstanding . but knowest not whence it comes , and whither it goes : so is euery one which is begotten of the Spirit .

12 Hée came also agréeably vnder the similitude of breath , which procéeds from the Father and the Sonne at one breathing from euerlasting . That was a vehement breath , Quickning . because the grace of the holy Ghost knowes no slow endeuours . That holy Spirit doth moue the godly , in whom he dwelleth , to euery good worke , and so moues them , Ready . that they neither care for the threatnings of Tyrants , nor the deceits of Satan , nor the hatred of the World , but in all temptations serue God with a ready minde .

13 He bestows on the Apostles the gift of tongues , because their sound ought to go forth into all the earth . Speaking . And so the confusion of tongues which had béene a punishment of the pride and rashnesse in building of the Tower of Babel , is taken away : and now the Nations that were dispersed through the diuersitie of languages , Gathering and conuersing are gathered together by the gift of the holy Ghost into the vnitie of faith . He came agréeably vnder the figure of tongues , of whom inspired , the holy men of God haue spoken , which spake in the Apostles , which puts the word of God in the mouthes of the Ministers of the Church .

14 Thinke , O deuout soule , of this great gift which Christ ascending gaue thée . The great goodnesse and mercy of the Lord is made thine owne onely by his blessed spirit . Thou wast empty , it filleth thée with graces . Thou wast a stranger , it knitteth thée to God. Thou diddest stray like a lost shéepe , the Spirit onely brought thée to the Shepheard of thy soule , and led thée in all truth . Thou wast without hope , the Spirit did fill thée with hope . Many were the iust causes of sorrow for feare of sinne to infect thée , the Deuill to accuse thée , God to iudge thée , Hell to swallow thée , the world to faile thée , and euery misery to gnaw vpon thée . The Spirit it is that in all afflictions doth comfort thée , turneth thy teares to ioy , thy sighs to smiles , thy feares to assurance , by assuring thée that the Father doth loue thée and prouide for thée , to whom the Sonne will bring thée . O deare Soule , kéepe safely this pledge and earnest , of thy happinesse , grieue not him that is thy comfort , quench not that fire that burneth vp thy corruptions , and inflameth thy cold heart with charity and zeale . Let this swéet louing Spirit sléepe swéetly in thy breast , and wake him not till himselfe do please . For so great gifts that holy spirit is to be lauded and blessed , together with the Father and the Sonne for euer .

Wednesday , Euening Prayer .

WHen I draw neare vnto thee ( O Lord my God ) and thinke of the many rebellions and transgressions which I haue committed against thee , me thinkes I cannot but take vp the word of the Prodigall Sonne against my selfe , and say ; Father , I haue sinned against heauen and against thee , I am no more worthy to be called thy sonne : I blush and am ashamed to lift vp mine eyes vnto thee : I think my selfe vnworthy to lift vp mine eyes to heauen ; for my sins haue couered my face with confusion , mine offences haue taken such hold of mee , that I am vnable to looke vp . What shall be done vnto the man that hath dishonoured his Father ? that hath disobeyed his Master ? that hath dealt vnfaithfully with his friend ? that hath rebelled against his Prince ? that hath sinned against his God ? O Lord , I am that sonne of confusion , that seruant of vndutifulnes , that companion of vnfaithfulnesse , that subiect of rebellion , that creature of sinne : thy sentence is gone forth against me in thy Word , that I am but the sonne of death , I haue receiued the sentence of death in my selfe . What helpe , what hope is left vnto mee , wretched and vile sinner ? Whither shal I fly to saue me from the tempest of thy wrath ? my helpe is in thy mercy , my hope is also in thee , I will flie from thy wrath to thy good pleasure ; from thee my God offended with me for my sinne to thee my God appeased toward me in thy Sonne . O Lord vnto me belongeth shame and confusion , but to thee mercy and forgiuenes : remit therfore the euil deseruings of thy seruant , for the merits sake and good deseruing of thy Son. Looke O Lord , vpon the face of thine anointed , and hide thy face from my sinnes , and blot out all mine offences . Take me , O Lord , againe into thy fauour , take me this night also into thy safe protection , watch ouer me whilst I sleep : keepe me as the apple of thine eye : hide me vnder the shadow of thy wings : compasse me about with the wall of Angelicall defence : giue sweet sleep to mine eyes , and slumber to my eye-lids , and raise me vp in the morning to walke before thee in thy feare , through thy Son Christ Iesus : To whom , &c.

Thursday , Morning Prayer .

WE haue a sure word of promise in thy Word ( O gracious , louing , and bountifull God ) not onely of spirituall , but also of corporall things , as of food conuenient , and those things that shall bee needfull for this bodily life : yea , the Truth hath taught vs also to pray for daily bread , and confuted our mistrust of hauing sufficient food and rayment , from thy feeding of the young Rauens that call vpon thee , and cloathing of the Lillies . Now as these things , though not in the first place to be sought , yet are to be sought for ; so likewise , though not in the first place , yet are they to be praied for . I therefore , knowing how many things the frailty & necessity of my life requireth , do call vpon thee the Author & giuer of euery good and perfect gift , beseeching thee to giue me things needfull for this life , food and raiment , and a mind therwith content , and cut out vnto me my commons , O Lord , according to Agurs wish , neither too much , nor too little , lest plenty and fulnesse make me either to forget or deny thee , lest pouerty & want make me to fall to stealing & take the name of thee ( my God ) in vaine . And whereas , O Lord , thou hast placed me in a particular calling , therein to serue thee here on earth , grant , I pray thee , that herein I may walke conscionably , and blesse thou the workes of mine hands vpon me : make al my waies , mine out-going , and my in-comming to prosper vnto me . Giue me health and strength of body , and a good disposition of minde , that I may be the better fitted vnto all my labours : take from me rebuke and shame , the thing that I feare : vouchsafe me the sweet sauour of a good name , with the testimony of a good conscience , which may refresh and feast mee in this life , and at the end of my pilgrimage here on earth , bring me ( O Lord ) to euerlasting life . Amen .

Viva est & victrix , si modo vera fides . True faith a liuely conquerour . 21. Meditation . Of the nature and properties of true Faith.

O Beloued Soule , consider the power of faith , Faith grafteth vs into Christ . and giue thanks vnto God the onely giuer of faith It is faith alone that doth graft vs againe into our Sauiour : that as the Vine branches draw iuice out of the Vine , so we may draw out of him life , righteousnesse and saluation .

1 Adam fell from the grace of God , Giueth fauour and Gods Image . and lost the Image of God by his incredulitie : but we are receiued againe into fauour by faith , and the Image of God begins to be reformed in vs .

2 By faith , Christ ours . Christ is made ours , & dwels in vs . But where Christ is , there is the grace of God. Where is the grace of God , there is the inheritance of euerlasting life . Abels sacrifice . By faith Abel offered a greater sacrifice to God then Cain : so wée offer spirituall sacrifices to God by faith , that is to say , Henochs translation . the fruite of our lips . By faith Henoch was translated : so faith doth translate vs out of the societie of men , into the societie of heauen : yea , euen in this life . For euen now Christ dwells in vs , euen now there is in vs euerlasting life , Noahs Ark. but hidden . By faith Noah prepared the Arke : so by faith we go into the Church , in which our soules are saued , all the rest perishing in the vast sea of the world . Abraham left Idolatry . By faith Abraham did leaue the Idolatrous land : so by faith we go out of the world , leauing parents , brothers , and kinsfolke , and cleauing to the Word of Christ that calls vs . By faith hee soiourned as a stranger , Soiourneth . and lookt for the promised land : so wee doe looke for the heauenly Ierusalem , which God hath prepared in Heauen : we are strangers and pilgrims in this world , by faith aspiring to our heauenly countrey . By faith Sara conceiued Sara conceiued aged . her sonne Isaac in her age : so wee being dead spiritually , doe receiue vertue to conceiue Christ spiritually . For as Christ was once conceiued in the holy bowels of the Virgin Mary : so hee is daily borne spiritually in the faithfull soule , which keepes it selfe pure from worldly companies .

3 By faith Abraham offered Isaac : Abraham offered Isaac . so wée by faith do spiritually kill and sacrifice our owne will , which is the beloued sonne of our soule . For he that desires to follow Christ , ought to deny himselfe , that is to say , renounce his owne will , his owne honour , his owne loue .

Isaac blessed Iacob . 4 By faith Isaac blessed Iacob : so by faith wée are made partakers of all the heauenly blessings . For in the séed of Abraham , that is , Ioseph remoued . in Christ , all nations are blessed . By faith Ioseph prophesied of the going of the Israelites out of Egypt , and gaue commandement of his bones : so by faith we looke for a going out of this spirituall Egypt , Moses hidden . that is , the world , and an happy resurrection of the body . By faith Moses was kept for thrée moneths : so faith doth hide vs from the tyranny of Satan , till at last we be brought into the regall palace of God , and adopted for spirituall kings . By faith Moses chose rather to bee partaker of the calamities of his people , Chuseth affliction . then to liue in the glory of Egypt : so faith doth stirre vp in vs a contempt of the glory , honour , riches , and pleasures of this world , and a desire of the heauenly kingdome . By faith we chose rather the rebukes of Christ , then the treasures of this world . By faith Moses left Egypt , Left Egypt . neither feared the kings wrath : so faith doth animate and confirme vs , that we be not terrified with the threatnings of the tyrants of this world , but that with a valiant and constant minde we obey God when he calls . By faith Israel did celebrate the Passeouer : The Passeouer . and we also by faith do celebrate our Passeouer Christ . Our Passeouer is sacrificed for vs , whose flesh is meat indéed , and whose bloud is drinke indéed . Israelites passe the Red sea . By faith the Israelites passed ouer thorow the Red-sea : so wée by faith do passe thorow the Sea of this world . By faith the walls of Iericho Iericho falleth . fell downe : so we by faith do destroy all the munitions of Satan . Rahab safe . By faith Rahab was saued : so in that vniuersall ouerthrow of the whole world , by faith we shall be saued from destruction . Fathers mighty by faith . By faith the Fathers ouercame kingdoms , stopt the mouthes of Lyons , put out the force of fire : so wee also by faith destroy the kingdome of Satan , escape the snares and rage of the infernall Lion , and are fréed from the burning of the fire of hell .

Faith , where it is 5 Howbeit faith is not a bare opinion and profession , but a liuely and effectuall apprehension of Christ proposed in the Gospell : it is a most full perswasion of the grace of God , a fiduciall rest of our heart , and peace relying on the merit of Christ .

6 This faith springs out of the séed of the word of God. It springs from the Word . For faith and the spirit are one : but the Word is the Waggon of the holy Ghost The fruit follows the nature of his séed . Fruit of diuine seed Faith is a diuine fruit , therefore there must be a diuine séed , that is to say , the Word . Euen as in the creation the light did spring out of the Word of God : for God spake , and the light was made : so the light of Faith springs out of the light of Gods Word . In thy light shall we sée light , saith the Psalmist . All the Word is light : but the word of promise bringeth in Christ , that Sunne that enlightneth euery one that commeth into the world . There faith doth spring from the word of promise as from the greatest light .

7 Séeing Faith doth ioyne vnto vs Christ : Mother of 〈◊〉 vertues séeing Faith doth vnite vs with Christ , therefore it is also in vs the mother of all vertues . Where is faith , there is Christ : where Christ is , there is an holy life , that is to say , true humilitie , true méeknesse , true loue . Without Christ we can do nothing . Joh. 15. Christ and the holy Spirit are not disioyned : where the holy Spirit is , there is true holinesse . Therefore where there is not an holy life , there is no holy Spirit : where there is no Spirit , No Christian life , no faith . there is no Christ , where there is no Christ , there is no true faith at all . What branch soeuer doth not draw life and iuice out of the Vine , it is not to be iudged to bée ioyned with the Vine : so we are not as yet ioyned vnto Christ by faith , vnlesse wée draw life and iuice out of him . Faith is a certaine spirituall light : for our hearts are enlightened by faith : Faith light . therefore it scatters abroad the beames of good workes . Where there are not the beames of a spirituall life , there also , as yet , is not the true light of faith . Ill works darknesse . Euill workes are the workes of darkenesse : but faith is light . Now what society hath the light with darknesse ? Euill workes are the séed of Satan , faith is the séed of Christ . Now what societie hath Christ with Satan ? Faith purifieth . By faith our hearts are purified : but how can there bée an inward purity of the heart , where impure words and impure workes appeare from without ? Ouercometh . Faith is our victory : therefore how can there be true faith , where the flesh ouercomes the spirit , and leades it as it were captiue ? By faith wée haue Christ , and in Christ eternall life : but no impenitent person and that perseuers in his sinnes , is partaker of eternall life : how therefore of Christ ? how therefore of faith ? Kindle in vs , O holy Iesus , the light of true faith that by faith we may attaine euerlasting saluation .

Solvit mea debita Christus . Christ payes my debts . 22. Meditation . Of the Reconciliation with God.

Christ our buckler . Gen. 15. TRuly God hath taken vpon him our infirmities , and hée hath borne our griefes . O Lord Iesus , that which deserued in vs eternal punishment , that hast thou translated vpon thy selfe . Refreshing Mat. 11. Thou hast taken vpon thée the burthen that was ready to presse vs down vnto hell . Thou art wounded for our iniquities , Health . and thou art smitten for our sinnes . By thy stripes we are healed . The Lord hath laid on thee the iniquities of vs all . Wonderful change Wonderfull truly is the change , thou translatest our sinnes on thy selfe , and thou giuest thy righteousnesse vnto vs : thou layest death , that was due vnto vs , on thy selfe , and giuest vnto vs thy life . I cannot therefore by any meane doubt of thy grace , No cause of despaire Christ taketh the worst that is in vs . or despaire for my sinnes .

1 Thou hast translated that which was worst in vs on thy selfe : how shalt thou despise that which is best in vs and thy worke , that is to say , our body and our soule . Leaueth vs not . Psal. 32. Thou wilt not leaue my soule in hell , neither wilt thou suffer thine holy One to sée corruption . For he is truly holy , whose sinnes are abolished and taken away : he is happy , whose iniquities are remitted , to whom the Lord doth not impute sinnes .

2 How can the Lord impute our sinnes to vs , when hée hath imputed them to another ? for the wickednesse of his people he strook his most beloued Son : Strooke for vs . he therefore with his knowledge shall iustifie many , and he shall beare their iniquities .

3 How shall he iustifie his ? Heare , Christ iustifieth . O souls , and attend : he will iustifie them which cleaue vnto him by knowledge : By knowledge . that is to say , by a sauing acknowledgement of Gods mercy and grace in Christ , and by a firme apprehension of the same by faith . Faith. This is life eternal , that they know thée the onely true God , Ioh. 17. and whom thou hast sent , thy Sonne Iesus Christ : and therefore if thou shalt confesse thy Lord Iesus with thy mouth , Rom. 10. and shalt beléeue in thy heart that God raised him from the dead , thou shalt be saued .

Satisfaction . 4 But faith doth apprehend the satisfaction of Christ . For he hath borne the sinnes of his : hée hath taken vpon him the sinnes of many , and hath made request for the transgressors . For truly he had had none iust , vnlesse hée had mercifully receiued the sinners .

5 Thou shouldest haue , No condemnation to the faithfull . O Iesus , few iust , vnlesse thou didst remit their sinnes to the vniust . How then shall Christ iudge the sinnes of the penitent in seuere iudgement , which hée hath taken vpon himselfe ? how shall he condemne him that is guilty of sinne , when he himselfe was made sin ? He shal iudge those whom he calls friends : he shall iudge those for whom he hath prayed : he shall iudge those for whom hée hath dyed .

6 Lift vp thy selfe , Haue peace with God. Rom. 5. O my Soule , and forget thy sinnes , because the Lord hath forgotten them . Whom dost thou feare to take vengeance of thy sinnes , but the Lord which hath satisfied for thy sinnes ? No other name vnder heauen . If any one else had payed the price for my sinnes , I might as yet doubt whether the iust Iudge would accept that satisfaction . If any man or Angel had satisfied for me , it might bée doubted whether the price of the redemption were sufficient . But now there is no place left for doubting . No feare .

7 How shall he not accept the price which he payed himselfe ? how shall that not hée sufficient which was paid by God himselfe ? Why art thou as yet troubled , O my soule ? Mercy and Iustice do comfort vs . All the wayes of the Lord are mercy and truth : for the Lord is iust , and iust is his iudgement . Why art thou troubled , O my soule ? let the mercy of God lift thée vp : let the iustice of God comfort thée . For if God be iust , he will not exact a double punishment for one onely fault . For our sinnes he smote his Sonne : how shall he smite vs his seruants for the same ? how shall he punish in vs the sinnes thae were punished in his Sonne ? for the truth of the Lord shall not faile for euer . Truth . I will not the death of a sinner , but that he may be conuerted and liue , cryes our God.

8 Come vnto me , all ye that labour and are heauy laden , and I will refresh you , cryes our Sauiour . Shall we go about to conuince God of a lye ? and shall wée endeauour to depresse his mercy with the weight of our sinnes ? The greatest sinne to distrust God. To accuse the Lord of a lye , and to deny his mercy , is a greater sinne then all the sinnes of the whole world : when Iudas sinned more in despairing , then the Iews in crucifying Christ .

Grace most rich . 8 But rather where sinne hath abounded , there grace hath abounded also , which is infinitely more weighty then the ballance of our sinnes . For the sinnes are of men , but the grace is of God. Sinnes are temporall , but the grace of our Lord is from euerlasting to euerlasting . Satisfaction is made for my sinnes : the grace of God is repaired by the death of Christ , and establisht for euer , to whom I flye with all deuotion and humilitie .

Sacrum Baptismalauacrum est . An holy bath is Baptisme . 23. Meditation . Of the fruites of Baptisme .

REmember , O faithfull soule , the great grace of God shewed vnto thée in the wholesome bath of Baptisme . Baptisme is the washing of regeneration : therefore séeing thou art dipt in the font of Baptisme , New birth thou art not altogether in the oldnesse of the carnall natiuitie : but because thou art borne of God , that is , by water and the Spirit , Sonne and heire . therefore thou art also a sonne of God , and because a sonne , therefore also an heire of eternall felicitie .

1 For as the eternall Father at the Baptisme of Christ , vttered this voice : Mat. 4 : This is my beloued Sonne : so all that do beléeue and are baptised , he doth adopt for sonnes . Euen as in the Baptisme of Christ , the holy Ghost appeared in the shape of a Doue : so also in our Baptisme , the same spirit Receiueth the Spirit . of the Sonne of God is present , and giueth force vnto it . Yea , by Baptisme he is bestowed on the beléeuers : and he worketh new motions in them , that they may bée prudent as Serpents , and simple as Doues .

2 As it was in the Creation : so it is also in our regeneration . In the first creation of things the Spirit of the Lord rested on the waters , and gaue vnto them vitall force : so also in the water of Baptisme the holy Ghost is present , Spirit of life . and makes it the wholsome means of our regeneration . Our Sauiour Christ himselfe would be baptised , that hée might make it knowne that wee are made his members by Baptisme . Christs members . Physicke to the head for the members . Oftentimes physicke is applyed to the head , that the other members of the body may be healed : our spirituall head is Christ , he tooke the physick of Baptisme for the health of his mysticall bodie .

3 In the Circumcision God did enter into a couenant with his people in the old Testament : so by baptisme we are receiued into the Couenant of God in the new Testament , Enter into the kingdome of heauen . because Baptisme succéeded in the place of Circumcision . He therefore that is in the couenant of God , let him not feare the accusation of the deuill .

4 In Baptisme Christ is put on . Christ put on . Hence the Saints are said to haue made white their long robes in the bloud of the Lambe . The perfect righteousnesse of Christ is that most faire garment . As a robe . Hée therefore that is clothed with this garment , let him not feare the spots of sinne . There was at Ierusalem a poole about the shéepe-market , Iohn 5. into which at a certaine time an Angel did descend and trouble it : he that first after the troubling of the water did go downe into it , was healed of whatsoeuer disease hée was holden . All diseases cured . The water of Baptisme is that poole which doth heale vs from euery disease of sins , when the holy Ghost descends into it , and troubles it with the bloud of Christ , which was made a sacrifice for vs : as also in time past in that fish-poole at Ierusalem the sacrifices were washed .

Heauens gate . 5 About the Baptisme of Christ , the heauens were opened : so also in our Baptisme the gate of heauen is opened . In the Baptisme of Christ there was present the whole holy Trinitie : so also he is present in our Baptisme . Trinitie present . And so in that word of promise which is annext vnto the element of water , faith receiues the grace of God that adopts , Receiued . the merit of the Sonne that cleanseth , and the efficacie of the holy Ghost that regenerates . Pharaoh and all his Armie was drowned in the Red-sea , the Israelites passed thorow well and safely : so in Baptisme all the army of vices is drowned , Vice drowned . and the faithfull come safely to the promised inheritance of the heauenly kingdome . Therefore Baptisme also is that Sea of Christall glasse , Reu. 4. & 15. which Iohn saw thorow , as thorow a certaine glasse , the bright shining of the Sunne of righteousnesse doth enter into our minds . Washed white before the Throne . But that Sea of glasse was before the throne of the Lambe : the throne of the Lambe is the Church , in which alone is found the grace of holy Baptisme .

6 The Prophet Ezekiel saw waters going out of the Temple , Chap. 47. Waters of health issue out of th Temple . which did quicken and heale all things : in the spirituall Temple of God ; that is , the Church , do as yet spring forth the wholsome waters of Baptisme , into the depth whereof our sinnes are cast : all things shall bee healed and liue , to which that brooke shall come .

7 Baptisme is the spirituall Deluge , Drowne sinne . in which all the flesh of sinne is drowned : the vncleane crow or deuill goeth out , but the Doue or holy Ghost flyes backe , and inspires into our mindes , the leafe of Oliue , that is , peace and tranquility .

Memorable fauors . 8 Remember therefore , O faithfull soule , that great fauour that was shewed vnto thée in Baptisme , and giue due thankes vnto God.

9 Howbeit by how much the grace bestowed vpon vs by Baptisme is more plentifull , by so much there ought to be a more diligent custody of the gifts that are conferred . Keep them We are buried with Christ by Baptisme into his death : therefore as Christ was raised vp from the dead , into the glory of the Father , so let vs also walke in newnesse of life . New life . Wée are made whole , therefore let vs sinne no more , Sinne no more . lest a worse thing happen vnto vs . We haue put on Christs righteousnesse , a most precious garment , therefore let vs not defile it with the spots of sinnes . Our old man is crucified , Fall not . and dead in Baptisme : therefore let our new man liue . Mortifie the old man . Wée are regenerate and renued in the spirit of our minde in Baptisme : therefore let not the flesh raigne Let it not raigne . ouer the Spirit . Old things are past away , behold , all things are made new : let not the oldnesse of the flesh therefore preuaile ouer the newnesse of the Spirit . Wée are made the sonnes of God by spirituall regeneration : therefore let vs leade a life worthy of such a Father . Walk worthy our Father . We are made the temple of the holy Ghost : let vs prepare therefore an acceptable resting place for so great a ghest . Clense the Sanctuary We are receiued into the couenant of God , let vs take héed therefore that we serue not vnder the deuils pay , Keepe couenant . and so fall from the grace of the couenant .

10 Bring all these things to passe in vs , O blessed Trinity , which art one God : thou hast giuen vs so great grace in baptisme , giue vs also perseuerance in so great grace .

Thursday Noone .

Psal 85.13 . O Lord God , be thou my light and defence : giue me grace and worship , and no good thing withhold from me that am thy seruant .

Christi Ecclesia sponsa . The Church Christs Bride . 24 Meditation . Of the Dignitie of the Church .

THinke , O deuout soule , how great a benefit God hath bestowed vpon thée , Communion . that hee hath called thée to the communion of his Church . My beloued is one , saith the Husband in the Canticles : one indéed , because the true and orthodoxe Church is one onely , the beloued Spouse of Christ . One Church . Without the bodie of Christ is not the Spirit of Christ , but hée which hath not the spirit of Christ is not his : he that is not Christs , One spirit ▪ cannot be made partaker of eternall life .

1 All without the Arke of Noah , Without , all perish , 1 Pet. 3. were constrained to perish in the deluge : without the spirituall Arke of the Church all are folded vp in euerlasting destruction . Not Gods sonnes . Hee shall not haue God his Father in heauen , which hath not the Church his Mother on the earth .

Meditate on this . 2 Thinke , O deuout Soule , that euery day many thousand soules go downe into hell , therefore , because they are without the bosome of the Church . Nature hath not separated thée from them , but the grace of God alone that tooke pity vpon thée . When Egypt was wrapped vp in palpable darknesse , Darknes . amongst the Israelites onely was light : so in the Church alone is the light of the knowledge of God : they which are without the Church , passe from the darkenesse of ignorance in this life present , to the darkenesse of eternall damnation in the life following . He that is not a portion of the Church Militant , shall neuer bée a portion of the Church triumphant . Vnseparable communion . For these things are most inwardly ioyned together , God , the Word . Faith , Christ , the Church , and Life eternall .

3 The holy Church of God is a Mother , a Virgin , and a Spouse . Mother . She is a Mother , because she doth daily bring forth sonnes vnto God : Virgin. she is a Virgin , because shée doth kéepe her selfe cleane from the embracements of the Deuill and the World : shée is a Spouse , Spouse . because Christ hath espoused her to himselfe , in an euerlasting couenant , and hath giuen her the carnest of the Spirit .

4 The Church is that Ship Ship. which carries Christ and his Disciples , and brings vs at last to the hauen of eternall happinesse : the Church sailes , being furnished with the sterne of Faith , with an happy course through the Sea of this world , Steerman . hauing God her stéerman : Rowers . Fraight . the Angels her Rowers : carrying the Quires of all the Saints : and in the midst of her , as her Mast , Mast . is set vp the wholesome trée of the Crosse , on which are hanged vp the sailes of the faith of the Gospel : Winde . by which the holy Ghost blowing on them , she is brought to the security of the eternall rest .

Vineyard . Isa. 5. Planted . 5 The Church is that Vineyard which God hath planted in the field of this world : which he hath watered with his bloud : Watred . which he hath compast with the hedge Hedged . of Angelicall protection : in it he hath built the wine-presse Wine-presse . of his passion : and out of it he hath taken stones Stones taken out . & stumbling blocks . Reu. 12. The Church is that Woman Woman clothed . which is clothed with the Sunne , because shée is couered with Christs righteousnesse : Her footstoole . she treads the Moone vnder her féet , because she despiseth earthly things , that are subiect to diuers changes : crowned with starres for celestiall doctrine .

6 Consider this great dignitie of the Church , O deuout Soule , Meditations . and giue due thanks vnto God. Verily , great are the benefits of God in the Church , but they are not obuious vnto all . It is a garden A garden . that is inclosed , and a fountaine that is sealed vp : no man sées the beautie of a garden that is inclosed , but he which is in it ; so no man acknowledgeth these great benefits in the Church , but hée which is in it himselfe .

7 This Spouse of Christ is blacke outwardly , Blackes Psal 45. but faire inwardly : for great is the glory of the Kings daughter within . This ship is shaken with diuers tempests of persecution , Shaken . yet ariueth safe to her desired hauen . This Vineyard being downe , is raised vp : Cut. being cut , is increased . The infernall Dragon himselfe doth diuers wayes lay waite for this woman .

Among Thornes . 8 The Church is a faire Lilly , but yet amongst thornes . The Church is a most faire Garden , but when the North winde Winde . of tribulations blow vpon it , then do her Spices giue their smell . The Church is the daughter of God : but very much hated of the world . Shée lookes for the heauenly heritage , Hated . therefore she is constrained to be a pilgrime Pilgrime . in this world . In her pilgrimage she is opprest : in her pressure she is silent : in her silence she is strong and valiant : in her strength she ouercomes . The Church is a spirituall mother : Mother vnder the Crosse . but she is constrained to stand vnder the Crosse , as also Mary , of whom Christ was borne into the world , stood vnder the Crosse . The Church is a Palme , because it grows more and more vnder the weight of tribulations and temptations . Palme .

9 Thinke , O deuout soule , Depend on thy mother . of the dignitie of the Church : and take héed thou do nothing that is vnworthy of her . The Church is a mother , take héed therefore that thou contemne not her voyce . She is a mother , therefore thou oughtest to hang vpon her breasts . The brests of the Church are the Word and Sacraments . The Church is a Virgin : Keepe thy Virginity ▪ if therefore thou bée her true sonne , abstaine from the embracings of the world . Thou art a member of the Vir●in Church : sée that thou prostitute not thy Virgins members , and commit whoredome with the Deuill through sinne .

10 The Church is the Spouse Be a good Spouse . of Christ , as also euery deuout soule : let her take héed therefore that she cleaue not to the deuill . Thou art the spouse of Christ , sée that thou léese not the earnest of the holy Ghost that is giuen vnto thée . Thou art the Spouse of Christ , pray daily that thy Husband may make haste and bring thee in to the heauenly marriage . Now thy husband will come in the night of security : watch therefore , lest when thy husband shall come he finde thée sléeping , and shut against thee the gate of eternall saluation . Let the oyle Haue oyle . of thy faith shine , lest at the comming of the Bridegroome thou be constrained to desire it in vaine .

Make not shipwrack . 11 Thou art carried in a ship : sée that thou cast not thy self headlong into the sea of the world , before thou come to the hauen . Thou art carried in a ship , pray that it be not swallowed vp of the tempests of afflictions , and of the waues of temptations .

12 Thou art called into the Vineyard of the Lord : Labour . sée that thou labour stoutly , let the consideration of thy hire , the penny , take away from thée the tediousnesse of the day . Thou art the Vineyard of the Lord , Prune thee . cast away the vnprofitable branches , the vnfruitfull workes of the flesh : and thinke that the whole time of thy life , is the time of pruning and cutting . Thou art a branch in the true Vine Christ : sée that thou abide in him , and beare much fruit , Ioh. 15. because the heauenly Husbandman will take away the branch that beares not fruit , and will purge that which beares fruit , that it may bring forth more fruit . Thou hast put on Christ by faith , Affect not earthly things . Col. 3. and art clothed with this Sunne of iustice : kéepe therefore thy garments , lest thou walke naked : sée that thou tread the Moone , that is , all earthly things vnder thy féet , and in respect of the euerlasting good things , estéeme little of all things . O good Iesus , which hast brought vs into the Church militant , bring vs also at length into the Church triumphant .

Animarum sponsus Iesus . Iesus the Soules Bridegroome . 25. Meditation . Of the spiritual marriage of Christ and our Soule .

Christ the Husband . I Will espouse thée for euer to my selfe , saith Christ to the faithfull soule . Christ would be present at the marriage that was celebrated at Cana Testified at Cana. in Galilée , that he might shew that he came into the world to spirituall marriage . Reioyce in the Lord , and triumph , O faithfull soul , in thy God , which doth cloath thée with the garments The bride ▪ garments of saluation , and compasseth thée about with the vesture of righteousnesse , as a Spouse adorned with iewels . Reioyce for the honour of thy husband : A husband chiefe of a thousand . Cant. reioyce for the comelinesse of thine Husband : reioyce for the loue of thine Husband .

1 His honour is very great , for he is the true God , blessed for euer : how great therefore is the dignity of this creature , that is to say , the faithfull soule , that the Creator A Creator Comely . Psal 45. himselfe will espouse her vnto himselfe ! His comelinesse is very great , for hée is fairer then the sons of men . Truly they saw his glory , as the glory of the onely begotten of the Father : his face did shine like the Sunne , his garments were like snow : Mat. 17. grace is poured out in his lips : hee was crowned with honour and glory . A part of how great mercy Vnspeakable mercy . therefore is it , that bright beauty doth not scorne to chuse vnto himselfe for a Spouse , the soule deformed with the spots of sinne ? there is very great maiestie of the part of the Bridegroome , very great infirmitie of the part of his Bride : very great comelinesse of the part of the Bridegroome , very great deformitie of the part of the Bride : and greater is the loue of the Bridegroome toward his Bride , Loue . then of the Bride toward that most honoured and beautifull Bridegroome .

2 Sée the vnmeasurable loue of thy Bridegroome , O faithfull soule . Loue drew him from heauen to the earth , bound him to a pillar , fastened him to the Crosse , shut him vp in the sepulchre , and drew him downe to hell . Who did all these things but loue toward his Spouse ? Vnkinde Spouse . but our heart is more heauy then stone and lead , that the bond of so great loue doth not draw it vpwards vnto God , since first it drew God downe vnto men . The Spouse was naked , neither could shée so naked bée brought into the royall Palace of the heauenly kingdome : Hee clothed her that was naked . hée clothed her with the garments of saluation and righteousnesse , when shée lay wrapped in the lothsome garment of her sinnes , and in the most filthy rags of her iniquitie : he granted her , that shée should couer her selfe with shining and white Silke , which Silke are the righteousnesses of the Saints . This garment was gotten by the righteousnesse , death , Reu. 19. and passion of the Husband himselfe .

3 Iacob did labour fourtéene yeares , that he might get Rachel to wife : Serueth more then Iacob . Christ for almost foure and thirtie yeares did sustain hunger , thirst , cold , pouerty , ignominies , reproaches , bands , scourges , the bitternesse of gall , death , the crosse , that hee might get the faithfull soule a Spouse for himselfe .

4 Sampson went downe , and from amongst the Philistines , a people adiudged to destruction , Excelleth Sampsons loue . he sought him a wife : the Sonne of God comes downe , and chooseth him a Spouse from amongst men that were condemned & adiudged to eternall death .

Rom. 5. Enemies reconciled 5 The kindred of his Spouse was at enmity with his heauenly Father , but he hath reconciled it to his Father by his most bitter passion . His spouse was defiled in her owne bloud , Filthy . and cast out in the face of the earth , but he hath washed Washed . her with the water of Baptisme , and made her cleane in a most holy Bath . Hée hath cleansed the bloud of the Spouse with his owne bloud , because the bloud of the Sonne of God doth cleanse vs from all sinnes .

6 His Spouse was foule and deformed , Deformed Beautifull but he hath anointed her with oyle , that is to say , with mercy and grace . His spouse was not honourably attired , but hée gaue vnto her bracelets , and eare-rings , and adorned her with vertues , and diuers gifts of the holy Ghost . His spouse was most poore , Poore cnriched . and had nothing that shée might giue in stead of earnest , therefore he left vnto her the earnest of the Spirit , and tooke from her the earnest of the flesh , and brought it into Heauen . His Spouse was hungry : but he gaue vnto her fine flower and hony , and oyle to eate : hée féeds her with his flesh , Hungry fed . and with his owne bloud vnto euerlasting life . His Spouse is disobedient , Adultresse conuerted , is accepted . and oftentimes breaks her faith plighted in Marriage , shée commits fornication with the world and the Deuill : but out of his infinite loue , her husband takes her againe into fauour , as often as in true conuersion she returns vnto him .

7 Acknowledge , O faithfull soule , so many and so great tokens of his infinite loue . Loue , O faithfull soule , the loue of him , which for the loue of thée came downe into the wombe of the Virgin. Loue him againe . By so much ought wée to loue him more then our selues , by how much he is greater , which hath deliuered himselfe for vs . Let all our life be made conformable vnto him , which for the loue of vs hath conformed himselfe wholly vnto vs : he is accounted deseruedly most vnthankfull , which loues not him againe that loueth him : how much therefore is he to be beloued of vs , which for the loue of vs hath forgotten as it were his owne Maiesty ? Happy is the soule which is ioyned vnto Christ in the bond of this spirituall marriage . True happinesse , It doth apply all those benefits of Christ to her selfe safely and confidently : as otherwise in marriage , the wife shines bright by the beames of her husband . By faith we are maried to Christ . Engraffeth , But we are made partakers of his happy and spirituall marriage by faith alone , as it is written , I will espouse thee to my selfe in faith . Faith doth graft vs branches into Christ , as it were the spirituall Vine , that we may draw life and iuyce out of him . And euen as they that liue in marriage , are no more two but one flesh : so they which cleaue vnto the Lord by faith , Maketh one with him . are made one spirit with him , because Christ dwels in our hearts by faith , and that faith , if it be true , is working through loue , as a good trée beareth fruit .

8 Euen as in the old Testament the Priests were constrained to marry Virgins : Present thy selfe a Virgin. so that heauenly Priest doth couple such a Virgin to himselfe spiritually , which kéepeth her selfe whole and vndefiled from the embracements of the Deuill , the World , and her owne Flesh . Make vs worthy , O Christ , that one day wée may bée ledde in to the marriage of the Lambe . Amen .

Quid Deus est animae ? lux , medicina , cibus . What is God vnto the soule ? Light , Physicke , Meat . Prou. 9. 26. Meditation . Of the spirituall repast of the Soule .

THE most bountifull God hath prepared a great banquet , Banquet . but wée must bring hunger-bitten hearts vnto it . Hée doth not perceiue the swéetnesse of the heauenly banquet , which tastes it not , he tasts it not , that hungers Hunger . not . To beléeue in Christ , Ioh. 6. is to come to the heauenly banquet : but no man can beléeue , but hée which acknowledging his sinnes ; is truly contrite and penitent . Contrition is the spirituall hunger of the soule : faith is the hand , mouth , and stomacke that receiueth , and profitably digesteth this spirituall food .

1 God gaue Manna to the Israelites in the Desart , the bread of Angels : in this banquet of the new Testament God giues the heauenly Manna , Christ the true Manna . that is to say , his grace , the forgiuenesse of sins , nay , his owne Sonne , the Lord of the Angels .

Ioh. 6. 2 Christ is that true heauenly bread , which came downe from heauen , that hée might giue life vnto the world . He that is full of the huskes of hogges , that is to say , of the delights of this world , doth not desire that swéetnesse . The outward man doth not perceiue what is swéet to the inward . God giues his Manna in the Desart , that is to say , where all earthly food , Giuen where is no food . all earthly consolation is withdrawne from the soule . They that haue Wiues delay to come : the chaste virgins , that is , Virgins . the soules which neither cleaue to the Deuill through sinne , nor to the World through delights , doe come to this banquet . I haue espoused you a chast virgin to one man , saith the Apostle : Beware Adultery . our soule ought not to giue it selfe to spirituall adultery , that God may contract with it spirituall marriage , and so bring it to his heauenly banquet , where doth enter none that is vncleane They that were with-held with the delight of séeing of the field , did refuse to come , they which loue the pleasures of this world , Pleasures . doe not aspire to the heauenly sweetnesse . Desire is the foote of the Soule , our soule doth not come to this mysticall banquet , if it doth not desire it : the soule that is filled with the consolation of this world , cannot desire the heauenly sweetnesse . Riches . When the rich yong man heard , that the riches to which his soule did sticke fast , must bee forsaken for Christ , he departed heauy . Christ the heauenly Elizeus , Filleth the empty , not rich . Christ doth not poure in the oyle of celestiall swéetnesse , vnlesse all the vessels be first empty : the loue of God doth not enter into our soule , vnlesse the loue of our selues , and the loue of the world , do first go out of it . Loue draweth . Where our treasure is , there is our heart : if the world be thy treasure , thy heart is on the world . The force of loue is to vnite , if thou louest the earth , thou art vnited to the earth . Vniteth . The force of loue is to change , Changeth . if thou louest the world , thou shalt become worldly , if thou louest heauen , thou shalt be heauenly .

Couetous . 3 They that buy Oxen , and do trade , come not vnto Christ : they that cleaue vnto riches with their heart , séeke not the heauenly riches . Earthly riches fill the desire of the soule with a certaine false shew of sufficiency : lest it should go to séeke her true sufficiency in God , which doth fully satiate . All earthly riches consist in the creatures , in siluer , gold , buildings , grounds , cattell : but no creature doth truly satiate our soule , because that it is more excellent than all the creatures , No satiety in earth . for all of them were made for her vse . How weak the creatures are to fill and satiate our desires , appeares in death , in which we are forsaken of all the creatures . Flye at death . It is a wonder that we sticke so firmly to the creatures , when they sticke so weakly and vnconstantly to vs .

4 Adam when he turned himselfe away from the comfort of God , Lust of the world , is the losse of life . and sought delight in the trée of the knowledge of good and euill , he was driuen out of Paradise : our soule if it turne it selfe from God to the creatures , is depriued of the heauenly consolation , and is driuen altogether from the trée of life .

Neglecters depriued of food . 5 But what remains to them which neglect this banquet ? the world passeth away , and all that cleaue vnto it : the creatures passe away , and all that put their hope in them . The heauenly Father sweares that they shall not taste of his Supper , which preferre Oxen , Farmes , Wiues , that is to say , whatsoeuer earthly things , before the swéetnesse of the heauenly Banquet . After Supper there is no more meat prouided , when Christ is neglected , there remaineth no further remedie . Those contemners shall bée punished with eternall famine , Famished . and shall liue in euerlasting darkenesse , which would not heare Christs calling , Come vnto mée yée which labour , and are laden . They shall heare him sometime commanding , Go ye cursed into euerlasting fire . Cursed .

6 The Sodomites were consumed with fire , Like Sodomites . when called to this banquet by the preaching of Lot , they refused to come : the fire of the wrath of God that endures for euer , shall consume them , which being called by the Gospel , haue despised this banquet . When the Bridegroome was comming , Foolish Virgins . the Virgins , whose Lamps were destitute of oyle , made delay ; in the meane time the gate was shut : they whose hearts are not filled with the oyle of the holy Ghost in this world , Christ will not let them into his ioy , but the gate of indulgence shall be shut against them , the gate of mercy , the gate of consolation , the gate of hope , the gate of grace , the gate of good works .

7 There is as yet a certaine inward calling of Christ : happy is he which heares it . Happy hearers , knockers by sighes . Chiist oftentimes knocks at the doore of our hearts by holy desires , by deuout sighes , by holy cogitations , happy is he that opens to him when hée knocks .

8 As soone as thou féelest any holy desire of heauenly grace in thy heart , Desire . set downe this surely with thy selfe , that Christ doth knocke at thy heart : Open. let him in , lest he passe away , lest he shut against thée afterward the gate of his mercy .

9 As soone as thou féelest any little flame of holy meditations in thy heart , Meditation . thinke that it is kindled by the heat of the loue of God , that is to say , of the holy Ghost : foster and cherish that flame , that it may grow out into a fire of loue : take héed that thou quench not the Spirit , and hinder the worke of the Lord .

10 He that destroyes the temple of the Lord , shall féele his seuere iudgement .

11 The temple of the Lord is our heart : that doth hée destroy , Destroyers of the temple . which refuseth to giue place to the holy Ghost , calling him inwardly by the Word . In the old Testament the Prophets could heare the Lord speaking inwardly : in the new Testament all that are truly godly , do féele those inward motions and drawings of the holy Ghost . Blessed are all which heare and follow .

Mirari , non rimari sapientia vera est . Wisedome wondreth , enquireth not . 27. Meditation . Of the mysterie of the Lords Supper .

IN the holy Supper of the Lord , there is a great and wonderfull mystery proposed vnto vs , there is the treasure The Supper a treasure . and store house of the grace of God. We know that the Trée of Life A tree of life . was planted of God , whose fruit should keepe our first parents , and their posteritie , in the happinesse of the immortalitie wherein they were created . There was also placed in Paradise the Trée of the knowledge of good and euill . Which lost by sinne . But euen that same which was giuen of God for their health and life , and for the exercise of their obedience , that was an occasion of death and damnation : while they poore wretches are led by the inticements of Satan and their owne desires . Is here restored . Here againe is gotten that true Trée of Life , that sweet wood , whose leaues are healing , whose fruit is saluation : the swéetnesse thereof takes away all bitternesse of euils , yea , euen of death it selfe .

1 Manna True Manna . was giuen to the Israelites , that they might be nourished with heauenly food : here is that true Manna which came downe from heauen , that he might giue life to the world : this is the heauenly bread , and Angelicall food , of which if a man eat , he shall neuer hunger .

2 The Israelites had the Arke The true Arke . of the couenant and the propitiatorie , where they might heare the Lord speaking face to face : here is the true arke of the couenant , the most holy bodie of Christ , in whom are hidden all the treasures of knowledge & wisedome● here is the true propitiatory in the bloud of Christ , which makes vs to be beloued in the beloued . Neither doth hée onely speake vnto vs by inward consolation , The true Oracle . but hée dwels in vs . Hée doth not féed vs with heauenly Manna , but with himselfe . Here surely is the gate of heauen , Heauen gate . and the Ladder of the Angels : for whether is heauen greater , then hée that is in heauen ? whether is heauen knit nearer and straighter vnto God , then mans flesh and nature which hee hath assumed ? Heauen truly is the seat of God , but in the nature that Christ hath assumed rests the holy Ghost . God is in heauen , Heauen . but in Christ dwels the fulnes of the Godhead . Verily this is a true and infallible pledge of our saluation . He had no greater thing that he might giue : for what is greater then himselfe ? what is so straightly knit vnto him , as his humane nature , which being taken into the society of the most blessed Trinitie , Knit to the Trinitie . is made the treasury of heauenly good things ?

3 What is so straightly ioyned vnto him as his flesh and bloud ? but with this heauenly nourishment he doth refresh vs miserable wormes , and makes vs partakers of his nature , We are in him partakers of diuine nature . how not also of his grace ? who euer hated his owne flesh ? how therefore can the Lord despise vs whom he féeds with his own flesh , Despiseth vs not . & his owne bloud ? how can he forget them , to whom hée hath giuen the earnest of his body ? how shall satan be able to subuert vs , Satan hurteth not . when we are refreshed with heauenly food , that we faint not in the battell ? Christ doth estéeme vs deare , because hee bought vs deare : Deare to Chr st bought . he doth estéeme vs deare , because he feeds vs with deare and precious things : Fed. bee doth estéeme vs dea●e , because we are his owne flesh and members . Members . Healthfull Balme .

4 This is the onely soueraigne salue of all spirituall diseases : this is the salue of immortalitie : for what sinne is so great , that the holy flesh of God may not expiate ?

Quickening . 4 What sinne is so great , that the quickning flesh of Christ may not heale ? what is so deadly , that it may not be taken away by the death of the Sonne of God ? Deuils darts quenched Spots clensed . what darts of the deuill are so deadly , that they may not be extinguisht in this Fountaine of the grace of God ? What spot of the conscience is so great , that this bloud may not cleanse ? the Lord was present with the Israelites in the cloud and fire : Light. but here not the cloud , but the Sunne of righteousnesse it selfe is present , which is the present light of our soules . Here the fire of Gods wrath is not felt , Not feare of wrath . but the heat of his charitie , neither doth hée depart from vs , but hée makes his abiding with vs .

5 Our first Parents were brought into Paradise , that most fragrant and swéet garden , a type of the eternall blessednesse , that being admonished of Gods benignitie , they might yéeld due obedience to their Creatour .

6 Behold more then Paradise , Better then Paradise . in this place : for the creature is filled with the flesh of the Creator : the penitent conscience is cleansed by the bloud of the Son of God : the members of Christ , Benefits . the head , are nourished with the bodie of Christ : the faithfull soule is fed with diuine and celestiall banquets .

7 The holy flesh of God , which the Angels do adore in the vnitie of person , the Archangels do worship , the powers do tremble at , Most reuerend food . the vertues do admire , that is made our spirituall nourishment . Let the heauens reioyce , and the earth triumph : but more the faithfull soule , on whom gifts so great and of such qualitie are bestowed .

Christi sis prouidus hospes . Be Christs carefull ghest . 28. Meditation . Of serious preparation before the vse of the Lords Supper .

NO vulgar banquet , neither any feast of a King , but the most holy mysterie of the bodie and bloud of Christ is set before vs : therefore there is required worthy preparation : Worthy preparation . lest for life we finde death , lest for mercy we receiue iudgement . How doth that most holy Patriarks , Abraham . famous for the strength of his faith , tremble ? how doth he feare , when the Sonne of God appeared vnto him in the shape of a man , and told him before that he would ouerturne Sodom ? Here the Lambe of God is not set before vs to be looked vpon but to be tasted , and to be eaten . Tremble then at his presence .

1 Vzzias when he came vnconsiderately to the Ark of the Couenant , was forthwith striken with leprosie of the Lord : what maruell is it therefore , if hee eate and drink his owne iudgement , Tremble at the iudgement . which eats of this bread , and drinkes of this wine vnworthily ? for here is the true Arke of the new Couenant , prefigured by that old .

2 But the Apostle teacheth vs true preparation in one word : let a man , saith he , examine himselfe , Examine . and so let him eate of this bread . But as all godly and diuine examination is to be tried by the rule of the holy Scripture , in like reason also this , which the Apostle requires .

Our corrupt nature . 3 In the first place therefore let vs consider our owne infirmitie . What is man ? dust and ashes : out of the earth we are borne , of the earth we liue , vnto the earth we returne . What is man ? stinking sperme , a sacke of dung , and the food of wormes .

Fraile life . 4 Man was borne to labour , not to honour . Man was borne of a woman , and therefore with guilt : he liues a short time , and therefore with feare : he is full of many miseries , and therefore with wéeping : and very many , because of body and soule together .

5 Man knows not his birth : he knows not his death : we are for a while as the hearbe of Summer , And short . and that short life hath griefs and labours that are nothing short . Vaine compared to God.

6 In the second place , let vs consider our vnworthines : surely euery creature in respect of the Creator is a shadow , a dreame , nothing , so also is man .

7 But more and more hainous wayes is man vnworthy : for he hath offended his Creator with his sinnes . Sinnes . God is iust by nature and essence : he is angry therefore at sinnes by nature and essence .

8 What are we but stubble to that consuming fire ? how shall our most foule facts consist ? That cannot consist . or how shall our iniquities appeare , which thou puttest before thée , and our errours which thou placest in the light of thy countenance ? God is infinite , and alwayes like himselfe , Before an infinite God. of infinite iustice , and of infinite wrath . For if he be so in all his works , he is so also in wrath , in righteousnesse and in vengeance . God is altogether great and wonderfull . That spared not his Sonne .

9 He that hath not spared his Sonne , shall hee spare his other workmanship ? he that hath not spared the most holy , shall he spare an euill seruant ? In so great hatred is sinne with God , that hée punisheth it in his most beloued : which appeares in Lucifer , the chiefe of the Angels . The chiefe Angels .

Examine the Sacrament . 10 Howbeit , let this examination not onely respect our selues , but this blessed bread also , which is the communion of the body of Christ , then will the true fountaine of grace , and the vnexhausted spring of mercie appeare . God cannot altogether neglect vs whom he hath made partakers of his owne flesh : In the benefits . for who euer hated his owne flesh ? therefore these holy feasts shall transforme our soules : Of making vs diuine . these diuine banquets shall make vs diuine men , vntill at last we be made companions of the future felicity , being capable of God wholly and alone , and wholly like vnto God. That which wée haue here in faith , and in a mysterie , there we shall haue in déed and most openly . Let vs therefore examine our selues , whether wée be in the faith or not : Examine then thine eye of faith by knowledge , whether it truly discerne the Lords body , in this mysterie . Examine the ground of thy faith , whether it bee assured , without wauering . Examine the fruit of thy faith , whether it hath banished all vngodlinesse and vnrighteousnesse , and hath begot an Academy of vertues : so shall temptations giue ground , and flye , and so shall appeare the happy change of thy soule .

11 Our bodies also shall attaine this dignitie , Happy body . that in them wée shall sée God face to face , which now are the temples of the holy God : and are sanctified and quickened by the body and bloud of Christ dwelling in them . This most holy salue heales all the wounds of sinnes : All whole by salue . this quickening flesh ouercomes all mortal sinne . This is the most holy seale of the promises of God , By promises sealed . which we may shew before the iudgement of God. This pledge By pledge . being giuen vs , we boast safely of eternall life . If Christs body and bloud be exhibited vnto vs , then also all the benefits which are gotten by that most holy bodie , and by that blessed bloud . Gift . How shall hée that hath giuen vs greater things , deny vs the lesse ? he that hath giuen his Sonne vnto vs , Rom. 8. how shall hée not with him giue vs all things ?

12 Therefore let the Spouse reioyce : Reioyce . because the time is nigh , that she shall be called to the marriage of the Lambe . Let her bée cloathed Be clothed . with her precious garments , let her take the wedding garment , that she be not found naked . That garment is the righteousnesse of the Bridegroome , which we put on in Baptisme . So farre is it that our righteousnesse should be the wedding garment , that it is rather the cloath of a menstruous woman . Let vs therefore feare to bring to the solemnitie of that marriage , the most filthy and stinking garments of our owne works : let the Lord cloath vs , that we be not found naked .

Vitae fons est caro Christi . Christs flesh , lifes fountaine 25. Meditation . Of the wholesome participation of the body and bloud of Christ .

HE that eates my flesh , and drinkes my bloud , shall liue for euer , saith Christ . Verily , great is the benefit of our Sauiour , that he hath not onely taken vpon him our flesh , and lifted it vp into the Throne of the heauenly glory : but also féeds vs with his body and bloud to life eternall . O wholesome dainties of the soule ! Wholsome dainties . O desired banquet ! O celestiall and Angelicall food ! Although the Angels desire to looke into that great mysterie , Seene of Angels . yet he did not take vpon him the Angels , Heb. 2. but the séed of Abraham , our Sauiour is nearer vnto vs , Christ nearest vs then to the Angels themselues : because wée haue knowne his loue out of this , that he hath giuen vs of his Spirit : In Spirit . and not onely of his Spirit , but also of his body Body . and his bloud , for so doth the Truth speake of the bread and wine in the Eucharist . This is my bodie : This is my bloud . How can the Lord forget them , Cannot forget vs . whom hée hath redéemed with his body and bloud , whom he hath nourished with his bodie and bloud .

1 He which eateth the flesh , and drinketh the bloud of Christ , abides in Christ , In Christ . & Christ in him .

2 I do not therefore greatly wonder , that the haires of our head are numbred , that our names are written in heauen , that we are written in the hands of the Lord , Excellent benefits . and that we are carried in his bosome , and in his wombe , because we are fed with the body and blood of Christ .

Dignity of soule . 3 Verily , great is the dignitie of our soules , which are fed with the precious price of his redemption . Great also is the dignitie of our bodies , which are the habitations of the soule , that is redeemed by the body of Christ , that are filled with the body Body . of Christ , which are the temples of the holy Ghost , and houses of the whole most holy Trinitie . For it cannot be that the same should abide in the graue , Christ raised vs . when they are nourished with the body and bloud of our Lord .

It feedeth vs by changing vs . 4 This is that meat of men , that are of age , we eat it , neither yet do we change it into our body , but are changed into it .

Liuely members fed . 5 Wée are the members of Christ , we are quickened by his Spirit , and we are fed by his body and bloud .

6 This is the bread which commeth down from heauen , and giueth life to the world : of it if any one shall eat , he shall not hunger for euer . That hunger not . This is the bread of grace and mercy , which if any man shall eate , he tastes and sées how swéet our Lord is , and of his fulnesse hée receiueth grace for grace . Tast sweet grace . This is the bread of life , not onely liuing , but also quickning , if any one eats of this , hée shall liue for euer . Liue euer . This bread commeth downe from heauen , neither is it onely heauenly , but also it makes the ghests heauenly Maketh heauenly ghests . which eat it wholsomely and in the spirit . They shall be heauenly , because they shall not dye , but shall bée raised raised . vp againe in the last day . But they shall bée raised vp not vnto iudgement , because hée which eateth of this bread , comes not vnto iudgement ; not to condemnation , because there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus : but to life Life . and saluation . For he which eats the flesh of the Sonne of man , and drinks his bloud , hath life in himselfe , and shall liue : for Christ his flesh is meat indéed , and his bloud is drinke indéed .

7 Let vs therefore be filled Be filled . not with the food of our owne works , Eate . but of the Lord . Let vs be drunken of the fulnesse not of our owne house , Drinke . but of the Lords . This is the true fountaine of life , The fountaine of life . he that shall drinke the water thereof , it shall become in him a fountaine of water springing vp vnto eternall life .

8 All ye that thirst , come Come . to these waters , and you that haue no siluer , make haste , buy , eate : let them that are athirst come : come also my thirstie soule , vexed with the heat of thy sinnes .

9 But if thou art destitute of the siluer of thy deserts , make so much the more haste : Haste . being destitute of thine owne merit , haste thée so much the more earnestly to Christs merit : make haste therefore and buy without siluer . Here is the chamber of Christ To Christs Chamber . and our soule , from which let not thy sins deterre thée , neither let thy merits enter with thée .

10 But what can our merits bée ? Without merit . They weigh siluer , but not for bread : and labour , but not for fulnesse , saith the Prophet . Our labours do not fill vs , neither is the grace of God bought with the money of our merits . Heare therefore , O my soule , and eate that which is good , and be delighted in fatnesse .

11 Those words are spirit and life , and the words of eternall life . Eternall life . The cup of blessing is the communicating of the bloud of Christ : the bread which we breake , is the participation of the body of the Lord . We cleaue vnto the Lord , therefore wée are one spirit with him : wee vse not onely the communion of nature with him , but also the participation of his bodie and bloud .

John 6. 12 Therefore I do not say with the Iews , how can he giue vs his flesh to eate ? But I rather crie out , how doth the Lord distribute vnto vs his flesh to eate , and his bloud to drinke ? I search not into his power , I wonder at his good will : Wonderfull good will . I looke not into his maiesty , but I worship his bounty : I beléeue a presence , Presence inward . I am ignorant of the manner of the presence : I certainly know that it is most strait and inward .

Ephes. 5. 13 Wée are members of his body : flesh of his flesh , bone of his bones : he dwels in vs , and we in him . My soule desires to be drowned in the cogitation of this most profound depth : The soule drowned in meditation . it hath not as yet found out by what words it may vtter or declare that goodnesse : but if is vtterly amazed at the beholding of that so great grace in God , and that so great glory in the blessed .

Thursday , Euening Prayer .

O Lord God , gracious and mercifull Father , hauing learned what is the nature and properties of true faith , and desiring it earnestly for the excellencie thereof , I come humbly to craue it at thy mercifull hands , that thou vouchsafing to enrich mee with so great a blessing , in the power thereof , I may ouercome the World , and being fully perswaded thereby of thy loue and fauour towards mee in Christ , in whom thou wast reconciling the world to thy selfe , I may know for certaine , that thou art at peace with me , and may also feele the fruits of my Baptisme in my soule , through which I had an entrance into thy Church ; the dignitie whereof is such , that thy Sonne hath knit it in the straightest bond vnto himselfe , in which alone is saluation ; out of which all that are , are yet in the state of damnation . O Lord , vouchsafe to keepe me alwayes within this thy fold , a lambe of thy flocke , a member of this Church . And to this end knit my soule vnto thee , espouse it to thy Sonne , that I may partake of this honour , and be made comely by his beauty , and enriched with his loue , and satisfied euermore with the fatnesse of thine house , partaking here of the spirituall repast that is offered vnto me in thy Word , and at thy Table , vntill the time come , that I shall drink the wine of gladnesse within thy kingdome , there to reioyce with thee euerlastingly , O blessed God , Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost . Amen .

Friday , Morning Prayer .

THis life being full of cares , this world full of snares , wherewith the cruell Nimrod , the Deuill , hunts for the soules of men : what shall be my comfort in this life , but thy refreshing , O God of all comforts and consolations ? What shall bee mine assurance and direction in the wayes of this world , to auoid the snares of death , but thy hand and thy staffe , O Lord , that leadest vnto life , euen those that walke in the shadow of death ? Giue me therefore thy refreshing Spirit , I do beseech thee , to comfort and cheare me vp in all the afflictions of my life , that I be not ouercome of too much sorrow . Giue me thy Spirit of truth to leade me into all truth , that I perish not in the common errours of the world , nor in the gaine-sayings of the rebellious children , nor fall into the pit that the enemie hath digged to entrap my soule ; but that preserued in the truth , I may walke safe from all dangers , through the labours of this vally of teares , towards my rest in the heauenly Countrey . Free me , O Lord , from all spirituall euils : keepe my soule from the iawes of the Lyon : take the seales of ignorance from mine eyes : take the cawle of hardnesse from mine heart : keepe me from presumptuous sinnes , that they get not the dominion ouer mee . Let not pride puffe me vp let not couetousnesse presse mee downe : let not the filth of mine owne flesh defile mee : let not the deceiuablenesse of the world beguile me : let not wrath and passion transport me : let not sloath make me to be likened to the Dogge , or to the Swine : let not enuy bleare mine eyes : let not surfetting drowne mine heart : let mee not presume to take thine office vpon me to reuenge my selfe , but grant that in all my pleasures , in patience I may possesse my soule . Haue pity ( O Lord ) vpon mine infirmitie , and loose the yoke of my captiuity , and from all sinne and danger of the enemie deliuer mee this day and euer , for thy deare Sonnes sake Christ Iesus , Amen .

Penetrant suspira Coelum . Sighes pierce the Skies . 30 Meditation . Of the wholesome efficacy of prayers .

THis is an excéeding great benefit of God , that hee requires the familiar talke of godly prayers : Talke with God. hee giues vnto vs the affection to pray , hee also giues vnto vs the effect of our prayer . Great is the force of prayer . Prayer forcible . which is powred forth in the earth , but workes in heauen . The prayer of the iust is the key of heauen : The key of heauen . prayer doth ascend , and Gods deliuerance doth descend . Prayer is the buckler of saluation , Buckler , by which all the darts of the wicked are driuen back .

1 When Moses did stretch forth his hands , Israel did preuaile against the Amalekites : if thou stretch forth thy hands vnto heauen , Satan shall not preuaile against thee . Weakneth enemies . Euen as a wall by the enemy , so the wrath of God is broken by the prayers of the godly .

2 Our Sauiour himselfe did pray . not for any necessity , Christs example . but that hee might commend vnto vs the dignity of prayers . Prayer is the tribute of our subiection , Tribute . because God hath commanded vs that we offer vnto him daily prayers , as a certaine spirituall tribute . It is the ladder of our ascension : A Ladder . because prayer is nothing else but a certaine peregrination of the minde vnto God. It is the buckler of our defence : Buckler . because the soule of a liuing man is safe in prayer from the assaults of the deuill . It is the faithfull messenger of Embassage : Messenger . because prayer ascends to the Throne of God , and inuites him to helpe vs : this messenger is neuer frustrate of his purpose , for God alwayes heares vs , if not according to our will , Euerheard yet for our profit and saluation . We may hope for one of the two vndoubtedly , either hée will giue vs that which we aske , For good . or that which he knoweth to be more profitable .

5 God gaue his Sonne , that most excellent gift , being not intreated : what shall hée do being intreated ? Without doubt . we can neither doubt of the Fathers hearing , nor the Sonnes intercession . In any cause whatsoeuer , thou mayest enter with Moses into the Tabernacle , to aske counsell of the Lord , and thou shalt soone heare the answer of God. When Christ prayed , hée was transfigured : so in prayer there are made great changes in the soule because prayer is the light of the soule , Transfiguring the soule . which very often leaues him triumphing whom it found despairing . With what forehead doest thou behold the Sunne , All sanctified by prayer , Sunne . vnlesse thou hast first worshiped him which sends that most swéet light to thine eyes ? by what meanes doest thou enioy thy table , Table . vnlesse thou hast first worshiped him , which doth giue and minister vnto thée so great good ? with what hope wilt thou deliuer thy selfe to thy nights rest , Rest . vnlesse thou hast first guarded thy selfe with prayer ? What fruit canst thou hope for of thy labours , Labours . vnlesse thou hast first worshipt him , without whom all labour is vnprofitable ? Aske . If therefore thou desire gifts either spirituall or corporall , aske , and thou shalt receiue . If thou desire Christ , séeke Seeke . him by prayers , and thou shalt finde him . If thou desire to haue the doore of Gods grace and eternall saluation opened vnto thée , knocke Knocke. at it by prayers , and it shall be opened vnto thée : If the thirst of tentations and the penury of spirituall good things doth afflict thée in the Desart of this world , draw néere Draw neare . to the rocke of spirituall things , which is Christ , by deuotion , and smite it with the rod of prayer , and thou shalt féele that the waters of Gods peace can quench the thirst of thy penury .

4 Wilt thou offer Offer . an acceptable sacrifice vnto God ? offer prayers : God shall féele the odour of swéetenesse , and his wrath will cease . Wilt thou daily be conuersant with GOD ? loue prayeers , Conferre . which are the spirituall conference of GOD and the deuout soule ? Tast God. wilt thou taste how swéete the Lord is ? inuite him by prayers to the house of thy heart .

5 Prayer doth please GOD but it is that prayer which is made after a due manner : therefore he which desires to be heard , let him pray wisely , As hee ought . Wisely . ardently humbly , faithfully and confidently . Let him pray wisely , that is , that hée pray for those thinges which serue for the glory of God and the saluation of his neighbours . GOD is almighty , therefore thou maist not let him downe a measure in thy prayers : hée is most wise , therefore thou maist not prescribe him an order : prayers may not breake foorth rashly , but let them follow , faith going before : but faith respects the word . Those things therefore which GOD promiseth absolutely in his word , thou mayest pray absolutely Absolutely for : those things which he promiseth with a condition , With condition . as temporall things , those thou mayest likewise pray for with a condition : those things which hée by no meanes promiseth , No promise , no prayer . thou mayest also by no meanes pray for . Oft-times God grants that when hée is angrie , which hée denyes when hée is pleased : follow Christ therefore , which wholly resigneth his will vnto God. Gods will be done . 2. Ardently : Secondly , let him pray ardently : for how canst thou require that God should heare thée , when thou canst not heare thy selfe ? Wilt thou haue God to be mindfull of thée , when thou art not mindfull of thy selfe ? When thou wilt pray , go into thy chamber , and shut the doores : thy chamber is thy heart , into it thou must enter . If thou wilt pray after a due manner , thou must shut to thy doores , lest the thoughts of worldly businesses chance to trouble thée . See none trouble thee . The words come not to the eares of God , vnlesse there be an affection of the minde . Stirre the minde . The minde ought to be so stirred vp with the heate of cogitation , that it may farre go beyond all that which the tongue expresseth : and this is to worship in spirit In Spirit . and truth , which the Lord requireth . Christ did pray in the mount , and lifted vp Job . 4. Lift vp . his eyes to heauen : so hauing turned our minde away from all the creatures , we ought to turne it vnto God. Thou doest iniury vnto God , if thou prayest him that hée would attend vnto thée , when thou doest not attend to thy selfe . Wee may pray vncessantly , if we pray in the Spirit , that is , if our minde do alwayes watch with holy desires vnto God.

No cryes . 6 It is not alwayes needfull to cry out , because God also heares the sighes of the heart , séeing bee dwels in the hearts of the godly . Much babling . There is not alwayes need of many words , because hee is also amidst our thoughts . Sometimes one grone , One true grone . one sigh stirred vp by the holy spirit , and offered in the spirit vnto God , is more acceptable vnto God , then the prolixe saying of prayers , where the tongue speakes , but the heart is dumbe . Thirdly , let him pray humbly , 3 Humbly . Without our merit . that hee trust not to his owne merit , but onely to the grace of God. If our prayers rely on our owne worthinesse , they are condemned , although for deuotion our heart should sweate out blood . No man pleaseth God , but in Christ : In Christ . therefore also no man prayes aright , vnlesse through Christ , and for Christ . The sacrifices did not please God , which were not offered on that onely altar of the Tabernacle : Prayer pleaseth not God , which is not offered on that onely altar The onely altar . Christ . The Israelites were promised the hearing of their prayers , if they prayed with their face turned to Ierusalem : so let vs turne our selues vnto Christ in our prayers , which is the temple of the Diuinity . And diuine Temple .

7 Christ being about to pray in his passion , Cast thee downe . casts himselfe on the earth : sée how that most holy soule doth humble himselfe before the diuine maiesty ! Fourthly , let him pray faithfully , 4 Faithfully . that he offer himselfe to the wanting of all ioy in himselfe , and to the patience of all punishment . By how much a man praies the sooner , by so much the more profitable . Soone . By how much the oftner , Oft. by so much againe the more profitably . By how much the more feruently , Feruent . by so much the more acceptably vnto God. Fifthly , let him pray confidently , 5 Confidently . and with perseuerance : Perseuere . because when the Lord giues slowly , hée commends his gifts , he doth not deny them . Things that are long in desiring , are the more swéet in the obtaining . Againe , let him pray confidently , that is , that he make request , nothing doubting Not doubting . in faith . O most mercifull God , which hast commanded vs to pray , grant also that we may pray aright , and thereby obtaine that which is for our good .

Sanctis sacer Angelus astat . Saints kept by Angels . 31. Meditation . Of the custodie of the holy Angels .

THinke , O deuout soule , Angels assist vs . how great the grace of God is , that hée hath appointed thée the guard of Angels . The heauenly Father sends his Sonne to deliuer vs , the Sonne of God was incarnate to saue vs , the holy Ghost is sent to sanctifie vs : the Angels are sent to protect vs . Protect vs . So therefore the whole Court of heauen All the Court of Heauen . doth as it were serue , and traduceth their benefits vnto vs . I do now no more maruell , that all the inferiour Creatures were created for man , when the Angels themselues , which are farre more worthie Creatures , Creatures . do not deny their ministerie vnto man .

1 What maruell is it , that the heauen doth minister light Light. vnto vs in the day , that wée may labour : darknesse Darke . in the night , that we may rest , when the inhabitants themselues of the heauenly kingdome minister vnto vs ? What maruell that the aire Aire . giues vs vitall breath , and all kinde of birds to obey vs , when the heauenly Spirits do watch for the preseruation of our liues ? What maruell that the water giues vs drinke , cleanseth our vncleannesse , waters Waters . our drie places , and affords vs all kinde of fishes : when the Angels themselues are at a readinesse , when we are wearied with the heate of calamities and tentations , that they may refresh vs ? What maruell that the earth Earth . doth heare vs , that it nourisheth vs with bread and wine , that it fills our tables with all kinde of fruits and liuing creatures : when charge is giuen to the Angels , that they kéepe vs in all our wayes , Psal. 91. that they beare vs in their hands , lest we offend our foot against a stone ?

2 The Angels were carefull of Christ , The Angels serued Christ . because an Angel doth tell of his conception , an Angel doth manifest his natiuitie , an Angel doth command him to flye into Egypt , the Angels serue him in the Desart , the Angels minister vnto him in the whole ministery of his preaching : an Angel is present with him in the Agony of death , an Angel appeares in his Resurrection , the Angels were present in his ascension , and shall bee present in his future returne to iudgement . As therefore the Angels serued Christ in the dayes of his flesh : So vs the faithfull . so they are also carefull ouer all them which are incorporate into Christ by faith : Members as they serued the head , so do they serue the members . They do reioyce to serue them in the earth , whom they shall sometimes haue for their companions in Heauen : Their companions , And fellows . they do not refuse their Ministery , whose most swéet fellowship they do sometimes hope to haue .

3 The tents of the Angels appeare to Iacob in the way to his countrey : so the Angels are giuen as kéepers to the godly in this life , As they did Jacob. which is the way to the heauenly countrey . The Angels protect Daniel Daniel . in the midst of the Lions : so they kéepe all the godly in safety , from the laying awaite of the infernall Lyon. The Angels do deliuer Lot Lot. out of the burning of Sodome : so they often deliuer vs by holy inspirations , from the deuils tentations : and by their protections , out of the infernall fire . The Angels carry the soule of Lazarus Lazarus . into the bosome of Abraham so do they translate the soules of all the elect , into the palace of the heauenly kingdome . The Angel brings Peter Peter . out of prison : so hée often deliuers the godly out of present dangers .

4 Verily , great is the power of our Aduersarie the Deuill , but let the custodie of the Angels comfort vs . Neither do thou doubt , but that these helpers are present Comfortable . Present . with thée in all dangers , because the Scripture , vnder the figure of the Cherubim and Seraphim , doth paint them out vnto vs winged , that thou mayest certainly resolue , that they will bée present with incredible swiftnesse , Speedily . to bring helpe vnto thée . Doubt not , but that in all places In all places . these protectors are present with thée : because they are most subtile spirits , Without impediment . whom no body can withhold . All bodies alike , howsoeuer they be solid and thicke , are pierced by them , and are peruious to them . Doubt not , They know . but that these spirits do know thy dangers and afflictions : because they alwayes sée the face of the heauenly Father , and are prest most readily to all his ministeries .

5 Thinke also , O deuout soule , that these Angels are holy : They be holy . therefore study holinesse , if thou wilt haue them thy fellows . The similitude of manners , doth especially reconcile friendship : accustome therefore thy selfe to holy actions , if thou desirest the custome of the holy Angels . Cause of care in all places .

6 In euery place and corner yéeld reuerence to thine Angel : neither do any thing in his presence , which thou art ashamed to do in the sight of men . These spirits are chaste , therefore they are driuen away Easily driuen away . with filthy actions . Smoake expells Bées ; and stink , Doues : so wofull and stinking sinne driues away the Angels that are the kéepers of our life . These guards being lost through sinnes , To our danger , by deuils . how wilt thou be safe from the snares of the deuill ? being destitute of the Angels protections , how wilt thou bee safe from the incursion of diuers dangers ? If thy soule want the wall of Angelicall defence , the deuill will soone ouercome it by the deceit of euill perswasion .

7 These holy Angels are sent from God to their ministerie : therefore thou must first bée reconciled vnto God by faith , Be faithful if thou wilt haue the Angel of God to be thy kéeper . Where there is not the grace of God , No grace , no Angel. there also is not the custody of the Angels .

8 Let vs behold the Angels as certaine sauing hands of God , which can moue themselues to no worke but by his direction . Directed by God. Ioy in our conuersion . There is ioy in heauen before the Angels ouer one sinner that repenteth : the teares of penitent sinners , are as it were the wine of Angels , but the impenitent heart driues away the Angels kéepers . Let vs therefore repent vs , that wée may stirre vp ioy to the Angels . Be penitent .

9 The Angels are of an heauenly and spirituall nature ; therefore let vs thinke on heauenly and spirituall things , Haue heauenly thoughts . that it may be a pleasure vnto them to bee present with vs . The Angels are humble , Be humble and pride is altogether hatefull vnto them , because they are not ashamed to do seruice vnto little children : why therefore is dust and ashes so proud , when the heauenly spirits do humble them selues so much ?

10 The craft of the deuill is specially to be feared at death , Proued for death . because it is written , that the Serpent layes waite for the héele : the last part of our body is the héele , the last terme of our life is death . In that last agony of death , most necessarie is the custodie of the Angels , which may deliuer vs from the fiery darts of the deuil , and conueigh our soule , when it is gone forth of the house of our bodie , into the heauenly Paradise . When Zacharias did performe his holy ministerie in the Temple , the Angel of the Lord came vnto him : Reioycing in prayers . so also if thou reioycest in the exercise of the word and prayers , thou shalt enioy the patronage of the Angels . O most mercifull God , which dost lead vs by the holy Angels through the wildernes of this world , grant that by the same we may be brought to thy heauenly kingdome .

Vitam moriendo lucramur . Life gained by death . 32. Meditation . Of the consolation in the death of our Friends .

THinke , O deuout soule , on Christ thy Sauiour , and thou shalt not feare deaths terrour . If the violence of death make thée sad , let the power of Christ againe lift thée vp . The Israelites could not drinke the waters of Mara , for the bitternesse : but God shewed Moses a trée , Deaths sweetning . which being cast into the waters , made them swéet . If thou art afraid for the bitternesse of death , God shews thée a trée which turnes it into swéetnesse , that is to say , the branch which springs out of the root of Iesse : that branch is Christ , whose word who so shall kéepe , he shall not sée death for euer .

1 Our life is full of burdens the ease of them therfore is good . Misery , not the man dieth The misery of a Christian man dyes , and not a Christian man . It is but a certaine taking of a iourney , A iourney . which we thinke to be death : it is not an end , but a passage . We do not léese our friends , but send them before vs : they dye not , but are as it were borne againe . They go before vs , they go not away , they depart not vtterly from vs : it is not a death , but rather a going away for a short time . The departure of the godly is the doubling of their life , their burialls are their aduantage . Deaths aduantage .

2 Our friends die : interpret it thus : that they cease to sinne : that they cease to be tossed vp and downe : that they cease to be miserable . Cease to be miserable .

3 They dye in the faith , interpret it thus : that they depart out of the shadow of life , that they may passe to the true life : Go to beter . out of darknesse , that they may go vnto light : from men , that they may go vnto God. Our life is a nauigation , Nauigation . death is the most safe hauen .

4 Wée must not therefore grieue that our friends are dead : but wée must rather reioyce on their behalfe , that they are come out of the turbulent sea , into the hauen .

5 This life is the prison Deliuerance from prison . of the soule , but death is the deliuerance : therefore Simeon being about to dye , cries out , Lord now lettest thou thy seruant depart . He desired to be dismissed , being shut vp as it were in the prison of his body . Therefore we must reioyce with our friends , that being fréed out of this prison , they are come to the true liberty . The Apostle likewise desires to be dissolued , Slauery dissolued . as though he were tyed to this body of earth , in a certaine wretched slauery . Shall we therefore bee sad , that our friends hauing wrested themselues out of these hands , are now truly frée ? shall wée weare for them blacke garments , when they haue taken on them white robes ? because it is written , that to the elect are giuen white robes for their innocency , Reu. 6.1 . and palmes in their hands for victorie : shall wée afflict our selues with teares and sighes for them , when God hath wiped away all teares Teares wiped away . from their eyes ? shall we mourne for them and trouble our selues in our sorrow , when they are in such a place where neither mourning , nor griefe , nor crying is heard any more , and they rest Rest . from their labours ? shall we kill vp our selues with immoderate sadnes for their death , when in the fellowship of the Angels With Angels , they enioy true and solid gladnesse ? shall we lift vp a wéeping voyce for them , when they before the Lambe sing Sing . a new song , hauing their Harps and golden Viols ? shall we grieue that they are gone out of this earth , when they reioyce Reioyce . on their owne behalfe that they are departed ? How much it profits to go out of this world , Christ sheweth , who , when his disciples were sad , because he said that they would go away , answered : If you loued me , you would versly reioyce .

6 If when thou diddest sayle a troublesome and stormy tempest , the waues being stirred vp with the force of the windes , should foreshew shipwracke Exempt from shipwracke . to come , wouldest thou not betake thée to the hauen with all haste ? behold , the world doth flit and slide , and testifies her ruine not onely by her age , but also by the end of things : and doest not thou giue God thanks , doest thou not reioyce in the behalfe of thy friends , that by a more timely death , are exempted from the ruines , and shipwrackes , and plagues that hang ouer their heads ? In whose hands is the saluation of thy friends more safely Safe . placed , then in the hands of Christ ? In what place shall the soule of the friends more safely abide , then in the kingdome of Paradise ? Heare what the Apostle saith of death : death is gaine : Gaine . it is gaine to haue escaped the increase of sinne , it is gaine to haue auoided worse things , it is gaine to haue past to better . If those whom thou hast lost by death , were very deare , let God be dearer , Let God be dearer . which would haue them to bée translated vnto himselfe . Be not angry with the Lord , which hath taken away nothing , but that which he gaue , he tooke backe his owne , Which taketh his owne . hée hath not taken away thine .

7 Be not angry with the Lord , that hée should aske that which hée gaue thée onely to loane . The Lord alone foresées the euils to come : Prouideth for them . therefore hee doth prouide for thine , lest they should be wrapped in the disasters to come . They that are dead in the Lord , rest swéetly Sweet rest . in their graues , when they that remaine aliue , are grieuously vexed , in the very palaces of their kingdome .

8 If thou hast lost thy deare friends by death , Thou shalt haue them againe . beléeue that hereafter thou shalt receiue them more deare . Shortly . A short space of time doth separate thée from them , blessed and secure eternitie shall ioyne thée againe together with them . When thou goest For we do hope on a most faithfull promise , that when wée go out of this life , from whence we haue sent some of our friends before vs , wee shall come to that life , where , by how much they shall be better known vnto vs , so much they shall be dearer More dearer . vnto vs , and without the feare of any dissension amiable .

9 The multitude of the heauenly spirits , shall receiue as many soules as there shall bée , and as many as haue béene before vs , with great applause . With applause . Here wée shall know the countenances of our owne Nation , and talke together with them : And knowledge . here the sister shall go with the brother , the sons with the parents , neither shall any euening shut vp their Festiuall dayes .

10 Do not therefore regard onely the time of forsaking , for that thy friends forsake thée in death : but also respect Respect this . the time of restitution , when they shall bée restored vnto thée in the resurrection . Where there is a firme faith By faith of the resurrection , there is not the shape of death : but of rest rather .

11 The whole vniuersitie of things is a looking-glasse of the resurrection . The resurrection shewed . The light By lights . that sets daily , doth shine forth againe : the hearbs Hearbs . that are dead in the Winter , do reuiue in the Spring : the Phenix Phoenix . doth engender it selfe againe in death : the times Times : begin where they are ended : the fruits Fruits . are consumed and do returne : the séeds Seeds . do not rise vp fruitfully , vnlesse they be corrupted and dissolued : all things are preserued by perishing : all things resume their shape out of death . What then , is God to be thought to haue set forth such types vnto vs in nature in vaine ? shall nature bée more mighty then God Gods promise . that promiseth the resurrection of our bodies ?

12 He which quickeneth the graines of séeds which are dead and putrified , More excellent them nature . by which thou mayest liue in this world , will much more raise vp again thée , and thine , that thou mayest liue with them for euer .

13 God hath called thy beloued to his chambers , do not enuie Enuyeth not . them their secure rest , shortly will come the time of raising them vp againe . Thou perhaps didst hope that thy friends before their death would bee profitable members of the militant Church : but it hath pleased God that they should be members of the triumphant The triumphant members . Church : it hath pleased God , let it also please thée . Thou perhaps diddest hope that they should haue gotten the knowledge of diuers things before their death , but it hath pleased God that they should learne true wisedome in the heauenly Vniuersitie : Truly wise this hath pleased God , let it also please thée .

14 Thou perhaps didst hope , that thy friends before their death should first béene lifted out of the dust , and placed with Princes : but it hath pleased God to associate them to the heauenly Princes , Aduanced . the holy Angels : this hath pleased God , let it also please thée . Thou perhaps didst hope , that thy friends before their death should get together much riches : but it hath pleased God that they should féele the pleasures Rich pleasure . of the heauenly kingdome : this hath pleased God , let it also please thée . O holy God , thou hast taken away that which thou hast giuen , thy holy Name be blessed for euer .

Friday Noone .

DEfend me , ô Lord , Psal. 91.4 . vnder thy wings , and keep me safe vnder thy feathers : let thy faithfulnesse and truth bee my shield and buckler .

That no euill happen vnto me , Verse 10. nor no plague come nigh my dwelling .

Domino mens nixa quieta est . The mind is quiet that relies on God. 33 Meditation . Of the true rest of the soule .

THE soule oft-times séekes her rest in transitory and worldly things , No peace in the world . but doth not finde it . Wherefore ? because the soule is more worthy then all the creatures , therefore she cannot finde rest & peace in those viler things . All worldly things are vaine and transitory : Which is transitory . but the soule is immortall : how therefore should she finde true rest in them ? All these things are earthly : Earthly . but our soule is of an earthly beginning , how therefore should she be able to fulfill her desire in them ? In Christ she finds rest , Rest in Christ by faith . In his wounds . hée can satiate and fulfill her desire .

1 Against the wrath of God , she rests in the wounds of Christ against the accusation of Satan in the power of Christ . Against the terrour of the Law in the preaching Preaching Bloud . of Christ . Against her sinnes accusing , in the bloud of Christ , which speakes better before God , then the bloud of Abel . Against the terrour of death shée is at rest , and trusts in the sitting of Christ at the right hand Sitting at Gods right hand , of the Father .

2 And so our faith finds rest in Christ , but our charity Charity resteth . Not on the world . also findes the chiefest rest there . He which loues earthly things , hath not true rest , because earthly things themselues haue it not , neither can they sufficiently satiate the appetite of the soule , because they are all finite , but our soule being made after the Image of God , desires that infinit good , But on infinit good . in whom are all good things .

3 As therefore our faith ought to relye on none of all the creatures , but on the onely merit of Christ : so our loue also ought to cleaue to no creature , no not to our owne selues : And on Gods loue for the loue of our selues doth hinder the loue of God : and we ought to prefer the loue of God before all things .

A Spouse . 4 Our soule is the Spouse of Christ ; therefore shée ought to cleave to him alone . Our soule is the habitation of God , Dwelling . therefore shee ought to giue place to him alone . Many séeke rest in riches , Not in riches . but without Christ there is no rest of the soule : but where Christ is , there is pouerty , if not indéed , yet in affliction . Hée the Lord of Heauen and earth , had not where to lay downe his head : and so would hée commend and consecrate pouerty vnto vs . Riches are without vs , Without . but that which must make our soule at rest , ought to be within vs . But to what shall our soule cleaue in death , when all things in the world are to be left ? That leaue vs . either riches forsake vs , or wée them , very often in our life , but alwayes in death . Where therefore then shall the soule finde peace and rest ? Many séeke rest in pleasures , Not pleasures . but that may be the rest and quiet of the body for a while , but not of the soule : at length follows the companion of this pleasure , griefe , and mourning .

5 Pleasures belong to this life : but the soule is not created for this lifes sake , because it is constrained to go out by death . How therefore can she finde rest in pleasures ? Not without Christ without Christ there is no rest of the soule , but what manner of life was the life of Christ ? Christ life . The greatest griefe from the first time of his Natiuitie , euen to his death .

No pleasure . 6 So hée that could truely estéeme of all things would teach vs , what wée were to thinke of pleasure . Not honours . Many séeke rest in honours : but they are wretched which are constrained to want their rest vpon euery change of the fauour of the people . Fleeting . Honour is a good externall , and most fléeting , but that which ought to giue rest to the soule , must bée in our selues . What wilt thou speake more of humane praise and glory , then of the praised picture of Apelles ? Consider the corner wherein thou lyest hid , how great is the proportion therof to the whole Prouince , to Europe , to the whole world , that is habitable .

7 That is the true honour which shall be bestowed hereafter of God vpon his chosen . Rest in thy end . The rest of a thing is in the end thereof , neither doth a thing rest naturally , but after it hath obtained his end and place . The end of the created soule , is God : Which is God. séeing it is made to the Image of God , therefore she cannot be quiet and pacified , but in that her end , that is to say , in God.

8 As the soule is the life of the body , In life . so God is the life of the soule : as therefore the soule liues truly , in which God Of God. dwels by spirituall grace : so the soule is dead , Without him dead . which hath not God dwelling in it : But what rest can there be to a dead soule ? that first death , in sinnes , doth necessarily draw with it the second death of damnation ? Damned .

9 He therefore which cleaues firmely in loue vnto God , Rest not disturbed . and cnioyes inwardly the diuine consolation , outward euils cannot disturbe his rest . In sorrow he is ioyfull , Ioyfull . Rich. Secure . in pouerty rich , in the tribulations of the world secure , in worldly troubles at tranquillitie , amongst the reproaches and contumelies of men pacified , Pacified . Euer aliue in death it selfe aliue . He cares not for the threatnings of Tyrants : because hee féeles inwardly the riches of Gods consolation .

10 In aduersitie he is not sad , Not sad . because the holy Ghost doth comfort him effectually within . He is not vexed in pouerty , Vexed . because hée is rich in Gods bountie . Hée is not troubled Troubled . with the rebukes of men , because he enioyes the pleasures Enioyeth pleasure . of Gods honour . He cares not for the pleasure of the flesh , because he accounts the swéetnesse of the Spirit The sweet spirit . more acceptable . He séekes not the friendship of the world , because he féeles the pleasures of God , Gods pleasures . who is kinde and friendly vnto him . Hée doth not gape after the earthly treasures , because hée hath his chiefe treasure Treasures . laid vp in heauen . He feares not death , Life . because he liues alwaies in God. He desires not greatly the wisedome Wisdome . of the world , because he hath the holy Ghost to teach him inwardly : the perfect takes away that which is more imperfect . He doth not feare lightnings and tempests , burnings , and the ouerflowings of waters , the sad configurations of the Planets , and the darknings of the Lights of heauen : because being lifted vp aboue nature , hée relyes by faith on Christ , hee liues in Christ . Liueth in Christ .

11 Hée is not drawne away with the inticements of the world , because he heares in himselfe the swéeter voyce Heareth his voyce of Christ . Hée feares not the power of the Deuill , because hée féeles Feeles mercy . the mercie of God. Strength . Hée is stronger which liues and ouercomes in him , then the deuill which in vain doth go about to ouercome him . Hée follows not the inticements of the flesh , because liuing in the Spirit , Quickening Spirit . hée féeles the riches of the Spirit : the quickning of the Spirit doth mortifie and crucifie the flesh .

12 He feares not the deuil his accuser , because he knows Christ to be his intercessor . Intercession . The onely Lord our God , which is blessed for euer , the Author and giuer of this rest , grant vnto vs this true rest of our soule .

Mihi Jesu gratia quaestus . Christs grace my gaine . 34. Meditation . Of an exercise of Faith , out of the loue of Christ in the Agonie of death .

SEe , O Lord Iesus , how iniurious I am to thy passion : my heart is vexed , and my soule is very sad , because I haue no works of mine owne , no merits , when notwithstanding , Christs Passion our action . thy passion is mine owne , thy works are my merits . I am iniurious to thy passion , because whereas that is most sufficient , I do yet doubtfully séeke mine owne workes supplement : Wrong to seek work for supply . now if I could finde righteousnesse in my selfe , thy righteousnesse would profit mée nothing : or surely I should not so much desire it . Law condemneth . If I require the workes of the Law , I shall bée condemned out of the Law.

1 But I know that I am now no more vnder the Law , but vnder grace , I haue liued wretchedly : I haue sinned , O holy Father , against heauen , neither am I worthy to bee called thy sonne , yet thou wilt not refuse to call me seruant . God calleth mee seruant .

Christs Passion freeth the soule . 2 I beséech thée let not the most holy fruit of thy Passion bée denyed mée : let not thy bloud waxe drie and barren , but let it bring forth fruite in fréeing my soule . Killeth sin . My sinnes haue alwayes liued in my flesh : let them , I beséech thée , Causeth the spirit triumph . Mortifieth the flesh . at length dye with mée . Alwayes hitherto hath my flesh had dominion ouer me , at length let the spirit triumph : let my outward man be subiect to rottennes and wormes , that mine inward man may come forth vnto glory . Alwayes hitherto haue I obeyed the deuils suggestions , at length I beséech thée , let him be beaten downe vnder my féet .

3 Satan is ready , and doth accuse me , but hée hath nothing in me . The shape of death doth affright me , but death is the end of my sinnes , and the beginning of a holy life . Now at length I can perfectly please thée , O my God , now at length I shall be confirmed in goodnesse and vertue .

4 The Deuill terrifies mée with my sinnes , but let him accuse him , which hath vndertaken mine infirmities , whom the Lord hath smitten for my sinnes . My debt is very great , neither can I pay any thing thereof : but I trust in the riches and benignity of my surety let him frée me which became surety for me , let him pay for me , which hath taken my debt vpon himselfe .

5 I haue sinned , O Lord , and my sinnes are very great , yet I will not commit that hainous sin to accuse thée of a lye , God acquiteth me which testifiest by thy words and déeds , and oath , that thou art satisfied for mine iniquities . I feare not my sinnes , because thou art my righteousnesse . Righteousnesse . I feare not mine ignorance , because thou art my wisedome . I feare not death , because thou art my life . Life . I feare not errours , because thou art my truth . Truth . I feare not corruption , because thou art my resurrection . Resurrection . Ioy . I feare not the sorrows of death , because thou art my ioy . I feare not the seuerity of iudgement , because thou art my righteousnesse .

6 Let the dew of thy grace and quickening consolation be instilled into my thirsty soule . Refresheth ▪ Comforteth . My spirit is dry , but shortly it shall reioyce in thée : my flesh languisheth , and is withered , but shortly it shall wax greene . Reuiueth . I am constrained to vndergo corruption , but thou shalt deliuer me out of my corruptions , From corruption . which hast deliuered mee out of all euils . Thou hast created me , how can the workmanship of thine owne hands bée dissolued ? Not to be diss●lued Thou hast redéemed me from all mine enemies , how then can death alone haue dominion ouer me ? Nor dye . Thou hast spent thy body and thy bloud , and all that thou hast , yea , euen thine owne selfe , for my saluation , how then shall death detaine those things which are redéemed with so precious a price ? Thou art righteousnesse , Christ Almighty to saue . O Lord Iesus , my sinnes shall not preuaile against thée : thou art the life and the resurrection , my death shall not preuaile against thée : thou art God , Satan shal not preuaile against thée .

Giueth the spirit . 7 Thou hast giuen me the earnest of thy Spirit : therein I reioyce , therein I triumph , and most firmely beléeue , nothing doubting but it shall bée granted me to enter into the marriage of the Lambe .

8 Thou art my wedding garment , Wedding Garment . most deare husband , which I haue put on in Baptisme : thou shalt couer my nakednesse : neither will I sow the rags of my righteousnesse to this precious and most faire garment . What is the righteousnesse of man , but a menstruous cloth ? how then should I dare to sow that abhominable ragge to the most precious garment of thy righteousnesse ?

9 In this garment will I appeare before thy face in thy iudgement , when thou shalt iudge the whole world in iustice and equitie . In this garment will I appeare before thy face in the heauenly kingdome : this garment shall couer my confusion & shame , Couers our shame . that it be remembred no more for euer .

10 There will I appeare glorious Glorious appearance . and holy in thy face , and this my flesh , this my body , shall be clothed with most blessed glory , I say , with glory euerlasting , and that shall endure world without end . Come , Lord Iesus , and hée that loueth thée , let him say , Come .

Christus Resipiscite clamat . Christ cryes , Repent . 35. Meditation . Of the fruit of true and earnest Repentance .

THE foundation and begining of an holy life , is wholesome repentance . Repentance . For where there is true repentance , there is remission Remission . of sinnes : where there is remission of sinnes , there is the grace Grace . of God : where is the grace of God , there is Christ : where is Christ , Christ . there is his merit : Merit . where is Christs merit , there is satisfaction for sinnes : where is satisfaction Satisfaction for sinnes , there is righteousnesse : where is righteousnesse , Righteousnesse . there is a glad and quiet conscience : Quiet conscience . where there is tranquillitie of conscience , there is the holy Ghost : Holy Ghost . where there is the holy Ghost , there is the whole holy Trinity : where the holy Trinity Trinity . is , there is life eternall : Eternall life ▪ therefore where there is true repentance , there is life eternall .

No repentance , no life . 1 Where true repentance is not , there is neither remission of sinnes , nor the grace of God , nor Christ , nor his merit , nor satisfaction for sinnes , nor righteousnesse , nor a quiet conscience , nor the holy Ghost , nor the holy Trinity , nor life eternall . Defer not .

2 Why therefore do we defer our repentance ? why do we cast it off till to morrow ? neither to morrow , nor true repentance , are in the power of our strength : Account for euery day . neither must we onely render an account of to morrow , but also of this day in iudgement . To morrow is not so certaine as destruction to the impenitent . God hath promised forgiuenesse to him that repents , but he hath not promised him to morrows No promise for to morrow . day to repent in .

3 There is no place for Christs satisfaction , Christs only plac● but in that heart where there is true contrition . Our sinnes make a separation betwixt God and vs , as witnesseth the Prophet Esay , but by repentance we returne vnto him . Acknowledge and be sorry for thy sinne , so shalt thou finde God pacified toward thée in his Sonne . I blot out thine iniquities , saith the Lord : Sins writ . therefore our sinnes were written in the Court of heauen . Turne thy face from our sinnes , Put out . prayes the Prophet : therefore God puts out our iniquities in his sight .

Sinne separateth . 4 Be thou turned vnto vs , O God , prayes Moses : therefore our sinnes do separate vs from God. Our sinnes haue answered vs , complaines Isaiah : therefore they do accuse Accuse . vs before the tribunall seat of Gods iustice . Cleanse mée from my sinnes , prayes Dauid : therefore sinne is a most filthie Filthy : soulenesse before God. Heale my soule , because I haue sinned against thee , prayes the same Prophet : therefore sinne is a disease Disease . of the soule . Whosoeuer shall sin against me , Blotteth vs out . I will blot him out of my booke , saith the Lord : therefore for our sinnes wée are blotted out of the booke of life . Casts vs away . Cast mée not from thy face , prayeth the Psalmist , therefore for our sinnes we are cast from God. Quencheth the spirit . Take not thy holy Spirit from mée : therefore the holy Ghost is cast out of the Temple of our hearts by sins , as Bées are driuen away with smoake , and Doues by stinke . Restore vnto mée the ioy of saluation : therefore sinnes do vexe the minde , Vex vs . and draw out the iuyce of the heart . The land is infected by her inhabitants , which haue transgressed the Law , cryeth the Prophet Isaiah : therefore sinne is a certaine contagious venome . Contagion . Out of the depths haue I cryed vnto thée , O Lord , saith the Psalmist : therefore by our sinnes we are depressed euen vnto hell . Depresseth vs .

6 Sometime we were dead in sinne , saith the Apostle : therefore sinne is the spirituall death Death . of the soule . By deadly sinne man loseth God : God is infinite and incomprehensible goodnesse , therefore to lose God , is infinite and incomprehensible euill . Incomprehensible ill . Greatest . Affliction not euill . Euen as God is the greatest good , so sinne is the greatest euill . Punishments and calamities are not true euils , because many good things are drawne out of them , nay , from thence it appeares that they are also good , because they come from the chiefest of good , that is to say , God , from whom there can procéed nothing but good : they were in the chiefest of good , that is to say , Christ , but the chiefest of good doth not partake of that which is truly euill . But good . They leade also to the chiefest of good , that is to say , eternall life : through his suffering Christ entred into his glory . And through many tribulations , Christians do enter into life eternall .

7 The greatest euill therefore is sinne , because it draws vs away from the greatest good : as much as thou drawest neare to God , so much thou dost recede from sinne : as much as thou dost draw neare to sinne , so much thou dost depart from God. Draweth from God How wholsome a thing therefore is repentance , which recalls vs from sinne , and reduceth vs to God ? Sinne , as great as God. Truly so great is sinne , as hée is great which is offended by the sinne , but him heauen and earth cannot containe : againe , so great is our repentance , as hée is great to whom wée returne by repentance . Repentance great Sinne accused by the conscience .

8 The sinner is accused of his owne conscience , which hée hath polluted : of his Creator , Creator . Fault . whom he hath offended : of the fault , wherein he hath transgressed : of the creature which he hath abused : of the Deuill , Abused . Deuill . whose instigation hée hath followed . How wholesome therefore is repentance , Repentance freeth . which fréeth vs from so great accusations ?

9 Let vs hasten Haste . therefore , let vs hasten to so wholesome a medicine of so great a disease . If thou repent at thy death , Before death . thou doest not leaue thy sinnes , but thy sinnes leaue thée : thou shalt scarcely finde any one that did truly repent him at his death , but that one Thiefe on the Crosse . Fourtéene yeares haue I serued thée , Then rare said Iacob to Laban : Do as Iacob with Laban . it is time that I prouide for mine owne house : and then , if thou hast serued this world and this life so many yeares , is it not fit that thou begin to prouide for thy soule ? euery day our flesh heapes vp sinnes , euery day Euery day therefore let the spirit wash them away by repentance . Christ dyed , Because Christ tooke them away . that sinne should dye in vs , and will we that that should liue & raigne in our hearts , whose life that he might take away , the Sonne of God himselfe did suffer death ?

10 Christ doth not enter into the heart of man by grace , Else Christ doth not enter . God first humbleth , then lifteth vp . vnlesse Iohn Baptist make way for him by repentance . GOD doth not poure the oyle of his mercy , but into a vessell that is well contrite . The Lord doth first kill by contrition , that afterward hée may quicken by the Spirit of consolation , Hée doth first leade vs into hell , by earnest griefe , that hée might bring vs backe out of hell by the sauour of grace . Elias first heard a great and strong winde , which ouerturned the mountains , and tore the rocks , and after the winde , an earthquake ; and after the earthquake , fire ; but at length followed the still noyse of a soft aire : so also terrour goes before the taste of Gods loue , Sense of terrour before of loue . and sadnes before consolation . God doth not binde vp the wounds , vnlesse thou do first acknowledge and deplore Deplore . them . Vncouer . God doth not couer them , vnlesse thou first detect them . He doth not pardon them , vnlesse thou first acknowledge them . He doth not iustifie thée , vnlesse thou first condemne thy selfe . He doth not comfort thée , vnlesse thou first despaire in thy selfe . God bring to passe in vs this true repentance by his Spirit . Amen .

Patientem respice Christum . Behold Christ suffering . 36. Meditation . An exercise of repentance , out of the Passion of our Lord Christ :

BEhold , O faithfull soule , the griefe of him that suffers , A blessed spectacle . the wounds of him that hangs , the torments of him that dyes vpon the Crosse . That head which is feared of the Angelicall spirits , is pricked Head pricked . with thicke thornes : the face which is fairer then the sons of men , is deformed Face deformed . with the spittle of the wicked : the eyes Eyes darkned . that are brighter then the Sunne , are darkened in death : the eares Eares haue mocks . which heare the praises of Angels , are full of the outragious mockings , and bitter scoffes of sinners : the mouth Mouth bittered . that vtters heauenly sayings , and teacheth the Angels , is drencht with Gall and Vineger : the féet , Feet nayled . Hands stretched . at whose footstoole there is worship done , are fastned with nailes : the hands which haue stretched forth the heauens , are stretched forth on the Crosse : the body , Body beaten . which is the most holy seat , and most pure habitacle of the Deity , is beaten and wounded with the Lance , neither remained there any thing whole in him , but his tongue , that hée might pray for those that crucified him .

1 He that raignes in heauen Heauens King crucified . with the Father , is most wofully afflicted of sinners on the Crosse . God God suffereth . dyes , God suffers , GOD poures out his bloud . From the greatnesse of the price , estéeme of the greatnesse of perill : Then great was our misery . from the price of the remedy , estéeme the danger of the disease . Surely , great were the wounds which could not bée healed but by the wounds of that quicke and quickning flesh : surely great was the disease , which could not be cured but by the death of the Physitian .

2 Consider , O faithfull soule , Great is our Aduocate Christ the burning wrath of God , after the fall of our first Parent : his eternall and onely begotten , and onely beloued Sonne , became an Intercessor . He made intercession : by whom he made the heauens : And hée the great Aduocate of our saluation , tooke the cause of vs poore wretches on himselfe . Notwithstanding , as yet was not his wrath turned away . Incarnate . Our Sauiour put on our flesh vpon him , that the glory of the Diuinity being communicated to our flesh , For vs in communion Expiation . might expiate our sinfull flesh : that the medicinable force of his perfect Iustice , being communicated to our flesh , Healing . might wipe away the venemous qualitie of sinne , sticking in our flesh , and that grace might be giuen to our flesh . Giuing grace . Notwithstanding , as yet was not his wrath turned away . Hée translated our sinnes and the merits of our sinnes on himselfe : Taketh our sins . Suffered . his body is bound , beaten , wounded , nayled , crucified , laid downe into the Sepulchre : Buried . Bloudshed . the bloud , like vnto dew , flows most abundantly through all his members as he suffers : his most holy Soule Sad soule . is sad beyond measure : nay , hée is sad euen vnto death : To death . hée is subiect to the paines of hell . Hell. The eternall Sonne of God cries out , Cryeth . that he is forsaken of God. Hée poures out such abundance of bloudy sweat : Sweat. hée féeles so great anguish , Anguish . that hée wants the comfort of an Angel , which comforts all the Angels : Death . he dyes , which is the giuer of life to all the liuing .

3 What shall be done in a dry trée , if this bée done in a gréene ? what shall bée done to sinners , All due to vs sinners . if this be done with him that is iust and holy ? More due . how shall he punish the sinnes of offenders , which was so fierce toward him that had not offended ? how shall he endure that perpetually in his seruants , which he punished so grieuously in his Sonne ? what shall they suffer whom hee hath reprobated , if he suffer so great things whom he onely loueth ? If Christ went not out without a scourge , that came in without sinne , of how many scourges are they worthie , which come into the World with sinne , liue in sinne , and go out with sinne ? The seruant reioyceth while the sonne sorrows grieuously for his fault : Wonderfull loue . the seruant heaps vp the wrath of his Lord , whiles the Sonne labours so much for the appeasing and pacifying of the wrath of his Father . Gods wrath feared . O the infinite anger of God! O his vnspeakable wrath ! O the inestimable rigour of his iustice ! he that is so fierce against his only and most beloued Sonne , which partakes of his owne essence ; not for any fault of his , but because he makes intercession for his seruant , what will he do to that seruant , that perseuers carelesly in sinnes and offences ?

4 Let the seruant feare Then feare seruant . and tremble , and be sad for his owne deserts , when the Sonne is punished for the merits that are not his . Let the seruant feare which doth not cease to sinne , Sinner . when the Sonne endures so much for sinne . Let the creature Creature . feare , which hath crucified his Creator : let the seruant feare , which hath slaine his Lord . Let the wicked Wicked . and sinner feare , which hath so afflicted the holy and iust ▪

5 Let vs heare him crying out most clearly : let vs heare him wéeping : he crieth from the crosse : Sée man , what I suffer for thée : I cry vnto thée , because I dye for thée : sée the paines with which I am punished : sée the nayles with which I am pierst : there is no griefe like to my griefe : when mine outward griefe is so great , mine inward plaint is more grieuous , when I find thée so vngratefull . Haue pitie , haue pitie vpon vs , thou that onely doest take pity , and turne our stony hearts vnto thée . Let euery seuerall branch of thy bitter passion , destroy a seuerall root of sinne in our naughty hearts .

Crux Christi nostra corona est . Christs Crosse out crowne . 37. Meditation . A consolation of the penitent , out of the Passion of Christ : taken out of Anselme especially .

ALl the glory of the godly Godly glory . is in the ignominie of our Lords Passion All the rest Rest . of the godly is in the wounds of our Sauiour : Life in Christ . our life is in his death , our glory in his exaltation How great is thy mercy , O heauenly Father , Almighty God ? I could offend thée by my self , but I could not pacifie thée towards me by my selfe : therefore thou doest reconcile Reconciliation . me to thy selfe in Christ .

1 Sée therefore , O holy God , the sacrament of his flesh , and remit Remit . vnto me the guilt of my flesh . Behold what the good Sonne hath suffered , and forget Forget . what thy euil seruant hath committed . My flesh hath prouoked thée to anger : but I beséech thée , let the flesh of Christ bend thée to mercy . Incline thy mercy Great is that which I haue deserued by mine iniquitie but farre greater is that which my Redéemer hath deserued by his pietie . To desert . Great is mine vnrighteousnesse , but much greater is my Redéemers righteousnesse . Righteousnesse . For by how much God is higher then man so much my wickednesse is inferiour to his goodnesse , as in quality , so also in quantity .

2 All that I am by condition is thine , grant also that by loue it may be all thine . Let me be thine . Thou that makest me to aske , make me also to receiue . To receiue . Thou giuest vnto mee to seeke grant mee also to finde . Finde . Thou teachest me to knocke , open therefore vnto mee that knocks . Of thée haue I to desire , Enter . of thée also let me haue the complement of my desire : Haue my desire . thou hast giuen me to will , To will . giue mée also to do thy will . O holy God , O iust Iudge , if my sinnes bée couered , they are incurable : if they be séene , they are detestable : they afflict me with griefe , but they do more terrifie mée with feare . I beséech thee , withhold not so true mercie , where thou doest acknowledge so true misery . Shew mercy to true misery . Thou findest here great sinne , let thy grace as yet be greater and more full . O holy Father , I beséech thée poure not forth vpon me thy wrath , Not wrath . séeing for my sinnes thou hast alreadie smitten thine owne Sonne . Holy Iesus , Iesus free me . frée mée from the wrath of God , which hast borne it vpon thée for me on the Crosse . O holy Spirit , protect me Holy spirit protect me . with thy consolation against the wrath of God , which hast preached mercie to the contrite and penitent in the Gospell .

O holy God , O iust Iudge , I finde no place No place else safe . into which I can flye from the face of thine anger . If I climbe vp into heauen , Heauen . thou art there , if I go downe into Hell , Hell. thou art there also , if I take the wings of the morning , and dwell in the vttermost part of the Sea , Sea . there also thine hand will leade , and thy right hand will lay hold on me . I will flye therefore vnto Christ , Christ safe and will hide me in his wounds . By his wounds . O mercifull God , behold the bodie of thy Sonne , wounded on euery part , with wounds , and behold not the wounds of my sinne . Let the blood Bloud . of thy Sonne wash mée from all the spots of my sinne . Heare his most ardent prayers Prayers . offered vnto thée for the saluation of thine elect .

Life a terrour . 4 O holy Ghost , O iust iudge , my life doth terrifie me , for being diligently sifted , it appeareth wholly to be either sinne or barrennesse : and if any fruit be séene in it , so it is , that it is either fained , or imperfect , or some wayes corrupted , that it can either not please , or else that it doth altogether displease thine eyes . Surely my whole life is either in sinne , and so damnable : or else vnfruitfull , and so contemptible : but why do I separate vnfruitful from damnable ? Damnable . for if it be vnfruitfull , it is damnable : for euery trée that bringeth not forth good fruit , shall bée cast into the fire : not onely that trée that brings forth euill fruit shall be cast into the fire , but that also which brings forth no fruit .

5 The Goates Goates ●errible . do affright me , that stand at the left hand of the Iudge : not because they haue done any euill , For omission . but because they haue done no good , they haue not giuen meat to the hungry , nor drinke to the thirstie .

6 O therefore dry and vnprofitable wood , and worthy of eternall fire : what wilt thou answer in that day , when an account Account feareful● . shall bée required of thée , euen to the twinkling of an eye , of all the time of life that God hath lent thée , how it hath béene spent by thée ? an haire of thine head shall not perish , nor a moment of thy time . O wofull streights ! Wofull streights . on this side of thée shall be thy sinnes Sinne. accusing , on that side , iustice Iustice . terrifying , vnder thée the horrible pit of hell Hell. gaping , aboue thée , the angry Iudge Iudge . threatning , within thée , thy conscience Conscience . burning , without thée , the world World. flaming . The iust shall scarce be saued , the sinner taken after this sort , whither shall he turne him ? to lye hid will be impossible ; to appeare will bée intollerable .

7 Whence therefore is the saluation of my soule ? whence is the counsell ? Iesus the counsellor who is it which is called the Angel of the great Counsell ? It is euen Iesus himselfe , the same is the Iudge , betwéene whose hands I tremble . Take heart , Conforter . O my soule , despaire not . Hope in him whom thou fearest , flye to him whom thou hast forsaken . O Iesus Christ , for this thy Name , do vnto mée according to thy Name , looke vpon mée poore wretch , calling vpon thy Name . If thou wilt admit mée into the most broad bosome of thy mercy , His bosom large . it will not bée the narrower for me . It is true , O Lord , my conscience hath deserued damnation , and my repentance is not sufficient for satisfaction : but it is certaine that thy mercy doth excéed all trangression . In thée , O Lord , do I put my trust , let mée not be confounded for euer .

Friday , Euening Prayer .

THou ( O Lord ) which hast taught vs to pray , hast commanded vs not to pray onely for our selues , but minding vs in the first words of that prayer which thy Sonne hath taught vs , of a common Father , hast shewed that we are to commend others to thy piety in our prayers , as well as our selues . Wherefore as a feeling member of that body whereof thy Sonne Iesus Christ is Head , I beseech thee that thy goodnes may bee plentifully shewed on thine owne Vineyard , thy Church , the inheritance which thou hast purchased to thy selfe . Water it ( O Lord ) with abundance of raine from Heauen , take out of it all things that offend , and commit abomination ; blesse it vniuersally , with all spirituall blessings : but more especially I do beseech thee , to looke on the members thereof , in these our kingdomes , and grant that here thy Word hauing free passage amongst vs , many Sonnes and Daughters may thereby bee begotten vnto thee . And because as in the health and good disposition of the body , the soule can better shew forth her force , and vse her faculties ; so also in the peace and prosperitie of the Common-weale , the Church will also the better flourish . Blesse Lord , and prosper the gouernment established here amongst vs : blesse the King , and his Progeny , with the whole Councell , Clergy , Nobility , Gentry , and Commons of this Land , and make these kingdomes as a City or a Countrey , that is at vnity in it selfe , which being safe from all home-bred enemies , may the better bee defended from all forraine inuasion , and power of the Aliants . Looke , Lord , I pray thee , on the distresse and affliction of all poore people , that are either vnder pressure of any want , sicknes , prison , infamy , or vnder any other kinde of trouble or danger ; be mercifull vnto them , and deliuer them , and giue them , for what they want here of outward comforts , a full measure of inward consolations . Behold with the eye of pitie , all men of a wounded heart , and broken spirit ; bring home to thy fold all sheepe that wander and go astray : forgiue mine enemies and persecuters , recompence their good plentifully to the souls of my Benefactours : deale graciously with those of mine owne flesh , and of my family ; and confirme me O Lord , in all goodnes , and keepe me safe this night , and the whole course of my life from all dangers , for thy deare Sonnes sake , Christ Iesus . Amen .

Saturday , Morning Prayer .

WHile I beare about mee this body of clay , this body of death , I am daily in danger for my body , lest the things from within or without me , offend my health , and be to me an occasion of ruine : as well plenty as penury may hurt me , as well that which I haue , as that which I want may annoy me : as well labour as ease may destroy me . What from the beasts of the field , what from the sonnes of men set on fire , what from the violence of fire , what from the tempests , infection , vnseasonablenesse of the aire , drought and moisture , heat and cold ; what from the depth and raging of the waters ; what from the pits and praecipices of the earth , I am daily in hazard of breaking and spilling this viall of bloud . The pestilence consuming with a whole band of other diseases , the warre wasting , and sword deuouring , famine pinching , and making to pine away , are three maine enemies of my bodily life . I may say of the dangers of my body , as Dauid of the number of his enemies , they are mo then the haires of my head . Seeing then I walke in the midst of so many perils , what shall be my securitie and defence against all inconueniences , feares and hurts , but the shadow of thy mercifull wings ( O Lord ) vnder which I do beseech thee , to hide me this day , and all the dayes of my life , that neither the shape of death affright mee , nor any euill come neare to hurt me , but that I may be preserued as in soule , so in body , from all things that may annoy me : which thing I beseech thee to grant vnto mee , for thy deare Sonnes sake , Christ Iesus . Amen .

Pietas sapientia summa est . Godlines chiefest wisedome . 38. Meditation . Of generall rules to liue godly .

Learne to dye . EVery day thou drawest more ●eare to death to iudgement , and eternitie : thinke therefore euery day how thou mayst stand in the seuere discussing of death and iudgement : And liue . and how thou mayest liue for euer . We must haue a straight care of all our thoughts , Looke to thoughts . words , and déeds , because hereafter a strict account must bée rendered of all our thoughts , wordes , and déeds . Thinke in the euening , that death Death imminent . hangs ouer thy head this night : thinke in the morning , Certaine . that death hangs ouer thy head this day . Deferre not thy conuersion and good worke till to morow , because to morrow is vncertaine , To morrow vncertaine . but death that hangs ouer thy head is alwayes certaine . Nothing is a greater aduersarie to pietie , Delay , foe to piety . then deferring . If thou contemnest the inward calling of the holy Ghost , To the holy Ghost . thou shalt neuer come to true conuersion . Deferre not thy conuersion and good deeds to thine age : but offer vnto God the flower of thy youth . Giue God thy youth . Age is vncertaine to a young man , bot certaine destruction is prepared for an impenitent yong man : Impenitent youth no age is more fit for the seruice of God then youth , that flourisheth in strength both of body and minde .

1 Thou oughtest to vndertake an euill action for no mans fauour : Respect no mans fauour . for not that man , but God sometimes shall iudge thy life : therefore resolue that no fauour of men is to be preferred before the fauour of God. In the way of the Lord , we do either go forward , or go backward , examine Examine thy mending . thy life therefore euery day , whether in the study of godlinesse , thou be proficient , or deficient .

2 To stand still Stand not still . in the way of the Lord , is to go backward : let it not delight thée therefore to stand still in the course of piety , but study alwayes to walke in the way of the Lord . In thy conuersation Wise conuersation to God. be kinde to all , grieuous to none , familiar to few : to God-ward liue godly , to thy selfe Thy selfe . chastely , to thy neighbour iustly : vse thy friend Friend . with fauour , thine enemie Enemy . with patience , all with beneuolence , those whom thou canst with beneficence : dye daily Dye daily . in thy life to thy selfe , and to thy vices , so in death thou shalt liue vnto God.

3 Let mercie appeare in thy affection , Be gentle . benignitie in thy countenance , humilitie in thy habite , modesty in thy dwelling , patience in thy tribulation . Alwayes think of thrée things that are past : Three things past . the euil that thou hast committed , Ill. the good Good : that thou hast omitted , the time Time. that thou hast lost . Alwayes thinke of thrée things present , Three present . the shortnesse of this life present , the difficultie to be saued , Short life : the small number Number . of those that are to bée saued . Saluation . Alwayes thinke of thrée things to come death , Three to come , Death . then which nothing is more horrible , iudgement Iudgment . then which nothing is more terrible : the paines of hell , Hell. then which , nothing is more intolerable .

Let day mend day . 4 Let thy euening prayers amend the sinnes of the day that is past : let the last day of the wéeke amend the faults of the dayes that went before . Thinke in the euening , how many haue béene cast headlong into hell that day : and giue God thanks that he hath granted thée a time of repentance .

5 Thrée things are aboue Three aboue . thée , of which let the remembrance neuer depart from thée . The eye Eye . that sées all , the eare Eare. that heares all , and the bookes Books . into which all things are written . God hath communicated himselfe wholly vnto thée , communicate thy selfe also wholly vnto thy neighbour : God to thee , thou to thy neighbour that is the best life which doth serue wholly for others . To all sorts . Shew to thy superiour obedience and reuerence , to thine equall counsell and helpe , to thine inferiour kéeping and discipline .

6 Let thy bodie be subiect to thy minde , Order . and thy minde vnto God. Respect . Bewaile thine euils that are past , lightly estéeme the good things present , and desire the good things to come , with the whole desire of thy heart .

7 Remember Remember thy sinne , that thou mayest grieue for it : remember death , that thou mayest cease from it : remember Gods iustice , that thou mayest feare : remember Gods mercie , that thou do not despaire . As much as thou canst , withdraw thy selfe from the world , Go from the world to God. and addict thy selfe wholly to the seruice of God. Thinke alwayes that chastitie is in danger Vertues in danger . in delights ; humilitie , in riches , pietie , in worldly affaires . Desire to pelase none but Christ , Please Christ . feare to displease none but Christ . Alwayes pray Pray . God that hee command what hée will , & giue what he commands : that he hide that which is done , that he gouerne that which is to come . Petitions . No Hypocrite . Such a one as thou wilt séeme to bée , such a one also oughtest thou to be , for God iudgeth not according to the appearance , but according to the truth .

8 In words , Words ▪ take héed of babling , because the iudgement requires an account of euery vaine word : thy workes , Works . whatsoeuer they be , do not passe away , but are cast as certaine séeds of eternitie : if thou sowe in the flesh , of the flesh thou shalt reape corruption : if thou sowe in the spirit , of the spirit thou shalt reape the reward of eternall retribution . The honours Honours , &c. follow not . of the world will not follow thée after death , nor the heaps of riches : pleasures will not follow thée , nor the vanities of the world : but after the last date of thy life , all thy works Works . will follow thée ,

9 Such therefore as thou wilt be in iudgement , such appeare Appeare well . to day in the sight of God. Estéeme not of the things that thou hast , but rather estéeme Esteeme aright . of the things that thou hast not . Be not proud for that which is giuen thée , but rather be humbled Humble . for that which is denied thée : learn to liue , Liue. while as yet thou maist liue . Here work In this life eternall life is either gotten or lost , after death there remaines no time of working , but there begins the time of recompence : The recompence in the life to come working is not looked for , but the retribution of works .

10 Let holy meditation Meditation . bring forth in thée knowledge ; Knowledge . knowledge compunction ; Compunction . compunction deuotion ; Deuotion . let deuotion make prayer . Prayer . A great good for the peace of the heart , is the silence Silence ▪ of the mouth . By how much the more thou shalt be separated Separated . from the world , by so much the more shalt thou bée acceptable vnto God. Whatsoeuer thou desirest to haue aske it of God , Aske of God. Giue all to God. whatsoeuer thou hast , attribute it vnto God : he is not worthy of the things that are to be giuen , which doth not giue thanks for the things that are giuen , the course of graces cease , where there is not a recourse of thanks .

All to the best . 11 Whatsoeuer happens vnto thée , turne it into good : as often as prosperitie Prosperity . happens vnto thée , thinke that there is ministred vnto thée matter of blessing and praising : as often as aduersitie Aduersity : befalls thée , thinke that it is an admonition of repentance and conuersion . Shew the force of thy power in helping , the force of thy wisedome in teaching , All to edification . Not hurt . the force of thy riches in doing good . Let not aduersity breake thee , neither let prosperitie lift thée vp . Let Christ bée the scope Scope . of thy life , whom follow in the way , that thou mayest attaine him in thy countrey .

12 In all things let this bée thy greatest care , profound humilitie , and ardent charitie . Charitie . Let charitie lift vp thy heart vnto God , that thou maist cleaue vnto him : let humilitie depresse thy heart , Humilitie . Esteeme God a Father . Lord . lest thou be proud . Estéeme God a Father in clemency , a Lord in discipline : a Father in mild command , a Lord in seuere : loue him as a Father , godlily : feare him as a Lord necessarily : loue him because he will haue mercy : feare him because he will not sin : feare the Lord , and hope in him : acknowledge thy misery , and proclaime his grace . O God which hast giuen vnto vs to will , grant vs also to performe thy will .

Domino iungaris amore . Be ioyned to God by loue . 39. Meditation . Of louing God onely .

God the true good . LIft vp thy selfe , O faithfull soule , and loue that chiefest good , in which are all things that are good , without which there is no other true good . No creature can exatiate our will , because no creature hath in it perfect , but onely Onely . the participated good . A certaine little streame of goodnesse is deriued from the diuinity to it , but the fountaine And fountaine . alwayes abides in God , wherefore then leauing the fountaine , will we follow these little streames ? all the goodnesse that is in the creatures , is but a certaine image and shadow of that perfect goodnesse which is in God , Perfection nay , which God himselfe is . Wherefore catching at the shadow , Body . will we forsake the thing it selfe ? The Doue which was sent out of the arke of Noah , could not on the sliding water finde where her foot might rest : so our soule , in the number of all things vnder the Moone , All else fragile . cannot finde any thing which can fully replenish her desire , by reason of their great inconstancie and fragilitie .

1 Doth not hée do iniurie to himselfe , which loues any thing below his owne worth ? Below our worth . But now our soule is more noble then all the Creatures , because it is redéemed by the Passion and death of Christ .

2 Wherefore then will it loue the creatures ? is it not contrarie to the Maiestie into which God hath exalted it ? whatsoeuer wée loue , Causes of Loue . wée loue it either for the might , Might . or for the wisedome , Wisedome or for the beauty : Beauty . but what is mightier then God ? what is wiser then God ? what is more full of beautie then God ? In a l God excelleth . all the might and power of worldly kings is from him , and vnder him : all the wisedome of men compared to Gods wisedome , is but foolishnesse : all the beauty of the creatures compared to that of God , is but deformitie .

3 If some most mighty King A mighty king offereth marriage . should deale by his Embassadors about marrying with a Virgin of low estate and condition , should not that Virgin do foolishly , if passing by that most potent king , she should adhere to the poore embassadours and Ministers of the king ? so God by all that beauty of the creatures would call vs vnto himselfe , would stirre vs vp to the loue of himselfe : Cleaue not to messengers . why then doth our soule , whom her Husband Christ desires , cleaue vnto the creatures which are as the Embassadours of this spirituall marriage ? the creatures themselues cry , Which aduise vs better . Why do you cleaue vnto vs ? why do you put the end of your desire in vs ? wée cannot fill your appetite : go to the Creator of vs both . There can no reciprocke loue bée hoped for from the Creatures : no loue also begun towards vs from the creature , God loues first . but God which is loue it selfe , cannot choose but loue him that loueth him : nay , with his loue he preuents all our desires , all our loue . How much therefore is he to be loued , which loued vs so much first of all ? Before we were . he loued vs when as yet we were not : for it is of the loue of God , that we are borne into this world .

4 He loued vs when we were his enemies : When enemies . for it is of the mercy and loue of God , that he sent his Sonne the Redéemer . He loued vs when we were falne into sins : Fallen . for it is of the loue of God , that he doth not forthwith deliuer vs vnto death if we sinne , but expect● our conuersion .

Translateth vs . 5 It is the loue of God , that besides our deseruing , yea , contrary to our deseruing , hée doth translate vs to the heauenly habitations . Loue bringeth knowledge . Without the loue of God thou shalt neuer come to the sauing knowledge of him : without the loue of God , all knowledge is vnprofitable , nay , it is hurtfull . Wherefore doth loue excéede the knowledge of all mysteries ? because this is also in the Deuils , that but in the godly . Misery not to loue God. Why is the Deuill most vnhappy ? because hée cannot loue the chiefest good . Wherefore on the other side , Happy loue . is God most happie and most blessed ? because he loues all things , he is delighted in al his works .

6 Why is the loue of God in this life not perfect in vs ? Loue as knowledge in part . because we loue but as much as we know : but in this life we know onely in part , and in a darke saying : in the other life wee shall bee perfectly Or perfect blessed , because we shall loue God perfectly : we shall loue him perfectly , because we shall know him perfectly .

7 No man can haue hope of the perfect loue of GOD in the other World , Begin here . that doth not begin to loue him in this world : the kingdome of God must begin in the heart of a man in this life , otherwise it shall not bee consummate in the life to come . Without the loue of God there is no desire of eternall life , Loue desires eternitie . how then can hée partake of the greatest good which doth not loue ? which doth not séeke ? which doth not desire ? Such as thy loue is , such art thou thy selfe , because thy loue doth change thée Loue changeth thee . into it selfe . Loue is the greatest bond , because the louer and the thing beloued are made one . To be one . What hath conioyned God the most iust , and forlorne sinners ? what hath ioyned these things together , so infinitely distant betwéene themselues ? infinite loue . Yet lest the iustice of God should bée impaired , With God the infinite price of Christ did come betwéene . What as yet doth ioyne together God the Creator , and the faithfull soule created , things infinitely distant ? Loue. By Christ to the highest degree . In the life eternall we shall be ioyned in the highest degree to God : why ? because we shall loue him in the highest degrée .

8 Loue doth vnite and change : if thou louest carnall things , thou art carnall : if thou louest the world , thou shalt become worldly : but flesh and bloud shall not inherite the kingdome of God.

9 If thou louest God and heauenly things , To become heauenly . thou shalt become heauenly . The loue of God is the chariot of Elias Elias chariot . ascending into heauen . The loue of God is the pleasure of the minde , the Paradise of the soule , Benefits of loue . it excludes the world , it ouercomes the deuill , it shuts hell , it opens heauen . The loue of God is that seale Seale of the elect . with which God doth marke the elect and beléeuing . God in the last iudgement will acknowledge none for his , which is not marked with this seale . For faith it selfe is not the onely true cause of our righteousnesse and saluation , vnlesse it shew forth it selfe by loue . There is no true faith , vnlesse there bée a firme confidence : there is no firme confidence Giueth confidence . without the loue of God : the benefit is not acknowledged for which wee giue not thanks ▪ we giue not thanks to him whom we do not loue .

Faiths fruit . 10 If therefore thy faith bée true , it will acknowledge the benefit of Christ thy Redéemer , it will acknowledge , and it will giue thanks : it will giue thanks , and it will loue .

11 The loue of God is the life and rest of our soule : Loue of God , the soules life . when the soule departs by death , the life of the body dyes : when God departs from our soules through sinne , In vs . the life of the soule dyeth . Againe , God dwelleth by faith in our hearts , he dwelleth by loue in our soule , because the loue of God is poured out into the hearts of the elect by the holy Ghost . There is no tranquility of the soule , Loue of the world troubleth it . without the loue of God : the world and the deuill are her greatest perturbation , but God is her greatest rest . There is no peace of conscience , but in those that are iustified by faith : there is no true loue of God , but in them which are affected with a filiall confidence Filiall confidence . in God. Therefore let there dye in vs the loue of our selues , the loue of the world , the loue of the creatures : that there may liue in vs the loue of God , which may begin in vs in this world , and may be perfected in that to come .

Sit vitae regula Christus . Christs life be thy liues rule . 40 Meditation . Of the holy imitation of the life of Christ .

THe holy life of Christ is the most perfect patterne Perfect patterne . of Vertues : euery action of Christ is also our instruction . Many would attaine Christ , but they refuse to follow him : they would enioy Christ , but they would not imitate him . Learne of me , because I am méeke and humble in heart , For disciples . saith our Sauiour to his Disciples : vnlesse thou wilt be the disciple of Christ , thou shalt neuer be true Christian .

1 Let not onely the passion of Christ be thy merit ; but let also the action of Christ bée the example of thy life . Thy beloued is white and ruddy : be thou also red with the aspersion of the bloud of Christ , and white with the imitation of the life of Christ .

2 How doest thou loue Christ truly , Imitation Of holy life . if thou louest not his holy life ? If ye loue me , saith our Sauiour , kéep my precepts . He therefore that kéepes not his commandements , doth not loue him . The holy life of Christ is a perfect rule of our life . One onely rule of the life of Christ , is infinitely to bee preferred before all the rules of men whatsoeuer .

3 If thou wilt be the adoptiue sonne of God , As the Sonnes sée how that onely begotten Sonne had his conuersation . If thou wilt be a coheire Coheires . of Christ , thou oughtest also to bée the imitator of Christ . Hee that will liue with vices , Vice ▪ hath giuen himselfe ouer to the obedience of the Deuill . But he that will be with the Deuill , how can he also be with Christ ? To loue sinnes and vices , Loueth the deuil . is to loue the diuell , because all sinnes are of the deuill : how therefore can he bée a true louer of Christ , Not Christ . which is a louer of the deuil ? To loue God , is to loue an holy life , Holy life . Loueth God. because all holy life is from God. How therefore can hee bee a louer of God , which is not a louer of an holy life ? The trial of loue is the shewing forth of the worke : it is the property of true loue to obey him that is beloued , Obeyeth him . to will the same with him that is beloued , to think the same things with him that is beloued . If therefore thou louest Christ truly , thou wilt shew thy selfe obedient to his commandements , thou wilt loue an holy life with him : and being renued in the spirit of thy minde , thou wilt thinke on heauenly things .

4 Eternall life is in the knowledge of Christ , Without loue , no vertue . but he that loues not Christ , doth also not know him : he which loues not humility , chastity , méeknesse , temperance , charity , doth not also loue Christ : because the life of Christ was no other thing , but humility , chastity , méeknesse , temperance , charitie . Christ saith , that he doth not know them which do not fulfill the will of his Father : therefore also they know not Christ , No knowledge of Christ . Christs Spirit fruitfull . which do not the will of the heauenly Father .

5 But what is the will of the Father ? Euen our sanctification , saith the Apostle . Hée is not Christs , which hath not the spirit of Christ : but wheresoeuer the holy Ghost is , there he is present with his gifts and fruits . But what are the fruits of the Spirit ? Loue , ioy , peace , lenity , benignity , goodnesse , faith , méeknesse , temperance . Euen as the holy Ghost did rest vpon Christ , Vpon the faithfull . so he doth also rest vpon al those which are in Christ by true faith : because the Spouse of Christ doth runne in the smell of the oyntments of Christ .

Who knit in spirit . 6 Hée which cleaueth to the Lord , is one spirit with him . Euen as the carnall knot of the man and wife , maketh of them one flesh : so the spirituall coniunction of Christ and the faithfull soule , maketh of them one spirit .

7 But where there is one spirit , there is the same will : where is the same will , there are also the same actions . Are conformed to him . He therefore which doth not conforme his life to the life of Christ , is conuinced that he neither cleaues vnto the Lord , nor hath the Spirit of Christ . As is meet Is it not méete and iust , that all our life be made conformable vnto him , which out of his loue hath conformed himselfe wholly vnto vs ? God manifesting himselfe in the flesh , In the flesh . hath set forth vnto vs the example of an holy life , lest any one refusing an holy life , should betake himselfe to the excuse of the flesh . True pleasure . No life is more pleasant and quiet then Christs life , because Christ is true God : But what is more pleasant , or more full of tranquillity then God , as who is the chiefest good ? And good . the life of the world brings short ioy , but draws with it eternall sadnesse .

8 To whomsoeuer thou conformest thy selfe in thy life , Like here goeth to like at last . to him also thou shalt bee conformed in the Resurrection . If thou beginnest here to conforme thy selfe to the life of Christ , Christ . thou shalt also more fully be conformed vnto him in the Resurrection : if thou conforme thy selfe to the deuill by hainous wickednesse , Or the deuill . in the Resurrection thou shalt bee conformed vnto him by grieuous torments :

9 He which will follow mee , let him deny himselfe , Deny thy selfe . saith our Sauiour , and let him take vp his crosse daily . If in this life thou deny thy selfe , Christ will acknowledge thee Honour thee . Christ in the iudgement will acknowledge thée to be his . If for Christ in this life thou renounce thine owne honour , thine owne loue , thine owne will , Christ in the life to come , will make thée partaker of his honour , of his loue , of his will . If in this life thou art partaker ( Crucis ) of the Crosse , in the life to come thou shalt bée partaker ( aeternae lucis ) of the eternall light . Giue thee light . If in this life thou art partaker of tribulation , in the life to come thou shalt be partaker of the consolation : if in this life thou art partaker of persecution , in the life to come , Consolation . thou shalt be partaker of the most large retribution .

10 He that confesseth Confesseth thee . mee in this world , saith Christ , I will also confesse him before my Father which is in heauen . Keeping doctrine and life . But we ought to confesse Christ , not onely in the profession of doctrine , but also in the conformity of life , so at length he shall acknowledge vs for his in iudgement . Whosoeuer shall denie me before men , Else deny . I will also deny him before my Father which is in heauen .

11 Christ is not onely denyed in words , His denyers . but also much more in a wicked life . Him therefore which denies Christ in his déeds in this world , will Christ deny in déeds in the iudgement . Hée is not a Christian , which hath not the true faith of Christ : but true faith doth graft vs into Christ the spirituall Vine , as it were branches : euery branch in Christ that beares not fruit , And fruitlesse branches . the heauenly Husbandman takes away : but he which abides in Christ , and in whom Christ dwels by faith , this man brings forth much fruit . That branch is not in the Vine , which doth not draw nourishment out of the Vine : Which are not in him that soule is not in Christ by faith , which draws not the spirituall moysture of charitie out of Christ by faith . Conforme vs to thy life , O good Iesus , in this world , that we may be fully conformed vnto it in the world to come . Amen .

Saturday Noone .

Psal. 91.11 . GIue thine Angels charge ouer me , O Lord , to keepe me in all my wayes .

Mens recti conscia vita est . A good conscience is life . 41 Meditation . Of the purenesse of the Conscience .

IN all thy actions haue the greatest care of thy conscience : Conscience . If the Deuill entice thée to any sinne , feare the inward iudgement of thy conscience . If thou fearest to sinne in the presence of other men , Vse . much more let thine owne conscience recall thée from sinne : the inward testimonie is of greater force then the outward . Although therefore thy sinnes escape the accusation of all men , Force . yet they can neuer escape the inward testimonie Testimony of thy conscience . Conscience shall bée amongst those Bookes , A booke . Reu. 20. 1 Booke of knowledge . which the Apocalypse doth testifie that they shall bée hereafter opened in iudgement . The first is the Booke of Gods al-knowledge , in which shall shine forth manifestly the déeds , the words , the thoughts of all men whatsoeuer . 2. Of life . The second Booke is Christ , which is the Booke of Life . In this whosoeuer shall be found written by true faith , hée shall be conueyed of the Angels into the Court of heauen . The third Booke is the Scripture , 3 Scripture . according to the rule whereof our faith and works shall be iudged : The word which I haue spoken , saith our Sauiour , shall iudge them in the last day . The fourth Booke containes the outward testimonies of the poore , 4. Poore . Luke 16. which in the day of iudgement shall receiue vs into the euerlasting habitations . The fifth Booke containes the inward testimony of our conscience , 5. Conscience . because our conscience is the Booke in which all our sinnes are written : the Conscience is a great volume , A great volume . in which all things are written with the pensill of truth . The damned shall not be able to deny their sinnes in iudgement , because they shall be conuinced Conuincing . by the testimony of their owne conscience . From which no flying . They shall not be able to flye from the accusation of their sinnes , because the tribunall of their conscience is within them .

1 A pure Conscience is the most cleare looking-glasse A looking-glasse . of the soule , in which it doth behold it selfe and God : an vncleance sight cannot behold the brightnesse of the true light . Hence saith our Sauiour ; Blessed are the pure in heart , because they shall sée God.

2 As the faire and cleane face of man is acceptable Accepted . to the sight : so a pure and cleane conscience is accepted before the eyes of God , but a putrified conscience begets the neuer-dying wormes . Wormes begot . To bee strangled . Therefore in this life present wée must féele and strangle the worme of conscience , and not cherish it to immortalitie .

Conscience controlled . 3 To amend this Booke , all the other were inuented . What profits great science , if there bee an impure conscience ? Thou shalt bee iudged when the time comes , before the Throne of GOD , By it iudged . not out of the Booke of Science , but out of the Booke of Conscience . If thou wilt write this booke aright , Make it by the booke of life , Christ . By conformitie . write it according to the example of the Booke of life , the booke of life is Christ : let the profession of thy faith be conformed to the rule of the doctrine of Christ : let the leading of thy life be conformed to the rule of the life of Christ .

4 Thy conscience will be good , Good. if it hath purenesse in thy heart , truth in thy mouth , and honestie in thy actions . Vse it a light . Vse thy conscience for a light in all thy actions : for it will throughly shew what are the good actions in thy life , and which are the bad . Flye this iudgement Flye it in iudgement of Conscience , in which one and the same is the guilty , the plantiffe in Law , the witnesse , the iudge , the torturer , the prison , the whip , the executioner and hangman . No escape . What escaping can there bée here , where the same that accuseth is the witnesse , and nothing can be hidden from him that iudgeth ? Else no profit . what profiteth it thée , if all praise thée , and thy Conscience accuse thée ? what can it hurt thée , Hurt . if all derogate from thée , and thy Conscience alone defend thée ? This iudge alone is sufficient for euery man to accuse him , Sufficient . to iudge him , to condemne him . This is an vncorrupt Vncorrupt . Iudge , neither can hée be wonne with prayers , nor corrupted with gifts . Whither so euer thou goest , wheresoeuer thou art , Present . thy conscience is alwayes with thée , bearing with it , Register . whatsoeuer thou hast put into it , whether it bée good or euill . This kéepes for a man , Remembrancer . and restores to him when hée is dead the charge which it receiued to be kept . So they of a mans owne house , are his enemies indéed ; so in thine owne house , and of thine owne Family , thou hast thine accusers , Accuser . obseruers , torturers . What profiteth it to liue in the plentie of all abundance , and to bée tormented with the scourge Scourge . of Conscience ? the fountaine of mans felicitie , The fountaine within . and miserie is in the verie minde . What doth it profit him that is afflicted with a burning Feuer , to be placed in a golden Bed ? what doth it profit him that is tormented with the Firebrands of his conscience , to reioyce in the abundance of outward felicitie ? As great a care Care. as thou hast of eternall saluation , so great also let thy care be of conscience : for when a good conscience For good conscience . is lost , faith is lost : when faith is lost , the grace of God is lost : when the grace of God is lost , Greatest losse . how can we hope for eternall life ? Such as is the testimony of thy conscience , such a iudgement shalt thou expect from Christ . The sinners , when none accuse them , or bring any thing into the middest against them , they themselues shall be made their owne accusers . Selfe accusing .

5 As a drunken man , when he swils in much Wine , féeles no hurt of the wine , but afterwards when hee is raised vp from his drowsinesse and sléeping , Sinne not at first felt . he féeles the discommodities of drunkennesse : so sinne also , vntill it be finished , doth darken the minde , and as it were a thick cloud , doth shadow the brightnesse of true iudgement : but then at length the conscience riseth vp , Gnaweth at last . and gnaws more grieuously then any accuser .

6 There are thrée iudgements , Three iudgements . the iudgement of the world , World. the iudgement of thy selfe , Thy selfe . and the iudgement of God. But as thou canst not escape the iudgement of God , God. so also thou canst not escape No escape . the iudgement of thy selfe , although sometime thou escape the iudgement of the world . No walls do hinder , that this witnesse should not sée thine actions . What excuse shall be able to defend thée , No defence . when the inward accusation doth condemne thée ? The peace of conscience is the beginning of life eternall : thou shalt take more true and pleasant ioy True ioy of a good conscience in distresse , then of a bad conscience amongst all worldly delights : against all the backbiting of ill-willers thou mayest confidently Confidence . turne the excuse of conscience . Aske thy selfe of thy selfe , because thou knowest thy selfe far better then any other man . In the last iudgement what will other mens false praises auaile thée , or what will other mens false backbitings hurt thée ? thou shalt stand or fall to Gods or thine owne iudgement . Thou shalt not stand or fall Stand or fall by thy conscience . Eternall . to other mens testimony . The conscience neuer shall end , euen as the soule neuer hath end . The ioyes of the saued shall endure so long , to lift them vp on high in Gods fauor , as the defence of a good conscience doth last . The paines of hell In hell . shall so long presse downe the damned , as the accusation of conscience shall endure . No outward fire doth so greatly afflict the body , as this inward flame doth grieuously Most grieuously . burne the soule . Eternall is the soule which is burned : eternall is the fire of conscience which burneth . No outward scourges are so grieuous to the bodie , as these inward wounds are tormenting to the soule . Flie therefore the guilt Fly guilt . of sinne , that thou mayest escape the torment of conscience . Blot out thy sinnes Blot sinne by true repentance out of the book of Conscience , that they be not read in iudgement , and the voyce of Gods sentence be to be feared of thée . Kill the Worme Kill the worme . of Conscience by the heat of deuotion , lest the gnawing thereof bring forth vnto thée eternal horrour . Quench this inward fire by thy teares , that thou mayest feele the pleasures of the heauenly cooling . Quench fire with teares . O Lord , grant that we may war a good warfare , fight a good fight , holding the faith , and a good conscience , that at last we may come safe and sound to the heauenly countrey .

Quis verè pauper ? Avarus . Who 's poore indeed ? the couetous . 42. Meditation . Of the auoyding of couetousnesse .

AS acceptable as is the saluation of our soules , so odious ought the sinne of couetousnesse Odious Couetousnesse . to bée vnto vs . The couetous is the poorest of all men , because hée wants as well that which he hath , as that which hée hath not . The couetous is the most afflicted Afflicted of all men , because he is good to none , but he is worst to himselfe .

1 The beginning of all sinne is pride , the root Root of ill . of all euill is couetousnesse , that by turning away from God , this by turning vnto the creatures . Riches cause sweat Riches cause sweat . in the getting of them , they bréed feare Feare . in the possessing of them , they bring forth griefe Griefe . in the losing of them : and that which is worse , the labour of the couetous is not onely perishing , Perishing . but also killing : either thy riches do forsake thée , or thou them .

2 If therefore thou hope in riches , what will thy hope No hope . be in the houre of death ? How wilt thou trust God with thy soule , Nor trust in God. The might if thou wilt not trust him with thy body ? the Almighty God takes care of thée : wherefore doest thou doubt , left he cannot sustaine thée ? The wisedome . the most wise God takes care of thée , wherefore doest thou doubt , how he will sustaine thée ? The most bountifull Bounty . God takes care of thée , wherefore doest thou doubt , whether he will sustaine thée ? Thou hast the hand-writing By writing . of Christ , the Lord of all in heauen & earth , that nothing of those things which are néedfull for man shall be wanting to them which séek the kingdome of God : trust to this promise of Christ , he will not deceiue , for he is the truth .

3 Couetousnesse is the root of all euill . As the briefe of all goodnesse is in all charity , so the séeds and summe of holy wickednesse , is in couetousnesse . What sinne is there against God or man , but it springeth from couetousnesse ?

4 Couetousnesse is the highest Idolatry , Idolatry . because it sets the creatures in the place of God : the couetous man doth translate the confidence that is due vnto God , to the creatures : whatsoeuer is more loued then God , that is preferred before God : whatsoeuer is preferred before God , is set vp in the place of God.

Belly . 5 Esau sold the right of his birth-right for pottage : so many s●ll the inheritance of the kingdome of Heauen , which is gotten by Christ , for to get temporall goods .

6 Iudas sold Christ for thirty pieces of siluer : Siluer . the couetous sell the grace of Christ for temporall riches . How can he aspire Hindereth to aspire . to the kingdome of heauen , which is euery day full of the huskes of hogs ? how can he striue to God-ward in lifting vp of his heart , which studies to finde the rest of his soule in riches . Riches are thornes , Riches thornes . saith the Truth : he therefore that loues riches , loues very thornes . O Thornes , how many soules do ye choke ! Choake . Thornes do hinder Hinder . the increase of the séed , so the care of riches doth hinder the spirituall fruit of the Word . Thornes afflict Afflict , the bodie with pricklings , so riches do vexe the soule with cares .

7 Thou shalt perish , They perish . if thou gather onely perishing treasures . They that gather together treasures in the Earth , are like to them which lay vp their corne in low and moist places , not regarding that there it will most quickly putrifie .

8 How foolish Foolish end . are they that place the end of their desires in riches ? how can a bodily thing fill the soule which is a spirit , Not fill the Spirit when rather the spirituall nature by his owne vertue , doth so comprehend corporall things , that it is stretched forth by no quantity ? The soule is created to eternity , thou doest iniurie Iniurie to eternity . vnto her , if thou place the end of her desires in temporall To make her end temporall . and momentany things .

9 The soule , by how much the more it is lifted vp vnto God , The soule to God. by so much the more it is withdrawne from the loue of riches . From riches . All things , by how much they are nearer to heauenly Neare heauen . things , by so much they desire lesse , and gather together fewer things : as the fowls Like fowls . of heauen do neither sow nor reape . It is a great token that the soule doth thinke on heauenly , if she little estéeme and contemne earthly goods . Not esteeming earthly things . The Mice Like mice and the créeping things do heape together in their caues , for they are of worse condition , and more ignoble nature then the Birds .

10 It is a great signe that the soule is turned away from God , Be not turned from God to loue riches . and fastned to earthly things , if it cleaue to riches with an inordinate loue .

11 God hath giuen thée thy soule , and darest thou not trust Trust God. him with the care of thy flesh ? God féeds the birds As Birds . of heauen , and dost thou doubt whether hee will sustain thée , séeing thou art created to his owne Image ? God clothes the Lillies And Lillies . of the field , and doest thou doubt whether he will prouide thée clothing ? Let it shame vs , that faith and reason By faith & reason . cannot worke that in man , which naturall instinct doth worke in the bird . The birds do neither sow nor They sow nor . reape , but commit the care of their little body vnto God. The couetous do As couetous do . not giue credit to the Word of God , before they haue prouided wherewith to sustaine themselues .

12 The couetous man is most vniust : Vniust . Why ? because hée brought nothing into the world with him , and yet hée is so carefull of earthly goods , as if hée should beare away verie many things out of the World with him .

13 The couetous man is most vnthankfull : Vnthankfull . Why ? because he enioyes much of Gods goods , and is neuer carried vp with a confidence of his heart , to the giuer of those good things . The couetous man is most foolish . Foolish . Why ? because he leaueth the true good , without which nothing is truly good , and cleaues vnto that which without the grace of God is not good .

14 Hée that is intangled in the loue of earthly things , doth not possesse Possessed not possessing . them , but is possessed of them ▪ Couetousnesse is neither extinguished by abundance , Not satisfied . nor want : it is not therefore diminished by want , By want : because the desire of hauing doth increase , when that cannot bée obtained which is long desired : it is not therefore diminished by abundance , By abundance . because the couetous man by how much the more he gets , by so much the more he séeks . When that is gotten which was desired of couetousnesse , there is withall ministred as it were vnder hand , a new matter of desiring : New desire . and so after the manner of fire , Like fire . when it hath taken the Woods that it consumes , it increaseth . Couetousnesse is a Brooke , Or a Brook increaseth . little in the beginning , but afterwards it increaseth vnmeasurably . Set downe therefore a bound Set bounds . to thy desire of riches , lest that desire draw thée to eternall destruction . From hell . Many deuoure in this life that which afterwards they digest in hell : many while they thirst after gaine , runne into present destruction . And destruction .

15 Thinking on these things , O deuout soule , as much as thou canst , flie Fly. from couetousnesse . Thou shalt beare nothing Thou shalt carry nothing . of thy goods to iudgement with thée , but that which thou hast giuen to the poore . But almes . Deny not to the poore thy perishing & fraile goods , for whom Christ hath not refused to giue his life . Giue to the poore , Giue to the poore . that thou mayest giue to thy selfe : whatsoeuer thou hast not giuen to the poore , another shall haue .

16 Hée is too couetous , to whom the Lord is not sufficient . The Lord sufficient . Hée doth not yet truly hope No true hope in riches . for heauenly things , which doth much est●eme earthly goods . No loue . How would he lay downe his life for his brother which denies his brother whom hée askes his temporall substance ? The hand of the poore is the treasure of heauen , The poore heauens treasure . that which it takes , is put in heauen , lest it perish in the earth . Wilt thou performe an acceptable dutie to Christ ? Christ . Exhibite a benefit to the poore : that good which is done to the members , the Head takes as done to himselfe .

17 Christ saith vnto thée . Giue Giue to Christ . mée of that , which I haue giuen thée of thine owne . Do good of thy good , that thou mayest get thée good . Giue earthly things Earthly things . that thou mayest kéepe them because thou shalt léese them , by keeping them too sparingly .

18 Heare Christs adminition , lest thou bée inforced to heare him saying in iudgement , Mat 25. Cause of damnation . Go ye cursed into euerlasting fire : because ye haue not fed me , when I was an hungred . Almes déeds are an holy séed , Seed and Haruest . as it is scattered sparingly or bountifully , the haruest will be either sparing or plentifull . If thou wilt be in the number of the shéepe , Sheepe . do some good also to the shéepe . Vncharitable . Let the goats Goates . which are placed at the left hand terrifie thée : not because they haue taken away , but because they haue not fed . Incline our heart , O God , to thy testimonies , and not to couetousnesse .

Sanctos dilectio signat . Loue is the Saints marke . 43 Meditation . Of the properties of true Charity .

TRue and sincere Charity , is the constant property of the godly . There is no Christian without faith , and no faith without charity : Charity Vnseparable . where there is not the shining of charity , there also is not the heate of faith : remoue light from the Sunne , and thou maist remoue charity from faith :

1 Charity is the outward act of the inward life of a Christian A Christians life . man . A dead body is without breathing , so dead faith is without loue . Hée is not Christs , which hath not the Spirit Fruit of the Spirit . of Christ : he hath not the Spirit of Christ , which doth not shew forth the gift of charity , because the fruit of the Spirit is loue . Matth. 7. A good trée is not knowne , vnlesse it bée séene to bring forth good fruits . Charity is the bond of Christian perfection . Bond of perfection . As the members of the bodie are ioyned together by the spirit , that is , the soule : so the true members of the mysticall body , are vnited in the bond of charity through the holy Ghost .

2 In the Temple of Solomon all things were layed ouer with gold True gold . within and without : so in the spirituall Temple of God , all things are adorned with charitie within and without . Let charitie moue the heart to compassion : let charitie moue the hand to liberalitie . Compassion Compassion . is not sufficient , if there be not also outward liberality : Liberality . outward liberalitie is not sufficient , if there be not also inward compassion . Faith receiues all from God : Charitie on the other side giues all to his neighbour . Giuing .

3 By faith wee are made partakers of the diuine nature , but God is charity . He that hath not charity , hath not God. Therefore where charity No charity , no faith . doth not shew it selfe outwardly , let no man beléeue that there is faith within . No man beleeues in Christ , which doth not loue Christ : no man loues Christ , but he which also loues his neighbour . He doth not as yet with true confidence No confidence . of heart apprehend the benefit of Christ , which denies a due office to his neighbour .

4 That is not a good worke No good worke . indéed , which procéedes not of faith , neither is that a good worke indéed , which procéeds not of charity . Charity is the séed of all vertues : Charity vertues seed . there is no good fruit , but that which springs of the root of Charitie . Charitie is the spirituall taste of the soule . Soules taste . For this alone doth season all that is good , all that is hard , all that is full of aduersitie , all that is laborious . The taste of charitie also doth make death most swéet : because loue is strong as death , nay stronger then death : because loue brought downe Christ to death . Loue also doth stirre vp Stirreth vs vp . those that are truly godly , that they doubt not to dye for Christ .

5 All the workes of God do procéed of loue , yea , euen punishments themselues : so let all the works To works . of a Christian man procéed out of charity . In all the creatures God hath set before vs a looking-glasse of loue . All sheweth loue . The Sunne and the Starres Starres . do not shine for themselues , but for vs . The herbes Herbes . do not purge themselues , but our bodies . Elements . The aire , the water , the brute beasts , Beasts , &c and all the creatures serue man : so do thou also giue thy self wholly to do good to thy neighbour .

6 The knowledge of tongues The tongues comparing with charity . doth not profit without loue , because without loue the knowledge Knowledge . of tongues puffeth vp , but loue edifieth . The knowledge of mysteries doth not profit without loue , because mysteries are also knowne to the deuill , but loue is onely the true propertie of the godly . Faith Faith. also that remoues mountaines , doth not profit without loue : because such a faith is onely a miraculous , not a sauing faith .

7 Charitie excells the gift of working miracles : Better than miracles . because that is the indubitate note of true Christians : this is sometimes granted to the wicked . Almes . It profits not to distribute all our substance to the poore , if there be no charitie , because the outward action is hypocriticall , it there be not inward loue .

8 The riuers of beneficence Beneficence : profit not , if they spring not out of the fountaine of charity . Charity is patient , Patience . because no man is easily angry with him whom he loues truely . Charity is bountifull : for he which hath giuen his heart the chiefest good of his soule , through loue , how should he deny the outward things which are nothing so good ? Charity enuies not : Enuies not because she beholds other mens goods as her owne . Charity doth not frowardly , Not froward . because no man doth easily hurt him whom he loues truly , and from his soule . Charitie is not puffed vp , Puffed vp . because by loue we are made the members of one body , but one member doth not preferre it selfe before another . Charitie doth not behaue it selfe vncomely , Vncomely because it is the property of an angry man to behaue himselfe vncomely , but charitie is the bridle of anger . Charity doth not séeke those things that are her owne : Seeketh not her owne . because that which one loues , hee preferres before himselfe , and séekes the good thereof more then his owne . Charity is not prouoked : Not prouoked . because all anger is out of pride , but charity casts it selfe below others . Charity doth Doth none ill . thinke no euill : because it is manifest that a man doth not truly loue him , against whom he is knowne to plot euill . Charity reioyceth Reioyceth not in ill . not in iniquity , because charity makes other mens misery ● trowne . Charity endureth all Endureth all . things , it beléeueth all things , it hopeth all things , it sustaineth all things : for that which charity desires to haue done to it selfe , shée refuseth not to do to others : the tongues shall cease , prophesyings shall be abolished , and knowledge shall vanish away , Lasteth . but charity shall not cease : the imperfection thereof shall be complete in the life to come , and the perfection Perfected . thereof shall be increased in the life to come .

9 God commanded two altars to be set vp in the Tabernacle , the fire from that without was translated to that within : God hath gathered together a twofold Church , Militant and Triumphant : the fire of loue in time to come shall be translated Translated to triumph . from the militant to the triumphant .

10 Thinking on these things , ( O deuout soule ) apply Apply loue . thy 〈◊〉 to holy charity . Whosoeuer is thy neighbour , hée is the man for whom Christ would dye . Wherefore then doest thou deny to lay out thy loue on thy neighbour , To thy neighbor . when Christ did not doubt to spend his life for him : if thou louest God truly , thou oughtest also to loue his Image . Gods Image . Wée are all one spirituall body , With one Spirit . therefore let there be one spirituall minde of vs all . It is an vniust thing , that they should be at difference in the earth who sometimes must liue together Must liue together . in heauen . While our minds agrée in Christ , let our wills also be conioyned : One houshold . wée are the Seruants of one Lord , it is not méet that we should be at difference betwéene our selues . That member of the bodie Body . is dead , which doth not féele the affection of another : let him not estéeme himselfe a true member of the mysticall body of Christ , which is not grieued with another member that suffers .

11 There is one God the Father One Father . of all , whom bring taught of Christ , thou dost daily call Father : how shall he acknowledge thée his true Sonne , vnl●ss● thou againe acknowledge his sonnes for thy brothers ? Loue Loue him that G●d commendeth . the man that is commended vnto thée of God , if he be worthy , Worthy . because he is worthy whom thou louest : but if he be vnworthy , Vnworthy loue him therefore , because God is worthie to whom thou shouldst obey . By the loue of man , thine enemy , Enemy . thou art shewed to bee the friend of God. Attend Attend not man , but God. not what man can do vnto thée , but regard what thou hast done vnto God. Attend not what iniuries thine enemie doth thée : but regard what benefits He conferres vpon thée which commands thée that thou loue thine enemie . We are neighbours in the condition of our earthly natiuitie , we are brethren in the hope of the heauenly inheritance , let vs therefore loue one another . Kindle in vs ( O God ) the fire of charitie by thy Spirit . Amen .

Christi , mens casia , cubile . The chaste Soule Christs chamber . 44. Meditation . Of the study of Chastitie .

HE that will be the true disciple of Christ ought to giue himselfe to holy Chastitie . Chastitie necessarie The most bountifull God is a chaste God chaste : and pure Spirit : him thou oughtest to call vpon with chaste prayers . A certaine wise man said , that chastitie of the bodie , and sanctitie of the soule , are two keyes of Religion Two keyes of religion . and happinesse .

1 If the body be not kept pure and vnspotted from whoredome , Whoredome . the soule can hardly be feruent in prayer . Hindereth prayer . Our body is the temple of the holy Ghost , we must take great heed that wée defile not this holy habitation of the holy Ghost . Defileth Gods temple . Our members are the members of Christ , we must take héed that wee take not the members of Christ Prostitute Christs members . and make them the members of an harlot .

2 Let vs cleane vnto the Lord by faith and chastitie , that we may be one Spirit with him . Let vs not cleaue vnto an harlot , lest wée be made one body One body with a harlot . with her . The Sodomites burning in lusts , were stricken of the Lord with blindenesse Punished with blindnesse . both corporall and spirituall . the same as yet this day is the punishment of vncleane men . The lusts of the Sodomites were reuenged with fire With fire . and brimstone that came downe from heauen : so God will torment the heate of that euill concupiscence in whoremongers , with eternall fire : this fire is not put out , but the smoke of the torments doth ascend throughout all ages . Without Without heauen . that is to say , of the heauenly Ierusalem , are dogges , that is to say , impure and libidinous men .

3 Christ doth wash vs with his precious bloud in Baptisme : we must take great heed , that wee defile not Defile not . our selues with vncleane lusts . By the guidance of Nature it selfe , wicked men do blush to commit such haynous sinnes in the sight of men , and yet they are not ashamed to commit them in the sight of God and the Angels . Before Angels And God No walls do hinder the eyes of God , which are brighter then the Sunne : no corners do exclude the presence of the Angels . E●●●p ● sent . Before Conscience . No withdrawing places do take away the inward testimonie of the Conscience . This is a wonderfull thing , that the heate of luxury Luxury crye●h to heauen and hell . doth ascend as it were to heauen , when as yet the stink thereof doth descend to hell . That short pleasure Pleasure short . will bring forth eternall paine : it is but a momentany thing that delighteth , it is eternall that tormenteth : short is the pleasure of fornication , perpetuall is the punishment Perpetuall punishment . of the fornicator .

Let mortifie thee the crosse . 4 Let the remembrance of him that was crucified , crucifie in thée thy flesh . Let the remembrance of hell Hell. extinguish in thée the heate of concupiscence . Let the teares Teares . of repentance extinguish in thée the heat of lust . Let the loue of God Loue of God. kill thy flesh , lest carnall loue deceiue thée . Thinke that the desire of lust is full of anxietie and folly , the act of abhomination Abomination of the lust . and ignominy , the end , of sorrow and shame . Looke not on the flattering face of the deuill , Deuils flattery . when hee enticeth thée to lust , but his pricking tayle when hée flyes from thée : thinke not on the short pleasure , but rather on the eternall damnation .

5 Loue the knowledge of the Scriptures , Scriptures and thou shalt not loue the vices of the flesh . Be alwaies doing somewhat , Labour . that when the tempter comes , he may finde thée busied . He deceiued Dauid in idlenesse , he could not deceiue Ioseph in his businesse .

6 Thinke on death Death that hangs ouer thy head at all houres , and thou shalt easily despise all the pleasure of the flesh . Loue temperance , Temperance . and thou shalt easily ouercome euill concupiscence : the belly that is hot with wine , doth quickly froth ouer into lust : chastitie is endangered in dainties : if therefore thou féed thy flesh with immoderate dainties , thou nourishest thine owne enemie . So must the flesh bée nourished , that it may serue thée : so must it be tamed , that it be not proud .

7 Thinke on the terrour of the last iudgement , Last iudgement . and thou shalt easily extinguish the heate of lust : the secrets of hearts shall bee reuealed , All manifest . how much more the déeds that were committed in secret ? an account must then be rendered of vnprofitable words : how much more of filthy spéeches ? an account must bee giuen of filthy words ; how much more of vnclean déeds ? Account to be made of words , Deeds . as long as thy life hath béene , so long Long. All. shall thine accusation bée . As many as thy sinnes haue béene , so many shall be thine accusers : those thoughts , which with vs are common , will not abide in the discussing .

8 What therefore doth it profit thée , that thy whoring should bée hid for a time before men , when in the day of iudgement it must be reuealed Reuealed . vnto all mens eyes ? what doth it profit thée to escape the iudgement of an earthly Iudge , when as yet thou canst not escape the tribunall of the Iudge Iudged The Iudge not corrupt . that is aboue ? thou canst not corrupt this Iudge with gifts , for hée is a most iust Iudge . Thou canst not ouercome Ouercome . him with prayers , for hee is a most seuere Iudge . Thou canst not escape Escaped . out of his Prouince and Iurisdiction , for hée is a most mighty Iudge . Thou canst not deceiue Deceiued . him with vaine excuses , for he is a most wise Iudge . Thou canst not appeale from Appealed from . the sentence that hee giues and promulges , for hée is the supreme Iudge : there will bée truth in the Inquisition , opennesse in the Publication , seuerity in the Execution .

9 Therefore , O deuout soule vnto God , let the terrour Set before thee terrour . of this Iudge be euer before thée , so the heate of lust shall not deceiue thée . Bée thou the Rose of Charitie , the Violet of Humilitie , and the Lilly of Chastity . Learne humilitie of Christ Christs example . thine Husband , learne chastity also of him . Great is the dignity of Chastitie , which was consecrated Consecrated . in the body of Christ . Great is the dignitie of Chastity , because it makes a man to liue in the flesh , besides the flesh .

11 As nothing is more vile then to be ouercome of the flesh ; so nothing is more glorious then to ouercome the flesh . Neither are outward whoredomes onely to bée auoyded , but also impure thoughts , Impure thoughts . because GOD is not onely the Iudge of our exteriour actions , but also of our interiour cogitations . Pietie is oft-times hurt with the countenance ; chastitie is oft-times hurt with the eyes . Heare what the Truth saith : He that looks Lookes . vpon a woman to lust The mischiefe of lust . after her , hath committed fornication alreadie with her . As hard as the fight is here , so glorious is the victorie . It is an hard thing to quench the burning of lust : it pricks on those that are not ripe of age , Ripe age . it sets young Yong. men on fire , it wearies the old Old. men and decrepit , it despiseth not cottages , it feares not Palaces . But as hard a thing as it is to fight here , so glorious Glorious victory . a thing it will bée to triumph here . The first assaults must bée represt , neither is the fuell of euil cogitations to be put vnto this flame .

12 The Apostle when hée sets downe how he must wr●Sstle with all vices , against fornication hée commands not fight , but flight : By flight . Flie , saith he , fornication : for euen as a strange begger comes vnto vs with fained simplicity , that he may deceiue vs : if we do not admit him , he goes away , if we suffer him to enter , he becomes a ghest , Admit nor an il ghest . hée gathers strength , at last , if we agrée thereto , he becomes a master : so the motions of euill concupiscence do pricke vs , if wee giue them not kinde entertainment they depart . If thou wilt not haue this enemy to rule ouer thée , receiue him not into the house of thine heart . Conserue vs , O God , in sanctitie of soule , and chastity of body . Amen .

Tandem Patientia victrix . Patience ouercommeth at last . 45. Meditation . Of the foundations of Christian Patience .

REst thée , O deuout soule , and patiently beare the Crosse Beare the Crosse . that is layed on thée of GOD. With Christ . Thinke on the Passion of Christ thine Husband . Hee suffered for all , Suffered for all . of all , in all . Hée suffered for all , euen those which contemne that his precious Passion , Euen enemies . and trample on his bloud nefariously with their féet . Hee suffered of all : Of all . of his heauenly Father , Father . hee is deliuered , bruised : left of his beloued Disciples , Disciples . he is forsaken : of his owne peculiar people People . the Iewes he is reiected , which preferre the Theefe Barabbas before him : of the Gentiles Gentiles . hée is crucified : refused by the Master-builders , to build vpon the heathen Tyrants of Rome : Builders . he beares the sinnes of all men ; therefore also he is afflicted of all men . All men . He suffered also in all . In all . His soule Soule . is heauy euen vnto death , & presseth downe with the féeling of Gods iudgement , cries out that she is forsaken of God : all his members Members . do sweat out bloud , his head Head. is crowned with thornes , his tongue Tongue . tastes a bitter cup , his hands Hands . and his féet Feet . are boared through with nayles , his side Side . is wounded , his whole body Body . is scourged and stretched forth on the Crosse . He suffered hunger , Hunger , &c. thirst , cold , contempt , pouerty , reproaches , wounds , death , the Crosse . Now how vniust a thing were it , that the Lord should suffer , So suffred the Lord . and the seruant reioyce ? how vniust a thing were it , that our Sauiour Sauiour . should be grieuously punished for our sinnes , and that we should still take pleasure in them ? how vniust a thing were it , that the head Head. should be afflicted , and the rest of the members should not grieue together with it ? Nay , rather , as it behooued Christ , by his passion , to enter into the heauenly glory , so also it behooues vs by many tribulations Follow him by tribulation . to enter into the kingdome of heauen .

1 Thinke also on the large reward . Be patient for the reward . The sufferings of this time are not worthy of the glory Glory . that is to come . How great so euer our suffering be , it is but temporall , nay sometimes but for a day : but that glory is eternall . Eternall . God doth diligently obserue all our aduersities , and will one day bring them into iudgement : All come to iudgement . how filthy a thing will it be therefore , in that most glorious méeting of the world , to bée séene without the ornaments of the Crosse Ornaments of the crosse . and sufferings . He also wil wipe away all teares Teares wiped . from the eyes of those that are his .

2 O happy Happy . teares , which the hand of such and so great a Lord shall wipe away ! O happy crosse , which shall finde his reward in heauen !

3 Dauid was not ten whole yeares in banishment , but forty Ten to forty . in the kingdome : A figure . here is pre●●gured the shortnesse of sufferings , but the eternity of the glory following . Moment to euerlasting . It is but a moment of time in which the Saints are exercised by the crosse : the mercies are euerlasting , by which they are gathered together , and so surely to the mornings sorrows succéed the euenings ioyes . Learne patience of the Saints .

4 Thinke moreouer on the tribulation of all the Saints . Behold Iob Iob. mourning on the dunghill , Iohn John. hungring in the wildernesse , Peter Peter . stretched out on the crosse , Iames Iames. beheaded of Herods sword .

5 Behold Mary Mary the type of the Church . the blessed mother of our Sauiour , standing vnder the Crosse of her Sonne , which beares the Type of the Church , the spirituall mother of the Lord .

6 Blessed are ye , saith Christ , if they shall persecute you for my name , for so did they to the Prophets . Prophet . Consider the Martyrs of Iesus , that shed their bloud in the sight of all the world , and then ascended to heauen . O glorious persecution ! which makes vs conformable to the Prophets and Apostles , to the blessed Martyrs , yea , to all the Saints , nay , to Christ himselfe .

Let vs therefore suffer with those that suffer , Suffer with them . let vs bee crucified with those that are crucified , that wée may bée glorified with those that are glorified . But if we be sonnes , let vs not detract the condition of the rest of the sonnes . If wée do verily desire the inheritance of God , let vs take it whole .

Inheritance , ioy with sadnesse . 7 But now the sonnes of God are not onely the heires of the ioy and glory in the life to come , but also of sadnesse and sufferings in the life present , because God scourgeth euery sonne To receiue sonnes . that he receiueth . He punisheth their sinnes , that hée may spare them in the iudgement To spare at the iudgment . to come : he multiplyeth here their tribulation , that there hee may multiply their reward , To multiply the reward . and so not so much the persecution , as the reward is multiplyed .

Benefit of the Crosse 8 Thinke on the happy condition of the Crosse . It doth extinguish the roote of worldly loue Rooteth out worldly loue . in vs , and doth sow the séed of the loue of God in our hearts . The Crosse ingenders in vs the hate of worldly things , Engendereth hate of the world . and lifts vp our mindes to heauenly things : when the flesh is mortified , the spirit liues , when the world waxeth bitter , Christ waxeth swéet .

9 Great is the mystery of the Crosse , because by it God doth call vs to contrition , Calleth to contrition to true feare , to the exercise of patience : let vs open to him that knocks , and wée shall heare what the Lord will speake in vs . The sight of the Crosse is contemned before the world , and before the carnall eyes of the outward man : it is glorious before God , Glorious before God. and before the spirituall eyes of the inward man .

10 What was accounted of the Iewes more vile and abiect , then the suffering of Christ ? As Christs sufferings . but what was more worthy and precious in the eyes of God then it ? as that which is the price for the sinnes of the whole world . So also the iust is afflicted , the iust man dyeth , and no man considereth it , but precious is the crosse , precious is the death Precious death . of the Saints in the sight of the Lord .

Trouble blacke . 11 Blacke is the Church , the Spouse of Christ outwardly , by reason of calamities and persecutions : faire inwardly , by reason of Gods consolation . Consolation faire . The Church is a garden shut vp , and euery faithfull soule , because no man knoweth the beauty thereof , but hée that is in it . We shall neuer fully and perfectly féele the consolation of the Spirit , In spirit . vnlesse our flesh be afflicted outwardly .

12 If the loue of the world dwell in vs , there is no place for the loue of God to enter : a full vessel cannot bee filled with new liquour , Empty the pleasures of the world . vnlesse that which was in before be euacuated : therefore let vs poure out the loue of the world that we may bee filled with the loue of God. Fill with Gods loue .

13 Therefore doth God , by the Crosse , extinguish in vs the loue of the world , that there might bée place for the loue of God. Place for God. Besides , the crosse driues vs to prayers , Pray . and is the occasion of vertue . When the North-winde North-winde . blows vpon the garden , that is , when persecutions exercise the Church , then do her swéet odours flow , Make odours flow . then are her vertues increased , which breathe out an acceptable smell before God.

14 The beloued Husband of the soule is white and ruddy : So Christ . white in his innocence , ruddy in his suffering : so also the beloued Spouse of Christ , Made white : Dan. 12. that she may be white in her vertues , is made red in her sufferings . And so the grace of God can bring forth oyle and hony Oyle and hony . out of the most hard stone of afflictions : so knowes he out of the root of calamitie to bring forth the most swéet fruit of eternall glory : To which the same grace promote vs and bring vs in . Amen .

Spes confisa Deo nunquam confusa recedet . Hope departeth not with shame . 36. Meditation . How the temptation of perseuerance is to be ouercome .

O Holy Lord Iesus , the most deare husband of my soule , when will it bée , that thou wilt leade mée into the solemnitie of thy marriage ? When ? Married . I am a pilgrime , and am in banishment from thee : but I most firmely beléeue , nothing doubting , Not doubting . that it will come to passe shortly , that being loosed out of the bands of thy bodie , I shall appeare before the face . Feare 1. Feare . and trembling are come vpon mée , because I beare my treasure in earthen vessels , my minde is prone to errours , my will is prone to sinnes : Prone to sinne . whereupon the Spirit is not alwayes ready in mée , but the flesh is alwayes weake . Not ready Sinne leades mée captiue , and the law of my members doth resist the law of my minde . Feare and trembling are come vpon mée , because Satan 2. Satan . layes waite for my treasure : his craft is great , his desire to hurt is most earnest , his power is greatest .

1 He deceiued Deceiued . Adam in Paradise , Iudas in the Schoole of our Sauiour : how shall I poore wretch bee secure from his deceits ? Feare and trembling are come vpon m●e , because I am as yet in the world , 3. World. which is wholly set vpon wickednes : the delights Delights . of the world do inuite mée , the aduersities Aduersities . in the way of the Lord do affright me , sometimes the inticements Enticements . of the world please me well , all the world is full of snares ; Snares . how shall I poore wretch bée able to escape them ? ioy Ioy . oppugnes mée , Sorrow . sadnesse oppugnes mée : how shall I poore wretch be able to stand ? Fear and trembling are come vpon me , because it is God 4 : God. which workes in mée both to will and to do . I feare lest perchance my negligence and carelesnesse cause God to take away Take away . that good will also which hée hath giuen mée . I do vnworthily vse the remission of sinnes , and refuse the first grace that was giuen gratis : whereupon I feare , lest by the secret and the iust iudgement of God , that be taken worthily from me which I vnworthily vse . I feare lest I be forsaken Forsaken , of him , whom after my first conuersion I haue often forsaken . How grieuously am I tormented , thinking that a grieuous and a more seuere iudgement Iudgement . doth follow these benefits of God , if I vse them vnworthily ?

2 But the infinite mercy of God doth lift me vp , 1 Lifted vp by mercy . who as hée hath giuen me to will , so he will giue mée also to do his will , because he is God , and is not changed . His mercy also is confirmed Confirmed vpon mée , and shall not bee changed . The foundation of God abideth firme : therefore firme , because it is in God himselfe , with whom there is no varying . Without varying . Therefore firme , because it is confirmed by the bloud of Christ , By Christs bloud . which speakes alwayes before the Throne of God. Therefore firme : because it is sealed Sealed . vp with the sure seales of the Sacraments .

Not the least in my sel e. 3 If I should sake but for a very little of my saluation in my selfe , then might I well doubt of my saluation : but as all my righteousnesse , so all my hope of saluation is in Christ . If out of mine owne will I had laid hand on Christ , I might very well feare lest my will Not my will . being changed , I might léese Christ . But he which was found of him that sought him not , 2 But in him that sought me . he vndoubtedly after hee is once found , will not withdraw himselfe . Hée that hath drawne me Drew me . out of the shadow of death , to the participation of light , he will not suffer me to be thrust out to the former darknesse .

4 The gifts and calling of God are vnchangeable Vnchangably . of the part and will of God : I would that I my selfe also were vnchangeable in that which is good : that treasure is alwayes present , but the hand that layes hold on it , doth sometime languish .

5 But I shall bée able to lay hand on Christ , Christ giueth promise . who as hée hath reuealed himselfe in his Word and promises , so he wil grant most benignely , that I may giue credit to his word and promises . Credence . With the helpe and safeguard of prayer Helpe of prayer . I will guard my faith , neither will I let the Lord out of the chamber of my heart , before saluation come vnto me . I shall be able to be kept by the power of God to saluation , the power of the Lord doth lift me vp 4 Gods power lifteth vp . and comfort mee , but mine infirmity doth cast mée downe , and make me sad .

6 Yet the power of the Lord will bee brought to passe in mine infirmitie , hée will strengthen Strengtheneth . mée , from whom comes all the strength of faith . The grace of GOD 5 Gods grace . doth lift mée vp , but mine vnworthinesse doth affright mée .

7 But if I were worthie , now it should not be a grace , but a hire : No hire . if of workes , then not of grace : for grace cannot by any meanes be grace , vnlesse it be euery way frée . But free . The blessed Spirit of God doth lift me vp . Mine owne spirit doth cast mee downe with sad sighes and grones . But the Spirit of God doth helpe me , and in the middest of my sighes that would cause me sinke , lifteth my sighes to God , as to my Father , with greatest assurance . Therefore I do not looke vnto my works . He will correct Correct . that which is amisse he will supply Supply . that which wants , he will abolish Abolish . that which is sinne : that which he will not impute vnto me , is euen as if it were not : my saluation therefore is onely in God , and thereupon sure .

Saturday , Euening Prayer .

SAuing vs from our enemies , and from the hands of all that hate vs , what doest thou require of vs , mercifull and gracious God : but that wee should serue thee in holinesse and righteousnesse , all the dayes of our liues ? Which , that wee may the better do , thou hast giuen vs thy Word to be the square and Line by which wee should walke , and furnishing vs with many rules of godly liuing , commandest that wee walke according to these rules , and promisest a blessing to vs , if wee so walke . Giue grace therefore , O thou fountaine of all grace , that obseruing all good precepts , and following all good rules , I may learne and do these things especially , namely , loue thee my God onely : follow the holy example of the life of thy Sonne : haue a care of my conscience in all mine actions , to keepe it pure and vndefiled : keepe the fire of charitie euer burning on the Altar of mine heart : take heed of all fleshly pollution and vncleannesse , that so I may possesse my vessell in honour : take vp and beare my crosse with all patience , and relye alwayes on thy grace and fauour , nothing doubting of finall perseuerance in thy Sonne Christ Iesus , our Lord and Sauiour , to whom with thee , and the holy Ghost , be all praise , honour , glory , dominion , power , now and euermore . Amen .

Sunday , Morning Prayer .

THis is the day , O Lord , that thou hast made for thy selfe , that it should bee kept holy vnto thee , wherein abstaining from all seruile labours and works of the flesh , thy seruants should heare thy Word , praise thy Name , and meditate on thy Workes : vnto which godly exercises , that I may bee more religiously inclined , strengthen mee , O Lord , with thine assistance , that in thy power I may thrust out of the house of my heart , all euill and strange ghests , shake from my hands all wicked and vnlawfull works , and put off from my feet the shooes of mine owne affections , that so I may prepare a cleane & quiet lodging for thy spirit in my soul , that so I may bee the better fitted to compasse thine Altar , hauing beforewasht mine hands in innocency , and to tread within the Courts of thine house ( O my God ) where the ground is holy . O thou that hast the key of Dauid , that openest and no man shutteth , and shuttest , and no man openeth ; open mine eies this day , that I may behold the wonderfull things in thy law , thy wonders in the world ; shut them , that they behold not vanity , to haue pleasure therein , or to seek after leasing . Open thou mine eares , that I may hearken to the Word of Truth ; shut them , that I heare not the lying words of wickednesse , nor the songs of sinners . Open thou my lippes , and my tongue , that they may speake to thy praise ; shut them , that no corrupt communication proceed out of my mouth . Open my heart , that it may receiue the instruction of life : shut it against all wickednesse , arising from mine owne corruption , or proceeding from the deuils suggestion , that it enter not to lodge deepe in me . Defend me , O Lord , this day from euil thoughts , from euill words , from euill works , and grant that I may keep it holy vnto thee , meditating therein on thy Word , on all thy benefits , and on all thy goodnes , and deliuerances , studying therein , as also in the whole course of my life , holinesse , and applying my selfe wholly thereunto , that so leading here an vncorrupt and holy life , and doing that which is right , I may bee thought worthy hereafter to dwell in thy Tabernacle , and to rest on thy holy hill , enioying there thy blessed presence , and liuing in the light of thy countenance , euerlastingly partaking of thine happinesse , O blessed and euerliuing God.

Cum Christo surgere vita est . It is life to rise with Christ . 47. Meditation . Of the spirituall Resurrection of the godly .

THe Resurrection of Christ doth not auaile thée , vnlesse Christ also rise in thée . Christ rise in thee . As Christ must bee conceiued , borne , liue in thée , so hée must also rise againe in thée . Death First death goeth before all rising againe , because nothing but that which hath falne , riseth againe : so also is it in the spirituall resurrection , Christ doth not rise againe in thée , vnlesse Adam Of Adam . first dye in thée : the inward man doth not rise againe , vnlesse the outward man bée first buried . Then riseth new life . The newnesse of the Spirit will not come forth , vnlesse the oldnes of the flesh be first hidden . Neither is it sufficient that Christ rise againe once Not once . onely in thée , because the old Adam cannot be extinguished in one moment , the old Adam will daily But daily . begin to liue againe in thée : therefore daily extinguish it , that Christ may daily begin to liue in thée .

1 Christ did not ascend into heauen , First rise . neither did hee enter into his glory , before hee rose againe from death : so thou canst not enter into the glory of heauen , Then enter heauen vnlesse Christ first rise againe in thée , and liue in thée . Hée is not a part of the mysticall bodie of Christ , in whom Christ liues not , neither shall any bee brought of Christ to the Church triumphant , To triumph . but hee which hath béene a part of his bodie in the Church militant .

2 Betrothing Rising , a betrothing goes before marriage ; the soule shall not be brought vnto the marriage of the heauenly Lambe , which is not betrothed to Christ by faith in this life , and sealed with the earnest of the holy Spirit . Therefore let Christ rise againe , and liue in thée , that thou mayest liue with him for euer .

3 This is the first resurrection : blessed and holy Holy. is he , which hath part in the first resurrection , on him the second death shall haue no power .

4 If in the resurrection of the bodies thou wilt come forth to life ; To life . Christ must euery day rise againe in thée in this life . When Christ did rise againe , the Sunne did rise : 1 Sun rose . so if Christ do rise againe in thée spiritually , the light of the sauing knowledge Knowledge rise . of God , will rise in thy soule . How can there bée the light of the sauing knowledge of God , where as yet the darknesse of most grieuous sinnes hath place ? The feare of the Lord is the beginning of wisedome , how then can there be heauenly wisedome , Wisedome where the feare of the Lord hath neuer had place ? But he which is destitute of the light of the knowledge of God in this life , how can he be made partaker of the eternall light Light. in the life to come ? The sonnes of light onely passe to the eternall light : the sonnes of darknes to the eternall darknesse .

5 When Christ rose againe , he triumphed 2 Triumphed . ouer death : so hee in whom Christ riseth againe spiritually , hath passed from death to life , To life . neither can he be ouercome of death , in whom liueth the conquerour of death .

6 Christ rising againe , hath brought with him perfect righteousnesse : 3 Christ bringeth righteousnesse . for he dyed for our sins , and rose againe for our righteousnesse . So also he in whom Christ riseth againe spiritually , is iustified from sinne . For how should sinne haue place there , where the perfect righteousnesse of Christ doth liue and flourish ? To liue and flourish . But that righteousnesse of Christ is applyed vnto vs by faith .

7 Christ rising againe brought backe the victory from Satan , 4 Satans . because in his descent into hell he destroyed his kingdome , he spoyled his palace , he broke his weapons . Weapons broke . So also against him in whom Christ riseth againe spiritually , Satan can not preuaile , neither can he be ouercome Cannot ouercome . of Satan , in whom liues the conquerour of Satan . When Christ rose againe , there was a great earthquake : Earthquake . that spirituall resurrection with Christ , goes not without serious commotion and contrition Contrition necessary . of heart .

8 That old Adam cannot bée extinguished in thée , without striuing Striue . and resistance : therefore also Christ cannot rise againe in thée spiritually , without great commotion . There is no spirituall resurrection with Christ , vnlesse there be an abolishing of sinne : For the abolishing of sinne . there is no abolishing of sinne , vnlesse there go before an acknowledgement of sinne : there is not as yet true acknowledgement of sinne , vnlesse there bee a serious contrition By contrition . of the heart : therefore there is no spirituall resurrection with Christ , vnlesse there go before an inward contrition of the heart .

9 Holy Ezechiah As Ezekiah . said , he hath broken all my bones in pieces like a Lyon : sée a great commotion . But by and by he addeth : O Lord , so they shall liue , and in such is the life of my spirit : thou shalt rebuke me , and quicken me , thou hast cast all my sinnes behinde thy backe . Rose from sinne . Sée the spirituall resurrection from sinnes . 6 Angels come . Christ rising againe , the Angel of the Lord came downe from heauen , and sat vpon the sepulchre : so if Christ rise againe in thée spiritually , thou shalt enioy the society For thy societie . of the Angels . Where the old Adam liues , as yet , and raignes , there is an acceptable Chamber for the deuill : but where Christ liues and raignes , there the Angels reioyce to dwell for it is written that there is ioy in heauen on a sinner that repenteth .

10 But where there is true repentance , No rising , no grace . there also Christ riseth againe spiritually . Where Christ hath not yet risen againe spiritually , there is not as yet the grace of God. But where there is not as yet the grace of God , there also is not the custody of the Angels . Nor Angels . Where Christ hath not as yet risen againe spiritually , there as yet raignes the old Adam : but where raignes the old Adam , there sinne But sinne . raignes : where sinne raignes , there the deuill raignes : And Satan raignes . but what communion can there bee of the Angels with the deuill ? Christ rising againe , appeared 7 Appeared . to his Disciples , and shewed himselfe to them aliue : so if thou bee made partaker of the spirituall resurrection by faith , To appeare in thee . shew thy selfe a liuely member of Christ through loue . A man is not iudged to be aliue , if hée do not manifest the workes of life By life . outwardly . Where Christ is , there is also the holy Ghost : where the holy Ghost Of the holy Ghost . is , there he driues and sets forward to euerie good worke : because they which are led by the Spirit of God , they are the sonnes of God. As a son .

11 If therefore we liue in the spirit , let vs walke also in the spirit . The light of the Sunne doth disperse the brightnesse of his beames euery way , the light of faith Faith spreadeth . doth diffuse the heat of charity round about . Take away light from the Sunne , and thou mayest separate charity from true faith . Sinnes are dead works : Sinnes works dead if thou walkest in dead works , how doest thou liue in Christ , & Christ in thée ? Sinnes pertaine to the old Adam : Pertaine to the old man . if the old Adam raigne as yet in thée , how hast thou risen againe spiritually with Christ ? Sinnes pertaine to the oldnesse of the flesh : Flesh . if thou walkest in the oldnesse of flesh , how doth the new man liue in thée ? Raise vs Raise vs . vp , O good Iesus , from the death of sin , that we may walke in newnesse of life . Let thy death kill the old Adam By killing Adam . in vs , let thy resurrection call backe our inward man to life : let thy bloud wash vs from sinnes : let thy resurrection put vpon vs the garment of righteousnesse . After thée , O true life , do we sigh , Sigh for life . that are dead in sinnes : after thée , O true righteousnes , For righteousnesse . do we sigh , that are turned away through sinnes : After thée , O true saluation , For saluation . do we sigh , that are damned for sins : quicken vs , iustifie vs , saue vs . Amen .

Sunday Noone .

Psal. 84.1 , 2 OH how amiable are thy dwellings , thou Lord of Hosts ! My soule hath a desire & longing to enter into the Courts of the Lord : My heart and my flesh reioyce in the liuing God.

For one day in thy Courts is better then a thousand .

Psal. 27.4 . One thing haue I desired of the Lord , which I will require , euen that I may dwell in the house of the Lord , all the dayes of my life , to behold the faire beauty of the Lord , and to visit his Temple .

Christi re uerere tribunal . Reuerence the throne of Christ . 48. Meditation . Of the last Iudgement .

THe Father iudgeth no man , but hath giuen all iudgement to the Sonne . I know , O Lord Iesus , that thou which art to come a seuere Iudge Christ the Iudge . of all men , wilt bring to light All come to light . the hidden déeds , words , & thoughts of men . Aboue vs will be the seuere iudge , Euery way fearefull . beneath vs gaping hell , within vs a gnawing conscience , without vs burning fire , on our right hand our sins accusing vs , on our left hand the deuils affrighting vs , there will be the good Angels driuing vs from heauen , and the euill drawing vs to hell . Refuge . O Lord Iesus , in these my distresses , to whom shall I flye ? I feare all my works , knowing that thou doest not spare any one that sinnes .

1 I shall be set betwéene time and eternity : the time is past , the infinite spaces of eternitie Eternity . do yet remaine . The euill spirits Euill spirits drawing . will search out the euill works which they haue perswaded : in the most seuere iudgement they will bring forth all things , that they may draw my soule as a fellow with them to their torments .

2 All the power of the heauens shall melt Heauens melt . away , and the heauens shall bee folded together like a booke : Starres fal . their whole array shall fall away , euen as a leafe fals away from a Vine or a Fig-trée . The Sunne shall waxe red , Sun red . and the Moone shall bee confounded . But if these the works of thine hands , Where the sinners . which neuer haue committed any euill , flye from thy sight , how can I a wretched sinner , appeare before thy face ? The heauens of heauens are not cleane Heauens vncleane . before thée : how should then wretched I which drinke iniquitie like water ? But if the iust shall scarce bée saued , where shall the sinner appeare ? whither therefore shall I flye ? to whom shall I turne mée , The Iudge our refuge . but to thée . O Lord ? Thou shalt bee the iudge of my sinnes , which hast dyed for my sinnes : Which dyed for vs . for the Father iudgeth no man , but hath deliuered all iudgement to the Sonne . The Father hath deliuered Deliuered by the Father . the iudgement to the Sonne , but the Sonne againe was deliuered for our sinnes : for so God loued the world , that he did giue Ioh. 3.16 . Giuen . his onely begotten Sonne , not that hée should condemne the world , but that the world might be saued by him .

3 How therefore wilt thou iudge me , O Lord Iesus , whom thou art sent of the Father that I may bée saued by thée ? thou hast performed the will of thy Father in all things : how therefore shalt thou not performe it in sauing In sauing . me a poore wretch ? It is not the will of thy Father , that one of the little ones The little ones . perish : I also am a little one in thy sight , a little one also in mine owne sight . For what am I , but dust Dust . & ashes ? and not onely dust and ashes , but also too little and small in the proficience Not proficient . of piety : performe therefore in me a little one , the will of thy Father .

4 Thou camest , O Iesus , to saue that which was lost , how therefore canst thou iudge him that desires to bee saued ? Desiring saluation . Accusers . Sinne. Christ taketh sinne away . My sinnes will accuse mée , and require the seuere sentence of the Iudge : but thou hast translated my sins on thée , thou takest away the sinnes of the world : how not mine also ? How shalt thou condemne mée for my sinnes , which dyeest for them ? Thou dyedst for the sinnes Dyed for sinnes . of the whole world , how not for mine also ? yea , O Lord Iesus , if thou wouldest iudge me seuerely , what had constrained thée to come downe from heauen into the flesh , to death , Causes of his humilitie . to the Crosse ?

5 The deuils will accuse me , and require the works of my soul , Satan . which they haue perswaded her vnto . Iudgeth Satan . But the prince of this world is iudged , neither hath he any thing in thée . But if he hath not any thing in thée , neither hath he any thing in me : for I beléeue in thée , O Lord , therefore thou abidest in me , and I in thée .

6 Hée will accuse mée thy friend , That accuseth . Friend . he will accuse me thy brother , hée will accuse me the most beloued Sonne Sonne . of the eternall Father . How therefore wilt thou seuerely iudge thy friend , Then do not iudge him . Moses accuseth . thy brother , and thy sonne ? Moses will accuse me in that iudgement , hée will say that I am cursed , because I haue not kept all those things that are written in the Booke of the Law.

7 But thou , O Christ , wert made a curse for mée , that thou mightest frée mee from the curse Free from the curse . of the Law. By desiring a blessing . I shall be cursed of Moses , but blessed of thée : for I desire to heare that voyce ; Come ye blessed , possesse the kingdome of my Father . Moses will accuse mée , Christ accuseth not . but thou wilt not accuse mée with my Father , but wilt make intercession for me . Therefore I do not feare the curse of Moses , because thou hast taken away the hand-writing Hand-writing cancelled . which was against me .

8 The damned 4 Damned will accuse me , and proclaime mée guilty of the like fault with them . I confesse , O Lord Iesus , that guiltinesse doth ioyne me together with them : but the acknowledging of that guiltines : and the saueing knowledge of thée doth disioyne Disioyned by knowledge , me from them .

9 He which heares thy Word , and beléeueth him which hath sent thée , hath life eternall , neither shall he come into iudgement . I heare thy Word , O Lord : I beléeue in thée with a weake faith but yet with faith . I beléeue , Hearing . Faith. Weake . Yet faith . Lord , but helpe mine vnbeléefe . I beléeue , Lord , but increase my faith . Although I am not frée from the sinnes of all the damned : yet from incredulitie alone thou wilt frée me , O Lord .

10 All those accusers Accusers fearfull . affright me : but thou the Iudge dost confirme me . To thée the father hath deliuered all iudgement , Al Christs hee hath giuen all things into thy hands : but againe he hath deliuered thée for vs all , Christ for all . thou also hast deliuered thy selfe for thy Church , that thou mightest sanctifie it , and cleanse it in the bath of water in the Word . How shalt thou iudge them with seuere iudgement , Iudgeth not his . for whom thou hast deliuered thy selfe to death , euen the death of the crosse ? Thou wilt not hate thy flesh , wée are members of thy body , of thy flesh , and of thy bones . Flesh and bones . Thinke , O deuout soule , of this refuge and assurance at the last iudgement . And O swéet Iudge , euery day assure mée of my iustification that I may lift vp my head at thy glorious coming , because it shall be the day of my redemption . Amen .

Semper mens respice sursum . Soule euer look aloft 49 Meditation . Of the desire of eternall Life .

O Deuout soule , thou oughtest not to loue the fading life , but rather the abiding . Ascend Ascend to Youth . Life , Ioy . thither by desire , where there is youth without age , life without death , ioy without sadnesse , a kingdome A kingdome . without change . If beauty delight thée , Beautifull as the Sun the iust shall shine as the Sunne . If swiftnesse or strength , Strength of Angels . Life eternall . Fulnesse of glory . Melody of Angels . the elect shall be like the Angels of God. If a long and healthfull life , there is sound eternity , and eternall soundnesse . If fulnesse , the elect shall bée filled when the glory of the Lord shall appeare . If melodie , there the Quires of Angels sing together without end . If cleanly pleasure , Pleasure . God will make his drunken , out of the riuer of this pleasure . If wisedome , Wisedome the wisedome of God will shew it selfe vnto vs . If friendship , Friendship they shall loue God more then themselues , they shall loue one another as themselues , and God will loue them more then themselues .

1 If concord Concord . delights vs , all there shall haue none ill . If power , all things All things shall be easie to the elect , they shall desire nothing that they shall not be able to do : nay , they shall desire nothing but that which God will haue them will and desire . If honour Honour . and riches delight thée , God will appoint his faithfull seruants ouer many things . If true securitie , Securitie . there they shall bee certaine that that good will neuer faile them : Good faileth not . By losse . as they shall bee sure that they shall not léese it of their owne accord : neither that God that loues them , will take it away from those that loue him against their will : Taking away . neither that any thing mightier then God , shall separate God and them , Separation . being vnwilling .

2 Whatsoeuer the Elect can desire , Desires . there they finde , because they behold him face to face , which is all things . Infinite . So great are the good things of that life , that they cannot bee measured : so many , that they cannot be numbred : so precious , that they cannot bée estéemed . There will be eternall soundnesse Soundnes . of bodies : there will be the greatest purenes Purenesse . of minds : there will be the fulnesse Eulnesse . of Gods glorie and pleasure : there will be perpetuall familiaritie Familiaritie . of the Angels and Saints : there will be an admirable clearnesse Clearnes . of their bodies .

3 The Elect shall reioyce for the pleasantnesse of the place , Reioyce in the place . which they shall possesse : for the swéet society Societie . in which they shall raigne : for the glorification Glorification . of the body which they shall haue : for the world World. which they haue contemned : for hell Hell. which they haue escaped

4 The least crowne Excellent Crowne . of eternal life shall be more excellent then a thousand worlds : because that is infinite , but these all are finite : Neither is the enuy No enuy . of vnequall brightnesse , there to be feared , because the vnitie of charitie shall raigne in all , by reason of that greatest charity and loue . Whatsoeuer happens vnto one of the Elect , All ioy . shall make the rest so ioyfull , as if it were giuen to themselues .

God possessed . 5 There is no greater good in heauen and earth then God , therefore also there can bée no greater and perfecter ioy then to sée God , to possesse God : Incomparable ioy . therefore also to sée God but for one moment , will ouercome all ioyes . For we shall sée God in himselfe , God in vs , and our selues in God. In the way of this life wée haue Christ with vs , but couered vnder the vaile of the Word and Sacraments , but we do not know him by certaine knowledge : in the life to come wée shall behold him face to face , 1 Joh. 3. See Christ when hée shall distribute vnto vs the bread of eternall sacietie : euen as the Disciples did not know Christ in the way , but at last in the house , when hée did breake bread vnto them .

6 That heauenly Ierusalem hath not a Temple made with hands , neither the Sunne nor the Moone , because the temple thereof for euer is God , the brightnesse God brightnes . and light thereof . Vision shall succéed faith , comprehension hope , perfect fruition Perfect fruition . loue .

No noise . 7 In the building of the Temple of Solomon , the voyce of an axe and hammer was not heard : so in the heauenly Ierusalem , neither is paine nor tribulation felt : No pne . because the matter of this Temple , that is to say , the spirituall stones , were prepared All prepared . now before in the world by tribulations .

Soule a Queene . 8 The Quéene comming to Solomon , is the Soule going to Christ into the heauenly Ierusalem : shée goes in with a great troupe of holy Angels , with gold and precious stones of diuers vertues . Shée will wonder at the wisedome of Christ Wondring at Christs wisedome . the King , and at the order of his Ministers , the Angels and Saints . The fulnesse of the meat of his table , Table . that is , of eternall refection : the preciousnesse of his garments , Garments that is , the glorification of our bodies : the fairenesse of his house , House . that is , the greatnesse of the heauenly Palace : the multitude of his Sacrifices , Sacrifices . that is , of diuine praises . She will confesse , being stricken into amazednesse , that shée could not beléeue those things , which shée now sées with her eyes . Into this most glorious , and most desired presence , the soule is brought by the most comfortable and heauenly Spirit , with seuen burning bright Lamps , that will reueale to her all the secrets of this blessed kingdome formerly not manifested , that hereby the soule shall looke no way , whence vnspeakable glory shall not make the soule shine with glory .

9 Therefore let the faithfull soule lift her selfe vp ▪ and consider Consider . the good things that are prouided for her : thither must wée direct the spirit , Direct the spirit . whither it is sometime to go . Go. Wée must striue to go thither in time , where we must abide for all eternitie . Hée shall not enter into this glory of his Master , With desire . which doth not desire to enter .

10 Thou hopest to appeare sometime before the face of God , therefore thou must study holinesse , Then study holines because he himselfe is holy . Thou expectest the societie of the heauenly Angels , Beware of sinne . Desire not temporall . sée therefore lest by thy sinnes thou driue their ministery from thée . Thou hopest for eternall things , wherefore then doest thou so greatly desire temporall ? Thou séekest a citie to come , wherefore then dost thou desire here a continuing place ? Thou desirest to come vnto Christ , wherefore then doest thou feare death ? It is his part to feare death , Desire not to be here . which would not go vnto Christ . Thou desirest to enter into the heauenly Ierusalem ; Feare no death . Defile not thy selfe . wherefore then doest thou defile thy selfe with so many and so great sinnes ? when as yet it is written , that nothing defiled shall enter into it . Thou desirest hereafter to enioy the trée of life , thou must first lay hold on Christ Lay hold on Christ . the true trée of life , in this life , by true faith , because it is written : Blessed are they which wash their long robes in the bloud of the Lambe , that they may haue power on the trée of life , The tree of life . and may enter through the gates into the City . Without are dogs Without are dogs : Murtherers . and sorcerers , take héed therefore of vncleannesse : without are murtherers , take héed therefore of wrath : without are those that serue Idols , Idolaters . take héed therefore of couetousnesse : without are lyars , Lyars . take héed therefore of all the malice of sinne .

10 If thou desirest to enter into the marriage of the Lambe , desire the comming of the Bridegroome : Desire the Bridegroome . the Spirit and the Bride say , Come . If thou hast not the earnest of the Spirit , by which thou mayest cry , that the Lord come , the Bridegroome will not leade thée into the heauenly wedding : thou art not the Bride , Else thou art no Bride . if thou desirest not the comming of the Bridegroome . Wilt thou haue a place in the new heauen , and the new earth , why then doest thou cleaue vnto these old things ? Cleaue not to old things . wilt thou be made partaker of the Creator , why doest thou cleaue to the beggerly creatures ? Creatures . Doest thou looke for a building of God , an house not made with hands , eternall in heauen , why then doest thou not desire that the earthly house Earthly house . of this our habitation bee dissolued ? doest thou desire to bée clothed vpon ? why then dost thou not looke that thou bee not found naked ? Be not naked . If in this life the holy Trinity doth not dwell in thy heart by grace , it will neuer dwell in thée in the life to come through glory . Begin here . If in this life thou doest not taste the beginning of eternall felicity , thou shalt neuer perceiue the full complement thereof .

Coelestis curia nostra est . Christs Court is ours . 50 Meditation . Of the most sweet company of the Angels in heauen .

IN the resurrection of the dead , they shall neither bee married , neither shall they marry wiues , but they shall bee like the Angels Like Angels . of God in heauen . Can any man set out this dignity Great dignity . of the blessed , with worthy praises ? Into what mans heart hath this glorie of the blessed ascended ? The elect being renued by the glory of the resurrection , without any feare Without feare . of death , without any spot Spot . of corruption , shall enioy the sauing vision Sauing vision . of God.

1 I saw the Lord face to face , Face to face . and my soule was made whole , cryeth out the holy Patriarke . Now if the momentany vision of God could bring so great an heap of ioy ; what may his eternall Eternally . vision do ? If the beholding of God , appearing in the shape of man , brought to the soule health and life , then vndoubtedly the sight of him face to face will bring eternall life and beatitude . Blessed .

2 What then can happen further to this felicitie ? what can the elect desire besides the sight of God ? yet neuerthelesse they shall enioy the most blessed and swéet societie of the Angels . Societie of Angels . Similitude Neither shall they onely enioy their fellowship , but they shall also bée like vnto them in the agilitie , clearnesse , and immortalitie of their bodies . Of clothing . We shall be clothed with the same garment as they , in white robes standing before the Throne of the Lambe : wee shall sing Sing . an euerlasting song to the Lord : wée shall shine Shine . in the same crown of vertues : we shall reioyce Reioyce . in the same priuiledge of immortalitie .

3 Manoah cryes out , we haue séene the Angel of the Lord , and wée shall dye : but wée shall sée a thousand thousand , and ten thousand hundred thousand Angels , and shall liue for euer . And liue euer .

4 Now if we shall be like vnto the Angels , then it is no more to be feared , lest we may be separated Neuer separated . from them by the dissimilitude of sinnes . We shall put off the ragged coat of our sinfull nature , and our nakednesse shall bee couered with the garment of saluation , and wee shall be clothed Clothed . with the most bright Bright . robe of innocencie . No euils . None is hurt there , none is angry , none enuies , no couetousnesse inflameth , no ambition of honour or power prouoketh . Wée shall not be burdened with the weight of our sinnes , Burthen of sinnes . neither shall we be compelled to bewaile the blemishes of our sinnes with penitent teares . Teares . Neither are the deadly wounds Wounds . of the soule any more to be feared : for the Lyon of the Tribe of Iudah hath ouercome the world , and we haue ouercome in his strength , and our wounds are healed by his happie victorie .

5 Againe , if we shall bée like vnto the Angels , then shall there bée no desire of meat No meat . or drinke . God will be our meat , in whose delight we shall be satisfied . God will bee our meat , who alone refresheth and failes not . The blessed shall neither hunger No hunger . nor thirst : the heat No heat . and the Sunne shall not smite them : because he that hath mercy vpon them shall gouerne them . God shall giue them drinke Drinke . at the springs of waters , there the streames of liuing waters shall flow out of their belly : Floweth out of the belly . there is prepared a banquet of fat things , full of marrow , a banquet Banquet . of the pure vintage .

6 We shall feast , Feast . and we shall reioyce , and we shall triumph , by reason of the ioy of our hearts . O Lord Iesus , these things shall bée performed in Spirit and Truth : In spirit and truth . of the fruit of the Vine shall wée drinke in the kingdome of thy Father , but in Spirit and truth . For the words which thou hast spoken vnto vs , are spirit and life , And life . and in the wordes of this word thou doest declare the ioyes of the life to come . Againe , if wée shall be like vnto the Angels , then the feare of death No death shal be taken away , death shall bee swallowed vp in victory , death shall be cast downe headlong for euer : and God shall wipe away all teares Teares wiped . from the eies of his people .

7 Therefore there shall be ioy Ioy . without sadnes , which containes euerlasting gladnesse : there shall bée health Health . without griefe ; life Life . without labour ; light Light. without darknesse , loue Loue . shall neuer waxe cold , ioy shall neuer decrease , groning shall not bee heard : neither shall griefe No griefe bee felt , no sad thing shall be séene , reioycing shall alwayes be had . There shall be the chiefest and certaine security , Securitie . secure tranquillitie , quiet pleasure , pleasant felicitie , happy eternall blessednesse , the blessed Trinity , Blessed vision of the Trinitie . the vnity of the Trinitie , and the Trinitie of the vnitie , and the blessed vision of the Deitie .

8 Lift vp thy selfe , O my soule , and weigh more déeply the honour Weigh the honour . that is bestowed vpon vs of Christ . We shall be associated to the troupes of Angels , Society of mighty Angels . and Archangels , to Thrones and Dominions , to Principalities and Powers . Neither shall wée onely bée associated vnto them , but also wée shall bée like vnto them . Like them . The Angel that kept vs . Wée shall there know the Angel appointed to kéepe vs in our life , neither shall wée want his ministerie , but we shall reioyce in his swéet societie . We shall not desire his protection , No need of his protection . but we shall be glad in his swéet company , and wee shall behold his brightnesse with eyes that are made bright . Againe , Behold him . if wée shall be like vnto the Angels , then our fraile weake mortall bodies shall bee changed , and shall be made spirituall , Spirituall bodies . nimble , immortall . They shall bée bright , Bright . because they are neare vnto God , which dwelleth in the light that no man can attaine vnto , and is clothed with light . They shall be incorruptible , Incorruptible . because they shall bée like vnto the Angels : nay , vnto the glorified bodie of Christ : like I say to Christ Like Christ . at his transfiguration , when he appeared in his glory , where his face did shine as the Sunne , and his garments were whiter then any Fuller can make , euen glistring as the light . Here Saint Peter confessed it was good being , and such shall bée the glorie of the Saints . They are sowne here in corruption , they shall rise againe in incorruption : they are sowne in dishonour , they shall rise againe in glory : Glorious . they are sowne in weaknesse , they shall rise againe in power : Powerfull it is sowne a naturall body , it shall rise againe a spirituall body , which shall shine like the brightnesse of the firmament for euer . Come , Lord Iesus , and make vs partakers of that glory . Amen .

Sanctorum patria Coelum . Heauen the countrey of Saints . 51. Meditation . Of the most blessed vision of God in Heauen .

IN the house of my Father are many mansions : Many mansions . Ioh. 14. they are the words of our Sauiour . I desire to sée the place , I desire to see mine . O Lord , in which thou hast prepared for me an eternall mansion . I am a stranger and a pilgrime here , as were all my fathers . The dayes of my pilgrimage are few and euill ; Banished desireth . In heauen therefore in the banishment of this world , I desire the heauenly countrey : for my conuersation is in heauen , I desire to sée the good things of the Lord in the land of the liuing .

Short dayes . 1 This life passeth away in an image , my dayes may bée measured , and my substance is as nothing before thée , what therefore is mine expectation ? Expect . is not the Lord ? O Lord Iesus , when will it be that I shall come vnto thée ? when shall I appeare Appearing before thy face ? Euen as the Hart desires the springs of waters , so my soule longeth after thée , O God.

2 O true and perfect , and full ioy ! Full ioy . O ioy aboue ioy , ouercomming all ioy , without which there is no ioy ! when shall I enter into thée that I may sée my God To see God. which dwelleth in thee ? Thou shalt fill mée with ioy , with thy countenance . His countenance . O Lord , at thy right hand there are pleasures Pleasure . for euermore : I shall bée satisfied with the fulnesse of thy house , and thou shalt make me drinke out of the riuer of thy pleasures . With thee is the fountaine of life . O desired life ! Life . O blessed felicity ! in which the most holy trinity Trinity seene . shall be the perfection of our desires , which shall bée séene without end , shall bée loued without lothsomnesse , shall bée praised without wearinesse .

3 It will ouercome all ioyes to sée God , to sée Christ , God Christ . to liue with Christ : to heare Christ will ouercome all the desires of our hearts .

4 O Iesus Christ , the most swéet Husband of my soule , when wilt thou bring thy Bride As a bride into thy kingly palace ? what can there be wanting ? Wanting nothing . what can there more be desired or expected , where God shall be all in all ? God , faire Sweete . He shal be fairenes to the sight , hony to the taste , an harpe to the hearing , balme to the smelling ; a floure to the touching .

5 God shall bee all , and shall distribute good things to euery one according to the desire of his heart : Giuing all desires . if thou desirest life , if health , if peace , if honour , God will there be all in all .

Knowledge of mysteries . 6 The Mysteries which are now sealed vp to the chiefest Doctors in the Church , shall there be-plaine to little children . The blessed humanity of Christ will bee present with vs , By Christs preaching and will preach in a most swéete voice of the hidden Mysteries of our saluation . His voyce is swéet , Full of grace and his face is comely , grace is powred forth in his lips , he goeth on crowned with glory and honour .

7 But if God shall bée all in all , then he shall be fulnes of light Light : to the vnderstanding , multitude of peace Peace . to the will , continuance of eternity Eternity . to the memory . The sonne will fill the vnderstanding with most full knowledge , the holy Ghost the will with most swéet loue , Loue . the father the memory with the secure remembrance of both .

8 Thou , O God , shalt be light , in whose light we shall see light , that is , thee in thy selfe , in the brightnesse of thy countenance , Bright countenance : when we shal sée thée face to face . Neither shall we onely sée See. thée , but we shall also liue with thée : neither shall wee onely liue Liue. with thee , but wee shall also praise Praise . thée neither shall we onely praise thée , but we shall be also partakers of thy ioy : Partake thy ioy . neither shall wee onely reioyce with thee , but we shall be also like vnto the Angels : neither shall we be like to the Angels Like Angels . only , but shall bee renued to the Image of the most glorious Son of God , Like God. yea to God also himselfe , which is blessed for euer .

9 Let the faithfull soule bée here amazed , and adore the mercy Adore the mercy : of her Sauiour . He doth not receiue vs his enemies onely to fauour : but hee remits of sinnes : but hée giues vs righteousnesse : Remission Righteousnesse . but he brings vs to the heauenly inheritance . Inheritance . This inheritance is immortall , & continueth for euer vndefiled , without all blemish , It euer groweth greene , and withereth not . It is heauenly ▪ and hath nothing in it of the earth .

10 O most blessed City ! Blessed city of God. O heauenly Ierusalem ! O holy seat of the most holy Trinity ! When will it be that I shall enter into thy Temple ? The Temple of the heauenly Ierusalem is the Lambe : The Lambe is the Temple . the Lambe which takes away the sinnes of the world , and was slaine for them from the beginning of the world . When will it be that I shall worship my God in that temple , that is to say , God in God ? Worship God in God. when will that Sunne rise vnto mee , which enlightens that holy City ? I am a banished man from my country , but the inheritance that is laid vp for mée is large . Power is giuen by Christ to those that beleeue to be made the sonnes of God. But if we are sonnes , then are we also heires , heires of God , and coheires of Christ . Coheires in Christ .

11 Lift vp Lift vp . thy selfe , O my soule , and aspire to thine inheritance . The Lord is the portion of mine heritage , and mine excéeding great reward . What could the most mercifull bounty of God giue besides this ? he giues life : Giueth life : he giues his Son : His Son. he giues himselfe : Himselfe : and if he knew any greater Nothing . greater . thing in heauen and earth , hée would giue that same vnto vs . We liue in God , we are the temple of God , we possesse GOD. Here truly in the Spirit , and in a mistery , but there in truth , there our spes shall bée res , our hope shall be the substance of our hope : there wée shall not onely abide . but wee shal also dwel for euer . The Spirit and the Bride say , Come euen so come , come , Lord Iesus , that my soule may come and enioy thée . Amen .

Sunday Euening Prayer .

WHat should I meditate on in the day of rest , but on the euerlasting rest ? what should I thinke on in the end of this Sabbath , but on the endlesse Sabbath ? My soule longeth for that day ( O Lord ) when deliuered from the troubles of this life , the burden of this body , it shall enioy thy blessed sight , and be blessed in thy sight , when for the company of sinfull men on earth , it shall enioy the sweet society and company of the blessed Spirits , Angels , and the souls of iust & perfect men in heauen . There ( O Lord ) is mine heart and there is my treasure , there art thou , and there would thy seruant be also . Vnto which place of happinesse , thy glorious Kingdome , that I may come , Giue grace ( O deare and louing God ) that while here I liue , I may walke in good works , which are the way of thy Kingdome , to which holy society that I may be ioyned , giue me the grace while here I liue , to study holines , that so I may rise from the death of sin to the life of righteousnes , and casting off the sinne that hangeth on and presseth down , aspire with all earnestnesse to that eternal life and blessed company . Make me while I liue here in the world , alwayes to thinke of the Iudgement that shall bee in the end of the World , that my conuersation may bee such , that when thou shalt come in the last day to visite the World , I may be of the number of thy sheepe , standing on thy right hand to whom the comfort of that Word shall bee addressed : Come , ye blessed of my Father , receiue the Kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world . O Christ , the Way , the Truth , and the Life : the Way , in precepts and example , the Truth in promises , the Life in reward , grant that I may so walke here after thy precepts and example , and so lay hold on thy promises , that by thee I may obtaine the reward of the eternall and neuerfading life , Amen .

A Prayer for a woman in trauaile of Childe .

HElpe , Lord , thine Hand-maid in her heauinesse , strengthen her in her weakenesse , sustaine her that shee faint not in her bitter paines , giue her patience to endure power to ouercome , hold thou her vp with thy mercifull hand ; loose the bands of her sorrowes , giue an happy issue of this her labour and trouble , and mercifully looking on her in these her sufferings , put an end to her affliction , and in thy good time make her a ioyfull mother , and giue vnto her to behold the fruit of her body with great gladnesse , for thy deare Sons sake , Christ Iesus , Amen .

The thankesgiuing of a woman after the birth , and her deliuerance .

THou ( O Lord ) which hast promised to be with thin in trouble , hast performed thy promise to me thine Hand-maid , wherefore my heart is glad , my soule reioyceth , and my tongue shall speak of thy praise . O Lord , the helpe was thine , and thou hast giuen the issue : though I wrastled long with paine and sorrow in my heauines , as Iacob with the Angell in the night , yet at last thou gauest the blessing , a blessing in my safe deliuerance , a blessing that I liue to behold the fruit of mine owne body . Now my mouth is fild with laughter , and I will reioyce ; all that heare it , shall reioyce with me . Be thou pleased which art my helper & deliuerer , to manifest thy mercies yet further on me and mine infant , in continuance of thy wonted fauours towards vs , and addition of all blessings further needefull and expedient for vs : visit vs , O Lord , and remember vs euermore with thy mercies , and make me also to remember thee with praise , which hast done so great things for me , whereof I do reioyce . Amen .